Friday, 12. March 2010
Now-a-days Alternative Medicines or Complementary Medicines and gaining popularity, because of its curing power with out any side effects.
Diabetes details: Diabetes means your blood glucose is too high. Diabetes is the inability of the body to ‘produce insulin – type 1 diabetes’ or ‘proper use of insulin – type 2 diabetes.
Allopathic medicine Diabetes: In allopathic treatment, they consider and treat everyone in a similar manner and drugs are used for treatments. These drugs are used to stop or block one particular function of an organ. It is not trying to correct the root cause and only gives temporary relief. Also they use only one force (compared to war utilizes land force only) that is the medication for diabetes.
Alternative medicines Diabetes: treatments they consider human as a whole and each human is treated differently for the same disease. They are not only considering the disease alone, but also its causes – physical and mental (psychological) reasons.
Homeopathic remedies diabetes:
For example homeopathic remedy is concern they find the correct remedy by looking for symptoms of:
Homeopathic remedies for diabetes, different peoples are treated with a different medicine with respect to their individual physical, mental, modalities and causation.
Ayurvedic herbal remedies for diabetes:
It is also called as herbal medicines, herbal therapy, herbal treatment, herbalism and botanical medicines.
The herbal medication is prepared from plants, use medicinal herbs to prevent and treat diseases and ailments or to promote health and healing. Either the dried plant as a whole or a specific part of it (root, leaves, fruit, flowers or seeds) is formulated into suitable preparation. Ayurvedic natural remedies are not only control blood sugar, but at the same time it will take care of kidney, liver, eye and hearts. These are the organs that may be affected by long term of diabetes. Also the carbohydrate metabolism is by liver, kidney, pancreas and small intestine. Thus the herbal medicines correct these organs for proper utilization and elimination of the glucose. That is, it corrects the root cause.
Yoga poses diabetes:
Yoga refers to be the traditional physical and mental disciplines originating in India. It has the ability to balance body, mind & spirit. This discipline has curative power for many chronic diseases that include diabetes, by activating glandular systems responsible for the illness. In the case of diabetes, yoga poses give mild and gentle massages to the internal organs such as pancreas, liver, intestine, etc. These organs are responsible for the diabetes cause.
Acupressure for diabetes:
Accupressure is also called as acupressure or healing touch. TCM relies on a number of basic principles which have been refined over thousands of years of medical practice. One of the major principles of this medical tradition is the idea that health is governed by the flow of life force, or qi, through the body. Interruptions in this flow can lead to medical complaints, as the body’s balance of energy is disrupted. TCM practitioners also believe that disruptions in the flow of qi affect specific organs, and that all symptoms can be linked with a particular organ.
In the case of diabetes many patients have found that has either cured or decreased the severity of their diabetes.
Reflexology for diabetes:
Reflexology massage or zone therapy is particularly a healing art by applying pressure (using the hand, fingers and especially the thumbs). This massage is specifically done to feet, hands and some times even to the ears. It activates the acupoints which are interrelated to the organs in the body.
That is why reflexology massage is showing positive impact on promoting self-healing capabilities on diabetes.
Complementary Medicine:
All the above alternative medicine treatments are also called as complementary medicine. The name “complementary medicine” developed as the two or more systems began to be used alongside (to “complement”) each other.
So if we use all the above said alternative medicines together (used all the medicines at the same time) there is a amazing result because one complements the other;
If you use all the above said complementary medicines each works differently, then the chance of cure for the disease is very high.
For example purpose we used to define alternative medicine diabetes, it is not only for diabetes but also for cholesterol, high and low blood pressure, eye problems, etc. I named a few the list is endless.
I personally benefited with alternative medicine such as herbs, homeopathy, yoga, acupressure and reflexology. I like everyone should enjoy that benefit, so I decided to popularize alternative medicine.
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Thursday, 11. March 2010
If you pay attention to your body, you can spot diabetes symptoms early and have a far better chance to reverse the disease before it becomes severe. Remember that Type 2 diabetes mellitus is practically always a preventable disease. You never have to experience the symptoms of diabetes type 2 – if you are willing and ready to make a firm commitment to healthy living today.
Diabetes Types:
There are several types of diabetes and most are preventable. Type 1 diabetes mellitus has no definitively-known causes and/or cures. This is also called insulin-dependent diabetes and is characterized by a complete lack of pancreatic function.
Type 2 diabetes mellitus, the most common type, is almost always able to be prevented through modifications in eating habits and exercise levels. Type 2 diabetes accounts for over 90% of all diabetes mellitus cases.
Gestational diabetes mellitus is the diabetes type that women develop during the later stages of pregnancy. The label is reserved for women who have never before exhibited any diabetes symptoms. It almost always regresses completely after delivery and is very manageable during pregnancy – again with healthful dietary standards and daily exercise.
Diabetes Symptoms:
Look out for the following symptoms of diabetes and consult with your physician if you believe yourself to be at risk:
What causes diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes mellitus is caused in the majority of cases by improper food choices, improper eating habits and sedentary living. We have to eat nutritious foods in a healthy manner and we have to exercise daily if we wish to avoid the development and onset of diabetes symptoms. There is simply no other way. Teaching yourself new ways to perceive the foods that you consume and being physically active bring new meaning to your life. Your days become far more enjoyable and you significantly decrease your propensity to develop all diseases – not just type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Current diabetes research shows that there are over 57 million people in the US alone that have pre diabetes. These are the people at the highest risks for developing Type II diabetes. If you are amongst them, then you need to take immediate action and redefine your habits concerning your diet and exercise programs. Remember that the symptoms of diabetes can very likely be reversed.
Preventing Type 2 diabetes:
You can prevent type 2 diabetes mellitus by committing to the following positive lifestyle changes:
Avoid the development of diabetes symptoms beginning today by committing to a healthy lifestyle. You and your loved ones will be so much happier for it.
Steven R Arnold is editor of http://fatsense.com
The Healthy Heart Series of Essential Knowledge Guides is a new audio book series that will show you how to naturally lower your cholesterol, blood pressure and blood glucose numbers safely and easily.
You’ll find the Healthy Heart Series of Essential Knowledge Guides only at http://fatsense.com
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Thursday, 11. March 2010
In some cases before one is diagnosed with type 2 diabetes normally have pre-diabetes. Which is a condition where glucose level in blood is high but not high enough to be diagnosis as diabetes? Recent studies have shown increased number of people with pre-diabetes.Pre-diabetes is treatable and can also prevent further development to type 2 diabetes. If well managed by taking recommended diet and exercise, you will realize the positive difference that will delay or even prevent type 2 diabetes.There is a lot you can do yourself to know your risks for pre-diabetes and to take action to prevent diabetes if you have, or are at risk for, pre-diabetes. The American Diabetes Association has a wealth of resources for people with diabetes. People with pre-diabetes can expect to benefit from much of the same advice for good nutrition and physical activity. The links on this page are cornerstones of successful management of pre-diabetes.Pre-diabetes is a serious medical condition that can be treated. The good news is that the recently completed Diabetes Prevention Program study conclusively showed that people with pre-diabetes can prevent the development of type 2 diabetes by making changes in their diet and increasing their level of physical activity.Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life. The cause of diabetes continues to be a mystery, although both genetics and environmental factors such as obesity and lack of exercise appear to play roles.
Tabitha G Kimani Has Been Researching and Reporting on Pre-diabetes for Years.For More Information on Pre-diabetess, Visit Her Site at Pre-diabetes?Post your Views About Pre-diabetes On My Blog Here Pre-diabetes?
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Wednesday, 10. March 2010
Diabetes 2 affects 85 to 90 per cent of all people with diabetes. Nearly all diabetics got their disease from having an harmful lifestyle but diabetes 2 could as well be genetic. One of two things occurs in diabetes.
The pancreas can?t produce insulin (type 1 diabetes) or else; the cells don?t respond to the insulin correctly and the pancreas produces insufficient insulin for the body?s increased needs (diabetes 2).
The most common diabetes type is diabetes 2. Diabetes 2 affects approximately 95% of all diabetics. Unlike the first type, diabetes 2 makes the body incapable to act in response to insulin.
What is the reason for getting diabetes 1 or diabetes 2? No one knows why people get diabetes. Researchers suggest that diabetes occurs as a viral illness triggers the immune system to destroy the insulin-making cells in the pancreas. Diabetes results from the incapability of the body to produce adequate amount of insulin.
What is insulin? What is the insulin function? Insulin is a hormone that helps the body cells to use the glucose. The insulin is responsible for breaking down the glucose in our blood stream and avoiding the sugar level from coming up.
What is glucose? What is the glucose function? Carbohydrate foods contain glucose. It is the major resource of energy used by the body. Sugar is one of the glucose types. Glucose comes from foods that contain carbohydrates such as potatoes, bread, pasta and rice, fruit and milk.
How is glucose absorbed into the blood stream and provides us energy? After the food is digested, the glucose is released and absorbed into the blood stream . The glucose in the blood stream needs to move into body tissues so that cells can turn it into energy. Additional glucose is stored in the liver or transformed into fat. The fat is being stored in other body tissues.
How to avoid diabetes 2? Although the causes of diabetes 2 are known and in some cases it can be prevented there is no cure for diabetes 2.
Currently, there is. Foods that are high in fat and cholesterol are not suggested to people who would like to be safe from. Further, to be safe from Diabetes 2, take regular exercise. Keep your body active and boost your resistance to other illness and some of the serious complications caused by having diabetes.
Having Diabetes 2 does not merely diminish the body, it could also widen to different parts of the body. Just the once it spreads, it can lead to removal of body parts to prevent the illness from spreading to vital body organs.
While Diabetes 2 worsens, it could cause damages in the heart, kidney and even the eyes. Heart disease, kidney complications and blindness is conditions that you would never want to have and it could come from diabetes.
At Gestational Diabetes Info center you will get helpful information about causes and risks of Gestational Diabetes. You’ll acquire knowledge of prevention, get diet menu, the symptoms and know which questions to ask your physician. On our site, you’ll get plain easy to read information about the causes and risks of Diabetes and diabetes although pregnancy, Diabetes Gestational. You will obtain facts and tips, note the symptoms and know what to ask your physician.
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Wednesday, 10. March 2010
It can send a chill up anyone’s spine being informed by your physician that you have borderline diabetes. This is a disease that can literally alter your life. But, each year, hundreds of thousands of Americans are being told just that as the number of diabetes cases continually rises. Currently, there are over 18 million known case of diabetes in the U.S. that have diabetes. It’s estimated that there’s approximately 6 million more people that have diabetes and don’t know it. And it remains a serious health problem costing patients billions of dollars in health care every year.
What exactly is borderline diabetes? Sometimes called pre-diabetes, it’s a condition where a person has glucose levels between normal levels and levels that would identify them as diabetic. The reason that many people don’t know they have the condition is that it’s relatively free of symptoms. In a person without diabetes, the body will produce insulin to help the cells break down food into energy. In diabetics and pre-diabetics, however, either the body is unable to create insulin or it is unable to utilize the insulin. This is one reason why people with borderline diabetes tend to be tired much of the time. They are eating, but their body is unable to break down the food into usable energy.
Many doctors have stopped using the term borderline diabetes to describe this condition as, in their minds, a person who exhibits the symptoms of pre-diabetes is, in truth diabetic. and they see no real medical reason to obfuscate the diagnosis. They also feel that telling a person that he or she has borderline diabetes will cause the person to not take the diagnosis seriously – since it is only borderline. Others feel that the condition of these patients is more accurately described as insulin resistant or impaired glucose tolerance. Other doctors, however, still use the term and find it useful to keep the distinction between pre-diabetes and diabetes.
For medical care physicians that continue to use the term, borderline diabetes is diagnosed when a person’s glucose level, as determined by glucose tests, fall between 100 to 125 milligrams per deciliter.
Unfortunately, in most cases, a person who has borderline diabetes will see the disease progress to diabetes. In some cases, however, with a change of eating habits and other healthy lifestyle changes, the disease will be reversed.
Many health experts believe that pre-diabetes is a preventable disease. Studies have shown a distinct correlation between the increase in the amount of fast foods that we eat and the new incidences of type II diabetes. Likewise, there is a correlation between our increasingly sedentary lifestyles with increases in the number of people diagnosed with diabetics. Making the defeat of diabetes even more urgent is that a person with pre-diabetes or diabetes is at greater risk for a host of other diseases including heart disease, stroke, liver disease, and more.
Luckily, researchers have begun to identify and catalog the many risk factors that predispose one towards developing diabetes. Hopefully, in the near future, diabetes will be looked upon as a long forgotten disease of the past.
Alice Saracho is webmaster and writer of http://www.diabetescausestreatments.com. Visit her site and find articles on the signs of borderline diabetes as well as other information and products regarding diabetes.
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Tuesday, 9. March 2010
There is no current cure for diabetes although several treatments are available. Treatments include, diet plans, insulin injection, oral medication or surgery depending upon the type of diabetes. The proper management of treatments for diabetes helps diabetics maintain a normal way of life. Diabetes has three specific types: type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes. Is there a possible cure for diabetes type 1?In type 1 diabetes, the islet cells of the pancreas in charge of producing insulin is being destroyed by the immune system of the body. Hence, the production of insulin by the pancreas is affected or the pancreas no longer produces insulin. The cause is still unidentified but this is often attributed to viral infections or disorder in the genes.This is treated by a daily dose of insulin injection, an insulin pump or the insulin jet system. Oral medication as a treatment for type 1 diabetes is not applicable since it still has to pass the digestive system before it can take effect in the blood. The currently suggested cure for type 1 diabetes are pancreas transplant, islet cell transplantation or stem cell transplant. Individuals who have undergone these surgical treatments as part of clinical tests, are still under evaluation for possible re-development of immunity rejection and its ability to maintain adequate number of insulin cells that can meet insulin requirements as well as keep new cells alive. Other new treatments like synthetic human insulin, insulin analogs, genetic manipulation, BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guérin) vaccine, gastric bypass surgery and computerized artificial pancreas are still undergoing human clinical trials and study, in the hopes of finally determining if there is a cure for diabetes.The drug BCG is said to have been tried and tested for 80 years now. Hence, if human clinical tests can prove this drug to be successful, the availability of a cheap generic drug to administer is possible.Is there a possible cure for diabetes type 2?Majority of diabetics are suffering from type 2 diabetes. This is due to insulin resistance of the body brought about by the inability of the cells to react to insulin or the production of insulin is not sufficient to control the blood glucose. This is familiar among older people, obese individuals or persons with weight problems, due to their physical inactivity. Treatment initially requires diet control, exercise and oral medication to avoid progression into becoming type 1 diabetes. In the event that it does progress, treatment will then require insulin injection.Similarly, there is also no cure for type 2 diabetes, hence, proper management of its treatments is necessary to avoid the progression of the disease. This type of diabetes may also crop up in pregnant women known as gestational diabetes and may take place in the last months of pregnancy. Although considered as not life-threatening and may disappear after giving birth, the mother is already deemed prone to type 2 diabetes. Once an individual becomes afflicted with diabetes mellitus, it will become a part of his or her life and can even be a cause of death. Adequate knowledge in managing this disease can help the patient live longer.Management includes lifestyle change, nutrition plan, physical activity and having a diabetes team to supervise the daily medications and monitoring. Other than the doctor, nurse, dietitian and healthcare professional, one should include a diabetes educator as part of the diabetes team. The diabetes educator will be responsible for the psychological needs of the patient and in providing assistance for some of the clinical requirements.In as much as the elusive cure for diabetes is still undergoing further researches and clinical tests, management of the diseases is still the best way for the diabetic sufferers. Those who are not yet afflicted with diabetes but are engaged in a lifestyle that may develop their body system into becoming one, it is best for them to consider the necessary changes in their way of eating and living to prevent diabetes from having control over their lives.
Alvin Hopkinson is a leading health researcher in the area of natural remedies and diabetes natural treatment. Discover how you can reverse your diabetes for good using proven and effective home remedies, all without using harmful medications or drugs. Visit his site now at http://www.minusdiabetes.com
Alvin Hopkinson is a leading health researcher in the area of natural remedies and weight loss.
He had published many health articles online, is a platinum expert author in EzineArticles and writes for Health Central, which is a leading health authority website.
Some of his sites includes:
High Blood Pressure Treatment
Gout Relief
Fat Loss Diet
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Tuesday, 9. March 2010
Brewer’s Yeast: Brewer’s yeast is a wonder food. It is rich in traces of mineral chromium. This mineral helps the pancreas produce more insulin. It is one of the best supports for normal handling of sugar by the body. According to an article by Dr. Richard J. Doisy and others, which appeared in the Medical World News, Brewer’s yeast has lowered the insulin requirements of many diabetes patients. Broccoli: Broccoli, a close relation of the cauliflower, has long been a popular food in Europe. This vegetable has proved to be an effective anti-diabetic food. It is rich source of chromium, a trace mineral that seems to lower blood sugar. This trace mineral regulates blood sugar, thereby often reducing the medication and insulin needs of diabetes. In cases of mild diabetes, chromium may prevent the onset of the full-fledged disease. If a person’s glucose tolerance is on border, chromium can help control it. Even low blood sugar levels can be brought to normal with chromium. Curd: Curd injects friendly bacteria in to the digestive system that stimulate the pancreas. It also washes the pancreas of its acids and wastes. These cleansing actions enable the pancreas to perform much better and thereby help in the production of insulin. Garlic: In scientific trials garlic and its constituents have been found to lower blood sugar in diabetes. This vegetable is rich in potassium, which effectively replaces the large quantities of potassium lost in the urine of diabetics. It also contains zinc and sulphur, which are constituents of insulin. Some authorities believe that low levels of zinc may be one of the factors responsible for the onset of diabetes. Garlic also contains manganese, a deficiency of which can contribute towards diabetes.
Garlic constituents appear to act by blocking the inactivation of insulin in the liver. The result is higher blood insulin levels and lower blood sugar.
Garlic has other benefits for diabetes besides lowering blood sugar. It prevents arteriosclerosis, which is a common complication of diabetes and relieves body paid. Diabetics can take the equivalent of one or two cloves of garlic a day in any form they like, either raw or cooked in food or as capsules. Garlic milk, prepared by adding four cloves of crushed garlic to 110 ml of milk, is one good way of taking garlic. The best way, however, is to chew raw garlic thoroughly first thing in the morning. Bengal Gram: Bengal gram, also known as chickpea, is a widely used important component of Indian diet. It is a valuable anti-diabetic food. Experiments have shown that the oral ingestion of the water extract of Bengal gram increases the utilization of glucose in diabetics as well as normal people. In a study conducted at Central Food Technological Research Institute in Mysore, the requirement of insulin of chronic diabetes patients decreased from 40 units a day to 20 units, when kept on a diet which included liberal supplements of Bengal gram extract.
Diabetic patients who are on a restricted diet, which does not severely limit the intake of carbohydrates but includes liberal amounts of Bengal gram extract, have shown considerable improvement in their fasting blood sugar levels, glucose tolerance, urinary excretion of sugar and general condition. Bitter Gourd: The bitter gourd is a common vegetable cultivated extensively. It has excellent medicinal virtues. This vegetable has been used as fold medicine for diabetes from ancient times. Research has established that it contains insulin like principle designated as plant-insulin, which has been found beneficial in lowering blood and urine sugar levels.
Bitter gourd is thus and effective anti-diabetic food and should be included liberally in the diet of a diabetic. Juice of three or four bitter gourds taken every morning on an empty stomach has been found more effective than eating fruits. The seeds of bitter gourd can be powdered and added to regular meals. A decoction prepared by boiling chopped bitter gourd is water is equally effective, as is its dry powder mixed with liquid foods.
Bitter gourd is rich in all essential vitamins and minerals especially vitamins A, B1, B2, C and iron. Its regular use, therefore, prevents many complications associated with diabetes including hypertension, eye complications, neuritis and the defective metabolism of carbohydrates. Black Gram: Black gram is a highly prized pulse in India. It is an anti diabetic food. Germinated black gram taken with half a cup of fresh bitter gourd juice, forms and effective remedy for treating mild types of diabetes. It should be taken once a day, for three to four months, with a restricted intake of carbohydrates.
In severe diabetes, regular use of this combination is an effective complement to other treatments. It is also a useful health food for preventing complications due to malnutrition in diabetes. Milk prepared by grinding sprouted whole black gram is also recommended for diabetics. Groundnut: Groundnuts are valuable in diabetes. Eating a handful of groundnuts daily by diabetics will not only prevent malnutrition, particularly the deficiency of niacin, but also checks the development of vascular complications.
Find complete diabetes information, diabetes supply, diabetes treatment, diabetes diet, diabetes causes, diabetes types. More on Diabetes Mellitus Information and Treatment Supply. Also see Natural Ayurvedic Herbal Cure for Diabetes.
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Monday, 8. March 2010
Diabetes is growing at an epidemic pace in the United States, there is no arguing that. Over 20 million Americans have diabetes, with 6 million of them not even knowing it.
Unfortunately, many people have no idea what diabetes really is, or what symptoms to look for. Diabetes is a serious health issue. It’s the sixth leading cause of death in this country, and there is no cure for Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes at this time. Here’s a quick diabetes for dummy overlook to help you better understand.
How do people get diabetes?
When we eat any kind of food, our body takes that food and turns it into energy, or better said, into sugar while digesting it. This is what gives us the energy we need to survive. And during this process, insulin is produced from our pancreas which controls the sugar in our bloodstream. This entire process is what keeps our body healthy.
Without the pancreas producing this insulin, the sugar will stay in our blood and begin to create serious health issues. High blood sugar can cause blindness, kidney failure, nerve damage, and other organ function problems. And without treating high blood sugar, it can be fatal. In diabetes for dummy’s, it is vital to get tested regularly to make sure your normal blood sugar levels are safe.
What types of diabetes are there?
Type 1 Diabetes – This type of diabetes usually is associated with adolescents and children. Type 1 Diabetes is found in approximately 1 in every 400-600 children. Type 1 Diabetes occurs when the immune system destroys the cells that the pancreas makes into insulin.
Type 1 Diabetes patients have to have daily insulin injections in order to survive. There is no known cure yet, but new methods are on the horizon.
Type 2 Diabetes – This type of diabetes is the most common, occurring in 90-95% of all cases. With Type 2 Diabetes, the pancreas simply can not continue to produce the insulin that is required, or the cells just don’t respond to the insulin any longer. Most of the time, Type 2 Diabetes can be controlled through a proper diet and exercise plan. But, if that fails, oral medication can be prescribed to get it under control.
Gestational Diabetes – This form of diabetes is only found pregnant women. It is similar to Type 2 diabetes and it usually occurs in 2-7% of all pregnancies. Gestational diabetes is caused from the pancreas not being able to keep up with the required amount of insulin to control the glucose level. Gestational diabetes will usually go away after a pregnancy, but there is an increased risk of both mother and baby becoming diabetic later on in life.
Tests for Gestational Diabetes are usually done around the 26th week of pregnancy, which is the time insulin resistance usually starts.
Pre-Diabetes – This is also called borderline diabetes. Pre-Diabetes is diagnosed when patients are showing the signs of having high blood sugar levels and are starting to have trouble in keeping them down. One of the most important facts to realize in diabetes for dummy’s is that over 40 million people have Pre-Diabetes. That is astounding. If left untreated, Pre-Diabetes will almost always turn into Type 2 Diabetes. Anyone with Pre-Diabetes needs to change their diet and start on an exercise program. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Also, have your blood sugar levels checked frequently.
As mentioned earlier, there is no known cure for Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes. The only option available to anyone with Type 1 Diabetes is to have a pancreas transplant. But, that is not a great option with the possibilities of other problems arising such as the body rejecting the new pancreas, not to mention the surgery itself. Science is working feverishly on new ways of treating diabetes including the transplanting of insulin producing cells within the pancreas, and even making an artificial pancreas.
There are even efforts to produce an inhalation device that puts out insulin instead of having to have daily injections. These advancements are on the horizon and will be available in the not too distant future. In the meantime, diabetes for dummy says to check your blood sugar levels, and know what they are. You only have one body and we all need to take care of it as best we can.
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Monday, 8. March 2010
Diabetes can be controlled effectively by taking exercise regularly and eating a healthy diet. The two main issues that need to be considered by anyone on a diabetic diet are sugar and fat intake. Constant weight monitoring is essential to prevent excessive weight gain as this can contribute to a number of problems.
Medication, Exercise and a Diabetic Diet
There is medical evidence that regular exercise can actually help prevent a person contracting diabetes as well as controlling it. The muscles in the body use up glucose during exercise, which leads to a reduction in the overall levels of sugar in the blood. The minimum recommended amount of exercise for it to be effective is 20 minutes taken three times a week. It is important to consult your medical practitioner before you take up a new form of exercise, especially if you have existing health problems apart from diabetes.
Exercise, on its own, is not sufficient to help control diabetes, which means that a diabetic diet should also be followed. Much of the advice that a dietician will give regarding a healthy diet applies to both diabetics and non-diabetics alike. The key is moderation in all things. However, a diabetic diet does have an emphasis on reducing the amount of sugary foods, especially cakes and cookies, and increasing the complex carbohydrate intake by eating more brown rice and whole-grain foods.
Medication is often not necessary to control diabetes as regular exercise and a diabetic diet is sufficiently effective. There are some diabetics for whom this is not enough and medication is needed. The majority of diabetic medications are taken orally. A diabetic may be prescribed one medication or a combination of different medications to properly control their diabetes.
The five main classifications of diabetic medication that may be prescribed are:
Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors
This group of diabetic medications slow down the rate at which sugar is absorbed in the digestive tract. However, it is rarely prescribed on its own as it has potentially serious side effects, including stomach and bowel problems.
Biguanides
Overweight diabetics are most likely to be prescribed this form of diabetic medication as it can help with controlling their weight as well as their diabetes. They cause the insulin to be used more effectively by the body than normal. Side effects are normally minor but can include nausea and diarrhoea. Biguanides can be prescribed on its own or combined with other medication.
Meglitinides
This types of diabetic medication is particularly effective for maintaining low blood sugar levels after eating, especially if a diabetic diet is being followed. The tablets are taken with food and have few, if any, side effects.
Sulfonylureas
By far the most frequently prescribed type of diabetes medication, this helps with insulin production in the body. Although there are few side effects for most people they cannot be taken by anyone with a sulpha medication allergy.
Thiazolidinediones
Perhaps the least used type of diabetic medication, this increases the sensitivity of cells to insulin. There are few or no known side effects with this form of medication.
The majority of diabetes can be controlled by taking one or more of the above oral medications. However, there may be cases where diabetics need to inject insulin. This is especially the case if the pancreas has ceased producing insulin completely as in Type 2 diabetes.
Effective diabetes management can usually be achieved by adhering to a sensible diabetic diet and exercise on a regular basis. In fact, this is often sufficient for most diabetics. It is important to consult with your medical practitioner on a regular basis and monitor your blood sugar levels. He can prescribe some of the many diabetic medications, if necessary. If you are in any doubt whatsoever regarding meal plans for a good diabetic diet or anything else related to your diabetes, you should always seek medical advice. However, the internet has a wealth of articles that you can read to keep yourself well informed about your condition.
Summary:
Exercise, on its own, is not sufficient to help control diabetes, which means that a diabetic diet should also be followed. Much of the advice that a dietician will give regarding a healthy diet applies to both diabetics and non-diabetics alike. The key is moderation in all things.
Brooke Hayles
Check Out More Helpful Information About Diabetic Diet For FREE!
Visit Diabetic Diet Vault now!
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Sunday, 7. March 2010
Improper nutrition does contribute to the development of diabetes, but proper nutrition can be a powerful treatment for this disease. (1) This disease is so closely related to diet and nutrition; scientists have studied how nutritional supplements can effectively treat diabetes. In researching vitamin supplements, researchers have found that many vitamins and herbs can effectively help lower blood sugar. Some of these supplements are vitamin C, B vitamins, minerals like chromium and vanadyl sulfate, and herbs like Gymnema Sylvestre can all help lower blood sugar. If one combines these supplements together, they can synergistically work together to lower blood sugar. First let’s look at what diabetes is and then we can discuss how these supplements work.
The foods we eat are digested and broken down into simpler forms; most carbohydrates are broken down into sugar also known as glucose. These sugars are absorbed through the intestinal tract into the bloodstream where it is circulated through out the body to feed cells.
Insulin is a hormone released by the pancreas. The pancreas is a long skinny organ that sits behind the stomach adding enzymes into the digested food. Insulin helps deliver nutrients and sugar from the bloodstream into cells where it is needed. The sugar supplies energy to various organs such as the heart and lungs; for example the heart beats and lungs breathe which keep us alive as a result of sugar’s energy supply. (2,3)
There are two classes of diabetes type I and type II. Type I diabetes is sometimes called insulin dependent, juvenile or child onset diabetes. This type usually starts at a very early age and the pancreas stops producing insulin. When the body does not make insulin, the sugar stays in the bloodstream instead of going into the cells where it’s needed. This can be fatal, so a person with type I diabetes needs a shot of insulin every day for his/her body to function properly (to stay alive).
Type II diabetes usually starts in adults and is the most common kind of diabetes in America. Most people who have diabetes have type II, that’s about 90% -95% of all diabetics in America. In this type of diabetes, the pancreas is producing enough insulin but the body doesn’t use the insulin effectively. This is called insulin resistance, cells in the body do not respond to the insulin and so the pancreas produces more and more insulin to over compensate this resistance. When blood sugar starts to raise in the bloodstream in this manner, the medical doctor (MD) will diagnose type II diabetes. Most type II diabetics need a prescription drug to lower the blood sugar because a diet change isn’t enough to control their blood sugar problem. (4)
In both cases, the blood sugar is too high in the bloodstream and will cause several problems. The first problem is cells cannot absorb sugar for energy; they starve and start to die. Secondly an excess amount of sugar in the blood leads to cardiovascular disease, hardening of the arteries, nerve and eye damage, and kidney damage.
Scientists are not exactly sure what causes type I diabetes, but they do know it has something to do with the immune system. A healthy immune system protects us from the common cold and cancer cells (cells in the body that go bad). The immune system can becomes confused and starts attacking good cells, in some cases, the healthy cells in the pancreas that produce insulin, which causes diabetes. (4)
Type II diabetes has been linked to individuals who are overweight. These overweight individuals have high blood pressure and high cholesterol as well which may also lead to this form of diabetes. Being overweight causes the body to become insulin resistant and by dropping some excess weight one could possibly reverse type II diabetes (rare).
If you think you have diabetes, you should look for the following symptoms. Type I diabetics usually have frequent urination because of the high blood sugar; the kidneys are trying to balance the body’s bloodstream. The kidneys are forced to eliminate all the unused nutrients and sugar in the blood over working the kidneys and if left unchecked can lead to kidney damage. If you experience intense thirst, your body is trying to replace the liquids lost from frequent urination. You may experience increased hunger but you will not gain weight when you do eat more. This is because your body’s cells need more nutrients, but since these cells can not absorb the insulin and nutrients the body starves.
With type II diabetes you might not notice any symptoms. Type II diabetes usually happens very gradually and the person doesn’t know about it till diabetic complications occur, then it’s too late. (3,4)
All diabetic complications are caused from high blood sugar. The longer the blood sugar goes unchecked the greater your chances of having complications. High blood sugar causes cardiovascular disease. The blood vessels begin to thicken from excess fat in the bloodstream because high blood sugar elevates the fat circulating in the blood. When the vessels thicken circulation becomes poor and with poor circulation your ability to heal is impaired. Heart attack, heart pain, and stroke are common in diabetics because of poor circulation and blocked arteries form all the fat buildup in the blood vessels.
Nerve damage is another complication of diabetes. Diabetics may notice numbness in their arms and legs because of nerve damage caused from high blood sugar. These nerves can not send signals to the brain relaying pain and touching sensations. Most diabetics will notice numbness in the feet and lower legs before other parts of the body are effected. (3,4)
The next complication is eye damage. A more sever complication because going blind is not pleasant for anyone. The eye has very small delicate vessels in the retina, these vessels help you see when light shines upon them in the eye. When blood vessels are weakened, they can hemorrhage and leak fluid into the eye. This causes swelling and blurs the vision. There is a clear gel in the eye keeping it solid and round, if blood leaks into this gel, your vision can become blurred or completely impaired. As the eye continues to get damaged, the eye will attempt to repair itself by growing new vessels. These new vessels are fragile and can burst. Scar tissue can form and cause the retina to pull away from the eye, worst case causing blindness. (3,4)
Blood vessels network throughout the entire body. Your kidneys are made up of vessels and can become damaged as well. If the vessels in the kidneys become impaired, waste cannot be eliminated from the body and a form of treatment called dialysis might be required. If blood sugar is not kept under control, damage to the kidneys will continue to the point where a transplant might be needed or daily dialysis is required to remove waste from the bloodstream. The good news is practically all of the complications that occur with diabetes can be prevented when the right care is taken.
With proper diet and nutrition one can successfully prevent diabetic complications. Along with diet and nutrition, vitamins, minerals and herbs can also help lower blood sugar and reduce the complications that may occur. The best kind of supplement is one that combines vitamins and herbs together so that they work together synergistically to effectively lower blood sugar. You might be wondering what vitamins, minerals and herbs are good for blood sugar, your in luck here is a list:
Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin B-6, Folic Acid, Vitamin B-12, Biotin, Magnesium, Zinc, Selenium, Copper, Manganese, Chromium, Gymnema Sylvestre, Bitter melon, Fenugreek seed extract, Bilberry berry extract, Bioflavonoids, and Vanadyl Sulfate. Make sure most of these ingredients are in the formula you buy. The frequency at which you take these supplements should be listed on the bottle you buy as well. As a rule of thumb they should be taken at least twice a day. Do not stop taking your normal multiple vitamin supplement; diabetic formulas are a complement to what you currently take not a replacement.
Vitamin C (ascorbic Acid) – keeps diabetics blood vessels and kidneys healthy. Vitamin C works with vitamin E to get sugar out of the blood stream and into the cells.
Vitamin E (Natural Tocopherols) – helps prevent nerve damage, helps prevent kidney damage, blindness, and heart attack. Vitamin E works with the B vitamins to help keep the pancreas healthy.
Vitamin B-6 (pyridoxine HCL) – works with folic acid to help prevent nerve damage and heart attack.
Folic Acid – works with B-12 to help prevent stroke and the loss of limbs due to diabetic complications.
Vitamin B-12 (cyanocobalamin) – works with B-6 and folic acid to help relieve neuropathic pain.
Biotin – helps insulin work better and helps keep the pancreas working well to lower blood sugar.
Magnesium (Krebs Cycle Chelate) – helps insulin work more effectively and relieves neuropathic pain.
Zinc (picolinate, chelate) – helps insulin work better and helps shuttle blood sugar into cells.
Selenium (aspartate) – helps prevent nerve damage and protects blood vessels against elevated blood sugar. Selenium mimics insulin helping blood sugar into the cells.
Copper (picolinate) – helps protect the cells that produce insulin in the pancreas. Also, copper helps prevent diabetes-related damage to blood vessels and nerves, and lowers blood sugar levels.
Manganese – helps prevent damage to nerves and blood vessels.
Chromium (picolinate) – works with biotin to help bring down blood sugar and keeps the pancreas working well.
Gymnema Sylvestre leaf extract – helps balance blood sugar and may protect us from gaining weight.
Bitter melon whole fruit extract – helps pathways in the liver work more efficiently; lowers blood sugar levels.
Fenugreek seed extract – helps our kidneys and liver metabolize blood sugar more efficiently.
Bilberry berry extract – helps reduce the severity of diabetic cataracts.
Mixed bioflavonoids – helps protect vitamin C and E from becoming damaged. Helps clear and sharpen vision in diabetics.
Vanadyl sulfate – helps muscle and liver cells use insulin more effectively.
These supplements will not lower your blood sugar too much, but help bring them down to a more normal level. Diabetes is a disease that needs to be monitored daily several times throughout the day. When you start taking a diabetic supplement to help equalize your blood sugar, monitor your sugar levels more often at first so you can get a feel for where you sugar levels come down to before taking more insulin. A normal range of blood sugar for diabetics before a meal is 70 – 150 (1,2,5) and ideally 70 – 120.
The diabetic formula you may take for lowering blood sugar is by no means a license to eat any way you want. You still need to eat healthy and see your health practitioner on a regular basis. Diabetes might make you feel overwhelmed, especially if you have recently been diagnosed with it. With proper exercise, diet, and vitamin supplements you can be well on your way to a lower more manageable blood sugar level, and live a longer healthier life.
References:
1. American Diabetes Association. In the news. Available at: www.ada.yellowbrix.com/pages/ada. Accessed on December 10, 2001.
2. Guven S, Kuenzi J. Diabetes mellitus. In: Porth CM. Pathophysiology: Concepts of Altered Health States. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Lippincott; 1998: 810-830.
3. Guyton AC, Hall JE. Diabetes mellitus. In: Textbook of Medical Physiology. 10th Ed. Philadelphia, Pa: W.B. Saunders Company;2000: .
4. Grodner M, Anderson SL, DeYoung S. Diabetes mellitus. In: Foundations and Clinical Applications of Nutrition: A Nursing Approach. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2000:540-548.
5. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Do your level best. Available at: www.niddk.nih.gov/health/diabetes/dylb/chap1.htm#e. Accessed December 31, 2001.
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