{maintains normal blood glucose levels }
What is Insulin?
Insulin is a peptide hormone.
The pancreas makes insulin to regulate the metabolism of carbohydrates, protein and fat by promoting the uptake of glucose into the places it is stored such as fat cells and skeletal muscle.
Diabetes
When the function of insulin is not working correctly, Diabetes Mellitus can occur.
There are three types of Diabetes:
- Type 1 diabetes
- Type 2 diabetes
- Gestational diabetes
Type 1 Diabetes
In this type, the pancreas cannot produce enough insulin to manage blood glucose levels effectively. People with type 1 diabetes require daily insulin injections to mange the condition.
It is considered an autoimmune disease that cannot be cured.
Type 2 Diabetes
This type is also referred to as adult onset diabetes. The target tissues in the body cannot process insulin properly. This means that glucose is not taken up by target tissues and blood sugar levels remain high as a result. Type 2 diabetes is lifestyle related and be prevented or minimized with proper intervention.
Gestational Diabetes
This type only occurs in pregnant women and is identified during prenatal screenings. It is a temporary condition.
Stages of Diabetes
Medical professionals recognize four stages of type 2 diabetes.
- Insulin resistance
- Prediabetes
- Type 2 diabetes
- Type 2 diabetes with complications
Insulin resistance
Insulin resistance means the target cells, such as the fat tissue, the liver and muscle cells are unable to respond to insulin.When these cells can’t use glucose for energy, glucose remains in the bloodstream longer. Elevated glucose long term can lead to prediabetes.
The next stage is when Type 2 diabetes is diagnosed and the final stage is when damage occurs to the vascular system and other organs.
What can you do?
Fortunately many risk factors for type 2 diabetes can be addressed with lifestyle and behavior modifications. These modifiable risk factors include: smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity,nutrition and being overweight.
Health coaching
A health coach is not involved in the treating, curing or diagnosing of diabetes. However they are trained to provide education, behavior change, and dietary habit guidance to help you make lifestyle and behavior modifications with regards to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
Contact me for more information.