The best patients in the world that I have met so far are diabetics. They are generally very knowledgeable about their condition and are very aware of the ways they can control it through food. Diabetes is a very insidious disease and since blood sugar spikes can rise or fall very quickly in these patients, most are aware of the effect food has on their health. It is a very studied pathology, for this reason the information regarding this pathology is very detailed. I will only make a modest list of some internet sites dealing with this pathology. Your trusted doctor, a diabetes specialist an endocrinologist or the diabetes medical association in your country will certainly be able to help you.
Introduction
Diabetes is a chronic condition that occurs when the body is unable to properly regulate blood sugar levels. There are two main types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2.
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. As a result, people with type 1 diabetes must take insulin injections or use an insulin pump to manage their blood sugar levels.
First of all, what is insulin?
Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps regulate the level of sugar (glucose) in the blood. Insulin works by allowing sugar to be taken up by cells and used for energy. When the level of sugar in the blood becomes too high, insulin helps move the excess sugar out of the blood and into cells, where it can be used or stored.
People with diabetes may need to take insulin to help regulate their blood sugar levels. There are several types of insulin, including rapid-acting, short-acting, intermediate-acting, and long-acting insulin. The type of insulin a person needs, and the dosage will depend on factors such as age, weight, and overall health.
Insulin can be taken in several ways, including injection with a syringe or insulin pen, or through an insulin pump that delivers a continuous supply of insulin through a small tube under the skin. If you have diabetes, work closely with your doctor to determine the best insulin regimen for your needs!
How does an insulin pump works?
An insulin pump is a small device that delivers a continuous supply of insulin through a small tube that is inserted under the skin. Insulin pumps are most often used by people with type 1 diabetes, but some people with type 2 diabetes may also use them.
An insulin pump consists of three main parts: a reservoir of insulin, a small computer (called a “pump”), and a thin tube (called a “catheter”) that is inserted under the skin. The pump is programmed to deliver a continuous supply of insulin, called a “basal rate,” as well as boluses of insulin before meals or to correct high blood sugar levels.
Insulin pumps have several benefits compared to traditional insulin injections. They can provide a more consistent supply of insulin, which may help improve blood sugar control and reduce the risk of complications. They also allow for more flexibility in meal timing and insulin dosing. However, insulin pumps do require careful monitoring and maintenance, and they may not be suitable for everyone.
Type 2 diabetes is a metabolic disorder that occurs when the body becomes resistant to the effects of insulin or when the pancreas is unable to produce enough insulin to meet the body’s needs. This type of diabetes can often be managed through lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight. However, some people with type 2 diabetes may also need to take medications or insulin to manage their blood sugar levels.
Both types of diabetes can lead to serious health complications if not properly managed, including heart disease, kidney disease, nerve damage, and vision loss. It is important for people with diabetes to work closely with their healthcare team to manage their blood sugar levels and prevent these complications.
Best blogs and websites on diabetes in Europe
Here are a few websites and blogs that provide information and resources on diabetes in Europe:
- Diabetes UK: This is the largest diabetes charity in the UK, providing information, support, and resources for people with diabetes. They have a website (diabetes.org.uk) and a blog (www.diabetes.org.uk/blog) with articles and advice on managing diabetes, as well as information on research and advocacy efforts.
- Diabetes France: This is a French nonprofit organization that provides information, support, and resources for people with diabetes in France. They have a website (diabetesfrance.fr) with information on diabetes, as well as resources and tools for managing the condition.
- Diabetes Spain: This is a Spanish nonprofit organization that provides information, support, and resources for people with diabetes in Spain. They have a website (diabetesspain.org) with information on diabetes, as well as resources and tools for managing the condition.
- Diabetes Deutschland: This is a German nonprofit organization that provides information, support, and resources for people with diabetes in Germany. They have a website (diabetes-deutschland.de) with information on diabetes, as well as resources and tools for managing the condition.
It is also worth checking with local healthcare organizations and associations in your country for additional resources and support.
How to treat diabetes type 1
Type 1 diabetes is managed with a combination of insulin therapy, self-monitoring of blood sugar, and a healthy lifestyle.
Insulin therapy is the main treatment for type 1 diabetes. People with type 1 diabetes must take insulin injections or use an insulin pump to replace the insulin that their body is not producing. The type of insulin and the dosage will depend on factors such as the person’s age, weight, and overall health, as well as the target blood sugar range.
Self-monitoring of blood sugar (SMBG) is also an important part of managing type 1 diabetes. This involves regularly checking blood sugar levels using a blood glucose meter and adjusting insulin doses or meal plans as needed to keep blood sugar levels within a target range.
In addition to insulin therapy and SMBG, a healthy lifestyle can also help manage type 1 diabetes. This includes following a healthy diet, getting regular physical activity, and maintaining a healthy weight. It is also important for people with type 1 diabetes to manage stress and get enough sleep, as these can also impact blood sugar levels.
Patients with type 1 diabetes need to work closely with their healthcare team to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to their needs and goals.
How to treat diabetes type 2
On the other side, lifestyle changes are a vital part of managing type 2 diabetes. This includes following a healthy diet, getting regular physical activity, and maintaining a healthy weight. These lifestyle changes can help improve insulin sensitivity and blood sugar control and may even allow some people with type 2 diabetes to achieve blood sugar levels within the normal range without the need for medications.
Medications are often needed to help manage blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. The type of medication and the dosage will depend on factors such as the person’s age, weight, and overall health, as well as the target blood sugar range. Some common medications used to treat type 2 diabetes include metformin, sulfonylureas, and thiazolidinediones.
Self-monitoring of blood sugar (SMBG) is part of managing type 2 as well as type 1 diabetes.
Within the main lifestyle changes, there is the introduction of low glycemic index food in your diet. Let’s have a look to them!
Low glycemic index foods
Low glycemic index (GI) foods are those that are absorbed more slowly and cause a slower and smaller increase in blood sugar levels. These foods are ranked on a scale of 0 to 100, with higher numbers indicating a faster increase in blood sugar. Foods with a GI of 70 or higher are considered high, foods with a GI of 56 to 69 are considered medium, and foods with a GI of 55 or lower are considered low.
Some examples of low GI foods include:
- Most fruits and vegetables
- Legumes, such as beans, lentils, and chickpeas
- Whole grains, such as oats, quinoa, and barley
- Nuts and seeds
- Dairy products, such as milk and yogurt
Including a variety of low GI foods in your diet can help you manage your blood sugar levels and may also be helpful for weight management.
Let’s get familiar with Glycemic Index (GI)
Non-experts may be wondering what the glycemic index is.
The glycemic index (GI) is a measure of how quickly a food is likely to raise blood sugar levels. Foods are ranked on a scale of 0 to 100 based on their effect on blood sugar levels, with higher numbers indicating a faster increase in blood sugar.
Foods that are high on the glycemic index, such as white bread and sugary drinks, are rapidly absorbed and cause a rapid and significant increase in blood sugar levels. These foods are often referred to as “high-GI” foods.
In contrast, foods that are low on the glycemic index, such as most fruits and vegetables, are absorbed more slowly and cause a slower and smaller increase in blood sugar levels. These foods are often referred to as “low-GI” foods.
The glycemic index can be a useful tool for people with diabetes to help manage their blood sugar levels, as well as for people who are trying to maintain a healthy weight. However, it is important to note that the glycemic index does not consider the portion size or the total amount of carbohydrates in a food, so it should be used as just one part of a healthy diet.
Conclusion
Even if there is already great information online, your doctor or a professional healthcare remains the one who can give you the right diagnosis and truly help you to define a strategy to manage your blood sugar.
Disclaimer
The information contained herein is not and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Before making any changes to your diet, exercise or treatment, always consult your doctor or a qualified health professional.
The guidance provided may not be appropriate for your specific situation. Never make any decisions about your health based solely on the information provided in this article.
The author and creator of this article are not responsible for any damage or loss resulting from the improper use of the information presented here. Remember that each person is unique and therefore needs a personalized approach to health.
If you have any concerns about your health, please consult a qualified medical professional.