The number of people who have diabetes is on the rise. More and more people are overweight and leading an inactive lifestyle which makes it more likely for one to develop diabetes. If you have diabetes, you have to think of some natural ways to lower blood sugar with you since your body cannot process insulin or simply does not produce enough of it. Insulin processes the sugar or glucose from the food you eat and provides the energy to fuel your body. When the glucose is not processed through the body it stays in the blood therefore raising the amount of sugar in your blood. This condition is referred to as high blood sugar or hyperglycemia. This is a dangerous situation as it starves the organs that need the glucose and harms other organs that are receiving too much blood sugar. This condition damages the eyes, nerves, kidneys and blood vessels.
Type 2 diabetes is the most common. Around ninety percent of people who have diabetes suffer from type 2. In this type the body produces the insulin but cannot process it effectively. This type can at least be partially controlled by diet, weight loss, and exercise. Your best option is to find and follow along with other things taking any medication your doctor prescribes. Doing this will greatly reduce your risks associated with diabetes.
Five easy safe ways to lower blood sugar levels
1. Diet: Intake of low carb diet is perhaps the most well known way to reduce blood sugar level. Good examples of low carbohydrate foods include soy milk, pearled barley, and kippered herring. High fiber foods such as dry beans, oatmeal, bran or raisin bran cereal, whole grain bread and peanuts help to manage diabetes. Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.
2. Exercise: Keep active and exercise daily. Going for a walk or other forms of exercise will help burn off some of the sugar in your blood. A brisk walk, mowing the yard and normal chores like housework are all good choices for exercises that help to regulate normal blood glucose.
3. Lose weight: Your blood sugar will be much easier to control if you get your weight down to normal levels. Follow your diabetic diet meal plan carefully and exercise regularly.
4. Supplements: People with diabetes more than likely have a zinc deficiency. Take a supplement or eat more foods that contain zinc to help to bring down blood sugar level. Chicken and sardines are a couple of foods that are good sources of zinc. Six ounces of cinnamon a day is believed to keep down sugar level naturally, it is also available in capsules if you prefer to take it that way.
5. Get plenty of good quality sleep: Not getting enough sleep can cause the body to not be able to process glucose effectively. You can help lower blood sugar by getting plenty of rest.
There are many more things you can do to improve your health and have a better life with diabetes. Always tell your doctor about any supplements you are taking. Do not stop taking your diabetes medicine without your doctor's permission.
Controlling blood sugar is an art. If you want to be an expert in it, you shuld know the full details in foods to eat for diabetes AND foods to avoid for diabetes.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Prakash_Kannan
By Prakash Kannan
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Major Differences Between Type 1 Diabetes and Type 2 Diabetes Explained
Type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes are the two most popular diabetes types that diabetics got themselves into. Most of the time, both of them have similar symptoms. No diabetes patients will be able to provide confirmation on which type of diabetes is associated with them until further medical examinations are carried out.
In this article, you will learn the major differences between type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. Learning their differences will help you in terms of gaining extra knowledge about the disease and be able to converse with your doctor about your situation. Patients often complain that doctors had a hard time understanding them just because they do not know how to describe the hardship that they are in.
Type 1 diabetes happens when part of our immune system is acting against our body. In other words, it is an autoimmune disease. When our immune system starts to attack the beta cells that produce insulin, the production of insulin, which is the hormone that our body produces to reduce the amount of glucose in our bloodstream will decrease.
Such circumstances will give rise to a spike in glucose level, indirectly leading towards diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes is normally caused by genetic and environmental factors. Some of the symptoms coincide with type 2 diabetes but most type 1 diabetes patients will have blurred vision, weight loss and lack of energy.
Although there is no clear cut treatment for the disease yet, patients may have to inject themselves with insulin in order to keep their blood sugar level at bay. Failure to do so may cause drowsiness and the patient might faint due to the glucose spike. There are of course other measures to be taken by the patient such as following a diabetic diet and frequent exercise.
Type 2 diabetes, on the other hand, is being caused by the inability of our body to use the
amount of insulin produced effectively. Such a condition is what we call as an insulin resistant. Compared to type 1 diabetes, more time is needed for type 2 to develop but the current trend is showing that kids as young as 10 years old is starting to develop the disease.
Some of the symptoms are slow healing of wounds, frequent urination and the increase in likeliness of contracting common disease such as flu, cough and fever.
Medication may be required for the disease. Recommendations to prevent the disease include having balanced meals, frequent exercises and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Failure to prevent such a nasty disease may lead to a long period of suffering that the disease will cause.
If you are serious about learning more on diabetes, click on diabetes types now and you will be shown the characteristics and cures of the three major types of diabetes.
Remember, prevention is always better than cure, click on http://www.diabetesmania.com/diabetes-types/ now to learn more about the symptoms of different diabetes types including type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes for FREE today.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Randy_Pickler
By Randy Pickler
In this article, you will learn the major differences between type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. Learning their differences will help you in terms of gaining extra knowledge about the disease and be able to converse with your doctor about your situation. Patients often complain that doctors had a hard time understanding them just because they do not know how to describe the hardship that they are in.
Type 1 diabetes happens when part of our immune system is acting against our body. In other words, it is an autoimmune disease. When our immune system starts to attack the beta cells that produce insulin, the production of insulin, which is the hormone that our body produces to reduce the amount of glucose in our bloodstream will decrease.
Such circumstances will give rise to a spike in glucose level, indirectly leading towards diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes is normally caused by genetic and environmental factors. Some of the symptoms coincide with type 2 diabetes but most type 1 diabetes patients will have blurred vision, weight loss and lack of energy.
Although there is no clear cut treatment for the disease yet, patients may have to inject themselves with insulin in order to keep their blood sugar level at bay. Failure to do so may cause drowsiness and the patient might faint due to the glucose spike. There are of course other measures to be taken by the patient such as following a diabetic diet and frequent exercise.
Type 2 diabetes, on the other hand, is being caused by the inability of our body to use the
amount of insulin produced effectively. Such a condition is what we call as an insulin resistant. Compared to type 1 diabetes, more time is needed for type 2 to develop but the current trend is showing that kids as young as 10 years old is starting to develop the disease.
Some of the symptoms are slow healing of wounds, frequent urination and the increase in likeliness of contracting common disease such as flu, cough and fever.
Medication may be required for the disease. Recommendations to prevent the disease include having balanced meals, frequent exercises and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Failure to prevent such a nasty disease may lead to a long period of suffering that the disease will cause.
If you are serious about learning more on diabetes, click on diabetes types now and you will be shown the characteristics and cures of the three major types of diabetes.
Remember, prevention is always better than cure, click on http://www.diabetesmania.com/diabetes-types/ now to learn more about the symptoms of different diabetes types including type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes for FREE today.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Randy_Pickler
By Randy Pickler
Gestational Diabetes Diet - the Best Way of Controlling Gestational Diabetes
Women suffering from gestational diabetes symptoms usually have several questions such as: what exactly is the disease?, how does one acquire it?, whether it will impact the health of the baby?, and how can it be controlled? We will explore all these questions and more detailing the most effective way of controlling gestational diabetes which is to have a proper diabetes diet for pregnancy or a gestational diabetes diet plan.
Gestational Diabetes:
Gestational diabetes is a metabolic disorder that commonly appears during the later stages of pregnancy in women. Controlling gestational diabetes is extremely important for the health of the unborn baby. Otherwise, the consequences can be extremely fatal for both the baby and the mother. One of the most essential components of care for diabetes while pregnant is to start a gestational diabetes diet (Diabetes Diet Pregnancy).
In the entire life of a woman, pregnancy is considered as the most sensitive and life-threatening period where a lot of complications can occur. One such complication is Gestational Diabetes, commonly termed as GDM. This form of diabetes is highly similar to that of Type 2 diabetes and appears predominantly in almost 3-5% of all pregnancies. Gestational diabetes can be rightly described as a condition where the body cells of a pregnant woman develop insulin resistance and fail to use insulin effectively. Even the insulin produced inside the body is low and not sufficiently enough in reducing blood glucose levels, thereby resulting in hyperglycemia or abnormally high glucose levels in the blood.
Causes of Gestational Diabetes:
During pregnancy, it is the placenta through which the fetus receives its nutritional supplies. Also, the placenta secretes certain hormones such as estrogen, cortisol and human placental lactogen that are extremely essential in preserving pregnancy. Gestational diabetes primarily occurs when placental hormones interfere with the insulin secretion from the pancreas and its absorption into the cells. This behavior is termed as "contra-insulin effect" and usually appears approximately between 20-24 weeks of pregnancy and continues till child birth. An interesting aspect regarding diabetes while pregnant is that insulin resistance tends to increase in a relative proportion with increasing age of pregnancy.
Symptoms of Gestational Diabetes:
The best way to identify any disease is to locate its associated symptoms. Gestational diabetes symptoms are very similar to Type 2 diabetes. Some of these symptoms include increased thirst, excessive hunger, frequent urination, fatigue, weight loss and irritability. Apart from these, other associated symptoms include abnormal weight loss and blurred vision that can develop if the disease gets left unnoticed or untreated.
By keeping these points in mind, you can see the importance of starting a Gestational Diabetes Diet (Diabetes Diet Pregnancy). Not only does it offer the best way of controlling gestational diabetes symptoms, it is also the safest. We strongly recommend you research further for information on this diet. Many women who have diabetes while pregnant already have done so and found the relief they were looking for.
For more specific information and examples of a Gestational Diabetes Diet, try visiting http://www.curefordiabetes.org - it is a website offering solid tips and information on different diabetes treatments and diabetes in general.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Frank_D._Miller
By Frank D. Miller
Gestational Diabetes:
Gestational diabetes is a metabolic disorder that commonly appears during the later stages of pregnancy in women. Controlling gestational diabetes is extremely important for the health of the unborn baby. Otherwise, the consequences can be extremely fatal for both the baby and the mother. One of the most essential components of care for diabetes while pregnant is to start a gestational diabetes diet (Diabetes Diet Pregnancy).
In the entire life of a woman, pregnancy is considered as the most sensitive and life-threatening period where a lot of complications can occur. One such complication is Gestational Diabetes, commonly termed as GDM. This form of diabetes is highly similar to that of Type 2 diabetes and appears predominantly in almost 3-5% of all pregnancies. Gestational diabetes can be rightly described as a condition where the body cells of a pregnant woman develop insulin resistance and fail to use insulin effectively. Even the insulin produced inside the body is low and not sufficiently enough in reducing blood glucose levels, thereby resulting in hyperglycemia or abnormally high glucose levels in the blood.
Causes of Gestational Diabetes:
During pregnancy, it is the placenta through which the fetus receives its nutritional supplies. Also, the placenta secretes certain hormones such as estrogen, cortisol and human placental lactogen that are extremely essential in preserving pregnancy. Gestational diabetes primarily occurs when placental hormones interfere with the insulin secretion from the pancreas and its absorption into the cells. This behavior is termed as "contra-insulin effect" and usually appears approximately between 20-24 weeks of pregnancy and continues till child birth. An interesting aspect regarding diabetes while pregnant is that insulin resistance tends to increase in a relative proportion with increasing age of pregnancy.
Symptoms of Gestational Diabetes:
The best way to identify any disease is to locate its associated symptoms. Gestational diabetes symptoms are very similar to Type 2 diabetes. Some of these symptoms include increased thirst, excessive hunger, frequent urination, fatigue, weight loss and irritability. Apart from these, other associated symptoms include abnormal weight loss and blurred vision that can develop if the disease gets left unnoticed or untreated.
By keeping these points in mind, you can see the importance of starting a Gestational Diabetes Diet (Diabetes Diet Pregnancy). Not only does it offer the best way of controlling gestational diabetes symptoms, it is also the safest. We strongly recommend you research further for information on this diet. Many women who have diabetes while pregnant already have done so and found the relief they were looking for.
For more specific information and examples of a Gestational Diabetes Diet, try visiting http://www.curefordiabetes.org - it is a website offering solid tips and information on different diabetes treatments and diabetes in general.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Frank_D._Miller
By Frank D. Miller
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Types of Diabetic Testing Supplies Available Today
There used to be a time, some decades back, when diabetes was a much lesser known disease. Then, finding the right medication and supplies were very difficult for those suffering from the disease. But today, thanks to constant improvement in medication and medical supplies, newer and better products are being introduced each and every day in order to control the disease better. You no longer even need to visit your doctor everyday for testing - you can purchase diabetic testing supplies yourself and use them in the privacy of your own home!
Types of diabetic testing devices
There are many devices used for testing blood sugar available today. They include blood glucose meters, glucose testing strips, glucose monitor kits, urinalysis test strips, lancets, syringes, pens and so on. Besides, you also get to purchase some blood sugar testing accessories, such as antiseptic alcohol swabs for insulin injections, needle storage and clipping devices, blood glucose control solutions, diabetic log books and so on and so forth. The list of diabetic supplies today is almost endless and so you have a fantastically wide range of products to choose from.
Only, make sure to talk to your physician before purchasing any testing equipment of your own. In case you purchase some equipment, see to it that you give it to your healthcare professional for an annual checkup, to ensure that it works perfectly right. If you should have some trouble operating a particular testing equipment, do contact the sales staff and get your doubts cleared without delay.
Where you can purchase testing supplies
Testing supplies for diabetes can be found with great ease at your local chemist. Many of these require a prescription from the doctor. In case you do not find the required equipment with your pharmacist, try chemists online. Do a Google search on "diabetic supplies" and you will find many, many sites that deal with these products. Again, ask your doctor to recommend the best one, browse each site in detail and then purchase your product.
The advantages of shopping online are many. You get to order the product sitting right at home, at the mere click of the mouse button - what is more, you get it delivered right to your doorstep! Besides, many companies also offer you a nice discount or cash back on your purchase. So this works to your advantage as well.
Free diabetes supplies
While there are many types of medications and supplies available for diabetes, the cost of the same is high and keeps rising rapidly. There are many people all around the world who find it difficult to afford the cost of these medicines.
Many healthcare organizations such as Medicare offer a lot of benefits, such as providing very cheap and even completely free medication and testing supplies for diabetes. In case you are not able to afford the rising cost of medicines and equipment, you have the option of contacting such organizations and ask them to help you out.
Before signing up for their services, though, always enquire with your doctor and he or she will let you know what products you can purchase. Also remember that though your expenses will be covered by the organization, you will also have an upper limit of purchase.
You have an almost limitless choice of products as regards diabetes testing supplies. Find out about all your options before deciding to go for one of them.
Gary Sanders is diabetes sufferer. He has dedicated the last decade of his life to mastering every aspect of diabetes including nutrition, diabetic testing supplies, symptoms of diabetes, diagnosis, and prevention. He has created an award winning guide that is available at DiabetesSymptomsGuide.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gary_J._Sanders
By Gary J. Sanders
Types of diabetic testing devices
There are many devices used for testing blood sugar available today. They include blood glucose meters, glucose testing strips, glucose monitor kits, urinalysis test strips, lancets, syringes, pens and so on. Besides, you also get to purchase some blood sugar testing accessories, such as antiseptic alcohol swabs for insulin injections, needle storage and clipping devices, blood glucose control solutions, diabetic log books and so on and so forth. The list of diabetic supplies today is almost endless and so you have a fantastically wide range of products to choose from.
Only, make sure to talk to your physician before purchasing any testing equipment of your own. In case you purchase some equipment, see to it that you give it to your healthcare professional for an annual checkup, to ensure that it works perfectly right. If you should have some trouble operating a particular testing equipment, do contact the sales staff and get your doubts cleared without delay.
Where you can purchase testing supplies
Testing supplies for diabetes can be found with great ease at your local chemist. Many of these require a prescription from the doctor. In case you do not find the required equipment with your pharmacist, try chemists online. Do a Google search on "diabetic supplies" and you will find many, many sites that deal with these products. Again, ask your doctor to recommend the best one, browse each site in detail and then purchase your product.
The advantages of shopping online are many. You get to order the product sitting right at home, at the mere click of the mouse button - what is more, you get it delivered right to your doorstep! Besides, many companies also offer you a nice discount or cash back on your purchase. So this works to your advantage as well.
Free diabetes supplies
While there are many types of medications and supplies available for diabetes, the cost of the same is high and keeps rising rapidly. There are many people all around the world who find it difficult to afford the cost of these medicines.
Many healthcare organizations such as Medicare offer a lot of benefits, such as providing very cheap and even completely free medication and testing supplies for diabetes. In case you are not able to afford the rising cost of medicines and equipment, you have the option of contacting such organizations and ask them to help you out.
Before signing up for their services, though, always enquire with your doctor and he or she will let you know what products you can purchase. Also remember that though your expenses will be covered by the organization, you will also have an upper limit of purchase.
You have an almost limitless choice of products as regards diabetes testing supplies. Find out about all your options before deciding to go for one of them.
Gary Sanders is diabetes sufferer. He has dedicated the last decade of his life to mastering every aspect of diabetes including nutrition, diabetic testing supplies, symptoms of diabetes, diagnosis, and prevention. He has created an award winning guide that is available at DiabetesSymptomsGuide.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gary_J._Sanders
By Gary J. Sanders
Type II and Pre Diabetes May Be Controlled With Bitter Melon
If you have Pre diabetes or Type II diabetes, you may be interested to learn that, just this year, four different research groups have called for large scale clinical trials to prove the efficacy of a natural supplement in the control and treatment of the conditions. The botanical is called bitter melon.
It's not a favorite food, due to its very bitter flavor, the gourd, as well as its shoots and leaves, is eaten in China, Pakistan, India and the Philippines. It has been used for at least 2000 years to control symptoms of pre diabetes, type II diabetes and other forms of the disease. Although the names are new, the condition has been described since ancient times.
For over 20 years now, scientific researchers have again and again described the effectiveness of bitter melon extracts in controlling blood sugar levels. But, despite the growing evidence of its safety and efficacy, there have yet to be large scale clinical trials. Why?
Primarily, it's because large scale clinical trials cost money. Volunteers are often reimbursed for travel time and expenses. They are not charged for the medications or supplements that they receive. In order to fund this type of study, you need a "backer".
That backer is typically a pharmaceutical company, but they are only interested in sponsoring research for synthetic compounds that can be patented. So, regardless of the effectiveness of bitter melon in treating type II diabetes and pre diabetes, it is unlikely that the requested clinical trials will take place.
If they do happen to get a sponsor like the US National Institutes of Health or other government organization, it will take years to complete the study and then another year or so to analyze the results. Why is any of this necessary?
No one wants to use something that is unsafe or untested, but the drugs for treating the condition are ineffective and accompanied by numerous unwanted side effects (like weight gain) that tend to make the condition even worse. The only natural approaches that have recently been tested in large clinical studies are the effects of a totally vegan diet. The results of the research have yet to be published.
Over 18 million people in the US alone have type II diabetes. Another 54 million fall into the category you pre diabetes. The condition affects their families, their lifestyle and quality of life. It threatens to shorten their life-spans.
Conventional treatments are obviously not working. A new approach is obviously needed. Hopefully, someone will listen to the researchers that have requested large scale clinical trials this year, so that more people can learn about effective natural remedies. But, we'll have to wait and see.
In the meantime, there are numerous supplements on the market designed to help control type II diabetes. Just remember to carefully evaluate the manufacturer, before you buy. They should test every batch for purity and use sophisticated processes to ensure effectiveness.
If you have pre diabetes, consider investigating the more natural approaches and make every effort to stop the disease, now.
Patsy Hamilton is a freelance writer with over 20 years of experience as a health care professional. To learn more about supplements for pre diabetes and type II diabetes, visit http://www.diabetes-type-two-info-guide.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Patsy_Hamilton
By Patsy Hamilton
It's not a favorite food, due to its very bitter flavor, the gourd, as well as its shoots and leaves, is eaten in China, Pakistan, India and the Philippines. It has been used for at least 2000 years to control symptoms of pre diabetes, type II diabetes and other forms of the disease. Although the names are new, the condition has been described since ancient times.
For over 20 years now, scientific researchers have again and again described the effectiveness of bitter melon extracts in controlling blood sugar levels. But, despite the growing evidence of its safety and efficacy, there have yet to be large scale clinical trials. Why?
Primarily, it's because large scale clinical trials cost money. Volunteers are often reimbursed for travel time and expenses. They are not charged for the medications or supplements that they receive. In order to fund this type of study, you need a "backer".
That backer is typically a pharmaceutical company, but they are only interested in sponsoring research for synthetic compounds that can be patented. So, regardless of the effectiveness of bitter melon in treating type II diabetes and pre diabetes, it is unlikely that the requested clinical trials will take place.
If they do happen to get a sponsor like the US National Institutes of Health or other government organization, it will take years to complete the study and then another year or so to analyze the results. Why is any of this necessary?
No one wants to use something that is unsafe or untested, but the drugs for treating the condition are ineffective and accompanied by numerous unwanted side effects (like weight gain) that tend to make the condition even worse. The only natural approaches that have recently been tested in large clinical studies are the effects of a totally vegan diet. The results of the research have yet to be published.
Over 18 million people in the US alone have type II diabetes. Another 54 million fall into the category you pre diabetes. The condition affects their families, their lifestyle and quality of life. It threatens to shorten their life-spans.
Conventional treatments are obviously not working. A new approach is obviously needed. Hopefully, someone will listen to the researchers that have requested large scale clinical trials this year, so that more people can learn about effective natural remedies. But, we'll have to wait and see.
In the meantime, there are numerous supplements on the market designed to help control type II diabetes. Just remember to carefully evaluate the manufacturer, before you buy. They should test every batch for purity and use sophisticated processes to ensure effectiveness.
If you have pre diabetes, consider investigating the more natural approaches and make every effort to stop the disease, now.
Patsy Hamilton is a freelance writer with over 20 years of experience as a health care professional. To learn more about supplements for pre diabetes and type II diabetes, visit http://www.diabetes-type-two-info-guide.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Patsy_Hamilton
By Patsy Hamilton
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Food List For Diabetics to Eat - Free Diabetic Meal Plan and Diabetic Recipes For Any of You to Try
Having a healthy balanced diet for anyone whether they are diabetic or not should be a priority however with diabetics this is a must have.
The recommended daily calories for a person with diabetes is between 1200 - 1800 calories which should consist of 50% carbohydrates 20% protein and 30% fats. This would prove to be a balanced and healthy diet for anyone with diabetes however this is very much just a guide line and depending on what your diabetics condition is like as most people suffering with diabetes have unique conditions and situations it will differ from person to person.
A must have for people with diabetes is Alpha-lipoic acid now this is like a vitamin and it helps to enhance the glucose uptake and improve nerve damage.
Another must have for any diabetic is Omega 3 most people have heard of Omega 3 and this helps to protect against hardening arteries.
Both of these are very important and must haves for anyone with diabetes, whether it is type 1 or type 2 diabetes including these two substances in to your diet can benefit your illness largely having great effects on your body and the illness.
There are many factors which help to understand what each person suffering from diabetes needs, this is why when you go to create a diabetic meal plan it is best consulting your doctor as well as they know your medical condition more than anyone else. They are able to give expert advice on how to structure and what to include in your diabetic meal plan.
However this does not mean you can't do some research of your own, by reading articles like this one you can learn a lot about your illness which will help for you to understand and combat diabetes.
However this does not mean you can't do some research of your own, by reading articles like this one you can learn a lot about your illness which will help for you to understand and combat diabetes.
I definitely recommend anyone with diabetes to subscribe to my free diabetic recipes weekly newsletter. As mentioned this is totally free and you will receive one email each week with new diabetic recipes for you to enjoy.
You can subscribe to the free diabetic recipes weekly newsletter here.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Will_Blears
By Will Blears
Will BlearsLevel: Basic PLUSI am currently in University studying China International Business enjoying University very much. I am currently in a long term relationship and enjoy writing articles ... ...
Diabetes, The 6 Points That Will Explain It For You
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease in which patients present with absolute or relative insulin deficiency. It effects about 6% of western populations and is a major contributing factor for heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure and peripheral vascular disease. Diabetes mellitus is also the leading cause of new blindness.
1. Types of DiabetesThere are four forms of the disease, classified as: types 1 and 2, gestational and other specific types.
a. Type 1 Diabetes
In people with type 1 diabetes the pancreas is not producing insulin, so blood glucose levels are higher than normal. People with this form of diabetes require daily insulin therapy to survive. This form is further split into idiopathic diabetes and immune mediated diabetes.
Type 1 accounts for around 10% to 15% of all people with diabetes. It is one of the most serious and common chronic diseases of childhood, with about half of the people with this form of diabetes developing the disease before age 18. It is also known as insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) or juvenile-onset diabetes.
b. Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is marked by reduced levels of insulin (insulin deficiency) and/or the inability of the body to use insulin properly (insulin resistance). This form of the disease is most common among people aged 40 years and over and accounts for 85% to 90% of all people with diabetes. Most people with type 2 diabetes are obese.
c. Gestational DiabetesGestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy in about 3% to 8% of females not previously diagnosed with diabetes. It is a temporary form of diabetes and usually disappears after the baby is born. However, it is a marker of much greater risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life. Screening tests for gestational diabetes are usually performed around the 24th-28th week of pregnancy.
d. Other Specific Diabetes TypesThis includes people who have diabetes as a result of a genetic defect, or exposure to certain drugs or chemicals.
2. Causes of Diabetes MellitusDiabetes is caused by resistance to, or deficient production of, the hormone insulin, which helps glucose move from the blood into the cells.
In type 1 immune mediated diabetes, pancreatic beta cell destruction results in failure to release insulin and ineffective transport of glucose. There is no known cause for idiopathic diabetes.
In type 2 diabetes, the beta cells release insulin but, receptors are insulin resistant and glucose transport is variable and inefficient. Some people may have conditions that can cause diabetes, such as Cushing's syndrome, pancreatitis or liver disease.
Risk factors for type 2 diabetes include;
a. Obesity
b. History of Gestational diabetes
c. Lack of physical activity
d. Hypertension
e. Age 45+
f. Ethnic groupings other than anglo-saxon
g. Low HDL cholesterol levels
h. Impaired glucose tolerance
i. Family history
3. Signs and Symptoms of DiabetesSymptoms of diabetes include; dehydration, unexplained weight loss, excessive thirst, frequent need to urinate, fatigue, lethargy, severe irritation and itching, excessive hunger, blurred vision, skin and urinary infections and vaginitis.
4. DiagnosisDiabetes or impaired glucose tolerance may be detected on routine blood tests as part of a general health check up or investigation for other symptoms or diseases. Diabetes tests check blood glucose levels.
Fasting blood glucose levels are classified as:Normal: less than 100 mg/dlPrediabetes: 100 to 125 mg/dlDiabetes: greater than 125mg/dl
Because symptoms can be mild, diabetes is often detected when a person suffers a problem that is caused by diabetes, such as a heart attack, stroke, neuropathy, poor wound healing or a foot ulcer, certain eye problems, certain fungal infections, or delivering a baby with macrosomia or hypoglycemia.
5. Diabetes TreatmentEffective treatment endeavors to normalize blood glucose and reduce complications using insulin replacement, diet and exercise. For those with very mild diabetes, diet plus weight loss plus exercise may be enough to keep blood glucose within reasonable levels.
Dietary changes should focus on the ideas of weight loss and blood sugar regulation by keeping the blood sugar levels relatively stable throughout the day, avoiding big peaks or troughs.
The principal treatment of type 1 diabetes, even from its earliest stages, is replacement of insulin combined with careful monitoring of blood glucose levels using blood testing monitors.
Type 2 diabetes may require oral anti-diabetic drugs to stimulate body insulin production and increase insulin sensitivity. Various forms of natural supplements for diabetes treatment have also been postulated as effective.
People with unstable diabetes, or those requiring many injections a day, may benefit from an insulin pump which is worn on the body and delivers a continuous infusion of insulin via a needle implanted into the body.
Gestational diabetes is fully treatable but requires careful medical supervision throughout the pregnancy. Even though it may be transient, untreated gestational diabetes can damage the health of the fetus or the mother.
Treatment for all forms of diabetes need not significantly impair normal activities, if sufficient patient training, awareness, appropriate care, discipline in testing and dosing of insulin is taken
6. ComplicationsDiabetes mellitus is the most common cause of adult kidney failure worldwide in the developed world. If undetected or poorly controlled, diabetes can lead to blindness, kidney failure, lower limb amputation, heart attack, stroke and impotence.
About the Author:
Dick Aronson has a background of over 35 years in various facets of the Healthcare industry. He set up and ran clinical trials in more than 20 countries and he has also founded a number of small private health related businesses. Dick now runs a number of informative health websites to Health Innovations Online and he has a herbal health store at Visit the Herbal Health Store
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/diseases-and-conditions-articles/diabetes-the-6-points-that-will-explain-it-for-you-541755.html
1. Types of DiabetesThere are four forms of the disease, classified as: types 1 and 2, gestational and other specific types.
a. Type 1 Diabetes
In people with type 1 diabetes the pancreas is not producing insulin, so blood glucose levels are higher than normal. People with this form of diabetes require daily insulin therapy to survive. This form is further split into idiopathic diabetes and immune mediated diabetes.
Type 1 accounts for around 10% to 15% of all people with diabetes. It is one of the most serious and common chronic diseases of childhood, with about half of the people with this form of diabetes developing the disease before age 18. It is also known as insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) or juvenile-onset diabetes.
b. Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is marked by reduced levels of insulin (insulin deficiency) and/or the inability of the body to use insulin properly (insulin resistance). This form of the disease is most common among people aged 40 years and over and accounts for 85% to 90% of all people with diabetes. Most people with type 2 diabetes are obese.
c. Gestational DiabetesGestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy in about 3% to 8% of females not previously diagnosed with diabetes. It is a temporary form of diabetes and usually disappears after the baby is born. However, it is a marker of much greater risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life. Screening tests for gestational diabetes are usually performed around the 24th-28th week of pregnancy.
d. Other Specific Diabetes TypesThis includes people who have diabetes as a result of a genetic defect, or exposure to certain drugs or chemicals.
2. Causes of Diabetes MellitusDiabetes is caused by resistance to, or deficient production of, the hormone insulin, which helps glucose move from the blood into the cells.
In type 1 immune mediated diabetes, pancreatic beta cell destruction results in failure to release insulin and ineffective transport of glucose. There is no known cause for idiopathic diabetes.
In type 2 diabetes, the beta cells release insulin but, receptors are insulin resistant and glucose transport is variable and inefficient. Some people may have conditions that can cause diabetes, such as Cushing's syndrome, pancreatitis or liver disease.
Risk factors for type 2 diabetes include;
a. Obesity
b. History of Gestational diabetes
c. Lack of physical activity
d. Hypertension
e. Age 45+
f. Ethnic groupings other than anglo-saxon
g. Low HDL cholesterol levels
h. Impaired glucose tolerance
i. Family history
3. Signs and Symptoms of DiabetesSymptoms of diabetes include; dehydration, unexplained weight loss, excessive thirst, frequent need to urinate, fatigue, lethargy, severe irritation and itching, excessive hunger, blurred vision, skin and urinary infections and vaginitis.
4. DiagnosisDiabetes or impaired glucose tolerance may be detected on routine blood tests as part of a general health check up or investigation for other symptoms or diseases. Diabetes tests check blood glucose levels.
Fasting blood glucose levels are classified as:Normal: less than 100 mg/dlPrediabetes: 100 to 125 mg/dlDiabetes: greater than 125mg/dl
Because symptoms can be mild, diabetes is often detected when a person suffers a problem that is caused by diabetes, such as a heart attack, stroke, neuropathy, poor wound healing or a foot ulcer, certain eye problems, certain fungal infections, or delivering a baby with macrosomia or hypoglycemia.
5. Diabetes TreatmentEffective treatment endeavors to normalize blood glucose and reduce complications using insulin replacement, diet and exercise. For those with very mild diabetes, diet plus weight loss plus exercise may be enough to keep blood glucose within reasonable levels.
Dietary changes should focus on the ideas of weight loss and blood sugar regulation by keeping the blood sugar levels relatively stable throughout the day, avoiding big peaks or troughs.
The principal treatment of type 1 diabetes, even from its earliest stages, is replacement of insulin combined with careful monitoring of blood glucose levels using blood testing monitors.
Type 2 diabetes may require oral anti-diabetic drugs to stimulate body insulin production and increase insulin sensitivity. Various forms of natural supplements for diabetes treatment have also been postulated as effective.
People with unstable diabetes, or those requiring many injections a day, may benefit from an insulin pump which is worn on the body and delivers a continuous infusion of insulin via a needle implanted into the body.
Gestational diabetes is fully treatable but requires careful medical supervision throughout the pregnancy. Even though it may be transient, untreated gestational diabetes can damage the health of the fetus or the mother.
Treatment for all forms of diabetes need not significantly impair normal activities, if sufficient patient training, awareness, appropriate care, discipline in testing and dosing of insulin is taken
6. ComplicationsDiabetes mellitus is the most common cause of adult kidney failure worldwide in the developed world. If undetected or poorly controlled, diabetes can lead to blindness, kidney failure, lower limb amputation, heart attack, stroke and impotence.
About the Author:
Dick Aronson has a background of over 35 years in various facets of the Healthcare industry. He set up and ran clinical trials in more than 20 countries and he has also founded a number of small private health related businesses. Dick now runs a number of informative health websites to Health Innovations Online and he has a herbal health store at Visit the Herbal Health Store
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/diseases-and-conditions-articles/diabetes-the-6-points-that-will-explain-it-for-you-541755.html
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