About.com Diabetes

The Signs of Diabetes... Do You Know What to Look For?

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 22:55:58 +0000

24 million people have been diagnosed with diabetes, but it's estimated that an additional 5.7 million people have the disease and don't know it.

How is that possible? Type 2 diabetes doesn't always have clear symptoms, and many times people aren't even aware that they have it. Sometimes the first time it's diagnosed is after a check-up or physical.

Diabetes does have symptoms. Read here to find out what they are...

Diabetes Early Warning Signs

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The Signs of Diabetes... Do You Know What to Look For? originally appeared on About.com Diabetes on Wednesday, November 18th, 2009 at 22:55:58.

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Tis the Season to Focus on Your Health

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 22:44:21 +0000

Diabetes management is all about diet, exercise and medications. But is that all there is to life? Sometimes it can seem like it when you're trying to deal with type 2 diabetes, especially during the holidays.

Managing your diabetes is important, and celebrating the holidays can present challenges in the form of party foods, excess calories, and sugary or alcoholic beverages. Does the season have to derail your healthy plans? Not if you put more focus on the other parts of the holiday, and focus less on food.

Don't let holiday cookies and treats take over your life
Use holiday gatherings to get to know other people
Volunteer at church or in the community
Learn to make healthy holiday foods
Make time to exercise throughout the season

Shift the focus to fun and family and away from high calorie goodies. You'll have an enjoyable and healthy holiday season.

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Tis the Season to Focus on Your Health originally appeared on About.com Diabetes on Wednesday, November 18th, 2009 at 22:44:21.

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Have a Happy, Healthy Thanksgiving Holiday

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 21:51:20 +0000

The holidays are a great time to reconnect with family and friends, and food is an enormous part of the festivities, especially at Thanksgiving time. When you have type 2 diabetes, it can be hard to stick to an eating plan especially when everyone around you is enjoying all of the holiday food.

Sometimes it takes a little planning to keep holiday meals in line with your healthy eating plan, but it can be done. Read here for some healthy ideas...

Tips for Enjoying a Healthy Holiday

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Have a Happy, Healthy Thanksgiving Holiday originally appeared on About.com Diabetes on Wednesday, November 11th, 2009 at 21:51:20.

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How Do You Cope With Type 2 Diabetes?

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 21:20:39 +0000

When you've had type 2 diabetes for a while, you know what to do. But sometimes the stress of dealing with diabetes management everyday can cause a person to become "burned out".

How can you avoid burn out? Here's what you need to know...

Coping with Type 2 Diabetes

It helps to have some coping mechanisms in place to help you over the rough spots. How do you cope with your diabetes over the long haul?

Join the discussion at...

Readers Respond: What Keeps You Motivated?

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How Do You Cope With Type 2 Diabetes? originally appeared on About.com Diabetes on Wednesday, November 11th, 2009 at 21:20:39.

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Change Your Lifestyle and Delay or Even Prevent Diabetes

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 21:36:06 +0000

The Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) is a large study spanning several years. The study looked at 3,234 people who were at a high risk for developing type 2 diabetes, and compared healthy lifestyle changes and weight loss, with taking diabetes medication, to see which preventative method was more effective at lowering the risk of being diagnosed with diabetes.

Participants who lost a modest amount of weight and kept it off, while increasing their physical activity, lowered their chances of getting type 2 diabetes by 34%. Participants who took the diabetes drug, metformin, lowered their risk by 18%.

Interestingly, people over 60 years old, who lost weight and exercised, lowered their risk by 50%.

Losing weight and increasing your physical activity are positive changes you can make that can give you some control over your health, even if your risk for type 2 diabetes is high.

November is Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 23:37:09 +0000

Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes. It is also the leading cause of blindness in the U.S. today.

What is diabetic retinopathy?

The retina is full of tiny little blood vessels. Retinopathy is the damage to the blood vessels of the retina, caused by prolonged high blood glucose levels. The blood vessels can become enlarged or clogged when blood sugar is high. They can also become weak and rupture. The retina can even become detached from the back of the eye.

What might you experience if you have diabetic retinopathy?

Blurry or double vision
Floaters or dark patches in your vision
If you have a detached retina, you may see flashes, dark spots or a "dark curtain" over part of your vision. A detached retina needs immediate medical attention.

Retinopathy is not always noticeable in the early stages. It can progress silently for years without noticeable symptoms. Yearly eye exams are essential when you have diabetes. It's also important to keep blood glucose levels as near to normal as possible to prevent retina damage. If you notice any changes in your vision, call your eye doctor immediately.

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November is Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month originally appeared on About.com Diabetes on Tuesday, November 3rd, 2009 at 23:37:09.

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Laughter Can Lower Your Blood Sugar

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 22:35:03 +0000

Did you know that laughter can lower your blood sugar? When you have type 2 diabetes, it's important to keep your blood sugar levels as close to normal as possible. There are many ways to lower blood sugar, but scientists in Japan have discovered that laughing can also help keep blood sugar levels closer to normal.

In a recent study from the University of Tsukuba in Japan, it was reported that laughter lowered blood sugar in both people with diabetes, and those who didn't have the disease.

Nineteen people with type 2 diabetes, and 5 without, were monitored for blood glucose levels while they watched a serious lecture program. Their blood glucose levels did not change. The next day they were monitored as they watched a humorous program. Every participant's blood glucose levels dropped, whether they had diabetes or not.

So enjoy a good laugh as often as you can. It's one more way to help you manage your blood sugar.

More on managing blood sugar levels from your Diabetes Guide...

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Laughter Can Lower Your Blood Sugar originally appeared on About.com Diabetes on Tuesday, November 3rd, 2009 at 22:35:03.

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Recall of Defective Insulin Needles Now Nationwide

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:30:20 +0000

In August, 2009, the FDA announced that Qualitest Pharmaceuticals had recalled two lots of Accusure Insulin Syringes due to defective needles. Now the recall has been expanded nationwide.

According to a new press release from the FDA, all Accusure insulin needles, regardless of lot number, are being recalled.

The syringes are defective because the needles may detach from the syringe during use. They can become stuck in the insulin vial, push back into to the syringe, or remain in the skin after injection.

In the press release it states, "Consumers who have any Accusure� Insulin Syringes should stop using them and contact Qualitest at 1-800-444-4011 for reimbursement. You can find the lot number on the white paper backing of each individual syringe. Qualitest is notifying all customers who received these syringes and arranging for the return of any affected product."

_{Descriptions and lot numbers: 28G 1/2cc, NDC 0603-6995-21;28G 1cc, NDC 0603-6996-21; 29G 1/2cc NDC 0603-6997-21, 29G 1cc, NDC 0603-6998-21, 30G 1/2cc, NDC 0603-999-21, 30G 1cc, NDC 0603-7000-21, 31G 1/2cc, NDC 0603-7001-21; and 31G 1cc, NDC 0603-7002-21.}

Recall of Defective Insulin Needles Now Nationwide originally appeared on About.com Diabetes on Thursday, October 29th, 2009 at 00:30:20.

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Think You Might Have Type 2 Diabetes? Here's What to Look For...

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 22:35:38 +0000

Although 24 million people in the U.S. have diabetes, it's estimated that another 57 million people don't even know that they have it. Although there are definite symptoms to look for, many people either don't experience them, or they are so mild that they go unnoticed.

Be aware of the symptoms of type 2 diabetes. Frequent urination, excessive thirst, unexplained weight loss, fatigue and blurred vision are five of the signs. Read here for more information on symptoms, diagnosis and treatments of type 2 diabetes...

Type 2 Diabetes Symptoms and Diagnosis: What to Look For and What to Expect

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Think You Might Have Type 2 Diabetes? Here's What to Look For... originally appeared on About.com Diabetes on Wednesday, October 21st, 2009 at 22:35:38.

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What Puts You at Risk for Type 2 Diabetes?

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 22:17:25 +0000

24 million Americans have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. What are three of the major risk factors for diabetes? Are you, or someone you love, at risk?