Metabolic syndrome prevention & management

Definition and criteria of diabetes

• Diabetes is a disease of metabolism which is characterized by too much sugar in the blood and urine.

Pathogenesis of diabetes

• Insulin is needed to move glucose into the cells so the body can use it for energy.
• When the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, or when insulin is unable to work adequately, sugar levels go up in the blood and then spill into urine.

Risk factors of diabetes

Symptoms of diabetes

Complications of diabetes

Diabetic hypoglycemia

• Hypoglycemia is defined as blood sugar below 70 mg/dL.
• Taking too much insulin or diabetes medications can lead to hypoglycemia.
• Symptoms of diabetic hypoglycemia include shakiness, fast heartbeats, dizziness, headache, anxiety, hunger, blurry vision, weakness, convulsion/seizure, unconsciousness, etc.
• Need to eat or drink one-half cup of juice or soft drink, one spoon of sugar, or one carton of yogurt to treat diabetic hypoglycemia.
• Always carry something (such as candy) to treat low blood sugar and some form of diabetes identification (medical identification necklace or bracelet).

Prevention and management of diabetes

Diet management

Strategies to lower sugar intake

• Eat fresh vegetables, grains, or fishes, and avoid processed foods.
• Compare labels of similar products and choose the one with the lowest amount of sugar.
• Choose high-fiber complex sugars and avoid simple sugar (sugar powder, honey, candy, or chocolate).
• Drink black coffee or mineral water instead of soda.
• Be aware that sugar-free foods may also contain sweeteners (fructose or liquid glucose) which should be avoided.

Best foods for diabetes

Foods to avoid in diabetes

Exercise management

Effects of exercise on high blood glucose

• Regular exercise helps lower blood sugar by burning up calories and prevent complications of diabetes.
• The effect of a single bout of exercise on blood sugar level can last from 12-72 hours.

Exercise to prevent and manage high blood glucose

Proper exercise according to blood glucose level

Blood glucose monitoring/hypoglycemic agents

Self-monitoring of blood glucose

Hypoglycemic agents

• If blood glucose levels stay high, take insulin or hypoglycemic agents.