Diabetes + Original Articles

Experts say that Type 2 Diabetes can be reversible—if you’re willing to change your lifestyle. If you've recently learned you have Type 2 Diabetes, you'll welcome the news that it's not necessarily a lifelong sentence. In fact, Type 2 Diabetes can actually disappear if the person loses the recommended amount of weight. The bad news? Diabetes typically returns if the person gains back the weight, says endocrinologist Stuart Weiss, MD, of NYU Langone Medical Center in New York City.

In yet another example of the inseparable link between mental and physical health, medical experts are noting the increase in depression among people who are obese, especially as they age. In yet another example of the inseparable link between mental and physical health, medical experts are noting the increase in depression among people who are obese, especially as they age. Depression affects 10 to 25 percent of population in the United States and often goes hand in hand with anxiety and other mental health disorders.

Exercise is great, but if you're diabetic, it is possible to get too much of a good thing. Love it or hate it, exercise is crucial if you want to keep your blood sugar at an optimal level. And don't forget all the other benefits, such as sleeping better at night, keeping your weight in check, and just feeling better overall. But-and don't think this gives you a reprieve next time you're feeling too lazy to get to the gym-according to experts, it is possible to exercise too much.

They're juicy and delicious, but grapes may also be helpful in counteracting some complications of diabetes. According to an article in ScienceDaily, a compound found in grape skin can protect blood vessels from the cellular damage that occurs when blood sugar levels are elevated. Resveratrol, the ingredient that makes red wine heart-healthy, stops the damage by actually helping the cells form protective enzymes.

You take your meds faithfully, yet judging from how you feel, you're beginning to suspect they may not be as effective as they'd once been. You're faithfully taking each dose of your diabetes medication. Yet judging from how you feel, you're beginning to suspect they may not be as effective as they'd once been. Could meds simply stop working? Unfortunately, yes. And once you find out why, you can get back on track.

Stories of insulin dosage mix-ups that have had fatal results are unfortunately all too common, but they can be avoided by following critical tips. Stories of insulin dosage mix-ups that have had fatal results are unfortunately all too common. Medical experts say the best way to minimize tragic endings like this are to read insulin labels carefully-and to double-check your doctor's prescriptions, too.

Having fat on the lower portion of your body, such as on the thighs, hips and backside, may protect against diabetes and heart disease, a recent report suggests. Most people are working hard to keep off fat, but new research published in the International Journal of Obesity suggests that the more fat individuals have in their hips, thighs and hind area, known as gluteofemoral fat, the less likely they are to develop diabetes and heart disease later in life.

Smokers are at an increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes after they give up their cigarettes, according to a study published in the "Annals of Internal Medicine." Smokers are at an increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes after they give up their cigarettes, according to a study published in the "Annals of Internal Medicine." According to the researchers, the risk is due to the après-quitting weight gain that is all too  common.

Remember: not all carbohydrates are created equal. A low-carb diet can help people with Type 2 diabetes control their blood sugar, according to a study in Nutrition & Metabolism. The study followed 31 subjects, of whom 13 were on a strict low-carb diet and 18 of whom followed a moderate-carb diet.

This critical life change may also be associated with an increased risk for developing diabetes. As if there weren't enough unpleasant aspects of menopause, such as hot flashes, insomnia and forgetfulness, it now appears that this change may actually be associated with Type 2 diabetes. "There has been some research where we see women going through menopause and developing Type 2 diabetes," says Tracy L.

Picking the specialists who will help you stay healthy is critical for helping you live well with diabetes. If you've recently been diagnosed with diabetes, you may be feeling a little overwhelmed at the sheer number of specialists you're suddenly supposed to visit. Besides your primary care physician, you may be told to see an endocrinologist, a certified diabetes educator, a registered dietitian, a podiatrist and an ophthalmologist.

If you’re counting sheep instead of catching Zs, you need a bedtime makeover. Take control of your insomnia and diabetes at the same time. If sleep eludes you night after night, chances are you're feeling the mind-numbing effects by day. Maybe you're drinking more coffee to keep awake, or succumbing to a mid-afternoon nap just to stay alert for the rest of your day. For those who have diabetes, better control of the blood sugar may be just what you need in order to get high quality slumber every night.

Learning about the glycemic index can help with your meal planning. You may have heard the term "glycemic index" (GI) tossed around by your healthcare provider, but not know exactly what it is. The GI measures how foods that contain carbohydrates raise your blood sugar, according to the American Diabetes Association. Foods with a high GI raise the blood sugar more than foods with a low or medium GI.

Smart and delicious options that will fill you up and keep your blood sugar down. If you've got diabetes, the ideal midday meal should contain protein to fill you up, and carbs (but not too many) to give you energy. Delicious as they taste, carbs should be restricted to 45 to 60 grams at lunch, recommends Adee Rasabi, RD, CDN, CDE, senior dietitian in the Ambulatory Care Network Nutrition Wellness Center at New York Presbyterian-Weill Cornell Medical Center in New York City.

Here’s how to treat and prevent an annoying and painful occurrence. It may or may not cause symptoms, it can start out subtly and if not treated, it can progress to a more serious infection. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are much more frequent in women than in men, and they're even more frequent in women with diabetes.

Taking care of your pearly whites is crucial when you have diabetes. Counting carbs. Blood glucose testing. Possibly juggling several different types of medication. You may be so busy taking care of your diabetes that it's easy to forget about one very important part of your body: your mouth. Both "dry mouth" and periodontal disease are very common among diabetics, says  Maritza Dominguez, DMD, dentist who treats many patients with diabetes.

If you have diabetes, these terrific treats will satisfy your sweet tooth. If you love to reward yourself at the end of the meal with something sweet, you don't have to deny yourself the pleasure. By carefully calculating your carbohydrate intake, you can eat dessert, says Adee Rasabi, registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator at New York-Presbyterian Weill Cornell Medical Center.

If you have diabetes, it's important to plan between-meals with care. Who doesn't like to snack? It's fun, it's social and it's a great diversion from boredom. Besides, sometimes snacks just taste better than regular meals. Despite how wonderful snacking can be, when you've got diabetes, it's crucial that you eat for nutritional benefit and the ability to help keep your blood sugar in control.

Good health ups the odds that you and your partner will have a better time in bed. It's hard to get revved up for sex if you're not feeling well. Before you start blaming your less than vigorous libido on getting older or becoming disinterested in your partner, take a long, hard look at your health profile. Medications used to treat...

Diabetics get sicker with this serious disease, so play it safe with a shot. A simple vaccine could save your life. People with diabetes are about three times more likely than the rest of the population to die from influenza or pneumonia, reports the Federal Centers for Disease Control. People with diabetes, if they develop pneumonia, are more likely to be sicker longer and to go to the hospital, says the CDC.

There are rocky patches, but recipients often can look forward to having more energy and a less constrained lifestyle. The typical recipient of a donated kidney is hooked up to a dialysis machine a few times a week and may not feel too lively overall. After some time, the patient isn't not tethered to dialysis on a regular basis. So why don't people feel immediately euphoric? "Your body has to adjust to the new organ, and to all the medications that you are getting," says Blanca Sckell, MD an internist at Saint Vincent's Hospital in New York City and manager of the primary care program.

Following a nutritious meal plan isn’t easy after years of dietary indiscretions. Change the way you eat. Give up your favorite foods. Reduce your portion sizes. That's the typical advice the newly diagnosed diabetic hears right from the start. Yet even though people with diabetes understand that the best way to prevent complications and to avoid going on insulin is to eat healthy, putting the plan into action can be daunting.

If you don’t want to watch your health go up in smoke, resolve to quit today. It's a well-known fact that people with diabetes have a higher-than-average risk of cardiovascular disease. But when you add cigarettes to the equation, the picture gets considerably grimmer. "We think of diabetes as a disease of glucose metabolism but in fact it's a vascular disease, especially type 2," says Dr.

A diagnosis of diabetes is tough on the whole family. Here, effective strategies for learning to cope. One day your family is clicking along as usual. The next day, without any warning, you're in the hospital with your child. You've just been told he has type 1 diabetes, and you're overwhelmed learning how to give insulin injections, manage hypoglycemia and cook a whole new way.

Advice from the medical experts: Ready, set, play! Whether your child has just been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes or has had it for awhile, chances are that your anxiety level rises when he's on the soccer field, up at bat, or dribbling around the basketball court. You worry that your child's blood sugar will drop too low without his being aware of it, or that he didn't have a big enough pre-game snack, or that he might not be drinking enough water.

Switching from injections to the pump can give you better blood sugar control. Here, the pros, the cons and how to decide if it’s right for you. It's about the size of a beeper and can be worn just about anywhere on your body--in a pocket, inside a bra, even on your back. It holds the promise of better blood sugar control, more flexibility, and less equipment to tote around. But the insulin pump also requires some training on your part.

It's a delicate balance—making smart food choices to control your blood glucose levels, while keeping the fun in food. A diet rich in the following fruits, veggies, spices and meats will lower your need for diabetes medication and help you avoid complications such as nerve damage and kidney disease.

After earlier failures, a new form of insulin may offer an alternative to injections. It sounded like a diabetic's dream come true: the idea of inhaling insulin rather than injecting it. But Pfizer's Exubera, the first inhaled insulin product on the market, wound up a commercial failure. After that, other companies like Eli Lilly-Alkermes stopped studies of similar products.

Your home state impacts how likely you are to develop diabetes, research shows. If you live in one of the Southern or Appalachian states, you better be extra vigilant about your health. Diabetes prevalence is higher in these places than in any other part of the country, according to Medical News Today. "This concentration of cardiovascular risks and diabetes points to the need for lifestyle and health care interventions in these states," said the Harvard School of Public Health's Goodarz Danae.

If it’s not type 1 and it’s not type 2, then what is it? Find out about this misunderstood and often misdiagnosed form of diabetes. It's got the rather ungainly name of Latent Autoimmune Diabetes of Childhood (LADA) but many people call it Type 1.5 diabetes. It's a "rather common and often underrecognized form of diabetes whose clinical presentation falls somewhere between Type 1 and Type 2," says S.

Have you or a loved one survived a life threatening disease? Are you currently struggling with depression, chronic pain, heart disease, or other health related condition? Have you gone to extraordinary lengths to help someone in a health crisis? If so, we want to hear from you! Would you like to inspire thousands by sharing your story? There are no better, more inspiring stories than those that are personal. At QualityHealth, we understand that you, our readers, have your own tales that are both unique and powerful, but most importantly, can serve as an inspiration to others.

Kick off the season of celebration with festive fare that’s delicious and healthy. Sugar and fat-laden pies, cookies and egg nog. Stuffing, sweet potatoes topped with marshmallow, gravy-laden mashed potatoes. These are among the foods that make the holidays taste so good, but can also wreak havoc for people with diabetes trying to eat healthy.

Rethinking your diet and exercise regimen can restore your blood sugar to normal. Maybe you'd been feeling tired a lot of the time. Or perhaps you just didn't feel like yourself. A visit to the doctor gave you the diagnosis you didn't want to hear: pre-diabetes. In pre-diabetes, blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough for a diagnosis of diabetes, according to the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP), a large multicenter clinical research study.

For those with type 2 diabetes, there are many solutions so you can avoid injections. If you've been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, you've probably been advised to lose weight and start exercising. The right diet and a good exercise plan both help keep your blood sugar where it should be. With that said, eating right and working out aren't always easy for busy people to fit into their schedule.

Here, we eye one of the most common, and treatable, complications of diabetes. As the incidence of diabetes continues to rise--an estimated 23.6 million Americans now have type 2 diabetes--the number of cases of eye complications is on the increase, too. In fact, the CDC projects that the number of diabetic retinopathy cases will double by 2050.

Start the day off right with a nutritious eye-opener. Your mom was right. Breakfast is the day's most important meal, especially for those with diabetes. "Metabolically and nutritionally, breakfast can help with blood sugar control," says Ericka Arrecis, diabetes educator and registered dietitian at the Naomi Berrie Center for Diabetes at New York Presbyterian Hospital in New York City.

If you have diabetes, there may be a healthier choice--but be sure to read the label before making a selection. Years ago, margarine was typically made with partially hydrogenated oil, explains nutritionist Christine Avanti. "The older margarine spreads were unhealthful because of the hydrogenation process," she explains. "But fortunately the newer spreads are much more heart healthy.

Exercise not only staves off full-blown diabetes, but it can also lower blood sugar levels in those who already have it. If pre-diabetes has you worried about what the future holds, here's some good news. An exercise program can be your ticket back to good health. Exercising can help those with diabetes maintain better blood sugar controls. Some 11 percent of the people who are diagnosed with pre-diabetes go on to get full-blown diabetes, explains Dr.

The health consequences of misusing insulin to lose weight can be serious. Diabulimia is a disorder that's becoming more common among insulin-dependent diabetics who want to lose weight, explains Ann Goebel-Fabbri, a psychologist at the Joslin Diabetes Center. About one third of all American women with type 1 diabetes, have manipulated their insulin at some point to lose weight, according to the same body of research.

Storing and carrying insulin is easy if you take temperature into account. You've carefully calculated the right dose based upon what you're eating and how much you're exercising. But do you know exactly how (and where) your insulin should be stored?A lot depends upon the temperature, experts say. In order to work effectively, insulin should be stored at anywhere from about 45 to 75 degrees, says  Dr.

Top tips for preparing a terrific turkey with all the trimmings for those with diabetes—and everyone else. This all-American holiday calls for a celebratory meal filled with special dishes and cooked with love. The meal may need to be timed strategically depending upon if you take insulin or a pill to lower your blood glucose.  The good news is that many of the traditional Thanksgiving foods fit in perfectly with the meal plan of those who have diabetes as well as other family members.

Don’t ignore safflower, olive and fish oils if you have diabetes. The much touted Mediterranean diet has practically elevated olive oil to the status of super food. But there are other oils out there that have health benefits, too. Safflower oil, for instance, appears to reduce blood sugar levels by 11 to 19 points, says Kelly A.

Having rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes can be an autoimmune double whammy. As if rheumatoid arthritis isn't enough of a life changing diagnosis to cope with, now it appears that RA sufferers may be at an increased risk for developing diabetes as well. Although, the connection between rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes is unclear at this point, but research suggests that it's real.

For the first time, a simple blood test may hold the answer There may be good news for diabetics. Doctors can predict which diabetic patients may come down with the nerve condition called neuropathy by measuring their triglycerides, according to new research. Diabetics with elevated triglycerides are much more likely to suffer from the condition, which can cause tingling, pain and numbness in the hands, arms, feet and legs, according to a study from the University of Michigan and Wayne State University.

New in India, a once-a-day injectable insulin could be a life changing medication. Anyone with type one diabetes knows just how time consuming the daily routine is--multiple injections are the norm for anyone who wants to stay in good blood sugar control. Now a brand new insulin analog holds the promise of being a once-a-day regimen.

Study sheds new light on the diabetes and breast cancer link. A new study published in the International Journal of Cancer confirms previous research showing that diabetes increases the risk of breast cancer. In this study elevated insulin levels in the blood appeared to raise the risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women.

Exercise Physiologist Dr. Sheri Colberg answers readers' questions on the most common concerns of diabetics. Q: I’m new to “pumping” and I have trouble finding the proper site. Where is the best spot for my insulin pump? Here's some sensible advice about pump sites from www.diabetesnet.com: In the abdominal area, the infusion set can be placed anywhere from just below the rib cage to just above the pubic area, to within two finger widths of the belly button extending to the sides, basically anywhere you can "pinch an inch.

Vitamin C may one day be used to treat diabetes-related health issues. Don't run out and stock your medicine chest with it just yet, but some research shows that Vitamin C, when combined with insulin, stops blood vessel damage in patients with Type 1 diabetes. We had tested this theory on research models, but this is the first time anyone has shown the therapy's effectiveness in people," says Michael Ihnat, Ph.

Sprinkling a bit of this spice may do well for your diabetes. For those who are familiar with the diabetes diet, cinnamon is a large component. Research is suggesting that cinnamon may help control blood sugar in those with type 2 diabetes, but results so far have been mixed. Lab studies at the University of Georgia tested extracts from two dozen spices and herbs, and some findings suggest that generous amounts of cinnamon could be useful.

According to recent research, being a double D makes you more likely to develop the disease. If you're worried about getting diabetes, take note of your bra size. A larger cup size is linked to higher rates of Type 2 diabetes, according to a study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal. The lead author of the study, Dr Joel Ray, said"I think the take-home message is that we have a new and thought provoking concept about how breast fatness or breast fat might be viewed as a contributor to Type 2 diabetes risk in a woman," lead author Dr.

Exercise Physiologist Dr. Sheri Colberg answers a reader's question on which foods are safest for those with pre-diabetes.   Q: What foods are safe to eat for people with pre-diabetes? A: It's not that any foods are really "unsafe" to eat if you have pre-diabetes or insulin resistance.  It's simply that some food choices are better than others for blood sugar control and overall health.

When you have diabetes and travel away from home, even for a few hours, you need to be prepared for any problems. Here are 10 items you should always carry with you. Living with diabetes means you've got to plan for any situation when you're away from home for an extended period, for instance, when you're at work or on an outing. Here are five things you should always take with you when you have diabetes. 1. Diabetes bracelet.

When you first receive a type 1 diabetes diagnosis there are several steps you should take right away to properly manage your disease and enjoy better long-term health. A type 1 diabetes diagnosis most commonly occurs in childhood or young adulthood, but it can occur at an age. Type 1 diabetes is when the immune system starts to attack beta cells in the pancreas responsible for producing insulin. Eventually these cells stop producing insulin and glucose increases in the bloodstream instead of entering cells where it can be used for energy and other functions.

Today pregnancy and diabetes is more manageable than in previous decades. Here are seven essential things you should know to protect your health and have a healthy baby. Many women with type 1 or type 2 diabetes have healthy, successful pregnancies, which are still considered high-risk. Some of the risks that increase due to diabetes and pregnancy include pre-eclampsia, miscarriage, premature birth, congenital defects, stillbirth, neonatal death, and having a baby who will have diabetes.

Here, the link between diabetes and pancreatic cancer and a diabetes medication that can lower the risk. Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of death from cancer for men and women in the U.S. For years, pancreatic cancer and diabetes have been linked, but it still remains unclear about whether one disease causes the other. Last year there were over 42,000 new cases of pancreatic cancer diagnosed in the U.

High Blood sugar increases risks of heart disease for people with diabetes and non-diabetics. The numbers are a bit scary: two out of three people with diabetes will die from heart disease or stroke, reports the American Diabetes Association (ADA). Through their campaign Make the Link! Diabetes, Heart Disease and Stroke, the ADA and the American College of Cardiology are hoping to raise awareness of the connection between diabetes and heart disease.

The information you need to avoid weight gain when taking diabetes medications. Last year a study revealed that weight gain can be a positive thing for people who have type 1 diabetes. Those who gained an average of 10 to 55 pounds lived longer compared to those who gained less weight. But, in most cases, doctors recommend that you do not gain additional weight, especially if you have type 2 diabetes.

What you need to know about diabetes and stem cell research. Last March the American Diabetes Association (ADA) applauded President Obama's executive order that will advance stem cell research by lifting existing restrictions on the use of embryonic stem cells, while maintaining strict ethical guidelines. "The ethical use of stem cell research holds the promise of accelerating medical advancements in many fields.

Are daily bouts of hypoglycemia from diabetes dangerous? According to the Joslin Diabetes Center, hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, is one of the most common problems associated with insulin treatment, but it can also affect people who take pills for diabetes. Hypoglycemia can occur suddenly. In most cases, it's mild and can be successfully treated by eating or drinking a small amount of glucose-rich food.

How to tell if your doctor is right for you and meeting your needs in managing your diabetes. Diabetes is a chronic condition that requires life-long care and monitoring--but most of all, change. Your daily routine will involve monitoring your blood glucose, taking diabetes medication such as insulin, increasing physical activity, and adjusting your diet.

Discover the best exercises for diabetes that should be a part of your daily routine. When you think about the benefits of diabetes exercise they're plenty. First, daily exercise helps your body to work more efficiently. It helps your body to burn more calories, and to use insulin more effectively. It also helps to control your blood glucose, cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

Learn more about this dangerous epidemic as well as steps you can take to ward off the disease. Although much attention has been focused on the new generation of kids being diagnosed with diabetes, diabetes is no stranger to the elderly population. Of the more than 16 million Americans with diabetes, more than half are older than 60. And almost 20 percent of people over age 65 have the disease.

Is the glycemic index important for treating your diabetes? What is the Glycemic Index? Foods that contain carbohydrates increase blood sugar levels. The glycemic index ranks carbohydrates on a scale from 0 to 100 based on how much they increase blood sugar levels compared to a rise that would occur from pure glucose.

Get fitter and healthier with the easiest diabetes exercise—walking. If you have diabetes or prediabetes, you know the importance of daily exercise to maintain your weight and control blood glucose levels. Walking is one of the easiest and most effective diabetes exercise. You can do it anywhere and it won't take a bite out of your purse.

Kidney disease is a common diabetes complication. Learn about symptoms of kidney disease and ways to reduce your risk. Symptoms of kidney disease aren't noticeable until you have chronic kidney disease, which leads to kidney failure. Diabetes is the most common cause of kidney failure, which accounts for nearly 44 percent of new cases and affects over 100,00 Americans every year.

Good news — you can indulge in the sweet tastes of summer with these fruits. According to the Mayo Clinic, having diabetes doesn't prevent you from eating fruits, even though you may be concerned about their high sugar content. Dr. Maria Collazo-Clavell, an endocrinologist at the hospital explains that the total amount of carbohydrates you consume has more of an impact on your blood sugar levels than the sources of the carbohydrates.

Here, simple ways to control your diabetes in summer. Coping with diabetes in summer can be a challenge. However, you can still soak up all the joys of the season by making some simple lifestyle changes and a few adjustments to your diabetes care routine. Monitor Your Blood Glucose More Often It's quite common for people with diabetes to experience low blood glucose levels in summer.

Foods that fight diabetes provide better blood glucose control and improve long-term health. It's a delicate balance - making smart food choices to control your blood glucose levels, while keeping the fun in food. Learning how to adjust your diet takes time, but the benefits are worth it. You'll need less diabetes medication and avoid complications such as nerve damage and kidney disease.

Joining a diabetes support group online or in your community can improve your disease and overall well-being. More and more people are turning to diabetes support groups to cope with some of the difficulties associated with the condition--both online and in their neighborhoods. A 2001 study found that nearly 48,000 Internet users visited diabetes support and discussion groups over a 21-month period, spending an average of about 15 minutes.

Studies find that taking aspirin can help prevent type 2 diabetes. You may already know that doctors recommend aspirin therapy to lower your risk of cardiovascular problems if you have diabetes. But did you know that aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid or ASA) may also lower your risk of developing diabetes? If you are in a high risk group - for instance, if you're obese or overweight, or you've been diagnosed with prediabetes - results of a new study will interest you.

Intensive insulin therapy offers people with diabetes many benefits. But are the risks worth it? Intensive insulin therapy assists people with diabetes to achieve tight control of blood sugar levels. As a result, it reduces several diabetes complications, and helps to improve long-term health. A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) revealed the impact this treatment has on diabetes.

Having diabetes and going through menopause simultaneously doubles the health risks for women. Learn about better ways to treat both conditions. Over the last decade we've gained more insight into the diabetes and menopause connection. Menopause is a natural process women go through and is marked a reduction in estrogen and progesterone. The process ends when you have your last period. The transition can last for 10 years and familiar symptoms include hot flashes, irregular periods and mood swings.

Studies show a high correlation between diabetes, obesity and being overweight. Find out where your BMI should be to combat type 2 diabetes. Last year a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences revealed a new link between diabetes, obesity and being overweight. For years health professionals have warned about the adverse effects of a high body mass index (BMI) on the body, which includes insulin resistance that leads to type 2 diabetes.

More diabetics are putting their health at risk during the recession. Learn how to lower the cost of diabetes. People with diabetes are cutting back on care during the recession, according to an analysis conducted by the Associated Press (AP). The report indicates that diabetics have been going without doctors' visits, blood-sugar testing, insulin, and other medicines as they lose income and health insurance in these tough economic times.

The top 8 ways to treat diabetic neuropathy pain at home. If you're living with diabetes, you know that you're at a high risk for nerve damage or diabetic neuropathy. According to the American Diabetes Association, one out of two people with diabetes has nerve damage. It causes burning sensation, numbness, stinging, tingling, and weakness and extreme pain.

People with rheumatoid arthritis are more likely to develop cardiovascular disease. Here’s how to lower your risk. When you have rheumatoid arthritis (RA) it's understandable that you would be more concerned with controlling pain and inflammation. However, you should also be aware of the strong link between heart disease and rheumatoid arthritis. If you have RA, you're more likely to develop coronary heart disease, suffer unrecognized heart attacks and sudden cardiac death, according to the Mayo Clinic.

What you eat is one of the most important aspects of managing your diabetes and a new diet trend might be what the doctor ordered.  The Mediterranean diet is rich in olive oil, grains, cereal, fruits, nuts, legumes, vegetables, and fish, but low in meat, dairy products and alcohol. Olive oil is used as the cooking medium of choice in this diet as well. So how does this diet compare to what The American Diabetes Association recommends? Below are the basic guidelines to follow and what you'll notice is that the Mediterranean is strikingly similar.

Erectile dysfunction may raise the likelihood of developing heart disease for men with diabetes. Diabetic complications due to continued and unregulated blood sugar levels such as neuropathy (nerve damage) and circulation problems are most likely the culprits that make erectile dysfunction more prevalent in men with diabetes too. For men, a sequence of nerve impulses and muscular and vascular (veins and arteries) responses lead to an erection.

Find out how your condition can put you at an increased risk for TB. Several studies show that people with diabetes have an increased risk of tuberculosis (TB), including three conducted at the University of Texas School of Public Health Brownsville Regional Campus (UTSPH). According to the researchers, patients with tuberculosis who identified themselves as being diabetic tended to have a more severe form of tuberculosis.

Studies show that coffee lowers type 2 diabetes risk, but the connection between caffeine, coffee and diabetes prevention is a little murky. More than 23 million Americans suffer from diabetes--90 to 95 percent of those cases are type 2 diabetes. It's a chronic condition that occurs when your body doesn't effectively use the insulin that it makes. Insulin helps to control blood sugar levels in the body and to carry them into the cells.

The epidemic of insulin resistance puts one in three Americans at risk for type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease. Find out how you can prevent insulin resistance. It's estimated that global diabetes rates will rise to 300 million in 2025, up from 135 million just over a decade ago. The rise is being attributed to the surging rates of insulin resistance linked to obesity. When insulin resistance coincides with obesity (especially abdominal obesity), cholesterol problems and high blood pressure, it's referred to as the metabolic syndrome or the insulin resistance syndrome.

Over four million Americans have this eye disease, which is a common complication of diabetes. Find out how to prevent diabetic retinopathy and preserve your vision. For people with diabetes and health professionals, methods to prevent diabetic retinopathy are high on the radar. Diabetic retinopathy, the most common diabetes eye disease, is one of the leading causes of blindness. The retina of the eye is essential to good vision.

Nerve damage, or neuropathy, is a common side effect of diabetes. Learn about the symptoms and how to reduce your risk. Sixty to 70 percent of people with diabetes suffer some form of nerve damage or diabetic neuropathy, according to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse (NDIC). While the brain and spinal cord aren't usually affected, neuropathies can develop in many other parts of the body, such as the extremities (feet and hands), internal organs and genitalia.

What’s the connection between stress and diabetes? Knowing can help you gain more control of your condition and reduce the long-term impact When you have diabetes, stress is a double whammy. While the medical community is reluctant to say stress can cause diabetes, they believe it may play a role in its onset - plus, it can make the symptoms worse. Also, diabetes can increase stress in your life, as does any chronic illness.

Nearly a third of all people with diabetes have kidney disease, or nephropathy. Learn how to reduce your risk. Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure, making up 40 to 50 percent of all cases. People with type 1 diabetes are more likely to suffer severe kidney disease. However, if you have type 2 diabetes you are still at risk, especially if you also have hypertension.

Childhood diabetes — or juvenile diabetes — is a chronic illness that requires special care around the clock. Use these tips to keep your child with diabetes safe at school. Sending your child with diabetes off to school can be a harrowing experience, especially if she's very young. Most children (along with many adults) wrestle with insulin injections and pumps, blood glucose monitors, and other diabetes tools. Plus, your child may have difficulty recognizing when her symptoms are severe, or when she needs to eat.

Learn about the steps you can take to prevent this condition. Gestational diabetes is one of the most common complications of pregnancy often resulting in high birth weights. It not only affects the mother during pregnancy but it also puts them at a greater risk for developing type 2 diabetes later in life. Unfortunately gestational diabetes is treated reactively rather than preventatively.

Find out the latest on the diabetes front. The biological barriers against curing type 1 diabetes are alarming. After the body's immune system kills off the insulin making islet cells in the pancreas, it remains a problem.  The human body mounts an immune response to any transplanted cells requiring the recipient to undergo a lifelong course of immunosuppressant drugs.

Dessert and diabetes can’t go together--can they? Creativity is the key to enjoying good food while still managing your diabetes. It's all a matter of substituting small portions of sweets for other carb-containing foods in your meals and snacks.  Carbs are found in a variety of foods including bread, cereal, corn, crackers, fruit, juice, milk, pasta, potatoes, rice, and yogurt.

Learn more about this startling increase, and find out what steps can be taken to prevent or reverse the disease. According to surveys conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the incidences of type 2 diabetes are up 90 percent. Even more frightening, it's estimated that about 1/3 of those with the disease don't even know they have it. The CDC has released state and regional data on diabetes and is also helping health officials target at-risk populations in need of diabetes education.

Here are some ways you can get involved in your community. Community programs are an effective way to get involved and make a difference in the fight against diabetes. With rising numbers of pre-diabetic and diabetic children and adults in the United States, a family member, friend, or neighbor might be suffering from this disease.

Learn how to spot the symptoms so that you can get the proper treatment. Diabetes is a disease that doesn't discriminate—the damage it causes often takes place throughout the body. And one of the things the disease attacks is your nerves. About 60 to 70 percent of diabetics suffer some type of nerve damage, or neuropathy, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.

There are treatments and steps you can take at home to relieve some of the symptoms you're experiencing and prevent further problems. Since there are many different types of diabetic neuropathy (nerve pain and damage associated with diabetes), it makes sense that there's no one-size-fits all method of treatment. Pain in your foot may be handled differently from stomach discomfort or bowel problems.

Diabetes currently affects millions of people. But is the government doing enough to support patients and their families? If you or a family member has diabetes or a diabetes-related illness, the healthcare costs can be expensive and daunting. The American Diabetes Association reports that people with diabetes spend an average of $13, 243 a year on healthcare expenses. Below is a list of government funded resources that will help you shoulder the financial burden of diabetes treatment and management.

Learn what you can do to keep your mouth healthy. Diabetes affects so many parts of the body, and your mouth and teeth are no exception. Everyone has bacteria in their mouths, but diabetics, with their high blood-sugar levels, are more prone to tooth and gum problems than the average person. This is because high blood sugar enables germs to multiply and grow, and also lowers a person's resistance to infection.

Find out how this test can help you manage your condition. Once upon a time urine testing was the only method available to gauge blood glucose levels for patients with diabetes. Urine tests however do not tell the whole story of glucose levels for diabetes management. For the most part, glucose levels in the urine are undetectable unless they reach high levels.

The number of Americans with diabetes has climbed into the millions and is now the fifth deadliest disease, according to the Food and Drug Administration. Diabetes affects 8.9 percent or 9.1 million of all women in the United States, and due to the increasing lifespan of women and population growth, the number of women at risk is only climbing. Compounding the problem are the complications that diabetes causes.

Find out how diabetes and heart disease are related and what you can do to reduce your risk. According to the National Institutes of Health, diabetes is on the rise, with more than one in 10 adults over the age of 20 suffering from diabetes and one in three having prediabetes. The metabolic disorder—in which the body’s ability to...

Attention to details can help prevent the devastating consequences of uncontrolled and unchecked diabetes. If you have diabetes, it's important to pay attention to even the most subtle signs or changes in your condition. According to the American Diabetes Association, the majority of complications that result from diabetes are caused by elevated blood sugar levels over extended periods of time.

Here are some general tips to make sure your child’s diabetes is cared for if he or she is away from home. If you have a diabetic child, you've probably established a manageable routine at home. But what if your child is on vacation or even just sleeping over at a friend's house? Here are some important steps to follow-so you can put your mind at ease. Get Supplies Before Your Ride  Have more than enough medication, syringes (if necessary), and testing supplies on hand.

Learn more about the risks and benefits of these disease treatments. While the American Diabetes Association notes that diet, exercise, and weight loss is often the first line of treatment when a person is diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, medication is sometimes required to control blood glucose levels. If you don't like needles and looking for a different alternative, you might consider oral medications.

Learn more about this complication of diabetes. A potential complication of diabetes is nerve damage, which can affect several areas of your body, including your digestive system. When this happens, a condition known as gastroparesis can set in, making blood sugar levels even more difficult to control.

Here, you’ll find diet and exercise tips to help your loved one successfully manage his or her condition If you’re caring for someone with diabetes, you understand the importance of proper disease management. For diabetics, the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) suggests a 5 to 10 percent reduction of body weight, which can result in less reliance on insulin or other medications.

Find out the 411 on pre-diabetes. Pre-diabetes is just what it sounds like, a condition that precedes full blown type 2 diabetes. But how do you know you have it and how do most people find out? Unfortunately many don't find out until they have diabetes related complications like blurred vision and heart trouble.

The complications of the disease may sound daunting, but fortunately, lifestyle changes can help prevent them. Even for basketball fans, the name Larry H. Miller probably doesn't ring a bell. He wasn't Michael Jordan and he didn't even play. What he did do was create a car dealership dynasty that allowed him to buy the NBA's Utah Jazz franchise and turn it into a powerhouse.

Find out if this operation is a smart move for teens with the disease. The Research In April of 2007, the National Institutes of Health (NIH), in conjunction with the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease, launched several studies to evaluate the benefits and risks of gastric bypass or bariatric surgery in adolescents.

An aggressive action plan can help ward off the disease. If you’re pre-diabetic or on the borderline of developing type 2 diabetes, it’s important to remember that simple changes in diet and exercise habits can play a significant role in warding off the disease. Reducing body weight is the key to cutting your risk, and this involves healthy diet and exercise habits.

Learn more about the science behind the surgery. Obesity is a major epidemic in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), two thirds of adults in the United States are obese. If you’re among these two thirds, your risk factor for type 2 diabetes is great—and in fact, you may have diabetes and be unaware.

Learn more about the important role that glucose plays in brain function. Scientists are only beginning to uncover the brain’s role in normal insulin and glucose control as it relates to diabetes. Likewise, the cognitive deficits associated with the disease are just recently being understood. So what has been discovered so far? Research has revealed that diabetes is associated with impaired cognitive function and an increased risk for dementia, including Alzheimer's disease.

Type 1 diabetic children are found to be lacking Vitamin D. So it is more important than ever to take your vitamins, get some sun and eat some fish. Type 1 diabetes confronts children and their parents with a number of questions and concerns. What is this going to mean for my child's health? What are the long term effects of the disease? What can be done to prevent some of these complications? Is there anything besides insulin that is lacking in the child's body? Your child has every opportunity to live a long and fulfilling life, it’s important to learn how to manage the disease.

Are you considering a transplant due to complications from your diabetes? Or are you trying to arrest the disease and find a cure? Whatever the case may be it is gravely important to read the following about the transplant procedures and the lifetime commitment they require. Are you considering a transplant due to complications from your diabetes? Or are you trying to arrest the disease and find a cure? Whatever the case may be it is gravely important to read the following about the transplant procedures and the lifetime commitment they require.

Learn more about the undeniable relationship between the two. The Link  In 2006, the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) held a conference addressing the link between obesity and type 2 diabetes-due to the rising numbers of both in the United States. And as recently as the summer of 2008, Congress heard testimony from the American Diabetes Association on the same topic.

Learn more about the undeniable relationship between the two. The Link  In 2006, the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) held a conference addressing the link between obesity and type 2 diabetes-due to the rising numbers of both in the United States. And as recently as the summer of 2008, Congress heard testimony from the American Diabetes Association on the same topic.

Do you need a specialist for your disease, or is your primary care physician enough? Finding the right doctor can sometimes feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. And when it comes to treating your diabetes, the right doctor is essential.  So how do you know if your current primary care physician is the right person to tailor your treatment plan or if you need to seek out a specialist? Let's start by looking at the difference between the two.

With some careful planning and moderation, the pleasure of something sweet can be yours. If you're like most people, you crave something sweet after a meal. But if you're a diabetic, grabbing a cookie or a slice of cake certainly isn't a good idea. Fortunately, with some careful planning and consideration, you can enjoy a delicious dessert with the best of them.

Learn about the important role that ethnicity plays in one’s chances of developing the disease. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) suggests that anyone 45 year old or older consider being tested for diabetes. They place a strong recommendation on being tested if you're of age and also overweight. And since the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) puts the number of Americans that are obese at over two thirds the population, many of us should be concerned about our risk.

Learn how the famous deal with their condition. What do Halle Berry, Dick Clark, David Crosby, Jay Cutler, Aretha Franklin, Jerry Garcia, Mikhail Gorbachev, Nick Jonas, B.B King, Larry King, Elizabeth Taylor, and Neil Young have in common? They're all famous actors, actresses, musicians, or politicians-and they all had or have diabetes.

It's best to steer clear of the following fare. If you have diabetes, you may be thinking: why do I have to avoid certain foods while other can eat whatever they want? Remember, though, that the two food groups diabetics should avoid are the same that food pyramids tell everyone else to use sparingly.

Your home is the perfect place to build a foundation of healthy food choices, ongoing physical activity, and regular blood glucose testing. Sir Edward Coke is credited with the famous phrase "et domus sua cuique tutissimum refugium" or "A man's home is his castle." Hundreds of years later, we can apply that same principle to diabetes care. Your home is your diabetes castle, a place where you can feel safe and secure in the knowledge, support, and supplies you have to successfully manage your condition.

It's best to abide by the Boy Scouts motto: Be prepared When it comes to diabetes, it's best to abide by the Boy Scouts motto: Be prepared. An emergency for a person with diabetes can be as simple as a hypoglycemic episode or as complicated as a natural disaster in which the person has no access to his or her supplies.

A diagnosis of diabetes doesn’t necessarily mean sugar is out of the question. If you have been diagnosed with pre-diabetes, type 1 diabetes, or type 2 diabetes, you may be thinking to yourself, "I can never eat sugar again." But that's usually not the case. The pleasure of something sweet can be yours by using moderation and creativity.

The idea of pricking your finger could soon be ancient history. Wouldn't it be nice to toss the testing strips and stop pricking your finger? Help is on the way in the form of several new technologies being put through the necessary trials for Food & Drug Administration (FDA) approval. While the FDA presently does not recommend abandoning the traditional methods for testing blood glucose all together, they have approved some interesting new technologies for monitoring and testing blood sugar.

Learn more about the important role that genes play in the disease. How did I get diabetes? Why did I get it? If I have diabetes, what are the chances that my children will get it, too? If you've been recently diagnosed with diabetes, these questions are probably cascading through your mind, and the fear of the unknown might be setting in.

By taking certain precautions, you can enjoy your time away from home in a safe and healthy manner. Whether you're leaving on a jet plane or just taking a road trip for the weekend, it's important to remember that wherever you go, your diabetes goes with you. The good news is that, if you're diligent about managing your disease, you can go almost anywhere and do almost anything.

With the right knowledge and preparation, you can properly care for your condition while on the job. If you think you're the only person with diabetes in your workplace, odds are you're mistaken. The most recent data from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) shows that diabetes now affects nearly 24 million people, or 8 percent of the population, in the United States.

There’s no need to abandon carbs completely. It’s all a matter of selecting the right ones. In the wake of popular protein-heavy diets such as South Beach and Atkins, some people still consider carbohydrates to be the enemy. But it's important to remember that there actually are two types of carbs: complex carbs and simple carbs, otherwise known as good carbs and bad carbs.

Sweet tooth or addiction? Find out for yourself. There's nothing wrong with the occasional post-dinner sweet. In fact, some studies suggest that, in moderation, chocolate can be beneficial. One study conducted by the American Association for the Advancement of Science's (AAAS) found that the natural nitric oxide in coca can help lower blood pressure and aide in overall heart function.

“Fast food” and “healthy”: Is it possible for these two things to go together? If you've seen the movie Super Size Me, chances are, you may not have had a Big Mac since. In his 2004 documentary, Morgan Spurlock, inspired by troubling statistics on American obesity, relied on the shock value of a thirty-day McDonald's diet to show audiences what they already knew about fast food: that it's not healthy.

New research may be changing the way we view fat's relation to diabetes. Think fatty foods are bad for diabetics? A new study suggests that the opposite may be true: that extra fat in the buttocks and thighs may actually help prevent type 2 diabetes. Researchers found that injecting subcutaneous fat (fat just below the skin) into the abdomens of mice helped improve sensitivity to insulin.

Here are important factors to consider before investing in one. According to the Food & Drug Administration (FDA), there are roughly 25 over-the-counter glucose meters commercially available to consumers. Although the technology behind them may be similar, there are several differentiating factors to consider before making a purchase.

Does a diagnosis of diabetes mean alcohol is out of the question? Find out now. If you've been diagnosed with pre-diabetes, type 1 diabetes, or type 2 diabetes, you're faced with several questions about your lifestyle. For example, is it OK to enjoy a glass of wine, a can of beer, or a cocktail with friends? The official position of the American Diabetes Association with regard to alcohol is this: If a patient with diabetes is not already drinking alcohol regularly, he or she shouldn't start.

Think these foods are safe? Think again. Whether you've been diagnosed with pre-diabetes, type 1 diabetes, or type 2 diabetes, monitoring your blood glucose levels is extremely important. According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), what you eat is a key factor in keeping glucose levels in check and managing diabetes.

With these helpful tips, you can enjoy restaurant food while still being good to your body. What should you eat when you go out to a restaurant? Or when you're a guest at someone's house? How about when you stop for fast food with the kids? If you have diabetes, these are questions that might plague you. Diet is a key component to successfully managing diabetes, and eating out can make it difficult to control ingredients and portion sizes.

It's essential that diabetics take extra-special care of their feet. When you have diabetes, taking proper care of your feet is extremely important.  Diabetics are more prone to cuts, ulcers, and sores on the skin, which can sometimes lead to serious infections. An article published in the Health Science Journal noted that foot problems remain a major cause of hospitalization amongst patients with diabetes.

Before you pop open a can, consider these more nutritious choices instead. As John Pemberton brewed up a batch of the first formulation of Coca-Cola in 1885, he probably never dreamed just how popular his drink would become. According to current company estimates, every day, distributors worldwide sell more than 1.4 billion servings of Coke, which Pemberton originally marketed as a health tonic capable of curing everything from headaches to morphine addiction.

Clean teeth and healthy gums might be your first line of defense against other diseases. Learn more. As a kid, brushing your teeth may have seemed like a hassle, but as an adult, you should be aware of how important healthy teeth and gums really are. Oral health goes hand in hand with your overall health. Think of your mouth as a window to your body's health.

While medical advancements are constantly being made, Americans continue to fall behind on some basic health measures. How healthy are you? No, really. Your health goes beyond having the sniffles, an upset stomach, or a strained muscle. What's the state of your overall health and well being? Well, if you're anything like most Americans, it's not great--and it's getting worse as more people are being diagnosed with diseases like diabetes and asthma, are exercising less, and are gaining more weight.

These frightening illnesses have experienced a resurgence over the past few years. But why? During the 20th century, the scientific community made great strides toward the eradication of certain dangerous diseases. This was accomplished, in part, through improvements in sanitation and vaccinations, the invention of antibiotics, and advancements in medical technology.

Get the inside scoop on how certain countries manage to stay so slim. When it comes to obesity, it might seem as if America is tipping the scales-and for good reason. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the United States is the ninth fattest country in the world (second only to Kuwait and some South Pacific isles).

Reduce your risks by understanding your condition and the problems that can arise. Although diabetes is a serious disease, it can generally be managed through a combination of diet, exercise, self-care techniques, and sometimes medication. In fact, with proper care, many patients lead long and fulfilling lives. When diabetics stray from their treatment guidelines, however, a variety of problems can result.

It may seem counterintuitive, but eating more of some foods can actually help you lose weight. Find out how. Eat more food, feel full all day long, and lose weight. It sounds too good to be true, like one of those fad diets that promises to help you shed 10 pounds while you watch TV. But this one is real. It's not that you can eat more Snickers, more pizza, or more sour-cream-and-onion potato chips.

Nearly six million people live with diabetes, but are unaware that they have the condition. Could you be one of them? While the exact cause of diabetes remains unknown, both genetics and environmental factors, such as obesity and lack of exercise, appear to play major roles. Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin, which is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life.

These nine foods simply aren't fair to your diet. A day at the fair conjures up ideas of friends, family, fun...and very possibly, fried foods. Although the fair has much to offer in the way of rides and activities, the truth is, many people come mostly for the food. Some stands may offer healthy choices, but they're often overshadowed by the seemingly endless supply of funnel cakes and corn dogs.

Want to fall off the weight-control wagon? Just a few of these fattening foods are all it takes. You watch your weight. You cut back on snacks. You even hit the gym twice a week. But no matter how hard you try, the pounds come creeping back. The culprit? It could be one of these inflationary foods. Each is so fattening that just the occasional indulgence could result in major weight gain--even if you do everything else right.

Here, eight foods that are definitely not a part of a balanced breakfast. You'd probably think twice about having an ice cream sundae for breakfast, but it's doubtful you'd question having a bacon and egg sandwich with hash browns to start your day. For many, breakfast is a forgotten meal. While there's plenty of evidence to show that eating breakfast everyday is good for your health and your weight, the bad news is, if you start your day off with the wrong meal, you may be destined for a midday crash.

Not getting enough z's? You could be doing serious damage to your health. With a long list of to-dos and not enough hours in the day, you might be tempted to skimp on the amount of z's you get. Besides, you can sleep when you're dead, right? But, if you sleep less than six or seven hours a night, death might come sooner than you think.

Could you be sick and not know it? Some diseases can sneak up on you without a single warning sign or with symptoms so nonspecific that it may take your physician precious time to figure out what's ailing you. Since early detection often results in more effective treatment, illnesses that slip under your (and your doctor's) radar can be especially dangerous.

A diet rich in whole grains can help lower the risk of some serious health conditions. Numerous studies continue to reveal the many health benefits of eating whole grains. While the benefits are most pronounced for those consuming at least three servings daily, according to the Whole Grains Council, some studies show reduced risks of certain conditions from as little as one serving daily.

The nation's costliest conditions rack up a combined tab of more than $500 billion a year. What's the cost of poor health? A lot more than you may think. The nation's 10 most expensive medical conditions cost about $500 billion to treat in 2005, according to the latest News and Numbers from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ).

When it comes to maintaining a healthy weight, some countries are making the grade, while others are falling dangerously behind. Ready for some startling statistics? According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 350 million people worldwide are obese--a dangerous trend that may increase their risk for diabetes, heart disease, and even certain cancers. But fortunately, there's a flip side: Many international hotspots boast extremely low obesity rates.

Use this guide to be prepared in the case of a diabetic emergency. When you're preparing for a trip, there's always a lot to think about. Where will you stay? How will you get there? What sights do you want to see? People who have diabetes have one more consideration: Do you have a diabetes first aid kit ready? Whether you'll be traveling for a night or a month, it's important to have a diabetes first aid kit on hand to help you deal with any special circumstances or emergencies that may arise.

Learn how to pinpoint and fix the seven sneakiest diet blunders. Dieting is a bit like walking a tightrope: easy to start but hard to stay on. And according to experts, the most common diet missteps are caused by things that might surprise you--your schedule, your friends, your shopping habits, even your clothes. While these sneaky saboteurs could derail your efforts, the good news is that you can stop them from undermining your long-term weight-loss goals.

Could you spot the warning signs of cataracts, glaucoma, and other vision disorders? Get the whole picture here. How much do you know about your eyes? Many Americans are in the dark about eye diseases that could cause blindness, according to a recent survey conducted by U.S. National Eye Institute and the Lions Clubs International Foundation. Use this guide to separate sight myths from reality and to become more enlightened about your vision.

Follow these tips to keep minor slip-ups from becoming major setbacks. You started your diet with the best of intentions, but then the inevitable occurred. You went to a party and polished off a plate of hors d'oeuvres. You took a trip to new city and splurged on the local fare. You woke up in the middle of the night and ate a whole pint of ice cream.

Some studies suggest our favorite foods might be as habit-forming as controlled substances. Whether you're constantly craving chocolate or have an uncontrollable urge for French fries, you probably think your food impulses are simply the result of hunger, boredom, or a lack of willpower. And some experts would agree—ultimately, you're in control of what you're eating.

Follow these tips to prevent complications and keep your disease under control. Although diabetes can lead to a host of health problems, you can prevent most complications by keeping your blood glucose levels under control, eating healthy, and being physically active, reports the Centers for Disease Control. What's more, diabetics should work with their health-care providers to keep their blood pressure in check.

Proper eating can have an enormous impact on your health. Here, a look at nutrition by the numbers. You are what you eat, but are you giving your body what it needs? An unbalanced diet can result in malnutrition on one end of the scale to obesity on the other. What's more, too much or too little of any nutrient can put you at risk for conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and osteoporosis.

A diagnosis of diabetes can seem overwhelming. Follow these tips to accept and cope with your condition. Nearly 15 million Americans have been diagnosed with diabetes, and according to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), most of them have experienced feelings of denial somewhere along the way. In fact, denial is so common among diabetics that some doctors believe it's a natural part of eventually accepting the diagnosis.

Pizza and doughnuts and burgers, oh my! These all-American treats top the nutritional hall of shame. Fried chicken, cheeseburgers, milkshakes, candy bars--these tasty treats are as American as, well, apple pie. Unfortunately, so, too, is obesity. According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, more than 66 percent of U.S. adults are currently overweight, and 32 percent are obese.

A healthy diet is essential to managing diabetes. Here, a complete guide to diabetic-friendly nutrition, including shopping tips, quick recipes, and more. If you've been diagnosed with diabetes, your doctor has most likely stressed the importance of eating right to help keep your disease in check. Most experts agree that although there's no one correct diet for diabetes, people with the disease should follow the nutritional guidelines outlined in the USDA Food Pyramid.

Being active is one of the best ways to keep diabetes under control. Here, what you need to know about starting an exercise routine. Many diabetics rely on injections and medications to keep their blood sugar levels stable, but exercise is another effective way to help control diabetes. Before starting a new fitness routine, it's important that you schedule an appointment with your doctor to discuss safety guidelines and to have your blood pressure, cholesterol, kidneys, eyes, and feet checked.

Learn how to detect and prevent the most common diabetes-related infections. It's no secret that people who have diabetes are more susceptible to infection than their non-diabetic counterparts. And these infections can come in a variety of forms from styes and boils to foot ulcers and sores. But the good news is, there are ways to lower your risk.

It's often said that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Find out why it's so important to get off to a good start. When you're hitting the snooze button for the third time, breakfast is probably one of the last things on your mind. After all, you still have to shower and then race to work in time to make that presentation. But according to experts, letting a hectic schedule force you to skip breakfast could compromise your health.

Following these simple tips can help you lower your cholesterol levels and your health risks. Everyone needs a basic amount of cholesterola waxy, fat-like substance found in all cells of the body to function. But if your cholesterol is at an unhealthy level, it could mean you have an increased risk of developing heart disease. What can you do to keep your cholesterol at or reduce it to healthy levels? Try these nine tips: Eat a hearty bowl of oatmeal for breakfast.

Follow these easy tips to make exercise part of your daily routine. Let's face it: We live in an inactive nation where obesity has become a growing epidemic. Approximately 31 percent of American adults, or 59 million of us, meet the criterion for obesity, according to the North American Association for the Study of Obesity.

First there were injections, then there were pumps and inhalants, soon there may be insulin patches and even pills. Learn more about new breakthroughs in diabetes treatment. Diabetes is a complicated disease in which the body cannot create or properly use insulin, a hormone that enables the body to convert sugar, starches, and other food into energy. Loss of vision and damage to nerves, blood vessels, and kidneys are all potential side effects of the disease.

As obesity rates climb, health problems such as diabetes are becoming more common. Here, a look at the disease by the numbers. Diabetes, a chronic disease characterized by disordered metabolism and high blood sugar levels, was first identified as a disorder in the 16th century. Since that time, however, the condition's prevalence has grown substantially so much so that the Centers for Disease Control now recognizes diabetes as an epidemic.

From entrées and desserts to sodas and sides, Americans are supersizing. Learn how to choose healthier portions. If you think that plate of spaghetti is much bigger than it was when you were a child, you're probably right: Portion size has increased dramatically over the past 20 years. The result? A dramatic rise in the number of overweight and obese Americans. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) conducted several studies and found alarming changes in the number of calories people consume now compared with what they ate 20 years ago.

Type 2 diabetes affects more than 18 million U.S. children and adults. Find out more about this growing epidemic, from risk factors to treatment options. Diabetes is a lifelong metabolic disorder that affects more than 20 million U.S. children and adults—about 90 percent of whom suffer from type 2 diabetes. The bodies of those affected by the disease either can't produce enough insulin or have cells that ignore the insulin.

Diabetes is a lifelong disease, but these tips can make it easier to manage the condition. According to the American Diabetes Association, more the 20 million Americans are living with diabetes. Try these tips to help manage the condition and prevent the serious complications associated with the disease. Follow a balanced diet. A low-fat eating plan with plenty of fruit, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein can help keep blood sugar at healthy levels.

While experts continue to debate the safety of Avandia, they urge type 2 diabetes patients to talk with their doctors. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration this week issued a safety warning for the diabetes drug Avandia after a new study indicated a potentially significant increase in the risk of heart attack and heart-related deaths linked to taking the medicine. ...