Introduction
The majority of the 220 million people around the world who suffer from diabetes have either Type 1 where the pancreas, no longer produces insulin and is usually caused by an autoimmune syndrome where the body attacks the pancreatic beta cells or Type 2 that develops from the body’s inability to metabolize insulin or glucose properly. . It is difficult to separate nutrition needs from lifestyle choices. An active individual requires more calories to maintain their activity levels, therefore lifestyle must always be looked at when considering dietary choices. Fortunately, both Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes respond to nutrition and lifestyle choices.
Hypothesis
Type 1 Diabetes responds to nutrition and lifestyle.
Type 2 Diabetes responds to nutrition and lifestyle.
Background Knowledge
“A healthy diet is a crucial part of managing diabetes.” . This means developing healthy eating patterns including consistent times, amounts and balanced snacks and meals. A balanced diet improves health for everyone, but it is even more important for individuals at risk for diabetes, individuals who are suffering from prediabetes or people with either Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. A balanced diet includes food from every food group. The largest part of a healthy diet should come from the foods such as, whole grain and vegetables like beans, potatoes, corn and peas. It should include several servings of other vegetables and fruit daily. Proteins should come from lean sources and dairy products should be low fat as well. Fats and sugars are most likely to disrupt insulin production and blood sugar levels and should be eaten only in small amounts. Salt is also linked to the high blood pressure associated with diabetes and salt intake should be monitored as well. . Whether an individual suffers from Type 1 diabetes or Type 2 diabetes they are at risk for other associated complications as well. These include heart and kidney disease. The individual dietary requirements must also take these considerations into account as well. . Diet plans must be adjusted to suit the individual; there is no single “Diabetes Diet” that will work for everyone. Healthy eating habits vary from person to person and across the span of a lifetime. Eating disorders and being overweight engenders more serious complications for individuals suffering from either type of diabetes than they do for people in the general population.
The Mayo clinic reports that family history, genetics, geography, viral exposure and low vitamin D levels contribute to an individual’s likelihood of developing Type 1 diabetes. They also found that dietary factors play a role as well. The Mayo Clinic’s studies show that “Omega-3 fatty acids may offer some protection against type 1 diabetes.” Drinking water and foods containing nitrates on the other hand may increase the risk the risk of diabetes, One clinical trial found that introducing cereal into a baby’s diet is another factor that influences a tendency to develop diabetes and that between ages 3 and 7 months appears to be the optimal time for introducing cereal.”
One way of controlling diabetes is by engaging in aerobic activity. However, that can also bring its own set of complications. Individuals who suffer from Type 1 diabetes need to coordinate medication or insulin. food and activities to maintain healthy glucose levels.. The New York Times reports that aerobic activity does more than help maintain a healthy wieght. It also helps increase sensitivity to insulin, it lowers blood pressure, and improves cholesterol levels.”. However, glucose levels swing dramatically during workouts. Because of blood sugar level swings people with type 1 diabetes need to monitor their glucose levels before during and after a workout. As with driving and operating machineery they should not engage in the activity if their blood sugar levels are outside a certain range. In the case of aerobic exercise that range is between 300 mg/dL as a high, or under 100 mg/dL. Individuals preparing for a workout should also be attentive to pre-workout snacks and wear protective footwear. .
The Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) was a multicenter clinical research study conducted by the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse in conjunction with the National Institutes of Health and the W.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Their study used wight gain, lifestyle choices and drugs to influence the potential for diabetes. DPP study found that those participants who lost weight through dietary changes and increased activity reduced their chances of developing diabetes.”. This broad and ongoing study was conducted to look into diabetes prevention and control. The study utilized both lifestyle changes and medication. To do this they worked with 3,234 participants from 27 clinics nationwide broken into four treatment groups. All the participants were overweight and had prediabetes. In this study, 45% of the participants were from minority groups at increased risk of developing diabetes. These participants identified themselves as African American, Alaska Native, American Indian, Asian American, Hispanic/Latino, or Pacific Islander. Genetic factors within these demographic groups seem to increase the likelihood of developing diabetes. The first group received training in diet, physical activity and behavior modification in an attempt to lose 7% of their body fat. The second group was treated with metformin twice a day. The third group received a placebo and information, but no training in diet and exercise. A fourth group was initially treated with the drug troglitazone (Rezulin) but treatment was cancelled because of potential side effects. . Initial results showed that all ethnic and gender groups, in the lifestyle intervention group-reduced their risk of developing diabetes by 58 percent. Lifestyle changes even more successful for individuals age 60 and older where the risk went down by 71%. About 5 percent of the lifestyle intervention group developed diabetes each year, as opposed to 11% of those in the placebo group. Those receiving medication also saw reduced rates of about 7.8% .
Medical Implications
Further analysis of the DPP data showed that changing diet and physical activity is effective in reducing the risk for both diabetes, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, urinary incontinence in women and metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is a specific group of risk factors that indicate a tendency to develop diabetes and heart disease. These include excess fat in the stomach and waist areas, high fasting blood glucose levels and high triglyceride levels. In one analysis, individuals who participated in the DPP in the lifestyle intervention group without metabolic syndrome at the beginning of the study were less likely to develop it. In another analysis, high blood pressure in DPP participants decreased in the lifestyle intervention group but, over time did not decrease for participants in the drug and placebo groups.. The lifestyle intervention group also had improved measures of triglyceride, HDL cholesterol, C-reactive protein and fibrinogen levels. .
Studies at the Mayo Clinic found that keeping :blood sugar level close to normal most of the time can dramatically reduce the risk of many complications.” . People who suffer from diabetes also tend to have complications that include heart disease, blood vessel disease, nerve damage (neuropathy), Kidney damage (nephropathy), eye damage, foot damage, skin problems, gum infections, osteoporosis, hearing problems and pregnancy complications. .
Additional concerns affiliated with diabetes are raised by the possible situational circumstances associated with hypoglycemia. This can involve driving, working, pregnancy, child care and just growing older. Because hypoglycemia can occur at any time. Mayo clinic suggests testing for hypoglycemia before driving or engaging in any activity that carries a high risk for potential hypoglycemic individuals. If the blood sugar level is below 70 mg/dL the person should eat a snack and test again in 15 minutes. Low blood sugar slows the reaction time and makes it harder to concentrate so driving and activities like operating heavy machinery are particularly dangerous for someone who suffers from diabetes. This is one situation where attention to nutrition is vital for the diabetes sufferer.
Reflection
Studies show that maintaining a healthy weight and appropriate caloric activity balance reduces an individual’s risk of developing either Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. the risk for either Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. The type of foods eaten are also important, to maintain homeostasis. Whole grains, vegetables and lean protein are beneficial dietary components. Refined sugars and carbohydrates cause blood sugar levels to spike, which is particularly bad for diabetics. Additionally, both diet and activity levels are interrelated in maintaining healthy blood sugar levels controlling diabetes and avoiding complications associated with either type of diabetes.
Works Cited
Arbunkle, K. "the Impact of Exercise & Nutrition on Diabetes?" 18 12 2010. Livstrong. 07 12 2012
Mayo Clinic Staff. "Type 1 diabetes - Causes." 2012. The Mayo Clinic. 07 12 2012
NDIC. "Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP)." 06 11 2012. National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse (NDIC). 07 12 2012
New York Times. "Type 1 Diabetes Lifestyle Change." 07 12 2012. New York Times. 07 12 2012
Slowik, MD FRCS, Guy. "How Does Diet Affect Diabetes?" 21 03 2012. eHealthMD. 07 12 2012
