Actual Concept of Type 2 Diabetes – Prevention and Dietary Recommendations
ABSTRACT
Due to increasing bad dietary habits and demand for a sedentary lifestyle many types of lifestyle disorders are common. Various kinds of lifestyle factors are important in the evolution of Diabetes such as; Diet, Physical activity, stress and obesity. According to Ayurveda physical activities and bad dietary items are two most common factors that are responsible for several diseases. One of the most common lifestyle disorders is Diabetes. The connection of Diabetes in Ayurveda is made with Madhumeha. In this article we can discuss type-2 diabetes, its symptoms and causes and its treatment and dietary recommendation.
INTRODUCTION
Diabetes Mellitus may be defined as it is the increased level of sugar in the blood. It is a chronic disorder of carbohydrate, protein and fat metabolism resulting from insulin deficiency or abnormality in the use of insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is secreted from beta cells of the pancreas which act as a messenger of glucose between the cell membrane and blood. Diabetes is a disease in which the body’s ability to produce or respond to the hormone insulin is impaired, resulting in abnormal metabolism of carbohydrate and elevated levels of glucose in the blood.
There are Two Types of Diabetes Mellitus
- Type 1 Diabetes mellitus
- Type 2 Diabetes mellitus
The pancreas fails to produce enough insulin in type 1 diabetes. This form of diabetes is previously referred to as Juvenile diabetes or Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM). Patients with type 1 diabetes must ensure proper blood-glucose levels by carrying out regular blood tests and following a special diet.
Type 2 Diabetes begins with insulin defiance; it is a condition in which cells fail to respond to insulin. Approximately 90% of all cases of diabetes are of this type. This form of diabetes is previously referred to as adult –onset diabetes or Non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM).The primary cause is increased body weight. It is a progressive disease and it ends up taking insulin in tablet form. Many people control their symptoms of type 2 diabetes by following a healthy diet, doing plenty of exercises, losing weight and monitoring their blood glucose levels. As we get older, chances of type 2 diabetes may also increase.
SYMPTOMS
Some Common Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes mellitus are
- Blurred vision
- Increased appetite
- Darkening of skin (skin of armpits and neck)
- Infections
- Slow healing sores
- Fatigue
- Repeated urination
- Unintentionally loss of weight
- Dry and itchy skin
- Erectile dysfunction in men
CAUSES
Some Common Causes of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus are
1. Obesity
Being obese or overweight can cause insulin defiance. Obesity is the main reason behind type 2 diabetes. The level of RBP4 (Retinol binding protein 4) is higher; whereas the level of adiponectin is lower in obese people both enhance the risk of diabetes.
2. Unhealthy Diet
Consumption of unhealthy food items are one of the most common causes of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. These unhealthy food items include high calorie food items, sugar rich food items, packed food items etc.
3. Metabolic Syndrome
Due to metabolic syndrome such as, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, extra pounds around your middle, and high triglycerides results in type 2 diabetes.
4. Weak Communication Between Cells
When cells do not take up messages correctly or send the incorrect signals. This bad communication affects the relation between cells and glucose or insulin, which leads to diabetes.
5. Damaged Beta Cells
Insulin is the hormone that is secreted by beta cells of pancreas. If these beta cells send an incorrect amount of glucose or insulin, that raised the blood sugar level. This increased blood sugar level can also destroy the beta cells.
6. Genes
Different fragments of DNA may also affect the production of insulin which results in diabetes mellitus.
7. Excess Glucose From your Liver
When the level of Blood sugar is low, the liver is responsible to send enough glucose. Liver restores its glucose automatically. But sometimes the liver can’t perform its function properly which leads to retarding the restoration process and increasing the blood sugar level.
Diet and lifestyle Modification for its Management
Even without medical treatment we can treat this condition by improving our diet and lifestyle. Let’s discuss some diet and lifestyle modification which a diabetes infected person should follow to get a better therapeutic benefit.
Some Dietary Modifications are
1. Consume Fresh Vegetables
Consumption of vegetables in raw form is beneficial in the management of type 2 diabetes. Vegetables such as carrot, cucumber, radish, cauliflower can be used as salad whereas other vegetables like green leafy vegetables, different gourds, spinach are used as cooked food. Avoid the use of refined oil during cooking. Tomatoes are highly recommended to diabetic patients.
2. Use of Fruits
Diabetic patients must add seasonal fruits to his/her daily diet plan. Because fruits are a durable source of energy and also have a very high nutritional value. Blackberries, strawberries, oranges are highly profitable. Diabetic patients are also advised to consume freshly prepared juices. Do not consume packed juices as it contains several chemicals.
3. Dry Fruits
Dry fruits are highly recommended to diabetic patients because they contain carbohydrates i.e. rich sources of energy. Anjeer, Cashew nuts, almonds, resins and walnuts are some examples.
4. Millets
Millets are the rich source of nutrition. It is beneficial in hypertension, obesity. It is also helpful in the management of diabetes and several other diseases. It is a great source of magnesium which improves the level of insulin.
Some Lifestyle Modification Includes
1. Exercise
Exercise provides physical fitness. Daily 30 to 50 minutes of physical activity is necessary for diabetic patients. It increases the carbohydrate metabolism. Exercise improves insulin sensitivity and cardiac work.
2. Weight lose
Reduction in 10 percent of your body weight decreases the chances of diabetes because obesity and heavy weight is the main cause of diabetes.
3. Take Enough Sleep
Reduced sleep is directly related to enhancing the risk of type 2 diabetes. Sleep less than 6 hours results in elevation of blood sugar level.
4. Avoid Smoking
Because of nicotine, controlling insulin level is more difficult. Because increased levels of nicotine may reduce the effectiveness of insulin.
Some Food Items That Must be Avoided by Diabetic Patient are
- Reduce the use of medications such as immunosuppressive drugs, antihypertensive drugs and steroids.
- Decrease the consumption of non vegetarian items such as red meat, processed meat.
- Avoid milk and milk related food items
- Diminished the use of refined oil and ghee.
- Stop drinking alcoholic and Non-alcoholic beverages.
CONCLUSION
At last we concluded that we manage Type 2 Diabetes even without medication. Just follow the above and mentioned diet and lifestyle; you can get rid from this condition.
Dr. Vikram Chauhan (MD-Ayurvedic Medicine) is an Expert Ayurveda Consultant in Chandigarh (India). He has vast experience of herbs and their applied uses. He has successfully treated numerous patients suffering from various ailments, throughout the world. He is CEO and Founder of Krishna Herbal Company and Planet Ayurveda in Chandigarh, India. He researched age old formulas from ancient Ayurvedic text books to restore health and save human beings from the worst side-effects of chemical-based treatments.