Diabetes is the No. 1 Risk factor. Did you know that nearly 21 million Americans are diabetic and about six million do not even know they are? It is predicted that one-third of all Americans born in 2000 will develop diabetes at some point in their lives. Diabetes is mostly preventable – so what is keeping us from living a healthy lifestyle?
Diabetes – what is it?
It is a disease in which your body is either unable to produce any insulin (type1) or does not produce enough (type 2). Insulin is needed to convert sugar, starches and other foods into energy. Type 1 is caused by the destruction of insulin-producing glands of your pancreas from infections and immunological disorders. It usually begins at an early age. Type 2 is caused by the pancreatic glands not working enough to keep pace with your body’s needs. The result is your body has an excess of glucose built up in your bloodstream.
What are Factors in Insulin Resistance?
- Genetics
- Sedentary lifestlye
- Obesity
- Low HDL (good) cholesterol levels
- High levels of triglycerides
- Diets high in sweets and starches
- Age
Could you be pre-diabetic?
Diabetes can remain unrecognized for many years. Unfortunately, by the time many are diagnosed, damage has already occurred in multi-organs, including your heart. High blood sugar (glucose) levels are toxic and affect nearly every organ. Nearly all life threatening complications of diabetes are related to both high levels of blood glucose and insulin.
Why is there so much talk about belly fat?
Fat cells in your abdomen – mostly around your intestines, kidneys and liver are very different from fat cells in other places in your body. These fat cells produce many compounds that increase your body’s resistance to insulin. Abdominal fat cells either stop producing, or cut back on a substance called Cwhich reduces insulin resistance.
An unhealthy diet is probably the greatest factor in type 2 diabetes. It is important to eat foods with less trans fats, refined starches, and that are high in fructose corn sweeteners. This kind of diet is even worse when there is little fruit, vegetables, fish and monounsaturated fats to go along with the unhealthy foods.
It is estimated that more than 80% of diabetics will die of some kind of cardiovascular complication. Diabetes has a direct link with coronary plaques.
How does Diabetes increase your risk factor for heart disease?
- Elevated blood glucose damages the lining of your coronary arteries
- High insulin levels are toxic to your arteries in your heart
- Higher triglyceride levels and lower HDL levels provide less protection for your heart
Houston is home to the largest medical center in the world. UTCardiovascular Medicine has internationally recognized cardiologists who provide comprehensive cardiovascular care including; interventional cardiology, general and preventative cardiology, valvular heart disease, women’s heart disease, heart failure and cardiac rhythm disorders.
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