Science project 2nd trimester

5th grade

Illnesses and diseases related to nutrition

Diabetes

Diabetes is a disease that occurs when your blood glucose is too high. Sometimes your body doesn´t
make enough insulin or doesn´t use it well, preventing
glucose to get into your cells and be used for energy.
Because of this, glucose stays in your blood and doesn
´t reach your cells.

Symptoms:

 Urinating often
 Feeling thirsty
 Feeling very hungry
 Extreme fatigue
 Blurry vision
 Cuts and bruises that heal slowly
 Weight loss
 Tingling, pain or numbness in hand and/or feet

Causes

Diabetes causes vary depending on your genetics, family history, ethnicity, health and environmental
factors.

Causes of type 1 diabetes

It is caused by the immune system destroying the cells in the pancreas that make insulin. This leaves the
body without enough insulin to function normally. There is no specific diabetes causes, but the following
triggers may be involved:
  Viral or bacterial infection
 Chemical toxins with food
 Unidentified component causing autoimmune reaction

Causes of type 2 diabetes

The most likely type 2 diabetes cause is family history of this type of
diabetes.

What organs does it affect?

Diabetes can affect many organs. Some of the mayor organs that
this disease can affect are your heart, blood vessels, nerves, eyes
and kidneys. High blood glucose levels can cause damage to all
parts of the cardiovascular system.

How can it be prevented?

1. Cut sugar and refined carbs from your diet

2. Exercise regularly
3. Drink water as your primary beverage
4. Lose weight if you are currently overweight
5. Quit smoking
6. Watch portion sizes
7. Eat a high fiber diet
8. Optimize Vitamin D levels
9. Minimize your intake of processed foods
10. Drink coffee or tea