March 23rd is Diabetes Alert Day. Sponsored by the American Diabetes Association (ADA), it's a day dedicated to helping those who could have diabetes recognize that they are at risk. Almost six million Americans don't know they have diabetes and that number is quickly rising.

If you think that you might be at risk or are worried about people you know who might be at risk, the Diabetes Risk Test will let you know whether you have reasons to be concerned. If you determine that you're a high-risk person, you might consider getting a blood test.

Type 2 diabetes is linked to obesity, genetics or memberships in a high-risk group. African-Americans, Hispanics and Native-Americans are among those in high risk groups. Type 1 diabetes has risk factors that include viral infection, environmental triggers and geography.

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Patients and doctors don't always see eye-to-eye, but there are ways to make your next doctor's appointment easier.

There are often many options for diagnosing or treating diabetes and choosing to work with your doctor -- instead of against him or her -- will help.

Make sure that you choose a doctor who you feel comfortable with and can build a great relationship with. Choosing a doctor who understands your lifestyle, wants, needs and limitations is essential. Be an active participant at your appointment, by takinge your daily blood sugar (glucose) monitoring logbook to your appointment. Also, be prepared for any tests that you might need to take and think about the following questions that your doctor can use to help you manage your diabetes, especially if you're having problems with your blood sugar.

• What steps have you taken to correct your high or low blood sugar level?
• Have you had signs of another illness?
• Have you made any recent changes in your diet, exercise or medicines?
• What other prescription and nonprescription medicines do you take?
• Have you recently had increased emotional or physical stress?
• Have you noticed situations that trigger your high or low blood sugar?
• Have you noticed any patterns, such as time of day, when your blood sugar spikes or drops?
• Have you used a high blood sugar card?
• Do you have other health risks?

During your appointment, take notes on any changes or modifications to your diet and exercise routine that your doctor would like you make. After your appointment, make sure to update your home medical records.

Refer to those notes when you get home and place them in a highly visible place until your doctor's tips are coordinated into your daily life. Once you've incorporated the tips, stash your notes somewhere where you can refer to them as necessary.

For more information on how to manage your diabetes, check out AOL Health.

Fans of sugary sports drinks and sodas take note: You could be increasing your chance of diabetes and heart disease.

Researchers at the University of California, San Francisco discovered that increasing the consumption of sugary soft drinks contributed to130,000 new cases of diabetes and 14,000 new cases of heart disease.

"The finding suggests that any kind of policy that reduces consumption might have a dramatic health benefit," said senior study author Dr. Kirsten Bibbins-Domingo, an associate professor of medicine at the University of California, San Francisco, who presented the finding Friday during the American Heart Association's Cardiovascular Disease Epidemiology and Prevention annual conference.

Though the study has not yet been reviewed by other qualified scientists and published in a scientific journal, it is plausible, given the link between obesity, diabetes and heart disease that urging Americans to decrease their intake of sodas and other sugary beverages might not be a bad idea.

According to a study published March 8 in the "Archives of Internal Medicine," raising the price of high-calorie foods and drinks like pizza and soda could help adults shed up five pounds a year.

The American Heart Association already recommends limiting consumption of sugar-sweetened drinks.

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Georgetown guard Austin Freeman has developed diabetes, which shouldn't affect his basketball career, but has made the junior's status questionable for today's start to the Big East tournament in New York City.

Regardless of when he begins playing, his physician, Stephen Clement, head of the Diabetes Center at Georgetown University Hospital, will be on hand to help the Hoyas' leading scorer manage his condition.

Clement told reporters at a press conference that it may take up to a month to determine which type of diabetes Freeman has. Type 1 diabetes, which occurs when the pancreas stops producing insulin, afflicts five to 10 percent of all diabetics. Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body can't use the insulin that is produced.

Freeman had felt ill for several days leading up to his diagnosis. Doctors had originally suspected a stomach virus, gave the starter intravenous fluids and, though pale, allowed him to play in a weekend game. When he became increasingly ill, he was driven back to Washington and take to a hospital.

The symptoms of type 1 diabetes include:

• Increased thirst and frequent urination
• Extreme hunger
• Weight loss
• Fatigue
• Blurred vision

The symptoms of type 2 diabetes include:

• Increased thirst
• Increased hunger (especially after eating)
• Dry mouth
• Frequent urination
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue
• Blurred vision
• Headaches
• Loss of consciousness

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Research has recently confirmed that even small elevations in blood sugar during pregnancy can lead to sick children, and experts are now recommending new changes in diagnosis be implemented.

With these changes two to three times as many pregnant women could be diagnosed and treated for gestational diabetes in the future.

Unless you've had a friend with gestational diabetes, though, it's unlikely that you know much about the condition.

A blood screening test given between the 24th and 28th weeks of pregnancy will determine whether you have gestational diabetes. Following a diet and exercise plan can keep your blood sugar levels controlled during pregnancy. You may also receive insulin.

Gestational diabetes typically disappears after delivery, but many women later develop type 2 diabetes.

Healthy babies are born to women with gestational diabetes, but there are risks involved. Consistently high blood glucose levels most commonly cause an increase in the chances of miscarriage or premature labor. Diabetic women are also more likely to have large babies.

Proper care, including increased medical visits and careful monitoring, can help keep potential problems at bay and guarantee that women with gestational diabetes have healthy children.

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Usually used to treat type 1 diabetes, insulin pumps can be key to one's care. An insulin pump is an option for those who cannot adjust to insulin injections.

The light-weight pump has several pieces including a pager-sized, insulin-containing device that is usually clipped to your belt or waist. It pumps insulin into a very thin, soft tube called a catheter that carries the insulin from the pump to a "connector" on the skin of your abdomen. This connector is made of an adhesive pad that sticks to the your skin like a bandage.

A spring-loaded needle punctures your skin each time you attach the connector to your body. After the connector is attached, the needle is removed. For most pumps, the connector must be changed every three days, which is a simple, painless process.

The insulin pump does not monitor your blood sugar. You need to test your blood sugar to determine the correct insulin dosage. Still, the pump sends a slow, steady stream of insulin to your skin and can easily send an extra dose before meals. The pump can help you stay in control of your blood sugar better and eliminates the need for insulin injections.

Although there are many positives to using the pump, it can be costly and it is possible for the catheter to become blocked or leak. Some people are also self-conscious about wearing a pump, which can be bothersome while sleeping.

Check out more information on diabetes management at AOL Health.

Stress might be behind the memory loss that older people with type 2 diabetes experience, according to new research from the University of Edinburgh.

The researchers studied 900 men and women aged between 60 and 75 with type 2 diabetes, which tends to be more common in those over age 40. Their results showed that brain function slowed down in those with higher cortisol levels, a stress hormone, in their blood.

Memory loss is a well-known symptom among older people with diabetes, but until now, it was unclear as to why.

Scientists used a wide range of tests to evaluate mental abilities like memory function and the speed at which participants could process information.

Although the team took into account factors like education, heart disease, smoking and mood, it did not account for which drugs the patients used to control their diabetes or the patients diet and exercise patterns.

If you're worried about staving off memory loss, don't fret. Mentally and physically stimulating activities -- like completing crosswords, learning a new language, playing cards or working out -- can help increase your brain power. Diets rich in antioxidants, which are found in many fruits and vegetables, also boost your memory.

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Teens with type 1 diabetes may be getting new ways to monitor their health.

Vanderbilt University School of Nursing's Shelagh Mulvaney, Ph.D., led a study of a Web-based intervention to improve glycemic control among adolescents. The results, published in Diabetes Care were presented at the annual meeting of the International Society for Research on Internet Interventions in Amsterdam.

This approach to self-management allows teenagers to take an approach that uses real-world experiences while capitalizing on teens' Internet use.

The study involved 72 participants age 13 to 17 who had been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes for at least six months. One group received access to conventional care, while the other received access to conventional care and access to YourWay, the Web site program professionals, researchers, young patients and other volunteers designed for the study.

In addition to tips on diabetes management, the site also included multimedia stories about struggles teenagers face after diagnosis like time management, school stress and social pressure. The stories also discuss the embarrassment that one might feel after diagnosis when they can be labeled as "different."

"We put a lot of thought and time into developing what we hoped would be helpful scenarios. It was important that they be authentic, real-world situations that can and do arise," Mulvaney said in a press release.

In addition to stories, the site used a personalized homepage, problem-solving guide and peer forum. Weekly e-mails to those registered for the site encouraged participation within the site and increased attention to self-management. In the future, the team would like to include text messaging intervention.

"The Internet and mobile technologies provide patients unprecedented access to learning tools and supports. They also readily integrate learning experiences into everyday situations, and allow researchers innovative ways to teach, motivate and prompt successful health behaviors," Mulvaney said.

Though the site is not available to non-research participants, with positive results like these, it's possible that the site will be available for wide-range use in the future.

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After a diabetes diagnosis you're often angry and frustrated. Immediately, people begin setting limits for you, telling you what you can and can't do.

Olympic skier Kris Freeman, who has type 1 diabetes, never listened to his critics.

After being diagnosed in 2000 at age 19, his doctors told him that he would not be able to compete at an Olympic level. He could ski, but he wouldn't be able to keep his blood sugar stable for the 50-kilometer cross country race.

Immediately, he began experimenting with different tools to maintain keep his blood sugar levels normal during competition. He now wears a small insulin pump to manage his diabetes.

His determination paid off.

He's a 13-time U.S. National cross-country champion who is competing in his third Olympics. In 2002, Freeman was a member of the 5th-place United States Olympic relay team. The U.S. had never fared that well in the event.

"I'm motivated to win for my country and myself, but to also prove to detractors that it's possible to compete against the world's best cross country skiers, even with type 1 diabetes," Freeman said in a statement.

The New Hampshire native has posted the best U.S. cross country distance results since the early 80s. He won the inaugural Under-23 championships race in Italy and was the first American to qualify for the exclusive "Red Group," the top 30 athletes on the World Cup circuit.

Freeman is hardly the only Olympian with diabetes.

Olympic swimmer Gary Hall, Jr., was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 24, two years after the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. Despite taking home four medals -- two silver and two gold -- at those games his doctors believed he would never race again.

Eventually, though, he met Anne Peters Harmel, MD, who believed that he could succeed despite his diabetes. Six months after his diagnosis, he set a record at the U.S. Nationals. In his next two Olympics, he earned six additional medals including two gold medals in the 50-meter freestyle.

Retired from swimming, Hall created The Gary Hall Jr Foundation for Diabetes, which raises money for promising research. The foundation also provides costly product and care to uninsured and underinsured patients.

Check out more information on managing your diabetes at AOL Health.

Every health and fitness publication or web site in America has a top 10 lists of "superfoods" everyone should eat. They're full of vitamins, nutrients and minerals. Which ones are right for a diabetic?

The American Diabetes Association believes that the following items should be added to your diet:

• Beans: Beans are very high in fiber. They're also a good sources of magnesium, and potassium.
• Dark Green Leafy Vegetables: Spinach, collards and kale are low-calorie powerhouses with carbohydrates.
• Citrus Fruit: All citrus fruits are full of soluble fiber and vitamin C.
• Sweet Potatoes: These orange vegetables are full of vitamin A and fiber. They're a healthier option than white potatoes.
• Berries: Berries are packed with antioxidants, vitamins and fiber. Throw a few in with a light, non-fat yogurt for a new dessert.
• Tomatoes: Raw, pureed or in a sauce, tomatoes are full of vitamin C, iron and vitamin E.
• Fish high in omega-3 fatty acids: Salmon and other fish high in omega-3 fatty acids are great for your health. Just don't fry your fish!
• Whole Grains: These grains offer magnesium, chromium, omega 3 fatty acids and folate. You'll also get some fiber and potassium, too.
• Nuts: Full of protein and fiber, nuts can fill you up as an afternoon snack.
• Fat-free Milk and Yogurt: Dairy helps build strong bones and teeth. In addition to having a large amount of calcium, you'll also get vitamin D.

Remember, these foods don't have to be fresh to be good for you! Canned or frozen fruits, fish and vegetables work well.

Check out more information on diabetes management at AOL Health.

Eye exams may warn doctors of undiagnosed diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association.

Diabetes increases your risk for vision loss fourfold, and it's the leading cause of new cases of blindness in people ages 20–74. Retinopathy is a condition that affects the blood vessels in the retina. However, because of delayed diagnosis, about 10 –20 percent of people with type 2 diabetes already have some degree of eye disease when their diabetes is diagnosed.

If ophthalmologists notice that a patient is exhibiting symptoms of retinopathy, they should recommend additional testing.

After 20 years nearly all people with type 1 diabetes and 60% of those with type 2 diabetes have developed retinopathy. To cut back on the chances of developing retinopathy, people with type 1 diabetes should have an annual eye exam by an ophthalmologist beginning five years after diagnosis. Those with type 2 diabetes should see an eye specialist yearly when they learn they have diabetes.

Retinopathy is commonly treated with laser therapy, which is relatively painless and can be done in a doctor's office.

Still, it's incredibly important for diabetics to monitor their eye health. To make sure that your eyes are as healthy as possible, you must monitor your blood sugar levels tightly. People who keep their blood sugar at near-normal levels cut their risk of developing eye diseases by 75%. Retinopathy was also less likely to progress among those who had tight control over their diabetes.

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Reports linking eating disorders and young women with type 1 diabetes first surfaced in 2007, yet little attention has been paid to "Diabulimia," the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International's term for type 1 diabetics who regularly skip insulin injections to lose weight.

Although diabetics have to monitor their diets and exercise to an almost obsessive degree -- like those with full-blown eating disorders -- disordered eating patterns can have a pronounce, immediate and severe effect on type 1 diabetics.

High blood sugar levels can cause dehydration and fatigue. Muscle tissue also breaks down. Over longer periods of time, individuals can suffer from complications like blindness, kidney disease and heart disease. Although these complications can occur in diabetics, those who routinely skip insulin will suffer from them much sooner. According to a study in the New England Journal of Medicine, as many as 30 percent of adolescent type 1 females have skipped or restricted insulin doses to lose weight.

Many doctors and parents of diabetics can miss symptoms of this complication because close attention to food and exercise is normal (and encouraged)! Warning signs can include:

• changes in eating habits (eating more but still losing weight)
• unexplained weight loss
• unexplained hyperglycemia (high blood sugar)
• low energy levels
• frequent urination

Clinical psychologists who study the link between eating disorders and diabetes encourage that those who believe this could be a problem for someone they know suggest getting in touch with both diabetes and eating disorder specialists. Healthcare professionals can then work to help the patient understand the eating disorder and teach the patient how to safely manage his or her diabetes.

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Newly diagnosed diabetics and their doctors don't always agree on which aspects of the disease are the most important to treat.

A new study from the University of Michigan Medical School showed that, on average, adults with diabetes have at least three other chronic health conditions. Doctors usually focus on treating physical aspects like high blood pressure. Diabetics, however, are more focused on pain relief and depression.

The study, some believe, brings to light the reasons why diabetics have a hard time managing their health. With different goals than their doctors, it's nearly impossible to determine whether treatment is successful.

There are several reasons that diabetics might experience pain. Muscle pain is a common complaint. Among the most common reasons for muscles pain are shoulder tendonitis, which often refers pain to nearby muscles; diabetic myonecrosis, when small arteries supplying a muscle becomes blocked and muscles can die; and nerve disease.

If you're suffering from pain, there are many remedies, including:

• Taking your medicines as prescribed
• Participating in a physical therapy or stretching
• Exercising regularly by swimming, riding a stationary bike or walking to build muscle strength.
• Getting enough sleep every night
• Trying self-massage or trigger point massage therapy
• Getting a professional massage.

If you're suffering from depression, there are several complementary and alternative treatments you can try, including meditation, exercise and supplements.

Check out AOL Health for more information on diabetes management.

Chris Thomas never planned to start a revolution. It just happened that way.

In 2007, Thomas was like any other fresh-out-of-college kid. After seven years working in the bar and restaurant business, he was having a hard time adjusting to a daytime work schedule. Or, at least, that's what he thought.

Though he drank high-sugar sodas and sports drinks, he was constantly sluggish, which he attributed to his frequent nighttime trips to the bathroom. The sugar high helped combat his sleepiness and dry mouth, but after a few months, he realized that he was losing weight. He could barely keep 115 pounds on his once-150-pound frame.

Uninsured, Thomas searched the Internet for a diagnosis. His sleuthing led him to determine that a thyroid condition, which ran in his family, was likely. His mom handed him a blank check, and he scheduled a doctor's appointment for May 28, 2007.

Within hours of arriving at the doctor's office, Thomas was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. The rest of the day and most of the weeks that followed were a blur. The pamphlets he received that explained his new condition were vague and depressing. Each one outlined a limited future: shots, constant blood-sugar monitoring and terrifying complications. And that was only if he could afford the medical supplies.

Filled with frustration and anger, he considered his options. Despite his supportive family, he couldn't stay in the Midwest where he suddenly felt like a freak. His friends' concern, though justified, often came across as overbearing. They didn't understand the new challenges his diagnosis presented, nor did they understand why Thomas was edgy when they suggested he overhaul his eating habits and lifestyle. He packed his bags and left for New York City, moving in with a distant cousin he had never met.

Thomas consulted with a dietitian but still had no idea how to manage his health. Half of his paycheck already went to medical supplies; specialists who could have provided additional counseling were a luxury he couldn't afford.

Being in his mid-20s didn't make life easier. He stayed out until dawn and ignored all but the easiest-to-adhere-to advice. He constantly pushed the envelope, and when it looked like he might be in trouble, he pushed harder.

"You're a diabetic rock star," his friends exclaimed. The moniker stuck.

Within months, though, Thomas had his first real diabetic emergency. His blood sugar crashed while he was house-sitting -- and, because he had shaken off the warning signs, he spent a terrifying half hour stumbling around the empty kitchen looking for anything to fend off a seizure.

"That's when I realized that I was dealing with something I might not be able to handle," Thomas said. "I could feel it coming on, but that was the first time I realized that this thing was a monster that I had to try to control."

In a city of nearly eight million people, Thomas felt alone. He didn't know anyone else with his condition. So he started a blog where he could chronicle his struggles with diabetes. Other diabetics commented on his posts, offering their own insights. And slowly, Diabetic Rockstar was born.

Today, Diabetic Rockstar is a multifaceted organization helping recently diagnosed diabetics understand, cope with and fight their disease.

Primarily started as a site where diabetics could create profiles and share their experiences, it now includes a social network specifically for diabetics under age 18 and a mentoring program for adults.

Rock stars, according to Thomas, don't accept the status quo.

Several companies that manufacture testing meters found Thomas's site. One sent $13,000 worth of supplies for Thomas to distribute to those who couldn't afford their own. Thomas posted a message, letting his readers know he had free supplies that he could send them if they couldn't afford their own. And The Fight IT! Campaign, a charity that provides supplies like testing meters and strips to those who can't afford them, took off.

"Other organizations focus on awareness and research," Thomas said. "We want to fight for the people who have diabetes right now, especially those who can't afford their treatments. What good is a cure if you don't live long enough to see it?"

As if Thomas doesn't have enough to focus on, his vision keeps getting bigger. He wants to end the stereotypes associated with his condition.

"Diabetics aren't damaged goods," he said. "It's not that all of us were overweight people who didn't take care of ourselves. We're just like everyone else. We have to be careful, but we can lead normal lives."

Check out AOL Health for more information on diabetes care.

Diabetes doesn't have to limit your options. You can still enjoy your life while minimizing your chances of complications. This time of year, it is especially important to be mindful of your health because illnesses can quickly become serious.

When your body is fighting an infection, it produces stress hormones that counteract insulin. Therefore, you may need more insulin to keep blood sugar levels down. People with type 2 diabetes who normally take oral medications may temporarily require insulin injections.

To better manage your diabetes, try these tips:

• Monitor your blood sugar. Practice good blood sugar control by monitoring your blood sugar levels regularly. You should also have a glycosylated hemoglobin test ever three to six months.
  
• Practice good health habits. Visit your doctor and dentist regularly, exercise often and eat a healthy, varied diet.
  
• Have an annual eye exam. This should be done from the time of diagnosis in people with type 2 diabetes, and starting five years after diagnosis in people with type 1 diabetes.
  
• Avoid illness by staying up-to-date on your immunizations.