Glucophage as a Treatment for Diabetes

In todays age of fast food and sedentary lifestyle, diabetes has reached plague proportions. It is caused by mismanagement of carbohydrate metabolism in the body.

Diabetes is identified with the excessive production of urine, hunger, thirst and excessive loss of weight, blurred vision, and delay in healing of skin, repeated infection, and excessive fatigue. Longevity, health and well being are all negatively impacted by the presence of diabetes. So, when it comes to treatment of diabetes the main concern should be given to controlling blood sugar, which is the main cause of diabetes. Successfully treating diabetes relies on managing blood sugar.

Adopting a lifestyle of healthy eating and regular exercise is tantamount in alleviating the complications of living with diabetes. Good activities for exercise include swimming, biking, hiking, jogging, walking, and any other exercise activities that get the heart and lungs working. To control and manage a safe level of blood glucose levels, frequent blood sugar testing is required.

It is very important to learn the right range of glucose in your blood. Age is a determining factor on healthy blood glucose levels. For younger diabetes sufferers, the normal glucose range is 80-120 mg/dL and in older people it is generally 100-140 mg/dL.

There are numerous medicines for treating diabetes, which your physician can tell you about. A popular medication is Glucophage. Glucophage regulates blood sugar levels and is used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

It works in three ways:-

1) by reducing the amount of sugar (glucose) produced by your liver;

2) by making insulin produced in the body work more efficiently at lowering glucose in the blood;

3) by lowering glucose absorption.

Glucophage is available in 500mg and 850mg tablets.

You can Buy Glucophage On Line - No Prior Prescription Needed in pack sizes ranging from 100 to 800 pills by visiting http://pharmessential.com where you can Purchase Medicine On-line Without Prescription - No Membership Fee

 Always talk to your own physician before considering taking Glucophage or any other prescription medications.

Borderline Diabetes: The Facts

Progress has been very slow over the last few years with regards to research and treatment of diabetes. Around 15 years ago patients were starting to be  diagnosed as being "borderline diabetes" or "pre-diabetes" even while they were enjoying holidays abroad.  Some argued this lead to a false sense of reassurance.  Treatment for diabetes usually wasn't started, as it wasn't thought of as being necessary, since you were still in a grace period but then the patient often got worse.

The patient actually became worse because there is no such condition as "borderline diabetes".  It's like being pregnant – there is no such thing as being only a little bit pregnant.  You are either pregnant or you are not.  It's the same with diabetes.  You either have it or you don't.  There are no known symptoms or signs that point to you having "borderline diabetes".

Unfortunately, decades ago, it was thought that the body put of signs and symptoms that cried out that it was developing diabetes.  This is what "borderline diabetes" was called.  However, that hope has died.  The body does not give off any warning signs before you have to start managing your insulin and diet.  You just fall head over heels right into being a diabetic.

However, you can show worse symptoms with your diabetes than the next diabetic.  Blood sugar levels differ and symptoms differ.  This is kind of like where the myth of "borderline diabetes" got started.  The ones who weren't too affected in their everyday life and didn't go easily into comas must be only have "borderline diabetes".  No, it was because they managed their health better.

If a senior relative or friend insists that they have only "borderline diabetes", don't argue.  This is probably what they were told years ago and it's stuck in their heads.  In time, the terms "borderline diabetes" and "pre-diabetes" can be put to rest.

For more information about diabetes and the effects of taking cheap holidays abroad, bookmark this site now and make sure you visit regularly.

Extra Vigilance is a Required Process for Diabetes Care

It is sad but true that diabetes is a huge health concern in the West which can be seen when we find that there are an estimated three to five percent Westerners affected by this silent killer of a disease, and an estimated one million Canadians are also so affected. Diabetes generally causes an individual’s body cells to become unable to absorb as well as use glucose in an adequate manner and for various reasons including becoming resistant to the hormone known as insulin or because of lack of insulin. And, without proper diabetes care, the patient’s body cells may become starved of fuel that is needed to provide energy to the body and sugar will not then be able to get into the cells, thus causing elevated levels of it in the blood.

Change Diet, Exercise Sufficiently And Take Medications

There are both immediate health problems associated with diabetes as well as long term complications and to prevent the condition from worsening, obviously the diabetic requires proper diabetes care. Thus, to manage diabetes may require paying special attention to the diet the patient takes, and the need for them to exercise adequately and to also take medications whenever required so as to control blood sugar levels and keep the level as close to normal as is possible. Furthermore, diabetes can take either one of three forms that are Type 1, Type 2 and also gestational diabetes, with the last mentioned form of diabetes affecting only pregnant women.

Therefore, it stands to reason that diabetes care is an essential requirement in order to monitor as well as ensure that the diabetic is taking adequate care to control the problem, and in this, there are few ways that he or she can check their condition, especially when in a pre-diabetic stage, and before the diabetes becomes a full blown problem.

It is certainly necessary for the patient to know of his or her family history, and if someone in the immediate family was or still is a diabetic, then chances of the individual also being diabetic is increased. However, one of the problems with diabetes care is that it often requires a lot of effort and it can easily tire the individual out, and thus should only be used if it cannot be avoided. Having a regular checkup is one aspect of diabetes care that is not so tiresome and which can and should be done in order to closely keep tabs on the progress or lack of it in a patient’s health.

Being vigilant is also another aspect to diabetes care and so is having an eye examination performed which must be taken once in a year at least, because diabetes will affect a person’s eyes and thus needs to be addressed at the earliest. Also, avoiding smoking is another aspect of diabetes care, and in any case proper care is a continuous process that requires closely monitoring the health to ensure fewer further complications, and to also manage the existing condition and keeping it as close to normal as is possible.

Book my Blog for more information on Diabetes Care. Also Find Local Help and Support at http://www.GetLocalHelp.com.

 

Natural Cures For Diabetes - Natural Diabetes Supplements

There are many natural cures for diabetes that you can try that can help control your blood sugar levels. There are basically two types of diabetics healthy diet and natural diabetes supplement that you can use. Type 2 diabetes patients will have the most success with using natural methods to produce insulin or controlling blood sugars levels.

Diabetic patients usually have problems creating insulin which is a natural hormone made by the pancreas. There are two types of diabetes. Type 1 diabetics will most likely need to depend on insulin injections and natural diabetics supplements such as Optimum Diabetics will not be able to help much. Type 2 diabetes patients can control their diets and take natural diabetes supplement to help control the illness.

Although diabetes medicine are effective in controlling glucose levels, they have some severe side effects and more and more people are turning to natural remedies for diabetes for help.

Some examples of natural remedies for diabetes include onions and garlic. Recent studies have shown that eating onions and garlic can significantly reduce blood sugar levels for long periods of time. It is best to prepare them raw as cooking can make them lose their valuable compounds.

Cayenne pepper is another natural diabetes cure and helps to improve blood circulation. Natural vegetable juices such as those from carrots, coconuts and cabbage also works well as natural diabetes remedies.

However, before you decide to take any natural diabetes supplements or natural remedies, it is best to seek the advice of your doctor. Ultimately, as your doctor will probably point out, your diet will play an important role in determining whether you can cure your own diabetes.

If you are looking for natural diabetes supplements, i highly recommend Optimum Diabetics. Click here to learn more about this diabetes supplement and how it can prevent and stop your diabetes problem.

Cure Type II Diabetes Naturally

Here's an amazing story of how one women determined to fight diabetes after her husband collapsed on a wedding night.

Click here to listen to her story.

Let's admit most of us don't even know that we have diabetes until something like that struck us or our loved one. Unfortunately when that happens it is too late.

She went on declaring war on diabetes so to speak. After scurring through tons of information, she said that she was amazed at the amount of information available.

Unfortunately, over-information and mis-information were a big part of the problem. One doctor recommended a certain type of drug… while other doctors recommended a different type… while still others spoke out against drugs all together".

There was a lot of diet charts, food graphs and medical manuals. She almost gave up until finally in her own word she said she cracked the code and stopped diabetes cold.

It is interesting that after talking to dozens of diabetic patients and medical professionals she spotted a patent on how to fight the disease. She began to test what she found on her husband and after confirming with their family doctors it proved that the methods work.

Here are some of the things that she found:

1) Why over a BILLION Asian never get diabetes?

2) Enjoy the food that you love and still be free from diabetes

3) How to defeat diabetes even if you have passion for sweet stuff.

4) The truth about artificial sweeteners, which one works and which one could even be dangerous to your life.

5) A supplement you can take that’s proven to reduce nerve damage from diabetes.

There are lots and lots more information that will even shock the nutrition expert!

If you or somebody you love are diabetic, then this information could save your life.

Click here to listen to her story.

Type2 Diabetes Food Eating On A Budget

Food prices and the cost of living is going up on almost constantly so when you have diabetes it is important to know how to shop wisely. This can include the purchasing of type2 diabetes food. In order to keep the type2 diabetes food costs down you will need to know what is a good substitute and what is not. This means that you can buy some food instead of other.

Frozen or canned vegetables can help you save in some of your food budget. However in order to maximise your savings you should aim to create an easy to prepare menu. This will help you buy only the food that you need that week, as you will know what ingredients you will be using.

The most recommended type2 diabetes food is that which contain carbohydrate such as potatoes, bread etc but this does not mean that you will only have to eat such foods. The key is maintaining an overall balance that you improve your life. This includes changing your lifestyle and attitude about type2 diabetes exercise, which is also key in maintaining you diseases. Everything about life is moderation and gluttony and overindulgence is never a good thing for anyone.

Knowing The Right Type2 Diabetes Food Helps You Preserve Your Life

Having a disease such as diabetes can have an emotional and physical strain on your body. When you are newly diagnosed you will not have to worry too much about preparing menus on your own accord, because your doctor will advice you to see a dietician or nutritionist who will be able to guide you on the type2 diabetes food.

This means that a massive weight of worry would be lifted off your shoulders, as you will be given some important guidance. The key to type2 diabetes food is that you just have to cut down on the amount of sugar that you consume as it does directly influence the glucose levels in your blood.

Most often you will be told that you need to eat more raw fruit, as you will be able to get more natural sugars from these and more vegetables. Type2 diabetes food is also low in salt and fat, so you will definitely have to change your eating habits to ones that will benefit your body.

If you find it hard to start then you should use the buddy system where you get your friends and family involved in living healthier and longer. Life is for living and not spending getting sick, enjoy the outdoors and have fun.

For more about diabetes please visit www.signsofdiabetesblog.com

Treating Diabetes with herbs from your spice rack

The wonders of treating ailments with Cinnamon.

Southeast Asia is known for its cinnamon.and the uses for Cinnamon is quite popular. From treating a variety of ailments like kidney, liver and hearing problems, to keeping meat from spoiling, and cinnamon aids in keeping diseases from spreading due to its antibacterial properties.

Now the next drug in your medicine cabinet might come from the spice aisle of your local grocery store

Today Cinnamon is used for weight control and Type II diabetes. The Bellville Nutrition Center is under the auspices of the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture. Their 2003 study found that cinnamon lowered glucose, triglycerides and LDL cholosterol, as well as improved diabetes problems.

Although research is still preliminary, doctors and researchers are getting excited about the diabetes and cholesterol-fighting potential of cinnamon.

Cinnamon probably "can't harm in small doses, it may help and it's not adding calories," said Melinda Maryniuk, a senior dietician at the Joslin Diabetes Center in Boston.

A small study completed last year on the possible health benefits of cinnamon was "very exciting and promising," according to Dr. Andrew Greenberg, director of the obesity metabolism laboratory at Tufts University, who is so intrigued he has begun studying it himself.

The 40-day study, of 60 people in Pakistan with Type 2 diabetes, found that one gram a day of cinnamon -- one-fourth of a teaspoon twice daily -- significantly lowered the subjects' blood sugar, triglycerides (fatty acids in the blood), LDL (or "bad") cholesterol, and total cholesterol.


"Cinnamon is a lot less effective than statins" at lowering cholesterol levels in the blood, according to Dr. Frank Sacks, a physician at Brigham and Women's Hospital and professor of nutrition at the Harvard School of Public Health. Statins have been tested in rigorous studies on 70,000 people for five years or more. Compared to that, he said, the research on cinnamon is weak.

"There are certainly substances in plants that have very strong biological effects, so the concept is fine," he said. And plant derivatives "are being intensively researched at many places -- that's a hot topic."

But it's also "a little weird," he said, that the USDA study found that the beneficial effects of cinnamon lasted for at least 20 days after people stopped taking it. "I don't know of any drug or product whose effects persist for 20 days."

A professor of nutrition at the Public School of Nutrition at the Harvard school of Public Health was amazed at the long-lasting results. Dr. Anderson of the US Dept of Agriculture said, "Cinnamon makes cells more sensitive to insulin." An active ingredient in cinnamon, proanthocyanidin, worms its way inside cells, where it activates the insulin receptor. Once this receptor is activated, whether by insulin or cinnamon, chemical reactions occur allowing the cell to use energy from sugar.

Also, top scorers in the antioxidant are clove and cinnamon. An early study by Richard Anderson of the USDA showed that as little as a half teaspoon of cinnamon a day significantly reduced blood sugar in people with diabetes, and that there are benefits to cinnamon (and to the other spices) that go beyond "just" reducing blood sugar.

Finally, there may be an indirect health benefit to be had from cinnamon, according to Taiwanese scientists writing in the July 14 issue of Agriculture and Food Chemistry. Cinnamon oil, they found, kills mosquito larvae more effectively than DEET, a common pesticide and mosquito repellent. Cinnamon contains sulphur, the seventh mose prevalent substance in human's and dog's bodies. Dogs love cinnamon. Fleas, ticks, flies and mosquitoes hate sulphur.

In 2004, the Tiwanese people found that if they sprinkled cinnamon around the island, it killed mosquito larvae more effectively than DEET,(a common pesticide.) On July, 2004 a recommendation was made by the Agriculture and Food Chemistry Dept. in Taiwan to use cinnamon to repel insects. Yet, if the dogs found the cinnamon and ate it, it wouldn't hurt them. Dogs love cinnamon.
Testing against adult mosquitotes is just beginning.

====================================================================================
Author: Wray R. Herring
http://www.diabeteslearningctr.com/
Wray has first hand knowledge and experience in caring for
some one with Diabetes.
For Additional information and products click on http://www.diabeteslearningctr.com
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What Are Diabetes Meal?

What are the common causes of diabetes?

Many studies pointed that diabetes is caused by extra fat in the diet as well as the body. Contrary to the popular believe, sugar is not the only culprit that contribute to the disease.

A leading medical school in the United States made a study on a group of healthy young men. They were served with a diet of 65% fat rich. They became diabetics in less than 2 weeks.

Another group similar to that was given a 10% fat diet and one pound of sugar daily. None of the young men were diabetic after 11 weeks of study.

By no means this is the only study conducted. There were many study that were done before and produced similar results.

What is the best way to treat diabetes?

The straight answer is this disease can be treated by following a very simple diet, very low in fat and high in fiber. Don't forget diet alone is insufficient, daily exercises should be in your schedule too.

It is very crucial to lower the amount of fat, oil and grease in the diet. A person with type II diabetic who decrease fat to about 10% of total calories in daily meal could reduce blood sugar to a normal level within 8 weeks. Many of them eventually could get off diabetic medication totally.

The right food that you take is the natural cure for diabetes. This shows that diabetes could be treated with proper diet of nutritious meals.

How to maintain a steady blood sugar level naturally?

Natural food and food that are rich in fiber could help to reduce the fluctuations of blood sugar level. When foods without fiber components are eaten, blood sugar level quickly shoot up and that's why insulin is used to counteract the reaction.

Processed foods, soft drinks and junk snacks are high in calories but low in fiber, could also lead to high blood sugar level. On the other hand high fiber foods smooth out blood sugar fluctuations and stabilize energy levels.

Active physical exercise acts as an insulin like reaction. It burns up fatty acids and extra blood sugar at a rapid rate.

It is very crucial for every diabetic not to be overweight.
Obesity is the most common non genetic factor that lead to diabetes.

Of course low fat diet, high fiber foods and exercises are great components of natural cure for diabetes.

Sugar Damages Your Insiudes

Diabetes is a lifelong disease. Diabetes is a silent killer. Diabetes affects 17 million people in the U.S., although almost six million of them do not know they have the disease. an extremely] serious disease. It means.

Glucose in solution exists as a stable pyranose ring in equilibrium with the open chain aldehyde form. The reaction of monosaccharides with proteins consists of the covalent linkage of the double-bonded oxygen of the aldehyde function with an NH2 group, either on the alpha-amino group of the N-terminal amino acid or on the epsilon-amino group of lysine. Glucose readings are not linear over their entire range. If you get. Sugar comes from the food you eat and is also made in your liver and muscles. sugar to all the cells in your body.

Insulin is a hormone made in the pancreas, an organ near the stomach. The pancreas releases insulin into the blood. Insulin allows the body to use energy from food. In type 1 diabetes, the immune system mistakes beta cells for invaders and attacks them. medicine, test strips, and lancets are costly even though some are partly covered by medical insurance. Insulin helps glucose [(sugar)] leave the blood and go into the body's cells. If not treated, the sugar.

Type 2 diabetes develops slowly over time and may go undetected. Because of the slow onset and minimal symptoms early in the disease, as many as 33 percent of the people who have the disease are not yet diagnosed. Type 1 diabetes (also known as juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes) is typically diagnosed early because its symptoms are severe and rapid. A treatment plan can then be put in place and continued. Type 1 diabetes is [usually. badly needs to control the amount of sugar (glucose) in the blood.

people]with Type 2 diabetes might face. Heart deaths have declined in men with diabetes, but not in women; kidney failure rates among diabetics are much higher in blacks and Hispanics than in whites. Meanwhile, the disease is increasing worldwide at such an alarming rate.

Health care officials worry that insufficient attention is being paid to the rising number of cases, apparently being propelled by genetically susceptible women entering pregnancy too fat. The inattention, the officials say, is allowing young mothers to be saddled with a harrowing lifelong disease and increasing the risk to their children of ultimately sharing that troubling destiny. Health care costs for diabetes are estimated to be nearly $100 billion per year in the US.

Diabetes - Minimizing Effects of Diabetes

Diabetes - Minimizing Effects of Diabetes

Diabetes can present two main categories of problems, in the form of short term ill-effects and longer term harm. Minimizing both areas requires discipline.

Rapid spikes or dips in blood glucose level can result in several unpleasant effects: dizziness, disorientation, muscle weakness, nausea and others. For some diabetics, it's very difficult to prevent this from happening at some time. But there are practices that can improve the odds.

Regular and careful monitoring is a must. It's no picnic to endure a finger prick three times a day. For those who simply can't muster the will, it is worthwhile to look into some of the newer glucose monitoring devices that don't require it.

Some contain tiny, powerful lasers that create a hole through which blood oozes. They produce only a mild tingling sensation. One recent device senses glucose level through the skin using an infrared beam, requiring no blood sample at all.

The goal is to keep the glucose-insulin balance as close to normal levels as possible. Non-diabetics have a fasting glucose level under about 99 mg/dL. Even after a heavy meal, when glucose may rise to over 200 mg/dL, insulin is released which brings it back down within a couple of hours. That means that keeping the glucose level right isn't so much achieving a static number as maintaining the correct dynamic balance.

Part of a long-term glucose monitoring strategy should encompass regular physician visits with a quarterly A1C test. Several tests exist to measure blood glucose level at a given time. The A1C test provides a picture averaged over a period of months. The name comes from HbA1c, an abbreviation for glycated hemoglobin.

Hemoglobin molecules in the red blood cells carry oxygen to tissues. The extra glucose in the bloodstream of a diabetic causes that hemoglobin to get glycated. That effect persists and allows an A1C test to measure the accumulated result.

Long term the effects will accumulate, good or bad. Over 10-15 years or longer, many diabetes patients of the past would endure blindness, kidney damage, nerve damage and other ill health effects. That no longer has to be the case. With contemporary understanding of the disease and modern technology it's possible to reduce the odds of those effects nearly to those without the disease.

Exercise and diet are two key elements for the overwhelming majority of diabetes sufferers to help achieve the right glucose-insulin balance.

Keeping body fat low through proper diet and exercise will help. Body fat plays a role in how the body reacts to glucose levels, as well as affecting hormone production and release. While the mechanisms are still being investigated, many studies show there is a clear correlation between body fat and the severity of diabetes effects, as well.

Proper weight and body fat maintenance will also help keep blood pressure at the right level. Chronic high blood pressure is one of the major elements in increasing the risk of common diabetes problems: heart attack and stroke, eye and nerve damage, and others.

With diligence a diabetic can lead a normal life, one very much like those fortunate enough not to have the condition. A little attention a few times a day can lead to not having to pay too much attention at all.

Diabetes - Genetic Risk Factors for Diabetes

Diabetes - Genetic Risk Factors for Diabetes

The causes of diabetes are complex and only partly understood. Complicating the picture even further is the fact that there are multiple types, each with its own risk factors. Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are the most common, encompassing about 97% or more of cases in the U.S. Each results from a combination of environmental and genetic influences.

Of those, Type 2 is far and away the most common, about 90% of cases.

Obesity is thought to be a major contributor to Type 2 diabetes. Being overweight is a good prototype for a cause since it is itself a combination of genetic background and lifestyle choices. Though the diet opted for and the amount of exercise one chooses to undertake are lifestyle choices, it's still true that some individuals gain or shed weight more easily than others.

But there are many other factors, as well.

A history of diabetes during pregnancy contributes to part of the total risk. Just shy of 40% of women who develop diabetes during pregnancy (a type known as gestational diabetes) will later develop Type 2 diabetes. That typically occurs within 5-10 years after giving birth. Those who give birth to larger babies have a greater risk.

Glucose intolerance is another genetically influenced factor. Since Type 2 diabetes results not from underproduction of insulin (as in Type 1) but from inadequate use of it, it shouldn't be surprising that glucose intolerance is a contributing circumstance. That glucose intolerance should exist is puzzling enough, since it's a major source of the body's energy. But genetic anomalies produce some unusual situations.

Ethnicity plays a role in whether or not an individual will develop Type 2 diabetes, though the reasons are not fully understood. Even after adjusting for lifestyle, Aboriginals, Africans, Latin Americans and some Asian groups are at higher risk. The profile varies between 1.5-2 times the incidence among Caucasians, according to one broad Canadian study. Oddly, though, the risk of Type 1 diabetes is much higher among Caucasians than any other race.

Having high blood pressure raises the odds, too. That again is partly a lifestyle (chiefly, diet and exercise) choice but it has a strong genetic aspect as well. There's a strong correlation between those with high blood pressure and those who will develop diabetes. Similarly, high cholesterol levels increase the risk. Over 40% of those with diabetes have higher than average levels of cholesterol in the blood.

But simple family medical circumstance is probably the largest genetic risk factor.

An individual with a parent or sibling who has Type 1 diabetes has him or herself a risk 10-20 times higher than average. For a newborn baby with a parent who has Type 1 diabetes the odds are 1 in 25, or 4% if the mother gives birth before age 25. Over age 25, the risk is 1%, about the same as the general population. The odds rise again to about 10% if either parent contracted diabetes before age 11.

The genetic risk factors of contracting diabetes are still an active area of research. Fortunately, while in generations past there was nothing one could do to influence them, modern genetic treatments hold out promise of altering even these odds.

Diabetes - Exercise To Control Diabetes

Diabetes - Exercise To Control Diabetes

Having diabetes is never a picnic. But fortunately, for a very large percentage of those who suffer from the disease, exercise can play a large role in the management of the condition. Not only does it improve overall health, helping to stave off future complications and deal with dips in well-being, it directly improves the diabetic condition. But, it needs to be done properly.

Before embarking on any exercise regimen, a diabetic should consult his or her physician and insist on clear answers and feasible suggestions. The diabetic will need to find out which exercises are safe and under what conditions. That will vary from person to person, and often day to day.

The level of blood glucose rises, for example, in response to exercise. But how much and how rapidly differs from person to person and day to day. A high blood glucose level, say 300 mg/dL can rise even higher with vigorous exercise. Those with Type 1 diabetes who have a fasting glucose level above 250 mg/dL will likely have ketones in the urine. Exercise can raise that further, producing a dangerous condition called diabetic ketoacidosis.

Alternatively, insulin treatments can produce hypoglycemia (having too low a level of glucose in the blood). But consuming carbohydrates to level it off may have undesirable side effects, such as encouraging excess body fat. That excess in turn may help push those with pre-diabetes into full blown diabetes, over time.

Any exercise routines should be realistic and begun slowly. Many diabetics need to reduce their level of activity below what would be normal for another person. But they can still benefit from the many positive health effects of a good routine. Just as with the elderly or others who may need to curtail some kinds of activity, the diabetic needs to monitor their condition carefully and exercise appropriately.

Think long term. Even people without any medical condition can become discouraged and give up on exercise too easily. Working muscles that have been sedentary (a lifestyle that often raises the risk of acquiring diabetes in the first place) can lead to soreness and discomfort. That creates negative incentives to continue the exercise program. Starting slowly and working up to greater effort can solve that problem. Adopt exercise as a part of an overall lifestyle, not as a targeted cure for any specific problem.

Walking several times per week is a good start. For those who have access to a pool, swimming is a good cardiovascular exercise category that is easy on the joints.

At first, you may feel a bit too tired to even get started. That may be the result of low blood sugar. If your physician approves, eating a small snack can help get you up for the effort. A small adjustment to medication may work for others.

Monitoring is important, even during exercise, since it can change blood glucose levels quickly. A special watch is available that provides a timer for measuring routines, but will also monitor glucose level. But whatever method you choose, keep a close eye on things. Stop if you feel dizzy, nauseous or experience symptoms generally.

Diabetes - Long Term Prospects for Diabetes Patients

Diabetes - Long Term Prospects for Diabetes Patients

The long term prospects for a person with diabetes are not set in stone. In many cases, they are a matter of choice.

There are many possible complications that come with diabetes.

Those taking insulin can experience a low glucose level. Hypoglycemia can lead to several ill effects. In extreme cases, coma is possible. At milder levels, muscle weakness or headache are common.

Diabetic acidosis may result from missing an insulin dose or as the result of infection or other cause. It can be life threatening. It's most common in Type 1 diabetes, but may occur in those who suffer from Type 2 Diabetes as well.

Insulin helps regulate blood glucose levels, but it also plays a role in burning body fat. When the insulin level drops drastically, the body starts burning fat, producing a characteristic ketone smell from the breath. The body tries to reduce the condition by inducing rapid breathing. But that strategy can only succeed to a certain degree.

Long term, diabetic retinopathy - a generation of the retina from damaged blood vessels - is another possibility. Kidney malfunction, as the kidneys come to filter less efficiently due to gradual destruction of the glomeruli, is also common.

But none of these conditions is inevitable, particularly today.

The possible long term effects of diabetes are very well known and there have been developed a number of strategies for dealing with them.

Accurate and careful self-care is the first line of defense. That keeps glucose and insulin levels where they should be, along with keeping the body fit to deal with the rigors of any problems that occur. It helps keep blood pressure in check to avoid long term complications from high blood pressure.

But there are longer term prospects on the horizon. Since diabetes is the result of lowered insulin production (Type 1) or inefficient use (Type 2) it can be adjusted by means other than drugs or diet. Note: there are other types of diabetes but these two cover over 95% of all chronic cases. Two of those are gene therapy or organ transplant.

Organ transplantation, in this case of a defective pancreas is an option for those who have Type 1 diabetes. Though a serious procedure, and not for everyone, the surgery has come a long way over the past 30 years, as has every other type of transplant. Immunosuppressive drugs are more effective to reduce the odds of rejection. Some gene therapy techniques are being developed to eliminate even the need for that.

Beyond being an adjunct in aiding immune system suppression, gene therapy can have a more direct role. Research is being conducted to correct autoimmune disorders, one type of which causes Type 1 diabetes. Even Type 2 diabetes sufferers have hope as well, though.

Gene therapy holds out the promise of being able to adjust the efficiency with which the body uses insulin, the characteristic of Type 2. Gene therapy may be able to affect the gene that controls the production of insulin beta cells.

Research is active and ongoing. There are good reasons to hope that in the years to come diabetes may be treated more effectively or even eliminated entirely.

Possible metabolic problems for obese diabetics

Possible metabolic problems for obese diabetics

If you are considered obese, especially with an above average amount of abdominal fat
and are insulin resistant, you may have what is known as metabolic syndrome.  It is
important to note that you can be insulin resistance and not actually have diabetes – yet.  
If you are insulin resistant you may be what is termed pre-diabetes.

If you are insulin resistant, your body is not using the insulin your pancreas is producing
effectively.  Your pancreas will continue to produce more and more insulin but your body
will not use it and cannot derive the energy from the food you eat.  This condition can be
passed on from another member of the family but it is also caused by obesity and
inactivity.

As with diabetes, the risk factors for having metabolic problems – metabolic syndrome –
are quite similar.  Age is a risk factor, the older you are the chances of having this are
greater.  Almost half of the people with metabolic syndrome are over the age of 60 but
symptoms have been seen in children and adults in their 20’s.  Another risk factor for
having this syndrome is race, people from a Hispanic or Asian backgrounds are at a
higher risk than others.    And as mentioned there is also the hereditary factory.

Being obese with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of over 25 is a factor too.  The difference
with this factor from the others is that most people have an element of control over this.  
If they are able to lose weight and exercise they can reduce or eliminate this contributor
towards metabolic syndrome.

If you are diagnosed with metabolic syndrome, your doctor will run screening tests for
diabetes. He or she will also recommend or put your on a program to lose weight through
a healthy and balanced diet coupled with physical activity.

Diabetes - Diet and Diabetes

Diabetes - Diet and Diabetes

There are multiple aspects to the relationship between diet and diabetes. On the one hand, anyone with diabetes will need to take extra care with diet in order to help maintain the proper glucose level. On the other, those who don't have diabetes - but have a genetic and/or environmental or lifestyle disposition to develop it - can help stave off the disease in part through good dietary choices.

It isn't the case, for example, that eating sugary foods leads to diabetes. The causes of the disease are complex and not fully understood. But what is known shows that there is both a genetic and many possible environmental factors. Only part of that is the amount of sugar ingested.

Nevertheless, it's true that those with a high sugar diet will tend to be overweight (as measured, in part, by a BMI over 27) and therefore are at greater risk for developing Type 2 diabetes. That's particularly true for those who tend to carry that extra weight around the waist.

As such, a diet that is generally healthy for everyone is the same diet that will help stave off diabetes, or lessen its effects for those who already have the disease.

A diet that contains the proper amounts of vegetables, fruits and whole grains, as well as good protein sources, is helpful for everyone, including the diabetic. Fat itself isn't to be totally excluded, but should be consumed in moderation.

Fat gets a bad reputation because (a) it's over twice as high in calories than other foods (9 calories per gram as opposed to 4) and, (b) there are certain fats that are less healthy than others (transfats as opposed to healthier unsaturated fats). A certain amount is essential for good health.

While a diabetic should be prepared at all times to consume a snack or bar that will help stabilize glucose at the right level, in general it's helpful to establish a routine. That makes it easier to monitor glucose level and to predict what it is likely to be when you're not watching it. That also helps smooth out the level of glucose in the blood over time. Spikes or dips are to be avoided.

Those with diabetes who also want to reduce weight or body fat need to take extra care. After consulting a physician to establish a good diet for their particular circumstances, counting carbohydrates will need to become a regular routine. Most carbohydrates are what the body breaks down to produce glucose. That has a direct effect on the glucose-insulin balance so important for keeping diabetes under control.

While protein or fat consumption doesn't directly determine the amount of insulin needed, these too should be consumed in carefully regulated quantities. Excess consumption can make anyone overweight and the diabetic is more negatively affected if that occurs than others.

Consistency is key. Establish a healthy diet plan for your individual circumstances and stick to it, making gradual adjustments as needed. In the long term, it will help minimize any problems associated with diabetes to the maximum extent possible.

Diabetes - Genetic Risk Factors for Diabetes

Diabetes - Genetic Risk Factors for Diabetes

The causes of diabetes are complex and only partly understood. Complicating the picture even further is the fact that there are multiple types, each with its own risk factors. Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are the most common, encompassing about 97% or more of cases in the U.S. Each results from a combination of environmental and genetic influences.

Of those, Type 2 is far and away the most common, about 90% of cases.

Obesity is thought to be a major contributor to Type 2 diabetes. Being overweight is a good prototype for a cause since it is itself a combination of genetic background and lifestyle choices. Though the diet opted for and the amount of exercise one chooses to undertake are lifestyle choices, it's still true that some individuals gain or shed weight more easily than others.

But there are many other diabetes risk factors, as well.

A history of diabetes during pregnancy contributes to part of the total risk. Just shy of 40% of women who develop diabetes during pregnancy (a type known as gestational diabetes) will later develop Type 2 diabetes. That typically occurs within 5-10 years after giving birth. Those who give birth to larger babies have a greater risk.

Glucose intolerance is another genetically influenced factor. Since Type 2 diabetes results not from underproduction of insulin (as in Type 1) but from inadequate use of it, it shouldn't be surprising that glucose intolerance is a contributing circumstance. That glucose intolerance should exist is puzzling enough, since it's a major source of the body's energy. But genetic anomalies produce some unusual situations.

Ethnicity plays a role in whether or not an individual will develop Type 2 diabetes, though the reasons are not fully understood. Even after adjusting for lifestyle, Aboriginals, Africans, Latin Americans and some Asian groups are at higher risk. The profile varies between 1.5-2 times the incidence among Caucasians, according to one broad Canadian study. Oddly, though, the risk of Type 1 diabetes is much higher among Caucasians than any other race.

Having high blood pressure raises the odds, too. That again is partly a lifestyle (chiefly, diet and exercise) choice but it has a strong genetic aspect as well. There's a strong correlation between those with high blood pressure and those who will develop diabetes. Similarly, high cholesterol levels increase the risk. Over 40% of those with diabetes have higher than average levels of cholesterol in the blood.

But simple family medical circumstance is probably the largest genetic risk factor for diabetes.

An individual with a parent or sibling who has Type 1 diabetes has him or herself a risk 10-20 times higher than average. For a newborn baby with a parent who has Type 1 diabetes the odds are 1 in 25, or 4% if the mother gives birth before age 25. Over age 25, the risk is 1%, about the same as the general population. The odds rise again to about 10% if either parent contracted diabetes before age 11.

The genetic risk factors of contracting diabetes are still an active area of research. Fortunately, while in generations past there was nothing one could do to influence them, modern genetic treatments hold out promise of altering even these odds.

Controlling Your Blood Sugar Whilst Losing Weight

Controlling Your Blood Sugar Whilst Losing Weight

If you are a diabetic and are overweight or considered clinically obese, you can improve
your overall health and the management of your diabetes by losing weight.  It may seem
like an overwhelming goal if you have tried in the past to lose weight and have failed.  
But there are steps you can take and support you can utilize to help you reach your goals.

The first step to losing weight is to set a short-term goal for yourself.  You can do this on
your own but can also get help from your doctor or a dietician.  A good goal when
starting to lose weight is to take a small percentage of your overall weight and aim to lose
that much in your time frame.  For instance, if you weigh 200 pounds aim to lose weight
5% of your body weight to begin (10 pounds).  When you lose weight as a diabetic you
are helping your body by lessening your insulin requirements.  Weight loss will also
assist you in keeping your blood sugar levels under control.

Another method to lose weight is physical activity and exercise.  Getting your body
moving will increase your metabolism and that act will assist in losing weight too.  Not
only will increased metabolism aid in weight loss, it will also help in controlling blood
glucose levels.  Your body will be processing food more efficiently.

Diet and exercise go hand-in-hand with weight loss.  It also takes patience and time but
as you begin the road to weight loss the benefits you will derive as a diabetic will begin
right away.  And as you reach your goal weight you will gain better control of your blood
sugars.  If you are having difficulty losing weight on your own, speak to your doctor
about other options that are available to you such as medication or possibly surgery.

Diabetes - Environmental and Lifestyle Risk Factors for Diabetes

Diabetes - Environmental and Lifestyle Risk Factors for Diabetes

Why any particular person gets diabetes isn't completely known. Complicating the situation is the fact that there are different types of the disease, though Type 1 and Type 2 are the most common. Of those, Type 2 accounts for about 90% of cases.

Fortunately for those who are at risk, many factors are lifestyle choices and therefore can be altered. Even after contracting the disease, much of the management of the disease involves controllable issues.

Obesity is widely recognized as one of the leading risk factors for developing Type 2 diabetes. While there is a genetic influence - some shed or gain weight and body fat more easily than others - it is subject to influence by choices. A high BMI (Body Mass Index) is an adjustable number with the proper diet and exercise.

A BMI of higher than 27 correlates with increased risk of Type 2 diabetes. The number should not be taken as a sole determinant, however, since its diagnostic value is less for those who are very muscular or are pregnant. But a high BMI is an indicator of obesity and should be checked.

Beyond simply being overweight, where the majority of excess body fat resides plays a role in the odds of contracting Type 2 diabetes. Those who tend to store body fat around the waist are at higher risk. While that in itself is largely a genetic issue - some individuals are naturally pear-shaped, others are not - the results can be influenced by diet and exercise.

Claims of supplements that target fat at the waistline are yet to be proven. Similarly, assertions that it's possible to selectively remove waistline body fat through specific exercises are ill-founded. But an overall weight-reducing diet and general exercise program will help reduce large fat deposits, including those of the waistline.

More generally, a sedentary lifestyle increases the odds of contracting Type 2 diabetes. Partly that's the result of adopting a mindset that brings with it a number of less than ideal choices. But in particular, the lack of exercise is a direct cause of higher body fat percentage as well as a number of follow on effects.

Exercise certainly burns calories. But even the resting state burns about 70 calories per hour just to power metabolic processes. But regular movement helps stimulate the lymph system, strengthen and loosen muscles, oxygenate tissues and brings with it many other positive benefits.

Exercise helps control blood pressure, a factor in contracting diabetes. It helps regulate glucose levels, which have a major role in the disease since excess glucose in the blood is a defining attribute of diabetes. It alters cholesterol levels, another risk factor for contracting the condition.

Though the risk of contracting diabetes is present for anyone, it's good to know you can drive it to much lower odds by adopting healthy choices.

Potential Kidney Problems for obese diabetics

Potential Kidney Problems for obese diabetics

Both diabetics and obesity are linked to kidney failure.  There are many people who are
both diabetic and obese and they have an increased risk of being diagnosed with serious
kidney problems that lead to dialysis or the need for a transplant.  Kidney failure and
damage in a diabetic patient is known as diabetic nephropathy.

The kidneys’ job is to clean the blood but when the blood has excess sugar (glucose)
present it causes damage to the kidneys.  This damage can happen even before someone
knows they are diabetic or if they are not diabetic but are considered obese.  High blood
sugars that are present in the bodies of obese people and diabetics are a problem to these
organs and other functions in body.

There really aren’t any symptoms for the early signs of kidney damage.  You probably
will not know that it is occurring unless your doctor performs a test to check for protein
in your urine (done with a dip stick in the office).  If the doctor finds the presence of
protein it will be closely monitored depending on the amount of protein present.  During
the beginning stages of diabetic nephropathy the kidneys are still able to function and do
their job of cleaning the blood.  Action will need to be taken to get blood glucose levels
under control to prevent further damage to the kidneys.

If your kidneys fail you are at risk for high blood pressure and the build-up of toxins in
your blood because the kidneys are not able to filter them out.  The two options available
at this point are dialysis or a kidney transplant.  Dialysis is a method to clean your blood
using an external machine you are hooked up to that your blood is run through and then
put back in your body

The deadly combination of high blood pressure, obesity and diabetes

The deadly combination of high blood pressure, obesity and diabetes

High blood pressure is a concern for anyone but people with diabetics are more likely to
suffer from it than others.  If you are obese and diabetic, a high blood pressure can be
deadly leading to a fatal heart attack.  Like many health risks associated with diabetes,
good control of your blood sugars, a healthy diet and physical activity can help to keep
your blood pressure in check.

If you are suffering from a headache, your vision is blurry and you feel light headed or
dizzy you may have high blood pressure.  These symptoms are not just indicative of high
blood pressure though and you should seek medical attention to determine the cause.  
Other times there may be no symptoms at all when you have high blood pressure or it
may be slightly elevated.  It is smart to have your blood pressure routinely checked at
your doctor’s appointments.

When you are obese, the most effective way to reduce your blood pressure is to lose
weight.  Follow a meal plan that works for your diabetes, making sure you are consuming
enough food, and can still allow you to lose weight.  Other changes that you can make
that will improve your blood pressure are:

*    An exercise routine that is followed on a regular basis
*    Reducing stress in your life – mediation, yoga, letting go of some responsibilities
*    Quit smoking
*    Lessen the amount of salt you use for cooking or on your food

While you are making lifestyle changes to lower your blood pressure your doctor may
decide to put your on medication.  If you have to take blood pressure medication it does
not have to be forever.  You can look at it as a short-term fix while you make the changes
necessary to lower your blood pressure on your own.

What you need to know about exercising and Diabetes.

What you need to know about exercising and Diabetes.

When you are a diabetic, exercise is will help control your blood sugar levels. But if you
are overweight or obese and diabetic, exercise will also help you lose weight.  As a
diabetic, there are additional considerations and precautions that you need to take before
you begin an exercise routine.  And once you have begun, you always need to be aware
of the risks involved.

It is ideal to wait before your exercise if your blood glucose level is too low or high.  You
can do more damage than good if you do not.  It is especially dangerous if your blood
sugar is on the low side and you begin to exercise.  The physical exertion can cause your
blood sugar to drop even further which can become an emergency situation.  As a
precaution, if you are exercising at a gym make sure the staff are aware of your condition
and have emergency instructions and numbers to call.  If you walk or run on your own
outside, keep identification on you that advises you are diabetic along with contact phone
numbers, a snack, and instructions.

For other tips on exercising with diabetes, you can follow the same guidelines that make
sense for everyone else.  Stretch before and after exercising, drink plenty of fluids, and
don’t push yourself too hard.  It is a smart idea to check your blood sugars before and
after exercising and if you are feeling light-headed during your work-out check it then
too.

As feet problems are common in diabetics, wear proper footwear and socks.  If you
notice any sores on your feet that are not going away on their own, see your doctor.  If
they are not healing they can lead to an infection and other related complications.  Even
though there are risks involved to exercising, the benefits make it worth it.

The Link Between Depression, Diabetes and Obesity

The Link Between Depression, Diabetes and Obesity

Many people suffer from depression at some point in their lives and people with diabetes
are no exception.  If you are obese and have type 2 diabetes you may blame yourself and
your lifestyle on the disease you now have.  It is hard to adjust to a new lifestyle.  Feeling
down or guilty about this is okay and even normal but if it turns into something more you
need to seek professional help.

It is normal to feel down about having diabetes in the beginning but once you learn more
about the disease and how to control it you can also feel more in control of your life
again.  Take charge, if you are obese and want to improve your blood glucose levels you
can.  By eating a healthy diet and regular exercise you can lose weight and improve your
blood sugars.

If your feeling of being down or hopeless will not go away and is accompanied by any of
the following as well you may be depressed.  If this is the case, contact your doctor right
away.

Signs of depression:

*    You are no longer sleeping like you used to (more or less)
*    Not enjoying life or everyday activities like you used to
*    No energy to do things you want or have to do
*    You are eating more or less or have sudden weight gain or loss

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms you seek help.  Being obese and diabetic
can be trying both mentally and physically.  It is important to know that you can take
action to make things better.  Your diabetes may never go away but you can certainly
keep it under control and live a full life.  By losing weight, even a small amount, you can
make a huge difference in your health and diabetes.

Combining different foods to assist with Diabetes control

Combining different foods to assist with Diabetes control

As a diabetic who is trying to lose weight, it is not only important what you eat and how
much but what you eat together too.  Foods react differently together and for optimal
performance and the best affect on your blood glucose level there are a few guidelines
that should be followed.

At each meal you should have a combination of carbohydrates and protein and you can
have fat in moderation.  The majority of the foods a diabetic will eat fall under the
carbohydrate category, carbohydrates can be found in:

*    Fruits
*    Vegetables
*    Beans
*    Dairy Products
*    Bread
*    Grains

To reduce blood sugars and lose weight, a diet where carbohydrates are counted and
controlled is necessary.  Depending on your weight and height your dietician will provide
you with a number of carbohydrates that you can have at each meal.  Some carbohydrates
are better choices than others; choose fresh and whole wheat whenever possible.

Choosing carbohydrates that are high in fiber can help to reduce your blood glucose
levels and will keep you feeling full for longer.  Higher fiber content allows you to eat
more an item without suffering the consequences later on.

At each meal, a small amount of protein will help counter-act the carbohydrate’s affect of
raising blood sugars.  Protein will also sustain you longer and you will not be hungry as
quickly if you did not have protein at one of your meals or for snack.  Choose high-
quality protein that is not fried.  Remove excess fat when it is possible such as chicken
skin before eating.

Following a healthy eating plan with the correct number of carbohydrates at each meal
combine with a protein can help you lose weight and manage your diabetes.  Make time
for exercising in your week too and you are sure to lose weight and have more energy.

Diabetes and Childhood Obesity

Diabetes and Childhood Obesity

When a child is diagnosed with diabetes it is commonly referred to as juvenile diabetes or
type 1 diabetes. This type of diabetes is not related to a child’s lifestyle, it is an
autoimmune disease that results in the need for insulin injections for food to be turned
into energy properly.  In recent years there have been an increased number of children
that have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.  This is an alarming trend and one that can
be mitigated because the link between children and type 2 diabetes is childhood obesity.

As it is fairly new that children are being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes there isn’t a lot
of information or studies on it presently.  But what is known is that parents need to take
action immediately.  Once a child has been diagnosed at an older age there isn’t much
that can be done except to manage the disease.  But if a younger child is obese and makes
healthy lifestyle changes that result in weight loss there is a chance that type 2 diabetes
can be avoided.

Some of the early warning signs that your child may have diabetes include:

*    A sudden increase in thirst that appears to never be satiated
*    An increased need to urinate
*    Dark patches on the skin – usually found in the folds of the skin, around the neck
or around the eyes

As there are many other diseases and complications that can arise if your child is obese it
is best to seek medical help for your child.  Between you and your health care
professional, a plan can be made and put into place that will start your child on the road
to a healthier weight and more active lifestyle.  Your child may be resistant at first but by
involving them in the process, and persistence, the changes can be made.

What Is A Healthy BMI And How Does It Apply To Diabetics?

What Is A Healthy BMI And How Does It Apply To Diabetics?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a calculation that is based on your height and weight to
determine if you are underweight, an ideal weight, overweight, or obese.  The test is an
indication of the total body fat that you are carrying around.  The number ranges are
fairly accurate but there are some circumstances when the calculations may not be 100%
true.  As these results are purely based on numbers, you should take the number you are
given and discuss other contributing factors with your doctor (such as muscle weight or
body type considerations).

A BMI of 30 or over is considered obese.  The higher end of the scale for overweight
people (25 – 29.9) and people that fall into the obese category are at an increased risk for
developing type 2 diabetes. Other danger indicators are waist circumferences.  If you are
a man and your waist measures 40 inches or more and if you are a woman and your waist
measures 35 inches or more, there is an increased abdominal fat risk factor for diabetes
and other diseases.  

Maintaining a healthy BMI is all about being at a weight that is right for your height and
body type.  Both of these goals will bring many more benefits than just better controlled
blood glucose levels. You will also have increased energy, can reduce the amount of
insulin you are on, and give yourself a longer life expectancy.

Reduce your total body fat to bring your BMI into a healthy range (18.5-24.9).  Consult
your doctor and get advice on how to meet your goals.  And if you are just starting an
exercise routine, get the okay from your doctor first.  You do not want to overtax yourself
at the beginning and your doctor may have some restrictions for you to ensure you do not
suffer from injury or hypoglycemia.

The Importance Of The Link Between Diabetes And Obesity

The Importance Of The Link Between Diabetes And Obesity

There is no known reason for what causes diabetes.  There are certainly risk factors that
make the likelihood of you being diagnosed with the disease higher.  One of the only risk
factors that you have control over is your weight.  If you are obese, the single best thing
you can do for your health and the prevention of diabetes is to lose weight.  Even in small
increments, when you shed pounds you are increasing your health benefits.

These may be easier said than done.  There are new studies that are now showing that
there is a genetic factor or mutation for people who are obese and have diabetes.  This
genetic malfunction affects how the bodies use energy and insulin – two key elements in
the functioning of your body and the cause of diabetes and obesity.

The studies also state that this is not a cause and effect case.  If you carry this defective
gene you are not guaranteed to be obese or have diabetes.  But the link is there and it can
be prevented.  You may have to work harder at it than others to maintain a healthy body
weight and put off diabetes but it can be done.  Discuss with your doctor options and
ways to prevent or put-off the onset of diabetes.

The gene that researchers have discovered as a precursor to diabetes has been found in
young children.  It is scary to know that children in their preschool years are being
diagnosed with obesity and type 2 diabetes due to genetics.  But parents can reduce or
prevent these things from happening by giving their children healthy lifestyle choices.  
Now that a DNA link has been found, the research can focus on finding a way to fix or
prevent this from happening at some point in the future.

Importance of a diabetes control diet

Importance of a diabetes control diet

There are multiple aspects to the relationship between diet and diabetes. On the one hand, anyone with diabetes will need to take extra care with diet in order to help maintain the proper glucose level. On the other, those who don't have diabetes - but have a genetic and/or environmental or lifestyle disposition to develop it - can help stave off the disease in part through good dietary choices.

It isn't the case, for example, that eating sugary foods leads to diabetes. The causes of the disease are complex and not fully understood. But what is known shows that there is both a genetic and many possible environmental factors. Only part of that is the amount of sugar ingested.

Nevertheless, it's true that those with a high sugar diet will tend to be overweight (as measured, in part, by a BMI over 27) and therefore are at greater risk for developing Type 2 diabetes. That's particularly true for those who tend to carry that extra weight around the waist.

As such, a diet that is generally healthy for everyone is the same diet that will help stave off diabetes, or lessen its effects for those who already have the disease.

A diet that contains the proper amounts of vegetables, fruits and whole grains, as well as good protein sources, is helpful for everyone, including the diabetic. Fat itself isn't to be totally excluded, but should be consumed in moderation.

Fat gets a bad reputation because (a) it's over twice as high in calories than other foods (9 calories per gram as opposed to 4) and, (b) there are certain fats that are less healthy than others (transfats as opposed to healthier unsaturated fats). A certain amount is essential for good health.

While a diabetic should be prepared at all times to consume a snack or bar that will help stabilize glucose at the right level, in general it's helpful to establish a routine. That makes it easier to monitor glucose level and to predict what it is likely to be when you're not watching it. That also helps smooth out the level of glucose in the blood over time. Spikes or dips are to be avoided.

Those with diabetes who also want to reduce weight or body fat need to take extra care. After consulting a physician to establish a good diet for their particular circumstances, counting carbohydrates will need to become a regular routine. Most carbohydrates are what the body breaks down to produce glucose. That has a direct effect on the glucose-insulin balance so important for keeping diabetes under control.

While protein or fat consumption doesn't directly determine the amount of insulin needed, these too should be consumed in carefully regulated quantities. Excess consumption can make anyone overweight and the diabetic is more negatively affected if that occurs than others.

Consistency is key. Establish a diabetes control diet plan for your individual circumstances and stick to it, making gradual adjustments as needed. In the long term, it will help minimize any problems associated with diabetes to the maximum extent possible.

Risk Factors for Diabetes

Risk Factors for Diabetes

Why any particular person gets diabetes isn't completely known. Complicating the situation is the fact that there are different types of the disease, though Type 1 and Type 2 are the most common. Of those, Type 2 accounts for about 90% of cases.

Fortunately for those who are at risk, many factors are lifestyle choices and therefore can be altered. Even after contracting the disease, much of the management of the disease involves controllable issues.

Obesity is widely recognized as one of the leading risk factors for developing Type 2 diabetes. While there is a genetic influence - some shed or gain weight and body fat more easily than others - it is subject to influence by choices. A high BMI (Body Mass Index) is an adjustable number with the proper diet and exercise.

A BMI of higher than 27 correlates with increased risk of Type 2 diabetes. The number should not be taken as a sole determinant, however, since its diagnostic value is less for those who are very muscular or are pregnant. But a high BMI is an indicator of obesity and should be checked.

Beyond simply being overweight, where the majority of excess body fat resides plays a role in the odds of contracting Type 2 diabetes. Those who tend to store body fat around the waist are at higher risk. While that in itself is largely a genetic issue - some individuals are naturally pear-shaped, others are not - the results can be influenced by diet and exercise.

Claims of supplements that target fat at the waistline are yet to be proven. Similarly, assertions that it's possible to selectively remove waistline body fat through specific exercises are ill-founded. But an overall weight-reducing diet and general exercise program will help reduce large fat deposits, including those of the waistline.

More generally, a sedentary lifestyle increases the odds of contracting Type 2 diabetes. Partly that's the result of adopting a mindset that brings with it a number of less than ideal choices. But in particular, the lack of exercise is a direct cause of higher body fat percentage as well as a number of follow on effects.

Exercise certainly burns calories. But even the resting state burns about 70 calories per hour just to power metabolic processes. But regular movement helps stimulate the lymph system, strengthen and loosen muscles, oxygenate tissues and brings with it many other positive benefits.

Exercise helps control blood pressure, a factor in contracting diabetes. It helps regulate glucose levels, which have a major role in the disease since excess glucose in the blood is a defining attribute of diabetes. It alters cholesterol levels, another risk factor for contracting the condition.

Though the risk of contracting diabetes is present for anyone, it's good to know you can drive it to much lower odds by adopting healthy choices. Knowing what the risk factors for diabetes are is the all important first step.

Dealing With Diabetes

Dealing With Diabetes

Coping with diabetes typically involves a combination of physical treatments and psychological adjustments.

Over time, diabetes can affect the kidney, eyes and other vital organs and systems. The kidneys may filter less efficiently. Eyesight may become less sharp. But all those physical circumstances can be managed through careful diet, exercise, and (if needed) drugs.

But coping with the disease and its effects involves another dimension, one less easy to quantify and treat, and one which has both physical and mental consequences.

Stress from being concerned about those effects can be both cause and consequence. Stress weakens the immune system, which in turn reduces the body's ability to ward off infection, colds and so forth. Those are just some of the possible complications of diabetes. But those in turn may lead to additional stress as the ability to function is reduced. A vicious cycle is established.

Breaking that cycle requires a broad spectrum of diabetes management techniques. Keeping the body as healthy as possible will minimize the effects. Keeping the right attitude will help reduce the odds of the effects occurring in the first place.

That's not easy. Accepting that management of diabetes and its effects is a long term, often a lifetime, proposition is the first step.

Careful monitoring of blood glucose levels is a basic and essential factor. Controlling that level - by diet, exercise, and (if necessary) medications - is vital. That helps reduce the physical strain on body systems. That helps reduce the worry. Monitoring and management will need to become a daily routine, as common as brushing your teeth.

Knowledge can help motivate the patient to engage in that practice. Being fully aware of the possible complications, and the near certainty of having them if inaction is the choice made, can provide an incentive to take action. Knowing what your body will do can help you control both the potentially harmful physical effects and your attitude about them.

But knowledge alone doesn't lead to the right course of action. A commitment of the will is essential. It takes courage to control diabetes and lead a normal life. That kind of courage is larger in some ways than the type required for emergencies. Long term commitments to meeting daily challenges requires the kind of patience and fortitude that is tougher to call up all the time than for a one-time event.

But that kind of commitment doesn't happen simply by wishing for it. Few can simply will themselves onto the right path. It starts by facing small challenges and overcoming them. A minor dietary change. The adoption of a single brief exercise routine three times a week. Then the actions can become wider - more dietary changes - and longer term, more exercise routines carried out every day.

As you conquer those small hills a little bit at a time, you gain the confidence that you can tackle larger ones and over a lifetime. In time, managing diabetes for most people becomes a routine little more difficult than doing an average school or work assignment. It becomes a few more things on the list of daily challenges to meet and solve in order to get those daily rewards.

Symptoms of Diabetes

Symptoms of Diabetes

The symptoms of diabetes can be puzzling. Even the common ones may not be present in all cases. They may come and go. And the same symptoms can be produced by other conditions. Nevertheless, there are a cluster of common circumstances that tend to mark out the disease.

Unusually frequent urination is one of the classic symptoms that suggests the possibility of diabetes. One defining attribute of the disease is excessive glucose levels in the blood. Either the body produces too little insulin to deal with it (Type 1 diabetes), or the insulin isn't used correctly (Type 2).

The body attempts to compensate by eliminating the excess glucose using the urine. The kidneys work at higher than normal levels to filter out the excess sugar. When they can't remove enough, the remainder is passed through when other fluids are eliminated as waste products of metabolic processes.

One result, and an accompanying symptom, is excessive thirst. The diabetic feels as if he or she is always thirsty, and no matter how much fluid is taken in it never seems like enough. That in turn prompts still more urination.

Another common symptom of diabetes is continual fatigue. Since insulin isn't performing its role properly by aiding the cells to take in glucose from the bloodstream, the diabetic may feel tired. Glucose is the major source of energy for powering an enormous variety of the body's functions from cell repair to major muscle movement.

But other body systems can be affected by diabetes and show up as symptoms.

Blurry vision can result from any number of conditions, even simple age where it is often just presbyopia. Presbyopia results from reduced elasticity of the lenses as we age, leading to a lessened ability to focus. But the cause in the case of diabetes is very different.

High blood sugar levels reduce fluid in the tissues, including those of the eye and in particular the lenses. That affects your ability to focus. When the disease becomes more advanced it can cause new blood vessels to form in the retina. That again affects your vision. Though in this circumstance, the result is more often seeing dark spots or flashing lights, or rings around room lights.

In some instances, cuts (particularly on the feet) may be slower to heal when a person has Type 2 diabetes. The reasons are not yet fully understood, but it is one more indicator. At the same time, the immune system is affected, leading to a lowered ability to fight off infection.

Since so many of these diabetes symptoms can be (and are) produced by a number of other conditions, the best course of action if you suspect you have diabetes is to seek a professional diagnosis. Simple blood tests can determine with a high degree of confidence whether or not you do in fact have the disease. They're relatively painless and most are covered by ordinary health insurance.

What causes Diabetes?

What causes Diabetes?

The word diabetes is common enough. Nearly everyone has heard it and may know someone who has it. But how many know what it is?

Diabetes is a medical condition identified by continual abnormally high levels of glucose in the blood. It is a disease that results when either the body fails to produce adequate insulin or the cells resist using the insulin produced.

In the first case (too low an amount of insulin produced) diabetes is called Type 1. In the second instance, the condition is known as Type 2 diabetes. Type 1 constitutes about 7% of cases, with Type 2 Diabetes responsible for 90% or more. The disease affects about 7% of the population of the U.S., occurring more frequently among those age 60 or older.

There are other types, such as gestational diabetes that sometimes afflicts pregnant women, and others. But they are much less common and, in some cases, temporary.

Typical symptoms for either type are abnormally frequent urination, produced by the body's attempt to clear excess glucose by elimination. As a result, unusual thirst is common, compensated for by drinking higher than average amounts.

Type 1 has historically been known as juvenile onset diabetes, since it affected mostly younger people. Similarly, Type 2 was called adult onset diabetes, since it was found mostly in older adults. In Type 1 diabetes, it's believed that one of the primary factors causing the disease is an autoimmune system malfunction that affects the pancreas. Type 2 may be caused or worsened by obesity and other factors.

Both have genetic components as risk factors. But in either type, and regardless of the cause, the net effect is the same: an inability to clear glucose out of the bloodstream because of inadequate or faulty insulin production or use.

Insulin is the hormone chiefly responsible for regulating the level of glucose in the body. Many foods that contain carbohydrates are broken down by digestion and produce primarily glucose. That glucose is taken up by the body to supply the energy needed for cell repair, muscle movement and a thousand other functions. Insulin helps the glucose make its way into the cells.

When insulin is produced in too low an amount, or the body's cells resist the intake of glucose by interfering with insulin's function, diabetes is the result. Since the pancreas produces the overwhelming majority of the body's insulin, when some condition causes it to malfunction, diabetes can result.

The condition, whether Type 1 or Type 2, is usually chronic. But chronic doesn't mean that nothing can be done to minimize the effects. With proper diet and what are today relatively simple treatments, diabetes of either type is manageable. And the disease itself comes in a range of degrees. In some cases, the amount of insulin produced or used is only slightly under what's needed. In other cases, the pancreas produces almost none or the cells resist it strongly.

Since excess glucose left in the bloodstream can lead to a range of complications, diabetes can have a number of follow on effects. But how severe those effects are depends on the severity of the insulin deprivation or resistance.

General introduction to Diabetes

General introduction to  Diabetes

Diabetes, a disease characterized by chronic high levels of glucose in the blood, is not the major problem it once was. Prior to the end of the 19th century, it might well have been a death sentence for many. Excess glucose can have a number of ill effects, including poor cut healing or kidney damage, even coma. With the advancement of monitoring and insulin delivery methods, it's often now little more than another daily task to perform.

Though the underlying causes are not fully understood, diabetes results from either too little insulin being produced or ineffective use of it by the body. In Type 1 diabetes, for example, the islet cells of the pancreas fail to produce an amount of insulin adequate to allow blood glucose to enter cells where it's used for energy. In Type 2, the cells may resist insulin's action, once again leaving too much glucose in the blood.

But though they're not completely known, experts agree that the causes of the different types of diabetes are generally a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental or lifestyle factors. In some cases, one or the other may dominate. Gestational diabetes, for example, affects about 3% of pregnant women usually from around 24-28 weeks into term. But it goes away after birth. Type 1, on the other hand, affects mostly juveniles and is largely genetic.

In all cases, the symptoms are usually roughly the same: excessively frequent urination, unquenchable thirst, sometimes accompanied by dizziness or stomach pains. Naturally, these common symptoms can have a number of causes. Anyone suspecting he or she has diabetes should be tested by a physician.

Those tests are simple and relatively painless, only requiring a small blood sample. Blood glucose level is measured, with normal running around 99 mg/dL, while diabetics have a level of 126 mg/dL or above. It may require more than one test to confirm the disease.

Once confirmed, regular blood glucose monitoring is a must. Fortunately, there are today many convenient ways to do that. Testing devices the size of a cell phone are common. A small sample of blood is smeared on a strip fed into the instrument, which delivers a number within seconds. Some recent devices measure glucose level through the skin using an infrared beam.

Treatments are equally easy for most diabetics. In some cases careful diet and appropriate exercise may be enough to keep the right glucose-insulin balance. In the usual case, insulin delivery is called for. But that too is much easier than in generations past. Small insulin-containing pens can deliver the exact right dose painlessly. Newer oral inhalers are on the market that have met with success.

Though no one wants to have to deal with diabetes, managing the disease is now easier than ever. The possible long term complications of untreated diabetes remain what they always were. By keeping them at bay with simple techniques, most diabetics can enjoy an active fulfilling life just as anyone else.

How to Prevent Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is becoming a widespread disease that is overtaking the US. According to data collected by The American Diabetes Association, by the year 2030, as many as 70 million Americans will have prediabetes and 22 million will have type 2 diabetes.

Thankfully, in many cases, type 2 diabetes can be prevented. Here are some ways to make yourself less at risk.

Lower Your BMI

The higher your BMI (Body Mass Index) the more chance you have of developing type 2 diabetes. In fact, having a high BMI is one of the biggest risk factors for developing the disease. According to The American Diabetes Association 3 out of 10 people who are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes are overweight. 6 out of the 10 were obese. Lowering your BMI, even just a little, can dramatically lower your chances of developing the disease.

Up Your Exercise

Stationary people are much more likely to develop type two diabetes. In fact, data from the April 2003 Nurses' Health Study concluded that every additional 2 hours of television a day leads to a 14 percent increase in type 2 diabetes. You can avoid this risk by getting up from the couch and starting a daily walking routine. If you just have to watch your programs why not exercise or walk in place while you enjoy the story line?

Lower Your Sugar

Lowering your sugar intake can also be a great way to fight the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Studies show that having high-normal blood sugar levels can increase the chance of developing type 2 diabetes by 50 percent within 10 years time.

Start cutting back on sugar slowly. Going cold turkey can be a jar to the system and can lead to withdrawals. You may start by cutting out one soda a day this week and that afternoon candy bar next week.

Even small steps can boost your overall health and lower your chances of developing type 2 diabetes. Make an effort to make yourself healthier today and reap the benefits tomorrow. Ebooks such as this Turbulence Training review can help you learn more about how to get healthier and prevent diabetes.

The author, Aaron Patterson, went from couch potato to kickboxer in less than a year! His favorite passion is helping people get off their butts and start leading healthier, more active lives through his Website, http://www.eliminatetheweight.com

Diabetes Medical Supplies for your Home

Diabetes is a serious condition that needs immediate attention at all times.  In fact, based on some studies that were published online and on many journals, it was discovered that around 17 million people have this condition. Now, every one of these people will need the right kind of diabetes medical supplies. Though at first glance 17 million might not seem like too large a number, this condition actually affects 6 percent of the population. This medical condition happens when the body can no longer produce the right amount of insulin. 

Most of the time, this condition remains undiagnosed because the symptoms that come with the ailment are all harmless, but remember that these can lead to serious complications. Without the proper use of diabetes medical supplies and drugs to control the condition, then the body organs like the heart and the eyes can be affected.

However, problems of the heart and eyes due to diabetes are both avoidable. Supplies that can be used by diabetic persons are readily available in the market.

Some of the more popular medical supplies that can be used to assist diabetics include the glucometers and the other home-analysis tools and all these tools can be accessed through the internet.  Many of the times you can get a free meter to check your blood sugar levels.  Many common supplies are covered by Medicare and insurance. 

Keep in mind though, that these medical supplies which can help you manage the condition and help ease the pain, is only half of the work that you should do. Medical supplies and medicines should be paired with exercise, weight control and of course, the proper diet. Practicing these things and using the best medical supplies for diabetes will net good results for patients.  Learn where others have found good deals on diabetes medical supplies at Medical Supplies Post

Prevent Pre-diabetes With A Good Diet And Lower Your Blood Sugar Naturally

Many people struggle to control their weight.  However, while they are going on and off various diets, they fail to realize that they are also struggling to control blood sugar.  Actually, the cause of blood-sugar problems may be weight problems, as being overweight and having blood sugar problems tend to go hand in hand.  Too many blood sugar swings during the day tend to increase hunger jags, snacking, and overeating.  When you overeat, you’re much more likely to add on the pounds, setting the stage for obesity, pre-diabetes, and full blown diabetes. 

Sadly, both pre-diabetes and overweight have become modern epidemics that are out of control, with two of every three Americans being overweight and over 100 million people having some signs of pre-diabetes.  Both of these illnesses are nutritional disorders that result from eating too many unhealthful foods.  However, there is good news: you can reverse pre-diabetes and control your weight.

One can self-diagnose pre-diabetes by looking for the most visible symptom: being chubby or fat around the waist.  Other clues are cravings sweets and starchy foods, not being hungry at breakfast, and feeling tired or mentally fuzzy after lunch.  Many physicians diagnose pre-diabetes when a patient’s fasting blood sugar falls between 100 and 124 mg/dl.  There are several dietary factors that significantly increase the risk of overweight.  Some of these being: too many calories, too many refined carbs, especially sugars, and too many unhealthful oils. 

The average woman needs about 1,600 calories and the typical man needs about 2,000 calories daily, but the average American now consumes 3,900 calories each day, making it difficult to burn off all these calories and causing the accumulation of body fat.  Because most excess calories take form of refined carbs and sugars, which are digested rapidly, rapid or extreme spikes in blood sugar levels, stop elevated blood sugar, and bouts of hunger result, which stimulate low blood sugar.  Trans fats, which are found in partially hydrogenated vegetable oils, interfere with the body’s processing of fats and often lead to weight gain.  Most of these problematic calories are found in fast foods, microwave foods, and other types of convenience foods, which are all best if they are avoided. 

Even though pre-diabetes can be scary, it’s actually an opportunity to improve your eating habits and regain your health.  To improve your health you can emphasize quality protein, emphasize high-fiber vegetables and fruits, include grapefruit in your diet, use more vinegar, and add some cinnamon.  Since protein stabilizes and safely lowers blood sugar levels, be sure to start each day with some protein with breakfast and eat a little protein with each meal. 

Most veggies and fruits are rich in fiber, which helps to lower blood sugar, so opt for salads and steamed broccoli while avoiding crutons, potatoes, bananas, and pears.  Despite the calories, eating fresh grapefruit can help in weight reduction.  The acetic acid in vinegar can also help to improve blood sugar and insulin levels, reduce appetite, and help with weight loss.  Adding cinnamon has also been shown to reduce blood sugar levels.  There are also several supplements that have exceptional value in improving insulin function or lowering blood sugar levels.  These include lipoic acid, chromium, silymarin, omega-3 fish oils, vitamin D, and Pycnogenol. 

You can also enhance the benefits of diet and supplements by increasing your physical activity as it helps build muscle and burn blood sugar and fat.  Tackling pre-diabetes can not only reduce your long-term risk for health problems, such as heart disease and Alzheimer’s disease, but also can allow you to quickly gain more energy and feel less post-meal fatigue. The above mentioned supplements are available at your local health store.