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In the last few years, many studies and research have been done to determine the causes of type 2 diabetes. What we do know today is that type 2 diabetes is far too common among families. For instance, an individual diagnosed with type 2 diabetes most likely has a relative or two with the same disease. Because of this, type 2 diabetes is considered a genetic disease.

Resistance to Insulin: A Type 2 Diabetes Factor

People who have type 1 diabetes are not able to produce enough insulin. People who have type 2 diabetes, on the other hand, are actually able to produce adequate amounts of insulin, but their body is simply unable to process the insulin properly. People with type 2 insulin are insulin resistant.

There are symptoms of insulin resistance but these symptoms are often ignored for several years. People can prevent developing type 2 diabetes if they take the early steps. For instance, it is never too early for a person to take a simple blood sugar test. Type 2 diabetes is a disease that does not discriminate. It can develop even in those people who are eating right and exercising regularly since type 2 diabetes is a genetic disease. You may eat right and exercise right, but if you are still at risk if somewhere in your family history, there are relatives who have type 2 diabetes.

Type 2 Diabetes Myths

Again, there are several symptoms of type 2 diabetes and it is best to see a doctor if any of the symptoms manifest themselves. But just as there are many type 2 diabetes symptoms, there are also many myths about it. Your best recourse is to learn about the disease so that you do not fall victim to false beliefs.

Here are a few of the common myths about what causes type 2 diabetes:

* Stress

It is not true that stress causes diabetes. Many illnesses have stress as their leading factor but in the case of diabetes, stress is not. Stress, however, can worsen a disease like diabetes (e.g., constant and unnecessary worrying). Continue Reading »

There are many practical things that can be done to help manage diabetes. Here are 7 tips to help you control type 1 diabetes.

1. Remaining positive about your type 1 diabetes and the necessary treatments to maintain your health is very important. As you go about your daily treatments and routines, you need to keep your attitude focused on what you can do to improve. Try to get your friends and family involved in your treatments and fitness routines. Make a special effort to be resolved whenever it feels like you are fighting a losing battle.

2. Take responsibility to learn all about type 1 diabetes and its treatments. You will be in charge of your daily treatments, so you’ll need to understand what your blood glucose treatments means and how to administer corresponding insulin injections.

3. Take a disciplined approach to planning your daily life. When you have type 1 diabetes, it is important to fit exercise into each day. It is also important for those with type 1 diabetes to eat their meals at the same times each day.

4. It may be beneficial for you to keep a journal of your health. When you are feeling particularly bad or particularly good, take down notes about your activities before and during your current state of health. You should also note down what foods you ate at your last meal. Include also your most recent blood glucose test results and what treatments you have administered. Take this journal with you to the doctor to help him make any changes that are necessary in the treatment program for your type 1 diabetes.

5. Be aware that various types of insulin work at different rates. Your doctor will prescribe insulin that he believes will work at an appropriate rate for you. Make sure you take the insulin your doctor has prescribed for you at the times he prescribed it to be taken.

6. It does not hurt to have regular testing done on your blood especially in the early stages of treatment. This will allow your doctor to make any adjustments that may be necessary to control your type 1 diabetes.

7. Do not neglect staying physically fit and eating healthy foods. The most important thing you can do for yourself is to make sure you provide your body with the nutrients it needs to function properly. Your body will also function better if you exercise regularly.

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The next important factor to consider in treating diabetes is exercise. Exercise not only lowers blood sugar but keeps your weight down and improves blood circulation.

Recent studies also show that exercising at least once a week may prevent the onset of type II diabetes by 33 percent in normal weight women and 16 percent in overweight females.

What kind of exercise should you perform? Researchers say any form of exercise done regularly is fine. Your physician will tell you how much exercise you need depending on your age, weight, and overall health.

For diabetics embarking on an exercise program, be alert to the symptoms of hypoglycemia or low blood sugar that can occur if you’re taking insulin or oral hypoglycemia agents. To minimize that risk, consume a light carbohydrate snack at least 30 minutes before exercising.

In the event of prolonged exercise, bring some food along and eat every half hour. You can also reduce your dosage of insulin or take it at a time when you’re not exercising to prevent hypoglycemia.

Insulin is the mainstay of diabetes therapy. It is generally used by insulin-dependent or type I diabetics who are younger than 40 years old.

For those who develop the disease after the age of 40, diet and exercise are usually enough to control the condition. But if blood sugar levels fail to respond to these measures, the elderly patient with non- insulin dependent or type II diabetes may require insulin shots or the use of oral hypoglycemic agents.

There are several types of insulin but all of them are injected since this hormone is destroyed by the digestive system when taken orally. Some varieties of insulin are taken from the pancreas of cattles or hogs while others are a mixture of both. Human insulin made from recombinant techniques is also available.

Of the three, human insulin causes fewer allergic reactions. Pork and beef insulin can be painful or cause fat, lumpy formations at the site of injection. However, some people can use them without experiencing any trouble. This is especially true with pork insulin which nearly resembles human insulin than beef.

Certain varieties of insulin act more quickly than others. The intermediate-acting insulin works best during the first 12 to 18 hours and its effects last for 20 to 24 hours. With short-acting insulin, the greatest effect is produced only during the first four to five hours and this lasts for only eight to 12 hours. Long-acting insulin is the best of the lot: it stabilizes blood glucose levels for the entire 24 hours. Continue Reading »