Diabetes Resources on Twitter

So the new craze these days has been the micro-blogging site Twitter. Twitter allows users to send updates to their friends about pretty much whatever they want. They only catch is that the updates need to be made in 140 characters or less. So if you’re new to Twitter, what exactly is the benefit of joining? Well there are a few actually: you can keep up with friends, but also celebrities, companies and trending topics. Also, Twitter allows you to follow the accounts that you’re interested in so you can constantly be receiving their updates. Even if you don’t want to sign up for an account, you should keep track of the following diabetes accounts in Twitter. They offer great info and things to keep in mind:

@AmDiabetesAssn
@diabeticnews
@diabetesblogs

There are definitely others, but the accounts above are a great start to get your feet wet with the Twitter concept. You may even get hooked.

The Link Between Diabetes and Tai Chi

This almost seems like a no-brainer, but I’m going to spell it out anyway because the more I think it, the more inspired I am to go and practice my Tai Chi forms. Basically, Tai Chi in the United States became very popular for it’s meditative and health benefits. Although it was founded and designed as a martial art (Tai Chi Chuan means “The Grand Ultimate Fist”) Tai Chi has been able to assist many people living in assisted living homes prevent slips and falls. Many of hip has been spared with the introduction of Tai Chi stepping. Ok, so what does Tai Chi has to do with diabetes. Well directly, Tai Chi is a great health benefit because it’s exercise and as you work through the movements at Tai Chi speed, you are developing your muscles while expanding your lungs. Indirectly, Tai Chi releases blockages of “Chi” or “energy” throughout your body allowing your blood to flow and movement to increase. It is no wonder why many with arthritis problems turn to Tai Chi for their problems and find remedies. If you haven’t yet tried Tai Chi, I strongly recommend visiting the nearest school that offers it and see if it is for you.

Signs and Symptoms of Pre-Diabetes

There is a great article on About.com highlighting pre-diabetes. The article explains what pre-diabetes is and states that “the cells in your body are becoming resistant to insulin and your blood glucose levels are higher than they should be. Since the levels aren’t as high as they would be if you had Type 2 diabetes, the term “pre-diabetes” is used.”

The risk factor for pre-diabetes are the same as they are for type 2 diabetes. It is very important to get regular check-ups from your doctor as there are seldom signs or symptoms for this type of diabetes.

Mix up your workout

Close to 80% of the diabetic population in America is obese. There is no question as to whether or not a workout routine will help most diabetics. The only question is what kind of routine should diabetics do? Will diabetics benefit more from weight lifting, running, circuit training, or aerobics. Personally, I think everyone can benefit from a proper Kung Fu workout, but the thing about martial arts is that they are not for everyone. Whether you’re a runner or a weight lifter, the best type of workout is one that mixes all types of exercise. Weights can add a bit of muscle and running can increase your lung capacity as well as endurance. The bottom line with working out is to try to fit in any kind of exercise every day. Although it is best to mix it up, working out period is a plus.

Diabetes Resources

There are many great resources for diabetic information that can be found on the web. You can even read up on some blogs of some people living with diabetes. I find the blogs particularly useful because you can read all about the experiences of those diagnosed with diabetes. One of the best resources I have seen is the American Diabetes Association website. There is one page in particular that is especially useful is the page all about diabetes. The page talks about the different types of diabetes and all of the resources available on the site such as diabetic symptoms, diabetic myths, and much more. If you or someone you know has diabetes, this page is a must.

I’ll be gone for a bit

I’m heading out of town for my sister’s wedding so I won’t be contributing to this blog for a bit.  I just wanted to give all of my great readers a head’s up because I respect you guys.  I don’t want you to keep coming back day-in and day-out with nothing new to read.

Until then, be sure to eat right and exercise on a regular basis.  Make a commitment to yourself to live longer and enjoy those around you while those you love, can enjoy you around as well.

Just a Walk Will Do…

People always tell me that the hardest part about beginning an active lifestyle is getting motivated.  I always respond saying that you don’t need to run full-fledged marathon or attend military boot camp on your first day. Take it easy, start slow. Now if you’re the type that likes to get going hard then kudos to you. But if you’re not, you can start off light, I’d say first thing in the morning. Sure you need to get up fifteen minutes earlier but it’s worth it, trust me.

I’ve heard that the best way to lose weight is to workout early in the morning so just wake up, drink some water, throw on some clothes, and enjoy the sunrise. You’ll have more energy throughout the day and your body will begin to feel the benefits of increased activity in your lifestyle.

Just remember, a walk will do when time calls for an overdue workout. Just keep it consistent, do it 3 times per week to start, then increase to five, and eventually, you’ll begin each morning with a brisk jog.

Diabetic Neuropathy

What exactly is diabetic neuropathy? Neuropathy is the damage done to nerves. Diabetic Neuropathy is simply nerve disease or damage caused by diabetes. High blood sugar levels damage the blood vessels and nerves and thus over time, cause this disease. The higher the blood sugar levels, the greater the risk. Close to half of the diabetic population end up diagnosed with diabetic neuropathy because they simply do not do enough to treat their diabetes problems.

Take control of your blood sugar levels. Take your medications as directed by your doctor. Eat a healthy, and well balanced diabetic diet. Go in for regular check-ups. Consult your physician, then, upon approval, begin an exercise program working out 4 to 5 times a week for 30 to 40 minutes at a time. Taking care of your feet is also an important part of diabetic treatment. Avoid tight fitting shoes that may cut off circulation. Many diabetic patients find that walking regularly, taking warm baths, and using elastic stockings or diabetic socks help to relieve foot pain. So start now, take care of yourself and your blood sugar levels.

Scott’s Diabetes Journal

Here is a great blog of a diabetic named Scott Johnson who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 1980. Scott’s Diabetes Journal is the perfect way for Scott to share his struggles, triumphs, and feelings towards and with diabetes. I personally enjoy Scott’s favorite quote in the title image of his blog. “Diabetes is like being expected to play the piano with one hand while juggling items with another hand, all while balancing with deftness and dexterity on a tightrope.” Check out the blog and follow Scott’s journey with diabetes.

Exercising

I cannot stress enough the importance of exercise to treat and prevent diabetes. Diabetics want to continue to strive to maintain their ideal body weight. Most people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes are overweight. Further more, in most scientific studies, type 2 diabetes has improved with weight loss. If you have diabetes however, you should never begin a rigorous workout regimen without consulting a doctor.

Use this blog along with the many resources available on the net to find great diabetic recipes to maintain your diabetic diet. Proper diet and nutrition is the key to help control this disease. Most anyone can ‘eat’ themselves into being diabetic. Healthy eating with hearty exercise results in a happier lifestyle.

Why Diabetic Socks

People diagnosed with diabetes have many troubles with their feet.  The loss of feeling and senses make it hard to tell whether or not a blister or sore has developed. If sores go untreated, they can later become ulcers. The complications only get worse from there.

Diabetic socks are seamless and are designed to reduce irritation. Protection against irritation is important and can prevent sores and blisters from forming. The idea behind diabetic socks is to increase the health of your legs and feet.

What Exactly is Diabetes

For those of you who don’t know exactly what diabetes is or how it begins, Diabetes is a disease in which the level of sugar in the blood is abnormally high. The reason for the high blood glucose (sugar) levels is that the body is not able to properly control the amount of sugar in the blood. Persons diagnosed with diabetes cannot produce or effectively use insulin to regulate their glucose levels.

Diabetes begins in the pancreas, but can lead to kidney failure, nerve damage in the feet, eyes, and heart, and cause great disabilities. But proper  treatment can lead to a healthier lifestyle and an higher quality of life. If you or a loved one is affected by diabetes, please feel free to contribute to this blog. Share your thoughts, ideas, feelings, and especially experiences. Together, we can conquer diabetes.

The Importance of Exercise

While not everyone with type 2 diabetes is overweight, studies have shown that obesity and lack of physical activity are the two most common causes of this type of diabetes.  With that being said, it is important to take some time out of your busy day to just take a walk around the block, bike to work, take the stairs.  It’s always good to start somewhere and the simple stroll after dinner is a great way to get your health on the right track.

If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, consult with your doctor or physician before beginning an exercise program.  Your doctor can direct you in the right direction and let you know what kind of exercise will be good for you depending on your current physical condition and the level of control over you diabetes.

Children with Diabetes

I found a great website called Children with Diabetes. Children with Diabetis is a great site about…you guessed it, children with diabetes. The web pages are dedicated to developing and increasing the awareness of diabetes, especially in children. There is a lot of good information for the families of children with diabetes so the environment of the children can remain supportive and positive. Children with Diabetes Inc. has also recently joined the Johnson and Johnson family of companies as part of the Diabetes Franchise. Take a gander at the site when you get a second.

Symptoms of Diabetes

The level of diabetes is increasing in the United States today with so many people neglecting their health. According to the American Diabetes Association, diabetes often goes unnoticed in the beginning because of the many seemingly harmless symptoms. Take a look at the link above for the most common signs because early detection and treatment of type 2 diabetes can lead to a smaller chance of getting heart disease, nerve damage, blindness or worse. Awareness is the key in the battle against diabetes.