Blood Sugar Regulation

By Christine Alejandro  

Photo: learn.genetics.utah.edu
 
Part 1-WHY CAN'T I LOSE THIS WEIGHT??
Blood sugar regulation is so important because when it is dys-regulated, it starts the vicious cycle of chronic fatigue syndrome, hormone imbalance, weight gain and the inability to lose weight, mood swings, hypoglycemia,hyperglycemia, high triglycerides and those ever present sweet and carb cravings.
It seems that everyone is experiencing the same thing these days. They are tired, feeling terrible and they are unable to lose weight. Very often those symptoms come from blood sugar dys-regulation. In order to understand why this happens, there is a need to explain what happens when someone who has normal blood sugar eats food. The food goes into the stomach and it passes into the small intestine where it breaks down into glucose which is the form of fuel that the body uses. The glucose goes through the walls of the small intestine and into the blood. Once it is in the blood, it is called blood glucose. The number of blood glucose molecules in the blood is what is measured on a blood glucose test. When a person eats food the number of blood glucose molecules in the blood goes up. Glucose can't be dealt with in the body by itself without insulin. Insulin is a transporter; insulin gets released by the pancreas and insulin picks up the glucose and puts it into the cells of the body for energy. As the insulin transports the glucose, the levels of glucose molecules in the blood comes down to a low level and insulin is no longer needed to transport it and in theory, the body burns fat for energy until the next time the person eats. When the person eats again, the cycle repeats itself.
In the mid 1980's, there was a change in the public health policy where saturated fat was associated with causing heart problems. This change in the public health policy created a low fat eating fad by the general public. That low-fat health policy along with a new food guide pyramid that recommended 6-8 servings of grains a day drove the public to consuming a large proportion of carbohydrates in their diet. Carbohydrates turn to sugar (glucose) very quickly in the blood. A person might eat a bowl of whole grain cereal with skim milk, a half of a banana and a small glass of orange juice for breakfast. thinking that was a healthy meal, when in reality, that is a large amount of carbohydrates (sugar) to be consuming in one meal. The craze continued and for lunch, a healthy thinking person might have a turkey sandwich on whole grain bread, baked potato chips and a diet soda. Then in the afternoon, they might have a whole grain granola bar. At dinner, this healthy thinking person might have pasta with vegetables. So all day this healthy thinking person's blood sugar would be going up and down. The body could deal with this in the manner described above for a while--but at some point the body started to break down, because it was being given an enormous amount of carbohydrates for what its system was technically designed to handle.
The result of this is that the body would start to predict that every time it was given food, it had to prepare for a large load of carbohydrates. The result was the body would notice that the blood sugar (glucose) was beginning to rise and would produce a large amount of insulin to handle the glucose, but the body got off kelter and would over-produce insulin. The insulin would do its job by transporting the glucose to the cells, but the problem was that once all the glucose had been carried to the cells, there was still insulin left over. Insulin left in the bloodstream does a few things:
1. Causes sugar cravings- the left over insulin in the blood would cause the person to want more carbohydrates, more sugar, so the healthy thinking person would then eat more carbohydrates or sugar, and again the insulin would surge higher and then there was still more insulin than glucose in the system.
2. Excess insulin in the system over time causes reactive hypoglycemia- the reactive hypoglycemia happens because the body reacts by producing too much insulin, and hypoglycemia is where the insulin drives down the blood sugar too low. There has to be a base level of glucose circulating in the bloodstream because 30-40% of brain function comes from this, so the body needs to be able to have a good level of glucose in the blood stream to keep the brain functioning.
When there is excess insulin in the bloodstream, it drives the blood sugar down too low, and the individual now is unable to function and may complain that they can't think or are tired all the time. They may also feel irritable and complain that they have a hard time concentrating and their memory is worsening. This is all related to the fact that the brain is not being fed and is called reactive hypoglycemia or too low blood sugar. On the flip side of the coin, one could also call this condition too much insulin because it is the overproduction of insulin that is driving the circulating glucose to fall too low.
3. The third thing that is predominant for most people is that the presence of excess insulin in the bloodstream keeps the body from burning fat and the person can't lose weight no matter what they try.
Thus they are left asking, "Why can't I lose this weight??"

For more information or to work with me go to http://www.healthygiftsfromchristine.com/discovery_session/

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Tips For Losing Weight As A Diabetic

By Dr. Ashraf Hanafy Mahmoud Mohammed  

Photo: ultraeasy.co.uk
 
If you're suffering from diabetes, then you have to take your decisions and your actions very seriously. If you find yourself overweight, then it's important to lower your risk of health problems by losing weight. Trying to lose weight while on diabetes can be difficult if you don't know what you're doing. You need the right information, and this article is going to help. Continue reading to find out more, and consider these tips for losing weight as a diabetic.
Before you do anything about losing weight as a diabetic, it's important to speak with your doctor. This is before you make any plans on your own. You need the information that your doctor has in order to come up with an acceptable and efficient plan. Your doctor will have many suggestions, and you must let him or her know about your plans anyway so that they can tailor your treatment around what you do.
Always be sure you're keeping up with checking your blood sugar, and perhaps even do it more often when losing weight. There can be up and down blood sugar spikes for no reason and very quickly. If you eat the right foods, then you shouldn't have a problem, but diabetes can be difficult sometimes.
Watch how much carbohydrates you add into your diet to make things work. For instance, say you cut out the sugar, but you throw in all the carbohydrates of different products that use them as sugar replacements. This isn't healthy for you either. Instead, substitute them for real food and healthy food. Eat the main food groups, making plenty of room for fruits, vegetables, and more.
Even though you've cut out regular soda, drinking that diet soda is going to do you in. You have to cut out the sodas all together because the artificial sweetener isn't any better for you. Drink water and natural juices instead, and if you need caffeine, drink tea. Stay away from coffee.
You have to have a solid exercise plan alongside your dieting plans. Sufferers of diabetes must make sure they exercise in order to stay mobile. Diabetes can attack your weight and mobility quickly if you fail to exercise.
Diabetics are generally supposed to exercise 20 minutes a day, and you need to check with your doctor about this too. While you might be limited on the types of exercise you can do, there are still many more options than you're thinking. Make sure you develop an exercise regimen that is comprised of things you enjoy doing.
Perhaps you like going for walks in nature or down the road.
Losing weight as a diabetic is something that comes with its challenges. While you may find it difficult, it's just going to be an expansion of what you already know. In other words, you're going to be basing things off of the rules you already follow as a diabetic. It should be easier for you to get started, so get yourself motivated and start losing that weight today!

http://weightlossallinvited.com
http://lunchdinnerrecipes.blogspot.com

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Type 2 Diabetes - The Effect of Cinnamon on Blood Sugar Levels

 By Beverleigh H Piepers 

Photo: 1.bp.blogspot.com
 
Cinnamon stimulates the production of glucose burning-enzymes and increases the effectiveness of insulin, according to the USDA Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center in Maryland, USA. Emerging research on cinnamon shows it could become a good treatment for Type 2 diabetes, perhaps acting like insulin or increasing insulin's effectiveness according to researchers in the Faculty of Health and Human Science, Thames Valley University in London, UK. The results of their study were published in the journal Diabetic Medicine in October 2011.
This particular study looked at the effect on cinnamon on the blood sugar of 58 people ranging in age from 45 to 64 and diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. All the participants were being treated with oral anti-diabetes drugs and had HbA1c levels of more than 7 per cent, indicating their blood sugar levels were not well controlled on medications. The participants were given either:

• 2 grams of cinnamon, or
• a placebo,

...daily for 12 weeks.
The volunteers in the cinnamon group showed reduced levels of their HbA1c, while those in the placebo group did not. Blood pressure readings were also reduced only in the cinnamon group. There were slight reductions in fasting blood sugar, waist measurement and the body mass index (BMI) in the cinnamon group, but the differences were not statistically significant.
From these results it was concluded cinnamon might be used as a type of dietary supplement to aid in the treatment of Type 2 diabetes not well controlled with medications.
The results were consistent with a study published in September and October of 2009 in the Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine. One hundred and nine Type 2 diabetics with HbA1c levels of 7 per cent or more were given either:

• their usual care only, or
• their usual care plus 1 gram of cinnamon per day for 90 days.

At the end of the study those in the cinnamon group had lowered their blood sugar levels significantly more than the diabetics receiving only their usual care. The author of this study, a resident doctor at the Mike O'Callaghan Federal Hospital in Las Vegas, USA, concluded cinnamon could be useful for lowering blood sugar levels in people with Type 2 diabetes, along with their usual care.

• cinnamon is ideal sprinkled onto cooked oatmeal, good for a healthful breakfast in the cold winter. Sprinkle on a little sucralose as well, and then add a little soy milk.
• the website of McCormick has a recipe for vegan Moroccan bean and pepper stew that includes cinnamon along with garlic powder, cumin, ginger, and red pepper along with garbanzo beans, red kidney beans, onions, diced tomatoes, bell peppers, butternut squash and olive oil. There is also a cinnamon-containing recipe for mango-blueberry cobbler, which could be modified for diabetics with the substitution of stevia for the sugar.
• cinnamon sticks also make flavorful stirring rods for tea, coffee or cocoa.
• The website of Allrecipes offers more than three hundred recipes containing cinnamon.

Cinnamon is one of the oldest used remedies in Chinese medicine and has therapeutic benefits including blood thinning and antimicrobial actions along with blood sugar control.

By the way, do you want to learn more about how to be healthier and live longer in spite of having Type 2 diabetes. If so, I suggest you check this out: Natural Diabetes Treatments

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The Nightmare That Is Diabetic Neuropathy

By Juanita Swindell 

Photo: kensavage.com

Living life as a diabetic is difficult enough. There are so many complications that can develop from a disease that has no known cure and major lifestyle changes have to be made just to cope with the many symptoms associated with the disease on a daily basis. One major risk of not closely following and controlling blood glucose levels is diabetic neuropathy, a potentially debilitating disease that is often developed by those with Type 2 diabetes.
What is Diabetic Neuropathy?
This condition is one that develops if blood glucose levels in a Type 2 diabetic are left to go unchecked. High levels of blood glucose can weaken the walls of capillaries in the body, the primary source of nutrients and oxygen for the nerves and in turn, damage the nerve endings they feed. This damage is progressive and can lead to devastating consequences if left untreated.
There are four basic types of neuropathy that can develop as a result of diabetes - peripheral, autonomic, radiculoplexus and mononeuropathy. Each one has its own set of symptoms, and can affect different areas of the body. Treatment of each type will determine what drugs are administered, as well as other therapies, including lifestyle changes and dietary supplements.
General Symptoms of Neuropathy
There are several warning signs or symptoms that everyone should watch out for and if they appear, get a full physical exam and tests to determine if you have the condition, which type and how far it has progressed. The goal of treating this disease is to slow the progress of neuropathy, restore function to the affected regions and effectively manage the pain associated with it. Unfortunately, just like diabetes, there is no known cure for this associated condition, either, at this time.
The warning signs of neuropathy can include an unusual burning sensation, tingling, weakness or pain in your hands or feet, especially at night; sudden dizziness when moving from sitting to standing; sudden changes in digestion, the ability to urinate or sudden development of sexual dysfunction. The most important part of the body to pay attention to is the feet, the first place most signs of neuropathy will appear. If there is a cut or sore on your foot that does not seem to be healing properly, or appears to be infected, seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Risks and Complications
Peripheral neuropathy primarily affects the feet and legs, followed by the hands and arms, following the longest nerves in the body. It can lead to pain and difficulty while walking, muscle weakness and deformities of the bones and joints.
Autonomic neuropathy attacks the autonomic nervous system, the system that controls the heart, bladder, lungs, stomach, sexual organs and eyes. It can lead to incontinence, sexual dysfunction, problems with blood pressure, increased heart rates, and changes in how the eyes adjust to different levels of light.
Radiculoplexus neuropathy attacks the nerves closer to the hips and shoulders, rather than just the nerve endings in the arms and legs. This could lead to atrophied muscles, difficulty rising from a seated position, abdominal swelling and severe weight loss.
Mononeuropathy concentrates on only one nerve, generally in the arm, leg, or even the face. It can cause difficulty in focusing, double vision or pain behind the eye; paralysis on one side of the face or Bell's Palsy and lead to chest or abdominal pain.
Treatment
As there is no cure, the only treatment plan for this condition will chiefly include pain management, therapy to restore function to affected areas, and whatever can be done to slow the progress of the disease. To start, unhealthy habits have to be changed and a more diligent monitoring of blood glucose levels will have to be done. This means that the blood glucose before meals should be between 70 to 130, after meals less than 180 two hours afterwards, and the hemoglobin A1C should test at less than 7 percent.
Good foot care is also important, because it is so easy for cuts and other things like sores and blisters to become infected when you have diabetic neuropathy. Daily cleaning, moisturizing and inspections are required. Medications will be at the doctor's discretion, depending upon your progress.

Want to know more about diabetic neuropathy, and how it can harm your overall health if left unchecked? The experts at Trinity Primary Care have been successfully treating this condition for years, so call them today for an immediate consultation. Also check out our new page on Diabetic Neuropathy.

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Type 2 Diabetes - Protecting Your Kidneys

By Beverleigh H Piepers 

Photo: medindia.net

Kidney disease is often a complication of Type 2 diabetes. Many people including non-diabetics, have the beginnings of kidney disease and don't even realize it. Kidney disease in diabetics is often referred to as diabetic nephropathy and is a prime cause for dialysis in the United States.
The best way to help prevent kidney disease from starting is to keep your blood sugar and blood pressure in the "good" range established by your doctor. However, these are not the only factors that may increase your risk for developing kidney problems. For example, your ethnicity and the presence of certain other health conditions can greatly contribute to this phenomenon.
Biological Controls: Statistics indicate people from certain groups with Type 2 diabetes are more likely to develop kidney disease. If you are of African American, Asian or Native American, Hispanic or Pacific Islander ethnicity, you are at an increased risk of developing this complication. Also, all diabetics regardless of gender or ethnicity have an increased risk with advancing age. This is why it is critical to keep close tabs on your blood sugar levels as they can have a detrimental effect on your kidneys if left uncontrolled.
Lifestyle Modification: As with many conditions affecting the body, Type 2 diabetes can decrease the risk of kidney disease by making positive lifestyle modifications. Current recommendations you may want to consider typically involve measures that will ultimately better control your blood sugar. This includes but is not limited to:

• making positive dietary changes,
• incorporating regular exercise,
• weight management, and
• controlling other medical conditions such as high blood pressure.

Monitoring the Symptoms: In addition to making changes to your lifestyle, you should also monitor for the signs and symptoms of renal involvement. Early diagnosis and treatment of kidney damage is essential to prevent or delay progression of the disease.
Missing the early signs of kidney disease is easy unless you know what to look for. If your kidneys are not functioning properly, you will notice a few symptoms. Some of these include:

• you may need to urinate less frequently, or you might feel the need to only void a few drops.
• edema or swelling in your body due to fluid retention. This could be noticed by swelling in your ankle or ankles.
• itchy skin due to the build up of waste products in your bloodstream. When functioning properly, your kidneys remove waste products.
• extreme fatigue... when your kidneys get worn out so do you.
• bad breath due to the kidneys not filtering properly; urea builds up in the bloodstream.
• stomach upset and flu symptoms.

If you have diabetes and experience any of these symptoms, don't hesitate to contact your doctor.
The Importance of Regular Checkups: Some of the earliest signs of kidney involvement in the Type 2 diabetic can be determined by using laboratory tests. It is important you see your doctor annually or more frequently, (as recommended by your doctor), to monitor for signs and symptoms and evaluate the effectiveness of treatments.
Testing usually consists of simple urine tests that can be performed in the doctor's office.
Many people with diabetes don't give their kidneys a second thought because there is no strong pain associated with their declining renal function.
Making the effort to improve your diet and fitness levels can and will pay great dividends when it comes to protecting your kidneys and other organs. Allowing high blood sugar to run rampant in your system for years and years can only do great harm to all of your body's systems. This leads to dire complications that are hard to undo.

To discover answers to questions you may be asking yourself about Type 2 Diabetes, click on this link... Natural Diabetes Treatments
Clicking on this link will help you to learn more about Type 2 Diabetes Solutions... Beverleigh Piepers RN... the Diabetes Detective.
Beverleigh Piepers is the author of this article. This article can be used for reprint on your website provided all the links in the article are complete and active. Copyright (c) 2011 - All Rights Reserved Worldwide

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Type 2 Diabetes - Weight Loss Diets and Genetics

 By Beverleigh H Piepers 

Photo: diethunters.com

Numerous weight loss diets have been designed and then carried out by people diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. There have been varying rates of success. Now researchers are beginning to look at which diets are best for individuals with given types of genes.
Investigators at Harvard School of Public Health in Boston, United States, looked at three types of weight loss diets in individuals with a gene known as rs2287019, which has been linked with obesity and how the body handles sugar.
This particular study published in January 2012 in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, was part of the Preventing Overweight Using Novel Dietary Strategies (POUNDS LOST) trial. It included 737 overweight adults with the gene rs2287019: they were randomly assigned to four different weight-loss diets.
Results of the study: At the end of 6 months greater weight loss took place in the participants on a low-fat diet than in those in groups with a diet containing a higher fat content. Those in the low-fat diet group also had lower blood sugar levels and greater sensitivity to insulin than the other volunteers.
From these results it was concluded that individuals with the gene rs2287019 showed greatest improvement in:

• weight,
• blood sugar levels, and
• the ability to use sugar

when consuming a low-fat, high carbohydrate, high fiber diet.
How the low-fat diet worked best for the rs2287019 participants is not yet known, but one study showed the four types of diets had different effects on how energy was expended. The study, performed under the auspices of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute in Bethesda, USA, was published in September 2011 in the International Journal of Obesity in London.
Ninety-nine participants from the POUNDS LOST trial were randomly assigned to the four diets mentioned above. After 6 months it was found the participants consuming the low-fat diet:

• lost more fat,
• were more physically active, and
• spent more calories by physical activity

than those consuming higher fat diets.
The volunteers consuming the higher fat diets broke down more non-fat tissue for use as energy than those on the low-fat diets.
Possibly the higher success rates of the overweight people with the rs2287019 gene who followed the low-fat diets could be due to the increased physical activity and their body's use of fat for energy. Of course, not everyone carries the rs2287019 gene and the test for it is not routinely carried out in your doctor's office, but if low-fat diets help people to become active and burn fat, then they are likely to be good for everyone.
Why not discuss the possibility of a low-fat diet with your doctor or dietitian?

To discover answers to questions you may be asking yourself about Type 2 Diabetes, click on this link... Natural Diabetes Treatments
Clicking on this link will help you to learn more about Type 2 Diabetes Solutions... Beverleigh Piepers RN... the Diabetes Detective.
Beverleigh Piepers is the author of this article. This article can be used for reprint on your website provided all the links in the article are complete and active. Copyright (c) 2011 - All Rights Reserved Worldwide

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Type 2 Diabetes - Learning To Live With Your Diabetes Diagnosis

By Beverleigh H Piepers 

Photo: img.webmd.com

Type 2 diabetes is one of the fastest growing diseases in our modern world. When you first receive your diagnosis of this disease, you might feel like you have just been given a death sentence, but this is not always the case. Although untreated Type 2 diabetes will most certainly be fatal, receiving a diagnosis early in the disease means you can now take steps to make lifestyle modifications to extend your life. In fact, you can even reverse the condition if you are motivated enough to make these changes.
First Step: The very first step you should take when you receive your diabetes diagnosis is to make the decision to take the disease seriously. Start by educating yourself: immediately make plans to start reading all you can about the disease. Plan to spend a little time each day learning about Type 2 diabetes and what you can do to control your blood sugar without medications. There is plenty of up-to-date research online, and new studies are being carried out all the time.
It is critical you understand:

• Type 2 diabetes and know that developing this disease is not your fault,
• how it came about and why it happened to you, and
• what you can do to reverse it.

In order to make wise decisions each day about the myriad factors that can affect your blood sugar levels, you will need knowledge.
You should also find out as much as possible about taking care of yourself and preventing possible future diabetic complications. Diabetes is an immensely complex disease that affects every system in your body.
It's critical you follow your doctor's instructions at this time as they will have specific things they want you to do in order to get your body on the right track. For instance, they may want you to check your blood sugar levels several times throughout the day at different intervals. This will give both your doctor and yourself a clearer picture of how your body is responding to medications and the healthy foods you are now going to be eating.
Networking with others: It's also important you establish some kind of support system either from your family and friends, or a local diabetes support group. You need people around you who understand what you're going through and can offer support when times are tough.
Diet: You must adopt a diet that is specifically geared toward people diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. Your doctor or dietitian will discuss a healthy eating plan with you. The idea at this time is to lose weight... whichever eating plan works for you this is the one to follow. Some diabetics are advised to follow a low-carbohydrate diet, others follow the Rate Your Plate method. When your blood sugar levels start to lower to the suggested healthy level, you will start to lose weight. The main idea is to keep your blood sugar levels balanced throughout the day so you don't have dips or spikes in your blood sugar and insulin levels
The role of exercise: Finally, it's very important you decide it's time to get moving. Next to controlling your food intake, exercise is probably the best thing you can do to control your diabetes. Exercise will usually make your blood sugar levels go down and will continue to help control them for hours after stopping the exercise.
The important thing at the beginning is just to do a little more exercise than you're accustomed to doing... it doesn't have to be vigorous to benefit you in some way.
Heart disease, hypertension and strokes are all potential complications from diabetes, so it's important to keep your body in as good a shape as possible.
Although the numbers for Type 2 diabetes are growing, more treatment options are also being developed. However, as with any medical condition, the best treatment is prevention. Preventing Type 2 diabetes by making healthy lifestyle modifications in advance is the best way to go. Short of that, trying to reverse it with lifestyle changes is your next best bet.

To discover answers to questions you may be asking yourself about Type 2 Diabetes, click on this link... Natural Diabetes Treatments
Clicking on this link will help you to learn more about Type 2 Diabetes Solutions... Beverleigh Piepers RN... the Diabetes Detective.
Beverleigh Piepers is the author of this article. This article can be used for reprint on your website provided all the links in the article are complete and active. Copyright (c) 2011 - All Rights Reserved Worldwide

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Type 2 Diabetes - Heart And Blood Vessel Disease In Diabetes!

By Beverleigh H Piepers 

Photo: 3.bp.blogspot.com

Heart and blood vessel disease are some of the most dreaded complications people diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes have to face. It has been found people with diabetes suffer twice as many heart attacks and strokes as anyone without diabetes. Type 2 diabetics usually have high cholesterol levels, which lead to clogged arteries and lack of circulation to the heart muscle and the brain.
In January 2012, the journal Cardiovascular Diabetology reported on the results of a study of the diabetes drug, linagliptin (Tradjenta and Trajenta), and its possible protective effect on the heart and blood vessels.
A total of 5239 volunteers diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes were included in the study. A group that included:

• 3319 diabetics received liniagliptin, and the remaining
• 1920 diabetics received the drugs glimepiride (Amaryl) or voglibose (Volix).

Eleven volunteers, or 0.3 per cent, of those receiving linagliptin showed signs and symptoms of heart and blood vessel diseases. Twenty-three, or 1.2 per cent, of the diabetics taking other medications, were treated for conditions involving the heart and blood vessels. The diabetic volunteers taking linagliptin had an almost two-thirds lower risk of heart and blood vessel disease as those taking other medications.
From these results, the researchers concluded linagliptin (Tradjenta and Trajenta) could have benefits for keeping the heart and blood vessels healthy in Type 2 diabetics.
Linagliptin was approved by the US Federal Drug Administration (FDA) in the Spring of 2011 and is marketed by the proprietary name Trajenta. It belongs to the class of medications called dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors. The class also includes sitagliptin, vildagliptin, saxagliptin, dutogliptin, gemigliptin, and alogliptin.

• Sitagliptin was approved by the FDA in 2006 and is also known as Januvia.
• Vildagliptin was FDA-approved in 2008, and has the proprietary name Galvus.
• Saxaglipin received its FDA approval in 2009 and is marketed as Onyglyza.
• Dutogliptin and Gemigliptin are still under study.

DPP-4 inhibitors work by increasing incretin, which in turn causes less glucagon to be released from the pancreas. When glucagon is suppressed, more insulin is released, the stomach empties more slowly, and carbohydrate is absorbed more slowly, all of which lowers blood sugar levels.
Linagliptin is taken once a day with or without food. It can be taken alone or along with drugs such as metformin, sulphoylureas or pioglitazone. Side effects include inflammation of the nose and throat and inflammation of the pancreas, or low blood sugar when used with sulfonylureas.
Many medications are available for lowering blood sugar levels. If linagliptin can also prevent heart attacks then it can serve an important dual purpose.

To discover answers to questions you may be asking yourself about Type 2 Diabetes, click on this link... Natural Diabetes Treatments
Clicking on this link will help you to learn more about Type 2 Diabetes Solutions... Beverleigh Piepers RN... the Diabetes Detective.
Beverleigh Piepers is the author of this article. This article can be used for reprint on your website provided all the links in the article are complete and active. Copyright (c) 2011 - All Rights Reserved Worldwide

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Importance Of Ayurvedic Medicines For Diabetes

By: Rinki Rawat

Photo: iloveherbs.net

Diabetes is a disorder where the sugar which is formed from various food substances does not get converted to energy. Insulin which is formed in pancreas is responsible for this transformation. This insulin is either not created at all-in Type 1 diabetes or it is not getting utilized properly by the body-Type 2 diabetes. There is no specific cause which is known till date for the inactivity of the pancreatic enzyme insulin or non-formation of it at all. As the insulin is not able to convert the sugar, the blood sugar level becomes high resulting in various symptoms such as-

1. Excessive thirst
2. Excessive hunger
3. Sudden weight loss
4. Frequent urination
5. Fatigue

By performing blood sugar tests, diabetes can be diagnosed and various medicines and diets are given to the patients. Because of the various side-effects of the allopathic medicines, many diabetic people do not want to take them and look for some medicines which could cure their diabetes in a natural way or with the medicines which are less harmful. Here you will to known some Ayurvedic medicines for diabetes and how treatment can be done for diabetes in Ayurveda.

Ayurvedic treatment for Diabetes includes some steps like-

1. Modification of diet- The diet given is to ensure less sugar and simple carbohydrates are taken in less amount and the complex carbohydrates are taken more. Fat and protein intake should be limited too. Fresh fruits and vegetables are included in the diet
2. The body of many diabetic patients have antibodies against their own pancreatic tissue so cleansing of these tissues is required which includes herbal massages, herbal steam bath etc.
3. Exercise and yoga- Ayurveda recommends exercise and yoga in order to treat diabetes
4. Some of the herbs are known to be good Ayurvedic medicines for diabetes-
5. Neem
6. Arjuna
7. Turmeric
8. Shilajit
9. Turmeric along with Aloe Vera gel is a very good medicine for diabetes

Some other commonly used ayurvedic treatment for diabetes are given here which are preferred by the patients because of the zero side-effects.

1. Juice made of bitter gourd or bitter lemon to be taken empty stomach everyday
2. mlaki powder(Indian Gooseberry), turmeric powder along with honey to be taken twice daily

The Ayurvedic medicines to cure many different ailments are getting popular because of the herbal constituents and no side effects.

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

About the Author:
Author in this article has conveyed information on ayurvedic treatment for diabetes. You can also get information on diabetes treatment and diabetes at our Onlymyhealth health care website.

Discovering Techniques That Will Help You Handle Diabetes

By Vernon Monde Mohapi 

Photo: salute.pourfemme.it

Diabetes as a disease has been a thorn in the flesh for many people worldwide as more and more people are falling prey to it in different stages of their lives. Scientists have been working on different techniques that would eventually help diabetics in effectively handling the disease. But the fear that once existed in people with regards to the disease is yet to recede. This is because the disease is no longer prevalent among the aged people but also young children, pregnant women and others. However, the detrimental effects are still largely seen in the elderly people as the disease is known to reduce the power within their body quickly. Surely there have to be some effective techniques in handling diabetes. But the question is: what are they?
Most scientists believe the environmental factors to be the main reason for destroying the immune system in the body that eventually destroys the insulin secreting cells. Therefore, controlling blood sugar level in the body becomes so difficult. In such cases, the only alternative is to supply insulin through external sources like injections. Interestingly, not many effective alternatives other than this have been found as yet.
Diabetes can occur to you in two different types - Type 1 and Type II.
Type I diabetes is incurable and remains as your friend throughout your life; more like an unreliable friend rather than a trusted one! You can even refer other deadly diseases as its companions in your body. Should be a bit careless in your approach, these diseases will not think twice in striking you. Hence, you need to be extra careful in handling diabetes.
Type II diabetes, on the contrary, is curable. In fact, it is believed that at least 9 out of 10 cases of it have been completely cured before. But to ensure this disease is cured completely, you need to follow certain rules. First up, you need to exercise regularly and also you need to control your eating habits, may be following a strict diet. Besides all this, you need to restrict your spree on alcohol and stop smoking completely. Controlling blood sugar level would also require keeping a check on your body weight.
You will require taking 2 to 5 injections per day to cure Type I diabetes. These insulin dosages help in controlling blood sugar level in your body. However, they shouldn't be considered as an alternative to exercises and proper diet. Insulin dosages will have an impact only when other necessary precautions are duly taken.
Proper techniques and treatments need to be followed while handling diabetes. Though it a feared disease it needs to be respected well. All its symptoms like constant urination, fatigue, blurry eyesight and others need to be watched out carefully. Physicians have to be consulted if you feel you're having these symptoms and take your appropriate treatment from there on.

About The Author
Vernon Mohapi is an Author of "Delicious Diabetic Recipes". As an Author on the subject, he is at the forefront to provide solutions to "Diabetic and You" news letter.
For more articles(or training)on "Diabetes and You" or to get your FREE Mini Course to "Diabetes and You" go to http://www.controldiabetesbydietplan.com.

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Low Carbohydrate Foods Help To Lower Blood Sugar

By Tehmina Mazher

Photo: 2.bp.blogspot.com

Can low carbohydrate foods help to lower blood sugar? It is a frequently asked question that must be roaming in your mind that make you stop here. The one word answer of your question is yes; they are beneficial as low carbohydrate foods generally have low sugar content. The weight of the person is controlled by his calorie intake. If a person consumes fewer calories most likely he will be losing weight. The person can lower down the calorie intake by limiting the carbohydrate quantity in his diet.
It is equally important to know well the difference between good and bad carbohydrates. The good carbohydrates are termed as complex carbohydrates whereas bad carbohydrates are termed as simple carbohydrates.
It is equally important to remember that there are some foods that can be low in their carbohydrate content but at the same time high in their fat content. It is important for diabetics that they must not include plenty of fats in the diet. There are some very healthy foods that have low amount of fats as well as carbohydrates. The examples of such foods are meat, poultry, fish, non starchy vegetables, oils and dairy products.
Our body needs few fats, some proteins and few carbohydrates for proper functioning. It is extremely important to eat a balanced diet that contains all food groups.
Given here is a list of low carb foods that are healthier for diabetics.
Low Carbohydrate Containing Vegetables
1- Asparagus
2- Beetroot
3- Beans
4- Brussel sprouts
5- Cabbage
6- Cauliflower
7- Carrots
8- Celery
9- Lettuce
10- Leeks
11- Mushroom
12- Onion
13- Pumpkin
14- Peas
15- Tomatoes
16- Spinach
17- Watercress
Low Carbohydrate Containing Fruits
1- Apricots
2- Apples
3- Blackberries
4- Bananas
5- Figs
6- Cherries
7- Grapefruit
8- Grapes
9- Oranges
10- Lemon
11- Plum
12- Peaches
13- Prunes
14- Pears
15- Raspberries
16- Rhubarb
17- Strawberries
Low Carbohydrate Containing Nuts
1- Brazil
2- Almonds
3- Coconut
4- Chestnuts
5- Peanuts
6- Pecans
7- Walnuts
The most important point here is to remember that lower content of carbohydrate in the diet is not good for anyone including diabetics for a long period of time. It is always good to seek medical advice for making sure that low carbohydrate diet may not cause you any harm in the long run. It is critically important to incorporate exercise in the daily routine, which can complement the healthy diet.
It is famous that carbohydrates are the cause of elevated blood sugar levels; so it is better to incorporate fewer carbs containing ingredients when the level of blood glucose is higher. Once the blood sugar levels are in control it is better to return to a balanced diet containing a mix of fats, proteins as well as carbohydrates.
It is essential to keep a handy list of food items that cause your blood sugar levels to rise. This will help the diabetic to avoid being on a reduced carbohydrate diet for a longer period of time. Summing up, low carbohydrate containing foods are beneficial for the diabetics in short run for preventing the complications of diabetes.

Grab a free diabetic meal plan specifically designed according to your personal requirement check Diabetic Diet Plan. This list will help to design a meal plan that has the ability to control the Signs Of Diabetes in a way that you'll end up saying where is my blood sugar?

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Know The Benefits Of Using Insulin Pump Infusion Sets

By: Jenny Birkin

Photo: livingwithtype1diabetes.files.wordpress.com

As an effective means to manage diabetes mellitus, the use of pump infusion is more or less common these days. A regular diabetic pump comprises of a pump and insulin infusion set. A diabetic person can choose a specific infusion set for a number of reasons. First of all, its a significant decision that a diabetic person needs to make when it comes to checking the levels of blood sugar. The insulin infusion sets help in monitoring blood sugar levels.

The infusion set comes in handy and can be used as and when needed by the patient. Thus, offering some kind of flexibility in the regular diabetes routine. Infusion sets are part of the traditional insulin pump. The pump is used to transfer the insulin to the user. Infusion sets for insulin pumps replace the need for insulin shots using a needle or insulin pen.

There are many people who want to avoid frequent shots. A trypanophobic would definitely prefer an insulin pump since an insulin pump requires changing its infusion set every 2-3 days. Therefore, you can get a break from the bouts of hyperglycemia. The infusion sets for insulin pumps are the preferred choice for many. Such sets offer insulin throughout the day 24/7. This also means that it is easier to keep the levels of glucose normal as long as the pump keeps on working.

Usually, insulin pump infusion sets help to ease the management of Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus that requires appropriate insulin administration. In addition to this, pump insulin infusion can offer more exact insulin management as and when compared to the injections that are likely to underestimate or overestimate the dosages required. Neuropathy is one condition which affects people with treatment of diabetes. The users experience less pain when they begin to use the insulin pumps.


Insulin pump infusion sets can differ from one another in tubing length, cannula length cannula insertion angle. It has to be kept in mind that insulin pumps can be a costly treatment to diabetes as and when compared to the more conventional insulin shots. Hence, the cost of the infusion sets and the cost of the pump need to be taken into account as well. However, the insulin infusion sets play a major role where the dependence of the user on insulin is somewhat regular. Diabetic in need of more regular insulin therapy can help himself without depending on the general practitioner or any one else.

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About the Author:
Written by Jenny, content writer at Inter-dev - Internet Marketing Company, on behalf of Springnow.com - Diabetes treatment

Gestational Diabetes Diet Plan - Guidelines for Women With Diabetes During Pregnancy

By Lukman Handoko 

Photo: buzzle.com

During pregnancy, women are forced to have better dietary plans in order to ensure good nutrition intakes for the babies. In normal conditions, there are plenty of guidelines providing great deals of information about recommended foods and dietary restrictions for pregnant women. However, not all women are having the same privilege to enjoy normal life because they develop a certain medical condition such as diabetes.
Gestational diabetes (diabetes suffered by pregnant women) needs special treatments and dietary rules. In one side, pregnant women have to consume plenty of nutritious meals to ensure health and growth of the unborn child. However, diabetes brings more difficulties to make a diet plan. Diabetes is developed inside the body because of insulin dysfunction. Insulin is either not produced or unusable that makes the glucose level in the blood keeps on increasing. High blood sugar is very dangerous for the unborn child; women with gestational diabetes have to be able to control it. Keeping a good glucose level in the blood can be a real pain for almost everyone as there will be too many kinds of foods should be avoided.
Especially for pregnant women who develop diabetes, one good way to acquire good information about a suggested dietary plan is by visiting registered dietitian or nutritionist. A professional will measure weights, heights, physical strength, and the growing baby's needs before a suggested dietary plan is made. The good thing about visiting a nutritionist is that almost all aspects about good diets are carefully examined. The amounts of calories needed, carbohydrate, protein, fats, and many others aspects of diets are accurately measured. Even better, a nutritionist will ask questions about any preferable meal that patients would like to put on the menu. In some cases, changing the diets will not be sufficient enough to keep the glucose level under a critical point. Nutritionists will recommend a regular insulin injection to gain better health condition. Pregnant women have to take the insulin injection regularly at a medical facility. The glucose level will be examined to measure the perfect dose of insulin to be given.
Nevertheless, some points on many dietary plans are commonly found on any recommendation by nutritionists or dietitians. Some of the common diet plans include the suggestions to take small amount of carbohydrates, milk, and any food that contains much sugar. There will be some recommendation to consume more protein and fiber. The amounts of carbohydrates should be reduced as they contain a lot of glucose. The case is the same with milk and some beverages that contain simple sugar such as soda, juice and desserts. Surprisingly, any gestational diabetes diet plan will not recommend to skipping meals. It is believed that good distribution of nutrition helps the body to maintain the good level of glucose in the blood. Of course, patients need to be consistent on the amount of food consumed each time.
Anyway, the above recommendations are based on a common dietary plan. It is recommended to consult doctors or nutritionists to get specific explanations. Indeed, it is not easy to strictly follow any gestational diabetes diet plan. However, in order to ensure the good growth of the unborn child, pregnant women with diabetes have to try at their best.

There are also other dietary plans available on http://www.diabetesdonation.net/, where you can find plenty of different plans with specific categories for gestational diabetes.

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Living With Diabetes - Risk Factors Of Diabetes

By Joel Gray 

Photo: diabetes.ca

Individuals who are known to be at a high risk for diabetes should undergo frequent testing for signs of diabetes. These individuals need to understand the risk factors associated with a diabetic condition. These factors include, among other things, the body's inability to regulate acidity in the blood sugar levels and regulate insulin and glucose hormones. A diet high in fats that raise bad levels of cholesterol coupled with little to no exercise also puts these individuals at a high risk for diabetes.
Diabetes has been considered a high risk factor for conditions such as heart disease, which is a coronary disease that causes the narrowing of the blood vessels carrying oxygen and blood to the heart. Heart disease has been labeled as the number one cause of death in the U.S. Individuals with heart disease become more and more limited and their risks for heart attacks increase drastically. Strokes are also common with individuals who have heart disease. Heart disease can also be a genetic disease. Diabetes is linked to heart disease, and heart disease is linked to other health problems, such as high cholesterol and hypertension.
Diabetes can become a vessel for these different conditions. There are good cholesterol levels (HDL) and bad cholesterol levels (LDL) in the body. High levels of bad cholesterol result in the cholesterol in the blood building up and sticking to the sides of the arteries. This plaque is a fat-like substance that mimics heart disease in that it narrows the vessels and can even block them. High cholesterol levels put an individual at high risk for hypertension. Diabetes is linked to those high risk factors for hypertension.
Linked to diabetes and high cholesterol levels, hypertension is known as the silent killer. Directly linked to the blood pressure flowing through the arteries, hypertension complications are increased when the walls of the arteries have been blocked or narrowed by high cholesterol levels. Essentially, this increases the blood pressure, and an individual is then said to have high blood pressure. High blood pressure is another symptom of heart disease and can also lead to heart attacks and strokes.
Not only does diabetes predispose individuals to high risks diseases, but environmental risk factors are directly tied in with diabetic conditions. According to as Stanford study, environmental factors, like chemicals in the soil and water around an individual, will increase the risk of developing diabetes. Three environmental elements were identified as being directly correlated with the increased risk of diabetes type II. Two elements identified were pesticides that contain heptachlor epoxide and PCBS. Surprisingly, the third element is a certain form of vitamin E, which is thought to have antioxidant factor for helping diabetic conditions. The clue may be in the potential toxicity of the build up of this vitamin, which is naturally found in large quantities in the tissues and blood of the body.
Environmental risk factors are more predisposed in type II diabetes than in type I diabetes. Sedentary lifestyles, high caloric intakes, very little exercise and a family history of diabetes, coupled with exposures to certain environmental factors, are deemed high risk factors for individuals to develop diabetic conditions.

Discover the advantages of living a healthy lifestyle and see the benefits that a well balanced diet can do for you. For more information about weight loss, healthy living, getting the proper diet and exercise and other usefull health tips go to my blog: Health Tips 101 and find out more!
Get Your "FREE" Diet & Exercise Tips Newsletter Today! Discover How To Live A Healthier Lifestyle And Learn How To Live Longer And Live Stronger!

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Innovations In Diabetes Treatment

By: Rinki Rawat

Photo: diabeticinnovations.com

There are many kinds of treatments for diabetes. A new diabetes treatment will help in reducing the health related side effects associated with the condition. A lot of progress is being seen by alternative treatments and medications.

1. Pramlintide Acetate
This is a new medication in the market for people who are suffering from diabetes. The administration of this medication is done during meal time and it is especially used for the maintenance of healthy blood glucose levels. There is prevention of spikes that will occur after eating. The medications will tend to be very stronger than various blood sugar control options. Less medications involve more effect. When Pramlintide acetate is used, it has an association with nausea. Thus, the strength of medication is increased very gently. Loss of weight is also reported by diabetes patients while they take this new diabetes treatment.

2. Exanatide
This is another pre-filled injection medication. It is one of the most interesting medications which hit the person with diabetes market. The saliva of the Gila Monster is the only source of medication. Approval of using this treatment is given only to the people with Type 2 diabetes. The medication is used for improving the natural ability of the body. Insulin is produced and secreted. There may be an association of decreased appetite with exenatide.

3. Saxagliptin
This is an oral medication which has been approved by FDA. This medication works for the control of blood glucose levels after meals. These medications are approved for people with Type 2 diabetes only. Later they are combined with other medications as well.

4. Combo diabetes medications
Several combinations of medications have been created for the patients who need to take more than one prescription for controlling their diabetes. Most common combinations include metformin. It is often suggested that this is the first medication that is prescribed to a newly diagnosed person with diabetes.

5. Anti-inflammatory
It is suggested by recent studies that an auto-immune disease is mainly caused by inflammation in the body. Many of the times, inflammation is often linked with obesity. However, not every patient with Type 2 diabetes is obese or overweight. Many patients are turning to natural anti-inflammatories for reducing free radical damage to the cells.

6. Insulin pump
This is also a new diabetes treatment that is attached to the body with a skin patch or an inserted cannula which transmits insulin to the body. The insulin pump is programmable and battery powered.

Some Ways To Keep Diabetes In Control

By Joy Kumar Das 

Photo: ayushveda.com



Diabetes is a chronic condition that results from the body's inability to adequately produce or properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is produced by the pancreas. It enables the body to utilize glucose for energy. There are two types of diabetes.
Those types are generally known as Type-1 diabetes and Type-2 diabetes. In the type-1 diabetes, pancreas does not produce insulin sufficiently, and this condition is commonly found in children and also in young adults. It happens when cells in the pancreas are destroyed. The destruction of cells in pancreas begins when body's immune system starts to deteriorate.
In type-2 diabetes, proper use of insulin does not happen. Body cannot use insulin properly. Clinical researches have confirmed that genetic disposition and sedentary lifestyle are the two major factors that cause this type of diabetic condition.
Diabetes is a major concern these days for all countries. The World Health Organization has already warned that this disease appears to be a global threat. To prevent it from spreading capriciously, a stronger awareness campaign should be reinforced across the world. However, risk of diabetes could be kept away if people maintain 'active lifestyle' and some simple ways. Here is a list of those ways that can lower the risk.
Know The Type of Diabetes First: When a person becomes 30 years old, he should take blood tests regularly to screen diabetes. There are two types of tests. One is the fasting blood glucose test and the other one is the oral glucose tolerance test. The latter involves drinking glucose and having blood sampled two hours later. Once one has been diagnosed with any of the diabetic condition, one should start to follow the recommendations of physician to the letter.
Lose Weight & Get Moving: Fat cells, which are found especially around the abdomen, secrete biological products. Those biological products most often impair the body's ability to properly utilize sugar and hamper the insulin production. 'Active lifestyle' helps one to shed fat immensely. A fat person starts to feel better when that person can pinch more than an inch off his tummy.
Add Fiber To Diet: If people ensure that they are getting at least 21 grams of fiber every day, they can keep themselves fit or keep themselves away from diabetic condition. But unfortunately, people eat only half of 21 grams of fiber per day. Fiber helps to reduce glucose levels, lessens appetite and augments satiety. Whole grain breads and brown rice are rich in fiber. People should ensure that they are eating plenty of green leafy vegetables, lentils, black beans, etc.
Remove Bad Carbohydrates: Refined white flour and sugar, when they are stripped of their nutritional value, are responsible for a dramatic increase in obesity and diabetes. Processed and frozen foods are to be avoided. Also, sugary drinks which are low in nutritive value and high in calories need to be kept aside.
Decrease Toxicity Level: Incidence of type-2 diabetes may increase when foods and drinks consisting of heavy metals such as lead, arsenic, and cadmium are taken. They promote oxidation and can also disturb healthy functioning of the pancreas. They can even interfere with the insulin secretion. So, it will be better to avoid foods and drinks that are sold in plastic containers and bottles.
Risk of diabetes can lessen dramatically when 'active lifestyle' is maintained. If people eat only fiber-rich foods, they will keep themselves away from the risk of diabetes.

Joy Kumar Das wields genuine command over the subjects like tours and travels, scientific discoveries, software development and website design and development industry, online marketing industry. and business promotion and advertisement management, among others. His writings express his thoughts which emanate from thorough analysis. This article is an outcome of his elaborate research.

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Diabetes Prevention: 5 Important Tips

By: tpalmer

Photo: lh3.ggpht.com

The home care professionals at Always Best Care in Chapel Hill, who provide senior care to many elderly individuals in Chapel Hill, Orange County, Carrboro, Hope Valley, and Southpoint, know that diabetes is a dangerous condition that may be prevented. The Mayo Clinic has released a list of five tips to keep your health in top shape and prevent diabetes. Although diabetes may still develop, despite prevention efforts, taking measures to avoid the condition can lead to improved health and, in many cases, can thwart the disease before it occurs.

1. Exercise more regularly. The combination of aerobic and resistance training can help control and prevent the development of diabetes. Through this exercise, you may experience weight loss, a drop in blood sugar, and an increase in the sensitivity of your body's cells to insulin. This sensitivity allows your body to maintain a healthy blood sugar level.

2. Eat more fiber. Incorporate more fruits, vegetables, seeds, nuts, whole grains, beans, and other fiber-rich ingredients into your meal plan. Doing so can help control your blood sugar, decrease your chances of developing heart disease, and help with weight loss.

3. Opt for whole grain foods. High in fiber, whole grains can help prevent diabetes and sustain healthy blood sugar levels. While the Mayo Clinic does note that it is unclear why whole grains help, they are easy to incorporate into your diet in the form of pasta, bread, and cereal.

4. Lose any extra weight. Carrying extra weight can put you at risk for many health issues, diabetes being one of them. The Mayo Clinic reports that people have experienced significant reductions in their risk for diabetes by losing a relatively little amount of weight, citing a study that showed a 16 percent risk reduction for every 2.2 pounds lost.

5. Ignore diet trends and make healthy choices. Although trendy diet plans may work in the short term, they may not necessarily contribute to diabetes prevention. Stick to a well-rounded, healthy meal plan that focuses on portion control.

At Always Best Care in Chapel Hill (www.alwaysbestcarechapelhill-durham.com), we understand that diabetes is a major concern for many people. Through our senior care services, we work with individuals who are trying to manage the disease and prevent diabetes from developing. By following these five tips from the Mayo Clinic, you can also work to keep this condition at bay.

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About the Author:
Since 1996, Always Best Care has helped families with non-medical in-home care, assisted living placement services and skilled home health care.

Living With Diabetes - Symptoms Of Diabetes

By Joel Gray 

Photo: img.webmd.com

Diabetic symptoms progress with systemic approaches according to the type and progression of a diabetic condition and the duration of high levels of blood sugars. Common symptoms of higher blood sugar durations include extreme thirst and hunger, weight loss and frequent periods of urinary urgencies. These conditions are known to be associated with rapid onset of diabetes type II and should be symptoms that prompt medical testing or diabetes.
These particular symptoms are the result of the actual progressive nature of diabetes. Problematic symptoms like incessant thirst and hunger, to growing urgencies for urination, indicate a serious inclination towards a diabetic condition. Undiagnosed and left untreated, these conditions may lead to pathological conditions dealing with urological, pancreatic, kidney, liver and other internal organ pathological conditions. Weight loss symptoms displayed in a diabetic condition is a result of an imbalanced metabolic system.
Severe weight loss needs immediate medical attention. Diabetic symptoms that display themselves as excessive thirst and hunger need appropriate medical testing to rule out any digestive conditions like Chron's Disease and diverticulitis. These three symptoms closely mimic the symptoms of diabetes insipidus, which is otherwise unrelated to diabetes mellitus. Frequency and the urge to urinate are symptoms of a diabetic condition known as polyuria. Conditions like dehydration can result in these cases, and medical evaluation should be prompt.
Most diabetic symptoms are results of a prolonged duration of high blood sugars, and start mildly, like unhealed sores and derma abrasions that do not go away. Unhealed sores and abrasions of the skin include abscesses, skin rashes, and infections of the skin, skin boils, and eventually debiticus ulcers (bedsores). These areas will fill up with pus and surround the tissues in hollowed cavities of the body. This inflammation is indicative to bacterial infections or parasitic infections. These infections can lead into internal abscess infections like abscesses on the brain, lungs, kidneys, and rectum, and breast, liver, spinal and oral abscesses. Skin rashes, infections of the skin and skin boils are open sources of viral and fungi portals. All of these signs of poor skin healing are milder symptom of a diabetic condition, but can cause a variety of other problematic conditions.
Additional symptoms include fatigue, blurred vision along with sores and abrasions that do not heal. Diagnostic evaluations should be performed to properly diagnose a diabetic condition. These symptoms require medical interventions that could prevent conditions known to be associated with diabetes. Blurred vision and fatigue are two other symptoms of a diabetic condition. Diabetic symptoms of blurred vision can lead to diabetic retinopathy and diabetic lens osmosis. A marked degree of eyesight changes occur with the aging process and are normal.
A certified physician should, immediately check out sudden blurred vision, spots and hairline shadows and loss of peripheral vision. Fatigue symptoms displayed in a diabetic condition is a signal that glucose levels may be dangerously low in the body. Chronic fatigue left untreated in a diabetic patient can be a serious sign of heart disease, which is linked to diabetes.

Discover the advantages of living a healthy lifestyle and see the benefits that a well balanced diet can do for you. For more information about weight loss, healthy living, getting the proper diet and exercise and other useful health tips go to my blog: Health Tips 101 and find out more!
Get Your "FREE" Diet & Exercise Tips Newsletter Today! And Discover How To Live Longer And Live Stonger!

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Diabetes and the Elderly

By Sarah A Manchester  

Photo: adultfamilyhomesvancouverwa.com

When people get older, it seems some simple tasks become more difficult, but if you or someone you know has diabetes and is elderly, things can be more of a challenge. There are two types of diabetes, Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 diabetes is also referred to as Juvenile Diabetes and is diagnosed in children and young adults. Type 2 diabetes is the most common type and normally is something people who are diagnosed with this type live with for life.
Diabetes in senior citizens can be difficult to diagnose and to take care of. Many of the symptoms of diabetes like weight loss, changes in vision, frequent urination, and thirst can be mistaken as signs of aging. To determine if someone with these symptoms is showing signs of diabetes versus aging, they need to visit their doctor on a regular basis to have tests run.
There are many complications that can occur in senior citizens who have diabetes. Of course these complications can happen to any one of any age, but the elderly are more susceptible to developing these problems. One of these problems is cognitive impairment; diabetes increases the risk of developing dementia and has been well documented. However, the connection of diabetes and Alzheimer's isn't as strong as that with dementia.
Elderly patients who have diabetes also experience problems in mobility during daily tasks. It has been reported that many senior citizens that have this disease have trouble walking more than 400 meters. This is more relevant in elderly women than elderly men. This makes doing normal household chores very difficult and it also increases the chances of falls and hip fractures. One of the treatments of diabetes is to keep moving and to get enough exercise, but for those who have trouble with mobility, this becomes a daunting task and makes it that much more difficult to treat.
The treatment can vary from person to person depending on what form they have and how old they are. However, the common treatments for diabetes involve a change in diet and exercise to help control blood sugar. For some, the easiest way to control their blood sugar is by using an insulin shot or pump. People who have diabetes should take care of their extremities like their feet and hands. Diabetes can affect blood flow and circulation making it difficult for the extremities to receive blood. Exercise can help stimulate blood flow to these body parts.
For the elderly and senior citizens who have diabetes, going to regular doctor visits and getting tests done regularly can help control their blood sugar and diabetes. If you or someone you know is under care of a nurse or is in a nursing home, make sure that whoever is taking care of them knows that they have diabetes and what type it is. Not getting the proper treatment can be disastrous, so making sure that someone with diabetes will be well taken care of is important. If you want to know more about diabetes and how it may affect you or an elderly member of your family, talk to your doctor to get more information.

Sarah Manchester
Senior Care Options
Alzheimer's Care

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Type 2 Diabetes Treatment

By: Type Free Diabetes

Photo: diabeteshealthysolutions.com

Diabetes treatment for those suffering from type 2 diabetes focuses on improving the habits and lifestyle of the patient and may include medication and insulin therapy in severe cases. Diabetes treatment also invariably includes a more active lifestyle with at least a one-hour-a-day exercise.

Type 2 Diabetes Triggers
Type 2 diabetes is a condition where the body becomes resistant to insulin due to damage in the insulin receptor cells. There may be various medical causes for the damage to the cells, but generally speaking, Type 2 diabetes is often considered a lifestyle disease. People following a less active lifestyle combined with diets high in saturated fats and trans-fatty acids with little or no fiber intake are at a higher risk for Type 2 diabetes.

Type 2 Diabetes treatment
Type 2 diabetes treatment stresses on healthy eating and regular exercise to control weight. The reason is because more than 55% of people with Type 2 diabetes are obese. Healthy eating involves a diet rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables and low in fats and calories. Diabetes treatment for Type 2 may also make use of certain medications as well as insulin therapy depending on the patient's needs. When we talk of medication for diabetes treatment, it could mean taking drugs to slow down the movement of food in the stomach to avoid a spike in blood sugar levels.

Diabetes treatment includes daily monitoring
Blood glucose monitoring is another important aspect of Type 2 diabetes treatment. Since diabetes treatment focuses on maintaining the ideal blood sugar levels, it becomes essential to monitor it on a daily basis. This is done with the help of a device known as a glucometer. This procedure that forms a part of the patient's diabetes treatment plan involves pricking the finger with a lancet to extract a small drop of blood that is placed on a testing strip. The testing strip is inserted into the glucometer which gives a reading in about 30 seconds. Your doctor or health care practitioner in charge of your diabetes treatment plan will help you set up a regular glucose monitoring schedule to be followed.

Hygiene and attention to yourself as part of the Diabetes treatment
Self care is important in your diabetes treatment plan. Diabetics usually suffer from foot problems due to lack of proper blood circulation and nerve damage leading to an inability to fight infections. As part of diabetes treatment plan it is essential that diabetics take proper care of their feet to avoid further complications. Make checking your feet for sores and cuts a routine part of your diabetes treatment plan so that problems do not go unnoticed. Wear comfortable shoes and soften dry skin with lotion or petroleum jelly. Diabetics can also suffer from problems relating to the teeth, gums and eyes. Hence, diabetes treatment should involve scheduled visits to the dentist and ophthalmologist at least once a year.

Diabetes treatment without insulin
Some people with Type 2 diabetes are able to manage their blood glucose levels with a healthy diet and regular exercise, thus avoiding the conventional diabetes treatment. However, there are others who are not so fortunate and may require diabetes treatment involving insulin therapy. Depending upon the patient's requirement, doctors may prescribe rapid action insulin and long-acting insulin. Insulin can either be injected with a needle and syringe or with an insulin pen. The other option is an insulin pump. The patient can choose the method of insulin therapy for diabetes treatment depending on his convenience.

The significance of self care, healthy diet and regular exercise cannot be stressed enough in type 2 diabetes treatment. These are lifestyle changes that the individual must take seriously for successful diabetes treatment.

Check out for Type 2 diabetes weight loss and Type 2 diabetes information blog

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TypeFreeDiabetes.com is the premier source for your diabetic needs on-line.