Diabetes

Diabetes (diabetes mellitus) is a chronic disease that manifests as a disorder of carbohydrate metabolism.

Several types of diabetes are known, most commonly classified as:

1. Type I Diabetes (insulin-dependent).
   It most frequently develops in youth. The causes are varied:
   - It is considered an autoimmune disease (the immune system destroys insulin-producing pancreatic cells),
   - It is associated with viral infections, intoxication, or genetic factors.
   It is a less common form of this disease, and the patient is dependent on external insulin intake.
    

2. Type II Diabetes (non-insulin-dependent).
   It mostly occurs in adulthood, comprising about 90% of diabetes cases. This type of disease is not dependent on insulin; it results from a disorder in insulin release from the pancreas or possibly its reduced effectiveness. Diabetes usually manifests as an increase in blood glucose levels. This disorder of carbohydrate metabolism can also simultaneously affect the management of other nutrients and negatively impact overall health. Over time, it can lead to the development of heart disease, kidney problems, vision issues, nerve damage, etc.
   It develops from insulin resistance – a condition where the pancreas may secrete insulin, but the body's cells do not adequately respond to it. The most common cause of this type is obesity (over 70% of diabetics are overweight).
   Type II Diabetes is directly related to lifestyle choices—diet approach, alcohol consumption, smoking, stress, and physical activity. Even though genetic factors contribute to the development of this type of diabetes, it is most significantly influenced by diet quality.
    

3. Gestational Diabetes.
   It occurs in women during pregnancy and is associated with the action of hormones, overweight, and genetic predispositions. It gradually disappears after pregnancy ends.

Impact of Diet on Diabetes

Since diabetes is related to the action of insulin and this hormone directly affects carbohydrate metabolism, it is clear that the course of the disease is linked to dietary quality. Carbohydrates play the most crucial role, specifically:
- In their structure - sugars and high-glycemic sources of carbohydrates should be limited,
- In the total amount - too many carbohydrates increase glycemic response.
Both factors directly affect blood sugar levels and, consequently, insulin action due to their glycemic values.
Other characteristics that should be monitored in the diet also have a significant influence:

1. Energy Balance - excess energy causes overweight, which is part of the processes leading to insulin resistance and subsequently Type II Diabetes.

2. Amount of other macronutrients - fiber, protein, and fats. Their presence in the diet decreases the glycemic values of the diet and stabilizes blood sugar levels.

3. Content of micronutrients - sufficient intake of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants is most important. Each representative from these categories fulfills its specific functions in metabolism, helping to ensure necessary homeostasis with a well-balanced diet.

4. Quality of food - there are numerous criteria for evaluating food quality. The degree of industrial processing of foods, especially those that are sources of carbohydrates and fats, is considered key.