Diabetes mellitus is undoubtedly one of the health problems of greater importance in the world, with nearly 30 million diabetics in the world. In Europe alone, this figure exceeds the 10 million, of which more than one million live in Spain. It is also estimated that half of those affected are unaware of their situation by getting it in mild and that close to 40% of obese people have diabetes without knowing it.
The figures speak for themselves: Diabetes is the most serious endocrine problem of the twentieth century. In these pages, we deal with depth and severity of diabetes. In short, a condition in which the control diet is the cornerstone of treatment and in which food is directly involved. Example, type II diabetes (adult-onset diabetes), besides a genetic predisposition exists, is primarily due to dietary factors (obesity and industrialized food) and a too sedentary.
Diabetes mellitus is a disease that impairs the body to metabolize and efficiently use carbohydrates, proteins and fats. When we eat, food (especially carbohydrates and fruits) are converted into glucose. All body cells need glucose to live, but glucose can not enter cells without insulin. Insulin is produced in beta cells, which are located at the end of the pancreas.
For example, when we eat a piece of bread, once digested into glucose. Glucose circulates through the bloodstream to feed every body cell. The presence of glucose stimulates beta cells of the pancreas to release insulin. Insulin reaches every cell and acts like a key in their receivers, to open their doors and allow glucose to enter. If there is no insulin or the cell receptors do not function, glucose can not enter cells, and the affected person will suffer from nutrient deficiencies.
These are what happens in the cells of our tissues in the presence of glucose in different metabolic situations:
1. When insulin binds to insulin receptors of cells, glucose can penetrate their membranes and used. This is the normal situation.
2. When the pancreas does not produce insulin, glucose can not enter body cells and used. This is called insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) or Type I
3. When insulin receptors of cells in the body do not function, insulin can not be attached to them and the glucose can not enter body cells and used. This is called diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) or Type II.
