Diabetes Linked To Nutrition
Perhaps no other disease is as closely linked to nutrition as diabetes.
Not only does nutrition play a role in its development, but nutrition is also one of the disease’s most powerful treatments.
People with type 1 diabetes must be treated with insulin to stay alive.
If uncontrolled for many years, diabetes mellitus can lead to more serious health problems:
1. Blood vessel damage within the eye (retinopathy). This can lead to blindness.
2. Kidney disease (nephropathy) or kidney failure.
3. Nerve damage (neuropathy) especially of the hands and feet, causing tingling, numbness, and weakness.
4. Narrowing of the blood vessels due to fatty deposits (atherosclerosis).
This increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, and poor blood flow in the legs.
Uncontrolled gestational diabetes can result in a large baby and difficult birth.
It can also increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
Diabetes – Circulation problems
High blood sugar damages blood vessels.
When high levels of sugar are continuously in the blood, the blood vessels become thicker and less flexible, causing poor circulation.
Poor circulation can impair healing, especially on the feet and lower legs.
High blood sugar also causes higher levels of fat in the bloodstream.
The fat clogs and narrows the blood vessels.
Partial blockages deprive the heart of some necessary nutrients.
A complete blockage can result in a heart attack, heart pain (called angina), or stroke.
Magnesium
Studies suggest that a magnesium deficiency may worsen the blood sugar control in type 2 diabetes.
Scientists believe that a deficiency of magnesium interrupts insulin secretion in the pancreas and increases insulin resistance in the body’s tissues.
Evidence suggests that a deficiency of magnesium may contribute to certain diabetes complications.
