The symptoms most commonly reported by sufferers of colitis are abdominal pain and bloody diarrhea. However, sufferers may also experience fatigue, weight loss, a suppressed appetite, bleeding from rectum and can become deficient in essential nutrients.

Diagnosing Colitis can be tricky due to its similarity to other IBDs. Therefore, a thorough physical exam and series of tests are usually required. Blood tests are carried out to help identify anemia, or high white blood cell count, which usually signifies inflammation within body. Stool samples are commonly checked for evidence of blood or infection. You may have to have a colonoscopy and/or biopsy, which involves taking a sample of tissue from lining of colon. Another possibility is a barium enema x-ray of colon. This involves filling colon with barium solution and then taking x-rays to highlight any ulcers or inflammation.

The main treatment option for sufferers is medication, however depending on serious of disease surgery may be required to remove colon. For some people, watching what they eat and avoiding known triggers can lead to a reduction in symptoms or remission. Although, for most people symptoms return, with surgery being only known cure.

No liquor. Liquor causes severe instability in blood sugar levels, and will cause serious problems. I stick only to beer and wine with a maximum of three drinks. If you monitor your sugar regularly and eat beforehand, you should be able to enjoy a nice night out.

3. Eating

Of areas available for improvement in my lifestyle, eating was easiest for me to adapt and overcome. When I learned that protein had a minor effect on my sugar that was good news, any hamburger and steak-loving American would be happy to hear that, but bad news was that French fries, baked potatoes, and (my favorite) sweet potatoes were off limits. That meant I had to learn to love vegetables.

From that point forward, I began cooking veggies with light butter and cayenne pepper. I know that sounds odd, but I like spicy food. As far as your diet is concerned, for sake of your happiness, find your favorite spices and seasonings and begin experimenting with healthy foods.

4. Exercise

When it comes to exercising many people (including myself) do not follow through for long enough to see substantial results. Personally, I believe in living an active lifestyle instead of becoming a fitness and free-weight junkie. What worked for me? Basic exercises (lunges, squats, and crunches) in front of television every morning followed by a 15 minute walk.

Complying with guidelines I listed above, I'm still able to have a fun, active lifestyle while controlling my diabetes. Finally, I need to say that I'm not a doctor, just a guy with Type 1 Diabetes. The practices I listed worked for me to maintain young-adult lifestyle that I wanted. You may be different, and understanding your own personality traits is critical to successful moderation and control of your diabetes.