Diabetes mellitus is an endocrine disease affecting approximately 7% of the US population.  Diabetes is categorized into two classes: Type 1, or insulin dependent diabetes, and Type 2, or adult onset diabetes.

Type 1 Diabetes is a condition in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin, a hormone necessary for the metabolism of glucose.  Type 1 Diabetes is generally diagnosed in childhood or early adolescence and is considered to be primarily genetic in origin.  Symptoms include extreme hunger, fatigue, rapid weight loss and blurry vision.  There is no cure for Diabetes, but successful treatment includes insulin injections, blood sugar monitoring, a healthy diet, and regular exercise.

Type 2 Diabetes accounts for 90-95% of all Diabetes cases in the United States.  In Type 2 Diabetes, the body is either insulin resistant or the pancreas does not produce enough insulin.  This type is often preventable and is strongly linked to obesity.  Symptoms are similar to Type 1 Diabetes but, depending on the severity, treatment may only include blood sugar monitoring, a healthy diet, and regular exercise.  Severe or advanced cases may require medication and/or insulin injections.

Resources at Northwestern for Diabetes:

The Division of Endocrinology at Northwestern Memorial Hospital provides comprehensive diagnosis and treatment for a variety of endocrine related disorders.  Physicians in the department specialize in endocrine tumors, endocrine disease genetics, gestational diabetes, and offer specialized services in diagnosis and treatment of Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes.  The department participates in a variety of NIH-sponsored research trials.  Results from NMH’s participation in the National Institute’s of Health 10-year study on prevention of type 2 diabetes can be found at http://www.feinberg.northwestern.edu/news/2009C-October/Diabetes.html.

Click to see physician finder:

http://nmhphysicians.photobooks.com/

Northwestern Physicians/ Researchers specializing in Diabetes treatment:

The Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Molecular Medicine at Northwestern University features a diverse faculty, many of whom are leaders in their field.  The department, headed by Dr. Andrea Dunaif, is committed to clinical and basic science research development and training.  The research interests of the department are diverse and extend to multiple subfields of endocrinology.  Researchers studying diabetes include Dr. Franck Mauvais-Jarvis, who studies the role of estrogen receptors in pancreatic cells, Dr. M. Geoffrey Hayes, PhD, who studies the genetic components of diabetes, and Dr. Boyd E. Metzger, MD, whose research on gestational diabetes has been widely published.

IWHR Highlighted Researcher

Dr. Robert F Kushner, MD, MS is the Clinical Director of the Northwestern Comprehensive Center on Obesity and a Professor of Medicine at the Feinberg School of Medicine.  Dr. Kushner has published various books, book chapters, and articles and serves on the editorial board of various prestigious journals including Obesity, Obesity Management, and the Journal of the American Dietetic Association.  Popular publications include Dr. Kushner’s Personality Type Diet, Treatment of the Obese Patient and Fitness Unleashed: A Dog and Owner’s Guide to Losing Weight and Gaining Health Together.  Although Dr. Kushner’s research interests are in obesity and nutrition, his research and publications have implications for a diabetic population.  Recently he published a study in Obesity examining various lifestyle interventions for prevention of weight gain in type II diabetic patients taking the common diabetes medication pioglitazone (Actos®).  The study showed that the weight gain side effects commonly associated with this medication can be diminished or alleviated by lifestyle interventions such as medical nutrition therapy (MNT).  The greatest success was seen in patients who received intensive follow up MNT, which included lessons in meal planning, food preparation, goal-setting and exercise recommendations.

For information on Dr. Kushner or to purchase his books:

http://www.counselingoverweightadults.com/

Other Useful Links and Resources:

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/diabetes.html
http://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/
http://www.diabetes.org
http://www.dlife.com/

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Comments

Diabetes is a major health concern here in the United States. As our unhealthy diet gets exported to other countries, the health of those populations will probably also suffer. I'm glad to see so many comments that consciousness is being raised about this major health threat. A couple of people commented on dogs. I find having dogs a terrific encouragement for exercising. Unfortunately, Diabetes is becoming quite prevalent as we also overfeed and under-exercise our dogs, just as we do ourselves. Diabetes in a dog is a very serious thing. It's not easy to manage a dog's blood sugar. It requires a lot of investment of time and money on the part of the owner of the dog. I'm glad that this topic is under discussion.

Diabetes is one condition I have been able to avoid thank God! The people I know who have it are overweight so I wonder if that's the main reason for it? One is overweight because of genetics but the others just don't bother watching their diet. I wonder if weight is the main culprit.

Hi Michelle I have diabetes, and fibro-M to go along... If there is one good advice I can share here on this page is that the "Ancietn prctices" - both Kong Fu and Yoga, have both changed my life. I'm feeling good. My tests are great. My body is in balance. No more sugar drops, or dizziness. I don't have fatigue, and last winter i didn't feel any frozen finger-tips nor was I colder then the rest of my familly, which are healthy thank god. Yoga has done the biggest effect. So here is my suggestion - First thing you do- If you are ill or if you know someone who is ill - Go practice Yoga! Be healthy!

So grateful that we don't have diabetes in our family. But then, we are extremely careful in how we eat and take good care of ourselves - so crucial in Type 2. It is so sad to see how many kids are diagnosed with Type 2. Perhaps the situation can improve if more schools serve healthy meals and give kids better info about healthy eating.

According to my research, diet plays a very large part in diabetes prevention and elimination. Americans are becoming diabetic at an alarming rate, yet we hear so little about the part that our bad diets have in this trend. America needs to stop worrying so much about making the pharmaceutical companies wealthy and start talking about simple diet and lifestyle changes that can really reverse diabetes.

Like humans, dogs can acquire diabetes too. Dogs with diabetes need utmost care and support because it is a life-threatening disease that every pet owner should be very concerned about. The bad news is that this is also on the increase!

My dad has always had diabetes ever since we've been growing up. Some of his treatment included restricted diets, some medication, regular checks with his doctors to ensure his high blood pressure was at a decent level, he also did his anti coagulation on a daily basis and ensured he ate only at specified times. All these i watched him engage in for years just to keep himself alive for us. And it really isn't pleasant watching a loved one going through all these. More should be done to educate people on the risks involved in getting diabetes although majority of cases are hereditary. It would take people a long way knowing how to stay healthy.

I had a diabetic grandfather and a diabetic uncle who died prematurely. I am a psychologist (and a screenwriter). Investigating the relationship between Omega 3 fatty acids and psychological disorders, I found scientific investigations regarding Omega 3 fatty acids and diabetes with very interesting results. I believe they should be further publicized.

As an experienced personal trainer I can honestly say that all the cases of Diabetes that I have seen over the last 5 years have been as a result of being Overweight. Exercise is an important part of managing Diabetes. Many people find exercising hard because they are overweight and do not want to go the a gym full of Bikini Clad women. Considering a mobile personal trainer</a> that comes to the home is an option.

Thank you for a very informative article on Diabetes. Will help me with my college research :-)

Type 2 Diabetes rates are only going to increase as our obesity epidemic continues to rise. Interestingly enough, we are doing the same thing to our dogs as we are doing to ourselves by overfeeding and not exercising them. That is why I liked the reference to the journal entry: Treatment of the Obese Patient and Fitness Unleashed: A Dog and Owner’s Guide to Losing Weight and Gaining Health Together. This has become such an important issue that dog organizations are putting together canine conditioning programs to help deal with overweight dogs through health and wellness. Maybe having the pet as a workout partner is a great way to help women stay committed to their own health as well as their pets’. Thanks, Jo Chris

Reading the article and the comments it seems so simple to either avoid or help those with diabetes but with anything it is often too late. We need to educate children from a very early age how a poor diet and lack of exercise can seriously effect our health. The more we encourage our children the more chance we have of reducing the terrifying figures I have read about today. So before going on too much maybe it is good food, exercise and education! Thank you for your article.

As a personal trainer, I have seen what diabetes has done to our society. Especially Type II. It's sad because this disease is almost completely tied to our lifestyles.

Diabetes is a curse both for the individual and the country they live in. Ironically type II diabetes is a lifestyle disease so it is voluntary, that is, it is a matter of choice - A choice about diet and fitness. The fact that it is on the increase highlights a lack of education either from parents or dare I say, from society. It seems to me that what was common sense 40-50 years ago, is now uncommon?

to maintain the insulin level is the way to check diabetes. women should eat according to calorie requirements and should do the caedio workout to maintain the blood sugar level.

I have many relatives on both side of my family with diabetes and I have Celiac. Auto immune diseases run in my family, so I take great precaution with my eating habits.

Exercise and good eating habits can dramatically effect Diabetes. The main problem with society now is diabetes seems to have become the norm, look back 20 years and you can see the drastic reduction in the numbers. Another problem is the fact that people are so uneducated about diabetes, if people understood more then maybe it would be less of a problem.

Diabetes runs in my family! I also have recently been diagnosed with cancer, have had my operation and start chemotherapy next week, however I have been looking into diet and stumbled upon the Joanna Budwig diet - it is said to be almost curative to cancer, diabetes and a whole host of ailments all caused by our lifestyle of convenience and processed foods! May be of interest to some diabetes sufferers! I am going to do it after my 6 months of chemo!

Still looking for the proper and effective cure for diabetes, they always say prevention is better than cure, it is better you we live a life that will reduce the chances of been diabetic in the first instance

Interesting info. My father suffer the II and he already lost his two feet. He was very fat all his life, and now with a very strict diet from my mom, he has been able to overcome his illness and still been an important figure in our family. His over 80.

I have some doubts about my condition and let me know your comments, my grandparents died of diabetes that is not specifically type but as noted in the article I guess it's type 1, because my mother told me that they were diabetic and also always told me it was diabetes, what do I have much chance (I live without diets with 5 kg overweight) have type 1 diabetes or perhaps as hereditarily know if I have it but in a passive effect? EDITOR'S COMMENT: There are easy ways for your doctor to check your likelihood of having diabetes. If it runs in you family, definitely be checked.

Diabetes is a shocker, no doubt about it, and it is steadily on the increase. Exercise is a great option for most people, even if it just stretching like pilates.

I would be worried about the side effect of weight gain. Anyone using this medication (pioglitazone)? Please comment about whether you have experienced weight gain? And if so, how much, and how quickly.

It sure goes to show that we are not exercising enough and are consuming to many sweet calories. I agree that we could all use a good sound diet plan to guide us. I get so confused by all the different diets out there. Which one is correct and which ones can harm you if you follow them. I think a lot of people are confused as to what exactly we should be eating. Thanks for opening our eyes to the facts though, we need to hear them and each person decide to do something about it for his/her self.

Hi, Interesting article! Start your children our right and keep them away from pre-packaged, pre-made processed foods!

It's about time women's health makes the spotlight. diabetes is an inispid and dangerous disease, but readers should be aware that there are steps they can take BEFORE they develope the disease that may prevent it altogether.

The foundation for Type 2 diabetes can actually be established when a person is a infant. Without thinking about it, parents give the babies sugar-rich baby food that is unecessary. Type 2 develops over time.

I had a great great grandmother dying of diabetes. Felt very sorry for the pain and process she had to go through back in the days. Terrible sickness to have. Balance diets seems to be the key to prevent such horrible disease.

This is very nice information about Diabetes. You described it very beautifully. Keep posting such a way as I can keep visiting this blog very often. Thanks for this great post here.

Diabetes is an awful problem to have and it is very difficult to find good posts about it. I would recommand to every healthy person to monitor his blood glucose level at least once a year. Well done for having such an informative blog.

Type 1 diabetes is very difficult indeed not only the individual but for family members is a big fight but we must move forward, my understanding and appreciation to families who are going through this test

I have type Type 2 Diabetes and I generally found some of the links and information in this post very helpful. Thanks

Thank you for sharing this important information. If people are educated properly, hopefully that will help them to make the wise lifestyle choices that will prevent the development of this disease.

Unsurprisingly, diabetes is ninth on the list as a leading cause of death in women on a global scale, accounting for approximately 2.1 million deaths annually. Interestingly, two out of five women of child-bearing age with the condition, actually represents a figure of over 60 million women worldwide.

Diabetes is something that more and more people are experiencing in the UK now. Much of this is due to lack of exercise and poor diet and, if anything, this issue will just continue to get worse as people's lifestyles continue to become less active.

I agree with the comments previously more and more nations are having the same problems as the USA as food becomes more international. The UK diabetic problem is going through the roof - I personally think the problem is a number of issues, genetics, lifestyle, food consumed but a great way to help is understanding the effects of blood sugar and how it plays havoc with our hormones. I personally follow the Paleo diet which has helped several of my family members cope and reduce type 2 diabetes effects.

Diabetes is an awful problem to have and it is very difficult to find good posts about it. I would recommand to every healthy person to monitor his blood glucose level at least once a year. Well done for having such an informative blog.

One of my students has been diagnosed with Diabetes. If she doesn't lose weight she'll lose her eyesight, possible limbs and worse. This isn't a problem to take lightly

Its frightening how our bad lifestyle is guilty of so much disease. And its even more frightening that only some small changes in lifestyle could prevent this. Its about time more people takes responsibility of their own lives.

Yeah I was shocked when my doctor said my annual lab tests registered concern for diabetes. I was near 50 and had ideal weight, 10% body fat and excellent fitness condition due to years of consistent weight training and cardio. Problem was diet. I ate too much ground beef (for CHEAP protein - related to my weight training), like 2 lbs a week or more. I finally got smart on diet, cut protein down, ate more vegies and bam my numbers came down. My daughter got a dietetics degree - that helped. I use a POC blood tester in my job so I could monitor easy. It only too two months to drop total cholesterol from 240 to &lt; 180.

Mike FD, i would have to disagree, i wouldn't call it a a curse. Some people come to this world with what we percieve as disadvantage, but i like to live with such a philosophy that nothing is good nor bad, and every disadvantage have within it the seed of equal or greater opportunity. I don't have diabetes myself but my grandfather had it. Either way thanks for your opinion but i just wanted to share that i don't think its nessercity a curse but just a condition, and looking at he bright side perhaps this could be a great motivator for people who have it to follow a healthy lifestyle. Sean

Diabetes is one of the major lifestyle diseases. Lack of home cooking and junk food culture have lead to obesity which is turn lead to diabetes. It will result in esrious sickness condition if not kept under control. Once affected by it one should live the rest of life with positive thinking and keeping it under control.

A young fellow that worked for me died from a diabetes related heart attack at age 41. He left behind a wife and two small children. I don't think most people understand the impact diabetes can have on a person. Apparently it can do serious damage to your arteries which can lead to major heart problems.

I think its pretty sad that people care so little about their own long-term health yet care so much about satisfying their immediate cravings for junk food and things that will damage their health down the road. This has been proven by the explosion of cases of diabetes, particularly among children, in recent years and it appears to be getting worse. Diabetes in children is almost entirely preventable but it has to start with the parents teaching good nutrition and exercise. Its really scary to see where things are going when it comes to the health of our nation. Maybe its a good time to invest in some of the large pharmaceutical companies!

It amazes me the amount of people who dont think about the consequences of diabetes, once you have it, your whole life HAS to change

Diabetes is a terrible problem to have, and it is very difficult to find good posts about it. I recommend to anyone in good health to monitor his blood glucose at least once a year. Bravo for such a informative blog.

I was reading this blog post and I thought of my brother.He was recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes so I called him up to inform him of this blog post.He was not aware of November being American Diabetes Month.I gave him the URL so he can read.Thanks

Have to be careful with this diabetes. Because it is very dangerous. Nice post. Thanks for share.

Its sad to see anyone with a condition like this,especially when somebody has had diabetes from a young age.I think a major focus on diet is most important also low impact sports i.e yoga ,tai chi and meditation have been known to strenghthen ones system and provide a better chance to curing these sorts of problems.

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