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Newsflash
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Stretch marks are red to white, long, sometimes depressed scars
that can stay in your skin for a long time.
When your skin is excessively stretched during pregnancy, weight
gain or growth spurts, stretch marks or striae can show. They can
also be caused by certain medications, including hormones and
steroids. Stretch marks occur when quickly expanding skin is
stretched to its limit and small tears appear in the supporting
layers of skin.
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Controlling Type II Diabetes |
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Written by Chrissy S.
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Monday, 09 October 2006 |
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Type II diabetes is not as severe as Type I, but should still be closely monitored. Your pancreas produces insulin continuously and blood sugar levels rise after eating. Insulin production also goes up; it allows your cells to absorb more sugar. This provides your body with the energy it requires and maintains an acceptable blood sugar level.
Your liver also has a hand in maintaining your blood sugar level. It stores any excess glucose in your liver until it is required. In Type II diabetes, either your pancreas manufactures the insulin and your muscles and body tissue become resistant to it, or your pancreas doesn't create enough insulin in the first place.
If your cells become resistant to insulin, they refuse the command to allow sugar. The question of why they become resistant remains unanswered. Researchers do know that being overweight or inactive and having a lot of fat cells are major factors.
Treatment for Type II diabetes varies and some are able to control the condition with diet and exercise alone. Others may rely on medications, but in either case, monitoring changes in your lifestyle and watching your blood sugar is important in treatment. Most Type II diabetics should consider keeping track of their blood sugar level for a specific amount of time to find out when the blood sugar levels rise and fall. Then you can get an idea of how many times you will need to check your levels, Some may need testing once a day, or as little as only once a week.
Several situations can affect your blood sugar level. Food will always elevate your levels for one or two hours after eating. Exercise and other physical activity will bring your blood sugar levels down. Aerobic exercise is good, but even mundane tasks such as cleaning house, gardening, or being on your feet all day will also reduce your blood sugar levels.
Medications you take for other medical conditions can have an effect on blood glucose levels also. Drugs to control high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and steroids may also elevate blood sugar levels. Some high blood pressure medications can change your blood glucose and changes may need to be made to keep your levels on an even keel.
Illnesses can also affect your blood sugar levels. A cold or other illness can raise hormone levels in your body along with blood sugar levels. While this does promote healing it can be a problem for someone with diabetes. A fever can also heighten the metabolism to use even more glucose and change the amount of insulin your body requires. When you're sick, you should check your levels more often.
Small amounts of alcohol can cause your blood sugar levels to fall. However, alcohol can also increase blood sugar levels. If you do drink, then drink in moderation and monitor blood sugar levels both prior to and after drinking any alcohol.
There is no specific diet for diabetes. It doesn't mean you have to eat only bland foods either. Ideally, you should eat more fruits, vegetables and whole grains, foods low in fat and calories, less sweets, and less animal proteins.
Consistency is important in diet though, as is keeping your blood sugar at a constant level. The same amount of carbohydrates and the same portion sizes should be eaten at approximately the same time each day. It is hard to stay motivated to stick with a specific diet to keep your diabetes under control. Enlist help from family and friends and realize you and your health are worth the effort it takes to stay motivated.
Exercise is a major factor in controlling Type II diabetes. Everyone needs exercise. That is part of a healthy lifestyle. People with diabetes benefit greatly from exercise though. The same exercise program that is good for your heart health and keeping your cholesterol low, is also good for diabetes control. Walking, jogging, hiking, cross-country skiing, and swimming are all great choices for you. Start out with a minimum of 30 minutes a day. If you have not been exercising, start out gradually and build up slowly. Listen to your body, and begin with stretching, and warm up exercises.
Keep your weight normal; if you are overweight, it's time to lose weight. Sometimes weight loss is all that is required to keep Type II diabetes under control. |
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Last Updated ( Saturday, 16 December 2006 )
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