Diabetes mellitus is a condition
resulting from the pancreas'
inability to produce enough
insulin, which is needed by
the body to help create energy.
A deficiency of or ineffectiveness
of insulin leads to high glucose
levels in the blood, thus,
leading to this illness.
Diabetes has two types. Type
1 Diabetes usually occurs
in young people and requires
frequent insulin injections,
while Type 2 Diabetes is experienced
by older people and is not
as dependent on insulin. Majority
of those who have Type 2 Diabetes
have been found to be either
obese or overweight.
Diabetes usually runs in the
family, so it's best to know
early on if you have it. The
common symptoms experienced
by someone who has diabetes
include unusually frequent
urination and hunger, constant
thirst, rapid weight loss,
tiredness, numbness in the
feet and hands, recurrent
skin infections, itching in
private parts and blurred
vision. When left unattended,
diabetes could escalate to
hyperglycemia, which develops
from an excess of glucose
in the blood, and leave the
person temporarily unconscious,
or, worse, cause severe infections,
poor healing abilities, heart
ailments and numbness from
nerve damage.
The direct origins of diabetes,
besides heredity, remain uncertain.
However, several scientists
believe that diabetes can
also spring from an infection
in the pancreas, a disorder
in the autoimmune system and
even from an unhealthy diet
and lifestyle.
When you notice the signs
that possibly point to diabetes,
consult your doctor immediately.
You will be subjected to tests
to determine whether your
blood sugar is stable and
if there is a presence of
diabetes. Your doctor will
then recommend an appropriate
exercise regimen and diet
to temper the effects of diabetes,
or, if needed, prescribe medication.
People diagnosed with diabetes
should avoid sugars and control
the intake of fats, carbohydrates
and salt. A life long low-fat,
high-fiber diet is ideal.
Regular aerobic exercise also
helps maximize the effect
of insulin treatments. Some
studies show that weight management
and a proper diet are often
enough to keep those with
Type 2 Diabetes in check and
even prevent people who are
diabetes-prone from developing
the condition. In alternative
medicine, herbs like ampalaya
and banaba have also been
used to help treat diabetes.
For persons with a history
of diabetes in the family
and are over forty years old,
blood should be checked for
sugar levels two hours after
a hearty meal. This procedure
should be done at least twice
a year, as several people
have been found to have had
diabetes for years without
experiencing any of the symptoms.
Sadly, diabetes cannot be
cured. But it can be controlled
with life-long treatment.
Therefore, to combat diabetes,
regular check-ups, a healthy
lifestyle and constant vigilance
are in order.
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About the Author
Charlene J. Nuble 2005. For
up to date links and information
about diabetes, please go
to: http://diabetes.besthealthlink.net/
or for updated links and information
on all health related topics,
go to: http://www.besthealthlink.net/
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