Type 1 Vs. Type 2
Type 1 diabetes is generally results from our genes. This is usually the most common form found in children, although type 2diabetes is starting to rise in young people. In the type 1 variety, our immune system is the cause of the problem, as it affects our insulin-making cells so we can’t regulate our blood sugars ourselves. Type 2 diabetes sounds quite similar in that our body reduces the amount of insulin it makes, or our cells can’t process what we do make. But the second variety is usually caused by our diets and lifestyle, meaning we’re more likely to get it if we’re overweight and eat poorly. This makes our food very important in both conditions, as we need to preserve our health as much as possible and keep our bodies in balance.
Why nuts
Nuts and legumes are packed full of nutrients and research shows diabetics who included lentils, beans and chick peas in their meals cut their heart disease rates and also lowered their blood pressure. Heart problems have been linked with the condition and we need to be extra careful to avoid high blood pressure if we have diabetes, to reduce the risks of getting strokes and kidney problems. Unsalted nuts, whether they are raw, dry/roasted, also have protective effects on our wellness as they can reduce our blood pressure and LDL cholesterol, which is the ‘bad’ kind. The fibre and omega 3 oils in nuts also have all-round health benefits, helping us to feel full up for longer and supplying us with oils that reduce cancer, heart disease and arthritis.