Foot Complications of Diabetes

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Many people who are diagnosed with diabetes are overwhelmed with an onslaught of new information, medications, doctor visits and a feeling of helplessness.  Diabetes can be frightening, particularly for anyone who is not familiar with the disease.  We read about complications and insulin and medication and feel hopeless.

In most cases, women who develop gestational diabetes will not develop Type II diabetes.  This is a condition affected by the pregnancy and the inability of the mother to use the insulin naturally developed in her body.  It is caused by hormones triggered by the pregnancy and causes the mother to become insulin resistant.  Gradually, the mother develops high blood glucose levels,  referred to as hyperglycemia.}

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Many diabetics experience a period of denial when first diagnosed with diabetes.  They refuse to believe there is anything wrong with them.  While they remain in denial, the condition worsens.  This can often lead to depression.  Depression and diabetes often go hand in hand.  According to the American Diabetes Association, people with diabetes have a greater risk for developing depression than other individuals. 

The stress of management of diabetes can take a toll on an individual.  There are new medications to take, blood sugar must be monitored frequently and a record kept for your doctor.  There are frequent doctor visits and there may be several different medication combinations needed before your blood sugar is kept under control.

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According to the National Diabetes Education Program, there is a current epidemic of diabetes among African Americans.  African Americans are one of the largest groups in the population in the United States that are contracting Type II diabetes.  In addition, diabetes is also one of the leading causes of death and disability among African Americans in the United States. 

Depending upon the stage of their diabetes, a physician will normally prescribe either medication or insulin.  Both help the body process the sugars in the blood, to break them down and allow the patient to expel them.  However, insulin and medication are no substitute for a healthy diet.  Just because a person is taking medication or insulin does not give them carte blanche to consume all of the sugar and carbohydrates they can get their hands on.   It is absolutely essential that a person with diabetes not only take medication or insulin as directed, but also adhere to a diabetic diet.  This means getting familiar with which foods should be avoided and which foods can be eaten sparingly.

Diabetes and sexual problems does not stop at erectile dysfunction, however.  Retrograde ejaculation is a more potentially dangerous situation that can happen to men with diabetes.  In this condition, the semen can go into the bladder instead of being dispelled out of the penis during ejaculation.  A man who is experiencing this side effect of diabetes should seek consultation with a urologist who can help with medication or surgery to correct the problem.

The Glycemic Index was established in 1981 to rate which carbohydrates are the worst for those with diabetes.  The carbohydrates that are high on the list, such as white bread, take longer to digest and should be avoided.  Carbohydrates that have low scores, such as brown rice, can be eaten in moderation.  It is very difficult for anyone to avoid carbohydrates completely, which is why familiarizing oneself with the Glycemic Index is so important in the treatment of diabetes.

In addition to carbohydrates that rate high on the Glycemic Index as well as low, there is also an intermediate group.  It may surprise people to know that a chocolate bar is rated in the intermediate group on the Glycemic Index.  This does not mean, however, that one should feel free to consume all the chocolate they want.  The purpose of the Glycemic Index is to help individuals establish which foods should definitely be avoided and which foods are okay in moderation.