An Overview of Diabetes Puzzle Pieces
8 Core "Defects"
8 Core "Defects"
8 Core "Defects"
There are eight different core “defects” that affect blood sugar levels in people with Type 2 Diabetes. They are like puzzles pieces because they all fit together to keep blood sugar under control. When one piece is missing, or is not working well, the other pieces are affected.
The Gut
8 Core "Defects"
8 Core "Defects"
A number of hormones are produced by the gut to control hunger cures, digestion, and other activities. One such hormone called glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1) is released in the gut which helps slow down the movement of sugar into your blood.
The Pancreas
8 Core "Defects"
The Pancreas
The pancreas is where the hormone insulin is made. Insulin helps move glucose into the cells for energy production. The pancreas also makes the hormone glucagon. Glucagon tells the liver to release sugar into the blood to help balance blood sugar.
The Liver
The Muscles
The Pancreas
If you have type 2 diabetes, your pancreas can release too much glucagon which causes the liver to release more sugar, leading to higher blood sugar levels. The liver can also be insulin resistant in people who have diabetes.
The Muscles
The Muscles
The Muscles
Your muscles get their energy from sugar. But with diabetes, insulin has trouble moving sugar into muscle cells. This is called insulin resistance. Exercise is one of the best ways to help the body burn excess glucose.
The Brain
The Muscles
The Muscles
The Brain-Gut Axis plays an important role in our metabolism. Many of the hormones produced by the gut send messages to our brain. As seen earlier the hormone, glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1), signals our brain we're full.
Fat
Type 1 Diabetes
The Kidneys
Fat cells, also known as adipocytes, can be insulin resistant in people who are overweight or have diabetes, which can lead to higher blood sugar levels. It is important to maintain a healthy weight by staying active and eating nutritious meals and snacks.
The Kidneys
Type 1 Diabetes
The Kidneys
The kidneys reabsorb blood sugar to help keep energy from being lost. When someone has Type 2 Diabetes, the kidneys reabsorb too much sugar back into the blood, rather than get rid of it.
Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 Diabetes is an autoimmune disease that attacks the cells of the pancreas responsible for the production of insulin. People living with Type 1
Diabetes may develop the defects of type 2 diabetes over time.
Living Well with Diabetes
Knowledge and Prevention are Priority!
Knowlege is power, but when you take your knowledge and put it into practice, that is when the transformation takes place. Diabetes as you can see above is complicated and so much more than just blood sugar. It is a disease that can affect every body system and requires a comprehensive and consistent approach to prevent progression. For those with pre-diabetes or Type 2 Diabetes, with the right wellness plan can actually go into remission and reverse the condition.
Getting pre-diabetes, Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes under control is a balancing act. The goal of synchronizing nutrition, exercise, sleep, stress, hydration, and medications will optimize not only the management of diabetes but improve your health overall. Research has shown that better blood sugar control during the first year of diagnosis can reduce the future risk for complications, including kidney disease, eye disease, stroke, coronary heart disease, and poor circulation to the limbs.
Make prevention a priority. This is especially important if you are at increased risk of developing diabetes, which is the case for people who have a family history of the disease, are overweight, or have been diagnosed as pre-diabetic.
Diabetes prevention is as basic as eating a healthy whole food diet, becoming more physically active and losing a few extra pounds. Research consistently shows that even a 5-pound weight loss can significantly improve your overall health. It's never too late to start. Making a few simple changes in your lifestyle now may help you avoid the serious health complications of diabetes in the future, such as nerve, kidney, and heart damage.
