SWEET DANGER

We know that sugar is dangerous. But we quickly dismiss the thought. We think: “Yes, yes, too much sugar is bad for me. But it’s delicious. I’ll work it off in training.”

We forget or dismiss the thought of how unhealthy sugar can be.

More and more people around the world are suffering from diabetes mellitus, a chronic disorder of glucose metabolism. The hormone insulin plays a decisive role here. In Germany alone, there are about six million patients, a third more than 15 years ago.

The disease is divided into two types: a small proportion of those affected have type I diabetes. It is an autoimmune disease in which the body simply does not produce enough insulin. In contrast, about 95% suffer from type II diabetes. The body’s cells become increasingly insensitive to the hormone insulin.

For type I diabetics, insulin therapy is essential for survival. But patients with type II diabetes may also need insulin. Namely, when blood sugar levels can no longer be controlled by medication.

One can easily recognise the main causes of diabetes: overeating and obesity. Both forms of diabetes increase blood sugar levels and thus lead to devastating consequences: Excess sugar molecules form bonds with proteins and thus alter their function and structure. This not only strengthens and stiffens the tissues. The blood vessels are affected the most, resulting in impaired blood flow throughout the body. The consequence is impaired organ function. The heart, brain, eyes and kidneys are particularly affected. Severe circulatory disorders in the legs and sensory disorders can occur.

The disease is divided into two types: a small proportion of those affected have type I diabetes. It is an autoimmune disease in which the body simply does not produce enough insulin. In contrast, about 95% suffer from type II diabetes. The body’s cells become increasingly insensitive to the hormone insulin.

For type I diabetics, insulin therapy is essential for survival. But patients with type II diabetes may also need insulin. Namely, when blood sugar levels can no longer be controlled by medication.

One can easily recognise the main causes of diabetes: overeating and obesity. Both forms of diabetes increase blood sugar levels and thus lead to devastating consequences: Excess sugar molecules form bonds with proteins and thus alter their function and structure. This not only strengthens and stiffens the tissues. The blood vessels are affected the most, resulting in impaired blood flow throughout the body. The consequence is impaired organ function. The heart, brain, eyes and kidneys are particularly affected. Severe circulatory disorders in the legs and sensory disorders can occur.

The easiest defence against low blood sugar is to combine regular exercise with a healthy diet. In our Butterfly Coach app, we give you plenty of advice on these two important topics. See for yourself how easy and fun it is to make your body so strong that the insidious disease of diabetes doesn’t stand a chance.

Your Butterfly Coach team