Causes and Risk Factors:

The exact causes of Diabetes are still unknown. However, heredity, obesity and lack of exercise may play a role. Here are some general risk factors:

1. Your siblings or parents have diabetes.
2. You are more than 20% overweight.
3. You do not exercise.
4. You have had gestational diabetes or you have had a baby over 9 lbs.
5. You have high blood pressure.
6. Your cholesterol level is not normal.

Treatment Options:

According to the American Diabetes Association, people with Diabetes have the same nutritional needs as everyone else. In addition to prescribed medications, well-balanced meals may help you keep your blood glucose level as normal as possible.

Also, just like everyone else, exercise is an important part of staying healthy. Exercising with diabetes does require a few extra safety steps that your health care professional can make you aware of.

Nutritious meals, an exercise routine, along with the help of your doctor may aid you in controlling your Diabetes. Diabetes will never truly go away, but with proper nutrition, exercise and prescribed medications, it can be controlled.

Outlook:

There is no cure for Diabetes, but the treatment options are becoming better than they’ve ever been. Self-monitoring devices for blood glucose levels and administering insulin are the areas that have seen the most improvement. The following are a list of new treatment options that are currently being researched:

1. Insulin Pump Implants - a permanently implanted pump that will measure blood sugar levels and deliver the exact amount of insulin needed.

2. Insulin Capsule Implant - an insulin capsule that can be implanted to continuously release insulin into the bloodstream.

3. Insulin Inhaler - a rapid-acting insulin that is inhaled into the mouth. Currently in clinical trials.

4. Insulin Pill – Currently, the pill form has only been tested in animals.

5. Continuous Monitoring Device - The GlucoWatch Biographer, a wristwatch-like device, has been approved by the FDA. It is intended as a companion for the fingertip blood test to monitor glucose, in order to ensure accurate results.

6. Islet Cell Transplant – For people with Type 1 Diabetes, helps patients become insulin free for up to 14 months after treatment. Currently in clinical trials.

7. Gene Therapy

8. A Diabetes Vaccine – To prevent or slow the progress of Type 1 Diabetes.

About The Author Renee Kennedy Visit Just-Diabetes.com for discussions, news, articles, and resources related to Diabetes.