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Information On Type 2 Diabetes

Why so many people have diabetes, and how many have diabetes around the world?

Diabetes is a serious disease and it is spreading more and more every year around the whole world.

There are two types. Type 2 diabetes can possibly be prevented but Type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented at this stage.

Almost 230 million people around the world have diabetes with  90 % having Type2 diabetes.

Reasons for the onset of Diabetes:

There may be many reasons for the onset of diabetes.
Some are highlighted as follows:

·  If you have family history of diabetes, then there is a greater risk that you may also get this condition.

·  Aging is another factor.  At an age of 45 years and above, the chances of getting this condition are also higher (however, younger people are also now being commonly diagnosed).

·  If you develop ‘resistance’ to insulin, you may also eventually be prone to diabetes. 

·  Insulin resistance can sometimes be a part of a syndrome which includes high blood pressure, obesity (especially midline obesity, around the waist), cholesterol abnormalities and an increased risk for blood clotting.

·  This syndrome is now known as metabolic syndrome but can also be known as syndrome X or insulin resistance syndrome. Those with this combination of symptoms are most often observed to be overweight or obese.

Symptoms of Diabetes:

The following are some common symptoms of diabetes:

·  Feeling of extreme thirst and hunger

·  More frequent urination

·  Slow healing of wounds

·  Sudden weight loss

·  Dryness and itching on skin

·  Fatigue

·  Frequent yeast infections on different parts of body

Living with Diabetes:

It is true that there is no permanent cure for diabetes at this stage, but you can still live a healthy life with diabetes. What you need to do is change your eating habits by eating less simple carbohydrates, less simple sugars and less saturated fat; and focusing more on the consumption of complex carbohydrates, small amounts of quality protein and consuming the right fresh fruits and vegetables.

You must also change your lifestyle by dividing your three big meals into of 5-6 meals small ones per day. Regular exercise is a must to avoid both the  body weight increases and to help to control blood sugar rises (which often occurs in diabetes).

You must also  keep a regular record of your blood sugar levels and consult with your physician and dietitian regularly. Closely follow any prescribed medication regimes they give you and avoid any delays in any of the various health checks and treatments you are prescribed or require (such as eye and foot checkups etc).

Doing all this will help you enjoy life with diabetes!

Information On Type 2 Diabetes

Complete  Analysis of Diabetes

Diabetes is a serious condition which can lead to serious disorders of the body. It does not have a simple or permanent cure yet, but it can certainly be controlled by lifestyle changes.  These changes include a healthy diet, eating plans, and regular physical activity or exercise.

What is Type 2 Diabetes?

Diabetes is the result of high sugar (glucose) levels in the blood which occurs after eating many different types foods, but especially poor quality carbohydrates (in white flour, sugary sweets and in highly processed foods which contain little fibre; you need fibre in foods to help you slow down the rapid rate of sugar absorption from the intestines ‑otherwise blood sugar levels will rise too quickly!). 

The high levels of sugar in the blood stream circulate around the body causing damage to all the major organs of the body including eyes, heart, kidneys, blood circulation system (arteries) and your sex organs.

There are two different types of diabetes. This article is about Type 2 diabetes, the most common form of diabetes. It is diagnosed with the help of a test called the Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT).  In this test, the individual is provided with a sweet drink having 75 grams of sugar (glucose). After a period of two hours, a blood sample is taken for examination of the glucose level. If the result is 200 mg/dl (11 mmol/l) or more, then you are a diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes.

Role of Diet:

You can certainly control diabetes effectively with a good ‘diet plan’ which must include only minimal amounts of simple sugars (sweets) and simple carbohydrates (like white flour products). You now need to eat ‘complex’ carbohydrates such as wholegrain products (with plenty of fibre), vegetables (but not potatoes), beans and pulses (chickpeas, lentils and peas). Also, you need to change your eating habits by eating frequent smaller sized meals. 

This will mean there will be smaller rises in your blood sugar levels after eating smaller sized meals (instead of  really big rises in blood glucose if you have only one or two really heavy (big) meals a day). 

So, you should eat more of fresh vegetables and fruits while reducing the intake of white flour (although brown (wholemeal) flour is good), reduce white rice (although wholegrain brown rice is good) and foods high in fat (especially those with a lot of trans and saturated fats!).

Avoid the intake of excessive oil and try to use olive oil instead of other forms of oils.  Even people who don’t have diabetes should follow this eating plan as it is healthy and may even prevent the onset of diabetes!

Lifestyle in Diabetes:

A healthy life style will surely help you to control diabetes and its serious complications.

Firstly, do regular exercise (you can easily walk 10-20 minutes a day) to keep yourself fit and active, and also to burn and help your body reduce the sugar (glucose) levels in your blood. As mentioned, you need to change your life style by changing your eating habits.

So, eat in smaller portions by dividing three big meals a day into six smaller meals. Change your menu to include lower amounts of simple carbohydrates, sugar and salt intake.

Keep a check of your blood sugar level regularly and avoid any large increases in blood glucose by eating correctly and by keeping yourself fit, healthy and active. Consult your dietitian and physician regularly with your sugar level records.

Exercise and Diabetes Control:

90 % of the individuals who have Type 2 diabetes are over weight according to research surveys. So, exercise has a great role to play in avoiding diabetes, and controlling it once you get it.  

Exercise will not only help you to maintain an ideal body weight but you will also gain the health benefits of being fit and active in your life! Do regular exercise in any form, preferably to a time schedule (10, 20 or 30 min) and building up to 30 min a day,  4-5 times a week. 

But speak to your doctor before you begin!  Walking, jogging, swimming and yoga are good exercises to achieve the required level of physical activity to help you reduce your blood sugars!

Diabetes Prevention:

There is no permanent cure for diabetes but you can help prevent or control it by a good diet plan, regular exercise, medication (if required) and avoiding all types of stress (which can increase your blood sugars!). So, eat a healthy and controlled diet with smaller portions, avoid stress, take any required medications and do exercise to enjoy life with diabetes!

Type 2 Diabetes Info

Diabetes Types

There is no room for play when dealing with serious conditions like diabetes. The right treatment should be taken right away in case that you find out that you suffer from this disease. Leave it untreated and it will lead to some very serious consequences, such as developing other health related conditions or even aggravated diabetes.

So it is really important to keep these aspects in mind and go see a doctor if you think there may be something wrong with you. There are still people out there who do not even know they have diabetes, all this because they do not check with their doctor once in a while.

You must be motivated enough to keep your good health the way you want it, just doing nothing is not enough! Just think that you double the chances of getting a heart related disease if you even have pre-diabetes, which is just the first stage! It is very important to maintain a healthy eating routine, so that you consume little fat, salt and so on.

So keep in mind that the right treatment is advised in the event that you are diagnosed with diabetes. Keep reading and find out about the types of diabetes and how you can treat diabetes the right way.

The first type of diabetes is Type 1. There are two types actually, Type 1 and Type 2.

The Type 1 is sometimes known as Juvenile Diabetes because it oftentimes occurs early in a person’s life. It is caused by the fact that, for some reason, the body is unable to produce a sufficient quantity of insulin.

Insulin represents a hormone which is responsible for clearing away and reducing the glucose from your blood, by moving glucose into the cells of the body (for example, the muscles) to provide your cells with the glucose and energy they need. The insufficient insulin level which occurs in Type 1 diabetes is caused by the immune system, destroying whatever cells are producing insulin (located in your pancreas).

The cells that are used to create the insulin are actually named beta cells, located in the pancreas. It is when the glucose remains in your blood, instead of getting inside the cells, that the serious problems of diabetes occur.

The second type of diabetes (Type 2 diabetes), represents a different metabolic disorder caused by the fact that, like Type 1 diabetes, the body is not able to produce enough (or even use) insulin. This is a very common form of diabetes; about 90% of the diabetes patients out there suffer from this type. This disorder does not happen overnight like others, but it builds up over time and it usually hits you in your adult years.

This is why it is so important to take regular annual diabetes tests! You could be suffering from a low-level type of diabetes (called prediabetes which eventually leads to full blown diabetes) and you do not even know it, and if you leave it untreated, it will develop into Type 2 diabetes, which is the last and most serious form of diabetes.

There are many forms of treatment out there, but the most common and used treatment (only as a final resort, if changes in diet, exercise and body weight loss doesn’t work) is the administration of insulin into your system.

Information About Type 2 Diabetes

Diabetes Complications

Suffering from any of the complications of diabetes can be a very difficult thing to go through. Even if you are one tough individual, it can be pretty devastating for you, and both your family and friends.

This is why you must treat this condition (diabetes) at the right time and not wait any longer! A very sad fact is that there are people out there in the world who do not even know they have diabetes, even though they do. Poor availability of information on diabetes and lack of education on other health topics and not going for regular examinations is usually the reason!

There are however many ways in which diabetes can be prevented.

Read on further and find out some of them. By the end of this article, we hope that you learn something useful and put it to good use, because your good health is one of the most important things you have.

It is a proven fact that people who suffer from diabetes also have a very high risk of developing other health conditions, such as heart attack or stroke.  It is even worse for you if you develop diabetes and already suffer from other existing conditions.

Another proven fact is that most of the people who suffer a heart attack (or develop various other kinds of heart disease) are the ones that also suffer from diabetes.

It is very important that you go to a doctor and have a blood test performed in order to find out if you have diabetes. If you suspect that you may get diabetes (but do not have it), then the right thing to do is to take a step in the right direction in order to never develop it in your life.

This includes undertaking physical exercise or sport, eating healthy foods and eating the right portion sizes, and losing any bad habits such as smoking and excessive drinking.

An awful heart disease we hear about is coronary artery disease (CAD). This condition occurs when the blood vessels in the heart are blocked, or narrowed down. This is the most common condition that people who have diabetes develop, because fat deposits in the walls of these vessels, blocking them, and their correct functioning is no longer a possible option.

Imagine what this can lead to if it is left untreated. If you feel any heart related problems or pain in the chest area, then immediately go see a doctor to find out exactly what is wrong, because it can be fatal!

It can lead to a heart attack, which is very possible considering the fact that the blood supply to your heart becomes less and less, as more and more fat deposits into the blood vessels. A stroke is another possibility, and this happens when vessels are suddenly blocked, either by fat or by blood clots.

The truth is that no one deserves to go through this, but life does not work that way. If you do not take good care of your ‘mind, body and health,’ you basically increase the chances of developing conditions like this one.

Type 2 Diabetes Information

Diabetes Blood Testing

Unfortunately, there are still people who do not yet even know they have diabetes. There are some easy steps that you can take in order to find out. This is extremely important for your health. So if you think you may have diabetes, it is vital to do the right tests. Having  ‘annual check-ups’ is a must, so speak with your doctor.

The tests are available at just about any clinic. These tests will help determine the amount of sugar (glucose) in your blood, so you can order an annual FBS (which stands for Fasting Blood Sugar), an OGTT (meaning Oral Glucose Tolerance Test) and a few other tests that will help you determine if you suffer (or about to suffer) from diabetes. Read on further and find out what these tests actually mean and what symptoms (of high blood sugar levels) a diabetes patient actually has.

The first test, the FBS or Fasting Blood Sugar test can determine exactly what its name suggests: the amount of sugar (glucose) in your blood. If the results tell you that you have between 72 - 99 mg/dl (or 4 – 5.5 mmol/l), then there is no real reason to worry as these are normal results.

To put it more simply, if you get these values, your blood sugar is normal. However, you may get slightly higher values between 100 -126 mg/dl (5.6 - 7 mmol/l). This means that you will have been diagnosed with pre-diabetes.

This means that you have sugar (glucose) in your blood above normal and if you leave this untreated, it can evolve into Type 2 diabetes. There are also individuals in which this test will give a value above 126 mg/dl (7 mmol/l). 

In these cases the person is almost surely likely to be suffering from Type 2 diabetes and seeking immediate medical help is advised. To make sure a correct diagnosis is made, doctors advise taking the test twice, on two different occasions, to make sure that both tests give the same blood glucose values so a correct diagnosis can be made.

The second type of test we mentioned is the OGTT (Oral Glucose Tolerance Test). It is basically an oral glucose test in which you will be given a small amount of sugar (glucose) for you to drink.

After two hours, a sample of your blood is collected and analyzed in order to check your blood glucose level. Anything above 140 mg/dl (7.7 mmol/l) is not considered a normal value, meaning that you have an unhealthy glucose tolerance and this could be a clear sign of pre-diabetes.

In some other cases the results show a value of over 200 mg/dl (11 mmol/l). In these cases the patient is diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes can be a very serious and dangerous disease, especially if you are already suffering from other chronic diseases. It can be very dangerous in many cases, so changes in diet, lifestyle, undertaking exercise, or taking the right medication is a must!

Preventing Type 2 Diabetes

Preventing Diabetes

Even if you do not suffer from diabetes (which can be a very difficult condition to manage) it is very important for your well being to take the right measures in order to remain healthy and to prevent it.

There are some easy steps you can take in order to achieve this, such as adopting and maintaining a healthy life style. Not only will this reduce the risk of developing the condition of diabetes, which can come in many forms, but it can also prevent other serious conditions such as a heart disease.

Adopting a healthy lifestyle can mean many things, but the good news is that there is really no need to exaggerate anything to achieve this.

It just basically means eating healthy (maintaining a healthy diet), keeping your weight to a normal level for your height (you can find lots of information on this on the web, such as charts), undertaking exercise and sport (even if you are not very fit as a person, a simple everyday walk can mean a lot for your health!), quitting bad habits (such as smoking or excessive drinking ) and reducing your exposure to stress (this means trying to fix and addressing any aspect of your life that causes stress for you, within the limits of possibility of course!).

It is also OK for your new and healthy lifestyle to continually change, improve and adapt (depending on your knowledge, requirements, resources and time) as you learn how to properly make changes for the better. However don’t start something and then quit (or not stick with the plan). 

New technology advances and new health discoveries will help surely help you with this (if you choose to go down this path). It is crucial that you learn anything you can about different aspects of positive lifestyles and adapt to it!

Like we said in the beginning, do not exaggerate anything and only do things that you feel comfortable with.

Eating healthy foods is an easy step to start with. This means that you should minimize fast-food, junk-food, and not too many sugary sweets please; they can have a nasty effect on your health and blood sugars (glucose) if they are consumed over a long periods of time.

Medical research has shown that by adopting a healthy diet you greatly reduce the risks of developing various conditions, especially the chronic diseases such as diabetes. Choose a healthy diet that includes a large amount of fruit and vegetables, which contain the important fibre you need to lower the rate (or slow down) sugar (glucose) absorption from the gastrointestinal tract, so your blood glucose levels don’t rise too quickly!

It is also very important to consume vegetables as they are (raw) and try not to overcook them as they lose all their wonderful healthy nutrients.

A good healthy diet is also one that contains low fat, low salt low cholesterol and low saturated fat (less than 6 g per 100g). The cholesterol is a major factor for heart disease not helped by too many fast-food type of meals.

Always be well informed of the nutritional content when consuming new types (and old types!) of food; again there is a lot of useful information on this topic out there.

It is equally important to maintain a normal healthy weight for your body. It is proven and you surely know this by now, that excess body fat often times leads to heart (cardiovascular) conditions and other health problems, such as Type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure.

Lose only 10% of your weight and decrease
your risk of dangerous complications !

Seek medical advice if you think you may have these symptoms

Walk

Use Small Handweights

Talk to your doctor first!

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• Controlling overeating
• Making better nutrition choices
• Losing weight

Heart Attack Warning Signs

• Pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain in the chest
• Discomfort in one or both arms, back, neck, jaw or stomach
• Shortness of breath
• Breaking into a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness

Stroke Warning Signs

• Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
• Sudden, severe headache with no known cause

If you experience these symptoms above, do not hesitate. Phone an ambulance immediately.

Talk to your doctor first!

• Fasting blood sugar (glucose) of
  4 – 7 mmol/l (72-126 mg/dl) (when you wake up)
• Your blood glucose levels before meals should be between 4 and 7 mmol/l (72-126 mg/dl)
• 2 After the START OF meals: preferred levels are less than 10 mmol/l or less than 180 mg/dl
• To achieve very good control (HbA1c of 6.5-7.0%) you need a fasting pre-breakfast glucose
  less than 5.5 mmol/l (99 mg/dl ), pre-meal levels at other times of less than 6.0 mmol/l (108 mg/dl )
  and after-meal levels (2 hours after a meal) of less than 8.0 mmol/l (141 mg/dl).

If you lose weight, your blood sugar levels will also fall.Lose only 10% of your body weight and decrease your risk of dangerous complications !

Examples of simple and complex carbohydrates

From http://www.howtothinkthin.com/instincts2.htm

BAD:  ‘simple’ carbohydrates: Table sugar Corn syrup Fruit juice Candy Cake Bread made with white flour Pasta made with white flour Soda pop, such as Coke®, Pepsi®, Mountain Dew®, etc. Candy All baked goods made with white flour Most packaged cereals.

GOOD: ‘complex’ carbohydrates

• Sugar-free jello or hard candies (but always read the Nutrition Label on every food for serving size information)
• Sugar-free hot cocoa
• Fruit with cool whip
• Lower fat cookies like ginger snaps, vanilla wafers, graham crackers, animal crackers (again, observe serving size)
• No sugar added pudding or fudgsicles
• Eating very small portions of your favorite treat

When you want something salty and crunchy…

Instead of potato chips or tortilla chips, try:

• Low-sodium pretzels
• Air-popped popcorn
• Baked chips or baked tortilla chips
• Cut raw veggies with low fat dip, salsa, or low fat cream cheese
• Pickles

When you want something to drink…

Instead of soda or fruit punch, try:

• Diet soda
• Crystal light or other sugar-free beverages
• Seltzer with just an ounce or two of fruit juice
• Water with lemon juice

When you want fast food…

Instead of hamburgers or hotdogs, try:

• Grilled or broiled chicken sandwiches
• 1 slice of thin crust veggie pizza
• Low fat sub sandwiches

When you want “comfort food”…

Instead of high-fat, high-carb choices, try:

• Macaroni and cheese cooked with fat-free evaporated milk, low fat cheese, and egg substitute
• Mashed potatoes made with trans-fat free margarine and fat-free milk, or replace part of the potato with pureed cauliflower
• Meatloaf made with ground turkey and egg substitute
• Beef stew made with round cut beef, fewer potatoes, and more non-starchy vegetables like carrots, onions, green beans, and spinach.

Read More Diabetes Articles.

To Read More Articles by me, Dr Michael Hutch PhD
see my Blogs below ...

Diabetes Type 2 Blood Sugar

Diabetes Type 2 – The Importance of Monitoring Your Blood Sugar Levels

When you live with Type 2 Diabetes, monitoring your blood sugar levels becomes part of your daily routine.  The reason behind the necessity of doing so is fundamentally lifesaving.  Even if you are keeping up with a good diet and exercise program in an effort to prevent your condition from worsening, there is no guarantee that your glucose levels are always where they should be.  Stress and illness are factors that can send your blood sugars out of control as well.  You should be aware of these things even as you implement a diabetes diet full of whole grains, lean proteins and fresh fruit and vegetables.

Years ago, people with Diabetes 2 had to undergo stressful processes to have their blood sugars checked.  Today, however, you have access to dozens of kinds of meters that conveniently and easily display your blood sugar levels to you.  The range you should be aiming for is between 75 and 130 mg/dl, or 4 and 7 mmol/l, depending on what units you use.  It is not uncommon to have your numbers fall outside this range on occasion, but if this does happen, try to obtain a reading within the range and measure again a few hours later.

The question that many people living with Type two Diabetes is how often they should test their blood sugar levels.  This depends on whether you are taking insulin or not.  If so, you should test before eating meals and before you go to sleep.  Some insulin-takers need to test even more frequently.  If your condition is controlled solely by diet and exercise, you only need to test right before eating dinner in the evening and in the morning prior to breakfast.  If you are curious about how your diabetes diet is affecting your blood sugar levels, you could test an hour or two after each meal as well, but it is not required for your safety.

Monitoring your blood sugars is also useful with diabetes type 2 if you want to eat something outside your diabetes diet but are not sure how it will affect you.  You can eat a small amount and test the level of sugar in your blood a few hours later.  Testing before you exercise can be important to determine if you should eat before your workout.  Diabetes does not need to be debilitating, but you will have an increased level of responsibility to take care of yourself.

Information On Type 2 Diabetes

What Causes Diabetes?  Living with Diabetes Type 2 in Australia

There are many reasons a person can develop diabetes, but mostly it occurs due to an unfortunate combination of several factors.  Diabetes type 1 is uncontrollable as there is something inherently wrong with a person’s insulin production when they are diagnosed with diabetes type 1.  Children and young adults usually under the age of 20 are diagnosed with this form of the condition.  With diabetes type 2, your family history can play a large role in the likelihood that you will become Diabetic, but it is certainly not the only cause of the condition.

Natural aging is another factor that you obviously have no control over.  As people age, there is an increased chance of developing many kinds of diseases and health conditions, and diabetes type 2 is on the list.  People who contract Type 2 Diabetes are usually diagnosed over the age of 35, but once you pass the age of 45, the chance of contracting it continues to increase every year.  Despite these natural and uncontrollable causes of diabetes, there are things that people do every day that actually cause them to get diabetes.

Lifestyle is a huge factor in the equation.  People who are obese are much more likely to contract Diabetes 2 than a thin person, even if the thin person is genetically disposed to contract it during their lives.  This is because eating poorly and lacking a regular exercise program allows large amounts of fat deposits to build on cells.  These cells need glucose to function and insulin is what transports the glucose from the bloodstream to the cells, allowing them to work.  When fat deposits are extensive, the insulin is resisted and the glucose remains in the bloodstream.  This is the reason for high blood sugar in Diabetic people.

Insulin resistance leads to many other unfortunate conditions like high blood pressure, cholesterol and an increased risk for blood clotting.  It is due to these facts that people who suffer from Type two Diabetes more than two times as likely as non-Diabetic people to have a heart attack, stroke, or develop some form of life-threatening heart disease.  If you are showing signs of what causes diabetes, such as feelings of extreme thirst and hunger, increased need to use the bathroom, dry and itchy skin, chronic tiredness or yeast infections, you may be developing diabetes.  Contact your doctor as soon as possible to discuss your options.

Type 2 Diabetes Information

Damage to your Body in Type 2 Diabetes

A version of diabetes that has made up more than 90 percent of 21 million cases in the U.S. is Type 2 Diabetes. Some studies show that millions of people have it and that a large number are expected to have it worldwide by the year 2025. Since Type 2 Diabetes is very common, it’s does not receive the attention that other diseases like cancer or AIDS receive. But, a very large part of our population has it and apparently, it just seems to be getting worse. It has become so bad at this point, that it is now showing up more often in young people.

So, when you get Type 2 Diabetes, what sort of damage does it do to your body? Depending on how healthy you are and the medications you are currently taking for diabetes, the damage might be better or worse. Specific areas of your body that can be damaged due to high glucose levels are your kidneys, eyes, and your heart and blood vessels. More severe cases can also lead to nerve damage or disease. Kidneys are susceptible to disease when blood vessels collapse and begin to leak. More pressure on the kidneys damage any remaining blood vessels further and eventually cause the kidneys to fail.

Once the kidney’s reach the failure point, dialysis is the next step that a person will permanently be using. Since the risk of having kidney failure is severe, the American Diabetes Association, ADA, recommends patients to be screened for protein in the urine each year during diagnosis. Eyes can be affected by Type 2 Diabetes when the blood vessels behind the eyes begin to swell. This pressure can eventually damage blood vessels to the retina causing them to leak blood therefore blocking vision. Retina damage is irreversible. Because of this, it is recommended that patients be checked yearly for retinopathy.

The blood vessels within important organs, like the heart, are affected when Type 2 Diabetes is not properly cared for. Nerve disease is a very common seen in a person with poor care of Type 2 Diabetes. It damages your ability to sense pressure, pain, and temperature. It especially affects feeling in the lower legs and feet. This is the main problem causing severe damage to your feet. Circulation is poor in the feet and patients cannot tell there is a problem until it is too late. Very severe cases require amputation of a toe or even a foot. Because of this severity, it’s recommended by the ADA that all patients with TType 2 Diabetes have a complete foot exam yearly.

Living With Type 2 Diabetes

Foot Problems in Type 2 Diabetes

When Diabetes becomes a part of your life, there are significant changes that occur. One of the most common, not to mention severe, problems that occur is neuropathy. The nerves of the feet are at high risk of being affected by this condition. Neuropathy is the condition of blood vessels experiencing severe pressure therefore cutting off blood supply to longer limbs, like your legs and feet. It’s important that you check your legs and feet for any cuts, sores, infections, bumps and bruises. A mirror should be used to check any areas that are hard to see.

Type 2 Diabetes can cause many different types of foot problems. Fungal infection of the nails is apparent when the nails become discolored. They can appear to be a dark, yellowish-brown or dull. Sometimes the nails become very brittle and can crumble away from the nail bed. The conditions of your nails can be worsened by the moist, dark environment of shoes thus promoting further fungal growth. Blisters appear by shoes rubbing and irritating the same area on your foot. Blisters are much worse when you have diabetes. These can become terrible sores if left untreated. This is why it’s important to check your feet often.

Minor scrapes and cuts can occur from foot injuries or poor shoes. These minor injuries can become foot ulcers. Foot ulcers are at very high risk for infection with Diabetics. Neuropathy can hinder your ability to feel any small injury on your foot. You may not be able to tell there is a problem until it is too late. It’s best to check your feet regularly, and treat any cuts or scrapes on your feet immediately. Prevention is the key; by taking care of a problem like this before it gets worse is the best way to save your feet.

Other foot problems that can happen with Type 2 Diabetes are calluses, corns, athlete’s foot and dry skin. While most of these are normal common foot problems, having any form of diabetes can make these conditions many times worse. Any foot problems need to be addressed right away. Treat cuts, sores and scrapes with medication or proper cleaning habits. Never let any injury, no matter how small, go untreated. Untreated foot injuries raise your risk for serious infections. Sometimes infections can become so terrible, gangrene sets in and your foot can begin to rot. At this point, doctors are forced to begin removing rotted limbs with use of surgery. By properly caring for yourself, especially when you have diabetes, you can prevent any injury from getting this severe.

Type 2 Diabetes Nutrition

Good and Bad Carbs (Carbohydrates) to Eat in Type 2 Diabetes

Terms like, ‘bad carbs’ and ‘good carbs’, are used frequently by dieters, fitness experts and doctors. You can also expect to hear about good and bad carbohydrates from your doctor when you are diagnosed with diabetes. It’s important to eat a balanced diet and the right amount of good carbohydrates while living with Type 2 Diabetes. Good carbs are derived from healthy foods and meals. Bad carbs come from sugary rich foods that give a quick jolt of energy or a ‘sugar rush.’ Watching which carbs you take into your body can help you take control of your diabetes.

 To further explain bad carbohydrates, you have to think about the foods that are loaded with sugar. These sugary items contain carbs that are no longer in their natural form. They have been given additives like food colorings, extra flavorings and preservatives. Bad carbs are foods that are irresistibly tasty and packaged for easy handling. They are harmful for those watching their blood glucose. Bad carbs will quickly cause a spike in glucose levels. Baked goods, candy, heavy white pastas and sodas are all versions of bad carbs. Diabetics are warned to generally keep away from such items because of the glucose spike that can occur.

Good carbohydrates are foods that have not been processed or altered by additives or people. These carbs are often high in fiber and give you energy over a long duration of time. They also help your body to feel full. Good carbs offer a low glycemic index so it won’t cause a glucose spike. This is very good for patients with Type 2 Diabetes. Examples of good carbs are vegetables, seeds, nuts, fruits, beans and whole grain breads. Doctors encourage Diabetics to include more good carbs in their daily diet to help control their diabetes. If you have any questions as to how to implement a healthy diet to assist with your diabetes, ask your doctor or nutritionist.

Knowing which carbs are good and bad for you is important when living with diabetes. Eating good carbs help regulate your blood sugar levels and can also help you lose weight. By ignoring the consequences of not properly treating your diabetes you can expect to have the problems many Diabetics face. Foot problems, poor circulation, kidney failure and neuropathy should be some of the main concerns for Diabetics. Proper diet and treatment of diabetes can help prevent any of these conditions from growing out of control.

Type 2 Diabetes Info

Heart and Blood Vessel Damage in Type 2 Diabetes

Your blood vessels and heart can be at serious risk if your diabetes is not properly treated and cared for. Too much blood glucose, also known as blood sugar, can severely damage parts of your body. Damage of the heart and blood vessels can cause diseases that lead to strokes and heart attacks. These serious conditions are the leading cause of death for those with diabetes. But, measures can be taken that will help prevent and slow down problems caused by diabetes. The best thing to do is find out more information about Type 2 Diabetes and how to help yourself stay healthy.

Your circulatory system is made up of your blood vessels and heart. The blood is pumped through your body with your heart. Oxygen rich blood is carried off to the large and small blood vessels. When you have diabetes, the cholesterol level can be raised very high and thus begin to clog your blood vessels. This makes it harder for adequate amounts of blood to get all parts of your body. This condition is what makes other illnesses begin to form and take hold. When your blood vessels get clogged, you will start to have problems like angina, heart attack or even stroke.

Angina is a chest pain that you will feel not only in your chest, but in your arms, back or shoulders. The pain can increase when your heart beats faster as you move about. The chest pain will become frequent if you don’t get treatment. This can be a result of diabetes having damaged the nerves of your heart. Some people may not feel any pain because diabetes may have already disturbed the nerves. If this is the case, you may suffer something far worse than just angina. Heart attacks happen when the heart doesn’t receive enough blood. The heart muscles stop and your heart will gradually grow weaker. Sometimes you can have symptoms of a heart attack, other times you have none.

Stroke is the worse effect of a damaged heart and blood vessels. This means that the supply of blood to your brain has been blocked. Strokes typically result in brain damage, which is far worse than most cardiac cases. Diabetes can take a patient’s blood pressure up very high causing much damage to the heart and blood vessels. Diabetes already affects a patient’s eyes and kidneys; having high blood pressure will also make it worse. It’s important to speak with your doctor or a dietitian to find out how to control your blood pressure with proper diet and exercise.

Diabetes Type 2 Blood Sugar

Normal glucose Levels and Blood Levels in Type 2 Diabetes

It’s important to know what the normal levels of your blood glucose should be. This is especially important when you have Type 2 Diabetes. Even the slightest elevation in glucose levels could cause damages to your eyes, blood vessels, heart and kidneys. So, what are normal glucose levels and how can you stay within these ranges? There are first, two types of glucose levels you have to check for. There is a fasting glucose check and a check 2 hours after you eat. The levels for fasting should be less than or equal to 130mg/dl. For two hours after eating a meal, the levels should be less than or equal to 180mg/dl.

So, how do you remain within these ranges? A proper diabetes diet and adequate exercise can help keep your glucose levels in normal ranges. Making sure your insulin levels are correct is another factor that helps with your blood sugar levels. How can you tell what your glucose levels are? There are devices that help measure your glucose level and let you know where you stand. These small devices are known as glucose meters. Glucose meters work by reading a small drop of your blood on a strip. The meter measures your glucose levels and gives you the results on its small screen.

It’s important to make sure your glucose meter is in working condition and the test strips are properly inserted into the machine. Improper settings of the meter can return incorrect results and you may think your glucose level is not right. This in turn can create the mistake of eating something to raise it or, giving yourself an insulin injection to lower it. Glucose meters typically come with manuals and charts to help you keep your glucose in the normal ranges. If you have any questions regarding your glucose meter, make sure you ask your health care professional for more diabetes information.

If you have Type 2 Diabetes, it’s essential to keep up with your glucose levels and try not to fall out of range even a little bit. By keeping your glucose in normal range, you reduce the chance of nerve, kidney and eye damage by 40 to 70 percent. Always verify your target glucose levels with your doctor since these levels can vary for different individuals. You can also reduce your chance for heart disease to half by remaining in normal glucose levels with Type 2 Diabetes. It’s sad to know that despite all this helpful Diabetes information available to you, many Americans don’t keep their glucose level within the proper range. Because of this, many of them can find their quality of life diminished long before they are able to retire.

Living With Type 2 Diabetes

Social networking and Type 2 Diabetes Forums

Being diagnosed with Diabetes is something many people do not like to hear. However, Type 2 Diabetes is most commonly diagnosed disease today. 90 – 95 percent of the population is diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes.  Type 2 often starts developing in adults at the age of 40 and older. It’s most commonly seen in adults that are over the age of 55. Majority of Type 2 Diabetics are overweight and since more children and young people are becoming overweight, type 2 is now common among the younger crowd. Often there are many questions, concerns and things people don’t understand after they’ve been diagnosed.

You can ask your doctor as many questions as possible before your appointment is over, but what about after thoughts? Some Diabetics may not have someone else to speak with about their condition and need support. There is support and people to talk to while you begin to understand the conditions of Type 2 Diabetes. Forums exist to help people who have been newly diagnosed. Or, they are there to support those who have been suffering for a long time with Diabetes. This is helpful in two ways: new patients can learn tips and hear stories from experienced Diabetics about their disease.

Experienced Diabetics find they can discuss problems they’ve had with other seasoned diabetics and relate to similar experiences and failures. Forums that are specific to Diabetes allow for both types of people to often find a peaceful place to discuss things like diet, exercise, doctor appointments, worrisome problems and other applicable subjects. Social networking sites are also helpful. Certain diabetic ‘circles’ often exist so that diabetics can connect with one another. They stay in touch with people that often reflect what they have been or currently are experiencing. Most Social networking sites have journals or blogs that people can subscribe to and read when they are updated by the owner.

Being able to express yourself and your concerns regarding your type 2 Diabetic condition can help lots of people connect and find peace of mind. Some people that tend to comment on forums can also be doctors or medical personnel willing to answer any questions that diabetics may have. These are most common on medically owned and operated websites. While older diabetics can learn how to make use of Social networking and forums, it is mostly the younger generation that makes use of such resources.

Managing Type 2 Diabetes

Tips and Tricks in Type 2 Diabetes Management

Being diagnosed with Diabetes can be frightening and confusing. There are many questions you will probably have for a very long time until you are adjusted to the disease. Mistakes will often occur because of the lack of experience. But, there is help out there to guide you through your condition. As you learn more you discover there are certain tips and tricks you can do to help you manage your Diabetic condition. The tips below are helpful for those new to the disease, or for seasoned Diabetics looking for new tools to help them through their every day condition.

These are some very easy tips to help control blood sugar. Do regular exercises. Exercising regularly can help maintain your glucose level and promote healthy circulation throughout your body. Don’t eat sweets or foods that have high sugar content. Watch your sodas, candies and refined flours and sugars. These foods cause a spike in glucose levels and can throw you off quickly. Follow normal medication doses and your doctor’s advice. It’s important to take your medication at the same time everyday and always take it as your doctor has prescribed. Check your glucose levels daily. Always stay on top of your glucose levels and never assume you are within range. This will help prevent any unnecessary damage to your body.

 

Tips also exist for the exercise and diet management of your Type 2 Diabetes. Normal exercise is sufficient like a light jog or light workout. There is no need for heavy or strenuous exercise that will tire and overwork your body. Doing yoga helps keep your mind and body fit. It is beneficial for most Diabetics to have peace of mind and a healthy, positive attitude. While exercising, don’t wear tight fitting socks and shoes. Cutting off circulation that may already be poor is not the best thing to do. Always keep your body hydrated to keep dehydration and cramps at bay.

Other tips like foot care are important to know as well. Great tips for Diabetics help prevent foot problems and possible amputation. Washing your feet daily with soap help you make sure you don’t over look any cuts or sores. Always wear cotton socks as opposed to nylon or synthetic socks. Never go around barefoot; house shoes or loafers are good to wear. Check your feet once a day or once every two days. Visit your podiatrist regularly to have your feet checked for any developing sores or calluses.

Treating Diabetes Type 2

Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes without Pills or Injections

While Type 1 diabetes requires you take insulin to control your glucose levels, it is possible to treat Diabetes without the use of injections or pills. Currently, more than 250 million people are diagnosed with Diabetes. And, it’s estimated that most if not all of the world’s population will be afflicted with the disease by 2025. Diabetics are more prone to getting heart disease and strokes. This is because Diabetes has a higher risk of damaging blood vessels causing the problems of the heart. Changing your lifestyle and maintaining a proper diet can help you treat your Type 2 Diabetes without having to rely on medications.

Most people are unaware that they have diabetes because their symptoms are not severe enough to question. Studies show that diagnosing the disease early can reduce the chance of nerve and blood vessel complications. What are some symptoms to watch out for? Constantly thirsty, constantly hungry, very tired, blurry vision, numbness in the limbs, weakens and unusual weight loss is just some of the general symptoms that can be attributed to Type 2 Diabetes. While physical problems are apparent in most Diabetic sufferers, many people forget that it can affect a person emotionally.

Depression and fear occur in many patients because of what they have been diagnosed with. In a way, knowing you have a condition that restricts your carefree lifestyle is depressing to a person and can bring their mood way down. But, there is hope and help to changing your way of life in order to treat Type 2 Diabetes. How can you begin this way? The first change you want to make is to avoid refined sugars. These will be foods like candy, white flour baked goods, sodas, and chips. Avoiding greasy, high fat foods is a good choice as well. Foods like heavy creams and cheeses, sausages, heavy dressings and fried foods should be cut out from the diet to avoid spikes in blood sugar levels.

Changing your diet can be tough, but your body will love you for it. This is especially true if you have Type 2 Diabetes and can avoid using any medication to control your glucose levels. In addition to diet, exercise is the other natural treatment to introduce when controlling diabetes. Losing weight and moving about regularly keeps the circulation of your body working properly. Also, most people diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes are overweight. So dropping those extra pounds can help maintain a better grade of health and peace of mind.

Treating Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes: Starting and Taking Insulin Injections

 Upon discovering that you have Type 2 Diabetes, you are first instructed by your physician to make diet and exercise changes. Your new changes will include making nutritious food choices, reduced calorie intake, and implementing a regular exercise routine. All these changes may seem daunting, but they are necessary in order for you to control your Type 2 Diabetes. Also, these changes will assist you in lowering your blood sugar to acceptable levels. But, while these changes are necessary and beneficial, there is also the introduction to using medications like insulin to help manage your Type 2 diabetes.

Lifestyle changes unfortunately are not permanent solutions to treating Type 2 Diabetes. Over time, your pancreas will start to make less and less insulin then eventually it will be unable to meet the requirements of the body. This is why insulin injections are necessary. Whether the insulin is injected or infused, this is a highly effective treatment for Type 2 Diabetes. It can be hard for some people to begin insulin injections. There are some barriers that can inhibit a person from beginning insulin therapy. Most of them are psychological; others can be financial or physical. If insulin injections are started early there is a significantly decreased risk for eye disease, kidney disease and nerve damage. The need to rely on insulin should not be looked at as a failure, but more like the necessary ingredient to treating Type 2 Diabetes.

So, when does a person begin taking insulin? Insulin injections are typically started on patients who have failed to lower their glucose levels by way of proper diet and exercise. When you begin your insulin injections, it’s important to be properly educated and gain as much knowledge about it as possible. Your pharmacist, doctor and Diabetic educators are helpful health-care providers that can give you diabetes information about your Diabetic medication therapy. There are different types of insulin. Insulin that continuously gives your body adequate amounts of it is known as “long acting” insulin. This insulin mimics the pancreas’s ability to release it on a continuous basis.

Insulin that is quickly responsive, like the pancreas during meals, is called bolus insulin or “short acting.” This is often injected into your blood stream after you’ve eaten a meal that may spike your glucose levels. Your doctor will determine your insulin needs based on your pancreas’s ability to produce it. When Type 2 Diabetes begin insulin, they are usually started with a daily injection of long lasting insulin. Where you will go from there, depending on your diet and exercise, will determine which type of insulin you will need in the future.

Diabetes Type 2 Blood Sugar

Understanding your blood Glucose Levels in Type 2 Diabetes

It’s important to be educated about the many things that can occur by having Type 2 Diabetes. But, understanding your blood glucose levels is probably the most important one. Knowing what the normal range your glucose level should fall in will help you take better care of your body. You risk severe damage to your heart, blood vessels, eyes and kidneys should you not properly care for your glucose levels. Using a glucose meter can help you stay in your normal glucose range. A proper diet can also help keep your blood glucose levels normal as well.

 blood glucose levels can vary. This depends on where you look for diabetes information. The America Diabetes Association (ADA) numbers are different. How do you know which levels to follow? With proper tests, your doctor will tell you which glucose goals are right for you. You should check your blood glucose levels daily and often throughout the day. Getting into this habit will help you start learning how to keep your glucose level within a good range. It’s best to check your blood glucose level once in the morning before breakfast, two hours after a meal and just before bedtime.

What should my levels look like? According to the ADA, blood glucose levels should fall between 90 – 130 mg/dl before a meal. 1 to 2 hours after a meal, the glucose range should be below 180 mg/dl. If your glucose level is just the slightest amount over, this minimal spike can begin causing serious effects on your blood vessels, heart and kidneys. So, keep your levels within the specified ranges at all times. Also, these are just the average guidelines as listed by the ADA. Your doctor can better tell you which range you need to stay in based on your body weight, current condition and other important factors.

There are specific trends to watch for while monitoring your blood glucose levels. Any glucose level that is constantly above 150 is an indication of hyperglycemia. Hyperglycemia is the condition of high blood sugar. Certain diet changes can help control this and return your glucose levels to a normal range. The other extreme is having your blood sugar levels consistently falling below 70. This means that you are hypoglycemic. Hypoglycemia is the condition of low blood sugar. This can be a fatal condition since you can lose consciousness or suffer impaired mental functions. In addition to the self monitoring of your glucose levels, always have a routine blood check done at your doctor’s office. This way you know that you are following proper glucose monitoring habits.

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