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What Are The Causes Of Diabetic Insipidus And Effective Treatment For The Disease

Diabetes insipidus (DI) is a rare condition that occurs when the kidneys are unable to conserve water as they perform their function of filtering blood. It is often confused with diabetes mellitus because a symptom that both diseases have in common is frequent and excessive urination.
The word diabetes comes from the Greek word for siphon. A physician in ancient Greece coined the disease diabetes because sufferers passed water like a siphon.
The addition of insipidus and mellitus is to differentiate the concentration of the water passed by the person. Insipidus comes from the latin for no flavor. Urine passed by someone suffering from DI is highly diluted. Mellitus is also derived from the latin for honey and consequently diabetes mellitus (DM) is noted for passing urine that is sweet and concentrated.
There are four types of DI. These are :
Neurogenic diabetes insipidus - also called central diabetes insipidus.
This is caused when the anti-diuretic hormone or vasopressin produced by the hypothalamus and stored in the pituitary gland is not produced in sufficient quantity. Vasopressin causes the kidneys to preserve water but excrete the same amount of waste products.
Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI) also known as vasopressin resistance because the kidneys are unaffected by the secretion of vasopressin.
NDI is believed to by genetically passed on or caused by kidney diseases or as a side-effect of using drugs like lithium for other illnesses.
The third type is called gestagenic and occurs during pregnancy.
The fourth type is known as dipsogenic DI and is characterized by excessive fluid consumption. The excess fluids cause vasopressin to be supressed.
The primary symptoms of diabetes insipidus are excessive urination (polyuria) and excessive thirst (polydipsia). Symptoms for diabetes insipidus will be markedly abrupt. The sufferer will want to drink vast quantities of water. They will have difficulty sleeping as they will want to go to the toilet all the time. In the case of children there will be frequent bed wetting.
Diabetes insipidus testing involves a fluid deprivation test. As the name suggests the patient avoids drinking any fluids for a prescribed time period. The urine is then analyzed to determine it's concentration and composition.
Diabetes insipidus treatment involves having a good and plentiful source of fluid. In the case of neurogenic DI the drug desmopressin is taken to control the frequent thirst and urination.
There is no natural cure for diabetes insipidus but it doesn't pose any serious complications to the health if the person can take on fluids whenever they feel thirsty. It is confused with diabetes mellitus because the symptoms are similar but testing will determine which disease the person may be afflicted with.
Learn more about diabetes at http://www.diabeticdietsplan.com . The site deals with many complications that can be caused by diabetes including diabetic retinopathy and numbness in the feet from diabetes . Adrian Whittle writes on issues related to diabetes including diets for diabetics and healthy and balanced eating for diabetes.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Adrian_Whittle

Diabetes Symptoms Low Magnesium Levels Connected

In addition to other diabetes symptoms low magnesium levels have been noted in African Americans and Hispanic adults, two groups that have an increased risk for developing type II diabetes. Researchers have suggested that dietary supplements to prevent diabetes type II development should include magnesium. Here we look at the latest research.
Magnesium is one of the most abundant minerals found in the human body. It is required to perform over 300 different biochemical reactions and is important to the formation and maintenance of strong bones, normal muscle and nerve function, normal heart rhythms and a healthy immune system. Magnesium deficiency was first described in the early 1930s. Inadequate magnesium intake (less than 300-400 mg/day) has been associated with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and other health problems.
Over the last year, much research has focused on the prevention of type two diabetes symptoms, low magnesium levels and the importance of supplements to prevent diabetes. The role of magnesium that is specifically related to diabetes is unclear, but according to recent studies of type two diabetes symptoms low magnesium levels may reduce insulin sensitivity in the cells.
Food of all types, not just sweet foods or carbohydrates are converted by the stomach into glucose, which the cells use for energy. Without glucose in the cells, people tire easily and the muscles and organs cannot function properly. Without insulin, the glucose is trapped in the blood stream and cannot enter the cells.
In response to increased blood glucose levels that follow a meal, increased insulin production should be seen. Researchers have measured blood levels of insulin, as well as blood glucose levels in non-diabetics after fasting, in order to establish a norm. Recently they have measured fasting levels of magnesium, as well, in an effort to design supplements to prevent diabetes type II.
In type I diabetes, people do not produce insulin and must inject insulin on a regular basis. In type II diabetes, a combination of insulin resistance or reduced insulin sensitivity and a reduction in insulin production causes higher concentration of glucose in the blood stream. Eventually, people with type II diabetes may also need insulin injections to deal with high blood glucose levels. Supplements to prevent diabetes type II should promote insulin production and secretion, as well as improve insulin sensitivity in the cells.
Insulin resistance or reduced insulin sensitivity simply means that the cells of the body do not recognize insulin as they should. Dietary supplements to prevent diabetes 2 should include magnesium, but also provide nutrients that support insulin production and improve insulin sensitivity.
To prevent the onset of type II diabetes symptoms low magnesium levels may need to be addressed early on in life, particularly if there is a family history of the condition. Recently certain genes have been identified that may help scientists identify those people who are at risk, but it will be many years before genetic testing is commonplace or able to make those predictions accurately. But, the research does support the long held belief that type II diabetes does “run in families”.
The chemical process by which the cells respond to insulin is complex, but you can think of insulin as opening a door in the cells that allow glucose to enter. Without sufficient insulin production, glucose cannot enter the cells and be used for energy. Instead, glucose builds up in the bloodstream, causing eventual damage to the organs and muscles of the body.
In type II diabetes, there may be sufficient insulin production, at least in the early stages, but for some reason the cells do not recognize and respond appropriately to the insulin. Glucose still builds up in the bloodstream and eventually causes damage.
In several studies concerning the prevention of type II diabetes symptoms low magnesium levels have been discussed.
In the Nutritional Epidemiology Program over 1700 men and women without diabetes participated. Researchers demonstrated that those people with higher intakes of dietary magnesium also had higher fasting insulin levels. The researchers concluded that higher magnesium may reduce the risk of developing type II diabetes. If you are at risk for developing the condition and the amount you get from your daily diet is questionable, appropriate amounts of magnesium should be included in your supplements to prevent diabetes type II.
Another study at the Obesity Research Center in New York showed that in people with diabetes symptoms low magnesium levels were also present. Individuals who had diabetes had significantly lower levels of magnesium in their blood streams than did those with normal fasting glucose levels. This study focused specifically on two ethnic groups (African Americans and Hispanic Americans) that have an increased risk for type II diabetes.
In another study, a chemical was used to induce diabetes in laboratory rats. An increase in blood glucose levels, blood cholesterol levels, blood pressure and fat to body weight ratio were all noted, while magnesium levels decreased. After administration of magnesium for eight weeks, all of these factors returned to normal levels. Researchers concluded that magnesium may play a part in the management of diabetes and the prevention of its vascular complications.
In addition to the relationship to type II diabetes symptoms low magnesium levels may be associated with metabolic syndrome.
Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of metabolic abnormalities that increase the risk of developing heart disease and type II diabetes. According to the Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University in Boston there is currently no firm consensus on the most appropriate dietary recommendations for the prevention and treatment of metabolic syndrome, but general guidelines have been established, including decreasing obesity, increasing physical activity and reducing intake of saturated and trans fats. The Center also states that additional supplements that may be important include calcium, vitamin D and magnesium.
Many companies sell supplements to prevent diabetes type II. Magnesium is only one important ingredient. In order for these supplements to be effective, the manufacturers must do the research concerning bioavailability, delivery and ingredients.
To learn about the supplement manufacturers who have done the research and examined the evidence related to diabetes symptoms, low magnesium levels and other potentially helpful nutrients, please visit the Diabetes Type Two Info Guide.
Patsy Hamilton was a health care professional for over twenty years before becoming a health writer. Currently she is writing a series of articles about preventing diabetes. Read more at http://diabetes-type-two-info-guide.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Patsy_Hamilton

Diabetes: The Nutrition Mission

One of the harder parts of being a diabetic is the endless struggle between sugar levels and food. Often times we forget just how much fat and carbohydrates we accumulate in the foods we eat. There are several key things we can do to make this transition easier for ourselves. Everyone loves sugar and sometimes it is hard to accept that this (our love) is making us sick.
Often we try to ignore the nutrition aspect of our plan all together, in hopes that if we don't look it will just go away. This is not a good option and can cause damage that cannot be repaired. When we look at our diet, first we must determine how many servings of carbohydrates we eat on a regular basis. You should spend at least a week to two week reviewing this information. Purchase a log or journal to take note of each serving you consume. (The important word here is EACH) if you are not being honest with yourself you will only hurt yourself!
After you have established a base amount, then you can determine what is healthy for a diabetic. Generally 100-150 daily is enough. Around 30 in the morning; 45 at lunch; and maybe 45 at dinner; everyone is different so consult your nutritionist for further details. In your mission to better nutrition you must also consider what types of food to eat. May people do not realize that natural sugars cause elevated sugar levels also?
Many fruits and fruit juices contain natural sugars. These are important to monitor closely. Just because they are fruit doesn't mean they can't hurt you. Listed on the back of the packages of all types of foods you eat is a nutrition chart. This contains all the information you need to determine if the food is right for you and how much of the particular food you should eat.
There are two listings to look for whenever you pick up a package: 1. Total Carbohydrates-2. sodium
The amount of total carbohydrates is very important. Carbohydrates once in your body turn to sugar, the more you have the more it affects your sugar level. The American Diabetes Association found that the level of sugar in a product didn't matter as much as the amount of carbohydrates a diabetic consumed.
Now it is recommended that the amount of carbohydrates is limited and controlled to lower blood sugar levels, along with medication in some instances, as well as exercise.
Sodium is also important because being a diabetic increases your chances of having high blood pressure and cholesterol. Consult you physician to determine the proper amount of sodium you should include in your diet daily.
Many of us don't realize the incredible amount of sodium we intake on a daily basis. Ever heard the saying "out of sight; out of mind"? Just remember taste it before you shake it!
There are many products out that have substitutions for sugar or salt, designed for diabetics. I have listed a few that maybe useful. Also listed are a few of the fruits and other foods containing natural sugars that need to be taken with care.
Another important part of preparing meals is making sure the portions are the proper size. Each food must be weighed in order to maintain a proper diet. There are a few sites listed below this article that maybe able to help you understand portion sizes and weight. You can purchase a scale at most department stores at a reasonable rate to allow you to properly weigh each serving. There are also books available that can give a nutrition chart for the foods that are not packaged and of course Americas favorite fast foods.
Though there are extra steps one must follow, when being a diabetic; you can still lead a healthy and productive live. With proper nutrition and education you can learn to control and take care of this disease properly, this will cause fewer complications later on in life.
Recommended Fruits:
Apples Lemons Plums Grapes
Fruits Moderate In Sugar
Peaches Mangos Cherries Papayas Oranges
Bananas
Helpful References:
The American Diabetes Association
The Public Health Net
Everyday Eating Provide recipes for diabetics.
Books:
A good book for nutrition counting; lists foods from A-Z Including Fast Foods
The Complete Nutrition Counter Written by: Lynn Sonberg
Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Diabetics
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell

Stress and Diabetes - Not a Good Combination

However your wife, doctor friend relative or the taxi cab driver told you, taking it easy was great advice. Especially if you are a diabetic. I will show you what I mean in a little while. So please calm down and take it easy. I know that sometimes when I hear someone say take it easy I start to get riled up. Let's put that on the side for now. We will get to it later.
It's how we act when these situations show up. It is not the situations that make us stressful. For some of us some situations are easy for us to deal with while others get very nervous and tense with those same incidents.
Why it's bad to have more stress if you are a diabetic?
Having more sugar enter the blood stream is what makes us diabetics in the first place. As we get riled up form some situation some hormones react to the stress and help our bodies allow more sugar into the blood. This extra sugar is needed for energy to deal with the situation. Do the body's hormones permit the exact amount of sugar needed to combat the situation? I think not. Whatever excess sugar is left in the blood stream from one of these events elevates your blood sugar level. Not good if you are a diabetic.
Being aware of these or similar stressful situations is the first step.
You cannot do anything about these events unless you are aware of them. That is the first step. Make yourself be awar. You can start asking yourself questions like what can you differently when stressful situations stat to come forward. Knowing what some of these stressful situations are for you is key. What may be tense for you may not be tense for others. So know your stressful self.
Now that you are aware of some of your stressful situations what do you do next?
By relaxing you will lessen the levels of stress hormones in your blood. Less hormone action will mean less sugar into your blood. You can accomplish this with muscle relaxation techniques. This will help deal with the diabetes disease.
You may need to practice these new methods for a while until they become natural for you. Keep yourself open to new actions will be part of the relaxation process. Reducing your stress hormones is a key to reduced blood sugar. Stay on course.
Relaxation techniques will help you ease your diabetes. They are a part of a complete diabetes natural solutions care program. Go grab your free e course about creating a all-inclusive diabetes program for yourself.
Handling stress is part of a good diabetic strategy. What we eat is also high on the diabetes disease list of useful tips. The Diabetic Warrior has beat the disease using diet. Get his free MP3.
If you would like to learn more about defeating diabetes from someone who has conquered the disease with food then go grab your free MP3. Go here right now www.diabetesnaturalsolutions.com/freeMP3.html
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Aron_Wallad

How To Come To Terms With Diabetes

The best way to deal with diabetes is to admit to yourself, more than to anybody else, that you have it. Then a person is in the right position to understand diabetes. A person should arm themselves with as much information about the condition as possible. Research everything possible on this condition. Check if the American Diabetes Association may have a local chapter in your area where they can assist as well as encourage you.
It is important for a person with diabetes to develop new energetic pursuits, pastimes and habits. Exercise is a healthy habit that should be an important part of a diabetic's life. The main rule is to always consult with a health professional before start any exercise program. After that, find a exercise program that you enjoy and that's about 30 minutes long. Exercise after a meal and for 30 minutes every day is the goal for people with diabetes. Blood pressure being reduced and the body's capability to make insulin are results of exercising, as well as improvement of a person's good cholesterol and decreases in blood glucose levels. A person with diabetes should check their blood before and after exercising.
When a person has diabetes, it is imperative that they know that they are in charge when it comes to their own personal health. They must take the reins when it comes to sticking with an exercise program. They must stay on their toes when it comes to checking their glucose levels. They must keep a sharp eye out concerning the foods that they eat. Just as people watch their calorie intake when trying to lose weight, people with diabetes need to watch their carbohydrate intake. Diabetics need to keep within the range of their carbohydrate intake established by their health professional.
Doing the right things to take care of diabetes can also help to take care of your heart as well. There is a higher possibility for a person to have a stroke and a heart attack when they are a diabetic. Four to six times more so for women compared to two to three time more so for men. These numbers increase even more when they are smokers as well.
When and where you can in your life, get your loved ones and friends involved. Educate them about diabetes. The more they understand this condition, the more they can offer their support. See if your friends mind exercising right along with you. You can join them during their exercise time. Let your spouse or partner and kids be a part of the meal planning. You can also involve your family in the actual cooking of the meals. This can help the person with diabetes not to feel that they are alone in dealing with this condition.
An optimistic outlook is so important when dealing these type of chronic conditions. It can help you and those you love deal with the difficulty of diabetes. Your attitude determines your altitude. How you look at life can really help at how long you can live in life. This is even more true when you're a diabetic.
Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Diabetics
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell

Toddlers With Diabetes - Tips For Success

If your child is under the age of two and has been diagnosed with diabetes, know that there are many alternatives and options available that will control this condition and ensure your child has a happy, healthy, and normal childhood.
The number of toddlers with diabetes is increasing, so know that you are not alone. Diabetes is a condition where the pancreas does not process sugar effectively.
Since there are many different types of diabetes, ask your physician to explain the exact condition that affects your child.
Also, consider seeking out parents of other diabetic toddlers in your area to glean information and support from individuals who are in your shoes.
* Learn About The Disease *
Diabetes can be frightening to anyone, but especially a parent of a toddler with diabetes.
Instead of allowing the disease to take over your life, strive to learn as much as possible about the specific type of diabetes that affects your child.
Also, be sure to learn the side effects of diabetes and any symptoms that you should be aware of that are associated with a potential problem caused by the disease.
By educating yourself, you take away some of the unexpected associated with any disease that affects a child.
Finally, learn about the proper ways to care for your child and exactly what medications or medical techniques are necessary in controlling this condition.
Many toddlers with diabetes can control the condition by switching to a favorable diet.
* Test Blood Sugars Often *
Especially with children , testing blood sugar can be difficult.
However, this task is necessary in order to determine if your child is having problems so that you can stop any potentially deadly problems before they start.
Since a blood sugar test typically involves a pin prick, consider ways to make the entire process less scary and painful for your child.
There are several high quality testing monitors on the market that are made especially for youngsters with diabetes.
Also, speak with your child and let him or her know the exact reason why this test needs to be performed.
Education is the key to understanding.
* Develop A Schedule *
Schedules are important in the life of any child, but especially one that has been diagnosed with juvenile diabetes.
By developing a schedule for your child and ensuring that he or she sticks to it, you are working diligently to control the diabetes.
This schedule is especially important when it comes to meal times. Most diabetics need to eat smaller meals more frequently.
With small children, consider developing a game that will allow him or her to stick to the schedule without feeling regimented.
As you child grows and enters into schooling, you should maintain this schedule to prevent potential problems from developing during the day.
* Plan For The Worst *
If you properly control the disease, the risks of complications or problems are less likely to happen.
However, you should always have a plan in mind in the event the worst does happen.
Create a special diabetes station in your home and be sure that everyone in your home (even another child) knows how to use the equipment properly.
You may also need to teach your child that suffers from diabetes on the correct way to use the medical equipment in case he or she needs to self medicate.
By developing a plan, everyone will know exactly what to do and panic will be avoided so that the problem can be solved immediately. This is also the case when you are traveling.
Carry a small kit just in case your diabetic child should have to need medicine to stop a potential problem.
Mike Herman Is The Publisher of 4HealthConcerns.com. Where He Has More Information On Juvenile Diabetes That You Can Research While Relaxing at Home
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mike_Herman

What Is The Diabetes Food Pyramid

The diabetes food pyramid is a food educational diagram aimed at simplifying the food choices that diabetics have to make. A new version of the food pyramid was released by the United States Department of Agriculture in 2005. The American Diabetics Association has commented that the diagram is useful for diabetics and can help non-diabetic people make sensible food choices that can serve to prevent further cases of the disease occurring.
The pyramid is divided into sections. Each section consists of a food group. The sections take up more surface area at the bottom of the pyramid and get less and less until the top. This relative surface area is a representation of the importance of each food group in a healthy diet.
Thus the bottom has most surface area and is most important in a healthy diet. The bottom section consists of grains and starches (or carbohydrates). These include oats, wheat, rice and rye. It also includes starchy vegetables like potatoes and peas. Dried pulses like lentils, black-eyed peas and other dried beans are also recommended.
The pyramid suggests 6 to 11 servings from this food group per day are part of a healthy diet. This of course will vary according to the size and age of the person, number of calories to be consumed each day and the individual goals set by the person.
The next sections that have equal surface areas are vegetables and fruit. Vegetables means raw or cooked from fresh ingredients. Vegetables are good for fiber, nutrients and vitamins. The pyramid guidelines for this food group are 3 to 5 serving a day for a balanced diet.
Fruit provides similar benefits as vegetables. They can also be used if a person thinks they need to supplement their vitamin intake. The pyramid recommends 2 to 4 serving of fruit a day.
Vegetables and fruit have featured in the 5-a-day campaign run by health authorities in many parts of the world, advocating 5 pieces of veg or fruit per day for a balanced diet.
The next section is diary products like milk and yogurt. Diary products are rich in calcium and other minerals that the body needs. To minimize fat intake low milk products should be used. The pyramid recommends 2 to 3 servings per day.
Meat products or meat alternatives are the next section. These products essentially provide protein to the body. Low fat protein is recommended. Lean red meat, chicken or fish are the preferred choices of the pyramid. It suggests 6 ounces of protein a day is adequate for a balanced diet.
The last section at the tip of the pyramid is the fats, sweet foods and alcohol. These include any alcoholic drinks, candy, cakes and ice cream. I know, if you have a sweet tooth that's pretty bad news. These food stuffs should be eaten occasionally or as a treat. There is no recommendation of a daily intake of these types of food.
The pyramid helps people to make the right choices of food groups to be eaten in a balanced quantity. The visual nature of the diagram helps to get the essential information across instantly. It can be found in most health food shops or on the Internet. Get a copy and stick it in your kitchen so that you can refer to it when cooking.
Learn more about diabetic diet plans at http://www.diabeticdietsplan.com The site deals with cooking ideas for diabetics, types of food for diabetics and some of the complications that can result because of diabetes. Adrian Whittle writes on issues related to diabetes including common symptoms of diabetes, diabetic retinopathy and diabetic neuropathy.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Adrian_Whittle