aboutdiabetescure

Fasting and Diabetes

2008-03-15T02:00:00.001-07:00

People fast for many reasons. Some people like to take a day off from eating after the holidays to give their digestive system a break. Some people fast to lose weight. Many people fast for religious reasons.

Any fast that lasts for a long period of time is dangerous, whether you have diabetes or not. If a fast lasts more than a week, you run the risk of your body breaking down muscle to get the amino acids it so desperately needs. Long term fasting can also damage your heart, liver, and kidneys.

When you have diabetes, one of the best ways to control your blood sugar is to eat carefully planned meals at carefully planned times. If you eat too much at one meal or skip eating, it can send your blood sugar levels out of control and cause you many problems. Fasting is not good for the diabetic because it means going for long periods of time without any food in your stomach. Even taking medication won't help you to completely combat the havoc this plays with your blood sugar.

Whatever reason a healthy person chooses to fast for a short period of time, it usually isn't harmful, but when someone with diabetes goes on a fast, they can damage their health. For many people with diabetes, practicing their faith is very hard, when their faith includes fasting.

Many religions do exclude those with health conditions, such as diabetes from fasting. Some religions have even modified the way a fast is practiced so that diabetics can participate. If you want to fast and your faith allows for you to practice a modified fast, under a doctor's supervision you can partake in your religious fast.

Perhaps the best known fast of any religion is the fasting that Muslims do during Ramadan. During this holy month all Muslims practice a fast which consists of abstaining from food during daylight hours. Many Muslims that have diabetes, choose to fast during Ramadan and under the supervision of a doctor, it can be safely done.

If possible, consume your meal or part of your meal just before sunrise, helping to spread out the time it takes to metabolize your food. Make sure that you eat a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, and yogurt. Make sure that any drinks you consume are low calorie and sugar free.

What You Should Do for Diabetes Treatment

2008-03-13T02:00:00.001-07:00

Today, being diagnosed with diabetes does not mean what it used to. For many people, before more was learned about diabetes and how to best treat the condition, there weren't many options. Today there are many types of diabetes treatment that may be suitable for you, some may include medication, while others may not.

The best thing for you to do is talk with your doctor. It may be possible to seek diabetes treatment without having to deal with injection and medication. It particularly depends on the type of diabetes you have, the causes, and your current status.

One diabetes treatment and prevention factor is diet and exercise. The habits you develop with regard to exercise and diet can dramatically improve diabetes, minimize complications, and control your blood sugar. The best thing about diet and exercise as a diabetes treatment is that it can also prevent diabetes in some cases as well.

Your diet should consist of regular balanced meals that contain little sugar, little saturated fat, and a great amount of healthy fiber. It is further important to keep the diet consistent. This means that you should be consuming about the same levels of calories throughout each day, this allows you to control your blood sugar and keep it at the appropriate level for your body.

Along with diet, exercise is important as well to diabetes treatment. Any form of regular exercise is great for your body and your diabetes. You should exercise at least three times weekly for twenty minutes each time. Walking, jogging, or other exercise is extremely beneficial. However, before starting any exercise program, you should first consult your physician for approval. Doing exercises could be detrimental to your health, if done inappropriately.

Other types of medication include Avandia, Actos, Prandin, Glyset, Precose, Glucophage, Micronase, and Glucotrol. All of these work in different ways to absorb, produce, or use insulin within the body.

It is important to your diabetes treatment to consistently monitor your blood sugar levels. You should check your blood before eating and before going to bed. The results should be recorded within a personal diabetes treatment logbook.

Not only should the results of your blood sugar level test be recorded, but you should also record various other things such as medication doses, what and when you have eaten during the day, how long and what times you exercised that day, and if you have had results too low or too high, then how they were treated.

Be involved in your diabetes treatment and take the necessary steps to ensure you live a long, high quality life, even with diabetes.

Exercise Lowers Diabetes Risk - But See a Doctor First

2008-03-11T02:00:00.001-07:00

Are you over 35 years of age? Do you have type 2 diabetes mellitus? Are you at high-risk for cardiovascular disease? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you should consider beginning an exercise program.

Although there are many drugs available to treat diabetes and vascular complications, exercise has been demonstrated to be a safe, effective method to reduce risk of heart disease and diabetic complications. Findings from clinical studies also suggest that physical activity may delay or prevent the development of type 2 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a chronic medical condition that is associated with many risk factors for heart attack including elevated glucose, high blood pressure, high LDL ("bad") cholesterol, and low HDL ("good") cholesterol.

People with diabetes are often (but not always) overweight. Scientists and doctors have learned over the years that if people exercise, they can gain better control of their glucose levels, improve blood pressure and cholesterol levels, decrease risk of a heart attack, and live a longer, healthier life.

However, there are special considerations for people with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes who are going to begin an exercise program. The American Diabetes Association recommends that people with diabetes undergo a comprehensive medical evaluation with diagnostic studies before embarking on a fitness program.

If you have diabetes and one or more of the following risk factors, your physician may recommend an exercise stress test before starting your exercise program:

Age 35 or older
Age 25 or older and have had type 2 diabetes for over 10 years or type 1 diabetes for over 15 years
Any risk factor for coronary artery disease
Proliferative retinopathy or nephropathy
Peripheral vascular disease

Scientists have recognized that people with diabetes and an abnormal stress test are at higher risk for dying and having a heart attack in the future. Therefore it is important that you consult a physician before beginning an exercise program.

How To Recognize Type 2 Diabetes Symptoms

2008-03-09T01:00:00.001-08:00

The chronic condition associated with the way the body metabolizes glucose (sugar) is called diabetes. When the disease surfaces in adults or involves non-insulin dependency, this form of the condition is known as type 2 diabetes. Although type 2 diabetes is often preventable, an increasing amount of people is developing diabetes symptom and signs, as a result of a growing obesity problem throughout the United States.

Type 2 diabetes is resistant to the effects of insulin, which plays an important role in the regulation of sugar absorption within the body. Others produce some insulin, but not enough to sustain a desirable glucose level. When left untreated, the outcome of type 2 diabetes can threaten your life. That is why it is vital to know what a diabetes symptom is and how to effectively manage or prevent the condition. While some people are able to control their type 2 diabetes with a balanced diet and routine exercise, others require medication or insulin therapy to reach acceptable levels of blood sugar.

When Left Untreated

With type 2 diabetes, there are both short-term and long-term complications that influence the overall health of a diabetic. Some people will ignore an early diabetes symptom, especially when they feel fine for most of the time. Silently, the condition attacks major organs, such as the heart, nerves, eyes, and kidneys. Short-term complications associated with type 2 diabetes include hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), increased ketones in urine, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), and dizziness. When ignored, a patient may suffer seizures or lose consciousness and enter into a coma.

Long-term type 2 diabetes complications sometimes causes disability and in the worst cases – death. A few common examples include heart and blood vessel disease, neuropathy (nerve damage), nephropathy (kidney damage), eye damage (blindness), foot damage, poor blood flow, skin and mouth concerns (bacterial infections), osteoporosis (low bone density), and Alzheimer's disease.

What is a Common Diabetes Symptom?

While the first sign of a type 2 diabetes symptom seems undisruptive at first, these signs may plague your health and body for many years without the clear indication that you are suffering a serious medical condition. Some of the common type 2 diabetes symptoms include:

Increase in Thirst: As excessive amounts of sugar accumulate in the bloodstream, fluid is pulled from the tissues, often leaving a patient thirsty.

Frequent Urination: As a type 2 diabetic becomes increasingly thirsty, they may drink more than usual, which causes them to urinate more frequently.

Increased Appetite: When type 2 diabetes causes a deficit in insulin (which is responsible for moving sugar into the cell), the organs and muscles in the body lose energy. This process causes an intense hunger to surface, which may continue even after a meal is eaten.

Weight Loss: Type 2 diabetics are known to lose weight, even if they have increased the amount of food they eat on a regular basis. This diabetes symptom is caused when energy sugar supplies are so low that muscle tissues and fat storage shrinks.

Fatigue: When the cells lack a reasonable amount of sugar, an individual may become tired and cranky.

Vision Problems: Type 2 diabetes may cause a blurring of the vision when blood sugar levels are too high and the fluid pulled from tissues affects the lenses of the eyes. Some victims are also unable to effectively focus as a result.

Infections and Slow-Healing Wounds: The ability to heal and combat infections is affected with type 2 diabetes. In women, they may suffer an increase in the number of bladder and vaginal infections.

Keep in mind that just because you may exhibit one or more of these diabetes symptoms does not automatically mean you have diabetes. But if the symptoms persist, it may be worth the effort to check with your doctor.

Bitter Melon Benefits and Uses - A Treatment for Diabetes

2008-03-08T02:00:00.001-08:00

It's 7:00am (you've been up for an hour already), you've cooked breakfast for the family, made the kids' lunches, done a load of laundry, cleaned up the kitchen and living room, and you're ready to start the day! Sound familiar? Well, I know you're busy, so I'll give you a hand with some of your errands!

Making this one errand to the grocery store is the most important errand. Do you want to know what's on the shopping list? Bitter melon. Okay, you're thinking you have to make time out of your busy schedule to go get something at the grocery store called bitter melon. Once I share some quick and easy recipes, your favorite vegetable will be bitter melon.

First let's look at what bitter melon is. Bitter melon is an herb that helps regulate blood sugar levels and keeps the body's functions normal. Bitter melon can be found in the countries of Asia, East Africa, and South America.

Why is bitter melon a good choice to eat? Bitter melon has so many benefits because it has twice the beta-carotene than broccoli, twice the calcium of spinach, twice the potassium of bananas, and has vitamins C, B1, B2, B3, phosphorus and fiber. Wow! Something simple and delicious as bitter melon! Bitter melon has medicinal uses, as well as having a pleasant taste such as:

• Aids diabetics

• Controls blood sugar levels

• Cures Psoriasis

• Decreases cholesterol

• Fights cancer

• Fights leukemia

• Helps heal infections

So, how does bitter melon work as a treatment for diabetes and help other medical problems?

You're at one of the many Asian grocery stores that carry bitter melon and you want to buy bitter melon. Here's what to look for when purchasing bitter melon:

• For fresh bitter melon, look for the ones that are pale green or yellow. Don't buy the orange ones because they're too old.

1. Slice the unpeeled fruit lengthwise

2. Remove the seeds

3. Cut it into thin slices

You have four great ways you can eat bitter melon to ensure that you're getting the proper nutrition:

1. Boiled

2. Capsules

3. Tablets

4. Tea

The Main Course

Bitter Melon Curried in Mustard Sauce

Bitter Melon Soup in Sparerib Broth

Bitter Melon Stir-fry

Bitter Melon Tea

Bitter Melon with Lentils

Fried Bitter Melon

Mashed Bitter Melon

Steamed Stuffed Bitter Melon

Stir-fried Lamb with Bitter Melon and Black Beans

Top 11 Ways to Tell if You Have Diabetes

2008-03-06T02:00:00.001-08:00

It is not rocket science to detect when you are suffering from diabetes. There are certain alarms one may use as a guide to detect this deadly infirmity. Among others here is the top eleven ways to rule out whether or not you are an increment in the ever so growing population of diabetics.

1. Are you suddenly losing weight Your weight has great relation to whether or not you have diabetes. Most diabetics are usually overweight. However, when one has diabetes weight loss occurs. This may result from use of fat and proteins stores for energy utilization.

2. Do you suffer from polyuria (frequent urination) One of the trademarks of diabetes is frequent urination. This symptom presents itself because on the body's inability to reabsorb water into body. The kidney keeps releasing water because of the osmotic activity related to high glucose levels.

4. Do you have the dire need to eat, always hungry

A person with diabetes may be compelled to eating as a result of tissue breakdown and wasting that occur. One is in a state of starvation when left at the mercy of diabetes.

These are the four signs that cannot be exempted from the diabetic's rocky road. These are the number one detours which expels you from the non diabetic highway, the cardinal signs of diabetes. If you have experienced these signs most probably you are now a potential buyer of the unsatisfactory good, diabetes. The seven other symptoms are the top symptoms one would experience after these cardinal signs they are:

5. Blurred vision

6. Puritis (itching of the skin)

7. numbness in extremities

8. slow healing of wounds

9. vaginal yeast infection

10. fatigue

11. irritability and changes in ones mood

These may seem harmless or more so unrelated to the disease, however, this is the underlying reason why diabetes is so under diagnosed. This neglect in detecting diabetes worsens a person's condition. Early detection of diabetes is the best way and one may add only way to curb its many complications. With this efficient guide one is readily equipped to diagnose the life threatening disorder diabetes.

Insulin - A Beginner's Guide to The Basics

2008-03-04T02:00:00.001-08:00

You just received the news that your doctor is adding insulin to your diabetes treatment plan. The use of insulin to control your diabetes can be confusing and intimidating. It doesn't have to be. Using insulin is a positive experience because it helps you to manage your diabetes.

The first thing to remember is that insulin is not a punishment in any form. If you are using insulin, it is because insulin is absent from your body, or your body still makes insulin but it is not enough. Sometimes oral meds are no longer working, so insulin is added to your treatment plan. Your doctor will discuss your dosing requirements with you.

Insulin injections are nothing to be afraid of, even for people that are fearful of needles. Modern technology has made the needles so small and thin that the insulin injection is rarely felt. Used correctly in conjunction with your meal plan and exercise, insulin can give you excellent control.

There are many different guides on how to self administer an insulin injection, so this topic won't be covered in this guide. The basics of using insulin are simple, and require knowledge of how insulin works which your doctor should explain to you. Insulin use also requires knowledge of insulin delivery systems, and insulin supplies that will help make your life with insulin a breeze.

Insulin delivery

Insulin delivery systems are a matter of need and choice. Insulin users that have insulin pumps as their delivery system have much different guidelines that won't be covered here. The focus of insulin delivery systems for this article will be on syringes, insulin pens, jet injectors and inhaled insulin.

Dosage amount and syringe size

Insulin syringes and needles come in different sizes. The amount of your insulin dose determines the size of the syringe that you will need to use. If you are taking 30 units or less, a 3/10 cc (30 unit) syringe will work. If you are taking 31 to 50 units, 1/2 cc syringe (50 unit) will be needed. If your dose is 51 units or more, a 1 cc (100 unit) syringe will be necessary. The needle sizes vary for each syringe size. Syringes may be purchased from a pharmacy.

Insulin syringes are disposable, and should be discarded after one use. A bio hazardous container such as a sharps container will be needed to hold discarded syringes. These containers can be obtained from some waste disposal services, and may purchased from any pharmacy. Disposal of sharps containers requires special handling. Your doctor, diabetes educator, or pharmacy should be able to tell you where sharps can be disposed of in your area.

Insulin Vials

Liquid insulin comes in vials and insulin pens. Vials are stored in the refrigerator until use, and are discarded after the insulin is used up, or after 28 days, whichever comes first. Vials hold various amounts of insulin depending on the brand. Insulin is drawn up into the syringe from the vial and can be injected into several areas of the body, usually the thigh or abdomen. Most types of insulin require a prescription.

Insulin pens

Insulin pens are a convenient way to administer insulin. An insulin pen looks like an oversized ink pen, and uses disposable needles. There are two different types of pens. One type is prefilled with 300 units of insulin. The prefilled pen is discarded after the insulin is used up or after 28 days, the same as for vials. The other type uses insulin cartridges, and the cartridges are changed using the same schedule that is used for prefilled pens. Insulin pens are not refrigerated after the first use.

Another insulin delivery device that falls into the insulin pen category is called the InnoLet. This device looks like a kitchen timer with a big dial. The InnoLet holds 300 units of insulin and is very handy for people with visual difficulties.

Jet Injectors

Inhaled Insulin

Diabetes supplies

After you decide which insulin delivery system you will be using, a carrying case will be needed to carry your insulin, meter and other necessary items. A multitude of diabetes products are on the market to accommodate your needs. Choosing the right products will make the time that you spend on diabetes management more productive. The best way to locate diabetes products is to search for them online, or look in diabetes magazines.

It is important for insulin users to carry a meter and glucose tablets at all times. Insulin can cause "lows" which can lead to unconsciousness if not treated promptly. Insulin users also have to test more frequently than non-insulin users.

Now that you have the insulin basics, you should be confident that you can use insulin proficiently and painlessly as part of your treatment plan. Discuss with your doctor which insulin delivery method is best for you, and start on the road to better diabetes control.

Diabetes - The Emotional Side

2008-03-02T02:00:00.001-08:00

Looking back nearly fifteen years ago when I first suspected I had diabetes, several emotions played a rather substantial part in my disease's development. Any one of them at any given time could have made the disease much worse and made my life in general worse.

The physical aspects of diabetes are well chronicled. The emotional aspects maybe not so well. Here is a partial list of the emotions I experienced and the impact they had on me.

DENIAL. When I first was told I had diabetes this was the first emotion I had. Maybe it was the nonchalant way the Dr. told me I had the disease in my life. He didn't handle it very well which set the stage for my feelings. Those feelings only prolonged my getting control of the disease. Getting control of diabetes at an early stage of development is critical.

ANGER. The next emotion I remember having was anger. After the news set in and I began to get a grip on my situation I was mad. Mad at my Dr., mad at GOD, just mad at everything for getting my simple life so complicated. Mad at my new disease for turning my life up side down in my very prime.

WITHDRAWAL. I have always been an outgoing type. The retail food biz sort of demands that. When I got the news of my new disease (looking back in hindsight) I can see how slowly I began to withdraw and become more introverted. My personality slowly started changing as well. I became more serious and less fun loving.

DEPRESSION. Without sounding overly dramatic, there were/are times when I became depressed with my newfound disease. All the changes I had to make in my diet; the long list of meds arising from complications; the never ending (for me ) battle of weight loss; the stress of knowing the complications that can develop from my inaction; the list goes on.

Those were the major emotions I experienced-there are others. What to do about it?
The most important thing is to have a great support team surrounding you-family, spouse, doctor, nutritionist, etc. all those who can provide the emotional support you will need to cope with this disease. There are support groups at most hospitals that may help too.

The next thing is to know as much as you can about the disease. Only thru knowledge can you have any chance of success in fighting this horrific disease.

Find out more about this terrible disease at the link below for Diabetes. It contains useful information that will help all with this terrible disease.

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

The Prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes

2008-03-01T02:00:00.001-08:00

The origin of type 2 diabetes is unknown at this time, but factors contributing to it's appearance are tied to diet, activity and hereditary tendencies. It may well be that a person is genetically disposed to developing type 2 diabetes. This type is more of a problem than type 1, but is somewhat easier to treat due to the non-dependency on insulin. However, as age increases, the production of natural insulin decreases and the condition moves into type 1 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes is widespread in the developed world with an increasing rate of occurrence in other countries and regions of the world. It is so prevalent that the CDC (Center for Disease Control) has declared the increase an epidemic.

The onset of type 2 diabetes usually occurs in middle age and later stages of life. Noticeable symptoms include failure of wounds to heal, renal (kidney) failure, blindness and coronary heart disease in severe cases. For this reason, type 2 diabetes is somewhat more serious in nature although there is an equal rate of mortality in both types.

Diabetes type 2 is both progressive and chronic with no known cure. Treatment of this condition has a dual purpose:

1. To reduce the mortality possibilities and stem the morbidity of the disease.

2. Sustain the quality of the patient's life.

Dietary management has a key role in not only preventing the onset of diabetes, but also managing it after it has manifested. Caloric content is found to be not so major a factor as what types of foods are taken in. After exhaustive studies, it was discovered that vegan diets and some natural spices (strangely enough, those found in apple pie) are beneficial.

While the origins of both types of diabetes are unknown, there are factors that contribute to the onset. These include, but are not limited to, morbid obesity, consumption of greasy or sugary foods, lack of activity and a general lackadaisical attitude toward ones health.

Type 2 diabetes is known to be responsible for numerous maladies like heart attacks, strokes, blindness and paralysis. The health of the patient takes a noted downturn when diabetes rears it's ugly head.

Developing type 2 diabetes is not the end of the world, but speed is of the essence in diagnosis and treatment.
If you notice any symptoms that you think may be diabetes related, consult a physician immediately.

Gymnema Sylvestre, Sugar Metabolism And Diabetes

2008-02-28T02:00:00.001-08:00

Gurmar is a common name of Gymnema sylvestre, meaning 'sugar destroyer'. Studies show that Gymnema sylvestre not only reduces the taste of sweetness, but also reduces sugar absorption from the gut into the body.

Gymnema Sylvestre And Diabetes

Anything which can help the body to produce more of its own insulin is to be welcomed. In studies, Gymnema has been identified as a herb which can certainly assist in the management of diabetes.

Gymnema has several properties which lends it to helping blood sugar management. It:

- Reduces sugar absorbed from food in the intestines

- Stimulates insulin production

- It appears to build pancreatic beta cells, which produce insulin

- Finally, taking Gymnema drops on the tongue dulls the sense of taste for sweet foods.

Some benefits from Gymnema have been reported for Type 1 diabetes, but most research has been done on Type 2 diabetes - the 'maturity onset' type.

K, Kizar-Ahamath B, Shanmugasundaram MR, Shanmugasundaram ERB. Antidiabetic effect of leaf extract from Gymnema sylvestre in non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus patients. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 1990;30(3):295-300.

Healthnotes, a reliable science based herbal assessment website says of Gymnema sylvestre:

"Gymnema sylvestre has been used in India for the treatment of diabetes for over 2,000 years.... The hypoglycaemic (blood sugar-lowering) action of gymnema sylvestre leaves was first documented in the late 1920s. This action is attributed to members of a family of substances called gymnemic acids. Gymnema sylvestre leaves raise insulin levels, according to research in healthy volunteers."

Gymnema is a remarkable herb which can be a huge benefit both to those who truly want to cut down their consumption of sweet foods and those with blood sugar issues. Of course, if on medication you should consult your doctor before taking Gymnema: but if you have 'blood sugar lows' and are not on medication, try Gymnema.

The main treatment for low blood sugar involves a change of diet and getting more exercise: but if you do these things, Gymnema drops are a great help to have in your pocket, and Gymnema capsules can, with benefit, be taken 3 times a day for 3-6 months to help you achieve good improvements.

New Type II Diabetes Diet Drug Not More Effective Than Older Drugs, Researchers Say

2008-02-26T02:00:00.001-08:00

Is there an effective type II diabetes diet drug? When we look at questions concerning type II diabetes control, diet, drug, exercise and dietary supplements are all mentioned. There are conventional, complementary and alternative treatments for type II diabetes, all of which may be helpful, but right now, there is no cure, only treatment and control. This article was written in response to questions concerning a new type II diabetes diet drug. Here's what we learned.

In July of 2007, Johns Hopkins University published a systematic review of the comparative safety and effectiveness of drugs used to treat type II diabetes. The researchers wrote, "As newer oral diabetes agents continue to emerge on the market, comparative evidence is urgently required to guide appropriate therapy." After analyzing the data from 216 controlled trials and 2 systematic reviews that addressed the possible risks associated with type II diabetes drugs, the researchers concluded that newer more expensive drugs are not more effective than older drugs, such as Metformin.

The active ingredient in Metformin was originally derived from a plant. Opponents of herbal remedies may want to take that fact into consideration. The French lilac or Galega officinalis in botanical terminology had been used for centuries to reduce the symptoms of type II diabetes. It was first marketed in France in 1979, but did not receive FDA approval until 15 years later. It is sometimes referred to as a diabetes control diet drug, because it is particularly effective when a patient is overweight or obese. The researchers at Johns Hopkins found that most of the newer drugs caused people to gain weight.

Metformin is one of the most commonly prescribed prescription drugs in the United States. But, Actos (pioglitazone) and Avandia (rosiglitazone) are newer and some people automatically think that newer is better. The method of action of these drugs is not completely understood. It is interesting that many health care professionals object to the use of herbal and botanical remedies because their method of action is not understood. Yet, these same doctors do not object to prescribing drugs, even though they may not know how they work.

It is doubtful that anyone would want to take a type II diabetes diet drug that could cause the number of deaths associated with other diet drugs, such as the recalled Ephedra and Fen-fen. Changes in diet and increased exercise may be the safest and most effective treatments for type II diabetes, but energy levels are a problem for many diabetics. That's understandable because the real problem in diabetes is that glucose gets trapped in the bloodstream and cannot enter the cells where it would be converted to energy. Herbs, such as green tea, can help with energy levels.

Diabetic Supplies And Medicare

2008-02-24T02:00:00.001-08:00

Medicare and Diabetes

Part A Medicare covers costs like hospital bills, nursing homes and hospices. Most people eligible for Medicare get Part A for no cost.

Part B is concerned with diagnostic and screening tests and medical supplies and equipment. Most people eligible for Medicare have to pay a monthly premium to receive the benefits of Medicare Part B. However in some cases assistance can be given to people that cannot afford the monthly premium.

Screening for diabetes is free under Medicare. You may receive two tests per year for diabetes.

Medicare does not cover things like insulin, syringes, insulin pumps or diabetic medication.

Summary

Medicare is aimed at making some of the essential items for diabetes treatment available at a lower cost. It does not cover all the medication and equipment that you need however so be sure to budget for these items. Insulin and Syringes, for example can be picked up on the Internet at very reasonable prices.

Diabetes-Ignorance is Not Bliss

2008-02-23T02:00:00.001-08:00

The survey also showed that nearly 80 percent of U.S. adults don't know the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Type 1 Diabetes develops when the body's immune system destroys pancreatic beta cells, the only cells that make insulin, a hormone that regulates blood glucose. About 1 million Americans with type 1 diabetes are insulin dependent for survival.

Only half (fifty-one percent) of the survey respondents knew there were two types of diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is non-insulin-dependent diabetes. It appears mostly in older adults, but it's on the rise in younger adults due to the exploding obesity rate in the United States. Type 2 diabetes accounts for 90-95% of all diabetes cases in the U.S.

This is particularly disturbing in light of the fact that 90 % of type 2 diabetes can be prevented or reversed but can only happen if people have the knowledge of how to do it.

In the information age it seems appalling to me that so many people are ignorant of this disease which ruins so many lives not only in the United States but throughout the world.

Particularly in the case of diabetes, knowledge is the key to controlling the disease and prevention and reversing the disease as well. The drug companies and medical community needs to step up and do a better job of educating our misinformed public.

Find out more about this terrible disease at the link below for Diabetes. It contains useful information that will help all with this terrible disease.

The Importance Of Good Pre-Diabetes Information

2008-02-21T02:00:00.001-08:00

Type II diabetes has now reached epidemic proportions according to the Center for Disease Control and that means that there are literally million of people walking around today not just with type II diabetes but, more importantly, with as yet undiagnosed diabetes or diabetes which is in its early stages of development.

This early stage type II diabetes, during which blood sugar levels are elevated but not raised sufficiently to warrant a diagnosis of diabetes, is known as pre-diabetes and, although it may not appear to be of serious concern, studies show that, even at this early stage, permanent long-term damage is being done, especially to the circulatory system and to the heart. Pre-diabetes currently affects over 50 million Americans.

Testing is a fairly simple process using one of two standard tests – a fasting plasma glucose test or an oral glucose tolerance test. These tests will indicate whether your blood glucose levels are normal, pre-diabetic or diabetic.

The good news is that, if your test reveals that you are pre-diabetic then bringing your blood glucose levels back down to normal and returning your body to a good state of health and forestalling the onset of diabetes is generally quite simple.

Although medication can be used to correct pre-diabetes, tests have shown that a simple program of diet and exercise, combined if necessary with a relatively modest weight loss, can often return blood glucose levels to normal quite quickly and, as long as you maintain a healthy diet and an exercise program, there is no reason at all why your blood glucose level should not remain at normal levels for a considerable period of time. This does not of course mean that you will eliminate the risk of developing type II diabetes altogether, but it does mean that you can delay its onset and prevent early and irreparable damage to your circulatory system and heart.

When we talk about a program of weight loss and exercise here we are not talking about anything too drastic and a reduction in weight of as little as 5% to 10% and a light exercise program of say 30 minutes of brisk walking 5 times a week can be sufficient.

Pre-diabetes is a serious problem which is both easy to detect and simple to treat. All that we are really lacking at the moment is sufficient publicly available pre-diabetic information.

Diabetes - This Support Group Rocks

2008-02-19T02:00:00.001-08:00

Diabetes affects 20-22 million Americans. Millions more have it and don't know. Indirectly it affects nearly everyone.

Once you have been diagnosed with Diabetes your fight has officially begun. YOU VS. THE BIG D. It sounds like and at times feels like an unfair fight. Millions of us felt the same way. I know I did. Your first step is overcoming that feeling.

At the outset of your fight you probably feel alone and ignorant, leading to feelings of helplessness. You need help. You need support. But where do you go for that help and support?

In the good old days you used to have to rely on your doc, friends and family and what they told you. Problem was they often didn't know any more than you did.

Enter the Internet age where help, support, and knowledge are a click or two away. All you have to do is 'Google' the word Diabetes and 82,200,000 resources are available (as of today). From "Web MD" and the "American Diabetes Association" web sites, all the way to the newest blogs, they all show up there.

Then enter Manny Hernandez himself a type 1 insulin pump user since 2002. Manny wanted to take advantage of the latest in technology to help in the fight against Diabetes. He found a tool that could serve as that valuable platform for education, problem solving, and moral support-community-a social networking site.

Diabetes Exercise - Does Exercise Really Helpful in Diabetes Control?

2008-02-17T02:00:00.001-08:00

Read this article to know what type of Diabetes Exercises are useful and how they benefit.

Diabetes mellitus is a condition or metabolic disorder where the body is in problem of taking glucose from the blood and delivering it to the rest of the body so that it can be used as energy.

It is important for a person who has diabetes to consult with a physician before beginning an exercise program. It is not good for people with diabetes to skip meals at all, but particularly not previous to exercise.

While insulin has many functions in the body, four are mainly vital during or after exercise:

1) Stimulation of glucose uptake into most cells of the body

2) Reserve of glucose release from the liver

3) Inhibition of the discharge of fatty acids from storage depots

4) Facilitation of protein synthesis in the body.

Exercise is also known as physical movement and includes anything that gets you moving. Exercise causes the body to process glucose faster, which lowers blood sugar level.
So the question is what kind of Diabetes Exercise is suitable for diabetes control.

1. Aerobic exercise –

Aerobic exercise helps increases heart and breathing rate. This makes one breathe more sincerely and also makes the heart effort harder. It is fine to plan for a total of about 30 minutes a day, at least 5 days a week. Some of the examples of aerobic exercises: -

Take a fast walk either outside or on a treadmill

- Cycling

- Dance classes

- Swimming

- Jogging

- Tennis or badminton

2. Strength training –

Strength training, done numerous times a week, helps build strong bones and muscles. It can be done in following way

- You can join a gym to do strength training with weights or the alternative is to lift light weights at home

3. Flexibility exercises –

Flexibility exercises or stretching exercises helps keep joints flexible and also reduces the probability of injury during other activities. Gentle stretching for 10 to 15 minutes helps the body to warm up, as well as get prepared for aerobic activities.

4. Be on the move all through the day –

Being energetic helps burns calories. For this you can do following in daily life:

« Walk instead of driving whenever probable.

« Take the stairs in place of the elevator

« Work in the garden

Exercise will greatly help an individual with type II diabetes because of its helpful effects on insulin sensitivity. Exercise involving heavy weights may be terrible for people with blood pressure, blood vessel, or eye problems.

Diabetes Exercise, along with good nutrition, helps decrease body fat, which helps control glucose metabolism. Exercise and good nutrition provide real physical payoffs--they are essential to controlling diabetes. Exercise can help prolong your life and get better the quality of your added months and years.

Glucose levels should be tested before, and after exercise (but after 3 to 5 hours). Proper Diabetes Exercise and nutrition are the best forms of avoidance for type II diabetics.

Diabetic Food - Are You Taking The Right Food In Diabetes?

2008-02-16T02:00:00.001-08:00

In this Article I will tell you what types of foods are suitable in diabetes and why this is important.

Diabetes is a disease that results from too much sugar (glucose) in the blood, which means that your body does not have sufficient insulin available to convert food into energy. Insulin is a hormone that helps sugar enter the body's cells and maintains the level of sugar in the blood.

The main concern while monitoring diabetes is to watch that the sugar level does not cross the normal range. This means that one requires cutting down on many types of food and consuming regularly those foods, which are fine at regulating diabetes.

People with diabetes should try to manage a healthy weight and consume a diabetic food that is:

1) Low in fat quantity

2) Low in sugar quantity

3) Low in salt quantity

4) High in fruit and vegetables

5) High in starchy carbohydrate foods, such as bread, chapatti, rice.

There is no such diabetic food that diabetes patients should never eat. In addition, there is no requirement to cut out all sugar. But, people with diabetes should aim and eat only small amounts of foods that are high in sugar, fat.

What foods to eat in Diabetes?

1) People with Diabetes must take lots of fruits and vegetables in which fibre content is very high. Such type of food lessens the need for insulin, the reason being it releases energy into the body cells slowly. A high fibre diet means more chromium, which is very cooperative in the treatment of diabetes.

2) As for vegetables, onion, garlic, ginger, radish, spinach, kale, cucumber, carrot, tomato, cabbage and cucumber are outstanding in the diabetes treatment. Moong, kidney beans which have been sprouted, and unripe banana which is cooked, are also advisable.

3) Fenugreek seeds which have been soaked in water are almost fine for diabetic patients and should be included in diabetic food plan.

4) In fruits diet, you can take guava, Indian blackberry (also called jamun), fig, kiwi fruit, apples, citrus fruits and pomegranate juice. Make these things as a part of your morning breakfast. As, fruit juice is high in fructose (fruit sugar) and can cause blood sugar levels to rise rapidly, it's excellent for diabetics to drink fruit juice with a meal and avoid having more than one small glass a day.

5) Substitute white sugar with palm sugar, dates and honey, if you desire to have something sweet.

6) Fats like olive oil and peanut oil should be included in diabetes food plan.

7) You must drink plenty of water, at least 8 to 10 glasses per day.

8) Condiments such as pepper, chilli, mustard, herbs and spices

9) Raw vegetables need to be taken in large amounts, as cooked food raises the level of blood sugar quickly.

10) Eat non-fat dairy foodstuffs such as skim milk, non-fat yogurt and non-fat cheese, plain yoghurt.

11) Some herbs and vegetables are specially prescribed for diabetes, like Bitter Gourd and bitter melon juice.

What to avoid?

1) Processed foods, white sugar, white flour and junk food, must be completely avoided. Avoid sweets, glucose, fruit sugar, cakes, ice cream, chocolates and soft drinks.

2) Anything that contains unsafe preservatives and too much salt should be avoided as far as possible.

3) Avoid smoking and alcohol as far as achievable.

4) Try to give up from sweets, ice-creams and chocolates, including the so-called sugar-free kinds.

5) Foods made from white flour, rye, corn, polished rice, bread, cakes, biscuits, pies.

6) Cottage cheese

7) Avoid commercially package foods such as fast foods, chips, ready-to-eat foods, snack foods and "health foods."

Some useful tips you should remember while eating out -

• You should give preference to water and calorie-free "diet" drinks instead of regular soda, fruit mock tails, sweet tea and sugar-sweetened drinks

• You must avoid creamy toppings like mayonnaise as far as possible.

• Try to eat high-fat topping salads, dressings, cheeses, and croutons.

• Choose a thin-crust pizza with more vegetable toppings but limit yourself to one or two slices. Left the extra cheese, which add calories, fat, and sodium.

• Finish your meal with sugar-free, fat-free frozen simple yogurt or a little cone of fat-free yogurt. It is better go for a platter of fresh fruit salad.

Diabetes Causes - What Are The Myths and Facts?

2008-02-14T02:00:00.001-08:00

In this Article I will tell you in detail what are the primary causes of Diabetes.

The two major causes of diabetes is the body's malfunction to produce enough of the insulin hormone, and secondly the body develops a resistance to insulin.

• Type 1 diabetes is caused due to decrease in insulin production.

• Type 2 diabetes is caused due to resistance of insulin in peripheral tissues.

• In juvenile diabetes, the cause might perhaps be a lack of vitamin D.

Causes of diabetes -

Diabetes mellitus occurs when the pancreas does not create adequate or any of the hormone insulin, or when the insulin produced does not work proficiently. Thus, this causes the level of glucose in the blood to be higher than standard levels

It is not exactly clear why this occurs, but probable triggers of this reaction could be -

• infection with a specific virus or bacteria;
• exposure to food-borne chemical toxins or

However, these are only supposition, and are yet to be confirmed.

Type 1 diabetes generally develops in children, teenagers or young adults. Most of the doctors and scientists believe this is a genetically caused condition and is not related to lifestyle habits.

Risk factors for developing Type 1 Diabetes include:

1. Family history - a child that has a parent or sibling with type 1 diabetes has a 2-6% possibility of developing the disease.

2. Autoimmune disorders - such as thyroid disease and celiac disease, increases the danger of type 1 diabetes.

3. Early stoppage of breastfeeding and/or exposure to cow's milk - breastfeeding an infant for at least three months reducess the risk of type 1 diabetes. Some studies also show that exposure to cow's milk or cow's milk-based formula before one year of age may raise diabetes danger.

4. Ethnicity - Americans, Caucasians have a larger danger of type 1 diabetes as compared to African-Americans, Asian Americans, Latin Americans.

5. The past of childhood virus diseases

2. Type 2 diabetes is supposed to develop when:

• There is just inadequate insulin available in the body and

• The insulin that is available may be abnormal and therefore doesn't function correctly.

The following risk factors increase the chances of developing Type 2 diabetes:

• growing age

• if it runs in the family, i.e. genetic

• obesity

• high blood pressure

• diet which is high in fat and low in fibre

• Sedentary lifestyle with no or very less physical movement.

• Any illness or disease that damages the pancreas and affects its capability to create insulin e.g. pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) and thyrotoxicosis (a poisonous situation that results from an overactive thyroid gland).

• Hormone treatment, such as growth hormone, thyroid hormone and adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH).

What not causes Diabetes?

It is also essential to be alert of the various myths that have arisen about the causes of diabetes over time.

Eating sweets, excess sugar or the wrong kind of food (fried and fatty food) does not cause diabetes but this type of a diet may cause obesity, and overweight people are usually prone to developing Type 2 diabetes. So, it is not the food, but the effect of food that may cause diabetes. So, if you like eating and are a foodoholic, make sure to burn out the extra calories that go on to make the flab.

Stress is not responsible to cause diabetes, while it may be a cause for the body turning on itself as in the case of Type 1 diabetes. Stress, however does absolutely make the symptoms worse for those who already have diabetes.

People with diabetes should avoid sugar and sweets. Sugar and sweets increase the blood glucose, but people with diabetes can securely eat sugar as part of their meal plan.
Diabetes is not transmissible. A person with diabetes cannot spread it on to anyone else.

Diabetes Glucose Levels: The Absolute Way To Control Your Diabetes Glucose Levels

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

There are many treatments for diabetes out there, which, when applied properly, can minimize the severe attacks of the disease. The best way to get rid of diabetes is to opt for a pancreas transplant, but it is costly and should only be used as a last resort when all other treatments have failed. And don't worry; there are many easy and effective remedies out there for diabetes.

One of those remedies is the over-the-counter pills. These pills are very hot among young diabetics who want a quick relief. Depending on your health condition and the type of diabetes you have, these pills may or may not be effective for you. Your best bet is to visit a doctor before trying any of those pills.

Of late, researchers have found a new way of controlling diabetes. This treatment is called glucose treatment. For six long years, researchers used rats as guinea pigs for their tests. After six years of treatment, the researchers found that those rats who were meted the glucose treatment were able to control their blood sugar levels effectively, while the other rats who were not given the glucose treatment showed no signs of improvement. This shows the effectiveness of glucose treatment on rats. Now, I will tell you how far this treatment is effective in case of humans.

There was a woman who suffered from severe diabetes. In fact, diabetes affected her social life negatively, so much so that she found it hard to socialize with anybody because of her disease. She would spend months in hospital, which was enough to drive her crazy. When she was introduced to the new glucose treatment, she agreed to be the guinea pig. While in case of rats, researchers used injections for injecting the glucose into their bodies, in case of this woman, the glucose was given through IV's. Within months of this treatment, improvements in her health were evident. She said that never before in her life did she feel better than after going through glucose treatment.

Diabetes doesn't mean the end of life. It can be easily controlled, if you are willing to follow the rules. I would suggest that you also join a diabetes membership site or a diabetes support group. This would help you keep focused on your health and you will be able to recover from diabetes faster.

Diabetes Quality Of Life: 3 Easy Ways To Alleviate Diabetes

2008-02-10T02:00:00.001-08:00

If you are a chronic diabetes patient, you certainly have experienced diabetes fatigue one time or the other. And that is understandable. After all, we are all humans, and after suffering for a long time, when we see that there is no easy way to cure diabetes, we become frustrated and disappointed. However, there is no need to worry because in this article I will tell you how to take control of diabetes and improve your quality of life.

1. Add spice and variety to your life. If you are bored of doing the same exercise again and again, try something else. Do a different exercise everyday. This will keep you interested in your workouts. If you are tired of swimming, try cycling. Is there any exercise that you like very much, such as tennis or running? Then do it over and over again. Then when you are bored, try something else.

Being a diabetic doesn't mean that you have to eat boring foods all your life. You can easily satisfy your cravings for delicious foods without ruining your health. Take a cooking class or read a cooking book, and learn about the different types of tasty, diabetic recipes. Then create a meal plan. In the plan, list the foods that you are going to eat for the week. Have different groups of foods for each day of the week. Then just go to your local grocery and buy all the ingredients you'd need for the week.

2. Motivation will help you get rid of diabetes faster. Do you have a friend who loves to exercise as well as understands your situation? Then ask him to go with you to the gym. Your friend doesn't need to be a diabetic patient either; he just needs to be someone who is sympathetic to your problem. Watching a friend performing workouts will motivate you to continue with your exercises.

3. Sometimes, you got to get out of monotony and give yourself some fresh air. What I mean is that when feel frustrated or dejected, visit a spa and get a message. This will help you feel refreshed and rejuvenated, and you will feel an all-new enthusiasm for your life once again!

Diabetes Levels: How To Get Rid of Diabetes

2008-02-09T02:00:00.001-08:00

Of all the diseases that afflict human beings in this century, diabetes is perhaps the most common disease. In this article I will tell you how you can get rid of diabetes easily.

The awful thing about diabetes is that it is not easy to detect its symptoms. Sometimes a diabetes patient will show no symptoms at all, until the disease has reached malignant proportions. Some people think that too much craving for sweet foods is an indication that the person is suffering from diabetes. In my opinion, it is nothing but a myth. There are far too many people who have a sweet tooth but don't suffer from diabetes. Do you know what causes diabetes?

Diabetes is usually caused because of lack of insulin. Insulin is a hormone that helps us to derive energy from foods. We may eat lots of foods, but since our body is deficient in insulin, these foods never add to our nutrition and we don't derive any energy from them.

Diabetes - What Are The Risk Factors?

2008-02-07T02:00:00.001-08:00

Diabetes is like the film that was "years in the making"-it takes literally years for Diabetes to develop. If you know what to look for you can see it coming and actually prevent it all together. If you don't see it coming until you have it-it is too late.

The risk factors are as obvious as the nose on your face. Here's how you can overcome some of them and possibly avoid this terrible disease

The risk factors for Diabetes basically fall into two basic categories: Controllable and Uncontrollable. Most of them are interrelated.

The CONTROLLABLE risk factors are:

WEIGHT. Too much body fat particularly around the mid section. As we get older our metabolism slows down making it more difficult to maintain/lose weight. Unless you have been under a rock somewhere you probably have heard about the growing obesity problem in America.

SMOKING. Smoking makes it more difficult to get your blood sugar under control. Smoking has all sorts of other associated risks as well.

HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE. A direct result of being overweight and a risk factor for other serious diseases.

HIGH CHOLESTEROL. A direct result of diet and indirectly weight.

DEPRESSION. People who are depressed often are inactive and gain weight.

Some UNCONTROLLABLE risk factors are:

FAMILY HISTORY. If mom or pop had it your chances of getting it are pretty good.

ECONOMIC STATUS. There is a growing amount of scientific evidence that relates income levels to diet which relates directly to obesity. I have had a gut feeling that obesity is more a problem of the poor than the well to do. These studies seem to bear this out. In other words, poorer folks don't eat as well which leads to obesity.

AGE. If you are over 50 you are more likely to get type 2 diabetes. Guess why? After 50 your metabolism slows down, you're less active, etc. You are more likely to gain weight and on and on.

Are you starting to see a theme here? As my doc used to say "it is all about the weight." Lose weight and your blood pressure goes down, your cholesterol is lowered, you will probably be exercising making you sleep better and a happier person. What's not to like with that?

Plus you will lower the major risk factors for a disease you do not want. What are you waiting for?

To find out more about Diabetes click the link below.

What Exactly Is Diabetes?

2008-02-05T02:00:00.001-08:00

Type 2 diabetes has a much larger genetic link, generally resulting from a predisposition toward the disease and lifestyle choices that cause the disease to develop. Parents may pass this disease on to their children at birth, though it is possible to reduce the risk of ever developing type 2 diabetes: this involves wise choices when it comes to lifestyle habits and diet, such as reducing or eliminating the consumption of high-fat foods and excessive alcohol, keeping active, and being careful to avoid becoming overweight.

It is possible for type 2 diabetes to become onset with age, regardless of previous lifestyle choices, simply due to genetics. Risk for genetically onset diabetes tends to increase at around 45 years old, and after 65 the risk becomes even greater.

In addition, there are certain ethnic groups whose genetic predisposition toward developing type 2 diabetes is much higher. These groups include African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Native Americans, and Japanese Americans. Individuals belonging to these ethnic groups would do well to take extra care when it comes to diet and lifestyle, in order to ensure a long and happy life.

Glucose Meter- Dealing With Diabetes

2008-02-03T02:00:00.001-08:00

Having diabetes can be worrisome especially since this disease can be the source of countless complications including gangrene which leads to amputations and loss of limbs. To avoid this and other untoward complications from happening, it is important to include regular home testing with your own blood glucose meter.

There are many different blood glucose meters and most brands and types are pretty much standard. If you are having difficulty deciding on what type of blood glucose meter to use, ask around and be sure to seek the advice and guidance of your health care provider. Together you can decide on what type of blood glucose monitor is best for you to use.

You may also call the consumer hotlines of each popular brand of blood glucose meter. The qualified consumer assistant that will answer you call can help give you the answers that you need. Naturally, if you will be asking them for opinions they will endorse their own product over the rest of the blood glucose tester brands out there. Instead of asking subjective questions, learn what objective queries you need to ask to be able to find out the pertinent answers that you have about a blood glucose meter.

Remember that if you have had more than one blood glucose meter then you may have more than one type of test strip with you. Take note that different blood glucose testers use different test strips and some will use the same. Be sure to check and recheck whether you are using the right type of test strip for the particular blood glucose meter with you. The fact that the strip fits into the blood glucose monitor is hardly the best way to tell if you are using the correct one.

To ensure that you are using your blood glucose meter correctly, be sure to get a tutorial. You may ask assistance from the company that manufactures your glucose meter or you may ask your health care provider to help you. It is also a good idea to bring your blood glucose tester with you when you visit your doctor or go for a lab test. This way you can check the accuracy of your blood glucose monitor with actual lab test.

Be ready to note a difference from the lab test reading and the reading from your blood glucose meter. It is normal to have a plus or minus 20% in the absolute number you get from your glucose tester as compared to the lab test result. Anything higher or lower than that in variance should alert you to the fact that your blood glucose monitor may be defective or not properly calibrated.

It is also possible that the big variance in test results from the actual lab test and the one from your blood glucose meter stems from the fact that they are using two different ways to measure your blood sugar. The lab test may be using a test that reads your whole blood while your blood glucose meter may be reading from a plasma sample. In this case, the variance is normal.

Learn what type of reading does your blood glucose monitor give off and how to convert one type of reading to another to be able to understand the result of your test.

Your Glucose Meter And You

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

Having a blood glucose meter allows you to test your blood sugar levels at the comforts of your home. Aside from a sensible diet and exercise, your blood glucose meter is essential for you to be able to practice proper diabetes care. If you don't have the means to test your blood sugar levels, you may not realize that you should do something about your condition. Regular testing with your blood glucose monitor will be able to help you determine whether you need to do something to normalize your blood sugar levels or not.

Depending on the experience of physical symptoms to be able to tell whether there is a fluctuation in your blood sugar levels is highly inaccurate. For one thing, most people with diabetes rarely ever experience symptoms that come with having either low or high blood sugar levels. Most people who have been living with diabetes for a while can get accustomed to the symptoms and lose the ability to tell whether they are experiencing indications of blood sugar fluctuations or not. Therefore it is better to depend on a blood glucose meter to correctly monitor the levels of sugar in your blood.

Remember though that the result from your blood glucose meter is not absolute. There can be many factors that can affect your test results and therefore making the readings from blood glucose tester incorrect. For instance, if your fingertip from which you have drawn a blood sample from is dirty or covered in some small amounts of food and other substances, the reading of your blood glucose monitor will be incorrect. You may also accidentally use the wrong test strip on your blood glucose meter and in which case, again, your results will be inaccurate.

You will have to do your part in ensuring that your blood glucose meter is able to give you the proper results every time you do a test. If you do not take the time to be meticulous in this process then the fact that you have a good reliable blood glucose tester is pretty much irrelevant. You will need to learn how to properly use your blood glucose meter and you will need to learn all the dos and don'ts in using it as well. Getting accurate test result from your blood glucose monitor is important. The right results can mean the difference between losing your sight and keeping it as well as many other serious complications that can arise from irregular blood sugar levels.

In this sense, your blood glucose meter can be your best friend or your best enemy. Be sure to learn all about how to use this device properly as well what to do and not to do when doing tests at home with your blood glucose tester. Things like proper calibration, proper conversions and the like are essential to learning how to use your blood glucose monitor correctly.

Remember that your continued health depends on your ability to manage the risk of fluctuations in your blood sugar level. The blood glucose meter and the proper use of it is the right tool to help you monitor blood sugar levels correctly and manage risks. However, you still should have regular lab testing scheduled to ensure the accuracy of your device.

Type 1 Diabetes - All About Type 1 Diabetes Causes and Treatment

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

Read this article to know about Type 1 Diabetes Causes and Type 1 diabetes Treatment

We can call Type 1 diabetes an autoimmune disease in which the body destroys or damages insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. Once those cells are destroyed, they won't ever create insulin again. This type of diabetes usually occurs under the age of 30 and often in childhood.

Type 1 diabetes normally develops in children or young adults, but can found at any age. Type 1 diabetes can cause many problems. It is a life-long disorder that can happen in children or adults. It is a totally different disease than Type 2. Type 1 diabetes occurs normally in children, adolescents or young adults, and most often at puberty. This type of diabetes is also called insulin-dependent or juvenile diabetes.

Type 1 Diabetes symptoms:

Type 1 diabetes often appears abruptly. However, each individual may experience symptoms in a different way. Type 1 diabetes symptoms may include:

• high levels of sugar in the blood and urine when tested

• unusual thirst

• frequent urination

• extreme hunger but loss of weight

• unclear vision

• nausea and vomiting

• extreme weakness and tiredness

• bad temper and mood changes

In children, type 1 diabetes symptoms may be alike to those of having the flu.

Type 1 Diabetes Complications:

Type 1 diabetes can cause different problems, but there are three key complications:

1. Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar; also called an insulin reaction) occurs when blood sugar drops too low level.

2. Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) occurs when blood sugar is too high, and can be an indication that diabetes is not well forbidden.

3. Ketoacidosis (diabetic coma) is loss of consciousness due to untreated diabetes.

Type 1 Diabetes Causes:

Type 1 diabetes is the result of the body's failure to produce insulin, the hormone that allows glucose to enter the cells of the body to provide fuel. Insulin is a protein that is speedily broken down in the digestive area. In type 1 diabetes, the body can no longer create insulin, so the glucose can't acquire into the body's cells.

Although no one knows for certain why this occurs, scientists think it has something to do with genes. But just getting the genes for diabetes isn't usually sufficient. A person most likely would then have to be exposed to something else - like a virus - to get Type 1 diabetes

It's important to also be alert of the different myths that over the years have arise about the Type 1 diabetes causes. Eating sweets or the wrong kind of food does not cause diabetes but it can cause obesity which is the cause of Type 2 Diabetes.

Stress does not cause diabetes, although it may be a cause for the body turning on itself as in the case of Type 1 diabetes. It does, however, make the signs worse for those who already have diabetes.

Type 1 Diabetes Treatment:

Type 1 Diabetes Patient need to monitor and control their glucose levels. They need to:

• give themselves insulin injections or use an insulin pump

• eat a balanced, healthy diet and pay special attention to the quantities of sugars and starches in the food they eat and the timing of their meals

• get habitual exercise to help manage blood sugar levels and help avoid some of the long-term health problems that can cause diabetes like heart disease

Insulin therapy is the origin of type 1 diabetes treatment. When insulin was first discovered and made accessible for people with diabetes, there was only one type of fast-acting insulin and this required several injections in a day. Today, there are a variety of insulins that can be selected and/or combined to help you best control your diabetes.

Drug Used To Treat Diabetes In Texas May Kill Patients

2008-01-29T02:00:00.001-08:00

The state's propensity to obesity, hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, and cancer doesn't help. The prevalence of diabetes in the U.S. increased a staggering 49% between 1990 and 2000, and Texas was hit hard, possibly linked with an obesity rate hovering just above 60% of the adult population. Thirty-five percent of children are now clinically obese statewide, and Houston boasts a population in which 86% of its residents are either overweight or obese. This is significant due to the problems that often accompany the condition, including heart disease, stroke, certain cancers and, of course, type 2 diabetes.

For Texas, none of this is good news. With one-quarter of the state going without health insurance, 60% of the population obese, and over half a million diabetic, any problem affecting a large number with any of these conditions could completely overload the already stressed system. A flood of Avandia patients coming in with complications, uninsured, and possibly suffering from other conditions as well, just might send the healthcare system of Texas into meltdown.

Much of the problem, it would seem, stems from the FDA itself, which is slowly but surely nurturing a reputation of extreme negligence into maturity. Once a drug is approved, its actual effects on the population are not as closely monitored as they should be, according to many in the industry.
Dr. Jerry Avorn, of Harvard Medical School, believes that such problems with the FDA will continue to exist "until we are able to get a better system of drug approval and surveillance." That's a powerful statement, considering that this is precisely what the FDA is supposed to do.

It's a wakeup call, really. While it shouldn't be as a result of government agency negligence, in all reality, we should be more responsible for our health on an individual basis -- going for annual physicals, asking our doctors as many questions as we need in order to feel comfortable with a diagnosis or prescription, and doing what we can to take care of ourselves. Simple, common sense principles of nutritional eating and exercise may cut off many conditions requiring drugs before they even have a chance to exist.
Until the nation's health catches up with better habits, however, make sure to keep up with the latest recalls.

When Diabetes Is Not Diabetes

2008-01-27T02:00:00.001-08:00

Mention the word diabetes and the vast majority of people will assume that you are talking about either type 1 diabetes, which affects about 10% of diabetes sufferers, or type 2 diabetes, which is the most commonly seen form of the disease and is currently growing alarmingly. But did you know that there is a third type of diabetes which has no connection whatsoever with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes, apart from sharing the name diabetes.

There are four types of diabetes insipidus:

Neurogenic Diabetes Insipidus

Gestagenic Diabetes Insipidus

Gestagenic diabetes insipidus (also known as gestational diabetes insipidus) occurs during pregnancy and is often the result of destruction of vasopressin within the placenta.

Nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus

Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus occurs when, in spite of the normal production of vasopressin, the kidneys still fail to properly concentrate urine. This form of diabetes insipidus can be inherited and can also be the result of kidney disease and taking certain types of drug.

Dipsogenic Diabetes Insipidus

There is also a second type of primary polydipsia known as psychogenic polydipsia which, as its name would suggest, has a variety of psychosomatic causes.

Despite the fact that there is some similarity in the symptoms of diabetes and diabetes insipidus it seems strange, and more than a little confusing, that the medical profession should have decided to give these two quite different conditions the same name.

Nine Surprising Diabetes Risks For Texans

2008-01-26T02:00:00.001-08:00

Many individuals in Dallas, Houston and other places around Texas don't know that they may be slowly working toward a permanent, chronic disease -- diabetes. Untreated, diabetes can lead to heart and blood pressure problems, dependence on insulin shots, blindness, neuropathy and an early death. Here are nine risks for you to evaluate:

1. Watching two plus hours of TV daily.

Increases your risk: 14%

How: More hours in front of the tube equals less activity.

The fix: Limit TV time to 10 hours a week and get off the couch and move around. Take a walk. Go for a swim. Enjoy life outdoors.

2. Drinking one soda daily…if at all.

Increases your risk: 83%

How: Soda adds extra and empty calories, which can easily lead to weight gain. Most non-diet pops are full of sugar. More than you'll probably add to your coffee.

The fix: Switch to water, diet soda, or even better, unsweetened tea, which actually protects against disease. Green teas are gaining in popularity because of their health benefits.

3. Skipping breakfast.

Increases your risk: almost 50%

How: Not having that morning meal increases the appetite-stimulating hormone ghrelin, making you hungrier and, as a result, you're actually more likely to eat more.

4. Major depression

Increases your risk: 23%

How: Depression may alter body chemistry in a way that makes us more prone to developing diabetes.

The fix: Exercise. Even taking a walk, just 30 minutes, three times a week, has been shown to improve symptoms of depression.

5. A large waist line, even if you are of a normal weight.

Increases your risk: 330%

How: Fat in the abdomen produces compounds that make cells insulin-resistant. Women should keep their waist size below 35 inches and 40 inches for men.

The fix: A half-hour to one hour of cardio, three to five times a week.

6. Waking up in the middle of the night.

Increases your risk: 98%

How: Middle-of-the-night awakenings means you're not getting enough sleep, making you more prone to developing insulin resistance, leading to diabetes.

The fix: No caffeine in the late afternoon and evening. No TV and alcohol right before bed. Try yoga or meditation to relax.

7. Consuming fast food more than twice weekly.

Increases your risk: 100%

How: Individuals who eat burgers, fries and soda more than twice a week put on 10 extra pounds and were twice as likely to become resistant to insulin.

The fix: Stay away from fast food dining. And if you have to eat it, satisfy cravings with smaller portions.

8. High stress.

Increases your risk: 184%

How: Constant high stress can interfere with your ability to make insulin and process glucose.

The fix: Allow 10-15 minutes a day to relax. Try yoga or meditation.

9. Consuming lots of processed meats.

Increases your risk: 43%

How: These meats, like hotdogs, bacon and salami, are loaded with preservatives that may destroy insulin-producing cells in your pancreas.

The fix: Cut back on these meats or eliminate them from your diet altogether. A recent Harvard University study found that women who ate these meats less than once a week had the lowest risk. If you need to satisfy a craving, try preservative-free brands.

Glucose Meter - Living With Diabetes

2008-01-24T02:00:00.001-08:00

It is important to understand that a glucose meter is a pretty complicated piece of machinery in the sense that you need to be very meticulous about many things about it. For one thing, you will need to take extra care in storing and keeping the blood glucose tester and the accompanying test strips. Heat and humidity can affect the performance of your blood glucose monitor and may very well ruin your test strips. When this happens, you will no longer have accurate readings from your blood glucose meter.

You will also have to take special care in understanding and practicing the correct procedures surrounding testing with a glucose meter. For instance you will need to know whether your blood glucose tester accepts blood samples from alternative sites aside from your fingertip. Some glucose monitors will readily be able to read results accurately from alternative testing sites such areas from the thigh, upper arm and the like. However, not all blood glucose meters will be able to the same. Besides, the general accuracy of testing from blood samples from other than your fingertip can really produce results that are askew.

Taking blood as samples from alternative sites other than from your fingertip will show varying degrees of results especially if you have just eaten or taken an insulin shot. The best place to draw samples from to use on your blood glucose meter is still the tip of your finger. If your fingertip has become sore from previous testing, vary the finger that you use to prevent the same soreness on other fingers.

Remember that the fingertip that you will be taking blood samples from must be completely clean. Even a minute trace of food or sugar can throw the test results completely off mark and this could mean trouble. Make sure that you thoroughly clean your finger and hands before doing a self test with your glucose meter.

If you suffer from diabetes and do not have a glucose monitor, go ahead and get yourself one. Having a blood glucose tester if you have diabetes is essential to proper diabetes care. This is a special tool that can help you cope and live with diabetes so it is important that you have one.

If you are having difficulty in deciding on what brand or type of glucose meter to use, consult your health care profession on what are the possible types that you can use easily and readily.

Begin Weight Training To Lower Blood Sugar

2008-01-22T02:00:00.001-08:00

As we get older our bodies change. Our hormonal system produces less of the hormones than it did in our teens or twenties. Our metabolism, in most cases, slow down. Our body and its defenses become more vulnerable to outside stresses. But, during this time in life, our stresses seem to grow exponentially. We are going place with our careers. We have families. These families have demands on us physically and psychologically. Homes, automobiles, vacations, as well as many other thing s add to the stress load. This creates a downward spiral for our health. That is, unless we take measures to counteract the stresses that affect us daily.

Lets see how this affects a person afflicted with diabetes, in particular. We are going to narrow it down to the exercise factor. We will even narrow it more to just weight training. Everyone knows, or is in denial, that exercise can only be beneficial in diabetes care. The importance of weight training has not been emphasized enough to the diabetic world. Let us address this.

As we get older, our bodies change, unless we act to prevent that change. After the age of 30 years, our body adds one pound of fat each year. Not only that, but we lose about one-half pound of lean tissue mass (muscle ) each year. Add these up and we gain 15 pounds of fat every 10 years. This is preventable. This is the reason for weight training.

Muscle is a major factor in clearance of circulating blood glucose. As lean body mass increases, greater amounts of blood glucose are cleared from the blood. Muscle tissue takes in the blood glucose and stores it as glycogen. And even cooler, the greater the proportion of muscle mass to fat, the more calories are burned at rest. And weight training further increases metabolism, even after working out.

Remember, if you have diabetes, Eat a snack prior to workings out. Hydrate during and after working out. Check your blood sugar level before and after working out to prevent any episodes of hypoglycemia.

Discover Vitamins and Herbs for Diabetics

2008-01-20T02:00:00.001-08:00

Indeed, many sufferers of diabetes have an interest in learning all about vitamins and herbs for diabetics in order to help or ward off the risk of complications that can arise if insulin levels are not maintained at a constant level. However, before we delve into vitamins and herbs for diabetics, we would be remiss if we didn't make a few dietary recommendations. As such, the following are a few suggestions:

Become good friends with fiber-rich plant foods. Eat a diet rich in fiber as it seems to be helpful in reducing blood sugar surges.

Trim the saturated fat and cholesterol. Put simply, eat less or eliminate animal products and eat more whole grains, beans, fruits and vegetables.

Say hello to antioxidant-rich foods. Antioxidants are disease-fighting substances that mop up the continuous onslaught of free radicals. Free radicals are unstable oxygen molecules that damage cells as they travel through the body and are responsible for laying the groundwork for the most serious complications of diabetes if left unchecked. Plant-derived foods are rich in antioxidant nutrients.

Get nuts and seeds. Include in your diet nuts and seeds.

Slash the refined sugars. Your diet should be low in refined sugars.

Now, before we discuss vitamins and herbs for diabetics it's important that we make a few comments. Indeed, there are many nutrients that may help aid a person who suffers from diabetes, but one should never stop taking their insulin or any medication prescribed. However, it may be possible to take these vitamins and herbs for diabetics as well as other nutrients in conjunction with your prescription medications or insulin if you consult your physician first. Moreover, you need to make sure these herbs or nutrients are appropriate for your condition.

That said, let's delve into vitamins and herbs for diabetics. In fact, let's begin with the herbal kingdom.

Become familiar with Ayurvedic medicine. Bitter melon (Momordica charantia), gudmar (Gymnema sylvestre), and gulvel (Tinospora cordifo), are highly respected herbal remedies used to regulate blood sugar levels in Ayurvedic medicine. In addition, gudmar (Gymnema sylvestre) reduces the cravings for sweet foods. As such, it is known as the "sugar killer."

Look into this exciting new herbal called Banaba Leaf. Banaba is a medicinal plant grown in the Philippines and Asia where its leaves have long been used as a folk remedy for treating diabetes as well as kidney disease. New research has shown this medicinal plant can lower unwanted levels of glucose in the blood.

Meet the berry family. Cedar berries are excellent nourishment for the pancreas and huckleberry may help promote insulin production. Juniper berries have been found to lower blood glucose levels and bilberry helps prevent diabetic eye damage. In addition, bilberry has shown to reduce blood sugar levels.

Stop! Don't mow down that nasty back yard weed just yet. Dandelion root is a liver protector, which converts nutrients into glucose. Moreover, some studies have found that it may lower blood sugar levels and, as such, possibly benefiting those with diabetes.

Fill up on fenugreek seeds. Fenugreek seeds have been shown to reduce cholesterol and blood sugar levels in studies. However, there is a one drawback to this herb. You have to take a lot (15 to 100 grams daily) of fenugreek seeds to obtain an effect, and it is also associated with mild gastrointestinal upset. On the other hand, it doesn't hurt to have this knowledge and it is indeed on the list of vitamins and herbs for diabetics.

Discover Gingko biloba. Ginkgo is a well-known powerful antioxidant that is prized for its ability to enhance circulation.

Other herbs that may possibly help lower or improve blood-sugar levels include: Garlic, Ginseng, Psyllium, and Nopal (prickly pear cactus).

Now, let's move forward on our topic of this article, vitamins and herbs for diabetics and discuss vitamins.

Befriend vitamins A, B, C, and E. First, vitamins A, C, and E are antioxidants. Vitamin A with carotenoids is needed to maintain eye health. The B vitamins help produce enzymes that convert glucose to energy. In addition, the Bs may be helpful as an aid in preventing diabetic nerve damage. A deficiency in vitamin C may lead to vascular problems for diabetes sufferers. Vitamin C with bioflavonoids may slow or prevent complications that occur in this condition. Vitamin E improves circulation and helps prevent complications as well.

Check out Inositol. Inositol is considered a B-complex vitamin that has shown to relieve numbness and tingling in the hands in feet. As such, it may be helpful in protecting against peripheral neuropathy.

But wait, there are other helpful nutrients for diabetes that goes beyond vitamins and herbs for diabetics. Let's discover who they are now.

Get real acquainted with Alpha-lipoic acid. Alpha-lipoic acid is a potent antioxidant that helps control blood sugar levels. It has been used as a supplement to treat diabetic neuropathy, the nerve pain or tingling or numbness in the hands and feet that is common among individuals with diabetes. In fact, alpha lipoic acid is approved in Germany as an effective prescription drug for diabetic neuropathy.

What is Glycation?

2008-01-19T02:00:00.001-08:00

What is glycation? In short glycation is a scientific term for what happens when sugars, such as fructose or glucose, combine with proteins or lipid molecules. Additionally, glycation is the process bakers and cooks refer to as browning. You may be shocked to learn that this browning actually happens to us as we age. From an anti-aging perspective this is not a good thing.

With this information it is easy to see that we have two forms of glycation that we need to be concerned about. We have Endogenous glycations, which predominately occur in the bloodstream and Exogenous glycations that occur out side the body.

Did I mention that Glycation and AGEs have a very important partner in the damage of our tissues? That partner in the initiation and acceleration of these diseases, especially oxidative stress and inflammation, are the free radicals that we are learning so much about. To make matters worse glycated proteins are estimated to generate 50 times more free radicals than non-glycated proteins. Again, from an anti-aging standpoint this is something of great importance.

Lastly, for some good news. Scientists have discovered that alpha lipoic acid can arrest the glycation process. Additionally, it has been discovered that N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) slows the glycation process. As an added benefit scientists discovered that lipoic acid aids in the restoring of glutathione and vitamin C. As you may imagine the flavanoids found in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains have been found to reduce the glycation of hemoglobin.

References:

Diabetes Symptoms - Who is at the Risk of Diabetes?

2008-01-17T02:00:00.001-08:00

Read this Article to know about Symptoms of Type 1, Type 2 and Gestational diabetes.

What is Diabetes?

The diabetes symptoms most of the time begin slowly, and difficult to recognize initially. They may include fatigue, sudden weight loss, blurred vision, slow healing of wounds, frequent urination - particularly at night, and excessive thirst.. The loss of fluids persuades extreme thirst, leading to more frequent urination.

Doctor believe a patient to have diabetes if he has health troubles linked to diabetes, such as heart disease, changes in vision, deadness in the feet and legs or sores that are slow to heal. These symptoms do not indicate that the person has diabetes, but anyone with these problems should absolutely see a doctor.

A person with diabetes may really show no symptoms. Type 2 diabetes, in particular, develops gradually, even for years before it is diagnosed. When symptoms develop, they differ from person to person.

Symptoms that develop vary for Type I and Type II diabetes. In Type I diabetes, they generally show up slowly in children or young people over a period of a few days or weeks. In Type II diabetes, symptoms develop even more slowly, over a time of years - in adults over the age of forty. Adults often do not understand they have diabetes mellitus.

Type - 1 Diabetes Symptoms:

Type 1 Diabetes Symptoms often come suddenly. They include:

1) Exceptional thirst (also called polydipsia)

2) Dry mouth

3) Frequent urination (also called polyuria)

4) Weight loss

5) Feeling weak and tired

6) Unclear vision

Type - 2 diabetes symptoms:

People with Type 2 diabetes mostly don't observe any symptoms.

They include: - blurred vision

1 )Cuts or wounds that heal slowly

2) Itchy skin

3) increased thirst

4) frequent urination

5) leg pain

Gestational diabetes symptoms:

1) increased thirst

2) increased urination

3) weight loss in spite of good appetite

4) fatigue and weakness

5) nausea and vomiting

6 ) frequent infections including those of the bladder, vagina and skin

Other warning symptoms of diabetes mellitus comprise:

1) Flu-like symptoms - like a viral illness, along with tiredness and loss of appetite.

2) Weight gain or loss – as the body is trying to recompense for lost fluids and sugar, one tends to eat extra than normal and increase weight. On the other hand, one may also eat more than usual, but still drops weight because the muscle tissues don't get sufficient glucose to generate growth and energy. In fact, most people with type 1 diabetes are at or below their standard weight.

3) Blurred vision - High levels of blood sugar draw out fluid from the tissues in the body comprising the lenses of the eyes. For many people this causes only mild vision troubles. Nevertheless, for others, the effects may be much more severe, even blindness.

4) Nerve damage (neuropathy) – excess sugar in blood can lead to loss of feeling in hands and feet. One may also bears burning pain in legs, feet, arms and hands. Many men, above the age of 50 and older with diabetes may experience some level of sexual dysfunction from damage to the nerves that help produce an erection.

5) Swollen and tender gums - Diabetes increases the risk of infection in gums and in the bones that grasp teeth in place.

6) Recurrent yeast infections.

7) Smooth dark skin changes of the neck, armpit and groin, called acanthosis nigricans.

8) Impotency

Depression and Diabetes - Depression Shown to Be a Risk Factor for Type 2 Diabetes

2008-01-15T02:00:00.001-08:00

"Life is just a bowl of cherries." Whoever came up with this quote probably never was diagnosed with diabetes or depression. When you have diabetes, life can seem like a bowl of rotten bananas! But, just because you live with diabetes, doesn't mean you have to live with depression!

What's the big deal with depression?

Depression is shown to be a risk factor for type 2 diabetes because it's one of the most common and dangerous complications. Diabetics are at far greater risk for acquiring depression than non-diabetics because diabetics have more stress than non-diabetics. Controlling diabetes requires a large number of physical and mental adaptations:

- Diabetics must learn about a complex system of dietary and medical interventions.

- Diabetics may have to alter their lifestyle, school, and work schedules.

- Diabetics feel like they're outsiders from the world.

- Diabetics must adjust to a new view of how they live.

What causes depression?

Alcohol or drug abuse

Changes of environment

Side effects from medications

Stress

Thyroid problems

Why is depression a risk factor for my type 2 diabetes?

- The stress from daily diabetes management alone can make you feel set apart from your family and friends.

- Physical complications can make you feel like you're losing control.

- Tension between you and your doctor can make you feel frustrated and sad.

- Loss of appetite caused from depression will affect blood sugar levels.

- Feeling anxious and not thinking straight will cause irregular food intake causing blood sugar to dramatically and dangerously change.

What are the warning signs of depression?

- Appetite: eating more or less than normal will result in quick weight gain or weight loss.

- Early to rise: waking up earlier than usual and cannot go back to sleep.

- Guilt: you think you can "never do anything right" and think you're a burden.

- Loss of energy: you're tired all the time.

- Loss of pleasure: you no longer are interested in doing things you used to enjoy.

- Morning sadness: you feel worse in the morning than you any other time.

- Nervousness: you always feel anxious and can't sit or stand still.

- Sleep patterns: you have trouble falling asleep or you want to sleep during the day.

- Suicidal thoughts: you feel life would be better without you around.

- Trouble concentrating: you can't watch TV or read because you're pre-occupied.

I have diabetes. How do I know if I suffer from depression?

The first step is to ask your doctor for a depression screening immediately. If the screening reveals you do have depression, you can address those concerns with your health professional. Asking for help won't label you a victim, but rather it will label you a victor.

What are the advantages for treating my depression?

Recent studies show that proper treatment of depression can dramatically improve type 2 diabetes. The advantages for treating your depression will:

1. Improve your physical function.

2. Let you take on life like you own the world.

3. Make you feel happy.

Is there any product that can help me take control of my diabetes and depression?

Housework May Prevent Diabetes - Australian Study Suggests Good Housekeepers Healthier

2008-01-13T02:00:00.001-08:00

"Heigh ho, heigh ho, it's off to work we go…". You probably remember this fun song in the childhood movie, "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs." Little did we know that Snow White, Sneezy, Sleepy, Doc, Dopey, Happy, Bashful, and Grumpy's everyday chores may actually prevent diabetes!

What housework tasks are recommended to do to prevent diabetes?

Just about anything you can think of! Here are some examples of housework tasks that may prevent diabetes:

- Dishes

- Dust

- Laundry

- Vacuum

- Sweep

- Change bed sheets and make the beds

- Clean the bathroom

- Mop

- Re-arranging closets or the garage

- Gardening

- Watering the lawn

- Put up and maintain a bird feeder

- Re-arrange furniture

These are common, everyday chores that you probably already do daily or weekly.

Where's the proof that housework may prevent type 2 diabetes?

Australian researches have found that a little light housework everyday helps control blood glucose levels and may prevent diabetes. They concluded that even the smallest amount of housework duties may lower your blood glucose level and prevent diabetes.

How does housework prevent me from getting type 2 diabetes?

It is proven that for every hour of light housework chores you complete, there can be a 0.2 drop in your blood glucose level. At the end of the day, this can add up and can significantly decrease your chances of being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

Is type 2 diabetes the only thing that housework may prevent?

No! In fact, there are three areas that doing housework chores can benefit you:

MIND: housework keeps you mind active and working.

BODY: housework prevents type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, some cancers, and many other cardiovascular diseases.

SOUL: housework gives you a sense of accomplishment and productivity.

What a great culmination! You can improve your outlook on life as you prevent diabetes and live in a clean house.

So, all I have to do is just dust for five minutes and that's it?

Not exactly. Moderate exercise is still recommended to maintain a healthy body, but it's good to know that the little stuff counts too. The recommended regimen of 30 minutes of moderate to slightly vigorous exercise per day is still important for a healthy body and life.

The conclusion of the Australian study was that good housekeepers proved that anything is better than doing nothing, and even doing the dishes will lower blood glucose levels.

What if I still need help to prevent type 2 diabetes?

Diabetes Lowers Life Expectancy - Learn the Facts and Some Tips To Prevent Diabetes

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

Imagine life if you couldn't…

1. Attend a symphony

2. Bungee jump in Queenstown, New Zealand

3. Create a scrapbook

4. Dine at a fine restaurant

5. Explore the ancient Mayan caves

6. Fly in a helicopter over the Grand Canyon

7. Go on an African Safari

8. Host a radio show

9. Invent something

10. Join a gym

11. Kiss the ones you love

12. Love and be loved unconditionally

13. Meet your favorite celebrity

14. Never say never

15. Own an expensive article of clothing

16. Play a Grand Piano

17. Quit a bad habit

18. Ride on a motorcycle

19. Swim with the dolphins

20. Travel to Iceland

21. Understand a new language

22. Visit all 50 states

23. Watch the Northern Lights

24. eXperience the feel of sand between your toes

25. Yodel in the Appalachian Mountains

26. Have a Zest for life

Physical activity is well-documented to prevent diabetes and deaths from diabetes. Physically active people without diabetes live longer than men and women who are not physically active with diabetes.

What constitutes as physical activity?:

- Walking

- Water aerobics

- Biking

You have plenty of options, so get creative and start living!

There is no arguing that diabetes lowers life expectancy. Despite that alarming realization, you can learn the facts and some tips to prevent diabetes. You simply don't have to live with diabetes and the anticipation of a shorter life.

Diabetes is a debilitating disease that affects your life adversely and puts you at risk for the following conditions:

- Cardiovascular disease

- Depression

- Foot ulcers

- Hypoglycemia

- Kidney and nerve damage

- Sexual and Urologic problems

- Stomach nerve damage

- Vision

The complications from diabetes all add up to a shorter life expectancy.

If you don't want to go through these medical complications or miss out on the ABCs of life, follow these simple tips to help prevent diabetes:

1. Control your blood sugar

2. Eat a healthy diet

3. Exercise regularly

Just doing these three simple steps can help prevent diabetes! Learn the facts and adopt these tips to prevent diabetes.

Diabetes Treatment - Can Cinnamon Lower Blood Sugar?

2008-01-10T02:00:00.001-08:00

What would you say if I told you that I have the secret ingredient to lower your blood sugar? What, then, would you say if I told you that you probably already have this ingredient in your kitchen pantry? It's cinnamon. That's right! The fragrant and delicious spice you cook and bake with only during the holiday season can actually lower blood sugar in diabetics. Cinnamon is a diabetes treatment that can lower blood sugar.

Who should take advantage of cinnamon?

Type 2 diabetics who want to live a healthier and fuller life.

Type 2 diabetics who want to live longer to enjoy their friends and family.

Type 2 diabetics who want to live. Period.

What do I have to do?

Incorporate just ½ teaspoon of cinnamon in your diet each day. That's it!

When should I eat cinnamon?

Every day! Baking or cooking with cinnamon will make those foods you love already even more delicious, and it will lower your blood sugar level. What could be easier? There's no fuss, no muss, no preparation. Just results.

Where can I use cinnamon?

Here's a list of foods from you can eat that will be healthy and delicious with cinnamon in or on it:

- Cinnamon Bun Breakfast Focaccia

- Apple Coffee Cake

- Raisin-Cinnamon Rolls

- Cappuccino Muffins

- Grilled Peaches with Peach Walnut Chutney

- Saffron Rice with Cashews and Raisins Recipe

- Pork Tenderloin with Cinnamon

- Lamb in Saffron and Cardamom Cream

- Chicken with Peanut Mole Sauce

- Cinnamon Iced Tea

You don't have to limit your cinnamon usage to just the above list. Experiment! Create your own recipes! Be original! Enjoy!

Why should I use cinnamon?

For type 2 diabetics, their body has lost its sensitivity to insulin. This will cause higher levels of glucose to remain in the blood. This is especially dangerous because it is linked to many other health problems such as eye, kidney, and many other organ health problems.

The natural compounds in cinnamon mimic insulin, which helps glucose get into cells, where it can be used for either energy and significantly lowering blood sugar in the process, or it is stored as fat. Cinnamon is a verifiable diabetes treatment.

How will it affect me if I don't take care of my diabetes?

Watching your diabetes is a 24/7 job. Exercise and a healthy diet are part of keeping your diabetes under control. If you don't take care of your diabetes, there are serious and life-threatening consequences such as:

Disabling ailments

Insecure mindset

Absences from activities

Behavioral changes

Extreme fatigue

Tingling hands and feet

Eye damage

Slow healing cuts and bruises

So, the secret ingredient isn't a secret any more! The best kept secret isn't a secret any more! You know who, what, when, where, why, and how to give yourself your life back. Start living your life. If you don't, who will?

I don't want diabetes to make me a victim! I need a little more help.

Obesity In Young Adults Leads to Higher Incidence of Developing Diabetes

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

Do you remember the amusing childhood game, "Follow the Leader?" One person is elected the leader and everyone else for a period of time must follow that leader. Your children play "Follow the Leader" when it comes to health whether you realize it or not. Well, obesity in young adults leads to higher incidence of developing diabetes. Diabetes isn't a game, it isn't amusing, and it's very dangerous.

Diabetes is a growing epidemic that is taking young adults into its captivity, and it all starts in the home. Children and young adults are like sponges that soak up everything their parents do, think, and say, and even eat. The eating habits of the parents are permanently seared into the children's brain that go with them throughout their lives. This is very dangerous because obesity leads to a greater chance of developing diabetes.

Below are dormant activities are very dangerous for young adults today.

- Video games

- Movie theaters

- Channel surfing

- Arcades

- Laptop notebooks

- Snacking on unhealthy foods

Below are wonderful and fun activities that can actually reverse the chances of developing diabetes.

- Bicycling

- Swimming

- Walking

- Running

- Playing tennis or basketball

- Eating healthy and delicious foods

A few simple changes in a young adult's lifestyle can lower their chances of developing diabetes and will lead to a happier and healthier life. Changes such as:

1. Exercising regularly

2. Eating healthier and with moderation

That's it! Just these two very simple and easy things will help prevent you from developing type 2 diabetes. Wouldn't you rather just do these two simple things than have a list of things to do to manage your diabetes?

Both scenarios below either have a consequence or a reward. You will either become a diabetic or become a healthier and happier person. Which one will you choose for your life? Picture this:

Scenario One: You eat all the fast food you want without moderation. You don't exercise. You sit on the couch everyday channel surfing.

Scenario Two: You cook delicious and taste bud-tantalizing foods that are healthy for you. You enjoy the sun and the fresh air while walking off extra weight and preventing diabetes. You make everyday household chores a way of exercising.

For young people, diabetes has become a higher incidence and is a very complicated hassle to deal with everyday. Diabetics are required to follow a good nutrition diet, mild physical activity, and develop a common knowledge of the disease and the complications that follow.

Diabetes Diagnosis Doubles Risk of Stroke

2008-01-06T02:00:00.001-08:00

Extra! Extra! Read all about it! Type 2 diabetes diagnosis actually doubles the risk of having a stroke. If you have diabetes, then your chances of having a stroke are doubled.

Taking care of diabetes can be very stressful and time-consuming. The stresses of diabetes management are more than just controlling your blood glucose. Diabetics must also manage blood pressure, control their weight, watch their cholesterol, and talk with their health provider to learn about other ways to reduce their chances for heart attacks and strokes.

Diabetics are a major risk factor for stroke and heart attacks. A diabetic's body can't handle glucose properly, and it can't process fats efficiently. This causes the risk of high blood pressure. Diabetes also interferes with your body's ability to break down blood clots, which increases your risk for stroke.

Here is a list of symptoms of stroke so you can ensure your safety:

1. Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arms or legs, especially on one side of the body.

2. The loss of voluntary movement and/or sensation with tingling.

3. Sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or understanding.

4. Weakness in the muscles of the face causing drooling.

5. Unexpected trouble seeing in one or both eyes.

6. Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance, or coordination.

7. Sudden and severe headache.

You're not alone if you don't want to suffer a stroke! Here are some tips to help you keep your diabetes in check and will decrease your chances of having a stroke:

1. Exercise. Walking the dog, swimming, or joining a gym are great exercises.

2. Eat a healthy diet. Fresh and healthy vegetables and delicious fish or chicken are just a few examples of delectable and healthy foods.

3. Lower stress. Take a bath, listen to soft music, or set aside 20 minutes a day just for yourself.

4. Have good sleeping habits. For the average adult, it's recommended seven to eight hours for good health.

5. Lose weight. Extra weight does nothing good for you. Take off that extra weight that's been weighing you down.

6. Listen to your doctor. You and your doctor should talk about a treatment plan that will benefit you, your health, and your safety.

Diabetes Diet Nutrition Tips For Diabetics

2008-01-05T02:00:00.001-08:00

Once you have, the basics covered foods such as fruits and salads are another great idea to choose from. You can also include items such as hamburgers, and deli sandwiches. If you are drinking milk then you should only drink low fat or fat free milk. It is never a good idea to drink whole milk because of the fat content included. Yogurt that you eat should also be low fat or sugar free.

Other considerations for diabetes diet nutrition include ensuring that you are closely watching how may calories you are consuming. If you end up gaining weight then you are going to put yourself at risk of heart disease. If you do not monitor your weight then it is very difficult to control your diabetes.

You should always look for recipes for food that is high in fiber and low in fat. Always try to use sugar supplements rather than using anything that is actual sugar. Using actual sugar can really upset your diabetes diet and throw off your glucose levels quite quickly. If you are looking to really stay on a good nutritional track, you should look towards water and other similar beverages so that you can control your eating as much as possible without overeating.

Always make sure you discuss your diet with your doctor to ensure you are closely monitoring your blood glucose levels. With glucose levels that are out of line you will notice your diabetic symptoms flaring up. If you are looking for the best relief possible from a diet then you really should ensure you are eating as many carbohydrates as possible. Without the necessary carbohydrates, you are not going to be able to ensure you are eating properly. Remember, if you have questions you really need to discuss the questions regarding your diet with your doctor.

Diabetes Etiquette - What You Don't Say Does Matter

2008-01-03T02:00:00.001-08:00

Most people that don't have diabetes are acquainted with someone that does. When somebody you know has a medical condition that must be managed, it is natural to want to be helpful. Sometimes information gets misconstrued, and people say what they think is correct when it actually isn't. This article addresses things that should never be said to a person with diabetes, and why those things are considered offensive.

1. "You are a diabetic" or "she is a diabetic." Referring to a person as a diabetic is offensive because it puts the disease before the person. This statement is incorrect. If a person has aids or cancer, would that person be referred to as an aid or a carcinoma? A person that has diabetes should be referred to as a person with diabetes. Calling someone a diabetic is labeling the person.

2. "I don't know how you do it; I could never live that way." It is very inappropriate to say those words because that statement is implying that death is a better choice than doing what is necessary to survive and have a healthy life. Insulin injections, oral medications, daily blood glucose readings, and diet and exercise are all a part of diabetes management. If a person is doing these things, it is not a choice, it is a necessity. She is doing what must be done to manage her diabetes.

3. "You can't have that." This is usually stated when goodies such as sweets are present. This is very incorrect because a person with diabetes can have anything she wants to have as long as she is following her treatment plan. Sweets and other treats are allowed.

4. "Should you be eating that?" A well meaning friend or relative often doesn't understand that anything is allowed as long as the person with diabetes is following the instructions of her doctor and dietitian. Since each body is different when it comes to what foods work and what foods to avoid, she knows what she can and cannot eat. It would be extremely rude to question what a person without diabetes is eating, so why should a person with diabetes be treated any differently?

5. "You need a scooter, wheelchair, or a walker." Depending on the severity of a person's diabetes and any complications that she might have, walking or standing for lengthy periods can be very difficult. A person that can stand and walk through difficulty without the use of medical equipment should be applauded. Stating those words to a person with diabetes will put her on the defensive because she is being disabled in other people's eyes when she can still be mobile and self-sufficient without any help. It might take her a little longer to walk, or she might have to sit down after five minutes of standing, but she can still do those things, and she should be encouraged to keep doing them independently.

6. "Your doctor is an idiot and isn't treating your diabetes correctly." Unless a member of a person's health care team makes a blatant mistake or makes a judgment that is harmful, it is never a good idea to argue with the person about the care that her health care team is providing to her. Even though other people might not agree with her treatment plan, it might be what is best for her.

7. "It could be worse, you could have cancer." This statement is extremely objectionable because it downgrades the person's disease and makes it sound like it is nothing compared to cancer. Diabetes is progressive, and its complications are sometimes fatal.

8. "You're a diabetic, you can't do that." This statement is especially insulting because not only does it put the disease first and labels the person, but it has such negative connotations. A person with diabetes can do anything she wants to do within her realm of drive, ability and desire.

People with diabetes should be treated with the same respect and dignity that you would like to be treated with. If you aren't sure if something is appropriate to say, don't say it. Silence is better than causing hurt feelings and resentment. Remember to apply the Golden Rule.

Patti McMann is a freelance writer. She writes on a variety of topics for print and electronic publications. She has a background in business, information technology. She is also working on an eBook that will be available early 2008.

Diabetes And Weight Loss - What Has Obesity Got To Do With Diabetes?

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

Do you know that diabetes and weight loss are inter-related? Studies show that obese people are more prone to diabetes than others. Obviously, the only way to cure diabetes is to lose weight. Both diabetes and obesity are caused due to poor diet as well as physical inactivity. People who eat junk foods and live a sedentary lifestyle, such as sitting at the office desk for long hours, are more likely to suffer from diabetes than others. In this article I will tell how to cure diabetes and weight loss at one go!

Mostly, diabetes occurs when our pancreas fails to produce insulin. Do you know why it happens? See, when you buy a brand new car, you are able to enjoy long distance journeys. When however, your car gets old, it stops functioning the way it used to in the past. It is the same case with our pancreas. Our pancreas is just a machine that produces insulin. However, with time, the pancreas gets older and decays and therefore fails to produce as much insulin as it used to when it was younger. In some diabetes patients, the pancreas is completely damaged, leading to their increased dependence on artificial insulin intake in the form of injections.

Diabetes and obesity: Now, how is diabetes related to obesity? Like I said before, fat is something which triggers type 2 diabetes more than anything else.

So the formula for measuring your weight is simple:

Waist measurement

_________________

Hips measurement

Now if you are a male and if your waist to hips ratio is more than 1.0 then there is definitely danger lurking around you. You should start shedding weight asap. On the other hand, if you are a female, then a 0.95 score is higher than normal and is indicative of the fact that you are overweight. Once you are able to do away with your weight, it will become easy for you to get rid of diabetes.

Diabetes Glucose Levels - Important facts You Should Know About Diabetes Glucose Levels

2007-12-30T02:00:00.001-08:00

Diabetes is really a very serious disease. If not treated in time, diabetes can lead to other health hazards. In this article I tell you all about diabetes glucose levels and how to control it easily

Why diabetes occurs at all: Before we learn how to control diabetes glucose levels, we need to know a little about our body setup. Usually, whenever we eat foods that contain carbohydrates, these foods quickly convert into glucose once they reach our digestive system. Now, our pancreas produces a hormone called insulin. Insulin's job is to break down the glucose and distribute it among the different organs of the body as well as use it to produce energy for the body. When however, insulin fails to control blood glucose levels, diabetes occurs.

Types of diabetes: There are essentially two types of diabetes: type1 and type2. Type1 diabetes patients are mostly dependent on insulin, while type2 diabetes patients are not too insulin-dependant.

Symptoms of diabetes: It becomes easy to prevent diabetes if you know about its symptoms early. For example, if your feet and thumbs are numb, if there is itching in your private parts, if you are having frequent urination, if you feel thirsty all the time, or if you are suffering from fatigue then it is possible that you are suffering from diabetes. Diabetes, if not controlled, often leads to high blood sugar, which severely damages our internal organs.

Diabetes is mostly hereditary. If you have a family history of chronic diabetes, then you may suffer from diabetes as well. However, diabetes is not always hereditary. Poor lifestyle patterns such as excessive intake of junk foods as well as lack of exercise or physical activity can also lead to diabetes.

Cure Diabetes - 6 Easy Ways To Get Rid Of Diabetes Forever

2007-12-29T02:00:00.001-08:00

Diabetes can be a life-threatening disease if you don't know how to cure it early. In this article I will tell you about six easy steps to get rid of diabetes forever. Hopefully, after reading this article, you will understand the big danger that diabetes patients are in as well as find a way out of that danger.

1. Learn about diabetes: Knowledge is the best medicine. Learning about the disease is half the battle won. If you learn a little about diabetes, it will help you a long way towards curing it. There is a lot of free information on diabetes available all over the internet. Just browse them and in no time you will see that you have got hold of some easy remedies.

2. Ask your doctor: I am sure you are already visiting a doctor. If not, why not? Your doctor can give you the best advice as far as diabetes is concerned. You just need to ask him. Ask him what is the best way to cure diabetes. Tell him about the kind of things you have tried in order to cure diabetes and whether they have worked for you or not. Based on your family history and health, your doctor should be able to find out the perfect solution for you!

3. Proper diet: Eating a balanced diet is the first step towards curing diabetes. You should bid goodbye to junk foods and starch, and focus on real foods, such as fruits and vegetables. These foods will go a long way in helping you get rid of diabetes quickly!

4. Exercise: Along with having a proper diet, you should exercise regularly. If nothing else, then swim, jog or walk regularly. You should ideally walk for 30-45 minutes per day, if not more. You can also do various simple exercises in your home. No need to visit a gym for this purpose, although a gym does provide you with an ideal environment for exercising.

5. Understand the symptoms: Are you able to know when your blood sugar level goes up or when it goes down? Well, it is easy to predict whether you are suffering from high blood sugar or low blood sugar if you know the symptoms that prelude the disease. For example, if you are suffering from anxiety, anger or frustration, then you maybe suffering from high blood pressure. On the other hand, if you are feeling confused, unfocussed or unable to concentrate on anything, then you are suffering from low blood sugar. Once you understand the symptoms, it becomes easy to prevent diabetes.

3 Tips For Natural Diabetes Cures

2007-12-27T02:00:00.000-08:00

The 1st tip for natural diabetes cures is the Bitter Melon which looks like a cucumber that grows throughout Asia, Africa, and South America and is widely used in folk medicine circles and from scientific investigation for its ability to lower blood sugar levels. Just 2 ounces of bitter melon juice is able to improve blood glucose levels in 73% of Type 2 diabetics tested. Another study found that 15 grams of extract from bitter melon is able to produce a 54% drop in after meal blood glucose and 17% reduction in glycosylated hemoglobin. You simply can't ignore number of diverse cultures that have included its benefits for centuries.

The 2nd tip for natural diabetes cures is that if you're overweight, simply losing up to 10 or 15 percent of your current body weight can bring blood pressure down and increase your cells' sensitivity to insulin. Exercise is an important component of weight loss. It also raises HDL blood levels, even without weight loss. Steps to help bring triglycerides down include a diet low in alcohol and refined carbohydrates like soda, table sugar and high fructose corn syrup, which is widespread in prepared foods and listed on labels. Contrary to what some think, this is not in conflict with the Dietary Guidelines recommendation to eat 55 percent of total calories from carbohydrates, primarily complex carbohydrates. The key words here are complex carbohydrates; such as grains, beans and vegetables, rather than sweets and desserts, and the total number of calories being consumed--just enough to maintain or achieve desirable weight.

The 3rd tip for natural diabetes cures is to Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day. An alkaline diet with natural food is recommended. Wholegrain, fruits, nuts, vegetables, and dairy products form a good diet for the diabetic. Raw vegetables can be taken in high quantities. It has been found that cooked foods raise blood glucose higher than raw, unpeeled foods. Cooking destroys many of the enzymes and some vitamins and minerals. Eat at least five fruits every day. Fruits like grape fruit, pomegranate juice, Indian blackberry, banana, granny smith apples, fig, cranberries, black berry, kiwi fruits, and citrus fruits are highly recommended. It can be taken as a snack. Cucumber, Lettuce, onion garlic string beans cucumber radish, tomato, carrot, leaves; spinach turnip, cabbage and Jerusalem artichoke are good for diabetes. Colorful vegetables are good for the functioning of pancreas. Drink Fruit juices without sugar. Brewer's yeast and sprouted alfalfa and mung beans are good for the body. Unripe banana also can be cooked and eaten. The most important of all is eating high fiber diet which lowers need for insulin. It releases energy into the body slowly. It has also been found that diabetes decreases and may even disappear in people eating a high fiber or whole food diet. High fiber diet has more chromium and chromium is very good for people with diabetes.

Discover The Symptoms and Treatment of Diabetes

2007-12-25T02:00:00.001-08:00

Diabetes is a disorder that affects the metabolic status of the body with regard to glucose blood sugar levels. When these levels are high, the body begins to respond in a negative manner, causing fatigue, headaches and overall changes that cause pain, disorientation and sickness. Since insulin is the hormone that breaks down glucose, diabetes involves the body's inability to properly utilize or produce enough insulin. It is very important to treat diabetes in its early stages because ignoring the symptoms can lead to complications, such as blindness and limb amputation.

Cause & Trend

Due to an increasingly unhealthy way of life, more and more people residing in the United States are dealing with a disease known to spiral into a life-threatening condition. Many individuals will suffer from the symptoms of diabetes throughout the year and won't even know it. One of the scariest trends regarding this medical menace is that it now strikes a considerable number of children at a young age. About 5% to 10% of all diabetic cases will exhibit Type 1 characteristics, whereas the most common and difficult form to deal with pertaining to the disease is Type 2.

Symptoms

The main symptoms regarding Type 1 diabetes may develop over the course of a few days to weeks. Increased thirst, weight loss and increased urination are just some of the common signs. It is not uncommon to see people ignore Type 1 diabetes symptoms because it is rather hard to identify the signs as needing medical attention.

With Type 2 diabetes symptoms, one may feel thirsty, frequently urinate, display an increased appetite, feel very tired, appear irritable and lose weight without trying. More serious signs of Type 2 diabetes include blurred vision, increased number of infections, numbness in hands or feet, as well as slow-healing wounds.

Treatment Options

Both types of diabetes call for a different course of action. Type 1 diabetes requires a lifelong commitment to treatment, as keeping blood sugar levels within an acceptable range will decrease the threat of developing life-threatening complications. Insulin injections or an insulin pump are used alongside a home blood-monitoring meter. Eating a balanced diet throughout the day and paying close attention to carbohydrates is also important. Regular exercise and medical checkups are also a must.

Type 2 diabetes is a bit easier to swallow in terms of treatment options. Blood glucose levels can be controlled through sticking to a healthy meal and exercise program, as well as shedding extra pounds. Oral medication, such as Glucophage, helps to establish a balance of glucose in the body.

Prevention Tips

While there is no way to cheat the onset of Type 1 diabetes, there are a handful of ways to make sure Type 2 diabetes is less likely to strike. Individuals who significantly lower their chances for the disease are those who follow a healthier path in life. The following is suggested: maintaining a healthy weight, exercise regularly and eating healthy foods. For some, avoiding diabetes is quite hard, since heredity poses a strong threat. The best way to deal with the situation is to follow prevention tips and control the disease if you should notice the signs and symptoms.

Diabetes - Understanding the Disease and How You Can Prevent It

2007-12-23T02:00:00.001-08:00

The health benefits of blackseed oil may be numerous, but cheap nigella sativa oil is probably a waste of money. Nigella sativa is the botanical name for the spice that has been used since ancient times to flavor food and for medicinal purposes.

Its common names are many, including black cumin seed, kolonji, kezah, chamushka, corek otu, seeds of blessing, fennel flower, black caraway, black onion seed and others, indicating its widespread use throughout Asia, Africa and Europe. According to the book of prophetic medicine, we should "hold onto the use of the black seeds for in it is healing for all diseases except death."

Researchers have evaluated the benefits of blackseed oil in the treatment of many medical conditions, including cancer, arthritis, diabetes, liver damage, parasitic infections, bacterial infections, viral infections, asthma and other respiratory illnesses. It was used historically as a pain reliever and modern research has supported this use, though the mechanism of action is unclear.

It is understandable that people would look for cheap nigella sativa oil, since the seeds are valuable and fetch a good price on the market. The problem with purchasing cheap nigella sativa oil is that the average person has no way of knowing what he is getting. Even as a food flavoring, cheap nigella sativa oil can be disappointing. If used as a health supplement, it could be a waste of money or even dangerous, particularly if a person is relying on the oil for the treatment or prevention of a disease.

Genuine nigella sativa is cultivated in France, Germany, Saudi Arabia, northern Africa, India and other parts of Asia. It grows wild on the Mediterranean coast in Egypt and in some parts of Turkey and the Balkans. Mainly because of the many health benefits of blackseed oil, it is a valuable commodity and not found in discount stores.

Benefits of Blackseed Oil in Type II Diabetes

Type II diabetes is one of the most common metabolic disorders in the world. The use of traditional botanical and herbal supplements among those who have the condition and those who are at risk is increasing, according to surveys conducted in several countries.

Researchers are currently evaluating the benefits of blackseed oil and other "folk" remedies in the treatment of type II diabetes for two main reasons. One reason is to insure that patients who use these alternative medicines are not at risk of detrimental side effects. The other is to evaluate the effectiveness of alternative remedies, since available pharmaceutical options are limited, have unwanted side effects and are ineffective in the long term.

Research on the benefits of blackseed oil is considered preliminary, as studies are being done using animal models, but the results are promising. It has been shown that an extract from nigella sativa seeds can reduce elevated blood sugar levels and the antioxidant activity of the extract may prevent the complications associated with uncontrolled type II diabetes.

Learn the Benefits of Blackseed Oil, But Avoid Cheap Nigella Sativa Oil

2007-12-22T02:00:00.001-08:00

A diabetic diet is a balanced healthy diet with appropriate mixture of carbohydrates, proteins and fats at each meal so as to both provide essential nutrients as well as create an even release of glucose into the blood from meal to meal on a daily basis. A diet for diabetes, however, needs to be adjusted to suit each diabetic's requirement as there are tend to be differences in everyone's level of physical activities, injections of insulin (if taking) and intake of oral diabetic drugs, and the action and timing of the medications taken.

Most people with diabetes find that it is quite helpful to sit down with a dietician or nutritionist for a consult about what is the best diet for them and how many daily calories they need. It is quite important for diabetics to understand the principles of carbohydrate counting and how to help control blood sugar levels through proper diet.

To keep blood sugar levels under control, a diabetic diet strikes a balance among the carbohydrates, fats, and protein you take in.

Carbohydrates:

Carbohydrates are the source of energy that starts with glucose, the sugar in your bloodstream, and includes substances containing many sugar molecules called complex carbohydrates, starches, cellulose, and gums. Carbohydrates comprise the highest source of blood sugar and are the primary fuel for your body and brain. Carbohydrates are any food that can be broken down into sugar and the more of these you eat the higher your blood sugar will rise.

Fat:

Fats should contain no more than the 30% of the daily basis calorie count. Fats are the most important concern for diabetics because the management of cholesterol is done according to the amount of fat taken into the body. The dietary key to managing cholesterol, then, lies in understanding fats and oils.

Reducing the consumption of saturated fats and trans-fatty acids is the number one step in managing weight and cholesterol. To manage these fats it is important to understand both saturated fats and trans fatty acids. Saturated fats are found in animal products and dairy products. Trans-fatty acids are created through a process called hydrogenation. These fats can be found in stick margarine and in fast foods, baked goods and white breads.

Protein:

Protein is another element that is important to take account of in the diabetic diet. Protein foods do not raise your blood sugar, so you can add more fish, eggs, meat, etc with your meals. Protein is limited to 15-20% of the total calorie requirement of the body. Whenever you eat a meal or snack, it should always include a small amount of protein that has its own natural fat. The protein food with its own natural fat tends to hold onto the food longer so that your blood sugar doesn't spike and then drop immediately.

A diabetic diet can be customized to suit each patient's preferences, and a nutritionist can help with this. This type of diet should also take into consideration the medical condition, lifestyle and eating habits of the diabetic patient.

A Diabetic Diet is Key to Managing Diabetes

2007-12-20T02:00:00.001-08:00

Diabetic disease is a growing concern around the world, and early detection and diagnosis of these pathologies are critical in not only raising awareness among those at risk for disease, but also for developing treatments to help prevent the onset and progression of disease. Some times if this disease is severe enough and it can require aggressive intervention to treat the complications that it can bring about.

Diabetes mellitus is currently developing into one of the main threats of human health with an explosive increase in the number of people diagnosed with diabetes worldwide. Approximately 29 million Americans age 20 or older have diabetes. But many, almost one-third, don't know they have the disease and are at risk for vision loss, kidney failure, and increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

The diabetic's disease is the failure of the body to produce sufficient insulin; the disease is not the individual's failure to stay on a diabetic diet. Although for diabetes (and all of us) the goal is still excellent glucose control, much more important is strict insulin control. With insulin levels, the lower the better. A normal fasting insulin level is less than 10 mIU/ml.

Diabetic disease is a condition that cannot be cured but with proper diet, exercise, and medical management its symptoms and complications can be controlled, allowing those who suffer its affects to live long and healthy lives.

Diabetic Disease and Its Complications

2007-12-18T02:00:00.001-08:00

Do you have diabetes neuropathy?

If you have diabetes there is a good chance you will develop neuropathy. More than half the people that have diabetes get one form of neuropathy.

Do you have diarrhea, stomach aches, vomit often, have constipation frequently or are bloating on a recurrent basis? If you do you may have diabetes neuropathy. Do you have a tingling feeling in your feet and legs? Is walking sometimes a problem because your feet hurt? These are diabetes neuropathy symptoms as well. This nerve damage condition increases as you get older and the longer period of time you have diabetes disease.

Diabetic neuropathy - How many kinds are there?

There are three kinds of diabetic neuropathy, with peripheral neuropathy being the most common. Peripheral reduces capability to sense pain temperature, touch and vibration in distinct areas of your body. If you have peripheral you probably are being affected in the lower parts of your legs and in your feet. Potential problems include ulcers bone and joint defects and infection.

The nerves control the involuntary workings of your body. These include heartbeat, sweating, digestion, urination and some sexual functions. If these are your issues then there may have been some damage to the nerves that control those tasks. Autonomic neuropathy is also very common.

Focal neuropathy affects a single nerve. Usually it is in the foot, thigh or wrist. The single nerve may also effect your eyesight if it is one of the nerves that controls eyesight in your back or chest.

Visiting your health care provider would make sense. You may need a neurological examination or a electromyogram (EMG) to determine what is the problem. Knowing what to treat is part of the treatment.

It has been about two months since I began this new diet to address my neuropathy. The feeling of pain has subsided. I am getting more feeling and a better color to my feet and I think I am on the right track to thwarting this disease. The raw fruits, vegetables and some nuts that I am eating seem to be helping me with this diabetic neuropathy ailment. Since April 17, 2007 I have regimented myself to contain my diet to only fruits, vegetables and some nuts. The key is raw foods, not cooked foods.

Taking care of your diabetes is pretty important. Keep reading in the author's area to find natural alternatives to conventional medicines to help you fight this killer disease. The Diabetic Warrior has a free MP3 available.

Diabetic Neuropathy - Taking Care of This Pain in Your Foot

2007-12-16T02:00:00.001-08:00

Home Remedies to Cure Diabetes

1. Take juice of bilva and parijataka leaves in equal parts for natural remedy of diabetes. Take two teaspoons of it twice a day.

2. Avoid drinking alcohol (including beer, gin, wines and whisky).

3. Take two teaspoons of powdered Fenugreek seeds with milk. Two teaspoons of the seeds can also be swallowed whole, daily.

4. Avoid sweets, chocolates, rice, banana, grapes, mangoes, dry fruits, oils, cakes and pastries.

5. Boil 15 fresh Mango leaves in 1 glass of water. Leave overnight. Filter this water and drink first thing in the morning.

6. Eat green vegetables, coriander, cucumber, cabbage, coconut, chenopodium album (bathu), creeper of pumpkin, cucumber, cabbage, bitter guard, carrot, tomato, lemon, radish, onion and ginger

7. Avoid infections, burns and injuries as they develop ketosis in such stressful conditions.

8. Take 400 mcg. a day of chromium picolinate makes insulin more efficient helping keep sugar level low. Chromium maintains stable blood sugar levels through proper insulin utilization and can be helpful for people with diabetes and/or hypoglycemia.

9. Take plenty of potassium and vitamins C, E, and B-complex.

10. Eat 10 fresh fully grown curry leaves every morning for three months. It prevent diabetes due to heredity factors. It also cures diabetes due to obesity.

Diabetes - Home Remedies to Cure Diabetes

2007-12-15T02:00:00.001-08:00

Types of diabetes mellitus are

1. Insulin-dependent type.

2. Non-insulin dependent.

Reasons and causes for diabetes - Diabetes is mainly caused due to various reasons such as viral infection that damages the pancreas causing the deficiency of insulin, obesity (major cause) leading to development of non-insulin dependent diabetes.

Symptoms:

Polyurea - excretion of interested quantity of urine.

Polydipsia - excessive thirst leading to increased consumption of water.

Polyphagia - excessive appetite leads to increase in take of food. In spite of over eating, diabetic patient looses weight.

Important Diabetes Q and A

How much weight should I lose each week?

Restraining your weight loss to 1/2 to 1 pound a week will keep you body healthy and perfect, and enjoy your favorite food in small amount. This is the key for you to lose weight slow and steady.

How can I cut the fat in my diet?

Here are some basic tips,Firstly see a dietitian for more advice. Avoid fried stuff's choose nonfat or low-fat selections, such as no fat or 1% milk or cheese containing low fatty foods and less cholestrol foods.

Why does losing weight help my diabetes?

Lowering Insulin resistance will allows the natural insulin to lower the blood glucose level in the body. Secondly this will improve blood pressure and increase fat present in the blood. People suffering from Diabetes will (mostly) become prey for cardiovascular diseases. Reducing fat present in the blood and blood pressure reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Diabetes Disease A Burning Problem For Our Human Society

2007-12-13T02:00:00.001-08:00

According to the American Diabetes Association, approximately 18.3% (8.6 million) of Americans age 60 and older have diabetes. Not only is the risk for Type 2 diabetes more common as people get older, but physical, financial and medical issues are often compounded as people age. As many as 50% of Type 2 diabetes happens in those aged 55 and older.

With 78 million Americans approaching retirement age of 62 in the next decade, the possibility of a full fledged diabetes epidemic looms on the horizon. Here's why.

RISK FACTORS. The major risk factors for diabetes have to do with weight and age. Add high blood pressure, depression and a sedentary lifestyle and you have covered most of the precursors for the disease.

NUTRITIONAL POVERTY A term I use to describe the fact that Diabetes calls for a healthier way of eating than most are used to. Let's face it Americans in general don't eat very well. A healthier way of eating costs more money. Money is not exactly in overabundance in most Americans especially those who have retired.

MEDICAL COMPLICATIONS Diabetes directly or indirectly can lead to blindness, coronary artery disease, kidney failure, and impaired circulation which can lead to amputation.

MEDICAL POVERTY Next to nutritional poverty comes medical poverty. As Americans continue to age they cannot afford health insurance and the kind of medical coverage needed to control diabetes or assist in the fight against complications.

The good news is there are some answers for these problems:

• Community-sponsored senior transportation may be available at little to no charge. Your local senior center may also provide transportation.

• Meals on Wheels program may be an option for nutritionally balance meals. You might also check with your local churches and other social services organizations. about low-cost food programs that are available in the area.

• Medicaid provides health benefits.

• Local groups such as the YMCA's and Community Centers provide exercise programs geared to seniors.

• Your local hospital is an excellent resource for seniors. Check them out.

Growing old is not necessarily as much fun as it is cracked up to be. If you can avoid diabetes it will definitely prolong your life and be an improvement on your quality of life.

Jack Krohn has had Diabetes, Pre-diabetes and Syndrome X for nearly fifteen years. He speaks from the experiences he has had during that time.

Diabetes and Baby Boomers- Why Their Aging is a Recipe for an Epidemic

2007-12-11T02:00:00.001-08:00

Let us look at the effects of two nutrients, and see how they may affect the blood sugar level of a diabetic. The two nutrients we will be looking at at vanadyl sulfate and chromium picolinate.

omium and vanadyl seemed worth checking out.

Now it seems that athletes have been using these two supplements for quite some time. They believed they worked in gaining energy, burning fat, and gaining lean tissue mass (muscle ). This is the athletic point of view. I wanted to see the medical testing , if there was any.

There is medical testing and data available. It seemed the same way for people with diabetes as it did for athletes.

The results of the eight studies, I went over, were varied. But the results were all positive. They all showed some positive impact on lowering blood sugar levels. Some showed a small drop, others showed a significant drop. The side effects were some gastrointestinal upset in a small percentage of diabetics tested.

Chromium can be found naturally in meats, poultry, fish, and whole grain bread products. Again in eight different studies, results varied. And again, they all showed positive data regarding the lowering of blood sugar. It has been shown that, chromium alone, can help borderline diabetic cases. With a 400mcg. dose daily, individuals were able to keep from crossing the line to be afflicted with diabetes. This was without changing the rest of their lifestyle.

Neither of these supplements are a replacement for insulin, nor are they a cure. But they show positive results in a person with diabetes. Chromium picolinate and vanadyl sulfate are the forms of these nutrients that are best absorbed.

Let's Look at Two Nutrients to Lower Our Blood Sugar Levels

2007-12-09T02:00:00.001-08:00

"Side effects may include: restlessness, irritability, headaches, dry mouth, gastric upset, or impotency." We've all heard this statement before. It, or something similar, follows practically every prescription medication commercial advertisement on television or radio. We all know that there will be side effects to any medication, because that's the nature of our bodies. We accept these small inconveniences in exchange for the benefits of the drug in question.

We also have a national tendency to trust, with little or no question, what pharmaceutical companies tell us. Why is that? Because we have the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) watching out for us. The FDA's job is to screen all new medications for safety and efficacy. They make sure that before a drug goes to market, it has been thoroughly tested. They ensure that the manufacturer is up-front about any adverse side effects.

Recent news articles, though, cast some serious doubt on our ability to trust the FDA. Take, for example, the headlines regarding the prescription diabetes medication Avandia: "Study: Avandia Raises Risk of Heart Attack," "Diabetes Drug Avandia Boosts Heart Attack Risk, Study Finds," and "Lawmakers to Grill GlaxoSmithKline, FDA on Diabetes Drug."

Drug safety expert, Dr. Curt Furberg, requested that the FDA remove Avandia from the market. He and Dr. Bruce Psaty both pointed out that Avandia "represents a major failure of the drug-use and drug-approval processes in the United States."

So, how did the FDA miss this? Really, it's somewhat puzzling. Puzzling, considering the fact that New York Attorney General Eliot Spitzer has just settled a $2.5 million lawsuit with Glaxo for withholding results of studies on Paxil and its use in children. Puzzling, considering Dr. Rosemary Johann-Liang asked for the highest warning put on Avandia following evidence that Avandia caused swelling which could result in heart failure; FDA agents who work closely with Glaxo complained and she was removed from the position. Why wasn't the FDA looking more closely at Glaxo's studies?

Avandia Heart Attack Side Effects - How Did The FDA Miss This?

2007-12-08T02:00:00.001-08:00

You can't have that!

Diabetic foods don't have any taste!

Diabetics shouldn't eat those kinds of things!

If it looks too good to eat, you probably shouldn't eat it!

Do these horrible rules come to mind when you think of your diet? Well, I have some good news for you: Some rules are made to be broken!

That's right, you'll find foods you can and want to eat. So, come with me on this fantastic and delectable journey of foods you can enjoy!

What's on the diabetic menu?

While diabetics should consider what they're eating, they should also have fun with their food! You can find hundreds of healthy and delicious recipes that will suit your diabetic diet. You don't have to eat bland, tasteless foods anymore! Here are a few menu ideas you will find at The Mayo Clinic:

From the main course

-Marinated portobello mushrooms with provolone

-Grilled Chicken Sandwich with Sun Dried Tomatoes

-Caribbean Beef Ragout with Coconut Rice

-Baked Red Snapper in Parchment with Julienne Vegetables

-Grilled Salmon Steaks with Tarragon Sauce

-Pizza with Onions and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

-New Mexican Chicken-Cilantro Sausage Strata

-Easy Vegetarian Lasagna

-Chicken quesadillas

-Chicken strips with honey mustard sauce

-Asparagus, tomato and red pepper French bread pizza

To crisp Salads

-Arugula Salad with Cherry Tomatoes and Shaved Parmesan

-Lobster and Shrimp Salad with Fresh Vegetables

To refreshing drinks

-Fresh Fruit Slush

-Strawberry Lemonade

To sinful desserts

-Strawberry shortcake

-Creamy Cheesecake with Fresh Raspberries

-Fresh Peach Cake

-Fruit Chiffon in a Chocolate Cookie Crust

-Chocolate Popcorn

Those are just a few of the hundreds of delicious recipes that you can eat!

Moderation

This word is sometimes despised in any diet world. But, wouldn't you rather have a longer life to eat those delicious and healthy foods? Diabetics don't always have to omit desserts and sweets from their diet; they just have to be careful not to eat excessive amounts more than once or twice a week.

Choice

Everybody loves to have choices. And guess what? Diabetics have choices, too! Some tips on how to choose foods that ensure the health of diabetics are:

-Diabetics should eat the same amount of food around the same time each day to ensure stable blood sugar levels.

-Diabetics should use a system called "Carbohydrate Counting." This means counting the total number of grams of carbohydrates you eat at a meal or planned snack time based on your healthy exercise habits and medication.

-Diabetics should choose smaller portions of deli meats, poultry and fish, and low or fat-free dairy products.

-Diabetics should watch their cholesterol level.

Work

I know, I hear the complaints, "Look at all the stuff I have to do just to prepare a meal!" Well, friend, wouldn't you rather have the choice of what to eat instead of having someone else make the decisions for you while you're helpless in a hospital bed? Not only do you have the power to live a healthy life, you can live it with flavorful diabetic foods!

A Diabetic Diet You Can Follow

2007-12-06T02:00:00.001-08:00

You've just been diagnosed with diabetes; not a life sentence! Sure, you have some new guidelines that need to be followed, but they are doable. In fact, you'll probably be pleasantly surprised how much fun you can have on your journey to better health. You can have fun as you manage your diabetes through exercise.

Exercise. It's become a four-letter word these days because it involves commitment. It has also been described as boring, time-consuming, and embarrassing.

Despite the bad rap exercise has gotten over the years, it is fun and greatly benefits your health. Did you know exercise actually prevents the progression of diabetes?

How Do I Prepare to Exercise Properly?

Well, here's the part where I'm going to sound like your mother! "You should check with your doctor before you start exercising!" It's true. This checklist includes seven quick and easy steps before you get out and exercise:

1. Talk to your doctor about the right exercise for you.

2. Check your blood sugar level before and after exercising.

3. Check your feet for blisters or sores before and after exercising.

4. Wear the proper shoes and socks.

5. Drink plenty of fluid before, during and after exercising.

6. Warm up before exercising and cool down afterward.

7. Have a snack handy in case your blood sugar level drops too low.

There is only one rule when you manage your diabetes through exercise – and that is to make sure you're safe: go slowly. Gradually increasing the intensity and length of your workout as you get fit is a sure way of ensuring your safety and health.

What Exercises Are Safe For Me To Do?

Okay, you have your comfy workout clothes on, you have your water bottle, you have your favorite tunes playing, you've stretched out, you're ready to go… but, "Where am I going?" you might ask, or, "What exercises am I going to do?" Two categories of exercises that are sure to match your own personality and abilities are:

1. For those who have problems with the nerves in your feet or legs, these anaerobic exercises are a perfect match for you: swimming, bicycling, rowing or chair exercises.

2. For those who don't have problems with the nerves in your feet or legs, these aerobic exercises are a perfect match for you: walking, jogging, aerobic dance or bicycling.

What Do I Get Out of It?

You may be asking, "If I put all my time and heart into it, what is exercising going to do for my diabetes?" The following benefits to management diabetes take place through exercise:

-Weight loss

-Lower blood sugar levels

-Lower risk of heart disease

-Overall health improvement

-Self-esteem

-Self-confidence

Is Exercise Enough?

Management of Diabetes Through Exercise - It's Not As Bad As You Think

2007-12-04T02:00:00.001-08:00

Isn't being depressed bad enough? Diabetes can develop if you suffer from depression.

Why can depression cause diabetes?

The hormone cortisol may be the topic. If you are depressed a higher intensity of this hormone can be produced in the body. When more cortisol is secreted insulin sensitivity may be diminished and increase fat deposits.

In the four states of Pennsylvania, California, North Carolina and Maryland 4,681 men and women were tracked with an average age of 73. The Archives of Internal Medicine disclosed the following: In these three scenarios (single bouts of depression, chronic depression and depression that worsened over time) an increased risk of diabetes existed in all three cases.

How can you avoid potential diabetes problems?

First you need to recognize some signs of depression. If you have a few of these symptoms, see a doctor or someone you trust that you can talk to.

You are apathetic about most things. Caring about anything has become a very low priority.
Your have a change in your appetite eating more or less than you used to. Quick weight gains or losses occur.
Your eating habits have changed. You are eating more or you are eating less than you used to. Weight gains and losses are happening rather quickly.
Sleeping has become difficult for you. You cannot get a full nights rest.
You have lots of negative thoughts about yourself. You cannot do anything correctly is your own self evaluation.
You seem to always wake up in a bad mood. Mornings are the worst time of day.
You lack any energy. You feel tired and listless.
You find it very difficult to concentrate as "other thoughts" keep getting in your way. Concentrating on anything is almost impossible.
You have feelings about either doing away with yourself or hurting yourself

Get on the right passageway to better health

Awareness is the first step to gaining a healthier lifestyle. If you have any concerns about diabetes or potential diabetes issues then claim your free ecourse about natural diabetes solutions. It will help you deal with diabetes in a safe and natural way. If you would like to listen to the free MP3 keep reading.

Diabetes and Depression - Could You Be Damaging Yourself More Than You Think?

2007-12-02T02:00:00.001-08:00

This is probably the worst thing that can happen to a type2 diabetes patient. Do you know that if you are suffering from type2 diabetes, you are at risk of developing various heart diseases? Worst, you can even suffer from stroke. A recent research conducted on diabetics and non-diabetics proved that non-diabetics are less likely to develop symptoms of stroke than diabetics. And for people suffering from type2 diabetes, the first five years are crucial as there is a very strong chance of having a stroke during this period. Here are the details about the research.

For the purpose of the study, the researchers randomly chose about 12,272 patients suffering from type2 diabetes. The average age of the patients was about 64 years or so. The research was conducted for about five years so that there is no room for any doubt. At the end of five years, the researchers found out that the type2 diabetes patients were developing symptoms of stroke.

If you think that it is only the old people who suffer from stroke, you cannot be further from the truth. In fact, the study found out that among the diabetes patients, young diabetics are more at risk of developing symptoms of stroke than older people. This is very much unlike the non-diabetic, general population, where more old than young people suffer from stroke. It only goes on to show us how dangerous type2 diabetes can be and how seriously we should think about combating this disease.

As you can see, there are several misconceptions about the connection between type2 diabetes and stroke. The first misconception is that only old diabetic people suffer from stroke, while it is the younger people who are more likely to have stroke. Another misconception is that stroke occurs after ten years of being diagnosed with type2 diabetes. But the reality is that it can take as little as five years for a diabetes patient to develop symptoms of stroke. I sincerely hope that this article will help to dispel these misconceptions and that type2 diabetes will get a better treatment in future. If you would like to know more about type2 diabetes and how to prevent it, simply click on the link in my resource box below!

Type2 Diabetes - The Worst of Type2 Diabetes Uncovered

2007-12-01T02:00:00.001-08:00

Do you know that about 20 million people in America suffer from diabetes? Yes, it is really sad, and saddest part is that if only these people do a little exercise and follow a healthy diet as outlined in this article, they can easily control their blood sugar levels and cure diabetes.

1. Strength Training Exercises: Don't panic. You don't need to live in a gym all day long in order to alleviate diabetes. If you visit the gym just once a week and do intense strength training exercises for about half-an-hour then you will be able to lose weight and your glucose metabolism will also be improved. Recent research has proved that if a person does strength training exercises for about four months s/he will be able to alleviate diabetes easily. Apart from exercises, you should also eat a healthy diet as outlined below:

2. Have a nutritious diet: Create a meal plan and then stick to it. Your meal should contain food which is high in quality and nutrition, and low in sugar. Junk foods which simply increase your blood sugar levels should be avoided at all costs. This way you will be able to alleviate type2 diabetes.

Simply eating a high quality diet wouldn't do. There are certain rules that you should follow while eating meals and doing exercises. If you would like to get more information about those rules, then simply click on the link in my resource box below!

How To Alleviate Diabetes Easily Without Medicines

2007-11-29T02:00:00.001-08:00

A nutritious diet is an essential key to a healthy diet. Food that is low in carbohydrates and high in protein and fat should be included in your diet. In this article I will give you some rules that you must follow if you are unable to get the required amount of calories from your foods.

Usually you should try to get all the calories you need from your diet itself, but if you cannot do that, you should use a blender to make drinks from skim milk with whichever preservatives you would like to use.

Now, do you know how to use those blenders? You should eat those blenders along with solid food. You should also change your meal patterns. For example, you should break your meal into several small servings and eat each serving every two or three hours. Then you should watch your weight as well as your blood sugar level. If you cannot keep a watch on your weight and blood sugar regularly, you can keep a watch on your daily calorie intake instead. Get a calorie counter for yourself and see how much calories you are consuming per day.

As you can see, you have a lot of ways to alleviate diabetes.

How To Alleviate Diabetes - 3 Tips

2007-11-27T02:00:00.001-08:00

Do you know that diabetes is not just another disease; it is like a slow poison that is harming your body. In fact, it is taking you toward a slow death. In this article I will share with you some of the alarming statistics about diabetes that you may not be aware of!

If you want to cure diabetes and live longer then you need to change your lifestyle from now on! If you are eating all the high carb junk foods, stop right now! Change your food habits: include foods which are rich in protein and fiber, such as fruits and vegetables. You also need to do regular workouts to ensure that you are always fit. This way you will be able to alleviate diabetes and increase your life expectancy.

Alleviate Diabetes - Warning! Diabetes Is Taking You Toward A Slow Death!

2007-11-25T02:00:00.001-08:00

The reality is that some diabetes drugs are likely to increase your weight when your blood sugar kevel is under control. Because when your blood sugar level is under control and you no longer suffer from diabetes, your body doesn't burn those extra calories as it used to do. Instead, it preserves the calories within your body. As such, if you continue to take diabetes medicines at this stage, you may gain weight. One another thing to note is that there are some groups of medicines which are notorious for increasing a person's body weight, for example, drugs such Sulfonylureas (such as glyburide and glipizide), meglitinides (Prandin) and thiazolidinediones (such as pioglitazone and rosiglitazone) are known to increase a person's body weight. If your weight continues to increase, your blood sugar level may rise once more, which means that once again, you will develop diabetes.

If you ask me, I am a firm believer in the natural methods of curing diabetes. I don't trust medicines: they do more harm than good. So, what are those natural cures? You simply change your lifestyle, and you won't need any medicines, guaranteed! Change your food habits and do regular exercises, and you will not only be fit and healthy, you will also keep diabetes at bay. Lower the amount of carbohydrates in your diet, increase the amount of protein and fiber, and don't forget to do regular workouts. If you cannot do workouts, take a brisk walk of about 30 minutes each day. The fact that you have been successful in controlling your blood sugar level doesn't mean that you should go back to your old habits of eating high carb foods. If you want to get more information about natural ways to cure diabetes, simply click the link in my resource box below!

Diabetes Weight Gain - Warning! Diabetes Medicines Can Increase Your Weight!

2007-11-24T02:00:00.001-08:00

Many things only take 15 minutes:

-Complete a job application online

-Check daily emails

-Clean out the car

-Water the lawn

-Fold the laundry

-Drive through for coffee

-Vacuum the carpet

-Take a snack break

-Jog or run a mile

-Schedule a business appointment

Do you have 15 minutes three or four times a week that can change your life?

How is 15 minutes three or four times a week going to change my life?

Fifteen minutes is going to change your life if you make one decision that will allow you to live a healthier and longer life. Only you can make this decision. You're the only one who has control over this decision. Others can plead or encourage you to do it, but you're the only one who can decide to do it. Everyone has an extra 15 minutes in his or her life to make this decision. This decision is exercise.

I'm diabetic. What kind of exercises can I possibly do?

Well, just doing the minimum can have great advantages for diabetics. If straining your muscles in the hot, musty gym or running the mile in four minutes isn't your thing, then you've come to the right place because the following exercises are exactly opposite of a strenuous workout!

Walking in a beautiful park, swimming in a cool pool, fishing in a tiny brook, tossing a football while the sun goes down, holding hands with a loved one as you walk your dog on a trail, bicycling on a scenic path, flying a kite in the gentle wind, or gardening are all wonderful and recommended exercise activities for diabetics.

How is 15 minutes three or four times a week going to change my life?

Doctors and medical professionals agree that just 15 minutes per day could save your life. Here are several reasons that diabetes.org suggests why 15 minutes is very profitable to your health:

1. Lowers blood glucose (sugar), blood pressure, and cholesterol levels

2. Reduces risk for heart disease and stroke

3. Relieves stress

4. Strengthens heart, muscles, and bones

5. Helps insulin work better

6. Improves blood circulation

7. Boosts the immune system

8. Keeps joints flexible

9. Lowers health premiums

10. Improves overall health

Are there any more benefits to exercising 15 minutes?

What if I'm tired and don't want to exercise?

Motivation can be found in several different ways. A photo from Thanksgiving week on the fridge, a walking buddy, memories of how good you felt when you were on the football team or cheerleading squad, or those jeans that you haven't worn since college, all of these are great motivations. The thought of a better and healthier life is motivation enough to exercise for just 15 minutes just a few times a week

Are you ready to start living again?

Spending 15 minutes just three or four times a week can greatly improve your health, body, and mind. Oh, I understand, you need something to help you get started.

Exercise And Diabetes - How 15 Minutes Per Day Could Save Your Life

2007-11-22T02:00:00.001-08:00

For people with type 2 diabetes your doctor will usually prescribe an oral medication to help in controlling your blood glucose level. Of course, along with any diabetes medications you will most likely be making changes in your diet, getting exercise, etc., but this article will focus on the types of diabetic medications that are available. Keep in mind that there are two reasons for anyone to have type 2 diabetes.

1. Their pancreas simply does not produce enough insulin anymore.

2. The cells have become insulin resistant.

Different diabetes medications are used for one of these two categories based on simple blood tests that tell the doctor which category you belong to.

Sulfonylureas

Biguanides

These types of diabetic medications aid the insulin in moving glucose into different cells. This type of medicine is not for everyone though. If you have kidney problems or a history of heart problems you could be at risk of serious medical issues. Glucophage, Fortament, Glumetza and Riomet are all examples of Biguanides.

Thiazolidnediones

Drugs in this class such as Actos and Avandia work in making your body's insulin more effective. They block the liver from releasing too much insulin, while making it more effective in muscle and fat.

Although Thiazolidinediones are excellent in type 2 diabetics, your doctor will do periodic blood tests to be sure they are not damaging your liver.

Alpha - Glucosidase Inhibitors

A major side effect from these drugs such as Precose and Glyset are gas and diarrhea.

Meglitinides

There are also several different combinations of these medications available that combine two different types into one pill.

This is only a brief overview and only your doctor can help determine the course of treatment that is right for you.

Diabetes - What You Should Know About Diabetes Medications

2007-11-20T02:00:00.001-08:00

-Deep-fried

-Greasy

-Oily

-Dripping with fat

-Loaded with preservatives

Do these descriptions describe your food? If so, I'm glad you're reading this. You're about to read something that has the power to change your life! Diabetes develops from, in part, routinely eating the types of unhealthy and diabetes-promoting foods that are described above.

Here are some warning signs to see if you're at risk for diabetes:

-Are you missing fun events because of frequent trips to the bathroom?

-Are you passing up on fun activities because of headaches?

These symptoms of frequent urination, life-interrupting headaches, and fatigue are just a few warning signs of type 2 diabetes.

But, this is mind-boggling: you don't have to be a diabetic! I will show you one sure-fire way to prevent this devastating diagnosis.

A healthy diet plan, partnered with a mild exercise program, will prevent type 2 diabetes! That's right, the food you eat has the power to either make you a victim of diabetes or a victor of diabetes. I will show you fifteen amazing food choices you can eat to help prevent type 2 diabetes.

1. Cheese

2. Dried beans

3. Fish

4. Fruits

5. Garlic

6. Lean meats

7. Leeks

8. Milk

9. Onions

10. Scallions

11. South American herb called Stevia

12. Vegetables

13. Water

14. Whole-grain cereals and breads

15. Yogurt

And the list goes on…

Now that you know what ingredients are proven to prevent diabetes, I will show you how to incorporate them into your diet with wonderful and tasty menu items:

Breakfast:

Mushroom, Goat Cheese, & Herb Omelet

Scrambled Eggs with Cheese Grits

Spanish Omelet

Watermelon Berry Delight

Lunch:

Cauliflower & Black Olive Casserole

Chicken Tostada Salad

Grilled Chicken Sandwich With Cucumber Yogurt

New Potato & Green Bean Salad

New York Clam Chowder

Pueblo Squash Stew

Rigatoni With Broccoli Rabe & Tomatoes

Dinner:

Arroz Con Pollo

Chipotle Black Bean Turkey Chili

Grilled Pacific Swordfish With Plum-Basil Relish

Grilled Salmon Provencal

Lamb With Marinated Vegetables

Lime-Marinated Shrimp

Now, these mouth-watering foods have either little or no solid fats, trans fats, saturated fats, or harmful ingredients. These delectable foods are healthy and tasty. What could be better than those combinations?
Sure, it may take a little longer preparation time for these meals, but the fun can be in the journey, as well as the destination! And, it will give you a longer period of time to imagine the succulent, healthy tastes that await you.

Eating A Healthy Diet Can Reduce Your Risk of Developing Diabetes

2007-11-18T02:00:00.001-08:00

Who would've thought that the simplest answer to healthy blood sugar levels is walking? Who would've thought that breathing in the crisp air, admiring the colorful leaves on the trees, listening to the birds chirping their morning song, and feeling the morning sun's warmth on your face would improve your health? These descriptions are reasons enough to get out there, but there are medical reasons as well!

Do you want to be invited to the best event in the world that has so many advantages? I thought so, so I put together a "Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How" invitation so you can get walking! Here are the simplest answers to these questions:

WHO is invited to walk?

-Anyone who suffers from high blood sugar levels.

-Anyone who wants to be healthy.

-Anyone who wants to live longer.

WHAT is involved?

-Walking. It's that simple. Not walking a 10k marathon or running the mile in four minutes, just walking.

-An inexpensive pedometer.

-Make a goal. The recommended number of steps each day is 10,000 according to thewalkingsite.com. The average sedentary person walks 1,000-3,000 steps a day. With a little creativity, 10,000 steps won't be that difficult.

WHEN should I start walking?

-Right after you talk to your doctor if you have irregular blood sugar levels.

-Today. Walk in the morning to enjoy the start of your new life or walk in the evening to enjoy the beautiful sunset.

-1-2 hours after a meal when the insulin isn't at its peak.

WHERE are some places I can walk?

-The park.

-The ocean.

-The lake.

-A trail.

-Shopping malls.

-The neighborhood.

WHY should I start walking?

-Walking lowers blood sugar levels.

-Walking fights infections.

-Walking lowers blood pressure problems.

-Walking controls the body's weight.

-Walking regulates cholesterol levels.

-Not walking can cause serious health conditions, such as infections, blood clotting, and the inability of cuts and wounds to heal.

HOW can I get my walking in?

-Park a little further from the stores.

-Walk to the closest grocery or convenient store instead of driving the car.

-Walk the dog with the kids.

-Renew relationships and call an old friend to walk with.

-Multi-task and use your walking time as your thinking, praying, or meditating time.

-Get off the couch and turn the channels; put the remote up.

-Plan to get up every hour and just walk around your house.

How can I get started? Here are three simple answers:

-Gently stretch before you go walking.

-Drink plenty of water before, during, and after.

-Wear socks and good athletic shoes to prevent blisters.

-Be sure to dress appropriately for the weather.

-Bring snacks for emergencies when you detect signs of low blood sugar.

So, you've been invited to begin a healthier you. What will you do with your RSVP to this important invitation?

What are you waiting for? Next Summer? After the holidays? No, get started right now to have a healthier body, mind, and life. Get out there and get walking!

Walk Your Way To Healthy Blood Sugar Levels - Management of Blood Glucose Through Simple Exercise

2007-11-17T02:00:00.001-08:00

Do you want the secret to a healthy diet? Well, I have it and I will gladly tell you about it! There are many different diets that tell diabetics to "Eat this!" "You can only eat that!" So, I'm going to tell you about the foods that can harm you and be devastating to your health so that you don't want those bad foods to come near your stomach!

I'm diabetic. What foods should I avoid?

-Sugary sweets

-Fatty foods

-White flour

-White bread

-White rice

-Red meat

-Eggs

-Honey

-Dairy products

-Caffeine

What will happen to me if I choose not to avoid these foods?

Overeating these foods can have some startling causes and side effects:

-Rise in blood sugar levels

-Insulin resistance

-Obesity

-Metabolic disease

-Heart attacks

-Strokes

-Blindness

-Deafness

-Kidney failure

-Burning foot syndrome

-Death

What benefits will I reap if I avoid these certain foods? These benefits far out-weigh any inconvenience.

-Reduces the risk of cancer

-Lowers blood pressure

-Energy

-Life

Okay, I'll give it a try! Please give me some menu ideas for my diabetic diet. I'm glad you asked! Here's the fun part. You get to see what kinds of foods you can eat (more at diabetes.org)!

Breakfast:

-Breakfast Quesadillas

-Pancakes with Cottage Cheese and Fruit

Dinner:

-Chicken Parmesan

-Grilled Caribbean Chicken Breasts

Dessert:

-Chocolate Marshmallow Dreams

-Lemon Mousse With Raspberry Sauce

Snacks:

-Caramel Popcorn

-Turkey and Avocado Wraps

Foods To Avoid for A Diabetic Diet - Control Blood Sugar Naturally by Avoiding Some Foods

2007-11-15T02:00:00.001-08:00

First of all, since type2 diabetes occurs when our muscles become insensitive to insulin, the only way to get rid of type2 diabetes is to make our muscles more sensitive to insulin. To achieve this, you will need to do two things:

1. You should increase the level of daily activity. If you were leading a sedentary lifestyle, change yourself now and participate in workout programs and strength training exercises.

How To Get Rid of Type2 Diabetes - The Absolute Truth Revealed!

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

If you are suffering from type2 diabetes and if you have asked experts about ways to cure it, I am sure that different experts have given you their varied opinions which has left you even more confused and left you wondering: Where do I start? Well, when you get afflicted with type2 diabetes, the first and foremost thing that you should look at is your diet. The only way to cure type2 diabetes is to modify your diet in such a way that your body receives a low amount of carbohydrates. How will such a diet help you? When our body receives less than usual amount of carbohydrates, it has no way but to burn our own body fat to produce energy. As our body fat burns, we begin to lose weight and become slimmer. As we become slimmer, our body becomes more sensitive to insulin. And when our body becomes more sensitive to insulin, then our blood sugar levels are automatically kept under control and we get rid of type2 diabetes. First of all, you will learn how to lower your carb intake.

While some doctors would advise you to totally abstain yourself from carb intake, I won't suggest you to do so. Why? Because carb is what our body needs to produce energy. Carbs contain many nutrients without which our body will become weak. As you can see, carb is not our enemy; and it is possible to lower carb intake without abstaining from carbs altogether. Ideally, your diet must not contain more than 55-65% of carbohydrates.

Your diet should also contain at least 11%-18%. This doesn't mean that you will be eating fat all day long. You should eat more of lean types of protein such as egg whites, white meat chicken and turkey, and soy products. Try to avoid animal fat as it is notorious for increasing cholesterol; levels in our body, which may result in heart diseases.

Your diet should also include at least 25 grams of fiber. Fiber is essential because it helps lower your blood sugar levels. Foods such as whole-grain breads, cereals and pastas, oats and other whole grains, brown rice, lentils and beans, fruits, vegetables and nuts contain a high amount of fiber and should be included in your diet.

Along with having the ideal daily diet for type 2 diabetes, you should also drinks lots of water: at least eight glasses of water per day, if no more. This will help keep your body moving. If you would like to get more information on daily diet for type2 diabetes, simply click on the link in my resource box below!

Daily Diet For Type 2 Diabetes - Where Should You Start?

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

Type1 and type2 diabetes are completely different things. Type1 diabetes occurs when our pancreas can no longer produce the amount of insulin required to control the rising level of blood sugar. When our pancreas fails to control our blood sugar levels, our beta cells take up the responsibility of producing the required insulin. Unfortunately, due to too much pressure from the rising blood sugar levels our beta cells fail to produce the required amount of insulin. Over time, sugar builds up in our blood vessels and damages our internal organs. This is how type1 diabetes occurs. In this article I will tell you what types of foods you should eat in order to cure type1 diabetes.

There are several symptoms of type1 diabetes that you will notice as soon as the disease begins to attack your body. For example, you will feel extremely tired and thirsty all the time, and you will be unable to retain water in your body, resulting in increased urination. Other symptoms of type1 diabetes are weight loss and blurred vision.

A type1 diabetes patient needs to take insulin injections frequently to survive. But insulin alone cannot combat type1 diabetes if you don't eat a healthy diet. That is why diet cure for type 1 diabetes is becoming more popular as a remedy for type1 diabetes. If you are a type1 diabetes patient, what you eat is as much important as when you eat. Generally speaking, an ideal diet for a type1 diabetes patient is one which must contain both carbohydrates and fats; at the same time, your foods must contain low amounts of carbs, salt and sugar. Include foods like whole grains, fruits and vegetables in your diet. Avoid caffeinated and soft drinks at all costs. If you want to know more about what types of foods you should eat in order to cure type1 diabetes, simply click on the link in my resource box below!

Diet Cure For Type 1 Diabetes - The Easy Way To Create A Perfect Diet Plan For Yourself

2007-11-10T02:00:00.001-08:00

Many people have their predispositions about the word "diet." Do you remember Richard Simmons' line? "Don't die it; live it!" You may have your own, and that's okay. But, can I tell you, friend, that I have an acronym of "diet" that is empowering and useful? Here it is:

Doing what's right

Identifying the bad food versus the good food

Energizing your heart, mind, and body

Taking control of your life

Still skeptical about the diabetic diet foods, huh? Well, I'll answer any questions you have. Let's get started!

What are the foods that I should eat? Don't worry, I'm not going to say bark or dried-out chicken! These foods are healthy and tasty!

- Broccoli

- Spinach

- Green Beans

- Unsweetened oatmeal

- Strawberries

- Sparkling Water

- Fish and Lean Meats

- Cinnamon

- Yogurt

- Fruit

That's right! You can have tasty and healthy foods!

Do I have to give up all my favorite foods? Healthier choices is the answer, my friend. Yes, the best answer is to give up those dangerous foods for good, but reality and real life is present. Moderation and complete exchanges of unhealthy foods for healthy and tasty foods is the best answer. I know this is going to be hard, so I'll give you some helpful hints:

- Exchange high-fat foods for low-fat foods.

- When dining out, ask for a "to-go" box and put half of your meal in the box before you eat.

- If you're still hungry after your meal, wait 20 minutes.

- Don't eat with the television on.

Okay, I know how to eat, but how much should I eat? Portion control is a sensitive subject, isn't it? Well, it's much easier controlling the amount of food that it is taking huge amounts of medication. Here are some helpful portion comparisons:

- A deck of cards is one serving of meat.

- A slice of bread is one serving of bread.

- A scoop of ice cream equals one serving of pasta.

Why should I keep to a healthy diet? The rewards are endless and are very healthy:

- Healthy blood sugar levels.

- Steady and healthy weight management.

- Your family.

- Your life.

Diabetic Diet Plan for Healthy Blood Sugar Levels

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

Okay, you've just heard those three devastating words, "You have diabetes." Now what? Is life as you know it over? Not necessarily. The health community recommends several lifestyle changes that provide proven results and help you live your life the way you want.

There's one lifestyle change that is easy, fun, and won't consume your time. This change also will encourage time with your family and friends. That's right - it's exercising.

I hear you groaning, "I don't have the time," "I don't want to be sore all the time," "What a waste of time," or "It's not going to do anything!" Hear me out. These recommended exercises focus on and alleviate your diabetes complications; they are not to cause you undue stress or over-exertion. These simple and easy exercises are simply to get you moving and have fun! Over-exerting yourself can cause major complications, so remember to keep the exercises simple, fun, easy, and light.

"Okay, what are these recommended exercises?"

The following exercises are useful in managing your diabetes:

-Cardiovascular exercises. These types of exercises are non-vigorous activities. Water aerobics and cycling are two options. Just three to four days per week of moderate-intensity exercise for 20-60 minutes will give you the energy and encouragement you need.

-Resistance training. This involves lower-resistance and lower-intensity programs. Only 10-15 repetitions at least two days per week will give you the toned, slender, and sexy muscles you've always dreamed of.

-Flexibility and stretching. Reap benefits with only two to three days per week for 15-30 seconds. Two to four times per stretch will give you the ability to be limber and flexible. Remember to stretch lightly before exercising. After exercising, stretch for 30-60 seconds to stretch your muscles while they are warm. This will allow you to become more flexible.

"What's in it for me?"

Right about now, you might be thinking, "What good are these recommended exercises for diabetes management if I already have diabetes?" I'm glad you asked! Here are just a few incentives to get you exercising:

-Exercise strengthens the heart and lungs

-Exercise lowers LDL cholesterol

-Exercise raises HDL cholesterol

-Exercise improves circulation

-Exercise helps lower blood pressure

-Exercise reduces risks of heart disease and stroke

-Exercise increases strength and endurance

-Exercise relieves stress

-Exercise enhances sleep

Exercise has more than physical benefits. You can also enjoy the mental benefits:

-Self-esteem

-Self-confidence

-Better outlook on life

-Dreams and hopes become reality

"I'm willing to make changes, but I need help!"

Recommended Exercises for Diabetes Management - Important Exercises to Help You Contol Blood Sugar

2007-11-06T02:00:00.001-08:00

First of all, you should focus your attention on your body weight. Believe it or not, most of the diabetes patients are usually overweight. This is no coincidence. In fact, as you will soon see, obesity is one of the main causes behind tytpe2 diabetes. The best way to lose weight is to create a meal plan and include proper foods in your diet. For example, an ideal diet for type2 diabetes is one which is:

1. Low in dietary fat and trans-unsaturated fats. In fact, calorie intake from saturated fats should not exceed more than 7 % to 10.

2. Contains low amount of fat and high amounts of protein. Protein-rich foods such as legumes, non-fat dairy products, fish, skinless poultry and lean meats should be included in your diet

3. Does not contain foods which are rich in sugar and starch. Foods such as whole grain breads or cereals, beans, fruits, pasta, brown rice and vegetables should be included in your diet. These goods do contain carbs but don't harm your body.

Type2 Diabetes - How To Cure It?

2007-11-04T02:00:00.001-08:00

You are suffering from type2 diabetes. Doctors have told you that yours is a lost cause; there is just no way to cure it. Well, don't lose hope yet. In this article I will tell you about an easy way you can get rid of type2 diabetes, without buying expensive medicines.

One thing that you should keep in mind is that type2 diabetes mainly occurs to people who are overweight, live a sedentary lifestyle and have uncontrollable food habits. The key to get rid of type2 diabetes is to live on a healthy diet and do regular exercises.

Do you know why type2 diabetes occurs? Type 2 diabetes occurs when our body becomes insensitive to insulin. Since insulin is needed to in order to control our blood glucose levels, once our body becomes insulin- resistant, our blood glucose levels increase without any check, and this when type2 diabetes occurs. Your aim is to make your muscles more sensitive to insulin, and the best way to do this is to exercise regularly and keep your body active. Once your muscles becomes sensitive to insulin, less amount of insulin will be needed to keep your blood sugar levels under control. Once your blood sugar levels come under control, you will get rid of type2 diabetes.

Type2 Diabetes - The Easy Way To Cure Yourself

2007-11-03T02:00:00.001-07:00

Medical researchers now believe there is a link between not having enough sleep and putting on weight.

When you're sleep-deprived, you want to go for an empty calorie energy boost and usually those are carbohydrates that are very low in nutrients, and very high in calories.

Not sleeping enough seems to be associated with metabolic changes that can lead to overeating and obesity, so in sleep restriction studies, subjects tended to have metabolic changes and alterations of glucose metabolism that might lead to their becoming obese in the future.

Sleeping too little seems to adversely affect glucose levels in the body, so that glucose levels are higher and people are more glucose resistant, meaning they are also more prone to diabetes if they sleep less. Habitual sleep restriction could play a very important role in increasing risk for diabetes later in life, especially if maintained over many years and decades, much like a sedentary lifestyle or poor eating habits. It's not something that catches up with you in weeks, but it's something that over decades, can shorten your life.

The body sees sleep deprivation as a state of stress; cortisol is the stress hormone. Cortisol causes, in turn, the release of insulin and insulin is a storage hormone that promotes fat storage.

There is plenty of research to show that sleeping at least seven hours a night and getting good quality rest will improve your metabolic function relating to glucose levels and body weight. Getting a good sleep overnight also makes you feel better.

Sleep is a sign of a balanced lifestyle, including exercise and diet. And it's important to get proper sleep over sufficient hours as part of a balanced lifestyle that promotes good health.

Hypnosis is a pleasant experience and if you have ever day dreamed you have been in a state of hypnosis.

Hypnotism opens the gates for direct communication to your subconscious mind, and, if you are seeking a good weight loss program, hypnotism could be an important part of it.

Weight Loss - Get Your Proper Sleep or Risk Diabetes and Obesity

2007-11-01T02:00:00.001-07:00

As part of having an increased health risk, those with a large mid section, or those that have love handles, are likely to develop insulin resistance. Insulin is a natural substance in your body. Its job is to be a chemical signal to your brain that tells your body to burn sugar in the blood for fuel.

When you eat, the sugars of foods that are in the blood are supposed to be burnt as fuel. In a body that is healthy in terms of insulin, the body burns through these sugars as fuel to do the things that you want them to do. But, when the body does not use these sugars for fuel they must go someplace. They end up becoming stored fat throughout the body.

For example, Type 2 Diabetes, the fastest growing diagnosis in overweight people, happens. Because the body is demanding additional insulin, the pancreas simply can not keep up. The end result is that diabetes occurs because the body simply can not fix the situation.

The Risks Faced

You may be thinking that you don't likely have a problem. You just have some love handles that need to be removed. Yet, that's a common mistake. Researchers believe that approximately one out of every four Americans is resistant to insulin. 25 percent of people in the US and other western civilizations suffer from this staggering situation.

The fact is that not only is the fatty tissue to blame, but the diet that goes along with it. If you eat foods that are heavily sugared or those that are high in carbohydrates, then you are likely to be one of the many that is insulin resistant or on the verge of becoming so. Foods like cakes, soda pop, processed foods, pizza, chips and other foods like them, make the situation ten times worse.

In addition, those that do not get enough exercise also face insulin resistance. Those that drink too much, are overly stressed, or have a family history of diabetes, high blood pressure or excess body fat around the midsection are likely to suffer from insulin resistance.

Diabetes And Lovehandles - There Is A Connection

2007-10-30T02:00:00.001-07:00

There are other ways to lower your blood sugar levels. One is the way you eat. as a pharmacist, I have had endocrinologists and diabetics tell me the same thing time and time again. People afflicted with this condition are stubborn concerning change in their lifestyle. They tell me this is more common with diabetes than with most other medical conditions. They seem to get angry, not necessarily at someone. They get angry when someone suggests a change to better their condition.

I believe, if you are reading this article, you have overcome that obstacle. You are looking fr answers. Now, is a good time to go forward. Let's talk about diet.

Often, when someone is diagnosed with diabetes, they are instructed to cut back on calories. You think, I don not know how many calories I even consume on a daily basis. I don not keep track of my diet. This is a god place to start. Keep an account of what you eat. Then plan future consumption around that.

You need to plan what you are going to eat. Now, plan to to eat smaller portions at each eating session. Plan to eat healthier foods. Do it. You will see results. Your blood sugar readings will go down. You will see weight loss. These results will inspire you to do even better. Before you know it, it will snowball. Your diet will be considerably better. You will look and feel better. Your blood sugar will get even better. You will need less insulin or oral medications.

If you are really stumped on this diet thing, there is help out there. You can order three meals a day plus snacks over the phone or the internet. You will be set up a week or more at a time. This food will be delivered to you front door. And these meals are not really more expensive than what you are spending on food, now.

Do it! You will feel better. You will be better. Your cardiovascular system will benefit. Actually, your whole body will benefit. And remember to pump up your exercise program 10% or start an exercise program. You are doing it for you!

Eating to Lower Blood Sugar

2007-10-28T02:00:00.001-07:00

Was creating diabetes a sure bet for me?

I remember a few years ago when I was 206 pounds. I cannot believe I let my average sized frame hold 206 pounds. But anyway, my clothes were tight and I was tired on a regular basis. Little did I know at the time that I was inviting diabetes into my life? Even though I was working out I was not eating in a way that shaped a healthy me. I think as I look back I was inviting the diabetes disease into my life.

Here is some convoluted logic.

As long as I was taking care of one area of my life I was in good shape. At least that is how I thought. Hey I exercised. So what that I ate the worst foods at one or two in the morning as I watched Sports Center or a movie. I reasoned it out that as long as I exercised my eating could take on a life of its own. And it did. I had no problem devouring a huge bowl of ice cream in the wee small hours of the night. Cookies or potato chips were high up on my list of foods to accompany me as I relaxed.

If I did not have type 2 diabetes it is quite possible that my diet and portion sizes of food would be the same today as when I was a teenager. When I was in my mid 30's I had a job that required me to meet the owner of the company at a Spanish restaurant in Newark New Jersey every Monday night to discuss business. Don, the President of the company, called me Godzilla because of the way I devoured food at these meetings. I thought that it was cool that he called me Godzilla.

I guess food was like a tournament game for me. Could I eat all the food that was on my plate? This was the prize.

The hard part about diabetes for me.

What now?

My lifestyle has changed. Food which was once of no concern to me is now an ongoing conscious decision for me. I am much more aware of the foods I eat before and while I am consuming them. I am a big boy and dealing with diabetes is my new challenge.

So learning to eat that supports me is what I am doing now. If I was eating healthier before I got the diabetes I may not have the diabetes disease now. So instead of being reactive and waiting to get the diabetes disease, eating better now would make sense to avoid the diabetes disease and other ailments as well.

Diabetes treatments are an ongoing learning experience. I have learned form The Diabetic Warrior about foods. You can as well. Get his free MP3.

You May Learn from My Diabetes Story

2007-10-27T02:00:00.001-07:00

Metabolic disorders are mostly genetic conditions that affect the production of energy within the cells; however, some occur as a result of improper diet or nutritional deficiencies. In some cases, dietary supplements correct metabolic disorders. For example, thiamine (B-1) supplementation is used under close medical supervision in the treatment of several genetic metabolic disorders, including sub-acute necrotizing encephalopathy, Maple syrup urine disease and hyperalaninemia.

Diabetes is considered one of the metabolic disorders because either a lack of insulin or reduced sensitivity to insulin prevents glucose from entering the cells and being converted to energy. Both type I and type II diabetes are at least partially genetic.

Scientists believe that they have identified the gene that predisposes a person for type II diabetes, but even when the condition is common among family members, proper diet, weight loss and increased physical activity can prevent the condition. There is also evidence that botanical and herbal supplements, as well as the dietary minerals calcium and chromium may be helpful.

In type II, improper diet and physical inactivity leading to central obesity is a major risk factor. About 65% of all persons with type II diabetes are overweight or obese. At one time, type II was referred to as adult onset diabetes, but currently, because of an increase in childhood obesity, there has been an increase in type II diabetes among children.

In the case of diabetes, uncontrolled high levels of glucose in the blood stream cause damage to the nerves and organs of the body. While glucose is not normally toxic and is necessary for proper brain function and excessively low levels can lead to coma, chronically high levels eventually become toxic.

Diabetes is one of the most common causes of metabolic neuropathies. Other causes include thyroid disease, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and nutritional deficiencies. Even though, nutritional deficiencies are recognized as the cause of many non-genetic metabolic disorders. The relationship between type II diabetes and nutrition is controversial. Even though, dietary supplements correct metabolic disorders, there is no agreed upon supplement regimen for diabetics.

Many researchers and proponents of alternative and complementary medicine believe that a complete nutritional supplementation program should be designed for diabetes and those at risk for type II diabetes. This is a subject of personal interest, because many of my nieces and nephews are at risk. Coming from a large family I have seen the disease ravage friends and family members, as complications developed causing the loss of sight, heart disease and nerve dysfunction.

Metabolic Disorders and Diabetes

2007-10-25T02:00:00.001-07:00

You may have experienced having high blood sugar levels come out of physical examination results. With this, and having observed symptoms of hyperglycemia – may put you in a panic state to quickly bring back your blood sugar levels to normal. You hurriedly find answers to your statement & action plan you entitled: "how to lower my blood sugar".

Your "How To Lower My Blood Sugar" Action Plan would point out the details on your strategy to bring back or control your blood sugar levels so that it would range around normal. You find yourself researching over the internet for case studies and recent developments on how to go about a condition such as yours. You go over medical books and magazines just so you could include in your action plan the best approaches to improving your condition. And anything you have read that worked for others will be a candidate to be included in your list of options.

Indeed, if you constantly keep yourself reminded and say that "I really need to lower my blood sugar" – you will constantly find yourself evaluating everything to this statement.

Not only do they provide necessary nutrients for a healthy body, they contain fibers that will also do the body good. Highly refined carbohydrates as breads, cakes and pasta have high glycemic index – which means they will easily be converted to sugar – that means giving your blood sugar levels a spike much faster than those with lower glycemic index.

Thus, when you say that, "I want to lower my blood sugar" – you should keep your carbohydrates to a minimum. And when choosing carbohydrates, go for natural and high fiber ones – these mostly have low-glycemic index. An example would be going for brownsugar, brown rice and of course, green-leafy vegetables.

And lastly, when you are really serious in saying that: "I want to lower my blood sugar" – you should take on an exercise regimen in order to live an active lifestyle. Exercise brings a lot of good to your body – not only does it improve your circulation, get that body fat out, but it will also help on maintaining healthy blood sugar levels.

How To Lower Blood Sugar

2007-10-23T02:00:00.001-07:00

Many doctors are unaware of gymnema sylvestre insulin clinical trials. Alternative and complementary medicine is still controversial, even though the effectiveness of nutritional support and botanical supplements has been proven again and again. It takes years for mainstream medicine to accept the therapeutic properties of naturally occurring substances and some practitioners never suggest or even consider alternative or adjunctive therapies for their patients.

Researchers are focusing more on alternative therapies for type II diabetes, because, according to researchers at the Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, "current pharmacological therapy for type 2 diabetes reduces the risk of complications, but is not able to achieve a long-lasting normalization of the metabolic disorder."

In gymnema sylvestre insulin clinical trials conducted later in the same year, 22 patients with non-insulin dependent or type II diabetes were treated with 400mg of the extract daily for a period of 18-20 months. During that time, patients showed lower blood glucose levels and the need for conventional drug therapy was decreased.

In 2004, two studies were completed concerning the effectiveness of supplements containing a combination of gymnema sylvestre, calcium citrate and chromium for weight loss. One of the risk factors for type II diabetes is overweight or obesity. Diabetics who are able to maintain a healthy weight also see improvements in blood glucose levels and a reduction in the need for prescription drugs.

Over 150 obese people participated in these two studies and the results showed a 5-6% decrease in body weight and body mass index. Total cholesterol levels were also reduced, as were triglycerides and LDL cholesterol. There seemed to be an appetite suppressant effect of the combination mineral and gymnema sylvestre therapy and HDL (good) cholesterol levels were improved.

A Review of Gymnema Sylvestre Hyperglycemia Clinical Trials

2007-10-21T02:00:00.001-07:00

Each one of the devices is about the size of an MP3 player and most run on batteries. There are even some models which come with a carry case also. These then allow you to store other essential pieces of equipment that you will need to carry with you so that you test your blood sugar levels at anytime and anywhere.

We have explained a little bit about what glucose meters do, but just how much does one cost? Certainly they are not as expensive as you may think and if you were to look for one you may find that there are some being offered to people for free. Certainly in the USA you may discover that your health insurance will cover the cost of you getting your diabetes supplies. However if they do not or you do not in fact have insurance then a lot of pharmacies and clinics will provide these meters for people to use at no charge whatsoever. Unfortunately although you may actually get the meter for free you may well discover that you will need to buy the test strips yourself for them. The problem being that the test strips available today can not be used between various different models and makes. So you will only be able to use the ones that are actually designed for the model you have. However the Ascensia Breeze helps to alleviate the situation because this uses a disc that contains strips so no longer do you need to worry about fiddling around with individual strips every time you need to carry out a test.

Blood Glucose Meters

2007-10-20T02:00:00.001-07:00

Everyone is familiar with the comedians who share their "The Top 10". There's nothing sacred in comedy and everything is made fun of. This enjoyable moment of laughter is fleeting, but in real life, some things aren't so funny. Do you want to know "The Top 10" to a healthier you?

The Top 10 Diabetic Kidney Disease Warning Signs.

10. Protein in your urine

9. High blood pressure

8. Leg and/or ankle swelling

7. Frequent bathroom visits at night

6. High levels of creatinine in blood

5. Less or no need for insulin or anti-diabetic medications

4. Sicknesses involving nausea and vomiting

3. Weakness, paleness, or anemia

2. Itching

1. You are not yourself

Even though this devastating disease takes many years to cause health problems, it's still important to know your life can be altered or threatened. Here are a few reasons why diabetic kidney disease can turn your life upside down:

-Your kidneys are no longer able to support you in a reasonably healthy state

-Dialysis or transplantation is needed.

-Your kidneys only function at 10 to 15 percent.

-The usual duration of time between the diagnosis and complete kidney failure is from five to seven years.

It's important you don't self-diagnose yourself. Please see a medical profession for a proper and accurate diagnosis.

There are precautions you can take to avoid diabetic kidney disease. They are nothing different or out of the ordinary for diabetics, and they're as easy as 1 2 3!

1. Monitor of your blood glucose levels.

2. Maintain an awareness of monitoring and controlling your blood pressure at home.

3. Follow your special diet.

Did you know?

-You won't necessarily be diagnosed with diabetic kidney disease if you have a couple of these top ten items. In fact, The American Diabetes Association informs that not all diabetics develop this specific kidney disease. Some factors for kidney failure include genetics, blood pressure, and blood sugar control.

-Diabetic kidney damage rarely occurs in the first 10 years of diabetes, so it may be a mistake to ignore the possibility of getting this kidney disease. Usually 15-25 years will pass before kidney failure occurs for some diabetics.

-Diabetics are more susceptible to acquiring this dreaded disease. But here's the thing, you don't have to get the disease! That's because the better a person keeps their diabetes and blood pressure under control, the lower the chance of getting them getting kidney disease.

Okay, why should you take care of your diabetes? Here are the varying factors:

-As diabetic kidney disease progresses, more albumin seeps into the urine.

-When the albumin in the urine increases, the filtering function begins to drop.

-As kidney damage develops, blood pressure often rises as well.

Start living your life to its fullest with these Top 10 Reasons To Live Life:

10. Your job

9. Your favorite hobby

8. Your favorite sport or activity

7. Your "what I've always wanted to do" list

6. Your pets

5. Your friends

4. Your family

3. Your spouse

2. Your children

1. Yourself

Diabetic Kidney Disease - Precautions To Help You Avoid Kidney Failure

2007-10-18T02:00:00.001-07:00

Ah, the family tree. It's a wonderful thing to know where you've come from. Questions seem to automatically arise when the family tree is brought up. Will I inherit grandma's beautiful hair? Will I inherit grandpa's big chin? Will I inherit Uncle Joe's musical ability? Will I inherit money when Aunt May passes? Okay, that's a different kind of inheritance. Then there are questions that involve your health and expected lifespan.

Knowing your genetic predisposition can be interesting, but it can also be a life-saving experience. If you think you might have the possibility to inherit type 2 diabetes, the information in this article just might save your life! Knowing your family's medical history can only answer half of the question if type 2 diabetes is inherited.

In fact, knowing these health answers will benefit you when you need to visit a health professional because she will ask questions about your family history. Being aware is the best defense you can have at this point. Being ignorant of these needed answers is not going to help you. Knowledge is power when it comes to your health.

So, read up on your family ancestry and get to know them, and yourself, better.

I'm sure you have many questions, so I will answer them in a question and answer format just for you!

How can I find out if I will inherit type 2 diabetes mellitus? There are basically four categories of people who are susceptible to getting type 2 diabetes:

1. People who are over the age of 45.

2. People who are overweight.

3. People who are of African American, Latino/Hispanic American, Native American, Asian American or Pacific Islander descent.

4. People who have a family history of diabetes.

Are there any other ways I can develop type 2 diabetes mellitus? Yes. There are five main reasons why people are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

1. Being insulin resistant.

2. Being obese.

3. Living a sedentary lifestyle.

4. Having low HDL cholesterol levels (the good cholesterol) and high triglyceride levels.

5. Having increased occurrences of high blood pressure.

What are some warning signs of diabetes mellitus that I should look out for? There are six common warning signs for you to check if you are pre-diabetic:

1. Blurred vision.

2. Fatigue.

3. Frequent and slow-healing infections.

4. Increased appetite.

5. Increased thirst.

6. Increased urination.

What can I do to prevent myself from getting type 2 diabetes mellitus? There are five simple ways to make sure you don't become a victim of diabetes:

1. Be active every day.

2. Change your diet.

3. Limit soft drinks.

4. Make wise food choices.

5. Take prescribed medications.

Can you sum up the necessary checklist for me to check if I'm susceptible to type 2 diabetes mellitus? Sure. The main causes for type 2 diabetes are:

- Genetics

- Neglected lifestyle

- Sedentary lifestyle

- Unhealthy diet

So, learn about your family tree! It's a fun activity that can save you life. It's your life. No one else can live it.

Is Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 Inherited?

2007-10-16T02:00:00.001-07:00

Picture a desert. It's hot, the sun is beating down with excessive heat. You're unsure if it's an oasis or a mirage in the distance. You're panting so heavy. Your tongue feels like it's too big for your mouth. You feel as if you haven't had a drink of water in months. You're craving just a sip of water. Do you equate a desert to the inside of your mouth-an unquenchable desire to drink anything and everything in sight?

Well, excess thirst is just one symptom of diabetes mellitus. Before you jump to conclusions and misdiagnose your symptoms, you need to know what to look for. Here's a checklist of the causes of excess thirst. See if any of them describe your insatiable thirst.

-Hormone imbalances. These include high levels of the thyroid hormone.

-Certain drugs or medications. These include antihistamines, caffeine, or alcohol.

-Psychogenic Polydipsia. This is a psychiatric condition causing a person to feel thirsty for no reason at all.

-Increased exercise. This increases the body's water requirements.

-Damage to the hypothalamus, an area of the brain.

-Diabetes insipidus. It is a disease that causes excessive urination that results in dehydration.

All right, you've looked the checklist over and none of the sources described your thirst. Now, you're almost convinced your excess thirst might be a symptom of diabetes. Remember: You need to know what to look for before you misdiagnose yourself with diabetes. There are two sure-fire ways you can find out if you're diabetic or not:

-A blood glucose test is a great way to detect diabetes.

-Schedule a doctor appointment for a proper diagnosis.

So, you've made that dreaded, but important, doctor appointment. Now what? Well, your doctor needs to know several things in order to diagnose you properly. Be prepared to know the answers to the following questions your doctor will ask. It would be helpful if you would jot down some of these answers or some of your concerns before the appointment. It seems it's so easy to forget important things when we go to the doctor's office. Write down a list of the medications you currently take. This is very important information. Don't be afraid to ask your doctor about other symptoms you might be experiencing, too.

-When the problem began.

-What types of liquids you drink.

-What other medical conditions you might have.

-What medications or drugs you may be taking.

-How much you drink each day.

-How often you exercise.

-Whether you feel dehydrated or have a dry mouth.

-Whether your thirst is constant or occurs only at specific times.

-Whether you have increased or decreased the amount of fluids you drink each day.

-Whether your weight has changed drastically.

-Whether you are having any other questionable symptoms.

Excess Thirst and Diabetes Warning Signs- Know What to Look For

2007-10-14T02:00:00.001-07:00

Diabetes is a chronic disease affecting as many as 16 million Americans, half of whom do not know they have it. It is the 5th leading cause of death in the United States. Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness, renal failure, and amputation in the U. S., and is associated with a range of complications, including heart attacks, strokes, amputations and loss of vision. It is also the leading cause of new cases of blindness among adults 20-74 years old. Diabetics have up to a 400% greater chance of heart attack or stroke. Could a natural health remedy for diabetes turn the tide?

Natural Remedies

Millions have discovered the healing power of natural remedies and supplements and are turning to vitamins, minerals and herbs as a natural health remedy for diabetes. When considering using any of these natural diabetes remedies, it would be wise for you to consult with your primary care provider.

Contrary to some early concerns, both fish oil and niacin (treatments used for improving triglyceride and cholesterol levels) appear to be safe for people with diabetes. Scientific study has shown the effectiveness of many natural diabetes treatments. Also found in Diabetes Care was a study that confirmed significant progress in insulin sensitivity with chromium present in the body and, in addition, studies have revealed that people with diabetes had low levels of chromium. Also, low magnesium levels may reduce blood glucose control in type 2 diabetes. North American Ginseng, has been shown to be another effective natural health remedy for diabetes.

Research collaboration between Australian, Chinese and Korean scientists at Sydney's Garvan Institute demonstrated that the natural plant product berberine could be a valuable new treatment against type 2 diabetes. Their study, published in the journal Diabetes, found that rats and mice given berberine over three weeks had a 50 per cent drop in blood sugar. It's exciting to see evidence that berberine may be a helpful new natural health remedy for type 2 diabetes. However, despite its widespread use in traditional medicine, it will still have to go through the defined clinical trials process.

Conclusion

This article is intended to provide assistance and information to people who are interested in learning more about natural remedies. It should not be used as a basis for any form of diagnosis or treatment for any medical condition. Always seek professional medical advice.

Diabetes Insipidus, Water Diabetes

2007-10-13T02:00:00.001-07:00

It has been accepted wisdom for many years now that women live longer than men, but a recent study may well turn this on its head for at least one section of the population - women with diabetes.

However, although the death rate from diabetes in the case of men is dropping, it is rising in the case of women.

Researchers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, Georgia, recently published the results of a survey in which the 30 year health records from 1971 to 2000 of some 27,000 diabetes sufferers were examined. This research study showed that although the death rate amongst men fell during this time period from 4.3% to 2.4%, the death rate amongst women rose from 1.8% to 2.6%. Interestingly, the research study also noted that death rates from cardiovascular disease in particular dropped in the case of men, but remained steady in the case of women.

So what exactly is causing this difference?

The simple answer would appear to be that we don't know, although there are several theories being put forward. Some people believe that the risk factors for heart disease in women have declined less in recent years than they have for men. Others suggest that women have not been receiving as comprehensive a program of treatment as men, or that treatment provided to women has not been as aggressive. At this point this is of course pure speculation but, whatever the cause, there is certainly no doubt that there is a difference in the figures for men and women.

Further studies will need to be carried out to discover why this disparity exists but, until we have further information on the subject, if you are a woman then you should get yourself checked for diabetes, if you have not already done so, and should ensure that your doctor is giving you a comprehensive and aggressive course of treatment.

Are Woman Receiving The Same Level Of Diabetes Care As Men?

2007-10-11T02:00:00.001-07:00

"This cut just won't heal."

"I can't wear shorts because of that ugly bruise on my calf."

"I have no idea how I got this bruise."

"I can't wear short sleeve shirts because of that ugly cut on my arm."

"I've had this bruise for the longest time."

"I had to finally admit to myself that I can no longer wear shorts in public."

If you've ever said or thought any of these statements, you're not alone. But, yet you're wondering why you keep getting bruises and cuts. Most of the time you're not even aware when you got the bruise or when you cut yourself. All you're aware of the slow healing time of your unwanted cuts or bruises.

I'm not going to lie to you, friend, but slow healing cuts or bruises may be symptoms of diabetes. If you suspect you are diabetic, it's important you learn about all the symptoms of diabetes. You have a lot to lose if you don't address your health concerns. Ignorance is not bliss when it comes to diabetes. Let me say it again, slow healing cuts or bruises may be symptom of diabetes.

Every diabetic has the risk of obtaining a bruise or a slow healing cut. I'm here to inform you that you can prevent bruises and cuts. You can help speed up the recovery process for those slow healing cuts and unwanted bruises. And most importantly, you can prevent these diabetes symptoms from invading your life.

"I don't have any bruises or cuts, but I want to prevent them from happening."

"I've seen the bruises on my grandma, but didn't know it may be diabetes."

"I have family members and friends who've had bruises and cuts for the longest time and I want to help them."

If you've ever said or thought these statements, you've come to the right place because I have the answer. Become aware of the warning signs listed in this diabetes acronym!

Diabetes is easier to prevent than to manage or reverse.

Infections are common for diabetics.

Abrasions or wounds need special attention at the first sign.

Beating the infection before it starts will shorten the healing time.

Exercising will speed up the healing process.

Time is the enemy; it will take a long time for bruises and cuts to heal.

Elevated blood sugar levels are life threatening and must be controlled.

Signs of infections are numerous and should be carefully monitored.

"I think I am diabetic. Is there a product out there that can help me?"

"I'm willing to become pro-active in my health, but I still need help."

"I feel alive!"

"My energy level has changed 180 degrees!"

"I can start living again!"

These statements are what you can say now that you know about the warning signs and the perfect supplement. Start living again and enjoy your life without slow healing cuts or embarrassing bruises.

Slow Healing Cuts or Bruises May Be A Symptom of Diabetes

2007-10-09T02:00:00.001-07:00

What do the following items have in common?

Panda bears

Old movies

Killer whales

Piano keys

Soccer balls

Newspapers

Exercise

That's right! They're all black and white. But, wait a minute. Exercise? How can exercise be black and white? When it comes to your health and well-being, there are no gray areas.

Even the simplest amount of exercise done on regular basis can improve your overall health and wellness in your diabetes. Did you know exercises done regularly help control your diabetes? Look at your choices! Diabetics can and should do these three types of exercises on a regular basis. They are aerobic, strength training, and flexibility exercises.

Aerobic exercise increases the heart rate, raises the breathing rate, and works the muscles. This is for people who can withstand vigorous workouts for 5-10 minutes a day, 5 days a week. You might be surprised at how many of your diabetic friends enjoy these activities. Some examples of aerobic exercises are:

-A brisk walk

-Dancing

-Swimming or water aerobic exercises

-Ice-skating or roller-skating

-Tennis

-Stationary biking

Strength training should be done regularly because it builds strong bones and muscles that help you burn more calories than fat. Several days a week is the recommended time. Some examples of strength training are:

-Joining a strength training class to work with weights or elastic bands

-Lifting light weights in the comfort of your own home

Flexibility exercises, or stretching, keeps your joints flexible and reduces your chance of injury during any other activities. Easy stretching for 5-10 minutes helps to warm your body up to prepare for aerobic activities. Be sure to stretch after your workout because your warm muscles will stretch easier and that's when you gain the flexibility you need.

These three exercises can and will improve your health and the way you feel about life. You will receive energy, better health, and most importantly, you will get your life back!

You don't have the time or money to do some of these suggested exercises? Here are some helpful tips to get active during the day while you do your normal errands and activities:

1. Walk whenever possible.

2. Take the stairs whenever possible. Remember: safety first!

3. Work in the garden, rake leaves, or water your lawn the old-fashioned way and forget the automatic sprinklers.

4. Park at the other end of the parking lot to walk some extra steps.

5. Don't pay someone to walk your dog - you walk your dog.

6. Take the garbage out.

7. Do some housecleaning.

8. Hide your television remotes and get up to turn the channels.

Regular Exercise Improves Overall Health and Wellness in Diabetes

2007-10-07T02:00:00.001-07:00

Indeed, there are several well-known and highly respected glucose support herbs that may help control blood sugar levels for diabetes sufferers. In fact, in the past two decades there has been an explosion of interest in natural medicine as millions of people around the world have an ever-increasing appetite for information on diet, nutrition, nutritional supplements, medicinal herbs, and natural remedies.

We would be remiss if we did not mention to you that the most important aspect of managing diabetes is ensuring that you eat a healthy, balanced diet, maintain a healthy weight, and get regular exercise. Moreover, supplements work best, including glucose support herbs, when you also make these health enhancing lifestyle changes.

Now, before we delve into herbs that may be helpful for diabetes sufferers, it's important to understand that herbs and/or dietary supplements are not meant to replace the advice of your physician and you should never stop using your medications or insulin, or alter your dosage, without your physician's approval. In fact, you should always consult with your physician before taking any glucose support herbs and/or any dietary supplements.

That said, let's take a look at some of the most highly respected glucose support herbs that may possibly help you or a loved one.

Gymnema Sylvestre, also known as the "sugar destroyer," is highly touted as one that has the ability to block the taste of sweetness, and, as such, it helps to stave off the "cravings of sweets." Gymnema Sylvestre has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for many centuries to regulate blood sugar levels. Indeed, gymnema is a well-known and highly respected Ayurvedic remedy used to maintain healthy blood sugar levels.

"Since, unlike insulin, polypeptide-p does not stimulate the movement of fat into fat cells, it has been considered as a replacement for at least some of the injected insulin that people with type 1 diabetes must take each day, although the herb cannot completely replace insulin. When used to treat this type of diabetes, polypeptide-p is effective only in injection form." (Page 32).

Fenugreek seeds are among the list of glucose support herbs. It has been shown to reduce cholesterol and blood sugar levels in clinical and experimental studies. Clinical studies in India have found that large doses of fenugreek seeds lowers blood-glucose levels in type 1 and type 2 diabetes. However, there is a negative side to this glucose support herb. You have to take a lot (15 to 100 grams daily) of fenugreek seeds to obtain an effect, and it is also associated with mild gastrointestinal upset.

Banaba Leaf Extract - Banaba is a medicinal plant that grows in India, Southeast Asia and the Philippines that is climbing the charts as a one of the glucose support herbs. In fact, banaba has been used in the Philippines to promote blood sugar control. Banaba contains a compound known as corosolic acid, which is believed to have actions in stimulating glucose transport into cells and, as such, plays a role in maintaining healthy blood sugar levels. In Japan, there has been some research done with banaba. However, we have not come across published human studies on this glucose support herb. On the other hand, our research indicates that there has been at least one human study with corosolic acid, which is an extract found in banaba and it showed to be effective in reducing blood sugar levels in type II diabetics.

But wait, there are more glucose support herbs...

Garlic and Onions are best known for reducing cholesterol. However, according to two Indian studies, this duo has also shown to lower blood sugar levels.

Ginseng was found effective in lowering blood sugar levels. In a small Finnish study, people newly diagnosed with non-insulin-dependent (Type II) diabetes received either 100 or 200 milligrams of a ginseng extract or placebos every day. Compared with individuals in the placebo group, the people in both ginseng groups not only reported lower blood sugar levels, but also greater improvement in mood as well as enhanced performance on physical and psychological tests. However, those taking 200 milligrams of ginseng experienced more benefit than those who took 100 milligrams.

Bilberry is an herb that is traditionally recommended to promote healthy blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. In addition, it is used to promote healthy insulin production as well. However, there's more to this herb. Bilberry is a powerful antioxidant, which makes it an excellent source to help fight against the continuous onslaught of free radicals. Bilberry is also hailed for its ability to promote vision health. It appears to strengthen the tiny blood capillaries that carry oxygen to the eyes, which may account for its wide use in Europe to treat diabetic retinopathy.

Other glucose support herbs that may possibly help lower or improve blood-sugar levels include: Garlic, Psyllium, Burdock, and Nopal (prickly pear cactus).

Nutritional-Supplement-Educational-Centre's Opinion on Glucose Support Herbs

Glucose Support Herbs - Discover Amazing Herbs That May Help Control Blood Sugar Levels For Diabetes

2007-10-06T02:00:00.001-07:00

Feet don't fail me now

The game has changed now that you have diabetes. The old days of taking a shower and drying yourself off without the proper attention to your feet can be costly. Having diabetes does not give you that luxury any more. You must be more sensitive to your feet now more so than ever. Make sure they are clean and dried thoroughly. Having diabetes considerably boosts your likelihood of having nerve damage to your feet. The number one reason people have their feet amputated is because of diabetes.

Your diabetes foot care

Keep those puppies clean (Did I mention that already?) Wash them at least once per day. Dry between your toes methodically. Hey I feel like the foot doctor. That means taking your time with your towel. Use a powder to help dry your feet. Quality foot powders will make a difference.

Good foot care requires you to be a foot examiner. Assess your feet at least twice a day for better foot care. Check for problems like blisters, swelling, infections, and redness or even open cuts. Take care of any issues instantly. Keep your toenails cut straight across and short for safety. You do not want to sang your toenail and find out later that you have a problem because you do not have the feeling in your toes. If you cannot examine your feet because you a problem like bad eyesight then have someone else do the job for you.

Diabetics foot apparel

Shoes and socks for diabetics are key components to good foot care. A more conscious effort needs to be in place to take care of those puppies. Making sure you are wearing clean socks and comfortable supportive shoes is imperative. Running and walking shoes have been tested quite extensively and have been proven overall to be the best answer for your foot support. Wearing clean socks may require changing your socks twice or three times a day. Depending on what the weather is like where you live or work. If your feet sweat a lot you may need to change socks more frequently as well.

Podiatrist Marc A. Brenner, D.P.M., past president of the American Society of Podiatric Dermatology stresses the importance of good, clean care for diabetics. He suggests buying Thor-Lo socks and a good pare of walking or running shoes to help with your diabetes foot care. Make sure your shoes fit well.

Seventy five percent of the time when someone loses a leg they lose the other leg within five years. Developing foot consciousness is essential to better health. As a diabetic you must watch those feet. Look for bruises or infections and take care of them now.

In closing

Foot care is essential for diabetic care. It is one part of a well rounded care plan. Controlling your diet is one major task as well. I think it is the most important aspect of diabetes care. If you are interested in what "The Diabetic Warrior" did to handle his diabetes issue and also lose over 100 pounds, grab your free MP3.

Diabetes Feet - Keep Those Puppies Clean

2007-10-04T02:00:00.001-07:00

They say, tis is the best time in history to be alive. Technological advances multiply daily. Medical advances are snowballing. We have cures for diseases, we did not know, existed one hundred years ago. People are living longer than ever before ( women have a longer life expectancy than men ). Perhaps, it is the greatest time to be alive.

With all the advances in technology and medicine, comes responsibility. And, with responsibility, comes stress. Computers were supposed to make us a paperless society. As a pharmacist, over the last 33 years, I find this not to be true. Back in the 1970's, I filled a prescription, stamped the actual prescription blank with the date, initialed it, and dispensed it. Today, we enter all the information in a computer, initial it, and there about five more steps, before we can give it to the patient. And, there are many more papers to store away for up to 7 years. I am not saying today's system is not a better one. It is not a paperless one.

Stress causes a rise in blood sugar levels. This is part of our survival system, called the fight or flight syndrome. As it occurs, the body senses stress. To deal with stress, the body releases adrenaline, as well as many other chemicals. This is to help you fight or flee from the situation. But, in todays world, we do not fight or flee, we deal with it. But, dealing with it, does not change the way the body handles the situation.

One thing that does change, is your blood sugar. The body increase the amount of glucose into the blood for energy to fight or flee. Normally, the excess sugar would be taken back in tho the cells. If you have diabetes, this does not happen. Your body does not get the sugar out of the blood. So now, you have a higher blood sugar level. This can continue all day long, raising your blood sugar level higher and higher. Then, you need more medicine to control it.

This can be an endless cycle. Relaxation is an important part off the key to counter this cycle. But, how can you relax? Your blood sugar is high and you feel wired. Practice.

Meditation can reduce the medication. This involves focusing on something else or nothing at all. It should be practiced in a peaceful place and time. Make sure you are void of distractions.

Walking can be a peaceful, relaxing, experience. Walk in the fresh air. Breathe in new life to your body, exhale that which is negatively affecting you. Your blood sugar level goes down with walking.

Yoga, a slow, deliberate, stretching type of exercise, can be helpful. It is relaxing, and you focus on the exercise and breathing. Stretching the body, allows for a better blood flow and a better functioning nervous system. The body will be able to control the blood sugar better. This does take practice.

Massage is another thing we can do to relieve stress and lower our blood sugar. A massage can be very relaxing. A Duke University research study shows, that massage as stress management, lowers blood sugar levels. A New Mexico University study shows that a short term stress relief program involving touch, lowered the blood sugar level more than one without touch.

Massage relaxes you. It helps you let go of some of the daily stresses that affect your blood sugar level.

Actively, relax. Take a break from daily stresses, to reduce your blood sugar. Make a habit of it. It will beneficial to your health.

Relax To Lower Blood Sugar

2007-10-02T02:00:00.001-07:00

Check your blood sugar levels regularly

Sweets are one of the most delectable and craved goodies that a person loves to eat.
It's probably one of the most favored tastes a person likes and whet for. Not only will
it fill one's hunger, but it also soothes the tongue and satisfies an appetite's
pleasure. And one of the most important things it does to the body is boosting the body
cells' energy, making the blood regulation flows smoothly and rejuvenated.

It is significant though to know that what the body needs is not just any intake of
sweets, but rather the body needs to absorb the glucose of those sweets, since its that
particular glucose or sugar that gives energy to the body and its cells. The glucose
also is the main sugar that is measured to determine one's blood sugar level. Although
fructose and galactose are sugars also, it is the glucose that's measured so that one
would know if the blood sugar level of the body is within normal range or if one needs
to take insulin to control this.

The blood sugar level is measured to know and check the amount of sugar, or glucose, in
the blood. The reason why the blood sugar levels must be maintained within the normal
range is because somehow an imbalance of the blood sugar levels would lead to damage in
the small blood vessels. This in turn would result to other health related problems,
which would attack the cardiovascular organs like the heart and arteries. What makes
oftentimes appear after a couple of years or decades. This is why it is one's
and consultation with a physician, so as to monitor the blood sugar levels. It's better
if one doesn't take any risk when dealing with blood sugar issues.

If one is too busy and cannot spare a day with the doctor, then he can avail of the home
testing kits to measure his blood sugar levels regularly. Just make sure you
familiarize yourself with the testing kits to ensure that you have the correct
information of your blood sugar levels or else it defeats the purpose. If you're using
a home testing kit, you also have to know the normal blood sugar levels and ranges, so
that when you check your results later, you would know if you're doing fine or if you

What Are Normal Blood Sugar Levels For Me?

2007-09-30T02:00:00.001-07:00

"What are normal blood sugar levels for me?", you asked. Either in your own or in the company of your personal physician, you constantly put in effort to understand the details of your blood sugar testing. Having a well-based understanding of these results and the associated causes will be a good tool for one to better approach one's medical condition.

If one desires to really find out how well his body digest sugar, blood sugar tests are available for one to undergo and see for himself how he fairs out. These tests are also used for the purpose of diagnosing for pre-diabetes or diabetes – while these are also done to determine how one is managing diabetes.

When asking, "What are normal blood sugar levels that I should aim for?", should be taken in the context of the type of testing that will be employed – and current health condition you have.

Fasting Blood Glucose Test

This involves fasting – no food or liquids other than water – for at least eight hours and then having your blood tested for the amount of sugar. The normal blood sugar level for this test is lower than 100 milligrams per deciliter. If your result is 200 mg/dL and it goes along with symptoms of diabetes – there may be no need for a confirmatory second test to be diagnosed as having diabetes.

Random Blood Sugar Test

As the name of the test implies, it is taken at no specific time. This is taken regardless of when you last ate. The normal blood sugar level for this test is lower than 100 milligrams per deciliter. If your result is 200 mg/dL or higher, it would suggest that you either have Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes.

Oral Glucose Tolerance Test

In this test, asking, "What are normal blood sugar levels for me?" – will have different answers depending on the stage of this test. First, your fasting blood sugar level will be measured. After which, you will be asked to drink a sugar-water solution, and blood sugar levels will be taken after 60 minutes & after 120 minutes. A blood sugar level that is lower than 140 mg/dL is considered normal after the test. Two hours after, with a 200 mg/dL level, may indicate diabetes.

It is but normal to be constantly asking, "What are normal blood sugar levels for me now?" – precisely because there is a good reason to be very much concerned. If high levels of blood sugar are present for a good number of years already, there will be health risks associated with it.

Regulating Blood Sugar

2007-09-29T02:00:00.001-07:00

Regulating blood sugar in the body is a key process of the body to boost energy.

One's activities depend largely on the person's outlook and health. It is impossible for a person who's weak and ill to perform rigorous activities because his body is not equipped to do it. It is also unlikely to see an active person just sitting around and waiting for the night to come, because his body tells him otherwise, it's pushing him to do something because of the energy stored in it.

Regulating blood sugar levels to stabilize and normalize the body's processes is a key role that will help keep your body functioning well and that will help you perform your daily activities, sports, and hobbies. It is always important to know what your body needs, as long as you maintain a balance between your body's demand and supply, then you would be all right. It is in controlling and regulating blood sugar levels that one can meet the energy demand required of him, but in order to continuously regulate such, then supplement your body with the much needed glucose as well.

Reduce Blood Sugar

2007-09-27T02:00:00.001-07:00

Reduce blood sugar levels to avoid diabetes and other health problems.

Though people are careful and conscious with their health, there are always some causes, which are still unknown as of the moment but believed to be autoimmune, that lead to illnesses, diseases, and other health complications. Sometimes, no matter how careful you may be, it will just attack you.

Like diabetes for example, it happens when the glucose or blood sugar levels of a person increases than the normal range. There are different reasons why this happens, but there are also cases, wherein reasons are still unknown. If there's no proper regulation of the blood sugar in its coming in and out of the cells of the body, then there's a tendency that it will lead to complications. Since glucose is the main source of energy of the body especially the brain and nervous system, then one must look into its correct regulation or else there's no way the body can properly perform or function well. If the person has very high levels of glucose in the body, and he's not very active in terms of his daily activities and tasks, then it's very likely that he'll have diabetes. If this will happen, a person must reduce blood sugar levels in his body so as not to complicate this health problem. Some of the ways to reduce blood sugar levels are: insulin injections, exercise programs, and proper diet. But for those who have a higher type of diabetes, then it is important to consult a doctor and ask his advice on what to do and take.

If diabetes is not treated immediately on its onset, then it's most likely that it will be an illness that a person will take with him until the future. Proper maintenance must be observed to avoid sudden attacks of diabetes. At least, make sure that you do physical activities like a series of exercise or some sports that will boost your energy, utilizing the glucose in your body. Also, with a healthy and well-balanced diet, at least your glucose intake will be monitored and controlled. Lastly, diabetes tend to harden the arteries, which is even increased through smoking, so to avoid this complication, it is advisable to stop smoking.

It is important to reduce blood sugar levels when it is increasing and going over the normal or average levels. Because if you won't reduce blood sugar levels the earliest you detect it, this will only lead to more health problems like arteriosclerosis, retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy, and loss of consciousness.

Diabetes - And How You Can You Reverse It?

2007-09-25T02:00:00.001-07:00

So how did we achieve this? Instead of popping prescription drugs, Sharon simply followed a strict low GL diet and took a supplement of the mineral chromium and cinnamon. Naturally Sharon is thrilled, saying that "My doctor told me I'd be on medication for the rest of my life. I am really thrilled to have been able to come off medication and still have stable blood sugar. My energy is much better. My skin is clearer, mood more stable and I've lost 14lbs in a month. I feel in control of food instead of it being in control of me."

Diabetes - Are You at Risk?

ARE YOU IN DANGER OF BEING DIABETIC?

Are you rarely wide awake within 15 minutes of rising?

Do you need tea, coffee, a cigarette or something sweet to get you going in the morning?

Do you crave chocolate, sweet foods, bread, cereal or cakes?

Do you often have energy slumps during the day or after meals?

Do you crave something sweet or a stimulant after meals?

Do you often have mood swings or difficulty concentrating?

Do you get dizzy or irritable if you go six hours without food?

Do you find you over-react to stress?

Is your energy now less than it used to be?

Do you feel too tired to do any exercise?

Are you gaining weight, and finding it hard to lose, even though you're not noticeably eating more or exercising less?

Do you get very thirsty and pee a lot - especially at night?

Do you get blurred vision?

If you experience many of these symptoms check you blood sugar levels. You are likely to have insulin resistance and benefit from a low GL diet, plus chromium and cinnamon.

Traditional Treatment

Conventional treatment of type 2 diabetes has focused on using drugs, which increase sensitivity to insulin or enhance insulin production. However, the side-effects of these long term drugs can be disastrous.

For example, the most widely used drug Metformin frequently causes nausea, cramps, vomiting and loose stools, and knocks out vitamin B12, raising homocysteine. Low B12 and high homocysteine increases risk for dementia. Other side effects of diabetes drugs include weight gain and increased blood pressure.

A Holistic Solution

Studies have shown that lifestyle changes focusing on diet and exercise are not only more than twice as effective as drugs in preventing diabetes, but are also more cost effective. Following a low GL diet has even been reported to completely reverse adult-onset, type 2 diabetes. Fedon Lindberg, a diabetes expert states 'A balanced low glycemic load diet, coupled with a healthy lifestyle can not only achieve normal blood pressure, cholesterol and fat levels but can also achieve non-diabetic sugar levels without the need for medication - therefore 'reversing' the disease.'

The principle behind the low GL diet is eating foods which provide a slow release of sugar, together with lean protein foods. This leads to less hunger, reduced sugar cravings, increased energy and rapid weight loss, as well as stabilising blood sugar levels.

Along with following a low GL diet, introducing other dietary compounds such as cinnamon and chromium has been found to aid blood glucose control. Cinnamon contains an ingredient called MCHP, which mimics the action of insulin, and therefore increases glucose metabolism. Studies have shown that just 1g of cinnamon per day (1/2 a teaspoon) is enough to lower blood glucose and levels of 'bad' LDL cholesterol in type 2 diabetics, with some volunteers even achieving normal blood sugar levels.

Chromium is the other key nutrient in reducing or reversing diabetes. This non-toxic mineral is essential for insulin regulation and glucose control. Chromium's role in insulin regulation was first proven in the 1970s. We now know that the essential mineral increases insulin binding, increases the number of insulin receptors and also increases insulin effectiveness; all of which lead to improved glucose transport into muscle, fat and liver tissue, and therefore better glucose control.

In fact chromium has been shown to dramatically decrease the need for medication in many diabetics and in some cases eliminate the need for drugs completely Thirteen out of fifteen studies have shown that chromium, usually at levels of 400mcg to 600mcg a day, is remarkably effective - in fact so much so that, if you are diabetic I recommend you monitor your blood sugar carefully and inform your doctor since you may need to reduce your diabetic medication (especially sulfonylurea medication). The answer therefore seems to be to combine a low GL. If you intend to take a low GL diet, I recommend Patrick Holford's Book - The Holford Low GL Diet. It contain the essential information you will need.

Bolaji Alli is the founder and CEO of Holistic Miracles, an international organization committed to empowering the physical well being of humanity. He has spent the last twenty years researching into various areas of alternative healing methods such as herbal medicine, nutrition, detoxification etc. He is also a distributor for Tianshi products.

Blood Glucose Monitor Components

2007-09-23T02:00:00.001-07:00

In this article we will take a look at the various components which make up a blood glucose testing kit such as the Ascensia Breeze from Bayer. We will be taking a closer look at such items as the lancing device, the lancet and the test strips. All these components are essential for anyone suffering from diabetes who would like to be aware of what their blood glucose levels are.

1. Lancing Device

This is also known as the finger prick device and it is used in order to make a small hole in the skin (usually on the tip of a person's finger) so that a drop of blood appears. It is this drop of blood which the blood glucose meter will then analyze. Some models do come with lancing device and others do not so it is wise to shop around for one which you would prefer to use. These devices are also adjustable which means that you can control just how deeply it goes into your skin.

2. Lancet

3. Test Strips

It is on these that you place your blood sample and then it is inserted in to the blood glucose meter in order that an analysis can be carried. These are either sold in vials or they may come in individual foil wrappers. But with the Ascensia Breeze system you are provided with ten strips together so if you want you can carry out 10 tests at once without having to take out several test strips at a time.

All test strips are coated with a chemical which allows the meter to analyze the levels of glucose in your blood sample. But be warned the actual amount of chemical to be found on these strips can vary from batch to batch. It is therefore important that you recalibrate your machine each time you buy a new set of test strips. When you get the new test strips you will find instructions enclosed within on how to recalibrate your blood glucose monitor and there are some machines such as the Ascensia Breeze from Bayer which can recalibrate themselves. Normally to recalibrate your monitor all you need to do is change the code number or insert a chip code into it.