health is sweet

ALL ABOUT IS HOW TO GET OUT OFF DIABETES



A Vegetarian Lifestyle For Diabetes Control - 10 Surefire StepsBy [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Bill_Hansen]Bill Hansen
We all know diabetes is a serious health condition. There is no cure. If left untreated it can cause heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, blindness, amputation, and erectile dysfunction. If diagnosed early, diabetes can be effectively managed and the risk of serious health problems greatly reduced.
You can live well with diabetes by following the ten steps below.
(1) Eat well. Enjoy a variety of healthy foods which are low in saturated fat, sugar and salt. High fibre foods are also recommended such as wholegrain breads and cereals, legumes, fruit and vegetables. Monitor your portion sizes so that you do not eat more food (energy) than you can use (burn) if trying to prevent weight gain. A vegetarian lifestyle and vegetarian food can be of great benefit to your health as well as your weight control. Being overweight or obese is one of the prime causes of diabetes.
(2) Be active. Stay as physically active in as many ways and as often as you can. Aim for a minimum of 30 minutes every day.
(3) If you smoke, STOP! Consult your physician or an association that can assist you. Don't delay!
(4) Test your blood glucose levels regularly. By keeping your levels in the target range you will dramatically lower the risks of many complications. Discuss your targets with your physician or diabetes educator. Take your medications as directed by your physician.
(5) If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation.
(6) Keep track of your weight (and waist). If overweight, even small amounts of weight loss can make a difference to your general health and diabetes management.
(7) Have your physician arrange the recommended management and complication checks.
(8) Take care of your feet and look at them daily. Wear well-fitting socks and supportive shoes or sandals. Cut nails carefully and be aware of injuries.
(9) Have your eyes checked by an optometrist annually, unless recommended more frequently.
(10) Maintain a positive attitude - this is one of the most important tips!
A change to a healthy lifestyle including healthy eating habits will greatly improve your chances of keeping your diabetes condition under control and at the same time allow you to live a fulfilled and prolonged life.
Bill Hansen is a writer(Expert Author Status) and researcher on vegetarian food and recipes. To receive your instant access on various vegetarian food issues please visit http://www.aboutvegetarianrecipes.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bill_Hansen http://EzineArticles.com/?A-Vegetarian-Lifestyle-For-Diabetes-Control---10-Surefire-Steps&id=1770351

how to get rid of diabetes

ALL ABOUT IS HOW TO GET OUT OFF DIABETES


ve scoured the ancient Ayurveda and folk writing of India to look for some herbal cures for mild cases of Diabetes Mellitus. It seems a shame to be on drugs for the whole of ones life, for any problem of the body. At times there may be no recourse but to be on insulin and drugs to control this problem. However there is no harm in trying these herbs. There are many positive cases and at times the patient’s response to these herbs is excellent. However not all humans respond in the same way. So experiment a bit, check your blood sugar levels regularly and try to keep a track of the benefits of these herbs as applicable to your body. If you can find a continuous positive response, you may, after consultation with your physician or doctor start to reduce your allopathic medicines.

Three very effective measures against Diabetes Mellitus are:

10 simple food concepts every person living with diabetes should know

10 Simple Food Concepts Every Person Living With Diabetes Should KnowBy [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Thomas_P_Fouts]Thomas P Fouts
You know, I'll bet you've heard or have seen all this stuff before. But pay attention anyway. It is good information. Most people living with diabetes that I surveyed, know what not to eat, but not always what to eat, or how to eat it. (combining proteins and carbs) Most all of those surveyed told me what you should eat, that exercise is great, and what vitamins are needed. Then the next thing they say is "whoa, I just told what all you need to do, and I don't even do that myself! Diabetes is a deceiver. Dump that "just one more doughnut" attitude. Here you go.
1. Try to eat five or six small balanced meals each day. Don't starve yourself, eat a small healthy snack if you need to between meals. Be prepared. Keep healthy snacks handy.
2. Don't eat just carbohydrates for a meal. Always combine protein, carbohydrates and healthy fats into balanced meals. If you eat just carbs, like bread, candy, deserts, pasta, or even just fruit, your insulin levels will spike.
3. Try to avoid processed/refined grains like flour. Actually, try to avoid eating anything white. Try to eliminate eating white bread, pancakes, pastries, sugar-laden puffed rice cereals, snack crackers, potato chips, pasta, and my favorite, doughnuts!
4. Limit Carbohydrates to fruits and vegetables (starchy). Good ones to eat, but keep them to a smaller portion are; potatoes (not french fries or potato chips) summer squash, sweet potatoes, lima beans and peas.
5. Always make sure you meet your protein needs everyday with a good quality protein, either plant based or select cuts of meat, or fish. Limit your portion size to about as big as the palm of your open hand. Combine this with your carbs.
6. Fats. Doesn't that word just sound gross? Well, you need fats in your diet. But they need to be healthy fats like cold pressed olive oil, fats from fish, or even from small amounts of avocados or raw nuts. Avoid trans-fats like margarine, lard, shortening, etc. Limit your calories to no more than 31% from fats. Flaxseed oil and good quality cold-pressed fish oil is suggested.
7. High-fiber diet is very beneficial for diabetics. High-fiber foods such as brown rice, whole grain cereals, fresh raw vegetables and fruits, lentils, nuts, seeds, and bran, are just a few. Be sure to include these in your daily diet.
8. Eat your vegetables! Fresh is better. Organic fresh is best. Vegetables just seem to help balance everything. Broccoli is one of the awesome ones to eat often. Full of nutrition, minerals and antioxidants, they provide nutrition without spiking blood sugar. They also help fill you up and make you feel satisfied.
9. Avoid sugar. You know what to avoid, candy, sweet rolls, cakes, pies, ice cream, frozen yogurt, SODA POP, fruit juices, (unless fresh squeezed and minimal amounts). But there is so much sugar in processed foods that you have to be careful. Sugar has many names. Learn them. Corn syrup should be banned! In my guess, corn syrup is probably responsible for a large portion of diabetes cases. Probably more than any other one ingredient.
10. Drink good clean pure water. All day. Make water your beverage of choice. Maybe even make it your only beverage. Can't go wrong with this one!
So there you have it. Nutrition is the name of the game. A huge "piece of the puzzle" for preventing, delaying, or reversing diabetes.
Thomas Fouts is a former building inspector who decided to get out of the 8 to 5 rat race. Since starting an online business, making money, my wife has told others that she got the person she married back. It has been a wonderful change. Just start. http://www.diabetespanicbutton.com
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Diabetics With Low Blood Sugar - A Must Read For Them

Diabetics With Low Blood Sugar - A Must Read For ThemBy [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Tehmina_Mazher]Tehmina Mazher
Sugar, honey, sweetie-pie. These terms of endearment reflect the desirability of sweet tastes. Sugar is surprisingly prevalent in dishes you may least suspect: For example soups, cured meats, salad dressings, and sauces. One tablespoon of regular ketchup contains a teaspoon of sugar. Hoisin sauce, which you often find in Chinese cooking, has just as much sugar, if not more. A can of soda pop contains several tablespoons of sugar. Even diet foods contain large amounts of rapidly acting carbohydrates or alternative sweeteners like aspartame (which has been linked to cancer).
If you're surrounded by sugar, how can anyone possibly be suffering from low blood sugar? That's precisely the point and is the reason that make understanding of hypoglycemia very difficult. Because everything is so sugar-laden, keeping a steady level of blood sugar has become difficult. If someone is suffering from low blood sugar, the general advice from a lay man could be to incorporate sugary things in your diet. This is wrong. It doesn't mean that he/she should eat sugar. This statement may, at first, appear to be a contradiction. The paradox is that the more sugar you eat, the less sugar you have in your blood.
Your body can easily obtain the blood sugar it needs to function through unrefined carbohydrates, protein, and fats. The truth is that even if you eat absolutely no glucose or refined sugar, you'll still have plenty of blood sugar as long as your body is functioning properly.
Always remember that refined carbohydrates are harmful, but unrefined carbohydrates are OK (they should also be taken in moderate quantities).
In order to maintain a steady blood sugar level, the first thing you need is the proper understanding of hypoglycemia. Take your first step to understand it by checking [http://hypoglycemiainfo.blogspot.com]Diabetes Cure. Here you will find the most worthy and valuable information about the causes, symptoms and secret tips for controlling Hypoglycemia. Also get an e-book "How To Reverse Diabetes" for free.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tehmina_Mazher http://EzineArticles.com/?Diabetics-With-Low-Blood-Sugar---A-Must-Read-For-Them&id=1368622

Diabetes - An Introduction and Description of Metabolic Disorder

Diabetes - An Introduction and Description of Metabolic DisorderBy [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Budda_Oliver]Budda Oliver
Diabetes affects a huge proportion of the population. It is estimated that 7% of individuals living in the United States are afflicted by the disease. That is nearly 21 million Americans suffering from diabetes. With such a large number of affected individuals, it is important to understand the disease as best you can.
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a metabolic disorder caused by abnormally high blood sugar levels. The high levels of blood sugar, called glucose appear because they are not properly absorbed into the body's cells.
Glucose and Insulin
As your body digests food, most of it is turned into glucose, which is your body's main source of energy. Your pancreas produces a hormone called insulin, which is essential in allowing glucose to be absorbed into cells from the bloodstream. Without insulin, glucose remains in the bloodstream, until it is excreted by the body.
This is just where the problem occurs with diabetes patients. For those with this illness, insulin is produced in low levels, or not at all. Alternatively, sufficient insulin may be produced, however the body may not respond properly to the hormone. This prevents the glucose from being absorbed by the cells, which can wreak havoc on the body and lead to hyperglycemia, which is the medical term for high blood sugar levels.
Causes of Diabetes
There are three main types of the disease: Type 1, which is the most severe; Type 2, which is far more common and more manageable; and Gestational, which occurs in some pregnancies. Being that these types differ, so too do the presumptive causes.
For the most part, the causes of diabetes remain a mystery. However, certain habits, environments, and predispositions are thought to increase the chances of getting the disease.
It is often seen that the onset of diabetes is related to hypertension, high blood sugar and high blood cholesterol. Genetic factors, poor diet, minimal physical activity, and environment are also believed to be catalysts for the disease.
Treatment
There are many options now available to treat and manage diabetes. Talk to your physician to find out what your best alternatives will be to deal with this disease.
Mr. Oliver is a marketing agent of Type Free. The diabetes lifestyle superstore provides diabetes information and products throughout the nation. For more information on their [http://www.imtypefree.com/]Diabetes Lifestyle Superstore please visit their website.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Budda_Oliver http://EzineArticles.com/?Diabetes---An-Introduction-and-Description-of-Metabolic-Disorder&id=1457918

health is life and wealth

Diabetes can be caused by too little insulin (a hormone produced by the pancreas to control blood sugar), resistance to insulin, or both.
To understand diabetes, it is important to first understand the normal process of food metabolism. Several things happen when food is digested:
A sugar called glucose enters the bloodstream. Glucose is a source of fuel for the body.
An organ called the pancreas makes insulin. The role of insulin is to move glucose from the bloodstream into muscle, fat, and liver cells, where it can be used as fuel.
People with diabetes have high blood sugar. This is because their pancreas does not make enough insulin or their muscle, fat, and liver cells do not respond to insulin normally, or both.
There are three major types of diabetes:
Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in childhood. The body makes little or no insulin, and daily injections of insulin are needed to sustain life.
Type 2 diabetes is far more common than type 1 and makes up most of all cases of diabetes. It usually occurs in adulthood. The pancreas does not make enough insulin to keep blood glucose levels normal, often because the body does not respond well to the insulin. Many people with type 2 diabetes do not know they have it, although it is a serious condition. Type 2 diabetes is becoming more common due to the growing number of older Americans, increasing obesity, and failure to exercise.
Gestational diabetes is high blood glucose that develops at any time during pregnancy in a woman who does not have diabetes.
Diabetes affects more than 20 million Americans. About 54 million Americans have prediabetes. There are many risk factors for diabetes, including:
A parent, brother, or sister with diabetes
Obesity
Age greater than 45 years
Some ethnic groups (particularly African Americans, Native Americans, Asians, Pacific Islanders, and Hispanic Americans)
Gestational diabetes or delivering a baby weighing more than 9 pounds
High blood pressure
High blood levels of triglycerides (a type of fat molecule)
High blood cholesterol level
Not getting enough exercise
The American Diabetes Association recommends that all adults over age 45 be screened for diabetes at least every 3 years. A person at high risk should be screened more often.
Back to TopSymptoms
High blood levels of glucose can cause several problems, including frequent urination, excessive thirst, hunger, fatigue, weight loss, and blurry vision. However, because type 2 diabetes develops slowly, some people with high blood sugar experience no symptoms at all.
Symptoms of type 1 diabetes:
Increased thirst
Increased urination
Weight loss in spite of increased appetite
Fatigue
Nausea
Vomiting
Patients with type 1 diabetes usually develop symptoms over a short period of time, and the condition is often diagnosed in an emergency setting.
Symptoms of type 2 diabetes:
Increased thirst
Increased urination
Increased appetite
Fatigue
Blurred vision
Slow-healing infections
Impotence in men
Back to TopSigns and Tests
A urine analysis may be used to look for glucose and ketones from the breakdown of fat. However, a urine test alone does not diagnose diabetes. The following blood glucose tests are used to diagnose diabetes:
Fasting blood glucose level -- diabetes is diagnosed if higher than 126 mg/dL on two occasions. Levels between 100 and 126 mg/dl are referred to as impaired fasting glucose or pre-diabetes. These levels are considered to be risk factors for type 2 diabetes and its complications.
Random (non-fasting) blood glucose level -- diabetes is suspected if higher than 200 mg/dL and accompanied by the classic symptoms of increased thirst, urination, and fatigue. (This test must be confirmed with a fasting blood glucose test.)
Oral glucose tolerance test -- diabetes is diagnosed if glucose level is higher than 200 mg/dL after 2 hours (This test is used more for type 2 diabetes.)
You should also ask your doctor how often to you need your hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) level checked. The HbA1c is a measure of average blood glucose during the previous 2 to 3 months. It is a very helpful way to determine how well treatment is working.
Ketone testing is another test that is used in type 1 diabetes. Ketones are produced by the breakdown of fat and muscle, and they are harmful at high levels. The ketone test is done using a urine sample. High levels of blood ketones may result in a serious condition called ketoacidosis. Ketone testing is usually done at the following times:
When the blood sugar is higher than 240 mg/dL
During acute illness (for example, pneumonia, heart attack, or stroke)
When nausea or vomiting occur
During pregnancy
Back to TopTreatment
There is no cure for diabetes. Treatment involves medicines, diet, and exercise to control blood sugar and prevent symptoms and complications.
LEARN THESE SKILLS
Basic diabetes management skills will help prevent the need for emergency care. These skills include:
How to recognize and treat low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and high blood sugar (hyperglycemia)
What to eat and when
How to take insulin or oral medication
How to test and record blood glucose
How to test urine for ketones (type 1 diabetes only)
How to adjust insulin or food intake when changing exercise and eating habits
How to handle sick days
Where to buy diabetes supplies and how to store them
After you learn the basics of diabetes care, learn how the disease can cause long-term health problems and the best ways to prevent these problems. People with diabetes need to review and update their knowledge, because new research and improved ways to treat diabetes are constantly being developed.
SELF-TESTING
If you have diabetes, your doctor may tell you to regularly check your blood sugar levels at home. There are a number of devices available, and they use only a drop of blood. Self-monitoring tells you how well diet, medication, and exercise are working together to control your diabetes and can help your doctor prevent complications.
The American Diabetes Association recommends that premeal blood sugar levels fall in the range of 80 to 120 mg/dL and bedtime blood levels fall in the range of 100 to 140 mg/dL. Your doctor may adjust this depending on your circumstances.
WHAT TO EAT
You should work closely with your health care provider to learn how much fat, protein, and carbohydrates you need in your diet. A registered dietician can be very helpful in planning dietary needs.
People with type 1 diabetes should eat at about the same times each day and try to be consistent with the types of food they choose. This helps to prevent blood sugars from becoming extremely high or low.
Persons with type 2 diabetes should follow a well-balanced and low-fat diet.
HOW TO TAKE MEDICATION
Medications to treat diabetes include insulin and glucose-lowering pills called oral hypoglycemic drugs.
Persons with type 1 diabetes cannot make their own insulin, so daily insulin injections are needed. Insulin does not come in pill form. Injections that are generally needed one to four times per day. Some people use an insulin pump, which is worn at all times and delivers a steady flow of insulin throughout the day. Other people may use a new type of inhaled insulin.
Insulin preparations differ in how quickly they start to work and how long they remain active. Sometimes different types of insulin are mixed together in a single injection. The types of insulin to use, the doses needed, and the number of daily injections are chosen by a health care professional trained to provide diabetes care.
People who need insulin are taught to give themselves injections by their health care providers or diabetes educators.
Unlike type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes may respond to treatment with exercise, diet, and medicines taken by mouth. There are several types of medicines used to lower blood glucose in type 2 diabetes. They fall into one of three groups:
Medications called oral sulfonylureas that increase insulin production by the pancreas.
Medications called thiazolidinediones that help increase the cell's sensitivity (responsiveness) to insulin.
Medications that delay absorption of glucose from the gut. These include acarbose and miglitol.
There are some injectable medicines used to lower blood sugar. They include exenatide and pramlintide.
Most persons with type 2 diabetes will need more than one medication for good blood sugar control within 3 years of starting their first medication. Different groups of medications may be combined or used with insulin.
Some people with type 2 diabetes find they no longer need medication if they lose weight and increase activity, because when their ideal weight is reached, their own insulin and a careful diet can control their blood glucose levels.
It is unknown if hypoglycemic medicines taken by mouth are safe for use in pregnancy. Women who have type 2 diabetes and take these medications may be switched to insulin during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.
Gestational diabetes is treated with insulin and changes in diet.
EXERCISE
Regular exercise is especially important for people with diabetes. It helps with blood sugar control, weight loss, and high blood pressure. People with diabetes who exercise are less likely to experience a heart attack or stroke than diabetics who do not exercise regularly. You should be evaluated by your physician before starting an exercise program.
Here are some exercise considerations:
Choose an enjoyable physical activity that is appropriate for your current fitness level.
Exercise every day, and at the same time of day, if possible.
Monitor blood glucose levels before and after exercise.
Carry food that contains a fast-acting carbohydrate in case you become hypoglycemic during or after exercise.
Carry a diabetes identification card and a mobile phone or change for a payphone in case of emergency.
Drink extra fluids that do not contain sugar before, during, and after exercise.
Changes in exercise intensity or duration may need changes in diet or medication dose to keep blood sugar levels from going too high or low.
FOOT CARE
People with diabetes are prone to foot problems because of the likelihood of damage to blood vessels and nerves and a decreased ability to fight infection. Problems with blood flow and damage to nerves may cause an injury to the foot to go unnoticed until infection develops. Death of skin and other tissue can occur.
If left untreated, the affected foot may need to be amputated. Diabetes is the most common condition leading to amputations.
To prevent injury to the feet, people with diabetes should adopt a daily routine of checking and caring for the feet as follows:
Check your feet every day, and report sores or changes and signs of infection.
Wash your feet every day with lukewarm water and mild soap, and dry them thoroughly.
Soften dry skin with lotion or petroleum jelly.
Protect feet with comfortable, well-fitting shoes.
Exercise daily to promote good circulation.
See a podiatrist for foot problems or to have corns or calluses removed.
Remove shoes and socks during a visit to your health care provider and remind him or her to examine your feet.
Stop smoking, which hinders blood flow to the feet.
Back to TopSupport Groups
For additional information, see diabetes resources .
Back to TopExpectations (prognosis)
With good blood glucose and blood pressure control, many of the complications of diabetes can be prevented.
Studies have shown that strict control of blood sugar and blood pressure levels in persons with diabetes helps reduce the risk of kidney disease, eye disease, nervous system disease, heart attack, and stroke.
Back to TopComplications
Emergency complications include diabetic hyperglycemic hyperosmolar coma.
Long-term complications include:
Diabetic retinopathy
Diabetic nephropathy
Diabetic neuropathy
Peripheral vascular disease
Hyperlipidemia, hypertension, atherosclerosis, and coronary artery disease
Back to TopCalling Your Health Care Provider
Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if symptoms of ketoacidosis occur:
Increased thirst and urination
Nausea
Deep and rapid breathing
Abdominal pain
Sweet-smelling breath
Loss of consciousness
Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number if symptoms of extremely low blood sugar (hypoglycemic coma or severe insulin reaction) occur:
Weakness
Drowsiness
Headache
Confusion
Dizziness
Double vision
Lack of coordination
Convulsions or unconsciousness
Back to TopPrevention
Maintaining an ideal body weight and an active lifestyle may prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes. Currently there is no way to prevent type 1 diabetes.
Back to TopReferences »
Standards of medical care in diabetes--2007. Diabetes Care. Jan 2007;30 Suppl 1:S4-S41.
Larsen PR, Kronberg HM, Schlomo M, et al. Williams Textbook of Endocrinology. 10th ed. St. Louis, Mo: WB Saunders; 2003:1427-1468, 1485-1504.
Armstrong C. ADA Releases Standards of Medical Care for Patients with Diabetes. Am Fam Physician. Sept 2006; 74(5); 871-874.
Caballero E. Prediabetes. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. Jan 2007; 92(1); 15A-16A.

health is life and wealth

Diabetes can be caused by too little insulin (a hormone produced by the pancreas to control blood sugar), resistance to insulin, or both.
To understand diabetes, it is important to first understand the normal process of food metabolism. Several things happen when food is digested:
A sugar called glucose enters the bloodstream. Glucose is a source of fuel for the body.
An organ called the pancreas makes insulin. The role of insulin is to move glucose from the bloodstream into muscle, fat, and liver cells, where it can be used as fuel.
People with diabetes have high blood sugar. This is because their pancreas does not make enough insulin or their muscle, fat, and liver cells do not respond to insulin normally, or both.
There are three major types of diabetes:
Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in childhood. The body makes little or no insulin, and daily injections of insulin are needed to sustain life.
Type 2 diabetes is far more common than type 1 and makes up most of all cases of diabetes. It usually occurs in adulthood. The pancreas does not make enough insulin to keep blood glucose levels normal, often because the body does not respond well to the insulin. Many people with type 2 diabetes do not know they have it, although it is a serious condition. Type 2 diabetes is becoming more common due to the growing number of older Americans, increasing obesity, and failure to exercise.
Gestational diabetes is high blood glucose that develops at any time during pregnancy in a woman who does not have diabetes.
Diabetes affects more than 20 million Americans. About 54 million Americans have prediabetes. There are many risk factors for diabetes, including:
A parent, brother, or sister with diabetes
Obesity
Age greater than 45 years
Some ethnic groups (particularly African Americans, Native Americans, Asians, Pacific Islanders, and Hispanic Americans)
Gestational diabetes or delivering a baby weighing more than 9 pounds
High blood pressure
High blood levels of triglycerides (a type of fat molecule)
High blood cholesterol level
Not getting enough exercise
The American Diabetes Association recommends that all adults over age 45 be screened for diabetes at least every 3 years. A person at high risk should be screened more often.
Back to TopSymptoms
High blood levels of glucose can cause several problems, including frequent urination, excessive thirst, hunger, fatigue, weight loss, and blurry vision. However, because type 2 diabetes develops slowly, some people with high blood sugar experience no symptoms at all.
Symptoms of type 1 diabetes:
Increased thirst
Increased urination
Weight loss in spite of increased appetite
Fatigue
Nausea
Vomiting
Patients with type 1 diabetes usually develop symptoms over a short period of time, and the condition is often diagnosed in an emergency setting.
Symptoms of type 2 diabetes:
Increased thirst
Increased urination
Increased appetite
Fatigue
Blurred vision
Slow-healing infections
Impotence in men
Back to TopSigns and Tests
A urine analysis may be used to look for glucose and ketones from the breakdown of fat. However, a urine test alone does not diagnose diabetes. The following blood glucose tests are used to diagnose diabetes:
Fasting blood glucose level -- diabetes is diagnosed if higher than 126 mg/dL on two occasions. Levels between 100 and 126 mg/dl are referred to as impaired fasting glucose or pre-diabetes. These levels are considered to be risk factors for type 2 diabetes and its complications.
Random (non-fasting) blood glucose level -- diabetes is suspected if higher than 200 mg/dL and accompanied by the classic symptoms of increased thirst, urination, and fatigue. (This test must be confirmed with a fasting blood glucose test.)
Oral glucose tolerance test -- diabetes is diagnosed if glucose level is higher than 200 mg/dL after 2 hours (This test is used more for type 2 diabetes.)
You should also ask your doctor how often to you need your hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) level checked. The HbA1c is a measure of average blood glucose during the previous 2 to 3 months. It is a very helpful way to determine how well treatment is working.
Ketone testing is another test that is used in type 1 diabetes. Ketones are produced by the breakdown of fat and muscle, and they are harmful at high levels. The ketone test is done using a urine sample. High levels of blood ketones may result in a serious condition called ketoacidosis. Ketone testing is usually done at the following times:
When the blood sugar is higher than 240 mg/dL
During acute illness (for example, pneumonia, heart attack, or stroke)
When nausea or vomiting occur
During pregnancy
Back to TopTreatment
There is no cure for diabetes. Treatment involves medicines, diet, and exercise to control blood sugar and prevent symptoms and complications.
LEARN THESE SKILLS
Basic diabetes management skills will help prevent the need for emergency care. These skills include:
How to recognize and treat low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and high blood sugar (hyperglycemia)
What to eat and when
How to take insulin or oral medication
How to test and record blood glucose
How to test urine for ketones (type 1 diabetes only)
How to adjust insulin or food intake when changing exercise and eating habits
How to handle sick days
Where to buy diabetes supplies and how to store them
After you learn the basics of diabetes care, learn how the disease can cause long-term health problems and the best ways to prevent these problems. People with diabetes need to review and update their knowledge, because new research and improved ways to treat diabetes are constantly being developed.
SELF-TESTING
If you have diabetes, your doctor may tell you to regularly check your blood sugar levels at home. There are a number of devices available, and they use only a drop of blood. Self-monitoring tells you how well diet, medication, and exercise are working together to control your diabetes and can help your doctor prevent complications.
The American Diabetes Association recommends that premeal blood sugar levels fall in the range of 80 to 120 mg/dL and bedtime blood levels fall in the range of 100 to 140 mg/dL. Your doctor may adjust this depending on your circumstances.
WHAT TO EAT
You should work closely with your health care provider to learn how much fat, protein, and carbohydrates you need in your diet. A registered dietician can be very helpful in planning dietary needs.
People with type 1 diabetes should eat at about the same times each day and try to be consistent with the types of food they choose. This helps to prevent blood sugars from becoming extremely high or low.
Persons with type 2 diabetes should follow a well-balanced and low-fat diet.
HOW TO TAKE MEDICATION
Medications to treat diabetes include insulin and glucose-lowering pills called oral hypoglycemic drugs.
Persons with type 1 diabetes cannot make their own insulin, so daily insulin injections are needed. Insulin does not come in pill form. Injections that are generally needed one to four times per day. Some people use an insulin pump, which is worn at all times and delivers a steady flow of insulin throughout the day. Other people may use a new type of inhaled insulin.
Insulin preparations differ in how quickly they start to work and how long they remain active. Sometimes different types of insulin are mixed together in a single injection. The types of insulin to use, the doses needed, and the number of daily injections are chosen by a health care professional trained to provide diabetes care.
People who need insulin are taught to give themselves injections by their health care providers or diabetes educators.
Unlike type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes may respond to treatment with exercise, diet, and medicines taken by mouth. There are several types of medicines used to lower blood glucose in type 2 diabetes. They fall into one of three groups:
Medications called oral sulfonylureas that increase insulin production by the pancreas.
Medications called thiazolidinediones that help increase the cell's sensitivity (responsiveness) to insulin.
Medications that delay absorption of glucose from the gut. These include acarbose and miglitol.
There are some injectable medicines used to lower blood sugar. They include exenatide and pramlintide.
Most persons with type 2 diabetes will need more than one medication for good blood sugar control within 3 years of starting their first medication. Different groups of medications may be combined or used with insulin.
Some people with type 2 diabetes find they no longer need medication if they lose weight and increase activity, because when their ideal weight is reached, their own insulin and a careful diet can control their blood glucose levels.
It is unknown if hypoglycemic medicines taken by mouth are safe for use in pregnancy. Women who have type 2 diabetes and take these medications may be switched to insulin during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.
Gestational diabetes is treated with insulin and changes in diet.
EXERCISE
Regular exercise is especially important for people with diabetes. It helps with blood sugar control, weight loss, and high blood pressure. People with diabetes who exercise are less likely to experience a heart attack or stroke than diabetics who do not exercise regularly. You should be evaluated by your physician before starting an exercise program.
Here are some exercise considerations:
Choose an enjoyable physical activity that is appropriate for your current fitness level.
Exercise every day, and at the same time of day, if possible.
Monitor blood glucose levels before and after exercise.
Carry food that contains a fast-acting carbohydrate in case you become hypoglycemic during or after exercise.
Carry a diabetes identification card and a mobile phone or change for a payphone in case of emergency.
Drink extra fluids that do not contain sugar before, during, and after exercise.
Changes in exercise intensity or duration may need changes in diet or medication dose to keep blood sugar levels from going too high or low.
FOOT CARE
People with diabetes are prone to foot problems because of the likelihood of damage to blood vessels and nerves and a decreased ability to fight infection. Problems with blood flow and damage to nerves may cause an injury to the foot to go unnoticed until infection develops. Death of skin and other tissue can occur.
If left untreated, the affected foot may need to be amputated. Diabetes is the most common condition leading to amputations.
To prevent injury to the feet, people with diabetes should adopt a daily routine of checking and caring for the feet as follows:
Check your feet every day, and report sores or changes and signs of infection.
Wash your feet every day with lukewarm water and mild soap, and dry them thoroughly.
Soften dry skin with lotion or petroleum jelly.
Protect feet with comfortable, well-fitting shoes.
Exercise daily to promote good circulation.
See a podiatrist for foot problems or to have corns or calluses removed.
Remove shoes and socks during a visit to your health care provider and remind him or her to examine your feet.
Stop smoking, which hinders blood flow to the feet.
Back to TopSupport Groups
For additional information, see diabetes resources .
Back to TopExpectations (prognosis)
With good blood glucose and blood pressure control, many of the complications of diabetes can be prevented.
Studies have shown that strict control of blood sugar and blood pressure levels in persons with diabetes helps reduce the risk of kidney disease, eye disease, nervous system disease, heart attack, and stroke.
Back to TopComplications
Emergency complications include diabetic hyperglycemic hyperosmolar coma.
Long-term complications include:
Diabetic retinopathy
Diabetic nephropathy
Diabetic neuropathy
Peripheral vascular disease
Hyperlipidemia, hypertension, atherosclerosis, and coronary artery disease
Back to TopCalling Your Health Care Provider
Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if symptoms of ketoacidosis occur:
Increased thirst and urination
Nausea
Deep and rapid breathing
Abdominal pain
Sweet-smelling breath
Loss of consciousness
Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number if symptoms of extremely low blood sugar (hypoglycemic coma or severe insulin reaction) occur:
Weakness
Drowsiness
Headache
Confusion
Dizziness
Double vision
Lack of coordination
Convulsions or unconsciousness
Back to TopPrevention
Maintaining an ideal body weight and an active lifestyle may prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes. Currently there is no way to prevent type 1 diabetes.
Back to TopReferences »
Standards of medical care in diabetes--2007. Diabetes Care. Jan 2007;30 Suppl 1:S4-S41.
Larsen PR, Kronberg HM, Schlomo M, et al. Williams Textbook of Endocrinology. 10th ed. St. Louis, Mo: WB Saunders; 2003:1427-1468, 1485-1504.
Armstrong C. ADA Releases Standards of Medical Care for Patients with Diabetes. Am Fam Physician. Sept 2006; 74(5); 871-874.
Caballero E. Prediabetes. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. Jan 2007; 92(1); 15A-16A.