My last few posts have discussed diabetes in detail so I thought today I would give you all a relevant freebie which is not quite so information intensive.  Plus, my last post was 8 Ways to Manage Diabetes with a Healthy Diet so I thought that now would be the perfect time to give this freebie away.  The freebie is an ebook that I put together entitled 500 Delicious Diabetic Recipes.  The ebook does exactly what it says, providing readers with 500 (well 515 actually) diabetic recipes.  Whatever you want to eat there should be a recipe for you here, whether it be beef, chicken, pasta, rice, cookies or cakes.

Here’s a few sample recipes from 500 Delicious Diabetic Recipes:

—–

1) MEATLOAF

1 1/2 lb. lean ground beef
1 beaten egg
2 tbsp. chopped onions
1 c. allspice
1 c. corn flakes
1/4 c. water
1/2 tsp. sage
1/2 tsp. garlic

Mix egg, water and corn flakes; let set for 10 minutes.  Mix with meat and remaining ingredients.  Pack into an oiled loaf pan.  Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour.  Yields 9 servings.  Exchanges: 1 serving = 3 lean meat and 1 fat.  Calories per serving = 186.  Carbohydrate = 2.6 grams.  Fat = 14.8 grams.  Protein = 21.4 grams.  Sodium = 45 milligrams.  Cholesterol = 86 milligrams.

—–

2) CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES

1/4 c. margarine
1 tbsp. granulated fructose
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla extract
3/4 c. flour
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 c. mini semi-sweet chocolate chips

Cream together margarine and fructose, beat in egg, water and vanilla.  Combine flour, baking soda and salt in sifter.  Sift dry ingredients into creamed mixture, stirring to blend thoroughly.  Stir in chocolate chips.  Drop by teaspoonsful onto lightly greased cookie sheet about 2 inches apart.  Bake at 375 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes.  Makes 30 cookies.

—–

3) CHICKEN BREASTS WITH CARROT AND ZUCCHINI STUFFING

2  small (whole) skinless, boneless chicken breasts
1 c. carrots, shredded (about 2 sm.)
1 c. zucchini, shredded (about 1 med.)
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. poultry seasoning
1 envelope chicken-flavored bouillon
1/4 c. water

In medium bowl, combine carrots, zucchini, salt and poultry seasoning.  Spoon about 1/2 cup mixture into each pocket (each breast should open similar to a butterfly); secure with toothpicks.  In place chicken in a Med size skillet, sprinkle with bouillon.

Add water to skillet and cook over medium high heat, heat to boiling.  Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer about 40 minutes or until chicken is fork tender.  Remove toothpicks.  Makes 4 servings, 180 calories per serving.

—–

4) MOLTED VEGETABLE SALAD

1 pkg. sugar-free lemon Jello
2 c. boiling water
2 tbsp. lemon juice
2/3 c. cabbage, chopped
2/3 c. green pepper, chopped
2 slices pimiento
Lettuce leaves

Dissolve gelatin in boiling water and stir until completely dissolved.  Add lemon juice, add chopped vegetables and chill.  Slice when firm and serve on lettuce leaves with low-calorie dressing.  This recipe may be a free food.  It is 20 calories and has large amounts of vitamins A and C.

—–

5) LO-CAL CHEESE CAKE

12 oz. low fat Ricotta cheese
4 eggs, separated
3/4 c. Fruit Sweet
Grated peel of 1 lemon
3 graham crackers, finely crushed
12 oz. low fat cottage cheese
2/3 c. non-instant milk powder
5 tbsp. lemon juice or to taste
2 tsp. pure vanilla
Butter or oleo for pan

Put cheese in process with egg yolks and Fruit Sweet and blend.  Add milk, powder and process until smooth.  Add vanilla, lemon juice and peel to cheese mixture.  Blend until smooth.  Beat egg whites until frothy, then add to the processor and blend for about 2 seconds, until mixed.  Butter the bottom and 1/2 way up the sides of a 9″ springform pan.

Pour the graham cracker crumbs into the pan and shake until buttered area is coated.  Leave any extra on the bottom.  Pour cheesecake mixture into pan and bake at 350 degrees with a pan of water in the oven to prevent drying.    Bake for 45 minutes or until inserted knife emerges clean.  Cool.  May serve with Wax Orchards All-Fruit Fanciful preserve of your choice.  Variations:  All cottage or all ricotta cheese may be used.  For standard cream cheese cake, substitute 24 ounces cream cheese, 3 eggs, 1/2 cup powdered milk and 2/3 cup Fruit Sweet.  Adjust lemon.

—–

Some tasty stuff I’m sure you’ll agree.  If you want to download all 515 tasty diabetic recipes then click the link below.  Also don’t forget that the ebook comes with full giveaway rights so if you want to pass it on to your friends, family or website visitors please do so.

Click Here to Download 500 Delicious Diabetic Recipes!

This is yet another article I wrote when the Free Fitness Tips blog was just a baby. It is also another article which I have decided needs a rewrite. Partly, because I feel it could be written with a lot more detail and partly because some of the statements were just plain wrong. In particular, this one sticks out;

“Specifically, diabetics need to avoid refined sugar which is found in candy, cookies, cake, chocolate and donuts. Refined sugars enter the bloodstream and release insulin, which causes your glucose levels to go sky-high. Unfortunately, if you are diabetic then these foods will be on your list of things to avoid. ”

At the time I thought this was true because (as I discussed in my previous article on the causes of diabetes) a common misconception is that sugar can cause diabetes. Being a beginner I failed to do my research properly and did not check if this rumour was true. Now I am a little more experienced at blogging and I have properly researched the topic I know that diabetics can have sugar and in fact sometimes need it if they are experiencing hypoglycaemia. Anyway, the article has now been rewritten and should not contain any more blatant, factual errors (fingers crossed). Please read on and enjoy the new, improved version of ‘Managing Diabetes with a Healthy Diet’…

—–

One of the most effective ways to manage your diabetes (whatever the type) is through a healthy eating plan. The food you eat can have a major influence on your blood sugar levels and because of this diet is a key way to keep your diabetes under control. A common misconception regarding diabetes diets is that they have to be restrictive and complicated. However, the reality is that you can eat a variety of foods as part of a diabetes diet, so long as they are eaten in moderation and regular meal times are adhered to. In fact most parts of a diabetes diet are identical to a normal healthy eating plan. In this article I am going to explain the key role food can have in controlling your diabetes and help you create a healthy diabetes diet.

As I mentioned in the above paragraph, what you eat can have a large impact on your diabetes both in the short term and the long term. Eating too much food at once can cause your blood sugar levels to rise and potentially cause hyperglycaemia (higher than normal blood sugar levels). Contrastingly, going too long without food can make your blood sugar levels drop dramatically causing hypoglycaemia (lower than normal blood sugar levels) (for more information on hyperglycaemia and hypoglycaemia you can read my article on diabetes symptoms). In the long term, what you eat also has an impact on your overall body fat levels. Controlling your weight is a key part of controlling your diabetes (particularly type 2 diabetes) because fatty tissue increases your body’s resistance to insulin. So to summarise, by eating poorly you can potentially cause your blood sugar levels to fluctuate massively, aggravating your diabetes in the short term and further increase your body’s resistance to insulin in the long term. However, by eating more healthily you can stabilise your blood sugar levels, reduce your body fat levels, (allowing your body to become more receptive to insulin) and keep your diabetes under control in both the short term and the long term.

So you are now probably wondering what exactly constitutes a healthy diabetes diet? Well to be honest there is no exact answer to this question. A common belief used to be that controlling your intake of carbohydrates was the key to controlling your diabetes. However, this idea neglected the fact that protein and fats can be converted into glucose and therefore have an impact on blood sugar levels too. It is now believed that eating a healthy, well balanced diet is the best way to combat diabetes and you can do this by sticking to the following guidelines:

1) EAT SMALLER MEALS MORE FREQUENTLY:- Just as eating mini meals frequently can boost your metabolism it can also help control your blood sugar levels. When we eat food it is converted into glucose which is then released into the blood stream. Eating a lot of food in one sitting causes a surge in blood sugar levels. Non-diabetics can get away with this surge because their bodies can produce additional insulin (a hormone which helps the body convert glucose into energy) to cope. However, diabetics do not have this safety mechanism. By eating smaller meals you can avoid any rapid increases in blood sugar levels and by eating more frequently you can stop your blood sugar levels getting too low (because the food will give your body a regular supply of glucose). The combination of these factors means that blood sugar levels remain much more stable when eating small, regular meals instead of less frequent, large meals.

2) CONTROL YOUR DAILY CALORIES:- Apart from controlling your blood sugar levels it is also important to keep your weight under control if you have diabetes. According to Dlife excess body fat can aggravate your condition further because fat cells have fewer insulin receptors than muscle, fat cells interfere with the breaking down of blood sugar and the more fat cells you have the greater number of cells your pancreas has to supply with the limited amount of insulin available. Therefore, minimising your body fat levels can greatly reduce the severity of your diabetes.

To begin this process you first need to see your doctor and ask him what the ideal weight is for your condition. Once you have your ideal weight you then need to calculate your basal metabolic rate (BMR) (which you can do using this BMR calculator). Your BMR will tell you approximately how many calories are required to maintain this ideal weight.

Once you have this information you then need to formulate your daily eating plans around it. Now you do not have to count every single calorie that goes into every single meal. However, you do need to have a general understanding of the calories contained in the food you are eating. In the beginning it will be quite tough and you will probably have to keep a check on your calories BUT in a few weeks you will develop an understanding of how many calories are in everything you eat and you will start to know how much food you can eat each day.

3) EAT A BALANCED DIET:- This phrase is bounced around the weight loss community quite a lot and there are a number of different interpretations. In this instance I am referring to a balanced diet in the sense that it incorporates all of the three major food groups; carbohydrates, proteins and fats. According to Mayo Clinic a balanced diabetes diet should include:

- Carbohydrates: 45%-65% of your daily calories.
- Proteins: 15%-20% of your daily calories.
- Fats: 20%-35% of your daily calories.

So for a person who has a BMR of 2000 calories it is recommended that 900-1300 of these calories come from carbohydrates, 300-400 of these calories come from proteins and 400-700 of these calories come from fats.

4) MODERATE YOUR INTAKE OF SUGAR AND SIMPLE CARBOHYDRATES:- For a long time it was believed that sugar could cause diabetes and that diabetics should avoid sugar completely. However, research has shown that sugar does not cause diabetes and also that it does not cause blood sugar levels to rise any more rapidly than other carbohydrates (such as potatoes, bread and rice). Even so diabetics still need to moderate their intake of sugars because sugars usually have a very low nutritional value and could be better replaced with more nutritious complex carbohydrates.

This is quite a difficult concept to explain but I’m going to try. Let’s say you have 5 cups of tea each day and in each cup you put 2 heaped teaspoons of sugar (making a total of 10 heaped teaspoons of sugar per day). Each heaped teaspoon of sugar contains approximately 25 calories, so from this sugar you are getting 250 calories per day (10 heaped teaspoons multiplied by 25 calories per heaped teaspoon). Now throughout the day you also snack on 3 slices of brown wholemeal toast because you get hungry between meals. Each slice of toast contains approximately 80 calories, so from this brown toast you are getting 240 calories per day (3 slices of toast multiplied by 80 calories). Your doctor tells you that to maintain a good weight for controlling your diabetes you need to drop 250 calories per day. Which one would you choose? If you drop the bread you are going to feel hungry for most of the day. If you drop the sugar your tea may not taste as good but you will not feel any more hungry. The bread has a higher nutritional value than the sugar and is a more effective use of the 250 calories.

Using this above example you can see why it is advisable to moderate your intake of sugar as part of a calorie controlled diet. But how much sugar is acceptable? Well according to Health Castle you can safely consume up to 10% of your daily calories from sugar (which translates to between 15%-20% of your daily carbohydrates). However, the key phrase here is UP TO 10%. If possible you should use 10% as an upper limit and try to keep your sugar intake below this level on certain days. The rest of your carbohydrates should come from complex carbohydrates such as; wholemeal bread, wholegrain cereal, fruits and vegetables.

5) INCREASE YOUR FIBRE INTAKE:- Fibre makes your bodies digestive system work harder which burns more calories and makes it easier to keep your weight under control. Furthermore, according to this study from the Internet Health Library a diet which is high in fibre can actually help control blood sugar levels. Participants in the study were put on a diet which contained a moderate amount of fibre (24 grams daily) for 6 weeks and then put on a high fibre diet (50 grams daily) for 6 weeks. The results showed that the high fibre diet reduced blood sugar levels by 8.9% more than the moderate fibre diet. Fibre also has many other benefits for your body so increasing your intake makes sense. Dietary sources of fibre include; wholegrain cereals, fruits, nuts and vegetables.

6) EAT AT LEAST FIVE PORTIONS OF FRUIT AND VEGETABLES EACH DAY:- A number of the above points have mentioned that you should try to make sure the majority of your carbohydrates have a high nutritional value. Well fruits and vegetables fit the bill perfectly here. Most varieties are packed with nutrients and they are also usually high in dietary fibre. By eating at least five different varieties of fruit and vegetable every day you will provide your body with lots of essential nutrients and find it much easier to keep your body fat levels under control.

Furthermore, new research suggests that fruit and vegetables may actually prevent diabetes. According to this study the Mediterranean diet (which includes a high number of fruits and vegetables) could be linked with the prevention of type 2 diabetes. Although, the results of the study were not conclusive it is highly likely that the fruit and vegetable component of the Mediterranean diet had an impact on the results and further suggests that fruit and vegetables are a valuable part of a diabetes diet.

7) CUT DOWN ON THE SALT:- According to the American Diabetes Association a high intake of salt is linked with hypertension (high blood pressure). Unfortunately, people with diabetes also have a greater chance of developing hypertension than non-diabetics. Putting the two together further increases the risk of high blood pressure developing. High blood pressure seriously increases your chances of heart disease and stroke, plus it can cause significant damage to all your major organs. Therefore, if you want to reduce your chances of developing this condition you need to cut back on the salt. The recommended intake is about 6g per day so you should try and stick to this.

8) MODERATE YOUR ALCOHOL INTAKE:- Alcohol is OK in moderation with some research even suggesting that moderate consumption can have a positive impact on your health. However, excessive consumption of alcohol can be damaging to your health and aggravate your diabetes. Most alcoholic beverages are full of sugar and simple carbohydrates and provide little nutritional value. Furthermore, alcohol reduces the level of glucose in your blood and can cause hypoglycaemia when consumed excessively. Men should try to limit their intake to 3 units per day or 21 units per week whilst women should stick to 2 units per day or 14 units per week.

Although the exact causes of diabetes are not fully known, it is universally agreed that diet has a large impact on both the development and management of the disease. A diabetes diet does not have to be restrictive, complicated and boring. In fact most of the suggested changes in this article are standard parts of a healthy diet. By making these changes to your diet you can take control of your diabetes and hopefully start to notice significant improvements.

Whilst every intention has been made to make this article accurate and informative, it is intended for general information only. Diabetes is a medical condition and this article is not intended as a substitute for the advice of your doctor or a qualified medical practitioner. Before making any changes to your diet you should always seek your doctors advice. If you have any concerns regarding any form of diabetes then you should speak to your doctor right away.

Sources:
Blood Sugar/Glucose Information
BMR Calculator
Diabetes Diet Information
Diabetes Diet Basics
Fat and Diabetes Information
Fibre and Diabetes Information
Hyperglycaemia Information
Hypertension Information
Hypoglycaemia Information
Insulin Information
Managing Diabetes with your Diet
Mediterranean Diet reduces Type 2 Diabetes
Salt and Diabetes Information
Sugar and Diabetes Information 1
Sugar and DIabetes Information 2
What Causes Diabetes?

*****

If you are looking for additional information on controlling your diabetes with diet you may be interested in Toma’s Diabetic Diet. This 144 page ebook explains how to select proper glycemic foods, which foods can lower your blood glucose and much more.

This is another article that I wrote when the Free Fitness Tips Blog was just getting started. However, after reviewing it I have decided it is due for a significant rewrite. So here is the new and improved version of ‘The Symptoms of Diabetes’…

—–

As I have discussed in my previous diabetes articles the symptoms of diabetes are often quite difficult to notice. However, if you know what to look for you have a much greater chance of identifying the symptoms. In this article I am going to discuss with you the major symptoms of diabetes and explain why they occur.

1) HYPERGLYCAEMIA (High Blood Sugar/Glucose):- Hyperglycaemia occurs when your blood sugar (the body’s main source of energy) levels become higher than normal, usually due to a lack of insulin. Insulin helps the body convert blood sugar into energy. If the body is not getting enough insulin this blood sugar cannot be broken down and instead stays in the blood stream, causing blood sugar levels to rise.

Hyperglycaemia can also be caused by eating too many sugars and carbohydrates (which release extra glucose into your blood stream), failing to exercise (which can reduce the effectiveness of insulin) and by being physically or mentally stressed (which can lead to the body producing extra glucose).

Blood sugar levels are said to reach hyperglycaemic levels when they are consistently above 126 milligrams per decilitre (mg/dL). When your blood sugar reaches hyperglycaemic levels the following symptoms may develop:

- Blurred Vision.
- Increased Hunger Levels.
- Increased Need to Urinate.
- Increased Susceptibility to Infection.
- Increased Thirst Levels.
- Nausea.
- Weakness/Tiredness.
- Weight Loss.

Hyperglycaemia can affect all diabetics and can be managed in two ways, depending upon the severity of the condition. Mild hyperglycaemia can usually be self treated by injecting insulin. More serious hyperglycaemia can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperosmotic non-ketotic acidosis (HONK) (see below for further details) for which you will need urgent hospital treatment.

2) HYPOGLYCAEMIA (Low Blood Sugar/Glucose):- Hypoglycaemia occurs when your blood glucose levels drop to lower than normal levels, usually because there is excessive insulin in your body. The presence of this extra insulin means that too much glucose is converted into energy and as a result your blood sugar levels start to decline.

Hypoglycaemia can also be caused by not consuming enough calories to meet the body’s energy requirements, either on a day to day basis or before exercise (your body burns extra calories during exercise so you need to make sure these additional calories are made available in the foods you eat prior to exercising). Alcoholic beverages also lower blood sugar levels and excessive alcohol consumption often causes hypoglycaemia.

Blood sugar levels are said to be hypoglycaemic when they are consistently below 70 mg/dL. When your blood sugar drops to hypoglycaemic levels the following symptoms may develop:

- Blurred Vision.
- Coma.
- Confusion.
- Convulsions
- Dizziness.
- Fatigue.
- Hunger Pangs.
- Increased Heart Rate.
- Paleness.
- Shaking.
- Sweating.
- Weakness.

Hypoglycaemia can affect all diabetics but it is more prevalent in people suffering from type 1 diabetes because they have to inject insulin regularly. If they inject too much insulin this often causes hypoglycaemia. Mild hypoglycaemia can normally be self treated by consuming approximately 10g - 20g of sugar. Glucose tablets are available for this specific purpose. More serious hypoglycaemia will often lead to a loss of consciousness and requires medical attention. In this case paramedics will often inject glucagon to raise blood sugar back to normal levels.

3) DIABETIC KETOACIDOSIS (DKA):- Diabetic ketoacidosis occurs when there are a high concentration of ketone bodies in your blood stream. When your body does not get the glucose it requires (usually because of a lack of insulin) it starts to break down fat and muscle for energy instead. Ketones (fatty acids) are released into the blood stream when fat is broken down for energy. If your body uses fat for energy over a prolonged period, these ketones build up in your blood stream and this leads to a state of diabetic ketoacidosis.

The main cause of diabetic ketoacidosis is a lack of insulin which means the body cannot break down glucose properly and so it is forced to turn to fat and muscle for energy. However, it can also be brought on by illness and infection.

The symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis include:

- Abdominal Pain.
- Confusion.
- Fruity Smelling Breath (similar to the smell of nail polish remover).
- Hot and Dry Skin.
- Loss of Appetite.
- Vomiting.

All diabetics can suffer from diabetic ketoacidosis but it is much more prevalent amongst type 1 diabetics, especially when they fail to inject insulin regularly. Unlike hyperglycaemia and hypoglycaemia, there are no mild forms of diabetic ketoacidosis. It is a very serious medical condition and needs to be addressed immediately. Untreated diabetic ketoacidosis can be fatal so if you notice any of the symptoms described you must seek immediate medical treatment.

4) HYPEROSMOTIC NON-KETOTIC ACIDOSIS (HONK):- This is a type of diabetic coma also known as nonketotic hyperosmolar coma, nonketotic hyperglycaemia and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic nonketotic coma (HHNKC). It is brought on by a lack of insulin in the body which causes glucose levels to rise excessively. The body responds by passing more urine to remove this excessive glucose from the blood. Failure to consume enough fluids can lead to extreme dehydration and eventual hyperosmotic non-ketotic acidosis.

Like with diabetic ketoacidosis, the main cause of hyperosmotic non-ketotic acidosis is a lack of insulin. However, it can also be triggered by illness or infection. The symptoms of hyperosmotic non-ketotic acidosis include:

- Dry Skin (that does not sweat).
- Fever with a Temperature.
- Hallucinations.
- Increased Thirst (which does not disappear despite adequate fluid consumption).
- Sleeplessness.
- Weakness in one side of the body.

Hyperosmotic non-ketotic acidosis can affect all diabetics but is more common amongst type 2 diabetics. Like with diabetic ketoacidosis, it is a very serious condition and requires immediate hospital treatment.

5) PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY:- Peripheral neuropathy describes the loss of nerve functions in the arms and/or legs. It is usually brought on by nerve damage caused by diabetes. However, it can also be caused by alcoholism, exposure to poisons (usually from certain medication), other diseases (including kidney disease and liver disease), pressure on the nerves (especially when the peripheral neuropathy is affecting a single nerve) and vitamin deficiency (with vitamin B being particularly important for nerve health).

The major symptoms of peripheral neuropathy include:

- Extreme Sensitivity to Touch.
- Lack of Co-Ordination.
- Numbness and Tingling in your Hands and Feet (which may spread upwards into your arms and legs).
- Sharp, Jabbing Pains.

Peripheral neuropathy can affect all diabetes sufferers and the symptoms can range from mild to severe. Peripheral neuropathy can usually be managed by eating a healthy diet which is high in B vitamins. However, painkillers may also be used for treatment if the condition starts to cause prolonged pain.

6) DIABETIC RETINOPATHY:- Diabetic retinopathy describes damage to the blood vessels of the light sensitive tissue located on the retina. This damage is caused by high blood sugar levels which initially cause the lens in your eye to swell (and may lead to blurred vision) and eventually cause permanent damage to the capillaries which supply your retina with blood.

The symptoms of diabetic retinopathy include:

- Blurred Vision.
- Dark Streaks which Block your Vision.
- Floating Spots in your Vision.
- Loss of Vision.
- Poor Night Vision.

All diabetics are susceptible to diabetic retinopathy. The symptoms can be reduced by managing your diabetes effectively, eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly. However, for severe diabetic retinopathy corrective laser surgery may be required.

As you can see there are a lot of potential symptoms that can act as warning signs for diabetes. Generally, any symptoms develop gradually in type 2 diabetics and much more rapidly in type 1 diabetics. However, many of the symptoms are not caused exclusively by diabetes. Even if your blood sugar levels are low or your vision is blurred, this does not necessarily mean that you have diabetes. The only way to be sure is to get tested by your doctor. They will be able to make an accurate diagnosis and confirm whether you have pre-diabetes, gestational, type 1 or type 2 diabetes.

Whilst every intention has been made to make this article accurate and informative, it is intended for general information only. Diabetes is a medical condition and this article is not intended as a substitute for the advice of your doctor or a qualified medical practitioner. If you have any concerns regarding any form of diabetes you should seek the advice of your doctor immediately.

Sources:
Blood Glucose/Sugar Information (Wikipedia)
Diabetes and Hyperglycaemia Information (Diabetes.co.uk)
Diabetes and Hypoglycaemia Information (Diabetes.co.uk)
Diabetic Ketoacidosis Information (Yahoo Health)
Diabetic Retinopathy Information (Mayo Clinic)
Glucagon Information (Wikipedia)
Hyperglycaemia Information (NHS Direct)
Hypoglycaemia Information (NHS Direct)
Hyperosmotic Non-Ketotic Acidosis Information (Diabetes Wikia)
Insulin Information (Wikipedia)
Peripheral Neuropathu (Mayo Clinic)

I originally published this blog post on October 16th 2007. However, since then this blog has come along way and so has my writing (or at least I hope it has). After re-reading some of my initial posts I identified this one as a post that I could improve a lot. So without further ado, please read the new, improved version of ‘Testing for Diabetes’.

Diabetes is a disease which develops when the cells in your body are no longer getting enough insulin (a hormone which helps your cells convert glucose into energy). There are a number of causes which vary depending upon the type of diabetes. There are also a number of symptoms which can indicate that you are suffering from diabetes. However, the problem with these symptoms is that in a lot of cases they are quite hard to spot. The only way to be certain that you have diabetes is to get yourself tested by a qualified medical practitioner. There are a number of tests available and whilst there is no universal standard by which diabetes is measured, certain tests have become more popular than others. In this article I will discuss 6 tests that can be used to look for diabetes.

1) FASTING PLASMA GLUCOSE (FPG) TEST:- This test measures glucose (the body’s main source of energy) levels in a person’s blood following a period of fasting (not eating). It is one of the most popular diabetes tests but is only given to non-pregnant adults. Therefore, it can be used to test for pre-diabetes, type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes BUT it cannot be used to test for gestational diabetes.

You will usually have to fast for eight hours prior to the FPG test. Following your fast a blood sample will then be taken (usually from a vein in your arm). This blood sample will then be used to measure your blood glucose levels and the results will indicate whether or not you have diabetes:

- A blood sugar reading of 99 milligrams per decilitre (mg/dL) or below is considered normal.
- A blood sugar reading of between 100 mg/dL and 125 mg/dL indicates that you have impaired fasting glucose (a form of pre-diabetes).
- A blood sugar reading of 126 mg/dL or above indicates that you have either type 1 or type 2 diabetes. If this is the case you will be given another FPG test and the results of the two will be compared. If the results are consistent your doctor will diagnose you with diabetes and investigate further to determine whether it is type 1 or type 2.

2) ORAL GLUCOSE TOLERANCE TEST (OGTT):- This test measures blood sugar levels following the consumption of a sugary drink containing glucose. Unlike FPG this test can be used to diagnose all forms of diabetes including gestational diabetes (although the methodology does change slightly when testing for gestational diabetes).

If the OGTT is being used to test for pre-diabetes, type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes then it acts as an extension to the FPG test. You will be required to fast for eight hours and then have a blood sample taken (as you would for the FPG test). After this your doctor will give you a sugary drink that contains a measured amount of glucose (which should be between 75g and 100g). Following consumption of the glucose your doctor will take blood samples at regular intervals (usually one hour, two hours and three hours after consumption).

If the OGTT is being used to test for gestational diabetes the same procedure will be followed except you will not be required to fast before the test. However, your doctor may recommend that you perform the test first thing in the morning before you have eaten anything.

Whichever type of diabetes the OGTT is measuring, the final blood sample will provide a good indicator as to whether you have diabetes or not:

- A blood sugar reading of 140 mg/dL or below is considered normal.
- A blood sugar reading of between 140 mg/dL and 199 mg/dL indicates that you have impaired glucose tolerance (a form of pre-diabetes).
- A blood sugar reading of 200 mg/dL or above indicates that you have either type 1, type 2 or gestational diabetes. If this is the case your doctor will either diagnose you with gestational diabetes (if the OGTT was to test for gestational diabetes) or investigate further and diagnose you with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes.

3) RANDOM BLOOD GLUCOSE (RBG) TEST:- Unlike the above tests, a RBG test can be performed at any time regardless of when you ate. It can also be performed at home, without the assistance of a doctor, using a glucose meter (a medical device which calculates the approximate level of glucose in the blood). No fasting is required for this type of test. The idea behind this is that although eating does affect blood sugar levels they should not fluctuate hugely if tested at random intervals during the day. This test can be used to test for all forms of diabetes but should not be used as the only basis for diagnosis because there are concerns regarding the accuracy of RBGs.

This test is relatively simple compared with the above tests. You simply prick your finger using a lancing device (a device which pricks your skin in a very controlled way to draw a small drop of blood) then place a single drop of blood on a disposable test strip. You then place this test strip into your glucose meter and it will give you an approximate blood sugar reading. Diagnosis from a RBG is very similar to an FBG with a blood sugar level of 200 mg/dL or over indicating that you have diabetes.

Although this type of test is easier and more convenient than other tests, there are problems with accuracy. Glucose meters are believed to have just 10% of the accuracy of a laboratory test. This is because their main function is to monitor blood sugar levels in diabetics - NOT diagnosing diabetes. Therefore, home RBG tests should only be used to identify the warning signs of diabetes. If this home testing indicates that you may have diabetes do not attempt to self diagnose. Instead, consult your doctor immediately and they will be able to perform further, more accurate tests and give you a proper diagnosis.

4) KETONE TEST:- This test looks for ketones (substances produced by the body when it breaks down fat for energy) in your urine or your bloodstream. The presence of ketones indicates that your body is burning too much fat because; you are not getting enough carbohydrates in your diet OR your body is not using glucose properly. High levels of ketones in your body are a warning sign for all types of diabetes. However, type 1 diabetics are the most likely to experience this because their body produces no insulin (people suffering from gestational diabetes and type 2 diabetes often produce limited insulin). The presence of excessive ketones can also be a sign of diabetic ketoacidosis, a potentially life threatening blood chemical imbalance.

You can test for ketones using either a blood test or a urine test. The blood test is the more accurate but the urine test is the most commonly used because it is more convenient. Blood testing is performed by your doctor and involves a blood sample being taken from your arm. Your doctor will then take this blood sample and test it for the presence of ketones. If ketones are found in your bloodstream your doctor will investigate to determine the cause and then give you further advice.

The urine test can be performed at home using special test strips that are available from your doctor and over the counter at some chemists. It involves urinating in a clean container and then placing a test strip into the urine. If the test strip changes colour there are ketones present in your urine and you should seek the advice of your doctor immediately. They will then be able to investigate further and determine the cause of the ketones in your urine.

5) URINE GLUCOSE TEST:- Urine usually contains little to no glucose. However, when blood sugar levels start to reach 180 mg/dL and above, glucose starts to spill over into the urine. The urine glucose test is not an accurate way to diagnose diabetes because glucose can also appear in the urine when your kidneys get damaged or diseased. However, it does indicate possible diabetes and your doctor will usually follow up with one of the above blood glucose tests if sugar is found in your urine.

To perform a urine test you urinate in a plastic container and then give it to your doctor who will pass it on to the laboratory for analysis. As I mentioned above, the urine test is not used to diagnose diabetes. The chances are that you will be having a urine test for something completely unrelated. If the analysis uncovers glucose in your urine you will then be given further tests for diabetes as a precaution.

6) GLYCOSYLATED HAEMOGLOBIN TEST:- When glucose binds with haemoglobin in the blood, glycosylated haemoglobin is created. The glucose stays attached to the haemoglobin for the life of the blood cell (usually between two to four months). Glycosylated haemoglobin levels increase in people who are not managing their diabetes properly. Therefore, the glycosylated haemoglobin test can be used to measure a person’s blood sugar levels over the last two to four months and check how effective any diabetes treatments have been.

This test is performed in the same way as a normal blood test. Your doctor will take a blood sample (usually from a vein in your arm) and the levels of glycosylated haemoglobin in this sample are then measured. Your doctor will interpret the results as follows:

- Non-diabetics should have a glycosylated haemoglobin level of between 4% and 6%.
- Diabetics who are treating the condition effectively should have glycosylated haemoglobin of less than 7%.
- Levels of glycosylated haemoglobin above 7% indicate that your current diabetes treatment is not performing effectively and needs to be changed. However, the results will need to be further interpreted by your doctor because other factors can affect your glycosylated haemoglobin levels.

As you can see there are a lot of ways that you can test for diabetes with some being more accurate and others being more convenient. However, the best way to test for diabetes is by consulting your doctor. All the tests discussed above measure the number of ketones or the level of glucose in your body. Whilst high blood sugar and high levels of ketones are a good indicator of diabetes there can be other factors affecting them. For example, your blood sugar levels often rise when you are unwell and ketones may be present in your blood if you are not eating enough. Your doctor has the professional skills to look at these signs, determine the cause and make the call as to whether it is diabetes or not.

Whilst every intention has been made to make this article accurate and informative, it is intended for general information only. Diabetes is a medical condition and this article is not intended as a substitute for the advice of your doctor or a qualified medical practitioner. If you have any concerns regarding any form of diabetes you should seek the advice of your doctor immediately.

Sources:
Blood Sugar/Glucose Information (Wikipedia)
Blood Sugar Test Results Information (Mayo Clinic)
Diabetes and Ketones Information (Diabetes.co.uk)
Diabetic Ketoacidosis Information (Yahoo Health)
Fasting Plasma Glucose Test (Diabetes Self Management)
Glucose Meter Information (Wikipedia)
Glucose Urine Test Information (Web MD)
Glycosylated Haemoglobin Information (Med Terms)
Glycosylated Haemoglobin Test (Health A to Z)
Haemoglobin Information (Wikipedia)
Impaired Fasting Glucose Information (Wikipedia)
Insulin Information (Wikipedia)
Ketone Test (Web MD)
Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (Web MD)
Screening for Diabetes (Patient UK)
Type 1 Diabetes Diagnosis Information (Health A to Z)
Type 2 Diabetes Diagnosis Information (Health A to Z)

In my last few articles I have mentioned a number of the possible reasons behind the development of diabetes. These included; obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, age and family. However, many of these are risk factors and do not directly cause diabetes themselves. In this article I will attempt to drill down the causes of the various types of diabetes so that you can take preventative measures and reduce your risk of contracting diabetes.

1) GENERAL CAUSES:- The main cause of diabetes is the cells of your body not getting enough insulin (the hormone which breaks glucose down into energy). This may be because your pancreas is not producing enough insulin or because your body’s cells have become resistant to insulin.

2) GESTATIONAL DIABETES (GDM):- It is currently not known exactly what causes gestational diabetes. However, the widely accepted belief is that changes to your body in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy influence the development of GDM. During this time your baby is growing and relies on glucose (the body’s primary source of energy) for nourishment. To ensure the baby receives enough glucose during these two trimesters, the placenta releases insulin blocking hormones. This causes women’s insulin requirements to increase by two or three times the normal rate during pregnancy. Failure to produce enough insulin to meet this excess demand whilst pregnant causes gestational diabetes to develop.

3) TYPE 1 DIABETES:- Again the exact cause of type 1 diabetes is unknown. The condition develops when the pancreas becomes damaged. In most cases this damage is the result of an auto-immune response (where the body’s immune system attacks its own cells). In the case of type 1 diabetes, the beta cells of the pancreas (which produce insulin) are attacked by the body’s immune system meaning that insulin can no longer be produced. Whilst we know WHAT happens to cause type 1 diabetes, we do not know WHY this happens but there are a number of popular suggestions which include:

- An unknown viral infection instigates this auto-immune response.
- Unknown toxins in the foods we eat cause this auto-immune response.
- Faulty nerves in the pancreas cause this auto-immune response.

4) TYPE 2 DIABETES AND PRE-DIABETES:- Pre-diabetes is an early indicator of type 2 diabetes and the causes of each are almost identical. As with the other types of diabetes listed above, the exact cause of type 2 diabetes and pre-diabetes is unknown. The conditions develop when the body’s cells start to resist insulin. The pancreas responds by producing more insulin and the liver responds by releasing more glucose (because the body is not processing the glucose that is already in the blood). Over time this limits the pancreas’s ability to produce insulin and increases the body’s resistance to insulin. Like with type 1 diabetes it is not know why the body’s cells start to resist insulin. However, there are a number of specific, associated risk factors including:

- Age: Exercising regularly and keeping control of your weight reduces your risk of contracting type 2 diabetes. However, as we age we generally gain weight and exercise less. If you follow this pattern then the older you get the greater chance you have of developing type 2 diabetes.

- Ethnicity: It is not known why ethnic origin affects your chances of diabetes but unfortunately it does. Blacks, Hispanics, American Indians and Asian-Americans are all ethnicities which are at an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

- Family: Again it is not understood why but having a parent or sibling with type 2 diabetes greatly increases the risk of you contracting it too.

- Gestational Diabetes (GDM): If you develop gestational diabetes whilst pregnant the unfortunate news is that you are at an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes at a later stage. On the bright side, effective management of gestational diabetes reduces the impact it has on the future development of type 2 diabetes.

- Inactivity: When you exercise you use additional glucose for energy and this helps to moderate your blood sugar levels. Furthermore, regular exercise helps you control your weight which makes your cells more receptive to insulin. By being inactive you are negating all these benefits and increasing your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

- Obesity: An increased amount of fatty tissue increases insulin resistance in your body’s cells. According to DLife this is because; fat cells have fewer insulin receptors than muscles, fat cells release free fatty acids which interfere with glucose metabolism and excess glucose is stored as body fat which increases the number of cells the pancreas has to supply with insulin.

- Pre-Diabetes: This one only counts for type 2 diabetes obviously. As discussed above pre-diabetes is an early sign for the development of type 2 diabetes. If preventative action is not taken pre-diabetes can easily develop into type 2 diabetes.

5) RUMOURS:- Since the exact cause of diabetes is unknown, a number of rumours have developed regarding its origins. In particular, these rumours falsely suggest that specific factors can cause diabetes. Below I have addressed three of the most popular rumours:

- Diabetes is Contagious: Diabetes is NOT contagious. You cannot catch diabetes of another person and if you are a diabetic you cannot pass it on to anyone else. However, having parents or siblings with diabetes increases your risk of contracting it. Therefore, whilst you cannot catch diabetes directly off another human being (e.g. you will not get diabetes by being in the same room as, touching, kissing or having intercourse with another diabetic) there is a hereditary element to the disease.

- Sugar Causes Diabetes: This is one of the most popular rumours around. Diabetics need to monitor their sugar intake quite closely and because of this sugar is often linked with causing diabetes. Eating lots of sugar DOES NOT cause diabetes. However, sugary foods are often very low in nutritional value and rarely satisfy your hunger, hence the reason that they are often referred to as “empty calories” (for example you do not feel fuller after drinking a bottle of lemonade but you have still consumed “empty calories” by drinking it).  Consuming too much sugar very often leads to you becoming overweight because the excess calories from the sugar are not satisfying you in the same way that more complex carbohydrates would. Being overweight makes your cells more resistant to insulin which does increase your risk of contracting type 2 diabetes. Therefore, whilst sugar is not directly related to the development of diabetes it is still a good idea to moderate your consumption.

- Stress Causes Diabetes: Stress can aggravate diabetes and make the condition worse if you are a diabetic. It is also possible that stress can trigger an auto-immune attack, similar to those that lead to the development of type 1 diabetes. However, to date there is NO EVIDENCE which suggests that stress causes diabetes.

Whilst we have a general understanding of what causes the various types of diabetes the exact triggers are unknown. No one is 100% sure why the body’s immune system attacks the pancreas in type 1 diabetes. Nobody knows for sure why the cells of type 2 diabetics start to resist insulin. However, an increasing amount of evidence suggests that regular exercise and healthy eating can help prevent diabetes if you are not a sufferer, and minimise the impact of diabetes if you are a sufferer. Therefore, whilst you cannot be 100% certain of what causes diabetes you can be confident in the fact that you know what prevents it. Try to exercise for at least 30 minutes each day and consume healthy foods most of the time, and the chances are you will never have to worry about what causes diabetes because you will not be at risk from it in the first place.

Every intention has been made to make this article accurate and informative but it is intended for general information only. Diabetes is a medical condition and this article is not intended as a substitute for the advice of your doctor or a qualified medical practitioner. If you have any concerns regarding any form of diabetes you should seek the advice of your doctor immediately.

Sources:
Blood Glucose/Sugar Information (Wikipedia)
The Causes of Diabetes
Type 2 Diabetes: Causes and Risk Factors (DLife)
Sugar and Diabetes Information (Health Castle)
Stress and Diabetes Information (Health A to Z)
Insulin Information (Wikipedia)
Obesity Information (Wikipedia)
Type 2 Diabetes Risk Factors (Mayo Clinic)

Type 2 diabetes (also known as non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) or adult-onset diabetes) occurs either when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin (a hormone which helps your body’s cells absorb sugar/glucose) or when your body starts to resist the effects of insulin. Type 2 diabetes is the most common of the two forms with 90%-95% of sufferers believed to have type 2 (and the remaining 5%-10% suffering from type 1). According to Diabetes.co.uk the condition affects over 2 million people in the UK alone and it is becoming a global problem. The condition usually goes unnoticed by sufferers because there are often no clear symptoms. Type 2 diabetes can often be managed by participating in regular exercise and modifying your diet, with approximately 40% of sufferers requiring insulin injections.

Type 2 diabetes is strongly associated with obesity and is often preceded by pre-diabetes but the exact cause is unknown. Development begins when the cells in your body (in particular the muscles, the liver and the fat cells) stop responding to insulin properly (for some unknown reason). As a result the body is unable to breakdown blood sugar/glucose (the body’s major energy source) properly. This then stimulates a response from the pancreas (which produces additional insulin) and the liver (which releases extra glucose). Over time these responses limit the pancreas’s ability to produce insulin and also cause your cells to become even more resistant to insulin. The overall effect is that blood sugar levels in your body gradually increase over time.

Although the exact cause is unknown, there are a number of risk factors which contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes. These include:

- Age: As you age you generally get less active and gain weight, increasing your chances of developing type 2 diabetes. In particular, those over the age of 45 are at a greater risk than their younger counterparts.

- Gestational Diabetes (GDM): If you suffered from GDM during your pregnancy this increases your chances of developing type 2 diabetes later in your life, especially if the GDM was poorly managed at the time.

- Obesity: The more fatty tissue you have, the more resistant your body’s cells become to insulin increasing the likelihood of higher than normal glucose levels.

- Pre-Diabetes: If you are suffering from pre-diabetes and do not manage it effectively it is very likely to progress into full type 2 diabetes.

- Race: It is unclear why race influences the development of diabetes but unfortunately it does. In particular, blacks, Hispanics, American Indians and Asian-Americans have a greater chances of contracting type 2 diabetes.

- Relatives: If anyone in your family has previously suffered from type 2 diabetes then this unfortunately increases the risk for you.

- Sedentary Lifestyle: Exercise reduces your chances of developing type 2 diabetes because it uses glucose for energy and also helps you moderate your blood sugar levels. On the other hand, inactivity increases your chances of developing type 2 diabetes as you are getting none of the benefits that exercise provides.

Since the development of type 2 diabetes is gradual it may take a few years before symptoms start to show. Sufferers very often show no symptoms or the symptoms are so mild that they go unnoticed. In fact the condition is very often diagnosed as part of a standard medical check up. However, if symptoms do surface they can include:

- Blurred Vision.
- Cuts or Sores that do not Heal Easily.
- Dry Mouth.
- Increased Need to Urinate.
- Increased Thirst Levels.
- Increased Tiredness.
- Loss of Weight (although this is not as prevalent as in Type 1 diabetes).
- Pains in your Leg.

As with type 1 diabetes, diabetic ketoacidosis can also affect sufferers of type 2 although it is much less common. One of the more significant risks which does affect type 2 diabetics is hyperosmotic non-ketotic acidosis (HONK) (also known as nonketotic hyperosmolar coma, nonketotic hyperglycaemia and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic nonketotic coma (HHNKC)). This is a type of coma brought on by a lack of insulin in the body which causes blood sugar levels to rise to an excessively high level. The body responds by passing more urine in an attempt to remove this excess glucose from the blood. If you do not consume enough fluids your body can become dehydrated. Hyperosmotic non-ketotic acidosis develops over a period of time and can be fatal if it is left untreated. The signs of hyperosmotic non-ketotic acidosis include:

- Increased Thirst (which does not disappear despite adequate fluid consumption).
- Dry Skin (that does not sweat).
- Fever with a Temperature.
- Hallucinations.
- Sleeplessness.
- Weakness in one side of the body.

If you notice any of the above symptoms then it is essential that you get yourself checked by your doctor for diabetes. They will be able to perform a number of tests and can let you know whether you have contracted type 2 diabetes. Two of the most popular tests are discussed below:

1) FASTING PLASMA GLUCOSE TEST (FPG):- You will need to fast for eight hours prior to this test. Following your fast, your doctor will take a blood sample and measure your blood glucose levels. If your reading is above 126 milligrams per decilitre (mg/dL) this could indicate full diabetes. If this is the case the test will then be performed again and confirmed for accuracy. Failing this test twice (having blood sugar levels over 126 mg/dL) indicates that you have diabetes.

2) ORAL GLUCOSE TOLERANCE TEST (OGTT):- For this test you are again required to avoid food for at least eight hours. After this your doctor will take a blood sample and give you a sugary drink (glucose). A further blood sample will then be taken two hours after consuming this drink. For this test a reading of 200 mg/dL or over indicates the presence of diabetes.

If you fail any of the above tests your doctor will then investigate further to determine whether you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes. If you are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes your doctor will then be able to give you further advice. You will need to get a home testing kit so that blood sugar levels can be monitored throughout the day but in the majority of cases you can control this condition through positive lifestyle changes alone. The first major change you will have to make is to your diet. You will need to moderate the amount of sugar you consume and spread the amount of carbohydrates (bread, pasta, potatoes) you eat evenly throughout the day. You should also try to eat lots of fruit and vegetables. Doing this will help you moderate your blood sugar levels and also help you keep your weight under control.

Another change will be to exercise more. You should try to exercise for at least 30 minutes per day and if you do not fancy the gym there are plenty of other options available to you including cycling, swimming and team sports. Regular exercise will help your circulation and allow your muscles to absorb additional glucose, reducing the overall blood sugar levels in your body.

Finally, if you smoke or drink alcohol you are advised to give up smoking and reduce your consumption of alcohol. Smoking is a health risk for everyone but even more so for diabetics as it has been linked with promoting insulin resistance. Alcohol should be OK in small quantities but in larger quantities it can cause hypoglycaemia (very low blood sugar) so you should try to limit yourself to 1 or 2 alcoholic beverages per day.

As stated above, in most cases positive lifestyle changes will be enough to control type 2 diabetes. However, if they do not seem to be having an effect your doctor may have to prescribe insulin injections (approximately 40% of type 2 diabetics require insulin injections) in order to return your blood glucose to normal levels. There are many types of insulin available with each type working in slightly different ways. Your doctor will know which type is best for you and will be able to prescribe the most effective insulin injections should you require them.

Type 2 diabetes is a condition which develops gradually over time and can often be completely negated by making the positive lifestyle changes discussed in this article. Both the risk factors and the symptoms are largely a product of poor health choices. You are the only one who can influence the effect type 2 diabetes will have on you during your life. If you start making positive lifestyle changes today, you can control your type 2 diabetes instead of letting it control you.

Whilst every intention has been made to make this article accurate and informative it is intended for general information only. Diabetes is a medical condition and this article is not intended as a substitute for the advice of your doctor or a qualified medical practitioner. If you have any concerns regarding type 2 or any other form of diabetes you should seek the advice of your doctor immediately.

Sources:
Blood Glucose/Sugar Information (Wikipedia)
Diabetes and Hypoglycaemia Information (Diabetes.co.uk)
Diabetic Ketoacidosis Information (Yahoo Health)
Hyperosmotic Non-Ketotic Acidosis Information (Diabetes Wikia)
Hypoglycaemia Information (Net Doctor)
Insulin Information (Wikipedia)
Obesity Information (Wikipedia)
Type 2 Diabetes Facts (Net Doctor)
Type 2 Diabetes Facts (Wikipedia)
Type 2 Diabetes Facts (Diabetes.co.uk)
Type 2 Diabetes Facts (BUPA)
Type 2 Diabetes Risk Factors (Mayo Clinic)
Smoking and Insulin Resistance Study

*****

If you enjoyed this article and want to learn more about combatting type 2 diabetes I recommend How to Fight Type 2 Diabetes and Win from Patrick ‘The Diabetic Warrior’ Lecky. His 250 page ebook reveals how you can reduce insulin resistance in your body’s cells, prevent the damage caused by diabetes and much more:

Type 1 diabetes (also known as juvenile onset or insulin dependent diabetes) is when the body can no longer produce insulin (the hormone which helps your body to break down sugar/glucose) as a result of damage to the pancreas. It is a less common form of diabetes accounting for between 5% and 10% of all cases. However, type 1 diabetes can be lethal unless treated properly with insulin injections.

The cause of type 1 diabetes is still not fully understood. The damage to the pancreas generally occurs as the result of an auto-immune response by the body, where the body’s immune system turns on itself and attacks the beta cells of the pancreas (which produce insulin). The trigger behind this auto-immune response is unknown. Some researchers believe that it is a reaction to an infection. Others believe it is a genetically inherited weakness. More recent research suggests that type 1 diabetes could be linked to the nervous system, with faulty nerves in the pancreas possibly being the cause.

The symptoms of type 1 diabetes usually develop relatively quickly, in a matter of days or weeks. They can include:

- Increased Thirst Levels.
- Increased Hunger Levels.
- Increased need to Urinate.
- Loss of Weight.
- Blurred Vision.
- Fatigue and Weakness.

Apart from the above symptoms, sufferers of type 1 diabetes are also at risk of diabetic ketoacidosis. This is a serious blood chemical imbalance which occurs when the body’s cells do not get the glucose (the body’s primary source of energy) they require due to the lack of insulin. As a result the body starts to break down fat and muscle for energy. When the body uses fat for energy, it also releases ketones (fatty acids) into the blood stream which can cause:

- Hot and Dry Skin.
- Fruity Smelling Breath (similar to the smell of nail polish remover).
- Loss of Appetite.
- Abdominal Pain.
- Vomiting.
- Confusion.

Hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar/glucose) is another condition which affects diabetics, particularly type 1 diabetics. There are a number of causes but the three major ones are; alcohol (alcoholic beverages often lower blood pressure), overdosing on insulin (insulin injections are needed to lower your blood sugar to an acceptable level but taking too much can lead to hypoglycaemia) and calorie deficits (when your body does not get enough calories from the food you have eaten). The symptoms of hypoglycaemia can range from mild (which can usually be managed alone) to the more serious (for which you will usually require assistance) and include:

- Paleness.
- Shaking.
- Sweating.
- Temporary Loss of Conciousness.
- Convulsions.
- Coma.

If you notice any of the above symptoms then it is essential that you see your doctor. They will be able to perform a number of tests which will confirm whether you have contracted type 1 diabetes. Two of the most common tests are outlined below:

1) FASTING PLASMA GLUCOSE TEST (FPG):- You will need to fast for eight hours prior to this test. Following your fast, your doctor will take a blood sample and measure your blood glucose levels. If your reading is above 126 milligrams per decilitre (mg/dL) this could indicate full diabetes. If this is the case the test will then be performed again and confirmed for accuracy. Failing this test twice (having blood sugar levels over 126 mg/dL) indicates that you have diabetes.

2) ORAL GLUCOSE TOLERANCE TEST (OGTT):- For this test you are again required to avoid food for at least eight hours. After this your doctor will take a blood sample and give you a sugary drink (glucose). A further blood sample will then be taken two hours after consuming this drink. For this test a reading of 200 mg/dL or over indicates the presence of diabetes.

If you fail either test the doctor will then investigate further to determine whether you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes. If you are diagnosed with type 1 diabetes your doctor will prescribe insulin injections and advise you further. Unlike type 2 diabetes, type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented or delayed. You will need to monitor your blood glucose levels at regular intervals throughout the day (using a home testing kit such as a glucometer) and you will need multiple daily insulin injections. Since your body can no longer produce insulin, these insulin injections will allow your body to absorb blood glucose and convert it into energy, preventing a build up of glucose in your blood. There are a number of different types of insulin available with each type working at different rates. Your doctor will be able to advise you further on which insulin type is best for you.

Although you will require insulin injections, diet and exercise still have a large part to play in controlling type 1 diabetes. Eating a healthy, balanced diet is crucial because it will help you keep your weight and blood sugar under control. It is particularly important that you eat carbohydrates regularly throughout the day to keep your blood sugar levels as even as possible. Regular exercise is also essential because it promotes good circulation and causes your muscles to absorb more glucose, lowering your overall blood sugar levels. Your options include walking, jogging, swimming, team sports and cycling but whichever you choose try and remain active for at least 30 minutes per day.

Upon discovering that you have type 1 diabetes you are likely to feel sad and disappointed. Dealing with the condition will be difficult in the early stages as you will have to make some quite significant changes to your lifestyle. However, at present there is no cure for type 1 diabetes so it is essential for your health that you embrace these changes. Over time your type 1 diabetes will become less of a burden and you will soon learn that it does not have to control your life. Yes your lifestyle will have to change but you can still lead a rich, enjoyable life as a type 1 diabetic.

Whilst every intention has been made to make this article accurate and informative it is intended for general information only. Diabetes is a medical condition and this article is not intended as a substitute for the advice of your doctor or a qualified medical practitioner. If you have any concerns regarding type 1 or any other form of diabetes you should seek the advice of your doctor immediately.

Sources:
Blood Glucose/Sugar Information (Wikipedia)
Diabetes and Hypoglycaemia Information (Diabetes.co.uk)
Diabetic Ketoacidosis Information (Yahoo Health)
Diabetes Study (CBC News)
Hypoglycaemia Information (Net Doctor)
Insulin Information (Wikipedia)
Type 1 Diabetes Diagnosis Information (Health A to Z)
Type 1 Diabetes Facts (Net Doctor)
Type 1 Diabetes Facts (Wikipedia)
Type 1 Diabetes Facts (Diabetes.co.uk)
Type 1 Diabetes Facts (BUPA)
Type 1 Diabetes Symptoms (Yahoo Health)

Diabetes occurs when your blood glucose/sugar levels (the body’s primary source of energy) are elevated because the body is not producing enough insulin (the hormone which helps your body to break down sugar/glucose) or the insulin in the body is not working as it should be. Pre-diabetes usually precedes full type 2 diabetes and describes a person with higher than normal blood glucose levels. Their glucose levels are not high enough to be classified as type 2 diabetes but pre-diabetes almost always leads to type 2 diabetes if preventative action is not taken. Pre-diabetes is a critical stage for the individual because at this point they can still make the lifestyle choices which will slow down or even halt the development of type 2 diabetes.

Pre-diabetes is linked to a number of risk factors which promote its development. These risk factors include:

- Age: As you age you generally get less active and gain weight, increasing your chances of pre-diabetes.

- Obesity: The more fatty tissue you have, the more resistant your body’s cells become to insulin increasing the likelihood of higher than normal glucose levels.

- Race: It is unclear why race influences the development of pre-diabetes but unfortunately it does. In particular blacks, Hispanics, American Indians and Asian-Americans have a greater chances of developing pre-diabetes.

- Relatives: If your family has a history of type 2 diabetes then unfortunately this also increases the chances of you contracting pre-diabetes.

- Sedentary Lifestyle: Exercise reduces your chances of contracting pre-diabetes because it uses glucose for energy and also helps you moderate your body fat levels. Therefore, inactivity increases your chances of developing pre-diabetes.

There are also a number of symptoms related to type 2 diabetes that you should look out for in pre-diabetes. These include:

- Increased Thirst Levels.
- Increased Hunger Levels.
- Increased need to Urinate.
- Nausea or Vomiting.
- Blurred Vision.
- Increased Tiredness.

However, many of these symptoms do not manifest themselves during pre-diabetes. The most reliable way to determine whether you have pre-diabetes is to get tested by your doctor. They can perform a number of tests which will confirm whether or not you are a sufferer. Two of the most common tests are outlined below:

1) FASTING PLASMA GLUCOSE TEST (FPG):- For this test you will be required to eat nothing for eight hours. Then a blood sample will be taken and your blood glucose levels will be tested. A level of 99 milligrams per decilitre (mg/dL) or below is considered normal. If your blood glucose level is between 100 mg/dL or 125 mg/dL this indicates pre-diabetes. If your blood glucose level is 126 mg/dL this could indicate full diabetes. If this is the case the test will then be repeated and confirmed for accuracy. Failing this test (having blood sugar levels over 100 mg/dL) means that you have impaired fasting glucose.

2) ORAL GLUCOSE TOLERANCE TEST (OGTT):- For this test you are also required to fast for at least eight hours. After this your doctor will take a blood sample and give you a sugary drink (glucose). A further blood sample will then be taken two hours later. In this case a blood glucose level below 140 mg/dL is considered normal. Blood glucose levels between 140-199 mg/dL indicate pre-diabetes and blood sugar levels of 200 mg/dL or over suggest full diabetes. Failing this test (having blood sugar levels over 140 mg/dL) means that you have impaired glucose tolerance.

If you fail either test then your doctor will inform you that you have pre-diabete