Metabolic Disorder: Diabetes

Proper metabolic function is our body converting food into energy without any disorders, interruptions or delays. Abnormal metabolic function is when this process is disrupted by too many needed substances (or toxins) or a deficiency of needed substances, which can lead to a diseased body. Diabetes is a result of continuous abnormal metabolic function. Unfortunately, this disease is well known amongst most of us through family members, friends and even ourselves. This chronic illness has impacted the lives of millions of Americans with the highest diagnosis of diabetes in Black Americans at 12.4% from 2017 to 2020. This is an epidemic disparity since the overall population of Black Americans is statically lower than White Americans (their average rate of diagnosis was 11% during the referenced time period).  Many people diagnosed with diabetes have had to become more intentional in making healthier eating choices to others relying on synthetic insulin and other medications to live. So, what is Diabetes? What causes it? And why are so many people being affected by it? Let’s take a brief journey down the path of Diabetes.

Diabetes, as you may know, takes different forms which are Prediabetes, Type 1 and Type 2. While we intend to discuss each one in this article, we will focus on the ones that are directly connected to metabolism which are Prediabetes and Type 2 Diabetes.

Type 1 Diabates.

This form of diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the pancreas produces little to no insulin to the body because of the immune system’s attack on the pancreas. Usually, this is diagnosed early in life and that’s the reason for its common name ‘juvenile diabetes’. This type of diabetes is considered unpreventable because it’s an autoimmune condition.

Prediabetes.

While prediabetes is technically not a disease, it is a precursor for Type 2 Diabetes and needs to be taken seriously. In a healthy body, food is converted into a simple form of sugar (or energy) in the blood, this is called glucose. The pancreas releases a hormone called insulin to regulate the influx of glucose by telling the cells to open and receive this energy and uses it for proper metabolic function. In a prediabetic body, the glucose level is too high and overworking the pancreas’ production of insulin. Eventually, the cells don’t receive this glucose anymore, which causes high glucose levels (aka blood sugar) and the overworked pancreas gets tired of making unused insulin, so it slows down or stops altogether. This is also known as insulin resistance, interchangeably called “prediabetes”. 

When we eat too many simple carbohydrates such as bread, pasta, sugary sweets (cookies, pastries) and white potatoes, without a balance of proteins and fibers, this can produce an insulin resistant environment in our body. Prediabetes (insulin resistance) is completely preventable but doesn’t always come with symptoms. Some people may experience fatigue, dark marks on the back of the neck or armpits or frequent urination but it’s not a guarantee. It’s vital to be informed of the normal metabolic function, which is to receive food, digest it and absorb it and be properly stabilized and energized from it. Anything outside of that needs awareness drawn to it. If you feel tired or sluggish after a meal, analyze your plate. Were there too many simple carbohydrates without enough protein, fiber or healthy fats? If you got a boost of energy from a pastry but feel hungry shortly after, was that proper fuel for your body? If you are sedentary, do you make time for at least 30 minutes of body movement/exercise at least 5 times a week so the energy from the food you consume is being used adequately? Are you eliminating waste in healthy form or rate? These questions are great to ask yourself so you can become aware of normal vs. abnormal metabolic function. It’s also great to have a primary care doctor to conduct a basal metabolic test to detect any abnormalities as well. Weight gain in the form of body fat is also a major and very common sign of abnormal metabolic function.

Type 2 Diabates.

This form of diabetes is a manifested disease and is the result of unchecked insulin resistance/prediabetes. At this point, the pancreas cannot regulate blood sugar and people with this disease must take insulin or another form of medication to help this regulation. People with this form of diabetes also need to monitor their sugar intake. Monitoring sugar intake leads to also monitoring weight gain and controlling it properly, usually people diagnosed with this form of diabetes are over their normal BMI (Body Mass Index) but that’s not always the case.

People diagnosed with diabetes can reverse this disease with diligence, mindfulness, and overall changed behavior. This disease is a metabolic disorder, that means food choices are a direct cause of the disease. By removing refined sugars, artificial/processed foods and other simple carbohydrates as well as incorporating consistent exercises that promotes fat loss, people living with diabetes will put themselves on track to significantly reducing symptoms and potentially reversing the disease altogether. This strategy along with incorporating herbs like moringa and cinnamon (and many other herbs/spices) can help manage and stabilize blood sugar levels. This statement depends on the individual though and is an informed opinion and not medical advice. 

All this information taken in, we have a special treat to add to it: a testimony from an inspirational vessel who has been diagnosed with diabetes. Enjoy.

Citations.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “National Diabetes Statistics Report.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2024, www.cdc.gov/diabetes/php/data-research/index.html.

Cleveland Clinic. “Type 1 Diabetes.” Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, 9 Mar. 2022, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21500-type-1-diabetes.

Cleveland Clinic. “Prediabetes: What Is It, Who’s at Risk, Symptoms, Can It Be Reversed.” Cleveland Clinic, 8 Nov. 2023, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21498-prediabetes.

De Filippis, Eleanna . “What Is Insulin Resistance? A Mayo Clinic Expert Explains.” Mayo Clinic, 18 Aug. 2022, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/obesity/multimedia/vid-20536756.