February 21, 2008

Diabetes In African Americans

by Thulas Sukati

African Americans are one of the largest groups in the population in the United States that are contracting Type II diabetes. The causes are generally someone with a close relative with the disease, being an African American or being overweight. No one is quite sure why African Americans are more likely to get Type II diabetes than any other ethnic group Affluent African Americans have the same chance as other ethnic groups of dying from complications of the disease.

Fast foods are usually very high in carbohydrates, fats and offer very little in the way of nutrition. They are inexpensive, however, and many people with little money find this to be the only way they can feed their family on a limited budget. French fries are pretty much the staple of any fast food restaurant. They are high in carbohydrates, high in fat and low in protein.

Depression and a Diabetic

Many diabetics experience a period of denial when first diagnosed with diabetes According to the American Diabetes Association; people with diabetes have a greater risk for developing depression than other individuals. There are frequent doctor visits and there may be several different medication combinations needed before your blood sugar is kept under control. As the depression continues, people often lose interest in monitoring their blood sugar levels and may even skip their medication. Many people suffer from depression, but for a diabetic, it can be life threatening. Depression and diabetes is a dangerous combination.

The stress of management of diabetes can take a toll on an individual. On top of that, people who have diabetes are often faced with sudden lifestyle changes. Symptoms of depression include a loss of pleasure in every day activities you used to enjoy as well as a change in appetite. People who are diagnosed with diabetes can empower themselves by learning as much about the disease as possible from the beginning. Do not be afraid to discuss your illness with family and friends. Diabetes is a nothing to be ashamed of, it is a disease that affects millions of people

Diabetic and Diet

Many people with Type II diabetes are often prescribed tablets or pills in an attempt to control their condition prior to having to use insulin Carbohydrates are a large group of foods that are necessary for a balanced diet. 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.

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. A diabetic diet should include limits on carbohydrates and increases in protein. It is unfortunate that so many people are continuing to be diagnosed with diabetes.

Complications of Diabetes (Foot)

Whenever we think about people with diabetes, we often think of them as having problems with their 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 .Their feet may peel and crack, which only makes it even more probable for them to get sores and wounds in their feet.

In some cases, however, the gangrene has already spread to the foot, plus the amputation risks more infection. This information is not meant to frighten anyone with 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. Be sure to visit your doctor regularly and monitor your blood glucose level. Diabetes does not have to be a killer.

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