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‘Diabetes affects people from all walks of life, from the very young to the very old and is now considered an epidemic that is exploding across the world.’ (World Health Organisation) (a) Write an informative account of diabetes - Leaving Cert Home Economics - Question 2 - 2011
Question 2
‘Diabetes affects people from all walks of life, from the very young to the very old and is now considered an epidemic that is exploding across the world.’ (World H... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:‘Diabetes affects people from all walks of life, from the very young to the very old and is now considered an epidemic that is exploding across the world.’ (World Health Organisation) (a) Write an informative account of diabetes - Leaving Cert Home Economics - Question 2 - 2011
Step 1
Write an informative account of diabetes.
Answer
Diabetes is a chronic condition that occurs when the body cannot effectively use insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas. It leads to high blood sugar levels, leading to various health complications.
Types of Diabetes
- Type 1 Diabetes: This form is usually diagnosed in children and young adults. Here, the immune system attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, causing a deficiency in insulin. Individuals with Type 1 require daily insulin administration.
- Type 2 Diabetes: This is the most common form, affecting about 90% of those with diabetes. It often develops in adults but is increasingly seen in children. It is a result of insulin resistance, where the body does not use insulin effectively. Lifestyle factors like obesity and physical inactivity significantly contribute to this type.
- Gestational Diabetes: This type occurs during pregnancy when the body is unable to produce enough insulin. Women may experience hyperglycemia for the first time.
Symptoms of Diabetes
Common symptoms to watch for include:
- Frequent urination
- Increased thirst
- Constant hunger
- Unexplained weight loss
- Vision changes
Specific Dietary Requirements
To manage diabetes effectively, the following dietary requirements should be adopted:
- Eat Regularly: Incorporate three balanced meals daily to stabilize blood sugar levels.
- Reduce Sugar Intake: Minimize foods high in sugar, especially refined sugars.
- Increase Fiber Intake: Consume a mix of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, aiming for at least five servings of fruit and vegetables a day.
- Follow the Glycemic Index (GI): Choose foods with a low GI to avoid rapid spikes in glucose levels.
- Monitor Carbohydrate Intake: Be mindful of carbohydrate sources and quantity, aiming for complex carbs.
- Increase Healthy Fats and Reduce Unhealthy Fats: Focus on avocados, nuts, and healthy oils while reducing trans and saturated fats.
Step 2
Classify artificial sweeteners and give one example of each.
Answer
Artificial sweeteners can be classified into two main categories:
-
Intense Sweeteners: These are significantly sweeter than sugar and are used in smaller amounts.
- Example: Aspartame (NutraSweet, Canderel)
-
Bulk Sweeteners: These provide a volume similar to sugar and are used in baking and cooking.
- Example: Sorbitol, Mannitol, or Xylitol (often known by the brand name Splenda).
Step 3
Outline the uses of sweeteners in food manufacture.
Answer
Sweeteners play a vital role in food production due to their various functional properties:
- Flavor Improvement: They enhance the overall taste of products, making them more appealing to consumers.
- Low-Calorie Options: Sweeteners help in creating products that offer sweetness with fewer calories, allowing for healthier alternatives.
- Preservation: Some sweeteners can act as preservatives, extending the shelf life of products.
- Baking: Sweeteners are essential in baked goods for texture and moisture retention, for example in products like fudge.
- Stabilization: They are used to stabilize the structure and texture of food items, aiding in moisture control and preventing unwanted drying. Furthermore, sweeteners serve as humectants to prevent food products from drying out.