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 Is skim milk better than whole milk for people with diabetes?
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Just about every piece of dietary advice out there recommends that you consume low-fat or nonfat versions of milk, yogurt, or other dairy food. The fat in dairy foods, even reduced-fat versions, is roughly 50 to 60 percent saturated fat, which is... Full Answer
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- Q How can I safely follow a gluten-free diet if I have diabetes?
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It is still very important for people with diabetes who follow a gluten-free diet to count their carbs and take insulin/medications in balance with their carbs. Continue to follow your diabetes meal plan but replace foods that have gluten with other... Full Answer
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- Q If I have diabetes, what should I discuss with my dietitian?
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A dietitian can help you learn any of these approaches to managing your food: What types of foods and how much you need to eat every day. How many grams of carbohydrates to eat each day to keep your blood glucose within your target range—and... Full Answer
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- Q Do I need to see a dietitian if I have diabetes?
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You may feel that you don’t really need a dietitian. Maybe you’ve seen sample meal plans recommended for people with diabetes that look easy enough to use. But remember, your meal plan is not a short-term diet that you can follow for a few... Full Answer
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- Q Can I eat sweet potatoes if I have diabetes?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyMany cases of diabetes, especially type 1 diabetes, come from problems with the ability of the pancreas to regulate insulin, which is important in controlling blood sugar. The pancreas-shaped sweet potato helps to balance blood sugar in... Full Answer
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- Q Can I eat fruits if I have diabetes?
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Fruit is a healthy food. It contains fiber and lots of vitamins and minerals. Because fruits contain carbohydrates, they need to be included in your meal plan if you have diabetes. Talk to your dietitian about the amount, frequency, and types of fruits... Full Answer
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- Q What should I eat if I have diabetes and want to avoid high blood pressure?
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Make wise food choices to help prevent high blood pressure: Eat a serving of fruit at each meal. Eat one or two servings of vegetables at lunch and at dinner. Switch to low-fat or fat-free dairy products (such as low-fat cheese and skim milk). Eat... Full Answer
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- Q How should severe hypoglycemia be treated if I’m pregnant?
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You’ll have to take special precautions if you are pregnant and become unconscious. • You may need only half the normal dose of glucagon at the beginning of a severe episode of hypoglycemia. • After 15 minutes, if... Full Answer
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- Q What do I need to know about diabetes and pregnancy?
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If you have diabetes and are considering having a baby, keep these facts in mind: Your pregnancy will be considered high risk. During pregnancy, control of your blood glucose becomes more difficult -- and more important. The extra risk of high blood... Full Answer
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- Q What changes should I make to my daily diabetes care before conceiving?
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Here are some tips for diabetes management before a pregnancy: Before you become pregnant, you probably will intensify your daily diabetes care. If you have type 1 diabetes, you will begin or fine-tune your plan by using several insulin injections... Full Answer
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