Write a 500-word essay relating to the dietary impact of Diabetes Mellitus.

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Write a 500-word essay relating to the dietary impact of Diabetes Mellitus.

This essay will look at what Diabetes Mellitus is and explain some of the causes of the disease. I will also examine how diet affects this condition and the impact on a person’s body if the diet is not followed correctly.

Diabetes affects around 1.4 million people in the UK and this number is set to double by 2010. Diabetes Mellitius is divided into 2 categories; Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 diabetes is thought to be an autoimmune disease-the immune system attacks a healthy part of the body. Beta cells are attacked and insulin is produced. When this occurs the blood glucose level build up has no way to enter the cell. The excess of blood glucose is the direct cause of the diabetes symptoms. The kidneys then respond by trying to get rid of the excess glucose, resulting in excessive urination. (See Appendix 1 for more information on this process) Since the cells are not receiving the fuel that they need, they pull fuel from other sources such as fat stores, hence the weight loss in a person. Researchers are increasingly believing that a person with Type 1 diabetes may have been exposed to an ‘environmental trigger’ such as a virus which then causes this disease.  Type 1 diabetics are insulin dependant and also need to follow a healthy diet.  The Type 1 diabetes is often referred to Juvenile Onset Diabetes and used to be classed as a childhood or young adults disease, but it can occur in any age.

Type 2 diabetes is based on the cells’ inability to recognise the molecule ‘insulin’. Strong triggers on this type of diabetes are weight, level of exercise and lifestyle. The pancreas of people with Type 2, eventually decreases insulin production and the person will have the same symptoms, together with the same risks, as those with Type 1 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes normally occurs in the over 40 years olds and 80% of people with Type 2 diabetes are overweight. Depending on the severity of the condition, it is treated with diet alone, diet and tablets or exercise, diet and insulin.  

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The diet for a diabetic is a healthy, balanced one. The aim is to keep the blood glucose levels at a normal rate. Too little sugar in the blood is called hypoglycaemic and too much sugar is called hyperglycaemic. Many people choose to count carbohydrates in their diet as these foods are the most quickly turned to sugar in the body, this method is called the Glycemic Index. This method is also useful when determining insulin dosages. Diabetics are educated as to which carbohydrates raise the blood sugar level the quickest, for instance out of 100, honey has a ...

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