General introduction to Diabetes

General introduction to  Diabetes

Diabetes, a disease characterized by chronic high levels of glucose in the blood, is not the major problem it once was. Prior to the end of the 19th century, it might well have been a death sentence for many. Excess glucose can have a number of ill effects, including poor cut healing or kidney damage, even coma. With the advancement of monitoring and insulin delivery methods, it’s often now little more than another daily task to perform.

Though the underlying causes are not fully understood, diabetes results from either too little insulin being produced or ineffective use of it by the body. In Type 1 diabetes, for example, the islet cells of the pancreas fail to produce an amount of insulin adequate to allow blood glucose to enter cells where it’s used for energy. In Type 2, the cells may resist insulin’s action, once again leaving too much glucose in the blood.

But though they’re not completely known, experts agree that the causes of the different types of diabetes are generally a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental or lifestyle factors. In some cases, one or the other may dominate. Gestational diabetes, for example, affects about 3% of pregnant women usually from around 24-28 weeks into term. But it goes away after birth. Type 1, on the other hand, affects mostly juveniles and is largely genetic.

In all cases, the symptoms are usually roughly the same: excessively frequent urination, unquenchable thirst, sometimes accompanied by dizziness or stomach pains. Naturally, these common symptoms can have a number of causes. Anyone suspecting he or she has diabetes should be tested by a physician.

Those tests are simple and relatively painless, only requiring a small blood sample. Blood glucose level is measured, with normal running around 99 mg/dL, while diabetics have a level of 126 mg/dL or above. It may require more than one test to confirm the disease.

Once confirmed, regular blood glucose monitoring is a must. Fortunately, there are today many convenient ways to do that. Testing devices the size of a cell phone are common. A small sample of blood is smeared on a strip fed into the instrument, which delivers a number within seconds. Some recent devices measure glucose level through the skin using an infrared beam.

Treatments are equally easy for most diabetics. In some cases careful diet and appropriate exercise may be enough to keep the right glucose-insulin balance. In the usual case, insulin delivery is called for. But that too is much easier than in generations past. Small insulin-containing pens can deliver the exact right dose painlessly. Newer oral inhalers are on the market that have met with success.

Though no one wants to have to deal with diabetes, managing the disease is now easier than ever. The possible long term complications of untreated diabetes remain what they always were. By keeping them at bay with simple techniques, most diabetics can enjoy an active fulfilling life just as anyone else.

What causes Diabetes?

What causes Diabetes?

The word diabetes is common enough. Nearly everyone has heard it and may know someone who has it. But how many know what it is?

Diabetes is a medical condition identified by continual abnormally high levels of glucose in the blood. It is a disease that results when either the body fails to produce adequate insulin or the cells resist using the insulin produced.

In the first case (too low an amount of insulin produced) diabetes is called Type 1. In the second instance, the condition is known as Type 2 diabetes. Type 1 constitutes about 7% of cases, with Type 2 Diabetes responsible for 90% or more. The disease affects about 7% of the population of the U.S., occurring more frequently among those age 60 or older.

There are other types, such as gestational diabetes that sometimes afflicts pregnant women, and others. But they are much less common and, in some cases, temporary.

Typical symptoms for either type are abnormally frequent urination, produced by the body’s attempt to clear excess glucose by elimination. As a result, unusual thirst is common, compensated for by drinking higher than average amounts.

Type 1 has historically been known as juvenile onset diabetes, since it affected mostly younger people. Similarly, Type 2 was called adult onset diabetes, since it was found mostly in older adults. In Type 1 diabetes, it’s believed that one of the primary factors causing the disease is an autoimmune system malfunction that affects the pancreas. Type 2 may be caused or worsened by obesity and other factors.

Both have genetic components as risk factors. But in either type, and regardless of the cause, the net effect is the same: an inability to clear glucose out of the bloodstream because of inadequate or faulty insulin production or use.

Insulin is the hormone chiefly responsible for regulating the level of glucose in the body. Many foods that contain carbohydrates are broken down by digestion and produce primarily glucose. That glucose is taken up by the body to supply the energy needed for cell repair, muscle movement and a thousand other functions. Insulin helps the glucose make its way into the cells.

When insulin is produced in too low an amount, or the body’s cells resist the intake of glucose by interfering with insulin’s function, diabetes is the result. Since the pancreas produces the overwhelming majority of the body’s insulin, when some condition causes it to malfunction, diabetes can result.

The condition, whether Type 1 or Type 2, is usually chronic. But chronic doesn’t mean that nothing can be done to minimize the effects. With proper diet and what are today relatively simple treatments, diabetes of either type is manageable. And the disease itself comes in a range of degrees. In some cases, the amount of insulin produced or used is only slightly under what’s needed. In other cases, the pancreas produces almost none or the cells resist it strongly.

Since excess glucose left in the bloodstream can lead to a range of complications, diabetes can have a number of follow on effects. But how severe those effects are depends on the severity of the insulin deprivation or resistance.

Dealing With Diabetes

Dealing With Diabetes

Coping with diabetes typically involves a combination of physical treatments and psychological adjustments.

Over time, diabetes can affect the kidney, eyes and other vital organs and systems. The kidneys may filter less efficiently. Eyesight may become less sharp. But all those physical circumstances can be managed through careful diet, exercise, and (if needed) drugs.

But coping with the disease and its effects involves another dimension, one less easy to quantify and treat, and one which has both physical and mental consequences.

Stress from being concerned about those effects can be both cause and consequence. Stress weakens the immune system, which in turn reduces the body’s ability to ward off infection, colds and so forth. Those are just some of the possible complications of diabetes. But those in turn may lead to additional stress as the ability to function is reduced. A vicious cycle is established.

Breaking that cycle requires a broad spectrum of diabetes management techniques. Keeping the body as healthy as possible will minimize the effects. Keeping the right attitude will help reduce the odds of the effects occurring in the first place.

That’s not easy. Accepting that management of diabetes and its effects is a long term, often a lifetime, proposition is the first step.

Careful monitoring of blood glucose levels is a basic and essential factor. Controlling that level – by diet, exercise, and (if necessary) medications – is vital. That helps reduce the physical strain on body systems. That helps reduce the worry. Monitoring and management will need to become a daily routine, as common as brushing your teeth.

Knowledge can help motivate the patient to engage in that practice. Being fully aware of the possible complications, and the near certainty of having them if inaction is the choice made, can provide an incentive to take action. Knowing what your body will do can help you control both the potentially harmful physical effects and your attitude about them.

But knowledge alone doesn’t lead to the right course of action. A commitment of the will is essential. It takes courage to control diabetes and lead a normal life. That kind of courage is larger in some ways than the type required for emergencies. Long term commitments to meeting daily challenges requires the kind of patience and fortitude that is tougher to call up all the time than for a one-time event.

But that kind of commitment doesn’t happen simply by wishing for it. Few can simply will themselves onto the right path. It starts by facing small challenges and overcoming them. A minor dietary change. The adoption of a single brief exercise routine three times a week. Then the actions can become wider – more dietary changes – and longer term, more exercise routines carried out every day.

As you conquer those small hills a little bit at a time, you gain the confidence that you can tackle larger ones and over a lifetime. In time, managing diabetes for most people becomes a routine little more difficult than doing an average school or work assignment. It becomes a few more things on the list of daily challenges to meet and solve in order to get those daily rewards.

How to Prevent Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is becoming a widespread disease that is overtaking the US. According to data collected by The American Diabetes Association, by the year 2030, as many as 70 million Americans will have prediabetes and 22 million will have type 2 diabetes.

Thankfully, in many cases, type 2 diabetes can be prevented. Here are some ways to make yourself less at risk.

Lower Your BMI

The higher your BMI (Body Mass Index) the more chance you have of developing type 2 diabetes. In fact, having a high BMI is one of the biggest risk factors for developing the disease. According to The American Diabetes Association 3 out of 10 people who are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes are overweight. 6 out of the 10 were obese. Lowering your BMI, even just a little, can dramatically lower your chances of developing the disease.

Up Your Exercise

Stationary people are much more likely to develop type two diabetes. In fact, data from the April 2003 Nurses’ Health Study concluded that every additional 2 hours of television a day leads to a 14 percent increase in type 2 diabetes. You can avoid this risk by getting up from the couch and starting a daily walking routine. If you just have to watch your programs why not exercise or walk in place while you enjoy the story line?

Lower Your Sugar

Lowering your sugar intake can also be a great way to fight the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Studies show that having high-normal blood sugar levels can increase the chance of developing type 2 diabetes by 50 percent within 10 years time.

Start cutting back on sugar slowly. Going cold turkey can be a jar to the system and can lead to withdrawals. You may start by cutting out one soda a day this week and that afternoon candy bar next week.

Even small steps can boost your overall health and lower your chances of developing type 2 diabetes. Make an effort to make yourself healthier today and reap the benefits tomorrow. Ebooks such as this Turbulence Training review can help you learn more about how to get healthier and prevent diabetes.

The author, Aaron Patterson, went from couch potato to kickboxer in less than a year! His favorite passion is helping people get off their butts and start leading healthier, more active lives through his Website, http://www.eliminatetheweight.com

Lowering Blood Sugar Is Important In Those At Risk Of Diabetes

Many people struggle to control their weight.  However, while they are going on and off various diets, they fail to realize that they are also struggling to control blood sugar.  Actually, the cause of blood-sugar problems may be weight problems, as being overweight and having blood sugar problems tend to go hand in hand.  Too many blood sugar swings during the day tend to increase hunger jags, snacking, and overeating.  When you overeat, you’re much more likely to add on the pounds, setting the stage for obesity, pre-diabetes, and full blown diabetes. 

Sadly, both pre-diabetes and overweight have become modern epidemics that are out of control, with two of every three Americans being overweight and over 100 million people having some signs of pre-diabetes.  Both of these illnesses are nutritional disorders that result from eating too many unhealthful foods.  However, there is good news: you can reverse pre-diabetes and control your weight.

One can self-diagnose pre-diabetes by looking for the most visible symptom: being chubby or fat around the waist.  Other clues are cravings sweets and starchy foods, not being hungry at breakfast, and feeling tired or mentally fuzzy after lunch.  Many physicians diagnose pre-diabetes when a patient’s fasting blood sugar falls between 100 and 124 mg/dl.  There are several dietary factors that significantly increase the risk of overweight.  Some of these being: too many calories, too many refined carbs, especially sugars, and too many unhealthful oils. 

The average woman needs about 1,600 calories and the typical man needs about 2,000 calories daily, but the average American now consumes 3,900 calories each day, making it difficult to burn off all these calories and causing the accumulation of body fat.  Because most excess calories take form of refined carbs and sugars, which are digested rapidly, rapid or extreme spikes in blood sugar levels, elevated insulin levels, and bouts of hunger result, which stimulate low blood sugar.  Trans fats, which are found in partially hydrogenated vegetable oils, interfere with the body’s processing of fats and often lead to weight gain.  Most of these problematic calories are found in fast foods, microwave foods, and other types of convenience foods, which are all best if they are avoided. 

Even though pre-diabetes can be scary, it’s actually an opportunity to improve your eating habits and regain your health.  To improve your health you can emphasize quality protein, emphasize high-fiber vegetables and fruits, include grapefruit in your diet, use more vinegar, and add some cinnamon.  Since protein stabilizes and safely lowers blood sugar levels, be sure to start each day with some protein with breakfast and eat a little protein with each meal. 

Most veggies and fruits are rich in fiber, which helps to lower blood sugar, so opt for salads and steamed broccoli while avoiding crutons, potatoes, bananas, and pears.  Despite the calories, eating fresh grapefruit can help in weight reduction.  The acetic acid in vinegar can also help to improve blood sugar and insulin levels, reduce appetite, and help with weight loss.  Adding cinnamon has also been shown to reduce blood sugar levels.  There are also several supplements that have exceptional value in improving insulin function or lowering blood sugar levels.  These include lipoic acid, chromium, silymarin, omega-3 fish oils, vitamin D, and Pycnogenol. 

You can also enhance the benefits of diet and supplements by increasing your physical activity as it helps build muscle and burn blood sugar and fat.  Tackling pre-diabetes can not only reduce your long-term risk for health problems, such as heart disease and Alzheimer’s disease, but also can allow you to quickly gain more energy and feel less post-meal fatigue. The above mentioned supplements are available at your health food store.

Yeast Infection in Men Suffering From Diabetes

Diabetes is a health issue that affects a lot of people worldwide and it is an ongoing problem as long as it sticks around. People will talk openly about having diabetes, but not yeast infection. Yeast infection is one of those embarrassing topics that are off limits and personal. You will hardly ever hear someone confess that they have a yeast infection.

However, both diabetes and yeast infection are related in some cases. You see, diabetes has a lot to do with one’s blood sugar and if it is not controlled, this can develop into yeast overgrowth to cause yeast infection.

Glucose increases in a diabetic patient and causes an imbalance in the body. The body has no defense against issues like yeast overgrowth in a diabetic individual. The yeast overgrowth abnormally affects the person and develops into a yeast infection.

Diet control takes some effort for a diabetic because they have to watch everything that is taken internally. However, a diabetic’s diet is very important to keep the blood sugar down. It can be very frustrating when you want to have foods that you love, but yet have to eat foods that will keep the body balanced.

Diabetes is a disease that is mental, physical and emotionally charged. The social aspects of the disease are also noticeable because it follows irritability and withdrawal. Most diabetics try to keep to themselves when they are not feeling well. They don’t want to be around anyone.

A yeast infection, though not as serious as diabetes, does affect the diabetic because they are dealing with both illnesses at the same time. This can be quite overwhelming for the diabetic.

There is a need to douche before going to the doctor, but that is not something you should consider. A doctor will be able to diagnose you properly. However, if you have had a yeast infection before because of your diabetes, you may be able to tell if it is yeast infection or not. There are natural treatments that you can use while you wait for your doctor’s appointment.

For a diabetic, there needs to be much more care in taking over the counter drugs to cure the yeast infection. In the case of natural remedies to cure yeast infection, it is safe to use tea tree oil, garlic, oregano oil and yogurt.

If a diabetic uses natural products to cure yeast infection, that too, may be able to help them with their diabetes, to lower the blood sugar. However, a doctor’s advice is recommended, in some cases.

A diabetic is susceptible to a yeast infection because of the already weak immune system and the rising blood sugar that has to be monitored at all times. Yeast infection thrives on sugar and that is the connection between diabetes and yeast infection.

The primary action to take is to eat a healthy diet to keep the blood sugar down and include exercise in your daily routine. However, if you happen to get a yeast infection and are dealing with diabetes, natural remedy is an option.

The Diabetes Diets

Diet for Diabetes

There is some confusion around the most appropriate diet for the diabetic with no single regime being proven to help the condition.

There is conflicting dietary advice given almost every day from so called experts in their fields. This is made worse by the popular press selectively reporting snippets from medical papers that often has the effect of skewing the misinterpreting the original message.

Refined white sugar and products containing this substance are not going to be helpful for the diabetic simply because of the absorption of this substance into the blood as glucose. But there is more to a diet suitable for diabetics than just sugar considerations.

There have been claims of type 2 diabetes being cured by diet alone although most diabetes associations claim that no cure for diabetes exists.

Christian Roberts of the University of California undertook research into diet and diabetes and found that in 50% of those studied, who followed a diet based on pritkin principles, the type 2 diabetes symptoms were reversed.

The regime for this study involved participants exercising for one hour every day and following a diet that was based on vegetables and whole grains with a little animal protein.

Another small study in the USA concluded that high fibre diets assisted in keeping blood glucose levels low.

There is controversy over the dietary recommendations being offered by the diabetic associations both in the UK and the USA . Many associations advise diabetics to follow a low fat, carbohydrate based diet.

The problem everyone faces in deciphering what represents a safe diet, whether they are diabetic or not, is in knowing which research to trust. Just about every piece of research undertaken has an agenda to be fulfilled. It may be that the research is being sponsored by a drug company to prove the benefits of a particular drug treatment; it may be that the research is undertaken by someone who is simply setting out to prove a pet theory. There is too little research that is truly independent and undertaken without prejudice to the outcome.

It has been suggested, and some would say proven, that an Atkins type diet high in fat and protein and low in carbohydrate is the most suitable for a diabetic and it would certainly seem logical that restricting (particularly refined) carbohydrates would help to prevent elevated glucose levels in the blood stream.

There is a link between insulin, glucose and cholesterol – particularly what is termed “bad cholesterol” and proponents of the Atkins diet claim that cholesterol levels are not adversely affected by this diet regime. Of course there are contrary views.

It is important for diabetics to realize that everyone has an individual metabolism and physiology. What may be a healthy diet for one person could be life threatening for another. A diet based around healthy protein – organic white meat and fish; natural carbohydrates – vegetables, salads and fruit; and monounsaturated fat supplemented by the essential fatty acids is a good starting point. Once this is established there is no reason why, under controlled conditions, individuals should not try introducing whole grains to see what effect they have on their glucose levels. In this way diabetics can assess for themselves what represents a healthy, life saving diet.

Soda Water For Diabetics Made Simple

Soda Water is a good tasting, refreshing drink for diabetics, because it is totally free of carbohydrates and sugars.

Soda water, or carbonated water, is plain water to which carbon dioxide gas has been added; it is also called sparkling water by many people. Most “soft drinks” and “pop” have It as the principal ingredient. This process of carbonation forms carbonic acid which is soda pop.

If one takes a seltzer bottle filled with water and then “charges” it with carbon dioxide, the result is club soda — or, soda water. Club soda may be the same as plain old carbonated water; but it can have a small amount of table salts and sodium trace minerals. These additives could possibly make the taste of home made soda water slightly salty. The naturally-occuring process in some areas produces carbonated mineral water.

A little dental decay might sometimes be caused by sparkling mineral water. Normal water poses less potential dental problems than sparkling water, but the difference does not present a major problem. Regular soft drinks are apt to cause a much higher rate of tooth decay than sparkling water. The rate is so low it suggests that carbonation of drinks may, in fact, not be a factor in causing dental decay.

Artesian wells can be the source for waters that filter among layers of minerals in the ground; the layers contain forms of carbonates, and the waters absorb the carbon dioxide gases released by those carbonates. The result? Natural sparkling water. In cases of the water picking up enough different minerals to add a flavor to the water, it becomes sparkling mineral water.

Fundamentally, soda water is just water and carbon dioxide. Sparkling mineral water is just one form of carbonation that occurs naturally. A device to produce an artificial carbonated mineral water was made by a jeweler in 1794.

In a taste test of several carbonated drinks, it was determined that Perrier, a sparkling natural mineral water, kept its fizz the longest.

For consumers who believe seltzer to be a bit harsh, club soda offers a more gentle fizz. As part of the tasting test, club soda seemed to be milder and a little sweeter tasting than standard carbonated water.

Club soda, sparkling mineral water, seltzer, and carbonated water are non-caloric, making them a dieter’s choice over soda pop and tonic water.

A type of carbonated drink that contains water, sugar, carbon dioxide and quinine is called tonic water. Quinine was originally added to tonic water to help cure or prevent malaria. Today it is commonly mixed with gin and lemon or lime for a popular alcoholic drink.

These facts and names are just a few of the ways we refer to soda water.

Diabetes Medical Supplies for your Home

Diabetes is a serious condition that needs immediate attention at all times.  In fact, based on some studies that were published online and on many journals, it was discovered that around 17 million people have this condition. Now, every one of these people will need the right kind of diabetes medical supplies. Though at first glance 17 million might not seem like too large a number, this condition actually affects 6 percent of the population. This medical condition happens when the body can no longer produce the right amount of insulin. 

Most of the time, this condition remains undiagnosed because the symptoms that come with the ailment are all harmless, but remember that these can lead to serious complications. Without the proper use of diabetes medical supplies and drugs to control the condition, then the body organs like the heart and the eyes can be affected.

However, problems of the heart and eyes due to diabetes are both avoidable. Supplies that can be used by diabetic persons are readily available in the market.

Some of the more popular medical supplies that can be used to assist diabetics include the glucometers and the other home-analysis tools and all these tools can be accessed through the internet.  Many of the times you can get a free meter to check your blood sugar levels.  Many common supplies are covered by Medicare and insurance. 

Keep in mind though, that these medical supplies which can help you manage the condition and help ease the pain, is only half of the work that you should do. Medical supplies and medicines should be paired with exercise, weight control and of course, the proper diet. Practicing these things and using the best medical supplies for diabetes will net good results for patients.  Learn where others have found good deals on diabetes medical supplies at Medical Supplies Post

A Common Gestational Diabetes Symptom

There are actually a few different types of diabetes that a person can develop, and gestational diabetes is the type that develops in pregnant women. Pregnancy is an exciting time, a time of promise and expectation, but it can also raise the possibility for some women that they will develop gestational diabetes.

There are a few risk factors of gestational diabetes that you will want to be aware of, so that you will know whether or not you are at greater risk of developing the condition. If you have had a previous diagnosis of GDM, are over 35 years old, are overweight, have a history of polycystic ovary syndrome, or are a member of a population that is considered as being at high risk for diabetes such as Hispanic, South Asian or African, you are at greater risk.

Gestational Diabetes Symptom

If you want to be aware of the diabetes early symptom, a gestational diabetes symptom that you would expect if you developed the condition, there are actually quite a few. Understanding what a gestational diabetes symptom is will be very helpful because then when you are pregnant you will know what to watch out for and know the early warning signs of gestational diabetes.

One gestational diabetes symptom in particular is increased thirst. If you notice that you are more dehydrated than usual you may want to get in to see your doctor to ensure that you have not developed gestational diabetes. Another of the most commonly experienced gestational diabetes symptom is nausea.

Nausea and vomiting are two of the most frequent symptoms that are associated with gestational diabetes.

Remember that gestational diabetes does not have to be dangerous, but as soon as you notice any of the warning signs for the condition you are going to need to seek medical advice. Your doctor will perform a few standard tests on you in order to determine whether or not you have gestational diabetes, and if so they will then work with you to find the proper treatment.

You must pay attention very when it has suddenly found a treatment for the diabetes gestational, because the typical majority of the methods used are not usable during the pregnancy, for fear of hurting you or your baby.

As long as you work together as a team with your doctor and stick to your treatment plan, you should be able to deal properly with your diabetes and make sure that both you and your unborn baby stay safe and healthy.

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