Diabetes Prevention and Management Made Easy
In North America, the prevalence of diabetes is reaching alarming levels, with a staggering statistic revealing that 1 in 3 individuals will be affected by this condition as of 2020. Diabetes encompasses two types: type 1 and type 2, both of which involve fluctuations in blood sugar levels that respond to changes in diet, exercise, and lifestyle. At Every Healthy Choice Counts, we can help you with diabetes prevention and management.
Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes arises from a malfunction in the pancreas, an organ responsible for converting food into fuel utilized by the body’s cells for optimal functioning. Among its various duties, the pancreas produces insulin, a hormone that unlocks muscle cells, allowing them to absorb sugar from the bloodstream and lower blood glucose levels. Individuals with type 1 diabetes do not produce insulin, preventing their cells from absorbing sugar and resulting in dangerously high blood glucose levels. To mitigate this, individuals with type 1 diabetes rely on insulin injections to facilitate the absorption of blood glucose by their body cells.
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes, on the other hand, may manifest due to a combination of genetic and lifestyle factors. Having a parent with diabetes elevates the risk of developing the condition. Insulin resistance, wherein body cells become resistant to the effects of insulin, is the leading cause of type 2 diabetes. This resistance impedes the absorption of sugar as required by the cells. Lifestyle choices, particularly those leading to being overweight or obese, often contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes. These choices encompass insufficient exercise, poor meal planning, and an unhealthy weight.
Another variant, gestational diabetes, resembles type 2 diabetes and affects certain women during pregnancy. The occurrence of gestational diabetes is steeply rising, with approximately 2 to 6 percent of pregnant women developing this condition, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
Gestational Diabetes
Women who have experienced gestational diabetes in previous pregnancies face a heightened risk of developing it again during subsequent pregnancies. Additionally, those who have given birth to significantly large babies weighing 10 pounds or more are at an increased risk of gestational diabetes. Women who have experienced this also face a greater likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes.
Typically, gestational diabetes resolves within weeks after delivery. However, in cases where the condition persists, it can progress into type 2 diabetes. Even resolved, over half of women who have overcome this condition possess an elevated risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Hence, women with a history of gestational diabetes should undergo regular testing for type 2 diabetes every one to three years.
Beyond the immediate impact, gestational diabetes poses long-term risks. According to the American College of Cardiology, women with gestational diabetes are at a heightened risk of heart attack and stroke later in life. The CDC also highlights that gestational diabetes can adversely affect the health of the baby, increasing the risk of the child being born too large or developing type 2 diabetes in the future.
Let Us Help You Improve Your Lifestyle
Every Healthy Choice Counts encompasses a comprehensive suite of 22 modules designed to empower individuals to make impactful everyday diet, exercise, and lifestyle decisions. These modules serve as valuable tools for diabetes control and risk reduction, offering insights into managing type 2 diabetes and supporting weight loss objectives.
