A Global Threat

There are two basic forms of diabetes. Type I occurs in children and adolescents, but only in between five and ten percent of all cases. The more common is Type II, or Adult Onset Diabetes (AOB). The difference between the two types is that whereas in Type I insufficient insulin is produced in the body, in Type II, insulin is produced, but cannot be utilized effectively by the body. The good news is that although AOB or Type II can often be prevented or controlled by careful use of diet and exercise, some patients may need a range of drugs to control it.

If diabetes is left unchecked, it can lead to blindness, kidney failure, heart disease, disability, amputations and even death. Type II diabetes is often called the mid-life disease because it is most common in people aged 40 and upward but the causes are still a mystery. Excess fat in the body can trigger the onset of diabetes due to the prevention of insulin from working effectively. Many people with Type II are overweight, with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 26 or more. Steroids can trigger it, and often other family members have it too. The symptoms for Type II and Type I are the same and include the need for frequent urination, excessive thirst and hunger, general irritability, weakness, fatigue, and nausea. Other symptoms of Type II may include recurring gum or bladder infections, hard to heal or itchy skin, blurred vision, and numbness. Sometimes symptoms with Type II are so mild that they can go unnoticed. How can you help your body protect against diabetes?

A combined approach is the best. Make certain that you have a healthy, balanced diet. Exercise regularly and lose excess weight without putting stress on the body. Exercise has been known to help beat back diabetes, but as with all new activities it should be started gently to prevent giving the body a sudden shock. If you haven’t exercised for some time, start with stretching and a brisk walk, or begin with a regular swim. Try to build exercise into your daily routine, and the 20-minute mini-morning workout, which is available by e-mail from minian193@naturalhealthlines.com would be a suitable starting point for many. If you think you have diabetes, do consult your doctor about exercise as it consumes blood sugars for energy.