Diabetes is a chronic disease in which a person's blood glucose (sugar) levels are too high. Glucose is broken down by the cells in our body to provide energy for growth, repair, and movement. Insulin is responsible for regulating the glucose levels in the blood. If the levels of insulin aren't being regulated and there are high amounts of glucose in our blood, over time diabetes can cause severe damage leading to kidney failure, limb damage, blood vessel damage, stroke, damage to blood vessels, blindness, foot ulcers, among other conditions. FDA regulates many products to treat these conditions.

Diabetes can occur in three different types: Type I, Type II, and Gestational diabetes.

Type I- People with Type I diabetes must take insulin everyday. Their body isn't able to produce insulin.

Type II- People with Type II diabetes usually do not produce enough insulin, and their bodies cannot use insulin properly.

Gestational Diabetes- Two to four percent of pregnant women have gestational diabetes.

A recent study funded by the Federal government of 3,234 persons at high risk for diabetes showed that diet and exercise can sharply lower the risk of getting type 2 diabetes.

Diabetics need to carefully study the food labels and should eat according to a diabetic-safe diet. Sometimes in order to keep a specific food low in fat, but still tasting good, extra salt may be added, so also be aware of the extra additives added to enhance flavor.

Over time, high blood sugar levels can damage the kidneys. Even when drugs and diet are able to control diabetes, the disease can lead to kidney disease (diabetic nephropathy) and kidney failure.

Healthy kidneys act like filters to clean the blood of waste products and extra fluid. Damaged kidneys do not clean the blood well. Instead, waste products and fluid build up in the blood.
The nutrient content "fat free" on a food label means the serving amount is less than .5 g of fat per serving. Food labels for foods that have 0 grams of fat should be shown that the food is a fat free food. Also, “sugar free” on a food label means the serving amount is less than .5 g of sugar per serving. “Low calorie” means that each serving size contains 40 calories or less per serving. “Reduced calorie” is calories reduced by 25%. “No sugar added” is acceptable if there was no sugar added during processing.

Because food intake affects the body's need for insulin and insulin's ability to lower blood sugar, diet is the cornerstone of diabetes treatment.

Think Products offers protein bars that have been rated safe for diabetics. Please check with your physician prior to changing your diet and trying new food products.

It is very important to check with the Food Guide Pyramid and follow the recommended guidelines developed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and supported by the Department of Health and Human Services. By following the government's Dietary Guidelines for Americans, you can promote your health and reduce your risk for chronic diseases. Good diets can also reduce major risk factors for chronic disease-such as obesity, high blood pressure, and high blood cholesterol. Your food choices, your lifestyle, your environment, and your family history all affect your well-being.
A diet including fresh fruits, vegetables, grains and fiber can help reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. Also, a diet with very little saturated fat and cholesterol may help reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.

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