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Causes of Diabetes and Diabetes Information

A growing number of people are being diagnosed with type two diabetes. Estimates suggest up to 20 per cent of the population in developed countries are diabetic.

Diabetes leads to high blood glucose. This is because a diabetic has difficulty producing enough insulin, or using the insulin properly. The pancreas produces the hormone insulin to help your cells absorb glucose and produce energy. Without enough insulin, the sugar stays in the blood. The glucose can cause many unpleasant medical problems. You could experience kidney disease, heart problems, blindness, and amputation.

There are symptoms of diabetes you can watch for. Diabetes can make you feel very tired because you can’t produce enough energy from the glucose you consume. People with diabetes may need to pee too often. They may experience blurry vision. Some people feel irritated or experience mood swings. You may gain or lose weight without trying. Or you may feel really hungry or thirsty. Some people with high blood pressure or cholesterol are more likely to experience diabetes. Sometimes the signs of the disease are subtle. You may not experience any obvious symptoms. In fact, most people do not have all of the signs of diabetes. Many people never get diagnosed for diabetes.

However, certain people should keep an eye out for symptoms of diabetes because they may be more apt to develop the condition. People over 40 should talk to their doctor about diabetes. If you come from an Asian, African, Hispanic or Aboriginal background, you may be at higher risk. You may also be prone to the symptoms of diabetes if you are overweight. Obesity is a major risk factor for diabetes, especially if you accumulate the extra pounds around your waist. People who get dark patches on their skin are also susceptible to diabetes. If you have a close family member with diabetes, you are also more likely to develop it. If you have a brother, sister, or parent with the disease then you should watch for the symptoms of diabetes.

It’s important to watch for the symptoms of diabetes. Diabetes can be managed with a variety of treatments. You need to keep your blood sugar in check. Some people will need to take insulin to manage their blood sugar. Insulin needs to be administered through the skin to the fat beneath. You will need to use a pen, pump or syringe to do this. People with Type one diabetes cannot produce any insulin. This condition usually rears its ugly head in childhood. People with type two may not be able to produce or use insulin effectively. The third form of diabetes is known as gestational diabetes. It develops during pregnancy, but usually disappears after birth.

You may also be able to keep the symptoms of diabetes at bay by making healthy changes in your life. Your diet is a major source of glucose. You can slow the release of sugar into the blood by eating well rounded meals, at regular times throughout the day.

The kinds of carbohydrates, fats and proteins you consume is important. Carbohydrates that are high in fiber or fat will take longer to enter the blood stream. A system called the glycemic index can help you choose which carbohydrates are best source of energy. You need to use common sense as well. Chocolate is not a high glycemic food because of its fat content. However, it should not be a staple in a diabetic diet. You should avoid saturated fats, and focus on monounsaturated fats, and essential fatty acids. Make sure you choose low fat options for your protein intake. Exercise and weight management will round out your diabetic treatment plan.

People with diabetes should make complex carbohydrates a focus of their diabetes diet. Carbohydrates can make up between 40 and 60 percent of your total food intake. Protein should account for 25 to 35 per cent of your diet. And fats should round out the menu.

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