Diabetes Affecting Mostly African Americans
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.
Many people who live in poor communities, in addition to receiving substandard medical care, little education about disease and limited access to lifesaving drugs, also are inundated with fast food restaurants that seem to target certain ethnic groups. African Americans can prevent acquiring Type II diabetes in many different ways. One way is to take a look at the Glycemic Index and realize which foods are harmful to them and which to avoid. This small step may end up saving the life of someone who is on the verge of getting this potentially life threatening illness. African Americans need to realize that they are experiencing an epidemic of Type II diabetes in their community and do all that they can to stamp it out.
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.
If you feel you are suffering from some of the signs of depression, ask your doctor to recommend a therapist who is familiar in dealing with people with chronic illness. Therapy can be crucial for a diabetic patient who feels isolated because of all of the extra work involved in treating their illness. Any time someone is diagnosed with an illness puts them at risk for depression. Any time someone is diagnosed with an illness puts them at risk for depression. Their world has changed and no longer feels safe. Worse of all, they feel out of control.
Diabetic and Diet
By following a proper diabetic diet, someone diagnosed with Type II diabetes, which has reached epidemic proportions throughout the United States, can either prolong the need for insulin or continue to treat their condition with more convenient medications. While many people assume diabetics must avoid sugar, this is just one example of carbohydrates 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.
By following a good diabetic diet and taking your prescribed medication, you can live a full and normal life span. One way someone can follow a good diabetic diet is to follow some of the low carbohydrate diets that were popular some years back. There are also many different diabetic cookbooks for those with this condition that can help a person live a happier, healthier life. 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.
Foot Complications of Diabetes
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 affected are the nerves in the feet. 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. 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. They go to the doctor who begins to treat the wound with antibiotics. Sometimes this works, sometimes it does not.
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. By complying with your physician, you can avoid many of the complications that accompany diabetes. If you or a loved one has this condition, see the doctor regularly and follow the plans to manage the disease.
February 21 2008 03:50 am | Health
