Diabetes Central Blog

Type 1 diabetes accounts for between 5 and 10% of all diagnosed diabetes in the United States. Although type 1 diabetes develops most often in children and young adults, the disease can be diagnosed at any age throughout the lifespan, and is equally distributed among males and females. Unlike type 2 diabetes, type 1 is more common in Caucasians than in those of Hispanic, African-American, or other non-Caucasian backgrounds.

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that occurs when the insulin producing beta cells within the pancreas are gradually destroyed and eventually fail to produce insulin.

The causes of Type1 diabetes are complex and still not completely understood. People with type 1 are thought to have an inherited, or genetic, predisposition to the disease. Researchers believe that this genetic predisposition may remain dormant until it is activated by an environmental trigger such as a virus or a chemical. This starts an attack on the immune system and that results in the eventual destruction of the beta cells of the pancreas.

There are several subtypes of type 1 diabetes, including type 1A diabetes, idiopathic diabetes (type 1B), and latent autoimmune diabetes of adulthood (LADA). The basic treatment (insulin) is the same for all.

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Learning what blood sugar is, should be very important to everyone, diabetics and non-diabetics. Blood sugar is to our bodies, what gas is to our vehicles. It is the fuel that makes us go. Every cell in our body depends on blood sugar for the energy to stay alive and perform its functions. Like gasoline, blood sugar is a good thing, but you can have too much of a good thing. You wouldn’t pour gasoline all over your car, but when your blood sugar gets high and stays high, that is exactly what you are doing. Your goal is to keep your “gas tank” of blood sugar full, but not too full. One of the key tools in this process is a hormone called insulin. Whenever you eat, especially when you eat carbs, the food is converted to blood sugar and your pancreas cranks up its production of insulin. The insulin sends blood sugar into your cells to give you energy. We need to fine-tune our “Fuel-Injection” System with good carbs.

TIP: French Fries are just about the worst thing you can eat if you are trying to keep your blood sugar low. Potatoes convert into blood sugar even faster than table sugar does. But good news is you can help neutralize their harmful effect by using a splash of white vinegar.

For more diabetic information and tips – Visit Diabetes Central

Beans: Magic Bullets for Blood Sugar Control

Beans come in all shapes, sizes, and color, and each variety is stuffed with vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. Beans are rich in fiber, which gives them a low glycemic index.

Nuts Make Bad Carbs Better:

Pasta dishes and casseroles are typically made with ingredients that have high glycemic index, like white pasta, potatoes, or bread crumbs. A tasty way to lower a pasta dish’s glycemic index is to add nuts. Pine nuts are a terrific choice. (Whole grain pasta is still the healthier choice. Limit white pasta to once a week or special occasions.)

GET MOVING: Walking is about the most pleasant, pain-free workout there is. It is also one of the most effective. It will improve your blood sugar levels.

ADD A LITTLE SPICE TO YOUR DAY;

Cinnamon helps regulate blood sugar. Cinnamon stimulates the production of glucose- burning enzymes and increases the effectiveness of insulin–Slice up an apple, place in plastic bag with a teaspoon of cinnamon, shake and enjoy.

For more diabetic information and tips – Visit Diabetes Central