Tips for a Healthy Life

Diabetes

Diabetes means your body has lost its main source of fuel. The body cannot survive without fuel. Diabetes is a condition in which the pancreas, a little organ near the stomach that produces insulin (a hormone), can't make enough insulin or the body can't use the insulin properly. Insulin is important because it helps get glucose (a sugar that comes from most of the foods we eat) into our cells for energy. With diabetes, glucose builds up in the blood instead of being used for energy. Diabetes is a serious and growing problem.

An estimated one-third of men with type 2 diabetes (most common form of diabetes) don't know they have it. Many are unaware of the disease until they develop problems such as impotence (erectile dysfunction), vision loss, or kidney disease.

Some preventive measures you can take:

Eat a varied diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat foods.

Get at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week.

Get your blood sugar level checked regularly, as advised by your doctor.

Know your family's diabetes history and discuss it with your doctor.

Additional Information on Diabetes:

Publications

Am I at Risk for Type 2 Diabetes? - This booklet defines diabetes and reviews the signs and symptoms of the disease. It discusses the risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes and the ways it can be prevented.

http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/dm/pubs/riskfortype2/index.htm

CDC Diabetes Public Health Resource - This web site contains information for the public and professionals about diabetes, including research, statistics, and educational publications.

http://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/index.htm

Financial Help for Diabetes Care - This publication reviews the two government-funded health care assistance programs, Medicare and Medicaid, as well as other health care services available for people with diabetes. It lists organizations that address financial concerns about prescription drugs and medical supplies, prosthetic care, and dialysis and kidney transplantation. It also provides suggestions for finding local resources.

http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/dm/pubs/financialhelp/

National Diabetes Fact Sheet, United States 2005 - The CDC provides a comprehensive fact sheet on the definition, diagnosis, treatment, and prevalence of Diabetes in the US. A Diabetes glossary is included at the end of the fact sheet, as well as links to additional resources.

http://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/pubs/pdf/ndfs_2005.pdf

Tips to Help You Stay Healthy - This booklet provides an action plan for diabetes control that includes tips on knowing, reaching, and maintaining blood glucose levels.

http://www.ndep.nih.gov/diabetes/pubs/TipsFeel_Eng.pdf

What I Need to Know about Eating and Diabetes - This publication reviews diabetes nutrition basics, including what, when, and how much a person with diabetes should eat. It discusses healthier ways to buy, cook, and eat foods to achieve good blood glucose control.

http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/dm/pubs/eating_ez/index.htm

Your Guide to Diabetes: Type 1 and Type 2 - This booklet helps patients manage their diabetes, by giving advice on eating healthy, checking blood glucose levels and keeping in touch with a healthcare physician.

http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/dm/pubs/type1and2/index.htm

Attention Men: Are You Making the Link Between Your Diabetes and Heart Disease? (Copyright © ADA) - This fact sheet provides information about how diabetes can lead to heart disease and stroke. It gives tips and lifestyle changes for men with diabetes to lower their risk of diabetes-related heart disease.

http://www.diabetes.org/uedocuments/Mensfinal.pdf

Type 1 Diabetes (Copyright © The Hormone Foundation) - This bi-lingual publication offers information regarding the characteristics, diagnosis, treatment, and management of Type 1 diabetes. Esta publicación ofrece información sobre los diagnósticos, síntomas, tratamientos y como tratar la diabetes tipo 1.

http://www.hormone.org/Resources/Diabetes/upload/bilingual_Type1_Diabetes.pdf

Type 2 Diabetes and A1c (Copyright © The Hormone Foundation) - This bi-lingual publication provides information regarding the differences between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes, while offering resources for patients on the treatment and management of Type 2 Diabetes. Esta hoja bilingüe discute las diferencias entre diabetes tipo 1 y diabetes tipo 2. Asimismo, ofrece recursos sobre tratamientos para pacientes.

http://www.hormone.org/Resources/Diabetes/upload/bilingual_type_2diabetes_and_A1c...

Organizations

= Indicates Federal Resources

Current as of June 2007

Tips for a Healthy Life

Men's Health

Diabetes

Additional Information on Diabetes:

Publications

Organizations