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Understanding DiabetesDiabetes is a disease where the body either cannot produce insulin or does not properly use insulin. There are approximately 17.9 million children and adults in America diagnosed as a diabetic and another 5.7 million undiagnosed with this disease. Although the cause for this disease remains a mystery it is believed that genetics, obesity, lack of exercise and even stress can contribute to the onset of this disease. Learning to understand the different types and how to manage this disease is critical for your health as a diabetic. Types of Diabetes
Symptoms Over 5 million Americans are believed to have this disease but are yet to be diagnosed. This is primarily because many people do not recognize the symptoms. Studies show that by recognizing and diagnosing this disease early can minimize the risk of diabetic complications. Many of the symptoms are the same for Type I and Type 2 diabetics. In both cases, there is too much glucose in the blood and not enough in your cells. This can result in warning signs which include;
Types of Testing There are several tests that you doctor could run to help determine if you are a diabetic or at risk for this disease. All tests are generally confirmed by retesting on another day.
Type 2 Diabetics - Managing Blood Glucose Because type 2 diabetics still produce insulin there are ways you can help manage blood glucose levels in addition to any medication your doctor may prescribe. Weight Loss with Diabetes If you are a type 2 diabetic you should consult with your doctor and nutritionist before starting any weight loss program. You want to lose weight the right way that will keep your blood sugar balanced during the full day. Skipping even one meal for a diabetic can upset the balance of blood sugar, medications and insulin in your body. Experts recommend reducing calories by 500 per day which is a safe level for diabetics. Reduce calories from all areas to maintain a healthy balanced meal. The ideal ratio would be 50% - 55% carbohydrates, 30% fat and 10 to 15% protein according to Christine Gerbstadt, MD, a spokesperson for the American Diabetic Association. The key for diabetics is to choose their foods wisely, especially the carbohydrates. Be sure to read this article for more on diabetic diets. Diabetes and Stress Stress has been linked to the onset of diabetes that dates back to the 16th century. Stress for a diabetic also can throw your blood sugar levels and insulin levels all out of whack. Most diabetics are aware of the foods they eat and the impact they can have on their blood sugar level. But unfortunately this is not always the case with stress. In fact, many diabetics and those with pre-diabetes may not even be aware that stress can cause elevated blood sugar levels. If you are a diabetic, then you need to understand stress and diabetes in order to help manage your insulin and blood sugar levels. Diabetes and Exercise Getting more active has health benefits for just about everyone but can be especially beneficial for type 2 diabetics. Exercising helps manage type 2 by improving your body’s use of insulin, promoting weight loss and muscle strength. Additionally, exercise can benefit you by reducing risks of heart disease, lowers blood pressure and helps relieve stress. Although any exercise can be beneficial, there are times where you may want to wait to exercise or select a different exercise routine if you have elevated blood glucose levels. Read this article on exercise and diabetes to learn more. If you are concerned that you may be diabetic, then you should consult your doctor so you can start to manage your blood glucose levels. Related Articles Eating Healthy Learn to eat healthy and help manage your blood glucose level. Exercise 4 Weight Loss
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