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This site is dedicated to my daughter Whitney Lemont, her husband David,
Renee my grandaughter and David's mom Sharon. Both David and his mom suffer
from diabetes and could use your prayers. He as he struggles to live a life
in light of his diabetes and Sharon as she just struggles. Whitney as she cares
for David, Renee and Sharon.
With diabetes, an attitude of 'ignore it and hope it goes away'
can kill you. Literally.
Diabetes is basically a disease that interferes with the ability
of our bodies to use food for energy and growth. One thing that
happens when we digest food is that some of it is converted into
glucose (sugar) that goes into our blood stream for energy and
growth. Diabetes' primary effect is that our blood sugar glucose
levels can get high. You've heard of insulin, right? Your
pancreas produces insulin. Well, insulin is the hormone that
gets the glucose (fuel) into our cells to help create energy. If
your body isn't making enough insulin or using it correctly to
help this fueling process, sugar starts to get backed up in your
blood. That is not good.
Some symptoms to watch out for if you suspect diabetes are: a
loss in weight, and an increase in appetite. Feeling very
thirsty and having to urinate frequently, blurred vision,
numbness in hands, feet, arms and legs can also be early
indicators of a problem. When diabetes is caught early there are
usually much better outcomes than when it is ignored. If you
suspect any possibility, please see a doctor right away.
Government statistics show diabetes as the 6th leading cause of
death in the United States. There is a long list of
complications associated with diabetes such as blindness, heart
disease, kidney failure, and blood circulation problems.
Early symptoms of diabetes may not seem too severe, or so far
out of the ordinary to cause worry. That's a problem. Most
people ignore warnings and just hope it goes away. The sad thing
is that catching it early and taking action can prevent the more
serious complications of diabetes down the road.
About 95% of all cases of diabetes fall into three different
types: Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes and Gestational diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes is also called early onset, or juvenile
diabetes. It is usually diagnosed in children and young adults.
Government statistics state that Type 1 diabetes may account for
5% to 10% of all diagnosed cases of diabetes. This develops when
the body's immune system starts attacking and preventing cells
in the pancreas from producing insulin.
Gestational diabetes is body intolerance for glucose that can
develop in pregnant women. It is very important to be tested and
treated for diabetes not only for mom. but for the baby's sake
also. Though gestational diabetes often passes with pregnancy,
women who develop gestational diabetes are at a very
significantly higher risk to develop type 2 diabetes later in
life.
Lastly, there is Type 2 diabetes, which accounts for about 9 out
of 10 cases. There is debate over whether type 2 diabetes is
hereditary or not. Prevalent thinking is that Type 2 diabetes is
most likely due to poor diet and being overweight. About 80% of
those with Type 2 diabetes are overweight.
If you are overweight and not physically active, you can be at
high risk for developing diabetes. If you have diabetes the best
way to avoid the complications of diabetes is to alter your
eating and exercise habits. A lot of the more common problems of
diabetes can be avoided by staying away from sweets and sugars.
By becoming more fit through exercise and eating healthy, you
can avoid aggravating or accelerating problems associated with
diabetes. The worst thing you can do is ignore the changes that
need to be made.
To a large extent the quality of your life living with diabetes
is in your own hands.
About the author:
Why wait to learn the truth about healthy lifestyles? Now there
is a gallery of powerful information yours for the taking.
Decide now to improve the quality of your life.Click here: Diabetes
Information and Help.Bill Urell MA.CAAP-II, is an addictions
therapist.He teaches healthy life styles and life skills as a
component of holistic addictions treatment.
Written by: Bill Urell
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