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Diabetes is a growing problem in this country. With our population at an all time high in weight gain and a low in health care, the problem is only growing.

Diabetes is a disease of the metabolism. Our metabolism is what the way our bodies use digested food for energy and growth.

Most food that is processed through our bodies is broken down by digestive juices into a sugar called glucose. Glucose is the fuel our bodies run on.

When we eat, and our food is processed, the pancreas is supposed to produce the right amount of glucose from our blood automatically and release the right amount of insulin into our blood.

In people with diabetes, little to no insulin is produced or the body’s cells don’t respond correctly to the insulin that is produced. Therefore the glucose builds up and overflows into the urine and passes out of the body.

This is how the body loses its main source of fuel even though the bloodstream contains good amounts of the natural glucose.

There are three types of diabetes, type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes. People who have type 1 are known as insulin-dependent.

This is an autoimmune disease where the body’s natural system is fighting against another part of the body. In the case of type 1 diabetes, the system attacks the insulin producing cells and destroys them.

Therefore the pancreas can produce little to no insulin. These people are in need of daily injections of insulin to live. Five to ten percent of diabetes cases are type 1 in the US.

With obesity levels being at an all time high, the epidemic of type 2 diabetes is growing at an alarming rate, and will only get worse.

Between 2001 and 2002, the diagnosis of diabetes went from 5.5 percent of Americans to an alarming 6.5 percent. In just one year!

Overall, twelve million Americans have been diagnosed and another 5 million Americans have diabetes and don’t know it. And yet another 12 millions are on their way to type 2 diabetes because of impaired glucose levels.

Not knowing is the worst because risks of untreated diabetes puts us at a terrible risk of complications including but not limited to blindness, amputations and ultimately death.

The stickler is, that type 2 diabetes is almost completely preventable. Doctor’s say eat less, eat better and exercise. The numbers show just how many Americans are currently overweight.

Statistically, people are now living longer, and it has been on the rise for years. But this will not continue if type 2 diabetes is not put under control.

We are a gluttonous society and ultimately it is affecting how we live and how long we live.

And unfortunately, the diabetes epidemic is not just a US problem. It is spreading worldwide with epidemic reports in Asia, the Middle East and the Caribbean.

It is estimated that by 2025, the number of diabetics worldwide will rise to 380 million. And diabetes is now affecting more of the young and middle-aged population in developing countries between the ages of 40 and 59.

Sugar is often considered a bane in the diet of diabetics simply because this can cause blood glucose levels to rise. But, since sugar is a natural component of the typical diet, and many people want their cake and eat them too, people just can’t do without it. The good thing is sugar substitutes were invented.

Weight management – The main point of debate regarding the use of sugar substitutes is weight management. People with problematic weights and of course those who were diagnosed with diabetes can benefit most from the absence of extra hundred calories contributed by sugars in their daily diets. It should be noted that an average American consumes about 20 teaspoons of sugar every day. With this much sugar, it is easy to disrupt blood glucose levels in the body as well as to pack up more pounds than necessary. Both scenarios spell trouble for diabetics.

So even with the alleged drawbacks of using sugar substitutes such as their carcinogenic properties or long-term effects like chronic fatigue, many people still find sugar substitutes as the best alternatives to table sugar when it comes to managing weight.

The use of sugar substitutes for this purpose makes perfect sense. The majority of these diabetic products have little to no calorie. This, of course, means little to virtually no nutritive value as well. If you don’t mind empty calories, you’ll probably have no problem with using sugar substitutes at all.

Easier control on blood sugar levels -All things equal, sugar substitutes have no effect on blood glucose levels. Sugar alternatives provide the same or almost the same flavor of sweetness that is found in table sugar, but since these are not sugar by nature, they do not have the same consequences sugar has in the body of diabetics. In addition, some artificial sweeteners are metabolized very slowly in the body. Thus, even if these can affect blood glucose levels, the effects take some time to become apparent, thus, blood glucose levels remain more or less the same.

More food choices – The problem posed by sugar intake also limits the amount and variety of foods that can be eaten by a diabetic. But, with the introduction of artificial sweeteners into the diet, it is easier to eat various types of foods without endangering the health of the patient.

It is a different thing though when too much starch, wheat, corn syrup, and other high-carb foods are consumed. This is because once these foods enter the body, they will be broken down into sugars. Also, keep in mind that the use of sugar substitutes does not make you immune to fluctuations in blood glucose levels. Sugar-free cookies, for example, may not have sugar but these still contain chocolate, flour, and milk which may combine to raise blood sugar level.

But, there is no such thing as free lunch. Constant use of artificial sweeteners by a diabetic, and in fact, even by a perfectly healthy person, can lead to a host of unwanted side effects. These include chronic fatigue and persistent headache. It was also noted to lead to cancer and obesity.

Diabetics do not always have to pass up on sweet things. Artificial sweeteners may not hit the bull’s eye when it comes to drawing physicians to their sides, but they, nevertheless, present good alternatives to table sugar.

Insulin pen, or simply pen, is an insulin delivery system that allows the injection of insulin into the bloodstream of a diabetic. It comprises of an insulin cartridge, a pen needle, and a dial to measure the insulin dose. Its appearance is similar to that of a pen, only it is larger. Some of these parts are either disposable or non-replaceable. The insulin cartridge for one may need a replacement from time to time and the insulin needles are entirely disposable.

Insulin pens are used extensively in most countries, excluding the United States where vials, injections and syringes are the preferred tools for insulin injection. They come in various sizes ranging from 1.5 ml to 3.0 ml.

Types of Insulin Pens There are several manufacturers of insulin pens which make it possible for users to have a variety of options. There are the pre-filled pens that are usually recommended for type 2 diabetics. These pens have pre-mixed insulin dosage, making it easier for users to determine how much insulin is to be used. These pens are disposable and require replacements once the insulin cartridge becomes empty. The drawback of this type is that it does not accommodate any adjustments to exercise and diet.

The other type of pen is the durable pen. It makes use of replaceable insulin cartridges which are discarded only after their contents are fully used up. Once a new cartridge is in place, the pen is ready for use again.

A new addition to the existing insulin pens, pens that have built-in memory allow users to store the time, date, and the amount of dosage. This makes it easier for users to tract their usage of insulin.

Advantages of insulin pens

There are three advantages to using insulin pens – ease of use, accuracy, and portability.

Usage Site for injection – The first step to using an insulin pen is to select the site where you want to inject your insulin dosage. There are a few in the body that make for good injection sites, including the abdominal area, thighs, buttocks, the area of the back just above the waist, legs, and upper arm. When choosing a site for injection, always stay an inch away from the previous site and two inches away from the navel or any scars. Also, be careful not to use sites that are swollen, bruised or tender.

To use your insulin pen, first clean the site for injection with an alcohol pad or a cotton ball dabbed with alcohol. Then, take off the cover of the pen and check how much insulin is left. If the insulin looks a bit cloudy, you can mix it gently by rolling the pen in your hands. Clean the end of the insulin pen afterwards.

The next step is to insert the disposable needle in its place. Once this is properly set in place, you can clear out any air pockets inside the pen by holding the pen up in the air while pushing the end of the pen until a drop of insulin is ejected. You may need to repeat this process for a couple of times until you see a drop of insulin at the tip of the needle.

Set the amount of insulin you want to use. Pinch and hold the site where you would want to inject the insulin. Insert the needle all the way down into your skin and continue pinching the skin for a few seconds more. Pull the pen out and gently massage the area of injection. Put the insulin pen cover back in its place.

Before panic gets in the way, people who are prone to diabetes should familiarize themselves with the disease. This is to avoid negative thoughts entering their heads and so they can think clearly what to do. Having extensive knowledge about the condition cannot only help people to think clearly but can also provide them with whatever options at hand.

If you think that you have greater chances of having diabetes, it is best to know what it is, what are its types, the symptoms to look for, how can it be diagnosed, and the treatments available for you. Knowing all these can help you cope up with the disease and can also help you effectively manage or avoid it.

Veering away from diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic illness, which tends to be more complicated and more severe as time goes by. This is why it is very important not only to people who are prone to it but to everyone to take note of the things that can help them veer away from the condition.

Just like in any condition or illness, veering away from diabetes involves the development of healthy habits. Experts say that those people who have decided to practice healthy habits have lower risks of getting the disease even if they are prone to it. All they need to do is to make changes in their lifestyle including:

1. Diet. As the saying goes, “what you eat is what you are.” If you eat healthy foods and have well balanced meals, then you are healthier than those who don’t do it. Experts advise people who are prone to diabetes that if they don’t want to develop this disease they should eat lots of fruits and vegetables especially those that are non-starchy ones like green beans, broccoli, carrots, or spinach. If you are at risk for diabetes, you should whole grain foods such as brown rice and whole-wheat pasta not processed grain products should be your main option. Also take more meals that has fish, leans meats, calorie-free drinks, and the like.

2. Weight issues. A person’s weight is also a big factor for people who are prone to diabetes. Experts say that people who are overweight have greater risk for suffering from the disease because they can develop high resistance against insulin. If they don’t have enough supply of insulin because of too much weight–responsible for making cells resistant to glucose–they can eventually develop diabetes.

3. Regular exercise. Many experts believe that people who have regular set of exercise and workout have lesser possibility of developing diabetes this is because it keeps a person fit and away from being obese. People who are at risk with diabetes should take into consideration implementing amongst themselves a routine that involves regular exercise at least once a week. It doesn’t have to be a regular set that could be boring or would take so much of your time such as walk, jogging, swimming, cycling, doing household chores, or hobbies that involve lots of physical movements such as gardening.

4. Eliminate vices. Smoking and drinking alcohol are also among the factors that increase the risk of developing diabetes. This is crucial especially to those who have high risk for type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes because the toxins that enter the body make it harder for immune system to cope up.

Carrying a life inside the womb for nine months is probably the most wonderful experience any woman could ever have. In this stage called “pregnancy,” it is very important for an expectant mother to pay attention to good nutrition because this is very vital for her and her baby’s health. Pregnancy for regular women is complicated as it is, how much more for women who are suffering from a chronic illness such as diabetes?

During the course of the pregnancy, the mother and the baby need all the energy and nutrients they can get. Pregnancy is indeed not the time to lose weight or go on a diet because having a nutritionally sound diet can increase the chances for the baby to have a normal birth weight, proper brain development, and reduce the risk of certain birth defects. All these and more should be of topmost consideration for pregnant women who have diabetes.

What you need to know

Diabetes has three types, the “type 1 diabetes” which is the least common type but predominantly diagnosed among kids and teens, the “type diabetes” which is the most common to all ages and the “gestational diabetes” which are common for women once they get pregnant. It can be said that among these three types of diabetes, “gestational diabetes” is the easiest to deal with because it usually ends once the woman gives birth. However, this is not always the case because there are also those that continue to suffer from the disease that can lead to “type 2 diabetes” if not monitored and given proper medical attention immediately.

Although almost pregnant women are expected to suffer from gestational diabetes at one point during their pregnancy, there are also those who suffer from it even before they conceive. In this scenario, dealing with diabetes can be harder and much more complicated. But now, with the help of modern technology and advances in the field of medical research, pregnancy for women who are diabetics is fairly easier and lesser risk when it comes to the overall health of the baby and the mother as well.

First things first

For women who are diagnosed with diabetes, getting pregnant should be an utmost decision to make. This is because it will greatly determine not just the baby’s health but the woman’s overall health condition as well. For women who are planning to get pregnant despite suffering from diabetes, the major consideration to ponder on is the readiness of the woman’s body. This is very important to ensure that the woman can meet all the challenges and difficulties that goes with pregnancy.

To know if the woman’s body is ready for pregnancy despite diabetes, she should undergo a thorough physical examination administered by a licensed physician. This is very important because the physician can tell if the body is ready for the demands of pregnancy and labor and the possible complications that might occur along the way.

Experts say that pregnant women who have diabetes will most likely develop related complications such as diabetic retinopathy, hypertension, kidney disease, autonomic neuropathy or nerve damage to the internal organs, and cardiovascular diseases.

What you can do

With proper daily management, many women were able to have successful deliveries. The following are just some of the things that helped them along the way:

- frequent self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG);

- administering insulin injections and identifying how to adjust the doses depending on results of their SMBG;

- controlling and treatment of hypoglycemia;

- maintaining an appropriate level of regular exercise or physical activities; and an

- appropriate meal plan specially designed for women who have diabetes.

Just like in any other illnesses, the first thing that people need is to be informed and educated about the disease that may be prone to. In case of diabetes, extensive knowledge about this can help people who are already suffering from it to cope up and manage and can also help those who don’t have it yet to be more careful and to avoid the illness.

But, aside from having extensive knowledge on the disease such as its causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment, it also pays to know if there would be related complications. This is to prepare one’s self–emotionally, physically, and emotionally–about the possibilities of coping not just with diabetes but other complications related to it as well.

There are certain factors that affect people to be prone to diabetes such as age, heredity and ethnicity. But regardless of the risk factors, the related complications would just be the same. The following are just some of the complications of diabetes that people who are prone to it must pay attention to:

1. HEART DISEASE AND STROKE. Experts say that people who have diabetes have greater risks to having coronary heart diseases and to stroke compared to those who don’t have them. In fact, these complications are the lead causes of death among diabetics all over the world. People suffering from diabetes are prone to heart diseases and stroke because the fatty deposits brought by drastic changes in the body can block the arteries and leads to heart attack. Because of lesser amount of insulin in the body compared to regular people, diabetics have higher incidence of blood clotting and can also lead to high blood pressure or hypertension.

2. DIABETIC KIDNEY DISEASE. Among people with diabetes, kidney failure is the most common complication because the blood-filtering units of the kidneys are being damaged. Once the kidney has been damaged, important proteins are being along with urine and eventually, the kidneys won’t be able to remove the waste products present in the blood anymore. The good thing is, not all diabetics experience End-Stage Kidney Disease (ESRD) which can be life threatening. To avoid this complication, you must stop smoking cigarettes and always keep the blood pressure under control at all times.

3. DIABETIC EYE DISEASE. This refers to the group of eye problems that diabetics–people with diabetes–may have as a result of the chronic disease. In worst cases, this set of eye related problems such as diabetic retinopathy, damaged vessels of the eye’s retina, cataract, cloudiness in the lens of the eyes, glaucoma, and increased fluid pressure inside the eye that is damaging to optic nerve. All of these, when not treated immediately and now monitored properly can lead to total loss of vision loss or blindness.

4. DIABETIC NEUROPATHY. Those people who are into smoking, drinking, and those who have poor control with glucose are more prone to developing neuropathy compared to those diabetics who are not into these vices and bad habits.

5. GASTROPARESIS. This disorder involves the stomach as a result of prolonged emptying. Studies show that around 20 to 30 percent of diabetics suffering from “type 1 diabetes” are more prone to this diabetes complication because it severely damages the “vagus nerve” which is responsible for keeping the food moving through person’s the digestive tract. Although it is also diagnosed among those who have “type 2 diabetes” the cases are comparatively lower.

Like obesity, diabetes is now considered by many health experts and professionals as an “epidemic” because more and more people suffer from it. The age ranges of people who become prone to it become younger and younger. And the people who are at risk are those who do not only have diabetes history in their families but also those who have developed the disease over time.

Experts say that people who have a history of diabetes in their bloodlines are the primary set of people who are at risk for this disease. But, they are not the only ones who can suffer from this chronic illness. In fact, almost everyone–especially those who have high glucose content in their blood and unable to use it–is prone to having this disease.

Trends are changing

Before, when you are diagnosed with diabetes, it is synonymous to loss of limbs, total loss of vision or blindness, kidney failure, and worst, early death. But now, this is no longer the case. Because of the trends in modern technology and advances in the medical field through research, many people with diabetes are seeing hope that they will enjoy longer and healthier their lives just like the regular people.

1. Insulin. Since diabetes is caused by lack of supply of insulin among diabetics, more and more people come up with variations with the way insulin can enter the body such as:

- implantable insulin pumps which makes it possible for the blood sugar levels to be measured so the and exact amount of insulin needed is delivered instantly;

- insulin inhalers which can aid the daily injections of insulin by providing instant relief by using rapid-acting insulin which is sprayed and inhaled through the mouth–including its coats, the throat and the tongue to pave the way for insulin to enter the into the bloodstream quickly;

- insulin pill which will use a new type of polymer can help the diabetic get insulin faster because it can allow insulin to get into the person’s bloodstream without being destroyed by the digestive system; and

- new insulins which are designed to minimize the regimens and to better control glucose for people including “glargine” which is a basal insulin, the “aspart” which is a very-rapid-acting insulin, and the “75/25 lispro mixture” containing a very-rapid-acting content.

2. Monitoring and tests. These are very important to know how well the diabetic is doing. The new trends when it comes to monitoring and tests include:

- pain free glucose tests which allows the diabetic to monitor their own blood sugar without the excruciating pain of literally sticking their fingers to be able to get blood samples;

- continuous monitoring device which is a “wristwatch-like” device that give more information in how to mange diabetes effectively;

3. New treatments. Since diabetes is a chronic disease, there’s no definite treatment to cure it. However, there are more and more treatments that promise better results like:

- islet cell transplant which can be effective for people with the rare type of diabetes–the type 1 diabetes–because it uses the Edmonton technique which utilize uses cells from the pancreas or islet cells coming from a donor to help the person to produce insulin;

- gene therapy which identifies that a gene called “SHIP2″ can regulate the production of insulin;

4. Vaccine. Through the vaccine–containing a peptide–that stops the destruction of pancreatic cells in the human body, more and more diabetics are now hoping that they can live longer lives despite the illness.