Diabetes mellitus is a group of diseases characterized by high levels of blood glucose resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both. Diabetes can be associated with serious complications and premature death, but persons with diabetes can take measures to reduce the likelihood of such occurrences.
Diabetes knowledge, treatment, and prevention strategies advance daily. Treatment is aimed at keeping blood glucose near normal levels at all times. Training in self- management is integral to the treatment of diabetes. Treatment must be individualized and must address medical, psychosocial, and lifestyle issues.
Treatment of type 1 diabetes: Lack of insulin production by the pancreas makes type 1 diabetes particularly difficult to control. Treatment requires a strict regimen that typically includes a carefully calculated diet, planned physical activity, home blood glucose testing several times a day, and multiple daily insulin injections.
Treatment of type 2 diabetes: Treatment typically includes diet control, exercise, home blood glucose testing, and in some cases, oral medication and/or insulin. Approximately 40% of people with type 2 diabetes require insulin injections.
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How Food Affects Your Blood Glucose
Whether you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, what, when, and how much you eat all affect your blood glucose.
Travel Tips for Diabetics
As any travel agent or stranded tourist will tell you, planning ahead is the key to a successful trip. And this is particularly true for people with diabetes.
Physicians Bust Myths About Insulin
People diagnosed with type 2 diabetes often resist taking insulin because they fear gaining weight, developing low blood sugar and seeing their quality of life decline. A study recently completed suggests that those fears are largely unfounded.
Better Diabetes Management
Today, nearly two-thirds of the 12 million Americans diagnosed with type 2 diabetes have blood sugar levels that are out of control, putting them at risk for serious complications. Are you one of them?
What You Need to Know About Physical Activity and Diabetes
When you take care of your diabetes, you'll feel better. You'll reduce your risk for problems with your kidneys, eyes, nerves, feet and legs, and teeth. You'll also lower your risk for a heart attack or a stroke. Among other things, you can take care of your diabetes by being physically active. Learn how easy it is!
Financial Help for Diabetes Care
Diabetes treatment is expensive. According to the American Diabetes Association, diabetics spend an average of $13,243 a year on health care expenses. Many people who have diabetes need help paying some of the bills. This article details where you can go for help.
How Are Insulin Resistance, Pre-Diabetes, And Type 2 Diabetes Linked?
When the pancreas does not make enough insulin or the body is unable to use the insulin that is present, the cells cannot use glucose. Excess glucose builds up in the bloodstream, setting the stage for diabetes.
I Have Diabetes: When Should I Eat?
You should keep your blood sugar (also called blood glucose) at a healthy level to prevent or slow down diabetes problems.
I Have Diabetes: What Should I Eat?
You can help control your blood sugar, also called blood glucose, and diabetes when you eat healthy, get enough exercise, and stay at a healthy weight. Find out more about eating and diabetes.
Inflammation: A New Link to Disease
One of the current "hot topics" in health research is how a certain kind of inflammation might affect our risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes and even cancer.
Weight and Type 2 Diabetes
Carrying extra body weight and body fat go hand and hand with the development of type 2 diabetes. Managing your weight is the best thing you can do to prevent the development of diabetes.
Lifestyle Choices, Diabetes and Your Heart
Lifestyle choices, including eating a healthy diet and regular physical activity, are important for maintaining a healthy heart. For people with diabetes, these lifestyle choices are even more important.
Diabetes and Nutrition
Here are some tips to help people recently diagnosed with diabetes, but they hold true for anyone seeking a healthier lifestyle.
