Let's Try Preventing Diabetes

Preventing diabetes. These two words are not often found in the same sentence, because the notion is that if you happen to be the unfortunate one to be diagnosed with this potentially deadly disease, that there really wasn't much you could have done to prevent it. It's something that just 'happens' to people, a victim like mentally that is so prevalent in our society today. Just watch and listen next time you see and hear someone describing someone they know who was just diagnosed with the disease; the tone is almost always one of resignation and helplessness. The truth however is that preventing diabetes is not only possible but is almost entirely under our control. Now we say 'almost entirely' because we are speaking here of Type 2 Diabetes or adult-onset diabetes, not Type 1 Diabetes, which is genetically based and results in our bodies inability to produce insulin and thus regulate blood sugar levels. Type 1 Diabetes is less prevalent and accounts for about 10% of all diabetic cases. Type 2 Diabetes is the disease that has exploded in our culture today, and goes hand in hand with the rising obesity levels in our society. Type 2 Diabetes is preventable because it is almost entirely a result of poor lifestyle decisions, and as we know the lifestyle choices we make are almost entirely under our control. It is not a coincidence that at the turn of the 20th century diabetes was almost a non-existent diagnosable disease, and today it ranks third behind heart disease and cancer. There are 3 prominent factors under our control that will significantly reduce if not completely eliminate our chances of ever developing Type 2 Diabetes: the food we eat, the exercise we do, the stress we manage.

Let's start with our diet. Preventing diabetes is all about consistently managing our blood sugar levels. When we bombard our bodies day after day with refined sugars and processed foods, we essentially throw our insulin levels (blood glucose regulating hormone) out of whack (where we can become hypoglycemic, low blood sugar, hyperglycemic, high blood sugar, or insulin resistant, where your cells can't absorb sugar properly). Do these foods sound familiar: white bread, bagels, muffins, packaged foods and snacks, fast foods including fries, pop, and pizza. These foods have become ingrained in our culture, and they play havoc on our blood glucose levels. Do we have a choice? Sure we do, how about some whole grains, fruits, vegetables and a smattering of some good lean protein. We don't have to be fanatical about this, just find a balance. Now how about exercise in preventing diabetes. Here's the beautiful thing about getting into a good exercise routine. Besides the great physical and psychological benefits of exercise, exercise is great for helping to regulate and balance your blood sugar levels. So even if your diet is not quite right, a consistent exercise program can help make up for that, in all aspects of health. And if you're wondering if you should go for a jog or hit the weights, it really doesn't matter, just move. Both cardio and strength training exercises are good for your health, including regulating your blood glucose levels.

And finally there's stress. People don't often think of stress management when it comes to preventing diabetes. But the fact is when you are stressed, stress hormones kick in to increase your blood sugar levels. And just like poor eating, if you are consistently stressed day after day, this again will play havoc on your blood sugar and insulin levels. Now we're not saying this is an easy one to tackle, particularly in the fast paced demanding world we live in, but it is important to get this one under control. So whatever might work for you, whether it's daily meditation, yoga, reading a book, going for a walk, or finding a hobby that interests you, anything that helps to reduce and manage the stress in your life will work.

So is preventing Type 2 Diabetes really possible? We truly believe it is. But it all starts with a belief, a belief that we are not victims of this disease and it's the lifestyle choices we make today that will determine our health for tomorrow.

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Type 2 Diabetes - Why Eat 3 Square Meals And Snacks To Have Better Blood Sugar Control?

Having a healthy balanced diet is the cornerstone of treatment in the management of Type 2 diabetes. According to the Royal Children's Hospital's Diabetes Manual, the food pyramid is the ultimate guide for the diet of anyone with diabetes. Using the food pyramid enables a diabetic to follow a normal, yet healthy diet plan. Furthermore, this healthy kind of dieting method allows you some room for better weight management. The amount and composition of your usual meal is adjusted to have bulkier content, through the use of fruits and vegetables, but with lesser calories.

You may be wondering why your doctor and dietitian encourage you to eat three square meals per day including snacks in between when you really have to control your blood sugar. Is this contradicting the principles in the management of Type 2 diabetes? If you are on insulin or oral anti-diabetic medication, then these medication are the reason why your doctor is advising you to eat three square meals each day including your snacks. You see, your medications tend to lower your blood sugar levels. And if you try to skip a meal, you blood sugar may dip so low creating a complication called hypoglycemia.

What is hypoglycemia?

The National Diabetic Information Clearinghouse defines hypoglycemia as the state of low blood sugar level. Hypoglycemia may cause an array of symptoms such as:

shakinessnervousnessdizzinesslight-headedness or headacheexcessive hungerconfusionanxiety, andunusual sweating

In worst cases, severe hypoglycemia may lead to coma and even death.

When your doctor advises you not to take any medications for your Type 2 diabetes, do you still need to have three square meals and snacks?

If you are only using some lifestyle modifications to control your blood sugar, it is not necessary to include snacks in your healthy eating plan according to the Royal Children's Hospital. The reason why snacks are needed is to have a consistently controlled level of blood sugar in Type 2 diabetics taking medication.

Also, researchers have concluded that eating irregular meals appears to produce a higher level of insulin resistance and higher cholesterol levels after fasting than does eating regularly scheduled meals.

It is always important to have the proper guidance of your dietitian in planning your meals and snacks. The reason for this? Different carbohydrate sources affect your blood sugar in different ways. Because of this, your dietitian needs to plan a diet that will ensure your blood sugar level will not become too high in the process or dip too low so as to cause hypoglycemia.

To discover answers to questions you may be asking yourself about Type 2 Diabetes, click on this link... Natural Diabetes Treatments

Clicking on this link will help you to learn more about Type 2 Diabetes Solutions... Beverleigh Piepers RN... the Diabetes Detective.

Beverleigh Piepers is the author of this article. This article can be used for reprint on your website provided all the links in the article are complete and active. Copyright (c) 2010 - All Rights Reserved Worldwide

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Complications of Diabetes - Tips for Controlling Diabetes

Diabetes is a progressive condition that can create some dangerous complications. To avoid complications of diabetes, we must control diabetes. Controlling diabetes often requires moving from diet to tablets and eventually to insulin (in type 2 diabetes) and moving from fewer daily insulin injections to more frequent daily injections (in type 1 diabetes).

But, it doesn't have to be this way.

Complications of diabetes include eye problems, nerve problems, kidney problems, foot problems and heart and blood vessel disease.

The key to preventing complications of diabetes is to keep blood glucose under tight control. Blood pressure and blood fats (including cholesterol) should be regularly monitored.

The evidence

If you've ever thought, "Surely it's enough to keep my blood sugar within a reasonably low range, and not worry too much if it creeps up slightly over time", then take a look at the hard evidence.

Two large studies that changed our outlook on diabetes control were the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT), which looked at people with type 1 diabetes, and the UK Prospective Diabetes Study (UKPDS), which looked at people with type 2 diabetes.

Both studies provided diabetes experts with compelling evidence that strict blood glucose control, together with carefully monitored blood pressure, are the key to reducing the risk of long-term complications.

Take control

Keeping blood sugar levels down is not always easy, but it's important to keep aiming for very good control. Even if you don't reach ideal blood sugar levels, any improvement will help you reduce your risk of diabetic complications.

Ultimately, good blood glucose control depends on you. Your diabetes care team can help and advise you, but you are the one who needs to take responsibility for your health - both short and long term.

Tips for tighter control

1. Pay attention to your diet and weight - think low fat, low sugar, high fiber and high complex carbohydrate

2. If you smoke, you really need to give it up now! Find sources of help and support if you need them

3. Take regular exercise, do something you enjoy that won't be a chore

4. Keep all your clinic appointments so your blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol levels can all be regularly monitored

5. Check your blood sugar daily, several times if you think you need to

6. If your blood sugar remains higher than it should be, discuss with your diabetes care team what options you can look at to help bring it down.

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Type 2 Diabetes - Taking Care Of Your Feet and Preventing Toenail Fungus!

Were you told that your feet require special attention now that you have Type 2 diabetes? An ounce of prevention now is worth so much more when it comes to your feet and toes. We often neglect our feet during the day... we squash them into unsuitable shoes, pound them over all sorts of terrain, as well as put all our weight on the tiny bones that make up the structure of our feet. The primary care of your feet is entirely up to you!

Toenail fungus is a condition that can lead to more serious lesions for people with Type 2 diabetes. Infections of the nails can lead to permanent nail deformities, fungal infections in other parts of the body or paronychia, an infection of the skin around the nail. This is particularly common in diabetics. Paronychia should be treated with antibiotics or antifungal agents to prevent its spread to other soft tissue, blood or bone.

Researchers at the Department of Microbiology and Clinical Microbiology, Erzurum Region Educational and Research Hospital in Erzurum, Turkey, looked at risk factors for the disease. Their work was published in the Journal of the American Podiatric Medicine Association, January 2011.

Three hundred and twenty-one volunteers with Type 2 diabetes were included in the study. Forty-one were found to have fungal infections of their toenails. Associations were found between having toenail fungus and having diabetic eye and nerve problems, obesity, a family history of Type 2 diabetes and duration of diabetes. It was therefore concluded people with Type 2 diabetes needed to control their blood sugar, lose excess weight, and take good care of their nails and feet.

Toenail fungus can make the toenail appear as if it had been bashed with something heavy. The toenail can be:

brittlechange in shapecrumblesuffer debris trapped underneath itturn white or yellowbecome detachedappear dull, or thickened

If you see these signs, report them to your doctor. Treatment for toenail fungus includes oral medications and removal of the nail to allow the new healthy nail to grow in.

Paronychia gives the skin around the nails a red, swollen appearance and can be painful. Pus-filled blisters can also form. If the infection spreads the diabetic can experience:

chillsfevera general feeling of illnessjoint painmuscle pain, ora spread of the swelling and redness

The condition should be reported and treated before serious complications appear.

Besides keeping blood sugar and weight under control, diabetics should take good care of their feet:

it is often suggested toenails should be professionally trimmedyour ten toes and your feet should be kept clean and dryalways wear well-fitting shoes with clean, dry socks

You may have heard of an unfortunate situation where a diabetic has lost a toe or limb through amputation due to complications related to diabetes. However, this not mean everyone must suffer this fate. If you stay on top of taking care of your feet with your diabetes management, you stand a good chance of keeping your toes and feet healthy.

To discover answers to questions you may be asking yourself about Type 2 Diabetes, click on this link... Natural Diabetes Treatments

Clicking on this link will help you to learn more about Type 2 Diabetes Solutions... Beverleigh Piepers RN... the Diabetes Detective.

Beverleigh Piepers is the author of this article. This article can be used for reprint on your website provided all the links in the article are complete and active. Copyright (c) 2010 - All Rights Reserved Worldwide

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Beverleigh_H_Piepers

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Diabetes and Neuropathy, Be Aware

Neuropathies are a variety of ailments which arise when nerves of the peripheral nervous system - the nervous system aside from the brain and spinal cord - are damaged; this is most commonly referred to as peripheral neuropathy. Approximately 50% to 70% of the people who suffer with diabetes, in all probability will have some form of neuropathy. Most often it affects the motor nerves which control muscle movement and the sensory nerves which are responsible for our awareness of sensations such as coldness or pain. It first becomes apparent in the extremities but can manifest itself in the heart, blood vessels, bladder and intestines

Types of Diabetic Neuropathy

Diabetic Neuropathy is often classified into four distinct categories: peripheral, autonomic, proximal and focal. Since neuropathy can affect nerves throughout the body this classification is dependent on which part of the body is affected.

(a) Peripheral neuropathy is the most common type and causes loss of feeling or pain in the hands, arms, toes, feet and legs. It can also cause muscle weakness and foot deformities. Due to the loss of feeling, injuries can go unnoticed, resulting in infection(s) and additional complications.
(b) Autonomic neuropathy affects the nerves which support the heart and blood vessels, the urinary tract, the lungs and eyes, the sex organs, the sweat glands and the digestive system. Autonomic neuropathy can also be responsible for hypoglycemia unawareness whereby a person no longer experience the warning symptoms of low blood sugar levels.
(c) Proximal neuropathy affects the thighs, hips, or buttocks resulting in weakness of the legs. Due to weakness of the legs it becomes difficult to go from a sitting to standing position and assistance may be required. This affliction is more common among persons with Type 2 diabetes.
(d) Focal neuropathy affects one nerve or a group of nerves leading to muscle weakness or pain. It can affect the nerves which control the facial muscles, eyes, ears, chest, abdomen, pelvis and lower back, thighs, legs and feet. It is painful and unpredictable, existing mostly among older adults suffering with diabetes. It tends to improve by itself and does not cause long-term damage.

Symptoms

The symptoms are dependent on: the type of neuropathy contracted, the nerve(s) affected (autonomic, motor, sensory) and their location. It is not uncommon for many types of neuropathy to affect all three types of nerves. Some neuropathies may appear suddenly while others develop gradually.

(a) Autonomic Nerve Damage: Swollen abdomen, Blurred vision, Feeling full quickly, Nausea/ Vomiting after eating, Constipation, Diarrhoea, Weight loss, Dizziness/Fainting, Overflow and/or Urinary incontinence, Difficulty beginning to urinate, Abnormal perspiring, Sensitivity to heat, Impotence in men and Vaginal dryness in women.
(b) Motor Nerve Damage: Experiencing difficulty to move a part of the body (loss of balance and coordination), Lack of dexterity and muscle control, Cramps or Spasms, Loss of muscle tissue and difficulty swallowing or breathing.
(c) Sensory Nerve Damage: Nerve pain, Tingling or numbness, Burning sensations, Lack of coordination and a Lessening or absence of sensation to such an extent that nothing can be felt.

Prevention Is Better Than Cure

Presently there's no cure for diabetic neuropathy. Treatments are focused on prevention of further damage to the nerves and relief of pain (to those already afflicted) and are often determined by the extent to which the ailment has progressed. Antidepressants (low doses), Analgesics and anticonvulsant drugs may be prescribed for relief of burning, tingling and pain. Pills, creams, special diets and therapies to stimulate the nerves and muscles are also employed. Non-medicinal therapies may include: meditation, yoga, acupuncture, chiropractic massages and cognitive therapy. All treatments depend on the type of nerve problem and symptom.

Good foot health is particularly important and special preventative steps should be taken to avoid degenerative progress of the disease:

(a) Avoid continuous pressure on the knees and elbows
(b) Do not walk barefooted
(c) Avoid getting your feet too hot or cold
(d) Wash your feet daily with lukewarm water and mild soap
(e) Dry your feet well and use non-medicated powders with shoes, socks and stockings
(f) Apply cream or lotion to keep foot, especially heels smooth.
(g) Daily foot exams, checking for cuts, blisters, calluses or bruises.

The best way of preventing diabetic neuropathy is by adhering to the recommended treatment for your diabetes as prescribed by your doctor. Taking your diabetes medicines or insulin, blood glucose monitoring, a proper diet and physical activity will help keep your blood sugar levels under control. Keeping your blood glucose level as close to normal as possible will help protect the nerves throughout the entire body.

? 2010 Goldeneramart.com - All Rights Reserved.

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Diabetes May Be the Outcome and Risk Factor of Depression

Depression is defined as a state of low disposition that it influenced person's thoughts, behavior, emotion and physical well-being. This could lead to lose interest on hobbies, difficulty in concentration and even suicide attempt. The patient might experience insomnia, excessive sleeping, fatigue, loss of energy, or aches, pains or digestive problems.

Depression can also affect diabetics. It is not listed as a complication but can become one of the most dangerous complications to a diabetic patient. A depressed individual may loss his interest in controlling glucose level.

In a study conducted by An Pan, Ph.D., of the Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, and his team measured the connection of the two syndromes with 65,381 women participants whose age ranges from 50 to 75 in 1996. The women were requested to provide information about their medical records and health practices. The questionnaires were done every two years all through 2006. Women who were identified as diabetic was given another questionnaire about symptoms, diagnostic tests and treatments.

Throughout the 10 years record, 2,844 were identified as type 2 diabetic and the 7,415 has depression problem. Depressed women has trouble managing body mass index (BMI).

As soon as the other risk factor of mood disorder is controlled, women with diabetes were 29 percent to acquire depression. Those who are taking insulin have 53 percent chances than those without diabetes.

The outcome shows that lifestyle issue such as physical activity and BMI in some measure acts as a referee between depression and diabetes. However the link remained irrelevant following the adjustment of such factors, therefore depression may really play a role on diabetes. The findings is also a proof that depression and diabetes are related.

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Diabetes Research Gives You the Tools You Need

Diabetes research is an important subject for many, many people. There are different types of diabetes, and different ways that it needs to be handled. In order to know that you are handling yours properly you need to immerse yourself in the subject.

If you or a loved one has just been diagnosed with diabetes, it can be a scary time, filled with terms and procedures that you aren't familiar with. You have to learn about what causes diabetes, how you need to control it, and what you can do to make everything easier on everyone involved.

Diving into diabetes research may seem overwhelming, but it is actually a great way to empower yourself. By doing a lot of reading and studying on the subject, you will become well acquainted with it quickly, which makes dealing with it much easier. Also, it makes you feel more confident when you are shopping for diabetic supplies and talking with medical professionals about it.

One thing that you should do if you or a loved one has diabetes is to keep up with medical sites. As new diabetes research comes out, you should be able to find news of it quickly and easily. This can give you the upper hand when you are thinking about new treatment options. Knowing about new diabetes discoveries can also help you to make decisions that will make life easier for the person living with diabetes, which is always welcome.

Some sites offer information on day to day living with diabetes. You should be able to find many recipes that are made specifically for those with diabetes and that cater to many tastes and age groups. Also, you will find lesser known information, such as what you can do to deal with the depression that many people with diabetes suffer from. There are some surprising side effects to diabetes that most people aren't familiar with, and by doing diabetes research you can be ready if you or your loved one encounters those side effects.

Look around at some of the available sites that offer good information about diabetes. You will be able to pick a few that are reputable, offer pertinent, up to date info, and are easy to navigate. Once you find these sites, make sure you check in with them regularly to make sure you don't miss important updates.

By doing lots of diabetes research, you will feel ready to handle any curveballs that diabetes may toss your way. You will also find living with this issue easier if you are familiar with it.

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Type 1 Diabetes Diet - Know Your Carbs

Type 1 diabetes may also be called insulin dependent diabetes. It develops whenever your pancreas does not produce enough insulin. Insulin is a very important hormone which allows the cells of your body to take blood sugar. Whenever you do not have sufficient insulin, serious health complications as well as death can result. Type 1 diabetes is often genetic and develops during childhood however it may also strike adults. It is a different condition from type 2 diabetes that is much more common. With type 2 diabetes, your pancreas produces plenty of insulin your cells are unable to utilize it properly. Both types are managed with medication and diet. Type 1 necessitates the use of insulin along with a type 1 diabetes diet.

A diabetes diet should be strictly adhered to and adjusted to the amount of insulin you are taking. It takes frequent blood sugar monitoring. Should you skip meals but still take the usual quantity of insulin, your blood sugar levels can dip lacking and throw you into hypoglycemia and cause you to distribute. Therefore it is very important to comprehend the role of a type 1 diabetes diet and how it relates to managing insulin and blood sugar levels.

Your diet plan is composed mainly of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. Of those, carbohydrates are what have the most impact on blood sugar levels. Carbohydrates are found in sugar and starch; they break down within your body to form glucose. Glucose is exactly what provides your body with energy, so eating enough carbs is important to some nutritious diet. However, eating the right type in the correct amount and at the best time is important to some type 1 diabetes diet.

You should count carbohydrates with type 1 diabetes. The grams of carbs you are taking in are regulated against the dose of insulin you need. Even being off by a number of grams can be enough to affect your blood sugar levels in a negative way. Firstly you should understand what foods have carbs inside them These include vegetables, particularly squash, corn, and potatoes; fruit, milk, honey, sugar, sodas, sweets, rice, cereal, pasta, grains, lentils, and dried beans.

To help you determine the very best carbohydrate containing foods to consume on a diabetes diet, you need to use an index list chart. Foods which have a minimal index list convert into blood sugar more slowly so that they are the best choices. Only carbs are rated on the glycemic index because protein and fat do not have a big effect on blood sugar levels.

In general, for diabetes diet, you need to choose complex carbohydrates whenever possible over refined carbs. This means whole grain bread rather than white bread. It is also better to eat whole fruit and veggies rather than the juices from them as the fiber helps maintain your sugar levels down. Greens for example salad foods could be eaten in abundance. Protein for example meat, egg-whites, and beans could be enjoyed as long as they aren't over eaten because high protein intake stimulates your liver to produce blood sugar.

Type 1 diabetes is really a serious medical condition that may have dire consequences if left untreated. Fortunately by using supplemental insulin and a type 1 diabetes diet, the problem can be successfully managed to help you carry on living a complete and productive life.

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How Gestational Diabetes Symptoms Build Up?

Gestational diabetes is an endocrine and metabolic disorder of pregnant women. There are changes in the hormone that causes the gestational diabetes symptoms. Every pregnant woman is at risk of this kind of diabetes but not all will suffer. Statistically speaking, four percent of expectant mothers have been diagnose with this type of diabetes and may suffer the different symptoms of this kind of disease.

An abnormal glucose metabolism during pregnancy is the universal definition of gestational diabetes. There have been four known causes of the disorder and it includes obesity during pregnancy, age of more than 35 years, the mother is classified as multiple gestations, and has a family history of gestational diabetes. The latter causes were identified as the primary cause that triggers the human placental lactogen (HPL), a hormone that antagonizes the production of insulin needed by the pregnant mother. Normally, HPL were produced in order to prevent the glucose absorption needed by the mother, instead, the glucose was being provided for the consumption of the baby.

In this type of diabetes, since HPL were being activated, an increase supply of glucose flooded the blood circulation. The flooding of glucose causes the gestational diabetes symptoms that are more likely the same with a patient having diabetes mellitus. If this disorder were left untreated and unmonitored, there will be expected complications to the mother might as well to the fetus. The newborn may have a large body built and heavy weight compared to the normal weight of the newborn, which is called macrosomia. Macrosomia happens for the reason that the large amount of glucose was being consumed by the fetus. And for the pregnant mother the following are the classic indications or the different gestational diabetes symptoms.

? Blurred vision. This manifestation is the most common among the gestational diabetes symptoms. Because of viscosity of the blood, a process called osmosis is activated. As a result, there will be an increase blood volume on the blood circulation. The increase of the blood volume swells the cells of the different body including the lens of the eye causing blurry vision.
? Weariness. Weariness is the lay man's term for fatigue. Fatigue usually happen because of decrease of energy. Always remember that cells need glucose in order to produce energy. In this type of diabetes, since the HPL prevents the absorption of the glucose to be used up for the body cells of the mother, as a result, no energy will be produce resulting to fatigability.
? Frequent infections, including those of the bladder, vagina, and skin. This disease causes the urine to be less concentrated. Less concentrated urine would mean alkalinity which is a good pH for the bacteria to grow and divide. Consequently, there is an increase risk for bacterial infections to the mother.
? Increase Urination or Polyuria. It was observed that there is an increase of glucose in the blood and the body compensates through increasing the blood volume. The kidneys are the ones that maintain the blood volume balance in the body. And since there is an increase amount of blood volume in the body, the action of the kidney is to get rid of the excessive fluid in the blood causing an increase in urination.
? Increase thirst and hunger. In order to replace the loss fluid, the body compensates by increasing the thirst and to relieve the fatigability, a large amount of food will be the recompense.

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Controlling Blood Sugar Levels Important To Prevent And Treat Diabetes

We as a species are clearly heading down the wrong path with regards to the protection of our health and wellness. The almost total lack of muscular exertion in our sedentary modern world combined with the wrong types of foods and way too much of them are making an ever increasing number of us overweight, sick and immobile.

The outcome of the way we are living is a downgrading of our metabolism (our bodies engine) which is causing us to become over-fat as we simply cannot utilize the energy we take in each day because we have become so inactive.

Being overweight is not a natural condition for the human body and accelerates a host of problems. Even things like the increased loading of the spine and joints causes them to break down and hurt which means the desire to be active is reduced even more.

As a person's strength and fitness further deteriorate and be lost, the world becomes a smaller place and the downward health spiral continues. The quality of life is then reduced for as much as the last third of life which is not how it should be.

Our modern diet of mainly refined and processed non-foods (they have few to zero nutrients) have an abundance of empty calories meaning our blood sugar levels are continually high. There is not enough muscular activity to burn up the sugar in the blood so it hangs around circulating in the blood stream ending up getting into places it should not be causing damage to body organs, tissues and cells.

It is this damage that can trigger serious disease which we see all around us today. Eventually if we keep going down this track our body tries to protect itself from high blood sugar by shutting down the receptors that allow it into the cells. This 'glucose intolerance' is the fore-runner to diabetes which means your body's ability to control blood sugar levels has become impaired.

This is so serious that over the last 20 years the number of diabetics has risen from 30 million to 246 million. This is predicted to be just the tip of the iceberg for as many as one third of diabetics do not even know that they suffer from the disease. Therefore they are doing nothing to halt its progress.

This creeping blood sugar intolerance often displays no visible symptoms and it can be one of the most destructive changes to our body as we get older. Of course we cannot control our age but we can absolutely control the main three factors that change the processing of blood sugar for the worse.

1 - not doing enough proper muscle building and maintaining exercise
2 - a diet high in processed foods that contain man made fats, sugars and starches
3 - body fat levels increasing

The solution - a proper strength training program that will ensure muscles are exercised properly through their ranges of movement with adequate resistance to keep them strong and healthy. This will have them gobbling up sugar from the blood efficiently. Next ditch the processed non-nutrient foods and replace them with whole natural foods that you cook from scratch.

This simple solution of proper exercise 2-3 times each week supported with improved nutrition means you can bring this problem under control or prevent it happening in the first place. The two factors that will have a lasting effect on metabolism is by improving and reducing high levels of glucose in the blood stream and reducing body fat levels over time.

You will be improving your health from the inside where it may not be visible but will give you not only a higher quality of life as well as greater disease protection from these modern killer diseases stalking us all.

If you feel that your weight is a problem for you, and you would like to get on the fat loss fast track by increasing your metabolism (your body's engine), grab my free 35-page report that shows you The Best Way To Lose Weight. You can download it right now from here increase your metabolism.

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Type 2 Diabetes - Chronic Eye Complications of Uncontrolled Diabetes!

Type 2 diabetes is a continuously increasing burden to the government and to society. As stated by the National Diabetes Statistics, 1.6 million new cases of Type 2 diabetes were discovered and diagnosed in the United States in 2007 and this prevalence rate is continuously and exponentially growing every year.

Do you ever wonder why your doctor is so keen for you to control your blood sugar? You see, uncontrolled diabetes may result in multiple, yet preventable types of chronic complications. As mentioned in an article published by the Centers for Disease Control, early diagnosis and the application of available measures is a must to reduce the incidence and the severity of these chronic complications.

Diabetes is the most common cause of blindness in the United States. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control, diabetics are twenty five times more prone to the development of eye problems compared to the general population.

There three most common eye complications of uncontrolled diabetes are:

1. Diabetic retinopathy: Diabetic retinopathy is an eye problem in diabetics that affects the nerve-containing tissue of the eye. It is one of the leading causes of blindness among American adults each year. Believe it or not, the lifetime prevalence of this eye problem in diabetics is seventy percent. As mentioned again by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), diabetic retinopathy is almost always asymptomatic during its treatable stages. And so, if you happen to have Type 2 diabetes, the most reasonable way to prevent this eye problem from occurring is to regularly check with your opthalmologist.

2. Cataracts: As stated by CDC, diabetics are 1.6 times more prone to develop cataract in one or both eyes compared to those who do not have diabetes, Type 1 or Type 2. Diabetics most commonly acquire snowflake cataracts which usually resolve with good blood sugar control. However, there are those that develop persistent cataracts who need to undergo cataract extraction to restore their vision. In most cases, cataract extraction can restore ninety to ninety-five percent of the normal vision.

3. Glaucoma: Glaucoma is a problem caused by the increased pressure within your eye. There are two types of glaucoma seen in diabetics:

the open-angle glaucoma, the most common form of glaucoma in the diabetic population, andthe neovascular glaucoma, the more severe kind of glaucoma that usually occurs concomitantly with diabetic retinopathy

Early diagnosis and emergency surgery are the most needed medical interventions to save your eye from the full development of this problem.

Regular eye check-ups and good blood sugar control are the cornerstone for proper eye care in people with diabetes, Type 1 and Type 2. The more you control your blood sugar the lesser your chances in developing these eye problems.

To discover answers to questions you may be asking yourself about Type 2 Diabetes, click on this link... Natural Diabetes Treatments

Clicking on this link will help you to learn more about Type 2 Diabetes Solutions... Beverleigh Piepers RN... the Diabetes Detective.

Beverleigh Piepers is the author of this article. This article can be used for reprint on your website provided all the links in the article are complete and active. Copyright (c) 2010 - All Rights Reserved Worldwide

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Beverleigh_H_Piepers

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Your Emotional Health and Diabetes

So you maybe wondering what does your emotional well being have to do with diabetes? Well, there a lot of factors that contribute toward diabetes, including other diseases as well. But one factor that many of us don't put into consideration is our emotional health.

One example would be stress. Most of us knows that stress kills. Stress effects our immune system and it makes us more susceptible to diseases. And when you're stressed out, you're not likely to take better care of yourself. You're not likely to eat nutritious foods or exercise. Abuse of alcohol or drugs is a good sign of poor emotional health.

When stress persists in our bodies, it causes the pancreas (the organ around your stomach that produces insulin) to work harder, producing more insulin. Overtime, the overproduction of insulin, resulting from stress as well as poor eating and physical inactivity, causes the pancreas to shut down, thus, causing diabetes.

Diabetes is sometimes triggered by lack of joy in one's life, as well as a bad diet and physical inactivity. When the emotions are out of balance, the physical body can exhibit nutritional deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, immune conditions, or disease symptoms.

The CDC states that 85% of all (physical) diseases have an emotional component; other experts claim that this number may be as high as 100%. It is no longer a secret that our physical health is deeply connected to our mental projections and beliefs. While this may scare many who are not ready to take responsibility for how they feel, what they think, and their beliefs about their world, it is also hugely powerful, putting the power back in our hands. Through our choices of how we deal with our thoughts and emotions, we are responsible for and truly in control of our health and well-being.

So, what can you do to keep this from happening to you?

- If you're surrounded by people who're living unhealthy lifestyles, deviate away from these people and surround yourself with people who are living healthy lifestyles.

- Find activities you really enjoy: Listen to some good music, do some workouts you enjoy, read inspiring books, associate with inspiring people, travel, and so on.

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We Are All At Risk Of The Modern Day Villain - Diabetes

Hard to believe but the average person consumes 2-3 pounds of sugar each week. But it is really not surprising when you consider that highly refined sugar in many forms is being added to most processed foods. Everything from bread to peanut butter and ketch-up along with the usual sweet baked goods get a good dose of sugar.

Back in the early 1900's we used to only consume 5 pound of sugar each per year but now our annual consumption is around 135 pounds and it is having a devastating affect on our health. A recurring constant influx of sugar into the bloodstream keeps upsetting the body's blood-sugar balance. This triggers the release of the hormone insulin, which the body uses to keep blood-sugar at a stable and safe level.

When we eat food our body converts carbohydrates into sugar (glucose) which is our main source of energy. It is transported in our blood stream to muscle cells to be used for energy. With our sedentary and largely inactive lifestyles our un-toned muscles require little energy so they refuse to allow the glucose into the cells (glucose resistance).

Then it circulates together with high levels of insulin around the body with no-where to go getting into places it should not be damaging organs, tissues and cells as it is a strong chemical brew. Our blood sugar levels are critical for good health and can affect how hungry we feel, how energetic we are, if we store body fat or burn it for energy.

Sometimes after we eat something with sugar in it the resulting insulin surge causes too much blood sugar to be transported out of our blood leaving us with too low blood sugar levels. This leaves us feeling fatigued and hungry and we are then driven to eat something with a high sugar content. When we do the cycle continues and we have wildly fluctuating blood sugar and hormone levels

If this continues over a period of time we are setting ourselves up for the disease that is now epidemic in our world - diabetes. One in four of us has pre-diabetes and does not even know it. One in three of us will actually get full blown diabetes. This is serious as it is the fourth leading cause of death world-wide and climbing.

You can reduce this risk by 1) toning up your muscular system with strength training exercise so a higher amount of sugar gets taken up and used from the blood and 2) by ditching as many processed foods as possible and replacing them with natural whole foods that you cook from scratch. That way you know there is no hidden sugar in them so you have greater control over what goes into your body.

Strength training exercise is the most potent diabetes defense available to us. It also decreases dangerous abdominal body fat. This is the stuff inside your gut that causes the biggest health risks and increases insulin resistance along with your disease risk.

The damage that leads to this nasty disease does not happen overnight. It can take many years to develop but when it does there is no fixing the damage that has occurred. A proper strength training program improves your body's ability to control blood sugar on many levels and it is something that we can all easily do and will help prevent or even treat diabetes if you already have it.

A few simple lifestyle changes such as improved eating and a program of proper exercise is your very best protection against this modern day villain. Keeping better control your blood sugar levels is the number one best thing you can do to guard your good health.

If you feel that overeating or eating the wrong types of foods might be a problem for you, and you would like to put an end to it and get on the fat loss fast track, grab my free 35-page report that shows you how to Outsmart Your Hunger. You can download it right now from here healthy eating

While you are there check out my fat loss blueprint designed to assist people with their fat loss goals, one meal at a time. http://21daystohealthyeating.com/

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What Are Type 1 Diabetes Symptoms?

Many cases of type 1 diabetes develop in early childhood due to genetic reasons. However, even though it is not common, adults may also develop type 1 diabetes. This really is considered to happen as a result of a virus or an auto-immune response that triggers harm to the insulin producing cells of the pancreas. Regardless of the cause, all sorts of things exactly the same; the body is no longer capable of producing enough insulin. When that occurs, there are several characteristic type 1 diabetes symptoms that prove.

One of the most common type 1 diabetes symptoms is increased thirst. Normally, this is associated with a rise in urinary frequency. This happens because high levels of blood sugar levels cause fluids to be pulled out of your body tissues, leaving you somewhat dehydrated and constantly thirsty. That causes you to definitely drink many you are visiting the bathroom frequently as a result.

Another of the more common diabetes symptoms is increased hunger. You might constantly feel hungry, even after you eat a big meal. That occurs because your low insulin levels keep your cells from taking in blood sugar. Blood sugar is fuel for the cells. When they can't get enough sugar, they literally starve and will send signals which make you are feeling hungry all the time.

Surprisingly, even though you drink and eat more, weight loss is another of the diabetes symptoms. Sometimes the load loss could be rapid and dramatic. Such things happen since your cells cannot consume blood glucose so the muscles lose mass and your fat stores get depleted.

Along with weight reduction comes extreme fatigue. Glucose is fuel for your bodily functions and it is also what provides you with energy to go about your daily life. In case your body is not able to utilize blood sugar levels because of low levels of insulin, you'll feel tired and irritable most of the time.

Type 1 diabetes symptoms likewise incorporate blurred eyesight. This happens because fluid is pulled out of the tissues of the eyes. When that happens, the lens is not able to focus properly so you have blurred vision consequently.

Because this medical problem is frequently presents itself during childhood, you should observe that children may display additional symptoms since they are not able to communicate as readily. The type 1 diabetes symptoms experienced by adults apply but kids could also show moody, unusual, or irritable behavior. Yeast infections are also associated with your body in infants and the first symptom might be a severe diaper rash.

Should you experience these diabetes symptoms, it is suggested to have a medical evaluation. The problem can be quickly diagnosed with simple blood tests. You will find effective treatments available that may help you manage your disease. Your body is generally not reversible but it could be controlled through insulin supplements and diet.

Ignoring diabetes type 1 symptoms could have serious consequences. Long-term elevated glucose levels may cause cardiovascular disease, nerve damage, kidney failure, osteoporosis, pregnancy complications, foot problems, gum infections, hearing difficulties, and blindness.

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Omega 3 Fish Oil - Pre Diabetes And The Diabetic Undershirt

Pre diabetes is a health state that is considered a possible precursor to type 2 diabetes. It is likely that it will be only a matter of time before pre diabetes is treated as a disease. People are looking for ways to decrease the effects of pre diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes is a small vessel disease. The increased circulating blood sugar seems to "poison" the linings of small blood vessels. These blood vessel's linings thicken and make it more difficult for nutrients to cross from the blood stream into the surrounding tissues. As a result, tissues such as the eyes, heart and kidneys undergo pathological changes.

One of these changes occurs in the feet. The small vessel changes of high blood sugar levels cause the nerves throughout the body to lose function. In the feet, the nerves help monitor small changes in pressure and other potential injuries to the tissues in the feet. Because the feet are constantly impacting the ground, it is possible that the feet may not be able to detect serious injuries before it is too late. As a result, people with diabetes are at risk for injury and even amputation of the limb if the injury is severe enough. In addition, people with diabetes have a more difficult time healing.

A company was recently touted as having a sensor that could be worn as an undershirt. Attached to the shirt is a sensor that records the accumulative effects of the day's activities. The thought is that by monitoring the forces produced during the day's exercise and normal activities, the individual would be able to determine when repetitive forces reached a threshold where they put the feet at risk for breakdown of the skin.

Once the skin breaks down in a person with diabetes, there is the distinct possibility that the break in the skin will not seal over. Any ulcer may become more difficult to heal and in many cases impossible to heal. Therefore, the sensing device could alert the patient to increased risk for skin breakdown.

The device is manufactured by a company called Sensics. To date, the device is only available for health professionals who are in charge of caring for people with diabetes. Stay tuned.

What is interesting is that technology is being used to detect another threshold with respect to type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is the number one cause of amputations in the United States.

Many people are not able to alter their diet or exercise level to the degree that will significantly impact on their risk for developing type 2 diabetes. As a result many people have turned to supplements to give themselves an edge in the Sugar War that is all around us.

Omega 3 fatty acids have been shown to reduse the risk for people with pre diabetes progressing to type 2 diabetes. Omega 3 fish oil is known for its positive effects on a variety of health conditions including pre diabetes.

omega 3 fish oil

You need to use the freshest and purest omega 3 fish oil sources. New Zealand is known for the best omega 3 fish oil. Find out what steps New Zealand takes to bring you the best omega 3 fish oil. All you have to do is click on the link and find out more.

Don't wait to fight type 2 diabetes. It's not waiting to fight you. Protect yourself.

Try omega 3 now

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Free Diabetes Meter - What Are the Benefits?

Diabetes, cancer and heart disease are representative of the chronic diseases that are considered to be leading causes of disability and death according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Among adults, diabetes is responsible for the majority of cases of kidney failure, blindness and non-traumatic amputations of the lower extremities. Almost 24 million people in the US have been diagnosed with diabetes and the number of new cases is increasing each year. Furthermore, many cases remain undiagnosed, and these numbers are estimated to be between six to eight million. The disease can be controlled, so a free diabetes meter is just the thing most folks need.

Having diabetes means your blood sugar or blood glucose is too high. A diabetes meter only needs a drop of blood to test the level of glucose in your bloodstream at any given moment. Blood sugar is typically measured in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), but these units are rarely referred to when discussing the target range. Before meals or first thing in the morning before breakfast, the target range is 70 to 130 for most people. An hour or two after eating a meal, the target level should be lower than 180. A free diabetes meter or glucometer can be used at home to test your blood sugar levels at regular intervals.

There are many sources for a free diabetes meter. A number of online companies offer free meters and test supplies to those who qualify by filling out a short survey. There are also advertisements in popular magazines, especially health and fitness magazines, that explain how to get your free glucose meter. You can also find brochures in the doctor's office, drug store and other health facilities. You can also receive free cookbooks, meal planners and recipes for diabetics. All this can help you maintain acceptable blood sugar levels in order to ward off the serious and devastating complications of the disease.

Your free diabetes meter can provide quick and accurate results regarding your blood glucose levels. If the level is too high, that can alert you to cut back on white bread or pasta during your next meal. Although it is a little more complicated than that, it still gives you an idea on how to use the diabetes meter in conjunction with meal planning. After each test, record your results in a log book. Over time you will see trends that will help you better manage diabetes.

Chad Nellis is a health and wellness professional in San Diego where he helps Diabetics with Free Diabetes Meter and Yoga at Yoga For Athletes. Chad's goal is to help people find fulfillment in all aspects of their lives by utilizing events, tools, and strategies that make the process of health and personal growth exciting & entertaining

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Understand and Manage Diabetes - Tips for Controlling Diabetes

Diabetes is a progressive disease marked by high levels of glucose or blood sugar. This situation may be caused by:

an unhealthy pancreas not making or producing enough insulin, and orthe liver, muscles and fat cells not assimilating or absorbing or responding to the insulin a normal manner.

This results in excess sugar or glucose in the blood and is the beginning of an extremely unhealthy and dangerous health condition. This condition may be identified or suspected through the symptoms of blurry vision, excessive thirst, fatigue, frequent urination, intense hunger and unusual weight loss.

Now, conventional wisdom says that there is no cure for diabetes. However, there are some traditional schools of thought that suggest that in some cases this malady can be reversed.

Even so, we know that we can use diet, exercise and medicines to control and manage blood sugar levels, and in this way alleviate or prevent the symptoms associated with diabetes.

To effectively treat or manage diabetes we should:

monitor and control our blood pressure and cholesterol levelseducate ourselves about diabetes and the best or optimal approaches for monitoring and managing itmaintain a regular exercise regimenmanage our diet, paying close attention to our intake of fats, carbs and proteins. Vegetables, particularly green and leafy, should always be on the menu. And here I would like to specifically add herbs, because herbs are foodUse medication as prescribed by your health care professional.

Of course, it seems that for most people the biggest challenge with a diabetes management or control program is the diet part of it.

What to eat, how much to eat, when to eat, how to prepare what you will eat?

Your health care professional or dietitian will most likely discuss the Food Pyramid with you. The three (3) major food groups - carbohydrates/fruits/vegetables, proteins and fats - should be discussed and understood.

Most health care professionals recommend that you eat most of your meals from the carbohydrates/fruits/vegetables group. However, not all carbs are created equally, and you must consider the related glycemic index factor.

This is one reasons why it's very important to discuss your food intake with your diet planning team. The plan should be specifically designed for you, taking into consideration your age, weight, level of physical activity and of course your current health status.

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Type 2 Diabetes - How Sleep Deprivation Can Help Put on the Pounds!

Diabetes can make you feel more tired than normal for a number of reasons... people with Type 2 diabetes, especially if they are overweight, may unknowingly suffer from obstructive sleep apnea, caused by the narrowing of the upper airways.

What wouldn't you give to sleep like you did when you were a child? Do you remember how your Mom would coerce you to bed at exactly 8pm, telling you how you would grow taller the next day if you had enough sleep? Then, college came along, and your body adapted to long hours of studying (or was it partying?) and 2 to 3 hours of sleep each day. Now at the workplace, where a typical day means 8 or 9 hours of labor, 3 hours of socialization, 3 hours of housework and what's left of the hours is devoted to other activities and sleep.

Do you would think your active 18-hour days would keep you fit and healthy? But no, you are still overweight, tired and almost always, hungry.

Why is this the case?

Studies have shown that there is a relationship between sleep deprivation and weight gain. Since the main purpose of sleep is to recharge and renew our bodies, a lot of hormones that have something to do with energy and appetite are also affected.

Hormones like:

1. Dopamine and serotonin: If you sleep less hours, the body balances its hormone levels by making you crave sweet, sugary foods since these have the same dopamine-serotonin releasing effect.

2. Ghrelin: Ghrelln is an appetite stimulating hormone. Lack of sleep leads to excess release of this hormone which makes you feel hungry, even if you just ate.

3. Leptin: Leptin is called the satiety hormone. The body delays release of this hormone if you don't get enough sleep.

Simply put, if your body does not get enough sleep, it feels like it's artillery has not been stocked, therefore, it compensates by sending out signals to make you eat more so it can get more ammo. This is why adults who get less than 7 to 9 hours sleep have a hard time controlling their weight.

According to the American Diabetes Association, regular sleep loss leads us to have increased levels of proinflammatory cytokines and low-grade inflammation known to trigger insulin resistance and the development of Type 2 diabetes. As well, overweight people are at a high risk of developing sleep disorders like sleep apnea (a condition that causes temporary gaps between breaths while sleeping).

People who don't get enough sleep during the night typically have low energy throughout the day... especially to exercise or prepare nutritious meals. So now you see that lack of sleep can affect weight gain and increase your risk in developing Type 2 diabetes.

Here are some tips to help you sleep better:

make your bedroom your sleep sanctuarygo to bed and wake up around the same time every daystart winding down about 2 hours before bed. Do not exercise, eat in excess or attend to something stressfulavoid stimulants like coffee or tea before going to bedSleep is not a luxury, but a necessity. Sleep recharges you both mentally and physically. You are better able to fight off stress when you are well rested. Most adults still need about 8 hours of sleep. There are many studies linking obesity and Type 2 diabetes.

To discover answers to questions you may be asking yourself about Type 2 Diabetes, click on this link... Natural Diabetes Treatments

Clicking on this link will help you to learn more about Type 2 Diabetes Solutions... Beverleigh Piepers RN... the Diabetes Detective.

Beverleigh Piepers is the author of this article. This article can be used for reprint on your website provided all the links in the article are complete and active. Copyright (c) 2010 - All Rights Reserved Worldwide

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Can One Doctor Help Manage Diabetes?

Bad eating habits and lifestyle issues are aiding to rise of diabetics. Treatment of diabetes has led to a specific specialization in medicine called as diabetologists or diabetic consultants. But the question that arises is - If Diabetes is more of a lifestyle disease then how can just one doctor help? Answer to this is an emphatic 'NO'.

A Doctor all alone cannot help a diabetic. It involves stress on lifestyle modifications which require intensive counseling not only from a dietitian but also from a psychiatrist at times. Moreover, the patient should be regularly told as to how many calories should he / she eat and in which form along with medicines to control Diabetes.

According to Dr Kirti Soota, leading Diabetic Consultant in Delhi, "Intensive Dietary Counseling at times 1-2 hrs is required for diabetic patients by the Dietitians. This is apart from usual 15 minutes that a doctor normally spends with the patient. This is required as patients at times go in depression because of a feeling that their lifestyle would change completely and slowly their condition will deteriorate. At times alcoholics ask whether diabetes would result in a complete stop on their alcohol intake. May be the patient has become diabetic as he/she was alcoholic. In such cases help of a psychiatrist is also required."

Along with Diabetes there are other co-morbid conditions that need to be monitored. Patient also needs to be observed for his lipids, liver functioning, glycosylated hemoglobin. Vascular neuropathy also needs to be ruled out in such cases. Foot amputations are one of the major problems of diabetics as they don't even come to know if some sort of infection has happened in their feet. To avoid these conditions, proper feet examination needs to be done for diabetics all the time.

All the above suggest that treatment / management of Diabetes is a team effort by doctors (Diabetic Consultants, Psychiatrists etc.) and dietitians as it not only includes treatment through medicines but also requires a lot of lifestyle modifications. Hence a patient should choose their team i.e. Doctor & Dietitian very carefully.

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Diabetes in America: Emotional Support Needed

According to the Center for Disease Control almost 11% of the adult population in the United States has been diagnosed with either type-1 or type-2 diabetes. An additional 57 million people have pre-diabetes which is a condition when average blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough for a diabetes diagnosis. Both of these populations total 81.6 million people in the US that have diabetes or are at risk for a diabetes diagnosis if their lifestyles are not changed. The agency projects that as many as 1 in 3 adults will have diabetes by 2050 which equates to 39 million people. The majority, 90% to 95%, of these individuals have type-2 diabetes.

Taking Control

Although these statistics indicate a significant epidemic, the outlook for individuals does not have to be a hopeless one. Unlike other chronic illnesses, diabetes allows individuals to take control of their lifestyle and make significant impacts on their quality of life. By taking control and incorporating healthy habits into one's daily life, one can significantly minimize the risk of diabetes complications which can include eye complications, kidney disease, heart disease, stroke, sexual dysfunction, and extremity amputation. For some individuals there is even a possibility of reversing diabetes.

The Diabetes Lifestyle

So what does a healthy diabetes lifestyle consist of? First, for many it involves the elimination of unhealthy habits such as smoking, excessive drinking, overeating, poor diet and a sedentary lifestyle. Second, it involves the incorporation of healthy lifestyle habits into one daily life that includes a low carbohydrate and low sugar diet, exercise, glucose monitoring, a medication regimen, consistent visits to a medical team and constant learning about the disease and its lifestyle.

Even though individuals with diabetes can significantly reduce the risk of diabetes complications by adhering to a healthy lifestyle, very few individuals do. For example, 70% of the individuals with type-2 diabetes are considered overweight and their diabetes diagnosis is correlated with their being overweight. For many of these individuals, losing weight can reverse a type-2 diabetes diagnosis. Given this, diabetes continues to grow with almost 90% of the diagnosis' being type-2.

So why is it difficult for individuals to make healthy lifestyle changes and significantly impact diabetes complications and quality of life? The answer is complicated and it may involve practical and emotional dynamics which include knowledge and acceptance. A research study concluded that 95% of diabetes care is considered self-care. That means that only 5% of diabetes care is provided by a medical team and the remaining 95% of the care must be provided by the individual with diabetes and their families. In general, self-care consists of making significant lifestyle changes that include the elimination of unhealthy behaviors and the integration of healthy behaviors. This may mean giving up favorite foods, stopping smoking, and starting an exercise program For many learning the diabetes lifestyle and incorporating it into one's life can be an overwhelming and emotional endeavor. It is no wonder that many people with diabetes are not motivated to make such significant lifestyle changes.

Support

How can individuals be supported through this transition to a healthy diabetes lifestyle and how can one become motivated to learn and live a diabetes lifestyle? Countless studies have been conducted on the correlation between depression and diabetes. Depression has been identified as a significant factor why individuals do not adhere to a healthy diabetes lifestyle, even though the benefits are compelling. Other emotional struggles also appear to interfere with one's motivation to make the necessary lifestyle adjustments, such as fear, anger, sadness and denial. The process of developing motivation can be emotional as one works through these emotional dynamics. Trained counseling professionals at the Colorado Counseling and Wellness Institute can provide support and guidance to help individuals move towards acceptance and develop motivation to live a healthy life with diabetes. Diabetes is being called a lifestyle disease, and hopefully if all Americans can begin to live a healthy lifestyle, the diabetes trend will starting moving down.

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