Type 1 vs Type 2 Diabetes
(Special Mention to Gestational Diabetes)
This month Jaz from Jaz Culinary talks about diabetes. Enjoy!
More than 100,000 Australians have developed diabetes in the past year, so it’s a growing issue in Australia that needs to be addressed. It is super important to consume food that aims to reduce the growing epidemic of Type 2 Diabetes since it is a lifestyle disease that can be prevented. Lots of high fibre, heart- healthy, low GI, lean meats, healthy fats and fresh fruit and vegetables. All diets should include a widespread variety of different foods, but especially those with diabetes in order to prevent it and maintain it.
What is Diabetes?
There are three main types of diabetes, Type 1, Type 2 & Gestational diabetes. Diabetes means that your body cannot maintain healthy levels of glucose (an energy source in the form of sugars) in the blood or cannot produce insulin (Type 1 Diabetes). Type 2 Diabetes means that your body does not respond well to insulin, which accounts for 85% of all diabetes. Long term risks of diabetes if not treated can include blindness, amputations, and heart disease.
Facts about Diabetes:
- 280 Australians develop diabetes every day. That’s one person every five minutes!
- More than 100,000 Australians have developed diabetes in the past year
- Type 1 is an autoimmune condition; it cannot be prevented and there is no cure. The cause of type 1 diabetes is still unknown.
- Type 2 diabetes is caused by lifestyle and CAN be prevented.
- People with diabetes can have sugar! Diabetes effects blood glucose levels, so the overall assumption is that sugar cannot be eaten. But with a balanced diet, desserts and sweets can be eaten.
- Type 2 Diabetes is hereditary, so you may need to be more careful with lifestyle choices if it is in your family
Are you at risk?
Check if you are at risk with this Diabetes risk calculator from Diabetes Australia;
https://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/risk-calculator