Diabetes Information

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Important Diabetes Information NEW Health Insurance Site with Audio There is a lot of diabetes information on the web and elsewhere - I'll try to break it down so it is readable and informative as this section develops. Diabetes is a disease in which blood glucose levels are above normal. People with diabetes have problems converting food to energy. After a meal, food is broken down into a sugar called glucose, which is carried by the blood to cells throughout the body. Cells use insulin, a hormone made in the pancreas, to help them convert blood glucose into energy. People develop diabetes because the pancreas does not make enough insulin or because the cells in the muscles, liver, and fat do not use insulin properly, or both. As a result, the amount of glucose in the blood increases while the cells are starved of energy. Over the years, high blood glucose, also called hyperglycemia, damages nerves and blood vessels, which can lead to complications such as heart disease and stroke, kidney disease, blindness, nerve problems, gum infections, and amputation. General Diabetes Information Types of Diabetes The three main types of diabetes are type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes. Type 1 diabetes, formerly called juvenile diabetes, is usually first diagnosed in children, teenagers, or young adults. In this form of diabetes, the beta cells of the pancreas no longer make insulin because the body's immune system has attacked and destroyed them. Type 2 diabetes, formerly called adult-onset diabetes, is the most common form. People can develop it at any age, even during childhood. This form of diabetes usually begins with insulin resistance, a condition in which muscle, liver, and fat cells do not use insulin properly. At first, the pancreas keeps up with the added demand by producing more insulin. In time, however, it loses the ability to secrete enough insulin in response to meals. Gestational diabetes develops in some women during the late stages of pregnancy. Although this form of diabetes usually goes away after the baby is born, a woman who has had it is more likely to develop type 2 diabetes later in life. Gestational diabetes is caused by the hormones of pregnancy or by a shortage of insulin. Type 1 Diabetes and Type 2 Diabetes To move away from basing the names of the two main types of diabetes on treatment or age at onset, an American Diabetes Association expert committee recommended in 1997 universal adoption of simplified terminology. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) agrees. Here is some important diabetes information broken down int an easily understood manner: Former Names Preferred Names Type I juvenile diabetes insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus IDDM type 1 diabetes Type II adult-onset diabetes noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus NIDDM type 2 diabetes What is pre-diabetes? In pre-diabetes, blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be characterized as diabetes. However, many people with pre-diabetes develop type 2 diabetes within 10 years. Pre-diabetes also increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. With modest weight loss and moderate physical activity, people with pre-diabetes can delay or prevent type 2 diabetes. Random Plasma Glucose Test A random blood glucose level of 200 mg/dL or more, plus presence of the following symptoms, can mean that you have diabetes: increased urination increased thirst unexplained weight loss Other symptoms include fatigue, blurred vision, increased hunger, and sores that do not heal. Your doctor will check your blood glucose level on another day using the FPG or the OGTT to confirm the diagnosis. Know This Diabetes Information for type 2 diabetes? To find out your risk, check each item that applies to you. I am 45 or older. I am overweight or obese (see the body mass index [BMI] in table 4). I have a parent, brother, or sister with diabetes. My family background is African American, American Indian, Asian American, Pacific Islander, or Hispanic American/Latino. I have had gestational diabetes, or I gave birth to at least one baby weighing more than 9 pounds. My blood pressure is 140/90 or higher, or I have been told that I have high blood pressure. My cholesterol levels are not normal. My HDL cholesterol ("good" cholesterol) is 35 or lower, or my triglyceride level is 250 or higher. I am fairly inactive. I exercise fewer than three times a week. What steps can delay or prevent type 2 diabetes? A major research study, the Diabetes Prevention Program, confirmed that people who followed a low-fat, low-calorie diet, lost a modest amount of weight, and engaged in regular physical activity (walking briskly for 30 minutes, five times a week, for example) sharply reduced their chances of developing diabetes. These strategies worked well for both men and women and were especially effective for participants aged 60 and older. How can I take care of my diabetes? Diabetes means that your blood glucose (also called blood sugar) is too high. Your body uses glucose for energy. But having too much glucose in your blood can hurt you. When you take care of your diabetes, you'll feel better. You'll reduce your risk for problems with your kidneys, eyes, nerves, feet and legs, and teeth. You'll also lower your risk for a heart attack or a stroke. You can take care of your diabetes by being physically active following a healthy meal plan taking medicines (if prescribed by your doctor) But be careful. If you have diabetes complications, some exercises can make your problems worse. For example, activities that increase the pressure in the blood vessels of your eyes, such as lifting heavy weights, can make diabetic eye problems worse. If nerve damage from diabetes has made your feet numb, your doctor may suggest that you try swimming instead of walking for aerobic exercise. Numbness means that you may not feel any pain from sores or blisters on your feet and so may not notice them. Then they can get worse and lead to more serious problems. Make sure you exercise in cotton socks and comfortable, well-fitting shoes that are designed for the activity you are doing. After you exercise, check your feet for cuts, sores, bumps, or redness. Call your doctor if any foot problems develop. Listen - I'll get you more diabetes information and build this section but right now you owe it to yourself to search the web and get all the diabetes information you can find if you or a loved one has, or is high risk for diabetes. Exercise & Fitness Videos - Click to Play (changed regularly) Loading... Loading... More about the Video Bar Free Exercise Tips Newsletter Sign up for your Free Exercise Newsletter . Primary Email Address NEW Health Insurance Site with Audio Health & Fitness Sites of Interest 24 Hour Fitness Soccer Training Muscle Sculpting Six Pack Abs Weight-Loss-Digest Body Building New Food Nutrition Page Exercise Tips