It is alarming to know that one of the most prevalent diseases on this planet today can be prevented, or at the very least, well controlled.
According to the International Diabetes Institute, about 8% of adult Australians over the age of 25 have Type II Diabetes and as many as 16% have Insulin Resistance which are the warning signs and precursor of Diabetes.
Even more alarming is that up to 50% of sufferers are undiagnosed.
When you consider the damage this disease can cause the body, it’s reassuring to realise that very often Type II Diabetes can be prevented or controlled by proper diet and nutrition alone. Ai Jerome of Sydney Nutrition, anaccredited nutritionist and dietitian and diabetes educator, is one of many passionate professionals in this field of expertise who can help you, or a loved one, get this disease under control.
Type II Diabetes was previously known as “adult onset” diabetes. Adults – and sadly, children too – who are obese are at a very high risk in developing diabetes. Left uncontrolled and untreated, this devastating disease can lead to blindness, heart attacks, kidney failure, gangrene and subsequent amputation of limbs, and a host of other complications.
In spite of the remarkable strides being made in Diabetes research, this disease is still far too common. Really, the best way for it to be controlled is for the people who think they might be at risk to get screened and advised by a dietitian.
In the early stages of diabetes, treatment is as simple as following a proper diabetic diet. With the right dietitian advising you, you will not only be able to lose weight, but to get blood sugars under control – while at the same time preventing the devastating complications that accompany this preventable disease.
A good dietitian will help you maintain blood sugar levels, decrease cholesterol and weight while decreasing your risk of heart disease, neuropathy (nerve problems) and retinopathy (eye problems).
Perhaps we are desensitized to the serious nature of this disease.
Major Risk Factors For Type 2 Diabetes
Although some diabetic risks come from our genetics, many of the risk factors for Type 2 diabetes are preventable:
Overweight and/or obesity
High waist circumference or central adiposity (tummy fat)
Unhealthy eating or poor diet (you eat too much and you eat too many fatty and sugary foods)
Lack of exercise and sedentary way of life
Are a smoker
Have high blood pressure and high cholesterol. These are two major symptoms of pre-diabetes.
Aging. Unfortunately, the older we are, the greater the risk of developing type 2 diabetes is. The pancreas, according to some scientists, begins to pump insulin less effectively as we age. Furthermore, bodily resistance to insulin increases with age.
A history of gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy)
Ethicity – Maori, Asian, Pacific Islander, Aboriginal or Torres strait Islander
Born in Asia (including Sub continent), Middle East, North Africa or Southern Europe
History of pancreatitis (a sickness of the pancreas).
Family history of diabetes
You can check your risk here
The Australian Type 2 Diabetes Risk Assessment Tool (RAT) is a free online tool. It calculates your risk of developing type 2 diabetes within the next five years.
Paying attention and becoming proactive can virtually eradicate this illness from the face of the planet. With the guidance of anaccredited dietitian, people at risk can slow or prevent the onset of diabetes, heart disease and other health issues – thereby adding years to life.
If you suffer from symptoms of diabetes, are undiagnosed or are overweight, you owe it to yourself and your family to stop and prevent this disease. It will require a commitment from you to take control of your own destiny.
It really is not hard; speak to your doctor or accredited practising dietitian to get diagnosed and put onto an appropriate diet plan – a diet plan which will be prepared with you and your likes and dislikes in mind, and one that you will enjoy following.
It is simply education in correct eating habits – a correction that may save your life. Don’t let diabetes dictate to you. Contact Sydney Nutrition now – it may be the best health decision you have made in your lifetime.