Is There a Cure For Diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic condition that has been with many throughout their lives. There has not been any complete healing for diabetes over these 80 years. Patients somehow manage to live with it. Many patients are found to completely get cured from the condition via natural ways.

Diabetes Mellitus is an illness that shows high levels of blood sugar. There may be two key reasons behind high blood sugar: DIABETES TYPE I - production of less insulin DIABETES TYPE II- Body not able to use the right amount of insulin.

Women who are pregnant have had this condition known as gestational diabetes which causes the start of DIABETES TYPE II. Many patients have faced the two conditions at the same time.

Food taken in is converted into glucose once it enters the blood.It is converted into energy. The insulin in the pancreas digests it. The secretion of insulin will be released according to the quantity of sugar in the blood. In Other ways insulin might not be taken in by the cells and because of this sugar may shoot up. The main reason that affects the levels is insulin.

The characteristic features of diabetes are frequent urination, feeling of hunger and thirst. Diabetics fast when they have type I which is supposed to be the striking symptom. People face extreme weight loss though they eat their food the right way. Diabetes type II is a slow condition to face that needs a regular schedule of tracking blood sugar levels.

Lack of glucose absorption means it does not have the usual effect on cells that require it, nor is it stored as it should be in the liver and muscles. This eventually affects cell growth and duplication, poor protein synthesis, fat storage, and other metabolic disorders, including acidosis.

Once diabetes is diagnosed, the only option available to an individual is to manage blood sugar levels. If insulin production is insufficient or absent, then there is a need for injecting insulin. Diet modification is a natural way of managing the blood sugar levels. A diabetic person should take a diet based on foods that have less effect on blood sugar levels.

Gestational Diabetes Guidelines For Pregnant Women

Pregnancy is a state experienced by a woman that requires care and attention especially that a new life is being formed. What happens to the mother can affect the child inside the womb. That is why if you are pregnant and you are experiencing certain problems, you must seek medical attention immediately and seek for advice of what you need to do in order to take care of the baby while inside your body. One of the common medical conditions in pregnant women that need care and attention is gestational diabetes.

This type of diabetes that occurs in women requires monitoring of blood sugar as often as possible. Schedules will be given by your specialist as to when you need to check the level of your blood sugar throughout the day. This is important in pregnant women because a decrease or an increase in the blood glucose level can lead to complications that affect not only the mother but also the baby as well.

If you are directed to take medications then do it. Oral hypoglycemic medications are prescribed for diabetes during pregnancy. Insulin administration on the other hand can also be a possible management for this condition. Either way, you have to follow the orders of your physician based on proper intake of medications and administration of insulin. You must also make sure that you will have to refer any medications that you will take in the course of your pregnancy.

If you are taking insulin injections, you must have the knowledge on when you need the dose. You must be flexible according to the situation because it can vary based on what you are doing and what you are experiencing. For instance, an increase on insulin dosage may be required from you during the last three months of your pregnancy. This is due to the fact that there are hormones produced by your placenta for the growth of the baby that blocks the effect of insulin.

Remember that you can eat the same foods even if you are having gestational diabetes but it will vary on the amount. You must consult your doctor or a dietitian as to what the guidelines of your eating habits are. This will help you create a meal plan suitable for your condition to prevent any complications that can affect the baby.

Moreover, you must not forget to include daily exercise that will somehow help in the reduction of the high blood glucose level in this type of diabetes that occurs in pregnant women. But do not forget to still seek the advice from your physician whether the exercises that you will do will be good for your management regimen and whether there will be a need to change the dose of medications with exercise.

Lastly, do not miss to have your pre-natal checkups. This will help you open up to your physician any concerns that you have. Through the check-ups also, the medical team will be able to monitor your condition and that of the baby.

So, if you are experiencing diabetes during pregnancy, do not worry. Together with the health care team and your cooperation, this condition will be managed and you will be able to get through with it without any complications in the course of your pregnancy.

Essentials of Gestational Diabetes You Must Remember

There are many diabetes types that can occur to a person and one is common in pregnant women as gestational diabetes. This medical condition is just the same with other types where there is an increase of sugar levels in the blood. This condition can be short lived wherein normal blood glucose levels can return after delivery. But during the course of pregnancy, the condition must be managed in order to prevent any situations that can threaten the life of the mother as well as the baby.

Diabetes symptoms of this kind are not noticeable that is why as soon as you discover that you are pregnant, you must seek medical attention immediately. Your prenatal checkup especially during the last half of your pregnancy will tell whether you have increased glucose in the blood and you need further evaluation. Other specialists will examine you and they will be able to help you on how to manage your condition to prevent any complications as you carry the baby with you for nine months.

The causes of diabetes of this kind are not known exactly. But it can be due to the fact that the placenta that provides nutrition to the baby also produces hormones which block the effects of insulin in lowering blood sugar in the body. Once there is less insulin that helps deliver glucose to the cells for fuel, blood glucose will build up in the blood. With increased blood sugar levels, it can have a great effect on the baby.

There are certain risk factors that incline a woman to be more prone to gestational diabetes. First of all, women older than 25 and who got pregnant are more at risk to having this kind of diabetes. Moreover, those who have a family history of diabetes and those who are amazingly overweight are more likely to develop this medical condition. Lastly, the race of the woman is also a factor.

When this kind of diabetes is not managed, it can create complications that can affect the baby. First of all, it can produce a very large baby that can create troubles during delivery. Moreover, the baby has stored large amounts of insulin due to the response to the high glucose levels of the mother. However, once the baby is out the situation can be different. The increased levels of insulin can lead to hypoglycemia. It is even related to certain developmental problems.

Moreover, it can also affect your pregnancy state. You can be prone to preeclampsia due to increased blood pressure leading to seizures. Urinary tract infections are also common when you have gestational diabetes because the presence of glucose in urine is a good medium for the growth of microorganisms. Having this kind of condition also has a possibility that you will develop diabetes even if you are not pregnant.

That is why whenever you have this kind of condition when you are pregnant; make sure that you will follow accordingly what your obstetrician will tell you so that you will not experience any complications.

The Common Complications of Diabetes Type 1

One form of metabolic disorder of the body is Diabetes Type 1. When you have this kind of condition, the problem is in your pancreas where it does not produce the needed insulin to your body that will help in delivering the glucose to your cells and organs as food. Without insulin, the levels of glucose in the blood will increase and thus cause you to experience different kinds of symptoms.

When Diabetes Type 1 treatment is not followed, it can lead to life threatening complications. When the glucose present in the blood is high and it is not controlled, then it can lead to certain problems that can affect the major organs of your body like the heart, kidneys and even affects the functions of your eyes. These problems develop gradually and can lead to death when not managed properly. Here is a list of the common complications that occur due to the poor management of this metabolic condition.

One of the complications of Diabetes Type 1 is a heart disease. The increased blood glucose level in the body can lead to poor circulation and when this happens it can cause occlusion in the blood vessels of the body especially those of the heart. This can cause heart problems like coronary artery disease which can lead to chest pains and even stroke.

Nerve damage is another problem that can occur when this type of diabetes is not controlled. Damage of the nerves is due to the problems that occur in the capillaries that provide nourishment to them. When this happens, the function of the nerves will be affected and you will experience problems in your sensation. A good example of this complication is the erectile dysfunction that occurs in men with Diabetes.

Aside from the heart and the nerves, it can also affect the function of your kidneys. The filtration system that is responsible of cleaning the wastes of the body are composed of very tiny blood vessels which can be damaged with increased sugar in the blood. This problem can damage the kidneys resulting to renal failure and shutdown that can only be treated with transplant and dialysis.

Moreover, Diabetes Type 1 can lead to cataract and glaucoma. It can even lead to even more serious problem like permanent blindness due to the damage of the retina. With loss of vision, activities of daily living are affected.

Lastly, when you have increased blood glucose levels, you can be prone to different kinds of infections especially fungal type of infections in the body most commonly attacking the skin and the mouth. Glucose can be a rich medium for food of these types of organisms that is why infections of the skin and mouth can happen.

These are the common complications that occur for a person with poorly managed Type 1 Diabetes. That is why if you have this kind of condition, you must make sure that you have followed the treatment plans set for you especially concerning your diet, medications and exercise. Prevent the complications from happening and take care of your body.

Diabetes Type 2 Management and Lifestyle Changes

A condition that involves the resistance of the body to insulin or the production of less insulin for the body is a metabolic condition or disorder that is called Diabetes Type 2. It is also commonly called non insulin dependent diabetes mellitus because it makes use of oral hypoglycemic to manage the condition and adult-onset diabetes because it is more common among adults especially those who are more than 45 years old. There is no exact cure for this condition but methods are done in order to manage it.

Diabetes Type 2 management requires the commitment of the patient. If you have this kind of medical condition you must know what you are suppose to do when you are at home. You must be able to follow the orders that the doctor has given and of course take the necessary measures in order to prevent any life threatening situations. You must know more about your condition and learn about what your routine will be when you are at home.

If you plan to travel or even walk outside of your home, make sure that you have an identification bracelet. This is for emergency reasons that if something bad happen to you, the medical team who will attend to you will be able to know that you have this kind of medical condition. You must also bring your medications anywhere you go and let your family members know how to administer it for emergency.

At home, you must know how to take care of your feet. Diabetes Type 2 leads to poor blood circulation which can lead to poor wound healing especially on the feet. Wash it daily with lukewarm water and pat it to dry. Apply moisturizer to avoid any cracks on the skin. If you see any sores, blisters and cuts that does not heal, consult your physician immediately to prevent any complications.

Diabetes Type 2 diet is important to be part of the management regimen as well as the physical exercise that you need to do daily. Your food must be aimed at lowering your blood glucose, blood pressure and also cholesterol levels. You must have a good choice on the food that you will eat. Perform daily exercises even just walking around the house. Exercise is known to have an effect on the reduction of blood sugar levels.

Make sure that you have the schedule for your medical checkups. This will include the monitoring of your diabetes condition especially the levels of your blood sugar. Moreover, you must be updated with your eye specialist who will check whether there are any complications or problems on your eye. Lastly, you need to check whether you need more immunization especially that your immune system is weakened due to the disease process.

This is how you will be able to manage diabetes. With proper medication and home care, you will be able to control Diabetes Type 2 and prevent the life threatening complications to occur. As a patient, you must be committed on doing your responsibility on the management of your condition.

Diabetes Type 2 management requires the commitment of the patient to follow what the physician orders. Following the orders in the medication intake, diet choices, and also on the lifestyle changes will prevent any complications.

Diabetes Blood Sugar Levels Managed by Planning Meals Well

If you have diabetes, you must know how to plan your food well. Diabetes diet and blood glucose are two of the things that you must bear in mind in creating your own meal plan. Having to make a meal plan does not mean that you have to separate yourself from other people or you need to have a special plate apart from other family members because what you will be planning is a nutritious meal that is also good for other members of the family. You get to eat the same food but in the right amount.

Planning your meals is important in order to monitor diabetes blood sugar levels. This plan will be your guide for you to make a routine that you will follow on when you will eat your meals and your snacks and helps you check whether you have prepared the right kind of food with the right amount for each meal. This would not be too hard if you are already used to eating healthy foods because all you need to do is adjust the size of every serving. Choosing the right kind of food will help you maintain your blood sugar in normal levels.

If you have a hard time doing your meal plan, you can always consult a dietitian you specialize on proper nutrition. With the help of the dietitian, both of you will be able to come up with a food choices that will be based on your budget, taste, lifestyle and health goals. Through this it would be easier to adjust to the food that you will eat everyday because you helped in making your own meal plans. It will also help you clear your mind from possible questions that you have about the disease process.

In making your meal plan, you must have the knowledge about the exchange list. The foods are grouped accordingly and one serving of each is called an exchange. This list will help you choose from the variety of foods which have the same amount of protein, carbohydrates and other nutrients that you need for your meal.

You must also learn about carbohydrate counting. This allows you to balance the amount of carbohydrates that you will eat with that of your insulin dosage. The glycemic index is also a good reference for you to have a quick look about your choice on foods rich in carbohydrates.

You must have a great choice of foods which have the healthiest carbohydrates like fruits, vegetables and whole grains. These types of food are also rich in fiber which can help you avoid the risks of heart diseases and helps you control your diabetes blood sugar levels. You can even look for sugar free diabetic recipes which are appealing to your taste.

Consistency is the key to diabetes diet and blood glucose control. Even from the variety of foods that you want to eat, you must make sure that it must be in consistent amount and at a consistent time. Prescribing medications and providing you with knowledge about your condition is the work of the medical team, your sole responsibility is to implement and follow strictly what the doctor tells you to do.

Diabetes blood sugar levels can be managed through the right planning of foods every day. You must be committed to plan your meals and prepare the right amount of foods well to be able to maintain levels of blood sugar.

Making a Grocery List For Your Diabetic Diet Plan

With a lot of foods available in the grocery store, you will surely spend a lot of time in choosing which one would be best for your meals. When you have Diabetes, you must be careful on your choice of foods. You must be inclined more on the nutritious foods since you have a metabolic condition that requires you to be more careful in what you eat so as not to complicate your condition. Following diabetic diet guidelines will help you plan your meals every day thoroughly and well.

Making a list on what food to buy would be very helpful in saving you a lot of time in choosing from a lot of variety and also gives you an idea on the amount of food that you will place in your cart. It would be more convenient for you to go to a grocery store when you have a list of the diabetic food so that you will be able to go to the section of that food immediately. Here are a few hints on how to make a list for your grocery needs.

The list must include those which are recommended by the doctor. You can make this list together with your dietitian so that you will be assured that you are choosing the right foods and buying the right amount. They will be able to help you make your grocery list depending on the budget that you have and the foods that you consider your favorites. Aside from your dietitian, you can also call or inquire from your local grocery store whether they have a list of a diabetic diet plan.

Included in your grocery list must be the protein rich foods. You can write down on your list the types of fish that you like, nuts and white meat. The meats that you include in your list will be part of the meals that you want to eat every day. You can make a recipe that will include the right of protein per meal throughout the day. Knowing about the different exchanges will help you have a variety of protein rich foods.

Moreover, go for the fresh fruits and vegetables. They contain the carbohydrates that you need per day. They also contain the vitamins and minerals needed by your body. Fruits and vegetables included in your diabetic diet plan also are fiber rich foods that keep you away from certain types of diseases like heart problems and stroke.

Lastly, include in your grocery foods which can go in handy when you are at home or even outside your home especially when you feel the symptoms that your blood glucose is low. Foods will include fruit juices which are in cans or small cartons and maybe a box of raisin. Just in case you feel that you are hypoglycemic, you will not worry because you have these foods ready.

Making a grocery list is part of following your diabetic diet guideline. This will help you create a list that comprises the right type of food that will manage and control your blood sugar levels.

Making a list of what to buy in a grocery store is important for your diabetic diet plan. The list will help you check whether you have included everything that you need to meet up with your daily nutritional requirements.

Diet For Type 1 Diabetes

An excellent diet plan will help a diabetic patient improve his or her blood glucose level as well as maintenance of a desired weight. Types of diabetes diet are individualized depending on your nutritional needs, lifestyle and daily activities. There are types of diabetic diet designed for patient acquiring Type 1 Diabetes or "Insulin Dependent" diabetes and Type 2 Diabetes or "Non-insulin Dependent diabetes.

Diabetic diet doesn't necessarily mean a diet that is free from sugar. It is a diet consisting of a healthy balanced diet with proper mixture of carbohydrates, proteins and fats that supply essential nutrients to the body. It also generates an even release of glucose in the bloodstream of a diabetic patient.

In type 1 diabetes, the body does not produce insulin. In this type, one must be treated by regular injection of insulin. Patients cannot control there diabetes through diet and exercise alone. However, patients with Type 1 diabetes doesn't just need to eat healthy foods. One must be aware of the type, quantity and timing of food choices. This is important in order to make sure you have an appropriate intake of foods on a daily basis.

Carbohydrate like rice, breads, cereals, and pasta have the greatest effect on blood glucose levels. That is why you need to pay good attention to this kind of foods. These foods are broken down into glucose by digestive enzymes. The glucose is then absorbed to the bloodstream causing an increase in blood glucose level. In order for you to keep your blood glucose level close to normal after consumption, inject just the right amount of insulin in to your body to compensate on the food that you ate. It is also important to have proper timing, so that when insulin is injected through the bloodstream, it will go together with the glucose as the person is eating.

This is why it is imperative to consider not only what you eat, but how much and when you eat. The overall effect of a meal on the blood glucose level will depend on the different types of foods making up the meal.

It is believed by the wide population of people that diabetics should avoid eating sugar in their diet because it causes an elevated blood glucose level. This statement actually is false. Take for instance, table sugar and cornflakes. Surprisingly table sugar has lower sugar content than cornflakes. Yes, we need to cut down sugar in the diet because of the fact that it has little nutritional value but not solely because of its effect on the glucose level.

Helpful Diet For Gestational Diabetes

In gestational diabetes, it is imperative to have a good nutrition when you are pregnant. Diabetes develops when your body can't effectively produce insulin or use it to any parts of the body. Insulin is a hormone manufactured by the pancreas that to turn sugar or glucose in your blood into usable fuel. When huge amounts of glucose build up in your blood, it means that your cells are not getting that much fuel they need. If this happens, this will result to a high blood sugar which can be harmful for you and your developing baby.

One simple way to stabilize blood sugar levels is to follow a specific meal plan. It is strongly recommended that you seek for a registered dietitian who can construct a diet particularly suited for you, basing on your weight, height, lifestyle, physical activity, developing needs of your baby and level of glucose intolerance. Food preferences may also be taken into account. If dietary changes would not be enough to keep your blood sugar in a healthy range, taking insulin is an option.

Here are the general guidelines when it comes to your gestational diabetes diet. Try to munch through variety of foods. It is very important to evenly distribute calories and carbohydrates throughout the day. Both your meals and snacks should be balanced. It is highly recommended that you consume three small size meals and four snacks every day with an after-dinner snack already. Your meal plan may contain fewer carbohydrates than you normally have, but these carbohydrates will continue to provide most of your caloric needs.

Never attempt to skip meals. Consistency is the key point here. Be steady and consistent about the time you eat them and the amount of food consumed. You must follow a strict guideline in order to stay away from risking your own health. It is deemed important that a very consistent approach is taken in order for your life to go a long way. Blood sugar level will stabilize if foods are evenly distributed throughout the day.

Eating a good breakfast with high fiber foods is greatly recommended. It was once found out that breakfast is the best mealtime of the day. You can ignore lunch or dinner but never disregard breakfast. These high fiber foods are whole grain breads, cereals, dried peas, beans, legumes and fresh fruits and vegetables. These foods when digested in the body are absorbed slowly, thus, keeping your blood sugar levels on a normal healthy range.

A Healthy Diet For Diabetes

If you have been diagnosed by your physician with diabetes, there are plenty of ways to improve and manage the symptoms of your disease. It is very imperative to find out what are the right things to eat. Research predicts a double amount of people who would be diabetics in the next twenty years. But these statistics could not happen unless you begin to correct and practice the foods that need to be enjoyed and avoided.

First and foremost, a high fiber diet, but low in fat is the most recommended for diabetic patients. In this diet, you stay away from saturated fats and limit the amount of sugar consumption. Saturated fat can be found on butter, lard and dairy products such as meat, cream, cheese and chocolate.

One major source of carbohydrates in our diets is bread. Carbohydrate is definitely an important source of energy, stamina, vitamins and minerals. Carbohydrate also provides fiber that helps stabilize blood sugar levels. Such foods that contain fiber are beans, peas, potatoes, corn, pasta, oats, wheat and barley. A good choice for fiber is whole grain products because it takes a long time for your digestive system to break down this component. This will keep the body from releasing rapid bursts of sugar.

Next are vegetables. Vegetables should be undeniably included on your list of what to eat for diabetes. Such vegetables to include are green leafy vegetables that include spinach, tomatoes, lettuce, carrots, broccoli, zucchini, cabbage and cucumbers. A three to five servings a day is recommended on a daily basis. It is a good option also to mix up raw and cooked vegetables.

Last but not the least is the consumption of fruits. But be careful in indulging with fruits too much because fruits contain carbohydrates and natural sugars. Remember that we are limiting our intake of carbohydrates and sugar to stabilize a normal blood sugar level. Well, it is a good idea also to mix fruit with a protein before doing some exercise. Make sure that the canned fruits you buy are packed in with unsweetened fruit juice. The requirement for diabetics is two to four servings of fruit every single day.

Suggested Diet in Order to Control Diabetes

Diabetes is a situation where in the blood sugar becomes unusually high. To efficiently control this condition, a proper diet must be considered. A diabetes control diet is the key to deal with variation in blood sugar levels. Patients will have a hard time managing their diabetes if certain foods are eaten. Well, our main objective here is to have a diabetes diet menu to manage our blood glucose, in order to allow the patient to live a healthy and normal life.

You must reduce your sugar intake to decrease high blood sugar levels. According to studies, this is the best way because this can be easily achieved through a diet to control diabetes. There is no uncertainty that a diabetic diet is one of the greatest ways to control high blood sugar levels. You can also avoid further health complications in diabetes, such as kidney problems, when you are conscious of your diet. A well-managed diabetes diet has the capability to decelerate the increase of sugar levels in the blood, allowing the patient to be worry-free about blood sugar levels.

A diabetic patient can extremely benefit from high fiber foods.If you have an awareness of any lists of High fiber foods, the question of how to control diabetes will not arise. Water soluble fiber could aid in diabetes because it slows down the absorption of carbohydrates. Among these sources are beans, nuts, seeds, oat bran, and fruits such as apples and pears. In addition foods that are rich in fiber like leafy vegetables and whole can assist to manage high blood sugar levels. Broccoli, cauliflower, spinach and cabbage are among the vegetables that have a high amount of fiber.

It's an impossible thing for you to control diabetes without limiting your sugar intake. Awareness must be created regarding foods containing high amount of sweets to people who suffer from diabetes. Consumption less sugar is a must. Among the foods that are high sugar content are oranges, mangoes, bananas, concentrated fruit juices and tinned foods. Diabetic patients will be asked also to minimize foods which are processed like breads, pastas and baked products. This contains sugar that can be abruptly absorbed by the body.

Exercise plays a significant role in managing diabetes. A strictly-followed exercise is one secret in order to maintain diabetes and other related health problems at bay. Some recommended physical activities include walking, jogging or jogging in place and bicycling.

Useful Diet For Pre Diabetes

Pre Diabetes is a medical condition wherein the blood sugar levels are higher than normal blood sugar levels, but not adequate enough to be categorized as diabetes. Pre diabetes diet combined joint with regular workouts or exercises can be an effective means for pre diabetes treatment.

Pre diabetes is normally asymptomatic. This means it has no specific signs or symptoms of its own. The person may not know that he or she is already inflicted with this condition. The most common symptoms of Pre Diabetes are polyuria or frequent urination, polydipsia or excessive thirst, polyphagia or excessive hunger and unexplainable weight loss or gain. Visual acuity may be affected. Your cuts or bruises heal for a longer period of time. Gingivitis or inflammation of gums as well as skin infections may also recur.

One important element in Pre Diabetes diet is to reduce intake of carbohydrates, sugar, fat and calories. It is important to include high fiber in the diet like fruits and vegetables such as spinach, turnip, lettuce, asparagus, artichokes, cabbage, cauliflower, zucchini, celery, cucumber, broccoli, eggplant, onion and tomato.

These foods improve digestion and sustain the blood glucose level at a stabilized status. These provide adequate energy level to the body and help the person feel full even after a long meal has taken

It is also important to include soybeans, garbanzo beans, kidney or pinto beans and split peas. in your pre diabetes diet. Fruits which are high in complex carbohydrates like grapefruits, dried apricots, oranges, prunes, pears, strawberries, plums and apples can also be included in the Pre diabetes diet.

If you don't like vegetables so much, you could also opt to fish, lean cuts of beef, pork loin, sirloin, chicken and turkey. Just take note that when you cook chicken and turkeys, make sure you remove the skin in order to stay away from excess fat which could further harm your body. When cooking, use olive oils and coconut oils, not only that they are organic but they can help you avoid risks from cardiovascular diseases and fat deposits in the body. Some other cooking oils may have high content of saturated fat promoting weight gain.

Most importantly, try to refrain from munching through junk foods and snacks or desserts containing high level of calorie. When cooking, as it has been said before, try boiled, broiled or grilled foods than the fried ones. Boiled foods trim down levels of cholesterol and accumulation of fat deposits in the body.

How to Find Out the Number of Calories to Consume If You Have Diabetes

They say, one of the most familiar and oldest ways to shed off some weight is to follow a low-calorie diet. Low calorie diets are simply reducing the intake of calories by eating less amount of food eat each day to maintain current or desired weight. This could be applicable on people with Diabetes. In this particular article, you will be able to have calories diabetic diet plan in order for you to live healthier and happier life.

If you like to have a low-calorie routine, going to the gym or weight loss center joint with healthy menu including healthy calories at the same time limiting intake of sweets and junk foods is recommendable. Again, simply cutting your calorie intake isn't the key to your calorie diabetic diet plan, but you also have to eat good foods to stay healthy and learn to strategize things on how to fit in sufficient healthy foods on a daily basis without feeling deprived.

In order for you to determine the number of calories to consume if you have diabetes, you need first to determine the amount of calories that you need on a daily basis to maintain your desired weight and subtract the amount by 200-300 hundred calories. Once you have this calculation and have an idea on how many calories needed to maintain weight or decide on how many calories to cut out each day, you can easily achieve your goals towards combating complications from diabetes.

The disorders like insulin resistance, prediabetes and polycystic ovarian syndrome can cause an overproduction of insulin in the body. If ever this happens, a person is more likely to gain weight and may have a difficult time shedding off some weight. That is why it is very important to be careful or meticulous of your calorie diabetic diet plan in order be effective and efficient on your purpose.

If you have gestational diabetes or pregnant while having diabetes, you will be obliged by your physician to eat healthily not only for yourself but for your baby as well in order to avoid risking your life. According to research studies and health professionals, cutting calories is not a healthy way to lose weight unless the calories are limited to high fiber, high-nutrient value and healthy carbohydrate choices. All diabetic patients need to consult their doctor or nutritionist before choosing a weight-loss program, especially those pregnant ones because it may create an impact to the baby too.

The Glycemic Index Foods List

is getting more and more popular to those who are suffering from diabetes, and even to those who are non-diabetics. But can be incorporated to anyone's health as long as they want to stay healthy.

First and foremost, you must understand how works and how it can help you get healthier. This concept was developed for people to better understand how the variety of foods can affect your blood sugar levels. This is very helpful for physicians to come up with a great plan for their patients for them to be able to keep their blood sugar stable as well.

On , foods are rated between 0 and 100, where 100 is the value of a pure glucose. Foods which are listed on the higher end of the list are often digested faster and are easily converted into glucose. The main goal here is to avoid foods that may cause your blood sugar to elevate. You should know that when your blood sugar level rises, your body finds the need to clear it out immediately. If this happens, you will then feel hungry and find the need to eat again.

Low glycemic foods are often recommended as it can keep your blood sugar at a normal level, especially when eaten with other foods that can slowdown the response of the insulin. This can then make you feel full longer after meals. This means less hunger, less snacking and less craving for foods with high glycemic value.

The list is exactly how it sounds. It is a list of various foods and how it can affect your blood sugar levels. This includes the glycemic value for bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, fruits, pretzels and all other carbohydrates there is. This content is being adopted by many due to the fact that it is quite easy to understand. Foods are considered high if it has an index value of 70 and above, and these foods should be avoided. If the index value of the food is between 56 and 70, it is considered moderate. Foods which are low in glycemic index are the ones with a value of 55 and below. These are the foods that you should focus on since this can help you maintain a well-balanced blood sugar level.

You might wonder why a diet based on is best for you. The simplest reason is due to the fact that it is not meant to be a fad diet. If you are to focus on eating low glycemic foods, then you can maintain your body's health and you will be less prone to gaining weight, diabetes, insulin resistance and other heart diseases.

Getting Kidney Failure From Diabetes

After being diagnosed with diabetes, there is a high chance, though not 100%, that kidney failure will follow close by. Before the full fledge kidney failure, there'll be five stages that the patient will go through. The 5 stages are briefly discussed below.

Stage 1: Hyperfiltration

Initially, when you are first down with diabetes, your kidneys will start to enlarge. Due to the enlargement, they seem to function abnormally well. They start to clean wastes from your body at a faster speed. This is caused by a large amount of glucose entering the kidneys, which draws a large amount of water with it. There is an increase in the flow of blood through the glomeruli, causing the kidneys to enlarge.

When the first stage happens, it quickly advances to the next stage. Most patients that are first diagnosed with diabetes would already find themselves in the next stage.

Stage 2: Microalbuminuria

Signs of damage start to show on the glomeruli, while the rate of filtration stays high. The damage allows small amounts of albumin, which is a type of protein in the blood to leak into the urine. Initially, the traditional urine dipstick will be unable to trigger a positive test when the amount of albumin is not sufficient. A more sophisticated test for microalbumin must be performed, in order to give a proper report of the patient.

Stage 3: Proteinuria

As the third stage is reached, the glomeruli gets more and more damaged, leaking even more albumin into the urine. This would reduce the body's ability to filter waste. This can cause the blood levels of two components of the blood to rise. They are known as creatinine and urea.

Stage 4: Advance clinical nephropathy

At this stage, blood cannot be filtered by the damaged kidneys. The urine now contains large amounts of leak protein. The two blood components discussed in stage 3, Creatinines and urea in the blood increases as well. The patient is most likely to be diagnosed with hypertension at this stage.

Stage 5: End stage ranal failure

Signs and symptoms of kidney failure start to show as the kidney function drops to 5 or 10% below its ideal level. This cannot be cured, and the only options are dialysis or kidney transplant.

To prevent diabetes kidney problems, the following means can be done:

Keep your glucose level in tab. Visit your doctor about your HbA1c test, and what the goal for the glucose level to be kept under control to be.

Keep your blood pressure in control, and take frequent checks. The level should be 130/85 mmHg or lower.

Urine should be tested for small amount of proteins to identify the leakage. This kidney check should be done at least once a year.

You can suggest to your doctor about being placed on an ACE inhibitor to protect your kidneys.

If you think you have a bladder or kidney infection, visit your doctor immediately.

Thigh High Support Hose For the Comfort of Your Legs

Compression stockings are recommended to people who have pain in their legs constantly. Usually this occurs due to the demand of their jobs in which these people have to sit or stand for a long period of time at a stretch. This compression stocking provides necessary support to the legs and thus reducing the pain and discomfort. When the pain is experienced in entire leg, the thigh high support hose is helpful and that provides proper support to the legs. These stockings are meant both for men and women.

The manufacturers in this field take care of the products that are manufactured to provide complete comfort and are useful for the patients. If you go looking for these stockings you will find a wide variety of them in variable color, sizes and versions like thigh high support hose, toe stockings, zippered stockings or so. These stocking are suggested to any person who find fatigue and pain in their legs due to long traveling or some other problem. Pregnant women experience cramp in their legs and after wearing these stockings, they get relief and comfort.

The main function of the compression stockings is to provide pressure near the ankle and this goes on decreasing as it goes upwards. This improves and maintains proper blood flow in the legs. These stockings also help athletes get more oxygen in their leg muscles and save their muscles from burnout. The people, who require constant standing as the demand of their profession, get benefited from these thigh high support hose.

Women diabetic socks come in two sizes to keep their feet free from any kind of injury or problem. The doctors usually recommend these socks and you can buy the one prescribed for you. However, you have plenty of options and you can choose one that best suits your style, comfort, health and fashion. The main reason is that those people who are diabetic need to take care of their feet properly. The thigh support hose provides complete support to the legs whereas there are diabetic socks that protect the feet of both men and women from any kind of injury.

Know the Symptoms of Adult Onset Diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, also known as Adult Onset Diabetes, is the most common form of diabetes and has no known cure. People who have this type of the disease cannot produce enough insulin on their own and a person can become hypoglycemic. A person cannot then store blood sugars in the body for later conversion to energy. This type of chronic diabetes is managed through medications and dietary changes as directed by a healthcare professional.

Adult Onset Diabetes may not have any early symptoms because the disease progresses rather slowly. Most people who acquire the disease are overweight and do not exercise as much as recommended. If a person's family has a history of the disease, or if a person has high cholesterol, then their chances increase even more for developing the condition.

The most common symptoms of Adult Onset Diabetes include an increase in thirst, hunger and frequent urination. Men report feeling tired and may have problems with erectile dysfunction. Blurred vision or other vision changes may occur. In addition, a person with Type 2 diabetes may also notice that wounds are slow to heal. Weight loss, recurrent infections and itchy skin are also reported symptoms of Adult Onset Diabetes.

It is important to be tested for diabetes if a person has these symptoms with no known cause. A fasting blood glucose level test or a Hemoglobin A1c test can be performed by a doctor to check for Adult Onset Diabetes. This type of chronic diabetes is managed through medications and dietary changes which aid in the production of insulin.

Type 1 Diabetes - Know the Facts

Type 1 Diabetes is a chronic condition in which the pancreas fails to produce insulin or very little of it. This is a hormone that needs glucose to enter your cells to produce the energy you need to function properly. You can manage Type 1 Diabetes with a healthy lifestyle as directed by a physician.

These are some of the symptoms that most often are experienced early on and are associated with Type 1 Diabetes: fatigue, weight Loss, blurred vision, extreme hunger, frequent urination, increased thirst

The exact cause of Type 1 Diabetes is unknown. Scientists do know that genetics plays a part in the onset of the illness and also exposure to viruses can trigger Type 1 Diabetes. Your body's immune system usually fights off any harmful bacteria and viruses, but when it can't, sometimes the illness is triggered. With Type 1 Diabetes, your body mistakenly destroys the insulin producing cells in the pancreas. Once these cells are destroyed, they will produce little or no insulin.

The liver acts as a little storage compartment for glucose so that when you body needs it, it will distribute it properly. This keeps your blood glucose at a normal limit. If you have Type 1 Diabetes, this process will not occur because it causes sugar to build up in the bloodstream which can cause life threatening complications. It is very important to detect Type 1 Diabetes early because the longer it goes undetected, the more prone you are to have disabling or life threatening complications.

Preventing Diabetes For Pregnant Women

This article is very useful for a woman who is pregnant. This disease is very influential on the health of you and your baby while you are pregnant. Diabetes during pregnancy as a period of pregnancy, a mother at risk for developing diabetes, which usually called gestational diabetes.. Do you know about this? Can understand why a woman at risk for this disease? This happens because the body is unable to meet the growing demand of insulin production progressively during pregnancy. Diabetes in pregnant women usually occurs mainly in women who are overweight or at a particular ethnic. In case of diabetes during pregnancy this can disrupt the health of both mother and fetus. So it could be concluded that diabetes would attack pregnant women. Therefore, women need to understand diet and exercise and blood sugar control is needed. But if it has not happened, a few tips below you can do and can you apply so you can avoid diabetes.

The first is that you must follow a diet low in fat and make it a habit to eat smaller portions and you have to multiply the consumption of vegetables and fresh fruits. After that, you should be able and try to control your weight balanced. You could say the ideal weight should be achieved. Define and specify your meal time and stick to the rules that you create yourself for your health too. Never skip a meal to avoid overeating. Why? This is because it can maintain stable blood sugar.

You also need to exercise 30 minutes a few times a week if at all possible. I recommend asking your doctor. To replace sugar consumption, the mother can choose a safe substitute for sugar in sufficient quantity unless saccharin that are harmful to the fetus. To control your diet and your blood sugar levels can make a record of diet during pregnancy. So you will not feel any more difficult by what you should get. Namely health and avoid getting the disease during pregnancy.

Common Signs of a Kid With Diabetes Type 1

If you think that Diabetes Mellitus can only affect adults then you are wrong. Kids with diabetes type 1 have the condition also known as juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent Diabetes Mellitus. It connotes to a medical condition wherein the pancreas of your kid is no longer able to produce the insulin that the body needs. Consistent care is done by the child and the parents wherein blood glucose levels are monitored and insulin delivery and diet is followed. With proper education on the family and the child, the condition will be managed and it will not lead into life threatening complications.

Basic knowledge of child diabetes symptoms is important in order to diagnose the child at an early stage and to seek for prompt treatment. It also helps in preventing any complications that can threaten the life of your kid. Moreover, diet will be chosen properly especially when you have the diagnosis that your child is diabetic. Lifelong management must be done in order to control the levels of blood glucose in the body.

When your kid has child diabetes, he or she can experience increased thirst and frequent urination. Because the pancreas cannot produce insulin in the body, there will be increased glucose present in the blood vessels. Since your blood is highly tonic, fluid will shift from the tissues to your blood thus causing cell thirst. This will send signals to the brain that your cells are thirsty that is why your child tend to drink more fluids resulting in increased urination.

In addition, your kid will also experience hunger aside from thirst. Glucose is the food of the cells. It requires insulin so that it will be delivered to the cells of tissues and organs. However, since your pancreas cannot produce insulin, the cells of your body will not have enough food and energy. Your child will feel hungry all the time and would tend to look for food to eat.

Even if your child will increase its intake of food and fluids due to thirst and hunger, you may notice that there is unexplained weight loss. The tissues of the muscles and the fat stores shrink and thus cause loss of weight. Moreover, fatigue is felt and generalized weakness due to the lack of food in the cells and organs.

Lastly, your child can experience blurry vision which is already a complication when the glucose is too high and not monitored at an earlier time. The increased blood glucose can pull the fluid in the lenses which results in difficulty of focusing in your children. Aside from the eyes, if your kid is young girl, increased blood glucose is a good medium for the occurrence of yeast infections.

These are the common signs and symptoms that kids with diabetes type 1 have. As a parent you must be knowledgeable about these symptoms so that when it occurs in your children, you will be able to seek medical treatment. You can prevent further complications when this medical condition is known at an earlier time.

Diabetes and Exercise Information For Diabetic Patients

Diet for diabetes and exercise are two of the methods included in the treatment plan for diabetic patients. Exercise is an important adjunct to the treatment plan for patients with type1 and type 2 Diabetes. Regular exercise can help keep diabetes under control. Exercise can provide with a lot of benefits to the management and prevention of any complications that can occur to diabetic patients.

Diabetes and exercise regimen followed causes an increased sensitivity of muscle tissue to insulin, so that a lower dose of insulin or oral anti diabetic agent may be adequate. It can decrease appetite while increasing caloric expenditure, thus assisting obese patients on calorie restricted diets. It can also be associated with a slight to moderate decrease in blood pressure, thus benefiting patients who have hypertension. Moreover, it can give some patients an important sense of physical well being and help lessen feelings of emotional stress.

When the patient has diabetes and an exercise journal in hand and continuously followed, it is known to decrease triglyceride and total cholesterol levels while increasing the levels of high density lipoprotein bound cholesterol. It is believed that high density lipoprotein has a protective effect against atherogenesis whereas other cholesterol is atherogenic, so exercise may help delay the development and progression of atherosclerosis.

An exercise program should be carefully planned with your presence in consultation with the physician or diabetes educator. If you are more than 30 years of age or one who has diabetes for more than 20 years, you should have a complete physical examination before beginning. The exercise program chosen will depend on the age of the patient, cardiovascular status, presence of diabetic complications, degree of blood glucose control and degree of motivation.

It is usually recommended that exercise be undertaken three or four times a week in order to achieve maximum benefits. The exercise should be pleasurable to you, as some are unlikely to persevere with a program that is not enjoyed. Because you are ultimately responsible for the exercise program, it is important that knowledge and education about how to do it is properly stressed out.

Walking can provide ample exercise, and it is the best means of getting the needed exercise for many diabetics. Walking has the advantage of being accessible to persons of all ages, flexibility in intensity and duration, needs no special skills and requires no special equipment except the shoes that fits well on the feet. When weather prevents outdoor walking, this exercise can be done in an indoor location like your own house.

The extent to which exercise affects the blood glucose level varies among diabetic patients. Therefore, it is your responsibility to the monitor the effect of exercise before, during and even after the activity to become thoroughly familiar with the response. It is wise if you will be able to discuss this with your health care professional since management of this medical condition includes you cooperation and that of your physician. From the reports made, you will be able to recognize that the benefits of exercise for your condition.

Diabetes Information on the Right Choice of Meals

Diabetes Mellitus is a condition where there is increased glucose in the blood because there is not enough insulin to transport them to the cells for energy and uptake. Diabetes treatment not only includes medications and exercise but it also focuses more importantly on what you will take in to your mouth. It is very important that while at home, even when you are sick or even when you are away from home, you must be knowledgeable about your choice of food as a diabetic.

Diabetes information includes what you need to include in your meal plans. If you are a diabetic, you must plan ahead in shopping for food so that you can purchase items economically. In most instances, plain foods should be bought. Foods to avoid include those with breadings, sauces or icings, high fat content and prior frying. Many commercial prepared convenience foods such as stews, casseroles and TV dinners are difficult to evaluate for food exchanges so they should be avoided. Mixed dishes can be prepared at home where consumption can be controlled.

Most health care professionals discourage diabetes and diet with alcohol consumption. If it becomes apparent that you will drink alcoholic beverages, you should be taught how to allow small amounts of alcohol in the meal plan. Most alcoholic beverages that are not high in sucrose content can be substituted for an appropriate number of fat exchanges in the diet.

Eating away from home requires you to have good knowledge of the diabetic information on the individualized meal plans in order to recognize the correct foods and serving sizes. You should order simple, plain foods and avoid fried foods, gravies, sauces, casseroles and salad dressings. You should not hesitate to ask how foods are prepared. Most restaurants will be glad to withhold gravies and sauces, serve fruits and broiled meats and provide vegetables and salads with dressing on the side for you to add as allowed.

Work or travel may require eating in fast food restaurants that contain food with multiple meat, bread and fat exchanges, including some salad bars and low calorie and plain food. Some fast food establishments have published information regarding the energy and nutrient content of their food items including the exchange values per serving. This information is available upon request from the companies.

Moreover, there may be times when you are unable to eat normally because of illness or dental work. When this happens, it is still important that the individualized meal plan be followed as closely as possible. You should take the prescribed insulin or oral anti diabetic medications and eat as many foods in the menu as possible. Using soft foods or liquids as alternatives is acceptable, as is processing foods to a blenderized consistency when needed.

Diabetes and diet information is really needed for a diabetic patient like you. This will help you take control of the food you eat and make the right choices even you eat in places away from home. This helps you manage your condition well and prevent any complications.

Facts on Making Your Own Diabetic Meal Plan

At present, cure for diabetes is not yet possible but methods are done in order to manage and control it. The goal for management is to achieve normal glucose levels in the blood. With proper management and control, it will delay and prevent long term complications that can be experienced by the patient. To achieve normal blood glucose level, three types of method must be followed in diabetes treatment plan. One of it is dietary modification. It must be adapted based on the unique life situation of the patient. Patient education is the key to successful management.

If you are a diabetic, you must be informed of the objectives for dietary modification in your life. First of all it provides you with optimum nutrition that you need. Moreover, it assists in achieving and maintaining ideal body weight. It helps you maintain optimal control of your plasma glucose level. More importantly it assists you in preventing and delaying the development or progression of complications to which you are so prone. In addition to that, it provides you with an individualized meal pattern that is adjusted to your lifestyle.

Historically, meal plans for diabetic patients have been very low in carbohydrate but high in protein and fat. The increased risk of heart disease in diabetics and a better understanding of the metabolism of complex carbohydrates have brought about modifications of the diabetic diet.

Diabetic meal plans currently recommended are higher in carbohydrates, with 55 to 60% of the total calories coming from carbohydrates. These should be complex carbohydrates and not sugar. These meal plans are lower in protein, with 10 to 20% of the total calories from proteins of high biologic value. Fat should include 25 to 30% of the total calories. Cholesterol should be restricted and there should be a high ratio of polyunsaturated to saturated fat. The ADA currently recommends that a moderate salt restriction should be considered for persons who have diabetes but no other medical problems.

For both types of diabetics, it is also important that the timing of meals and the relative proportions of carbohydrate, protein and fat be consistent from day to day. The distribution of nutrients is frequently four to six feedings, with a fairly even distribution of carbohydrate, protein and fat at each feeding. If you have type 2 diabetes and not treated with insulin or oral antidiabetic agents, you do not need to adhere as closely to the regular timing of meals and food distribution as those requiring insulin or oral antidiabetic agents.

For diabetic meal plan, cooking and preparing foods require close attention to the portion sizes and preparation methods. Meats should be baked, broiled, boiled, or stewed without the addition of gravy. All excess fat and any skin should be removed before cooking. Vegetables and cooked starchy foods should be prepared without additional creams, sauces, or fats unless these are included in your individual meal plan.

These are the important points that you must consider when making your own menu especially if you are a diabetic. If you are still having troubles about it, you can plan it together with your dietitian so that you will come up with the right meal plan based on your lifestyle.

To be able to prevent experiencing any complications of Diabetes, you must be able to plan your own diabetic diet. You need to know the information about the amount of serving, the timing of when to eat your food and most especially the type of food in your dietary modification. View http://diabetesmenu.org/ and get some vital information about Diabetes.

The Best Things About Xylitol

There are a lot of people who are becoming more cautious of their sugar intake. The most common reason is that it is the infamous culprit for packing up the unnecessary pounds. Sugar is also the substance that when taken by diabetics, would put them in great risks. The effect of this not-so-good reputation of sugar is avoiding foods and drinks that contain it. Though it may seem like a boring meal time every time, many people still choose to eliminate it in their diet; often out of necessity.

Luckily, there is a substance that changes everything. Xylitol is a sugar alternative that is being used in many foods and drinks today. This is used so that those who are health conscious as well as those who are diabetic can still enjoy sweetness without ever worrying about the sugar content. Fortunately a diabetic friendly bakery can use this as an option in their baked goods.

Xylitol comes from the Greek word "xyl" which means wood and the suffix "itol". This is the term used in sugar alcohols. Xylitol is a sugar alternative which is classified as a sugar alcohol. The substance is derived from natural ingredients such as fruits and vegetables which makes it an ideal option for use by your diabetic friendly bakery.

The use of xylitol is not only applied to cutting the sugar intake in substantial amounts. Xylitol seems to come with a lot of benefits that many people are still unaware of.

One of the popular benefits of the xylitol is its tooth-friendly abilities. Studies show that people who took xylitol in exchange of ordinary table sugar has a low decay rate. Also, those who chew xylitol gum have fewer cavities in their teeth. Chewing xylitol gum also helps prevent ear infections as it assists in getting rid of ear wax and clearing the middle ear.

Osteoporosis is also a disease that is improved when xylitol is consumed. It is proven that xylitol has prevented bone decay and has even helped strengthen bones.

Xylitol can also help in preventing infection. It acts as it mobilizes the white blood cells that fight the growth of infection-causing bacteria.

Xylitol has been found to benefit both pregnant and nursing women. The sugar alternative has been known to reduce the chance of the mother in transmitting certain bacteria that can cause danger to the infant.

There are many other benefits of Xylitol. Aside from retaining the sweetness of food without actually having to add sugar (and calories) to it, Xylitol is emerging as with many positives. Instead of using ordinary sugar, use Xylitol for the healthier option. When looking for friendlier options, ask your diabetic friendly bakery if they use Xylitol in their products.

Knowing Where You Cannot Work With Your Diabetes

If you had a dream of becoming one of FBI agent but you had diabetes, then forget it. FBI has policy called a blanket ban that will reject certain group including those who had diabetes and need to take insulin shots.

Another important institution that implementing blanket ban is the United States military. If you have any kind of diabetes then you cannot serve. If you develop diabetes after you enter the institution, then you will probably get a discharge. This is pretty unreasonable since many other country military hired a staff that has diabetes and there is no difficulty with them.

But fortunately, this blanket bans is fading away quickly. For example the Department of Treasury lifted the blanket ban on becoming a member of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms if you have insulin-requiring diabetes. Recently several states lifted the ban in becoming school bus driver for people who had diabetes. This action resulted from the law suit against several school institutes that fired their school bus driver who never commit any flaw in their job just because they had diabetes. However drivers are being evaluated on a case-by-case basis before they are allowed to drive children to school.

In the past, commercial drivers also suffer from this situation. They did not permit to cross state lines. Now the Department of Transportation (DOT) also looks at people with diabetes on a case-by-case basis to determine whether it is safe or not for them to drive commercially from state to state. As long as there is no history of unconsciousness from hypoglycemia, the DOT will usually permit the individual to drive with reconsideration taking place every two years.

The blanket ban also used to be applied for firefighters and for airplane pilots. However since the treatments for controlling diabetes has greatly advanced, they also consider the people on case-by-case basis.

Tips For Purchasing Diabetes Medical Supplies Online

Generally, diabetes is considered as a lifelong affliction. To optimally manage this medical condition, you would be required to do certain changes in your lifestyle. If you are one of the millions of people suffering from diabetes, then it is mandatory to monitor your blood sugar regularly and be on proper diet. Diabetes medical supplies are essential to treat your diabetes. But, getting all your necessary diabetes medical supplies to keep your diabetes in control is not an easy job. The emergence of online medical supply stores has the made the task a breeze. Now, you can buy all your diabetic medical supplies simply by sitting at your home. There is no need to run from one drug store to another for the purpose.

Buying diabetes medical supplies online is the best way, not only to shop at irresistible prices, but it also keeps you abreast of the latest and the most technologically advanced diabetes medical products available in the market. It would be amazing to buy all advanced diabetes medical products online, even before your local pharmacies have them in stock. In addition to this, the prices of your diabetes medical supplies are more competitive in online stores, when compared to the local drug stores, even due consideration is given to shipping and processing charges.

Continue reading to know some useful tips on how to buy your diabetes medicines online.

Before purchasing diabetes supplies online, you need to determine a diabetes treatment plan with the consultation of your doctor. The doctor would clearly prescribe the diabetes supplies you need. Prepare a list of the required supplies and know how often you use them. There are a wide variety of medical supply stores online. Not every web store is safe and secure. Choose the reliable medical supplier for a hassle-free shopping experience.

Check out whether the website has the third party SSL (Secure Socket Layer) certificate. This is to ensure all the data communications between you and the online medical supply company is securely encrypted before your personal information gets sent through cyberspace in between. Do not reveal all your personal information to the website.

Check for "https" in the address field of your internet browser. This is yet another way to assure that you are dealing with a secure server. Find out that the diabetes online supplier company give you different payment options. They should not only accept major credit cards, but also entertain the use of online banking systems, such as Paypal or Google checkout.

Purchase diabetes medical supplies from online companies that maintain 24/7 customer service center. You should be able to reach them in case of any clarifications. They should have help desk personnel, so that they can be easily reached through email, chat, or phone. Check the shipping policies of the particular medical supplier. Read the customer reviews of the online supplier as well as the diabetic medical product you have decided to purchase.

Diabetes Medical Supplies For Safe Traveling

Are you a diabetic patient, looking for the best solution of this medical condition? Before knowing about the treatment, first you need to know what diabetes is. It is a fatal disease, which is characterized by constant high level of blood glucose or sugar. Diabetes can even cause death or permanent disability, if not taken proper care on time. As diabetes is a chronic disease, there is no permanent cure for this medical condition, and it can cause plenty of discomforts to the patients. So, better care would help you live a hail and healthy life.

Diabetes medical supplies play a vital role in maintaining your blood sugar level as well as to facilitate effective treatment. You will be required to undergo a lot of changes in your lifestyle to fight against diabetes. Nowadays, diabetes medical supplies are manufactured on large scale due to the increasing ratio and awareness among general public. People with diabetes are advised by healthcare professionals to undertake some special diets, medicines, and other important activities, such as walking, to maintain their blood sugar levels. These can be followed easily in the day-to-day activities. But, when you travel, it is quite difficult to follow all the above regimes. This in turn leads to health complications. Hence, special care must be taken to get rid of any difficulty while traveling. Here are some useful tips to help you to maintain your health while traveling.

Discuss your travel plan with your doctor.Get a written medical prescription from your doctor for all your medication and diabetes medical supplies.You can even get a travel letter from your doctor describing your diabetes plan.Keep a record of phone numbers handy, including your doctor's number, to get assistance in case of emergency situations.Pack the right amount of medicines and supplies that you need for the entire trip.It is advisable to use a small lunch bag with ice packs to ensure that the bag is insulated. You can keep your insulin in this insulated bag, if the weather is warm.Keep your glucose meter with you all the time.It is better to keep spare or extra batteries for your testing kit.Keep an ample amount of test strips, in case you need to test more frequently.Carry sufficient amount of lancets.If you use syringes, then carry enough of them.It is always good to carry keytone strips the foil wrapped strips last longest.Have glucagon emergency kit with you for use in emergencies when your blood sugar level drops.Always carry a small supply of fast acting glucose with you to deal with the circumstance of low blood sugar reaction. Glucose tablets and glucose gels are the best fast acting ones.Carry essential insulin pump supplies.

Reverse Insulin Resistance to Reverse Diabetes Naturally

It is crazy how much of our healthcare is geared toward the management of type 2 diabetes. Especially in light of the fact that this type of diabetes is a nutritional based condition, not a disease needing a pharmaceutical management.

Huh?

Yep, diabetes came to exist in people's lives because they don't have a clue about insulin resistance, the forerunner to type 2 diabetes. They are inundated with info from their doctors and the drug companies about blood sugar but blood sugar is only a signal that insulin chemistry is screwed up. And although high blood sugar is dangerously inflammatory, the real deal is about insulin not blood sugar.

Blood sugar falls in line when insulin is normalized.

So, 3 questions are pertinent.

One, what is insulin resistance, two, how do you get insulin resistant and three, what are the therapies to reverse insulin resistance?

Insulin resistance, like any other hormone resistance is caused when there is too much of the hormone hanging around. The effect of a hormone in your body is much like a lock and key. The hormone is the key and th receptor on the cell membrane is the lock. When there is too much " key turning", the receptors become sluggish and much less responsive. To counteract this sluggishness, more insulin is secreted further compounding the problem., To reverse insulin resistance, the solution is to lower the amount of insulin to restore the insulin receptor's sensitivity.

There are many theories on how people get insulin resistant. I have studied many sources and here is what I have come up with. There seems to be problems with carbs and fat consumption in America for at least the last 50 years. Probably longer. The type, quality and amount of fats and carbs in the American diet have seriously messed with insulin receptor physiology. Also, and much more complicated, insulin physiology is markedly influenced by inflammation.

This article is about the fats and carbs, not about the inflammation.

Here is the deal: what you eat has a powerful impact on reversing insulin resistance. Many of the fats you stick in your mouth get incorporated into your cell membranes. Cell membranes, the outer wrapper on every cell in your body are made of of mostly fat. In this matrix of fats lie the receptors for insulin. If the fats are weird man made fats,the kind that are found in packaged food, the receptors don't work right thus causing more insulin than normal to be secreted to complete the job of allowing the blood sugar to enter the cell for energy. This excess insulin being secreted is really bad for your body. I have written other articles for ezine that outline how nasty this can be.

The other aspect of nutrition causing insulin resistance is carbohydrate consumption. America has a love affair with carbs. This country eats not only too much carbohydrates in a day, but the kind of carbohydrates eaten are mostly foreign to our bodies, producing unnatural surges in blood sugar.

The response? You guessed it! Large secretion of insulin.

The human body, except in the last 50 or so years, was never exposed to weird carbs like high fructose corn syrup which is in many if not most packages foods and drinks. And there are other sweeteners like high fructose corn syrup,some natural such as agave, that are equally destructive to insulin physiology.

So, what to do about it?

Eat fibrous carbs that come from local growers. Avoid packaged food. Eat protein at every meal and snack. Eliminate fruit juice and pop.

These suggestions are starters and also need amplification. For instance, what do I mean by a fibrous carb? What specific chemicals am I looking to avoid when I am reading a label? How much protein is too much? Not enough? How many grams of carbs in a day are too much?

I will address these questions on how to reverse insulin resistance in another article. Keep looking for additional articles from me on this critical subject.

In addition, some moderate exercise and some supplementation is necessary if you want to reverse insulin resistance to reverse type 2 diabetes naturally.

How to Use a Home Diabetes Test

There are many types of newer home diabetes tests that are available rather than only the traditional test that people have used for years. Variations to the traditional test offers less pain and requires less amount of blood that is needed to be drawn. Newer home diabetes tests simply provide a mechanism that automatically pricks your finger tip, causing almost no entry wound.

One very new testing system that provides a major reduction in pain is the laser diabetes test. It works just like the traditional test, except a laser beam is pointed at the finger and easily pricks it. Other home testing kits are available that tests blood from an area like the thigh. However, testing in any other area beside your finger tip does not show more recent changes in your blood sugar levels.

Prior to conducting a test, you should wash your hands with antibacterial soap to ensure cleanliness. It is important to always avoid infections even during the simple testing process. In a typical testing kit, there will be various supplies including a thin testing strip.

After using the small mechanism to prick your skin, you simply place a drop of blood on the strip. Then, insert the strip into the diabetes testing meter. The appliance will then read your blood and be able to tell you what your blood sugar levels are at that time. Then, based on what your physician has instructed regarding what your safe blood level should be, you will be able to assess if it is too high, low, or normal.

It is actually very simple to test your blood level at home. Based upon the type of blood sugar meter you have purchased, it may be able to provide you with additional functions as well. These are not necessary, but you may find them helpful. One example is a home testing machine that now has the ability to save previous readings of your blood sugar that you have taken which helps you to compare any future changes.

Use Natural Treatments For Diabetes

Nearly 21 million people living in the United States are affected by diabetes. If diabetes is not controlled properly, it can become life threatening. There are several natural treatments which have shown to be effective in lowering blood sugar levels. However, if you wish to try a natural treatment, it is always best to do so under the supervision of a qualified health professional.

Cinnamon is one of the more common natural treatments shown to improve blood glucose levels in people with diabetes. Researchers have found that by adding at least 3 grams of cinnamon 3 times a day lowers the post-meal rise in blood glucose levels.

Aloe Vera gel is another natural treatment for diabetes. Aloe Vera gel is most commonly known as a treatment for minor burns and certain skin irritations, although recent studies suggests that Aloe Vera gel may also be effective in helping people suffering from diabetes. Phytosterol compounds found in the gel of the Aloe Vera plant have been found to reduce blood glucose as well as glycosylated hemoglobin levels.

Chromium is a mineral which plays an important part in carbohydrate as well as fat metabolism. It also helps body cells to properly respond to insulin. People who have diabetes tend to have low levels of Chromium in their body. There have been promising studies suggesting that supplements of Chromium may be an effective treatment for diabetes.

It is always best to speak to a physician or qualified health professional before beginning any natural treatment for diabetes. Some herbal treatments may interact with certain medications you may already be taking, so be sure to list all medications you take on a daily basis and consult with your physician.

Facts About Juvenile Diabetes

Every year over 1.5 million people are diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in the United States and an alarming count of approximately 40 children per day are diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes as well. Many people are not familiar with the general facts about Type 1 diabetes and how common it is to develop among children. It is always good to be informed about one of the most important and dangerous health conditions prevalent among juveniles today, especially if you are a parent.

Here is a basic fact sheet to help you know the basics about juvenile diabetes.

1. Type 1 Diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks and destroys the insulin producing cells in the pancreas which does not allow your body to function properly.

2. The exact cause of Type 1 Diabetes is currently unknown. Scientists do believe that being exposed to viruses as well as natural genetics plays a big factor.

3. It affects children, adolescents and young adults. The symptoms can develop very suddenly and causes a dependence on injections or pumped insulin in order for survival. The disease also can cause a nonstop, life threatening situations and complications throughout a patient's lifetime.

4. Type 1 Diabetes will always need constant attention. You must take multiple insulin injections daily that are prescribed by your physician. You will monitor and test your blood sugar daily by pricking your finger which can be performed at home on your own. It is very important to balance your diet and insulin. Insulin injections do not cure diabetes, but provides necessary balance to the body system in order to prevent serious complications.

5. Warning signs of Type 1 Diabetes that occur suddenly include the following:

- Extreme Thirst

- Frequent Urination

- Drowsiness or Lethargy

- Increased Appetite

- Sudden Weight Loss

- Sudden Vision Changes

- Sugar in the Urine

- Fruity odor on the breath

- Heavy or labored breathing

- Unconsciousness or disorientation

Keep in mind these important facts about diabetes, especially if you have children. Be aware of any changes in their health according to the above warning signs. If you do notice any changes, be sure to consult with a pediatrician immediately.

What Else Works Along With Diabetes and Exercise Guidelines?

Exercise, exercise, exercise? Sometimes it seems so frustrating. In addition, some other time, you do not have the mood to move although you know you should.

The importance of keeping your body moving is huge, especially when you are a diabetic. Most probably, you know this, and most of diabetics do exercise. However, they still have high blood sugar levels.

What is happening? Are Diabetics not exercising enough? On the other hand, is the exercise not working?

Let us see deep what is going on. Let us be more practical.

-When they first diagnosed, diabetics are determined to lower their high blood glucose levels. They follow every instruction (from diet to exercise) very rigorously. In addition, they get their blood glucose begins to lower. But? After achieving the first goal, diabetics are satisfied and begin to break the rules. "Ok, let us eat this cake; after all it is only one time". "This fried meat is so delicious. Oh, I will eat; it is only one time. I can permit it". Moreover, they do not remember the "times" anymore, and continue to satisfy their gluttony. The result: blood sugar comes up again. This time is very difficult to optimize it.

-Diabetics are not aware of what is happening to their body. Although the blood glucose is optimized, there are some damages that have been already settled in diabetics' body, which are very difficult to re-heal. What exercise do is to help clear your body from the excess of metabolites in order to relieve the consequences of the damages. Persistent high blood glucose makes diabetics tired, with lack of energy; thus, they do not feel (cannot) exercise (even walk). In this way, the bad effects of damages remain for long time, putting diabetics in a "blind-circle".

-What is our society doing for diabetics? What are governmental and no-governmental organizations doing to help people with diabetes? To me, NOTHING. Promotional messages on healthy foods (from "food-industries") are emptying the pockets of people, especially in these days of "world crisis". This is not the right way to help diabetics and help stop diabetes epidemics. One diabetic is tired of listening: walk, exercise, eat this, and do not eat that, and so on. Let us take an example. When eating outside: one diabetic choose some "diabetic" dishes. Near him/her sit other people, eating delicious foods (chips, burgers, etc), all of an appetizing smell. The diabetic finish to tell him/herself "Ok, I will eat that burger; it is only for this time". All the "diabetic-regime" he/she was building with lots of efforts is ruined. Who is guilty?

-In a family gathering, one diabetic wants to enjoy the evening, including the foods, drinks and cigarettes. There are rare people who are strong enough to not be attempted by these "goods". Most of the people do not resist the temptation and begin to abuse. One word "DO NOT" cannot make diabetics comes strong. It is human to do what should not be done. If a family changes the rules of eating and living habits, this can help diabetics come strong. Furthermore, the entire family will stay healthy (after all, diabetics should eat in a healthy way, not the tasty one).

All the above talking is to understand the link of exercise with other strategies of lowering cholesterol. This is the unity. Exercise cannot make miracles alone. Foods restrictions and good choices too. If you combine them together, the success is guaranteed.

Changes take time to appear. Moreover, they are very fragile: if you abuse, you will get the good results upside-down. Working with people is hard; but working with oneself is even harder. Nothing is impossible. Just enhance the strength of willing and make a diabetic feel comfortable.

Managing Diabetes and Living Life Well

Diabetes Mellitus has a great impact to the health of many individuals particularly the obese and those who live a sedentary lifestyle. The first thing that probably pops out into your mind when you hear about the disease diabetes is minimizing intake of high sugar foods. It helps but it does not necessarily mean that you will just have to deprive yourself from eating food preparations with sugar. Control and self discipline is all we need if we want to stay away from the disease.

The body needs sugar as sugar is one of the major sources of energy in our body. Without sugar, we will feel weak, constantly feel irritated and will have loss of body malaise. As much as possible, we should try to at least maintain a normal blood sugar level that way we can stay away from any health conditions associated with the disease diabetes mellitus.

Each day, millions of diabetics walk a tightrope between having too little sugar in the body and having too much. Too little insulin brings about dizziness, fatigue, headache, sweating and trembling. In some cases, having less insulin in the bloodstream results to loss of consciousness or worse, coma. When an individual is having too much insulin in the body, he may experience weakness, fatigue, excessive thirst, labored breathing and loss of consciousness as well.

Since the initial symptoms are usually mild, half of all diabetics fail to realize that they have the disease or the disease have already progressed. If early diagnosis and early treatment is made, the chances of living a long and productive life are higher than if the disease comes along undetected. If diabetes is left untreated, it may lead to several life threatening conditions such as kidney failure, infections, heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke and will eventually lead to comatose.

When you have a family history of diabetes, it is best that you visit the nearest hospital so you can undergo several physical examinations. A blood sample is all it takes to determine whether you too have diabetes mellitus. You can acquire diabetes genetically so if you are concerned of your health, do not waste time and immediately seek for a physician's consultation.

If you have a certain type of diabetes mellitus like for instance type 2 diabetes, you can actually manage the disease if you make lifestyle changes and try to live a happy and normal life. One way to manage type 2 diabetes is through reducing the risks by doing exercise or losing weight. Engaging in sports activities also help diabetics with type 2 diabetes mellitus. To prevent infections and possible wounds, wear a strong foothold. Neuropathy is very common problem among diabetics. Therefore, all the diabetics should be careful with all the things they do.

Eating the right and nutritious foods can also help manage the disease. Intake of fiber rich foods helps enormously towards achieving weight loss and maintenance. And lastly, try to live a happy life. It does not mean that when you have diabetes, you are already doomed. It's not. You just have to believe and to do your best in managing the disease. With the right diabetes care, you are assured of a longer and productive life.

Diabetes Mellitus - A Metabolism Disorder

Everybody knows about diabetes but the awareness of it among millions of people especially the youth is not that extensively taught. Diabetes Mellitus is ranked 6th as leading causes of death for adults over sixty five years of age. This article is a collection of information about diabetes mellitus.

This non-contagious disease is dependent upon how our body employs the food we take in to make it usable for growth as energy. The food digested during meals and snacks are turned-down into pieces called glucose or blood sugar. After digestion via chemical and biological process, glucose transits into the bloodstream so that it can get into the cells. For glucose to enter in the cells, a hormone released by the isles of Langerhans in the pancreas is needed and this is known as insulin. Insulin modulates the warehousing of glycogen in the liver and speeds up oxidation of sugar in cells.

Normally the pancreas produces the right amount of insulin supply to the body. However, this is not the case for people with diabetes. Pancreas either gives very few or no insulin that is not correctly used by the cells in the body. Due to this unused insulin, glucose builds-up in the bloodstream, overruns as urine and out in the body. Hence, the main source of energy is a waste despite the fact that blood contains glucose in large amounts.

Different types of Diabetes

Three major types are:
Type 1 Diabetes
An auto-response disease results when the immune system opposes the body parts. Insulin in the pancreas is ruined by the immune system producing little or no insulin at all. This requires a person to take insulin daily to supply the body's demand.

Type 2 Diabetes
It is the most common form of diabetes often associated with older age, obesity, family history of diabetes and no physical activities, and certain ethnic qualities.

Gestational Diabetes
GDM is diabetes developed by women on the onset of pregnancy or during pregnancy but ordinarily disappears after delivery of the baby.

Impact and Scope of Diabetes

Diabetes mellitus is highly distinguished by many to be ones of the causes of death due to its tendency to lead to other diseases. It is associated with long term-term complications that impact almost every body parts. This often extends to leads to eye impairment, heart and blood vessel diseases, and other big name diseases. Ungoverned diabetes may result to a ramification of pregnancy among women and defects on babies born to mothers who have diabetes.

Diabetes Menu Recommended by Dieticians and Experts

It is important that you are aware of the foods you eat when you have diabetes. It only does take time to make it part of your daily activities until you realize that after that it is not that difficult to do it. However, before doing that, you should know on the foods that are worth to eat for and those who are not. There are many dishes particularly tailored for diabetic patients to ease the feeling of having diabetes. The following item lists are few of the menu plans recommended by dieticians and experts.

Appetizers: As a starter, eat anything that is low in sugar, low fat and just the appropriate quantity of carbohydrates such as whole-wheat, cereals, or cornflakes. These are in the form of snacks provided to stimulate the appetite on the start of the mealtime. In every meal, remember not to eat too much particularly overweight ones. Yet, skipping meals is not good or you will just waste you sugar levels.

Diabetes From Previous Pregnancies

Gestational diabetes, in general, might not induce signs or symptoms. However, the pregnant woman may go through exuberant amount of the following signs such as weight gain, hunger or thirst, urination or recurrent vaginal infections.

A woman who gets diabetes during pregnancy but have not experienced any of this disease in the past is called gestational diabetes. It is believed that gestational diabetes is brought by the impact of hormones in pregnancy.

In actual, there are no direct noticeable symptoms of gestational diabetes. However, some early indicators that poses danger to a pregnant woman. Through the familial affinity such as a diabetes from parents or siblings is also an indicator that you are possible getting diabetes. Some others, has already experienced diabetes that took place from past pregnancies. An obese pregnant woman may also be in jeopardy if the body mass index is beyond 29.

Women whose ages are above 30 are more prone to acquire gestational diabetes if she becomes pregnant. Other indicators of GDM are hypertension or high blood pressure and infections in the urinary tract, a huge baby after birth weighing about nine pounds or more, a past spontaneous abortion or miscarriage. The occurrence of symptoms are sometimes occasionally that lists increased thirst, urination and hunger,,weight loss even if appetite has increased appetite, blurry eyesight, tiresome, nausea, vomiting, and high frequency of infections in the bladder and skin.

These are common late in pregnancy anyway, and accordingly may be hard to identify as sure diabetes symptoms. Women with gestational diabetes might feel emotional sensations that are rare, constantly mild and it is life threatening. They are inclined to dismiss these bodily signs and just thought of as natural effects of gestation.

May you be a mother who has never acquired diabetes or has always shown or an increased amount of systems or no symptoms of diabetes at all, it is highly advised from a doctor or specialist that you be screened for gestational diabetes on the 24th to the 28th weeks of your pregnancy. Signs or indicators are still not yet not clear or endangering enough for you to apprehend for yourself. Getting screening test and treated on an earlier time implies a world of goodness for your baby that is full of health. Most of the time, woman who does show symptoms for GDM is also showing a risk for getting type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Degrees of Diabetic Retinopathy Surgery

The most usual diabetic eye disease is the Diabetic retinopathy, which causes blindness in American adults due to the changes in blood vessels of the retina. A healthy retina, which is very sensitive to light seen at the back of the eye, is necessary for good vision. At first, no noticeable changes to your vision but over time this can worsen and cause loss of vision affecting both eyes.

Abnormal vessels in the blood can grow and outflow blood into the center of the eye resulting to a blurring vision called proliferative retinopathy. This is the fourth and most advanced stage of the disease. Liquid flows into the center of macula where there is an occurrence of straight-ahead vision. This makes a swelling of the macula resulting to a blurring vision called macular edema. If a person has diabetes and it progresses, diabetic retinopathy is likely to occur at any stage.

The specialist doctor can be able to give advice and recommendation whether a patient has a macular edema or any stage of diabetic retinopathy. To prevent vision loss, timely eye check-up and treatment is advised may it be experiencing symptoms or none. Thus, taking an eye exam more often is expected for diabetic retinopathy. Initially, what the eye perceives are a few specks of blood, or spots, "floating" in your vision. It is recommended to see the doctor as soon as possible, if spots occur and thus treatment is needed before any serious bleeding occurs.

No treatment is needed during the first three degrees of diabetic retinopathy but if you macular edema, better hurry to see a surgeon. Hence, diabetic people as always expected should maintain normal blood sugar levels, blood pressure and cholesterol. Laser surgery applies to patients with proliferative retinopathy. This procedure called scatter laser treatment that aids in shrinking down abnormal blood vessels.

About 1,000 to 2,000 laser burns placed in the retina away from the macula. This causes shrinking of the abnormal blood vessels. To complete the treatment, there are two or more sessions required to achieve the necessary high numbers of laser burns. The main purpose is to slowly burn the outflow of fluid and decrease amount of fluid seen in retina. Treatment through laser scattering can save the rest of your sight but can somewhat reduce color and night vision as well as side vision. Thus, further treatment is needed.

Distinguishing the Two Types of Diabetes

A popular saying from Franklin P. Jones, "perhaps nobody has changed the course of history as much as the historians". Yes, the history of diabetes has always been and always will be a good source of information as to when this disease all began, who pioneered in treating the spread of disease and what treatments are developed and applied for a specific period.

A London physician named Dr. Thomas Willis, in the 17th century, had to find out that if his patients had diabetes or not by taking out some samples of their urine. As the diagnosis goes, if the taste is sweet he named it diabetes mellitus which is a honeyed disease. Until the 20th century, many have always employed this method. In 1921, a history rightfully heaven-sent occurred in Ontario, Canada. A surgeon named Frederick Banting together with Charles Best, Bantings' assistant, hidden in a critically dying diabetic dog alive for almost 70 days by injecting it with a murky concoction of canine pancreas extract.

They both made a solution that is applicable for children on this era. In just a span of 24 hours, high blood sugar of the diabetic patient has dropped to normal. Children diagnosed with diabetes are expected to live in less than a year not until the discovery of insulin. In a matter of 24 hours, the boy's life has saved. The information about recent miracle discovery of insulin spread across all continents.

Discoveries in medical field continue to arise and ease the lives of diabetic people. By discovering that there were two types of diabetes such as type 1 or insulin-sensitive and type 2 or insulin sensitive, Roger Hinsworth came in a solution in 1935. By , new lines of approach opens up because of Hinsworth.

At that point, newly improved glucose meters brought in the table that is as handy as the size of a calculator. Late 1970s, when an insulin pump was invented to imitate the body's normal production of insulin. The pump uses a small needle injected into the skin of the diabetic patient to administer a continuous dosage of insulin through a plastic tube. The very first needle-free insulin delivery system-the Derma-Ject was released in 1979, which weighs around one to half of a pound and a very high price of $925 dollars.

Metformin finally approved around May 1995 in the United States by FDA. Metformin, an oral medication for type 2 diabetic, does not increase insulin production that is very opposite from the sulfonylurea drugs that stimulate insulin release. Alternatively, it intensifies sensitivity to insulin and step-ups the muscles' ability to use the insulin.

Early Symptoms of Diabetes to Look Out For

Diabetes mellitus is a common disease which affects many people worldwide. Chronic uncontrolled diabetes is a major source of death and disability because of the damage it causes to many different tissues and organ systems throughout the body. Over time it causes blood vessel disease which can lead to heart disease and heart attack, stroke and peripheral vascular disease. It also has negative effects on the kidneys, eyes and the immune system, to name just a few other long-term damaging effects of diabetes.

Because it is so common and so damaging, many people begin to wonder how to know if they have diabetes. What are the ? This is actually a very important question because the earlier diabetes is caught, the better the chance of treating it effectively and preventing or minimizing the long-term complications that can occur.

The hallmark of diabetes is poorly controlled blood sugar (glucose). Normally, the blood glucose level hovers throughout the day in a fairly tightly controlled range. Insulin, a hormone secreted by the pancreas, helps to lower levels of glucose while other hormones (and eating carbohydrates) raise them. The balance between them helps keep glucose levels normal. In diabetes there is an imbalance because insulin is not working as it should to lower blood sugar levels. The glucose goes up and stays high at most times. This high level of glucose in the blood is termed hyperglycemia.

Diabetes Symptoms

When blood sugar levels are very high there are a number of acute symptoms which can occur. The most common are the three 'P's', polyphagia (increased hunger), polydipsia (increased thirst) and polyuria (frequent urination). The high blood sugar causes the blood to become thickened, more concentrated, because of the sugar dissolved in it. Sugar also gets dumped in the urine by the kidney which pulls water with it, dehydrating the body and further concentrating body fluids. The net effect is that the body gets dehydrated and urination increases. The brain senses the dehydration and causes an increased sense of thirst and hunger. Other symptoms that can occur with hyperglycemia include blurred vision, fatigue, dry mouth, dry or itchy skin and recurrent infections (such as vaginal yeast infections, groin rashes and others), among others.

Early Diabetes Symptoms

However, these symptoms generally only occur with quite high levels of blood sugar when diabetes is quite severe. In early diabetes, symptoms can be less common. In fact, in very early diabetes patients may be completely asymptomatic, meaning they have no symptoms. Also, the early symptoms may be mild and may not be noticed or passed off as something less important. At this early stage, sometimes referred to as prediabetes, the blood glucose levels are elevated above normal, but not yet in the high range which could be diagnosed as diabetes. While it is not yet severe, it is still important because the increased sugar may already be doing damage to your organs and most people with prediabetes will go on to develop diabetes in time if they do not make changes in their life to prevent it.

So if early symptoms are absent or mild how do you know if you should be worried about diabetes? For one, simply educating yourself (as you are doing now) about the signs and symptoms of diabetes help to make you more aware so that if you do experience early symptoms you recognize them. Another thing to keep in mind is that if you have any concern or suspicion, seek the advice of your own doctor. They can counsel you about your risks for diabetes and perform simple tests which can help identify early diabetes.

Diabetes Risk Factors

One final suggestion is to learn more about your own risk for diabetes. Even if you do not yet have symptoms, knowing whether you are at high risk for developing diabetes can help you to be aware and get screened early. The most common form of diabetes is called Type II Diabetes, adult-onset diabetes or non-insulin dependent diabetes. While it generally occurs in adults it can affect younger individuals too, particularly if they are considerably overweight. Many of the risk factors for this type of diabetes are well understood. First and foremost, obesity and a sedentary lifestyle (lack of physical activity) both increase your risk for type II diabetes considerably. There is also a strong genetic link to diabetes which means that family history and ethnicity are important predictors. If you have close family members (parents and/or siblings especially) with Type II diabetes then your risk is greater. Also, individuals of African American, Native American, some Asian and Latino decent are at highest risk for diabetes. Age is also an important factor. As mentioned above, while diabetes can occur at almost any age, its risk increases as one gets older. Finally, in women, a history of gestational diabetes, high blood sugar during pregnancy, is another risk factor.

If you have one or more of these risk factors, your chances of developing diabetes are greater than the general public and you should be on the look out for it. Talk to your doctor about it and ask if getting screened for prediabetes or diabetes is advisable. Also, if you think you are at risk for diabetes or know you have early diabetes, there are changes you can make to help prevent it progressing and causing long-term complications. While some of the risk factors cannot be changed (age, family history, ethnicity, etc.), some are called modifiable risk factors which can be changed. If you improve them, your risk for diabetes will decrease. The best examples are obesity and sedentary lifestyle. Increasing physical activity and exercise both help to control blood glucose and help to control weight. Improving diet and loosing weight can significantly improve your body's ability to keep glucose in a normal range. Other factors, such as quitting smoking, and lowering blood pressure and cholesterol can be useful as well. While they do not directly impact diabetes, they are also risk factors for heart disease, stroke and other blood vessel diseases. Controlling diabetes as well as these other risk factors will greatly decrease your chances of developing these diseases as well.

A Note on Type I Diabetes

Type I Diabetes, also known as juvenile-onset diabetes and insulin dependent diabetes, is a less common form of diabetes. It most commonly presents in childhood although it can affect anyone. In a sense it is a more severe form of the disorder because the pancreas which secretes insulin is completely dysfunctional and there is little or no insulin secreted. Therefore, this form generally presents earlier with more severe symptoms. Patients can quickly develop severe hyperglycemia and the symptoms associated with it (increased thirst, hunger, frequent urination, etc.). In addition, if untreated by insulin injections, patients can develop diabetic ketoacidosis and diabetic coma, potentially life-threatening conditions which require emergent treatment. The risk factors for Type I diabetes are less well understood.

In Conclusion

In conclusion, stay aware of the early signs of diabetes as well as the risk factors which are associated with the disease. By being educated you can better judge your personal risk for the disease and better catch early signs of the disease. Again, if in doubt, ask your doctor. Making an early diagnosis of prediabetes or diabetes can help prevent the long-term damage that diabetes can do. It allows you to make changes in your life (improved diet, weight loss, exercise, etc.) which can help control diabetes and prevent the death and disability associated with poorly controlled diabetes.