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 Diabetes Mellitus


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You can make a difference in your blood glucose control. To keep your blood glucose levels within goal range, you need to balance your food, diabetes medications (if taken), and physical activity. By familiarizing yourself with each of these factors, yo...


As if there are not enough reasons to quit smoking, breaking the habit is even more important if you have diabetes or want to avoid getting it. Diabetes is a disease of the pancreas, an organ behind your stomach. Normally, the pancreas releases a subst...


Alcohol and Diabetes

The way alcohol is processed in the body is similar to the way fat is processed, and alcohol provides almost as many calories. If you choose to drink alcohol, only drink it occasionally and when your blood glucose level is well-controlled. If you are fo...


Alternative Therapies for Diabetes

Alternative therapies are treatments that are neither widely taught in medical schools nor widely practiced in hospitals. Alternative treatments that have been studied to manage diabetes include acupuncture, biofeedback, guided imagery, and vitamin and ...


Blood Glucose Monitoring Overview

Self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) is one of the most important ways to manage your diabetes. Monitoring your blood glucose (blood sugar) tells you if your meal plan, exercise, and medication are working to control your diabetes. Monitoring helps...


Blood Glucose Test

What is a blood glucose test? A blood glucose test is a blood test that screens for diabetes by measuring the level of glucose (sugar) in a person’s blood. How can one tell if I have diabetes by examining my blood? Your body converts sugar, also ca...


Carbohydrates and Diabetes

The long-held belief that eating foods containing "sugar" (sweets) will cause your blood glucose levels to rise higher and more quickly than starchy foods (bread, rice, pasta, etc.) has not been supported by scientific evidence. Both are forms...


Continuous Glucose Monitoring

What is continuous glucose monitoring? A continuous glucose monitoring system is an FDA approved device that records glucose levels throughout the day and night. The only approved device – Medtronic’s MiniMed device – provides up to 288 glucose measure...


Diabetes - Sick Days

How should I care for my health when I'm sick or have an infection? An illness such as the flu, fever, cold, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or an infection may cause your blood glucose to increase. It is very important to test your blood glucose when you...


Diabetes and Infections

Diabetes can slow down the body’s ability to fight infection. High blood glucose leads to high levels of sugar in your body tissues. When this happens, bacteria grow and infections can develop more quickly. Common sites of infection are your bladder, ki...


Diabetes and Exercise

Although the role of exercise in diabetes treatment has been misunderstood in the past, specialists have learned more about the circulatory, metabolic, and hormonal effects of exercise in the treatment of diabetes during the last 15 to 20 years. How ...


Diabetes and Female Sexuality

OverviewSexuality not only implies sexual activity but includes the full spectrum of sexual activity which is dependent upon the medical, psychological and sociocultural aspects of an individual. Two areas of great interest with respect to women with di...


Diabetes and Heart Disease

Heart disease is the major cause of death for people with diabetes. All people with diabetes have an increased chance of developing heart disease — people with diabetes are two to four times more likely to develop heart disease than someone without diab...


Diabetes and High Blood Pressure

What is diabetes? Diabetes is a disease of the pancreas, an organ located behind your stomach. Normally, the pancreas releases a substance called insulin into the blood. Insulin helps the body to use simple sugars and fats broken down from the food w...


Diabetes and Home Tests

IF YOU HAVE diabetes, you may wonder, "How can I do everything I need to do to stay healthy?" Caring for diabetes can seem like a difficult task. You may feel uneasy about giving yourself tests and medication. But you can have diabetes and sti...


Diabetes and Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia, or low blood glucose, is a condition in which there is too much insulin and not enough glucose (a simple sugar) in your body. (You may also have heard hypoglycemic reaction called "insulin reaction.") Hypoglycemia can only occur ...


Diabetes and Insulin

If you have been told that you have diabetes, you may be wondering, "How can I do all that I need to do?" Living with diabetes can seem like a difficult task. You may feel uneasy about giving yourself tests, medications, and injections. But yo...


Diabetes and Pregnancy

Pregnant women who have diabetes before getting pregnant have special health concerns, such as keeping blood glucose (sugar) levels in good control, managing diabetes medicines, adjusting meal plans, and exercising regularly. Preparing for pregnancy...


Diabetes and Sports do Mix

Many people with diabetes are afraid to exercise because they fear low blood sugars (hypoglycemia). But, with careful control and by eating properly, you can succeed in sports. In fact, there are many professional athletes who have diabetes. The most ...


Diabetes and Stroke

The risk of stroke is two and one-half times higher in people with diabetes. A stroke is damage to part of the brain tissue as a result of a loss of blood and oxygen. Brain tissue needs a constant supply of oxygen and nutrients to keep nerve cells and o...


Diabetes and the Foods You Eat

The foods you eat are made of three basic nutrients: carbohydrates, fat, and protein. All of these nutrients provide calories (energy) that allow your body cells to function properly. Why do I need a meal plan? A balanced meal plan is important for e...


Diabetes and Travel

When you schedule a vacation, be sure to plan ahead. Plan for changes in meal patterns, time zones, and increased or decreased activity. Before you leave for vacation: Make an appointment with your doctor to discuss your travel plans. Get extra...


Diabetes and Your Feet

What is diabetes?Diabetes is a disease of the pancreas. The pancreas produces a substance called insulin. Insulin plays an important role in the distribution and use of the energy the body needs to function. When food is digested, much of it is broken ...


Diabetes Camp Welcomes New Friends

It’s not like the subject is hush-hush or embarrassing. It’s just not much of a topic of conversation at Camp Ho Mita Koda in Newbury, Ohio. There’s just too much really fun stuff to do and too many cool people to meet, explains 16-year-old Jacob Bull...


Diabetes Checklist

Here is a summary of the guidelines that will help you manage your diabetes for a lifetime of good health: 1. Plan what you eat and follow a balanced meal plan. See your dietitian at least once a year. 2. Exercise at least four times a week for 30 m...


Diabetes Diagnosis

An American Diabetes Association expert committee recently recommended a change in the names of the two main types of diabetes because the former names caused confusion. The type of diabetes that was known as Type I, juvenile-onset diabetes, or insulin-...


Diabetes in African Americans

Today, diabetes mellitus is one of the most serious health challenges facing the United States. The following statistics illustrate the magnitude of this disease among African Americans. 2.8 million African Americans have diabetes.1 On average, A...


Diabetes in Hispanic Americans

Diabetes in Hispanic Americans is a serious health challenge because of the increased prevalence of diabetes in this population, the greater number of risk factors for diabetes in Hispanics, the greater incidence of several diabetes complications, and t...


Diabetes Mellitus: An Overview

What is diabetes?Diabetes is a disease of the pancreas, an organ behind your stomach that produces the hormone insulin. Insulin helps the body use food for energy. When a person has diabetes, the pancreas either cannot produce enough insulin, uses the i...


Diabetes Overview

What is diabetes? Diabetes mellitus is a disease that prevents your body from properly using the energy from the food you eat. Diabetes occurs when either: The pancreas (an organ behind your stomach) produces little insulin or no insulin at a...


Diabetes References

Journals/Newsletters This is not a complete listing and inclusion does not imply endorsement by your health care provider. Remember to always follow the advice of your doctor and health care team. Countdown Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation ...


Diabetes Treatment in the Future: Great Expectations

Oral agents and human insulins and analogues are the main treatments used for diabetes. With the growing epidemic of diabetes, the use of these treatments is expected to triple over the next 10 years. This will be an expensive proposition costing abou...


Diabetes: Glossary

Acesulfame-k — an artificial sweetener used in place of sugar because it has very few calories. Acetone — a chemical formed in the blood when the body uses fat instead of glucose (sugar) for energy. If acetone forms, it usually means the cells do not h...


Diabetes: Frequently Asked Questions

What is diabetes? Diabetes is a disease of the pancreas, an organ located behind your stomach. Normally, the pancreas releases a substance called insulin into the blood. Insulin helps the body to use sugars and fats that are broken down from the foods w...


Diet and Exercise: The Keys to Success with Diabetes

Introduction The two most important "prescriptions" for diabetes are diet and exercise, yet there is nothing more likely to cause dislike, distaste, depression, and discomfort among people with diabetes than those two "prescriptions."...


Driving and Diabetes

OverviewIndividuals suffering from medical conditions which may impair their ability to operate a motor vehicle have an added responsibility to maintain good health to insure their safety and the safety of other motorists. A condition commonly associate...


Eating for Life: Diet and Diabetes

There is no special diet for diabetes. The foods that are good for you are good for everyone. You can make a difference in your blood glucose control through your food choices. Several areas of your diet...


Erectile Dysfunction Treatments for Patients with Diabetes

Diabetes is a very common cause of erectile dysfunction (ED). Clinical experience and numerous studies suggest that at least 50 percent of diabetic patients will experience difficulties with erections. As patients age, this problem increases significa...


Eye Care for People With Diabetes

If you have diabetes, you are at increased risk of developing eye complications including blindness. Blindness is 20 times more common in people with diabetes. All people with diabetes should take precautions to help reduce their risk of developing e...


Eye Problems and Diabetes

The three major eye problems that people with diabetes need to be aware of are cataracts, glaucoma, and retinopathy. To prevent eye problems, you should: Control your blood glucose. Have your eyes checked at least once a year by an ophthalmologis...


Foot and Skin Related Complications of Diabetes

For people with diabetes, having too much glucose (sugar) in their blood for a long time can cause some serious complications, including foot and skin problems, as well as heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, eye damage, and other problems. How c...


Foot Care When Traveling (For People With Diabetes)

Why is foot care important? When you have diabetes, taking good care of your feet is important -- especially when traveling. Poor foot care can lead to serious problems. Whether your trip includes skiing, touring city streets, walking sandy beaches, or...


Glipizide

Common brand name: Glucotrol What is diabetes? Diabetes is a disease of the pancreas, an organ behind your stomach. Normally, the pancreas releases insulin into the blood. When a person has diabetes, the pancreas either does not make insulin, does no...


Glycolated Hemoglobin Test (HbA1c) for Diabetes

The glycolated hemoglobin test (HbA1c, also called hemoglobin A1c or the glycosylated hemoglobin test) is an important blood test to determine control of your diabetes. It provides an average blood glucose measurement over the past six to twelve weeks a...


Heart Disease and Diabetes

From the Cleveland Clinic Heart Center publication, Heart Diabetics are at increased risk of heart disease. Cleveland Clinic Heart Center researchers recently discovered that people with diabetes who have acute coronary syndromes, such as unstable a...


Hyperglycemia and Diabetes

Hyperglycemia, or high blood glucose, happens when there is too much sugar in the blood. Causes of hyperglycemia Skipping or forgetting your insulin or oral glucose-lowering medication Eating the wrong foods Eating too much food Infection ...


Hyperglycemic Hyperosmolar Nonketotic Syndrome (HHNS) and Diabetes

HHNS is a complication that can happen to a person with type 2 diabetes who is ill or stressed. This condition occurs when the blood sugar gets too high and the body becomes dehydrated. Causes of HHNS Infection Heart attack Kidney failure ...


Incremental Lifestyle Changes Can Ward Off Syndrome X

As many as 22 percent of American adults—some 47 million people—may have a sinister sounding disorder called syndrome X or "metabolic syndrome," which significantly increases a person’s risk of developing life threatening chronic diseases. ...


Insulin Pumps

Insulin pumps are small, computerized devices, about the size of a pager, that you wear on your belt or put in your pocket. They have a small flexible tube (called a catheter) with a fine needle at the end. The needle is inserted under the skin of your ...


Ketoacidosis and Diabetes

If hyperglycemia is left untreated, it can lead to an emergency condition called ketoacidosis (sometimes called DKA). A person with type 1 diabetes has a greater chance of developing ketoacidosis. If there is not enough insulin, your body is unable to u...


Major Health Groups Join Forces to Fight Leading Causes of Death

Three of the nation’s leading non-profit health agencies in June announced a joint initiative to empower Americans to help lower their risk of cancer, diabetes, heart disease and stroke by following a single set of recommendations. Combined, the four ...


Medicines for People with Diabetes

What if I have type 1 diabetes? Type 1 is the type of diabetes that people most often get before 30 years of age. All people with type 1 diabetes need to take insulin (IN-suh-lin) because their bodies do not make enough of it. Insulin helps turn f...


Neuropathic Pain

What is neuropathic pain? Neuropathic pain is a complex, chronic pain state that usually is accompanied by tissue injury. With neuropathic pain, the nerve fibers themselves may be damaged, dysfunctional or injured. These damaged nerve fibers send in...


Neuropathy (Nerve Damage) and Diabetes

The reason diabetes causes nerve damage (neuropathy) is not known but is most likely due to long-term high blood glucose. There are two types of neuropathy: peripheral and autonomic. Peripheral neuropathyThe areas of the body most commonly affected by ...


Oral Health Problems and Diabetes

Diabetes is a disease that can affect the whole body — your eyes, nerves, kidneys, heart, and other important systems in the body. It can also affect your mouth. People with diabetes face a higher than normal risk of oral health problems. Why are people...


Pancreas Transplantation

What is a pancreas transplant? A pancreas transplant is surgery to implant a healthy pancreas from a donor into a person with diabetes. The kind of diabetes that may be treated with a pancreas transplant is usually type I or juveni...


Preventing Type 2 Diabetes: A Real Health Concern

Diabetes, and in particular, type 2 diabetes, has become an overwhelming public health concern. The emotional and economic stresses of type 2 diabetes are immense. As a maturing population begins to deal with a multitude of age-related disorders, the he...


Prevention of Complications of Diabetes

The complications of diabetes can be divided into acute and chronic complications. Acute complications Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) Hyperglycemic Hyperosmolar Non-Ketotic Syndrome (HHNS) Acute complications of diabetes can occur at any time in ...


Raising Your Standards: What to Expect from Your Doctor

Note: The American Diabetes Association publishes Clinical Practice Recommendations for health care providers. Standards of medical care for people with diabetes were most recently updated in 2005. Those guidelines, published in Diabetes Care, 2005, V...


Resources at The Cleveland Clinic

Health Organizations Note: This is not a complete listing and inclusion does not imply endorsement by The Cleveland Clinic Foundation. Remember to always follow the advice of your doctor and health care team. American Association of Diabetes Educat...


Sharing Knowledge, Sharing Support With Shared Medical Appointments

A new trend in health care takes the traditional one-on-one office visit to a different level, offering patients the chance to participate in medical appointments shared with other patients. In this article, David L. Bronson, M.D., F.A.C.P., Chairman ...


Skin Care for People with Diabetes

If you have diabetes, there are some steps you can take to help prevent skin problems. Consider the following tips for good skin care: 1. Keep your diabetes under control. Follow your health care provider’s advice regarding nutrition, exercise, an...


Skin Conditions in Diabetes

Diabetes can affect every part of the body, including the skin.  Many people with diabetes will have a skin disorder caused or affected by diabetes at some time in their lives. In some cases, skin problems can be the first sign that a person h...


Testing Urine for Ketones

Hyperglycemia, or high blood glucose, occurs when there is too much sugar in the blood and not enough insulin. When your insulin level is low, your body is unable to use the glucose. The glucose then gets too high and your body breaks down its own fa...


Type 2 Diabetes

What is type 2 diabetes mellitus? Unlike people with type 1 diabetes, people with type 2 diabetes produce insulin. However, the insulin produced is either not enough or doesn’t work properly in the body. When there is not enough insulin or the insulin...


What are the Different Types of Insulin?

There are many forms of insulin. They are classified by how fast they start to work and how long their effects last. The types of insulin include: Rapid acting Short acting Intermediate acting Long acting Pre-mixed What type o...


What Causes High Blood Sugar Levels in the Morning?

There are two reasons why your blood sugars levels may be high in the morning – the dawn phenomenon and the Somogyi effect. Dawn phenomenon. The dawn phenomenon is the end result of a combination of natural body changes that occur during the sleep ...


What is a Kidney Pancreas Transplant?

Combined transplantation of the kidney and pancreas is performed for those who have kidney failure as a complication of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (also called Type I diabetes). Kidney and pancreas transplant candidates might be currently on di...


What You Need To Know About Glyburide

Common brand names: Diabeta, Glynase, Micronase What is diabetes? Diabetes is a disease of the pancreas, an organ behind your stomach. Normally, the pancreas releases insulin into the blood. When a person has diabetes, the pancreas either does not ...


Working With Your Diabetes Health Care Team

Your healthcare team includes your doctor, dietitian, diabetes educator, exercise trainer, and pharmacist. But remember, you are the most important member of the team. Your health care team is available to help you manage your diabetes and maintain your...







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