MY

PROJECT ON

DIABETES

Name: Tasheen Webber

Teacher’s name: Mrs. Johnson
Grade: 10 bus 1
Date: October 1, 2024
Subject: Foods, nutrition, and health

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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to myself for the perseverance and dedication
shown throughout this project. I extend my sincere thanks to my teacher for their invaluable
guidance and support, which provided clarity and direction. Additionally, I appreciate the vast
resources available on the internet that offered essential information and inspiration, helping me
navigate and complete this project successfully. Thank you all for being instrumental in this
journey!

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 TABLE OF CONTENT
`What is diabetes………………………………………………………. 4

Types of diabetes…………………………………………………

Symptoms of diabetes………………………………………

Treatments of diabetes………………………………

Foods that a diabetes should avoid……………

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 WHAT IS DIABETES?
Diabetes is a chronic, metabolic disease characterized by elevated levels of blood glucose (or
blood sugar), which leads over time to serious damage to the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys
and nerves.

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 TYPES OF DIABETES

TYPE 1 DIABETES

Description:
Type 1 diabetes is a chronic autoimmune condition in which the immune system mistakenly
attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. This results in little to no
insulin production, a hormone essential for regulating blood glucose levels.

Cause:

Autoimmune Reaction: The immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys insulin-producing
beta cells in the pancreas.

Genetics: Family history can increase the risk, though the exact genetic factors are complex.

Environmental Factors: Viral infections and other environmental triggers may contribute.

TYPE 2 DIABETES

Description:

Type 2 diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by insulin resistance, where the
body’s cells do not respond effectively to insulin, and/or insufficient insulin production. This
leads to elevated blood glucose levels.

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Causes:

Insulin Resistance: Cells become less responsive to insulin, leading to increased blood sugar
levels.

Obesity: Excess body fat, particularly around the abdomen, significantly raises the risk.

Sedentary Lifestyle: Lack of physical activity contributes to weight gain and insulin resistance.

Genetics: Family history plays a significant role.

Age: Risk increases with age, particularly after 45.

GESTATIONAL DIABETES

Description:

Gestational diabetes is a form of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy when the body cannot
produce enough insulin to meet the increased demands of pregnancy. It typically resolves after
childbirth but can pose risks to both the mother and baby.

Causes:

Hormonal Changes: Pregnancy hormones can interfere with insulin function.

Obesity: Overweight women are at a higher risk.

Family History: A family history of diabetes can increase the likelihood.

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Age: Women over 25 are more likely to develop gestational diabetes.

PREDIABETES

Description:

Prediabetes is a health condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high
enough to be classified as type 2 diabetes. It serves as an important warning sign for future
diabetes risk.

Causes:

Insulin Resistance: The body’s cells become less responsive to insulin, leading to elevated
blood glucose levels.

Obesity: Excess body fat, particularly around the abdomen, is a significant risk factor.

Sedentary Lifestyle: Lack of physical activity can contribute to weight gain and insulin
resistance.

Genetics: Family history of diabetes can increase the risk of developing prediabetes.

Age: The risk increases with age, especially for individuals over 45.

OTHER SPECIFIC DIABETES

MONOGENIC DIABETES

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Description:

Monogenic diabetes is a rare form of diabetes caused by a change (mutation) in a single gene. It
is distinct from the more common types of diabetes (Type 1 and Type 2) and can often be
inherited.

Causes:

Genetic Mutations

Single Gene Changes: Monogenic diabetes results from mutations in one specific gene, which
can disrupt normal insulin secretion or action.

Common Genes Involved:

HNF1A: Associated with Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young (MODY3).

HNF4A: Linked to MODY1; affects insulin production.

KCNJ11: Related to Neonatal Diabetes Mellitus (NDM); affects potassium channels in beta
cells.

GCK: Mutations can lead to MODY2, characterized by mild fasting hyperglycemia.

Inheritance Patterns

Autosomal Dominant: Many forms of monogenic diabetes are inherited in an autosomal

dominant manner, meaning only one copy of the mutated gene from an affected parent can lead
to the condition.

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Autosomal Recessive: Some forms, like certain types of NDM, may follow an autosomal
recessive pattern, requiring two copies of the mutated gene.

Family History

A strong family history of diabetes, particularly at a young age, often suggests an underlying
genetic cause, making monogenic diabetes more likely.

SECONDARY DIABETES

Description:

Secondary diabetes refers to diabetes that develops as a result of another medical condition or
as a side effect of certain medications. It is not a primary form of diabetes like Type 1 or Type 2
but rather a consequence of other factors.

Causes:

Medical Conditions:

Pancreatic Diseases: Conditions such as pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, or cystic fibrosis can
damage the pancreas and impair insulin production.

Hormonal Disorders: Conditions like Cushing's syndrome (excess cortisol) and acromegaly
(excess growth hormone) can lead to insulin resistance.
Infections: Certain infections can temporarily affect insulin secretion.

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Medications:

Glucocorticoids: Corticosteroids are commonly used to treat inflammation and can induce
insulin resistance.

Antipsychotics: Some medications used for mental health conditions, such as olanzapine and
clozapine, can increase the risk of diabetes.

Thiazide Diuretics: These can affect glucose metabolism and may lead to elevated blood sugar
levels.

Genetic Factors:

Some individuals may have a genetic predisposition that, when coupled with other factors, leads
to secondary diabetes.

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 SYMPTOMS OF DIABETES

TYPE 1 AND TYPE 2 DIABETES

Symptoms:

Increased Thirst (Polydipsia)

A persistent feeling of thirst and the need to drink more fluids.

Frequent Urination (Polyuria)

Increased urination, including waking up at night to urinate (nocturia).

Extreme Hunger (Polyphagia)

Despite eating, individuals may feel very hungry due to the body’s inability to use glucose for
energy.

Fatigue

Unusual tiredness and a lack of energy, often due to the body’s inability to utilize glucose
effectively.

Unintended Weight Loss

Losing weight despite normal or increased food intake, as the body starts breaking down fat and
muscle for energy.

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Blurred Vision

Changes in vision due to fluctuations in blood sugar levels affecting the lens of the eye.

Slow Healing Sores or Frequent Infections

Wounds may heal more slowly, and there may be an increase in infections, including skin
infections and urinary tract infections.

Mood Changes

Increased irritability or mood swings can occur due to fluctuating blood sugar levels.

Ketoacidosis Symptoms (if untreated)

If left untreated, symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) may develop, including:

Nausea and vomiting

Abdominal pain

Rapid breathing

Fruity-smelling breath

NB: All forms of diabetes—Type 1, Type 2, gestational diabetes, prediabetes, monogenic

diabetes, and secondary diabetes—share similar symptoms, including increased thirst, frequent
urination, fatigue, blurred vision, and slow-healing sores. Therefore, it’s important to visit a
doctor if you experience these symptoms, as early diagnosis and management can help prevent
complications and ensure better health outcomes.

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 TREATMENTS FOR DIABETES

Treatment Approaches for Different Types of Diabetes

Type 1 Diabetes treatment primarily involves lifelong insulin therapy, using various types of
insulin (rapid-acting, short-acting, intermediate-acting, and long-acting) administered through
injections or insulin pumps. Regular blood sugar monitoring is essential, often with the aid of
continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), alongside dietary management focusing on a balanced
diet and carbohydrate counting. Type 2 Diabetes management emphasizes lifestyle changes,
including a healthy diet rich in whole foods and regular physical activity, aiming for at least 150
minutes of exercise weekly. Medications such as metformin, sulfonylureas, and sometimes
insulin may be prescribed to help control blood sugar levels. For gestational diabetes, treatment
typically includes dietary modifications, regular physical activity, and blood sugar monitoring;
insulin may be necessary if lifestyle changes are insufficient to maintain target blood glucose
levels. Prediabetes can often be managed through lifestyle interventions, including weight loss, a
healthy diet, and increased physical activity, with regular monitoring to prevent progression to
Type 2 diabetes. Monogenic diabetes treatment focuses on insulin therapy or oral medications,
depending on the specific genetic mutation affecting insulin production or action. Finally,
secondary diabetes treatment involves managing the underlying condition or adjusting
medications that may be contributing to elevated blood sugar levels, alongside lifestyle
modifications to improve overall health. Each type of diabetes requires a tailored approach to
effectively manage blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of complications.

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 FOODS DIABETEIC PERSON’S SUCH AVOID

Sugary Beverages: Sodas, sweetened teas, and energy drinks can cause rapid spikes in blood
sugar levels.

Candy and Sweets: High-sugar snacks such as chocolates, gummies, and pastries can lead to
quick increases in blood glucose.

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White Bread and Refined Grains: Foods made from refined flour, like white bread and pastries,
can elevate blood sugar rapidly.

White Rice and Pasta: These refined carbohydrates can lead to spikes in blood glucose levels.

Fried Foods: Items like French fries and fried chicken are high in unhealthy fats and calories,
contributing to insulin resistance.

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Full-Fat Dairy Products: Whole milk, cream, and full-fat cheese can be high in saturated fats,
increasing the risk of heart disease.

Processed Snacks: Chips, crackers, and other packaged snacks are often high in refined carbs and
unhealthy fats.

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High-Sugar Sauces and Condiments: Ketchup, BBQ sauce, and other sweetened condiments
often contain added sugars.

Certain Fruits: While fruits are healthy, high-sugar options like bananas and grapes should be
consumed in moderation.

Alcohol: Sugary cocktails and sweet wines can lead to fluctuations in blood sugar; moderation
is essential.

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