Type 1 Diabetes - All About Type 1 Diabetes Causes and Treatment

Read this article to know about Type 1 Diabetes Causes and Type 1 diabetes Treatment

We can call Type 1 diabetes an autoimmune disease in which the body destroys or damages insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. Once those cells are destroyed, they won't ever create insulin again. This type of diabetes usually occurs under the age of 30 and often in childhood.

Type 1 diabetes normally develops in children or young adults, but can found at any age. Type 1 diabetes can cause many problems. It is a life-long disorder that can happen in children or adults. It is a totally different disease than Type 2. Type 1 diabetes occurs normally in children, adolescents or young adults, and most often at puberty. This type of diabetes is also called insulin-dependent or juvenile diabetes.

Type 1 Diabetes symptoms:

Type 1 diabetes often appears abruptly. However, each individual may experience symptoms in a different way. Type 1 diabetes symptoms may include:

• high levels of sugar in the blood and urine when tested

• unusual thirst

• frequent urination

• extreme hunger but loss of weight

• unclear vision

• nausea and vomiting

• extreme weakness and tiredness

• bad temper and mood changes

In children, type 1 diabetes symptoms may be alike to those of having the flu.

Type 1 Diabetes Complications:

Type 1 diabetes can cause different problems, but there are three key complications:

1. Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar; also called an insulin reaction) occurs when blood sugar drops too low level.

2. Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) occurs when blood sugar is too high, and can be an indication that diabetes is not well forbidden.

3. Ketoacidosis (diabetic coma) is loss of consciousness due to untreated diabetes.

Type 1 Diabetes Causes:

Type 1 diabetes is the result of the body's failure to produce insulin, the hormone that allows glucose to enter the cells of the body to provide fuel. Insulin is a protein that is speedily broken down in the digestive area. In type 1 diabetes, the body can no longer create insulin, so the glucose can't acquire into the body's cells.

Although no one knows for certain why this occurs, scientists think it has something to do with genes. But just getting the genes for diabetes isn't usually sufficient. A person most likely would then have to be exposed to something else - like a virus - to get Type 1 diabetes

It's important to also be alert of the different myths that over the years have arise about the Type 1 diabetes causes. Eating sweets or the wrong kind of food does not cause diabetes but it can cause obesity which is the cause of Type 2 Diabetes.

Stress does not cause diabetes, although it may be a cause for the body turning on itself as in the case of Type 1 diabetes. It does, however, make the signs worse for those who already have diabetes.

Type 1 Diabetes Treatment:

Type 1 Diabetes Patient need to monitor and control their glucose levels. They need to:

• give themselves insulin injections or use an insulin pump

• eat a balanced, healthy diet and pay special attention to the quantities of sugars and starches in the food they eat and the timing of their meals

• get habitual exercise to help manage blood sugar levels and help avoid some of the long-term health problems that can cause diabetes like heart disease

Insulin therapy is the origin of type 1 diabetes treatment. When insulin was first discovered and made accessible for people with diabetes, there was only one type of fast-acting insulin and this required several injections in a day. Today, there are a variety of insulins that can be selected and/or combined to help you best control your diabetes.

Drug Used To Treat Diabetes In Texas May Kill Patients

The state's propensity to obesity, hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, and cancer doesn't help. The prevalence of diabetes in the U.S. increased a staggering 49% between 1990 and 2000, and Texas was hit hard, possibly linked with an obesity rate hovering just above 60% of the adult population. Thirty-five percent of children are now clinically obese statewide, and Houston boasts a population in which 86% of its residents are either overweight or obese. This is significant due to the problems that often accompany the condition, including heart disease, stroke, certain cancers and, of course, type 2 diabetes.

For Texas, none of this is good news. With one-quarter of the state going without health insurance, 60% of the population obese, and over half a million diabetic, any problem affecting a large number with any of these conditions could completely overload the already stressed system. A flood of Avandia patients coming in with complications, uninsured, and possibly suffering from other conditions as well, just might send the healthcare system of Texas into meltdown.

Much of the problem, it would seem, stems from the FDA itself, which is slowly but surely nurturing a reputation of extreme negligence into maturity. Once a drug is approved, its actual effects on the population are not as closely monitored as they should be, according to many in the industry.
Dr. Jerry Avorn, of Harvard Medical School, believes that such problems with the FDA will continue to exist "until we are able to get a better system of drug approval and surveillance." That's a powerful statement, considering that this is precisely what the FDA is supposed to do.

It's a wakeup call, really. While it shouldn't be as a result of government agency negligence, in all reality, we should be more responsible for our health on an individual basis -- going for annual physicals, asking our doctors as many questions as we need in order to feel comfortable with a diagnosis or prescription, and doing what we can to take care of ourselves. Simple, common sense principles of nutritional eating and exercise may cut off many conditions requiring drugs before they even have a chance to exist.
Until the nation's health catches up with better habits, however, make sure to keep up with the latest recalls.

When Diabetes Is Not Diabetes

Mention the word diabetes and the vast majority of people will assume that you are talking about either type 1 diabetes, which affects about 10% of diabetes sufferers, or type 2 diabetes, which is the most commonly seen form of the disease and is currently growing alarmingly. But did you know that there is a third type of diabetes which has no connection whatsoever with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes, apart from sharing the name diabetes.

There are four types of diabetes insipidus:

Neurogenic Diabetes Insipidus

Gestagenic Diabetes Insipidus

Gestagenic diabetes insipidus (also known as gestational diabetes insipidus) occurs during pregnancy and is often the result of destruction of vasopressin within the placenta.

Nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus

Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus occurs when, in spite of the normal production of vasopressin, the kidneys still fail to properly concentrate urine. This form of diabetes insipidus can be inherited and can also be the result of kidney disease and taking certain types of drug.

Dipsogenic Diabetes Insipidus

There is also a second type of primary polydipsia known as psychogenic polydipsia which, as its name would suggest, has a variety of psychosomatic causes.

Despite the fact that there is some similarity in the symptoms of diabetes and diabetes insipidus it seems strange, and more than a little confusing, that the medical profession should have decided to give these two quite different conditions the same name.

Nine Surprising Diabetes Risks For Texans

Many individuals in Dallas, Houston and other places around Texas don't know that they may be slowly working toward a permanent, chronic disease -- diabetes. Untreated, diabetes can lead to heart and blood pressure problems, dependence on insulin shots, blindness, neuropathy and an early death. Here are nine risks for you to evaluate:

1. Watching two plus hours of TV daily.

Increases your risk: 14%

How: More hours in front of the tube equals less activity.

The fix: Limit TV time to 10 hours a week and get off the couch and move around. Take a walk. Go for a swim. Enjoy life outdoors.

2. Drinking one soda daily…if at all.

Increases your risk: 83%

How: Soda adds extra and empty calories, which can easily lead to weight gain. Most non-diet pops are full of sugar. More than you'll probably add to your coffee.

The fix: Switch to water, diet soda, or even better, unsweetened tea, which actually protects against disease. Green teas are gaining in popularity because of their health benefits.

3. Skipping breakfast.

Increases your risk: almost 50%

How: Not having that morning meal increases the appetite-stimulating hormone ghrelin, making you hungrier and, as a result, you're actually more likely to eat more.

4. Major depression

Increases your risk: 23%

How: Depression may alter body chemistry in a way that makes us more prone to developing diabetes.

The fix: Exercise. Even taking a walk, just 30 minutes, three times a week, has been shown to improve symptoms of depression.

5. A large waist line, even if you are of a normal weight.

Increases your risk: 330%

How: Fat in the abdomen produces compounds that make cells insulin-resistant. Women should keep their waist size below 35 inches and 40 inches for men.

The fix: A half-hour to one hour of cardio, three to five times a week.

6. Waking up in the middle of the night.

Increases your risk: 98%

How: Middle-of-the-night awakenings means you're not getting enough sleep, making you more prone to developing insulin resistance, leading to diabetes.

The fix: No caffeine in the late afternoon and evening. No TV and alcohol right before bed. Try yoga or meditation to relax.

7. Consuming fast food more than twice weekly.

Increases your risk: 100%

How: Individuals who eat burgers, fries and soda more than twice a week put on 10 extra pounds and were twice as likely to become resistant to insulin.

The fix: Stay away from fast food dining. And if you have to eat it, satisfy cravings with smaller portions.

8. High stress.

Increases your risk: 184%

How: Constant high stress can interfere with your ability to make insulin and process glucose.

The fix: Allow 10-15 minutes a day to relax. Try yoga or meditation.

9. Consuming lots of processed meats.

Increases your risk: 43%

How: These meats, like hotdogs, bacon and salami, are loaded with preservatives that may destroy insulin-producing cells in your pancreas.

The fix: Cut back on these meats or eliminate them from your diet altogether. A recent Harvard University study found that women who ate these meats less than once a week had the lowest risk. If you need to satisfy a craving, try preservative-free brands.

Glucose Meter - Living With Diabetes

It is important to understand that a glucose meter is a pretty complicated piece of machinery in the sense that you need to be very meticulous about many things about it. For one thing, you will need to take extra care in storing and keeping the blood glucose tester and the accompanying test strips. Heat and humidity can affect the performance of your blood glucose monitor and may very well ruin your test strips. When this happens, you will no longer have accurate readings from your blood glucose meter.

You will also have to take special care in understanding and practicing the correct procedures surrounding testing with a glucose meter. For instance you will need to know whether your blood glucose tester accepts blood samples from alternative sites aside from your fingertip. Some glucose monitors will readily be able to read results accurately from alternative testing sites such areas from the thigh, upper arm and the like. However, not all blood glucose meters will be able to the same. Besides, the general accuracy of testing from blood samples from other than your fingertip can really produce results that are askew.

Taking blood as samples from alternative sites other than from your fingertip will show varying degrees of results especially if you have just eaten or taken an insulin shot. The best place to draw samples from to use on your blood glucose meter is still the tip of your finger. If your fingertip has become sore from previous testing, vary the finger that you use to prevent the same soreness on other fingers.

Remember that the fingertip that you will be taking blood samples from must be completely clean. Even a minute trace of food or sugar can throw the test results completely off mark and this could mean trouble. Make sure that you thoroughly clean your finger and hands before doing a self test with your glucose meter.

If you suffer from diabetes and do not have a glucose monitor, go ahead and get yourself one. Having a blood glucose tester if you have diabetes is essential to proper diabetes care. This is a special tool that can help you cope and live with diabetes so it is important that you have one.

If you are having difficulty in deciding on what brand or type of glucose meter to use, consult your health care profession on what are the possible types that you can use easily and readily.

Begin Weight Training To Lower Blood Sugar

As we get older our bodies change. Our hormonal system produces less of the hormones than it did in our teens or twenties. Our metabolism, in most cases, slow down. Our body and its defenses become more vulnerable to outside stresses. But, during this time in life, our stresses seem to grow exponentially. We are going place with our careers. We have families. These families have demands on us physically and psychologically. Homes, automobiles, vacations, as well as many other thing s add to the stress load. This creates a downward spiral for our health. That is, unless we take measures to counteract the stresses that affect us daily.

Lets see how this affects a person afflicted with diabetes, in particular. We are going to narrow it down to the exercise factor. We will even narrow it more to just weight training. Everyone knows, or is in denial, that exercise can only be beneficial in diabetes care. The importance of weight training has not been emphasized enough to the diabetic world. Let us address this.

As we get older, our bodies change, unless we act to prevent that change. After the age of 30 years, our body adds one pound of fat each year. Not only that, but we lose about one-half pound of lean tissue mass (muscle ) each year. Add these up and we gain 15 pounds of fat every 10 years. This is preventable. This is the reason for weight training.

Muscle is a major factor in clearance of circulating blood glucose. As lean body mass increases, greater amounts of blood glucose are cleared from the blood. Muscle tissue takes in the blood glucose and stores it as glycogen. And even cooler, the greater the proportion of muscle mass to fat, the more calories are burned at rest. And weight training further increases metabolism, even after working out.

Remember, if you have diabetes, Eat a snack prior to workings out. Hydrate during and after working out. Check your blood sugar level before and after working out to prevent any episodes of hypoglycemia.

Discover Vitamins and Herbs for Diabetics

Indeed, many sufferers of diabetes have an interest in learning all about vitamins and herbs for diabetics in order to help or ward off the risk of complications that can arise if insulin levels are not maintained at a constant level. However, before we delve into vitamins and herbs for diabetics, we would be remiss if we didn't make a few dietary recommendations. As such, the following are a few suggestions:

Become good friends with fiber-rich plant foods. Eat a diet rich in fiber as it seems to be helpful in reducing blood sugar surges.

Trim the saturated fat and cholesterol. Put simply, eat less or eliminate animal products and eat more whole grains, beans, fruits and vegetables.

Say hello to antioxidant-rich foods. Antioxidants are disease-fighting substances that mop up the continuous onslaught of free radicals. Free radicals are unstable oxygen molecules that damage cells as they travel through the body and are responsible for laying the groundwork for the most serious complications of diabetes if left unchecked. Plant-derived foods are rich in antioxidant nutrients.

Get nuts and seeds. Include in your diet nuts and seeds.

Slash the refined sugars. Your diet should be low in refined sugars.

Now, before we discuss vitamins and herbs for diabetics it's important that we make a few comments. Indeed, there are many nutrients that may help aid a person who suffers from diabetes, but one should never stop taking their insulin or any medication prescribed. However, it may be possible to take these vitamins and herbs for diabetics as well as other nutrients in conjunction with your prescription medications or insulin if you consult your physician first. Moreover, you need to make sure these herbs or nutrients are appropriate for your condition.

That said, let's delve into vitamins and herbs for diabetics. In fact, let's begin with the herbal kingdom.

Become familiar with Ayurvedic medicine. Bitter melon (Momordica charantia), gudmar (Gymnema sylvestre), and gulvel (Tinospora cordifo), are highly respected herbal remedies used to regulate blood sugar levels in Ayurvedic medicine. In addition, gudmar (Gymnema sylvestre) reduces the cravings for sweet foods. As such, it is known as the "sugar killer."

Look into this exciting new herbal called Banaba Leaf. Banaba is a medicinal plant grown in the Philippines and Asia where its leaves have long been used as a folk remedy for treating diabetes as well as kidney disease. New research has shown this medicinal plant can lower unwanted levels of glucose in the blood.

Meet the berry family. Cedar berries are excellent nourishment for the pancreas and huckleberry may help promote insulin production. Juniper berries have been found to lower blood glucose levels and bilberry helps prevent diabetic eye damage. In addition, bilberry has shown to reduce blood sugar levels.

Stop! Don't mow down that nasty back yard weed just yet. Dandelion root is a liver protector, which converts nutrients into glucose. Moreover, some studies have found that it may lower blood sugar levels and, as such, possibly benefiting those with diabetes.

Fill up on fenugreek seeds. Fenugreek seeds have been shown to reduce cholesterol and blood sugar levels in studies. However, there is a one drawback to this herb. You have to take a lot (15 to 100 grams daily) of fenugreek seeds to obtain an effect, and it is also associated with mild gastrointestinal upset. On the other hand, it doesn't hurt to have this knowledge and it is indeed on the list of vitamins and herbs for diabetics.

Discover Gingko biloba. Ginkgo is a well-known powerful antioxidant that is prized for its ability to enhance circulation.

Other herbs that may possibly help lower or improve blood-sugar levels include: Garlic, Ginseng, Psyllium, and Nopal (prickly pear cactus).

Now, let's move forward on our topic of this article, vitamins and herbs for diabetics and discuss vitamins.

Befriend vitamins A, B, C, and E. First, vitamins A, C, and E are antioxidants. Vitamin A with carotenoids is needed to maintain eye health. The B vitamins help produce enzymes that convert glucose to energy. In addition, the Bs may be helpful as an aid in preventing diabetic nerve damage. A deficiency in vitamin C may lead to vascular problems for diabetes sufferers. Vitamin C with bioflavonoids may slow or prevent complications that occur in this condition. Vitamin E improves circulation and helps prevent complications as well.

Check out Inositol. Inositol is considered a B-complex vitamin that has shown to relieve numbness and tingling in the hands in feet. As such, it may be helpful in protecting against peripheral neuropathy.

But wait, there are other helpful nutrients for diabetes that goes beyond vitamins and herbs for diabetics. Let's discover who they are now.

Get real acquainted with Alpha-lipoic acid. Alpha-lipoic acid is a potent antioxidant that helps control blood sugar levels. It has been used as a supplement to treat diabetic neuropathy, the nerve pain or tingling or numbness in the hands and feet that is common among individuals with diabetes. In fact, alpha lipoic acid is approved in Germany as an effective prescription drug for diabetic neuropathy.

What is Glycation?

What is glycation? In short glycation is a scientific term for what happens when sugars, such as fructose or glucose, combine with proteins or lipid molecules. Additionally, glycation is the process bakers and cooks refer to as browning. You may be shocked to learn that this browning actually happens to us as we age. From an anti-aging perspective this is not a good thing.

With this information it is easy to see that we have two forms of glycation that we need to be concerned about. We have Endogenous glycations, which predominately occur in the bloodstream and Exogenous glycations that occur out side the body.

Did I mention that Glycation and AGEs have a very important partner in the damage of our tissues? That partner in the initiation and acceleration of these diseases, especially oxidative stress and inflammation, are the free radicals that we are learning so much about. To make matters worse glycated proteins are estimated to generate 50 times more free radicals than non-glycated proteins. Again, from an anti-aging standpoint this is something of great importance.

Lastly, for some good news. Scientists have discovered that alpha lipoic acid can arrest the glycation process. Additionally, it has been discovered that N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) slows the glycation process. As an added benefit scientists discovered that lipoic acid aids in the restoring of glutathione and vitamin C. As you may imagine the flavanoids found in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains have been found to reduce the glycation of hemoglobin.

References:

Diabetes Symptoms - Who is at the Risk of Diabetes?

Read this Article to know about Symptoms of Type 1, Type 2 and Gestational diabetes.

What is Diabetes?

The diabetes symptoms most of the time begin slowly, and difficult to recognize initially. They may include fatigue, sudden weight loss, blurred vision, slow healing of wounds, frequent urination - particularly at night, and excessive thirst.. The loss of fluids persuades extreme thirst, leading to more frequent urination.

Doctor believe a patient to have diabetes if he has health troubles linked to diabetes, such as heart disease, changes in vision, deadness in the feet and legs or sores that are slow to heal. These symptoms do not indicate that the person has diabetes, but anyone with these problems should absolutely see a doctor.

A person with diabetes may really show no symptoms. Type 2 diabetes, in particular, develops gradually, even for years before it is diagnosed. When symptoms develop, they differ from person to person.

Symptoms that develop vary for Type I and Type II diabetes. In Type I diabetes, they generally show up slowly in children or young people over a period of a few days or weeks. In Type II diabetes, symptoms develop even more slowly, over a time of years - in adults over the age of forty. Adults often do not understand they have diabetes mellitus.

Type - 1 Diabetes Symptoms:

Type 1 Diabetes Symptoms often come suddenly. They include:

1) Exceptional thirst (also called polydipsia)

2) Dry mouth

3) Frequent urination (also called polyuria)

4) Weight loss

5) Feeling weak and tired

6) Unclear vision

Type - 2 diabetes symptoms:

People with Type 2 diabetes mostly don't observe any symptoms.

They include: - blurred vision

1 )Cuts or wounds that heal slowly

2) Itchy skin

3) increased thirst

4) frequent urination

5) leg pain

Gestational diabetes symptoms:

1) increased thirst

2) increased urination

3) weight loss in spite of good appetite

4) fatigue and weakness

5) nausea and vomiting

6 ) frequent infections including those of the bladder, vagina and skin

Other warning symptoms of diabetes mellitus comprise:

1) Flu-like symptoms - like a viral illness, along with tiredness and loss of appetite.

2) Weight gain or loss – as the body is trying to recompense for lost fluids and sugar, one tends to eat extra than normal and increase weight. On the other hand, one may also eat more than usual, but still drops weight because the muscle tissues don't get sufficient glucose to generate growth and energy. In fact, most people with type 1 diabetes are at or below their standard weight.

3) Blurred vision - High levels of blood sugar draw out fluid from the tissues in the body comprising the lenses of the eyes. For many people this causes only mild vision troubles. Nevertheless, for others, the effects may be much more severe, even blindness.

4) Nerve damage (neuropathy) – excess sugar in blood can lead to loss of feeling in hands and feet. One may also bears burning pain in legs, feet, arms and hands. Many men, above the age of 50 and older with diabetes may experience some level of sexual dysfunction from damage to the nerves that help produce an erection.

5) Swollen and tender gums - Diabetes increases the risk of infection in gums and in the bones that grasp teeth in place.

6) Recurrent yeast infections.

7) Smooth dark skin changes of the neck, armpit and groin, called acanthosis nigricans.

8) Impotency

Depression and Diabetes - Depression Shown to Be a Risk Factor for Type 2 Diabetes

"Life is just a bowl of cherries." Whoever came up with this quote probably never was diagnosed with diabetes or depression. When you have diabetes, life can seem like a bowl of rotten bananas! But, just because you live with diabetes, doesn't mean you have to live with depression!

What's the big deal with depression?

Depression is shown to be a risk factor for type 2 diabetes because it's one of the most common and dangerous complications. Diabetics are at far greater risk for acquiring depression than non-diabetics because diabetics have more stress than non-diabetics. Controlling diabetes requires a large number of physical and mental adaptations:

- Diabetics must learn about a complex system of dietary and medical interventions.

- Diabetics may have to alter their lifestyle, school, and work schedules.

- Diabetics feel like they're outsiders from the world.

- Diabetics must adjust to a new view of how they live.

What causes depression?

Alcohol or drug abuse

Changes of environment

Side effects from medications

Stress

Thyroid problems

Why is depression a risk factor for my type 2 diabetes?

- The stress from daily diabetes management alone can make you feel set apart from your family and friends.

- Physical complications can make you feel like you're losing control.

- Tension between you and your doctor can make you feel frustrated and sad.

- Loss of appetite caused from depression will affect blood sugar levels.

- Feeling anxious and not thinking straight will cause irregular food intake causing blood sugar to dramatically and dangerously change.

What are the warning signs of depression?

- Appetite: eating more or less than normal will result in quick weight gain or weight loss.

- Early to rise: waking up earlier than usual and cannot go back to sleep.

- Guilt: you think you can "never do anything right" and think you're a burden.

- Loss of energy: you're tired all the time.

- Loss of pleasure: you no longer are interested in doing things you used to enjoy.

- Morning sadness: you feel worse in the morning than you any other time.

- Nervousness: you always feel anxious and can't sit or stand still.

- Sleep patterns: you have trouble falling asleep or you want to sleep during the day.

- Suicidal thoughts: you feel life would be better without you around.

- Trouble concentrating: you can't watch TV or read because you're pre-occupied.

I have diabetes. How do I know if I suffer from depression?

The first step is to ask your doctor for a depression screening immediately. If the screening reveals you do have depression, you can address those concerns with your health professional. Asking for help won't label you a victim, but rather it will label you a victor.

What are the advantages for treating my depression?

Recent studies show that proper treatment of depression can dramatically improve type 2 diabetes. The advantages for treating your depression will:

1. Improve your physical function.

2. Let you take on life like you own the world.

3. Make you feel happy.

Is there any product that can help me take control of my diabetes and depression?

Housework May Prevent Diabetes - Australian Study Suggests Good Housekeepers Healthier

"Heigh ho, heigh ho, it's off to work we go…". You probably remember this fun song in the childhood movie, "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs." Little did we know that Snow White, Sneezy, Sleepy, Doc, Dopey, Happy, Bashful, and Grumpy's everyday chores may actually prevent diabetes!

What housework tasks are recommended to do to prevent diabetes?

Just about anything you can think of! Here are some examples of housework tasks that may prevent diabetes:

- Dishes

- Dust

- Laundry

- Vacuum

- Sweep

- Change bed sheets and make the beds

- Clean the bathroom

- Mop

- Re-arranging closets or the garage

- Gardening

- Watering the lawn

- Put up and maintain a bird feeder

- Re-arrange furniture

These are common, everyday chores that you probably already do daily or weekly.

Where's the proof that housework may prevent type 2 diabetes?

Australian researches have found that a little light housework everyday helps control blood glucose levels and may prevent diabetes. They concluded that even the smallest amount of housework duties may lower your blood glucose level and prevent diabetes.

How does housework prevent me from getting type 2 diabetes?

It is proven that for every hour of light housework chores you complete, there can be a 0.2 drop in your blood glucose level. At the end of the day, this can add up and can significantly decrease your chances of being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

Is type 2 diabetes the only thing that housework may prevent?

No! In fact, there are three areas that doing housework chores can benefit you:

MIND: housework keeps you mind active and working.

BODY: housework prevents type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, some cancers, and many other cardiovascular diseases.

SOUL: housework gives you a sense of accomplishment and productivity.

What a great culmination! You can improve your outlook on life as you prevent diabetes and live in a clean house.

So, all I have to do is just dust for five minutes and that's it?

Not exactly. Moderate exercise is still recommended to maintain a healthy body, but it's good to know that the little stuff counts too. The recommended regimen of 30 minutes of moderate to slightly vigorous exercise per day is still important for a healthy body and life.

The conclusion of the Australian study was that good housekeepers proved that anything is better than doing nothing, and even doing the dishes will lower blood glucose levels.

What if I still need help to prevent type 2 diabetes?

Diabetes Lowers Life Expectancy - Learn the Facts and Some Tips To Prevent Diabetes

Imagine life if you couldn't…

1. Attend a symphony

2. Bungee jump in Queenstown, New Zealand

3. Create a scrapbook

4. Dine at a fine restaurant

5. Explore the ancient Mayan caves

6. Fly in a helicopter over the Grand Canyon

7. Go on an African Safari

8. Host a radio show

9. Invent something

10. Join a gym

11. Kiss the ones you love

12. Love and be loved unconditionally

13. Meet your favorite celebrity

14. Never say never

15. Own an expensive article of clothing

16. Play a Grand Piano

17. Quit a bad habit

18. Ride on a motorcycle

19. Swim with the dolphins

20. Travel to Iceland

21. Understand a new language

22. Visit all 50 states

23. Watch the Northern Lights

24. eXperience the feel of sand between your toes

25. Yodel in the Appalachian Mountains

26. Have a Zest for life

Physical activity is well-documented to prevent diabetes and deaths from diabetes. Physically active people without diabetes live longer than men and women who are not physically active with diabetes.

What constitutes as physical activity?:

- Walking

- Water aerobics

- Biking

You have plenty of options, so get creative and start living!

There is no arguing that diabetes lowers life expectancy. Despite that alarming realization, you can learn the facts and some tips to prevent diabetes. You simply don't have to live with diabetes and the anticipation of a shorter life.

Diabetes is a debilitating disease that affects your life adversely and puts you at risk for the following conditions:

- Cardiovascular disease

- Depression

- Foot ulcers

- Hypoglycemia

- Kidney and nerve damage

- Sexual and Urologic problems

- Stomach nerve damage

- Vision

The complications from diabetes all add up to a shorter life expectancy.

If you don't want to go through these medical complications or miss out on the ABCs of life, follow these simple tips to help prevent diabetes:

1. Control your blood sugar

2. Eat a healthy diet

3. Exercise regularly

Just doing these three simple steps can help prevent diabetes! Learn the facts and adopt these tips to prevent diabetes.

Diabetes Treatment - Can Cinnamon Lower Blood Sugar?

What would you say if I told you that I have the secret ingredient to lower your blood sugar? What, then, would you say if I told you that you probably already have this ingredient in your kitchen pantry? It's cinnamon. That's right! The fragrant and delicious spice you cook and bake with only during the holiday season can actually lower blood sugar in diabetics. Cinnamon is a diabetes treatment that can lower blood sugar.

Who should take advantage of cinnamon?

Type 2 diabetics who want to live a healthier and fuller life.

Type 2 diabetics who want to live longer to enjoy their friends and family.

Type 2 diabetics who want to live. Period.

What do I have to do?

Incorporate just ½ teaspoon of cinnamon in your diet each day. That's it!

When should I eat cinnamon?

Every day! Baking or cooking with cinnamon will make those foods you love already even more delicious, and it will lower your blood sugar level. What could be easier? There's no fuss, no muss, no preparation. Just results.

Where can I use cinnamon?

Here's a list of foods from you can eat that will be healthy and delicious with cinnamon in or on it:

- Cinnamon Bun Breakfast Focaccia

- Apple Coffee Cake

- Raisin-Cinnamon Rolls

- Cappuccino Muffins

- Grilled Peaches with Peach Walnut Chutney

- Saffron Rice with Cashews and Raisins Recipe

- Pork Tenderloin with Cinnamon

- Lamb in Saffron and Cardamom Cream

- Chicken with Peanut Mole Sauce

- Cinnamon Iced Tea

You don't have to limit your cinnamon usage to just the above list. Experiment! Create your own recipes! Be original! Enjoy!

Why should I use cinnamon?

For type 2 diabetics, their body has lost its sensitivity to insulin. This will cause higher levels of glucose to remain in the blood. This is especially dangerous because it is linked to many other health problems such as eye, kidney, and many other organ health problems.

The natural compounds in cinnamon mimic insulin, which helps glucose get into cells, where it can be used for either energy and significantly lowering blood sugar in the process, or it is stored as fat. Cinnamon is a verifiable diabetes treatment.

How will it affect me if I don't take care of my diabetes?

Watching your diabetes is a 24/7 job. Exercise and a healthy diet are part of keeping your diabetes under control. If you don't take care of your diabetes, there are serious and life-threatening consequences such as:

Disabling ailments

Insecure mindset

Absences from activities

Behavioral changes

Extreme fatigue

Tingling hands and feet

Eye damage

Slow healing cuts and bruises

So, the secret ingredient isn't a secret any more! The best kept secret isn't a secret any more! You know who, what, when, where, why, and how to give yourself your life back. Start living your life. If you don't, who will?

I don't want diabetes to make me a victim! I need a little more help.

Obesity In Young Adults Leads to Higher Incidence of Developing Diabetes

Do you remember the amusing childhood game, "Follow the Leader?" One person is elected the leader and everyone else for a period of time must follow that leader. Your children play "Follow the Leader" when it comes to health whether you realize it or not. Well, obesity in young adults leads to higher incidence of developing diabetes. Diabetes isn't a game, it isn't amusing, and it's very dangerous.

Diabetes is a growing epidemic that is taking young adults into its captivity, and it all starts in the home. Children and young adults are like sponges that soak up everything their parents do, think, and say, and even eat. The eating habits of the parents are permanently seared into the children's brain that go with them throughout their lives. This is very dangerous because obesity leads to a greater chance of developing diabetes.

Below are dormant activities are very dangerous for young adults today.

- Video games

- Movie theaters

- Channel surfing

- Arcades

- Laptop notebooks

- Snacking on unhealthy foods

Below are wonderful and fun activities that can actually reverse the chances of developing diabetes.

- Bicycling

- Swimming

- Walking

- Running

- Playing tennis or basketball

- Eating healthy and delicious foods

A few simple changes in a young adult's lifestyle can lower their chances of developing diabetes and will lead to a happier and healthier life. Changes such as:

1. Exercising regularly

2. Eating healthier and with moderation

That's it! Just these two very simple and easy things will help prevent you from developing type 2 diabetes. Wouldn't you rather just do these two simple things than have a list of things to do to manage your diabetes?

Both scenarios below either have a consequence or a reward. You will either become a diabetic or become a healthier and happier person. Which one will you choose for your life? Picture this:

Scenario One: You eat all the fast food you want without moderation. You don't exercise. You sit on the couch everyday channel surfing.

Scenario Two: You cook delicious and taste bud-tantalizing foods that are healthy for you. You enjoy the sun and the fresh air while walking off extra weight and preventing diabetes. You make everyday household chores a way of exercising.

For young people, diabetes has become a higher incidence and is a very complicated hassle to deal with everyday. Diabetics are required to follow a good nutrition diet, mild physical activity, and develop a common knowledge of the disease and the complications that follow.

Diabetes Diagnosis Doubles Risk of Stroke

Extra! Extra! Read all about it! Type 2 diabetes diagnosis actually doubles the risk of having a stroke. If you have diabetes, then your chances of having a stroke are doubled.

Taking care of diabetes can be very stressful and time-consuming. The stresses of diabetes management are more than just controlling your blood glucose. Diabetics must also manage blood pressure, control their weight, watch their cholesterol, and talk with their health provider to learn about other ways to reduce their chances for heart attacks and strokes.

Diabetics are a major risk factor for stroke and heart attacks. A diabetic's body can't handle glucose properly, and it can't process fats efficiently. This causes the risk of high blood pressure. Diabetes also interferes with your body's ability to break down blood clots, which increases your risk for stroke.

Here is a list of symptoms of stroke so you can ensure your safety:

1. Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arms or legs, especially on one side of the body.

2. The loss of voluntary movement and/or sensation with tingling.

3. Sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or understanding.

4. Weakness in the muscles of the face causing drooling.

5. Unexpected trouble seeing in one or both eyes.

6. Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance, or coordination.

7. Sudden and severe headache.

You're not alone if you don't want to suffer a stroke! Here are some tips to help you keep your diabetes in check and will decrease your chances of having a stroke:

1. Exercise. Walking the dog, swimming, or joining a gym are great exercises.

2. Eat a healthy diet. Fresh and healthy vegetables and delicious fish or chicken are just a few examples of delectable and healthy foods.

3. Lower stress. Take a bath, listen to soft music, or set aside 20 minutes a day just for yourself.

4. Have good sleeping habits. For the average adult, it's recommended seven to eight hours for good health.

5. Lose weight. Extra weight does nothing good for you. Take off that extra weight that's been weighing you down.

6. Listen to your doctor. You and your doctor should talk about a treatment plan that will benefit you, your health, and your safety.

Diabetes Diet Nutrition Tips For Diabetics

Once you have, the basics covered foods such as fruits and salads are another great idea to choose from. You can also include items such as hamburgers, and deli sandwiches. If you are drinking milk then you should only drink low fat or fat free milk. It is never a good idea to drink whole milk because of the fat content included. Yogurt that you eat should also be low fat or sugar free.

Other considerations for diabetes diet nutrition include ensuring that you are closely watching how may calories you are consuming. If you end up gaining weight then you are going to put yourself at risk of heart disease. If you do not monitor your weight then it is very difficult to control your diabetes.

You should always look for recipes for food that is high in fiber and low in fat. Always try to use sugar supplements rather than using anything that is actual sugar. Using actual sugar can really upset your diabetes diet and throw off your glucose levels quite quickly. If you are looking to really stay on a good nutritional track, you should look towards water and other similar beverages so that you can control your eating as much as possible without overeating.

Always make sure you discuss your diet with your doctor to ensure you are closely monitoring your blood glucose levels. With glucose levels that are out of line you will notice your diabetic symptoms flaring up. If you are looking for the best relief possible from a diet then you really should ensure you are eating as many carbohydrates as possible. Without the necessary carbohydrates, you are not going to be able to ensure you are eating properly. Remember, if you have questions you really need to discuss the questions regarding your diet with your doctor.

Diabetes Etiquette - What You Don't Say Does Matter

Most people that don't have diabetes are acquainted with someone that does. When somebody you know has a medical condition that must be managed, it is natural to want to be helpful. Sometimes information gets misconstrued, and people say what they think is correct when it actually isn't. This article addresses things that should never be said to a person with diabetes, and why those things are considered offensive.

1. "You are a diabetic" or "she is a diabetic." Referring to a person as a diabetic is offensive because it puts the disease before the person. This statement is incorrect. If a person has aids or cancer, would that person be referred to as an aid or a carcinoma? A person that has diabetes should be referred to as a person with diabetes. Calling someone a diabetic is labeling the person.

2. "I don't know how you do it; I could never live that way." It is very inappropriate to say those words because that statement is implying that death is a better choice than doing what is necessary to survive and have a healthy life. Insulin injections, oral medications, daily blood glucose readings, and diet and exercise are all a part of diabetes management. If a person is doing these things, it is not a choice, it is a necessity. She is doing what must be done to manage her diabetes.

3. "You can't have that." This is usually stated when goodies such as sweets are present. This is very incorrect because a person with diabetes can have anything she wants to have as long as she is following her treatment plan. Sweets and other treats are allowed.

4. "Should you be eating that?" A well meaning friend or relative often doesn't understand that anything is allowed as long as the person with diabetes is following the instructions of her doctor and dietitian. Since each body is different when it comes to what foods work and what foods to avoid, she knows what she can and cannot eat. It would be extremely rude to question what a person without diabetes is eating, so why should a person with diabetes be treated any differently?

5. "You need a scooter, wheelchair, or a walker." Depending on the severity of a person's diabetes and any complications that she might have, walking or standing for lengthy periods can be very difficult. A person that can stand and walk through difficulty without the use of medical equipment should be applauded. Stating those words to a person with diabetes will put her on the defensive because she is being disabled in other people's eyes when she can still be mobile and self-sufficient without any help. It might take her a little longer to walk, or she might have to sit down after five minutes of standing, but she can still do those things, and she should be encouraged to keep doing them independently.

6. "Your doctor is an idiot and isn't treating your diabetes correctly." Unless a member of a person's health care team makes a blatant mistake or makes a judgment that is harmful, it is never a good idea to argue with the person about the care that her health care team is providing to her. Even though other people might not agree with her treatment plan, it might be what is best for her.

7. "It could be worse, you could have cancer." This statement is extremely objectionable because it downgrades the person's disease and makes it sound like it is nothing compared to cancer. Diabetes is progressive, and its complications are sometimes fatal.

8. "You're a diabetic, you can't do that." This statement is especially insulting because not only does it put the disease first and labels the person, but it has such negative connotations. A person with diabetes can do anything she wants to do within her realm of drive, ability and desire.

People with diabetes should be treated with the same respect and dignity that you would like to be treated with. If you aren't sure if something is appropriate to say, don't say it. Silence is better than causing hurt feelings and resentment. Remember to apply the Golden Rule.

© Copyright 2007 Patti McMann. All rights reserved.

Patti McMann is a freelance writer. She writes on a variety of topics for print and electronic publications. She has a background in business, information technology. She is also working on an eBook that will be available early 2008.

Diabetes And Weight Loss - What Has Obesity Got To Do With Diabetes?

Do you know that diabetes and weight loss are inter-related? Studies show that obese people are more prone to diabetes than others. Obviously, the only way to cure diabetes is to lose weight. Both diabetes and obesity are caused due to poor diet as well as physical inactivity. People who eat junk foods and live a sedentary lifestyle, such as sitting at the office desk for long hours, are more likely to suffer from diabetes than others. In this article I will tell how to cure diabetes and weight loss at one go!

Mostly, diabetes occurs when our pancreas fails to produce insulin. Do you know why it happens? See, when you buy a brand new car, you are able to enjoy long distance journeys. When however, your car gets old, it stops functioning the way it used to in the past. It is the same case with our pancreas. Our pancreas is just a machine that produces insulin. However, with time, the pancreas gets older and decays and therefore fails to produce as much insulin as it used to when it was younger. In some diabetes patients, the pancreas is completely damaged, leading to their increased dependence on artificial insulin intake in the form of injections.

Diabetes and obesity: Now, how is diabetes related to obesity? Like I said before, fat is something which triggers type 2 diabetes more than anything else.

So the formula for measuring your weight is simple:

Waist measurement

_________________

Hips measurement

Now if you are a male and if your waist to hips ratio is more than 1.0 then there is definitely danger lurking around you. You should start shedding weight asap. On the other hand, if you are a female, then a 0.95 score is higher than normal and is indicative of the fact that you are overweight. Once you are able to do away with your weight, it will become easy for you to get rid of diabetes.

Diabetes doesn't mean the end of life. It can be easily controlled, if you are willing to follow the rules. I would suggest that you also join a diabetes membership site or a diabetes support group. This would help you keep focused on your health and you will be able to recover from diabetes faster.