Monday, August 6, 2007

The Symptoms of Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes Mellitus is an insidious disease that causes a whole slew of complications that can have life altering and threatening effects for anyone who suffers from it. From heart disease to kidney problems, blindness and nerve damage, recognizing the symptoms of diabetes mellitus early and getting proper medical treatment is key to managing it effects and the complications it can cause.

It is estimated that 17 million people suffer from diabetes in the United States alone. Further more nearly 5.9 million of those 17 million have not been diagnosed and are suffering the effects of not managing their condition. Many people remain undiagnosed because they do not recognize or understand their symptoms and never seek medical help until their symptoms have manifested into the later complications.

The treatment of diabetes is about managing the condition through proper diet, exercise, and medication. The sooner a positive diagnosis is made the better the chances of avoiding potential life threatening complications that this disease is known for. There is no known cure but millions of people with diabetes live normal lives through healthy lifestyle choices.

The symptoms of diabetes mellitus as listed by the American Diabetes Association include:

1. Increased Urination - Increased blood flow through the kidneys due to high blood sugar levels contributes to this.

2. Excessive Thirst - Caused by the increased urine output that brings about dehydration.

3. Hungry All the Time - Because glucose (sugar) is unable to leave the blood stream and enter the cells due to a lack of insulin or insulin resistance the cells do not get the fuel they need for energy. The body senses this energy deficit and thinks it needs more calories to fuel its metabolic processes.

4. Weight Loss - Even though the diabetic is eating more the body starts to break down its own protein and fat stores to feed the perceived lack of energy for the cells.

5. Fatigue - Decreased energy levels lead to constant feelings of fatigue and lethargy.

6. Irritability and Depression.

7. Eye Problems - High blood glucose levels cause an increase in blood volume which can cause the lens of the eye to swell.

These signs will usually start out as nothing more than minor annoyances, but with time they will increase in severity. Many people attribute them to other things and brush them aside. Many of the symptoms can be attributed to other things like the stress of everyday life which can cause fatigue, depression, and irritability.

Many people are often surprised when they are diagnosed with diabetes mellitus saying things like "I don't feel sick". Many people are visiting their doctor for other concerns when they are first diagnosed. But once they putt all their symptoms together along with the results of their blood glucose test that the doctor will order the diagnosis is easily seen.

Recognizing the symptoms of diabetes mellitus early in the disease's stages is the single most important factor when it comes to minimizing the long term complications that are associated with this disease.

The Early Warning Signs of Diabetes

In the United States alone there is an estimated 17 million people that suffer from diabetes. Of those 17 million who suffer this disease nearly 5.9 million have not been medically diagnosed. The reason for this could well be that many of the early warning signs of diabetes are shrugged off by those who suffer them because the symptoms do not seem that severe.

Even when those who heed the early symptoms of diabetes do go to the doctor they often express disbelief that they are diagnosed as being diabetic. In the early stages of diabetes the symptoms can be more of a minor annoyance, leading those who are diagnosed saying things like "I don't feel sick". In fact many people are diagnosed with diabetes when they visit the doctor because they think they have something else wrong with them. Many of the early signs of diabetes are often attributed to some other ailment or condition.

The sooner the symptoms of diabetes are recognized and diagnosed the better the chances of a managing this condition and avoiding many of the serious and sometimes life threatening complications this disease can bring. Diabetes is the sixth leading cause of death by disease in the United States today.

The American Diabetes Association has a list of the early warning signs of diabetes and they include:

1. Increased Urination - This is caused by high blood sugar levels which increase the amount of blood that flows through the kidneys.

2. Excessive Thirst - The increased output of urine can lead to dehydration.

3. Extreme Hunger - Because diabetes is characterized by a lack of insulin or insulin resistance glucose is unable to cross over from the blood stream into the cells where it is needed for energy production. The body thinks it's hungry because of the energy deficit and manifests hunger pangs.

4. Unexplained Weight Loss - The body will start to break down its own proteins (muscle) and fat to make up for the perceived lack of cellular energy. This despite the fact that the person is actually eating more.

5. Fatigue - Caused by the decreased energy levels.

6. Irritability and Depression.

7. Vision Impairment - An increase in blood volume caused by high blood glucose levels can lead to swelling of the eye's lens.

Taken by themselves, or even as a group it is easy to see why these diabetic symptoms could be seen as part of any number of other conditions that can cause them. Everyday stress can cause fatigue, irritability, and depression. Depression is known to cause weight loss. Many of these signs and symptoms start out small; barely noticeable and as time progresses many people don't actually see the changes because of the slow rate at which they occur.

These symptoms will get progressively worse as the affects of the diabetes creates a variety of complications that affects many of the bodily systems. It is important to note that these symptoms will not resolve themselves.

The sooner one can recognize the early warning signs of diabetes the sooner they can seek medical attention. Diagnosing diabetes early is key to successfully managing its long term affects. There is no known cure for diabetes but with lifestyle changes and proper medical treatment it can be controlled and its affects minimized.

A Diabetic Diet is Key to Managing Diabetes

A diabetic diet is a balanced healthy diet with appropriate mixture of carbohydrates, proteins and fats at each meal so as to both provide essential nutrients as well as create an even release of glucose into the blood from meal to meal on a daily basis. A diet for diabetes, however, needs to be adjusted to suit each diabetic's requirement as there are tend to be differences in everyone's level of physical activities, injections of insulin (if taking) and intake of oral diabetic drugs, and the action and timing of the medications taken.

The exchange lists, which are dietary guidelines from the American Diabetes Association, are the basis of a meal planning system designed by a committee of the American Diabetes Association and the American Dietetic Association. There are differing philosophies on what is the best diet but below is a guideline with some general principles. Patients with Type 1 diabetes should have a diet that has approximately 35 calories per kg of body weight per day (or 16 calories per pound of body weight per day). Patients with Type 2 diabetes generally are put on a 1500-1800 calorie diet per day to promote weight loss and then the maintenance of ideal body weight.

Most people with diabetes find that it is quite helpful to sit down with a dietician or nutritionist for a consult about what is the best diet for them and how many daily calories they need. It is quite important for diabetics to understand the principles of carbohydrate counting and how to help control blood sugar levels through proper diet.

To keep blood sugar levels under control, a diabetic diet strikes a balance among the carbohydrates, fats, and protein you take in.

Carbohydrates:

Carbohydrates are the source of energy that starts with glucose, the sugar in your bloodstream, and includes substances containing many sugar molecules called complex carbohydrates, starches, cellulose, and gums. Carbohydrates comprise the highest source of blood sugar and are the primary fuel for your body and brain. Carbohydrates are any food that can be broken down into sugar and the more of these you eat the higher your blood sugar will rise.

Fat:

Fats should contain no more than the 30% of the daily basis calorie count. Fats are the most important concern for diabetics because the management of cholesterol is done according to the amount of fat taken into the body. The dietary key to managing cholesterol, then, lies in understanding fats and oils.

Reducing the consumption of saturated fats and trans-fatty acids is the number one step in managing weight and cholesterol. To manage these fats it is important to understand both saturated fats and trans fatty acids. Saturated fats are found in animal products and dairy products. Trans-fatty acids are created through a process called hydrogenation. These fats can be found in stick margarine and in fast foods, baked goods and white breads.

Protein:

Protein is another element that is important to take account of in the diabetic diet. Protein foods do not raise your blood sugar, so you can add more fish, eggs, meat, etc with your meals. Protein is limited to 15-20% of the total calorie requirement of the body. Whenever you eat a meal or snack, it should always include a small amount of protein that has its own natural fat. The protein food with its own natural fat tends to hold onto the food longer so that your blood sugar doesn't spike and then drop immediately.

A diabetic diet can be customized to suit each patient's preferences, and a nutritionist can help with this. This type of diet should also take into consideration the medical condition, lifestyle and eating habits of the diabetic patient.

What Exactly Is Diabetes?

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder that tends to be recognized through high levels of blood sugar and other physical manifestations, and it differs significantly from a typical illness or chronic disease. There are several types of diabetes known to the medical community, and all are caused by a variety of different things - in fact, current research in the medical community tends to discover new potential causes of diabetes each year.

Ultimately, diabetes is brought on by an individual's pancreas becoming unable to produce the necessary amount of insulin to prevent the development of hyperglycemia. Once a person has developed type 1 or type 2 diabetes, it is incurable - but it is treatable. If the diabetes is not controlled through medical treatment, it can lead to life-threatening complications, such as a higher risk of heart failure, blindness, severe nerve damage, and foot wounds that could lead to amputation.

Type 1 diabetes differs from type 2 in that it is more commonly found in men, and it may have a small genetic link. This type of diabetes tends to develop when the cells inside of one's pancreas are attacked by the immune system, disallowing the pancreas to produce the required amount of insulin and thereby causing an insulin deficiency. It is also possible to develop type 1 diabetes through after-complications of viral infections contracted during one's childhood or youth. These may take a toll on the immune system, causing it to malfunction later in one's life.

Type 2 diabetes has a much larger genetic link, generally resulting from a predisposition toward the disease and lifestyle choices that cause the disease to develop. Parents may pass this disease on to their children at birth, though it is possible to reduce the risk of ever developing type 2 diabetes: this involves wise choices when it comes to lifestyle habits and diet, such as reducing or eliminating the consumption of high-fat foods and excessive alcohol, keeping active, and being careful to avoid becoming overweight.

It is possible for type 2 diabetes to become onset with age, regardless of previous lifestyle choices, simply due to genetics. Risk for genetically onset diabetes tends to increase at around 45 years old, and after 65 the risk becomes even greater.

In addition, there are certain ethnic groups whose genetic predisposition toward developing type 2 diabetes is much higher. These groups include African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Native Americans, and Japanese Americans. Individuals belonging to these ethnic groups would do well to take extra care when it comes to diet and lifestyle, in order to ensure a long and happy life.

Friday, July 20, 2007

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Monday, July 16, 2007

Body Mass Index - What Shape are You In?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is widely used to as a tool to determine an individual's optimum body weight. It is essentially the relationship between a person's weight and height. The simple formula used to calculate it is:

BMI= (Weight in Kilograms) / (Height in meters squared)

This measure also known as the Quetelet Index was developed around 1830 to 1850 and is attributed to a Belgian named Adolphe Quetelet.

Generally, BMI of 20 to 25 is considered healthy. BMI of less than 20 suggests an individual is underweight while 25 to 29 indicates an overweight person. 30 and above is a sign of obesity.

BMI provides an estimation of fat content in a person's body. Although research has confirmed a strong correlation between fat content and BMI, results may vary from group to group. For instance athletes may develop significantly higher muscle mass. Muscle contributes more to overall weight than fat. As a result their BMI may be higher than average despite a lower fat content. Conversely, elderly people who have suffered some deterioration of muscle mass may have lower BMI with higher fat content.

Higher BMI's are linked with greater risk of disease and death. Persons with a BMI of 25 to 29 have a higher risk of coronary heart disease, strokes, type 2 diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure), sleep apnea and respiratory problems, high LDL (bad) cholesterol and low HDL (good) cholesterol. Some cancers such as endometrial, breast and colon cancers have also been linked to being overweight. The risks of these diseases and death are magnified many times over in the 30+ BMI - obese category.

However, BMI is just one of the predictors of health problems and must always be used in conjunction with other indicators. For instance body shape has also been shown to be a predictor of the risk of disease. Fat concentrated around the abdominal area (apple shaped body) is considered less healthy than a similar mass of fat concentrated around the buttocks and hips (pear shaped body). BMI also needs to be interpreted differently for different groups such as children and pregnant and nursing women.

Electrical impedance tests or fatfold measures are more accurate means of physically measuring body fat than BMI. However, they all involve a visit to the Doctor's office or gym. BMI has the huge advantage of simplicity. Anyone can calculate it in the comfort of their own home and it is extremely useful in monitoring one's weight as long as one remembers its limitations.

How To Lose Weight

The more you understand about any subject, the more interesting it becomes. As you read this article you'll find that the subject of weight and diet is certainly no exception.

Everyone knows that to lose weight you need to eat less and exercise more. Exercise is essential whether you choose to lose weight or maintain your present weight. Someone that increases the amount they exercise, but maintains the same diet and calorie intake, will almost certainly lose weight. Forget all of the fad diets, the fastest (and easiest) way to lose weight is with a combination of diet and exercise. Remember, don't exercise to lose weight - exercise because you want to have a healthy body!

Many people who diet fail to lose weight or, if they do lose, fail to maintain the lower weight over the long term. How many times have you heard that the only way to lose weight through diet is to eat less? There is one type of diet that lets you eat well and still lose weight. Learn how to do it a sensible diet and exercise plan.

The only way to start and keep it off is by eating properly and exercising on a regular basis. By taking full control of your eating habits you will begin to lose weight the best way possible - slowly and steadily. You will success by eating, by being more active or preferably by doing both. Don't skip any meals. Lose weight by eating. To suceed safely, effectively, and for the long term - you need to truly commit to eating and exercising consistently. Eating more often, not less is the way to lose weight.

You may not need to lose as much weight for your health as you think. Talk with a health care professional to get some ideas on how to lose weight and keep it off. Studies show that people who lose only 10 to 20 pounds halve their risk of developing diabetes. Regular activity helps you losing weight and keep it off and improves the health of you heart and lungs.

Everyone who's ever tried losing weight has found it challenging. Getting motivated for this target can be hard, especially if you have tried to lose weight in the past.

The best way should not involve a battle of willpower - you cannot fight yourself every single day!

So what is the best way to suceed? Get started. You can't wish it away.

The New Year is here. One New Year's resolution for many people is to lose weight and to keep it off. Unfortunately, for some, this can be such a daunting task that their resolve lasts for a few months at best. The good news is that weight loss does not have to be difficult. With the right mindset, it is possible to lose weight and keep it off. Here are 10 tips to assist in this process.

Tip #1: Focus on making small changes each step of the way. For most people, successful weight loss involves not only a diet change, but a lifestyle change as well. Since this can be overwhelming for some, it is best to take baby steps. For instance, instead of signing-up for a full year's membership at a gym, go for a few months or try walking in the neighborhood three times a week for thirty minutes. Once this is done habitually it becomes part of one's lifestyle.

I trust that what you've read so far has been informative. The following section should go a long way toward clearing up any uncertainty that may remain.

Tip #2: Eat 100% organic, virgin, and unrefined coconut oil. There is research which supports this as an aid in weight loss.

Tip #3: Eat apples, preferably organic, every day. Apples decrease appetite and stabilize blood sugar. Eat at least one apple per day.

Tip #4: Stay away from fast foods. These foods are loaded with harmful fats, preservatives, and other chemicals. If one has to eat out, try to eat at a restaurant and make healthy choices such as eating a large salad, a baked potato, and broiled meats instead of fried foods.

Tip #5: Do a liver cleanse. Many people have livers which are clogged and not working efficiently. Health food stores carry a variety of cleansing products.

Tip #6: Use organic apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar helps to eliminate fat cells from the body. Take a few teaspoons prior to each meal. Apple cider vinegar can be found in health food stores.

Tip #7: Add hot pepper to food. It is amazing what something hot and spicy can do for the metabolism. Hot peppers not only increase metabolism, but also help the body burn off fat more efficiently. Organic hot salsa is best.

Tip #8: Eat a large organic salad at lunch and dinner. The key is organic, if possible. If salad dressing is used, it should be organic olive oil, organic vinegar, and fresh organic lemon juice.

Tip #9: Stay away from refined foods such as sugar and enriched products such as white flour, white rice, white bread, and pasta that is not organic or whole grain. These foods have no nutritional value.

Tip #10: Be positive! Don't say "I'm going to try to lose weight", but "I'm going to lose weight and feel great." Be committed to staying on course and making those necessary lifestyle and dietary changes. With this mindset, one cannot help but be successful.

Weight loss does not have to be overwhelming and difficult. Commit to trying at least a few of the steps above and expect to lose weight and feel great!

The day will come when you can use something you read about here to have a beneficial impact. Then you'll be glad you took the time to learn more about weightloss,weight,diet.

Article Source: http://articlejoint.com

Maintaining Diabetic Blood Sugar Level

For the diabetic maintaining their blood sugar level in the normal range is key to successfully managing their disease. Without proper blood glucose control the diabetic risks a variety of disorders and complications that are caused by high blood sugar levels. Left untreated for a long period of time diabetes can become a life threatening illness.

When first diagnosed a doctor is looking for blood sugar levels within a certain range. There are three tests that can be used in diagnosing diabetes. These tests all require a blood draw and if the test comes back positive then that diagnosis must be confirmed on a following day using one of the three tests.

The three tests that can be used to diagnose diabetes and blood sugar levels that are looked for as recommended by the American Diabetes Association are:

1. Casual plasma glucose level at or above 200 mg/dL. This is in addition to showing symptoms of diabetes. The casual test can be taken anytime of the day regardless of the last time the person being tested ate.

2. The fasting plasma glucose test is done at least eight hours after the person has had their last intake of calories. The criteria for a positive result with this test are a plasma glucose greater then 126 mg/dL.

3. The two hour oral glucose tolerance test. This test is done by the patient drinking a glucose solution containing 75 anhydrous glucose dissolved in water. Blood is drawn two hours after drinking the solution and a positive result is a plasma glucose level greater than 200 mg/dL.

Once the diagnosis of diabetes is made it is important for the diabetic to work to maintain their blood sugar level within a certain range. This is done through self monitoring of blood glucose using a blood glucose monitor. Doing so will allow diabetics to monitor and control metabolic control of their disease and lessen the risk of hypo or hyperglycemia, both of which can have negative risks.

The diabetic blood sugar level that those with diabetes should try and maintain is between 70 to 120 mg/dL either before a meal, like breakfast, or four to five hours after their last meal or snack. Blood sugar will go up after any meal or snack and ideally it should drop to under 200 mg/dL about two hours after that meal.

By keeping tight blood sugar control the diabetic can live a long and healthy life and lower their risk for the many complications that include vision degradation, kidney disease, nerve damage and heart disease.

Article Source: http://articlejoint.com

The Symptoms of Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes Mellitus is an insidious disease that causes a whole slew of complications that can have life altering and threatening effects for anyone who suffers from it. From heart disease to kidney problems, blindness and nerve damage, recognizing the symptoms of diabetes mellitus early and getting proper medical treatment is key to managing it effects and the complications it can cause.

It is estimated that 17 million people suffer from diabetes in the United States alone. Further more nearly 5.9 million of those 17 million have not been diagnosed and are suffering the effects of not managing their condition. Many people remain undiagnosed because they do not recognize or understand their symptoms and never seek medical help until their symptoms have manifested into the later complications.

The treatment of diabetes is about managing the condition through proper diet, exercise, and medication. The sooner a positive diagnosis is made the better the chances of avoiding potential life threatening complications that this disease is known for. There is no known cure but millions of people with diabetes live normal lives through healthy lifestyle choices.

The symptoms of diabetes mellitus as listed by the American Diabetes Association include:

1. Increased Urination - Increased blood flow through the kidneys due to high blood sugar levels contributes to this.

2. Excessive Thirst - Caused by the increased urine output that brings about dehydration.

3. Hungry All the Time - Because glucose (sugar) is unable to leave the blood stream and enter the cells due to a lack of insulin or insulin resistance the cells do not get the fuel they need for energy. The body senses this energy deficit and thinks it needs more calories to fuel its metabolic processes.

4. Weight Loss - Even though the diabetic is eating more the body starts to break down its own protein and fat stores to feed the perceived lack of energy for the cells.

5. Fatigue - Decreased energy levels lead to constant feelings of fatigue and lethargy.

6. Irritability and Depression.

7. Eye Problems - High blood glucose levels cause an increase in blood volume which can cause the lens of the eye to swell.

These signs will usually start out as nothing more than minor annoyances, but with time they will increase in severity. Many people attribute them to other things and brush them aside. Many of the symptoms can be attributed to other things like the stress of everyday life which can cause fatigue, depression, and irritability.

Many people are often surprised when they are diagnosed with diabetes mellitus saying things like "I don't feel sick". Many people are visiting their doctor for other concerns when they are first diagnosed. But once they putt all their symptoms together along with the results of their blood glucose test that the doctor will order the diagnosis is easily seen.

Recognizing the symptoms of diabetes mellitus early in the disease's stages is the single most important factor when it comes to minimizing the long term complications that are associated with this disease.

Article Source: http://articlejoint.com

Disease Articles: The Internet as a Vital Health Resource

As any doctor will tell you, the first step in staying healthy is knowing how to do so. If you want to keep yourself in the best health that you can, then you need to know how to do so. The internet can help you with this. there are plenty of disease related articles online, and they provide a lot of good information.There are a number of things that you should consider when reading a disease article online. The first thing is to remember that the article is not a doctor, nor is it psychic, and it cannot diagnose you- only offer advice. No matter how good the article, there is really no way it can be as helpful as the advice of a medical professional.If you believe that you may be suffering from some sort of medical malady, it is important for you to see a qualified doctor at once. While considering disease articles might provide to you some basic information, in the end only qualified medical personnel can make an appropriate diagnosis of a condition, illness or disease.Next, you need to think about the reliability of the articles. There is no way of knowing the qualifications of an author for an article you read online, and so you cannot know if they actually have any medical expertise. The internet is more and more becoming the publishing grounds for amateurs who really don't know what they are talking about.So, before you believe anything you read, it might be a good idea to check that the site you are looking at is trustworthy, and that the author really is qualified to write a meaningful article. I don't deny that there are plenty of good articles written by non-professionals, but I do believe you would be unwise trusting your life to them.So you need to take a few things into consideration when looking for health advice online. As I've mentioned, be sure that the article directory is a reliable source, and keeps a good selection of articles. If they have only one or two, they are probably not worth looking at. To give you one example, if the website specializes in technology, they are unlikely to have anything worth reading on the subject of relationships. This kind of thing.Having said that, of course, you don't need to limit yourself to just reading articles from medical websites. There is a fair amount of other sites that also have good sections devoted to health and wellness, even if these aren't the primary purpose of the site, and you can likely find a helpful disease article there.In the end, disease articles that can be found online can provide you with a useful informational tool through which you can find out more about a particular health issue or concern. Provided you select an article from a reliable venue, you will be able to access and contemplate accurate basic information that can serve as a guide to you in better understanding a particular malady.
Article Source: http://articlejoint.com