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Posts Tagged ‘Diabetes’

The general aims of nutrition therapy in diabetes are as follows: • Improvement in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism to as close to normal as possible • Attainment of appropriate body weight • Reduction in the risk of atherosclerosis. An ideal diabetic diet should have the following qualities: 1. It should be easy to follow. 2. The food should be delicious. 3. One should be able to eat sufficient so that he feels satisfied. 4. The food items should be easily available. 5. In addition to sugar... 

Pancreas: A gland located just behind the stomach which produces hormones and enzymes required for digesting food. Islets/Islands of Langerhans: The clumps of cells within the pancreas, which produce insulin and other hormones. The cells are of three types: Alpha cell : Cells which make and release glucagons hormone. Beta cells : Cells that produce insulin. Delta cells: These cells produce a hormone known as somatostatin. Gland: A group of special cells that produce and secrete chemical compounds.... 

What is Insulin and What is Its Role in the Body? Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas. After a meal, the glucose levels in the blood rise. In response to raised blood glucose level, the pancreas produces insulin, which helps in the entry of glucose into the cells. A part of this glucose is used to produce energy and the remaining is stored as glycogen, in liver and muscles. Insulin thus helps the entry of glucose into the cells and in the storage of glucose as glycogen. Insulin is also... 

Diabetes – The Causes:  Terms you should know Etiology: The study of causes of a disease. Antigens: Substances that cause an immune response in the body. The body recognises the antigens as harmful and produces antibodies to eliminate them. Antibodies: These are produced by the body to protect it from antigens. Autoantibodies: Antibodies prepared by the body against its own tissues. Autoimmunity: A condition in which the body’s own immune system attacks cells of the body. In type 1 diabetes,... 

Although the causes of diabetes are unknown, the following risk factors may increase the chances of development of diabetes: 1. Hereditary Factors A family history: If a parent has diabetes, the risk of developing diabetes is increased. * Race or ethnic background: The risk of diabetes is greater in certain races such as Asians. 2. Environmental Factors * Overweight: Twenty per cent or more than the optimal body weight. * Central Obesity: More weight around abdomen than on hips and thighs; waist-to-hip...