Diabetes Essay

Fight Diabetes

Diabetes has become a global epidemic, affecting millions of people worldwide. With over 400 million people living with diabetes and the numbers continuing to rise, the situation is truly alarming.

One significant factor in the diabetes epidemic is the modern food industry, which inundates us with products packed with sugars, syrups, and sweeteners. These cheap, sugar-laden foods make it challenging for many to maintain a healthy diet. The lack of regulation and oversight allows the food industry to prioritize profits over public health, significantly contributing to the diabetes crisis.

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by elevated blood glucose (sugar) levels due to either insufficient insulin production, ineffective use of insulin, or both.

Different Type of Diabetes

• Type 1 Diabetes:

It usually develops in childhood or adolescence and results in a little or no insulin production. It is an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. As a result, individuals with type 1 diabetes often experience rapid weight loss before diagnosis due to the inability to properly use glucose for energy. Therefore, many people with type 1 diabetes are usually thin or of normal weight at the time of diagnosis.

Symptoms of Type 1 diabetes can include:

• Extreme thirst and hunger

• Frequent urination

• Unexplained weight loss

• Fatigue and weakness

• Blurred vision

• Irritability or mood changes

• Ketones in the urine (a sign of the body breaking down fat instead of glucose for energy)

• Type 2 Diabetes:

It is metabolic disorder characterised by insulin resistance, where the body's cells do not respond effectively to insulin.

Over time, the pancreas may also produce less insulin. It is more common in adults but is increasingly seen in children due to rising obesity rates.​

Contrary to type 1 diabetes, in type 2 diabetes, is often associated with overweight and obesity.

Symptoms of Type 2 diabetes can include:

• Increased thirst and hunger

• Frequent urination, especially at night

• Fatigue

• Blurred vision

• Slow healing of wounds

• Tingling, numbness, or pain in the hands or feet (diabetic neuropathy)

• Gestational Diabetes:​

Diabetes that develops during pregnancy and usually resolves after childbirth, but it increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life

Blood Glucose Values

• Normal Values

Fasting Blood Glucose: Typically less than 100 mg/dL (5.6 mmol/L).

Postprandial (after meals): Up to 140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L) within 2 hours of eating.

• Abnormal Values

Prediabetes: Fasting blood glucose levels between 100-125 mg/dL (5.6-6.9 mmol/L).

Diabetes:Fasting Blood Glucose: 126 mg/dL (7.0 mmol/L) or higher on two separate tests.

• Random Blood Glucose

200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L) or higher, with symptoms of diabetes

• Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT)

2-hour glucose level of 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L) or higher

How Diabetes Develops and Key Behaviors for Prevention

When you eat, carbohydrates are broken down into glucose, which enters the bloodstream. Often, the glucose in the bloodstream becomes higher that we we need. This high consecration of glucose in blood glucose levels signals the pancreas to act.

The pancreas, specifically the beta cells in the islets of Langerhans, detects the rise in blood glucose and releases insulin into the bloodstream.​

Insulin acts like a key, binding to insulin receptors on the cell membranes, particularly in muscle and fat tissues. This triggers glucose transporters (GLUT-4) to open, allowing glucose to enter the cells.

Within cells, glucose is used for immediate energy through cellular respiration. Any excess glucose is stored in the liver and muscles as glycogen. When blood glucose levels drop, glycogen is broken down into glucose and released into the bloodstream to maintain energy supply.

Mechanism of Insulin Resistance

Prolonged overstimulation, such as frequent eating or consuming excessive sugary foods, can lead to the malfunction of insulin receptors on cell surfaces. This impairs the cells' ability to respond effectively to insulin and absorb glucose.

Consequently, even with elevated insulin levels, blood glucose remains high and continues to circulate in the bloodstream. This forces the pancreas to work even harder to mitigate the issue.

Obesity and a sedentary lifestyle increase inflammatory markers and oxidative stress, which can impair insulin signaling pathways.

Accumulation of fatty acids in muscle and liver cells can interfere with insulin signaling, further promoting insulin resistance.

Compensatory Mechanisms

Initially, the pancreas compensates for insulin resistance by producing more insulin. This condition is known as hyperinsulinemia.

Transition to Type 2 Diabetes

Over time, the following events occur, leading to the development of type 2 diabetes:

• The pancreatic beta cells become overworked and start to fail. They cannot keep up with the demand for more insulin production.

• As beta cell function declines, insulin production drops, leading to higher blood glucose levels.

• With reduced insulin sensitivity and lower insulin production, blood glucose levels remain elevated, resulting in chronic hyperglycemia, the hallmark of type 2 diabetes.

Long-Term Effects

As you probably know, diabetes is a chronic condition that, when poorly managed, can lead to serious and often irreversible complications affecting various systems in the body. While some types of diabetes cannot be changed, type 2 diabetes can be managed effectively to achieve remission. This can help prevent long-term effects and significantly increase the lifespan of patients.

Chronic Complications Associated with Diabetes

Cardiovascular Disease: Diabetes significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as coronary artery disease, heart attack (myocardial infarction), and stroke. Elevated blood glucose levels over time contribute to the narrowing and hardening of blood vessels (atherosclerosis), leading to reduced blood flow to the heart and brain.

Neuropathy: High blood sugar levels can damage nerves throughout the body, a condition known as diabetic neuropathy. This can result in symptoms such as numbness, tingling, burning sensations, and pain, usually starting in the extremities (peripheral neuropathy). It can also affect nerves that control involuntary body functions (autonomic neuropathy), leading to digestive problems, sexual dysfunction, and cardiovascular issues.

Kidney Disease (Nephropathy):Diabetes is a leading cause of chronic kidney disease (diabetic nephropathy), which can progress to end-stage renal disease requiring dialysis or kidney transplantation. Persistent high blood sugar levels damage the small blood vessels and filters in the kidneys, impairing their ability to filter waste and toxins from the blood effectively.

Retinopathy: Elevated blood sugar levels and high blood pressure associated with diabetes can damage the blood vessels in the retina (diabetic retinopathy). This can lead to vision problems and even blindness if left untreated.

Foot Complications: Diabetes can lead to poor circulation and nerve damage in the feet (diabetic neuropathy and peripheral arterial disease), increasing the risk of foot ulcers, infections, and, in severe cases, lower limb amputation.

Impact on Quality of Life and Daily Living

Physical Impact: Chronic complications of diabetes can significantly impair physical functioning and mobility, affecting daily activities and quality of life.

Emotional and Psychological Impact: Living with diabetes and managing its complications can cause emotional distress, anxiety, and depression, impacting overall well-being.

Financial Burden: The cost of managing diabetes and its complications, including medications, medical visits, and potential hospitalizations, can be substantial and place a financial strain on individuals and families.

Despite significant advancements in medical treatments, achieving remission—a state in which blood sugar levels return to normal without the need for ongoing medication—remains a challenging goal.

Recent developments by Dr. Unwind and his team have introduced a revolutionary approach that offers new hope: the precise management of carbohydrate intake.

The Science Behind Carbohydrate Management

Carbohydrates are a primary source of glucose, the sugar that fuels our bodies. For individuals with diabetes, however, the process of glucose regulation is impaired, leading to dangerously high blood sugar levels. Traditional management strategies have included the use of insulin and other medications to help control these levels. Dr. Unwind's method, however, takes a different approach by focusing on the source: carbohydrate intake itself.

The foundation of this method lies in the understanding that by precisely controlling the type and amount of carbohydrates consumed, it is possible to stabilize blood sugar levels naturally. This method does not eliminate carbohydrates altogether but rather tailors their intake to the individual's specific metabolic needs.

By doing so, it aims to minimize blood sugar spikes and promote more stable glucose levels throughout the day.

Dr. Unwind and his team embarked on this innovative approach through a series of meticulous studies and trials.

They began by analyzing the impact of various types of carbohydrates on blood sugar levels, considering factors such as glycemic index, fiber content, and the overall nutritional profile. They also examined the role of timing and portion control in managing glucose spikes.

Through this research, they developed a protocol that involves detailed meal planning and monitoring.

The protocol includes:

• Personalized Meal Plans:

Tailored to each individual's metabolic rate and insulin sensitivity, these plans specify the types and amounts of carbohydrates that should be consumed.

• Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM):

Using CGM devices, individuals can track their blood sugar levels in real time, allowing for immediate adjustments to their diet.

• Nutritional Education:

Empowering patients with the knowledge to make informed food choices and understand the impact of different carbohydrates on their blood sugar levels.

• Regular Follow-Ups:

Continuous support and adjustments from healthcare professionals to ensure the diet remains effective and manageable.

Implementation and Results

The implementation of this method requires a collaborative effort between patients and healthcare providers. Initially, patients undergo a comprehensive assessment to determine their specific dietary needs and glucose regulation patterns. Based on this assessment, a customized carbohydrate management plan is created.

Patients are then educated on how to follow their plan, use CGM devices, and interpret the data to make informed dietary choices. Regular follow-ups with Dr. Unwind’s team ensure that any necessary adjustments are made to optimize the effectiveness of the program.

The results from early clinical trials have been remarkably promising. Many participants experienced significant improvements in their blood sugar control within weeks of starting the program.

Some individuals were able to reduce their reliance on medications significantly, and a notable percentage achieved complete remission, maintaining normal blood sugar levels without medication for extended periods.

But key note is still that ype 2 diabetes is strongly influenced by behaviors, meaning it can also be managed and even prevented through lifestyle changes.

Key behaviors to overcome type 2 diabetes include:

• Healthy Eating: Adopting a balanced diet rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats while avoiding processed foods, sugary drinks, and excessive saturated fats.

• Regular Physical Activity: Engaging in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, such as brisk walking or cycling, each week. Strength training exercises are also beneficial.

• Weight Management: ​Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise can significantly reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.​

• Monitoring Blood Sugar Levels: ​Regularly checking blood glucose levels to ensure they remain within a target range can help manage diabetes effectively.

• Medication Adherence: ​Taking prescribed medications as directed by a healthcare provider can help control blood sugar levels.

• Stress Management: Practicing stress-reducing techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises.

• Regular Check-ups: Having regular medical check-ups to monitor and manage risk factors such as blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and overall health.

By adopting these behaviors, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes and its associated complications, leading to a healthier and longer life.