World Diabetes Day - Awareness

World Diabetes Day - Awareness

Diabetes Is A Health Crisis

Diabetes has evolved into a formidable health crisis, characterized by a surge in prevalence and its far-reaching impact on global well-being. The relentless rise in sedentary lifestyles, coupled with diets high in processed sugars and unhealthy fats, has fueled an alarming increase in diabetes cases worldwide. Beyond the individual burden of managing the condition, diabetes imposes a substantial economic strain on healthcare systems, diverting resources that could be allocated to other pressing health issues.

Moreover, the ripple effects of diabetes extend beyond the realm of physical health, influencing mental and emotional well-being. The constant need for vigilant self-care, coupled with the potential complications of the disease, places a significant mental health burden on those affected. As the prevalence of diabetes continues to escalate, addressing this crisis necessitates comprehensive strategies that span public health initiatives, lifestyle education, and innovative medical interventions.

 

American Diabetes Chart

 Image and Info HERE - read the full report

 

The projection of diabetes numbers soaring to 60 million by 2060 paints a stark picture of an impending public health challenge. This ominous surge signifies not only the expanding scale of the diabetes epidemic but also the urgency for proactive measures. Without effective intervention, this trajectory could strain healthcare systems, burden economies, and, most importantly, compromise the well-being of millions. Urgent efforts are required to implement widespread awareness campaigns, promote healthier lifestyle choices, and invest in innovative healthcare solutions to curb this alarming ascent and pave the way for a healthier future.

 

 Other side effects of diabetes

The insidious impact of diabetes on nerve and blood flow systems underscores the critical importance of vigilant attention to these often overlooked yet consequential aspects of health.

Preventing diabetes hinges on cultivating a culture of proactive health measures. Encouraging regular physical activity, maintaining a balanced diet rich in whole foods, and minimizing the consumption of processed sugars are pivotal in thwarting the onset of diabetes. Public health initiatives that focus on educating communities about the link between lifestyle choices and diabetes risk can be instrumental. Additionally, routine health check-ups and screenings for early detection of prediabetic conditions can empower individuals to take timely action. By fostering a holistic approach that integrates both individual responsibility and community-wide awareness, we can significantly mitigate the risk and prevalence of diabetes, steering towards a healthier and more resilient society.

 

Health Care Cost

The healthcare burden of diabetes is staggering, both in terms of human suffering and economic strain. Managing diabetes involves a lifelong commitment to medications, regular check-ups, and often intricate interventions to prevent complications. This constant demand for medical attention not only places a substantial burden on individuals but also strains healthcare systems globally. The skyrocketing medical costs associated with diabetes, from prescription medications to hospitalizations, escalate the economic toll on both patients and healthcare providers. As the prevalence of diabetes continues to rise, there's an imperative need for innovative strategies to contain healthcare expenses, ensure accessibility to essential treatments, and alleviate the financial burden on individuals and societies alike.

 

 Health Care Burden of Diabetes and Medication

Diabetes affects both women and men, emphasizing the equal significance of gender-aware health strategies in addressing the diverse challenges posed by this widespread condition.

 

Male Female Ratio

 

To learn if you or someone you know may be at risk for developing type 2 diabetes, take a simple 60-second, 7-question risk test here at the American Diabetes Association website.

Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes is so common in the US that it has become the next biggest epidemic in the country. It’s no shocking news hearing this because we come across this a lot in the recent years. More than 34.2 million Americans have diabetes and about 90-95% of them have Type 2 diabetes. Usually Type 2 diabetes is common amongst people above the age of 45 but recently more children, teens and young adults too are developing it.

For a chronic condition that is so common, let us throw some light on what exactly causes Type 2 diabetes.

 

High Blood Sugar

Why?

The pancreas in your body secretes a hormone called insulin. This hormone is the key that let’s blood sugar into the cells of your body and use that as energy. If a person suffers from Type 2 diabetes, the cells in their body do not respond to this insulin; this is known as insulin resistance. So, the pancreas tries to generate more insulin to get the cells to respond, but eventually it won’t be able to keep up. This leads to a rise in sugar levels, setting the stage for prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes.

 

How is this bad? 

High blood sugar levels can cause serious damage to your body via health problems like vision loss, heart attack and kidney failure. This condition can silently develop in your body over the years and can even go unnoticed at times. So, it’s best to get your sugar levels checked regularly by your doctor.

 diabetes doctor visit

 

Eat Healthy

You are what you eat – this statement goes well in general but specifically goes well for diabetics. When you eat right, your body restructures the nutrients and pushes to bring regularity back on track. That’s the power of eating right. However, it’s key to have a close tab on what you put in your body, take note of the healthy diet changes you make and how you feel better. This way you’ll know which food to put on your plate to understand what works and what doesn’t. And diet changes not only make your body healthy but can improve your mental health too.

Also, this is important so please make note. Out of the three macronutrients in our body – carbs, protein and fat – the first one has the greatest impact on blood sugar levels. This is because the body breaks carbs down into glucose and increases insulin levels.

eat more veggies 

So what diet is the best?

Low-carb diet – a pretty obvious one, given the reason before. There are many studies stating that a low-carb diet is helpful to treat diabetes. And what’s better? When diabetics stick to this diet for a long time (we’re talking years here), it considerably helps restore the blood sugar levels, reduces risk of critical conditions and helps manage weight too.

So, if you opt for this diet, your go-to foods must be fresh or frozen fruit and vegetables, whole grain foods, lean meats, and low-fat or fat-free dairy.

At all cost should you avoid high saturated fat foods!

High saturated fat and cholesterol consumption pose a heightened threat to individuals with diabetes, exacerbating the risk of cardiovascular complications. Elevated levels of these dietary components contribute to arterial plaque buildup, compromising blood flow and increasing the likelihood of heart disease—a particularly formidable concern for those already grappling with the intricate management of diabetes. Prioritizing a heart-healthy diet, low in saturated fats and cholesterol, becomes pivotal in safeguarding the overall well-being of individuals navigating the delicate balance of diabetes management.

 low-carb diet

And what about sweets?

Sweets can be tricky when you’re living with diabetes. For any diabetic, sweets are a big No-No. Especially when one follows the recommended Low-carb diet, it is advised to avoid sweets, baked goods, desserts, candy and ice cream. But little do doctors know about how much a diabetic craves for sweet goodies when we are asked to avoid for life. And if at all you give in to their cravings, you are left feeling guilty for doing so. So, how can you satisfy your craving while also not affecting your health?

 dessert vs. fruits

The answer is…

Giving up sugar can be quite daunting. Sometimes low-carb desserts that don’t mess up your blood sugar are a better option and luckily, we, at Planet Bake, have delicious and diabetic-friendly sweets that you can eat guilt-free.

To put more perspective on it we at Planet Bake use a FDA natural sweetener in our products that is called Allulose. Allulose Sweetener has zero glycemic index, meaning no effect on your blood sugar levels. Research shows even when Allulose is consumed with sugar, the curve will be lower than eating pure sugar by itself - that means Allulose shows a reversed impact and can actually help type 2 diabetes people with high blood sugar levels. For more clarity please read our research done on Allulose.

We understand how important health is for you and that’s why we put our heart into making scrumptious and tasty baked goods using ingredients that are low-carb, dairy-free, egg-free, gluten-free, sugar-free, keto-friendly and certified non-GMO ingredients – everything that satisfies your health and your sugar cravings.

Check out our range of products here and indulge in sweet treats while also enjoying a long, healthy life.