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Diabetes Causes and Prevention

Diabetes is a disease that affects the body natural ability to change carbohydrates and sugars into energy. There is no known cause for the onset of diabetes. However, there are certain factors that place a person at higher risk of contracting diabetes.

The risk factors of diabetes can include:

    * A family history of diabetes
    * Obesity
    * Poor diet
    * Physical inactivity


Different Types/Different Causes of Diabetes

There are three main types of diabetes -type-1, type-2, and gestational. Type-1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease and most often affects children and young adults. An autoimmune disease is one in which the body ability to fight infections is decreased causing the body to attack its own cells. In type-1 diabetes, the body often attacks the beta cells in the pancreas -the cells that produce insulin in the body. The main diabetes causes of type-1 diabetes are:

    * Infections with specific bacteria or viruses
    * Food-borne chemical toxins
    * Cows milk -an unidentified component in cow milk can trigger an autoimmune reaction in the body. Young infants who are given cow milk have a higher risk of contracting type-1 diabetes.

The main diabetes causes of type-2 diabetes are:

    * Increasing age
    * Obesity
    * Physical inactivity
    * Poor diet
    * The main diabetes causes of gestational diabetes are:
    * Hormones produced during pregnancy blocking actions of insulin
    * Mother body can't produce enough insulin

Common Causes of Diabetes

There are some common diabetes causes that include genetic causes as well as environmental causes. The risk of diabetes is higher if there is a family history of diabetes. Environmental factors that can lead to the onset of diabetes include poor diet, lack of exercise, obesity, and stress. Diabetes is a disease that can be prevented -or controlled once a diagnosis has been made.

Prevention and Control in Diabetes

While the symptoms of diabetes are not life threatening, diabetes can lead to other more serious diseases and illnesses. People who have been diagnosed with diabetes are at a higher risk of diseases and illnesses such as heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, neuropathy and nerve damage, foot conditions, and blindness. It is extremely important to control your diabetes in order to avoid the onset of these more serious and sometimes life-threatening illnesses.

There are medications that can be used in the control of diabetes, as well as many natural remedies. However, the single most important aspect of a diabetic management plan is a healthy diet and exercise. A healthy diet should consist of fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, carbohydrates in healthy portions, Omega-3 fatty acids, proteins in healthy portions, and fiber. A healthy diet not only helps your overall health, but also can be a major factor in offsetting the symptoms of diabetes. The longer you can prevent the symptoms of diabetes, the longer you can decrease the risks of more serious illnesses associated with diabetes.

A regular exercise routine is also an important factor in the prevention and management of diabetes. All parts of your body are designed to work together in order to sustain life. By keeping your muscles toned and your blood flowing correctly, you can help your body to fight off infections and your body will be able to help in managing the symptoms of many illnesses. Strong muscles in the abdomen are essential for helping your digestive system work normally.

A Long, Healthy Life

It is possible to live a long, healthy life. You can help ensure that your body will work properly for a long time by beginning a healthy diet and routing exercise program early in life. The old saying, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" has real meaning. By choosing to live a healthy lifestyle, you are choosing to consciously help your body fight of the symptoms of many illnesses and diseases. And, while some diseases are hereditary, such as diabetes, and you may still be at risk, by choosing to maintain a healthy lifestyle, you are helping your body become prepared to delay the onset of symptoms and to control the symptoms once they appear.

Dr John Anne is an herbal specialist with years of experience and extensive research on herbs and alternative health. If you are looking for more information, read about Diabetes Causes at http://www.ayurvediccure.com/diabetes-prevention.htm. AyurvedicCure.com is the World?s Largest Alternative Health Portal. If you are worried about your pets health, read about Diabetes in Dogs

By Dr John Anne

Natural Diabetes Remedies: Solution for Diabetes?



Diabetes management is not an easy task. Keeping your blood sugar levels within the needed range can be difficult, and insulin injections can sometimes be a hassle in certain situations. Many diabetics have tried to use natural remedies to help with their disease management, and many of them have experienced positive results. It is understandable to feel skeptical about natural resources to treat diabetes, since many companies and businesses make outrageous false claims about the results you can achieve with their natural products.

Although the truth is that natural remedies may not cure your diabetes completely of replace your need for insulin shots or pills, they can possibly help you manage your glucose levels and keep your diabetes under control. Let us take a look at three natural remedies that have made a positive impact on diabetes.

Chromium
Chromium is an essential mineral found in many foods that we eat on a daily basis. This trace mineral helps burn carbs and fats, but its main function is to increase insulin efficiency when controlling blood glucose levels. Although people with diabetes usually have low levels of chromium, this is not believed to be a cause for diabetes.

Chromium picolinate is the form of chromium usually sold as a supplement, because it is easier for the body to absorb. Recent studies have shown that chromium has helped people with diabetes and insulin resistance, but it has not been a complete cure for diabetes.

You should never exceed 120 micrograms. If you are thinking about giving chromium supplements a shot, do your research.

Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a spice derived from the bark of an evergreen tree, which is native to India. Its active ingredient has been proven to act like insulin and lower blood glucose levels. In medical studies, cinnamon has also been proven to lower bad cholesterol levels. Another great benefit of cinnamon is that it helps neutralize free radicals, dangerous chemicals which are elevated in diabetics. Neutralizing these free radical will help reduce or eliminate risk of serious complications.

Calcium
Calcium is a very important mineral found in the human body, and deficiencies in it have been linked to diseases like diabetes, cancer, heart disease and osteoporosis. Studies have shown that people with high intakes of calcium reduced their risks of type 2 diabetes by a significant percentage.

Having a daily intake of calcium in dietary or supplement form is very important to good health and to avoid serious diseases, including diabetes.

Conclusion
These are just a few natural remedies that you could use to aid in the battle against diabetes. Although these remedies may not completely cure your diabetes or replace your need for insulin shots, they may help you stay healthier and avoid the serious complications that diabetes can cause.

Free Diabetic Diet Plan - Good Food for a Good and Healthy Life Ahead

3:24:00 PM Posted by Diabetes 0 comments
Diabetes mellitus is the tenth top-most prevalent disease in the world today, with at least 17 million persons with diabetes in 2006. Its prevalence continues to grow, and estimates show that the number of persons with diabetes will double by 2030. Concentration of diabetic patients can be found in the more developed countries due to the trend of lifestyle changes in these countries especially in the nature and composition of the "Western" diet.

Food Plays An Important Role

This is the more compelling factor in explaining the increase of the incidence of diabetes in recent years. The food we eat plays an important role in controlling glucose in the blood. Since diabetes is basically a disorder with the ability of the pancreas to produce insulin, a healthy balanced diet, fitted out to the nutritional needs of the patients, will help a person with diabetes to establish a regular routine for eating meals at fixed times every day and to choose the right amounts of the healthiest types of food during each meal. Knowing how each food can affect one's case of diabetes is at the backbone of every free diabetic diet plan.

In most cases of persons with diabetes, a proper diet is often the most effective way to keep levels of glucose within the right range. Carbohydrates are digested into glucose in the body. This explains the need to keep intake of carbohydrates within moderate levels in order to control blood sugar.

Regular Meal Schedule

Diabetic patients must never skip meals or snacks and must eat at the same fixed schedule every day. Using an exchange list can be helpful in maintaining variety in food intake while ensuring the appropriate mix of carbohydrates, proteins, calories, and other food nutrients. In this way, dieting does not turn into a struggle. By using an exchange list, persons with diabetes will find it easier to make wise choices with their food intake.

There is no standard or fixed diabetic diet plan. All eating plans should be flexible and should consider the lifestyle and the specific health needs of each patient. Aside from keeping glucose levels within moderate range, a diabetic diet is also meant to reduce the risk for the complications that may result from diabetes such as cardiovascular diseases, hypertension or renal failure. A good diet can lessen the other risk factors that may further aggravate the diabetic condition such as obesity, hypertension, and bad cholesterol.

Less Fat, More Fruits and Vegetables

Seeking the professional help of a registered dietitian can also be helpful. A dietitian can help a diabetes patient develop a meal plan that would tell what kind of food can be best eaten during meals and the amounts needed to keep body glucose within normal levels. In most diabetic patients, a healthy meal plan consists of 20% to 60% of calories from carbohydrates, 20% for protein, and 30% or preferably less from fat.

Generally, at every meal, a diabetic person may have two to five choices of carbohydrates or up to 60 grams, 1 choice of protein, and a small amount of fat. Carbohydrates are best when derived from fruits, vegetables, dairy, and starchy foods. Diabetic patients should also avoid preserved food. Fresh fruits and vegetables are especially good for diabetics.

Poultry and Fish for Protein

On the other hand, protein can be taken from meat, poultry or fish. Poultry and fish should be preferred than red meat like pork or beef. Extra fat and poultry skin should be avoided. Finally, fat can be found in products such as butter, margarine, lard, and oil. It can also be derived from dairy and meat. Diabetics, as much as possible, should avoid fried foods, egg yolks, bacon, and other high-fat products.

Caution should also be observed in consuming processed food products. Before eating any of processed food products, a diabetic patient should look at the "nutrition facts" label on the packaging. In this way, one is able to determine what kind of processed food products are healthy and what are to be avoided.

If a diabetic patient closely follows one's diet plan - eating the right kind of food, ensuring the right serving sizes, and sticking to the fixed meal schedule - one will be assured of consuming a consistent amount of carbohydrates, calories, proteins, and fats every day. Without a diet plan, it becomes difficult for a diabetic patient to control glucose levels in the blood. Uncontrolled high glucose levels can increase risks of further diabetic complications.

Being creative within the rules of a diabetic diet plan can also help maintain variety in food preferences makes eating as healthy and normal as other people. With good food and a good free diabetic diet plan, even persons with diabetes can look forward to a good and healthy life ahead.

Flor Serquina is a successful Webmaster and publisher of Learn-About-Diabetes.com. She provides more information on topics such as free diabetic diet plan [http://www.learn-about-diabetes.com/free-diabetic-diet-plan.html], diabetic pregnancy diet [http://www.learn-about-diabetes.com/diabetic-pregnancy-diet.html] and diabetic diet menus [http://www.learn-about-diabetes.com/diabetic-diet-menus.html] that you can research on her website even while lounging in your living room.

By Flor Serquina

Your Diabetes Bracelet - Preparing For An Emergency

Probably the last thing on anybody's mind when dealing with diabetes is jewelry. After all, bracelets, necklaces and anklets may not seem to serve any purpose beyond being decorative. However, when it comes to chronic diseases like diabetes, being identified as having a medical condition is often necessary. This is why diabetes bracelets are often worn not just to inform anyone about the wearer's health status but also to alert people, such as rescuers, first-aid staff and medical professionals of the appropriate action to perform when the wearer is involved in an emergency.

When Knowledge Can Save a Life

When diabetics were first encouraged to wear diabetes bracelets, some people were not very supportive of getting "tagged" as a diabetic. However, the fact that the bracelets were medical alert tags quickly showed why it was a necessity. Today, it still is.

Diabetes requires special medical care and attention. In some emergencies, the patient may not always be able to speak or communicate or he may even be unresponsive. Furthermore, an emergency may occur when a relative or a friend who has knowledge about the patient's diabetes may not be around. In these cases, a diabetes bracelet can silently inform the attending medical personnel of the patient's disease.

This way, the proper treatment and medications can be administered without worrying about possible side effects or drug interaction. Imagine being in a situation where medical treatment that is otherwise safe and effective can actually put your health and your life at risk. This is often the case when a diabetic is treated without the medical staff's knowledge that he or she has diabetes.

Preparing for an Emergency

Diabetes can be a tricky and rather deceptive condition to have, primarily because blood sugar levels can fluctuate unpredictably. When blood sugar levels suddenly drop or sharply rise, blackouts can occur, requiring medical attention. Having a diabetes bracelet will let the medical staff know how to make the appropriate medical decisions that can save your life. In case you ever figure in an accident, any medications that may be necessary in order to treat you won't affect you in a negative way.

Always ensure that you or your loved one is wearing a diabetes bracelet before leaving the house. If necessary, pack an extra bracelet especially during special trips, particularly if you will be traveling alone. Always wear the bracelet where it can be spotted easily and avoid taking it off. It might cramp your style, but it can mean the difference between living a healthy life and suffering the consequences.

Bracelet for a Cause

One simple diabetes bracelet can actually make a big difference in the fight against diabetes. Certain groups sell bracelets, donating proceeds to support associations dedicated to helping people with diabetes. Often, the proceeds even fund further research about the disease.

The diabetes wristband that states, "Insulin is Not a Cure", for example, is being promoted by the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation to support the foundation of the Education for Children with Diabetes. So now when you buy a diabetes bracelet, you might want to consider purchasing from groups that actually help push the struggle against diabetes forward. Further research is necessary in order to understand the real causes of this disease and probably even more in order for scientists to produce a cure.

Getting "Tagged"

These days, different bracelets are available for different medical and non-medical concerns but the need for a broader awareness of diabetes is still an important and necessary issue. Diabetes bracelets can be as simple as those made with rubber or as detailed as those made with metal and beads. Some diabetes bracelets can also be customized, including not just a simple alert but also other information such as your name, address, contact number or contact information of a person you'd like to contact in an emergency.

If you would like to help support the diabetes cause by using a diabetes bracelet, buy from groups and associations that actually donate proceeds or at least a portion of it to a related cause. Organizations who do this will state it in their websites, brochures or company ads. If you're buying from a retail shop, you can also ask the salesperson if the proceeds from the sale are actually going to fund diabetes research or support groups. This is an excellent way to do your part in the fight against diabetes.

Flor Serquina is a successful Webmaster and publisher of Learn-About-Diabetes.com. She provides more information on topics such as diabetes bracelet [http://www.learn-about-diabetes.com/diabetes-bracelet.html], diabetes sugar count [http://www.learn-about-diabetes.com/diabetes-sugar-count-.html] and diabetic food exchange list [http://www.learn-about-diabetes.com/diabetic-food-exchange-list.html] that you can research on her website even while lounging in your living room.

By Flor Serquina

Signs of Diabetes

Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life. There are 20.8 million children and adults in the United States, or 7% of the population, who have diabetes. While an estimated 14.6 million have been diagnosed with diabetes, unfortunately, 6.2 million people are unaware that they have the disease.

Diabetes can cause many complications. Acute complications (hypoglycemia, ketoacidosis or nonketotic hyperosmolar coma) may occur if the disease is not adequately controlled. Serious long-term complications include cardiovascular disease (doubled risk), chronic renal failure (diabetic nephropathy is the main cause of dialysis in developed world adults), retinal damage, nerve damage (of several kinds), and microvascular damage, which may cause erectile dysfunction (impotence) and poor healing.

About 3 to 8 percent of pregnant women in the United States develop gestational diabetes. As with type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes occurs more often in some ethnic groups and among women with a family history of diabetes.

Diabetes affects more than 20 million Americans. About 54 million Americans have prediabetes. Diabetes, without qualification, usually refers to diabetes mellitus, but there are several rarer conditions also named diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease. An autoimmune disease results when the body's system for fighting infection turns against a part of the body. In diabetes, the immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. The most common form of diabetes is type 2 diabetes.

About 90 to 95 percent of people with diabetes have type 2. This form of diabetes is most often associated with older age, obesity, family history of diabetes, previous history of gestational diabetes, physical inactivity, and certain ethnicities. About 80 percent of people with type 2 diabetes are overweight. About 65 percent of deaths among those with diabetes are attributed to heart disease and stroke. Uncontrolled diabetes can complicate pregnancy, and birth defects are more common in babies born to women with diabetes.

In type 1 diabetes, symptoms tend to develop rapidly, over a couple of weeks, and are more severe. In type 2 diabetes, symptoms develop slowly and are usually milder. At least 65 percent of those with diabetes die from heart disease or stroke. Diabetes treatment depends on the type and severity of the diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is treated with insulin, exercise, and a diabetic diet. Type 2 diabetes is first treated with weight reduction, a diabetic diet, and exercise.

Regular exercise is especially important for people with diabetes. It helps with blood sugar control, weight loss, and high blood pressure. People with diabetes who exercise are less likely to experience a heart attack or stroke than diabetics who do not exercise regularly. Metformin this is often the first medicine that is advised for type 2 diabetes. Sulphonylureas for example, glibelclamide, gliclazide, glimerpirizide, glipizide, gliquidone, increase the amount of insulin produced by your pancreas.

Juliet Cohen writes articles for health and fitness and diseases treatment. For more information visit our site at http://www.healthfitnesstips.org/.

By Juliet Cohen

5 Diabetes Causes And Treatments



1) Men with testosterone levels in the low normal range are much more likely to have diabetes than those with higher levels, independent of obesity.
2) New research shows that watching TV and not getting exercise increase children's risk of later developing type 2 diabetes, as well as heart disease and other conditions.
3) Some common blood pressure drugs can substantially increase the risk of diabetes, especially among those already at risk for the condition, U.S. researchers report.
4) People who suffer from job burnout (i.e. emotional exhaustion, physical fatigue, and cognitive weariness) may be prone to developing type 2 diabetes, according to a report published by Tel Aviv University in the journal Psychosomatic Medicine.
5) A new study says passive smokers may be at higher risk of developing diabetes
according to the American study, published in the British Medical Journal. Toxins in cigarette smoke could affect the pancreas, which produces the blood-sugar regulating hormone insulin.

Treatments:
1) The American Diabetes Association's general exercise recommendations for people with type 2 diabetes include at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 90 minutes of intense aerobics each week, spread out over at least three days. 2) U.S. researchers reported recently that soy yogurt, especially with fruit in it, may help control both type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. The researched studied certain plant compounds that affect enzymes targeted by diabetes drugs, notably alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase.

2) Researchers from New Zealand's Auckland University of Technology found that combining resistance training (e.g. weight lifting) with aerobic workouts appears to be the most beneficial for type for long-term control of blood sugar control than either form of exercise alone. Exercise is an important part of therapy for type 2 diabetes since physical inactivity increases diabetes risk.

3) An effective management of Type 2 Diabetes includes a close attention to a balanced diabetes diet with regular exercise. The diet must consist of the right amount of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, minerals and vitamins. A high fiber with low salt and sugar regime would be very useful.

A proper diet with adequate exercise should allow you to control both your weight and blood sugar. Sugar level should be measured and monitored regularly.

Do You Have These Diabetes Risk Factors?

3:16:00 PM Posted by Diabetes 0 comments
What causes Type 1 diabetes or Type 2 diabetes is not definitively known, but there appears to be at least two general factors that increase the likelihood of developing diabetes. The first factor is genetics and family medical history, who in your family has diabetes? If one parent has diabetes, your chances of developing diabetes doubles. The second factor is environmental. Several studies have indicated that exposure to cow's milk, wheat products or intestinal viruses in the first few months of a baby's life increase the child's chances of developing Type 1 diabetes.

With the possible exception of environmental triggers, why Type 1 diabetes happens is relatively difficult to ascertain. But unlike Type 1 diabetes, risk factors for Type 2 diabetes have been more readily identified. Genetics and family medical history play a large role in whether an individual will become diabetic. Fortunately, some of these risk factors can be prevented or reversed prior to the onset of Type 2 diabetes.

Obesity is probably the highest risk factor when it comes to Type 2 diabetes. According to the National Center of Health Statistics, almost 60 million adults are within weight levels defined as being obese. The Center's study also reveals that the number of children who are overweight is rising at alarming numbers. Obesity in children has tripled since 1980. Even more alarming is that the number of children who have been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes has also risen.

Leading an inactive, sedentary lifestyle is one of the worse things for someone predisposed to diabetes. Not only does inactivity contribute to overall poor health, it is a major cause of rising obesity rates. Exercising daily will greatly enhance your health with the added bonus of reducing risks factors for developing diabetes.

Eating poorly or the wrong foods will also contribute to obesity. Studies show that almost 90% of people with Type 2 diabetes are also clinically obese. Lack of adequate fiber in the diet and too much fat and simple carbohydrates increase the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

Another factor is age-related. As we get older, our bodies become more inefficient in carrying out certain functions, including the production of insulin. While age in and of itself is not a risk factor, it does increase the chances of developing Type 2 diabetes even in relatively thin persons. As we age, so do the cells in our bodies which eventually become more resistant to insulin. According to the American Diabetes Association, more than 50% of Type II diabetes occur in persons over 55 years of age.

Individuals with Metabolic Syndrome are at high risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. Metabolic Syndrome is a group of risk factors that include central obesity (characterized by excessive fatty tissue around the abdomen), blood fat disorders such as high triglycerides and low HDL cholesterol, glucose intolerance and elevated blood pressure. Having high blood pressure is both a risk factor for Type 2 diabetes and a complication of diabetes. People with hypertension are more than twice as likely to develop Type 2 diabetes than those with normal blood pressure. High cholesterol (high LDL and triglyceride: so-called "bad cholesterols") levels not only place you at increased risk for developing diabetes and it is also associated with risk of heart disease.

Type 2 diabetes increases by up to 50 percent in women who have diabetes during pregnancy. Known as gestational diabetes mellitus or GDM, it places both mother and child at risk for developing Type 2 diabetes in later years.

Certain ethnic groups are at higher risk than others for developing Type 2 diabetes. Studies have shown that Hispanic Americans, African Americans, Native Americans and Asian American/Pacific Islanders all are at greater risk for diabetes.

Diabetes is a life-threatening disease that affects millions of people. Denise Durbin explains what makes Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes so dangerous and how to tell what the symptoms of diabetes are at DiabetesCareFAQs.com

By Denise Durbin

The Diabetes Rubber Bracelet And The Message It Brings

A lot of people are now sporting the popular rubber bracelets that athletes and their sports fans wear. Because these bracelets are rather trendy, they are used to promote awareness. And so different kinds of rubber bracelets have been created to promote diabetic awareness throughout the society. But diabetes is merely one disease that these rubber bracelets carry. Rubber bracelets come in a range of colors and each of them represent a certain disease. For diabetes, the most common colors used are orange, white, green, red and blue.

Rubber bracelets are easily mass produced. This is the reason why they are the perfect bracelets used as fund raisers, especially for the diabetic community. Most of them are also individually packaged so that they are easily distributed, without losing its their appearance and good quality.

Fits All Sizes

Diabetic rubber bracelets also come in different sizes. There are children, youth, and adult sizes to choose from. This makes the bracelet universal, because everybody can actually use it. And being a sports bracelet, it also fits both males and a females. The adult size has a diameter of 8 inches. The youth size is 7 inches, while that of a child is usually around 6 inches. Rubber bracelets are flexible. And so, even those with unusually big wrists can be accommodated.

An Important Message

A diabetic rubber bracelet is usually inscribed with a certain message relevant to diabetic community and the research conducted for the disease. The most common ones say something like "Cure Diabetes Today" or "Help Cure Diabetes." There is also a type that says "Insulin is not a Cure." The actual message written over the diabetic rubber bracelet is actually dependent upon the organization that requested their production. These bracelets can be distributed to schools, communities, and other organizations. It is usually at a certain price.

Affordable

Diabetic rubber bracelets are normally priced for only $5. It is clear to see that they are very affordable. There are even organizations that sell them for only $2 plus shipping and handling. Helping people with diabetes has indeed become easier. For only $5, you can contribute to the diabetic society, including the friends and families of the patients.

Diabetic rubber bracelets can be bought over the internet as well as locally. The proceeds of these bracelets are usually transferred over to the government or private research institutions that are continuously seeking for the cure of this dreaded disease. The purchase of a single diabetic rubber bracelet could really go a long, long way. Don't think for a second that your $5 can do nothing. Because it can certainly do so much to further the research being carried out to finally find the most effective treatment for diabetes.

Bracelets for Diabetic Patients

But there are also diabetic rubber bracelets that are created specifically to diabetic patients. These are the types wherein information about a person's diabetic condition is inscribed on the silicon rubber itself. Instead of carrying a message in support of the research community being done for diabetes, the band will show the health of the patient, his diabetes type, and all other important information related to it. It also indicates in the bracelet whether the patient is dependent on insulin and whether he or she is using some type of insulin pump.

The diabetes rubber bands that show the patient's condition are going to be very helpful to health practitioners. More often than not, patients consult different doctors for different reasons. And if the doctor consulted immediately knew that a patient is diabetic, he can make accurate diagnosis and decisions accordingly.

A good example of the bracelet's use would be the time when a diabetic patient decides to go for tooth extraction or a hair transplant treatment. While these are rather non-surgical operations, the dentist or the doctor should know beforehand the health condition of their patient. If they know that the person who consulted with them has diabetes, then they can give only the options that are applicable to them. This is how important having this type of diabetic rubber bracelets can actually be.

Flor Serquina is a successful Webmaster and publisher of Learn-About-Diabetes.com. She provides more information on topics such as diabetes rubber bracelet [http://www.learn-about-diabetes.com/diabetes-rubber-bracelet.html], diabetes awareness bracelets [http://www.learn-about-diabetes.com/diabetes-awareness-bracelets.html] and diabetes alert bracelet [http://www.learn-about-diabetes.com/diabetes-alert-bracelet.html] which you can research on her website even while lounging in your living room.

By Flor Serquina

Diabetes Awareness Bracelets - Ten Useful Tips

If your child is a diabetic, a set of diabetes awareness bracelets is the best gift you can give him or her. With diabetes bracelets, you can be sure that your loved one's condition will be taken note of in times of emergency and when you're not with him or her.

What are Diabetes Awareness Bracelets?

Diabetes awareness bracelets have been invented to provide better protection for diabetics in case of accidents. Diabetics face the same risks in life as non-diabetics. The difference between them, however, is the increased risk of being diagnosed incorrectly because of their condition. With diabetes awareness bracelets, medical professionals who arrive at the scene of the accident will be able to give your loved one exactly the type of help he needs.

Tips for Shopping for Diabetes Awareness Bracelets

Although diabetes awareness bracelets are not at all expensive, the tips below can help you to save even more on your purchases.

Tip 1. Browse around in the Internet and look around bricks-and-mortar shops to get an idea of how much ready-made diabetes awareness bracelets cost compared to customized ones.

Tip 2. It's always better to purchase a set of diabetes awareness bracelets but what kind of set is best? To maximize a set's value, you should look for one that your kid could be able to wear with all his clothes - whether he's in school, decked in formal attire, playing in the field, or at home.

Tip 3. Take note of the sizes of diabetes awareness bracelets. Kids grow up very rapidly. What could be a perfect fit today might be too tight tomorrow. It's therefore better if you purchase a set of diabetes awareness bracelets that's a tad bigger than his current wrist size. Anything more than that, however, could be too big and your kid might not notice it when his bracelet accidentally slips off.

Tip 4. Consider what kind of data you'll be able to write or provide with the diabetes bracelet. Some only have the identification "diabetic" imprinted on them. Others provide critical information like the medications the person is taking. It's up to you to determine what kind of information is better to make available with the bracelet. Saying too little could work against your child, but saying too much could be harmful in terms of invaded privacy and maybe even identity theft.

Tip 5. Consider the materials used. Stainless steel is an ideal choice as this will allow your child to take a bath even while wearing his diabetes bracelet. If not that, just make sure that the material is durable and comfortable for your child to wear.

Tips for Using Diabetes Awareness Bracelets

If you are giving your child his own set of diabetes bracelets, here are several tips to increase its effectiveness.

Tip 1. Instruct your child to wear it daily and never to take it off. Children have the tendency to misplace their things. Stress the importance of diabetes bracelets to your child for him to take extra care not to lose them.

Tip 2. If he feels conscious about his condition and thinks that the bracelet would make other kids his age treat him differently, giving him a set would allow him to match the appropriate design with his clothes to make it inconspicuous.

Tip 3. Before you allow your child to leave, always double check if the diabetes bracelet is securely locked. Children are bundles of energy and their active lifestyles can easily cause damage to their bracelets. Constant monitoring and checking will allow you to replace any broken bracelets immediately.

Tip 4. Keep note of any important changes in your child's diabetic condition. These changes may have to be reflected by the data provided in your child's diabetes bracelet.

Tip 5. Regularly clean your child's set of diabetes bracelets. As they're not recommended to be taken off at any time, it's easy for dirt and other unwanted particles to accumulate on its surface. In worse cases, these could lead to bacterial or viral infections.

In certain cases, diabetes awareness bracelets may also come with laminated ID cards to supply even more information about your child's condition. If this is on offer, do grab the chance to avail of it as well.

Flor Serquina is a successful Webmaster and publisher of Learn-About-Diabetes.com. She provides more information on topics such as diabetes awareness bracelets [http://www.learn-about-diabetes.com/diabetes-awareness-bracelets.html] and diabetes alert bracelet [http://www.learn-about-diabetes.com/diabetes-alert-bracelet.html] and diabetes bracelet [http://www.learn-about-diabetes.com/diabetes-bracelet.html], which you can research on her website even while lounging in your living room.

By Flor Serquina

Manage Diabetes the Natural Way



Currently, about 20.8 million Americans suffer from some form of diabetes. That's a whopping 7% of the population. There are two main types of diabetes that most of us should be concerned about: type 1 and type 2. Type one diabetes is generally diagnosed in childhood, and may also be referred to as juvenile diabetes. This form of the disease is due to the body's failure to produce adequate insulin, the hormone that allows glucose to enter our cells and fuel them. About 5 to 10% of Americans who are diagnosed with diabetes have this form of the disease.

Type 2 is much more common. Type 2 diabetes generally results from insulin resistance (where the body fails to utilize insulin properly), combined with relative insulin deficiency. 90 to 95% of Americans who are diagnosed with diabetes have type 2.

Since type 2 diabetes is usually brought about by diet and lifestyle, this is the form of the disease we'll talk most about. Our bodies need insulin to be able to use sugar. Sugar (or glucose) is the basic fuel for our cells, and is carried throughout the body by insulin. In people with diabetes, insulin levels are insufficient, causing glucose to build up in the blood instead of going into cells. This can cause two problems: one, your cells may be starved for energy, and two, over time high blood glucose levels may damage your eyes, kidneys, nerves, or heart.

Now, don't get me wrong: finding out you have type 2 diabetes can be scary and is no laughing matter. Diabetes is serious, but victims of the disease can live long, healthy, happy lives.

There is new research every day that helps shed some light on how to live with and control diabetes. Oral medications can be extremely helpful and offer a good level of convenience. It's a known scientific fact that physical activity can help lower blood sugar, reducing the body's need for insulin. The more exercise you get, the less medication you're likely to need. And the more you can control your diabetes without taking extra medication, the better. If you have diabetes (or even if you don't!), make sure you're exercising regularly. The other vital factor in controlling your diabetes naturally is with your diet. Diabetics need to keep a close eye on their carbohydrates, sugars, fats, and proteins. If you can maintain a proper balance and keep your blood sugar from spiking, you'll have a much easier time keeping your diabetes in check. Pay close attention to food labels. The meal planning exchange lists available from the American Diabetes Association could prove to be your best friend and will help simplify the whole process.

And of course, getting regular exercise and watching your diet could have a fantastic side effect, and it's something else that will help you control your diabetes: weight loss. Losing just 10% of your body weight could have a major positive impact on your health, so if you have some weight to lose, shoot for 10% for starters.

If you don't have type 2 diabetes, you can do much to prevent it. Try to maintain a healthy weight with proper diet, exercise, and plenty of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.

Preventing Pre-Diabetes - and Prevent Pre-Diabetes From Advancing to Diabetes

3:03:00 PM Posted by Diabetes 0 comments
Former Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson called diabetes an epidemic in this country. A precursor to type 2 diabetes is a condition know as pre-diabetes. Many many millions of Americans suffer from it and many don't even know they have disease.

They also don't know that with a little effort a great many of those diagnosed with pre-diabetes can halt the progression to type 2 diabetes and some may even return their blood sugars to normal.

Pre-diabetes occurs when blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but are not high enough to be classified as type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes, is a chronic condition that affects the way the body metabolizes sugar, your body's main source of fuel. Many people with pre-diabetes go on to develop type 2 diabetes within 10 years. Health & Human Services estimates that about 40 percent of U.S. adults ages 40 to 74 currently have the condition. Add to that total the number of adolescents and the numbers are bleak.

Pre-diabetes and diabetes type 2 are being called a health epidemic for our country. Consider that without intervention, one in three children born in the year 2000 will develop diabetes in their lifetime. If that child is Hispanic and female, she has a one in two chance of developing diabetes in her lifetime. That equates to roughly one new case of diabetes being diagnosed every 25 seconds. This can be prevented with education to high risk groups and some very simple steps.

And the cost of pre-diabetes and diabetes to the U.S. is $132 billion per year. Direct medical costs account for $92 billion per year and the rest is made up of disability, lost work time and premature mortality. Diabetes contributed to 213,062 deaths in the year 2000. Overall, the risk for death among people with diabetes is about 2 times that of people without diabetes. Additionally people who have pre-diabetes have a 50 percent higher risk for heart disease or stroke. You can see the dangers and costs associated with it. It is a formidable challenge.

Many people don't know they have pre-diabetes but may be at risk. If you're overweight and more than 45 years old you may be at risk, check with your physician for testing. If you're overweight but younger than 45 years old and have HBP (high blood pressure), high triglycerides levels or are of African-American, Hispanic, Latino, Native American or Pacific Island descent, you are urged to check with your physician.

The testing for pre-diabetes has become more sophisticated in recent years. But with more accurate testing, however, comes bad news. Studies done from 1999 through 2002 suggest that at least 54 million American adults had pre-diabetes in 2002. And this does not exclude children as 2 million adolescents aged 12-19 or 1 in 6 overweight adolescents aged 12-19 are estimated to have pre-diabetes
Knowing the risk factors for pre-diabetes and the very simple steps to avoid it can save lives, save money and improve the quality of life for those affected. From above you may have guessed already a single devastating risk factor. In a word it is obesity.

Obesity is defined as a body mass index (BMI) of 30 and above and accounts for nearly 300,000 deaths in the U.S. each year. Obesity is associated with more chronic health problems than smoking, heavy drinking or being poor. And recognizing it as a risk factor for pre-diabetes can help you avoid the disease.

Losing weight, becoming physically active and eating a healthy diet, may be enough to forestall pre-diabetes from developing into diabetes. Research has shown that losing 5 to 7 percent of body weight (about 10 to 14 pounds for a 200-pound person) through diet and increased physical activity can prevent or delay pre-diabetes from progressing to type 2 diabetes. And in some this regime can even return their blood glucose levels to normal.

Also recommended is eating modest portions of food throughout the day-rather than one or two larger meals. This also helps to control blood sugar levels. Eating small meals and snacks also provides more opportunities to eat healthy foods with beneficial nutrients. Stay away from fad diets and don't eliminate food groups. Try to skip empty calories like sodas and avoid fried and fatty foods. +

Pre-diabetes is a chronic condition that can go undetected unless you have your blood sugar tested. By maintaining a healthy lifestyle-eating a nutritious diet, exercising and maintaining a healthy weight or losing excess pounds-you can avoid the disease and the toll it can take on your body.

This alone may save you and many more Americans from pre-diabetes which may progress to type 2 diabetes and all the complications associated with that disease. Some prevention now may save you from a lifetime of insulin and the devastating effects of diabetes.

I have been a nurse for over 30 years. And as a baby boomer, I am concerned about the state of health care in the U.S. My step-son and daughters will be asked to change the system that will provide care for my care when I become Medicare eligible. And prevention is the most cost effective way hold down health care costs.

By Doris Goodbody

Prevent Type 2 Diabetes

Diabetes is not contagious. Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin. Diabetes means a disease where people have too much sugar in their blood. Diabetes mellitus is a disease where people have too much glucose (a kind of sugar) in the blood. Diabetes is likely to be underreported as the underlying cause of death on death certificates. About 65 percent of deaths among those with diabetes are attributed to heart disease and stroke. The cause of diabetes continues to be a mystery, although both genetics and environmental factors such as obesity and lack of exercise appear to play roles. There are 20.8 million children in the United States, or 7% of the population, who have diabetes. The three main types of diabetes are type 1 diabetes , type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. In type 2 diabetes, either the body does not produce enough insulin or the cells ignore the insulin. Insulin is necessary for the body to be able to use sugar. Sugar is the basic fuel for the cells in the body, and insulin takes the sugar from the blood into the cells.

Type-2 diabetes accounts for more than 90% of all diabetes worldwide. Type 2 diabetes usually occurs gradually. Diabetes mellitus type 2 is often associated with obesity and hypertension and elevated cholesterol , and with the condition Metabolic syndrome. People develop type 2 diabetes because the cells in the muscles, liver, and fat do not use insulin properly. It is also associated with acromegaly, Cushing's syndrome and a number of other endocrinological disorders. About 90-95% of all North American cases of diabetes are type 2, and about 20% of the population over the age of 65 has diabetes mellitus type 2. The fraction of type 2 diabetics in other parts of the world varies substantially, almost certainly for environmental and lifestyle reasons, though these are not known in detail. Family history and genetics play a large role in type 2 diabetes. Low activity level, poor diet, and excess body weight (especially around the waist) significantly increase your risk for type 2 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is more prevalent among Hispanics, Native Americans, African Americans, and Asians/Pacific Islanders than in non-Hispanic whites. Type-2 diabetes is a lifelong illness, which generally starts in middle age or later part of life, but can start at any age. People who are overweight and inactive are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes doesn't develop overnight. It usually begins with insulin resistance, where the body's cells can't use insulin properly. Glucose builds up in the bloodstream. The pancreas keeps on producing insulin to try and get the blood glucose level down. Over time the pancreas loses its ability to secrete insulin. This can sometimes result in the person with type 2 diabetes having to inject insulin every day. Obesity, aging, and lack of exercise can all play a role in developing insulin resistance and heightening the risk for diabetes. Treatment for type 2 diabetes is a lifelong commitment of blood sugar monitoring, healthy eating, regular exercise and, sometimes, diabetes medications or insulin therapy.

Prevent Type 2 Diabetes Tips

1. Type 2 is initially treated by adjustment in diet and exercise, and weight loss.
2. Meal planning includes choosing healthy foods, eating the right amount of food, and eating meals at the right time.
3. Regular exercise helps control the amount of glucose in the blood. It also helps burn excess calories and fat so you can manage your weight.
4. Exercise improves overall health by improving blood flow and blood pressure.
5. Oral sulfonylureas (like glimepiride, glyburide, and tolazamide) trigger the pancreas to make more insulin.
6. Biguanides (Metformin) tell the liver to decrease its production of glucose, which increases glucose levels in the blood stream.
7. Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors (such as acarbose) decrease the absorption of carbohydrates from the digestive tract, thereby lowering the after-meal glucose levels.
8. Thiazolidinediones (such as rosiglitazone) help insulin work better at the cell site.
9. Wear a diabetes identification bracelet and carry change or a cell phone for a phone call in case of emergency.
10. Drink extra fluids that do not contain sugar before, during, and after exercise.
11. Protect feet with comfortable, well-fitting shoes.
12. Stop smoking because it worsens blood flow to the feet.

Juliet Cohen writes articles on diseases and conditions and women health care. More information on health related topics visit our site at http://www.health-care-articles.info.

By Juliet Cohen

Age and Diabetes Risk

Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin. Diabetes means a disease where people have too much sugar in their blood. The three main types of diabetes are type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease. An autoimmune disease results when the body's system for fighting infection (the immune system) turns against a part of the body. Symptoms of type 1 diabetes usually develop over a short period, although beta cell destruction can begin years earlier. Symptoms include increased thirst and urination, constant hunger, weight loss, blurred vision, and extreme fatigue. The most common form of diabetes is type 2 diabetes. About 90 to 95 percent of people with diabetes have type 2. This form of diabetes is associated with older age, obesity, family history of diabetes, previous history of gestational diabetes, physical inactivity, and ethnicity. About 80 percent of people with type 2 diabetes are overweight. The symptoms of type 2 diabetes develop gradually. Symptoms may include fatigue or nausea, frequent urination, unusual thirst, weight loss, blurred vision, frequent infections, and slow healing of wounds or sores.

Diabetes is not contagious. People cannot "catch" it from each other. About 3 to 8 percent of pregnant women in the United States develop gestational diabetes. The cause of diabetes continues to be a mystery, although both genetics and environmental factors such as obesity and lack of exercise appear to play roles. There are 20.8 million children in the United States, or 7% of the population, who have diabetes. While an estimated 14.6 million have been diagnosed with diabetes, unfortunately, 6.2 million people (or nearly one-third) are unaware that they have the disease. Diabetes mellitus is a disease where people have too much glucose (a kind of sugar) in the blood. Glucose level in the blood is controlled by several hormones. Hormones are chemicals in your body that send messages from cells to other cells. Insulin is a hormone made by the pancreas. Diabetes is likely to be underreported as the underlying cause of death on death certificates. About 65 percent of deaths among those with diabetes are attributed to heart disease and stroke.

Obesity is the single most important risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Between 80% and 90% of people with diabetes are overweight--that means they weigh at least 20% more than the ideal body weight for their height and build. More than 40 percent of people with diabetes have abnormal levels of cholesterol and similar fatty substances that circulate in the blood. These abnormalities appear to be associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease among persons with diabetes. Nearly 40 percent of the women who have diabetes during their pregnancy go on to develop type 2 diabetes later, usually within five to ten years of giving birth. Diabetes prevalence in the United States is likely to increase for several reasons. First, a large segment of the population is aging. Education is important for both types of diabetes. Diabetics must learn about diet. Diabetics must also be careful about exercise. Exercise is important to stay healthy. High Cholesterol or other fats in the blood and Impaired glucose tolerance or impaired fasting glucose can precede the development of type 2 diabetes.

Diabetes Treatment Tips

1. Medicines, diet, and exercise to control blood sugar and prevent symptoms and complications.
2. Type 1 diabetes mellitus is treated with insulin, exercise, and a healthy diet.
3. Type 2 diabetes mellitus is first treated with weight reduction, a healthy diet and regular exercise.
4. Gestational diabetes is treated with insulin and changes in diet.
5. Alcohol use Try to have no more than 7 alcoholic drinks in a week and never more than 2-3 in an evening.
6. Smoking: If you have diabetes, and you smoke cigarettes or use any other form of tobacco, you are raising your risks markedly for nearly all of the complications of diabetes.
7. Diet: A healthy diet is key to controlling blood sugar levels and preventing diabetes complications.
8. Drink extra fluids that do not contain sugar before, during, and after exercise.

Juliet Cohen writes articles on diseases and conditions and women health care. More information on health related topics visit our site at http://www.health-care-articles.info.

By Juliet Cohen

Diabetes Type 2 Menu - Eat The Right Foods To Help Manage The Disease



Type 2 diabetes is becoming more common each and every year in many Western countries. There are several factors which contribute to the aggravation of the disease, including insufficient exercise and lack of proper diet. In some cases, genetics also has to be blamed. What many people tend to miss is the reality that their condition can be mitigated by adhering to the correct diabetes Type 2 menu.

Type 2 Diabetes - The Basics
A particular study showed that nearly 20 million inhabitants of the US are suffering from diabetes. Around 95% of these have Type 2 diabetes. What is alarming is the fact that compared to the diabetic patients recorded in 1988 there has been a fluctuation in the average age of people who are found to be suffering from diabetes. The age bracket dropped to 46 years old from the previous age of 52 years.

Another unwelcome fact is that the disease is no longer limited to aged people alone, because now even teenagers and other youngsters have a huge propensity to acquire the disease. As a matter of fact its scope has been widened, for every gender has the equal probability to obtain the disease.

So how does diabetes actually occur? The reason is said to be a dysfunction that affects the patient's pancreas. This problem impedes the production of the insulin needed by the body. In some cases, the cells in one's body have developed resistance to insulin. Insulin is the substance responsible for the conversion of the sugars that we intake into glucose, which is the main supply of cellular energy into our cells.

What's difficult about this condition is that it often doesn't manifest perceptible symptoms; the most frequent symptoms are the intensified thirst of the patient, upsurge in urination, exhaustion, appetite increase, indistinct vision, sluggish healing of the patient's wounds and among men, possible erectile dysfunction.

One of your priorities if the physician diagnoses diabetes should be the management of these symptoms and the alleviation of your condition by means of the proper and medically accepted methods.

Diabetes Type 2 Treatment
A very important step is to lose some weight. Most doctors affirm that losing weight eventually leads to the manageability of the patient's blood sugar, therefore decreasing the need to take medication in the future. Engage in cardiovascular exercises and some weight training workout in order to trim down your high blood sugar. Be reminded that you should also lessen calorie intake, for these if not burned would only be converted to body fat.

Eat The Right Kind of Food
Protein is one of the most significant nutrients that a diabetic should consume more of, for it helps in building the person's bones and muscles which in turn generate energy. Among the healthiest food are the lean ones such as skinless turkey and low-fat milk. There are also vegetables that are rich in protein, some of which are nuts, soy foods and legumes.

In general, you would have to accustom yourself to eat more vegetables and fruits instead of the unhealthy foods usually found in the supermarket. Among the items that can be included in the diabetes Type 2 menu are Spanish omelet, potato salads and other green salads, pueblo squash stew, lime-marinated shrimp, grilled chicken sandwich together with yogurt and the grilled Pacific swordfish.

Cure For Type 2 Diabetes - Is It Available Now?

2:58:00 PM Posted by Diabetes 0 comments
Is there a cure for Type 2 diabetes? If some herbal supplement manufacturers and natural cure promoters are to be believed, there is. Unfortunately, scientific studies and results say otherwise. Diabetes is still an incurable disease although it can be managed effectively, something that about 15 million people in the U.S. will find relief in.

What is Type 2 diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes mellitus was once referred to as non-insulin-dependent diabetes that causes an abnormality in the metabolism of carbohydrates, protein and lipids in the body. Type 2 diabetes is also called the adult-onset diabetes because it often appears in adults as a result of lifestyle choices.

It is a condition that is associated with impaired secretion of and resistance to insulin. Insulin resistance can lead to the advancement of the disease and its complications. Symptoms of this disease develop gradually and people who have Type 2 diabetes will usually not recognize that they have the disease until it has progressed.

How is Type 2 diabetes 'cured' or at least, treated?

Treatment is extremely important when dealing with Type 2 diabetes because it can lead to complications that are life-threatening. These complications include kidney failure, heart disease and blindness. In fact, diabetes mellitus is one of the leading causes of blindness in people between the ages of 20 and 75. Diabetes is also the reason behind 40% of kidney failure cases and has been known to cause cardiovascular problems.

The main thrust of any treatment for Type 2 diabetes is to control the amount of glucose found in the blood. This helps prevent symptoms such as pain, tingling, burning and numbness and to prevent other complications. The treatment will not cure these symptoms, but they can be effectively minimized and the complications avoided.

For Type 2 diabetes, a semblance of a cure can be produced with the use of a controlled and sensible diet, regular exercise and weight loss. This is usually the first course of treatment, primarily because weight and a lack of physical activity are often lead contributors to Type 2 diabetes.

Diabetes diet and lifestyle

There is no specialized diet for Type 2 diabetes, but portion control and preference for healthier foods should be implemented. Typically, people who have diabetes will work with a nutritionist or dietitian in order to create a diet plan to regulate blood sugar levels. A sensible diabetic meal plan usually involves several types of carbohydrates, a moderate amount of protein and low fat.

Regular physical activity is important to help prevent complications involving the heart and also to promote weight loss. Recently, researchers found that the risk of a person developing Type 2 diabetes increases by about 4% with every pound of weight exceeding his or her ideal range. Weight loss, combined with a good diet plan appears to help the body process insulin effectively.

Living a sensible lifestyle, while still not a cure, is usually enough to regulate a diabetic's blood sugar level. However, this may not be effective as a long-term treatment for Type 2 diabetes. Eventually, medication will have to be used. Oral medications are often prescribed as the first course of treatment. These include drugs such as sulfonylureas, metformin, alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, troglitazone and repaglinide. These drugs are formulated to bring down blood glucose levels. If taken in controlled doses and monitored, these drugs should be an effective means with which to manage Type 2 diabetes.

Oral medications are effective for about 40% of people who have Type 2 diabetes while about 40% will need insulin injections. A percentage of these will require a combination of both oral medications and insulin injections while about 10% will do well using just a good diet and exercise regimen.

Beyond the hype

When headlines trumpet that a cure for Type 2 diabetes is possible, they're almost tempting to believe. The only problem is that this news may be misleading and can be quite dangerous because until now, no cure for Type 2 diabetes has been discovered. It remains an incurable condition and will have to be managed with a combination of medications and lifestyle changes.

There will always be hype about a 'cure' for Type 2 diabetes and somewhere, someone will always have a reason to want to believe in it. However, remember that any scientific breakthrough that will make a huge difference in the lives of millions of men and women all over the world will mean big news. If a 'cure' for Type 2 diabetes suddenly appears, exercise prudence and common sense when considering it.

The future of Type 2 diabetes

Research about Type 2 diabetes is ongoing and the main goal is to finally find a cure for this disease. Its exact cause is still unclear, although there is plenty of research being performed on any effects environmental and genetic factors might contribute. As of now, new drugs and methods are probably the nearest we can get to a cure. Until a real solution is found, we will have to rely on these methods and medications in order to ensure that Type 2 diabetes is managed and its symptoms and associated complications are minimized.

Flor Serquina is a successful Webmaster and publisher of Learn-About-Diabetes.com. She provides more information on topics such as cure for Type 2 diabetes [http://www.learn-about-diabetes.com/cure-for-type-2-diabetes.html] natural cures for diabetes [http://www.learn-about-diabetes.com/] and diabetic neuropathy treatment [http://www.learn-about-diabetes.com/natural-cures-diabetes.html] that you can research on her website even while lounging in your living room.

By Flor Serquina

When Diabetes is Not Diabetes

Mention the word diabetes and the vast majority of people will assume that you are talking about either type 1 diabetes, which affects about 10% of diabetes sufferers, or type 2 diabetes, which is the most commonly seen form of the disease and is currently growing alarmingly. But did you know that there is a third type of diabetes which has no connection whatsoever with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes, apart from sharing the name diabetes.

Diabetes, whether type 1 or type 2, is a condition in which the body is unable to process sugar satisfactorily and, for this reason, it is sometimes known as sugar diabetes. By contrast, diabetes insipidus, is a condition in which the body is unable to process water correctly and, accordingly, it is sometimes known water diabetes.

Diabetes insipidus is characterized by an unusually high intake of fluid, high output of urine and, in some cases, an excessive thirst. The symptoms of diabetes insipidus include the frequent need to urinate, awakening at night to urinate or involuntary urination while sleeping. Also, the volume of urine output increases because the body is unable to concentrate it and it is usually very pale in color or colorless in appearance.

There are four types of diabetes insipidus:

Neurogenic Diabetes Insipidus

Neurogenic diabetes insipidus (also commonly referred to as pituitary diabetes insipidus) is caused by a lack of the hormone vasopressin, which is produced by the pituitary gland and is needed in order for the kidneys to function properly and to concentrate urine.

Gestagenic Diabetes Insipidus

Gestagenic diabetes insipidus (also known as gestational diabetes insipidus) occurs during pregnancy and is often the result of destruction of vasopressin within the placenta.

Nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus

Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus occurs when, in spite of the normal production of vasopressin, the kidneys still fail to properly concentrate urine. This form of diabetes insipidus can be inherited and can also be the result of kidney disease and taking certain types of drug.

Dipsogenic Diabetes Insipidus

Dipsogenic diabetes insipidus is a type of primary polydipsia in which an excessive fluid intake suppresses the effects of the hormone vasopressin. This is usually caused by an abnormality in the part of the brain that regulates thirst. Dipsogenic diabetes insipidus is easily confused with neurogenic diabetes insipidus and the only way to identify which form of the disease you are looking at is to measure the body's production of vasopressin.

There is also a second type of primary polydipsia known as psychogenic polydipsia which, as its name would suggest, has a variety of psychosomatic causes.

Despite the fact that there is some similarity in the symptoms of diabetes and diabetes insipidus it seems strange, and more than a little confusing, that the medical profession should have decided to give these two quite different conditions the same name.

By Donald Saunders

Type 1 Diabetes - All About Type 1 Diabetes Causes and Treatment

Read this article to know about Type 1 Diabetes Causes and Type 1 diabetes Treatment
We can call Type 1 diabetes an autoimmune disease in which the body destroys or damages insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. Once those cells are destroyed, they won't ever create insulin again. This type of diabetes usually occurs under the age of 30 and often in childhood.

Type 1diabetes may also be known by a variety of other names, like insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), juvenile diabetes, brittle diabetes, sugar diabetes. Type 1 diabetes accounts for 5 to 10 percent of all identified cases of diabetes in the US.

Type 1 diabetes normally develops in children or young adults, but can found at any age. Type 1 diabetes can cause many problems. It is a life-long disorder that can happen in children or adults. It is a totally different disease than Type 2. Type 1 diabetes occurs normally in children, adolescents or young adults, and most often at puberty. This type of diabetes is also called insulin-dependent or juvenile diabetes.

Type 1 Diabetes symptoms:

Type 1 diabetes often appears abruptly. However, each individual may experience symptoms in a different way. Type 1 diabetes symptoms may include:

o high levels of sugar in the blood and urine when tested
o unusual thirst
o frequent urination
o extreme hunger but loss of weight
o unclear vision
o nausea and vomiting
o extreme weakness and tiredness
o bad temper and mood changes

In children, type 1 diabetes symptoms may be alike to those of having the flu.

Type 1 Diabetes Complications:

Type 1 diabetes can cause different problems, but there are three key complications:

1. Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar; also called an insulin reaction) occurs when blood sugar drops too low level.

2. Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) occurs when blood sugar is too high, and can be an indication that diabetes is not well forbidden.

3. Ketoacidosis (diabetic coma) is loss of consciousness due to untreated diabetes.

Type 1 Diabetes Causes:

Type 1 diabetes is the result of the body's failure to produce insulin, the hormone that allows glucose to enter the cells of the body to provide fuel. Insulin is a protein that is speedily broken down in the digestive area. In type 1 diabetes, the body can no longer create insulin, so the glucose can't acquire into the body's cells.

Although no one knows for certain why this occurs, scientists think it has something to do with genes. But just getting the genes for diabetes isn't usually sufficient. A person most likely would then have to be exposed to something else - like a virus - to get Type 1 diabetes

It's important to also be alert of the different myths that over the years have arise about the Type 1 diabetes causes. Eating sweets or the wrong kind of food does not cause diabetes but it can cause obesity which is the cause of Type 2 Diabetes.

Stress does not cause diabetes, although it may be a cause for the body turning on itself as in the case of Type 1 diabetes. It does, however, make the signs worse for those who already have diabetes.

Type 1 Diabetes Treatment:

Type 1 Diabetes Patient need to monitor and control their glucose levels. They need to:

o test blood sugar levels a few times a day by testing a small blood sample
o give themselves insulin injections or use an insulin pump
o eat a balanced, healthy diet and pay special attention to the quantities of sugars and starches in the food they eat and the timing of their meals
o get habitual exercise to help manage blood sugar levels and help avoid some of the long-term health problems that can cause diabetes like heart disease

Insulin therapy is the origin of type 1 diabetes treatment. When insulin was first discovered and made accessible for people with diabetes, there was only one type of fast-acting insulin and this required several injections in a day. Today, there are a variety of insulins that can be selected and/or combined to help you best control your diabetes.

The author has an exclusive website on Diabetes Information. To get complete details on Type 1 Diabetes Causes visit http://www.diabetesmellitus-information.com/

By Dr. John Anne

Diabetic Symptoms - What Are Its Signs, Diagnosis And How Can You Prevent It?

8:09:00 AM Posted by Diabetes 0 comments

By Dean Shainin

The onset of diabetes symptoms is varied, depending on its particular type. Most Type 2 diabetes cases have a slow onset, taking years before the signs start to appear. However, in Type 1 cases, particularly in children, the symptoms may appear rapidly, taking only months or even weeks.

The most obvious signs of diabetes include the following:
o Frequent thirst (polydipsia)
o Constant urination (polyuria)
o Rapid loss of weight
o Unusual hunger
o Obvious weakness and fatigue

How is it Diagnosed?

There are many methods by which diabetes is diagnosed, but doctors commonly use the following approaches:
o Health screening
o Detection of hyperglycemia
o New signs and symptoms attributable to diabetes

Diagnosis is often prompted with the onset of the symptoms. Patients often undergo a diabetes screening test, the particulars of which often vary according to circumstances and local policy. Some may be made to undergo random glucose testing, fasting glucose and insulin, or glucose two hours after 75g of glucose. Sometimes, doctors diagnose the disease through a formal glucose tolerance test.

For adults aged 40-50, health caregivers recognize universal screening tests for diabetes with earlier screening tests for those with potential risk factors, such as obesity, family history of diabetes, and high risk ethnicity (Hispanic, American Indian, African, American, Pacific Island, and South Asian).

What are the Risk Factors?

There are many risk factors that, when combined, could increase the probability scale in developing diabetes. However, the real cause of the disease remains unknown. Below are a few of the most common risk factors associated with diabetes:

o Obesity - One of the strongest risk factors identified for diabetes is being overweight. Most cases of Type 2 diabetes have a Body Mass Index (BMI) that is greater than the normal 25, which led scientists to conclude that weight plays a significant role in preventing the onset of the symptoms.

o Waist Size - Another factor that is somewhat related to obesity is waist size. In fact, research shows that waistline may be a better predicator of diabetes risk. People who have the so-called "apple-shaped" figure (much of their weight is in the waist and upper abdomen) are more likely to develop diabetes than persons with larger hips, buttocks, and thighs (or the "pear-shaped" figure).

o Sedentary Lifestyle - Exercise correlates with weight and waist circumference. As such, lack of adequate exercise is also a risk factor for diabetes.

o Age - Although some types of diabetes occur even in children, the risk for diabetes increases as the person's age also increases. The average age of persons diagnosed with diabetes is 40 years.

o Background - This includes family history and ethnic background. Scientists have yet to discover a direct hereditary pattern for diabetes, but several studies show that you have a greater risk of developing the disease if you have a family member diagnosed with diabetes. As for ethnicity, diabetes is found to be more common among African-Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, Asians, and Pacific Islanders.

How Can You Prevent it?

Knowing what are the risk factors involved in diabetes is already the first step to its prevention. However, knowing is different from doing. You may know a lot about the disease now but if you do not use this new knowledge you garnered in order to protect yourself from the ravages of diabetes, then that knowledge is useless. Now, therefore, is the time for you to take action - do something.

The good news is that the most common type of diabetes, Type 2, is easily manageable by maintaining a proper diet and exercising regularly. The Diabetes Prevention Program, a study conducted by the American Diabetes Association, has just been completed and the findings showed that people with pre-diabetes (those that exhibit the risk factors as well as increased blood sugar levels in the blood but without the actual onset of the disease) can prevent the development of Type 2 diabetes through diet change and exercise. Proponents say that the patients' blood glucose levels may even return to normal as a result of proper diet and regular exercise.

The study also showed that medications can significantly delay the development of diabetes. However, diet and exercise worked better in preventing the full onset of the symptoms.

The American Diabetes Association recommends 30 minutes a day of moderate physical activity, coupled with a five to ten percent reduction in body weight.

Dean Shainin is a successful Webmaster and publisher of http://Diabetes.MyWisdomBase.com. For more articles, and valuable resources for getting effective treatment,

Cure For Type 2 Diabetes - Is It Available Now?



Is there a cure for Type 2 diabetes? If some herbal supplement manufacturers and natural cure promoters are to be believed, there is. Unfortunately, scientific studies and results say otherwise.

What is Type 2 diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes mellitus was once referred to as non-insulin-dependent diabetes that causes an abnormality in the metabolism of carbohydrates, protein and lipids in the body. Type 2 diabetes is also called the adult-onset diabetes because it often appears in adults as a result of lifestyle choices.

It is a condition that is associated with impaired secretion of and resistance to insulin. Insulin resistance can lead to the advancement of the disease and its complications. Symptoms of this disease develop gradually and people who have Type 2 diabetes will usually not recognize that they have the disease until it has progressed.

How is Type 2 diabetes 'cured' or at least, treated?
Treatment is extremely important when dealing with Type 2 diabetes because it can lead to complications that are life-threatening. These complications include kidney failure, heart disease and blindness. In fact, diabetes mellitus is one of the leading causes of blindness in people between the ages of 20 and 75. Diabetes is also the reason behind 40% of kidney failure cases and has been known to cause cardiovascular problems.

The main thrust of any treatment for Type 2 diabetes is to control the amount of glucose found in the blood. This helps prevent symptoms such as pain, tingling, burning and numbness and to prevent other complications. The treatment will not cure these symptoms, but they can be effectively minimized and the complications avoided.

For Type 2 diabetes, a semblance of a cure can be produced with the use of a controlled and sensible diet, regular exercise and weight loss. This is usually the first course of treatment, primarily because weight and a lack of physical activity are often lead contributors to Type 2 diabetes.

Diabetes diet and lifestyle
There is no specialized diet for Type 2 diabetes, but portion control and preference for healthier foods should be implemented. Typically, people who have diabetes will work with a nutritionist or dietitian in order to create a diet plan to regulate blood sugar levels. A sensible diabetic meal plan usually involves several types of carbohydrates, a moderate amount of protein and low fat.

Regular physical activity is important to help prevent complications involving the heart and also to promote weight loss. Recently, researchers found that the risk of a person developing Type 2 diabetes increases by about 4% with every pound of weight exceeding his or her ideal range. Weight loss, combined with a good diet plan appears to help the body process insulin effectively.

Living a sensible lifestyle, while still not a cure, is usually enough to regulate a diabetic's blood sugar level. However, this may not be effective as a long-term treatment for Type 2 diabetes. Eventually, medication will have to be used. Oral medications are often prescribed as the first course of treatment. These include drugs such as sulfonylureas, metformin, alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, troglitazone and repaglinide. These drugs are formulated to bring down blood glucose levels. If taken in controlled doses and monitored, these drugs should be an effective means with which to manage Type 2 diabetes.

Oral medications are effective for about 40% of people who have Type 2 diabetes while about 40% will need insulin injections.

Beyond the hype
When headlines trumpet that a cure for Type 2 diabetes is possible, they're almost tempting to believe. The only problem is that this news may be misleading and can be quite dangerous because until now, no cure for Type 2 diabetes has been discovered. It remains an incurable condition and will have to be managed with a combination of medications and lifestyle changes.

If a 'cure' for Type 2 diabetes suddenly appears, exercise prudence and common sense when considering it.

The future of Type 2 diabetes
Research about Type 2 diabetes is ongoing and the main goal is to finally find a cure for this disease. Its exact cause is still unclear, although there is plenty of research being performed on any effects environmental and genetic factors might contribute. Until a real solution is found, we will have to rely on these methods and medications in order to ensure that Type 2 diabetes is managed and its symptoms and associated complications are minimized.

Controlling Diabetes with Natural Health Products

8:07:00 AM Posted by Diabetes 0 comments

By Rich Marsiglia

What do you mean by diabetes

Diabetes occurred due certain metabolic disorder and mal functioning of the pancreas, which leads towards excessive urination, thirst, weakness and restlessness. The Diabetes can be divided into two categories Diabetes mellitus and Diabetes insipidus.

Diabetes mellitus (type one):

In diabetes mellitus body unable to make insulin. Insulin helps the body to convert the sugar from the body into energy source. The patient is insulin dependent. Type one diabetes is very prevalent among young children, young and adults.

Diabetes insipdus (type two):

Diabetes insipdus results due to insulin defective in insulin production and tissues resist to insulin production. In type-2 diabetes, daily supplement of insulin is not necessary. The patent is insulin non-dependent. Controlling diet and doing moderate physical exercises can control type two diabetes.

Diabetes is often slow and silent in effecting a person, an individual may not notice or feel its existence. The tissues of eyes, kidneys, the nerves and the blood vessels of the heart are target areas, which are attacked by diabetes.
Diabetes cannot be cured permanently but it can be controlled to great extend.

Causes of diabetes: Excessive eating containing sugar, obesity, lack of exercise, tension and stress and heredity.

Treatment of diabetes with natural products:

People are reluctant and repulsive towards high dose medicines containing different chemicals, which have severe side effects like head reeling, shivering, tiredness, dizziness and skin allergy. So it is better to opt natural treatment using natural products for the treatment of diabetes, which is safe and free from any side effects. Natural products are cheaper and easily available.

Some herbs are highly recommended for the treatment of the diabetes. Important Diabetic Natural Remedy Considerations:

1. Consumption of sugar in large quantity for long time may lead to blood sugar level complications

2. Don't take fatty food, must take fruits and vegetables containing fiber. Fiber reduces blood sugar levels.

3. Avoid direct sugar intake (sugars found in raw fruits or whole grains react on the body differently)

4. White flour based food products increases the chances of diabetes and it will increase the blood sugar level. Avoid taking these foods.

5. Diabetes must be checked up regularly, especially the blood sugar level or it can be dangerous and fatal if it is ignored.

Gymnema: Improves insulin levels in the body. It controls and destroys sugar-craving habits of a patient. This herb also helps in lowering blood sugar level. It can be used for 18 months and more for positive result.

Fenugreek: Helps in glucose tolerance and breaking the glucose and excrete through urination. Keeps blood sugar level balanced and stable.

Cayenne: works as health tonic and tones blood circulation.

Dandelion: It takes care of the liver, which breaks nutrients into glucose.

Kidney Beans: Helps in detoxifying the pancreases.

There are some herbal diabetic supplement, diabetic vitamins such as Chromium GTF tablets and Chromium Picolinate capsules to control diabetes. Other sugar control supplements are SLIM 3, chromium and niacin, chromium picolate, liver and gall formula, multi vitamins, and food powders exclusively based on natural herbs.

Treatment of diabetes through Homeopathic Medicines

Homeopathy medicines are also very effective for the treatment of diabetes.

Uranium Nitrate: this remedy helps in reducing sugar level in the blood and helps in digestion and decreasing sugar in the urine.

Syzygium jambolanum: It is a remedy helps in decreasing sugar in urine if it is taken in lower dose.

Phosphoric acid: It helps the patient having diabetes due to nervous origin. When the urination is increased and the color of urine is milky containing sugar the phosphoric acid to be thought of. It is a great remedy to cure diabetes mellitus when it is rudimentary stage.

Lactic acid: one of the best remedies for diabetes due to gastric origin. The symptoms are frequent urine; urine is yellow, much thirst, nausea and debility, dry skin, much gas in stomach and dry tongue. If these symptoms are present then lactic acid is the best remedy for it.

Acetic acid: it helps to reduce frequent urination and it also abates severe thirst and dry skin.

Bryonia: If symptoms like bitterness in the taste , dryness of the lips and weakness then Bryonia is first remedy to be remembered

There are other remedies such as Chionanthus and Argentum mettalicium good for the treatment of diabetes.

Diabetes can be controlled and a patient can lead normal life if he takes care of himself by adopting right treatment.

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