Diabetes is a disease that affects the lives of many patients we treat at Neuropathy Treatment Clinics of Texas. Many of our patients struggle with the disease, unaware that there are certain things they can do to improve their overall quality of life.
What are the different types of diabetes?
Diabetes is a disease that inhibits the body from producing enough, or any insulin, or stops the body from properly using insulin. This stops the body from getting sugar from the bloodstream into the cells, ultimately leading to high blood sugar levels.
There are three main forms of diabetes:
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is typically developed at a young age. It’s an autoimmune disease that causes your immune system to destroy the cells in your body that produce insulin. Type 1 diabetes is a disease with no cure, but it can be treated.
Type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes tends to develop in adulthood, and it accounts for a majority of diabetes cases in the United States. Type 2 diabetes inhibits how your body uses the insulin it produces. As a result, your blood sugar levels rise.
Gestational diabetes
Gestational diabetes occurs in women during pregnancy. Gestational diabetes produces hormones that block insulin and causes complications in the mother and child.
What can you control regarding diabetes?
Even though diabetes can have a negative impact on your life, there are things you can do to help control the disease.
Eat the right food
Our team at Neuropathy Treatment Clinics of Texas will work with you to create a diabetes-friendly meal plan. These plans typically involve foods that are lower in carbs, calories, saturated and trans fat, salt, and sugar. Fibrous and minimally processed foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, are typically the best foods to eat. Drinking an adequate amount of water is another important part of the equation.
Exercise regularly
Developing a regular exercise routine is important for controlling your diabetes. It helps ensure you’re at a healthy weight and maintaining good blood sugar levels.
Practice stress relief techniques
High levels of stress can cause your blood sugar to rise. Learning how to eliminate your stress can help you cope with diabetes. Exploring different techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, and relaxation, is important.
Eliminate tobacco products and alcohol
Removing tobacco and alcohol from your diet is an effective way to help control your blood sugar levels.
Regularly check blood sugar levels
Monitor your blood sugar levels to ensure you’re in a healthy range.
If you’re suffering from a form of diabetes and are interested in learning more about how to control it, book an appointment online or over the phone with Neuropathy Treatment Clinics of Texas today.
