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Family History of Gallbladder Disease
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Cirrhosis is a chronic, degenerative disease in which normal liver cells are damaged and are then replaced by scar tissue.Cirrhosis changes the structure of the liver and the blood vessels that nourish it. The disease reduces the liver''s ability t...
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Cirrhosis is scarring of the liver and poor liver function as a result of chronic liver disease.Cirrhosis is caused by chronic liver disease. Common causes of chronic liver disease in the U.S. include:.Hepatitis C infection Long-term alcohol abuse...
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The liver is a large organ in the upper right part of the abdominal cavity. A healthy liver metabolizes proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. Also, it makes a digestive fluid (bile), removes blood toxins, and is involved in the blood clotting process.
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Cirrhosis is a chronic degenerative disease of the liver in which normal liver cells are damaged and then replaced by scar tissue. There are different types of cirrhosis that could afflict a person.Cirrhosis changes the structure of the liver and ...
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The term"cirrhosis" was first used by René Laënnec(1781–1826) to describe the abnormal liver color of individuals with alcohol-induced liver disease. The word cirrhosis comes from the Greek word kirrhos, the name for a yellowish-br...
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Detailed information on cirrhosis, chronic liver disease, and fibrosis, including symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
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An evaluation helps your doctor find the cause of your liver problem. You may have a health history, an exam, and some tests. Treatment can control or slow down liver scarring. Follow your doctor's instructions. Your treatment plan may include medications and some lifestyle changes, such as avoiding alcohol.
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Nearly two-thirds of the United States population is overweight. There are many ways to determine if a person is overweight, but experts believe that a person''s body mass index(BMI) is the most accurate measurement of body fat for children and adu...
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Your child's doctor can help you learn whether your son or daughter is overweight.
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Childhood obesity is more prevalent in the Northeast, followed by the Midwest, South and West. It is also more prevalent in cities than in rural areas.
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To improve your eating habits and work more exercise into your schedule, consider these tips.
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Weigh Less, Live Longer helps you determine the cause of your excess weight and tailor a plan to your particular needs. Even a modest reduction of 7%-10% of your starting weight can lead to significant improvements in health.
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Those who are physically active but moderately overweight may be healthier than previously thought.
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Researchers have suggested that being only slightly overweight might not increase one's health risks, but a different study disproved this assumption, showing increased death rates for those with higher body mass index.
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Exploring the causes and consequences of America's growing epidemic of obesity.Obesity is not a new problem. Forty years ago, 4 of every 10 Americans were overweight or obese. But obesity is a growing problem, and it's growing quickly; today, two of every three Americans need to lose weight. In the 1960s, obesity was an epidemic; today, it's a pandemic.
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Researchers found that a body mass index in the overweight range was not necessarily an accurate predictor of death rate in older women, but additional weight still increases the risk of many other health problems.
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Detailed information for the pregnant mother, including information on hormones during pregnancy, weight gain during pregnancy, nutrition during pregnancy, exercise during pregnancy, work and pregnancy, sex during pregnancy, and sleeping positions during
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Because he believed he was in India, Columbus named the inhabitants Indians, a term that was soon used to refer to all the native inhabitants of North America. Today, the term Native American is more commonly used.New settlers in North America had...
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Women''s health differs from men''s health, and not just with respect to reproduction. To understand and examine these differences appropriately, the variables of sex and gender are each relevant.In general, sex refers to biological, anatomical, phy...
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Diabetes is a chronic(lifelong) disease marked by high levels of sugar in the blood.Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas to control blood sugar. Diabetes can be caused by too little insulin, resistance to insulin, or both.To understand di...
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Detailed information on diabetes and pregnancy Diabetes is a condition where sufficient amounts of insulin are either not produced or the body is unable to use the insulin that is produced. Insulin is the hormone that allows glucose to enter the cells of the body to provide fuel. When glucose cannot enter the cells, it builds up in the blood and the body's cells literally starve to death.
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This report provides advice about how to prevent or treat the most common form of diabetes. Learn about the components of a healthy diet and how to lose weight, and have fun trying out new recipes.
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This report includes information on blood sugar monitoring, diet and activity, insulin and other medications, insulin delivery systems, and innovations in treatment.
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Diabetes affects every part of your life, and it can create problems that aren't easy to talk about with your health care provider.
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Detailed information on type 1 diabetes, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and statistics
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Detailed information on type 2 diabetes, including causes, prevention, risk factors, and treatment
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Detailed information on special considerations for teenagers with diabetes Diabetes is a metabolic disorder characterized by a failure to secrete enough insulin, or, in some cases, the cells do not respond appropriately to the insulin that is produced. Because insulin is needed by the body to convert glucose into energy, these failures result in abnormally high levels of glucose accumulating in the blood. Diabetes may be a result of other conditions such as genetic syndromes, chemicals, drugs, malnutrition, infections, viruses, or other illnesses.
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Detailed information on diabetes, including type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes, and maturity-onset diabetes in the young
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Detailed information on diabetes and other endocrine and metabolic disorders that affect children
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List of online resources to find additional information on diabetes and other endocrine and metabolic disorders
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Detailed information on diabetes and other endocrine and metabolic disorders that affect children
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Detailed information on teens and diabetes Although the teenage years can be a challenge for any child as he/she goes through sexual and emotional changes, it can be especially trying for adolescents with diabetes. Adolescents inherently want to "fit in." Being different in any way from his/her peers can be emotionally stressful, especially for the teenager.
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Detailed information on type 2 diabetes, including cause, symptom, prevention, risk factors, and treatment
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Detailed information on type 1 diabetes, including causes, symptoms, and treatment
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Detailed information on diabetes, including type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, teens and diabetes, and diet and diabetes
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Detailed information on type 1 diabetes, including causes, symptoms, complications, and treatment
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Detailed information on diabetes, including the different types of diabetes and potential complications of diabetes
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Detailed information on the most common types of diabetes complications and ways to prevent future problems
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If you have diabetes, you are two to four times more likely to have heart disease than someone without diabetes. You can control your health risks by making some changes in your life.
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Most of us know that diabetes can lead to severe complications, such as blindness, kidney disease and amputations. But did you know that diabetes also greatly increases the risk of cardiovascular disease?
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Diabetes is a chronic disease that involves the regulation of blood sugar and occurs in two different forms, type 1 and type 2.
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Everyone feels down at times, but diabetics are especially prone to depression. An unhappy period that's intense or lasts for more than a couple of weeks can be a sign of depression. Depression is a serious illness.
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If you have diabetes, wearing a medical identification (ID) bracelet or necklace at all times is a good idea.
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Is vitamin E good for diabetics?
Mary Pickett, M.D., is a lecturer for Harvard Medical School and an assistant professor of medicine at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, OR. At OHSU, she practices general internal medicine and teaches medical residents and students.
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The most important factors in the prevention of diabetes are weight control, regular exercise, a healthy low-fat diet (fruits and vegetables, whole grains, fish, and poultry), and not smoking.
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Living with diabetes may increase the likelihood of depression. The connection may be go both ways: information from a diabetes trial suggests the possibility of a link between antidepressant use and diabetes.
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Carbohydrates are your body's main source of glucose, a special kind of sugar. Your dietitian will probably recommend that 55 to 60 percent of your calories come from carbohydrates. There are two types of carbohydrates: complex and simple.
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Type 1 diabetes can be controlled by taking insulin, eating a proper diet, and being active. These help your child's body keep healthy blood sugar levels.
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Even small movements can greatly improve your health. Simple activity can also boost your mental outlook. And you may spend less money on your health care. Think of it this way: Small steps may take you a long distance.
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The incidence of diabetes has increased dramatically in recent years. Men should be tested for diabetes starting at age 45, because early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent further complications.
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Is hair loss a common symptom of diabetes, and is it reversible? I have noticed that my hair has gotten very thin and I have recently been diagnosed with diabetes?
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I am a diabetic, and am allergic to eggs, which prevents my getting a flu shot. Can I receive a pneumonia shot? Also, are flu shots the only available medical preventative for the flu?
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Detailed information on diagnosis protocols for diabetes According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK):
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Detailed information on diabetes, including facts, statistics, types, diagnosis, complications, treatment, and management
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When you're sick, even with just a cold, your blood sugar level may rise. Ask your healthcare team to help you develop a sick-day plan for controlling blood sugar. Here are some guidelines.
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Detailed information on alcohol use in persons with diabetes Alcohol consumption can lower blood sugar levels to the point of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), causing symptoms. A person with diabetes should keep careful track of his/her blood sugar levels when drinking alcohol, because certain diabetes medications, including insulin, also lower blood glucose levels. If levels are too low, or if the stomach is empty, alcohol consumption should be avoided.
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Choose carefully and cook wisely. As you shop, think about how the foods you choose will fit into your meal plan. When you cook, try to cut down on sugar and fat. If you have high blood pressure, cut down on salt as well.
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Detailed information on heart disease and diabetes, including symptoms, prevention, and treatment
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Diabetes mellitus is a condition in which the pancreas no longer produces enough insulin or when cells stop responding to the insulin that is produced, so that glucose in the blood cannot be absorbed into the cells of the body. Symptoms include fr...
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Gestational diabetes mellitus(GDM) is a condition that occurs during pregnancy. Like other forms of diabetes, GDM involves a defect in the way the body processes and uses sugars(glucose) in the diet.
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Could a baby be diabetic from birth?
Leann M. Lesperance, M.D., Ph.D., is a lecturer on the Harvard Medical School faculty and a clinical assistant professor at SUNY-Upstate Medical University. She practices pediatrics in Binghamton, New York. She also holds a doctorate in medical engineering and is a research assistant professor in the Department of Bioengineering at Binghamton University.
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What is "late onset" diabetes type 1?
Mary Pickett, M.D., is a lecturer for Harvard Medical School and an assistant professor of medicine at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, OR. At OHSU, she practices general internal medicine and teaches medical residents and students.
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Having diabetes may mean adjustments at work and in your social life. But these changes need not keep you from succeeding at work and enjoying your leisure time.
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Your meal plan tells you when to eat your meals and snacks, what kinds of foods to eat, and how much of each food to eat. You don't have to give up all the foods you like. But you do need to follow some guidelines.
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Harvard Medical School physician Celeste Robb-Nicholson, M.D. describes both the therapeutic and side effects of glucosamine on the body and how it relates to diabetes.
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The FDA has ordered a warning label be put on the diabetes drugs Avandia and Actos due to evidence from studies that the medications may increase the risk of heart attack or death from cardiovascular disease.
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A Harvard Medical School physician answers your question about whether it is safe for a diabetic to take niacin to lower cholesterol.
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Researchers concluded that people with diabetes enter the high-risk group for heart disease an average of 15 years earlier than those without the disease.
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The diabetes drug Avandia may increase the risk of heart attack in those taking it. Other medications are as effective at lowering blood sugar without Avandia's risks.
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In times of stress, exercise, or an emergency, the glycogen is reconverted back to glucose. It also sends glucose to the muscle cells where it is then converted to energy.More than 12 million Americans are affected by diabetes.
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Diabetes mellitus is a common metabolic disorder resulting from defects in insulin action, insulin production, or both. Insulin, a hormone secreted by the pancreas, helps the body use and store glucose produced during the digestion of food.
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Gestational diabetes is a condition that occurs during pregnancy. Like other forms of diabetes, gestational diabetes involves a defect in the way the body processes and uses sugars(glucose) in the diet.
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Diabetes is the Greek term for"passing through," a phrase used to describe multiple diseases characterized by excessive urination. There are multiple forms of diabetes.
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Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease in which the body is not able to correctly process glucose for cell energy due to either an insufficient amount of the hormone insulin or a physical resistance to the insulin the body does produce. Without pr...
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Diabetes mellitus describes a group of diseases in which there is an elevated level of the sugar glucose, the body''s main source of energy for cellular functions, in the blood. The level of glucose, as well as other"fuel" molecules, is increased d...
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Diabetes mellitus is a condition that occurs when either the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or the body''s cells stop responding to the insulin that is produced. In either case, glucose in the blood cannot be absorbed or used by the cells...
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Simple and small movements can get you started exercising. You don't need to join a gym to start moving. Make it easy on yourself and you will be able to make exercising a habit. Slow, gentle, and easy is the way to begin to make exercising part of your life.
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Once you become more active, you may be ready to increase the pace. Choose an exercise you enjoy. Just be sure to warm up, cool down, and stay safe. And learn when it's time to stop exercising.
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Managing diabetes means developing a routine for things like meals, exercise, and taking medication. It also means making changes in some of your activities, such as driving, to help keep you and those around you safe.
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Is it OK for people with diabetes to drink alcohol? This is something only you and your health care provider can answer.
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The stress of illness or injury can cause blood sugar to rise and make insulin less effective. This can lead to serious problems, including diabetic coma. That's why it's important to know what to do when illness strikes.
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Among the many types of blood pressure medications available, some have a tendency to increase blood sugar levels, but this does not necessarily lead to a higher risk of diabetes.
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The American Diabetes Association has set a standard for measuring blood sugar that expresses the information in two different forms, corresponding to the way the reading is given in medical tests and also in home testting.
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Most people with diabetes eventually develop some form of heart disease, but this is not inevitable. Focusing on improving health through diet, exercise, weight loss, and lowering blood pressure and cholesterol can help prevent heart disease.
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People with diabetes or high blood pressure are at greater risk for eye disease. Taking pills containing plant sterols and stanols may lower cholesterol as effectively as eating foods fortified with the plant matter.
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Many people with diabetes suffer from one of the numerous potential complications of the disease, but following a proper diet, getting exercise, and paying attention to risk factors can help prevent further problems.
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I read about a study at UCLA in which men with type 2 diabetes were in a program combining aerobic exercise, low-fat diets, and relatively high amounts of "good" carbohydrates. Half of them cured their diabetes. Is this possible?
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Recommendations for eating eggs for those with diabetes.
Q. My husband has type 2 diabetes and has started eating two eggs about three times a week. He's looking to fill up on low-carb foods he likes. But I've read that eggs may not be a good idea for people with diabetes. Should he cut back?
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I'm an 86-year-old man with type 2 diabetes. I get my eyes checked, eat carefully, and test my blood sugar. I exercise and still play tennis. Recently, I read that diabetes may be a precursor to Alzheimer's disease. It scared me. What do you think?
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Is it absolutely necessary for a diabetic who does not have high blood pressure to take a blood pressure pill anyway?
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My 75-year-old father has cirrhosis of the liver due to alcoholism. He also has type 2 diabetes. How will the cirrhosis affect his diabetes?
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I have high blood pressure and am 8 pounds overweight. My doctor says that is probable that I have glucose intolerance. Is this the same disease as diabetes? What should I do about it?
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What causes poor circulation in people with diabetes? Is it the blood somehow thickened from glucose, or is it because of a higher incidence of atherosclerosis?
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Why don't diabetics' wounds heal normally?
Mary Pickett, M.D., is a lecturer for Harvard Medical School and an assistant professor of medicine at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, OR. At OHSU, she practices general internal medicine and teaches medical residents and students.
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Detailed information on diabetes and high blood pressure, including symptoms, prevention, and treatment
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Detailed information on diabetes, including facts, statistics, types, diagnosis, complications, treatment, and management
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List of online resources to find additional information on diabetes The content provided here is for informational purposes only, and was not designed to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease, or replace the professional medical advice you receive from your physician. Please consult your physician with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition.
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Detailed information on diabetes and periodontal disease, including symptoms, types, treatment, and prevention
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Statistics relating to diabetes for patients and consumers Diabetes affects an estimated 20.8 million people in the US (90 percent to 95 percent have type 2 diabetes) - 14.6 million have been diagnosed, but 6.2 million are unaware they have the disease. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) and the American Diabetes Association, those affected include:
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Taking care of yourself means developing a routine for things like meals, exercising, and taking medication. But sometimes this routine is disrupted when you travel. Your healthcare team can help you work out a plan to prepare for unexpected situations.
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When you have diabetes, your body needs special care. This care helps you stay healthy and prevent complications. Exercise and healthy eating are a part of this. You can also protect yourself by taking special care of your feet and skin.
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The diabetes food pyramid is a tool to help you eat a wide range of healthy foods. You can use it to plan low-fat meals and snacks that include carbohydrates and protein.
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Living with diabetes means making many changes in your life, and these changes may seem overwhelming. When you feel down, reach out to your family and friends, and to your healthcare team. Here are a list of other resources.
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Diabetes occurs when there are high levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood. All three types of diabetes involve problems with insulin, a hormone that removes glucose from the blood and allows it to enter the body's cells. (The cells use it for energy.) If your body is unable to make or use insulin properly, you have a high blood glucose level.
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Your blood sugar will most likely return to normal after delivery. But gestational diabetes is a warning sign that you are at risk for getting diabetes later in life. You're also more likely to have gestational diabetes with your next pregnancy.
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The only way to be sure your blood sugar stays within a normal range is to check it. You will most likely be asked to check your blood sugar at home one or more times a day. Your healthcare provider will teach you how.
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Diabetes is a chronic (lifelong) and progressive condition, but it can be managed. With help from your family, your friends, and your healthcare team, you can learn to take care of yourself and stay healthy.
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Did you know that if you have diabetes, you have a two to four times greater risk for heart disease and stroke than people without diabetes?
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Having pre-diabetes means that you are likely to develop full-blown diabetes within 10 years. But lifestyle changes can prevent that from happening.
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If managing diabetes seems like a full-time job, keep in mind it's a task that can't be taken lightly. Diabetes is the fifth-leading cause of death by disease in the United States.
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Diabetes affects the body in many complex ways, and having a team to help you stay as healthy and vital as possible, for as long as possible, is key.
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"If you do have diabetes, educate yourself and start managing your illness," Ms. LaBelle says.
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Meal planning and blood sugar monitoring. Medicines and multiple injections. The day-in and day-out requirements of diabetes management can overwhelm those with this chronic disease.
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What causes diabetes? Scientists aren't sure, but heredity, obesity, lack of exercise and other factors play a part.
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Natural hormone replacement therapy(NHRT) is the use of non-synthetic, bio-identical hormones(estrogens, progesterone, and/or testosterone), derived from plants), to treat hormone imbalances and deficiencies. The first oral contraceptive pill was ...
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Hormone therapy(HT) is a medical treatment with a medication containing one or more female hormones, commonly estrogen plus progestin(synthetic progesterone), and sometimes testosterone. Some women, usually those who have had their uterus removed,...
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Hormone therapy (HT) increases your levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. This will help reduce signs of menopause. HT may also help prevent osteoporosis in some women. But HT may increase risk for certain conditions, including heart disease and stroke.
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Hormone replacement therapy(HRT) is the use of synthetic or natural female hormones to make up for the decline or lack of natural hormones produced in a woman''s body. HRT is sometimes referred to as estrogen replacement therapy(ERT), because the f...
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Detailed information on hormone replacement therapy, including the controversy over its use
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Detailed information on hormone replacement therapy, including the controversy over its use
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Is HRT right for you? That's up to you and your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider will review your health needs. Then he or she will suggest steps you can take to control any symptoms or health risks. HRT may be one part of your overall program.
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Menopause is a natural stage of life for women. It occurs when the ovaries stop making the hormones progesterone and estrogen. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can make up for some of this loss. You may get estrogen alone if you no longer have a uterus. Or if you still have a uterus you may get HRT as a combination of estrogen and progesterone if you still have a uterus. Some women take HRT to ease side effects of menopause. These may include hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness. Others have taken it to reduce certain health risks linked with menopause. HRT has been available for more than 60 years. Still, much controversy surrounds its health risks and benefits.
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A Harvard Medical School professor and prostate disease expert discusses the benefits and risks of testosterone-replacement therapy, including misconceptions about whether this treatment increases the risk of prostate cancer.
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Women often perceive heart disease as an older person's disease that need not concern them until menopause.
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What is the oldest age a woman can still take low-dose birth control pills as a form of HRT if no problems exist?
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When patients cannot use their gastrointestinal tracts for nutrition, parenteral nutrition may be used to maintain or improve the patient''s nutritional status. This form of intravenous treatment provides all the nutrients that are delivered to the...
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IV fluids- infants; TPN- infants; Intravenous fluids- infants; Hyperalimentation- infants.Total parenteral nutrition(TPN) is a method of feeding that bypasses the gastrointestinal tract. Fluids are given into a vein to provide most of the necessar...
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The diets of peoples in Mexico and Central America(Guatemala, Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador, Belize, and Costa Rica) have several commonalities, though within the region great differences in methods of preparation and in local recipes exist. Th...
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