Are you on a suger overload?

Diabetes is when too much glucose (sugar) is in the blood because the pancreas cannot make enough insulin. Insulin has the function of transporting glucose from the blood into cells, where it can be used for energy. People with Type 2 diabetes still make insulin however it the body is resistant to its affects or the production is sluggish.
 

Becoming overweight is almost always the cause of the body becoming resistant to insulin and can trigger Type 2 diabetes. 
When you are young, it’s easy to think you are immune, but it is an increasingly common problem in younger people too. 
The risk is higher if you are of Maori or Pacific Island heritage or have a family history.
 

So what’s so bad about diabetes? It is the complications that can result if it is not controlled. Uncontrolled diabetes can cause kidney disease, nerve damage and blindness. The good news is though that if you have diabetes and keep your blood sugar and blood pressure at healthy levels, you are less likely to develop serious complications.

Eating lots of sugar does not give you diabetes, but it can increase your risk by promoting weight gain. The national NZ Nutrition Survey completed in 1997 showed the average NZ intake of sugar to be 20% of our total energy requirements – more than what is recommended. 
 

The good news is you can prevent Type 2 diabetes by living a healthy lifestyle.   Reducing high fat, high sugar foods in your diet, exercise regularly, and maintaining a healthy weight are all key to good health and will also reduce your risk of becoming part of the diabetes epidemic.

So eat well, and live well and your health will thank you for it!