Diabetes 2 is a disease in which the amount of sugar in the blood is higher than normal levels and is the type of diabetes that most people suffer from

What is and what causes diabetes 2?

WebMD experts explain: the pancreas produces the hormone insulin that helps our cells get energy from the food we eat. With type 2 diabetes, although insulin is produced, cells do not use that chemical efficiently. The pancreas tries to produce more insulin, and sugar accumulates in the blood, and this is what is known as insulin resistance.

Leer en español: ¿Se puede revertir la diabetes 2?

Among the possible causes are: genetic load, overweight, metabolic syndrome, having high blood glucose levels, fat around the waist, high blood pressure, cholesterol and high triglycerides, sedentary lifestyle and eating a diet high in Processed and sugary foods.

There are some symptoms that Mayo Clinic cites to which, according to the publication, we must pay attention, since many people may have this condition and not know it:

• Increased sensation of hunger: as insulin is not being handled well at the cellular level, our muscles and organs quickly deplete energy deposits. That is why who suffers from diabetes 2 has activated the signal of hunger all day (because the body seeks energy to keep functioning).
• Increased thirst and need to go to the restroom: when we have excess sugar accumulated in the blood, this causes liquid to be extracted from the tissues, leaving us thirsty. This, in turn, causes us to drink more water and, therefore, visit the restroom more (frequent urination).
• Tiredness: as a consequence of the little handling of energy at the cellular level, and the dehydration caused by the excess of sugar, it is normal that the person with diabetes 2 have low energy and feel tired during the day despite having slept.
• Blurred vision: that extraction of fluid from the tissues is also given at the level of the eyes when the blood sugar level is too high and this causes discomfort in the vision.
• Frequent infections and wounds that do not heal: this type of disease means that the person can not fight infections and that wounds do not heal with normal speed.
• Darkened areas of skin: usually around the neck and armpits.

In Latin America, diabetes 2 is a problem that has been studied for years. By 2012, the World Health Organization warned of an increase in this condition. According to the data of the organization, for 2011, 25 million people suffered from the disease and if this trend continues at the current growth rate, this number is expected to increase to 40 million by 2030. In North America and non-Hispanic countries of the The Caribbean is talking about an increase of up to 51 million people with diabetes 2 for the same period.

Now, although there are characteristics of the disease that we can not change -as your genetic inheritance can be- , the only controllable thing to stop the growth of diabetes 2 is to make changes in lifestyle.

According to a study published in Diabetes.org, although it was generally considered an irreversible chronic condition, it can be potentially reversible with an intense weight loss program and fasting blood glucose measurement.

According to Everydayhealth.com these basic changes can help to manage diabetes:

• Improve diet: like any other nutrition program, diet should be based on fresh versus processed foods. Pay special attention to the glycemic load (the more processed, the higher the glycemic load). Limit or eliminate fast food.
• Follow the recommendations to eliminate or control the increase in abdominal fat.
• Regular exercise
• Stress management: poorly managed daily stress and lack of sleep makes blood sugar harder to control. It is recommended to apply day-to-day stress management techniques such as yoga, relaxation activities, avoid alcohol, caffeine and spicy foods at night.

All these changes can help improve the life of those who suffer from this condition but do not substitute medication or medical treatment . However, if they are applied progressively and continuously, they can do wonders for the health of patients.

Latin American Post | Clementine Ramos

Translated from "¿Se puede revertir la diabetes 2?"