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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. Read the rest of this entry »

Benzoyl peroxide is another safe and effective topical agent for the early treatment of acne. Available in varying strengths, this chemical works by penetrating into the oil glands of the skin and killing bacteria responsible for acne inflammation. By peeling the skin, benzoyl peroxide also prevents new pimples from forming.

“Always apply it to thoroughly dry skin and carefully avoid the eyes, mouth and nostrils. Start with a five percent gel once a day, then twice a day, then try a 10 percent gel. If your skin becomes irritated, go back to the five percent. The first week of use may result in a worsening condition, so be patient,” said Kurt Butler and Dr. Lynn Rayner of the John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, in The Best Medicine.

“Beware of too much burning and peeling; prolonged discomfort can aggravate your case and discourage you from following through. However, some irritation, tightness and dryness is a sign that the product is doing its work. The idea is to expose and toughen the skin in gradual stages, to build up tolerance slowly,” added Dr. Frederic Haberman, a dermatologist at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York, in Your Skin; A Dermatologist’s Guide to A Lifetime of Beauty and Health.

Like benzoyl peroxide, clindamycin works by suppressing the growth of bacteria. Because it contains alcohol, this topical antibiotic may irritate the skin and should be kept away from heat because the solution is flammable.

“Before applying topical clindamycin, wash the affected area thoroughly with a mild soap and warm water. Then rinse well and pat dry. To avoid skin irritation from the alcohol, wait at least 30 minutes after washing or shaving before applying this medication,” according to Consumer Guide’s Prescription Drugs. Results are visible in six to 12 weeks.

If there is no improvement, be sure to consult your doctor, especially if there are persistent or bothersome side effects. Clindamycin may cause diarrhea, dry skin, fatigue, headache, nausea, oily skin or stomach irritation but these should disappear as your body adjusts to the medication.

Major side effects are bloody or pus-containing diarrhea, increased urination, itching, sore throat, or swelling of the face. Although it appears to be safe, Consumer Guide said extensive studies in humans have not been conducted so be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using clindamycin. Read the rest of this entry »