WAYS TO HELP YOU LOWER THE RISK OF GETTING DIABETES MELLITUS

Well am sure we have all heard complaints from different people your family and friends about high or very low sugar levels being hyperglycemic and hypoglycemic respectively. Well if this condition persists for some time we get something called diabetes mellitus and in this case, we are talking about diabetes type 2 which occurs frequently than diabetes type 1 which is normally hereditary. According to the UK diabetes association, it is known that about 8% of all diabetic cases are diabetic type 1 while the remaining percentage is type 2.

Type 2 diabetes is a chronic medical condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Unmanaged diabetes may lead to blindness, kidney failure, heart disease, and other chronic conditions that result from the weakening of the body’s immune system.

Before actually diagnosis DM your blood sugar may be high but not high enough to indicate diabetes and this condition is known as prediabetes. And it is estimated that over 20 % of pre-diabetes patients do turn into diabetic if no intervention is made.

Let’s dive into some little details: In diabetes mellitus(DM) type 1 the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the body’s pancreatic cells which produce insulin which has a major function in regulation of the blood sugar levels. Insulin serves several functions in the human body ranging from increasing the uptake of glucose by the muscle cells to produce energy after oxidation, but also serves the purpose of keeping blood glucose levels at optimum level.

So what should we do to lower the risk of getting diabetes mellitus?

In your diet try reducing carbohydrate intake, the body converts excess carbohydrates into glucose which leads to a steady rise of glucose levels in the bloodstream. So excessive Intake of carbohydrates will in the long run lead to diabetes. Examples of foods and drinks high in added sugars or refined carbs include soda, candy, dessert, white bread, pasta, and sweetened breakfast cereal. Why don’t you try nonstarchy vegetables like mushrooms, green veggies, and broccoli, Yes you can try fish too

Have you tried exercising? Exercises help to cut carbs at the same time it helps to increase insulin sensitivity. Activities such as aerobic exercises, weightlifting, football, and all stuff you name it. Having a sedentary lifestyle will keep you at risk of getting DM. according to a HUNT study people with a sedentary lifestyle have a 30 % chance of acquiring type 2 Diabetes.

Have you tried losing weight? Studies have shown that A randomized, 2-year study in more than 1,000 people at increased risk of type 2 diabetes showed that exercise, diet, and weight loss interventions significantly reduced the risk of this disease by 40% to 47%, compared with a control group.

Quit smoking; well though it’s not precise studies have shown that cigarette smoking is associated with an increase in insulin secretion and a reduction in insulin sensitivity. The same cigarette smoking has been linked to many diseases such as COPD, lung cancers, and intestinal cancers, so it is a win-win situation if you can stop

Yes, we need to cut down our food portions, studies have shown that eating large portions of food at once has caused higher blood sugars and insulin levels in people with diabetes, so subsequent reduction in food portions can help reduce spikes in insulin levels and hence keeping you away from the risk of acquiring diabetes.

Let’s make sure that we are active by cutting down on sedentary lifestyles. Research has shown that most type 2 diabetes patients are office workers. You can try avoiding this by doing various activities such as walking; I recommend an early morning walk. Even if you sit on the office chair for so long you can take 15 minutes to walk around if it’s possible. In your free time make sure exercises are a part of it.

In conclusion, diabetes remains a prevalent and complex health condition that requires a multi-pronged approach to management. Considering the challenges of diabetes, it is clear that education, lifestyle changes, and access to appropriate health care are critical to reducing its impact. Traveling diabetes is not just about treatment; That includes empowering individuals to make informed choices about their health. Public advocacy for understanding, early detection, and ongoing support of those with diabetes is key to creating successful communities in prevention and comprehensive care. Looking to the future, advances in research technology offer promising avenues for advanced therapies, and hopefully a cure. But our collective responsibility remains firm — if we are to build a society that prioritizes health, embraces inclusion, and gives individuals the tools they need to navigate their journey with diabetes resilience, hope, and commitment to excellence.