Types of diabetes

The American Diabetes Association adopted the following classification in 1979.


Type –1, insulin-dependent diabetes

Type-2, non insulin-dependent diabetes

There are two other kinds of diabetes, known as gestational diabetes and secondary diabetes. There is also a special kind of diabetes in India called malnutrition related diabetes.


Type-1 Insulin-Dependant Diabetes

This is the most severe form of diabetes. It develops when pancreas makes little or no insulin. Without insulin in the blood stream, sugar does not get into the cells, and remains in the blood. People with type-1 diabetes depend on injections of insulin to regulate their smaller metabolism.


Type-2 Non Insulin Dependent Diabetes

This type of diabetes is also known as adult onset diabetes. It seldom develops before the age of 40 years, although it may occur at any stage. Infect the incidence of type-2 diabetes in adolescents in on the rise. But because the symptoms are milk, these may not notice and the condition remains undetected for a long period and till later years.

One common factor in both type-1 and type-2 diabetes is elevated blood sugar levels. However, unlike type-1 diabetes, type-2 is not a disease of the immune system. While people with type-1 diabetes must use insulin to live, most of those with type-2 diabetes are able to control the disease and even reverse it. This is possible by a combination of appropriate diet, proper weight control and adequate exercise.

By Dr John Anne

Diabetes Testing

It is recommended that a diabetes test be conducted when:

• Medical history includes history of diabetes

• One reaches age of 45

• One is obese

• High blood pressure/high cholesterol detected

There are many reasons why it is a good idea to have a diabetes test, but the best reason is to prevent the onset of diabetes as much as possible. Early detection can help in many ways. It can encourage a person to change their diet and eating habits, detect kidney damage, vision problems, and future dental issues, and give a person time to help themselves lead a healthier life. Knowledge is power when it comes to diabetes.

Once the early signs of diabetes have been indicated, a person can change many things in their lives that can help them later on. Diet and exercise are the biggest ways a person can lessen the effects of diabetes. Eating less sugar and carbohydrates will help the body function normally. Exercising will help a person lose weight which will help burn glucose. When a person has diabetes, their bodies have less insulin which is used to burn glucose. Losing weight and reducing glucose intake by eating a proper diet will help the body digest remaining glucose in the body.

Being tested for diabetes is a smart decision for those who are at risk. Being able to help the situation by altering ones lifestyle will allow a person to take control of their lives so that they can live longer and enjoy good health. Ask a doctor for more information concerning diabetes testing.

By Jeanette Pollock

A Diabetes Blood Test Will Determine Whether Or Not You Have Diabetes

Diabetes is a disease, which is induced by high levels of sugar in the blood. With diabetes, the body cannot break down the sugar in the blood by itself. So to break down the sugar, extra insulin will be required at regular intervals. A specialized diet is also incorporated, which would control the blood sugar level in the body. This disease should be detected by means of a diabetes blood test. And the sooner the better.

How Diabetes Happens in the Body

A normal healthy person will have the capacity to break down any amount of sugar that is consumed with the help of insulin which is a hormone created by the pancreas. However with a diabetic person, the pancreas doesn't generate enough insulin and/or the body develops a resistance to insulin.

Either way, the blood doesn't obtain the adequate amount required to break down the sugar into glucose, which is then absorbed by the tissues, liver and muscles. A diabetic person will have a very large quantity of unabsorbed glucose in the body. With a diabetes blood test, it is easy to detect the presence of this disease.

The 3 Types of Diabetes

A lot of people do not realize that there are 3 types of diabetes and all the 3 types can be detected by a simple diabetes blood test.

Type 1 diabetes: this type typically starts early in childhood. This is a very dangerous disease and it will require regular insulin injections throughout a person's life.

Type 2 diabetes: this is the most common type of diabetes, which over 90% of the people have. This diabetes develops in the adult stage. It typically takes more time for a person to recognize the signs and/or diagnose it. This type of diabetes is rising rapidly because of our inactive lifestyle, the junk food we consume and the lack of exercise in our daily routine.

Gestational diabetes – This type of diabetes is basically a temporary disease and it generally develops when a woman is pregnant.

The Most Common Symptoms Of Diabetes: Things to Look for

All types of problems can develop when a person suffers from diabetes. Excessive thirst, occasional blurry vision, continuous fatigue and never-ending hunger with weight loss. Type 2 diabetes can occasionally make men impotent.

If a person suspects that diabetes may be present in their body, a diabetes blood test should be implemented asap, so that a suitable treatment can be started to keep the disease in check.

By: Kerry Ng

Type 2 Diabetes Diet

Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body is unable to produce enough insulin to break down glucose in the blood. That is why people with type 2 diabetes take insulin shots, to help raise their insulin level and break down the glucose. But there are ways to structure your type 2 diabetes diet that can help you manage your diabetes better and even potentially reduce the effects of the diabetes. The first way you can help yourself is to simply lose weight and get more exercise. Type 2 diabetes thrives in larger inactive people. So reducing your mass and increasing your blood flow and help reduce the effects of the type 2 diabetes. But here are some things you can do in a type 2 diabetes diet that can also help reduce the effects of your diabetes.

Simple carbohydrates are really bad to have in a type 2 diabetes diet. Refined sugars and sweets are dangerous and can cause a dangerous rise in the glucose level in your blood. What you want to do is increase your intake of complex carbohydrates and fibers to help reduce the need for your system to produce insulin as quick as it would need to with simple carbohydrates. Complex carbohydrates such as fruits and vegetables are ideal for a type 2 diabetes diet because they are broken down slowly by your system and even a person with diabetes will have an easier time digesting complex carbohydrates because the insulin demand on the system is lower. So eat your fruits and vegetables and make sure you also get fiber into your type 2 diabetes diet.

In a type 2 diabetes diet you want anywhere from 10% to 20% of your daily intake of calories to have protein in it. Protein is an essential part of any diet but people on a type 2 diabetes diet especially want to make sure that they are getting their share of protein. Avoid doing much more that 20% as that can potentially lead to problems. Obesity is common in patients with type 2 diabetes and this condition appears to be related to insulin resistance. The primary dietary goal for overweight type 2 patients is weight loss and maintenance. Studies indicate that when people with type 2 diabetes maintain intensive exercise and diet modification programs, many can minimize or even avoid medications. Weight loss medications or bariatric surgery may be appropriate for some patients.

Try and keep your fat intake to less than 30% of your daily calorie count and try to eat as little saturated fats as possible. It is ideal to try and keep your saturated fat intake each day to a level below 10% of your calorie intake.

Various studies have found that women who had regularly consumed the greatest amounts of saturated fats had the least amount of additional atherosclerotic plaque buildup in their arteries. Also, women who ate more saturated fat had a healthier balance of HDL and LDL cholesterol, and more desirable blood serum concentrations of triglycerides and free fatty acids.

You want to try and make your diet as lean as possible and avoid adding any more fats or carbohydrates to your diet. It is advisable that you consume at least 20 grams of fiber every day which will be beneficial to patients suffer from diabetes.

By: Roger Thompson

What Exactly Is This “Gestational Diabetes”?

Gestational diabetes is a temporary condition that occurs during pregnancy. It is one of the top health complications that a woman has to face during pregnancy. Indeed a double curse!

If the woman had gestational diabetes during pregnancy then she is most likely to pass it on to the child. So, if a woman has gestational diabetes during pregnancy, there is an increased risk of developing diabetes for both mother and child. Timely knowledge about this condition, goes to control it effectively by diet and exercise. After the baby is born, the mother and the child both recoup their original health.

One problem gives room for a series of problems. The major risk is the birth of a fat baby. The condition is known as macrosomia. The baby by birth will have its own problems, the common one being damage to its shoulders during birth.

Some basic precautions have to be taken to prevent the risk of gestational diabetes. It is taking recourse to natural methods again! Make it a point to lose weight, if you are overweight. Be careful and choosy about your food, and above all, do exercises regularly. This type of diabetes is a temporary condition, a passing phase, that occurs during pregnancy.

There is another risk for the baby. It may develop breathing problems.

The exact causes of the gestational diabetes are not known yet. But there are certain clues and possibilities, why gestational diabetes occurs! It is insulin resistance.

The baby, as it grows, is supported by the placenta. Hormones help the baby develop. But the hormones also do a damaging act. They block the action of the mother’s insulin in her body. The mother’s body finds it hard to use insulin, so her requirement of insulin goes up by 300 % and gestational diabetes is the result!

Utmost care is needed to combat gestational diabetes, as it concerns the health of the mother as well as that of the baby. Food choices are of paramount importance. This will have beneficial effects on the health of your baby’s growth. If you are fit and healthy, the risk of cesarean section birth can also be avoided.

In many cases, it has been found that gestational diabetes leads to type II diabetes later.

Do exercises regularly even during pregnancy, but only after consulting your doctor. This is the formative period for you as well as for the baby. Proper exercises provide strength to your body and act favorably for the growth of the baby within.

Shut the door on the face of the diabetes, even if it pleads that it is only gestation. This evil does not deserve mercy.

By: Ashish Jain

Manage Your Diabetes with a Diet Menu

This is a great starter diet for someone suffering from Diabetes, who is looking for an effective way to manage the health and fitness portion of their diabetes management plan. Be sure to always consult your physician before beginning any new diet plan. This diet provides 50 percent starches, 30 percent proteins and 20% fat in calories, and follows the diabetic food pyramid’s method of creating an eating plan. Make sure to only eat the foods that are on the list below, and only eat the amount that is specified. It is important that you do not skip over or miss meals, or snack in between the planned meals. All foods should be measured, which can be done using a standard measuring cup, teaspoon or tablespoon. Foods are generally measured after cooking to ensure proper portion size. Make sure always to bake, broil or boil meats rather than frying, unless you are instructed specifically to do so. Special foods are not necessary, as you're only required to stick to low calorie and lean foods, as well as fresh fruits and vegetables rather than canned or frozen, and skimmed milk instead of whole or Vitamin D.

As a diabetic, make sure to avoid sweets, candy, sugar, honey, pies and anything else that is prepared with sugar. You should also avoid foods that are high in fat or cholesterol, as well as alcoholic beverages like beer and wine. Avoid fats, sweats, fried foods and foods prepared in sugar or oil in order to control or maintain your weight. Make sure to avoid red meats, high cholesterol and fat foods and alcoholic beverages at all times, regardless of the goals in your personal diet management plan.

A standard 1800 calorie sample menu involves two fruits, two breads, one meat, two fats, one milk, and a free food. This translates to approximately 2/3 of a cup of apple juice, ½ of a cup of oatmeal, one slice of toast, one egg that is soft cooked, one cup of percent or skim milk, and a glass of coffee or tea for breakfast. For lunch, expect to have two meat

By Arturo Ronzon

5 Diabetes Myths

It seems like everywhere I travel I continue to hear the five diabetes myths. The myths are circulating from one generation to the next. Everyone seems to believe these folklores. I have decided to take all of the mystery out of these myths and give you what actually works with the new technology today.

1. Sugar causes diabetes. How many times have you heard this one? I lost track of how many times someone has either asked me or made a statement of this. This is a myth, and the truth is, consuming a lot of sugar does not cause diabetes. Someone did not get diabetes by becoming a cookie monster. Type 1 diabetes is a result of autoimmune damage to the insulin-secreting beta cells of the pancreas. The insulin secretion is not enough or completely absent. Therefore, the hormone insulin is injected or administered via pump. Type 2 diabetes is a result of a metabolic syndrome. People with Type 2 produce their own insulin but are unable to utilize it properly. It most often affects men, women and children who are overweight. This no longer is “adult-onset diabetes.” Children are getting Type 2 diabetes at an alarming rate.

2. If you do have diabetes, you cannot have any sugar, it must be sugar-free. This is a myth, and the truth is our bodies not only recognize sugar, but they know how to use it. For me, personally, wheat raises my blood sugar more than white sugar. If you do want a safe sugar substitute, I would recommend vegetable glycerin.

3. I can no longer have too many carbohydrates. This is another myth. It is not how much carbohydrate, but what type that makes the difference. Actually, some foods that are low on the glycemic index get in the way of good insulin function. Some foods can lower one individual’s blood sugar but increase another’s. Are you eating beneficial foods or avoids?

4. Exercise always lowers blood sugar. This myth has been around for a long time. However, if the body does not have enough insulin for proper glucose utilization, exercise will raise your blood sugar. If your blood sugar is over 200mg/dL before exercising, the exercise will only make your blood sugar go higher. When the body is conditioned and there is enough insulin, the blood sugars will lower. Physical exercise is one of the important aspects to living as if you do not have diabetes.

5. You can no longer live a “normal” life after being diagnosed with diabetes. This myth is one of the strangest ones. I believe that once you bury Type 1 or 2 diabetes you can live a happy and healthy normal life. My life has been better than normal! Nick Jonas is a 14-year-old living a normal life after being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in November 2005. Nick is a member of the Jonas Brothers Band. He has said, “At first, I was worried that diabetes would keep me from performing and doing everything a teenager likes to do, but my career is really ramping up.” Way to go Nick! Best wishes for a great life!

By: Julie Wanner Rossetti

Symptoms Of Diabetes

The symptoms of diabetes most of the time begin gradually, and can be difficult to identify initially. They may include fatigue, sudden weight loss, blurred vision, slow healing of wounds, frequent urination - especially at night, and excessive thirst. When there is extra glucose in the blood, the body gets rid of it through frequent urination. The loss of fluids induces extreme thirst, leading to more frequent urination.

A doctor may also suspect a patient to have diabetes if he has health problems related to diabetes, such as heart disease, changes in vision, numbness in the feet and legs or sores that are slow to heal. These symptoms do not mean that the person has diabetes, but anyone with these problems should definitely see a doctor.

A person with diabetes may actually show no symptoms. Type 2 diabetes, in particular, develops slowly, even for years before it is diagnosed. When symptoms develop, they vary from person to person. The two symptoms that occur in most people with the disease are increased thirst and frequent urination.

The way these symptoms develop differs for Type I and Type II diabetes. In Type I diabetes, they usually show up slowly in children or adolescents over a period of a few days or weeks. In Type II diabetes, symptoms develop even more slowly, over a period of years - in adults over the age of forty. Adults often do not realize they have diabetes mellitus. The condition may only be discovered maybe during a routine physical examination for some other ailment.

Recent studies indicate that the early detection of diabetes symptoms and treatment can decrease the chance of developing the complications of diabetes.

Type - 1 diabetes symptoms:

Symptoms of Type - I diabetes often come suddenly and very severely. They include:

·exceptional thirst (polydipsia)
·dry mouth
·frequent urination (polyuria)
·weight loss
·feeling weak and tired
·blurred vision

Type - 2 diabetes symptoms:

Mostly, people with Type 2 diabetes don't notice any symptoms, or the symptoms are experienced gradually. They include:

·blurred vision
·cuts or wounds that heal slowly
·itchy skin
·increased thirst
·dry mouth
·frequent urination
·leg pain

Gestational diabetes symptoms:

·increased thirst
·increased urination
·weight loss in spite of good appetite
·fatigue and weakness
·nausea and vomiting
·frequent infections including those of the bladder, vagina and skin
·blurred vision
·irritability

Other warning symptoms of diabetes mellitus include:

·Flu-like symptoms - like a viral illness, along with fatigue, weakness and loss of appetite.

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

·Blurred vision - high levels of blood sugar draw out fluid from the tissues in the body including the lenses of the eyes. For most people this causes only mild vision problems. Nevertheless, for others, the effects may be much more serious, even blindness.

·Slow healing sores or frequent infection - bladder and vaginal infections can be a particular problem for women.

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

·Swollen and tender gums - Diabetes increases the risk of infection in gums and in the bones that hold teeth in place. One may also develop sores or pockets of pus in gums.

·Frequent yeast infections.

·Velvety dark skin changes of the neck, armpit and groin, called acanthosis nigricans.

·Numbness and tingling of the hands and feet

·Impotency

Diabetes sometimes goes unrecognized early, because people usually think they are urinating more, simply because they are drinking more. It is better to get oneself checked by a doctor before one starts restricting his fluid intake.

If one has any of these symptoms, contact a professional doctor right away to be tested. Even people with pre-diabetes can have an increased risk from heart disease as seen in people with diabetes.

By: Tom Alter

Diabetes And Its Management

Diabetes Mellitus is one of the most costly burdensome chronic diseases of our time and is condition that is increasing in epidemic population in the whole world. The complications resulting from the diseases are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality and are associated with failure of various organs such as the eyes, kidneys and nerves. Diabetics are also at a significantly higher risk for coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease and stroke and they have a greater likelihood of having hypertension dyslipidemia and obesity.

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a serious disorder of the glands, of pancreas to be exact, called Madhumeha in Ayurveda. It is one of the most insidious disorders of the metabolism and, if left undiagnosed, may lead to rapid emaciation and ultimately death.

What are the types of Diabetes?

According to Ayurveda Diabetes is of two types: Diabetes Mellitus- Insulin dependent Juvenile Diabetes (IDDM-Type I) in which the body is unable to produce insulin and Non Insulin Dependent Adult Onset Diabetes (NIDDM-Type II) in which the pancreas produces insulin, but it is insufficient for reducing the blood glucose to normal levels.

What are the common symptoms of Type- 1 Diabetes? Some of the common symptoms of Type- 1 Diabetes are:

Excessive Thirst Frequent urination Unexplained weight loss Irritability Weakness Fatigue

What are the common symptoms of Type- 2 Diabetes? Some of the common symptoms of Type- 2 Diabetes are:

Loss off weight Numbness in hands or feet. Uncontrolled infections Pain in the limbs Inflammatory chest infections Dimness of vision, contrast Excessive thirst Body weakness

What are the different tests for Diabetes?

Urine Test: Some chemicals are added to a few drops of urine. Colour change indicates presence of glucose in urine.

Blood Test: In this, blood is taken to test the glucose level. This is more accurate test to confirm diabetes

Which parts of my body are affected by Diabetes?

Blood Vessels: Higher level of glucose damage the blood vessels. As a result of this most of the diabetic complications occur in blood vessels.

Heart: Diabetes affects the heart by: Increasing the amount of fat in blood and increasing the amount of homocysteine in blood.

Kidney: In diabetes because of increased levels of glucose, kidneys have to do extra work to retain essential substances and separate waste products to produce urine. This affects the small blood vessels and their capacity to filter. After many years of work, it leads to kidney failure.

Eyes: Diabetes affects blood vessels of the eyes. Damage to these blood vessels leads to eye problems like: Damage to retina, Cataract or total loss of vision

Foot: Damage to blood vessels reduces blood flow to the feet and increases risk of developing foot ulcers and infections.

Nerves: High glucose level for a long time damages nerves. Nerve damage reduces sensation in some parts of body which may lead to: Numbness and tingling, Fainting and dizziness

Home Remedies for Diabetes:

The best remedy for this disease is the bitter gourd, better known as ‘karela’. Eat this vegetable as often as you can or have at least one tablespoon of karela juice daily to reduce blood sugar levels in your blood and urine.

Amla, due to its vitamin C content is effective in controlling diabetes. A tablespoon of its juice, mixed with a cup of fresh bitter-gourd juice, taken daily for two months will secrete the pancreas and enable it to secrete insulin.

Take ten tulsi leaves, ten neem leaves and ten belpatras with a glass of water early morning on an empty stomach. It will work wonders in keeping your sugar levels under control.

The leaves of Butea tree are very useful in diabetes. They reduce blood sugar and are useful in glycousia.

Take two teaspoons of powdered Fenugreek seeds with milk. Two teaspoons of the seeds can also be swallowed whole, daily.

Eat 10 fresh fully grown curry leaves every morning for three months. It prevent diabetes due to heredity factors. It also cures diabetes due to obesity.

By: Ayurvedic Cure.com