If you are diabetic and over weight, there is a good chance that you have tried many kinds of diet programs. I hope by the time you read this article, you have already got your weight and glucose under control. If not, you might try some of the suggestions below.

1. Before you start, cleanse your body system of toxins and get rid of all parasites and plagues.
Bowel detoxification with liquid clay and ground fax seeds are particularly helpful for improving body conditions, because the clay absorb toxins while the seeds expands in water and brush the intestine clean. Also bowel detoxification with ground dandelion leaves and apple juice help the liver to cleanse toxins rapidly.The next approach now is how to eliminate the parasites and plagues.

Harmful parasites: if left to live and breed inside your stomach, small and large intestine and your colon ant then uses your body as a food store house so they can live and breed by the millions. They will eventually cause you to get sick.

Plague: If let alone, it will cause you to get sick more often.

Vermifuge, taenifuges, anti fungals are natural remedies helpful to get rid of these harmful parasites and plagues.

2. Put extra protein in your diet, but reduce daily intake of red meats.
By substituting your daily intake of red meat by cold water fish that has plenty of proteins and omega 3 fatty acid. Omega 3 fatty acid helps to lower triglycerides without causing the rise of glucose in your bloodstream.

3. Increase intake of food with high fiber and blood purifier.
Fiber helps to reduce the amount of insulin released by the pancreas by slowing down the breakdown of carbohydrates into glucose entering the bloodstream. Fiber also absorb water, causing it to swell. This gives a nice feeling of fullness that many weight loss programs do not provide. Food with high fiber such as broccoli, berries, peanut, spinach, whole grain, etc. lower cholesterol, triglycerides and improve diabetes.

4. Add some foods that reduce cholesterol and high blood pressure.
Most foods that reduce cholesterol and high blood pressure has a profit of lower glucose in your bloodstream. Omega-3 fatty acids have the uncanny ability to
break down cholesterol in the lining of blood vessels and also serve as a solvent
for saturated fats and eventually lower your blood pressure.

5. Foods help to reduce glucose in your blood stream.
1/2 table spoon of cinnamon and cactus tea everyday could be enough to help control your blood sugar. Cinnamon can help your fat cell recognize and response to insulin better. Other natural remedies such as garlic, ginger, bitter melon and etc. also have the same ability to lower blood sugars as well.

6. Quit smoking and reduce alcohol intake.

7. Exercise.
Physical activity improves insulin sensitivity, allowing your body to make better use of its own insulin.

8. Water and green leaf vegetables.
Drink at least 8 ounces of water everyday to avoid brain dehydration and help the kidney to cleanse through the urine produced.

Green leaf vegetable has vitamins A, C, E and other minerals that help to replace vitamins and minerals of juices. You can enjoy leafy green vegetables every day without having to worry about them raising your glucose levels.

If your family has a history of diabetes, then you and your children have a high risk of developing it as well. If you notice that you experience one or more of this disease symptoms, then you might want to take heed before it is too late.

Type 2 diabetes is the most common type. It develops gradually depending on diet, lifestyle, and present risk factors. It can be avoided so long as it is detected early, and the needed changes to lifestyle and diet are implemented. Here are a few ways to prevent it:

Make good food choices.

You are what you eat. If you eat lots of fatty food, you'll have high blood pressure and heart attack later on. If you eat lots of sweets and carbohydrates, you have great risk of having diabetes. If you eat lots of fiber-rich foods, you have good digestion. For preventing it, you need to lessen your sugar and carbohydrate intake, and increase your consumption of vegetables and whole grains.

Drink 8 glasses of water.

This will help in eliminating the excess sugar we have in our bodies. It's a way to cleanse, refresh, and replenish the body. FYI: a glass of juice is not 100% water; coffee is only 50% water, and milk is 90% water.

Be active!

Exercise, or even just walking several miles and taking the stairs is a big difference compared to just sitting on your butt lazing around. More activity will help in regulating your sugar level, and it will also help improve your metabolic rate.

Learn how to manage your insulin.

Doing this will help you make better food choices. You will know which food will cause a high level of glucose in your system. You will also learn which food is healthier and more filling, so that you won't have the urge to eat so much so often.

These are very simple ways to prevent diabetes, but they may be difficult if your lifestyle is set in stone. Just be patient and love yourself. Chocolate cake is more tempting than whole wheat bread (and yes, it tastes a whole lot better!) but you don't have to do without it. The key is moderation: eat lots of healthy food, exercise, and drink enough water everyday, and at the end of the week, you can enjoy your slice of cake.

For most people, the best way to live and maintain a healthier lifestyle is to start on a diet but for a diabetic it is vital that they start on a diabetic diet as soon as they can. This diet will help regulate their blood sugar levels and keep them stable. Here are 6 additional benefits that show how important it is for diabetics to start on a diabetic diet.

One additional benefit is that it helps diabetics keep a normal level of blood sugar. Maintaining a steady blood sugar level helps lessen the health problems that can come up in the future. This is why having a steady blood sugar level is very essential to a diabetic.

Another benefit is that it helps trim down the amount of medication one might need in their normal day to day life, whether it is insulin or pills that help produce insulin. Insulin is needed by our bodies to maintain a normal level of blood sugar. The insulin carries the sugar into our cells which produces energy. By maintaining a diabetic diet with foods like good carbohydrates, fiber, and lean meats, you can actually reduce how much insulin your body needs.

A further benefit is that it helps you avoid having your blood sugar levels fall too low which can result in you becoming hyperglycemic. Your body needs sugar in order to sustain its normal functions. It does this by converting the sugar in your blood into energy. Without this, you could suffer some serious health issues including going into a coma and possibly death.

One other benefit is that it also helps you avoid having your blood sugar level getting too high which can cause you to become hypoglycemic. This condition is caused by eating way too much of the wrong foods like candy and sweets. If left too high for a long period of time, it can cause great damage to your blood vessels, heart, kidneys, eyes, and nerves.

An added benefit is that you can actually lose a little bit of weight. More often than not, type 2 diabetics have developed diabetes just because they were overweight. So, if they go on a diabetic diet and lose the additional weight, they may also overcome diabetes.

A further benefit is that it can raise your metabolism which will help your body manage the foods you eat. By simply adding a mild workout routine to your daily schedule, you can help your body become much healthier and manage your diabetes much better.

There are many benefits for people to start a diabetic diet and obtain a healthier lifestyle. Some of the benefits are that it helps keep a normal level of blood sugar in your body, it helps alleviate how much medication your body needs, it helps your blood sugar level to not get too low, it helps your blood sugar level to not get too high, it helps you lose a bit of weight, and it helps raise your metabolism to better manage the processing of foods.

Insulin and food are key components of diabetes care. Diabetics have many doubts and suspicions. It's no surprise that a lot of myths in diabetes revolve around these two topics. In this article I have tried to clear these myths so that more and more diabetics have the true knowledge to for better management.

Myth No.1> No Symptoms of Diabetes Appear before Damage Has Occurred

Diabetes is sometimes called "the Silent Disease," but this is not true. Diabetes actually has plenty of symptoms like increased urination, increased thirst, dry skin, fatigue, blurry vision, irritability, extreme hunger, eating without weight gain, unexpected and unusual weight loss, these symptoms aren't severe, so they often go unnoticed by parents and caretakers.Put simply, it's hard to accept the fact that there's something seriously wrong with body.

Myth No.2> Type 1 Diabetes and Type 2 Diabetes Are the Same

Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes share some common characteristics but they are hardly the same disease. They differ in the following ways:

Type 1 is a genetic tendency plus a virus. These patients have an absolute lack of insulin and most cases occur in childhood. Type 1 can't be controlled by diet and exercise alone. Most patients are thin.

The cause of Type 2 is heredity plus obesity plus a sedentary lifestyle. These patients have insulin resistance and it mostly occurs after age 35.It can be controlled with diet and exercise alone. Patients are generally (but not always) fat.

Myth No.3> You Can't Eat Sugar with Type 1 Diabetes

Today, there are probably more types of insulin available than are needed. A little injected insulin can take care of lots of sugar or other carbohydrates.A corollary to this myth is that diabetes caused by consuming too many sweets. Doctors have a pretty good idea of the cause of diabetes, and sweets have nothing to do with it.

Myth No.4> You Have to Eat Special Foods When You Have Diabetes

With diabetes, there's no advantage to eating special diabetic foods. It's difficult enough to deal with all the requirements for good diabetes care to have to eat boring tasteless foods! Food is one of life's great pleasures. Diabetics can have excellent glucose control with regular food so long as you account for the carbohydrate in it.

Myth No.5> If You Take Insulin, You Must Have Type 1 Diabetes

In Type 1, insulin is an essential part of diabetes care because the disease is characterized by a total lack of insulin in the body. On the other hand, in Type 2, insulin is a tool to get the blood glucose to a level at which diet and exercise can work. Type 2 is a lifestyle disease, not a disease of lack of insulin. When someone with Type 2 improves his diet, exercise regimen, and weight, he can manage Type 2 without insulin.

Myth No.6> Insulin Causes Atherosclerosis

The fact is that insulin actually causes a decline in atherosclerosis by reversing the processes that lead to elevated blood glucose levels and elevated fatty acids in the blood.

Myth No.7> Insulin Cures Type 1 Diabetes

Many myths concern great new cures for Type 1 with this medication or that medication. Ignore them. At the present time, no single medication can cure Type 1 diabetes.

Myth No.8> Women with Diabetes Shouldn't Get Pregnant

The woman with diabetes who's even thinking about a pregnancy must improve her glucose control so that she has HbA1c below 7 percent before she conceives. She also must keep her blood glucose below 90 mg/dl before a meal and below 120 mg/dl an hour after the meal throughout the pregnancy.

Myth No.9> Doctors Are Hiding the Cure for Diabetes So They Can Make More Money

There's nothing further from the truth than this myth. Scientists are a highly competitive bunch. None of them is holding back a diabetes cure because they can feel the others breathing down their necks! Thousands of hard-working doctors and other scientists have dedicated their lives to finding a cure for diabetes

With the proper knowledge about diabetes we can easily overcome the diabetes and its related complications.

Did you know .... Flavanols in chocolate have been shown to help improve insulin use in the body. Dark chocolate with nuts comes in low on the glycemic index at 33. Chocolate helps to improve circulation and lower blood pressure. Chocolate is one of the richest sources of antioxidants on the planet. We live fast-paced, convenience-focused, time-deprived lives and Americans' food choices reflect this fact. The ease of grabbing a sweet snack combined with our love affair with sugar has diabetes running rampant, a disease growing at such a rate it's been labeled an epidemic.

An estimated 7% of Americans currently suffer, but the number of cases diagnosed in the last seven years increased by 54%. Worse, more children are being diagnosed with diabetes than ever before due to their perpetual processed-food diets. A lack of education on the detrimental affects of the disease has many people blindly plowing through the day on a continual sugar high, running to the nearest candy machine the moment they feel tired.

Over time, this daily (and even hourly) food abuse causes the pancreas, which produces insulin to lower blood sugar to healthy levels, to quit working properly. By this time, "onset diabetes" is only a diagnosis away. Despite the fact that onset diabetes can be avoided by minor changes in food choices, Americans aren't likely to adjust their eating habits any time soon. The cereal/latté breakfast, fast food lunch and carb-rich dinner isn't just a habit, it's a lifestyle. But snacks are a great place to start the change because it's easy to switch from chips to chocolate, and here's why you should--especially if you have high blood sugar or diabetes. Diabetics need to eat low glycemic index foods ((less than 55 on the glycemic index) to keep blood sugar low. When eaten alone, dark chocolate comes in at 50 on the index. But when eaten with nuts (any kind), it's comes in at a low 33 in the index, making it a perfect snack choice. A diabetic's pancreas doesn't produce enough insulin, so what little is there needs to be used very effectively.

The flavanols in chocolate have been shown to help improve insulin use in the body, helping reduce the strain on the already insulin-deprived system. Diabetics need extra antioxidants to help combat health problems that often arrive with a diagnosis of diabetes (heart disease, weight gain and more). Because it's made from the seeds of a fruit tree, chocolate is one of the richest sources of antioxidants on the planet. But just-say-no to milk and white chocolate-all the antioxidants are in the cocoa powder, so dark is a must. Milk and white also have too much sugar. Diabetics often simultaneously suffer from high blood pressure.

Chocolate helps the body release nitric oxide, a natural compound that helps blood vessels relax, improve circulation, and lower blood pressure. Ultimately whether or not you have diabetes, dark chocolate (preferably with nuts) is an excellent snack choice for the reasons listed above and many more. The difference between guilt-ridden and guilt-free chocolate eating is simply education. So the next time you have a choice, choose chocolate. (Note: If you've been advised by your doctor not to eat sweets, check first before adding dark chocolate to your diet.)

Julie Pech, author of The Chocolate Therapist; A User's Guide to the Extraordinary Health Benefits of Chocolate

Julie is an award winning author and international speaker. Julie maintains that the only difference between eating chocolate every day guilt-free, versus guilt-laden, is "education". Her mission? To change the chocolate-eating world as we know it today, one convert at a time.

To get the job done properly, Julie offers entertaining and educational presentations for groups, speaking on the health benefits of chocolate at hospitals, corporate luncheons, women's groups, men's groups, retirement communities, and fund raisers.

Julie has appeared on national radio shows, local TV and talk shows, travels as an international guest speaker with cruise lines, teaches classes at Colorado Free University, and has been featured in numerous national magazines and newspapers. She is currently producing 13 episode television program about chocolate to be aired in February 2009.

Research into diabetes is increasing all the time. Despite this no one actually knows what specifically causes diabetes. This has led to a number of rumours circulating some which are partially true and others which hold no truth at all. In this article I will be discussing what is known about the causes of diabetes.

1) GENERAL CAUSES:- We know that diabetes develops as a result of your body's cells not getting enough insulin (a hormone which helps convert blood sugar/glucose into energy). This is usually because your pancreas fails to generate enough insulin or because your body's cells start to resist insulin. Although we know what leads to the development of diabetes we do not currently know why this happens in certain individuals and not others.

2) GESTATIONAL DIABETES (GDM):- Again we do not know the exact causes of GDM although it is strongly linked with hormonal changes that occur during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. During this time the placenta releases hormones which block the normal action of insulin to ensure that the growing baby gets enough glucose. This causes pregnant women's insulin needs to increase by two or three times the normal rate. Failure to meet this need leads to the onset of GDM. Approximately 5% of pregnant women develop GDM and although we have a good idea of what causes it, we do not know why it affects certain women and not others. There are a number of associated risk factors but currently no definitive reason.

3) TYPE 1 DIABETES:- Type 1 diabetes is caused by damage to the pancreas as the result of an auto-immune attack where the body's immune system starts to attack the insulin producing beta cells of the pancreas. Once more, whilst we know what causes type 1 diabetes we are still unsure what triggers this response. A number of suggestions have been put forward (including viral infections and faulty nerves) but currently none of these suggestions can be applied universally.

4) TYPE 2 DIABETES AND PRE-DIABETES:- Pre-diabetes is an early form of type 2 diabetes and the causes of each are very similar. Type 2 diabetes develops when the body stops responding to insulin. The pancreas reacts by producing additional insulin and the liver responds by releasing extra glucose. Over time this limits the effectiveness of the pancreas and further increases insulin resistance in the body. As with the other types of diabetes we do not know what causes the above reaction. However, there is very strong evidence that type 2 diabetes is linked to age, ethnicity, family history, inactivity and obesity.

5) RUMOURS:- Since the exact cause of diabetes is unknown, there are a number of false suggestions floating around. These include diabetes being contagious (there is a hereditary element but it cannot be passed directly from person to person), diabetes being caused by sugar (excessive sugar consumption does not cause diabetes but is linked with obesity, a diabetes risk factor) and stress causing diabetes (stress can aggravate the condition in diabetics but there is currently no evidence that it causes diabetes).

Currently, we have a general understanding of what happens inside our bodies to cause diabetes. However, the trigger behind these causes is still a mystery. Perhaps the strongest link is that between inactivity, obesity and type 2 diabetes but even this does not fully explain why some obese individuals never develop the disease. As research into the causes of diabetes continues, the best advice is to try and keep your blood sugar levels within a normal range. Keeping your weight under control, exercising regularly and eating a healthy diet can all play their part in this process.

Every intention has been made to make this article accurate and informative but it is intended for general information only. Diabetes is a medical condition and this article is not intended as a substitute for the advice of your doctor or a qualified medical practitioner. If you have any concerns regarding any form of diabetes you should seek the advice of your doctor immediately.

Most people who have type 1 diabetes prefer using a pump over other methods of delivering insulin. A lot of diabetic experts suffering from diabetes prefer pumps over needles.

Here are five additional reasons that people who like the pump cite for using one:

* The pump delivers insulin to the body much like the pancreas does.
* One can adjust the amount of insulin by fractions of a unit and have many different amounts at different times of day. The insulin pump easily adapts to a patient's lifestyle.
* Taking a larger dose before meals is as easy as pushing a button on the pump.
* One can be more flexible with meals because he's constantly getting a small dose of insulin.
* That's great news for today's active youngsters. There's less risk of hypoglycemia because you are getting small amounts of insulin at a time

On the other hand, here are five equally significant reasons that people don't like to use an insulin pump:

* It's much more expensive than conventional syringes and needles.
* The pump is visible, especially when one wears less clothing on hot days. Also, if there's a blockage, an alarm goes off. Essentially, it makes diabetes more obvious to others.
* If the pump fails for any reason that doesn't set off an alarm, such as a leak, one has so little insulin in his body that he may rapidly go into KETOACIDOSIS.
* You need to monitor his blood glucose more frequently, sometimes more than four times daily, to properly use the pump. And right now, monitoring still means finger sticks.
* The pump is attached to the body 24 hours a day, making sleeping and physical activities like sports less convenient.
* Pump wearers who engage in sex may find the pump inconvenient because it's attached to the body.

Kids of all ages can use the insulin pump. Parents usually manage the pump until they feel the child can do it.

Insulin pump is best suited for those diabetic have the following characteristics:

* They're highly motivated.
* They're willing to stick themselves multiple times a day to check their blood glucose.
* They can afford the costs involved because many insurances pay only a part of the pump expenses.
* They understand how the pre-meal glucose and the carbohydrates about to be consumed are used to determine the insulin dose.
* They have a good understanding of the complications of diabetes, especially signs of ketoacidosis.

By keeping the above mentioned pros and cons, it will help the diabetics to to make a better descion.

Type 2 diabetes (also known as non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) or adult-onset diabetes) is the most common form of diabetes affecting around 90% of sufferers. It develops when your pancreas no longer produces sufficient insulin (the hormone which helps break blood sugar down for energy) or when your body's cells become resistant to insulin.

It is not known exactly what triggers type 2 diabetes but development begins when the cells in your body stop responding to insulin. This restricts your ability to convert blood sugar into energy so the pancreas and liver both respond by releasing extra insulin and glucose. If this happens for a prolonged period, your pancreas's insulin production capabilities become limited and your body's cells start to further resist insulin. This eventually leads to your blood sugar levels becoming excessively high and the onset of type 2 diabetes.

Since type 2 diabetes often develops gradually over time the symptoms are very difficult to spot. In many cases there are no symptoms at all and even when symptoms do unfold they are typically so mild that the sufferer does not notice them. However, if you notice any of the following symptoms (no matter how slight) you could have type 2 diabetes:

- Cuts or sores that heal slowly.
- Feelings of drowsiness.
- Greater hunger and thirst levels.
- Soreness in your legs.

To get tested for type 2 diabetes you need to go and see your doctor. They will then test your blood sugar levels to gauge whether you have diabetes. Two of the most popular tests are the fasting plasma glucose test (where you fast for eight hours and then have your blood sugar levels measured) and the oral glucose tolerance test (where you consume a sugary drink and then have your blood sugar levels measured). If either of these tests confirm that you have type 2 diabetes your doctor will be able to give you further advice on effectively managing your condition.

Type 2 diabetes is associated with a number of complications and can cause serious damage to your body if not managed properly. Poorly management of the disease can lead to hyperosmotic non-ketotic acidosis (a type of coma brought on by a lack of insulin), damage to your eyes, damage to your heart, nerve damage and more. Thankfully, the majority of these complications can be avoided by following your doctors advice and managing your diabetes properly.

Your doctor is likely to make a number of recommendations in this area. You will be advised to get a blood testing kit so that you can continually check your blood sugar levels. You may also be prescribed insulin injections depending upon the severity of your condition (approximately 40% of type 2 diabetics require additional insulin). However, in most cases changes to your diet and exercise routine will be enough. On the diet side you will be advised to cut down on salt, reduce your alcohol intake and eat more frequently throughout the day. For the exercise you will be advised to participate in 30 minutes or more of moderate intensity activity per day.

The development of type 2 diabetes is heavily linked with poor lifestyle choices. If you want to stop this condition from destroying your health then you need to listen to your doctor and start making the correct lifestyle choices today.

Whilst every intention has been made to make this article accurate and informative it is intended for general information only. Diabetes is a medical condition and this article is not intended as a substitute for the advice of your doctor or a qualified medical practitioner. If you have any concerns regarding type 2 or any other form of diabetes you should seek the advice of your doctor immediately.

Type 1 diabetes (also known as juvenile onset or insulin dependent diabetes) develops when the pancreas becomes damaged meaning that your body can no longer produce insulin (the hormone which helps your body convert blood sugar/glucose into energy). It represents approximately 5% to 10% of all diabetes cases and can be fatal if left untreated.

The damage to the pancreas is usually the result of an auto-immune attack, when (for some unknown reason) the body's immune system starts to attack the insulin producing beta cells of the pancreas. The result is that the pancreas can no longer supply the body with adequate levels of insulin, blood sugar levels become elevated and type 1 diabetes develops.

Since type 1 diabetes is the result of a rapid attack the symptoms also develop relatively quickly, usually in a matter of days or weeks. Things to look out for include:

- Clouded vision.
- Greater hunger and thirst levels.
- Increased fatigue levels.
- Weight loss.

If you do notice any of the above symptoms then go see your doctor immediately. They will probably recommend you take a Fast Plasma Glucose Test (FPG). For this test you will need to eat nothing in the eight hours before the test. Your doctor will then take a blood sample and if your blood sugar levels are above 126 milligrams per decilitre (mg/dL) you may have diabetes. To confirm whether you do actually have diabetes the test will be performed a second time. If your second reading is above 126 mg/dL then your doctor will diagnose you with diabetes.

If further investigation reveals that you have type 1 diabetes then your doctor will be on hand to help you manage the condition. If you have type 1 diabetes you will require insulin injections since your body can no longer produce the substance itself. You will also need to monitor your blood sugar levels regularly to determine when you require these injections. Your doctor will be able to talk you through the different types of insulin available and the types that are most suitable for you.

Apart from using insulin to treat type 1 diabetes, your doctor is also likely to advise you to make some lifestyle improvements. These will include improvements to your diet (eating a balanced diet, consuming more fruit and vegetables etc) and participating in regular exercise (which can include walking, cycling, participating in team sports etc). Making these changes will further help keep your blood sugar within normal levels.

Having type 1 diabetes means that you are at risk for a number of complications. One such complication is hypoglycaemia (extremely low blood sugar levels). Hypoglycaemia in diabetics usually occurs as a result of; excessive alcohol consumption (alcoholic beverages can inhibit glucose production), injecting too much insulin (insulin is used to lower your blood sugar levels to acceptable levels but too much can induce hypoglycaemia) and eating too little (your body gets glucose from the food you eat so eating too little can cause hypoglycaemia). Symptoms of hypoglycaemia can range from mild (paleness, shaking and sweating) to severe (temporary loss of consciousness and coma). Mild hypoglycaemia can often be treated alone by consuming some fast acting carbohydrates (such as candy, chocolate or glucose tablets). However, for severe hypoglycaemia you will are likely to require medical assistance.

Type 1 diabetes is a life changing condition. However, knowing that you have the condition means that you are in a much better position to manage it. By following the advice of your doctor and the tips listed in this article you can keep the negative symptoms of type 1 diabetes at bay and carry on living your life.

Whilst every intention has been made to make this article accurate and informative it is intended for general information only. Diabetes is a medical condition and this article is not intended as a substitute for the advice of your doctor or a qualified medical practitioner. If you have any concerns regarding type 1 or any other form of diabetes you should seek the advice of your doctor immediately.

Pre-diabetes, in simple terms, is a precursor to full type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes develops when your blood glucose/sugar levels become extremely high due to a lack of insulin in your body. Pre-diabetes occurs when your blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be classified as type 2 diabetes. Unlike type 2 diabetes, pre-diabetes can be reversed by making positive lifestyle changes. Therefore, it is a critical stage because by making the right choices you can avoid type 2 diabetes completely.

The exact causes of pre-diabetes are not fully understood but it is linked to a number of risk factors. Some of these risk factors (such as age, family history and race) are beyond your control. However, a number of the risk factors (including inactivity and obesity) are within your control. By maintaining a healthy body weight and doing more exercise you can reduce your risk of reverse pre-diabetes and halt the development of type 2 diabetes.

The symptoms of pre-diabetes are similar to those of type 2 diabetes, although they may not be as noticeable. If you find yourself becoming increasingly hungry or thirsty, urinating more frequently or vomiting regularly you may have pre-diabetes and should go see your doctor. They will then be able to perform various tests (including the fasting plasma glucose test and the oral glucose tolerance test) which will confirm whether you have pre-diabetes or not.

If you are diagnosed with pre-diabetes then you should be thankful because you have been given a final chance to evade full type 2 diabetes. Your doctor will be able to give you further advice on the positive lifestyle changes you should make. One of these changes will be to improve your diet by eating smaller meals more regularly, consuming adequate levels of fibre and eating lots of fruits and vegetables. Another change will be to become more active by doing a little exercise each day with walking, cycling, swimming or participating in team sports all excellent choices.

By implementing the above lifestyle changes you can keep your weight under control, moderate your blood sugar levels, increase your body's sensitivity to insulin and most importantly prevent type 2 diabetes from developing. An increasing number of people around the world are contracting diabetes with the latest estimates suggesting that over 200 million people worldwide have diabetes. Acting on your pre-diabetes now will allow you to avoid becoming part of these constantly increasing numbers.

Whilst every intention has been made to make this article accurate and informative it is intended for general information only. Diabetes is a medical condition and this article is not intended as a substitute for the advice of your doctor or a qualified medical practitioner. If you have any concerns regarding pre-diabetes or diabetes you should seek the advice of your doctor immediately.

When you are pregnant you have to deal with a number of changes. Your body will change, your diet will change and your mood will change. Unfortunately, one of the other changes you may have to deal with is the development of gestational diabetes (also known as gestational diabetes mellitus or the shortened GDM).

You may be wondering what is GDM? Essentially, GDM is a type of diabetes that develops temporarily during pregnancy. It affects approximately one in twenty pregnant women. Although no one is certain what causes GDM, a popular suggestion is that the placenta releases insulin blocking hormones during the second and third trimesters to ensure that the growing baby gets enough glucose. As a result pregnant women's blood sugar levels rise and they have to produce additional insulin to break it down into energy. Those who cannot produce enough extra insulin develop GDM.

Your doctor should test you for GDM during your pregnancy. Usually, you will be tested between the twenty fourth and twenty eighth week via an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). This test involves consuming a glucose orally and then being tested at regular intervals to see how your body breaks it down.

The symptoms of GDM are often difficult to notice. However, if you are constantly hungry or thirsty, urinating more frequently or feel tired a lot of the time you could have GDM. Whilst GDM is not an immediate risk to your health, it can become one if not managed properly. Some of the health risks linked to poorly managed GDM include; premature labour, macrosomia (giving birth to a baby with a large birth weight) and an increased chance of developing type 2 diabetes in later life.

Your doctor can help you manage your GDM, usually by making some small lifestyle improvements. First, you will be advised to eat healthily. Try and eat a good mix of complex carbohydrates, proteins and unsaturated fats and also try to eat smaller meals more regularly. Secondly, you will be advised to do at least half an hour of exercise per day. If these changes do not help lower your blood sugar levels then your doctor may prescribe insulin to help you control your GDM.

As a pregnant woman being diagnosed with GDM is not going to be a pleasant experience. However, your doctor will be on hand to help you with your GDM every step of the way. Try to remember it is a temporary condition that in most cases lasts for no longer than twelve weeks and can be managed by making a few small changes to your daily routine. If you follow that mindset your GDM will be gone before you know it.

Whilst every intention has been made to make this article accurate and informative it is intended for general information only. Diabetes is a medical condition and this article is not intended as a substitute for the advice of your doctor or a qualified medical practitioner. If you have any concerns regarding GDM or diabetes you should seek the advice of your doctor immediately.

Patients who are diagnosed with diabetes often ask if a good diet can help the disease in check. Most doctors agree - patients can keep diabetes in check with a good diet, one that's is low in sugars and carbohydrates. Such a diet may not necessarily help patients totally get rid of the disease, but it helps them avoid complications that are associated with diabetes.

Diabetics have problems breaking down and converting foods like starches and sugars into compounds that are needed by body cells. Instead they remain in the blood and increases sugar levels in the bloodstream. Too much sugar, or glucose, in the blood is an abnormality called glycemia. There are two types of diabetes, namely Type 1 and Type 2. Diabetics of either type suffer from very high blood sugar conditions. Problems in breaking down sugar also take their toll on other vital organs of the body, and often cause dysfunctions of the heart, eyesight, liver, kidneys and blood circulation.

When doctors treat diabetics, they usually apply medication, or insulin, depending on what stage their disease maybe at. The purpose of medication or insulin is to help body systems process blood sugars and break them down, allowing patients to expel excess sugar. But medication and insulin can only do so much; they cannot substitute for a good, healthy diet. Taking insulin or medication does not give patients license to eat as much sugar and carbohydrates as they can. Keeping diabetes in check requires patients not only to take insulin or medication per doctor's prescription; adhering to healthy diabetic diet is equally important. It is necessary therefore for diabetics to familiarize themselves with foods they must avoid or which foods they may eat sparingly.

This makes the Glycemic Index very useful. Established and adopted in 1981, the Glycemic Index identifies and rates carbohydrates in terms of how they adversely affect diabetics. Foods that top the list, like white bread, are hard to digest and must be avoided. Carbohydrates with low scores, on the other hand, like brown rice, may be eaten sparingly. Since it is almost impossible to do away with carbohydrates completely, it is important for diabetics to familiarize themselves with the Glycemic Index and adopt a diet on the basis of what the Index suggests.

The Glycemic Index also identifies and rates carbohydrates in the middle of the pack. People may find it surprising, for example, that chocolate bars rate in the middle group of the Glycemic Index list. But by no means this would suggest that diabetics may freely consume chocolate everytime they have opportunities to do so. The Glycemic Index tells people what foods need to be avoided at all cost and which foods can be taken in with moderation.

A good diet is therefore important to keep diabetes in check. A good diet cannot cure diabetes, but it can help diabetics live a healthier and longer life. Diabetics need to familiarize themselves with the Glycemic Index so that they can be guided on what foods to take and thereby help control their affliction.

People with diabetes can hardly process starches and sugars through their systems. These compounds remain un-assimilated and become part of blood that flows through the blood stream. High levels of sugar (or glucose) in the blood, constitute a condition that is also known as glycemia. A blood test often determines or establishes if one has glycemia or not. Diabetics need access to monitors and are expected to regularly test their blood sugar levels to check if they are having conditions of glycemia or not.

Glycemia gives rise to various side effects or complications for people with diabetes. The complications or side effects include heart, circulation, blood vessel, kidney, sexual and eye problems. High blood sugar levels strain the blood vessels and put at risk the eyesight of diabetics. Eye problems caused by diabetes result from pressure on delicate blood vessels surrounding the various parts of the eye, such as the vitreous, retina, optic nerve and lens.

It takes time for eye problems caused by diabetes to make themselves manifest. The problems begin with retina damage. Very small blood vessels comprise the retina and high amounts of blood sugar cause these tiny vessels to get irritated and swell. The retina fails to function at full capacity and afflicted persons begin to experience eyesight problems. This therefore makes it necessary for diabetics to avail themselves of eye examination at least once every year. The examination includes, among other things, dilating the eyes to determine how the condition may have improved or worsened.

Advanced condition of eye problems caused by diabetes is known as diabetic retinopathy. Diabetics must seek the help of qualified opthamologists who have had experiences treating, or at least familiar with, this particular condition.

Symptoms of diabetic retinopathy include flashing lights, blurry vision, aching sensation in the eyes, and dark spots fronting the eyes. Diabetics who experience these problems must consult an ophthalmologist for a thorough eye examination. In extreme but not very remote cases, surgery might be needed by diabetics who are having eye problems to restore their eyesight. Treatments are also available that can prevent more damage to the eye.

Eye problems caused by diabetes can be controlled by following a responsive diabetic diet that is guided by the Glycemic Index. This index rates various foods and indicates which of them should have no place in a diabetic diet. Diabetics are also well advised to have plenty of exercise, and shun smoking and alcohol. Maintaining normal weights is also very important for diabetics.

There are other known eye problems caused by diabetes. They include glaucoma and cataracts. Compared to glaucoma, a cataract is easy to treat. Glaucoma can lead to blindness and needs a more complex treatment. This further explains why diabetics who experience eye problems must seek the help of competent ophthalmologists.

Eye problems caused by diabetes can be prevented by diabetics if they maintain a diet and lifestyle that responds positively to their condition, and comply faithfully to the treatment prescribed for them. They need regular doses of exercise. They must watch their weight. They need to familiarize themselves with the Glycemic Index and they need to deprive themselves with foods that have high carbohydrate and sugar content. They must reject alcohol and smoking. It is necessary for them to comply with the medication prescribed for them by their doctors. They need to monitor their blood sugar levels regularly, again as instructed by doctors. By following these dietary and medical guidelines, diabetics can avoid eye problems and other dangerous complications caused by diabetes.