How Do You Know If You Have Diabetes?
Diabetes mellitus is a disorder characterized by the inability of the body to either produce or respond to insulin making it impossible to maintain proper levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood. The extra glucose is excreted in the urine and because of the high level of glucose more water is flushed through. The diabetic experiences excessive urination and thirst.
The term Diabetes mellitus literally explains these symptoms: The Greek term diabainein, means "to pass through" (referring to the excessive urination) and mellitus comes from the Latin "sweetened with honey" (referring to the excessive presence of sugar).
There are basically two major types of diabetes: Type 1 (insulin-dependent) and Type 2 (non-insulin dependent).
Type 1 (formerly known juvenile-onset diabetes, because it is diagnosed in children or young adults) is caused by both genetic and environmental causes. In this case, the person's immune system produces antibodies that destroy the cells that produce insulin. Because the body can't produce insulin on its own, daily insulin injections are required.
Type 2 (formerly known as adult-onset diabetes, because it normally appears in people aged over 40) is the most common form of diabetes, accounting for about 90% of cases. Genetic factors play a major role in the development of Type 2, but obesity is also a major factor. A typical Western lifestyle means a diet that is high in fat and low in carbohydrates and a minimal exercise plan and these habits are strong risk factors. Interestingly, people who do not live in Westernized areas do not tend to get Type 2 diabetes, regardless of their family history.
A third type of diabetes, known as Gestational Diabetes, affects women who have high blood-sugar levels during pregnancy. This should be monitored as it can adversely affect the baby. There is also a high probably that women who experience gestational diabetes will develop Type 2 diabetes at a later stage.
Diabetes symptoms to watch out for include; frequent urination, excessive thirst and hunger, unusual weight loss, increased fatigue, irritability and blurry vision. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) website is an informative starting point for all. Visit the site today and take the Online Diabetes Risk Test, which can help you determine if you are at risk of developing diabetes. If you are deemed at risk and are experiencing one or more of the above mentioned symptoms you should see your doctor immediately.
If you are diagnosed with diabetes the ADA website has informative articles the disease, plus lots of suggestions on lifestyle and diet changes for those diagnosed with diabetes. A quick Internet search for "Diabetes Supply" will also bring up various sites offering products suitable for those living with diabetes.
There's nothing at all to be scared of. There's lots of help and advice available literally at your fingertips.
Dean Erickson. Journalist, and web site builder Dean Erickson lives in Texas. He is the owner and co-editor of http://www.diabetes-top-resources.info on which you will find a longer, more detailed version of this article.
MORE RESOURCES:
 Bloomberg | FDA Okays Another Diabetes Combo Agent MedPage Today By Cole Petrochko, Associate Staff Writer, MedPage Today WASHINGTON -- The FDA has approved an extended-release version of a combination sitagliptin and metformin (Janumet XR) for adults with type 2 diabetes. Approval was based on a bioequivalence ... FDA Approves Once-A-Day Drug for Type 2 Diabetes FDA Okays Merck's Janumet XR For Type 2 Diabetes - Update Merck Profit Exceeds Analysts' Estimates on Sales of Diabetes Medications |
 Family Practice News Digital Network | Distinguish Type 1 From Type 2 Diabetes in Obese Youth Family Practice News Digital Network New-onset type 1 diabetes in an obese youth cannot reliably be distinguished from pediatric type 2 diabetes on clinical grounds in this era of epidemic obesity. "The only way to distinguish obese type 1 diabetes from type 2 diabetes is to measure ... Phoenix Diabetes Lifestyle Coach and Endocrinologist Host Free, Informative ... All Natural Company True Healthy Products Now Offers Weight Loss And Fitness ... Over the Counter: Live healthier now and later |
 MLB.com | Fuld gives message of hope to diabetics MLB.com PETERSBURG -- Nobody would ever suspect that Sam Fuld had Type 1 diabetes, based on the reckless abandon with which the 30-year-old Rays outfielder plays baseball. Only upon seeing Fuld injecting himself with insulin in the clubhouse does one realize ... 'Super Sam' empowers youths |
Diabetes Takes Toll on Women's Hearing: Study iVillage Entertainment 3 (HealthDay News) -- Diabetes is associated with hearing loss in women, especially if the blood sugar disease isn't well-controlled, new research indicates. The study, done by researchers at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, examined the medical records ... |
Doctors Health Press Supports Study Showing That Diabetes Could Boost the Risk ... Houston Chronicle The Doctors Health Press, a publisher of various natural health newsletters, books and reports, including the popular online Doctors Health Press e-Bulletin, is lending its support to a new study showing that diabetes, if not controlled well, ... |
 Zap2it.com (blog) | Weight loss is key in fighting type 2 diabetes San Francisco Chronicle Q: I have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and am very confused about insulin resistance, and what carbohydrates I can and cannot eat. So much of what I read is contradictory. A: The first line of defense against type 2 diabetes is weight loss, ... A diabetic fiasco Paula Deen: Poster Child for Type 2 Diabetes and Excessive Sugar Consumption Paula Deen's diabetes drug: Should celebrities be endorsing pharmaceuticals? |
 TopNews United States | AMERICAN DIABETES ASSOCIATION RECOGNIZES NORTH CYPRESS MEDICAL CENTER DIABETES ... The Cypress Times Diabetes is a medical condition that causes a defect in the cells of the pancreas that are responsible for producing insulin. Insulin allows the body's blood sugar to be absorbed. If not controlled, diabetes can lead to serious health issues. Weight Loss Hold Aces in Combating Type 2 Diabetes |
Fundraisers for Bayville Boy With Type 1 Diabetes Planned Patch.com By Catherine Galioto and Patricia A. Miller One local boy's family is working to increase his support system to manage his Type 1 Diabetes, by adding a "Diabetes Awareness Dog" to the family. A series of local fundraisers will help raise the money ... |
Ulcer-causing bug tied to higher diabetes risk Reuters By Kerry Grens | NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - People who have been infected with the ulcer-causing bacteria Helicobacter pylori are more than twice as likely to develop diabetes later on as people who do not have signs of the infection, according to a ... |
Ulcer-causing bug tied to higher diabetes risk Fox News Print Email Share Comments Recommend Tweet People who have been infected with the ulcer-causing bacteria Helicobacter pylori are more than twice as likely to develop diabetes later on as people who do not have signs of the infection, according to a new ... |
Benfotiamine And Diabetic Retinopathy
Damage from diabetes can occur in different areas of the eye. It can occur to the cornea, nerves controlling the muscles of the eye, the lens, optic nerve and retina.
Get More Out Of Life While Managing Your Diabetes
When I was first diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at the age of 21, I had not given the first thought to living a healthy diabetic lifestyle. As far as I was concerned, a healthy lifestyle was reserved only for fitness junkies and overweight moms.
Raising Happy Diabetic Kids
This is the first in a series of articles I am about to embark upon concerning this subject. As my family gets older and matures with this disease I think back to the early days and wonder why aren't we all on medication for depression? Why don't we have standing twice a week appointments with a psychiatrist? How did we end up so normal?(whatever that is) As I look back this didn't happen by accident, nor am I Super Dad, and I didn't plan it out step by step.
Discover the Positive Effects of Exercise for Diabetes Sufferers
There are two main types of diabetes, type I and type II. Type I diabetes is characterized by the pancreas making too little or no insulin.
Diabetes Breakthrough Helps Diabetics Fight Back!
Have you heard about the diabetes breakthrough that lowers blood sugar levels by 30% in 30 days? The all natural Diabetic Pack was developed with Nobel Prize Winning Science. This FoodMatrix biotechnology has a 4 year proven track record of helping take diabetics off insulin and oral medications.
Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes
Diabetes affects the manner in which the body handles digested carbohydrates. If neglected, diabetes can cause serious health complications, ranging from blindness to kidney failure.
Double Diabetes -- Placing Your Kids at Even More Risk
In some medical circles it's called Type 3 Diabetes. Teenagers and young adults diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, if overweight or obese, can develop type 2 diabetes later in life.
Exercise & Diabetes
You are no doubt aware that exercise can help prevent the serious complications that often come with diabetes and heart disease. Research has repeatedly shown that regular physical activity helps reduce the likelihood of having a heart attack or a stroke, aids in weight loss, and improves mood.
Revolutionary Lancet Device for Diabetic Glucose Testing
Now you can reduce the pain and inconvenience of testing. Unlike conventional lancing systems, the ACCU-CHEK Multiclix lancet device is the only 1 with a six-lancet drum.
Diabetes and Exercise - Just Move it!
While exercise and eating guidelines are based on good scientific principles, they do not necessarily agree with human nature or common sense. Recent history tells us that we are better off encouraging the mediocre people who are willing to include exercise in their daily lives, rather than cramming guidelines down the majority of those who want to fight the inevitable.
Diabetes - A National Epidemic
Are you a diabetic? If so, you are definitely not alone. There are approximately 16 million people in the United States who have diabetes.
The Subconscious Diet Can Help Protect Your Child From Type 2 Diabetes
Until obesity became epidemic, type 2 diabetes was virtually unheard of in children and teens. It was originally called "adult-onset" because it was mainly seen after middle age.
Diabetes... Sweet Story of Healing
In a time not too long ago, there lived a little girl named Lindsey. (Real story.
Pre-Diabetes: Check Engine Warning Light
Your car has an early detection system and so does your body. Take 3 minutes to read this article and learn how you can save yourself a life time of aches, pains, and costly medical bills.
Diabetes Break-Thru Helps Battle Blood Sugar Woes
Are you a diabetic? If so, you are definitely not alone. Recent numbers report that there are some 18 million Type 2 diabetics.
Hyperglycemia, Diabetes, and Managing Blood Sugar
So, after a miserable 10 hours of blood tests it's confirmed you have hyperglycemia. Well now isn't the time to sit back and get depressed.
What You Need To Know About Diabetes
INTRODUCTIONAccording to the World Health Organization, a few decades back diabetes was an uncommon disease, in both developed and developing countries. Today, the story is different.
Do You Have Diabetes? Symptoms Of Diabetes And How To Address Them
Diabetes mellitus is a condition resulting from the pancreas' inability to produce enough insulin, which is needed by the body to help create energy. A deficiency of or ineffectiveness of insulin leads to high glucose levels in the blood, thus, leading to this illness.
Favorite Desserts For A Diabetic Husband
It's easier than you think to create delicious desserts for your diabetic husband. When I had to get right down to it the ideas came flying at me out of my kitchen cupboard!Here's a few of his favorites:Easy Orange/Banana Parfait1 pkge Lite Orange Jello (no sugar) 2 cups vanilla yogurt (fat free, no sugar but artificially sweetened) 1/2 tsp vanilla 2 tsp Splenda 1 banana 1/8 cup Lite cream cheese Makes 4 servingsPrepare the jello per the package directions.
Diabetes
Meal planning includes choosing healthy foods, eating the right amount of food, and eating meals at the right time. The American Diabetes Association and the American Dietetic Association developed 6 food exchange lists for the purpose of meal planning for people with diabetes as part of a diabetes diet.