Would Your Doctor Take This Diabetes Drug?

Would your doctor take Avandia for diabetes? I doubt it, especially since it could cause a heart attack.

A study found that people, who took Avandia for at least a year, increased their risk of heart failure or a heart attack by 109 percent and 42 percent, respectively.

These numbers are alarming.

Thankfully this knowledge has lessened its use but simply switching to metformin may not be the answer either. Metformin is a drug that makes your body's tissues more sensitive to insulin and it's the drug of choice for type 2 diabetes.

This is unfortunate because type 2 diabetes is 100% avoidable and can be treated primarily through proper diet and exercise.

Type 2 diabetes stems from an insulin problem where leptin signaling is working as it should. Therefore, diabetes can be controlled by recovering your insulin and leptin sensitivities.

There is a lot of help out there for those that wish to normalize their weight and treat diabetes naturally. Here are some things you can start by doing on your own which are easy to do and don't cost an arm and a leg.

Start by following these simple guidelines:

1. Cut out or severely limit sugar and grains in your diet. Determining your body metabolic type is also important since you need to know whether you burn carbs or proteins best. Therefore, along with reducing grains and sugars, determining your nutritional type will give you some insight into what foods you should use to replace the grains and sugars.

2. Exercise regularly. I'm sorry but you cannot get away from it. Exercise increases the sensitivity of your insulin receptors, causing the insulin already present to work much more effectively, so your body doesn't need to produce as much.

3. Avoid trans fats. The damage that the introduction of margarine has done to our bodies will never be quantified. Thankfully, today we are much more aware of trans fat dangers and many companies are removing it from their products. However these products are all processed and don't need to be in your cupboard in the first place.

4. Get plenty of omega-3 fats. These are available in fish, supplements, Chia or flax seeds. All are easy to find and inexpensive to add to your daily diet.

5. Get a good night's sleep every night and natural adaptogens can really help in this area.

6. Look to EFT for eliminating or dealing with emotional issues that lead to eating the wrong kind of food. EFT is easy to learn and quite effective.

7. Deal with weight issues effectively by cleansing/detoxifying in order to give your body the tools it needs to repair the damage done by toxins you are exposed to in your daily life.

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

Holidays and Diabetes

If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, it does not mean that you cannot have holidays or that you cannot travel. With the current advances in medical science it is possible to have holidays and even fly to other countries even if you are insulin dependent. Obviously it is always advised that you chat things through with your doctor and to include any advice they may offer, but it is possible to lead a good quality of life with diabetes.

Vacation Planning And Tips

The key thing is planning. Anything is possible from Air Travel to Cruising, from driving to foreign climates to holidaying in your own country. Always plan your excursions so that someone knows when you leave and when you are due to arrive and keep in contact with them if you know you will be late (this is normal courtesy but it also covers you if something unexpected happens). Depending on where you are going, your doctor can advise you of the list of medical supplies you will need while away. The list will probably include things like Insulin doses, diabetic food (always carry snacks and drink in case your sugar levels fluctuate), Insulin pumps (for those who are insulin defendant), and most important of all make sure you wear your medical emergency bracelet (this will alert even those in a different country that you are diabetic should an emergency arise).

If you are staying at an hotel, or cruising it is always best to inform the travel organisers so that they can cater for your diabetes - many vegans would do this too so it is not an unusual request.

With regard to flying and leaving the country, it is important to check with the travel arrangers since they will need to make special arrangements for you. One thing they will need to do is to allow for their metal detectors. It is better for example that they know you have a needle in your arm (if you are insulin dependent) than that you set of an emergency with the detecting system). It is also good for passport control and you will need to seek advice with regard to the best procedures for leaving and entering countries.

Emergency Kit

You will need to get your own version from your doctor but it may well include things like:- Diabetic food and drink, Urine ketone test strips, Glucagon emergency kit, Disposal container for syringes and test strips, Insulin dispensing products (such as vials, pens, preloaded insulin syringes, etc), Lancets, Cotton swabs, Glucometer, Vial of insulin, etc. Basically anything you would normally need in your everyday life plus a few emergency items that you might need.

With planning you can do almost anything. If you are going abroad, it would also be a good idea to learn a few phrases regarding your diabetic needs or at least have them written down in your phrase book. Being diabetic need not mean no holidays or breaks to foreign countries.

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

Early Symptoms of Diabetes

Diabetes is something that many people fear but don't know what to look for as early warning signs. This disease is best treated early and the effects of the disease can be limited and sometimes cured with a change of lifestyle. It is generally best if you notice anything that is not usual, or concerning to you, that you get a check up. There is much that doctors can do nowadays that can bring relief to sufferers. Diabetes is not the "bad news" it used to be in days gone by.

Common Symptoms Of Diabetes

Extreme thirst is one of the unusual symptoms of diabetes. It may be that you are noticing an unexplained thirst that you have noticed has been happening. This sort of thirst will be unusual, not explained by a heat wave or the taking up of a sport or the lack of drinking done in a day. The average person needs about eight large glasses of water a day. If you are in any doubt, then it may be a good idea to check it out with a doctor.

Another common symptom is dry, itchy skin. This symptom is not often associated with diabetes, but if it is unusual or has started to develop then again it is worth checking.

Treatment for Diabetes

There is much that can be done to treat this disease, both through medication and also through lifestyle changes. If your doctor confirms diabetes it is important to know that it is not the doom and gloom it used to be.

Firstly your doctor will want to check your weight, and discuss your diet and general lifestyle. The answers to these initial questions, will help to determine the treatment that he will advise.

If you are overweight then part of the treatment will focus on reducing your excess weight, Similarly if you do not exercise he will probably advise taking up a sport or active pastime, or even simply increasing your walking.

Another area he will look at is your diet. He may well arrange for you to see a specialist dietician as a well balanced diet will help to keep your glucose levels at a more constant level and avoid the highs and lows that you may have been experiencing. If you need medication, then the diet will be planned with that fact in mind as well as the move to increase your exercise levels.

Diabetes is a difficult condition to deal with but it is not impossible. Working with your doctor and his medical staff can help you to deal with this condition. Many people with Type II diabetes even find they can reduce their medication and if caught early enough, some even find the change of lifestyle such that their diabetes virtually goes away and they are no longer in the medical zone of diabetes.

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

Diabetes on the upswing

Percent of people age 65 or older with diabetes
by race in the United States

1984-1984 2001-2004

White 17% 24%
Black 27% 28%
Mexican American 30% 35%

SOURCE: CDC/NCHS

Note: Table made from bar graph.

Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic disorder characterized by either an absolute or relative absence of insulin. Insulin is secreted primarily by the beta cells located in the anterior head, body, and tail of the pancreas. Type 1 and type 2 are the primary categories of diabetes, but other types do exist (gestational diabetes, impaired glucose tolerance, and diabetes related to other conditions). Early detection and treatment of pre-diabetes and diabetes are essential to prevent the serious complications associated with this disease. The focus of this discussion is type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes represents an absolute lack of insulin caused by a decrease in beta cell mass. It affects about 10% of the diabetic population and usually occurs before the age of 30. It is typically detected by an abrupt onset of symptoms of hyperglycemia. The affected patient is often prone to ketoacidosis, which occurs when accumulation of ketones (byproducts of fat metabolism) leads to acidosis, causing diuresis, dehydration, loss of electrolytes, and eventually renal failure, coma, and death.

Type 2 diabetes is related to insulin resistance and a defect in insulin secretion. Sustained hyperglycemia is diagnostic of type 2 diabetes and occurs over a long period of time. Symptoms usually occur after the age of 30 but can occur at any age. Obesity and a sedentary lifestyle are primary factors of occurrence. Type 2 diabetes usually is not prone to ketoacidosis because some insulin is still produced. Treatment is centered on diet, exercise, weight loss, oral medications, and/or insulin as indicated, with careful monitoring of blood glucose levels by the patient and physician.

Patient self-monitoring involves glucose testing four times per day for type 1 diabetes and as indicated for glucose control in type 2 diabetes. Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels are used to determine long-term (about 3 months) glucose control. HbA1c should be maintained at < 7%. Monitoring is aimed at preventing chronic complications, including eye disorders, kidney disease, peripheral neuropathies, and cardiovascular disease.

Treatment protocols involve a combination of diet, exercise, and medications to maintain blood glucose levels as close to normal as possible. Nutrition is no longer based on American Diabetes Association diets but is individualized to patient need and associated with exercise and lifestyle. When diet and exercise do not provide adequate control of blood glucose, medications may be added to the treatment plan. Medications can be oral agents, insulin, or a combination of both for type 2 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes will always require insulin.

For further information on diabetes, review Chapter 22 in the Core Curriculum for Medical-Surgical Nursing (3rd edition), then answer the following questions.

1. The nurse is teaching a patient with a new diagnosis of diabetes mellitus about disease management. Among the "survival skills" that the nurse should identify is:

a. Weight loss.

b. Eliminating sugar from the diet.

c. Self-monitoring of blood glucose.

d. Limited physical activity.

2. Which of the following is characteristic of type 2 diabetes?

a. Absolute lack of circulating insulin

b. Decreased mobilization of glucose by the liver

c. Resistance to insulin by cell receptors

d. Sustained hyperglycemia in both fasting and postprandial blood glucose levels

3. Which of the following is used to measure chronic glucose control?

a. Microalbuminuria

b. HbA1c

c. Fasting plasma glucose

d. Serum ketones

4. To decrease the risk for developing diabetic neuropathy, the nurse will encourage the patient to:

a. Drink 8 to 10 glasses of water daily.

b. Eliminate alcohol.

c. Decrease consumption of red meat.

d. Stop smoking.

1. c--Self-monitoring of blood glucose is the foundation of successful disease management for the patient with diabetes mellitus.

2. d--Insulin resistance is a cause of sustained hyperglycemia in fasting and postprandial blood glucose levels.

3. b--HbA1c provides a picture of glucose control over a period of approximately 3 months.

4. d--Risk factors for the development of diabetic neuropathies include hypertension, smoking, and chronic hyperglycemia.

Diabetes

What the clinical trials found: A phase III study suggested that exenatide LAR may offer improved blood glucose control over the currently marketed formulation, Byetta.

Adis R&D Insights Rating & Comment: 70. Exenatide LAR is expected to replace the existing, immediate-release formulation of exenatide (Byetta), also developed by Amylin and Lilly. Byetta requires twice daily subcutaneous administration, so a once-weekly formulation would be a more convenient option. An NDA for exenatide LAR is expected to be submitted in 2009, and if approved, the agent is predicted to supersede Byetta as an adjunctive therapy in patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus.

What the analysts had to say:

* In the GLP-1 class, interest will remain high, given the need for better post-prandial control, beta cell preservation and weight control. But competitors will have to demonstrate clear and meaningful benefits for acceptance by physicians, payers and patients.

-David Jacobson, SVP, GfK Market Measures

* We believe exenatide LAR has now demonstrated the most convincing clinical profile of all GLP-ls to date. Efficacy appears to be best in class. We forecast $2 billion in peak sales.

-ING Wholesale Banking's Tun Race

Liraglutide Novo Nordisk

Indication: Type-2 diabetes mellitus (Ph.III)

What the clinical trials found: Phase III clinical trials found oncedaily liraglutide + glimepiride gave superior glycemic control compared with a rosiglitazone-glimepiride combination and with glimepiride monotherapy. The triple combination of glimepiride, metformin and liraglutide was also superior to glimepiride, metformin and insulin glargine. Notably, three trials demonstrated that liraglutide promoted weight loss and had a good safety profile with no serious adverse events reported.

Adis R&D Insights Rating & Comment: 72. Liraglutide may face direct competition from exenatide LAR. A direct, head-to-head study of liraglutide vs. exenatide, initiated this year, may show which is the more effective agent in maintaining glycemic control and hence provide a better therapeutic option for patients with type 2 diabetes.

What the analysts had to say:

* Long-term we have reduced our 2013 sales for liraglutide form $1.3 billion to $1.1 billion reflecting the potential for exenatide LAR to dominate the market. If liraglutide reaches the market, Novo Nordisk is likely to have significant competition to its only major new compound.

-ING Wholesale Banking's Tun Race

Saxagliptin Bristol-Myers Squibb/AstraZeneca/Otsuka

Indication: Type-2 diabetes mellitus (Ph.III)

What the clinical trials found: Preliminary six-month data from a phase III study in patients with type 2 diabetes, which was poorly controlled with metformin, showed that add-on, once daily saxagliptin was safe and well tolerated. The compound significantly improved glycemic control compared with metformin alone. Saxagliptin is currently in phase III multi-center clinical trials worldwide. BMS and AZ plan to file an NDA with the FDA in the first-half of 2008. Studies are assessing the compounds as monotherapy, as an adjunct to diet and exercise, and as an add-on therapy in combination with metformin, sulfonylurea or thaizolizinediones.

Adis R&D Insights Rating & Comment: 74. It remains to be seen whether saxagliptin will have a successful run in the diabetes market. Its future depends on the results from pending clinical trials and its ability to outperform other gliptins already on the market.

What the analysts had to say:

* Saxagliptin is emerging as a serious competitor to Merck's Januvia.

-Rodman & Renshaw 's Michael King

* Saxagliptin could add $750 million to peak US sales by 2017.

-Lehman Brothers PharmaPipelines estimates,

cited by Adis R&D Insight

OTHER KEY PRODUCTS IN THE DIABETES PIPELINE

AJD 101 Ajinomoto/Sankyo

Diabetes (Ph.I)

Insulin inhalation Alkermes/Eli Lilly

Diabetes (Ph.III)

DiaPep277 Andromeda

Type 1 diabetes (Ph.III), Latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (Ph.II)

AZD AstraZeneca

Diabetes (Ph.I)

AZD 2207 AstraZeneca

Diabetes (Ph.I)

BAY 737977 Bayer

Diabetes (Ph.I)

Insulin inhalation Baxter

Diabetes (Ph.I)

Insulin inhalation Coremed

Diabetes (Ph.I)

Insulin oral Coremed

Diabetes (Ph.I)

Diabetes mellitus vaccine Diamyd Medical

Latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (Ph. I), Type 1 diabetes (Ph.II)

LABI Flamel/BristoWAyers Squibb

Diabetes (Ph.II)

Metformin XL Flamel

Diabetes (Ph.II)

KRP 101 Kyorin

Diabetes (Ph.II)

MK 0533 Merck

Diabetes (Ph.II)

MK 0893 Merck

Diabetes (Ph.I)

MK 0941 Merck

Diabetes (Ph.I)

MK 3887 Merck

Diabetes (Ph.I)

MP 513 Mitsubishi/Mitsubishi Tanabe

Diabetes (Ph.II)

Aliskiren Novartis Hypertension in diabetes (Ph.III),

Diabetic nephropathies (Ph.II)

Insulin inhalation QDose

Diabetes (Ph.I)

Care for Diabetic Feet

A diabetic has a host of problems to deal with besides just the blood sugar. The skin and feet are very important to care for, because if they are not, serious complications like gangrene and even amputation can occur. Diabetics can die due to complications from foot problems. It is extremely important to care for the feet.

50% of leg amputations are performed on diabetics. The risk of foot infections is 40 times higher in diabetics. Risk of gangrene is 17 times higher in diabetics. 25% of diabetic hospitalizations are the result of foot problems.

Diabetes causes two types of problems for your feet:

* Neuropathy, which is damage to the nerves in the legs and feet, can cause lack of feeling, so that a sore or cut can go undetected because you do not know it is there. The feet become insensitive to hot and cold, and can be burned or chilled without your knowledge.
* Poor blood flow can cause peripheral vascular disease. Peripheral vascular disease slows down the healing process. Smoking when you have diabetes can make the blood flow problems much worse.

What should one do to prevent problems and remain healthy? Prevention is the key: regular screening for neuropathy and artery problems, monthly pedicures, daily foot examinations, daily use of a foot product to prevent calluses, and moisturize the skin and retain its protective role. How do you do this?

1. Manage your diabetes. Keep all of your medical appointments and do what your professional tells you to do. Have your doctor inspect your feet at each visit.
2. Make sure you monitor your blood sugar and keep it level. Take your medicine as prescribed. Eat the proper diet.
3. Stay active and keep your body in shape. Working out can help accomplish that.
4. Care for your feet daily. Set a time of day to inspect you feet, so that you do this every day. Check them for cuts, blisters, sores, swelling, redness, or sore toenails.
5. Every day, bathe your feet and dry them thoroughly, especially between the toes.
6. Put cream or lotion on your feet every day. This helps to keep the skin hydrated and smooth, so that no cracks develop.
7. Keep your toe nails trimmed straight across and filed. This helps to prevent ingrown nails. Have monthly pedicures.
8. Always wear shoes and socks. Never go barefoot, even at home. This helps to prevent any injury.
9. Ask your doctor if you need special shoes. Most insurance will help with the cost of shoes prescribed by your doctor.
10. Make sure that you have good circulation to your feet. Just putting them up when you sit, wiggling your toes and moving your feet around a few times a day will help this immensely. Get in the habit of not crossing your legs when you sit.
11. Do not smoke. This slows down the circulation.
12. Start today to care for yourself.

Even though diabetes is not easy to live with, taking these precautions can go a long way in helping you to maintain your disease and have healthy feet.

Diabetic Foot Infection Control With Ultraviolet Light

Diabetic foot infections arising from ulcerations are the largest non-traumatic cause of lower extremity amputations. Many of the infections are acquired by improper care of the ulcer as well as failure to protect the open wound from contaminants. Contributing factors include peripheral neuropathy and vascular disease, rigid pedal deformities, local trauma and pressure, extensive soft tissue loss, multi-system failure, non-compliance and severe infection. For Podiatrists it is a recurring problem.

The recent Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) Diabetic Foot Infection Guidelines emphasize the following point:

"Aerobic gram positive cocci (especially Staphylococcus aureus) are the predominant pathogens in diabetic foot infections. Patients who have chronic wounds or who have recently received antibiotic therapy may also be infected with gram negative rods, and those with foot ischemia or gangrene may also have obligate anaerobes."

The guidelines specifically note the dated thinking that all DFIs are mixed infections is not evidence based. There is a difference in microbial flora based on the severity of the infection and the presence of comorbidities. Even in the more complicated infections in which a myriad of other organisms may be isolated, their importance as primary pathogens needing antibiotic coverage is debatable. Many represent colonization only.

MRSA Continues To Be Evolving Problem

While the number and types of true pathogens in the majority of DFIs may be limited to Staphylococcus and Streptococcus, it does not mean that the clinician can rest assured that traditional therapies active against these two organisms will be enough. MRSA as well as VRE are emerging as serious threats to the diabetic patient.

The traditional therapies of systemic antibiotics often compromise the healing of the ulcer itself as well as many of the topical agents that are branded generics of common ingredients such as silver, povidone iodine, and other traditional topicals.

"Wound Healing, Alternatives in Management" by Kloth, McCullouch also point out that many chronic wounds are not chronic in nature but are acute injuries that are consistently reinjured in treatment and appear to be chronic. An example of improper treatment would be the use of sterile gauze as filler yet the gauze is allowed to dry out and the results are the gauze now adheres to the new granulating tissue and each removal destroys the new growth and sets back the healing while exposing newly injured tissue to external contaminants. Eschar develops, which is a wonderful breeding ground for MRSA and other pathogens, because the top cells die from dehydration and the dead tissue becomes the eschar.

In the past five years, there has been a seemingly logarithmic growth in the incidence of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) as a pathogen in the diabetic foot. This organism was once associated only with nosocomial infections but now community-acquired strains of MRSA have become common in DFI cases. While it is outside the scope of this feature to review MRSA in detail, it is important to examine the situation in the diabetic foot.

As recently as 1996, Goldstein reported that 20 percent of the staphylococcal isolates from his diabetic foot population in California were methicillin resistant.4 In 1999, Tentolouris showed 40 percent of the staphylococcal isolates in their diabetic foot clinic in the United Kingdom were methicillin resistant.5 In 2003, the same group published a follow-up study entitled "Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus in the diabetic foot clinic: A worsening problem."6 Although the absolute percentage of MRSA among their staphylococcal isolates only increased to 42.2 percent, the number of patients that actually presented with MRSA doubled. Fortunately, their study found many of these MRSA isolates could be treated effectively with debridement, topical therapy and isolation.

Unfortunately traditional treatments continue to be used and the population of drug resistant strains of "super germs" continues to develop faster than new antibiotics. This is not necessary.

Ultraviolet C- range ( 254 nm) has consistently shown the ability to not only kill all forms of pathogens, especially bacterial, but no bacteria has ever been capable of mutating or avoiding the lethal effects of UVC. Ultraviolet C range is easy for the patient to self-treat and one of the lamps is FDA approved for dermatological applications such as destroying pathogens on the skin surface thus avoiding new contamination. Total treatment time is less than 90 seconds. Cost once device purchased or rented is only the cost of electricity for a 4 watt bulb for 90 seconds, or less than a penny.

Ultraviolet can be used for not only topical treatment where the bacteria has localized but is also indicated for systemic infections.

Tens and Interferential electrotherapy can be used post Ultraviolet treatment to facilitate faster growth as well as controlling the swelling and increasing blood flow to the foot.

There are many tried and true therapies such as ultraviolet that will stop the necessity of amputation for the patient with a diabetic foot infection or any other foot wound that becomes infected.

Gestational Diabetes Diet Information

Gestational Diabetes Diet

Gestational diabetes is seen in pregnant women when they develop high blood glucose levels during pregnancyA gestational diabetes diet will provide essential nutrients for both mother and unborn baby without making the baby grow too much.

One concept is that the pressure of the pregnancy itself affects it, but whatever the reason every woman who is detected with it will require to go after a gestational diabetes diet plan.

In those cases wherever gestational diabetes diet and exercise are sufficient to get blood levels back to normal, and day by day medications are prescribed.

Pregnant women with type 1 or type 2 of diabetes meet a higher chance of miscarriage and early birth. A well-considered diet plan plays an enormous role in the life of a pregnant woman.

Gestational diabetes diet is calling for dietary changes which, the pregnant woman may not be used to, however controlling this type of diabetes it is vital.

A gestational diabetes diet, along with additional treatments decreases successfully the problems caused by having abnormally large babies, as women with this problems often do. Gestational diabetes diet needs including a daily chart that keeps track of the quantity of calories eaten.

A pregnancy gestational diabetes diet is uncommon from the best pregnancy diet for women without diabetes and consists of a number of uncommon parts. Most of the women gain from a gestational diabetes diet and exercise, however some may necessitate medication beside everyday life adjustments. To prepare your gestational diabetes diet, seek advice from a dietitian who can advise you a appropriate diet based on your health condition, your height, weight, age, the growing baby needs, in addition to your glucose level intolerance.

The dietitian will ask you to take the place of the sweetened foods the non-natural sweetener in your gestational diabetes diet. A complete gestational diabetes diet plan takes into considerations the physical, psychosocial, and educational requirements.

Your dietitian will assess your nutritional eating and drinking and prepare an appropriate gestational diabetes diet plan with the accurate quantity of protein, fat and carbohydrates for you and your unborn baby.

The goal of a high-quality pregnancy diabetes diet is to make sure with the intention of you do not have to resort to insulin shots until it becomes needed.

Undercooked meat, raw fish such as sushi and underdone eggs should not be eaten whilst pregnant. When you are pregnant, you may be extra vulnerable to the illnesses these foods may hold and your response will be complexes by the pregnancy.

Normal blood glucose examining is essential all through this time, however more essential is the gestational diabetes diet.

Suggestions for eating fruit in a gestational diabetes diet: Consume fruits uncooked or cooked, as fruit juice with no sugar added, canned in their own juice, or dried.

Gestational Diabetes Diet Information

If you have more than one portion at a mealtime, you can choose different types of fruit or have two servings of one fruit.

Milk and yogurt serving sizes in a gestational diabetes diet: You have four to five servings of milk and yogurt every day as fraction of your gestational diabetes diet.

Cakes, cookies, ice creams, candies, soft drinks, pies, commercial fruit yogurt, jams and jelly could be very damaging if you are on a gestational diabetes diet.

Lactose found in milk is processed into glucose fast in the body and several gestational diabetes diet plans limit the quantity of milk. Eating lots of fiber is essential to a gestational diabetes diet. Besides, following a carefully designed gestational diabetes diet plan, the pregnant woman should try to break her daily food eating into a lot of little mealtime to give the pancreas enough time to break the sugar in the blood.

Establishing the right blend between gestational diabetes diet and the right blood sugar level takes time.

A gestational diabetes diet, beside the other insistent actions, Effectively reduced the problems caused by having unusually big babies, as women with these problems often do.

Remembering my efforts of trying to understand and get as many details as possible, and finding answers for my uncertainties directed me into writing and giving out all I know about gestational diabetes. Three years ago, during my pregnancy, I came to know that I had gestational diabetes. However, there are few subtle symptoms, which I did not particularly notice that help to diagnose gestational diabetes in its early stage. The information is written in simple language, easy to read and leads the reader step by step to get knowledge of deterrence, note the symptoms and know what questions to ask your physician.

The Lowdown on Diabetes

Diabetes Mellitus is a disorder in which blood levels of glucose (a simple sugar) are abnormally high because the body doesn't release or use insulin adequately. The full name of diabetes is Diabetes Mellitus. Doctors use the full name in order to distinguish this disorder from Diabetes Insipidus which is a rare disease. Insulin, a hormone released from the pancreas, is the primary substance responsible for maintaining appropriate blood sugar levels. Insulin allows glucose to be transported into cells so that they can produce energy or store the glucose until it's needed. Diabetes results when the body doesn't produce enough of this insulin to maintain normal blood sugar levels.

There are two types of diabetes: Type 1 and Type 11.

Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (insulin- dependent diabetes) and Type 11 Diabetes Mellitus (non-insulin dependent diabetes.) Type 1: produces little or no insulin, although about 6 percent of the United States population has some form of diabetes. Only about 10 percent of all diabetics have Type 1 of this disease. Most people who have Type 1 diabetes developed the disease before age 30. A person with Type 1 diabetes must regularly inject insulin to survive.

Type 11: the pancreas continues to manufacture insulin, sometime higher than normal levels.

However the body develops resistance to its effects, as a result, a relative insulin deficiency. This type may occur in children and adolescents and usually begins after age 30 and become progressive with age. About 15 percent of people over age 70 have Type 11.

The first symptoms of diabetes are related to the direct effects of high blood sugar levels. These symptoms include: increased flow and abnormal thirst, weight lost, feels excessively hungry, blurred vision, drowsiness, nausea, and decreased endurance during exercise.

Also, people whose diabetes is poorly controlled are more susceptible to infection. Because of the severity of insulin deficiency, people with Type 1 normally lose weight before undergoing treatment; in addition, the symptoms begin abruptly and may progress rapidly to a condition called Diabetic Ketoacidosis. People with Type 11 don't lose weight, and might not have any symptoms for years or decades, when insulin deficiency progresses, symptoms may develop. Increased flow and thirst are mild at first and gradually worsen over weeks or months. Ketoacidosis is rare. If the blood sugar level becomes very high, (exceeding 1,000 mg/dl) usually as the result of some superimposed stress, such as an infection or drugs, the person may develop severe dehydration, drowsiness, seizures, and a condition called Nonketotic Hyperglycemic-Hyperosmolar Coma. This coma is similar to Diabetic Ketoacidosis. There is no cure for diabetes, but it can be successfully managed or controlled with diet, exercise, and medicine.

At Risk For Diabetes?

There are two types of diabetes, type one and type two. Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in adults and untreated it can lead to nerve damage and amputation, as well as vision problems. In men, it can lead to erectile dysfunction, as well as leading cause of hypertension - adults with diabetes are 50% more likely to develop higher blood pressure. Diabetes is a condition in which the pancreas decreases the rate in which insulin is produced and blood glucose levels become too high, or too low. Diet and exercise or treatments of injections or oral tablets of insulin can maintain a normal blood glucose level.

Type-one diabetes includes symptoms such as excessive thirst, weight loss, fatigue and frequent urination and an increase in appetite.

The second type of diabetes, type-two diabetes has some of the same symptoms as type 1 diabetes but also more severe symptoms as skin and bladder infections as well as blurred vision or tingling in the legs, arms and extremities. Type-two diabetes is more common and can occur without any symptoms at all. Type-two diabetes is often referred to as type-two diabetes. Interestingly enough, forty percent of the people with type-two diabetes can change the prognosis of the disease through diet and exercise.

Those over the age of forty-five should have their blood sugar tested every three months. Those under the age of forty five with significant risk factors should have yearly tests as well. A simple visit to your family physician to ask for a lab test for blood glucose levels can yield blood glucose levels. Many lab tests for glucose require fasting for eight hours to receive accurate results. Most often, these tests are included with physical exams, and should be completed at least once per year.

Those at highest risk for diabetes are those who are; overweight, having given birth to a large baby, those with previous abnormal glucose levels or those who are over the age of forty five.

Drug therapies differ between type-one and type-two diabetes. Drug therapies used for type one diabetes patients include; insulin pens and insulin injections. There are four types of insulin injections, short acting, long acting, rapid acting and intermediate acting. Insulin pens are more convenient than traditional syringes and are favored by more patients diagnosed with diabetes than the traditional syringes. Depending on the history of the patient and the reaction that the body has with the insulin, short or long acting insulin will be prescribed by the health care professional.

There are many other treatment options available for those diagnosed with type-two diabetes. These include oral medications, or specific diet and exercise regimens. Alpha glucosidase inhibitors slow the absorption of carbohydrates within the blood stream and the small intestines and assist in lowering the blood sugar. Meglitinide is a new course of medications that encourage the pancreas to produce and secrete insulin, thereby lowering the blood sugar. As an alternative to these chemical medications, oral medications, the more traditional type of type-two diabetes management are most prescribed by doctors in North America.

Top Warning Signs of Diabetes

Diabetes often goes undiagnosed because most of its signs are not very harmful. Most of the signs of type 1 and 2 diabetes are the same. As in both cases there is an excess amount of sugar in the blood and an insufficient amount of sugar in the cells, where actually it is required.

In type 1 increased level of glucose in the blood is the outcome of the destruction of insulin producing cells. In type 2 diabetes high glucose level occurs when cells of the body become resistant to produce insulin.

In both types the cells are not getting the required amount of glucose and the body tries to inform you for this by giving different signs which has been mentioned here.

Recurrent visits to the Bathroom: One has to urinate more when there is an excessive amount of glucose in the body. If insulin is not effective or is not there then the kidneys are unable to filter the glucose back to blood. They then become over reactive and attempts to extract more water from the blood to dilute the glucose. This is the reason that bladder is fuller and one has to make recurrent visit to the bathroom.

Feeling Thirsty: If somebody has the feeling that he is more thirsty than usual then it can also be the sign of diabetes. The reason is that when kidney are demanding extra water from the blood and he is frequently going to the rest room, he may feel the need to drink more water to substitute the one being expelled.

Weight Loss: This sign is more prevalent in those who have type 1 diabetes than the ones with type 2. As in type 1 pancreas is unable to make insulin due to a viral attack. The body is not getting enough energy from the cells. To fulfill this deficiency the body starts to break down the fat cells and muscle tissues for energy and that results in a rapid weight loss.

Tiredness: It is again due to glucose. Glucose in the food which we take goes into the blood where there should be insulin to help it out. The cells use this glucose to produce energy. But when there is not enough insulin the cells also do not react to it. The glucose is then not entered into the blood. The cells become energy deficient and the diabetic feel run down and tired.

Numbness in Feet, Hands or Legs: This sign appears gradually over time and is called neuropathy. The reason behind this is that the consistent levels of high glucose levels in the blood destroy the nervous system. This destruction can be controlled by having a proper control on blood sugar levels.

The high glucose in the body also results in blurred vision, itchy skin, cuts and infections that take a longer time to heal.

If you notice any of the above sign in yourself or your child, schedule an appointment with the doctor and gather as much information as you can. As only proper knowledge and better understanding of diabetes can help you in fighting the battle against it and even reverse it.

Diabetes - The 6 Points That Will Explain it to You

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease in which patients present with absolute or relative insulin deficiency. It affects about 6% of western populations and is a major contributing factor for heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure and peripheral vascular disease. Diabetes mellitus is also the leading cause of new blindness without a cure.

1. Types of Diabetes
There are four forms of the disease, classified as: types 1 and 2, gestational and other specific types.

a. Type 1 Diabetes
In people with type 1 diabetes the pancreas is not producing insulin, so blood glucose levels are higher than normal. People with this form of diabetes require daily insulin therapy to survive. This form is further split into idiopathic diabetes and immune mediated diabetes.

Type 1 accounts for around 10% to 15% of all people with diabetes. It is one of the most serious and common chronic diseases of childhood, with about half of the people with this form of diabetes developing the disease before age 18. It is also known as insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) or juvenile-onset diabetes.

b. Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is marked by reduced levels of insulin (insulin deficiency) and/or the inability of the body to use insulin properly (insulin resistance). This form of the disease is most common among people aged 40 years and over and accounts for 85% to 90% of all people with diabetes. Most people with type 2 diabetes are obese.

c. Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy in about 3% to 8% of females not previously diagnosed with diabetes. It is a temporary form of diabetes and usually disappears after the baby is born. However, it is a marker of much greater risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life. Screening tests for gestational diabetes are usually performed around the 24th-28th week of pregnancy.

d. Other Specific Diabetes Types
This includes people who have diabetes as a result of a genetic defect, or exposure to certain drugs or chemicals.

2. Causes of Diabetes Mellitus
Diabetes is caused by resistance to, or deficient production of, the hormone insulin, which helps glucose move from the blood into the cells.

In type 1 immune mediated diabetes, pancreatic beta cell destruction results in failure to release insulin and ineffective transport of glucose. There is no known cause for idiopathic diabetes.

In type 2 diabetes, the beta cells release insulin but, receptors are insulin resistant and glucose transport is variable and inefficient. Some people may have conditions that can cause diabetes, such as Cushing's syndrome, pancreatitis or liver disease.

Risk factors for type 2 diabetes include;

a. Obesity
b. History of Gestational diabetes
c. Lack of physical activity
d. Hypertension
e. Age 45+
f. Ethnic groupings other than anglo-saxon
g. Low HDL cholesterol levels
h. Impaired glucose tolerance
i. Family history

3. Signs and Symptoms of Diabetes
Symptoms of diabetes include; dehydration, unexplained weight loss, excessive thirst, frequent need to urinate, fatigue, lethargy, severe irritation and itching, excessive hunger, blurred vision, skin and urinary infections and vaginitis.

4. Diagnosis
Diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance may be detected on routine blood tests as part of a general health check up or investigation for other symptoms or diseases. Diabetes tests check blood glucose levels. Someone with a random non fasting blood glucose level greater than 200mg/dl accompanied by other symptoms, or someone with a fasting blood glucose level greater than 126mg/dl can be diagnosed with diabetes.

Because symptoms can be mild, diabetes is often detected when a person suffers a problem that is caused by diabetes, such as a heart attack, stroke, neuropathy, poor wound healing or a foot ulcer, certain eye problems, certain fungal infections, or delivering a baby with macrosomia or hypoglycemia.

5. Diabetes Treatment
Effective treatment endeavors to normalize blood glucose and reduce complications using insulin replacement, diet and exercise. For those with very mild diabetes, diet plus weight loss plus exercise may be enough to keep blood glucose within reasonable levels.
Dietary changes should focus on the ideas of weight loss and blood sugar regulation by keeping the blood sugar levels relatively stable throughout the day, avoiding big peaks or troughs.

The principal treatment of type 1 diabetes, even from its earliest stages, is replacement of insulin combined with careful monitoring of blood glucose levels using blood testing monitors.

Type 2 diabetes may require oral anti-diabetic drugs to stimulate the body's insulin production and increase insulin sensitivity. Various forms of natural supplements for diabetes treatment have also been postulated as effective.

People with unstable diabetes, or those requiring many injections a day, may benefit from an insulin pump which is worn on the body and delivers a continuous infusion of insulin via a needle implanted into the body.

Gestational diabetes is fully treatable but requires careful medical supervision throughout the pregnancy. Even though it may be transient, untreated gestational diabetes can damage the health of the fetus or the mother.

Treatment for all forms of diabetes need not significantly impair normal activities, if sufficient patient training, awareness, appropriate care, discipline in testing and dosing of insulin is taken

6. Complications
Diabetes mellitus is the most common cause of adult kidney failure worldwide in the developed world. If undetected or poorly controlled, diabetes can lead to blindness, kidney failure, lower limb amputation, heart attack, stroke and impotence.

At Risk For Diabetes?

There are two types of diabetes, type one and type two. Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in adults and untreated it can lead to nerve damage and amputation, as well as vision problems. In men, it can lead to erectile dysfunction, as well as leading cause of hypertension - adults with diabetes are 50% more likely to develop higher blood pressure. Diabetes is a condition in which the pancreas decreases the rate in which insulin is produced and blood glucose levels become too high, or too low. Diet and exercise or treatments of injections or oral tablets of insulin can maintain a normal blood glucose level.

Type-one diabetes includes symptoms such as excessive thirst, weight loss, fatigue and frequent urination and an increase in appetite.

The second type of diabetes, type-two diabetes has some of the same symptoms as type 1 diabetes but also more severe symptoms as skin and bladder infections as well as blurred vision or tingling in the legs, arms and extremities. Type-two diabetes is more common and can occur without any symptoms at all. Type-two diabetes is often referred to as type-two diabetes. Interestingly enough, forty percent of the people with type-two diabetes can change the prognosis of the disease through diet and exercise.

Those over the age of forty-five should have their blood sugar tested every three months. Those under the age of forty five with significant risk factors should have yearly tests as well. A simple visit to your family physician to ask for a lab test for blood glucose levels can yield blood glucose levels. Many lab tests for glucose require fasting for eight hours to receive accurate results. Most often, these tests are included with physical exams, and should be completed at least once per year.

Those at highest risk for diabetes are those who are; overweight, having given birth to a large baby, those with previous abnormal glucose levels or those who are over the age of forty five.

Drug therapies differ between type-one and type-two diabetes. Drug therapies used for type one diabetes patients include; insulin pens and insulin injections. There are four types of insulin injections, short acting, long acting, rapid acting and intermediate acting. Insulin pens are more convenient than traditional syringes and are favored by more patients diagnosed with diabetes than the traditional syringes. Depending on the history of the patient and the reaction that the body has with the insulin, short or long acting insulin will be prescribed by the health care professional.

There are many other treatment options available for those diagnosed with type-two diabetes. These include oral medications, or specific diet and exercise regimens. Alpha glucosidase inhibitors slow the absorption of carbohydrates within the blood stream and the small intestines and assist in lowering the blood sugar. Meglitinide is a new course of medications that encourage the pancreas to produce and secrete insulin, thereby lowering the blood sugar. As an alternative to these chemical medications, oral medications, the more traditional type of type-two diabetes management are most prescribed by doctors in North America.

Diet With Diabetes Safely and Avoid Eating Disorders

Did you know that the main reason people suffer from diabetes is because of eating disorders? It is possible to diet with diabetes and finally get your body to produce what it needs in order to get rid of diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is the most common one out there. People suffering from type 2 diabetes can diet with diabetes to reduce risks such as weight gain, heart attacks or even amputations.

Diabetes is not a life long decease. What diabetes really is are signals or symptoms that your pancreas is not functioning correctly. A pancreas that is saturated with acids or salts will not produce the correct amount of insulin, letting sugar levels get unbearable for our bodies. By following a healthy low carb diet you could stabilize the functions of your pancreas and at the same time lowering your sugar level and stabilizing insulin production.

Get rid of your diabetes. Diet with diabetes and you will see a great change in your health. Be careful though, there are only a handful of low carb diets specially made for people suffering from diabetes. Finally, you can undo your diabetes and live a healthier life.

Did you know there are millions of people around the world suffering from diabetes? And the saddest thing is that the majority of them have set their mind to live with diabetes for the rest of their lives. This is no your case. You can diet with diabetes and get rid of it by following a well balanced diet.

To diet with diabetes has been categorized as a great way to actually getting rid of it and live a healthier life. But not all diet programs out there are good to diet with diabetes. Every person is different and have different issues when dealing with diabetes, but a well balanced diet will do the work of lowering your sugar levels, cleaning your pancreas and making it to produce the right amount of insulin. You can finally say no to insulin shots and avoid hurtful bruises all over your body. Are you tired of so many medications? A correct diet with diabetes will help you stabilize your body, lose weight, get rid of diabetes and finally live the healthy life you deserve.

Top Warning Signs of Diabetes

Diabetes often goes undiagnosed because most of its signs are not very harmful. Most of the signs of type 1 and 2 diabetes are the same. As in both cases there is an excess amount of sugar in the blood and an insufficient amount of sugar in the cells, where actually it is required.

In type 1 increased level of glucose in the blood is the outcome of the destruction of insulin producing cells. In type 2 diabetes high glucose level occurs when cells of the body become resistant to produce insulin.

In both types the cells are not getting the required amount of glucose and the body tries to inform you for this by giving different signs which has been mentioned here.

Recurrent visits to the Bathroom: One has to urinate more when there is an excessive amount of glucose in the body. If insulin is not effective or is not there then the kidneys are unable to filter the glucose back to blood. They then become over reactive and attempts to extract more water from the blood to dilute the glucose. This is the reason that bladder is fuller and one has to make recurrent visit to the bathroom.

Feeling Thirsty: If somebody has the feeling that he is more thirsty than usual then it can also be the sign of diabetes. The reason is that when kidney are demanding extra water from the blood and he is frequently going to the rest room, he may feel the need to drink more water to substitute the one being expelled.

Weight Loss: This sign is more prevalent in those who have type 1 diabetes than the ones with type 2. As in type 1 pancreas is unable to make insulin due to a viral attack. The body is not getting enough energy from the cells. To fulfill this deficiency the body starts to break down the fat cells and muscle tissues for energy and that results in a rapid weight loss.

Tiredness: It is again due to glucose. Glucose in the food which we take goes into the blood where there should be insulin to help it out. The cells use this glucose to produce energy. But when there is not enough insulin the cells also do not react to it. The glucose is then not entered into the blood. The cells become energy deficient and the diabetic feel run down and tired.

Numbness in Feet, Hands or Legs: This sign appears gradually over time and is called neuropathy. The reason behind this is that the consistent levels of high glucose levels in the blood destroy the nervous system. This destruction can be controlled by having a proper control on blood sugar levels.

The high glucose in the body also results in blurred vision, itchy skin, cuts and infections that take a longer time to heal.

If you notice any of the above sign in yourself or your child, schedule an appointment with the doctor and gather as much information as you can. As only proper knowledge and better understanding of diabetes can help you in fighting the battle against it and even reverse it.

Giving First Aid to a Diabetic

What to do when you encounter a diabetic in trouble

Occasionally a First-Aider or person with no experience of First-Aid may encounter another person on the street suffering from the effects of either Hyperglycaemia or Hypoglycaemia. The symptoms suffered during a diabetic emergency.

As a person who wants to help in this situation, it is important to have a little basic knowledge of a diabetic's condition.

Hyperglycaemia is the result of high blood sugar. The symptoms are rapid breathing, vomiting, drowsiness, abdominal pain, sweet-smelling breath, frequent urination and in extreme cases, unconsciousness.

1. Give the person a drink - without sugar - for hydration purposes.
2. Call emergency services and stay with them.
3. Check their vital signs every ten minutes. Pulse rate, response level (talk to them and ask them simple questions) and check their rate of breathing.

Hypoglycaemia is the result of low blood sugar. Symptoms are often first observed as shaking or muscle spasms, disorientation, pale, clammy skin and sometimes aggressive behaviour.

Often, in both cases the person may be able to tell you what they need. They are the one with the experience. They live with it everyday.

1. Give the person something sweet to eat or drink e.g. boiled sweet or chocolate. Fruit juice or even a fizzy drink (soda) is good enough to help raise the blood sugar. Often, when the person drinks or eats something sweet, improvement can be observed within a minute or two.

2. If symptoms persist, call emergency services and stay with them. Talk to them and check their vital signs every ten minutes. Breathing, is it still too rapid? Pulse, is it slowing or still pounding away?

3. Check their level of awareness. Do they appear conscious of their surroundings, can they respond to your simple questions without confusion?

Remember, if you encounter somebody who needs first aid and you know you can help, then always do it with absolute confidence. Be firm with bystanders. While you attend to the patient firmly ask another responsible bystander to call an ambulance - make sure that they actually do this.

Where to Find Useful Diabetes Information to Control the Disease

Diabetes Mellitus is a disease that is least understood by the common masses. There are also a whole lot of fabricated tales about it, which makes things even more confusing. In this article, we give you detailed information on all aspects of diabetes, so that you come to understand it far better.

How is diabetes caused?

Diabetes is actually a metabolic disorder wherein the body feels an acute lack of the energy-producing hormone, insulin. Insulin, which is produced by cells in the pancreas, break down the food we eat and convert it into energy, which helps us carry on our daily activities.

Sometimes, this insulin is either deficient due to some autoimmune disorder in the body or because of the body's own capacity to absorb the amount present in it. Either way, the body fails to generate the energy automatically and slowly starts breaking under the strain of it all.

Here are some things to note about diabetes and what it is:

* Firstly, most of us tend to think that diabetes is caused by a wrong lifestyle and / or eating habits. It is important to understand that the above does not directly cause this disorder, though they could be contributing factors for the same. So this is not exactly related to diet or your daily habits.

Hyperglycemia or the presence of excess sugar in the body is the prime indicator of diabetes, but this need not necessarily be caused by sugar intake. In fact, it could well be your excess fat intake that could be the cause of your diabetes.

* People often tend to buckle under the false impression that one has to completely cut off sugar if one suffers from diabetes. The fact, though, is that one should have a moderate amount of sugar, so as to include all food varieties in one's meal. Discuss with your doctor as to how much sugar is ideal for you.

* Eating fruits is not necessarily counter-effective to your diabetes medication. While there are certain fruits such as mangoes, grapes and avocados that are totally loaded with calories and carbohydrates, there are yet others that are quite harmless and actually bestow great benefits on the body. Apples and citrus fruits are best for you if you are suffering from diabetes.

* As concerns vegetables, green leafy vegetables are the best for you, as they are a rich source of Vitamin B and Vitamin C, which naturally contain calorie-reducing properties. Potatoes and corn are best avoided, though.

* Another common concern is that one cannot have carbohydrates in one's diet. They supply tremendous energy to the body. It is not recommended to avoid them altogether from your diet. Ask your doctor to prescribe the ideal diet for you - one in which you can also include carbohydrates.

* Taking Aspirin is considered harmful for diabetics. But a recent body of research claims that this is actually good in moderation, as Aspirin prevents thickening of the arteries, hence reducing chances of heart attacks to that extent. But this medicine also has many undesirable side effects, so it is most advisable to have a word with your physician before consuming the same.

We hope the diabetes information we provided you here helped educate you better on the disorder. Take care of yourself, keep under control and you will be able to live a full life in spite of diabetes!

All You Should Know About Diabetes Care

Diabetes, though a very common condition the world over today, is often a lesser understood disease, shrouded by many myths and fears. The very name, 'diabetes', instills an untold fear in most people's minds. But the fact is, that it is can be brought under control easily and maintained that way, provided one takes adequate care. So what dies diabetes care involve and what it your own role in it, as a diabetic?

The most important factor - YOU!

First and foremost, you should understand that YOU AND ONLY YOU are responsible for regulating your disorder. The kind of lifestyle you lead, your food habits, your mental attitude and how strict you are with your treatment, all these go into making your care more effective. The more positive your outlook, the lesser trouble the disorder will give you!

Team of professionals

There are many General Physicians (GPs) who are very competent in handling your treatment by themselves. But there might be times when you may need a team of healthcare professionals to back you. This team will conduct a thorough checkup and then advice you on further course of action.

1. The Primary Team

If you are new to diabetes, the best place is a local clinic specializing in diabetes. Juvenile diabetics, on the other hand, are taken care of by hospital-based teams.

The supporting team will comprise the following:

* The Practice Nurse is one who has completed extra training and performs a regular routine check on you.

* A District Nurse visits people in the mornings, performs a test and also gives a shot of insulin if necessary.

* A Health Visitor is more or less like the Practice Nurse, but visits you in your own home.

* The Dietitian helps you regulate your diet and weight in accordance with your disease.

* A Chiropodist does a regular foot check, as it is a very vital indication to diabetes.

* An Optometrist performs an annual check on your eyes, so as to rule out a chance of disorder in the eyes.

* The Pharmacist can advice you on the right medication to be taken for your disorder. Of course, you should ideally rely on the doctor's advice.

2. Diabetes hospital teams

A hospital team specializing in diabetes will house the following:

* Diabetes Specialist Nurses give you all the required information you may have about your disorder - how to adjust your dosage, what kind of syringe you can use, how you can inject yourself and so on. These highly experienced professionals work with the primary team and so, will be able to give you the right advice on your condition.

* Consultants look through the patient's history, performs checkups and also advice the GP about the treatment, changes if required and so on.

* Ophthalmologists in hospitals use state-of-the-art instruments, so they can immediately catch an eye disorder before it has a chance to create serious future problems for you!

Diabetes care has advanced by leaps and bounds today. Do take advantage of that and keep a close watch on yourself through the course of your treatment. That is the way to lead a fuller, richer life, in spite of diabetes!

Common FAQs on Diabetes Diagnosis - Its Time to Change Your Lifestyle Habits

Diabetes, in spite of being such a common disease, is still not understood properly. Most of us do not know the exact dimensions the disorder can take, if it goes out of control. Now we discuss certain FAQs on diabetes and its diagnosis.

What is Diabetes Mellitus?

Diabetes is a disorder wherein the sugar levels shoot up to an abnormal high. People suffering from this disease have an inability to convert the food they consume into energy. Usually, the food we take in is automatically broken down into glucose, which is supplied to all the cells of the body. This is what gives us the stamina to carry on actively until the next meal. Some cells in the pancreas convert this glucose into a hormone called insulin.

People can develop diabetes either because the pancreas cannot produce enough insulin or because the body cannot absorb it to its full extent. This, if not caught in time, can cause severe health problems later.

What is Type 1 Diabetes?

This type of diabetes, also referred to as juvenile diabetes, shows up in children, teenagers or those below their thirties. This is an autoimmune disorder, where the pancreas fails to produce enough insulin.

How about Type 2 Diabetes?

This form of diabetes surfaces during adulthood, mostly during middle age. Here, the insulin produced is not completely absorbed and used by the body. This causes diabetes to emerge.

Why do some pregnant women get diabetic?

This type of diabetes is referred to as gestational diabetes and develops somewhere in the second and third trimesters. Most of the time, this disappears on its own after childbirth, but it may resurface at a later point in time.

What is pre-diabetes?

This is a kind of 'wake-up call' for diabetes, so to speak! Here, the sugar levels are not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. However, such people have a good chance of developing the disease within the next decade or so, if they is not extremely careful with their diet, weight, exercise and lifestyle habits.

How is pre-diabetes and diabetes diagnosed?

There are many tests that are performed to ascertain that aspect. They are as follows:

1. A fasting plasma blood sugar test can be taken, after some 8 hours have gone by without meals. 100-125mg/dL indicated pre-diabetes, whereas 126 and above indicates diabetes.

2. An oral glucose tolerance test is performed at fasting and 2 hours after having a glucose-containing beverage. 140-199mg/dL indicate pre-diabetes and 200 and above show diabetes.

3. A random plasma glucose test can be performed at any time of the day, irrespective of whether or not you have had your meals. While all the other above-mentioned tests can diagnose both pre-diabetes and diabetes, this can be used only to diagnose diabetes, not pre-diabetes. Random blood sugar tests are done only on the basis of diabetes symptoms. If the blood sugar levels is 200mg/dL or more, diabetes is confirmed.

4. Gestational diabetes is diagnosed if the fasting sugar is 95 or higher and sugar registers a count of 180 or higher at 1 hour, 155 or higher at 2 hours and 140 or higher at 3 hours.

The above is the standard method of diabetes diagnosis. To make extra sure of the accuracy of the results, you can also repeat the first two tests on a different day.

Is There a Permanent Cure For Diabetes? Controlling and Handling the Disease

Diabetes is one of the most insidious disorders that has now been taking gigantic proportions and is affecting more and more people across the globe. What makes this disease so difficult to handle is that mild, borderline diabetes might sometimes go totally unnoticed, as the patient reveals no symptoms whatsoever, sometimes, over a period of many years. Finally when it does show up, it gets most difficult to treat and cure. Now the question here is, "Is there something such as a permanent cure for diabetes"?

Conducting a test

Once you cross your mid-40s, it is advisable to get a thorough medical checkup done on yourself, especially the diabetes test - all the more so if you have a family history of the same. A test for diabetes reveals whether or not you are suffering from the disease. Drink a glass of glucose water, wait for a couple of hours and then get a fasting blood glucose test done. This test should ideally be repeated every year. In case your blood glucose levels are found to be 200 mg/dL or higher, you would be diagnosed as a diabetic.

Is there a cure for the disorder?

The answer, sadly, is no. Diabetes is not a disorder that can be cured completely. However, the good news is that it can be brought well under control and kept that way for life! Many diabetics have been living perfectly active, healthy lives. So can you, if you strictly follow your physician's instructions.

The key to lead a good life in spite of living with the disorder is to control your blood sugar levels. This should be between the range of 90-130 mg/dL at fasting and lesser than 180 mg/dL a couple of hours after meals.

The honeymoon phase

In some cases, especially in those diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, patients do not need any medication or insulin shots to control their blood sugar levels for long periods of time, sometimes lasting as long as six months. This is called the 'honeymoon phase'. A word of caution - you should not consider yourself cured of the disorder. This is merely a phase. So continue with your checkups and be aware that it can definitely resurface anytime at all.

Controlling diabetes

Many people - almost 75% - with uncontrolled diabetes fall prey to cardiovascular disease, while as many as 30% suffer from acute myocardial infarction. Diabetes largely targets the heart's functioning. This disorder can double the risk of heart attack in men and triple it in the case of women. It is also responsible for causing major heart vessel blocks and thickening of the arteries. Elderly diabetics may suffer silent heart attacks, which can cause sudden death.

A diabetic can lead a perfectly normal life if he learns the right ways to handle the disease, thereby controlling his blood glucose, blood cholesterol and blood pressure levels. The key here is to eat right, exercise moderately everyday. It is also most advisable to completely give up smoking and drinking, especially in the case of overweight diabetics. Even if these measures do not end up being a cure for diabetes, they can go a long way in helping you enjoy your life to the fullest!

Natural Diabetes Control - Is it Possible to Control Diabetes Using A Natural Herbal Supplement?

Many people with diabetes are looking for effective methods of natural diabetes control. Diabetes is a difficult disease to manage, even with medication. Prescription medications don't always work, and they often have unpleasant side effects that make it difficult to take them for the long-term. However, without treatment, diabetes can be a life-threatening condition. That's why so many patients become dependent on prescription medications for life.

However, there are several effective ways to control diabetes naturally. Herbal treatments are among the most popular of these methods. Natural treatments typically have no side effects and can be just as effective as prescription medications at controlling the symptoms of this disease. In some cases, natural remedies have corrected the cause of the disease in certain people, bringing lasting relief without further treatment.

One of the most well-known herbal treatments for diabetes is ginseng. North American ginseng, in particular, is renowned for its ability to control blood sugar levels. Cinnamon is also an effective herbal treatment. Clinical studies have shown that between one and six grams of cinnamon a day is effective in controlling fasting blood glucose levels. Yet another herb that is useful in controlling blood glucose levels is aloe vera, when it's used in gel form.

An herbal supplement that's gaining a lot of attention in the natural treatment of diabetes is a product called Glycogone. Glycogone is made from the extract of the Opuntia cactus, and has been proven to work fast at reducing blood sugar and improving insulin resistance. In fact, most studies have shown that it typically works within 14 days. The cactus extract is full of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that help control appetite and increase energy, which is a further benefit for diabetes patients, as many of them need to manage their weight better in order to improve their symptoms.

What Exactly is Type 1 Diabetes?

Basically there are two types of diabetes. Typically Type 2 diabetes begins to show itself through adulthood and Type 1 diabetes can happen even during childhood. An additional type of diabetes, which is closely associated to type 2 diabetes, is known as gestational diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is also known as juvenile diabetes, it can happen when an individuals very own immune system ends up attacking itself. This occurs when the body's own immune system actually begins to attack and destroy the cells known as beta that an individuals body creates in the pancreas.

Diabetes Overview

The cause of diabetes is when an instability happens in the hormone insulin in an individuals body. For persons who are healthy, the pancreas secretes insulin in the right amounts for the type of food that the person consumes. The primary goal of this infusion of insulin is to assist in putting specific nutrients, particularly glucose, into the cells in the body. The persons system ends up using these nutrients as fuel for everyday tasks in a healthy person.

At this point, the quantity of glucose contained within the blood is decreased since the cells are loaded with nutrients. When this happens, an individuals beta cells will be given notice in the persons pancreas that they have to lessen the quantity of secreted insulin.

The helps keep an individual away from becoming hypoglycemia, which is also referred to as low blood sugar. Nevertheless, within a an individuals body that has type 1 diabetes these beta cells are destroyed. When this event happens, it throws an individuals body into complete disarray. When a person has type 2 or also referred to gestational diabetes, however, the reasons behind it are different.

Type 1 Diabetes

Typically individuals that are impaired with type 1 diabetes find that they have this disease prior to age 20, although it can happen at any age. Even though this type of disease is relatively not as common as some other types of diseases, it does happen to a great amount of individuals. Sadly, no one actually knows the cause of type 1 diabetes, or not the exact cause.

Nevertheless, it is clear that, at a minimum, a basic tendency toward this disease is genetics. It should be noted that there can be environmental causes at work here that make an individual more apt to this disease. It appears to happen when something in the environment, possibly a virus, invokes an individuals immune system to attack their own pancreas to the point where the individual is unable to create insulin in a correct way. This appears to confuse a persons body and is not curable when it ends up as type 1 diabetes.

The signs and symptoms for all the different types of diabetes can have numerous different things. A variety of them are hardly noticeable while others might make living life that is normal very challenging. Some of these signs and symptoms tend to incorporate an increased level of thirst, a higher level of appetite even after a meal is eaten, abdominal pain. unexplained weight loss, nausea, blurred vision, exhaustion, and excessive urination.

What's the Cause of Diabetes Type 2?

If you or a family member has been diagnosed with diabetes Type 2, you probably have many questions. First of all, what's the cause of diabetes Type 2?

Diabetes Type 2 is the insulin-dependent form of the disorder. It is also known as adult onset diabetes because it is most often newly diagnosed in people over the age of 40. The pancreas, like many other parts of the body, works less well as it gets older.

In this form of diabetes mellitus, the pancreas somehow does not produce enough insulin. This could be caused by an injury to the pancreas. It also be may the result of Cushing's syndrome or other hormonal disorders.

There is evidence that insulin-independent diabetes is genetic. If a family member is diabetic, there is a strong chance you will also develop the disorder as you age. This may be also be related to lifestyles. An overweight person will pass on his or her eating habits to other members of the household.

Most often, however, the cause of diabetes Type II is overweight. If you eat too much, your pancreas cannot produce enough insulin to effectively handle the glucose you eat in your food.

Therefore, the best plan to treat your diabetes is to eat properly. Your doctor or dietician will recommend a diet to specifically meet your needs. In general, this diet will range from 800 to 1500 calories per day, depending on your weight and height.

In addition to following the diet, you should also eat small portions of carbohydrates at scheduled intervals each day. You should also avoid sweets and alcohol. Whole grain breads as well as vegetables are recommended.

Even though it may be a difficult adjustment, following your diet is essential. If you do not follow it, you may develop problems with your eyes, nerves, kidneys and feet. Some people have had to get their toes, feet or legs amputated because of poor diabetic control. There is increased risk of heart attack or stroke.

Unlike insulin-dependent (or Type 1) diabetes, diabetes type 2 is relatively easy to control. Often the condition resolves itself once the patient loses enough weight.

No matter the cause of diabetes type II, you can lead a full and normal life if you take care to follow your treatment plan. With today's emphasis on healthy eating, this is easier than ever. Why not have your family follow your diet with you?

Normal Blood Sugar Levels Even As Diabetic

So the question remain, can diabetic people have normal blood sugar levels?, the answer is yes, because there are several ways that a diabetic person can apply immediately in order to get they blood glucose levels decreased, if you are a diabetic that suffer from high blood sugar levels and you want to know some easy ways to lower your blood sugar, then this article will give some advise around this subject.

Firstly, you need to know that normal blood glucose levels are those between 70 milligrams per deciliter to 100 mg/dl after 8 hours of not eating.

Secondly, in order to get that levels of sugar on your body you have to follow some suggestions, we have listed below some measures that can help you to get decreased levels of glucose in your blood.

1.- Have you ever listened about the diet of Dr. Richard Bernstein, this is highly recommendable because you lower slowly the amount of carbohydrates you consume. Consistent insulin levels may be achieved by having the same amount of carbohydrates each day.

2.- You need to test frequently your blood sugar levels, that way you can determine the right insulin dosage, if you can test your blood sugar levels 5-10 times per day, that would work great.

3.- Avoiding eating between meals, make sure you eat at least 3 nutritious meals per day, this is all about your eating habits, then it is up to you doing it the right way.

Poor management of blood glucose levels usually is the main reason for complications on both types of diabetes, if you keep normal blood glucose levels then you have eliminated risks of those complications.

To sum up, is is not difficult for diabetic people to get normal levels of glucose, this is a totally achievable goal.

Is There Really Something Such As Diabetes Cure?

Medicine is advancing tremendously today. More and more effective cures are being found for diseases that were at one time considered to be incurable. Researchers are also constantly in the quest for cures for new and hitherto unknown diseases. A lot of products today claim to be excellent cures for diabetes. But is there really something such as a 'diabetes cure'? Can one ever rid oneself permanently of the disorder?

Diabetes is a potentially dangerous disorder that involves the heightened presence of blood sugar. What makes this disease most unpredictable is that it is perfectly capable of remaining unnoticed for years inside its victim.

While there are very specific symptoms related to the disease, there are times when it just does not show up for long periods of time. This can actually prove to be life-threatening, as it would have taken massive proportions before it can be diagnosed and treated.

Type 2 Diabetes sometimes goes undiagnosed, as the patient reports no obvious signs of trouble. But if you are feeling sudden fatigue, tiredness and general irritability, if your wounds heal at a markedly slower pace than usual and if you experience intense itching, you just might need to visit your doctor and get a blood sugar test done as per his instructions.

You are mostly at risk from Diabetes Mellitus after the age of 40-45. You have to be specially careful if you are obese, have a family history of the disorder or already suffer from some variety of an autoimmune disorder like hypothyroid and the like.

Can I expect my diabetes to be cured at any time?

Generally speaking, there is yet no known cure for diabetes. You can, of course, expect to control it perfectly well with medication, exercise and strict control on your diet and weight. There are many people all round the world who are leading perfectly happy, full lives in spite of suffering from diabetes. You have nothing to fear from it as far as you are well under control.

The honeymoon phase in diabetes

There are times when your blood sugar level will regulate itself automatically, without the need for external medication. But do not be fooled by this condition! This phase, very aptly called the 'honeymoon phase', is only temporary and will fade away with time. This phase may last for a maximum period of six months, after which you will most definitely require treatment as always.

Recent research

There is a lot of ongoing research in the field of diabetes today. Some people believe in home cures like consuming bitter gourd juice and the like. There are many Ayurvedic and natural, herbal products that claim to be able to cure one completely of their disease. However, it is always advisable to continue regular allopathic treatment. You could try your alternative medication side-by-side, but do not give up your regular medicine.

Some of the most recent research on diabetes cure includes stem cell therapy. While this might emerge as the best diabetes cure in the future, nothing can be conclusively said about it at this time.

Do's and Don'ts of Your Diabetes Diet?

Diet plays a main role in control of your diabetes. Most people with diabetes never realize this and so, end up with serious health problems at a later point in their lives. Irrespective of whether you are on oral medication or insulin dependent, diet control in diabetes is a major factor that must be understood and acknowledged. For your benefit, we list here the various do's and don'ts for the ideal diabetes diet.

The most ideal diet for diabetes varies according to height, weight, age, sex, level of activity, and, most importantly, on the extent of the disorder. It is always better that you approach a diabetic specialist, who will prescribe the best diet for you, taking into consideration certain other health problems you might face, such as hypertension, high cholesterol and so on. He will be able to tell you how much carbohydrates, fats, proteins and fiber you can consume on a daily basis.

Though there is nothing like one constant ideal diet for diabetes, there are a few things you can take care of, during your meals:

* Have at least 1.4 oz of fiber-rich foods each day

* Cut down heavy meals and have more number of smaller meals each day

* Reduce fat-rich foods and switch to whole cooked cereals

* Try not to eat carbohydrate-rich foods a couple of hours before bedtime

* Consume a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables every day

Diabetics have to be extra careful about their diet. Do try to include all food categories in your diet, but with control. Also, never make your food bland and tasteless. Your diet will end up boring you too soon!

Here are the detailed do's and don'ts of your diabetic diet:

Do

1. Eat a low-cholesterol oatmeal breakfast.

2. Consume nuts such as walnuts, almonds and pecans - they contain mono unsaturated fats, which are good for you!

3. Eat plenty of salads, pasta, leafy vegetables and stew. Chick peas, beans, dry beans and navy beans contain 'good' cholesterol.

4. Consume skimmed milk, yogurt and cheese.

5. You can do well with egg whites.

6. Chicken, fish and white meat will be good for you.

7. Onions and garlic are great for health. Try and have about 20 grams each day.

8. In order to include fiber, add wheat bran to your wheat flour.

9. Flaxseed, cinnamon and fenugreek are also known to be equally beneficial.

10. Bitter melon and Guar Gum is known to reduce blood sugar considerably.

Don't

1. Eat fried foods. Instead, boil, poach or bake them.

2. Consume red meat and organ meats. These are fat-rich foods!

3. Use too much ketchup, mustard sauce and salad dressing. These are high in both sugar and salt.

4. Eat canned or processed foods.

5. Eat salty foods, such as brine, MSG or soy sauce containing foods.

6. Consume junk food. Go for fresh foods instead.

7. Smoke or drink - these can prove to be dangerous to you!

8. Skip meals and medicines. Make sure you have both on time.

So you see, eating a healthy, balanced diet is most vital to maintaining good health and high spirits in spite of your diabetes. Analyze your lifestyle habits and get into the best diabetes diet for you. Rest assured, you will soon be bursting with energy and joie de vivre!

Reverse Diabetes in Three Easy Steps

Diabetes is a condition in which body is unable to effectively utilize glucose for its energy needs. As a result glucose levels rise in the blood and extra glucose is expelled in the urine. Diabetes was once thought to be irreversible. Today almost every one of us knows someone who has diabetes.Two of the main contributing factor to this rapid increase are sedentary lifestyle and peoples tendency of dining out.

If you have any of the following you are at risk of developing diabetes,family history of diabetes, overweight, low HDL ( less than 35 ) and High LDL (more than 250), high blood pressure. Women who have gestational diabetes or have a history of delivering large babies( weighing 9 pounds or more) are also at a an increased risk of developing diabetes.

How to Reverse Diabetes

The good news is that type 2 diabetes is largely reversible.

Research studies have shown that a change in lifestyle such as:

1. Comprising exercise
2. Proper Diet and
3. Weight loss

can not only reduce this risk by 50 percent , but also significantly delay the onset of diabetes. I have reversed my diabetes and so you can also.Hence by managing weight, eating a proper and healthy diet, most important exercise can help you in reversing/ preventing the diabetes. One should also have blood sugar levels checked at least once a year to detect presence of diabetes at an early stage because diabetes early diagnosed can be easily reversed as compared to diabetes diagnosed lately because of the short and long term complications associated with it.

Acupressure - Natural Cure For Diabetes

Many people believe that there is no such thing as a natural cure for diabetes. Some people don't even believe that there are so-called "cures" to reduce the symptoms of diabetes. But the truth is, there are many people who have had diabetes and are now cured using natural forms of treatment for diabetes. Some people believe that a cure for diabetes can come from natural foods, when in fact it's treating your mind, body and soul that will eventually cure and treat the condition successfully.

In this article we will take a look at a "secret" natural treatment for diabetes. It is simply one word. Acupressure. It has been widely reported that people that undergo acupressure have been cured or decrease the severity of the condition greatly. So how exactly is this possible? Acupressure stimulates different pressure points in the body and can help improve a person's normal health levels. By tapping into these specific pressure points, you are helping your body release healing mechanisms. These healing mechanisms are normally trapped by stress and fatigue you subject your body to daily.

Ancient Chinese medicine teaches us that by releasing these "pressure points", we are also releasing any negative energy that may be associated with that particular pressure point. This can have a huge healing benefit on the body. While acupressure can provide great results, it is still advisable that you speak to your health care provider before undergoing this type of non-conventional healing program.

If you are seriously considering acupressure as a treatment option, you must ensure that it is performed by a licensed practitioner. Check credentials, references and ensure that this person has the knowledge needed to perform successful acupressure sessions. Discuss your expectations of the treatment and ask if she/ he can share any success stories from previous patients with you. You might even want to ask if he/she has cured diabetes using acupressure.

Before you start acupressure, you should educate yourself as much as you can about this ancient medical practice. Go online and learn what it is all about. You need to be mentally prepared about the treatment, so find out as much information as you can about it. It might help if you knew which pressure points on the body apply to diabetes.

Gestational Diabetes Pregnancy

Gestational Diabetes Pregnancy is the transition whereby many mothers developed Gestational Diabetes due to gluconeogenesis, lipolysis of fatty acids and hormonal changes which resulted in high glucose level. During pregnancy, the body adjusts both its homeostatic mechanisms and physiological system in order to provide sufficient nutrients for the fetus growth and survival. Some of the changes include the following:

1. Hormonal Changes: (i) Elevated progesterone and oestrogen - suppress menstrual cycle. (ii) Elevated Prolactin - develop mammary gland. (iii) Placental lactogen - fatty acid metabolism, which resulted in the increase of glucose for fetus usage ultimately decreases maternal tissue sensitivity to insulin, resulting in gestational diabetes.

2. Metabolic Changes: (i) Lactogen and Cortisol - The increased in steroid hormones aid in the distribution of nutrients to fetal growth and fat deposition. (ii) Increase glucognoegenesis - making of more glucose by liver. Increase maternal glucose level and resulted in gestational diabetes during gestational pregnancy.

3. Physical Changes: Increase in weight during pregnancy due to increase fats deposition and growth of reproductive organs such as breast development and fetal tissues.

4. Cardiovascular Changes: (i) Aldosterone - Increase plasma volume or blood volume by approximate 40%. (ii) Increase heart rate. (iii) Blood pressure fluctuation.

5. Respiratory Changes: (i) Compression of the diaphragm by the uterus results in decrease functional residual in respiratory. (ii) Progesterone aid in maintaining an increased respiration rate.

In summary, gestational diabetes pregnancy may be seen as a common trait in all pregnant women, but controlling of individual blood glucose level is important in order for both healthy development of mother and fetus.

Blood Sugar Problems - Can You Do Anything About It?

More and more people today have problems with their blood sugar levels being too high, which often leads to a diagnosis of type II diabetes. This is a chronic disease that can cause many health problems and early death if left untreated. The good news is that by making changes in your diet and lifestyle, many people have significantly lowered their blood sugar and even gotten rid of diabetes.* Type II diabetics do produce insulin, but it is not used properly in the body, and hence the cells don't get enough glucose or the nutrients they need and instead the sugar is left in excess in the bloodstream. In fact, often they produce a lot of insulin, but because it is not being properly utilized, and this high insulin level causes inflammation and other problems in the body.

Common Symptoms

High blood sugar, fatigue and excess urination are the key symptoms of diabetes. You may also have constant hunger with rapid weight gain, dry, itching skin, obesity, high blood pressure and/or accelerated aging.

Common Causes

Many think that type II diabetes may develop at least in part by eating an excess of sugar over a long period of time. This excess of sugar causes your body to produce lots of insulin to try to take care of the overload, and this seems somehow over time to damage the cell receptors that allow the sugar inside. When the cells are insulin-resistant, and they do not accept much sugar -- this sugar is instead seen in excess in the blood. In addition, when you eat white sugar, you are not just eating "empty" calories, but what I call "negative" calories. This is because your body uses up minerals, B vitamins and other nutrients in processing that white sugar which is completely devoid of vitamins and minerals! Too many refined foods, especially too much trans fatty acids, can also be a cause, according to many researchers. In addition, low pH and many vitamin, mineral and other nutritional deficiencies can also contribute to developing this insulin resistance.

Some researchers think that our over exposure to chemicals (especially heavy metals such as mercury and cadmium) in our environment today is contributing to the rising incidence of diabetes. Others think that this disease is linked to infection in the pancreas, which may be viral or parasitic in origin. Like with many diseases, there is probably more than one cause, and the causes may be different in different people.

Vitamins, Minerals and Herbal Remedies

There are some studies that show that many vitamins and minerals can help those with blood sugar problems, but some of those that are the most helpful include antioxidants like vitamins B, C and E*. The antioxidants are important because the excess sugar in the blood seems to cause a lot of free radical damage, and the antioxidant vitamins can help counteract that. Vitamins A, B, C and E are all excellent antioxidants, as well as the mineral selenium and ALA/DHLA. Green tea is also high in antioxidants and has shown great promise in helping with blood sugar problems.* The B Complex vitamins are often low in diabetics, perhaps because the excess sugar causes more B to be used up. Vitamin C can also help reduce complications that come with diabetes, like heart disease and blindness*. It can also help to increase insulin tolerance and normalize pancreatic activity.* Vitamin E can also help prevent heart problems*, which are 2 to 4 times more prevalent in diabetics.

Vitamin A is also crucial to diabetics, and vitamin D is needed for the production of insulin*. These are both found in high vitamin cod liver oil or could be taken separately; just make sure and get one with the natural forms of vitamins A and D -- some cod liver oils take out the natural one, and add back in the synthetic forms! Cod liver oil has been shown to improve glucose response and other markers of diabetes in several studies*. In fact, some have shown it to be more effective than drugs in controlling excessive blood sugar levels! It has also been shown to lower blood pressure caused by stress-elevated levels of cortisol*. The vitamin A in cod liver oil promotes healing and can protect the retina*, both concerns for diabetics. The vitamin D in cod liver oil promotes the absorption of minerals, like magnesium and calcium, and can therefore reduce blood pressure.* Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) and DHLA are vitamin-like enzymes needed for converting glucose into chemical energy, or ATP.

As far as minerals, there is some evidence that chromium can help insulin to work better, and so is very important for those with type II diabetes. Doctors in Italy found that those with type II diabetes that took 450 mg of magnesium per day did a better job of clearing sugar from their bloodstreams and producing more insulin than before they took the magnesium supplements. You can get magnesium from coral calcium in a very absorbable form along with calcium and trace minerals. Vanadium (found in olive oil) is needed to drive the sugar in the blood into the cells, and zinc is a co-factor in the production of insulin. All these minerals are also found in sea vegetables, so if you like them by all means eat them or look for them in an all-natural food based nutritional supplement.

According to Bruce Fife in "The Healing Miracles of Coconut Oil", coconut oil can help to regulate blood sugar. He cites studies that show that coconut oil helps to improve insulin secretion as well as boost the body's utilization of blood glucose. In addition, those with blood sugar problems often have low energy since the glucose, although in over-abundance in the blood stream, has a hard time getting into the cells. Many have reported having more energy with consumption of virgin coconut oil.

Gymnema is a plant that helps to reduce blood sugar levels by lowering insulin resistance, and Co-Enzyme Q10 also seems to help with both diabetes and the high blood pressure that often accompanies it.*

Recommended Supplements

* Minerals such as magnesium, zinc, chromium and vanadium
* Coral minerals
* Grasses, greens and nutritional yeast for chromium and other nutrients
* High Vitamin Cod Liver Oil, for omega 3 fatty acids and vitamins A and D
* Virgin Coconut Oil
* Vitamin B complex
* Vitamin C complex
* Vitamin E
* ALA and/or DHLA
* Co-Q10
* Gymnena and bitter melon extract
* Anti-infective support

Food Choices

Foods high in chromium include whole grains, liver, onions, shiitake mushrooms, broccoli, green beans and many types of fruits. You can also get more chromium in your diet by including liver once per week and nutritional yeast every day. However, organic is really better as organic produce tends to contain more nutrients and fewer pesticides.

While healing, many health professionals say it is generally necessary to reduce the amount of carbohydrates in your diet to around 60 grams per day until your blood sugar normalizes. Refined sugars are a big no-no, but even something like whole grain pasta or brown rice should be limited to no more than 1/3 cup per meal (or 15 grams of carbohydrates). You might be able to have a little more if you are getting regular, vigorous exercise. For more info, see "The Schwartzbein Principle" by Diana Schwartzbein, MD. She also recommends small meals and at least 2 snacks per day, each balanced with protein, fats, and a small amount of carbohydrates (7.5 grams). If you don't reduce carbohydrate and sugar levels in your diet, in our opinion, you will have difficulty healing and you will probably have blood sugar that is too high and causes damage, even if you take supplements.*

We think it is an error to follow a low fat diet if you are diabetic.* Well, we think it's an error to follow a low fat diet even if you are not diabetic. See the Weston A Price Foundation website for more information. But diabetics especially need to have more fat in their diet to supply much needed nutrients as well as to slow down the absorption of carbohydrates into their bloodstream. In fact, unless eaten to excess, fats have not been shown to contribute to diabetes, except trans fatty acids, that cause insulin resistance*. This means you need to stay away from almost all prepared foods today, as most of them contain trans fatty acids.

Your diet should actually be rich in animal foods with lots of fat to provide the vitamin A, vitamin D and zinc you need. Raw butter, cream, whole milk, cheese and eggs from pastured animals provide vitamins A and D, and red meats and shellfish have lots of zinc. Unfiltered extra virgin olive oil is a good source of vanadium.

There is some anecdotal evidence that celery juice, Jerusalem artichokes, onions and spinach can help restore normal blood sugar levels*. Bitter melon can be found in Asian food markets and can also help lower your blood sugar by increasing the body's ability to produce insulin*.

Note: If you make significant changes in your diet, including food and supplement intake, you want to make sure and have your blood sugar levels retested if you are on any diabetes medication, to see if you need to have it decreased.

Other Ideas

Exercise is very important for diabetics. A walk or even some more vigorous type of exercise an hour or two after each meal may be very helpful, as the exercise helps to drive the blood sugar out of the blood into the cells.

Stress also can raise blood sugar levels, and so in addition to all the above including adding more nutrients like vitamins to your diet, it is possible that a change in job or lifestyle may be necessary to keep your blood sugar levels in balance.*

* This statement has not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.