This month is National Diabetes Month. and we are aiming to help spread awareness in our community.
WHAT IS DIABETES?
Diabetes is a metabolic disorder which results in high blood pressure over a long period of time. It occurs when the body doesn’t produce enough insulin, or cannot make effective use of the insulin it does produce.
Insulin is a hormone produced by your pancreas which helps your body absorb glucose. Glucose is an important form of energy, which can only be used effectively when broken down at the cellular level. When an excessive supply of glucose accumulates in the bloodstream, it can cause long term damage to organs, nerves, and blood vessels.
THERE DIFFERENT TYPES OF DIABETES:
Type 1
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease. It causes the body’s immune system to destroy insulin producing cells in the pancreas, resulting in little or no usable insulin. Type 1 diabetes occurs in people of every age, race, shape, and size. About 1 in 20 people with diabetes have type 1.
Type 1 diabetes can be managed by maintaining a healthy lifestyle and regularly taking insulin. Access to nutritional foods goes a long way to empower individuals with type 1 diabetes to live normal, fulfilling lives.
Type 2
Type 2 diabetes occurs when your body becomes resistant to insulin. While some individuals may be able to control their blood sugar levels through healthy eating and exercise, others need medication or insulin to manage their condition. Between 90 - 95% of individuals living with diabetes have type 2 diabetes.
Prediabetes
Prediabetes occurs when your blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be diagnosed as type 2. Approximately 1 in 3 American adults have prediabetes, but most are unaware that they have it. Prediabetes puts you at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
Adopting a healthier lifestyle through regular physical activity and weight management can delay or prevent prediabetes from developing into type 2 diabetes.
Gestational diabetes
Gestational diabetes leads to high blood pressure during pregnancy. Insulin-blocking hormones produced by the placenta cause this type of diabetes.Gestational diabetes occurs in women who did not have diabetes before they got pregnant, and it usually goes away after the baby is born.
Gestational diabetes may be controlled with diet and exercise, and by monitoring weight gain. Women with this type may need to take medicine to control blood sugar, and may be at higher risk for type 2 later in life.
HOW HUNGRY SQUIRREL HELPS
Hungry Squirrel empowers individuals with diabetes to live healthy, active lifestyles. Our gourmet line of sauces was developed so that individuals with dietary needs can enjoy the foods they love, without sacrificing their personal well being. All Hungry Squirrel sauces are keto-friendly and low glycemic.
ABOUT HUNGRY SQUIRREL
Hungry Squirrel’s commitment to better living began with a mother’s love. Businesswoman Sandra DiCicco had dedicated her free time to developing recipes that would allow her son to enjoy the same foods as everyone else, without affecting his health. Sandra’s son lives with type-1 diabetes, a unique health concern which comes with certain dietary restrictions. The idea that her son might feel ostracized for his diabetes frustrated Sandra, but the possibility of him becoming sick from unhealthy ingredients was an even greater concern.
With the help of food scientist Romanna Clark, Sandra began experimenting vigorously with different flavor combinations that would allow her to recreate the tastes of celebrated sauces like ketchup and teriyaki, using only healthy, all-natural ingredients. The resulting recipes went above and beyond everything they had hoped for. Sandra had given her son access to a line of gourmet sauces that would allow him to enjoy everyone’s favorite flavors, without jeopardizing his health.