If you are diabetic and over weight, there is a good chance that you have tried many kinds of diet programs. I hope by the time you read this article, you have already got your weight and glucose under control. If not, you might try some of the suggestions below.
1. Before you start, cleanse your body system of toxins and get rid of all parasites and plagues.
Bowel detoxification with liquid clay and ground fax seeds are particularly helpful for improving body conditions, because the clay absorb toxins while the seeds expands in water and brush the intestine clean. Also bowel detoxification with ground dandelion leaves and apple juice help the liver to cleanse toxins rapidly.The next approach now is how to eliminate the parasites and plagues.
Harmful parasites: if left to live and breed inside your stomach, small and large intestine and your colon ant then uses your body as a food store house so they can live and breed by the millions. They will eventually cause you to get sick.
Plague: If let alone, it will cause you to get sick more often.
Vermifuge, taenifuges, anti fungals are natural remedies helpful to get rid of these harmful parasites and plagues.
2. Put extra protein in your diet, but reduce daily intake of red meats.
By substituting your daily intake of red meat by cold water fish that has plenty of proteins and omega 3 fatty acid. Omega 3 fatty acid helps to lower triglycerides without causing the rise of glucose in your bloodstream.
3. Increase intake of food with high fiber and blood purifier.
Fiber helps to reduce the amount of insulin released by the pancreas by slowing down the breakdown of carbohydrates into glucose entering the bloodstream. Fiber also absorb water, causing it to swell. This gives a nice feeling of fullness that many weight loss programs do not provide. Food with high fiber such as broccoli, berries, peanut, spinach, whole grain, etc. lower cholesterol, triglycerides and improve diabetes.
4. Add some foods that reduce cholesterol and high blood pressure.
Most foods that reduce cholesterol and high blood pressure has a profit of lower glucose in your bloodstream. Omega-3 fatty acids have the uncanny ability to
break down cholesterol in the lining of blood vessels and also serve as a solvent
for saturated fats and eventually lower your blood pressure.
5. Foods help to reduce glucose in your blood stream.
1/2 table spoon of cinnamon and cactus tea everyday could be enough to help control your blood sugar. Cinnamon can help your fat cell recognize and response to insulin better. Other natural remedies such as garlic, ginger, bitter melon and etc. also have the same ability to lower blood sugars as well.
6. Quit smoking and reduce alcohol intake.
7. Exercise.
Physical activity improves insulin sensitivity, allowing your body to make better use of its own insulin.
8. Water and green leaf vegetables.
Drink at least 8 ounces of water everyday to avoid brain dehydration and help the kidney to cleanse through the urine produced.
Green leaf vegetable has vitamins A, C, E and other minerals that help to replace vitamins and minerals of juices. You can enjoy leafy green vegetables every day without having to worry about them raising your glucose levels.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Six Benefits of a Nourishing Diabetic Diet
For most people, the best way to live and maintain a healthier lifestyle is to start on a diet but for a diabetic it is vital that they start on a diabetic diet as soon as they can. This diet will help regulate their blood sugar levels and keep them stable. Here are 6 additional benefits that show how important it is for diabetics to start on a diabetic diet.
One additional benefit is that it helps diabetics keep a normal level of blood sugar. Maintaining a steady blood sugar level helps lessen the health problems that can come up in the future. This is why having a steady blood sugar level is very essential to a diabetic.
Another benefit is that it helps trim down the amount of medication one might need in their normal day to day life, whether it is insulin or pills that help produce insulin. Insulin is needed by our bodies to maintain a normal level of blood sugar. The insulin carries the sugar into our cells which produces energy. By maintaining a diabetic diet with foods like good carbohydrates, fiber, and lean meats, you can actually reduce how much insulin your body needs.
A further benefit is that it helps you avoid having your blood sugar levels fall too low which can result in you becoming hyperglycemic. Your body needs sugar in order to sustain its normal functions. It does this by converting the sugar in your blood into energy. Without this, you could suffer some serious health issues including going into a coma and possibly death.
One other benefit is that it also helps you avoid having your blood sugar level getting too high which can cause you to become hypoglycemic. This condition is caused by eating way too much of the wrong foods like candy and sweets. If left too high for a long period of time, it can cause great damage to your blood vessels, heart, kidneys, eyes, and nerves.
An added benefit is that you can actually lose a little bit of weight. More often than not, type 2 diabetics have developed diabetes just because they were overweight. So, if they go on a diabetic diet and lose the additional weight, they may also overcome diabetes.
A further benefit is that it can raise your metabolism which will help your body manage the foods you eat. By simply adding a mild workout routine to your daily schedule, you can help your body become much healthier and manage your diabetes much better.
There are many benefits for people to start a diabetic diet and obtain a healthier lifestyle. Some of the benefits are that it helps keep a normal level of blood sugar in your body, it helps alleviate how much medication your body needs, it helps your blood sugar level to not get too low, it helps your blood sugar level to not get too high, it helps you lose a bit of weight, and it helps raise your metabolism to better manage the processing of foods.
One additional benefit is that it helps diabetics keep a normal level of blood sugar. Maintaining a steady blood sugar level helps lessen the health problems that can come up in the future. This is why having a steady blood sugar level is very essential to a diabetic.
Another benefit is that it helps trim down the amount of medication one might need in their normal day to day life, whether it is insulin or pills that help produce insulin. Insulin is needed by our bodies to maintain a normal level of blood sugar. The insulin carries the sugar into our cells which produces energy. By maintaining a diabetic diet with foods like good carbohydrates, fiber, and lean meats, you can actually reduce how much insulin your body needs.
A further benefit is that it helps you avoid having your blood sugar levels fall too low which can result in you becoming hyperglycemic. Your body needs sugar in order to sustain its normal functions. It does this by converting the sugar in your blood into energy. Without this, you could suffer some serious health issues including going into a coma and possibly death.
One other benefit is that it also helps you avoid having your blood sugar level getting too high which can cause you to become hypoglycemic. This condition is caused by eating way too much of the wrong foods like candy and sweets. If left too high for a long period of time, it can cause great damage to your blood vessels, heart, kidneys, eyes, and nerves.
An added benefit is that you can actually lose a little bit of weight. More often than not, type 2 diabetics have developed diabetes just because they were overweight. So, if they go on a diabetic diet and lose the additional weight, they may also overcome diabetes.
A further benefit is that it can raise your metabolism which will help your body manage the foods you eat. By simply adding a mild workout routine to your daily schedule, you can help your body become much healthier and manage your diabetes much better.
There are many benefits for people to start a diabetic diet and obtain a healthier lifestyle. Some of the benefits are that it helps keep a normal level of blood sugar in your body, it helps alleviate how much medication your body needs, it helps your blood sugar level to not get too low, it helps your blood sugar level to not get too high, it helps you lose a bit of weight, and it helps raise your metabolism to better manage the processing of foods.
Diabetes Control and Prevention - Preventing the Onset of Diabetes
If your family has a history of diabetes, then you and your children have a high risk of developing it as well. If you notice that you experience one or more of this disease symptoms, then you might want to take heed before it is too late.
Type 2 diabetes is the most common type. It develops gradually depending on diet, lifestyle, and present risk factors. It can be avoided so long as it is detected early, and the needed changes to lifestyle and diet are implemented. Here are a few ways to prevent it:
Make good food choices.
You are what you eat. If you eat lots of fatty food, you'll have high blood pressure and heart attack later on. If you eat lots of sweets and carbohydrates, you have great risk of having diabetes. If you eat lots of fiber-rich foods, you have good digestion. For preventing it, you need to lessen your sugar and carbohydrate intake, and increase your consumption of vegetables and whole grains.
Drink 8 glasses of water.
This will help in eliminating the excess sugar we have in our bodies. It's a way to cleanse, refresh, and replenish the body. FYI: a glass of juice is not 100% water; coffee is only 50% water, and milk is 90% water.
Be active!
Exercise, or even just walking several miles and taking the stairs is a big difference compared to just sitting on your butt lazing around. More activity will help in regulating your sugar level, and it will also help improve your metabolic rate.
Learn how to manage your insulin.
Doing this will help you make better food choices. You will know which food will cause a high level of glucose in your system. You will also learn which food is healthier and more filling, so that you won't have the urge to eat so much so often.
These are very simple ways to prevent diabetes, but they may be difficult if your lifestyle is set in stone. Just be patient and love yourself. Chocolate cake is more tempting than whole wheat bread (and yes, it tastes a whole lot better!) but you don't have to do without it. The key is moderation: eat lots of healthy food, exercise, and drink enough water everyday, and at the end of the week, you can enjoy your slice of cake.
Type 2 diabetes is the most common type. It develops gradually depending on diet, lifestyle, and present risk factors. It can be avoided so long as it is detected early, and the needed changes to lifestyle and diet are implemented. Here are a few ways to prevent it:
Make good food choices.
You are what you eat. If you eat lots of fatty food, you'll have high blood pressure and heart attack later on. If you eat lots of sweets and carbohydrates, you have great risk of having diabetes. If you eat lots of fiber-rich foods, you have good digestion. For preventing it, you need to lessen your sugar and carbohydrate intake, and increase your consumption of vegetables and whole grains.
Drink 8 glasses of water.
This will help in eliminating the excess sugar we have in our bodies. It's a way to cleanse, refresh, and replenish the body. FYI: a glass of juice is not 100% water; coffee is only 50% water, and milk is 90% water.
Be active!
Exercise, or even just walking several miles and taking the stairs is a big difference compared to just sitting on your butt lazing around. More activity will help in regulating your sugar level, and it will also help improve your metabolic rate.
Learn how to manage your insulin.
Doing this will help you make better food choices. You will know which food will cause a high level of glucose in your system. You will also learn which food is healthier and more filling, so that you won't have the urge to eat so much so often.
These are very simple ways to prevent diabetes, but they may be difficult if your lifestyle is set in stone. Just be patient and love yourself. Chocolate cake is more tempting than whole wheat bread (and yes, it tastes a whole lot better!) but you don't have to do without it. The key is moderation: eat lots of healthy food, exercise, and drink enough water everyday, and at the end of the week, you can enjoy your slice of cake.
Diabetes Myths - A Must For Every Diabetic to Know
Insulin and food are key components of diabetes care. Diabetics have many doubts and suspicions. It's no surprise that a lot of myths in diabetes revolve around these two topics. In this article I have tried to clear these myths so that more and more diabetics have the true knowledge to for better management.
Myth No.1> No Symptoms of Diabetes Appear before Damage Has Occurred
Diabetes is sometimes called "the Silent Disease," but this is not true. Diabetes actually has plenty of symptoms like increased urination, increased thirst, dry skin, fatigue, blurry vision, irritability, extreme hunger, eating without weight gain, unexpected and unusual weight loss, these symptoms aren't severe, so they often go unnoticed by parents and caretakers.Put simply, it's hard to accept the fact that there's something seriously wrong with body.
Myth No.2> Type 1 Diabetes and Type 2 Diabetes Are the Same
Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes share some common characteristics but they are hardly the same disease. They differ in the following ways:
Type 1 is a genetic tendency plus a virus. These patients have an absolute lack of insulin and most cases occur in childhood. Type 1 can't be controlled by diet and exercise alone. Most patients are thin.
The cause of Type 2 is heredity plus obesity plus a sedentary lifestyle. These patients have insulin resistance and it mostly occurs after age 35.It can be controlled with diet and exercise alone. Patients are generally (but not always) fat.
Myth No.3> You Can't Eat Sugar with Type 1 Diabetes
Today, there are probably more types of insulin available than are needed. A little injected insulin can take care of lots of sugar or other carbohydrates.A corollary to this myth is that diabetes caused by consuming too many sweets. Doctors have a pretty good idea of the cause of diabetes, and sweets have nothing to do with it.
Myth No.4> You Have to Eat Special Foods When You Have Diabetes
With diabetes, there's no advantage to eating special diabetic foods. It's difficult enough to deal with all the requirements for good diabetes care to have to eat boring tasteless foods! Food is one of life's great pleasures. Diabetics can have excellent glucose control with regular food so long as you account for the carbohydrate in it.
Myth No.5> If You Take Insulin, You Must Have Type 1 Diabetes
In Type 1, insulin is an essential part of diabetes care because the disease is characterized by a total lack of insulin in the body. On the other hand, in Type 2, insulin is a tool to get the blood glucose to a level at which diet and exercise can work. Type 2 is a lifestyle disease, not a disease of lack of insulin. When someone with Type 2 improves his diet, exercise regimen, and weight, he can manage Type 2 without insulin.
Myth No.6> Insulin Causes Atherosclerosis
The fact is that insulin actually causes a decline in atherosclerosis by reversing the processes that lead to elevated blood glucose levels and elevated fatty acids in the blood.
Myth No.7> Insulin Cures Type 1 Diabetes
Many myths concern great new cures for Type 1 with this medication or that medication. Ignore them. At the present time, no single medication can cure Type 1 diabetes.
Myth No.8> Women with Diabetes Shouldn't Get Pregnant
The woman with diabetes who's even thinking about a pregnancy must improve her glucose control so that she has HbA1c below 7 percent before she conceives. She also must keep her blood glucose below 90 mg/dl before a meal and below 120 mg/dl an hour after the meal throughout the pregnancy.
Myth No.9> Doctors Are Hiding the Cure for Diabetes So They Can Make More Money
There's nothing further from the truth than this myth. Scientists are a highly competitive bunch. None of them is holding back a diabetes cure because they can feel the others breathing down their necks! Thousands of hard-working doctors and other scientists have dedicated their lives to finding a cure for diabetes
With the proper knowledge about diabetes we can easily overcome the diabetes and its related complications.
Myth No.1> No Symptoms of Diabetes Appear before Damage Has Occurred
Diabetes is sometimes called "the Silent Disease," but this is not true. Diabetes actually has plenty of symptoms like increased urination, increased thirst, dry skin, fatigue, blurry vision, irritability, extreme hunger, eating without weight gain, unexpected and unusual weight loss, these symptoms aren't severe, so they often go unnoticed by parents and caretakers.Put simply, it's hard to accept the fact that there's something seriously wrong with body.
Myth No.2> Type 1 Diabetes and Type 2 Diabetes Are the Same
Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes share some common characteristics but they are hardly the same disease. They differ in the following ways:
Type 1 is a genetic tendency plus a virus. These patients have an absolute lack of insulin and most cases occur in childhood. Type 1 can't be controlled by diet and exercise alone. Most patients are thin.
The cause of Type 2 is heredity plus obesity plus a sedentary lifestyle. These patients have insulin resistance and it mostly occurs after age 35.It can be controlled with diet and exercise alone. Patients are generally (but not always) fat.
Myth No.3> You Can't Eat Sugar with Type 1 Diabetes
Today, there are probably more types of insulin available than are needed. A little injected insulin can take care of lots of sugar or other carbohydrates.A corollary to this myth is that diabetes caused by consuming too many sweets. Doctors have a pretty good idea of the cause of diabetes, and sweets have nothing to do with it.
Myth No.4> You Have to Eat Special Foods When You Have Diabetes
With diabetes, there's no advantage to eating special diabetic foods. It's difficult enough to deal with all the requirements for good diabetes care to have to eat boring tasteless foods! Food is one of life's great pleasures. Diabetics can have excellent glucose control with regular food so long as you account for the carbohydrate in it.
Myth No.5> If You Take Insulin, You Must Have Type 1 Diabetes
In Type 1, insulin is an essential part of diabetes care because the disease is characterized by a total lack of insulin in the body. On the other hand, in Type 2, insulin is a tool to get the blood glucose to a level at which diet and exercise can work. Type 2 is a lifestyle disease, not a disease of lack of insulin. When someone with Type 2 improves his diet, exercise regimen, and weight, he can manage Type 2 without insulin.
Myth No.6> Insulin Causes Atherosclerosis
The fact is that insulin actually causes a decline in atherosclerosis by reversing the processes that lead to elevated blood glucose levels and elevated fatty acids in the blood.
Myth No.7> Insulin Cures Type 1 Diabetes
Many myths concern great new cures for Type 1 with this medication or that medication. Ignore them. At the present time, no single medication can cure Type 1 diabetes.
Myth No.8> Women with Diabetes Shouldn't Get Pregnant
The woman with diabetes who's even thinking about a pregnancy must improve her glucose control so that she has HbA1c below 7 percent before she conceives. She also must keep her blood glucose below 90 mg/dl before a meal and below 120 mg/dl an hour after the meal throughout the pregnancy.
Myth No.9> Doctors Are Hiding the Cure for Diabetes So They Can Make More Money
There's nothing further from the truth than this myth. Scientists are a highly competitive bunch. None of them is holding back a diabetes cure because they can feel the others breathing down their necks! Thousands of hard-working doctors and other scientists have dedicated their lives to finding a cure for diabetes
With the proper knowledge about diabetes we can easily overcome the diabetes and its related complications.
Friday, August 29, 2008
What Are the Main Causes of Diabetes?
Research into diabetes is increasing all the time. Despite this no one actually knows what specifically causes diabetes. This has led to a number of rumours circulating some which are partially true and others which hold no truth at all. In this article I will be discussing what is known about the causes of diabetes.
1) GENERAL CAUSES:- We know that diabetes develops as a result of your body's cells not getting enough insulin (a hormone which helps convert blood sugar/glucose into energy). This is usually because your pancreas fails to generate enough insulin or because your body's cells start to resist insulin. Although we know what leads to the development of diabetes we do not currently know why this happens in certain individuals and not others.
2) GESTATIONAL DIABETES (GDM):- Again we do not know the exact causes of GDM although it is strongly linked with hormonal changes that occur during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. During this time the placenta releases hormones which block the normal action of insulin to ensure that the growing baby gets enough glucose. This causes pregnant women's insulin needs to increase by two or three times the normal rate. Failure to meet this need leads to the onset of GDM. Approximately 5% of pregnant women develop GDM and although we have a good idea of what causes it, we do not know why it affects certain women and not others. There are a number of associated risk factors but currently no definitive reason.
3) TYPE 1 DIABETES:- Type 1 diabetes is caused by damage to the pancreas as the result of an auto-immune attack where the body's immune system starts to attack the insulin producing beta cells of the pancreas. Once more, whilst we know what causes type 1 diabetes we are still unsure what triggers this response. A number of suggestions have been put forward (including viral infections and faulty nerves) but currently none of these suggestions can be applied universally.
4) TYPE 2 DIABETES AND PRE-DIABETES:- Pre-diabetes is an early form of type 2 diabetes and the causes of each are very similar. Type 2 diabetes develops when the body stops responding to insulin. The pancreas reacts by producing additional insulin and the liver responds by releasing extra glucose. Over time this limits the effectiveness of the pancreas and further increases insulin resistance in the body. As with the other types of diabetes we do not know what causes the above reaction. However, there is very strong evidence that type 2 diabetes is linked to age, ethnicity, family history, inactivity and obesity.
5) RUMOURS:- Since the exact cause of diabetes is unknown, there are a number of false suggestions floating around. These include diabetes being contagious (there is a hereditary element but it cannot be passed directly from person to person), diabetes being caused by sugar (excessive sugar consumption does not cause diabetes but is linked with obesity, a diabetes risk factor) and stress causing diabetes (stress can aggravate the condition in diabetics but there is currently no evidence that it causes diabetes).
Currently, we have a general understanding of what happens inside our bodies to cause diabetes. However, the trigger behind these causes is still a mystery. Perhaps the strongest link is that between inactivity, obesity and type 2 diabetes but even this does not fully explain why some obese individuals never develop the disease. As research into the causes of diabetes continues, the best advice is to try and keep your blood sugar levels within a normal range. Keeping your weight under control, exercising regularly and eating a healthy diet can all play their part in this process.
Every intention has been made to make this article accurate and informative but it is intended for general information only. Diabetes is a medical condition and this article is not intended as a substitute for the advice of your doctor or a qualified medical practitioner. If you have any concerns regarding any form of diabetes you should seek the advice of your doctor immediately.
1) GENERAL CAUSES:- We know that diabetes develops as a result of your body's cells not getting enough insulin (a hormone which helps convert blood sugar/glucose into energy). This is usually because your pancreas fails to generate enough insulin or because your body's cells start to resist insulin. Although we know what leads to the development of diabetes we do not currently know why this happens in certain individuals and not others.
2) GESTATIONAL DIABETES (GDM):- Again we do not know the exact causes of GDM although it is strongly linked with hormonal changes that occur during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. During this time the placenta releases hormones which block the normal action of insulin to ensure that the growing baby gets enough glucose. This causes pregnant women's insulin needs to increase by two or three times the normal rate. Failure to meet this need leads to the onset of GDM. Approximately 5% of pregnant women develop GDM and although we have a good idea of what causes it, we do not know why it affects certain women and not others. There are a number of associated risk factors but currently no definitive reason.
3) TYPE 1 DIABETES:- Type 1 diabetes is caused by damage to the pancreas as the result of an auto-immune attack where the body's immune system starts to attack the insulin producing beta cells of the pancreas. Once more, whilst we know what causes type 1 diabetes we are still unsure what triggers this response. A number of suggestions have been put forward (including viral infections and faulty nerves) but currently none of these suggestions can be applied universally.
4) TYPE 2 DIABETES AND PRE-DIABETES:- Pre-diabetes is an early form of type 2 diabetes and the causes of each are very similar. Type 2 diabetes develops when the body stops responding to insulin. The pancreas reacts by producing additional insulin and the liver responds by releasing extra glucose. Over time this limits the effectiveness of the pancreas and further increases insulin resistance in the body. As with the other types of diabetes we do not know what causes the above reaction. However, there is very strong evidence that type 2 diabetes is linked to age, ethnicity, family history, inactivity and obesity.
5) RUMOURS:- Since the exact cause of diabetes is unknown, there are a number of false suggestions floating around. These include diabetes being contagious (there is a hereditary element but it cannot be passed directly from person to person), diabetes being caused by sugar (excessive sugar consumption does not cause diabetes but is linked with obesity, a diabetes risk factor) and stress causing diabetes (stress can aggravate the condition in diabetics but there is currently no evidence that it causes diabetes).
Currently, we have a general understanding of what happens inside our bodies to cause diabetes. However, the trigger behind these causes is still a mystery. Perhaps the strongest link is that between inactivity, obesity and type 2 diabetes but even this does not fully explain why some obese individuals never develop the disease. As research into the causes of diabetes continues, the best advice is to try and keep your blood sugar levels within a normal range. Keeping your weight under control, exercising regularly and eating a healthy diet can all play their part in this process.
Every intention has been made to make this article accurate and informative but it is intended for general information only. Diabetes is a medical condition and this article is not intended as a substitute for the advice of your doctor or a qualified medical practitioner. If you have any concerns regarding any form of diabetes you should seek the advice of your doctor immediately.
Can Diabetics Really Eat Chocolate?
Did you know .... Flavanols in chocolate have been shown to help improve insulin use in the body. Dark chocolate with nuts comes in low on the glycemic index at 33. Chocolate helps to improve circulation and lower blood pressure. Chocolate is one of the richest sources of antioxidants on the planet. We live fast-paced, convenience-focused, time-deprived lives and Americans' food choices reflect this fact. The ease of grabbing a sweet snack combined with our love affair with sugar has diabetes running rampant, a disease growing at such a rate it's been labeled an epidemic.
An estimated 7% of Americans currently suffer, but the number of cases diagnosed in the last seven years increased by 54%. Worse, more children are being diagnosed with diabetes than ever before due to their perpetual processed-food diets. A lack of education on the detrimental affects of the disease has many people blindly plowing through the day on a continual sugar high, running to the nearest candy machine the moment they feel tired.
Over time, this daily (and even hourly) food abuse causes the pancreas, which produces insulin to lower blood sugar to healthy levels, to quit working properly. By this time, "onset diabetes" is only a diagnosis away. Despite the fact that onset diabetes can be avoided by minor changes in food choices, Americans aren't likely to adjust their eating habits any time soon. The cereal/latté breakfast, fast food lunch and carb-rich dinner isn't just a habit, it's a lifestyle. But snacks are a great place to start the change because it's easy to switch from chips to chocolate, and here's why you should--especially if you have high blood sugar or diabetes. Diabetics need to eat low glycemic index foods ((less than 55 on the glycemic index) to keep blood sugar low. When eaten alone, dark chocolate comes in at 50 on the index. But when eaten with nuts (any kind), it's comes in at a low 33 in the index, making it a perfect snack choice. A diabetic's pancreas doesn't produce enough insulin, so what little is there needs to be used very effectively.
The flavanols in chocolate have been shown to help improve insulin use in the body, helping reduce the strain on the already insulin-deprived system. Diabetics need extra antioxidants to help combat health problems that often arrive with a diagnosis of diabetes (heart disease, weight gain and more). Because it's made from the seeds of a fruit tree, chocolate is one of the richest sources of antioxidants on the planet. But just-say-no to milk and white chocolate-all the antioxidants are in the cocoa powder, so dark is a must. Milk and white also have too much sugar. Diabetics often simultaneously suffer from high blood pressure.
Chocolate helps the body release nitric oxide, a natural compound that helps blood vessels relax, improve circulation, and lower blood pressure. Ultimately whether or not you have diabetes, dark chocolate (preferably with nuts) is an excellent snack choice for the reasons listed above and many more. The difference between guilt-ridden and guilt-free chocolate eating is simply education. So the next time you have a choice, choose chocolate. (Note: If you've been advised by your doctor not to eat sweets, check first before adding dark chocolate to your diet.)
Julie Pech, author of The Chocolate Therapist; A User's Guide to the Extraordinary Health Benefits of Chocolate
Julie is an award winning author and international speaker. Julie maintains that the only difference between eating chocolate every day guilt-free, versus guilt-laden, is "education". Her mission? To change the chocolate-eating world as we know it today, one convert at a time.
To get the job done properly, Julie offers entertaining and educational presentations for groups, speaking on the health benefits of chocolate at hospitals, corporate luncheons, women's groups, men's groups, retirement communities, and fund raisers.
Julie has appeared on national radio shows, local TV and talk shows, travels as an international guest speaker with cruise lines, teaches classes at Colorado Free University, and has been featured in numerous national magazines and newspapers. She is currently producing 13 episode television program about chocolate to be aired in February 2009.
An estimated 7% of Americans currently suffer, but the number of cases diagnosed in the last seven years increased by 54%. Worse, more children are being diagnosed with diabetes than ever before due to their perpetual processed-food diets. A lack of education on the detrimental affects of the disease has many people blindly plowing through the day on a continual sugar high, running to the nearest candy machine the moment they feel tired.
Over time, this daily (and even hourly) food abuse causes the pancreas, which produces insulin to lower blood sugar to healthy levels, to quit working properly. By this time, "onset diabetes" is only a diagnosis away. Despite the fact that onset diabetes can be avoided by minor changes in food choices, Americans aren't likely to adjust their eating habits any time soon. The cereal/latté breakfast, fast food lunch and carb-rich dinner isn't just a habit, it's a lifestyle. But snacks are a great place to start the change because it's easy to switch from chips to chocolate, and here's why you should--especially if you have high blood sugar or diabetes. Diabetics need to eat low glycemic index foods ((less than 55 on the glycemic index) to keep blood sugar low. When eaten alone, dark chocolate comes in at 50 on the index. But when eaten with nuts (any kind), it's comes in at a low 33 in the index, making it a perfect snack choice. A diabetic's pancreas doesn't produce enough insulin, so what little is there needs to be used very effectively.
The flavanols in chocolate have been shown to help improve insulin use in the body, helping reduce the strain on the already insulin-deprived system. Diabetics need extra antioxidants to help combat health problems that often arrive with a diagnosis of diabetes (heart disease, weight gain and more). Because it's made from the seeds of a fruit tree, chocolate is one of the richest sources of antioxidants on the planet. But just-say-no to milk and white chocolate-all the antioxidants are in the cocoa powder, so dark is a must. Milk and white also have too much sugar. Diabetics often simultaneously suffer from high blood pressure.
Chocolate helps the body release nitric oxide, a natural compound that helps blood vessels relax, improve circulation, and lower blood pressure. Ultimately whether or not you have diabetes, dark chocolate (preferably with nuts) is an excellent snack choice for the reasons listed above and many more. The difference between guilt-ridden and guilt-free chocolate eating is simply education. So the next time you have a choice, choose chocolate. (Note: If you've been advised by your doctor not to eat sweets, check first before adding dark chocolate to your diet.)
Julie Pech, author of The Chocolate Therapist; A User's Guide to the Extraordinary Health Benefits of Chocolate
Julie is an award winning author and international speaker. Julie maintains that the only difference between eating chocolate every day guilt-free, versus guilt-laden, is "education". Her mission? To change the chocolate-eating world as we know it today, one convert at a time.
To get the job done properly, Julie offers entertaining and educational presentations for groups, speaking on the health benefits of chocolate at hospitals, corporate luncheons, women's groups, men's groups, retirement communities, and fund raisers.
Julie has appeared on national radio shows, local TV and talk shows, travels as an international guest speaker with cruise lines, teaches classes at Colorado Free University, and has been featured in numerous national magazines and newspapers. She is currently producing 13 episode television program about chocolate to be aired in February 2009.
Pros and Cons of Using Insulin Pump - Diabetics Must Know Before Using It
Most people who have type 1 diabetes prefer using a pump over other methods of delivering insulin. A lot of diabetic experts suffering from diabetes prefer pumps over needles.
Here are five additional reasons that people who like the pump cite for using one:
* The pump delivers insulin to the body much like the pancreas does.
* One can adjust the amount of insulin by fractions of a unit and have many different amounts at different times of day. The insulin pump easily adapts to a patient's lifestyle.
* Taking a larger dose before meals is as easy as pushing a button on the pump.
* One can be more flexible with meals because he's constantly getting a small dose of insulin.
* That's great news for today's active youngsters. There's less risk of hypoglycemia because you are getting small amounts of insulin at a time
On the other hand, here are five equally significant reasons that people don't like to use an insulin pump:
* It's much more expensive than conventional syringes and needles.
* The pump is visible, especially when one wears less clothing on hot days. Also, if there's a blockage, an alarm goes off. Essentially, it makes diabetes more obvious to others.
* If the pump fails for any reason that doesn't set off an alarm, such as a leak, one has so little insulin in his body that he may rapidly go into KETOACIDOSIS.
* You need to monitor his blood glucose more frequently, sometimes more than four times daily, to properly use the pump. And right now, monitoring still means finger sticks.
* The pump is attached to the body 24 hours a day, making sleeping and physical activities like sports less convenient.
* Pump wearers who engage in sex may find the pump inconvenient because it's attached to the body.
Kids of all ages can use the insulin pump. Parents usually manage the pump until they feel the child can do it.
Insulin pump is best suited for those diabetic have the following characteristics:
* They're highly motivated.
* They're willing to stick themselves multiple times a day to check their blood glucose.
* They can afford the costs involved because many insurances pay only a part of the pump expenses.
* They understand how the pre-meal glucose and the carbohydrates about to be consumed are used to determine the insulin dose.
* They have a good understanding of the complications of diabetes, especially signs of ketoacidosis.
By keeping the above mentioned pros and cons, it will help the diabetics to to make a better descion.
Here are five additional reasons that people who like the pump cite for using one:
* The pump delivers insulin to the body much like the pancreas does.
* One can adjust the amount of insulin by fractions of a unit and have many different amounts at different times of day. The insulin pump easily adapts to a patient's lifestyle.
* Taking a larger dose before meals is as easy as pushing a button on the pump.
* One can be more flexible with meals because he's constantly getting a small dose of insulin.
* That's great news for today's active youngsters. There's less risk of hypoglycemia because you are getting small amounts of insulin at a time
On the other hand, here are five equally significant reasons that people don't like to use an insulin pump:
* It's much more expensive than conventional syringes and needles.
* The pump is visible, especially when one wears less clothing on hot days. Also, if there's a blockage, an alarm goes off. Essentially, it makes diabetes more obvious to others.
* If the pump fails for any reason that doesn't set off an alarm, such as a leak, one has so little insulin in his body that he may rapidly go into KETOACIDOSIS.
* You need to monitor his blood glucose more frequently, sometimes more than four times daily, to properly use the pump. And right now, monitoring still means finger sticks.
* The pump is attached to the body 24 hours a day, making sleeping and physical activities like sports less convenient.
* Pump wearers who engage in sex may find the pump inconvenient because it's attached to the body.
Kids of all ages can use the insulin pump. Parents usually manage the pump until they feel the child can do it.
Insulin pump is best suited for those diabetic have the following characteristics:
* They're highly motivated.
* They're willing to stick themselves multiple times a day to check their blood glucose.
* They can afford the costs involved because many insurances pay only a part of the pump expenses.
* They understand how the pre-meal glucose and the carbohydrates about to be consumed are used to determine the insulin dose.
* They have a good understanding of the complications of diabetes, especially signs of ketoacidosis.
By keeping the above mentioned pros and cons, it will help the diabetics to to make a better descion.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
What is Type 2 Diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes (also known as non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) or adult-onset diabetes) is the most common form of diabetes affecting around 90% of sufferers. It develops when your pancreas no longer produces sufficient insulin (the hormone which helps break blood sugar down for energy) or when your body's cells become resistant to insulin.
It is not known exactly what triggers type 2 diabetes but development begins when the cells in your body stop responding to insulin. This restricts your ability to convert blood sugar into energy so the pancreas and liver both respond by releasing extra insulin and glucose. If this happens for a prolonged period, your pancreas's insulin production capabilities become limited and your body's cells start to further resist insulin. This eventually leads to your blood sugar levels becoming excessively high and the onset of type 2 diabetes.
Since type 2 diabetes often develops gradually over time the symptoms are very difficult to spot. In many cases there are no symptoms at all and even when symptoms do unfold they are typically so mild that the sufferer does not notice them. However, if you notice any of the following symptoms (no matter how slight) you could have type 2 diabetes:
- Cuts or sores that heal slowly.
- Feelings of drowsiness.
- Greater hunger and thirst levels.
- Soreness in your legs.
To get tested for type 2 diabetes you need to go and see your doctor. They will then test your blood sugar levels to gauge whether you have diabetes. Two of the most popular tests are the fasting plasma glucose test (where you fast for eight hours and then have your blood sugar levels measured) and the oral glucose tolerance test (where you consume a sugary drink and then have your blood sugar levels measured). If either of these tests confirm that you have type 2 diabetes your doctor will be able to give you further advice on effectively managing your condition.
Type 2 diabetes is associated with a number of complications and can cause serious damage to your body if not managed properly. Poorly management of the disease can lead to hyperosmotic non-ketotic acidosis (a type of coma brought on by a lack of insulin), damage to your eyes, damage to your heart, nerve damage and more. Thankfully, the majority of these complications can be avoided by following your doctors advice and managing your diabetes properly.
Your doctor is likely to make a number of recommendations in this area. You will be advised to get a blood testing kit so that you can continually check your blood sugar levels. You may also be prescribed insulin injections depending upon the severity of your condition (approximately 40% of type 2 diabetics require additional insulin). However, in most cases changes to your diet and exercise routine will be enough. On the diet side you will be advised to cut down on salt, reduce your alcohol intake and eat more frequently throughout the day. For the exercise you will be advised to participate in 30 minutes or more of moderate intensity activity per day.
The development of type 2 diabetes is heavily linked with poor lifestyle choices. If you want to stop this condition from destroying your health then you need to listen to your doctor and start making the correct lifestyle choices today.
Whilst every intention has been made to make this article accurate and informative it is intended for general information only. Diabetes is a medical condition and this article is not intended as a substitute for the advice of your doctor or a qualified medical practitioner. If you have any concerns regarding type 2 or any other form of diabetes you should seek the advice of your doctor immediately.
It is not known exactly what triggers type 2 diabetes but development begins when the cells in your body stop responding to insulin. This restricts your ability to convert blood sugar into energy so the pancreas and liver both respond by releasing extra insulin and glucose. If this happens for a prolonged period, your pancreas's insulin production capabilities become limited and your body's cells start to further resist insulin. This eventually leads to your blood sugar levels becoming excessively high and the onset of type 2 diabetes.
Since type 2 diabetes often develops gradually over time the symptoms are very difficult to spot. In many cases there are no symptoms at all and even when symptoms do unfold they are typically so mild that the sufferer does not notice them. However, if you notice any of the following symptoms (no matter how slight) you could have type 2 diabetes:
- Cuts or sores that heal slowly.
- Feelings of drowsiness.
- Greater hunger and thirst levels.
- Soreness in your legs.
To get tested for type 2 diabetes you need to go and see your doctor. They will then test your blood sugar levels to gauge whether you have diabetes. Two of the most popular tests are the fasting plasma glucose test (where you fast for eight hours and then have your blood sugar levels measured) and the oral glucose tolerance test (where you consume a sugary drink and then have your blood sugar levels measured). If either of these tests confirm that you have type 2 diabetes your doctor will be able to give you further advice on effectively managing your condition.
Type 2 diabetes is associated with a number of complications and can cause serious damage to your body if not managed properly. Poorly management of the disease can lead to hyperosmotic non-ketotic acidosis (a type of coma brought on by a lack of insulin), damage to your eyes, damage to your heart, nerve damage and more. Thankfully, the majority of these complications can be avoided by following your doctors advice and managing your diabetes properly.
Your doctor is likely to make a number of recommendations in this area. You will be advised to get a blood testing kit so that you can continually check your blood sugar levels. You may also be prescribed insulin injections depending upon the severity of your condition (approximately 40% of type 2 diabetics require additional insulin). However, in most cases changes to your diet and exercise routine will be enough. On the diet side you will be advised to cut down on salt, reduce your alcohol intake and eat more frequently throughout the day. For the exercise you will be advised to participate in 30 minutes or more of moderate intensity activity per day.
The development of type 2 diabetes is heavily linked with poor lifestyle choices. If you want to stop this condition from destroying your health then you need to listen to your doctor and start making the correct lifestyle choices today.
Whilst every intention has been made to make this article accurate and informative it is intended for general information only. Diabetes is a medical condition and this article is not intended as a substitute for the advice of your doctor or a qualified medical practitioner. If you have any concerns regarding type 2 or any other form of diabetes you should seek the advice of your doctor immediately.
What is Type 1 Diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes (also known as juvenile onset or insulin dependent diabetes) develops when the pancreas becomes damaged meaning that your body can no longer produce insulin (the hormone which helps your body convert blood sugar/glucose into energy). It represents approximately 5% to 10% of all diabetes cases and can be fatal if left untreated.
The damage to the pancreas is usually the result of an auto-immune attack, when (for some unknown reason) the body's immune system starts to attack the insulin producing beta cells of the pancreas. The result is that the pancreas can no longer supply the body with adequate levels of insulin, blood sugar levels become elevated and type 1 diabetes develops.
Since type 1 diabetes is the result of a rapid attack the symptoms also develop relatively quickly, usually in a matter of days or weeks. Things to look out for include:
- Clouded vision.
- Greater hunger and thirst levels.
- Increased fatigue levels.
- Weight loss.
If you do notice any of the above symptoms then go see your doctor immediately. They will probably recommend you take a Fast Plasma Glucose Test (FPG). For this test you will need to eat nothing in the eight hours before the test. Your doctor will then take a blood sample and if your blood sugar levels are above 126 milligrams per decilitre (mg/dL) you may have diabetes. To confirm whether you do actually have diabetes the test will be performed a second time. If your second reading is above 126 mg/dL then your doctor will diagnose you with diabetes.
If further investigation reveals that you have type 1 diabetes then your doctor will be on hand to help you manage the condition. If you have type 1 diabetes you will require insulin injections since your body can no longer produce the substance itself. You will also need to monitor your blood sugar levels regularly to determine when you require these injections. Your doctor will be able to talk you through the different types of insulin available and the types that are most suitable for you.
Apart from using insulin to treat type 1 diabetes, your doctor is also likely to advise you to make some lifestyle improvements. These will include improvements to your diet (eating a balanced diet, consuming more fruit and vegetables etc) and participating in regular exercise (which can include walking, cycling, participating in team sports etc). Making these changes will further help keep your blood sugar within normal levels.
Having type 1 diabetes means that you are at risk for a number of complications. One such complication is hypoglycaemia (extremely low blood sugar levels). Hypoglycaemia in diabetics usually occurs as a result of; excessive alcohol consumption (alcoholic beverages can inhibit glucose production), injecting too much insulin (insulin is used to lower your blood sugar levels to acceptable levels but too much can induce hypoglycaemia) and eating too little (your body gets glucose from the food you eat so eating too little can cause hypoglycaemia). Symptoms of hypoglycaemia can range from mild (paleness, shaking and sweating) to severe (temporary loss of consciousness and coma). Mild hypoglycaemia can often be treated alone by consuming some fast acting carbohydrates (such as candy, chocolate or glucose tablets). However, for severe hypoglycaemia you will are likely to require medical assistance.
Type 1 diabetes is a life changing condition. However, knowing that you have the condition means that you are in a much better position to manage it. By following the advice of your doctor and the tips listed in this article you can keep the negative symptoms of type 1 diabetes at bay and carry on living your life.
Whilst every intention has been made to make this article accurate and informative it is intended for general information only. Diabetes is a medical condition and this article is not intended as a substitute for the advice of your doctor or a qualified medical practitioner. If you have any concerns regarding type 1 or any other form of diabetes you should seek the advice of your doctor immediately.
The damage to the pancreas is usually the result of an auto-immune attack, when (for some unknown reason) the body's immune system starts to attack the insulin producing beta cells of the pancreas. The result is that the pancreas can no longer supply the body with adequate levels of insulin, blood sugar levels become elevated and type 1 diabetes develops.
Since type 1 diabetes is the result of a rapid attack the symptoms also develop relatively quickly, usually in a matter of days or weeks. Things to look out for include:
- Clouded vision.
- Greater hunger and thirst levels.
- Increased fatigue levels.
- Weight loss.
If you do notice any of the above symptoms then go see your doctor immediately. They will probably recommend you take a Fast Plasma Glucose Test (FPG). For this test you will need to eat nothing in the eight hours before the test. Your doctor will then take a blood sample and if your blood sugar levels are above 126 milligrams per decilitre (mg/dL) you may have diabetes. To confirm whether you do actually have diabetes the test will be performed a second time. If your second reading is above 126 mg/dL then your doctor will diagnose you with diabetes.
If further investigation reveals that you have type 1 diabetes then your doctor will be on hand to help you manage the condition. If you have type 1 diabetes you will require insulin injections since your body can no longer produce the substance itself. You will also need to monitor your blood sugar levels regularly to determine when you require these injections. Your doctor will be able to talk you through the different types of insulin available and the types that are most suitable for you.
Apart from using insulin to treat type 1 diabetes, your doctor is also likely to advise you to make some lifestyle improvements. These will include improvements to your diet (eating a balanced diet, consuming more fruit and vegetables etc) and participating in regular exercise (which can include walking, cycling, participating in team sports etc). Making these changes will further help keep your blood sugar within normal levels.
Having type 1 diabetes means that you are at risk for a number of complications. One such complication is hypoglycaemia (extremely low blood sugar levels). Hypoglycaemia in diabetics usually occurs as a result of; excessive alcohol consumption (alcoholic beverages can inhibit glucose production), injecting too much insulin (insulin is used to lower your blood sugar levels to acceptable levels but too much can induce hypoglycaemia) and eating too little (your body gets glucose from the food you eat so eating too little can cause hypoglycaemia). Symptoms of hypoglycaemia can range from mild (paleness, shaking and sweating) to severe (temporary loss of consciousness and coma). Mild hypoglycaemia can often be treated alone by consuming some fast acting carbohydrates (such as candy, chocolate or glucose tablets). However, for severe hypoglycaemia you will are likely to require medical assistance.
Type 1 diabetes is a life changing condition. However, knowing that you have the condition means that you are in a much better position to manage it. By following the advice of your doctor and the tips listed in this article you can keep the negative symptoms of type 1 diabetes at bay and carry on living your life.
Whilst every intention has been made to make this article accurate and informative it is intended for general information only. Diabetes is a medical condition and this article is not intended as a substitute for the advice of your doctor or a qualified medical practitioner. If you have any concerns regarding type 1 or any other form of diabetes you should seek the advice of your doctor immediately.
What is Pre-Diabetes?
Pre-diabetes, in simple terms, is a precursor to full type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes develops when your blood glucose/sugar levels become extremely high due to a lack of insulin in your body. Pre-diabetes occurs when your blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be classified as type 2 diabetes. Unlike type 2 diabetes, pre-diabetes can be reversed by making positive lifestyle changes. Therefore, it is a critical stage because by making the right choices you can avoid type 2 diabetes completely.
The exact causes of pre-diabetes are not fully understood but it is linked to a number of risk factors. Some of these risk factors (such as age, family history and race) are beyond your control. However, a number of the risk factors (including inactivity and obesity) are within your control. By maintaining a healthy body weight and doing more exercise you can reduce your risk of reverse pre-diabetes and halt the development of type 2 diabetes.
The symptoms of pre-diabetes are similar to those of type 2 diabetes, although they may not be as noticeable. If you find yourself becoming increasingly hungry or thirsty, urinating more frequently or vomiting regularly you may have pre-diabetes and should go see your doctor. They will then be able to perform various tests (including the fasting plasma glucose test and the oral glucose tolerance test) which will confirm whether you have pre-diabetes or not.
If you are diagnosed with pre-diabetes then you should be thankful because you have been given a final chance to evade full type 2 diabetes. Your doctor will be able to give you further advice on the positive lifestyle changes you should make. One of these changes will be to improve your diet by eating smaller meals more regularly, consuming adequate levels of fibre and eating lots of fruits and vegetables. Another change will be to become more active by doing a little exercise each day with walking, cycling, swimming or participating in team sports all excellent choices.
By implementing the above lifestyle changes you can keep your weight under control, moderate your blood sugar levels, increase your body's sensitivity to insulin and most importantly prevent type 2 diabetes from developing. An increasing number of people around the world are contracting diabetes with the latest estimates suggesting that over 200 million people worldwide have diabetes. Acting on your pre-diabetes now will allow you to avoid becoming part of these constantly increasing numbers.
Whilst every intention has been made to make this article accurate and informative it is intended for general information only. Diabetes is a medical condition and this article is not intended as a substitute for the advice of your doctor or a qualified medical practitioner. If you have any concerns regarding pre-diabetes or diabetes you should seek the advice of your doctor immediately.
The exact causes of pre-diabetes are not fully understood but it is linked to a number of risk factors. Some of these risk factors (such as age, family history and race) are beyond your control. However, a number of the risk factors (including inactivity and obesity) are within your control. By maintaining a healthy body weight and doing more exercise you can reduce your risk of reverse pre-diabetes and halt the development of type 2 diabetes.
The symptoms of pre-diabetes are similar to those of type 2 diabetes, although they may not be as noticeable. If you find yourself becoming increasingly hungry or thirsty, urinating more frequently or vomiting regularly you may have pre-diabetes and should go see your doctor. They will then be able to perform various tests (including the fasting plasma glucose test and the oral glucose tolerance test) which will confirm whether you have pre-diabetes or not.
If you are diagnosed with pre-diabetes then you should be thankful because you have been given a final chance to evade full type 2 diabetes. Your doctor will be able to give you further advice on the positive lifestyle changes you should make. One of these changes will be to improve your diet by eating smaller meals more regularly, consuming adequate levels of fibre and eating lots of fruits and vegetables. Another change will be to become more active by doing a little exercise each day with walking, cycling, swimming or participating in team sports all excellent choices.
By implementing the above lifestyle changes you can keep your weight under control, moderate your blood sugar levels, increase your body's sensitivity to insulin and most importantly prevent type 2 diabetes from developing. An increasing number of people around the world are contracting diabetes with the latest estimates suggesting that over 200 million people worldwide have diabetes. Acting on your pre-diabetes now will allow you to avoid becoming part of these constantly increasing numbers.
Whilst every intention has been made to make this article accurate and informative it is intended for general information only. Diabetes is a medical condition and this article is not intended as a substitute for the advice of your doctor or a qualified medical practitioner. If you have any concerns regarding pre-diabetes or diabetes you should seek the advice of your doctor immediately.
Monday, August 25, 2008
What is Gestational Diabetes?
When you are pregnant you have to deal with a number of changes. Your body will change, your diet will change and your mood will change. Unfortunately, one of the other changes you may have to deal with is the development of gestational diabetes (also known as gestational diabetes mellitus or the shortened GDM).
You may be wondering what is GDM? Essentially, GDM is a type of diabetes that develops temporarily during pregnancy. It affects approximately one in twenty pregnant women. Although no one is certain what causes GDM, a popular suggestion is that the placenta releases insulin blocking hormones during the second and third trimesters to ensure that the growing baby gets enough glucose. As a result pregnant women's blood sugar levels rise and they have to produce additional insulin to break it down into energy. Those who cannot produce enough extra insulin develop GDM.
Your doctor should test you for GDM during your pregnancy. Usually, you will be tested between the twenty fourth and twenty eighth week via an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). This test involves consuming a glucose orally and then being tested at regular intervals to see how your body breaks it down.
The symptoms of GDM are often difficult to notice. However, if you are constantly hungry or thirsty, urinating more frequently or feel tired a lot of the time you could have GDM. Whilst GDM is not an immediate risk to your health, it can become one if not managed properly. Some of the health risks linked to poorly managed GDM include; premature labour, macrosomia (giving birth to a baby with a large birth weight) and an increased chance of developing type 2 diabetes in later life.
Your doctor can help you manage your GDM, usually by making some small lifestyle improvements. First, you will be advised to eat healthily. Try and eat a good mix of complex carbohydrates, proteins and unsaturated fats and also try to eat smaller meals more regularly. Secondly, you will be advised to do at least half an hour of exercise per day. If these changes do not help lower your blood sugar levels then your doctor may prescribe insulin to help you control your GDM.
As a pregnant woman being diagnosed with GDM is not going to be a pleasant experience. However, your doctor will be on hand to help you with your GDM every step of the way. Try to remember it is a temporary condition that in most cases lasts for no longer than twelve weeks and can be managed by making a few small changes to your daily routine. If you follow that mindset your GDM will be gone before you know it.
Whilst every intention has been made to make this article accurate and informative it is intended for general information only. Diabetes is a medical condition and this article is not intended as a substitute for the advice of your doctor or a qualified medical practitioner. If you have any concerns regarding GDM or diabetes you should seek the advice of your doctor immediately.
You may be wondering what is GDM? Essentially, GDM is a type of diabetes that develops temporarily during pregnancy. It affects approximately one in twenty pregnant women. Although no one is certain what causes GDM, a popular suggestion is that the placenta releases insulin blocking hormones during the second and third trimesters to ensure that the growing baby gets enough glucose. As a result pregnant women's blood sugar levels rise and they have to produce additional insulin to break it down into energy. Those who cannot produce enough extra insulin develop GDM.
Your doctor should test you for GDM during your pregnancy. Usually, you will be tested between the twenty fourth and twenty eighth week via an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). This test involves consuming a glucose orally and then being tested at regular intervals to see how your body breaks it down.
The symptoms of GDM are often difficult to notice. However, if you are constantly hungry or thirsty, urinating more frequently or feel tired a lot of the time you could have GDM. Whilst GDM is not an immediate risk to your health, it can become one if not managed properly. Some of the health risks linked to poorly managed GDM include; premature labour, macrosomia (giving birth to a baby with a large birth weight) and an increased chance of developing type 2 diabetes in later life.
Your doctor can help you manage your GDM, usually by making some small lifestyle improvements. First, you will be advised to eat healthily. Try and eat a good mix of complex carbohydrates, proteins and unsaturated fats and also try to eat smaller meals more regularly. Secondly, you will be advised to do at least half an hour of exercise per day. If these changes do not help lower your blood sugar levels then your doctor may prescribe insulin to help you control your GDM.
As a pregnant woman being diagnosed with GDM is not going to be a pleasant experience. However, your doctor will be on hand to help you with your GDM every step of the way. Try to remember it is a temporary condition that in most cases lasts for no longer than twelve weeks and can be managed by making a few small changes to your daily routine. If you follow that mindset your GDM will be gone before you know it.
Whilst every intention has been made to make this article accurate and informative it is intended for general information only. Diabetes is a medical condition and this article is not intended as a substitute for the advice of your doctor or a qualified medical practitioner. If you have any concerns regarding GDM or diabetes you should seek the advice of your doctor immediately.
Diabetes and Eye Problems
People with diabetes can hardly process starches and sugars through their systems. These compounds remain un-assimilated and become part of blood that flows through the blood stream. High levels of sugar (or glucose) in the blood, constitute a condition that is also known as glycemia. A blood test often determines or establishes if one has glycemia or not. Diabetics need access to monitors and are expected to regularly test their blood sugar levels to check if they are having conditions of glycemia or not.
Glycemia gives rise to various side effects or complications for people with diabetes. The complications or side effects include heart, circulation, blood vessel, kidney, sexual and eye problems. High blood sugar levels strain the blood vessels and put at risk the eyesight of diabetics. Eye problems caused by diabetes result from pressure on delicate blood vessels surrounding the various parts of the eye, such as the vitreous, retina, optic nerve and lens.
It takes time for eye problems caused by diabetes to make themselves manifest. The problems begin with retina damage. Very small blood vessels comprise the retina and high amounts of blood sugar cause these tiny vessels to get irritated and swell. The retina fails to function at full capacity and afflicted persons begin to experience eyesight problems. This therefore makes it necessary for diabetics to avail themselves of eye examination at least once every year. The examination includes, among other things, dilating the eyes to determine how the condition may have improved or worsened.
Advanced condition of eye problems caused by diabetes is known as diabetic retinopathy. Diabetics must seek the help of qualified opthamologists who have had experiences treating, or at least familiar with, this particular condition.
Symptoms of diabetic retinopathy include flashing lights, blurry vision, aching sensation in the eyes, and dark spots fronting the eyes. Diabetics who experience these problems must consult an ophthalmologist for a thorough eye examination. In extreme but not very remote cases, surgery might be needed by diabetics who are having eye problems to restore their eyesight. Treatments are also available that can prevent more damage to the eye.
Eye problems caused by diabetes can be controlled by following a responsive diabetic diet that is guided by the Glycemic Index. This index rates various foods and indicates which of them should have no place in a diabetic diet. Diabetics are also well advised to have plenty of exercise, and shun smoking and alcohol. Maintaining normal weights is also very important for diabetics.
There are other known eye problems caused by diabetes. They include glaucoma and cataracts. Compared to glaucoma, a cataract is easy to treat. Glaucoma can lead to blindness and needs a more complex treatment. This further explains why diabetics who experience eye problems must seek the help of competent ophthalmologists.
Eye problems caused by diabetes can be prevented by diabetics if they maintain a diet and lifestyle that responds positively to their condition, and comply faithfully to the treatment prescribed for them. They need regular doses of exercise. They must watch their weight. They need to familiarize themselves with the Glycemic Index and they need to deprive themselves with foods that have high carbohydrate and sugar content. They must reject alcohol and smoking. It is necessary for them to comply with the medication prescribed for them by their doctors. They need to monitor their blood sugar levels regularly, again as instructed by doctors. By following these dietary and medical guidelines, diabetics can avoid eye problems and other dangerous complications caused by diabetes.
Glycemia gives rise to various side effects or complications for people with diabetes. The complications or side effects include heart, circulation, blood vessel, kidney, sexual and eye problems. High blood sugar levels strain the blood vessels and put at risk the eyesight of diabetics. Eye problems caused by diabetes result from pressure on delicate blood vessels surrounding the various parts of the eye, such as the vitreous, retina, optic nerve and lens.
It takes time for eye problems caused by diabetes to make themselves manifest. The problems begin with retina damage. Very small blood vessels comprise the retina and high amounts of blood sugar cause these tiny vessels to get irritated and swell. The retina fails to function at full capacity and afflicted persons begin to experience eyesight problems. This therefore makes it necessary for diabetics to avail themselves of eye examination at least once every year. The examination includes, among other things, dilating the eyes to determine how the condition may have improved or worsened.
Advanced condition of eye problems caused by diabetes is known as diabetic retinopathy. Diabetics must seek the help of qualified opthamologists who have had experiences treating, or at least familiar with, this particular condition.
Symptoms of diabetic retinopathy include flashing lights, blurry vision, aching sensation in the eyes, and dark spots fronting the eyes. Diabetics who experience these problems must consult an ophthalmologist for a thorough eye examination. In extreme but not very remote cases, surgery might be needed by diabetics who are having eye problems to restore their eyesight. Treatments are also available that can prevent more damage to the eye.
Eye problems caused by diabetes can be controlled by following a responsive diabetic diet that is guided by the Glycemic Index. This index rates various foods and indicates which of them should have no place in a diabetic diet. Diabetics are also well advised to have plenty of exercise, and shun smoking and alcohol. Maintaining normal weights is also very important for diabetics.
There are other known eye problems caused by diabetes. They include glaucoma and cataracts. Compared to glaucoma, a cataract is easy to treat. Glaucoma can lead to blindness and needs a more complex treatment. This further explains why diabetics who experience eye problems must seek the help of competent ophthalmologists.
Eye problems caused by diabetes can be prevented by diabetics if they maintain a diet and lifestyle that responds positively to their condition, and comply faithfully to the treatment prescribed for them. They need regular doses of exercise. They must watch their weight. They need to familiarize themselves with the Glycemic Index and they need to deprive themselves with foods that have high carbohydrate and sugar content. They must reject alcohol and smoking. It is necessary for them to comply with the medication prescribed for them by their doctors. They need to monitor their blood sugar levels regularly, again as instructed by doctors. By following these dietary and medical guidelines, diabetics can avoid eye problems and other dangerous complications caused by diabetes.
Diabetes - A Good Diet Helps
Patients who are diagnosed with diabetes often ask if a good diet can help the disease in check. Most doctors agree - patients can keep diabetes in check with a good diet, one that's is low in sugars and carbohydrates. Such a diet may not necessarily help patients totally get rid of the disease, but it helps them avoid complications that are associated with diabetes.
Diabetics have problems breaking down and converting foods like starches and sugars into compounds that are needed by body cells. Instead they remain in the blood and increases sugar levels in the bloodstream. Too much sugar, or glucose, in the blood is an abnormality called glycemia. There are two types of diabetes, namely Type 1 and Type 2. Diabetics of either type suffer from very high blood sugar conditions. Problems in breaking down sugar also take their toll on other vital organs of the body, and often cause dysfunctions of the heart, eyesight, liver, kidneys and blood circulation.
When doctors treat diabetics, they usually apply medication, or insulin, depending on what stage their disease maybe at. The purpose of medication or insulin is to help body systems process blood sugars and break them down, allowing patients to expel excess sugar. But medication and insulin can only do so much; they cannot substitute for a good, healthy diet. Taking insulin or medication does not give patients license to eat as much sugar and carbohydrates as they can. Keeping diabetes in check requires patients not only to take insulin or medication per doctor's prescription; adhering to healthy diabetic diet is equally important. It is necessary therefore for diabetics to familiarize themselves with foods they must avoid or which foods they may eat sparingly.
This makes the Glycemic Index very useful. Established and adopted in 1981, the Glycemic Index identifies and rates carbohydrates in terms of how they adversely affect diabetics. Foods that top the list, like white bread, are hard to digest and must be avoided. Carbohydrates with low scores, on the other hand, like brown rice, may be eaten sparingly. Since it is almost impossible to do away with carbohydrates completely, it is important for diabetics to familiarize themselves with the Glycemic Index and adopt a diet on the basis of what the Index suggests.
The Glycemic Index also identifies and rates carbohydrates in the middle of the pack. People may find it surprising, for example, that chocolate bars rate in the middle group of the Glycemic Index list. But by no means this would suggest that diabetics may freely consume chocolate everytime they have opportunities to do so. The Glycemic Index tells people what foods need to be avoided at all cost and which foods can be taken in with moderation.
A good diet is therefore important to keep diabetes in check. A good diet cannot cure diabetes, but it can help diabetics live a healthier and longer life. Diabetics need to familiarize themselves with the Glycemic Index so that they can be guided on what foods to take and thereby help control their affliction.
Diabetics have problems breaking down and converting foods like starches and sugars into compounds that are needed by body cells. Instead they remain in the blood and increases sugar levels in the bloodstream. Too much sugar, or glucose, in the blood is an abnormality called glycemia. There are two types of diabetes, namely Type 1 and Type 2. Diabetics of either type suffer from very high blood sugar conditions. Problems in breaking down sugar also take their toll on other vital organs of the body, and often cause dysfunctions of the heart, eyesight, liver, kidneys and blood circulation.
When doctors treat diabetics, they usually apply medication, or insulin, depending on what stage their disease maybe at. The purpose of medication or insulin is to help body systems process blood sugars and break them down, allowing patients to expel excess sugar. But medication and insulin can only do so much; they cannot substitute for a good, healthy diet. Taking insulin or medication does not give patients license to eat as much sugar and carbohydrates as they can. Keeping diabetes in check requires patients not only to take insulin or medication per doctor's prescription; adhering to healthy diabetic diet is equally important. It is necessary therefore for diabetics to familiarize themselves with foods they must avoid or which foods they may eat sparingly.
This makes the Glycemic Index very useful. Established and adopted in 1981, the Glycemic Index identifies and rates carbohydrates in terms of how they adversely affect diabetics. Foods that top the list, like white bread, are hard to digest and must be avoided. Carbohydrates with low scores, on the other hand, like brown rice, may be eaten sparingly. Since it is almost impossible to do away with carbohydrates completely, it is important for diabetics to familiarize themselves with the Glycemic Index and adopt a diet on the basis of what the Index suggests.
The Glycemic Index also identifies and rates carbohydrates in the middle of the pack. People may find it surprising, for example, that chocolate bars rate in the middle group of the Glycemic Index list. But by no means this would suggest that diabetics may freely consume chocolate everytime they have opportunities to do so. The Glycemic Index tells people what foods need to be avoided at all cost and which foods can be taken in with moderation.
A good diet is therefore important to keep diabetes in check. A good diet cannot cure diabetes, but it can help diabetics live a healthier and longer life. Diabetics need to familiarize themselves with the Glycemic Index so that they can be guided on what foods to take and thereby help control their affliction.
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Diabetes and Sexual Problems
Diabetics go through daily struggles with their ailment. And they still have to cope with other discomforts and pain associated with diabetes. One of the many complications that diabetics are likely to contend with are sexual problems. These sexual problems that are caused by diabetes affect both women and men, although not in the same way for both sexes. The nervous system governs the way how our bodies respond to all kinds of stimuli, including sexual stimuli. High blood sugar levels adversely affect the nervous system, which in turn create sexual problems for diabetics.
Male diabetics who have sexual problems often experience erectile dysfunction. In fact the American Diabetes Institute has estimated that no less than 85 percent of diabetic men go through various degrees of erectile dysfunction. Aside from the possibility of putting undue strain on their marriages, such a condition also takes a heavy toll on their emotional well-being. They have to contend not only with diabetes as a disease, they also have to grapple with sagging self-confidence.
The medical profession identifies erectile dysfunction as one of the symptoms of diabetes. Thus in a situation where a man experiences erectile dysfunction, especially for extended periods of time, it is important for him to consult his doctor to make sure if he is suffering from undiagnosed diabetes or not. It is a good thing that treatments or medications are available for men who are having sexual problems caused by diabetes. What patients need is to fully disclose their problems with their doctors.
Unfortunately, male sexual problems caused by diabetes are not limited to erectile dysfunction. There is also what is called as retrograde ejaculation. This problem can even be more dangerous or fatal for men with diabetes. Retrograde ejaculation is a condition where semen goes into the bladder rather than out of the penis when a man ejaculates. Fixing this disorder needs the help of a urologist who may intervene with either medication or surgery.
Sexual problems caused by diabetes do not affect men alone. Women who have diabetes are also vulnerable to experiencing sexual problems. As mentioned earlier, high blood glucose levels can damage the nervous system which, among women, can adversely affect the nerve cells surrounding the vagina. The female sex organ may not respond normally to sexual stimuli, such as lubrication of the vaginal canal during sexual intercourse, which can then result in a painful experience for the woman. There had also been reports that indicate many women who reported nerve damage from hyperglycemia have likewise lost sensation within their genital zones, causing them to lose interest in the sexual act itself. As with men who experience sexual problems due to diabetes, women whose desire for sex has waned can create psychological problems and put pressure on keeping their marriages alive.
Discussing with physicians is not as easy for patients whose ailments are related to sexual problems. But diabetics must understand that they are prone to a number of side effects that unfortunately may impinge upon sexual relations. The best recourse for them is always to seek the help of their physicians who, after fully discussing the problems with them, would be in the best position to provide medical treatment. There are a good number of treatments that can be applied by men and women who are experiencing sexual problems caused by diabetes.
The more common treatments include maintaining the normal levels of blood sugar through exercise, taking a healthy and low-carbohydrate diet and, in more serious cases, taking insulin or medication. Patients need to regularly monitor their blood glucose as directed by doctors. Any information related to sexual problems caused by diabetes is best disclosed to physicians. This way they get proper advice. By knowing what patients can do under their condition they can help themselves manage their sickness better and look forward to a healthier and longer life.
Male diabetics who have sexual problems often experience erectile dysfunction. In fact the American Diabetes Institute has estimated that no less than 85 percent of diabetic men go through various degrees of erectile dysfunction. Aside from the possibility of putting undue strain on their marriages, such a condition also takes a heavy toll on their emotional well-being. They have to contend not only with diabetes as a disease, they also have to grapple with sagging self-confidence.
The medical profession identifies erectile dysfunction as one of the symptoms of diabetes. Thus in a situation where a man experiences erectile dysfunction, especially for extended periods of time, it is important for him to consult his doctor to make sure if he is suffering from undiagnosed diabetes or not. It is a good thing that treatments or medications are available for men who are having sexual problems caused by diabetes. What patients need is to fully disclose their problems with their doctors.
Unfortunately, male sexual problems caused by diabetes are not limited to erectile dysfunction. There is also what is called as retrograde ejaculation. This problem can even be more dangerous or fatal for men with diabetes. Retrograde ejaculation is a condition where semen goes into the bladder rather than out of the penis when a man ejaculates. Fixing this disorder needs the help of a urologist who may intervene with either medication or surgery.
Sexual problems caused by diabetes do not affect men alone. Women who have diabetes are also vulnerable to experiencing sexual problems. As mentioned earlier, high blood glucose levels can damage the nervous system which, among women, can adversely affect the nerve cells surrounding the vagina. The female sex organ may not respond normally to sexual stimuli, such as lubrication of the vaginal canal during sexual intercourse, which can then result in a painful experience for the woman. There had also been reports that indicate many women who reported nerve damage from hyperglycemia have likewise lost sensation within their genital zones, causing them to lose interest in the sexual act itself. As with men who experience sexual problems due to diabetes, women whose desire for sex has waned can create psychological problems and put pressure on keeping their marriages alive.
Discussing with physicians is not as easy for patients whose ailments are related to sexual problems. But diabetics must understand that they are prone to a number of side effects that unfortunately may impinge upon sexual relations. The best recourse for them is always to seek the help of their physicians who, after fully discussing the problems with them, would be in the best position to provide medical treatment. There are a good number of treatments that can be applied by men and women who are experiencing sexual problems caused by diabetes.
The more common treatments include maintaining the normal levels of blood sugar through exercise, taking a healthy and low-carbohydrate diet and, in more serious cases, taking insulin or medication. Patients need to regularly monitor their blood glucose as directed by doctors. Any information related to sexual problems caused by diabetes is best disclosed to physicians. This way they get proper advice. By knowing what patients can do under their condition they can help themselves manage their sickness better and look forward to a healthier and longer life.
Diabetes - Good Diet
Diabetes has become an alarming disease. It has reached epidemic proportions in the United States. It is time for the general public to be conscious about it. For people with diabetes, extra care in picking their diet will not only let them control the disease, it can also help them do away with insulin. Doctors often prescribe pills or tablets for most diabetics in an effort to stabilize their condition before resorting to any use of insulin. Choosing a diet specially programmed for people with diabetes can help them prolong the treatment of their ailment with medication and thereby postpone the use of insulin.
People who suffer from diabetes have problems breaking down and assimilating carbohydrates into their system. Carbohydrates are a fairly big group or cluster of foods that people need for a balanced diet. Sugar, which many people think diabetics must stay away from, is only one example or component of carbohydrates. Aside from white sugar, other elements of carbohydrates can be found in pasta, white bread, some vegetables, potatoes, fruits, and any food with high content of white flour.
Carbohydrates constitute a complex assemblage of foods. Different groups give rise to different conditions in the blood stream. Although people with diabetes have problems breaking down carbohydrates in general, the most difficult process happens with carbohydrates that rate high in the Glycemic Index. Foods with the highest Glycemic Index rating also pose the greatest harm for diabetics.
A diet for people with diabetes allows them to limit their intake of harmful carbohydrates as indicated in the Glycemic Index. Those who have been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, and given medication as well as diet suggestions by their doctors, would do very well to heed the doctors' advice. Studies show that people with diabetes tend to be more in denial and non-compliant compared to other categories of patients. This should not be the case. By electing to follow rigorously a diet for people with diabetes and taking the prescribed medication, diabetics can still live to the fullest.
A diet for people with diabetes is low in carbohydrates and high in protein. Sugars and white flour must be discarded. Rice, pasta and any food that is rich in carbohydrates, should be avoided. The low carbohydrate diet that was fashionable years ago can be helpful for diabetics. Such a diet had at varying degrees very limited content of carbohydrates. Also helpful are diabetic cookbooks which diabetics can use to prepare a diet that effectively responds to their needs.
The bad news is many people continue to be found having diabetes. The good news is there is now a growing body of information about cookbooks and diets for people with diabetes that is available in the market or through the internet. Diabetes puts a heavy strain on the human body. Having a healthy diet can reduce the ill-effects of the disease on the body and allow diabetics to live a fruitful and longer lives.
It is important for diabetics to get themselves familiar with the Glycemic Index, rigorously follow a diet prescribed for people with diabetes, get their blood sugar levels regularly monitored and take their medication per doctor's prescription. This is the only way they can keep their disease in check and prevent many of its dreaded complications from arising.
People who suffer from diabetes have problems breaking down and assimilating carbohydrates into their system. Carbohydrates are a fairly big group or cluster of foods that people need for a balanced diet. Sugar, which many people think diabetics must stay away from, is only one example or component of carbohydrates. Aside from white sugar, other elements of carbohydrates can be found in pasta, white bread, some vegetables, potatoes, fruits, and any food with high content of white flour.
Carbohydrates constitute a complex assemblage of foods. Different groups give rise to different conditions in the blood stream. Although people with diabetes have problems breaking down carbohydrates in general, the most difficult process happens with carbohydrates that rate high in the Glycemic Index. Foods with the highest Glycemic Index rating also pose the greatest harm for diabetics.
A diet for people with diabetes allows them to limit their intake of harmful carbohydrates as indicated in the Glycemic Index. Those who have been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, and given medication as well as diet suggestions by their doctors, would do very well to heed the doctors' advice. Studies show that people with diabetes tend to be more in denial and non-compliant compared to other categories of patients. This should not be the case. By electing to follow rigorously a diet for people with diabetes and taking the prescribed medication, diabetics can still live to the fullest.
A diet for people with diabetes is low in carbohydrates and high in protein. Sugars and white flour must be discarded. Rice, pasta and any food that is rich in carbohydrates, should be avoided. The low carbohydrate diet that was fashionable years ago can be helpful for diabetics. Such a diet had at varying degrees very limited content of carbohydrates. Also helpful are diabetic cookbooks which diabetics can use to prepare a diet that effectively responds to their needs.
The bad news is many people continue to be found having diabetes. The good news is there is now a growing body of information about cookbooks and diets for people with diabetes that is available in the market or through the internet. Diabetes puts a heavy strain on the human body. Having a healthy diet can reduce the ill-effects of the disease on the body and allow diabetics to live a fruitful and longer lives.
It is important for diabetics to get themselves familiar with the Glycemic Index, rigorously follow a diet prescribed for people with diabetes, get their blood sugar levels regularly monitored and take their medication per doctor's prescription. This is the only way they can keep their disease in check and prevent many of its dreaded complications from arising.
Let Natural Health Deal With Your Diabetes
A Bit About the Disease:
Diabetes mellitus, or simply, Diabetes, is a deviation from the natural health condition of the body, and is characterized by less than optimum utilization of glucose by the body due to partial or complete lack of insulin produced by the pancreas. The symptoms include excessive urine production, or polyuria, excessive thirst and increased fluid intake, or polydipsia, blurred vision, unexplained weight loss and lethargy. Diabetes is of two types - Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 Diabetes is generally, but not necessarily, a birth defect where the body just doesn't produce enough insulin to keep blood sugar at normal levels. Type 2 Diabetes afflicts mostly people with excessive weight and the condition is characterized by the inability of the body to use insulin secreted by the pancreas. There is also a less common type of Diabetes - Gestational Diabetes - that occurs in women during the second half of pregnancy and disappears after delivery.
Natural Remedies for Treating Diabetes:
Type 2 Diabetes is also known as a 'lifestyle disease', which simply means that it can be prevented by taking some positive lifestyle improvement measures, and controlled by resorting to multiple natural remedies. The following few paragraphs enunciate some of the effective natural remedies to treat Diabetes.
The first thing you can do is to change your lifestyle from lethargic to a more active one. Daily regular walk and moderate exercise form part of a natural health routine. Physical exercise must be supported by Yoga asanas to be performed under the assistance and guidance of an expert. Remember, Yoga is definitely beneficial for your health, but if performed in a wrong manner, it can also lead to further health complications. The aim is to reduce the weight in a healthy manner and to achieve ideal bodyweight.
Diet restriction is also part and parcel of a Diabetic's life. Don'ts include alcohol, soft drinks, sugary desserts, fruit-juice, fatty, fried, and cholesterol-rich food. Do's include vegetables, fruit, fermented whole grains, fiber-rich food, bitter gourd, almonds, and substances high in omega three oils (olive oil, flaxseed oil, fish oil, borage oil).
As an integral part of natural health, plenty of home remedies are also prescribed for the treatment of Diabetes. Some of these include:-
1. Take 1-liter of boiling water and add 3-tablespoons of cinnamon. Simmer for 20 minutes and then, strain the mixture. Drink this mixture daily. 2. Drink watery juice of a small Bitter Gourd every morning. 3. Boil 3-4 fresh leaves of mango tree in the morning and drink.
Undoubtedly, there are plenty more natural remedies available for the treatment of Diabetes. In fact, our traditional knowledge has proven more than occasionally that attainment of natural health through natural means in not only desirable, but also possible.
Diabetes mellitus, or simply, Diabetes, is a deviation from the natural health condition of the body, and is characterized by less than optimum utilization of glucose by the body due to partial or complete lack of insulin produced by the pancreas. The symptoms include excessive urine production, or polyuria, excessive thirst and increased fluid intake, or polydipsia, blurred vision, unexplained weight loss and lethargy. Diabetes is of two types - Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 Diabetes is generally, but not necessarily, a birth defect where the body just doesn't produce enough insulin to keep blood sugar at normal levels. Type 2 Diabetes afflicts mostly people with excessive weight and the condition is characterized by the inability of the body to use insulin secreted by the pancreas. There is also a less common type of Diabetes - Gestational Diabetes - that occurs in women during the second half of pregnancy and disappears after delivery.
Natural Remedies for Treating Diabetes:
Type 2 Diabetes is also known as a 'lifestyle disease', which simply means that it can be prevented by taking some positive lifestyle improvement measures, and controlled by resorting to multiple natural remedies. The following few paragraphs enunciate some of the effective natural remedies to treat Diabetes.
The first thing you can do is to change your lifestyle from lethargic to a more active one. Daily regular walk and moderate exercise form part of a natural health routine. Physical exercise must be supported by Yoga asanas to be performed under the assistance and guidance of an expert. Remember, Yoga is definitely beneficial for your health, but if performed in a wrong manner, it can also lead to further health complications. The aim is to reduce the weight in a healthy manner and to achieve ideal bodyweight.
Diet restriction is also part and parcel of a Diabetic's life. Don'ts include alcohol, soft drinks, sugary desserts, fruit-juice, fatty, fried, and cholesterol-rich food. Do's include vegetables, fruit, fermented whole grains, fiber-rich food, bitter gourd, almonds, and substances high in omega three oils (olive oil, flaxseed oil, fish oil, borage oil).
As an integral part of natural health, plenty of home remedies are also prescribed for the treatment of Diabetes. Some of these include:-
1. Take 1-liter of boiling water and add 3-tablespoons of cinnamon. Simmer for 20 minutes and then, strain the mixture. Drink this mixture daily. 2. Drink watery juice of a small Bitter Gourd every morning. 3. Boil 3-4 fresh leaves of mango tree in the morning and drink.
Undoubtedly, there are plenty more natural remedies available for the treatment of Diabetes. In fact, our traditional knowledge has proven more than occasionally that attainment of natural health through natural means in not only desirable, but also possible.
What Are the First Signs of Diabetes?
If you are like me, diabetes runs in your family. Knowing what symptoms to look for makes it much easier to know if you or someone you love may have diabetes.
There are two types of diabetes, type 1 and type 2. Type 1 diabetes is when your pancreas does not secrete enough insulin. Type 2 diabetes is when your body does not sufficiently absorb the insulin your pancreas produces.
There are many symptoms for diabetes. The most recognizable for all types of diabetes is excessive thirst, hunger, and urination. Symptoms for Type I diabetes can develop quite rapidly, in as little as weeks or months. Symptoms for Type 2 diabetes are generally milder and can take much longer to surface.
Type I diabetes often causes rapid weight loss, even though there may be an increase of food intake. It also causes prolonged fatigue, nausea, blurry vision, dry mouth, bad breath, and slowed healing.
There are a few circumstances, you should seek medical attention immediately.
If you feel nauseated, weak, and excessively thirsty; are urinating very frequently; have abdominal pain; or are breathing more than normal, with sweet breath that smells like nail polish remover. You may need immediate medical attention for ketoacidosis, a potentially deadly complication of Type I diabetes. If you are having weakness or fainting spells; are experiencing a rapid heartbeat, trembling, and excessive sweating; and feel irritable, hungry, or suddenly drowsy. You could be developing hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). You may need a carbohydrate snack promptly to prevent more serious complications.
There are two types of diabetes, type 1 and type 2. Type 1 diabetes is when your pancreas does not secrete enough insulin. Type 2 diabetes is when your body does not sufficiently absorb the insulin your pancreas produces.
There are many symptoms for diabetes. The most recognizable for all types of diabetes is excessive thirst, hunger, and urination. Symptoms for Type I diabetes can develop quite rapidly, in as little as weeks or months. Symptoms for Type 2 diabetes are generally milder and can take much longer to surface.
Type I diabetes often causes rapid weight loss, even though there may be an increase of food intake. It also causes prolonged fatigue, nausea, blurry vision, dry mouth, bad breath, and slowed healing.
There are a few circumstances, you should seek medical attention immediately.
If you feel nauseated, weak, and excessively thirsty; are urinating very frequently; have abdominal pain; or are breathing more than normal, with sweet breath that smells like nail polish remover. You may need immediate medical attention for ketoacidosis, a potentially deadly complication of Type I diabetes. If you are having weakness or fainting spells; are experiencing a rapid heartbeat, trembling, and excessive sweating; and feel irritable, hungry, or suddenly drowsy. You could be developing hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). You may need a carbohydrate snack promptly to prevent more serious complications.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Diabetes Mellitus - Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment
Diabetes mellitus is a medical condition in which the capacity to produce insulin in the body is marginally or significantly reduced. Because of this condition, glucose uptake by the body cells becomes deficient, and blood sugar levels increase. Type 1 diabetic patients produce little or no insulin, and hence need insulin injections to control their blood sugar. Type 2 diabetic patients can control their blood sugar with a combination of diet, weight management, exercise and glucose-lowering medications.
Diabetes mellitus is known in Ayurveda as "Madhumeha". Ayurveda describes the pathology of this disease as resulting from a disturbed "Meda, Kleda and Kapha". It is believed that all the body tissues lose their vitality because of this condition.
Type 1 diabetic patients who are dependent on insulin injections should monitor their blood sugar and continue the injections regularly. Type 2 diabetic patients may be able to control their blood sugar with Ayurvedic medicines and other measures like diet restrictions and weight control.
Traditional Ayurvedic formulations useful in diabetes are: Arogya Vardhini, Vasant Kusumakar Rasa, Chandraprabha Vati, Prameha Gaja Kesari, Lodhrasava, Khadirarishta, Jambvasava, Trivanga Bhasma, and Suvarna Makshik Bhasma. Herbal medicines useful in this condition are: Haridra (Curcuma longa), Nimba (Azadirachta indica), Karela (Momordica charantia), Saptakapi (Casearia esculenta), Musta (Cyperus rotundus), Daruharidra (Berberis aristata), Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna), Khadeer (Acacia catechu), Lodhra (Symplocos racemosa), Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), Patol (Trichosanthe dioica), Vata (Ficus bengalensis), Udumbar (Ficus glomerata), Jamun (Syzygium cumini), Bilwa (Aegle marmelos) , Gudmar (Gymnema sylvestre), Methi (Trigonella foenum-graecum), Asana (Pterocarpus marsupium),Shilajit (Purified Bitumen) and Kumbha (Leucas cephalotes).
Most of the herbal medicines mentioned above reduce blood sugar gradually, and stimulate the body to secrete insulin on its own. These medicines also act on the "Meda" and "Kapha" tissues, reduce "Kleda", and restore body vitality. Thus they act on the basic pathology of this disease. Taken for long periods, these medicines may help to reverse the disease process in diabetes, and give long lasting relief, or sometimes, even a permanent cure. Unlike modern medicines, medical emergencies like hypoglycemia (a sudden lowering of blood sugar) are not seen with the use of herbal medicines.
Long-term complications of diabetes include diseases related to the eyes, nerves, kidneys, heart, brain, intestines, sexual organs, skin and feet. Ayurvedic medicines are very effective in preventing or significantly reducing symptoms related to these complications, and are useful in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Ayurvedic medicines used specially for this are: Tapyadi Loha, Kaishor Guggulu, Agni Tundi Rasa, Vish Tinduk Vati, Kanchnaar Guggulu, Trayodashang Guggulu, Ekanga Veer Rasa, Vaat Gajankush Rasa and Amalaki (Emblica officinalis).
Thus, Ayurvedic medicines are useful both for reducing blood sugar and for treating long-term complications. These medicines can be used independently or as additional therapy to modern medicines. Ayurvedic treatment can significantly reduce the morbidity (severity of disease) and mortality (death rate) associated with diabetes mellitus.
Diabetes mellitus is known in Ayurveda as "Madhumeha". Ayurveda describes the pathology of this disease as resulting from a disturbed "Meda, Kleda and Kapha". It is believed that all the body tissues lose their vitality because of this condition.
Type 1 diabetic patients who are dependent on insulin injections should monitor their blood sugar and continue the injections regularly. Type 2 diabetic patients may be able to control their blood sugar with Ayurvedic medicines and other measures like diet restrictions and weight control.
Traditional Ayurvedic formulations useful in diabetes are: Arogya Vardhini, Vasant Kusumakar Rasa, Chandraprabha Vati, Prameha Gaja Kesari, Lodhrasava, Khadirarishta, Jambvasava, Trivanga Bhasma, and Suvarna Makshik Bhasma. Herbal medicines useful in this condition are: Haridra (Curcuma longa), Nimba (Azadirachta indica), Karela (Momordica charantia), Saptakapi (Casearia esculenta), Musta (Cyperus rotundus), Daruharidra (Berberis aristata), Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna), Khadeer (Acacia catechu), Lodhra (Symplocos racemosa), Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), Patol (Trichosanthe dioica), Vata (Ficus bengalensis), Udumbar (Ficus glomerata), Jamun (Syzygium cumini), Bilwa (Aegle marmelos) , Gudmar (Gymnema sylvestre), Methi (Trigonella foenum-graecum), Asana (Pterocarpus marsupium),Shilajit (Purified Bitumen) and Kumbha (Leucas cephalotes).
Most of the herbal medicines mentioned above reduce blood sugar gradually, and stimulate the body to secrete insulin on its own. These medicines also act on the "Meda" and "Kapha" tissues, reduce "Kleda", and restore body vitality. Thus they act on the basic pathology of this disease. Taken for long periods, these medicines may help to reverse the disease process in diabetes, and give long lasting relief, or sometimes, even a permanent cure. Unlike modern medicines, medical emergencies like hypoglycemia (a sudden lowering of blood sugar) are not seen with the use of herbal medicines.
Long-term complications of diabetes include diseases related to the eyes, nerves, kidneys, heart, brain, intestines, sexual organs, skin and feet. Ayurvedic medicines are very effective in preventing or significantly reducing symptoms related to these complications, and are useful in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Ayurvedic medicines used specially for this are: Tapyadi Loha, Kaishor Guggulu, Agni Tundi Rasa, Vish Tinduk Vati, Kanchnaar Guggulu, Trayodashang Guggulu, Ekanga Veer Rasa, Vaat Gajankush Rasa and Amalaki (Emblica officinalis).
Thus, Ayurvedic medicines are useful both for reducing blood sugar and for treating long-term complications. These medicines can be used independently or as additional therapy to modern medicines. Ayurvedic treatment can significantly reduce the morbidity (severity of disease) and mortality (death rate) associated with diabetes mellitus.
Diabetics and Good Foods
Developed in 1981 at the University of Toronto primarily for diabetics, the Glycemic Index has become the compelling basis for a growing number of diets, such as the South Beach diet, among many others. The Glycemic Index has categorized various carbohydrate-rich foods according to the length of time it takes for each food to get digested and absorbed by the body. Foods that require the longest time to break down have the highest Glycemic Index rating. The rating indicates that such kind of foods can do the greatest harm for diabetics. On the other hand, foods that take the least time to break down have the lowest score or rating. This means that foods with low Glycemic Index ratings are good for diabetics. Foods with low Glycemic Index scores are also recommended for those who want to limit their intake of carbohydrates.
Good foods for diabetics undergo a slow absorption process. This condition allows the human body enough time to break starches and refined sugars down so that these compounds get assimilated properly. Type 1 and Type 2 diabetics have problems in digesting carbohydrates. The higher the ratings of these carbohydrates on the Glycemic Index, the more difficult it will be for diabetics to digest these foods, and thus the more difficult for them to expel excess sugar from their bloodstream. Diabetics would do well to keep distance from foods rich in carbohydrates; and they would do even better if they discrimate against those that are harmful for them over those that are not.
Good foods for diabetics have low Glycemic Index scores or ratings. Although categorized as carbohydrates, these foods present less problems for diabetics to digest and therefore healthier compared to other foods with high Glycemic Index scores or ratings. To avoid exposing themselves to unnecessary risks, diabetics may substitute foods that are high on the Glycemic Index ratings with low carbo ratings, many of which are readily available in food stores or supermarkets anyway.
Foods with low Glycemic Index ratings consist mostly of vegetables and fruits. Although vegetables and fruits contain sugar, the type of sugars found in these good glycemic foods get digested at a lower pace, aside of course from providing much needed nutrients to diabetics, or to anyone for that matter. The lone vegetable that rates high on the Glycemic Index is potato. Diabetics therefore should be wise enough to skip it. In terms of preference, vegetables and fruits in general are far better than corn flakes, white bread, white rice, and any food mixed with flour or refined white sugar.
There are other good foods for diabetics. Wheat flour-based pastas, basmati rice and wholegrain breads are recommended for Type 1 and Type 2 diabetics. These foods are helpful for those who wish to control the blood sugar levels and for those who just want to have a healthy diet.
It is thus not only a question of avoiding carbohydrates when one wants to manage diabetes, it is also a question of knowing which sets of carbohydrates are more harmful for diabetics compared to other sets of foods. Diabetes can be managed well by taking the right foods, complying with what doctors prescribe, and regularly monitoring the patient's blood sugar levels.
Good foods for diabetics undergo a slow absorption process. This condition allows the human body enough time to break starches and refined sugars down so that these compounds get assimilated properly. Type 1 and Type 2 diabetics have problems in digesting carbohydrates. The higher the ratings of these carbohydrates on the Glycemic Index, the more difficult it will be for diabetics to digest these foods, and thus the more difficult for them to expel excess sugar from their bloodstream. Diabetics would do well to keep distance from foods rich in carbohydrates; and they would do even better if they discrimate against those that are harmful for them over those that are not.
Good foods for diabetics have low Glycemic Index scores or ratings. Although categorized as carbohydrates, these foods present less problems for diabetics to digest and therefore healthier compared to other foods with high Glycemic Index scores or ratings. To avoid exposing themselves to unnecessary risks, diabetics may substitute foods that are high on the Glycemic Index ratings with low carbo ratings, many of which are readily available in food stores or supermarkets anyway.
Foods with low Glycemic Index ratings consist mostly of vegetables and fruits. Although vegetables and fruits contain sugar, the type of sugars found in these good glycemic foods get digested at a lower pace, aside of course from providing much needed nutrients to diabetics, or to anyone for that matter. The lone vegetable that rates high on the Glycemic Index is potato. Diabetics therefore should be wise enough to skip it. In terms of preference, vegetables and fruits in general are far better than corn flakes, white bread, white rice, and any food mixed with flour or refined white sugar.
There are other good foods for diabetics. Wheat flour-based pastas, basmati rice and wholegrain breads are recommended for Type 1 and Type 2 diabetics. These foods are helpful for those who wish to control the blood sugar levels and for those who just want to have a healthy diet.
It is thus not only a question of avoiding carbohydrates when one wants to manage diabetes, it is also a question of knowing which sets of carbohydrates are more harmful for diabetics compared to other sets of foods. Diabetes can be managed well by taking the right foods, complying with what doctors prescribe, and regularly monitoring the patient's blood sugar levels.
Are You at the Risk of Diabetic Foot?
Diabetic foot is an umbrella term for foot problems in patients with diabetes mellitus. Due to arterial abnormalities and diabetic neuropathy, as well as a tendency to delayed wound healing, infection or gangrene of the foot is relatively common. Ten to Fifteen per cent of diabetic patients develop foot ulcers at some point in their lives and foot related problems are responsible for up to 50% of diabetes related hospital admissions.
Diabetic foot infection is a disease that is generally associated with damaged nerves and restricted blood supply due to diabetes, thereby causing deep sores and infections in the skin, muscles, or bones of the foot region.
Description
Diabetic patients are more vulnerable to foot infections. As the disease is often associated with low blood circulation and nervous disorders, people with high diabetes are more likely to be infected with foot diseases.
However, there is very little chance for the patient with a foot infection to realize the real importance of the situation; as he hardly gets a chance to feel any pain or discomfort in the region. In most of the cases, the ailment remains undiscovered, until, marked by some kind of weakness or fever occurring at frequent intervals.
Since, the root of the problem is related with the malfunctioning of the nerve cells, there are a number of problems that can arise due to the cause of the disease. Often it is found that the nerve cells controlling the sweating of glands do not work and as a result, the skin becomes dry, giving way to form calluses. These calluses are later on found to be the root of ulcers and other detrimental infections.
Diabetic foot disease is more commonly spread amongst those above 60 years of age. It is also found to be prominent amongst those with kidney or vascular disease, foot infections, excess and uncontrolled diabetes. People who have lost their sense of feeling or sensation or with some nervous disorder are all the more vulnerable to the effect of the disease.
Causes
One of the most predominant things behind the cause and spread of the infection is bacteria. Bacteria enter the skin conveniently through the cracks and fissures that are developed in the dry skin around the heels, corns and other regions of the foot . This in turn causes a slow and steady damage to the skin, tissue and bone in the various parts of the body. The bacterial sites may include, the blisters, corns, calluses on the skin; bunions, hammertoes, in the bones of the foot; any scar tissues from some earlier infection; and even in the ulcer affected regions of the foot.
Prevention
Prevention is by frequent podiatry review, good foot hygiene, diabetic socks and shoes, and avoiding injury.
Foot-care education combined with increased surveillance can reduce the incidence of serious foot lesions.
Footwear
All major reviews recommend special footwear for patients with a prior ulcer or with foot deformities. One review added neuropathy as an indication for special footwear. The comparison of custom shoes versus well-chosen and well-fitted athletic shoes is not clear.
A meta-analysis by the Cochrane Collaboration concluded that "there is very limited evidence of the effectiveness of therapeutic shoes". The date of the literature search for this review is not clear. Clinical Evidence reviewed the topic and concluded "Individuals with significant foot deformities should be considered for referral and assessment for customised shoes that can accommodate the altered foot anatomy. In the absence of significant deformities, high quality well fitting non-prescription footwear seems to be a reasonable option". National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence has reviewed the topic and concluded that for patients at "high risk of foot ulcers (neuropathy or absent pulses plus deformity or skin changes or previous ulcer" that "specialist footwear and insoles" should be provided.
Treatment
Foot ulcers in diabetes require multidisciplinary assessment, usually by diabetes specialists and surgeons. Treatment consists of appropriate bandages, antibiotics (against staphylococcus, streptococcus and anaerobe strains), debridement and arterial revascularisation.
It is often 500 mg to 1000 mg of flucloxacillin, 1 g of amoxicillin and also metronidazole to tackle the putrid smelling bacteria.
Specialists are investigating the role of nitric oxide in diabetic wound healing. Nitric oxide is a powerful vasodilator, which helps to bring nutrients to the oxygen deficient wound beds. Specialists are using forms of light therapy such as LLLT to treat diabetic ulcers.
In 2004, The Cochrane review panel concluded that for people with diabetic foot ulcers, hyperbaric oxygen therapy reduced the risk of amputation and may improve the healing at 1 year. They also suggest that the availability of hyperbaric facilities and economic evaluations should be interpreted.
The appropriate treatment includes prior culture and proper detection of the infection. Then accordingly, some antibiotics are prescribed or if required, the infected tissue is removed from the site. Sometimes the doctors also make surgeries in the region of the ulcers to ensure an increase blood circulation in the region. In addition, the patients are also advised to keep a good diabetes check on their health.
Acupuncture is also practiced on the respective patient with a foot infection, in accordance with the degree of ailment. To enhance the body's ability to fight infections, doctors often prescribe several vitamin-enriched herbs and vitamin C to the concerned patients.
Diabetic foot infection is a disease that is generally associated with damaged nerves and restricted blood supply due to diabetes, thereby causing deep sores and infections in the skin, muscles, or bones of the foot region.
Description
Diabetic patients are more vulnerable to foot infections. As the disease is often associated with low blood circulation and nervous disorders, people with high diabetes are more likely to be infected with foot diseases.
However, there is very little chance for the patient with a foot infection to realize the real importance of the situation; as he hardly gets a chance to feel any pain or discomfort in the region. In most of the cases, the ailment remains undiscovered, until, marked by some kind of weakness or fever occurring at frequent intervals.
Since, the root of the problem is related with the malfunctioning of the nerve cells, there are a number of problems that can arise due to the cause of the disease. Often it is found that the nerve cells controlling the sweating of glands do not work and as a result, the skin becomes dry, giving way to form calluses. These calluses are later on found to be the root of ulcers and other detrimental infections.
Diabetic foot disease is more commonly spread amongst those above 60 years of age. It is also found to be prominent amongst those with kidney or vascular disease, foot infections, excess and uncontrolled diabetes. People who have lost their sense of feeling or sensation or with some nervous disorder are all the more vulnerable to the effect of the disease.
Causes
One of the most predominant things behind the cause and spread of the infection is bacteria. Bacteria enter the skin conveniently through the cracks and fissures that are developed in the dry skin around the heels, corns and other regions of the foot . This in turn causes a slow and steady damage to the skin, tissue and bone in the various parts of the body. The bacterial sites may include, the blisters, corns, calluses on the skin; bunions, hammertoes, in the bones of the foot; any scar tissues from some earlier infection; and even in the ulcer affected regions of the foot.
Prevention
Prevention is by frequent podiatry review, good foot hygiene, diabetic socks and shoes, and avoiding injury.
Foot-care education combined with increased surveillance can reduce the incidence of serious foot lesions.
Footwear
All major reviews recommend special footwear for patients with a prior ulcer or with foot deformities. One review added neuropathy as an indication for special footwear. The comparison of custom shoes versus well-chosen and well-fitted athletic shoes is not clear.
A meta-analysis by the Cochrane Collaboration concluded that "there is very limited evidence of the effectiveness of therapeutic shoes". The date of the literature search for this review is not clear. Clinical Evidence reviewed the topic and concluded "Individuals with significant foot deformities should be considered for referral and assessment for customised shoes that can accommodate the altered foot anatomy. In the absence of significant deformities, high quality well fitting non-prescription footwear seems to be a reasonable option". National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence has reviewed the topic and concluded that for patients at "high risk of foot ulcers (neuropathy or absent pulses plus deformity or skin changes or previous ulcer" that "specialist footwear and insoles" should be provided.
Treatment
Foot ulcers in diabetes require multidisciplinary assessment, usually by diabetes specialists and surgeons. Treatment consists of appropriate bandages, antibiotics (against staphylococcus, streptococcus and anaerobe strains), debridement and arterial revascularisation.
It is often 500 mg to 1000 mg of flucloxacillin, 1 g of amoxicillin and also metronidazole to tackle the putrid smelling bacteria.
Specialists are investigating the role of nitric oxide in diabetic wound healing. Nitric oxide is a powerful vasodilator, which helps to bring nutrients to the oxygen deficient wound beds. Specialists are using forms of light therapy such as LLLT to treat diabetic ulcers.
In 2004, The Cochrane review panel concluded that for people with diabetic foot ulcers, hyperbaric oxygen therapy reduced the risk of amputation and may improve the healing at 1 year. They also suggest that the availability of hyperbaric facilities and economic evaluations should be interpreted.
The appropriate treatment includes prior culture and proper detection of the infection. Then accordingly, some antibiotics are prescribed or if required, the infected tissue is removed from the site. Sometimes the doctors also make surgeries in the region of the ulcers to ensure an increase blood circulation in the region. In addition, the patients are also advised to keep a good diabetes check on their health.
Acupuncture is also practiced on the respective patient with a foot infection, in accordance with the degree of ailment. To enhance the body's ability to fight infections, doctors often prescribe several vitamin-enriched herbs and vitamin C to the concerned patients.
Diabetes and African Americans
There is today a growing concern about attack of diabetes on African Americans. Data from the National Diabetes Education Program, for example, indicate that diabetes is hitting African Americans in epidemic proportions. The African Americans constitute one of biggest ethnic groups in the US that heavily suffers from Type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, the affliction is the leading cause of disability and mortality among African Americans in the country.
A number of factors that cause Type 2 diabetes has been identified. Genetic factors, obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes during pregnancy and high cholesterol are some of the factors that are believed to cause some 95 percent of all cases of Type 2 diabetes. Although unsupported by scientific data, the genetic make up of African Americans is suspected to provide links to their vulnerability to the disease. Estimates place the number of diabetic African Americans at 3.2 million, 33 percent of them believed undiagnosed.
Within the African American communities, data indicate that chances of giving in to complications brought about by diabetes are higher among poor African Americans than other ethnic blocs. This raises the possibility that lack of access to health care services and helpful information with respect to the disease might be the chief reason why attack of diabetes at least on a certain segment of the African American population is on the rise. The possibility of contracting the disease is relatively lower for richer African Americans and equal to that of other ethnic groups.
Aside from lack of access to health care services, inadequate information on diabetes and lack of access to emergency medical attention and lifesaving drugs, most people who belong to poor communities are exposed to foods that may lack nutritional value. The mushrooming of fast food chains seem to target ethnic groups like African Americans. Foods served by fast food restaurants are often high in fats and carbohydrates, but low in nutrients that really matter. An example is French fries, which lead among food items that are not recommended for diabetics. Unfortunately, French fries have become almost synonymous to fast food restaurants. French fries are carbohydrates-rich and also high in fat, but wanting in protein. Low-income class households patronize these fast food restaurants because they offer relatively inexpensive choices of menu. They respond to the needs of families with limited budget.
The attack of Type 2 diabetes on African Americans can be foiled in various ways. If you belong to high-risk groups, these are the suggestions: One, find out from the Glycemic Index the list of foods that should be avoided by diabetics; and shun them. Two, try to get yourself involved in a serious exercise routine. If you are obese, make getting rid of extra poundage one of your exercise key goals. Three, avail yourself of regular screening examinations for diabetes. Try to get in touch with your local health offices, whose services are free, if you have no access to other providers of health care services. These tests are sometimes crucial to providing timely medication that may yet prove effective for otherwise hopeless cases.
Suggestions addressed directly to African Americans include resisting fast food restaurants. Unhealthy foods are not only suspected of giving rise to diabetes, they also lead to heart diseases and even cancer. They must realize the urgent nature of the problem. Type 2 diabetes has marked African Americans as relatively easy prey.
Hermilando D. Aberia is a development professional with the following key qualifications: (1) Master's degree in Development Management and a specialized training on project and procurement management from the Asian Institute of Management. (2) More than 22 years of professional experience gained from working as either consultant or key staff member of foreign-assisted projects, local government units, national government agencies and NGOs. My competencies include (a) facilitating and coordinating community-driven development processes; (b) knowledge and skills in all aspects of project management; and (c) research. (3) Excellent communication skills. I am proficient in spoken and written English, major Philippine languages like Tagalog, Cebuano and Waray, along with a basic knowledge of Spanish.
A number of factors that cause Type 2 diabetes has been identified. Genetic factors, obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes during pregnancy and high cholesterol are some of the factors that are believed to cause some 95 percent of all cases of Type 2 diabetes. Although unsupported by scientific data, the genetic make up of African Americans is suspected to provide links to their vulnerability to the disease. Estimates place the number of diabetic African Americans at 3.2 million, 33 percent of them believed undiagnosed.
Within the African American communities, data indicate that chances of giving in to complications brought about by diabetes are higher among poor African Americans than other ethnic blocs. This raises the possibility that lack of access to health care services and helpful information with respect to the disease might be the chief reason why attack of diabetes at least on a certain segment of the African American population is on the rise. The possibility of contracting the disease is relatively lower for richer African Americans and equal to that of other ethnic groups.
Aside from lack of access to health care services, inadequate information on diabetes and lack of access to emergency medical attention and lifesaving drugs, most people who belong to poor communities are exposed to foods that may lack nutritional value. The mushrooming of fast food chains seem to target ethnic groups like African Americans. Foods served by fast food restaurants are often high in fats and carbohydrates, but low in nutrients that really matter. An example is French fries, which lead among food items that are not recommended for diabetics. Unfortunately, French fries have become almost synonymous to fast food restaurants. French fries are carbohydrates-rich and also high in fat, but wanting in protein. Low-income class households patronize these fast food restaurants because they offer relatively inexpensive choices of menu. They respond to the needs of families with limited budget.
The attack of Type 2 diabetes on African Americans can be foiled in various ways. If you belong to high-risk groups, these are the suggestions: One, find out from the Glycemic Index the list of foods that should be avoided by diabetics; and shun them. Two, try to get yourself involved in a serious exercise routine. If you are obese, make getting rid of extra poundage one of your exercise key goals. Three, avail yourself of regular screening examinations for diabetes. Try to get in touch with your local health offices, whose services are free, if you have no access to other providers of health care services. These tests are sometimes crucial to providing timely medication that may yet prove effective for otherwise hopeless cases.
Suggestions addressed directly to African Americans include resisting fast food restaurants. Unhealthy foods are not only suspected of giving rise to diabetes, they also lead to heart diseases and even cancer. They must realize the urgent nature of the problem. Type 2 diabetes has marked African Americans as relatively easy prey.
Hermilando D. Aberia is a development professional with the following key qualifications: (1) Master's degree in Development Management and a specialized training on project and procurement management from the Asian Institute of Management. (2) More than 22 years of professional experience gained from working as either consultant or key staff member of foreign-assisted projects, local government units, national government agencies and NGOs. My competencies include (a) facilitating and coordinating community-driven development processes; (b) knowledge and skills in all aspects of project management; and (c) research. (3) Excellent communication skills. I am proficient in spoken and written English, major Philippine languages like Tagalog, Cebuano and Waray, along with a basic knowledge of Spanish.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Diabetics and Foods to Avoid
It was in 1981 when the University of Toronto professor, Dr. David Jenkins, completed a pioneering work that invaluably enriched the medical profession. He developed what is popularly known as Glycemic Index. The Glycemic Index established a ranking system for foods rich in carbohydrates on the basis of the length of time it takes for the digestive system to break these foods down.
On the one hand, there are carbohydrates that break down very slowly. They release sugar, or glucose, slowly to the bloodstream. This kind of foods rates low in the Glycemic Index. People with diabetes, especially those who are using insulin, are better off eating foods with low glycemic ratings or scores. Low glycemic foods allow medication or insulin to respond more effectively to blood sugar and make it possible for sugars or glucose to break down normally.
On the other hand, there are carbohydrates that rate high on the Glycemic Index. They allow blood sugar levels to rise rapidly. Although these foods help people to recover quickly from energy-sapping activities or those experiencing hypoglycemia, they are harmful for Type 1 and Type 2 diabetics. They render medication or insulin ineffective.
People should familiarize themselves with foods that rate high on the Glycemic Index. They include white rice like jasmine rice, corn flakes, baked potatoes and white breads. Diabetics, either of the 1 or 2 types, should avoid these foods.
Other foods that diabetics should avoid include white bread, pasta or anything mixed heavily with refined white sugar or white flour. Doctor often advise diabetics that avoiding foods that rate high on the Glycemic Index is avoiding anything white.
High glycemic foods normally take a much longer time to digest. Sugar, or glucose, remains in the bloodstream of diabetics for a long time because their systems are unable to process and absorb the amounts of flour and refined sugar taken in. These unprocessed compounds stay in the blood and urine, which lead to symptoms like frequent urination, feelings of thirst and hunger, along with profuse sweating.
These abnormalities are bound to put pressure on the normal functioning of a diabetic's sytems. Kidneys get to work overtime and may start to malfunction. Blood sometimes mixes with urine. In dire cases, patients may faint and lose consciousness. A far worse condition is falling into diabetic coma.
Both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetics must always remember that foods with high glycemic ratings are harmful to them and should therefore be avoided. With a proper and healthy diet, regular monitoring of blood glucose levels, along with medication and insulin for more serious cases, diabetics can live full and happy lives.
Diabetes does not have to be a killer. It simply is an abnormal condition, which unfortunately afflicts many, that makes it difficult for human bodies to break starches and sugars down. Body systems have problems digesting these compounds normally. Thus diabetes can become dangerous to those who ignore what their physicians prescribe, eat harmful foods, and fail to monitor their blood sugar levels. Otherwise they should be able to contain the disease and lead long and normal lives.
On the one hand, there are carbohydrates that break down very slowly. They release sugar, or glucose, slowly to the bloodstream. This kind of foods rates low in the Glycemic Index. People with diabetes, especially those who are using insulin, are better off eating foods with low glycemic ratings or scores. Low glycemic foods allow medication or insulin to respond more effectively to blood sugar and make it possible for sugars or glucose to break down normally.
On the other hand, there are carbohydrates that rate high on the Glycemic Index. They allow blood sugar levels to rise rapidly. Although these foods help people to recover quickly from energy-sapping activities or those experiencing hypoglycemia, they are harmful for Type 1 and Type 2 diabetics. They render medication or insulin ineffective.
People should familiarize themselves with foods that rate high on the Glycemic Index. They include white rice like jasmine rice, corn flakes, baked potatoes and white breads. Diabetics, either of the 1 or 2 types, should avoid these foods.
Other foods that diabetics should avoid include white bread, pasta or anything mixed heavily with refined white sugar or white flour. Doctor often advise diabetics that avoiding foods that rate high on the Glycemic Index is avoiding anything white.
High glycemic foods normally take a much longer time to digest. Sugar, or glucose, remains in the bloodstream of diabetics for a long time because their systems are unable to process and absorb the amounts of flour and refined sugar taken in. These unprocessed compounds stay in the blood and urine, which lead to symptoms like frequent urination, feelings of thirst and hunger, along with profuse sweating.
These abnormalities are bound to put pressure on the normal functioning of a diabetic's sytems. Kidneys get to work overtime and may start to malfunction. Blood sometimes mixes with urine. In dire cases, patients may faint and lose consciousness. A far worse condition is falling into diabetic coma.
Both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetics must always remember that foods with high glycemic ratings are harmful to them and should therefore be avoided. With a proper and healthy diet, regular monitoring of blood glucose levels, along with medication and insulin for more serious cases, diabetics can live full and happy lives.
Diabetes does not have to be a killer. It simply is an abnormal condition, which unfortunately afflicts many, that makes it difficult for human bodies to break starches and sugars down. Body systems have problems digesting these compounds normally. Thus diabetes can become dangerous to those who ignore what their physicians prescribe, eat harmful foods, and fail to monitor their blood sugar levels. Otherwise they should be able to contain the disease and lead long and normal lives.
Diabetes and Foot Problems
It is not unusual for people to associate diabetics with foot problems. Perhaps the reason for this is that foot problems are highly visible and easy to observe. Foot problems are also among the most common pernicious side effects of diabetes. Thus diabetics, more than anybody else, must threat their foot problems early enough as these complications can lead to graver conditions.
Foot problems caused by diabetes arise from what is called neuropathy. If unchecked for long periods of time, high blood sugar levels among diabetics take their toll on their central and other parts of the nervous systems. The most adversely affected among them are the nerves in the diabetics' feet. Nerves in the foot area are farthest from the patient's brain and are therefore most susceptible to damage. Diabetics can sometimes injure parts of their feet and feel no pain from it. Such an injury may worsen into wounds or blisters, and they heal very slowly, if they heal at all. When the wound becomes infected, more serious foot problems caused by diabetes are bound to follow.
Loss of sensation in the feet of diabetics as a result of nerve damage also often goes along with dryness of feet owing to the inability of the nerves to prompt secretion of oil in the area. Dryness causes the skin of the feet to peel or crack, which further make these body parts get easily sore and more prone to wounds or injuries.
High blood sugar levels hamper a person's ability to ward off infection. It is therefore important for diabetics with foot problems to treat their infection not in the way it is normally done by persons without diabetes. Foot problems caused by diabetes are very slow to heal and, when infected, the wounds can eventually degenerate to gangrene. If the condition further worsens, amputation becomes necessary.
Foot problems caused by diabetes often begin with a wound on the diabetics' toe. The wound cracks and bleeds. The wounded person treats the wound, applies bandage around it, and hopes it heals. The wound hardly heals and soon gets infected. He sees a doctor who proceeds to address the wound with antibiotics. In some cases the procedure may work, in other cases it may not.
In the likely case that the wound is not healed and gets infected, gangrene may set in. Doctors know that gangrene can be dangerous; it can pose serious threats on the lives of patients. Thus diabetics with serious foot complications are sometimes confronted with hard choices: lose either their life or their toe.
But in other cases the gangrene may have already spread to other parts of the foot. This is aside from the fact that the amputated toe exposes itself to more risks of infection. Thus there are cases when a diabetic person loses not only his toe but also his whole foot. The malady can continue until he ends up losing his leg too.
There is no need to frighten diabetics with these pieces of information, after all, having the disease is dire enough. What needs to be emphasized here is the sense of urgency that diabetics must have when treating their condition, particularly with respect to foot problems caused by the disease. Losing a leg, foot or toe is not necessary. But diabetics must manage their ailment well so that they may succeed in maintaining a blood sugar level that will allow them to ward off infection and neuropathy. The key is for them to follow instructions prescribed by doctors helping them treat their disease.
Common prescriptions for diabetics include avoiding carbohydrate-rich foods, such as those rich in sugars and starch. Diabetics will find the Glycemic Index useful in determining which foods are harmful for their condition and should, therefore, be avoided. They also need to exercise regularly and maintain their body weight. This helps them energize their immune system. Finally, diabetics need to regularly consult their doctors. They must also monitor their blood sugar levels regularly. It is best for them to keep monitoring ledgers and share them with their physicians who should find the information useful when they prescribe medication or insulin. All of these pointers should help diabetics get away from the many complications that unfortunately threaten them endlessly.
Diabetics need not die from their disease. Glycemia is dangerous and can be lethal, but it can be managed. If you or anyone dear to you suffers from this disease, seek the help of your physician and follow what he or she prescribes.
Foot problems caused by diabetes arise from what is called neuropathy. If unchecked for long periods of time, high blood sugar levels among diabetics take their toll on their central and other parts of the nervous systems. The most adversely affected among them are the nerves in the diabetics' feet. Nerves in the foot area are farthest from the patient's brain and are therefore most susceptible to damage. Diabetics can sometimes injure parts of their feet and feel no pain from it. Such an injury may worsen into wounds or blisters, and they heal very slowly, if they heal at all. When the wound becomes infected, more serious foot problems caused by diabetes are bound to follow.
Loss of sensation in the feet of diabetics as a result of nerve damage also often goes along with dryness of feet owing to the inability of the nerves to prompt secretion of oil in the area. Dryness causes the skin of the feet to peel or crack, which further make these body parts get easily sore and more prone to wounds or injuries.
High blood sugar levels hamper a person's ability to ward off infection. It is therefore important for diabetics with foot problems to treat their infection not in the way it is normally done by persons without diabetes. Foot problems caused by diabetes are very slow to heal and, when infected, the wounds can eventually degenerate to gangrene. If the condition further worsens, amputation becomes necessary.
Foot problems caused by diabetes often begin with a wound on the diabetics' toe. The wound cracks and bleeds. The wounded person treats the wound, applies bandage around it, and hopes it heals. The wound hardly heals and soon gets infected. He sees a doctor who proceeds to address the wound with antibiotics. In some cases the procedure may work, in other cases it may not.
In the likely case that the wound is not healed and gets infected, gangrene may set in. Doctors know that gangrene can be dangerous; it can pose serious threats on the lives of patients. Thus diabetics with serious foot complications are sometimes confronted with hard choices: lose either their life or their toe.
But in other cases the gangrene may have already spread to other parts of the foot. This is aside from the fact that the amputated toe exposes itself to more risks of infection. Thus there are cases when a diabetic person loses not only his toe but also his whole foot. The malady can continue until he ends up losing his leg too.
There is no need to frighten diabetics with these pieces of information, after all, having the disease is dire enough. What needs to be emphasized here is the sense of urgency that diabetics must have when treating their condition, particularly with respect to foot problems caused by the disease. Losing a leg, foot or toe is not necessary. But diabetics must manage their ailment well so that they may succeed in maintaining a blood sugar level that will allow them to ward off infection and neuropathy. The key is for them to follow instructions prescribed by doctors helping them treat their disease.
Common prescriptions for diabetics include avoiding carbohydrate-rich foods, such as those rich in sugars and starch. Diabetics will find the Glycemic Index useful in determining which foods are harmful for their condition and should, therefore, be avoided. They also need to exercise regularly and maintain their body weight. This helps them energize their immune system. Finally, diabetics need to regularly consult their doctors. They must also monitor their blood sugar levels regularly. It is best for them to keep monitoring ledgers and share them with their physicians who should find the information useful when they prescribe medication or insulin. All of these pointers should help diabetics get away from the many complications that unfortunately threaten them endlessly.
Diabetics need not die from their disease. Glycemia is dangerous and can be lethal, but it can be managed. If you or anyone dear to you suffers from this disease, seek the help of your physician and follow what he or she prescribes.
Diabetes - What Pregnant Women Need to Know
Statistics coming from the American Diabetes Association indicate that more or less four percent of expectant mothers gets to experience gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes occurs when pregnant women who never have had diabetes before experience high blood sugar levels during their pregnancy, particularly at the latter period. Estimates put around 135,000 cases of pregnant women having gestational diabetes in the US every year.
Women who experience gestational diabetes are not likely to develop Type 2 diabetes. Gestational diabetes is occasioned by the inability of pregnant women to put into their system insulin which their bodies produce naturally. The pregnancy-related hormones they produce make them insulin resistant. It is under this condition that expectant mothers get to develop high levels of blood sugar, which is also known as hyperglycemia.
It is normal for women with gestational diabetes to be treated even while they are pregnant. Birth defects linked to gestational diabetes, or to diabetes contracted prior to pregnancy, are not usual. Thus there may no need for much concern for babies going through this condition. The problem, however, can arise when gestational diabetes is allowed to go on untreated. The mother has excess blood sugar, which means the unborn child is receiving more than her or his share of fat and energy. This condition can lead to macrosomia, or fat baby.
Regardless of how most people may think that being fat is indicative of the baby being healthy, a child who is too fat has problems when the time for his birth comes. He might be too big to fit through his mother's birth canal. Such a condition will almost always require delivery by cesarean section. Moreover, overweight babies often experience breathing problems and may eventually, if they stay obese, develop Type 2 diabetes themselves.
It is good, however, that treatment for gestational diabetes is readily available. Doctors normally prescribe doses of insulin for the mother to restore her blood sugar to normal levels. Women who want pregnancy can prevent having gestational diabetes by preparing for it physically. The physical regimen includes regular exercise, weight loss, and taking a healthy diet. Women who are planning for pregnancy should also find the Glycemic Index useful. The Glycemic Index helps people identify which foods to avoid to prevent diabetes or for diabetics to help them contain the disease.
Pregnant women need, and should follow, doctor's advice with respect to exercise and diet, particularly with regards to carbohydrate intake. Even before they get pregnant, women would always do well to consult their doctors on matters concerning their weight and on ways of preventing diabetes. Professional advice is important for women to avoid complications during their pregnancy.
A pregnant woman who gets a diagnosis for gestational diabetes, as well as her child, has little risks of developing Type 2 diabetes. Gestational diabetes can be treated easily and is not alarming. Pregnant women can access plenty of medical care for their condition. What they need to do is follow what their doctors say.
Women who experience gestational diabetes are not likely to develop Type 2 diabetes. Gestational diabetes is occasioned by the inability of pregnant women to put into their system insulin which their bodies produce naturally. The pregnancy-related hormones they produce make them insulin resistant. It is under this condition that expectant mothers get to develop high levels of blood sugar, which is also known as hyperglycemia.
It is normal for women with gestational diabetes to be treated even while they are pregnant. Birth defects linked to gestational diabetes, or to diabetes contracted prior to pregnancy, are not usual. Thus there may no need for much concern for babies going through this condition. The problem, however, can arise when gestational diabetes is allowed to go on untreated. The mother has excess blood sugar, which means the unborn child is receiving more than her or his share of fat and energy. This condition can lead to macrosomia, or fat baby.
Regardless of how most people may think that being fat is indicative of the baby being healthy, a child who is too fat has problems when the time for his birth comes. He might be too big to fit through his mother's birth canal. Such a condition will almost always require delivery by cesarean section. Moreover, overweight babies often experience breathing problems and may eventually, if they stay obese, develop Type 2 diabetes themselves.
It is good, however, that treatment for gestational diabetes is readily available. Doctors normally prescribe doses of insulin for the mother to restore her blood sugar to normal levels. Women who want pregnancy can prevent having gestational diabetes by preparing for it physically. The physical regimen includes regular exercise, weight loss, and taking a healthy diet. Women who are planning for pregnancy should also find the Glycemic Index useful. The Glycemic Index helps people identify which foods to avoid to prevent diabetes or for diabetics to help them contain the disease.
Pregnant women need, and should follow, doctor's advice with respect to exercise and diet, particularly with regards to carbohydrate intake. Even before they get pregnant, women would always do well to consult their doctors on matters concerning their weight and on ways of preventing diabetes. Professional advice is important for women to avoid complications during their pregnancy.
A pregnant woman who gets a diagnosis for gestational diabetes, as well as her child, has little risks of developing Type 2 diabetes. Gestational diabetes can be treated easily and is not alarming. Pregnant women can access plenty of medical care for their condition. What they need to do is follow what their doctors say.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Diabetic Cookies - Healthy Yet Delicious Dessert Tips For Diabetes Sufferers
People used to think that being diagnosed with diabetes meant they would have to cut all their favorite foods out of their life. There would be no more cakes, chocolate, sumptuous desserts, ice creams or cookies. Doctors now understand the disease much better and there has been a lot of diabetes research done. Diabetic patients are now able to enjoy desserts made with a very small amount of sugar. There are many diabetic cookbooks available these days, containing many dessert recipes which contain either a small amount of sugar or a sugar substitute. Diabetic patients can enjoy making and eating these dishes without feeling guilty about ignoring their doctor's advice or taking the risk of making their disease worse.
Just about everybody loves cookies, so why should a diabetic miss out on such good eating? You can make diabetic cookies with a small amount of sugar, brown sugar or a sugar substitute. There are plenty of websites with diabetic-friendly cookie recipes, as well as many cookbooks. Examples of what you can make include rice krispie cookies, high fiber cookies, peanut cookies, soft cookies, marshmallow cookies, sugar-free cookies, almond cookies and there are literally hundreds of other kinds too. With a bit of imagination, you can alter them to your match your personal tastes exactly and have fun experimenting with spices and flavors.
Nearly all the diabetic cookie recipes you will find on the internet are completely free. Expert dieticians who understand diabetes well have put these recipes together to make them healthy, delicious and diabetes-friendly. The recipes tell you how many calories there are per cookie and how much sugar. Many of the recipes are high in fiber as well as being low in sugar. People who have tasted such cookies will gladly confirm that there is no compromise on taste. They do not taste much different to traditional cookies which are usually very high in both sugar and calories.
Doctors treating diabetic patients do not recommend cutting sugar completely out of your diet any more. Rather, they advise that a controlled diet plan is followed and low sugar or sugar-free desserts should be eaten in small quantities. If you need to stick to your diet but have a sweet tooth and fancy something delicious, these special recipes are ideal to satisfy your craving without ruining your special diet and guarantee to contain only the permissible levels of sugar allowed or less.
Just about everybody loves cookies, so why should a diabetic miss out on such good eating? You can make diabetic cookies with a small amount of sugar, brown sugar or a sugar substitute. There are plenty of websites with diabetic-friendly cookie recipes, as well as many cookbooks. Examples of what you can make include rice krispie cookies, high fiber cookies, peanut cookies, soft cookies, marshmallow cookies, sugar-free cookies, almond cookies and there are literally hundreds of other kinds too. With a bit of imagination, you can alter them to your match your personal tastes exactly and have fun experimenting with spices and flavors.
Nearly all the diabetic cookie recipes you will find on the internet are completely free. Expert dieticians who understand diabetes well have put these recipes together to make them healthy, delicious and diabetes-friendly. The recipes tell you how many calories there are per cookie and how much sugar. Many of the recipes are high in fiber as well as being low in sugar. People who have tasted such cookies will gladly confirm that there is no compromise on taste. They do not taste much different to traditional cookies which are usually very high in both sugar and calories.
Doctors treating diabetic patients do not recommend cutting sugar completely out of your diet any more. Rather, they advise that a controlled diet plan is followed and low sugar or sugar-free desserts should be eaten in small quantities. If you need to stick to your diet but have a sweet tooth and fancy something delicious, these special recipes are ideal to satisfy your craving without ruining your special diet and guarantee to contain only the permissible levels of sugar allowed or less.
I Have Cured My Type 2 Diabetes - A1c Around 5 and Normal Reading in the Low 80's and No Meds!
I was diagnosed with type 2 Diabetes about 10 years ago. At first I just listened to my doctors that told me there was no cure for diabetes and I could treat my diabetes with diet, exercise and pills and live a normal life. The Doctors sent me to Diabetic schools, one that taught us what Diabetes is and how best to treat and live with it. Another doctor taught nutrition, mostly low fat eating and the best way to eat as a Diabetic.
One of the things the schools taught me was that Type 2 Diabetes is a progressive disease and things would continue to get worse and worse, so they would continually changes my medications.
Just like the doctors said, as the years went on, my blood sugar went up and up so they increased my meds. Not Satisfied with what I was taught at the schools I went to, I set out to do my own research. Things I learned were a bit scary, like all the drugs have bad side effects, even death as they kill off organs. That once you reach the limit (Maximum Dose) of one drug they have to switch to another drug until it is no longer useful. They keep this up until they run out of drugs to switch to. This usually happens in 1-20 years. Then there is not much they can do.
I also learned that any blood sugar reading over 140 is harmful and that an average reading of 139= an A1C test of 6.9 that is why you want your A1C under 7.
And that Diabetes has horrible side effects that include but not limited to:
* Blindness
* Kidney Failure
* Liver Failure
* Amputations
* Stokes
* Nerve Damage
* Heart Attacks
* Death
If you can keep your blood sugar under 140, your A1C under 7 and keep an active life style you should be fine for a while. But time and Diabetes march on and you can end up with these complications, unless you die from something else before they set in. So the way I see it, the only way to not get any of these complications or dying a slow horrible death was to get rid of this debilitating disease that they said has no cure.
For the last 10 years or more I started reading anything I could on diabetes. I found out that a cure was developed and our government paid them 30 million dollars to keep if off the market. People are being cured of type 2 diabetes every day.
After 10 years of research and many interviews with many doctors and healthcare professionals I have finally cured my diabetes.
What do I mean by "I Cured My Diabetes?" Before I was cured, here is what I had.
After 10 years and eventually reaching my Maximum Dose of Glyburide and Glucophage (metformin) plus Lisinopril for High Blood pressure and Lovastatin for high cholesterol here is where I was at:
* I had Morning mg readings of 220-250mg. I have what is called the Dawn Syndrome, which means my blood sugar reading was high in the mornings (dawn) and would come down during the day.
* Daily I would get my mg down to about 110-120mg
* My A1C tests were around 6.7 to 7.4 (testing twice a year)
* My blood Pressure was around 140' over 90's.
* My Cholesterol was in the 300's
* I tired easily. I had bad days where I just did not feel like doing anything,
* I had low days where my mg was below 70 and I felt real light headed and faint.
Remember all this is while taking the maximum allowable drugs.
Now that I am cured here is where I am.
* Morning reading of 80s-90s
* Daily reading around under 100
* Average reading a round 90
* A1C of around 4.7 - 5
* Blood pressure of 120's over 70's
* Cholesterol in the 200s
All this without any drugs, no meds of any kind, and with out eating a restrictive diet. I eat a normal healthy diet. I don't workout at gyms or even a home gym, which would be beneficial to overall health, but I am active. Now I have a lot of energy.
I am not a Doctor or health care professional in anyway, but with those numbers, I believe it would be hard for anyone to test me and say I have Diabetes. I may still have the underlying cause (I don't know) but, any complications I have will be minimized and I should be able to live a full healthy life.
The best part is, not only did I cure my Diabetes, but my wife, my sister and a couple of friend's have also cured their Diabetes with the information from When Health Matters.
UPDATE: Now that I am cured I am eating a normal good healthy diet, at least most of the time, but I do still indulge on things like pancakes, pizza and fried Shrimp! It is so good to be able to eat again.
UPDATE 6-15-08: I had to change my morning and daily reading as for the last month or so I have been in the 80;s morning and afternoons. My condition just keeps getting better.
I know I have not found a cure for all diabetics but for me I have found the correct combination. If you are type 2 and want to improve your health and maybe eliminate all your signs of diabetes then please go to my website. I have dedicated it to improving health and eliminating Diabetes.
PS: I am not a slick salesman or a real author with huge publisher behind me, I am just a truck drive that cured his diabetes.but I feel this information is invaluable and anyone that has diabetes or knows anyone with diabetes should get this information.
One of the things the schools taught me was that Type 2 Diabetes is a progressive disease and things would continue to get worse and worse, so they would continually changes my medications.
Just like the doctors said, as the years went on, my blood sugar went up and up so they increased my meds. Not Satisfied with what I was taught at the schools I went to, I set out to do my own research. Things I learned were a bit scary, like all the drugs have bad side effects, even death as they kill off organs. That once you reach the limit (Maximum Dose) of one drug they have to switch to another drug until it is no longer useful. They keep this up until they run out of drugs to switch to. This usually happens in 1-20 years. Then there is not much they can do.
I also learned that any blood sugar reading over 140 is harmful and that an average reading of 139= an A1C test of 6.9 that is why you want your A1C under 7.
And that Diabetes has horrible side effects that include but not limited to:
* Blindness
* Kidney Failure
* Liver Failure
* Amputations
* Stokes
* Nerve Damage
* Heart Attacks
* Death
If you can keep your blood sugar under 140, your A1C under 7 and keep an active life style you should be fine for a while. But time and Diabetes march on and you can end up with these complications, unless you die from something else before they set in. So the way I see it, the only way to not get any of these complications or dying a slow horrible death was to get rid of this debilitating disease that they said has no cure.
For the last 10 years or more I started reading anything I could on diabetes. I found out that a cure was developed and our government paid them 30 million dollars to keep if off the market. People are being cured of type 2 diabetes every day.
After 10 years of research and many interviews with many doctors and healthcare professionals I have finally cured my diabetes.
What do I mean by "I Cured My Diabetes?" Before I was cured, here is what I had.
After 10 years and eventually reaching my Maximum Dose of Glyburide and Glucophage (metformin) plus Lisinopril for High Blood pressure and Lovastatin for high cholesterol here is where I was at:
* I had Morning mg readings of 220-250mg. I have what is called the Dawn Syndrome, which means my blood sugar reading was high in the mornings (dawn) and would come down during the day.
* Daily I would get my mg down to about 110-120mg
* My A1C tests were around 6.7 to 7.4 (testing twice a year)
* My blood Pressure was around 140' over 90's.
* My Cholesterol was in the 300's
* I tired easily. I had bad days where I just did not feel like doing anything,
* I had low days where my mg was below 70 and I felt real light headed and faint.
Remember all this is while taking the maximum allowable drugs.
Now that I am cured here is where I am.
* Morning reading of 80s-90s
* Daily reading around under 100
* Average reading a round 90
* A1C of around 4.7 - 5
* Blood pressure of 120's over 70's
* Cholesterol in the 200s
All this without any drugs, no meds of any kind, and with out eating a restrictive diet. I eat a normal healthy diet. I don't workout at gyms or even a home gym, which would be beneficial to overall health, but I am active. Now I have a lot of energy.
I am not a Doctor or health care professional in anyway, but with those numbers, I believe it would be hard for anyone to test me and say I have Diabetes. I may still have the underlying cause (I don't know) but, any complications I have will be minimized and I should be able to live a full healthy life.
The best part is, not only did I cure my Diabetes, but my wife, my sister and a couple of friend's have also cured their Diabetes with the information from When Health Matters.
UPDATE: Now that I am cured I am eating a normal good healthy diet, at least most of the time, but I do still indulge on things like pancakes, pizza and fried Shrimp! It is so good to be able to eat again.
UPDATE 6-15-08: I had to change my morning and daily reading as for the last month or so I have been in the 80;s morning and afternoons. My condition just keeps getting better.
I know I have not found a cure for all diabetics but for me I have found the correct combination. If you are type 2 and want to improve your health and maybe eliminate all your signs of diabetes then please go to my website. I have dedicated it to improving health and eliminating Diabetes.
PS: I am not a slick salesman or a real author with huge publisher behind me, I am just a truck drive that cured his diabetes.but I feel this information is invaluable and anyone that has diabetes or knows anyone with diabetes should get this information.
Diabetes Mellitus Symptoms
There are many people who are not able to detect diabetes mellitus symptoms. Symptoms should be detected in the early stage, otherwise a person may develop serious health problems. It is advisable that you do not take diabetes lightly. Generally diabetes mellitus symptoms are very hard to detect and they cannot be identified at the early stage.
If a person has diabetes mellitus then there are no noticeable changes seen externally. Symptoms do not generally cause pain because the disease is working in the background. If the symptoms remain undetected for a longer period of time, a person has to face some serious consequences. Immediate change to ones diet is the first step in treatment.
No person can cope with diabetes on their own. If a person shows up any diabetes mellitus symptoms then it is always advisable to consult a doctor as soon as possible. If these symptoms are left and no precautions are taken then a person can easily develop some heart and kidney diseases. Even blindness may occur if proper precautions and medications are not taken on time.
The amount of sugar in the body is controlled by the insulin which is released from the pancreas. Whenever people drink or eat the food, it gets converted into materials which include sugar. Sugar is very necessary for the body to function and for energy. Sugar stimulates the pancreas which is absorbed by the bloodstream in order to produce insulin. Sugar also enters the cells from the blood with the help of the insulin.
Once the sugar reaches into the cells it gets converted into energy. This energy can be stored by the body or can be used immediately. When the body fails to produce enough insulin, the sugar is not able to move to the cells, this can lead to diabetes. Whenever the body fails to produce enough insulin sugar in the blood increases and cells get inadequate amount of sugar. This malfunction in the body creates certain diabetes mellitus symptoms.
It is always advisable that regular visit to a doctor are very necessary for everyone. Regular visits to a doctor can help a person to see the signs of diabetes mellitus symptoms. People afflicted with diabetes can lead healthy, normal lives if proper precautions and medication is taken in the initial stage.
If a person has diabetes mellitus then there are no noticeable changes seen externally. Symptoms do not generally cause pain because the disease is working in the background. If the symptoms remain undetected for a longer period of time, a person has to face some serious consequences. Immediate change to ones diet is the first step in treatment.
No person can cope with diabetes on their own. If a person shows up any diabetes mellitus symptoms then it is always advisable to consult a doctor as soon as possible. If these symptoms are left and no precautions are taken then a person can easily develop some heart and kidney diseases. Even blindness may occur if proper precautions and medications are not taken on time.
The amount of sugar in the body is controlled by the insulin which is released from the pancreas. Whenever people drink or eat the food, it gets converted into materials which include sugar. Sugar is very necessary for the body to function and for energy. Sugar stimulates the pancreas which is absorbed by the bloodstream in order to produce insulin. Sugar also enters the cells from the blood with the help of the insulin.
Once the sugar reaches into the cells it gets converted into energy. This energy can be stored by the body or can be used immediately. When the body fails to produce enough insulin, the sugar is not able to move to the cells, this can lead to diabetes. Whenever the body fails to produce enough insulin sugar in the blood increases and cells get inadequate amount of sugar. This malfunction in the body creates certain diabetes mellitus symptoms.
It is always advisable that regular visit to a doctor are very necessary for everyone. Regular visits to a doctor can help a person to see the signs of diabetes mellitus symptoms. People afflicted with diabetes can lead healthy, normal lives if proper precautions and medication is taken in the initial stage.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
How and Why to Start a Diabetes Control Diet
Type II diabetes happens when your body becomes resistant to the insulin you are creating. Easy to say, but what does that mean?
Insulin moves glucose (blood sugar) into the muscles and liver. It stores glucose in the liver as a dense carbohydrate called glycogen, which your body uses as a reserve of glucose for use between meals or during times of stress. Once the glycogen reserve is full (and it's a pretty small reserve), excess glucose in the liver is turned into triglycerides (fat), and moved into your fat tissue. Thus, an overload of carbohydrates makes your butt bigger. Ever had your doctor tell you that losing weight will help your diabetes risk factors go down?
When insulin is high, your body goes into 'savings mode', and hoards your excess blood sugar for storage as fat. When insulin is low, your body goes into 'spending mode', draining your fat supplies for energy.
So what's the point?
The result of diabetes is that the body's cells have become resistant to insulin (so your cells do not absorb glucose to burn). This is what causes diabetes sufferers to have enormous jumps in blood sugar: their blood sugar isn't properly utilized, so it just sits in the bloodstream until your body can figure out what to do with it.
Thus, your cells enter a 'starvation' mode (nothing for them to 'eat') even if the diabetic has recently eaten. The brain interprets the starving cells' signals as actual starvation, and releases signals that make a diabetic hungry, especially for carbohydrates - which would normally stimulate insulin production in a healthy person, resulting in your cells absorbing glucose for energy.
What modern doctors or pharmaceutical companies do not often discuss, however, is that your body can burn fat as well as sugar (in fact, your body prefers it - your body gets as much energy from a pound of fat as it does from six and a half pounds of sugar!). The chemistry of fatty-acid metabolism is too complex to get into here, but the result for diabetics is this: if you can get your body to burn fat instead of glucose, you can stop relying on blood-sugar levels to maintain your body's energy supply.
Be careful.
The question for diabetics becomes: how do you start burning fat instead of glucose? The answer is simple: don't eat carbohydrates. This is a counterintuitive method of approaching a disorder wherein the biggest fear is death from a blood-sugar crash, but it works if you can get your body to make the switch from burning glucose to burning fat. This is done through a hormone called glucagon, which (along with several other hormones that are constantly pressuring your body to burn fat) triggers the fat-burning process and, as an added bonus, causes your body to turn its existing fat reserves into glucose (so even those parts of your body that require glucose, like the brain, don't require you to eat any carbohydrates).
Glucagon production, unfortunately, is suppressed by the presence of insulin in the blood. This means that diabetics are injecting the very substance that is keeping them from making the switch from glucose to fat! Of course, every diabetic knows that simply ceasing to inject insulin may be lethal. The trick is to make the switch slowly.
Each day, reduce the amount of carbohydrates you eat, starting by cutting out processed carbohydrates like sugar and flour, then, if you need to, other high-carb foods like potatoes (most people shouldn't need to). At the same time, go out of your way to eat more protein - lots more protein. Proteins turn into amino acids in your blood, and glucagon production is stimulated by high blood amino acid levels. As you do this, slowly lower your insulin levels. Over several months or even weeks, you can work your way entirely off of insulin.
Insulin moves glucose (blood sugar) into the muscles and liver. It stores glucose in the liver as a dense carbohydrate called glycogen, which your body uses as a reserve of glucose for use between meals or during times of stress. Once the glycogen reserve is full (and it's a pretty small reserve), excess glucose in the liver is turned into triglycerides (fat), and moved into your fat tissue. Thus, an overload of carbohydrates makes your butt bigger. Ever had your doctor tell you that losing weight will help your diabetes risk factors go down?
When insulin is high, your body goes into 'savings mode', and hoards your excess blood sugar for storage as fat. When insulin is low, your body goes into 'spending mode', draining your fat supplies for energy.
So what's the point?
The result of diabetes is that the body's cells have become resistant to insulin (so your cells do not absorb glucose to burn). This is what causes diabetes sufferers to have enormous jumps in blood sugar: their blood sugar isn't properly utilized, so it just sits in the bloodstream until your body can figure out what to do with it.
Thus, your cells enter a 'starvation' mode (nothing for them to 'eat') even if the diabetic has recently eaten. The brain interprets the starving cells' signals as actual starvation, and releases signals that make a diabetic hungry, especially for carbohydrates - which would normally stimulate insulin production in a healthy person, resulting in your cells absorbing glucose for energy.
What modern doctors or pharmaceutical companies do not often discuss, however, is that your body can burn fat as well as sugar (in fact, your body prefers it - your body gets as much energy from a pound of fat as it does from six and a half pounds of sugar!). The chemistry of fatty-acid metabolism is too complex to get into here, but the result for diabetics is this: if you can get your body to burn fat instead of glucose, you can stop relying on blood-sugar levels to maintain your body's energy supply.
Be careful.
The question for diabetics becomes: how do you start burning fat instead of glucose? The answer is simple: don't eat carbohydrates. This is a counterintuitive method of approaching a disorder wherein the biggest fear is death from a blood-sugar crash, but it works if you can get your body to make the switch from burning glucose to burning fat. This is done through a hormone called glucagon, which (along with several other hormones that are constantly pressuring your body to burn fat) triggers the fat-burning process and, as an added bonus, causes your body to turn its existing fat reserves into glucose (so even those parts of your body that require glucose, like the brain, don't require you to eat any carbohydrates).
Glucagon production, unfortunately, is suppressed by the presence of insulin in the blood. This means that diabetics are injecting the very substance that is keeping them from making the switch from glucose to fat! Of course, every diabetic knows that simply ceasing to inject insulin may be lethal. The trick is to make the switch slowly.
Each day, reduce the amount of carbohydrates you eat, starting by cutting out processed carbohydrates like sugar and flour, then, if you need to, other high-carb foods like potatoes (most people shouldn't need to). At the same time, go out of your way to eat more protein - lots more protein. Proteins turn into amino acids in your blood, and glucagon production is stimulated by high blood amino acid levels. As you do this, slowly lower your insulin levels. Over several months or even weeks, you can work your way entirely off of insulin.
List of Foods For a Diabetic to Eat
Firstly I would like to state that I am diabetic and I find it very difficult to create a diabetic diet plan and find foods that are good for me to eat. However after I bought a couple of eBooks and did a lot of research I found the information I was looking for and now I am going to share it with you.
The recommended daily calories for someone with diabetes is usually around 1200-1800 calories and consists of 50%-60% carbohydrates 12%-20% protein and not more than 30% fats. Now that is just a basic outline of what your daily intake should be I will go in to more detail below.
Some must haves for people with diabetes are Alpha-lipoic acid this is like a vitamin and it helps enhance the glucose uptake and improves diabetes nerves damage.
Secondly we have Omega 3 which helps to protect against the hardening of arteries.
The last one I would like to recommend is artificial sweeteners obviously everyone who suffers from diabetes knows that sugar should be kept to a low level in your diabetic diet plan so you can use alternatives such as aspartame and saccharin.
Foods that diabetics should avoid are high fat foods this is a big no no as well as foods with a lot of sodium. As well as this you should restrict the amount of alcohol you intake if you can just do not drink alcohol at all as this can cause health problems like liver damage and increase the risk of heart disease.
Foods for diabetics:
Carbohydrates: Bran, oats, porridge
Fruit: apple, citrus, berries, peaches, pears, plum, and rhubarb.
Vegetables - cabbage, cauliflower, carrots, celery, cucumber, onions, lettuce, olives, peas, pepper spinach, broccoli and tomatoes.
Proteins: Vegetables - beans, lentils, millet, soybeans
Free range chicken and turkey (skinless)
Lean cut of meats - pork, veal, beef and lamb.
Free-ranged chicken eggs.
Fat: Vegetables oils - sesame, soybean, sunflower, Avocados,
Poultry: mackerel, tuna, herrings and salmon.
Unsaturated margarine
Ensuring you know what you should and should not eat if you suffer from diabetes is essential in keeping diabetes under control and having a good diabetic diet plan is part of this.
The recommended daily calories for someone with diabetes is usually around 1200-1800 calories and consists of 50%-60% carbohydrates 12%-20% protein and not more than 30% fats. Now that is just a basic outline of what your daily intake should be I will go in to more detail below.
Some must haves for people with diabetes are Alpha-lipoic acid this is like a vitamin and it helps enhance the glucose uptake and improves diabetes nerves damage.
Secondly we have Omega 3 which helps to protect against the hardening of arteries.
The last one I would like to recommend is artificial sweeteners obviously everyone who suffers from diabetes knows that sugar should be kept to a low level in your diabetic diet plan so you can use alternatives such as aspartame and saccharin.
Foods that diabetics should avoid are high fat foods this is a big no no as well as foods with a lot of sodium. As well as this you should restrict the amount of alcohol you intake if you can just do not drink alcohol at all as this can cause health problems like liver damage and increase the risk of heart disease.
Foods for diabetics:
Carbohydrates: Bran, oats, porridge
Fruit: apple, citrus, berries, peaches, pears, plum, and rhubarb.
Vegetables - cabbage, cauliflower, carrots, celery, cucumber, onions, lettuce, olives, peas, pepper spinach, broccoli and tomatoes.
Proteins: Vegetables - beans, lentils, millet, soybeans
Free range chicken and turkey (skinless)
Lean cut of meats - pork, veal, beef and lamb.
Free-ranged chicken eggs.
Fat: Vegetables oils - sesame, soybean, sunflower, Avocados,
Poultry: mackerel, tuna, herrings and salmon.
Unsaturated margarine
Ensuring you know what you should and should not eat if you suffer from diabetes is essential in keeping diabetes under control and having a good diabetic diet plan is part of this.
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