DIABETES

DEFINITION:

Diabetes mellitus refers to a group of diseases that affect how your body uses blood sugar
(glucose). Glucose is vital to your health because it's an important source of energy for the cells
that make up your muscles and tissues. It's also your brain's main source of fuel. The underlying
cause of diabetes varies by type. But, no matter what type of diabetes you have, it can lead to
excess sugar in your blood. Too much sugar in your blood can lead to serious health problems.
Chronic diabetes conditions include type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes.

SYMPTOMS:

 Increased thirst

 Frequent urination

 Extreme hunger

 Unexplained weight loss

 Presence of ketones in the urine (ketones are a byproduct of the breakdown of

muscle and fat that happens when there's not enough available insulin)

 Fatigue

 Irritability

 Blurred vision

 Slow-healing sores

 Frequent infections, such as gums or skin infections and vaginal infections

BODY PARTS INVOLVED/AFFECTED:

 Eyes

 Heart

 Nerves

 Feet

 Kidneys
HOW TO PREVENT DIABETES:

1. Cut sugar and refined carbohydrates from your diet. Eating foods high in refined
carbohydrates and sugar increases blood sugar and insulin levels, which may lead to
diabetes over time. Limit sugar and choose complex carbohydrates such as vegetables,
oatmeal and whole grains.
2. Quit smoking if you are a current tobacco user. Smoking can contribute to insulin
resistance, which can lead to type 2 diabetes. Quitting has been shown to reduce this risk
of type 2 diabetes over time.  
3. Watch your portions. Avoiding large portion sizes can help reduce insulin and blood
sugar levels and decrease the risk of diabetes. Eating too much food at one time has been
shown to cause higher blood sugar and insulin levels in people at risk of diabetes.
4. Aim for 30. Try to be intentionally active by taking a walk, dancing, lifting weights or
swimming for 30 minutes, five days per week.
5. Drink water. Drinking water instead of other beverages may help control blood sugar
and insulin levels, thereby reducing the risk of diabetes. Sticking with water most of the
time helps you avoid beverages that are high in sugar, preservatives and other unneeded
ingredients. 
6. Eat fiber. Getting plenty of fiber is beneficial for gut health and weight management.
Consuming a good fiber source at each meal can help prevent spikes in blood sugar and
insulin levels, which may help reduce your risk of developing diabetes.

DEFINITION AND FUNCTION OF BODY PARTS INVOLVED:

Eyes - The eye is a sensory organ. It collects light from the visible world around us and converts
it into nerve impulses. The optic nerve transmits these signals to the brain, which forms an image
so thereby providing sight.

Heart - The heart is a fist-sized organ that pumps blood throughout your body. It's the primary
organ of your circulatory system. Your heart contains four main sections (chambers) made of
muscle and powered by electrical impulses. Your brain and nervous system direct your heart's
function.

Nerves- Nerves are cord-like structures whose primary role is to provide a pathway to conduct
electrical impulses throughout the body. It essentially relays information from one part of the
body to another.

Feet - The feet are flexible structures of bones, joints, muscles, and soft tissues that let us stand
upright and perform activities like walking, running, and jumping. The feet are divided into three
sections: The forefoot contains the five toes (phalanges) and the five longer bones (metatarsals).

The kidneys' job is to filter your blood. They remove wastes, control the body's fluid balance,
and keep the right levels of electrolytes. All of the blood in your body passes through them about
40 times a day. Blood comes into the kidney, waste gets removed, and salt, water, and minerals
are adjusted, if needed.