Diabetes

Diabetes: Diabetics Fight Back

2007-02-27T23:21:00.003-08:00

Many cases of diabetes go unnoticed or unchecked before a person or their doctor realizes the inevitable. This disease silently uses destructive high blood sugars to gradually damage the body for months or even years, before symptoms are noted.

This Global Epidemic, according to the US Government has been diagnosed in more than 18 million people, and statistics say that there are over 3500 people diagnosed EVERDAY. That is 1.3 Millions per year and is playing havoc, especially with our young people as well as the older generation because of lifestyle and nutrition choices!

Plus, there are the 60 million or more who are walking around with this deadly disease who doesn’t even realize they have diabetes at this point in their life.

Unfortunately, blood sugar levels can be high without a person knowing anything is wrong. They really don’t think the tiredness they feel is any more than normal fatigue, especially when their diagnosis is for type 2. Many people fail to recognize anything until it is too late and complications have already begun.

This is A REAL DANGER with many who feel they are ok. Some do not even know what the symptoms are for diabetics. They miss or overlook their diagnosis.

Diabetes damage is progressive because of high blood sugar levels. Fortunately, for most, it is not too late, but damage to eyes, kidneys, heart, and nervous system has silently occurred at some level in most that suffer with a diabetic condition.

Millions of people looking for an EASY and SAFE way to LOWER and MAINTAIN their blood sugar at s safe and normal level can now have HOPE with!

DIABETICS FIGHT BACK Is The Rally Cry For Improved Health And Healing. This Amazing Diabetic Breakthrough Is Available NOW WITH A 90 Day Money-Back Guarantee!

Diabetes - A National Epidemic

2007-02-27T23:21:00.001-08:00

Are you a diabetic? If so, you are definitely not alone. There are approximately 16 million people in the United States who have diabetes. Public health experts believe diabetes will be the next great lifestyle disease epidemic to afflict the United States. A study by doctors from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently startled people with the finding that the prevalence of diagnosed cases of diabetes had increased 33% over the past eight years.

While an estimated 11 million have been diagnosed, 5 million people are not aware that they have the disease. Each day approximately 2,200 people are diagnosed with diabetes. About 798,000 people will be diagnosed this year. Do you have a friend or family member with diabetes? If you have not been diagnosed as a diabetic, are you perhaps one of the millions that are undiagnosed? The following are some warning signs to look for:

· Frequent urination
· Unusual thirst
· Extreme hunger
· Extreme fatigue
· Irritability
· Frequent infections
· Blurred vision
· Cuts / bruises that are slow to heal
· Tingling / numbness in the hands and feet
· Recurring skin, gum or bladder infections

There are two primary reasons for Diabetes, 1) A prolonged diet high in carbohydrates and 2) Improper and under nourishment. Today, most people with diabetes are only treating the symptoms and not getting to the root of the problem. Furthermore, most medications given to diabetics are compounding problems instead of getting to the source. The best way to manage Diabetes is to get to the root causes.

Diabetics can help protect themselves by changing their daily routine. Although doctors have stated that there is no cure for diabetes, the following is recommended:

· Exercise
· Reducing sugar consumption
· Improved nutrition
· Nutritional supplementation

A company named Sportron International has developed a “ Diabetic Pack “ that is nutritionally supporting today’s crisis with dramatic results. World renown nutritionist, Dr. W. Alan Tomlinson recently said, “Sportron’s Diabetic Pack is the most advanced nutritional support available and has been scientifically developed to intervene and assist in cases of abnormal sugar metabolism.”

Medical Supply Cases for Insulin and Diabetics

2007-02-27T23:20:00.002-08:00

Medical supply manufacturers are continuously conceptualizing medical supplies needed by people who are in delicate health condition – medical supplies that may enable the patient to lead a life with at least a semblance of normalcy.

Diabetic patients are one of these people who are in delicate health condition. The top medical supply needed by the patient is insulin. Now, with the top four medical supply cases for insulin, patients of diabetes can be sure of keeping their medical supply safe and cool. They can also lounge around everywhere and go anywhere with these medical supply cases without having to constantly worry about the damage to the insulin.

Herein, we give you a review of the top 4 medical supply cases guaranteed to bring convenience for the diabetes patient, secure their insulin medical supply and enable them to go around in style, even with their insulin:

1. FRIO Insulin Cooling Wallet – this is the longest–lasting and most convenient insulin cooler. According to its manufacturer, this medical supply case can keep insulin cool for at least 45 hours. It can be activated by cold water, and no refrigeration is required. This cooling wallet is compact and lightweight. Still, it has a minimal padding and not ideal for rough and tumbled travel.

The FRIO insulin cools with an enclosed crystal gel that is activated by cold water, it is available in five sizes with a pump version in a variety of colors. You carry this medical supply case even in extreme cold or heat. It keeps the insulin at the appropriate temperature for over 15 hours. This medical supply case is a durable insulin storage device that requires minimal effort and provides maximum cooling power. The unit requires only a 15 minute soak in cold water to activate the proprietary cooling gel.

2. MEDport Daily Organizer – this second top insulin medical supply case holds three days worth of diabetes medical supplies. It comes in a compact insulated case about the size of a paperback book. This case is tough for travel and easy to operate because of its rugged construction and ring pull zippers. If a diabetic patient is going for longer trips, the MEDport's travel organizer may be a practical thing to bring along. It holds up to two weeks of insulin and supplies.

3. aDorn Handbag with Supply Clutch – this insulin medical supply case can be appreciated by women taking insulin. This stylish handbag includes a secure, padded compartment designed to carry insulin vials, delivery device, glucose meter, and other diabetic medical supply needs. It can really be declared as a handbag designed to fit a diabetic with a hectic lifestyle. This medical supply case could neatly organize things like lipstick and cellphone together with the insulin medical supply so much so that the patient wouldn’t have to lounge around carrying two different bag or forget about leaving anything behind.

4. Medicol Insulin Protector – this compact medical supply case for insulin is ideal for daily use and trips. This will ensure that your insulin is cool and safe to use, since insulin really should be kept cool and / or refrigerated to ensure its maximum potency. The Medicool Insulin Protector Case keeps insulin cool for up to 16 hours. It has two refreezeable cooler packs. This medical supply case could carry up to two bottles of any brand insulin. It provides pockets for syringes and alcohol swabs with Dupont Cordura® Plus material.

Recognizing Early Symptoms Diabetes

2007-02-27T23:20:00.001-08:00

Early symptoms diabetes

Stay alert in recognizing early symptoms of diabetes. Certain symptoms put you on notice and you'll want to decrease the chance of developing into complications. You'll do yourself a lot of good with early treatment if necessary to maintain optimum health. If you don't have the early symptoms of diabetes looked your risking more than you need too.

Some of the early signs of the diabetic issue are frequent urination, blurry vision, irritability, extreme hunger, excessive thirst, unusual weight loss and increased fatigue. Sometime these show up together so be attentive and sensitive to your how you feel. Unfortunately over 20 + million people now have various forms of the disease. That's almost 25% or 1 out of 4 of our population. Of those one-third don't even know it.

If you are of member of Pacific Islanders, African American, Latino, Native American you'll be a little more cautious since diabetes is more common among these groups. Weight, age, hereditary issues, and lack of exercise are factors. Symptoms are similar in juveniles. Keeping alert about your child certainly is important along with the many other issues that already occupy your mind for their well being.

Type 1 generally is found in child and young adults with heart disease, blindness and kidney damage are of the biggest concerns. Type 2 is the most common where the body doesn't produce enough insulin so the body is able to use up the sugar intake. With the depletion of the food chain, fast foods with highly processed ingredients the problem will continue to grow. All ages are effected and it's scary to find out a person has it.

Although serious, people can certainly live long and happy lives. So spending some time today taking care of yourself is really a great investment. Firm up with some liquid quality vitamins and minerals to keep the immune system strong as possible for as long as possible. Get adequate rest, exercise at least some and try to cut down on the processed foods and turn to fruits and vegetables as well. By having some understanding of early symptoms diabetes you'll just that much better equipped to deal with the issues.

Diabetes Breakthrough Helps Diabetics Fight Back!

2007-02-27T23:18:00.000-08:00

Have you heard about the diabetes breakthrough that lowers blood sugar levels by 30% in 30 days? The all natural Diabetic Pack was developed with Nobel Prize Winning Science. This FoodMatrix biotechnology has a 4 year proven track record of helping take diabetics off insulin and oral medications.

Today, most people with diabetes are only treating the symptoms and not getting to the root of the problem. Furthermore, most medications given to diabetics are compounding problems instead of getting to the source. The best way to manage diabetes is to get to the root causes.

FoodMatrix nutrient biotechnology has been proven in over 80 clinical studies. Even the U.S. California District Court has ruled that FoodMatrix claims are valid.

The reason FoodMatrix works so well, especially for type 2 diabetics, is because it operates at the cellular level and addresses a key problem that every type 2 diabetic has. Your cells simply do not process blood sugar like they should and these nutrients help your body metabolize blood sugar more efficiently.

If you are either type 1 diabetic, type 2 diabetic, or pre-diabetic who is mildly or heavily dependent on insulin or prescription medications, then the FoodMatrix Diabetic Pack is the nutrional support you need.

What You Need To Know About Diabetes

2007-02-23T05:11:00.003-08:00

According to the World Health Organization, a few decades back diabetes was an uncommon disease, in both developed and developing countries. Today, the story is different. It is currently estimated that over 143million people worldwide are affected by the disease. This figure is ever increasing, by 2020 over 220million people are expected to be living with diabetes, if the current trend continues.

In the United States alone, there are 18.2 million people (6.3% of the population) living with diabetes. While another 13million people have been diagnosed with diabetes. Unfortunately, 5.2milion (or nearly one third) are unaware that they have the disease.

The figure for Nigeria is not readily available, but it is estimated that over 1.5million people have diabetes in Nigeria.

In developed countries, most patients of diabetes are over sixty, but in developing countries, diabetes is found to affect people in their prime.

WHAT IS DIABETES?

Diabetes Mellitus (or simply diabetes) is derived from the Greek word ‘Diabeinein’, meaning ‘To pass through’ describing copious urination, and Mellitus from the Latin word meaning ‘Sweetened with honey’. These two words signify sweetened urine or sugar in urine.

Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use Insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed, in the body, to control the rate at which sugar, starch and other food are converted into glucose required as energy for daily life. The hormone is produced and released into the blood by an organ called ‘Pancreas’. This insulin help to maintain the blood glucose level within a normal range. The World Health Organization (WHO) puts this normal range between 60 – 100mg/dl (Before taking any food for the day, hence this value is called Fasting Blood Glucose). In health, despite several demands for glucose in different situations, the blood glucose rarely exceeds this value.

After a meal the liver stores the glucose from the meal as glycogen and releases it into the blood in between meals. The role of insulin is the control of this storage and release of glucose. It ensures that the amount of glucose in the blood at every particular time does not go beyond or below the normal range.

TYPES OF DIABETES.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), five classes of diabetes are recognized, these are; Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (IDDM) or Type I Diabetes, Non Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (NIDDM) or Type II Diabetes, Gestational Diabetes, Diabetes Insipidus and Bronze Diabetes.

INSULIN DEPENDENT/TYPE I DIABETES: This type of diabetes was initially called Juvenile onset diabetes because it affects adolescents and young adults. It is caused by a sudden failure of the pancreas to produce Insulin. It is, therefore, an acute disease, presenting with thirst, polyuria (passing large amount of urine), diuresis and weight loss. Type I diabetes is not common, it accounts for less than 10% of all diabetes cases.

NON-INSULIN DEPENDENT/ TYPE II DIABETES: This is the most prevalent type of diabetes, accounting for more than 80% of all diabetic cases. It is found in adults and the elderly. This type of diabetes develops gradually over a long period of time (unnoticed) and is characterized by insufficient insulin, deficient insulin in the blood or the inability of the body to utilize the insulin resent (Insulin resistance). Because of its slow and gradual occurrence, it is mostly undetected until one or more of its long-term complications appear.

Unlike in Type I Diabetes, the Insulin in the blood of a Type II diabetic may be normal or even high, but lacks the desired effect, due to insulin resistance, and this is prevalent among obese people.

GESTATIONAL DIABETES: This type of diabetes occurs during pregnancy and disappears after delivery, within 3weeks. An estimated 3% of all pregnancies are accompanied by gestational diabetes and almost half of these patients are prone to developing permanent diabetes later in life. WHAT CAUSES DIABETES.

As with hypertension and other non communicable diseases, no clear cut cause(s) can be attributed to the most prevalent type of diabetes (Type II Diabetes, Type I diabetes being secondary to failure of the pancreas). However, some factors are known to increase one’s chances of becoming diabetic and these are called risk factors. For example, indolent and well-fed populations are 2 – 20times more likely to develop type II diabetes than active and lean population of the same race. Some other factors known to increase one chances of getting diabetes include:

OBESITY: It is estimated that three quarter (¾) of all Type II diabetes patient are obese. Indolent and affluent lifestyles tend to contribute to this. It is believed that a 10kg loss of weight can reduce fasting blood sugar level by almost 50md/dl. An active lifestyle with frequent exercise is also known to increase Insulin sensitivity.

The International standard for measuring overweight and obesity is based on a value called BODY MASS INDEX (BMI). This value is derived by dividing the body weight (in Kilograms) by the square of height (in metres).

i.e. BMI = Body weight (Kg) / Height2 (Metres).
Note: 1ft = 0.305metres.

For adults, a BMI less than 25kg/m2 is preferred.

25 – 29kg/m2 is considered overweight and above 30kg/m2 is Obesity.

FAMILY HISTORY: A family history of diabetes increases one’s chances of getting the disease. In such a situation, leading a healthy lifestyle and constant monitoring of one’s blood sugar level becomes very important. AGE AND RACE: Most Type II diabetes patient are over 40yrs at presentation of the disease. However, the proportion of increase in the incidence of this disease with age is higher for those with a family history of diabetes, obese and probably those leading sedentary lifestyles. Moreover, diabetes tends to be more prevalent among Africans, African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans and Asian Americans. Belonging to any of the races is a risk factor in itself.

HISTORY OF GESTATIONAL DIABETES: in a woman also increases her chances/possibility of developing permanent diabetes later in life.

YOU CAN PREVENT/DELAY DIABETES! Diabetes have no permanent cure once it develops, it is managed al through life. But you can prevent ever falling into this life long pain. Before diabetes present in people, it is almost always preceded by a situation called PRE DIABETES. A situation where the blood glucose is higher than normal, but not yet enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. Saddening, however, you cannot know when you fall into this category, if you have not being monitoring your blood glucose regularly.

Pre Diabetes is itself a serious medical situation, though can still be reversed by making changes in diet pattern and increasing physical activity. To determine one’s blood sugar a test called Fasting Blood Glucose has to be conducted. This test measures the amount of glucose (sugar) in one’s blood before taking any meal for the day. It is measured in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl).

A value below 100mg/dl is generally accepted to be normal, while a value greater than 100mg/dl but less than 120mg/dl is not full diabetes yet, so it is regarded as Pre diabetes. An individual with a pre diabetes blood glucose level need to take urgent steps to reduce his blood glucose or risk life long diabetes.

It should be emphasized, however, that the racial and genetic factors predisposing to diabetes are still beyond human comprehension and control. It makes common sense, therefore, to reduce all human controllable factors to the barest minimum. Most of these factors have to do with social occupational and diet habits.

The following tips can help reduce your diabetes risk:

* Reduce weight. Obesity seems to be the single most significant factor in diabetes. Reducing body weight and fat and maintaining an average body weight is very essential. To this end a body mass index (BMI) less than 25kg/m2 for males and less than 24kg/m2 for females is recommended.

* Increase Physical Activity. It is an established fact that diabetes is more common among people that lead a sedentary affluent lifestyle. Simple dynamic exercises like brisk walking for 30-50mins daily or 3-5times weekly has been shown to be very helpful. Exercise reduces bodyweight and fat, increases functionality of the heart, reduces the chances of diabetes and also boosts emotions and healthy living.

* Cut down or cut out alcohol. Alcoholic intake of more than 2units per day has been shown to adversely affect the body. Alcohol being an addictive drug makes it very difficult to maintain a definite amount of intake for a long time. It is better therefore to strive to cut out alcohol completely.

* Avoid Smoking. Cigarette smoke has been shown to contain several poisonous substances. Cigarette smoking and alcohol have been related to several disease. Stopping smoking will definitely reduce the chances of several other ailments apart from diabetes.

* Lean good eating habits, such as;

* Cut down on fatty food and junks

* Eat more of fish and poultry (without the skin is better).

* Garlic reduces blood pressure cholesterol; add it to your meal plan once in a while.

* Cut the number of eggs you take to 3- 4 weekly (better boiled than fried).

* Reduce salt intake to less than 5.8grams daily.

* Eat more of vegetables and fibre rich food, especially fruits.

* Finally, constantly monitor your fasting blood glucose, as this is the only way to know when you are getting into trouble.

CONCLUSION

Diabetes and Hypertension being so interlinked requires a comprehensive plan of care, and this revolves round one’s dietary habits, social and environmental factors. Several lifestyle changes like regular exercise, maintaining a moderate body weight, reduction of fat intake and high fibre diet all help to live a normal healthy life. These measures are known to increase insulin sensitivity and also reduce blood pressure.

Conclusively, it is very important to create a more health conscious individuals in the populace. A people who practically believe that it is better and cheaper to prevent an illness than to treat it, when it has become stronger. Moreover, preventive health cannot be divorced from regular medical checks, as this two go hand in hand. There is no way to detect several non-communicable diseases without undergoing regular medical checks. The importance of these checks cannot be over emphasized. Be alive to your health. Know your Blood glucose values and live a healthier life free from the pains of diabetes.

Diabetes And The Long Term Dangers

2007-02-23T05:11:00.001-08:00

Diabetes has hidden dangers that begin before diagnosis and continue to worsen if certain steps are not taken to prevent the complications that are the true, “killers” in terms of diabetes.

Statistics show that there are around 18 million diabetics in America, both Type 1 and Type 2. It is amazing how many people, diabetics included, who have no idea what dangers a diabetic faces over their lifetime. A diabetic, all things being equal, lives almost 10 years less than their non-diabetic counterpart on average.

Why do diabetics life shorter life spans than non-diabetics? The answer is both simple and complicated. Simple in explaining in general terms, complicated in the medical sense. Without traveling the complicated route in this article, I will try to give a simple, straight forward answer to the above question. Diabetics live shorter lives than non-diabetics because of diabetic complications.

What Are Diabetic Complications?

Diabetic complications are chronic medical conditions that begin to affect the body of the diabetic. These complications are brought about mostly by a condition the medical community had named, “Advanced Glycation End products” which is simply, “excess sugar” saturating the inside of the cells of the body. This condition also called AGE for short includes coronary artery disease, vascular disease, blindness, kidney disease, retinopathy (blindness) and loss of feeling in the hands and the feet (peripheral neuropathy) among others.

Diabetes in the early stages does not produce symptoms. Unless found during a routine medical exam, it is possible for a diabetic to remain undiagnosed for years. It is during these years that the beginnings of diabetic complications can gain a foothold due excess sugar in the cells (AGE). The statistics show there is the possibility of as many as over 5 million people going about their normal lives while having undiagnosed diabetes.

Are Diabetic Complications A Certainty?

While the current consensus is that the formula for diabetic complications Diabetes + Time = Complications. What this means is there is a much higher potential of a diabetic becoming diagnosed with one or more diabetic complications over time. This is partly due to how well the individual monitors and controls his/her blood sugar.

Drastic rises and falls of blood sugar can be hard on the body and the excess sugar present in the cells create havoc on the different nerves within the body as well as the capillaries, veins, and arteries. The evidence to date show that excellent control of blood sugar and an active lifestyle goes a very long way in preventing and/or slowing down the onset of diabetic complications.

The Different Types Of Diabetes

There are two types of diabetes - Type One and Type Two. Type One attacks children and young adults and is characterized by the pancreas failing to produce insulin which is a hormone that breaks down sugars and starches while converting them into energy. Type Two occurs usually later in an adult’s life and is characterized by the pancreas being unable to produce enough insulin due to several factors, obesity being one of them.

Around 10 percent of diabetics are Type One while the other 90 percent are Type Two. The major difference between the two being that Type One diabetics are completely dependent on insulin and take daily injections while the Type Two’s have both those who require insulin shots while others can rely on oral medication and/or changes in diet and exercise.

The Risk Factors Surrounding Diabetes

There are several risk factors that can push a pre-diabetic into full blown diabetes.

1) being overweight.

2) family history of diabetes,

3) lack of adequate exercise.

4) history of gestational diabetes (occurs during pregnancy and usually disappears after delivery).

5) certain ethnic groups

People over 45 years of age and has one or several of the risk factors mentioned above should be screened for diabetes each year, preferably during an annual medical exam. It has been shown that people with these risk factors comprise the majority of diagnosed cases of diabetes each year.

What Tests Help Diagnose Diabetes Cases?

There are two, main tests used for determining whether or not a person has a glucose intolerance:

1) Fasting Plasma Glucose Test

2) Oral Glucose Tolerance Test

Both of these tests can determine glucose intolerance which is where blood sugar is higher than what is considered normal. This is not always an indication of diabetes however.

Can The Onset Of Diabetes Be Prevented?

People with the above risk factors can go a long way toward preventing the development of full-blown diabetes by making significant lifestyle change. What are lifestyle changes? Changing unhealthy diets to more blood sugar friendly ones, doing enough exercise to help offset increased blood sugar levels and keep the body healthy and losing weight especially if considered obese by the medical community.

If you are pre-diabetic you need to stay on a strict diabetic diet. Ask your healthcare professional for a diet that meets that criteria and limit cakes, candy, cookies, and other things made of simple sugars. Eat small, nutritious meals and eat 5 times a day instead of only three.

If you are already diagnosed with full-blown diabetes, you should follow the same diet while under the meticulous care of your healthcare professional. Keep your cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar within proper limits and have your eyes checked every year.

Diabetes can contribute to blindness, kidney disease and heart disease. Complications caused nearly 70,000 deaths in 2000.

What Can The Diabetic Look Forward To?

Diabetic complications can be prevented or lessened for a longer time period by paying serious attention to lifestyle. A diabetic who eats right, keeps his blood sugar in control and within accepted limits, exercises and gets proper rest can expect to have a quality of life that is much higher in terms of the pain and suffering that diabetic complications brings into the lives of diabetics who do nothing to change their lifestyle.

What begins to occur in the diabetic who starts to develop complications because of uncontrolled blood sugars over time is a life filled with the possibility of becoming an invalid, either blind, an amputee, or suffering renal failure or a heart attack.

The above paints a rather grim picture if lifestyle changes are not adhered to. Research has shown that the diabetic that keeps their blood sugar within acceptable limits and follows a healthy, diabetic lifestyle that has been shown to be effective against diabetic complications stands a much better chance of not developing many of the complications their less than dedicated counterparts do.

There is a new derivative of thiamine (Vitamin B1) available now that is showing great promise in greatly reducing the excess sugar in the cells of the diabetic, the process known as Advanced Glycation Endproducts (AGE).

Is Benfotiamine Effective Against Diabetic Complications?

Benfotiamine is a lipid soluble derivative of thiamine. Japanese researchers developed benfotiamine in the 1950’s and later patented it in the United States in 1962. No one in the US medical community paid much attention to it at the time. For the past 12 years in Europe it has been used for neuropathy, retinopathy and other uses.

The chemical name and formula for benfotiamine is: S-benzoylthiamine-O-monophosphate (C19H23N4O6PS). It wasn’t until a group of researchers in New York at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University released the results of their research in 2003 in Nature Medicine Magazine did the rest of the world begin to take a look at this substance.

Benfotiamine is unique and was reported by Michael Brownlee, M.D., as showing much promise in preventing nerve and blood-vessel damage in diabetics. Every diagnosed diabetic has been told by his/her healthcare provider that diabetic complications are the true killers in terms of diabetes.

If you are a diabetic or know a diabetic, you may find additional information about benfotiamine and view research that has been recently conducted showing the benefits of preventing diabetic complications by following the link to the website below.

Cure Diabetes: Calling For Double Trouble

2007-02-23T05:10:00.003-08:00

Diabetes!!!

Open your eyes to the catastrophic effects of Diabetes. The mere thought of Diabetes brings so many questions and fears into our mind .Few people realize that thorough understanding and knowledge about diabetes can help tremendously in effective long term management. Diabetes is actually deficiency of Insulin(A Hormone secreted by small gland called Pancreas) which converts sugar into energy) or the low ability of the body to use insulin. Thus glucose levels in blood tend to remain persistently raised. Diabetes is responsible for development of various complications later in life. Diabetes welcomes Heart Diseases too like heart attacks and strokes (Double Trouble). Alone in US, more than 16 million people are suffering from Diabetes. People who are suffering from Diabetes are at more risk to Heart problems and Kidney Failures. Diabetes and its side effect occur among people of all ages.

What actually happens?

With the lack of Insulin in the body, glucose and fats are not converted into energy and they remain as it is the Bloodstream and with time contribute to Health diseases.

You can be Diabetes victim due to following reasons

a) Obesity definitely leads to Diabetes .

b) Individuals with impaired glucose tolerance or have high fat content in their blood

c) It can get transferred to you through your parents or ancestors.

d) Women who deliver babies weighing more than 9 pounds are susceptible to Diabetes.

e) Certain ethnic groups are more prone to Diabetes. Eg Mexican, Puerto Rican Americans and Cuban Americans can easily develop Diabetes.

Signs of Diabetes!!

a) Weakness and Fatigue

b) Frequent Thirst and urination

c) Quick loss of weight

d) Feeling hungry

e) Blurring of vision

g) frequent infections

h) numbness in limbs

Fanning the Flames of the Diabetes Epidemic

2007-02-23T05:10:00.001-08:00

It is my pleasure to introduce to you, a new Diabetes Prevention Education, Public Relations Campaign established under the name Fannie Estelle Hill Grant, started by me, Lyndia Grant-Briggs, after the loss of my mother who succumbed to Type 2 Diabetes on Christmas Day, December 25, 2000. I noticed a fire burning in the Diabetes health arena, and it is still burning out of control. The diabetes prevention and education public relations campaign was started in an effort, to "Fan the Flames", and put out the fire.

Fannie Grant was 73 years old, a homemaker, who loved her family very much, and she believed in preparing wonderful home-cooked meals for the family. You name it, and we had it. We would have desserts any day of the week. Mama enjoyed cooking, cleaning and washing clothes, and although she raised nine children of her own, she always had room for other needy children.

In our early years, from 1945-1965, Mother was the wife of a sharecropper in North Carolina, but they moved the family to Washington, D.C. in 1965. So for more than 30 years, Mother Grant, our father and all of us children called the Washington Metropolitan Area home.

Our family learned that Mother had Type 2 Diabetes after a major stroke she had back in 1988-89. She lived 11-12 years after the diagnosis. Lyndia and her Sisters, (The Grant Sisters) pledged to begin the educational prevention campaign while they visited with and/or cared for their mother during her last year of life.

After moving back home to North Carolina, Mother Grant enjoyed her latter years in a very peaceful way. Us children purchased her a new home, took over all of the mortgage payments, and she was happy. Mother Grant enjoyed living on this wonderful 227-acre farm, near Kinston, North Carolina. She was one of the heirs to this wonderful farm left to her family by their father, and my grandfather, Floyd Hill.

She enjoyed walking around the farm, following my father, Bishop Benjamin Grant, around the garden as he worked. She enjoyed shopping with her sisters going to yard sales. Shopping gave her considerable joy near the end of her life.

Mother suffered numerous strokes, seven to ten to be specific. During one stoke, she lost the use of her tongue and couldn't speak at all. Mother Fannie's kidney failed, she was receiving kidney dialysis for the last two years of her life, she had high blood pressure for many years, and both of her legs were amputated above her knees.

The Problem

We wanted to know more about the disease that took our mother in such a brutal fashion. There was so much pain and suffering prior to her death. Mother Grant was a Christian, she was an Evangelist who preached the gospel in churches throughout the Washington D.C. Area, and everyone loved her and called her Ma.

Our mother was very special, and as her oldest daughter, I promised to carry out a public awareness campaign, to educate millions of people regarding the causes and preventions of Type 2 Diabetes. In educating the general public, I feel a lot better, because my mother's living shall not be in vain. My sisters and I have been blessed over the past 20 years, we've had lots of success in publicizing several major events, we coordinated a major festival, called Georgia Avenue Day in Washington, D.C. The festival and parade attracted more than 200,000 people, major corporate sponsors and celebrities. We worked for two Presidential Inaugural Committees, one was for the Republicans, George Herbert Walker Bush and for other for the Democrats, President Bill Clinton, for two D.C. Mayors, Marion Barry and Sharon Pratt Kelly, and three D.C. City Councilmembers, Charlene Drew Jarvis, Frank Smith and Eyde Whittington. Another major achievement was an appointment that I received as project director by Councilman Frank Smith, to erect the Spirit of Freedom Memorial, a new national African American Civil War Memorial located in Washington, D.C. This monument pays tribute to 209,145 United States Colored Troops who fought in the American Civil War.

As you can see, Mother Grant passed down some strong self-worth values. She taught us that we can do anything that we want, and that we can be the best at whatever we choose. The business of public relations is "in my blood." There was no way that I could see the devastation caused by Diabetes and understand this disease, and do nothing about it. I wanted to know "what happened to Mother, how did this happen, could we have done something differently, if only we had known that an improved diet and regular physical exercise could have made a difference."

I know that I've been chosen to get the word out regarding this disease that's burning "out of control" in the African American community. It has been extremely hard to continue to live without our Mother, but in sharing this information with others, it gives me some relief from my grief.

So, what exactly is Diabetes? Diabetes mellitus is a group of diseases characterized by high levels of blood glucose. It results from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both. Diabetes can be associated with serious complications and premature death, but people with diabetes can take measures to reduce the likelihood of such, according to recent studies found by the National Institute of Health. Some researchers believe that African Americans, (Hispanic Americans, Asian Americans, and Pacific Islanders were also included in the study) inherited a "thrifty gene" from their African ancestors. Years ago, this gene enabled Africans, during "feast and famine" cycles, to use food energy more efficiently when food was scarce. Today, with fewer such cycles, the thrifty gene that developed for survival may instead make the person more susceptible to developing type 2 diabetes.

The problem dates back to the beginning of the slave trade, documented as beginning in 1790, and for those enslaved ones, food was still scarce, thus the "thrifty genes" protected them. If you research the documentations found on record at the National Archives and Records Administration, slaves received rations. It really doesn't matter what the diets were of African people hundreds of years ago, as they roamed around freely on the African continent, in townships like Johannesburg, Freetown, Rwanda, Sudan, South African and Sierre Leone. What does matter is the fact that those Africans who managed to survive the slave trade here in America, arrived on the shores very strong. The majority of them worked in the fields from sun-up to sundown, six days per week, and in many cases, seven days/week. Slaves ate scraps, like hog mauls, chitterlings, pigtails, pig feet, pig ears, and they drank milk from a trough along side other animals.

African people became Americanized, they were no longer in their homeland, so to live, they had to eat whatever was made available to them, they were fed last, after the horses and the pigs had been taken care of, whatever was left was given to those enslaved people -- scraps, left-overs, garbage. In an effort to create a delicious meal, the women worked at creating recipes that they could all enjoy. They loved collard greens with fat back meat, and learned to bake sweet potato pies, cleaned chitterlings and made them into a delicacy to be eaten on special occasions. They made pots of beans seasoned with ham hocks, or pigtails, and they seasoned with pork.

They made home-made biscuits from self-rising, white flour and lard, and they learned to make hush puppies, candied yams, lots of potatoes, and they ate plenty corn bread, so even until this day, African people who became African Americans beginning in the late 1700's, had a very different diet than Euro-Americans. Even though this wasn't a "good" and "healthy" diet for the slaves, they ate it, they enjoyed it, and they were able to sustain themselves easily. They worked so very hard in the fields 12-16 hours a day. But of course, since they had the so-called "thrifty genes" which allowed their bodies to preserve food in an appropriate manner, when food was scarce, seems that was probably a good thing, since the enslaved didn't always have ample food supplies.

There is a bright side to this though, as they worked, they were receiving strenuous daily exercise, which kept them healthy. It really didn't matter what the slaves ate, because what they ate, in today's standard would have fattened them too, but it didn't, because they burned it off every day out in the fields working. It was a vicious cycle. They ate, and they worked off the carbohydrates. They ate and they worked off more carbohydrates, and they didn't die from diseases back then, as they do today, diabetes or cancer, and don't think that their bowels didn't move regularly as well, thus eliminating all of the colon cancer, they eliminated the toxins from their bodies through sweat and perspiration. They may have been tired, but they had healthy bodies. So all of these diseases that are out of control today, like Diabetes came along later due to the many lifestyle changes of Americans.

Let us all learn a very important lesson from this bit of history: According to all legislations and laws today, African Americans can Be whatever they want to be, they can Do whatever they are capable of doing, and they can Have whatever they can manage to work hard enough to achieve. We know that this is a true statement, when you look around and you see such role models as Oprah Winfrey, the queen of talk shows, Bill Cosby, Michael Jordan, we have had several black Miss America's, including the current reigning queen, we have Tiger Woods, the best golfer of all times and The Williams Sisters, who have broken all records. The list goes on and on. Today, we live in fabulous homes; our children can now go to college, (sidebar: yet we have more African American men in prison today, over 900,000 than we have in college today, only 600,000, that's another article.)

The trouble with this whole thing is, African Americans continue to enjoy many of the delicious foods handed down to us by our ancestors, our diets haven't changed very much, but we've forgotten one very important ingredient, our ancestors worked 12-16 hour days, performing physical labor. They received the necessary exercise daily, therefore, they didn't get sick with diabetes, and all of the fat was burned off in blood, sweat and tears.

Today, in order for us to get proper exercise, we must plan to have physical exercise at least 30 minutes daily, one-hour is preferable, but no less than 30 minutes. That's not a lot, compared to the amount of time our forefathers worked, but according to studies done by the National Institute of Diabetes & Digestive & Kidney Diseases, the little time we manage to put in, while exercising for 30 minutes, 3-4 days/week can prevent the occurrence of Diabetes.

Today, we continue in the tradition of eating our "soul food" diets, very much the same as we did 200 years ago, except today, most of us don't use lard, and we can eat all we want. We've graduated to vegetable oils like Crisco and other vegetable oils. (Olive Oils are better for us, less cholesterol). Families today still enjoy foods, which include far too many carbohydrates like macaroni and cheese, desserts, and lots of bread. We have enjoyed these foods for hundreds of years, but now, we sit at computers, walk out to our cars, drive everywhere, including to the grocery stores, we don't have to walk to school for miles any longer, we can ride the school buses, and exercise has all but been eliminated. America is overwhelmingly FAT, even our children in many cases are overweight and/or obese.

It's a simple problem, bad diets that includes too much junk food from fast food restaurants, and a lack of strenuous exercise. How many times have you pigged out, after a hard day, then, you fell asleep? That food is fattening you up, just the way that it does for newborn babies. Remember how babies eat and sleep, and soon, you notice their little legs beginning to get a little meat on their bones. But you can almost look at them grow and gain weight. But they are still babies, and that's what they need, nutrition to grow.

For adults though, it's a different story, we have already grown up, and all we can do now is grow OUT!!! We just keep getting BIGGER and BIGGER and BIGGER! We look bad to ourselves and to others, we can't fit into our nice clothing, we have to keep buying fat clothes. And worst of all, our hearts cannot stand this, and neither can the rest of our organs. (I give a speech entitled "Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled" - How to have a healthy mind, body & spirit). It's no wonder that our starvation genes are reacting the way that they have, this so-called "thrifty gene" that is found in African Americans seems to store even more of this foreign food that we continue to ingest into our bodies. We came from strong, lean backgrounds, Africa has never been a "fat" nation, but as African Americans, we have Americanized our bodies so badly, that our health problems are out-of-control!

If you take a look at the stats provided by the National Institute of Health, Today, diabetes mellitus is one of the most serious health challenges facing the United States. The following statistics illustrate the magnitude of this disease among African Americans.

2.8 million African Americans have diabetes.
On average, African Americans are twice as likely to have diabetes as white Americans of similar age.
Approximately 13 percent of all African Americans have diabetes.
African Americans with diabetes are more likely to develop diabetes complications and experience greater disability from the complications than white Americans with diabetes.
Death rates for people with diabetes are 27 percent higher for African Americans compared with whites
National health surveys during the past 35 years show that the percentage of the African American population that has been diagnosed with diabetes is increasing dramatically. The surveys in 1976-80 and in 1988-94 measured fasting plasma glucose and thus allowed an assessment of the prevalence of undiagnosed diabetes as well as of previously diagnosed diabetes. In 1976-80, total diabetes prevalence in African Americans ages 40 to 74 years was 8.9 percent; in 1988-94, total prevalence had increased to 18.2 percent--a doubling of the rate in just 12 years.
Prevalence in African Americans is much higher than in white Americans. Among those ages 40 to 74 years in the 1988-94 survey, the rate was 11.2 percent for whites, but was 18.2 percent for African Americans
Regular physical activity is a protective factor against type 2 diabetes and, conversely, lack of physical activity is a risk factor for developing diabetes. Researchers suspect that a lack of exercise is one factor contributing to the high rates of diabetes in African Americans. In the NHANES III survey, 50 percent of African American men and 67 percent of African American women reported that they participated in little or no leisure time physical activity.

Conclusion

In furthering the causes of this Diabetes Educational Prevention Campaign, the first order of business has been to make my very own Lifestyle Change. My Mother was buried on December 30th, 2000. When I returned home to Silver Spring, Maryland, it took a few months before I could go on, the grief period was extremely hard, but the first order of business, was to begin a regular exercise routine. Walking became my exercise of choice -- two to four miles three to four days each week. Some weeks I walked, and continue to walk, five days, even six days a week, and recently, I've added "walking up and down the stairs in five minute increments, for 12-15 minutes. There is an extreme difference in the way that I look and feel. The pounds and inches have been steadily coming off.

I've changed my diet. I'm now drinking green mineral drinks each morning, (you can buy green drinks at organic stores); and I'm no longer eating white bread. In fact I don't eat very much bread at all, but when I do, it is whole grain or wheat bread, brown rice, more fresh fruits and green leafy vegetables. I enjoy using my juice machine for fresh green spinach and carrot drinks.

Recently, I found myself with excellent health results from my physical examination. My cholesterol level was low, at 126, and my glucose levels were average. My blood pressure was 120/80, which is fine for me, and I feel wonderful too. There is one area that I'm still working on, and that is my Ideal Body Mass, IBM. I'm still overweight, but I've lost 30 lbs., and still counting.

If you are reading this article, and you're at risk for Type 2 Diabetes, consider making a major Lifestyle Change. It's very simple: 1-Change your diet, eliminate most of the carbohydrates from your diet; 2-Exercise regularly for the rest of your life, and 3-Get rid of the extra pounds, work toward maintaining your ideal body weight. If you make this promise to yourself, to change your life, you will be "Fanning the Flames of the Diabetes Epidemic in America," and soon the fire will be put out, but it will take millions of people to join this fight. Won't you begin today? You don't have to get Diabetes, it can be prevented, you don't have to lose one limb to this vicious disease, nor do you have to lose your kidney. Change your life, and enjoy your Thanksgiving Dinner - with all of the trimmings, but the next day, get back to the business of getting fit and staying healthy.

Diabetes: African Americans Deadly Foe

2007-02-23T05:08:00.000-08:00

Diabetes is having a devastating effect on the African American community. Diabetes is the fifth leading cause of death in African Americans and their death rates are twenty seven percent higher than whites.

Over 2.8 million African Americans have diabetes and one third of them don’t know they have the disease. In addition, twenty five percent of African Americans between the ages of 65 – 74 have diabetes and one in four African American women, over the age of 55, have been diagnosed with the disease

The cause of diabetes is a mystery, but researchers believe that both genetics and environmental factors play roles in who will develop the disease.

Heredity

Researchers believe that African Americans and African Immigrants are predisposed to developing diabetes. Research suggests that African Americans and recent African immigrants have inherited a "thrifty gene" from their African ancestors.

This gene may have enabled Africans to use food energy more efficiently during cycles of feast and famine. Now, with fewer cycles of feast and famine, this gene may make weight control more difficult for African Americans and African Immigrants.

This genetic predisposition, coupled with impaired glucose tolerance, is often associated with the genetic tendency toward high blood pressure. People with impaired glucose tolerance have higher than normal blood glucose levels and are at a higher risk for developing diabetes.

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes, commonly know as “sugar diabetes”, is a condition that occurs when the body is unable to properly produce or use insulin. Insulin is needed by the body to process sugar, starches and other foods into energy. Diabetes is a chronic condition for which there is no known cure; diabetes is a serious disease and should not be ignored.

Diabetics often suffer from low glucose levels (sugar) in their blood. Low blood sugar levels can make you disorientated, dizzy, sweaty, hungry, have headaches, have sudden mood swings, have difficulty paying attention, or have tingling sensations around the mouth.

Types of Diabetes

Pre-diabetes is a condition that occurs when a person's blood glucose levels is higher than normal but not high enough for a diagnosis of type II diabetes. Pre-diabetes can cause damage to the heart and circulatory system, but pre-diabetes can often be controlled by controlling blood glucose levels. By controlling pre-diabetes you can often prevent or delay the onset of Type II diabetes.

Type I or juvenile-onset diabetes usually strikes people under the age of 20, but can strike at any age. Five to ten percent of African Americans who are diagnosed with diabetes are diagnosed with this type of the disease. Type I diabetes is an autoimmune disease where the body produces little or no insulin and this type of diabetes must be treated with daily insulin injections.

Type II or adult onset diabetes is responsible for ninety to ninety-five percent of diagnosed diabetes cases in African Americans. Type II results from a condition where the body fails to properly use insulin. According to the American Diabetes Association, “Type II is usually found in people over 45, who have diabetes in their family, who are overweight, who don't exercise and who have cholesterol problems.” In the early stages it can often be controlled with lifestyle changes, but in the later stages diabetic pills or insulin injections are often needed.

Pregnancy related diabetes or gestational diabetes can occur in pregnant women. Gestational diabetes is often associated with high glucose blood levels or hyperglycemia. Gestational diabetes affects about four percent of all pregnant women. The disease usually goes away after delivery, but women who suffer from gestational diabetes are at a higher risk for developing diabetes later in life.

Symptoms of Diabetes

The most common symptoms of diabetes include:

excessive urination including frequent trips to the bathroom
increased thirst
increased appetite
blurred vision
unusual weight loss
increased fatigue
irritability

Complications from Diabetes

Diabetes can lead to many disabling and life threatening complications. Strokes, blindness, kidney failure, heart disease, and amputations are common complications that effect African Americans who have diabetes

Kidney Disease

“Diabetes is the second leading cause of end stage kidney disease in African Americans, accounting for about thirty percent of the new cases each year,” says the National Kidney Foundation of Illinois. Up to twenty-one percent of people who develop diabetes will develop kidney disease.

Amputations

Diabetes is the leading cause of non-traumatic lower-limb amputations in the United States. More than sixty percent of non-traumatic lower-limb amputations in America occur among people with diabetes and African Americans are almost three times more likely to have a lower limb amputated due to diabetes than whites. According to Center for Disease Control (CDC), about 82,000 non-traumatic lower-limb amputations were performed among people with diabetes in 2001.

Blindness

African Americans are twice as likely to suffer from diabetes related blindness. Diabetics can develop a condition called “Diabetic Retinopathy”, a disease affecting the blood vessels of the eye, which can lead to impaired vision and blindness. Diabetes is the leading cause of new cases of blindness in people from 20 – 74 years of age and up to 24,000 people loose their sight each year because of diabetes.

Heart Disease

People with diabetes are up to four times more likely to develop heart disease as people who don’t have diabetes. Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) is more common in diabetics and can lead to increased risk of heart attacks, stroke, and poor circulation throughout the body.

Diabetes Risk Factors

You have a greater risk for developing diabetes if you have any of the following:

Obesity
Family history of diabetes
Pre-diabetes
Low physical activity
Age greater than 45 years
High blood pressure
High blood levels of triglycerides
HDL cholesterol of less than 35

Previous diabetes during pregnancy or baby weighing more than 9 pounds

Diabetes has had a devastating effect on the African American community; it is the fifth leading cause of death and second leading cause of end stage kidney disease in African Americans.

African Americans suffer from complications from diabetes at a much higher rate than the rest of the population. African Americans are three times more likely to have a lower limb amputated because of diabetes and twice as likely to suffer from diabetes related blindness.

If you have any of the diabetes risk factors you should contact your physician and have a blood glucose test. Also discuss with your physician lifestyle changes you can take to lower your chances of developing diabetes.

Build Health: Want To Prevent Diabetes?

2007-02-14T22:34:00.001-08:00

To prevent diabetes you will get a real jolt when you follow the prescription offered up in the “Journal of the American Medical Association.”

This ‘prestigious’ organization reported on separate studies of coffee drinkers in Sweden and Finland.

Whiz-bang medical researchers discovered that women could decrease their risk of diabetes by 29 percent when they followed a regimen of drinking three to four cups of coffee a day.

The ladies who had the fortitude to drink 10 or more cups of coffee a day fared even better. They reduced their risk of diabetes by 79 percent.

The men participating in the studies also reduced their risk, but not to the extent as did the women.

When men drank three to four cups a day, they reduced their risk of diabetes by 27 percent. The men who drank 10 or more cups of java per day reduced their risk by 55 percent.

These results confirm a January report by the equally ‘prestigious’ Harvard School of Public Health. That report concluded that drinking six 8-ounce cups of coffee a day could reduce diabetes risk in men by about 50 percent and in women by 30 percent.

If the numbers have any connection to reality, the more coffee you drink, the better off you are. And that is the rub.

The numbers have nothing to do with reality, nothing to do with the truth.

Here in America the rate of adult-onset diabetes, or Type 2 diabetes, is growing incrementally. Nowadays it typically shows up in middle-age populations, but the disease is on the rise among ever-younger age groups.

Do not step up your coffee consumption in the belief it will help you prevent diabetes. This disease has absolutely nothing to do with a lack of coffee drinking.

Science and truth are not synonymous. Medical scientists do not deal with truth. The medical scientists who monkey around with coffee drinking merely play with limited and approximate descriptions of reality. In this case, extremely limited and hardly approximate.

If you are serious about preventing diabetes, you have to look at the differences between the people of the past who did not get diabetes, and the people of today who get diabetes. This entails more than merely harping on the fact the younger generation is becoming more overweight and less active.

We have plenty of newly discovered diabetics who are active and on the thin side—and they drink lots of coffee.

The primary difference between the people of the past who did not get sick and die like we do, and the present lot who become diabetics, is poor nutritional status.

The diabetic-in-process has an inadequate intake of nutrients and/or excessive intake of nutrient-poor foods. Conversely, his/her healthy ancestors had a nutrient-dense diet.

The nutrient-dense diet of the past contained, minimally, four times the amount of minerals, and ten times the amount of fat-soluble vitamins found in the American diet of the late 1930’s and early 1940’s.

Folks who learn where health comes from and practice prevention won’t become diabetic, and will not need the medical community dosing them with coffee, or any other magic bullet.

Locating Diabetic Supplies to Manage Diabetes

2007-02-14T22:33:00.003-08:00

In the United States there are around 17 million people with diabetes. Each of these people need certain Diabetic Supplies. While this may not seem like a huge number it does afflict around 6% of the population.

When a person’s body cannot produce enough insulin the effect is diagnosed as diabetes. A sobering fact about diabetes is that there are many people who have the illness but are unaware of the fact.

Often diabetes is undiagnosed because the symptoms appear to be harmless, but the effects of the illness can be very serious. Without the proper Diabetic Supplies to control their diabetes, the heart, eyes, feet and kidneys can all be impacted by untreated diabetes.

Today many people who have been diagnosed as diabetic are able to manage their glucose levels by utilizing some of the Diabetic Supplies available.

Glucometers and other home-use analyzing tools are now in common use and can be purchased at reasonable prices.

Exercise, weight control and diet are all foundation stones to use in living a healthy life style.

Just Say NO to an 1800 Diabetic Diet

2007-02-14T22:33:00.001-08:00

It’s been a year, and 85 blubbery pounds less, since I was diagnosed with diabetes Type2. The news was especially scary because my mother died of diabetic complications 3 years after diagnosis- the SAME AGE AS ME! EEEK!

The day I was diagnosed, my doctor handed me a glucometer, an 1800-calorie diabetic diet and a handful of prescriptions, mumbling something about being sorry and I should watch after my health better. WHAT!!! I had been on every low-fat diet and was down to eating like an anorexic bird. The injustice of the whole thing was just WRONG.

Over the years, as other fatties joined food addiction support groups, shamefully admitting to secret outings to fast food drive-up windows in the middle of the night and weekends spent with cartons of Haggendaz, I was frigging STARVING!!!

The 1800 calorie diet was AWFUL. I was constantly hungry. The medicine made me run to the bathroom every hour, leaving me even hungrier. I was dizzy from the blood pressure medicine and the tips of my fingers were bruised and tender from blood sugar checks. This was not the way I wanted to live. I now understood why my mother seemed so resigned in the end to inevitable death. Having diabetes was no fun.

I knew the low fat thing didn’t work. A few people at work had some success with Atkins, so I tried it. Although I lost weight, my blood sugar plummeted, leaving me light-headed and spacey. So I decided to modify it. I started with 50 carbs, same problem. 100 carbs a day still resulted in occasional low blood sugars, depending on the day. It seemed related to the type of carb, how much stress and sleep I’d had and how much physical exercise. It was a high-wire act everyday, but I finally found the carb intake that was right for me (100-160).

It’s been a year now and I’ve lost 85 lbs and feel GREAT! No more diabetic or blood pressure meds either! And my blood sugars are PERFECT! My cholesterol and blood pressure are all completely normal. My lab works show absolutely no abnormalities. A farrrr cry from where I was a year ago- elevated liver function tests and all.

I’d like to share with you some new research cited in the Online Nutrition Journal (2004). Have you ever wondered if all calories are the same? How do people on low-carb diets lose weight despite what looks like an increase in calorie consumption? In fact, 10 studies HAVE shown low carb diets can lead to greater weight loss than low calorie/ low-fat diets. This violates everything we now know about how calories are burned, also known as the LAW OF THERMODYNAMICS. This law basically says a calorie is a calorie. If you eat too many you’ll get fat and if you eat fewer than you burn, you’ll lose weight.

Studies show dieters on a low-carb diet have a metabolic advantage and actually LOSE MORE WEIGHT! Scientists are still studying this phenomenon, but speculate it may be due to the heat generated in processing certain foods. Of the 3 groups studied, the low-carb dieters lost more weight than the low-fat dieters. Even when they deliberately ate 300 extra calories, the low-carbers lost more than the low-fatters. The researchers suggest our bodies may be like cars that burn more efficiently on high-octane gas than low-grade gas.

The low-carb way of eating is not just a fad diet. People wouldn't keep doing it if it didn't work. It worked for me, it has worked for others and it can work for you.

Diabetes and its Management

2007-02-14T22:32:00.000-08:00

Diabetes Mellitus is one of the most costly burdensome chronic diseases of our time and is condition that is increasing in epidemic population in the whole world. The complications resulting from the diseases are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality and are associated with failure of various organs such as the eyes, kidneys and nerves. Diabetics are also at a significantly higher risk for coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease and stroke and they have a greater likelihood of having hypertension dyslipidemia and obesity.

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a serious disorder of the glands, of pancreas to be exact, called Madhumeha in Ayurveda. It is one of the most insidious disorders of the metabolism and, if left undiagnosed, may lead to rapid emaciation and ultimately death.

What are the types of Diabetes?

According to Ayurveda Diabetes is of two types: Diabetes Mellitus- Insulin dependent Juvenile Diabetes (IDDM-Type I) in which the body is unable to produce insulin and Non Insulin Dependent Adult Onset Diabetes (NIDDM-Type II) in which the pancreas produces insulin, but it is insufficient for reducing the blood glucose to normal levels.

What are the common symptoms of Type- 1 Diabetes?

Some of the common symptoms of Type- 1 Diabetes are:

Excessive Thirst
Frequent urination
Unexplained weight loss
Irritability
Weakness
Fatigue

What are the common symptoms of Type- 2 Diabetes?

Some of the common symptoms of Type- 2 Diabetes are:

Loss off weight
Numbness in hands or feet.
Uncontrolled infections
Pain in the limbs
Inflammatory chest infections
Dimness of vision, contrast
Excessive thirst
Body weakness

What are the different tests for Diabetes?

Urine Test: Some chemicals are added to a few drops of urine. Colour change indicates presence of glucose in urine.

Blood Test: In this, blood is taken to test the glucose level. This is more accurate test to confirm diabetes

Which parts of my body are affected by Diabetes?

Blood Vessels: Higher level of glucose damage the blood vessels. As a result of this most of the diabetic complications occur in blood vessels.

Heart: Diabetes affects the heart by: Increasing the amount of fat in blood and increasing the amount of homocysteine in blood.

Kidney: In diabetes because of increased levels of glucose, kidneys have to do extra work to retain essential substances and separate waste products to produce urine. This affects the small blood vessels and their capacity to filter. After many years of work, it leads to kidney failure.

Eyes: Diabetes affects blood vessels of the eyes. Damage to these blood vessels leads to eye problems like: Damage to retina, Cataract or total loss of vision

Foot: Damage to blood vessels reduces blood flow to the feet and increases risk of developing foot ulcers and infections.

Nerves: High glucose level for a long time damages nerves. Nerve damage reduces sensation in some parts of body which may lead to: Numbness and tingling, Fainting and dizziness

How do I know if my diabetes medicines are working?

Learn to test your blood glucose. Ask your doctor about the best testing tools for you and how often to test. After you test your blood glucose, write down your blood glucose test results. Then ask your doctor teacher if your diabetes medicines are working. A good blood glucose reading before meals is between 70 and 140 mg/dL.

Ask your doctor about how low or how high your blood glucose should get before you take action. For many people, blood glucose is too low below 70 mg/dL and too high above 240 mg/dL.

One other number to know is the result of a blood test your doctor does called the A1C. It shows your blood glucose control during the past 2 to 3 months. For most people, the target for A1C is less than 7 percent.

Home Remedies for Diabetes:

The best remedy for this disease is the bitter gourd, better known as ‘karela’. Eat this vegetable as often as you can or have at least one tablespoon of karela juice daily to reduce blood sugar levels in your blood and urine.

Amla, due to its vitamin C content is effective in controlling diabetes. A tablespoon of its juice, mixed with a cup of fresh bitter-gourd juice, taken daily for two months will secrete the pancreas and enable it to secrete insulin.

Take ten tulsi leaves, ten neem leaves and ten belpatras with a glass of water early morning on an empty stomach. It will work wonders in keeping your sugar levels under control.

The leaves of Butea tree are very useful in diabetes. They reduce blood sugar and are useful in glycousia.

Take two teaspoons of powdered Fenugreek seeds with milk. Two teaspoons of the seeds can also be swallowed whole, daily.

If You Have Diabetes, You May Be Entitled To No Cost Diabetic Supplies

2007-02-14T22:29:00.000-08:00

This article is intended to inform people with diabetes in regards to their diabetic supplies. When I found out that my sister was diagnosed with the disease I started to research more and came across some useful information that might be helpful to others.

Diabetes is the country*s sixth leading cause of death by disease. As you may know it is the leading cause of blindness, kidney disease, heart disease and amputations. Diabetes claims the lives of more than 193,000 Americans each year. Approximately 18.2 million Americans have diabetes, but one-third of those are undiagnosed. And many people that do have diabetes pay for their diabetes supplies. If you have insurance and live in the United States, you may be eligible.

As of May 2004, forty-six states have some type of laws requiring health insurance coverage to include treatment for diabetes. The states not included are Alabama, Idaho, North Dakota and Ohio.

As of 2002, two states, Georgia and Wisconsin passed an expansion of current coverage requirements. In 2003 Hawaii adopted a resolution to clarify its mandate of diabetes education coverage. No new laws were passed during the first four months of 2004.

About 17 million Americans have diabetes today, including about 16 million with Type 2. In addition, at least 16 million more Americans have pre-diabetes -- a condition that raises a person*s risk of getting type 2 diabetes. However, a diagnosis of pre-diabetes does not mean that diabetes is inevitable, and the new campaign aims at encouraging people to take modest steps that will reduce their risks. Nationally, diabetes has increased nearly 50 percent in the past 10 years alone, according to CDC estimates.

It is good news that more states are passing laws to further expand health coverage regarding diabetes. If you have diabetes and insurance, most likely you can get your supplies at now cost.

Benfotiamine And Diabetic Retinopathy

2007-02-08T21:45:00.001-08:00

Damage from diabetes can occur in different areas of the eye. It can occur to the cornea, nerves controlling the muscles of the eye, the lens, optic nerve and retina. The retina is the complication that most people and medical professionals think of first in terms of diabetic complications.

Diabetic retinopathy is simply damage to the light sensitive retina. This damage is brought about by hyperglycemia, the medical term for high blood sugar. Retinopathy is directly responsible for approximately 12,000 to 24,000 cases of legal blindness every year in the USA alone. It is reported that there are over 200,000 cases each year globally.

Diabetic complications are even more insidious than these numbers because there are several other types of diabetic eye disease created wholly or in part by high blood sugar in diabetics.

What Can Be Done To Prevent Eye Disease?

It stands to reason that the more informed a person is about a particular situation the better equipped they will be to handle it. Diabetic eye disease is just such a case in point. We need to think of the whole person and not just the eyes when discussing diabetic education because diabetic complications run from eye disease, heart disease, nerve damage, kidney damage, etc. Although benfotiamine has been found useful for all of the above, for the sake of this article in terms of prevention, we will discuss diabetic eye disease in terms of diabetic retinopathy.

Diabetic retinopathy is a disease that every diabetic faces the possibility of suffering from somewhere in the course of their disease. The better patients of diabetes are equipped to handle their disease, the lower their risk that they will develop retinopathy. If retinopathy does develop in a patient who is doing all he/she can do to lessen the impact of blood sugar on their bodies, the better chance that they can live productive lives despite the complications and the slower such complications will progress.

What Works Best?

Unfortunately, there are very few options that are showing much promise for the diabetic in terms of diabetic complications. Benfotiamine has been suggested recently to be a strong deterrent against the development of diabetic retinopathy and also shown to slow its progression significantly if it develops. It is showing great promise in the arena of retinopathy, neuropathy and heart/circulatory conditions brought about by excess sugar in the cells.

Benfotiamine, a lipid soluble derivative of water soluble vitamin B1 (thiamine), has been used for the past 12 years in Europe for the treatment of neuropathy, retinopathy as well as heart and circulatory conditions and has shown no adverse effects.

Much of the current research on benfotiamine can be discovered by typing the term benfotiamine into a search engine such as google, AOL, yahoo, etc.

Conclusion

Diabetic complications are a reality that must be an accepted possibility for every diabetic. Diabetic education is highly necessary so that the diabetic community is able to make informed decisions as to their treatment and prevention methodologies. There are few things that show great promise in preventing and/or helping neuropathy, retinopathy, heart and circulatory problems brought about by diabetes. Keeping blood sugar levels close to normal along with adequate exercise in line with the abilities of each individual has shown to help slow the onset of diabetic complications.

Medicinal Properties of Bitter Melon - Good for Diabetics

2007-02-08T21:44:00.005-08:00

Bitter Melon is the English name of Momordica charantia, a climbing vine whose leaves and green fruits, although bitter, has been used to fight cancer, diabetes and many infectious diseases. It is also a powerful weapon against HIV/AIDS since some reports claim that bitter melon has substance Q. It is one of the most favorite egetables among the Chinese and the most popular herbal tea as well.

The fruits and leaves of bitter melon are a good source of minerals and vitamins, such as iron, calcium, phosphorus and Vitamin B. However, it is not known how much nutritional contents can actually be absorbed by the body's digestive system of the plant become some of these substances exist in unabsorbable form.

Does Bitter Melon have Medicinal Properties?

Yes. Books and articles about bitter melon states that the extract from the leaves or roots shrinks hemorrhoids. The juice from the leaves is also good to prevent and lessen cough, for fever and against roundworms. Reportedly, it is also used to treat sterility in women and alleviate liver problems. Likewise, bitter melon has some antimicrobial activity and can help infected wounds.

However, none of the medicinal uses of bitter melon has been proven scientifically, although they have not been disproved, either. It's just that it has not been studied enough.

Is it true that bitter melon tea and capsules are effective in lowering blood sugar of diabetics?

There is one case where it is proven that it can lower blood sugar levels from people suffering from Type 2 Diabetes. Results of these scientific studies that determine the effect of drinking of bitter melon extract on blood sugar level of Type 2 Diabetes have consistently shown that bitter melon lowers blood sugar level. The effect on blood sugar is due to momordicin, a substance that is also responsible for it's bitter taste.

The effect of the bitter melon leaves lowering blood sugar level among diabetics is evident regardless of how it is prepared - boiled then eaten, in the form of tea, capsule or tablet. But diabetics should be cautioned about replacing their proprietary medicines with bitter melon teas, capsules or tablets. So far, studies were done only on a very limited number of human subjects so bitter melon and diabetes cannot be labeled conclusive.

In fact, no large clinical trial has yet been published on the preparation of Momordica charantia (bitter melon). The manufacturers of bitter melon teas, capsules and tablets themselves are not claiming healing benefits for their products. They market them only as supplements.

Are they really good substitutes fot the anti-diabetic drugs that are available in the market?

Bitter melon should be considered an addition in the treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. It could probably reduce the patients intake of antidiabetic drugs. It should not however, be regarded as a stand-alone medicine.

Also, diabetics who want to try bitter melon need not to spend money on the teas, tablets or capsules. They can cultivate or buy the plant from the market and prepare it themselves.

To prepare bitter melon extract, the following steps should be followed:

1. Wash and finely chop the leaves.

2. Add 6 tablespoons of the chopped leaves in 2 glasses of water.

3. Boil it for 15 min. in an uncovered pot.

4. Cool down and strain.

5. Drink 1/3 cup of it 3x a day.

Have Diabetes, But Enjoy Quality Food? Try Diabetic Recipes!

2007-02-08T21:44:00.003-08:00

Having diabetes certainly limits some of the food you can eat, but with the right diabetic recipes you can still enjoy fine food. Sometimes, it is hard to know what foods are safe for you to eat. For your safety, you and your dietitian should work together to design a meal plan that's right for you and includes foods that you enjoy. A diabetes diet meal plan is a guide that tells you how much and what kinds of food you can choose to eat at meals and snack times. A good meal plan should fit in with your schedule and eating habits.

Keep in mind that while many diabetic recipes are fairly simple and fast to make, some diabetic recipes may be more complex and take longer. The right meal plan will also help keep your weight where it should be. It is important to gather the right diabetic supplies when planning your diabetic recipes. Whether you need to lose weight, gain weight, or stay where you are, your diabetic recipes will be sure to help.

Some tips on finding tasty Diabetic Recipes.

Fortunately, there is almost certainly to be a diabetic recipe of your favorite food. For example, because of the high sugar content of most desserts, many diabetics felt that they would have to give them up. However, there are many diabetic recipes for desserts that will be safe for people with diabetes to eat. There are also many diabetic safe breads, salads, sandwiches, appetizers, and any other food category you can think of. If you have diabetes and don’t want to give up your favorite foods, try a safe diabetic recipes instead such as a diabetic cake recipe, free diabetic recipe or diabetic cookie recipe.

Diabetic Fruits

2007-02-08T21:44:00.001-08:00

Fruit gives you energy, vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

Examples of fruits which are recommended to Diabetics include:

• Bananas

• Apples

• Fruit Juices

• Strawberries

• Raisins

• Oranges

• Mango

• Guava

• Papaya

Basically, for diabetics,One small apple, one-half cup fruit juice, or one-half of a grapefruit all considered one serving of fruit each.

Some of the healthy ways to eat fruits:

• Eat fruits raw or cooked, as juice with no sugar added,canned in their own juice, or dried.

• Buy organic fruits, which are basically nutritious.

• Eat pieces of fruit rather than drinking fruit juice. Pieces of fruit are more filling and fibrous.

• Drink fruit juice in small amounts.

• Save high-sugar and high-fat fruit desserts such as peach cobbler or cherry pie for special occasions.

High in fibre and very low fat, fruit has many health benefits. This makes fruit a recommended source of carbohydrate for everyone but especially diabetics.

If you make your own fruit juice don't filter it, retain the fruit pulp, this is the fibre content of the fruit and it slows the fruit juice's conversion to blood sugar.Fiber is the non-digestible carbohydrate found in plant-based foods. It keeps you feeling full longer, and may also help lower blood sugar and blood fat levels. Choose whole grains and cereals, and eat lots of fruits and veggies, to help you reach a healthy goal of 25 to 35 grams of fiber per day.

Diabetic Frozen Shoulder. An Explanation of The Frozen Shoulder - Diabetes Connection?

2007-02-08T21:41:00.000-08:00

Diabetic frozen shoulder is a major problem. The pain and limited function that it causes can seriously limit the normal activities of day-to-day life. Frozen shoulder is much more common in diabetic patients and this article aims to explore the nature of the Frozen Shoulder – Diabetes connection.

There are many ways that diabetes can affect the muscles and joints. Sugar sticks to the collagen in cells and affects its ability to function. Diabetes can damage blood vessels and a poor blood supply results in scarring and damage in the body's elastic tissues.

We know that some diabetic patients can have problems with changes in the gristle of their hands - and in men, the penis. Most experts think that diabetic frozen shoulder arises for the same reasons

Diabetes is known to affect the shoulder in several ways. Diabetic frozen shoulder seems to be the commonest - with up to 20% of diabetic patients developing frozen shoulder at some time or other.

Calcium spots in the tendons and muscle around the shoulder are also seen more commonly in diabetic patients - this probably relates to the fact that high blood sugars can impair blood flow through small vessels. Tendons are particularly vulnerable to this and respond by depositing calcium. These calcium deposits can sometimes be painless but often cause severe discomfort or limited movement. They usually show up on x-rays.

Slow healing and impaired nerve function are also common in diabetic patients and contribute to the fact that the frozen shoulder pain takes longer to settle than it does in other, non diabetic, patients.

Diabetic patients are much more likely to have problems with their shoulders than others. Insulin dependant diabetics are particularly at risk - with some studies showing that they are six times more likely to develop diabetic frozen shoulder than the rest of the population.

We don’t yet really know why diabetic frozen shoulder problems arise but it seems to relate in part to how well each individual controls their blood sugar levels.

Textbooks tell you that all shoulder complaints are more common in diabetes but in my experience diabetic frozen shoulder is the most troublesome and most frequent. Diabetics not only get frozen shoulder more often than others but it lasts longer and is more painful for them when they do.

Some experts think that shoulder problems in diabetics are so common that they should be regarded as a complication of diabetes and not a coincidental event.

There has been a lot of research recently into the frozen shoulder – diabetes link but it is still rather unclear why diabetic patients get such problems with their shoulders. It seems to relate to the effect that diabetes and a high blood sugar has on the collagen containing cells in the body. Collagen is a protein that is involved in making ligaments, tendons and - of course - joint capsules.

Diabetic frozen shoulder eventually resolves itself in most cases but can cause a major problem with day to day function for those unlucky enough to suffer from it.

Diabetic Neuropathy

2007-01-30T21:53:00.001-08:00

Diabetic Neuropathy, a nerve disorder caused by diabetes, is characterized by a loss or reduction of sensation in the feet, and in some cases the hands, and pain and weakness in the feet. The symptoms of diabetic neuropathy vary. Numbness and tingling in feet are often the first sign. Some people notice no symptoms, while others are severely disabled. Neuropathy may cause both pain and insensitivity to pain in the same person. Conventional medicine offers little in the prevention or treatment of diabetic neuropathy, yet there is a great deal of information available which shows that the proper usage of dietary supplements can be of significant benefit.

Diabetes is associated with a fatty acid imbalance. In experimental models, essential fatty acid desaturation contributes to reductions in peripheral nerve conduction velocity and blood flow. This fatty acid imbalance may be corrected by dietary supplements that contain gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), such as borage oil.

Nerve conduction and perfusion deficits in diabetics have been corrected by a combination of antioxidant and gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) supplements.

Deficient and toxic neuropathies can be alleviated by improving lifestyle and dietary factors. The following combinations of nutritional supplements might be particularly effective:

1. Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), Fish oil concentrate, and Ascorbyl palmitate offer a potential synergistic approach to correcting a fatty acid imbalance by enhancing blood flow to the nerves, and protecting against free radicals.

2. Vitamin B12 in the form of methylcobalamin, taken in lozenge form along with folic acid has been shown to correct many neurological diseases, including neuropathy.

3. Protect against free radicals and enhance neuronal energy metabolism by taking Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA), Acetyl-L-Carnitine, N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) and Vitamin C.

4. Taking a broad-spectrum Multinutrient(Vitamin & Mineral) formula can help suppress free radical injury to the nerves, while supplying supplemental amounts of folic acid and vitamin B12.

Diabetic Complications - Can Benfotiamine Help Prevent Them?

2007-01-30T21:51:00.000-08:00

Diabetic complications contribute too many life threatening diseases globally. The root cause of diabetic complications is elevated glucose levels which contribute to blood vessel damage. Diabetic retinopathy, nephropathy, or neuropathy are caused by damage to small blood vessel in the eyes, nerves and kidneys, etc. The bottom line of this damage is the lowering of the life expectancy of millions of diabetics worldwide.

What Can Be Done About It?

Few therapies are available today that treat diabetic complications. Most healthcare professionals recommend that their patients monitor their blood sugar by taking several blood readings a day to determine the amount of sugar in their blood. Blood sugar readings are generally higher from one to two hours after a meal.

It is suggested by these professionals that keeping blood sugar readings as close to normal as possible will reduce the onset of diabetic complications. Research has shown that there are four, chemical pathways that lead to diabetic complications. Instead of trying to explain these rather difficult chemical pathways, let the reader understand that diabetic complications are mainly caused by excess sugar in the cells, a condition known by the term advanced glycation endproducts (AGE) formation.

The research that was released in 2003 by a team of researchers from the Albert Einstein Collage of Medicine opened the possibilities that it may be possible to actually prevent and/or contain diabetic complications such as retinopathy, neuropathy and heart/circulatory conditions brought about by the presence of advanced glycation endproducts.

What Did This Research Suggest?

The Einstein researchers’ work showed that a substance called, “benfotiamine”, could reduce the effects of AGE by increasing the amount of an enzyme called transketolase. The research indicated that transketolase was increased by 300% which was enough to make a serious reduction of three of the four chemical pathways that open the door for diabetic complications in terms of vascular damage in diabetics. This vascular damage is directly responsible for the diabetic complications such as neuropathy, retinopathy and heart/circulatory conditions that lead to heart attack and stroke.

Can Benfotaimine Be Considered A Prudent Preventative?

Current research suggests that benfotiamine could possibly reduce the chances of diabetics developing the aforementioned complications. Many healthcare professionals readily recommend patients to add this nutritional supplement to their toolkit in the battle to prevent these insidious conditions that shorten the lives of thousands of diabetics annually.

Where Can I Find More Information About Benfotiamine?

More information about benfotiamine can be found by visiting the web site below and following the links. These links will give the reader a good base to make an informed decision about the use of benfotiamine in the battle against diabetic complications brought about by the presence of advanced glycation endproducts (AGE) which is excess sugar in the blood.

Living Healthy with Diabetes

2007-01-25T04:14:00.001-08:00

Diabetes affects around 16 million Americans and about 800,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. Diabetes attacks men, women, children and the elderly. It spares no race.

Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure, blindness in Adults and amputations. It is a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and birth defects and it shortens life expectancy by up to 15 years. So you can see what I am up against. It is up to me to make sure that none of these things ever happen to my daughter. My daughter Ashley has Diabetes Type 1. She will be 10 years old March 15th. Ashley has been a diabetic for 5 years.

Five years ago I was totally overwhelmed by all that information. I felt helpless and depressed. I was sure this was a death sentence for my daughter. This was because of my total ignorance of Diabetes. A person can live a full life with Diabetes. It just takes some extra care. A good diet plays an important part in a Diabetics life. They need to put together a meal plan with their doctor & dietitian. My daughter has several meals a day. She has breakfast, a snack, lunch, a snack, dinner & another snack. She has these meals at the same time every day. This is important. It helps keep her body on a schedule and her blood sugar regulated. Skipping meals and snacks may lead to large swings in blood sugar readings. To keep blood sugar levels near normal a Diabetic must balance the food they eat with the insulin the body gets from injections and with physical activities. Blood sugar monitoring gives you the information you need to help with this balancing. Near normal blood sugar readings will help you feel better. Normal is between 70 and 120. They will also reduce your chances of complications.

Lets talk about how a Diabetic needs to eat. Everyone needs to eat nutritious foods. Our good health depends on eating a variety of foods that contain the right amount of Carbohydrate, Protein, Fat, Vitamins, Minerals, Fiber and Water. Carbohydrate, Protein and Fat are found in the food that you eat. They supply your body with energy. Your body needs insulin to use this energy. Insulin is made in the pancreas. If you have Diabetes, either your pancreas is no longer producing insulin or your body can’t use the insulin it is making. So your blood sugar levels are not normal.

Starch and Sugar in foods are Carbohydrates. You can find starch in breads, pasta, cereal, potatoes, beans, peas and lentils. Natural sugars are in fruits, milk and vegetables. There are added sugars in desserts, candy, jam and syrup. All of these Carbohydrates can affect your blood sugar. When you eat Carbohydrates they turn into glucose and travel in your bloodstream. Insulin helps the glucose enter the beta cells in your pancreas where it can be turned into energy and stored. Eating the same amount of Carbohydrate daily at meals and snacks can help you control your blood sugar levels. Protein is in meats, poultry, fish, milk and other dairy products, eggs, beans, peas and lentils. Starches and vegetables have small amounts of protein. The body uses protein for growth, maintenance and energy. Your body needs insulin to use the protein you eat.

Fat is in margarine, butter, oils, salad dressings, nuts, seeds, milk, cheese, meat, fish, poultry, snack food, ice-cream and desserts. There are three different types of fat. Monounsaturated, polyunsaturated and saturated. Everyone should eat less saturated fats found in meats, dairy products, coconut, palm or palm kernel oil, and hardened shortening.

Saturated fats can raise your blood levels of cholesterol. The fats that are best are the monounsaturated fats found in canola oil, olive oil, nuts, and avocado. The polyunsaturated fats found in corn oil, soybean oil, or sunflower oil are good too. After you eat fat it travels through your bloodstream. You need insulin to store fat in the cells of your body. Fats are used for energy.

So you can see what a big role insulin plays in your body. Good diet is very important for a Diabetic. Excersize is also very important. A Diabetic can live a healthy full life if they do three things. Eat healthy, Excersize, and inject the right amount of insulin. It takes dedication and hard work. But in the end it is totally worth it because it is your life.

Becoming a Diabetes Expert

2007-01-25T04:12:00.000-08:00

I am a diabetes expert. No I’m not a doctor or a nurse. I am a mom. A mom to a 13 year old girl named Ashley who has Juvenile Diabetes. Ashley was diagnosed with Juvenile Diabetes just before her fifth birthday. She went into a diabetic coma and almost died. None of that would have happened if I had known the warning signs. In this article I am going to give you some information on diabetes and the warning signs.

There are two types of Diabetes. Type I - Juvenile Diabetes and Type II - Adult Onset Diabetes. Here we are going to concentrate on Type I.

With Type I , which mainly occurs in young people, the pancreas produces very little or no insulin. This disease is now being classed as an Auto-immune disease. This is what can happen. A person becomes ill with a flu-like virus. Normally the white blood cells would attack these invading organisms and the person would begin to get better. But, in a person prone to diabetes the white blood cells become confused and attack the beta cells in the pancreas. To better understand this let me explain what the pancreas does. The pancreas is a gland positioned behind the stomach. It has two major functions. The first is to produce enzymes that help to digest food. The second is to produce the hormones insulin and glucagon. These two hormones are important because they play a major part in regulating the glucose (sugar) level in your blood by keeping it at an even or normal level. When your pancreas becomes damaged it is unable to manufacture insulin. Insulin helps your beta cells absorb sugar. Your body needs the sugar to produce energy. Your body, unable to use glucose because of the lack of insulin, is forced to obtain energy from fat instead. This is very dangerous and if not treated eventually leads to a coma.

If you are aware of them the warning signs are very easy to see. The warning signs of Juvenile Diabetes are: irritability, frequent urination which is associated with abnormal thirst, nausea or vomiting, fatigue, weight loss despite a normal (or even increased) intake of food, and unusual hunger. Something usually not mentioned but, which happened with my daughter was nightmares & sleep walking. In children, frequent bedwetting - especially by a child who never previously wet the bed - is another common sign. Just before going into a coma you will notice breath that smells like acetone (ex:fingernail polish remover). This is a sign of ketoacidosis. You should get this person to the hospital immediately.

People with Type I Diabetes are subject to episodes in which blood glucose levels are very high (hyperglycemia) and very low (hypoglycemia). Either of these conditions can lead to a serious medical emergency. To better understand this you should know that a normal blood glucose level is between 70 - 120. When my daughter went into a diabetic coma her level was over 1,000. She has been as low as 19. This is very scary. This is what I notice when Ashley becomes low. You look into her eyes and she looks far away. Her eyes are glassy and vacant looking. She becomes confused, disoriented and sometimes combative. Her speech is slow and often slurred. Her hand will tremble and she says she feels shaky. Sometimes Ashley does not recall these episodes.

Episodes of hypoglycemia (low blood glucose) which strikes suddenly, can be caused by a missed meal, too much excersize, or a reaction to too much insulin. The initial signs are hunger, dizziness, sweating, confusion, palpitations, and numbness or tingling of the lips. If not treated the individual may go on to experience double vision, trembling and disorientation; they may act strangely and may even lapse into a coma.

In contrast, a hyperglycemic (high blood glucose) episode can come on over a period of several hours or even weeks. The risk of hyperglycemia is greatest during illness. When insulin requirements rise; blood sugar can creep, ultimately resulting in a coma, a reaction also known as diabetic ketoacidosis. One of the warning signs of developing hyperglycemia is the inability to keep down fluids. Possible long term complications include stroke, blindness, heart disease, kidney failure, gangrene, and nerve damage.

Diabetes Symptoms, Causes & Types

2007-01-21T22:14:00.002-08:00

Diabetes affects the manner in which the body handles carbohydrates, fats and proteins. If neglected, diabetes can have serious complications. The diabetic people have high blood sugar level. The blood sugar level is regulated by insulin - a hormone produced by the pancreas, which depends on your eating habits.

The symptoms of diabetes included excessive urination, excessive thirst and hunger, sudden weight loss, blurred vision, delay in healing of wounds, dry and itchy skin, repeated infections, fatigue and headache. These diabetes symptoms may be due to other reasoons also.

There are two different types of diabetes.

Type I Diabetes (juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes): The reason for type I diabetes is due to pancreas unability to produce insulin.

Type II Diabetes (non insulin dependent diabetes or adult onset diabetes): This diabetes is a result of body tissues becoming resistant to insulin. It is usually hereditary.

If neglected, diabetes can lead to various complications such as damage to the kidneys, heart disease, nerve damage, hypoglycemia (drastic reduction in glucose levels). Diabetes is a serious disease and there is no treatment of it. However, it can be brought under control by proper diabetes diet plan. Fortunately, with a healthy lifestyle and with diet management you can lead a healthy life.

Benfotiamine - A New Tool In Preventing Diabetic Complications?

2007-01-21T22:14:00.001-08:00

Benfotiamine made headlines globally in 2003 when researchers released information about a study that was conducted at The Einstein College of Medicine in New York. The bottom line of this study was that a substance of the allithiamine group of the naturally occurring thiamine-derived compounds had positive effects on neuropathy, retinopathy and nephropathy and heart/circulatory problems in diabetics.

Benfotiamine research has suggested that there are beneficial effects for diabetics and non-diabetics also. These benefits include sciatica, vascular health, general nerve health, lower blood pressure, grant cellular protection, anti-aging, fibromyalgia, prevention of lactic acidosis, and treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. Any condition that is the result of a thiamine deficiency will also respond quite well to benfotiamine. Of course, any bodily function that is improved by a therapeutic level of thiamine will certainly be enhanced by benfotiamine, since benfotiamine is perhaps the most effective form of thiamine.

Benfotiamine, a derivative of thiamine (vitamin B1), was an invention of Japanese scientists and there is a U.S. patent on benfotiamine that was entered by the Japanese back in 1962. Japanese benfotiamine is considered the purest source of bulk benfotiamine and is favored by manufacturers globally who insist on the highest quality in their benfotiamine product.

The safety of benfotiamine use has been proven over 12 years of use in Europe for the treatment and prevention of diabetic complications among others. The original Japanese patent on benfotiamine gave information that it is even less toxic than common vitamin B1 (thiamine hydrochloride usually). Orally ingested vitamin B1 has a long history of use as an oral supplement without reported adverse effects. Due to its therapeutic action in some frequently observed clinical syndromes, thiamine hydrochloride has been advised and used over a long period of time. There are no reports of adverse effects of oral thiamine, even at dosages of several hundred milligrams a day (SCOGS, 1978; DHEW, 1979; Marks, 1989).

Benfotiamine has a very good safety record. To date, there has been no reports of any known, negative interactions with any medications. To the contrary, some medications actually can cause a thiamine deficiency in some people and benfotiamine could correct this serious situation.

Many researchers, medical experts, doctors, podiatrists and many medical publishers recommend benfotiamine for neuropathy, retinopathy nephropathy, heart/circulatory complications and B1 deficiencies. Any in depth study on the web will produce physicians, naturopaths, neurologists, optometrists, chiropractors, etc. who have very positive feelings about the effectiveness and potential of benfotiamine in terms of the research done to date on this important tool in the arsenal against neuropathy, retinopathy and beneficial for the heart and circulatory system. We have professional healthcare providers from all of these disciplines which shows the confidence the medical community has in the purity and bioavailability of our benfotiamine product.

Diabetes and Glyconutrients

2007-01-13T22:09:00.000-08:00

Today, most people with diabetes are only treating the symptoms. And many medications given to people with diabetes are actually compounding the underlying cause of the disease.

The best way to manage your diabetic condition is to address the actual cause. Doesn't that make more sense? So let's look at what type 2 diabetes really is.

The Simple Explanation

Other than the genes you inherited, there are two primary causes of diabetes:

1) a long-term diet that has been high in carbohydrates, and

2) nutritional deficiencies.

Your body breaks down carbohydrates into sugar (glucose) which then enters your blood stream. The more carbohydrates consumed, the higher your blood sugar goes. In response, your body produces insulin. Insulin's job is to push the blood sugar into the cells so they can use it for energy.

On the surface of the cells in your body are insulin receptors, which act like little doors that open and close to regulate the inflow of blood sugar.

After many years of consuming a high-carbohydrate diet, your cells have been bombarded with so much insulin that these doors begin to malfunction and shut down.

With fewer of these doors open, your body needs to produce even more insulin to push the glucose into the cells. More insulin causes even more doors to close and as this vicious cycle continues a condition called "insulin resistance" sets in.

When your body can no longer produce enough insulin to push the blood sugar into the cells, type 2 diabetes develops. It is simply an extreme case of insulin resistance.

The key point for you to understand is that your energy, wellness and longevity are primarily dependent on improving the sensitivity of your cells to insulin -- how well your cells open and close the doors and clear sugar from the blood.

What's the Bottom Line?

Since type 2 diabetes is really a severe case of insulin resistance, the solution to your condition is to find a way to increase the sensitivity of your cells to insulin and help your body get the sugar out of the blood and into the cells so it can be metabolized and turned into energy. (This inability to metabolize sugar is one of the reasons why most diabetics often feel tired and fatigued.)

The Deadly Effects of Excess Insulin

Your "metabolism" is the food processing and energy production system of your body. It is made up of many extremely fine-tuned internal processes, and can be thrown off by even the tiniest of imbalances.

Insulin is the master hormone of your metabolism. When it is out of balance and your insulin levels are consistently elevated, a long list of deadly complications are created:

* Heart Disease
* Hardening of the Arteries
* Damage to Artery Wallsv * Increased Cholesterol Levels
* Vitamin & Mineral Deficiencies
* Kidney Disease
* Fat Burning Mechanism Shutdown
* Accumulation & Storage of Fat
* Weight Gain

In his best-selling book, "Protein Power," Dr. Michael Eades wrote, "When insulin levels become too high... metabolic havoc ensues with elevated blood pressure, elevated cholesterol and triglycerides, diabetes, and obesity all trailing in its wake. These disorders are merely symptoms of a single more basic disturbance in metabolism, excess insulin and insulin resistance."

Nutritional Deficiencies from Excess Insulin

Science has shown that excess insulin also causes your body to become deficient in many vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. It's a proven fact that being deficient in these nutrients is directly linked to and a cause of high blood sugar levels.

Chromium

Chromium is essential to proper metabolism and maintaining safe sugar levels. Excess insulin depletes your body's chromium. In "Protein Power," Dr. Eades further states, "The insulin receptor, the structure on the surfaces of your cells that actually become resistant to insulin, requires chromium to function properly. Deficiency of chromium is rampant - it affects 90% of the American population - because a diet high in starch and sugar puts a heavy demand on the insulin system to handle the incoming carbohydrate load, and that demand depletes chromium."

Chromium is critical to blood sugar metabolism and, and as a diabetic you can be pretty sure that you are severely deficient in this nutrient. If you ever wondered where your "sweet tooth" and sugar cravings come from, now you know - chromium deficiency!

Calcium and Magnesium are also depleted by excess insulin, which can cause many problems, as they are critical to over 200 biochemical processes in your body.

Other very important nutrients that excess insulin causes deficiencies in are Zinc, Selenium, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Vanadium, B Complex vitamins, essential fatty acids, and many more.

Now that you know how and why people develop type 2 diabetes and know some of the consequences of not controlling your blood sugar level, here are your choices:

You can continue on with what you've been doing...

Or you can research the science and testimonials surrounding Glyconutrients.

Fortunately, your body has miraculous healing powers, is very resilient and operates in a very intelligent manner. If you give it the right fuel and the right nutrients, it will respond very quickly. Some exercise and the right attitude also help!

The first step is to switch your body from an out-of-control, nutrient-depleting and fat-storing machine into a clean, nutrient-rich, fat-burning machine!

To do this you must:

1) Restrict the carbohydrates in your diet, and
2) Take the right nutritional supplements.

These two actions are not optional or negotiable! Your body will only burn fat (and properly utilize nutrients) if its metabolism is balanced. Doing 1 and 2 above on a regular basis is the only way to address the root cause of your diabetic problem and balance your body's metabolism for the long-term.

The Importance Of Following And Maintaining A Diabetic Diet

2007-01-13T22:08:00.000-08:00

A diabetic diet is a specially designed eating plan that is high in carbohydrates and low in fat. People with diabetes don't need to go out and purchase special foods to maintain a diabetic diet, they can eat the same foods as the whole family. A healthy diet based on the diabetes food pyramid is beneficial to diabetics and non-diabetics alike.

Making healthy food choices is not so hard. All it takes is a little bit of planning to include all your favorite foods. But first, you need to understand the basics of a diabetic diet.

A diabetes diet or meal plan should be based on the specially designed diabetic food pyramid. The diabetes food pyramid groups foods based on their carbohydrate and protein content and not on how they classify as a food. Foods are divided into six groups, with fats, oils and sweets on the very top (so eat less of these) and bread, cereals, pasta and rice on the bottom (so eat more of these).

Breads, cereals and the like are foods that are high in carbohydrates. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) suggests 6-11 servings per day. Sample servings are: 1 slice of bread; ¾ cup dry cereal or 1/3 cup of rice or pasta.

Vegetables should also be eaten in plenty as they are naturally low in fat and a high in fibre, not to mention vitamins and minerals. The ADA suggests eating 3-5 servings per day. A sample serving is 1 cup of vegetables (raw) or ½ cup (cooked). Fruits are also recommended, so add about 2-4 servings, which translates to about 1 small fresh fruit or ½ cup canned fruit. Eat a little less of meat and beware of foods like potato chips, candy, cookies, which have high levels of sugar and fat.

Your fat and sugar intake should be limited. The ADA suggests keeping servings very small (sample serving size is ½ cup of ice cream or 2 small cookies) and to keep them for a special treat.

A quick Internet search for "Diabetes diet" or "Cooking for people with diabetes" brings up numerous dietary suggestions in the form of recipe books to buy and have at home or online diet recipes which you can print out and use. The ADA has a "Recipe of the Day" section with lots of great ideas targeted at those living with diabetes or friends of diabetics. As for books, the ADA recommends "Mr. Food's Quick and Easy Diabetic Cooking" and Nancy S. Hughes's " Quick & Easy Low-Carb Cooking for People with Diabetes".

The right plan will help diabetics improve blood glucose levels, blood pressure, cholesterol and keep weight balanced. To complement your diet, add regular exercise to your lifestyle to help your body use glucose.

How Do You Know If You Have Diabetes?

2007-01-12T22:08:00.001-08:00

Diabetes mellitus is a disorder characterized by the inability of the body to either produce or respond to insulin making it impossible to maintain proper levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood. The extra glucose is excreted in the urine and because of the high level of glucose more water is flushed through. The diabetic experiences excessive urination and thirst.

The term Diabetes mellitus literally explains these symptoms: The Greek term diabainein, means "to pass through" (referring to the excessive urination) and mellitus comes from the Latin "sweetened with honey" (referring to the excessive presence of sugar).

There are basically two major types of diabetes: Type 1 (insulin-dependent) and Type 2 (non-insulin dependent).

Type 1 (formerly known juvenile-onset diabetes, because it is diagnosed in children or young adults) is caused by both genetic and environmental causes. In this case, the person's immune system produces antibodies that destroy the cells that produce insulin. Because the body can't produce insulin on its own, daily insulin injections are required.

Type 2 (formerly known as adult-onset diabetes, because it normally appears in people aged over 40) is the most common form of diabetes, accounting for about 90% of cases. Genetic factors play a major role in the development of Type 2, but obesity is also a major factor. A typical Western lifestyle means a diet that is high in fat and low in carbohydrates and a minimal exercise plan and these habits are strong risk factors. Interestingly, people who do not live in Westernized areas do not tend to get Type 2 diabetes, regardless of their family history.

A third type of diabetes, known as Gestational Diabetes, affects women who have high blood-sugar levels during pregnancy. This should be monitored as it can adversely affect the baby. There is also a high probably that women who experience gestational diabetes will develop Type 2 diabetes at a later stage.

Diabetes symptoms to watch out for include; frequent urination, excessive thirst and hunger, unusual weight loss, increased fatigue, irritability and blurry vision. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) website is an informative starting point for all. Visit the site today and take the Online Diabetes Risk Test, which can help you determine if you are at risk of developing diabetes. If you are deemed at risk and are experiencing one or more of the above mentioned symptoms you should see your doctor immediately.

If you are diagnosed with diabetes the ADA website has informative articles the disease, plus lots of suggestions on lifestyle and diet changes for those diagnosed with diabetes. A quick Internet search for "Diabetes Supply" will also bring up various sites offering products suitable for those living with diabetes.

Diabetes Awreness There's No Substitute for Good Friends

2007-01-12T22:07:00.001-08:00

Was there a time when you relished the idea of giving dinner parties?

What a great opportunity to bond with old friends, try out a few new recipes, and find a reason to clean up the house!

Has diabetes robbed you of the enjoyable events involving your friends and family?

Diabetes has an ugly characteristic of wrecking the lives of it's victims by forcing them into seclusion.

If you have been neglecting the enjoyable events of your life, please take action to control your diabetes. With a "proactive" mind-set, you can control and beat diabetes!

You, your friends, and especially your family will love you for taking control. Get back to the fun things in life,,,, Take control of your diabetes.

Ask your doctor about diabetes and have your blood sugar checked several times a year.

For more information about diabetes, including a Diabetes Quiz and a Free booklet, visit the Hope4Diabetes website at: http://hope4diabetes.com/info

This 20 page FREE booklet will provide you with in-depth information on comprehensive diabetes care. The 7 principles, or steps, will help you to understand, manage and diagnose your potential diabetes risk.

Diabetes Awareness Will They Recognize You?

2007-01-11T22:07:00.000-08:00

Imagine how it feels to look younger, feel younger, and act younger! Now, think about how others see you. Are you ready to make a lasting impression on your friends and family? Great!

Taking charge of your diabetes through exercise can give you a younger look and feel not to mention …… a younger attitude!

As you read this message, remember this: You don’t pay the price to improve your health, you reap the benefits of being healthy!

Treatment of diabetes has gone through dramatic changes in the past two decades. Previously, exercise was often overlooked as a “cornerstone” in its treatment as it was difficult to maintain blood sugar levels with the additional variability introduced by physical activity, especially for individuals with type 1 diabetes.

However, with blood glucose meters now being readily available and affordable, exercise can be done safely and without fear of severely upsetting an often delicate glucose balance.

The usual health benefits of exercise apply to individuals with diabetes as well, perhaps even more than normal.

Much of what we attribute to the aging process really results from disuse (for example, muscle atrophy, or loss of flexibility in joints). Diabetes, especially when blood sugars are poorly controlled, accelerates the normal aging process, as well as certain disease processes such as heart disease.

Thus, regular exercise can help slow aging and reduce long term complications associated with poor blood sugar control and diabetes.

These diabetes-related benefits can not be understated! Not only can you enjoy your favorite physical activity, but also you can help your diabetes and health too. In fact, regular exercise is the most important activity you can do to slow the aging process, manage your blood sugars, and reduce your risk of diabetic complications.

Diabetes Awareness Will They Recognize You?

2007-01-11T22:06:00.000-08:00

When you go to work, your diabetes goes with you.

You get up, get showered, get breakfast, get to work. You have bills, therefore you have a job.

But you also have diabetes. You have to care for your diabetes while you're at work. Here are 10 tips for merging your diabetes care with your career.

1. Wear medical identification jewelry

- If you ever need medical assistance at work, the emergency medical personnel will know you have diabetes.

2. Decide who to tell

- All things being equal, it might be in your best interest to let a few trusted co-workers or your boss know. Just for your own safety.

3. Give your co-workers a chance

- Don't just assume that your boss won't accommodate you, or that your co-workers won't be helpful. Give them a chance to grasp what diabetes is and understand how they can help you, particularly if you've been diagnosed since starting your current job. Diabetes may be as new to them as it is to you.

4. Get it in writing

- If necessary, get a doctor's note. It may help to get a medical statement from your doctor saying what your diabetes care needs are. Present it to your company nurse or human resources department, and make sure your supervisor gets a copy.

5. Be your own advocate

- Your local hospital or diabetes center may offer programs through which diabetes educators can come to your workplace and explain to your human resources department, supervisors, or co-workers what diabetes is and how they can make the workplace more diabetes-friendly. See if your employer is willing to host such a program.

6. Don't abuse the system

- Unfortunately, there are people who claim extensive health challenges and reap disability benefits their situation may not warrant. That makes it harder for everyone. It's best to save sick days and disability pay for when you really need them.

7. Plan ahead

- The biggest challenge many people with diabetes face is access to meals and breaks. Have snacks readily available should you need to treat a low.

8. Take your equipment with you

- Keep your blood glucose meter and supplies where you can reach them. Don't leave blood glucose meters or insulin in the car. Extreme temperatures can affect them.

9. Watch out for stress

- Stress can wreak havoc on your blood sugars. Stress can cause either high or low blood sugar. It differs from person to person, and sometimes from situation to situation in the same person. Stress may mask symptoms of low blood sugar, or prompt completely different symptoms. Frequent monitoring is your best defense.

10. Keep good diabetes control

- The best thing you can do to remain productive is to stay healthy. Don't let your diabetes get so far out of control that you're not able to work. If you're eating well, exercising, and controlling your blood sugars, you will have a productive work life.

The payoff from a job well done is that if and when you need to take time off for your diabetes care, your boss and co-workers will remember your good track record and be that much more willing to cover for you or help you with scheduling. By communicating with your employer and taking responsibility for your care, you can incorporate your diabetes care into your work life successfully.

If you feel that your employer is not making reasonable accommodations to allow you to care for your diabetes at work, contact the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) at: (800) 669-4000 or (800) 669-6820 TTY.

Diabetes Awareness Family of Diabetics

2007-01-10T22:42:00.000-08:00

Thousands, if not millions of people have diabetes in their family. It's almost tragic the way things happen because it’s not always a “common knowledge” among families.

I tell you, it's not until it hits you that it's really awful.

Asking questions can help you and your family dodge the serious complications of diabetes. Early detection and active control of blood sugar levels can save lives.

Have you ever heard anyone ask:

Do you have diabetes? Does anyone in your family have diabetes? Is your vision okay or is it blurry? Are your feet feeling okay today?

A lot of people get diabetes, but you know, early detection and taking action can save your life or the life of a family member.

Ask your doctor about diabetes and have your blood sugar checked several times a year.

For more information about diabetes, including a Diabetes Quiz and a Free booklet, visit the Hope4Diabetes website at: http://hope4diabetes.com/info

It could help you live a longer and more active life. The booklet is Yours absolutely FREE - No Risk! Share it NOW with the people you love and want to Keep alive!

Diabetes Awareness Wake Up Call

2007-01-10T22:41:00.000-08:00

When traveling on out-of-town business, its common to have the hotel front desk give you a wake-up call in the morning. You want to avoid the embarrassment and repercussions of being late for your business appointments.

Here is an important wake-up call for your life and the lives of the people you most care about.

If you want to avoid the life damaging effects of diabetes, take 3 minutes to read the remainder of this article right now.

The new buzz in the medical community calls it- "Pre-Diabetes". Today, roughly 41 million Americans have pre-diabetes which left undetected and untreated, progresses into full-blown diabetes.

The challenge with pre-diabetes is the fact that the condition doesn't like to reveal itself with noticeable symptoms. Because there are few, if any symptoms, most people will not bother having screening tests performed. With pre-diabetes, noticeable symptoms like frequent thirst and urination may not occur until the disease has progressed and is already causing considerable damage to your body. Most Type 2 diabetics don't have symptoms because the onset of diabetes is so slow.

Don't wait for "someday" to have your blood tested. Call your doctor today and make the appointment.

The goal with identifying pre-diabetes is to prevent the onset of diabetes from ever happening.

Your physician can determine if you have pre-diabetes with two common tests. The fasting plasma glucose test (FPG) and the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Both require an overnight fast.

The good news is that you can greatly improve your odds and likely prevent diabetes with early detection and proper care.

Don't wait 'til it hurts. Ask your doctor about diabetes and have your blood sugar checked several times a year.

The Profect Solution for Diabetics

2007-01-09T22:41:00.001-08:00

Diabetes, which affects more than 6% of the US population or over 18,000,000 people [i], is diagnosed when the body is not creating or effectively utilizing the hormone called insulin. As a result, much-needed energy from sugar, starch, and other sources are not being exploited as effectively as they should. This can lead to severe adverse health consequences, including nerve, ocular, and kidney problems [ii].

While genetics and environmental factors play a role, the exact cause of diabetes is as yet undetermined. However, one thing is precisely clear to those with this condition: eating right is vitally important.

Generally speaking, people with diabetes do not eat a standard “one size fits all” diet. Rather, they must adhere very closely to the healthy eating guidelines prescribed by their doctor.

However, these recommendations, which generally apply to the general public as well [iii], include principles such as eating a low-fat diet, and limiting calories from saturated fat to less than 10% of daily caloric intake. The recommendations also include eating complete sources of protein, and limiting calories from protein to 20% of daily caloric intake [iv]. It is worth noting that protein also plays an added support role in a diabetic diet, because protein can slowly transforms into glucose. As such, ingesting appropriate amounts of complete protein can help a diabetic manage blood-sugar levels.

At the same time, maintaining low blood pressure is of enhanced important for those with diabetes. As such, a diet that helps maintain a healthy body weight is essential, since high blood pressure is related to obesity and overweight conditions [v].

Diabetics know full well they should eat a calorie-smart diet that is low in fat, fortified with complete protein, and scores low on the Glycemic Index [1]. Yet quite often what is lacking is time to ensure that this diet is maintained.

Unlike individuals without diabetes who can, if they must, “snack” on unhealthy foods from time to time, persons with diabetes are well advised by their qualified doctors to ensure that a very healthy eating regimen is consistently followed. Yet following this regimen is indeed difficult; especially since so many foods in restaurants and vending machines are utterly devoid of healthy ingredients.

At most, one might expect to find some low fat options when eating out; but these usually have high calories, high sodium – to compensate for flavor lost due to reduced fat – and a high GI score. None of this is welcome information for diabetics.

Fortunately, a product called Profect has been medically engineered to provide diabetics with a practical eating solution. Profect, with its low Glycemic Index, contains absolutely no sugar. Therefore, diabetics do not have to worry about their blood sugar levels spiking after eating a serving of Profect.

As an added benefit to those with diabetes, Profect contains 25 grams of complete protein [2] -- and zero fat. As such, Profect can be eaten along with other foods to slow down the overall absorption cycle. Ultimately, this means that Profect can effectively reduce insulin spikes and the subsequent creation of fat cells; which, as noted above, can lead to weight gain and high blood pressure.

Yet perhaps most appreciated by diabetics is the fact that eating Profect is very convenient. It requires no cooking ability, nor the creation of a messy – and potentially poorly configured – health “shake” that might actually add too much protein to the system, and lead to adverse toxic buildup.

The fact that Profect is convenient may seem like something of a marketing “benefit”, to be touted on a website or a package container, but the reason for this has nothing to do with marketing appeal. People with diabetes, just like most of the population, lead busy lives in which time is of the essence. Finding 2 or 3 hours each day to create foods is oftentimes unrealistic.

It is because of this need for a convenient and easily accessible food that Protica Research created the 2.7 fluid ounce container to protect each serving. These containers are extremely strong, easy to carry and store, and are deliberately suited for busy, time-starved lifestyles.

Dealing with diabetes is a reality that more than 18 million Americans face each day, and over the next 2 decades the rate of diabetes is expected to increase by almost 250% throughout the developing world [vi].

Daily – one might say hourly – some of the finest brains in science are searching for preventions and cures that will help millions of people diagnosed with diabetes to lead full, healthy lives. Aligned with this ultimate mission is Profect’s eating solution for diabetics and healthy eaters alike.

Protein Principles for Diabetes

2007-01-09T22:40:00.000-08:00

Dietary considerations can present a Hobson’s choice in diabetes. Even when the intake is nutritious, assimilating it can be another matter. Then there is the problem of progression of diabetic complications if one ends up with excess glucose or fat in the system. Excess carbohydrates in a meal, and the resulting uncontrolled blood sugar levels can be detrimental to any number of tissues, from the lens of the eye, to the neurons, small blood vessels and the kidneys. Fat is also a problem with increase incidences of atherosclerosis, large vessel disease and cardiac complications. What, then is the appropriate macronutrient for the diabetic population? Enough medical literature exists to suggest that in diabetes, proteins are probably the best bet.

Proteins are the natural choice of the body when faced with diabetes. In uncontrolled diabetes, muscle protein is broken down into amino acids to be converted into glucose by the liver. If left to fend for itself, this can create a commotion within the body. Since proteins have to supply enough energy to substitute for carbohydrates, proteins are broken down faster than they are made. The body ends up with a protein deficit, a situation with subtle, yet far-reaching effects on normal body functions. Importantly, for diabetics, a protein deficit has been shown to impair resistance to infections (Ganong WF). Replenishing the depleting protein stores is a vital requirement of all diabetic diets.

Importance of proteins in a diabetic has been well documented. The American Associations of Clinical Endocrinologists have made it clear that not much evidence exists to indicate that the patients with diabetes need to reduce their intake of dietary proteins. The AACE recommends that 10-20% of the calorie intake in diabetes should come from proteins (AACE Diabetes Guidelines). It is in fact believed that this is one nutrient that does not increase blood glucose levels in both diabetics and healthy subjects (Gannon et al).

Nutrition therapy for diabetes has progressed from prevention of obesity or weight gain to improving insulin’s effectiveness and contributing to improved metabolic control (Franz MJ). In this new role, a high protein diet (30% of total food energy) forms a very pertinent part of nutrition therapy. One of the most important causes for type II diabetes is obesity. Excess body fat raises insulin resistance and higher levels of insulin are required to bring down blood sugars as the weight increases (Ganong WF). Another problem with excess fat is the clogging of arteries with atherosclerotic plaques that is responsible for a wide range of diabetic complications. Any mechanism that reduces body fat decreases insulin resistance and improves blood glucose control. Parker et al have also shown that a high protein diet decreased abdominal and total fat mass in women with type II diabetes. Other studies by Gannon et al. and Nuttall et al have verified that blood glucose levels and glycosylated hemoglobin (a marker of long term diabetic control) reduce after 5 weeks on a diet containing 30% of the total food energy in the form of proteins and low carbohydrate content. It is speculated that a high protein diet has a favorable effect in diabetes due to the ability of proteins and amino acids to stimulate insulin release from the pancreas. Thus, a high protein diet is not only safe in diabetes, but can also be therapeutic, resulting in improved glycemic control, and decreased risk of complications related to diabetes.

The benefits of a high protein diet do not end here. Individual protein components of such a diet, when aptly chosen, can have other advantages as well. Dietary supplements containing proteins like whey and casein come highly recommended. Casein is a milk protein and has the ability to form a gel or clot in the stomach. The ability to form this clot makes it very efficient in nutrient supply. The clot is able to provide a sustained, slow release of amino acids into the blood stream, sometimes lasting for several hours (Boirie et al. 1997). A slow sustained release of nutrients matches well with the limited amount of insulin that can be produced by the pancreas in diabetes. A protein supplement containing casein can thus increase the amount of energy assimilated from every meal and, at the same time, reduce the need for pharmacological interventions to control blood sugar.

Whey proteins and caseins also contain “casokinins” and “lactokinins’, (FitzGerald) which have been found to decrease both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in hypertensive humans (Seppo). In addition, whey protein forms bioactive amine in the gut that promotes immunity. Whey protein contains an ample supply of the amino acid cysteine. Cysteine appears to enhance glutathione levels, which has been shown to have strong antioxidant properties -- antioxidants mop up free radicals that induce cell death and play a role in aging.

Thus, development of a protein supplement containing casein and whey can provide an apt high protein diet and its health benefits to individuals suffering from diabetes, obesity and hypercholesterolemia.

Low-Carb The Role of Insulin

2007-01-08T22:39:00.001-08:00

There are three basic units the body uses for energy:

1. Fats

2. Proteins

3. Carbohydrates

All three can be converted to blood glucose. However, while fats and proteins are converted slowly, carbohydrates are converted quickly causing quick spikes in the body’s blood sugar levels. These spikes in blood sugar levels cause the pancreas to create and release insulin until the blood sugar level returns to normal.

Meanwhile, insulin, a hormone produced in the pancreas that lowers our blood’s glucose levels is released into the blood as soon as the body detects that blood sugar levels have risen above its optimal level.

Insulin is a very efficient hormone that runs the body’s fuel storage systems. If there is excess sugar or fat in the blood insulin will signal the body to store it in the body’s fat cells. Insulin also tells these cells not to release their stored fat, making that fat unavailable for use by the body as energy.

Since this stored fat cannot be released for use as energy, insulin very effectively prevents weight loss. The higher the body’s insulin levels, the more effectively it prevents fat cells from releasing their stores, and the harder it becomes to lose weight. According to many authorities, over the long term, high insulin levels can lead to insulin resistance and cause serious health problems like the ones listed below:

1. Raised insulin levels and insulin resistance

2. Lower metabolism leading to weight gain

3. An increase in fatty tissue and reduction in muscle tissue

4. Accelerated aging

5. Increased food allergies and intolerances

6. Overworked immune system

7. Increased risk of heart disease, obesity, diabetes and cancer

Carbohydrates, especially simple carbs like sugar and starch, are quickly turned into sucrose by the body entering the blood stream quicker thereby causing the release of large amounts of insulin. The fewer carbs are eaten, the less insulin is produced by the body, and the fewer calories are stored as fat. Less fat storage equals less weight gain and fewer carbs eaten equals less insulin in the blood and the body using its fat stores for fuel.

The premise behind every low-carb diet plan is that a body that produces less insulin burns more fat than a body that produces lots of insulin. Some plans encourage a period of extremely low carbohydrate intake so that the body will enter a state of ketosis and more quickly burn fat stores - These are usually called induction periods.

Exercise & Diabetes

2007-01-08T22:39:00.000-08:00

You are no doubt aware that exercise can help prevent the serious complications that often come with diabetes and heart disease. Research has repeatedly shown that regular physical activity helps reduce the likelihood of having a heart attack or a stroke, aids in weight loss, and improves mood.

But do you know that exercise can also help you reduce your blood glucose levels?

That's right. In people with type II diabetes, exercise may improve insulin sensitivity and assist in lowering elevated blood glucose levels into the normal range.

Here's how. When you exercise, your body uses more oxygen -- as much as 20 times more -- and even more in the working muscles, than when you are at rest. So the muscles use more glucose to meet their increased energy needs.

At the same time, exercise improves the action of insulin in the peripheral muscles, making it more efficient, so you get more out of the insulin your body is producing.

In older people with diabetes, the decrease in insulin sensitivity that comes with aging is also partly due to a lack of physical activity. So regular exercise benefits you now, and for years to come.

Sometimes, it may seem easier to pop a pill or even take a shot than to put on your walking shoes and hit the trail. But the truth is that exercise, in combination with a healthy diet, is one of the best things you can do to take care of yourself if you have diabetes.

Why exercise?

Exercise burns calories, which will help you lose weight or maintain a healthy weight.

Regular exercise can help your body respond to insulin and is known to be effective in managing blood glucose. Exercise can lower blood glucose and possibly reduce the amount of medication you need to treat diabetes, or even eliminate the need for medication.

Exercise can improve your circulation, especially in your arms and legs, where people with diabetes can have problems.

Exercise can help reduce your cholesterol and high blood pressure. High cholesterol and high blood pressure can lead to a heart attack or stroke.

Treating Painful Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy

2007-01-07T22:39:00.000-08:00

The toes burn and tingle and sharp pains shoot into your legs. The bed sheets feel uncomfortable on the feet as you toss and turn, trying to get some rest. Your feet felt numb throughout the day, but now feel like they are on fire. Nothing seems to help as you watch the hours on the clock pass by, hoping to fall asleep.

Burning, numbness, tingling, hot and cold sensations, shooting and electrical pain are common sensations felt at rest in painful peripheral neuropathy. Neuropathy is an abnormality of the nervous system. There are many different types of neuropathy, but the most common neuropathy effecting diabetics is peripheral neuropathy.

Diabetic neuropathy is described as a loss of sensation that starts in the tips of the toes and gradually works its way up the legs, and in severe case into the hands. It is sometimes referred to as a stocking glove neuropathy because it progresses as if one was pulling on a stocking.

Sixty percent of diabetics have some type of neuropathy in their feet. Five percent of diabetics will experience painful diabetic neuropathy and the incidence increases with age. Over 45% of individuals who have had diabetes for over 25 years will experience some symptoms of painful diabetic neuropathy.

The cause of diabetic neuropathy is not clearly understood. Many believe that the damage to the small vessels surrounding the nerves, from the diabetes, causes damage to the nerves. Others believe the increase in blood sugar causes damage to the nerves. Despite the different theories, studies have shown better blood sugar control helps prevent progression of the neuropathy.

There are currently no treatments to help reverse diabetic neuropathy. There are no treatments which help reduce the numbness. But, there are many treatments to help decrease the pain associated with the neuropathy.

Your doctor may prescribe medications to help with the pain. There are many options, but until recently none were FDA approved for the treatment of painful neuropathy. Cymbalta®, duloxetine HCl, was recently approved by the FDA in September of 2004 for use in diabetic peripheral neuropathy at doses of 60 and 120 mg per day. This is the first drug approved for this use. Similar medications, like amitriptyline, desipramine and nortriptyline, have been used to help decrease pain and help with sleep.

Gabapentin, also known as Neurontin®, has been a successful treatment for painful diabetic neuropathy. Neurontin® was originally approved by the FDA for adjunctive use in seizures, but the benefits of this drug for other conditions, like neuropathy, soon became known. The manufacturers of Neurontin® were caught up in a controversy regarding their marketing tactics for this off label use. Many physicians still use this drug despite the controversy. Tegretol and Dilantin, common seizure medications, can be used in more severe cases. New treatments include lidocaine 5% cream, acetyl-L-canitine, nerve growth factor and Annodyne ®, infrared therapy.

To help treat painful peripheral neuropathy without prescription medications, consider the following tips:

1. Keep your blood sugar in control: Studies have shown that when blood sugars remain high, or roller coaster from high to low, peripheral neuropathy will worsen.

2. Exercise. This is probably the last thing you wanted to hear. Exercise helps increase circulation and stimulates the growth of new vessels which help slow the progression of the neuropathy. Exercising also helps to increase your pain threshold and to provide a distraction from the nerve pain in your feet.

3. Eat healthy. Besides helping to control your blood sugar, eating a wide variety of fruits and vegetables will add anti-oxidants to your diet. Anti-oxidants will combat the damaging oxidative effects glucose has on your nerves. In particular, try dark-green, leafy vegetables, yellow, orange, and red fruits and vegetables, citrus fruits and tomatoes.

4. Try red pepper powder. Capsaicin is the active ingredient in chile peppers. When applied to the feet it acts as a counter-irritant and can help decrease neuropathic pain. Capsaicin can be purchased at your local drug store. If you cannot afford capsaicin, try mixing 1 tablespoon of dry chile powder with 2 tablespoons of baby powder. Place the mixture in a sock and use the socks at night.

5. Try alpha lipoic acid. ALA is an effective anti-oxidant that has been shown to relieve pain associated with neuropathy in multiple studies. To help relieve pain, the dose must be at least 600mg a day. It is advisable to start with a lower dose, as higher doses can cause nausea, stomach upset, fatigue, insomnia and can lower blood sugar. In general, ALA is a safe supplement.

6. Try gamma linolenic acid. GLA is an essential fatty acid found in evening primrose oil. Most of the studies have shown modest results, but the possibilities are still encouraging. Take 360mg/day. Many indications require higher dosages, but side effects with long term use at higher doses may include inflammation, thrombosis (blood clots), or decreased immune system functioning.

Treating painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy is very difficult and many of the above mentioned therapies should be tried and combined. Don't expect any "cures" and make sure you give each therapy a chance to work.

Preparing Your Child and Family for Life With Diabetes

2007-01-07T22:38:00.000-08:00

After the initial shock of diagnosis wears off and we become more comfortable with administering insulin shots, scheduling blood tests and mealtimes, and carbohydrate counting we have a chance to look to the future. At that point it really begins to sink in what a long-term commitment parenting a diabetic child really is. We now understand we have been drawn into a different lifestyle that will last as long as we are parents. Even when our child is grown up and leaves home we will still be concerned and involved with the diabetes community.

If you are finding that you are having trouble managing your child’s diabetes let me first share some statistics I found so you realize you are not alone.

35-75% do not follow meal plans all of the time
20-80% do not administer insulin correctly all of the time
30-70% do not record blood-monitoring level properly all of the time
23-52% do not provide adequate foot care all of the time
70-81% do not exercise adequately all of the time

Now that we understand how difficult it is to live with a chronic and potentially deadly disease, the question is how do we teach our children the reality of diabetes while still allowing them to be kids and trying to keep their lives as normal as possible. An experience that if you haven’t run into you soon will is birthday parties. They are everything you need to avoid to keep your child’s diabetes under control but they’re also an important aspect of your child’s life. With some planning you can have both. You can learn the specifics of this and many other situations you will face in my ebook “So Your Child Has Diabetes”. The point is life and diabetes can go on together. Just as important, your child’s friends learn about diabetes and talk about it. They don’t discriminate, they include your child. We as parents need to be adults in these types of situations. We are the voices of maturity, reality and humanity. We are the ones who allow our children to talk about their disease and how it makes them feel as well as keeping them focused on self-care. We are the ones who keep the disease from overcoming our family. When you let your child talk to you about how they feel about having diabetes you will find your child has less emotional stress and better control of their blood glucose levels.

General family stress can greatly affect blood glucose levels. It’s a delicate balance. When your child’s blood glucose levels are out of control it can cause stress in the family and when there’s stress in the family it can cause out of control blood glucose levels. You need to be prepared for these times. The Children’s Hospital that treats my daughter has an excellent Mental Health Department. Other communities have a variety of services they offer. Make yourself aware of them and know where to turn before things start to get out of control.

One of the things that really surprised me was the difference in the way I perceived diabetes and the way my daughter perceived it over time. I found it easier to cope with diabetes as time went on. You get into a rhythm and your comfort level with treatment increases. On the other hand my daughter found that the emotional distress associated with diabetes increased as time went by. We need to be aware that just because we are better at dealing with diabetes it doesn’t mean our children need less of our day to day care. A mistake I made was assuming that my 10-year-old didn’t need me to constantly supervise her blood glucose monitoring. After she went on an insulin pump it was no longer necessary for me to administer insulin. She had been checking her own blood levels for quite a while. Even though she was checking her own blood, while I was giving the shots I was right there to make sure she checked properly and at the correct times. Once she went on the pump that wasn’t the case anymore. I noticed that she wasn’t nearly as conciencious when I wasn’t there. This is just normal in the development of a child. Our children need us to keep them safe while they achieve these developmental skills.

In order to properly prepare our children for life with diabetes we must remember how we feel when we are ill. We hate it. Feeling lousy, unable to enjoy some of our normal activities. Imagine how this is magnified in our diabetic child. They never get a break. No rest from it, no vacation. No wonder they experience emotional problems. Never forget this. Our children need to know that we will always be there for them. They are not facing this alone. Listening to our children about their feelings is important but not enough. We also need to talk to them about what happens if they don’t take good care of their diabetes. We need to be careful. We don’t want our children to think that there is something wrong with them or to feel ashamed if their blood glucose levels aren’t always under control. In this case children are like puppies. They respond better to reward for proper behavior that to punishment for wrong behavior.

Finally we need to realize that preparing for life with diabetes is an ongoing process. You can’t control the process all of the time. Just take care of it one day at a time. With your help your child can understand this process of diabetes control and you don’t have to become “that diabetic family”. With preparation and awareness you, your child and the rest of your family can live healthy normal lives.

Pre-Diabetes Awareness Gamblers Understand the Odds

2007-01-06T21:54:00.000-08:00

Do you gamble? Play Texas Hold'em poker, casino games, or lotteries? Then understanding your odds of winning is part of the challenge.

Are you planning on living a long and healthy life? A life free of aches and pains? A life full of excitement and adventure? Great, then understanding the odds of developing diabetes will surely cause you to take immediate action.

It is estimated that one in three Americans born in the year 2000 will develop diabetes. Those are terrifying odds.

Already, more than 18 million Americans live with diabetes and that number is growing. What is even more alarming is the fact that 5 million people don't even know they have diabetes.

A new buzz in the medical community calls it- Pre-Diabetes. Today, roughly 41 million Americans have pre-diabetes which left undetected and untreated, progresses into full-blown diabetes.

Don't gamble with your health. The odds of developing diabetes are stacked against you.

The goal with identifying pre-diabetes is to prevent the onset of diabetes from ever happening.

Your physician can determine if you have pre-diabetes with two common tests. The fasting plasma glucose test (FPG) and the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Both require an overnight fast.

The good news is that you can greatly improve your odds and likely prevent diabetes with early detection and proper care.

Pre-Diabetes: 'Check Engine' Warning Light

2007-01-06T21:53:00.000-08:00

Your car has an early detection system and so does your body. Take 3 minutes to read this article and learn how you can save yourself a life time of aches, pains, and costly medical bills.

Have you ever had the "Check Engine" warning light come on in your car? Most newer cars have a system that monitors the performance of your car. If something is not working properly, the "Check Engine" light usually comes on.

The good news is that this "pre-warning" system can help you avoid costly damage, which may be occurring with your vehicle, by detecting small problems before they become big problems. However, the only way to be certain is to have your car inspected by an expert mechanic when the "Check Engine" light comes on.

Did you know that your body has a "pre-warning" system?

With many diseases, your body will start producing symptoms such as aches, pains, fatigue, frequent thirst, and so on. These symptoms are your body's "Check Engine" light, warning you about problems.

However, with diabetes, pre-warning signs don't always show up so easily. The medical community is calling it: Pre-Diabetes.

Today, roughly 41 million Americans have pre-diabetes which left undetected and untreated, progresses into full-blown diabetes.

Don't wait for your "Check Engine" light to come on. Have your blood tested. Call your doctor today and make the appointment.

The goal with identifying pre-diabetes is to prevent the onset of diabetes from ever happening.

Your physician can determine if you have pre-diabetes with two common tests. The fasting plasma glucose test (FPG) and the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Both require an overnight fast.

The good news is that you can greatly improve your odds and likely prevent diabetes with early detection and proper care.

Diabetes Awareness: The Downside... a New Wardrobe?

2007-01-05T21:53:00.001-08:00

Here is some commonsense thinking:

I can't understand why anyone who has diabetes wouldn't exercise and watch what they eat.

The down side is that you may have to get an entire new wardrobe since exercise and healthy eating causes weight and size reduction.

When it happens, people tell you how great you look and that motivates you even more.

Other side effects: you'll also sleep better and feel more rested than before you started walking and eating better.

I prefer walking outside, especially when the weather is nice. I even designed a walking path about 2.5 miles long around my neighborhood; part flat and part hilly.

You'll find that a walking program helps more than your body.

"For me, walking time is good thinking time. Nobody is there to interrupt my thoughts. And even when I walk on the treadmill in front of the TV, I find it helps me get ready for the day."

Exercise and healthy eating.... A powerful duo for diabetics!

Ask your doctor about diabetes and have your blood sugar checked several times a year.

Raising Happy Diabetic Kids Part II

2007-01-05T21:52:00.000-08:00

This is the second article in a series I am writing about how to raise happy diabetic children. You can find the first article titled Help Your Child Develope Self-Confidence in our article archives.

Sometimes the phrase "happy diabetic kids" seems to be an oxymoron. Often it seems all of the dark powers of the diabetes universe are aligned against you. You wonder if there isn't some evil house elf behind the scenes just making everyone's life miserable on purpose. Not being graduates of Hogwarts School Of Magic we can't just wave a magic wand and make it all better. We must prepare for life with diabetes and we must prepare our children. Self-Reliance is a critical skill for diabetic children to master. Think of all of the responsibilities that go into daily diabetes care. We all realize that we must keep the responsibilities we put upon our children age appropriate. Non the less, in most school aged children the ability to take some responsibility for their own care goes a long way in giving them some feelings of control over their diabetes. Last month I mentioned there are three components to raising happy children. Self-Confidence, Self-Reliance and Self-Control. No I still haven't forgotten Self-Esteem we'll get there. I'm still of the opinion that with these first three components your child can't help but develope Self-Esteem.

What is Self-Reliance?

Self-Reliance is the ability to manage on your own: to know how to manage your time, to function and think independently, combined with the ability to solve problems. With self-reliance, there is no need for other people's approval before moving forward or doing something new. It's also un-neccessary for constant guidance on how to achieve a goal. you can rely on yourself. Self-reliance is about tasks and skills -- knowing how to do things, how to achieve things or how to manage things. It also includes the ability to be alone and to think things through on your own. Self-reliance is broader than self-confidence. Self-confidence relates to what we can do, to specific skills. Self-reliance is about being independent, creative and self-sufficient; having confidence in our inner-selvs to enable us to adapt and manage on our own.

Self-Reliance helps us become:

Self-reliance is also having confidence in your own ideas. It is about being able to see things through to completion. It is about not being afraid of setting goals, and not being stopped by fear of failure. There is a common belief that the world is made up of three diffrent types of people:

those who make things happen;

those who watch things happen;

those who notice nothing until after then ask, "What happened?"

Those who have good self-reliance (and self-confidence, and self-control) develope self-esteem and make things happen. If we want our children to be able to make things happen, we don't have to think on a grand scale. It doesn't mean we all should want our children to be like Bill Gates, or Nobel Prize winners. We don't need to have our children achieve on a scale that makes a difference to others, We should aim to give our children a measure of self-reliance that allows them to keep better control of their own lives and keep choices open for them.

Self-Reliant at What?

We can encourage self-reliance in our children from a fairly early age. As soon as your child shows they can manage things for themselves, however slowly or clumsily, we should allow them to do so. Self-reliance is best introduced and experienced stage by stage, starting early and building up slowly as they become more more competent and responsible. When children are very young they have this almost unstoppable drive to become independent. Before they learn adult concepts of failure, they are willing to try over and over until they master whatever they are trying to do. This is especially true if they have older brothers or sisters. They desprately want to do what the older kids can do. If we stand in the way of letting them try or show disapproval when they don't do it quite right we can damage their belief in themselves. The more we do for them the more we prevent them from developing the ability to make judgements and decisions for themselves. The stages of self-reliance are fun to watch. The first time your baby grabs a hand full of baby food and finds their own mouth with it. When they learn to "go potty" all by themselves. When they put their own shirt on, usually backwards after wrestling with it for ten minutes. When they pick up their own room. When they start to earn an allowance. When they do their homework without you holding a gun to their head. When they go off on their first baby-sitting job. When they show you their first apartment, where you should promptly go through it turning on and leaving on every light in the place, leave the refridgerator door open and put your feet up on their new furniture. These stages progress until they present you one day with a grandchild. Clearly you cannot encourage self-reliance in your child if you are not prepared to stand back and progressively let go. Doing that in the right amounts and at the right times is hard to judge. Add the dangers of their not managing daily diabetes treatment into it and you realize just how careful you need to be. Giving them responsibility and independence depends on the age and personality of your child and on your own particular circumstances. Children can become self-reliant only if we have encouraged their independence, given them practice in making decisions that concern themselves and their health, and shown them that they can be relied upon.

We have been given a special task, raising a diabetic child. This makes us special people. If we weren't up to it we wouldn't have been entrusted with it. Self-reliance is a critical part of raising any child, diabetic or not. Diabetes just makes it more difficult and more important we help our children develope this skill.

Diabetes Awareness: I'll Wait 'til it Hurts

2007-01-04T21:51:00.000-08:00

By the time many type 2 diabetics (and often their doctors) realize action is necessary, the disease, with its destructive high blood sugars, has been silently damaging their body for years.

Complications to the blood vessels and tissues of your eyes, feet, heart, kidneys, and other organs, are likely well underway.

You visit the doctor because you feel bad, and you wish to feel better. You react to the symptoms of perceived illness. This is understandable, but does not allow much room for prevention or early detection of diabetes.

Of course this idea, “Don't see the doctor 'til it hurts,” comes from our “busier-then-ever” lifestyles. But to blame, to point fingers after the damage has started is as pointless as is the leaping bungee-jumper's complaint that his equipment has just failed. It's a little late to talk about why. Some problems are better prevented.

If you have type 2 diabetes, you know most of the time you don't feel very bad. You might think that because you don't feel very bad, it isn't very serious, and you don't have to do anything about it just now. "I'll wait 'til it hurts" ...You couldn't be more wrong.

Diabetes damages your body with high blood sugars. It doesn't care whether your sugars are high from type 2, type 1, or some other cause — if they're up, they're doing damage. Type 2 diabetics who let their sugars run “because they don't feel bad” are doing serious damage to their eyes, kidneys, hearts, and nervous systems.

Suppose you have diabetes, and don't want the complications. Suppose you don't know you have diabetes, but you're from a high-risk group (maybe someone in your family has or had diabetes), and you want to cut the risks. Or, suppose you just want to feel better.

It's all the same — Your early detection, education, and prevention work best.

Don't wait 'til it hurts. Ask your doctor about diabetes and have your blood sugar checked several times a year.

Humulin or Lantus, Which Insulin For Your Child?

2007-01-03T21:51:00.000-08:00

Humulin or Lantus? When my daughter, who was 8, was first diagnosed the Children's Hospital that was treating her put her on an insulin program of short acting Humalog NPH and long acting Humalin N. You should have seen me that first day of training after a long night in the emergency room where she was diagnosed. I was a raving lunatic to begin with so my brain was mostly mush at that point. Add to that everything began with "H". Mix this "H" with that "H" but first charge this "H" with air, then draw this "H" first followed by that "H" but make sure you roll this "H" between your palms and for crying-out-loud don't shake that "H". Anyway I guess osmosis worked and all of that information finally seeped in. We were officially diabetic now.

For those of you who may not be familiar with it, Humalog and Humalin (short and long acting insulins) are mixed in the same syringe and injected 3 times a day usually before meals. Your child is allowed a certain amount of carbohydrates for each meal that the doctor figures out based on age, weight, etc., and that's your number. My daughter's was 65 carbs max per meal and 35 max per snack. However your child hits their magic number that's it. Whether it's 65 slices of ham or half a pop-tart. Plus she had to eat 6 times a day at certain times everyday.

Well the time came when she decided she wanted a little more freedom of choice and asked me about trying Lantus. My first thought was if it's not broke don't fix it. But I can have a cupcake whenever I want so I decided my opinion was secondary. So we looked into it. Lantus is a long lasting insulin. One shot at night and she had a 24 hour basal dose of insulin. "One shot" I'm thinking to myself "that's great". But wait, you also have to take a shot of short acting insulin (a bolus) everytime you eat. 10 meals 10 shots, 3 meals, 3 shots. Even I could figure that out. You base the amount of short acting insulin on the number of carbs you are about to eat. Talk about freedom! Compared to what she had been doing it was like being re-born. she didn't care that it would mean more shots. All she heard was she could eat what she wanted when she wanted. Birthday cake, pizza parties, popcorn at the movies, boy she was ready to go. The first thing she wanted to have was a Blizzard from Dairy Queen. I looked at the chart on the wall and it read 125 carbohydrates. That was half a days carbs in a paper cup! After a couple of days of gluttony things got back to normal pretty quickly.

Remember that freedom I mentioned, it came at a price. This insulin regime is a lot of shots. Add those to the required blood tests and your talking about a lot of holes per day in a little girl. One more thing, her nighttime Lantus shot was 19 units. that's a lot of insulin all at once. In her case it went in like battery acid. These shots are no fun. However, after several months on the Lantus regime her life and the rest of my family's lives are pretty close to pre-diagnosis normal. All in all it was the right thing to do. If your doctor is suggesting Lantus or your child is asking about it, consider all of the above. We're glad we did it.

Insulin

2007-01-03T21:50:00.000-08:00

Insulin has two critical roles in the body that we cannot live without, yet it can be the root of many health problems, including diabetes. Insulin carries sugar (glucose), fat and protein into your cells where they are used for energy and the repair of your cells. When you eat, a certain amount of the food will be converted into glucose and enter the bloodstream. As the sugar levels rise, the body senses it and the pancreas secretes insulin to lower the sugar. This is insulin's second main function.

If you eat too much of any food, especially carbohydrates (starch and sugar) the levels of glucose in the blood rise to very high levels. In turn this triggers a large release of insulin from the pancreas. Your cells will take what they need and then insulin will begin the process of converting the excess glucose, fat and protein into fat and then put it all away in your fat cells. By combining foods the right way for your body, you will maintain optimum levels of insulin throughout the day.

The best way to control insulin and fight sugar cravings is to eat protein snacks when you are hungry or when you have severe "sweet" cravings. Also, try to limit yourself to three carbohydrate-containing meals per day and try to eat vegetables with most meals and snacks.
A particularly good snack is non-fat cottage cheese and salsa. The only vegetables to avoid in the evening are corn, yellow or orange squash, peas, beets and carrots. They have high simple carbohydrate (sugar) content.

Good natural sources of protein for meals or snacks are:

Chicken breast
Turkey
Fish
Lean Pork
Lean Steak
7% or less Ground Beef
Egg whites
Egg Beaters
Tofu
Non-fat cottage cheese
Non-fat cheese
Non-fat cream cheese
Non-fat sour cream
Fat-free Ham or Canadian bacon

You can also try protein powder and protein bars.

I recommend Labrada ProPlete Protein powder. It is low fat, low carb and high protein. It comes in several flavors and you can probably get it at GNC stores or any vitamin store. It does not have artificial sweeteners. It is sweetened with Stevia, which is all-natural and it made from the root and leaves of the Stevia plant.

Labrada also makes good low-carb, sugar free protein bars. Other good protein bars are Ultimate Lo-Carb, Ultimate Lo-Carb2 and Premiere Elite. These are good as a "pretend candy bar" when you're having a craving. Just don't over do it. The last three bars I mentioned do have artificial sweeteners. You can find them at GNC, Trader Joe's and many vitamin stores.

Diabetes Type 1 in Children and Adults

2007-01-02T03:19:00.001-08:00

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes Mellitus (Sugar Diabetes) is a disease characterized by the body's inability to produce or regulate the production of the hormone Insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is secreted by the pancreas and used by the body to regulate glucose. When the body fails to produce sufficient insulin the glucose rises and can get dangerously high. If the body produces too much insulin a person can have a condition known as hypoglycemia whereby the blood glucose levels are too low. The blood glucose level being too high or too low can be extremely dangerous and in some cases even fatal if not corrected.

What Causes Diabetes Mellitus Type 1?

The cause of diabetes mellitus type 1 or any type of diabetes is not known for sure. It is thought that diabetes may be an autoimmune disease. Autoimmune diseases are those in which the body's defense system attacks the body's own cells. In type I diabetes the cells in the pancreas are often destroyed this keeps the pancreas from doing its job of regulating insulin.

What are the signs and symptoms of the disease?

Probably the most notable symptoms are a severe increase in thirst and frequent urination. Other symptoms often include a sharp increase in appetite, losing weight without trying, and sometimes blurred vision.

How is Diabetes Mellitus diagnosed?

Type 1 diabetes mellitus is diagnosed using blood tests. Usually a physician will do an exam then have blood taken for a FBS (Fasting Blood Sugar) he may do other tests such as a Lipid or Liver profile at the same time to be sure there are no other health problems. If the FBS runs high the physician then may order an OGTT (Oral Glucose Tolerance Test or GTT (Glucose Tolerance Test). The GTT and OGTT are the exact same test; it is just that different facilities use slightly different terminology.

If you are the patient you will go to the lab or collection center after fasting a given length of time, usually 8-12 hours. The lab may require you to be on a specific diet for 1-2 days prior to the collection. You would have a blood sample drawn and the fasting blood sugar would be run. Once the result of the FBS is determined you will likely be required to drink a liquid that has a predetermined amount of glucose in it. You will then have blood drawn at 1 hour intervals for the duration of the test period. The GTT can last anywhere from 1 to 5 hours but 3 hours is the most commonly ordered.

What is the treatment?

The most common treatment for type 1 diabetes is the use of insulin by injection. In fact Diabetes Type I is often referred to as IDDM or Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus. It is also sometimes referred to as juvenile onset diabetes since it does occur more often in children, but can occur at any age.

If you are diagnosed with Diabetes Mellitus Type 1 it is very probable that you will have to make some adjustments to your life style. You will need to be very careful of your diet and you should set up a regular exercise schedule. You will also need to monitor your blood glucose levels. Most people diagnosed with diabetes check their glucose with a blood glucose meter at least one and more often 2 times daily.

Can it be cured?

The simple answer is No; at this point we can not cure diabetes of any type. Most types of diabetes can be controlled and if they are not controlled then other problems such as kidney failure, nerve damage, heart attack and stroke may follow.

You would control the diabetes by controlling the blood sugar and control the blood sugar by the use of insulin. You would also want to eat healthy foods and try to keep a reasonably good exercise routine to help control your weight.

Supplements For Diabetes – What Recent Studies Say?

2007-01-02T03:18:00.001-08:00

Diabetes is a chronic condition in which body does not produce or produce less insulin compared to healthy individual or body develops resistance to insulin (body does not respond to insulin).

Most foods that we consume finally enter into the blood in form of carbohydrate, fat & protein. From blood, these nutrients enter into cells. Insulin is required for this entry of glucose into cells. Body cells utilize carbohydrate & fat for energy & growth.

Because of less insulin or resistance to insulin in diabetes, blood sugar cannot enter into cells & remain in blood resulting in high blood sugar.

Studies have shown that supplements like chromium, alpha lipoic acid & vanadium plays an important role in the management of diabetes.

Chromium supplements in diabetes:
Diabetes is associated with low concentrations of chromium in blood, so, an early, long-term addition of chromium to the standard therapy has been recommended in several studies. Some latest clinical reports also support the safety and therapeutic value of chromium supplementation for the management of high cholesterol and sugar in subjects with diabetes.

Chromium increases insulin receptor numbers & insulin binding to cells. Since chromium acts by increasing insulin efficiency, so lower amount of insulin is required in presence of chromium.

A clinical study published in ‘Diabetes Care. (2006, August)’ has shown that chromium supplementation in subjects with type 2 diabetes significantly improves insulin sensitivity and glucose control. Chromium supplementation also reduced body weight gain and fat accumulation

A latest review article published in Diabetes Technol Ther. 2006 December has mentioned that 13 of 15 clinical studies involving a total of 1,690 subjects reported significant improvement in at least one outcome of glycemic control. (Glycemic control is a medical term used for blood sugar levels in a person with diabetes) Beneficial effects of chromium supplementation included reduced blood glucose, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels and reduced requirements for drugs for diabetes.

Reduction in blood sugar & improvement in insulin sensitivity with chromium results in decrease risk for diabetes complications.

Alpha lipoic acid in Diabetes:
Alpha lipoic acid is a powerful antioxidant, which is produced in the body & also present in food. High blood sugar in diabetes increases free radical formation in body, which leads to additional complications of diabetes like atherosclerosis, heart problems, nerve damage & cataract. Antioxidant decreases free radicals in body & decreases risk of complications.

There are number of publications confirming beneficial effect of lipoic acid in therapy of many diseases, including diabetes, atherosclerosis, degenerative processes in neurons, diseases of joints,

A recent clinical study on diabetic patients treated with alpha lipoic acid was published in ‘hormones (Athens). 2006 Oct-Dec 5(4)’. The result of the study has proved that short-term oral alpha-lipoic acid treatment increases peripheral insulin sensitivity in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Improvement in insulin sensitivity could improve both blood sugar control and cardiovascular risk factors in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Peripheral insulin sensitivity gives an idea about how body cells respond to insulin. In diabetes, because of decrease response to insulin by body cells, blood sugar cannot enter into cells causing high blood glucose. Alpha lipoic acid enhances glucose uptake by cells in type 2 diabetes.

Diabetic neuropathy or nerve damage is a complication of diabetes. It is a progressive disease, which can cause pain, loss of sensation and weakness, in the feet and sometimes in the hands. Studies have shown that alpha lipoic acid is effective in management of diabetic nerve damage called neuropathy and it reduces pain associated with neuropathy.

Vanadium supplement in diabetes:
Vanadium is a trace mineral required by the body in small quantities. Numerous studies have shown that vanadium has insulin-like effects in liver, skeletal muscle, and adipose tissue. It may improve glucose control in people with type 2 diabetes.

Along with chromium & alpha lipoic acid, supplement like evening primrose oil, fenugreek & some herbs also help in management of diabetes.

Keep Diabetes Complications At Bay With Early Diagnosis

2007-01-01T03:17:00.001-08:00

Since diabetes can lie dormant for a number of years without being detected, by the time a person is diagnosed with this chronic illness, complications may have already set in.

Therefore, it is important to have regular checks to make sure that the levels of blood sugar are normal. Taking this precaution can avoid the risks of complications which can affect many other parts of the body, such as the eye, the foot, blood vessels, nerves, the kidney and the heart.

Do not put off seeing a doctor if you experience blurred vision that does not go away for more than two days, feel a pain in the eye or a sudden lost of vision. These may be the symptoms of eye related problems consistent with diabetes.

When there are high levels of blood sugar, the blood vessels found in the retina are subjected to damages, resulting in a condition known as diabetic retinopathy. This is when the blood vessels which are already weak, leak fluid that cause a swelling in the eye. This may lead to blurred vision. When diabetic retinopathy becomes worse, the retina will be stretched further from the other parts of the eye and this can result in total blindness. However, with early detection, laser treatments can be used to retard retinopathy.

The risk of getting complications such as heart diseases and strokes are the main concern of diabetics who are overweight, having a family history of heart related problems, smoke, or suffering from high blood pressures. Do check with your doctor if you have these symptoms, and when diagnosed early, these complications can be put under control.

High levels of blood glucose can also damage the kidney. In the advance stage of diabetic nephropathy, a condition which results from damaged blood vessels in the kidney, regular dialysis and kidney transplants are used to treat this condition. In order to avoid these treatments, diabetics are encouraged to go for tests annually. With early diagnosis, your doctor can prescribe medications that can help contain kidney damage.

Nerve damage is perhaps one of the more common risks associated with diabetes. It is vital for people suffering from nerve damage to make sure they do not have open wounds or sores on the legs or feet. This is related to a condition known as diabetic neuropathy which often affects the feet and legs of the diabetics.

Neuropathy is a problem which makes it difficult for the nerves to send messages to the brain and other parts of the body. As a result, the diabetics may not even know they have sores on their legs or feet. This may lead to infections and in serious cases, result in foot amputations.

Diabetic Supplies are Essential Needs for Diabetic Persons

2007-01-01T03:17:00.000-08:00

The age factor is not a great matter with diabetic patients because diabetes affects all people, even children, in result injuring the heart, kidneys and even nerve systems if left untreated. Treatment for diabetes is necessary for diabetic patients in order to avoid other possible complications. Diabetes is an imbalanced of the sugar levels that affects different people of different ages where proper medication for diabetes patients is important in maintaining their glucose or sugar levels.

Diabetes is the most silent type of disease that can cause death and disability to people of different races all over the world. Significantly speaking, diabetic patients need proper care to help manage their condition to live a normal and satisfying life. As such, diabetic supplies for diabetic patients are acquirable in various medical stores worldwide. These supplies will allow diabetic patients help maintain their blood sugar and at the same time treat their condition.

A variation of supplies for diabetic patients is at hand. For example, self administered test kits for patients without the knowledge that they have diabetes can be bought to make test available to knowing if there are diabetic or not. These self-test kits include test strips and blood glucose meters that calculate glucose levels for individual patients. There are two kinds of meters that can be used to calculate the glucose level: one type is the meter that changes in color to show the glucose level and the other meter displays a digital reading for the glucose level.

Utilizing a self-test kit is easy and very convenient for any patient. Using a lancet or a piercing device with a built-in needle to get blood samples to perform the test can help patients distinguish if they are diabetic or not. These lancets are individual units that are not transposable from one patient to another, costing according to the types of brand ranges from $65 to $70 per unit.

Recommendation for buying blood glucose meters have several options because of the different kinds of features it offers. These features include a memory to help monitor sugar levels while other features a voice systems where a step-by-step procedure for glucose testing is included. Also, another feature includes the action test strip that eventually helps get blood on the strip itself.

There are different brand names available for these self-test kits like the accu-check, the one-touch ultra, the one-touch sure step and the freestyle test strips that will help you perform a test if you are a diabetic or not.

Other available supplies for diabetic patients are the different selections for an insulin delivery system. These insulin systems help assist diabetic patient in taking insulin or particular medications. These supplies vary according to the type of medication needed to treat patients with diabetes. The following supplies are: pen and jet injectors, insulin pumps and infusers, and the normal syringe are helpful in taking insulin doses.

Diabetes supplies is really important to people with diabetes, however, these supplies are also costly and can be quite expensive. Due to additional cases for diagnosed patients with diabetes, a surplus of diabetic supplies is needed. Even health care increase, estimating nearly to $100 billion a year, have become a problem, therefore, affecting people with the way diabetes have affected their lives. In a way, diabetic supplies are still helpful and gives diabetic patients an opportunity to lead normal and satisfying lives that is necessary for treatment.

Diabetic Cook Book - Delicious Recipes to Keep Your Glucose Blood Level Right

2006-12-31T03:16:00.000-08:00

The diabetic has certain challenges with meal planning. If you are taking insulin or pills for diabetes it is helpful to plan in advance the timing of your meals so you can watch your sugar levels. Having a regular eating time each day will make this work well. As you monitor your glucose levels, you'll learn how various foods effect your blood glucose level. By studying how the carbohydrates you eat influence your blood sugar you become sensitive to what your body requires.

A diabetic cook book is helpful to help you with your home cooking so that you can balance fat properly and work with the pyramid food table. You do not have to completely eliminate sugar from your life. Instead , you need to use moderation and see how your body responds.

It is important to not get overweight if you have diabetes because there is a higher risk of heart problems for people with diabetes compared to the rest of the population. Also if you lose weight you can help your natural insulin work more effectively on your glucose levels.

Exercise is very important for the diabetic and fortunately now some fast foods restaurants are eliminating the trans fats and replacing with healthier fats. By making meals at home, you will ultimately have the best control of what you are eating and regulating your blood glucose level. When you choose a cook book, look for one that focuses on the diabetic condition.

Do not feel that this condition will alienate you from others. Yes you need to watch your diet a bit and to exercise moderation but this does not mean you cannot eat out, have snacks and function like everyone else.

An Ancient Herbal Therapy For Diabetics

2006-12-31T03:15:00.000-08:00

Type 2 diabetes is an increasing health problem worldwide. Most of the 194 million people with diabetes have Type 2 diabetes, which is caused by inability to regular the sugar in the body properly. Diabetics are of high risk of developing other diseases including heart disease, if their conditions are not well-managed.

A recent study revealed that an herbal therapy that has been used for thousands of years may help control blood sugar levels in people suffering from Type-2 diabetes. Milk thistle, a flowering herb, contains several chemicals with possible medical effects. Most current research focuses on one of them, silymarin, which may have specific protective effects on cells in the liver. Milk thistle can also produce modest reductions in cholesterol levels and help to protect the heart muscle from damage caused by certain drugs. However, these potential uses have not been well-studied in humans.

As reported in the Journal Phytotherapy Research, a study conducted by researchers from the Institute of Medicinal Plants in Teheran seemed to indicate beneficial effects of silymarin for Type 2 diabetics.

The researchers compared the effects of daily supplements of silymarin against a placebo in 52 diabetics. Half of the patients received 200 mg of silymarin 3 times a day for 4 months or the dummy pill along with conventional treatments. At the end of the study, people in the herbal group had reduced blood glucose levels compared to their earlier levels.

The results were indeed very encouraging but further large multi-center studies were necessary. Although some substances appear to have an effect in people with Type 2 diabetes, it is warned that they should not be used as a cure and should not replace traditional therapies. As the study was very small and still in its early stages, it is not recommended to use milk thistle or any other supplement for people with diabetes.

Women who have cancers of the breast, ovaries, or uterus or who have other hormone-dependent conditions should not take or use milk thistle plant extract due to its possible estrogenic effects. Pregnant women should also not take milk thistle because of it could interfere with normal fetal development. Men who have prostate cancer should not take milk thistle without the approval of a doctor.

Despite the findings, researchers still stressed that the best methods of controlling glucose levels is through a combination of regular physical activity, a healthy diet, and the relevant prescribed medication.

How Can Nuts and Seeds Help to Ward off Metabolic Syndrome (Syndrome X)?

2006-12-30T03:14:00.000-08:00

According to a study conducted by Columbia University’s Department of Medicine, nuts and seeds have been found to decrease inflammation in blood vessels. As a result, there’s a reduction in the risk of developing the cluster of increased risk factors for heart disease called Metabolic Syndrome (Syndrome X), as well as Type 2 Diabetes.

The study looked at about 6,000 individuals between the ages of 45 and 84. Researchers found that individuals who ate nuts and seeds five or more times a week had a decrease level of inflammatory markers, which are specific proteins in your body used to monitor inflammation. (1)

Inflammation is the body’s response to injury which causes white blood cells to be released into the bloodstream. Although this is a natural process, it can damage blood vessels. Some triggers of inflammation include exposure to increased insulin, elevated LDL "bad" cholesterol, elevated blood sugar, smoking and exposure to second hand smoke and infections. Inflammation has been long associated with heart disease and new studies are showing it may also be linked to Type 2 Diabetes.

Plaque build-up may occur in inflamed blood vessels, leading to a narrowing of the diameter, which impedes blood flow and can increase the risk of high blood pressure and stroke.

The actual link between inflammation and Type 2 Diabetes is still being studied. But the connection may be due to the fact that Type 2 Diabetics are often overweight and suffering from elevated blood sugar levels – a key factor associated with inflammation. (2)

Walnuts are a healthy snack choice because they are high in mono-unsaturated fats and contain omega-3 fatty acids, which are linked to decreased inflammation via lower LDL cholesterol and higher levels of HDL "good" cholesterol.

Type 2 Diabetes And Obesity - Double Trouble

2006-12-30T03:12:00.000-08:00

With the rise of obesity in America, not only are we getting heavier, but we are becoming more unhealthy. No where is this more true than with the explosion of Type 2 diabetes.

More than 21 million people in the U.S. have diabetes, and 54 million more have pre-diabetes. Unfortunately, obesity has led too much of this increase.

For people who have Type 2 diabetes, your body either can no longer produce enough insulin to maintain a healthy blood glucose level, or it is no longer effective.

There is evidence that shows that our body's fat cells are more insulin resistant than muscle cells. It makes sense when you think about it. So, if someone is obese and carries a lot more fat, their insulin will also become less effective in dealing with blood sugar.

To reduce your risk of getting Type 2 diabetes, or to help maintain it, you should lose the extra weight. Even 10 pounds will give your body a huge boost in fighting against Type 2 diabetes.

You don't have to go to the gym and join an aerobics class, or lift weights and sweat like crazy. You can begin losing the extra weight just by walking every day. Start a simple walking program and within 2 weeks you'll notice improvement. Start off slowly and work your way up to longer distances. The important thing is to just start.

An added health benefit to getting exercise is that your blood pressure and cholesterol will also be healthier. So it's not only Type 2 diabetes that benefits, but many other areas in your overall health as well.

If you're obese and have Type 2 diabetes, I urge you to make a commitment. Start an exercise routine and fight the effects of this terrible disease. You can lead a happy and healthy life.

Restricting Carbohydrates in Diabetics is wrong

2006-12-29T04:35:00.001-08:00

Diabetes Mellitus is defined as a progressive metabolic disorder in which the body produces an inadequate amount of Insulin, or poorly responds to the Insulin after an intake of carbohydrates, resulting in an abnormal elevation of blood glucose level. This condition is accompanied by various other abnormal metabolic functions and abnormal vascular changes, which increase the risk of strokes, heart attacks and renal diseases. Currently, there is a worldwide epidemic of Diabetes Mellitus which is expected to have a devastating effect on the health and economics of most societies.

A popular management advice given by health professionals, in the management of Diabetes, is the restriction of carbohydrate intake especially high glycemic index foods. The glycemic index reflects the tendency of a food to increase blood sugar and Insulin levels. Is the advice of carbohydrate restriction good? Could this advice be partially responsible for the progressive nature of this disease? It is my belief, which is supported by science that this advice of restricting carbohydrates is wrong and is contributing to the acceleration and progressive nature of this disease. This scientific evidence is obvious if you examine the physiological role of the hormones, Insulin and Cortisol. Let us now look more closely at this evidence.

Insulin is the primary anabolic hormone of the body. This means that circulating Insulin encourages the body to produce and repair body tissues. Circulating Insulin is dependent on the dietary intake of carbohydrate. Restricting carbohydrates will reduce circulating Insulin and thus the repair rate of the body, in both diabetics and non-diabetics. This means that the healing of the diabetic disorder is prevented and is likely to get worse due to the normal wear and tear of our bodies with aging. Therefore carbohydrate restriction contributes to the progressive nature of diabetes. The reason put forward for restricting carbohydrates is because the body cannot produce enough Insulin to adequately metabolize this intake. Although this sounds plausible, it is not necessary, since treatment for the diabetic condition could supplement for the short fall in Insulin. Hence you would preserve the healing potential of Insulin while ensuring control of the diabetic condition.

Cortisol is the primary catabolic hormone of the body. This means that circulatory Cortisol will encourage destruction of body tissue. This destructive action includes it diabetogenic properties through the destruction of Insulin receptors on cells. Cortisol circulation is highest in the morning and is controlled by a twenty-four hour body rhythm or circadian rhythm. Exercise and stress increase circulating Cortisol levels. Cortisol’s main antagonist is Insulin. This means that the higher the circulating Insulin levels the weaker is the Cortisol effect, including its diabetogenic effect. This means that if carbohydrates are restricted, especially in the morning it would result in increased damage to insulin receptors and worsening or progression of the diabetic status. Diabetics are often advised to exercise regularly. Persons with the disease are also likely to experience psychological and financial stress as a result of this illness. All these factors lead to increased Cortisol levels which further aggravate the disease progression. Therefore, advising diabetics to restrict carbohydrate intake contributes to the progression of the disease.

Doctors and nutritionists need to review their dietary advice to diabetics. This advice needs to be structured to harmonize with the body’s physiology. It is by doing so, that we will be able to stem the tide of Diabetes Mellitus and change the disease from its progressive nature to a preventable and reversible condition

A New Approach to Type 2 Diabetes

2006-12-29T04:34:00.000-08:00

Diabetes has turned into an epidemic. It is time to wake up and smell the coffee! Do you know about one fourth of America is gripped by diabetes or syndrome X (pre-diabetes)? Moreover, the worst thing is that nine out of ten type 2 diabetes patients have not been able to control their blood sugar levels even after taking medications!

Diabetes is a tricky disease. In the first two years of the disease, you will not find any symptoms. However, when they attack, it spells doom for the patient.

Taking Diabetes Lightly Is a Big Mistake
One of the major loopholes in the treatment of type 2 diabetes is the laxity of the patient. Most type 2 diabetes patients do not visit their doctor for blood sugar tests after the first six months of diagnosis. Many others are careless about their diet and exercise. Call it psychological factor or whatever, but a majority of type 2 diabetes patients simply resigns to their fate.

Perhaps it is due to the emotional changes that occur due to type 2 diabetes. Constant stress, a lack of self-esteem, and the swirling of negative emotions in the mind can be held responsible for such an irresponsible behavior of the patients.

It is true that if a person has not paid attention to his or her health in the past, he or she is not likely to do it even after been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Many of them do not want to face the truth while others simply do not prioritize their health.

The big question ruffling the minds of medical experts is: How do you get the type 2 diabetes patients to start caring about them NOW?

Adopting a New Approach
Enough of frightening the people about the disastrous effects of type 2 diabetes. The fact is they do not fear much! So, there is a fresh approach to get the patient to realize the importance of serious treatment for type 2 diabetes. It is a gradual shift in the lifestyle of the patient.

It is difficult to change a hard-core habit overnight. Hence, strictness and extremity will not work here. The catch is to inculcate a slow but sure change in the eating habits and the way of living. A person who has lived on hamburgers and chocolates whole life cannot endure a sudden shift to sober and healthy food. It certainly requires a lot of effort to consume less oily food and less sugar, doesn't it? And what about the couch potatoes? Do you expect them to jump on their feet the very next day for exercise? Of course, not!

Therefore, the aim is to allow the patients to make a choice. The new approach involves in a gradual shift rather than a drastic change in lifestyle. It should be fun and motivating for the type 2 diabetes patients, not a punishment.

Diabetes Mellitus Type 2

2006-12-28T01:18:00.002-08:00

What is Diabetes Mellitus Type 2?

Most people have heard of diabetes at some time in their lives. Many people in the world live with it on a daily basis. There are three major types of Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1, Type 2 and Gestational Onset. This article will be devoted to Type 2, but I will also be putting together articles on other types of Diabetes and related diseases that I have studied.

The three types of Diabetes Mellitus (sometimes referred to as Sugar Diabetes) are all similar in that they are characterized by the body’s inability to regulate the hormone Insulin. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas and is responsible for regulating glucose. The pancreas is a gland that is located behind the stomach.

When all the blood glucose is raised by eating food or for any other reason the pancreas would secrete Insulin to bring it back down to an acceptable level for the body to deal with. If the pancreas does not function properly and secrete the proper amount of Insulin or sometimes the pancreas delivers no Insulin then the blood sugar levels can become dangerously high.

What Causes Diabetes Mellitus Type 2?

A child, adolescent or adult can develop Type 2 Diabetes and while no one is absolutely sure of the direct cause research has found that people with the following conditions are more likely to develop Type 2 Diabetes:

1. High Blood Pressure
2. High Cholesterol Levels
3. Family history of Diabetes
4. Overweight
5. Native American
6. African American
7. Asian American
8. Pacific Islander
9. Females that have had Gestational Diabetes

What are the symptoms?

1. Frequent Urination is probably the most notable and one of the first signs or symptoms.
2. Blurred Vision can be an early indicator of diabetes and numerous other diseases.
3. Being hungry most of the time can be an indicator
4. Losing weight without really trying can be a sign.
5. More thirsty than usual

How is Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 diagnosed?

It is diagnosed by the use of various blood glucose tests such as the following:
1. Fasting Blood Glucose (FBS) also known as Fasting Blood Sugar, after an overnight usually 8-12 hours fast you arrive at the lab or blood collection center. A specimen of blood is drawn then analyzed for blood glucose.
2. Random Blood Glucose is a glucose test done at anytime when you are not fasting and have not been fasting,
3. Oral Glucose Tolerance Test. If the Random and fasting blood glucose testing results warrant further testing the physician may order a Glucose Tolerance test. These usually last 1-5 hours depending on what exactly the physician is checking. A fasting sample will be drawn. You will be given a drink with a predetermined amount of glucose in it. You will need to drink the entire dink quickly then the lab will draw blood usually at 1 hour intervals until the time is up, during the testing period you may not eat anything, usually the lab will allow you to drink water.

What is the Treatment?

Type 2 Diabetes can often be controlled with a few lifestyle changes. These changes would include eating a more healthy diet, losing weight, and some form of mild exercise. If these lifestyle changes are not successful then a physician may recommend a diabetes medicine such a Glucophage or Insulin.

If you are diagnosed with Diabetes it is very important to monitor your blood glucose levels. Your doctor may have you check your blood sugar 3 times daily or more often in special cases. Most people diagnosed with diabetes obtain a small handheld blood glucose meter such as a One-Touch. People with diabetes should keep a journal of the blood glucose readings, have their meter checked and calibrated on a regular basis.

Persons with diabetes may also be required to have a test called the Hemoglobin A1c . The HbA1c test also known as Glycosylated Hemoglobin is a method of telling if the patient’s glucose level is well controlled or poorly controlled.

Can Diabetes lead to other health problems?

Yes, uncontrolled blood sugar can lead to many other problems and damage tissue and organs. Probably the most common is damage to the kidneys which sometimes leads to kidney failure. If you don’t seek treatment for diabetes you may be risking developing any of the following problems.

1. Eye problems, blurred vision, possibly even blindness
2. Heart attack, stroke and circulatory problems
3. Nerve Damage may cause numbness in the fingers and toes, could lead to foot ulcers and the necessity of removing some necrotic tissue even limbs.
4. Kidney problems which could lead to kidney failure

Diabetes and Pre-Diabetes Explained

2006-12-28T01:18:00.001-08:00

Diabetes is a disorder that affects the way your body uses digested food to maintain health, growth and energy.

Normally, the food you eat is broken down into glucose, which is a type of sugar. It becomes the major source of energy for your body. This glucose is carried in your bloodstream to be used by your cells for growth and energy.

But if your body doesn't have enough of a hormone called insulin, the glucose in your blood can't reach your cells. Insulin is naturally produced by your pancreas, which is a gland about the size of your hand, located behind your stomach.

If you have type 2 diabetes your pancreas may not produce enough insulin. That means your fat, muscle, and liver cells can't use the glucose effectively and it builds up in your blood. The glucose must go somewhere, so it overflows into your urine and passes out of your body.

When that happens, your body is left without its main source of fuel.

According to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse, more than 20 million people in the United States have diabetes. Of those people, 14.6 million are diagnosed by a doctor, but 6.2 million are undiagnosed and may not know they have diabetes.

Ninety to 95 percent of people with diabetes have type 2 diabetes. Diabetes is a very serious illness. In fact, diabetes is the main cause of kidney failure, limb amputation, and blindness in American adults.

People with diabetes are also two to four times more likely than people without diabetes to develop heart disease.

Pre-diabetes is also a serious condition. It's also called impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) or impaired fasting glucose (IFG). Having pre-diabetes means your the level of glucose in your blood glucose are higher than normal but not high enough for a diagnosis of diabetes.

But pre-diabetes means you're at a higher risk for developing type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Your doctor can test you to see if you have pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes.

The Symptoms Of Type I Diabetes

2006-12-27T01:19:00.001-08:00

Type I diabetes is a common condition within the United States with something in the region of about one million sufferers and some 10,000 new cases being diagnosed each year. It is especially common in children and young adolescents, but is also often seen in adults in their late 30s or early 40s.

Type I diabetes is essentially an autoimmune disease in which the body’s own immune system attacks the cells in the pancreas which produce insulin and production is either significantly reduced or eliminated altogether. Exactly what triggers this autoimmune response is unknown although it may well be triggered by some forms of viral infection. There are also various theories that it may be caused by the production of antibodies in response to the protein in cow’s milk, a reaction to excessive levels of vitamin D or a reaction to certain drugs, including some antibiotics. At the end of the day, however, the true cause of type I diabetes remains a mystery.

The failure of the body to produce insulin results in a buildup of glucose within the blood and it is this which gives rise to a wide range of symptoms.

In many people the first signs of type I diabetes will be an inability to regulate water within the body which will be seen as excessive urination and thirst. At the same time, because the body is not able to take up the glucose that it needs from the blood to provide it with energy, the brain also triggers the need to eat and sufferers feel very hungry. Additional symptoms caused directly as a result of the failure of the body to receive the energy that it needs are a feeling of tiredness, as well as increasing nausea and blurred vision.

Other symptoms to look out for will include muscle cramps, which are often caused by an electrolyte (sodium, potassium, calcium, or bicarbonate) imbalance and numbness or tingling in both the hands and feet.

It is also quite common to experience a drop in weight which may in part be the result of the body burning fat to replace its lost source of glucose energy, but which is much more the result of the body’s loss of water. As it is unusual for someone with an increased appetite to start losing weight this is often a good indication of the presence of type I diabetes.

Also, although bedwetting is common in young children, a marked increase in involuntary urination during the night can also be a sign of the onset of type 1 diabetes.

In most cases the onset of type 1 type diabetes will be quite gradual and by the time the symptoms are severe enough to warrant a visit to the doctor he will be able to trace the onset of the disease back several weeks or even months. In other cases however the symptoms can appear quite suddenly as an emergency which will require a visit to a hospital emergency room. In this case nausea, vomiting and severe stomach pains can lead quickly to breathing difficulty and the sufferer can lapse into a coma and die without prompt treatment.

Gestational Diabetes

2006-12-27T01:19:00.000-08:00

What is Gestational Diabetes?

Gestational Diabetes also known as Gestational Diabetes Mellitus or GDM is a form of diabetes that sometimes develops during pregnancy. It is usually noted in the second or third trimester. GDM occurs when the expectant mother’s pancreas cannot make enough insulin causing the body not to able to regulate the glucose.

What Causes Gestational Diabetes?

No one knows the exact cause of GDM. It is very possible that the hormones made by the placenta interfere with the regulation of insulin or block the effect of insulin. The placenta is a tissue that connects the baby to the mother while the baby is in the womb. The blocking effect would seem to increase as the placenta grows and produces more hormones. In most women the body makes more insulin and takes care of the problem. GDM would be the result of the pancreas making insufficient amounts of insulin.

Some women are more likely to develop Gestational Diabetes than others.

Risk factors include the following

* Having a family member with Diabetes
* Having a history of high blood sugar
* Gaining too much weight during pregnancy
* Being overweight before getting pregnant
* Having given birth to large babies in the past (over 9lbs)
* Having glycosuria (sugar in the urine)
* Black
* Hispanic
* American Indian

Signs and symptoms of gestational diabetes;

o Frequent Urination
o Blurred Vision
o Tired feeling much of the time, more than is usual
o Frequent urinary or bladder infections
o Frequent skin rash or infection
o Gaining more weight
o Nausea
o Vomiting

How is GDM Diagnosed?

The physician or healthcare professional will do a physical examination. If there is any concern about the possibility of GDM they will likely order either a 50 Gram Glucose Challenge. This is sometimes referred to as a 1hour Tolerance Test. In most labs you will be asked to fast prior to the test, but that is not always the case. Most labs will draw a sample and check the baseline blood glucose then give you a drink containing a specified amount of glucose. After you complete the drink you will then be asked to return in 1 hour to have a second tube of blood drawn. Women that are at high risk for gestational diabetes may have this test repeated several times throughout their pregnancy.

How is Gestational Diabetes Treated?

Much of the time GDM can be treated and controlled by using a combination of diet and exercise. The person with possible GDM should keep a very close watch on her Glucose levels through use of a glucose monitoring device such as the one-touch or accu-check.

Insulin or other medications may be given if diet and exercise are not successful in the treatment of GDM.

Will having GDM affect the baby or the mother?

There is a chance that GDM will lead to the following in mother:

* Development of Type 2 Diabetes later in life
* GDM in future pregnancies
* Increases chances of need for caesarean delivery
* Possible premature labor

3 Common Questions and Answer on Diabetic Blood Sugar Level

2006-12-26T23:22:00.001-08:00

For people with diabetes, this may be a condition one needs to face for the rest of the life. Hence, it is important for one to find out and understand more about the condition. One of the common issues associated with diabetes is diabetic blood sugar level. It is also an important issue for people with diabetic to deal with. Let us discuss 3 common questions on diabetic blood sugar level.

Should I check my sugar level if I feel some differences?

Some people with diabetes may feel that they are able to judge whether their blood level is too high or too low. Sometimes this may work, but it does not work all the time. In other words, it is unreliable to judge through feelings.

Studies have proven that diabetic blood sugar level can rise to an extremely high level or dropped dangerously with the person knowing it. Some people can tell when it is rising, but most people cannot tell when it is decreasing rapidly. Some even has mistaken the sugar level to be low even though it is high.

So this shows that is not accurate to judge by ourselves. Hence, always check your diabetic blood sugar level before taking insulin or exercising or driving.

Is sugar in common food harmful to my body?

Sugar is a powerful pack of energy for our body. Our body takes great care to monitor the sugar level as any unbalanced in sugar level can cause disaster to our body system. However, for people with diabetes, their body cannot regulate the blood sugar level well. This may cause high blood sugar level from occurring easily. If this is not solved, high sugar level can create problems such as damages to eyes, kidneys and nerves. That is why for people with diabetes, it is important for one to watch what one eats.

Sugar in common food may not look harmful, but for people with diabetes, simple things like the food we eat can also create problems if we do not take note of what we eat. So start to lead a healthy lifestyle and eat a well balance food diet plan.

Managing Diabetes

2006-12-26T23:22:00.000-08:00

With proper medication, diet and physical activity any diabetic person can live a normal risk free healthy life. Many sites on the Internet provide useful tips for managing diabetes. The most important step in managing diabetes is to know the disease. A clear understanding of the disease and its symptoms will help you reduce your stress, depression and fear.

A periodical check for blood glucose/sugar level is important in managing diabetes. Nowadays, there are many cheap and simple devices available that are highly effective in determining blood glucose levels. Writing down the readings regularly helps you keep the level in balance. Also, periodically check blood pressure level, cholesterol level, and urine/kidney, eyes, liver and pancreases functions.

Every diabetic management program requires a change in lifestyle. Consult a healthcare professional who will decide the mode of treatment that will suit your present physical condition. The amount of food you eat depends on many things such as your sex, age, weight and occupation. A certified dietician can determine what levels of food are optimal for you.

Carbohydrates are the major contributors to blood glucose, so limit carbohydrate foods in your diet to about 1/2 to 1 cup starch, 1/2-cup fruit and 1-cup milk per meal. Limit sweets and fatty foods. Excess fat can damage blood vessels and cause weight gain. Eat more vegetables such as tomatoes, broccoli, cauliflower and cabbages, as these have low carbohydrate, high fiber and vitamin C that assist in controlling blood sugar levels.

Increase your physical activities. Spent at least 10 to 15 minutes a day walking and use stairs instead of elevators and escalators. Exercise not only reduces blood glucose level, but also benefits the heart, lungs and joints, and gives you a feeling of well-being.

Avoid weight gain, since excess weight not only increases diabetes, but also causes some complex health problems such as cardiovascular diseases. If you are overweight, losing weight gradually can help you control your diabetes. Take part in more social and cultural activities. They will provide you enormous mental pleasure and may also improve your social status. And lastly, don?t smoke.

Diabetic Diet Cookbooks

2006-12-25T23:21:00.003-08:00

A cookbook typically provides people with a large number of recipes to make tasty and nutritious dishes. A diabetic diet cookbook is written keeping in mind the specific nutritional needs of a diabetic patient. A diabetic should abstain from eating food that have high cholesterol or sugar content. Therefore, the recipes in a diabetic cookbook are low in sugar and cholesterol content but high in proteins.

Diabetic diet cookbooks are a useful source of information about food composition, cooking tips, favorite recipe modifications, portions and menus. Most diabetic diet cookbooks contain information on the amount of calories, fats, carbohydrates, minerals, proteins and vitamins that each serving of a certain dish contains. These cookbooks offer alternate ways of cooking certain recipes that should not otherwise be eaten by diabetes patients.

The recipes in a diabetic cookbook usually contain natural, whole foods like fish, herbal sweeteners and legumes (beans, peas and lentils). These types of food help stabilize blood sugar. The recipes are designed to provide a balanced nutritional content of 50% carbohydrate, 25% protein and 25% fat.

While the recipes in a diabetic diet cookbook are designed for diabetics, a non- diabetic can also follow these diets and remain healthy. In fact, readership surveys in the US indicate that 33 % of the people who bought diabetic books in 2004 were non -diabetics.

It is estimated that 18.2 million Americans suffer from diabetes. This is viewed as a sizeable opportunity by many chefs and culinary authors to continue compiling and publishing these impressive and needed cookbooks. Non-diabetics who read these books are an added bonus for authors and publishers as well. You will find diabetic diet cookbooks in most bookstores, and they can be ordered over the Internet.

Your Diabetes Diet and the Holidays Six Tips to Stay In Control

2006-12-25T23:21:00.001-08:00

Controlling diabetes with diet is never more important than during the holidays. November, December and January are challenging for anyone who is watching what they eat, but more so for diabetics and pre-diabetics. The rich carbohydrate- and fat-laden treats so loved and served in abundance at parties and get-togethers generally tend to drive up blood glucose readings and are exactly what the doctor does not order for those at risk for diabetes. Type 2 diabetes can be prevented or slowed significantly with diet, weight loss and lifestyle changes.

If you are diabetic or pre-diabetic, here are six tips to help control your diabetes with diet while enjoying the holidays:

Planning Makes Perfect

Face it. You will eat some of those delicious treats this season. Don't stress over it. And don't even think about trying to lose weight during the holidays. Have a strategy in place to stay in control of your diabetes diet BEFORE you indulge. Your diabetes takes no holidays or vacations. If you want more of your fave holiday treat, maybe you eat less of something else, or increase your physical activity; do something to balance the intake. Your diabetes educator or dietician can help you develop or fine-tune a plan.

Forewarned is Forearmed

If possible, call up your host and ask what’s on the menu. There’s no shame in admitting you have a special diet plan. Maybe you can influence the final offerings.

Be Conscious of Your Food

So often we eat while distracted, or mesmerized by good conversation, we don't know just how much we ate. If this starts to happen to you (and I'll bet it will), put the food down, and give your companions your full attention. You’ll enjoy your food more completely, stay mindfully in control of your diet, and your health will thank you.

Make Smart Food Choices

Start by eating the healthy stuff –- veggies, fresh salads –- first, before noshing on the fried, creamed, cheese-filled, chocolate-covered, overprocessed, high-fat goodies and desserts.

Test, Test, Test...

You cannot control diabetes with diet without testing your blood sugars. You can’t always know exactly what went into that dish you ate. So it's important to test more often this holiday season to make sure that your blood sugars stay in check.

Get Steppin'!

A brisk walk around your neighborhood or park about one hour after you eat will help lower blood glucose levels and control your diabetes. Walking after your meal is perhaps the most important thing you can do to maintain your diabetes diet plan. Invite your loved ones along and enjoy their company.

If you slip up, don’t beat yourself over it. Life's too short for that guilt. Just return to the strategy. If you still feel stressed about it, take another walk. It'll improve your mood and your glucose levels.

Diabetes Insipidus

2006-12-24T23:20:00.000-08:00

What is Diabetes Insipidus?

Unlike other types of diabetes such as Diabetes Mellitus Diabetes Insipidus is a disease that is linked to the pituitary gland in the brain. When the word diabetes is mentioned most people will assume that we are speaking of Diabetes Mellitus (Sugar Diabetes). Diabetes Insipidus though is not caused by a lack of insulin or the lack of insulin regulation. Diabetes Insipidus happens when the pituitary gland does not make enough of the hormone ADH. Antidiuretic Hormone is needed to control the amount of water in the body. Diabetes Insipidus can be a serious or even fatal disease if not caught and treated. The treatment may be ongoing for the rest of your life.

What causes Diabetes Insipidus?

Like all forms of diabetes no one knows exactly what causes the actual disease however they do know that people that have had other problems are prime candidates to develop Diabetes Insipidus.

If you have or have had any of the following you may develop Diabetes Insipidus:

* A brain aneurysm which is a weak spot in a blood vessel causing the artery to balloon out much like a weak spot on a tire causes a “bulge”
* Any type of brain infection
* A Tumor of the brain
* A Tumor of the Pituitary Gland
* Compulsive, excessive fluid intake
* Bleeding inside the skull
* Family history of Diabetes Insipidus
* Head Injury that may cause damage to the Pituitary Gland
* Kidney Disease
* Surgery on the Pituitary Gland sometimes causes a temporary type that lasts about 14 days

If you have the following signs or symptoms, you should ask your physician to do further testing for possible Diabetes Insipidus:

* Dry skin, especially the hands.
* Constipation
* Passing large amounts of extremely clear urine
* Terrible thirst especially for cold or iced fluids

What is the treatment?

The treatment depends more on what appears to be causing the problem. This is one place where the allopathic medical community agrees with the naturopathic medical community. Remove the cause and you treat the disease. This is the underlying theme to most naturopathic treatments, where as the allopathic community is more a symptom treatment practice.

Depending on what may be causing the problem a person may be subjected to any or all of the following tests and or treatments:

> Complete medical history and exam
> Basic Blood and Urine tests
> Computerized Tomography scan (CT Scan)
> Daily weights to determine fluid loss or gain
> Dehydration test
> Intake and output measurements (I and O)
> Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
> Surgery. If a tumor is involved you may need brain surgery to remove it.

How to Avoid Diabates

2006-12-24T23:19:00.000-08:00

Everyone wants to avoid diabetes. Diabetes is an issue that will affect everyone at one point in life, whether directly or indirectly. This newsletter will provide you with more information on diabetes and perhaps will lead to lifestyle changes that can help you, your friends, and family, avoid this terrible and mostly preventable disease.

A person with "adult-onset" diabetes (Type II) has high blood sugar levels because the cells of the body do not respond to insulin (they are "insulin-resistant"). Insulin is a hormone released from the pancreas and stimulates blood sugar uptake by cells of the body.

The cells then use this sugar for energy, however chronically elevated blood sugar levels can be unhealthy. In 1996, it was reported that the number of diabetes cases is going to double to 250 million worldwide by 2025. Type II diabetes is referred to as a lifestyle disease.

By lifestyle disease, this means that factors under our control are the primary factors behind the development of diabetes. The biggest risk factors are obesity, lack of exercise, and poor nutrition. These factors are promoted in Western society by the convenience and hectic schedule that seem to plague everyone.

The North American diet is full of processed foods with poor nutritive value. According to American Society of Bariatric Physicians, obesity has increased due to increased sugar consumption. Processed foods (i.e. white bread) quickly increase blood sugar and are referred to as high-glycemic index (GI) foods. The Nurses Health Study from Harvard examined 75000 nurses and found women eating more high-GI foods had twice the risk of heart disease. As well, high blood sugar levels may damage blood vessels and induce insulin resistance over time.

In addition, this sedentary lifestyle has led many to abandon daily exercise. Two hours in a car and 9 hours behind a desk (at least) are quite a contrast to the daily activities most people had as students. Again and again, authors state that changes in diet, exercise, and weight loss are the keys to treating and preventing diabetes. Authors recommend reducing processed food and sugar intake.

Avoid a "Mega-sized burger, fries, and pop" habit. Weight loss is a big help in avoiding diabetes as well. Losing 10% of excess fat can improve health. Researchers believe that diabetes is also a "skeletal muscle" disease and that people should go to the gym and resistance train. Lose fat. Add muscle.

On a disease-related exercise note, research has also shown that intense aerobic exercise prevents heart disease. The key was intensity and not duration. They found that people that performed 15 min of hard aerobic exercise a couple of times a week had less heart disease (Harvard Alumni Health Study, Circulation 102: 975-986, 2000). So lift, work hard, eat proper and in moderation, and you will increase your odds of long-lasting good health.

Okay, that is enough preaching. There will always be people that can smoke, drink, eat poorly, and not exercise and still live to 90 years of age. However, statistics suggest that more people will be getting ill due to their lifestyle choices. Fortunately, the stats show that this can be avoided and even treated with lifestyle changes. Make the necessary changes and read more on how lifestyle interacts with diabetes.

Renal Diabetic Diets

2006-12-23T02:33:00.002-08:00

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

2006-12-23T02:33:00.001-08:00

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.

Prevention of Diabetes Is Not Difficult At All

2006-12-22T02:33:00.000-08:00

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

2006-12-22T02:32:00.000-08:00

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.

Diabetes Testing: The One Touch Ultra Smart Meter

2006-12-21T02:31:00.000-08:00

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

2006-12-21T02:30:00.000-08:00

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.

8 Commonly Heard Diabetes Mellitus Misconceptions

2006-12-20T02:35:00.001-08:00

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

2006-12-20T02:35:00.000-08:00

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.

Symptoms of Diabetes Know What To Watch For

2006-12-19T02:34:00.002-08:00

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

2006-12-19T02:34:00.001-08:00

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.

How To Keep Gestation Diabetes At Bay

2006-12-18T02:33:00.001-08:00

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

2006-12-18T02:33:00.000-08:00

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.

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

2006-12-17T04:09:00.001-08:00

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?

2006-12-17T04:09:00.000-08:00

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.

What Is Diebetes Mellitus?

2006-12-16T04:08:00.002-08:00

Diebetes Mellitus, or Diabetes as it is also known as, is present in more than 15 million Americans at the current time. Even more amazing is the fact that almost 40% of them don't even know they have the disease.

Another 20+ million have Pre-Diabetes Mellitus because of high blood glucose levels mainly caused by obesity, lack of exercise, and an improper diet. While it's only natural to think it won't happen to you, the truth is, more than 185,000 people will die this year alone due to type ii diabetes symptoms.

How do you get Diabetes?

The foods we consume contain natural glucose, which is a simple sugar. It is glucose that gives our bodies the energy we need every day. As the glucose goes through our bloodstream, it needs to be kept regulated. This is accomplished by our pancreas which produces insulin.

The more glucose, or sugar, that is introduced into our body, the more insulin that is released to regulate the blood glucose level. The problem arises when our body fails to produce the insulin we need, or it doesn't produce enough.

Effects of Diebetes Mellitus

By having too high of a level of blood sugar in our body does severe damage over time. It can cause blurred vision and blindness, kidney damage, hands and feet to be lost, and even death. You'll need to do all you can to prevent and treat the disease.

Types of Diabetes Mellitus

Type 1 Diabetes is the form of diabetes that requires daily injections of insulin medicine. The pancreas produces no insulin at all to control the blood sugar level. Without the daily insulin shots of medicine, the person will not survive. Approximately 10% of diabetics have Type 1, or Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus.

Type 2 Diabetes is the most common form of the disease. Also known as Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus, this form occurs when the pancreas either can't produce enough insulin, or it stops using it properly. Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus is present in 90% of all diabetics, and usually affects people over the age of 40 the most. Genetics also play a big role with type ii diabetes symptoms.

The key to getting the disease under control is to prevent and treat it as soon as possible. Have a blood sugar test annually to check for symptoms. Don't let Diebetes Mellitus get you by surprise.

Eating Healthy with Diabetes

2006-12-16T04:08:00.001-08:00

Diabetes is a disease that has to do with the body not properly using insulin, or not producing enough of it. Insulin is the hormone that converts sugars and starches into the energy that is needed to get through each day. Managing diabetes can be broken down into three parts; healthy eating, medication when needed, and physical activity. The key to effectively managing diabetes is controlling your blood sugar by way of a healthy lifestyle which means eating right, exercising and maintaining a healthy weight at all times.

The best way to ensure that you are eating correctly when managing your diabetes is to follow the diabetic food pyramid, which has guidelines for different food groups, and directs on how many of each food group to consume every day in order to remain healthy. The diabetic food pyramid is different than the typical Food Guide Pyramid, in that it recommends foods based on carbohydrates and proteins rather than on calories and fats. It is important for diabetics to consume a variety of foods every day. For example, eating tortillas, apples, broccoli and chicken and drinking milk in one day would effectively cover the grains, fruit, vegetable, dairy and protein groups. Eating brown rice, mangoes, tomatoes, beans and yogurt in a single day would also cover the same food groups, but in a different way. It is imperative that you eat from each food group, and are consuming the proper number of servings every day to ensure healthfulness.

Starches & Carbohydrates: The Starch group is made up of grains, starchy vegetables and beans. These are the carbohydrate-loaded foods like breads, cereals, beans, starchy vegetables and pasta. These foods should be consumed at every meal, as they are essential for creating the energy that you need to remain healthy. You should plan on consuming anywhere between six and eleven servings per day, but the number of servings depends on the calories that you need every day, and your specific diabetes treatment plan. Examples of single servings of starches and carbohydrates are single slices of bread, small plantains or potatoes, a half cup of cooked cereal like oatmeal, a third of a cup of cooked rice, or a small tortilla.

Vegetables: Vegetables are healthy foods for everyone, even diabetics. They are preferred in their raw form, but can also be consumed after being cooked. Vegetables are packed with vitamins, fiber and minerals and are very low in calorie which makes them easy to fit into any eating plan. Typically, you should consume three to five servings every day of bright vegetables like carrots, eggplant, tomatoes, spinach and broccoli. A serving of vegetables translates to roughly a half cup of cooked vegetables, or a full cup of raw vegetables. If you prefer to drink vegetable juice instead, note that a half cup qualifies as a full serving of vegetables.

Fruits: Fruit, like vegetables, is extremely healthy for everyone including diabetics. It can give you energy, fiber, minerals and vitamins, so you should consume around 2 to 4 servings of fruit per day. Examples of single servings of fruit include single small pears or apples, a half cup of orange or apple juice, a single small banana, or half of a large one, or a quarter cup of raisins or other dried fruit. Fruits are preferred raw, or as juice when no sugar has been added.

Dairy Foods: People with diabetes can benefit greatly from low-fat and fat-free dairy products. Both milk and yogurt give energy, calcium, vitamin A and protein among other essential vitamins and minerals. Fat-free milk is preferred, and should be consumed daily. It has less saturated fat, total fat and cholesterol than regular milk. You should plan on consuming between two and three servings of dairy per day, unless you are pregnant in which case you should plan on consuming twice that amount. An average serving translates to roughly a cup of plain yogurt that is fat free, or a cup of low-fat or non-fat milk.

Meats & Proteins: This group contains meat like beef, pork, chicken and turkey, in addition to eggs, nuts and soy products like tofu and soy milk. You should plan on eating only small amounts of several of these foods each day. They provide us with protein, which helps to build tissue and muscles in addition to giving essential nutrients and vitamins. You should plan on consuming between two and three servings daily. A serving size is generally two to three ounces of a meat like fish or chicken, three to four ounces of tofu, or an ounce of cheese.

Utilizing the Diabetic Exchange Diet

2006-12-15T04:07:00.000-08:00

The diabetic exchange diet is a helpful and effective meal planning method that has been designed by the ADA (American Diabetes Association) and the American Dietetic Association. Typically, these are made available through your diabetes education or a registered dietitian. These exchange are very similar to other diets in which you count calories however, you are actually given all the necessary tools to plan delicious and nutritious meals for yourself and your family.

These lists published by these organizations for the exchange diet include a list of foods that are most often consumed by people. These foods are grouped together in different categories allowing you to exchange between lists to offer flexibility in meal planning and keeping the boredom out of eating. Some of the groups are as followed. The group of carbohydrates, which includes items containing milk, fruit, starch and other such foods. The meat substitutes and meat group, which allows for lean and very lean meats with substitutes. The group of fats provides list of saturated, poly-unsaturated, and mono-unsaturated fats.

Aside from easy to follow groups, the exchange diet provides you with information such as the count of carbohydrates for each food on the list. It even provides you the recommended portions in regards to weight in ounces. The exchange diet lists offers great alternatives for those opting for the vegetarian lifestyle, as well as giving you specific tools to plan all of your meals from breakfast all the way to dinner, and even snacks in between.

The whole idea of the diabetic exchange diet is to allow you more flexibility in your diet. Instead of your physician, nutritionist, or dietician providing you with a specific meal plan, you have the freedom of choosing foods from the list and controlling what you eat and how much. This makes you responsible for your diabetic treatments, which means you know exactly what is going on and when. You no longer have to sacrifice the foods you love, just because you are diabetic, you simply need to control it.

The Early Signs of Diabetes and Your Health

2006-12-15T04:06:00.000-08:00

Diabetes is everywhere. Everyday more and more people in the United States are being diagnosed with Diabetes because of numerous reasons affecting their health. Learning about the early symptoms of diabetes can help one fight the long term effects of this disease. But first, what exactly is diabetes? Diabetes, in blatent terms, is a disease in which the body does by malfunction, does not produce or use insulin. For those who do not already know, insulin is a hormone within the body that helps the body convert sugars and other substances in to energy. It helps break down such nutrients to balance the bodies energy consumption and distribution.

It is estimated that there are somewhat over twenty million individuals in the United States alone that has diabetes. Although so many individuals suffer from this disease, early indication can significantly play a role in proper treatment. There are basically three different types of diabetes, type 1, type 2 and gestational diabeties in which only effects pregnant women. To help understand the diabeties symptoms better we have listed some general early signs of diabetes which may indicate a need for a doctor visit to get tested.

1. Irritability - Now, we are all a little irritable at times, but constant irritability may be an early sign of problems to come.

2. Frequent Urination - Commonly, frequent urination can be a cause for concern and is a very visable sign of early diabetes.

3. Fatigue - Simply put, diabetes affects the individuals ability to process energy, hence fatigue is an early symptom.

4. Excessive thirst - constant dry mouth and being overly thirsty in accordance with the other symptoms above may indicate a need to get checked out by a doctor.

There are plenty more diabeties symptoms however these are some of the most common. Having one of these symptoms does not mean you have diabetes, they are just some common indicators that everyone at some time in their life will have. Also, you may want to find out if someone in your family has diabetes as well. Many of those who have been diagnosed with diabetis were found to have it within their genetic heritage from another family member.

Learning how to live with diabetes can be difficult however certain upgrades in technology and science have made it easier for those who are diagnosed to live more comfortably. Also it is important to have a healthy diet and exercise regularly. The importance of a good diabeties diet is second to none. Ask a physician whether they can refer a book to you that properly explains a healthy diabetic diet. Early detection and properly being diagnosed can make your situation much easier and as technology progresses one can have confidence in providing better treatments of such a disease.

Blindness Could Be Caused By Diabetes!

2006-12-14T04:05:00.001-08:00

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder that reduces a person’s immunity. It can lead to heart disease, and it may also affect some organs of the body, such as the eyes. Diabetes is, in fact, the cause of the most common form of blindness, a condition known as diabetic retinopathy.

Almost all patients with Type 1 diabetes and 60 percent of patients with Type 2 diabetes who have had the disease for 15 years or longer, suffer from some degree of diabetic retinopathy.

Besides getting the risk of going blind, diabetics also have greater chances of getting cataracts at an earlier age, and glaucoma, a condition where a build-up of high pressure in the eyes causes the optic nerves to become damaged.

Diabetes damages the blood vessels in the body causing various eye problems. Normally, our retinal vessels do not leak. But uncontrolled condition of diabetes might cause a leakage of the blood vessels and also a swelling of the retina. Blockage of the vessels might also occur, resulting in a shortage of oxygen to the eyes and the growth of new, abnormal vessels, which may cause bleeding, scarring, and even retinal detachment.

One of the common treatments for diabetic retinopathy is laser photocoagulation that uses light to burn the retina. This helps reduce the swelling and leakage and improves vision. In cases where the blood vessels in the eyes shut down, doctors will use laser surgery on larger areas of the eyes to reduce the lack of oxygen within the retinal tissues. This also cuts off the stimulus for the development of new, abnormal vessels. But in the more advanced stages of the condition, surgery might be required to remove the blood and scar tissues.

Laser and surgical treatments serve to stabilize a patient’s condition but do not cure it totally. Patients typically regain about 50 percent of their sight; hence it is important that regular and annual eye screenings are necessary for early detection.

Diabetes can be asymptomatic, which means that some people can go for years without realizing that they have the disease if symptoms (excessive thirst, frequent trips to the toilet, skin or urine infections) do not surface.

They tend to discover their condition only after their vision has become blurred and diabetic retinopathy has already set in. About 21 percent of patients are found to have retinopathy at the point of their diabetes diagnosis. Those with a family history of the condition are urged to go for regular health checks as they are at a higher risk of getting the disease.

The key in preventing the onset of diabetes-related eye problems is to maintain healthy blood glucose levels with regular medication and a strict diet. Diabetics should try utmost to cut sugar from their diet. Limit fruit to one portion per meal and avoid white flavor and carbohydrates like white rice and bread, and opt for unpolished rice and multi-grain bread instead.

An Introduction To Type I Diabetes

2006-12-14T04:05:00.000-08:00

When the sugar level in your blood is too high, you have diabetes. In Type I diabetes, the level of sugar is not only high, it is out of control. The reason being the body has stopped the production of the required quantity of insulin. As a result, type I diabetes patient needs two to five insulin shots per day, to keep the blood sugar levels under control.

Insulin is a chemical substance in the body that is essential to keep blood sugar levels normal. Its second function is- it assists the body to use fat and protein. An organ near the stomach, pancreas, is the production headquarters of insulin.

The causes of Type I Diabetes can be listed as:

1.Your body just stops making insulin.
2.The pancreas gets damaged.
3.The cells that make insulin are destroyed.

Initially, when a part of the cells in the body are destroyed, you may not know that you have diabetes. When the destruction of the cells is complete, disaster awaits you. Now you suddenly realize what all problems you had were due to some vague reasons. You neglected the early warnings.

But, what were those warnings? You suddenly lost weight and then you thought that you were evolving into a fit personality. You used bathroom a lot, your hunger almost seized you and you were happy about it. When you became very thirsty, you thought that drinking lots of water is good for health. A nature cure fad had advised you about it. You had blurred vision, you got your eyes tested and you bought a glass and sunglass too. You felt tired but you thought that all hard and sincere workers get tired- not once a thought streaked into your mind, that you must have a check up! And you now have a life-long companion, Diabetes Type I.

Is there a cure for Diabetes Type I? NO, there is not!

So, what is to be done? Nothing precisely can cure this problem. But, something that can not be cured must be endured. If you take proper diet, and exercise regularly, you can still live happily, even in the company of diabetes.

There is no cure for diabetes. But, if you work with your health care team, eat right and exercise, you can live a great life and stay healthy.

What a Diabetic Needs to Know about Insulin

2006-12-13T03:08:00.002-08:00

Insulin is a hormone secreted by groups of cells within the pancreas called islet cells. The pancreas is an organ that sits behind the stomach and has many functions in addition to insulin production.

Sugars and carbohydrates are absorbed from the intestines into the bloodstream after a meal. As a result, the blood sugar of the body increases. Insulin is then secreted by the pancreas in response to the increase in blood sugar.

Cells get the energy to carry out their functions from glucose and fatty acids. Insulin is required by the cells of the body in order for them to remove and use glucose from the blood. Insulin transports fatty acids and glucose through the cell wall.

Type 1 diabetics cannot make insulin in their bodies and require insulin shots to stay healthy. Type 2 diabetes can result from genetics defects that cause both insulin resistance and insulin deficiency. In type II diabetes, the beta cells produce insulin, but cells throughout the body do not respond normally to it.

Insulin hormone cannot be taken orally as a pill because it is a protein that can easily be broken down. Once it is rapidly digested, it is no longer effective. Hence, insulin has to be injected in the form of shots so that it enters your blood slowly and remains there longer.

Long chain fatty acids (LCFAs) require insulin to get through the cell wall but medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs) can penetrate the cell walls without the help of insulin. Thus, MCFAs are a good source of nutrition for diabetics to get their cells working and to reduce their dependence on insulin shots.

Coconut oil and palm kernel oils are the best natural source of MCFAs. Coconut oil improves insulin secretion and utilization of blood glucose. Coconuts and coconut oil have a lower potassium / higher sodium ratio, which helps sustain higher blood sugar levels.

Exercise And Diabetes - What Are The Benefits?

2006-12-13T03:08:00.001-08:00

It makes no difference if you have Type 1 Diabetes or Type 2 Diabetes, exercise will always play a key role in anybody's diabetes management plan.

If you are one who has Type 1 Diabetes, exercise can not only help in controlling your weight, but it can also build muscle and maintain your health. While there is no cure for Type 1 Diabetes yet, regular exercise will help keep it under control.

If you happen to have Type 2 Diabetes, then staying active and getting some exercise is even more important for your body. In fact, exercise may eliminate this form of diabetes entirely.

One of the biggest contributors to being a Type 2 diabetic is your weight. Exercise will keep your weight under control and build your body's insulin system to combat the increased glucose levels. Exercise can help in lowering your blood sugar level and possibly eliminate the diabetes altogether.

So, what are the best forms of exercise for those who have diabetes? Without a doubt, it's walking. Studies have been done for years that prove this out. Just by getting in a 30 minute walk you greatly reduce the risk of getting Type 2 Diabetes.

Walking is something most everyone can do. It requires nothing more than a good pair of tennis shoes and a commitment on your part to stick with it.

One of the side effects in having diabetes is a decrease in blood circulation. Many diabetics lose this circulation in their hands and feet, but with exercise, you can prevent this from happening in most cases.

Other forms of exercise that are beneficial for those with diabetes include biking, low impact aerobics, eliptical machines, swimming and so many others.

There are a few precautions you'll need to take in any kind of exercise program when you're a diabetic. You'll need to keep close tabs on your blood sugar level. Since exercise will lower it, you may find yourself with low blood sugar. This can result in hypoglycemia.

You can avoid any problems like this by simply carrying some candy with you in the even it does occur. If you feel your blood sugar level bottoming out, stop what you're doing and take care of yourself.

A part of every diabetes treatment plan should include exercise. Take a moment and pick out an activity you like and then get started. If you're having a difficult time with it then start a walking routine several times a week. You'll go a long way toward maintaining good health and keeping your diabetes under control.

Preventing Diabetes with Tea

2006-12-12T03:08:00.000-08:00

Our country is becoming more and more concerned with Type II diabetes, particularly as the rate of obesity climbs. We need to be concerned with ways to prevent diabetes in both our adults and in children. We know that weight maintenance, diet and exercise are critical to preventing diabetes, but research is showing that there may be other things we can do to prevent diabetes, too.

Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin, the hormone that converts sugar and other food into energy. The most common type of diabetes seen today is Type II, where insulin is produced (though sometimes not in a high enough quantity), but is not used properly, resulting in a high level of blood glucose in the body. Type I diabetes is diagnosed in childhood, and results from an inability to produce insulin.

Doctors are not entirely sure of the cause of diabetes, but we do know that people who are obese and who do not get regular exercise are at a much greater risk of developing Type II diabetes than those who exercise and maintain a healthy weight.

Today, there are about 20.8 million people in the US with diabetes, and nearly one third of them don’t even know they have the disease. In addition, about 54 million people in the US are pre-diabetic, meaning their blood glucose levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be diagnosed with diabetes. Complications from diabetes include blindness, cataracts, kidney problems, heart disease, stroke, nerve damage and foot and skin problems.

In addition to losing weight and getting regular exercise, it appears that drinking green tea may also help prevent diabetes and its complications. One study, conducted by the University of Scranton conducted studies on diabetic mice to determine the effects of tea on blood sugar levels. They fed them green and black tea for a period of three months before beginning to evaluate them.

The rats were fed the equivalent of less than 5 cups per day to humans. The study found that both green and black tea decreased blood glucose levels over those of the mice who were not fed tea. These decreased glucose levels had the power to also reduce the complications of diabetes affecting the mice.

For example, the mice that were fed tea were far less likely to have begun to form cataracts, a common complication of diabetes, over the mice that were not fed tea.

This is promising news for those at risk of developing Type II diabetes. Of course, if you’re overweight or inactive, it’s still critical that you get moving and lose the excess pounds. Maintaining a normal weight and exercising regularly are the two most important steps you can take to preventing diabetes.

But, if drinking tea can help you win the fight, it’s certainly a simple step to take. And, this particular study did not show a difference between drinking green tea and black tea.

In recent years, most of the medical research done on tea has focused on green tea, and it has been widely assumed that green tea provides more health benefits than black tea.

This assumption has been made because green tea retains more of its natural anti-oxidants than black tea. Black tea is fermented when it is processed; green tea is not. During this processing, some of the anti-oxidants, namely EGCG are nearly destroyed.

Because EGCG is though to be one of the most important anti-oxidants in tea, it has been thought that green tea is far more beneficial than black tea. However, this does not appear to be the case when it comes to preventing Type II diabetes and its complications. It appears that either type of tea is able to regulate blood sugar naturally. This is certainly good news for those who prefer black tea over green.

If you’re concerned about your blood sugar levels, see your doctor. He’ll help you to begin a diet that will help your body be more able to regulate its insulin level. He’ll also help you to map out an exercise program that can help you lose weight – but also one that can help you burn carbohydrates more efficiently right away, helping to regulate your blood sugar immediately.

And, while you’re visiting with your doctor, be sure to talk to him about drinking tea. Tea has no known side effects, and is well tolerated by almost everyone. It even has lower caffeine content than coffee and soda. So, there should be no reason why you can’t use tea as part of your plan to get your blood sugar level under control and prevent diabetes.

Your health is important – and diabetes can be a significant concern. So, take a look at the steps you need to take to prevent diabetes before it ruins your health.

Basic Travel Tips for People with Diabetes

2006-12-12T03:07:00.000-08:00

Diabetes should not stop you from traveling but careful planning is required in order to assure a safe and enjoyable trip. As always said, 'safety begins and planning'. So make sure you give yourself enough time to plan for your trip as well as to condition yourself.

Give yourself at least 2 to 3 months of planning. This will enable you to accomplish everything you need in your trip. If your trip requires arrangement with a travel agent, inquire on the special package for diabetic. Itineraries should be different and meals should conform to the need of a diabetic.

Meanwhile, monitoring your glucose level before you travel is important to ensure that you are perfectly fit when it is time to go. A visit to your doctor or to your diabetes educator weeks before your trip is also important. Provide him your travel information (itineraries, travel information, schedules, etc.) to assess if it is okay for you to go or to give you the necessary precautions and tips on how to survive the trip.

If you need certain vaccination, have it done weeks before you go. Ask for advices on how to control your blood sugar during the trip.

Have your doctor or your diabetes educator to help you prepare the diabetes supply for the entire trip.

Here is the list of the things that should be included in your "diabetes survival kit":

• blood glucose meter,
• record book,
• extra supplies of insulin (if you take insulin) or oral agents,
• Glucagon (if you take insulin),
• extra food in case of delayed meals such as crackers (if you travel by plane),
• a fast acting insulin for high blood glucose,
• fast acting sugar for low blood glucose,
• juice,
• syringes and needles,
• urine ketone testing strips,
• the contact number of your doctor, and
• granola bars or fruit

When packing, do not place your diabetes supplies and medications in one bag. Have them separated in case your bag is stolen or lost. Insulin will lose its strength if stored in a very cold or hot place such as the globe compartment of the car. Un-pressurized environment will also give the same effect.

When you travel is it always good to let people around know that you have a medical condition, not only for cases that are directly related to that condition but for many other situations that may occur, make sure that you let some responsible people that you know are in your area know that you have this medical condition, it may help on some occasions.

What is Diabetic Retinopathy?

2006-12-11T03:07:00.000-08:00

If you are a diabetic, you will suffer from many symptoms. One symptom that could affect you is Diabetic Retinopathy. This condition of the eyes has been contributed directly to diabetes. As a diabetic, you have a greater chance of developing eye conditions such as glaucoma and cataracts. Diabetic Retinopathy typically develops after a patient has been suffering from diabetes for twenty or more years. As with many other areas of the body, diabetes, as time goes by, begins to have a direct affect on the retina’s circulatory system.

In this first stage of the condition, it results in a decrease in vision and retina swelling. The condition continues to progress over the years to second stage referred to as proliferate retinopathy. This is a result of the retina becoming deprived of oxygen due to circulatory problems. The patient’s vision continues to decrease as the retinopathy progresses onto the later disease phases. In fact, in some cases the presence of abnormal scar tissue and vessel growth could cause issues such as glaucoma, retinal detachment, and eventual complete blindness.

There are various symptoms of diabetic retinopathy that depends on many different aspects such as age of the patience, stage of diabetes, and progress of the disease. In some diabetics, when levels of blood sugar are abnormal, they may often experience blurred vision. Diabetics may also experience flashes, floaters, or even vision loss in a sudden fashion. It is for all of these reasons that patients with diabetes should seek regular eye testing and examinations by a professional.

With regular tests, any evidence of the disease can be promptly identified and treatment can be started right away. For proper diagnosis, you will need to be referred to an ophthalmologist, who will perform a retina examination using a specific instrument called an ophthalmoscope.

There are several different treatment options available for patients suffering from diabetic retinopathy. The treatment option recommended by your ophthalmologist will depend on factors such as the progress of the disease and problems you are experiencing. Some treatments include laser surgery and vitrectomy. The best way to prevent Diabetic Retinopathy is to keep complete control over the levels of blood sugar in the body. With exercise, diet, and control, you have a higher chance of reducing your risks.

Get My Diabetes Under Control Now

2006-12-11T03:06:00.000-08:00

A blood sugar grade of 325 was the blood sugar mark I had when I got sober about taking care of myself. Up until then as my blood sugar rose, I thought, that this pain would be healed in a natural way. Like better eating and exercising. I now had to start to take stronger actions to beat down my blood sugar count.

In the beginning I started taking some vitamins and minerals that were for important as a blood sugar treatment. I gained some degree of success. In four months I decreased the sugar in my body from 325 to 306. But my goal was not realized. I had to get into an acceptable zone with my blood sugar. Somewhere between 100 – 130 made sense to me. I had to be even more hard-hitting to take care of myself.

My assignment took on a more urgent nature. I was talking to people about diabetes and blood sugar. In the past I kept this disease hidden from most. For some reason I was ashamed that I had contacted this disease. I was researching the internet to find a better way. I wanted to find an alternative solution. Ingesting drugs for my cure was not in my game plan.

In May of 2006 I began my five week investigation. I made up my mind that I wanted to take some kind of herbal remedy. I looked on the internet and after speaking to some people I trust and to my friend Matt, I decided to use a product he was distributing.

In July I started taking a Chinese herbal cure that has over 250 herbs in liquid form. The start up I decided upon was four bottles of the drink. This took place over a four day period. One quarter of the 16 oz bottle four times a day.

When I returned to my physician I was amazed. My sugar amount had decreased to 201. To say I was happy was quite understated. I was exhilarated. 306 to 201 was a home run. I had located a valuable product.

I know it sounds crazy but, I decided to stop for a while. This was my test. I waited two months to see how my body would respond to not taking the product. I blood tested again in September of 2006 and discovered that my level had not changed. 201 was the number. Oh my god. This convinced me the product was perfect.

So I took another two bottles in September. My sugar went to 160. After the Thanksgiving holiday I drank another three bottles and got the level in a safe zone to 130.

I am convinced. Over a five month period my blood sugar went from 306 to 130. That is a wondrous 176 point decrease. Sounds nuts, I know. But that is what happened.

Living in fear is also gone. I do not think about being rushed to the emergency room because my blood sugar was out of whack.

Am I cured? - I do not know. Am I finished with diabetes? What’s important to me is that I have found something natural that takes care of me. And that is a blessing. This 47 year old long lasting product has, probably saved my life. Hallelujah!

Please send this to people in your life that you care about that would be helped by reading this article.

Aron Wallad created better health in his life using natural herbs... He lowered his blood sugar level by more than 50% using a 47 year old remedy that consists of over 250 herbs. His skin has also improved. He also stopped smoking cigarettes using Chinese herbs 12 years ago.

Always Get Your Blood Sugar Levels Tested To Monitor Diabetes

2006-12-10T03:06:00.000-08:00

It is estimated that there are at least 16 million Americans who are diabetic. This is an alarming figure in itself but when one considers the fact that often people who are suffering from diabetes have virtually no symptoms of the disease, then the idea becomes even more worrying. Although it is now common hearsay that one can easily detect the symptoms of this disease, but one cannot be perfectly sure of being diabetic. It requires a blood test to establish for certain that one has diabetes.

The blood test that is done for checking diabetes is a test to check the blood sugar levels in the body. The test is carried out in two phases on the same day. The first blood test is carried out on the patient’s blood when he is fasting. So, a patient coming for the test arrives without taking his breakfast or even a cup of morning tea or coffee. If the blood sugar levels are found to be 126 milligrams per deciliter or higher, on two separate occasions, after fasting, then there is a likelihood of diabetes.

Following this, another blood test is taken after the patient has had his breakfast and a cup of tea or coffee. This time the blood sugar levels should not go above 200 milligrams per deciliter. In case it is above this mark, then the likelihood of diabetes is high. At times the patient is given 75 gram glucose solution to drink. Then the blood sugar levels are checked for monitoring the blood sugar levels as well as the measurement of ketones, which are the products from the breakdown of fats.

Once these tests have been successfully carried out, the patient is prescribed a course of treatment which involves both the physical and emotional aspects of his being, as diabetes is not a malaise of the physical body alone. It is also a disease that affects one’s emotions and reactions.

Effects of Diabatese

2006-12-10T03:05:00.000-08:00

There is no annual medical checkup routine in Indain society, so the problem because of it so alarming. Only after developement of problem one able to identitify that there is a disease. So how to readicate it. I found the usefull information from site called www.digitalbhoomi.com/health.html.

Main key to handle Diabetes is to change your lifestyle. Diets, regular physical activity and weight reduction will help you to prevent diabetes. Following sites will give you more information about Diabetes and how to handle it.

American Diabetes Association

Heart of Diabetes

Diabetes India Association

Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation - For Kids

Eat Right

Developments to watch:

One of the burdens diabetes patients face is the constant need to monitor their blood sugar by pricking their fingers. There will be a painless alternative in few years. Oculir, San Diego, CA, USA based company is developing a monitor that reads blood sugar levels by inspecting the tiny blood vessels of the eye, without ever touching the eyeball! The monitor works by bouncing a harmless beam of infrared light off the white of the eye. Although invisible, the spectrum of light in the probe is just the right wavelength to interact with glucose molecules in blood flowing through tiny vessels in the thin membrane covering the eye. According to this company, the light reflected back is proportional to the amount of glucose in the blood. If everything goes well, commercial version of this device could go on sale in 2009.

Diabetes Mellitus

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The word diabetes is taken from the Greek word diabainein which literally means ?passing through.? This is in direct reference to excessive urination, a major symptom of diabetes. Mellitus, on the other hand, is from the Greek word mel meaning ?honey? and was added to diabetes when Thomas Willis noted that a diabetic?s blood and urine has a sweet taste as a result of too much sugar in both.

Diabetes mellitus is a medical disorder that is characterized by persistent high blood sugar levels as a result of defective insulin secretion. Diabetes is further classified into two forms, type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Both types can be treated through medicine or lifestyle changes. The main risks that come with having diabetes are cardiovascular diseases, chronic renal failure, retinal damage, nerve damage, and gangrene.

Diabetes Mellitus Type 1

Formerly known as juvenile onset diabetes, diabetes mellitus type 1 is marked by a decrease or the absence of insulin production in the body. This is commonly diagnosed in children and adolescents and leads to absolute insulin deficiency. When diagnosed as having diabetes mellitus type 1, the body destroys its beta cells in the pancreas, which, in turn, reduces insulin production. Diabetes mellitus type 1 is treated with insulin shots and lifestyle adjustments. Blood glucose levels must also be monitored carefully using blood test kits that may be used at home. Insulin may also be administered using insulin pumps that allow insulin infusion 24 hours a day in optimum levels.

Diabetes Mellitus Type 2

Adult onset diabetes, or diabetes mellitus type 2 is more common than diabetes mellitus type 2 and is characterized by the body's resistance to insulin. The symptoms related to type 2 diabetes may go unnoticed for years because they are quite mild and occur irregularly. Although type 2 diabetes is more complicated than type 1 diabetes, it is easier to treat. Type 2 diabetes may be managed by proper diet, weight reduction, proper exercise, and oral medication.

Feline Diabetes

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Even cats are not spared from the dangers of diabetes. Feline diabetes is a complex yet common disorder in cats caused by insufficient insulin production or the cat?s inability to respond to insulin. Feline diabetes is very similar to diabetes and how it affects humans, disabling the body fron using blood sugar properly and resulting in high blood sugar levels. Diabetic cats are also observed to have sugar in their urine and are likely to urinate excessively and thirst more than cats without diabetes. Diabetic cats also lose weight because of their body?s inability to produce or use insulin, despite having good appetite. Feline diabetes may eventually lead to more threatening problems such as vomiting, appetite loss, weakness, and dehydration and should serve as a cause for alarm to their owners.

Diabetic Cat Types

Feline diabetes may affect cats of any breed, sex, or age. It often occurs in older, obese cats. Male cats are also more likely to have feline diabetes than female cats. Although the exact cause of feline diabetes is not yet known, factors such as genetic predisposition, obesity, hormonal imbalances, and pancreatic disorders are looked into as possible causes of feline diabetes.

Signs of Feline Diabetes

In the early stages of feline diabetes, cats may exhibit few signs of the disease and may seem healthy and active. Weight loss despite increased appetite, excessive urination, and extreme thirst are the basic signs commonly related with feline diabetes. As the disease progresses, poor skin conditions and unhealthy hair become apparent. Liver diseases and bacterial infections soon follow, becoming more and more common. Ketocidoses, a dangerous condition, if untreated, may also develop in some cats. Appetite loss, vomiting, diarrhea and dehydration, lethargy, and weakness are some of the signs related to ketoacidosis.

Treating Feline Diabetes

The treatment of feline diabetes depends on the severity of the disorder. Insulin or oral medications may be given in proper doses to diabetic, but otherwise healthy, cats. Diabetic cats with ketoacidosis may require fluid therapy for hydration aside from insulin treatments. A healthy diet consisting of high fiber and high complex carbohydrates will also do diabetic cats well.

Juvenile Diabetes

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Juvenile diabetes is a chronic disorder caused by the body?s inability to manage sugar or glucose and store it properly to be used as fuel. When the body can?t efficiently break down glucose to be absorbed by the cells, it stays in the blood and causes health problems. An estimated one hundred and twenty individuals worldwide have diabetes, of which, approximately 3 percent have juvenile diabetes. It is projected that juvenile diabetes affects one in every 7,000 children per year. More cases reported concern individuals who are less than twenty years old.

Type 1 diabetes and juvenile diabetes are the same. The term juvenile refers to the onset of the disorder which begins in childhood. Children who are diagnosed to have juvenile diabetes depend on insulin to equip their body with the necessary insulin levels to convert food into energy. Research conducted by medical practitioners and scientists indicate that juvenile diabetes is an autoimmune disorder. Autoimmune disorders are characterized by the breakdown of the body?s immune system, which directs the immune response of the body toward fighting its own defenses. With juvenile diabetes, it is believed that the body?s beta cells in Isles of Langerhans of the pancreas are destroyed automatically, hindering sufficient insulin production.

Administering insulin shots as many as five times a day to properly regulate glucose in the body may treat juvenile diabetes. Insulin does not cure diabetes, it helps in managing the blood sugar levels of diabetics to improve their lives. Years ago, being diagnosed with juvenile diabetes would have meant a quick death sentence. The discovery and use of insulin in the early 1920?s benefited countless people diagnosed with juvenile diabetes and is widely used now. Aside from insulin shots, there are also individuals who need to undergo constant fluid therapy to balance the electrolyte level in the blood that results from excessive urination.

A healthy and well-planned diet for those with juvenile diabetes is also very important to properly manage the disorder.

Diabetic Glucose Level Maintenance

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One of the necessary evils of diabetes is monitoring and controlling your blood sugar levels. By continually keeping a close eye on your levels of glucose or blood sugar, you will come to understand just how not only your medication affects your levels, but also stress, activity, and foods. Monitoring your levels of sugar within the blood is necessary and could help in prevention or delay of severe complications commonly associated with diabetes such as kidney failure or blindness.

To accurately and properly monitor your blood sugar levels you will have to obtain some supplies. Supplies needed will include test strips, sterile lancets, alcohol pads, and a glucose meter. These are typically prescribed by your physician, obtain from your local drug store, and most often covered by your medical insurance. Your doctor will educate you on the proper use of this equipment. However, in general circumstances the following steps are taken to measure the levels of sugar within the blood.

First, you should make sure your hands are clean and completely dry before performing the tests. Then you will want to clean the area to be tested with the alcohol pad. In most cases this will be your fingertip; however, some meters will allow you to use other areas of the hand, thigh, or even the forearm. You will then take the sterile lancet and prick the area to be tested. A drop of blood will form and should be carefully placed on the testing strip. You will then place the strip into your glucose meter, following the instruction provided by the manufacture or your doctor. After the meter has completed its course, you will be provided with a number, which indicates your blood sugar level.

It is necessary to document your test results, as well as medications taken, times taken, and foods that have been eaten that day. In the beginning of your treatment your doctor will likely ask you to test and record your blood sugar levels two to three times each day. Do not forget to document foods eaten and activity as well. This will allow both of you to get a general idea of what affects your levels and why. After this initial period, you may only be required to perform tests two to three times weekly.

How to Treat Diabetes by Juicing

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Treating Diabetes by Juicing can be as simple as extracting the fresh juice from raw fruit and vegetables. People with diabetes mellitus cannot properly process glucose, a sugar the body uses for energy. As a result, glucose stays in the blood, causing blood glucose levels to rise.

JUICES USED TO TREAT DIABETES

Daily Juicing of vegetables and fruits can be used in any combination of the following: ginger, garlic, celery, pumpkin, cabbage, asparagus, parsley, spinach, leeks, spinach, beets and carrots. Juicing fresh green vegetables such as brussel sprouts and string beans is a wonderful health benefit as both are good sources of natural insulin. Nutrients such as silicon works to support the pancreas and are found in alfalfa, olives, asparagus, lettuce, mustard greens, radishes, cabbage and cucumbers. Use fruit combinations sparingly due to their high sugar content. Sweet juices such as carrot, beet, grape, apple or pear juice should be half diluted with water or mixed with other juices such as celery.

Make only as much juice as needed for immediate use. In storage including refrigeration, raw juices oxidize rapidly and lose their medicinal value in as little as 10 minutes.

Bitter Melon juice has been used to treat diabetes mellitus (according to the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians). The plant contains at least three known compounds that can lower the body’s blood sugar level. Recommended serving per day is 2 ounces of fresh bitter melon juice.

Mangosteen juice used as a supplement under medical supervision may decrease blood sugar levels and benefit those with type 2 diabetes. Recommended dose per day is 1 ounce or 30ml of Mangosteen juice to be taken before a meal.

DRUG INTERACTIONS

Grapefruit juice interacts badly with certain prescription drugs. Please check with your physician. Diabetics who are taking the following medication should not use bitter melon juice: chlorpropamine, glyburide, phenformin, or insulin. This can increase the effects of these drugs and lead to severe hypoglycemia. Diabetics should consult their medical professional before taking this juice.

MEDICAL PRECAUTIONS

If you have complications in pregnancy such as gestational diabetes or blood pressure problems please check the use of mangosteen juice with your physician. Always take fruit juices with food.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends limiting fruit juice for children under 6 years of age to four to six ounces a day. Bitter melon is an abortifacient, so women who are pregnant or nursing should not take it. Do not give this melon to small children and infants due to its hypoglycemic effects. Bitter melon is also an emmenagogue, which means that it encourages or increases menstrual flow in women.

AVOID

Due to high sugar content, diabetes may be aggravated by excessive intake of sweet juices such as carrots and most fruits. Excessive intake of tomato and citrus juices could upset the body’s natural acid (pH) balance as they are highly acidic.

SIDE EFFECTS

According to the American Foundation of Traditional Chinese Medicine: If too much bitter melon juice is taken; it can cause mild abdominal pain or diarrhea. Multiple servings of Mangosteen juice tend to raise blood sugar initially even with as little as 15ml. This has been observed more often in people of Asian descent who are not obese.

PRELIMINARY TRIALS

Two preliminary trials found that aloe vera juice (containing 80% aloe gel) helps lower blood sugar levels in people with Type 2 diabetes.

August 29, 2006 -- Drinking pomegranate juice may help people with diabetes reduce their risk of heart disease. In the small study, published in the journal Atherosclerosis, researchers examined the effects: of drinking a concentrated form of pomegranate juice. Michael Aviram, researcher of the Techion Faculty of Medicine in Haifa, Israel, says: "Patients with type 2 diabetes (who were not dependent on insulin therapy) were tested. Blood sugar levels were not affected which suggests that the antioxidants found in pomegranate juice may be especially beneficial in reducing heart-related risks associated with diabetes."

The American Association of Naturopathic Physicians in Seattle has a referral database of naturopathic physicians: who practice juice treatments throughout the United States. Daily juicing of primarily organic vegetables and fruits is a beneficial part of any long term program to treat diabetes. Juicing provides a highly effective and efficient way for the body to be able to absorb essential nutrients into the blood and cells. Drinking juice is one of the best and quickest ways for the body to utilize these nutrients within minutes instead of hours.