Years ago, insulin was derived from animals and injected by a needle.  Patients often needed multiple insulin injections throughout the day.  There were problems with the insulin derived from beef and pork and many patients developed a resistance to the insulin after a period of time.  In 1977, modern technology in the treatment of diabetes took a giant leap as human insulin was cloned.  Today, insulin to treat diabetes is human insulin and is much more effective than insulin used in the past.

There are many different types of insulin on the market today and, as is the case with oral medications, it may take several different insulin types in order to find the correct balance that will insure good glucose levels.  Some insulin, such as Humalog, is very short acting and peaks within an hour after injection.  Other insulin, such as Ultra Lente, is very long acting and peaks in 18 hours. 

There are three characteristics to insulin.  Onset is the time it takes for the drug to reach the bloodstream and begin lowering the glucose.  The peaktime is the time when the drug is at the maximum strength and the duration is how long the drug continues to work in reducing the blood glucose level. 

Each patient has different needs when it comes to insulin and for this reason, there are many different types of the drug.  Cost is also a consideration in many cases as the insulin must be injected every day and, in certain instances, many people have to inject the insulin several times a day.

Another benefit of modern technology in managing people with diabetes through the use of insulin is the insulin pump.  This is much more effective than injections as it is a catheter that remains under the skin and separates the insulin into three different types of insulin.  Basal insulin is injected continuously.  Bolus doses are given to cover any carbohydrates consumed in a meal.  You can also have correction doses or supplemental doses.  This is especially effective if your blood sugars are high prior to eating. 

The use of the insulin pump is much more effective than using injections as it controls your insulin and blood glucose levels on a continuous basis.  It is relatively easy to use and most people with Type I diabetes are using insulin pumps. 

Not only people with Type I diabetes use insulin.  Those with Type II diabetes who have been unable to control their blood sugars through diet and medication are often prescribed insulin.  Because the insulin pump is so effective at retaining control of the blood glucose level, many people with Type II diabetes have also opted to use the insulin pump.

Medical science is continuing to search for a cure for diabetes which has reached epidemic proportions in some areas.  Until a cure is found, however, there are many ways to treat this disease.  When someone gets a diagnoses of diabetes, they often panic and are overwhelmed at all of the information.  If you or a loved one is diagnosed with diabetes, become empowered by learning all you can about treating the illness, learning about different medications and making sure that you comply with orders given by your physician.  Patients with diabetes who are compliant and learn about their disease stand the best chance of living a long and productive live, despite having diabetes.

Other foods are rated high on the Glycemic Index.  These foods currently have high ratings and raise the blood glucose level quickly.  High glycemic foods can be beneficial for people who are recovering from high exertion or those suffering from hypoglycemia.  People with Type I or Type II Diabetes should avoid high glycemic foods as they can play havoc with the insulin or medication they are taking.

Some examples of foods that considered high glycemic foods include corn flakes, white rices such as jasmine rice, white breads and baked potatoes.  People who have diabetes, either Type I or Type II, should avoid these foods as much as possible. 

Other foods that are high glycemic foods include those with large amounts of white refined sugar or white flour.  One thing a doctor will tell a patient on how to avoid high glycemic foods is to avoid anything white.  This includes white bread, pasta made with white flour and even cakes or sweets made with refined white sugar or white flour. 

High glycemic foods tend to take a long time to digest in the system of a diabetic.  The glucose, or sugar, stays in the blood because the system of a diabetic is unable to process the refine sugars and flours.  The glucose stays in the blood and in the urine causing the diabetic to frequently urinate, experience thirst and hunger more than the average person and sweat profusely. 

After a while, this takes its toll on the system of a diabetic.  The kidneys begin to hurt because they are not functioning properly.  This is one symptom that diabetics often present with when seeking a physician.  They also get blood in their urine and, in the worst case scenario, they faint or enter into an episode of semi-consciousness, confusion which can even lead to a diabetic coma.  In some instances, a diabetic coma can prove fatal.

People who have Type I and Type II diabetes should be very mindful of which foods have a high glycemic index and avoid these foods in their diet.  With proper diet, medication or insulin and monitoring of blood sugars, diabetics can lead a normal lifespan.

Diabetes is not a death sentence at all.  It is simply a condition that many people possess that does not allow their body to break down sugars and starches through their system so that they digest normally.  Diabetes is harmful to an individual who does not follow the advice of their physician, does not consume a proper diet and does not monitor their blood glucose levels.  People who adhere to the medical guidelines concerning diabetes have just as much of a chance of living a normal life as anyone else.

Good glycemic foods tend to absorb slowly into the system, allowing the body to break down the refined sugars and starches so that the body can digest them properly.  People with Type I and Type II diabetes have a difficult time digesting carbohydrates, particularly those that are high on the glycemic index, and this lack of proper digestion makes it difficult for the diabetic to expel glucose from their blood,.  While most diabetics are wise to avoid most, if not all carbohydrates, as these are what are the most difficult to digest and break down, certain carbohydrates are better than others for diabetics to consume.

Good glycemic foods tend to have a low score on the Glycemic Index that was developed in 1981 at the University of Toronto.  Good glycemic foods are still carbohydrates, but make it easier for the diabetic to digest and are much healthier and preferable than those glycemic foods with high ratings on the Glycemic Index. Substitutions are available for foods that rate high on the Glycemic Index and are widely available in supermarkets and other food stores.

Some of the foods that rate low on the Glycemic Index include most fruits and vegetables,  Although fruits and vegetables contain sugar, the sugars contained in these good glyceic foods digest into the system at a lower rate and also provide valuable nutrients to the diabetic, or just about everyone.  The only vegetable that a diabetic should avoid is a potato, as it has a high glycemic index.  Other fruits and vegetables, however, are more preferable than white rice, white bread, corn flakes and anything made with white refined sugar or flour.

Other good glycemic foods include wholegrain breads and pastas.  If you or a loved one has Type I or Type II diabetes, you should switch to whole grain breads and pastas made from wheat flour.  This can be tremendously helpful to anyone who wants to manage their glycemia as well as anyone who wants to follow such low carb diets.  Basmati rice is also considered one of the good glycemic foods.

Often, it is not a matter of eliminating carbohydrates when one is using diet to control their diabetes, but understanding which carbohydrates rate high on the glycemic index.  Diabetes is a disease that can be controlled by proper diet, monitoring one’s blood sugar and following doctor’s orders as far as medication. 

Carbohydrates are a diverse group of foods and all have different ways of breaking down in the system.  People with diabetes have a difficult time breaking down certain foods, particularly those high in carbohydrates, in their system.  Digestion is slow and sugars and starches are absorbed into the blood stream, causing an excess in blood glucose.  Diabetics are often warned to limit their carbohydrate intake because it takes such a long time for most carbohydrates to digest.  However, this is easier said than done and it is difficult, if not impossible, for many diabetics to eliminate carbohydrates from their diet.  This is one of the reasons many diabetics are non-compliant in their treatment.  Because diabetes does not often cause serious complications at onset, many patients refuse to take their medicine and continue eating foods that are high in sugar and starch. 

The Glycemic Index is very helpful because it rates different carbohydrates based upon their effect on the different levels of blood glucose.  Those foods that digest rapidly cause the less harm to the system and have a low glycemic index.  The carbohydrates that take a longer time to digest have a higher rate as they cause more harm to the blood glucose level.

The Glycemic Index ranges from one to one hundred.  A low food in the glycemic index has a rating of below 55.  These include fruits, vegetables, whole grains and some pastas.    Foods that fall between the 56 to 69 range are considered “medium” in the Glycemic Index.  They include candy bars, croissants and some rices. 

Surprisingly, although a candy bar scores in the medium classification of the glycemic index, it is not as harmful as those carbohydrates that score in the high glycemic index range.  These include corn flakes, white rice, white bread and  baked potato.  In other words, it is easier for a diabetic to digest a candy bar than a baked potato.

Knowledge of the glycemic index is imperative for anyone who has diabetes or who has been diagnosed as borderline diabetic.  To be able to understand which foods have the most impact on blood glucose levels is crucial for anyone fighting this potentially life-threatening condition.

If you or a loved one suffers from diabetes, become familiar with the Glycemic Index so that you learn about the different categories of carbohydrates and which groups should be avoided.  There are many substitutes for carbohydrates that rate high in the Glycemic Index and are available at most grocery stores.  While diabetes is currently without a cure, there are many different ways that people with this disease can life long, productive lives.

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In most cases, women who develop gestational diabetes will not develop Type II diabetes.  This is a condition affected by the pregnancy and the inability of the mother to use the insulin naturally developed in her body.  It is caused by hormones triggered by the pregnancy and causes the mother to become insulin resistant.  Gradually, the mother develops high blood glucose levels,  referred to as hyperglycemia. 

Normally, a woman with gestational diabetes will be treated for the condition while pregnant.  While there are no birth defects associated with this sort of illness as there are with women who have had diabetes prior to being pregnant, there is generally not a large cause for alarm for the child.  However, if the condition is left untreated, it can hurt the baby.  Because the mother is not getting rid of her excessive blood glucose, the child is getting more than his or her share of energy and fat.  This often results in macrosomia.  Macrosomia is simply the clinical name for a fat baby.

While some people think a fat baby is the sign of a healthy baby, a child born too fat may have a problem fitting through the birth canal.  This can cause shoulder damage and may require a cesarean section birth,.  In addition, babies who are born obese can develop breathing problems and, if they remain obese, may themselves develop Type II diabetes.

Fortunately, there is treatment for gestational diabetes.  Insulin injections are usually given to the mother to keep the blood glucose levels intact.  A woman who is planning on becoming pregnant, however, can avoid the complication of developing gestational diabetes prior to becoming pregnant.  Some of the ways a woman can do this is to lose weight if she is already overweight prior to becoming pregnant, develop a healthy exercise routine and follow certain food guidelines.  The Glycemic Index is an ideal tool for a woman who is thinking about becoming pregnant to use to determine which foods to avoid.  The Glycemic Index was developed for diabetics to categorize carbohydrates for those with diabetes. 

When you become pregnant, follow the advice from your doctor regarding diet and exercise as well as any carbohydrate diets.  Prior to becoming pregnant, discuss any concerns you have regarding weight or diabetes with your physician as he or she can probably give you some advice on how to avoid this pregnancy complication. 

Even if you are diagnosed with gestational diabetes, chances are that you will not develop Type II diabetes, neither will your baby and both of you will be just fine.  Gestational diabetes is not a reason to panic.  There is plenty of care available for women with this condition.  Just be sure to follow any instructions given to you by your doctor.

Foot complications of diabetes are caused by neuropathy.  Because the high glucose levels in the blood of a diabetic person affects the central nervous system after a period of time, it also affects nerves in various parts of your body.  Most often effected are the nerves in the feet.  The furthest from the brain, it is here where people with diabetes who have nerve damage, often do not feel cold or pain or even heat.  People with diabetes that is uncontrolled often can injure their feet without feeling it.  The injury may result in a blister or wound that will be slow to heal.  The blister or wound becomes infected and the foot complications of diabetes begin.

In addition to not having the proper nerve sensations in their feet, people with diabetes often develop very dry feet because the nerves that secrete oil into the feet no longer work.  Their feet may peel and crack, which only makes it even more probable for them to get sores and wounds in their feet.

Because high blood glucose levels make it difficult to stave off infection, a diabetic with a sore on their foot must be treated differently than a person without diabetes.  The sore may be very slow to heal, if it heals at all.  Infection often sets in.  This can lead to gangrene and, in some cases, amputation. 

Foot complications of diabetes work like this.  A person who has diabetes and who has not been keeping their blood glucose level under control gets an injury on their toe.  It begins to bleed and crack.  Then bandage it, hoping it will heal.  It does not heal and soon the wound becomes infected.  They go to the doctor who begins to treat the wound with antibiotics.  Sometimes this works, sometimes it does not.

When the wound does not heal and the infection begins to spread, gangrene can set in.  Gangrene can kill a person, and the doctor knows this.  So the person with diabetes has a choice, they can either lose their toe or their life.  In most cases, they choose to lose the toe.

In some cases, however, the gangrene has already spread to the foot.  Plus, the amputation risks more infection.  In many cases, not only does the person lose their toe, but their entire foot.  And this can continue until they lose their leg.

This information is not meant to frighten anyone with diabetes.  It is only to make a person realize how vital it is for anyone with this condition to be aware of the feet complications of diabetes.  No one has to lose a toe or a foot or a leg.  They simply need to manage their disease so that they can retain a healthy blood glucose level that will enable them to fight off any infection that may arise from a bump on the foot and stave off neuropathy.  By maintaining a healthy glucose level and avoiding glycemia, a person with diabetes can lead a full life.  The trick is to follow the rules dictated by the condition.

Avoid foods that are high in starch and sugars.  The Glycemic Index is an excellent tool that can inform a diabetic about which foods should be avoided.  Maintain your weight and exercise regularly.  This will also boost your immune system.  Be sure to visit your doctor regularly and monitor your blood glucose level.  Keep a record of the levels to present to your doctor so he or she can adjust your insulin or medication if needed.  By complying with your physician, you an avoid many of the complications that accompany diabetes.

Diabetes does not have to be a killer.  Glycemia is life threatening but can be controlled.  If you or a loved one has this condition, see the doctor regularly and follow the plans to manage the disease.

Glycemia can cause many complications in the body of a person with diabetes.  Some of the complications include those with the heart, circulation, blood vessels, kidneys and even eyesight.  Because of the high blood glucose levels, a person with diabetes risks having problems with their eyesight.  Eye complications of diabetes include those affecting the retina, the vitreous, the lens and the optic nerve. 

Eye complications of diabetes take a long time to develop.  The first is usually damage to the retina.  Tiny blood vessels make up the retina and too much blood glucose cause these vessels to swell.  They gradually begin to weaken and the person begins to experience vision problems.  For this reason, a person with diabetes should have an eye exam once a year.  During the exam, the eyes should be dilated to see if the condition has become worse. 

The name for eye complications of diabetes is called diabetic retinopathy.  A person with diabetes should rely on a qualified ophthalmologist who is familiar with this condition. 

Some of the signs of retina damage from diabetes include blurry vision, flashing lights, dark spots in front of the eyes, pain in the eyes, or pressure and trouble with peripheral vision.  If you have been diagnosed with diabetes and are experiencing any of these problems, see your ophthalmologist for a complete eye exam.  There are surgeries available that can enable diabetics to be able to regain the sight in their eyes and certain treatments can prevent further damage.

One way a person with diabetes can avoid eye complications of diabetes is to become familiar with the Glycemic Index that rates different foods that should not be included in a diabetic diet.  Exercise is also helpful in diabetic control as is the elimination of alcohol and smoking.  Maintaining a desirable weight is crucial to managing your diabetes.

Other eye complications of diabetes include cataracts and glaucoma.  While cataracts are relatively easy to cure, glaucoma is a precursor to blindness and needs to be treated.  This is why it is so important that someone with diabetes manages their disease with the help of a qualified ophthalmologist. 

Many eye complications of diabetes can be avoided if a person with the condition maintains a healthy lifestyle and is compliant in their diabetic treatment.  Maintain your weight.  Exercise.  Eat a proper diet that eliminates carbohydrates and sugars and become familiar with the Glycemic Index.  Avoid alcohol and do not smoke.  Take prescribed medications as directed by your physician and see your physician at intervals suggested by him or her.  Monitor your blood glucose level as often as prescribed.  By being compliant in the care of your disease, you can avoid eye complications of diabetes as well as other more life threatening complications of this disease. 

People with diabetes have a difficult time breaking down carbohydrates in their system.  Carbohydrates are a large group of foods that are necessary for a balanced diet.  While many people assume diabetics must avoid sugar, this is just one example of carbohydrates.  In addition to foods rich in white sugar, carbohydrates include white bread, pasta, rice, potatoes, some vegetables and fruits as well as anything rich with white flour.  Carbohydrates are a complex group of foods and different groups cause different effects to the blood stream.  While diabetics have a difficult time breaking down any carbohydrates in their blood stream, those with the highest Glycemic Index rating take the longest to break down in the blood stream and cause the most harm. 

By following a diet with limited amounts of carbohydrates, being aware of the Glycemic Index and learning which carbohydrates are the most harmful to a diabetic diet, someone with this potentially life threatening condition can keep this disease at bay.  If you have recently been diagnosed with Type II diabetes and have been given medication by your doctor as well as diet suggestions, follow the doctor’s instructions.  Diabetics tend to be in denial more than any other group of patients and remain the most non compliant.  By following a good diabetic diet and taking your prescribed medication, you can live a full and normal life span.

A diabetic diet should include limits on carbohydrates and increases in protein.  Sugars should be eliminated as well as white flour.  Pasta and rice are also rich in carbohydrates.  One way someone can follow a good diabetic diet is to follow some of the low carb diets that were popular some years back.  Many of these diets either eliminated or limited carbohydrates.  There are also many different diabetic cookbooks for those with this condition that can help a person live a happier, healthier life.

It is unfortunate that so many people are continuing to be diagnosed with diabetes.  The good news is that there is plenty of information out on the market with regard to cookbooks and even on the internet regarding how a diabetic diet can help someone with this disease.  Diabetes takes a toll on the human body after a certain period of time.  By following a good diabetic diet, one can reduce the toll of the disease and live a longer and more fruitful life.

Those with diabetes should become aware of the gylcemic index, follow a diabetic diet, see their doctor regularly, monitor their blood sugar and take their medications as prescribed in order to avoid complications that can arise from this disease.

In men, diabetes and sexual problems often focus on erectile dysfunction.  It is estimated by the American Diabetes Institute that as many as 85 percent of men with diabetes experience erectile dysfunction.  This can cause problems in marriage but, more importantly, can cause severe depression in those who are contending not only with the disease of diabetes, but also what they deem the loss of their self esteem.

Erectile dysfunction can also be a symptom of diabetes.  If a man continues to experience this malady, he should discuss this problem with his physician to make sure that he is not suffering from undiagnosed diabetes.  Fortunately, there are certain medications and other treatments available to men who experience this common side effect to diabetes.  The key to eliminating the problem is for the patient to discuss this with his physician.

Diabetes and sexual problems does not stop at erectile dysfunction, however.  Retrograde ejaculation is a more potentially dangerous situation that can happen to men with diabetes.  In this condition, the semen can go into the bladder instead of being dispelled out of the penis during ejaculation.  A man who is experiencing this side effect of diabetes should seek consultation with a urologist who can help with medication or surgery to correct the problem.

Men are not the only ones affected with sexual problems as a side effect to diabetes.  Diabetes and sexual problems also affect women.  Because of damage to the nerve cells within the vagina by high levels of blood glucose, dryness can occur that can make intercourse very painful.  Many women also report that the nerve damage caused by the hyperglycemia also causes them to lose interest in sex and have no sensations in their genital area.  Needless to say, the lack of sexual desire can cause psychological problems for both men and women and may lead to marital difficulties as well.

Many people are embarrassed about speaking to their physician when it comes to problems relating to sexual relations.  People with diabetes should be aware of the fact that their condition makes them prone to these side effects and should discuss them with their doctor so they can get treatment.  There is a variety of treatment for those experiencing diabetes and sexual problems. 

One way to prevent such problems from occurring is to maintain your blood glucose levels by eating a healthy diet, exercising and taking your prescribed medication or insulin.  Monitor your blood sugars as instructed by your physician.  If you experience any side effects related to your condition, discuss them with your physician.  By keeping informed of the disease and the side effects as well as complications, you can empower yourself in managing your illness and lead a happier as well as longer life.