One of the mysteries of the medical world relates to children and diabetes. Until recently 85% of adults had type 2 diabetes but when researchers looked at the cases of diabetes in children they found that over 90% of children under 16 had type 1 diabetes. Additionally until a few years ago Type 2 diabetes was virtually unknown in children but now an increasing number are being diagnosed with it.

Type 1 diabetes is related to the inability of the pancreas to produce insulin which breaks down the glucose in the blood. This usually occurs when the body’s defense mechanism attacks and kills the insulin producing cells. Insulin then needs to be administered manually via an injection on a regular basis. Type 2 diabetes is a resistance to the insulin that is produced. In this case the insulin is produced normally but the body is resistant to it and it doesn’t work effectively. It can usually be treated by a good diet, exercise and insulin supplements if required.

It has long been known that obesity, lack of exercise and poor diet play a big part in the onset of type 2 diabetes. Many researchers now believed that the increased levels of obesity in children are leading to the sudden appearance of type 2 diabetes. The causes of type 1 diabetes in children are not known, evidence suggests that there is a link between faulty genes and environmental factors. It is known however that diabetes is not hereditary and is not passed from one generation to the next.

Children who have diabetes tend to actually live longer than people who get diabetes in later life. It is speculated that this is because they get into a routine of controlling their diabetes with regular injections and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Parents of children with diabetes should look out for the signs of low glucose levels and always have access to glucose or sweets. Additional regular checkups for kidney and eye problems should be scheduled as these are the 2 areas most affected by diabetes.

The symptoms of diabetes in children are very similar to those of adults. Constant thirst, and frequent urination obviously these 2 may be linked. Also be on the lookout for tiredness and a loss of weight. Additionally children often complain of regular stomach aches and headaches. In some cases a child may suffer from diabetic acidosis which has all the symptoms above but may also include unconsciousness. In cases like this immediate hospitalization is required.

The first thing to realise about diabetes diet guidelines are that there won’t be one set of guidelines suitable for everyone. Each and every diet plan should be designed around the individual. Somebody who is overweight and has type 2 diabetes will have a completely different dietary requirement to that of an underweight person with type 1 diabetes. It is a common misconception that there is such a thing as a diabetes diet, there isn’t as people with diabetes should eat exactly the same amount of calories as a non diabetic person. Having said that a diabetic needs to make sure that they monitor and control their carbohydrate intake on a daily basis.

Everybody’s diet is made up of fats, proteins and carbohydrates of these carbohydrates have the most effect on blood sugar levels. It is important to monitor what carbohydrates you are eating and when you are eating them. Diabetics need to try to keep their blood sugar levels as balanced as possible avoiding both high blood sugar levels and low blood sugar levels. Both eating and stress will raise the levels of sugar in the blood while exercise and the time between meals will allow the levels to drop again. Maintaining the right balance is like trying to balance on a seesaw. One way of helping to maintain this balance is to eat regular meals at regular times with small healthy snacks in between and avoid skipping meals.

Due to problems caused by diabetes to the blood vessels it is wise to try to avoid lots of saturated fat in your diet. People with diabetes are more prone to heart attacks and strokes than normal people so a healthy diet is necessary. You should also try to avoid too many sweet things as these will increase your blood sugar level leading to spikes in your glucose levels. You must make sure you speak to a fully qualified dietitian who has lots of experience of dealing with diabetics. They will be able to provide you with a diet plan tailored to your needs. Adding a regular exercise program into your daily routine will also help keep your diabetes manageable.

Diabetes is not curable but with the right diet and regular exercise it is manageable. Learn as much as you can about the disease and learn all about nutrition and health. By following a few general diabetes diet guidelines and a diet plan written by your dietitian you can start to live a normal life. The important thing is to eat regularly and often and stay away from too many sweet things.

Gestational diabetes is a condition brought about by high blood glucose levels that remain high during pregnancy. The health of the fetus and mother as well as the development of the fetus can be adversely affected by this form of diabetes. Although it seems as if the pregnancy causes the diabetic response in some women there have been studies done which show they may have been predisposed to diabetes as they develop type 2 diabetes later on in life. A gestational diabetes diet plan is critical to properly managing the affects of this disease.

Routine screening for gestational diabetes is recommended during the second trimester for all pregnant women to help limit the negative impacts it can have on mother and baby. If it is not controlled it can lead to pregnancy-induced hypertension, premature birth, large fetus size, congenital abnormalities, future obesity and diabetes in the infant, and other birth complications.

A gestational diabetes diet requires dietary modifications that the mother may not be used to but to control this form of diabetes it is essential. This is accomplished through individually developed dietary prescriptions based on metabolic nutrition and lifestyle requirements. Basic changes include reduced intake of simple sugars such as white table sugar and syrups.

The simple sugars are replaced with more complex carbohydrates with a balanced intake of nutrients, particularly with the carbohydrates, during the day. To make starting this type of gestational diabetes diet plan easier a registered dietician will use exchange lists to make their clients meal planning easier.

Exchange lists were first developed for diabetic meal planning but they have become a basic tool for almost all food guides and dietary recommendations.

Another system to control diabetes, carbohydrate counting, has recently begun to see more widespread use. This system allows the client to keep track of carbohydrate intake during the course of the day.

An overall gestational diabetes diet plan takes into account the physical, psychosocial, and educational requirements. For the woman with this form of diabetes reliance on her health care providers to help manage her condition is vitally important. Her registered dietician has the primary responsibility for developing and teaching her the individualized dietary plan that will work best for her. Nurses at her doctor's office and in the hospital help reinforce these dietary needs and also are responsible for teaching her how to effectively monitor blood glucose levels and administer insulin if needed. By working together the pregnant woman and her health care team can successfully manage and overcome the risks posed by gestational diabetes.

Sometimes it is difficult to recognize type II diabetes symptoms, since they vary from person to person. But, ignoring diabetes symptoms can lead to serious damage to the organs caused by unchecked blood glucose levels. Here we look at the most common type II diabetes symptoms, but keep in mind that regular check-ups are always important, even if you do not notice the symptoms, particularly if you have a family history of the condition.

More Frequent Urination

In an effort to remove the excess glucose from the blood stream, the kidneys work harder, leading to more frequent urination. This also removes other necessary fluids from the body and can lead to dehydration. Increased thirst and/or dry mouth are usually noticed.

Possible kidney damage is one reason that ignoring diabetes symptoms is not safe. In addition, severe dehydration accompanied by very high blood sugar levels can lead to hyperglycemic hyperosmolar nonketotic syndrome, which is life threatening.

In rare cases, people who have not previously noticed type II diabetes symptoms have ended up in the emergency room in a coma. Scientists believe that they have identified genes that are responsible for the development of the condition, confirming the long held belief that it does “run in the family”.

This information also confirms the long held suggestion that persons with a family history of type II diabetes should advise their doctor and have regular physicals, including a fasting or casual plasma glucose test. This test measures the level of glucose in the blood stream.

Fatigue

If you have high blood glucose levels, you may feel tired, weak or easily fatigued. The cells of the body convert glucose enter energy. Insulin, secreted by the pancreas after a meal, signals the cells that glucose is available. The cells “open their doors”, so to speak, and allow the glucose to enter.

If insulin production is insufficient or if the cells do not recognize the “signal”, glucose builds up in the bloodstream. It needs to be mentioned that a certain amount of glucose in the bloodstream is normal and necessary to fuel the brain. If blood glucose levels fall too low, a condition call hypoglycemia can occur. Some of the symptoms of hypoglycemia are similar to type II diabetes symptoms, including fatigue.

If untreated, hypoglycemia can lead to coma, brain damage or death. These are more reasons why ignoring diabetes symptoms can be dangerous. Type II diabetes symptoms are not specific to the condition and can be symptoms of other health problems.

If blood sugar levels are too high, fatigue is caused by lack of glucose or energy in the cells. If blood sugar levels are too low, fatigue or sleepiness is a result of lack of fuel to the brain.

Other Type II Diabetes Symptoms

Other symptoms can range from increased hunger, even after eating a meal, to nausea or vomiting. Blurred vision is sometimes noted and if left unchecked the condition can cause permanent damage to the eyes.

Tingling in the hands or feet may be noticed early on in the condition. If left untreated the small blood vessels that supply the nerves of the hands and feet can become damaged, leading to pain and other more serious complications.

Frequent urinary tract infections, vaginal infections or skin infections are sometimes type II diabetes symptoms. Not everyone with the condition experiences all of the symptoms mentioned here, but ignoring diabetes symptoms may mean that treatment does not begin early enough to prevent permanent damage to the organs, nerves and blood vessels in the body.

My intention writing this article is for you to get a clearer understanding about fat intake into your body. I used to think that I could not eat any fat at all. All fat were bad for me. Little did I know that eating fat is part of good diabetes diet plan. Knowing what fats are for your betterment and which ones are detrimental is what this article is all about.

Maybe this happens to you. When I read the labels of some of the foods I am looking to purchase I sometimes have some trouble digesting what all the ingredients are on the package. Especially when it comes to determining the fat content. Which fat is good? Which fat is not good? I did hear that you have to have some of the good fats in your diet. They are essential. This article is about getting the record straight about fats in food. The good and the bad fats that is.

Some fats that are not good for you

If you see these bad fats go in another direction. I am always checking out labels of products I am about to buy for these two items. Trans and Saturated make up the bad fats dirty duo. Sausage, red meats, bologna, hot dogs, cheeses, cream sauces, French fries, gravies with meat drippings, palm and coconut oil are on the bad fats list. Bakery products are loaded with trans and saturated fats. Fast food restaurants are a haven for these two ingredients in their deep fryers and miocrowaves. If you are in fast food restaurant you are probably not in a good place to begin with as a diabetic. Unless you are ordering a salad.

Why are trans and saturated fats so bad for diabetics?

Trans and saturated fats do not make life better for diabetics. It's about blood circulation. Because there is more sugar in the blood of diabetics than people without diabetes circulation of the blood is slower. The LDL which we want to be low goes up and HDL which we want to increase goes down. These two types of fats do the exact opposite of what you want to have happen in your body

What are some good fats?

Monounsaturated, polyunsaturated, omega-3 fatty acids and omega-6 fatty acids are the good guys as far as fats are concerned. These fats assist our bodies. They make our cell membranes more flexible, lower blood pressure and cholesterol, and reduce mortality from heart disease. Cold water fish like salmon and bluefish are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Use canola and/or olive oil to sauté, cook, prepare salad dressing or bake.

Suggestions on food preparation

Grill instead of fry. Lean meat instead of fatty meats will keep you lean. For meats and seafood eat two to three ounce servings. Forget about a half of a pound to a pound of beef. Skin that chicken before cooking or eating. Keep your saturated fat intake down. You and your diabetes diet plan will be much better off.

What you eat as a diabetic is crucial. We as diabetics do not have the luxury of a haphazard diet. I am learning from one man that has experienced the awful side effects of injecting insulin into his body for 10 years to living a healthy lifestyle by eating the foods that make sense. If you would like to hear what he has to say check out the free MP3. Did I tell you he lost over 100 pounds changing his diabetes care 360 degrees?

In addition to other diabetes symptoms low magnesium levels have been noted in African Americans and Hispanic adults, two groups that have an increased risk for developing type II diabetes. Researchers have suggested that dietary supplements to prevent diabetes type II development should include magnesium. Here we look at the latest research.

Magnesium is one of the most abundant minerals found in the human body. It is required to perform over 300 different biochemical reactions and is important to the formation and maintenance of strong bones, normal muscle and nerve function, normal heart rhythms and a healthy immune system. Magnesium deficiency was first described in the early 1930s. Inadequate magnesium intake (less than 300-400 mg/day) has been associated with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and other health problems.

Over the last year, much research has focused on the prevention of type two diabetes symptoms, low magnesium levels and the importance of supplements to prevent diabetes. The role of magnesium that is specifically related to diabetes is unclear, but according to recent studies of type two diabetes symptoms low magnesium levels may reduce insulin sensitivity in the cells.

Food of all types, not just sweet foods or carbohydrates are converted by the stomach into glucose, which the cells use for energy. Without glucose in the cells, people tire easily and the muscles and organs cannot function properly. Without insulin, the glucose is trapped in the blood stream and cannot enter the cells.

In response to increased blood glucose levels that follow a meal, increased insulin production should be seen. Researchers have measured blood levels of insulin, as well as blood glucose levels in non-diabetics after fasting, in order to establish a norm. Recently they have measured fasting levels of magnesium, as well, in an effort to design supplements to prevent diabetes type II.

In type I diabetes, people do not produce insulin and must inject insulin on a regular basis. In type II diabetes, a combination of insulin resistance or reduced insulin sensitivity and a reduction in insulin production causes higher concentration of glucose in the blood stream. Eventually, people with type II diabetes may also need insulin injections to deal with high blood glucose levels. Supplements to prevent diabetes type II should promote insulin production and secretion, as well as improve insulin sensitivity in the cells.

Insulin resistance or reduced insulin sensitivity simply means that the cells of the body do not recognize insulin as they should. Dietary supplements to prevent diabetes 2 should include magnesium, but also provide nutrients that support insulin production and improve insulin sensitivity.

To prevent the onset of type II diabetes symptoms low magnesium levels may need to be addressed early on in life, particularly if there is a family history of the condition. Recently certain genes have been identified that may help scientists identify those people who are at risk, but it will be many years before genetic testing is commonplace or able to make those predictions accurately. But, the research does support the long held belief that type II diabetes does “run in families”.

The chemical process by which the cells respond to insulin is complex, but you can think of insulin as opening a door in the cells that allow glucose to enter. Without sufficient insulin production, glucose cannot enter the cells and be used for energy. Instead, glucose builds up in the bloodstream, causing eventual damage to the organs and muscles of the body.

In type II diabetes, there may be sufficient insulin production, at least in the early stages, but for some reason the cells do not recognize and respond appropriately to the insulin. Glucose still builds up in the bloodstream and eventually causes damage.

In several studies concerning the prevention of type II diabetes symptoms low magnesium levels have been discussed.

In the Nutritional Epidemiology Program over 1700 men and women without diabetes participated. Researchers demonstrated that those people with higher intakes of dietary magnesium also had higher fasting insulin levels. The researchers concluded that higher magnesium may reduce the risk of developing type II diabetes. If you are at risk for developing the condition and the amount you get from your daily diet is questionable, appropriate amounts of magnesium should be included in your supplements to prevent diabetes type II.

Another study at the Obesity Research Center in New York showed that in people with diabetes symptoms low magnesium levels were also present. Individuals who had diabetes had significantly lower levels of magnesium in their blood streams than did those with normal fasting glucose levels. This study focused specifically on two ethnic groups (African Americans and Hispanic Americans) that have an increased risk for type II diabetes.

In another study, a chemical was used to induce diabetes in laboratory rats. An increase in blood glucose levels, blood cholesterol levels, blood pressure and fat to body weight ratio were all noted, while magnesium levels decreased. After administration of magnesium for eight weeks, all of these factors returned to normal levels. Researchers concluded that magnesium may play a part in the management of diabetes and the prevention of its vascular complications.

In addition to the relationship to type II diabetes symptoms low magnesium levels may be associated with metabolic syndrome.

Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of metabolic abnormalities that increase the risk of developing heart disease and type II diabetes. According to the Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University in Boston there is currently no firm consensus on the most appropriate dietary recommendations for the prevention and treatment of metabolic syndrome, but general guidelines have been established, including decreasing obesity, increasing physical activity and reducing intake of saturated and trans fats. The Center also states that additional supplements that may be important include calcium, vitamin D and magnesium.

Many companies sell supplements to prevent diabetes type II. Magnesium is only one important ingredient. In order for these supplements to be effective, the manufacturers must do the research concerning bioavailability, delivery and ingredients.

Recognizing the symptoms of diabetes type2 can lead to earlier detection and treatment, which could prevent damage to the organs caused by high blood glucose levels. In rare cases, even without previously noting the detailed symptoms, type two diabetes leads to coma. The importance of regular check-ups cannot be overemphasized, particularly for those people who are at risk for developing the condition.

The symptoms of diabetes type2 can vary, but may include an increase in thirst or dry mouth, increased hunger even after eating a meal, nausea or vomiting, frequent urination, generalized fatigue or weakness, blurred vision and numbness or tingling in the hands or feet. Not everyone with the condition experiences all of these symptoms of diabetes type2 and some people experience others, such as frequent urinary tract infections, vaginal infections or easily infected scrapes or scratches on the skin.

Even without the appearance of detailed symptoms type two diabetes can be diagnosed by a doctor with a fasting or casual plasma glucose test. This test measures the level of glucose or sugar in the blood stream.

Normally, food is changed into glucose in the stomach. The glucose then enters the blood stream and the pancreas produces insulin, which allows the glucose to enter the cells of the body and be used for energy.

When the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or the body is unable to use it properly, glucose cannot enter the cells and builds up in the blood stream. In diabetes type I, the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin are lost or damaged.

In diabetes type II, the pancreas can produce insulin, but may not produce enough and the cells of the body become resistant or less sensitive to the insulin that is produced. In the beginning, typically before the symptoms of diabetes type2 are noticed, the pancreas may produce more insulin to try and deal with the increase in blood glucose levels. But, eventually the extra insulin stops working and blood sugar levels continue to increase.

Increased blood sugar levels can lead to other health problems. Frequent dehydration may accompany the symptoms of diabetes type2. Severe dehydration accompanied by very high blood sugar levels can lead to Hyperglycemic hyperosmolar nonketotic syndrome, which is life threatening.

If left uncontrolled, high levels of glucose in the blood stream can damage the nervers, the eyes, the kidneys and the heart. Uncontrolled type II diabetes is one of the risk factors for developing heart disease, heart attack and stroke.

Insulin-resistance is the term used to describe the body’s inability to recognize and use the insulin produced by the pancreas. Insulin resistance is not present in type I diabetes, but with or without detailed symptoms type two diabetes is always accompanied by insulin resistance.

Diabetes Type Two info is provided here because sometimes accurate information is difficult to find. There are a number of sources for Type 2 diabetes diet info, but some of these are fad diets that may not be helpful and could even be dangerous.

The Diabetes Type Two info provided here is up to date. It is backed by scientific research and applies not only to people who have been diagnosed with type II diabetes, but also to people who have “pre-diabetes”, insulin resistance or a family history of the condition.

Type 2 diabetes is sometimes referred to as adult-onset, maturity-onset or non-insulin dependent diabetes. This condition is different from Type 1, insulin dependent, childhood or juvenile diabetes in several ways. First, there are no known preventative measures for Type 1, but Type 2 may be preventable.

In type 1 diabetes, the body does not produce insulin, a hormone that allows glucose to enter and energize the cells. Without insulin, the glucose is “stuck” in the blood stream and cannot be used by the cells.

In type 2 diabetes, the body produces less than normal amounts of insulin and the insulin that is produced is not used properly. Failure of the body to recognize and properly use insulin is referred to as insulin resistance.

According to the diabetes type two info, facts and figures provided by national health organizations, of the 20.8 million people in the United States who have been diagnosed with diabetes, 90-95% have type 2. Another 54 million have pre-diabetes.

In pre-diabetes, blood glucose levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be diagnosed as type 2. Without preventative measures, pre-diabetes can eventually lead to type II.

The recently completed Diabetes Prevention Program showed conclusively that changes in diet and increasing physical activity can prevent pre-diabetes from becoming type 2 diabetes. This study is one reason that many people look for type 2 diabetes diet info. It is important to be able to distinguish the fad diets from the healthy diets. The American Diabetes Association is currently working to create more materials to help people understand the difference.

There is one simple way to tell the difference between a fad diet and a healthy diet. A healthy diet is one that you could follow for the rest of your life, without concern about nutritional deficiencies. A healthy diet provides adequate intakes of fat, carbohydrates and protein. Some of the latest type 2 diabetes diet info promotes a “low-carb” diet. The American Diabetes Association has this to say:

“The long-term effects of diets high in protein and low in carbohydrate are unknown. Although such diets may produce short-term weight loss and improved glycemia, it has not been established that weight loss is maintained long-term. The long-term effect of such diets on plasma LDL cholesterol is also a concern.”

Diabetes is a problem with the blood glucose level in your body. Blood glucose is essentially the energy that we supply the body with so that it can function. This might be things you never think about, like antibodies healing cuts and bruises or it might be the energy your body uses to play a squash game.

Glucose gets into the blood from digested food. The process it uses to convert glucose to energy uses an hormone called insulin.

Insulin is produced in the pancreas. When somebody has diabetes, insulin is not produced or the insulin that is produced is ineffective. In a non-diabetic person the insulin converts glucose to glycogen, and in the process, reduces the glucose level in blood. In a diabetic this does not occur and the blood glucose level gets high.

High glucose levels in the blood can cause all sorts of problems to a persons health. In type 1 diabetes a person with high glucose level blood can get diabetic ketoacidosis that can lead to coma and death if not detected and acted upon.

Chronically high blood sugar levels can lead to heart disease, poor circulation, nerve damage, foot and eye problems and a host of other problems.

Thus high blood sugar levels can lead to acute and chronic illnesses that range from mild and irritating or critical and dangerous. Therefore it is important to check the blood glucose level because it tells you the state of your diabetes and the likelihood of complications occurring.

Monitoring your blood gives you the information you need to treat your diabetes.

Your doctor will tell you what the ideal range of glucose in your blood should be based on your particular circumstances.

General guidelines are based on just before meals and 2 hours after a meal. The range is measured in millimoles of glucose per liter of blood (mmol/l)

Before meals an ideal reading is 4-6 mmol/l , a fair reading is 6-8mmol/l and a poor reading is 8 + mmol/l.

After meals an ideal reading is up to 8mmol/l, a fair reading is up to 10 mmol/l and a poor reading is 10+ mmol/l.

With this information you can determine whether you need to take insulin, medication or some other strategy that can control the glucose level.

Testing is normally done by pricking your finger and allowing a drop of blood to fall onto a testing strip. The testing strip is then put into a blood testing monitor that will give you a reading in about 30 seconds on so.

Testing blood gives you control over diabetes and allows you to plan your day without the disease impacting on your life too much.

Carbohydrates are broken down by insulin into glucose. Type 1 diabetics don’t produce the insulin needed to convert carbs into glucose. Type 2 diabetics produce insulin, but not enough to break all the carbs down into glucose. Carbohydrates are important because they provide the body with the energy needed to function. Diabetics have a very special and challenging relationship with carbohydrates: you need them, but the wrong amounts can wreck havoc on your blood sugar levels and potentially make your diabetes worse.

So, how do diabetics count carbs? By understanding the careful balance of too much and too little carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are important aspects of a diabetic diet and should comprise about half of a diabetic’s daily intake. However, it’s also important to make sure you’re eating the right carbs. Stay away from simple carbs. These tend to be white flours and simple starches like potatoes. Simple carbs are digested so quickly by your body they spike insulin levels and disrupt your blood sugars. Complex carbs, on the other hand, tend to be unrefined and unprocessed whole grains like whole wheat, quinoa, barley, and spelt. Whole grains don’t affect your blood sugar levels like simple carbs because they take longer to digest. Whole grains also provide other dietary benefits like increasing your fiber intake and helping to lower cholesterol levels.

Counting carbs is an essential element of a healthy diabetic diet. Choosing the right carbs helps by not disrupting your blood sugars and by providing energy, nutrients, and other essential health benefits. Using a carb counter can provide you with a safe and accurate way to count carbs in thousands of foods –even when you dine out. With all the changes to your lifestyle that diabetes brings, taking the worry and guesswork out of counting carbs is easy with a carb counter.

Was diabetes inevitable to show up in my life?

It was four years ago. My lifestyle for the most part was about working, working out coming home and watching television. Eating whatever I wanted, as I had done my entire life, was the problem that originated 50 years ago and was still part of my make up about four years ago. My lifestyle is what this article is about. Maybe there is something here for you to benefit from. .

As long as I was taking care of one area of my life I felt I was in good shape. Let me explain. Hey I exercised. So what that I ate the worst foods at one or two in the morning as I watched Sports Center or a movie. I reasoned it out that as long as I exercised my eating could take on a life of its own. And it did. I had no problem devouring a huge bowl of ice cream in the wee small hours of the night. My thinking was the exercising and the eating anything cancelled each other out.

When I was a youngster it was cool to eat a lot of food. I remember never leaving anything on my plate as I was growing up. It was a sin. My father to this day has never left a morsel on his plate as I remember. He could eat one two or three portions of food. As long as it was on his plate he consumed the food. I was close to doing the same thing.

Hamburgers, hot dogs and fries were the staples of the day as I was growing up. Driving into Brooklyn at two in the morning to go to Nathan's Hot Dog stand was a monthly occurrence my buddies and I would attend to. We would all stuff our faces with hot dogs and fries. The drive back to Newark New Jersey had some very interesting tunes.

A new way to eat was approaching.

Going from someone that loves food and would eat just about anything was something I did not want to give up. As my blood sugar levels increased, I thought that herbs would do the trick to keep the blood sugar number lower. I fought giving up my diet. I had lived with it for a long long time. Denying that I had diabetes allowed me to eat all the foods that I wanted to consume. And because I have been healthy most of my life I thought I could defeat this diabetes by just taking herbs I thought were good for diabetes.

What now that I have diabete?.

My lifestyle has changed. Food which was once of no concern to me is now an ongoing conscious decision in my life. Handling this diabetes disease means reading every label of food I am going to buy. I am much more aware of the foods I eat before and while I am consuming them. I am a big boy and dealing with diabetes is my new challenge.

Diabetes natural solutions are what make sense for me. If dealing with this illness without the use of drugs makes sense to you then listen to the Diabetic Warrior's free MP3. I have been learning what to eat and what not to eat.

Diabetes in the last few years has become widespread. Once considered a rare disease, we all either personally know diabetics or someone whose loved one is battling it. What? Have you been diagnosed with it also? In the past, most diabetics used to be diagnosed at birth or very early in life with what is known as Type 1 diabetes, due to the body’s inability to produce enough insulin. Now it seems that majority of cases of the disease are contributed to Type 2 diabetes, which is contracted later on in life. What is it in the North American Diet that predisposes you and me to Diabetes? The main culprits have finally been exposed. They are widely known to be a combination of poor diet and lack of proper exercise.

Did you see it coming with the proliferation of fast foods of all types? Did you notice you children’s gradual disinterest in the wholesome basic meat, potatoes and lots of veggies diet? I remember my young daughters checking out the mound of fresh groceries and exclaiming: “there’s nothing to eat!” What they meant was there was no junk food! Their taste buds had started to take on so many of their friends’ tastes. Meals became a culinary challenge in our house to deftly and as inconspicuously as possible combine nutrition and “fun food.” It was a taste-testing season, where we all became more exposed to many new and nutritious international dishes. Now our gals are much more health conscious than I ever was!

How about you? Do you know someone who may be totally hooked on junk food? Many people grab fast food dinners all too often due to their busy lifestyles, being too exhausted to cook a proper meal after a hard day’s work. This, of course, inadvertently affects the younger generation, who soon refuse to eat the “good stuff.”

The main reason for all that, according to me, is the high content of sugar in junk food, sauces and drinks. It’s the sugar you get addicted to. Soon you’re no longer satisfied with the natural sweet taste of our great variety of fresh and dried fruit. And veggies? Forget it! If you have to douse it with ketchup, marinated pickles or other sweet condiment, chances are you won’t eat it, right? If so, you may be hooked on sugar.

Is it too late to get the young generation turned around to wholesome nutrition? Anyone with either type of diabetes will attest that it’s no fun! Being dependent on needles and constant monitoring is not pleasant; neither are the consequences of blindness, pain and amputations in severe cases.

It’s time to take back your natural God-given taste for wholesome, natural food without additives, especially sugar. By gradually re-introducing more and more natural fiber-laden food and fruit in your diet and committing to regular exercise, like walking, you’re on your way to regaining control of your health.

There is much information about the kinds of foods that are best for diabetics and those who are prime candidates for it. Take your doctor’s advice. However, do not neglect the fact that proper nutrition can reverse the trend. Doctors have the expertise to diagnose and treat the symptoms. As yet there is no medical cure. They can only try to stabilize the insulin level in your body.

Nutritionists are experts in the power and goodness of food. You need both the medical and nutritional advice. By adding the right nutritional supplements, along with a more balanced diet than you may have been used to, you can totally eliminate your diabetes. There’s no greater feeling of power and relief than when, thanks to your taking nutrition seriously, you get a clean bill of health from your doctor! Yes, it can be done! You can regain control over the deceit of sugar addiction and wrong eating habits! Get back your power and stay in control of your well-being!

If you are old enough, you will remember a time when you could only test your blood glucose levels through your urine. And testing this way was not even a reliable and accurate indicator of the levels of glucose in a person's body. Thanks to advancements is technology, we can now receive an instant, and much more accurate reading with a single drop of blood.

There are currently two kinds of blood tests available to test a person's blood glucose levels. These tests are actually “test strips.” The test strips allow blood to react with an enzyme that is on the strip. The reaction of the blood on the enzyme with one strip will create a color. A meter will then read the color on the strip, with this reading resulting in the glucose reading. The blood sample on the second test strip results in the production of electrons. A meter is again used to read the amount of electrons, and these results will display the glucose reading.

One of the questions most frequently asked regarding the testing of your blood glucose levels is - just how often should you test? There is no one answer to that question that would apply to all diabetics. The frequency of glucose testing will depend on the type of diabetes being treated, the stability of your blood glucose, and the particular treatment plan being followed.

Here are some general time indicators for testing your blood glucose levels:

1. People with type 1 and/or type 2 diabetes who inject insulin, must test their blood glucose levels before meals, and again before bedtime. This frequency of testing, that spreads throughout the day and into the evening, can be very inconvenient. However, a diabetic can't actually "feel" whether their glucose levels are regular or not. Unfortunately, this regular testing is necessary. With the potential for a diabetics blood glucose levels to rise and fall very quickly, without these frequent tests it could cause additional health damage.

2. Type 2 diabetics who are fairly stable, and on a successful treatment plan consisting of taking medications, a steady diet of good foods, and regular exercise should only need to test their glucose levels twice a day. Generally, these testing times will be just before eating breakfast and then again before dinner.

3. There are also optional reasons for testing your blood glucose levels. Remember, there is never a bad time to test; frequent testing allows you to remain in control of your overall condition. Here is an example of an optional blood test; should you want to eat something that is not exactly within the guidelines of your diet, you may take a test to see your current blood glucose levels and just how indulging in this treat may affect your glucose levels. Testing just prior to exercise can be a good idea. By taking a test before starting you will know if you should eat something.