Diabetes: What it is, what are the risk factors and how you can treat it!

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Rishi Dhingra

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder that occurs when the body is unable to produce or use insulin effectively. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates blood sugar levels. When the body is unable to use insulin effectively, it can lead to high blood sugar levels, which can cause a range of health problems.

Types of Diabetes:

There are three main types of diabetes:

Type 1 Diabetes: Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. This results in little to no insulin production, and people with type 1 diabetes require insulin injections to survive.

Type 2 Diabetes: Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes and occurs when the body is unable to use insulin effectively. This can lead to high blood sugar levels, and people with type 2 diabetes may require medication, lifestyle changes, and sometimes insulin injections to manage their blood sugar levels.

Gestational Diabetes: Gestational diabetes is a form of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy. It typically resolves after childbirth, but it increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.

Symptoms of Diabetes:

Some common symptoms of diabetes include:

Increased thirst and frequent urination

Fatigue and weakness

Blurred vision

Slow healing of wounds or infections

Tingling or numbness in hands or feet

Unexplained weight loss (in type 1 diabetes)

Increased hunger (in type 2 diabetes)

Risk Factors:

Some common risk factors for developing diabetes include :

Family history of diabetes

Obesity or being overweight

Sedentary lifestyle

High blood pressure or high cholesterol levels

Age (risk increases with age)

Gestational diabetes during pregnancy

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

Management and Treatment:

There is no medicinal cure for diabetes, but it can be halted, reversed and even be made almost negligible with lifestyle changes , medication, and insulin therapy. The goal of treatment is to keep blood sugar levels within a target range to prevent long-term complications.

Diet and exercise: Eating a healthy diet and engaging in regular physical activity can help improve blood sugar control and insulin sensitivity.

Medication: Depending on the type and severity of diabetes, medication may be required to help manage blood sugar levels. Common medications include metformin, sulfonylureas, and insulin.

Insulin therapy: People with type 1 diabetes require insulin therapy to survive, while some people with type 2 diabetes may also require insulin injections to manage their blood sugar levels.

Blood sugar monitoring: Regular blood sugar monitoring is important to ensure that blood sugar levels are within the target range.

In conclusion, diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder that can have serious long-term complications if left untreated. With proper management, including lifestyle changes, medication, and insulin therapy, people with diabetes can live healthy and active lives. It is important to work closely with a healthcare provider to develop a personalized treatment plan for diabetes management.

I’m a practising nutritionist, with a background in human physiology and nutritional sciences. I take a holistic & scientific approach to all aspects of health & wellness. I use food and lifestyle changes to optimize one’s nutrition to promote longevity & healthy ageing. So, if you want to hack your healthspan and be the best version of yourself, sign up for my 3 month personalised holistic health program today,   and become your own nutritionist! 

Formal Consultation and Blueprint

You’re super serious about your health goals and are eager to see results soon! Perfect!
A formal consultation is the first step in this process.

If you sign up for a formal consultation, you will receive a detailed questionnaire to fill out which I use to create a customised nutrition plan or formalised blueprint for you to follow.

I analyse your answers and the metrics you’ve recorded to define goals, calories, energy balance, macronutrients, deficits and surplus. I look at micro level detailing of your eating habits and patterns and suggest foods to add or delete based on your preferences, via a formalised blueprint.

The Blueprint will also include suggestions for eating frequency, windows and patterns. It will suggest pre and post workout nutrition options and recommend supplementation based on any deficits that show up in your questionnaire. Styles and frequency of training are also recommended.

The goal is to create a sustainable short and long term strategy to ensure you’re always in optimal health.

After creating the blueprint, a consultation call is arranged during which we go through the blueprint together. I explain macros and the role of hormones in overall health and take care of any comments, concerns or questions you may have. Once we’re aligned on the route forward, the Blueprint is sent to you.

This Blueprint will serve as the guide through your transformation journey.