What is Type 2 Diabetes?

William, Gokul and Sukrit

Diabetes is classified as a lifestyle disease which affects 7.4% of all Australians
above the age of 25. Diabetes is caused by High Blood pressure, high cholesterol,
obesity and an unhealthy lifestyle with low nutrition. Glucose is an essential
energy source for our bodies because of its natural sugar like properties and
chemical structure. Insulin is a hormone made by the pancreas. Insulin helps open
the glucose channel which allows glucose to be transported from the blood to the
body cells. The purpose of insulin is to move glucose into body cells however if
enough insulin isnt present the glucose remains in the bloodstream increasing
blood sugar leaving ultimately leading to diabetes.
Around 280 Australians get diagnosed with diabetes every day and an estimated
950 000 Australians are currently suffering from type 2 diabetes. 58% of these
cases are said to have been easily preventable. It is estimated that 3.3 million
Australians will have diabetes by the year 2031. A total financial cost of 10.3
billion dollars has been recorded for Type 2 diabetes.
Reasons for the eating disorder:
This can often lead to symptoms such as:
Being more thirsty than usual
Passing more urine
Feeling very tired and lethargic more often
The healing of Wounds is more time consuming
Skin infections
Blurred vision
Mood Swings
There are many risk factors associated with type 2 diabetes for men and women:
Being over the age of 25
Having pre diabetes
Suffering cardiovascular diseases
Hereditary - People who have direct first degree relatives who have type 2
diabetes
People who have high cholesterol
People who have high blood pressure
There are also many lifestyle factors that play a major role in the formation of
type 2 diabetes. Being overweight or obese is a major factor for causing type 2
diabetes (particularly if you have a majority of fat around the waistline). Obesity
can come from a lack of physical exercise and more importantly a poor diet with
low nutritional value. Studies have shown the abdominal fat in the body releases
pro inflammatory chemicals throughout the body which disrupts the function of
insulin responsive cells. Consequently causing the body to be less sensitive to
insulin which is the cause of type 2 diabetes. Diets that contain high fat, high
sugar, low fibre and high salt are often labelled as unhealthy eating habits for a
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diet and is often a leading factor for obesity which leads to type 2 diabetes.
Exercise for at least 30 minutes daily is also recommended to maintain a healthy
body.
People who are at risks of type 2 diabetes should always have a balanced diet
containing limited carbohydrates, proteins and fats. Protein foods such as
processed deli meats and hot dogs shouldnt be eaten due to their high fat intake
as well as increased sodium levels which leads to higher blood pressure. Instead,
lean proteins such as seafood and beans (mainly for vegetarians) are suggested
meals and should be eaten 2-3 times a week. Whole grains are recommended as
a good source of carbohydrates compared to foods made with or containing
refined white flour which doesnt share the same nutritional benefits. White rice
and pasta should also be avoided to maintain the balanced diet. Monounsaturated
fats such as those found in walnuts, almonds and sunflower oil etc. are beneficial
to people suffering type 2 diabetes and saturated fats should definitely be
avoided. Starchy vegetables should be regulated in a balanced diet however non starchy carbohydrates such as leafy greens are often high in fibre and very
nutritious. Fresh fruit is also considered for the balanced diet of people suffering
from type 2 diabetes.
Result of Over Nutrition:
Type 2 diabetes is a disease which is cause by over nutrition. The western diet is
often referred to as malnutritious by many doctors due to their low fibre and high
fat properties, which has often led people to over indulge in their foods. This
overindulgence of high fatty foods mixed with low levels of physical activity in the
current time constricted society has led to obesity. The abnormal amounts of fat in
people suffering from obesity releases pro inflammatory chemicals throughout the
body which disrupts the function of insulin responsive cells causing the body to be
less sensitive to insulin which is the cause of type 2 diabetes. One of Insulins
main role in the body is to push fat into fat cells. So due to the body being able to
regulate insulin in the body it can stop the body from constantly expanding as it
would constantly store fat in our body forever. So therefore Obesity is just the
body overreacting to the situation. Type 2 diabetes is considered over nutrition
because people are overindulging on meals due to the low fibre levels as well as
the higher fatty levels found in western foods.
Prevention of the Diet Related Disease:
Type 2 Diabetes can be prevented through many ways. By exercising regularly by
doing moderate physical activity on most days of the week can help manage
weight as excess body fat can lead to increase in the bodys resistance to the
hormone insulin, reducing blood glucose levels and also improving blood pressure
and cholesterol which are all factors that can cause Type 2 Diabetes. Another
method to prevent Type 2 Diabetes is eating a balanced, healthy diet by reducing
the amount of fat and salt in the diet and by consuming more fruit, vegetables
and high-fibre foods. The best method to ensure a healthy diet is to limit
takeaway and processed foods as convenience meals which are usually high in
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salt, fat and kilojoules by cooking by themselves meals with fresh ingredients
whenever possible. Alcohol is another factor that should be considered as by
limiting the alcohol intake can help prevent weight gain and increase in blood
pressure and triglyceride levels associated with too much alcohol. Men should
have no more than two standard drinks a day and women should have no more
than one. Statistics show that smokers are twice as likely to develop diabetes as
non-smokers so to prevent Type 2 Diabetes quit smoking.

Diagrams:

References:
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Better Health Channel, (2015). Diabetes type 2 - Better Health Channel. [online] Available at:
http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/diabetes_type_2 [Accessed 2 Jun. 2015].
Diabetesaustralia.com.au, (2015). Type 2 Diabetes - Diabetes Australia. [online] Available at:
http://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/Understanding-Diabetes/What-is-Diabetes/Type-2-Diabetes/ [Accessed 31 May
2015].
Nealhendrickson.com, (2015). The McDougall Newsletter February 2004 - Diabetes. [online] Available at:
http://www.nealhendrickson.com/mcdougall/040200pudiabetes.htm [Accessed 2 Jun. 2015].
Tataranni, P. and Ortega, E. (2005). A Burning Question: Does an Adipokine-Induced Activation of the Immune System
Mediate the Effect of Overnutrition on Type 2 Diabetes?. Diabetes, 54(4), pp.917-927.
MetaCure. 2012. http://www.metacure.com/about-diabetes-2/type-2-diabetes-mellitus-t2dm/ (accessed 28/5/20150
State Government of Victoria. 2015.
http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/ten_tips_to_help_prevent_diabetes?open (accessed
28/5/2015)
Diabetes Australia. 2014. http://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/Understanding-Diabetes/What-is-Diabetes/Type-2-Diabetes/
(accessed 28/5/2015)

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