diabetes

Diabetes mellitus (DM), commonly known as diabetes, is a group of metabolic disorders characterized by high blood sugar levels over a prolonged period. Symptoms of high blood sugar include frequent urination, increased thirst, and increased hunger. If left untreated, diabetes can cause many complications. Acute complications can include diabetic ketoacidosis, hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state, or death. Serious long-term complications include cardiovascular disease, stroke, chronic kidney disease, foot ulcers, and damage to the eyes.Diabetes is due to either the pancreas not producing enough insulin, or the cells of the body not responding properly to the insulin produced. There are three main types of diabetes mellitus:
Type 1 diabetes results from the pancreas's failure to produce enough insulin due to loss of beta cells. This form was previously referred to as "insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus" (IDDM) or "juvenile diabetes". The cause is unknown.
Type 2 diabetes begins with insulin resistance, a condition in which cells fail to respond to insulin properly. As the disease progresses, a lack of insulin may also develop. This form was previously referred to as "non insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus" (NIDDM) or "adult-onset diabetes". The most common cause is a combination of excessive body weight and insufficient exercise.
Gestational diabetes is the third main form, and occurs when pregnant women without a previous history of diabetes develop high blood sugar levels.Prevention and treatment involve maintaining a healthy diet, regular physical exercise, a normal body weight, and avoiding use of tobacco. Control of blood pressure and maintaining proper foot care are important for people with the disease. Type 1 diabetes must be managed with insulin injections. Type 2 diabetes may be treated with medications with or without insulin. Insulin and some oral medications can cause low blood sugar. Weight loss surgery in those with obesity is sometimes an effective measure in those with type 2 diabetes. Gestational diabetes usually resolves after the birth of the baby.As of 2017, an estimated 425 million people had diabetes worldwide, with type 2 diabetes making up about 90% of the cases. This represents 8.8% of the adult population, with equal rates in both women and men. Trend suggests that rates will continue to rise. Diabetes at least doubles a person's risk of early death. In 2017, diabetes resulted in approximately 3.2 to 5.0 million deaths. The global economic cost of diabetes related health expenditure in 2017 was estimated at US$727 billion. In the United States, diabetes cost nearly US$245 billion in 2012. Average medical expenditures among people with diabetes are about 2.3 times higher.

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  1. Cinisajoy

    Diabetes and diets

    Mod. Edit: posts moved to create a new thread Carbs are heck on either the diabetic or the hypoglycemic. I have to make sure I have plenty of protein before doing carbs. The other way does not work. I am hypoglycemic. Though it has gotten better, the closer I got to a good weight for me.
  2. SatNavSaysStraightOn

    One can of Fizzy Drinks every day increases Pre-diabetes risk by 46%

    Drinking just one can of fizzy drink every day increases the chance of developing a condition called pre-diabetes by 46%. Pre-diabetes is defined as when the blood glucose level is higher than normal which can lead to type 11 diabetes. Curiously though the "diet versions" of the same fizzy...
  3. GadgetGuy

    Insulin & Diabetes.

    While on vacation in Washington, DC, I found out that my glucose level was over 500 mg/pd! I must admit though, that I haven't check the glucose level since February. The batteries in the meter were low, so I went to the nearest store to get some. When I replaced the old ones and did a check on...
  4. thegrey

    Hypoglycemia

    I know the diabetic diet is obviously great for diabetics, but does anyone know if it is good for avoiding lows in blood sugar as well? Are there any foods or habits in particular that we should be careful about, if we have low blood sugar? Some days, I have a terrible time keeping mine on an...
  5. homecooker

    Soups That Are Low Carb

    Well, I'm not diabetic, but I like to keep my carbs fairly low in the winter when I am less active and tend to gain weight. I've been making the soup seen in my profile pic for years, but I'm looking for alternatives. The soup in my pic is what I call Hot Dog Soup and it's super simple to make...
  6. whitakermk

    Diabetic Grilling Ideas?

    If you are a diabetic then chances are that you have a pretty strict diet that you need to follow. I was wondering if any of your diabetic friendly recipes have translated over to the grill and outdoor cooking in your own life. It would be helpful to many to fill this thread with diabetic safe...
  7. DancingLady

    Diabetic Diet as Prevention

    I have heard quite a bit about the basic principles of a diabetic diet and balancing carbohydrates with fats and proteins to balance blood sugar. To me this sounds like a good way to eat to prevent blood sugar problems and diabetes before they develop. Do you or others you know follow these...
  8. apike

    Diabetic Lows

    I'm writing this post because I let myself go too long without eating. I got caught up in the work I was doing and then I realized I had a nasty headache and my hands were shaking so bad, I could no longer type! It's very rare that I allow myself to get that low but it happens sometimes. I...
  9. Lostvalleyguy

    Diabetes and low GI foods.

    A few years back a friend of mine was diagnosed with diabetes and it was the end of the world for him. They were in the process of doing further tests and he was paranoid to eat anything that he perceived to have sugar. This actually made things worse because he just shifted to foods with...
  10. ReadmeByAmy

    A Diabetic person can live a normal life too

    If you happened to be a diabetic person do not think that it is already the end of everything in your life.Do not worry and you can live a normal life too. I had a family member and relatives who had been with the disease for a long time ago and yet they are just fine and doing all of these...
  11. True2marie

    What kind of beverages can diabetics drink?

    My brother was diagnosed with diabetes type II about a year ago. Since, he's been struggling to change his diet. His biggest issue is with beverages - what to drink. Does anyone know what beverages are best for a diabetic?
  12. MyDigitalpoint

    Recipe Diabetic Holidays Recipes - Holiday Nog

    With the advent of holiday seasons, I was wondering about diabetic people feeling excluded of the celebrations because in holidays food is particularly rich in all what they cannot eat. So that, I thought to share some recipes for the diabetic patient, but also to anyone wanting to taste...
  13. MyDigitalpoint

    Recipe Diabetic Holidays Recipes - Peanut Butter Cookies

    With the advent of holiday seasons, I was wondering about diabetic people feeling excluded of the celebrations because in holidays food is particularly rich in all what they cannot eat. So that, I thought to share some recipes for the diabetic patient, but also to anyone wanting to taste...
  14. Gene Gibly

    Diabetic desserts recipes that everyone can enjoy?

    Does anyone have a link or details of good diabetic desserts recipes - preferably desserts that can be enjoyed by everyone at the table (as opposed to making / serving separate desserts for diabetic guests)?
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