The Figures

If you do have the condition however, it means that the cells in your body are not reacting properly to the work of insulin which is supposed to open up the cells to glucose. Without glucose in your cells you will have no clear source of energy.

Diabetes Type 2 is more common than type 1 diabetes. It is estimated that at least 90% of diabetics belong to the type 2 category. The sad fact though is that more than 6% of diabetics are not aware that they have the condition. The lack of awareness may be due to a dismissal of seemingly harmless type 2 diabetes symptoms or a total lack of warning signs.

Different Symptoms

Type 1 diabetes is less common than type 2 but it may be more difficult to handle because it involves the inability of the pancreas to perform its job of producing insulin. Despite the difference in cause however, both types of diabetes share the same symptoms. A diabetic might begin to feel frequently tired, thirsty and may have occasionally blurry vision and wounds that do not heal quickly.

The difference in the set of symptoms in types 1 and 2 is the onset. A type 1 diabetes symptom can develop rapidly and worsen in the span of a few weeks. Even with the rapid symptom development however, cell damage may already have been occurring for some time before type 1 diabetes is finally discovered. A type 2 diabetes symptom on the other hand is not as obvious and as bad as a type 1 symptom.

Effects of No Symptoms

Non-detection of type 2 diabetes may be dangerous and risky. The key to effectively managing this chronic disease is early detection. Once you fail to detect a type 2 diabetes symptom however, you can suffer from complications that are even more difficult to reverse. Some diabetics only realize that they have type 2 diabetes because of complications like retinopathy, heart ailments, kidney problems and nerve deaths. A complication is therefore their only type 2 diabetes symptom.

Uncommon Risk Factors

A family history of diabetes and one's weight should be enough to warn you about the condition. You should however also consider yourself at high risk of developing diabetes if you are over 45 years old, had a baby over 9 pounds and had a history of gestational diabetes or pre diabetes. For undetermined reasons, individuals who are Asian, African, Hispanic and American are at greater risk of developing diabetes.

What Has to be Done

Seek the professional advise of your doctor immediately. There are however basic things you should remember on your own. You should monitor your glucose levels, take your medication as prescribed, follow your diet and exercise plans and watch and manage your weight.

Because knowledge leads to understanding - and once you understand what addiction is really about - you can get out of your own way and make progress on finding a way out.

When we have preconceived ideas about something (which many people do when it comes to alcoholism and drug addiction) - we become our own worst enemies in trying to overcome our own/help someone else overcome their addiction problems.

So step number one needs to be you getting out of your own way, getting the information/knowledge you need - and then moving forward from there to start your journey of healing and recovery.

The need to be right is an issue for many of us. Being open-minded can be difficult. Sometimes there is nothing wrong with that - but when dealing with potentially life and death subjects like drug and alcohol addiction, you can't afford to do that.

A particularly controversial subject around understanding drug addiction and alcoholism is the argument over whether or not they can in fact be regarded as a disease. In the bigger scheme of things, not agreeing with the addiction or alcoholism as a disease argument, shouldn't prevent you from doing everything you can to beat an addiction - whether your own or someone you love.

Agreeing on the causes of alcoholism and addiction can also sometimes be a contentious issue. Science now shows that genetics plays an increasingly prominent role, but lots of people still don't believe it despite evidence to the contrary.

For more in-depth information around these subjects, follow the links in the resource box provided. But my point is - ultimately these issues should be secondary to doing whatever is necessary to get clean and sober.

How Alcoholism Impacts the Family

The effects of alcoholism on the family can be devastating. Having a husband, wife, mother or father as an alcoholic can potentially destroy a family.

If you've been in a long-term relationship with an alcoholic, codependency is almost inevitable, which essentially means that as a codependent you suffer from relationship addiction.

Being in a codependent relationship means your needs aren't being fulfilled emotionally and that the relationship will in all likelihood be totally one-sided - you trying to please or 'be there' for your spouse/partner. This will also have a huge impact on any kids you may have because they will pick up on the destructive nature of the relationship, which will affect them especially in later years.

The effects of alcoholism on a relationship or marriage are huge, in that it naturally puts huge strain on the relationship. So it may reach a stage whether things have just gotten too bad for you (and your kids) that staying in the relationship is just not possible. Considering the whole alcoholism and divorce conundrum or looking at separation may then become a very real issue for you.

Having grown up in a family where alcoholism was prevalent and caused so much pain, I know that it's a complex issue to handle and that there simply isn't a right/wrong answer. Each family's situation is unique. Questions like, is there abuse involved, how badly are the kids being effected, how bad has the alcoholism become? - are one's that only you can answer and will provide you with more clarity as to what the right thing to do is.

Eventually something you will have to do is begin taking a stand and practising tough love - if there is to be any hope that things will change. You're going to have to draw a line in the sand and say that 'this is it.'

This is when doing an intervention could be your trump card - because if done properly, and done well - it could well get your partner or spouse into proper treatment, and so be the start of things turning around.

At the end of the day though, there just isn't a quick fix solution. It will definitely help speaking to, and meeting others, who have gone through what you have. Al-Anon, is a great support network and excellent place for you to start. The worst thing in the world you can do, is try to keep things covered up and be ashamed of what is happening - so don't be afraid to reach out and ask for help because there is lots of it out there.

We came across this article which dispels some of the myths which have grown up around Alzheimers. It's well worth the read.

Alzheimer Myths Unveiled

Typically, there are myths that surround every illness, and Alzheimer's disease is no exception to the rule. When a diagnosis of this disorder is received from a doctor, it is critical to know fact from fiction, in order to better manage this devastating illness. This article will debunk four common rumors regarding Alzheimer's disease.

One common myth that some people have is that Alzheimer's disease is not fatal, which of course is not true. Alzheimer's works by destroying brain cells, causing memory loss, awkward social situations, loss of bodily functions, and a whole host of other side effects. Bit by bit, the disease will take away one's ability to lead a normal life such as was enjoyed before one was diagnosed.

A second myth involves people with good intentions wishing away the symptoms of the disease. They may be unwilling to admit that they have a problem to friends or family, even while their memory loss increases.

Individuals who are in denial typically do not receive help until their condition is already at a moderate level, and they begin to suffer impaired function in their lives. Some may not recognize that they have a problem at all, and it will require an incident to get friends and family involved in the treatment plan.

Some individuals believe that there is currently treatment that can stop the progression of Alzheimer's disease; however, this is unfortunately a myth. While research is being conducted at a rapid pace, the only options that exist in treating Alzheimer's involves drugs which temporarily relieve symptoms for as long as a year and then will cease to work. Management of the illness is currently the only alternative to the lack of treatment.

Some individuals think that silver dental fillings can cause an early onset of Alzheimer's or contribute to a higher risk to those over the age of 65, due to the fact that most heavy metals are toxic to humans in large quantities.

The World Health Organization and the FDA have conducted numerous studies to set to rest any public health concerns regarding mercury amalgams, and the National Institute of Health, as well as the New England Journal of Medicine, have backed up these findings.

Eliminating falsehoods and exposing truth is an important process of learning and the debunking of these myths should clear up some misconceptions regarding Alzheimer's disease. With so much more to learn, staying informed is essential to proper management of this illness.

Once they reach their forties, however, problems become more severe. This is a progressive disease that never gets better, and only gets worse, in the aging process, without intervention.

I've seen so many folks, friends and loved ones, have train wrecks around alcohol as they move through their forties. This is reflected in divorces, job and financial problems or coming face to face with the legal system. Several folks I've known have died from the disease in their forties, robbed of living out a full life.

If the truth be known, alcohol, in my opinion, is the most toxic drug known to mankind. The fact that it's "legal", however, distinguishes it from other drugs which are classified as dangerous and even believed to be more so. On the other hand, alcoholism is far more costly to society than illegal drugs ever have been, or ever will be. But, society is collectively in denial of this fact.

Enough of my rant. If you think you have a problem, the article we came across below offers to insight into treatment, and it's never too late to get help.

Alcoholism Addiction Treatment and Treatment for Drug Addiction

So you've identified that you or someone you love needs help. So what then are the options are far as alcoholism addiction treatment and treatment for drug addiction?

As far as I'm concerned your first point of call should always be rehab - or a proper treatment center - where you spend 3-6 weeks getting yourself sober/clean. (Times do vary depending on where you go)

The reason I think rehab should be your first choice - is because it not only helps you detox - but follows a focused in-patient treatment program that will help you deal with a lot of the 'stuff' that causes you to use or drink.

To get the level of intensive treatment and care you need - is so much harder without going to a rehab or inpatient treatment program. How you stay clean/sober successfully after treatment is even more important - so a good rehab will also prepare you for that while you're there.

Many people have a perception that rehab is unaffordable and so is realistically never going to happen. There are a lot of treatment centers however, that have government backing, and so make it possible for just about anyone to go.

I honestly believe rehab should always be your first choice, but what are your other options? You could try addiction and alcoholism self-help approaches, which would involve you working on the spiritual, emotional and mental aspects of yourself - and therefore provide enormous potential for growth and transformation. I don't have space to go into detail here (check out my website for that). I still think however that rehab is your best bet (at least initially) - because trying to do it yourself is so much harder.

Alternative Alcoholism Treatment and Addiction Treatment options are becoming increasingly popular. I definitely think there is a place for alternative alcoholism and addiction treatment - but I would recommend using these in conjunction with a more mainstream or traditional way, especially to begin with at least - because again it is that much harder doing it without the help of addiction treatment professionals.

Therefore when considering treatments for drug addiction or alcoholism addiction treatment options - make getting into a treatment center/rehab your priority. Things like alternative alcoholism treatment and addiction/alcoholism self-help methods can play a massive part - but going to rehab will just give you that head start, and so make recovery that much easier.

There are of course medicines on the market that can help in lowering blood pressure, but several of these have accompanying side effects and, even though some people may need to take medicine in the short term to lower their blood pressure, a better solution is to control the condition naturally if you are able to.

For almost all of us high blood pressure is related to weight and diet and this is a major problem today when two thirds of Americans are overweight or obese. Furthermore, most Americans get too much salt in their diets and not enough of the many other beneficial vitamins and minerals that can actually lower blood pressure. In short, you can eat your way to a lower blood pressure, if you know what you are doing.

In truth, it is often possible to lower your blood pressure quite quickly if you change your diet and begin to take some exercise. That said, if you've not taken any exercise for a long period of time you shouldn't suddenly begin a vigorous exercise program and it's always a good idea to talk to your doctor before you start any exercise program.

To start though let's talk about some things which you should avoid and top of the list comes salt. Salt is one of the main offenders in today's epidemic of high blood pressure. Too much dietary fat is also a culprit as it encourages arteriosclerosis, weight gain, and other difficulties that result in high blood pressure. Hence, two things which you should avoid (or at least reduce) in your diet are salt and excess fat, principally saturated or trans fats.

So, what types of food should you have in your diet to help you in lowering your blood pressure? Potassium is one of the major substances which is lacking in today's American diet and which is especially beneficial for your blood pressure. It help to reduce blood pressure just as sodium assists in raising your blood pressure and so getting enough potassium in your diet can help even out blood pressure.

It is very easy to get enough potassium into your diet by simply adding plenty of fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables, providing of course that they have no added suger or salt. Even though this may seem bland to some people, it is one of the best ways to ensure that you regularize your blood pressure. Naturally of course, at the same time you also want to cut down on the salt to no more than the recommended daily intake of approximately 2400 mg each day. A very good way to achieve this is not to add any salt at all to your diet because natural and unprocessed foods contain enough salt and, if you feel you need to add flavor to your food then simply try herbs and spices.

Magnesium and calcium are two other minerals which can help to reduce blood pressure. Both calcium and magnesium are considered calming minerals and the majority of Americans do not get enough of them in their diets. dairy products which are low in fat are a good source of calcium as are legumes, nuts, and dark and leafy green vegetables. You need to try to get a balance of approximately two parts of magnesium to three parts of calcium. Foods such as soybeans, sesame seeds and white beans not only contain a lot of calcium and magnesium but they are also excellent sources of potassium.

Lastly, make sure that you drink enough water and get enough fiber in your diet. Fiber helps to clear toxins and unhealthy substances from your body and it also helps you feel full so that you are not tempted to eat too much.

If you're afraid of developing gout and want to try and prevent getting infected with this ancient condition, then you should know about some common gout symptom risk factors. Signs of this form of arthritis come in many guises. Keep reading to discover 9 risk indicators that can increase your chances of developing gout.

Gout is most common in men ages 40-50. But it can also affect post-menopausal women and people who suffer from:

- disease of the kidneys

- obesity

- having diabetes

- hardened arteries due to high fat in the bloodstream (called hyperlipidemia)

- high blood pressure,

or people who've undergone organ transplant surgery.

A family history of gout is one of the most common gout symptom risk factors. More than 18% of gout sufferers say they have a family member or several who've also had gout. This passing down from generation to generation usually happens because of weaker organs (such as the kidneys), or food and meal recipes that are high in purines being distributed to newer generations.

Other signals for gout you should watch out for are:

- exposure to lead

- drinking a lot of alcohol (which can lead to a condition called hyperuricemia, which is high levels of uric acid in the bloodstream), and

- enzymes in the body that are defective and interfere with your body's ability to break down purines

The first gout symptom you'll experience when you get your first attack is a painful, swollen, shiny red toe (usually the big toe). It may seem like a small thing at first, but if it's left untreated it'll get progressively more painful until you can't bear to wear a sock or have a bed sheet touch it. You're also more likely to suffer from more and longer gout attacks in the future (your first attack will last from a few days to a couple of weeks). Other joints, like elbows and ankles, can get affected in these subsequent attacks too.

If these risk factors turn a potential gout attack into a reality for you, you can take medications with ibuprofen (like Motrin or Advil) or try home remedies (like cold or warm towels wrapped around the aching joint) to get pain relief. But in order to prevent future attacks, you must seek treatment as soon as possible.