Posts Tagged ‘Diabetes’
What are the Causes of Type 1 Diabetes?
In type 1 diabetes, the body’s defence system misinterprets the insulin producing cells of the pancreas as foreign invader and starts destroying them. This is known as autoimmune response. Some of the factors that may be responsible for this behaviour of defence system are: Genetics: Diabetics who inherit certain genes are more at risk of developing type 1 diabetes.
Complications in diabetes
Diabetes is not curable Neither Type 1 (juvenile onset) diabetes nor Type 2 (adult-onset) diabetes is curable. We can only control the blood glucose with lifestyle changes and drugs. However some patients, especially those who do not have any symptoms, stop treatment after some time, assuming that their diabetes is cured. These patients later present with complications of diabetes.
BMI and Insulin Resistance
What is Body Mass Index (BMI)? It is the ratio of weight in kg to square of height in meters. It is used for assessment of ideal weight. BMI = Weight in kg /Height in metres2 Good: 20 – 23 Fair: 23 – 25 Poor: > 25 What is Insulin Resistance? Insulin resistance is a condition in which, insulin produces less than normal response in the cells. This reduces glucose entry into the tissues. Insulin resistance is harmful as it leads to enhanced atherosclerosis, hypertension...
What are Artificial Sweeteners?
Many diabetic patients relish sweet taste. Such patient should use artificial sweetening agents. Artificial sweeteners let vou enjoy the sweet taste of sugar without its calories and without raising the blood glucose levels. Two types of sweetening agents are commonly available, saccharin and aspartame. Saccharin often leaves a bitter after taste. Aspartame is better as it tastes just like sugar. When exposed to high temperatures (while cooking), it loses some of its sweet taste. Although artificial...