Approximately 220 million people suffer from diabetes across the globe, and rates for the disease are rising. There are two forms of diabetes. Type 1 or juvenile or insulin-dependent diabetes tends to arise during childhood. Type 2, adult-onset or non-insulin dependent, diabetes tends to arise later in life. Symptoms of both types of diabetes may include weight loss, frequent urination, extreme hunger and thirst, dizziness, fatigue, and mood problems like irritability. Type 2 diabetes symptoms may also include vision problems, numbness or tingling in the arms or legs, frequent infections and skin problems, and cuts that take a long time to heal.
High blood sugar (hyperglycemia) is the cause of both types of diabetes which appears to be an autoimmune disease. The pancreas may produce little or no insulin (type 1) or the body can become resistant to insulin (type 2), which is a hormone necessary for sugar to enter the cells of the body. Genes put one at greater risk for both types of diabetes. Being overweight and inactive are the major risk factors for type 2. Both lead to insulin-resistance, inflammation and metabolic syndrome. Depending on the severity of diabetes, it is treated with insulin injections or pills, and lifestyle changes like diet and exercise. People with both kinds of diabetes must actively monitor blood glucose with at-home tests that measure plasma glucose or hemoglobin AIc levels.
Diabetes and the Nervous System: Diabetes affects many of the body’s systems and functions, not the least of which is the nervous system. When too much sugar circulates in the blood stream over a long period of time (hyperglycemia), diabetic neuropathy can result. This article outlines the symptoms of diabetic neuropathy, how it progresses and is diagnosed, and the available treatment options.
Drugs for Type 2: This article outlines the different types of medications to help regulate blood sugar and manage type 2 diabetes.
Third-Line Diabetes Drugs : A third-line medication may help manage blood sugar when other treatments aren't enough.
Diabetes On the Rise in Obese Dogs and Cats: Diabetes is epidemic not only in humans, but cats and dogs are developing it in record numbers.
Diabetes Risk Linked to Low Vitamin D : People with low levels of vitamin D are far more likely to develop type 2 diabetes.
Whole Grains Lacking: Why aren’t we eating enough of the heart-healthy foods?
Whole Grains:
Reduce the belly, lower risk.
Metabolic Syndrome:
Reverse it with diet.
Raises childhood obesity – and diabetes – risk.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids:
Reduce inflammation, boost insulin sensitivity.
Brown Rice:
Why it’s better than white.
Cut out the Junk:
Junk food raises risk even more than we thought.
Avandia News:
FDA restricts drug to specific circumstances.
Better than injections?
Better technologies:
New methods better predict kidney risk.
Kidney Patients:
Anemia drugs may pose risk.
Artificial Pancreas:
For better control of nighttime blood sugar.
Fighting Back:
Diet and exercise control blood sugar over the long term.
Whole grains help lengthen lives.
Treat Your Depression:
Managing it may also lower blood sugar.
Mediterranean Diet:
The healthy plan helps diabetics stay off meds.
Diabetes Rising:
This important book outlines how a rare disease became a modern pandemic.
