By Guy Starbuck

Type 1 Diabetes is also known as Juvenile Diabetes due to the fact that it tends to occur mostly in children. Type 2 Diabetes is rather different because it tends to occur later in life, Juvenile Diabetes usually accounts for 5- 10% of the cases which are recorded every year. Certain children may show signs of Juvenile Diabetes after they are born while it takes a long amount of time to develop in others. Children tend to become sick from a lot of other things so it is difficult to know whether diabetes is the main cause of their health problems until they usually become very ill.

One of the most essential steps which is involved in treating Childhood/Juvenile Diabetes properly is to recognize the symptoms early. If you catch these symptoms early, you could get help quickly for your child and save them from a lot of harm. The sooner the signs and symptoms are noted and reported to a doctor, the sooner your child can get a diagnosis and get some treatment for their diabetes. This treatment can also aid in reducing some of the damage which the diabetes has already caused, this treatment can also prevent death and severe damage to bodily organs which come from not treating diabetes early enough and ultimately this could help your child lead a much more normal life.

Here are some of the warning signs of Childhood/Juvenile Diabetes:

* Extreme thirst
* Frequent urination
* Sudden vision changes
* Increased appetite
* Sudden weight loss
* Excessive drowsiness/lethargy
* Sugar in urine
* Fruity, sweet or wine-like odor on the breath
* Heavy and labored breathing
* Stupor, unconsciousness (typically in extreme cases)

If your child happens to have one or more of these symptoms listed above, it is quite possible that they could already have Type 1 Diabetes. It is essential that you get in touch with your doctors right away for proper testing in order to determine whether this is the case. You should never attempt to self-diagnose or self-treat juvenile diabetes. Every case and child is a different one so it is essential that you get a medical professional to assist you with it.

Juvenile Diabetes may be commonly misdiagnosed or under-diagnosed due to the fact that the symptoms are usually similar to other conditions such as the flu. A lot of people with Juvenile Diabetes tend to get diagnosed before they turn 30. The earlier diabetes is diagnosed and the treatment of the condition starts, the more which can be done to prevent much more serious problems and even death from occurring.

With studies showing that 35 or more children are diagnosed with diabetes on a daily basis and an excess of 13,000 each year, some attention has to be paid to the issue. Because no known cure exists for diabetes, it is essential to attempt to resolve the condition before it leads to damage that cannot be resolved. If you know the warning signs and you do something about your diabetes early enough, it can help you save your child's life.

By Jenny H Jordan

People who have pre-diabetes are also searching for food plans which can move them away from the onset of full-blown diabetes. There's not a lack of reduced sugar recipes, Splenda recipes -- or any other sugar substitute, or even international diabetic-friendly recipes. A wonderful salad or sugar-free dessert can be created by anyone who knows something, or a lot, about cooking and specific recipes. The question is -- how do you weed through all of the thousands of diabetes recipes and find several that work for you?

There are many ways that blood sugar levels can be made normal, and one of those methods is by diet. Glucose meters and medicines are several ways to reduce the risks that come with having diabetes. Through judicious use of diabetic recipes, an excellent meal schedule will be varied and interesting and help diabetics get over the overindulgence which sometimes happens at holiday & other family gatherings.

A good meal plan does not mean that any person has to deprive themselves. Along the way, a person who is diabetic is able to lose weight, and lower their chances of stroke, heart disease, & other diabetes caused conditions and problems. As you learn to handle your type 2 diabetes, picking healthy foods, with a little practice & study, may become second nature. Choosing meal plans for diabetics also means learning to eat the right quantities. Just because you create sugar-free recipes, does not mean you can eat an overly large amount of them.

We've got some tips and tricks: Eat a variety of colorful fruits and veggies. Non-starchy vegetables in diabetic menus may include carrots, broccoli, spinach & others. A good dish such as whole grain spaghetti along with stir-fried vegetables is often a favorite among recipes for diabetics. Reconstituted dried beans such as pinto and kidney beans, along with lentils, add protein to any diabetic dish. There are a lot of recipes which include beans. Eat fish entrees up to 3 weekly.

Baked fish along with a nice sauce is easy to make and creates a great meal for a diabetic. When you consider meat, think lean. Sirloin steak, beef tenderloin, pork loin, skinned chicken breasts or other types of poultry is very versatile and quick to prepare. Dairy, such as skim milk & low-fat cheese and nonfat yogurt may make some rich and creamy sauces. Water and calorie free waters and tea are much better than diet sodas.

Go for single ingredient products when you can, to make up your meals. Use light veggie or olive oil to cook with. Fat is fat, but these two are superior than others. Check out low caloric and good for you desserts. There are a ton of great tasting recipes out there. Watch portions, no matter what you create.

By Jim Morham

For the millions of individuals suffering from juvenile diabetes, sticking to a health maintenance schedule should be as routine as changing the oil in your car's engine. Considering the multitude of life threatening complications that can develop, if this disease is not kept under strict control, your actions will determine the difference between a healthy life and a short one.

Type one diabetes what is it?

Juvenile diabetes can strike at any age. In some cases, a person can be classified as a juvenile diabetic up till the age of twenty-four. It's all predicated on dependence of insulin. While only about five percent of the population falls under this definition, the primary factor that distinguishes between juvenile and adult diabetes is that in juvenile diabetics, the pancreas no longer creates the hormone insulin at all.

What does this hormone do?

This hormone is vitally necessary in order to convert sugars and food that we consume to energy that our body needs. Sugar is the gas in the human gas tank. When the beta cells in the pancreas no longer make insulin, the sugar level in our system gets elevated and literally dries out our body. One of the primary indications that you may have developed diabetes is excessive thirst.

What are the complications?

As the body becomes dehydrated from high levels of sugar in your system, sight will be affected quickly. Other complications include circulatory issues and damage to the liver, kidneys, and heart. Until the early nineteen twenties, when scientists figured out how to manufacture insulin to make up for the lost production of insulin in a diabetics pancreas, the complications from the excessive glucose levels assured death in a matter of years. Today, the first part of the problem has been solved. We know how to get insulin into the system via syringe or with an insulin pump under the skin.

How will this affect my life?

Make no mistake; diabetes will change your life forever. You will have to be ever vigilant in monitoring what you eat, your blood sugar levels, and regular checkups with the doctor to make sure the complications are not over taking your hard work to remain healthy. The good news is that as opposed to some diseases, diabetes isn't the death sentence it once was. When you think of it, most of us are very diligent about taking care of our car. Why should we be any less diligent in taking care of our health?

What can I do to stay healthy?

There are natural remedies that can help control some of the complications caused from damage by the strain that uncontrolled sugars cause to your body. Omega 3 fish oil is strongly suggested for several reasons. First, one of the most common complications from diabetes is inflammation to the cardio vascular system and body organs. Fish oil high in fatty acids works to combat inflammation throughout the body. In addition, Omega 3 fish oil has proven to fight high levels of cholesterol naturally. Cholesterol is a major cause of coronary heart disease in the general population. In diabetics, this is exacerbated by a factor of three because of blood sugar elevation. High blood pressure is another complication more prevalent in diabetics. For this reason, in addition to prescription drugs to fight high blood pressure, your doctor will most likely recommend Omega 3 fish oil as a health supplement to lower blood pressure naturally.

Conclusion

Now that you know the many benefits that rich Omega 3 fish oil can deliver to diabetics in the quest for good health, it's vitally important to remember that the most important job for a diabetic in protecting his or her health is proper regulation of blood sugars. Omega 3 fish oil can do wonders to help protect your organs and arteries, but job one is always your blood sugars. Many people have led healthy lives by following these rules, you will too!

By Beverleigh H Piepers

For a diabetic, their blood glucose meter is pretty much their lifeline. It is, by far, the most valuable piece of equipment in their arsenal to help keep tabs on their disease. So having the right one is vitally important. This will give some insight on how to choose a blood sugar monitor.

The first thing that people want to consider is price, since some brands might not be covered on insurance plans. Don't let the price sticker make your decision. This is important enough that you want to make sure all your areas are adequately covered, even if you have to come out-of-pocket a little. But even the more expensive brands will typically run under $75.

Response time can also be important if you are experiencing blood sugar issues. The faster you know if there is a problem, you quicker you can respond to the effects.

Portability is another important consideration. This isn't as big of a deal for women as men, but it is still nice to have a compact unit with all of the necessary components. A model that can be slipped into a pocket, any pocket, is the best scenario.

You want to make sure that the display is large enough and easy to read. Sometimes diabetics experience complications that affect their eyesight, including blurred vision. Not having to look for your glasses to read the results is priceless.

Make sure that the unit has adequate memory. This is crucial for diabetics since monitoring is a continuous up-and-down succession of levels. Some units will only record 10 testings, and from there it can go into the hundreds. Having a valid history on hand, wherever you are, will let you know if a problem is arising and how serious it has become.

Since testing involves taking a blood sample, the amount and location of the sample is important. Models require differing amounts of blood in order to record the level. Some only require a tiny drop while others seem like they are pulling straight from an artery. For comfort, you want the tiniest spot necessary to do the job.

Location, location, location. This applies to testing, too, and not just real estate. Having the option of choosing where you want to be stuck is better than going after the same defenseless fingers over and over again. Forearms, calves, thighs, or other areas offer more protection and won't make your fingers sensitive for the rest of the day.

Dozens of blood sugar testing meters are now on the market... check several before you buy. Some pharmacists, especially those who have many customers with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, may be able to explain the pros and cons of different models. Most mail-order houses specializing in diabetes supplies carry blood glucose testing meters.

By Beverleigh H Piepers

The term "diabetic neuropathy" serves as a name used to describe a group of nerve disorders caused by Type 2 diabetes. According to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse, around sixty to seventy percent of people with Type 2 diabetes end up having some forms of diabetic neuropathy. This problem can develop anytime in a diabetic... no one is really sure yet why high blood sugar levels lead to nerve problems. But the longer a person has diabetes, the more likely it is they will develop neuropathy.

What are the risk factors for the development of diabetic neuropathy?

1. Number of years having diabetes: People who have diabetes for more than twenty-five years are at a higher risk for diabetic neuropathy.

2. Uncontrolled blood sugar levels: Uncontrolled blood sugar level causes faster development of peripheral neuropathy.

3. High cholesterol level.

4. Overweight and obesity.

In most cases, people who complain about nerve pains are those having the peripheral type of neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathy, involving the hands and/or feet, is the most common form of diabetic neuropathy. When you have this condition, you:

* lose the sensation of light touch
* often experience tingling and burning
* experience loss of balance
* worsening of the symptoms at night
* pain

Damage to your feet may occur because you simply do not feel it happening. Infection may set in which could even lead to amputation.

According to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse, diabetics suffering from peripheral neuropathy usually visit their doctor because they can no longer tolerate the discomfort they have at night.

How do you ease the discomfort associated with peripheral neuropathy?

1. Topical treatment: Treatments may be applied to the skin to ease the pain and discomfort. The most common examples of topical treatment are capsaicin cream and lidocaine patches. Other possible topical treatments currently being investigated include nitrate sprays, alpha lipoic acid and primrose oil.

2. Oral medications: Most doctors treat neuropathy through the use of oral medications. The most common examples include:

* anticonvulsants - the most common anticonvulsants used are pregabalin, gabapentin and carbamazepine
* tricyclic antidepressants - may include imipramine, amitriptyline and desipramine
* opiods and opiod-like medications such as oxycodone and tramadol
* vitamin B 12 - according to a study published by Acta Neurologica Taiwanica in June 2005, vitamin B 12 may also be an effective medication for the treatment of peripheral neuropathy in diabetics. However, a larger scale study is still needed to establish this fact.

Home treatments such as warm compress are usually discouraged since this action may burn the skin. Type 2 diabetics should seek the advice of their doctor before commencing any treatment offering them relief from any pain associated with diabetic neuropathy.

By Maxine Fox

I started buying fresh lemons by the bag after I found out how they can help cure diabetes. They are quite literally a miracle from Mother Nature! I have always loved fresh lemon but now I make an extra effort to eat lots of them. In fact, I believe lemons should be an important staple in every diabetic diet.

Lemon Lowers the Glycemic Index of Other Foods

Research has shown that lemon lowers the glycemic index of any food it is added to. And... we are not talking a few points here. The drop is very significant! To benefit from this, all you have to do is add a little squeeze of fresh lemon over your food. Almost like waving a magic wand, this will instantly lower the glycemic index of your meal. Best of all, lemon is such an excellent flavor enhancer, it makes many foods taste better too. I often add a squeeze of fresh lemon to a hot bowl of soup (yum!), casseroles, stove top goulashes, almost any kind of salad (including salads containing fruit), and sauteed vegetables (especially greens!). Anything with chicken or fish of course tastes especially good with lemon. Please note that it is best to add the fresh lemon right before you eat the food. If you cook it in soup, for example, it can become a little bitter and the health benefits won't be quite as great.

Have A Glass of Lemon Water First Thing In the Morning

A glass of lemon water is the perfect way for a diabetic to start the day. Most people start their day with coffee (very acidic) and food that shift the pH of the body toward the acid side. However, if you shift the pH back toward the alkaline side, you will notice your blood sugar will go down. Moreover, your cell membranes will become more sensitive to insulin - i.e. you will be LESS insulin resistant. In fact, this will actually aid your body in repairing those damaged cell membranes.

Although lemons contain a weak acid, when they are metabolized by the body they have an alkalizing effect. If fact, they are the strongest alkalizing food you can eat! This is why adding lemon to your diet can go a long way toward restoring the pH of your body to the alkaline side where it should be. It has been found that most diabetics have a very acidic body pH (as have cancer patients). Bringing back to the alkaline side will go a long way toward helping to cure your diabetes.

Making lemon water is very easy. Just squeeze the juice from a half lemon (or a full lemon if you are a larger person) into a glass of water, swirl it around a little, and drink it up. Do this first thing in the morning on an empty stomach before you have your coffee or breakfast.

Lemons Have TWICE the Vitamin C As Oranges

This was a fact that surprised me as you always hear that orange juice is so loaded with vitamin C. Well, the orange's citrus cousin has it beat with twice the vitamin C. Most people don't realize but vitamin C is an extremely powerful antioxidant. It is important to note that vitamin taken in the form of food is MUCH better absorbed by the body than vitamin C taken in the form of a pill!

Vitamin C is at least part of the reason lemons interact with the cell membrane and make it less insulin resistant. However, vitamin C also have other very important benefits to the diabetic as well. For example, it increases the production of collagen which strengthens blood vessels. This is key since many diabetics have problems with circulation and arterial damage.

Aids In Repairing Digestion

Most diabetics have impaired digestive enzymes and lowered acidity in the stomach. This means that they don't always reap the full benefit from the nutritious food they eat. Lemon goes a long way toward curing this problem as well.

By Beverleigh H Piepers

In a more innocent time, Type 2 diabetes used to be known as "adult-onset diabetes" as it only affected older folks. Sadly, the skyrocketing rates of obesity in children have forced that old name to be as out of fashion as bell-bottoms.

There's no question that the battleground for Type 2 diabetes will be won or lost with children. Rates of diabetes and obesity in children are rising much faster than in adults. In fact, obesity rates in children has tripled in the last three decades alone. Unfortunately, scientists are way behind in figuring out how kids as young as 7 have early signs of Type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

On the bright side, researchers have uncovered a number of ways you can help prevent your child from developing this debilitating chronic condition.

Switch Off The TV: The TV may be a family bonding session, but it's also a surefire way to make your child overweight. Children that watch more than two hours of TV per day are much more likely to be overweight than kids that don't.

Surprisingly, it's not just the sedentary aspect of TV watching that's responsible for this. Children that spend large amounts of time in front of the TV tend to eat a poor diet.

Eat Together: Having dinner together isn't just a way for the family to form a closer bond, it may be one of the most effective methods for reducing the childhood obesity risk. Ohio State University researchers found that kids that eat with their family have a whopping 40 percent decreased obesity risk than kids that eat alone. Obese children are at a significantly heightened risk of Type 2 diabetes.

Cut Soda: Children that drink soda tend to be heavier than kids that don't. Unfortunately, the walls of many schools are lined with vending machines and soda advertisements that encourage kids to drink up.

What's the harm? While an occasional soda may not have any negative effect, downing drink after drink certainly does. A single 12-ounce can of Coke contains over nine teaspoons of sugar. The sugar and calories in soda don't make kids full like fibrous foods like fruit and whole grains, paving the way for overeating later in the day.

Become a Model: No, this doesn't mean that you have to get a killer physique and strut your stuff on the runway. Being a model for your child by demonstrating healthy behaviors like drinking water, exercising regularly and cooking at home will ensure that these healthy habits are cemented in his or her mind.

Play: Getting your child to exercise can be an uphill battle if all he or she wants to do is play video games or veg out in front of the TV screen. Try designing fun games like tag or basketball that you and your children can play together. That way, they get the exercise while having a blast.

By Beverleigh H Piepers

Hypoglycemia is the state of excessively decreased sugar in the blood... the levels are way too low, about 60 to 70 mg/dL (3.3 to 3.9 mmol/L). In normal healthy individuals, the body compensates for the steady drop in blood sugar levels by secreting the hormone glucagon, a special chemical that mediates the conversion of stored energy to a ready-to-use sugar supply within the blood. However, in diabetics taking oral anti-diabetic medications or receiving insulin injections, blood sugar can fall particularly during:

* starvation... if you don't eat for long periods of time
* intense physical activity, and
* the intake of alcohol

Hypoglycemia does not result from the diabetes itself, but from the drugs used to treat high blood sugar.

Hypoglycemia can cause signs and symptoms such as:

* cold clammy skin
* excessive sweating
* headache
* dizziness
* blurring of vision
* confusion
* anxiety
* fatigue, and
* palpitations

In worst cases, it can cause seizures, neurological dysfunctions, coma and even death.

What are the special precautions you need to do to avoid hypoglycemia?

Self-monitor your blood sugar regularly. There is no other better preventive measure to protect you against episodes of hypoglycemia than checking your blood sugar regularly. If you plan to drink alcohol, check you blood sugar before your drinking session and again after your drinking session, before you go to sleep.

If you plan to increase your physical activity, it would be better to consult your doctor first. This way, your doctor can adjust your medications depending on your proposed level of physical activity and therefore, prevent hypoglycemic episodes from developing.

What is the role of oral glucose supplementation in the self-treatment of hypoglycemia?

Oral glucose supplementation may serve as a first-aid treatment for hypoglycemic episodes, according to DiabetesPro, the professional online resource of the American Diabetes Association. Through the use of these glucose supplements, your blood sugar level can be corrected immediately and the dangerous consequences of hypoglycemia can be corrected instantaneously.

What are the examples of glucose supplements?

1. BD glucose tablets are effective glucose supplements for the first-aid management of hypoglycemia according to DiabetesPro. BD glucose tablets contain five grams of carbohydrate per tablet. Although its action in elevating the blood sugar level is only comparable to any candy or sweet soda in the market, BD glucose tablets are still preferred by many medical professionals since most diabetics are not tempted to snack on them.

2. Glucose tablets are another first-aid treatment that can be used for hypoglycemic episodes. According to Walgreens, each glucose tablet contains four grams of carbohydrates. Again glucose tablets are only comparable to the action of candies in elevating the blood sugar. However, since it is very convenient to carry around, most diabetics prefer this form of oral glucose supplement.

3. Glutose 15 contains fifteen grams of carbohydrates. And according to DocNews of the American Diabetes Association, Glucose 15 is considered as one of the latest high-tech convenient devices in the market today. It comes in a gel tube that eliminates measuring and counting and it is very effective in elevating the blood sugar.

By Beverleigh H Piepers

If you're on the run more often than an escaped convict, you probably find yourself with a growling stomach in the most inconvenient places. For most people, grabbing a donut or a candy bar is a simple way to quench their hunger until mealtime. But for a Type 2 diabetic, eating on the run is a potential blood sugar minefield.

Here are your best bets next time hunger hits you away from home:

Avoid Restaurants: The number of times someone dines out is an accurate indicator of their weight and body mass index (BMI). If you hit the drive-thru "just this once" with an empty stomach, your stomach is going to be making the food decisions for you.

Also, you're not likely to compensate by reducing your calories (kilojoules) later in the day. Instead, aim for small snacks that will tide you over until you can raid your fridge back home.

Find Fruit: Many convenience stores and small shops sell fresh fruit in the form of apples, oranges and bananas. Although fruit is mostly sugar, eating moderate amounts of fruit sugar doesn't make your blood sugar skyrocket. That's because the fiber in fruit delays the digestion of the carbs in your body.

Fiber poor choices like candy and chips don't have the same benefit.

Go Nuts: You'd have to be in the middle of the 3rd world to be far away from a store selling nuts. If you're looking to lose weight, don't let the calories and fat in nuts fool you. According to Purdue University's Richard Mattes, people that regularly eat nuts like almonds and cashews tend to weigh less than people who don't. Mattes hypothesizes that the healthy fats in nuts keep you fuller longer, reducing the risk of binge sessions brought on by an intense appetite.

Be sure to scan the label for additives like sugar, salt and fat. Pick nuts that are natural and raw.

Go With Yogurt: Yogurt is a mainstay at gas station convenience stores. Besides being lower in calories or kilojoules than most of the other options, yogurt is a quality source of protein. Eating protein as part of snacks and meals stimulates a hormone in your body known as CCK, which keeps appetite under wraps.

Beware of Fake Health Foods: Many convenience stores have begun to stock so-called "health foods" on their shelves as an alternative to junk food. However, many of these health foods are just junk food in a new wardrobe. Don't be fooled by claims on the packages like "all natural" or "low-fat." Many of these foods... like granola bars or baked chips... have similar nutritional content of candy bars or soda.

By Beverleigh H Piepers

If you are a Type 2 diabetic, being physically active is one of the best natural ways to control your blood sugar according to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse. However, there are still many other benefits associated with taking part in regular exercise. This may include:

* burning calories - even after you have finished exercising, your body continues to burn calories at a higher rate for a while
* helping to control your weight especially once you're approaching your desired weight
* helping to increase your cell's sensitivity to insulin
* lowering your blood pressure
* lowering the lipid or fat levels in your blood
* lowering the risk for the development of heart diseases and vascular problems

What kind of physical activity or exercise is best for Type 2 diabetics?

According to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse, there are many ways of following a healthy exercise plan for people with Type 2 diabetes:

First off, discuss with your doctor your plan to exercise. Being a "couch potato" will never do you any good even without Type 2 diabetes. But if you continue being inactive, you will have less chance of controlling your blood sugar. With regular exercise, your blood sugar will be more controlled and eventually you will start feeling better:

* playing with the kids
* taking your dog for a regular daily walk
* working in the garden
* using the stairs instead of the elevator, and even
* washing your car

are a few ways to burn-off a few of those extra calories.

Second method is by performing aerobic exercises. Aerobic exercise makes your large muscles contract continuously and you heart beat a little faster. Aerobic exercise makes you burn-off a lot more calories than you usually do. According to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse, having a regular aerobic exercise routine thirty minutes a day, five times each week, gives endless benefits in helping to control Type 2 diabetes:

* dancing
* brisk walking
* swimming
* hiking
* bicycle riding, and
* enrolling in an aerobics class

are enjoyable aerobic activities that can help you burn some fat and control you blood sugar.

Exercises not recommended:

The National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse explains that there are certain diabetes complications that need to be considered when deciding on the best type of exercise routine for you. If you are having problems with your eyes as a result of your high blood sugar levels, lifting heavy weights may not be good for your eyes. If your feet are numb because of diabetic neuropathy, walking may not be the right exercise for you as you will not be aware of pressure from your shoes giving you blisters.

For most people, physical activity should be a combination of activities that accomplish these three goals:

* build strength
* increase endurance
* increase your aerobic capacity (make your heart and blood vessels work more efficiently)

The best plan is to talk to your doctor. Find out what limitations you might have and how you could help work with them in an exercise program.