Diabetes Prevention

[furrbear]

Diabetes is fast becoming an epidemic in North America. It is a disease involving a problem in the use and/or production of insulin. There are different types of diabetes, some of which are genetic and can’t be prevented, but there are also some that can be developed if one is not careful of their eating and exercise habits. If you have early signs of getting this condition, you should take immediate action to prevent yourself from developing full-blown symptoms. If left untreated, diabetes can cause a myriad of symptoms from cardiovascular disease and nerve damage, to impotence and renal failure. Let’s take a look at some of the early signs of the disease, and how to slow or stop its progress.

The Beginnings of Diabetes

If you notice any of the below symptoms, you should make an appointment with your doctor to get tested for diabetes. It’s in your best interest to catch it early to stop its progression!

• Having to urinate often
• Becoming dehydrated more easily
• Becoming hungry more often
• Feeling weak and having blurry vision
• Having a history of diabetes in the family

There may be other symptoms, but if you think you may have any risk at all of developing this disease, you should see your doctor.

Changes to Make In Your Lifestyle

There are two main things that you can do to get your health back on track:

• Have a balanced diet! Make sure that you are eating from all four food groups. Eat the right amount of servings of each, and don’t over indulge in sweets and treats too often.
  
  
• Exercise! Watching your weight and staying active will decrease your chances of developing this condition.

Healthy eating and staying active will give you many benefits, and prevent a variety of conditions, not just diabetes.

Hard to come up with a reason not to make some changes isn’t it?! Schedule regular appointments with your doctor to have your blood sugar levels checked to make sure that you stay ahead of diabetes.

diabetic_bears is a community where gay men who identify as bears can discuss diabetes and diet. Partners and caregivers are also welcome. It's a place for diabetes recipes, to provide reports on new diabetes treatment breakthroughs, and to provide a place to vent, ask questions, and find links to helpful sites.

Comments

[rockybear02.livejournal.com]

Thanks for this post. Very interesting and helpful. I have a history of diabetes in my family so I do make sure this comes up with my doctor every year.

[cuboz.livejournal.com]

I am a total sugar-holic.... So, have to be very, very careful indeed.

To get through my medical, I had to do the Glucose Tolerance fasting test (amongst others), and thankfully all is well... But my Doctor is ALWAYS surprised by my results, considering I am SO overweight!

I am a bad bear... you need to come and spank me! :-)

[bear-left.livejournal.com]

Thanks for posting this. This gives me some food for thought...

[furrbear.livejournal.com]

As long as it's not too high carb.