There are two main types of diabetes mellitus. They are type I, which is sometimes referred to as juvenile, childhood-onset or insulin-dependent, and diabetes type 2, sometimes called adult-onset, obesity-related or non-insulin dependent.
In all types, the primary problem has to do with insulin production and the conversion of glucose (blood sugar) into energy for the cells. Blood sugar levels continue to rise which eventually damages the organs and the nervous system.
If you visit your doctor regularly and he normally checks your blood glucose levels, he may tell you that you have "pre-diabetes". He might recommend that you lose weight, change your diet or make other healthy changes that can prevent this "pre" state from becoming diabetes type 2.
Of the 20.8 million US citizens who have diabetes mellitus, the vast majority have diabetes type 2, as many as 90-95%. It is estimated that another 54 million have pre-diabetes. That's about 4% of the total US population, so this is a major public health problem.
People with the condition have twice the risk of developing heart disease, can lose limbs due to gangrene, can become impotent due to vascular damage, and have an increased risk of blindness due to nerve damage. But, what's the cause? What are the risk factors? What can you do to reduce your risk?
The cause may be decreased production of insulin by the pancreas. But, in diabetes type 2, the pancreas seems to produce enough insulin, but the cells become resistant to it or don't "recognize" it for some reason.
The risk factors for diabetes mellitus type II include age, obesity, family tendency, inactivity and ethnic decent. Native Americans, African Americans and Asian Americans, for example have an increased risk.
Reducing the risk involves a healthy diet and increased physical activity. But, more and more research indicates that specific dietary supplements are also beneficial. They include omega 3 fatty acids, important for many other health conditions, including healthy heart and brain function.
Botanical extracts, such as Banaba, bitter melon, green tea and black cumin are often recommended for pre and diabetes type 2. They may even be beneficial for type I.
Of course, you have to choose your supplements carefully. Manufacturers are not always really careful about their method of delivery, the purity of ingredients or the effective dosages.
Research has shown conclusively that pre-diabetes does not have to become diabetes mellitus. So, if you are recently diagnosed, there is hope and a lot of help out there.
There are numerous organizations and lots of information on the internet. Diets don't have to be that strict. Basically, they involve eating smaller meals, spaced at regular intervals throughout the day.
Eating more fruits and vegetables, more fish and whole grains is also recommended. In many cases, people get their blood sugar under control just by making dietary changes and gradually increasing their level of physical activity. Diabetes type 2 is not a death threat.
For more information on diabetes mellitus, it's symptoms and various treatment options, visit the Diabetes Type Two Info Guide, a collection of helpful information.
In all types, the primary problem has to do with insulin production and the conversion of glucose (blood sugar) into energy for the cells. Blood sugar levels continue to rise which eventually damages the organs and the nervous system.
If you visit your doctor regularly and he normally checks your blood glucose levels, he may tell you that you have "pre-diabetes". He might recommend that you lose weight, change your diet or make other healthy changes that can prevent this "pre" state from becoming diabetes type 2.
Of the 20.8 million US citizens who have diabetes mellitus, the vast majority have diabetes type 2, as many as 90-95%. It is estimated that another 54 million have pre-diabetes. That's about 4% of the total US population, so this is a major public health problem.
People with the condition have twice the risk of developing heart disease, can lose limbs due to gangrene, can become impotent due to vascular damage, and have an increased risk of blindness due to nerve damage. But, what's the cause? What are the risk factors? What can you do to reduce your risk?
The cause may be decreased production of insulin by the pancreas. But, in diabetes type 2, the pancreas seems to produce enough insulin, but the cells become resistant to it or don't "recognize" it for some reason.
The risk factors for diabetes mellitus type II include age, obesity, family tendency, inactivity and ethnic decent. Native Americans, African Americans and Asian Americans, for example have an increased risk.
Reducing the risk involves a healthy diet and increased physical activity. But, more and more research indicates that specific dietary supplements are also beneficial. They include omega 3 fatty acids, important for many other health conditions, including healthy heart and brain function.
Botanical extracts, such as Banaba, bitter melon, green tea and black cumin are often recommended for pre and diabetes type 2. They may even be beneficial for type I.
Of course, you have to choose your supplements carefully. Manufacturers are not always really careful about their method of delivery, the purity of ingredients or the effective dosages.
Research has shown conclusively that pre-diabetes does not have to become diabetes mellitus. So, if you are recently diagnosed, there is hope and a lot of help out there.
There are numerous organizations and lots of information on the internet. Diets don't have to be that strict. Basically, they involve eating smaller meals, spaced at regular intervals throughout the day.
Eating more fruits and vegetables, more fish and whole grains is also recommended. In many cases, people get their blood sugar under control just by making dietary changes and gradually increasing their level of physical activity. Diabetes type 2 is not a death threat.
For more information on diabetes mellitus, it's symptoms and various treatment options, visit the Diabetes Type Two Info Guide, a collection of helpful information.
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