Anabolic Steroids. Anabolic steroids are taken orally or by injection. In U.S., this group of performance-enhancing drugs is generally available only by prescription. Anabolic steroids are particularly dangerous for adolescents because their bones are still developing. The drugs can damage heart, kidney and liver.Signs in males include increased acne and male-pattern baldness. If a girl takes anabolic steroids she may develop male characteristics such as deep voice or dark facial hair. The more dangerous physical conditions, such as liver tumors, increased blood pressure and elevated cholesterol, won't be visible. Also, effects on a teen's future fertility are unknown. Teens who take anabolic steroids may have angry outbursts known as "'roid rage". They may seem unusually moody and experience depression when they stop using drugs. Other signs of steroid use are paranoia, hallucination and psychosis.

These are just known benefits and side effects of these performance enhancing drugs. There likely are many other, very bad, side effects still to be discovered. If you are seriously considering using one or another (or more) of these drugs you should do so only under a doctor's guidance. And my personal advice in this regard is: get at least two doctors to agree to your need. Need, not simple desire.

Disclaimer: This article in no way should be taken as “medical advice” on any product, condition or course of action, nor does it constitute in any way “medical advice” endorsing any specific product, specific result, nor any possible cure for any condition or problem. This article is meant as a source of information upon which you may base your decision as to whether or not you should begin using any vitamin, mineral and/or herbal supplement for better health, or begin using a “greens” product as a dietary supplement.

If in doubt, or if you have questions, you should consult your physician and, if possible, consult a second physician for a possible different opinion. The author does not bear any responsibility for your decisions nor for outcome of your actions based upon those decisions.

Reference includes Author's personal experience and memory, previously published stories and USA Today Sports Weekly (drug statistics provided by Mayo Clinic) for June 8-14, 2005. Check this edition for additional and very frightening information on High School steroid use.

Loring Windblad has studied nutrition and exercise for more than 40 years, is a published author and freelance writer.

Before engaging in exercise, it is important for blood sugar levels to be tested to make sure that they are not below 80 to 100 mg/dl range and not above 250 mg/dl. Glucose levels should also be tested before, during, after and three to five hours after exercise. During this recovery period (3-5 hours after exercise), it is important for diabetics to consume ample carbohydrates in order to prevent hypoglycemia.

Exercise will greatly benefit an individual with type II diabetes because of its positive effects on insulin sensitivity. Proper exercise and nutrition are best forms of prevention for type II diabetics. It is important for training protocols to be repeated almost daily to help with sustaining insulin sensitivity. To prevent hypoglycemia, progressively work up to strenuous activity.

As with individuals with type I diabetes, carbohydrates should also be present during training to assist in raising blood sugar levels if individual becomes low.

Joe Serpico is webmaster at aa-fitness-guide.com. For much more information regarding exercise, health, nutrition, and fitness, visit http://www.aa-fitness-guide.com