Knowing Diabetes Symptoms Leads To Better Diabetic Remedies

By: Lara Nadezda

Diabetes is a disease in which the pancreas doesnt release enough insulin to regulate sugar from the body. This is a condition wherein the sugar in the blood is in high level. This also has 3 types of diabetes and can occur over time yet this disease could be prevented. To avoid this defect, you must learn everything about your sugar level, how to manage the disease, the different diabetic remedies available for you.

Excessive thirst is classified as one of the classic diabetes symptoms and increase in urination is caused by excessive sugar in the blood. The kidneys work in the fullness of time to absorb and filter the overload sugar in the blood. If the kidneys can't sustain the process, the sugar is converted into urine with fluids strained from the tissue that triggers frequent urination, which may lead to dehydration.

Diabetes symptoms are like a flu illness. You may feel weakness and loss of appetite. Because your body's capability to utilize sugar to turn into energy is poor, the sugar remains in your blood and it will make you feel very tired. Weight loss is a possible diabetes symptom. Losing sugar can also be one bad effect because frequent urination and loss of calories may hinder the sugar of the food from reaching your cells. This leads to constant hunger. Gaining weight may also be a part of developing this disease. Intemperance weight can make you more insulin resistant. Being obese is a major risk aspect of developing type 2 diabetes.

Sometimes, diabetes symptoms occur in the eyes. High sugar in the blood drags fluid from tissues through the lenses of your eyes and affects the ability to meeting the point. Diabetes that is not medicated can develop new blood vessel to form in the retina and this may damage the old blood vessel. This is a serious symptom because this may lead to blindness. Taking too much time in healing sores is also one of the disease symptoms. High sugar in the blood damages the bodys natural healing and the ability to fight infection weakens. For women, common symptom occurs in vaginal infection. Itchiness and loss of sensation of the feet and hands, swollen and red gums are caused by diabetes.

If you notice something that points to diabetes symptoms, immediately ask for your doctors advice or regular check up with experts may be recommended. The earlier diagnosis the sooner you can find the right diabetic remedies. Diabetes is a serious condition but with your participation and self care you can manage your condition right while enjoying healthy life.

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About the Author:
Diabetes is a lifelong, serious health condition but there's always a remedy for something. You simply have to be aware about what this disease is about and you will certainly find diabetes remedies that can help you manage the disease!

Diabetes Treatment With Popular Herbs

By: drrony

Diabetes is a condition in which the body does not produce enough use of insulin. The cause of diabetes then continues to be a mystery, and although both genetics and environmental factors such as obesity and lack of exercise so appear to play roles. It is a metabolic disorder that characterized by hyperglycemia and other signs just as distinct from a single illness or condition. Diabetes can cause many complications.


and plant derivatives to help in the treatment of diabetes that should certainly not be discounted. Although numerous "miracle herbal cure" companies exist, and champion the ability of herbal compounds to supplement insulin as a treatment; these should not be seriously taken at face value without thorough research and consultation with experts. That is not enough to say that some of the following herbs really do not have properties that some diabetics will find beneficial. The herbs and plant derivatives listed just below have largely been employed traditionally by native people in the treatment of diabetes, in the areas in which they grow

Indian gooseberry, a rich source of vitamin C just serves as the best home remedy for diabetes. Take 1 tbsp of gooseberry juice and mix it with a cup of bitter gourd juice. Consume the mixture daily for about 2 months.

Yemeni med: Soak 1 teaspoon of fenugreek seeds (Hilba) in 1 cup of water at night. Drink the water in the morning on an empty stomach and eat the seeds. Very good for diabetes because it works like insulin.

Bitter Gourd - Make a watery juice of a small Bitter Gourd (remove seeds) and drink every morning. Bitter Gourd also helps to clear pimples and maintain a good skin, and is good for de-worming the intestines.

The fenugreek plant has been used as a treatment for diabetes for around hundreds of years. Fenugreek is a proven hypoglycemic in numerous studies performed on animals, though not enough studies that have been done on humans to definitively prove the hypoglycemic effect. Fenugreek contains three compounds: rigonelline, 4-hydroxyisoleucine, and fenugreekine. The trigonelline works by slowing glucose absorption from the intestinal tract and so preventing spikes in patient blood levels after meals. The 4-hydroxyisoleucine, on the other hand, directly just appears to stimulate the production of insulin by the pancreas.

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More on Diabetes Treatment and Home Remedies For Diabetes

Help available for people living with diabetes

(ARA) - It's a long drive out to the rural diabetes clinic where she makes her educational presentations, but Janie Burmester knows that the work she's doing can have a huge impact on people's lives. Burmester is one of about 15,000 Certified Diabetes Educators (CDEs) in the United States. CDEs are health professionals, certified by the National Certification Board of Diabetes Educators, who teach self-management techniques to patients diagnosed with diabetes.

With nearly 24 million Americans currently living with diabetes, the need for diabetes education has never been greater, so a special program called the CDE HELP Team is providing free counseling and support to people who need a helping hand with their diabetes. The CDE HELP Team was created by sanofi-aventis U.S., a world leader in diabetes care, to help people with diabetes.

"An overall diabetes treatment plan includes diet, exercise and diabetes medications, which may include insulin. Insulin can be a powerful tool to help manage blood sugar levels. For patients starting on insulin, the first months of therapy are critical for learning about how to take their insulin and working with their treating health care provider to determine the dose that is right for them," says Burmester. "The CDE HELP team is designed to provide extra support for people with diabetes during this time."

Since the program began, the CDE HELP Team has educated more than 100,000 patients with diabetes. Currently, 70 CDE HELP Team members are available in cities across the United States. Recently, Burmester's efforts have expanded to include outreach to nursing homes and other small clinics in the area.

While grassroots educators can have a major impact in local communities, broader national trends indicate that there is still much more work to be done in improving care for people with diabetes. In fact, about 40 percent of diagnosed diabetes patients in America are not achieving the general blood sugar control target of A1C less than 7 percent recommended by the American Diabetes Association.

"The A1C test measures average blood glucose levels over the past two- to three-month period - it's a crucial test that everyone living with diabetes should be aware of, but many don't fully understand what it means," says Burmester. "I often tell the patients I work with that improving their A1C scores can make a positive impact on lowering their risk for developing diabetes-related complications like blindness and amputation."

Innovations like continuous blood sugar monitors and insulin pen delivery devices have made managing diabetes easier, but the health care system has struggled to keep up with what is rapidly becoming a global diabetes crisis. Experts predict that the number of people living with diabetes could rise to a staggering 350 million within 20 years.

"We won't be able to turn around these statistics in a day, but with the help of the CDE HELP Team, we can make a difference at the grassroots level," says Burmester.

Additional information about the CDE HELP Team, including a search tool that helps identify local CDEs in your area, can be found at: www.cdehelpteam.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

World Diabetes Day 2009

By: Truworth

Every year on November 14, World diabetes day brings attention of world towards diabetes. The campaign calls all those responsible for diabetes care, to understand diabetes and take control. Diabetes is a condition that makes hard to control the level of glucose in blood. Learn more about diabetes including causes, risks, prevention and its symptoms.

What is going on in the body?

The pancreas, a long, thin organ located behind the stomach, makes insulin. In most people, the pancreas makes extra insulin when they eat. It is then released into the bloodstream. Insulin helps move glucose that is in the bloodstream to the inside of cells in the body. Glucose is a key source of energy for the body. In a person with diabetes, the pancreas cannot make
enough insulin to keep up with the body's demand. So glucose cannot be moved into the cells and used. In some types of diabetes, the body cells resist the insulin. As a result, glucose builds up in the blood. And that leads to a high blood glucose level, called hyperglycemia.

What are the signs and symptoms of the disease?

Symptoms partly depend on the type of diabetes a person has and how long it has been untreated. Many patients with type 2diabetes have no symptoms at all. Any signs and symptoms are mostly related to high blood glucose levels and include:

Bladder infections
Extreme hunger
Extreme thirst
Fatigue and weakness
Frequent urination in increased amounts
Nausea and vomiting
Skin infections, especially fungal or more serious bacterial infections
Visual problems, such as blurred vision
Weight loss despite increased hunger and thirst

A condition called Ketoacidosis may occur in a person with type 1 diabetes if the person goes without enough insulin for too long. This is a severe complication and requires medical attention right away. Symptoms include:

Deep rapid breathing, sometimes with a fruity odor to the breath
Drowsiness
Extreme thirst
Frequent urination
Nausea and vomiting
Stomach pains
Upset stomach

How is the disease diagnosed?

There are several types of blood tests which can be done to diagnose diabetes, including:

Fasting blood sugar test, which is the most common method to diagnose most cases of diabetes. In this test, a person is asked to fast overnight for at least 8 hours. In the morning, the level of glucose in the blood is then checked. Healthy fasting plasma glucose levels are less than 110 milligrams per deciliter or mg/dL. A fasting plasma glucose level of more than 126 mg/dL usually suggests diabetes. Levels between 110 and 126 mg/dL are seen in pre-diabetes.
Postprandial blood sugar test measures blood glucose exactly 2 hours after you eat a normal meal. This test is generally performed after Fasting blood sugar test. 140mg/dl is considered to be normal sugar level.

Oral glucose tolerance test, which is the preferred way to diagnose gestational diabetes. It can also be used to diagnose type 2 diabetes and pre-diabetes. In this test, a person is asked to drink a sweet liquid. Blood samples are then drawn at timed intervals. If a person does not have diabetes, the glucose levels will rise and then fall quickly after drinking the sweet liquid. When a person has diabetes, glucose levels will rise higher and fail to come down as fast as those in a person without diabetes. If the blood glucose level is 140 to 199 mg/dL 2 hours after drinking the liquid, a diagnosis of pre-diabetes can be made.

Random blood sugar test, which can be done without fasting and is used as a screening tool. A level of 200 mg/dL or higher suggests diabetes. If the level is above 200 mg/dL, a fasting blood sugar test, postprandial blood sugar or oral glucose tolerance test can be done to confirm the diagnosis of diabetes.

There are other types of diabetes that are less common. This category includes diabetes caused by a genetic defect or pancreatic diseases. Other types of diabetes are caused by hormonal problems or from being exposed to certain drugs or chemicals.

What can be done to prevent the disease?

There is no way to prevent type 1 diabetes. But it may be possible to prevent type 2 diabetes in many cases! This is especially true once pre-diabetes is known. Even modest lifestyle changes can help prevent the onset of diabetes. This is why it is very important to recognize pre-diabetes. The key is to:

Eat a healthy diet
Exercise 30 minutes a day at least 5 days a week
Maintain a healthy body weight

Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com

About the Author:
Manoj is an experienced article writer. He had written around 300 articles on variety of health topical subjects. To find out more about our diabetes care programs, simply click this URL http://www.makemehealthy.in/MMH/.

A Smart Diabetes Control Program For Diabetics!

By: Mandar

Diabetes is a deadly disease that can rob you of mental peace and health. However, by following a smart diabetes control program, you can to a large extent combat its effects and lead a normal life.

Things to do for good diabetes care:

Just following a program cannot serve the purpose alone. You need to refrain from the things that aggravate the conditions of a diabetic patient. Here are some of them:

* Check your feet every day for any cuts, blisters, sores, swelling, redness, or sore toenails.
* Keep your eyes healthy by going for a complete eye examination once a month that includes using drops in your eyes to dilate the pupils.
* Ensure that your general practitioner checks your urine for protein every year.
* You must also check your blood at least once a year for checking the blood cretonne level.
* Build up a healthy eating regimen with the help of your doctor or dietitian and follow it regularly.
* Take your medicines timely and as directed.
* Control your blood pressure and cholesterol.
* Smoking and diabetes is a killer combination. Smoking can increase your risk for diabetes related problems. If you want a normal and healthy life then it is advisable that you quit smoking at all cost. By giving up on smoking, not only will your cholesterol and blood pressure improve, you will also lower the risk of other diseases like heart attack, stroke and kidney diseases.

Tips for good health care:

Diabetic patients should always go for regular check ups to a health care provider. It is better if you always visit the same physician as he will get to know you and your symptoms better. This will help him to treat you in a more effective way. Here are some things that a good health care provider should look at every time you have a check up done:

* Blood sugar level - Keep a track record of your blood glucose. Whenever you visit your health care provider, remember to show them the records and tell them if you often have low blood glucose or high blood glucose.
* Body weight - Get your weight checked every time you visit your health care provider. Ask them how much you must weigh. If you are under or over weight, then talk about ways to reach your goal that will work for you.
* Blood pressure - You blood pressure should always remain normal. Discuss with your health care provider about any kind of deviation in it.

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By: Joni Bell

There are many reasons why people develop diabetes they can be infection of the pancreas, weight, stress, in activeness, age, family history, race, high blood pressure, poor nutrition, and gender.Infection in the pancreas, weight, stress, in activeness, age, history in family, race, blood pressure, poor diet, and gender are some of the many reasons for diabetes. Some people can develop diabetes but their blood sugar level may not be high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. There are some people that come close to developing diabetes but their blood sugar level is not high enough for it to be diagnosed as diabetes. This is a condition that if it is not caught it could turn into type 2 diabetes. In this case if it is not caught it may turn into type 2 diabetes.

At time diabetes is caused by the pancreas getting infected. Sometimes diabetes can be caused by an infection in the pancreas. When this happens the pancreas will not produce enough insulin and sugar can build up in the blood stream. In this case the pancreas doesn't make enough insulin, this makes sugar build up in the bloodstream. The sugar then will not move to the cell. Then the sugar will not carry over to the cells.

It has been stated by health professionals that if you have a waist size that is larger then thirty five inches then you have a risk of developing diabetes. Health professionals have stated that if your waist is bigger then thirty five inches, you have some risk of developing diabetes. Inactive people are at a high risk more so the in people that exercise two to three times a week. People who are not active have a high risk of developing diabetes, more so then somebody that exercises two to three times per week. You do not need to go to the gym just a brisk walk for thirty minutes can help. Going to the gym is not need but just a good brisk walk for thirty minutes can help.

Risk of developing diabetes grows as you get older. The risk of developing diabetes get higher as you get older. Studies have just been done that have proved that eighty percent of people get diabetes are forty five or older. There have been studies done that prove that eighty percent of people who develop diabetes are over the age of forty five.

Your family history has much to do with diabetes also. Another factor for diabetes is your family history has a lot to do with if you are going to get it or not. If your parents have diabetes or any close relative you are at risk. If you have a parent or a relative that is close that has diabetes then that means that you are at risk for developing diabetes. You share the same genes and it could be reversed if there is some sort of preventive measure. It is unfortunate but you share the same genes but it can be reversed if you take some preventive measures.

There are so many things that are related to getting diabetes. Many reasons are behind developing diabetes. With so many people in the world being diagnosed with this disease that can be in fact prevented in many cases. So many people getting diagnosed in the world with diabetes it could be prevented in some cases; there needs to be something done about it. People need to start doing something about it. There are also many measures that could be taken in trying to prevent diabetes. In trying to prevent diabetes there are so many options that could be taken. The Internet is a great way to find out about diabetes. It is a good thing to do some research about diabetes.

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About the Author:
Joni Bell has many years of extensive study in the area of natural cancer prevention and treatment. He has numerous success stories of people being diagnosed living cancer free with use of alternative methods. Ask Joni Bell!

Diabetic patients can prevent nerve pain

(ARA) - A common complication of diabetes is the development of nerve damage, also known as diabetic nerve pain. This damage affects the nerves that allow patients to feel sensations such as numbness and debilitating pain - also called neuropathy.

More than 20 million people have diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association. By the end of the decade, this number is expected to rise dramatically. When high blood sugar levels damage nerves, diabetic neuropathy can occur and eventually 40 to 60 percent of diabetics will develop diabetic nerve pain.

Mostly it affects the hands and feet, with mild to severe numbness, and sharp pain like pins and needles. Limbs feel alternately burning hot and icy cold, accompanied by pain and muscle fatigue.

Treating diabetes may halt progression and improve symptoms of the nerve pain, but recovery is slow. The painful sensations of diabetic nerve pain may become so severe it can lead to depression in some patients.

This chronic painful condition is often puzzling and frustrating for patients and physicians, as it is difficult to diagnose and seems to respond poorly to standard pain therapies. Countless people with diabetes have suffered from nerve pain for years.

Diabetic neuropathy sufferer Ron Morrison developed so much discomfort from his condition in his legs and feet that he was, "seriously shopping for a wheelchair because it was becoming too difficult to stand and walk," he says. He began using a topical ointment called Neuragen that provided instantaneous relief from the burning sensation in his feet. "It has returned quality back to my life," he says.

"I was introduced to a wonderful new product at my local pharmacy, Neuragen, that provided instantaneous relief from this burning sensation in my feet and have been using this product ever since. It has returned quality back to my life."

In clinical trials, Neuragen provided rapid and effective pain relief without significant side effects. It has been recommended by health care professionals in the United States and Canada since 1996 for treatments of chronic pain associated with a variety of conditions.

Good glucose control can also help control diabetic neuropathy along with a balanced diet, rich in fiber, regular physical activity and limiting alcohol consumption.

More information on Neuragen and nerve pain is available at www.Neuragen.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Recommended Diet For Diabetes Revealed

By Kirsten Whittaker

When it comes to living with diabetes, a low carb, Mediterranean style diet has been shown to be more effective than the typical calorie restricted, low-fat eating plan according to a just-released study appearing in the September 1st issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine looking at the recommended diet for diabetes sufferers.

Until now both of these eating plans had been recommended for weight loss in overweight (or obese) patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, but there have been few direct comparisons of the eating plans.

Seeing this and wanting to asses the effectiveness, durability and safety of the two diets, Dr. Dario Giugliano of the Second University of Naples in Italy and his team randomly assigned 215 subjects with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes who had never treated with medication to either a low carb Mediterranean style diet or a low-fat diet.

This was a lifestyle, not a fat diet tried on for a few weeks. Both groups received monthly counseling sessions from nutritionists and dietitians for the first year, every other month for the remaining three years.

At the end of the four year study, one of the longest running of its kind, 44% of those on the Mediterranean style diet needed medication to lower their blood sugar, compared to 70% needing medication from the low-fat diet group.

At the one-year mark, subjects following the Mediterranean diet lost more weight - a difference of 4.4 pounds. These dieters also had slimmer waistlines. This group even saw greater increases in HDL (good) cholesterol and bigger decreases in harmful triglycerides. The heart healthy benefits remained for the duration of the study.

Understand there's no one "Mediterranean" diet, at least 16 countries all with their own tastes combine to create the eating plan that's taken on the name. It's best to think of the Mediterranean diet as a way of living and eating that all about plenty of fruits, vegetables, fish and whole grains, with limits on red meat and processed foods.

Fat come from olive and canola oils as well as small portions of nuts such as walnuts, pecans, almonds and hazelnuts. Herbs and spices (not salt) are used to flavor foods. Carbs are few. Red wine, in moderation (5 ounces daily for women or men over age 65, no more than 10 ounces daily for men under age 65) is in there too.

But it's not all about food; the Mediterranean diet is also about eating meals with family and friends. The chance to socialize and enjoy companionship as well as food.

The low fat diet used in the research was based on the American Heart Association guidelines. It had lots of whole grains, limited sweets and allowed no more than 30% of calories to come from fat, keeping to 10% from saturated (animal) fats.

If this type of eating plan is working for you, this latest study isn't any reason to change your eating plan, but you can be aware, so you're making an informed decision about your diet plan.

What's worrisome for the medical community is that the numbers with type 2 diabetes is growing quickly, with an estimated 380 million cases by 2025.

Today diabetes affects over 20 million Americans and brings symptoms like blurred vision, fatigue, increased appetite, thirst and need to urinate. Since type 2 diabetes develops slowly, some people don't experience many symptoms.

The definitive way to know if there's a problem is to visit your doctor for testing to include a fasting blood glucose test or others your physician may order for you.

In the meantime, this intriguing study clearly shows that lifestyle changes, especially a key one like adopting a healthier way of eating, can impact your disease and maybe keep you from having to rely on medication to manage your condition.

Even if the recommended diet for diabetes, the Mediterranean diet, isn't for you, a dietician can help you come up with an eating plan that accounts for your likes and dislikes and still keeps your body healthy.

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Medical Alert Bracelets for Diabetics

by: Richard Romando

If you or someone you love has diabetes, getting a diabetic medical alert bracelet is imperative. Because of the nature of the condition, diabetics can have medical emergencies at any time. If they're not with someone who knows their medical condition's specifics, medicinal mistakes could be made. To be proactive about diabetic care, investing in a diabetic medical alert bracelet is a good idea.

Diabetes is such a tricky disease; one never knows when they may need medical attention. Due to the nature of the disease, fainting or passing out is not uncommon. When being revived by paramedics, it’s important for them to know that you are diabetic and require specialized care.

Diabetic medical alert bracelets can come in plain metal, or with stylish beads and metal charms. Due to the large number of diabetics, especially in the United States, a wide selection of styles is available so that people can choose a style that suits them best.

Medical alert bracelets are growing in popularity as an easy way to always have medical care information available. These bracelets, when worn, always give important information to those who need it most in times when it is needed most. The bracelets can be engraved with diabetic information to relay it to paramedics if they ever need to respond to a person’s medical emergency.

According to MedicAlert, there are 18.2 million people in the United States alone – or 6.3 percent of the population -- who have diabetes. While an estimated 13 million have been diagnosed, there are still 5.2 million people who are unaware that they have the disease. Therefore, it’s good for the people who know they have diabetes to get a diabetic medical alert bracelet. It’s a proactive step towards taking care of ones personal health, especially with a condition that is sometimes unpredictable. Owning a diabetic medical alert bracelet is vital for anyone afflicted by this growing disease.

About the author:
Medical Alert Bracelets Info provides comprehensive information about gold, beaded, designer, lyphedema, diabetic, child, senior, and free medical alert bracelets. Medical Alert Bracelets Info is affiliated with Business Plans by Growthink.

Treating Hypertension

by: Jinky C. Mesias

In most cases, high blood pressure is usually present long before its complications developed and shows some of its symptoms. In order to treat high blood pressure it is important to detect it in its earliest stage before it can do severe damages to the critical organs in the body. In addition, the increases in public awareness as well as the promotion of some screening programs that are aimed towards the detection of hypertension in its earliest stage are some of the keys that lead to successful treatment of hypertension. The essence of treating high blood pressure in its earliest stage can decrease significantly the risk of stroke, heart attack and even kidney failure. Moreover, life style changes in patients which are pre-hypertensive are advised since it is not yet well proven that treatment by means of medication are beneficial for patients with pre-hypertension.

In treating high blood pressure, it is important to note the blood pressure reading. For blood pressure that is consistently higher than 140/90 mm Hg, the treatments consist of lifestyle modifications coupled with an appropriate medication. However, for cases wherein the diastolic pressure remains at a borderline level which is usually under 90 mm HG and steadily remains above 85 mm Hg, a more aggressive treatment may be advised. Furthermore, there are instances wherein the borderline diastolic pressures are associated with end-organ damage, this kind of problem is usually associated with systolic hypertension as well as some factors that may have increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases especially on patients that are 65 years and over who are smoking and has hyperlipemia and diabetes. Regardless of the stage of hypertension, any patient can start with any one of the several classes of medication except of course the alpha-blocker medications. The reason for this is that alpha-blockers are usually used only in combination with another anti-hypertensive medication and only in specific medical situations.

There are some particular situations wherein certain classes of anti-hypertensive drugs are preferable compared to others as the first choice of drugs. An example of which is the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) which are inhibitors or the angiotensin receptor blocking (ARB) drugs which are some of the first prescribed medicines especially for patients with heart failure, chronic kidney failure, for diabetics as well as for patients with weak heart muscles.

Moreover, some patients with hypertension sometimes have coexisting medical conditions in which case a particular class of anti-hypertensive medication or a combination of which may be chosen as the initial approach in treating hypertension. The rationale behind this is to control the hypertension at the same time curing the coexisting medical condition.


About the author:
Author’s Bio: Jinky C. Mesias is a lover of simple things and of nature. She spend most of her time reading and writing poetry.

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Exercise Can Reduce Risks Of Diabetes

by: Simon Harris

The 2 types of diabetes are type I and type II. Type I diabetes is characterized by the pancreas making too little or no insulin. An individual with diabetes type I will have to inject insulin throughout the day in order to control glucose levels. Type II diabetes, also known as adult onset diabetes, is characterized by the pancreas not producing enough insulin to control glucose levels or the cells not responding to insulin. When a cell does not respond to insulin, it is known as insulin resistance. When a subject is diagnosed with type II diabetes, exercise and weight control are prescribed as measures to help with insulin resistance. If this does not control glucose levels, then medication is prescribed. The risk factors for type II diabetes include: inactivity, high cholesterol, obesity, and hypertension. Inactivity alone is a very strong risk factor that has been proven to lead to diabetes type II. Exercise will have a positive effect on diabetes type II while improving insulin sensitivity while type I cannot be controlled be an exercise program. Over 90f individuals with diabetes have type II.

Exercise causes the body to process glucose faster, which lowers blood sugar. The more intense the exercise, the faster the body will utilize glucose. Therefore it is important to understand the differences in training with type I and type II diabetes. It is important for an individual who has diabetes to check with a physician before beginning an exercise program. When training with a diabetic, it is important to understand the dangers of injecting insulin immediately prior to exercise. An individual with type I diabetes injecting their normal amount of insulin for a sedentary situation can pose the risk of hypoglycemia or insulin shock during exercise. General exercise guidelines for type I are as follows: allow adequate rest during exercise sessions to prevent high blood pressure, use low impact exercises and avoid heavy weight lifting, and always have a supply of carbohydrates nearby. If blood sugar levels get too low, the individual may feel shaky, disoriented, hungry, anxious, become irritable or experience trembling. Consuming a carbohydrate snack or beverage will alleviate these symptoms in a matter of minutes.

Before engaging in exercise, it is important for blood sugar levels to be tested to make sure that they are not below 80 to 100 mg/dl range and not above 250 mg/dl. Glucose levels should also be tested before, during, after and three to five hours after exercise. During this recovery period (3-5 hours after exercise), it is important for diabetics to consume ample carbohydrates in order to prevent hypoglycemia.

Exercise will greatly benefit an individual with type II diabetes because of its positive effects on insulin sensitivity. Proper exercise and nutrition are the best forms of prevention for type II diabetics. It is important for training protocols to be repeated almost daily to help with sustaining insulin sensitivity. To prevent hypoglycemia, progressively work up to strenuous activity.

As with individuals with type I diabetes, carbohydrates should also be present during training to assist in raising blood sugar levels if the individual becomes low.

About the author:
This article provided courtesy of http://www.cholesterol-answers.com

Medicinal Properties of Bitter Melon - Good for Diabetics

by: Junji Takano

Bitter Melon is the English name of Momordica charantia, a climbing vine whose leaves and green fruits, although bitter, has been used to fight cancer, diabetes and many infectious diseases. It is also a powerful weapon against HIV/AIDS since some reports claim that bitter melon has substance Q. It is one of the most favorite vegetables among the Chinese and the most popular herbal tea as well.

The fruits and leaves of bitter melon are a good source of minerals and vitamins, such as iron, calcium, phosphorus and Vitamin B. However, it is not known how much nutritional contents can actually be absorbed by the body's digestive system of the plant become some of these substances exist in unabsorbable form.


Does bitter melon have medicinal properties?

Yes. Books and articles about bitter melon states that the extract from the leaves or roots shrinks hemorrhoids. The juice from the leaves is also good to prevent and lessen cough, for fever and against roundworms. Reportedly, it is also used to treat sterility in women and alleviate liver problems. Likewise, bitter melon has some antimicrobial activity and can help infected wounds.

However, none of the medicinal uses of bitter melon has been proven scientifically, although they have not been disproved, either. It's just that it has not been studied enough.


Is it true that bitter melon tea and capsules are effective in lowering blood sugar of diabetics?

There is one case where it is proven that it can lower blood sugar levels from people suffering from Type 2 Diabetes. Results of these scientific studies that determine the effect of drinking of bitter melon extract on blood sugar level of Type 2 Diabetes have consistently shown that bitter melon lowers blood sugar level. The effect on blood sugar is due to momordicin, a substance that is also responsible for it's bitter taste.

The effect of the bitter melon leaves lowering blood sugar level among diabetics is evident regardless of how it is prepared - boiled then eaten, in the form of tea, capsule or tablet. But diabetics should be cautioned about replacing their proprietary medicines with bitter melon teas, capsules or tablets. So far, studies were done only on a very limited number of human subjects so bitter melon and diabetes cannot be labeled conclusive.

In fact, no large clinical trial has yet been published on the preparation of Momordica charantia (bitter melon). The manufacturers of bitter melon teas, capsules and tablets themselves are not claiming healing benefits for their products. They market them only as supplements.


Are they really good substitutes for the anti-diabetic drugs that are available in the market?

Bitter melon should be considered an addition in the treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. It could probably reduce the patients intake of antidiabetic drugs. It should not however, be regarded as a stand-alone medicine.

Also, diabetics who want to try bitter melon need not to spend money on the teas, tablets or capsules. They can cultivate or buy the plant from the market and prepare it themselves.

To prepare bitter melon extract, the following steps should be followed:

1. Wash and finely chop the leaves.
2. Add 6 tablespoons of the chopped leaves in 2 glasses of water.
3. Boil it for 15 min. in an uncovered pot.
4. Cool down and strain.
5. Drink 1/3 cup of it 3x a day.

Alternately, bitter melon tops can be steamed and eaten (1/2 cup 2x a day).

About the author:
Junji Takano is a Japanese health researcher and has been studying the causes of viruses since 1960s. In 1968, he invented Pyro-Energen, the first electrotherapy device that eradicates viral diseases in a non-narcotic way.
Click here to find out more: http://www.pyroenergen.com
Free newsletter: http://www.pyroenergen.com/newsletter.htm

Can working on your computer cause: foot pain?

by: Hege Crowton

Suffering from unbelievable pain on your foot? Can't walk long distances without stopping from time to time? Can't wear your favorite shoes but the pain coming from the ball of your foot, the arch, or the heel kills you?

Foot pain, known as metatarsalgia, usually occurs between the arch and the toe. It usually occurs in the foot's mid-portion.

A callus may cause foot pain. It is a skin build-up that developed due to pressure over the bone. It is usually found on the foot's bottom, and causes pain when walking. Shoes may also cause foot pain – too loose or too tight shoes may give you incredible pain in your foot.

Ill-fitting shoes may also cause pain because they tend to squeeze the foot, causing the pressure inside the increase. Loose shoes on the other hand creates friction by providing space for sliding and rubbing.

If the pain is in the underside of the foot, it might be due to a torn ligament or maybe a joint inflammation. You should consult with an orthopedic surgeon to further evaluate the damage and assess the status of the joint.

Some practical tips may help relieve foot pain. One of this is using a shoe insert which is available in drugstores and department stores. Many different brands are available and promise to help you with your foot pain problem. This shoe insert will be an excellent shock absorber so that you can wear any pair of shoes you want comfortable.

Since calluses causes foot pain, soaking feet to soften the calluses will help. Using a pumice stone or a file will help relieve you of your foot pain.

Of course the most practical and simplest way to prevent and relieve foot pain is to buy a pair that fits perfectly. It should be wide enough not to cause cramping inside the foot. For maximum comfort, heels should be flat or high-heeled but not higher than 2 ¼”.

Burning feet is a fairly common condition and involves the whole foot. It may be so severe that people who have the condition are usually kept awake at night because of the pain.

It happens more often to people over 50, although some younger people may also experience the condition. Diabetics often encounter this condition as a part of the nerve damage that may develop from their disease.

Another location of foot pain is the heel. Because the calcaneus or the heel bone is the largest bone that can be found in the foot, it usually hits the ground first when the individual walk, causing foot pain.

Another cause is due to strain on the ligament at the foot bottom, called plantar fascistic. Usually pain is felt early on the morning, upon waking up. Heel pain may also be caused by rheumatoid arthritis, gouty arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis.

Athletes also tend to develop heel pain from stress fractures.

Foot pain may also occur over the arch. It is caused by a strain in the structure in that part of the foot. Toe pain is also a common condition and might be due to an ingrown toe nail. An ingrown toe nail results in an infection and pressure in the nail fold area which can be very painful.

It is important to consult an expert to have the ingrown nail evaluated. He will prescribe you the antibiotics appropriate for your condition which you will have to take for several days.

He will also advise you proper care of the foot so that you will not have to suffer from foot pain again.

Foot pain can also occur in the ankle. It is usually due to long term wear and tear of the ankles, and activities that causes the ankle to tip over. Foot pain may also be due to nerve damage.

Pain that occurs on the ball of the foot may be because of masses or growths of tissues which wrap around nerves and causes pain. This is called Morton's neuroma. It usually occurs in a single foot and women are at increased risk.

Mild ache with some burning or tingling usually is felt around the third or fourth toe. Wearing narrow shoes and pointed shoes exacerbate the symptom, like a rock is inside the shoe.


There are other risks as you sit in front of that computer but it would be to much to write about in this article, so if you would like to learn more about other risks such as:

Eye strain
RSI (Repetitive Stress Syndrome)
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Constant Head Aches
Dizziness
Breathing Problems
Difficulty Concentrating

You can learn all about this in the book: “The Painless PC”

About the author:
Hege Crowton is establishing herself as an expert copywriter.
She is known for doing in-depth research before writing her articles.
Many of her articles are posted on www.ezinecrow.com
and she also does a lot of writing for www.CrowSites.com

Just How Dangerous Are Splenda and Artificial Sweeteners - Which Side is Spinning?

by: Richard Keir

There seems to be fairly poor tracking by any formal standards once a product is approved as a food additive. Despite supposedly tracking adverse reactions, the reality has been different at the FDA. Aspartame is a case in point. Apparent collusion, distorted research reports, lack of funding for independent research, questionable practices in tracking adverse reactions and reporting them. It's a pretty ugly sounding story. It's been said that Aspartame is a contract on humanity. Here's one source you might find puts you off Aspartame for good: http://www.holisticmed.com/aspartame/suffer.faq - "Reported Aspartame Toxicity Effects".

Are the estimates (in the report above) of the real number of toxic reactions accurate? I'm no epidemiologist but what struck me was the large number of serious toxic reactions reported by pilots. My conclusion -- I won't use the stuff. And there are suggestions that the offshoot - Neotame - may be even worse.

Everyone pretty much knows the kinds of problems that have been reported with cyclamates and Saccharin. Weirdly - perhaps bad tracking? - the actual dangers still seem unclear after many years of use. However, as I read it, they seem to be substantially less toxic than some more recent artificial sweeteners.

Splenda is the latest and greatest. Reportedly manufactured from sugar by substituting 3 chlorine atoms for 3 hydroxyl groups, some claim that the end product is not what it should be. Apparently if it were made from sugar then when you dissolve it in water (hydrolyze), it ought to produce chlorinated glucose which is a known toxin. Instead it produces chlorinated monosaccharides.

Splenda, or sucralose, is a chlorocarbon. Chlorocarbons have an illustrious history, being known for causing organ, reproductive and genetic damage. Whether sucralose (Splenda) is as safe as the manufacturer claims (which is pretty much what manufacturers always claim) remains to be seen. Here is another reference worth taking a look at: http://www.mercola.com/2000/dec/3/sucralose_dangers.htm - "Secret Dangers of Splenda".

Andrew Weil, MD has some pertinent - and more moderate comments on Aspartame and Splenda here: http://www.drweil.com/u/QA/QA106654/ - "Aspartame: Can a Little Bit Hurt". He suggests using the "precautionary" principle - which basically says if there are questions about the safety of a product, don't use it.

At this point, I think it's my head that's spinning. I'm uncertain whether Splenda is safe, reasonably safe, slightly risky or seriously risky. When I looked at the manufacturer's site and a couple other sites that were all enthused about Splenda, I didn't see any answers to the points the critics are making. Mostly it's all lightness, sweetness and the miracle of modern science.

Like you I've seen some miracles of modern science turn into nightmares when the testing wasn't adequate, when the results were fudged, when coverups went on. So questions exist about all the artificial sweeteners. Splenda may be less dangerous than Aspartame (which I sure wouldn't recommend to anyone). Long-term and independent studies are lacking. And here's the real kicker:

***** From Consumers' Research Magazine "There is no clear-cut evidence that sugar substitutes are useful in weight reduction. On the contrary, there is some evidence that these substances may stimulate appetite."

Now that just tears it. Risk your health using one of these chemicals and then end up eating more because it stimulates your appetite. Terrific.

So what alternatives are there? Surprisingly there are quite a few. One interesting alternative is a South American plant called Stevia. Apparently once considered a potential threat to the sugar industry, it seems to have been deep-sixed early in the twentieth century. It has been used as a sweetener for centuries by South American natives. In the U.S., it seems (somehow) to have been kept from being available as an "additive" and the FDA has said not enough studies have been done. Yet it's widely used by diabetics and in countries such as Japan and Brazil. Stevia is available at health stores as a supplement (though without any indication that it could be used as a sweetener). It's a fascinating story which you can read here: http://www.stevia.net/ - The Stevia Story

More information on alternative sweeteners is in our article: http://www.carb.werkz.org/healthier-sweeteners.php - "Healthier Alternatives to Artificial Sweeteners."

Our health is challenged on all sides these days. New chemicals, new additives, genetically engineered foods, highly processed foods, empty calories, stress and pollution all pose threats to our bodies. I've come to the conclusion that the fewer highly processed, chemically enhanced, questionably assessed, factory created products we ingest, the better off we will probably be.

Our bodies evolved as a part of the natural world and though we are changing the world radically (which is only natural, it is what people do after all), our bodies do not evolve and adapt at the rate technology changes. And for scientific, political and economic reasons, the quality and thoroughness of evaluations done on newly created products don't match up to our industrial creativity.

Finally, balancing the need to lose weight (or maintain an optimum weight) against potential risks creates difficult choices. It's up to you to make the best choice you can for your specific situation -- just remember, that old saw still holds - Let the buyer beware.


About the author:
http://www.Carb.Werkz.orgis an informational site providing recipes, articles, news and diet resources. Since many recipes are designed to use Splenda, please take a look at http://www.Carb.Werkz.org/healthier-sweeteners.phpand http://www.Carb.Werkz.org/how-to-use-splenda.phpfor additional information.

Now Fat's Good for Us? Not Just Another Fish Story

by: ARA

(ARA) - Low fat, no fat and now they say to eat more fat?

Over the years, Americans have been fed different stories about choosing the right foods for optimum health. When researchers warned that too much fat in your diet leads to cardiovascular disease, diabetes and a host of other health problems, Americans jumped on the low fat, no fat bandwagon with little success.

New studies reveal that we must have some fat in our diet for good health and reduction of disease. The omega-3 fatty acids are said to be “essential” because they can not be produced by the body and must be obtained through our food sources..

*What are omega-3s?

Omega-3 essential fatty acids can come from either plant or marine sources. They can be found in fish and fish oil, unrefined vegetable oils, raw nuts, seeds and beans. Linolenic acid, the marine source, can be found in certain fatty fish such as mackerel, lake trout, herring, sardines, albacore tuna and salmon. These fish and fish oil supplements contain bioavailable docosahexaenoic (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic (EPA) acid, the two kinds of omega-3 essential fatty acids crucial to good health.

The plant based omega-3 essential fatty acid is alpha linolenic acid (alpha meaning plant) and can be found in omega-3 rich oils such as flaxseed, canola, soybean and walnut oils. These plant sourced omega-3 EFAs don’t metabolize in the body like fish oil. They need to be broken down by the body’s enzymatic system into DHA and EPA before the body can reap its powerful benefits. Flaxseed oil, the plant source highest in omega-3s, is a great alternative for vegetarians and those who can’t tolerate fish or fish oil capsules.

In Dr. Walter Willett’s book, “Eat, Drink & Be Healthy,” he writes: “Given the wide ranging importance and benefits of omega-3 fatty acids, everyone should try to eat at least one good source of them a day.”

The omega-3 essential fatty acid is a key component of cell membranes throughout the body, especially the eye, brain and central nervous system. This important fat is the building block of hormones, including those that regulate blood clotting, artery walls and inflammation. A recent study indicated that the omega-3 EFA from fish reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease and can reduce the risk of stroke as well.

Fish oil has been found to increase circulation and reduce insulin sensitivity; but most importantly, diabetics who ate more fish had a significantly lower risk of coronary heart disease and total death than those who didn’t eat fish. Fish oils have proven beneficial for people suffering many disorders including depression, cystic fibrosis, Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome, diabetes and lupus. It also helps keep hair, skin and nails healthy.

On a grand scale, omega-3s play a vital role in health. Doctors and researchers have been studying the benefits for years. Now the government and the important organizations are also emphasizing the need for good fats in the diet.

Last November, the American Heart Association (AHA) issued a release stating, “omega-3 fatty acids benefit the heart health of healthy people, people at high risk of cardiovascular disease and patients with cardiovascular disease.” The organization recommends that Americans eat fatty fish, such as mackerel, lake trout, herring, sardines, albacore tuna and salmon, at least twice a week. Regular consumption of omega-3 fatty acids from plant sources such as flaxseed, canola, soybean and walnut oils is also highly recommended.

Recently, the White House Executive Office sent a letter to the Department of Health & Human Services and the USDA requesting the departments promote the consumption of omega-3 essential fatty acids. The request has been made to add omega-3 essential fatty acids to the new dietary guidelines for Americans, scheduled to be released in 2005. The Executive Office has also asked that omega-3s be incorporated on the soon to be updated 1992 USDA Food Guide Pyramid.

The American Heart Association urges Americans to eat fatty fish to get an adequate intake of omega-3s into their diet. Take caution when choosing these fatty fish, as sometimes they are laden with contaminants such as mercury, PCBs and lead. Supplements can be taken if omega-3 rich fish or plants sources aren’t readily available. Before purchasing fish oil supplements it is important to look at the label to make sure it is PCB, mercury and lead free.

“Product quality and consumer health are number one for Spectrum. Every lot of fish oil we encapsulate is tested to be free of PCBs, mercury, lead and dioxins,” says Neil Blomquist , CEO of Spectrum Organic Products, Incorporated. “It would be absurd for us to supply consumers with heart healthy fish oil that contained deadly toxins.”

Flaxseed, canola, walnut and soybean oils can be incorporated into salad dressings for their omega-3 benefits.

Incorporating omega-3 essential fatty acids into your diet, whether by marine or plant source is a good start to a healthier way of eating and living. Reducing your intake of saturated fat and trans fats, exercising and eliminating stress are just as important.

Spectrum Organic Products carries a natural and healthy line of trans fat free shortening, margarine, spreads, culinary oils and essential fatty acid nutritional supplement line including PCB mercury free fish oil and organic flaxseed oil. You can find their products in natural food stores and select chain stores across the United States. For more information log onto www.spectrumnaturals.com or call (800) 995-2705.

Courtesy of ARA Content

EyeCare America Promotes No-Cost Medical Eye Screenings Through its Glaucoma EyeCare Program

by: ARA

(ARA) - As someone’s sight diminishes, so does the ability to fully experience some of life’s richest moments -- a grandchild learning to ride a bike, for example, or any number of nature’s visual wonders. Furthermore, when people go blind, they face loss of independence and are more likely to suffer from depression.

Glaucoma, a leading cause of blindness in the United States, is a group of eye diseases that gradually steals sight without warning and often without symptoms. In fact, nearly 3 million people have glaucoma, but half do not realize it. Approximately 120,000 are blind from glaucoma, accounting for 9 percent to 12 percent of all cases of blindness in the United States. more likely to go blind than non-diabetics. EyeCare America, the public service foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, encourages people to take advantage of its national Glaucoma EyeCare Program. This program offers glaucoma eye screenings and care for those at increased risk of glaucoma. To see if you, a loved one or a friend, is eligible to receive a referral for an eye exam and care, call (800) 391-EYES (3937), 24 hours, seven days a week, year round. All eligible callers receive a referral to one EyeCare America’s volunteer ophthalmologists.

“If it wasn’t for EyeCare America my husband may have lost his sight to glaucoma,” said Eva Gordon, wife of an EyeCare America patient.

The Glaucoma EyeCare Program promotes early detection and treatment of glaucoma. It raises awareness of glaucoma risk factors, provides free glaucoma educational materials and facilitates access to a glaucoma eye examination. The Glaucoma EyeCare Program is designed for people who:

* Are U.S. citizens or legal residents

* Have not had an eye exam in 12 months or more

* Are at increased risk for glaucoma (family history, race, age)

People may call the toll-free help line anytime, for themselves and/or family members and friends, to see if they qualify for a glaucoma eye exam or to request free eye care information.

Those eligible for a referral through the Glaucoma program receive a glaucoma eye exam and the initiation of treatment, if deemed necessary. Patients with insurance will be billed and are responsible for any co-payments and/or the cost of the eye examination. Uninsured patients will receive the above care at no charge.

Founded in 1980, EyeCare America, the public service foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, is committed to the preservation of sight, accomplishing its mission through public service and education. In the United States, EyeCare America is one of the largest providers of eye care services to the medically underserved and educates the general public about the eye and vision. In developing nations, EyeCare America helps improve eye care by providing free educational resources and materials to ophthalmologists in those regions. EyeCare America is a non-profit organization whose success is made possible by its corps of more than 7,500 volunteer ophthalmologists dedicated to serving their communities and through charitable contributions from individuals, corporations, and foundations. More information can be found at: www.eyecareamerica.org

Call EyeCare America’s Glaucoma EyeCare program today. There is a dedicated volunteer ophthalmologist in your area committed to preserving your sight.

Courtesy of ARA Content


About the author:
Courtesy of ARA Content

Diabetes

by: Frank Hague

is a disease affecting the manner in which the body handles digested carbohydrates. If neglected, diabetes can cause extremely severe health complications, ranging from blindness to kidney failure.

Around eight percent of the population in the United States has diabetes. This means that around sixteen million people have been diagnosed with the disease, based only on national statistics. The American Diabetes Association estimates that diabetes accounts for 178,000 deaths, as well as 54,000 amputees, and 12,000-24,000 cases of blindness annually. Blindness is twenty-five times even more common among diabetic patients in comparison with nondiabetics. If current trends continue, by the year 2010 complications of diabetes will exceed both heart disease and cancer as the leading cause of death in America.

Diabetics have a high level of blood glucose. Blood sugar level is regulated by insulin, a hormone secreted by the pancreas, which releases it in response to carbohydrate consumption. Insulin causes the cells of the body to absorb glucose from the blood. The glucose then serves as fuel for cellular functions.

Traditional diagnostic standards for diabetes have been fasting plasma glucose levels greater than 140 mg/dL on 2 occasions and plasma glucose greater than 200 mg/dL following a 75-gram glucose load. However, even more recently, the American Diabetes Association lowered the criteria for a diabetes diagnosis to fasting plasma glucose levels equal to or higher than 126 mg/dL. Fasting plasma levels outside the normal limit demand further testing, usually by repeating the fasting plasma glucose check and (if indicated) initiating an oral glucose tolerance test.

The many symptoms of diabetes include excessive urination, excessive thirst and hunger, sudden weight loss, blurred vision, delay in healing of wounds, dry and itchy skin, repeated infections, fatigue and headache. While suggestive of diabetes, these symptoms can also be caused by other factors, and therefore anyone with symptoms suspicious of the disease should be tested.

There are 2 different varieties of diabetes.
Type I Diabetes (juvenile diabetes, also known as insulin-dependent diabetes): The cause of type I diabetes starts with pancreatic inability to make insulin. This causes 5-10% of cases of diabetes. The pancreatic Islet of Langerhans cells, which secrete the hormone, are destroyed by the patient's own immune system, probably because it mistakes them for a virus. Viral infections are believed to be the trigger that sets off this auto-immune disease. Type I diabetes is most prevelant in the caucasian population and has a hereditary component.

If untreated, Type I or juvenile diabetes can lead to death within two to three months of the onset, as the cells of the body starve because they no longer receive the hormonal prompt to absorb glucose. While a great majority of Type I diabetics are young (hence the term Juvenile Diabetes), the condition can develop at any age. Autoimmune diabetes is diagnosed by an immunological assay which shows the presence of anti-insulin/anti-islet-cell antibodies.

Type II Diabetes (non insulin dependent diabetes, also known as adult onset diabetes): This diabetes is a consequence of body tissues becoming resistant to the effects of insulin. It accounts for 90-95% of cases. In many cases the pancreas is producing a plentiful amount of insulin, however the cells of the body have become unresponsive to its effect due to the chronically high level of the hormone. Finally the pancreas will exhaust its over-active secretion of the hormone, and insulin levels fall to beneath normal.

A tendency towards Type II diabetes is hereditary, although it is unlikely to develop in normal-weight individuals eating a low- or even moderate-carbohydrate diet. Obese, sedentary individuals who eat poor-quality diets built around refined starch, which constantly activates pancreatic insulin secretion, are prone to develop insulin resistance. Native peoples like North American Aboriginals, whose traditional diets never included refined starch and sugar until these items were introduced by Europeans, have very high rates of diabetes, five times the rate of caucasians. Blacks and hispanics are also at higher risk of the disease. Though Type II diabetes isn't as immediately disastrous as Type I, it can lead to health complications after many years and cause serious disability and shortened lifespan. As with Type I diabetes, the condition develops primarily in a certain age group, in this case patients over forty (which is why it's typically termed Adult Onset Diabetes); however, with the rise in childhood and teenage obesity, this condition is being seen for the first time in school children as well.

If treatment is neglected, both Type I and Type II diabetes can lead to life-threatening complications like kidney damage (nephropathy), heart disease, nerve damage (neuropathy), retinal damage and blindness(retinopathy), and hypoglycemia (drastic reduction in glucose levels). Diabetes damages blood vessels, especially smaller end-arteries, leading to very severe and premature atherosclerosis. Diabetics are prone to foot problems because neuropathy, which afflicts about ten percent of patients, causes their feet to lose sensation. Foot injuries, common in day-to-day living, go unnoticed, and these injuries cannot heal because of atherosclerotic blockage of the microscopic arteries in the foot. Gangrene and subsequent amputation of toes, feet or even legs is the result for many elderly patients with poorly-controlled diabetes. Usually these sequelae are seen sooner in Type I than Type II diabetes, because Type II patients have a small amount of their own insulin production left to buffer changes in blood sugar levels.

Type I diabetes is a severe disease and there is no known permanent cure for it. Nonetheless, the symptoms can be controlled by strict dietary monitering and insulin injections. Implanted pumps which release insulin immediately in response to changes in blood glucose are in the testing stages.

In theory, since it induced by diet, Type II diabetes should be preventable and manageable by dietary changes alone. However, as so often happens, clinical theory is defeated by human nature in this case, as many diabetics (and many obese people without diabetes) find it personally impossible to lose weight or even stick to a diet free of starchy, sugary junk food. So Type II diabetes is frequently treated with drugs which restore the body's response to its own insulin, and in a few cases injections of insulin.

Please note that this article isn't a subsitute for medical advice. If you suspect you have diabetes or even are in a high risk demographic group, please see your doctor.

About the author:
Frank Hague takes great interest in medical matters. http://www.diabetes-testing-2006.info

Is Gestational Diabetes Related to Type 2 Diabetes?

By Beverleigh H Piepers

Most expectant women look forward to pregnancy as a time filled with joy and wonder. Many are excited about spending time on fun activities like shopping for cute baby's clothes, decorating the baby's room or simply awaiting their baby's first kicks. However, for an increasing number of mothers-to-be, pregnancy also means that they have to face a serious health risk known as gestational diabetes.

Gestational diabetes (GDM) technically means "high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) first recognized during pregnancy". The symptoms of GDM are:

• extreme thirst
• hunger
• fatigue

but many women do not notice them. GDM usually resolves after giving birth but may recur in future pregnancies.

Gestational diabetes:

• occurs in between three to twelve per cent of all pregnancies
• alters the way your body uses glucose, the body's chief source of energy
• occurs between the twenty-fourth and twenty-eight week of pregnancy
• usually resolves after delivery but may recur in future pregnancies.

Knowing how sugar is normally processed in your body can help you understand how this diabetes occurs. After you eat:

• your body breaks down carbohydrates from foods into various sugar molecules
• one of these molecules is called glucose, and is usually absorbed into your bloodstream
• glucose cannot enter the cells without the help of insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas
• insulin facilitates the movement of glucose from you bloodstream into cells in your body where it can be used as energy

The exact mechanism behind gestational diabetes is still unknown but it is thought to occur because of hormonal changes that take place during pregnancy. These changes cause:

• your body to be less sensitive to insulin as the growing placenta secretes hormones that can block the insulin your pancreas normally makes
• this then forces your pancreas to work harder and make three times as much insulin as usual
• when your pancreas is no longer able to keep up with the higher demand your blood sugar levels rise

How is gestational diabetes treated?

The treatment goal is to keep blood sugars in the normal range and, as it usually follows the form of type 2 diabetes, it can be managed through diet and self-monitoring of your blood sugars. Your health care provider will teach you how to self-monitor, modify your diet, and exercise properly.

Recent research though has shown that only one third of pregnant mothers with this form of diabetes were able to control their blood sugar levels through diet and self-monitoring, therefore insulin may be necessary.

After giving birth, your health care provider may recommend regular testing of your fasting blood sugar level. Why? Because within five to fifteen years of the pregnancy, ten to fifty per cent of women who had GDM develop 2 diabetes.

In some cases, gestational diabetes really reveals type 1 or type 2 diabetes during pregnancy. If you have type 2 in your family, you are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes in the future after having gestational diabetes.

As pregnancy can mask the symptoms of low blood sugar levels, you cannot rely on how well you feel. Self monitoring your blood sugars will help you to keep your levels in the range advised by your health care provider.

Why not learn all you can about type 2 diabetes, this information can help you. If you would like to download my free E-Book, click here now: Answers to Your Questions

Beverleigh Piepers is a registered nurse who would like to help you understand how to live easily and happily with your Type 2 Diabetes.

http://drugfreetype2diabetes.com

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

You Are What You Eat: Triglycerides and Diet

by: Greg Post

I must confess that I am a Steve Martin fan. Like me he studied philosophy in his earlier days. He plays a banjo like I wish I could. And he is funny. In 1987 he was in a movie entitled “Roxanne”. He played a small town fire chief with an enormous nose who fell in love with a beautiful astronomer played by Daryl Hannah. The only problem was she had an eye for a younger fireman with a relatively normal nose. C.D. Bales (Steve Martin), having a poetic command of the English language, agreed to coach the younger and much more awkward man in his pursuit of the educated astronomer. It is a hilarious twist on an old story. In one of the more sober scenes C.D.’s friend Trixie encourages him to pursue the young maiden for himself since he was obviously in love with her. She makes her point by saying the truth “is as plain as the nose on your face.” Well said.

Many people today are concerned about their triglyceride levels. And rightly so. High triglycerides have been marked as an independent risk factor for coronary heart disease (CHD). But in all the scramble to reduce our triglycerides many doctors have been trying to tell us that the truth is as plain as the nose on our collective face.

Triglycerides are a form of fat. In fact they are the most prevalent form of fat in our bodies. Our bodies make triglycerides and we consume them in our diets. Even though we live in culture where ‘thin is in’, fat is a good thing. Triglycerides in particular are good because they are the form of fat our bodies use for energy. But like many things more is not necessarily better. Triglycerides truly represent an example of the maxim, ‘too much of a good thing’. In this case too much can contribute to serious health side effects especially in relation to heart health. So if your triglycerides are too high get them down.

But how? How do we get them down? To answer this question it is first helpful to understand what causes our triglycerides to rise. There are several causes which we will only mention in passing because they do not compose the main subject of this essay. There are certain medical conditions that elevate triglyceride levels such as hypothyroidism, kidney disease, liver disease, familial hypertriglyceridemia and pregnancy. And of course medical conditions are often accompanied by medications that negatively impact triglycerides. Among these are oral contraceptives, estrogen replacement therapy, certain steroids, diuretics, beta-blockers, newer classes of antipsychotic medications, cyclosporine, glucocorticoids, progesterone, retinoids and tamoxifen to mention a handful.

The above mentioned factors can contribute to a rise in serum triglycerides. But they are by no means the most common. For most of us our problems lie elsewhere. Diabetes is a common cause of high triglycerides. Unfortunately diabetes is a two-pronged fork. Not only does it affect triglyceride levels but diabetics are more susceptible to the damage that results from factors such as high triglycerides.

Obesity, whatever the reason, causes higher levels of triglycerides to hang around in the blood. As our nation gets progressively heavier higher cholesterol and triglycerides, as well as the heart damage that accompanies them, will become more common.

Now for the rest of us. For most of us our triglycerides are high for one reason. The truth is as plain as the nose on C.D.’s face. We are what we eat. Doctors, though themselves seldom the epitome of health, have been telling us for years to watch what we eat. With all the medical advances over the past several decades diet and exercise are still the primary and most effective methods for promoting heart health, especially in relation to cholesterol and triglycerides and the damage they can cause.

I have only this to say about exercise. Get some! But concerning diet we need a bit more detail. Let’s begin where it hurts the most. Alcohol, though good for your heart in many ways, is easily converted to triglycerides. If yours are too high stay away from alcohol.

Next in line, and this hurts me even more, is sugar. Simple, and especially highly processed carbohydrates, cause triglycerides to rise perhaps even more than alcohol. The American diet is no stranger to sugar and highly processed foods. Such foods are doing more than making us fat. They are causing the incidence of heart disease to escalate with amazing speed. When it comes to high triglycerides, sugar is your worst enemy.

Fruits are questionable. Eliminating fruits is not the place to start. Whole fruits, and the sugars they contain, do not convert to triglycerides as readily as their processed cousins. However, if you have done all you can in other areas of your diet you might consider reducing fruit intake. But before you do this make sure you have eliminated the juices that are more sugar and juice than they are fruit. And avoid canned fruits that are packed in syrup.

Since triglycerides are fat it makes sense to avoid fatty foods. I have in mind especially saturated animal fats. Foods such as bacon, sausage, fatty fowl like duck or goose and fatty beef should be restricted in your diet. Hotdogs and hamburgers? I realize they are the core of the American diet. But do I really need to comment on these?

Now for the surprise. Some fatty foods actually cause triglycerides to fall. Can you believe it? There is a silver lining behind every dark cloud. Cold water fatty fish like salmon, mackerel and tuna, not the canned varieties, are high in omega-3 fatty acids which are well documented to reduce triglycerides. When is the last time you heard about an Eskimo having bypass surgery? Perhaps that is because Eskimos know that the American Heart Association has recommended two to four grams of omega-3 fatty acids from marine sources for people with high triglycerides. That is a lot of omega-3 but such quantities are well proven to lower triglycerides as well as offer a whole list of heart health benefits. Though it is difficult to eat that much fish and there is the risk of mercury poisoning, there is a safe way to get enough omega-3 to effectively lower triglycerides. You can take fish oils supplements. Please purchase them from a trusted source.

So, as you can see, the epidemic of rising triglycerides is an unnecessary danger. For most of us the solution rests in the things we eat and the exercise we need to get. It sounds all too simple. But I am a simple guy. I think it is nice to know that the solution to rising triglycerides is as plain as the nose on C.D.’s face.

For more information on causes of high triglycerides and triglyceride lower diets please use the links below.

http://www.optimal-heart-health.com/causesofhightriglycerides.html

http://www.optimal-heart-health.com/foodtolowertriglyceride.html

http://www.optimal-heart-health.com/triglycerides.html



About the author:
Greg has degrees in science, divinity and philosophy and is currently an I.T. developer.

Dispelling 6 myths about diabetes: How glyconutrients can help with your diabetes

by: Lee Berlemann

You are about to discover a scientifically proven nutritional supplement that boosts your immune system and gets your diabetes under control.

But before we get too far along, let's dispell with some
"myths" about diabetes.

Myth #1 If You Have Diabetes You Will Always Be Sick
No. Diabetics can lead ordinary, healthy and productive
lives.

Myth #2: If it is in your family, you will get it too.
No. Studies have shown that there is a genetic
predisposition for diabetes, so if it runs in the family, it
should be taken as a sign that individuals may have an
increased risk for developing the disease.

However, a risk does not necessarily mean that individuals
are bound to end up with the disease. There are many
preventative measures that can be taken in order to decrease
risk, such as exercise, healthy diet, and weight
conciseness.

Myth #3 You can catch diabetes from someone else.
No. Although we don't know exactly why some people get
diabetes, we know that diabetes is not contagious. It can't
be caught like a cold or flu. There seems to be some genetic
link in diabetes, particularly Type 2 diabetes. But
environmental factors also play a part.

Myth #4 Eating too much sugar causes diabetes.
No. Diabetes is caused by a combination of genetic and
environmental factors. However, being overweight does
increase your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, so if you
have a history of diabetes in your family, a healthy diet
and regular exercise are recommended to control your weight.

Myth #5 People with diabetes can't eat sweets or chocolate.
No. You can have some sugar, but choose wisely.
Sweets are no more out of bounds to people with diabetes
than they are to the rest of us, if eaten as part of a
healthy diet, or combined with exercise. People who take
certain tablets or insulin to treat their diabetes may
sometimes need to eat high-sugar foods to prevent their
blood glucose levels falling too low.

Myth #6 People with diabetes can't drink alcohol.
No. You can drink alcohol occasionally if you limit your
intake.
Just because you have diabetes doesn't mean you can't enjoy
an occasional alcoholic beverage. If you do, practice
moderation -- no more than a drink or two a few times a
week. Alcohol is full of calories and doesn't supply any
nutrients. Like sugary foods, alcohol is best kept as an
occasional indulgence, and not a regular part of your diet.

Diabetes is a group of diseases that affect the way your
body uses blood sugar (glucose). This sugar is vital to your
health because it's your body's main source of fuel.

Glyconutrients are eight simple sugars that Harpers
Biochemistry, (every Doctor’s biochemistry "bible"), calls
"essential sugars". These are simple sugars or
"monosacharrides" that create cellular communication. They
are responsible for getting your cells to "talk" to one
another.

Today, there are over 350,000 peer-reviewed scientific
papers on glycobiology available for Medical Professionals
to review on the internet. Since 1994 there have been Four
Nobel Prizes for Physiology and Medicine related to the
discovery of these essential sugars.

The fact is regardless of what your wellness issue
glyconutrients will restart your cellular communication.
Cells are a basic building block of our physiology.

Healthy cells make healthy tissues. Healthy tissue makes
healthy organs. Healthy organs make healthy systems. If
your systems are working synergistically together and are
healthy at the cellular level then you do not have a health
problem.

So, it really doesn't matter whether your wellness issue is
diabetes or heart disease or cancer or fibromyalgia or
multiple sclerosis or asthma: glyconutrients work for all
the trillions of cells in your body.

What do glyconutrients really mean to diabetics? Well
for one thing they cut right through both the numerous myths
and standard facts of diabetes.

Glyconutrients will change how you deal with your diabetes.
The natural change in your body’s energy after using
glyconutrients will make a noticeable change in your overall
health.

And that’s just the beginning...

About the author:
Lee Berlemann's FREE ebook titled, "Amazing Sweet Magic: Diabetics Discover Sugars That Heal" offers hope for you and your family's health challenges. Obtain your FREE copy at:
http://www.diabetes-and-hypoglycaemiahelp.com