Diabetes, or diabetes mellitus, is actually what describes a group of metabolic diseases in which a person has high blood glucose (blood sugar) for one of two reasons: either insulin production is not sufficient, or because the body’s cells don’t properly respond respond to insulin, or a combination of both. The symptoms of high blood sugar include: frequent urination, near-constant thirst, and a strong appetite.
All About Insulin and Diabetes
Insulin is the main hormone that regulates glucose uptake from the blood into most cells; so, an insulin deficiency or a receptor insensitivity is the main cause of all diabetes types.
Type I Diabetes
There are three types of diabetes: Type I, Type II, and Gestational Diabetes. With Type I, the body does not produce insulin. Usually, people who have this disease will develop it before they are forty years old. This type is also commonly referred to as insulin-dependent, juvenile diabetes, or early-onset diabetes - hence getting it before you’re forty. This type isn’t nearly as common as Type II. 10% of all diabetes cases are Type I diabetes. Patients with Type I will have to take insulin injections for the rest of their lives, and need to ensure proper blood sugar levels by monitoring their diets and having regular blood tests performed.
Type II Diabetes
With Type II diabetes, the body doesn’t produce enough insulin to function properly or the cells in the body don’t react to the insulin. Type II is a lifelong, chronic disease. About 90% of all diabetes cases are this type. Some people control their Type II diabetes by losing weight, eating healthily, exercising, and monitoring blood glucose levels.
Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes can affect women during pregnancy. Some women have high glucose levels in their blood, and their bodies cannot produce enough insulin to carry the glucose to their cells, which results in high glucose levels. Most of these patients can control their diabetes with diet and exercises that are safe to do during pregnancy.
Keep A Healthy Lifestyle
When living with diabetes, it’s important to take steps to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Make sure you make an appointment with your doctor to discuss your overall health, follow your recommended diet (ask your doctor what he or she suggests if you don’t have one), know what is healthy for you, as a diabetic, to eat (fruits and veggies are paramount), drink at least 6 - 8 cups of water per day (you can also drink tea or coffee, or unless otherwise advised by your doctor), include healthy treats and snacks in your diet, exercise regularly, keep updated records, be watchful for any complications, seek out support groups, ask your doctor how to lower your blood sugar, sleep on a nearly empty stomach, and take your medications as directed by your doctor.
Get Some Sleep
Getting a good night’s rest is imperative for someone with diabetes - seven or more hours are preferred. It’s important to allow your body recovery time for your nerves and other systems to settle down. If you need help sleeping, you can take one antihistamine that doesn’t cause drowsiness and that doesn’t cause higher blood pressure. Do not use any sugary antihistamine syrups. Small protein servings also help for sleep to come on - almonds, chicken, walnuts, pecans, sunflower and pumpkin seeds, and turkey are best.
N’ICE: The Best Lozenge For You
Luckily, for those with diabetes, N’ICE is diabetic-friendly, gluten-free, sugar-free, and safe to ingest and comes in six different packages: Citrus, Honey Lemon, Orange, Menthol, Cherry, and Assorted. N’ICE lozenges can help you feel better quickly and safely when you’re recovering from a cold or flu - you don’t have to worry about whether or not your doctor approves, because they already do.
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