Stress is now known as a contributing factor to many major illnesses; including heart diseases, strokes and also, diabetes. Specifically, work related stress is associated to many metabolic syndromes including high cholesterol and triglycerides and high blood pressure. For diabetes prevention, it is therefore important that you manage your stress levels effectively.

Diabetes is fast becoming a common disease. There are now 20.8 million children and adults in the United States, or 7% of the population, with diabetes. About two thirds of the 20.8 million people have been diagnosed. The remaining one third are still unaware that they have the disease.

A study was recently done that involved over 10,000 men and women in the age group 35-55 years old. The study revealed that the more work related stress that a person had, the more likely he will be diagnosed with metabolic problems, including diabetes. In fact, people who work with chronic stress levels were found to have twice as likely to develop diabetes. Thus, researchers concluded that stress does increase the risk of developing a metabolic problem and/or diabetes.

If you are still working, you are likely to experience work related stress. Diabetes prevention is necessary; so you have to learning how to cope with stress at work. These are some important questions to ask yourself: How do you manage stress at work? Do you carry work home with you? How to you relieve your work related stress levels?

Diabetes prevention can start with implementing these tips for your work:

• Take regular breaks. Move around every half an hour or so.
• Do relaxation and stretching exercises at your desk.
• Replace your caffeinated coffee and soda with water.
• Leave the work at work if you can.
• If you have leave entitlement, then take them.
• Avoid social settings where talk revolves around work.
• Use deep breathing and relaxation techniques to relieve stress.

Maintaining a positive attitude can help reduce your reaction to stress and thus aid in diabetes prevention. If your job is causing most of your stress, then it is time to do something about it. You can try talking to your superior and think of ways to make it less stressful. It is also far better to take on a less stressful position than to be stressed and unhealthy. For diabetes prevention, there are definitely ways that you can go about improving the stressful situation at work.

First things first, what is liraglutide? The answer: it is a treatment being developed by Novo Nordisk for those that have type 2 diabetes.

What liraglutide does is improve the ability of the beta cells in the pancreas to secrete the necessary insulin in those people that have type 2 diabetes. This fact is according to the American Diabetes Association at its 66th yearly meeting.

The liraglutide study

The results of the study were actually part of a trial that was conducted in a duration of fourteen weeks using random experimentation, controlled-placebo and double-blind. The experiment was able to explicitly show that liraglutide was able to increase the capacity of the beta cells in the body to secrete a maximum amount of insulin.

Also, it was found that the secretion of insulin increased during the first phase. This was not expected as the typical insulin response from type 2 diabetes patients is diminished.

In another trial that is relatively larger, it was shown that liraglutide was able to reduce the A1C levels. This A1C is the main gauge of an average person’s level of blood glucose in the past months or so.

It was also discovered that those participants that received the most liraglutide dose was able to lose more significant weight that those who were under a placebo by the trial’s end. The study lasted for fourteen weeks.

Why this is important

According to Sten Madsbad, M.D., DMSc who works at the Hvidovre Hospital at the University of Copenhagen, Denmark: Type 2 diabetes is so prevalent that it increases continuously. There is a need to develop novel therapies for such a condition.

Thanks to the study, liraglutide monotherapy was able to demonstrate its ability to improve the control of blood glucose minus the risk of minor or major hypoglycemia. Liraglutide monotherapy also helps lower body weight and improves the ability of the body in insulin production.

How is insulin produced

The beta cells in the pancreas are the ones responsible for the production of insulin. Insulin is a hormone that makes it possible to transfer glucose from the blood to the cells of the body. This then provides the body with energy thus preventing glucose from becoming lethally high.

For those who have type 2 diabetes, the production of insulin is not enough and the cells in their body are not sensitive to it. Although exercise, diet and losing weight may help maintain the levels of blood glucose, the functions of the beta cells eventually decline. This then requires therapy using OAD or oral anti-diabetic agents. These agents help boost the secretion of insulin as well as heighten the sensitivity of insulin.

When insulin becomes a problem

Insulin has the tendency to reduce the levels of blood glucose in the body causing hypoglycemia. With liraglutide, blood glucose is only lowered when it only becomes excessively high.

All in all, liraglutide helps people with type 2 diabetes to lead a less complicated life. It lowers the risk of hypoglycemia, improves the functions of beta cells, does not help anyone gain weight, and is administered once a day. Add to this your normal routine of exercise and a diet that is primarily composed of fruits and vegetables. All these help ensure a healthy lifestyle free from any complications brought about by diabetes.

Diabetes is a dangerous disease, not only because of the disease itself, but because of the conditions and complications that may accompany it. More diabetics will die as a result of these conditions and complications because they too often go untreated.

One of these dangerous conditions that may inflict a diabetic is known as diabetic ketoacidosis. This term simply means hyperglycemia, or having an abnormally high sugar level for an extended period of time. Most people who develop diabetic ketoacidosis are those who may not even be aware they have diabetes mellitus, more commonly referred to as "sugar diabetes." Those who are aware of their condition usually develop diabetes ketoacidosis because they fail to take their insulin.

It is important for anyone with a family history of diabetes to have regular physical examinations with an eye out for the development of diabetes. People with Type 1 diabetes, and who are dependent on insulin should regularly monitor their blood sugar levels as they are the ones most prone to getting diabetic ketoacidosis. It is better for a diabetic to take the extra time necessary to closely monitor their condition, rather than risk their becoming inflicted with conditions related to diabetes like diabetic ketoacidosis, which is considered a deadly condition.

A diabetic being unable to process the glucose needed by the body to produce energy, must take insulin to aid their glucose requirement. Should they fail to take the necessary insulin their body fats will begin to break down for the conversion to energy. It is this state that will bring the development of diabetic ketoacidosis.

A diabetic who disregards the intake of insulin will develop very high sugar levels. Should this condition be allowed to continue for an extended period of time, the diabetic may lapse into unconsciousness, or even fall into a coma. The diabetic must also watch out for any injury, or illnesses that may include a serious infection. This type of complication can also lead to diabetic ketoacidosis.

Some symptoms of a high blood sugar level would include rapid breathing, drowsiness, confusion, blurred vision, loss of appetite, or vomiting. Serious diabetic ketoacidosis can lead to cerebral edema.

Children and adolescents are among those who are most prone to be stricken with cerebral edema. Regular monitoring of their blood sugar levels is very important.

Many times these symptoms are not easily observed unless the diabetic undergoes laboratory tests to confirm the existence of diabetic ketoacidosis.

A person with the symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis requires immediate treatment. Early treatment with insulin, and other medications can return the diabetics sugar level to a safe point. However, this may take some time.

Getting diabetic ketoacidosis can be the diabetics worst nightmare. Prevention is key! Having regular medical check ups, and maintaining proper care, especially when the diabetic is ill, even with the simple flu, will go a long way in helping to prevent this serious complication.

For many, choosing almost any pair of popular brand name shoes, and wearing them whenever possible, is a fashion statement. However, for someone who is diabetic, the situation is much different. Not just any pair of shoes will do. A diabetic purchasing the wrong pair of shoes may lead to nerve, and vascular damage to the feet. Horribly enough, in the worst case scenario, a doctor may have to amputate the diabetics foot.

The only way a diabetic can prevent this type of situation is by shopping for a special pair of diabetic shoes. Diabetic shoes are not that easy to find; being a product that is exclusive for those who suffer from diabetes they are not available in many stores. A doctor is the best place to start when gathering information on diabetic shoes.

After careful examination, a podiatrist will be able to tell if the patient is at high risk for diabetic related foot problems. Examples of these potential foot problems are abnormal nerve function, as well as foot deformities such as bunions, or hammertoes.

Shoe inserts, available at most retailers, may be recommended for those diabetics who only require moderate modification of their foot wear. For others with more serious foot problems, or those who have had no luck with the inserts, a special shoe will have to be made. The patient should realize that these shoes are not made with fashion in mind. You won't find labels like Reebok, or Nike.

For those diabetics who are enrolled in Medicare there may be a discount. Members who are diabetic are allowed to get one free pair of diabetic shoes every year.

Here are some tips to help the diabetic patient select the right kind of shoes.

1. The patient should wear the type of socks that are regularly worn. This will help to determine how comfortable the shoe will be when walking.

2. While a patient may be aware of any number of websites that offer diabetic shoes, it is best to stay away from these online stores. A diabetic patient should always "test fit" their new diabetic shoes first before buying.

3. It is generally more advisable to try on a pair of new shoes in the late afternoon rather than in the morning. Why? As the day goes on, our feet tend to "spread out" a little. Trying on and purchasing the shoe in the morning may cause a problem. Later on in the day the shoe may become uncomfortably tight.

4. A quality pair of diabetic shoes should last approximately 2 or 3 years before having to be replaced. It is strongly recommended that the patient remeasure both feet before buying a new pair. Do not rely on the old size because a gain or loss of a few pounds may change the size of the shoes.

5. The patient should take the time to walk around the shoe store as much as possible to make sure the shoes feel comfortable.

6. Select a pair of shoes with laces, as opposed to those that slip on. This makes any necessary adjustment, either tightening, or loosening much easier.

7. Avoid shoes that are made of plastic, or synthetic leather. These shoes do not allow the foot sufficient air to breathe.

8. Diabetic shoes should always be flat. Any type of higher heel will put more pressure on the foot and the toes.

Diabetics have special needs that must be recognized and accepted. Wearing the correct diabetic shoes is something that the patient must learn to live with. In a diabetics case, fashion consideration falls far behind health considerations.

Carl DiNello is an Article Author whose articles are featured on websites covering the Internet's most popular topics.

Diabetes mellitus is a disease that affects glucose in the blood stream from entering the necessary cells, where glucose is needed for growth and energy expenditure. The pancreas, a large gland, is responsible for producing enough of a hormone called insulin to ensure that glucose in the blood stream can pass into the cells where it is needed. People with diabetes have a pancreas that is not able to produce enough insulin, or none at all, which causes high levels of glucose in the blood stream after eating. This excess glucose is passed out of the body through urine. Although the body is getting enough glucose through the correct diet, because of the malfunctioning pancreas the body is unable to use it, and it is expelled from the body.

Diabetes is a serious disease that can develop complications that can eventually lead to a premature death assuming the person doesn't suffer from any other life-threatening illnesses. There are 3 main types of diabetes and we will look at all 3 in remainder of this article. The 3 types of diabetes are type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes, sometimes referred to as insulin dependent or juvenile on-set diabetes. As the name implies, the sufferer will need to take insulin once or several times a day to survive. Is is an autoimmune disease that actually turns against the body and instead of attacking cells that cause infection, it actually attacks the cells in the pancreas that are responsible for producing insulin, namely, the beta cells. If not diagnosed early and treated immediately a sufferer can laps into a diabetic ketoacidosis or what is commonly known as a diabetic coma.

Type 1 diabetes usually develops in children and young adults, but is also capable of developing in adults of all ages. 5 to 10 percent of all diabetes cases in the USA are type 1 specific.

It is not known exactly how or what factors can cause or lead to type 1 diabetes developing in someone, but scientists suspect that genetic and environmental factors may play a part, possibly also including viruses. Symptoms can normally develop over a relatively short period of time and can include extreme fatigue and blurred vision, weight loss and an increased appetite. Also an increased need to urinate.

Type 2 diabetes, often known as non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus or adult-onset diabetes. This is the most common form of diabetes, and is diagnosed in 90 to 95 percent of all diabetes sufferers, and mainly those in older age.

Type 2 diabetes often occurs in those who are overweight. That is about 80 percent of type 2 sufferers. Other contributing factors that can also present themselves in exception to being overweight are lack of exercise, a family history of diabetes, impaired glucose metabolism and certain ethnic groups are also at risk such as american from African, Native American, Hispanic/Latino and Asian ethnic groups.

Gestational diabetes: this type of diabetes is diagnosed in women during pregnancy (in the later stages of pregnancy) and can be found in women who present some of the contributing factors found in those that suffer from type 1 and 2 diabetes. Gestational diabetes is caused by pregnancy-related hormones or low levels of insulin production. It is not uncommon for women to not present with any symptoms. Often women who are overweight and have a history of diabetes in their family. It also more frequently occurs in African, Hispanic, Latino and Native Americans. There is a close link between symptoms of gestational diabetes and those with type 2 diabetes.

Of all pregnant women in the USA, somewhere between 3 and 8 percent will suffer from gestational diabetes. It needs to be managed to lower the risk of the baby suffering complications. 5 to 10 percent of women who present with gestational diabetes are also diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. 20 to 50 percent of those who don't have an increased risk of developing diabetes in the next 5 to 10 years.

Diabetes affects almost 200 million people worldwide today, and shows all the signs of being classified as a modern day epidemic. It is estimated that the number of diabetics in the world will double by the next decade. Studies have shown that the trend has a 2 to 1 ratio between women and men. The higher incidence of diabetes in women has also led to the existence of another type of diabetes known as gestational diabetes.

Gestational diabetes shows up in 4 to 8 percent of pregnancies, affecting 135,000 women in the United States alone each year. The biggest threat posed by gestational diabetes is that the developing infant runs a high risk of being born with type 2 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes affects 90 percent of the world's diabetics, and involves the blood cells having a high resistance rate to insulin, resulting in an increased demand on the pancreatic cells of the body which generate insulin. Type 2 diabetes is closely linked to obesity, and is a leading cause of both blindness and heart failure.

Women who develop gestational diabetes run the risk of complications during pregnancy aside from the fact that their infants may be born with type 2 diabetes. Gestational diabetes has been known to lead to hemorrhaging and other difficulties during childbirth, as well as leading to a few stillbirths. Thankfully, the number of fatalities as a result of the complications of gestational diabetes are low.

A large number of women who are affected by type 2 diabetes will also develop gestational diabetes during conception, though there are also reported cases where the women were never previously diagnosed with diabetes. Studies are still being conducted to support two theories regarding this; the first being that the women were never diagnosed with diabetes but had it to begin with in a milder latent form that was only diagnosed during pregnancy, and the second that the women developed diabetes during their pregnancy as a result of dietary imbalance, obesity, and lack of physical exercise.

There is enough evidence to support both theories. On the one hand, 2/3 of the people in Europe who were undergoing treatment for cardiovascular problems were actually discovered to have diabetes, and they simply were never diagnosed for it, which supports the first theory. On the other hand, the main leading cause of type 2 diabetes is high intake of sugar in the diet, intestinal obesity, and lack of exercise, all of which are factors which affect some pregnant women. This supports the second theory.

Whatever the case, diabetes is rapidly turning into an epidemic, and international health organizations and governments have begun to increase their research into finding ways to address this growing problem. In the United States, Senators Hilary Clinton and Susan Collins have recently introduced the Gestational Diabetes Act, which is being supported by the American Diabetes Association.

The act is intended to promote research into gestational diabetes and to try and find preventive measures and cures to the problem. Given the number of diabetics is increasing daily, this research is vital to keeping the problem of diabetes in general stemmed. While diabetes can be avoided by people who lead the right lifestyles by getting enough exercise and keeping proper diets, the children who are born with type 2 diabetes as a result of gestational diabetes in their mothers have no such defense.

There are effective ways to control Diabetes and lead a very healthy life- Only that it requires consistent discipline in weight management, dietary control,providing nutrition and supplements, regular exercise schedules. We shall now see the options/tips for controlling this disease.

Minerals and Vitamins:

MAGNESIUM:

It has been demonstrated that diabetics with the lowest magnesium levels had the most severe retinopathy, and that low magnesium levels were linked significantly to retinopathy more than any other factor. Elevating the magnesium concentration with supplements would protect the eyes.

POTASSIUM:

High potassium intake is associated with a lower risk of developing type II diabetes.Besides, Potassium is a great help in controlling other complications due Diabetes.

VITAMIN - 'D'

vitamin D is essential for the islet cells in the pancreas to be able to secrete insulin properly. studies have shown that individuals with the low vitamin D levels experienced the worst blood sugar-handling problems and had a greater risk of developing diabetes.

Vitamin- 'A', E and 'C'

Research Studies reveal that the diabetic is unable to convert carotene into vitamin A. It is advised for the diabetic to consume the recommended dietary allowance of vitamin A from a non-carotene source such as fish-liver oil. Diabetics and others on low-fat diets often need supplemental amounts of this fat-soluble nutrient.

Also recommended is a vitamin E supplement, ranging from 400-1200 IU per day and a vitamin C supplement ranging from 1000-4000 mg per day to help prevent small vessel disease of the extremities.

Some tips to control diabetes / high blood sugar:

1. Change the dietary habits to reduce intake of sugar and increase the intake of fibre and vitamins.

2. Enough physical exercise which must include fast walking, at-least for 45 minutes.

3. Keep emotions under check and avoid mental tension and worries to the maximum extent possible.

4. Divide the intake of food into smaller portions at regular intervals.

5. Avoid intake of excess salt, which increases blood pressure and aggravates the problems of diabetes.

6. Consumption of food containing magnesium help in production of natural insulin.

7. Other nutrients: Vitamin B complex and Vitamin C are good in controlling blood sugar.

8. Consumption of fenugreek with milk reduces blood sugar and controls diabetes.

9. Consumption of Jamun fruit,(containing gallic acid ) and powdered jamun seeds, reduces blood sugar levels and help in controlling diabetes.

10.Include Garlic in your daily food.

Anyone would rather spend time with a sweetie pie than with a sour puss, but if you are diabetic, being sweet is not necessarily a good thing. Learn the ABC's of Diabetes. It really is as easy as 1,2,3. Not only will it save your life, but also your limbs, your heart, your brain, and your kidneys. It is so hard to imagine that in this day and time, people are still so noncompliant with managing their diabetes. It is so easy and so well worth it. The repercussions of not managing the disease, however, are not easy at all. Young people seem to think they are invincible. Not true at all. Young people are admitted everyday to the hospital with extensive complications and/or related health conditions and diseases arising from diabetes.

The older generation knows they are not invincible, they just do not want anyone telling them what they can or can not eat. Being used to eating home cooked meals and goodies using grandma's recipes, it's hard for them to be compliant with new diet regimens. Or they say to themselves, "A little piece of cake will not hurt me this time." Well this is true, if you are only telling yourself this once in a blue moon. But if you find yourself making statements like this almost every night, then that one piece of cake will eventually hurt you.

There is lots of information on the web about the physiology of diabetes, so we are going to focus on the basics here. How exactly does diabetes affect your body? The answer simply is this: just as it is implied, people who have "sugar," medically known as diabetes, can at any given moment have too much sugar in their blood stream. Both blood and sugar are wonderfully rich breeding grounds for bacteria and yeast to grow and multiply. Coupled with the fact that you may already have poor circulation stemming from a long standing history of uncontrolled Diabetes, you would be at a much higher risk for infection and amputation. Uncontrolled diabetes also leads to high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, and eventually death.

But let us focus on just the aesthetics for now, because no can actually see high blood pressure, kidney failure, or an impending stroke. Let us focus on what is most visible and sometimes the hardest for a lot of people to deal with. Diabetes is the leading cause of lower limb amputation. And in my many years of nursing, I have never met one single person who did not mind losing a leg, even if he or she had been paralyzed for years.

Circulation is very vital to healing. High blood sugar causes poor circulation. Poor circulation slows down the healing process. And if your sugar levels are higher than normal, a very minor cut or scrape can lead to a major infection that is difficult or impossible to treat with antibiotics. This can lead amputation of a limb. And because of the slow healing process, infection can again set in, causing the surgeon to need to amputate a "little higher" next time, in hopes of getting to the tissue that is healthy enough for the surgery to be successful and the incision to heal without complication.

Another thought to ponder...

Men sometimes have a problem with taking daily medication, checking their blood sugar, or giving themselves insulin, because they feel it takes away from their masculinity. But as already stated, uncontrolled diabetes leads to circulatory problems. Normal circulation is also needed for an erection. Aside from the numbness, tingling, and pain in your limbs that you will eventually have because of uncontrolled diabetes, impotence can also become a problem.

SO WHAT ARE THE ABC'S OF DIABETES?

A -- Accu-check, always!

B -- Beware of hidden sugars. Read the labels. Carbs are sugar too!

C -- Control and manage the disease

D -- Diet and exercise & Daily foot care and inspection

Normal blood sugar is between 70 - 110. Finger sticks can be very painful, especially when you are testing your blood sugar often, but there are alternative testing solutions today which require less blood and are less painful. Speak to your physician about this. In addition, you can also dip your urine to monitor for the presence of ketones (ketosis). You can buy ketone test strips from any drugstore without a prescription.

If your blood sugar is high, take your insulin as recommended by your physician, and recheck your blood sugar as instructed. Ask your doctor if you should use ketone test strips in addition to checking your blood sugar. Ketones are fat byproducts, formed when the body breaks down body fat for energy, rather than sugar--it's choice energy supplier. This happens as a result of the body not having enough insulin to allow sugar to be burned for the energy. Ketones are also formed when not enough food has been eaten to provide the energy the body needs. Ketones are measured as being negative, small, moderate or large. If you are dipping your urine and find that you have moderate to large ketones, call your physician for instruction. Note: Ketosis is also the basic principle behind low-carb dieting and why it can be so dangerous. But that is another story. You will have to tune in later for that one.

WARNING SIGNS YOU SHOULD KNOW:

Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia):

--feeling shaky, nervous, tired, sweaty, cold, hungry, confused, irritable or impatient

High blood sugar (hyperglycemia):

--extreme hunger, thirst, headache, increased urination, blurred vision, dry skin, nausea, drowsiness

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)-a serious and potentially fatal condition caused by untreated hyperglycemia:

--Moderate to large ketones in urine, upset stomach, vomiting, deep breathing, stomach pain, feeling tired or confused, fruity smelling breath. Note: This is what has happened when someone has gone into a diabetic coma. THIS IS A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. If you are having any of these symptoms, call your physician or health care provider ASAP.

DOING YOUR PART

It is important that you control your diabetes, because once the disease starts controlling you, you will have very little say. So be smart and check your blood sugar regularly.

*Know the symptoms of both low and high blood sugar. Keep sugar pills with you at all times (or hard candy or honey) for emergency situations when your blood sugar drops.

*When you are sick, your blood sugar will be higher than usual. Check more frequently during these "sick days."

*If you increase your physical activity (exercise), your blood sugar will be lower than usual. Check more frequently and work closely with your physician to avoid over medicating yourself with anti-diabetic medications. Note: Regular exercise has been known to decrease a person's need for insulin.

*Teach your family members and friends the signs and symptoms of low and high blood sugar. You should also wear a bracelet and carry a card in your wallet that says you have diabetes. The card should also say if you are an insulin user.

*Exercise and eat right ( try to stick with the diet recommended by your physician); splurge only occasionally.

*Take insulin as prescribed by your physician.

*Limit alcohol consumption.

*See your physician ASAP if you have an infection or a wound that is not healing quickly.

*Always wear shoes, and inspect your feet daily for abnormalities. NEVER attempt to treat a foot injury yourself at home (i.e. stepping on a nail, tack, or any other object that has caused trauma). A minor injury to someone without diabetes could mean losing a limb for you!

Keep safe and be sweet, just not too sweet!

Diabetic ketoacidosis is a serious complication of diabetes mellitus, it is a result of relative insulin deficiency and is a rare feature of acromegaly, in which the chemical balance of the body becomes far too acidic, and starts a dangerous condition in which the body starts to break down fats for fuel because it has no insulin to allow it to use glucose.

This disease is a potentially fatal complication of diabetes that occurs when insulin levels are far lower than what your body needs. Diabetic ketoacidosis is an important cause of mortality in patients with insulin dependent diabetes, and a life threatening condition that can occur in people with type 1 diabetes, particularly when they are first diagnosed.

Diabetic Ketoacidosis is both hazardous and life threatening, it is a potential killer, in many cases the distinction between symptoms of Diabetic Ketoacidosis and complications of Diabetic Ketoacidosis is unclear or arbitrary, when the case is severe, you may have difficulty breathing, your brain may swell (cerebral edema), and there is a risk of coma, the loss of life due to diabetic ketoacidosis is distinctly linked to the delay in the institution of the appropriate therapy in a hospital setting.

Any nausea or vomiting symptom needs prompt professional medical investigation. Dyspnea is a common and distressing symptom, another common presenting symptom is altered vision, and also cough is a common symptom in children.

To improve understanding of strategies for prevention and treatment of life-threatening consequences of diabetic ketoacidosis, vigorous fluid replacement with normal saline was a cornerstone of therapy for diabetic ketoacidosis even before insulin therapy was available; another important aspect of rehydration therapy in patients with diabetic ketoacidosis is the replacement of ongoing urinary losses.

With proper and immediate treatment, most people will recover completely from diabetic ketoacidosis, you'll need to begin treatment for diabetic ketoacidosis immediately after diagnosis, because the condition can quickly worsen, the treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis involves continual administration of low-dose insulin to decrease glucose levels. A final word, just remember that diabetic ketoacidosis is a serious condition in which a person experiences an extreme rise in blood glucose level coupled with a severe lack of insulin, and can result in death.

Diabetes is proving to be one of the most frightening diseases I've ever had but easy to manage so far. Over the past 6 years I've done very well controlling my Type 2 Diabetes with a healthy diet and exercise, the lack of which having been the cause of my problem in the first place. I'm not a doctor and don't play one on the internet so don't do anything in this article without checking with yours. But, because it seems so difficult at first, I want to share with you some things I've discovered which simplified the whole diet thing for me.

Diabetes Diet programs are everywhere, but many are so severe or so complicated we can't follow them. When my doctor diagnosed me, he gave me a copy of a typed diet sheet that really took all the joy out of my life...no sugar, bread, rice, cake, ice cream...etc. Fortunately, he sent me to a diabetes diet class which taught me you don't have to give up sugar or other carbohydrates...all you have to do is manage them. That's made all the difference! In fact, to manage Type 2 Diabetes, all we have to do is eat the balanced diet we should have been eating all along.

The American Diabetes Diet recommends we get 50-60% of our calories from carbohydrates, 12-20% from proteins, and less than 30% from fats. In my personal diet, I lean toward 50-30-20% in those groups. As you can see, 50-60% carbohydrates isn't exactly eating none...is it? We'll get into easy ways to mange this balance later. I found the biggest dietary adjustment I had to make was taking 3 big meals a day and turning them into 3 small meals and 2-3 snacks. This is necessary to keep a balanced level of blood sugar (glucose). The funny thing was, after about a week, I noticed I had more energy and never felt hungry. Needles to say, I started getting excited.

Eat Generally Healthier: The smallest adjustment was to eat healthier...you know the drill: More fresh fruits and vegetables, more fresh meat, fish and poultry (lean cuts) and less fruit juices and processed foods. More crackers and fewer chips. More whole grain breads and pasta and fewer white, processed flours. More brown rice and less white. Low or non fat milk, cheese, yogurt, salad dressings. Eat cakes, cookies, pies, ice cream, sodas, etc. less often and preferably low fat, sugar free varieties if possible. The amazing thing to me was, there was literally nothing I couldn't eat...I just had to control the way I ate. This isn't as hard as people think.

When the sugar level in your blood is too high, you have diabetes. In Type I diabetes, the level of sugar is not only high, it is out of control. The reason being the body has stopped the production of the required quantity of insulin. As a result, type I diabetes patient needs two to five insulin shots per day, to keep the blood sugar levels under control.

Insulin is a chemical substance in the body that is essential to keep blood sugar levels normal. Its second function is- it assists the body to use fat and protein. An organ near the stomach, pancreas, is the production headquarters of insulin.

The causes of Type I Diabetes can be listed as:

1.Your body just stops making insulin.
2.The pancreas gets damaged.
3.The cells that make insulin are destroyed.

Initially, when a part of the cells in the body are destroyed, you may not know that you have diabetes. When the destruction of the cells is complete, disaster awaits you. Now you suddenly realize what all problems you had were due to some vague reasons. You neglected the early warnings.

But, what were those warnings? You suddenly lost weight and then you thought that you were evolving into a fit personality. You used bathroom a lot, your hunger almost seized you and you were happy about it. When you became very thirsty, you thought that drinking lots of water is good for health. A nature cure fad had advised you about it. You had blurred vision, you got your eyes tested and you bought a glass and sunglass too. You felt tired but you thought that all hard and sincere workers get tired- not once a thought streaked into your mind, that you must have a check up! And you now have a life-long companion, Diabetes Type I.

Is there a cure for Diabetes Type I? NO, there is not!

So, what is to be done? Nothing precisely can cure this problem. But, something that can not be cured must be endured. If you take proper diet, and exercise regularly, you can still live happily, even in the company of diabetes.

There is no cure for diabetes. But, if you work with your health care team, eat right and exercise, you can live a great life and stay healthy.

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. It's a double whammy and the medical consequences of such a diagnosis don't look good.

First, let's briefly cover the basics of diabetes.

Diabetes is Elevated Blood Glucose Levels

Higher than normal level of glucose in the blood is diabetes. Glucose is the main energy source for the brain and nerves and comes from digesting carbohydrates. Because of its importance as an energy source, glucose blood level is normally kept within a narrow range.

Two hormones help to keep glucose in this normal range. First, there is insulin. Insulin is released by the pancreas as glucose levels rise after a meal. It promotes the uptake of glucose by muscle cells. Second, is glucogon. This hormone causes the release of glucose out of energy stores during fasting. The insulin to glucogon ratio helps to stabilize the normal levels of blood glucose.

Two Types of Diabetes

In order to have consistently high blood glucose levels either insulin production and/or release from the pancreas is defective or the muscles don't respond to insulin when it is released.

Juvenile or Type 1 Diabetes -- Insulin production is defective. Most often detected early in life. These patients require insulin shots.

Adult Onset or Type 2 Diabetes -- The muscles don't respond to insulin. In this case, glucose stays within the blood and not in the tissues. The early stage is called Insulin Resistance. Type 2 is associated with being overweight or obese.

The Atypical Type of Diabetes -- Double Diabetes or Type 3

A young man who has type I diabetes, if he does not follow a proper diabetic diet and an exercise program, could develop type 2 diabetes on top of his type I diagnosis.

This is a fear turned into reality for many type I diabetics and their families. The Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh states that 25% of children with type I diabetes are showing features of type 2. The main feature shared by all of these children...obesity. Dr. Dorothy Becker, a pediatric endocrinologist and leading double-diabetes researcher, feels the numbers will continue to climb.

And an ongoing study to determine the best treatment for children with type 2 diabetes is also uncovering many kids who harbor antibodies that signal they have or are developing the type 1 form.

No matter which type of diabetes came first in a child, it makes treatment that much harder for everyone involved. So what is the best treatment?

Treating Type 3 Diabetes

The best treatment for type 3 diabetes is prevention. Children, with or without diabetes, must exercise. Toning and building muscle tissue is the only effective way to protect against type 3 diabetes.

Strong muscles are metabolic active and able to uptake glucose as expected when insulin is released into the blood. Parents, start a supervised and doctor approved workout program with your children. Something tells me that we may need a strong future.

Type I diabetes is also known as insulin-dependent diabetes or juvenile diabetes. This form of diabetes is mainly found in children. The primary problem in all forms of diabetes, regardless if it is Type I or Type II is that the glucose (sugar) levels of the body are too high.

In a healthy person, the beta cells in the pancreas produce a hormone called insulin in response to sugar in the blood. The sugar gets there through the food and drinks we consume. Normally, the insulin helps to move the sugar from the bloodstream and into the cells of the body where it can be used for cellular processes. The insulin triggers gates located in the membranes of the cells to open, allowing the sugar to flow in.

A person with Type I diabetes can not make enough or any insulin. This produces the abnormally high levels of glucose in the bloodstream seen in these patients.

The question begs to be asked, "Why doesn't the body produce insulin?" In Type I diabetes the culprit is the immune system. Something, whether it be genetic or environmental is still not clear, triggers the immune system to malfunction. Instead of viewing the beta cells of the pancreas as "self", the immune system sees the beta cells as foreign invaders. Doing what it's supposed to do, which is attack and destroy invading cells, the immune system in error attacks the beta cells.

Even though other beta cells can be produced by the pancreas, the speed at which the immune system attacks and destroys is too fast for the pancreas to keep up. Over time the amount of insulin produced in response to sugar in the blood is diminished.

The result is high blood sugar. Insulin shots can control the disease, however, there are currently treatments being studied which may actually stop the immune system from attacking itself which would bring about a natural halt to the problem.

Type 1 diabetes was formerly known as juvenile diabetes or insulin dependent diabetes mellitus. Type 1 diabetes matures quickly and symptoms are very visible.

This type of diabetes occurs when the body’s immune system destroys pancreatic cells. These cells are the insulin producing cells. This type of diabetes affects mostly children and young adults. Risk factors for type1 diabetes include autoimmune, genetics, and environmental factors.

Many clinical studies have shown that an option for type 1 diabetes treatment is the pancreas transplantation. For some patients, surgeons can restore the function of the pancreas with an islet cell transplant.

The most important benefit of pancreas transplantation is freedom from dependence on insulin. Although this is significant, this is not recommended treatment for diabetes unless there is a need for a kidney transplant as well.

On the other hand, pancreas transplants still remains problematic in that the immune system still can attack new pancreas cells. Some people who have transplants do find that the transplanted pancreas is attacked and the insulin-producing cells are killed off after operation.

At this time, pancreas transplants do not always provide permanent cures, and people who have transplants must take anti-rejection medication and immune-system suppressing drugs.

Many research teams are still working on this immune system problem that seems to be the root cause of type 1 diabetes (sometimes called auto-immune diabetes).

This is main reason that pancreas transplants are still only being studied experimentally and are not considered currently to be an automatic cure for all patients with type 1 diabetes.

Simple Testing Over and Over

* simple and easy testing. Simple single-function buttons are easy-to-use and easy to understand

* No more having to use individual test strips. You have One easy-to-load autodisc which includes 10 individual test strip.

* No coding required

* Glucometer has a comfortable shape. Fits right in the palm of your hand. Glucose blood sugar machine is stable for table-top testing

* Get accurate results fast.

* You need just a very small blood drop because the test strip automatically draws the blood right on the strip - that's what Bayer calls the "Sip-in Sampling"®

* Saves information up to 100 tests

* You can download the meter's information with your computer using the Ascensia Winglucofacts Diabetes Management Software for simple and flexible diabetes data management

* Ascensia Glucometers has been cleared for multiple site testing. You have more choice and flexibility about where you prefer to test.

* You can test on your finger, forearm, palm, abdomen or thigh -- it's up to you. However, make sure you talk to your healthcare professional first to make sure that alternate site testing is right for you.

* Simple to use lancet device.

Pros and Cons of Ascensia Breeze Glucose Monitor

Pros:

**Simple to use because you don't have to change the strips everytime you want to test your blood sugar

**Simple to use lancet device.

**With a pull forward and push back method to release the strip it is an easy way to release the strip.

**Only needs a tiny drop of blood.

Cons:

**If you want to do alternative testing, you have to call Bayer and they will send you a special lancing device so you can use alternative testing. You do have to pay like a $4.95 S&H fee. Or they include a $25 coupon you can take to your pharmcacy to get the special lancing device. And that's if the pharmacy has it available.

** That means once you have your blood glucose machine, you can't start testing on alternative sites until you have the special lancing device.

**To open the machine at the top can be confusing initially and a little difficult if you have arthritis. Though most patients do get the hang of it after a few times.

**The pull and push back method to release the strip again may have some arthritis patients having some difficulty but most patients are able to do this in a few tries.

Overall, this is a great glucomenter. If it weren't that you have to call Bayer to get the special lancing device, I would rate this machine a 9. But because of this factor, again, like the Accucheck Compact, this glucometer would be rated an 8.

What sank the “Unsinkable Ship” the Titanic was not the tip of the iceberg, but the lurking 90% percent of the iceberg hidden under the surface. In the movie you see the captain steer the ship clear of the block of ice on top of the water, but underneath not known to the captain, crew or passengers, the razor sharp ice was splitting the steel bottom of the vessel like a stick of melted butter. Only after it was too late that the damage was known to all. Only a handful survived!

If you do not do something quickly, Diabetes is going to get you the same way the ice berg sank the unsinkable Titanic. The scary part of Diabetes is you can not see it. It doesn’t neccessarily hang on you out in the open. Yes, you have excess weight on you, but the damage is being done down under. Sure you may realize it, but it may be too late. So instead of a gigantic ice cube slicing through you, you get a free trip to the surgeon’s room only to come out, one limb less than your trip in. Sounds morbid, doesn’t it? But, this is reality. If you do not see the iceberg coming you’re going to slowly drown.

Diabetes is a silent killer. The way things are going; survivors are going to be only the ones looking of a lifeboat now. Do not be fooled. You are not exempt from this happening to you. You are not an unsinkable ship! Your lifeboat only comes in the form of exercise and eating right. You think health care is scary now, wait a few years and see the life boats coming in with the wounded, frozen and emotionally drained. But, there is hope for you; here is what you do;

• Realize you’re not protected from diabetes, take preventive measures.

• Just start being active; get moving, increase your circulation.

• Control your complex carbohydrate intake, especially at night.

• Cut out or down on the soft drinks.

• Join a support group or get a workout partner to walk with.

• Get your blood checked often for diabetes.

• Check your body-fat levels: 30 percent of more equals obesity.

• By the sugar busters book, read it and start doing it.

Diabetes is such a sneaky dangerous disease. Today, you may be ok, tomorrow you may fall prey to the iceberg. With diabetes it’s not what you see that can sink you

So you’ve learned that you’ve got diabetes. Well after the initial shock, you’re stuck with dealing with the lifestyle changes that come with your diagnosis. When you go into the situation knowing that this isn’t the end but only the beginning of a new phase in your life it gives you a better perspective on life. Gone are the days of feeling like garbage and not knowing the genesis of the problem. Oftentimes, folks feel a sense of relief when they finally realize what the problem is. The stress of uncertainty lifts and the realization sets in that their life is now on a straight path. Well sort of..

Of course your new lifestyle will demand a few changes. First and foremost your doctor should have put you on a new diet. Depending on whether or not you have Type I or Type 2 diabetes you might even have to take insulin shots, ouch!! Relax, things are going to get only better now that your health is being managed correctly.

Your new diet will consist of many foods with lower carbohydrates, which can of course be a hassle if you are addicted to savories. Sure, there’s a downside, but your quality of life should go up immeasurably. A lower carb diet doesn’t exclude all of the things that you have come to love, just cautiously watching your diet will help. Moderation and constant inventory of what you are eating is essential to helping you maintain a healthy diet. After you’ve had to deal with the disease for awhile you’ll be a whiz at maintaining yourself. Foods that are high in protein such as meats and nuts will be your friends since the carbohydrate levels are very low. This isn’t to say that you should go on a “no carb” diet, management and moderation is the key.

It’s estimated that in the US, over 18 million people over the age of 20 have diabetes. If you happen to have been diagnosed with diabetes, make sure you’re getting all the right diabetes treatment supplies. Also check to make sure that your glucose levels are within the accepted guidelines. Take any other additional steps your physician has advised – but most of all, go out and live your life because your diabetes IS manageable!

People over the age of 45 and those who are considered obese are especially risk prone for this potentially fatal disease. Some of the potential health problems that may result are: partial to complete blindness, kidney disease, hypoglycemia and certain sexual and urological problems. These include erectile dysfunction in men.

Even though these are serious concerns and should be carefully watched for, diabetes is in fact quite manageable, especially with some of the tools we currently have to work with. For example, blood sugar monitoring devices can accurately check your blood glucose levels in a matter of seconds.

Check your levels at least daily. Depending on your particular diagnosis, you might need insulin shots to manage your blood chemistry effectively. These shots may be required several times a day. Also, be sure to have a glucogen emergency kit on hand at all times for your diabetes treatment. This is an important element that should be part of your diabetes supplies kit.

Even though diabetes is manageable, don’t make the mistake of thinking that it isn’t a serious condition that doesn’t require daily attention. It is and it does. Be sure to always keep on hand all of the supplies necessary for proper monitoring and treatment. Like the glucagons kit I just mentioned. Speaking of which, all of the medical supplies you need are available online and can be delivered to your home as needed.

A diabetes diagnosis means that you will probably live with the condition for the rest of your life. But it doesn’t mean the end of your life. Far from it. Millions of people live very full and complete lives despite the condition’s very real potential to bring about serious consequences to one’s well being.

And if you’re worrying that your diabetes diagnosis means that you’ll automatically be going in and out of the doctor’s office every other day – don’t. With self-discipline, a good understanding of the disease and effective diabetes treatment and monitoring techniques, diabetes becomes a very manageable condition.

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.

Approximately 8% of the population in the United States has diabetes. This means that approximately 16 million people have been diagnosed with the disease, based only on national statistics. The American Diabetes Association estimates that diabetes accounts for 178,000 deaths, 54,000 amputees, and 12,000-24,000 cases of blindness annually. Blindness is 25 times more common among diabetic patients compared to nondiabetics. It is proposed that by the year 2010, diabetes will exceed both heart disease and cancer as the leading cause of death through its many complications.

Diabetics have a high level of blood glucose. The blood sugar level is regulated by insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, which releases it in response to food consumption. Insulin causes the cells of the body to take in glucose from the blood. The glucose is used as fuel for cellular functions.

Diagnostic standards for diabetes have been fasting plasma glucose levels greater than 140 mg/dL on two occasions and plasma glucose greater than 200 mg/dL following a 75-gram glucose load. More recently, the American Diabetes Association lowered the criteria for a diabetes diagnosis to fasting plasma glucose levels equal to or greater than 126 mg/dL. Fasting plasma levels outside the normal limit require additional tests, usually by repeating the fasting plasma glucose test and (if indicated) giving the patient an oral glucose tolerance test.

The symptoms of diabetes include excessive urination, excessive thirst and hunger, sudden weight loss, blurred vision, delay in healing of wounds, dry and itchy skin, repeated infections, fatigue and headache. These symptoms, while suggestive of diabetes, may be due to other reasons also.

There are two different types of diabetes.

Type I Diabetes (juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes): The cause of type I diabetes is caused by pancreatic inability to produce insulin. It is responsible for 5-10% of cases of diabetes. The pancreatic Islet of Langerhans cells, which secrete the hormone, are destroyed by the body's own immune system, probably because it mistakes them for a virus. Viral infections are thought to be the trigger that sets off this auto-immune disease. It is more common in caucasians and runs in families.

If untreated, death occurs within a few months of the onset of juvenile diabetes, as the cells of the body starve because they no longer receive the hormonal prompt to take in glucose. While most Type I diabetics are young (hence the term Juvenile Diabetes), the condition can develop at any age. Autoimmune diabetes can be definitely diagnosed by a blood test which shows the presence of anti-insulin/anti-islet-cell antibodies.

Type II Diabetes (non insulin dependent diabetes or adult onset diabetes): This diabetes is a result of body tissues becoming resistant to insulin. It accounts for 90-95% of cases. Often the pancreas is producing more than average amounts of insulin, but the cells of the body have become unresponsive to its effect due to the chronically high level of the hormone. Eventually the pancreas may exhaust its over-active secretion of the hormone, and insulin levels fall to below normal.

A tendency towards Type II diabetes is hereditary, but it is unlikely to develop in normal-weight individuals eating a low- or moderate-carbohydrate diet. Obese, sedentary individuals who eat poor-quality diets based on refined starch, which constantly activates pancreatic insulin secretion, are prone to develop insulin resistance. Native peoples such as North American Indians whose traditional diets did not include refined starch until its recent introduction by Europeans have extremely high rates of diabetes, up to 5 times the rate of caucasians. Blacks and hispanics are also at higher risk. Though Type II diabetes is not fatal within a matter of months, it can lead to health complications over several years and cause severe disability and premature death. As with Type I diabetes, the condition is found primarily in one age group, in this case people over 40 (which is why it is often termed Adult Onset); however, with the rise in childhood and teenage obesity, it is appearing in children as well.

If neglected, diabetes can lead to life-threatening complications such as kidney damage (nephropathy), heart disease, nerve damage (neuropathy), retinal damage and blindness(retinopathy), and hypoglycemia (drastic reduction in glucose levels). Diabetes damages blood vessels, especially smaller end-arteries, leading to severe and premature atherosclerosis. Diabetics are prone to foot problems because neuropathy, which affects approximately 10% of patients, causes their feet to lose sensation. Foot injuries, common in day-to-day living, go unnoticed, and these injuries do not heal because of poor circulation through the small arteries in the foot. Gangrene and subsequent amputation of toes or feet is the consequence for many elderly patients with poorly-controlled diabetes. Usually these sequelae appear earlier in Type I than Type II diabetes, because Type II patients have some of their own insulin production left to buffer changes in blood sugar levels.

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. That means you can have the least amount of painful testing with less hassle and improved safety.

There are 11 depth settings so you can choose your comfort level for testing your blood sugar. There is a no side-to-side motion so there is less skin tearing, over 90% of users ranked it least painful.*

Self-Contained Lancet with Six-lancet Drums.

Now you don't even need to see or handle the lancets. Just put the six-lancet drum in and you are ready to go.

Personal comfort.

With the 11 dept settings on the Comfort Dial, you are able to adjust the lancet depth to match your skin type and obtain just enough blood for accurate testing.

Precise Lancet Movement.

The precise linear sliding motion decreases the lancet's side-to-side movement so there is no tearing of your skin, providing greater comfort.

Accurate Manufactured Lancets.

Careful manufacturing make sure that your lancets have not been bent or contain broken tips that can result in even more painful testing.

This is a breakthrough in testing your blood sugar using lancets. There is always a chance of pricking yourself when removing the lancet after testing your blood sugar. There is also a chance of pricking yourself when removing the little piece attached to the lancet before testing.

Now just place the lancet drum in your device and you are ready to test your blood sugar.

Removing the lancet drum is also safe. Now you don't have to worry about pricking your finger.

Finally glucose meter testing companies are looking out for the safety of the patient, especially Senior Citizens who vision has decreased due to the complications of Diabetes.

Accu-check is now on the top of my list for safety, convenience and simplicity of using their glucometers, especially the Accu-check Compact, and now their new six-drum lancet device.