You can prevent or, in some cases, delay the onset of diabetes by taking charge before it advances from what is known as the pre-diabetic stage to being a full-blown illness. Pre-diabetes refers to the stage where you have higher-than-normal blood glucose, but not high enough to be classified as diabetes. Pre-diabetes can lead to type 2 diabetes if nothing is done to reverse the condition. However, a recent study called the Diabetes Prevention Program, indicates that persons with pre-diabetes can stop type 2 diabetes from developing by increasing their physical activity and changing their eating habits.

The same risk factors for diabetes also hold true for pre-diabetes; that is, your race, your age, and your weight, to a lesser extent. Because persons of African, Native American, Latino, and Asian descent tend to have the predisposition towards diabetes, their race will also make them prone to developing pre-diabetes. Age plays a role, as the older you are, the more likely you are to develop pre-diabetes, especially if you fall into any of the previously mentioned racial groups.

Doctors can tell if you are pre-diabetic by performing two standard tests, namely the fasting test (FPG – Fasting Plasma Glucose) and the glucose tolerance test (OGTT – Oral Glucose Tolerance Test). The results of these tests will confirm whether you have pre-diabetes, type 2 diabetes, or if you are diabetes-free.

The FPG test is normally done in the morning, and the patient is advised not to eat anything after 10 PM the previous night. A higher-than-normal reading for the FPG is an indication that you have been insulin resistant for a while.

OGTT, the glucose tolerance test, is used to measure your blood glucose level after an overnight fast, but unlike the FPG, you are also given a glucose drink two hours after the test. Your blood glucose levels are then checked two hours later; if the range is between 140 and 199 mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter), you will be considered pre-diabetic. These levels are also an indication that you may develop type 2 diabetes later on. 

If you are tested positively as having pre-diabetes, it is important to take annual tests so that you catch developed diabetes in its early stages. Early diagnosis is the easiest way to get the disease under control before too much damage has been done to vital organs.

Exercise and a change of diet, as well as moderate weight loss, have been proven to delay or prevent the onset of pre-diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association. Controlling your health is dependent on the changes you make in your daily habits. While avoiding serious illness is one reason to having a physical lifestyle, overall good health and long-lasting mobility are two other incentives to getting in shape.

To learn more go to Diabetes Discussion and at Diabetes Prevention

Tags: Preventing diabetes

There are a number of Acts that address the issue of discrimination against children and others with disabilities, especially in regard to education. In addition, you can help stop discrimination by educating the people who make decisions concerning your child. Sometimes situations of discrimination might arise out of the simple fact that many people aren’t aware of what they’re doing or saying. In many instances, the rights of the diabetic are abused simply out of ignorance.

Rights of the diabetic child

Sadly, the diabetic child may face challenges at school and at daycare just because of the condition. The diabetic child may be prevented from participating in sporting events even if they are good at what they do. 

The best way to deal with discrimination against the diabetic child is to educate the school or daycare community. The biggest reason for discrimination is normally a lack of knowledge. Once you let the offending parties know how to care for a child with diabetes, the issues should be put to rest. However, there will still be those who are afraid that something may go wrong and therefore prohibit the child from taking part in certain activities. In these instances, you may need mediation or even legal intervention. 

Discrimination and the diabetic adult

Workplace discrimination is one of the biggest challenges faced by the adult living with diabetes. Some adults may be bypassed for a promotion simply because they are diabetic and their employers feel that this may affect their performance.

Most, if not all, workplace anti-discrimination laws should address discrimination based on diabetes. However, you must be able to prove that discrimination really occurred and that it happened as a result of your illness.

Unfortunately, it is not only in the workplace that the diabetic faces discrimination. In applying for a driver’s license, the diabetic may also face some level of discrimination. This results from the fact that diabetes can affect your eyes, resulting in blurred vision. Others factors that are sometimes used as a reason to deny a person with diabetes a driver’s license include the risk of hypoglycemia. This means that the diabetic may fall into a coma or become unable to function behind a steering wheel.

People with diabetes have the right to own and operate a motor vehicle. Each individual should be assessed and medical records provided to highlight their medical history, as it concerns problems related to their illness. Only based on such a report should a decision be taken whether or not to issue a driver’s license.

Discrimination in any form should not be accepted, so if you have valid reason to feel that you are being discriminated against because of your medical condition, fight back. The American Diabetes Association lists ways to fight discrimination: educate and negotiate, litigate and legislate. In short, educate the offending parties about diabetes and negotiate a course of action suitable to all. Negotiating does not mean giving up your rights. To litigate means to take legal action if your attempt to educate and negotiate was not successful. Next, legislate – that is, take action politically by advocating for changes.

To learn more go to Diabetes Cure and at Diabetes Information

Tags: Rights of The Diabetic