Diabetes: Do You Know If You Have It?
Nearly 7% of Americans have some type of diabetes. Unfortunately, nearly one third of those people are unaware they suffer from it. When a person has diabetes, their body is unable to use the glucose that is in the food they eat.
Diabetes is a very serious illness that, if left untreated, can have adverse affects on a person’s nerves, eyes, heart and kidneys. Since the body is unable to use the glucose, it gathers in the bloodstream, which can then cause damage to the various parts of the body.
There are various symptoms that can indicate a person has diabetes. The most common symptom is excessive thirst. Another common symptom is going to the bathroom more than normal. Feeling very hungry, losing weight without dieting, feeling extremely tired, sores that seem to heal extremely slow, dry itchy skin, tingling in hands or feet or losing feeling in your feet, along with sexual dysfunction and blurred vision are also symptoms associated with diabetes.
Diabetes is broken down into three basic categories, type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes. Type 1 diabetes affects between 5%-10% of the people who have diabetes. Although this type of diabetes is most often found in children, people of any age can be diagnosed with it. It is also considered to be hereditary. Most commonly, type 1 diabetes is found in people who are of average weight or who are on the thin side. Type 1 diabetes is classified by the body’s inability to produce insulin. The body’s own immune system attacks the cells in the pancreas.
Type 2 diabetes is when the body is able to produce insulin, but the body either cannot properly use the insulin or it does not make enough. Approximately 90% of those with diabetes have type 2. Normally, type 2 diabetes develops after 40 years of age. However, it, too, can develop in people of any age. Even young children are being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.
Often, people are able to control their type 2 diabetes through the use of proper diet, exercise and/or pills. Following a strict regimen allows people to keep their blood sugar levels under control.
The final category of diabetes is gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes only occurs in women who are pregnant. Normally, it will go away after the woman delivers the baby. Less than 15% of pregnant women are affected by gestational diabetes. Most women are tested between 24-28 weeks of pregnancy for diabetes. Gestational diabetes needs to be treated to prevent complications for both the mother and the baby.
Pregnant women are at a higher risk of diabetes if they have a family history of diabetes. They are also at a higher risk if they are overweight, have given birth to a large baby, had a stillbirth, have had a previous pregnancy with gestational diabetes or are over the age of 35. Although gestational diabetes is generally treatable through diet and exercise, on occasion, insulin therapy is sometimes needed.
Anyone can be affected by diabetes. But, thankfully, diabetes is treatable and in some cases, curable. If you think you could have diabetes, it is important to consult your doctor right away. Early detection is essential in preventing damage to your body.
Adrian Adams
http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/diabetes-do-you-know-if-you-have-it-99234.html
April 16th, 2010 at 8:31 pm
anyone who has diabetes and knows good diets and what to shop for?
well today i just found out i have diabetes. and im pregnant so that really is no good for my baby. but can someone else who has diabetes give me an example of a shopping list for people with diabetes cus i really want to follow through on eating right. not jsut for me but for the lil one inside of me.
April 17th, 2010 at 1:33 am
You’d do well to have your doctor refer you to a registered dietician for a diabetic diet tailored to your personal requirements. It will probably emphasize "vitamin vegetables", which are low-calorie, highly nutritive foods like carrots, broccoli, tomatoes, spinach, and winter squash. You can eat fruit too — bananas, oranges, apples, strawberries, pears, and peaches, to name a few.
You have probably heard that sugar is bad for diabetics. Actually it’s carbohydrates of all kinds that need to be monitored and controlled. Sugar is just one of them. Your dietician will ask you about your weight and your activity level, your stage of pregnancy and your general health. He or she will then be able to determine how many carbohydrate exchanges you should have every day. One exchange equals approximately 15 grams of carbohydrate, roughly one slice of bread or one small apple or banana. You’ll be given some materials detailing the exchange values of various foods.
A diabetic diet is basically an extremely healthy diet. You can find a place in it for almost any food you really like, although some of them, like cookies and candy, are "expensive" in terms of carbohydrate exchanges. It’s best to adapt to a good eating pattern, to help keep your blood sugar under control. It’s possible that you have "gestational diabetes" which will abate after your baby is born, if you’re very careful about your diet and life style now.
Best wishes for you and your baby! I’m sure you’ll do your very best to become informed and follow an ideal diabetic diet.
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April 17th, 2010 at 1:35 am
Aim toward "whole" foods. Stay away from processed foods and concentrated sweets as much as possible. Ask your doctor to refer you to a dietician so that you can understand the relationship between carbohydrates and high blood sugar levels.
Diabetes does not mean that you never have a cupcake or piece of candy ever again – it just means that these are treats and not a dietary staple.
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April 17th, 2010 at 1:37 am
All Wheat, everything Diet (diet is better for you than light if you read the labels), less sodium, and more fat free items.
Diabetes causes many other problems so if you have a lot of fat, sodium, and carbs your blood vessels can be damaged and you will have many other health problems.. Too much fat is bad for the heart.
It’s difficult!
Good Luck
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Type 2