Diabetes is a common disease. The CDC reports that 38 million Americans are Type 2 diabetics.
By Mian A. Majeed, MD
Diabetes is an illness caused by a mismatch of insulin and glucose (sugar) utilization. Insulin is produced by the pancreas (beta cells) in response to blood glucose levels. Insulin is then released into the blood. Insulin and glucose are utilized by cells to produce energy.
The rate of glucose utilization is controlled by insulin. Food is broken down into glucose and is released into the bloodstream. The pancreas senses glucose levels and adjusts insulin production. Glucose is the body’s primary energy source. Glucose is stored in the liver and muscles as glycogen for future use. The process that converts glucose into glycogen is called glycogenosis, and the process that converts glycogen back into glucose is called glycogenolysis.
The brain and liver are the only two organs that can utilize glucose without requiring insulin.
Type 2 diabetes, a condition of diminished insulin utilization (insulin resistance), is a common health concern, particularly among adults and older individuals. It is important to be aware of the risk factors and take necessary precautions to prevent or manage this condition.
Sugar does not cause diabetes, but it can make it worse.
Being overweight causes your cells to become insulin-resistant. This is a common and significant contributor to Type 2 diabetes. When the body cannot utilize insulin properly, sugar stays in the blood, causing high blood sugar.
Diabetes cannot be cured. However, it can be reversed or significantly improved in most people by managing blood sugars properly to a point where medications may no longer be needed or need to be used significantly less. Type 2 diabetes can be managed through a combination of diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes.
Today, we will discuss risk factors for diabetes and how to lower the risk of Type 2 diabetes.
Risk factors can be classified into non-modifiable and modifiable.
Non-modifiable risk factors (you cannot change).
- > 45 years old.
- Family history.
Modifiable risk factors (you can improve)
- Keep your BMI < 24. Waist < 40 inches (male) & < 35 inches (female).
- Unhealthy food. Avoid ultra-processed foods, commercially prepared meals and foods high in fats, salt, and sugars.
- Physical activity. 2.5 hours or more of exercise weekly. Low-resistance exercises, aerobic exercises, weightlifting, walking, or a combination of these.
- Lifestyle changes. Quit smoking. Avoid alcohol or < 2-3 drinks per week. Get adequate sleep (7-8 hours daily). Minimize stress.
- Other illnesses that adversely affect your body may contribute to Type 2 diabetes. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, prediabetes, nonalcoholic fatty liver. Gestational diabetes is also a risk for females.
Diabetes increases atherosclerosis (a chronic inflammatory disease that causes the arteries to thicken and harden due to the buildup of plaque in the inner lining of arteries). Atherosclerosis is a common and potentially serious condition that causes vessels to narrow and decreases blood supply to the tissues (organs). This may lead to organ damage.
Complications of diabetes include heart attack, stroke, diminished vision or blindness, kidney failure and peripheral arterial disease (PAD) which could lead to amputation and neuropathy. Diabetes is also a risk factor for dementia. Furthermore, decreased immune response may lead to chronic infections and other complications.
By improving modifiable factors, you can decrease the risk of diabetes or, if you are diabetic, the risk of diabetic complications.
Next month, we will talk about diabetes symptoms and treatment options.
Mian Majeed, MD has been practicing medicine for over 40 years and is licensed in NY. He also speaks Urdu / Hindi & Punjabi. You can email him at info@click2md.healthcare.
