Diabetes is a metabolic disorder that affects the blood sugar level in the body. The body is unable to process glucose, and so the level in the blood becomes abnormally high.
How does the body process sugar?
The body needs nutrients to grow and develop. The nutrients are found in the food that we eat, and the primary nutrients are carbohydrate, fat, vitamins, proteins, and minerals.
Carbohydrate is composed of starch and sugar. The digestion of starch begins in the mouth where saliva is produced when you chew on the food. This saliva contains an enzyme called amylase that starts to break down the starch and sugar into a smaller form called glucose.
The digestive process of sugar continues in the small intestine where all the sugar molecules are broken down into smaller units which the body is now ready to absorb into the blood stream and then into the body cells.
The body contains an organ called the pancreas that produces the hormone insulin. This hormone controls the glucose in the blood stream. When the sugar level in the blood is high, it triggers the pancreas to produce insulin that remove the glucose from the blood and send it to the muscle, fat, and liver where it is stored for future use.
What happened when the body does not produce insulin?
If your body does not produce insulin the glucose level in the blood will increase and this will result in many adverse effects in the body. The increased glucose in the blood is called diabetes from a Creek word meaning siphon.
There are different types of diabetes.
- Type 1 Diabetes – The body does not produce insulin. This kind of diabetes usually affects people in childhood or at an early age. These patients will be dependent on insulin injection and will have to test their blood glucose level continually.
- Type 2 Diabetes – Although the body produced insulin it is not enough to remove all the glucose from the blood or the cells in the body are resistant to insulin. About 90% of all diabetes is type 2. This sort of diabetes can be controlled by maintaining proper weight, proper nutrition and exercise. Patients need to monitor their blood glucose level. However, if these patients do not adequately look after themselves the disease will get progressively worst.
- Gestational Diabetes – During pregnancy, some women may have an increased level of glucose in their blood and their bodies do not produce enough insulin to regulate it. This type of diabetes is usually diagnosed during pregnancy and in most cases can be controlled by diet and exercise. The body usually reverts to normal after the baby is born but in some instances, the diabetes persists.
Symptoms of Diabetes
The symptoms of diabetes are weight loss without a cause, increase thirst, frequent urination, tiredness, blurred vision, nausea, and vomiting. In extreme cases, the breath may smell of acetone, and there is increase ventilation.
Complication of Diabetes if not treated.
If you are diagnosed with Diabetes and you ignore it, neglect your medication and refuse to take care of your body, several harmful effects can occur in your body.
- Eye disease such as glaucoma or cataract
- If cuts or bruises on the upper and lower limbs are not treated immediately, it may lead to ulcers, infection, gangrene and amputation.
- Hypertension ad heart problems.
- Mental health and stroke
- Gum diseases
- Erectile dysfunction or male impotence.
- Kidney disease
Treatment of Diabetes
Exercise, diet, medication and insulin injection.
Regular monitoring of blood sugar level.
Taking care of your self
If you are diagnosed with diabetes, do not ignore it. You will need to control it or else it will control you.
Many Christians who are diagnosed with an illness tend to ignore it and claimed that God has healed them.
Of course, the Lord will heal your diseases, but your healing can only happen by faith, not by fear. When you ignore it and pretend that you do not have it, you are operating in fear.
Denying your disease is not the answer. You need first to educate yourself thoroughly about the illness and how to care for your body.
Obedience is better than sacrifice. Therefore, obeying the doctor and taking your medication plus frequent follow up with your doctor will prevent diabetes complication such as amputation and hospitalization.
Take special care of your body. You will need to maintain excellent personal hygiene and ensure that look after your feet. It is advisable that diabetic patients have their toe nails cut by a nurse or medical care giver to avoid bruising your toes. Patients need to wear comfortable shoes and avoid walking barefoot.
Your feet sometimes suffer from poor blood circulation that is exacerbated with diabetes. Ensure that you check your feet daily for any cuts or bruises. Before retiring to bed wash your feet with warm water and massage them with oil.
Patients must maintain a healthy diet and have regular exercises. Eat less salt, fat and sugar and more fruits, vegetables, and fiber. They should try to avid mental stress and live a peaceful life.
Diabetic patients that contracted minor illnesses and bruises must receive medical attention immediately.
Avoid alcohol use and do not smoke as these will lead to cardiovascular diseases such as stroke and heart attack.
Ensure that your spouse and family are educated about your illness. They can help to encourage you and build your self-esteem. Most male patients are reluctant to visit the doctor or clinic, but their wives can be very supportive by accompanying them to the clinics.
Visit your doctor and diabetic clinic regularly to check your health.
Always speak positively and prophesy the word of God over your body from head to toe. Build up your spiritual life by developing a close relationship with God. As you become healthy, spiritually it will manifest in your physical body.
The Lord wants you to be prosperous and in good health even as your soul prospers. (3 John 2)
References
Becoming the Oil and Wine 
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