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[A756]At Risk For Diabetes

by Janet Martin, Jan

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder characterized by persistent thirst, excessive urination, weight loss and too much sugar in the blood and urine. Women are more likely to get the disease after 40, especially if they are overweight. But diabetes can strike anyone - young and old alike - as long as the conditions are right.

The Greeks observed that its victims urinated more often than normal people do, and gave the disease its name which means "to run through." In the 17th century, the word mellitus (sweet) was added to distinguish the disorder from diabetes insipidus which is associated with the malfunctioning of the pituitary gland.

There are two types of diabetes mellitus: the insulin-dependent or type I diabetes and non-insulin-dependent or type II. The first one is caused by lack of insulin which is produced in the pancreas. Normally, food-sugars and starches (carbohydrates) are changed into the sugar glucose, the body's prime source of energy which is carried by the blood throughout the body. This is stored in the form of glycogen in the liver and muscles for later use.

For the storage and recoversion of glucose, insulin is needed. This regulates the amount of sugar in the blood. If the body produces too little insulin, sugar accumulates in the bloodstream, leading to diabetes.

Because the patient can't make use of previously stored glycogen unless he or she has insulin, the diabetic uses stored body fat. This explains why diabetics lose weight even though they eat a lot.

Type I diabetes can occur at any age but usually begins at childhood - the reason why it's called juvenile diabetes. This accounts for about 10 percent of cases, according to Kurt Butler and Dr. Lynn Rayner of the John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii in "The Best Medicine."

Type II diabetes is the scourge of overweight people over 35. Millions of people have it but aren't aware of it since it begins slowly and there may be no symptoms. Others may experience the following: thirst, frequent urination, decreased libido, blurred vision, headache, itching, loose teeth, infection, abscessed gums, weakness and fatigue.

Unlike type I diabetes which is caused by the severe lack of insulin, the person with type II diabetes may have enough insulin but this is not used properly by the body.

"The basic problem is insufficient insulin and relative sensitivity to it. There is a risk of severe visual, circulatory, and nerve complications, though not as great as in type I," Butler and Rayner added.

For type I diabetes, Butler and Rayner said the replacement of insulin is often necessary while type II can be controlled by diet and exercise alone. Since many obese diabetics have more insulin than non-diabetics, the trick is to lose fat so their bodies can use insulin. One good way to prevent diabetes is to say in shape. To keep fit, take Phenocal - a safe, natural, and effective weight loss supplement that boosts your metabolism, suppresses your appetite, reduces food cravings, and increases energy levels to give you the body you want. Visit for details.

Diabetes is a disease where the body cannot properly
produce or use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that turns
the foods you eat into energy. If your body cannot turn
food into energy, not only will your cells be starved for
energy, you will also build up glucose (sugar) in your
blood. This will lead you to have "high blood glucose
levels." Over years, the high blood glucose level can
damage major organs like your heart, eyes, and kidneys.

Types of Diabetes:

Type 1 Diabetes is caused by a total lack of insulin that,
in turn, produces high blood glucose levels. Type 1 is
most often is seen in children, but can develop in adults.
If you have Type 1, your health care provider might
recommend scheduled, nutritious meals, exercise,
medication, and frequent blood sugar level tests.

Type 2 Diabetes occurs when the body does not
produce enough insulin or cannot properly use insulin.
This is the most common type. The treatment may be
similar to Type 1.

Pre Diabetes or Borderline Diabetes may occur
before a Type 2 diagnosis. Blood glucose levels will
be higher than normal. Good nutrition and exercise
may be recommended by your health care provider as
treatment for pre diabetes. Even a slightly high blood
sugar level is insidious and could affect major organs
over time.

Gestational Diabetes occurs in pregnant women that have
high blood glucose levels. This type of Diabetes can harm
both Mother and baby. If you have Gestational Diabetes,
your health care provider may prescribe meal plans,
exercise, daily testing and medicine.

Risk Factors:

The exact causes of Diabetes are still unknown. However,
heredity, obesity and lack of exercise may play a role.
Here are some general risk factors:

1. Your siblings or parents have diabetes.
2. You are more than 20% overweight.
3. You do not exercise.
4. You have had gestational diabetes or you have had a
baby over 9 lbs.
5. You have high blood pressure.
6. Your cholesterol level is not normal.

How to care for you Diabetes:

According to the American Diabetes Association, people
with Diabetes have the same nutritional needs as everyone
else. In addition to prescribed medications, well-balanced
meals may help you keep your blood glucose level as normal
as possible.

Also, just like everyone else, exercise is an important part
of staying healthy. Exercising with diabetes does require a few
extra safety steps that your health care professional can make
you aware of.

Nutritious meals, an exercise routine, and using your
NutriCounter along with the help of your doctor may aid you
in controlling your Diabetes. Diabetes will never truly go away,
but with proper nutrition, exercise and prescribed medications,
it can be controlled.

For more information on specific exercise and eating advice
for diabetics, see the following web sites:

American Diabetes Association
http://www.diabetes.org

Canadian Diabetes Association
http://www.diabetes.ca/Section_Main/welcome.asp

Online Risk Test
http://www.diabetes.org/main/info/risk/risktest.jsp

Excellent article about Borderline Diabetes
http://www.diabetes.ca/Section_About/borderline.asp

Am I at risk for Type 2 Diabetes?
http://www.niddk.nih.gov/health/diabetes/pubs/risk/risk.htm

Safety Tips for Exercising with Diabetes
http://www.diabetes.org/main/health/exercise/safety/25ways.jsp

Article Source : Pg. 9

About Author

Both Janet Martin & Renee Kennedy are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

Janet Martin has sinced written about articles on various topics from Womens Health, Pregnancy Problems and Asthma. Janet Martin is an avid health and fitness enthusiast and published author. Many of her insightful articles can be found at the premiere online news magazine