Saturday, December 23, 2006

Renal Diabetic Diets

Diabetes is a medical condition whereby the human body produces an insufficient amount of insulin. Insulin is a natural hormone produced in the body. It is responsible for converting sugar, starch and other food material into energy. Renal diabetes is a type of diabetes, which occurs due to a low-sugar threshold in the kidneys. Diabetic patients have to take special care about their food habits. Doctors typically prescribe a special renal diabetic diet for a diabetic patient.

A renal diabetic dietary chart specifies the type and amount of food that a patient should consume every day. A person suffering from renal diabetes should eat meals that contain the right amount of nutrients. The diets should have sufficient vegetables and leguminous fruits. Doctors also recommend a diet that has vegetables with low carbohydrate levels, such as celery and cucumbers. Foods rich in amino acids such as soybeans, red beans, eggs and lean meat are also beneficial. Food that reduces the level of sugar in the blood stream is very effective in the prevention and treatment of diabetes.

It is also critical for a diabetes patient to maintain a proper body weight, as it helps in controlling blood fats (cholesterol) and lowering the blood pressure. A renal diabetic diet is designed to ensure that a diabetic does not gain weight.

People suffering from renal diabetes should avoid or eat very small quantities of any food that contains a high amount of cholesterol. They should also try to reduce their intake of fish, egg-yolks and fatty meats. The use of fat or oil in cooking should be restricted. They should only consume food products with low levels of potassium. Artichokes, beans, Brussels sprouts, lentils, lima beans pumpkin, squash, spinach, succotash and tomatoes are a few of the vegetables that are in a renal diabetic diet.

Renal diabetics can easily control their sugar level and lead normal lives by sticking to a renal diabetic diet.

Diabetes - What Is It - How To Treat It

xAlso known as sugar diabetes, or diabetes mellitus, this is a condition where the body produces very little or no insulin, the hormone needed to transform carbohydrates into energy. Consequently, sugar accumulates in the blood. Symptoms include the constant need to urinate, thirst, recurrent infections, fatigue and weight loss. There are 2 types of diabetes: insulin dependent diabetes (IDD) usually begins in childhood and requires regular intake of insulin; non-insulin dependent diabetes (NDD) typically begins later in life. All treatments should be carried out in collaboration with your doctor.

Dietary Treatment Professional dietary treatment from a registered dietitian or a naturopath is recommended, and can be effective in treating diabetes. In mild cases of non-insulin dependent diabetes, the following dietary recommendations may help: 50-60 per cent of your diet should be high fibre wholegrain complex carbohydrates (wholemeal bread, rice, pasta, oatmeal, bran and other unrefined cereals). replace red meats with fish and chicken. Eat soya bean products as often as possible. Eat plenty of beans, peas and root vegetables. Replace full fat milk products with skimmed milk products.

Cut out all foods containing sugar. Avoid all sweet fruits and juices. Eat plenty of vegetables (raw when possible), especially cucumbers, garlic, soya beans and tofu, avocado, Jerusalem artichokes, and brussels sprouts. Cut out alcohol and caffeine (coffee, tea, cola, chocolate). Take 2 tablespoons of brewer’s yeast daily. This contains chromium, which helps to normalize blood sugar metabolism. Research studies show olive oil to be helpful. Incorporate into your diet as much as possible.

Herbal Treatment Onion and garlic have been shown to lower blood sugar levels significantly. Eat as much cooked and raw garlic as possible, or take 3-6 garlic capsules daily. Fenugreek seed is known to have anti-diabetic effects and should be liberally incorporated into your diet.

Chinese Medicine Diabetes has been documented in Chinese literature in ancient medical texts. Lilyturf root, grassy privet, lotus seed and Chinese yam are generally recommended. Insulin dependent diabetics may find help with professional treatment.

Exercise Regular exercise is very important in treating diabetes. It reduces the need for insulin injections, it prevents the accumulation of cholesterol and limits weight gain. Aerobic exercise (swimming, brisk walking, jogging, or cycling) 3 times weekly for 30 minutes is a good routine.

Orthodox Treatment

For insulin dependent diabetics, regular injections of insulin are essential. Your doctor will also make dietary recommendations.

Friday, December 22, 2006

Prevention of Diabetes Is Not Difficult At All

Diabetes is a common chronic disease that could possibly lead to heart disease, if it is not appropriately controlled. When one passes the age of 40 and has any or the entire list of the following risk factors:

- High blood pressure,
- High lipid levels (the excess fatty substances in the body, such as cholesterol),
- A family history of diabetes,
- Diabetes during pregnancy.

Plus, you are overweight. Despite not feeling anything wrong, you are probably at risk of developing diabetes.

But, it is possible to prevent diabetes. Several published prospective trials already showed that high-risk subjects with no diabetes who are put on an intensive lifestyle program and the medication can still prevent the fresh onset of diabetes.

While we are still unsure about the long-term effects of newer drugs used in diabetic treatment, lifestyle intervention should be the main therapy for those at high risk. This is simply because it has no side effects, and in the long term, it is safe.

Regular visits to health-care establishments for screening for diabetes is very important as diabetes is not only a silent condition, many complications with diabetes are also silent. In the pre-diabetes stage, there is no way of knowing whether there is anything wrong.

Not only people who are overweight are at risk, a thin or healthy-weight person can also be a victim. A 69-year-old lady with 1.58 m weighs only 50 kg who is definitely not fat at all. She gained 5 kg during the past 2 years. She started feeling tired a year ago during her daily exercise at 4 am. Apart from the tiredness and weight gain, her HbA1c was 6.5, which is outside the ideal range between 4.5 and 6.4. The HbA1c test measures the average amount of glucose in the blood. HbA1c is formed when glucose in the bloodstream binds to the hemoglobin found in red blood cells.

She was shocked because she is very discipline: exercise daily and watch her diet. It is possible that diabetes run in her family as her mother had diabetes and died of stroke and kidney failure. The doctor did not put her on medication but she was told to work on her diet, to continue exercising, and most importantly go for regular review. Six months later, her Hb1Ac level was reduced from 6.5 to 6.2. According to experts, 1 percent reduction in HbA1c can in fact lower the risk of diabetes complications, such as damage to the cardiovascular system, the kidney, and the eye.

As we age, our weight goes up and risk for various diseases also rises. It is easier to prevent than to reverse the process of obesity and all that comes with it.

Best Laboratory Tests For Diagnosis of Diabetes Mellitus

History and physical examination are most important tools for diagnosing diabetes Mellitus, however to confirm diagnosis one should have following laboratory tests.

Urine sugar test
Urine ketones test
OGTT-Oral Glucose Tolerance Test , (also called glucose challenge test)
Blood glucose tests
FPG-Fasting plasma glucose Test
Random plasma glucose Test

Tests for ongoing monitoring of diabetes control: HbA1c blood test - an average blood sugar measure over about 3 months. Fructosamine blood test - an average blood sugar measure over about 2 weeks

It is not necessary that one should have all the tests given in above list, but it is necessary to diagnose your disease if you want best treatment for your illness.

How frequently a person must check his sugar level is the decision of your doctor. It mainly depends upon patients age and number of risk factors like blood pressure, higher cholesterol or smoking. If you are above 45 years then you should have your blood sugar level after every 3 years. Even if you are below 45 years and have one or more risk factors then you should also check your blood sugar level frequently.

A- Urine sample for sugar and Ketones: You may have your urine analysis for sugar or ketones which are produced by breakdown of fat and muscle cells to diagnose diabetes but you should keep in mind that if you are having positive urine test for sugar then it is not necessary that you are suffering from diabetes because there are other conditions as well which also cause sugar to appear in urine.

B-THE FASTING BLOOD GLUCOSE (SUGAR) TEST For diagnosing Diabetes Mellitus one must have this test because it is best, easy and comfortable to perform. You should have overnight fast (at-least 8 hours) before performing this test. If fasting blood glucose is below 100mg/dl, then you don't have diabetes. Between 100mg/dl to 125mg/dl is called a Pre-diabetes or Impaired fasting glucose condition. If fasting blood glucose is above 126mg/dl on more than two occasions then you are suffering from diabetes.

C-RANDOM (NON-FASTING) BLOOD GLUCOSE TEST It is also a good test for diagnosing diabetes. In this test we take sample of blood shortly after taking a meal and then check glucose level in blood. If this level is above 200mg/dl, then there are much chances that you are suffering from diabetes. But diagnosis should be confirmed the very next day by fasting blood glucose or by glucose tolerance test

D-ORAL GLUCOSE TOLERANCE TEST (OGTT): Though this test is not commonly used these days but it is still a gold standard for diagnosing diabetes. For diagnosing gestational diabetes this is best test.

Instructions for OGTT: This is test for a person who is in good health and have no other illness. Person should be normally active and not bed ridden. Person is not taking anti diabetic drugs or any drug which alters blood sugar level. Before test, person should eat high carbohydrate diet for three days. No alcoholic beverages. On test day one should not smoke or take coffee.

Glucose Tolerance Test Procedure: First normal blood glucose is tested. Then person drinks 75gm of glucose, for pregnant woman dose of glucose is 100 gm. Then blood samples are taken at particular intervals for measuring blood glucose level.Blood glucose level is measured five times over a period of 3 hours. In simple words, in normal person, this blood sugar level gets higher value by taking 75gm of glucose, however it falls down quickly, but in person having diabetes the blood sugar level rises higher than normal but does not come down quickly. If a person have fasting blood glucose above 140mg/dl and 2 hours value after 75gm of oral glucose greater than 200mg/dl and considered as diabetics. If 2 hours blood glucose value between 140-200mg/dl is labeled as Pre-diabetic condition or impaired fasting glucose. During pregnancy, 2 hours blood glucose value between 140-200mg/dl is treated as a case of diabetes.

OTHER TESTS Glycosylated haemoglobin Test or HB A1 Test: Very important test which tells you how good you are in controlling your blood sugar. It shows your blood sugar control during the past 2 to 3 months. For normal individuals, a good hemoglobin A-1-c is 7 percent.

Thursday, December 21, 2006

Diabetes Testing: The One Touch Ultra Smart Meter

Studies have shown that those diabetics who keep their blood sugar levels under control dramatically decrease their risks of diabetes related complications. This means that keeping your blood glucose levels under control is very important for your well being.

It would not be possible to keep your glucose levels under control if you were not able to track them on a regular basis and make the needed adjustments in your diabetes management plan. The One Touch Ultra Smart Meter can help you control your diabetes and keep track of you blood glucose control.

Manufactured by Lifescan, the One Touch Ultra Smart Meter is a glucose meter and an electronic logbook in one. It will allow you to store important information like insulin doses, the amount of physical activity performed and the amount of medicine taken right into its spacious memory. The meter kit comes equipped with the meter, the test strips, Ultra Soft lancets, carrying case and lancing device with clear cap, which will allow for alternate site testing.

The One Touch Ultra Smart meter only requires a very tiny drop of blood (1 microliter) and it takes a fast five seconds to give you an accurate reading. Make sure that you calibrate the meter for the test strips that you are going to use. Your handbook will teach exactly what you must do to calibrate the meter successfully.

The display screen is large and very easy to read and it has a backlight for easy reading in the dark. The meter uses two AAA alkaline batteries which come already installed in the meter. They will last about 500 readings, depending on how much the backlight is used.

If you want to store all your data into your computer, Lifescan offers data interface cable along with the needed software. This kit, which is sold separately, will let you transfer all the data in the meter right into your computer.

The One Touch Ultra Smart Meter is accurate and easy to use. It provides much more options and capabilities that other glucose meters in the market. Because of all the extra features, it may take you a little bit longer to learn how to work all the functions, but once you do testing will be a breeze.

The easy of use, the great capabilities and reliability of the Ultra Smart Meter make it a great tool in diabetes management. Having an accurate reading on a daily basis and being able to record your data and analyze it will be a great benefit in the fight against diabetes.

Best-Selling Wellness Author Recommends Chromium Supplementation for Diabetics

In his latest, best-selling offering, Dr. Perricone addresses diabetes and shares with readers his discovery of an over-the-counter supplement that helps to promote better health for diabetics.

“There are several key nutrients that help control blood sugar”, Perricone says, “including chromium “polynicotinate,” also known as NCB (niacin-bound chromium).

Chromium is a very important trace mineral that promotes normal insulin function and is essential for proper protein, fat and carbohydrate metabolism.

As any anti-aging scientist well knows, elevated levels of insulin and blood sugar significantly accelerate cellular aging. Research now shows that the type of chromium known as NBC has a superior anti-aging profile.”

Perricone discusses studies that have been conducted at Georgetown University Medical Center, by Dr. Harry Preuss, which reveal that Chromium polynicotinate (a generic term for ChromeMate):

· Promotes proper insulin function and normal blood sugar levels

· Promotes healthy blood cholesterol levels, normal blood pressure and cardiovascular health

· Promotes healthy body weight and lean body mass.

“Nutrition experts report that generally Americans have a chromium deficiency – low levels of chromium are associated with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Wednesday, December 20, 2006

8 Commonly Heard Diabetes Mellitus Misconceptions

8 Commonly Heard Diabetes Mellitus Misconceptions As with most diseases there is a great deal of misinformation surrounding diabetes and here are 8 of the most commonly heard myths when it comes to diabetes:
1. Diabetes sufferers cannot eat candy or chocolate. There is no reason at all why people with diabetes should not eat candy and chocolate, or indeed such things as cakes and sweet desserts, as long as these are eaten in moderation and form just one part of a normal healthy diet plan.
2. Diabetes sufferers cannot exercise or perform strenuous work. It is more important for diabetics to exercise regularly to keep fit and their body weights in check. In fact, an Austrian mountaineer Geri Winkler became the first insulin-dependent diabetic to reach the top of Mount Everest in May 2006.
3. Eating too much sugar can actually cause diabetes. Although the causes of diabetes are not fully understood, excessive consumption of sugar is certainly not one of them. In general it is believed that diabetes is genetic in origin and is triggered by a combination of environmental and lifestyle factors. Eating too much sugar could of course lead to an individual gaining weight and excessive weight is certainly one factor that can increase the risk of developing type II diabetes. It is however the excess weight that you are carrying and not the sugar that can trigger diabetes.
4. Diabetes sufferers are required to eat a special diabetic diet. So called “Diabetic” or “Diatetic” versions of some foods which are commonly sold in health food stores are nothing more than a marketing ploy. Diabetics, like everyone else, should eat a normal balanced diet which is low in fat and which contains moderate levels of both salt and sugar. The addition of whole grain foods, vegetables and fruit is also beneficial.
5. Diabetes is contagious. It is sometimes said that you can catch diabetes in much the same way as you would catch a cold or flu. There is no truth in this at all. It is believed however that diabetes sufferers are genetically predisposed to the disease and that it is triggered by environmental factors which will include both viruses and drugs, including antibiotics. It is possible therefore that catching a common illness, or treating that illness with antibiotics, may lead to the onset of diabetes.
6. Taking insulin can lead to high blood pressure and hardening of the arteries. In early tests there was some suggestion that insulin might play a role in triggering processes associated with the development of hardened arteries but time has shown that there is no evidence that insulin causes either high blood pressure or hardening of the arteries.
7. Diabetic suffers should only eat very small amounts of carbohydrate. Carbohydrates, from which the body gets much of the glucose required for energy, are found in a range of foods including beans, bread, cereals, pasta and rice and normally account for about half to three-quarters of our dietary intake. Diabetics can and should include carbohydrates in their diet, especially as they also contain essential fiber, and the secret here is to simply ensure that they are balanced with other foods and that portion sizes are reasonable.
8. Diabetes sufferers are prone to catching colds and flu. There is no evidence to show that people with diabetes are any more or less likely than anybody else to catch a cold or flu. Because, however, illnesses of this nature can often interfere with levels of blood sugar, and thus make the management of diabetes more difficult, diabetes sufferers are encouraged to try to avoid catching such illnesses and, in particular, to have an annual flu shot. There are of course a host of other myths associated with diabetes, including the fact that insulin causes obesity and that diabetics should eat large quantities of fruit, but the 8 listed here are perhaps the most commonly heard myths.

Why Nutrition Is So Vital For Diabetics

For a diabetic, nutrition plays a crucial role. It prevents the complications related with diabetes and helps to treat the disease. Your body demands the right amount of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats to produce energy for its functions. It’s important that you know what and how much to consume, in order to keep your blood sugar levels in control.
ProteinProtein is required for fuel energy. However, most of the people consume more protein than needed. Lean meats, fish, chicken, and lean beef products are the best sources of protein. Remember; the way of cooking them is important too. Avoid the high fat methods of cooking. Switch to grilling or broiling your food. It tastes delicious and is low in fats. If you are suffering from kidney problems, it’s vital to keep a check on your protein intake.
FatsAll fats are not bad. Your body does need fat to protect your inner organs. Fat contains concentrated energy. It regulates your body temperature, and helps in healing inflammation and pain. Fats also help in the absorption of fat-soluble Vitamins like A, D, and E.
It is the excess fat that is harmful. Avoid transfats completely and reduce the intake of saturated fats so that it is below seven percent of your total intake of calories everyday. Start reading the food labels. There are many foods that contain zero transfats. Include fish products such as salmon or sardines in your diet. Also, start using vegetable oils to get sufficient essential fats for your body.
CarbohydratesThis is another important component of our diet. Like fats, carbohydrates are also good and bad types. The steadiness of your blood sugar levels depend on the type of carbohydrate you are taking. It is easy to count your carbs. Every packet of food that you pick up from the store has carbohydrates in each serving. You should go for complex carbohydrates and avoid the simple ones.
Most of the simple carbohydrates are found in sugar related foods. It includes most of the sweets. Simple carbohydrates are broken down right away to convert them into fuel. However, complex carbohydrates, which are good for your body, take longer to be processed. The most popular sugar substitute used by the diabetics is Splenda. You can utilize it to bake with. As long as you are sure that your blood sugar levels are in control, it is okay to consume a little sugar.
Calorie Counting If you are keeping a track on your calories as a technique to reduce weight or control your blood sugar levels, then you make sure that you are taking plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables so that your body gets sufficient vitamins and minerals. Include beans, peas, green leafy vegetables, fruit juices, nuts, and other healthy foods in your diet.

Tuesday, December 19, 2006

Symptoms of Diabetes Know What To Watch For

Diabetes is a very dangerous illness that plagues millions of people around the world. Diabetes can cause many different problems, and sometimes if left unchecked, can even cause death. Diabetes is a chronic health condition where the body is unable to produce insulin from the pancreas to properly break down glucose. The main treatments for diabetes are daily shots of insulin, a proper diet, and a regular exercise program. One of the main problems with diabetes is trying to diagnose the disease, because the symptoms are not easy to identify at first.
The classic symptoms of diabetes usually are frequent urination, excessive thirst, excessive hunger, and unexplained weight loss. Along with these classic symptoms you might also experience fatigue, blurred vision, odd aches and pains, dry mouth, dry or itchy skin, impotence in males, vaginal yeast infections in women, poor healing of cuts and scraps, or excessive or unusual infections.
If you are experiencing any of the classic symptoms then you should immediately go to the doctor so that you can be tested for diabetes. If you are experiencing two or more of the other symptoms for a period longer than a few weeks, then you should also visit the doctor to be checked. All of these symptoms are caused by the higher glucose levels that are in your bloodstream when you have diabetes.
The reason that you have frequent urination is because your body is trying to remove the excess glucose out of your blood. This usually causes dehydration, which will make you thirsty and also make you have dry mouth and dry, itchy skin. Diabetes is also very well known for causing problems with your vision, so if you have a major change in your eyesight over a short period of time, then you need to go get checked by a doctor. Diabetes is a very serious illness, but if you get help from a doctor, try to eat right, and exercise regularly you can still leave a long and productive life after being diagnosed.

Eli Lilly Suppressed Information That Its Drug Zyprexa Was Linked To Obesity And Diabetes

Drug companies will never learn their lesson. The front page of today's New York Times( Sun., December17th, 2006) disclosed that Eli Lilly suppressed information that its drug Zyprexa was linked to obesity and diabetes.
Apparently, Eli Lilly kept important information from doctors about its drug Zyprexa causing weight gain, links to obesity and risk factors for diabetes. Consumers need to learn the lesson of "Follow the Money". Zyprexa is by far Lilly's best selling product, with sales of about $4.2 billion, and about two million people worldwide taking the drug.
The documents, given to the New York Times by a lawyer representing mentally ill patients, show that Lilly kept important information from the medical community. As early as 1999, the documents show that Lilly worried that side effects from Zyprexa, whose chemical name is olanzapine, would hurt sales.
“Olanzapine-associated weight gain and possible hyperglycemia is a major threat to the long-term success of this critically important molecule,” Dr. Alan Breier wrote in a November 1999 e-mail message to two-dozen Lilly employees that announced the formation of an “executive steering committee for olanzapine-associated weight changes and hyperglycemia.” Hyperglycemia is high blood sugar.
When it was introduced, Zyprexa was the third and most heralded of the atypical antipsychotics. With psychiatrists eager for new treatments for schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and dementia, Zyprexa’s sales soared.
But as sales grew, reports rolled in to Lilly and drug regulators that the medicine caused massive weight gain in many patients and was associated with diabetes. Of course Lilly has denied any wrong-doing, despite years of criticism from the American Diabetes Association.
Some psychiatrists say they no longer believe the information Lilly offers.

Monday, December 18, 2006

How To Keep Gestation Diabetes At Bay

Many-a-times diabetes is detected among expecting mothers during the period of their pregnancy. Such cases of diabetes can occur at any time or duration of the pregnancy. But to their despite, this type of diabetes is temporary in nature. And it is referred to as gestation diabetes.
The course of treatment for this kind of diabetes is similar to that of Type II diabetes. These patients are advised to keep check on their weight and remain active during pregnancy, provided there are no other complications alongside. It is most likely that the blood sugar levels that have risen at this stage will be brought under control.
Though such form of diabetes may occur during pregnancy among some women, there are certain groups of mothers who are more likely to be victims of this disease. If there is a family history in the direct line of the mother then the chances of having diabetes of this kind is more. The parents, grandparents and next of kin, like uncles and aunts, siblings are the ones whose health record comes up for scrutiny in this case. Thus , if the mother’s grandparents or any of her parents or any of her uncles and aunts who are in her direct blood line are patients of Diabetes I then she is considered as having a family history of diabetes.
Besides the family line of the mother there are other indicators about the likelihood of the occurrence of diabetes in a pregnant mother. If the mother has conceived at a late age, particularly after she is 45 years of age or more, the likelihood of the disease is higher. An otherwise younger person who is obese, and consequently overweight, has the perfect figure to become a prey to this occurrence.
Women bearing babies weighing more than nine pounds should be vigilant about diabetes. If there is high blood pressure during this period or there are high levels of triglycerides, or high blood cholesterol levels in the mother’s blood, then chances of having diabetes increase.
As for other forms of diabetes, the way to keep diabetes in check is to follow a controlled lifestyle with appropriate changes thereof. Partaking healthy diet and regular exercise can do wonders for mothers-to-be detected with gestation diabetes.

Natural Foot Care for Diabetics

It’s very important for diabetics to keep their feet in healthy condition. Because of the disease damage can be caused to blood vessels and nerves and then circulation can be impaired and infections can form on the feet without the person realising. This can ultimately cause major complications and even amputation. Diabetes also impairs the immune system so they are more prone to infection. Those who suffer from the disease should have regular foot examinations by their doctor and should know whether or not they have nerve damage.
To prevent and check whether there is injury to the feet you should get into a routine of checking and caring for your feet, this is especially important if you already have nerve or blood vessel damage or current foot problems. Here are twenty important natural tips for keeping your feet healthy:
1. Inspect your feet thoroughly every day.
2. Clean your feet daily in lukewarm water (test this with your hands) with a natural soap, dry them thoroughly to prevent fungal infection.
3. Protect your feet constantly by wearing well fitted, comfortable but sturdy shoes.
4. Never walk around without some kind of footwear to protect your feet.
5. Clean, dry cotton or wool socks are also a good way to protect your feet from pressure points and bacteria caused by sweat.
6. Always apply a little amount of a natural foot cream that contains antibacterial agents to the soles of your feet after bathing, avoiding the skin between the toes. Diabetics can find that the skin on their feet dries and cracks easily which can potentially leave them open to infection.
7. When cutting toenails always soak the feet in a good foot soak that has antibacterial properties in it to soften the nails and cleanse away any bacteria and grime from the nails. Remember to cut the nail straight across with a nail clipper, since curved nails are more likely to become ingrown.
8. Using a gentle natural foot scrub can smooth any small rough areas before they become a problem.
9. Exercise promotes good circulation so walk daily and don’t sit in one spot for too long. An easy exercise is to make circle with your feet ten times in each direction, keeping your leg as still as possible.
10. Sitting with your feet elevated for 10 minutes will also help your circulation.
11. Regularly massage your feet, this will also stimulate the circulation.
12. If you do notice a sore or any type of infection, see your doctor for treatment.
13. Stop smoking. It’s awful for the circulation and your health generally.
14. Have any bunions and corns removed by a professional to avoid infection
15. Regularly clean the shower with a natural cleaner and spray a little diluted tea tree oil around the drain.
16. To keep your feet warm in bed wear loose, comfortable cotton or wool socks.
17. Always make sure your feet are kept at a comfortable temperature, avoiding cold feet.
18. If you have any pain in your feet see a podiatrist or your doctor immediately.
19. Use foot powder.
20. Follow a healthy diet and lifestyle; this will help prevent problems and complications.

Sunday, December 17, 2006

Every Person Before Developing Type 2 Diabetes Almost Always Has Pre-diabetes

What is Pre-diabetes?

This is a fact that before developing diabetes mellitus type 2, almost always that patient develops Pre-diabetes condition. Though we will not diagnose that person as diabetic, but if he or she will not control his or her blood suger level, he will probably have diabetes mellitus in future. In pre-diabetes, blood sugar levels are in higher limits, but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes mellitus. In USA only, more than 54 million people have pre-diabetes condition.During pre-diabetes damage to heart and circulatory system may already be occuring.

Various studies have shown that if you control your pre-diabetes condition earlier, then there are very less chances to develop type 2 diabetes mellitus, or you can delay it to develop. So always try to manage your blood glucose under control limits when you are in pre-diabetic stage to prevent yourself from developing type 2 diabetes.

Do you have Pre-diabetes Condition, How to Tell?

There are two important tests that can tell you that you are having pre-diabetes condition. 1-The fasting plasma glucose test (FPG) 2: Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Your doctor can do any of these two tests.

Fasting Plasma Glucose Test values for pre-diabetes are between 100mg/dl to 125mg/dl. If your glucose level is below 100mg/dl, then you have normal metabolism, if above 125mg/dl then you have Diabetes. It means if your level is between 100-125mg/dl, then you will have pre-diabetes. In case of OGTT, if less than 140mg/dl, then normal, between 140-200mg/dl is pre-diabetic condition and above 200mg/dl is diabetic condition.

How you can prevent pre-diabetes?

Pre-diabetes can be very lethal to your health if you will not manage it seriously. Sooner or later you will probably have type 2 diabetes. There are two simple things that you can do to get rid of this pre-diabetes situation. You can also even get your glucose level within normal limits if you follow these 3 steps.

A: Change in your diet habit. Try to avoid sweets in your diet.

B: Half hour moderate exercise.

C: Weight reduction.

Just 30 minutes daily moderate physical activity or exercise, along with a 5-10% reduction in body weight, can produce a 58% reduction in diabetes

Who should get tested for pre-diabetes?

If you are overweight and above 45 years of age, then you should have your FPG and OGTT. If you are not overweight and above 45, should consult your doctor. If you are below 45 and overweight, you should also check your fasting plasma glucose level.

Diabetic Shoes - What About Them?

Many people with diabetes have trouble finding a shoe that is comfortable, so diabetic shoes are made to provide protection and be comfortable, diabetic shoes are designed with moldable insoles to reduce the development of ulcers and sores that lead to serious foot problems. Diabetic shoes are often available by prescription through an orthopedic supplier, but they are sometimes sold as a sideline in a retail establishment such as a pharmacy.

All the diabetic shoes are designed to enhance foot function and comfort for diabetic patients; some shoes are Podiatrist-designed which allows for the extra room diabetic feet need to feel ultra comfortable.

As you can imagine, proper foot care is an important part of diabetes management, foot problems are the most common diabetes complication leading to hospitalizations, so most manufacturers are committed to making diabetes foot care as easy as possible, and even some shoes are not that fashionable some of them are not that awkward and unfashionable.

Many people diagnosed with diabetes do not know they are eligible for diabetic shoes, supplies, therapy pumps, etc. If you have diabetes and Medicare you may be eligible for diabetic shoes and custom molded inserts every calendar year at little or no cost.

Preventing diabetic foot ulcer formation is essential for those affected by diabetes and diabetic neuropathy. It's also important to remember to wear seamless diabetes socks and stockings along with your diabetic shoes to keep moisture away from your feet.

Diabetes socks are seamless to prevent irritation, and made of materials that help to wick moisture away from the skin, diabetic socks increase leg circulation and ease pain from swollen ankles, some diabetic socks have extra padding, and no bumps, ridges or seams, so they are more comfortable to wear. Some of these socks can be used with or without diabetic shoes and provide optimal protection for diabetics suffering from neuropathy. You should always remember to avoid socks with seams that may irritate your skin.