Free Diabetic Supplies

Diabetes usually doesn’t just happen to a person overnight.  Developing diabetes is a gradual process and often involves weight issues, lack of exercise, poor diet, genetics and sometimes other factors.  Improving diet, adding exercise to your routine, losing weight – which will usually happen as a result of the changes in diet and exercise – all can help prevent or control diabetes.

Some individuals of various backgrounds are more prone to diabetes than others.  For instance, African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, Pacific Islanders and Chinese Americans, as well as elderly individuals have a higher incidence of Type 2 diabetes than other groups.

The Harvard School of Public Health has stated that though there are various things a person can do to prevent diabetes, two of these things are essential.  In addition to maintaining healthy weight and exercising, which we discussed earlier, choosing healthy fats in your diet such as avocado and olive oil, eating whole grains and avoiding processed foods, refined carbohydrates and sugary drinks.

There is another breakthrough in the war against diabetes, as well.  Since lowering blood sugar is essential in controlling diabetes, there are medications available that help to do that.  Medical researchers have recently discovered that salsalate, a medication used to control pain, inflammation, stiffness and swelling in people with rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and other conditions can help control symptoms of diabetes. 

Salsalate is a non-steroid anti-inflammatory medication.  It works by stopping the production of a substance that causes such pain and swelling.  The February 2008 edition of Diabetes Care brought out the discovery that in addition to the relief it gives to individuals with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, salsalate also lowers blood sugar and reduces inflammation in obese young adults.  Both of these are primary factors in diabetes. 

Because salsalate is effective in these areas, researchers believe it is possible to use the medication to prevent diabetes in the future.  This holds out great hope and promise to reduce the number of individuals struggling with diabetes.