How did we end up being T2D
Understanding Diabetes
Most food we intake has some sugar. When we consume, sugar in food is absorbed into the blood as glucose. To manage the glucose content in the blood, the pancreas secretes enough insulin for healthy people. When the pancreas does not generate enough insulin to handle the glucose in the blood, we end up being diabetic.
How do you reach the condition ‘Pancreas does not generate enough insulin’ for Type 2 Diabetes (T2D).
As mentioned above, Type2 condition is lifestyle related and develops over time. Three leading causes – are poor diet, lack of exercise, and obesity.
What happens when ‘Pancreas does not generate enough
insulin’?
The pancreas produces enzymes and hormones that help you digest food. One of these hormones, insulin, is necessary to regulate glucose.
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Glucose refers to sugars in your body. Every cell in your body needs glucose for energy. Think of insulin as a lock to the cell. Insulin must open the cell to allow it to use glucose for energy.
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If your pancreas doesn't make enough insulin or your body doesn't use it effectively, glucose builds up in your bloodstream (high blood sugar condition), leaving your cells starved for energy.
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From what I have learned, understanding diabetes boils down to THREE KEY fundamentals, apart from many others:
What is the source of sugar in our body:
The only source of sugar for our body is – the food and drinks we consume. The body breaks down most carbohydrates from the foods we eat and converts them to a type of sugar called glucose. Glucose is the primary source of fuel for our cells. So, if the source is the food we consume, we must focus on what we put into our mouths. So the food you consume is 50% of the solution.
What else are factors for Type2 – Stress:
Stress alone doesn’t cause diabetes. But there is some evidence that there may be a link between stress and the risk of type 2 diabetes. Research indicates that high levels of stress hormones might stop insulin-producing cells in the pancreas from working properly and reduce the amount of insulin they make. In turn, this might contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes[i]
Body weight - BMI:
Diabetes and obesity are chronic disorders. Body mass index has a solid relationship with diabetes and insulin resistance. Losing weight can make a difference.
THREE HEALTHY HABITS TO EMBRACE
We must embrace three healthy activities to help and aid with the above fundamental issue.
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Eat the kind of food that slows down /delays conversion to sugar/glucose immediately.
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Physical activity/Exercise: Exercise lowers blood glucose levels and boosts your body's sensitivity to insulin, countering insulin resistance and improving your Body Mass Index.
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Yoga/Meditation: Yoga and Meditation helps you to calm and relax your mind. A calm and relaxed mind helps maintain lower stress levels. Specific yoga practices will also help lower blood sugar levels and improve circulation.
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