The pancreas, an endocrine gland, produces one of the body’s most important hormones, insulin. Insulin lowers blood sugar levels by allowing cells to accept glucose (sugar) for use as energy. In individuals with diabetes, the pancreas cannot produce insulin. The lack of insulin in the body raises blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia), which can lead to kidney problems, liver problems, vascular disease coma or even death.

Type I Classification

The majority of individuals with Type I diabetes develop the disease as children. Diabetes develops because the lost beta cells in the Islets of Langerhans within the pancreas prohibit insulin production. Individuals with Type I diabetes must be on the lookout for skin disorders, nerve damage in the feet, eye care and maintain good dental health.

Type II Classification

Individuals with Type II diabetes develop the disease through a combination of genetics, poor diet and lack of exercise. The pancreas releases insulin to lower blood sugar levels. Excess fat around the muscles can block the absorption of glucose, making the body insulin-resistant. The glucose remains in the bloodstream, raising blood sugar levels and causing the pancreas to release more insulin. The cycle continues until the body becomes completely immune to the effects of insulin.

Type I Prevention/Solution

Since the beta cells no longer produce insulin, the body must get it from other sources to survive. Insulin cannot be taken orally, as it would be broken down during digestion. Without insulin, the body cannot use glucose for energy; therefore, insulin must be injected into the fat under the skin. Most insulin injections are made from synthetic sources, and a few are made from pigs. Extreme cases can be treated with insulin pumps. Pumps deliver insulin through a catheter placed under the skin.

Type II Prevention/Solution

Type II diabetes develops from insulin resistance. Insulin sensitivity can be restored with modest weight loss; as little as 10 to 15 lbs. can make a difference. Over 90 percent of individuals who lose weight and keep it off do it through a combination of diet and exercise. Until insulin sensitivity is restored, individuals with Type II diabetes may have to take insulin injections.

Misconceptions

Diabetics are no more likely to get the common cold and flu than any other individual. Colds raise blood sugar levels and can be dangerous for diabetics; diabetes does not affect the immune system and is not contagious. Diabetes does not create athersclerosis (hardening of the arteries). However, an obese Type II diabetic is at a greater risk of atherosclerosis than the rest of the population.

Electrolytes are essential elements found in the foods we eat. When you work out or get sick, you lose electrolytes faster than you replace them. Essential elements like potassium and sodium, and to a lesser degree magnesium and calcium, are needed for the body to function properly. In most cases you can replace these elements by consuming the right foods and drinks.

Instructions

1. Add a pinch of salt to 8 oz. of water and drink it slowly. If you’re sick or you’ve worked out for more than 40 minutes, this is a quick way to get sodium to absorb into your system.
2. Eat a banana to replace lost potassium electrolytes. Pack one and take it with you to the gym. Drink a glass of water with it to help with absorption and digestion. You can also slice up some watermelon and eat it when your energy level starts to dip. Watermelon combats dehydration and is also high in potassium.
3. Pick up a sports drink if you want to replace lost electrolytes quickly. Look for an isotonic sports drink with a higher carbohydrate count, like PowerBar drink or Lucozade Sport for long workouts. Try a hypotonic, low-carb sports drink like AriZona Hypotonic Performance Sports Drink if you’re feeling especially dehydrated, nauseous or tired, as it absorbs even faster than an isotonic drink. If you’re working out for more than a couple of hours or exercising in excessive heat, choose a hypertonic sports drink (contains more carbohydrates than the others) like Ultra or Original Lucozade.
4. Save money and make your own sports drink to replace lost electrolytes. Add 1/4 tsp. salt, 1/4 tsp. baking soda, 1/2 cup orange juice, 2 tbsp. sugar and mix with 1 liter of water. Don’t skip any of the ingredients–the orange juice may seem like too much sugar but it actually replaces lost potassium.
5. Hit your local sporting goods store and pick up a sports gel or an electrolyte strip that dissolves under your tongue. Gatorade, Enlyten and Innozen are examples of popular brands. Check the ingredients to make sure you’re getting plenty of potassium and a small does of sodium.
6. Find natural coconut water at a health foods store and drink it. Coconut water is refreshing, hydrating and it provides you with a hearty dose of potassium.
7. Replace magnesium by eating broccoli, tofu, halibut or spinach. Get a quick calcium boost by eating a cup of yogurt, 2 oz. of low-fat cheese or a glass of milk.

Tips & Warnings

If you experience extreme symptoms of electrolyte imbalance such as confusion or a prolonged irregular heartbeat, see your doctor immediately.