Diabetes Mellitus, like all other diseases, also shows up some typical symptoms like irritability, fatigue and so on. But one common diabetes symptom that is very often ignored is a condition known as Diabetes Insipidus (DI).

What is this and how does it manifest?

DI is a condition that causes the patient to pass abnormally large amounts of urine, more frequently. He is always thirsty, which makes him drink a lot of water, that in turn increased urinary output.

The ADH or the Antidiuretic Hormone is secreted by the pituitary and is the very one that regulates the water balance in the body. It controls the fluid absorption capacity of the kidneys and decides the amount of fluid that should be thrown out from the body.

DI occurs when the pituitary produces less ADH than necessary. Either that, or the kidneys stop responding to the ADH in the body. This creates more fluid output, resulting in the sufferer wanting to visit the washroom very often. In such a case, the person’s urine also registers a high degree of solutes and less fluid volume as such.

Symptoms of DI include heightened thirst, weakness and fatigue, low blood pressure, fast pulse, dizzy spells, confusion and even sometimes accompanied by fever.

A water deprivation test is performed on the patient suspected to be suffering from DI. He is asked to stop drinking fluids and is checked up every hour. He is considered to test positive if he loses more than 5% body weight, starts feeling weak and when his urine samples do not show much change even after stopping intake of water.

Treatment for this condition includes inhalations, injections and antidiuretic medications. The doctor may also suggest a special diet in some cases. If left unattended to, this easily treatable diabetes symptom may end up causing a lot of trouble later. So do go for regular checkups and ascertain that you are in no danger of ill-health.

Diabetes is no longer an unknown, frightening entity today. Modern Medicine has found a way to combat some of the worst symptoms of this disease. Diabetes testing has truly come of age now and you get an immense variety of diabetic testing supplies in the market today. What is more, you can perform many of these tests yourself, in the privacy of your own home! Here are some of the tests available to you:

Blood glucose meters, monitors, testing strips, urinalysis strips, syringes, lancets, insulin pens and so on can be found very easily at your local drug store. You can also purchase other accessories such as alcohol swabs, needle storage devices and so on at these stores.

The variety of diabetic products you can find today is really mind-blowing! Only, you will have to talk to your doctor before going in for any of them. Follow his advice and you know you are in safe hands! You can also approach him or the local sales person if you have any queries or issues getting your diabetic testing product to work.

Online shopping

While you can find most diabetic products at your local store, online diabetic stores too have a lot to offer you. The greatest advantage, of course, is that you can place your order at the mere click of a mouse button and get the product delivered home as well.

Free supplies

If you find the cost of testing supplies very high, there are several voluntary healthcare organizations offering you very cheap or even free supplies. You can run a local search to find such organizations and can approach them to help you out. However, they will also place an upper limit on the amount of products you can purchase from them.

You have an almost unlimited variety of diabetic testing supplies today. The only thing you should be careful about is the quality of the product you choose to purchase. Always talk to your doctor about the product before actually going ahead with your purchase.

You can easily bring your diabetes under control if you are particular about following certain schedules, such as diet, exercise and medication schedules. One of the most important aspects that determines the extent of diabetes is your diet. Your blood sugar levels can rise arbitrarily if you are not disciplined with your diet factor. Now, your next question is going to be: “What is it that I can eat with my present condition?”

While there are certain restrictions placed on your diet, your food does not necessarily have to be bland and boring. Here, we have listed out some convenient pointers to achieving good health through your diet.

Generally, you should include fiber-rich foods and reduce fatty, sweet and starchy foods as far as possible. Also avoid processed and canned foods, as they are sodium-rich. Apart from that, you should also cut down on heavy meals and instead, have smaller meals more often. You may eat a couple of light digestive biscuits in between meals if you so wish. Your diet should be balanced and should include all food varieties too.

For breakfast

Have low-fat oatmeal and throw in some nuts, one fruit and some raw sprouts. These will give you both the sugar and carbohydrates necessary to last till lunch! If you are used to having milk, just drink a glass of skimmed milk.

In case you prefer omelets, do away with the egg yolk and only take egg whites, which are not loaded with cholesterol!

For lunch and dinner

Consume a lot of salads. This will give you high doses of fiber and will also enhance digestion. Substitute salad dressing by low-fat yogurt dressing instead. Apart from this, eat a lot of green leafy vegetables, stew, beans, chickpeas and navy beans. These things contain ‘good cholesterol’. Eat lean meats like fish and white meats. Avoid fat-rich red meats and always trim away the fat from the meat.

Needless to say, it is always advisable for you to consult with your dietician before you start off on a diet for your diabetes.

Type 2 Diabetes is often age-related and is normally non insulin-dependant. One can control this type of diabetes with oral medication. But Type 1 Diabetes is a totally a different kettle of fish! It usually needs to be treated with insulin, as here; the body is not able to produce enough insulin for its survival. Insulin is fast emerging as the best diabetic treatment for Type 1 Diabetes.

There was a time when insulin was taken from animal sources. But today, human insulin is considered the best form of insulin and is now easily available at your local drugstore. This comes in many varieties, which are as follows”

Insulin pens

Injections are messy and difficult to store, especially during travel. One also has to carry other accessories along with these supplies. But now, the advent of insulin pens has solved the above problems. Pre-filled with insulin, these work like fountain pens, loaded with insulin cartridges. You can measure the dosage before painlessly injecting yourself. Once the cartridge is over, you can easily replace it with a new one!

Insulin pump

This is a new product, marketed in the US by MiniMed, Deltec and Disetronic. This is made up of a reservoir, which comprises an insulin cartridge, pumping system which is operated with batteries and a digital chip which lets you regulate the amount of insulin intake. This apparatus is attached to a plastic tube and cannula, which is injected under the skin. The insulin pump gives you a constant dosage of the hormone throughout the day and is becoming very popular for its ease of usage and storage.

Insulin inhalers

Packed in blister packs, this can be used inside an inhalation device. This product is useful for Type 2 diabetics as well, as they can use it with oral medication. This is very new and so, is not very popular yet.

Do have a word with your physician before you attempt to try out any form of insulin for your diabetic treatment.

Diabetes is a disease that has to be tackled and controlled as early as possible, so as to avoid serious complications in the future. While allopathic medication is the most recommended for controlling this condition, there are also some easily available herbal treatments, which can regulate your diabetes. Read on to know more about them….

Gymnema

Gymnema Sylvestre is found in India and Africa and is said to contain enzymes that help the cells absorb glucose much better. This herb is also found to help boost the insulin production of the body by increasing the amount of beta cells present in the body.

Bitter gourd

This vegetable is found in abundance in India, South America, Africa and China. Extremely bitter for the taste buds, this is known to have tremendous medical properties can work wonders on your condition. This is also known as bitter apple, bitter melon and bitter cucumber. Some research studies indicate that the seeds are loaded with chemicals that help reduce blood sugar, let the body absorb glucose better and also help boost insulin generation in the body.

Fenugreek

Fenugreek seeds are known to have a very positive effect on fighting diabetes. Research reveals a remarkable fall in blood sugar levels of diabetics who consume this herb on a regular basis, especially in those suffering from Type 2 Diabetes. Fenugreek is high in fiber and so, helps the body retain the food in the stomach for longer periods of time, thereby regulating the amount of glucose released in the body.

There are many more herbal treatments for diabetes, but it is always advisable for you to visit your doctor before starting on them. Also, make sure to continue your regular medication along with this alternative line of treatment.

Diabetes has today advanced by leaps and bounds. There are many new types of medication coming out each day, each of them being more convenient and effective than their predecessor. But the question, which immediately comes to our minds, is, “Can my diabetes be cured completely and permanently?”

Though research is going on in this regard, there is yet no cure for this condition. Of course, there is effective treatment available for the same. But what makes this disorder dicey is that the symptoms do not show up for years sometimes, making things complicated when it finally reveals itself.

Once diagnosed, though, your treatment starts immediately. Provided that you take good enough care of yourself and continue treatment as per your doctor’s advice, you will feet quite fit and healthy in no time at all! You should also know to keep your weight under watch, so that it does not cause complications for your blood sugar levels!

The ‘honeymoon phase’

In some cases, it seems like the body has suddenly got back to being normal, as it seems to maintain its blood sugar levels automatically, without the need for treatment. This, though a great state of being, is only temporary. It is very rightly referred to as the ‘honeymoon phase’ in diabetes.

But watch out, as it will inevitably resurface in a matter of a few months, after which you will need treatment as usual. So be sure to keep taking your tests on time, so that you can catch it soon enough.

Herbal medication

There are people who swear by some home and herbal remedies, but it is always advisable to continue your regular medication along with them, as they can only be palliative.
Though there is nothing such as a cure for diabetes today, ongoing research might just accomplish that mission in the near future!

Are you a diabetic? It is very vital that you store and preserve your diabetic supplies the right way, so that you can receive the full benefit from them. Here are tips on how to preserve your medications and supplies:

• Keep the medications in a dry, cool place. If you consume more than one medicine, neatly arrange each type in a separate cover and label them. Also, keep them all in one place, so that you can find them easily.

• Refrigerate insulin, as it might lose its potency otherwise. You can keep insulin pens at room temperature for current use, but not for more time.

• You may keep your insulin vial or pen at room temperature for a little while before injecting, so that it does not cause pain. But this cannot be done for too long.

• Insulin vials can supposedly be stored at room temperature for about a month, but it is not at all advisable to do so. Vials that have been stored thus for more time should be discarded. Similarly, insulin pens can be stored outside for a maximum of 15-28 days.

• Do not put the insulin in the freezer, as it loses its potency at zero degrees centigrade.

• Never ever use insulin that is past its expiry date.

• Some types of insulin look a bit cloudy. It is okay to use such brands. But if you happen to see clear clumps floating in the liquid, discard the product immediately!

• If you are insulin-dependant, be especially careful when you are traveling. Carry all your prescription, medication and equipment with you, keep the labels intact and inform the airport authorities as and when necessary. Never neglect your dosage at any point of time, while traveling.

For more facts on diabetes, visit http://www.fda.gov/diabetes/.

Be very careful with your diabetic supplies at all times and you will be able to lead a worry-free life ahead!

The ADA or the American Diabetic Association is the largest diabetic organization in the world, which aims at improving the nation’s health by doing the following – educating people about diabetes, food and nutrition; propagating healthier lifestyles and living and conducting extensive research on the subject so as to know more about it. Starting off in a small way, the ADA now has almost 70,000 members nationwide!

Founded in 1917 in Cleveland by a group of women, it is now governed by a 98-member House of Delegates. This organization has now also joined hands with fifty other state diabetic associations all over the US. The ADA Foundation has also been set up now so as to provide support to their education and research wings. This branch has given away $2,80,000 by way of scholarships to undergraduate and graduate students!

Why ADA is so special

• Most members are Registered Dieticians and the rest too are competent and qualified in different aspects of dietetics.

• Members are also qualified in public health, medical nutrition, diet counseling, medical research and so on.

• The ADA’s educational programs are all Government recognized! So you can enroll and become qualified in the field if that is your call!

• You can easily find a health advisor near your location, through the ADA’s impressive website.

• Not only the patient but also his family gets full support from the ADA, even financially, if need be.

Volunteer for the ADA

Today, diabetes is the most common disease the world over. Help to curb it – join the family of the ADA to show your support. The American Diabetic Association needs your help now, more than ever! So grab your opportunity today and make way for a better tomorrow for everyone!

Diabetes Mellitus is so common a disease today but we still do not understand it fully. We experience what we think might be everyday occurrences, but these might actually turn out to be symptoms of this disease! Add to this, this disorder is shrouded by a whole lot of myths and fallacies, which complicates this even more. Here are the commonest myths of diabetes and the real facts associated with the disease.

• Eating sugar causes diabetes

This disorder has nothing to do with eating sugar! Actually, this comes to be due to an insulin imbalance in the body. Of course, consuming sugar with already existing high blood sugar levels is bad, but sugar by itself does not cause you any harm.

• The first symptom is feeling sick

That is not true at all. In fact, diabetes sometimes remains so silent that it goes completely unnoticed in the person for years on end!

• Family history is the key

Of course, family history plays a certain role in diabetes, but this is not necessarily so. Moreover, you may still develop it in spite of not having a family history of the same.

• I can follow the same medication all through

This is one of the most major mistakes diabetics make. Your blood sugar levels will always fluctuate and your medication will have to change accordingly. Take regular tests and consult your physician often if you suffer from this disease.

• Exercising with diabetes is too tiring!

Exercise is a must for diabetics. It not only raises energy levels, but immunity levels as well.

• The entire concept of a diabetes diet puts me off

Diabetes diet does not at all have to be boring, as far as you do not want to let it be that way! Include a lot of flavorful veggies and fat-free, lean meat and you will soon start to enjoy your diet! The key is to cut down on sugar and fat. Otherwise you can have a full diet.

I hope you now understand Diabetes Mellitus better now. You can refer to Diabetes Symptoms Guide and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diabetes for more information on diabetes.

A lot of people tend to think that a diabetic diet is the most boring thing on earth! But this is definitely not so. If you only take the trouble to find out more about the ideal diet for you and follow it properly, you will see to your utter surprise that your can enjoy absolutely tasty and flavorful meals, in spite of your current disorder! So what is the right diet for diabetics such as you?

The best method to plan your diet is to visit a healthcare advisor, talk to him or her and then let them draw out your diet chart for you. The special food pyramid plan is usually the most ideal one for diabetics. This plan lets you eat all types of food in moderation, without having to feel guilty about consuming the wrong kinds of food! Because it includes all food varieties, your health remains in good condition as well, as your body is able to get all the nutrition it needs.

The bottom of the pyramid is the widest, containing the healthiest foods, thereby allowing the most consumption of the same. Here is how the pyramid is built:

• Whole grains contain precious fiber, which supplies nutrition without letting you put on weight. It is great for digestion and also regulates your blood sugar and pressure levels as well. Starchy foods give you the energy to carry on your activities all day long. So these most advisable food types are at the very bottom of the pyramid.
• Vegetables are rich with several nutrients and minerals. They also contain a good degree of fiber and vitamins. So they are good for you too. Go for veggies like cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower and so on and you can never go wrong!
• Fruits are yet another source of fiber and vitamins. Only avoid rich fruits like mangoes and avocados as far as possible, as they are laden with those sinful calories!
• Skimmed milk and milk products give you the required calcium and energy without putting on those inches in your waist!
• Lean meats are a good source of protein. Tofu is one fine vegetarian protein supplier!
• Oil-rich and sweet foods are best avoided, as they only slow down the system, without giving any other benefit. So these are best avoided.

Follow this diabetic diet plan and you are assured of a healthy life ahead!