Carpio, Karen Nicole C.

BSN2A

Diabetes Mellitus

 Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when the pancreas is no longer able to make insulin, or when
the body cannot make good use of the insulin it produces.

 Insulin is a hormone made by the pancreas that acts like a key to let glucose from the food we eat pass
from the blood stream into the cells in the body to produce energy. All carbohydrate foods are broken
down into glucose in the blood. Insulin helps glucose get into the cells.

 Not being able to produce insulin or use it effectively leads to raised glucose levels in the blood (known
as hyperglycemia). Over the long-term high glucose levels are associated with damage to the body and
failure of various organs and tissues.

Types of diabetes

There are three main types of diabetes – type 1, type 2 and gestational.

 Type 1 diabetes occurs because the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas (beta cells) are damaged. In
type 1 diabetes, the pancreas makes little or no insulin, so sugar cannot get into the body's cells for use
as energy. People with type 1 diabetes must use insulin injections to control their blood glucose. Type 1
is the most common form of diabetes in people who are under age 30, but it can occur at any age. Ten
percent of people with diabetes are diagnosed with type 1.
 In type 2 diabetes (adult onset diabetes) the pancreas makes insulin, but it either doesn't produce enough,
or the insulin does not work properly. Nine out of 10 people with diabetes have type 2. This type occurs
most often in people who are over 40 years old but can occur even in childhood if there are risk factors
present. Type 2 diabetes may sometimes be controlled with a combination of diet, weight management
and exercise. However, treatment also may include oral glucose-lowering medications (taken by mouth)
or insulin injections (shots).
 Gestational diabetes (GDM) is a type of diabetes that consists of high blood glucose during pregnancy
and is associated with complications to both mother and child. GDM usually disappears after pregnancy
but women affected and their children are at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.

What causes diabetes?

The causes of diabetes are not known. The following risk factors may increase your chance of getting
diabetes:

 Family history of diabetes

 Being overweight
 Physical stress (such as surgery or illness), age, smoking
 Use of certain medications, including steroids, Injury to the pancreas (such as infection, tumor, surgery or
accident)
 High blood pressure, abnormal blood cholesterol or triglyceride levels
Diabetes Complications

People with diabetes have an increased risk of developing a number of serious health problems. Consistently
high blood glucose levels can lead to serious diseases affecting the heart and blood
vessels, eyes, kidneys, nerves and teeth. In addition, people with diabetes also have a higher risk of developing
infections. In almost all high-income countries, diabetes is a leading cause of cardiovascular
disease, blindness, kidney failure, and lower limb amputation. Maintaining blood glucose levels, blood
pressure, and cholesterol at or close to normal can help delay or prevent diabetes complications. Therefore
people with diabetes need regular monitoring.

RECOMMENDED FOODS

Healthy carbohydrates
During digestion, sugars (simple carbohydrates) and starches (complex carbohydrates) break down into blood
glucose. Focus on healthy carbohydrates, such as:

 Fruits
 Vegetables
 Whole grains
 Legumes, such as beans and peas
 Low-fat dairy products, such as milk and cheese
Avoid less healthy carbohydrates, such as foods or drinks with added fats, sugars and sodium.

Fiber-rich foods
Dietary fiber includes all parts of plant foods that your body can't digest or absorb. Fiber moderates how your
body digests and helps control blood sugar levels. Foods high in fiber include:

 Vegetables
 Fruits
 Nuts
 Legumes, such as beans and peas
 Whole grains
Heart-healthy fish
Eat heart-healthy fish at least twice a week. Fish such as salmon, mackerel, tuna and sardines are rich in omega-
3 fatty acids, which may prevent heart disease.
Avoid fried fish and fish with high levels of mercury, such as king mackerel.

'Good' fats
Foods containing monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats can help lower your cholesterol levels. These
include:

 Avocados
 Nuts
 Canola, olive and peanut oils
But don't overdo it, as all fats are high in calories.
Foods to avoid
Diabetes increases your risk of heart disease and stroke by accelerating the development of clogged and
hardened arteries. Foods containing the following can work against your goal of a heart-healthy diet.

 Saturated fats. Avoid high-fat dairy products and animal proteins such as butter, beef, hot dogs, sausage
and bacon. Also limit coconut and palm kernel oils.
 Trans fats. Avoid trans fats found in processed snacks, baked goods, shortening and stick margarines.
 Cholesterol. Cholesterol sources include high-fat dairy products and high-fat animal proteins, egg yolks,
liver, and other organ meats. Aim for no more than 200 milligrams (mg) of cholesterol a day.
 Sodium. Aim for less than 2,300 mg of sodium a day. Your doctor may suggest you aim for even less if you
have high blood pressure.

Resources:

https://www.idf.org/aboutdiabetes/prevention.html

https://www.idf.org/aboutdiabetes/prevention.html