Managing Your Diabetes & Diet Tips

There are three main types of diabetes:-

Type 1 - sometimes known as juvenile diabetes, which usually starts in childhood or late teens.  The onset of this is due to an autoimmune response attacking the cells which produce insulin, resulting in a total absence of natural insulin from the body.

Type 2 - also known as Diabetes Mellitus, which has onset after the age of 40.  This is caused by insulin resistance or problems with insulin secretion which causes the typical diabetic symptoms of thirst, frequent urination and problems with vision.   Diabetes mellitus can be difficult to diagnose as it's symptoms can be mild and sporadic.  There are also several rare causes of type two.  However, it is generally treatable by diet, exercise and occasionally weight loss.

Type 3 - known as Gestational - which has onset during pregnancy.  It is treatable and temporary, but requires treatment to prevent damage to the unborn baby.

FAQ

Where can I find the latest info on type 2?

Free info on how to control diabetes is often available from your doctor or the diabetic nurse at your hospital.  If you're hospital isn't very good at giving patient info, you might like to check out the Diabetes Federation or the Diabetic Association in your own country.  There's literally millions being spent on research and you'll find the latest Research Journal info online from places like the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.  As new information is being made available all the time, keeping up to date with the latest magazines will help you understand more and know how to make the most of your health.

Where can I find type ii diabetes diet info?

Much of what the health professionals say seems to conflict or be out of date.  A few things everyone agrees on - reducing carbs (sugar and carbohydrates) is essential for the management and control of your diabetes.

What causes diabetes?

Whilst the cause of type one is an attack by the body's own immune system on the pancreas's insulin producing cells, the causes of type two are less clear, often resulting from obesity,

What signs do I need to look out for?

If you're constantly thirsty and needing to go to the toilet, find yourself feeling weak despite an adequate diet, have vision problems, it's worth booking in for a check with your doctor for a simple test.

Resources

Diabetic Diet - high protein ? low GI ? Find out how one family found a diet that worked for them.

Fight and Win Type 2 - useful info on the treatment of diabetes mellitus.  Discover how to reduce your blood sugar levels, eliminate insulin resistance and get your pancreas working again.

Juvenile Diabetes blogspot - written by University student, Alissa, this is her diary of dealing with type 1 and a purple insulin pump named Phil!