DIABETES Key facts * More than 220 million people worldwide have diabetes. * In 2005, an estimated 1.1 million people died from diabetes.1 * Almost 80% of diabetes deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries. * Almost half of diabetes deaths occur in people under the age of 70 years; 55% of diabetes deaths are in women. * WHO projects that diabetes deaths will double between 2005 and 2030. * Healthy diet, regular physical activity, maintaining a normal body weight and avoiding tobacco use can prevent or delay the onset of diabetes.
What is diabetes? Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs either when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood sugar. Hyperglycaemia, or raised blood sugar, is a common effect of uncontrolled diabetes and over time leads to serious damage to many of the body's systems, especially the nerves and blood vessels. *
Type 1 diabetes (previously known as insulin-dependent, juvenile or childhood-onset) is characterized by deficient insulin production and requires daily administration of insulin. o Symptoms include excessive excretion of urine (polyuria), thirst (polydipsia), constant hunger, weight loss, vision changes and fatigue. These symptoms may occur suddenly. * Type 2 diabetes (formerly called non-insulin-dependent or adult-onset) results from the body's ineffective use of insulin.
Type 2 diabetes comprises 90% of people with diabetes around the world, and is largely the result of excess body weight and physical inactivity. o Symptoms may be similar to those of Type 1 diabetes, but are often less marked. As a result, the disease may be diagnosed several years after onset, once complications have already arisen. o Until recently, this type of diabetes was seen only in adults but it is now also occurring in children. * Gestational diabetes is hyperglycaemia with onset or first recognition during pregnancy. o Symptoms of gestational diabetes are similar to Type 2 diabetes.
Gestational diabetes is most often diagnosed through prenatal screening, rather than reported symptoms. Impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and impaired fasting glycaemia (IFG) are intermediate conditions in the transition between normality and diabetes. People with IGT or IFG are at high risk of progressing to type 2 diabetes, although this is not inevitable. What are common consequences of diabetes? Over time, diabetes can damage the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, and nerves. * Diabetes increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. 50% of people with diabetes die of cardiovascular disease (primarily heart disease and stroke). * Combined with reduced blood flow, neuropathy in the feet increases the chance of foot ulcers and eventual limb amputation. * Diabetic retinopathy is an important cause of blindness, and occurs as a result of long-term accumulated damage to the small blood vessels in the retina. After 15 years of diabetes, approximately 2% of people become blind, and about 10% develop severe visual impairment. * Diabetes is among the leading causes of kidney failure. 10-20% of people with diabetes die of kidney failure. * Diabetic neuropathy is damage to the nerves as a result of diabetes, and affects up to 50% of people with diabetes. Although many different problems can occur as a result of diabetic neuropathy, common symptoms are tingling, pain, numbness, or weakness in the feet and hands. * The overall risk of dying among people with diabetes is at least double the risk of their peers without diabetes.
What is the economic impact of diabetes? Diabetes and its complications have a significant economic impact on individuals, families, health systems and countries. For example, WHO estimates that in the period 2006-2015, China will lose $558 billion in foregone national income due to heart disease, stroke and diabetes alone. How can the burden of diabetes be reduced? Prevention Simple lifestyle measures have been shown to be effective in preventing or delaying the onset of type 2 diabetes. To help prevent type 2 diabetes and its complications, people should: * achieve and maintain healthy body weight; * be physically active – at least 30 minutes of regular, moderate-intensity activity on most days. More activity is required for weight control; * eat a healthy diet of between three and five servings of fruit and vegetables a day and reduce sugar and saturated fats intake; * avoid tobacco use – smoking increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Diagnosis and treatment Early diagnosis can be accomplished through relatively inexpensive blood testing. Treatment of diabetes involves lowering blood glucose and the levels of other known risk factors that damage blood vessels. Tobacco cessation is also important to avoid complications. Interventions that are both cost saving and feasible in developing countries include: * moderate blood glucose control. People with type 1 diabetes require insulin; people with type 2 diabetes can be treated with oral medication, but may also require insulin; * blood pressure control; * foot care.
Other cost saving interventions include: * screening for retinopathy (which causes blindness); * blood lipid control (to regulate cholesterol levels); * screening for early signs of diabetes-related kidney disease. These measures should be supported by a healthy diet, regular physical activity, maintaining a normal body weight and avoiding tobacco use. WHO activities to prevent and control diabetes WHO aims to stimulate and support the adoption of effective measures for the surveillance, prevention and control of diabetes and its complications, particularly in low and middle-income countries.
To this end, WHO: * provides scientific guidelines for diabetes prevention; * develops norms and standards for diabetes care; * builds awareness on the global epidemic of diabetes; including partnership with the International Diabetes Federation in the celebration of World Diabetes Day (14 November); * conducts surveillance of diabetes and its risk factors. The WHO Global Strategy on Diet, Physical Activity and Health complements WHO's diabetes work by focusing on population-wide approaches to promote healthy diet and regular physical activity, thereby reducing the growing global problem of overweight and obesity. 1 The actual number is likely to be much larger, because although people may live for years with diabetes, their cause of death is often recorded as heart disease or kidney failure.
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Diabetes - Tips for a summer of Healthy Cookouts
Low fat dessertsLow fat desserts If you have type 2 diabetes it will mean that there are some restrictions on your diet. This does not mean though, that you still can't enjoy socializing with food. Now that the summer is here you might be considering a cookout. There is no reason why you can't enjoy your foods for diabetics in the great outdoors just like everyone else. It is important though, to stick to food that is not only healthy, but also that won't put blood sugar levels at an unacceptably high level.
Nearly everyone knows about the dietary risks of summertime cookouts; the menu tends to be loaded with items that are high in fat, high in calories, and full of grease. # However, there are healthy diabetic meals alternatives that you can include in your next cookout to ensure that your menu stays tasty, but won't ruin your dietary goals. Here are some healthy food choices to add to your next cookout:
Grill Veggies
Cut veggies, such as peppers and onions, to roughly the diameter of a silver dollar. Dust them with a light layer of extra virgin olive oil and season to taste.
Wrap the veggies tinfoil and throw the package on a grill. Cook the veggies alongside your hotdogs and hamburgers for about 20 minutes, or until the veggies are tender and hot.
Mayo-free Potato Salad
Not all potato salads require mayonnaise. In fact, without the mayo, potato salads can be quite healthy and incorporate not only a healthy dose of carbohydrates, but also onions, celery, oils, and dairy. Check online for mayo-free potato salad recipes that suit your taste buds.
Full-Fruit Popsicles or Ices
Instead of offering ice cream or another high fat, high sugar dessert, plan diabetic dessert ahead and make your own full-fruit popsicles or ices. Simply freeze any flavor of 100% fruit juice in an appropriately sized and shaped container, add small fruit chunks, and serve. You can find Popsicle trays in just about any grocery store. Always prefer to use sugar free candies and deserts in summer.
Limit the Alcohol
Most people enjoy having a summertime beverage, such as a margarita, daiquiri, or even a simple beer during a cookout. However, many fancy drinks are loaded with sugar that is not healthy for Diabetics. While a splurge may not hurt every now and then (as long as you monitor your blood sugar level), it is always a good idea to have low-sugar alternatives or sugar free desserts. One of the best low-sugar alcohol beverages is rum and diet coke.
The Right Melons
Watermelons are classic cookout favorites. However, watermelons are notorious for having loads of sugar and calories in them. In fact, one slice can pack as much as 80 calories. Instead of serving watermelon wedges at your next cookout, opt instead for honeydew or cantaloupe. You'll still enjoy a flavorful slice, but you'll only get about half the calories and sugar.
Typefreediabetes offers a full line of diabetic testing supplies, including; heart rate monitor watch, diabetic socks for men, delivered prepared meals, durable diabetes medical equipment, body fat monitor and facts about diabetes.Typefreediabetes offers quality products at discounted prices on a wide selection of quality name brand equipment and supplies.
Nearly everyone knows about the dietary risks of summertime cookouts; the menu tends to be loaded with items that are high in fat, high in calories, and full of grease. # However, there are healthy diabetic meals alternatives that you can include in your next cookout to ensure that your menu stays tasty, but won't ruin your dietary goals. Here are some healthy food choices to add to your next cookout:
Grill Veggies
Cut veggies, such as peppers and onions, to roughly the diameter of a silver dollar. Dust them with a light layer of extra virgin olive oil and season to taste.
Wrap the veggies tinfoil and throw the package on a grill. Cook the veggies alongside your hotdogs and hamburgers for about 20 minutes, or until the veggies are tender and hot.
Mayo-free Potato Salad
Not all potato salads require mayonnaise. In fact, without the mayo, potato salads can be quite healthy and incorporate not only a healthy dose of carbohydrates, but also onions, celery, oils, and dairy. Check online for mayo-free potato salad recipes that suit your taste buds.
Full-Fruit Popsicles or Ices
Instead of offering ice cream or another high fat, high sugar dessert, plan diabetic dessert ahead and make your own full-fruit popsicles or ices. Simply freeze any flavor of 100% fruit juice in an appropriately sized and shaped container, add small fruit chunks, and serve. You can find Popsicle trays in just about any grocery store. Always prefer to use sugar free candies and deserts in summer.
Limit the Alcohol
Most people enjoy having a summertime beverage, such as a margarita, daiquiri, or even a simple beer during a cookout. However, many fancy drinks are loaded with sugar that is not healthy for Diabetics. While a splurge may not hurt every now and then (as long as you monitor your blood sugar level), it is always a good idea to have low-sugar alternatives or sugar free desserts. One of the best low-sugar alcohol beverages is rum and diet coke.
The Right Melons
Watermelons are classic cookout favorites. However, watermelons are notorious for having loads of sugar and calories in them. In fact, one slice can pack as much as 80 calories. Instead of serving watermelon wedges at your next cookout, opt instead for honeydew or cantaloupe. You'll still enjoy a flavorful slice, but you'll only get about half the calories and sugar.
Typefreediabetes offers a full line of diabetic testing supplies, including; heart rate monitor watch, diabetic socks for men, delivered prepared meals, durable diabetes medical equipment, body fat monitor and facts about diabetes.Typefreediabetes offers quality products at discounted prices on a wide selection of quality name brand equipment and supplies.
Monday, May 23, 2011
Walk to Control Diabetes
What can you do to reduce your weight and increase your health if you already have Type 2 Diabetes? You can walk it off.
Walking is an excellent way for people with diabetes to get a cardiovascular workout no matter what shape you are in. When you walk, you will not only improve blood circulation throughout your body, but you will also burn those fat-producing calories. As you know, less fat is healthier for your heart and metabolism and will help you maintain control of your Diabetes. Always check your fat or claries through omron pocket pedometer and body fat analyzer
Type 2 diabetes is a serious condition and if not diagnosed early and managed effectively, it can lead to complications including heart disease, stroke, blindness and amputation.
Plus, you can walk anywhere! If it's raining, head to a mall or a gym. If you're taking a lunch break from work, walk by wearing diabetics shoes around your office campus or lace up your sneakers and walk to lunch rather than drive. Walking is a natural behavior that will not stress your body unless you want it to in order to burn more calories.
Here are some tips and facts about walking that will get you motivated and moving: Get some diabetic shoes and Get Walking!
100 calories per mile
On average, you will burn about 100 calories for every mile you walk, Diabetic Men's & Women's Athletic Shoes and seamless diabetic socks no matter what your pace. Keep in mind that if you walk quickly, you will burn more calories in a shorter amount of time, whereas if you walk slowly, it will take longer to burn the calories, but it will also take longer to complete a mile. Always use to check blood glucose through blood glucose monitors.
3500 calories per pound of fat
Yup – each pound of fat has about 3500 calories in. For a visual motivator, put four sticks of butter in a plastic Ziploc bag and let them melt to room temperature through Panasonic Blood Pressure Monitor. That's about what a pound of fat looks like. Now imagine that fat distributed throughout your organs, muscles, and flesh. Pretty gross, huh? That'll get you moving!
Head for the hills
Walking up an incline can turn your aerobic walking into anaerobic exercise pretty quickly. Keep in mind that aerobic exercise and diabetic diet foods burns fat while anaerobic exercise burns calories. Combining both exercises into one workout will boost your metabolism while also giving your body the kick it needs to burn calories and build muscle throughout the day.
30 Minutes a day
You can see real results with just 30 minutes walk by wearing diabetes shoes in a day. But be patient. In those thirty minutes, you can burn about 200 calories, if you walk at a pace of 15 minutes a mile. 200 calories is roughly the amount of calories in that banana and glass of orange juice you had for breakfast! Or that sugar free cookies you snuck in at lunch. Exercise and walking have also been shown to reduce the risks of developing Type II diabetes. Whether you have diabetes or not, it is never too soon or too late to begin a walking or exercise program.
Typefreediabetes offers a full line of diabetic supplies, including; incontinence supplies, women's diabetic socks, supplements for diabetes, durable diabetes medical equipment, Digital Blood Pressure Monitor and many other home health care products and supplies. Typefreediabetes offers quality products at discounted prices on a wide selection of quality name brand equipment and supplies.
Walking is an excellent way for people with diabetes to get a cardiovascular workout no matter what shape you are in. When you walk, you will not only improve blood circulation throughout your body, but you will also burn those fat-producing calories. As you know, less fat is healthier for your heart and metabolism and will help you maintain control of your Diabetes. Always check your fat or claries through omron pocket pedometer and body fat analyzer
Type 2 diabetes is a serious condition and if not diagnosed early and managed effectively, it can lead to complications including heart disease, stroke, blindness and amputation.
Plus, you can walk anywhere! If it's raining, head to a mall or a gym. If you're taking a lunch break from work, walk by wearing diabetics shoes around your office campus or lace up your sneakers and walk to lunch rather than drive. Walking is a natural behavior that will not stress your body unless you want it to in order to burn more calories.
Here are some tips and facts about walking that will get you motivated and moving: Get some diabetic shoes and Get Walking!
100 calories per mile
On average, you will burn about 100 calories for every mile you walk, Diabetic Men's & Women's Athletic Shoes and seamless diabetic socks no matter what your pace. Keep in mind that if you walk quickly, you will burn more calories in a shorter amount of time, whereas if you walk slowly, it will take longer to burn the calories, but it will also take longer to complete a mile. Always use to check blood glucose through blood glucose monitors.
3500 calories per pound of fat
Yup – each pound of fat has about 3500 calories in. For a visual motivator, put four sticks of butter in a plastic Ziploc bag and let them melt to room temperature through Panasonic Blood Pressure Monitor. That's about what a pound of fat looks like. Now imagine that fat distributed throughout your organs, muscles, and flesh. Pretty gross, huh? That'll get you moving!
Head for the hills
Walking up an incline can turn your aerobic walking into anaerobic exercise pretty quickly. Keep in mind that aerobic exercise and diabetic diet foods burns fat while anaerobic exercise burns calories. Combining both exercises into one workout will boost your metabolism while also giving your body the kick it needs to burn calories and build muscle throughout the day.
30 Minutes a day
You can see real results with just 30 minutes walk by wearing diabetes shoes in a day. But be patient. In those thirty minutes, you can burn about 200 calories, if you walk at a pace of 15 minutes a mile. 200 calories is roughly the amount of calories in that banana and glass of orange juice you had for breakfast! Or that sugar free cookies you snuck in at lunch. Exercise and walking have also been shown to reduce the risks of developing Type II diabetes. Whether you have diabetes or not, it is never too soon or too late to begin a walking or exercise program.
Typefreediabetes offers a full line of diabetic supplies, including; incontinence supplies, women's diabetic socks, supplements for diabetes, durable diabetes medical equipment, Digital Blood Pressure Monitor and many other home health care products and supplies. Typefreediabetes offers quality products at discounted prices on a wide selection of quality name brand equipment and supplies.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Type 2 Diabetes and Body Fat
Body fat weight scaleBody fat weight scale As we learn more about diabetes disease and body fat, it is clear that we each have a healthy body fat percentage we must now aim for, not just a healthy weight. Our body fat percentage is now a more important metric. Overweight and obesity are both labels for ranges of weight that are greater than what is generally considered healthy for a given height. The terms also identify ranges of weight that have been shown to increase the likelihood of certain diseases and other health problems.
Definitions for Adults
For adults, overweight and obesity ranges are determined by using weight and height to calculate a number called the body mass index (BMI). BMI or body mass index is used because, for most people, it correlates with what would be their healthy body fat percentage.
An adult who has a BMI between 25 and 29.9 is considered overweight.
An adult who has a BMI of 30 or higher is considered obese.
Calculate your personal BMI.
The Relationship between Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes
Research strongly indicates that Type 2 Diabetes is very closely linked to obesity. In fact, as many as 97% of people with Type 2 diabetes have the disease as a result of obesity. Approximately 61% of the U.S. adult population can be categorized as overweight (that is about 97 million adults). This number has increased by 50% in the last two decades.
Learn more about your Healthy Body Fat Percentage.
There is very strong evidence that losing weight (as little as 5-10% of your bodyweight) can delay the onset of Type 2 diabetes. Losing weight helps to reduce blood glucose levels in many patients that have Pre-diabetes and Type 2 diabetes. Additionally, losing weight reduces the amount of fatty tissue in the body, which reduces the level of stress on the heart and other organs.
Childhood Obesity
In order for obesity to lead to diabetes, a person does not necessarily have to be obese at the time of the diabetes diagnosis. In fact, childhood obesity has a very strong correlation to Type 2 diabetes. According to the Medical College of Wisconsin, as many as 25% of U.S. children are obese (not just overweight.)
Weight status category Percentile range
Underweight - Less than the 5th percentile
Healthy weight - 5th percentile to less than the 85th percentile
At risk of overweight - 85th to less than the 95th percentile
Overweight - Equal to or greater than the 95th percentile
Calculate the BMI for your child or teenager.
Keep in mind that once the body creates fat cells, the cells are not destroyed. Instead, the fat cells always remain in the body, just in different sizes. Therefore, parents need to be very careful about monitoring their weight and amount of body fat in their children in order to help them avoid getting Type 2 Diabetes. Always use to prefer body fat weight scale.
Possible Solutions
Obesity can and should be controlled (or eliminated) whenever possible. Your doctor may prescribe medications to help you try to lose weight. However, good nutrition and exercise are the best remedies to creating and sustaining a healthier lifestyle. Use our interactive modules to learn more about Sugars and Starches, How Your Digestive System Works and Diabetes.
Typefreediabetes offers a full line of diabetes medical supplies, including; heart rate monitor watch, blood sugar supplements, durable diabetes medical equipment, and digital blood pressure monitor and facts about diabetes.Typefreediabetes offers quality products at discounted prices on a wide selection of quality name brand equipment and supplies.
Consult your physician before beginning any diet or weight loss plan in order to ensure that it is right for you.
Definitions for Adults
For adults, overweight and obesity ranges are determined by using weight and height to calculate a number called the body mass index (BMI). BMI or body mass index is used because, for most people, it correlates with what would be their healthy body fat percentage.
An adult who has a BMI between 25 and 29.9 is considered overweight.
An adult who has a BMI of 30 or higher is considered obese.
Calculate your personal BMI.
The Relationship between Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes
Research strongly indicates that Type 2 Diabetes is very closely linked to obesity. In fact, as many as 97% of people with Type 2 diabetes have the disease as a result of obesity. Approximately 61% of the U.S. adult population can be categorized as overweight (that is about 97 million adults). This number has increased by 50% in the last two decades.
Learn more about your Healthy Body Fat Percentage.
There is very strong evidence that losing weight (as little as 5-10% of your bodyweight) can delay the onset of Type 2 diabetes. Losing weight helps to reduce blood glucose levels in many patients that have Pre-diabetes and Type 2 diabetes. Additionally, losing weight reduces the amount of fatty tissue in the body, which reduces the level of stress on the heart and other organs.
Childhood Obesity
In order for obesity to lead to diabetes, a person does not necessarily have to be obese at the time of the diabetes diagnosis. In fact, childhood obesity has a very strong correlation to Type 2 diabetes. According to the Medical College of Wisconsin, as many as 25% of U.S. children are obese (not just overweight.)
Weight status category Percentile range
Underweight - Less than the 5th percentile
Healthy weight - 5th percentile to less than the 85th percentile
At risk of overweight - 85th to less than the 95th percentile
Overweight - Equal to or greater than the 95th percentile
Calculate the BMI for your child or teenager.
Keep in mind that once the body creates fat cells, the cells are not destroyed. Instead, the fat cells always remain in the body, just in different sizes. Therefore, parents need to be very careful about monitoring their weight and amount of body fat in their children in order to help them avoid getting Type 2 Diabetes. Always use to prefer body fat weight scale.
Possible Solutions
Obesity can and should be controlled (or eliminated) whenever possible. Your doctor may prescribe medications to help you try to lose weight. However, good nutrition and exercise are the best remedies to creating and sustaining a healthier lifestyle. Use our interactive modules to learn more about Sugars and Starches, How Your Digestive System Works and Diabetes.
Typefreediabetes offers a full line of diabetes medical supplies, including; heart rate monitor watch, blood sugar supplements, durable diabetes medical equipment, and digital blood pressure monitor and facts about diabetes.Typefreediabetes offers quality products at discounted prices on a wide selection of quality name brand equipment and supplies.
Consult your physician before beginning any diet or weight loss plan in order to ensure that it is right for you.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Diabetic Products Information
Diabetic lifestyle management is considered very necessary for maintaining a healthy diabetic life. It keeps your blood sugar level within your target range to help you live a long and healthy life with diabetes. With the proliferation of low sugar foods in the market, it has become easy to control your diabetes when you choose these low sugar items. When you are looking for food gift for diabetics among your friends and family, you should always consider those with low-carbohydrates cooking ingredients. You can present gift baskets for diabetics filled with goodies to your diabetic friends that are not harmful for their restricted diet.
You can always include sugar-free chocolate cookies, chocolate chips and brownies, cake bites and chocolate candies in your sugar free gift baskets. You can also add organic tea like green tea, vegetable soups and sugar free pound cake in your diabetic gift baskets. These low sugar foods help in lessening blood sugar levels to a greater extent.
You need to adopt a special diet to prevent diabetes once you are diagnosed as high risk or with this pre-diabetes. In addition, exercising plays an important role in dealing with the diabetes. It helps you to reduce blood sugar levels, maintain your proper weight and aids in blood circulation. Regular checkup by your physician is also very important as it gives you complete information whether you have risk factors for diabetes or if you are pre-diabetic.
Diabetes and foot pain are closely related, as foot pain is a common diabetic symptom. Foot pain can also be considered as a warning sign of diabetes. If you are suffering from diabetes, then preventing the ulceration of the feet due to excessive rubbing of the shoes becomes your primary concern. It is very important that people who suffer from diabetes should wear a certain type of shoe known as diabetic shoes for proper foot care. For example, diabetic shoes for men are designed in such a way so as to help the patient get an elevated level of comfort in their feet and help blood flow in their feet.
These are some of the best tips for maintaining a proper lifestyle for a healthy diabetic life. It is also suggested that you visit a good physician on a regular basis for a proper check up to monitor your blood sugar level. You can easily manage a balanced diabetic lifestyle with TypeFreeDiabetes.com where you can have complete information on how to control blood sugar, learn about personalizing a diet to prevent diabetes, lower your body fat, reduce your diabetes medications and reverse diabetes complications. This way you can improve your health and live a better and healthier life.
You should consume diabetes specific food available in the market that can help you in reducing the impact of diabetes by helping to regulate your blood sugar. You are also advised to have a carbohydrates free diet to prevent diabetes in the future. A healthy eating plan, exercise and medication on the regular basis can help a diabetic person live a healthy, happy and fit lifestyle.
You can always include sugar-free chocolate cookies, chocolate chips and brownies, cake bites and chocolate candies in your sugar free gift baskets. You can also add organic tea like green tea, vegetable soups and sugar free pound cake in your diabetic gift baskets. These low sugar foods help in lessening blood sugar levels to a greater extent.
You need to adopt a special diet to prevent diabetes once you are diagnosed as high risk or with this pre-diabetes. In addition, exercising plays an important role in dealing with the diabetes. It helps you to reduce blood sugar levels, maintain your proper weight and aids in blood circulation. Regular checkup by your physician is also very important as it gives you complete information whether you have risk factors for diabetes or if you are pre-diabetic.
Diabetes and foot pain are closely related, as foot pain is a common diabetic symptom. Foot pain can also be considered as a warning sign of diabetes. If you are suffering from diabetes, then preventing the ulceration of the feet due to excessive rubbing of the shoes becomes your primary concern. It is very important that people who suffer from diabetes should wear a certain type of shoe known as diabetic shoes for proper foot care. For example, diabetic shoes for men are designed in such a way so as to help the patient get an elevated level of comfort in their feet and help blood flow in their feet.
These are some of the best tips for maintaining a proper lifestyle for a healthy diabetic life. It is also suggested that you visit a good physician on a regular basis for a proper check up to monitor your blood sugar level. You can easily manage a balanced diabetic lifestyle with TypeFreeDiabetes.com where you can have complete information on how to control blood sugar, learn about personalizing a diet to prevent diabetes, lower your body fat, reduce your diabetes medications and reverse diabetes complications. This way you can improve your health and live a better and healthier life.
You should consume diabetes specific food available in the market that can help you in reducing the impact of diabetes by helping to regulate your blood sugar. You are also advised to have a carbohydrates free diet to prevent diabetes in the future. A healthy eating plan, exercise and medication on the regular basis can help a diabetic person live a healthy, happy and fit lifestyle.
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus and Symptoms of Diabetes Insipidus
Diabetes Insipidus is a rare condition that occurs when the kidneys cannot conserve water as they filter toxins from the blood. As such, people with Diabetes Insipidus generally have a constant urge to urinate and frequently feel thirsty. This is not glucose-based Diabetes mellitus.
The Hypothalamus
In a normal body, a hormone called ADH (antidiuretic hormone) controls the amount of water that the kidneys release. ADH, also called vasopressin (VAS-oh-pres-in), is a hormone that is produced in the hypothalamus (HY-puh-thal-uh-muss) region of the brain. The pituitary (pee-TOO-ee-ter-ee) gland, which is located at the base of the brain, releases the ADH hormone in order to control the release of urine.
However, when a person has Diabetes Insipidus (in-Sip-i-duh s), he or she does not have ADH (called central Diabetes Insipidus) or has kidneys that do not respond to ADH (called nephrogenic (NE-froj-e-nik) Diabetes Insipidus (in-SIP-i-duss)). As such, a patient will urinate frequently. The frequent loss of water causes the patient to be constantly thirsty.
Symptoms: Excessive urination and Extreme thirst
Diabetes Insipidus Causes
Central Diabetes Insipidus is almost always caused by damage to the brain in the pituitary gland or hypothalamus region, though birth defects can also cause the condition. The damage usually is the result of surgery, infection, abnormal growths, or head injuries. To reduce the cause by damage patient should take proper snacks for diabetics
Nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus is often caused by medications that make it impossible for the kidneys to reabsorb water back into the bloodstream. The condition may also be inherited from the maternal side.
Diabetes Insipidus Complications
- Dry skin
- Dry mucous membranes
- Sunken eyes
- Fever
- Rapid heart rate
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue
- Electrolyte imbalance
- Headaches
- Irritability
- Muscle pain
Diabetes Insipidus Treatment
Central Diabetes Insipidus is generally treated through medications and diabetic personal aid products. Vasopressin, which is administered through a nasal spray or tablets, is the most common medication used to treat Diabetes Insipidus.
Nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus may be caused by medications. Once the medications are stopped, the condition may go away. If not, then a person with Nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus may have to drink fluids to counteract those fluids that the body expels. Additionally, patients with Nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus may take medications and glucose control solution to reduce the need to urinate.
The Hypothalamus
In a normal body, a hormone called ADH (antidiuretic hormone) controls the amount of water that the kidneys release. ADH, also called vasopressin (VAS-oh-pres-in), is a hormone that is produced in the hypothalamus (HY-puh-thal-uh-muss) region of the brain. The pituitary (pee-TOO-ee-ter-ee) gland, which is located at the base of the brain, releases the ADH hormone in order to control the release of urine.
However, when a person has Diabetes Insipidus (in-Sip-i-duh s), he or she does not have ADH (called central Diabetes Insipidus) or has kidneys that do not respond to ADH (called nephrogenic (NE-froj-e-nik) Diabetes Insipidus (in-SIP-i-duss)). As such, a patient will urinate frequently. The frequent loss of water causes the patient to be constantly thirsty.
Symptoms: Excessive urination and Extreme thirst
Diabetes Insipidus Causes
Central Diabetes Insipidus is almost always caused by damage to the brain in the pituitary gland or hypothalamus region, though birth defects can also cause the condition. The damage usually is the result of surgery, infection, abnormal growths, or head injuries. To reduce the cause by damage patient should take proper snacks for diabetics
Nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus is often caused by medications that make it impossible for the kidneys to reabsorb water back into the bloodstream. The condition may also be inherited from the maternal side.
Diabetes Insipidus Complications
- Dry skin
- Dry mucous membranes
- Sunken eyes
- Fever
- Rapid heart rate
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue
- Electrolyte imbalance
- Headaches
- Irritability
- Muscle pain
Diabetes Insipidus Treatment
Central Diabetes Insipidus is generally treated through medications and diabetic personal aid products. Vasopressin, which is administered through a nasal spray or tablets, is the most common medication used to treat Diabetes Insipidus.
Nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus may be caused by medications. Once the medications are stopped, the condition may go away. If not, then a person with Nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus may have to drink fluids to counteract those fluids that the body expels. Additionally, patients with Nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus may take medications and glucose control solution to reduce the need to urinate.
Monday, May 9, 2011
What You Need to Know About Diabetic Shoes
What Makes a Diabetes Shoe Different?
Diabetic footwear tends to provide more room for the foot and for orthotic inserts than a normal shoe. Diabetes shoes tend to be wider and deeper than most other shoes and can be fitted with comfortable insoles.
In most cases, diabetics will have shoes custom made in order to ensure that the shoe distributes weight properly and fits the foot perfectly. Having a custom-made shoe can prevent rubbing, chafing, and loss of circulation to the foot that a person with diabetes may not notice because of the loss of sensation in the foot.
In addition to being specialty-crafted for the diabetic individual, diabetes shoes and diabetic sandals also tend to be manufactured with breathable fibers, such as fabric or netting, so that the foot has healthy air circulation. Good air circulation allows the skin to breathe, which helps to prevent pressure ulcers and increases blood circulation.
How to Find a Good Pair of Diabetes Shoes
• Look for fabrics that "breathe," such as canvas or even sandals. Breathable fibers will prevent your foot from sweating, swelling, and chafing.
• The shoes should be deep enough to accommodate an orthotic insert and wide enough to prevent pinching.
• Avoid shoes that have interior seams, which may rub against the skin and cause chafing.
• The toe box in the front of the shoe needs to be roomy enough so that you can wiggle your toes.
• Elastic in the shoes may also help to prevent the shoe from sliding around on the foot while holding it comfortably in place.
People with diabetes are more prone to foot pain due to an increased risk of damage to nerves and blood vessels. You can help prevent these problems with the following tips:
• Wash your feet in warm water with mild soap every day, but don't soak them. Dry them well, especially between your toes.
• Check your feet every day for cuts, sores, blisters, redness, calluses, or any other problem. Call your doctor if healing doesn't start after one day.
• If your skin is dry, rub lotion on your feet after you wash and dry them. Do not put lotion between your toes.
• Gently file corns and calluses with an emery board or pumice stone (move it in only one direction). Do this after your bath or shower, when the skin is soft.
• Trim your toenails once a week or when needed. Cut them with a nail clipper straight across, then smooth the edges with an emery board. If you can't see or reach them, ask a family member or your health care team for help.
• Always wear slippers or shoes to protect your feet from injuries. Don't wear sandals and don't walk barefoot, even around the house.
• Always wear socks or stockings to avoid blisters. Choose a pair that fits your feet well and has soft elastic.
• Wear shoes and socks for diabetics that fit well. Shop for shoes at the end of the day when your feet are bigger. Break in shoes slowly. Wear them 1 to 2 hours each day for the first few weeks.
Talk to your doctor for more information about how you can take care of your feet. Remember: taking good care of your feet will help to prevent long-term problems like amputation.
Diabetic footwear tends to provide more room for the foot and for orthotic inserts than a normal shoe. Diabetes shoes tend to be wider and deeper than most other shoes and can be fitted with comfortable insoles.
In most cases, diabetics will have shoes custom made in order to ensure that the shoe distributes weight properly and fits the foot perfectly. Having a custom-made shoe can prevent rubbing, chafing, and loss of circulation to the foot that a person with diabetes may not notice because of the loss of sensation in the foot.
In addition to being specialty-crafted for the diabetic individual, diabetes shoes and diabetic sandals also tend to be manufactured with breathable fibers, such as fabric or netting, so that the foot has healthy air circulation. Good air circulation allows the skin to breathe, which helps to prevent pressure ulcers and increases blood circulation.
How to Find a Good Pair of Diabetes Shoes
• Look for fabrics that "breathe," such as canvas or even sandals. Breathable fibers will prevent your foot from sweating, swelling, and chafing.
• The shoes should be deep enough to accommodate an orthotic insert and wide enough to prevent pinching.
• Avoid shoes that have interior seams, which may rub against the skin and cause chafing.
• The toe box in the front of the shoe needs to be roomy enough so that you can wiggle your toes.
• Elastic in the shoes may also help to prevent the shoe from sliding around on the foot while holding it comfortably in place.
People with diabetes are more prone to foot pain due to an increased risk of damage to nerves and blood vessels. You can help prevent these problems with the following tips:
• Wash your feet in warm water with mild soap every day, but don't soak them. Dry them well, especially between your toes.
• Check your feet every day for cuts, sores, blisters, redness, calluses, or any other problem. Call your doctor if healing doesn't start after one day.
• If your skin is dry, rub lotion on your feet after you wash and dry them. Do not put lotion between your toes.
• Gently file corns and calluses with an emery board or pumice stone (move it in only one direction). Do this after your bath or shower, when the skin is soft.
• Trim your toenails once a week or when needed. Cut them with a nail clipper straight across, then smooth the edges with an emery board. If you can't see or reach them, ask a family member or your health care team for help.
• Always wear slippers or shoes to protect your feet from injuries. Don't wear sandals and don't walk barefoot, even around the house.
• Always wear socks or stockings to avoid blisters. Choose a pair that fits your feet well and has soft elastic.
• Wear shoes and socks for diabetics that fit well. Shop for shoes at the end of the day when your feet are bigger. Break in shoes slowly. Wear them 1 to 2 hours each day for the first few weeks.
Talk to your doctor for more information about how you can take care of your feet. Remember: taking good care of your feet will help to prevent long-term problems like amputation.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Chicago Diabetes Statistics
In Chicago, diabetes is becoming a major problem. According to the National Institute of Health about 8.3% of the population has Diabetes. When you look at the percentage of pre-diabetes - that number is even larger. In 2005-2008, the NIH states that 35% of US adults 20 or older were pre-diabetic and for those 65 years or older that number jumps to 50%. According to the NIH if you applied those numbers to the entire US population about 79 million adults ages 20 or older have pre-diabetes. We're out of control.
What is going on? This is definitely a major epidemic out of control. The health and financial implications of this are more than we can handle. When you look at the cost of diabetes, not only for the individual, but also for our country - you can see how important it is to get this disease under control. Total costs currently for diabetes is expected to be about 174 billion dollars. It's estimated that diabetes alone is capable of bankrupting our economy in America. So obviously in larger cities, like Chicago, there are bigger financial tolls that the disease will take.
In a city like Chicago, there is also a wide array of ethnic groups. We know today that some ethnic populations are affected more so by diabetes than others, so how will the future of diabetes affect our different ethnic communities? We are beginning to see more and more diabetes education in Chicago, but we need so much more.
So what are we doing to change the course of diabetes in Chicago? Certainly the local hospitals are making an effort to market some classes and programs that they offer. The American Diabetes Association is also offering a diabetes expo and free screenings for the public. The only problem we have is that all the groups are teaching the same information; eat better, lose weight, and exercise.
Can we really expect that improving diabetes in Chicago is as simple as just changing your diet, exercising, and losing weight? We know today that type 2 diabetes is a complex disease of multiple organs in the body. We also know that exercise is helpful, but it's just not enough to rehab some of the organs that are commonly not working well for diabetics.
We can change where Chicago is headed with diabetes, but it's going to take a large effort. We also have to being to break away from the old and tired system that is not achieving the results that people with diabetes need.
What is going on? This is definitely a major epidemic out of control. The health and financial implications of this are more than we can handle. When you look at the cost of diabetes, not only for the individual, but also for our country - you can see how important it is to get this disease under control. Total costs currently for diabetes is expected to be about 174 billion dollars. It's estimated that diabetes alone is capable of bankrupting our economy in America. So obviously in larger cities, like Chicago, there are bigger financial tolls that the disease will take.
In a city like Chicago, there is also a wide array of ethnic groups. We know today that some ethnic populations are affected more so by diabetes than others, so how will the future of diabetes affect our different ethnic communities? We are beginning to see more and more diabetes education in Chicago, but we need so much more.
So what are we doing to change the course of diabetes in Chicago? Certainly the local hospitals are making an effort to market some classes and programs that they offer. The American Diabetes Association is also offering a diabetes expo and free screenings for the public. The only problem we have is that all the groups are teaching the same information; eat better, lose weight, and exercise.
Can we really expect that improving diabetes in Chicago is as simple as just changing your diet, exercising, and losing weight? We know today that type 2 diabetes is a complex disease of multiple organs in the body. We also know that exercise is helpful, but it's just not enough to rehab some of the organs that are commonly not working well for diabetics.
We can change where Chicago is headed with diabetes, but it's going to take a large effort. We also have to being to break away from the old and tired system that is not achieving the results that people with diabetes need.
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