· Poor lifestyle habits can
exacerbate this disease
· A healthy diet is key in
managing the symptoms in those with Type-2 diabetes
New Delhi, 21st
September 2017: A study conducted recently has indicated that older
adults with Type-2 diabetes have deficits in their cortical bone, which can
increase their susceptibility to fractures. Cortical bone is the dense outer
surface of bone that forms a protective layer around the internal cavity.
Type-2 diabetes can alter the micro-architecture of this bone in the elderly
and increase the risk of fracture. The IMA added that Type-2 diabetes is a
serious public health problem. With the population of the elderly on an upward
trend, this is only likely to increase further.
Diabetes is a
life-long disease that affects the way the body handles glucose in the blood.
Most people with diabetes have Type-2 diabetes. People with Type-2 diabetes
make insulin, but the cells are unable to use it as well as they should. This
is known as insulin resistance.
Speaking
about this, Padma Shri Awardee Dr K K Aggarwal, National President Indian Medical
Association (IMA) and President Heart Care Foundation of India (HCFI) and Dr RN
Tandon – Honorary Secretary General IMA in a joint statement, said, “Type 2 diabetes is typically
brought on by poor eating habits, too much body weight and too little exercise.
As the body cannot effectively use insulin to bring glucose into cells, it
relies on alternative energy sources in the tissues, muscles, and organs. This
is a chain reaction that follows up with many symptoms. Type-2 diabetes tends
to develop slowly over time and the symptoms are very mild in the beginning.
Apart from lifestyle issues, there are other factors that can contribute to the
development of this disorder. In some people, the liver produces too much
glucose. Some people may also have a genetic predisposition to Type-2 diabetes.
Obesity is a major factorin increasing the risk of insulin resistance.”
While the early symptoms of
Type-2 diabetes include constant hunger, a lack of energy, fatigue, weight
loss, excessive thirst, frequent urination, dry mouth, itchy skin, and blurry
vision; an increase in the sugar levels eventually can lead to yeast
infections, slow-healing cuts, dark patches on the skin, foot pain, and feeling
of numbness in the extremities.
Adding further, Dr Aggarwal,
said, “A healthy diet containing leafy vegetables, fresh fruit, whole grains,
lean meat, fish, and nuts can help reduce a person’s risk of Type 2 diabetes
and avoid complications. However, a healthy diet is more expensive than an
unhealthy one. The wide availability of cheap, energy-dense, low-nutrient food
is contributing to the global epidemic of Type-2 diabetes. Foods that reduce
the risk of this disease such as vegetables, fresh fruit, whole grains, and
unsaturated fats need to be made more affordable and more widely available.”
Diabetes will
be one of the many key topics of discussion at the upcoming Perfect Health Mela
being organized by HCFI, to be held from 4th to 8th
October 2017 at the Talkatora Stadium in New Delhi. IMA is the knowledge
partner for the event. It is a must visit for those interested in learning more
about preventive health and well-being. It will also have free health camps for
checking blood sugar levels and other health parameters.
The following tips can help in
managing Type-2 diabetes.
- Include foods rich in fibre and healthy
carbohydrates in your diet. Eating fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
will help keep the blood glucose levels steady.
- Eat at regular intervals and eat only until you are
full.
- Control your weight and keep your heart healthy.
This means keeping refined carbohydrates, sweets, and animal fats to a
minimum.
- Get about half an hour of aerobic activity daily to
help keep your heart healthy. Exercise helps in controlling blood glucose
as well.
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