What is Diabetes?

By Fae Aldrich

Project Coordinator

July 16, 2004

Hmmm…., maybe I need to back up a bit. What is Diabetes? Diabetes is a result of problems with the pancreatic hormone, insulin. In people with diabetes, glucose builds up on the bloodstream instead of being taken into and used by the cells. Other than the genes you inherited, there are two primary causes of diabetes: 1) a long-term diet that has been high in carbohydrates and nutritional deficiencies, and 2) a sedentary lifestyle.

Your body breaks down carbohydrates into sugar (glucose) which then enters your blood stream. The more carbohydrates consumed, the higher your blood sugar goes. In response, your body produces insulin. Insulin's job is to push the blood sugar into the cells for energy. When your body can no longer produce enough insulin to push the blood sugar into the cells, type 2 diabetes results, you have a pooped-out pancreas.

Insulin is the master hormone of your metabolism. When it is out of balance and your insulin levels are consistently elevated (carbohydrate overload), a long list of deadly complications are created: Heart Disease, Hardening of the Arteries, Damage to Artery Walls, Increased Cholesterol Levels, Vitamin & Mineral Deficiencies, Kidney Disease, Fat Burning Mechanism Turned Off, Accumulation & Storage of Fat, Weight Gain.

Fortunately, your body has miraculous healing powers, is very resilient and operates in a very intelligent manner. If you give it the right fuel and the right nutrients, it will respond very quickly. Consistent exercise and a big smile on your face are also essential.

The first step is to switch your body from an out-of-control, nutrient-depleting and fat-storing machine into a clean, nutrient-rich, fat-burning machine.

Well, I’m convinced, are you? Oh, I know, that was just a short synopsis…there is just so much more. But I need to talk about the color of the week…Green. You know the color our grass is now! We love that rain! Why do we need green fruits and vegetables? They contain varying amounts of potent phytochemicals such as lutein and indolesthat have potential antioxidant, health-promoting benefits. Go green every day with fruits and vegetables like these: Avocados, green apples, green grapes, honeydew, kiwifruit, limes, green pears, artichokes, asparagus, broccoli, brussel sprouts, green beans, green cabbage, celery, cucumbers, leafy greens, lettuce, green onion, okra, peas, green pepper, snow peas, snap peas, spinach, or zucchini. Add green to your low-fat diet to maintain: Lower risk of some cancers, vision health, strong bones and teeth. When you make a salad, try including some of all the green veggies, like lettuce (2-3 kinds), spinach leaves, green peppers, snow peas, avocado slices, etc. You will love it! Not too much dressing. How about making your own dressing?

If you want to get real serious about your "greens", have fun checking out one of the many websites like www.juicingbook.com and mix yourself a healthy "green drink or check out a juicing book out at the library.

And what’s stopping you from exercising? If you have health related concerns, please check with your doctor. If you are just being lazy, just remember one mystery of life is how a two pound box of candy can make you gain five pounds. Just pushing your luck isn’t enough exercise to burn those calories.

Best of health to you and yours. Diabetes II Prevention, Colorado Healthy People 2010 Initiative, www.10k5aday.com, 719-767-5616.