We are all mostly aware of the chronic health conditions around the globe. Diabetes Milletus is one of the highly effected chronic illness that has effected all the age groups. Approximately 500 million adults globally have been effected with Diabetes Milletus. There are many types of Diabetes Milletus:
Type 1 diabetes milletus
Type 2 diabetes milletus
Gestational diabetes
Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young (MODY)
Neonatal diabetes milletus (NDM)
There are still many more types of diabetes milletus depending on the genes, other chronic and acute diseases. Major environmental and lifestyle influences become a target to Diabetic conditions. Stress, working conditions (industrial areas), pollution, work timings, eating hours, skipped meals, mental health, anxiety are all external factors that trigger one’s genetic codes. There is always an evolution in our genetic engineering depending on our lifestyle and family backgrounds. Diabetes is one of those chronic diseases that is stimulated by this genetic manipulation from an external trigger.
DRUGS
The general drugs used to treat diabetes are Insulin, Sulfonylureas, biguanides, GLP 1 receptor agonists, DPP IV inhibitors, SGL T2 inhibitors. As the drugs help in lower the blood sugar levels, curb the actions of glucagon, help kidneys release excess sugar, lowers the release of glucose from the liver.
As the drugs definetely help with improving the health, they do have a fair share of side effects to them (especially the biguanides Metformin). The drugs have an ability to inhibit the absorption of certain vitamins-minerals. Because, most of these drugs have a negative effect on the gastrointestinal health. And some essential vitamins and minerals like Vit B12, D, A, K, E, Calcium, Folic acid. Though most of the nutrients are absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract, especially Vit B12 absorption is effected. As the absorption of Vit B12 starts from the stomach and when the drugs cause a disturbance in the gastric lining, few enzymes and acids that are essential for the metabolism of the nutrients are interrupted.
DEFICIENCIES
And hence the drug pathway is one major reason for causing deficiencies of vitamins especially vit B12 and folic acid in people suffering from Diabetes. How can we improve the deficient conditions in people taking treatment for diabetes?
Always take prescribes supplements for Vitamin B12 and Folic acid.
Calcium supplements also improve the absorption of vitamin B12.
Consume more foods that are Folic acid and Vitamin B12 rich (leafy greens, meat, eggs, legumes, beans, soy tofu, dairy products).
Increase the consumption of fermented foods (ferment your batters, fermented natural foods).
Try to decrease the dosage of your drugs.
Manage your diet and lifestyle essentially and try to depend less on your drugs.
Always keep your gut healthy and get the right treatment at the right time for your stomach and intestines.
Consume less canned products, readymade pick ups, outside foods to avoid food poisoning.
Probiotics might also help few people to keep the gut healthy and to improve nutrient absorption.
Stay hydrated always, practice a fitness routine, increase fiberous foods.
Above information will help you manage your health better while managing your diabetic conditions.
Author Manisha B K Clinical Nutritionist, Writer Certified Yoga Trainer
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