Diabetes is a serious disease. Every day in America: · 230 people with diabetes undergo amputation; · 120 people enter end-stage kidney disease programs; and · 55 people go blind from diabetes.But, research studies have shown that people with diabetes can greatly reduce their risk of complications. For example, new cases of adult blindness are up to 90 percent preventable with regular doctor visits and proper screening and care. The future is a daunting place for anyone. For children with diabetes, it promises complications their peers have never considered. These children already know the day-to-day challenges of living with a chronic disease.Diabetes affects every organ system in the body. It is a leading cause of kidney failure, adult blindness, nontraumatic amputations, nerve damage, stroke and heart attack.Diabetes kills one American every three minutes

New ways of treating diabetes can reduce the risk of severe complications, officials of the American Diabetes Association said.`Implementing the new standards should enable many more people with diabetes to lower their blood sugar levels closer to normal and reduce their risk of potentially life-threatening complications.

A noninvasive tool that measures the skin’s autofluorescence could help doctors determine whether people with diabetes are beginning to develop serious complications, according to a study published in the November issue of Diabetes Care. Researchers in the Netherlands found that illuminating a patient’s lower arm with a fluorescent tube accurately reflects vascular damage caused by the accumulation of advanced glycosylation end products

People with a common type of diabetes can significantly delay the onset or progression of serious complications by increasing insulin injections and tightly controlling their blood sugar level, diet and exercise, a new report indicates.Doctors called it the most important discovery for diabetics since insulin.”Until a cure for diabetes is eventually developed, it will, in fact, revolutionize treatment recommended for all patients with diabetes.People with the most severe form of diabetes can significantly delay serious complications through unusually intense control of their blood sugar levels, according to a landmark study released Sunday.Intensive treatment appeared to delay the onset of complications and slow their progression when compared with a more standard regimen for controlling blood sugar, said Dr. Phillip Gorden, director of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease.

AN ANGEL FOR PEOPLE WITH DIABETES, ACTRESS WILL SPEAK ABOUT HOW ADAPTING TO THE CONDITION CHANGED HER LIFE FOR THE BETTER When she was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes four years ago, singer/actress/minister Della Reese knew all too well from the experiences of friends that the disease can be a death sentence. “All I knew was negative stuff, ” she said. “Ella Fitzgerald lost both of her legs and died because of diabetes. Mabel King lost both of her legs and died because of diabetes. Mahalia Jackson, my mentor, died from complications of type 2 diabetes.

DICK CLARK TAKES THE BANDSTAND TO TALK ABOUT DIABETES Dick Clark-of American Bandstand fame-has a new gig: persuading people about the dangers of diabetes and the toll it takes on your heart. Clark should know. On Tuesday, the 74-year-old TV personality told The Herald how he got the disease 10 years ago but kept quiet until late last week, when he began a campaign to raise awareness about diabetes, which affects more than 13 million Americans and is growing significantly. “Two-thirds of people with diabetes don’t even know it.   .

U. S. Surgeon General Dr. Richard M. Carmona will help kick off a diabetes initiative today that will focus on Flint and nine other communities nationwide. The Diabetes Detection Initiative: Finding the Undiagnosed, led by the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, expects to reach thousands of adults at high risk for diabetes. Genesee County has the highest rate of diabetes in Michigan, with 20, 000 adults having the disease. National studies suggest easily another……   .

New Message Emerges in Treating Diabetes Eldridge Lee, a real estate broker and adjunct college professor in Fairburn, Ga. , found out that he had Type 2 diabetes more than a decade ago. But he did not take the disease seriously until two years ago, when sky-high blood pressure–a complication of diabetes–led to heart disease. “After coming out of heart surgery, I was sitting with a ventilator down my throat and had a moment of realization that the diabetes, which I had pretty much been ignoring, had led to such grave consequences.

Reports of deaths and serious liver damage caused by the diabetes drug Rezulin, a panel of scientific experts today recommended that the Government place stricter limits on the use of the drug, and urged that patients take it only when other therapies have failed. In a series of votes, the committee stopped short of recommending that the drug be withdrawn from the market, as some consumer safety advocates had urged

MY UNCLE had both legs amputated by the time he was 42. At 50, he was dead from the complications of diabetes. An embolism, the doctor said. A blood clot traveled through his body, blocking the circulation to his lungs. Then, there was the brother of my daughter’s best friend, a juvenile diabetic, who at 19 went into a diabetic coma while driving his car. Doctors said he was killed instantly when he hit the telephone pole.

FUND-RAISERS HIT THE ROAD IN WALK TO CURE DIABETES WORCESTER-Ten-year-old John D. Easson was diagnosed with diabetes when he was 2 1/2 years old and has taken insulin shots three times a day ever since. John wasn’t born with diabetes, but while still a toddler developed unmistakable signs of the disease, including extreme thirst, constant urination and irritability. Tests and a five-day stay in University of Massachusetts Hospital confirmed the presence of the illness. John’s father, David D. Easson of……   .

KNIGHT RIDING MIDNIGHT TRAIN TO SPREAD WORD ON DIABETES Gladys Knight has a story she wants the country to hear. It’s about family, a disease called Type 2 diabetes that runs in families, and her own advice after living with the impact of the disease on her mother, brother and cousin. “This is a serious disease, ” says Knight, singer, actress and author. “There’s so much more people can do. If people are aware, they can keep this under control. ‘

SPECTER OF DIABETES RESEARCHERS SEEK KEY TO PREVENTING POTENTIALLY DISFIGURING DISEASE The telltale sugar levels the test revealed in Vicente Serrano’s blood brought back a ghastly memory for him: His grandmother lost both legs to diabetes. “My mother had diabetes, ” says Serrano. “My older brother has diabetes. My youngest brother is insulin-dependent. But my grandmother. . . ” He shudders. “I got suspicious about my condition. ” Serrano, 65, doesn’t have diabetes.

Widespread diabetes cases prompt serious study Sep. 1 Two years ago, when researchers first recruited Margarita Pena for a study on diabetes prevalence in the Rio Grande Valley, she was at risk but hadn’t developed the disease. So she kept up her regular consumption of pan dulce, candy and tortillas as researchers monitored her insulin levels. A year later, Pena, 58, became a statistic. She developed type II diabetes, which forced her to make changes. “Now, I take good care of myself, ” Pena, ……   .

Family takes case for diabetes funding to Washington Ainsley Basham, 4, is not at all shy when it comes to telling people about her diabetes. Her parents, Greg and Scottie Basham, of Halls, say their little girl has gotten all too familiar with the disorder since she was diagnosed with Type I, or juvenile-onset, diabetes at age 2. “She tells everyone about her diabetes, ” Ainsley’s mom said.

Americans appear to be handling diabetes better, U. S. says For years, public health officials have urged people to do simple things to manage their diabetes: Watch blood sugar levels, eat a healthy diet and exercise. Their message, it turns out, appears to be working. Figures released by the government Saturday show that far fewer Americans with diabetes are ending up in the hospital or developing kidney failure–a sign that diabetes care has improved. “W

CU TEAM DISCOVERS CRUCIAL CLUE TO DIABETES, HEALTH SCIENCES SCIENTISTS FIND PROOF OF TRIGGER IN TYPE 1 Denver researchers have identified a crucial target in the immune-system attack that leads to Type 1 diabetes, which afflicts more than 1. 3 million Americans. In Type 1 diabetes the body turns against itself and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. For years, researchers have tried to determine what prompts this autoimmune assault. Disrupting the first steps could lead to therapies that block the disease, formerly known as juvenile-onset diabetes.

DIABETES CARE GAP WIDENS IN U. S. At a time when fast-growing diabetes and obesity rates are eroding the nation’s health, doctors who specialize in those problems are in short supply–and becoming scarcer. A shortage of endocrinologists in South Florida and around the nation is forcing some people with metabolic disorders to wait months for appointments and may discourage family doctors from sending patients to specialists, say physicians and patient advocates. “You have an aging population……

Brooklyn, a community ravaged by the surge in diabetes and its harrowing complications, Mr. Bloomberg called the effort, aimed at……   .

Diabetes Study Verifies Lifesaving Tactic A 17-year federal study has finally answered one of the most pressing questions about diabetes: Can tight control of blood sugar prevent heart attacks and strokes? The answer, reported today in The New England Journal of Medicine, is yes. Intense control can reduce the risk by nearly half. Rigorous 17-year federal study finds that tight control of blood sugar in Type 1 diabetics can cut risk of heart attack and stroke by nearly half, even if patient has only brief period of intense……   .

Diet a key part of diabetes management, Eating right food, exercising helps manage diabetes Poor lifestyle can increase risk of getting disease It’s been almost three years since Gary O’Connor was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. The 49-year-old Mississauga man has taken control of his health through proper medication, regular exercise and managing his diet. He still vividly remembers the day he was diagnosed. “My blood sugars were out of control, ” says O’Connor, who works for the Canadian Diabetes Association as the area executive director for GTA central south. ……   .

Children’s diabetes on rise along border Obesity puts young Latinos at risk, could cost state billions RIO GRANDE CITY, Texas-”Why me?” asked Miriam Cantu when the doctor relayed the news that she has diabetes and will have to check her blood sugar twice a day for the rest of her life. “Poking needles into myself is no way to live. “Miriam is 12 years old. Her mother, Oralia Cantu, 50, has lived with the disease for nearly three decades. Mother and daughter are a microcosm of a health problem in this largely Hispanic border town.

People with Diabetes are at high risk from various health problems such as:

• Heart Disease
• Strokes
• Eye Disease – Possible Blindness
• Nerve Damage – Neuropathy
• Amputation of foot or leg
• Kidney Problems
• Gum Disease
• Loss of teeth

Another health problem associated with diabetes involves the feet, as Diabetes is one of the major causes for lower limb amputation in the year 2004.

Amputation is obviously the last resort concerning problems of the feet, but it is surprising how a small cut or abrasion can lead to such dramatic results in diabetic patients.

Why is the Foot at Risk?

Persistent high blood glucose levels can eventually damage the body’s nerves, causing a loss of sensation (neuropathy). Nerve damage can also cause pain in the legs, arms and hands creating problems in people’s everyday lives. Your GP or Podiatrist should check your feet on a yearly basis, which should include a sensory exam to check for loss of feeling.

Small cuts or abrasions on the neuropathic foot can go unnoticed if daily foot checks are not performed. The cut can easily become infected, which in turn leads to an infected ulceration and could eventually result in the loss of the lower limb. Therefore the importance of daily foot checks, foot care & Diabetes in general cannot be underestimated.

High Risk Factors Leading to Diabetic Foot Ulcers

A small percentage of diabetic patients develop foot ulcerations, some of which may lead on to amputation. The foot is at a higher risk of ulceration if the individual suffers from conditions such as vascular disease or neuropathy. However there are many other factors that can increase risk of ulcers such as: -

• Cold feet or absent foot pulses
• History of Foot Problems
• Foot Deformities
• Limited mobility
• Poor circulation
• Inappropriate shoes
• Uncontrolled blood sugar levels

A painless abrasion or corn can steadily progress to a distressing foot ulcer, and if left untreated skin deterioration may occur.

While many people take multivitamins to promote good health and to help reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer, new research shows that a daily multivitamin supplement may also help to optimize the health of people with type 2 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes, the most common form of diabetes, results in the body not producing enough insulin or the insulin not being used effectively. Insulin helps take sugar from the blood to cells in the body. Too much sugar in the system can result in damage to various parts of the body, like the eyes and the heart.

A recent U.S. study, published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, looked at the effect of a daily multivitamin and mineral supplement in people between the ages of 45 and 64, one-third of whom had type 2 diabetes. The results showed that those with diabetes who took a supplement were in dramatically better health in terms of fewer infections and days absent from work due to infection, than those with diabetes who did not take a supplement. Infections included things like respiratory infections, flu and gastrointestinal infections.

The researchers concluded that the positive effect on infection reduction was

likely due to the influence of the supplement on any existing nutritional deficiencies the participants had, that were related to poorly controlled diabetes. They suggest that a multivitamin could be of benefit to people who are overweight, have diabetes, who may have poor nutrition or who have underlying diseases.

Many with Type 2 Diabetes do not have any symptoms. Medical tests will determine if diabetes is causing your problems. A doctor can make a diagnosis by reviewing your symptoms and checking your blood glucose levels. One test (called a fasting plasma glucose test) measures your blood glucose level after not eating or drinking (fasting) for at least eight hours, usually overnight. In another test, called the oral glucose tolerance test, your blood glucose is checked and then you drink a sugary beverage. Your blood glucose (sugar) levels are then checked one hour, two hours, and three hours later. The diagnosis is confirmed after a repeat test on a different day. ) Treatment for Diabetes In the conventional medical approach to diabetes treatment, people learn to keep their blood glucose in as healthy a range as possible. They do this by:  Following a healthy food plan Being physically active Controlling their weight Testing their blood glucose regularly.

Some people with diabetes also need to take medicine, such as insulin injections or prescription diabetes pills. When lifestyle changes and medical treatment are combined to rigorously maintain and control blood sugar in the normal range, this approach to managing diabetes can minimize the serious complications of the disease. This enables patients to lead full, productive lives. (Click List of Diabetic Medication to see a list of medications often used to treat this condition. )  Possible Complications Diabetes is associated with long-term complications that affect almost every part of the body. Over time, the high blood glucose levels caused by the condition can lead to problems in the:  Eyes Blood vessels Nerves Kidneys Feet Teeth Skin Heart (see Diabetes and Heart Disease). These problems can cause complications such as:  Blindness Heart and blood vessel disease Stroke Kidney failure Amputations Nerve damage. Uncontrolled diabetes can complicate pregnancy, and birth defects are more common in babies born to women with diabetes. Such complications can be prevented or delayed by keeping the following characteristics in a normal or close-to-normal range:  Blood glucose Blood pressure Cholesterol Triglycerides. Some people develop a condition called insulin resistance, or pre-diabetes, before they develop type 2 diabetes.

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There are three main types of diabetes: type 1, type 2, and gestational. Effectively managing the condition is critical to help minimize the risks of future complications. Diabetes is a chronic condition in which the body cannot properly convert food into energy. It is associated with long-term complications that affect almost every part of the body. The condition often leads to problems such as:  Blindness Heart and blood vessel disease Stroke Kidney failure Amputations Nerve damage. Uncontrolled diabetes can complicate pregnancy, and birth defects are more common in babies born to women who have it. In order to understand this condition, it is helpful to first understand normal digestion and the role of insulin. Understanding Digestion and Insulin Most of the food we eat is broken down into glucose, the form of sugar in the blood. Glucose is the main source of fuel for the body. After digestion, glucose passes into the bloodstream, where it is used by cells for growth and energy. For glucose to get into the cells, insulin must be present. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas, a large gland behind the stomach. When we eat, the pancreas automatically produces the right amount of insulin to move glucose from the blood into our cells. People with diabetes do not make insulin, do not use insulin properly, or both. This causes glucose to build up in the blood instead of moving into the cells. As a result, people with the condition often feel:  Tired Hungry Thirsty. They may also lose weight, urinate often, or have trouble with their eyes. Type 1 diabetes, formerly called juvenile diabetes, is usually first diagnosed in:  Children Teenagers Young adults. In this type of diabetes, the beta cells of the pancreas no longer make insulin because the body’s immune system has attacked and destroyed them.Type 2 diabetes, formerly called adult-onset diabetes, is the most common type. People can develop type 2 at any age — even during childhood. This form of the condition usually begins with insulin resistance, a condition in which muscle, liver, and fat cells do not use insulin properly. At first, the pancreas keeps up with the added demand by producing more insulin. In time, however, it loses the ability to secrete enough insulin in response to meals.

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Diabetes complications, and management –. Exercise and a healthy diet are critical, but may not be enough. Effective management and monitoring tools, like our insulin pump and continuous glucose monitoring systems, can help you lead a full and active life. Type 1 diabetes is most often diagnosed in children and teenagers, and for this reason was once called “juvenile onset diabetes. ” However, people of all ages can be diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Finding out that you have diabetes can be scary, but remember, knowledge is power. With proper care and treatment, people with diabetes can live long and healthy lives. The symptoms of type 1 diabetes often appear suddenly, and may be severe. They can include increased thirst and frequent urination, weight loss, extreme hunger, vomiting, abdominal pain, and fatigue. If you have any of these symptoms, it’s important to get checked as soon as possible by a doctor. In type 1 diabetes, the pancreas cannot produce enough insulin, the hormone that helps cells use blood sugar (glucose) for energy. There is no known way to prevent type 1 diabetes, and scientists do not fully understand why some people get it and others don’t. Unlike type 2 diabetes, there is no relationship between type 1 diabetes and body weight, cholesterol, or high blood pressure. A family history of type 1 diabetes will increase your risk. Certain viral infections during childhood may also increase your risk. Many people are first diagnosed with type 1 diabetes after being hospitalized for symptoms caused by extreme high blood sugar (hyperglycemia). Doctors will use a series of tests to check for ketoacidosis, a dangerous condition that can lead to coma and death. Blood tests will help them determine your blood sugar (glucose) and get an indication of how much insulin is being produced.

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