Diabetes
Diabetes mellitus (MEL-ih-tus), often referred to as diabetes, is characterized by high blood glucose (sugar) levels that result from the body’s inability to produce enough insulin and/or effectively utilize the insulin. Diabetes is a serious, life-long condition and the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. Diabetes is a disorder of metabolism (the body's way of digesting food and converting it into energy). There are three forms of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that accounts for five- to 10-percent of all diagnosed cases of diabetes. Type 2 diabetes may account for 90- to 95-percent of all diagnosed cases. The third type of diabetes occurs in pregnancy and is referred to as gestational diabetes. Left untreated, gestational diabetes can cause health issues for pregnant women and their babies. People with diabetes can take preventive steps to control this disease and decrease the risk of further complications.
Recently Answered
- Q What is a vegetarian diet for diabetes?
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A vegetarian diet for diabetics contains fruits, vegetables, legumes, seeds and nuts, dairy products, soy products, eggs, and whole grains. A vegetarian diet for diabetes is known to help with weight loss and blood sugar control. Following a vegetarian... Full Answer
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- Q What are healthy eating habits for children with diabetes?
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In years past, diabetes treatment meant strict control over your daily diet. But that's no longer the case. Thanks to newer insulin types, you and other kids with diabetes can be flexible in your eating habits. You can eat as much or as little as... Full Answer
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- Q What is secondary diabetes?
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Diabetes is a disease in which the pancreas does not produce any or enough insulin. Secondary diabetes is a form of the disease that develops as a result of, or secondary to, another disease or condition. Secondary diabetes can be caused by a... Full Answer
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- Q Should I eat sugar-free foods if I have diabetes?
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Kate Myerson, Nutrition & DieteticsSugar free, calorie free beverages are a good choice if you have diabetes. However sugar free foods are a different story. Food marketers don't make navigating sugar free foods very easy. There are a variety of cookies and ice creams that all say they... Full Answer
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- Q How many carbs can I eat with diabetes?
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There is no one-size-fits-all carb prescription; some people can handle more at a meal than others. How many carbs you're allowed each day is tied to your daily calorie needs, which, in turn, are based on genetics, whether you need to lose... Full Answer
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- Q Can I eat sugar if I have diabetes?
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Sugar has long had a bad reputation, especially among people with diabetes. People used to think that eating sugar would cause blood glucose levels to rise much more rapidly than other types of carbohydrates, such as bread or potatoes. So although bread... Full Answer
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- Q Can I ever eat carbohydrates if I have diabetes?
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Stacy Wiegman, PharmacyYou can eat carbohydrates if you have diabetes. You'll just need to monitor how much carbohydrate-rich food you eat at each meal and pay attention to the kind of carbohydrates you're eating, too. One approach to meal planning for people with... Full Answer
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- Q How is melatonin linked to diabetes?
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Dr. Michael Breus, PsychologyThere's evidence that disturbances to melatonin (sleep hormone) production may affect the body's insulin levels. Insulin resistance -- the body's inability to use insulin effectively -- is a fundamental characteristic of Type 2 diabetes. When... Full Answer
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- Q Should I cut salt if I have diabetes and high blood pressure?
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Too much dietary salt or sodium can increase blood pressure. People with diabetes, especially type 2 diabetes, may already have high blood pressure, so they may need to reduce their sodium intake. Put the saltshaker away, and use less or no salt when... Full Answer
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- Q What healthy foods should I eat if I have diabetes?
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The best approach to healthy eating is to eat a wide variety of foods. Your body requires nutrients to repair and replace proteins, tissues, and cells throughout your body and to keep you rolling along. Your body needs three important nutrients to do... Full Answer
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