As a personal wellbeing specialist, I’ve had the privilege of speaking at various health and wellness events, including one on diabetes mellitus. Diabetes is a growing concern worldwide, and it’s essential to understand its causes, prevention strategies, and management techniques. In this article, I’ll share insights on diabetes, its types, and the role of autophagy in managing its symptoms.
Diabetes is a cellular degeneration disease that leads to metabolic disorders; it particularly destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are involved in significant loss of these cells, resulting in high blood sugar levels.
As an advocate of preventive healthcare, I would focus on the upstream approaches to tackle the growing epidemic of diabetes, addressing root causes and preventive measures to mitigate its impact.
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First, it is important to note that no one is immune to diabetes, and while genetics play a role, other factors like socioeconomic conditions, obesity, body composition, and access to good healthcare can contribute to its development. This is why, statistically, it seems diabetes is more prevalent amongst Black people than others. What struck me the most is the impact of diabetes on several organs of the body, including the kidneys, causing kidney damage that seems to be on the rise lately. It is a major cause of chronic kidney disease and kidney failure. This happens when high sugar levels damage the tiny blood vessels in the kidney, reducing their ability to filter waste from the blood.
Aside from nephropathy, which is also known as kidney damage, diabetes causes significant damage to various organs and systems in the body, leading to a range of complications. Some other potential effects of diabetes on the body include:
Neuropathy is another type of damage to the nerves due to high blood sugar levels which leads to numbness, tingling or pain, particularly in the hands and feet. It also affects the autonomic nerves, leading to digestive problems, sexual dysfunction and bladder control issues.
Retinopathy is caused by the damage diabetes does to the blood vessels in the retina, leading to vision problems including blindness if left untreated. Diabetic retinopathy is a leading cause of blindness in adults. In fact, research has linked the causality of glaucoma to diabetes mellitus at a certain age bracket.
Heart and blood vessel disease: diabetes also increases the risk of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke because it can damage blood vessels and nerves that control the heart. High blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels and nerves that control the heart.
Foot damage: All these nerve damages and poor blood flow can lead to foot ulcers, infections, and, in severe cases, amputation. Therefore, foot care is crucial for people with diabetes to prevent complications. High blood sugar levels can also slow down the healing process for wounds and cuts.
Skin conditions: Recently, I watched a few people talk on social media about fungi acne. Telling people why certain acne products may not be effective on their type of acne due to its nature and root cause. Diabetes can cause skin problems like bacterial and fungal infections, itching, and dry skin.
Hearing loss: Studies have shown that people with diabetes are more likely to experience hearing loss compared to those without diabetes. After all, every organ of the body is made up of cells. When high blood sugar affects the cells, even hearing may be impacted.
Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive decline: Since a cell is the smallest unit of the body, one can only imagine nothing is spared with diabetes. Some research suggests a link between diabetes and an increased risk of cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease, often referred to as “type 3 diabetes”.
Mental Health Issues: The stress of managing diabetes, along with the physical effects of the disease, can lead to mental health issues like depression and anxiety.
Interestingly, most types of diabetes are reversible except Type 1, which is an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing beta cells. Its management involves insulin therapy, lifestyle changes, and monitoring blood sugar levels.
In a nutshell, managing diabetes effectively through lifestyle changes, medication, and regular monitoring can help reduce the risk of these complications and improve overall health. Lifestyle choices significantly impact diabetes development and management. A diet high in processed foods, sugar, and unhealthy fats can contribute to insulin resistance and increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. On the other hand, a balanced diet rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins can help regulate blood sugar levels and improve overall health.
Regular physical activity is also crucial in preventing and managing diabetes. Exercise can help improve insulin sensitivity, reduce blood pressure, and promote weight loss. Even moderate-intensity activities like brisk walking, cycling, or swimming can have a significant impact when done consistently.
Autophagy may also be a key player in diabetes management. Autophagy is a natural process in which cells recycle and remove damaged or dysfunctional components, including proteins and organelles. This process helps maintain cellular homeostasis and promote cellular renewal. Recent research has highlighted the importance of autophagy in managing diabetes symptoms.
In diabetes, autophagy plays a critical role in regulating insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism. When autophagy is impaired, it can contribute to insulin resistance and beta-cell dysfunction, exacerbating diabetes symptoms. On the other hand, enhancing autophagy has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity, reduce inflammation, and promote beta-cell survival.
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Fortunately, there are several ways to enhance autophagy and potentially improve diabetes management:
Fasting: Fasting has been shown to induce autophagy, improving insulin sensitivity and reducing inflammation. Intermittent fasting has been found to have beneficial effects on glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity.
Exercise: Regular exercise can stimulate autophagy, improving insulin sensitivity and reducing inflammation. Both aerobic and resistance exercises have been found to have beneficial effects on autophagy and glucose metabolism.
Diet: A diet rich in antioxidants, polyphenols, and omega-3 fatty acids can support autophagy and improve insulin sensitivity. Foods like green tea, curcumin, and berries have been found to have autophagy-enhancing properties.
Stress Management: Chronic stress can impair autophagy, while stress-reducing activities like meditation, Pilates and intentional rest can help promote autophagy.
Diabetes is a complex disease that requires a comprehensive approach to management. By understanding the causes of diabetes and incorporating lifestyle modifications like a balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress management, individuals can reduce their risk of developing diabetes or manage its symptoms effectively. Additionally, enhancing autophagy through fasting, exercise, and a supportive diet can potentially improve insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism.
As a wellbeing specialist, my goal is to empower individuals with the knowledge and tools they need to take control of their health. By staying informed and adopting healthy habits, we can reduce the risk of diabetes and improve our overall well-being. Let’s prioritise our health and take proactive steps towards preventing and managing diabetes.
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Therefore, if you’re at risk of diabetes or living with the condition, consider the following recommendations: Consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new diet or exercise program, incorporate autophagy-enhancing activities like fasting, exercise, and stress management into your daily routine, focus on whole, nutrient-dense foods while avoiding processed and high-sugar foods, stay hydrated and get enough sleep to support overall health and wellbeing. By working together, we can reduce the burden of diabetes and promote a healthier, more vibrant life for all.
Take a few minutes to reflect on what you will quickly do to improve your health and reduce your chances of being highly susceptible to the debilitating disease called diabetes.
Please share your feedback via email to oopaleye@gmail.com. Olayinka Opaleye is a Personal Well-being Specialist and Corporate Wellness Strategist. You can also reach her at +2348100371304 or by visiting www.linkedin.com/in/olayinkaopaleye.
