Diabetes is a disease that involves insulin resistance or insulin deficiency, which results in the body not properly processing glucose. Glucose, which is a type of sugar, is an energy source for the body. Diabetes Mellitus is the number one cause of new blindness, plays a role in about three quarters of kidney failures, and half of all myocardial infractions. If left untreated, diabetes can have some very serious complications.

One of the most dangerous and common complications of diabetes is cardiovascular disease. Diabetes mellitus can restrict the blood vessels, both large and small, causing a number of heart problems and conditions. The restriction of blood vessels also have a big impact on the eyes and kidneys.

In the US, approximately 6% of the population has diabetes, but half of them are undiagnosed. It is much more common among women and the risk of diabetes increases with age. Properly diagnosing diabetes, usually begins with the patient noticing the symptoms of diabetes and going to see a doctor.

Some symptoms of diabetes include weight loss, thirst, and a higher than normal level of urination. Type II Diabetes, which is when the body becomes resistant to insulin, is much more common among those over the age of forty. This is in part because the body naturally develops insulin resistance with age, as the body is slower to metabolize insulin. Seniors thirst mechanism also often does not function as well, so the elderly will sometimes not report that they are thirsty, preventing diagnosis.

Often, toxic chemicals will build up in the bloodstream as the body turns to processing fat, instead of sugar. This buildup can be very dangerous and is called ketoacidosis. The most common chemical to build up is acetone, which often makes the breath smell like nail polish remover or similar to the smell of juicy fruit gum.

Once an individual reports the symptoms of diabetes to their doctor, there are several tests that can be preformed. Most of the tests revolve around glucose monitoring, which measures the blood sugar level of the individual.

A fasting glucose level is obtained by measuring the glucose level of an individual after eight hours without any caloric intake. An plasma glucose level can be obtained by testing an individuals glucose level 2 hours after an intake of at least 200 milligrams of glucose. The figures obtained by these measurements are then compared to those of a healthy individual.

If an individual exhibits any of the symptoms of diabetes, they should be immediately tested. Those over the age of 45 years of age should be tested every 3 years, even if they do not exhibit any symptoms of diabetes. Those who are at high risk, such as those who are obese, have diabetes that runs in their family, or have already experienced gestational diabetes, should be tested much more frequently.

With careful monitoring of ones blood sugar level and carefully reacting to high or low blood sugar, many people with diabetes will lead a normal life. However, there are a number of complications that can arise.

The insulin in a diabetic’s body produces at a slower rate than normal, or not at all, and this is why their doctor will prescribe insulin shots that will need to be taken on a daily basis, about twice a day. This is only needed with Type 1 diabetes, however. With Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, it is important, that you have a good diabetic diet and stick to that eating plan. You will have to control what you eat at all times, and that is why it is important to note all of the ingredients in all of the food you eat from the moment you are diagnosed.

A good diabetic diet is not the only thing a diabetic needs to stay healthy - a regular exercise routine is highly important too. If you have been active and eating to a schedule controlling diabetes will be easy for you, but if all of this is a bit new to you, you will want to start with the basics. Plan to eat a meal at least every three hours, make the meals about the size of a small side plate, and control the food group portions in all of the meals you eat.

A good diabetic diet means that you should also stick to carbs with a low glycemic index (GI) and foods that are low in saturated fat. Taking up exercise is also important, and you should aim to make exercise a part of your daily routine. You do not need to over exert yourself - a 20 minute cardio workout a day is all you need.

Taking up exercise is also important, and you should aim to make exercise a part of your daily routine. You do not need to over exert yourself - a 20 minute cardio workout a day is all you need.

If you focus on eating a low fat, low sugar, high fiber, and high carbohydrate diet, you can easily control your diabetes and prevent further complications. Managing diabetes using a vegetarian diabetic diet is an excellent way to also prevent diabetes from occurring in the first place.

This is because a vegetarian diabetic diet will contain less or no high fat animal products that are so bad for you and include lots of healthy legumes, grains and lots of fruit and vegetables that are rich in fiber, which are perfect for keeping your blood sugar levels in check.

If you suffer from diabetes it is even worthwhile to gradually switch to a vegetarian diet and cut out meats and animal products altogether. This can really improve your diabetes, and in the best case scenario might reverse your diabetes altogether. If you suffer from Type 1 diabetes, it will gradually allow you to reduce the amounts of insulin you have to take or the frequency of your insulin injections so that you can live an easier life with diabetes.

Using a vegetarian diabetic diet will not only provide you with some relief from your disease and help to control your blood glucose levels better, but it will also help you to lose weight, which could have been the trigger that started your diabetes.

If you lose enough weight through the correct eating habits that are created for diabetics to follow, you might be able to adequately reverse your diabetes. It is an amazing feeling to see this occur and take control of your own health.