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By Charlene J. Nuble
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.
Diabetes has two types. Type 1 Diabetes usually occurs in
young
people and requires frequent insulin injections, while Type 2
Diabetes is experienced by older people and is not as
dependent
on insulin. Majority of those who have Type 2 Diabetes have
been
found to be either obese or overweight.
Diabetes usually runs in the family, so it’s best to know
early
on if you have it. The common symptoms experienced by someone
who has diabetes include unusually frequent urination and
hunger, constant thirst, rapid weight loss, tiredness,
numbness
in the feet and hands, recurrent skin infections, itching in
private parts and blurred vision. When left unattended,
diabetes could escalate to hyperglycemia, which develops from
an excess of glucose in the blood, and leave the person
temporarily unconscious, or, worse, cause severe infections,
poor healing abilities, heart ailments and numbness from nerve
damage.
The direct origins of diabetes, besides heredity, remain
uncertain. However, several scientists believe that diabetes
can also spring from an infection in the pancreas, a disorder
in the autoimmune system and even from an unhealthy diet and
lifestyle.
When you notice the signs that possibly point to diabetes,
consult your doctor immediately. You will be subjected to
tests
to determine whether your blood sugar is stable and if there
is
a presence of diabetes. Your doctor will then recommend an
appropriate exercise regimen and diet to temper the effects of
diabetes, or, if needed, prescribe medication.
People diagnosed with diabetes should avoid sugars and control
the intake of fats, carbohydrates and salt. A life long
low-fat, high-fiber diet is ideal. Regular aerobic exercise
also helps maximize the effect of insulin treatments. Some
studies show that weight management and a proper diet are
often
enough to keep those with Type 2 Diabetes in check and even
prevent people who are diabetes-prone from developing the
condition. In alternative medicine, herbs like ampalaya and
banaba have also been used to help treat diabetes.
For persons with a history of diabetes in the family and are
over forty years old, blood should be checked for sugar levels
two hours after a hearty meal. This procedure should be done
at
least twice a year, as several people have been found to have
had diabetes for years without experiencing any of the
symptoms.
Sadly, diabetes cannot be cured. But it can be controlled with
life-long treatment. Therefore, to combat diabetes, regular
check-ups, a healthy lifestyle and constant vigilance are in
order.
About The Author: Charlene J. Nuble 2005. For up to date links
and information about diabetes, please go to:
diabetes.besthealthlink.net/ or for updated links and
information on all health related topics, go to:
www.besthealthlink.net/
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