Living With Diabetes

Living with diabetes can be difficult at times

, but with advances in medical technology, those with this all-too-prevalent disease can easily cope with it. However, keeping your blood glucose levels under control is at once more difficult and easier these days. With sugar found in more foods and beverages than ever before, watching what is consumed and how often has never been more important. At the same time, home healthcare supplies like blood sugar monitoring kits, and those for administering insulin are widely available on the market for reasonably cheap.

Types

There are two types of people living with diabetes--those with Type I, who were born not being able to produce insulin, and those with Type II, or adult diabetes. Those with Type II developed the disease later on in life, their bodies not being able to produce enough insulin to control their blood glucose levels. It has risen to epidemic proportions in the U.S. More than 24 million Americans currently suffer from this disease, and rely upon homecare medical supplies to keep their blood glucose at safe levels. Pregnant women living with the affliction have to worry about passing it on, in the form of gestational diabetes.

Staying Healthy

In addition to using home healthcare supplies such as blood glucose monitors, sufferers can also do a number of things to keep themselves healthy. Most of those living with the Type II form of the disease have bad diet and exercise habits, so staying in shape helps. Eating right, and taking vitamins and other supplements, especially B-complex, helps keep blood sugar levels lower. Keeping away from sugary foods, and eating raw foods is a major way to keep diabetes at bay. Diets that include plenty of fiber, antioxidants, Omega-3 fatty acids, and such lesser-known dietary supplements such as pine bark extract, canola protein, cocoa flavanols and curcumin are also highly recommended.

Statistics

Diabetes tends to affect older folks and minorities most. According to the CDC, 25% of those over 60 had the disease, as of 2007. Native Americans, Alaska natives, and African-Americans have the highest rates, followed by Hispanics and Asian-Americans. Caucasians come in last, at 6.6%. Those living in the Southeast United States or Appalachia are also in a high-risk zone. Wherever you live and whatever ethnic group you're in, all of us can benefit from better diet and exercise. Sufferers from diabetes who rely on homecare medical supplies like blood glucose test kits and insulin injections can find plenty of affordable options, covered by most insurance plans. Count on making a living with diabetes like living with asthma or chronic headaches, something that can be curtailed, not life-controlling.

by: Christine Harrell

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