Foods To Avoid If You Have Diabetes

Diabetes mellitus occurs when the cells of the human pancreas no longer produce sufficient insulin. The hormone insulin aids in breaking down sugar in the blood into a form that can be better stored by the body and used for energy at a later time. Organ systems and body tissues can be harmed or destroyed by high blood sugar levels, and diabetics currently have to take insulin to help break down blood glucose. They also still have to go through painful procedures such as dialysis in order to clean out organs and keep them running and intact.

If you are suffering from diabetes, your doctor might have already told you to keep your feet clean, take your insulin shots, have a lot of exercise, and eat a good balanced meal of the right foods. There are foods that you have to avoid if you have diabetes, and your diet, in general, will be high in soluble fibers but low in saturated fats. If you are suffering from diabetes, your doctor may encourage you to eat lower amounts of carbohydrate products that may have a high glycemic index. Diabetes is also growing more widespread, a phenomenon that has prompted food, beverage, and pharmaceutical companies to produce products especially catered to meet the needs of diabetics.

However, many doctors also caution against the indiscriminate purchase and use of such products, which are often very expensive. Such diabetic-catered products can also have much higher levels of fats, or they may actually have no real, substantiated, or special benefits for people who are suffering from diabetes. Staying on a good diet and avoiding the right foods is still the best way to keep your blood glucose levels down. Scientists have found that the time you eat, the amount of food that you eat, and the balance of nutrients in your food all affect your metabolism and hence, your tendency to deal with or succumb to the effects of diabetes.

If you have just been diagnosed with diabetes, you may be asked to coordinate with a dietitian or nutritionist who will help you formulate a meal and snack plan. You might be asked to count your carbohydrates by keeping track of the sugary or starchy foods that you consume. You will then have to follow the food pyramid strictly. The largest part of the pyramid, at the bottom, will consist of whole grains and starchy vegetables, which should comprise a large part of your meal. This means that you need to have at least two servings of fresh fruits and vegetables each day. The next step in the pyramid consists of proteins, which you can get from lean meat, legumes, and cheese, all of which you should eat in smaller quantities. Next, you can have a small amount of non-fat or low-fat dairy. Fats and sugars are at the top, and you can eat only very small amounts of these. These rules, however, are only general, and they may not suit your specific diabetic case. You will still need to talk to a dietitian or nutritionist in order to find the best diet for you.

In addition to eating the right foods, you will also have to avoid others, such as foods that are extremely salty. This is because diabetes is often accompanied to high blood pressure. High blood pressure is exacerbated not only by large amounts of fats in the diet, but high amounts of sodium as well. You will need to cut down on the salt in your food, or you may need to purchase and use non-sodium or low sodium salt substitutes. You also need to stay away from foods that are high in sodium and salt, such as crackers, chips, processed or preserved meet products, or canned foods such as sardines or soups. Although diabetes is linked to blood sugar levels, you do not need to stay away from sugar altogether. You do need, however, to stop adding sugar to foods, and to use sugar in low amounts. For better results, eat sugar within a healthy meal, such as in frozen yogurt, pudding, or fruit pies. If you are not prone to caffeine-related tremors, you can also drink diet colas and soft drinks: such drinks will use sugar substitutes, but they are also higher in caffeine. Stay away from processed foods, as these will have no nutrients, and will only have larger amounts of sugars and fats to add flavor. Most importantly, stay away from fats. Having diabetes also puts you at greater risk for cardiovascular diseases, so stay away from saturated fats, which you can find in dairy products, solid vegetable fats, and butter.

When cooking chicken, take the skin off. Avoid butter and margarine, and use oils made from canola or olive. Stay away from full cream products: use skimmed, low-fat, or non-fat milk, cheese, and yogurt. Instead of frying foods, grill, boil, bake, or broil it instead. Stay away from alcoholic beverages. Stick to your meal plan even if you are eating out. Although all this may sound inconvenient and difficult, you can avoid foods and have an easier time managing your diabetes with a little practice and patience.

Diabetes - Where Is My Insulin?

Millions of people around the world are inflicted by diabetes mellitus, or more commonly called diabetes. You may be suffering from this chronic disease without even knowing you have it. Even though it an incurable disease, you can lead a long, normal healthy life if the diabetes is properly controlled by following the proper treatment method. Causes Of Diabetes Diabetes is the result of failure of your pancreas to produce insulin. Insulin is necessary to help glucose enter into the cells of your body where it is used to release energy.

When insulin is not available or is not functioning like what it's supposed to be, glucose will not be able to penetrate into the cells. It will remain in your blood and when the blood glucose level is too high it will result in a condition called pre-diabetes or diabetes. A pre-diabetes condition is a situation where the blood glucose level is higher than normal, but below the level where it would be classified as diabetes. If both this condition is left untreated, it will lead to other health problems such as renal failure, blindness, heart disease and even liver failure. Persons diagnosed with a diabetes condition should get immediate medical attention to avoid further complications because diabetes can be managed quite easily by the patient himself.

Diabetes can be generally classified into 3 categories, i.e. Type 1 Diabetes, Type 2 Diabetes and Gestational Diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is generally suffered by children or young adults. The most common form of diabetes is Type 2 diabetes which is experience by most adults and older people. Gestation diabetes is when a pregnant woman experiences a high blood glucose level although prior to her pregnancy, she does not have this condition. This condition may also disappear after she delivers her child. Is Diabetes An Inherited Disease? The answer is not too clear. Statistics have shown that 10 percent of children suffering from Type 1 diabetes have a close relative with this type of disease. Scientist and medical researchers have recently identified that when a muted gene (SUMO-4) is present, the risk of getting Type 1 diabetes in children increases. However for Type 2 diabetes, the role of genetics is unclear.

Symptoms of Diabetes Most people do not know they are suffering from diabetes because the symptoms can be quite obscure without actually screening for the disease. Some of the symptoms of diabetes include the following: * frequent urination especially at night * feeling thirsty and hungry frequently * blurred vision * loosing weight without trying * feeling tired or fatigue easily * bruises and cuts which are difficult to heal * numbness or tingling sensation in your hands and feet * gum, skin or bladder infection that keeps coming back Some of these symptoms are too obscure and leads to delayed diagnosis of diabetes. Some patients do not even show these symptoms.

When in doubt, consult your family doctor and have the screening process for diabetes done. Conclusion Diabetes is a serious disease that affects many people. More than 6 million Americans do not know they are suffering from Type 2 diabetes. As a precaution, persons above the age of 45 should undergo screening for diabetes, especially if you are overweight. If it is confirmed that you have diabetes, do not feel as if your life is ending soon. Get medical attention fast and you will lead a long normal life.

Holidays And Diabetes: Six Tips For Enjoying Season’s Treats

The holiday season spanning November to January is a special time for many. Whenever you celebrate Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa or New Year’s holidays there will be lavish festivities featuring buffets groaning with food. Families will unite around the dining table to enjoy the many wonderful dishes and special holiday treats traditionally served. The hyper-abundance of rich foods, beverages and desserts can wreak havoc on the diets of most during the holidays. If you have diabetes or pre-diabetes, holiday dining can pose considerable challenges.

Diabetes is a disorder that leads to high glucose or sugar levels in the blood when the body produces little or no insulin – the chemical the body uses to break down sugars in the blood. Roughly 90% of diabetics have what’s called type 2 diabetes. The body’s cells are insulin resistant, and the disease is managed with careful meal planning, exercise and medication when needed. Pre-diabetes occurs when the blood glucose level is higher than normal, but not yet high enough to be classified as diabetes. Many traditional holiday dishes are loaded with the very fats, sugars, salt and alcohol diabetics are working to minimize. How to cope? Here are six tips for enjoying the food-laden holidays with diabetes.

#1 - Plan for Best Results Let’s face facts: you will eat. But your diabetic meal plan takes no holidays. With diabetes you must have a strategy in place to cope with the deluge of delights before you indulge. Work with your dietician and your doctor to develop a plan, and then stick to the plan. If you must sample some of Aunt Hilda’s famed dessert, know what food trades you must make to do so. Maybe you'll need to adjust your medication. Or add extra walks to your daily routine (see tip #5). Work with your diabetes team to come up with a plan that meets your needs.

#2 - Never Go Hungry During the holidays lots of people go to parties ravenous. No wonder they overeat. Ensure you have a balanced breakfast and lunch the day of the party. Eat a small yogurt or other healthy snack before you arrive.

#3 - Eat the Stuff That’s Good for You Start with the healthy stuff – the veggie platter, fresh salads – first, before choosing the fried, creamed, cheese-filled, processed, high-fat goodies and desserts.

#4 - Focus on Friends and Family Before Food Too often we mindlessly munch while distracted or mesmerized by good conversation, a movie or the football game and we never realize just how much we’ve really consumed. With diabetes, you’ve got to track your food intake. The holidays are a time to celebrate family and friends. Put the food down, and give your companions your full attention. There’s plenty of time to eat later.

#5 - Step It Up Walking after a meal is perhaps the most important thing you can do during the holidays for diabetes. In fact it’s something everyone can do during the holidays, diabetic or not. A nice long postprandial constitutional about one hour after a meal will help lower your blood sugars and reduce any stresses of the season. Invite your loved ones along and enjoy their company. You could be helping them to stave off diabetes.

#6 - Always Monitor Your Blood Sugars Don’t skip testing during the holidays. Make sure that your blood sugars stay in check. Sometimes even the best laid eating plans go awry because you can’t always know exactly what went into that food you ate. Also, make sure someone at the gathering knows you have diabetes. If your blood sugars drop too low and you become hypoglycemic someone should be able to recognize you need help. Above all, relax, enjoy your family and the fun times. Take some time out for yourself. Use these six tips to help you stay healthy during the holidays with diabetes.

Taken from: Health-writer Cydne Kaelin is a wife, niece and granddaughter of diabetics. Visit http://www.naturaldiabetesremedy.com for more tips on holidays and diabetes management.

Diabetes And You

Did you know that diabetes is a disease that affects seven percent of the population of the United States? Diabetes is a condition that affects people from all lifestyles. If you are living in Van, Texas and think that you are at risk for diabetes, it is advisable that you seek medical advice. Go to your East Texas medical clinic and take a test for it. Treatment and careful management are the keys to living with the disease.

Symptoms of Diabetes

There are numerous symptoms of this disease. You should get to know some of the more familiar symptoms. If you experience any of these symptoms, go straight to your doctor. If you urinate more frequently than usual or experience excessive thirst or hunger, you are exhibiting some of the classic symptoms of "diabetes." These symptoms seem harmless but they are telltale signs of a serious medical condition. Other symptoms that occur in many people are more concerning. Unusual weight loss, increased fatigue, irritability, and even blurry vision are attributes of diabetes. Early diagnosis is the key to a long, healthy life.

Insulin & Diabetes

People with diabetes are unable to produce or properly use insulin. Insulin is important, as it is necessary to convert carbohydrates into energy. If you have diabetes, your body will struggle to process sugars and starches into the energy that you need. The most common test is the Fasting Plasma Glucose test (FPG). As the name implies, the plasma of your blood is tested for glucose levels after you have fasted. The other test that is commonly performed is the Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT). As in the FPG, when you take the OGTT you will have to fast. After fasting, you will drink a cup of a glucose rich solution. Two hours after drinking the glucose solution, you will have a blood test.

The Cause of Diabetes

The exact cause remains a mystery but there are a number of factors that can increase a person's risk. People who are overweight or do not exercise are at increased risk of diabetes. African Americans, Asian Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, and Pacific Islanders are at increased risk of diabetes. The condition is genetic so if you have family members, especially direct family members, with it you are at greater risk. If you are in a higher risk group, then it pays to consider some lifestyle changes you can make to improve your health and reduce your risk level. Your Van, Texas medical clinic will be able to provide you with a great deal of information regarding this.

Living with Diabetes

You cannot change your genetics but you can change your lifestyle. If you are at risk of diabetes, it pays to lead a more active life. Regular exercise and a healthier diet can prevent it, even in people who have been diagnosed as pre-diabetic. Some of the lifestyle changes may be difficult to make but they can help you live a longer, healthier life. If you feel the need to take a diabetes test, Countryside Clinic is a health clinic that services the East Texas area.

Taken from :Andre Zayas is a professionally syndicated author.

Diabetes Diet To Control Diabetes

Proper diet is very important for people suffering from diabetes. It is recommended that the diet of diabetes patient should be high in fiber and low in fat. Diabetes diet is not a special food that is packaged by a pharmaceutical company and can be purchased off the shelf. Neither is it a complicated dieting plan. It is just a healthy eating habit which emphasizes on fruits, vegetable and whole grains. Diabetes diet can also be practiced by healthy people who want to lead a healthy lifestyle.

History Of Diabetes Diet During the early days before the discovery of insulin, doctors would recommend diabetes patient to consume a low-calorie diet. It is more to prevent ketoacidosis, which is caused by high concentrations of ketone bodies. This was due to the breakdown of amino acids and deamination of amino acids by our body. The low-calorie diet didn't actually cure diabetes but it did prolong the life of the patient quite a bit. Establish A Good Eating Habit You should establish a regular eating habit for your meals and snacks. As far as possible, avoid ad hoc eating habit because it is difficult to control what goes into your stomach. Always eat the healthiest food in the right amount. Excessive amounts are also not good for the body. If you are taking diabetes medication or insulin, your eating habits will have to be stricter. Eat only the right amount of servings from each food group. You could talk to your doctor if you have difficulty with your diabetes diet. He will probably recommend a dietitian who can tailor your diabetes diet to your lifestyle.

Carbohydrates In Your Diabetes Diet The American Diabetes Association recommends that carbohydrates should form 60% to 70% of the total caloric intake. This is somewhat controversial because some studies have suggested a low carbohydrate diet. It is best to work out your diabetes diet with your dietitian. Try to plan your diabetes diet to have the same amount of carbohydrate at each mealtime to maintain an ideal blood sugar level right through the day. Exchange List In Diabetes Diet The "exchange scheme" was introduced in the 1950 by the American Diabetes Association.

The purpose or intent is to allow patients to swap or exchange food of the same caloric value with another of similar value. For example, you may eat more cake and reduce on the potatoes at dinner time. The exchange list is not so popular with current dietitians. They are more likely to introduce diabetes diet that includes a wide range of fruit, vegetables and one that has a high fibre content and low in sugar and saturated fat. Conclusion To minimize the risk of diabetes complication, we must practice a healthy eating habit. This is the most logical way to maintain an ideal blood sugar level. Your diabetes diet need not be bland and boring. You could include your favorite food by balancing it with other healthy nutritious items. Be creative at your meal plan and at the same time mindful of the effects it brings to your diabetes diet

Understanding Adult Type II Diabetes

Millions of men and women around the world have been diagnosed with diabetes. It is, in fact, one of six leading causes of death in North America. Patients face serious consequences, however diabetes can be effectively controlled through medical treatment and healthy lifestyle choices. There are three primary types of diabetes affecting adults.

Type I diabetes, also known as juvenile diabetes, is a condition present at birth that remains into adulthood. Type II diabetes is a form of the disease that develops with age. The third type, gestational diabetes, affects women during pregnancy. Each is unique in the onset and development, however many of the symptoms are similar throughout the three types of diabetes.

What Is Adult Type II Diabetes? Adult type II diabetes is almost always associated with obesity, although the actual cause of the disease is not clear. In adult type II diabetes, insulin loses its effectiveness with age. As a result, sugars begin to build up within the blood. In the medical profession, this condition is known as "insulin resistance". When this occurs, usually in the adult years, the person is said to suffer from Type II diabetes. In our generation, adult type II diabetes is an extremely common occurrence. In fact, it's estimated that one in every ninety adults suffers with type II diabetes. The condition historically developed in older adults, but it has been observed that there is a trend toward diagnosis at a younger age.

What Is Insulin Resistance? The pancreas produces insulin to help the body regulate naturally-occurring sugars. When this biological regulation fails, the resulting condition is called insulin resistance. "Beta cell failure" is another term for this type of diabetes. There are some common symptoms that you should be aware of:

* A marked and sudden rise in the blood's glucose levels.
* Fat levels in the blood will also rise. This condition makes the arteries susceptible to clogging and can result in serious heart conditions.
* Blood pressure levels will steadily increase.
* Gout may occur. This is a condition of acute joint pain. Symptoms Of Adult Type II Diabetes The following symptoms may be common to the all types of the disease, and can indicate the presence of adult type II diabetes:
* Sensations of extreme thirst
* Frequent urination
* Chronic fatigue
* Sudden, yet not always pronounced, weight loss
* Yeast infection resulting in genital itch
* Recurring skin infections and irritations Living With Adult Type II Diabetes After your adult type II diabetes diagnosis, there are steps that you should take to make your life as comfortable and normal as possible:
* Before you do anything else, alter your diet. Work with your doctor to determine a dietary plan that will keep your glucose levels in check.
* Boost your fiber intake, and eliminate as many fats as possible
* Learn to perform regular blood glucose level checks. You may also need to inject yourself with insulin when required. Be diligent in performing these very important tasks.
* Keep your doctor's number within reach at all times. You need to be able to call for immediate medical help and expert advice, just in case of an emergency arises. If you are one of the millions of men and women affected with adult type II diabetes, learn as much as you can about the disease and treatment options. Knowledge is a very powerful tool for battling the disease, so take the time to learn all you can and build a strong defense in the fight for your good health.

Natural Foot Care For Diabetics

Because of the disease diabetes, damage can be caused to blood vessels and nerves in the feet, then circulation may be impaired and infections can form on the feet without the person realizing. This can ultimately cause major complications and even amputation. Diabetes also impairs the immune system so diabetics are more prone to infection. Those who suffer from the disease should have regular foot examinations by their doctor and should know whether or not they have nerve damage.

To prevent and check whether there is injury to the feet you should get into a routine of checking and caring for your feet, this is especially important if you already have nerve or blood vessel damage or current foot problems. Here are twenty important natural tips for keeping your feet healthy:

1. Inspect your feet thoroughly every day.

2. Clean your feet daily in lukewarm water (test this with your hands) with a natural soap, dry them thoroughly to prevent fungal infection.

3. Protect your feet constantly by wearing well fitted, comfortable but sturdy shoes.

4. Never walk around without some kind of footwear to protect your feet.

5. Clean, dry cotton or wool socks are also a good way to protect your feet from pressure points and bacteria caused by sweat.

6. Always apply a little amount of a natural foot cream that contains antibacterial agents to the soles of your feet after bathing, avoiding the skin between the toes. Diabetics can find that the skin on their feet dries and cracks easily which can potentially leave them open to infection.

7. When cutting toenails always soak the feet in a good foot soak that has antibacterial properties in it to soften the nails and cleanse away any bacteria and grime from the nails. Remember to cut the nail straight across with a nail clipper, since curved nails are more likely to become ingrown.

8. Using a gentle natural foot scrub can smooth any small rough areas before they become a problem.

9. Exercise promotes good circulation so walk daily and don't sit in one spot for too long. An easy exercise is to make circle with your feet ten times in each direction, keeping your leg as still as possible.

10. Sitting with your feet elevated for 10 minutes will also help your circulation.

11. Regularly massage your feet, this will also stimulate the circulation.

12. If you do notice a sore or any type of infection, see your doctor for treatment.

13. Stop smoking. It's awful for the circulation and your health generally.

14. Have any bunions and corns removed by a professional to avoid infection.

15. Regularly clean the shower with a natural cleaner and spray a little diluted tea tree oil around the drain.

16. To keep your feet warm in bed wear loose, comfortable cotton or wool socks.

17. Always make sure your feet are kept at a comfortable temperature, avoiding cold feet.

18. If you have any pain in your feet see a podiatrist or your doctor immediately.

19. Use foot powder.

20. Follow a healthy diet and lifestyle; this will help prevent problems and complications.

Taken from :The Author is the founder of LanaB Skin Care, an online natural skin care business that produces fresh and pure products as ordered. LanaB's Skin Care range includes natural creams and lotions for all the body, delicious scrubs, balms, sulphate free bubble bath, hydrosols and more. Find them at http://www.lanab.com.au

Natural Ways To Treat Diabetes

Diabetes is a disease caused when the body does not properly produce insulin. Seven percent of the population in the United States has diabetes. There are two types of the disease. Type one diabetes is where the body does not produce insulin and type two is where the body resists insulin. The majority of people diagnosed with this disease have type two. Symptoms of diabetes include extreme thirst, hazy vision, excessive hunger, weight fluctuation, fatigue and frequent urination. Diabetes is often controlled with insulin and prescription drugs, but diet and exercise play a large part in the ability to control the disease. There are also herbs that can help reduce the effects of diabetes.

Ensure a healthy diet by concentrating on foods such as vegetables, grains, fiber and legumes. These foods will help regulate sugar in the blood stream. Avoid junk food and foods that contain sugar such as cakes, cookies and other sweets. Alcohol, tobacco and caffeine should also be avoided to maintain a nourishing diet.

Exercise helps promote good health and combats against the negative effects of diabetes. It is important to exercise regularly and keep an appropriate weight. People who are inactive or overweight have a higher risk factor for diabetes and are prone to suffer from more side effects caused by the disease. It is especially important to exercise to build muscle. Starting a weight program will increase muscle mass which will increase sensitivity to insulin.

There are many herbal remedies recognized for their therapeutic properties of treating diabetes. They are commonly found in pharmacies and grocery stores and can be a great natural remedy. Prickly pear cactus has shown positive results in the treatment of this disease and was recently recognized by the International Diabetes Center as a viable natural remedy. Bitter Melon has been used for years in Asia, Africa and South America for treatment. Garlic will reduce sugar levels and is a healthy way to add flavor to food while benefiting from its curative traits. Other common herbs are ginseng, bilberry, dandelion and burdock.

Vitamin supplements are frequently used to help treat diabetes with the most commonly recommended ones being vitamins B6, C and E. Also, zinc, selenium, chromium and vanadium are commonly used. Rather than take individual supplements, some patients opt for a multivitamin to add to their diet.

Diabetes is a disease that affects a large portion of the population. The risks associated with it are serious but can be controlled with lifestyle change. Ensuring a well balanced diet and good exercise routine will help in preventing side effects. Also, proper use of herbs, vitamins and natural remedies will help prevent the necessity for more traditional means of medication.

Natural Ways To Treat Diabetes

Diabetes is a disease caused when the body does not properly produce insulin. Seven percent of the population in the United States has diabetes. There are two types of the disease. Type one diabetes is where the body does not produce insulin and type two is where the body resists insulin. The majority of people diagnosed with this disease have type two.

Symptoms of diabetes include extreme thirst, hazy vision, excessive hunger, weight fluctuation, fatigue and frequent urination. Diabetes is often controlled with insulin and prescription drugs, but diet and exercise play a large part in the ability to control the disease. There are also herbs that can help reduce the effects of diabetes. Ensure a healthy diet by concentrating on foods such as vegetables, grains, fiber and legumes. These foods will help regulate sugar in the blood stream. Avoid junk food and foods that contain sugar such as cakes, cookies and other sweets. Alcohol, tobacco and caffeine should also be avoided to maintain a nourishing diet. Exercise helps promote good health and combats against the negative effects of diabetes. It is important to exercise regularly and keep an appropriate weight.

People who are inactive or overweight have a higher risk factor for diabetes and are prone to suffer from more side effects caused by the disease. It is especially important to exercise to build muscle. Starting a weight program will increase muscle mass which will increase sensitivity to insulin. There are many herbal remedies recognized for their therapeutic properties of treating diabetes. They are commonly found in pharmacies and grocery stores and can be a great natural remedy. Prickly pear cactus has shown positive results in the treatment of this disease and was recently recognized by the International Diabetes Center as a viable natural remedy. Bitter Melon has been used for years in Asia, Africa and South America for treatment. Garlic will reduce sugar levels and is a healthy way to add flavor to food while benefiting from its curative traits. Other common herbs are ginseng, bilberry, dandelion and burdock.

Vitamin supplements are frequently used to help treat diabetes with the most commonly recommended ones being vitamins B6, C and E. Also, zinc, selenium, chromium and vanadium are commonly used. Rather than take individual supplements, some patients opt for a multivitamin to add to their diet. Diabetes is a disease that affects a large portion of the population. The risks associated with it are serious but can be controlled with lifestyle change. Ensuring a well balanced diet and good exercise routine will help in preventing side effects. Also, proper use of herbs, vitamins and natural remedies will help prevent the necessity for more traditional means of medication.

Cure For Diabetes

In order to look for a cure for diabetes we must understand what causes diabetes in the first place and then we can start to work on a cure. Diabetes is an ailment that affects the levels of insulin in a person’s body. There are basically three forms of this disease and these are type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes. All these forms of Diabetes relate directly to the insulin levels and how our body functions under this altered state.

Basic information on the Types of Diabetes:

1. Type 1 diabetes In this disease the individual’s auto immune system attacks and reduces the pancreatic beta cells from producing the necessary insulin for the body to function properly. When the pancrius is not functioning as it should the production of natural insulin is reduced below optimum levels or is in fact stopped altogether which has dangerous implications for other functions of the body.

2. Type 2 Diabetes Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. It actually accounts for more than 90% of all cases of diabetes. With this disease the body does not make or properly use insulin, a hormone that helps convert sugar, starches and other foods into energy. Eventually a person's body will stop producing insulin if they have this disease. Unfortunately, it is not yet known why this happens. However, genetics and environmental factors do play a role.

Gestational Diabetes Gestational diabetes occurs only with women and only during pregnancy. Unlike Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes has no recognizable symptoms. The only way to know if you have it is through regular blood screenings throughout your term. These screenings are blood tests where you have to fast overnight, then are given a sugary drink to see how your body reacts. You need two positive readings before you are diagnosed with gestational diabetes. Cures For Diabetes For Gestational diabetes the cure is actually very simple. Since some hormones produced in a pregnant woman’s body promotes some tissues to resist insulin, the cure for diabetes in pregnant women is to give birth.

Your doctor will suggest a diet that will assist in keeping your blood sugars in check during your pregnancy. However, doctors have no actual “cure” for diabetes types 1 & 2at the moments. What they do now to “cure” diabetes is to present alternatives to patients who suffer from this disease. As an actual cure for diabetes is not available there are however cures for the symptoms which are readily available. For Type 1 diabetes and Type 2 diabetes, most doctors either recommend changing the patient’s diet and keeping a close watch or in more severe cases, injecting insulin into the body during times when it becomes too low.

Research is currently underway where replacing the defective beta cells that produce insulin in order to refresh the pancreatic cells. This method of cure for diabetes is still undergoing experimental tests and has not been made available for public use.. So far, the research and studies have brought to light the potential problem of needing long maintenance medication in order to support the transplanted beta cells. Although there is still a long way to go before any cure for diabetes can actually become a reality. With the rapid improvements in experimentation you should keep track of the progress that researchers and pharmaceutical companies are making towards finding a cure for diabetes. While waiting for this cure for diabetes, you should keep healthy with plenty of regular exercise and a healthy natural diet keeping away from all those fatty, oily foods your body will be in good shape awaiting the day when the cure becomes a reality.

Taken from: Paul Courtney contributes articles to various publications pertaining to Alternative Medicine, Herbal Medicine and is the main contributor to http://www.diabetes.com

Testing For Pre Diabetes

Pre-diabetes, also known as "impaired glucose tolerance," is a health condition with no symptoms. It is almost always present before a person develops the more serious type 2 diabetes. It is an alarming sign for upcoming diabetes or a chance to change your future. Universally numerous terms were given like, Borderline Diabetes, Chemical Diabetes, Touch of Diabetes etc. More and more, doctors are recognizing the importance of diagnosing pre-diabetes as treatment of the condition may prevent more serious health problems. For example, early diagnosis and treatment of pre-diabetes may prevent type 2 diabetes as well as associated complications such as heart and blood vessel disease and eye and kidney disease.

Doctors now know that the health complications associated with type 2 diabetes often occur before the medical diagnosis of diabetes is made. When there are indications that a person may be subject to developing diabetes, it may be prudent to be tested periodically to determine if the ailment is imminent. Many times a patient takes a diabetes test and is determined have pre diabetes, a level of sugar in their blood that may indicate it is likely they will develop diabetes.

There are a couple of tests the doctor can perform to determine if a person has pre diabetes or full blown diabetes. Glucose that is not appropriately processed by the body will adhere to blood cells instead of being transferred into the body’s cells. The fasting plasma glucose test can determine how much sugar is in the blood for the past 30 to 60 days. A level of 100 or less is accepted as normal and a reading of between 100 and 125 is considered pre diabetes. When readings are over 126 they are consider to have diabetes. Another test for diabetes can be done with the invasiveness of drawing blood, to determine how well the body reacts to sugar intake.

A blood glucose test is performed with the results noted. The patient then drinks a 12 ounce soda with a high sugar content and the pre diabetes test is repeated. If the amount of sugar in the blood increases dramatically, it can be a sign the body is not producing enough insulin or that the insulin produced is not able to do its job. Most doctors rely on the fasting plasma glucose test for accuracy. While genetic predisposition is one of the most commonly considered indicators a person may contract diabetes there are others to consider.

Type 2 diabetes, or adult onset diabetes is more common if folks over the age of 45. Being overweight with a body mass index greater than 25 and during a glucose tolerance test, indications noted the patient is susceptible to developing diabetes. In some cases when pre diabetes has been detected a change in lifestyle and eating habits can help the body better process the sugar in the bloodstream, reducing the need for drug intervention later in life. Reducing the mount of refined sugar in the diet and working to reduce cholesterol levels have been successful in reducing the onset of diabetes. Exercise can also improve good cholesterol levels while helping to reduce bad cholesterol and is a benefit for those overweight in attempt to drop the extra pounds.

Understanding Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes mellitus, often simply diabetes , is a syndrome characterized by disordered metabolism and inappropriately high blood sugar resulting from either low levels of the hormone insulin or from abnormal resistance to insulin's effects coupled with inadequate levels of insulin secretion to compensate.The characteristic symptoms are excessive urine production (polyuria), excessive thirst and increased fluid intake, and blurred vision; these symptoms may be absent if the blood sugar is mildly elevated.

The World Health Organization recognizes three main forms of diabetes mellitus: type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes (occurring during pregnancy), which have similar signs, symptoms, and consequences, but different causes and population distributions. Ultimately, all forms are due to the beta cells of the pancreas being unable to produce sufficient insulin to prevent hyperglycemia.Type 1 diabetes is usually due to autoimmune destruction of the pancreatic beta cells, which produce insulin.

Type 2 diabetes is characterized by insulin resistance in target tissues, but some impairment of beta cell function is necessary for its development. Gestational diabetes is similar to type 2 diabetes, in that it involves insulin resistance; the hormones of pregnancy can cause insulin resistance in women genetically predisposed to developing this condition. Whenever a physician diagnoses someone as having diabetes, they are most likely referring to diabetes mellitus, which is a condition that is characterized by superfluities of glucose in the blood and urine. This results from an abnormal carbohydrate metabolism. This is a very common yet somewhat serious disease.

In the United States alone approximately 2% of all males and around 5% of all females have this disease. It can start at any stage of a person's life. However, in the majority of cases diabetes mellitus manifests itself after a person has had a serious infection or injury or while a person is under a great deal of emotional strain. Those people who are overweight are known to suffer from this disease more often than those who are not overweight. Many medical experts say that diet is probably the most important factor in successfully handling diabetes mellitus.

A person who has this disease can enjoy a normal diet as long as they do not eat too much or too little of the nutrients they need. Controlling the blood-sugar level by means of administering insulin is another important part of treating diabetes mellitus. The symptoms of diabetes mellitus are almost always the same regardless as to whether the case began when a person is a child or an adult. These symptoms will usually include an excessive production of urine, a great desire to drink liquids, a feeling of weakness and itchy skin. After a medical examination has been done on a person who has diabetes mellitus the doctor will discover the presence of glucose in the blood. This will be in an amount that is a lot higher than what is considered to be the normal volume.

The body being unable to produce or use the insulin that comes from the pancreas causes high blood sugar. So rather than being utilized for energy production, glucose that builds up in the blood will get carried off with the person's urine. There are certain secondary conditions that are likely to develop if diabetes mellitus remains untreated. These include such things as kidney disease, the loss of bladder control, which will result in a person having the urge to urinate frequently; a person's skin and other body tissues may also become more prone to infections. Long-term conditions such as blindness and severe nerve damage can result from uncontrolled blood sugar levels.

Diabetes Can Be Sweet Once You Bury It

Below are selected excerpts from Diabetes Can Be Sweet ... Once You Bury It, by Julie Wanner Rossetti, followed by some statistics on diabetes. Self-Diagnosis "It just so happened that we were studying diabetes in our health education class ... I went up to my teacher and said, 'I have just diagnosed myself with Type 1 diabetes.'" Diabetes “Mis-treatment” Center Experience "I was able to see how these people handled their diabetes out in the real world. I did not like what I saw, so I made a decision to live my life in a different way. This diabetes treatment center felt more like a torture chamber than a place to get help. I would listen to all of these people (that were older than me and had diabetes for many years) that wanted to live a better life, but just did not get the help that they needed. So many of them were there again and again to try and get their diabetes under control. I don't know what happened to any of these great people that I met at the diabetes treatment center. I can only pray that they are all doing well! I made a major decision that day to never step foot in that place again." Keep Dreaming “When dreaming, I think of things I want to have. I have a vision that's on a mission to obtain those dreams and make them come true. It seems like my dreams keep my eyes filled with gleam. Life without a dream is like a stream that never flows.

Dreams are wonderful and can come true. If we learn to visualize them and put forth the work it takes to make our dreams come alive. Strive to keep your dreams alive, for they will provide you with the life you want to have." Lose The Diabetic Label "You have a full life ahead of you no matter what your age is, and diabetes can be made to fit into your daily schedule. It's all up to you, and your diabetes consultant can guide you in the right direction. With a little organization and skill, you can do it. If you fall down (I have many times), get back up and start again. It's okay to make mistakes and learn from them. What's even more important is that you start over and make the necessary changes. Every decision you make will determine the outcome of how diabetes affects your life. Making no decision is still a decision and a negative one at best. Now is a good time to evaluate the words or colors that you are choosing to use everyday. What does your life portrait look like so far? Choose the right words and lose the labels, then you will win!"

Diabetes Statistics:
There are 20.8 million children and adults in the United States, or 7% of the population, who have diabetes. While an estimated 14.6 million have been diagnosed with diabetes, unfortunately, 6.2 million people (or nearly one-third) are unaware that they have the disease.

It is estimated that 5-10% of Americans who are diagnosed with diabetes have Type 1 diabetes.(90-95% with Type 2).

Gestational diabetes affects about 4% of all pregnant women - about 135,000 cases in the United States each year.

Pre-diabetes is a condition that occurs when a person's blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough for a diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes. There are 54 million Americans who have pre-diabetes, in addition to the 20.8 million with diabetes. Two million adolescents (or 1 in 6 overweight adolescents) aged 12-19 have pre-diabetes.

1.5 million new cases of diabetes were diagnosed in people aged 20 years or older in 2005

About 1 in 400 to 600 children and adolescents has Type 1 diabetes.

Age 60 years or older: 10.3 million, or 20.9% of all people in this age group have diabetes.

Men: 10.9 million, or 10.5% of all men aged 20 years or older have diabetes although nearly one third of them do not know it.

Women: 9.7 million, or 8.8% of all women aged 20 years or older have diabetes although nearly one third of them do not know it. The prevalence of diabetes is at least 2 to 4 times higher among non-Hispanic Black, Hispanic/Latino American, American Indian, and Asian/Pacific Islander women than among non-Hispanic white women.

Diabetes was the sixth leading cause of death listed on U.S. death certificates in 2002. This ranking is based on the 73,249 death certificates in which diabetes was listed as the underlying cause of death. According to death certificate reports, diabetes contributed to a total of 224,092 deaths.

Diabetes is likely to be underreported as a cause of death. Studies have found that only about 35 to 40 percent of decedents with diabetes have diabetes listed anywhere on the death certificate and only about 10 to15 percent had it listed as the underlying cause of death. * Overall, the risk for death among people with diabetes is about twice that of people without diabetes of a similar age. Source: American Diabetes Association, reprinted with permission.

4 Vital Tips To Better Health With Diabetes

Julie Wanner Rossetti knows about how to seize control of her health and how to live a full life, despite being diagnosed with a potentially fatal disease, such as diabetes. She was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at age 13, but rather than feel helpless, sick, or doomed, she embraced a positive attitude and willed herself to better health. She took concrete steps to gain control of her life - and health – as outlined in her book, Diabetes Can Be Sweet…Once You Bury It. Lose the Label, she suggests, “You have a full life ahead of you no matter what your age is, and diabetes can be made to fit into your daily schedule. It’s all up to you, and your diabetes consultant can guide you in the right direction. With a little organization and skill you can do it. "If you fall down (I have many times), get back up and start again.

It’s okay to make mistakes and learn from them. What’s even more important is that you start over and make the necessary changes. Every decision you make will determine the outcome of how diabetes affects your life. Making no decision is still a decision and a negative one at best. Now is a good time to evaluate the words or colors that you are choosing to use every day. What does your life portrait look like so far? Choose the right words and lose the labels, then you will win!”

1. Establish Your Health Goals For Exercise. Determine where you want to be as far as your health is concerned. Decide on an exercise program. What’s important is that you set a goal to begin with and consistently do the activities so the end result is favorable. Keep a logbook so you can make changes in your daily activities.

2. Regularly Monitor Your Blood Glucose Levels. In order to be healthy and not feel like you have diabetes, you will need to gain control over your blood glucose levels. Become a pro at blood glucose testing by keeping your blood sugar in the normal range. Many people carry a cell phone. I recommend you carry your blood glucose meter.

3. Eat Well. Eat right with an individualized meal plan. Eat foods that make you not only healthy, but happy too! Quality is important here. Remember, everything that you put into your body is either a positive or a negative, and yes, that includes all foods. Eat the right foods and you will feel fabulous! You should eat a diet that’s based on your blood type, just as Dr. Peter D’Adamo lays out in his book, Diabetes: Fight It With The Blood Type Diet. There are vitamins, supplements, herbs, and food that fit your blood type, rather than consuming those that destroy your body. Your blood type is the main component to your body’s entire immune system.

4. Stay Stress-Free! If you don’t get rid of the stress, it will get rid of you. There are lots of natural remedies that you can use. Have your naturopathic physician assist you in what vitamins, supplements, and herbs to take. Laughter, of course, is the best medicine of all.

Some stress-busters may include: exercise, prayer, rest, relax on a beach or in a hammock, light some scented candles and take a long bubble bath or go to a spa and order every treatment available, listen to soothing music, and/or watch a funny movie, and keep smiling. Any information provided in this article is not medical advice and should not be substituted for consulting with your own physician.

Common Myths About Diabetes

Diabetes mellitus is a very widespread disease today, but even then very little people have the right information on it. The reason behind the various misconceptions behind diabetes mellitus is the lack of proper knowledge on the subject. This article tries to dispel the various myths that are associated with diabetes mellitus. It seems like everywhere I travel I continue to hear the five diabetes myths. The myths are circulating from one generation to the next. Everyone seems to believe these folklores. I have decided to take all of the mystery out of these myths and give you what actually works with the new technology today.

1. All diabetes is inherited. Not everyone who gets diabetes inherits it. People tend to inherit the risk of type 2 diabetes more than type 1. You are considered at risk for developing type 2 if any first-degree relatives have diabetes.

2. If you do have diabetes, you cannot have any sugar, it must be sugar-free. This is a myth, and the truth is our bodies not only recognize sugar, but they know how to use it. For me, personally, wheat raises my blood sugar more than white sugar. If you do want a safe sugar substitute, I would recommend vegetable glycerin.

3. People with diabetes can't eat sweets or chocolate.
If eaten as part of a healthy meal plan, or combined with exercise, sweets and desserts can be eaten by people with diabetes. They are no more “off limits” to people with diabetes, than they are to people without diabetes.

4. Insulin causes impotence. Some men who have diabetes may become impotent, but not because they take insulin. Impotence or erectile dysfunction is caused by damage to nerves caused by many years of high blood glucose.

5. There are no early symptoms of diabetes.

Fact: The early symptoms of untreated diabetes mellitus are related to elevated blood sugar levels, and loss of glucose in the urine. High amounts of glucose in the urine can cause increased urine output and lead to dehydration. Dehydration causes increased thirst and water consumption. The inability to utilize glucose energy eventually leads to weight loss despite an increase in appetite. Fluctuations in blood sugars can also lead to blurring of vision early in the course of diabetes.

6.Type 1 diabetes is more serious than type 2

This myth is also widespread and its origin is historic. Before the discovery of insulin in 1922, the diagnosis of type 1 signified certain death within months. And while all people with type 1 require insulin to survive, it is possible to control type 2 without insulin. However a person may have type 2 for months or years before diagnosis, therefore serious complications, such as eye damage or kidney failure, may have already developed, making it more serious than type 1 in certain cases.

7. There are many jobs that people with diabetes can't do. False: Almost all jobs can be done by people with diabetes. In the past, some positions in the military, and occupations like airplane pilot or interstate truck driving were not available to people with diabetes. Today, many of these professions are changing those requirements.

8. Myth: I don't need to change my diabetes treatment program if my A1c count is lower than 8 percent.

Fact: The reason for any diabetes treatment plan is to get your numbers as close to normal as possible and to gain tight control of your diabetes. The closer your A1c is to normal range - less than 7 percent - the lower your chances for complications, such as nerve damage and eye disease.

Diabetes Diet Information - Diabetes Health

One of the most frequent questions people with diabetes ask is “What can I eat?” After all, diabetes is at root a metabolic disorder, affecting the way your body derives energy from food. Myths abound when it comes to diabetes and food—one of the most common being that there is a “diabetes diet” that prohibits sugar and lists other items to avoid. If you have diabetes, your body cannot make or properly use insulin. This leads to high blood glucose, or sugar, levels in your blood. Healthy eating helps to reduce your blood sugar. It is a critical part of managing your diabetes, because controlling your blood sugar can prevent the complications of diabetes. Wise food choices are a foundation of diabetes treatment.

Diabetes experts suggest meal plans that are flexible and take your lifestyle and other health needs into account. A registered dietitian can help you design a meal plan. Diet acts an important role in controlling the diabetes. The diabetic diet may be used alone or else in combination with insulin doses or with oral hypoglycemic drugs. Main objective of diabetic diet is to maintain ideal body weight, by providing adequate nutrition along with normal blood sugar levels in blood. The diet plan for a diabetic is based on height, weight, age, sex, physical activity and nature of diabetes. While planning diet, the dietician has to consider complications such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels. Here the patients require something which can provide all the information about the calories, sugar level that can calculate the calories and sugar level. Effective diabetic-management requires a healthy regular lifestyle which should include- Working towards obtaining ideal body weight Regular balanced diet & following a diabetic diet Regular exercise Sensible weight control Diabetic medication if needed Diabetes can be controlled by the daily activities, patient should know that what, when, and how much eating will affect the blood glucose level.

Following are some advices that are very beneficial for the diabetes - Eat the same amount of food each day. Eat at about the same times each day. Make sure the gaps between your meals are short. Take the medicines at the same times each day. Exercise at the same times each day. Drink a lot of water that will help flush the toxins off your system. Take good sleep daily. Every day, choose foods from these food groups: starches, vegetables, fruit, meat and meat substitutes, and milk and yogurt. How much of each depends on how many calories is need a day. The Diabetes Diet can be a catalyst for maintaining your desired weight, avoiding heart disease and managing blood sugar. The ADA does not offer a specific dietary plan, just smart goals to meet. More than half of your daily caloric intake should result from carbs, 30 percent fat and 12-20 percent protein, per the American Diabetes Association (ADA). It's suggested that for those following the Diabetes Diet, you consume each day at least six servings of starch and five servings of veggies and fruit.

The Diabetes Bracelet: Jewelry For A Cause

Probably the last thing on anybody's mind when dealing with diabetes is jewelry. After all, bracelets, necklaces and anklets may not seem to serve any purpose beyond being decorative. However, when it comes to chronic diseases like diabetes, being identified as having a medical condition is often necessary. This is why diabetes bracelets are often worn not just to inform anyone about the wearer's health status but also to alert people, such as rescuers, first-aid staff and medical professionals of the appropriate action to perform when the wearer is involved in an emergency. When Knowledge Can Save a Life When diabetics were first encouraged to wear diabetes bracelets, some people were not very supportive of getting "tagged" as a diabetic. However, the fact that the bracelets were medical alert tags quickly showed why it was a necessity.

Today, it still is. Diabetes requires special medical care and attention. In some emergencies, the patient may not always be able to speak or communicate or he may even be unresponsive. Furthermore, an emergency may occur when a relative or a friend who has knowledge about the patient's diabetes may not be around. In these cases, a diabetes bracelet can silently inform the attending medical personnel of the patient's disease. This way, the proper treatment and medications can be administered without worrying about possible side effects or drug interaction. Imagine being in a situation where medical treatment that is otherwise safe and effective can actually put your health and your life at risk. This is often the case when a diabetic is treated without the medical staff's knowledge that he or she has diabetes. Preparing for an Emergency Diabetes can be a tricky and rather deceptive condition to have, primarily because blood sugar levels can fluctuate unpredictably.

When blood sugar levels suddenly drop or sharply rise, blackouts can occur, requiring medical attention. Having a diabetes bracelet will let the medical staff know how to make the appropriate medical decisions that can save your life. In case you ever figure in an accident, any medications that may be necessary in order to treat you won't affect you in a negative way. Always ensure that you or your loved one is wearing a diabetes bracelet before leaving the house. If necessary, pack an extra bracelet especially during special trips, particularly if you will be traveling alone. Always wear the bracelet where it can be spotted easily and avoid taking it off. It might cramp your style, but it can mean the difference between living a healthy life and suffering the consequences. Bracelet for a Cause One simple diabetes bracelet can actually make a big difference in the fight against diabetes. Certain groups sell bracelets, donating proceeds to support associations dedicated to helping people with diabetes. Often, the proceeds even fund further research about the disease.

The diabetes wristband that states, "Insulin is Not a Cure", for example, is being promoted by the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation to support the foundation of the Education for Children with Diabetes. So now when you buy a diabetes bracelet, you might want to consider purchasing from groups that actually help push the struggle against diabetes forward. Further research is necessary in order to understand the real causes of this disease and probably even more in order for scientists to produce a cure. Getting "Tagged" These days, different bracelets are available for different medical and non-medical concerns but the need for a broader awareness of diabetes is still an important and necessary issue. Diabetes bracelets can be as simple as those made with rubber or as detailed as those made with metal and beads. Some diabetes bracelets can also be customized, including not just a simple alert but also other information such as your name, address, contact number or contact information of a person you'd like to contact in an emergency.

If you would like to help support the diabetes cause by using a diabetes bracelet, buy from groups and associations that actually donate proceeds or at least a portion of it to a related cause. Organizations who do this will state it in their websites, brochures or company ads. If you're buying from a retail shop, you can also ask the salesperson if the proceeds from the sale are actually going to fund diabetes research or support groups. This is an excellent way to do your part in the fight against diabetes.

Gymnema Sylvestre - 'Sugar Destroyer'

Gymnema sylvestre is originally an Indian vine widely used in Ayurvedic medicine. It is also found in Northern Africa. It is grown commercially in Asia, Australia, Europe, and North America. Uses Of Gymnema Sylvestre Many studies of Gymnema have been carried out.

These indicate that the herb: - Reduces or removes the sense taste of sweetness for several hours - Reduces the absorption into the body of sugar in the gut - Increases insulin production by the pancreas - Reduces blood levels of triglycerides and cholesterol These effects make Gymnema sylvestre a powerful aid in blood-sugar related ailments such as: - Weight loss - Diabetes, or pre-diabetes Gymnema Sylvestre And The Sweet Taste The effect of Gymnema sylvestre on the sense of taste is all the more remarkable because it is instantaneous. A few drops of a fluid extract or a little of the leaf powder dropped on the tongue makes it difficult or impossible to taste sweetness for up to several hours.

For people with a craving for sweet foods, this could be a godsend. After taking Gymnema, putting a pinch of sugar granules on the tongue feels like putting sand in your mouth; and chocolate tastes like putty! The use of Gymnema is also said to reduce any cravings which might be present for chocolate or other sweet foods. For someone who feels they are 'addicted' to sugar carrying a bottle of Gymnema drops around would certainly strengthen resolve not to eat sweet - or, to some extent, fatty - foods, as the sweetness will have just vanished.

Gymnema is a remarkable herb which can be a huge benefit both to those who truly want to cut down their consumption of sweet foods and those with blood sugar issues. Of course, if on medication you should consult your doctor before taking Gymnema: but if you have 'blood sugar lows' and are not on medication, try Gymnema. The main treatment for low blood sugar is in changing diet and getting more exercise: but if you do these things, Gymnema is a great help to have in your pocket. In addition, taking 3-6 capsules of raw Gymnema herb (as opposed to extract, for which follow the manufacturer's instructions.)

Taken from: Max Hill has been a practitioner for 20 years. See his other articles about Metabolic Syndrome; and others at the popular Alternative HealthZine (A free gift here for every new ezine subscriber).

Living With Diabetes

Diabetes is a serious disease and is occurring more rapidly now than ever before but the good thing about this disease is that it can be controlled and regulated with the proper precautions and medications. The main thing is to always keep up to date on your physicals with your physician Getting the right medications for your health conditions is very important. With the right medicines and a good exercise program, along with a good diet, you should be able to take care of yourself with only some limitations. You can lead a very normal life if you have diabetes. Of course you do have to take the right care of it.

Some people are choosing to only try natural remedies, which can benefit your diabetes symptoms almost as well as a prescribed medicine, but others may not have a choice but to have insulin injections, sometimes as often as six times per day. Listening to your health care physician is vital after being diagnosed with diabetes. He will be able to assist you on what types of medicines that you will need. He will also talk to you more about which kind of exercise program you will need to start on. And, of course, your diet which is vital to maintain. After being diagnosed with diabetes you will have to monitor your blood sugar levels every single day.

Keeping your doctor up to date on your daily readings will help him or her monitor your health more efficiently. This will keep him informed on your progress and allow him to make any slight adjustments that may be needed to your medications. He will be able to determine by these daily readings if your medications,diet and exercise program are helping you as much as they should be. If not, then he will know what needs to be done from there. It is important to keep up with this kind of information for him so you will have the proper treatments. Different Types of Diabetes There are three different types of diabetes that are very common today.

Type1 Type2 Gestational: When a woman becomes pregnant she will find that during the last trimester of her pregnancy her doctor will be checking her for what is called gestational diabetes. Usually if a woman is diagnosed with this type of diabetes during pregnancy, after giving birth, their glucose levels will go back to normal. The risk of diabetes is still there, up to 10 years after delivery or if she has a family history of diabetes. If a woman develops this type of diabetes during her pregnancy, her child will be at higher risk of becoming diabetic sometime throughout their life. The most common type of diabetes is Type 2 diabetes. This is the kind of diabetes where the patient is not dependent on insulin shots. Being overweight has a lot to do with someone getting this type of diabetes, however, that is not the only thing to blame for it.

With some people it may be genetic while with others it is caused by a high blood pressure level. Becoming physically active can help when treating this type of diabetes, along with a proper diet and medicine that your doctor will prescribe. He can give you an exercise program to follow along with the right kinds of food you should be eating. It is important that you follow everything that he informs you to do. The other kind of diabetes is Type 1 diabetes. This type is usually caused by pure genetics or your diet. This type of diabetes means that you are insulin dependent. Depending on the severity of this type of diabetes will determine how many shots you will need each and every day. As with the other types of diabetes it is vital that you put yourself on a regular exercise program along with a proper diet. Seeing your doctor on a regular basis in absolutely necessary on order to maintain a healthy lifestyle. The patients pancreas is not producing any amount of insulin at all and that is the reason it is called autoimmune diabetes. If not treated properly and promptly, this can be the most dangerous one of all.

Enjoying Sweets With Your Diabetes Many people believe that people with diabetes can not, in any way, have the enjoyments of indulging occasionally or ever, in getting to eat sweets. Those of you who are suffering with diabetes, if you do not already know, will be very happy to hear that you can in fact enjoy those sweet pleasures once in awhile. It is all about moderation, not just for people suffering from diabetes, but for everyone. The problem with any foods that are bad for us, is that so many of us eat entirely too much. Studies have shown that people with diabetes that do enjoy the occasional sweets do have to worry about their blood sugars rising a little bit too quickly, but that also happens with any kinds of fatty carbohydrate foods that a diabetic might eat. I am not telling all diabetics to go out and get sweets anytime they please but just that if you choose to, if you crave it, if you feel like you need it, go for it, just do not over indulge yourself too much ok.

It is important to keep your blood sugar in check at all times when you have diabetes. If you do decide you want sweets one evening, just plan for the occasion, eat less carbohydrates throughout the day to give your body a fair shot at a tasty treat. Just remember to watch your portions. If you are creating your own special sweets then perhaps you could consider substituting the real sugar for one of the new substitues . That is very helpful when trying to watch your weight and also keeping an eye on your blood sugar levels. You can satisfy some of your cravings some of the time if you are careful aboutwhat you eat and how much. Drinking Coffee For Diabetes Now for the really good news for coffee drinkers. It has been discovered that drinking caffeine coffee actually reduces your risks of becoming a diabetic and it also helps in the many types of treatments for people who have type 2 diabetes. Many people may not be aware of this, so you should all consider doing a little research on the ways that coffee can actually help your health and talk it over with your family doctor.

Several studies have been done on whether or not this is really accurate and the results are overwhelming in the ways that coffee can actually help your health. Usually women have more of a resistance to insulin than men do, so women may benefit from this knowledge more than anyone else. The fact of the matter is that with these studies, they have actually found that the risks for diabetes is going down somewhat with the increase of coffee consumption. Many people might be really happy with these findings because drinking coffee is something that many people all around the world enjoy, usually on an everyday basis. If you are suffering from type 2 diabetes, drinking coffee several times a day will help with your insulin secretion because of the effects coffee has on your gastrointestinal hormones throughout your body. Coffee can lower the absorption rate of your glucose, reducing your chances of suffering complications down the road with your type 2 diabetes. Not only does your consumption of caffeine coffees help reduce your risks of diabetes and helps in treating some diabetes, it will also help in controlling a woman's cholesterol levels.

Five Ways To Bury Diabetes

“I buried diabetes a long time ago, so it could never bury me,” says Julie Wanner Rossetti, who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes as a 13-year-old a quarter century ago. “Diabetes is dead, but I’m alive. I’ve learned to live my life as if I don’t have the deadly disease.” She shows us how to “bury” diabetes in her new book, Diabetes Can Be Sweet…Once You Bury It.

1. Don’t Accept The Label of “Diabetic.” Remember, you’re a person, not a disease. Choose the words that you want to define your life. Be positive. Lose the label of “diabetic.” Decide today that diabetes will not define who you are, but you will define what diabetes is to you.

2. Dig A Hole And Bury It. Go to your local hardware store and buy the biggest shovel that they have. Once you buy it, all you need to do is find a place to start digging a hole. Make it big enough to place diabetes and anything that is negatively associated with it in the hole. Be sure it is all in the hole. Now bury it. It’s dead, and you are alive! Let’s keep it that way.

3. Take Responsibility. Taking 100% responsibility means no more excuses. We can no longer blame our parents, spouse, friends, co-workers, the family pet or even the mouse in the house. Invest now in diabetes education that works - and act on this advice – or pay later in medical bills or with your life.

4. Choose Faith Over Fear. Denial is totally based on fear. Instead, we can become pro-active, by inviting faith to come in. Faith and fear do not go together. Choose faith and you will start feeling better.

5. Eliminate Negative Self-Talk. Don’t say what you “should” do – just do it! Speak pro-actively. We all talk to ourselves throughout the day. Unfortunately, most of it is negative. Such comments include: “I can’t get organized, I’m always late, I will never be healthy again.” And the list goes on and on. These comments affect our attitude and keep us from becoming pro-active. We start to believe all of these lies and they become very real to us. At this point, we then have absolutely no energy or motivation to even get started. Now, even though we want to become healthier, we don’t. The spoken word, including self-talk, is very powerful. You believe the lies and soon you get everything you never wanted. Start today, self-talking what you want!

Taken from: Julie Wanner Rossetti is the author of Diabetes Can Be Sweet ... Once You BURY It, and President of Diabetes Done Right, where she specializes as a diabetes consultant. Visit Diabetes Done Right

Type 2 Diabetes Symptoms Haunting You? Are They For Real?

Type 2 diabetes, which was previously also known as Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes, tend to have its symptoms develop rather slowly and gradually. Usually it takes around a few weeks to a few months for these type 2 diabetes symptoms to show. Sufferers of type 2 diabetes are more prone to illnesses like kidney damage, eye failure, heart disease, and heart stroke. People with type 2 diabetes often develop the disease after the age of 45, but are not aware they have diabetes until severe diabetes symptoms occur, or until they are treated for one of its serious diabetes complications.

Type 2 diabetes symptoms include the following: - Eye damage - Frequent urination - Feeling exhausted - Sore throat that can't be healed - Pains or burning in your feet The symptoms above may look very similar to other illnesses. They do resemble other medical conditions. However, when the glucose level in one's blood are not that high, these symptoms may not show up at all. Since the symptoms of type 2 diabetes are rather obscure, most people who have caught this deadly disease are usually ignorant of the disease inside their bodies.

Type 2 diabetes is one of the most fatal illnesses in the world today. Type 2 diabetes patients are also more prone to develop cardiovascular disease than other normal people. Many people with pre-diabetes develop type 2 diabetes within 10 years, according to a research done by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. If type 2 diabetes is properly treated from the early stages of the disease, the risk of any long-term complications is greatly reduced.

Even though type 2 diabetes can be inherited to one's offspring, most of the time it takes more than that to bring on the disease. For example, a person who is obese is more likely to catch on the disease than someone who is not obese. When looking for treatment for your type 2 diabetes, factors such as your medical history, your age, as well as your current health condition determine the types of medication your physician will prescribe you. Living with type 2 diabetes and controlling blood sugar is not easy. However, many cases of Type 2 diabetes can be controlled by diet, improved physical conditioning, and, particularly, reduced body weight.

Brain Fitness And Diabetes

An interesting paper came out recently in Nature talking about a newly discovered link between the brain and metabolism in type II diabetes. I thought the paper was interesting, not just for the new data, but because it supports the underlying concept of Brain Fitness – and more specifically, in this case, physical intelligence, which I have defined before as your brains ability to control your body.

Type II Diabetes in the Body Type II diabetes is a condition where your body is unable to regulate blood sugar appropriately. Typically, when you eat and your blood sugar goes up from the sugars in the food, your pancreas senses a rise in blood sugar and releases insulin into your bloodstream. The insulin then goes around knocking on the doors of all your cells and tells them to take their share of sugar out of the blood and use it to make energy. In type II diabetes, both of these things go wrong.

First, your pancreas loses its ability to sense blood sugar and release insulin appropriately. Second, the insulin that is released (or injected) doesn't work as well because the cells in your body begin to ignore it – or become insulin resistant. Type II Diabetes in the Brain? We also know that there are cells in the brain that sense blood sugar levels (called glucose-sensing neurons). Their job is to instruct different parts of your metabolism to respond appropriately – for example, make energy with the sugar, convert some of it to fat for later use, burn some for heat, and a bunch of other things. A fit brain that is working properly will keep a close watch on the nutrients floating around in the bloodstream and send out the appropriate instructions to the body. The new research shows that in type II diabetics, at least some of the neurons that are supposed to sense rises in blood sugar aren't doing their job and that this may be a part of the disease that we didn't previously appreciate. Many physicians think of type II diabetes as solely a disease of the body, but we may need to start thinking about it as a disease of the brain as well.

In fact, it may be that the brain loses its ability to monitor blood sugar first, and contributes to the progression of the disease – that is yet to be determined. This all plays back to the general concept of Brain Fitness and that the choices you make on a daily basis affect how well your brain works and how well it is able to control everything, including your metabolism. Choosing to eat high sugar foods on a regular basis will eventually cause cells in your body and your brain to lose their sensitivity to blood sugar and wreak havoc on your metabolism. Fight Back The good news is that you can improve your sensitivity to blood sugar (glucose) through eating well and exercising. Both of these things contribute to bringing your brain and your body back in tune so that everything will operate more smoothly.

Unfortunately, many people don't make this a priority until their brains and bodies are so far out of tune that recovery is extremely difficult. The body is an amazing thing and has an incredible tolerance for us mistreating it. This was great for our survival over hundreds of thousands of years of lack of food and shelter and a constant threat from out environment – but today it almost works against us. Because our metabolism is so good at tolerating us mistreating ourselves, we often don't know we have a problem until the problem is out of control. This is why people wait so long before they become proactive in controlling their own health. I encourage everyone to give your brain and your body the best chance to serve you well. Don't wait until you or your kids need the medication to try to fix the problem.
Copyright (c) 2007 The Brain Code LLC

What Are 3 Short Term Complications Of Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes mellitus is a disease produced by insufficient insulin or insulin resistance. There are mainly two types of complications of diabetes. Short Term Complications and long term complications. Here we will discuss short term complications of diabetes. Short Term Complications Hypoglycaemia Hyperosmolar NonKetotic Coma Ketoacidosis Hypoglycaemia Causes: Hypoglycaemia is seen when patient's blood glucose level falls too low.

The causes of hypoglycaemia are
1- Insufficient intake of meal, specially after taking glucose lowering drugs or insulin.
2- Excessive dose of Insulin or Sulphonylureas may cause hypoglycaemia as well.
3- Excessive exercise can also lead to hypoglycaemia specially those who are on antidiabetic drugs.

By doing exercise glucose goes into cells and glucose level in blood decreases. Hypoglycaemia Symptoms: Whenever hypoglycaemia occurs, patient can have symptoms like palpitations, feeling shaky, sweating, tingling in the lips, going pale, heart pounding, rapid pulse rate, anxiety, confusion and irritability. These are just warning signs, however if we will not treat hypoglycaemia then patient can lead to coma and even death can occur. What to do if Hypoglycaemia occurs: If you are in a hospital and your nurse or doctor find out that you are in hypoglycaemia, then most probably you will be injected with 25% dextrose water 5 ampules depending upon your blood glucose level.

At home, hypoglycaemia can be treated simply by taking some sweet juice like orange juice or glucose containing tablets. If patient goes to coma stage then intramuscular injection of GLUCAGON may help. Glucagon is a hormone that raises blood glucose level. So it is necessary that if you are traveling or going outside, must take your glucagon kit with you. Family and friends should be taught how to inject Glucagon, as patient is already unconscious and can not take it himself. If patient becomes unconscious never try to put food or drink in his mouth as it may lead to choking. If you are on insulin and taking alcohol, there are great chances of going into hypoglycaemia as body will be unable to produce glucose rapidly. It is suggested that man on insulin should take 3 units of alcohol and women should take 2 units.

Moreover while drinking, you should always eat something. What is Ketoacidosis, Definition of ketoacidosis Ketosis is the accumulation of ketone bodies (produced by breakdown of fat) in the blood and Acidosis is increased acidity of the blood, i.e PH of blood decreases. It is a serious condition that can also lead to coma. Usually seen in type 1 diabetic patients, may also appear in type 2 diabetes specially older patients. Diabetic acidosis is often initiated by an infection like Urinary track infection or chest infection. Pathophysiology and causes of Diabetic Kitoacidosis: Usually we see DKA when you miss doses of insulin, as a result blood glucose level will rise, and body cells will start burning fat which leads to production of ketone bodies and acidosis.

At the same time, the high secretion of glucose into the urine causes dehydration due to loss of water and salts. Ketoacidosis occurs when cells of body can not fulfilled their metabolic demand in absence of sufficient glucose. Instead, cells start getting energy by breakdown of fatty acids which results in formation of ketone bodies. PH of body will become acidic and body will try to eliminate acids by increasing rate and depth of acids. Symptoms and signs of ketoacidosis: Tiredness Fruity smell to breath like nail polish remover Increase thirst Polyuria increase urination. Weight-loss. Oral Thrush Muscle wasting. Aggression Confusion Agitation Irritation Emesis (vomiting), Abdominal pain. Loss of appetite. Flu-like symptoms. Lethargy and apathy. Patients breathe more deeply and rapidly. Unconsciousness (diabetic coma) after prolonged DKA. Prevention of diabetic ketoacidosis If you are ill and having an infection, always remember your body will need more insulin in such conditions, so try to increase your insulin dose during infectious illness, but before taking insulin should always check your blood glucose level.

Keep tight control of your blood sugar level by regularly checking it with glucometer. Whenever you feel unwell, just check your blood glucose level. If you ever find that blood glucose is high, then go for your urine examination for presence of ketone bodies. You should always have ketone measuring urine strips at home. Diabetic acidosis is often seen in stomach infection Gastritis, as you think that less insulin is needed if you are having symptoms of gastritis like nausea vomiting and reduced eating and this insufficient insulin may lead to acidosis. How do you know if you have diabetic acidosis? The diagnosis is made by: Always measure blood glucose - It is always high in diabetic ketoacidosis. Urine examination for ketone bodies a blood sample taken from an artery - it is done in the hospital and measures the PH of the blood. Doctor will also perform tests to rule out any infection. How to treat diabetic ketoacidosis. This condition usually requires hospital admission. Treatment consists of: Intravenous salt fluids like NaCl, KCl etc Insulin is given via intravenous drips. potassium supplements added to the infusion If infection is present then antibiotics are also added. Prognosis is quit good, if diabetic ketoacidosis is diagnosed and treated earlier, patient usually recovers within few days, however if acidosis is not treated earlier, it may become life threatening.

Hyperosmolar nonketotic Coma Diabetic Coma in Type 2 Diabetes Hyperglycaemic hyperosmolar nonketotic coma is a serious complication seen in type 2 diabetes patients with severe infection or stress. Diabetic coma is seen when blood glucose level becomes too high and there is severe dehydration. Unlike ketoacidosis which is usually seen in type 1 diabetes, in hyperosmolar stage we dont see any ketones in body and urine, and there is no acidosis. Diabetic hyperosmolar coma is usually seen in diabetic patients older than 60 years as they have altered sense of being thirsty and are more likely to become severely dehydrated. If there is severe loss of water from body, it can lead to shock, syncopy, coma and death What are Causes of Diabetic Coma? Severe Infection UTI, respiratory tract infection, bacterial meningitis,retropharyngeal abscess, hepatobiliary sepsis. Noncompliance with diet or insulin therapy Heart attack Renal failure Drugs (diuretics, steroids, phenytoin, ß -blockers, calcium channel blockers) Fever Illness Bleeding ulcer Blood clot hyperglycaemia Trauma CVA Pancreatitis Symptoms of Hyperosmolar Coma: Symptoms of hyperosmolar coma are produced due to hyperglycaemia and dehydration. Increased urination Increased thirst Severe Weakness Drowsiness Altered mental status Headache Restlessness Inability to speak Paralysis If you have any of these signs and symptoms, check your blood glucose and call your doctor if your blood glucose is high.

Diabetic hyperosmolar coma typically seen when blood glucose increases to 600 mg/dL or more. What are laboratory findings of Diabetic Coma patient. • Severe hyperglycaemia (> 500mg/dl) • Plasma hyperosmolality • urea:creatinine ratio increased • Secondary glycosuria • Absence of significant ketoacidosis o Metabolic acidosis absent or mild How Is Diabetic Coma Treated? It is an emergency situation, and should be treated immediately. Patient should be hospitalised. Treatment goals are to treat hyperglycaemia with insulin and treat dehydration with intravenous fluids. Infection can be treated with antibiotics. How to prevent diabetic coma? Monitor and Check your blood glucose regularly, as recommended by your doctor Check your blood glucose every four hours when you are suffering from any infection. Take special care of yourself when you are having severe illness. Learn more about Diabetes Complications at our website www.diabetessymptomscure.com

Can Surgeries Solve Diabetes?

Americans born in the year 2000 will see 33% of them being contracted with diabetes at some point in their lives. This figure is quoted by The Center for Disease Control and Prevention. What this means is that 29 million Americans will have diagnosed diabetes, and 10 million others will have undiagnosed diabetes. Diabetes can be said to be a lethal disease in the way that it affects millions of people all over the globe. Not only those who are diagnosed with diabetes are affected, some even have their family and friends catching this disease as well. Diabetes is a dead serious disease and can affect a person's eyes, kidneys, feet, and heart.

Diabetes directly affects a person's insulin productivity. In Canada, it is said that approximately $9 billion were lost every year because of Diabetes, which is the 7th leading cause of deaths in this country. Diabetes are also known to be causing blindness among adults. Although diabetes surgery may be an interesting option for diabetic patients, there aren't yet any long term data on its benefits and risks in large numbers of people. Performing surgeries to cure diabetes is definitely a good solution, but you have to remember that the results are not 100% guaranteed. Type 2 diabetes sufferers, however, can't have surgeries done on them. On the other hand, type 1 diabetes sufferers are a little more fortunate - they can have diabetic surgeries. After having performed surgeries on obese people suffering from diabetes, surgeons find that 98% of these people no longer have diabetes a few weeks later.

This phenomenon can't be attributed to weight loss as the time frame is too short. Moreover, other diabetes physicians feel that diabetic surgery should only be considered as "a last resort" after pioneering research on patients by an international team of doctors claim it can really cure the illness. Since diabetes is a global illness feared everywhere in the world, it must be treated at the earliest possible time once a person is diagnosed with the disease. Diabetes will cause long term health issues and problems, hence it is imperative that we continue to educate ourselves with the latest developments on diabetes. This is very important if we want to survive and lead healthy lives.

Source: http://www.healthandwellnesscentral.com/

5 Diabetes Myths

It seems like everywhere I travel I continue to hear the five diabetes myths. The myths are circulating from one generation to the next. Everyone seems to believe these folklores. I have decided to take all of the mystery out of these myths and give you what actually works with the new technology today.

1. Sugar causes diabetes. How many times have you heard this one? I lost track of how many times someone has either asked me or made a statement of this. This is a myth, and the truth is, consuming a lot of sugar does not cause diabetes. Someone did not get diabetes by becoming a cookie monster. Type 1 diabetes is a result of autoimmune damage to the insulin-secreting beta cells of the pancreas. The insulin secretion is not enough or completely absent. Therefore, the hormone insulin is injected or administered via pump. Type 2 diabetes is a result of a metabolic syndrome. People with Type 2 produce their own insulin but are unable to utilize it properly. It most often affects men, women and children who are overweight. This no longer is “adult-onset diabetes.” Children are getting Type 2 diabetes at an alarming rate.

2. If you do have diabetes, you cannot have any sugar, it must be sugar-free. This is a myth, and the truth is our bodies not only recognize sugar, but they know how to use it. For me, personally, wheat raises my blood sugar more than white sugar. If you do want a safe sugar substitute, I would recommend vegetable glycerin.

3. I can no longer have too many carbohydrates. This is another myth. It is not how much carbohydrate, but what type that makes the difference. Actually, some foods that are low on the glycemic index get in the way of good insulin function. Some foods can lower one individual’s blood sugar but increase another’s. Are you eating beneficial foods or avoid them?

4. Exercise always lowers blood sugar. This myth has been around for a long time. However, if the body does not have enough insulin for proper glucose utilization, exercise will raise your blood sugar. If your blood sugar is over 200mg/dL before exercising, the exercise will only make your blood sugar go higher. When the body is conditioned and there is enough insulin, the blood sugars will lower. Physical exercise is one of the important aspects to living as if you do not have diabetes.

5. You can no longer live a “normal” life after being diagnosed with diabetes. This myth is one of the strangest ones. I believe that once you bury Type 1 or 2 diabetes you can live a happy and healthy normal life. My life has been better than normal! Nick Jonas is a 14-year-old living a normal life after being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in November 2005. Nick is a member of the Jonas Brothers Band. He has said, “At first, I was worried that diabetes would keep me from performing and doing everything a teenager likes to do, but my career is really ramping up.” Way to go Nick! Best wishes for a great life!

Source: http://www.diabetesdoneright.com/

Adult Type 2 Diabetes Information

Adult type 2 diabetes may be a lot more common than you think. There are three different kinds of diabetes. Type 1, type 2, and gestational. Slightly more than 1% of the population has type 2.

Obesity increases the chances for getting adult type 2 diabetes. Obesity is a common thread in over fifty percent of all those diagnosed with it. Keeping your weight at a healthy level is of extreme importance because being overweight is a high risk factor of type 2 as well as cardiovascular problems.

The treatment of adult type 2 diabetes varies from person to person. Whether you have other active medical problems, whether you have complications of diabetes, and your age and general health at time of diagnosis are all factors. Your health care provider will set goals for lifestyle changes, blood sugar control, and treatment.

The number of patients suffering from adult type 2 diabetes symptoms is staggering, and one needs to pay close attention to their diet plan. Blood sugar has to be constantly controlled and so the foods you eat will have to be as well. Planning a healthy type 2 diabetes diet can take time and research. Your healthcare professional will be there to help you with this.

Exercise is of primary importance in the prevention and management of adult type 2 diabetes. Exercise helps keep blood glucose levels down and has other health benefits, as well. Prevention of the disease will require measures to promote exercise and reduce obesity.

Symptoms of adult type 2 diabetes can begin so gradually that a person may not know that they have it. Symptoms include: excessive thirst, frequent urination, weight loss, increased appetite, unexplained fatigue, slow healing cuts, bruises, and wounds, frequent or lingering infections.

Complications: These include but are not limited to: heart disease, blindness, nerve damage, and kidney damage.

With about one out of every ninety people having adult type 2 diabetes, this disease should be taken seriously. Do your best to eat right and stay active. Get a checkup once a year and don't forget to ask your doctor about any question you may have about this disease.

Source: http://www.articlemap.com/

Risk Factors For Diabetes - Can You Become Diabetic?

What causes Type 1 diabetes or Type 2 diabetes is not definitively known, but there now appears to be at least two general factors that increase the likelihood of developing diabetes. The first factor is genetics, who in your family has diabetes? If one parent has diabetes, your chances of developing diabetes increase greatly. The second factor is environmental. Several studies have indicated that exposure to cow's milk, wheat products or intestinal viruses in the first few months of a baby's life increase the child's chances of developing Type 1 diabetes.

Risk factors for Type I diabetes are pretty much unknown. However, there are many risk factors for Type II diabetes that have been identified. Family history and genetics can play a part, but some of those can be turned around to either prevent or reverse Type II diabetes. What are the risk factors for Type II diabetes? Obesity is probably the highest risk factor when it comes to Type 2 diabetes. According to the National Center of Health Statistics, almost 60 million adults are within weight levels defined as being obese.

The Center's study also reveals that the number of children who are overweight is rising at alarming numbers. Obesity in children has tripled since 1980. Even more alarming is that the number of children who have been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes has also risen. A sedentary lifestyle lends itself to obesity and diabetes. Inactivity is damaging to health overall and it's definitely the cause for the rise in obesity. By not exercising or being more physically fit, you are compounding the risk of developing diabetes. You can take steps today to improve your health by starting up a simple program of exercise each day such as short walks that gradually increase in duration and pace. Unhealthy eating habits go hand-in-hand with obesity.

Nearly 90% of people who have developed and been diagnosed with Type II diabetes are overweight. If a person's diet contains too much fat and simple carbohydrates and not enough fiber, they are at risk for the development of Type II diabetes. There is a family history and genetic link to those who are at higher risk for diabetes. If you have a family member who has been diagnosed with Type II diabetes, you may be at a higher risk than someone who doesn't have that genetic history. Age is a risk factor by virtue of the fact that as we grow older, the pancreas which controls insulin production grows older as well and becomes less efficient. Our cells also become less capable of processing blood glucose. As a result, with each passing year, the risk of Type II diabetes becomes higher.

According to the American Diabetes Association, more than 50% of Type II diabetes occur in persons over 55 years of age. Individuals with Metabolic Syndrome are at high risk of developing Type II diabetes. Metabolic Syndrome is a group of risk factors that include central obesity (characterized by excessive fatty tissue around the abdomen), blood fat disorders such as high triglycerides and low HDL cholesterol, glucose intolerance and elevated blood pressure. Women who have had gestational diabetes have a higher risk as well. This type of diabetes affects around 4% of all women who are pregnant.

Studies have shown that many women who have this type of diabetes go on to develop Type II diabetes even years later in life. Their children who were in the womb at the time of the gestational diabetes also have some risk of developing diabetes later in their life. Ethnicity also plays a large role in determining risk of developing Type II diabetes. Numerous studies have evidenced that African Americans, Native Americans, Hispanics, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are all at increased risk of developing Type II diabetes.

Source: http://www.healthandwellnesscentral.com/