Diabetic Weight Loss Diet Nutrition Tips Guide

Common Diabetic Symptoms

By Myfawny Craighter

The National Health and Nutrition Examination survey revealed that 6.3 million Americans are diabetic and don’t even know it. Moreover, each year these patients with type 2 diabetes run up an $18 billion health bill. Researchers looked at health care use patterns of people for two years leading up to their diagnosis to determine the results.

The study also revealed that 4 to 6% of men ages 25 to 64 and 14% of men ages 65 to 69 have undiagnosed diabetes. Medical costs include $2.3 billion for cardiovascular disease, $720 million for hypertension, $443 million for kidney problems and $293 million for neurological afflictions. Perhaps you may be wondering, "Am I in need of diabetes care?"

Knowing The Three Main Types Of Diabetes

There are three main types of diabetes: type 1, type 2 and gestational. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease, where the body’s immune system turns against itself, attacking insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. Scientists believe viral and genetic factors are at play here, with most people receiving a diagnosis when they are younger.

This type of diabetes occurs evenly in males and females, but is more common in Caucasian sectors of the population, particularly in northern European countries like Sweden and Finland. The onset is sudden for a type 1 diabetic, who has blurry vision, feels constantly hungry, thirsty and fatigued, and loses weight rapidly.

Immediate Medical Attention Helps To Alleviate Symptoms

If they do not receive insulin everyday, they can lapse into a coma. You may need to review your options and seek immediate medical attention if you’re always thirsty, you urinate frequently, if your breathing becomes more rapid, if your abdomen hurts or if your breath smells like nail polish remover.

Most Diabetics Have Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form, accounting for 90 to 95% of all cases. For unknown reasons, African Americans are 1.6 times more likely to develop the disease than Caucasians. Similarly, Hispanics are 1.5 times more likely and American Natives/Alaskan Natives are 2.2 times more likely to become a diabetic.

It’s believed that Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are twice as likely to get diabetes as well. Eighty percent of those who develop this disease are overweight and many of these patients are also older. Many diabetics will encounter rapid heartbeats, trembling, sweating and irritability, while always feeling hungry and fatigued.

A Healthy Diet Helps To Reduce Symptoms

A diabetic can develop many problems associated with their disease, including gum disease, tooth loss, heart attack, kidney damage, nerve damage, impotence, foot amputation or stroke. The key to living a long, healthy life is to adhere to a healthy diet with proper portion sizes and high fiber foods that are low in fat and salt.

You should be active every day, even if you are just taking a brisk walk. You must take your prescribed medications and look for changes with your feet and teeth. As needed, you’ll need to check your blood glucose and blood pressure. It’s also recommended that you quit smoking. By following these tips, you can still live a long and fulfilling life, despite the disease.

Remember, the sooner you are diagnosed, the better, so if you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned in this article, then be sure to ask your doctor for a Fasting Plasma Glucose Test, a Hemoglobin A1c Test or a Casual Plasma Glucose Test to be certain.

This Article was about Diabetic.

Please Note: All information given on this site is for general information purposes and is not to replace any medical opinion or medical diagnosis given by a qualified medical doctor, a dietitian/nutritional expert or any other medical expert, as individual circumstances may vary. Please see your medical doctor, before any action is taken to alleviate symptoms.

About the Author:
Myfawny Craighter is an author of articles on health, exercise, dieting, weight loss and nutrition including Health Fitness, Weight Loss Success, Total Fat, Acid Diet, Binge Eating.
Keep a lookout for more of her articles coming soon.

Did You Know?

Right now the number one preventable death is cancer caused by smoking. The second most preventable death is complications related to obesity. Being fat is not just a punch line of a joke anymore. People spend millions each year on gym memberships and fad diets in the hopes of losing that excess weight.

The sad fact is that most will fail at their dieting attempts. Some will turn to surgery and others will struggle to survive. If you are overweight and having health issues related to your weight, you need help.