E-Guide To Diabetes

More Children Affected by Type 2 Diabetes - When Will it Stop?

2008-12-03T00:40:00.001-05:00

A devastating disease that is attacking our children and our teens is type 2 diabetes. Most children that have diabetes are born with it, and this is called type one diabetes, but there is a growing number of children that are acquiring type 2 diabetes, where previously this type of diabetes only happened to mature adults. Over a thousand children are diagnosed every year with diabetes, and more and more of those diagnosed are diagnosed with type 2.

This type of diabetes is a disorder of the metabolism. The body doesn't destroy the beta cells, but instead creates a resistance to insulin. It starts to use this insulin incorrectly. When this happens the glucose rises in the blood and causes damage to the kidneys and other vital organs.

Children with Type 2 diabetes cannot absorb glucose, and their body cannot produce enough energy. This causes the kids to start feeling tired all the time. Up until recently type 2 diabetes was generally diagnosed in adults aged over 40.

What is Causing This Epidemic of Type 2 Diabetes in Children?
The American Diabetes Association says that the increase in this type of diabetes in children is caused by the increase in obesity, and the lack of physical exercise that our children are getting. Most children that are being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes are between the ages of 9 and 18, some have a family history, but many are obese, and have poor glycemic levels, which is what causes the disease.

Type 2 diabetes is hard to diagnose in children, many of them have no symptoms and are diagnosed through blood tests. When this diabetes sets in you may note a few of the following symptoms:

• Extreme thirst
• Fatigue
• Increase in appetite
• Weight loss
• Headaches
• Stomach pain

As a parent you need to be on the lookout for these signs. When you see them then you need to seek treatment. Your doctor may also prescribe diabetic vitamins for your child.

Prevent the Risks
If you know that Diabetes 2 is on the rise, and you know that your children eat unhealthily and don't get enough exercise, then isn't the solution to get them more active and to add nutrition to their diet.

Avoid the risks, start looking for activities for the whole family and get everyone started on some kind of exercise and healthy diet routine.

Fitwise 101 specializes in health and fitness tips for everyone. If you are interested in reading more information about Type 2 Diabetes and Children come to http://www.fitwise101.com

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Diabetes Sufferers - How to Take Care of Yourself

2008-12-03T00:39:00.000-05:00

Is the USA facing a diabetes epidemic? The sad answer is 'yes' and it's down to many factors, but amongst them is the rise in obesity, especially amongst the young. Put that down to the decrease in outdoor activities, the rise of television and video games, instead of playing energetic games outside. Put it down to our hectic stress-filled lives, our love of fast-food, but wherever the blame lies, the sad fact remains that it is an ever-increasing illness.

I was diagnosed with type-2 diabetes in September 2004, but I had been expecting it. Both my parents were diabetics and three of my four grandparents were too, and it certainly is an hereditary disease. When I was told the news I had expected for years I was about 28 pounds overweight and my diet was not good - yes, I know, as a man who was almost certain to get the disease at some time, that was not very sensible of me. I never claimed to be smart!

Now, over 4 years later, my diabetes is well under control and my doctor compliments me each time I see him. I changed my eating habits and now eat much more healthily and I walk one and a half miles around the local lake 5 times a week. I have lost 20 pounds and the disease is being held at bay for now.

I take my blood-sugar levels every day without fail and most days the figures are in the 100-120 range, and it's a good, but rare, day for me when they are in the 90s. I read books about diabetes, I attended free classes arranged by the local hospital, to find out how to take care of myself, what to eat - what NOT to eat, what aids to use - blood pressure monitors, blood sugar monitors, exercise tips etc.

If I can do it, anyone can, so if you find yourself with this ailment, then don't panic, take advice wherever you can, exercise regularly, change your eating habits and be prepared to live a long and healthy life.

Bob Wilson is owner of the website http://www.DealWithYourDiabetes.com

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Top Warning Signs and Symptoms of Diabetes

2008-12-03T00:38:00.000-05:00

If somebody has a doubt that he may have diabetes he must look for the following signs and symptoms of diabetes. One thing that should be made clear in the minds that the signs of type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes are almost the same.

Causes of Diabetes

The reasons behind these symptoms are the elevated glucose levels in the blood of the diabetic person and the insufficient glucose in the cells of the body where it is required. What causes these high glucose levels in the blood of type 1 diabetics is the lack of a hormone termed "insulin". This insufficiency of insulin comes about when the body has assaulted its own beta cells responsible for producing insulin. The reason of the excessive level of glucose in the type 2 diabetics is the development of insulin resistance. Sometimes pregnant women also develop a temporary phase of diabetes termed "gestational diabetes" because of the pregnancy hormones.

Signs of Diabetes

Frequent Urination

This is the foremost warning sign of diabetes. This frequent urination is caused by the excessive amount of the glucose in the blood which the kidney tries to dilute with water. This keeps the bladder of the diabetic constantly full and he has to make frequent trips to washroom.

Increased Thirst

As mentioned the kidneys are taking water from the blood to dilute glucose, so the diabetic may become dehydrated and he frequently feels the urge to drink water.

Sudden Weight Loss

This sign is more prevalent in type 1 diabetics rather than type 2 diabetics. This comes about when the body immune system has attacked the insulin producing beta cells. Without insulin, cells are unable to transform glucose into energy. The cells have to use the muscles and fat cells for the energy. It happens gradually in type 2 diabetics so it is less noticeable there.

Fatigue and Tiredness

Fatigue and tiredness comes into place again because of the scarcity of available energy. As the glucose is not being properly absorbed in the body, the cells become starved of energy which causes the diabetics to feel tired and shaky.

Blurry vision

The elevated blood glucose levels cause the damage to the nerves of the eyes which cause the vision to be blurred. This is the initial stage and if left untreated may cause blindness.

Numbness in hands and feet

The elevated glucose levels cause the damage to the nervous system. Lack of blood circulation in the nerves of the different parts of the body causes the numbness in hands and feet.

If any reader is suffering from any of the above symptoms it is better to consult the doctor. Timely diagnosis can help to reduce the risk of diabetic complications.

Discover the top warning signs and symptoms of diabetes and how you can cure your diabetes naturally at http://cureyourdiabetesnaturally.com

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Diabetic Myths

2008-12-01T18:19:00.001-05:00

Like all other complicated matters, there are certain misconceptions about understanding diabetes. Here we're going to dispel some of the myths regarding diabetes.

Is diabetes Contagious?

The exact cause of diabetes is not known. But still it has been proved that it is not contagious. One my have some inherent ability to get this disease, family history, age and the lifestyles are major contributing factors of this disease.

Eating sugar may cause diabetes

Eating sugar is not the cause of onset of diabetes. This disease is caused by the combination of inheritance and the lifestyle. Eating diet high in fat and sugar may cause somebody to become overweight. Being overweight may increase the risk of type 2 diabetes. So anybody who has the family history of diabetes should take a healthy balanced diet with the regular exercise.

Type 2 diabetes is gentle diabetes

There is no such thing as gentle or mild diabetes. All kinds of diabetes are serious if not properly treated. As the elevated sugar levels may cause serious health complications.

Diabetes leads to blindness

No doubt diabetes is a leading cause of sightlessness, but the researches have proved that this can be prevented by proper control of blood pressure, sugar level and the body weight.

Diabetics should not drive

There is no problem in driving for the diabetics who have proper control on their sugar levels.

Diabetics can't play sports

There are many celebrities including players who are suffering from diabetes and successfully carrying on their games. In fact diabetics are encouraged to exercise. It keeps them active and healthy. There are certain factors that should be taken into consideration before starting any weight loss program.

Diabetics are more prone to get colds

The doctors may advice the diabetics to have flu vaccination. The reason behind this is that any infection mess about the glucose levels, which puts the diabetics at more risk to diabetic complications.

Diabetics cannot eat sweets

Chocolates can be eaten by diabetics in the same way as any other healthy person can have them. Confectionery items are high in fat and sugar so their consumption should be limited, especially if any diabetics wants to lose weight.

Diabetics cannot eat banana or grapes

All kinds of fruits and vegetables are beneficial for the diabetics. It keeps them away from heart diseases and cancers. In facts diabetics are suggested to take five portions of fruits and vegetables daily.

Diabetics have to take special foods

Diabetic diets contain no special advantages for its consumers. These diets still raise blood sugar levels and elevate blood pressure and they are much more expensive as well. The healthy diet for diabetics is same as for other individual- eat healthy, low in fat, low in sugar, and plenty of fiber rich foods.

So next time if any diabetic comes across these myths certainly he would put a deaf ear on them.
Discover the top warning signs and symptoms of diabetes and how you can cure your diabetes naturally at http://cureyourdiabetesnaturally.com

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Prevention of Diabetes

2008-12-01T18:18:00.001-05:00

Many people with diabetes are given advice on how to treat their disease. What about people who have a family history of diabetes but haven't been diagnosed with the disease themselves? Are there steps they can take that will help prevent getting diabetes? If you have ever asked yourself the question, how can I prevent diabetes, then you've taken the first step towards a plan that may save your life.

Losing weight is key in the treatment of diabetes as well as preventing you from getting the disease. It is important to engage in physical activity that will elevate your heart rate several times a week in order to be effective in reducing the effects of diabetes or preventing it from occurring at all. Here are some simple tips to help get you started:

1. Pick a few activities that you enjoy doing; something that already fits into your normal daily routine. It's a good idea to pick something you can do indoors and another activity for outdoors. That way you can plan your activities depending on the weather.

2. Your activities should be centered around burning calories (losing weight) and buidling your muscles (lifting weights). You could walk to bike ride to burn calories and lift light weights to build muscles.

3. Always start slowly. Don't be in a hurry. You are making lifelong changes here so there is no need to rush into this, especially if you haven't exercised before. You could start with just three 10 minute walks per week, then increase the time in a week or two. Start lifting simply by moving books on a bookshelf or cans in an out of a pantry.

4. Find someone to exercise with or join an exercise class at a local gym or YMCA. This will help motivate you to keep going!

5. Stay active all day long. Where in your day can you add extra steps? Like walking farther into work, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, march in place in front of the TV, etc.

There are many ways to stay active, burn calories and lose weight. Be creative. Do whatever will motivate you to continue. If you want the answer to how can I prevent diabetes simply start moving!
If you would like to receive my free report on "The Secret To Losing Weight" and learn how you can prevent diabetes click here now.

Peter Harris is a Physical Therapist that promotes health and wellness by writing frequently about diet, exercise and nutrition.

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Diabetes and Foot Problems

2008-12-01T18:16:00.000-05:00

Diabetes can lead to a number of complications, which can include problems with your feet. Problems with feet can lead to reduced mobility, which can lead to further health problems.

Ways that Diabetes Can Affect the Foot.

An early change can be what is known as poly distal neuropathy. This is a reduction in sensation, which commonly starts at the extremities, so loss of sensation in the toes and feet is how it first presents. The changes can be gradual, and it is possible that these changes can go undetected by an individual.
Nerves also affect muscle function too, and another consequence may be a change in shape of the foot. It is common for diabetic's toes to retract. This presents another problem, where the retracted toes now make contact on their tips, which become areas of high pressure. High pressure areas increase the risk of ulceration, as pressure reduces the blood supply to the tissues.
Diabetics will be immuno-compromised at some level, and as such have a reduced ability to fight infections. This has obvious consequences if there is ever a break in the skin.

Foot Checking

Diabetics should check their feet on a daily basis. With reduced sensation, it is possible to stand on something sharp, and not realise it. If this wound is not noticed and covered it can become infected, and with a reduced ability to fight the infection can become a serious complication.
Checking for blisters, cuts, redness or swelling in the foot should be a daily routine for diabetics. Advice should be sought if any of these occur.

Protection

Footwear should always be worn, even around the house. As sensation may be reduced, protection from any sharp objects is best by wearing footwear. Footwear should of course have enough room, and not be the cause of blisters or hard skin. Retracted toes take up more room in a shoe, so a deep toe box is ideal.

Prevention

Podiatrists will provide routine foot checks for diabetics, offer advice, treat any complications such as ulcerations, and produce specialist insoles if needed. A podiatrist will check the blood supply to the foot, identify any areas of high pressure, any loss of sensation and establish the level of risk of any complications. Diabetics should visit a podiatrist for a check up at least once every 12 months.
Tony Gavin BSc. MChS. Podiatrist
Davenport House Clinic
http://www.dhclinic.co.uk

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Managing Diabetes

2008-12-01T18:15:00.001-05:00

Diabetes is one of the commonest diseases in our society today. Before, it used to be associated with the rich and affluent alone, but today, even those that are poor suffer diabetes. This however is not unconnected with the dietary culture of today. The danger with this disease is that it comes with so many symptoms of other diseases or sicknesses and the patient could be treating other things not knowing that the problem at hand is diabetes. It is mostly discovered accidentally when the patient goes for medical check up. That is why it is important that we go for routine medical check up at intervals, whether we are sick or not. However, there are some symptoms that are more associated with diabetes that we should always watch out for, and some of them include the following:

POLY PHAGIN: This refers to a situation where one is experiencing excessive hunger always, as is common with diabetics. A diabetic suffers lack of glucose which is very essential to the body cells and this is manifested as excessive hunger when the body reacts to the lack of this essential vitamin. The patient will be tempted to eat every time, but the issue is that the more he eats, the more the glucose content in the body goes up.

POLY UREA: This means excessive urination. This is the commonest sign of diabetes. This excessive urination is caused by the high level of sugar present in the urea. If you notice that you are having out excessive urine, taste your urine and if it tastes sugary, watch out because diabetes may be in place, though, this is not the only way to test diabetes.

POLY DIPSIA: There will be constant thirst for water because the patient will be passing out excessive fluids. The skin will be dry and the mouth will be dry always. The patient will always thirst for water.

LOSS OF WEIGHT: The body will be making use of the stored fat in the body because the cells are starved of glucose. When this continues for some time, the patient will begin to loose weight.

WEAKNESS AND TIREDNESS: There will be general weakness and tiredness of the body because the proteins in the body have been exhausted.

ITCHING: The patient will be experiencing persistent itching all over the body, especially around the genital parts. This is common with women. Constant itching in or around the vagina should not be ignored. It might be a sign of diabetes
Ikechukwu Eze is a pastor, motivator and inspirational speaker. He owns many successful websites among which is http://www.yourhealthandfitnessguide.com

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Natural Remedies to fight diabetes!

2008-12-01T14:33:00.002-05:00

You want to know how to cure diabetes. Millions of people want to know the answer to this question but only thousands search out the answer. And I commend you for taking time to learn how to cure diabetes naturally.

Unfortunately, researchers still have not let the public know that diabetes is curable. However, many natural health researchers and some doctors think otherwise. Let me explain!

Your body is very miraculous. Some scientists have even suggested, 'the more we learn about our bodies, the more we do not understand." But diabetic research is currently at an all time high. And many believe that a cure is just around the corner.

Researchers believe this because of our changing cells. Did you know that by the time you finish reading this sentence, you will have created 60,000 new cells in your body? Because your body is constantly changing both physically and cellularly, you have the ability to reshape and replace your old cells into new healthy cells. In other words, you can actually use your diet, lifestyle, herbs, supplements and even exercise to create a healthy body which slowly reverses diabetes and eventually cures it.

Here are some simple tips you can start today!

Reverse and Cure Diabetes with These Tips

1. Educate yourself about your diet. Your nutrition and diet is the most important thing you can do to start your treatment. Learning what foods flush your body is important. Learning what foods to avoid. You should even learn what foods are high in antioxidants and which foods are alkaline. For instance, fresh and raw fruits and vegetables are loaded with water soluble dietary fiber which will flush toxins, chemicals, sugar and other junk. Our website will lead you to tons of information about your diet.

2. Water is also extremely important. Both drinking water and using hydrotherapy is just as critical. You should be drinking at least 16 ounces of water for every 2 hours you are awake to flush your body and maintain blood sugar levels. You should also learn more about hot tub treatments and how it can benefit you in numerous ways.

3. Finding the right minerals is also very important to diabetics. For instance, most diabetics are deficient in potassium. You should immediately supplement potassium rich foods (like bananas) as well as a potassium supplement.

4. Herbal therapy has also been shown to be effective in research studies. For instance, garlic cloves have been shown to lower blood sugar naturally for extended period of time. Natural health experts recommend eating a clove of the herb daily.

5. Your lifestyle and attitude. It is surprising how much you have the ability to determine your health. Many studies have revealed a large correlation between happy people and sad people. Happy people are exceedingly lower numbers of health problems (including diabetes). With this said, you have the ability to change your future and cure your diabetes. Begin your cure with a positive attitude and a healthy lifestyle!

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