by brad on September 27, 2011
Diabetes is a group of metabolic diseases which cause people to have high blood sugar. There are two causes for diabetes: either their cells do not respond properly to insulin or their body does not produce enough insulin. Having a high blood sugar level causes increased hunger, increased thirst and frequent urination. The two most common types of diabetes that affect people are type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. Fortunately all forms of diabetes are not treatable since Canadian scientist Frederick Banting discovered that insulin could be used to treat diabetes and how to synthetically make it in a lab. We get sugar, energy, from foods like bread and milk. Without enough insulin your body is unable to use the sugar from these foods, which is what causes blood sugar levels to spike.
Type 1 diabetes happens when the pancreas does not make enough insulin for the body. With type 1 diabetes the sugar builds in the blood because the body cannot use it. Scientists are still unsure of the causes of type 1 diabetes but there are remedies that can provide relief. Type 1 diabetes is not preventable, and most people are diagnosed during childhood or their teens. Though high blood sugar levels can be life threatening and there aren’t cures for type 1 diabetes it can be managed and you can live a long and healthy life.
People with type 1 diabetes can manage their blood sugar levels by eating healthy meals, being physically active and taking insulin as required by your family doctor. There are some complications associated with type 1 diabetes which is why it is essential to stay healthy. Blindness, kidney problems, heart disease, and nerve damage are all associated with type 1 diabetes. For relief from high blood sugar people with type 1 diabetes often undergo insulin therapy. Insulin comes in a variety of types and can be given with a pump, pen or syringe.
The most common form of diabetes, impacting more than 80% of people with the disease, is type 2 diabetes. People with type 2 diabetes have high blood sugar levels because their body cannot use the insulin their pancreas produces. Many of the remedies for type 2 diabetes are the same as type 1 diabetes: eating well and exercising. Type two diabetes does not have a cure and is a progressive disease that gets more difficult to manage with age. As people with type 2 diabetes age they need to work with a healthcare team to adjust activity, food and medications.
There are important steps or remedies for managing diabetes. First and foremost, do not smoke. It is important for people with any type of diabetes to stay on a balance meal plan and continue to by physically active. Maintaining a healthy weight and minimizing stress is important for people with diabetes. People with type 2 diabetes should make sure to take their medications as they are prescribed. Controlling cholesterol levels and frequent blood monitoring is essential for those with diabetes.
by brad on September 27, 2011
Arthritis is a joint disorder that causes joints to swell and be inflamed. Arthritis affects millions of people all over the world. There are over 100 different types of arthritis including juvenile and infectious arthritis. The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that is caused by trauma, infection or age. The symptoms of osteoarthritis include tenderness, stiffness, effusion and joint pain. There are many causes of osteoarthritis though it is thought to be linked to heredity. As patients experience pain in their joints they move less which causes surrounding muscles to atrophy and stiffen.
Gout is a very painful type of arthritis. Gout is caused by the crystallization of uric acid inside joints which causes them to be inflamed. There are many factors that can lead to the development of gout. Dietary factors, such as drinking soft drinks or beer, can lead to gout. The unique thing about gout is that it is controllable by changing your diet and lifestyle. For women, after menopause they have an increased risk of developing gout. Estrogen lowers uric acid levels so when estrogen levels drop uric acid can build up in joints. Some medical conditions, like diabetes and hypertension, have been found to increase the likelihood of developing gout. Like most forms of arthritis, gout is thought to have a genetic link.
Beyond heredity there are other causes of arthritis. As people age they are more likely to develop arthritis. The cartilage becomes more brittle in bones as you age and has less ability to repair itself. Injury to joints can also increase the likelihood of developing arthritis. When joints are damaged it can cause irregularities in the normally smooth joint. Having an infection or illness in a joint can also lead to the development of arthritis. Being overweight is a major risk factor for developing arthritis. Joints can be damaged by carrying a heavy load on a regular basis. Obesity is particularly difficult on the knees and hips.
There are many suggested cures for arthritis relief. One of the cures for arthritis is over the counter pain relievers. Many patients choose to pair their pain reliever with a topic arthritis cream. Topical arthritis cream can provide instant relief from the pain. The cream is applied directly to the joint that hurts. Typically the creams lasts the duration of the over the counter medication. For severe pain many patients turn to prescription medication. Applying heat to the joint can also provide pain relief. Heat can be applied using a heating pad, warm washcloth or have a bath. There are other remedies for arthritis pain such as exercise and physical therapy. Exercising can reduce joint pain by building up muscle strength. Visiting a physical therapist can give you tips for low impact exercises you can do at home to reduce joint pain. There are many natural remedies for arthritis pain. For more information of these remedy options consider visiting a naturopathic doctor.
