Diabetes - The Growing Obesity Epidemic

Diabetes - The Growing Obesity Epidemic

Turn on any TV news, or pick up any newspaper and you will see stories about America being obese and having an explosive increase in diabetes. And the sad thing is that it is true. The U.S. Surgeon General has said the number of overweight adults and children is 50% higher than it was only 10 years ago. It's truly becoming an epidemic.
It should come as no surprise to anyone that obesity also leads to other serious health problems. And one of the worst being diabetes. Due to the growing obesity problem in America, type 2 diabetes has simply exploded. While this use to be an adult onset issue it has now spread to our children. Sadly, over one third of all children born today will develop type 2 diabetes in their lifetime.
Why is this happening? What is going on here? Unfortunately, the answer is quite simple, it's our eating and exercise habits. Think about how many times you eat fast food every week? For some it's every day. If you're like the average person, you eat fast food 2-3 times a week at a minimum. Fast food is literally killing us. It's loaded with fats, calories, sodium, and sky high amounts of carbohydrates. This is exactly what diabetes thrives on. It's like fertilizer. If you have doubts, take a look at the content labels on fast food, if you can find them. You will be shocked!
Another problem that is creating more diabetics is the intake of soda. Everywhere you go, be it the gas station, store, fast food restaurant, etc., the sizes of sodas being sold are enormous. 10-20 years ago a large soda was considered to be 12-16oz. These days, that's a small drink at best. You're now seeing 48-64oz super big gulps, or hugos. The sugars and carbs that these sodas contain are off the charts, yet our children are drinking them up on a daily basis. The result? A dramatic increase in the number of children under 12 with diabetes. Thankfully, some of the school systems around the country are getting the message and banning soda and snack machines from schools.
The other big reason for the massive increase in type 2 diabetes is from our total lack of any form of exercise. Few people follow any kind of fitness routine, and it seems you hardly see people even go for walks in their own neighborhood. The remote control doesn't qualify as getting physical exercise. Get off the couch and at least begin walking. Exercise is proven to reduce diabetes, as well as so many other health issues. Even if you can only exercise 2-3 times a week for 30 minutes, do it. You will reap the benefits from it quickly.
Diabetes is a serious issue. Left alone it can cause blindness, stroke, kidney failure, heart disease, and death. We can't continue to eat triple whoppers, a pound of greasy fries, and wash it all down with a gallon size Coke. If you will educate yourself on diabetes, not only will you help improve your own health, but you may be able to help those closest to you as well. Together we can reduce the diabetes epidemic.
You can find out more about Diabetes as well as much more information on diabetes issues at http://www.diabetes.infofroma-z.com.

Diabetes - The Growing Obesity Epidemic

Diabetes and Society

Diabetes and Society

One of the things most people do not know is that there are several different types of diabetes, and that diabetes is a disease that will stay with you for the rest of your life, there is no cure from diabetes and that means that once a person is informed that he has diabetes this condition will follow him for the rest of his or her life.
Coming to terms with the fact that one has diabetes may be psychologically difficult sometimes, especially if the person has no experience with long and difficult diseases and illnesses. The mental strain and the difficulty of grasping the new situation might sometimes cause a state of confusion and anger, denial and expressions of mood swings. While this is all normal and understandable an adult behaving in such a way may be problematic to explain to young children or even friends and colleagues.
As in all other difficult situation that family and close friends can always be a source of great comfort and relief, and if you can find some people who also discovered in later stages of life that they had diabetes that will help too, the idea of companionship between patients of many diseases can help the patient realize that there are ways to deal with the news and that people have done that before him.
Dealing with the discovery of diabetes is not as crashing as other fatal diseases that we know about and hear about on a daily basis, but for a healthy individual this may come as a complete shock, and any person that is not well informed abbot diabetes to begin with may take this as a devastating realization. It is important to stress that diabetes is something that you can live with and that there is increasing awareness around the world about diabetes patient and their needs, as well as the medical attention that diabetics require.
The fact that there are three different kinds of diabetes should make it clear that everyone needs to know about diabetes since it is not an illness that is limited to young age only, diabetes can be discovered later in life and the risks associate with the lack of treatment for diabetes is high. The lack of knowledge about diabetes causes future patients to panic or be o relaxed about their condition, which is in both cases dangerous to their health.
To summarize what has been said in this article so far, the discovery of diabetes in a later stage of life can be a shock, the family and friends should try their best to support the diabetic and to help him or her to realize that this is a disease that requires daily attention and that is potentially dangerous if not treated properly, overall the level of awareness in the general public to the diabetes disease and to diabetics in general should be addressed and any individual should try his or her best to explain the dangers of the illness to others not only to increase the awareness but also to try and improve society treatment of diabetics.
Celia Nemart writes about family and medical issues on the internet, Celia is a dedicated to increasing awareness of Diabetes and pregnancy in young woman.


Diabetes and Society

Pregnancy and Diabetes

Pregnancy and Diabetes

There are two types of diabetes that need to be considered by women who are, or are planning to become, pregnant:
1. Diabetes that pre-exists a pregnancy.
and
2. Diabetes that developes during her pregnancy, which is commonly referred to as "gestational diabetes".
Diabetics – those with pre-existing diabetes or those who develop gestational diabetes – often deliver larger babies. This is a result of the additional sugar, being produced by the mother, being passed through the umbilical cord into the blood stream of the baby where insulin then converts it into fat.
Pre-existing Diabetes
As long as diabetes is properly controlled there is no reason why a woman with diabetes can not have an uncomplicated pregnancy. It is when the diabetes is not controlled that problems and complications occur. Complications can lead to problems with the pregnancy, including, miscarriage, premature delivery and stillbirth and can also lead to the women developing high blood pressure.
It is strongly advised that diabetic women begin taking folic acid both before and after conception so as to avoid the baby developing birth defects. Folic acid should be taken all women who are pregnant, and is often included with gestational vitamins prescribed by doctors.
Oral medications that are used to control type 2 diabetes are not approved for use during pregnancy so any woman who is using these drugs will need to switch to insulin before conceiving and during her pregnancy.
Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes is diabetes that develops during pregnancy. Changing hormones and weight gain makes it hard for the body to keep up with the need of insulin. In the past, it has been viewed as a disease that wasn't damaging and usually disappeared after the birth of the baby. However, now it is considered a warning sign for both the mother and the baby of metabolic changes that may affect them for life.
Why does gestational diabetes occur? The placenta produces a hormone that goes against the affect of insulin on blood sugar. Women who have a history of diabetes in the family are also more sensitive to this hormone. Mothers who have experienced gestational diabetes should research and be aware of what the symptoms of Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes are and be aware of the steps to take to avoid or delay this disease.
About 200,000 women develop gestational diabetes each year in the United States. The statistics are that five to ten percent of women will continue with Type 2 diabetes after the birth of the baby. Twenty to fifty percent may develop Type 2 diabetes later in life. Children of mothers with gestational diabetes are more at risk for obesity and developing diabetes as teens or adults.
Studies show that it is possible to reduce the risks by watching their diet. In fact, women who went on to control their weight, increase their exercise, and watch their diet and as a result had a 58 percent decrease in their risk for developing diabetes.
Women in the 26-28 weeks of pregnancy are routinely checked for blood glucose levels. If a woman does develop gestational diabetes and it is not treated or controlled it may lead to difficulties and problems including, delayed maturity level, stillbirth, and poor placenta function.
Women who are already overweight when becoming pregnant, or had gestational diabetes during a previous pregnancy, have a greater chance of developing gestational diabetes.
Other potential risk causes come from race, nationality, and cultural differences. Some of these causes could be related to economic differences and the difference in diets.
The women found to be at a higher risk are American Indians, Asian Americans, African-Americans, Pacific islanders, and Hispanics.
If you are pregnant your diet is important as is exercise, both for your health and the health of your baby.
Drinking plenty of water, with a diet high in fiber and low fats are necessary for a healthy diet. Refined sugar should be cut out if possible, if not, cut out as much as possible. Watch your fat intake also. Eat plenty of fresh vegetables and low fat proteins. Also don't forget to be taking a pre-natal vitamin.
If you are already exercising when you become pregnant, it is important you remain active within the limits of what your body and doctor allow. Low impact exercising, yoga, or water aerobics are choices for those women who are not on a regular exercise program.
Also those women who do develop gestational diabetes have a much greater chance of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
Mike Herman Is a Successful Webmaster and Publisher of 4HealthConcerns.com Find More Information Pregnant Women With Diabetes That You Can Research While Relaxing at Home in Your Pajamas.

Pregnancy and Diabetes

Diabetes Camps

Diabetes Camps

Diabetes Camps
Many Diabetic Kids feel isolated & lonely. Especially if they have very little interaction with other diabetics. Diabetes camp is an opportunity for them to meet other children just like themselves. Camp also teaches them valuable information about managing their disease. Many camps teach nutrition, how & when to test their blood properly, to give themselves injections or site changes. They also learn how food & excersize are linked with insulin. They learn independence in dealing with their disease. Some day your diabetic child will have to go into the big bad world by themselves. They will have to be able to take care of their own diabetes. Diabetes camp is a great way to give them the start they need to get ready for that time.
Besides it is just so much fun. I had a Diabetes Educator approach me about letting my daughter Ashley go to Diabetes Camp. This was about four years ago. I talked it over with Ashley & neither one of us were ready. I was not ready to leave her with strangers & trust them to manage her diabetes. Ashley did not feel comfortable being away from home for that amount of time. She knew she would be homesick. But, two years ago her attitude changed. She said she thought it would be fun to meet other kids like her. I had done some research on diabetes camps & was very impressed with what I was reading. I knew this would be a wonderful opportunity for her. So we decided the time had come for Ashley to take her first step of independence.
We sent a request to Gales Creek Diabetes Camp near Portland Oregon for more information. They sent us an applications with many forms that needed to be filled out. They needed personal & medical information on Ashley. There was a form for her doctor to fill out. They also had camperships available. This is like a scholorship. There are actually donors that contribute money to these camps to help people who can't afford to pay the $350 a week that it costs.
The camp is set up for Diabetic children. They have a wonderful staff. There is a doctor that is there at all times while camp is in session. There are also one or more Nutritionists & nurses. Many of the camp councelors are Diabetics. They go through specialized diabetes education training with doctor's & nurses. All councelors are over age 18 & many are former campers. They have set times for everyone to check their blood as well as councelors that do blood sugar tests in the middle of the night. All the food is healthy & carbs are counted.
They have activities set up to keep the kid's occupied at all times. They take hikes, play sports, swim every day, campfire activities, crafts, play games & all kinds of fun activities. Ashley loved it. She talked about her week at camp for months & couldn't wait until next year. She has now gone to two summers of camp. She talks about becoming a camp councelor.
I actually think Ashley would have done just fine at camp 4 years ago. I know that I am a very overprotective parent. I was one even before the diabetes but, after diagnosis I became so afraid to let her out of my site. But, they really do need that independence. It is so good for their self esteem & helps them to become self reliant. I definately would recomend Diabetes Camp for all Diabetic Children!!
To find a Diabetes camp in your area check out this page on my website http://elviradarknight.com/diabetes/diabetescamp.html
Many camps have a week long camp that is broke up into age groups. There are also some day camps available & family camps.
Devoting her last 8 years to Diabetes Education, Kimberly maintains her Diabetic Website at http://www.Elviradarknight.com and publishes the Living Life as a Diabetic Newsletter and also dispatches donated Diabetic supplies to needie individuals without Health Insurance. Kim would like to personally invite you to become informed on issues of Health, Nutrition & Diabetes.

Diabetes Camps

Bitter Melon (Karela) - Bitter Gourd for Diabetes Mellitus

Bitter Melon (Karela) - Bitter Gourd for Diabetes Mellitus

An herb know world wide for its well-known results in diabetes mellitus. Known as Momordia charantia in biological terms is an herb that is a boon to mankind. Due to its miraculous properties, it is regarded as one of the best herb existing on this planet. A wonder of nature is that, it is not only beneficial in diabetes mellitus but is also very beneficial in many other disorders that have been troubling mankind. Karela not only gives relief but also cures the patient.
This wonderful herb commonly grows everywhere in India. It is generally found in places, which are damb and wet. It is a creeper and it climbs on other trees for supports. Generally whole plat is used but some people in India also uses outer layer of the fruit. This exotic hear is ushan virya in potency, and possess laghu (light) and ruksh (dry) properties. It possesses tickt and katu rasa. Combination of these properties makes it the real natures wonder. Due to combination of these properties it makes Karela a magic stick by which many diseases can be eradicated. Karela’s chemical constituents are lectin, charatin and momordicine. It also contains a polypeptide named gurmarin, which is similar to insulin in composition. Well exact action is still unknown but it is well established that regular use of Karela has very good results in diseases like diabetes etc
Indications of Karela
A very peculiar quality of Karela is that, it suppresses kapha and pitta but due to ushan virya potency it also don’t let vata to increase.
· Widely used herb in treating diabetes mellitus as it has an action similar to insulin thus helping in glucose metabolism.
· Stimulates pancreas to work and secrete all the secretions properly.
· Helps in stimulating liver for proper secretions of bile juices.
· It helps in easier digestion of food as it promotes secretion of digestive enzymes.
· Helps in good assimilation of food.
· Works as an appetizer.
· Very useful in constipated stools and disease like hemorrhoids, fissures and fistulas.
· Help in destroying worms present in our gastro intestinal tract therefore works as deworming agent.
· Its property fades away the toxin named ama formed in the body due to non-recommended lifestyle and bad eating habits.
· It is a very good blood purifier as it contains tickt and katu rasa there fore helps in purifying blood and helps us from infection from microorganism and toxins that are created by there presence.
· Due to its actions it is very commonly used in skin diseases specially it finds it application in acne and black spots on face.
· It works as an anti-inflammatory agent thus helping in subduing any kind of oedema present on body.
· Good results have been seen in patients suffering from chronic cough as it has expectorant properties and helps in releasing the sputum accumulated in respiratory tract and lungs. Asthmatic patients are believed to have a very good relief if it is regularly taken.
· A very useful remedy in pyrexia of unknown origin.
· A highly recommended herb in patients suffering from obesity and metabolism related disorders.
· Works as a female tonic thereby helpful in menstrual disorders and female genital tract related problems.
· It also helps in secretion of milk during lactation phase after pregnancy.
· Due to anti bacterial properties its external application is very effective in healing wounds an injuries.
· It is supposed to stop excess blood flow from the wounded area.
· It is very helpful in external application on any kind of skin disease due to its anti microbial action.
· It’s highly used in applying on external pile mass with pain relieving and swelling decreasing properties.
Know more about Bitter Melon (Karela) Bitter Gourd for Diabetes Mellitus, Blood Sugar, Bitter Melon, Momordica charantia, Ayurvedic Medicine by visiting http://www.morphemeremedies.com

Bitter Melon (Karela) - Bitter Gourd for Diabetes Mellitus

Hypoglycemia - Know Diabetes to Control It

Hypoglycemia - Know Diabetes to Control It

Hypoglycemia is a common problem for diabetics. The most common sign of hypoglycemia is scarce blood sugar in the body. Actually, hypoglycemia causes the blood sugar to pass, out via urine. This is notwithstanding the fact that different persons suffering from this dysfunction may have different types of symptoms. Mentionably, hypoglycemia retraces its steps the moment the blood sugar level turns normal.
Sugar is a good slave but a very taxing master. Sugar is one of the main sources of energy or fuel for the body. Now, our body extracts sugar from the meals we have. Sugar can be carbohydrates which is a complex form of this stimulating source or just plain sugar. It is rather interesting to note that our body always keeps a buffer stock of sugar in the liver. This vital storehouse of sugar is called glycogen. This storage of sugar provides ready backup of sugar during exigencies when the body badly needs to look for sugar reinforcements. Mention may be made of some really trying times as too much of physical labor or during long periods of fasting. Further, the body releases the requisite additional quota of sugar via a complex biochemical procedure. This method is known as gluco-neo-genesis. Its simplest meaning is to produce new sugar. What is more, the process changes the glycogen into sugar.
So we see how important sugar is for our body. Hypoglycemia happens whenever the body fails to regulate or supply such emergency sugar reinforcements. These problems appear due to malfunctioning of our pancreas. During such times, the natural capacity of the body to produce insulin gets affected. Our body’s blood sugar level is automatically kept under control by insulin. This hormone secreted by the pancreas carries out the job by lowering the blood sugar level the moment it crosses the danger stage. In a normal human being, the pancreas is the sentinel ever on vigil against the attacks of excessive blood sugar. The method is akin to the radiator fan in your car which starts automatically whenever the engine gets heated up beyond the requisite level.
Hypoglycemia is intimately connected with the typical metabolic ailment known as Diabetes mellitus. The ailment, diabetes, can definitely be kept under control but cannot be cured by the modern-day medications. It is a medical state that is chronic. In simple words, diabetes or hypoglycemia remains a person’s lifetime mate.
Diabetics usually posses high levels of sugar in their blood stream. Incidentally in the good olden days, diabetes was initially identified with ‘sweet urine’ and too much loss of muscles. Such sweet urine is the result of hypoglycemia when the body produces glucose more than its requirement. What is more, the excess glucose gets circulated in the blood. Only when the pancreas is functioning normally can its insulin hormone control the high level of blood sugar. Patients suffering from diabetics (Types 1 and 2) complain of hypoglycemia. A person suffering from hypoglycemia generally encounters problems in controlling the blood sugar level. This again results because that person’s pancreas failed to either produce the sufficient quantity of insulin or totally failed to produce any insulin. The consequence is hyperglycemia.
There are many causes of hypoglycemia. Diabetics undergoing long periods of fasting can have hypoglycemia. This happens because their levels of insulin circulate fast. And, the fasting phase suddenly brings down this high circulating level. Moreover, certain drugs can also trigger off hypoglycemia. Even those persons who have inbuilt resistance to insulin may complain of hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia can be caused also by certain tumors which produce insulin. Such tumors are called insulinomas.
Nilutpal Gogoi is a writer and a freelance journalist having more than 18 years of service in several audio-visual and print media reputed organizations in North East India. He has published more than 1000 articles and a popular adventure book for children. For more information log on to http://www.mywellbeingcenter.com/, http://www.carehealthguide.com/

Hypoglycemia - Know Diabetes to Control It

Is There Any Relation between Impotence and Diabetes?

Is There Any Relation between Impotence and Diabetes?

There are many men who face the erectile dysfunction problem during their lives at the age of 45's, 50, 60's and older. According to research, it is found that men who have diabetes, impotence can reach earlier than normal duration. It is estimated that men with diabetes are more than 40 percent. The figure could be more. A diabetic is 2–5 times more likely to develop impotence than a man who does not have diabetes.
Impotence in diabetics is almost always organic in origin.
Impotence has many reasons and it can be caused by physical as well as psychological reasons. Such as;
1. Stress, anxiety and nervousness2. Problems in relationships3. Poor health4. Drinking too much alcohol5. Some medications 6. Some operations7. Low levels of the male hormone testosterone.
There could also be another reason such as nerve disease, sometimes nerve disease related to diabetes causes impotence. When nerves are damaged, as can happen with the condition, the flow of blood to the penis may be lessened and so an erection can't occur. Blood vessel damage can also cause impotence.
It may be that medications taken for diabetes, high blood pressure or for other conditions can be the cause. Drinking too much and smoking can also cause the problem.
Impotence is extremely common among diabetics.
Diabetes causes nerve damage and there is possibility of blindness, deafness, burning foot syndrome, loss of feeling, loss of muscle control, pain and tingling and impotence. The penis is the only gland in the body that has its blood supply shut off all the time. Muscles surrounding the penile artery constrict the artery to prevent blood from flowing to the penis. When a man is excited, his brain sends messages along nerves that cause the nerves to secrete a chemical called nitric oxide theat relaxes the muscles around the arteries to open blood flow to the penis and the balloons in the penis fill with blood and the man has an erection.
There are many treatment options for Erectile Dysfunction in men with diabetes. Viagra is one of the most convenient options, although it seems to many doctors to be less effective in men with diabetes.
If you have diabetic impotence, the best advice is to see an urologist who is experienced in treating impotence in men with diabetes. These physicians understand the relationship between diabetes and impotence and have up-to-date knowledge and experience in the latest treatments.
This article is the property of http://www.medical-store.info and this article is written only for educational and information purpose so that our reader can get more knowledge about impotence. For more information about viagra, please go through this page; http://www.medical-store.info/viagra-information.html we suggest you to feel free and send us your feedback at barbaraarticle@gmail.com

Is There Any Relation between Impotence and Diabetes?

Breastfeeding with Diabetes

Breastfeeding with Diabetes

If you are a diabetic and have a baby, there are certain things to keep in mind while you are breastfeeding. Firstly, studies have proven that breastfeeding a baby can help to prevent type 1 diabetes development. Babies who breastfeed until at least six months will be at a lower risk for type 1 diabetes. Doctors generally recommend that mothers breastfeed their children until nine to twelve months.
Doctors are unsure if the positive effects of nursing come from special nutrients in the colostrum (the special milk from mothers) or if it because babies who are breastfed often grow at a more regular pace than those who are fed from cow’s milk. Babies weaned on cow’s milk often experience growth spurts rather than the steady growth associated with mother’s milk. If you are a diabetic, consider breastfeeding to help lower your child’s chances of diabetes due to genetic predisposition.
Breastfeeding is not nly positive for the babies, but also for the mothers. Breastfeeding can help maternal weight loss, and it is particularly important for diabetic women to maintain a healthy weight. Some breastfeeding mothers find it easier for them to manage their diabetes because their glucose levels stay more constant and they have a remission of some symptoms while breastfeeding.
Just like during pregnancy, breastfeeding requires much blood sugar level monitoring from the mother. You will probably find that your need for insulin is lower than before your pregnancy. Insulin will not enter your baby’s body because it is too large to be carried on the breast milk. However, if you have type 2 diabetes and are taking diabetes medication, talk with your doctor to make sure that you are on a type of medication that will be healthiest for both you and for your baby.
Breastfeeding means that you have to be extra careful of your nutrition, so be sure to see your doctor or dietitian to create a meal plan that will work for you. It is important to eat regular snacks when you are breastfeeding because you want to keep your blood glucose levels constant. You will need to increase your caloric intake by about 500 calories a day to meet your baby’s nutritional needs. You can do this simply by drinking a glass of milk each time you breastfeed, which will keep you both hydrated and full of vitamins.
In order to maintain a balanced diet, experts suggest that mothers eat 20% of calories from protein, 40-60% from carbohydrates, and 30-40% from fruits and vegetables. Keeping up with all of these food groups will ensure that your body has the nutrients to provide for the baby.
As a breastfeeding mother, low blood sugar is an increased risk. However, by eating a healthy diet full of legumes, whole grains, other healthy foods, you will be able to keep low blood sugar at bay. Drinking lots of fluids is also an important part of having a healthy blood sugar level. Most importantly, monitor your blood glucose levels and record the results frequently. Having a newborn baby around will mean that you are very busy, but it is also the time when it is most important to take care of yourself so that you will be able to care for your baby.
When the baby is born, often it is a good idea to immediately allow the baby to breastfeed, which will prevent low blood sugar. Some hospitals will try to take babies away for observation. You can ask politely, and firmly insist that you baby stays with you for the first feeding and for some initial bonding time. If you are hospitalized after the baby is born, ask to bring your baby with you so that you will still be able to breastfeed. Diabetic mothers are not often hospitalized, but since breastfeeding is even more important for diabetic mothers, it is important to keep this in mind.
Some diabetic mothers may find that their milk comes in late, between two days to two weeks. In the meantime, use a breastpump and speak to your doctor to establish the best solution for you and your baby. Even babies who are too weak to breastfeed can be fed breastmilk that has been pumped.
Breastfeeding is a bonding experience for mothers and babies. Diabetics can breastfeed and gain even more benefits than the emotional closeness, such as lowered diabetes risk for the baby, and improved diabetes control for the mother.
Vivian Brennan is an expert on diabetes. She has lived with and managed her diabetes. Vivian is a diabetic, but first and foremost, a mother.
You can learn more about parenting and diabetes (for diabetic parents or diabetic children) at http://www.theguideto-diabetes.com/gestational_diabetes

Breastfeeding with Diabetes