MAIN Health Diseases & Conditions Diabetes

The modern diet plays a large part in the growing diabetes and obesity epidemic.

Simply reading food labels is surprising revelation to many consumers for the levels of sugar that many products contain - ranging from soda pop and breakfast cereal to "health" drinks and "high energy" bars.

So cutting down on sugar and junk food, and increased exercise, is probably the first step in warding off this debilitating disease.

With the onset of diabetes, minor symptoms of unexplained fatigue, or frequent thirst, may increase as the body's mechanism for processing increased sugar and carbohydrates begins to fail.

If left untreated diabetes may lead to blindness, nerve damage, decreased circulation, and kidney disease, among many other more serious conditions.

Although most associated with being overweight, diabetes also frequently occurs in apparently fit and healthy individuals, as well. If you even suspect that you may be experiencing early symptoms, see your doctor for a blood test that will reveal any abnormalities in current blood sugar levels. If caught early enough, a change in diet NOW may be the only treatment necessary.

More about diabetes around the Web:

Around the Web, find out more about the various types of the disease - from juvenile diabetes, gestational diabetes or the adult forms of the disease, with more about the early warning signs & symptoms, available insulin drug and vitamin treatments, plus how to's on cutting down on sugar and carbohydrates that may actually help the body repair itself ...

American Diabetes Association - An encyclopedia of information on the topic with information on the most common symptoms, overviews of types 1 & 2 diabetes, kids concerns as well as resources for health professionals.

Joslin Diabetes Center - The premier research and treatment facility for diabetes in the US with facts and news on the latest treatments and relational causes. If you are new to the subject, learn about diabetes & its causes, insulin and oral treatments, exercise, circulation, diet, drugs, vitamins and minerals, plus check out the online discussion group for tips & advice.

Children With Diabetes - A support community for kids with diabetes and their families. The information, links and resources are good, but the community message boards and chat are the strength of this site.

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) - Quite a bit of information for users at all levels with facts on blood glucose levels, diet and meal planning, diabetes and pregnancy, with more on diabetes-related problems of the heart, kidneys, eyes, feet and skin, nerves, teeth and gums. In English and Spanish.

Canadian Diabetes Association - Information on this site highlights Canadian issues, but anyone will find the general resources helpful. Good links and easy navigation - although it probably would be a better experience for the user if the inner pages featured articles or information instead of ads.

International Diabetes Web Site (Australia) - Focus is mainly on Australia, but the links to journal articles and research are global. Good site with lots of useful information. Also a bit heavy on the sales side, but the recommendations are solid.

Diabetes New Zealand - Good information on everything related to diabetes - with a Kiwi twist. If you need diabetes resources in New Zealand you'll find them here.

Related Chiff.com Feature Articles:

also see -> Diet | Nutrition | Gestational Diabetes

B-Complex | Vitamin B-1

This information is intended as reference and not as medical advice.
All treatment decisions should be made by medical professionals.