The Relationship between Type 2 Diabetes and Cytomegalovirus
Home Care in Hunterdon NJ
A study conducted in the Netherlands suggests that a relationship between diabetes 2 and a common virus exists. 549 elderly adults were targeted, eighty percent of which had been infected with
cytomegalovirus. Those who were 85-years-of-age and older and had been infected were twice as likely to develop diabetes 2.
What is Cytomegalovirus?
Cytomegalovirus is a herpes virus. Over 50 percent of the population age 40 plus is known to carry this virus whose symptoms can be negligible. For many people, it lies dormant in the body, only becoming active when the immune system is compromised. It is believed that this virus, after years of infection, is capable of harming the cells of the pancreas. Type 2 diabetes occurs when the pancreas cannot produce enough insulin. Once active, this virus can also lead to retinitis—an inflammation of the retina.
Plan of Action
Human’s bodies are, quite literally, awash in bacteria and virus invaders. The key to keeping them in check is maintaining a strong immune system. The health of the immune system is dependent on a healthy diet, moderate exercise, stress management and a generally happy outlook on life. The known risk factors for diabetes include obesity, high blood pressure, and lack of exercise, all of which benefit from taking care of your body and mind.
Diet and the Immune System
Keeping your immune system strong requires nine fruits and vegetables daily. In addition, consider adding some known immune system boosters like a few cloves of garlic and a handful of berries. Rest when you are tired and manage stress by staying present, putting concerns into the proper perspective, breathing and relaxing.
Implementing
While it sounds easy enough, changing one’s diet and exercise routine can be akin to wrangling them up for a visit to their least favorite relative. Change is not always welcomed by people, particularly those who have dealt with their fair share. Age brings change at lightning speed: change in work and social network; change in the home environment; change in the physical and sometimes mental and emotional bodies; change in abilities. No wonder one more request for a lifestyle change can leave them more than a little disgruntled. Home care providers can offer a subtle buffer. Let them take a few days off your hands to do the grocery shopping, prepare immune-boosting meals, and make sure your loved one is getting some form of exercise every day. Sometimes a change of perspective is helpful and a weekly walk in the neighborhood park can bring them exercise, fresh air and a return to nature.
If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring professional home care in Hunterdon, NJ, please talk to the caring staff at Generations Home Health Care today. Providing Home Care in Somerset, Essex, Union, Morris and Hunterdon Counties. Call us today at (908) 290-0691 or (973) 241-4534.
Resources: Live Science; Type 2 Diabetes Linked to Common Virus; Rettner, Rachael; 8/2012.
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