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| Disease
Conditions |
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Diabetes
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Diabetes is a disease condition that the body does not produce or properly use insulin, a hormone needed to convert glucose, carbohydrates and others into energy needed for daily life. There are two major types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2, both types cause blood sugar levels higher than normal. However, their mechanisms causing diabetes are different. Type 1 diabetes (insulin-dependent diabetes or juvenile diabetes) is attributed from the inability of the pancreas to produce the hormone insulin. It happens probably because the person's own immune system jeopardizes the insulin producing cells in the pancreas. However, Type 2 diabetes (non-insulin-dependent diabetes or adult-onset diabetes) is different from type 1 diabetes, where this type diabetes are due to the inability of human body to respond to insulin normally, even though they produce insulin. The cause of diabetes (II) is yet to be elucidated in detail, even though there are data suggesting that both genetics and environmental factors such as obesity and lack of exercise may play roles. As mentioned above, Type 1 diabetes may be unavoidable, if the genetic factors are involved and insulin producing cells are already damaged beyond natural repair. However, Type 2 diabetes do not occur in same type and age of diabetic patient, meaning onset and progress of the disease are variable depending on subjects who lead their life style in unhealthy or healthy way. The major risk factors leading to type-II diabetes can be age, race, obesity, physical inactivity and an unbalanced diet. A lot of preventive and treatment choices are available for minimizing the risk factors of Diabetes and its related disease. |
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Research Information & Practical Approaches |
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As discussed, a healthy control of glucose concentrations in blood may be beneficial to diabetes.
In practical and nutritional perspectives, there are a couple of things you can do.
* Practice a balanced and healthy diet with appropriate level of glucose intake (e.g., herb, fruits, vegetables, nuts ), and check your blood sugar levels regularly.
* Maintain your body weight and shape at healthy levels (e.g., check your BMI index) via doing a regular exercise (e.g., at least 15-30 min daily) appropriate to your health conditions.
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An
example of bio-active compounds investigated in Dr.
Park's laboratory
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