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

While I don't have diabetes, I've recently been following a sort of diabetic's diet, just for my general health. I do have a sibling who has been struggling with this issue, due to weight and lifestyle. The hardest thing for me is not the sweets, it's the carbs! I noticed the comments about dogs and diabetes and thought I should mention that it is a HUGE issue with cats, too. Overweight is an epidemic in the pet population, and I try to (gently) point out to clients that they are shortening the lives of their overweight pets.

i am so glad you have posted this blog about diabetes because its hard to find good blogs that contents with helpful stuff like this. this article is another additional knowledge for me. thanks.

Hey, This article is great! Actually, diabetes is definitely hazard to our health, once you have it, you will surely suffer for it for your entire life. But Diabetes could also heritable by our forefathers so be thankful if it is not running in your blood. Thanks for your thought really helpful!

My little sister has diabetes. I just wanted to say that we really need to start combating this thing where it often starts... in the diet we are feeding our young people. Just look up pregnancy diabetes and you will see what I mean.

Thank you for the great post on the differences in Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes. As a personal trainer in the healthcare industry it is frustrating know that exercise and personal training can motivate and help people achieve optimum weight loss. So suffice to say I feel a lot of the diabetics out there are acting as victims when exercise and diet can help the vast majority of them. In fact my city, the city of corpus christi was voted the "fattest city" in the US. I am doing my best to create awareness and help people lead healthier lives. I know my position may not be very popular, but I feel I have to shake the trees every now and then. Committed to your He

Actually I don't know November was American Diabetes month. I seen this post & got lot of information... Keep going on posting...

I had no idea that the diabetes rates were so high, no wonder it is considered an international pandemic

Could I get diabetes from excessive drinking? I am not over weight at all, but I feel like the drinking of alcohol could lead me to type 2.

Diabetes is a far reaching disease and it's impact on the health of others is tremendous. As a RN I see it's devastating effects with pts losing toes, and fingers, due to noncompliance with their medication and diet.

Diabetes has been the most irritated disorder of a human; it is irreversible and causes a lot of symptoms for a person to suffer. With proper diet and a healthy lifestyle this disorder can be prevented from you acquiring it. Anybody can be affected by diabetes whether what gender you are or how old you are but with proper preventions you can manage to avoid it.

There are increasingly more people suffering from diabetes, is a really sad because there is still no solution. I think it is necessary to increase the awareness of people about this illness in the future!

My daughter has recently been diaganosed with type I Diabetes. She is doing fine. Been reading as much as possible. I really like reading reader comments Its a great resource and to read about personal stories Thanks

Haven't the diabetic blood sugar testers that don't prick your finger gotten cheaper? Why doesn't everyone have them instead of the prickers?

Here in the UK luckily most pharmacy's will do a diabetes test for free on the spot and get the result for you. Shame i'm so scared of the sight of blood.

RE: Type 2 Diabetes “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.” It’s good to find out that Type 2 Diabetes can be controlled with a healthy lifestyle of exercise and eating healthy. I’m sure it is not easy to live with, but at least patients can get it under control.

Diabetes is a growing problem in this country. There is not much that can be done for Type-1 other that medication. But, Type-2 Diabetes I think is an off shoot of the poor dietary habits in this country. It is also, I feel, closely related to the lack of physical activity that has taken over. It just takes small consistent changes in both of these areas and I think we would see the incidence of diabetes drop in this country.

I have many relatives who suffer from Diabetes. Being in the family as well I can see that I have a good chance to get it as well. I believe staying fit and active is the best way to go. Thank you for this article, I will be sharing it with people in my family who I feel can benefit from it. Thanks so much. Raven.

So glad to have found this site. My brother died of Diabetes at 26 even though he was slim and not unfit. This site will be good source of news for me and my two sisters.

Lack of home cooking and junk food culture have lead to obesity which is turn lead to diabetes. It will result in serious 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.

The modern society is so often focused on the "fat" levels it has missed one of the greatest risk factors of type 2 diabetes processed refined sugars. Everywhere we go we find refined sugars in foods which would surprise even the most health conscious. I strongly encourage my clients to read the labels on the packaging of all foods.

This is really good information. My dad who just recently passed was fighting this issue due to his personal diet. I refused to follow in those footsteps and finally found something I could follow to keep my weight down and stay in shape. Diet and exercise!

This is so useful…I was just doing research on diabetes. Thanks

It is amazing to me the amount of people with this condition (type II) that can take steps to control it with diet and exercise that don't. We are creatures of habit and it is time to change the bad habits. What better incentive than your quality of life. People love to play the victim when the truth of the matter is that their own actions contributed to the situation. The good news is that something can be done about it. Make a diet and exercise plan and hold yourself accountable to it.

I suffer from hypoglycemia. It makes eating difficult at times, but I found that along with exercise and smaller portions that I'm able to control it.

I successfully overcome and control my type-2 diabetes with routine sports exercise. Exercise and controlled food are the best medicines for type 2-diabetes.

thanks for posting this quality information,really informative learned something new!

My Uncle has diabetes and they found out later in life. With the proper adjustments he has lived a "normal" life. This is good information for everyone to read!

Why has there been an increase in the number of people being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in the UK? Because the powers that be reduced the threshold over which people are deemed to have it, from 140 to 126, meaning there are 20% more diagnoses. That's a nice little earner for the pharmaceutical companies!

My wife was diagnosed with Diabetes in the early part of the year and so i am always on the lookout for as much info i can get and this blog has provided some really useful information

friends thanks for your information. the subject of diabetes is a growing problem in our country increased. your blog helped me a lot of care and types of diabetes. your blog is very informative, I hope many with such problems to read

Diabetes is a fatal disease as it causes a lot of diseases and the end result is very a miserable death. This article provides a a lot of useful information and makes it easier for the reader to fully understand the complications caused by diabetes and then come to know the treatment options.

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

Your crafting is remarkable and one of the coolest ones which i have ever come across over the internet. Thanks a lot for sharing this post. EDITOR's NOTE: Thanks, help spread the word!

thanks for sharing. Very informative indeed need to spread this out.

Hi, thanks for the info, my dad has been diagnosed with type 2 recently, his weight has ballooned and having a bad hip makes getting enough exercise difficult, suddenly his age is apparent, all a bit worrying!

I'm glad articles like this are about as it promotes Diabetes. Making people aware and knowledgable is a big hurdle. It's encouraging that there's so much positive response (by reading the previous comments). Keep up the good work everyone.

I have heard that some forms of yoga like Hatha yoga are effective in controlling diabetes. I don't know if it will cure it, as you've mentioned there is no permanent cure but one of my friends reduced the insulin intake by practicing yoga.

I had no idea that type 2 accounted for such a high percentage of diabetes. So the programs to combat obesity are also programs to help reduce the incidence of diabetes. That makes me feel better about encouraging everyone to exercise more. Thank you

70 million Americans have prediabetes. Pre diabetes does not have to lead to type 2 diabetes, which is an awful disease that is irreversible once it sets in. With a proper diet and a permanent increase in physical activity, a pre diabetic will lose weight permanently and avoid the onset of type 2 diabetes.

Thanks for your very interesting blog.7% of the population, wow. I have diabetes and to control it I am on medication,a strict diet and plenty of exercise.

Thank you for the new do follow blog comment strategy and the rich content topic, as you said if you are giving us the opportunity of a do-follow comment, at least we should take a little time to post a relevant comment on your blog.thanks! keep it up.

Thanks for the post! I sure will share this info to my auntie. She is currently suffering for diabetes. No one deserves to be in such situation. She is injecting some insulin by herself alone. Tips here will be very helpful.

For all those concerned with such disease, you should stay strong. Everyone should know that you can still do something about it, just stay positive, eat healthy and do some good exercise. have a great day!

Thanks for the fine information on type2 diabetes which is curable. Since my relatives are diabetic I will surely share this information with them.

Thanks for the post! I sure will share this info to my auntie. She is currently suffering for diabetes. No one deserves to be in such situation. She is injecting some insulin by herself alone. Tips here will be very helpful.

My wife was recently diagnosed with diabetes. researching to find out all we can about this condition.

I've been browsing online more than 3 hours today, yet I never found any interesting article like yours. It is pretty worth enough for me. In my view, if all webmasters and bloggers made good content as you did, the internet will be much more useful than ever before.

Thanks for keeping awareness up about diabetes and how to treat it. My mom has type II diabetes and while she does monitor her blood sugar she doesn't follow a healthy diet, and regular exercise. I'd really like to help her as I have excellent counseling skills from my NLP training but she's my mom and not so receptive to my alternative NLP techniques. I've been inspired though so I'll mention this article to her and see if it will inspire her to start exercising and watching her diet again as they are part of the "treatment" for type II diabetes. Thanks! Joseph

Lack of home cooking and junk food culture have lead to obesity which is turn lead to diabetes. It will result in serious sickness condition if not kept under control.

As usual this site comes up with the goods! I learn something every time I come here. Thanks again and keep up the good work.

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