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What is diabetes and how do you recognize the first symptoms?

November 14 is National Diabetes Day. That is why we dedicate this blog to diabetes. What is diabetes? How do you recognize it. The difference between diabetes type 2 and type 1, our favorite low-carb breakfast, the treatment and the well-known blood sugar level.

Recent figures from the RIVM reveal a worrying reality: more than 1.2 million Dutch people have diabetes, and another 1.1 million people are in the preliminary phase, called prediabetes. Diabetes, also known as sugar disease, is a silent destroyer with far-reaching consequences for your overall well-being. Read more about the symptoms so you can quickly recognize it and also learn how to treat diabetes type 2 in a holistic way.

Directly to:

Diabetes Type 2
Diabetes Type 1
Diabetes and your blood sugar levels
Treatment of type 2 diabetes
Recipe
Bonus tip
Conclusion
Need more inspiration?

Diabetes Type 2

You may have heard of diabetes, but did you know that nine out of ten people with diabetes have type 2 diabetes? In this form of diabetes, there is too little insulin in the body and it no longer responds properly to insulin.

However, many symptoms resemble things that everyone experiences from time to time, such as feeling listless.

But your body can also send distress signals, such as:

Excessive thirst and frequent urination:
Eye problems: red, burning eyes, blurred vision and double vision.
Slow healing wounds
Breathing problems
Pain in the legs while walking
Recurrent infections: recurring bladder infections and other frequent infections.

We don't know exactly what causes type 2 diabetes. It can be genetic, but lifestyle also plays a role. Being overweight and not exercising are risk factors. But there are also people who live a healthy life and still develop type 2 diabetes. So it can happen to anyone.

Diabetes Type 1

Diabetes type 1 is another variant of this condition. In this case, the immune system destroys the cells that produce insulin. Your immune system itself does not realize that it is attacking itself or your own body.

People with type 1 diabetes must measure their blood sugar levels and administer insulin every day.

The symptoms are often quickly visible:

Excessive thirst and urination:
Unexplained weight loss
General malaise and fatigue (often you just don't feel well)
Disturbed eating pattern, such as: suffering from extreme hunger or a total lack of appetite.
Vision problems such as blurred vision are common in diabetes.
Nausea or vomiting

Do you recognize any of these symptoms?

Then it is time to take action and visit your GP. A simple blood test can indicate whether diabetes is present. Without treatment, your blood sugar levels can rise dangerously, leading to serious health problems, even coma.

Diabetes and your blood sugar levels

Change in our diet:

The dramatic changes in our diets over the past century have had significant effects on our bodies, especially our blood sugar levels.

Foods are increasingly processed, making them easily converted into sugars, including everyday items such as bread, pasta and soft drinks.
The consumption of sugary drinks has increased dramatically.
The number of eating moments per day has increased thanks to snack options rich in fast carbohydrates.
What's more, sugar is even added to unexpected foods (even baby food!), further increasing the challenge for our blood sugar levels.

This causes your blood sugar levels to fluctuate throughout the day. Fluctuating blood sugar levels can lead to disruption of your sense of satiety, resulting in continuous appetite and insulin resistance.

Resulting in the storage of sugars as fat and an increased risk of diabetes.

On the left is an example of what you don't want: unstable blood sugar levels - on the right a stable blood sugar level.

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is often called sugar disease because it is related to elevated blood sugar levels. There are two possible causes: your body does not produce enough insulin or the insulin does not work properly.

In both cases, your body cells cannot absorb enough sugar (glucose), leading to a buildup of sugar in your blood. This not only affects your energy levels, but also poses health risks.

But...with these tips:

Bring your body and blood sugar levels into balance
Do you feel clear and energetic?
Do you have less need for sweets and snacks?
Reduces the need for binge eating

Treatment: Tips for Type 2 Diabetes

1. Nutrition:

Eat three balanced meals a day
Choose unprocessed, natural foods
Limit your sugar intake
Choose slow carbohydrates more often
Combine these carbohydrates with healthy fats, nutritious fibers and high-quality proteins
Make healthy snacks:
- homemade banana bread
- hummus + vegetables
- handful of nuts
- boiled organic eggs

2. Movement:

Make exercise a part of your daily routine. Walking, biking, dancing, yoga or sports - choose an activity that you enjoy and can do regularly.

3. Stress management:

Meditation, yoga, or breathing exercises.
Create moments of calm in your daily life to reduce stress.

4. Sleep:

Get enough sleep, ideally 7-9 hours per night.
A good night's sleep is crucial for healthy blood sugar levels.

By implementing these steps, you will notice that your blood sugar levels will become significantly more stable. Which of these tips do you plan to implement into your life right away? Choose the ones that seem most feasible and effective to you.

Low-carb breakfast:

We are happy to share one of our favorite (healthy) low-carb breakfast recipes for you.

Ingredients:

2 eggs
1 handful of fresh spinach leaves
1 tomato, diced
1 half avocado
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: a pinch of grated cheese for extra flavor

Preparation method:

Heat the olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
Add the spinach and fry briefly until it starts to shrink.
Add the tomato and cook for 1-2 minutes until slightly softened.
Meanwhile, beat the eggs in a bowl and season with salt and pepper.
Pour the beaten eggs over the spinach and tomatoes in the pan.
Stir gently and continue stirring until the eggs are cooked and the mixture has a creamy consistency.
If you like a little extra flavor, you can sprinkle some grated (goat's) cheese over the scrambled eggs before serving.
Serve your delicious low carb breakfast together with half an avocado and enjoy! This recipe is quick, healthy and filling.

Bonus tip: Sugar Gluco Balance

One of the ingredients you can consider is cinnamon, which is known for its positive effect on blood sugar levels.

Cinnamon contributes to the maintenance of healthy, natural blood sugar levels
Cinnamon is good for digestion
Cinnamon has a good effect on blood circulation
Cinnamon, for a full feeling in the stomach
Turmeric supports fat metabolism

Always consult a professional before adding supplements to your diet. Feel free to contact us - Click here for free advice - we are always ready with free personal advice tailored to your needs from our orthomolecular therapist.

Extra tip: follow @glucosegoddess on Instragram for daily tips.

Conclusion

Diabetes is a serious condition, but it doesn’t have to stop you from living an active, healthy life. By being aware of the symptoms, taking a holistic approach, and considering supplements like #11 Sugar Gluco Balance , you can keep your blood sugar levels in check and keep the complications of diabetes at bay. It’s your life and your health—let’s work together to make it full of possibilities and energy.

Need more inspiration?

Visit our Instagram page or check out our other recipes, blogs for more healthy and tasty ideas.

Source:

Carter, S., Clifton, P. M., & Keogh, J. B. (2018). Effect of intermittent compared with continuous energy restricted diet on glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes: a randomized noninferiority trial. JAMA network open, 1(3), e180756-e180756.
Anderson, R. A. (2000). Chromium in the prevention and control of diabetes. Diabetes and Metabolism , 26 (1), 22-28.
Eckel, R. H., Hanson, A. S., Chen, A. Y., Berman, J. N., Yost, T. J., & Brass, E. P. (1992). Dietary substitution of medium-chain triglycerides improves insulin-mediated glucose metabolism in NIDDM subjects. Diabetes , 41 (5), 641-647.