Now before you get all excited thinking that a cure for diabetes has been found, that is not the case at all. But some studies have shown that there are certain substances that can act as a diabetes natural remedy to help or control your type 2 diabetes. It is important to note that the studies to date are not conclusive, but this article talks about some of the things that have been found in the studies to date, which indicate promise.
First of all, before you start taking anything, you should talk with your doctor about it, especially if you suffer from diabetes. Some of the things that you may be considering taking may conflict with some other medications you are taking, and you can find yourself in a worse place than when you started. This cannot be emphasized enough -- work with your doctor or your qualified health care professional before changing your diet or routine.
Now the good news -- some studies have found that some elements can act as a diabetes natural remedy for type 2 diabetes. Again, studies are not yet conclusive but I thought it would be important to share some of those things with you here.
Ginseng - Some studies have indicated that North American ginseng may help diabetes. More specifically, the help would be in the form of improved control of blood sugar as well as glysosylatged hemoglobin levels. This is a form of hemoglobin in the blood which is used to monitor blood glucose levels over time.
Chromium - This trace mineral has been found in some studies to play an important role in carbohydrate and fat metabolism, and helps the body cells to respond properly to insulin. The indication that chromium, in low doses, may help is because many people with diabetes were shown to have a low chromium level. The studies on this are very preliminary, and does not apply to all types of chromium; for example, chromium picolinate is not recommended at all.
Cinnamon - Yes, believe it or not, testing showed (inconclusively) that cinnamon can be a diabetes natural remedy. Although the number of patients tested was small and the positive results were small, the betterment of the patient was thought to be statistically significant and warrants further study.
Zinc - Like chromium, diabetes patients were typically found to have a low level of zinc in their bodies compared with the norm. Zinc plays an important role in the production and storage of insulin.
Again, these results are inconclusive, but the results to date are promising, especially since a diabetes natural remedy like these mentioned and others are significantly less expensive than prescription drugs, as well as typically not having the possible nasty side effects that some prescription drugs contain.
Looking for more information about diabetes natural remedy? Visit our web site for more information about many aspects of diabetes at http://www.diabetes-data.com/diabetes_natural_remedy.php
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jon_Arnold
Thursday
Eating Healthy with Diabetes
Diabetes is a disease that has to do with the body not properly using insulin, or not producing enough of it. Insulin is the hormone that converts sugars and starches into the energy that is needed to get through each day. Managing diabetes can be broken down into three parts; healthy eating, medication when needed, and physical activity. The key to effectively managing diabetes is controlling your blood sugar by way of a healthy lifestyle which means eating right, exercising and maintaining a healthy weight at all times.
The best way to ensure that you are eating correctly when managing your diabetes is to follow the diabetic food pyramid, which has guidelines for different food groups, and directs on how many of each food group to consume every day in order to remain healthy. The diabetic food pyramid is different than the typical Food Guide Pyramid, in that it recommends foods based on carbohydrates and proteins rather than on calories and fats. It is important for diabetics to consume a variety of foods every day. For example, eating tortillas, apples, broccoli and chicken and drinking milk in one day would effectively cover the grains, fruit, vegetable, dairy and protein groups. Eating brown rice, mangoes, tomatoes, beans and yogurt in a single day would also cover the same food groups, but in a different way. It is imperative that you eat from each food group, and are consuming the proper number of servings every day to ensure healthfulness.
Starches & Carbohydrates: The Starch group is made up of grains, starchy vegetables and beans. These are the carbohydrate-loaded foods like breads, cereals, beans, starchy vegetables and pasta. These foods should be consumed at every meal, as they are essential for creating the energy that you need to remain healthy. You should plan on consuming anywhere between six and eleven servings per day, but the number of servings depends on the calories that you need every day, and your specific diabetes treatment plan. Examples of single servings of starches and carbohydrates are single slices of bread, small plantains or potatoes, a half cup of cooked cereal like oatmeal, a third of a cup of cooked rice, or a small tortilla.
Vegetables: Vegetables are healthy foods for everyone, even diabetics. They are preferred in their raw form, but can also be consumed after being cooked. Vegetables are packed with vitamins, fiber and minerals and are very low in calorie which makes them easy to fit into any eating plan. Typically, you should consume three to five servings every day of bright vegetables like carrots, eggplant, tomatoes, spinach and broccoli. A serving of vegetables translates to roughly a half cup of cooked vegetables, or a full cup of raw vegetables. If you prefer to drink vegetable juice instead, note that a half cup qualifies as a full serving of vegetables.
Fruits: Fruit, like vegetables, is extremely healthy for everyone including diabetics. It can give you energy, fiber, minerals and vitamins, so you should consume around 2 to 4 servings of fruit per day. Examples of single servings of fruit include single small pears or apples, a half cup of orange or apple juice, a single small banana, or half of a large one, or a quarter cup of raisins or other dried fruit. Fruits are preferred raw, or as juice when no sugar has been added.
Dairy Foods: People with diabetes can benefit greatly from low-fat and fat-free dairy products. Both milk and yogurt give energy, calcium, vitamin A and protein among other essential vitamins and minerals. Fat-free milk is preferred, and should be consumed daily. It has less saturated fat, total fat and cholesterol than regular milk. You should plan on consuming between two and three servings of dairy per day, unless you are pregnant in which case you should plan on consuming twice that amount. An average serving translates to roughly a cup of plain yogurt that is fat free, or a cup of low-fat or non-fat milk.
Meats & Proteins: This group contains meat like beef, pork, chicken and turkey, in addition to eggs, nuts and soy products like tofu and soy milk. You should plan on eating only small amounts of several of these foods each day. They provide us with protein, which helps to build tissue and muscles in addition to giving essential nutrients and vitamins. You should plan on consuming between two and three servings daily. A serving size is generally two to three ounces of a meat like fish or chicken, three to four ounces of tofu, or an ounce of cheese.
Want to learn more about Diabetic Diet?, feel free to visit us at: http://www.about-diabetics.info/Articles/Diabetic_Supply_Testing.php
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Arturo_Ronzon
The best way to ensure that you are eating correctly when managing your diabetes is to follow the diabetic food pyramid, which has guidelines for different food groups, and directs on how many of each food group to consume every day in order to remain healthy. The diabetic food pyramid is different than the typical Food Guide Pyramid, in that it recommends foods based on carbohydrates and proteins rather than on calories and fats. It is important for diabetics to consume a variety of foods every day. For example, eating tortillas, apples, broccoli and chicken and drinking milk in one day would effectively cover the grains, fruit, vegetable, dairy and protein groups. Eating brown rice, mangoes, tomatoes, beans and yogurt in a single day would also cover the same food groups, but in a different way. It is imperative that you eat from each food group, and are consuming the proper number of servings every day to ensure healthfulness.
Starches & Carbohydrates: The Starch group is made up of grains, starchy vegetables and beans. These are the carbohydrate-loaded foods like breads, cereals, beans, starchy vegetables and pasta. These foods should be consumed at every meal, as they are essential for creating the energy that you need to remain healthy. You should plan on consuming anywhere between six and eleven servings per day, but the number of servings depends on the calories that you need every day, and your specific diabetes treatment plan. Examples of single servings of starches and carbohydrates are single slices of bread, small plantains or potatoes, a half cup of cooked cereal like oatmeal, a third of a cup of cooked rice, or a small tortilla.
Vegetables: Vegetables are healthy foods for everyone, even diabetics. They are preferred in their raw form, but can also be consumed after being cooked. Vegetables are packed with vitamins, fiber and minerals and are very low in calorie which makes them easy to fit into any eating plan. Typically, you should consume three to five servings every day of bright vegetables like carrots, eggplant, tomatoes, spinach and broccoli. A serving of vegetables translates to roughly a half cup of cooked vegetables, or a full cup of raw vegetables. If you prefer to drink vegetable juice instead, note that a half cup qualifies as a full serving of vegetables.
Fruits: Fruit, like vegetables, is extremely healthy for everyone including diabetics. It can give you energy, fiber, minerals and vitamins, so you should consume around 2 to 4 servings of fruit per day. Examples of single servings of fruit include single small pears or apples, a half cup of orange or apple juice, a single small banana, or half of a large one, or a quarter cup of raisins or other dried fruit. Fruits are preferred raw, or as juice when no sugar has been added.
Dairy Foods: People with diabetes can benefit greatly from low-fat and fat-free dairy products. Both milk and yogurt give energy, calcium, vitamin A and protein among other essential vitamins and minerals. Fat-free milk is preferred, and should be consumed daily. It has less saturated fat, total fat and cholesterol than regular milk. You should plan on consuming between two and three servings of dairy per day, unless you are pregnant in which case you should plan on consuming twice that amount. An average serving translates to roughly a cup of plain yogurt that is fat free, or a cup of low-fat or non-fat milk.
Meats & Proteins: This group contains meat like beef, pork, chicken and turkey, in addition to eggs, nuts and soy products like tofu and soy milk. You should plan on eating only small amounts of several of these foods each day. They provide us with protein, which helps to build tissue and muscles in addition to giving essential nutrients and vitamins. You should plan on consuming between two and three servings daily. A serving size is generally two to three ounces of a meat like fish or chicken, three to four ounces of tofu, or an ounce of cheese.
Want to learn more about Diabetic Diet?, feel free to visit us at: http://www.about-diabetics.info/Articles/Diabetic_Supply_Testing.php
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Arturo_Ronzon
Herbs Good For Diabetes
As diabetes, particularly type 2 diabetes, becomes more prevalent in society there is continuing interest in ways to treat the condition. Conventional medical wisdom advocates the use of medication and a change in lifestyle as a way to manage diabetes. A change in lifestyle generally means taking on more exercise and altering eating habits. Altering eating habits include monitoring the types of foods that a person eats, especially fatty foods and carbohydrates. Thus a diabetic is urged to take responsibility, in consultation with a dietitian or doctor, for their diet. As people become more involved with their meal plans interest has grown in the types of supplements and herbs good for diabetes. This article will discuss some of the main herbs that are believed to be useful for diabetics.
This list of herbs can be used as a supplement or in cooking :
Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) leaves are used as a herb or Fenugreek seeds are used as a spice. They can be taken as a supplement or in cooking. In a limited clinical test on humans, Fenugreek was seen to stimulate insulin secretion from the pancreatic cells and could help to lower the blood sugar levels.
Cinnamon or Cassia is a spice that is derived from the bark of the Cinnamon or Cassia tree. It can be used in cooking and is popular in Chinese food. University tests using Cassia (often marketed as cinnamon) on humans show significant lowering of blood glucose levels in those that took higher dosages to the placebo test cases.
Banaba (Lagerstroemia Speciosa) is a tree common in South East Asia. The leaves of the tree are used as a traditional medicine in parts of Indonesia and the Philippines. Tests in Japan and the USA found that the active ingredient in Banaba is Corosolic acid, that has the effect of lowering blood sugar levels.
Ginseng or Asian Ginseng (Panax Ginseng) is a herb that can be added to cooking, taken as a supplement or tincture. Chinese medicine has extolled the power of ginseng as a general cure all and booster of the immune system. It has also been suggested that it can lower glucose levels in blood and lower blood pressure.
Turmeric (Curcuma Longa) is a member of the ginger family Zingiberaceae. The active ingredient in Turmeric is Curcumin. In clinical tests on rats, curcumin was seen to lower glucose levels in rats. Turmeric is used in cooking, especially Indian curries and other cuisine from South East Asia.
Stevia also known as Sweet leaf or Sugar leaf is a shrub found in South and Central America. As the name suggests, it is noted for it's sweet taste. Extracted Stevia is widely used as a sweetener alternative to sugar in Japan. It has little effective on the blood sugar level so is useful for diabetics.
Neem Tree (Meliaceae Azadirachta) is part of the Mahogany family. Neem leaves are used in Ayurvedic medicine and are thought to reduce blood sugar levels.
Ginkgo Biloba is the extract of leaves taken from the Ginkgo tree. The extract contains flavonoid glycosides that are noted for antioxidant qualities and improving blood circulation, especially to small capillaries. Poor circulation is a common problem for diabetics so this can aid or prevent complications like diabetic neuropathy or diabetic retinopathy occurring.
Indian Kino Tree (Pterocarpus Marsupium) also known as Malabar Kino. The bark of this tree is soaked in water to leave an extract that is used in Ayurvedic medicine. The active ingredient in the Kino tree bark is epicatechin. In clinical tests involving mice, epicatechin was seen to increase the cAMP content in pancreatic islets cells which are responsible for producing insulin.
Bitter Melon (Momordica Charantia) is an edible fruit that is known for it's bitter taste. It is often used in South East Asian and Indian cooking or made into a tea. In Ayurvedic medicine it is often described as "plant insulin" as it contains a protein similar to that found in bovine insulin. The active ingredient is thought to be p-insulin or polypeptide-p. When extracted from bitter melon and injected into the body it performs like a slow acting animal insulin. It could be used as a source of insulin of Type 1 diabetics with further research into extraction of p-insulin.
It should be remembered that many of the herbs mentioned have undergone little or no clinical testing. Much of the evidence that these herbs work is either anecdotal or has been passed down from ancient medical traditions such as Ayurvedic or Chinese medicine. If you decide to use these herbal remedies, particularly as a supplement. It is advised that you discuss your decision with your doctor and monitor your blood sugar levels closely until you a familiar with the type of effects that the supplement will have on you.
Learn more about herbs and other supplements for your diabetic diet plan at http://www.diabeticdietsplan.com . The site deals with diets and eating healthy foods, diabetic cooking and how to get diabetic supplies. Adrian Whittle writes on issues related to diabetes including common symptoms of diabetes and related complications like diabetic retinopathy and diabetic neuropathy.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Adrian_Whittle
This list of herbs can be used as a supplement or in cooking :
Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) leaves are used as a herb or Fenugreek seeds are used as a spice. They can be taken as a supplement or in cooking. In a limited clinical test on humans, Fenugreek was seen to stimulate insulin secretion from the pancreatic cells and could help to lower the blood sugar levels.
Cinnamon or Cassia is a spice that is derived from the bark of the Cinnamon or Cassia tree. It can be used in cooking and is popular in Chinese food. University tests using Cassia (often marketed as cinnamon) on humans show significant lowering of blood glucose levels in those that took higher dosages to the placebo test cases.
Banaba (Lagerstroemia Speciosa) is a tree common in South East Asia. The leaves of the tree are used as a traditional medicine in parts of Indonesia and the Philippines. Tests in Japan and the USA found that the active ingredient in Banaba is Corosolic acid, that has the effect of lowering blood sugar levels.
Ginseng or Asian Ginseng (Panax Ginseng) is a herb that can be added to cooking, taken as a supplement or tincture. Chinese medicine has extolled the power of ginseng as a general cure all and booster of the immune system. It has also been suggested that it can lower glucose levels in blood and lower blood pressure.
Turmeric (Curcuma Longa) is a member of the ginger family Zingiberaceae. The active ingredient in Turmeric is Curcumin. In clinical tests on rats, curcumin was seen to lower glucose levels in rats. Turmeric is used in cooking, especially Indian curries and other cuisine from South East Asia.
Stevia also known as Sweet leaf or Sugar leaf is a shrub found in South and Central America. As the name suggests, it is noted for it's sweet taste. Extracted Stevia is widely used as a sweetener alternative to sugar in Japan. It has little effective on the blood sugar level so is useful for diabetics.
Neem Tree (Meliaceae Azadirachta) is part of the Mahogany family. Neem leaves are used in Ayurvedic medicine and are thought to reduce blood sugar levels.
Ginkgo Biloba is the extract of leaves taken from the Ginkgo tree. The extract contains flavonoid glycosides that are noted for antioxidant qualities and improving blood circulation, especially to small capillaries. Poor circulation is a common problem for diabetics so this can aid or prevent complications like diabetic neuropathy or diabetic retinopathy occurring.
Indian Kino Tree (Pterocarpus Marsupium) also known as Malabar Kino. The bark of this tree is soaked in water to leave an extract that is used in Ayurvedic medicine. The active ingredient in the Kino tree bark is epicatechin. In clinical tests involving mice, epicatechin was seen to increase the cAMP content in pancreatic islets cells which are responsible for producing insulin.
Bitter Melon (Momordica Charantia) is an edible fruit that is known for it's bitter taste. It is often used in South East Asian and Indian cooking or made into a tea. In Ayurvedic medicine it is often described as "plant insulin" as it contains a protein similar to that found in bovine insulin. The active ingredient is thought to be p-insulin or polypeptide-p. When extracted from bitter melon and injected into the body it performs like a slow acting animal insulin. It could be used as a source of insulin of Type 1 diabetics with further research into extraction of p-insulin.
It should be remembered that many of the herbs mentioned have undergone little or no clinical testing. Much of the evidence that these herbs work is either anecdotal or has been passed down from ancient medical traditions such as Ayurvedic or Chinese medicine. If you decide to use these herbal remedies, particularly as a supplement. It is advised that you discuss your decision with your doctor and monitor your blood sugar levels closely until you a familiar with the type of effects that the supplement will have on you.
Learn more about herbs and other supplements for your diabetic diet plan at http://www.diabeticdietsplan.com . The site deals with diets and eating healthy foods, diabetic cooking and how to get diabetic supplies. Adrian Whittle writes on issues related to diabetes including common symptoms of diabetes and related complications like diabetic retinopathy and diabetic neuropathy.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Adrian_Whittle
Diabetic Tests and Exams: Do You Have Diabetes?
As the occurrence of diabetes only increases, it is well to know if you have the disease or not. Diabetes requires special tests and exams to monitor blood sugar levels, and diagnosing the disease is not always easy.
Your first step should be with your doctor. He will ask you about your family history, and if diabetes runs in the family or not. He will also ask about other risk factors. In addition he will want to know what medications you are taking. You will be asked if you are allergic to any medications and if you have high cholesterol or other early signs of cardiovascular disease.
The blood test itself is simple. One of easiest methods for checking and testing blood sugar levels is with a finger stick. This will give blood sugar levels immediately but do understand that they are not always as accurate as a laboratory test. A pinprick is made on a finger, a drop of blood is placed on a test strip, and then it goes into a small machine. These same test kits are used by diabetics keep track of their levels at home. Occasionally, you will get an unusually high or low reading which requires a re-test. Also they are only accurate to within about 10 percent of the reading a laboratory would get.
A fasting plasma glucose test may be ordered by your doctor. For this test, you will need to fast eight hours before your test is scheduled. Your blood will be drawn, usually in the morning, and your reading should be no more than 126 mg/dl. If the reading is higher, you probably have diabetes. The test may be done again on another day to verify the results, or you may be asked to take a glucose tolerance test or a glycosylated hemoglobin test.
These other tests are more accurate and will confirm whether you are diabetic or if you are considered pre-diabetic, which might mean you have a high risk of developing diabetes in the future.
The oral glucose tolerance test involves drawing blood and testing it, then drinking a very sweet drink and two hours later you will have another blood sample drawn. If this test shows your blood glucose level to be over 200 mg/dl, you are diabetic. A reading between 140 and 200 would suggest a pre-diabetes condition.
The most accurate test of all is the glycosylated hemoglobin test. This is a measurement of how high your sugar level has been over the last 120 days. This time period reflects the normal life span of all red blood cells. Extra glucose attaches to red blood cells and stays there for the life of the cell. It is the best measurement for people who already have diabetes. This test is being used more often as a diagnostic tool for testing for diabetes.
Lastly, you may have seen advertisements on TV about monitors that do not require you to stick your finger each time you need your blood levels tested. These kits will make it easier for those who use their fingers at work. These are also a good choice for those who need to test several times a day. Many diabetics will test their sugar levels and adjust their insulin accordingly.
For more information and resources on type 1 and type 2 diabetes, symptoms, treatment, solutions and facts about diet and diabetes, visit Jeremy Parker's complete reference guide on Diabetes.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeremy_Parker
Your first step should be with your doctor. He will ask you about your family history, and if diabetes runs in the family or not. He will also ask about other risk factors. In addition he will want to know what medications you are taking. You will be asked if you are allergic to any medications and if you have high cholesterol or other early signs of cardiovascular disease.
The blood test itself is simple. One of easiest methods for checking and testing blood sugar levels is with a finger stick. This will give blood sugar levels immediately but do understand that they are not always as accurate as a laboratory test. A pinprick is made on a finger, a drop of blood is placed on a test strip, and then it goes into a small machine. These same test kits are used by diabetics keep track of their levels at home. Occasionally, you will get an unusually high or low reading which requires a re-test. Also they are only accurate to within about 10 percent of the reading a laboratory would get.
A fasting plasma glucose test may be ordered by your doctor. For this test, you will need to fast eight hours before your test is scheduled. Your blood will be drawn, usually in the morning, and your reading should be no more than 126 mg/dl. If the reading is higher, you probably have diabetes. The test may be done again on another day to verify the results, or you may be asked to take a glucose tolerance test or a glycosylated hemoglobin test.
These other tests are more accurate and will confirm whether you are diabetic or if you are considered pre-diabetic, which might mean you have a high risk of developing diabetes in the future.
The oral glucose tolerance test involves drawing blood and testing it, then drinking a very sweet drink and two hours later you will have another blood sample drawn. If this test shows your blood glucose level to be over 200 mg/dl, you are diabetic. A reading between 140 and 200 would suggest a pre-diabetes condition.
The most accurate test of all is the glycosylated hemoglobin test. This is a measurement of how high your sugar level has been over the last 120 days. This time period reflects the normal life span of all red blood cells. Extra glucose attaches to red blood cells and stays there for the life of the cell. It is the best measurement for people who already have diabetes. This test is being used more often as a diagnostic tool for testing for diabetes.
Lastly, you may have seen advertisements on TV about monitors that do not require you to stick your finger each time you need your blood levels tested. These kits will make it easier for those who use their fingers at work. These are also a good choice for those who need to test several times a day. Many diabetics will test their sugar levels and adjust their insulin accordingly.
For more information and resources on type 1 and type 2 diabetes, symptoms, treatment, solutions and facts about diet and diabetes, visit Jeremy Parker's complete reference guide on Diabetes.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeremy_Parker
Link Between Diabetes And Overweight
There is little doubt that being overweight or obese is not good for the health of the body. Along with increased risk of heart disease and other vital organ failures people are thought to be more susceptible to acquiring diabetes. This is not completely accurate as there are 3 different types of diabetes that are acquired in different ways. Let's start by defining these types of diabetes to find out the link between diabetes and being overweight.
There are three types of diabetes. Type I, type II and gestational diabetes.
Type I diabetes is a result of the pancreas stopping production of insulin, the hormone used to reduce glucose in the blood. It is thought that this is an autoimmune reaction by the body whereby the body destroys the cells in the pancreas responsible for producing insulin. Although it is not known why this occurs, research suggests that there is some genetic inheritance linked to type I diabetes. Acquiring type I diabetes is not linked to being overweight. Even so, a person with type I diabetes should stay fit and eat healthy food as being overweight or obese can increase the chances of further diabetic related complications such as neuropathy.
Type II diabetes is believed to be related to obesity or being overweight. Again, the exact reasons why this occurs are not known but anecdotal evidence suggests this is so. Nearly 90% of type II diabetics are overweight and the chances of acquiring type II are increased dramatically if a person is overweight or obese.
Type II diabetes develops from pre-diabetes or when the body become resistant to insulin. Insulin resistance is where the body does not use the insulin that it produces effectively enough to reduce blood sugar levels.
Glucose in the blood is effectively the fuel of the body. By supplying glucose to all the cells in the body via the bloodstream we ensure that the cells works together to keep the body functioning normally. Excess glucose is transformed to glycogen in the fat,muscle and liver cells by insulin. This is how insulin manages to reduce the blood sugar level.
It is believed that excessive fat cells make the job of insulin harder and gradually the more insulin is needed to reduce the glucose level. If this continues the body will go from insulin resistance to full blown type II diabetes.
Gestational diabetes is a result of pregnancy. It is thought that hormone secreted during pregnancy affect the ability of insulin. Generally, this only lasts during pregnancy and the body goes back to normal after childbirth.
Thus people who are overweight are likely to develop type II diabetes. It is believed that by making changes in eating habits and exercising regularly can significantly reduce the chances of developing insulin resistance and type II diabetes. It is even possible to reverse type II diabetes, or reduce the need for medication, by changing your lifestyle to include more exercise and healthy eating.
Healthy eating and exercise are key to preventing type II diabetes. If you would like to learn more about diabetic food and get some tips on diabetic cooking then visit http://www.diabeticdietsplan.com
Adrian Whittle writes on issues related to diabetes including diabetic complications like diabetic ketoacidosis and diabetic neuropathy.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Adrian_Whittle
There are three types of diabetes. Type I, type II and gestational diabetes.
Type I diabetes is a result of the pancreas stopping production of insulin, the hormone used to reduce glucose in the blood. It is thought that this is an autoimmune reaction by the body whereby the body destroys the cells in the pancreas responsible for producing insulin. Although it is not known why this occurs, research suggests that there is some genetic inheritance linked to type I diabetes. Acquiring type I diabetes is not linked to being overweight. Even so, a person with type I diabetes should stay fit and eat healthy food as being overweight or obese can increase the chances of further diabetic related complications such as neuropathy.
Type II diabetes is believed to be related to obesity or being overweight. Again, the exact reasons why this occurs are not known but anecdotal evidence suggests this is so. Nearly 90% of type II diabetics are overweight and the chances of acquiring type II are increased dramatically if a person is overweight or obese.
Type II diabetes develops from pre-diabetes or when the body become resistant to insulin. Insulin resistance is where the body does not use the insulin that it produces effectively enough to reduce blood sugar levels.
Glucose in the blood is effectively the fuel of the body. By supplying glucose to all the cells in the body via the bloodstream we ensure that the cells works together to keep the body functioning normally. Excess glucose is transformed to glycogen in the fat,muscle and liver cells by insulin. This is how insulin manages to reduce the blood sugar level.
It is believed that excessive fat cells make the job of insulin harder and gradually the more insulin is needed to reduce the glucose level. If this continues the body will go from insulin resistance to full blown type II diabetes.
Gestational diabetes is a result of pregnancy. It is thought that hormone secreted during pregnancy affect the ability of insulin. Generally, this only lasts during pregnancy and the body goes back to normal after childbirth.
Thus people who are overweight are likely to develop type II diabetes. It is believed that by making changes in eating habits and exercising regularly can significantly reduce the chances of developing insulin resistance and type II diabetes. It is even possible to reverse type II diabetes, or reduce the need for medication, by changing your lifestyle to include more exercise and healthy eating.
Healthy eating and exercise are key to preventing type II diabetes. If you would like to learn more about diabetic food and get some tips on diabetic cooking then visit http://www.diabeticdietsplan.com
Adrian Whittle writes on issues related to diabetes including diabetic complications like diabetic ketoacidosis and diabetic neuropathy.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Adrian_Whittle
Diabetes Blood Sugar Levels
You find out that you suffer from diabetes. It is a tough blow because once you develop this disease it is with you for life. There is no cure though it can be kept totally under control with proper diet, medication, and good exercise. Diabetes is a disease by which your body does not produce sufficient insulin (produced by the pancreas) to break up the sugar in the blood, causing it to accumulate. Lack of assimilation of glucose from the blood will result in many symptoms, such as constant fatigue, continuous thirst and hunger, loss of weight and so on.
There are only two ways to fight this disease: Increase the insulin in he body with the help of injections and other medications, and control the intake of sugar to prevent its build up in the blood. When you are diagnosed with diabetes, your diabetes blood sugar level will be measured through a blood test specially prescribed for this purpose. Subsequently, you can do this test in the safety of your home with the help of the glucose meter kits that are available for this purpose.
The doctor will have advised how to use this tool to measure the diabetes blood sugar level, and you can also read carefully the instructions that come with the kit. The process is simple and can be done by absolutely any adult. The following steps will be needed to measure your diabetes blood sugar level at home:
clean your hands by washing them for at least 3-4 minutes under running water clean the area that you want to prick with a pad wet with surgical spirit. Most of the glucose meters will need blood from the finger tip; in rare cases you can also get blood from the forearm, palm or any other fleshy part of your body. when you prick a finger, do not do it the standard way – on the pad – but do it on the side; this will be less painful once you finished pricking, collect a drop of blood on the glucose meter the meter will almost immediately show you what diabetes blood sugar level you have
Once you have the reading, follow the instructions of the doctor carefully. In case of any doubts, get in touch with your closest diabetes center or your medical practitioner for further advice.
Kerry Ng is a successful Webmaster and publisher of The Diabetes Info Blog. Click here for more helpful information on Diabetes: http://www.diabetes-info-blog.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kerry_Ng
There are only two ways to fight this disease: Increase the insulin in he body with the help of injections and other medications, and control the intake of sugar to prevent its build up in the blood. When you are diagnosed with diabetes, your diabetes blood sugar level will be measured through a blood test specially prescribed for this purpose. Subsequently, you can do this test in the safety of your home with the help of the glucose meter kits that are available for this purpose.
The doctor will have advised how to use this tool to measure the diabetes blood sugar level, and you can also read carefully the instructions that come with the kit. The process is simple and can be done by absolutely any adult. The following steps will be needed to measure your diabetes blood sugar level at home:
clean your hands by washing them for at least 3-4 minutes under running water clean the area that you want to prick with a pad wet with surgical spirit. Most of the glucose meters will need blood from the finger tip; in rare cases you can also get blood from the forearm, palm or any other fleshy part of your body. when you prick a finger, do not do it the standard way – on the pad – but do it on the side; this will be less painful once you finished pricking, collect a drop of blood on the glucose meter the meter will almost immediately show you what diabetes blood sugar level you have
Once you have the reading, follow the instructions of the doctor carefully. In case of any doubts, get in touch with your closest diabetes center or your medical practitioner for further advice.
Kerry Ng is a successful Webmaster and publisher of The Diabetes Info Blog. Click here for more helpful information on Diabetes: http://www.diabetes-info-blog.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kerry_Ng
Diabetes Vegetarian Diet - How Will A Diabetes Vegetarian Diet Change Your Life?
Diabetes is a health risk that affects 18.9 million people and 6.3% of the population in America today. More and more people are turning to a diabetes vegetarian diet to help control their need for insulin. A diabetes vegetarian diet is lower in fats, oils, sugars and processed foods than the Standard Western Diet.
Diabetes is the medical name given to the condition where the body can no longer use insulin to burn sugar. The condition can be from a low amount of insulin or resistance to the insulin at the cell level. In either case a persons blood sugar rises and can cause serious damage to the blood vessels, liver, cardiac disease, stroke and ultimately lead to a coma state.
Case studies and research have shown that people who follow a vegan diet for 22 weeks reduce the need to take medication. Becoming a vegetarian is not as difficult as you would think. Of course this should always be followed with regular blood tests and with the consultation of your regular doctor.
Diabetes isn’t cheap – for patients or the insurance companies. Patient supplies and medications are long-term financial issues that can significantly impact a patient’s savings. Insurance companies may pay for supplies but only after the deductible is met. Insurance companies also have increased costs with the long-term complications of the disease.
Diabetes vegetarian diets have been shown to be helpful in the treatment and long-term effects of diabetes. Medical research shows that there is a 50% less chance that vegetarians will develop heart disease and have the lowest rate of coronary artery disease of any group, a secondary effect of diabetes. Those that follow a vegan diet are also nine times less likely to become obese, a significant side effect of diabetes.
The diabetic condition can and will change with diabetes vegetarian diet and lifestyle alterations. The amount the condition worsens or gets better depends on the amount of change a person is willing to work through. Remember that we eat to live and don’t live to eat.
Diabetes vegetarian diets are an easy holistic and natural way to make a positive impact on the treatment and management of your diabetes. The long-term medical complications from diabetes have a considerable negative effect on health and every day functioning. Long-term effects include kidney failure, coronary artery disease, stroke, heart attack, peripheral vascular disease and sciatic nerve damage.
Only you can make a decision to change the course of your illness. Diabetes vegetarian diets will make that change and help you to fill a full and healthy life.
Vanessa Youngstrom, a nurse practitioner, enjoys writing and educating on health and wellness topics. You’ll find more articles at http://www.HealthAndWellnessIssues.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Vanessa_Youngstrom
Diabetes is the medical name given to the condition where the body can no longer use insulin to burn sugar. The condition can be from a low amount of insulin or resistance to the insulin at the cell level. In either case a persons blood sugar rises and can cause serious damage to the blood vessels, liver, cardiac disease, stroke and ultimately lead to a coma state.
Case studies and research have shown that people who follow a vegan diet for 22 weeks reduce the need to take medication. Becoming a vegetarian is not as difficult as you would think. Of course this should always be followed with regular blood tests and with the consultation of your regular doctor.
Diabetes isn’t cheap – for patients or the insurance companies. Patient supplies and medications are long-term financial issues that can significantly impact a patient’s savings. Insurance companies may pay for supplies but only after the deductible is met. Insurance companies also have increased costs with the long-term complications of the disease.
Diabetes vegetarian diets have been shown to be helpful in the treatment and long-term effects of diabetes. Medical research shows that there is a 50% less chance that vegetarians will develop heart disease and have the lowest rate of coronary artery disease of any group, a secondary effect of diabetes. Those that follow a vegan diet are also nine times less likely to become obese, a significant side effect of diabetes.
The diabetic condition can and will change with diabetes vegetarian diet and lifestyle alterations. The amount the condition worsens or gets better depends on the amount of change a person is willing to work through. Remember that we eat to live and don’t live to eat.
Diabetes vegetarian diets are an easy holistic and natural way to make a positive impact on the treatment and management of your diabetes. The long-term medical complications from diabetes have a considerable negative effect on health and every day functioning. Long-term effects include kidney failure, coronary artery disease, stroke, heart attack, peripheral vascular disease and sciatic nerve damage.
Only you can make a decision to change the course of your illness. Diabetes vegetarian diets will make that change and help you to fill a full and healthy life.
Vanessa Youngstrom, a nurse practitioner, enjoys writing and educating on health and wellness topics. You’ll find more articles at http://www.HealthAndWellnessIssues.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Vanessa_Youngstrom
Toddlers With Diabetes - Tips For SuccessToddlers With Diabetes - Tips For SuccessV
If your child is under the age of two and has been diagnosed with diabetes, know that there are many alternatives and options available that will control this condition and ensure your child has a happy, healthy, and normal childhood.
The number of toddlers with diabetes is increasing, so know that you are not alone. Diabetes is a condition where the pancreas does not process sugar effectively.
Since there are many different types of diabetes, ask your physician to explain the exact condition that affects your child.
Also, consider seeking out parents of other diabetic toddlers in your area to glean information and support from individuals who are in your shoes.
* Learn About The Disease *
Diabetes can be frightening to anyone, but especially a parent of a toddler with diabetes.
Instead of allowing the disease to take over your life, strive to learn as much as possible about the specific type of diabetes that affects your child.
Also, be sure to learn the side effects of diabetes and any symptoms that you should be aware of that are associated with a potential problem caused by the disease.
By educating yourself, you take away some of the unexpected associated with any disease that affects a child.
Finally, learn about the proper ways to care for your child and exactly what medications or medical techniques are necessary in controlling this condition.
Many toddlers with diabetes can control the condition by switching to a favorable diet.
* Test Blood Sugars Often *
Especially with children , testing blood sugar can be difficult.
However, this task is necessary in order to determine if your child is having problems so that you can stop any potentially deadly problems before they start.
Since a blood sugar test typically involves a pin prick, consider ways to make the entire process less scary and painful for your child.
There are several high quality testing monitors on the market that are made especially for youngsters with diabetes.
Also, speak with your child and let him or her know the exact reason why this test needs to be performed.
Education is the key to understanding.
* Develop A Schedule *
Schedules are important in the life of any child, but especially one that has been diagnosed with juvenile diabetes.
By developing a schedule for your child and ensuring that he or she sticks to it, you are working diligently to control the diabetes.
This schedule is especially important when it comes to meal times. Most diabetics need to eat smaller meals more frequently.
With small children, consider developing a game that will allow him or her to stick to the schedule without feeling regimented.
As you child grows and enters into schooling, you should maintain this schedule to prevent potential problems from developing during the day.
* Plan For The Worst *
If you properly control the disease, the risks of complications or problems are less likely to happen.
However, you should always have a plan in mind in the event the worst does happen.
Create a special diabetes station in your home and be sure that everyone in your home (even another child) knows how to use the equipment properly.
You may also need to teach your child that suffers from diabetes on the correct way to use the medical equipment in case he or she needs to self medicate.
By developing a plan, everyone will know exactly what to do and panic will be avoided so that the problem can be solved immediately. This is also the case when you are traveling.
Carry a small kit just in case your diabetic child should have to need medicine to stop a potential problem.
Mike Herman Is The Publisher of 4HealthConcerns.com. Where He Has More Information On Juvenile Diabetes That You Can Research While Relaxing at Home
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mike_Herman
The number of toddlers with diabetes is increasing, so know that you are not alone. Diabetes is a condition where the pancreas does not process sugar effectively.
Since there are many different types of diabetes, ask your physician to explain the exact condition that affects your child.
Also, consider seeking out parents of other diabetic toddlers in your area to glean information and support from individuals who are in your shoes.
* Learn About The Disease *
Diabetes can be frightening to anyone, but especially a parent of a toddler with diabetes.
Instead of allowing the disease to take over your life, strive to learn as much as possible about the specific type of diabetes that affects your child.
Also, be sure to learn the side effects of diabetes and any symptoms that you should be aware of that are associated with a potential problem caused by the disease.
By educating yourself, you take away some of the unexpected associated with any disease that affects a child.
Finally, learn about the proper ways to care for your child and exactly what medications or medical techniques are necessary in controlling this condition.
Many toddlers with diabetes can control the condition by switching to a favorable diet.
* Test Blood Sugars Often *
Especially with children , testing blood sugar can be difficult.
However, this task is necessary in order to determine if your child is having problems so that you can stop any potentially deadly problems before they start.
Since a blood sugar test typically involves a pin prick, consider ways to make the entire process less scary and painful for your child.
There are several high quality testing monitors on the market that are made especially for youngsters with diabetes.
Also, speak with your child and let him or her know the exact reason why this test needs to be performed.
Education is the key to understanding.
* Develop A Schedule *
Schedules are important in the life of any child, but especially one that has been diagnosed with juvenile diabetes.
By developing a schedule for your child and ensuring that he or she sticks to it, you are working diligently to control the diabetes.
This schedule is especially important when it comes to meal times. Most diabetics need to eat smaller meals more frequently.
With small children, consider developing a game that will allow him or her to stick to the schedule without feeling regimented.
As you child grows and enters into schooling, you should maintain this schedule to prevent potential problems from developing during the day.
* Plan For The Worst *
If you properly control the disease, the risks of complications or problems are less likely to happen.
However, you should always have a plan in mind in the event the worst does happen.
Create a special diabetes station in your home and be sure that everyone in your home (even another child) knows how to use the equipment properly.
You may also need to teach your child that suffers from diabetes on the correct way to use the medical equipment in case he or she needs to self medicate.
By developing a plan, everyone will know exactly what to do and panic will be avoided so that the problem can be solved immediately. This is also the case when you are traveling.
Carry a small kit just in case your diabetic child should have to need medicine to stop a potential problem.
Mike Herman Is The Publisher of 4HealthConcerns.com. Where He Has More Information On Juvenile Diabetes That You Can Research While Relaxing at Home
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mike_Herman
Diabetes and Caffeine
The jury is still out on whether or not caffeine leads to diabetic problems. Although researchers in Japan are saying those who drink coffee or green tea can reduce their risk of diabetes, caffeine remains a concern as a higher risk for diabetes. The Japanese study focused on people who drink black, green, or oolong tea and who were between the ages of 40 and 65. The researchers are confident that those who drink at least three or more cups of caffeine each day are able to reduce their risk of diabetes by 33 percent. However, it should be understood that other substances in coffee affect the metabolism, and can cause other health problems.
The vast majority of research shows that avoiding caffeine is the answer to reducing the risks of diabetes. Researchers from a well-known university medical center found a strong tie between caffeine intake and increased levels of glucose and insulin among people who have Type 2 diabetes.
This is because insulin is needed by the cells to convert glucose into energy. Having caffeine with a meal hinders the body’s ability to metabolize the meals that are eaten, and therefore should be avoided. Fasting subjects who took part in this research saw no significant change in glucose or insulin levels, meaning there seems to be a correlation between food and caffeine.
The diabetic goal is to keep the blood glucose level down. In addition to eating a healthy diet and getting plenty of exercise, diabetics should also consider avoiding caffeine.
How does caffeine affect our bodies? Diabetes is the inability to control sugar levels in the blood. This can be due to either the body not producing enough insulin, or having a hormone that resists insulin. Laboratory mice are often fed a chemical called alloxan. Alloxan is used in the mice to poison the cells that produce insulin and creating the conditions for diabetes. Research literature shows us that alloxan is produced in our body from caffeine. Theories suggest that caffeine produces this toxic substance in our bodies and either causes diabetes, or makes existing diabetes harder to control.
Americans love caffeine, and are consuming beverages with caffeine at a historic high. Because of this we may be getting massive doses of alloxan through the drinks we consume.
Why does alloxan hurt our body? A free radical generator damages our pancreas and can result in pancreatic cancer. A free radical will cause aging, diseases, and especially cancer.
Caffeine is popular because it gives us the little extra burst of energy we think we need to get through the morning or the day. Some people drink huge amounts of caffeine during the day. The soft drink industry encourages consuming caffeine and some are targeting the younger market in order to boost profits. The 15-21 year old age group is supporting the high caffeine levels by buying products that have abnormally high levels of caffeine. Even a well-known tea company is promoting a high-powered tea with high amounts of caffeine in it. Even some fruit juices and bottled waters now contain caffeine.
Overall, caffeine contributes to many diseases including depression, pancreatic cancer, and diabetes. It is safe to say, that those who are at a high risk for developing diabetes should avoid caffeine. Caffeine is not only found in coffee, tea, and sodas, but also in chocolate. You should also know that even decaffeinated products have a form of caffeine that produces the deadly alloxan.
For more information and resources on type 1 Diabetes, type 2 Diabetes, symptoms, diet and solutions visit Jeremy Parker's complete reference guide on Diabetes.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeremy_Parker
The vast majority of research shows that avoiding caffeine is the answer to reducing the risks of diabetes. Researchers from a well-known university medical center found a strong tie between caffeine intake and increased levels of glucose and insulin among people who have Type 2 diabetes.
This is because insulin is needed by the cells to convert glucose into energy. Having caffeine with a meal hinders the body’s ability to metabolize the meals that are eaten, and therefore should be avoided. Fasting subjects who took part in this research saw no significant change in glucose or insulin levels, meaning there seems to be a correlation between food and caffeine.
The diabetic goal is to keep the blood glucose level down. In addition to eating a healthy diet and getting plenty of exercise, diabetics should also consider avoiding caffeine.
How does caffeine affect our bodies? Diabetes is the inability to control sugar levels in the blood. This can be due to either the body not producing enough insulin, or having a hormone that resists insulin. Laboratory mice are often fed a chemical called alloxan. Alloxan is used in the mice to poison the cells that produce insulin and creating the conditions for diabetes. Research literature shows us that alloxan is produced in our body from caffeine. Theories suggest that caffeine produces this toxic substance in our bodies and either causes diabetes, or makes existing diabetes harder to control.
Americans love caffeine, and are consuming beverages with caffeine at a historic high. Because of this we may be getting massive doses of alloxan through the drinks we consume.
Why does alloxan hurt our body? A free radical generator damages our pancreas and can result in pancreatic cancer. A free radical will cause aging, diseases, and especially cancer.
Caffeine is popular because it gives us the little extra burst of energy we think we need to get through the morning or the day. Some people drink huge amounts of caffeine during the day. The soft drink industry encourages consuming caffeine and some are targeting the younger market in order to boost profits. The 15-21 year old age group is supporting the high caffeine levels by buying products that have abnormally high levels of caffeine. Even a well-known tea company is promoting a high-powered tea with high amounts of caffeine in it. Even some fruit juices and bottled waters now contain caffeine.
Overall, caffeine contributes to many diseases including depression, pancreatic cancer, and diabetes. It is safe to say, that those who are at a high risk for developing diabetes should avoid caffeine. Caffeine is not only found in coffee, tea, and sodas, but also in chocolate. You should also know that even decaffeinated products have a form of caffeine that produces the deadly alloxan.
For more information and resources on type 1 Diabetes, type 2 Diabetes, symptoms, diet and solutions visit Jeremy Parker's complete reference guide on Diabetes.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeremy_Parker
Wednesday
Treatment And Symptoms Of Cat Diabetes Mellitus
Cat diabetes mellitus affects cats the same way it does with people. A lack of insulin due to insufficient hormone secretion causes this condition in cats. This type of diabetes is call type one. The other type of cat diabetes mellitus is type two, which is caused by insufficient hormone insulin response by the cat’s body cells. This health problem is not as common in cats as in humans.
Some Symptoms your Cat has Diabetes
Diabetes in cats is caused by the body’s inability to use glucose the way the body needs to. The result is the accumulation of glucose in the blood causing hyperglycemia. Onset of this condition needs monitoring very closely.
Excessive urination also called polyuria is an early symptom of feline type 1 diabetes. Excessive thirst may also accompany the condition, which is called polydipsia. Diabetes in cat’s often causes weight lost even if they continue to eat healthy and regularly due to the improper utilization of glucose because of a lack of hormone insulin.
As the cat diabetes mellitus progresses, the cat will experience vomiting, weakness, lack of appetite and dehydration. Feline diabetes affects older cats more than it does younger cats and generally, male cats become prone to cat diabetes more so than females. No one set cause of feline diabetes has been diagnosed, but it is believed that the pancreatic disease and improper hormone levels, overweight and genetic predisposition may cause the onset of cat diabetes.
How to Treat Cat Diabetes Mellitus
Although no cure for feline diabetes exists, the treatment depends on how bad the diabetes is and how fast you determine your cat has a health concern. If your cat requires ketoacidosis care, which is countering the dehydration with the administering of fluids and insulin. Some times cats with diabetes need to receive up to two shots a day preferably by way of the subcutaneous way.
As an alternative to insulin injections, the oral hypoglycemic drug may work on the cat with feline diabetes. Many drug manufactures have different types of oral hypoglycemic available for use under a veterinarians advice. The proper diet for feline diabetes requires cutting the sugar intake in the food. As you see, caring for a cat with diabetes requires some of the same conditions as a person would have to follow.
Living with a cat that has diabetes may require some strict dedication to ensure the health of the cat. Veterinarians offer many suggestions has to how to treat the cat diabetes mellitus and do explain how to care for your cat in case injections need to be administered. Cat diabetes needs special attention to food, water and medication, along with urination and bowel movements to keep the cat healthy. With all the proper care, a cat will live a long and healthy life. The onset of cat diabetes mellitus will have some affects on the older cat, but if caught early, the cat remains healthy throughout the treatment.
You can also find more information on cat insurance and urinary cat health problems. Aboutcathealth.org is a comprehensive resource to find more information about cat health.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Julie_Wellsworth
Some Symptoms your Cat has Diabetes
Diabetes in cats is caused by the body’s inability to use glucose the way the body needs to. The result is the accumulation of glucose in the blood causing hyperglycemia. Onset of this condition needs monitoring very closely.
Excessive urination also called polyuria is an early symptom of feline type 1 diabetes. Excessive thirst may also accompany the condition, which is called polydipsia. Diabetes in cat’s often causes weight lost even if they continue to eat healthy and regularly due to the improper utilization of glucose because of a lack of hormone insulin.
As the cat diabetes mellitus progresses, the cat will experience vomiting, weakness, lack of appetite and dehydration. Feline diabetes affects older cats more than it does younger cats and generally, male cats become prone to cat diabetes more so than females. No one set cause of feline diabetes has been diagnosed, but it is believed that the pancreatic disease and improper hormone levels, overweight and genetic predisposition may cause the onset of cat diabetes.
How to Treat Cat Diabetes Mellitus
Although no cure for feline diabetes exists, the treatment depends on how bad the diabetes is and how fast you determine your cat has a health concern. If your cat requires ketoacidosis care, which is countering the dehydration with the administering of fluids and insulin. Some times cats with diabetes need to receive up to two shots a day preferably by way of the subcutaneous way.
As an alternative to insulin injections, the oral hypoglycemic drug may work on the cat with feline diabetes. Many drug manufactures have different types of oral hypoglycemic available for use under a veterinarians advice. The proper diet for feline diabetes requires cutting the sugar intake in the food. As you see, caring for a cat with diabetes requires some of the same conditions as a person would have to follow.
Living with a cat that has diabetes may require some strict dedication to ensure the health of the cat. Veterinarians offer many suggestions has to how to treat the cat diabetes mellitus and do explain how to care for your cat in case injections need to be administered. Cat diabetes needs special attention to food, water and medication, along with urination and bowel movements to keep the cat healthy. With all the proper care, a cat will live a long and healthy life. The onset of cat diabetes mellitus will have some affects on the older cat, but if caught early, the cat remains healthy throughout the treatment.
You can also find more information on cat insurance and urinary cat health problems. Aboutcathealth.org is a comprehensive resource to find more information about cat health.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Julie_Wellsworth
Complications of Diabetes
If you have diabetes or have recenty been diagnosed, you have a lot to come to terms with. Not only do you need to manage your blood sugar levels all the time, you need to be concerned about long-term complications of diabetes.
Hopefully with continued medical research, there will a cure for diabetes in your life time. But until the cure comes, you need to be aware of certain complications and what you can do to avoid them.
1. Diabetic retinopathy. This is a microvascular disease that affects the tiny blood vessels in the back of your eyes. High blood sugar over many years weaken the walls of the blood vessels and some blood and fluid leaks out. Nearly every person with type 1 diabetes will have some level of retinopathy within 20 years of their diagnosis, whereas 1/4 of those type 2 diabetes will have it within 2 years of their diagnosis. The best way to prevent diabetic retinopathy is by maintaining normal blood sugar levels.
2. Kidney Disease. This is also a microvascular disease that affects small blood vessels. Exposure to high levels of glucose over the years can create complicated changes that can allow protein molecules to escape, spilling it in the urine. If you have diabetic retinopathy or high blood pressure, you are more likely to have kidney disease. The best way way to prevent or slow down the progression of kidney disease is by managing your blood glucose levels and your blood sugar. You must also follow a low protein diet.
3. Diabetic Neuropathy. This is a nerve disorder in which the nerves become damaged. It can affect many body systems, including your feet, legs, hands, urinary tract, digestive tract and sexual organs. This is one of the most common complications of any type of diabetes. Neuropathy is the reason for 87% of the amputations in the United States every year. You should have regular check-ups with your medical doctor. He or she should be testing for reflexes, eyeball motion, sensation in your feet legs etc.
4. Heart Disease. This refers to the diseases of the heart. Heart failure occurs when the heart muscle is too weak to pump blood throughout your body at the rate it should. It does not mean that your heart completely stops. Coronary heart disease is the most common form of heart disease. It occurs when the coronary arteries become narrowed or clogged by cholesterol and other fat deposits and can't supply enough blood to the heart. In a survey by the American Diabetes Association, it was discovered that 68% of those with diabetes had no idea that they had an increase risk for heart disease.
5. Cardiovascular Disease (CVD). This is the disease of the arteries within your entire body. For example, a stroke or problems with the arteries in your leg would be a cardiovascular disease. The risk factors for CVD is obesity, hypertension, high triglyceride levels, low HDL cholesterol levls and lack of physical exercise.
Diet, exercise and maintaining normal blood sugar levels are key to preventing or prolonging the onset of these complications.
Perriann Rodriguez is the founder of http://www.diabeticadvisory.com, a free online resource center for diabetic research info and managing diabetes through diet, exercise and knowledge.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Perriann_Rodriguez
Hopefully with continued medical research, there will a cure for diabetes in your life time. But until the cure comes, you need to be aware of certain complications and what you can do to avoid them.
1. Diabetic retinopathy. This is a microvascular disease that affects the tiny blood vessels in the back of your eyes. High blood sugar over many years weaken the walls of the blood vessels and some blood and fluid leaks out. Nearly every person with type 1 diabetes will have some level of retinopathy within 20 years of their diagnosis, whereas 1/4 of those type 2 diabetes will have it within 2 years of their diagnosis. The best way to prevent diabetic retinopathy is by maintaining normal blood sugar levels.
2. Kidney Disease. This is also a microvascular disease that affects small blood vessels. Exposure to high levels of glucose over the years can create complicated changes that can allow protein molecules to escape, spilling it in the urine. If you have diabetic retinopathy or high blood pressure, you are more likely to have kidney disease. The best way way to prevent or slow down the progression of kidney disease is by managing your blood glucose levels and your blood sugar. You must also follow a low protein diet.
3. Diabetic Neuropathy. This is a nerve disorder in which the nerves become damaged. It can affect many body systems, including your feet, legs, hands, urinary tract, digestive tract and sexual organs. This is one of the most common complications of any type of diabetes. Neuropathy is the reason for 87% of the amputations in the United States every year. You should have regular check-ups with your medical doctor. He or she should be testing for reflexes, eyeball motion, sensation in your feet legs etc.
4. Heart Disease. This refers to the diseases of the heart. Heart failure occurs when the heart muscle is too weak to pump blood throughout your body at the rate it should. It does not mean that your heart completely stops. Coronary heart disease is the most common form of heart disease. It occurs when the coronary arteries become narrowed or clogged by cholesterol and other fat deposits and can't supply enough blood to the heart. In a survey by the American Diabetes Association, it was discovered that 68% of those with diabetes had no idea that they had an increase risk for heart disease.
5. Cardiovascular Disease (CVD). This is the disease of the arteries within your entire body. For example, a stroke or problems with the arteries in your leg would be a cardiovascular disease. The risk factors for CVD is obesity, hypertension, high triglyceride levels, low HDL cholesterol levls and lack of physical exercise.
Diet, exercise and maintaining normal blood sugar levels are key to preventing or prolonging the onset of these complications.
Perriann Rodriguez is the founder of http://www.diabeticadvisory.com, a free online resource center for diabetic research info and managing diabetes through diet, exercise and knowledge.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Perriann_Rodriguez
Lose Weight And Keep It Off By Tracking What You Eat-Diabetes Diet
One of the most effective ways to lose weight is to track what you eat. Tracking what you eat is a way to assess your eating patterns. By writing down everything you eat, you learn exactly what you eat and how it affects you. You can detect patterns and eating behaviors and how they impact your weight loss goals. Many people underestimate how much food they actually consume. Many wonder why they start a diet and can’t seem to shed the pounds. One reason is that people underestimate the quantity they eat. What people think of as a single serving can actually be equivalent to three or even four servings. A triple-sized portion can greatly impact your weight loss success. Another reason is hidden calories – what some people think of as a healthy snack is actually loaded with calories that head straight to your thighs. Learning how to track your food and calorie intake is a great way to take charge of your weight loss plan and have it work for you.
Start out by writing down everything you eat. Don’t change your eating habits until you know what your eating habits are. Record every morsel – from the cream cheese on your breakfast bagel to the duck sauce on your stir-fry. Write down portions and amounts of what you eat as well. Check for servings sizes and measure portions you consume. Just as importantly, track your calorie intake. That duck sauce might seem harmless – but in reality be loaded with calories. Understanding how many calories you consume is an important element of weight loss. The amount of calories you consume and the amount of calories you burn determines whether or not you lose weight. So knowing how many calories you consume is crucial to your success. Although it may seem daunting, there are resources that can make your calorie tracking easy and stress-free. Electronic calorie counters can provide you with the calories count of thousands of your favorite foods. Calorie counters can even tell you the calorie count of your favorite fast food items. So whether you are at home or on the go, an electronic calorie counter will help you stick to your weight loss plan.
Once you’ve determined how much you actually eat and the number of calories you consume, you can then look at changes you may need to make. By tracking how much you eat, you can see over a period of time how your food consumption affects your weight loss. You can also congratulate yourself for healthy habits you may not have known you have. Tracking what you eat provides you with the tools to be successful at losing weight and managing your goal weight once you’ve shed the pounds.
Coheso, Inc. ( http://www.coheso.com ) makes handheld devices and other products for diabetes management and weight loss. CalorieSmart is a handheld calorie counter helps people tailor their weight loss plan. More information about CalorieSmart can be found at http://www.coheso.com/caloriesmart-d.html . Track3 is a small customizable handheld carb and calorie counter that helps individuals self-manage their diabetes
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kandpal_Subhash
Start out by writing down everything you eat. Don’t change your eating habits until you know what your eating habits are. Record every morsel – from the cream cheese on your breakfast bagel to the duck sauce on your stir-fry. Write down portions and amounts of what you eat as well. Check for servings sizes and measure portions you consume. Just as importantly, track your calorie intake. That duck sauce might seem harmless – but in reality be loaded with calories. Understanding how many calories you consume is an important element of weight loss. The amount of calories you consume and the amount of calories you burn determines whether or not you lose weight. So knowing how many calories you consume is crucial to your success. Although it may seem daunting, there are resources that can make your calorie tracking easy and stress-free. Electronic calorie counters can provide you with the calories count of thousands of your favorite foods. Calorie counters can even tell you the calorie count of your favorite fast food items. So whether you are at home or on the go, an electronic calorie counter will help you stick to your weight loss plan.
Once you’ve determined how much you actually eat and the number of calories you consume, you can then look at changes you may need to make. By tracking how much you eat, you can see over a period of time how your food consumption affects your weight loss. You can also congratulate yourself for healthy habits you may not have known you have. Tracking what you eat provides you with the tools to be successful at losing weight and managing your goal weight once you’ve shed the pounds.
Coheso, Inc. ( http://www.coheso.com ) makes handheld devices and other products for diabetes management and weight loss. CalorieSmart is a handheld calorie counter helps people tailor their weight loss plan. More information about CalorieSmart can be found at http://www.coheso.com/caloriesmart-d.html . Track3 is a small customizable handheld carb and calorie counter that helps individuals self-manage their diabetes
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kandpal_Subhash
Why Should You Check Blood Glucose Levels Because Of Diabetes
Diabetes is a problem with the blood glucose level in your body. Blood glucose is essentially the energy that we supply the body with so that it can function. This might be things you never think about, like antibodies healing cuts and bruises or it might be the energy your body uses to play a squash game.
Glucose gets into the blood from digested food. The process it uses to convert glucose to energy uses an hormone called insulin.
Insulin is produced in the pancreas. When somebody has diabetes, insulin is not produced or the insulin that is produced is ineffective. In a non-diabetic person the insulin converts glucose to glycogen, and in the process, reduces the glucose level in blood. In a diabetic this does not occur and the blood glucose level gets high.
High glucose levels in the blood can cause all sorts of problems to a persons health. In type 1 diabetes a person with high glucose level blood can get diabetic ketoacidosis that can lead to coma and death if not detected and acted upon.
Chronically high blood sugar levels can lead to heart disease, poor circulation, nerve damage, foot and eye problems and a host of other problems.
Thus high blood sugar levels can lead to acute and chronic illnesses that range from mild and irritating or critical and dangerous. Therefore it is important to check the blood glucose level because it tells you the state of your diabetes and the likelihood of complications occurring.
Monitoring your blood gives you the information you need to treat your diabetes.
Your doctor will tell you what the ideal range of glucose in your blood should be based on your particular circumstances.
General guidelines are based on just before meals and 2 hours after a meal. The range is measured in millimoles of glucose per liter of blood (mmol/l)
Before meals an ideal reading is 4-6 mmol/l , a fair reading is 6-8mmol/l and a poor reading is 8 + mmol/l.
After meals an ideal reading is up to 8mmol/l, a fair reading is up to 10 mmol/l and a poor reading is 10+ mmol/l.
With this information you can determine whether you need to take insulin, medication or some other strategy that can control the glucose level.
Testing is normally done by pricking your finger and allowing a drop of blood to fall onto a testing strip. The testing strip is then put into a blood testing monitor that will give you a reading in about 30 seconds on so.
Testing blood gives you control over diabetes and allows you to plan your day without the disease impacting on your life too much.
Monitoring is an essential part of your strategy for dealing with diabetes but just as important are ways to prevent and minimize the impact that the disease has on your body. The best methods to do this involve eating a specific diet and taking regular exercise. If you want to learn more about diabetic diets then visit http://www.diabeticdietsplan.com . The site deals with diets and eating healthy foods, diabetic cooking ingredients and some common symptoms and conditions of diabetes. Adrian Whittle writes on issues related to diabetes including symptoms of diabetes, diabetic retinopathy and diabetic neuropathy.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Adrian_Whittle
Glucose gets into the blood from digested food. The process it uses to convert glucose to energy uses an hormone called insulin.
Insulin is produced in the pancreas. When somebody has diabetes, insulin is not produced or the insulin that is produced is ineffective. In a non-diabetic person the insulin converts glucose to glycogen, and in the process, reduces the glucose level in blood. In a diabetic this does not occur and the blood glucose level gets high.
High glucose levels in the blood can cause all sorts of problems to a persons health. In type 1 diabetes a person with high glucose level blood can get diabetic ketoacidosis that can lead to coma and death if not detected and acted upon.
Chronically high blood sugar levels can lead to heart disease, poor circulation, nerve damage, foot and eye problems and a host of other problems.
Thus high blood sugar levels can lead to acute and chronic illnesses that range from mild and irritating or critical and dangerous. Therefore it is important to check the blood glucose level because it tells you the state of your diabetes and the likelihood of complications occurring.
Monitoring your blood gives you the information you need to treat your diabetes.
Your doctor will tell you what the ideal range of glucose in your blood should be based on your particular circumstances.
General guidelines are based on just before meals and 2 hours after a meal. The range is measured in millimoles of glucose per liter of blood (mmol/l)
Before meals an ideal reading is 4-6 mmol/l , a fair reading is 6-8mmol/l and a poor reading is 8 + mmol/l.
After meals an ideal reading is up to 8mmol/l, a fair reading is up to 10 mmol/l and a poor reading is 10+ mmol/l.
With this information you can determine whether you need to take insulin, medication or some other strategy that can control the glucose level.
Testing is normally done by pricking your finger and allowing a drop of blood to fall onto a testing strip. The testing strip is then put into a blood testing monitor that will give you a reading in about 30 seconds on so.
Testing blood gives you control over diabetes and allows you to plan your day without the disease impacting on your life too much.
Monitoring is an essential part of your strategy for dealing with diabetes but just as important are ways to prevent and minimize the impact that the disease has on your body. The best methods to do this involve eating a specific diet and taking regular exercise. If you want to learn more about diabetic diets then visit http://www.diabeticdietsplan.com . The site deals with diets and eating healthy foods, diabetic cooking ingredients and some common symptoms and conditions of diabetes. Adrian Whittle writes on issues related to diabetes including symptoms of diabetes, diabetic retinopathy and diabetic neuropathy.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Adrian_Whittle
Do You Know What Is Needed for A Diabetes Diet? Read On And Find Out!
You have just been told by your doctor that you have diabetes. It may have come as a shock, or it may have been expected because others in your family have diabetes. Do you know, right now, what the diabetes diet consists of? Do you know what foods you can or cannot eat on a diabetes diet? I hope that this article will provide you with some of the information you need to create the diabetes diet that will work for you. Carefully planning meals plays an important role in helping to manage diabetes.
Just recently a study by the American Dietetic Association's (ADA) and other diabetes experts have shown that meal planning proved to be extremely helpful in controlling diabetes.
A nutritionally sound diabetes diet is an important part of every diabetic's treatment. The typical diabetes diet can lack certain vitamins that can negatively affect glucose levels.
Diabetics need key vitamins and minerals in their diet and in their systems. These are essential because they help their body's ability to metabolize the nutrients in the food. The most common form of diabetes is the type where they have high blood sugar levels. The diabetes diet must help lower the sugar level and maintain it at a more steady level. High blood sugar levels contribute to a wide variety of illness and even death. Conditions such as heart disease, eye disease (glaucoma specifically) infections, stoke, and others, are a few that are made worse by high blood sugar levels.
This may sound like an overwhelming life style change. It is...as are all diets. The diabetes diet involves a life style change. In fact the diabetes diet along with exercise can decrease your risk by 58 percent! The diabetes diet can help you lose 5% - 7% of your body weight, thus reducing the risk. The diabetes diet AND exercise can be more effective the medication.
The diabetes diet plan for your meals will help set the goals for fat and caloric intake. The diabetic meal plan has only about 1,300 calories each day. Roughly forty five percent is from carbohydrates, about 31 from protein and the rest form fat. Each individual will modify the diabetes diet to meet their goal.
The diabetes diet should contain legumes (food from pods producing plants such as alfalfa, clover, peas, beans, lentils, lupines and peanuts). These are high fiber, low cholesterol, and slow digesting (meaning the full feeling lasts longer).
Each meal of this diabetes diet will help the diabetic pay more attention to the portions consumed. Foods are measured out at the beginning of each day, for that day. This will help create a routine stay in practice.
An important addition to the diabetes diet is a nutritional supplement of good quality. They should contain vitamins and minerals. The best you can find are "Pharmaceutical Grade". You will not get those at GNC, Wal-Mart or similar stores. Search and compare, look and ensure, know what you are getting.
It is best to eating small meals several times a day will keep away that hungry feeling. That hungry feeling makes one tend to overeat. Eating every three to four hours will help keep that hunger feeling away. It does this by keeping food in the stomach all the time.
The snacks (between breakfast and lunch or between lunch and supper are important to the diabetes diet plan and to the sugar level control. The snacks in the diabetes diet are grouped into categories. There are "milk snacks" (skim milk), soy milk, or yogurt. Protein snacks in the diabetes diet plan are hard-boiled egg, a quarter cup of low fat cottage cheese or a reduced fat string cheese, and about a quarter cup of nuts (mixed is fine).
The fruit list has a medium-size piece of fresh fruit, about a ½ a cup of cut up fruit, and about a quarter cup of dried fruit. Have you ever eaten those dried fruits you get in the market? WOW! What a CONCENTRATED FLAVOR!
In a diabetes diet you can eat any of these in any combination. Mix and match a measured portion of protein with a correct portion of fruit. Example: 1 cup yogurt with ½ cup of chopped pears.
These are just a few suggestions for a diabetes diet. I thank you for your time and for reading this diabetes diet article. Remember always consult your primary medical care provider before changing diet.
Keith Standifer is a business owner and an advocate for healthy diets for all. Read more about some of the high quality nutritional supplements he uses. Visit my web site at http://www.healthisyours.usana.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Keith_Standifer
Just recently a study by the American Dietetic Association's (ADA) and other diabetes experts have shown that meal planning proved to be extremely helpful in controlling diabetes.
A nutritionally sound diabetes diet is an important part of every diabetic's treatment. The typical diabetes diet can lack certain vitamins that can negatively affect glucose levels.
Diabetics need key vitamins and minerals in their diet and in their systems. These are essential because they help their body's ability to metabolize the nutrients in the food. The most common form of diabetes is the type where they have high blood sugar levels. The diabetes diet must help lower the sugar level and maintain it at a more steady level. High blood sugar levels contribute to a wide variety of illness and even death. Conditions such as heart disease, eye disease (glaucoma specifically) infections, stoke, and others, are a few that are made worse by high blood sugar levels.
This may sound like an overwhelming life style change. It is...as are all diets. The diabetes diet involves a life style change. In fact the diabetes diet along with exercise can decrease your risk by 58 percent! The diabetes diet can help you lose 5% - 7% of your body weight, thus reducing the risk. The diabetes diet AND exercise can be more effective the medication.
The diabetes diet plan for your meals will help set the goals for fat and caloric intake. The diabetic meal plan has only about 1,300 calories each day. Roughly forty five percent is from carbohydrates, about 31 from protein and the rest form fat. Each individual will modify the diabetes diet to meet their goal.
The diabetes diet should contain legumes (food from pods producing plants such as alfalfa, clover, peas, beans, lentils, lupines and peanuts). These are high fiber, low cholesterol, and slow digesting (meaning the full feeling lasts longer).
Each meal of this diabetes diet will help the diabetic pay more attention to the portions consumed. Foods are measured out at the beginning of each day, for that day. This will help create a routine stay in practice.
An important addition to the diabetes diet is a nutritional supplement of good quality. They should contain vitamins and minerals. The best you can find are "Pharmaceutical Grade". You will not get those at GNC, Wal-Mart or similar stores. Search and compare, look and ensure, know what you are getting.
It is best to eating small meals several times a day will keep away that hungry feeling. That hungry feeling makes one tend to overeat. Eating every three to four hours will help keep that hunger feeling away. It does this by keeping food in the stomach all the time.
The snacks (between breakfast and lunch or between lunch and supper are important to the diabetes diet plan and to the sugar level control. The snacks in the diabetes diet are grouped into categories. There are "milk snacks" (skim milk), soy milk, or yogurt. Protein snacks in the diabetes diet plan are hard-boiled egg, a quarter cup of low fat cottage cheese or a reduced fat string cheese, and about a quarter cup of nuts (mixed is fine).
The fruit list has a medium-size piece of fresh fruit, about a ½ a cup of cut up fruit, and about a quarter cup of dried fruit. Have you ever eaten those dried fruits you get in the market? WOW! What a CONCENTRATED FLAVOR!
In a diabetes diet you can eat any of these in any combination. Mix and match a measured portion of protein with a correct portion of fruit. Example: 1 cup yogurt with ½ cup of chopped pears.
These are just a few suggestions for a diabetes diet. I thank you for your time and for reading this diabetes diet article. Remember always consult your primary medical care provider before changing diet.
Keith Standifer is a business owner and an advocate for healthy diets for all. Read more about some of the high quality nutritional supplements he uses. Visit my web site at http://www.healthisyours.usana.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Keith_Standifer
Diabetes in Cats
Its scary when you first know your cat has diabetis but once you start understanding the disease and get more used to the monitoring it becomes easier for you and your kitty.
Informing yourself of the disease is crucial, its not the same as human diabetis and its a complex disease that you need to inform yourself about.Don't feel overwhelemed by the amount of information. Get all the info printed and make it a point to read them every night until you basically have learned the info by heart.
First of all, Feline diabetes is extremely difficult to regulate. Feline metabolism is simply not designed to be diabetes friendly. By "regulate," we mean finding the correct insulin dosage for steady, healthy blood sugar levels.Feline metabolism is built specifically for short, fast bursts of power and speed, not long chases, unlike dogs. It can take a very long time to find the right dose of insulin, and the "right" dose can change on you with little or no notice. Stress, even things that don't appear to us to be stressful, can set off sugar spikes in cats.
Thus, you MUST monitor your cat at all times. At any sign of trouble,at least call your vet. You'll get better over time at recognizing what needs immediate attention.
Signs of trouble (over-insulin) include:
Balance loss, unsteady walking (they'll act drunk ...)
Head shaking
Sudden craziness - this is different from the regular feline nightly run around and be active craziness. Sometimes, the cat might let out a horrible witchy yowl at top voice, spin madly around chasing its own tail 4-5 times, jump in the air, fall on the sides, pant and ultimately even lose consciousness.
So, in such instances have a light corn syrup handy. If you over-insulin (which is all too easily done) you will need to get come easy sugar into your cat FAST.
The insulin is given subcutaneaously, that is, directly under the top layer of skin, and NOT into the blood. What you'll do is lift your cat's skin somewhere around the scruff or near that area, just as you would do to check hydration (something you'll want to do daily, by the way ...) You'll then have a little tent of skin lifted off from the body. You'll insert the the needle along the long line of the tent (think of a long pole supporting the tent like a roof line) rather than from side to side of the tent. Inject and you're done. You'll get to where you can do it easily.
Never give another shot if you think you missed the shot (sometimes you can make a mistake and give the shot to the fur.. which isn't helpful at all!) but its always best for your kitty to skip a dose than have a double shot.
Eating is crucial - and it is equally crucial that your cat eats something immediately before or after the insulin shot (just like human diabetics). This can be difficult, as cats often don't eat when they don't feel well, so start finding all the creative treats you can find that will entice your cat.You can probably try home-made (no salt or spices) chicken broth, which gels when cold; baby food (all meat, NO spices, particularly onion powder, which is poisonous to cats); wet food (from the vet, particularly made for kidney problems); TUNA (the special favorite.) Experiment, but don't go overboard, and remember that however 'underboard' is more dangerous.
As the diabetes progresses, be on the watch for other complications; Joint problems , need for heat, blindness. You'll need to make environmental changes to accommodate such things as they develop. Some cats can come down with renal failure as a secondary condition to the diabetes. These are all treatable, but it will add to the adjustments you and your cat will need to make.
Find out where your nearest emergency animal hospital/clinic is NOW before you need that information. Because you will need it.Unless you are extremely blessed, there will be at least once or twice that you will need to rush your cat for immediate care, because he goes into diabetic coma (the warnings I mentioned above.) Keep the number someplace where you can find it at a moment's notice.
Towels are your friend. They can be used to wrap a cat who struggles when given shots; they can be used to put under a cat who is retching to catch the vomit (towels, unlike rugs and floors, are easily thrown into a washing machine!);they can make emergency beds as the cat's ability to navigate the environment changes. They can be used with plastic to catch extraneous urine around the litterbox (again - washable!).
Periodically ,talk to your vet about cat's diet. He may already be on lower-protein food. If not, it may be time to introduce it. Kidney problems necessitate lower protein foods than normal
This can be a harsh statement, but to be realistic, Diabetes in cats is fatal -- you may have weeks or years, depending on how well your cat's blood levels regulate. Now is the time for the two of you to come to an agreement about what constitutes a quality-of-life threshold. Only you and your cat can decide when that is for the two of you. But it is a conversation you should start, now,while you can still enjoy yourselves together as you have it.
Anand Srinivasan is the author of http://XooXonline.info a website of varied themes and topics for the internet surfer who wants to surf but does not know what to!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anand_Srinivasan
Informing yourself of the disease is crucial, its not the same as human diabetis and its a complex disease that you need to inform yourself about.Don't feel overwhelemed by the amount of information. Get all the info printed and make it a point to read them every night until you basically have learned the info by heart.
First of all, Feline diabetes is extremely difficult to regulate. Feline metabolism is simply not designed to be diabetes friendly. By "regulate," we mean finding the correct insulin dosage for steady, healthy blood sugar levels.Feline metabolism is built specifically for short, fast bursts of power and speed, not long chases, unlike dogs. It can take a very long time to find the right dose of insulin, and the "right" dose can change on you with little or no notice. Stress, even things that don't appear to us to be stressful, can set off sugar spikes in cats.
Thus, you MUST monitor your cat at all times. At any sign of trouble,at least call your vet. You'll get better over time at recognizing what needs immediate attention.
Signs of trouble (over-insulin) include:
Balance loss, unsteady walking (they'll act drunk ...)
Head shaking
Sudden craziness - this is different from the regular feline nightly run around and be active craziness. Sometimes, the cat might let out a horrible witchy yowl at top voice, spin madly around chasing its own tail 4-5 times, jump in the air, fall on the sides, pant and ultimately even lose consciousness.
So, in such instances have a light corn syrup handy. If you over-insulin (which is all too easily done) you will need to get come easy sugar into your cat FAST.
The insulin is given subcutaneaously, that is, directly under the top layer of skin, and NOT into the blood. What you'll do is lift your cat's skin somewhere around the scruff or near that area, just as you would do to check hydration (something you'll want to do daily, by the way ...) You'll then have a little tent of skin lifted off from the body. You'll insert the the needle along the long line of the tent (think of a long pole supporting the tent like a roof line) rather than from side to side of the tent. Inject and you're done. You'll get to where you can do it easily.
Never give another shot if you think you missed the shot (sometimes you can make a mistake and give the shot to the fur.. which isn't helpful at all!) but its always best for your kitty to skip a dose than have a double shot.
Eating is crucial - and it is equally crucial that your cat eats something immediately before or after the insulin shot (just like human diabetics). This can be difficult, as cats often don't eat when they don't feel well, so start finding all the creative treats you can find that will entice your cat.You can probably try home-made (no salt or spices) chicken broth, which gels when cold; baby food (all meat, NO spices, particularly onion powder, which is poisonous to cats); wet food (from the vet, particularly made for kidney problems); TUNA (the special favorite.) Experiment, but don't go overboard, and remember that however 'underboard' is more dangerous.
As the diabetes progresses, be on the watch for other complications; Joint problems , need for heat, blindness. You'll need to make environmental changes to accommodate such things as they develop. Some cats can come down with renal failure as a secondary condition to the diabetes. These are all treatable, but it will add to the adjustments you and your cat will need to make.
Find out where your nearest emergency animal hospital/clinic is NOW before you need that information. Because you will need it.Unless you are extremely blessed, there will be at least once or twice that you will need to rush your cat for immediate care, because he goes into diabetic coma (the warnings I mentioned above.) Keep the number someplace where you can find it at a moment's notice.
Towels are your friend. They can be used to wrap a cat who struggles when given shots; they can be used to put under a cat who is retching to catch the vomit (towels, unlike rugs and floors, are easily thrown into a washing machine!);they can make emergency beds as the cat's ability to navigate the environment changes. They can be used with plastic to catch extraneous urine around the litterbox (again - washable!).
Periodically ,talk to your vet about cat's diet. He may already be on lower-protein food. If not, it may be time to introduce it. Kidney problems necessitate lower protein foods than normal
This can be a harsh statement, but to be realistic, Diabetes in cats is fatal -- you may have weeks or years, depending on how well your cat's blood levels regulate. Now is the time for the two of you to come to an agreement about what constitutes a quality-of-life threshold. Only you and your cat can decide when that is for the two of you. But it is a conversation you should start, now,while you can still enjoy yourselves together as you have it.
Anand Srinivasan is the author of http://XooXonline.info a website of varied themes and topics for the internet surfer who wants to surf but does not know what to!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anand_Srinivasan
Recognizing Early Symptoms Diabetes
Early symptoms diabetes
Stay alert in recognizing early symptoms of diabetes. Certain symptoms put you on notice and you'll want to decrease the chance of developing into complications. You'll do yourself a lot of good with early treatment if necessary to maintain optimum health. If you don't have the early symptoms of diabetes looked your risking more than you need too.
Some of the early signs of the diabetic issue are frequent urination, blurry vision, irritability, extreme hunger, excessive thirst, unusual weight loss and increased fatigue. Sometime these show up together so be attentive and sensitive to your how you feel. Unfortunately over 20 + million people now have various forms of the disease. That's almost 25% or 1 out of 4 of our population. Of those one-third don't even know it.
If you are of member of Pacific Islanders, African American, Latino, Native American you'll be a little more cautious since diabetes is more common among these groups. Weight, age, hereditary issues, and lack of exercise are factors. Symptoms are similar in juveniles. Keeping alert about your child certainly is important along with the many other issues that already occupy your mind for their well being.
Type 1 generally is found in child and young adults with heart disease, blindness and kidney damage are of the biggest concerns. Type 2 is the most common where the body doesn't produce enough insulin so the body is able to use up the sugar intake. With the depletion of the food chain, fast foods with highly processed ingredients the problem will continue to grow. All ages are effected and it's scary to find out a person has it.
Although serious, people can certainly live long and happy lives. So spending some time today taking care of yourself is really a great investment. Firm up with some liquid quality vitamins and minerals to keep the immune system strong as possible for as long as possible. Get adequate rest, exercise at least some and try to cut down on the processed foods and turn to fruits and vegetables as well. By having some understanding of early symptoms diabetes you'll just that much better equipped to deal with the issues.
For more on diabetes symptoms, treatment and care
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rolf_Rasmusson
Stay alert in recognizing early symptoms of diabetes. Certain symptoms put you on notice and you'll want to decrease the chance of developing into complications. You'll do yourself a lot of good with early treatment if necessary to maintain optimum health. If you don't have the early symptoms of diabetes looked your risking more than you need too.
Some of the early signs of the diabetic issue are frequent urination, blurry vision, irritability, extreme hunger, excessive thirst, unusual weight loss and increased fatigue. Sometime these show up together so be attentive and sensitive to your how you feel. Unfortunately over 20 + million people now have various forms of the disease. That's almost 25% or 1 out of 4 of our population. Of those one-third don't even know it.
If you are of member of Pacific Islanders, African American, Latino, Native American you'll be a little more cautious since diabetes is more common among these groups. Weight, age, hereditary issues, and lack of exercise are factors. Symptoms are similar in juveniles. Keeping alert about your child certainly is important along with the many other issues that already occupy your mind for their well being.
Type 1 generally is found in child and young adults with heart disease, blindness and kidney damage are of the biggest concerns. Type 2 is the most common where the body doesn't produce enough insulin so the body is able to use up the sugar intake. With the depletion of the food chain, fast foods with highly processed ingredients the problem will continue to grow. All ages are effected and it's scary to find out a person has it.
Although serious, people can certainly live long and happy lives. So spending some time today taking care of yourself is really a great investment. Firm up with some liquid quality vitamins and minerals to keep the immune system strong as possible for as long as possible. Get adequate rest, exercise at least some and try to cut down on the processed foods and turn to fruits and vegetables as well. By having some understanding of early symptoms diabetes you'll just that much better equipped to deal with the issues.
For more on diabetes symptoms, treatment and care
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rolf_Rasmusson
What are the Long-Term Effects of Gestational Diabetes?
Gestational diabetes is the third type of diabetes which occurs typically during pregnancy. Although it may disappear after the baby is born, if the condition is left untreated, then it may not only harm the health of the mother but also the health of the fetus too. In a small number of cases, gestational diabetes occurs temporarily during pregnancy.
The symptoms seen in gestational diabetes patients are almost the same as the symptoms of diabetes mellitus. The patient experiences increased thirst and passes urine frequently. It is very important that the sugar level in the blood is tested by the prenatal medical team at regular intervals, so that it can be kept under control. The high levels of insulin in the mother's system can result in large babies, although no birth defects have been known to occur.
During the first trimester most birth defects manifest themselves, and gestational diabetes does not typically occur until the second trimester. Factors that need to be considered during pregnancy to determine whether or not the mother is at risk, are whether she had gestational diabetes during her previous pregnancy, if the previous baby was overweight and also the age of the mother. Chances are that the mother will develop type 2 diabetes later in life if she has gestational diabetes during her pregnancy - even if the condition disappeared after she gave birth.
If a woman is at risk of getting gestational diabetes or is showing symptoms of the disease, she should get the required tests done by the 28th week or even earlier if she had experienced it during her previous pregnancy. The tests will be done by a physician performing glucose tests to determine if there are increased chances of getting gestational diabetes, after which extensive tests can be done to complete the diagnosis.
Gestational diabetes can put your baby at risk! The mother has the risk of developing type 2 diabetes at a later stage, as well as hypertension or high blood pressure. Some of the most common problems seen in infants are:
• Macrosomia (excessive birth weight)• Jaundice• Respiratory distress syndrome• Low calcium • Levels of magnesium • Increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life
Once the problem is diagnosed, the treatment started will depend on the health of the mother. The age and weight of the mother have to be considered. The treatment will be given according to her preference. Either she could opt for a strict diet regime and exercise with proper monitoring of blood sugar levels or, in more severe cases, she could go for insulin treatment. Whatever method is chosen, the main focus will be on controlling the sugar levels in the blood.
Knowing how to recognize a diabetes symptom is crucial. Find out more about recognizing a diabetes symptom at http://DealWithDiabetes.com/diabetessymptom.html.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chonticha_Marijne
The symptoms seen in gestational diabetes patients are almost the same as the symptoms of diabetes mellitus. The patient experiences increased thirst and passes urine frequently. It is very important that the sugar level in the blood is tested by the prenatal medical team at regular intervals, so that it can be kept under control. The high levels of insulin in the mother's system can result in large babies, although no birth defects have been known to occur.
During the first trimester most birth defects manifest themselves, and gestational diabetes does not typically occur until the second trimester. Factors that need to be considered during pregnancy to determine whether or not the mother is at risk, are whether she had gestational diabetes during her previous pregnancy, if the previous baby was overweight and also the age of the mother. Chances are that the mother will develop type 2 diabetes later in life if she has gestational diabetes during her pregnancy - even if the condition disappeared after she gave birth.
If a woman is at risk of getting gestational diabetes or is showing symptoms of the disease, she should get the required tests done by the 28th week or even earlier if she had experienced it during her previous pregnancy. The tests will be done by a physician performing glucose tests to determine if there are increased chances of getting gestational diabetes, after which extensive tests can be done to complete the diagnosis.
Gestational diabetes can put your baby at risk! The mother has the risk of developing type 2 diabetes at a later stage, as well as hypertension or high blood pressure. Some of the most common problems seen in infants are:
• Macrosomia (excessive birth weight)• Jaundice• Respiratory distress syndrome• Low calcium • Levels of magnesium • Increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life
Once the problem is diagnosed, the treatment started will depend on the health of the mother. The age and weight of the mother have to be considered. The treatment will be given according to her preference. Either she could opt for a strict diet regime and exercise with proper monitoring of blood sugar levels or, in more severe cases, she could go for insulin treatment. Whatever method is chosen, the main focus will be on controlling the sugar levels in the blood.
Knowing how to recognize a diabetes symptom is crucial. Find out more about recognizing a diabetes symptom at http://DealWithDiabetes.com/diabetessymptom.html.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chonticha_Marijne
Diabetes Type 2 and Artificial Sweeteners
Diabetes Type 2 (adult onset)
Refined carbs/sugars are actually the biggest contributing factor to type 2 diabetes--that is, the type of diabetes people develop later in life. The major contributing factor to type 2 diabetes is eating too many refined carbs. Type 2 diabetes is one of the easiest things for your body to heal. Are you ready? It is so simple. Quit eating carbs. It really is that simple. I have yet to meet anyone who was a type 2 diabetic who could not totally control their blood sugar levels without any insulin just by cutting carbs out of their diet.
All Artificial Sweeteners are Hazardous to Your Health. Like most things, everything starts out as a good idea. When NutraSweet was first invented it was actually made from grapefruit rinds. All the studies were done on this sweetener. It passed with flying colors. Then DuPont bought the rights, examined it under a microscope and chemically made it in a lab because it was cheaper. But there was one problem, this new artificial sweetener is essentially formaldehyde. And at temperatures above 95 degrees (the human body is 98 degrees) the artificial sweetener actually changes to formaldehyde in the body. Formaldehyde is the chemical they use to put into dead people to keep them from rotting before they burry them.
Some people want to argue that it takes large amounts of artificial sweeteners to induce cancer in rats. And in the small quantities the sweetener is found in food it is not harmful to humans. To that I have this to say: I don’t know about you but I don’t want to put anything in my body that causes cancer in any quantity, large or small. Living in the world we do today you are being exposed to toxins that cause cancer. So anywhere I can easily eliminate getting additional toxins, I will.
The truth about supplements. I also share this and more with you in my free e-course that this article is a part of. Go to http://www.HealthyEatingDiet.com to get the full e-course. Dr. Jamie wants to help give you Permanent Results with his "non-diet." He is also giving you dozens of valuable free gifts to "ethically bribe" you into helping him make his new book, "The Ultimate Non-Diet" a #1 best seller. For details on the book go to: http://www.TheUltimateNonDiet.com/free
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dr._Jamie_Fettig
Refined carbs/sugars are actually the biggest contributing factor to type 2 diabetes--that is, the type of diabetes people develop later in life. The major contributing factor to type 2 diabetes is eating too many refined carbs. Type 2 diabetes is one of the easiest things for your body to heal. Are you ready? It is so simple. Quit eating carbs. It really is that simple. I have yet to meet anyone who was a type 2 diabetic who could not totally control their blood sugar levels without any insulin just by cutting carbs out of their diet.
All Artificial Sweeteners are Hazardous to Your Health. Like most things, everything starts out as a good idea. When NutraSweet was first invented it was actually made from grapefruit rinds. All the studies were done on this sweetener. It passed with flying colors. Then DuPont bought the rights, examined it under a microscope and chemically made it in a lab because it was cheaper. But there was one problem, this new artificial sweetener is essentially formaldehyde. And at temperatures above 95 degrees (the human body is 98 degrees) the artificial sweetener actually changes to formaldehyde in the body. Formaldehyde is the chemical they use to put into dead people to keep them from rotting before they burry them.
Some people want to argue that it takes large amounts of artificial sweeteners to induce cancer in rats. And in the small quantities the sweetener is found in food it is not harmful to humans. To that I have this to say: I don’t know about you but I don’t want to put anything in my body that causes cancer in any quantity, large or small. Living in the world we do today you are being exposed to toxins that cause cancer. So anywhere I can easily eliminate getting additional toxins, I will.
The truth about supplements. I also share this and more with you in my free e-course that this article is a part of. Go to http://www.HealthyEatingDiet.com to get the full e-course. Dr. Jamie wants to help give you Permanent Results with his "non-diet." He is also giving you dozens of valuable free gifts to "ethically bribe" you into helping him make his new book, "The Ultimate Non-Diet" a #1 best seller. For details on the book go to: http://www.TheUltimateNonDiet.com/free
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dr._Jamie_Fettig
HOME::Health-and-Fitness/Diabetes
In today’s world of instant gratification, we all want our needs met with instant satisfaction. In the world of diabetes, it doesn’t happen that way. If you’ve browsed the internet for diabetes treatments, or cures, I’m sure you’ve found several sites promising almost instant cures, magic pills, herbs, and other formulas to make your diabetes go away. What’s the real truth?
The fact of diabetes Type 1 or Type 2 is that there is no instant cure. READ THIS AGAIN….There is NO INSTANT CURE FOR DIABETES. You diabetes didn’t occur overnight, and it’s not going to go away overnight. Diabetes is a chronic disease with severe and sometimes deadly complications. With proper care and management diabetics can live a normal, productive, happy life. There’s nothing available to make your return to good health happen overnight. Over time you can improve your health and your life.
Don’t misinterpret what I’m saying to mean there’s nothing you can take to help control your diabetes. There are some vitamins, minerals, and natural herbs that will assist you in gaining control of your blood sugars. More on this in a moment, but first I want to share with you a couple of things you must do to control your diabetes.
The keys to learning how to control and manage your diabetes are learning and applying what you learn to your daily life. Learn all you can about diabetes. Your health care providers and others are willing to share their knowledge. Don’t be embarrassed or feel uncomfortable if there’s something you don’t understand about how to get control of your diabetes. Ask questions until you feel you DO understand. Take classes, read, study, and apply what you’re learning into your daily life.
The steps you take each day will determine how well you’re able to control your diabetes. Diabetes control usually requires changes in two major areas…nutrition and activity. Lifestyle changes to accommodate the food you need to eat, and the activities you need to include each day, should become a permanent part of your life.
Your physician may prescribe medication for you. Simply taking the medication doesn’t “cure” diabetes. The medication is prescribed to help your body to effectively metabolize the food you eat, thus reducing the level of glucose or “sugar” in your blood. Diabetes management, unlike many other chronic diseases, requires more than taking your medications.
Taking your medications may help to relieve the high blood sugars, but it doesn’t cure what caused the problem. That’s where the lifestyle changes make the difference. Obesity is often a major contributing factor to type 2 diabetes. If you’re overweight with diabetes, weight loss and increased activity can often get you back on the road to good health.
There are several vitamins, minerals, and herbs that do affect blood sugar. Before you decide to try any of the advertised supplements natural or otherwise, be sure to do your homework. Read and learn about what’s in the supplement you’re considering. Talk with your health care professionals. Then make the decision to try it or not.
Remember, learn all you can about your diabetes. Apply what you learn to your daily life. You’ll see results.
This article was written by Janet Smith, author of AAA Success Formula For Diabetics; Simple Secrets to a Happy and Healthy Life. After 46 years as a diabetic and landing in intensive care 28 times in 36 months Janet has discovered how to bring it all together for rewarding results. http://www.masterdiabetes.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Janet_Smith
The fact of diabetes Type 1 or Type 2 is that there is no instant cure. READ THIS AGAIN….There is NO INSTANT CURE FOR DIABETES. You diabetes didn’t occur overnight, and it’s not going to go away overnight. Diabetes is a chronic disease with severe and sometimes deadly complications. With proper care and management diabetics can live a normal, productive, happy life. There’s nothing available to make your return to good health happen overnight. Over time you can improve your health and your life.
Don’t misinterpret what I’m saying to mean there’s nothing you can take to help control your diabetes. There are some vitamins, minerals, and natural herbs that will assist you in gaining control of your blood sugars. More on this in a moment, but first I want to share with you a couple of things you must do to control your diabetes.
The keys to learning how to control and manage your diabetes are learning and applying what you learn to your daily life. Learn all you can about diabetes. Your health care providers and others are willing to share their knowledge. Don’t be embarrassed or feel uncomfortable if there’s something you don’t understand about how to get control of your diabetes. Ask questions until you feel you DO understand. Take classes, read, study, and apply what you’re learning into your daily life.
The steps you take each day will determine how well you’re able to control your diabetes. Diabetes control usually requires changes in two major areas…nutrition and activity. Lifestyle changes to accommodate the food you need to eat, and the activities you need to include each day, should become a permanent part of your life.
Your physician may prescribe medication for you. Simply taking the medication doesn’t “cure” diabetes. The medication is prescribed to help your body to effectively metabolize the food you eat, thus reducing the level of glucose or “sugar” in your blood. Diabetes management, unlike many other chronic diseases, requires more than taking your medications.
Taking your medications may help to relieve the high blood sugars, but it doesn’t cure what caused the problem. That’s where the lifestyle changes make the difference. Obesity is often a major contributing factor to type 2 diabetes. If you’re overweight with diabetes, weight loss and increased activity can often get you back on the road to good health.
There are several vitamins, minerals, and herbs that do affect blood sugar. Before you decide to try any of the advertised supplements natural or otherwise, be sure to do your homework. Read and learn about what’s in the supplement you’re considering. Talk with your health care professionals. Then make the decision to try it or not.
Remember, learn all you can about your diabetes. Apply what you learn to your daily life. You’ll see results.
This article was written by Janet Smith, author of AAA Success Formula For Diabetics; Simple Secrets to a Happy and Healthy Life. After 46 years as a diabetic and landing in intensive care 28 times in 36 months Janet has discovered how to bring it all together for rewarding results. http://www.masterdiabetes.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Janet_Smith
Discover the Positive Effects of Exercise for Diabetes Sufferers
There are two main types of diabetes, 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 90% of 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.
The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to medically diagnose, treat or cure any disease. Consult a health care practitioner before beginning any health care program.
Emily Clark is editor at Lifestyle Health News and Medical Health News where you can find the most up-to-date advice and information on many medical, health and lifestyle topics.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Emily_Clark
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 90% of 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.
The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to medically diagnose, treat or cure any disease. Consult a health care practitioner before beginning any health care program.
Emily Clark is editor at Lifestyle Health News and Medical Health News where you can find the most up-to-date advice and information on many medical, health and lifestyle topics.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Emily_Clark
The Secrets of Diabetes Control
Living with diabetes can be extremely difficult. Almost everything you do and every part of how your body functions affects your diabetes, often much more than you may realize. For these reasons, good diabetes control demands your active participation on a daily basis. Good diabetes takes more than just taking your medications and visiting your doctor regularly.
Your health care team can help you learn about diabetes, and teach you about making lifestyle changes. They are willing to help you any way possible. The question is, “Are you willing to make the changes to get back to good health?”
The first step many people overlook when they are diagnosed with diabetes is to evaluate their attitude. You must be wiling to accept the fact that you have a chronic disease that when treated casually can devastate your life. You must make up your mind to have a “take charge attitude.” Only you can do what’s necessary to control your diabetes. Not your doctor, not your friends or family. YOU ARE IN CONTROL. IF you choose not to take active control of your life and your diabetes terrible diabetes complications can arise. The choice is yours.
Left uncontrolled diabetes can be destructive and deadly. Diabetes that is not in good control may result in heart attacks, strokes, blindness, amputations, and kidney failure. That’s right, I’ll state the gloom and doom clearly—diabetes has serious and sometimes fatal consequences when treated casually.
Diabetes affects every area of your life... career to private and everything in between. The diagnosis of diabetes means many lifestyle changes for you. Changes in the food you eat changes in the medication you take, changes in the times of day you eat, changes in activity, and more. Once you’ve decided to take active control of your diabetes, the next step is to learn all you can about how diabetes affects you and the changes you need to make to control diabetes. IF you don’t understand what is happening within your body, it will be hard to make the right choices to improve your control. Read, study, learn, and ask questions.
With proper training, education, and application of that knowledge, you can live a healthy and productive life. Remember, don’t expect complete control immediately. It will take time. It is your life, the quality of your life depends heavily on the time, and commitment you are willing to give to control your diabetes. Take control today for a better tomorrow.
This article was written by Janet Smith, author of AAA Success Formula For Diabetics; Simple Secrets to a Happy and Healthy Life. After 46 years as a diabetic and landing in intensive care 28 times in 36 months Janet has discovered how to bring it all together for rewarding results. http://www.masterdiabetes.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Janet_Smith
Your health care team can help you learn about diabetes, and teach you about making lifestyle changes. They are willing to help you any way possible. The question is, “Are you willing to make the changes to get back to good health?”
The first step many people overlook when they are diagnosed with diabetes is to evaluate their attitude. You must be wiling to accept the fact that you have a chronic disease that when treated casually can devastate your life. You must make up your mind to have a “take charge attitude.” Only you can do what’s necessary to control your diabetes. Not your doctor, not your friends or family. YOU ARE IN CONTROL. IF you choose not to take active control of your life and your diabetes terrible diabetes complications can arise. The choice is yours.
Left uncontrolled diabetes can be destructive and deadly. Diabetes that is not in good control may result in heart attacks, strokes, blindness, amputations, and kidney failure. That’s right, I’ll state the gloom and doom clearly—diabetes has serious and sometimes fatal consequences when treated casually.
Diabetes affects every area of your life... career to private and everything in between. The diagnosis of diabetes means many lifestyle changes for you. Changes in the food you eat changes in the medication you take, changes in the times of day you eat, changes in activity, and more. Once you’ve decided to take active control of your diabetes, the next step is to learn all you can about how diabetes affects you and the changes you need to make to control diabetes. IF you don’t understand what is happening within your body, it will be hard to make the right choices to improve your control. Read, study, learn, and ask questions.
With proper training, education, and application of that knowledge, you can live a healthy and productive life. Remember, don’t expect complete control immediately. It will take time. It is your life, the quality of your life depends heavily on the time, and commitment you are willing to give to control your diabetes. Take control today for a better tomorrow.
This article was written by Janet Smith, author of AAA Success Formula For Diabetics; Simple Secrets to a Happy and Healthy Life. After 46 years as a diabetic and landing in intensive care 28 times in 36 months Janet has discovered how to bring it all together for rewarding results. http://www.masterdiabetes.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Janet_Smith
Symptoms Of Adult Diabetes
Adult diabetes is another name for type 2 diabetes or non insulin dependent diabetes. The name was probably given to differentiate it from juvenile diabetes that tended to occur in young people. Juvenile diabetes is now called type 1 diabetes or insulin dependent diabetes. The names of these diseases have changed because it is not really the case that children only get type 1 diabetes and people in their 30's can acquire type 1 diabetes.
Type 1 and type 2 diabetes differ in one crucial aspect. In type 1 diabetes the pancreas does not produce insulin, in type 2 it does, but it is not effective and the body is said to be insulin resistant. Insulin is needed to help convert glucose in the bloodstream into energy and in the process reduce the level of sugar in the blood. When somebody has diabetes they can't do this. High levels of blood sugar for any length of time can result in serious health problems.
Symptoms of diabetes type 2 are often hard to determine by the individual because they can be mild or sporadic. In some cases people that are type 2 diabetics will be unaware of it for years.
Some of the classic symptoms that may occur are :
Increased and excessive thirst or polydipsia
Increased hunger
Frequent and excessive urination or polyuria
Dry mouth
Constant tiredness and feeling weak
Nauseous or feeling like vomiting
Numbness in feet or hands
Frequent infections or susceptibility to cuts and grazes
Blurred vision
A person that has type 2 diabetes could have one or all of these symptoms. As you can see early symptoms of adult onset diabetes could be mistaken for a heavy night out, stress at work or some kind of infection.
The best way to confirm if you have the condition is to consult a doctor. The method used to diagnose the disease is to take a blood test. A common blood test for diabetes is the fasting plasma glucose test. The test is done after a period of about 8 hours when nothing has been eaten. This gives a clear indication that the glucose in the the blood is being reduced or otherwise.
Symptoms of adult diabetes are hard to determine so it makes sense to check any concerns you have with a doctor or incorporate it into any regular check ups. For example, getting an eye test or check up that is recommended once a year can be used to check that you don't have diabetes. An Optician can check the retina for any unusual damage that can lead to the detection of diabetes.
Treatment for adult diabetes is based around regular exercise and a well balanced diet. Find out more about diabetic diet plans at http://www.diabeticdietsplan.com
The site deals with diabetic foods and diabetic cooking ideas. Adrian Whittle writes on issues related to diabetes including diabetic retinopathy and diabetic neuropathy.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Adrian_Whittle
Type 1 and type 2 diabetes differ in one crucial aspect. In type 1 diabetes the pancreas does not produce insulin, in type 2 it does, but it is not effective and the body is said to be insulin resistant. Insulin is needed to help convert glucose in the bloodstream into energy and in the process reduce the level of sugar in the blood. When somebody has diabetes they can't do this. High levels of blood sugar for any length of time can result in serious health problems.
Symptoms of diabetes type 2 are often hard to determine by the individual because they can be mild or sporadic. In some cases people that are type 2 diabetics will be unaware of it for years.
Some of the classic symptoms that may occur are :
Increased and excessive thirst or polydipsia
Increased hunger
Frequent and excessive urination or polyuria
Dry mouth
Constant tiredness and feeling weak
Nauseous or feeling like vomiting
Numbness in feet or hands
Frequent infections or susceptibility to cuts and grazes
Blurred vision
A person that has type 2 diabetes could have one or all of these symptoms. As you can see early symptoms of adult onset diabetes could be mistaken for a heavy night out, stress at work or some kind of infection.
The best way to confirm if you have the condition is to consult a doctor. The method used to diagnose the disease is to take a blood test. A common blood test for diabetes is the fasting plasma glucose test. The test is done after a period of about 8 hours when nothing has been eaten. This gives a clear indication that the glucose in the the blood is being reduced or otherwise.
Symptoms of adult diabetes are hard to determine so it makes sense to check any concerns you have with a doctor or incorporate it into any regular check ups. For example, getting an eye test or check up that is recommended once a year can be used to check that you don't have diabetes. An Optician can check the retina for any unusual damage that can lead to the detection of diabetes.
Treatment for adult diabetes is based around regular exercise and a well balanced diet. Find out more about diabetic diet plans at http://www.diabeticdietsplan.com
The site deals with diabetic foods and diabetic cooking ideas. Adrian Whittle writes on issues related to diabetes including diabetic retinopathy and diabetic neuropathy.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Adrian_Whittle
Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance of variable severity with the first recognition during pregnancy. Screening is now part of routine antenatal care in many settings in developed countries. There are several screening tests, but the most common is the oral glucose tolerance test, which tests the blood glucose level in order to initiate treatment for the prevention of complications in pregnant women and their infants. There is substantial debate surrounding the most suitable screening tests, the effectiveness of treatment in averting adverse mother and infant outcomes in women with mild to moderate glucose intolerance, the possibility of causing anxiety, and the potentially adverse effects of a “high risk” label in pregnancy for those with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus. A systematic review of the literature was conducted in order to examine the psychosocial effects of screening for Gestational Diabetes Mellitus. There was inconsistency in the results due to the variety of designs and methods used, and the outcomes assessed.
Most studies found no significant differences between women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and controls regarding mental health (anxiety and depression), concerns for the health of the newborn, and attitudes towards screening for Gestational Diabetes Mellitus. However, women who were found to have Gestational Diabetes Mellitus or who had false-positive results were more likely to worry about their own health than those whose screening test was negative or were not tested. Women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus were more likely than controls to rate their health as poor rather than excellent. The long term consequences of these concerns are not known. Many studies were methodologically weak, with low recruitment rates, large losses to follow up, recall bias, turf effects, and the use of unstandardised measures. More studies in this field are needed since there is little research investigating the psychosocial implications of screening for GDM.
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is controversial in terms of management and outcomes among women who are initially found to have glucose intolerance during pregnancy (Khandelwal, 1999; Scott, 2002). There is debate regarding appropriate screening and diagnostic criteria for elevated blood glucose during pregnancy, the best screening methods to be applied (Rumbold and Crowther, 2001; Scott, 2002), and also regarding the benefits and potential harm of screening programs (Brody, 2003). However, screening for GDM is becoming part of routine antenatal care in many parts of the world. An important aspect of the evaluation of any screening program is its impact on those who are screened (Rumbold and Crowther, 2001).
GDM is identification of diabetes, or impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) of variable severity first recognized during pregnancy (American Diabetes Association, 2004). GDM exists when there is an increase in blood glucose levels (Scott, 2002) because of a disorder of carbohydrate metabolism (Metzger and Coustan, 1998). This disorder may affect the fetus and newborn as well as the mother if untreated (Jones and Stone, 1998). GDM is associated with a disorder of insulin resistance, insulin action and insulin secretion during pregnancy. Thus, GDM is classified as Type-2 diabetes. Some women with GDM go on to develop Type-2 diabetes in later life (Daniells, 2003; Khandelwal, 1999).
You Will Know and Learn More about Gestational Diabetes Mellitus with my website at
http://diabetesmellitus-gestational.blogspot.com/
I graduated from International Class of Medical Faculty of Universitas Indonesia in 2000. In 1998-1999, I did a research in Key Centre's of Women's Health in University of Melbourne about Gestational Diabetes Mellitus. I was interested in dealing with Women's Health, especially Pregnant Women. For my research, a systematic review of the literature was conducted in order to examine the psychosocial effects of screening for Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in pregnant women.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ali_Idrus
Most studies found no significant differences between women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and controls regarding mental health (anxiety and depression), concerns for the health of the newborn, and attitudes towards screening for Gestational Diabetes Mellitus. However, women who were found to have Gestational Diabetes Mellitus or who had false-positive results were more likely to worry about their own health than those whose screening test was negative or were not tested. Women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus were more likely than controls to rate their health as poor rather than excellent. The long term consequences of these concerns are not known. Many studies were methodologically weak, with low recruitment rates, large losses to follow up, recall bias, turf effects, and the use of unstandardised measures. More studies in this field are needed since there is little research investigating the psychosocial implications of screening for GDM.
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is controversial in terms of management and outcomes among women who are initially found to have glucose intolerance during pregnancy (Khandelwal, 1999; Scott, 2002). There is debate regarding appropriate screening and diagnostic criteria for elevated blood glucose during pregnancy, the best screening methods to be applied (Rumbold and Crowther, 2001; Scott, 2002), and also regarding the benefits and potential harm of screening programs (Brody, 2003). However, screening for GDM is becoming part of routine antenatal care in many parts of the world. An important aspect of the evaluation of any screening program is its impact on those who are screened (Rumbold and Crowther, 2001).
GDM is identification of diabetes, or impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) of variable severity first recognized during pregnancy (American Diabetes Association, 2004). GDM exists when there is an increase in blood glucose levels (Scott, 2002) because of a disorder of carbohydrate metabolism (Metzger and Coustan, 1998). This disorder may affect the fetus and newborn as well as the mother if untreated (Jones and Stone, 1998). GDM is associated with a disorder of insulin resistance, insulin action and insulin secretion during pregnancy. Thus, GDM is classified as Type-2 diabetes. Some women with GDM go on to develop Type-2 diabetes in later life (Daniells, 2003; Khandelwal, 1999).
You Will Know and Learn More about Gestational Diabetes Mellitus with my website at
http://diabetesmellitus-gestational.blogspot.com/
I graduated from International Class of Medical Faculty of Universitas Indonesia in 2000. In 1998-1999, I did a research in Key Centre's of Women's Health in University of Melbourne about Gestational Diabetes Mellitus. I was interested in dealing with Women's Health, especially Pregnant Women. For my research, a systematic review of the literature was conducted in order to examine the psychosocial effects of screening for Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in pregnant women.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ali_Idrus
Stress and Diabetes - Not a Good Combination
However your wife, doctor friend relative or the taxi cab driver told you, taking it easy was great advice. Especially if you are a diabetic. I will show you what I mean in a little while. So please calm down and take it easy. I know that sometimes when I hear someone say take it easy I start to get riled up. Let's put that on the side for now. We will get to it later.
It's how we act when these situations show up. It is not the situations that make us stressful. For some of us some situations are easy for us to deal with while others get very nervous and tense with those same incidents.
Why it's bad to have more stress if you are a diabetic?
Having more sugar enter the blood stream is what makes us diabetics in the first place. As we get riled up form some situation some hormones react to the stress and help our bodies allow more sugar into the blood. This extra sugar is needed for energy to deal with the situation. Do the body's hormones permit the exact amount of sugar needed to combat the situation? I think not. Whatever excess sugar is left in the blood stream from one of these events elevates your blood sugar level. Not good if you are a diabetic.
Being aware of these or similar stressful situations is the first step.
You cannot do anything about these events unless you are aware of them. That is the first step. Make yourself be awar. You can start asking yourself questions like what can you differently when stressful situations stat to come forward. Knowing what some of these stressful situations are for you is key. What may be tense for you may not be tense for others. So know your stressful self.
Now that you are aware of some of your stressful situations what do you do next?
By relaxing you will lessen the levels of stress hormones in your blood. Less hormone action will mean less sugar into your blood. You can accomplish this with muscle relaxation techniques. This will help deal with the diabetes disease.
You may need to practice these new methods for a while until they become natural for you. Keep yourself open to new actions will be part of the relaxation process. Reducing your stress hormones is a key to reduced blood sugar. Stay on course.
Relaxation techniques will help you ease your diabetes. They are a part of a complete diabetes natural solutions care program. Go grab your free e course about creating a all-inclusive diabetes program for yourself.
Handling stress is part of a good diabetic strategy. What we eat is also high on the diabetes disease list of useful tips. The Diabetic Warrior has beat the disease using diet. Get his free MP3.
If you would like to learn more about defeating diabetes from someone who has conquered the disease with food then go grab your free MP3. Go here right now http://www.diabetesnaturalsolutions.com/freeMP3.html
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Aron_WalladV
It's how we act when these situations show up. It is not the situations that make us stressful. For some of us some situations are easy for us to deal with while others get very nervous and tense with those same incidents.
Why it's bad to have more stress if you are a diabetic?
Having more sugar enter the blood stream is what makes us diabetics in the first place. As we get riled up form some situation some hormones react to the stress and help our bodies allow more sugar into the blood. This extra sugar is needed for energy to deal with the situation. Do the body's hormones permit the exact amount of sugar needed to combat the situation? I think not. Whatever excess sugar is left in the blood stream from one of these events elevates your blood sugar level. Not good if you are a diabetic.
Being aware of these or similar stressful situations is the first step.
You cannot do anything about these events unless you are aware of them. That is the first step. Make yourself be awar. You can start asking yourself questions like what can you differently when stressful situations stat to come forward. Knowing what some of these stressful situations are for you is key. What may be tense for you may not be tense for others. So know your stressful self.
Now that you are aware of some of your stressful situations what do you do next?
By relaxing you will lessen the levels of stress hormones in your blood. Less hormone action will mean less sugar into your blood. You can accomplish this with muscle relaxation techniques. This will help deal with the diabetes disease.
You may need to practice these new methods for a while until they become natural for you. Keep yourself open to new actions will be part of the relaxation process. Reducing your stress hormones is a key to reduced blood sugar. Stay on course.
Relaxation techniques will help you ease your diabetes. They are a part of a complete diabetes natural solutions care program. Go grab your free e course about creating a all-inclusive diabetes program for yourself.
Handling stress is part of a good diabetic strategy. What we eat is also high on the diabetes disease list of useful tips. The Diabetic Warrior has beat the disease using diet. Get his free MP3.
If you would like to learn more about defeating diabetes from someone who has conquered the disease with food then go grab your free MP3. Go here right now http://www.diabetesnaturalsolutions.com/freeMP3.html
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Aron_WalladV
Sunday
Bitter Melon - Benefits, Uses, and Research for Diabetes and HIV
Bitter Melon - Benefits, Medicinal Properties
Bitter Melon is reported to help in the treatment of diabetes and psoriasis. It has also been reported that Bitter Melon may help in the treatment of HIV
Bitter Melon is the English name of Momordica charantia. Bitter Melon is also known by the names Karela and Bitter gourd. Bitter Melon grows in tropical areas, including parts of East Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, and South America, where it is used as a food as well as a medicine. It is a green cucumber shaped fruit with gourd-like bumps all over it. It looks like an ugly, light green cucumber. The fruit should be firm, like a cucumber. And it tastes very bitter. Although the seeds, leaves, and vines of Bitter Melon have all been used, the fruit is the safest and most prevalent part of the plant used medicinally. The leaves and fruit have both been used occasionally to make teas and beer, or to season soups in the Western world.
Does bitter melon have medicinal properties?
Bitter Melon was traditionally used for a dazzling array of conditions by people in tropical regions. Numerous infections, cancer, leukemia, and diabetes are among the most common conditions it was believed to improve. Bitter Melon is reported to help in the treatment of diabetes and psoriasis. It has also been thought that Bitter Melon may help in the treatment of HIV, but the evidence thus far is too weak to even consider. The ripe fruit of Bitter Melon has been suggested to exhibit some remarkable anti-cancer effects, but there is absolutely no evidence that it can treat cancer. However, preliminary studies do appear to confirm that Bitter Melon may improve blood sugar control in people with adult-onset (type 2) diabetes.
Is it true that bitter melon capsules are effective in lowering blood sugar of diabetics?
The blood lowering action of the fresh juice of the unripe Bitter Melon has been confirmed in scientific studies in animals and humans. At least three different groups of constituents in Bitter Melon have been reported to have hypoglycemic (blood sugar lowering) or other actions of potential benefit in diabetes mellitus. These include a mixture of steroidal saponins known as charantin, insulin-like peptides, and alkaloids. It is still unclear which of these is most effective or if all three work together. Nonetheless, Bitter Melon preparations have been shown to significantly improve glucose tolerance without increasing blood insulin levels, and to improve fasting blood glucose levels.
Rich in iron, bitter melon has twice the beta carotene of broccoli, twice the calcium of spinach, twice the potassium of bananas, and contains vitamins C and B 1 to 3, phosphorus and good dietary fiber. It is believed to be good for the liver and has been proven by western scientists to contain insulin, act as an anti-tumor agent, and inhibit HIV-1 infection.
At least 32 active constituents have been identified in bitter melon so far, including beta-sitosterol-d-glucoside, citrulline, GABA, lutein, lycopene and zeaxanthin. Nutritional analysis reveals that bitter melon is also rich in potassium, calcium, iron, beta-carotene, vitamins B1, B2, B3 and C.
Even more effective than a conventional drug in lowering blood sugar!
Recently, the Department of Health in the Philippines has recommended bitter melon as one of the best herbal medicines for diabetic management. And multiple clinical studies have clearly established the role of bitter melon in people with diabetes. Scientists have now identified three groups of constituents that are thought to be responsible for its 'blood sugar lowering' action.
One of these, a compound called charantin, which is composed of mixed steroids, was found to be more effective than the oral hypoglycaemic drug, tolbutamide, in reducing blood sugar.
Another, an insulin-like polypeptide, called polypeptide P, appears to lower blood sugar in type I (insulin dependent) diabetics, while alkaloids present in the fruit have also been noted to have a blood sugar lowering effect. As yet, researchers are unclear as to which of these compounds is most effective or if it is the synergistic effect of all three. Further research is required to understand how these compounds actually work.
Compounds known as oleanolic acid glycosides have been found to improve glucose tolerance in Type II (maturity onset) diabetics by preventing the absorption of sugar from the intestines. Bitter melon has also been reported to increase the number of beta cells (cells that secrete insulin) in the pancreas, thereby improving your body's capability to produce insulin (insulin promotes the uptake of sugar from your blood by cells and tissues).
Evidence:
A two-day Indian study published in 1999 examined bitter melon's effect on 100 people with type 2 diabetes. On both days, researchers tested the participants' blood sugar levels in a fasting state and after drinking glucose. Participants took 150 to 200 mi of bitter melon extract on the second day. That day, researchers found that 86 percent of the participants experienced an average 14 percent drop in blood sugar after fasting and after drinking glucose.
The most appropriate quality product is in Vegetable Capsules: Morpheme Karela (Bitter Melon) Supplements
For More information about Bitter Melon and Its Benefits, Bitter Melon Supplements please read at http://www.ayurvediccure.com/bittergourd.htm
100% Pure and Natural Bitter Melon Supplements: http://www.ayurvediccure.com/bittergourd.htm
Health, Nutritional and Herbal Vitamin Supplements Guide.
Health Guide featuring Home Remedies, Nutritional Herbal Supplements. Complete Guide and Online Health Store.
http://www.ayurvediccure.com
More on Bitter Melon: http://www.ayurvediccure.com/bittermelon.htm
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dr_Rav_Davis
Bitter Melon is reported to help in the treatment of diabetes and psoriasis. It has also been reported that Bitter Melon may help in the treatment of HIV
Bitter Melon is the English name of Momordica charantia. Bitter Melon is also known by the names Karela and Bitter gourd. Bitter Melon grows in tropical areas, including parts of East Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, and South America, where it is used as a food as well as a medicine. It is a green cucumber shaped fruit with gourd-like bumps all over it. It looks like an ugly, light green cucumber. The fruit should be firm, like a cucumber. And it tastes very bitter. Although the seeds, leaves, and vines of Bitter Melon have all been used, the fruit is the safest and most prevalent part of the plant used medicinally. The leaves and fruit have both been used occasionally to make teas and beer, or to season soups in the Western world.
Does bitter melon have medicinal properties?
Bitter Melon was traditionally used for a dazzling array of conditions by people in tropical regions. Numerous infections, cancer, leukemia, and diabetes are among the most common conditions it was believed to improve. Bitter Melon is reported to help in the treatment of diabetes and psoriasis. It has also been thought that Bitter Melon may help in the treatment of HIV, but the evidence thus far is too weak to even consider. The ripe fruit of Bitter Melon has been suggested to exhibit some remarkable anti-cancer effects, but there is absolutely no evidence that it can treat cancer. However, preliminary studies do appear to confirm that Bitter Melon may improve blood sugar control in people with adult-onset (type 2) diabetes.
Is it true that bitter melon capsules are effective in lowering blood sugar of diabetics?
The blood lowering action of the fresh juice of the unripe Bitter Melon has been confirmed in scientific studies in animals and humans. At least three different groups of constituents in Bitter Melon have been reported to have hypoglycemic (blood sugar lowering) or other actions of potential benefit in diabetes mellitus. These include a mixture of steroidal saponins known as charantin, insulin-like peptides, and alkaloids. It is still unclear which of these is most effective or if all three work together. Nonetheless, Bitter Melon preparations have been shown to significantly improve glucose tolerance without increasing blood insulin levels, and to improve fasting blood glucose levels.
Rich in iron, bitter melon has twice the beta carotene of broccoli, twice the calcium of spinach, twice the potassium of bananas, and contains vitamins C and B 1 to 3, phosphorus and good dietary fiber. It is believed to be good for the liver and has been proven by western scientists to contain insulin, act as an anti-tumor agent, and inhibit HIV-1 infection.
At least 32 active constituents have been identified in bitter melon so far, including beta-sitosterol-d-glucoside, citrulline, GABA, lutein, lycopene and zeaxanthin. Nutritional analysis reveals that bitter melon is also rich in potassium, calcium, iron, beta-carotene, vitamins B1, B2, B3 and C.
Even more effective than a conventional drug in lowering blood sugar!
Recently, the Department of Health in the Philippines has recommended bitter melon as one of the best herbal medicines for diabetic management. And multiple clinical studies have clearly established the role of bitter melon in people with diabetes. Scientists have now identified three groups of constituents that are thought to be responsible for its 'blood sugar lowering' action.
One of these, a compound called charantin, which is composed of mixed steroids, was found to be more effective than the oral hypoglycaemic drug, tolbutamide, in reducing blood sugar.
Another, an insulin-like polypeptide, called polypeptide P, appears to lower blood sugar in type I (insulin dependent) diabetics, while alkaloids present in the fruit have also been noted to have a blood sugar lowering effect. As yet, researchers are unclear as to which of these compounds is most effective or if it is the synergistic effect of all three. Further research is required to understand how these compounds actually work.
Compounds known as oleanolic acid glycosides have been found to improve glucose tolerance in Type II (maturity onset) diabetics by preventing the absorption of sugar from the intestines. Bitter melon has also been reported to increase the number of beta cells (cells that secrete insulin) in the pancreas, thereby improving your body's capability to produce insulin (insulin promotes the uptake of sugar from your blood by cells and tissues).
Evidence:
A two-day Indian study published in 1999 examined bitter melon's effect on 100 people with type 2 diabetes. On both days, researchers tested the participants' blood sugar levels in a fasting state and after drinking glucose. Participants took 150 to 200 mi of bitter melon extract on the second day. That day, researchers found that 86 percent of the participants experienced an average 14 percent drop in blood sugar after fasting and after drinking glucose.
The most appropriate quality product is in Vegetable Capsules: Morpheme Karela (Bitter Melon) Supplements
For More information about Bitter Melon and Its Benefits, Bitter Melon Supplements please read at http://www.ayurvediccure.com/bittergourd.htm
100% Pure and Natural Bitter Melon Supplements: http://www.ayurvediccure.com/bittergourd.htm
Health, Nutritional and Herbal Vitamin Supplements Guide.
Health Guide featuring Home Remedies, Nutritional Herbal Supplements. Complete Guide and Online Health Store.
http://www.ayurvediccure.com
More on Bitter Melon: http://www.ayurvediccure.com/bittermelon.htm
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dr_Rav_Davis
Recognizing Early Symptoms Diabetes
Early symptoms diabetes
Stay alert in recognizing early symptoms of diabetes. Certain symptoms put you on notice and you'll want to decrease the chance of developing into complications. You'll do yourself a lot of good with early treatment if necessary to maintain optimum health. If you don't have the early symptoms of diabetes looked your risking more than you need too.
Some of the early signs of the diabetic issue are frequent urination, blurry vision, irritability, extreme hunger, excessive thirst, unusual weight loss and increased fatigue. Sometime these show up together so be attentive and sensitive to your how you feel. Unfortunately over 20 + million people now have various forms of the disease. That's almost 25% or 1 out of 4 of our population. Of those one-third don't even know it.
If you are of member of Pacific Islanders, African American, Latino, Native American you'll be a little more cautious since diabetes is more common among these groups. Weight, age, hereditary issues, and lack of exercise are factors. Symptoms are similar in juveniles. Keeping alert about your child certainly is important along with the many other issues that already occupy your mind for their well being.
Type 1 generally is found in child and young adults with heart disease, blindness and kidney damage are of the biggest concerns. Type 2 is the most common where the body doesn't produce enough insulin so the body is able to use up the sugar intake. With the depletion of the food chain, fast foods with highly processed ingredients the problem will continue to grow. All ages are effected and it's scary to find out a person has it.
Although serious, people can certainly live long and happy lives. So spending some time today taking care of yourself is really a great investment. Firm up with some liquid quality vitamins and minerals to keep the immune system strong as possible for as long as possible. Get adequate rest, exercise at least some and try to cut down on the processed foods and turn to fruits and vegetables as well. By having some understanding of early symptoms diabetes you'll just that much better equipped to deal with the issues.
For more on diabetes symptoms, treatment and care
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rolf_Rasmusson
Stay alert in recognizing early symptoms of diabetes. Certain symptoms put you on notice and you'll want to decrease the chance of developing into complications. You'll do yourself a lot of good with early treatment if necessary to maintain optimum health. If you don't have the early symptoms of diabetes looked your risking more than you need too.
Some of the early signs of the diabetic issue are frequent urination, blurry vision, irritability, extreme hunger, excessive thirst, unusual weight loss and increased fatigue. Sometime these show up together so be attentive and sensitive to your how you feel. Unfortunately over 20 + million people now have various forms of the disease. That's almost 25% or 1 out of 4 of our population. Of those one-third don't even know it.
If you are of member of Pacific Islanders, African American, Latino, Native American you'll be a little more cautious since diabetes is more common among these groups. Weight, age, hereditary issues, and lack of exercise are factors. Symptoms are similar in juveniles. Keeping alert about your child certainly is important along with the many other issues that already occupy your mind for their well being.
Type 1 generally is found in child and young adults with heart disease, blindness and kidney damage are of the biggest concerns. Type 2 is the most common where the body doesn't produce enough insulin so the body is able to use up the sugar intake. With the depletion of the food chain, fast foods with highly processed ingredients the problem will continue to grow. All ages are effected and it's scary to find out a person has it.
Although serious, people can certainly live long and happy lives. So spending some time today taking care of yourself is really a great investment. Firm up with some liquid quality vitamins and minerals to keep the immune system strong as possible for as long as possible. Get adequate rest, exercise at least some and try to cut down on the processed foods and turn to fruits and vegetables as well. By having some understanding of early symptoms diabetes you'll just that much better equipped to deal with the issues.
For more on diabetes symptoms, treatment and care
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rolf_Rasmusson
The Effects of Diabetes
Diabetes is being a huge health problem. Many people suffer from diabetes and the other medical side effects it cause. An early diagnosis of diabetes can help a person to avoid serious related diseases. The earlier diabetes is caught the easy it is for doctors to monitor the patients overall health, thus preventing any further medical problems.
Diabetes is when the pancreas does not function properly and glucose levels fall outside the normal range. A normal glucose reading is lower than 110 mg/dL upon waking in the morning and lower than 140 mg/dL two hours after eating. There are simple blood tests that are used to diagnose diabetes. Once diagnosed a person will work with their doctor to determine a treatment. Treatments can include diet changes, pills, or injections. Any history, family history and people in certain ethnic groups may be at elevated risk for developing diabetes. There are different types of diabetes. Some start in childhood, some start in adulthood and another form occurs during pregnancy. All can cause harmful effects on the body if not taken care of.
Long term effects of diabetes are usually due to a patient letting their glucose levels remain elevated for long periods of time. That is why early detection is important. Excess blood sugar levels have a horrible effect on the body. Some common effects from diabetes include vision problems, kidney damage, nerve damage, heart and circulation problems. A person with diabetes is at a higher risk for these types of conditions, but a person who does not control their diabetes is even more likely to develop one of these conditions.
Diabetes is a disease that does not have a cure. Diagnosing and treating diabetes have evolved into easier processes. A person with diabetes can normally live life as they did before their diagnosis. Living with diabetes is a matter of taking control over the disease and preventing complications.
Jeanette Pollock is a freelance author and website owner of justdiabeteshelp.com. Visit Jeanette's site to learn more about the effects of diabetes.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeanette_Pollock
Diabetes is when the pancreas does not function properly and glucose levels fall outside the normal range. A normal glucose reading is lower than 110 mg/dL upon waking in the morning and lower than 140 mg/dL two hours after eating. There are simple blood tests that are used to diagnose diabetes. Once diagnosed a person will work with their doctor to determine a treatment. Treatments can include diet changes, pills, or injections. Any history, family history and people in certain ethnic groups may be at elevated risk for developing diabetes. There are different types of diabetes. Some start in childhood, some start in adulthood and another form occurs during pregnancy. All can cause harmful effects on the body if not taken care of.
Long term effects of diabetes are usually due to a patient letting their glucose levels remain elevated for long periods of time. That is why early detection is important. Excess blood sugar levels have a horrible effect on the body. Some common effects from diabetes include vision problems, kidney damage, nerve damage, heart and circulation problems. A person with diabetes is at a higher risk for these types of conditions, but a person who does not control their diabetes is even more likely to develop one of these conditions.
Diabetes is a disease that does not have a cure. Diagnosing and treating diabetes have evolved into easier processes. A person with diabetes can normally live life as they did before their diagnosis. Living with diabetes is a matter of taking control over the disease and preventing complications.
Jeanette Pollock is a freelance author and website owner of justdiabeteshelp.com. Visit Jeanette's site to learn more about the effects of diabetes.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeanette_Pollock
How to Triumph Over Diabetes
Diabetes in the last few years has become widespread. Once considered a rare disease, we all either personally know diabetics or someone whose loved one is battling it. What? Have you been diagnosed with it also? In the past, most diabetics used to be diagnosed at birth or very early in life with what is known as Type 1 diabetes, due to the body’s inability to produce enough insulin. Now it seems that majority of cases of the disease are contributed to Type 2 diabetes, which is contracted later on in life. What is it in the North American Diet that predisposes you and me to Diabetes? The main culprits have finally been exposed. They are widely known to be a combination of poor diet and lack of proper exercise.
Did you see it coming with the proliferation of fast foods of all types? Did you notice you children’s gradual disinterest in the wholesome basic meat, potatoes and lots of veggies diet? I remember my young daughters checking out the mound of fresh groceries and exclaiming: “there’s nothing to eat!” What they meant was there was no junk food! Their taste buds had started to take on so many of their friends’ tastes. Meals became a culinary challenge in our house to deftly and as inconspicuously as possible combine nutrition and “fun food.” It was a taste-testing season, where we all became more exposed to many new and nutritious international dishes. Now our gals are much more health conscious than I ever was!
How about you? Do you know someone who may be totally hooked on junk food? Many people grab fast food dinners all too often due to their busy lifestyles, being too exhausted to cook a proper meal after a hard day’s work. This, of course, inadvertently affects the younger generation, who soon refuse to eat the “good stuff.”
The main reason for all that, according to me, is the high content of sugar in junk food, sauces and drinks. It’s the sugar you get addicted to. Soon you’re no longer satisfied with the natural sweet taste of our great variety of fresh and dried fruit. And veggies? Forget it! If you have to douse it with ketchup, marinated pickles or other sweet condiment, chances are you won’t eat it, right? If so, you may be hooked on sugar.
Is it too late to get the young generation turned around to wholesome nutrition? Anyone with either type of diabetes will attest that it’s no fun! Being dependent on needles and constant monitoring is not pleasant; neither are the consequences of blindness, pain and amputations in severe cases.
It’s time to take back your natural God-given taste for wholesome, natural food without additives, especially sugar. By gradually re-introducing more and more natural fiber-laden food and fruit in your diet and committing to regular exercise, like walking, you’re on your way to regaining control of your health.
There is much information about the kinds of foods that are best for diabetics and those who are prime candidates for it. Take your doctor’s advice. However, do not neglect the fact that proper nutrition can reverse the trend. Doctors have the expertise to diagnose and treat the symptoms. As yet there is no medical cure. They can only try to stabilize the insulin level in your body.
Nutritionists are experts in the power and goodness of food. You need both the medical and nutritional advice. By adding the right nutritional supplements, along with a more balanced diet than you may have been used to, you can totally eliminate your diabetes. There’s no greater feeling of power and relief than when, thanks to your taking nutrition seriously, you get a clean bill of health from your doctor! Yes, it can be done! You can regain control over the deceit of sugar addiction and wrong eating habits! Get back your power and stay in control of your well-being!
Ann Stewart is a prolific author of self-improvement articles on encouragement, inspiration and health.
Her free informative e-zines are: http://youthmakeover.com for Health Tips, http://allyoursnow.com for Business Tips, and: http://lifealteringwords.com for encouragement.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ann_Stewart
Did you see it coming with the proliferation of fast foods of all types? Did you notice you children’s gradual disinterest in the wholesome basic meat, potatoes and lots of veggies diet? I remember my young daughters checking out the mound of fresh groceries and exclaiming: “there’s nothing to eat!” What they meant was there was no junk food! Their taste buds had started to take on so many of their friends’ tastes. Meals became a culinary challenge in our house to deftly and as inconspicuously as possible combine nutrition and “fun food.” It was a taste-testing season, where we all became more exposed to many new and nutritious international dishes. Now our gals are much more health conscious than I ever was!
How about you? Do you know someone who may be totally hooked on junk food? Many people grab fast food dinners all too often due to their busy lifestyles, being too exhausted to cook a proper meal after a hard day’s work. This, of course, inadvertently affects the younger generation, who soon refuse to eat the “good stuff.”
The main reason for all that, according to me, is the high content of sugar in junk food, sauces and drinks. It’s the sugar you get addicted to. Soon you’re no longer satisfied with the natural sweet taste of our great variety of fresh and dried fruit. And veggies? Forget it! If you have to douse it with ketchup, marinated pickles or other sweet condiment, chances are you won’t eat it, right? If so, you may be hooked on sugar.
Is it too late to get the young generation turned around to wholesome nutrition? Anyone with either type of diabetes will attest that it’s no fun! Being dependent on needles and constant monitoring is not pleasant; neither are the consequences of blindness, pain and amputations in severe cases.
It’s time to take back your natural God-given taste for wholesome, natural food without additives, especially sugar. By gradually re-introducing more and more natural fiber-laden food and fruit in your diet and committing to regular exercise, like walking, you’re on your way to regaining control of your health.
There is much information about the kinds of foods that are best for diabetics and those who are prime candidates for it. Take your doctor’s advice. However, do not neglect the fact that proper nutrition can reverse the trend. Doctors have the expertise to diagnose and treat the symptoms. As yet there is no medical cure. They can only try to stabilize the insulin level in your body.
Nutritionists are experts in the power and goodness of food. You need both the medical and nutritional advice. By adding the right nutritional supplements, along with a more balanced diet than you may have been used to, you can totally eliminate your diabetes. There’s no greater feeling of power and relief than when, thanks to your taking nutrition seriously, you get a clean bill of health from your doctor! Yes, it can be done! You can regain control over the deceit of sugar addiction and wrong eating habits! Get back your power and stay in control of your well-being!
Ann Stewart is a prolific author of self-improvement articles on encouragement, inspiration and health.
Her free informative e-zines are: http://youthmakeover.com for Health Tips, http://allyoursnow.com for Business Tips, and: http://lifealteringwords.com for encouragement.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ann_Stewart
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