Diabetes Mellitus is an inherited disease which occurs when the Islands of Langerhans on the pancreas are unable to produce enough protein and insulin to process the carbohydrates (sugars and starches) we eat. The sugar stays in the blood until it spills over into the kidneys and then is output in the urine. Symptoms of the disease include extreme thirst, excessive urination, constant hunger, loss of weight, itching around the groin, marked fatigue, changes in vision, and slow healing of cuts and scratches.
There are many diseases and conditions that cause irritation and pain to the sufferer, and certainly diabetes is one of them. Having to constantly test your sugar, give yourself injections, and tailor your diet can be difficult and frustrating, and at times even painful. It's very tempting for those who have been dealing with this condition for some time to want to sneak that sweet treat or to skip testing their sugar like they should. But why worry about your diabetes? Why keep such good track of it? What's the harm in having just a nibble of dessert or going that one time without testing?
If your doctor hasn't already frightened you enough with horror stories of what diabetes can do to you if left untreated, remind yourself that this disease can cause blindness, heart disease, kidney failure, nerve damage, impotence, and loss of toes or even feet to amputation because of gangrene.
Bear in mind that you don't need to be a very old person to suffer these consequences of diabetes. It's not uncommon for those who have been diagnosed for only a short time to experience complications, many of which require hospitalization, because of ignoring the risk or not following their self-treatment regimen properly. It also doesn't take that long for these symptoms to appear if one neglects the proper care of diabetes. Because insulin is so important to the system and because blood sugar affects so many parts of our system, neglecting the care and treatment of diabetes for even one day can have very serious, long-term consequences.
The bad news is that diabetes is one the rise in the U.S. and other parts of the world as well; many doctors attribute this to obesity and the lifestyle choices and habits that bring this condition on. The good news is that doctors are learning new ways of treating diabetes every single day. Many patients are now using a small pump that keeps administering their medication on a regular basis so that they can forego injections. These medications are also being greatly improved upon as well.
However, the bottom line is that much of diabetes prevention and management is still going to rest in the hands of the patient. If your diet and lack of exercise is keeping you overweight, then keep in mind that these same habits and lifestyle choices are going to make you more prone to this disease. If you're overweight because you eat a lot of sweets, you're going to be wreaking havoc on your blood sugar and making your pancreas shift into overdrive.
Some people are more genetically disposed to diabetes but others still have the power to prevent it, and certainly it's worth all the time, effort, and discomfort that you go through in order to treat it properly if you do already have it.
Common Vitamins and over the counter products can help with diabetes such as Potassium, Oat Bran, Magnesium, Chromium Picolinate, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Exercise.
Potassium is used by the pancreas during insulin release.
Oat Bran contains fiber which helps to regulate blood glucose levels.
Magnesium is necessary for blood clotting and proper insulin function.
Chromium Picolinate plays a vital role in sensitizing the body’s tissues to the insulin and enhances glucose metabolism which will result in suppressing cravings for sweet foods. It is also responsible for regulating the efficient metabolism of fats, carbohydrates and protein.
Vitamin E accelerates wound healing and aids in the functioning of the immune system.
Vitamin C can help the atherosclerotic condition of diabetic arteries while at the same time fight infection and aiding in the healing of the skin of the foot.
Exercise is also very important in controlling diabetes, because exercise burns sugar just like insulin. Exercise every day if possible; however, be careful to consult your doctor before starting any exercise program.
Always consult your doctor before using this information.
This Article is nutritional in nature and is not to be construed as medical advice.
