Diabetes is one of those conditions that must be treated for life, and requires lifestyle shifts and constant monitoring. Diabetics are in for the long haul, no matter which of the two major types of diabetes they are living with. Both type-1 and type-2 diabetes are associated with elevated glucose levels in the blood and an inability of the cells to take up sugars which have the energy they need to perform the tasks they have to perform every day. A third type of diabetes, gestational diabetes, develops only during pregnancy and occurs more often in African Americans, American Indians, Hispanic Americans, and among women with a family history of diabetes. Women who have had gestational diabetes also have a 20 to 50 percent chance of developing type-2 diabetes within 5 to 10 years.

All forms of diabetes present a serious problem to sufferers, in that they increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, eye disease, and kidney failure. Symptoms of elevated blood sugar include light-headedness, confusion, weakness, and if untreated, seizures, coma, and death. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that stimulates uptake of glucose or sugar, the body's food, into cells. Unregulated glucose in the blood can lead to a hospital room emergency.

Type-1 (juvenile) diabetes is a genetic disease that usually occurs in childhood, but can also happen in adults, normally those under age 40. It is thought to be an immune system disorder, and is related to a deficiency of insulin production caused by an autoimmune attack on pancreatic ²-cell islets; daily insulin shots are required for survival. Type-1 diabetes is a lifelong condition that needs to be treated for life, and at this time it is not preventable. However, it is actually fairly uncommon - only 10% of people who have diabetes have type-1. Those dealing with type-1 diabetes treat it with insulin therapy, meal planning (carbohydrates need to be carefully balanced), regular exercise (because activity lowers the amount of sugar in the blood), and careful monitoring of overall health. This last because diabetes alters the body's immune system and decreases the body's ability to fight infection. Foot injuries in particular have to be watched, since diabetes causes damage to the blood vessels and nerves, which can result in a decreased ability to sense trauma or pressure on the foot. An unnoticed foot injury can lead to severe infection and, if untreated, amputation.

For those who have type-2 diabetes or "adult onset diabetes" (about 90% of those with diabetes - 10% have type-1 or gestational) insulin shots are not necessarily required for treatment. Ten million Americans have impaired glucose tolerance, putting them at risk for the development of type-2 diabetes. From 2000 to 2010 the prevalence of type-2 diabetes is projected to increase by 46%, from 151 million to 221 million world-wide. And calling the disease "adult onset" is fast becoming a misnomer, since more and more children and young adults are diagnosed with type-2 diabetes each year. According to The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, type-2 diabetes in children has risen dramatically since 1994, when less than 5 percent of new childhood diabetes cases were type-2. By 1999, type-2 diabetes accounted for 8 to 45 percent of new childhood diabetes cases, depending on geographic location. That's because type-2 is closely linked to lifestyle, most especially obesity and a sedentary lifestyle, and is associated with resistance to insulin at the cell level and/or impaired insulin secretion.

The growing prevalence of type-2 diabetes over the last 20 years has led to terms such as "diabesity" (obesity plus diabetes) and "metabolic syndrome" (abdominal fat, insulin resistance, increased lipids, and hypertension). Once again, we see a modern disease caused by modern living, in this case, a bad diet. Massive doses of fats and sugars that are part of our everyday food leads to diabetes because large doses of sugar in the blood lead to a spike in insulin release. High fat diets add to the problems, as fat-filled cells release fats into the blood stream, triggering insulin release, leading to insulin resistance and eventual diabetes.

It's not only the US that is seeing a rise in type-2 diabetes - there are dramatic increases occurring in developing nations as well. For instance, on the Pacific island of Nauru, where 40 years ago diabetes was virtually unknown, now 40% of the adult population has diabetes. The prevalence of diabetes in Chinese ranges from 2% in China to 15% to ethnic Chinese in Mauritius, showing how when ethnic Chinese move from their native country to other cultures they have a corresponding increase in diabetes. These changes in rates of diabetes in countries where they previously did not exist have been directly correlated with the introduction of Western diets, specifically with the arrival of American fast food restaurants like McDonalds and Wendy's.

In fact, A. Hauber (an economist from Bear Stearns International) and E. Gale (a doctor at the University of Bristol in England) (showing an unusual collaboration between the world of finance and that of medicine and science) wrote in 2006 that, "There are two dimensions to each new treatment for diabetes. The first is the impact it will have upon glucose control, measured in terms such as clinical trial outcomes, risk vs benefit, patient satisfaction and cost. The other dimension, rarely considered in clinical journals, is that of the market place. Diabetes has been a major driver of the worldwide pharmaceutical market over the past 10 years, and this sector has grown at an annual rate of just below 20%, from US$3.8 billion in 1995 to US$17.8 billion in 2005. Growth in the diabetes market remained at a solid double-digit level even when growth of the world pharmacy market slowed from 11% in 2002 to 5% in 2005. Diabetes is common-and rapidly becoming more so-and current therapies are only partially effective in controlling glucose levels and preventing late complications. It is therefore expected to remain one of the most attractive growth areas in the global pharmaceutical market. This was not always the case, for 10 years ago the market in diabetes was limited to insulin, sulfonylureas and metformin, medications that were well established, largely generic and relatively inexpensive. In contrast, the past decade has seen the introduction of a wide range of new therapies that have varied in their clinical and commercial success but have invariably been more expensive than the previously available options."

By Doug Bremner

Diabetes mellitus (sometimes called "sugar diabetes") is a condition that occurs when the body can't use glucose (a type of sugar) normally. Glucose is the main source of energy for the body's cells. The levels of glucose in the blood are controlled by a hormone called insulin, which is made by the pancreas. Insulin helps glucose enter the cells.

In diabetes, the pancreas does not make enough insulin (type 1 diabetes) or the body can't respond normally to the insulin that is made (type 2 diabetes). This causes glucose levels in the blood to rise, leading to symptoms such as increased urination, extreme thirst, and unexplained weight loss.

Types of Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes (previously known as insulin-dependent diabetes)

Type 1 diabetes is an auto-immune disease where the body's immune system destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. This type of diabetes, also known as juvenile-onset diabetes, accounts for 10-15% of all people with the disease. It can appear at any age, although commonly under 40, and is triggered by environmental factors such as viruses, diet or chemicals in people genetically predisposed. People with type 1 diabetes must inject themselves with insulin several times a day and follow a careful diet and exercise plan.

Type 2 diabetes (previously known as non-insulin dependent diabetes)

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes, affecting 85-90% of all people with the disease. This type of diabetes, also known as late-onset diabetes, is characterised by insulin resistance and relative insulin deficiency. The disease is strongly genetic in origin but lifestyle factors such as excess weight, inactivity, high blood pressure and poor diet are major risk factors for its development. Symptoms may not show for many years and, by the time they appear, significant problems may have developed. People with type 2 diabetes are twice as likely to suffer cardiovascular disease. Type 2 diabetes may be treated by dietary changes, exercise and/or tablets. Insulin injections may later be required.

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM)

GDM, or carbohydrate intolerance, is first diagnosed during pregnancy through an oral glucose tolerance test. Between 5.5 and 8.8% of pregnant women develop GDM in Australia. Risk factors for GDM include a family history of diabetes, increasing maternal age, obesity and being a member of a community or ethnic group with a high risk of developing type 2 diabetes. While the carbohydrate intolerance usually returns to normal after the birth, the mother has a significant risk of developing permanent diabetes while the baby is more likely to develop obesity and impaired glucose tolerance and/or diabetes later in life. Self-care and dietary changes are essential in treatment.

Causes Of Diabetes

Diabetes can be caused by too little insulin (a hormone produced by the pancreas to control blood sugar), resistance to insulin, or both.

To understand diabetes, it is important to first understand the normal process of food metabolism. Several things happen when food is digested:
A sugar called glucose enters the bloodstream. Glucose is a source of fuel for the body.
An organ called the pancreas makes insulin. The role of insulin is to move glucose from the bloodstream into muscle, fat, and liver cells, where it can be used as fuel.

People with diabetes have high blood sugar. This is because their pancreas does not make enough insulin or their muscle, fat, and liver cells do not respond to insulin normally, or both.

There are three major types of diabetes:

Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in childhood. The body makes little or no insulin, and daily injections of insulin are needed to sustain life.

Type 2 diabetes is far more common than type 1 and makes up most of all cases of diabetes. It usually occurs in adulthood. The pancreas does not make enough insulin to keep blood glucose levels normal, often because the body does not respond well to the insulin. Many people with type 2 diabetes do not know they have it, although it is a serious condition. Type 2 diabetes is becoming more common due to the growing number of older Americans, increasing obesity, and failure to exercise.

Gestational diabetes is high blood glucose that develops at any time during pregnancy in a woman who does not have diabetes.

Diabetes affects more than 20 million Americans. About 54 million Americans have prediabetes. There are many risk factors for diabetes, including:
1. A parent, brother, or sister with diabetes
2. Obesity
3. Age greater than 45 years
4. Some ethnic groups (particularly African Americans, Native Americans, Asians, Pacific Islanders, and Hispanic Americans)
5. Gestational diabetes or delivering a baby weighing more than 9 pounds
6. High blood pressure
7. High blood levels of triglycerides (a type of fat molecule)
8. High blood cholesterol level
9. Not getting enough exercise

The American Diabetes Association recommends that all adults over age 45 be screened for diabetes at least every 3 years. A person at high risk should be screened more often.

How To Prevent Or Control Diabetes

Diabetes prevention is proven, possible, and powerful. Studies show that people at high risk for type 2 diabetes can prevent or delay the onset of the disease by losing 5 to 7 percent of their body weight. You can do it by eating healthier and getting 30 minutes of physical activity 5 days a week. In other words: you don't have to knock yourself out to prevent diabetes. The key is: small steps that lead to big rewards. Learn more about your risk for developing type 2 diabetes and the small steps you can take to delay or prevent the disease and live a long, healthy life.

Small Steps. Big Rewards. Your GAME PLAN to Prevent

Watch Your Diet

There is no one magic diet that works for everyone. Nor is there a single diet that works best for one individual over a long time. Pay attention to your genetics, and to your ethnic group's traditional foods. If you are African American, that does not mean overcooked vegetables or pork rinds. Such garbage came on the nutritional scene only recently, and is not a true ethnic food. The same is true for Italians who overdose on pepperoni pizza. Being Italian myself as, well as having enjoyed fantastic African cuisine, I can tell you there is a lot more to these diets than the recent introductions often associated with these cultural groups.

Except for Eskimos and a few other highly specialized ethnic groups, all diets must adhere to the same few macronutrient rules. For example:

Eliminate as many processed carbohydrates as possible.

Don't eat carbohydrates 2 hours before bedtime.

Balance your fat/carbos/protein in a roughly 30-40-30 ratio (this is a guideline, not a hard and fast rule--it doesn't work for everyone).

Eat at least 5 or 6 small meals a day.

Always eat a high-protein breakfast.

Did you know that the peanuts offered on airlines are LESS fattening than the fat-free pretzels?
It's true. Stay away from fat-free foods--they make your insulin levels do a yo-yo, and that makes you put on fat. Yuck. Worse, it sets the stage for adult-onset diabetes.

Do NOT eat white flour, bleached flour, enriched flour, or any other kind of wheat flour that is not whole wheat. The glycemic effects of such flours will work against you. Eat whole grain flours, and try to get a variety. Amaranth and soy are two good flours. Eat oat groats instead of oatmeal. In short, get your grains in the least-processed form you can. This holds true for everyone, regardless of genetics (unless you have a malabsorption problem). This one "trick" will help you keep your insulin level on an even keel, and that is paramount to diabetes prevention and management.

What also holds true for everyone is: drink lots of water! Fill a gallon jug twice a day, and make sure you drink all of it. Once you get as lean as you want to be, cut back to a single gallon if you want to. For added fat loss, drink chilled (but not super cold) water. Sodas do not count. Such beverages are extremely unhealthy, for reasons I won't cover here. However, I will say that if you want to get osteoporosis, soft drinks are for you. Soft drinks make for soft bones.

Make sure to eat at least 5 or 6 small meals a day, rather than one big one. Doing so levels out your insulin and your blood sugar. Forget about that full feeling. If you find yourself overeating out of anxiety or boredom, fix the underlying problem -- don't add to it by poor eating!

Stay Healthy.

My Name is Abayomi Aje, I have written many articles concerning weight loss and other health related articles some of which can be found on my blog at http://yourhealthdoctor.blogspot.com

By Janet Smith

Over my many years of having diabetes, I've talked with many other diabetics. The phrases I hear most often are, "I need to start checking my sugar." "I've been trying, but I just can't lose any weight." "It doesn't matter what I do my A1C's are still above 7." Somehow it seems diabetics don't truly understand the disease. Nor just how important and relatively easy it is to get control of diabetes.

All too often people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes somehow decide it is too hard to get control of their blood sugar. They take their medication, and think, "I'll do better today." They may even go a few days really trying to watch what they're eating and even exercise...then gradually they're back to their old lifestyle. "I'll do better tomorrow." Only tomorrow becomes today and time passes. All the while their body's health is gradually decreasing.

Avoid Complications

If you have diabetes and can relate to the description above, I beg you to STOP RIGHT NOW and begin to make changes. Unless you can begin to change your attitude you will end up with complications of diabetes. Left uncontrolled diabetes can be destructive and deadly. That's right. DEADLY!

Higher than normal range blood sugar can result in heart attacks, heart disease, strokes, blindness, amputations, kidney failure and more.

Make the attitude adjustment today to take control. Consider the fact that without good health, all the other events of your life become difficult. Your body is the only one you'll ever have. You don't get a second chance to look after it. The good news is that by changing your attitude you can take the steps necessary to get good diabetes control. While doing so may be difficult at first, consider your other options...blindness, kidney failure, heart attack. Don't think these diabetes complications won't happen to you. They happen to people who don't control their diabetes on a daily basis.

Change Your Attitude and Your Life

Once you make the attitude adjustment and decide to put controlling your diabetes and your health at the top of your to-do list, follow the five steps below to take better control.

1. Take stock of what you are currently doing and not doing. Are you eating a healthy diet? Are you regularly checking your blood sugars? Do you exercise daily? Answer honestly.

2. Start today to check your blood sugar at least two or three times daily. Not knowing what your blood sugar levels is like driving at night without your lights on...you don't know what's coming up next.

3. Change your eating habits to a healthy diet. Try to eliminate most processed foods, simple carbohydrates and high fat foods. If you're not sure about what to eat, do some research, or see a dietitian.

4. Get regular exercise. If exercise is not part of your regular routine, start slowly, but make sure to START. Even thirty minutes a day will make a big difference. Cardio and strength training are highly recommended.

5. Set mini goals for yourself and monitor your progress. Get help in the areas where your knowledge is weak.

Remember, change your attitude, to an "I can do it" attitude to beat diabetes and improve your health.. Gradually you will become adjusted the changes you make and will look forward to good health instead of terrible diabetes complications.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

According to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International (JDRFI), “every year over 13,000 children are diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.” There is no known cure for this stealthy disease that attacks and destroys the beta cells that produce insulin. Symptoms present themselves suddenly and progress rapidly. Knowing what symptoms to look for, if you suspect juvenile diabetes has gripped your child, will lead you to seek the medical counsel of a physician.

Know the Symptoms:
If your child has been potty trained and begins wetting themselves frequently, consider juvenile diabetes as a possibility.

Extreme thirst and a keen desire for cold drinks that is sweet.

Eyesight problems such as blurred vision.

Irritable.
Child complains of nausea and is vomiting. (Acute symptoms that need immediate attention) Losing weight while continuing to display a healthy appetite.
Listless, tired, abnormally quiet.

Falling into a coma. (A life threatening condition that requires immediate medical intervention)
It’s not always apparent that a child has type 1 or juvenile diabetes. Some of the symptoms seem like average childhood problems that occur. Untreated diabetic children may display restless behavior and an apathetic attitude when it comes to school. The inability to focus on tasks at hand leaves them somewhat dysfunctional and frustrated. Rapid, deep breaths that have a fruity odor are another more subtle sign that could easily be overlooked. The behaviors may go unnoticed by parents as symptoms of juvenile diabetes until the child reaches diabetic ketoacidosis. DKA is a serious condition with the body receiving little or no insulin and resulting in energy being produced by the breakdown of fat. This process causes ketones or acids to spill into the blood stream as toxins. One quarter of the children with juvenile diabetes has all ready advanced to the level of diabetic ketoacidosis before seeing a physician or being diagnosed. If the juvenile diabetes continues to go untreated, the child may lapse into a diabetic coma.

A diagnosis is made through blood tests that target glucose levels and urine tests that measure the level of ketones and glucose. The tests are far simpler to read than reading the behaviors of your child and being able to pinpoint them as potential symptoms of juvenile diabetes. With knowledge comes power and by knowing the symptoms parents have the power to begin successful management of type 1 diabetes giving their child the opportunity for as normal a childhood as possible.

Traveling with Diabetes
When traveling with Diabetes Mellitus you must have an action plan, to help others in the plane, train, car, etc. to know what to do when a problem a rises. Having diabetes is a big responsibility. Making sure that you are safe as well as the individuals traveling with you. It is best to carry a tight schedule of your medications as well as your testing. Keeping a watchful eye on the sugar levels is always a plus when traveling as well as at home.

People with diabetes often become depressed as well as tired of the relentless poking and testing they are subjected to each day. Though they long for it to end, often more then not the disease becomes worse as time passes by. This makes it hard on loved ones and others working closely with them. When traveling sugar levels can drop often rapidly; since people often eat only small meals while traveling this causes problems with diabetes. The fact that people aren't active and are under stress when they travel; could make a major turn and give elevated sugar levels instead of low ones these levels are just as important as the low readings.

Key Things to Carry With You:

1. Of course is the testing meter. Always carry this item where ever you go.
2. Medication- it is always important to carry your medication with you. Even if you don't plan to be out long. Often time's unexpected thing can occur; always be prepared.
3. This one is difficult to remember. A juice or so form of sugar, or carbohydrate. When really the onset of hypoglycemia is very quick. There's little time to react.
4. When you travel it is important you carry a log book.
5. Last but not least is a healthy snack. People with diabetes often need to eat, extra meals throughout the day. When we travel we don't always eat right. So a healthy snack will keep our sugar levels on track and not mess up our day.

Remember when you travel it is important to eat well. Keeping a calorie counter or book to follow for all those extra sweets we love so much. Remember traveling won't have to be a complete was out if you just follow the simple rules.

Keep the people around you informed of how you are feeling, let them know if you aren't quite your self and educate, educate, educate. The most important rule is to keep the loved ones informed of the latest in diabetes research. Educate your self on the new studies and research; all that's available around you. The more informed you are the more informed they will be and will be able to help you when you need it most.

Lots of people suffer from this disease everyday and still lead healthy, happy and full lives; and so can you.

For years now countless billions have been spent on Diabetes research, and everyone who has been involved in this research hoped to be able to find the magical cure that would help all those that suffer with the dreaded diabetes disease.

Doctors have known for years about Diabetes and they know how to treat it. They know that it’s the pancreas that begins to fail in the production of natural insulin. But have you asked yourself why the pancreas stops working in the first place?

I’m sure the drug companies that make all the medication for diabetics are laughing all the way to the bank as they know with the present trend things will get worse rather than better.

Diabetes information is clear cut and as you get older there’s a good chance you will have some form of Diabetes that will drastically alter your life. It is also a fact of life that obesity is on the up as more people and children become overweight the more chance that they will become Diabetic.

Being a diabetic means that you have to monitor what you eat and should your situation become serious you will have inject insulin several times a day. Then you begin to live with the fear of having cardiovascular problems or maybe high blood pressure. It may be the case that you get kidney problems or liver failure, and then to cap it all your eyesight gets worse to the point you need new glasses every six months.

Going back to Diabetes research I did come across a website that asked the same question I asked earlier. Why does the pancreas stop working in the first place? Is it to do with pollution or preservatives or the lifestyle we lead? Perhaps it’s the lack of exercise or those dreaded e numbers that everyone is talking about?

The person that gave the answer to that first question gave a very plausible answer saying that it was the actual food we were eating. Straight away my mind went into overdrive because this last few decades we have all been told that certain foods are good for you only to be told later the opposite. This Diabetes research has also helped people with Cancer and Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s Osteoporosis and many more diseases that before have been proved to be incurable. For diabetic’s they were able to drastically reduce their reliance on insulin all from watching what they ate.

Researching and Treating Diabetes
Diabetes is a problem that affects so many people, both in the U.S. and worldwide, surprisingly, however, very little is known about the disease. There are a number of organizations that are researching exactly what causes diabetes, as well new and better methods for controlling it, monitoring blood sugar levels, getting insulin into the blood, newer medicines to correct the problems and even how to stop it before it starts.

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

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

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

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

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

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

According to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International (JDRFI), “every year over 13,000 children are diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.” There is no known cure for this stealthy disease that attacks and destroys the beta cells that produce insulin. Symptoms present themselves suddenly and progress rapidly. Knowing what symptoms to look for, if you suspect juvenile diabetes has gripped your child, will lead you to seek the medical counsel of a physician.

Know the Symptoms:
If your child has been potty trained and begins wetting themselves frequently, consider juvenile diabetes as a possibility.
Extreme thirst and a keen desire for cold drinks that is sweet.

Eyesight problems such as blurred vision.

Irritable.
Child complains of nausea and is vomiting. (Acute symptoms that need immediate attention) Losing weight while continuing to display a healthy appetite.

Listless, tired, abnormally quiet.
Falling into a coma. (A life threatening condition that requires immediate medical intervention)
It’s not always apparent that a child has type 1 or juvenile diabetes. Some of the symptoms seem like average childhood problems that occur. Untreated diabetic children may display restless behavior and an apathetic attitude when it comes to school. The inability to focus on tasks at hand leaves them somewhat dysfunctional and frustrated. Rapid, deep breaths that have a fruity odor are another more subtle sign that could easily be overlooked.

The behaviors may go unnoticed by parents as symptoms of juvenile diabetes until the child reaches diabetic ketoacidosis. DKA is a serious condition with the body receiving little or no insulin and resulting in energy being produced by the breakdown of fat. This process causes ketenes or acids to spill into the blood stream as toxins. One quarter of the children with juvenile diabetes has all ready advanced to the level of diabetic ketoacidosis before seeing a physician or being diagnosed. If the juvenile diabetes continues to go untreated, the child may lapse into a diabetic coma.

A diagnosis is made through blood tests that target glucose levels and urine tests that measure the level of ketenes and glucose. The tests are far simpler to read than reading the behaviors of your child and being able to pinpoint them as potential symptoms of juvenile diabetes. With knowledge comes power and by knowing the symptoms parents have the power to begin successful management of type 1 diabetes giving their child the opportunity for as normal a childhood as possible.

Children and Diabetes
Children, like adults, are often diagnosed with diabetes. Most children have type 1 or juvenile diabetes that will require insulin on a regular basis to sustain proper body functions. There are growing numbers of children that are now being diagnoses with type 2 diabetes that has historically only been found in adult populations.

Some facts about children and diabetes highlight the importance of understanding this disease and finding ways to manage and control it effectively:
* One in every 400-500 children in the world has diabetes.
* Approximately 150,000 children in the United States under the age of 18 have diabetes.
* Type 1 or juvenile diabetes occurs when the immune system begins to generate cells that destroy the pancreatic cells responsible for producing insulin in the body. If the child does not receive insulin every day the child will die.
* 13,000 children are diagnosed with type 1 diabetes every year. These children are at a greater risk for heart attack, stroke, kidney disease and immune complications throughout their lives.
* Type 2 or adult onset diagnosis is becoming more prevalent in children. This is a condition where the body is unable to utilize the insulin produced because it has built up a resistance to the insulin. Over time the pancreas is unable to produce sufficient quantities of insulin, and complications arise.
* Type 2 diabetes is more closely linked to obesity, especially if there is a history of diabetes in the family. It is also more prevalent in African American, Latino, Asian, and American Indian children.

Controlling diabetes in children
While not required to eliminate all their favorite foods, it is important to teach children concepts of portion control and healthy eating. Fast foods are not a good substitute for fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meats and whole grains.

Try to schedule so that your child has time to sit down to a balanced meal as often as possible, ideally three times per day. Try to include whole grains, fiber, lean meats, fish, dairy products and fresh fruits and vegetables. To get children to eat healthy try the following:
* Trail mix including a variety of nuts, dried soy nuts, dried fruits instead of potato chips.
* Granola bars instead of cookies or donuts.
* Whole grain bread instead of white bread.
* Carrot and celery sticks instead of French fries
* Bake foods instead of deep frying
* Salads with meals or as an appetizer before meals
* Raw vegetables or fruits dipped in yogurt

Remember that modeling healthy lifestyles will help your children learn. Exercise together as a family. Small changes in lifestyles can lead to big changes in health conditions over time. Start small and work together as a family to reach your diet and exercise goals.