Lesson 2: How do Monique's characteristics affect her diabetes?
Which body organs are affected by diabetes?
Diabetes is caused by a combination of genetic factors passed down from relatives and environmental factors like diet and exercise. When we eat food, our body breaks sugars down into glucose. Our bodies produce insulin that acts like a key to move glucose into our cells, so it can be used for energy. When people have diabetes, insulin does not work properly, so glucose does not make it into cells. This causes high blood sugar, because the glucose is traveling through your bloodstream instead of moving to your cells. If diabetes is not well controlled, it can cause problems with your eyes, brain, heart, kidneys, feet, and nerves. Diabetes is diagnosed with a blood test that shows if you have high blood sugar.
Key Point #1
Diabetes affects how the body processes sugar or glucose from the foods we eat. Cells in our bodies need glucose for energy.
Key Point #2
Our bodies produce insulin which acts like a key and allows glucose to get into our cells, so they have the energy they need.
Key Point #3
When someone has type 2 diabetes, insulin does not work well so glucose can not get into our cells. This causes the body to not have the energy it needs to function properly.
L2: How can you control your health?
Food, physical activity and mindfullness
Diabetes
If you do have diabetes, make sure to monitor your blood sugar regularly to know if your insulin is working properly. Even if you don't have diabetes, it is good to limit your sugar intake.
Get active
It is a good idea to talk with your doctor about what exercise routine is best for you and how best to live an active lifestyle.
Be mindful
Keep in mind what activities make you feel better or worse. Keep a list of activities that make you feel good and focus on those.
L2 Explore More: Do cookies taste better with more or less sugar?
How much does sugar influence taste?
Step 1: Pick a cookie recipe. Follow the recipe but do not add any sugar.
Step 2: Divide the mix equally into three separate bowls.
Step 3: Add the recipe amount of sugar to the first bowl. Add ½ of the recommended sugar to the second bowl and ¼ of the recommended sugar to the third bowl.
Step 4: Bake each set of cookies, keeping the three groups of cookies separate
Step 5: After the cookies have cooled have other people in your house sample one cookie from each group. Don’t tell them how much sugar is in each cookie until after they taste. See which cookie people like the most!
GOAL: Sugar is over-rated, adding less sugar still makes for great cookies!
