Diet and Diabetes

For Dummies
Pearson, Josie Unit 4 Project
Biology 12

Without getting too deep in biochemistry, it's important to know that

insulin is a hormone secreted by the pancreas when levels of blood
glucose (blood sugar) in the body are high, that is, right after a meal or
snack that contains carbohydrates, which are made of glucose and other
sugars. In a nutshell, insulin tells your body to shuttle glucose to cells for
energy, and to store glucose in the liver and other tissues. When this
happens, your blood sugar levels lower, your body gets the energy it
needs, and any leftover glucose is stored and saved for when you need
energy between meals. Untreated high blood sugar from diabetes can
damage your nerves, eyes, kidneys, and other organs.
There are a few different types of diabetes:
• Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease. The immune system
attacks and destroys cells in the pancreas, where insulin is made.
It’s unclear what causes this attack. About 10 percent of people
with diabetes have this type.
• Type 2 diabetes occurs when your body becomes resistant
to insulin, and sugar builds up in your blood.
• Prediabetes occurs when your blood sugar is higher than normal,
but it’s not high enough for a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes.
• Gestational diabetes is high blood sugar during pregnancy. Insulin-
blocking hormones produced by the placenta cause this type of
diabetes.
A rare condition called diabetes insipidus is not related to diabetes
mellitus, although it has a similar name. It’s a different condition in
which your kidneys remove too much fluid from your body.
If you have diabetes or prediabetes, your doctor will likely recommend
that you see a dietitian to help you develop a healthy-eating plan. The
plan helps you control your blood sugar (glucose), manage your weight
and control heart disease risk factors, such as high blood pressure and
high blood fats.
When you eat extra calories and fat, your body creates an undesirable
rise in blood glucose. If blood glucose isn't kept in check, it can lead to
serious problems, such as a high blood glucose level (hyperglycemia)
that, if persistent, may lead to long-term complications, such as nerve,
kidney and heart damage.
You can help keep your blood glucose level in a safe range by making
healthy food choices and tracking you’re eating habits.
For most people with type 2 diabetes, weight loss also can make it easier
to control blood glucose and offers a host of other health benefits. If you
need to lose weight, a diabetes diet provides a well-organized, nutritious
way to reach your goal safely.