I was in a Wal Mart store when I discovered I had diabetes. I had had my semi annual blood work done two days before and my doctor was calling to tell me that my blood tests showed that my blood sugar level was a little over five hundred. I knew this was something serious because he had never called me before about anything! Calmly I asked him what the normal reading should be and he said around seventy. I hadn't realized that I was sick!

I was unusually tired all the time, even when I had had a restful day. My energy was gone and I couldn't figure out why. Little did I know that my blood sugar was way out of range.

It wasn't my physical help she was concerned about at the time, but my mental state. She said that my mood swings were driving her nuts. I thought I was always on an even keel emotionally, all sweetness and understanding. She thought otherwise. Looking back, I can see where I had begun showing symptoms of diabetes, but at the time I didn't take them seriously.

One problem I had was frequent urination. It was worse at night. I was getting up in the morning already tired from lack of sleep the night before. Also I was losing weight even though I was eating more because of the late night snacks when I got up to go to the bathroom at all hours of the night.

Another symptom of type 2 diabetes, or adult onset diabetes, is that any cuts or sores you have on your body are extremely slow in healing. About a month before my visit to the lab for blood work, I had had dental surgery. The antibiotics he prescribed were not working and the pain pills kept upsetting my stomach. The dentist couldn't understand why I was not healing, but he must have suspected something because he asked me one time if I was a diabetic. My biggest concern at the time was with blurred vision. I thought it was because I hadn't had my glasses changed in about 2 years and it was time I visited the eye doctor. Later my family doctor explained the problem in language I could understand. He said, "When your blood sugar is out of range the sugar crystals adhere to the lens of your eyes, therefore blurring your vision." I'm sure the medical interpretation of my problem would be a little more precise, but that was enough to scare me into taking him seriously.

Diabetes is not something to take lightly. It can get ugly pretty fast. There are other warning signs such as itching of the skin usually around the groin or vaginal area, impotency dry mouth. If you are having some or all or these symptoms, hurry to a doctor. Diabetes can be a nasty disease, but it can be controlled. Look for the symptoms.

Diabetes is a problem that affects so many people, both in the U.S. and worldwide, surprisingly, however, very little is known about the disease.

There are a number of organizations that are researching exactly what causes diabetes, as well new and better methods for controlling it, monitoring blood sugar levels, getting insulin into the blood, newer medicines to correct the problems and even how to stop it before it starts.

There are numerous groups and organizations involved in research such as the FDA, the Diabetes Action Research and Education Foundation, or DAREF, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, the Diabetes Research Institute and the Diabetes Research and Wellness Foundation and many, many others, in the United States, Great Britain, Australia and many other countries.

• A vaccination against the autoimmune response that causes type 1 diabetes. Testing is currently being carried out on animals.
• Genetic engineering to make liver cells that produce insulin. Although insulin is produced there is no internal control mechanism as there is with the pancreas, so the insulin levels from such cells remains constant regardless of the body's requirement for this hormone.
• Stem cells are the very basic building blocks of the human body and have the ability to develop into any kind of cell. It is possible that researchers will find a way to use stem cells to make insulin producing cells to replace those that have been damaged by the autoimmune problem that causes type 1 diabetes.
• Immunoassay for type 1 diabetes.
• The impact of exercise training for those with diabetes.
• A recent report that transplanted pig cells have been successful in reversing diabetes in test monkeys.
• Arterial issues.
• Enhancing the cell survival of important agents in diabetes.
• A type 1 diabetes medication that helps the beta cells in the pancreas to live longer, the loss of the beta cells is one thoughts of causes of type 1 diabetes, is currently underway by the Diabetes Action Research and Education Foundation (DAREF) that may prove to help patients create insulin on their own, thus reducing the dependence on outside sources of insulin
Other research currently underway is the use of cinnamon to lower blood sugar levels. Dr. Richard Anderson at the United States Department of Agriculture's Human Nutrition Resource Center has been able to effectively isolate a compound in cinnamon that causes lowered blood sugar.

The reason that cinnamon is so helpful to someone with diabetes is the way that it inhibits enzymes in the body that may be responsible to insulin resistance. This is especially noteworthy to those who are afflicted with Type II diabetes and have insulin resistance problems. Cinnamon also was shown to increase the body's sensitivity to insulin causing insulin to be used more efficiently.

If you or someone you know is afflicted with this chronic illness, funding a research team may allow you to benefit immediately and enable you to play a role in research and the treatment of the millions of other diabetes sufferers in the world.

A couple of the more recent treatments currently in trials are a medicine that is based on the saliva of a venomous lizard – the Gila Monster. The drug containing this new treatment is delivered by injection in much the same way as insulin, however the early trials have seen many participants withdraw because of an increase in side effects when compared to those caused by insulin. All research so far undertaken has been sponsored by the pharmaceutical company that produces this drug.

Another new treatment going through trials is the delivery of insulin through inhalation. The insulin is prepared in a dry micro fine powder form which is inhaled directly into the lungs from where it is absorbed into the blood stream.

Diabetes low blood sugar also known as Type 2 Diabetes or Hypoglycemia is a condition wherein the blood sugar level is below 70mg - dl. Glucose or blood sugar is the body's fuel and if it gets too low, the person usually does not feel symptoms right away and blood sugar can drop rapidly so quick treatment is necessary.

It is critical to spot the early signs and symptoms of diabetes low blood sugar in order to avoid the condition from worsening. The symptoms of this condition vary depending on the person but, typically, they include shaking, sweating, rapid heart palpitations, anxiety, hunger pangs, blurred vision, sudden weakness or fatigue, irritability, dizziness, and headaches. In moderate to severe cases of diabetes low blood sugar, the person may become confused or even unconscious.

Diabetes low blood sugar may be caused by overuse of certain medications for diabetes, poor eating habits such as skipping meals or not eating at regular meal times, over-exercise or excessive physical activity, and excessive alcohol use.

If you have are experiencing the symptoms of diabetes low blood sugar, you need to have your blood sugar tested. You can do this by a blood sugar test by yourself but if you are unable to do so, treat your condition right away by taking in 15 grams of fast-acting glucose, which could be 4 glucose tablets, 4 oz of fruit juice or regular soda, or 8 ounces of low-fat milk.

Once you have administered treatment, wait for 15 minutes and then do a blood sugar test to check if the level is back to a safe range. If not, repeat the treatment described above.

To prevent diabetes low blood sugar, it is essential that you determine the pattern in your episodes. For example, does your blood sugar drop before lunch or dinner or after you exercise?
To treat diabetes low blood sugar effectively, you need to limit foods like cakes, chocolates, pastries, candies, cheese and etcetera. These foods contain fat that make it harder for the body to absorb them. You may need to discuss with your doctor about changes in your medication or changes in your exercise program.

Managing the supplies and items needed to control diabetes on a daily basis can be frustrating and stressful. There are several new products out on the market to make your life simpler and less stressful when it comes to managing your diabetes and your diabetes supplies.

Socks
Comfortable and supportive socks are important especially if you have high glucose levels. These elevated glucose levels can cause problems in the nerves of the feet and lead to issues with proper blood circulation. Using the correct socks will prevent damage by blisters or other abrasions to the feet and can help with increasing circulation and prevent swelling.

Blood Glucose Monitors
One of the most important tools for the management of diabetes a good, reliable blood glucose monitor is an essential for testing your sugar levels. Many monitor now offer painless testing that requires only a small fraction of the amount of blood that older monitors require. In addition to monitors make sure you have the correct test strips for your monitor.

Blood pressure monitors
It is estimated that between twenty and sixty percent of all people with diabetes also have high blood pressure. If you are in this group it is important to consider having a blood pressure monitor handy to keep track of any changes in blood pressure due to diet, stress, medication changes or changes in routine.

Electronic blood pressure monitors are now available and they are as reliable and much easier to use than the traditional stethoscope blood pressure monitor.

Glucose gel and tablets
Glucose gels and tablets should be carried at all times, especially if the individual has type 1 diabetes. Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, can occur and it is critical to be able to have immediate access to either glucose tablets or gel. Glucose gel is faster acting than tablets as it is more readily absorbed by the body during hypoglycemia.

Software
There are many inclusive and comprehensive diabetes software programs available on the market. These software programs allow the patient to monitor and track all data, as well as helping with food and menu planning.

Insulin cases
Insulin is very susceptible to changes in temperature, and can be difficult to travel with if the appropriate travel case is not available. Rather than having to restrict how far you can go, consider purchasing an insulin case or travel case to prevent excessive heating or cooling of your insulin supply.

Diabetes is a fact of life for many people. Having the correct and most up-to-date supplies can make managing diabetes easier, safer and more convenient.

For millions of people around the globe the need to perform a blood sugar test every day is a reality. These people suffer from diabetes and the utilization of blood tests is the only way to track the sugar levels in their blood, therefore, keeping them healthy. As if taking blood from yourself several times a day weren't enough, there are also special rules when it comes to the care and maintenance or the blood testing supplies. Below is an overview of what needs to be done when caring for these important medical devises.

1- The most important reason to learn how to take care of your blood sugar testing supplies is that the information that they provide to you will be used to determine your course of treatment. Any reading that is off because the equipment wasn't correctly taken care of could affect the information that is given, therefore affecting the care that you receive.

2- The most common blood sugar testing supplies that are used are the meters, lancets and strips. Every one of these items requires a different course of action in regards to its care and maintenance. The most important step is to carefully read the manufactures suggestions for care and use.

3- When you are learning to care for your meter, there are a couple of things to keep in mind. Do not ever leave your meter in a car; these types of machines cannot be exposed to the hot or cold temperatures that are experienced in a closed car. Be sure to clean and change the batteries in your meter as suggested in the manual.

4- When you have used a lancet, it is important to dispose of it correctly in a timely manner. Lancets can be dangerous for other people as they can cause injury to adults and children alike. It is suggested that you place the used lancet in an empty plastic container that has a top, such as a laundry detergent bottle. When the bottle is approximately two-thirds to three-quarters full of the used lancet, tightly close the bottle and throw it away. NEVER throw a used lancet or any other blood sugar test supply in the trash without taking the necessary precautions listed.

5- The most important care tip for the testing strips is to keep them away from humidity. This type of exposure can cause them to be ineffective in your daily battle against diabetes. Also, make sure to replace the top of the bottle that the strips come in immediately upon removing one for testing.

6- When the doctor takes blood to run his tests, you should also run a blood sugar test using your equipment. If your numbers are the same as your doctor's, you know that your supplies are accurate.

7- As with any type of medical issue, it is very important to keep in close contact with your physician. If you have any questions as to the use or accuracy of your blood sugar testing supplies, give them a call.

Babies whose teenage mothers had smoked during their pregnancy are more prone to suffer from LBW (low birth weight) than babies whose mothers did not smoke, according to a new study published in the latest edition of Medical Journal of Australia. The study also showed that only one in 15 smoking teenagers quits their habit during pregnancy, the prospect of pregnancy risks mitigating with quit smoking not withstanding.

The Medical Journal of Australia, in its study, points out that low birth weight is the indicator of a newborn's overall health and route of future development. In the observations made as part of the study, scientists from the University of New South Wales found out that 10% of babies born to teenagers who smoke were of low birth weight compared to 6% in women who are non-smokers. The study also points out that woman, who had quit smoking before 20 weeks into pregnancy, delivered healthier babies much like their non-smoking counterparts.

Writing in the journal, Assoc Prof Elizabeth Sullivan and Denise Chan had said that it is crucial for teenage mothers to realize the negative impacts smoking can have on their still born babies for the sake of their baby's health. They further added that 'the important public health message from our study is that quitting smoking before the second half of pregnancy has a positive impact on a baby's birth weight." The study also points out that smoker-mothers, no matter how many cigarettes they smoked daily, had their babies born with lower birth weight.

Chicago, Illinois, January 9, 2007. Recently, the federal government levied $25,000,000 in fines against 3 weight loss supplement manufacturers, including the highly publicized TrimSpa, featuring celebrity spokesperson, Anna Nicole Smith.

Ms. Smith, who provided visible, physical evidence of the product’s ability to help shed pounds, admitted to reporters over a year ago, that she lost much of the weight in ways other than ingestion of the TrimSpa product (Don’t ask how she did it. Beyond the appearance of results provided by Ms. Smith, the federal government looked deeper and found that little or no clinical evidence existed to support the TrimSpa’s weight loss claims.

TrimSpa, apparently, was a successful marketing ploy, rather than good science applied to an age old problem of excess weight.

Fortunately, there are companies out there that spend more on research, science and good weight loss product development, than on empty celebrity endorsements.
Here are some guidelines for finding effective weight loss supplements:

#1 Look for a Product with claims substantiated by hard science
Many weight loss supplement manufacturers claim “clinically-proven”, “documented results” or “backed by scientific research” to sell their products. If a manufacturer is unwilling to provide substantiation, run like the wind.

#2 Not all Clinical Research is the same
Look closely at the clinical studies provided by weight loss manufacturers. Was it conducted by a reputable, recognized institution, such as Georgetown University Medical Center, Harvard or other known organization? If the manufacturer provides study results that were conducted by unspecified persons, under vague conditions, question their product claims

#3 What happens in the manufacturing plant
While a manufacturer may have scientific studies, conducted at reputable institutions that substantiate their product claims, they may not be putting the right ingredient purity, quality grade or dosage to help you realize the same results achieve in clinical studies.

Effective weight loss ingredients are expensive. One way a manufacturer can goose profits, is to lower the amount of active ingredients, while benefiting from legitimate result claims.

To make sure you’ll be getting the same product as used in clinical testing, is to look for quality manufacturing verification from independent organizations, such as USP (US Pharmacopoeia), NF or Consumer Labs. Look for one or more of their symbols on weight loss packaging. If it’s missing, avoid buying the product.

Getting beyond the hype of questionable, but often convincing celebrity endorsements requires some homework on the consumers’ part.