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Diabetes is a serious disease and unfortunately, in the past few years, it has affected more and more people. Likewise, it is the third leading cause of death in numerous developed countries, and at least 5% of the world’s population is affected by it. Diabetes is a specific syndrome, which implies that there is a partial or complete lack of insulin in the body, causing an impaired metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates and fats. Also, insulin is produced by the pancreas, and has a significant role in the metabolism of the body. It controls the levels of sugar in our blood and transfers glucose into the cells; therefore, the lack of insulin will lead to an abnormal growth of blood sugar.
Moreover, the most usual symptoms of high blood sugar and diabetes include thirst, frequent urination, blurred vision, lethargy, weight loss and infections. However, in most cases patients do not show any of these symptoms, or they are misinterpreted; and although early detection is very important, it rarely happens. Likewise, a basic indicator of diabetes is the high level of glucose present in the blood, and this can be easily detected through tests. Additionally, among the most common symptoms are skin rashes, hand numbness, slow healing of the skin, blurred vision, fatigue, bad scars, sexual problems, early menopause or absence of periods, excessive hunger, nervousness, headaches or muscle cramps.
In relation with the main causes of diabetes, the good news is that it is not strictly hereditary. However, children who have parents suffering from this disease, have greater chances of developing it than those who do not. Diabetes Type I and Type II have various causes, but both of them are influenced by the environment, and the hereditary predisposition. In order to lead a healthy life, it’s critical to abide by an appropriate diabetes diet plan.
Furthermore, for many people who suffer from diabetes, the diet is a constant issue, and considering that a proper nutrition is one of the main ways to fight the disease, making a wise choice is essential. Nevertheless, things are not very complicated, and once you get used to a diabetes diet plan, it will become a natural thing. For instance, any diabetic diet implies that you should maintain your body weight, and if you are overweight, you will immediately have to reduce that extra mass. Likewise, your fat intake should never overcome 30% of your daily calories, while the proteins should not go over 15-50%. It is recommended to eat small portions of food during the entire day, and give up the large, less frequent meals, because your body will be able to absorb the ingredients faster.
Finally, it is known that the diabetics are prone to developing heart diseases, so you will need to follow a diet, which will lower the triglycerides and the cholesterol levels in your blood. This means that you will need to cut down foods high in salt and bad cholesterol like animal fat, and replace them with cereals, vegetables, fish or legumes. Also, pork and lamb are strictly forbidden, and you should never eat more than three eggs every week.
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