The Causes of Diabetes Healthcare clinicians do not yet know what causes diabetes. However, they do know that certain factors can increase your risk of getting diabetes. If you participate in the following behaviors or have genetic links to these factors, you may develop diabetes: Family history of diabetes or inherited tendency African-American, Hispanic or Native American race or ethnic background Obesity (being 20 percent or more over your desired body weight) Physical stress…

With your doctor's permission, you may enjoy alcohol in moderation. Moderation is defined as no more than one drink per day for women; no more than two drinks per day for men. One drink is equal to 5 oz. of wine, 12 oz. of beer, or 1½ oz. of distilled spirits. Here are some guidelines for drinking alcohol if you have diabetes: Check with your doctor before drinking any alcoholic beverages. Discuss the safety and possible side effects of mixing alcohol and your medicines. Never drink on…

Your healthcare team includes your doctor, dietitian, diabetes educator, exercise trainer and pharmacist. But remember, you are the most important member of the team. Your healthcare team is available to help you manage your diabetes and maintain your good health. How Often Should I See My Doctor? People with diabetes who are treated with insulin shots generally should see their doctor at least every three to four months. People with diabetes who are treated with pills or who are managing…

Diabetes can be controlled by your diet and exercise level. By keeping your blood glucose in control, you can lessen the effects of diabetes. To keep your blood glucose levels within goal range, you need to balance the following: Food Diabetes medications (if taken) Physical activity By familiarizing yourself with each of these factors, you will be able to achieve optimal blood glucose goals. What Is the Role of Carbohydrates? Carbohydrates are the body’s main energy source. About…

What is diabetes? Diabetes is a disease in which levels of blood glucose, also called blood sugar, are above normal. People with diabetes have problems converting food to energy. Normally, after a meal, the body breaks food down into glucose, which the blood carries to cells throughout the body. Cells use insulin, a hormone made in the pancreas, to help them convert blood glucose into energy. People develop diabetes because the pancreas does not make enough insulin or because the cells in the…

To better understand diabetes, it helps to know more about how the body uses food for energy (a process called metabolism). Your body is made up of millions of cells. To make energy, the cells need food in a very simple form. When you eat or drink, much of your food is broken down into a simple sugar called glucose. Glucose provides the energy your body needs for daily activities. The blood vessels and blood are the highways that transport sugar from where it is either taken in (the stomach)…

People with blood sugar levels higher than normal but lower than values for diabetes are considered to have pre-diabetes. Research shows that most people with pre-diabetes will develop type 2 diabetes within 10 years. It is recommended that you be tested for pre-diabetes if any of the following apply: You are overweight and older than 45 years of age. You are overweight and under the age of 45, but have a family history of diabetes, high blood pressure or high blood lipids (fat). You…

What is diabetes? Diabetes mellitus is a disease that prevents your body from properly using the energy from the food you eat. Diabetes occurs when either: The pancreas (an organ behind your stomach) produces little insulin or no insulin at all, or, The pancreas makes insulin, but the insulin made does not work as it should. This condition is called insulin resistance. What is insulin? Insulin is a naturally-occurring hormone, produced by the beta cells of the pancreas, that helps…

Diabetes mellitus is a disease that prevents your body from properly using the energy from the food you eat. Diabetes occurs when either: The pancreas (an organ behind your stomach) produces little insulin or no insulin at all. (Insulin is a naturally occurring hormone produced by the beta cells of the pancreas that helps the body use sugar for energy.) The pancreas makes insulin, but the insulin made does not work as it should. This condition is called insulin resistance. Different…

Instilling Hope, Holistically Forward-thinking hospitals are using innovative healing services to put patients first, including Cleveland Clinic. "At Cleveland Clinic, we use a unique team approach to provide healing services in collaboration with medical care," says Michelle Cameron, R.N., B.S.N., R.M., and Director of the Healing Solutions Program. Some of the treatments offered are: Art and music therapy Greeting and turn-down services Holistic nursing Massage therapy Pet…

The holiday seasons mean parties, and parties mean drinking — as in "drinking in the New Year." We asked Gregory Collins, MD, Director of the Cleveland Clinic Alcohol and Drug Recovery Center, to set the record straight on myths about drinking. Myth No. 1: Drinking Perks You Up at Parties. Only partially true. Alcohol is a brain depressant that first acts by shutting off "executive functions" like judgment, mood control and natural inhibitions. Some people experience this as elation and…

A book Review from February 2009, by Pam Peeke, M.D., M.P.H. Raise your hand if you're confused about how to navigate your perimenopausal years. You've got endless questions, you're frustrated and you're not alone. This month, my good friend and colleague Dr. Holly Thacker is publishing her book "The Cleveland Clinic Guide to Menopause." Holly L. Thacker, MD, is the Director and founder of Center for Specialized Women’s Health at Cleveland Clinic. She's also Associate Professor of Surgery at…

Proper Nutrition During the School Year Each fall brings a whirlwind of activity as families buy backpacks, purchase school supplies and outfit their kids. Planning for proper nutrition during the school year – a vital component of academic and athletic success – somehow gets lost in the shuffle. Parents who are creative and plan ahead can ensure that brown bag lunches are healthy, offer variety and meet the needs of young bodies and minds. 8 Tips For Packing Healthy School Lunches Here are…

Menopause is the beginning of a woman's second adulthood. Freed from childbearing and child rearing responsibilities, this should be a great time in a woman's life. It is a normal part of the female life cycle, but just like other normal events like menstruation, pregnancy, and lactation there may be issues that need medical assessment and intervention. For many women, menopause is a time to reinvent themselves and seek new opportunities and creative outlets. Many women, like Margaret Mead,…

Health concerns vary by age. Women who have just given birth have different concerns than those on the other side of menopause. Here are the major health concerns women may face as they age, along with tips for disease prevention: Breast cancer. Lower your risks by not smoking, exercising regularly, limiting alcohol use and controlling your weight. In your 20s and 30s, have clinical breast exams every three years, and at age 40, start getting yearly mammograms. You may need earlier, more…

Women and Cardiovascular Disease Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death among American women. This includes the build-up of plaque in the arteries supplying the heart (coronary artery disease), the pelvis, legs and feet (peripheral artery disease) and/or the brain (carotid artery disease). Do you have questions about your risk, as a woman, for a heart attack? Visit the listing below for more information. First Steps You can start living a healthier lifestyle today. Start by…

Q: My 14-year-old daughter seems to lean to one side, and her shoulders are uneven. What might be causing this? A: Your daughter should see a physician to be evaluated for possible scoliosis, or curvature of the spine. You mention two of the signs of scoliosis; others include one shoulder blade protruding farther than the other, an uneven waist and a raised hip. Girls at greater risk About 2 percent of children develop some degree of scoliosis between ages 10 and 16. Girls are four times…

Q: My grandson went through two operations as a baby for a congenital heart problem. He is now 15 and having palpitations. Should we be concerned? A: Your grandson has reached the age when heart rhythm abnormalities begin to appear in young people who had congenital heart surgery as infants. He should be seen by a congenital heart specialist because "arrhythmias" can be dangerous. Congenital heart disease – abnormal formation of the heart or major blood vessels – interferes with the…

Are you trying to manage your arthritis symptoms better? Or, do you want more information about the disorder? Visit the listing below to learn more about arthritis. By M. Elaine Husni, M.D., M.P.H., Vice Chair, Cleveland Clinic Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Treatment Center, Orthopaedic & Rheumatologic Institute. Myth: All joint pain is arthritis. Fact: Other conditions, such as tendonitis, bursitis or other soft-tissue injuries also cause joint pain. Evaluation by a rheumatologist will…

ADHD is often misunderstood. From who is affected by ADHD, to the best treatment options, parents usually have many questions. Learn more about the disorder by viewing the information below. ADHD Versus ADD Q: My daughter can't seem to focus in school, but is well-behaved and not 'hyper' at all. She couldn't have ADHD, could she? A: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common developmental disorders, yet few people realize there are three types: Predominantly…