Opinion Opinion | Jan 23, 2023

Understanding diabetes takes a little understanding of biology. When we digest food, our body breaks down what we eat and eventually causes the food to be broken down into small molecules. Some of these molecules are carbohydrates which are turned into sugars (glucose) to be used as fuel.
Insulin is the “key” and the essential hormone in regulating diabetes. It is made in the pancreas in clusters of cells called islets. One of the ways diabetes develops is when cells within our body cannot get the fuel they need because the hormone insulin is unavailable to help glucose get from the bloodstream into muscle, fat, and other cells to be stored as fuel. Another way diabetes develops is when our body doesn’t make enough insulin or doesn’t use insulin well. When this happens, glucose stays in our blood and doesn’t reach our cells.
When glucose is unable to get into cells, blood sugar levels within our body rise too high and we become hyperglycemic. This condition not only has the potential to cause a diabetic coma or stroke, but also affects blood vessels, eyes, kidneys and nerves. 
In Type 1 diabetes, the body makes little or no insulin. Typically, although it can appear at any age, it most often occurs in children and young adults. To remedy this, daily insulin injections are needed to maintain blood glucose levels.
In Type 2 diabetes, the body does not make good use of the insulin that it produces. Ninety percent of all diabetes cases are Type 2 and it is most common among adults. While it is best managed by maintaining a healthy lifestyle (diet), weight management, and physical activity, oral medications and insulin may be necessary.
Although there currently is no cure for diabetes, progress is being made. Researchers have found that a cell type produced in the pancreas called Beta cells (β cells) is responsible for producing, releasing, and controlling insulin levels. Managing β cells in diabetics is challenging because as glucose levels rise, the production of β cells is impaired. New discoveries are indicating that β cells may be modified with a protein that will protect them from oxidative damage due in part to glucose toxicity.
Further research indicates that a new drug called teplizumab may be able to delay the development of Type 1 diabetes. The purpose of this drug is to keep the body’s immune response system from attacking the insulin-producing β cells. The drug may assist in reducing the harmful effects of diabetes.
The onset of diabetes has become far more common in young adults over the past couple of decades. In 2017, it is estimated that there were about 213,00 youths under the age of 20 diagnosed with diabetes. Comparatively, researchers expect that in just three decades there will be a 700% increase. This should be a wake-up call for all of us. As a society we are not eating well, nor are we staying physically fit.
 The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted a study indicating that over a 20-year period from 2000 to 2020, the prevalence of diabetes in the United States rose from 30.5% to 41.9%. By 2028, there could be over 34% of the population diagnosed as obese.
There is no cure for diabetes. While modern science is making headway in developing therapies that may mitigate the devastating effects, each of us needs to participate in our own well-being. Debra Houry, the acting principal deputy director for the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, has said it best: “It’s vital that we focus our efforts to ensure all Americans, especially our young people, are the healthiest they can be.”
We can best manage prediabetes and diabetes by adopting good lifestyle choices. This starts with exercising, avoiding sugary beverages, drinking lots of water, reducing the number of foods we consume that are high in carbohydrates, and above all, managing our weight.
No matter if you subscribe to views supporting that natural diabetic treatments like supplements, teas, and spices are effective, or if you believe that western meds are the cure-all, what is proven as fact is, exercise and diet matter.  
People don’t have to commit to plant-based diets, or difficult-to-maintain diets, to be healthy and reduce the chances of becoming diabetic. Rather, people need to be aware that some of the food choices they make are not the best. If incorporating vegetables or fish high in omega-3 fatty acids is not your thing, consider incorporating simple yummy foods like berries, citrus fruits, tomatoes, whole grains, or steel-cut oats
Death from diabetes can be avoided. What are you willing to do to avoid it?

21 hrs ago

21 hrs ago
Jan 23, 2023
Jan 24, 2023
21 hrs ago

Foods of Vail is a looking for a sales associate for the front market! Foods of Vail is a gourmet…

Now Hiring: Crew Members. Edwards and Eagle starting at $19.00 per hour. Free meals. Free uniforms. Flexible schedules. Opportunities for…

DRIVERS High end private transportation company looking for drivers. Must be over 25 y/o with a good driving record. Flexible…

Eagle Valley Land Trust is looking for an organized, creative, and enthusiastic professional to manage a diverse workload ranging from…

Join our ladies and gentlemen. Continuously learn and grow in your career. Start your career at the Ritz-Carlton. https://jobs.marriott.com/marriott/jobs?lang=en-US&utm_medium=jobboard&utm_source=MarriottCareersWebsite&location=bachelor%20gulch&stretch=0&stretchUnit=MILES&page=1 -…

Drivers Needed High Mountain Taxi Flexible Day/Night Shifts Make up to $30/an hour. Must be 25yo & have a valid…

Sales route includes Steamboat Springs, Telluride and occasionally Grand Junction Under direct supervision, represents the company by providing sales and…

Job Description Unique opportunity to join a quickly growing business that serves the luxury home market as well as professional…

is looking for a Weekend Only Merchandiser, in the Eagle County area $19-$20/hr + PTO. and other benefits.

Retail Store Manager – Salary is commensurate with experience starting at $72,000+ per year and upwards dependent on skillset and…

Jan 20, 2023
A lot of odd jobs and sticking to his country roots are a few things that got Joe Nichols where he is today. The award-winning and Grammy-nominated country music star got his start over 20…
Jan 12, 2023
Avon fireworks Watch the sky sparkle over Avon this Saturday as fireworks light up the night. Avon is hosting a fireworks show starting at 6 p.m. at Harry A. Nottingham Park, but get there early,…
Jan 5, 2023
Snowshoe tours New year, new moves. If being more active is on your New Year’s Resolutions list, get outside and snowshoe. Snowshoeing is a low-impact activity that is good for multi-generations. Snowshoes or even devices…
Dec 30, 2022
New Year’s Eve Fireworks Both Vail and Beaver Creek are hosting fireworks shows throughout the evening on New Year’s Eve. Point your eyes to the sky for this annual tradition. Watch the Vail Ski and…
Dec 22, 2022
Canadian Brass with Kantorei Get into the holiday spirit with live music at the Vilar Performing Arts Center in Beaver Creek with the Canadian Brass on Friday. This lively brass quintet is sure to dazzle…

Jobs
Classifieds
Autos
Real Estate
Rentals
Service Directory
Pets
Merchandise
Legals
Place Legal Ad
Search Legal Ads
Farm & Ranch
Recreation
Announcements
Buy Photos
Contact Us
Become a Carrier
Submissions
Advertise
Submit an Obituary
Commercial Print Sales
RSS
Magazines
Vail Daily E-Edition
Daily Weekly E-Edition
Eagle Valley E-Edition
Newsletters
Cookie List
Do not sell my personal information
Aspen-Snowmass
Breckenridge-Summit County
Craig-Moffat County
Glenwood Springs-Rifle
Park City-Utah
Steamboat Springs-Routt County
Winter Park-Granby-Grand County
Printing Press Jobs
©2005 – 2023 Swift Communications, Inc.

source

By admin

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *