MAIN Health Diseases & Conditions Diabetes

With the number of people with diabetes worldwide now at an all time high, it is the modern diet say experts that 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.

How the body reacts to too much sugar

Although most associated with the digestive system, the pancreas (an oblong gland located in the abdomen) has an intricate part to play in producing the hormones insulin and glucagon which, in turn, have a major effect on raising or lowering sugar levels in the bloodstream.

When the pancreas begins to malfunction due to the constant demands put upon it, minor symptoms - such as unexplained fatigue, frequent thirst, or tingling in the fingers and toes - may appear as the body's ability to process sugar and carbohydrates begins to fail.

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

While sometimes associated with obesity, 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 may be the only treatment necessary.

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 ...

Related Chiff.com information on diabetes:

Food to Fight Diabetes | Curbing Childhood Obesity

Vitamin C & E for Diabetes | Cinnamon for Diabetes

More about diabetes around the Web:

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.

also see -> Diet | Nutrition | 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.