NIDDM Diabetes or Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes is a metabolic condition individuals experience when they are unable to use their insulin to convert sugar in the blood into the muscles to be used as fuel for the body. There are varying shades of this condition with episodes of high blood glucose levels due to insulin resistance or an inability to absorb it. Some people may produce adequate quantities of insulin, but their body cannot absorb it into the muscles, fat, and tissues. Other individuals may make insulin in insufficient quantities to enable the conversion of glucose into energy for the body.
The prevalence of NIDDM, also called type 2 diabetes mellitus, accounts forover 90% of the diabetic population. While over twenty-four million people suffer from type 1 and type 2 diabetes, 90% of twenty-four million is a large number. Over the last few years, the number of diabetes NIDDM has grown because of poor food choices, sedentary lifestyles, and fast food restaurants. Individuals who are overweight or obese have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, low LDL cholesterol, and high triglycerides and normally develop this form of diabetes. Losing at least 10% of one’s weight, stabilizing blood glucose levels, and lowering risk factors are the best way to prevent this disease.
NIDDM Symptoms
NIDDM symptoms include an increased need for water, food, and to use the restroom. As a person drinks more water, they will need to urinate more. The kidneys are trying to flush out the extra glucose out of the blood and urine, which leaves an individual feeling thirsty and dehydrated.The body is unable to use the sugar that has stayed in the blood, so a person will feel hungry, especially for carbohydrates.
Other symptoms may include symptoms of mood swings, irritability, blurred vision, or chronic infections. These problems are due to nutrient deprived nerves and organs that have been damaged. They may also notice weight loss and fatigue, which are also due to the elevated glucose levels. The body cannot use the digested calories so the person loses weight regardless of what they have eaten. A person will feel fatigued regardless of how much sleep they received if they do not have fuel for the body.
NIDDM Treatment
NIDDM treatment should start with diet and exercise. People should follow a NIDDM diet in order to maintain normal levels of blood glucose. Replacing fast food, sugary foods, and junk food with vibrantly colored fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is a healthy way to get vitamins and minerals. Rather than eating three big meals a day, diabetics should try consuming six smaller meals a day, which will keep energy levels consistent through the day while stabilizing blood sugar levels. Choosing complex carbohydrates over simple carbohydrates to reduce crashes later is advised. Eating to steady blood sugar is important in treating this disease.Red meat should be limited and instead low-fat fish that contain essential omega 3 fatty acids should be chosen.
In addition, treatment of NIDDM should also feature losing 10% of one’s body weight.Researchers have proven that exercise makes cells more sensitive to glucose so less insulin is needed for absorption. Therefore, diabetics should exercise thirty minutes daily with a combination of cardiovascular, weight bearing, and strengthening activities. A variety of exercises will keep the regimen exciting, while working large and small muscle groups.
Eliminating alcohol, caffeine, and tobacco should be a priority as these substances are sugary, heart stimulating, and toxic. Smoking can constrict blood vessels, which will complicate this disease. If diet and exercise therapies do not improve the condition, a doctor may prescribe medicine for relief. Oral medications are not recommended unless a diabetic cannot control their glucose levels with diet and exercise.
