What Is Diabetes And How Does It Affect People?
We have all seen the commercials on television where the actor is very excited about their new diabetes meter for testing their blood sugar levels. Some of the actors are very famous like Wilford Brimley or BB King and the commercials run all day long every single day. Diabetes is a big business to the medical supply industry but what is diabetes? The questions of what is diabetes is asked by a lot of people and the answer is not as complex as you may think.
Diabetes is the inability for the patient’s digestive system to produce enough insulin to break down the glucose from carbohydrates that are taken when a person eats food. If there isn’t enough insulin to break down the glucose, or the patient’s system is resistant to the effects of insulin, then that glucose over takes the system and can begin to damage the internal organs of the body. So when you ask “what is diabetes?” you are really asking a question about the digestive system of a human being and how that system processes the different materials that we take in. As our society becomes more and more dependent on processes sugars and simple carbohydrates more and more people are developing diabetes symptoms. This prompts the World Health Organization to answer the question of “what is diabetes?” with the answer that it is becoming an epidemic.
Treatments
Diabetes is the inability to combat the rise in glucose in the digestive system that comes from the normal intake of calories from food so the first course of treatment a doctor will usually take is a change in the patient’s diet and exercise routines. What is diabetes’ biggest enemy is complex carbohydrates because complex carbohydrates take much longer to digest and therefore the insulin need to offset their glucose production is not as great. Less glucose is what diabetes hates because less glucose means no more diabetes. So the doctor will recommend a change in diet and tell the patient to lose weight. In many cases of type 2 diabetes this course of action is effective and containing the diabetes. In other cases it is not.
Diabetes is beginning to affect more people in the western world as our society changes its diet to include less healthy food. It is true what they say that fruits and vegetables are very good for you and you should eat them every day. But as fast food restaurants and sugary snacks begin to take the place of real food in our society it is only a matter of time before diabetes is the number 1 health issue all over the world.
Friday, August 1, 2008
what causes diabetes
Learning About What Causes Diabetes
Diabetes is one of the most serious and common diseases in the world, and whether it is you or a loved one that is suffering from the disease, in order to be able to properly manage and treat it, you need to learn about what causes diabetes. Many people mistakenly think that by eating too many sweet or sugary foods you can develop the disease, but this is actually nothing more than a myth.
The Truth
When it comes to what really causes diabetes, what happens is that when the pancreas is not able to make enough or any of the hormone known as insulin, or when the insulin that is being produced is not working effectively, this as a result causes the level of glucose in the blood to be too high and thereby the person develops diabetes.
There are two different types of diabetes: type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. There are both similarities and differences between the two types, and in type 1, the cells in the pancreas that usually work to make the insulin are destroyed, which results in causing a severe lack of insulin in the body, and this is thought to be the result of the body attacking and destroying its own cells, which in turn makes it an autoimmune reaction.
In searching for what causes diabetes, you’ll learn that although there is no single cause of type 1 diabetes, there are a few triggers that are considered to be responsible, including an infection with a specific virus or bacteria, exposure to food-borne chemical toxins, and exposure as a young infant to cow’s milk.
What causes type 2 diabetes? It develops when the receptors on the cells in the body that normally respond to the action of insulin fail to be stimulated by it, otherwise known as insulin resistance, or when the insulin that is available in the body is abnormal and therefore does not work properly.
Again there are a few different triggers of this reaction that are considered as being risk factors that increase someone’s chances of developing the disease, including increasing age, obesity, and physical inactivity.
Therefore when it comes to the matter of what really causes diabetes, there is no one single answer but rather quite a few, and the only real way you can attempt to avoid developing the disease then is by keeping yourself as healthy as possible. By maintaining as generally healthy a lifestyle as possible you will not be able to avoid it for sure but you will be protecting yourself against it as much as you can.
Diabetes is one of the most serious and common diseases in the world, and whether it is you or a loved one that is suffering from the disease, in order to be able to properly manage and treat it, you need to learn about what causes diabetes. Many people mistakenly think that by eating too many sweet or sugary foods you can develop the disease, but this is actually nothing more than a myth.
The Truth
When it comes to what really causes diabetes, what happens is that when the pancreas is not able to make enough or any of the hormone known as insulin, or when the insulin that is being produced is not working effectively, this as a result causes the level of glucose in the blood to be too high and thereby the person develops diabetes.
There are two different types of diabetes: type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. There are both similarities and differences between the two types, and in type 1, the cells in the pancreas that usually work to make the insulin are destroyed, which results in causing a severe lack of insulin in the body, and this is thought to be the result of the body attacking and destroying its own cells, which in turn makes it an autoimmune reaction.
In searching for what causes diabetes, you’ll learn that although there is no single cause of type 1 diabetes, there are a few triggers that are considered to be responsible, including an infection with a specific virus or bacteria, exposure to food-borne chemical toxins, and exposure as a young infant to cow’s milk.
What causes type 2 diabetes? It develops when the receptors on the cells in the body that normally respond to the action of insulin fail to be stimulated by it, otherwise known as insulin resistance, or when the insulin that is available in the body is abnormal and therefore does not work properly.
Again there are a few different triggers of this reaction that are considered as being risk factors that increase someone’s chances of developing the disease, including increasing age, obesity, and physical inactivity.
Therefore when it comes to the matter of what really causes diabetes, there is no one single answer but rather quite a few, and the only real way you can attempt to avoid developing the disease then is by keeping yourself as healthy as possible. By maintaining as generally healthy a lifestyle as possible you will not be able to avoid it for sure but you will be protecting yourself against it as much as you can.
type 2 diabetes symptoms
Managing Type 2 Diabetes Symptoms
Type 2 diabetes symptoms are quite varied but they still need to be managed in order to prevent many of the health problems that you could potentially face.
How To Manage Type 2 Diabetes Symptoms
You need to check your blood sugar several times a day in order to get a better idea of when the numbers fluctuate to an unsafe range, so that you can make changes in your diet or medication. This will also help your doctor be able to take better, more complete care of you. For this reason, you need to document the levels if your machine does not have a built-in memory.
It is also important to observe your food intake. Herein you should keep a food diary. This, along with your blood sugar testing results, can provide a much clearer picture for your physician when they are taking into consideration your medical status so that they can help you to more easily manage your type 2 diabetes symptoms. You will also be able to find patterns here in your food intake that will help you to discover ways in which to change your diet so that you can keep yourself healthier and your blood glucose levels more stable.
Your prescriptions need to be taken as instructed or you will not obtain the results that you need in managing your type 2 diabetes symptoms. So, make sure that you understand the information that your doctor gives you about the prescription in order that you can be sure that you take it exactly as your doctor wants you to.
Another important part of managing your type 2 diabetes symptoms lies in becoming physically active. There are many different benefits to exercising such as helping your body to run more efficiently, which in turn can truly influence your blood sugar. If you find activities that you enjoy doing, like walking, running, biking or playing tennis, basketball, etc. you will be able to have fun giving your body one of the tools that it needs to keep you healthy. All it takes is 30 minutes a day.
Conclusion
In order to manage your type 2 diabetes symptoms you will also need to change your lifestyle and habits. This is well worth the extra time and effort that this takes because it can help you to stay healthier longer. So, monitor and document your food and blood sugar levels, take your medications as prescribed and get some exercise in order to reduce many of your type 2 diabetes symptoms.
Type 2 diabetes symptoms are quite varied but they still need to be managed in order to prevent many of the health problems that you could potentially face.
How To Manage Type 2 Diabetes Symptoms
You need to check your blood sugar several times a day in order to get a better idea of when the numbers fluctuate to an unsafe range, so that you can make changes in your diet or medication. This will also help your doctor be able to take better, more complete care of you. For this reason, you need to document the levels if your machine does not have a built-in memory.
It is also important to observe your food intake. Herein you should keep a food diary. This, along with your blood sugar testing results, can provide a much clearer picture for your physician when they are taking into consideration your medical status so that they can help you to more easily manage your type 2 diabetes symptoms. You will also be able to find patterns here in your food intake that will help you to discover ways in which to change your diet so that you can keep yourself healthier and your blood glucose levels more stable.
Your prescriptions need to be taken as instructed or you will not obtain the results that you need in managing your type 2 diabetes symptoms. So, make sure that you understand the information that your doctor gives you about the prescription in order that you can be sure that you take it exactly as your doctor wants you to.
Another important part of managing your type 2 diabetes symptoms lies in becoming physically active. There are many different benefits to exercising such as helping your body to run more efficiently, which in turn can truly influence your blood sugar. If you find activities that you enjoy doing, like walking, running, biking or playing tennis, basketball, etc. you will be able to have fun giving your body one of the tools that it needs to keep you healthy. All it takes is 30 minutes a day.
Conclusion
In order to manage your type 2 diabetes symptoms you will also need to change your lifestyle and habits. This is well worth the extra time and effort that this takes because it can help you to stay healthier longer. So, monitor and document your food and blood sugar levels, take your medications as prescribed and get some exercise in order to reduce many of your type 2 diabetes symptoms.
type 2 diabetes diet
The Makings Of A Good Type 2 Diabetes Diet
Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body is unable to produce enough insulin to break down glucose in the blood. That is why people with type 2 diabetes take insulin shots, to help raise their insulin level and break down the glucose. But there are ways to structure your type 2 diabetes diet that can help you manage your diabetes better and even potentially reduce the effects of the diabetes. The first way you can help yourself is to simply lose weight and get more exercise. Type 2 diabetes thrives in larger inactive people. So reducing your mass and increasing your blood flow and help reduce the effects of the type 2 diabetes. But here are some things you can do in a type 2 diabetes diet that can also help reduce the effects of your diabetes.
Watch Your Carbohydrates
Simple carbohydrates are really bad to have in a type 2 diabetes diet. Refined sugars and sweets are dangerous and can cause a dangerous rise in the glucose level in your blood. What you want to do is increase your intake of complex carbohydrates and fibers to help reduce the need for your system to produce insulin as quick as it would need to with simple carbohydrates. Complex carbohydrates such as fruits and vegetables are ideal for a type 2 diabetes diet because they are broken down slowly by your system and even a person with diabetes will have an easier time digesting complex carbohydrates because the insulin demand on the system is lower. So eat your fruits and vegetables and make sure you also get fiber into your type 2 diabetes diet.
Proteins And Fats
In a type 2 diabetes diet you want anywhere from 10% to 20% of your daily intake of calories to have protein in it. Protein is an essential part of any diet but people on a type 2 diabetes diet especially want to make sure that they are getting their share of protein. Avoid doing much more that 20% as that can potentially lead to problems.
Try and keep your fat intake to less than 30% of your daily calorie count and try to eat as little saturated fats as possible. It is ideal to try and keep your saturated fat intake each day to a level below 10% of your calorie intake. You want to try and make your diet as lean as possible and avoid adding any more fats or carbohydrates to your diet. It is advisable that you consume at least 20 grams of fiber every day.
Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body is unable to produce enough insulin to break down glucose in the blood. That is why people with type 2 diabetes take insulin shots, to help raise their insulin level and break down the glucose. But there are ways to structure your type 2 diabetes diet that can help you manage your diabetes better and even potentially reduce the effects of the diabetes. The first way you can help yourself is to simply lose weight and get more exercise. Type 2 diabetes thrives in larger inactive people. So reducing your mass and increasing your blood flow and help reduce the effects of the type 2 diabetes. But here are some things you can do in a type 2 diabetes diet that can also help reduce the effects of your diabetes.
Watch Your Carbohydrates
Simple carbohydrates are really bad to have in a type 2 diabetes diet. Refined sugars and sweets are dangerous and can cause a dangerous rise in the glucose level in your blood. What you want to do is increase your intake of complex carbohydrates and fibers to help reduce the need for your system to produce insulin as quick as it would need to with simple carbohydrates. Complex carbohydrates such as fruits and vegetables are ideal for a type 2 diabetes diet because they are broken down slowly by your system and even a person with diabetes will have an easier time digesting complex carbohydrates because the insulin demand on the system is lower. So eat your fruits and vegetables and make sure you also get fiber into your type 2 diabetes diet.
Proteins And Fats
In a type 2 diabetes diet you want anywhere from 10% to 20% of your daily intake of calories to have protein in it. Protein is an essential part of any diet but people on a type 2 diabetes diet especially want to make sure that they are getting their share of protein. Avoid doing much more that 20% as that can potentially lead to problems.
Try and keep your fat intake to less than 30% of your daily calorie count and try to eat as little saturated fats as possible. It is ideal to try and keep your saturated fat intake each day to a level below 10% of your calorie intake. You want to try and make your diet as lean as possible and avoid adding any more fats or carbohydrates to your diet. It is advisable that you consume at least 20 grams of fiber every day.
type 2 diabetes
Managing Your Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. It actually accounts for more than 90% of all cases of diabetes. With this disease the body does not make or properly use insulin, a hormone that helps convert sugar, starches and other foods into energy. Eventually a person's body will stop producing insulin if they have this disease. Unfortunately, it is not yet known why this happens. However, genetics and environmental factors do play a role. This is why it is important to have a self-management plan in order to fight this disease.
Taking Classes On Type 2 Diabetes
There are classes available though that provide information about type 2 diabetes and teach the skills that are necessary for avoiding the numerous complications of this disease. These classes teach the patient how to monitor glucose, modify their diets, develop exercise regimens, self-inject insulin and many other necessary things.
Daily Management Of Type 2 Diabetes
Daily insulin injections can be the most difficult part of type 2 diabetes self-management for some people. A good alternative for this is a medical device that is known as an insulin pump. This is a small, battery operated pump that is worn on the waist and has a reservoir that contains insulin, which is automatically injected into the body by way of a catheter that is embedded under the skin. The pump is easily detached and adjusted.
About 90% of people who have type 2 diabetes are overweight. Therefore, exercise and keeping weight under control are vital. Of course, it is also important to keep blood glucose under control in order to prevent the other health related problems that are often related to type 2 diabetes.
Food intake must also be moderated. This does not mean that a person with the disease cannot continue to eat their favorite foods. They can do so as long as their portions are controlled. Of course, the person also needs to eat foods that are high in nutrition with lots of vegetables and fruit. For this reason you will find that many programs have dietitians on staff to help patients develop a plan that works for them.
Exercise is also an important way of helping to control type 2 diabetes. Even light exercise such as gardening and walking are beneficial to keeping a person's blood sugar under control. This will also benefit your cholesterol levels, blood pressure and cardiovascular health.
Developing diabetes has helped some people become healthier. This is because by sticking to their self-management plan they are no longer obese, they are also able to enjoy the many health benefits that go along with exercise and healthy eating.
Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. It actually accounts for more than 90% of all cases of diabetes. With this disease the body does not make or properly use insulin, a hormone that helps convert sugar, starches and other foods into energy. Eventually a person's body will stop producing insulin if they have this disease. Unfortunately, it is not yet known why this happens. However, genetics and environmental factors do play a role. This is why it is important to have a self-management plan in order to fight this disease.
Taking Classes On Type 2 Diabetes
There are classes available though that provide information about type 2 diabetes and teach the skills that are necessary for avoiding the numerous complications of this disease. These classes teach the patient how to monitor glucose, modify their diets, develop exercise regimens, self-inject insulin and many other necessary things.
Daily Management Of Type 2 Diabetes
Daily insulin injections can be the most difficult part of type 2 diabetes self-management for some people. A good alternative for this is a medical device that is known as an insulin pump. This is a small, battery operated pump that is worn on the waist and has a reservoir that contains insulin, which is automatically injected into the body by way of a catheter that is embedded under the skin. The pump is easily detached and adjusted.
About 90% of people who have type 2 diabetes are overweight. Therefore, exercise and keeping weight under control are vital. Of course, it is also important to keep blood glucose under control in order to prevent the other health related problems that are often related to type 2 diabetes.
Food intake must also be moderated. This does not mean that a person with the disease cannot continue to eat their favorite foods. They can do so as long as their portions are controlled. Of course, the person also needs to eat foods that are high in nutrition with lots of vegetables and fruit. For this reason you will find that many programs have dietitians on staff to help patients develop a plan that works for them.
Exercise is also an important way of helping to control type 2 diabetes. Even light exercise such as gardening and walking are beneficial to keeping a person's blood sugar under control. This will also benefit your cholesterol levels, blood pressure and cardiovascular health.
Developing diabetes has helped some people become healthier. This is because by sticking to their self-management plan they are no longer obese, they are also able to enjoy the many health benefits that go along with exercise and healthy eating.
type 1 diabetes
Successfully Managing Your Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is a disease that destroys all of a person's cells that are responsible for producing insulin in the person's pancreas. Whenever the body is no longer able to regulate the person's blood sugar levels, then daily injections of insulin are required in order to sustain that person's life. Unfortunately, what causes type 1 diabetes is not yet known. However, it is generally believed that a person's environment and genetics play a key role.
Who Is Affected By Type 1 Diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes is a disease that affects more than a million people in the United States alone. It can create severe medical complications such as heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney disease and circulation problems that lead to limbs having to be amputated. Therefore, it is mandatory that those who have this disease develop a good self-management program.
Symptoms Of Type 1 Diabetes
The symptoms of type 1 diabetes include excessive thirst, frequent urination, weight loss, excessive hunger, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fatigue and in women it causes them to stop menstruating.
Implementing A Type 1 Diabetes Self-Management Plan
Most of the time it is easier to implement a type 1 diabetes self-management plan for people who are able to maintain a consistent schedule in their lives. Those who have jobs that require them to travel or work various shifts and people who have others that they have to care for such as children or elderly relatives will have a harder time.
Usually self-management involves the patient giving themselves daily injections of insulin. However, there is the option to use an insulin pump, which is a device that is about the size of a cell phone and is worn around the person's waist. It is attached to a catheter that is implanted under their skin and then injects the patient with insulin around the clock in tiny amounts as needed. The device can be removed whenever necessary and the insulin dosages can be easily changed to keep blood sugar in check. As such, the pump is a very convenient option.
Having a comprehensive diabetes self-management program is very important when it comes to controlling type 1 diabetes. There are many new methods to do this becoming available as medical science continues to pursue new ways to treat and manage this disease. However, for now, those people who have type 1 diabetes should continue to do everything possible to keep the disease at bay so that they can safeguard their health.
Type 1 diabetes is a disease that destroys all of a person's cells that are responsible for producing insulin in the person's pancreas. Whenever the body is no longer able to regulate the person's blood sugar levels, then daily injections of insulin are required in order to sustain that person's life. Unfortunately, what causes type 1 diabetes is not yet known. However, it is generally believed that a person's environment and genetics play a key role.
Who Is Affected By Type 1 Diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes is a disease that affects more than a million people in the United States alone. It can create severe medical complications such as heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney disease and circulation problems that lead to limbs having to be amputated. Therefore, it is mandatory that those who have this disease develop a good self-management program.
Symptoms Of Type 1 Diabetes
The symptoms of type 1 diabetes include excessive thirst, frequent urination, weight loss, excessive hunger, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fatigue and in women it causes them to stop menstruating.
Implementing A Type 1 Diabetes Self-Management Plan
Most of the time it is easier to implement a type 1 diabetes self-management plan for people who are able to maintain a consistent schedule in their lives. Those who have jobs that require them to travel or work various shifts and people who have others that they have to care for such as children or elderly relatives will have a harder time.
Usually self-management involves the patient giving themselves daily injections of insulin. However, there is the option to use an insulin pump, which is a device that is about the size of a cell phone and is worn around the person's waist. It is attached to a catheter that is implanted under their skin and then injects the patient with insulin around the clock in tiny amounts as needed. The device can be removed whenever necessary and the insulin dosages can be easily changed to keep blood sugar in check. As such, the pump is a very convenient option.
Having a comprehensive diabetes self-management program is very important when it comes to controlling type 1 diabetes. There are many new methods to do this becoming available as medical science continues to pursue new ways to treat and manage this disease. However, for now, those people who have type 1 diabetes should continue to do everything possible to keep the disease at bay so that they can safeguard their health.
symptoms of diabetes
Symptoms Of Diabetes Similar For Types 1 And 2
The thought of getting diabetes is probably more dreaded than getting a tax audit, but is easier to live through. Tax audits can come without warning, but symptoms of both types of diabetes precede the need to go to the emergency room. Diabetes in either form does not go away if ignored; it only gets worse over time and can eventually kill you. But with early diagnosis and eating changes, you can still live a long, quality life.
If you are a caretaker of a child or an elderly person, you also need to know the early symptoms of diabetes because your charge will not think anything of it. Please see the doctor when in any doubt and do not use this article as a substitute for a doctor’s advice. The sooner the symptoms of diabetes are dealt with, the sooner you or your charges can get back to feeling normal again (maybe even better than normal).
Are You Gonna Be In There All Day?
One of the major warning symptoms of diabetes is increased thirst, which in turn gives you a greater need to urinate. Diabetes throws the blood sugar and the kidneys out of whack, so they go into warp drive, keeping the bladder constantly filled. You can actually be in danger of dehydration, even if you are constantly drinking, because the kidneys have to pull water out of your body in order to try and lower glucose levels.
I Rested All Day And I’m Still Tired
Another of the symptoms of diabetes to pay attention to is feeling tired all of the time for no apparent reason. The body is doing all it can to deal with the blood sugar, which takes up a lot of energy. Insulin is the stuff the body needs to bring glucose to cells. If there isn’t enough insulin, then the cells can’t get the energy they need to keep on going. This in turn makes a diabetic feel constantly wiped out.
Are My Hands Still Asleep?
Tingling or numbness in your limbs – especially hands and feet – is one of the biggest symptoms of diabetes that cannot be ignored. Everyone gets some tingling when they stay too long in one position or sleep funny, but all the buzzing and tingles should stop after a few minutes of moving around. When the body has trouble getting all of the cells the energy it needs, it prioritizes. Inner organs get the major blood flow and the limbs get shafted.
The thought of getting diabetes is probably more dreaded than getting a tax audit, but is easier to live through. Tax audits can come without warning, but symptoms of both types of diabetes precede the need to go to the emergency room. Diabetes in either form does not go away if ignored; it only gets worse over time and can eventually kill you. But with early diagnosis and eating changes, you can still live a long, quality life.
If you are a caretaker of a child or an elderly person, you also need to know the early symptoms of diabetes because your charge will not think anything of it. Please see the doctor when in any doubt and do not use this article as a substitute for a doctor’s advice. The sooner the symptoms of diabetes are dealt with, the sooner you or your charges can get back to feeling normal again (maybe even better than normal).
Are You Gonna Be In There All Day?
One of the major warning symptoms of diabetes is increased thirst, which in turn gives you a greater need to urinate. Diabetes throws the blood sugar and the kidneys out of whack, so they go into warp drive, keeping the bladder constantly filled. You can actually be in danger of dehydration, even if you are constantly drinking, because the kidneys have to pull water out of your body in order to try and lower glucose levels.
I Rested All Day And I’m Still Tired
Another of the symptoms of diabetes to pay attention to is feeling tired all of the time for no apparent reason. The body is doing all it can to deal with the blood sugar, which takes up a lot of energy. Insulin is the stuff the body needs to bring glucose to cells. If there isn’t enough insulin, then the cells can’t get the energy they need to keep on going. This in turn makes a diabetic feel constantly wiped out.
Are My Hands Still Asleep?
Tingling or numbness in your limbs – especially hands and feet – is one of the biggest symptoms of diabetes that cannot be ignored. Everyone gets some tingling when they stay too long in one position or sleep funny, but all the buzzing and tingles should stop after a few minutes of moving around. When the body has trouble getting all of the cells the energy it needs, it prioritizes. Inner organs get the major blood flow and the limbs get shafted.
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