What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a disease that affects people from all walks of life. It causes blood sugar levels to increase to an unhealthy level. A hormone called insulin is normally used to open cells, allowing sugar (glucose) to enter and be used as fuel for energy. Diabetes prevents our bodies from producing insulin, keeping sugar from being used to generate energy. An extreme intake of unhealthy sugars can trigger the onset of diabetes in many cases.

Diabetes comes in 2 types. Type 2 is the more common type, making up about 90% of diabetes patients. It generally develops after the age of 35, and for this is also known as adult onset diabetes. People with type 2 diabetes do produce some insulin, but not enough.

Type 1 diabetes is the more severe type and generally develops in children and teenagers, although everyone is susceptible to it. Those with diabetes type 1 need a daily dose of insulin to stay functional.

How does it affect the body?

Both types of diabetes cause a variety of unpleasant symptoms, including increased thirst, more frequent urination, sudden weight loss, bouts of extreme hunger, fatigue and weakness, foul moods, blurred vision, nausea, abdominal pain, itchy skin, bad breath, and vomiting.

The long-term effects of diabetes can be more serious, like damage to small blood vessels, causing issues with the kidneys, feet, eyes, and nerves.

What supplements should I use?

Good dietary supplements, such as magnesium and fibrous food supplements, can help maintain a healthy blood sugar balance and ease the symptoms of diabetes. Magnesium is an important nutrient that helps regulate sensitivity to insulin as well as regulate blood pressure. Glucose regulating supplements such as GlucoFunction are ideal for those with diabetes. Antioxidants are very useful for those with diabetes, making vitamin C and alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) good choices for those with diabetes.