Diabetes is a chronic health condition that affects how your body turns food into energy. There are two main types of diabetes; type 1 and type 2.
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease, meaning your body attacks the cells in your pancreas that make insulin. Insulin is a hormone that helps your body use glucose for energy.
Type 2 diabetes is caused by insulin resistance, which means your body doesn’t use insulin effectively.
According to Dr. Collins Kasirye, there is no cure for diabetes, but there are ways to manage it.
“If you have diabetes, you will need to take medication, monitor your blood sugar levels, and make lifestyle changes,” Kasirye said.
Kasirye also advised on many things that people can do to help avoid diabetes and here are some tips.
Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight or obese is a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Aim to maintain a healthy weight by eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly.
Get regular exercise. Exercise helps your body use insulin more effectively and can help you lose weight. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.
Eat a healthy diet. A healthy diet for diabetes includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. It is also vital to limit your intake of processed foods, sugary drinks, and unhealthy fats.
Quit smoking. Smoking can increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. If you smoke, quitting is one of the best things you can do for your health.
Manage stress. Stress can contribute to insulin resistance. Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as exercise, yoga, or meditation.
Avoid alcohol. Drinking too much alcohol can lead to weight gain, which is a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Alcohol can also damage the pancreas, which is the organ that produces insulin. Insulin is a hormone that helps the body use glucose for energy.
Kasirye also advised that everyone is at risk of getting diabetes, but one can talk to a doctor about ways to prevent it and this can only be about making lifestyle changes to lower your risk of developing this serious condition.
