It is estimated that 14 million Americans have diabetes, which is the third leading cause of death in the US. Diabetes can be a scary condition for many, because not only can it lead to other serious health conditions, it can also make existing health conditions more difficult to manage. Some of the effects of diabetes include vision problems that can lead to blindness, and it is one of the leading causes for amputation, especially in the feet and legs. People with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing such conditions as heart and kidney disease and experiencing strokes.

Weight gain is a growing problem, and as with any problem, there are those out there who are trying to find some magic remedy. There is no easy weight loss plan, unfortunately. Diet and exercise are the easiest methods, which many find difficult enough to follow. A physician may also prescribe or recommend weight loss pills as well. That just isn’t enough for some who have more serious obesity issues. These people often turn to weight loss surgery as a step to end a lifelong struggle with obesity.

Lactose is the sugar in milk which is made up of two larger sugars, galactose and glucose. The lactose must be split into these two sugars before it can be absorbed by the body in the small intestine. An enzyme called lactase is responsible for this split and is found in the lining of the small intestine. Deficiency of this enzyme can be caused by one of three reasons: secondary, congenital, or developmental. In this article we look at the symptoms and problems of lactose intolerance and the need for taking additional protein supplements as part of a healthy diet.