Treating Type 2 Diabetes

Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes

Dealing With Diabetes

I have Type 2 diabetes and have been battling it for several years. So far,so good.I’ve managed to control it but still take medication (glyburide/metmorphin).My objective is to get off the medication. But, to be honest, it’s difficult.The solution sounds simple–change your diet, lose weight, and start an exercise regimen.It’s not easy but it can be done.What gave me the will power to do something about it was a stern warning from my cardiologist–either fix your diabetes problem or look forward to a shoterned, very disabling departure from this mortal coil.This was alarming news, to say the least, as I was almost 60! So I turned over a new leaf–diet and exercise became part of my daily life. And it can be done with the proper incentive, which I now had.You can beat diabetes naturally if you change your lifestyle. It’s interesting to note that there are cultures of people in the world today where Type 2 diabetes is virtually non-existent. So what’s the reason it’s becoming so common here in the U.S..S.?

What id Diabetes?

Some people are born with type 1 diabetes or develop it when they are young children. This type of diabetes requires insulin injections and daily blood sugar monitoring with immediate corrective measures if blood sugar swings are too extreme.Type I diabetes is incurable. Type 1 diabetes accounts for only 5% of the total number of cases. Type 2 diabetes is the one we can effectively control.

Diabetes is a life-threatening disease? Very! The early symptoms of untreated diabetes mellitus are related to the elevated blood sugar, or glucose,levels. Excessive levels of blood sugar reult in higher levels of sugar in your urine. This increases your urination frequncy and that leads to dehydration. Other symptoms include blurred vision, extreme tiredness, and stuborn infections that just seem to take forever to clear up.I myself used to feel lttle sharp pains in my feet and fingers. These are more like sharp “pings” of pain. Later stages of diabetes are nasty–amputation of toes and legs, kidney failure, even blindness.

 

Another form of diabetes, known as gestational diabetes, occurs in some women during pregnancy. It is a temporary condition caused by pregnancy and usually occurs in the later stages, once the baby has formed but is still growing

Although there is currently no cure for diabetes mellitus, it can be controlled successfully with an active treatment plan. The potential benefit of pancreas transplants and islet cell transplants in Type 1 patients is being investigated.

Symptoms of Diabetes?

Most Type 1 sufferers get it early in their lives. The classic signs of diabetes include:

1. More urination as the body tries to get rid of the excess sugar in its blood
2. Extreme thirst, as your body loses fluid through increased urination
3. Increased hunger, because the cells need nutrients
4. Weight loss, because without insulin, the body begins to starve.

The onset of Type 2 diabetes is often very gradual and may develop without any symptoms at all. Most Typ2 2 sufferers don’t know they have it until symptoms develop. It results from inactivity and a poor diet. It’s normally referred to as “Adult Diabetes” because 90% of diabetic sufferers are Type 2 and develop it later in their lives. Sadly, because of our sedentary lifestyle these days and the easy availibility of junk and fast food, we’re seeing more cases of Type 2 diabetes develop among teenagers and even younger children who are obese.

Your weight affects your health in many ways. When someone is overweight, his body can’t make all the inulin it needs to offset the higher levels of blood sugar. It can also cause high blood pressure. The Diabetes Prevention Program, a three-year clinical trial conducted on diabeste patients last year, showed that losing even a few pounds can help reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes because it helps your body use insulin more effectively. In the clinical study people experiencing a 5-7% weight loss saw significant reduction of diabetes risk. So here’s a little bit of info–if you lost twenty pounds, kept it off, started to exercise on a regular basis, your blood sugar levels would drop significantly!

Published by Heart Wellness Store

 

Do You Know The Relation Between Diabetes And Low Carbohydrate Diet

If someone describes about blood sugar problems we understand that the person is telling about diabetes. Diabetes has become so common these days due to its high occurrence in both the developed and the developing world that everyone knows that diabetes is associated with the blood sugar levels. It is a disease in which sugar and starch are not properly absorbed by the body a definition by the oxford dictionary.Surveys have found that the number of people with diabetes is increasing by the day. That’s the reason why several governmental and non government agencies are trying to spread awareness and implement programs to prevent and manage diabetes.

And thus our body is unable to absorb sugar and starch? An answer to this question is that, causing disorder the body fails to convert food into energy. When our body is not able to absorb sugar, the excess sugar is released in the blood and the body tries to excretes it out through our urine. This is the most common symptom found amongst the diabetics When a test by the doctor is conducted it shows abnormal levels of sugar in our blood. As our body is unable to convert the sugar into energy we feel hungry and thirsty regularly. This is another symptom of diabetes.

Normally, there are three types of diabetes — Type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes. During type 1 diabetes, our body produces very low amount of insulin or no insulin at all. Insulin is injected several times in a day in this situation. There is connection of type I diabetes with overweight and a sedentary lifestyle. The production of insulin decreases or the cells in the body ignore the insulin produced by the body in type II diabetes. During pregnancy women  suffer with gestational diabetes. If you don’t pay attention these three types of diabetes can be dangerous. Various severe problems of the heart, kidney, liver, and other neurological conditions can cause due to diabetes. To prevent complications arising from diabetes it is necessary that you maintain sugar level in the blood.

Once you are diagnosed as a diabetic patient your primary care should be your diet plan. The list of what you can eat and cannot eat just gets bigger. One should not be tensed and be in panic condition for this as most diabetics are overwhelmed . All over the world doctors are in agreement with the fact that a proper diet is the key in the management of diabetes.

Several diet plans are found helpful in the management of this condition hence recommended for the diabetics. Diet plans that have low carbohydrates are preferred in your daily meal. Why? A simple cause why a low carbohydrate diet is essential for maintaining the blood sugar level in the body is that carbohydrates are easily converted to sugar. Increment or decrement of blood sugar level is directly proportional to carbohydrate intake. Hence a low carb diet plan is recommended. You will be ruined while making a choice as there are so many low carb diets available in the market. You can take advice of your dietician or primary health care provider for choosing the one. Main focus of these diet are to provide sufficient calories requiring the body while maintaining the sugar levels in your blood.

Normally, we take meals three times in a day. According to diet plans, you have to divide your three meals into six throughout day. These low carb diet plans tells you to eat foods which have carbohydrates while limiting the amount of intake. They encourage for the eating of fruits, vegetables, eggs, seafood, etc. The amount of carbohydrate is high in white bread, polished rice and other sweets while these foods contain low carbohydrates.

It’s obvious from the above information that low carbohydrate diets help you to monitor the level of blood sugar. They are important as they monitor diabetes and keeping it in check. With help of such diets you can live normal and happy life, instead of being a diabetic.

An Excellent Healthy Drink for Diabetics

Did you know that flavored carbonated water has no calories, sugar, body, sweetener, color or preservatives?

It is best drink for diabetics containing no carbohydrates having a incredible taste and highly refreshing. A large and affordable assortment of flavored carbonated water concentrate is available for free delivery world wide from www.allfreightfree.com.

An Overview Of Two Common Types Of Diabetes Mellitus

The starting point when looking at diabetes is to understand that it is a chronic condition which is typified by a distorted metabolism and raised levels of blood sugar which result in lower insulin levels. The symptoms of diabetes can mask themselves to look like many other disorders and the disease can go undetected for many years. Screening for this particular condition is important as early diagnosis and treatment greatly improve the quality of life for individuals who have this condition.

There are two key types of diabetes that those people who are not familiar with the disease normally find it hard to separate and these are type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes is caused by the destruction of cells within the pancreas which itself is caused by an auto-immune attack. It is not preventable and accounts for about 10% of the cases of diabetes (or more accurately diabetes mellitus) in Europe and North America. This form of diabetes can be seen in children and adults and is sometimes called juvenile diabetes. 

Type 1 diabetes can be successfully treated by carefully monitoring levels of blood glucose and adjusting the level of insulin in the body. Both forms of diabetes can require insulin and diabetic coma or death can result if the body’s insulin level falls too quickly.

In addition to administering insulin, type 1 diabetes is best managed by a program of exercise and diet. Individuals with this disease have to be aware of their body glucose level and make sure that insulin is topped up as necessary by injection.

Unlike type 1 diabetes, the type 2 form of this disease occurs as a result of a resistance to insulin or insulin sensitivity  combined with the body’s lowered insulin production. This form of diabetes is common in people who suffer from obesity, are elderly, have a family history of this condition and who do not exercise enough.

People with type 1 diabetes must use medication because their bodies have lost their ability to make insulin. However, type 2 diabetics have several different choices in terms of keeping their condition under control. Exercise and diet may be sufficient to control type 2 diabetes although oral medication and insulin may also be included in a treatment plan. 

There are a variety of different treatment choices available but the most important element of the treatment equation is the patient. This is chronic but that does not mean that it has to be a lost cause and there are various ways to keep the body healthy when you have diabetes. In fact, the diabetic himself or herself is the most important factor when it comes to fighting the side effects of this unfortunately all too common condition.

If you have questions about diabetes then there is no better place to visit than http://diabetes-treatment-and-cure.com where you will find a wealth of diabetes questions

Tests for Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

Tests for Type 1 Diabetes and Type 2 Diabetes

In addition to the initial tests that will be taken when you are first diagnosed with diabetes
there will be more that are administered at different times and intervals to make sure you
are staying healthy.  Some of these tests you will do your self at home daily while others
will be done during annual or semi-annual trips check-ups at with your doctor.

The test you are going to perform most frequently is testing your blood sugar level.  This
is done at home using a glucose monitor.  Depending on how new the disease is to you
and how well controlled your blood sugars are you may be testing once per day up to
seven times per day.  If you are testing first thing in the morning only, it is a good idea to
test seven times a day at least once per week to monitor your blood sugar levels before
and after each meal and before going to bed.

Testing for ketones in your urine is another daily test that you will do at home.  This is
done once per day in the morning after fasting through the night.  The presence of
ketones in your urine can signify that you are not eating enough food or that you body is
not processing it properly.  A second test should be done in the evening if you find
ketones in the morning.  If they are still present at the second test, a call into the doctor is
warranted to prevent the onset of diabetic ketoacidosis.

Your doctor will order a blood test called a Hemoglobin A1C at least once per year.  This
test looks at the average blood sugars that have been in your system for the previous three
months.  It will give a good overall picture on how well you are managing your diabetes.

No matter what your health concerns it is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.

The Effects of Smoking with Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes

The Effects of Smoking with Type 1 Diabetes or Type 2 Diabetes

Smoking on its own is associated with many different diseases and can be a risk factor for
multiple types of cancer.  But in a person with diabetes or a pre-diabetic there are specific
risks that arise.  There are some differences between type 1 and type 2 diabetes and
smoking hazards.

In type 1 diabetes, smoking is not a risk factor for being diagnoses because people with
this type of diabetes were born with the genetic make-up to get the disease.  But smoking
can exacerbate the complications associated with poorly controlled diabetes.  An
increased risk of heart disease and cardiovascular problems is found in diabetic smokers.  
In type 1 diabetics who smoke the risk for kidney disease or kidney failure is increased.

In pre-diabetics or people who may be at higher risk to develop type 2 diabetes smoking
is a contributing factor to a diagnosis.  Smoking increases the likelihood that their body
will develop an insulin resistance and need insulin injections or medication in the future.

There are not many studies that have been conducted on the benefits of quitting smoking
if you are a diabetic.  But it does stand to reason that because smoking and diabetes both
increase the chances of heart disease that by quitting smoking you will improve your
health and the state of your diabetes.  

If you are having trouble quitting on your own or want more information on the benefits
of stopping, make an appointment with your doctor.  There are many aids that are
available as well as support your can utilize to help you in the process.  There are nicotine
patches and gum or you can try medication or hypnosis.  It is a hard thing to do but you
will reap many rewards both financially and in terms of your overall health and life
expectancy.

Similarities between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

Similarities between Type 1 Diabetes and Type 2 Diabetes

There are many differences between type 1 and type 2 diabetes – namely how and why a
person gets the disease.  But there are also similarities.  They include how the disease is
treated and diabetic diets that are followed. 

Once diabetes is diagnosed it is no longer really a matter of why but how to manage it. 
Whether it is type 1 diabetes and enough insulin is not being produced or it is type 2
diabetes and the insulin that is being produced is not being utilized the solution is to
provide more insulin to the body.  This is most commonly done with an insulin injection
in the morning or spaced out over the course of the day with multiple injections.  That
will be determined on the individual and their insulin needs – not which type of diabetes
they have.

It used to be that type 1 diabetes was found in children or young adults under the age of
25 and type 2 diabetes was diagnosed in adults over the age of 40.  There have been
many cases to the contrary proving that anyone may be at risk of being diagnosed with
type 1 or type 2 diabetes – adults have been diagnosed with type 1 and young children
have been found to have type 2 diabetes.

The management of either type of diabetes is also dependent on a healthy diet and regular
exercise.  By maintaining a healthy body weight and keeping active a person can reduce
their insulin requirements and keep their blood sugars in a safe range (set by their doctor).

Despite the different reasons for having diabetes, the two types are very similar in other
ways and the treatment plan that works does so for both.  Another common trait they
share is the complications that can arise to internal organs (especially the kidneys). As with any medical concerns always consult your doctor.

Hypoglycemia and Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

Hypoglycemia and Type 1 Diabetes and Type 2 Diabetes

Prolonged exposure to high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia) will cause long-term
damage to your body.  But hypoglycemia, low blood sugars, can cause immediate
harmful effects including a diabetic coma.  It is important to be able to recognize the
signs when your blood sugar is too low and to carry emergency supplies to rectify the
situation.

People will react and show different symptoms when their blood glucose levels are too
low.  They can include some or all of the following:

*    Feeling hungry
*    Feeling nervous or panicked
*    Feeling light-headed or dizzy
*    Weakness or lethargy (wanting to go to sleep)
*    You may be confused, having difficulty speaking or stringing thoughts together.
*    

Once you have experienced hypoglycemia a few times you will begin to recognize the
signals your body will give you when you need more food in your body.  It is important
to check you blood sugar with your monitor and have something right away that will act
immediately to raise your blood sugars.  Hard candies or glucose tablets work fast and are
easy to have on you at all times.  In case you are not able to help yourself, carry
something that identifies you as a diabetic and instructions of what to do and who to call
if you need assistance.

Once you have eaten something, test your blood sugar again in 15 minutes to make sure
that it is going back to a normal range.  You will want to have a snack or a meal too as
the burst of sugar will not be long lasting.  

By eating small and frequent meals every two to three hours you can lessen the chances
of having hyperglycemia. Another safety precaution that should be taken includes eating
prior to exercising and afterwards to keep up your energy level. Always seek medical advice if you have any doubts.

The Perception of Type 1 Diabetes versus Type 2 Diabetes

The Perception of Type 1 Diabetes versus Type 2 Diabetes

It is essentially the same disease in how it affects a person’s body but they are completely
different in how they develop.  In most news and media reports, diabetes is linked with
obesity and it is claimed that if more people lost weight or became more active the
number of people diagnosed would drop.  

These reports can be upsetting to a diabetic with type 1 diabetes, it doesn’t matter what
there body type is, was, or will be they will always have the disease.  There may be some
animosity from type 1 diabetics towards type 2 diabetics but this would be misplaced –
the media is creating this by not telling the full story.

Yes, type 2 diabetes is intertwined with lifestyle choices and being overweight.  This is
an epidemic that can be avoided.  But not all people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes are
considered obese or to be living an unhealthy lifestyle.

Another problem with the misconception about type 1 diabetics is that they make up a
very small amount of the people diagnosed with the disease (approximately 10% of all
diabetics are type 1).  They are not getting as much attention in the news and reports
because it is not a growing concern like type 2 diabetes.

It is hard to be diabetic and read the news as it paints type 2 diabetics as people who
should just lose weight and they wouldn’t have a problem.  But it should be noted that
there are many people who are overweight and obese who do not have diabetes and the
opposite is true too – people who maintain a healthy body weight are being diagnosed
with type 2 diabetes.

It is important to remember that not all the information is being provided and that there
are many reasons and people who get this disease and they should not be judged because
of it.

Hyperglycemia and Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

Hyperglycemia with Type 1 Diabetes and  Type 2 Diabetes

Elevated blood sugars are not good for your body and prolonged exposure to high blood
sugars can have devastating affects on your organs (specifically your heart, kidneys, and
eyes).  Recognizing the signs of high glucose levels and testing regularly can help to keep
you aware and in control of this important part of being a diabetic.

The symptoms that indicate your blood sugar is too high are the same signs that you
might recognize from when you were first diagnosed with diabetes – an extreme thirst,
frequent urination, and a feeling of lethargy.  The good news is that once you are aware
of how your body reacts to high blood sugar you can act more quickly because you know
what is going on with your body.

If you are sick or are taking certain medications your blood glucose levels could be
higher than normal.  It is important to advise your pharmacist that you are diabetic when
you are picking up your prescription.  They can advise you of the side effects you can
expect and what you should do about them if anything.

If your blood sugar is high everyday at the same time it may be a signal that your body
needs more insulin.  If you are comfortable adjusting your own dosage do so in small
increments.  If you are not comfortable a call in to your doctor or diabetes educator is in
order and they can advise you on any adjustments that you will need to make.

In addition, review what you have eaten recently.  If you have tried a new food or have
been less active lately or you have eaten a food high in carbohydrates that is probably the
reason for the high blood sugar readings.  Once you know the reason for the high blood
sugars you can do something to fix it and prevent it from happening again. Read more about type 2 diabetes.

You will also get information on type 1 diabetes

Complications in Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

Complications in Type 1 Diabetes and Type 2 Diabetes

The long-term effects of improperly managed diabetes on your body and internal organs
can be very serious.  The different complications range from eye to heart problems and in
severe cases can cause premature death.

Heart disease is the leading cause of deaths in diabetics.  The best way to prevent damage
to your heart is to follow your diabetic meal plan and participate in some form of physical
activity every day.  By quitting smoking you can decrease the chances of developing any
heart problems later on in life.  Eating a diet low in saturated fats will promote good heart
health and a normal blood pressure too.

If blood sugar levels are not controlled they can lead to serious eye and sight problems
including blindness.  High glucose in your systems will make small veins in your eyes
start to bleed.  A regular check-up with an ophthalmologist to check for any signs of
damage is recommended once per year.  To prevent this, keep your blood sugars under
control.

Kidney failure is most common in diabetics who do not control their blood sugars for
extended periods of time.  When the kidneys fail they are no longer able to clean the
blood.  After kidney failure the only two options for treatment are dialysis (you are
hooked up to a machine that cleans your blood) or a kidney transplant.

Diabetics should take extra care of their gums and teeth as they are more susceptible to
gingivitis and other gum disease.  A semi-annual check up at the dentist with a regular
brushing and flossing routine will help to prevent this disease and the potential loss of
your teeth.

All of these complications can be avoided or lessened by the proper management of your
diabetes.  By following the guidelines set for you by your doctor and checking your blood
sugars daily you can lead a long and healthy life with diabetes.

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