I had someone ask me last week if there was a cure for diabetes. He said he had seen several claims to that effect on products offered on the Internet. This encounter got me thinking about ominous things to come.

Currently there are 20-22 million people in the U.S. alone that have diabetes. Millions more have it and don’t know it. That numbers swells when you consider the rest of the world. Diabetes is huge in Asia and growing at a faster rate than anywhere else in the world.

The point is that there are millions of potential customers for unscrupulous con artists and snake oil salesmen who offer “the cure” for one of the world’s worst diseases. The effects of diabetes are so devastating as to cause the people who have it to tend to become gullible if not desperate-prime victims for a scam.

In 2005, the last year stats were available, over $10 BILLION was spent on diabetes. That figure is expected to grow by as much as 70% as the population gets older and obesity continues to be a huge challenge. That is enough money to attract some unsavory characters.

Millions and millions of dollars are spent each year searching for a cure to diabetes. Stem cell research offers hope for this and other diseases. Until a cure is found, the best you can do is control diabetes. YOU CAN CONTROL DIABETES. Unfortunately there is no cure.

You can bet your last nickel that when a cure is found it will make headlines for weeks if not months. It will be one of the biggest news stories of the decade.

Until then do your best to control this disease and resist the urge to try to the “new miracle cures” that are offered with regularity on the Internet. BUYER BEWARE.

A diabetes diet for use by diabetics following a high protein, low carbohydrate diabetes diet.

Breakfast:

Ingredients:

* 6 eggs
* 1 ounce tofu, preferably extra firm or firm tofu, cut into approx. 1/4 - 3/8 inch cubes
* 1/4 - 1/3 cup. shredded mozzarella cheese

Seasonings:

* 1/2 teasp. Chesapeake Bay seasoning or Chef Paul Prudhomme's Magic seasoning;
* 1 teasp. Montreal Chicken seasoning
* 3/4 teasp. powdered or granulated chicken bouillon
* 6 drops Louisiana hot pepper sauce
* 8-10 drops Worcestershire sauce

Heat non-stick frying pan to medium heat, with some (1 teasp.) olive oil in it. In a bowl, scramble eggs with seasonings, add tofu cubes, add mozzarella cheese and combine. Pour egg mixture into frying pan and scramble, cooking until scrambled softly. Pour onto plate and enjoy. Quantity is aimed for one man. Adjust accordingly for women or smaller appetites.

Lunch:

Ingredients:

1 to 1 1/4 pounds of salad from a grocery store salad bar, selecting from:

* lettuce
* red and/or green Bell pepper strips
* cauliflower
* broccoli
* sliced onions
* feta cheese, about 3 tablespoons
* cucumbers
* chicken breast slices, equivalent to about one chicken breast (5 ounces) or four ounces of imitation crab.

Combine ingredients, season with McCormick Season All or other seasoned salt, serve with red wine vinegar or cider vinegar (about 1 to 2 ounces).

Red wine vinegar is suggested for improved taste and because red wine vinegar contains many of the beneficial antioxidant constituents of red wine, without the alcohol. Apple cider vinegar also can be used.

A low carbohydrate diabetes diet with vinegar has been shown to have a lowering effect on blood sugar. Consume the vinegar/cheese/seasoning mixture left in the bowl, at the end of eating the salad.

Firstly, let us look into the issue here. What exactly, is fibre? Or for the matter of fact, we could be more specific and technical here – What is Dietary Fibre?

Ok, basically dietary fibre represents all the parts of plant foods that your body can’t digest or absorb! Amongst so – we have 2 big components to look at here which I shall mention below.

#1 Insoluble Fibre.

This is the type of fibre that increases the movement of material inside your digestive system and increases stool bulk, so it could actually benefit those who struggle with constipation or irregular stools! Examples of these would include Whole-wheat flour, wheat bran, nuts, lentils and raw vegetables.

#2 Soluble Fibre.

This type of fibre dissolves in water in your tract to help lower your blood cholesterol and glucose levels. You can find abundance of these in fruits like apples, oranges, anything citrus, carrots, barley, oats, peas, etc. The amount of both types of fibre differentiates between the different plant foods – so the best way to optimize and enjoy the greatest health benefits would be to eat a balanced wide-variety of all of those fibre-packed foods!

#1 Fibre fights Constipation!

As fibre isn’t digested by your body, it passes through your small intestines and into your colon. This also means that it increases the weight and size of your stool and softens it so that your bowel could regulate passing of motion.

#2 Fibre Lowers Risks of Disorders!

Some people suffer from specific disorders like hemorrhoids, irritable bowel syndrome and development of small pouches in your colon. Fibre – especially soluble fibre could be your best friend here. It helps to lower blood cholesterol levels and slows the absorption rates of sugar – which helps lower glucose levels for people with diabetes, as it helps to improve the blood sugar levels. Thus, it also reduces the risk of Type II Diabetes!

#3 Fibre helps you with Weight Loss

As fibre-foods require you to spend more time chewing, it creates a psychological effect on your brain as well as your more time for your body to register that you’re no longer hungry so you’re less likely to overeat because you realize you’re full.

High fibre meals also tend to keep you fuller for a longer period of time because you don’t digest it! Also it has fewer calories as compared to the other types of food with the same volume.

Can we not see how important and useful fibre could be? Don’t we want to keep ourselves away from all the irritating times of constipation, feeling hungry, and lower our risk of getting into some uncertain disorders? Perhaps it’s about time we realize the importance of fibre intake in our diets today!

It is sometimes difficult to find information on type 2 diabetes concerning natural control of blood sugar levels. Here, we have some highlights of recent research and info on type 2 diabetes concerning promising plant extracts that may naturally lower blood sugar levels. The extracts are found in a few health supplements designed for those who may have a family history of type II diabetes or for those who currently suffer from the condition.

Consumers are advised to consult their doctor when trying new dietary supplements and to check their blood sugar levels regularly. According to the information on type 2 diabetes provided by the manufacturers of these products, some people are able to reduce insulin use after taking the product for as little as one month. None of the info on type 2 diabetes provided here is meant to take the place of a physician’s advice.

In the United States, manufacturers of dietary supplements are not allowed to make certain health claims about their products. For example, they are not allowed to say that a product was designed to treat a disease.

However, some of the latest information on type 2 diabetes from Canada concerns the antioxidant activity of 35 different plant species used to manage the symptoms of diabetes. Antioxidants may be important in reducing the risk of complications associated with the condition.

One reason that researchers focus on plant extracts and traditional remedies for type II diabetes is that the available prescription drugs are not effective on a long term basis and may cause unwanted side effects, such as weight gain.

Info on Type 2 Diabetes & Obesity

Obesity is a major risk factor for type II diabetes, as well as heart disease, sleep apnea and even arthritis. Obesity has been defined in several ways over the years, but most doctors begin with a standard height/weight chart which gives upper and lower limits for “normal” weights.

In general, a person who is 20% above their “normal” weight is probably obese. In other words, if a person’s healthy weight is at 140 pounds and they weigh 168 pounds or more, they may be obese. Body Mass Index or BMI and waist to hip ratio are also sometimes used.

According to medical researchers, most prescription drugs that decrease blood sugar levels promote weight gain. Most researchers feel that it is important to continue to look for products that can be used to treat type II diabetes without complicating the condition or increasing the risk of other health problems by causing weight gain.

Particularly interesting information on type 2 diabetes concerns a plant that grows throughout southern Asia. The Banaba plant or Lagerstroemia speciosa has been used by traditional healers for centuries to control blood sugar levels.

The latest scientific research indicates that Banaba extract will lower blood sugar levels and may lead to weight loss. Researchers concluded that major clinical studies should be conducted to support the laboratory studies, but it is likely that research concerning this plant will continue for years, as it has with others.

Info on Type 2 Diabetes and Bitter Melon

Over 30 research studies have been published since 1982 concerning Bitter Melon Extract or Momordica charantia. In 1977, scientific examination of the plant showed that it contains a protein similar to bovine insulin. This information on type 2 diabetes was published, but was largely ignored by the “modern” medical community, in favor of prescription drug treatment.

Traditionally throughout much of Asia, bitter melon has been valued for its medicinal uses. In the Philippines, bitter melon tea, along with other natural remedies, is used for blood sugar control, particularly among the poor. In India, where Ayurvedic medicine is widely practiced and recognized as a legitimate medical school of thought, bitter melon is commonly referred to as “plant insulin”.

In one small study using injections containing the purified extract of bitter melon, it was shown to sustain patients with type I or insulin dependent diabetes. In one child who had allergic reactions to bovine insulin, the bitter melon extract controlled her blood sugar levels without allergic complications. Patients are cautioned that eating the melon is not a substitute for insulin.

Additional Info on Type 2 Diabetes

Isolating the active component of plants and botanicals is a subject of many studies, particularly by those who would attempt to create a synthetic version. But, in many cases researchers have found that there are several active compounds in the plant and that they likely work together to provide health benefits.

At least one study providing information on type 2 diabetes alternative treatments has shown that bitter melon extract contains several compounds that may be beneficial. Not only does it contain the protein that is similar to insulin, but the antioxidant activity of the extract may prevent some of the other complications that accompany diabetes.

It is also likely that the Banaba plant contains different beneficial compounds. Some probably lower blood sugar levels, while others support weight loss. Scientific research has yet to be conducted concerning the beneficial compounds in Banaba.

Diabetes Mellitus is an insidious disease that causes a whole slew of complications that can have life altering and threatening effects for anyone who suffers from it. From heart disease to kidney problems, blindness and nerve damage, recognizing the symptoms of diabetes mellitus early and getting proper medical treatment is key to managing it effects and the complications it can cause.

It is estimated that 17 million people suffer from diabetes in the United States alone. Further more nearly 5.9 million of those 17 million have not been diagnosed and are suffering the effects of not managing their condition. Many people remain undiagnosed because they do not recognize or understand their symptoms and never seek medical help until their symptoms have manifested into the later complications.

The treatment of diabetes is about managing the condition through proper diet, exercise, and medication. The sooner a positive diagnosis is made the better the chances of avoiding potential life threatening complications that this disease is known for. There is no known cure but millions of people with diabetes live normal lives through healthy lifestyle choices.

The symptoms of diabetes mellitus as listed by the American Diabetes Association include:

1. Increased Urination – Increased blood flow through the kidneys due to high blood sugar levels contributes to this.

2. Excessive Thirst – Caused by the increased urine output that brings about dehydration.

3. Hungry All the Time – Because glucose (sugar) is unable to leave the blood stream and enter the cells due to a lack of insulin or insulin resistance the cells do not get the fuel they need for energy. The body senses this energy deficit and thinks it needs more calories to fuel its metabolic processes.

4. Weight Loss – Even though the diabetic is eating more the body starts to break down its own protein and fat stores to feed the perceived lack of energy for the cells.

5. Fatigue – Decreased energy levels lead to constant feelings of fatigue and lethargy.

6. Irritability and Depression.

7. Eye Problems – High blood glucose levels cause an increase in blood volume which can cause the lens of the eye to swell.

These signs will usually start out as nothing more than minor annoyances, but with time they will increase in severity. Many people attribute them to other things and brush them aside. Many of the symptoms can be attributed to other things like the stress of everyday life which can cause fatigue, depression, and irritability.

Many people are often surprised when they are diagnosed with diabetes mellitus saying things like "I don't feel sick". Many people are visiting their doctor for other concerns when they are first diagnosed. But once they putt all their symptoms together along with the results of their blood glucose test that the doctor will order the diagnosis is easily seen.

There was a time when people would go crazy after the low carb, high fat diet that Atkins recommended. However, if one takes a look at the history, the trend has always been the same. In each decade, a new kind of diet fad would affect the masses, and the result is that billions of books, packages and food products sell like hot cakes. And every time, the consumer realizes that the key to healthy living doesn't lie in counting the calories or units of carbohydrates to be consumed each day; rather, if we exercise moderation in diet, and don't get tempted to eat too much, we will be living a healthy life.

Old is gold, as the popular saying goes. The good old American culture which had everything to help us live healthily has gone now. Activities such as milking cows, tending crops, chasing the chickens were enough to give your body a boost and make it immune from almost any disease. Today, these common place activities are replaced by corporate jobs. We now lead a sedentary lifestyle, work for hours sitting at our desks, and eat junk foods, all of which has resulted in the birth of overweight Americans. Diabetes is more likely to affect obese people than the thinner fellows.

Obesity causes our body to become resistant to insulin, which results in diabetes. It even triggers heart and kidney diseases, as well as high blood pressure. If you want to get rid of all these diseases, there is only one and one way- you would need to lose weight. If you moderate your eating habits, and if you spend half-an-hour per day in exercises and physical activities, you will be able to improve your condition. Forget the low- carb-high-fat diet that you have been taught about all these years. An ideal diet is one where there is an equal balance of carbs, protein, and fats. Why? Because our bodies need all the three elements and we cannot afford to dispense with one for the other. All three are equally important for a healthy life. And with the steps I am detailing below, changing your diet patterns should not be too hard.

First of all, let's discuss the function of each element. Carbohydrates give us the energy we need to run our bodies. Foods such as bread, noodles, chips, crackers, or cereals are rich in carbohydrates.

Proteins are present in every part of our cell. They make up enzymes, antibodies, muscles, connective tissue, many hormones, and much more. Unlike carbohydrates, proteins are digested more slowly and once digested, they are converted to amino acid, which gives us satiety. Foods such as meats, poultry, fish, nuts and beans are rich in proteins.

Fats provide us with healthy skin and help us produce steroid hormones. Virtually every cell inside our body uses fat in the form of lipids. Foods such as butter, whole milk dairy foods, and oils are rich in fats.

Over the years, scientists all over the world have been engaged in creating a perfect solution for kidney patients suffering from diabetes. Still, treating something as complex as renal failure diabetes is not easy. Why? Because the medications that are used to treat diabetes can actually augment your kidney problems (if you are already suffering from kidney diseases). To top it all, diabetes patients require two or three types of medications to be given together in order to lower their blood sugar levels. However, finally I have come up with a solution. Why not replace medical treatment with a good diet for renal failure diabetes? In this article I will discuss the essentials of a good diet for renal failure diabetes.

1. Eat foods which have moderate amounts of protein: While many experts recommend diabetes patients to have a high-protein diet, studies have shown that eating foods which are rich in protein is actually harmful for diabetes patients. Having a high-protein diet can also trigger kidney problems. Doctors recommend that patients suffering from renal failure diabetes consume protein but in a moderate amount. Because eating foods which have a moderate amount of protein can help delay the onset of kidney failure. Following a reduced-protein diet should not cause any harm to your body provided your diet has all the required nutritional elements.

By having a low-protein diet, you can control your blood glucose level and successfully combat renal failure diabetes. In fact, studies have shown that aggressive blood sugar management improves the conditions of people suffering from type1 or type2 diabetes.

And in case you taking insulin injections as well, it would be good for you to test your blood sugar level regularly. Why? Because a simple blood sugar test will help you adjust your insulin intake. One thing you should note about insulin is that your insulin intake should be based on your food intake and the level of physical exercises you do per day. Eating a healthy diet, increasing the level of physical activities and regular blood checkup with a healthcare professional should be enough for you.

Apart from blood sugar tests, you can do some other tests such as testing your urine for micro albumin and protein, testing your blood for waste products such as creatinine, etc. These tests are done as a precauitionary measure.

If you are unsure of how much insulin you should take, or how much food you should eat, or what types of foods you should eat, I would suggest you consult these things with your local physician. Use his recommendations to create proper meal and exercise plans and stick to it.

Gestational diabetes (GD) is when a pregnant woman that previously was not diabetic becomes diabetic. It generally only lasts during pregnancy. It is also known by the term glucose intolerance of pregnancy. GD is like type 2 diabetes in that the body becomes resistant to insulin. It does not stop producing insulin but the body simply finds the insulin ineffective or it is not produced in sufficient quantity. Whilst it is not completely understood how this occurs in pregnant women the current thinking is that hormones that are secreted during pregnancy act as a blocking agent to insulin hence causing insulin resistance.

Symptoms of Gestational Diabetes

It is often quite hard to detect the disease because the body is undergoing dramatic changes all the time, many of which a being experienced for the first time. A pregnant woman will be in contact with her doctor frequently during the pregnancy so it is a good idea to mention any unusual changes in the body. Generally the condition will affect women in the latter stages of pregnancy (around 24-28 weeks). A classic symptom of gestational diabetes is excessive thirst or polydipsia. This could be accompanied by frequent urination (polyuria).

Other symptoms for gestational diabetes include :

Fatigue

Nausea

Blurred vision

Bladder or yeast infection.

As you can see, these symptoms could be the result of normal changes during pregnancy so it is important to keep your doctor informed so that he/she can screen you for gestational diabetes.

Treatment of Gestational Diabetes

The aim of treating the disease is to keep the blood sugar levels within a normal range. This will be determined by your doctor after a test to confirm that you have diabetes. Treatment will involve :

A gestational diabetes menu plan

This will be worked out with your doctor or ,more likely, a dietitian. A gestational diabetes diet will factor in your size, age and stage of pregnancy when creating a meal plan for you. In principle, the foodstuffs used will be split into :

carbohydrates,

vegetables and fruits,

meat or meat substitutes (protein),

milk and diary products,

sweets, candy and oils (fats)

More information can be found on how to use these food groups by following the diabetic food pyramid. By following a meal plan for gestational diabetes you will limit the amount of sugar that enters you bloodstream. This will help to control the blood sugar level.

Another essential part of treating GD is a regular exercise plan. This might involve a daily walk or some light exercise. Exercise will burn up sugar in the blood so that the blood sugar level does not get high.

If a diet and exercise are not sufficient in keeping the sugar level within a safe range, your doctor may prescribe a drug, such as Glyburide, to help make the body less resistant to insulin or insulin injections.

A complication of Gestational Diabetes , if left untreated, is that the baby will be larger than normal (known as Macrosomia). This occurs because there is an increase in the blood glucose levels and insulin production that stimulate the growth of the fetus. This may result in a cesarean section during birth.