Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes Mellitus is also simply known as diabetes. It is the disease
characterized by a malfunctioning metabolism and a high blood sugar level.

The result can be low levels of insulin or abnormal insulin resistance. This
mixed with inadequate levels of insulin secretion results in diabetes.

Symptoms of diabetes mellitus include increased urine production, excessive
thirst, extreme fatigue, and excessive thirst and weight loss. These symptoms
though may not be present in those people with only mildly elevated sugar
levels.

Diabetes mellitus includes type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes, which occur
only during pregnancy. Each type has a different cause and different severity of
symptoms.

But all forms of diabetes are dangerous if not treated. With proper management
though, people with diabetes can live a long, healthy, normal life.

The main cause of type 1 diabetes mellitus is the loss of insulin producing
cells in the pancreas. This ultimately leads to an insulin deficiency.

Type 1 diabetes mellitus is typically found in children and young adults. It is
also termed juvenile diabetes. The common treatment for type 1 diabetes mellitus
is daily insulin injections to replace the insulin the body is not producing
properly, along with careful blood glucose monitoring.

Without careful monitoring and treatment, complications from diabetes could
include loss of limps such as arms, legs and feet, blindness and diabetic
comas, which can be fatal.

It is extremely important that if you suspect you or your child to have
symptoms of diabetes, that you visit your doctor to be tested. If the tests are
positive it is not the end of the world. With careful monitoring and care, type
1 diabetics can live long healthy lives.

Diabetes Symptoms

All too often we get sick but ignore the symptoms we may be feeling, shrugging
them off to a cold, stress from work, or just not feeling well.

There are certain symptoms that shouldn't be ignored if they develop. These
symptoms could lead to blindness, amputation of limbs, coma or even death.

Symptoms of type 1 diabetes often come on suddenly and are severely dramatic.
The extra stress of diabetes can lead to something called diabetic ketoacidosis.

Symptoms of ketoacidosis may include nausea and vomiting, which may also lead
to dehydration and serious problems with the blood levels of potassium. This
could lead to a diabetic coma and ultimately death.

Other symptoms of diabetes may include extreme fatigue. We all get tired at
times, but diabetes triggers a more severe fatigue than normal.

People with diabetes also experience unexplained weight loss. This is because
they are unable to process many of the calories they consume. Losing sugar and
water in the urine also contributes to the weight loss.

Extreme thirst is another symptom of diabetes. Diabetes develops high blood
sugar levels and the body tries to compensate by diluting the blood, which
translates to our brain that we are thirsty.

With this is also excessive urination. It is another way our bodies have of
getting rid of the extra sugar in our system. But this can also lead to
dehydration.

One of the hardest symptoms to deal with is poor wound healing. Wounds heal
slowly, if at all when the carrier has diabetes. This along with infections
that are not easily remedied can attribute to ulcers and loss of limbs.

Diabetes Management

As of 2007, there is no cure for either type 1 or type 2 diabetes. This may
seem like a dim outlook for many people, but the fact is that even though there
is no cure, there certainly are ways to manage your diabetes.

Proper management can give you many years of healthy living.

Diabetes management starts with a visit to your doctor. first, finding out you
have diabetes, what type you have then arming yourself with as much information
as possible about the diabetes you are diagnosed with.

All management begins with controlling the glucose cycle.

The glucose cycle is affected by two factors, entry of glucose into the
bloodstream and blood levels of insulin to control the transport out.

Your glucose levels are very sensitive to both diet and exercise, so change in
either should first be discussed with your physician. Proper management of
diabetes can be very intrusive to the patient.

Proper management requires a complete lifestyle change and frequent, sometimes
multi-daily checks of glucose in the blood.

It can change as people grow and develop and no two cases are ever really the
same. Today it is easier to measure the blood sugar level.

Glucose meters are readily available and are quite easy to use with a little
practice and patience.

With a small drop of blood to the testing strip attached to the glucose meter,
the user is given the number, which represents their blood sugar level. This in
turn will let the user know if and when insulin is needed.

Diabetes In Children

Diabetes in children is also known as juvenile diabetes, but more commonly
known as type 1 diabetes. It is the most common form of diabetes in children
with ninety to ninety-five percent of carriers being under 16.

Juvenile diabetes is caused by the inability of the pancreas to produce
insulin. It is an autoimmune disease, which means the bodies own defense system
attacks the body's tissues or organs.

In the last 30 years the number of juvenile diabetes had increased three times
over and in Europe and the US we are now seeing type 2 diabetes in children for
the first time.

Obesity easily explains type 2, but not why there is such a rise in type 1
diabetes in children. It is believed that a mixture of genetics and
environmental factors are what triggers juvenile diabetes. But the majority of
children don't have a family history of diabetes.

The symptoms for juvenile diabetes are the same as in adults. Thirst, weight
loss, fatigue, frequent urination is typical, but diabetes in children can also
increase stomach pains, headaches and behavior problems.

Doctors should consider the possibility of diabetes in children who have
unexplained stomach pains for a few weeks, along with the typical symptoms.

If you believe your child may be experiencing these symptoms you should
schedule them for a thorough examination and tell your doctor what you suspect
your child may have. Be sure to tell them about any and all symptoms your child
may be experiencing.

Diabetes Epidemic

With obesity levels being at an all time high, the epidemic of type 2 diabetes
is growing at an alarming rate, and wil l only get worse.

Between 2001 and 2002, the diagnosis of diabetes went from 5.5 percent of
Americans to an alarming 6.5 percent. In just one year!

Overall, twelve million Americans have been diagnosed and another 5 million
Americans have diabetes and don't know it. And yet another 12 millions are on
their way to type 2 diabetes because of impaired glucose levels.

Not knowing is the worst because risks of untreated diabetes puts us at a
terrible risk of complications including but not limited to blindness,
amputations and ultimately death.

The stickler is, that type 2 diabetes is almost completely preventable.
Doctor's say eat less, eat better and exercise. The numbers show just how many
Americans are currently overweight.

Statistically, people are now living longer, and it has been on the rise for
years. But this will not continue if type 2 diabetes is not put under control.

We are a gluttonous society and ultimately it is affecting how we live and how
long we live.

And unfortunately, the diabetes epidemic is not just a US problem. It is
spreading worldwide with epidemic reports in Asia, the Middle East and the
Caribbean.

It is estimated that by 2025, the number of diabetics worldwide will rise to
380 million. And diabetes is now affecting more of the young and middle-aged
population in developing countries between the ages of 40 and 59.

Diabetes in Pets

It is not only the human kind that can develop diabetes. Even our beloved pets,
no matter how well we care for them, can develop diabetes.

This is often a scary situation for the pet owner and the first question that
is usually asked of the veterinarian is -will my pet need to be put to sleep

Of course this is a difficult issue and the answer may vary on the overall age
and health of your pet.

Many older pets that are diagnosed with diabetes go on to live many more happy
years, but this takes commitment and close care of your pet.

Diabetic cats and dogs can live just as long as perfectly healthy pet if the
diabetes is diagnosed and treated properly by both the veterinarian and the
owner.

This takes great commitment from the owner. Pets must be cared for and watched
daily with a high level of care and patience.

There can be no feeding the cat and forgetting until the next day. There is no
leaving the pet along to go on a trip. Every day your pet will need medication,
fed a proper diet and his behavior will need to be monitored closely.

This doesn't mean you will have to give up your job and stay home full time
with your pet, but it does mean you will have to pay more attention to what his
behavior is and know what to do if the situation should change.

It is also more of a financial obligation to have a sick pet. So it is
something that should be discussed in length with your vet.

The Link between Obesity and Diabetes

There are two kinds of diabetes, type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. The first
type is also known as juvenile diabetes and is usually diagnosed in childhood.
It is the body's cells and the pancreas' inability to produce enough insulin.
In type 2 diabetes there is not enough insulin produced for the body or the
body is not making proper use of the insulin that is available.

Many studies and doctors have linked an increasing number of people being
diagnosed with diabetes to obesity. When a person is obese or very over weight
they are overtaxing their pancreas (the organ that produces insulin) and this
can lead to type 2 diabetes. Being obese is a risk factor for diabetes but it
does not mean you will develop the disease if you are obese. By losing weight
and leading a healthier lifestyle you can gain control of this risk factor
either by reducing it or eliminating it altogether.

There are other risk factors associated with type 2 diabetes including age and
race but of course there is no control over these factors. Studies have shown
that over half of the people diagnosed with diabetes are considered clinically
obese. People who are obese and work hard to lose weight can better manage
their diabetes through diet or oral medications instead of insulin injections.
Incorporating a healthy eating plan and regular physical activity will also
help to manage the disease.

In addition to being at a higher risk for developing diabetes people who are
obese are at an increased risk for other life-threatening diseases too. Namely
heart and cardiovascular diseases, it is in an individual's best interest to
maintain a healthy weight for their body type and health in order to reduce the
risks to their health. Medical support is available through your health care
provider if needed.

The Effects of Prolonged Hyperglycemia

Even before you are diagnosed with diabetes, if you are obese, your blood
sugars are most likely elevated. High blood sugar levels in a body over a
prolonged period of time can have devastating affects on your body. You may not
be showing symptoms of high blood sugars but your doctor will most likely do a
routine blood test if you are obese to check for pre-diabetes or type 2
diabetes.

People can go for years or even decades with undiagnosed pre-diabetes or type 2
diabetes. Over this time, their blood glucose will be at above average range and
this can due internal damage. Once you find out that you are pre diabetic it is
wise to change your lifestyle and eating habits to prevent the onset of
diabetes. For people who have already been diagnosed with diabetes, they can
still experience damage from hyperglycemia if they are not controlling their
diabetes effectively.

Hyperglycemia that goes unchecked for a long period of time can cause kidney
damage up to the point of kidney failure that will require dialysis or a
transplant. It also causes nerve damage, particularly to feet and the lower
legs. People suffering from hyperglycemia will heal slowly and will have
intestinal problems including diarrhea and can have eye difficulties leading to
eyesight problems.

As soon as you find out that you are diabetic, test your blood glucose
regularly to keep an eye on your levels. You will need to work closely with
your health care team to bring your blood sugars under control. You can lessen
the effects of prolonged hyperglycemia by keeping your diabetes under control.
If you have not yet been diagnosed with diabetes but have been told you are
pre-diabetic follow a healthy eating plan including plenty of physical activity
to get healthier and keep your blood glucose levels in check.

Support for Diabetics Struggling with Obesity

Everyone needs a little help now and then and shouldn't be afraid to ask for
it. A newly diagnosed diabetic may feel overwhelmed with the restrictions that
they are faced with and not knowing how to plan meals. The support that is
needed is from a dietician or nutritionist. Depending on your goals and weight
a dietician can provide you with a meal plan that will meat the criteria of a
healthy diabetic diet and help you lose weight.

In the beginning, the concern with a diabetic diet is to make sure you are
getting enough food so your blood sugar does not drop too low. You will also
want to monitor your levels to look for any spikes in your readings too. A
dietician can work with you on this. If you are eating the recommended diet
plan and it is not working, you are feeling hungry afterwards or your blood
sugar is too high -- call your dietician. He or she can work with you over the
phone to make immediate changes and schedule an appointment to rework your plan.

Your dietician can also make recommendations on substitutions for your favorite
foods that you were afraid you could never eat again. They will educate you on
portion sizes too. There really isn't too much that you can't have as a
diabetic as long as you are planning your meals out, getting exercise and
eating in moderation.

Food guides change and your dietician or nutritionist will have the most up to
date version. Try and follow it and combine foods as you have been taught by
your support team. If you are unsure if something is allowable on your diabetic
diet, call your dietician for advice and if you can't reach them leave a message
and hold off until you hear back from them.

Obesity and Pre-Diabetes

You can be diagnosed with pre-diabetes before you actually get diabetes. In
pre-diabetes you have higher than normal blood sugars but they are not at the
level that they would need to be in order to be considered diabetic. If you are
obese or severely overweight and pre-diabetic there are steps you can take to
put off the actual diagnosis of diabetes or prevent it.

The same test is used for pre-diabetes as it is for diabetes. Once you find out
that you have pre-diabetes you can make a plan with your doctor to prevent the
onset of the disease. By losing weight and either adding or increasing your
level of physical activity you can delay diabetes for quite sometime. There
have been people who have gone on to maintain a healthy weight through diet and
exercise and have remained in the prediabetic phase for their lives.

If you are not able to get down to your goal weight, just losing a small amount
can be beneficial. It takes an additional strain off of your body by lessening
the need of the amount of insulin that is produced. There are many other
benefits that you will also get by reducing your body weight including
increased energy and cardiovascular health.

Most times, doctors do not test for diabetes unless there are risk factors
present including age (over 45 years old). But if you are considered obese,
your doctor will probably order the appropriate glucose test each year at your
physical examination to check for prediabetes and diabetes.

There are not always symptoms present when you have pre diabetes. But if you
are experiencing any of the signs that could signal the full disease such as an
increased thirst and need to urinate, make an appointment with your doctor for a
check-up.

Motivation to Lose Weight

When you are diabetic you have probably read in many places and have heard from
your doctor how beneficial it is for you to lose weight. But that doesn't make
it any easier to do. It is difficult to do, but everyone is right; you will
reap many benefits from losing weight including managing your diabetes and
blood glucose levels.

If you are already motivated to lose weight and just don't know where to begin,
make an appointment with your doctor or diabetes educator. They can provide you
with information on a healthy eating plan and approve the type of exercises you
should begin with. Getting the okay from your doctor before starting any
physical routine is a good idea so you do not over-do it at the beginning
creating more harm than good.

If you have tried to lose weight before and know that it is a hard road, you
may find the motivation you need through a support group. Having a network to
back you up when you are having a hard day or the commitment of meeting someone
at the gym can get you through the rough patches ahead.

As you reach certain milestones in your weight loss journey set reward points
for yourself as motivation. You may decide to reward yourself when you lose 10
pounds or it might be going for a walk 5 times in one week -- whatever you need
help with. Your reward can be anything that will make you work harder -- renting
a movie, a new pair of shoes -- make it special.

As you continue to lose weight and become more active keep a careful eye on
your blood sugars and insulin requirements. You may find that you are requiring
less insulin as you drop the pounds. Keep in contact with your doctor and update
him on your progress.

Metabolic Problems Linked with Obesity and Diabetes

If you are considered obese, especially with an above average amount of
abdominal fat and are insulin resistant, you may have what is known as
metabolic syndrome. It is important to note that you can be insulin resistance
and not actually have diabetes -- yet. If you are insulin resistant you may be
what is termed pre-diabetes.

If you are insulin resistant, your body is not using the insulin your pancreas
is producing effectively. Your pancreas will continue to produce more and more
insulin but your body will not use it and cannot derive the energy from the
food you eat. This condition can be passed on from another member of the family
but it is also caused by obesity and inactivity.

As with diabetes, the risk factors for having metabolic problems -- metabolic
syndrome -are quite similar. Age is a risk factor, the older you are the
chances of having this are greater. Almost half of the people with metabolic
syndrome are over the age of 60 but symptoms have been seen in children and
adults in their 20's. Another risk factor for having this syndrome is race,
people from a Hispanic or Asian backgrounds are at a higher risk than others.
And as mentioned there is also the hereditary factory.

Being obese with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of over 25 is a factor too. The
difference with this factor from the others is that most people have an element
of control over this. If they are able to lose weight and exercise they can
reduce or eliminate this contributor towards metabolic syndrome.

If you are diagnosed with metabolic syndrome, your doctor will run screening
tests for diabetes. He or she will also recommend or put your on a program to
lose weight through a healthy and balanced diet coupled with physical activity.

Losing Weight and Controlling Blood Sugar

If you are a diabetic and are overweight or considered clinically obese, you
can improve your overall health and the management of your diabetes by losing
weight. It may seem like an overwhelming goal if you have tried in the past to
lose weight and have failed. But there are steps you can take and support you
can utilize to help you reach your goals.

The first step to losing weight is to set a short-term goal for yourself. You
can do this on your own but can also get help from your doctor or a dietician.
A good goal when starting to lose weight is to take a small percentage of your
overall weight and aim to lose that much in your time frame. For instance, if
you weigh 200 pounds aim to lose weight 5% of your body weight to begin (10
pounds). When you lose weight as a diabetic you are helping your body by
lessening your insulin requirements. Weight loss will also assist you in
keeping your blood sugar levels under control.

Another method to lose weight is physical activity and exercise. Getting your
body moving will increase your metabolism and that act will assist in losing
weight too. Not only will increased metabolism aid in weight loss, it will also
help in controlling blood glucose levels. Your body will be processing food more
efficiently.

Diet and exercise go hand-in-hand with weight loss. It also takes patience and
time but as you begin the road to weight loss the benefits you will derive as a
diabetic will begin right away. And as you reach your goal weight you will gain
better control of your blood sugars. If you are having difficulty losing weight
on your own, speak to your doctor about other options that are available to you
such as medication or possibly surgery.

Kidney Problems in Diabetics who are Obese

Both diabetics and obesity are linked to kidney failure. There are many people
who are both diabetic and obese and they have an increased risk of being
diagnosed with serious kidney problems that lead to dialysis or the need for a
transplant. Kidney failure and damage in a diabetic patient is known as
diabetic nephropathy.

The kidneys' job is to clean the blood but when the blood has excess sugar
(glucose) present it causes damage to the kidneys. This damage can happen even
before someone knows they are diabetic or if they are not diabetic bur are
considered obese. High blood sugars that are present in the bodies of obese
people and diabetics are a problem to these organs and other functions in body.

There really aren't any symptoms for the early signs of kidney damage. You
probably will not know that it is occurring unless your doctor performs a test
to check for protein in your urine (done with a dip stick in the office). If
the doctor finds the presence of protein it will be closely monitored depending
on the amount of protein present. During the beginning stages of diabetic
nephropathy the kidneys are still able to function and do their job of cleaning
the blood. Action will need to be taken to get blood glucose levels under
control to prevent further damage to the kidneys.

If your kidneys fail you are at risk for high blood pressure and the build-up
of toxins in your blood because the kidneys are not able to filter them out.
The two options available at this point are dialysis or a kidney transplant.
Dialysis is a method to clean your blood using an external machine you are
hooked up to that your blood is run through and then put back in your body

High Blood Pressure in Obese Diabetics

High blood pressure is a concern for anyone but people with diabetics are more
likely to suffer from it than others. If you are obese and diabetic, a high
blood pressure can be deadly leading to a fatal heart attack. Like many health
risks associated with diabetes, good control of your blood sugars, a healthy
diet and physical activity can help to keep your blood pressure in check.

If you are suffering from a headache, your vision is blurry and you feel light
headed or dizzy you may have high blood pressure. These symptoms are not just
indicative of high blood pressure though and you should seek medical attention
to determine the cause. Other times there may be no symptoms at all when you
have high blood pressure or it may be slightly elevated. It is smart to have
your blood pressure routinely checked at your doctor's appointments.

When you are obese, the most effective way to reduce your blood pressure is to
lose weight. Follow a meal plan that works for your diabetes, making sure you
are consuming enough food, and can still allow you to lose weight. Other
changes that you can make that will improve your blood pressure are:

*  An exercise routine that is followed on a regular basis 
*  Reducing stress in your life -- mediation, yoga, letting go of some 
   responsibilities 
*  Quit smoking 
*  Lessen the amount of salt you use for cooking or on your food

While you are making lifestyle changes to lower your blood pressure your doctor
may decide to put your on medication. If you have to take blood pressure
medication it does not have to be forever. You can look at it as a short-term
fix while you make the changes necessary to lower your blood pressure on your
own.

Exercise and Diabetes

When you are a diabetic, exercise is will help control your blood sugar levels.
But if you are overweight or obese and diabetic, exercise will also help you
lose weight. As a diabetic, there are additional considerations and precautions
that you need to take before you begin an exercise routine. And once you have
begun, you always need to be aware of the risks involved.

It is ideal to wait before your exercise if your blood glucose level is too low
or high. You can do more damage than good if you do not. It is especially
dangerous if your blood sugar is on the low side and you begin to exercise. The
physical exertion can cause your blood sugar to drop even further which can
become an emergency situation. As a precaution, if you are exercising at a gym
make sure the staff are aware of your condition and have emergency instructions
and numbers to call. If you walk or run on your own outside, keep identification
on you that advises you are diabetic along with contact phone numbers, a snack,
and instructions.

For other tips on exercising with diabetes, you can follow the same guidelines
that make sense for everyone else. Stretch before and after exercising, drink
plenty of fluids, and don't push yourself too hard. It is a smart idea to check
your blood sugars before and after exercising and if you are feeling
light-headed during your work-out check it then too.

As feet problems are common in diabetics, wear proper footwear and socks. If
you notice any sores on your feet that are not going away on their own, see
your doctor. If they are not healing they can lead to an infection and other
related complications. Even though there are risks involved to exercising, the
benefits make it worth it.

Diabetes and Obesity can Cause Depression

Many people suffer from depression at some point in their lives and people with
diabetes are no exception. If you are obese and have type 2 diabetes you may
blame yourself and your lifestyle on the disease you now have. It is hard to
adjust to a new lifestyle. Feeling down or guilty about this is okay and even
normal but if it turns into something more you need to seek professional help.

It is normal to feel down about having diabetes in the beginning but once you
learn more about the disease and how to control it you can also feel more in
control of your life again. Take charge, if you are obese and want to improve
your blood glucose levels you can. By eating a healthy diet and regular
exercise you can lose weight and improve your blood sugars.

If your feeling of being down or hopeless will not go away and is accompanied
by any of the following as well you may be depressed. If this is the case,
contact your doctor right away.

Signs of depression:

*  You are no longer sleeping like you used to (more or less) 
*  Not enjoying life or everyday activities like you used to 
*  No energy to do things you want or have to do 
*  You are eating more or less or have sudden weight gain or loss

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms you seek help. Being obese and
diabetic can be trying both mentally and physically. It is important to know
that you can take action to make things better. Your diabetes may never go away
but you can certainly keep it under control and live a full life. By losing
weight, even a small amount, you can make a huge difference in your health and
diabetes.

Combining Food to Control Diabetes and Reduce Obesity

As a diabetic who is trying to lose weight, it is not only important what you
eat and how much but what you eat together too. Foods react differently
together and for optimal performance and the best affect on your blood glucose
level there are a few guidelines that should be followed.

At each meal you should have a combination of carbohydrates and protein and you
can have fat in moderation. The majority of the foods a diabetic will eat fall
under the carbohydrate category, carbohydrates can be found in:

*  Fruits 
*  Vegetables 
*  Beans 
*  Dairy Products 
*  Bread 
*  Grains

To reduce blood sugars and lose weight, a diet where carbohydrates are counted
and controlled is necessary. Depending on your weight and height your dietician
will provide you with a number of carbohydrates that you can have at each meal.
Some carbohydrates are better choices than others; choose fresh and whole wheat
whenever possible.

Choosing carbohydrates that are high in fiber can help to reduce your blood
glucose levels and will keep you feeling full for longer. Higher fiber content
allows you to eat more an item without suffering the consequences later on.

At each meal, a small amount of protein will help counter-act the
carbohydrate's affect of raising blood sugars. Protein will also sustain you
longer and you will not be hungry as quickly if you did not have protein at one
of your meals or for snack. Choose highquality protein that is not fried. Remove
excess fat when it is possible such as chicken skin before eating.

Following a healthy eating plan with the correct number of carbohydrates at
each meal combine with a protein can help you lose weight and manage your
diabetes. Make time for exercising in your week too and you are sure to lose
weight and have more energy.

Childhood Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes

When a child is diagnosed with diabetes it is commonly referred to as juvenile
diabetes or type 1 diabetes. This type of diabetes is not related to a child's
lifestyle, it is an autoimmune disease that results in the need for insulin
injections for food to be turned into energy properly. In recent years there
have been an increased number of children that have been diagnosed with type 2
diabetes. This is an alarming trend and one that can be mitigated because the
link between children and type 2 diabetes is childhood obesity.

As it is fairly new that children are being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes
there isn't a lot of information or studies on it presently. But what is known
is that parents need to take action immediately. Once a child has been
diagnosed at an older age there isn't much that can be done except to manage
the disease. But if a younger child is obese and makes healthy lifestyle
changes that result in weight loss there is a chance that type 2 diabetes can
be avoided.

Some of the early warning signs that your child may have diabetes include:

*  A sudden increase in thirst that appears to never be satiated 
*  An increased need to urinate 
*  Dark patches on the skin -- usually found in the folds of the skin, around 
   the neck or around the eyes

As there are many other diseases and complications that can arise if your child
is obese it is best to seek medical help for your child. Between you and your
health care professional, a plan can be made and put into place that will start
your child on the road to a healthier weight and more active lifestyle. Your
child may be resistant at first but by involving them in the process and
persistence the changes can be made.

A Healthy BMI for Diabetics

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a calculation that is based on your height and weight
to determine if you are underweight, an ideal weight, overweight, or obese. The
test is an indication of the total body fat that you are carrying around. The
number ranges are fairly accurate but there are some circumstances when the
calculations may not be 100% true. As these results are purely based on
numbers, you should take the number you are given and discuss other
contributing factors with your doctor (such as muscle weight or body type
considerations).

A BMI of 30 or over is considered obese. The higher end of the scale for
overweight people (25 -- 29.9) and people that fall into the obese category are
at an increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Other danger indicators are
waist circumferences. If you are a man and your waist measures 40 inches or more
and if you are a woman and your waist measures 35 inches or more, there is an
increased abdominal fat risk factor for diabetes and other diseases.

Maintaining a healthy BMI is all about being at a weight that is right for your
height and body type. Both of these goals will bring many more benefits than
just better controlled blood glucose levels. You will also have increased
energy, can reduce the amount of insulin you are on, and give yourself a longer
life expectancy.

Reduce your total body fat to bring your BMI into a healthy range (18.5-24.9).
Consult your doctor and get advice on how to meet your goals. And if you are
just starting an exercise routine, get the okay from your doctor first. You do
not want to overtax yourself at the beginning and your doctor may have some
restrictions for you to ensure you do not suffer from injury or hypoglycemia.

A DNA Link between Diabetes and Obesity

There is no known reason for what causes diabetes. There are certainly risk
factors that make the likelihood of you being diagnosed with the disease
higher. One of the only risk factors that you have control over is your weight.
If you are obese, the single best thing you can do for your health and the
prevention of diabetes is to lose weight. Even in small increments, when you
shed pounds you are increasing your health benefits.

These may be easier said than done. There are new studies that are now showing
that there is a genetic factor or mutation for people who are obese and have
diabetes. This genetic malfunction affects how the bodies use energy and
insulin -- two key elements in the functioning of your body and the cause of
diabetes and obesity.

The studies also state that this is not a cause and effect case. If you carry
this defective gene you are not guaranteed to be obese or have diabetes. But
the link is there and it can be prevented. You may have to work harder at it
than others to maintain a healthy body weight and put off diabetes but it can
be done. Discuss with your doctor options and ways to prevent or put-off the
onset of diabetes.

The gene that researchers have discovered as a precursor to diabetes has been
found in young children. It is scary to know that children in their preschool
years are being diagnosed with obesity and type 2 diabetes due to genetics. But
parents can reduce or prevent these things from happening by giving their
children healthy lifestyle choices. Now that a DNA link has been found, the
research can focus on finding a way to fix or prevent this from happening at
some point in the future.

  InfoBank Intro | Main Page | Usenet Forums | Search The RockSite/The Web