Forget "controlling." You would like to lose this awful weight, get off all the meds, and get the blood sugar readings down. What you do know, is that you can lose weight. This overweight person is not you. You feel that you can take your life back this way. For many of our friends, diabetes often times started with a life-altering event: A broken body part, bad knees, an illness, a new job or just crossing 50 years old. Next comes this horrible cycle to overweight, and higher and higher blood sugar readings and yet more weight.
People tell me:
The meds make them gain weight
The high blood sugar level makes them weight gain
The 'Supermarket food' of today is no help
The American Diabetes Association says this doesn't have to happen to you. Your doctor will confirm that just by losing weight, you'll reduce, even reverse the ravages of diabetes. Now start to eat healthier and a little exercise and look out. But most physicians just don't understand you in person, and what can effectively help you to reduce your weight.
Where to start? Education, education and education. Educate your self about what is the best diabetic diet for you. Pick an activity (exercise) that works for you. Become a doctor's worst nightmare, the educated "Google Patient" some one who is full of information and questions. Osteopathic physicians like Dr. Mercola (mercola.com) say, "Not only is type 2 diabetes completely preventable, but it is virtually curable for anyone who is willing to put in the hard time and work and recovering their insulin and leptin sensitivity." Clearly we are talking about simple but serious life style changes. These changes are as simple as learning to select and eat healthy foods, maintaining the optimal weight for you and adding some good exercise to your weekly routine.
Get help with the journey to Defeat Diabetes Those successfully diabetics that moved beyond just control of the symptoms, and into actually reverse their Type 2 condition used more than weight, diet and exercise. They rely on a support network of friends and families. Use positive reinforcement to stay on track. Overcome temptation with willpower and perseverance. It's a balancing act between your mind, body and soul. To stay focused on your goals, you need to find that balance. There are a number of natural supplements that are supported by clinical research that might help you take off weight, and support normalizing blood sugar levels. When you are successful, you will be able to reduce or eliminate your meds, (always with the counsel of your medical practitioner.)
Herbs Vitamins Supplements Useful In Treatment Of Diabetes
There are many natural herbs, vitamins, and supplements that can be used in the treatment of diabetes - here are eight of the more popular ones.
Garlic Garlic has been shown in many studies to lower blood sugar by stimulating the pancreas to produce more insulin. It is believed that the anti-oxidant, allicin, which is found in garlic is responsible for these benefits.
Cinnamon Research suggests that as little as 1 gram of cinnamon a day may lower both blood glucose levels and cholesterol levels.
Bitter Melon Both the fruit and the seeds in bitter melon are known to decrease blood sugar levels in diabetics. It is believed that bitter melon increases blood glucose uptake into the liver and muscles.
Chromium Chromium is also thought to help diabetics control blood sugar levels however evidence is mixed. Chromium is found in cheese, peanuts, apples, oranges, pineapple, most leafy vegetables, mushrooms, nuts, and grains.
Zinc Low zinc levels has been found to impair the production of insulin by beta cells in the pancreas. Zinc is found in grains, nuts, dairy food, pumpkin seeds, red meat, poultry, and seafood.
Thiamine Thiamine or Vitamin B1 is known to prevent many of the common side-effects of diabetes. It helps reduce neuropathy (nerve damage), kidney damage, atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and damage to the eyes. Rich sources of thiamine include green peas, pork, beef, spinach, nuts, bananas, and whole-grains.
Biotin Studies have shown that supplementation with biotin, also known as Vitamin B7 or H, can significantly reduce a persons fasting blood glucose levels. Rich sources of biotin include eggs, leafy green vegetables, whole grains, and organ meats such as liver and kidneys.
Garlic Garlic has been shown in many studies to lower blood sugar by stimulating the pancreas to produce more insulin. It is believed that the anti-oxidant, allicin, which is found in garlic is responsible for these benefits.
Cinnamon Research suggests that as little as 1 gram of cinnamon a day may lower both blood glucose levels and cholesterol levels.
Bitter Melon Both the fruit and the seeds in bitter melon are known to decrease blood sugar levels in diabetics. It is believed that bitter melon increases blood glucose uptake into the liver and muscles.
Chromium Chromium is also thought to help diabetics control blood sugar levels however evidence is mixed. Chromium is found in cheese, peanuts, apples, oranges, pineapple, most leafy vegetables, mushrooms, nuts, and grains.
Zinc Low zinc levels has been found to impair the production of insulin by beta cells in the pancreas. Zinc is found in grains, nuts, dairy food, pumpkin seeds, red meat, poultry, and seafood.
Thiamine Thiamine or Vitamin B1 is known to prevent many of the common side-effects of diabetes. It helps reduce neuropathy (nerve damage), kidney damage, atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and damage to the eyes. Rich sources of thiamine include green peas, pork, beef, spinach, nuts, bananas, and whole-grains.
Biotin Studies have shown that supplementation with biotin, also known as Vitamin B7 or H, can significantly reduce a persons fasting blood glucose levels. Rich sources of biotin include eggs, leafy green vegetables, whole grains, and organ meats such as liver and kidneys.
Infectious Diabetes and Obesity New Genetically Engineered Plague?
The following vital information is, frankly, frightening, as it means that we have entered into a new world of disease never before imagined. This is not a conspiracy theory. When you read what follows, you will understand why this issue may already be known by a select few, but kept from the public domain. The issue has to deal with obesity and type 2 diabetes. Over the last several decades, obesity and diabetes have become epidemic. Children, adults, poor people, wealthy people, Americans, Africans - all over the world people are becoming obese and developing diabetes. We are concerned that the current epidemic of obesity and diabetes may be caused by a new problem, never before considered because it never before existed. Of course, when you think of the cultural/lifestyle causes of obesity and diabetes, the answer quickly comes that these people need to eat less and exercise more. Our lifestyles have become sedentary, and people have become more spectators, and less doers. And catering to this "market" is a large supply of dietary products, weight loss methods, and pharmaceuticals, like insulin.
It is this insulin that plays a key role in the new crisis. Insulin, of course, is a hormone. It is active in very minute concentrations. All hormones are chemical messengers and facilitators that allow our body's organs to keep integrated and modulated as they perform their vital functions. Insulin is a very important hormone, responsible for getting sugar (glucose) from the bloodstream absorbed by the cells, which need the sugar for energy. The cells have receptors for insulin on their cell membranes, which act as "locks" for which the insulin is the "key", turning on the cell to take up the life-supporting sugar. Without the effect of insulin, the cells would not be able to drink up the sugar from the bloodstream, and would starve. The blood "spills" the sugar out in the kidneys, and into the urine. This condition of reduced insulin activity and sugar in the urine is called diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes is a rarer form of the disease, in which the pancreas, the organ that manufacturers and releases insulin into the bloodstream, reduces or stops its insulin production. These people can die without insulin being provided in drug form. Type 2 diabetes constitutes 90% of diabetes cases, and is typically associated with overeating and obesity. It is often cured by dietary and other lifestyle changes. However, not all people recover. There are also other conditions that can lead to obesity and diabetes. One is having too much insulin. If you have too much insulin in your bloodstream, it will cause your cells to take up so much sugar that it lowers your blood sugar level, a condition called hypoglycemia. This makes you hungry, so you would eat more to raise you sugar level back up. But the high insulin quickly sends that new sugar into the cells for storage as well, along with water to help keep the sugar in solution. This makes the cells swell, as well as make fat cells convert the sugar into more fat, ultimately leading to obesity. Since the cells also become less sensitive to insulin because of the high levels, it also causes diabetes. Hyperinsulinemia, then, causes obesity and diabetes. This condition is also epidemic, and parallels the current diabetes and obesity trends. More and more people are developing these problems every day, at an alarming rate. It is as though diabetes and obesity were contagious, spreading from person to person, like some germ plague.
It is this insulin that plays a key role in the new crisis. Insulin, of course, is a hormone. It is active in very minute concentrations. All hormones are chemical messengers and facilitators that allow our body's organs to keep integrated and modulated as they perform their vital functions. Insulin is a very important hormone, responsible for getting sugar (glucose) from the bloodstream absorbed by the cells, which need the sugar for energy. The cells have receptors for insulin on their cell membranes, which act as "locks" for which the insulin is the "key", turning on the cell to take up the life-supporting sugar. Without the effect of insulin, the cells would not be able to drink up the sugar from the bloodstream, and would starve. The blood "spills" the sugar out in the kidneys, and into the urine. This condition of reduced insulin activity and sugar in the urine is called diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes is a rarer form of the disease, in which the pancreas, the organ that manufacturers and releases insulin into the bloodstream, reduces or stops its insulin production. These people can die without insulin being provided in drug form. Type 2 diabetes constitutes 90% of diabetes cases, and is typically associated with overeating and obesity. It is often cured by dietary and other lifestyle changes. However, not all people recover. There are also other conditions that can lead to obesity and diabetes. One is having too much insulin. If you have too much insulin in your bloodstream, it will cause your cells to take up so much sugar that it lowers your blood sugar level, a condition called hypoglycemia. This makes you hungry, so you would eat more to raise you sugar level back up. But the high insulin quickly sends that new sugar into the cells for storage as well, along with water to help keep the sugar in solution. This makes the cells swell, as well as make fat cells convert the sugar into more fat, ultimately leading to obesity. Since the cells also become less sensitive to insulin because of the high levels, it also causes diabetes. Hyperinsulinemia, then, causes obesity and diabetes. This condition is also epidemic, and parallels the current diabetes and obesity trends. More and more people are developing these problems every day, at an alarming rate. It is as though diabetes and obesity were contagious, spreading from person to person, like some germ plague.
Diabetic Recipes Most Appeal to Your Tastes
Although many people diagnosed with diabetes initially worry about the future, there is no reason why with a properly regulated diet, they cannot enjoy a good healthy life. As with many things that are good for you in life, there is a payback and diabetes is no different, and it will be necessary to alter the foods you may be used too. To start with you will need to sort out your own diabetic diet plan using diabetic recipes that most appeal to your tastes. One of the hardest things to do will be to stick with your diabetic diet to shed those unnecessary pounds as maintaining your weight is extremely important when you're a diabetic. One of the best ways to follow a diabetic diet is to eat foods that are from all of the four basic food groups.
For a diabetic, eating healthily and sticking to their diabetic diet plan means that they will usually lower the chances of heart disease and stroke which are two complications associated with their condition. A diabetic diet using specially formulated diabetic recipes which are essentially a healthy, low-fat, balanced eating plan that helps the patient feel better and more energetic, and achieve some control over the symptoms like fatigue, thirst, blurred vision. A healthy diabetic menu is concerned with eating a balanced diet of non-fat dairy foods, lean meat, poultry, fish, whole grains, fruit, vegetables and beans. In diabetic, low-carb diets, the foods that are approved are meats, fish, poultry, eggs and cheese and certain vegetables like kidney beans, carrots, avocados. Diabetic recipes should include foods that are low in saturated fats and cholesterol, such as skinless poultry, fresh fruit, and vegetables as previously mentioned.
Weighing your food when you're on a diabetic diet is as important as the foods you consume, so that you receive the correct amount of calories. Using the food labels in the supermarkets will also become second nature when you are preparing your diabetic recipes as they contain useful information, usually based on a diet of 2,000 calories per day. If you have been prescribed 2,000 calories per day on your diabetic diet plan then for breakfast you may be allowed some sugar free yoghurt or skimmed milktwo slices of bread or alternatively pasta or rice cakes plus an egg and some fruit. However, if a lower 1,800 calorie per day has been advised for your diabetic diet plan then your diabetic recipes book might suggest something like a cup of skimmed milk, a tablespoon of cheese, a couple of slices of bread and a serving of fruit.
For a diabetic, eating healthily and sticking to their diabetic diet plan means that they will usually lower the chances of heart disease and stroke which are two complications associated with their condition. A diabetic diet using specially formulated diabetic recipes which are essentially a healthy, low-fat, balanced eating plan that helps the patient feel better and more energetic, and achieve some control over the symptoms like fatigue, thirst, blurred vision. A healthy diabetic menu is concerned with eating a balanced diet of non-fat dairy foods, lean meat, poultry, fish, whole grains, fruit, vegetables and beans. In diabetic, low-carb diets, the foods that are approved are meats, fish, poultry, eggs and cheese and certain vegetables like kidney beans, carrots, avocados. Diabetic recipes should include foods that are low in saturated fats and cholesterol, such as skinless poultry, fresh fruit, and vegetables as previously mentioned.
Weighing your food when you're on a diabetic diet is as important as the foods you consume, so that you receive the correct amount of calories. Using the food labels in the supermarkets will also become second nature when you are preparing your diabetic recipes as they contain useful information, usually based on a diet of 2,000 calories per day. If you have been prescribed 2,000 calories per day on your diabetic diet plan then for breakfast you may be allowed some sugar free yoghurt or skimmed milktwo slices of bread or alternatively pasta or rice cakes plus an egg and some fruit. However, if a lower 1,800 calorie per day has been advised for your diabetic diet plan then your diabetic recipes book might suggest something like a cup of skimmed milk, a tablespoon of cheese, a couple of slices of bread and a serving of fruit.
Weight Loss For Diabetics Using Proper Diet & Healthy Chocolate
Do you love chocolate but struggle with weight and blood sugar problems? Approximately 18 million people in the United States have diabetes, and the majority struggle with their diet. Diabetes occurs when the insulin (produced by the pancreas) does not effectively transport glucose (sugar from of the food you eat). into your bodies cells. Your cells utilize glucose as an energy source necessary for living. When the glucose remains in the bloodstream, it causes your blood sugar levels to escalate. If left untreated, high blood glucose (sugar) levels can result in complications that affect your vision, heart, kidneys and circulation. Research has shown that proper diet, weight, and exercise are effective tools to delay or prevent the onset, or slow the the course of diabetes in many individuals.
Does chocolate have a place on your plate when you have diabetes? The answer is a qualified yes: there is room for healthy chocolate as long as you keep your calories under control. In fact, eating healthy cacao (dark chocolate) could be the first step to a whole new you. It is often more difficult to loose weight when struggling with diabetes especially for those who are limited in their physical activity. Cutting calories and eliminating sweets can get discouraging. It is easy to give up on losing weight and simply return to old eating habits while relying on insulin to balance out sugar levels. Including a healthy chocolate dessert or treat into a diet on a daily basis can drastically improve, not just the physical diet plan, but the emotional benefits that also play an important role in a diabetic life style. Chocolate is a known "Happy Feelings" food; however, it is very important to consume the RIGHT kind of chocolate. Just because the chocolate package says "sugarless" does not mean it is good for your body. The saying "We Are What We Eat" holds true when trying to keep our bodies healthy. A fun way for diabetics to get the nutrition they need is by eating what researchers call healthy or all natural chocolate. The cacao bean or dark chocolate, when processed properly, is at the top of the list of super foods. All Natural Chocolate:
* Is packed with protective Antioxidants
* Is shown by research to be good for your body
* Can aid the Cardiovascular System (healthy heart)
* Can help moderate Blood Pressure
* Can help lower LDL Cholesterol
* Does not have a negative effect on Blood Sugar levels
* Elevates Mood - contains Serotonin (natural anti-depressant)
Does chocolate have a place on your plate when you have diabetes? The answer is a qualified yes: there is room for healthy chocolate as long as you keep your calories under control. In fact, eating healthy cacao (dark chocolate) could be the first step to a whole new you. It is often more difficult to loose weight when struggling with diabetes especially for those who are limited in their physical activity. Cutting calories and eliminating sweets can get discouraging. It is easy to give up on losing weight and simply return to old eating habits while relying on insulin to balance out sugar levels. Including a healthy chocolate dessert or treat into a diet on a daily basis can drastically improve, not just the physical diet plan, but the emotional benefits that also play an important role in a diabetic life style. Chocolate is a known "Happy Feelings" food; however, it is very important to consume the RIGHT kind of chocolate. Just because the chocolate package says "sugarless" does not mean it is good for your body. The saying "We Are What We Eat" holds true when trying to keep our bodies healthy. A fun way for diabetics to get the nutrition they need is by eating what researchers call healthy or all natural chocolate. The cacao bean or dark chocolate, when processed properly, is at the top of the list of super foods. All Natural Chocolate:
* Is packed with protective Antioxidants
* Is shown by research to be good for your body
* Can aid the Cardiovascular System (healthy heart)
* Can help moderate Blood Pressure
* Can help lower LDL Cholesterol
* Does not have a negative effect on Blood Sugar levels
* Elevates Mood - contains Serotonin (natural anti-depressant)
Cure For Type 2 Diabetes
Now that type 2 has gone beyond the level of mere concern for people with obesity and has crept into the everyday domain of people who at first glance seem fairly healthy, re education against this terrible affliction is a must. Type 2 diabetes is here in record numbers and is now an epidemic. Only a few decades ago, the statistics for people suffering from type 2 or adult onset diabetes was tiny, records vary but somewhere in the region of 1 in every 100000 seemed to be the general consensus. Fast forward a few decades and the numbers are a little insane to say the least, again records vary but somewhere in the region of 1 in 20 are either diagnosed type 2 diabetic or as of yet pre diabetic and unaware - this is a ridiculous jump in figures in such a short space of time and to add an even bigger slant on the above figures - THESE ARE JUST FOR THE U.S!
It is no exaggeration to say that this disease or metabolic disorder, depending on your angle, is probably the biggest growing health problem in the western world. I say western world because a lot of the poorer more under developed countries seem to be practically type 2 diabetic free. Hmm, maybe it has something to do with nutrient devoid junk food after all? Just a theory, one that is consistently crushed by the governing bodies that have the biggest media leverage over this disease. So, getting back to the original question, is there a cure for type 2 diabetes. Well, yes and no. It really is something that any individual suffering from type 2 diabetes, would do well to constantly remind themselves that they will never be cured completely but with proper education, diet, exercise and knowledge of foods to avoid at all cost, then there is no reason you can not go on to live a healthy and productive life, one that will likely be far more healthy than an individual who does not have type 2 diabetes. It all comes down to the right lifestyle choices.
It is no exaggeration to say that this disease or metabolic disorder, depending on your angle, is probably the biggest growing health problem in the western world. I say western world because a lot of the poorer more under developed countries seem to be practically type 2 diabetic free. Hmm, maybe it has something to do with nutrient devoid junk food after all? Just a theory, one that is consistently crushed by the governing bodies that have the biggest media leverage over this disease. So, getting back to the original question, is there a cure for type 2 diabetes. Well, yes and no. It really is something that any individual suffering from type 2 diabetes, would do well to constantly remind themselves that they will never be cured completely but with proper education, diet, exercise and knowledge of foods to avoid at all cost, then there is no reason you can not go on to live a healthy and productive life, one that will likely be far more healthy than an individual who does not have type 2 diabetes. It all comes down to the right lifestyle choices.
High Blood Sugar Dangers
Insulin is the hormone that injects blood sugar into your cells giving you instant energy. That is why eating fast acting foods, processed food with added sugar and made with refined flour, spikes the blood sugar. This will cause the body to produce insulin. With the body producing extra insulin, it will cause the blood sugar to drop too low therefore, zapping your energy. When eating fast acting foods such as bagels or doughnuts the body goes into production and produces more insulin. This will cause the blood sugar to drop causing an energy loss. The body responds with mood wings, mental fuzz and memory lapses. This cycle must be repented about every two hours. These highs and lows are not good for the body. High blood sugar causes diabetes and affects the kidneys, nerves, eyes, heart, and brain. It will trigger inflammation which can lead to heart disease and possibly cancer. It also elevates cholesterol and triglycerides. Eating the right foods can help prevent high blood sugar. A Brazilian study found that women who ate three apples a day maintained lower blood sugar levels than the women that did not. Women who eat one apple a day are 28% less likely to develop type II diabetes.
Drinking Apple cider vinegar before a meal will help to lower the blood sugar. Water soluble fiber supplements enhance blood sugar control such as guar gum, psyllium, glucomannan, seaweed fibers and fenugreek seed powder or fibers. Keeping the blood sugar level is likely to delay or possibly prevent diabetes. Because gas can be produced while using water soluble fibers, start with a small dose, about one or two grams with meals and before bedtime then gradually increase the dosage to twenty grams. It will take a few days for the digestive system to adapt. Perhaps avoiding these foods will help in controlling your blood sugar:
-Pretzels, cakes, muffins, and pastas
-Cereals, candies and bake goods
-Empty calories foods, chips, microwave pop-corn and other processed package foods
-Margarine, butter and shortening
-Smoked and cured meats such as hot dogs, bacon, sausage and ham. Smoked and cured meats contain sodium nitrate or sodium nitrites. These compounds are used to prevent spoiling and are linked to the risk of type II diabetes.
Drinking Apple cider vinegar before a meal will help to lower the blood sugar. Water soluble fiber supplements enhance blood sugar control such as guar gum, psyllium, glucomannan, seaweed fibers and fenugreek seed powder or fibers. Keeping the blood sugar level is likely to delay or possibly prevent diabetes. Because gas can be produced while using water soluble fibers, start with a small dose, about one or two grams with meals and before bedtime then gradually increase the dosage to twenty grams. It will take a few days for the digestive system to adapt. Perhaps avoiding these foods will help in controlling your blood sugar:
-Pretzels, cakes, muffins, and pastas
-Cereals, candies and bake goods
-Empty calories foods, chips, microwave pop-corn and other processed package foods
-Margarine, butter and shortening
-Smoked and cured meats such as hot dogs, bacon, sausage and ham. Smoked and cured meats contain sodium nitrate or sodium nitrites. These compounds are used to prevent spoiling and are linked to the risk of type II diabetes.
Diet for Gestational Diabetes
Approximately 4% of women who are pregnant in the United States will be affected by gestational diabetes. It is a misunderstood disease in that medical research has been unable to pinpoint why women suffer from it during pregnancy only to see it disappear after the baby is born. The stress and increased hormonal activity associated with pregnancy is thought to be a factor but women who are at risk will need to follow a diet for gestational diabetes. Expectant mothers who were already diabetic at the time of conception will also need to follow this type of diet. Any woman with gestational diabetes should consult with a registered dietician to help create the proper diet plan for her and her unborn baby. Control of blood sugar levels during pregnancy is of the utmost importance and modification of dietary intake is the best way to accomplish this.
During a pregnancy the goal of the diet for gestational diabetes is to ensure the proper amount of calories and nutrients for the mother and baby while also keeping blood glucose levels under control. The diet itself is individualized to each woman based on her height and weight. Blood glucose levels will also need be tested and measured at least four times a day. This is done to ensure that the woman's blood sugars remain under control through out the day. The frequency of testing can be decreased once good glucose control is established but self monitoring will need to continue through out the pregnancy.
It is important that the meal plan meet the nutritional and weight gain needs of a normal pregnancy. During the first trimester of a normal pregnancy the woman should gain from 2 to 4 pounds. Once the second and third trimester starts the weight gain should average a pound a week. Caloric intake will need to be increased by approximately 100 to 300 calories per day during the second trimester. At the same time protein will need to be increased to 10 grams per day. This can be accomplished by drinking 2 glasses of milk or eating 1 to 2 ounces of meat each day. One of the biggest dangers of inadequate caloric intake is diabetic ketoacidosis. A pregnant woman should never restrict the amount of calories she eats unless so directed by her doctor. The calories she does eat should come from highly nutritious foods and should not be less then 1700 to 1800 per day. Any pregnant woman who is diagnosed with this dangerous disease will need to follow a diet for gestational diabetes to ensure the health and well being of her unborn baby.
During a pregnancy the goal of the diet for gestational diabetes is to ensure the proper amount of calories and nutrients for the mother and baby while also keeping blood glucose levels under control. The diet itself is individualized to each woman based on her height and weight. Blood glucose levels will also need be tested and measured at least four times a day. This is done to ensure that the woman's blood sugars remain under control through out the day. The frequency of testing can be decreased once good glucose control is established but self monitoring will need to continue through out the pregnancy.
It is important that the meal plan meet the nutritional and weight gain needs of a normal pregnancy. During the first trimester of a normal pregnancy the woman should gain from 2 to 4 pounds. Once the second and third trimester starts the weight gain should average a pound a week. Caloric intake will need to be increased by approximately 100 to 300 calories per day during the second trimester. At the same time protein will need to be increased to 10 grams per day. This can be accomplished by drinking 2 glasses of milk or eating 1 to 2 ounces of meat each day. One of the biggest dangers of inadequate caloric intake is diabetic ketoacidosis. A pregnant woman should never restrict the amount of calories she eats unless so directed by her doctor. The calories she does eat should come from highly nutritious foods and should not be less then 1700 to 1800 per day. Any pregnant woman who is diagnosed with this dangerous disease will need to follow a diet for gestational diabetes to ensure the health and well being of her unborn baby.
Recognizing the Signs Of Diabetes Could I have Diabetes?
Many people who have not been diagnosed with Diabetes, or have not been told they are in the 'at risk' category are content to simply leave it at that. They may well be suffering from mild cases of diabetes and their lack of knowledge may be pushing them faster and faster towards a full blown case of Type Two Diabetes. Estimates of the number of Diabetes sufferers in the United State suggest that nearly six million of the 17 million diabetics do not know they have the disease. Diabetes comes in two forms known as Type I and Type II. When the pancreas is completely unable to produce Insulin the diagnosis is Type I diabetes. In type II diabetes the body is still able to produce Insulin, but not in sufficient amounts, or the body cannot process it properly. The classic symptoms of suffering from Diabetes include:
1. Frequent Urination - Because high blood sugar levels increase the rate of bloodflow, urination becomes more frequent.
2. Thirst - As a result of more frequent urination the body becomes dehydrated and more water is required.
3. Hunger - absence of Insulin causes hunger problems. Insulin is the main hormone responsible for transporting glucose from the bloodstream and to the cells. This glucose is the primary energy source in cells so when there is a limited supply the result is what we refer to as hunger pains.
4. Loss of weight - While the body is receiving more food and drink it is not properly processing it, so it begins to use stored energy, breaking down body fats and muscles and effectively cannibalizing itself despite the supply of food being fine.
5. Tiredness - Because of decreased cellular energy levels the body becomes fatigued faster leaving the sufferer constantly tired.
6. Depression - Lower energy levels lead to depression and irritability.
7. Eye problems - The higher blood glucose level will cause an increase in blood volume which in turn results in the leans of the eye swelling. The early symptoms are not very severe and in many cases the diabetic is diagnosed when they are seeing their doctors regarding something else. Most are quite surprised with the initial diagnosis of diabetes. To begin with only one or two symptoms are usually noticed but as time goes on more will be apparent. The longer before the initial diagnosis the more damage is being done to the body. Medically, there is no cure to diabetes, but the earlier the diagnosis is made the easier it is to treat the disease with exercise, good eating and medication.
1. Frequent Urination - Because high blood sugar levels increase the rate of bloodflow, urination becomes more frequent.
2. Thirst - As a result of more frequent urination the body becomes dehydrated and more water is required.
3. Hunger - absence of Insulin causes hunger problems. Insulin is the main hormone responsible for transporting glucose from the bloodstream and to the cells. This glucose is the primary energy source in cells so when there is a limited supply the result is what we refer to as hunger pains.
4. Loss of weight - While the body is receiving more food and drink it is not properly processing it, so it begins to use stored energy, breaking down body fats and muscles and effectively cannibalizing itself despite the supply of food being fine.
5. Tiredness - Because of decreased cellular energy levels the body becomes fatigued faster leaving the sufferer constantly tired.
6. Depression - Lower energy levels lead to depression and irritability.
7. Eye problems - The higher blood glucose level will cause an increase in blood volume which in turn results in the leans of the eye swelling. The early symptoms are not very severe and in many cases the diabetic is diagnosed when they are seeing their doctors regarding something else. Most are quite surprised with the initial diagnosis of diabetes. To begin with only one or two symptoms are usually noticed but as time goes on more will be apparent. The longer before the initial diagnosis the more damage is being done to the body. Medically, there is no cure to diabetes, but the earlier the diagnosis is made the easier it is to treat the disease with exercise, good eating and medication.
List Of Food For Diabetics To Eat
A diet low in saturated fat with well controlled blood glucose levels that incorporates weight control, exercise and fewer refined sugars is recommended. Controlling blood glucose levels with diet, and in some cases medication, is the key. To keep blood sugar levels under control, a diabetic diet strikes a balance among the carbohydrates, fats, and protein you take in. In addition, a 1,500-calorie diabetic diet restricts calories and fat. These fruits helps to control blood sugar, levels. Due to their law glycaemic index, they promote a gradual increase in the blood sugar level which is highly beneficial to diabetics.The two most important pieces of information on food labels for a carbohydrate-controlled diet is the serving size and grams of total carbohydrate in each serving. Increasing the number of low glycemic index foods such as legumes, barley, pasta and whole grains (e.g., cracked wheat) in your meal plan may have real benefit in controlling blood glucose levels. Most low glycemic index foods offer more fibre and are low in fat, both of which are recommended in Health Canada's Guidelines for Healthy Eating, as well as the Canadian Diabetes Association's nutrition guidelines. The best types are wholegrain versions as they help with your diabetes control and can make you feel full for a longer period of time. Chose to spread your bread with a low fat spread or one that is based on monounsaturated fats. The brown bread or salad slows down absorption, so the body can cope with the release of glucose from the digested food.
Among the several home remedies that have proved beneficial in controlling diabetes, perhaps the most important is the use of bitter gourd. It has lately been established that bitter gourd contains a hypoglycaemic or insulin-like principle, designated as 'plantinsulin', which has been found valuable in lowering the blood and urine sugar levels. Person suffering with diabetes should not be afraid of fresh fruits and vegetables that contain sugar and starch. Fresh fruits contain sugar fructose, which does not need insulin for its metabolism and is well tolerated by diabetics.One special health benefit of dragon fruit which has been verified by the authors of this web site is the special dragon fruit health benefit that dragon fruit helps to control of glucose blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes (and type 1 diabetes by some reports), in addition to pitaya fruit nutrient profile being full of dietary fiber and Vitamin C. Fresh dragon fruit or dried dragon fruit both are great additions to a healthy diet.
Eat only whole foods cooked in your home - plain vegetables, fruits, meat, fish, eggs and rice. These foods are naturally gluten free and use the same process times as for conventionally canned foods. There should be three to five servings of vegetables, two to three servings of milk, and two to four servings of fruits in your daily diet. You can take meat, poultry, and nuts two times in a day. It is recommended that a small amount of vegetable fat be used on bread, in cooking or in salad dressing. Food should be prepared using methods that are as low in fat as possible. Phenols and polyphenols are found in a wide variety of plants; they give red wine and tea their heart-healthy boosts and are especially prominent in dark-colored fruits and vegetables. There are no magic cures, no magic pills, natural or synthetic, just a simple remedy; control what you eat before you experience the complications associated with diabetes! By sticking to your diet, doing regular exercise and taking your medication (oral tablets or insulin injections), you will be able to control your blood glucose levels, and your weight. A well balanced diabetic diet which is tuned to your needs, will ensure that you feel well and stay healthy.
Among the several home remedies that have proved beneficial in controlling diabetes, perhaps the most important is the use of bitter gourd. It has lately been established that bitter gourd contains a hypoglycaemic or insulin-like principle, designated as 'plantinsulin', which has been found valuable in lowering the blood and urine sugar levels. Person suffering with diabetes should not be afraid of fresh fruits and vegetables that contain sugar and starch. Fresh fruits contain sugar fructose, which does not need insulin for its metabolism and is well tolerated by diabetics.One special health benefit of dragon fruit which has been verified by the authors of this web site is the special dragon fruit health benefit that dragon fruit helps to control of glucose blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes (and type 1 diabetes by some reports), in addition to pitaya fruit nutrient profile being full of dietary fiber and Vitamin C. Fresh dragon fruit or dried dragon fruit both are great additions to a healthy diet.
Eat only whole foods cooked in your home - plain vegetables, fruits, meat, fish, eggs and rice. These foods are naturally gluten free and use the same process times as for conventionally canned foods. There should be three to five servings of vegetables, two to three servings of milk, and two to four servings of fruits in your daily diet. You can take meat, poultry, and nuts two times in a day. It is recommended that a small amount of vegetable fat be used on bread, in cooking or in salad dressing. Food should be prepared using methods that are as low in fat as possible. Phenols and polyphenols are found in a wide variety of plants; they give red wine and tea their heart-healthy boosts and are especially prominent in dark-colored fruits and vegetables. There are no magic cures, no magic pills, natural or synthetic, just a simple remedy; control what you eat before you experience the complications associated with diabetes! By sticking to your diet, doing regular exercise and taking your medication (oral tablets or insulin injections), you will be able to control your blood glucose levels, and your weight. A well balanced diabetic diet which is tuned to your needs, will ensure that you feel well and stay healthy.
Diabetes and Your Body
Diabetes is a disease in which the body cannot produce insulin properly. Insulin is a hormone needed to convert sugars, starches and other food into energy that wee need for day to day activities. According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), over 20.8 million children and adults in the United States have diabetes, while another 6.2 million people don't even know that they have the disease.
Detecting Diabetes People are tested for diabetes through two types of tests: a fasting plasma glucose test (FPGT) or an Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT). Both tests are used to determine whether or not a person is predisposed to Diabetes or if the person already has Diabetes. FPG tests that result in blood glucose levels of 126 mg or higher indicate that a person has diabetes. OGT tests that result in blood glucose levels of 200 mg or higher indicate that a person has diabetes.
Types of Diabetes There are several types of diabetes. The most commonly known ones are Type 1 diabetes and Type 2 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is less common among people and results from the body's failure to produce insulin. Most Americans are diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, which results from insulin resistance and deficiency. Another type of diabetes is gestational diabetes. This affects approximately 4% of all pregnant women. Usually, it develops when the woman is pregnant due to hormone changes, and after the baby is born, usually goes back to normal. Many people also have what is known as "pre-diabetes," which is a condition that occurs when a person's blood glucose levels are high but not necessarily high enough for that person to be diagnosed with diabetes.
Prevention If you are at risk for getting diabetes (either it runs in your family or you have pre-diabetes symptoms), then the best way to prevent yourself from being diagnosed is to monitor what you eat as well as stay active. Also, healthy lifestyle choices such as quitting smoking, increasing exercise and going for regular checkups can greatly reduce your chances of getting diabetes.
Detecting Diabetes People are tested for diabetes through two types of tests: a fasting plasma glucose test (FPGT) or an Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT). Both tests are used to determine whether or not a person is predisposed to Diabetes or if the person already has Diabetes. FPG tests that result in blood glucose levels of 126 mg or higher indicate that a person has diabetes. OGT tests that result in blood glucose levels of 200 mg or higher indicate that a person has diabetes.
Types of Diabetes There are several types of diabetes. The most commonly known ones are Type 1 diabetes and Type 2 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is less common among people and results from the body's failure to produce insulin. Most Americans are diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, which results from insulin resistance and deficiency. Another type of diabetes is gestational diabetes. This affects approximately 4% of all pregnant women. Usually, it develops when the woman is pregnant due to hormone changes, and after the baby is born, usually goes back to normal. Many people also have what is known as "pre-diabetes," which is a condition that occurs when a person's blood glucose levels are high but not necessarily high enough for that person to be diagnosed with diabetes.
Prevention If you are at risk for getting diabetes (either it runs in your family or you have pre-diabetes symptoms), then the best way to prevent yourself from being diagnosed is to monitor what you eat as well as stay active. Also, healthy lifestyle choices such as quitting smoking, increasing exercise and going for regular checkups can greatly reduce your chances of getting diabetes.
Diabetes Myths Must for Every Diabetic to Know
I and food are key components of diabetes care. Diabetics have many doubts and suspicions. It's no surprise that a lot of myths in diabetes revolve around these two topics. In this article I have tried to clear these myths so that more and more diabetics have the true knowledge to for better management.
Myth No.1> No Symptoms of Diabetes Appear before Damage Has Occurred Diabetes is sometimes called "the Silent Disease," but this is not true. Diabetes actually has plenty of symptoms like increased urination, increased thirst, dry skin, fatigue, blurry vision, irritability, extreme hunger, eating without weight gain, unexpected and unusual weight loss, these symptoms aren't severe, so they often go unnoticed by parents and caretakers.Put simply, it's hard to accept the fact that there's something seriously wrong with body.
Myth No.2> Type 1 Diabetes and Type 2 Diabetes Are the Same Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes share some common characteristics but they are hardly the same disease. They differ in the following ways: Type 1 is a genetic tendency plus a virus. These patients have an absolute lack of insulin and most cases occur in childhood. Type 1 can't be controlled by diet and exercise alone. Most patients are thin.
The cause of Type 2 is heredity plus obesity plus a sedentary lifestyle. These patients have insulin resistance and it mostly occurs after age 35.It can be controlled with diet and exercise alone. Patients are generally (but not always) fat.
Myth No.3> You Can't Eat Sugar with Type 1 Diabetes Today, there are probably more types of insulin available than are needed. A little injected insulin can take care of lots of sugar or other carbohydrates.A corollary to this myth is that diabetes caused by consuming too many sweets. Doctors have a pretty good idea of the cause of diabetes, and sweets have nothing to do with it.
Myth No.4> You Have to Eat Special Foods When You Have Diabetes With diabetes, there's no advantage to eating special diabetic foods. It's difficult enough to deal with all the requirements for good diabetes care to have to eat boring tasteless foods! Food is one of life's great pleasures. Diabetics can have excellent glucose control with regular food so long as you account for the carbohydrate in it.
Myth No.5> If You Take Insulin, You Must Have Type 1 Diabetes In Type 1, insulin is an essential part of diabetes care because the disease is characterized by a total lack of insulin in the body. On the other hand, in Type 2, insulin is a tool to get the blood glucose to a level at which diet and exercise can work. Type 2 is a lifestyle disease, not a disease of lack of insulin. When someone with Type 2 improves his diet, exercise regimen, and weight, he can manage Type 2 without insulin.
Myth No.6> Insulin Causes Atherosclerosis The fact is that insulin actually causes a decline in atherosclerosis by reversing the processes that lead to elevated blood glucose levels and elevated fatty acids in the blood.
Myth No.7> Insulin Cures Type 1 Diabetes Many myths concern great new cures for Type 1 with this medication or that medication. Ignore them. At the present time, no single medication can cure Type 1 diabetes.
Myth No.8> Women with Diabetes Shouldn't Get Pregnant The woman with diabetes who's even thinking about a pregnancy must improve her glucose control so that she has HbA1c below 7 percent before she conceives. She also must keep her blood glucose below 90 mg/dl before a meal and below 120 mg/dl an hour after the meal throughout the pregnancy.
Myth No.9> Doctors Are Hiding the Cure for Diabetes So They Can Make More Money There's nothing further from the truth than this myth. Scientists are a highly competitive bunch. None of them is holding back a diabetes cure because they can feel the others breathing down their necks! Thousands of hard-working doctors and other scientists have dedicated their lives to finding a cure for diabetes.
Myth No.1> No Symptoms of Diabetes Appear before Damage Has Occurred Diabetes is sometimes called "the Silent Disease," but this is not true. Diabetes actually has plenty of symptoms like increased urination, increased thirst, dry skin, fatigue, blurry vision, irritability, extreme hunger, eating without weight gain, unexpected and unusual weight loss, these symptoms aren't severe, so they often go unnoticed by parents and caretakers.Put simply, it's hard to accept the fact that there's something seriously wrong with body.
Myth No.2> Type 1 Diabetes and Type 2 Diabetes Are the Same Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes share some common characteristics but they are hardly the same disease. They differ in the following ways: Type 1 is a genetic tendency plus a virus. These patients have an absolute lack of insulin and most cases occur in childhood. Type 1 can't be controlled by diet and exercise alone. Most patients are thin.
The cause of Type 2 is heredity plus obesity plus a sedentary lifestyle. These patients have insulin resistance and it mostly occurs after age 35.It can be controlled with diet and exercise alone. Patients are generally (but not always) fat.
Myth No.3> You Can't Eat Sugar with Type 1 Diabetes Today, there are probably more types of insulin available than are needed. A little injected insulin can take care of lots of sugar or other carbohydrates.A corollary to this myth is that diabetes caused by consuming too many sweets. Doctors have a pretty good idea of the cause of diabetes, and sweets have nothing to do with it.
Myth No.4> You Have to Eat Special Foods When You Have Diabetes With diabetes, there's no advantage to eating special diabetic foods. It's difficult enough to deal with all the requirements for good diabetes care to have to eat boring tasteless foods! Food is one of life's great pleasures. Diabetics can have excellent glucose control with regular food so long as you account for the carbohydrate in it.
Myth No.5> If You Take Insulin, You Must Have Type 1 Diabetes In Type 1, insulin is an essential part of diabetes care because the disease is characterized by a total lack of insulin in the body. On the other hand, in Type 2, insulin is a tool to get the blood glucose to a level at which diet and exercise can work. Type 2 is a lifestyle disease, not a disease of lack of insulin. When someone with Type 2 improves his diet, exercise regimen, and weight, he can manage Type 2 without insulin.
Myth No.6> Insulin Causes Atherosclerosis The fact is that insulin actually causes a decline in atherosclerosis by reversing the processes that lead to elevated blood glucose levels and elevated fatty acids in the blood.
Myth No.7> Insulin Cures Type 1 Diabetes Many myths concern great new cures for Type 1 with this medication or that medication. Ignore them. At the present time, no single medication can cure Type 1 diabetes.
Myth No.8> Women with Diabetes Shouldn't Get Pregnant The woman with diabetes who's even thinking about a pregnancy must improve her glucose control so that she has HbA1c below 7 percent before she conceives. She also must keep her blood glucose below 90 mg/dl before a meal and below 120 mg/dl an hour after the meal throughout the pregnancy.
Myth No.9> Doctors Are Hiding the Cure for Diabetes So They Can Make More Money There's nothing further from the truth than this myth. Scientists are a highly competitive bunch. None of them is holding back a diabetes cure because they can feel the others breathing down their necks! Thousands of hard-working doctors and other scientists have dedicated their lives to finding a cure for diabetes.
Diabetes Exercise Prescription
The exercise prescription involves four things: (1) the activity you choose, (2) the frequency with which you participate in it, (3) the intensity of your participation, and (4) the duration of the activity. These choices are based on your physical fitness, as determined by your physician. For the frequency, determine whether you are going to exercise three, four, or more times a week. Aim for a minimum of four times per week. Do not allow more than two days in a row to pass without taking some opportunity to exercise. Start slowly-every other day is recommended. Then add more days as tolerated. The intensity is determined by your target heart rate (the pulse rate above the threshold and below the ceiling). If you are able to sing or talk while you are exercising, then you can assume you are exercising at the proper intensity. Remember the Borg Scale of Perceived Exertion? What is the range of your perceived exertion scale?
The older you are, the more slowly you should start the activity. Even starting with as short a time as 3 minutes (or, for the very elderly, just 1 minute) is wise. Gradually increase the time until you reach a goal of 20 to 30 minutes. If your goal is to reduce body fat, you must exercise for 40 minutes or longer. Determine what you can tolerate, then add anywhere from 1 to 5 minutes each week until you have reached your goal. Since there are many types of activities to choose from, you don't need to do the same type of exercise every day. Whatever exercise you choose for a given day, be sure it is done continuously and rhythmically (that is, at the same rate or at varying speeds but without completely stopping), that it involves large muscle groups, and that it is enjoyable! If you are bored with the exercise, do some other type of exercise. Boredom may become an obstacle leading to inactivity. On the other hand, don't overload yourself with activities to the point at which you become burned out. Focus on your goals of cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, flexibility, and improved diabetes control and be sure to have fun in the process.
Tags: Warning Signs Pictures of Diabetes Gestacional Guidelines Diabetes Hypertension Diabetes Neuropathy Diagnosing Diabetes Research Mellitus Guide Supplement Tipo 2 Mangosteen Cat Diabetes
The older you are, the more slowly you should start the activity. Even starting with as short a time as 3 minutes (or, for the very elderly, just 1 minute) is wise. Gradually increase the time until you reach a goal of 20 to 30 minutes. If your goal is to reduce body fat, you must exercise for 40 minutes or longer. Determine what you can tolerate, then add anywhere from 1 to 5 minutes each week until you have reached your goal. Since there are many types of activities to choose from, you don't need to do the same type of exercise every day. Whatever exercise you choose for a given day, be sure it is done continuously and rhythmically (that is, at the same rate or at varying speeds but without completely stopping), that it involves large muscle groups, and that it is enjoyable! If you are bored with the exercise, do some other type of exercise. Boredom may become an obstacle leading to inactivity. On the other hand, don't overload yourself with activities to the point at which you become burned out. Focus on your goals of cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, flexibility, and improved diabetes control and be sure to have fun in the process.
Tags: Warning Signs Pictures of Diabetes Gestacional Guidelines Diabetes Hypertension Diabetes Neuropathy Diagnosing Diabetes Research Mellitus Guide Supplement Tipo 2 Mangosteen Cat Diabetes
Diabetes Frequency of Testing Diabetes
Studies in various parts of the country have indicated that the single blood-glucose measurement, done in the physician's office every few weeks or months, is still the most common method of diabetes management in the United States. However, other studies have demonstrated the futility of this type of management, and more and more people are being treated by physicians who weigh the results of self testing of blood glucose (SMBG) and glycosylated hemoglobin of some form (such as HgAic or HgAi), rather than having a single blood-glucose measurement done. The philosophy of obtaining a fasting or postmeal blood-glucose measurement in the doctor's office is that blood glucose is relatively stable and that the measurement obtained thus reflects the level over the past few weeks and predicts the level for the next few weeks. Nothing could be further from the truth. We reviewed a patient's chart recently and found the following office blood sugars at 3-month intervals: 217, 67, 197, 46, and 125 mg/dl.
If management is based on these measurements, the medicine would have been increased at blood sugars of 217 and 197, decreased at 67 and 46, and kept the same at 125. In actual fact, in comparison with the HgA1c the blood-sugar (glucose) averages obtained through self testing were about the same for each visit, indicating that there was no need for any change in the diabetes medication. Blood sugar is constantly changing, so a blood-sugar test in the doctor's office measures the blood sugar only for that moment in time.
The frequency of self-blood testing suggested that testing is different for different clinics. Researchers have shown that the more testing done (and responded to), the better the control and the fewer the complications. Lower blood-glucose levels are found before each meal and at bedtime. Higher blood sugars are found after meals. One hour after a meal, the blood sugar would be higher than 2 hours after a meal. If a person could remember to test for blood-sugar levels on arising and 2 hours after a meal, more information for control would be obtained than if the more easily remembered pre meal and bedtime blood-sugar tests are used. Again, physician preference may guide the person into testing one way or another that is, testing the fasting blood sugar and 2 hours after each meal, or before meals and at bedtime. If the physician does not ask you to do blood-sugar tests at home but does them in the office only, be suspicious that you are not receiving the best of care as recommended by the American Diabetes Association and the American Association of Diabetes Educators.
Tags: Cure Diabetes Hypoglycemia Diabetes 2 Diabetes Insipidus Diabetes Research Diabetes Mellitus Diabetes Foot Type Nutrition Diabetes Risk Diabetes Info Healing Diabetes Diabetic Foot Metabolic
If management is based on these measurements, the medicine would have been increased at blood sugars of 217 and 197, decreased at 67 and 46, and kept the same at 125. In actual fact, in comparison with the HgA1c the blood-sugar (glucose) averages obtained through self testing were about the same for each visit, indicating that there was no need for any change in the diabetes medication. Blood sugar is constantly changing, so a blood-sugar test in the doctor's office measures the blood sugar only for that moment in time.
The frequency of self-blood testing suggested that testing is different for different clinics. Researchers have shown that the more testing done (and responded to), the better the control and the fewer the complications. Lower blood-glucose levels are found before each meal and at bedtime. Higher blood sugars are found after meals. One hour after a meal, the blood sugar would be higher than 2 hours after a meal. If a person could remember to test for blood-sugar levels on arising and 2 hours after a meal, more information for control would be obtained than if the more easily remembered pre meal and bedtime blood-sugar tests are used. Again, physician preference may guide the person into testing one way or another that is, testing the fasting blood sugar and 2 hours after each meal, or before meals and at bedtime. If the physician does not ask you to do blood-sugar tests at home but does them in the office only, be suspicious that you are not receiving the best of care as recommended by the American Diabetes Association and the American Association of Diabetes Educators.
Tags: Cure Diabetes Hypoglycemia Diabetes 2 Diabetes Insipidus Diabetes Research Diabetes Mellitus Diabetes Foot Type Nutrition Diabetes Risk Diabetes Info Healing Diabetes Diabetic Foot Metabolic
Diabetic Medications Drugs That Are Incompatible
In addition to adverse consequences from the drugs themselves, many of the drug interactions and resulting bad reactions may be cloaked under a condition you already have. For example, instead of having some bizarre medical reaction, you may have a reaction that is simply a worsening of a condition you already have. For example, it will be hard for a doctor to determine if your diabetes is getting worse because of medication interactions since there are many other reasons diabetes can go out of control. Here is a list of 9of the most common drugs that may have adverse effects on diabetics:
1. Beta blockers: These may reduce the release of insulin. Some examples are Lopressor, Tenormin, and Inderal.
2. Minoxidil: This can raise your blood glucose levels. If you are on insulin and you forget your minoxidil dose, your blood glucose may go too low. If you are not on insulin this may make it hard for you to keep your blood glucose down through lifestyle choices.
3. Thiazide diuretics: These diuretics can cause a loss of potassium, which can lead to rising blood glucose levels. Some examples of Thiazide diuretics are Oretic, Diuril, hydroDiuril, and Zaroxolyn.
4. Classic oral contraceptives: Those using the same oral contraceptives they've used for many years should check to make sure theirs is safe for them to continue taking. While the newer oral contraceptives are mostly safe for diabetics to take, the older oral contraceptives were prone to causing hypoglycemia in those susceptible.
5. Calcium channel blockers: These can reduce insulin secretions from the pancreas. Some examples are Norvasc, Adalat, Isoptin, Calan, and Procardia.
6. Thyroid hormone: This can cause a reduction in insulin secretions from the pancreas.
7. Niacin: This B vitamin helps the body control cholesterol. It can also raise your blood sugar if you're a diabetic.
8. Diphenylhydantoin: Commonly sold under the name Dilantin, this drug is useful in preventing seizures. However, it can block pancreatic insulin release.
9. Corticosteroids: You might not think that a topical cream would affect your blood glucose levels, but corticosteroids taken in this manner can in fact raise your blood glucose levels.
Tags: Management Medicines Pictures of Diabetes Warning Signs Diabetic Diet Recipe Exercise Diabetes 2 Insipidus Insulin Products Diabetes Prevention Diabetes Guidelines Glucose Meter Diet for Diabetes Onset Diabetes
1. Beta blockers: These may reduce the release of insulin. Some examples are Lopressor, Tenormin, and Inderal.
2. Minoxidil: This can raise your blood glucose levels. If you are on insulin and you forget your minoxidil dose, your blood glucose may go too low. If you are not on insulin this may make it hard for you to keep your blood glucose down through lifestyle choices.
3. Thiazide diuretics: These diuretics can cause a loss of potassium, which can lead to rising blood glucose levels. Some examples of Thiazide diuretics are Oretic, Diuril, hydroDiuril, and Zaroxolyn.
4. Classic oral contraceptives: Those using the same oral contraceptives they've used for many years should check to make sure theirs is safe for them to continue taking. While the newer oral contraceptives are mostly safe for diabetics to take, the older oral contraceptives were prone to causing hypoglycemia in those susceptible.
5. Calcium channel blockers: These can reduce insulin secretions from the pancreas. Some examples are Norvasc, Adalat, Isoptin, Calan, and Procardia.
6. Thyroid hormone: This can cause a reduction in insulin secretions from the pancreas.
7. Niacin: This B vitamin helps the body control cholesterol. It can also raise your blood sugar if you're a diabetic.
8. Diphenylhydantoin: Commonly sold under the name Dilantin, this drug is useful in preventing seizures. However, it can block pancreatic insulin release.
9. Corticosteroids: You might not think that a topical cream would affect your blood glucose levels, but corticosteroids taken in this manner can in fact raise your blood glucose levels.
Tags: Management Medicines Pictures of Diabetes Warning Signs Diabetic Diet Recipe Exercise Diabetes 2 Insipidus Insulin Products Diabetes Prevention Diabetes Guidelines Glucose Meter Diet for Diabetes Onset Diabetes
Managing Diabetes with Diabetic Medical Supplies
Left untreated diabetes can cause life threatening complications such as cardiovascular disease, nerve damage, kidney failure, high blood pressure, and vision issues. There is currently no cure for diabetes but by using proper management techniques built on medications, diet and exercise, and blood glucose monitoring you can see why diabetic medical supplies are so important. A working and well maintained blood glucose monitor is one of the most important pieces of equipment for managing diabetes. With out one of these handy little devices it would be nearly impossible to manage the affects of diabetes. Depending on the type and severity of their disease the diabetic will check their blood glucose levels anywhere from 3 to 7 times a day. Blood glucose meters can be bought at just about any pharmacy but a better way to get one is through an online diabetic medical supply company. Most of these companies will give you one for free when you sign up to use them as your testing supply provider. Because these meters cost between $70 to $100 this can be a significant savings to you. But without a consistent supply of test strips, lancets, and alcohol wipes a blood glucose monitor is of little use.
For the type 1 diabetic insulin is a vitally important part of their treatment routine. Being able to self administer their insulin on a daily basis is one of the most important aspect of diabetes management. There are different ways a diabetic can administer their insulin using everything from insulin syringes, pen and jet injectors, to an insulin pump/infuser that will need to have its needle replaced frequently. Learning to use this equipment will occur under the watchful eye of a Registered Nurse at the doctor's office but once that is done the diabetic is responsible for the maintenance and supply of all the supplies they need. To keep these supplies on hand you used to have to make trips to your local pharmacy once or twice a month. In many cases you would also have to pay out of pocket and submit your receipt to the insurance company for reimbursement. This is no longer the case because there are a number of companies that will provide diabetic medical supplies through direct delivery to your front door. A good diabetic supply company will also work as the intermediary between you, the customer, and the insurance companies and Medicare/Medicaid. This means they will fill out and submit the required paper and work with the insurance providers to resolve any problems that may appear. They will also bill the insurance company and Medicare leaving you to pay only any co-pays or deductibles. In most instances you will not have to pay any shipping costs. Once diagnosed with diabetes daily management of this disease is a must it to avoid the dangerous complications it causes and having a reliable source of diabetic medical supplies is an important part of diabetes management puzzle.
For the type 1 diabetic insulin is a vitally important part of their treatment routine. Being able to self administer their insulin on a daily basis is one of the most important aspect of diabetes management. There are different ways a diabetic can administer their insulin using everything from insulin syringes, pen and jet injectors, to an insulin pump/infuser that will need to have its needle replaced frequently. Learning to use this equipment will occur under the watchful eye of a Registered Nurse at the doctor's office but once that is done the diabetic is responsible for the maintenance and supply of all the supplies they need. To keep these supplies on hand you used to have to make trips to your local pharmacy once or twice a month. In many cases you would also have to pay out of pocket and submit your receipt to the insurance company for reimbursement. This is no longer the case because there are a number of companies that will provide diabetic medical supplies through direct delivery to your front door. A good diabetic supply company will also work as the intermediary between you, the customer, and the insurance companies and Medicare/Medicaid. This means they will fill out and submit the required paper and work with the insurance providers to resolve any problems that may appear. They will also bill the insurance company and Medicare leaving you to pay only any co-pays or deductibles. In most instances you will not have to pay any shipping costs. Once diagnosed with diabetes daily management of this disease is a must it to avoid the dangerous complications it causes and having a reliable source of diabetic medical supplies is an important part of diabetes management puzzle.
Relationship of Diabetes to Other Diseases and Conditions
The Relationship of Diabetes to Other Diseases and Conditions The U.S. diabetes epidemic is more dangerous than most people realize. The Center for Disease Control recently indicated that more than 63% of Americans are at risk for diabetes due to a Body Mass Index (BMI) qualifying them as overweight. Diabetes not only causes other conditions and symptoms, but also is linked with kidney and cardiovascular diseases. To prevent complications, it's important to understand the relationship between diabetes and other diseases.
Diabetic Retinopathy Retinopathy is a common complication of diabetes that causes decreased and blurry vision, and eventually blindness. The effect of diabetic retinopathy on vision depends on the stage of the disease. Diabetes' effect on the retina is a severe threat, mostly seen in elderly sufferers. People with diabetes also tend to experience long-term effects on the circulatory system. As diabetes progresses, the arteries in the retina weaken and form hemorrhages. In later stages of the disease, circulation problems cause areas of the eye to become oxygen-deprived. Consequently, new vessels develop that hemorrhage easily, and blood may leak into the retina as well.
Obesity Obesity and diabetes are scientifically proven to be directly linked. In fact, obesity is a direct cause of Type II Diabetes. Obesity is dangerous because an excessive proportion of body fat causes elevated blood glucose levels. The human body manufactures insulin after every meal to alert cells that higher levels of glucose are on the way. Type II Diabetes sufferers lack the ability to use this insulin hormone. And when insulin isn't used properly, the body can't digest food correctly, hence increasing the risk of additional weight gain, as well as diabetes.
Kidney Disease/Kidney Failure Diabetes affects many parts of the body. According to the National Kidney Foundation, diabetic kidney disease results from injured small blood vessels in the body. When blood vessels in the kidneys are injured, the kidneys cannot clean the blood properly. At this point, the human body retains more water and salt than it should (which results in weight gain and ankle swelling). In addition, protein appears in the urine and waste materials accumulate in the blood. In addition, Type II Diabetes can cause nerve damage which can result in urination problems. The pressure resulting from a full bladder can back up and injure the kidneys. When urine remains in the bladder for too long, the high levels of sugar can cause the rapid growth of bacteria, resulting in an infection.
Heart Disease & Stroke The American Diabetes Association says two-thirds of people with Type II Diabetes die from heart disease and stroke. As such, diabetes and heart disease work in tandem - and people with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing heart disease. A person with diabetes has higher than normal blood sugar levels. These high blood sugar levels can damage many parts of the body, including blood vessels. Heart disease is a direct result of narrowed or blocked blood vessels that lead to the heart. Hence, increased blood sugar levels, common with Type II Diabetes sufferers, causes increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
Breast Cancer Scientists have investigated the possible relationship between breast cancer and diabetes and suggested that high levels of insulin increases the risk of breast cancer. Since many factors, such as obesity, increase the risk of both breast cancer and diabetes, it's been difficult for scientists to determine if diabetes itself is the issue. However, research indicates that women with diabetes have a 20% higher risk of breast cancer than women without diabetes. One recent study suggests that high blood sugar increases the risk of breast cancer, even among pre-menopausal women. In addition, significant weight gain (more than 55 lbs. since age 18, or 22 lbs. after menopause) acts as a catalyst in causing diabetes - and can also increase the risk of breast cancer.
Diabetic Retinopathy Retinopathy is a common complication of diabetes that causes decreased and blurry vision, and eventually blindness. The effect of diabetic retinopathy on vision depends on the stage of the disease. Diabetes' effect on the retina is a severe threat, mostly seen in elderly sufferers. People with diabetes also tend to experience long-term effects on the circulatory system. As diabetes progresses, the arteries in the retina weaken and form hemorrhages. In later stages of the disease, circulation problems cause areas of the eye to become oxygen-deprived. Consequently, new vessels develop that hemorrhage easily, and blood may leak into the retina as well.
Obesity Obesity and diabetes are scientifically proven to be directly linked. In fact, obesity is a direct cause of Type II Diabetes. Obesity is dangerous because an excessive proportion of body fat causes elevated blood glucose levels. The human body manufactures insulin after every meal to alert cells that higher levels of glucose are on the way. Type II Diabetes sufferers lack the ability to use this insulin hormone. And when insulin isn't used properly, the body can't digest food correctly, hence increasing the risk of additional weight gain, as well as diabetes.
Kidney Disease/Kidney Failure Diabetes affects many parts of the body. According to the National Kidney Foundation, diabetic kidney disease results from injured small blood vessels in the body. When blood vessels in the kidneys are injured, the kidneys cannot clean the blood properly. At this point, the human body retains more water and salt than it should (which results in weight gain and ankle swelling). In addition, protein appears in the urine and waste materials accumulate in the blood. In addition, Type II Diabetes can cause nerve damage which can result in urination problems. The pressure resulting from a full bladder can back up and injure the kidneys. When urine remains in the bladder for too long, the high levels of sugar can cause the rapid growth of bacteria, resulting in an infection.
Heart Disease & Stroke The American Diabetes Association says two-thirds of people with Type II Diabetes die from heart disease and stroke. As such, diabetes and heart disease work in tandem - and people with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing heart disease. A person with diabetes has higher than normal blood sugar levels. These high blood sugar levels can damage many parts of the body, including blood vessels. Heart disease is a direct result of narrowed or blocked blood vessels that lead to the heart. Hence, increased blood sugar levels, common with Type II Diabetes sufferers, causes increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
Breast Cancer Scientists have investigated the possible relationship between breast cancer and diabetes and suggested that high levels of insulin increases the risk of breast cancer. Since many factors, such as obesity, increase the risk of both breast cancer and diabetes, it's been difficult for scientists to determine if diabetes itself is the issue. However, research indicates that women with diabetes have a 20% higher risk of breast cancer than women without diabetes. One recent study suggests that high blood sugar increases the risk of breast cancer, even among pre-menopausal women. In addition, significant weight gain (more than 55 lbs. since age 18, or 22 lbs. after menopause) acts as a catalyst in causing diabetes - and can also increase the risk of breast cancer.
Sweet Treatment From Ayurveda For Diabetes
Ayurvedic management of Diabetes depends on the strength of patient and type of diabetes he/she has. But some generalized management are mentioned below. If the patient has sufficient strength panchakarma treatment can be started with snehana followed by vamana and virechana. Virechana can be repeated frequently. Dhanwantharam Gritham is apt for snehanam. Pizhichil is good for a week. Takradhara can also yield good results. Internal medicines that can be used are katakakhadiradi kashayam, aragvadhadi kashayam, nisadi kashayam, mehari dravakam. Apart from these ayaskriti and lodhrasavam are good.
Mehasamhari gulika, brihantmehantaka gulika, niruryadi gulika, svetagaunjadi gulika, haldi (turmeric), amalaki (gooseberry) choorna, nyagrodadhi churna, nisosiradi tailam,or eladi tailam can be added to the kashayams as the case may be. Shilajit, vasntakusumakara rasa, nag bhasma, vanga bhasma, and chandraprabha vati can be used favorably. Hyponidd tablets, Diabecon tablets, Mehanil tablets, Glucova, Nishakatakadi qwath tablet can be used on regular basis. Sugar in any form like rice, especially from fresh grains, potato, banana, and other such cereals and fruits are to be avoided. Fat intake should also be avoided. Tamarid and salt intake should be minimal. All bitter things are of help in general. Vegetables like bitter gourd, drumstick, patola(sponge gourd), okra (ladies finger) are good. So is neem (Azadirachta indica) and bilva (Aegle marmelos). It is also advised to decrease all food intakes by three quarters of normal. Wheat, barely and all millets are good. Some cases recover fully just with exclusively meat diet. Don't use polished grains as bryan is good for diabetes. Shadangapaniyam or water boiled with ekanayakam (Salacia reticulate) is excellent to quench thirst in diabetics. Exercise within limits is advisable, yogic exercise, particularly matsyendra asanam is useful. Sleep during daytime, sex, not resting after food intake and excessive labour is to be avoided.
Mehasamhari gulika, brihantmehantaka gulika, niruryadi gulika, svetagaunjadi gulika, haldi (turmeric), amalaki (gooseberry) choorna, nyagrodadhi churna, nisosiradi tailam,or eladi tailam can be added to the kashayams as the case may be. Shilajit, vasntakusumakara rasa, nag bhasma, vanga bhasma, and chandraprabha vati can be used favorably. Hyponidd tablets, Diabecon tablets, Mehanil tablets, Glucova, Nishakatakadi qwath tablet can be used on regular basis. Sugar in any form like rice, especially from fresh grains, potato, banana, and other such cereals and fruits are to be avoided. Fat intake should also be avoided. Tamarid and salt intake should be minimal. All bitter things are of help in general. Vegetables like bitter gourd, drumstick, patola(sponge gourd), okra (ladies finger) are good. So is neem (Azadirachta indica) and bilva (Aegle marmelos). It is also advised to decrease all food intakes by three quarters of normal. Wheat, barely and all millets are good. Some cases recover fully just with exclusively meat diet. Don't use polished grains as bryan is good for diabetes. Shadangapaniyam or water boiled with ekanayakam (Salacia reticulate) is excellent to quench thirst in diabetics. Exercise within limits is advisable, yogic exercise, particularly matsyendra asanam is useful. Sleep during daytime, sex, not resting after food intake and excessive labour is to be avoided.
Diabetic Bracelet Could Save Your Life
More and more people are learning that a diabetic bracelet can indeed be life-saving in the long run. Millions of individuals in America and the world are suffering from diabetes with different manifestations and experiences everyday. It is only a matter of time before they find themselves in a deep predicament in which they can only rely on simple but informative bracelets.
The Diabetic Bracelet Advantage The most useful and important aspect of your diabetic bracelet is the information that it holds. First and foremost, the bracelet will include text or a tag indicating that you are diabetic plus other information such as your name, address and age. You may also want to add other details like a contact person or number, your normal blood sugar count and blood type. These can come in very handy especially for medical professionals attending to you during emergencies. When blood sugar levels become abnormally high or low, patients can be incapacitated or simply blackout anytime and anywhere. Only the bracelets can provide relevant information that can help save their lives. Other people in the area can immediately respond to the dire situation by using the data included in the diabetic bracelet.
Function and Fashion Diabetic bracelets come in various designs and use different materials as well. The most common versions are the rubber or silicone wristbands with debossed text. These come in different solid and mixed colors as preferred by the individuals. Non-diabetics are frequently seen wearing these bands to show their support and concern for the cause. You will find encouraging messages and text imprinted, debossed or embossed on the surface such as "Live Strong, Hope, Believe, etc." Since other diabetic patients do not fully like the idea of being tagged or labeled as a sufferer, there are more fancy and beautiful designs that both serve as a functional and fashionable piece. You can find diabetic jewelry using 14 to 22-karat gold, silver, sterling silver and other expensive metals. These bracelets may also include charms and adorned with beads, semi-precious stones and crystals according to the specifications and customizations of the wearer. Still, these pieces include vital information that will save their life during unexpected diabetic bouts. Prices for rubber and silicone versions are as low as $1.50 to $3 while jewelry costs $21 up to $300.
When Investing in a Diabetic Bracelet Try to look for a design that you can comfortably wear in almost any occasion. Plain silver designs match both casual and formal attires. Waterproof bracelets are also good so that you don't have to take them off while going to the shower. It is advised that you wear the diabetic bracelet at all times so that you'll always be prepared for any untoward accident. Always check the latch or lock that it is functioning well to avoid breakage or accidentally losing the piece. Ensure that the size is also just right so that it doesn't easily fall off or snap should you fall or blackout. The ideal size would allow one finger to slide between your wrist and the bracelet. Choose the information you wish to include in your diabetic bracelet. If you're planning to invest in jewelry, a simple text saying "Diabetic" may be enough but of course you can add more to prioritize function over style.
The Diabetic Bracelet Advantage The most useful and important aspect of your diabetic bracelet is the information that it holds. First and foremost, the bracelet will include text or a tag indicating that you are diabetic plus other information such as your name, address and age. You may also want to add other details like a contact person or number, your normal blood sugar count and blood type. These can come in very handy especially for medical professionals attending to you during emergencies. When blood sugar levels become abnormally high or low, patients can be incapacitated or simply blackout anytime and anywhere. Only the bracelets can provide relevant information that can help save their lives. Other people in the area can immediately respond to the dire situation by using the data included in the diabetic bracelet.
Function and Fashion Diabetic bracelets come in various designs and use different materials as well. The most common versions are the rubber or silicone wristbands with debossed text. These come in different solid and mixed colors as preferred by the individuals. Non-diabetics are frequently seen wearing these bands to show their support and concern for the cause. You will find encouraging messages and text imprinted, debossed or embossed on the surface such as "Live Strong, Hope, Believe, etc." Since other diabetic patients do not fully like the idea of being tagged or labeled as a sufferer, there are more fancy and beautiful designs that both serve as a functional and fashionable piece. You can find diabetic jewelry using 14 to 22-karat gold, silver, sterling silver and other expensive metals. These bracelets may also include charms and adorned with beads, semi-precious stones and crystals according to the specifications and customizations of the wearer. Still, these pieces include vital information that will save their life during unexpected diabetic bouts. Prices for rubber and silicone versions are as low as $1.50 to $3 while jewelry costs $21 up to $300.
When Investing in a Diabetic Bracelet Try to look for a design that you can comfortably wear in almost any occasion. Plain silver designs match both casual and formal attires. Waterproof bracelets are also good so that you don't have to take them off while going to the shower. It is advised that you wear the diabetic bracelet at all times so that you'll always be prepared for any untoward accident. Always check the latch or lock that it is functioning well to avoid breakage or accidentally losing the piece. Ensure that the size is also just right so that it doesn't easily fall off or snap should you fall or blackout. The ideal size would allow one finger to slide between your wrist and the bracelet. Choose the information you wish to include in your diabetic bracelet. If you're planning to invest in jewelry, a simple text saying "Diabetic" may be enough but of course you can add more to prioritize function over style.
Type 2 Diabetes Symptoms To Look Out For
People who have a family history of diabetes as well as diabetes are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Also referred to as non-insulin dependent diabetes, type 2 diabetes is a condition wherein the body, over time, becomes resistant to insulin. This results to increased levels of blood sugar. The pancreas is responsible for producing insulin, a hormone. Insulin levels go up or down depending on how much glucose is present in the body. In general, insulin levels go up after eating, and go down when the stomach is empty. Insulin's primary function is to move glucose from the digestive system to the different parts of the body. If there is too much glucose in your body, the extra glucose is moved to the liver, where it is stored until the body becomes low on glucose. In essence, the pancreas, insulin, glucose and liver are all working together to achieve a highly complex balancing act. One of two things happen to people with type 2 diabetes. Either their pancreas stops producing enough insulin that the body needs or their body becomes resistant to insulin. In both occurrences, the result is the same: high blood sugar levels. One symptom of type 2 diabetes that is often overlooked is extreme fatigue. The most logical reason for this is that extreme fatigue is a very general symptom; people, including those who don't have type 2 diabetes can experience extreme fatigue. Extreme fatigue is often seen in people who are leading a hectic lifestyle, not getting adequate sleep and rest, and constantly under stress. However, it is best to consult a doctor if extreme fatigue appears to not be caused by lifestyle, sleep or stress. Another symptom of type 2 diabetes is drastic weight gain or weight loss. People who start eating more are likely to gain weight. As the weight goes up, excess fat gets stored up and can make the body even more resistant to insulin. However, there are people who lose weight despite eating more. The weight loss is a result of the muscles not being able to be supplied with the glucose it needs in order to exert energy.
Another symptom of type 2 diabetes is blurry vision. The blurriness happens because fluid from the tissues, including the lenses in the eyes, are pulled away when blood sugar levels are high. This makes it hard to focus the vision. It has been found that a number of vision problems are corrected once diabetes is treated. If the diabetes is left untreated, however, the blurriness could progress to blindness. People who frequently have infections or whose infections and wounds are slow to heal may have type 2 diabetes. Diabetes has been found to slow down the healing process. In addition, frequent yeast infections are often an indication of type 2 diabetes. Other symptoms of type 2 diabetes include redness, swelling and inflammation of the gums. It is recommended that you talk to a doctor if any of these symptoms of type 2 diabetes becomes apparent. If left untreated, diabetes could cause the gums could become infected. The sooner that type 2 diabetes is detected, the sooner you can be on your way to becoming healthy again.
Another symptom of type 2 diabetes is blurry vision. The blurriness happens because fluid from the tissues, including the lenses in the eyes, are pulled away when blood sugar levels are high. This makes it hard to focus the vision. It has been found that a number of vision problems are corrected once diabetes is treated. If the diabetes is left untreated, however, the blurriness could progress to blindness. People who frequently have infections or whose infections and wounds are slow to heal may have type 2 diabetes. Diabetes has been found to slow down the healing process. In addition, frequent yeast infections are often an indication of type 2 diabetes. Other symptoms of type 2 diabetes include redness, swelling and inflammation of the gums. It is recommended that you talk to a doctor if any of these symptoms of type 2 diabetes becomes apparent. If left untreated, diabetes could cause the gums could become infected. The sooner that type 2 diabetes is detected, the sooner you can be on your way to becoming healthy again.
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