3 of 9

Write now Article Tools

When the body metabolizes (i.e., breaks down) molecules of carbohydrates, it converts it into blood sugar. Blood sugar or glucose is the fuel the body needs to carry out its day to day functions. Compared to fats and proteins, carbohydrates are easier to break down.

Glucose is used as rapidly as it is produced. It enables the brain, nervous system, muscles and other organs to function. The body can also store the energy it takes from metabolizing carbohydrates. When it does so, a compound called glycogen is made. Glycogen gets stores in the liver and muscles.

Diabetes is a condition in which the body cannot adequately convert blood sugar into energy. When this happens the blood sugar, called glucose, builds up in the blood stream and does not reach the muscle tissue as it should. This is how diabetes begins to impair major organ functions. There are two major types of diabetes, each of which seeks to control blood sugar in different ways.

Juvenile Diabetes

Children and young adults may develop this form of diabetes following a severe infection such as chicken pox. The body's response to the infection continues even after the main cause of illness has left the body. This results in the body automatically attacking itself, specifically the tissue of the pancreas which is where insulin is produced. Juvenile diabetes is typically controlled by injections of insulin, both short acting and long acting. In addition to controlling blood sugar with these injections, adherence to a diet that counts the number of carbohydrates is recommended. Regular aerobic exercise is another excellent way to keep blood sugars from spiking out of control.

Type II Diabetes

More than 15 million Americans have what is known as non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus. Predominantly occurring in middle-aged overweight adults, this form of diabetes is controlled by exercise and diet. Individuals are encouraged to not only lose excess weight, but to cut back on bran cereals, excessive sweets and simple sugars like ice cream or candy. Additionally they can work to lower their blood sugar by following a diet that restricts the amount of salt intake as well as saturated fats and sugars.

Cystic Fibrosis Related Diabetes

A third type of lesser-known diabetes is Cystic Fibrosis Related Diabetes or CFRD. Individuals with CFRD are generally in their late teens to early twenties, and are pancreatic insufficient, meaning their pancreas cannot secrete the enzymes necessary to help absorb nutrients and energy from food. Maintaining control over blood sugar levels in people with CFRD involves insulin therapy as well as exercise. Unlike juvenile diabetes or Type II diabetes, people with CFRD are not restricted in their diet.

Learn more about this author, Lauren Beyenhof.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about What lowers blood sugar??
We want to hear your view. Write now!