Diabetes | Diabetes Information | Diabetes Risks, Symptoms,Causes, Diagnosis,and Treatment

Help ful Weight Loss physical exiercises

2010-12-19T05:17:00.001-08:00

The main idea on weight loss is to burn more calories than you consume. Hence, any physical activity that you tend to perform on a daily basis may very well supply the much needed burn. Aside from weight loss benefits, exercise is beneficial in the sense that it keeps the cardiovascular muscles healthy and lessens the risk of diabetes. If you tend to stick to an exercise regimen it is pretty much advisable to start with very low intensity and work your way to intensity in a gradual manner. Trying too hard during the first few days of a new exercise regimen may cause damage and soreness of the muscles.

In cases where you will not be able to exercise in a gym there are numerous physical activities you can get yourself involved in order to burn off those calories. Even performing simple household chores may count.

If you or any of your family members has a car, during your spare time volunteer to wash and wax it up. Or if none of them has going for the windows of scrubbing floors is enough. It can be estimated that one would have to move around on this task for more than 30 minutes.

Do you have a green thumb? Practice this as a hobby and enjoy the number of calories you would burn. This activity should last about 30 to 45 minutes and aside from losing weight you can even help nature in nurturing oxygen releasing elements. If you feel you were not gifted with green power go for the rake and clean up the yard. Raking leaves is another way of burning those fats. During the season change put out those shovel and clean up your alley of snow.

Bring out that athletic side. Engage in your most favorite sports and have fun while losing weight. Performing sports for 30 to 45 minutes is a good way to burn fats. Some examples of these sports are playing volleyball, basketball and swimming. If you are not the athletic type you can do some walking for about 30 minutes. If you want to bring intensity to this activity pump it up by doing brisk walking, jogging or running.

It does not necessarily mean that to have enough exercise one should be inside a gym facility or so. Individuals can perform exercise through physical activities. In this manner, dieters can get to choose the pace and even level of enjoyment they may have for such activity. Start doing any of these physical activities for at least 30 minutes for three times in a week. After a week or so challenge yourself and lengthen the time frame for the activity and frequency of performing it. In example make it 45 minutes a day for 5 times a week. Along this path dieters would be able to burn more than 200 calories a day.

Remember that starting slow is necessary more particularly if the dieter is a novice on the field of weight loss exercises or activity and if the dieter has led a sedentary way of life for a longer period of time. In doing sports activities it is important to practice the necessary precaution to avoid any injuries.

Charles Volcolatte is a health and weight loss researcher for http://www.skinnyasap.com/ He writes and researches actively on Weight Loss Programs and shares his knowledge at http://www.skinnyasap.com/ where he works as a staff writer.

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Consequence, Prevention and Treatment

2010-12-19T05:16:00.003-08:00

Osteoporosis is a disorder leading to fragile and weak bones that exposes the patient to an increased risk of fracture. Since this disorder makes silent inroads into a patient's system, they are not aware until they break a bone. Individuals with a family history of osteoporosis run a 60 to 80 percent risk of encountering the disorder. Excessive amount of smoking and alcoholism also leads to bone degeneration. Low body weight, calcium deficiency, chronic medical problems like hyperthyroidism and diabetes, excess physical activity to the extent of bone damage and exposure to heavy metals such as cadmium and lead are potential risk factors leading to osteoporosis.

The primary consequence of osteoporosis is an increased risk of fracture. Since it has no specified symptoms, the diagnosis is done by measuring the BMD (bone mineral density) of an individual. Apart from this, blood tests and X-rays can also be performed for further investigation. Women aged more than sixty run a greater risk of osteoporosis. The United States Preventive Services Task Force has recommended a bone densitometry screening for all women who are 60 to 64 years old. The ORAI (Osteoporosis Risk Assessment Instrument) is probably the most sensitive strategy for selecting women who run a greater risk of osteoporosis and need an urgent bone mineral density testing.

Prevention and treatment of osteoporosis needs a mix of medication and lifestyle change. Regular exercise and proper nutrition during adolescence is important for every individual. Quality exercise and proper nutrition should not be periodic but should be carried throughout life since it delays bone degeneration. Diet should comprise of good amounts of calcium and vitamin D. Tobacco and alcohol intake should be avoided. High-risk osteoporosis cases can be treated with bisphosphonate.

Bisphosphonates belong to the class of drugs that limits the range or extent of osteoclast action (Osteoclasts are a type of bone cell that resorbs bone). Thus bisphosphonates inhibits the resorption of bones. Fosamax (Generic name: Alendronate) is a bisphosphonate prescribed to treat osteoporosis and other bone diseases as well. Post-menopausal women having osteoporosis, when treated with Fosamax have shown remarkable normalization of bone formation and a good increase in the bone mineral density thus reducing the risk of fractures.

Fosamax can be bought from either the drugstore located nearby or an online pharmacy. However online pharmacies are always a better option than the traditional drugstores. No need to go all the way to a drugstore, just log in to an online pharmacy website and fill in their order form. Since the Canadian government has imposed regulation on the price of prescription medicines, the Canadian online pharmacies charge a comparatively less than other pharmacies. Once the order is placed, the drugs are delivered with full security and confidentiality at the patient's doorsteps. Buying Fosamax online thus saves time, money and energy.

Alfred Anderson has rich experience in the field of online brand marketing. His interests includes Internet marketing and research on emerging online business trends. Canada Pharmacy Drug

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My Personal Review of the Atkins Diet

2010-12-19T05:16:00.001-08:00

From its original announcement in 1972 many people have succeeded with their problems with weight and heart ailments because of the Atkins Diet Plan. As released by Dr. Atkins, the plan is equally effective in managing many illnesses such as cephalalgia, diabetes, apathetic metabolism, difficulty to tolerate certain foods, hypersensitivity, and a lot more disorders. Although the main reason why people turn to Atkins Diet is simply that it provides fast weight loss, many people with high cholesterol, hypertension, diabetes and polycystic ovarian syndrome reported that they felt more energetic than they had in years after one week on the Atkins Diet.

Despite the fact that health experts were advising foods low in fat and high in carbohydrates, the Atkins diet advises that individuals who wish to achieve weight loss should do the contrary. The principle of the Atkins diet is to get about sixty-six percent of your food intake from fats and to eat meat and cheese instead of bread, pasta, fruits, and vegetables. Instead of carbohydrate and sugar, the Atkins Diet Plan highly recommends fat and protein. The program clearly favors animal proteins; so for that reason, it will not be very easy for vegans.

A lot of nutritionists and healthcare experts have blatantly objected Atkins' philosophy on losing weight, since they think that consuming unlimited quantities of fat, specially saturated fat in meat products, can magnify the chances of getting cardiac disorders.

It's said that a diet that restricts carbohydrates and causes the body to rely on its store of fat or muscle for energy can be potentially dangerous. When our body breaks down stored fat to supply energy, a by-product called ketones is formed. Ketones suppress appetite, but they also cause fatigue, nausea, and a potentially perilous fluid loss. Anybody who has blood sugar, heart, or kidney disorders must consult their doctor before starting any diet that is low in carbohydrates.

The downsides of the Atkins Diet Plan are halitosis, and constipation because of the low-fiber diet.

A extensive study on people possessing good health informas us that we should eat more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Restricting these foods in the name of weight loss can lead to long-term health problems.

However, in spite of the negative comments about it, Atkins has lead to favourable outcomes for a lot of people, and has led to not only a meaningful loss of weight but good health as well.

A lot of people initially feel that the diet is quite difficult, as can be the necessity to undertake meaningful lifestyle changes to achieve the best results with Atkins.

Studies have been published on the effectiveness of the Atkins diet versus a 'standard' low-fat, low-calorie diet in 2 reputable medical journals, The New England Journal of Medicine, and Annals of Internal Medicine. The findings were quite surprising, in that several heart disease indicators had actually improved in the participants who followed the Atkins diet.

There was a much larger decrease in serum triglyceride levels as compared to the low fat group, and a greater increase in serum HDL (good cholesterol) than the low-fat group. Both groups saw similar reductions in LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) and overall total cholesterol levels. In addition, at the end of one year, both groups had achieved similar levels of weight loss.

Pamela Kleiner is a blogger, researcher and an expert on health and wellness. Click this link to get more practical Health and Wellness Tips and advice at this site: Atkins Diet Review [http://healthandwellnesstips.net/weight-loss-diet/review-atkins-diet.php].

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How to Follow a Diabetic Diet and Lose Weight

2009-08-12T22:18:00.002-07:00

You have found out you have diabetes and you are looking for a way to lose weight and reverse diabetes. Diet is the most effective treatment for diabetes.

Here are a couple of suggestions to help you follow your diabetic diet and lose weight.

Make Your Diet Easy to Follow - Changing your diet is a difficult task and will require dedication and behavior modification. In order to change your diet you are going to have to make it easy. If you make your diet easy to follow then you are more likely to stick to it and lose weight.

Get Organized - When you get up in the morning know what your meals are going to be and know when you will exercise. When you are shopping have a list of the foods that you are allowed and stick with the list. Do not fall into the old habits of purchasing snacks that are not on your list.

Goals - Set goals for yourself regarding how much weight you want to lose. If you set a realistic goal you will probably obtain that weight loss and maybe more.

Hobby - After you have eaten your meal clean up the kitchen and put the food away so you will not snack. Place the food in a container and label it for your next meal. Now get busy with something that you enjoy so you will not think about food. Just do something to keep your mind off of food.

Make your diet easy to follow. Follow these suggestions and then the new lifestyle will develop into a habit and before long you will be thinner, happier and healthier.

I have found this resource for Free Diabetic Diet Plan and would like to share it with you.

All you have to do is answer 5 quick questions for a free $200 diet that can help you lose 20-30 lbs.

Click Here for a Free Diabetic Diet!

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Steps to Prevent Foot Problems in Diabetics

2009-08-12T22:18:00.001-07:00

Once you know that you have diabetes visit your doctor and have your feet examined and at every visit. Diabetics are susceptible to foot ulcers because you might have some decrease in blood flow to the lower legs and feet. You will have to be tenacious about your foot care.

1. Never walk barefoot because this will just increase your risk of injury.

2. Check your shoes before putting them on to be sure that something has fallen in them. You could have something like a pin in your foot and not know that it is there.

3. Wash them daily and apply a moisturizer because sometimes your feet will get dry with cracked skin.

4. Do not use heating pads on them at night because if the pad gets hot you might not realize it and it could burn your skin.

5. Stop smoking because smoking decreases your circulation to your legs and arms.

6. Take your shoes off every 4 to 5 hours to check your feet to be sure there are no red spots caused by your shoes which could develop into sores.

7. If you develop a sore take all pressure off of that site and elevate your legs.

Ulcers can develop on your feet due to too much pressure from a worn out shoe or constant pressure from standing or walking.

The effective treatments for diabetes are exercise, medications and diet. Diet is the most effective treatment for diabetes and could reverse diabetes type 2.

I have found this resource for Free Diabetic Diet Plan and would like to share it with you.

All you have to do is answer 5 quick questions for a free $200 diet that can help you lose 20-30 lbs.

Click Here for a Free Diabetic Diet!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Elizabeth_Edinburgh

Which High Fiber Foods Help Lower Your Blood Sugar Levels?

2009-08-12T22:17:00.002-07:00

Many people who have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes just want to stop it in it's tracks. They just want to lower their blood sugar levels, lose weight, lower their cholesterol levels and avoid any of the complications that may think about coming their way later.

Include this hint in your food plan and you could be on your road to freedom:

Make fiber a part of most meals. Like starch, fiber is a complex carbohydrate and cannot be digested by our body, so no calories are added to the diet and it does lots of great things for us.

There are two types:

- insoluble which doesn't dissolve in water and adds bulk or roughage to our intestinal tract

- soluble-fiber which is particularly important if you have type 2 diabetes:

* firstly, it helps to lower your cholesterol levels, and
* secondly, it helps regulate your blood sugar levels

So because soluble-fiber helps regulate your blood sugars, high fiber diets:

* lower post-meal blood sugars
* decrease the amount of sugar in your urine
* decrease your insulin needs and increase your insulin-sensitivity

Where can you find soluble-fiber? Most plants contain both types of fiber. The following foods are some of the richest sources of soluble-fiber:

* beans: cooked kidney beans, butter beans, canned baked beans, black-beans, lentils, pinto beans, chick peas, split peas and lima beans. A half cup will add about 2 grams
* oats and oat bran: half a cup of oat bran contributes 3 grams, one cup of cooked oatmeal ... approximately 2 grams
* barley which is usually found in soups
* some fruits: apples, mango, plums, kiwi fruit, pears, blackberries, strawberries, raspberries, peaches, citrus fruit and dried fruits such as apricots, prunes and figs
* some vegetables: artichoke, celery root, sweet potato, parsnip turnip, squash, brussel sprouts, cabbage, green peas, broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, and asparagus

Both fiber types fill you faster when they are part of the meal and discourage you from overeating. And high-fiber meals help you to eat less, not just at that meal but also at the following one. This is because fiber lowers your insulin level. What does insulin do ... it helps stimulate your appetite. Lower insulin level, lower hunger pangs!

As well as lowering your blood sugars it helps to cut calories by blocking the digestion of some of the fat, protein, or carbs eaten at the same time. Whichever way you look at it, eating fiber is a good thing if you have type 2 diabetes, want to lose weight and regulate your blood sugar levels.

Soluble-fiber seems to be a vital part of blood sugar control for many diabetics. It leaves the stomach slowly and so you feel full for longer.

Many factors affect your blood sugar levels, what you eat and drink, your weight, your stress levels, how much exercise you're getting and the medications you are taking. So if you are having trouble achieving "tight control" of your blood sugars, please do not hesitate to contact your health care provider.

If you would like to download a free copy of my E-Book: Answers to Your Questions please click here now.

Beverleigh Piepers is a registered nurse who would like to help you understand how to live easily and happily with your type 2 diabetes.
http://drugfreetype2diabetes.com

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Does Obesity Really Cause Diabetes?

2009-08-12T22:17:00.001-07:00

When your body becomes overweight it becomes resistant to insulin, but as we lose the weight our body becomes sensitive to insulin again. It is thought now that there is some substance in the fat that causes insulin resistance. The hormone Resistin is now the link between obesity and diabetes type 2. Diabetes Mellitus is a chronic disease that can lead to the complications of heart disease, kidney failure, nerve damage, stroke and even blindness.

There is a solution to preventing and reversing this relationship between obesity and diabetes and that is to lose the fat. Follow the steps below and you are on your way to reversing diabetes.

1- Monitor your glucose often and keep it within the normal that was given to you by your physician.

2- Diabetic Diet - a small amount of weight loss will turn the clock back. You body is seeking nutrients and we give the body these nutrients with healthy food choices. For example: change the chips to fruit. Follow a diabetic diet and the weight will fall off and the blood sugar will return to normal.

3- Exercising - Walk every day. Walk around the neighborhood, the park, the mall, walk everywhere. The more you walk the less you weigh and the better you feel. The more you walk the less stringent you will have to be with your diet.

4- Eye Care - Take care of your eyes by visiting an ophthalmologist or optometrist every year.

5- Stop Smoking and Excessive Use of Alcohol - both of these increase your risk of making your condition worse.

Start today by taking these steps to reverse or prevent diabetes. These are time tested steps that work and you just have to take that first step. You will realize that you will lose weight, prevent/reverse diabetes and feel like you haven't felt in a long time.

I have found this resource for Free Diabetic Diet Plan and would like to share it with you.

All you have to do is answer 5 quick questions for a free $200 diet that can help you lose 20-30 lbs.

Click Here for a Free Diabetic Diet!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Elizabeth_Edinburgh

Diabetes: 5 Pieces of Information on Diabetes that Everyone Needs to Know

2008-09-21T22:10:00.000-07:00

If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with diabetes, it can be scary with all of the conflicting information on diabetes that is currently available. While the internet can yield some great information, there is also a lot of wrong information that needs to be sifted through. This article will provide accurate, useful information on diabetes for you.

1- When looking for information on diabetes, there are three types to learn about. One of the best places to find the information you need about type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes is from your doctor. However, another good way to find this information is on the internet. When you are looking up information on diabetes online, it is important to be sure that you are getting it from a reputable source. The government has several websites that has the kind of accurate information on diabetes that you need.

2- The two most common types of diabetes are Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 is a direct result of the body's failure to properly manufacture the insulin that it needs. Insulin is a hormone that allows glucose inside cells to fuel them. While being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes is serious, it is defiantly an illness that can be lived with and controlled. The information on diabetes will reveal that Type 1 diabetes is controlled by insulin injections.

3- While looking for information on diabetes, your search will reveal that Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes and is often found among the aging population. Type 2 differs from Type 1 in that Type 2 diabetes patients do produce insulin, but for some reason the cells ignore its presence. This results in a build up of glucose in the body, which can lead to blindness, heart disease and kidney damage to name a few of the complications that are associated with Type 2 diabetes.

4- A much less common form of diabetes that people suffer from is gestational diabetes. According to available information on diabetes, this form affects approximately 4% of all pregnant women or 135,000 each year. Gestational diabetes becomes an issue in the later stages of pregnancy and can cause issues with delivery as well as predispose the baby to Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes later in life.

5- While looking for information on diabetes it is important to find information on the complications that accompany the disease as well. While diabetes is a treatable illness, it does have some complications that should not be ignored. If you notice any of these issues, it is important to see your doctor immediately. Some of the issues associated with diabetes include an increase in periodontal disease, sexual dysfunction among men and women, an increase in blood pressure and nerve damage. This is a small list of the complications that are common with diabetes; your physician will be able to provide a more complete list.

John Mancini has been writing about Diabetes online and offline for a long time. Visit http://diabetes-central.net or http://diabetics-center.com to read more about matters like diabetes supply and diabetes 2.

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What Causes Diabetes - Both Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes - The Causes and Symptoms of Diabetes

2008-09-14T22:40:00.002-07:00

Have you been diagnosed with diabetes or are you in fear that you may also be diagnosed with diabetes, perhaps because it is an increasingly popular illness especially amongst the USA. Do you want to know what causes diabetes to ensure you don't receive it. Well read on.

Now the main cause of diabetes is currently obesity and with 30% of the USA clinically obese it is no wonder that 24 million people suffer from diabetes in the USA alone. As you can see diabetes is a growing illness and with more and more people being diagnosed with diabetes it is important that you know what the main causes of diabetes are.

A second important cause of diabetes is diabetes being inherited through the bloodlines. A major cause of diabetes which is brought down through generations, however it does not mean that if your father or gran father has diabetes that you will also be diagnosed with diabetes merely that you are at a higher risk. Therefore you should watch out more for the symptoms of diabetes.

To ensure that you are at a lower risk of being diagnosed with diabetes you need to have a healthy and balanced diet of protein, fibre, carbohydrates and a low percentage of fats. Exercise is another great way of not only staying healthy but decreasing the risk of being diagnosed with diabetes. Regular exercise 3-5 times a week will not only keep your heart rate and blood levels in the right places but also ensure you are maintaining your body and reducing the risk of diabetes.

Type 1 and type 2 diabetes can occur for various reasons. They differ from person to person and depending on your own specific situation there are different strategies you can impose for combating diabetes. However everyone who has diabetes needs a healthy and balanced diet and with this you need diabetic recipes.

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to receive free diabetic recipes each and every week. These recipes are suited just for anyone with diabetes and you can sign up for free to receive diabetic recipes straight to your inbox.

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Top 5 Risk Factors for Type 2 Diabetes

2008-09-14T22:40:00.001-07:00

Did you know that 21 million Americans have diabetes? And about one third don't even know they have diabetes! Another startling statistic is that about 54 million have what is called pre-diabetes. People with pre-diabetes are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes. You want to catch it at this stage, learn all you can about preventing diabetes, and then take action.

1. Family history of type 2 diabetes. Even though type 2 diabetes is considered a life-style disease, if your family has a type 2 diabetes history, you would be considered a high risk for developing diabetes.

2. Overweight and/or obesity. This is a huge factor in developing type 2 diabetes. Even if you lost 5 -10 percent of your body weight, you would significantly reduce you chances of getting type 2 diabetes, or at least delaying it.

3. High blood pressure and high blood cholesterol. This kind of goes along with being overweight a large percentage of the time. Once again, losing weight and exercising will go a long way to lowering both blood pressure and cholesterol.

4. If you are African American, Hispanic/Latino, American Indian, Asian American, Pacific Islander, or Alaska Native ethnicity.

5. Being diagnosed with pre-diabetes. This is a huge warning sign. Time to take action. A lifestyle change in eating habits, better nutrition, exercising (both aerobic and anaerobic) correct supplements, and a positive mindset is in order.

If diagnosed with pre-diabetes or even type 2 diabetes, be sure to check out all available information on how to prevent, delay, or even reverse diabetes, before giving in to daily medication prescribed by your doctor. Ask your doctor about using alternative natural methods instead of medications, or, even using natural methods and/or supplements with your medicine to keep the dosage lower. Make your own informed decisions. You need to be the one in control of your health.

Thomas Fouts is a former building inspector who decided to get out of the 8 to 5 rat race. Since starting an online business, making money, my wife has told others that she got the person she married back. It has been a wonderful change. Just start. http://www.diabetespanicbutton.com

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Glycogone - In Depth Review

2008-09-14T22:40:00.000-07:00

Glycogone is an all-natural supplement that treats diabetes. Using the essence of the Opuntia cactus as its main ingredient, Glycogone has been show to drastically reduce blood sugar levels in just a short amount of time. Thousands of people who've taken this product have reported a return to normal for their blood sugar levels without taking any kind of prescription medication.

The Opuntia cactus essence reduces insulin resistance and assists the body with glucose regulation. This effectively treats diabetes in most people, without the harsh and often dangerous side effects that prescription medications may cause. Further, you won't become dependent on prescription medications with Glycogone, as it treats diabetes at its cause. Prescriptions just mask the symptoms, and cause you to have to take them forever.

Further, Glycogone is part of an overall healthy lifestyle. It contains soluble and insoluble fibers, many different vitamins and minerals, and has essential amino acids. These extra ingredients not only treat diabetes, they also detoxify the body, improve hypoglycemia, and prevent hardening of the arteries.

Glycogone is formulated to act quickly in your body. It's absorbed rapidly, and begins working right away. Some people can tell a difference after the first dose. Further, it won't interact negatively with any other drugs you're taking. It's completely safe for anyone at any age, and works in total harmony with your body.

If you've been told you have diabetes, or are on the verge of getting it, you need to try Glycogone. The company that manufactures it offers a free 14 day trial, because they're very certain it will work for you. If it doesn't, or if you're not satisfied in any way, return it to get your money back. This way, there's no financial risk involved, and a very real chance of dramatically improving your health for the long term.

Freddie Lasso has write few articles resulting from his research regarding Glycogone, and you can find these articles in his website at: Glycogone truth and facts. Does Glycogone have side effects? Is it required months in order to get the result? You will find it so surprising when you read Freddie's articles. Access them now right here: Glycogone Truth and Facts.

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Why Do I Have Diabetes?

2008-08-17T21:59:00.004-07:00

This week's topic is the common causes for diabetes. My clients often comment on how rampant people are being diagnosed with diabetes. Some of these clients think doctors are conspiring with the pharmacy industry to get more people to use diabetic medications. Personally, I find most doctors are skittish about diagnosing someone with diabetes because treating diabetes is very expensive and time consuming. Some doctors are apt to tell their patients they have "borderline diabetes" and recommend them to lose weight and exercise to control their blood sugar. On the other hand, since studies have proven 90% of complications (i.e. stroke, kidney disease & blindness) can be prevented with good blood glucose control, many doctors are treating diabetes more seriously. Here are the common causes for diabetes:

1. It's the genes, baby!

You inherited your mother's beautiful eyes and your father's great smile. Your parents may have also passed down your chance for diabetes. People of African, Asian and Native American origin have a higher risk of developing diabetes than Caucasians. Most of my clients admit to having a least one close relative with diabetes. Sometimes I get someone who claims they do not have anyone in their family with this condition. If you are one of these people, you need to think about the next four reasons you have diabetes.

2. Aging

Your possibility for diabetes increases with age. Around one hundred years ago, most people lived 40 to 45 years. Today, living until age 45 would be tragic. However, guess the average age most people are diagnosed with diabetes. Yep, age 45! I often ask my clients who tell me their parents did not have diabetes, how long did their parents live. However, people recently are being diagnosed at a younger age due to the next factor.

3. Weight

The obesity rate in the United States is at epidemic proportions. Two-thirds of our country is overweight and 30.5% of our fellow Americans are obese. Medical professionals consider anyone with a BMI (Body Mass Index) over 25 overweight and individuals with a BMI over 30 to be obese. A person with a BMI over 25 is at risk of developing diabetes, so most of our country is in the danger zone.

4. Processed Foods

Eating highly processed foods put you at risk for diabetes because most of these foods are not satisfying to your body. Do you ever notice how quickly you feel full when you eat a whole potato as opposed to chomping down on a bag of potato chips? Eating highly processed foods causes you to overeat thereby putting you at risk for gaining weight. We all know excess weight increases your likelihood for diabetes.

5. Your body is fighting back.

This is strictly directed to people with type I diabetes. Research has shown individuals with juvenile onset or type I diabetes may have developed this disease as an immune response from their body. People with type I diabetes have no cells left in their body to produce insulin. Scientists think these cells may have been destroyed when these people were sick. Something as simple as a bad flu or chickenpox may have triggered the body to attack these cells.

If you are reading this blog and do not have diabetes there is good news. Losing weight, exercising and avoiding highly processed foods decreases your risk for diabetes by 58% if you have a family history of diabetes. Your risk is even lower if none of your ancestors have this disease.

Email me at askard@stablebloodsugar.com if you have any questions about this topic or any of my other blogs. Allison

Allison L Boyd is a registered dietitian who counsels people with diabetes. She has a membership site with tools to help manage this serious disease. Her website is http://www.stablebloodsugar.net

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Diabetes and the Glycemic Index

2008-08-17T21:59:00.003-07:00

Developed in 1981 at the University of Toronto by Dr. David Jenkins, the Glycemic Index (GI) is essentially a rating system for carbohydrates. It ranks carbohydrates according to the extent they can potentially affect people's blood sugar levels. Carbohydrates differ in the way or manner they are broken down or digested. Those that break down and get digested quickly have high ratings or scores. Due to their rapid breaking down process, they often leave much of their sugar content in the blood stream and pose the greatest harm for diabetics. Letting people know which foods are harmful harmful for those who need to maintain their blood sugar levels is how pricelessly the Glycemic Index helps.

Carbohydrates with high Glycemic Index ratings or scores include French potato fries, white bread, and those that consist mostly of foods mixed with, or made of, white flour and white sugar. Even the well-regarded corn flakes have high scores and are therefore deemed bad carbohydrates. Those who have been diagnosed with diabetes would do well to familiarize themselves with the information offered by the Glycemic Index so that they can determine which foods are harmful for them or not.

People with diabetes are advised to avoid carbohydrates as a general rule. But it is also true that avoiding carbodydrates all the time may not be feasible and practical. For this reason the GI offers more value as it can distinguish which foods can be more harmful for diabetics than others. Unknown to many, for example, is how the GI considers white bread as more harmful than candy bars.

Knowing further how the Glycemic Index helps is beneficial for those who wish to control their intake of carbohydrates, as well as for those who follow a diebetic diet. The GI identifies foods that take more time for absorption into bloodstreams. Thus they provide the body with nutrients while giving body systems time to expel excess glucose normally. These foods rate low on the GI. Certain vegetables and fruits belong to this group of foods. However, baked potatoes do not belong to this group and are therefore deemed harmful for diabetics.

Potatoes oddly rank among those on top of the Glycemic Index. They have one of the highest ratings. This therefore should give fair warning to French fries lovers. Potatoes are not only low in protein and high in fat, they are also rich in carbohydrates.

Aside from distinguishing the high and low raters, knowing which carbohydrates belong to the intermediate group is one more way of how the Glycemic Index helps. This group consists of foods with ratings of 56 up to 69. It includes croissants, candy bars, and several brown rices. Such an information is useful for those who want to formulate and carry out a diabetic diet as they get to understand which foods rate high, medium, or low.

We already know that white bread rates higher on the Index than candy bars. Diabetics and those who simply want to pursue a healthy diet would be wise then to avoid white bread more than candy bars. Learning which foods are most harmful and less harmful for diabetics is the key of how the Glycemic Index helps.

Hermilando Aberia is an expert in social development work with at least 22 years of professional experience as either consultant or key staff member of health, community development, education and local governance projects. He has a Master's Degree in Development Management from the Asian Institute of Management. Contact Information: B21 L59 Kassel Kristina Heights, Tacloban City, Philippines. Mobile: (+63) 9058664106; Website: http://www.freewebs.com/iaberia

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Hermilando_Aberia

Sugar Substitute Information

2008-08-17T21:59:00.002-07:00

People with diabetes weigh their options carefully when it comes to what they eat. Sugar and sweeteners are no exception to that rule.

Some people may prefer the taste of table sugar (sucrose) to other sweeteners. But, they also know the harmful effects that sugar can have. When people with diabetes eat too many sugary foods, blood glucose levels can skyrocket dangerously. Over time, elevated sugar levels can lead to permanent damage of the eyes, kidneys, nerves, heart, and other organs. For this reason, many people choose to substitute artificial sweeteners for some or all of the sugar in their diets.

What benefits do artificial sweeteners have? First and foremost, many have no calories and do not raise blood glucose levels. Second, many foods made with low-calorie sweeteners have fewer calories due to the reduced amount of sugar. Always be sure to read nutrition labels carefully; "reduced sugar" or "sugar free" doesn't necessary mean "reduced calorie" or "low fat."

Artificial sweeteners on the market today in the United States have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration, a decision backed up by the American Diabetes Association. Some of the most common artificial sweeteners are these:

* Saccharin is found in products such as Sweet N Low, Sweet Twin, and Necta Sweet. Saccharin may be used in both hot and cold food and drinks.
* Sucralose is sold as Splenda. It retains its sweetness during baking and cooking, making it appropriate for cold and hot food and drinks.
* Aspartame is the sweetener contained in NutraSweet and Equal, and can lose some sweetness if subjected to high temperatures.
* Acesulfame-K (potassium) is found in products like Sweet One, Swiss Sweet, and Sunett. It may be used in baking and cooking.

Stevia is an herb that has been used as a sweetener for many centuries in South America amongst various indigenous tribes. Many people prefer to use it because it is all-natural. Stevia can be up to 300 times sweeter than sugar, and has a long-lasting sweetening effect.

Another type of sweetener is in a category of its own: sugar alcohols. Despite the name, sugar alcohols contain no alcohol. Sugar alcohols have about half the calories of sugar. Some sugar alcohols are sorbitol, xylitol, isomalt, and manitol.

If you'd like more information about the use of sugar and other sweeteners, speak to your health care provider.

You can find more articles about diabetes health and news at Destination Diabetes.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=K_Martin

Simple and Easy Way to Cure Diabetes Without Spending a Dime

2008-08-17T21:59:00.001-07:00

A healthy diet with regular exercise is the most common advice given to diabetics. Type 2 diabetes is caused due to hereditary defect that reduces a person's sensitivity to insulin. You can't change that, but you can change the lifestyle, habits that lead to obesity, which is the most important environmental trigger to diabetes. This is why the diet and exercise are the major part of prevention and treatment.

Treatment You Have To Follow

A simple and easy treatment without spending a penny to overcome diabetes is very simple. Just before going to bed at night put a bottle of water along with an empty glass besides your bed. The first thing you have to do after closing the alarm of your waking time is to drink 750 ml of water, which is approximately 4 big full glasses of water. After this you are allowed to get up from the bed, take bath, wash your face and do whatever you want to ,except one simple thing, that is not eat or drink anything only for 45 minutes. After this small lapse of time you can eat or drink whatever you want to or as per your normal routine. You have follow this and repeat the procedure for 30 days.

If your routine is to take something to eat or drink soon after your breakfast you should discontinue this. The beginners, the sick and the children, who are unable to drink this much water can start this by reducing the amount in the beginning and then by slowly increasing the amount of water.

Changing years of old habits and patterns take time. In a calm moment relax, think logically the pros and cons and then apply a new way to treat your diabetes without using any medication and without spending a dime.

I know that what I have told you about diabetes can be unbelievable, but thats the truth and 100% truth. Diabetes can be managed and even reversed. Me and my many friends have reversed it by simply following the technique mentioned above and you can also reverse it. For a deeper insight into the process mentioned above follow these links- Diabetes Information and Diabetes Cure and see the guaranteed results yourself.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tehmina_Mazher

How to Lower Your Blood Sugar Naturally

2008-08-17T21:59:00.000-07:00

If you are suffering from Type 2 diabetes and would like to lower your blood sugar levels without taking too much medications, the following steps may be followed:-

(a) Exercise: For diabetic patients, regular exercise is a must. Exercise burns the excess fat and excess sugar from your system. It burns the sugar as energy and also helps to store it in the muscles in the form of glycogen. This glycogen is used during increased physical activity and stress.

Walking is a very good exercise. Twenty to thirty minutes brisk walk per day, for at least five days a week is necessary to lower your blood sugar levels. Doing regular household work or gardening is also beneficial.

(b) Diet: Diet plays a major role in controlling diabetes. The main thing is to control the intake of carbohydrates. The diet should contain foods which have a high fiber content. Fiber helps to reduce weight and cures constipation. Eat a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables. Avoid bakery products and fast foods. The fat intake should be between 15 to 30 grams per day. Instead of two or three heavy meals, eat a number of small meal throughout the day. Try to eat at a fixed time.

(c) Green tea: Drinking green tea has a lot of benefits. It is full of antioxidants as well as it helps to reduce sugar.

(d) Decaffeinated coffee: There are some compounds present in decaffeinated coffee which help to control blood sugar. But don't add sugar to it.

(e) Avoid stress: An increase in stress levels leads to an excess secretion of stress hormones like adrenaline which increases blood sugar levels. You must try to avoid stress as much as possible. Try yoga or other relaxation techniques.

(f) Sleep well: A good sleep helps to reduce stress. It also helps to control your blood sugar levels. For example, if somebody suffers from 'sleep apnea' which is caused due to a lack in the supply of oxygen, it may lead to an increase in blood sugar levels.

For more information on Diabetes and Blood sugar and to know about how to reduce blood sugar naturally please visit: http://www.arup-diabetes-guides.blogspot.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Arup_Basu

Diabetes and Your Kidneys

2008-03-01T02:08:00.000-08:00

Many complications can arise from diabetes, and kidney disease is one of them. The kidneys are necessary organs, designed to filter waste from your blood.

When you have diabetes, the kidneys are forced to filter too much blood, because of the high level of sugar in the system. The kidneys have to essentially work overtime -- all of the time. Just as machines wear out with extended use, the kidneys can wear out, too.

If you have diabetes, you and your doctor will both be on the lookout for symptoms of kidney disease. This is why it is important to schedule and keep regular doctor's appointments when you are diabetic. Kidney disease that is caught early can be better treated. You and your doctor should be on the lookout for fluid retention, a change in sleep patterns, loss of appetite, stomach problems, feeling weak, or having trouble concentrating.

If kidney disease develops, your doctor will most likely recommend a low-protein diet. Note, however, that a low-protein diet can bring on other problems, so never restrict yourself to a low-protein diet unless it is advised by your physician, so that your overall health can be closely monitored.

If your kidneys fail, you will need dialysis or a kidney transplant -- or both. You may need dialysis until a kidney can be found for you. Dialysis comes in two forms -- hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. With hemodialysis, blood is essentially removed from the body, cleaned, and returned to the body. This is done two or three days each week, and takes approximately three to five hours. Peritoneal dialysis is less common, and the lining of the abdomen is used to filter blood, instead of the kidneys.

The way to avoid kidney disease, and essentially kidney failure, is to keep your weight down, and your blood sugar level in check. Make sure that you follow the diet guidelines that your doctor has set for you, and that you are getting plenty of exercise. Also, be sure that you are drinking plenty of water.

Foot Care for Diabetics

2008-03-01T02:06:00.000-08:00

Proper foot care is essential for people who have diabetes. Diabetes has an affect on nerves and circulation, and this can lead to problems that result in amputation of the foot or lower leg. You can avoid this with proper foot care.

You must inspect your feet every single day. Look for cuts, scratches, abrasions, dry skin, blisters, and bruising. If you spot any of these things on your feet, contact your doctor for treatment. Because there can be nerve damage with diabetes, you cannot assume that there is no damage to your feet without looking them over. You can be injured without realizing it.

Wash your feet and dry them well every day. After drying the feet, coat them with petroleum jelly, and put socks and shoes on. Avoid putting any type of oil or cream between your toes, as this moisture can infect your feet. Do not soak your feet -- no matter how good it feels. This leads to dry skin.

Calluses and corns should be removed. Do not try to remove them yourself. Instead, seek treatment from your doctor. He knows how serious such things are for diabetics, and he will help you to care for your feet properly. Each time you visit your doctor -- for any reason -- remove your shoes and socks, so that the doctor can check your feet.

If you smoke, stop immediately! Smoking causes the blood vessels to shrink, which in turn means that proper circulation is not getting to the feet. This can lead to amputation. Also, nerve damage can lead to a change in the shape of the foot. Ask your doctor about special shoes.

Keep your toenails trimmed and neat. Long toenails can cause problems, and can even become easily infected. Avoid walking around without shoes, and try to avoid open-toed shoes, such as flip-flops, as well. A closed shoe will protect your feet better. Never wear shoes that do not fit well, as this can result in blisters. Before putting your feet in water, test the water with your hand or elbow. The water may be too hot -- but your feet won't know that.

Finally, try to keep the blood circulating. When you sit, don't sit with your feet tucked under you. Instead, put them flat on the floor, or prop them up in front of you. Make sure that you move your toes fairly often, as this encourages blood flow.

Diabetes and Quality of Sleep - Why Poor Sleep Quality Raises Risk Of Diabetes

2008-02-20T04:06:00.001-08:00

Are you suffering from diabetes? Even if you are not, ask yourself just one question: Do you have problems sleeping well at night most of the time? If your answer is yes, I have bad news for you! This is because studies have shown that just three nights of bad sleep is more then enough to wreck havoc in your body by reducing your body's ability to regulate blood glucose levels and directly raising the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

According to researchers at the University of Chicago medical school, There are more than 18 million Americans suffering from diabetes and the most common form is type 2 -- in which the body either becomes resistant to insulin or does not produce enough insulin to process sugar in their bloodstream.

Having bad sleep quality for three nights in a row greatly lower this glucose tolerance of young or even healthy adults as much as if they had gained eight to 13 kilos (20 to 30 pounds). Wow !!

While it is possible that the body's ability to regulate glucose would adjust to counter chronic sleep deprivation, it is likely that poor sleep patterns in the elderly as well as the obese play a major role in the development of diabetes.

In the study, nine lean, fit and healthy participants between the age of 20 to 31 spent a total of five nights in the laboratory so that their sleep patterns could be monitored. Whenever the volunteers went into slow-wave sleep, the researchers will start to make some noises to disrupt their sleep but not to fully awaken them.

The sounds reduced deep sleep by about 90% by shifting them out of the onset of deep sleep back into a lighter sleep. In this way, the typical sleeping patterns of those over the age of 60 were mimicked because people in this age group tends to get only about 20 minutes of deep sleep a night compared to about 80 to 100 minutes for most young adults.

After just three days, the ability of the volunteers to regulate blood sugar was reduced by 25% which is an indication that they needed more insulin to dispose the same amount of glucose in their bodies.

Earlier studies have indicated that lack of sleep can reduce the ability to regulate sugar, and this report adds evidence that poor sleep quality is also a diabetes risk.

This report is a warning to anyone (not only for diabetes sufferers) not to take their sleep lightly and if you are constantly having bad sleep or feeling tired when you wake up in the morning, do make an effort to understand the root cause and to improve your sleep either by yourself or through the help of a doctor or specialist. Once you have diabetes, you will not be able to "shake it off" easily so prevention is the key to a diabetic free life-style.

Stevia - Healthy Natural Sweetener For Diabetes And Weight Management

2008-02-20T04:05:00.000-08:00

Used as a sweetener and medicine for a thousand years by native Guarani Indians, Stevia Rebaudiana is perhaps the only known plant to worry the sweetener industry today. Stevia leaves contain steviosides, which are chemicals that cause Stevia to taste sweet. Stevia is 200-300 times sweeter than white sugar.

In China, Korea and Japan Stevia extract Stevioside is used as a table top sweetener because it has no calories, no carbohydrates and no fat and is many times sweeter than sugar. In the United States, Stevia is sold only as a dietary supplement.

In addition to being a sweetener, Stevia is considered to be hypoglycemic, hypotensive, diuretic, cardiotonic, and tonic. The leaf is used for diabetes, obesity, cavities, hypertension, fatigue, depression, sweet cravings, and infections.

Stevia is an exceptional aid in weight loss and weight management because it contains no calories and reduces one's craving for sweets and fatty foods.

Around 1970 Japan began to prohibit the use of artificial laboratory made chemical sweeteners, due to health concerns. Convinced of the safety of Stevia and Stevioside it approved Stevia and Stevioside as sweeteners and flavor enhancers for food use in Japan. This move intensified the already ongoing Japanese studies of Stevioside for commercial production and use. By 1977 companies started extracting Stevioside on a commercial basis in Japan.

Lots of countries in the world already use Stevia. The only difference is in the way they declaring it; some call it dental health product, others food supplement or just regular sweetener.

The release of Stevia to be not only imported into this all the countries of the world, but also commercially grown, opens the door for the future common availability of this herb in every supermarket and as an additive to processed food in the world. While the battle to market Stevia as an alternative sweetener to sugar is far from over, the time will come sooner than later.

Organic Pollutants May Play A Role In Type-2 Diabetes

2008-02-19T03:58:00.002-08:00

According to a recent British study, pollution may play a role in increasing a persons risk of developing type-2 diabetes.

The study, which was conducted at the University of Cambridge, suggests that organic pollutants known as POPs may increase insulin resistance in some individuals.

POPs, or persistent organic pollutants are chemicals that linger in the environment for long periods of time and can gradually seep and accumulate into the food chain. POPs can remain for extended periods of time in body fat and tissues.

Examples of POPs include Dichloro-Dipehnyl-Trichloroethane (DDT) which is a pesticide that was very popular in the early to mid 20th century and Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) which have been used as lubricants and coolants but are now banned in the United States.

The studies authors found that individuals that had higher levels of POPs in their blood were much more likely to develop type-2 diabetes than those with lower levels. Furthermore the correlation between POPs and diabetes was stronger than the link between obesity and diabetes so that those who were thin and had high levels of POPs were more likely to develop diabetes than those who were overweight and had low levels of POPs.

Many POPs have been linked to various health effects in the past such as cancer and birth defects however this is the first study that has linked organic pollutants to an increased risk of diabetes.

Dr. Oliver Jones, one of the authors of the study, has been quick to point out that a correlation between POP levels in the blood and diabetes does not automatically imply that POPs cause diabetes but she believes further investigation is needed. According to Jones "Of course correlation does not automatically imply causation, but if there is indeed a link, the health implications could be tremendous."

Diabetes - Connect The Dots Of Ailments Started By Having Diabetes

2008-02-19T03:58:00.001-08:00

Diabetes could also be called connect the dots of medical ailments that start after you develop diabetes. Yes, it's kind of a game of life. Not just any life but yours, the type 1 & type 2 diabetics. Each dot represents an ailment, after you have been diagnosed with diabetics you are ready to play this lifelong game.

Ask yourself the most important question, "what position do I want to play in this game". Hopefully you chose the winning edge. When you stay ahead of your weight, blood sugars, blood pressure, stomach pains, nerve problems, etc. the list just keeps growing larger.

The whole idea about keeping the winning edge on your diabetes. Don't wait until your symptoms such as; high blood pressure, puts you in the hospital to decide to take some kind of physical action. You have many options available on your side to help your situation.

Exercising and dieting is a major start to a fresh beginning. If you experience stomach problems like indigestion, you might consider slowing down and even stopping your intake of coffee & tea. Both of which are very acidic on your stomach.

Watch your carbohydrate & sugar intake. If you are not familiar with carbohydrates, what they are, what they do, how much in each food. There are good carbohydrate counting books to purchase that will help you pick the winning choice for your system. Before you enjoy that creamy, dreamy, delicious candy bar think about the after effects. Like how much insulin is it going to take to bring my blood sugar down, or just remember how you feel After you come down from that sugar rush.

Remember you determine the outcome of each & every situation by prioritizing the income of each event. Will you be connecting the next dot on your diabetes list or will the hospital be doing that for you. No not free of charge either.

Fonda is a type 1 diabetic of 36 years. Currently she is on an Animas insulin pump. Taking no other prescriptions besides insulin, she stays ahead of her medical disorder both mentally as well as physically. Natural solutions for better health is a secret she will share with you If you dare wish to learn to grow healthy.

General Instructions for Diabetics

2008-02-13T04:25:00.002-08:00

1. Daily estimation of blood sugar levels Daily estimation of blood sugar levels is necessary in all cases of diabetes - three times a day i.e. fasting, before lunch and dinner. However, at least twice daily measurement of blood sugar levels must be taken - fasting and before dinner. All diabetics are advised to use a blood glucose meter at home for a regular check-up of their blood sugar levels.

If a diabetic finds more/elevated sugar in his blood, he should analyse as follows:

(i) What has he been doing for the last 2 hours? He may be under stress.

(ii) Did he eat more?

(iii) Did he get less insulin/oral drug?

He should act as follows:

(i) If the result is mild sugar, do exercise, jump, walk; the sugar will thus get consumed or dissipated.

(ii) Avoid stress.

(iii) If the quantity of sugar is high, he should regulate his subsequent diet, exercise and drugs.

(iv) If the sugar is alarmingly high, he should consult his physician immediately.

2. Self-insulin injection

If the patient is on insulin injections, he should preferably learn the technique of self-injecting insulin into the various sites of his/her body. In such cases one should know about the proper sterilisation of syringes, needles, or preferably use disposabl~ syringes as well as needles which are available particularly for injecting insulin. A device such as NovoPen 3, like a pen loaded with penfill (refill containing enough insulin which can be used for many days depending on the need of the patient) can also be used for administering the daily dosages of insulin, under the direction of the physician. The penfill can be replaced when exhausted.

3. Prevent diabetic coma

A diabetic should avoid fasting. Even if a diabetic is get ting diarrhoea/vomiting/both, he should take the insulin/oral drug along with glucose/sugar dissolved in water as soon as the situation permits. In advanced cases, referral to a hospital is important for glucose therapy along with parenteral insulin. If the above is not strictly followed, it will lead to diabetic coma which is a medical emergency.

4. More about diabetic coma

It occurs when the blood sugar level becomes below normal (hypoglycaemic coma) or very high (hyperglycaemic coma). In the former case the patient say have taken more than the prescribed dosages of antidiabetic drugs in over-enthusiasm to make the blood sugar levels normal, or he may have taken meagre food with the same dosages of antidiabetic drugs. In the latter case, the patient either misses the drug, or takes heavy food as well; the chances are much more when there is some infection in the body.

The symptoms / signs of both the above types of coma are different. In hypoglycaemic coma, the skin is moist with profuse perspiration which can be noticed even by a person standing nearby. All diabetics should be aware of these symptoms and as soon as they start perspiring, they should start taking sugar cubes which every diabetic is required to keep in his pocket. In hyperglycaemic coma, the skin is dry. To meet this emergency efficiently, diabetics are required to keep a card in their pockets indicating that they are diabetic, so that on reaching the hospital, the doctor on duty can immediately ascertain the cause of coma and start treatment.

How to Control Your Diabetes?

2008-02-13T04:25:00.001-08:00

When so diagnosed, the disease must be controlled energetically so that its complications are either prevented or treated. While treating diabetes, one must keep in mind that control of diet and exercise are two important tools in conquering this serious problem.

Patients are advised to take low-fat, low-calorie, sugar free / restricted and high-fibre diet. A low-fat diet is especially required when one has higher levels of blood cholesterol. In general also, a low-fat diet is recommended for preventing the complications of diabetes, especially coronary artery disease / stroke. It may be mentioned that diabetes is a disease of the blood vessels.

In addition to a low-fat diet, the patient should avoid sugar, sweets and very sweet fruits. A high-fibre diet, which diabetics are advised to take, consists of green vegetables-cooked/ salad, whole wheat, cereals, unpolished rice, etc. It is the outer covering of grain i.e. bran, which helps in the control of diabetes. Green vegetables, besides being a high-fibre diet, also contain very low calories, and hence can be used, by diabetics in larger quantity so as to satisfy their appetite.

As regards exercise for the control of diabetes, diabetics are advised to take exercise according to the recommendation of the physician. If a diabetic is suffering from anyone or more complications of the disease, especially coronary artery disease, he/she should take only limited exercise for its control. In uncomplicated cases, especially in young age, even vigorous exercise can be taken. Ideally, light exercise, especially walking after meals, is very useful for most diabetics, as blood sugar is raised after taking food, and walking will control its higher levels, reducing or completely eliminating the use of antidiabetic drugs. However, walking should be taken in a pleasant atmosphere, say in the evening/night after food, and should not be taken after lunch, especially in summer.

In case diabetes is not, controlled by diet and exercise, only then drugs i.e. insulin (administered by injection) or oral drugs should be started in minimal dosages, and the patient should be again detailed about the diet and exercise, as it will reduce the dose of antidiabetic drugs. It is important to point out that the dose of antidiabetic drugs should be properly adjusted to avoid low blood sugar, causing unconsciousness. However, a diabetic may also become unconscious when the level of blood sugar is markedly elevated, say above 400 mg/ dl.

It is worth mentioning that even if the glucose tolerance test (GTT) is impaired (i.e. the level of the test does not indicate a case of diabetes), particularly if the range of the level of the test is close to the diabetic level, the patient must be advised regarding the value of diet and exercise so as to correct the impaired glucose tolerance (IGT). Small dosages of oral antidiabetic drugs may have to be advocated in cases where the diet and exercise regimen fail. If this step is not carefully followed, cases of IGT are likely to become regular diabetics sooner or later. Even if the level is on the lower side of the range, as in the above situation, the patient must be advised to strictly follow the regimen of diet and exercise. Early intervention is necessary to check the progress and complications of the disease.

Diabetes Complications - Why You Should Care And Prevent Them

2008-02-12T02:22:00.001-08:00

It's true that diabetes complications can cause severe damages to your body. That's one reason you should prevent diabetes complications' onset. On the other hand, you can stop their further damage to your body.

Actually, there are two categories of diabetes complications that you should be aware of. In the first category are included those called short-term complications, those settled in a short period of time due to high blood sugar levels.

Indeed, this kind of complications happens when you cannot control your diabetes, and there is a quick raise in blood sugar levels. Here are included Ketoacidosis, mostly occurs in type 1 diabetes; HHNS (Hyperglycemic Hyperosmotic Non Ketonic Syndrome) in type 2 diabetes.

When Ketoacidosis happens, a type 1 diabetic blood sugar level is very high. Yours cells need energy provided from sugar, especially your brain cells. Since your pancreas cannot produce insulin to provide fuel to your cells, your body produces ketones, energy-provided substances for your brain cells.

But, when your blood sugar level is very high, and at the same time your ketones level is very high, then can occur the symptoms of Ketoacidosis.

While in type 2 diabetes, due to high blood sugar levels, your body looses to much liquids and gets dehydrated. That causes the symptoms of HHNS. Both two are very dangerous because can lead to coma or even death.

The second category is called long-term complications, where are included those damages caused to your body from high blood sugar levels during many years.

Your blood vessels and other tissues can be damages and at the same time become very sensitive to further damages. Since your blood vessels are spread all around your body, your organs begin to suffer.

You can ''see'' how your heart suffers through and heart attack or hypertension. You can ''see'' your nerves damages through numbness or loss of your leg. Also your kidneys can become nonfunctional and practically you may need a dialysis to clean your body up. Your eyes are damaged and you may have many vision problems, even blindness.

Global Focus On Diabetes In Children and Adolescents

2008-02-12T02:21:00.000-08:00

On December 20th 2006 The General Assembly of the United Nations pass what can be describe as a landmark resolution when they recognized diabetes as a chronic debilitating and costly disease.

Although World Diabetes Day was previously celebrated on November 14 each year the resolution made it an officially designated United Nations Day beginning 2007 and every year following.

For 2007 the theme is Diabetes in Children and Adolescents. The aim is to ensure that persons are well aware of diabetes and know where to access any help they may need.

To mark the first World Diabetes Day recognized by the United Nations various activities took place around the globe, the color blue which is used by diabetes organizations, is also the United Nations color.

The diabetes pin is a blue circle, the circle use symbolizes life and health across cultures. The blue reflects the sky that unites all nations. The circle shows the unity of the global diabetes community in response to the diabetes pandemic. Diabetics their loved ones and supporters can show support by wearing the Unite for Diabetes pin.

This year's theme Diabetes in Children and Adolescents was an attempt to alert parents, caregivers, medical personnel, and educators to consider diabetes as a possibility when children have puzzling symptoms.

In addition the theme also seeks to encourage persons not only to be on the look out for type 1 but that there needs to be an increase awareness of children and adolescents developing type 2 diabetes.

The theme also promotes healthy lifestyles, good nutrition and frequent exercise to help in the prevention of Type 2 diabetes. It brings into sharp focus that in some developing countries, children die from diabetes complications because insulin, other medications and health care are not readily available.

Despite this not being applicable to developed countries where parents can access health care, it should be noted that symptoms can be ignored or mistaken leading to a delay in diagnosis and treatment.

High blood glucose levels, excessive thirst, very frequent urination, fatigue, blurred vision, vomiting, dizziness and rapid weight loss are all signs that should be taken seriously at any age and medical advice sought.

Diabetes has a unique impact on children and there families, the need to monitor blood glucose levels and take medication can seriously disrupt the normal daily activities of children.

This condition can interfere with the normal development functions of children and adolescents such as school and transitioning to adulthood. It is therefore important to raise the level of education and awareness if families and children are to cope with this disease.

It is also important to raise awareness and education so that early diagnosis and good management can be achieved. With this intervention from the United Nations it is hope that health care professionals, educators, parents and guardians will join forces to assist children and adolescents living with diabetes.

Avoiding a Diabetic Coma

2008-02-11T02:32:00.003-08:00

A diabetic coma is no joking matter and should be treated as a medical emergency.

A diabetes induced coma can occur when a diabetic is not taking precautionary measures and regulating his or her diet and insulin intake. It can occur if a person's blood sugar is too low. It can also occur if their blood sugar is too high. If you're a diabetic, you know that it's extremely important to maintain a balance between a high and low blood sugar.

If you're a diabetic and your blood sugar is too low, you may experience diabetic ketoacidosis. Sugar acts as fuel for the body and when a diabetic is deprived of that sugar, their body starts breaking down fat to produce energy. This causes ketones, or acids that can cause a coma if they're left untreated.

An extreme drop in blood sugar can cause hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia deprives your brain of glucose, which it needs to function. Typically when this happens, a person passes out. You don't have to be diabetic to experience this. Extreme exercise or drinking too much alcohol can also produce this unwelcome result.

If you're a diabetic and your blood soars, you may also end up in a diabetes induced coma. This is called diabetic hyperosmolar syndrome. This causes your blood to get extremely thick, which makes it hard for sugar to pass from your blood to your urine. To make this transfer, your body starts going through a filtration process that takes fluid away from other body parts. This causes dehydration and fainting.

If any of these three instances are left unchecked, a diabetic may slip into a coma. It's extremely important to catch these things before a person's body gets to this point.

Comas don't just happen without any warning. A diabetic who's headed toward a coma will show signs that they're not feeling well. You should take not of the following signs: dry mouth, nausea, shortness of breath, vomiting, increased thirst, hunger, sweat, nervousness or irritability, lightly.

If these things are occurring, it's important to get to a doctor immediately especially if you haven't been paying attention to blood sugar regulation. A diabetic coma can result in death, so don't ignore the signs.

Diabetic Retinopathy - An Eye Disease Resulting From Diabetes

2008-02-11T02:32:00.001-08:00

Individuals with diabetes often experience complications directly related to their eyes. One of the most serious medical problems that can arise in this area is diabetic retinopathy. This occurs when the retina of the eye experiences damage from the diabetes. The retina is a group, or many describe it as a "layer" of nerves that sit on the very back of the eyeball. This is much like a camera that shoots a picture and provides the brain with an image of what it saw. Individuals who suffer from retinopathy will experience complications with this process.

The retina contains vessels of blood that can actually split due to their sensitivity. When and if this occurs, the fluid from the vessels could drip down into the compounds of the eye. A number of problems can be result. First, it is likely to experience obstruction in the field of vision. Eventually, tissue that is referred to as "scar" may start to develop in and around the eyeball. This can actually cause the retina to experience a form of detachment from its normal resting area.

The damage that is caused by diabetic retinopathy is directly related to the impact of high levels of sugar in the blood. The true complication occurs as a result of the fact that the symptoms that are experienced with this condition are often only experienced once it has reached an extreme height of severity. In other words, you may not know you have a problem until it is too late to correct. This is why it is essential that a regular checkup from an eye doctor is done on an annual basis. If you are a sufferer of diabetes, it is even more important to ensure that you visit an eye doctor at least once per year. Problems can be identified prior to becoming troublesome.

There are many symptoms that may indicate that there is a complication with the eyes. Basically, any changes in the field of vision should be investigated. If you notice symptoms in the actual eye itself, this too, should be checked out. Many individuals may experience either black or white floaters that appear for no apparent reason. There are some who may find that their vision is weak. Blurry vision and double vision may also be experienced when suffering from this condition. The actual vision may become hindered as well. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to make an appointment with an eye doctor immediately.

Many times, an individual who experiences diabetic retinopathy will observe the eye and find that treatment is not necessary. However, if vision complications are experienced, there are some treatment options available. The treatments are intended to reduce the amount of vision loss that is being experienced. Surgical procedures are one method of relief. Prescription medication and treatments by laser are also safe treatment methods for this condition. Discussing your treatment options with a doctor is essential.

How To Treat Diabetes Symptoms In Emergency Situations

2008-02-09T05:00:00.002-08:00

Natural disaster can strike at anytime. Severe weather affects us all. For those with Diabetes, these natural disasters that are major inconveniences for most of us can be life threatening situations. If you or a loved one has Diabetes, there are a few precautions you should take so that you are prepared in times of disaster.

" First and Foremost, pack an emergency kit with enough supplies to last for a minimum of one week. Your emergency supplies should include the following items.

*Medical supplies including tissues, rubbing alcohol, syringes, cotton balls, testing strips, blood glucose meters and any other items you use in day to day management of your diabetes. In addition, it is a good idea to include a pencil and notebook for tracking your blood sugar levels. Be prepared for emergencies by planning to store your insulin or other medications in a cooler. By keeping ice or freezer packs on hand, you will always be prepared in the event of a power failure disabling your refrigerator.

*Keep plenty of non-perishable drinks and snacks on hand. Bottled water, granola bars, canned nuts, peanut butter crackers, dry cereal, juice boxes or other snacks that you have found useful in controlling your blood sugar level should be kept with your emergency supplies. Plan ahead by realizing that your body may require more food at times when your activity or stress level is increased.

*The regular emergency items found in most disaster kits such as a first-aid kit, whistle, candles, matches, gloves, flashlight and radio with spare batteries. These items can be a major comfort in times of disaster.

* Copies of your updated medical records are a great idea as well. By packing copies of your insurance card and prescriptions in a waterproof plastic bag,along with a list of your health care providers and emergency contacts, you will be prepared should you need medical attention. It is also imperative to remember copies of your diabetic children's medical records, particularly if they are of school age and may be at school rather than home in the event of an emergency.

After assembling an emergency kit, store it in a suitable place where it can be safely accessed in a time of need. Notify everyone in the house of the exact location, along with relatives, friends and neighbors who may need to assist you in an emergency. Do a thorough inspection of the supplies at least annually, updating medical records and replacing items that are past their expiration dates, as needed.

" Make sure other people know you are a diabetic.
If you are forced to evacuate to a shelter or other location, identify yourself as a diabetic as well as relating any related complications. By sharing this information immediately you are more likely to get the medical attention you need. As an extra precaution, it is a very good idea to wear some type of medical alert jewelry at all times.

" Keep your medications safe.
Insulin should be kept as cool as possible without freezing, as well as being protected from direct heat and sunlight. Extremes of temperature and humidity can affect medications, blood glucose monitors and test strips so these items should be kept in temperature regulated areas as much as possible. Package inserts and medication containers should be kept for reference and it is a good idea to check for information on how to use these items in emergency or survival situations. As long as you possess the original prescription containers, you might be able to get refills of your medicine without a prescription in times of disaster. Dispose of any medications contaminated by flood water or other sources of contamination. The only exception to this rule is the case of life saving medications. If the pills are still dry and clean, it is probably safe to use them until you can find replacements.

" Dehydration can be deadly.
High blood sugar can quickly lead to dehydration and if you have been exposed to high temperatures, sweating will quickly cost you precious body fluids. Be prepared to boil drinking water if possible. If this is not an option, the water in your emergency kit may very well save your life. In addition to your bottled water supply, use bottled drinks that don't include sugar or other carbohydrates that might adversely effect your blood glucose levels.

" Prevent is the best medicine.
Diabetes causes severe problems with blood flow in the body and makes it very difficult for you to recover after suffering a wound or a bout of infection. For this reason it is imperative to avoid being injured. Especially in the unsanitary conditions that often follow natural disasters, you should check your feet daily for sores, cuts and blisters. Keep an alert eye for signs of infection, such as swelling, redness or discharge from a cut and seek medical treatment immediately if you notice any of these problems. Early treatment of your injuries may save your life by preventing infections.

" Wash your hands.
Washing your hands is the most important thing you can do to preserve your health in an emergency situation. Be sure to wash your hands often and after any situation that could cause even a slight level of contamination. Hand washing is especially important before administering any of your medications or eating as this will do much to keep you healthy until the disaster has passed.

How You Can Control Your Blood Sugar?

2008-02-09T05:00:00.001-08:00

Excess sugar and stress are the two main cause of diabetes. This excess sugar causes the pancreas to secrete high levels of insulin. Insulin removes this excess sugar out of the bloodstream, converts it to fat and stores it in fat cells.

What's the cause of insulin resistance?

Insulin becomes less efficient to process sugar due to increase in fat cell. This triggers insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes. Pancreas ability to secrete natural insulin hampers in this case.

Source of Glucose

Source of glucose is carbohydrates. Fruits and vegetables are the best source of sugar because these are natural fructose sugars.

Threat from sucrose

Man made foods such as candies, soft drinks, breads, processed meats, pastries have high sugar and these are dangerous. These foods enter straight into the blood stream and increase sugar level immediately.

Glucose that is not immediately burned for energy, stored as fat in fat cells by Insulin. In the process, blood sugar begins to drop and you started feeling hungry.

Solution to maintain your blood sugar

First recommendation is to eat carbohydrates such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and beans, which digest more slowly.

Proper diet increases blood sugar slowly and glucose is available as energy for several hours. Benefit is glucose is not needed to rush in to turn the sugar into fat.

Blood sugar level stays even and excess sugar does not have to be stored as fat; you don't feel hungry just a few hours after eating. Added benefit is some carbohydrates contain nutrients such as fiber, which also help you lose and control weight, and remove waste from your colon.

Nursing Considerations Of Diabetic Nephropathy

2008-02-08T02:43:00.001-08:00

Monitor your patient's blood glucose levels frequently. As her kidney function deteriorates, she may need less insulin or oral hypoglycemic drugs. That's because one-third of insulin is metabolized and excreted by the kidneys, and as her kidney function deteriorates, insulin is available in the bloodstream for a longer time. Monitor her for signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia, such as diaphoresis, nausea, or vomiting. If she shows signs of hypoglycemia, the physician may reduce her insulin dosage. Or, if your patient takes an oral antidiabetic drug, the physician may prescribe glipizide, which has a shorter half-life than other drugs and is metabolized by the liver to inactive metabolites for excretion by the kidneys.

If your patient has hypertension, assess her for factors, such as obesity or alcohol consumption, that may contribute to hypertension. Also, review her current drug use. Many drugs can increase blood pressure, including corticosteroids, NSAIDs, nasal decongestants, appetite suppressants, and tricyclic antidepressants. During physical examinations, monitor your patient's blood pressure and compare the readings to those in her medical record.

Assess your patient for signs and symptoms of UTI. Frequent infections can speed the progression of nephropathy. If diabetic neuropathy affects her bladder, she may not be able to empty it completely. This may result in urinary stasis, which can increase the risk of infection. To help prevent UTIs, encourage your patient to empty her bladder at least every 2 hours.

Determine whether your patient is taking any nephrotoxic drugs. If she is, inform her physician. If she must undergo a procedure that requires the use of radiographic dye, administer mannitol as prescribed to induce osmotic diuresis and minimize the dye's nephrotoxic effects. Also, make sure your patient drinks all prescribed fluids after the procedure to dilute her urine, which may decrease the chance of nephrotoxicity from the dye.

If your patient is receiving hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis, help her adhere to the prescribed diet and fluid restrictions. If she must follow a low-protein diet, advise her to minimize her intake of eggs, meat, and milk products and to eat more starchy food, fats, fruits, and vegetables. If she has difficulty consuming sufficient calories to maintain her weight, suggest that she use a high-calorie nutritional supplement. Keep in mind, however, that peritoneal dialysis can increase calorie absorption from the dialysate as it sits in the peritoneum. If this causes your patient to gain excess weight, urge her to reduce her total calorie intake but not her protein intake. Monitor your patient's fluid and electrolyte status by checking her weight every day.

During each dialysis treatment, assess your patient's arteriovenous CAY or peritoneal access site for signs and symptoms of infection, such as redness, tenderness, or purulent drainage. Also, assess circulation at the AV shunt or fistula by checking for a palpable thrill; auscultating for a bruit, which should be present; and feeling for warmth over the access site. Don't take a blood pressure reading in the arm that has the AV access site because you may occlude it.

Remember that treatment options for endstage renal disease may involve difficult choices for your patient and her family. Provide your patient with the information she'll need to make an informed choice. Keep in mind, however, that her ability to concentrate and think clearly may be affected by uremia. Therefore, if appropriate, delay important decisions about treatment options until after a dialysis treatment.

Provide support and encourage your patient to talk about her feelings and concerns. People respond in various ways when they hear the diagnosis of kidney disease. Your patient may develop depression, anxiety, or stress. So include meetings with a mental health professional, such as a psychiatric clinical nurse specialist or psychologist, as part of your treatment plan. If appropriate, refer your patient and her family to support groups.

If your patient is waiting for a kidney transplant, keep in mind that finding a suitable organ donor takes a long time and places a significant strain on the patient and her family. After yourpatient undergoes the transplant, her physician will prescribe immunosuppressant drugs. The patient will need to take them for the rest of her life, and they can have serious adverse effects, such as increased risk of infection, weight gain, hallucinations, and increased kidney damage.

The physician will probably adjust your patient's insulin dosage after a kidney transplant because of improved kidney function. And your patient will be taking drugs, such as glucocortiosteroids and cyclosporine, that will increase her blood glucose levels.

Gestational Diabetes - Worth Information And Recommended Diet

2008-02-08T02:42:00.000-08:00

Indeed, gestational diabetes is an uncommon situation during pregnancy when placenta produces some substances that make mother's insulin not to work properly. Usually, this might happen at 24-28 weeks of pregnancy, so there is no worry for baby malformation.

After giving birth you'll not worry to have diabetes again, but there is a risk for you to have it later in future. That's why you should care a lot.

Actually, mother's pancreas produces insulin correctly, but somehow this insulin cannot work properly. This leads to increased blood sugar level, and you may have all the signs and symptoms of high blood sugar level, such as

- being most of the time thirsty, and this leads to increased urine frequency

- at the same time you're feeling hungry, but still have weight loss

- Frequent uro-genital [bladder, vagina] and skin infection, and so on.

Not all the pregnant women can face the gestational diabetes problems. If somehow, you're facing them, keep in mind that they're not life threatening. They recall your attention of what you're eating or doing, but are not harmful for you.

On the other hand, what your baby will face is the problem of overweight that will lead to a cesarean birth.

One common problem that your baby will face after birth is hypoglycemia. The medical team will take care of it.

Anyway, you should care of high blood sugar level and keeping it at normal range. How can you do this?

As a diabetic mother you should care of what you're eating. Try to follow the most recommended diet for gestational diabetes. That will help you in lowering blood sugar level. You should do a lot of exercise too, such as yoga, walking in fresh air.

You have your body under your responsibility. Don't throw away the opportunity to be a good mother, even if your child is still inside you, and you cannot see. What you eat, what lifestyle you follow can determine how healthy your baby will be.

Diabetes Diet - Are You Taking Right Diet In Diabetes

2008-02-06T04:34:00.002-08:00

The diabetic should not be afraid to each fresh fruits and vegetables which contain sugar and starch. Fresh fruits contain sugar fructose, which does not need insulin for its metabolism and is well tolerated by diabetics. Fats and oils should be taken sparingly; for they are apt to lower the tolerance for proteins and starches, for they are apt to lower the tolerance for proteins stimulates and increase insulin production. For protein, home made cottage cheese, various forms of sourced milks and nuts are best. The patient should avoid overeating and take four or five small meals a day rather than three large ones.

The following diet should be serving as a guideline.

Upon rising: A glass of lukewarm water with freshly squeezed lemon juice.

Breakfast: Any fresh fruit with the exception of banana, soaked prunes a small quantity or whole meal bread with butter and fresh milk.

Lunch: Steamed or lightly cooked green, vegetables such as cauliflower, cabbage, tomatoes, spinach, turnip, asparagus, and mushrooms, two or three whole wheat chapattis according to appetite and glass of butter milk or curd.

Milk after noon: A glass or fresh fruit or vegetable juice.

Dinner: A large bowl of salad made up of all the raw vegetables in season. The salad may be followed by a hot course, if desired, and fresh home-made cottage cheese.

Bedtime snack: A glass of fresh milk.

Flesh foods find no place in this regimen, for they increase the toxemic condition underlying the diabetic state and reduce the sugar tolerance. On the other hand, a non-stimulating vegetarian diet, especially one made up of raw foods, promotes and increases sugar tolerance.

Celery, cucumbers, string beans, onion and garlic are especially beneficial. String bean pot tea is an excellent natural substitute for insulin and highly beneficial in diabetes. The skins of pods of green beans are extremely rich in silica and certain hormone substance which are closely related to insulin. One cup of string bean tea is equal to one unit of insulin. Cucumbers contain a hormone needed by the cells of the pancreas for producing insulin. Onion and garlic have proved beneficial in reducing blood sugar in diabetes.

Diabetes Type I - Controlled vs Uncontrolled

2008-02-06T04:34:00.001-08:00

The Bad News...

When I was 5, I learned that I had Type I diabetes, which at that time meant 2 shots a day and 3-4 finger sticks a day, along with getting vials of blood drawn every 3 months or so, and no sugar. My dad had to give himself shots of water to teach him how to give my injections correctly. So I began my journey on Humilin and Novilin.

When I was 12, I spent Halloween weekend away from home and not taking Insulin and eating tons of Chocolate. Monday, my dad found me unconscious. I was air lifted to the hospital 2 hours away. I remained in a coma caused by ketoacidosis(high blood sugar, I was told it was 1300) for 3 days, and woke to find out that I had pneumonia in both lungs. I had to spend 3 weeks in the hospital where I had to walk every day with a walker around the floor, due to my muscle weakness after only 3 days, to build strength, endure regular "beatings" on both sides of my chest to loosen the phlegm, get stuck with needles to draw blood every hour or so(including throughout the night), have my IV sites changed often due to blown veins, which was extremely painful, it feels like the antibiotics are chemicals burning your insides.

When I did get to leave, I wasn't allowed to go home with my father, which broke his heart, because he was seen as unfit, due to my mistakes. So I moved in with my mother and began a new life. About a year later, she was diagnosed with Non-Hodkins Lymphoma and passed away soon after, which broke MY heart again. My sister who is 10 years older than myself gained custody of me, and I moved in with her, her husband and my niece(who is 10 years younger than me and autistic). I ended up in the hospital again for Dehydration caused by Ketoacidosis the morning of my mothers funeral, which I did not get to attend. I added stress to an already strained marriage, and after a year or so and a couple of unsuccessful suicide attempts on my part, they divorced and my sister took my niece and I, and we moved. I was in and out of the hospital for high blood sugars and low blood sugars several times throughout High School. I forgot to take my Insulin several times due to memory problems(I'm also told are due to uncontrolled BG levels), which landed me in the hospital straight from school several times. The one time I actually made it through the day and got home at around 5pm, apparently I passed out while trying to take my Insulin, my sister came home around 9pm to find that my niece had single-handedly re-carpeted the entire house with rice, catfood, sugar, coffee, flour, cereal etc. and was hiding under the covers in her room, while I was passed out in my sisters bedroom with Insulin Syringes covering the floor. I ended up in the hospital again and was told by the Doctor that if I kept going the way I was I would not make it to 30, and would never be able to have children, which is not very encouraging considering that the only thing I ever wanted was to have a family and be there for my niece if anything ever happens to my sister.

Things got a little better for awhile because my Endocrinologist changed my Insulin to Humalog and Lantus, which are more effective Insulins for people with "Brittle" cases. Humalog starts acting immediately so you can start eating immediately, instead of having to wait 15 minutes for it to take effect, but you have to be careful and make sure that you can sit down immediately to eat or it will drop your blood sugar like a hot potato. Of course that was never a problem with me, because I love to eat, and hated to sit and wait that 15 minutes so I rarely did. And still, I could not get my blood sugars to even be remotely in the vicinity they are supposed to be. So I found a new Doctor, I figured a change of scenery may be what I needed.

Now, are you ready news?

On my first appointment with this new Endocrinologist, he asked me why I was not on the Insulin Pump. I said that I had never had anyone tell me about it, I didn't really know much about it, and he said that with my history I really should consider it, that it had the potential to change my life. So he set me up an appointment with a colleague of his, a woman from Medtronic Minimed, a pump supply company. We met about a week later and she put me on a CGMS(Continuous Glucose Monitoring System) which, yep you guessed it, Continuously monitors your glucose levels, and records them for 24-48 hours, and is then looked at by the doctor to see if your method of treatment is effective at all times of the day and also picks up on any patterns that may be corrected by the pump. This information was reviewed by my endocrinologist and he requested authorization from my Insurance company, and soon after I was on the phone with Minimed picking my color choice and all that fun stuff, and about 2 weeks later, I had my pump and began training. Now, that may sound silly, to "train", but you really do have to change certain things about your life and how you eat and such.

I began learning how to use the pump, which is a little overwhelming at first due to all the aspects of it. I mean, I'd never heard of a Bolus or Basal, let alone what a Carb Ratio or Sensitivity were! Then I learned how to Count Carbs, which is also a little overwhelming at first because you have to think about and analyze every single thing that goes into your mouth, kind of makes you realize what a pig you are at times! It does get easier, and life after the pump is beautiful! I can tell when my blood sugar is even a little off most of the time now, which I hadn't been able to do for years. I can tell it's low by about 70, and when it's high by around 160. I don't dread going to the doctor anymore because he doesn't look disappointed in me anymore, and tell me that I need to do better or I will have all sorts of problems. I actually leave the office smiling because he tells me that I'm doing so well that he doesn't need to see me back for 3 months!

So, I left out a little bit of HUGE information back there. About 3 moths after I started using the pump, I found out I was pregnant! I was ecstatic, but worried at the same time. I told my doctor and he was not very excited, he felt it was too soon, since my BG was not completely stable yet. He stressed to me how much work it was going to be on my part, and of all the many problems that could happen with both myself and the baby if it was not controlled tightly. This brought back memories of Julia Roberts in Steel Magnolias, and I was terrified for my baby, and for my health during and after the pregnancy. I began this most recent part of my journey completely unsure and terrified, it seemed that every new doctor I saw after the pregnancy began did not want me to do this. One that I saw actually told me that before meeting me, she reviewed my records from when I was much younger(at that hospital 2 hours away that I mentioned before), and had a nightmare about me because the last A1C I had done there was 11.4! I was seen by 8 different doctors at 2 practices and 3 hospitals, and that's not mentioning the extra special care High Risk procedures that were done, such as Echocardiograms, and many ultrasounds. The extra ultrasounds were great, because we got to watch our little girl grow inside me.

Until about the 7th month I was petrified that my Blood Sugar wasn't as tight as it should be, (which could cause the baby to have to be on a glucose drip for 24 hours, because her body would have gotten used to having high blood sugar in the womb and begin to produce too much insulin, in turn causing her to have low Blood Sugar)because it was sometimes higher than it should have been for a couple of days due to my body's demand for Insulin constantly growing with the pregnancy. I was keeping a strict and accurate journal of EVERYTHING I ate and every BG, and sending this to my Pump counselor for adjustments on my settings every 3 days. She actually told me that when her mother was down visiting her, she helped her clean out her office, and saw my records and told her how impressed she was that I was keeping track of all that information. I was determined to give my baby the best chance at a healthy life possible.

So in my 8th month, I went back to see my Endocrinologist to get a Decreased Insulin plan set up for after delivery, because the need for so much Insulin is gone as soon as the placenta is out of the body,and he hadn't had a chance to review my record from the other doctor yet. He fully expected to get onto me because they were too high, but looked very suprised when he saw my paperwork and the A1C was 5.7. He didn't really say too much after that, he just gave me my Insulin plan and said to make an appointment after delivery. I was starting to feel a little more confident now, because he's not one to tell you how great you've been doing, more the opposite actually. But he did NOT tell me how bad I'd been doing, this is the important thing. So then I went for my last ultrasound the day before delivery, and they said that the baby looked healthy, but would probably be big, which is no suprise because diabetics normally have 10 lb babies. I was told that she was at least 8 1/2 lbs, but that could vary by 1 lb, that she could possibly be 9 1/2 - 10 lbs, but not any smaller. She turned out to be 7 lb 7 oz, and needed no glucose drip!

So, now I am a happy, healthy mother of a happy, healthy baby girl! And I had my A1C tested last week, and again was worried because it has not been as tight as I would like it to be. It is remaining at a healthy 5.7, and my doctor actually did tell me that I'm doing really well. The moral of my story is that if you are doubting switching to the pump, because of some trivial worry(like I was) such as having something attached to you 24/7, the positives heavily outweigh the negatives.

And the only bad thing about the pump is that if you wear pants without pockets, it doesn't work as well. But they also make several different holders for it, that I haven't gotten around to getting because it's not really a big deal to me, that allow you to wear it around your arm, thigh or bra. That one little insignificant thing is the ONLY bad thing that I have to say about the pump after 15 months of continuous wear.

Millions Finding Nutritious Way To Manage Diabetes

2008-02-05T06:09:00.003-08:00

In the U.S. alone, more than 20 million people have diabetes. This is about 8% of the total population- a significant statistic. A third of these people have yet to be diagnosed and possibly do not even know or suspect they have the disease. With numbers this high, it's likely you know someone with diabetes.

Older men are the most likely to have the disease, as well as American Indians. Non-Hispanic whites are the least likely. Diabetes ranks as about six on causes of death in the United States- researchers feel that number is reserved as there are so many undiagnosed individuals and a lack of reporting.

As if Diabetes weren't a complicated disease anyway, having it makes you more prone to heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, diseases of the nervous system leading to amputation and carpal tunnel, blindness, periodontal disease, difficulty becoming pregnant, and more likely to attract illnesses like the flu and pneumonia.

These are daunting figures, and the health risks tied to diabetes are staggering. Each year more than a million new diabetes diagnoses are reported. It's a very prevalent disease, and yet no where near as highly discussed as cancer or AIDS.

People see diabetes as a debilitating intrusion on their lives. Insulin and blood glucose tests, carefully monitoring your diet and managing your overall health can be a full time job. But many diabetics have turned to the Diabetic Living Diet to help manage their diabetes and have better control over their health.

The Diabetic Living Diet encourages diabetics to focus on consistency. It's important to each at the same time every day with similar portion sizes at each meal. Your diet should consist of about 50% carbohydrates, 30% fat and 20% protein. Whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables and lean proteins are very important inclusions.

When you become a member at the Diabetic Living Diet, an online diet program, you'll gain a really comprehensive pass to all of the tools and resources. They provide a personalized diet plan, specifically created for your individual needs as a diabetic. You can also access more than 500 recipes, seek advice from diabetes experts, interact with the online community, guides for eating out and more. When you sign up, new members receive a one-year subscription to print magazine.

Your membership to the Diabetic Living Diet is only about $5/week. Considering the staggering number surrounding diabetes- you can't afford not to join. It's an easy and convenient ways to gain personalized information to help you better control your diet and disease.

You can live a full and vibrant life when you have diabetes- you just have to know how to manage it and make that a priority. Millions of people manage their diabetes everyday, and you can, too.

Diabetes Caused By Systemic Infections Of Yeast And Mold

2008-02-05T06:09:00.001-08:00

Diabetes is now a global pandemic. Rich, poor, fat and thin people of every ethnic background are found to have abnormal glucose metabolism resulting in elevated triglycerides and often accompanied by high blood pressure and heart disease. The progressive damage may lead to kidney failure, stroke, amputation of limbs and blindness. The sheer volume of cases is staggering to the medical profession.

The "cause" is variously attributed to diet, genetics and life-style. But what if the "cause" is something more insidious, something that is neither tested for nor treated? As I studied the literature on diabetes and its effects, I became aware that there were often contradictory findings. Overnight, as the body "fasted" from foods, and the metabolism slowed down, glucose levels should have dropped to normal or below normal levels. Individuals who undertook three and four day fasts would likewise be expected to have subnormal levels of glucose. Neither group did. In fact, many individuals find that their glucose levels were higher in the morning than they had been the previous evening. Many found that fasting simply brought their glucose readings into a normal range.

If the overnight fast had resulted in the metabolizing of fat into sugars, this might explain the elevated glucose readings. But the science of the day insists that the metabolism of fats do not result in elevated glucose levels. With the three and four day fasts, fat metabolism should be well underway, yet, again, no significant rise in glucose levels were taking place. If reduction in food intake did not cause a reduction in glucose levels, what else would cause elevated glucose? What other biological process produces glucose? The answer is yeast, mold and some forms of fungus.

These life forms are categorized as plants. They grow best in a more acid environment. Refined sugars are strongly acidic. In combination with mold, yeast or fungal spores, there would be a surge in the production of glucose beyond the level of dietary sugars. Let's call the glucose from yeast, molds and fungus "abnormal glucose". In normal metabolism of carbohydrates, the liver and pancreas go through a sequence that triggers release of insulin to enable absorption of the glucose by the body's cells. If this glucose is not used, it is converted into lipids (triglycerides) and if not metabolized and used by the body, into fat.

With abnormal glucose, there is no actual metabolic process in the liver. As a result, it does not trigger release of insulin. It circulates as an acid through the body causing inflammation and irritation to blood vessels and tissue. If it is eventually converted to lipids in the liver or to fat, it has a very different energy signature than normal fat.

In diabetic mice, the abnormal fat has an energy signature of 8,000 calories per pound. Normal fat has an energy signature of only 3,500 calories per pound.

Individuals diagnosed as diabetics face extraordinary resistance to weight loss, increasing inflammation and destruction of blood vessels, damage to all major organs, as the underlying infections progress.

Yeast, mold and fungal infections are stimulated by tissue destruction. As tissue breaks down, it provides new material for rapid expansion of the infection. Progressive deterioration results in damage to all biological systems.

While reducing the intake of refined carbohydrates may slow the active infection, yeast, mold and fungi produce spore that can persist in a latent state for a nearly indefinite period of time. A diet to reduce or eliminate "candida" (yeast) may be needed if the history of the individual indicates that this is the probable infection. An infection with mold or fungus may need added medical and dietary protocols.

Testing for systemic yeast, mold or fungus is expensive and time consuming. Often the careful analysis of a Comprehensive Medical and Personal History will indicate the source of the underlying infection whether it is from yeast or mold or fungus.

Maintaining Diabetes Nutrition

2008-02-01T06:06:00.001-08:00

Diabetes nutrition is a very important part of remaining healthy while being a diabetic. If you don't pay close attention to your diet, diabetes can be very difficult to manage.

The Importance of a Balanced Diet

Making a balanced diet part of your every day routine is important for everyone, but it's especially important for diabetics. Diabetes occurs because a person's body doesn't correctly process certain foods, namely sugars. A person with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes either doesn't produce insulin or their body doesn't know what to do with the insulin that is produced. The problem is that this prevents a person's body from breaking down sugars. Since sugars are a large part of our diet, it's extremely important to regulate one's diet when they have it.

Before you start regulating your diet to coincide with your diabetes, you need to understand what constitutes a sugar. Obviously a candy bar or ice cream is full of sugar, but what about bread? Or cereal or processed milk? There are a lot of things in our day-to-day diet that includes sugar. The best way to keep your diabetes under control is by eating small amounts of sugar. It's also a good idea to have a mix of carbohydrates, fats and proteins at each meal.

Triple Threat

As mentioned above, the best way to balance your nutrition is by eating carbohydrates, fats and proteins at each mean. Many doctors recommend that you eat about 60 grams of carbohydrates at each meal. Carbohydrates come in many forms, but they include fruits and veggies, dairy and bread.

You're also going to need some protein. Protein is found in cheese, fish, meat, beans and some vegetables. Many of these products are high in fat. To minimize your fat intake, choose a few protein options that are "low fat," such as low fat yogurt.

Now, you'll get a lot of your meal fat form the protein you eat. Ask your doctor how much fat you should be eating every day. This will help you maintain your weight. Your doctor should also be able to recommend good diabetic cookbooks. These will help add variety to your diet while making sure your diabetes nutrition needs are met.

Maintaining a Good Gestational Diabetes Diet

2008-02-01T06:05:00.000-08:00

A person who develops gestational diabetes should come up with some sort of diet to protect themselves and the fetus.

What is Gestational Diabetes?

Gestational diabetes occurs when a woman is pregnant. This occurs in women who do not have diabetes but, develop high blood sugar when they get pregnant. The woman's blood sugar generally goes back to normal after she has the baby.

The best way to keep this under control is by exercising regularly and developing a diet that minimizes your exposure to sugar. A healthy diet includes eating enough carbohydrates, protein and fat. It's important that you eat these three things in conjunction with one another. Eating too many carbohydrates at once can spike your blood sugar. Eating carbs with protein and fat will minimize these hikes.

Finding the Right Plan for You

Finding the right balance between exercise, carbohydrates, fats and proteins is going to take a little while. Everyone reacts differently to it. They also react differently to gestational diabetes diets. How much you eat and when you eat will depend largely on how much you weigh, how far along your are in your pregnancy and how developed your diabetes is. Your doctor or nutritionist will look at all of these factors to start you on a diet. Keep in mind that this diet may have to be tweaked several times before it's correct.

Most doctors will suggest that you eat small meals throughout the day. None of your meals, or snacks should be more than three hours a part. Eating smaller meals more frequently will help regulate your blood sugar. For some women, avoiding carbohydrates in the morning is helpful. Starting the day with proteins only will help keep your blood sugar down.

The most effective way to regulate your diet is by paying very close attention to what you're eating. If you don't know what carbohydrates are, ask your doctor to break down the food pyramid for you. If you're not good at remembering to eat many, small meals, wear a stopwatch and set it so it goes off every two hours. This will help you keep in line with your gestational diabetes diet.

Best Way To Get A Free Glucose Meter

2008-01-31T02:12:00.002-08:00

Diabetes is an insidious disease that can strike anyone at anytime. When it strikes, it is very important that you monitor you blood sugar very carefully. This needs to be done several times a day and the easiest and fastest way to determine what your blood sugar level is to use a glucometer.

Glucometers can be purchased relatively cheap, however the test strips that it uses can be very expensive, especially since you need to monitor your blood sugar several times a day.

In the past, it was difficult for some who suffer from diabetes to purchase these strips, especially if they were on social security. It often meant that they would have to choose between eating and purchasing testing strips. This was dangerous because a proper diet is critical for those who suffer from diabetes.

Recent changes in health laws have been passed and insurance companies now cover up to eight percent of the cost of testing supplies, which include not only the strips, also the glucometer and batteries. There are also financial assistance groups that are available for those who do not have insurance or have very little money. There are guidelines that need to be followed very closely in order to be approved for a free glucometer.

There are many companies online that can supply you with a free glucose meter, however most often you need to have Medicare in order to apply. Forms are available online for you to fill out; it is important that you fill it out completely, include your doctors name, prescription and your Medicare insurance and your done. All you need to do is click the submit button and the whole process is done.

Many pharmacies offer free meters, however the catch is that you need to purchase testing strips from that pharmacy. With this type of offer, you do not need to have an insurance policy.

If none of these methods are effective for you, it is possible to go to the manufacturer of glucose meters. They have special programs that many low-income people qualify for.

When it comes down to it, if you have insurance, use it to get a glucose meter. Diabetes is nothing to fool around with. It is critically important to your health and well being that you monitor your blood sugar often and carefully.

Deadly Diabetes Part I

2008-01-31T02:12:00.001-08:00

Over 7 percent of the US population has diabetes. Diabetes is rapidly becoming an epidemic due to a burgeoning population with obesity and a sedentary lifestyle. In 2005 there were about 31 million people ages 20 or older with diabetes. In this same year there were 1.5 million new cases of diabetes in the age group of 20 years and older.

Kidney Disease

Diabetes is still the number cause of end stage kidney disease. In 2002 over 150,000 persons were living on dialysis or with a kidney transplant due to diabetes. In this same year almost 45,000 persons began treatment for end stage kidney disease due to dialysis. Treatment for end stage kidney disease can reach a staggering figure of over $100,000 per patient.

Eye Disease

Diabetes can damage the back of the eye (the retina) and its blood vessels. You can have rapid growth of blood vessels which may burst and lead to bleeding. Cataracts are more common in diabetics. Diabetes causes most of the new cases of blindness in persons ages 20-74.

The Gut

Diabetes can cause a gut disease called gastroparesis where food moves slowly in the gut and can result in bloating, loss of appetite, belly pain, nausea, or even vomiting. If food stays in the gut too long, it can harden into little clumps called bezoars. Bezoars may lead to more belly pain, bloating, infections or even blockages involving the gut. The high sugars of diabetes can cause nerve damage in the gut to cause gastroparesis. Other Nerve Damage

Besides nerve damage involving the gut, diabetes can cause nerve damage to the hands and feet which may decrease your ability to sense pain, temperature, touch, and vibration. Carpal tunnel disease may also develop.

Amputation (loss of a limb)

Over 50 percent of all amputations not due to trauma are caused by diabetes. This is due to vascular (blood vessel) disease especially due to cholesterol build up in the blood vessels. The amputations are also due to the loss of sensation. Individuals may wound a limb and not know it due to this loss of sensation. Wounds worsen and become infected (may include the bone) to the point where an amputation is necessary. Infection of the bone is called osteomyelitis.

How Can Diabetics Avoid Deadly Complications?

Keep blood pressure less than 130/80. Up to 75 percent of diabetics may have high blood pressure. Make sure your sugar control number (hemoglobin A1C or Glycohemoglobin) is less than 7 percent, preferably as near to 6.5 percent as possible. See your eye doctor at least once per year. Check the top and the bottom of your feet every week. Loss of hair on the legs, cool or bluish legs with shiny skin may signal blood vessel disease. Your doctor needs to evaluate your feet as well. If blood vessel disease is suspected, ask for a blood flow study of your legs. Smoking is even deadlier for a diabetic. It's like pouring gasoline on fire. Avoid alcohol which may worsen blood pressure and blood sugars. To evaluate your kidney function, ask your health care provider to check your blood creatinine level, a special kidney function test called a GFR, and a urine protein screen.

3 Things You Can Do To Prevent Diabetes

2008-01-30T02:25:00.002-08:00

Ready for some good news about diabetes? Although type 2 is the most common form, according to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), in many cases it can be prevented or at least postponed.

In type 2 diabetes, the body fails to properly use insulin, which is necessary to take sugar from the blood to the cells. Those with pre-diabetes, a condition in which the body is becoming insulin-resistant, are at greatest risk for pre-diabetes is to measure your abdomen at its largest point.

If your abdomen is larger than 35 inches for women or 40 inches for men, as measured above the waist at the hip bone, ask your doctor to test you for pre-diabetes.

If you are pre-diabetic, you may still reduce your risk of getting diabetes by losing weight, exercising and eating right..

People can make a huge difference in their lives by recognizing they're on a bad path.

Lose Weight

A Study by Australian researchers published in June's Diabetes Care found that body mass index (BMI) was the strongest predictor of the risk of developing diabetes over the next eight years for women in their late 40s.

We know that as BMI goes up and waist circumferece goes up, your risk for diabetes continues to increase.

That's because fat cells, especially those in the abdomen, secrete several hormones that promote inflammation, and the inflammatory process creates insulin resistance.

For the average person, if your BMI is above 27, it's time to lose weight.. I emphasize the effectiveness of modest exercise and modest weight loss, in preventing diabetes. You don't have to lose 150 pounds. It's about making small, consistent changes.

Exercise

Insulin regulates blood sugar levels, and people who are at risk for diabetes often have insulin resistance, a condition that causes blood sugar to rise and worsens over time. Exercise is key to reversing that process..

Exercise has been proved to improve resistance so that the body becomes more sensitive to insulin, and blood sugar remains more normal. Both aerobic and resistance exercise are beneficial. Resistance exercise, such as working out with weights or bands, helps improve the body's insulin sensitivity, as does aerobic exercise, which also helps lower blood sugar.

Increase your physical activity! Yes, that means moving out of the chair and spending less time in front of the TV. There are small activities you can do to increase your physical activity. Turn the radio on and boogie while working on your household chores. Teach your kids how to dance the way you did when you were their age.

If you are at work, instead of sending e-mail to your co-worker, walk over to their desk and deliver the message in person. Take walks; it's a great way to keep up with your friends and an enjoyable, healthy way to take a break. Avoid the elevator and take the stairs as much as you are comfortable in doing that. One friend of mine marches in place during each commercial while she is watching TV. Don't circle the parking lot looking for the closest parking spot, park as far out as you feel comfortable in walking. Not only will it increase your activity level, but it also may save your car from a few dings.

We know that people who are at risk for diabetes who walk briskly 30 minutes a day, five days a week, and lose about 10 pounds, their risk drops by about 58%.

Eat Right

Minimizing foods that cause big fluctuations in blood sugar, such as white bread and white rice, and replacing them with high-fiber complex carbohydrates such as fruits, vegetables and whole-wheat pasta, helps stabilize insulin levels. There's also evidence that eating more of those foods might keep you feeling fuller longer, so you eat fewer calories. Limit your desserts, and when eating out, have a good-sized vegetable salad to take the edge off your appetite. When you receive your entrée, either share it with your dinner companion, or ask for a take-home box immediately after receiving your meal. Have meals that have been stir fried, or make with a nonstick spray.

Symptoms Of Diabetes And Your Risks

2008-01-30T02:25:00.001-08:00

Diabetes is a chronic disease affecting millions of people around the world. It is an incurable disease and once diagnosed must take medication for life. Diabetes is caused by the failure of the pancreas to produce insulin to help in glucose metabolism. This defect causes glucose to remain in the blood stream and if left untreated for long periods of time, will cause secondary damage to the eyes, heart, liver, kidney and other important organs.

The symptoms of diabetes are often difficult to notice. You might just brush it aside because it doesn't cause pain and you always assume that it is something else that is giving you the symptom. Below are some of the symptoms of diabetes and if you have more than one sign, it is advisable to pay your doctor a visit to rule out the possibility of the disease.

* constantly feels hungry and thirsty and some degree of dehydration
* urinating frequently especially at night
* getting blurred vision over a short period of time
* easily feels tired and exhausted even while not doing anything
* takes a long time to heal cuts and bruises
* unexpectedly loose weight without going through weight reducing program
* numb feeling in your hands and feet
* continue getting gum or skin or bladder infection

Dehydration occurs because of body fluid is lost due to frequent urination. In more serious cases of diabetes it leads to a buildup of ketones in the blood. Ketones are acids which can poison the body. Ketocidosis will lead to diabetic coma and eventually death.

Some people may also experience dizziness at the onset of diabetes. This is related to the sense of balance of the body which involves the eyes, ears and brain. When diabetes is out of control it may also lead to fainting due to low blood glucose level (hypoglycemia) or high blood glucose level (hyperglycemia).

The risk of getting this disease is higher if your family has a history of it. If the symptoms of diabetes persist, consult your family doctor fast. Your doctor will do a fasting plasma glucose test to determine your blood glucose level. Your blood glucose level is high if the result is above 125 mg/dl. If this is the case, your doctor will perform a second test to confirm the first diagnosis before they can give you a prescription.

How Glucose Is Related To Diabetes

2008-01-29T05:32:00.001-08:00

Having diabetes is one of the most dreaded chronic medical conditions any person could ever experience. Technically called "diabetes mellitus," diabetes is known to affect almost 20 million people in the United States alone.

Referred to as chronic disease that leads to more serious medical and health complications such as renal or kidney failure, various heart and coronary diseases, blindness, blood vessel disease, nerve damage, and stroke, diabetes can be heavier burden if not given proper medical attention.

Characterized by recurrent and repeated urination, fatigue, exhaustion, extreme thirst, and excessive hunger, diabetes can affect people regardless of age, gender, status, or race. Other symptoms of diabetes include sudden increase in appetite, gradual weight loss, vomiting, nausea, blurring of vision, recurrent infections in the vagina among women, risks of impotence among men, and varying degrees of yeast infections.

Once any of these symptoms become persistent, now is the time to get a diagnosis. Diabetes can be diagnosed through getting sample of urine for a urine test or several drops of blood for a blood test in order to determine the amount of sugar or glucose in the urine or blood. Aside from getting the sugar count in the urine, urine tests can also assess how the kidney is functioning. When it comes to blood test, a possible diabetic can choose from several processes that include fasting glucose test where the blood sample is collected when the patient has not eaten for eight hours, the postprandial glucose test where the blood sample is taken after the patient has eaten, and the oral glucose tolerance test wherein the blood sample is collected before and after the patient take in a glucose through a sweet syrup. Blood and sugar tests can also be used in monitoring the degree of diabetes and how does it progress under a specific treatment.

The association of glucose and diabetes

When diabetes is mentioned, people cannot help but think of the amount of sugar or glucose in the person's body. And why not? Glucose indeed is related to having diabetes because high blood sugar or glucose levels in the body cause this metabolic disease. When a person has high levels of glucose it usually results to deficiency in the secretion of insulin-a hormone that regulates the metabolism of carbohydrates, starches, and fats in the patient's body.

Glucose is directly related to diabetes because once a person is diagnosed with an elevated level of glucose, he or she has a great possibility of developing diabetes. Technically, diabetes refers of a long-term condition wherein the pancreas cannot do its function of producing enough amount insulin that results to high glucose level in the blood.

Basically, glucose serves as a main source of energy of every cell in a human body. The metabolism of this simple sugar greatly depends on insulin produced by the pancreas. When the body has no sufficient supply of insulin, it cannot breakdown glucose that usually result to diabetes.

Studies show that the presence of excessive amounts of glucose in the blood for so long lead to high blood levels of blood sugar and may lead to the impairment numerous body parts that include the heart, the nerves, the blood vessels, the eyes, and the kidneys and will eventually lead to a full blown diabetic condition.

When it comes to treatment, no definite cure has been found out as of today. In order to manage diabetes, most experts only recommend strict habits like well-balanced diet, regular exercise, and meticulous blood glucose monitoring. By doing this, a diabetic-despite his or her condition-has greater chance to live a normal and comfortable life.

Indeed, diabetes can be a life-threatening disease if not managed and monitored regularly. Any diabetes treatment should aim to keep the patient's blood glucose within the standard range and any treatment should also aim to prevent possible developments of enduring complications.

Aside from keeping a strict diet, other alternative treatments for diabetes include taking in supplements such as chromium picolinate, Magnesium, Vanadium, Chinese medicine, herbal medicine, practicing yoga, biofeedback, allopathic treatment, taking in oral medications, insulin injections, and surgery like pancreas transplant.

Using the American Diabetic Association as a Diabetic Resource

2008-01-29T05:31:00.001-08:00

The American Diabetic Association is one of the leading informational organizations for those who have diabetes as well as those who live with diabetics. The American Diabetic Association provides a wealth of information about the disease, symptoms related to the disease, how to cope with the disease and the latest news about the disease. The majority of the American Diabetic Association's resources are free and accessible on the Web.

What is Diabetes?

People who use the American Diabetic Association's services are usually suffering from diabetes. Diabetics either do not produce enough insulin or their body doesn't correctly react to the insulin it produces. Insulin is actually a hormone that's necessary to break down sugars so the body can use them.

So why does it matter if a person's insulin is out of whack? Well, your body doesn't just produce insulin for fun. If your insulin isn't produced or processed correctly, it can have a negative impact on your vision, your skin and your heart. It can also make you more susceptible to heart disease, kidney disease and depression to name just a few ailments. Those with diabetes may also faint or go into what is called a diabetic coma.

However, don't let these symptoms scare you. There are millions of diabetics in the country who are leading happy, healthy lives. This is because diabetics can take medication and use insulin to regulate their body's aversion to the hormone.

What Does the Web Site Include

The ADA has a great Web site that helps diabetics, their families and their friends understand the diseases. One key feature on the site is a section that breaks down each type of diabetes. This section provides links to information about children's diabetes, type one diabetes and type two diabetes. For each type of diabetes, there is also an informational section about the disease, advice on how to cope with it and additional resources for those suffering from the disease.

Salba - The Little Grain That Could

2008-01-25T05:48:00.002-08:00

A tiny, humble super-grain today called Salba ruled the diets of the Aztec elite. It was a tasteless grain that was eaten plain, mixed with other seed crops, made into refreshing drinks, ground up for bread, included in medicines and pressed for oil.

This single grain contributed and was primarily responsible for the vibrant health, tremendous stamina and amazing strength of the Aztec warriors who would often run miles to deliver messages to distant settlements.

The Spanish explorer and conquerer Hernando Cortez noted the Aztec dependence on the grain and when push came to shove during the breakdown of their relationship, Cortez and his Army of conquistadors set fire to all the Aztec Salba grain fields in an attempt to deprive the Aztecs of their source of nutrition and power.

Aztec resistance was so strong that Cortez and his conquistadors resorted to house-to-house skirmishing and finally fire to root out the rebels and gain control of their city. The whole city of Tenochtitlan was burned to the ground. Cortez and his band of merry murderers also brought European diseases and pestilence to the remaining inhabitants of the Aztec Civilization who fell victim to them without access to their super grain.

Salba too, fell victim to Cortez's rampage in the lands surrounding the Aztec capitol. It virtually disappeared except for the little that Cortez brought back to Spain with him. It was named Salvia Hispanica L but not widely cultivated. After all, it seemed simply a relic of the remnants of another conquered people.

So why is Salba so special? Recently resurrected, Salba is now cultivated in several South American countries in an effort to produce a genetically improved super-grain that would fill virtually every nutritional need of a health-conscious and active society. Diabetics report great overall improvement in chronic conditions brought on by the effects of diabetes in addition to increased energy, better circulation, re-vitalization, and better weight control. Blood sugar control is more easily maintained when salba is eaten regularly in food recipes.

Those on diets report that the grain makes them feel substantially full when sprinkled on morning cereal like oatmeal or grits and even cold breakfast cereals. Salba is perfect for cooking or baking since it is tasteless and doesn't contribute additional flavors to the foods it is mixed with. Lasagnas, meatloafs, cookies, cakes, puddings, and many other foods can be prepared with Salba without changing the recipes substantially.

Americans will hear more and more about this complete superfood in the next three to five years as more and more people learn about its health benefits and as more and more food products. New products always take time to infiltrate the American psyche and the media begin reporting its effects on a regular basis.

Diabetes Care

2008-01-25T05:48:00.001-08:00

Diets.

There are many questions in this issue and most important are:

What food should I eliminate?

What diet should I follow?

What diabetes diet plan should I follow?

The answers for this questions seem to be a big task to put into practice, but do not be scared. You can educate yourself on what you´re eating, and choosing foods that won´t raise your blood sugar level. The diet consist to first having each meal regularly, reducing the amount, and taking select foods that lower your blood sugar. You can have 6 meals a day or more.

It is important that you eat from every food categories (protein, fats and carbohydrates), and be carefully to give your body what it needs. You can eat starch base food like bread, cereal, and starchy vegetables. The nuts and vegetables contain soluble fibers that minimize the absorption of glucose from the intestines. The kidney beans and carrots are the best. With the sugary food and sweets you must have moderation.

Another aspect is to give your body the enough water it needs and you can supply it with drinking water and eating foods that have lot of juice.

Other aspects.

It is very important to consult a dietitian and chart out a diet plan. If you are overweight, as is important that you lose weight so that you can maintain your blood sugar level. If you smoke, you must quit smoking. Smoking can decrease blood flow to legs and feet.

Information About a Diet for Diabetes

2008-01-18T05:38:00.001-08:00

For the type 1 and type 2 diabetic the importance of a diet for diabetes cannot be overstated. Used in conjunction with drug therapy a proper diet is considered the single most important part of managing this deadly disease. Those who are newly diagnosed need to be properly educated with regards to diet, exercise, and medication to help avoid and minimize the complications that diabetes creates.

Significant lifestyle changes need to be made by anyone who suffers from this disease and the first person to tell them this will be their doctor when they are diagnosed. The doctor will be the primary point of information and reference for their diabetes care and management. A good doctor will also be able to refer their diabetic patients to a licensed nutritionist who is skilled at helping create a diet for diabetes that is individualized to each of their clients.

The most important aspect of this type of diet is controlling blood glucose (sugar) levels. This can be hard for people who have an inherent sweet tooth but avoiding foods and snacks with large amounts of sugar is a basic necessity for the diabetic. The good news is that there is no shortage of foods available that the diabetic can eat along with plenty of recipes to help prepare tasty meals.

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) has a website full of dietary information for the diabetic. They also have information about the latest treatments and medical research that those with diabetes need to stay current with. You will also find the Diabetic Food Pyramid on the ADA site. The food pyramid for diabetes is much like the regular food pyramid most people are familiar with except that it breaks down the food groups based on which are the better choices and the daily amounts a diabetic should be eating.

Because diabetes is becoming such a serious and growing health issue for an estimated 17 million people in the United States the food industry in this country has created a large array of food items aimed at people with diabetes. The situation is only going to get worse because the obesity epidemic will continue to create type 2 diabetics at an alarmingly growing rate into the future. Fortunately these products not only help to control blood glucose levels but give those who suffer this disease a variety of foods that will satisfy just about everyone, even those who have a sweet tooth.

A diet for diabetes is a drastic change for most people diagnosed with this disease, but if they are to successfully manage and live with their condition it is something they must do. Having the support and understanding of family and friends during this transition to a dietary change is also important and will help more quickly deal with their diabetes and the complications it can cause.

Type 1 Diabetes Symptoms - Are You Sure You Are Not Diabetic

2008-01-18T05:37:00.000-08:00

It does not always take a long time for the onset of Type 1 Diabetes. This type of diabetes can form in only a matter of weeks, so it is important that you know the symptoms that will alert you to the need of a checkup by your physician. Since Type 1 Diabetes is a long-term illness, it is imperative in the successful management of the disease to get an early diagnosis.

Type 1 Diabetes Symptoms

The initial Type 1 Diabetes symptoms can come on strongly and suddenly, and include:

• An increase in the production of urine caused as the body tries to rid itself of excess glucose in the urine

• Excessive thirst

• Weight loss

• Increased appetite

• Fatigue caused by the inability of the body to convert glucose into energy

• Blurred vision

• Nausea and vomiting

• Irritability and mood changes

Early Diagnosis and Management of Type 1 Diabetes

The importance of early diagnosis and management of Type 1 Diabetes symptoms is due to the fact that other complications can arise from diabetes that is not treated. Some of these complications can be life threatening, thus the need to quickly seek a medical diagnosis if more than one of the above Type 1 Diabetes symptoms becomes present. Some of these complications include:

• Retinopathy -this is a disorder of the eyes that occurs when the tiny blood vessels at the back of the eye become damaged by high blood sugar. Early detection and treatment, as well as managing your blood sugar is essential in order to avoid blindness, which can result if this disorder is left untreated.

• Neuropathy - nerve damage caused by high blood sugar that can lead to pain and numbness in certain areas. Peripheral neuropathy is the most common form and affects the nerves in the legs, feet, and hands. Autonomic neuropathy is less common and involves the nerves that control such body functions as digestion and urination.

• Nephropathy - damage to the kidneys that is caused by high blood sugar. If diabetes and nephropathy is left untreated, it can lead to kidney failure.

• Diabetic ketoacidosis - This occurs when the body produces acidic substances called ketones to as a substitute energy fuel that is usually derived from glucose. The symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis include abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, lethargy, fatigue, and if left untreated can result in coma or death.

• Hypoglycemia - This condition can be caused when too much insulin is taken and not enough carbohydrates are consumed to balance out the extra insulin. The symptoms of this condition can include irritability, blurry vision, trembling, headache, sudden sweating, dizziness and weakness, and confusion. If not treated, hypoglycemia can lead to a coma.

• Atherosclerosis - this condition involves heart and blood vessel problems that result from unmanaged high blood sugar. People who have Type 1 Diabetes are at a higher risk for heart disease, stroke, and other problems associated with poor circulation.

• Foot problems - foot problems are often associated with diabetes. People who suffer from peripheral neuropathy, which can cause numbness in the feet, often do not notice sores on their feet, which can lead to infection. Sores that are left untreated for a long period of time are at risk for gangrene, which is the death of soft tissue because of a lack of blood flow. This can lead to the need for amputation of the foot, and even the leg or part of the leg.

The Importance of Management

The complications above demonstrate the importance of recognizing Type 1 Diabetes symptoms as quickly as possible. Once a physician has diagnosed Type 1 Diabetes, it is imperative that you find a plan of management that is suitable to you as an individual and treat the disease as a long-term illness that can cause adverse complications if left untreated. Managing your Type 1 Diabetes involves more than just cutting down on the sweets - proper management of your diabetes will include an entire lifestyle change as well as medications in some cases. A healthy lifestyle should always include, first and foremost, a healthy diet along with a regular exercise routine.

Feline Diabetes

2008-01-10T02:22:00.000-08:00

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.

Type 1 Diabetes Symptoms - Type 2 Diabetes Symptom & Signs

2008-01-10T02:21:00.000-08:00

Both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes share the same diabetes symptoms, although the onset of the diseases can be quite different.

Because Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease, symptoms develop rapidly, often after a flu-like illness, intensifying over the next few weeks. In many cases, cell destruction could have been occurring for months or years earlier.

Type 2 diabetes symptoms tend to develop gradually and are not as pronounced or severe as the same symptoms in Type 1 diabetes.

Symptoms of both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes include increased thirst and urination, hunger, unexplained weight loss, blurred vision and extreme fatigue. Type 2 diabetes symptoms also include slow-healing or non-healing sores, frequent infections and increased urination at night.

Regardless of which type you may have, a doctor will want to do one of several blood sugar level tests: the fasting glucose test, a two-hour glucose tolerance test, or a random blood sugar test. Each test has its own range for normal and high levels, and your doctor will be able to guide you through the readings and explain diabetes care that can reduce high levels.

You should also consider your risk for diabetes. Certain risk factors increase your chances of developing diabetes, including: pre-diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance identified by a medical professional; age 45 or older; high blood pressure; being overweight or obese; history of gestational diabetes; or being of African American, Hispanic, Asian or Native American descent.

Detecting diabetes early is an important component of controlling the disease, although it often goes undiagnosed because symptoms of the illness can be easy to overlook. You should see your doctor if you have any of the diabetes symptoms listed.

Additionally, once diagnosed with diabetes, you need to monitor any potential symptoms of high glucose levels (hyperglycemia) or low glucose levels (hypoglycemia). Both conditions occur at different times, depending on whether your body has too much or too little blood sugar. If blood sugar is low, you may feel tired, confused, shaky, sweaty or cranky. If your blood sugar is too high, you’ll experience a recurrence of the initial symptoms of diabetes extreme thirst, increased urination or blurred vision.

Normal Blood Glucose Levels - Advice and Information

2008-01-03T00:07:00.002-08:00

Normal blood glucose levels vary very little from person to person. There is a set range within which your glucose levels should fall in, anything outside this and you could end up with some kind of problems. Glucose mainly is a kind of an energy source in the body. It is created whenever you consume any form of carbohydrates. The pancreas produces a hormone called insulin which ultimately helps in regulating the glucose in the blood.

The normal range should be anywhere between 70-150 mg/dl. Your sugar levels may vary within this range depending on your meals and the time of the day. When your sugar levels go beyond the 150mg/dl mark, you could end up with a condition called hyperglycemia or high blood sugar. On the other hand, if your levels are below 70 mg/dl, then you may be suffering from hypoglcemia. Sugar levels which fall very low could eventually prove to be fatal. The normal signs of hypoglycemia are fatigue, tiredness, nausea, personality problems, and in some severe cases even coma. High blood sugar on the other hand usually leads to the more common condition of diabetes. Diabetes if not kept under control, could cause nerve, eye and kidney damage.

The best way to know your normal blood glucose levels is through a blood test. A test confirms your normal range and also helps you to determine if you could be suffering from any kind of the above problems. There are numerous different tests that you could take.

The fasting glucose level test is usually performed when check for diabetes, it is done after fasting fro 8 hours. The normal range for this test should be between 70-99 mg/dl. There is also another test called the postprandial blood sugar test, which is done 2 hours after eating a meal, and the normal range for this test should be between 70-145 mg/dl. A person could also do a random blood test for checking his sugar levels, here the normal range should be between 70-125 mg/dl. If the results fall outside this range frequently, then it could indicate a upcoming problem.

Lastly there is one more test called the oral glucose tolerance test or OGTT. This test is performed after giving a glucose drink to the person. This is normally done when a person, requires to get himself checked for diabetes.

In the end it is very important that a person get his glucose levels checked often, as some of the sugar related disorders can strike without any prior warning. Also please consult your doctor or physician for the best advice and information on normal blood glucose levels and any symptoms you may be having.

Prevent Obesity-Related Diabetes

2008-01-03T00:07:00.001-08:00

Prevent obesity-related diabetes to invade your body if you are obese or overweight. If you are overweight, chances that you will get diabetes type 2 are 7 times a normal person, if you are obese, you are 20-40 times more likely to get obesity-related diabetes if you continue to live the way you are doing now.

The good news is that you can prevent obesity-related diabetes to occur, since 9 cases in 10 could be prevented if overweight or obese person takes some simple steps like; losing weight, some exercise, shifting to a healthy diet, and not smoking. If you have obesity, glucose (the sugar type that our cells depend on for most of their energy needs) is floating around your bloodstream, and when prevented from entering the cells , diabetes occurs.

Obesity-related diabetes begins when cells (primarily muscles) stop responding to open-for-glucose signal of insulin. The body responds by making extra amounts of insulin (within the intricate body mechanisms to control blood sugar). Finally, the beta cells of pancreas that secrete insulin get exhausted and begin to fail.

That means, that if you are overweight or obese, then probably you are pre-diabetic. Changing your life style to include weight loss, exercise and diet exchange, you can prevent pre-diabetes to be turned into diabetes type 2, moreover you can return your blood levels to the normal levels. Genetic inheritance take a back seat to the behavioral and life style factors.

Information from several clinical trials strongly support the idea that you can prevent diabetes type 2. Diabetes Prevent Program had verified that weight loss and increased exercise reduced the conversion of pre-diabetes to diabetes type 2 by 58%.

The steps needed to prevent obesity-related diabetes, and also to lower the chances of developing heart disease and some cancers include:

- Weight loss:

Losing 7-10% of current weight can cut in half the chances of developing obesity-related diabetes

- Increased insulin utilization:

Working your muscles more often and making them work harder improve their ability to use insulin and absorb glucose. You do not need long bouts of hot, sweating exercise, studies suggest that walking briskly for 1/2 an hour every day reduces the risk of developing obesity-related diabetes by 30%

Making the necessary diet changes:

There are 2 important dietary changes that may largely reduce the risk of obesity-related diabetes development, these changes are:

1- Consuming foods with Low Glycemic Index instead of foods with High Glycemic index:

Highly processed carbohydrates like white bread, white rice, mashed potatoes, donuts, and many breakfast cereals have high glycemic index, this means that they cause sustained spikes in blood sugar and insulin levels. They stress the body insulin-making machine predisposing it to insulin resistance that is followed by beta-cells failure.

Low glycemic index foods like; whole grains, most beans and nuts, and whole grain breakfast cereals, are not digested and absorbed with the same ease of high glycemic index foods, causing lower and slower increase in blood sugar and insulin, thus reducing the efforts needed to make insulin.

2- Choosing good fats and avoid bad fats:

It was recently found that type of fat in your diet can have effects on the development of type 2 diabetes. Good fats like those in salmon, tuna, liquid vegetable oils, and many nuts can help prevent diabetes type 2.

Trans-fats do the opposite and hence they are bad fats. Any product that lists " partially hydrogenated vegetable oil" on the label, fried foods in most fast-food restaurants, packaged baked foods, and many margarine brands are examples of foods that contain bad fats.

Diabetes - The Lifestyle Police Are Accepting Applications

2008-01-02T23:18:00.002-08:00

Back about six years ago when I had a real job, I remember having many problems with employees who smoked. Not only were they traditionally the least productive of all employees but their habit(s) were filthy dirty. Not just the smoking part but leaving their trash all over and not washing their hands before going back to work.

As a General Manager for a large food service Management Company I pleaded with our HR folks to give us some tools to use to curb the problem. DEAF EARS. I made the argument then that the health care costs of smokers alone were enough to act-but NOOOO.

Throw in overweight employees who are almost as high on the non productivity level and present even more risks in terms of health care costs and you have the makings of a group of employees who because of their habits/lifestyle present a cost burden for health care that was skyrocketing. Something had to give!

There is so much pressure on corporate America to produce for the stockholders that a cost that is out of control largely due to lifestyle choices of employees seemed like a target that sooner or later had to zeroed in on. The time, it seems, is upon us.

Insurance companies have asked prospective policy holders these screening questions for years about smoking, blood pressure, diabetes, weight et.al. to determine a level of risk. Now employers are beginning to scrutinize the lifestyle habits of their employees -- even those that happen outside of business hours.

Risk factors such as smoking, blood pressure, blood glucose levels, body mass, bad cholesterol levels all associated with Diabetes and indirectly with weight issues may determine if you get a job.

Type 2 Diabetes is largely a lifestyle disease. It affects nearly 20 million Americans and 240 million worldwide and is spreading at epidemic proportions. It can be avoided by some simple changes to your lifestyle: exercise, lose weight, eat healthy does the trick.

Employers have to start somewhere and that start is with the hiring of new employees. Some employers like the Cleveland Clinic have already started. Other companies are going to fine employees for their bad lifestyle behaviors.

Most experts believe, however, that as health care costs continue to rise, employers will continue to enact penalties for unhealthy behaviors.

The battle has started. The Lifestyle Police are accepting applications. If you smoke or are overweight you need not apply.

Jack Krohn has had Diabetes, Pre-diabetes and Syndrome X for nearly fifteen years. He speaks from the experiences he has had during that time. He is also a free lance writer-the #1 author of Home Security Articles in the country.

The Diabetic Tale

2008-01-02T23:18:00.001-08:00

First, I felt a pain in my glute. It was a sharp sort of pin pricking pain. The kind you feel when you have a pimple on your face. "Don't tell everybody where exactly your boil is," hubby said. "Tell them it is on your upper leg." I nodded. Like my buttock is not a part of my anatomy.

Then the pain grew in leaps and bounds. On day three, it became too much to ignore. At office I heard horror stories of people who had to get 'cysts' operated on. "Every body in my house had to get theirs operated," a well meaning friend warned.

Horrified, I returned home and called the diabetes doctor. Hubby hates hospitals, but offered to accompany me. He could see I was suffering and there was no way I could drive there on my own. On an empty stomach, I arrived at the hospital, expecting the blood test and a doctor's appointment to set the draining cyst right. But, providence had other plans. "Stay and meet Dr Vasudevan, our surgeon" the student doctor requested, even though I wanted a lady doc.

We had to wait more than a couple of hours. Surgeon was not in. Finally we managed to meet a 'lady' doctor. Without even a cursory glance at my 'draining cyst', she sent me right up to the surgeon, again. Looked like my destiny was sealed.

My derriere was bared. A man of few words, Dr. Vasudevan, the middle aged bald scapula and suture happy surgeon asked, rather abruptly "Where's it?" Like baring my bottom in front of surgeons was a hobby I liked indulging in. I was insulted, but his nurse obligingly pointed it out to him, and he left the room. A few minutes later, after I was modestly dressed, I found him deep in conversation with hubby. "It has to be operated on right away. If not, it will spread, causing dead tissue to form gangrene. Diabetes, you see," they both shook their heads while hubby looked grave.

I was stunned into silence. I did not want this. We were to fly to Mauritius the following week, and if I was operated on, the trip would have to be cancelled. Our third cancellation in three months. First we had planned a trip to Thailand. Just as we were about to get our visas stamped and pay for our tickets, we had to cancel because of the coup there. Hubby recommended we go to Malaysia, but I did not quite fancy that trip, instead I thought Hong Kong would be good. That got shelved as hubby's sister had just returned from there and wasn't raving. In fact she recommended we cancel. "Its very expensive, and simply not worth it. Singapore is better." "Not Singapore," I said. We had been there too often. So, we settled on Mauritius, and I was euphoric. The planning and the build up to the trip were exciting.

Till cyst happened. Instead of paying for the holiday, he was paying hospital bills. I sobbed, uncontrollably. Loudly and as heart wrenchingly as I knew how. I hoped the heavens would hear me and take the stupid cyst away. Was not to be.

We went to the reception to book the room. "I want the best," hubby said. Like it would replace a holiday. "Oh, sir," fat man at the reception exclaimed, "we have five bookings before you. All waiting to be admitted."

"Well, this is an emergency." Hubby looked serious like I would collapse on the floor if room was not given.

"All of them are emergencies." Fat man had the audacity to sound blase.

I felt like I was indeed going higher realms real soon, without a room. So I stepped in, uninvited. "Your doctor said this is an emergency. If you don't have a room for me, where can I go? Do you have a tie-up with another hospital we can go to where your surgeon can operate?"

"No."

"Then?"

"You have to wait." And die?

We went off wondering what would happen. In the meanwhile, I was to have antibiotics after every meal. The tears flowed. Were these my last days on earth?

Apparently not. The man from the hospital called. "We have a room for you," he said like he was pulling a rabbit out of his hat. "Please check in by 4 pm." We rushed home, ate lunch, packed a bag and rushed back an hour late. A lift filled with chattering young ladies appeared and somehow we crammed ourselves and strolley in.

"Where are all of you going?" the lift man asked the ladies.

"Oh, we've achieved out targets and are heading for an appreciation party!"

Targets? In a hospital? I did not understand.

Answering my unasked question, someone said, "1,700 in one week!" Got it!! Just like every other industry has sales targets, these people do too. Was I a target as well? The ominous thought crept up. Who ever heard of being operated for a boil that was merely 4 days old?

Whatever, I was powerless because of my ignorance, besides I am diabetic.

I swore to myself and to hubby that I would never touch a sweet again, never eat potatoes, nor would I let anything fried pass my lips. I wound control my weight like crazy and would workout like my life depended on it, because it did.

Next morning, I was transported, fully conscious, on a stretcher to the operation theatre. My first encounter with a surgeon's knife. Into the theatre they wheeled me as the cold metal of the stretcher chilled my skin. I was well in time. Surgeon too was sitting there, sharpening his knives. Only anesthetist was missing. Frantic calls were made. As I lay there, my hair escaping from the surgical cap, I looked at a board that had my name on it, and it was spelt wrong. Ameetha - surgical removal of cyst on glute.

Muthulakshmi - amputation.

The cold metal sent a chill through my bones. I hoped and prayed the doctor knew I was me and not Muthulakshmi. I prayed he did not chop off my leg in confusion. Before the thought could get me into a frenzy the anesthetist arrived, and I was wheeled into the operation theatre.

"Close your eyes," a nurse instructed. I did, but not before anesthetist said "hello."

The next thing I knew was this wonderful feeling. I was deeply rested and gently drifting into consciousness. I did not want to open my eyes. I wanted to go back to that restful place where I was a flower that swayed happily in a gentle breeze. Where only happiness existed. Where peace prevailed. Maybe I was coming back from the dead. Maybe I was destined to wear my solitaires longer. And I heard my mother's voice. She was actually there. And I knew all would be well again.

What Every Diabetic Needs to Know for Maintaining a Truly Healthy Diet

2008-01-02T05:15:00.001-08:00

It was amazingly disappointing to see that the American Diabetes Association refers diabetics to the food pyramid for dietary and cooking advice. This simplistic, and in recent times, often challenged accuracy of the food pyramid is not at all suitable as the be-all, end-all guide to a diabetic diet. There are important eating tips every diabetic should know in order to live a long healthy life with diabetes.

The basics of a diabetic diet are simple: AVOID SUGAR

This well known aspect of a diabetic diet is usually taken to mean avoid candy, desserts, chocolate and other sinful sweets.

The truth is that avoiding sugar is much more complicated than that.

Here are some things the good old food pyramid doesn't tell you:

Here is the best food pyramid for a diabetic:

More Vegetables and Proteins
Light on the Fats and Dairy
Even Less Sugars and Starches

Think all fruit and vegetable are created equal?

There are fruits and vegetables that are naturally higher in sugars than others. Eating more of the lower sugar fruits and vegetables as part of a diabetic diet is a healthier choice, especially as a long term habit.

High Sugar Fruits

There are fruits that are naturally more high in sugar than others.

These high sugar fruits include:
Bananas
Grapes
Mangos
Strawberries
Watermelon

Better fruits to eat are:
Cantaloupe
Honeydew
Apples
Berries - blueberries, raspberries and blackberries

Make sure to buy fresh fruit, organic is best. Never buy canned fruits or dried fruit. They are loaded with artificial sugars and syrups.

Sugary Vegetables, Really?
There are vegetables which are very high in sugar. Really. Please don't misunderstand that any vegetables are good and much better than candy, cakes and desserts, but there are better fruit choices than others.

These high sugar vegetables include:
Corn
Carrots
Beats
Sweet Potatoes
Tomatoes
Red Peppers

Better vegetable choices are:
Green veggies - green beans, spinach, lettuce (anything but iceberg lettuce), zucchini
Squash
Asparagus
Broccoli
Cauliflower

Carbs are Secretly a Sugars

Most people are not aware that carbohydrates (carbs) are just as bad as "sugars". Carbohydrates when broken down in the body become sugars. So, is there really a difference. Not really. A diabetic must assimilate and process carbs just as he would need to process sugar, with insulin, which a diabetic is lacking.

Carbs have managed to work themselves into our daily diets too well. Consider the carbs "wrapping" on most foods you eat. Open up the wrapping and just eat what is inside.

For Example, remove "wrapping" such as:
Hamburger and hot bug buns
Tortillas
Sliced breads or rolls

Try to avoid complex carbs such as:
Chips
Crackers
Pretzels
Muffins, cakes, dounuts and sweet breads
Loafs of bread (Sprouted grain bread is OK)

Better carb choices are:
Potatoes (buy small red potatoes instead of large brown potatoes)
Rice (basmati rice is best, but brown rice is ok)
Sprouted grains (Ezekiel makes sprouted grain breads and cereals)

Education about the foods you eat and their real content and contribution to your diet is key to maintaining a long and healthy life.

Making smart food choices now and establishing healthy eating choices that become a lifestyle is the best thing a diabetic can do. So start making smart diabetic diet choices now!

Diabetes And Me

2008-01-02T05:14:00.001-08:00

I don't know why?

We live life full of dreams and desires. Full of activity and fun. Ups and downs.

We celebrate life with food and drink.

Coming up through the years, we have seen children born with Type 1 Diabetes and we have seen adults and teens develop Type 2 Diabetes. All at an increase year after year. It's killing our society one by one. Yet, we continue to celebrate life with food and drink.

OK. Food and drink is a must to live.

Obesity is a major cause of diabetes in many people today. You should really consider educating yourself and your family on the risks of becoming diabetic because many of you may not know that what you are eating plays a big role in whether or not you may in fact become diabetic yourself.

Celebrating Life is a must if we are going to grow and develop, if we are going to be happy with ourselves and the world around us. But do we have to kill ourselves doing it? No! Defeats the purpose doesn't it.

We need to stop. We need to think.

WE NEED TO LIVE!

For ourselves, our families, our friends and our societies. We have so much to give. it is unfare and selfish for our indulgences to take away from the rest.

I Don't Know Why?

Certainly something for us to Think About.

This is the beginning. Don't stop here. Diabetes is not just a disease, it is a Life Style. Celebrate Life.

Diabetes Information

2008-01-01T06:45:00.005-08:00

Hello. I was diagnosed with diabetes 28 years ago at the age of eight. My childhood years were very uneventful. My mother encouraged me from very early on to exercise. We would walk and ride bikes all day long. She would always walk with me after our evening meal. I know now how very important this was and thankful for my mother who lead me in this regimen.

Five years ago after not feeling well for several months, I felt The Lord answer a prayer of desperation. From this came a major change in my lifestyle. I spent much of the first year researching and learning about living by God's natural laws of health, which we will discuss later. Our family knows The Lord did not bring us to this place of better health to keep to ourselves; and as a result we have been teaching nutrition for the last three years.

So, what is diabetes? Diabetes is a disease that involves the pancreas. This is an organ of the endocrine system. It also involves beta cells. The pancreas and the beta cells produce and deliver several hormones throughout the body. Insulin is the hormone that is lacking or not able to be utilized properly when diabetes is involved.

Insulin in the body is used for reacting to carbohydrates and sugars in the foods we eat. It maintains the body's blood sugar, which should range from 70-120 ml. In diabetes the blood sugars begin to rise when food is ingested because there is little to no insulin to combat this or the insulin is not able to be utilized correctly.

What are the things you need to watch for if you are concerned about someone you love or perhaps yourself? Symptoms could include unusual thirst, excessive urination, weight loss, headaches, and nausea. If you suspect anything, please see your doctor.

Cooking For Diabetes

2008-01-01T06:45:00.003-08:00

According to the American Diabetes Association 20 million Americans have diabetes. When a loved one is diagnosed with diabetes one of the things that you will want to know about is cooking for diabetic family members. While most dietitians and physicians will encourage the diabetic to eat what the normally eat just in moderation, counting carbohydrates may help them control their blood sugar level so that they feel better. The balance between the carbohydrates a person eats and insulin determines what your blood sugar level will be after eating. Carbohydrate counting can also assist you in planning your meals.

Foods that have carbohydrates

* Breads, cereals, and crackers

* Pasta, rice, and grains

* Starchy vegetables

* Milk, soy milk and yogurt

* Fruits and fruits juices

* Sweets such as cakes, cookies, and ice cream

Tips for planning meals

One of the best things that you can do to assist a family member who has diabetes is to make sure that they are eating meals at regular times every day and not skipping meals. To help regulate blood sugars you should eat consistent amounts of carbohydrates at each meal. Check your blood sugar regularly.

Keep track of your meals with a meal planner. This will tell you how many carbohydrate choices that you should be eating from meal to meal, be sure to include snacks. Men should eat 3-5 carbohydrate choices at each meal and 0-2 carbohydrate choices for each snack works well. Women should eat 2-4 carbohydrate choices at each meal and 0-2 carbohydrate choices for each snack works well. You should visit your dietician for appropriate carbohydrate intake to meet your individual needs.

A healthy daily meal plan includes: 2-4 servings of fruits, 3-5 servings of vegetables, 3 servings of whole grain, and 2-4 servings of milk or milk products. Eating foods that have fiber such as whole grains and having very few salty foods is healthier for you. Eat 4 to 8 ounces of lean meat or meat substitute each day. You should limit fats to 1-2 servings per meal and select healthy fats, such as olive or canola oil and nuts. Limit and avoid fats found in bacon, butter, cream, solid shortening, and high-fat meats.

Carbohydrate counting made simple

1. Identify the foods that contain carbohydrates-toast, milk, orange.

2. Know the number of carbohydrates contained in one carbohydrate choice or serving-each carb choice or serving contains 15 grams of carbohydrates.

3. Know the serving size for foods within each food group.

4. Count the number of car choices.

Sample Meal:

2 slices of toast with margarine-2 carb choices

1 egg, over-easy-0 carb choices

1 cup skim milk-1 carb choice

large orange-2 carb choices

That's a total of 5 carb choices.

When preparing recipes, simple changes, such as using egg whites instead of whole eggs or garlic powder instead of garlic salt, can make a big difference in the amount of fat, sodium, sugar and other nutrients in the foods you eat each day.

To reduce the amount of fat and cholesterol

So what healthy exchanges can you make without affecting the taste or texture of your food? Try substituting these foods if your recipes call for them, to make healthier meals and snacks.

· Bacon-substitute Canadian bacon, turkey bacon, or smoked turkey.

· Butter, margarine, shortening or oil in baked goods-substitute applesauce or prune puree for half of the called-for better, shortening or oil.

· Eggs-substitute two egg whites or ¼ cup egg substitute for each whole egg.

· Evaporated milk-evaporated skim milk.

· Full-fat cream cheese-fat-free or low-fat cream cheese.

· Full-fat sour cream - fat-free plain yogurt or fat-free or low-fat sour cream.

· Ground beef-extra-lean or lean ground beef, chicken or turkey.

· Mayonnaise-reduced-calorie mayonnaise-type salad dressing or reduced-calorie, reduced-fat mayonnaise.

· Oil-based marinades-wine, balsamic vinegar, fruit juice or fat-free broth.

· Salad dressing-fat-free or reduced-calorie dressing or flavored vinegars.

Most recipes can tolerate a healthy renovation without it affecting the taste or texture of the food. So when you're cooking for diabetic family members use your time-honored family favorites, just make them healthier!

Keeping Your Feet in Good Shape Using Diabetic Socks

2008-01-01T06:45:00.001-08:00

It may sound silly, but diabetics frequently need diabetic socks to keep their feet healthy.

Why Would I Ever Need Diabetic Socks?

You would need diabetic socks if you have diabetes. Diabetic socks are literally socks that are worn by diabetics.

One side effect of diabetes is loss of feeling in the feet. While this may not seem like a big deal, to diabetics it is. When a person loses feeling in their feet, they have a hard time knowing when their feet are hot or cold or if they have a blister or other wound on their foot. When these types of wounds go untreated, they can turn into ulcers or other massive infections. Sometimes when these infections are left to fester, the person may develop gangrene and have to have their foot or leg amputated.

Finding the Right Socks

Diabetic socks aren't like your average sweat socks. Diabetic socks include extra padding, cushion and ventilation to help keep the feet healthy. The extra padding prevents blisters and ulcers from forming because it prevents aggravating friction between the sock and skin. The ventilation system helps keep the feet dry. A wet foot can cause bacteria and other unwanted fungus to form. Diabetic socks are typically constructed in such a way that the toe seam doesn't irritate the toes.

Diabetic socks are frequently made with acrylic yarn. This is a very comfortable, friendly yarn that provides plenty of cushion. Your diabetic socks may also include an antimicrobial finish to prevent fungus from collecting on the foot.

You can find diabetic socks at some health specialty stores. You can also find them on-line. This is perhaps the easiest place to purchase your diabetic socks. These sites give you a brief run down on the socks inducing their benefits, cost and size chart. They also a variety of socks allowing you to choose socks that best fit your needs.

Diabetic socks are extremely effective at helping diabetics keep their feet in good health. If you're diabetic, you should consider getting diabetic socks especially if you can't feel your feet.

Diabetes Diet To Control Diabetes

2007-12-27T04:15:00.000-08:00

Proper diet is very important for people suffering from diabetes. It is recommended that the diet of a diabetes patient should be high in fiber and low in fat. Diabetes diet is not a special food that is packaged by a pharmaceutical company and can be purchased off the shelf. Neither is it a complicated dieting plan. It is just a healthy eating habit which emphasizes on fruits, vegetable and whole grains. Diabetes diet can also be practiced by healthy people who want to lead a healthy lifestyle.

History Of Diabetes Diet

During the early days before the discovery of insulin, doctors would recommend diabetes patient to consume a low-calorie diet. It is more to prevent ketoacidosis, which is caused by high concentrations of ketone bodies. This was due to the breakdown of amino acids and deamination of amino acids by our body. The low-calorie diet didn't actually cure diabetes but it did prolong the life of the patient quite a bit.

Establish A Good Eating Habit

You should establish a regular eating habit for your meals and snacks. As far as possible, avoid ad hoc eating habit because it is difficult to control what goes into your stomach. Always eat the healthiest food in the right amount. Excessive amounts are also not good for the body.

If you are taking diabetes medication or insulin, your eating habits will have to be stricter. Eat only the right amount of servings from each food group. You could talk to your doctor if you have difficulty with your diabetes diet. He will probably recommend a dietitian who can tailor your diabetes diet to your lifestyle.

Carbohydrates In Your Diabetes Diet

The American Diabetes Association recommends that carbohydrates should form 60% to 70% of the total caloric intake. This is somewhat controversial because some studies have suggested a low carbohydrate diet. It is best to work out your diabetes diet with your dietitian. Try to plan your diabetes diet to have the same amount of carbohydrate at each mealtime to maintain an ideal blood sugar level right through the day.

Exchange List In Diabetes Diet

The "exchange scheme" was introduced in the 1950 by the American Diabetes Association. The purpose or intent is to allow patients to swap or exchange food of the same caloric value with another of similar value. For example, you may eat more cake and reduce on the potatoes at dinner time. The exchange list is not so popular with current dietitians. They are more likely to introduce diabetes diet that includes a wide range of fruit, vegetables and one that has a high fibre content and low in sugar and saturated fat.

Conclusion

To minimize the risk of diabetes complication, we must practice a healthy eating habit. This is the most logical way to maintain an ideal blood sugar level. Your diabetes diet need not be bland and boring. You could include your favorite food by balancing it with other healthy nutritious items. Be creative at your meal plan and at the same time mindful of the effects it brings to your diabetes diet.

Diabetes Information - The Three Pillars of Getting and Keeping Control

2007-12-27T04:14:00.000-08:00

Diabetes affects 21 Million Americans and claims 240 million victims worldwide. Type 2 Diabetes is the biggest portion of those at 95 %.

Diabetes is a disorder of metabolism--the way our bodies use digested food for growth and energy. Most of the food we eat is broken down into glucose, the form of sugar in the blood. Glucose is the main source of fuel for the body.

After digestion, glucose passes into the bloodstream, where it is used by cells. For glucose to get into cells, insulin must be present. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas, a large gland behind the stomach.

In people with diabetes, however, the pancreas either produces little or no insulin as in type 1, or the cells do not respond appropriately to the insulin that is produced as in type 2.

Ask any person with type 2 Diabetes what their biggest problem is and I think you will get nearly a unanimous agreement-CONTROL.

Ask any medical profession and they will tell you that diet, weight loss and exercise are the three best things you can do to get control of your type 2 diabetes-and control is essential to a good quality of life. It is that simple.

• WATCH WHAT YOU EAT. Less carbs, more fresh veggies, no alcohol. If you need more help there are tons of books out there and you can always talk to a dietitian.

• EXERCISE. Exercise at least 20 preferably 30 minutes a day. Aerobics or weight training or a combination. It is great to do it all at once to get your heart rate up but you can split it up. The important thing is to do it religiously.

• LOSE SOME WEIGHT. If you diligently watch what you eat and exercise daily you will lose some weight. A loss of even ten pounds will do wonders.

If you have type 2 Diabetes like millions of Americans and millions more world wide, gaining control of your blood sugars is a never ending struggle. These three pillars will help you get and keep control. You'll lead a better and longer life and avoid some of the serious complications.

Introduction To Diabetes

2007-12-09T20:31:00.000-08:00

There are many different illnesses and conditions that can be brought about by eating too much or too little, such as diabetes - but what is diabetes and how can it affect the way you eat?

Most people know that diabetes is a disease that affects the way your body metabolizes sugar and other carbohydrates. Diabetes is actually broken down into two separate diseases – diabetes type one and diabetes type two. When answering the question, “what is diabetes”, you need to consider that the two illnesses are actually different. Type 1 diabetes is the more severe form of the disease, and can be found in all different types of people, from babies to the elderly. Type 2 diabetes often develops later on in life, and is rarely found in children.

Type 1 diabetes occurs when your body does not produce enough insulin in order to metabolize the carbohydrates you eat. Without insulin to break down the sugars that you consume, your blood sugar levels can raise dangerously high. Too much sugar in your blood can cause some of your organs to shut down, and it can even cause a coma or death. This severe consequence of not taking care of type 1 diabetes means that you must do everything you can to keep yourself healthy if diagnosed with this disease. You may need to inject insulin or take other medications to keep your sugar levels low.

The other answer to “what is diabetes” is found in explaining type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes happens when your body cannot process the insulin that it makes correctly. There is enough insulin made by the body, but it does not use it in the right way. This can also lead to increased blood sugar levels, as well as weight gain and other consequences of having high blood sugar. While the threat of a coma or death is less likely in type 2 diabetes, the other health problems caused by this disease can be life-threatening.

It is important to get screened for diabetes at least once in your life, and more frequently as you age. Your blood sugar levels can be checked using a simple blood test, which is usually administered on an empty stomach for greater accuracy. This fasting blood sugar will let your doctors know whether it is possible that you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, and whether you need to be treated with medications or insulin for either of these diseases.

What is diabetes? Well, it is not a death sentence, that is for sure. With proper eating and diet, exercise and prompt medical treatment, diabetes can be handled easily in most cases. Your doctor can let you know more about diabetes if you are interested

What Are Normal Blood Glucose And Blood Sugar Levels

2007-12-09T20:27:00.000-08:00

This is the question my diabetic patients always ask. There are various methods to determine blood glucose level. Some tests give you accurate diagnosis of diabetes or pre-diabetes, while others will tell you how well you are managing your diabetes.

Fasting Blood Sugar Test:
Measures the blood sugar level after 8 hours fast or overnight. Normal fasting blood glucose level is less than 100mg/dl. If your fasting blood glucose level is from 100mg/dl to 125mg/dl then you will have impaired blood glucose level also known as Pre-Diabetes. If your blood glucose level is above 125mg/dl then your doctor will diagnose as a patient of diabetes. To confirm the diagnosis, your doctor may repeat the fasting blood glucose test on any other day. If you have blood glucose level of 126mg/dl or higher in two consecutive tests, then you may have diabetes. If you have blood glucose level greater than 200mg/dl and you have symptoms of diabetes like increased thirst or hunger, frequent urination, weight loss, blurred vision etc, then you may be diagnosed with diabetes mellitus without confirming it with second test.

Random Blood Glucose Test:
Random blood Glucose test gives your blood sugar at any time in a day. Normal random blood sugar level should be less than 200mg/dl. If your random blood glucose level is between 140mg/dl to 200mg/dl then you will have pre-diabetes.

Oral glucose tolerance test
This test measures your response to sugar. First we measure fasting blood glucose level, and then glucose solution is given, after that we measure blood glucose after 1 hour and 2hours. A normal blood glucose level after an oral glucose tolerance test is less than 140 mg/dL. Level between 140 mg/dL to 199 mg/dL suggests pre-diabetes. A blood glucose level of 200 mg/dL or higher two hours after you drink the glucose solution may suggest that you have diabetes mellitus.

Glycated hemoglobin (A1C) test
This test is not for diagnosing diabetes, but it shows you how well you have controlled your sugar in last 2 or 3 months. Normal value is less than 7%, however if it is more than 7 then you and your doctor should think of changing your treatment of diabetes.

Always Remember, your blood glucose measurement alone is not enough to differentiate between type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Your doctor may do some other tests to find out which type of diabetes you haveThis is the question my diabetic patients always ask. There are various methods to determine blood glucose level. Some tests give you accurate diagnosis of diabetes or pre-diabetes, while others will tell you how well you are managing your diabetes.

Fasting Blood Sugar Test:
Measures the blood sugar level after 8 hours fast or overnight. Normal fasting blood glucose level is less than 100mg/dl. If your fasting blood glucose level is from 100mg/dl to 125mg/dl then you will have impaired blood glucose level also known as Pre-Diabetes. If your blood glucose level is above 125mg/dl then your doctor will diagnose as a patient of diabetes. To confirm the diagnosis, your doctor may repeat the fasting blood glucose test on any other day. If you have blood glucose level of 126mg/dl or higher in two consecutive tests, then you may have diabetes. If you have blood glucose level greater than 200mg/dl and you have symptoms of diabetes like increased thirst or hunger, frequent urination, weight loss, blurred vision etc, then you may be diagnosed with diabetes mellitus without confirming it with second test.

Random Blood Glucose Test:
Random blood Glucose test gives your blood sugar at any time in a day. Normal random blood sugar level should be less than 200mg/dl. If your random blood glucose level is between 140mg/dl to 200mg/dl then you will have pre-diabetes.

Oral glucose tolerance test
This test measures your response to sugar. First we measure fasting blood glucose level, and then glucose solution is given, after that we measure blood glucose after 1 hour and 2hours. A normal blood glucose level after an oral glucose tolerance test is less than 140 mg/dL. Level between 140 mg/dL to 199 mg/dL suggests pre-diabetes. A blood glucose level of 200 mg/dL or higher two hours after you drink the glucose solution may suggest that you have diabetes mellitus.

Glycated hemoglobin (A1C) test
This test is not for diagnosing diabetes, but it shows you how well you have controlled your sugar in last 2 or 3 months. Normal value is less than 7%, however if it is more than 7 then you and your doctor should think of changing your treatment of diabetes.

Always Remember, your blood glucose measurement alone is not enough to differentiate between type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Your doctor may do some other tests to find out which type of diabetes you haveThis is the question my diabetic patients always ask. There are various methods to determine blood glucose level. Some tests give you accurate diagnosis of diabetes or pre-diabetes, while others will tell you how well you are managing your diabetes.

Fasting Blood Sugar Test:
Measures the blood sugar level after 8 hours fast or overnight. Normal fasting blood glucose level is less than 100mg/dl. If your fasting blood glucose level is from 100mg/dl to 125mg/dl then you will have impaired blood glucose level also known as Pre-Diabetes. If your blood glucose level is above 125mg/dl then your doctor will diagnose as a patient of diabetes. To confirm the diagnosis, your doctor may repeat the fasting blood glucose test on any other day. If you have blood glucose level of 126mg/dl or higher in two consecutive tests, then you may have diabetes. If you have blood glucose level greater than 200mg/dl and you have symptoms of diabetes like increased thirst or hunger, frequent urination, weight loss, blurred vision etc, then you may be diagnosed with diabetes mellitus without confirming it with second test.

Random Blood Glucose Test:
Random blood Glucose test gives your blood sugar at any time in a day. Normal random blood sugar level should be less than 200mg/dl. If your random blood glucose level is between 140mg/dl to 200mg/dl then you will have pre-diabetes.

Oral glucose tolerance test
This test measures your response to sugar. First we measure fasting blood glucose level, and then glucose solution is given, after that we measure blood glucose after 1 hour and 2hours. A normal blood glucose level after an oral glucose tolerance test is less than 140 mg/dL. Level between 140 mg/dL to 199 mg/dL suggests pre-diabetes. A blood glucose level of 200 mg/dL or higher two hours after you drink the glucose solution may suggest that you have diabetes mellitus.

Glycated hemoglobin (A1C) test
This test is not for diagnosing diabetes, but it shows you how well you have controlled your sugar in last 2 or 3 months. Normal value is less than 7%, however if it is more than 7 then you and your doctor should think of changing your treatment of diabetes.

Always Remember, your blood glucose measurement alone is not enough to differentiate between type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Your doctor may do some other tests to find out which type of diabetes you have

Selecting the Best Glucose Meter

2007-12-05T03:49:00.003-08:00

Glucose meters have come a long way in the past 45 years. The first blood glucose meter, (commonly abbreviated as BGM), was a "primitive" device as compared with today's high-tech meters. Using the first glucose meter, "Destrotrix," involved dropping an entire drop of blood on a reactive paper, waiting one minute, rinsing with water, and comparing the color of the paper to a comparative color chart. With current technology, glucose readings have become less of a hassle and extremely convenient. With the large variety of meters on the market, choosing the meter that is right for you is important. The three important factors that you should consider in a glucose meter are accuracy, ease of use, and convenience.

How Glucose Meters Work

There are two methods used to determine the glucose level either optical or electrostatic. The optical method is done by measuring the reflective light (reflectance photometer - optical) to determine the blood glucose level. It works by taking a blood sample, applying it to a test strip, and then shining a measured amount of light on it. The amount of light that is reflected back is then measured; the amount of reflected light indicates how much glucose is present in the blood sample (higher amount of light reflected means higher amount of glucose). This technology is found in many older meters and accuracy isn't consistent. Most modern meters now incorporate electrostatic technology. This works by measuring the voltage (electrons) level using electrochemistry to determine the blood glucose level. This method is done by applying a blood sample to a test strip. Then an enzyme on the test strip called Glucose Oxidase removes one electron from the glucose which is converted into gluconolactone. The electron that is removed is read as a voltage by the meter. The number of electrons present is related to the glucose level in the blood (higher number of electrons, the higher the glucose level and the higher voltage reading on the meter).

A new type of technology based on digital signal process (DSP) has recently made its way into glucose meters. This new technology is called dynamic electrochemistry, which is an upgrade from the original electrochemistry. Static electrochemistry involves one signal that is measured by one measurement. Dynamic electrochemistry uses various sophisticated algorithms to compute many measurements based off a signal. Dynamic electrochemistry allows for more accuracy, consistency, and accounts for variations in temperature and elevation issues. Because static electrochemistry is based on only one measurement, factors such as dirty fingers, double-dosing, not enough blood, and chemical interference may have a serious impact on a meters' accuracy. With dynamic electrochemistry, the impact of these common factors is reduced significantly. This technology was developed by Agamatrix and is found exclusively in their WaveSense products.

Comparing Meters

Choosing the correct BGM for you is important in maintaining your health. A good glucose meter should be very accurate. Accuracy is important because it measures exactly how much glucose is actually present in your blood. Out of all the meters in the market, I have found that the top three meters in terms of accuracy are the WaveSense Keynote, the Abbott Freesstyle Flash, and Ascencia by Bayer Contour. In a comprehensive study in November 2006, YSI probes were used to find the exact level of glucose in blood samples. Using that value as an exact measurement, home glucose meters were put to the test. Comparing the major meters in the market, the WaveSense Keynote was 95.0%, the Abbott Freestyle Flash was 95.2%, and Ascencia by Bayer Countour was 84.0% of the time within an acceptable accuracy range. These are the top three meters in the market in terms of accuracy.

Another criterion that is important is consistency. Consistency is important for all BGMs because it tells you how repeatable the meter is. In other words, accuracy is important only if it can be accurate every single time. Therefore, consistency is also an important part of choosing a meter. In regards to consistency, The WaveSense Keynote, Abbott Freestyle Flash, and Ascencia by Bayer Countour once again are the leaders in consistency. Consistency was measured by taking a high number of samples with the same level of glucose. Then, the variation was computed by averaging the amount of difference each sample had with each other. In other words, the lower amount of variation, the more consistent the meter is. The WaveSense Keynote had a variation of 2.7% with low glucose levels and 2.8% with high glucose levels. The Abbott Freestyle had a worse consistency level because its consistency would go as high as 2% to 7%. But most of the meters had a variation less than 5%. Also, Ascencia also had a variation less than 5% during optimal conditions and a variation of about 5% with diabetics.

The final area of consideration when choosing the right glucose meter is the ease of use. Ease of use is important because you will be using your meter constantly and your meter should be solving your problems, not creating new ones. In this category, I have found that the WaveSense Keynote, Abbott Freestyle, and the Roche Accu-Check are the most convenient and user-friendly meters in the market. All three meters are very compact so that they can fit in the palm of your hand. Each meter also has large and clear numbers to allow easy reading. However, only the WaveSense Keynote and the Abbott Freestyle have a convenient backlight for reading in dim light. Each meter has a sufficient amount of memory to allow navigation through past readings. Only the WaveSense Keynote has a USB port that allows simple connection to a PC to permanently store past information. Sample size is extremely small in all three of these meters, resulting in less pain for the user. Sample time is also a factor; the WaveSense is usually a 1-2 second testing time, although it can be as high as 12 seconds depending on the sample size. The Abbott Freestyle has a 7 second average test time. The Roche Accu-Check has somewhat of a longer testing time at 26 seconds.

Accuracy and consistency are very similar with the WaveSense Keynote, Abbott Freestyle, and the Ascencia. However, I have found that the best meters are the ones that cater to the users themselves. The ease of use is what distinguishes excellent meters from average meters.

The WaveSense Keynote has a number features that no other meter in the market has yet to integrate. One such feature includes a hypo/hyperglycemic alert. It can be easy to misread a number, even for the most experienced diabetics. In the United States, glucose levels are reported in the units of Mg/dl (milligrams per deciliter) while in Europe and Canada, glucose levels are reported in mmol/l (millimoles per liter). There is about an 18 times difference in glucose levels in these different units. A simple hypo/hyperglycemic alert can act as a double-check to make sure you make the correct decision since there have been reported mistakes because of using a non-American meter.

Another unique feature that WaveSense Keynote has is the hematocrit auto correction ability. Hematocrit is the measure of red blood cells per volume of blood. Within everybody's blood, there are not necessarily equal amounts of red blood cells per sample. Using dynamic electrochemistry, a biosensor that no other meter currently has, the WaveSense is able to distinguish when there is a lower or higher hematocrit count in the sample. The hematocrit auto correction feature can identify this problem and adjust its reading to accommodate varying hematocrit. In other words, dynamic electrochemistry reduces the amount of errors your meter takes to accurately measure your blood glucose. It also has a feature that compensates for meal-time averages. Since each body is uniquely different, the glucose increase also may vary from each person. The WaveSense meal-time average displays your average scores before mealtimes. This allows users to think about their daily diet and its direct effect on their blood glucose. I believe this to be essential for all diabetics because it is able to cater to virtually everybody in a personal way. Another unique feature is the double redundant power supply. A double redundant power supply is perhaps the most convenient and life-saving feature. Losing power to your meter can happen virtually anywhere. Having a backup supply gives you that extra time you need to get your reading when all other meters in the market would fail.

Diabetic Foot Care Tips

2007-12-05T03:49:00.001-08:00

Reducing diabetic foot complications is a struggle every diabetic must face in time. Symptoms can vary but the first sign is an elevated temperature in the foot itself. An elevated A1C is a definite predictor of complications are on there way. The higher your A1C the greater the risk as A1C is the indicator over time if your levels are high. Daily tests only indicate that day or particular time what your blood glucose level is and how to correct it. Foot lesions or ulcers can become infected easily and will need antibiotic therapy if they do.

Foot Care Tips

1. Inspect your feet daily or have someone do it for you. Any signs of redness, trauma, skin color change, cracking should be noted and passed on to your diabetes management team. Using a mirror on a handle or the floor will aid in inspecting all parts of the foot.
2. Clips your nails on a weekly basis and clip nails straight across making sure to smooth out all rough edges.
3. Keep your foot skin well hydrated with a good cream or petroleum jelly made for diabetic foot care.
4. When calluses, corns or toe nails become a problem, always consult your doctor or a podiatrist.
5. Always wear shoes or protective slippers on your feet. Even a simple sock will help prevent injury to the foot due to diabetes.
6. Insure your shoes are the right fit and if possible have custom inserts done. This may require special diabetic shoes that have more space inside and are manufactured to not have seams on the inside that may rub and cause blisters.
7. Always have your feet checked at your regular visit to your doctor.

Remember your feet are at risk when your a diabetic and you should be sensible. Wear shoes that are comfortable, no high heals or pointy tipped shoes for you ladies. These are common causes of pain and injury which as a diabetic you cannot afford. Pick shoes with good heel & arch support with a high dome for your toes.

Wear absorbent socks when you take part in activities that make you sweat. Staying in shape is a important factor when you have diabetes. If your in shape you will have an overall easier time managing your blood glucose levels which in turn will make you less symptomatic as a diabetic.

Type 1 Diabetes

2007-12-05T03:48:00.000-08:00

The insulin that produces cells of the pancreas when destroyed is called Type 1 Diabetes. This term was once referred to Juvenile diabetes as it struck people less than twenty years of age. The hormone that will allow glucose to the enter the body cells is the beta cells of the pancreas this produces little or no insulin. The glucose is then used as fuel.

It is believed that Type 1 Diabetes is inherited. Type 1 Diabetes can strike people younger than thirty and can happen quickly and severely.

When a person’s body has inadequate insulin this causes glucose to build up in the blood stream instead of in the cells. When this happens the body is unable to use this glucose for energy, even though there are high levels in the bloodstream, this will cause the patient to become even hungrier.

This also causes the patient to urinate more often than normal, which will cause extreme thirst. In a matter of only five to ten years after being diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes the beta cells that produce insulin are completely destroyed, this makes people with Type 1 Diabetes insulin dependent.

There is no known cause for type 1 diabetes, but it does account for 3% of all the new cases each year. Type 1 diabetes is more common in children than adults and there is an estimated 1 new care per every 7,000 children.

How to Prevent Diabetes with the Right Information

2007-11-27T04:49:00.003-08:00

People who don't have diabetes think that their health is ok. But the way so many people eat, they way they live, and the thoughts they think, puts them at risk for this disease. Eating a diet high in processed foods, high sugar, high in salt, high in fat, and simple carbohydrates increases your chances of Type II Diabetes and especially if you are overweight. Other risk factors for Type II Diabetes are elevated triglyceride, low HDL, and high blood pressure. With the right diabetes information you can prevent diabetes.

It is best to practice diabetes prevention. Here is a start. There are two natural remedies that you can use to reduce your chances of becoming diabetic. One is a mineral and the other is a spice.

First always make sure you are getting magnesium in your food or as a supplement. In a study done by Brigham, 11,000 women were tested for the risk factors discussed above showed that those women that took high levels of magnesium show less diabetic risk factors by 27%. Other long-term studies have also shown the same results.

So you might ask why does magnesium lower diabetic risk factors? Researchers have suggested that magnesium reduces blood pressure, relaxes heart muscles, and controls homocysteine, which is associated with cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Since magnesium is a mineral, It also helps to neutralize toxic material found outside cells in the lymph. This helps cells to function better.

To get more magnesium in your diet eat dark green leafy lettuce, avocados, nuts, and wholes grains. As a supplement, use magnesium gluconate and chelated magnesium 500 mg per day. It is always best to take magnesium with calcium and vitamin D.

Second there is the spice cinnamon. Cinnamon and diabetes has been discussed in a lot of health newsletters. Here is the story on Cinnamon diabetes. There is an extract from cinnamon called Cinnulin PF. This extract works on the cellular level by making the insulin cell receptors more sensitive to insulin by 300%. So why is this important? Well, in diabetes, if the pancreas does not produce enough insulin then not enough insulin cell doors are open so plenty of sugar can go into the cells to lower the blood sugar levels.

In some diabetic cases, the cells become resistant to insulin and don't allow insulin to open cell doors for sugar to enter. This is where Cinnulin PF from cinnamon comes in and makes cells more receptive to insulin.

In one of my other articles, I wrote about a natural product for diabetes called Glucotor 1. Now there is Glucotor 2. Some of the herbs in Glucotor 2 are prickly pear cactus, gymnema sylvestre, fenugreek, cinnulin PF banaba and bitter melon. With the addition of cinnulin PF to Glucotor 2, it is now more powerful than the previous formulation. This product has a good history of lowering blood sugar levels and has many real life testimonials. Using this natural diabetes information you can prevent creating diabetes.

Adding magnesium, cinnulin PF, or Glucotor 2 to your diet will lower your blood sugar levels. It will also provide you with benefits for improving your cardiovascular system. You can supplement with magnesium and with cinnulin PF, which is available as a single extract but if you can find it combines with other herbs, like in Glucotor 2, it will work better in your body.

Preventing Diabetes With Fat? You Must be Nuts!

2007-11-27T04:49:00.001-08:00

Because they at greater risk for heart and heart disease, most people with diabetes are told simply to avoid all foods that are high in fat. As a result, you'll rarely find diabetic diets that include nuts of any kind, not even a lowly spoonful of peanut butter. But all fats are not created equal. New research is showing that nuts which are high in monounsaturated fats and omega-3 fatty acids can help prevent the onset of type-2 diabetes and improve the health of people already with diabetes.

Aren't nuts full of fat?

Nuts are often considered unhealthy foods because 80% of their calories come from fat. But nuts are made up mostly of monounsaturated fats and omega-3 oils which make them more like beans, fruits and vegetables than the heart attack bombs diabetic diets make them out to be. In the Mediterranean Diet, for instance, nuts are considered a healthy source of fat along with olives, fish and vegetables. New research shows that omega-3 fatty acids derived from plant sources can lower the risk of heart attacks by 60%. In another study, individuals who ate nuts just four times a week were also 50% less likely to develop coronary artery disease.

What nuts should I eat?

Nuts high in monounsaturated fats include walnuts, pecans, almonds, pistachios, cashews, hazel nuts and Brazil nuts. Women who ate just 5 ounces a day of these tree nuts were shown to lower their chance of developing type-2 diabetes by 27%. In addition to being an excellent source of plant protein, dietary fiber, antioxidant vitamins, and magnesium, nuts also have a low glycemic index which makes them ideal foods for diabetic diets. Studies have also shown that nuts are helpful in regulating cholesterol and triglycerides to help protect against heart attacks and heart disease.

What about peanuts?

Although peanuts are technically legumes and not nuts, both peanuts and nuts contain many of the same healthy fats, proteins, fiber and antioxidant vitamins. A study of women who ate peanuts or peanut butter five times a week reduced their risk of developing type-2 diabetes by 21%. And if you're worried that eating more nuts will make you gain weight, don't be. A sixteen year study of women who added nuts to their diets showed that the women who ate the most nuts weighed less and had a slightly lower body mass index (BMI) than those who ate less.

So... just eat more nuts?

It's not enough to just add nuts on top of diabetic diets. Good fat or no, nuts can still add extra calories which people with diabetes need to closely monitor. Ideally, nuts or peanut butter should replace red meats and refined grains and carbohydrates like white bread. Diabetes should always be managed with the advice of a physician. Ask your doctor about nuts and other the many other heart-healthy foods of the Mediterranean Diet when exploring the various diabetic diets available to you.

Diabetes Pregnancy Diet For A Healthy Mother And Baby

2007-11-26T04:14:00.001-08:00

High blood sugar developing during pregnancy is called gestational diabetes. Since this type of diabetes may go undetected because of the lack of obvious symptoms, it is typically found during a screening performed between the 24th and 30th weeks of pregnancy. If gestational diabetes is diagnosed, a diabetes pregnancy diet is in order.

A good, balanced diabetes pregnancy diet is important to maintaining the mother's health and helping to insure a complication free pregnancy. This diet by itself is usually enough to control blood sugar, but sometimes insulin injection becomes necessary. Being mindful of the total daily calorie intake, avoiding foods that increase blood sugar, and eating more of the foods which aid in the maintenance of normal blood sugar levels are the backbone of a good diabetes pregnancy diet.

The carbohydrates in the food you eat become glucose in your body. Glucose is a major source of energy. Carbohydrates come from starchy foods such as pasta, bread, potatoes, rice, and other grains. They are also found in fruit, dairy foods, vegetables, and sugar. Eating the right balance of carbohydrates, fat and protein is an essential part of the diet.

Women who are pregnant should get about 45 to 60 percent of their calories from carbohydrates, 15 to 25 percent from protein, and 20 to 30 percent from fat. They also require about 300 extra calories daily in the second and third trimesters to ensure proper weight gain. An additional 10 to 12 grams of protein per day is also required to help the baby grow normally.

A registered dietitian is essential to helping you plan your diabetes pregnancy diet. Your doctor can help you locate one and the American Diabetes Association can also assist you in finding one. Coping with pregnancy is burden enough, but finding out that you have gestational diabetes adds an extra load. But it's important to remember that this form of diabetes usually goes away after the baby is born and the baby is typically not affected by the disease. Just focus on maintaining a healthy blood sugar level, sticking to your diet and following doctor's orders.

The control of blood sugar cannot be overstressed and the diet is the single most important factor in controlling diabetes while pregnant. With the right diabetes pregnancy diet and a good team of diabetes professionals to assist you in avoiding complications, the disease should not harm the mother or child.

Diabetes-Who's In Charge?

2007-11-26T04:13:00.000-08:00

I have seen all too many times where the diabetic patient is waiting for someone to tell him what to do. That is a serious mistake. As a diabetic you need to take control and quickly grab a handle on what is happening. There are a lot of resources out there to help-the ADA, your local hospital, and of course the internet

You need a team of pros working together to provide support and professional advice, but it's up to you to follow through. As they say in the Navy "you have the con" or something like that.

Here are some tips to help you run the ship.

- Make a commitment to managing your diabetes. Learn all you can about your Diabetes. There are tons of resources out there. Ask your health care team for help if your best efforts aren't enough to control your blood sugar.

- Schedule a yearly physical. It's important to have a thorough physical exam every year in addition to your regular diabetes checkups. Check for complications of diabetes and screen for conditions such as cardiovascular and kidney diseases.

- Schedule a yearly eye exam. Make sure your eye care specialist knows you have diabetes. Check for signs of retinal damage and cataracts and test you for glaucoma.

- Take good care of your teeth and gums. People with type 2 diabetes are prone to gum infections. Brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day, and schedule twice-a-year dental cleanings.

- Keep your vaccinations current. Because high blood sugar can weaken your immune system, you may be more likely to get influenza or pneumonia. Get a yearly flu shot and vaccinations for pneumonia and hepatitis B.

- Take care of your feet. Diabetes can damage nerves in your feet, which reduces your ability to feel pain. You may develop a cut or other injury without realizing it. Diabetes reduces blood flow to your feet making it harder for sores to heal. Check your feet every day for blisters, cuts, and bruises, cracked or peeling skin, and redness or swelling.

- Don't smoke. People with diabetes who smoke are three times as likely to die of cardiovascular disease or stroke as are nonsmokers. Smoking also increases the risk of nerve damage and kidney disease. Talk to your doctor about ways to quit smoking.

- Avoid alcohol. Alcohol prevents the release of glucose from your liver and can increase the risk of your blood sugar falling too low. If you drink alcoholic beverages, do so only in moderation.

- Take a daily aspirin. Taking an aspirin every day after age 40 may reduce your risk of heart attack. There are risks too so talk with your doctor to make sure aspirin is safe for you and, if so, which strength you should take.

- Monitor your blood pressure. If you have diabetes, you're twice as likely to develop high blood pressure as you'd be if you didn't have the disease. The risk for blacks and Hispanics is even higher. The combination of diabetes and high blood pressure is serious because both conditions can damage your blood vessels, increasing your risk of heart attack, stroke and other life-threatening conditions.

- Monitor your cholesterol. Unhealthy levels of cholesterol and triglycerides can cause cardiovascular disease in anyone, with type 2 diabetes or without. But as with high blood pressure, the damage is usually worse and more rapid when you have diabetes.

- Learn to manage stress. Constantly dealing with stress can make it more difficult to take care of yourself and manage your diabetes. You may find yourself eating all the wrong foods or forgetting to exercise or take your medications. Prolonged stress can cause your blood sugar levels to rise even if you stick to your diet and medication plan.

Do your best to stay positive. You are in this for the long haul. You need all the help you can get from wherever you can get it. Diabetes is a serious illness, but it can be controlled. If you're willing to do your part, you can continue to enjoy an active and healthy life.

Jack Krohn has had Diabetes, Pre-diabetes and Syndrome X for nearly fifteen years. He speaks from the experiences he has had during that time. He is also a free lance writer-the #1 author of Home Security Articles in the country.

Facts About Diabetes

2007-11-22T21:33:00.001-08:00

Before people develop type 2 diabetes, they almost always have "pre-diabetes" -- blood glucose levels that are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. There are 54 million people in the United States who have pre-diabetes. Recent research has shown that some long-term damage to the body, especially the heart and circulatory system, may already be occurring during pre-diabetes.

The cause of diabetes continues to be a mystery, although both genetics and environmental factors such as obesity and lack of exercise appear to play roles.

There are two major types of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes results from the body's failure to produce insulin, the hormone that "unlocks" the cells of the body, allowing glucose to enter and fuel them. It is estimated that 5-10% of Americans who are diagnosed with diabetes have type 1 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes results from insulin resistance (a condition in which the body fails to properly use insulin), combined with relative insulin deficiency. Most Americans who are diagnosed with diabetes have type 2 diabetes.

There is also pre-diabetes which is a condition that occurs when a person's blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough for a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. There are 54 million Americans who have pre-diabetes, in addition to the 20.8 million with diabetes.

Diabetes symptoms may vary from person to person but most of the time anyone with diabetes will experience some or all of these symptoms. Some symptoms are: going to the restroom more often, staying thirsty, fatigue, blurred vision, stomach pain and occasionally people suffer from weight loss.

Type 1 diabetes is normally only found in children and type 2 diabetes is found mostly in adults but not always. There are some cases where children are being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Some people may be diagnosed with being borderline diabetic, which normally ends up turning into full blown diabetes but not always.

Some of the most important things people with diabetes should know is a healthy, nutritional diet and a regular exercise program can help in treating the disease. Speak with your doctor about what kind of diet you should consider following, along with a moderate exercise program. The doctor or a nutritionist should be able to tell you exactly what kinds of foods you should be avoiding and give you some tips on how much exercise you need every week. Doing this has many health benefits and will also make you feel so much better about yourself.

You should know the truth about some of the most common myths about diabetes. Myth #1 You can catch diabetes from someone else. No. Although we don't know exactly why some people develop diabetes, we know diabetes is not contagious. It can't be caught like a cold or flu. There seems to be some genetic link in diabetes, particularly type 2 diabetes. Lifestyle factors also play a part.

Myth #2 People with diabetes can't eat sweets or chocolate. If eaten as part of a healthy meal plan, or combined with exercise, sweets and desserts can be eaten by people with diabetes. They are no more "off limits" to people with diabetes, than they are to people without diabetes.

Myth #3 Eating too much sugar causes diabetes. No. Diabetes is caused by a combination of genetic and lifestyle factors. However, being overweight does increase your risk for developing type 2 diabetes. If you have a history of diabetes in your family, eating a healthy meal plan and regular exercise are recommended to manage your weight.

Myth #4 People with diabetes should eat special diabetic foods. A healthy meal plan for people with diabetes is the same as that for everyone – low in fat (especially saturated and trans fat), moderate in salt and sugar, with meals based on whole grain foods, vegetables and fruit. Diabetic and "dietetic" versions of sugar-containing foods offer no special benefit. They still raise blood glucose levels, are usually more expensive and can also have a laxative effect if they contain sugar alcohols.

Myth #5 If you have diabetes, you should only eat small amounts of starchy foods, such as bread, potatoes and pasta. Starchy foods are part of a healthy meal plan. What is important is the portion size. Whole grain breads, cereals, pasta, rice and starchy vegetables like potatoes, yams, peas and corn can be included in your meals and snacks. The key is portions. For most people with diabetes, having 3-4 servings of carbohydrate-containing foods is about right. Whole grain starchy foods are also a good source of fiber, which helps keep your gut healthy.

Myth #6 People with diabetes are more likely to get colds and other illnesses. No. You are no more likely to get a cold or another illness if you have diabetes. However, people with diabetes are advised to get flu shots. This is because any infection interferes with your blood glucose management, putting you at risk of high blood glucose levels and, for those with type 1 diabetes, an increased risk of ketoacidosis.

Myth #7 Insulin causes atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and high blood pressure. No, insulin does not cause atherosclerosis. In the laboratory, there is evidence that insulin can initiate some of the early processes associated with atherosclerosis. Therefore, some physicians were fearful that insulin might aggravate the development of high blood pressure and hardening of the arteries. But it doesn't.

Myth #8 Insulin causes weight gain, and because obesity is bad for you, insulin should not be taken. Both the UKPDS (United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study) and the DCCT (Diabetes Control & Complications Trial) have shown that the benefit of glucose management with insulin far outweighs (no pun intended) the risk of weight gain.

Myth #9 Fruit is a healthy food. Therefore, it is ok to eat as much of it as you wish. Fruit is a healthy food. It contains fiber and lots of vitamins and minerals. Because fruit contains carbohydrate, it needs to be included in your meal plan. Talk to your dietitian about the amount, frequency and types of fruits you should eat.

Myth #10 You don't need to change your diabetes regimen unless your A1C is greater than 8 percent. The better your glucose control, the less likely you are to develop complications of diabetes. An A1C in the sevens (7s), however, does not represent good control. The ADA goal is less than 7 percent. The closer your A1C is to the normal range (less than 6 percent), the lower your chances of complications. However, you increase your risk of hypoglycemia, especially if you have type 1 diabetes. Talk with your health care provider about the best goal for you.

There is no cure right now for diabetes but there are several different forms of treatment available for you. Do not give up hope on feeling better and living a long, healthy, happy life. Even if you are one of the many that has been diagnosed with this disease, it does not mean that your life as you know it is over. It simply means you may need medication and you will have to consider certain lifestyle changes that will have an amazing outcome once you have done so. There are many other treatment options that could eventually be available to you but are currently undergoing more detailed research.

The Truth About a Type 1 Diabetic

2007-11-22T21:32:00.000-08:00

The diabetic is something very interesting to decipher. The old quote, "you will never know someone unless the shoe is on the other foot" comes into mind. What IS that diabetic thinking about? Most likely, it's his/her blood sugar. In fact, even though they don't know it, a diabetic is thinking about his blood sugar until he sleeps. Hey, I'm a diabetic and I'm thinking whether I'll go low in my sleep as i type this.

The parents, the relatives, everyone that the diabetic cares about, they will never understand why some of us don't take out blood sugar. Or do the whole "put the code checker's fluid in the strip" trick. Don't worry diabetics. I feel that it is only natural. one can only endure so much until they crumble. It's the way of life.

Most diabetics can handle it. Some of us cannot. But does that make us less of a diabetic than them? I hypothesize as a diabetic that their aren't any bad or good diabetics, more so that there are some diabetics better suited for the fight. The mind of a diabetic is extremely different then one that is not. If someone that was not diabetic someone who was were sitting at the same table with food at sight, the one without diabetes would tear in at will. Us, as a diabetic species, would start calculating(then again, if it was only meat there would be nothing to count). We certainly have to think about food choices.

Then there is the friends, and the parents. I already know that it has happened at least a thousand times. The, "you can't eat that!" or "Won't you die if you eat that?". Oh and this one tickles me. The "That has sugar in it!, and,"No he needs sugar...right?". The doctors and nurses expect for you to be open with your diabetes. Yet there are so many people that are unaware of the condition. And it will tear into a diabetics heart when he/she hears that, or they say such things at outings. Who do we have to blame for it?

So are the expectations of a diabetic too high? What is the truth of a diabetic? This is only one of many views. There may be a diabetic right now saying, "that is not like me. I am responsible diabetic," He/She may test 10 times instead of 6-7, using the pump. keeping up with his numbers and writing them down.

Then there is that diabetic. He isn't keeping up with his numbers too great. But he does take his blood sugar when needed, and takes insulin when administered. He sometimes exercises and keeps up with life. That...would be me! Though the truth of ALL diabetics is unknown, we all know one thing. As such, it isn't proven that there is a perfect being; there is no such thing as a perfect diabetic.

We may be different in thought, eating habits, and of course the fact that our pancreas, doesn't function correctly, but in the end, as diabetics, it has always been our duty to show the world, that you can eat that piece of cake. Or that you can chomp on hard candy. And not because you are low, because you ARE diabetic...and keeping it REAL!

Diabetes in Pregnancy - What To Expect

2007-11-21T02:13:00.002-08:00

Diabetes in pregnancy is known as Gestational Diabetes. It currently affects around 3 percent of pregnant women. Early detection and correct treatment can control the condition and is likely to prevent further problems in the pregnancy.

What Is It?

Gestational Diabetes is where the pregnant woman’s body is not able to produce enough of the hormone Insulin. This means that her body is not able to break down the sugar that she consumes and convert it to energy. Therefore her blood sugar levels will be high and this will be passed on to the baby, which can cause problems.

Who Can Get It?

The pregnant women most likely to be affected will fit the following criteria;
• Overweight
• Age 35 plus
• Family history of diabetes
• Previously given birth to a large baby
• Previously given birth to a baby with an abnormality
• Suffered a stillbirth in late pregnancy

What Are The Symptoms?

Unfortunately the symptoms associated with Gestational Diabetes are common amongst most pregnancies anyway. You are likely to feel the need to urinate more often, will be more thirsty, more hungry and have a craving for sweet things. Most women discover they have it from a routine visit to the doctor where a urine sample will show glucose present in your urine. Gestational Diabetes is usually detected in later pregnancy.

If your urine sample does show glucose is present, this doesn’t necessarily mean you have diabetes. Your doctor may want to repeat the test the following week. If, after two urine samples, your doctor is concerned he will refer you to the hospital for a blood glucose test. You will be advised not to eat anything from 10pm the night before the test. The nurse will take a sample of blood from you and then ask you to drink a very sweet solution. Two hours later she will take another blood sample from you and check your blood sugar levels in comparison to the first blood test. If the levels are above a certain amount this indicates you have diabetes. If this is the case the hospital will probably contact you that day in order to begin your treatment as soon as possible.

I’ve Got It – What Can I Expect?

Firstly – don’t panic! It has been detected so early treatment will most likely prevent any major problems. The hospital will refer you to a Diabetic Nurse who will weigh you, ask you lots of questions about your diet and have a chat with you about how to improve your diet. Depending on the results of your blood test the hospital will most likely try to treat your diabetes by controlling your sugar intake. A diabetic diet closely follows a Low GI diet, which is low in sugar. When buying or preparing food you need to take notice of the Carbohydrate section on the breakdown of nutrients. The bit you are most interested in is ‘Carbohydrates (of which sugars)’; you need to try to keep your carbohydrates down to no more than 5 grams in 100 grams. This is very difficult to do, as even the plainest foods seem to contain sugar. The nurse will provide you with a kit consisting of a blood sugar monitor and a notebook. You will be required to measure your blood sugar before and after each meal to determine how different foods affect your blood sugar levels. This method of monitoring will continue until you give birth, however the nurse will monitor these results to see if further treatment is necessary.

Unfortunately in some pregnant women changing the diet has little or no affect on the blood sugar levels and insulin injections are required. Injecting with insulin is no fun but is necessary if you are to prevent any further problems in your pregnancy. However you must still control your sugar intake. Injections are self administered before meals in the upper thigh.

What Are The Effects Of Diabetes On My Baby?

Babies born to mothers with diabetes are generally larger than average. This can lead to problems with delivery and quite often a caesarean section is necessary.

After the birth there can still be complications for the baby. They are often born with low blood sugar levels and may have to go into the Special Care Unit until their blood sugar levels return to normal. This may involve them having a glucose feed to bring them up to normal levels as quickly as possible.

They may also suffer with jaundice but this isn’t serious and usually rectifies itself within a few weeks without medical intervention.

There is an increased risk that your baby may be born with a congenital defect such as a heart defect or have problems with their lungs. You will have many more ultrasound scans than a normal pregnancy and the hospital will be looking for signs of defects in order to treat them where possible.

Unfortunately there is also the increased risk of stillbirth or death of a newborn however this is rare where glucose levels are well managed.

What Are The Effects Of Diabetes On Me?

After the birth Gestational Diabetes usually completely disappears. However you will be at greater risk of developing it in future pregnancies and also of developing type 2 diabetes in later life.Many women take this as a warning and choose to change their diet and take more exercise in the hope of avoiding type 2 diabetes in later life.

Natural Diabetes Treatment, 2 Secrets!

2007-11-21T02:13:00.001-08:00

Diabetes Diets Are No Different To Regular Healthy Diets

2007-11-13T05:34:00.000-08:00

The bad news for people looking for magical diabetes diets to control their condition is that they don’t really exist. Of course there are diet plans that diabetics can follow to control their weight and blood sugar, but these are nutritionally very similar to the diet that any person should follow to remain healthy. The difference is that diabetes diets are necessary to control a disease that can prove fatal, whereas a similar diet for a non diabetic is only intended to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

- The purpose of diabetes diets

Diabetes diets, or meal plans designed specifically with diabetics in mind, have four main aims. The first of these is to maintain a healthy weight, which makes diabetes easier to control. Two other aims of diabetes diets are to limit the intake of saturated fat, and increase the intake of high fibre foods. The final goal of diabetes diets is to incorporate foods with a low glycaemic index.

- Diabetes diets help to maintain a healthy weight

Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for diabetics as being overweight makes blood sugar much harder to control. This is because excess fat, particularly around the waist, makes it hard for the body to use insulin efficiently. Reducing their weight to a healthy level can benefit diabetics in other ways too. It can reduce their risk of heart disease, improve their mobility, reduce damage to their joints, relieve stress and tiredness and build up their confidence.

- Saturated fat intake is limited in diabetes diets

Saturated fat is the main dietary cause of high blood cholesterol, and diabetics should ensure their diet does not include too much saturated fat or their bodies will not be able to use insulin efficiently. The main sources of saturated fats are animal, and some plant products.

- Saturated-fat containing animal products to avoid include:

• Beef and beef fat

• Veal lamb and pork

• Lard

• Poultry fat

• Cream, milk, butter and cheese

- Saturated-fat containing plant products to avoid include:

• Coconut and coconut oil

• Palm oil and palm kernel oil

• Cocoa butter

- Diabetes diets are high in fibre

Diabetics should include high fibre foods in their diets. These types of food release sugar more slowly into the blood stream, making blood sugar levels easier to control. The amount of fibre in foods such as cereals often depends very much on how much the food has been processed. Fibre, as well as vitamins and minerals are lost when the outer layer of the grain is stripped away, so as a rule unprocessed foods are a healthier, higher fibre option.

- The following foods are all good sources of dietary fibre to be included in diabetes diets:

• Wholemeal and granary breads

• Wholemeal flour

• Wholegrain breakfast cereals such as bran flakes

• Wholemeal pasta and brown rice

• Fresh fruit and vegetables, especially when skins are eaten as well

• Potatoes cooked in their skins

• Nuts and seeds

• Beans, peas and lentils

- Low glycaemic index foods should form part of diabetes diets

The fourth aim of diabetes diets is to eat foods that have a low glycaemic index. Generally people who eat foods with a low glycaemic index have lower total body fat levels, and these foods have a reduced impact on blood sugar levels so they make diabetes easier to control. The types of foods with a low glycaemic index include fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lisa_Janse

Cinnamon And Diabetes - Complete Information About Cinnamon And Diabetes

2007-11-13T05:33:00.000-08:00

What is cinnamon?

A tropical Asian tree Ceylon cinnamon is the source of cinnamon. It is used as a spice worldwide. Usually found in countries like India and Sri Lanka. Cinnamon is used as a cure for diabetes by many people.

Cinnamon is said to be valuable in the management of serum blood sugar levels and cholesterol. Cinnamon is valuable for patients of Diabetes type 2 only. It does not have value fo patients of diabetes type 1. Cinnamon produce some significant reductions in blood sugar levels and lower levels of LDL lipoproteins if taken in daily. There are many theories which say that cinnamon helps maintain blood sugar.

Why cinnamon and diabetes?

When cells stop sensing insulin or rather loose their sensitivity to insulin, type 2 diabetes develops in the person's body. It is usually believed that cinnamon makes body cells sensitive to insulin. So you get that? That is why 'Cinnamon and diabetes' still remains subject to more research and analysis.

There have been various researches and analysis' done on cinnamon and diabetes topic. Some of them indicate that if people suffering diabetes 2 are given cinnamon to eat in their daily diet, it will reduce risk factors associated with diabetes and cardiovascular diseases for them.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kris_Malviya

DKA - Diabetic Ketoacidosis

2007-10-31T00:25:00.002-07:00

You don't understand why you are losing weight so quickly, you skin is always hot to the touch and dry to the point its is scaly or flaky. Maybe you have noticed your hear start racing for no understandable reason?

If you are diabetic there is a pretty good chance you are in DKA or Diabetic Ketoacidosis. Other symptoms will include unquenchable thirst, very strong odor when you urinate and frequent urination. and a fruity odor to your breathe. You need to seek medical attention right away and here is what has happened.

With diabetics it is not uncommon for the pancreas to still be creating insulin but not enough to fuel the cells in your body. Over time the pancreas may reduce the insulin it creates or stop making it all together. Either this has occurred or you have not been watching your diet and taking your medications properly.

In either case the body do not have enough insulin to break down sugars and feed the cells. Your body send out a signal that the cells are getting fed to create the energy your body needs. The liver kick off a release of sugar because the body does not know the sugar is there it just knows it needs more for the cells. This creates the frequent urination and dry mouth as your body is dehydrating.

Still the cells are not getting the fuel they need to energize your body. As a final defense mechanism your body will start taking stored fat deposits and breaking them down into fuel for the cells to keep going. You will notice it over a very short period of time with rapid weight loss.

When I slipped into DKA I lost 50 pounds over a 3 week period of time. My body was a skeleton and you could see the bones in my face, my back, my rib cage, basically everywhere. All the fat had been converted to fuel and my body was in critical mode. The final stage for me was a rapid heart beat that would not go away and a trip to the emergency room where I stayed in the hospital for a week to stabilize my blood sugar and adjust medication to get me back on track.

There is one thing you can do to prevent slipping in to DKA. Test your blood sugar and test it often. As diabetics we all know we need to test but almost all new diabetics go through a phase where you start to get comfortable with your diet and medication. We start feeling pretty good for long periods of time and our tests stay in range.

Without fail we start reducing the amount of testing we do until it's only once in awhile. High blood sugar is a silent killer because it damages the body over long periods of time and if a diabetic is not paying attention and testing on a regular basis the damage can be done without even knowing it has occurred.

The best thing about my stay in the hospital with DKA was the fantastic diabetes education I received and understanding that it does not matter if my blood sugar levels stay in range for years, diabetes is a constantly changing disease and I must continue to test every single day.

After I got out of the hospital everyone wanted to know what had happened and when I said I had DKA you know what question I got? What is DKA? Well now you know a little about it and if you or anyone you know is displaying the symptoms above please get to the doctor or hospital. your life could truly depend upon it.

If you are a diabetic or you know one, it is important that you receive some diabetic help in the way of education. There are many things that can happen and we have to be prepared for them and work towards preventive measures.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_Phipps

Diabetes Continuing Education - Vital In Management Of The Disease

2007-10-31T00:25:00.001-07:00

Dealing with diabetes is a lifelong commitment that involves major changes in one's lifestyle. The knowledge about this disease is pretty much incomplete, new things come up rather so quickly in the prevention and treatment of diabetes. It is therefore highly important for a diabetic or people who live with diabetics to undergo diabetes continuing education to be informed and be aware of the dynamics of this serious illness.

Thanks to the worldwide campaign regarding diabetes, awareness of the disease has increased immensely over the past few years. Unfortunately, there is still no established cure for diabetes. What people who are afflicted with the condition can do, however, is to manage the disease especially with the great advancements that have been witnessed with the care and treatment of diabetics.

Management of diabetes primarily involves learning how to cope with this disease in daily life not only for the sufferer but for people close to him or her as well. It is a continuing task that greatly affects a lifetime. Therefore diabetics and their families are in great need of being up to date with the latest information.

Where to Get Diabetes Continuing Education

People now are gaining better and better access to information from many sources. However, the most important source of diabetes continuing education is the diabetic's doctor. Normally a diabetes specialist is someone who is certified by the board in endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism. Such specialists are the foremost sources of information about diabetes as they have been trained to zero in on the disease. The diabetes specialist would provide the essential general instructions on how to manage the disease.

Apart from managing the disease itself, a diabetic should also know how to manage specific conditions that may develop because of and together with diabetes.

There are various professionals who can provide specific education - these may include general practitioners, internists, allopathic physicians, certified nurses, geriatric medicine specialists, vascular surgeons, urologists, transplant surgeons, nutritionists or registered dietitians, prosthetists, preventive medicine specialists, podiatrists, pediatricians, osteopathic physicians, optometrists, ophthalmologists, and nursing practitioners.

These professionals may address specific concerns about diabetes, which may be essential for the success of the diabetes continuing education.

What Should Diabetes Continuing Education Cover

The primary concern of diabetic patients is managing blood glucose levels. This concerns the patient's medication, diet, lifestyle, weight maintenance, and physical activity. A good diabetes information program should cover these aspects of diabetes management.

Diabetes management is something that is not easily done without the help of medication. Depending on the severity of the illness, a patient might need to take some pills or even some regular insulin shots to normalize their glucose levels. Proper diabetes education should lead patients into the right medical care and at the same time, steer them away from medications that may cause more harm than good.

Learning About Diets

Medication alone will not manage diabetes well, changes in diet would have to be made. Some people might cringe at the sound of diet, but it may actually be easier than most people think. As most people know, the diabetic's diet would entail the reduction of intake of sugary items. But apart from restrictions, it also involves the introduction of healthy foods such as vegetables, non-sugary fruits, lean meats and whole grains. These are important parts of diabetes continuing education.

Lifestyle Changes

Apart from medication and diet, the diabetic patient should also make some modifications with lifestyle. Diabetes can greatly affect one's daily life and it is important to know how to cope with daily living with the disease at hand. Diabetics are known to have unpredictable energy levels and this can greatly affect the their work, physical endurance, abilities, and sexual performance. A good diabetes continuing education should instruct the patient how to deal with different life situations knowing that the disease might have some effect on them.

Physical Exercise

Maintaining a healthy weight and engaging in regular physical activity are also important in managing diabetes. Obesity has been seen to be strongly linked to diabetes and related conditions and it important for a diabetic to maintain normal weight. Physical activity is essential for maintaining healthy weight and also for regulating blood sugar. A diabetes information program should help patients understand these important matters and how to bring them about.

Diabetes continuing education is necessary for diabetics to be able to cope up with life despite their disease. Fortunately, good education can now be obtained through various channels. It is only up to the diabetic patient to take advantage of these channels to know the important matters regarding this disease.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Flor_Serquina

Diabetic Diets and Wine - Raising a Glass to the Mediterranean Diet

2007-10-27T05:17:00.001-07:00

The people of the Mediterranean have long maintained that wine is essential to good health. New research is lending credence to this belief. A large-scale study showed that over 40,000 people following a traditional Mediterranean Diet which included 1-2 glasses of wine per day were 30% less likely to die of cardiovascular disease than those who followed more typical western diets. In short, wine appears to work with rather than against the other healthy foods and eating habits of the Mediterranean Diet.

For most people on diabetic diets, however, the simple pleasure of a glass of wine or beer with dinner is a thing of the past. The belief is that the sugars in many alcoholic beverages can spike blood-glucose to dangerous levels. While this is true for many sweet and high-carbohydrate drinks, recent studies show that dry wines can actually reduce blood glucose levels, improve insulin resistance and dramatically lower the risk of coronary artery disease and other heart problems for people with diabetes.

Does wine spike blood sugar?

Because high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) is a characteristic of diabetes, diabetic diets are primarily concerned with stabilizing blood glucose levels. Recent studies have shown that moderate consumption of wine, however, can actually help lower blood sugar. Because of their high sugar content, however, sweet wines should be avoided in favor of dry ones. Some low-carbohydrate beers may also be safely added to diabetic diets. Furthermore, women who drank small amounts of alcohol also lowered their peak levels of insulin. This is a significant benefit to people with diabetes since high peak levels of insulin are known to increase blood fat and cholesterol and increase the risk of heart attacks.

Does wine lower cholesterol?

Many studies have shown that alcohol has a profound effect on regulating cholesterol and protecting the body against heart attacks, coronary heart disease, atherosclerosis and other heart complications. This effect appears even greater in people with diabetes. A recent study showed that people with diabetes who drank a moderate amount of alcohol daily reduced their risk of coronary heart disease by 60% compared to a 40% reduction in people without diabetes. This is because alcohol helps increase the levels of "good" HDL-cholesterol in the body. What's more, the flavonoids found in red wine inhibit the oxidation of "bad" LDL-cholesterol which causes fatty buildup in the arteries (atherosclerosis).

How much wine should I drink?

Adding 1-2 glasses of wine per day to diabetic diets is enough to gain the health benefits outlined above. Care should be taken not to overdo it, however, as over consumption of alcohol can lead to other health risks and actually worsen diabetic symptoms. Diabetes should always be managed with the advice and care of a trained medical professional. Consider the heart-healthy benefits of wine and other foods in the Mediterranean Diet when exploring the various diabetic diets available to you.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Fenwick

Managing Diabetes - A Life Altering Experience

2007-10-27T05:16:00.000-07:00

The symptoms, the diagnoses and managing diabetes.

Fast food, sweets, soda, you name it I ate it. For the first 38 years of my life I consumed enough sugar for 10 people and then it happened. I knew something was wrong but I could not figure out what was happening.

I was tired all the time and so dehydrated I constantly felt like I had walked for days through the desert with nothing to drink. I was tired and just wanted to sleep. My vision got blurred and I mean so blurred I could not make out facial features on people standing in front of me. Luckily for me my sister worked in the medical field and happened to be talking to a nurse about me one day and told her of my symptoms. The nurse looked at her and said "Tell him to get to a doctor right now, he has diabetes. Sure enough I went to the doctor and explained how I had been feeling.

The first thing the doctor did was take a blood sugar. My glucose level was 480 and so the fun began. The doctor gave me a test meter, some lancets and test strips, showed me how to use them and directed me to start testing four times a day immediately and write down my test results in a notebook.

We started off on Metformin two times a day and made immediate changes to my diet. I tested when I woke in the morning, two hours after each meal and right before bed. Slowly over the next two weeks we modified the pills and adjusted my diet until my glucose levels started to level off in the proper range.

So started my experience with managing diabetes. It is an education of a lifetime and one that determines the course of the rest of my life. You earn what you can eat and when to eat it. How to pay attention to what your body is telling you because it will let you know what is going on all the time.

The interesting thing with people managing diabetes is you learn to become very in tune with your body and you notice things that most people would not even notice. The slightest shaking of the hands or being more tired than you normally would for no apparent reason. Managing diabetes requires a life long commitment and ultimate it determines how long that life time will last.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_Phipps

Can Chromium Really Stimulate The Pancreas To Produce Insulin

2007-10-25T03:02:00.003-07:00

This is one you do not hear about very often. Why is it that more is not said about chromium? With all that it is capable of doing,it appears to me that diabetics everywhere should know about it. Diabetes is one first class headache. Especially in America these days. The central focus appears to have been shifted from a cure, but is centered on sustaining life while living with the sickness

Once it was considered to be a sickness for older people but that has changed with our eating habits. Chromium is a trace mineral important in the maintenance of normal blood sugar levels. Good also for the transport of sugar to muscle cells for metabolism.

Why is it we are not scratching and clawing our way to the stores looking for chromium? With something like this at our disposal I think the shelves in stores should be empty. Chromium improves the function of insulin, the pancreatic hormone responsible for the regulation of sugar. Two hundred micrograms a day works wonders if you are diabetic.

Chromium has been shown to lower total cholesterol levels but raises HDL...the good cholesterol. It has the ability also to help in weight loss. I would advise if you are diabetic to take more than the usual dose per day. The increase in dose for diabetics is because they resist the effects of chromium. But now you must be thinking: What is chromium?

Chromium is a substance manufactured by the body to regulate sugar metabolism. Get up,get dressed and get right to the store. It may not be any chromium left when you get there. Minerals from the garden play a mighty important factor in keeping us healthy. It is not easy to understand why we got away from them,but for what ever reason we left,it is very easy to get back to them.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ollie_Rush

Cell Therapies And Diabetes

2007-10-25T03:02:00.001-07:00

Type 1 diabetes is caused by autoimmune destruction of pancreatic stem cells and is characterized by absolute insulin insufficiency. The monocellular nature of this disease and endocrine action of insulin make this disease an excellent candidate for cellular therapy. Furthermore, precedent for cellular therapies has been set by successful cadaveric whole pancreas and islet transplantation. In order to expand the supply of cells to meet current and future needs, several novel cell sources have been proposed, including human stem cells or islets expanded in culture, islet xenografts and pancreatic ductal progenitor cells. Surrogate stem cells derived from hepatocytes, intestinal K cells or non-endodermal cell types have also been suggested. Stem cells found in bone marrow and umbilical cord blood have been used extensively to repopulate the haematopoietic system and offer the possibility of autologous transplantation.

Recent studies have suggested that these stem cells may also have a broader capacity to differentiate, possibly into other cells.

Stem cells from embryonic sources, such as human embryonic stem and embryonic germ cells, have the ability to proliferate extensively in culture and have an inherent developmental plasticity that may make them a potentially unlimited source of cells that can sense glucose and produce mature insulin. The wide range of proposed cell sources and our increasingly clear picture of pancreatic development suggest that novel cellular therapies might one day compete with non-cellular glucose sensing and insulin delivery devices.

The current best medical practice for those with type 1 diabetes includes insulin by multiple daily injections or continuous pump infusion. Recently developed insulin analogues have helped to more closely approximate normal glucose homeostasis and have been especially beneficial in reducing hypoglycaemia while tightly controlling blood glucose. Glargine insulin provides nearly twenty four hours of low level basal insulin activity, while meal-time peaks in activity can be mimicked by administration of rapid acting insulin can be paused to avert hypoglycaemia.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Wayne_Channon

What Are Normal Blood Glucose And Blood Sugar Levels

2007-10-15T02:38:00.001-07:00

Recent Discovery A Breakthrough For Texans Concerned About Diabetes?

2007-10-15T02:37:00.000-07:00

British researchers believe they may have found a molecule that can “taste sweets.” This breakthrough could lead to better lines of treatment for the hundreds of thousands of diabetics who live in Dallas, Houston, Austin and elsewhere in the state of Texas.

You could call it a “gut feeling”, but scientists carrying out research into diabetes say they have found that a sweet taste receptor, one which senses sugar and sweeteners, is not only present in the human tongue, but also in the human intestine.

Now these researchers are trying to harness its power and utilize it like a “dimmer switch.” These researchers believe this finding could lead to improved treatment for diabetes, which causes blood sugar levels to become chronically higher than normal.

Professor Soraya Shirazi-Beechey, from the University of Liverpool’s Faculty of Veterinary Science, announced the molecule’s discovery in the intestine.

Shirazi-Beechey said that the researchers found that the sweet taste receptor and the taste protein, which is called gustducin, are present as taste cells in the intestines. These sweet sensing proteins allow both humans and animals to detect sugar or glucose within the intestine.

The doctor explains, “We discovered that mice missing the gene for either of these proteins were unable to process the production of the intestinal sugar and were therefore unable to regulate the intestinal capacity to absorb dietary sugars.”

This is a critical breakthrough because the molecule determines how much sugar the human body absorbs. If scientists can discover how to manipulate this “sweet tasting” molecule, then they can control how much sugar is absorbed by the intestine. “Once it identifies the sweets, it sends signals to another molecule that regulates the levels of sugar taken into the body,” she said. “For example, with a dimmer switch you can control the level of light in the room. That’s what we are trying to do. We are trying to control the switch, the molecule, to increase or decrease the amount of sugar that is absorbed by the body.”

Shirazi-Beechey adds that those who use an artificial sweetener and think they are going to lose weight are sorely mistaken. “Surprisingly we also found that the receptor was able to detect artificial sweeteners in foods and drinks resulting in increased capacity of the intestine to absorb dietary sugars, which would explain why these sweeteners are unsuccessful at helping people lose weight,” she explained.

Prof Shirazi-Beechey and her team are currently working on a food supplement that may be able to control the molecule. Tests are being carried out on mice with the study is still in its early stages.

Scientists are also reporting that, besides a possible cure for diabetes, the ability to control this molecule can help those with obesity. As a side note for horse racing fans, it could help racehorses retain a high level of sugar to sustain them for long races.

Even with the number of medical breakthroughs each year, it is important to mind your health when you’re young. If you’re a young individual who tries to keep informed and maintain a healthy condition and lifestyle, you should take a look at the revolutionary, comprehensive and highly-affordable individual health insurance solutions created by Precedent specifically for you. Visit our website, www.precedent.com, for more information. We offer a unique and innovative suite of individual health insurance solutions, including highly-competitive HSA-qualified plans, and an unparalleled "real time" application and acceptance experience.

Natural Cure - Diabetes

2007-10-11T00:12:00.001-07:00

Natural Cure: Diabetes REVEALED!

This is a debilitating disease, for which many are desperate to find relief and even a natural cure for diabetes. It's a metabolic condition, which usually is associated with high blood sugar (hyperglycemia).

There are two types of diabetes, which are not associated with pregnancy: Type 1 and Type 2.

Both occur when the pancreas, the body's insulin factory, stops functioning as efficiently as it is supposed to. Type 1 is the result of hereditary predispositions. Type 2 is generally caused by inappropriate eating and an absence or shortage of exercise.

Unfortunately, Type 1 cannot be prevented, as you can't change your genes. Type 2 can be avoided, and both can be treated and even cured naturally. Many need an insulin injections or tablets to control their sugar levels. Diet is the most essential factor to the prevention of Type 2 and the treatment of both types!

Here is how:

1) You should exercise at least 2.5 hrs per week. Brisk walking or a couple of trips to the gym weekly should suffice.

2) You should eat a well balanced meals, including fruits and vegetables, low in fat, and high in fiber and whole grains.

3) You should minimize the amount of sugar you consume. A common misconception that to prevent diabetes you have to eliminate sugar completely. This is not the case.

4) You should drink plenty of water. You're made mostly of water, so it's critical that you continuously replenish and clean the water that's in you.

5) You have to maintain a healthy body weight. The steps above with help with this.

6) You must STOP SMOKING! Smoking cause and augments problems in some many areas of the body.

Diabetes Dry Skin

2007-10-11T00:11:00.000-07:00

Diabetes is a medical condition characterized by the body's failure to produce or properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that participates in breaking down food into energy for the body to use. Diabetes is identified by a sudden increase in fatigue, irritability, a sharp loss in weight, and dry skin conditions. The body's failure to produce insulin is identified as Type I diabetes, while the failure to properly use insulin is identified as Type II diabetes. Of the two, Type I diabetes is more severe and requires much more attention.

A person with diabetes has a blood glucose level that fluctuates. A diabetic's blood glucose level increases and nerve sensitivity decreases, and the body loses fluids. The person also fails to sweat sufficiently when needed. This results in a drying effect on the skin, particularly in the legs, feet, and elbows. Diabetes dry skin is more serious than ordinary dry skin because of the increased likelihood of infection and disease.

People with diabetes experience more frequent and severe dry skin symptoms and complications. Diabetes also causes a decrease in nerve sensitivity at the extremities. Due to the decreased sensitivity, it is often difficult to notice skin conditions until the problems have escalated to a more serious degree. A common example of this would be the cracking of dry skin at the soles of a diabetic's foot. The diabetic might not be aware of the dry skin and leaves it untreated for some time. After a while, the dry skin becomes so severe that cracks appear in the skin. Germs may then seep into the wound and, fed by the diabetic's high levels of blood glucose, multiply quickly. The wound becomes infected and may lead to gangrene, which may require amputation to address.

The poor blood flow in the body of a person with diabetes may also slow the healing process, allowing the wound to gradually get worse.

In addition to dry skin, other skin problems may accompany diabetes. These include the following:

1. Necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum ("NLD") is a rash that occurs on the lower legs. It is more common in women, and there are usually several spots. They are slightly raised shiny red-brown patches. The centers are often yellowish and may develop open sores that are slow to heal.

2. Diabetic dermopathy is a skin condition characterized by light brown or reddish, oval or round, slightly indented scaly patches most often appearing on the shins. It has been found to occur in up to 30% of patients with diabetes.

3. Bullosis diabeticorum are small to large blisters that develop underneath the skin and may rupture. While they are sometimes quite large, they are usually painless. There is no treatment and the blisters heal on their own, usually within three to four weeks and tend to leave no scars.

4. Acanthosis nigricans causes velvety dark brown to black lesions on the skin, usually on the neck, under the arms or in the groin. It is more common among Hispanics and African Americans, and is often associated with being overweight.

In addition to all medication and practices suggested by doctors, treatment of diabetes dry skin involves a few simple self-care measures. For instance, including more fish in the diet will provide your body with high-quality oils such as Omega-3, which will help your skin retain moisture and make it look younger. If you can't eat fish, you can try fish oil capsules from the local drugstore.

Drinking lots of fluids are also important to replenish the moisture lost during the day. Replenishing your thirsty dry skin is important, and while more trips to the restroom may be in order, the benefits of having healthy skin and more energy even with diabetes will outweigh the inconveniences.

Use lukewarm water when bathing or showering in lieu of hot water, as hot water tends to sap moisture and cause dry skin. Use a mild soap or shower moisturizer, and rinse and pat-dry yourself thoroughly. Use a moisturizer or shielding lotion immediately after pat-drying, while your skin is still damp, to trap the moisture in your skin. Make the switch to all-cotton underwear, since it allows air to move around your body better than synthetic materials.

If you feel you have diabetes or are not entirely sure, it would help to pay a visit to your doctor. Your doctor will conduct a physical exam and ask about your medical history. If diagnostic tests reveal that your dry skin is the result of diabetes, he may suggest treatments and refer you to a more qualified dermatologist.

Natural Diabetes Treatment, 2 Secrets!

2007-10-10T04:16:00.000-07:00

There are many studies showing that natural diabetes treatment from herbs, oils and their by-product are very effective in maintaining healthy blood sugar levels and controlling the effects of diabetes. This is not to say that one should stop consulting their medical practitioner. In fact consulting your doctor and exploring a natural cure for diabetes should not be mutually exclusive, both options should be followed in tandem.

Before medicines, diabetes was always treated by natural means. However, the need for speed and immediate gratification has allowed for medical science to speed the process up with medicine.

In 90% of the cases, diet and nutritional balance can prevent diabetes, and the right food and nutrients has also shown to cure diabetes, or should I say reverse the effect of diabetes on the body.

There are 2 secret natural diabetes treatment , while these may be known to some, to some they are new, and therefore secret.

A. Blood Cleansing - included in a good herbal total body cleanse.

Our bodies are bombarded with toxins on a daily basis, not to mention our entire lives. We should from time to time undergo a complete body detoxification, especially a blood detoxification. In fact, I personally undergo a complete body detoxification annually, and I remain on a smooth colon cleanse system continuously. This process is important to rid the body of all the bad food we have ingested, and the effects on the environment on our aging bodies. The blood cleanse usually incorporated in a total body cleanse will in fact rid the blood of toxins which are contributing to elevated blood sugar.

B. Flaxseed Oil and Omega-3 Flaxseed Oil and Cottage cheese mixed together and in a small protein shake can reduce the effects of diabetes. Incidentally while this has been promoted as a natural cure for cancer, I have had people tell me that it has worked for them and reverse the effects of their diabetes, so much so they hail it as a natural cure for diabetes. Fish oil is also rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, which a beneficial in fighting against cardiovascular disease and other complications related to diabetes.

Many Natural Diabetes treatment are found in herbs. Many herbs have always been used in the treatment of the disease. However, as is well known, herbs work but for them to do so effectively they have to be taken consistently. This should ot be a problem, because herbs are foods from mother nature and therefore as a proposed natural cure for diabetes, the positive results with be long term and sustained. Some herbs, such as ginkgo biloba, cinnamon, garlic, onion, barberry , burdock root are all effective as a natural diabetes treatment. Night time teas before bed with some of these herbs will promote regular sugar levels the next morning.

Finally, ultimately the best form of diabetes cure and relief is the reduction of sugar intake. Sugar is in all food we eat and if you are diabetic you must have already been advise of what foods to stay way from. If you are not sure which foods to stay away , we can guide you.There are many studies showing that natural diabetes treatment from herbs, oils and their by-product are very effective in maintaining healthy blood sugar levels and controlling the effects of diabetes. This is not to say that one should stop consulting their medical practitioner. In fact consulting your doctor and exploring a natural cure for diabetes should not be mutually exclusive, both options should be followed in tandem.

Before medicines, diabetes was always treated by natural means. However, the need for speed and immediate gratification has allowed for medical science to speed the process up with medicine.

In 90% of the cases, diet and nutritional balance can prevent diabetes, and the right food and nutrients has also shown to cure diabetes, or should I say reverse the effect of diabetes on the body.

There are 2 secret natural diabetes treatment , while these may be known to some, to some they are new, and therefore secret.

A. Blood Cleansing - included in a good herbal total body cleanse.

Our bodies are bombarded with toxins on a daily basis, not to mention our entire lives. We should from time to time undergo a complete body detoxification, especially a blood detoxification. In fact, I personally undergo a complete body detoxification annually, and I remain on a smooth colon cleanse system continuously. This process is important to rid the body of all the bad food we have ingested, and the effects on the environment on our aging bodies. The blood cleanse usually incorporated in a total body cleanse will in fact rid the blood of toxins which are contributing to elevated blood sugar.

B. Flaxseed Oil and Omega-3 Flaxseed Oil and Cottage cheese mixed together and in a small protein shake can reduce the effects of diabetes. Incidentally while this has been promoted as a natural cure for cancer, I have had people tell me that it has worked for them and reverse the effects of their diabetes, so much so they hail it as a natural cure for diabetes. Fish oil is also rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, which a beneficial in fighting against cardiovascular disease and other complications related to diabetes.

Many Natural Diabetes treatment are found in herbs. Many herbs have always been used in the treatment of the disease. However, as is well known, herbs work but for them to do so effectively they have to be taken consistently. This should ot be a problem, because herbs are foods from mother nature and therefore as a proposed natural cure for diabetes, the positive results with be long term and sustained. Some herbs, such as ginkgo biloba, cinnamon, garlic, onion, barberry , burdock root are all effective as a natural diabetes treatment. Night time teas before bed with some of these herbs will promote regular sugar levels the next morning.

Finally, ultimately the best form of diabetes cure and relief is the reduction of sugar intake. Sugar is in all food we eat and if you are diabetic you must have already been advise of what foods to stay way from. If you are not sure which foods to stay away , we can guide you.There are many studies showing that natural diabetes treatment from herbs, oils and their by-product are very effective in maintaining healthy blood sugar levels and controlling the effects of diabetes. This is not to say that one should stop consulting their medical practitioner. In fact consulting your doctor and exploring a natural cure for diabetes should not be mutually exclusive, both options should be followed in tandem.

Before medicines, diabetes was always treated by natural means. However, the need for speed and immediate gratification has allowed for medical science to speed the process up with medicine.

In 90% of the cases, diet and nutritional balance can prevent diabetes, and the right food and nutrients has also shown to cure diabetes, or should I say reverse the effect of diabetes on the body.

There are 2 secret natural diabetes treatment , while these may be known to some, to some they are new, and therefore secret.

A. Blood Cleansing - included in a good herbal total body cleanse.

Our bodies are bombarded with toxins on a daily basis, not to mention our entire lives. We should from time to time undergo a complete body detoxification, especially a blood detoxification. In fact, I personally undergo a complete body detoxification annually, and I remain on a smooth colon cleanse system continuously. This process is important to rid the body of all the bad food we have ingested, and the effects on the environment on our aging bodies. The blood cleanse usually incorporated in a total body cleanse will in fact rid the blood of toxins which are contributing to elevated blood sugar.

B. Flaxseed Oil and Omega-3 Flaxseed Oil and Cottage cheese mixed together and in a small protein shake can reduce the effects of diabetes. Incidentally while this has been promoted as a natural cure for cancer, I have had people tell me that it has worked for them and reverse the effects of their diabetes, so much so they hail it as a natural cure for diabetes. Fish oil is also rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, which a beneficial in fighting against cardiovascular disease and other complications related to diabetes.

Many Natural Diabetes treatment are found in herbs. Many herbs have always been used in the treatment of the disease. However, as is well known, herbs work but for them to do so effectively they have to be taken consistently. This should ot be a problem, because herbs are foods from mother nature and therefore as a proposed natural cure for diabetes, the positive results with be long term and sustained. Some herbs, such as ginkgo biloba, cinnamon, garlic, onion, barberry , burdock root are all effective as a natural diabetes treatment. Night time teas before bed with some of these herbs will promote regular sugar levels the next morning.

Finally, ultimately the best form of diabetes cure and relief is the reduction of sugar intake. Sugar is in all food we eat and if you are diabetic you must have already been advise of what foods to stay way from. If you are not sure which foods to stay away , we can guide you.There are many studies showing that natural diabetes treatment from herbs, oils and their by-product are very effective in maintaining healthy blood sugar levels and controlling the effects of diabetes. This is not to say that one should stop consulting their medical practitioner. In fact consulting your doctor and exploring a natural cure for diabetes should not be mutually exclusive, both options should be followed in tandem.

Before medicines, diabetes was always treated by natural means. However, the need for speed and immediate gratification has allowed for medical science to speed the process up with medicine.

In 90% of the cases, diet and nutritional balance can prevent diabetes, and the right food and nutrients has also shown to cure diabetes, or should I say reverse the effect of diabetes on the body.

There are 2 secret natural diabetes treatment , while these may be known to some, to some they are new, and therefore secret.

A. Blood Cleansing - included in a good herbal total body cleanse.

Our bodies are bombarded with toxins on a daily basis, not to mention our entire lives. We should from time to time undergo a complete body detoxification, especially a blood detoxification. In fact, I personally undergo a complete body detoxification annually, and I remain on a smooth colon cleanse system continuously. This process is important to rid the body of all the bad food we have ingested, and the effects on the environment on our aging bodies. The blood cleanse usually incorporated in a total body cleanse will in fact rid the blood of toxins which are contributing to elevated blood sugar.

B. Flaxseed Oil and Omega-3 Flaxseed Oil and Cottage cheese mixed together and in a small protein shake can reduce the effects of diabetes. Incidentally while this has been promoted as a natural cure for cancer, I have had people tell me that it has worked for them and reverse the effects of their diabetes, so much so they hail it as a natural cure for diabetes. Fish oil is also rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, which a beneficial in fighting against cardiovascular disease and other complications related to diabetes.

Many Natural Diabetes treatment are found in herbs. Many herbs have always been used in the treatment of the disease. However, as is well known, herbs work but for them to do so effectively they have to be taken consistently. This should ot be a problem, because herbs are foods from mother nature and therefore as a proposed natural cure for diabetes, the positive results with be long term and sustained. Some herbs, such as ginkgo biloba, cinnamon, garlic, onion, barberry , burdock root are all effective as a natural diabetes treatment. Night time teas before bed with some of these herbs will promote regular sugar levels the next morning.

Finally, ultimately the best form of diabetes cure and relief is the reduction of sugar intake. Sugar is in all food we eat and if you are diabetic you must have already been advise of what foods to stay way from. If you are not sure which foods to stay away , we can guide you.

Hair Loss With Diabetes

2007-10-10T04:14:00.000-07:00

Diabetes is a disease that strikes more and more people every day. Most people do not realize that thinning of the hair or hair loss is one of the early symptoms of diabetes. With early detection and treatment, hair loss as well as other complications can be avoided. There are many factors leading to the development of diabetes, including stress. Diabetes affects the body on every level and can cause excessive anxiety which is a well known contributor to hair loss.

Diabetes occurs when the body is unable to produce enough insulin to help the body metabolize carbohydrate. One issue face by individuals with diabetes is the increased potential for problems with their skin. This is due to poor blood circulation and elevated blood sugar levels. They are more susceptible bruising and injuries that are difficult to heal. The recovery rate for diabetics tends to be slow including hair re-growth. This in turn leads to a noticeable hair loss. In addition, diabetics are susceptible bacterial and fungal infections of the scalp which can promote hair loss as well.

Type 1 diabetes is classified as an autoimmune disease and often creates small bald patches on the scalp. This condition is called alopecia areata. It is often accompanied with other health issues including dysfunctional thyroid, a skin condition know as vitiligo which is characterized by the loss of pigment on large patches of skin most commonly on the hands, face and genitalia. Pernicious anemia is also a potential issue for people with diabetes. This is a condition in which the lining of the stomach no longer secretes enough enzymes to allow sufficient absorption of the vitamin B12.

Diabetes often goes undetected because the early symptoms are often over looked and frequently over looked or even ignored by the patient and even physicians. This often leads to serious problems, including blindness, kidney failure and heart disease. Early detection and treatment can slow or arrest the progression of the disease, prevent excessive hair loss and lead to longer and healthier life. Successful treatment of diabetes requires commitment on the part of the patient to manage their lifestyle and the disease consistently.

Hair loss typically begins with the onset of diabetes and increases in severity as the disease progresses. Early diagnosis of the hair loss and its cause is essential as it may be your body’s way of telling you that something more serious is happening. It is imperative that you seek a physician’s advice concerning you hair loss problem to prevent further hair loss. While lotions and conditioners are readily available, they may not be sufficient to stop you hair loss problem. Consulting with a physician is the best way to get a handle on the situation and treat it properly from the beginning.

Age and Diabetes Risk

2007-09-21T04:22:00.001-07:00

Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin. Diabetes means a disease where people have too much sugar in their blood. The three main types of diabetes are type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease. An autoimmune disease results when the body's system for fighting infection (the immune system) turns against a part of the body. Symptoms of type 1 diabetes usually develop over a short period, although beta cell destruction can begin years earlier. Symptoms include increased thirst and urination, constant hunger, weight loss, blurred vision, and extreme fatigue. The most common form of diabetes is type 2 diabetes. About 90 to 95 percent of people with diabetes have type 2. This form of diabetes is associated with older age, obesity, family history of diabetes, previous history of gestational diabetes, physical inactivity, and ethnicity. About 80 percent of people with type 2 diabetes are overweight. The symptoms of type 2 diabetes develop gradually. Symptoms may include fatigue or nausea, frequent urination, unusual thirst, weight loss, blurred vision, frequent infections, and slow healing of wounds or sores.

Diabetes is not contagious. People cannot “catch” it from each other. About 3 to 8 percent of pregnant women in the United States develop gestational diabetes. The cause of diabetes continues to be a mystery, although both genetics and environmental factors such as obesity and lack of exercise appear to play roles. There are 20.8 million children in the United States, or 7% of the population, who have diabetes. While an estimated 14.6 million have been diagnosed with diabetes, unfortunately, 6.2 million people (or nearly one-third) are unaware that they have the disease. Diabetes mellitus is a disease where people have too much glucose (a kind of sugar) in the blood. Glucose level in the blood is controlled by several hormones. Hormones are chemicals in your body that send messages from cells to other cells. Insulin is a hormone made by the pancreas. Diabetes is likely to be underreported as the underlying cause of death on death certificates. About 65 percent of deaths among those with diabetes are attributed to heart disease and stroke.

Obesity is the single most important risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Between 80% and 90% of people with diabetes are overweight--that means they weigh at least 20% more than the ideal body weight for their height and build. More than 40 percent of people with diabetes have abnormal levels of cholesterol and similar fatty substances that circulate in the blood. These abnormalities appear to be associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease among persons with diabetes. Nearly 40 percent of the women who have diabetes during their pregnancy go on to develop type 2 diabetes later, usually within five to ten years of giving birth. Diabetes prevalence in the United States is likely to increase for several reasons. First, a large segment of the population is aging. Education is important for both types of diabetes. Diabetics must learn about diet. Diabetics must also be careful about exercise. Exercise is important to stay healthy. High Cholesterol or other fats in the blood and Impaired glucose tolerance or impaired fasting glucose can precede the development of type 2 diabetes.

Diabetes Treatment Tips

1. Medicines, diet, and exercise to control blood sugar and prevent symptoms and complications.

2. Type 1 diabetes mellitus is treated with insulin, exercise, and a healthy diet.

3. Type 2 diabetes mellitus is first treated with weight reduction, a healthy diet and regular exercise.

4. Gestational diabetes is treated with insulin and changes in diet.

5. Alcohol use Try to have no more than 7 alcoholic drinks in a week and never more than 2-3 in an evening.

6. Smoking: If you have diabetes, and you smoke cigarettes or use any other form of tobacco, you are raising your risks markedly for nearly all of the complications of diabetes.

7. Diet: A healthy diet is key to controlling blood sugar levels and preventing diabetes complications.

8. Drink extra fluids that do not contain sugar before, during, and after exercise.

Age and Diabetes Risk

2007-09-21T04:22:00.000-07:00

Type 2 Diabetes Symptoms - How to Recognize Them

2007-09-21T04:19:00.000-07:00

Diabetes is a disease that can have a significant impact upon your entire body. That is why it is so important to catch the early type 2 diabetes symptoms. If left untreated or not discovered in time, diabetes can have damaging effects on other functions of your body, including your circulatory system, your eyes, and your feet and limbs. So, what are some of the early type 2 diabetes symptoms that you should watch for?

- Unexplained and extreme thirst. This is usually one of the first symptoms that are noticed in a diabetic. This is a thirst that is unsatisfied with drinking and that continues for a few days or more.

- Weight loss that is inexplicable. If you have been losing weight without trying or changing your eating or activity habits, then this could be an early symptom.

- Tiredness. This is a sign that your body gives you when something is not working right. This tiredness or drowsiness could be a sign that your glucose level is high.

- Bruises and sores healing slowly. If you seem to have a sore or bruise that is not going away, then you will want to visit your doctor right away.

- Numbness or tingling feeling in your hands or feet. This numbness or tingling is a problem that occurs with no warning or reason.

- Blurred vision. Blurry vision may change from day to day and it may come upon you with no warning.

- Urinating more frequently. If you find that you are always in the bathroom no matter how much you drink or don’t drink, then this is a type 2 diabetes symptom that you should be concerned with.

- Recurrent yeast infections. If you are having chronic yeast infections, then this could be a sign of diabetes.

If you are suffering from one or more of these early type 2 diabetes symptoms, then it is important that you make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible. By getting your blood sugar levels under control quickly, you can help to decrease the incidence of further health problems. Once you are diagnosed with diabetes, you need to take care of yourself by losing excess weight, exercising, and paying attention to your body. This can ensure that you keep your body working as efficiently as possible, so that you will be healthy for many years to come.

The Effect of Diet on Diabetes

2007-09-21T04:14:00.000-07:00

Few people grasp the huge effect that weight has on diabetes. Even instances of gestational diabetes are much greater in patients that are overweight than in those that are not. Type 2, or adult onset diabetes is usually seen in overweight people than those that are within their 'ideal' weight ranges. In fact, almost 90% of those with Type 2 diabetes are overweight. If you are suffering from Type 2 diabetes, your best approach is to start getting your weight under control.

Among patients diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes almost 40% have high blood pressure, which is another ailment that is thought to be made worse by obesity. Being overweight might also lead to a condition known as insulin resistance where the body no stops responding to the insulin that is needed to aid the body in using sugar and glucose as fuel on a cellular level.

There are some self-help measures you can employ if you have been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes or labeled at risk for the condition. First of all, lose the excess pounds. Yes, this is much easier said than done. Dieting is never easy and certainly not fun for most people. However, if you do not begin to take major action toward finding a way to get yourself into the best possible health chances are you will not enjoy the quality of life you’ve hoped for.

Take matters into your own hands. Don’t allow diabetes to control your life. This is a fight to the finish and if you let it, diabetes will be your end. If you start taking appropriate action, lose the weight, get up and exercise, listen to your doctor's advice and do the work required. You'll be amazed at what happens when you decide to stand up and fight for your health.

Get active. Find activities that you enjoy and get out there and do them. Don't make those activities passive activities either. Even if it's just going out to play shuffleboard everyday get out there and play. Enjoy your time in the sun. Start walking around your neighborhood. Take up golf. Do whatever it takes to get up and moving each and every day.

You are what you eat. Once diagnosed with diabetes, your dietary requirements change and you must follow them to the letter. Learn to live within those limits in order to enjoy life to the fullest. You’ll find that there are all kinds of foods available that are friendly to those with diabetes that weren't around just a few years ago. It is quite possible to live and eat quite nicely with diabetes if you stick to your plan.

The most important thing about dieting with diabetes is that you never lose sight of how crucial it is to do so. This disease can take over your entire life and destroy your hope for a long, happy, healthy life. Take control today by starting a healthy eating and exercise regimen.

Charges on bodybuilder dropped

2007-09-14T02:50:00.000-07:00

The charges against Doug "Mr. Natural Universe" Burns, who police say resisted arrest and assaulted an officer in April outside a movie theater in downtown Redwood City, were dropped Wednesday by the San Mateo County District Attorney's Office.

Burns, 43, has maintained that he was unaware of his actions during the incident, which the diabetic bodybuilder claims occurred as a result of insulin shock.

But prosecutors had steadfastly refused to drop the charges, claiming Burns needed to provide more medical evidence that he is, in fact, a type 1 diabetic who suffered insulin shock at the time of the incident.

The district attorney's office and Burns' defense attorney had spent the past two months wrangling over the required medical evidence, but the issue began moving quietly toward a resolution two weeks ago, according to Chief Deputy District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe, after Burns supplied more detailed information of his condition.

Several days ago, prosecutors discussed the evidence with an endocrinologist, and on Wednesday, Wagstaffe dropped the charges, proclaiming "that (Burns) has a valid defense of unconsciousness -- that he was not aware of what he was doing at the time of the conduct.

"We did the right thing today -- we dismissed the charges -- and I think the members of our community can be satisfied that we did handle the situation in a proper manner," Wagstaffe said.

"Obviously, we're very pleased," said defense attorney Micah Jacobs. "It does send a message out to those who are suffering from diabetes that law enforcement will take seriously the issues facing diabetics."

Burns, the reigning winner of the Mr. Natural Universe event, a steroid-free competition for bodybuilders, said Wednesday afternoon that he felt "vindicated" now that he does not have to stand trial for alleged crimes that he only committed unconsciously, if at all.

Burns recalls that he went to see a 7 p.m. movie at the Century 20 movie theater, but a security guard ejected him from the theater lobby, mistaking his insulin shock for an alcohol- ordrug-induced stupor.

Burns, who remembers that he had gone to the lobby to search for popcorn to deal with his insulin shock, was standing in front of the theater when two police officers attempted to prevent him from re- entering the building, according to police reports. The reports state that Burns reportedly "lunged" at an officer and that several police officers were called to forcibly subdue the 207-pound bodybuilder.

Witness statements indicate that Burns struggled with officers during the arrest, but Burns maintains that he was unaware of his actions due to his condition. According to paramedics, who treated Burns at the scene, the bodybuilder's blood sugar was extremely low.

Jacobs has stated that Burns' low blood sugar, documented in the police reports, should have been enough evidence for the district attorney's office never to have pressed charges in the first place.

Only, according to Wagstaffe, "it was necessary to go through this process, because we had police officers who were victims."

One officer suffered "a major shoulder injury" during the incident, while another's finger was slightly cut, said Wagstaffe.

Meanwhile, Jacobs claims that Burns' scuffle with police has caused nerve damage in the bodybuilder's right arm and prevented him from training.

Burns previously said he planned to file a civil suit against the Redwood City Police Department. Now, however, he said he would prefer working with the department to educate officers about diabetes.

"My concern is that this doesn't happen to someone else, and probably the best thing to do would be to try to work in a positive light," he said.

"Suing them is like trying to punish (police) for what they did, and that's not what Doug wants to accomplish," said Amy Tenderich, a Millbrae-based diabetes advocate who edits Diabetesmine.com, a popular blog on the medical condition. "He wants to help prepare and train the authorities to better deal with these situations going forward."

Burns, a board member of the Silicon Valley branch of the American Diabetes Association, said he is talking with the ADA about producing a training video to educate police departments about diabetes-related insulin shock. The Redwood City Police Department, he added, also has been receptive to better preparing its officers about the medical condition and its potential effects.

Wagstaffe applauded Burns' decision to use the incident as an educational opportunity.

"Mr. Burns can take the approach that the police and the officers are ogres ... for what they did, or we could turn this into a positive and bring more community awareness to what diabetes is and what diabetics go through."

Burns, a father of three, expressed gratitude that prosecutors have dropped the charges against him, optimism that international media attention on his case had improved diabetes awareness, and relief that he could finally put this chapter of his life behind him.

Lean Plate Club; Nutrition and Health

2007-09-11T04:03:00.000-07:00

Welcome to The Lean Plate Club, hosted by Washington Post health and nutrition writer Sally Squires . Share your tips on healthy recipes, meal plans, sugar alternatives and resisting overeating with other readers.

On Tuesdays at 1 p.m. ET , Sally, who has a master's degree in nutrition from Columbia University, leads a lively discussion for readers looking for new ways to eat smarter and move around more throughout the day. The Lean Plate Club is dedicated to healthy living -- whether you're trying to whittle your waistline or simply maintain it.

We want to hear your tips, strategies, meal plans, successes, setbacks and more. Of course Sally will be happy to answer questions and turn others over to the Club. None of this, however, is a substitute for medical advice.

Squires is a veteran health reporter for The Washington Post. She is co-author of "The Stoplight Diet for Children" and author of the upcoming "Secrets of the Lean Plate Club" (St. Martin's Press; 2006).

Sign up for the free Lean Plate Club e-mail newsletter . The Lean Plate Club column appears weekly in the Washington Post Health section and is nationally syndicated by the Washington Post Writers Group .

Welcome to the Lean Plate Club. And Happy Day after July Fourth! I'm reading David McCullough's fine book 1776 and must say it is a wonderful reminder of the gifts that so many have given us in generations before and continue to do so today. So thank you to all of them. But I know, that's not what we're here to talk about so pardon the digression.

If you'd like to subscribe to this free service, just log onto www.leanplateclub@washpost.com. And if you have subscribed and don't receive your copy, please let me know at leanplateclub@washpost.com.

The well-known and oft-used body mass index is one of the topics up for discussion today. As you'll see in today's Health Section, there's a lot of discussion about the BMI leaving some people feeling too secure and others too worried.

In today's LPC e-mail newsletter which should be in your electronic in-boxes now, you'll find more on the BMI, plus plenty of recipes and links to activities that will help keep you moving this summer. Summer is the perfect time of year to try out new eating and exercise habits. So tell us about yours.

Stem Cell Therapy International Reports the Successful Treatment of a Stroke Patient With Their Proprietary Stem Cell Transplantation Therapy

2007-09-11T03:57:00.000-07:00

Stem Cell Therapy International, Inc. (PINKSHEETS: SCII), a company in the field of research and development of stem cell transplantation therapy and regenerative medicine, announced today the successful treatment of a stroke patient from the United States with its stem cell transplantation therapy protocol conducted at one of their affiliate clinics in Kiev, Ukraine.

Dr. Rich James, 50, a practicing Chiropractor in New York City, whose left arm and left leg were paralyzed as a result of a stroke that he suffered in February of 2006, had undergone traditional medical treatment available for stroke survivors here in the US with only limited results.

Dr. James said, "I realized that I could live for another thirty years. I did not want to live with the crippling effects of my stroke. Physical therapy and occupational therapy could only do so much in helping me get the function back on my paralyzed side."

Dr. James, after his stroke, became a member of the on-line global stroke survivor support community StrokeNetwork.org and was able to contact Stem Cell Therapy International from the information posted by SCTI on their website with the permission of Steve Mallory, the founder, President and CEO of the StrokeNetwork.

Steve Mallory stated his reasons for creating the StrokeNetwork: "I founded the on-line stroke support network so that we are available to everybody around the world on a 24/7 basis. Our mission is to provide on-line stroke support to all adult stroke survivors and also to stroke caregivers."

Mr. Mallory goes on to say, "In the future, I foresee stem cell transplantation therapy being used by stroke survivors to regain physical improvements on some of the deficits caused by their stroke. The resulting effects will definitely improve their 'quality of life.'"

Calvin Cao, CEO of Stem Cell Therapy International, said, "After his stroke Dr. James was in a wheelchair but could walk short distances with the aid of an AFO and a quad cane. He traveled to our affiliate clinic in Kiev and received stem cell transplantation therapy as well as physical and massage therapy. At six weeks post treatment, Dr. James can walk without any aids and at four months post treatment he is now able to take the NY subway on his own to get around."

Mr. Cao said, "Dr. James has been posting a blog journal about his experience in having the stroke and the support of the members of the StrokeNetwork and Stem Cell Therapy International. We invite everyone to log on to our website at www.scticorp.com , click on the 'In The Spotlight' section and read the comments from Dr. James about his continuing recovery from his stroke after stem cell transplantation therapy."

Stem cell transplantation therapy is a field of medicine, which uses techniques and technologies that rely on replacing diseased, damaged or dysfunctional cells with healthy, functioning ones. The SCTI proprietary therapy is similar to the process of organ transplantation, only the treatment consists of the transplantation of stem cells into the body rather than entire organs, thus eliminating any chance of rejection or the need for expensive and potentially dangerous immunosuppression drug therapy. These new techniques are being applied to finding a cure for a wide range of human disorders in SCTI affiliated medical facilities outside of the United States.

With the enactment of Proposition 71 in California in November 2004, a fund of $3 billion was created to fund stem cell research. Since then a number of other states such as New Jersey, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Illinois and Wisconsin, have allocated funds for additional stem cell research in the US.

Stem Cell Therapy International, Inc. is engaged in the field of regenerative medicine. This includes ongoing research, development and the treatment of patients with stem cell transplantation therapy. SCTI manufactures the stem cell biological solutions that is currently being used in the treatment of patients suffering from degenerative disorders of the human body such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's Disease, ALS, leukemia, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, arthritis, spinal cord injuries, brain injury, stroke, heart disease, liver and retinal disease, diabetes as well as certain types of cancer. The Company has established license agreements with highly specialized, professional medical treatment facilities around the world in locations where stem cell transplantation therapy is approved by the appropriate local government agencies. SCTI plans to provide these stem cell biological solutions to universities, institutes and privately funded laboratory facilities in the United States for research purposes and clinical trials. Its products, which are available now for treatment, include various stem cell biological solutions which contain human stem cells, low-molecular proteins and human growth factor hormones.

This report includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The information in this news release includes certain forward-looking statements that are based upon assumptions that in the future may prove not to have been accurate and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties, including statements as to the future performance of the company. Although the company believes that the expectations reflected in its forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations or any of its forward-looking statements will prove to be correct. Factors that could cause results to differ include, but are not limited to, successful performance of internal plans, product development acceptance, and the impact of competitive services and pricing and general economic risks and uncertainties.

Drug Used To Treat Diabetes In Texas May Kill Patients

2007-09-07T04:29:00.001-07:00

Another drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration may increase the risk of heart attacks and deaths. Avandia, a medication that has been used to treat diabetes for eight years now, and has been prescribed for six million people worldwide, has come under attack in light of recent reports. The implications for the healthcare and health insurance industries are huge, particularly in Texas, where the rate of diabetes is high.

More than one million Americans still take Avandia. Adding this to the international Vioxx scandal, an arthritis medication known to increase similar cardiovascular risks and also approved by the FDA, is not helping the organization's safety reputation. Texas is particularly vulnerable to these mistakes, where in 2004, over 500,000 statewide -- from Austin, to Dallas, to Houston -- already suffered from diabetes, with more expected to be diagnosed.

The state’s propensity to obesity, hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, and cancer doesn’t help. The prevalence of diabetes in the U.S. increased a staggering 49% between 1990 and 2000, and Texas was hit hard, possibly linked with an obesity rate hovering just above 60% of the adult population. Thirty-five percent of children are now clinically obese statewide, and Houston boasts a population in which 86% of its residents are either overweight or obese. This is significant due to the problems that often accompany the condition, including heart disease, stroke, certain cancers and, of course, type 2 diabetes.

The complications experienced by diabetic patients are, in and of themselves, significant. The top secondary threats include vascular, kidney and nervous system diseases, heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, and blindness. Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney disease and blindness in adults ages 20 to 74, and is the sixth leading cause of death.

No outstanding research is necessary to conclude that a certain percentage of that majority population in Texas who are obese are also diabetic. It’s also no mystery, then, that a certain number of these diabetic, obese patients are also taking Avandia. Add together the complications experienced by the obese, the diabetic, and those dependent on the medication in question, and we have a dangerous health cocktail, indeed.

Now, to make it even more complicated, over 25% of the population in Texas is also completely uninsured, the highest percentage in the nation. Such chronic conditions as obesity and diabetes, or a double whammy, for an uninsured individual could prove catastrophic. Not only would suffering a serious complication be detrimental financially, but a report released earlier this month by the Commonwealth Fund directly stated that the uninsured may not receive quality care. There is a "strong link," the report stated, between access to health coverage, particularly health insurance, and high quality care.

For Texas, none of this is good news. With one-quarter of the state going without health insurance, 60% of the population obese, and over half a million diabetic, any problem affecting a large number with any of these conditions could completely overload the already stressed system. A flood of Avandia patients coming in with complications, uninsured, and possibly suffering from other conditions as well, just might send the healthcare system of Texas into meltdown.

Much of the problem, it would seem, stems from the FDA itself, which is slowly but surely nurturing a reputation of extreme negligence into maturity. Once a drug is approved, its actual effects on the population are not as closely monitored as they should be, according to many in the industry. Dr. Jerry Avorn, of Harvard Medical School, believes that such problems with the FDA will continue to exist “until we are able to get a better system of drug approval and surveillance.” That’s a powerful statement, considering that this is precisely what the FDA is supposed to do.

It’s a wakeup call, really. While it shouldn’t be as a result of government agency negligence, in all reality, we should be more responsible for our health on an individual basis -- going for annual physicals, asking our doctors as many questions as we need in order to feel comfortable with a diagnosis or prescription, and doing what we can to take care of ourselves. Simple, common sense principles of nutritional eating and exercise may cut off many conditions requiring drugs before they even have a chance to exist. Until the nation's health catches up with better habits, however, make sure to keep up with the latest recalls.

How you take care of yourself will certainly affect you as you age, and eventually your wallet, as well. If you’re a young individual who tries to keep informed and maintain a healthy condition and lifestyle, you should take a look at the revolutionary, comprehensive and highly-affordable individual health insurance solutions created by Precedent specifically for you. Visit our website, www.precedent.com, for more information. We offer a unique and innovative suite of individual health insurance solutions, including highly-competitive HSA-qualified plans, and an unparalleled "real time" application and acceptance experience.

Type 1 Diabetes - All About Type 1 Diabetes Causes and Treatment

2007-09-07T04:28:00.001-07:00

Read this article to know about Type 1 Diabetes Causes and Type 1 diabetes Treatment

We can call Type 1 diabetes an autoimmune disease in which the body destroys or damages insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. Once those cells are destroyed, they won't ever create insulin again. This type of diabetes usually occurs under the age of 30 and often in childhood.

Type 1diabetes may also be known by a variety of other names, like insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), juvenile diabetes, brittle diabetes, sugar diabetes. Type 1 diabetes accounts for 5 to 10 percent of all identified cases of diabetes in the US.

Type 1 diabetes normally develops in children or young adults, but can found at any age. Type 1 diabetes can cause many problems. It is a life-long disorder that can happen in children or adults. It is a totally different disease than Type 2. Type 1 diabetes occurs normally in children, adolescents or young adults, and most often at puberty. This type of diabetes is also called insulin-dependent or juvenile diabetes.

Type 1 Diabetes symptoms:

Type 1 diabetes often appears abruptly. However, each individual may experience symptoms in a different way. Type 1 diabetes symptoms may include:

• high levels of sugar in the blood and urine when tested

• unusual thirst

• frequent urination

• extreme hunger but loss of weight

• unclear vision

• nausea and vomiting

• extreme weakness and tiredness

• bad temper and mood changes

In children, type 1 diabetes symptoms may be alike to those of having the flu.

Type 1 Diabetes Complications:

Type 1 diabetes can cause different problems, but there are three key complications:

1. Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar; also called an insulin reaction) occurs when blood sugar drops too low level.

2. Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) occurs when blood sugar is too high, and can be an indication that diabetes is not well forbidden.

3. Ketoacidosis (diabetic coma) is loss of consciousness due to untreated diabetes.

Type 1 Diabetes Causes:

Type 1 diabetes is the result of the body's failure to produce insulin, the hormone that allows glucose to enter the cells of the body to provide fuel. Insulin is a protein that is speedily broken down in the digestive area. In type 1 diabetes, the body can no longer create insulin, so the glucose can't acquire into the body's cells.

Although no one knows for certain why this occurs, scientists think it has something to do with genes. But just getting the genes for diabetes isn't usually sufficient. A person most likely would then have to be exposed to something else - like a virus - to get Type 1 diabetes

It's important to also be alert of the different myths that over the years have arise about the Type 1 diabetes causes. Eating sweets or the wrong kind of food does not cause diabetes but it can cause obesity which is the cause of Type 2 Diabetes.

Stress does not cause diabetes, although it may be a cause for the body turning on itself as in the case of Type 1 diabetes. It does, however, make the signs worse for those who already have diabetes.

Type 1 Diabetes Treatment:

Type 1 Diabetes Patient need to monitor and control their glucose levels. They need to:

• test blood sugar levels a few times a day by testing a small blood sample

• give themselves insulin injections or use an insulin pump

• eat a balanced, healthy diet and pay special attention to the quantities of sugars and starches in the food they eat and the timing of their meals

• get habitual exercise to help manage blood sugar levels and help avoid some of the long-term health problems that can cause diabetes like heart disease

Insulin therapy is the origin of type 1 diabetes treatment. When insulin was first discovered and made accessible for people with diabetes, there was only one type of fast-acting insulin and this required several injections in a day. Today, there are a variety of insulins that can be selected and/or combined to help you best control your diabetes.

Your Glucose Meter And You

2007-09-06T04:32:00.002-07:00

Having a blood glucose meter allows you to test your blood sugar levels at the comforts of your home. Aside from a sensible diet and exercise, your blood glucose meter is essential for you to be able to practice proper diabetes care. If you don't have the means to test your blood sugar levels, you may not realize that you should do something about your condition. Regular testing with your blood glucose monitor will be able to help you determine whether you need to do something to normalize your blood sugar levels or not.

Depending on the experience of physical symptoms to be able to tell whether there is a fluctuation in your blood sugar levels is highly inaccurate. For one thing, most people with diabetes rarely ever experience symptoms that come with having either low or high blood sugar levels. Most people who have been living with diabetes for a while can get accustomed to the symptoms and lose the ability to tell whether they are experiencing indications of blood sugar fluctuations or not. Therefore it is better to depend on a blood glucose meter to correctly monitor the levels of sugar in your blood.

Remember though that the result from your blood glucose meter is not absolute. There can be many factors that can affect your test results and therefore making the readings from blood glucose tester incorrect. For instance, if your fingertip from which you have drawn a blood sample from is dirty or covered in some small amounts of food and other substances, the reading of your blood glucose monitor will be incorrect. You may also accidentally use the wrong test strip on your blood glucose meter and in which case, again, your results will be inaccurate.

You will have to do your part in ensuring that your blood glucose meter is able to give you the proper results every time you do a test. If you do not take the time to be meticulous in this process then the fact that you have a good reliable blood glucose tester is pretty much irrelevant. You will need to learn how to properly use your blood glucose meter and you will need to learn all the dos and don'ts in using it as well. Getting accurate test result from your blood glucose monitor is important. The right results can mean the difference between losing your sight and keeping it as well as many other serious complications that can arise from irregular blood sugar levels.

In this sense, your blood glucose meter can be your best friend or your best enemy. Be sure to learn all about how to use this device properly as well what to do and not to do when doing tests at home with your blood glucose tester. Things like proper calibration, proper conversions and the like are essential to learning how to use your blood glucose monitor correctly.

Remember that your continued health depends on your ability to manage the risk of fluctuations in your blood sugar level. The blood glucose meter and the proper use of it is the right tool to help you monitor blood sugar levels correctly and manage risks. However, you still should have regular lab testing scheduled to ensure the accuracy of your device.

Glucose Meter- Dealing With Diabetes

2007-09-06T04:32:00.001-07:00

Having diabetes can be worrisome especially since this disease can be the source of countless complications including gangrene which leads to amputations and loss of limbs. To avoid this and other untoward complications from happening, it is important to include regular home testing with your own blood glucose meter.

There are many different blood glucose meters and most brands and types are pretty much standard. If you are having difficulty deciding on what type of blood glucose meter to use, ask around and be sure to seek the advice and guidance of your health care provider. Together you can decide on what type of blood glucose monitor is best for you to use.

You may also call the consumer hotlines of each popular brand of blood glucose meter. The qualified consumer assistant that will answer you call can help give you the answers that you need. Naturally, if you will be asking them for opinions they will endorse their own product over the rest of the blood glucose tester brands out there. Instead of asking subjective questions, learn what objective queries you need to ask to be able to find out the pertinent answers that you have about a blood glucose meter.

Remember that if you have had more than one blood glucose meter then you may have more than one type of test strip with you. Take note that different blood glucose testers use different test strips and some will use the same. Be sure to check and recheck whether you are using the right type of test strip for the particular blood glucose meter with you. The fact that the strip fits into the blood glucose monitor is hardly the best way to tell if you are using the correct one.

To ensure that you are using your blood glucose meter correctly, be sure to get a tutorial. You may ask assistance from the company that manufactures your glucose meter or you may ask your health care provider to help you. It is also a good idea to bring your blood glucose tester with you when you visit your doctor or go for a lab test. This way you can check the accuracy of your blood glucose monitor with actual lab test.

Be ready to note a difference from the lab test reading and the reading from your blood glucose meter. It is normal to have a plus or minus 20% in the absolute number you get from your glucose tester as compared to the lab test result. Anything higher or lower than that in variance should alert you to the fact that your blood glucose monitor may be defective or not properly calibrated.

It is also possible that the big variance in test results from the actual lab test and the one from your blood glucose meter stems from the fact that they are using two different ways to measure your blood sugar. The lab test may be using a test that reads your whole blood while your blood glucose meter may be reading from a plasma sample. In this case, the variance is normal.

Learn what type of reading does your blood glucose monitor give off and how to convert one type of reading to another to be able to understand the result of your test.

Diabetes Treatment - Can Cinnamon Lower Blood Sugar?

2007-08-29T04:02:00.000-07:00

What would you say if I told you that I have the secret ingredient to lower your blood sugar? What, then, would you say if I told you that you probably already have this ingredient in your kitchen pantry? It's cinnamon. That's right! The fragrant and delicious spice you cook and bake with only during the holiday season can actually lower blood sugar in diabetics. Cinnamon is a diabetes treatment that can lower blood sugar.

Who should take advantage of cinnamon?

Type 2 diabetics who want to live a healthier and fuller life.
Type 2 diabetics who want to live longer to enjoy their friends and family.
Type 2 diabetics who want to live. Period.

What do I have to do?

Incorporate just ½ teaspoon of cinnamon in your diet each day. That's it!

When should I eat cinnamon?

Every day! Baking or cooking with cinnamon will make those foods you love already even more delicious, and it will lower your blood sugar level. What could be easier? There's no fuss, no muss, no preparation. Just results.

Where can I use cinnamon?

Here's a list of foods from you can eat that will be healthy and delicious with cinnamon in or on it:

- Cinnamon Bun Breakfast Focaccia
- Apple Coffee Cake
- Raisin-Cinnamon Rolls
- Cappuccino Muffins
- Grilled Peaches with Peach Walnut Chutney
- Saffron Rice with Cashews and Raisins Recipe
- Pork Tenderloin with Cinnamon
- Lamb in Saffron and Cardamom Cream
- Chicken with Peanut Mole Sauce
- Cinnamon Iced Tea

You don't have to limit your cinnamon usage to just the above list. Experiment! Create your own recipes! Be original! Enjoy!

Why should I use cinnamon?

For type 2 diabetics, their body has lost its sensitivity to insulin. This will cause higher levels of glucose to remain in the blood. This is especially dangerous because it is linked to many other health problems such as eye, kidney, and many other organ health problems.

The natural compounds in cinnamon mimic insulin, which helps glucose get into cells, where it can be used for either energy and significantly lowering blood sugar in the process, or it is stored as fat. Cinnamon is a verifiable diabetes treatment.

How will it affect me if I don't take care of my diabetes?

Watching your diabetes is a 24/7 job. Exercise and a healthy diet are part of keeping your diabetes under control. If you don't take care of your diabetes, there are serious and life-threatening consequences such as:

Disabling ailments
Insecure mindset
Absences from activities
Behavioral changes
Extreme fatigue
Tingling hands and feet
Eye damage
Slow healing cuts and bruises