There are two types of Diabetes: Type I and Type II. Type I diabetes is marked by a deficiency of insulin, a problem that usually requires that insulin injections be taken to make up for the shortage. Type II diabetes is marked by an excess of insulin, but it is insulin that doesn’t work as it should. Type II diabetics have become resistant to the action of their own insulin. The diabetes epidemic is the result of the widespread Type II form, the one that looks the easiest to prevent and treat. No one knows for sure what causes diabetes. Experts have their suspicions about the probable causes. All the experts have the following on their list of suspicions: - Genes. Family history strongly influences the chances of developing diabetes. - Obesity. The vast majority of Type II diabetics are overweight. - Viruses. Researchers are pursuing leads that viral factors may set the stage for diabetes to develop later. - Medication or other diseases. Sometimes diabetes develops as a result of other pancreatic diseases, liver disease, or long-term use of certain prescription drugs. Studies have shown that diabetic diets rich in fiber, high in complex carbohydrates (beans, grains, and vegetables) proved to be just as important as the insulin injections to Type I diabetics. Diets high in starches (not sugars) help the body process glucose more efficiently. Foods rich in soluble fiber slow the absorption of food into the blood. This helps to prevent sharp swings in blood sugar levels. Burning sugar is easier when the diet is low in fat because the body doesn’t have to channel as much effort into metabolizing fats. So there is more freedom to concentrate on processing carbohydrates. High-fiber, low-fat diets generally promote weight loss, which in turn lessens the severity of Type II diabetes. |
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