Foods to Avoid for Diabetes

When the cells of the human pancreas don’t generate insulin, it creates Diabetes mellitus. Actually, insulin is useful to split sugar into a form in blood that body can efficiently store and apply to produce energy later. This disease compels you to forget some foods and it demands your diet to be something that is high in soluble fibers and low in saturated fats. A doctor can advice such a patient to consume less carbohydrate products because it might contain high glycemic index.

The rapid increase of this disease has pressed food, beverage, and pharmaceutical companies to make products considering the need of such patients. It’s also true that the doctors often prescribe not to buy such products at random and the products are often very costly as well. Such products might contain more fats and may be that the products just don’t have anything that can be help you.

If you want to keep your blood glucose levels in control, a slight change in your food habit can be the best option.
Being a new patient of this disease, doctor may advice you to collaborate with a dietitian or nutritionist, who can endow you with a proper meal and snack plan. You might need to calculate your carbohydrates by pointing out your eating of sugary or starchy foods.

Then, you have to adopt new food habit. The prescription usually suggests the consumption of whole grains and starchy vegetables as the main part of your meal. It demands you to eat a minimum of two servings of fresh fruits and vegetables daily.

The prescription then states to have proteins available in lean meat, legumes, and cheese. You must consume them in smaller quantities. A slight amount of non-fat or low-fat dairy is fine but it shouldn’t cross the limit for it has fats and sugars.

This is a general prescription. To have a perfect diet for your diabetic case, please consult with a dietitian or nutritionist. Try to consume proper foods but you must also avoid foods such as very salty ones. This is so because high blood pressure is something common in such patients. Not only consumption of fats causes high blood pressure, sodium is largely responsible for this. To avoid this problem, either lessen the salt in your food or buy non-sodium or low sodium salt replacements. Also, avoid foods like crackers, chips, processed or conserved meet products, or canned foods like sardines or soups because they contain extra sodium and salt.

Fats can be really harmful. Cardiovascular diseases often follow diabetic cases. So, avoid dairy products, solid vegetable fats, and butter because they have saturated fats. Before chicken preparation, get the skin off. Also, strive to avoid butter and margarine. Oils obtain from canola or olive can be good.

Choose skimmed, low-fat, or non-fat milk, cheese, and yogurt than full cream products. Avoid fried foods and rather boil and bake or simply broil it.

Alcoholic products are not good in such cases. Such food habit is not really difficult provided you have the patience to change.

How to Lower Blood Sugar Naturally

Diabetes is quite the common condition in the US, especially with the rate of obesity. Even though having diabetes is hard to deal with and being on a diet is not fun it is something that you have to do to stay healthy. High blood sugar can be very dangerous to your health, which is why it is important to lower it immediately when you know it is too high. Some people, even though they follow a diet, still have high blood pressure and need to know how to lower it and keep it down. Here are some changes you can make to your life to lower your blood pressure. 

First of all, if you do not exercise you need to start. No, you do not have to become on of those fitness fanatics but you still need to exercise. Try talking a good walk a few times a week, you will want to start of slow and not walk too far or too fast. You can try to take a walk around the block for starters. Do not start off power walking but you do not just want to “stroll” either, choose a pace in the middle that you are comfortable with and will not tire you out quickly. 

Many people who have diabetes have found that their condition was due to them being too overweight or obese. Unfortunately, there are a lot of people who do not really understand that being overweight or obese can lead to other serious health risks including, but not limited to, diabetes. Therefore, if you have diabetes and you are overweight or obese you should do your best to loose all that extra weight. This will not only help your blood sugar but it can also help prevent you for getting more illnesses. 

You should remember that most carbs are bad and will turn to sugar in your body. Even if you are following a diet plan you should lower you carbohydrate intake. For example if you are on a high carb diet you should lower your carb intake to medium and if you are on a medium carb diet you should lower you intake to low. A high carb diet consists of breads, pastas, potatoes and hard beans. A medium carb diet consists of most nuts, some vegetables and many fruits. A low carb diet consists of leafy green vegetables, salad mixes, meat and most other green vegetables. 

These are just three things you can do to lower your blood sugar and keep it down. You should know the signs of having blood sugar that is too low or too high, this can help save you in tough spots. It does not matter how you are lowering your blood sugar, you should always keep a few pieces of hard candy easily accessible in case your blood sugar gets too low. Signs of low blood sugar are headaches, sudden hunger pangs, fainting or dizziness, sweating, and confusion. Naturally lowering your blood sugar can be a blessing if it is done correctly. 

Recommended diet for gestational diabetes

Gestational Diabetes is a condition that affects a small percentage of pregnant women, about 4%. It is really unknown why pregnant women seem to get have this disorder only for the brief nine months they are pregnant since the it goes away once the baby is born. However, the reason is not really what is important, what is important is that mother and baby stay healthy through the pregnancy. In order for this to happen the mother needs to follow a special gestational diabetes diet plan. 

Just like a person who is not pregnant and has diabetes, a pregnant woman with gestation diabetes needs to be on a special diet plan. Unfortunately, gestational diabetes can have harmful effects on the fetus, this does not happen all the time but it can happen. The baby can have various birth defects or the baby can be born too early which can be a cause of infant death if the body is not developed enough. It is also possible that fetuses that are exposed to diabetes while still in the womb could have type two diabetes later on in life. This is why it is so important for the mother to follow the diet plan that was set up for her but her prenatal care giver. 

There are routine screenings for gestational diabetes that are done during the second trimester that are recommended to help protect both the mother and the baby. These tests usually occur around the 24th to the 26th week but can be sooner or later. The diet plan will include many changes that the mother may not be used to but they are important to keeping the both of them healthy through out the pregnancy and making sure the mother does not develop pregnancy induced hypertension, another serious condition that is more common. 

The most basic changes include reduced intake of sugars such as white tablet sugar and syrups you may use on things like pancakes. The sugars will be replaced by a diet of complex carbohydrates and a balance of essential nutrients. To help the mother get started on a gestational diabetes dietary plan she will see a professional dietician that will give her a list that will make meal planning much easier for her and her family. The list is called an exchange list and has been used in all kinds of health situations that involve a person having to be on a special diet.  

Gestational diabetes can be controlled and the risk of harm the baby can be lowered as long as the mother remembers to follow her diet plan. The mother can also use carbohydrate counting as an effective way to control her diabetes. Having gestational diabetes is not fun but it is something that many women have to deal with and watch out for while pregnant. It is important to protect the unborn child from birth defects and being born too early if at all possible. It is also important that the mother follow doctors instructions very carefully in order to stay healthy. 

Diabetic Food List- What's good for your health?

When a person has diabetes it is difficult to know what this person can and can't eat. It must be very difficult to this person to nourish themselves. You would think of course that the person would have a limited diet of what they can eat but surprisingly, there are many things that they can eat. There are places you can go to get a diabetic food list.

  As stated, there are many places that you can go to get a food list for diabetics. There are many, many sites online that are dedicated just to letting the public know what is good for a person with diabetes and what is bad for that person. You can also consult your doctor or even a health clinic near you to obtain a copy of said list.

Today we will cover some of the foods that have made it onto the diabetic food list. This is to give members of today's audience an idea of what a person with diabetes goes through everyday and open society's eyes to the fact that it is not that easy to live with this disease. Even though it is common, doesn't mean that living with it is easy.

Now first and foremost, it should be known that a person with diabetes should eat from all of the 5 food groups and make sure that they have plenty of protein, vegetables, fruits, nutrients, Lipids and carbohydrates in their diet. This is where the diabetic food list comes in handy, you will be able to tell which fruits and veggies that you can eat for example.

It should be stated at this time that if you are diabetic, then you know that you should definitely eat more vegetables than fruit because fruit tends to be on the sweeter side, the whole point of being diabetic is that you can't have too much sugars right? Also, it is common sense that you should stay away from sugars such as ice cream, chocolate and any types of sweet desserts because these are loaded with sugars that the diabetic food list will define as NOT the type of foods you should eat.

It is also stated that a person with diabetes should stay away from fats like fried foods and animal fats. This will not only harden your arteries but also add to the waistline too! A person who is following the diabetic food list will surely be eating steamed foods or boiled foods. There are some dishes that you can prepare that are steamed that taste divine! 

It bears mentioning that the only types of oils that the diabetic food list recommends for someone with diabetes to cook with are olive oil, soy bean oil and finally corn oil. Now here is a quick run-down of what a person can eat that is in fact recommended by the diabetic food list.

 Milk, can drink fresh milk but never sweetened milk.
 Vegetables, both fresh and/or steamed or boiled vegetables will provide your body with the nutrients that you require to get through the day.
 Grains
 Meat, should at least have an intake of at least 100 grams per meal, be sure not to eat meats with a lot of fat.
 Eggs
 Fiber, every one needs fiber in their diet to stay regular!

Recognizing Early Symptoms Diabetes

Although diabetes is a lifelong condition, it doesn't have to diminish your quality of life. By recognizing the early symptoms of diabetes, you can significantly minimize complications and halt the progression of this disease. Being alerted to these changes in your body will allow you to seek immediate and effective treatment.

Some of the early signs of diabetes can mimic other conditions, so if you experience any of these symptoms, check with a medical professional to determine the actual cause. Diabetes can begin to make changes in your body in subtle ways, like increased irritability or fatigue. Most people can relate to feeling this way at one time or another and these symptoms may not reflect anything other than stress or lack of sleep. However, if these signs are present along with frequent urination, blurred vision or a dramatic or unusual weight loss, it's time to talk to a doctor.

Perhaps the most common and certain early symptom of diabetes is an increase in urination. This occurs because of the insulin imbalance in the body. In the digestion process, if the sugar in the food is not properly broken down, it is deposited in the blood. The kidneys, which is the body's filtration system, must then work harder to remove the impurities of the increased sugar. This all results in frequent urination as well as increased thirst to compensate for the overworking of the kidneys.

Another important early symptom of diabetes includes a constant and annoying feeling of hunger. This is because your body is not digesting your food at the maximum level, and is thereby creating a false sense of emptiness. An increase in infections, particularly yeast infections, and an inability to heal at a normal rate are also symptoms that could signal the onset of diabetes. These signs point to a diminished immune system that is created in a diabetic condition. Tender gums are another subtle sign of this illness. Many times your dentist may be the first one to notice this early symptom and recommend testing for this condition. Tingling sensations in the extremities also signal diabetes and results from the debilitating effect of the excess blood sugar on the body's nerves.

When you recognize these early symptoms of diabetes, you are in the perfect position to take a positive step forward in your healthcare. An early diagnosis of diabetes leads to an effective treatment plan. Since diabetes is treatable, but not curable, it's important to correctly balance the amount of insulin production in your body before any damage occurs to the major organs. Consider these early signs as your body's way of getting your attention before it gets too late.

Diabetic Food Pyramid

If you're diabetic, no one needs to tell you how important it is to eat properly. That's why the American Diabetes Association developed a special diabetic food pyramid, just to help those of us who have special dietetic needs eat more healthfully.

First Step: Portion Control and Timing

What you eat when you have diabetes is critically important, but before you start changing what you eat, address when you eat and how much you eat. Follow these rules.

1. Instead of eating three meals a day, try to eat six small ones, focusing on breakfast. Break your meals into breakfast, snack, lunch, snack, supper, bedtime snack. At the very least, make sure you have breakfast first thing in the morning, within an hour of rising.

2. Eat a mixture of carbs and proteins with every meal. Proteins give you quick energy without shooting up your sugar, and carbs give you slower-acting energy. Eating both stabilizes your insulin level from one meal to the next.

3. Learn what proper portion sizes for a serving are, and especially learn what a 3-ounce portion is. We eat portions that are far too large, and no food pyramid will repair simple overeating. This is especially critical if you follow the six-meals-a-day rule above.

Second Step: Follow The Diabetic Food Pyramid

The largest part of your caloric intake every day should be starches – grains. But you need to watch which carbs you eat. Avoid anything white – potatoes, white bread, white rice, refined sugars. Whole-wheat alternatives are preferable to anything processed. And of course, avoid sweets. This does not mean you can never have sweets, just that they are a special occasion thing and should never be eaten alone. Eat between 6-11 servings of starches every day.

Vegetables are the next critical part of your daily nutrition, between three and five servings daily. Go for fresh vegetables in preference to canned or even frozen, and try to eat a rainbow – orange carrots, purple cabbage, green peppers, red tomatoes. Eat corn and starchy vegetables sparingly, as these are high in carbs. If you must eat canned or frozen veggies, read the package to assure yourself that there's no added sugar.

Fruits should also be eaten frequently, 2 to 4 servings per day. Especially if you don't eat acid vegetables like tomatoes, make sure some of it is citrus. As with vegetables, be sure to eat a rainbow, and try to eat fresh fruit. If you must eat preserved, canned and frozen fruit is always better than fruit juice, and be sure you read the package to avoid added sugar.

Two to three servings of proteins per day – not meat. Fish and poultry are better than red meat and pork, and fish provides omega-3 fatty acids that can help control your cholesterol level, a common problem for diabetics. Legumes – beans and nuts – can be substituted for meat as your protein as well. Beans are especially good, as they provide high-quality protein and plenty of fiber in addition.

Dairy should be limited to 2-3 servings daily. Your serving size is one cup of milk, so a tall glass of milk will do it. Always choose low-fat or nonfat options when you have the choice, and with sweet dairy products read the label to catch added sugars. This goes doubly for yogurts, which are notorious for adding sugar, especially to low-fat yogurt.

Fats and sweets should be avoided as much as possible. You're going to eat them, but limit yourself – a tablespoon of butter a day, or olive oil to fry your fish. As much as you possibly can, incorporate your sweets as part of your regular diet. Ice cream can provide a portion of your dairy needs, for instance. Never eat sweets by themselves; try, instead, to eat proteins whenever you eat sweet food.

Ways To Treat Diabetes With Natural Cures

Diabetes is not a disease per se. It can be more aptly called a “lifestyle disorder” and can seriously hamper a person’s life. Fortunately there are many ways to treat diabetes with natural cures. Diabetes is not an infectious or cancerous disease; it is caused purely due to the bad choices made in lifestyle and eating habits. Antibiotics and allopathic medicines have a lot of side effects and can do more harm than good. So, the next obvious choice is to find ways to treat diabetes with natural cures.

Here are some of the common ways to treat diabetes with natural cures.

Avoid binging on fast food

Fast food is just high in carbohydrates and fats. It has no nutrient value. When a person indulges in fast food, his blood sugar level increases and causes spikes in the insulin level. In fact one study reports that absolutely normal people can develop diabetes if they eat fast food every other day! Hence even if you are a diabetic or not, one sure way to keep diabetes in check or not have it at all is to avoid fast food like plague!

Say no to fizzy drinks!
There is general misconception that sodas don’t make you fat. However, ask any doctor and he will tell you that sodas not only make you fat but also spike up your blood sugar level! So, if you are a diabetic, avoid soda in any form, shape or size!

Vinegar
The French are the healthiest people in the world! Why? Well, one of the reasons is that they use a lot of vinegar in their meals. Studies have proven that sprinkling vinegar on salads or just taking a neat dose can greatly reduce the blood sugar or insulin spikes after a meal. So, partaking of vinegar is also a great way to treat diabetes naturally.

Grapefruit
Recent researches have shown that grapefruit can actually help in weight loss. Diabetes is a disease that normally is caused due to obesity. Hence grapefruit can greatly help in treating diabetes naturally.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is another lip-smacking way to treat diabetes naturally. Cinnamon is known to substitute insulin and can help in treating the disease without any side effects.

Bitter Gourd
Bitter Gourd is another great way to treat diabetes naturally. The juice of this vegetable not only helps in treating diabetes but also keeps your complexion radiant and free from pimples.

Fenugreek seeds
One of the most effective ways to treat diabetes naturally is to eat soaked fenugreek seeds and drink the water that they were soaked in. It’s a great way to reduce blood sugar.

There are many other ways to treat diabetes with natural cures. Fruits like Almonds, papaya, apples, oranges are great in antioxidants. These foods help in controlling the blood sugar and insulin spikes. They also keep you fresh and young. Diabetes can also be cured naturally by having substances high in omega three fatty acids such as olive oil, flax seed oil and borage oil.
Diabetes is nothing but a modern day lifestyle disorder. This occurs with excessive intake of processed food, sedentary habits and lack of physical exercise and stress. The only way to treat diabetes successfully is to treat it with natural cures. That means eat natural food, exercise well and be happy.

Alcohol and Diabetes

Diabetes is a disease where the body does not properly use or produce insulin. The cause of this disease is still a mystery that affects over 20 million people in the United States. It is estimated that over 6 million individuals are not aware they have diabetes.

Mixing alcohol and diabetes can be risky business. It is hard enough for diabetics to control their diets during intake of alcohol. They not only have to pay attention to what they eat, but how much they eat. But it is only through proper diet and planning careful meals that diabetics can gain control of the disease and regulate it in order to live healthier, longer lives.

Drinking too much alcohol makes it very difficult for the body of a diabetic to maintain the proper blood sugar levels in their system. Alcohol is quickly absorbed into the blood stream without fully metabolized in the stomach. It can take a normal person about two hours to metabolize one average alcoholic drink. But when a person that is diabetic drinks alcohol, they are at risk of developing low blood sugar very quickly. People with diabetes that drink alcohol will always be putting themselves at risk of developing low blood sugar. Low blood sugar is what causes diabetics to having reactions.

When alcohol is consumed, the liver focuses all it's attention to clear the alcohol from out of the body. This means that the liver does not have time to provide the glucose the body needs, leading to low blood sugar, a diabetic's nightmare. When a diabetic has been consuming alcohol, even a shot of Glucagon will be ineffective in raising the low blood sugar because the alcohol will stop the Glucagon from working.

After everything is said and done, this does not necessarily mean that a person who has diabetes should never consume alcohol. This is something that needs to be discussed with a doctor. People who suffer from type II diabetes are better candidates for having an occasional drink. There are even some documents in medical journals that discuss how women with type II diabetes can lower risks of complications associated with the disease by consuming alcohol in moderation. The alcohol's effects can decrease insulin resistance only when the alcohol consumed is a couple of drinks per day. If, after checking with your doctor and if your doctor says you can drink alcohol on occasion, then use some commonsense guidelines when drinking alcohol.

Do not drink alcohol on an empty stomach. Eating some food before drinking helps the alcohol to metabolize faster, so your blood sugar level has a better chance of not falling. Drink light beer instead of the regular variety. When consuming mixed drinks, stay with the sugar free mixes. When drinking wine, stay with the dry wines. Always drink in moderation. If you do not, then you are putting yourself at risk with your diabetes. Anymore than a couple of drinks can cause your blood sugar to begin falling too low.

Overall, diabetes is the silent killer. It would be much safer to not drink at all. If you do consult with your doctor and it is alright to have a couple of drinks on occasion, then ensure you only do drink in moderation for your own health's sake.

Medical Insurance for Diabetics

While health insurance is important for everyone, it is extremely important to have medical insurance for diabetics. With regular visits to the doctor, lab tests, blood testing strips and medications, diabetics have constant costs related to their disease. These measures are important to keep the disease under control. Besides keeping the disease under control, diabetics are at risk for complications arising.Unfortunately for diabetics and others with chronic conditions, in most states, insurance companies can screen applicants and turn down those with pre-existing conditions. This happens frequently with diabetics.

An alternative way to get medical insurance for diabetics is to get on a group insurance plan through work if one is available. These group plans must accept people with pre-existing conditions.

If there is no group plan available at work, all is not lost, however. Some professions can buy into group plans. If you work in real estate, information technology or construction, you have an opportunity to buy into a group plan through those industries.

There are also limited benefit plans available to diabetics younger than 65 years of age. Shop around to find the best plan you can, as these mini plans vary greatly. Another option for medical insurance for diabetics might be to purchase critical illness insurance. Ask the insurance salesmen in your area… most will work with at least a few carriers who have some plans available that will cover diabetics. Be sure you are up front about any health problems you have… it won't help you to be accepted for coverage only to have it canceled because you lied or omitted something in your health history.

Even if you are accepted, there will probably be a waiting period since diabetes is a pre-existing condition. While this seems to be very unfair, it is alas, common practice. If all else fails, there may be state programs that you can use to get medical coverage. The government needs to know the insurance industry is failing to provide for a large portion of the population… 7% of the population are afflicted with diabetes. In fact, the American Diabetes Association did a study of 850 people spread across all 50 states. They discovered that these people had difficulty getting and keeping affordable health insurance because of their diabetes. They discovered that insurance companies consider diabetics "uninsurable," when in reality, they just don't want to incur the cost of paying for the needs of diabetics.Medical insurance for diabetics is difficult to get, and may be difficult to maintain. But don't give up hope. You may get some relief on costs by using a free or low-cost clinic in the meantime. A lot of doctors who work at clinics like this are very caring, and are doing it because they truly want to help people. If you find after an extensive search that you cannot find any medical insurance for diabetics, contact your congressman. They may be able to help by pulling a few strings or making the issue an embarrassment to the insurance companies, in which case, it could benefit many diabetics besides you.

Diabetic Foot Natural Treatment

For people suffering with diabetes, one of the major concerns of both patients and doctors is foot problems. Leg and foot problems are quite common in diabetics, as the extremities have poor circulation and diabetes complicates this fact greatly. There is good news, however, as there are some simple tips and tricks that can greatly improve the circulation in the legs and feet, and a number of good ways to help heal the feet after an injury or an ulcer.

As with all things in life, the best medicine is prevention. Simple things such as examining your feet regularly and applying moisturizer daily can go a long way in ensuring that your feet stay healthy. Keeping obstacles cleared up and moving things that you might bump your feet on can prevent a large number of problems. Keeping your toenails trimmed using safety nail clippers can also prevent injuries and infections from occurring. Smoking is known to cause loss of circulation in all people, so it is especially important for diabetics who smoke to seriously consider quitting. Because the blood vessels in the legs and feet are so small and so distant from the heart, they are the first to be affected by diminishing circulation. When it is possible, diabetics should try to exercise, as this improves both circulation and blood sugar levels. Wearing cotton or wool socks, or if you can, purchasing diabetic socks will help prevent a lot of foot ailments common in people with diabetes. These socks, with special emphasis on the diabetic socks, have extra padding, which prevents injuries and blisters from occurring. They also help keep the feet dry, which greatly reduces the risk of infection.

If you have developed a foot ulcer, it is essential that you take the best possible care of it, as if it is improperly treated, it can cause complications such as gangrene, and in some cases may result in the amputation of part or all of the foot. The two biggest concerns with foot ulcers in diabetics are keeping it clean and removing dead tissue. The doctor may have to help you in removing the dead tissue, but you will be able to clean it properly from home. Be sure to clean it frequently and thoroughly and to only walk on it when it is absolutely necessary, as walking on the affected foot will greatly delay healing. As with any foot injury, be sure to inform your doctor of the ulcer as soon as you notice it, and to inspect it frequently for changes and for signs that it is not healing properly. You may also want to talk to your doctor about medicines and remedies for treating the ulcer naturally. For example, recent studies have shown great success in speeding up the healing of diabetic foot ulcers using a vitamin A compound. If your doctor is unfamiliar with the studies, he or she will be able to look into them relatively easily to determine if they will be right for you.

In summary, there are a number of natural ways to help diabetics care for their feet. Prevention is always going to be the best method, but there are treatments that can be done at home as well. Always seek the advice of your doctor before treating foot injuries, and be sure to always examine your feet daily and keep your doctor aware of any changes.

Healthy Foods for Type 2 Diabetics

If you have type 2 diabetes, no doubt you know it is a serious disease that needs treatment. In addition to medications your doctor may want you to take, one of the most important things you can do as a type 2 diabetic is to follow a proper diet.

For most people, type 2 diabetes occurs because of a combination of lack of exercise and the wrong diet. The wrong diet can include too much food in general and too many calories consumed, but in particular, foods consumed that are high on the glycemic scale are of great concern. With type 2 diabetes, the body becomes unresponsive to its own insulin, which means the insulin does not work as efficiently as it once did and large amounts are needed to keep blood sugar levels down.

In addition to exercise and medications, diet must be adjusted to help keep blood sugar levels even. The most important foods to consider with type 2 diabetes are carbohydrates. Carbohydrates come in two basic forms. The first, refined carbohydrates, is a type of carbohydrate that causes blood sugar levels to rise rapidly. The second, complex carbohydrates burn much more slowly and keep blood sugar levels much more even.

One way to determine what types of foods should go into your diet if you're a type 2 diabetic is to choose foods that are low on the glycemic index. This means that these foods will cause less of a spike in blood sugar after a meal than those that have a high glycemic index. Among foods low on the glycemic index are most vegetables, beans and legumes. These are a healthy part of the diet not only because they digest slowly and keep blood sugar levels even, but they are very nutritious and also contain significant amounts of fiber, which can also help keep blood sugar levels even. These foods can also reduce certain types of cancer and other diseases.

If you're a type 2 diabetic, it's also likely that you have an unhealthy lipid profile. This means that the wrong types of fats are too high in your system, while the right types of fats are too low in your system. If you have too much of the wrong types of fats, you can have an increased risk of heart disease and circulation difficulties. By choosing healthy fats in moderation, such as the monounsaturated fats found in olive oil and certain kinds of nuts, you will help improve your lipid profile and therefore help decrease your risk of heart disease and stroke, among other diseases.

In addition, avoid drinking alcohol; if you must, do so only very occasionally. Alcohol is a two-pronged evil when it comes to type 2 diabetes. First, it can affect your blood lipid profile negatively. Second, alcohol is a refined carbohydrate and can raise blood sugar levels significantly. If you must drink alcohol, do so very occasionally and eat healthy foods along with it when you do so, to slow down absorption rate.

Finally, minimize or eliminate refined sugars in your diet. There are many healthy sweeteners out there that can provide the sweetness you need without raising blood sugar levels at all. Again, if you must eat sweets, do so very occasionally and only with the express permission of your doctor.

Follow your doctor's orders, eat right and exercise, and it may be that you can bring your type 2 diabetes under control completely, so that you no longer have this problem.

The Beginning Signs Of Diabetes

Diabetes is a serious condition that is lifelong and life threatening if not treated with respect. In the United States alone, it is estimated that over 20 million individuals suffer from this disease. Of those, it is estimated that at least 6 million have not been diagnosed. That is a lot of people that have diabetes and are not aware they have this disease.

What are the beginning signs to look for if you have diabetes?

Many individuals discover they are diabetic only when they visit their family doctors for other ailments. It are these early warning signs of diabetes that many people attribute to other conditions.

1. Frequency of urination - This happens when blood sugar levels are raised, increasing the amount of blood flowing through the kidneys. Many people, as they get older, will experience increased urination problems. They write this condition off as growing older. When diabetes is the cause, it needs to be diagnosed. Left untreated, diabetes can lead to the kidneys failing and shutting down.

2. Extreme hunger - Because of the lack of insulin the body is not producing, the body receives signals it is hungry. This symptom is experienced when the body's energy is deficient from not receiving enough insulin from the blood stream to the cells.

3. Unexplained, or sudden weight loss - When the body is not receiving enough cellular energy, the body begins to break down it's own fat and muscle to replace the energy, the body is lacking.

4. Fatigue - Feeling tired and rundown is caused by the decreased energy levels.

5. Depression and irritability are no experienced as a result of the above symptom the body is going through because of the diabetes.

6. Extreme thirst is also triggered due to the diabetes depleting the body of energy.

7. Impaired vision can also be experienced as a symptom of diabetes when more blood volume leads to the eye's lens swelling. When diabetes is left untreated, blindness can be experienced.

8. Loss of feeling or numbness, usually in the feet, legs, arms or hands areas of the body. Experiencing any of these symptoms in any of these areas can be a warning sign of diabetes.

If you are experiencing any of the beginning signs of diabetes, you should get tested. Testing for diabetes is also recommended for individuals that are over forty-five years of age and overweight. Diabetes and pre-diabetes testing is diagnosed by checking the blood glucose levels of a person's blood.

These symptoms and others will progress in time and get more critical if the diabetes is present and goes undiagnosed and untreated. These beginning signs of diabetes should not be ignored. As this disease progresses, more complications will arise, putting your life in jeopardy.

This is not a disease that will go away by itself. Diabetes will only progress if not treated. In the United States, diabetes is sixth leading cause of death. To learn more about this disease, you can contact the American Diabetes Association online.

Can I Reverse Diabetes?

The rate at which people are being diagnosed with diabetes is rising sharply, leaving many people asking themselves, “Can I reverse diabetes?”. The simple answer is, usually. If you can’t completely reverse it, you can certainly control it. One of the biggest factors, weight, is rising quickly in a world filled with fast food joints, TV dinners, and unlimited kinds of junk food. Add to that the fact that more and more jobs are becoming sedentary, that is, that the workers are sitting or standing still rather than performing large amounts of labor, and you have a recipe for diabetes. There is hope on the horizon, however, and in the next few paragraphs we will take a look at some ways to reverse the effects of diabetes using simple diet and exercise.

Before we begin, I will explain the two types of diabetes. Type 1 Diabetes is where a person’s body produces very insufficient insulin, if any. In Type 2 Diabetes, the body still manufactures enough insulin, sometimes even more than is needed, but the body becomes immune to it. When this happens, the sugar in a person’s blood will not act as it should, thus resulting in greatly elevated blood sugar levels. This latter for of the disease becomes increasingly common after the age of thirty. Insulin is responsible for distributing food energy to the body, as well as letting you know when you are hungry. When you are overweight, your body contains an excess of insulin, which will cause an imbalance in this system, leading to carbohydrate cravings which cause even more insulin to be produced. This cycle can be broken, however, and now we will learn how.

There are a number of things one can do to reverse Type 2 diabetes. There is not one single answer, but rather a combination of things that, when done together, can easily reverse the body’s overproduction of and immunity to insulin. The biggest factor in reversing diabetes is changing the diet. You must change not only what you eat, but how and when. It is wise to eat about every four hours, stopping a few hours before bed. It is important to take in protein, fat, and whole food carbs at every meal and snack. The best foods are organic foods, meat, high protein fish, fruit, nuts, and fiber. It is also important to avoid refined flour and sugar such as bread and cereal, high-fructose corn syrup, and processed foods.

As important as diet is the need for exercise. Exercise can help the body get rid of stored fat, which can greatly reduce the symptoms of diabetes, and if done frequently and properly, can even reverse the disease altogether. A good starting point is to do thirty minutes of walking every day. For people with full blown cases of diabetes, an hour a day of aerobic exercise is needed to control the disease. This is a good target amount of exercise for everyone with the disease or at risk of developing it. In addition to helping rid the body of stored fat, aerobic exercise can also boost the body’s metabolism.

In addition to diet and exercise, there are other steps you can take to help reverse diabetes. Stress management is a great asset for people with the disease. Simple meditations, yoga, and deep breathing can all reduce stress, which is a trigger for insulin resistance. There are also a number of medications and supplements that help treat and undo the effects of diabetes. Medications can be obtained by talking to your doctor to determine if they are necessary. Supplements can be picked up at any health food store. Things such as antioxidants and vitamins can go a long way toward helping prevent diabetes symptoms. By making a few simple lifestyle changes, you can help ensure that you never have to ask again, “Can I reverse diabetes?”.

Diet for Diabetes

Being a diabetic your diet is very important. It varies slightly depending in regards to the type of diabetes, body weight and style, personal needs, other diseases, age, sex and the physical activity of the said person. One must try to obtain and maintain an ideal body weight to help keep their diabetes in check.

For those who require the use of insulin or an oral hypoglycemic agent will usually be placed on a measured type diet. This diet is where everything is properly portioned out. For those not in this group and are not marked as obese usually go on an unmeasured diet.

The easiest way for one to check to see if they are taking in the right foods is to check to see where it lies on the GI or Glycemic Index. It is a measure as to how a certain food may quickly spike your blood sugar. Diabetics should stick to the low to mid range on the GI.
Within each diet for diabetes one must pay close attention to a diabetic’s nutritional need as these may change depending upon their lifestyle, age, pregnancy, or growth. The nutritional content must be good and able to be adjusted due to any change in ones metabolic rate and needs. These needs are proteins, carbohydrates and fats.

Protein- Protein is on the low end of this index and should account for 20 to 25% of a diet for diabetes. Even though it is readily available, some forms of protein take longer to prepare. Whey protein powder may be used as a substitute.

Carbohydrates- Keeping within a range of 40 to 60 % of the daily intake of a diet for diabetes falls to carbohydrates. The lower your blood sugar levels the lower your carbohydrate intake can be. Carbohydrates are essential for the management of blood sugar levels in a diabetic.

Fats- With taking in too many fats in ones diet can override the benefits of the higher carbohydrate diet. When monitoring your fat intake, try to stick to monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats as they are healthier than saturated and trans-fats and lower the chances of canceling out the benefits of a higher carbohydrate diet.

The easiest way to check all of these values is to check the labels on to food you buy. When you are eating out ask for the nutritional information on the food they serve. Other food such as produce and meat products can be found on various online searches.

There are some foods that a diabetic can intake without the worry of counting. In general, these foods are foods with less than 20 calories per serving and less than 5 grams of garbs. If it exceeds this criterion you should take account for it into your meal plan.

Sugar was once thought to be completely excluded from a diet for diabetes. However, more recent research has shown that it can be included as long as it is consistent to the level of carbohydrates in the meal. Foods lower in sugar are still better than but doesn’t mean you can eat extra servings of carbohydrates either.

All carbohydrates taken into the body is converted into glucose. Eating too much at one serving or too close to another can cause a spike in your blood sugar. Best choice is moderation throughout the day and eaten with nutritional foods at the same time containing proteins, vitamins or minerals.

Natural cure for diabetes

For many people, diabetes is a way of life. Someone suffering with diabetes is always on the lookout for a better way to deal with the diabetes. One way to deal with diabetes is to go all natural. There are a variety of natural cures for diabetes that can be very effective. However, no matter what route you take, it is always important to keep a close eye on your sugar levels to make sure they are staying within a healthy range.

Foods to Avoid

There are a variety of foods that can actually make diabetes worse. They should be avoided if possible or eaten in moderation. Foods which are high in sugar, such as syrup, cakes, cookies, ice cream, sweets, regular soft drinks as well as many others can make your diabetes considerable worse. As a diabetic, it is also important to avoid all processed foods. You should also reduce your intake of white flour and white sugar. It is also important that you do not drink any alcohol when you have an empty stomach. If you drink alcohol on an empty stomach, it can cause hypoglycemia or low blood sugar.

Foods You Should Consume

If you are looking for a natural cure for diabetes, you will want to be sure to drink at least eight glasses of water a day. Foods such as fruits, vegetables and natural grains are highly recommended. In most instances, raw vegetables are better for your body than cooked ones. This is simply because cooking the vegetables can deplete some of the nutrients, vitamins and minerals that are naturally found in the raw vegetables.

Vitamins That Will Help

Natural forms of supplements can be very useful to the body. One supplement that can help improve your insulin sensitivity is Magnesium. Vitamins C and E are also very beneficial for anyone suffering from diabetes. You should avoid vitamin B, as it can interfere with the natural absorption of insulin by the cells. Chromium, which can naturally be found in mushrooms, whole grains, seeds, brewer’s yeast and corn oil, is also essential for anyone with diabetes.

Other Natural Cures

Another natural cure for diabetes is exercise. It is important that you control your weight, in order to also control your diabetes. Anytime you exercise, you are improving your body’s ability to respond to insulin. Before you begin any type of exercise routine, you will want to be sure to consult with your doctor. Exercise such as walking, swimming and a light game are all excellent forms of exercising. Yoga is also very beneficial for anyone with diabetes as it helps to lower stress levels tremendously.

There are a variety of natural cures for diabetes. However, before you begin any type of regimen you will want to consult with your doctor. You will also want to monitor your blood sugar levels on a regular basis. Natural cures for diabetes can be very beneficial; you just need to make sure that you find a way that will work well with you and your body.

Natural medicine for diabetes

If you suffer from Diabetes and you would like to try out natural treatments for the condition, then luckily you have quite a few options to choose from.

There are quite a few different natural medicines for Diabetes available today and more and more people are turning to them for help due to the change in attitude that has occurred regarding conventional medicines. But do these natural medicines actually work?

The Best Natural Medicines for Diabetes

The main reason why people’s attitudes towards conventional medicine have changed is because as time has gone on, more and more side effects have been found. Natural treatments do not pose any threat to your health and in some countries they are given on prescription to Diabetes sufferers. Their effectiveness has been proven and thousands of people suffering from Diabetes have recommended numerous natural medicines for the condition.

One type of natural medicine for Diabetes which proves to be extremely effective are herbs. Bitter Melon in particular is one of the most commonly used to help to treat Diabetes. It is otherwise known as “Balsam Pear” and it is mainly found in South America, Asia and Africa. The reason it is so effective in treating Diabetes is because it helps to lower the blood sugar levels. It is the juice of the plant which really helps to lower the blood sugar and it also has a compound similar to insulin within it too. However, if you do choose to use Bitter Melon to treat Diabetes then the main thing to keep in mind is that if taken in too high a dose, it can bring on abdominal pains as well as diarrhea.

Onion and garlic are also commonly used to help to lower the blood sugar in Diabetes sufferers. It is the Allyl Propyl Disulphide (APDS) in the garlic and onion that really helps. This is because APDS fights for insulin-inactivating sites within the liver and that helps to free up insulin within the body. Even a low dosage of onion extract can really help Diabetes sufferers so it is definitely worth considering as a natural medicine for Diabetes.

Finally another herb which has proven to be extremely useful in the treatment of Diabetes is blueberry leaves. Now blueberry leaves have been used for years to help to treat Diabetes naturally. It is thought that they contain a compound which is weaker than insulin but a lot less toxic. This compound is known as Myrtillin and just one single dose of the compound can give benefits for up to one week.

There are a number of natural medicines which you can use to help to treat diabetes. All are said to be extremely effective. Since they do not cause any health problems, it is definitely worth trying them out to see if they could help you.

Natural Treatment For Diabetes

If you suffer from diabetes then you may be looking for the best natural treatments to take away your symptoms. Many traditional medications can have terrible side effects and so why suffer with them when you can gain relief from natural products?

Here you will find out the best natural products available today. Hopefully this will give you a better knowledge of the alternative treatments available and you will be able to make a decision to best suit you.

The Best Natural Treatments for Diabetes

If you are looking for the best natural treatments for diabetes then the first one you should know about is Food Therapy.

Food Therapy is best undertaken after consulting your doctor. It basically involves avoiding certain foods and eating plenty of others. Obviously being diabetic you should avoid foods such as refined sugar and biscuits. You should also avoid all processed foods and fried foods too. Then there are foods that are better limited such as red meat and caffeine and alcohol. You should especially avoid alcohol if you have an empty tummy because it can cause low blood glucose. Then finally there are the foods that you can eat and they include fruit and vegetables, wholegrain products and also drink plenty of water. Try to get a lot of fiber in your diet too as that will lower your body's need for insulin.

Taking part in regular exercise can also really help to reduce the effects of diabetes. It is a well known fact that being overweight is a big contributor to Diabetes Type 2.So by losing weight and staying healthy you will be successfully helping the body to deal with conditions such as Diabetes a lot better.

One natural treatment you might not have considered but which can be very effective is bitter melon. Bitter melon is great for treating diabetes because it contains a compound which is extremely like insulin. It will help to control the levels of sugar in the blood too which is obviously extremely beneficial.

Other herbal treatments you may find helpful include Cat's Claw which is regularly used to treat diabetes. It can be found in your local health food store. Another includes Pycnogenol, an antioxidant which does not affect insulin levels but which reduces the blood glucose levels. In France it is one of the top prescriptions used for diabetic retinopathy.

Overall, there are a number of natural treatments for diabetes available. The best of them however include a good diet and plenty of exercise. So if you haven't yet looked into the best natural treatments then you may want to take some of the ones mentioned into account.

Diabetic Neuropathy - A Serious Complication Of Diabetes

Diabetic neuropathy is a serious condition that directly impacts the nerves of the body. Individuals who suffer from the complications associated with diabetes often experience neuropathy. Generally, an individual who suffers from diabetes has a sugar level that remains consistently high. As time progresses, it is very likely that these glucose levels will begin to cause damage to the nerves and other areas of the body.

Here, you will learn about this particular form of neuropathy, the symptoms that are involved, as well as the treatment options that are available. If you suffer from this condition, or even suspect that you do, the information contained here may prove to be especially helpful.

This specific condition can be broken down into three further types of neuropathy. These are that which is focal, peripheral, and then autonomic. When it is focal, it means that one single nerve has been damaged. This can be virtually anywhere in the body. However, with diabetics, it is common to see it in the leg and the foot area. Peripheral means that the nerves that are damaged are in the peripheral system of the body. This type of damage is progressive, not immediate. The last type, autonomic, affects this nerve system in the body.

There are a number of symptoms that are associated with neuropathy. The following lists some of the most common associated signs that the nerves have been damaged in one way or another:

• Many individuals who suffer from nerve damage as a result of glucose levels in the body suffer from fluctuating body temperatures. This may result in sweating profusely, being extremely cold, or a unique combination of both.

•.Bladder complications are often quite common when the nerves have received damage. Accidents that involve inappropriate urination may become evident.

• There are a number of people who claim to experience complications with the digestive system. This can range from simple belching to severe vomiting.

• Neuropathy may lead to the development of sexual complications. Many men may experience issues with premature ejaculation and achieving a full erection. Women may experience the inability to feel sensations in a sexual manner, and even dryness in the area of the vagina.

• Complications with the circulatory system may also be experienced. This may include improper circulation in the body, heart problems, and similar health concerns.

What makes this especially dangerous is that with nerve damage you may not even know if certain problems exist. For instance diabetics often develop ulcers on their feet. If the nerves are damaged you may not be aware the ulcer exists until it becomes severe.

There are a number of ways that the symptoms of diabetic neuropathy may be relieved. It is important to know that any damage that is present will persist. However there are ways to ensure that the damage does not advance to a serious stage.

First and foremost, glucose levels in the body must be maintained. Then, depending on the symptoms that are experienced, various types of pain relievers, blood thinners, and prescription medications may be implemented. For disorders related to sexual functioning, creams and lubricants may be recommended. If you suffer from this devastating condition, it is absolutely vital that you work closely with a professional doctor in order to ensure that you are engaging in the proper treatment.

To learn more about diabetic neuropathy visit http://www.diabetes-diabetic-diet-plans.com, a popular website designed to educate people about some of the common problems associated with the disease. You'll also find tips on diabetic cooking so you can eat healthy and tasty meals.

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Type 2 Diabetes Weight Control With Exercise

You may have seen headlines recently about exercise being the new wonder drug. If not you have probably seen adverts encouraging people to get at least 30 minutes of exercise per day. There are two reasons for this. The first is that so few people actually do any exercise. It is estimated that only a third of the adult population in the United States gets any regular exercise. The second is that exercise is an effective way to prevent and treat many diseases that have been increasing over the past 20 years. One such disease is type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is a disease whereby the body becomes resistant to insulin. Insulin is the hormone that reduces the amount of sugar in the bloodstream. When the body becomes resistant to insulin the blood sugar level gets high and this can lead to immediate and long term problems for the person.

Current research suggests that people that are obese have a higher risk of acquiring type 2 diabetes. Thus as a form of preventative treatment exercise is a good strategy. For people that already have type 2 diabetes, exercise will help to keep the weight down and help to keep blood sugar levels lower. By keeping weight down a person will be more receptive to insulin. Exercise will also burn up more energy thus using the glucose that may have been ingested. This means that the blood sugar level will be lower.

The good news is that it is never too late to start exercising and once you start it is very easy and enjoyable. For people with type 2 diabetes the particular benefits of exercise are improved insulin sensitivity, weight loss and reduced risk to complications like heart disease.

The first thing to do of you plan to start exercising is to get checked out by your health care provider. They should test your overall health and suggest the types and duration of exercise to begin with. They will check the condition of the heart and may even do a stress test to establish a safe level of exercise for you.

The start of an exercise routine could be simply to go for a daily walk Walking is a low impact, low stress way to exercise. It will help to control weight and reduce blood sugar levels. It is also easy to do, to the extent that you may not feel like you are exercising. You could walk to the shops rather than drive the car. You could be the one to walk your pet dog every other day. You could walk up stairs rather than take the elevator. Look for ways that don't interfere with your life to begin with. Go for a walk during your lunch break. Walk to the train or bus station in the mornings. Every little bit helps.

As you become more comfortable with this level of exercise you can then increase the duration or intensity (again, check with your health carer when making this change). Think about riding a bike, swimming or playing a ball sport. As little as 30 minutes a day can make a big difference in your blood glucose control and your risk of developing diabetic complications.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services estimates that 80% of people with type 2 diabetes are clinically overweight. An effective strategy to reduce this statistic is to take regular exercise.

Exercise and a proper diet are two of the key strategies for treating type 2 diabetes, for more information on the best foods to eat for diabetes, visit http://www.diabeticdietsplan.com - The site deals with diabetic diets, information on the diabetic glycemic food index and how to avoid diabetic foot pain. Adrian Whittle writes on issues related to diabetes including symptoms of diabetes, diabetic retinopathy and diabetic neuropathy.

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Herbal Medicines For Diabetes Treatment

Diabetes is caused by a deficiency of insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas and necessary for converting glucose to energy. There are two types of diabetes - Type I and Type II.

Diabetes is largely considered a disease of affluence, a product of the Western diet. Genetic factors are also important. Type II diabetes, for instance, is usually associated with obesity and can often be cured simply by medically supervized dieting and weight loss.

Type I diabetes is the more serious form. It is an autoimmune disease triggered when insulin­producing cells in the pancreas are attacked and destroyed. The only treatment is daily injections of insulin, but people with diabetes must also pay attention to their diet, following a pattern of healthy eating and regular exercise. Uncontrolled and untreated Type I diabetes can result in a life-threatening coma. It is essential to seek specialist advice.

With Type II diabetes a certain amount of insulin is produced, but the body is unable to use it properly, making it less effective.

Diabetes tends to run in families, although not all members who carry the gene will go on to acquire the disease. It is more common to develop Type II than Type I. In addition to hereditary factors, damage to the pancreas may cause diabetes, particularly by viruses (such as mumps or rubella).

Other factors that may cause the disease in susceptible people are

pregnancy - this is called gestational diabetes and is more common if previous babies have weighed upward of 9lb/4kg at birth; urine tests during prenatal checks will show high levels of glucose, and you will be given a glucose tolerance test; positive cases will require dietary changes under medical supervision, or in the more severe instances, insulin treatment.

Other illnesses, including diseases of the pancreas, thyrotoxicosis and hyperthyroidism treatment of existing conditions with corticosteroids.

Symptoms of diabetes include:

frequent urination and thirst

lethargy and apathy

weight loss

lowered resistance to infection (particularly urinary tract infections)

cramps

blurred vision

menstrual problems.

Longer-term complications include:

scarring of the retina

damage to the peripheral nerves

chronic kidney failure

atherosclerosis

associated disorders of the thyroid.

Special Note on Coma

It is important in diabetes to distinguish between diabetic coma and hypoglycemic coma.

Hypoglycemic (low blood sugar) coma occers as a result of taking too much insulin, or of not following insulin with enough sugar or carbohydrate. As the food and insulin levels become quickly out of balance, sweating, erratic and often violent behavior very quickly results, followed by coma - usually within 15 to 30 minutes. This reaction is known as "a hypo" and can be corrected just as quickly by taking in sugar, preferably as glucose, in food or drinks.

Diabetic coma is much more serious, and requires immediate medical help. The causes of this kind of coma are a buildup of acids (ketones), and metabolic poisoning as a result of having too little insulin in the body for too long. The condition causes rapid breathing and dehydration, followed by life-threatening coma if not checked.

Treatment

The key to successful treatment of both types of diabetes is in maintaining the correct balance between food and insulin. There is no cure, either conventional or alternative, but research in the United States has shown that careful control of blood sugar levels can reduce the risk of diabetic complications by as much as 60 percent.

Research shows that the blood sugar levels of diabetics can best be controlled by a high-fiber, high-carbohydrate, low-fat diet. In the past, carbohydrate content comprised about 40 percent of the energy intake, but this has now been altered so that at least 50 percent of total energy intake is drawn from carbohydrates. Evidence has also shown that blood sugar levels do not rise as rapidly when a high-fiber diet is eaten. Because high-fiber foods take longer to digest, the increase in blood sugar is slower and more monotonous and the diabetic does not have to contend with a sudden increase such as that supplied by refined sugars in fizzy drinks, for instance, or candies.

Type I Diabetes

The only treatment is daily injections of insulin, but people with diabetes must also pay attention to their diet, following a pattern of healthy eating and regular exercise. Several alternative therapies can help, but you always should consult a qualified practitioner.

Read out for home remedies. Check out pregnancy and homeopathic remedies

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Diabetes - Facts and General Information

Diabetes is referred to a medical condition in which blood glucose concentration remains persistently higher than normal. Under normal conditions, the hormone Insulin, produced in pancreas, helps absorption of glucose into the cells. It also promotes the storage of excess blood sugar in the liver and muscles. Glucagon, another of the pancreatic hormone, is responsible for controlling the release of glucose into the bloodstream from its various reservoirs.

This normal chain of events sometimes gets disrupted, resulting in unusual blood glucose levels. One of the causes can be that the Insulin production may be hampered; another can be Insulin's inefficiency in eliciting a response from the necessary cells. As a result, sugar unbalance occurs, and blood glucose fails to be converted into useful energy at optimum efficiency.

A host of other ailments are associated with Diabetes, including some heart diseases, stroke, damage to kidneys, eyes and damage to vital systems like blood circulation and nervous tissues.

Diabetes may be caused by several causes, and factors such as inheritance, life style and age. Some of the symptoms include an unvarying fatigue, constant feeling of thirst, weight loss, muscle cramps, and vision defects. If you feel some combination of the above mentioned symptoms, then you may consider being tested for Diabetes.

Diabetes Testing:

Blood sugar test is used for diagnoses of diabetes. However, the procedures may vary.
The test may require you to abstain from eating or drinking anything for about fourteen hours. Or else, blood samples can be randomly taken at various times during a day, and matched for aberrance in sugar level. Blood may also be analyzed at intervals for two hours after the patient has a glucose-rich drink.

Even though the procedure is simple, there is a chance of developing some complications. Patients have reported experiencing fatigue and nausea after being tested, due to reactions with the hypodermic syringes, or the mere sight of blood. Sometimes, testing can require multiple injections, which can be a problem. Infection may also occur, though the chances are rare. In case any complication arises, refer to your doctor with regards to it.

Blood sugar test is done by checking the sugar level of the blood, and so the results may get affected due to factors like diet prior to test; medications, specially oral contraceptives, some diuretics and certain steroids; recent medical history, such as a recent injury or surgery. Such factors are taken into account while preparing a report.

Treatment for Diabetes:

The treatment procedures differ for the two types of Diabetes: Gestational Diabetes or Diabetes Mellitus. The aim is the same however: to maintain blood sugar at about normal levels.

Gestational Diabetes is a temporary sickness, and commonly occurs in pregnant women. Routine tests are carried out for Gestational Diabetes during pregnancy. After birth, the symptoms usually recess, but during pregnancy they need to be constantly monitored.

Diabetes Mellitus is a more serious and long-term form of diabetes. It has two forms: Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 is a result of body's inability to synthesize Insulin, while Type 2 Diabetes is a condition in which the efficiency of Insulin action is reduced. Diabetes Mellitus is incurable in its entirety. However, it can be curtailed using a combination of medications, special diet and exercise. Patients can lead a normal life; however, in case of Type 1 Diabetes, frequent Insulin injections are required. Diabetes treatment includes:

• Special low-fat, low-salt, and high carbohydrate diet

• Avoiding sugary food and sweets

• Regular exercise

• Medications, like Insulin injections

• Constant blood glucose monitoring

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Signs and Symptoms of Diabetic Nephropathy

In the early stages of diabetic nephropathy, a patient usually doesn't experience symptoms. Typically, symptoms occur when her glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is 20% to 30% of normal. The GFR reflects the amount of plasma that passes through the glomerulus per minute. When signs and symptoms develop, they may affect virtually every body system and include:

* polyuria, nocturia, proteinuria, oliguria progressing to anuria

* hypertension, heart failure, pulmonary edema, peripheral edema, arrhythmias, pericarditis

* crackles, shortness of breath, dyspnea, Kuss­maul's respirations, pleural effusion, depressed cough reflex, thick sputum, pneumonitis

* anorexia, constipation or diarrhea, hiccups, nausea, vomiting, stomatitis, unpleasant or metallic taste in the mouth

* altered level of consciousness, behavior changes, cognitive changes, lethargy, seizures, coma

* muscle cramps, bone fractures, footdrop

* anemia, increased risk of bleeding, infection

* decreased perspiration; dry, brittle hair; dry, flaky skin; yellow-brown skin; petechiae; pruritus; thin, brittle, ridged nails; uremic frost (urea crystals that form on the skin)

* nfertility; decreased libido; anovulation, amenorrhea, anorgasmy in women; impotence in men.

Some More Facts

Discuss potential kidney complications of diabetes with your patient and her family. Emphasize the relationship between tight blood glucose control and the onset and progression of kidney disease. Explain the importance of achieving and maintaining a healthy weight, following a safe exercise plan, stopping smoking, and controlling blood cholesterol levels. Explain dietary restrictions, including protein limitation, and refer your patient to a dietitian.

Inform your patient about the association between hypertension and renal disease. Explain that she'll need to have her blood pressure checked regularly, and emphasize the importance of treating her hypertension. Encourage her to report any adverse effects of antihypertensive drugs to her physician. Remind her not to stop antihypertensive therapy without notifying her physician.

Review the signs and symptoms of UTI and the importance of prompt and thorough treatment. Explain the importance of providing a follow­up urine sample for culture and sensitivity testing, if prescribed. Review the procedure for collecting a 24-hour urine sample . Advise your patient to delay or reschedule screening for urine albumin excretion if she recently participated in strenuous exercise or had an acute febrile illness or a UTI. These factors can temporarily increase urine albumin excretion. Ask your patient if she's taking drugs, such as NSAIDs and ACE inhibitors. These drugs can alter urine protein excretion and should be avoided during testing.

If the patient is receiving hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis at home, a home care nurse can provide the support and education she needs to perform the procedure independently. In some cases, a family member may need to be taught how to perform it. Or the home care nurse may have to do it.

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Diabetes Control Natural Treatment

There are many people across the world that are dealing with diabetes, and no matter what type of diabetes you may have, it can be frustrating and difficult to deal with. While there are a variety of medications out there on the market today that are designed to help out people who have diabetes, there are more and more people who are looking for good methods of diabetes control natural treatment. In today’s world when so many drugs are being recalled and taken off the market due to serious side effects, many people are wanting to find natural treatments for their diabetes. So, if you are looking for the natural way to keep your diabetes problem under control, the following are a few you may want to consider.

Tip #1 – Eat More Meals – One great diabetes control natural treatment is to start eating more meals every day. This does not mean that you should be eating a huge amount at each meal, but going with 6 small meals each day can help you keep better control over your blood sugar and is much better than eating 3 large meals during the day.

Tip #2 – Drink Water – Believe it or not, drinking plenty of water each day is another natural way to keep your diabetes under control. Water helps to keep you from being dehydrated and also is a great choice above sodas and other high sugar beverages.

Tip #3 – Work on Losing Weight – Many studies show that there is a tie between being overweight and developing diabetes. In some cases just losing a bit of weight can help you to keep your diabetes under control. While it is not always easy to lose weight, it has definite health benefits that make it worth the hard work and effort.

Tip #4 – Using Herbs – Believe it or not, many people have found that herbs can work for diabetes control natural treatment as well. There are a variety of herbs available that can help keep blood sugar under control. Some of the herbs that have been found to be effective in helping to control diabetes include bitter gourd, green plantain peels, fenugreek seed, mullaca, and agaricus blazei murril mushrooms.

Tip #5 – Eating the Right Foods – There are some foods that can be eaten to help you keep your diabetes under control naturally as well. Eating foods like oranges, almonds, apples, and any foods that have high concentrations of omega 3’s in them are great. So, if you want to naturally take control of your diabetes, consider adding these foods to your diet.

As you can see there are many great options for diabetes control natural treatment. Consider using some of these options to help you deal with your diabetes in a natural way that won’t have you worrying about bothersome side effects.

Diabetes Type 2 Natural Treatment

If you are like many people, you are looking to natural ways to treat any ailment; this includes searching for a diabetes type 2 natural treatment. In today's world, people are shying away from conventional medicines and searching for natural cures and treatments. One of the best ways to keep your type 2 diabetes in check is with natural means.

Getting The Facts

Did you know that in the United States alone, there are more than 20 million people have diabetes. Of those 20 million people, about 95% of them have type 2. Type two is typically developed as an adult and is typically caused by the lack of insulin in the body, which leads to higher levels of sugar within the blood. If left untreated, type 2 diabetes can result in damage to your nerves, kidneys, heart, and eyes.

Diet and Exercise

Whether you believe it or not one of the most recommended Diabetes 2 natural treatment is through diet and exercise. Watching what you eat and implementing a healthy diet into your lifestyle can make dramatic changes to not only your body, but your body's way of dealing with diabetes. Many people suffering from diabetes have turned to the Mediterranean diet to effectively treat their condition.

The Mediterranean diet is deemed an effective diabetes type 2 natural treatment because it implements unprocessed foods into the diet and makes certain that you are eating whole grains, fresh vegetables, and fresh fruits. This is great because it means that whatever carbohydrates that are included in the diet are not likely to raise the levels of sugar in your blood, which is unlike those processed foods that you are so used to eating.

You have heard it said that obesity is the number one cause of diabetes. With that being said, treating Type 2 diabetes means living a healthier, leaner, and thinner lifestyle, while treating your diabetes at the same time. Many people have been able to implement natural treatments for type 2 diabetes and never have to use prescription medication.

Diabetic Testing Supplies - What You Need If You Have Diabetes

One of the most difficult things for diabetics to deal with is the constant need to make sure they have readily available all the necessary diabetic testing supplies. The best way to make sure you have everything necessary is to make a check list, and before you go to bed at night or when you wake up in the morning, go over the list and be sure you have everything you'll need to get through the day.

When you have diabetes, your physician will test your blood sugar at appointments. It is also critically important that you test your blood sugar often on a daily basis. Make sure you have the equipment necessary for you to be able to test your level often.

If you are using insulin, in order for the insurance company to cover any charges, you will need a prescription from your physician. You will also need several different items in order to test often.

Insulin syringes - when you are on an insulin treatment, you will need the syringes to inject the medicine into your blood. There are different sized needles; however they are covered under most insurance policies.

Alcohol swabs - infections in diabetics is a very serious problem and can be potentially life threatening. Even a little pinprick for the testing meter can be a cause for concern. Alcohol swabs will kill the bacteria that are on your finger to assure a clean blood draw area. Alcohol swabs are very inexpensive and can be found in any retail store, however they are often supplied with your testing equipment.

Diabetic testing meter - This is a machine that takes a drop of your blood and measures your blood sugar level. There are several different types of meters to choose from, and if you are on the go a lot, there are portable diabetic testing meters. Again, you will need a prescription in order for your insurance company to cover the charges.

Diabetic testing strips - these strips are needed in conjunction with your diabetic testing meter. It is important to understand that each testing meter requires a specific testing strip, so it is important that you know which strips to purchase. Diabetic testing strips are expensive, and more often then not, they are not covered by insurance. Speak to your physician, he or she may know of a way to get around the cost.

In all cases your diabetic testing supplies should not be mishandled. Treat them carefully so they can continue to do the job for which they were designed.

Diabetes is a very serious disease. With the proper diet and medicine, it can be controlled and managed. It is very important that you keep the proper supplies in you home at all times.

As a side note, the paperwork that is involved with insurance companies can be very confusing. In recent years, new and innovative companies have been developed to assist diabetics in getting their supplies. They literally do everything from submitting the paperwork and billing, and then ship your entire diabetic testing supplies right to your door.

The easiest and fastest way to find one of these companies is to use the Internet. You will find thousands of links that will bring you to these sites. Just be sure you use a nationally recognized company with a solid reputation to insure that you receive the right supplies.

For information on finding quality diabetic testing supplies visit http://www.diabetes-diabetic-diet-plans.com . There you'll find tips on diabetic foods and diet plans, as well as information on other items you may need such as diabetic shoes.

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Diabetic Cooking - Healthy Choices For Those With Diabetes

Whether you have diabetes or the friend you like to feed is diabetic, it is very important for you to learn the ins and outs of diabetic cooking. Given the fact that the food you eat plays such a great role in how well your body copes with this condition, it is imperative that you learn to cook in a way that is healthy and appropriate. Luckily, cooking food that is conducive to controlling your diabetes is quite simple! All you need to do is first have an essential understanding of what is good for you and what is not, followed by starting up your own collection of great, diabetic-friendly recipes!

Diabetes, simply put, is a condition where your body is unable to regulate the sugar that is introduced to it. As can easily be seen, the sugar that is involved in your cooking needs to be reduced if not eliminated altogether, but there are other things that you should keep in mind as well. First, you will be surprised by how easy it will be to replace sugars with artificial sweeteners, and to a lesser extent, honey.

When you are thinking about diabetic cooking, grains are one of the things that you must learn to work with and introduce as often as you can. Essentially, the fibers in grains are necessary due to the fact that they can help the body break down glucose. Grains are at the very bottom of the diabetic food pyramid, meaning that it should form a foundation for all of your meals. If you don't have much experience cooking grains, just remember to cook them thoroughly, drain them thoroughly, and that they can be made a great deal more interesting by the presence of herbs.

Dried herbs and spices can help work against the glucose build up in your body as well. Look for curry powders and paprika to spice up a meal, and use basil leaves, bay leaves ground cinnamon and ginger when you are looking for a way to dress up the grain of your choice. With a little bit of experience, you'll find that there is plenty of ways to cook your favorite grains while still keeping all of their healthy attributes.

As you can see, diabetic cooking does not need to be a chore. Many people are in the same situation you are, and some of them have been kind enough to share. Websites like Recipezaar and AllRecipes have excellent sections concerning diabetes in their indexes. And there are countless books available online and in your local bookstore filled with tasty and simple recipes. Take a look around and find some great ways to promote better eating and better health in general!

To learn more about diabetic cooking, visit http://www.diabetes-diabetic-diet-plans.com, a popular website devoted to providing useful information to those with diabetes. You'll find tips on the foods you can and cannot eat, as well as explanations of some of the more common problems associated with the disease such as diabetic ketoacidosis, neuropathy and retinopathy.

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What Are the Causes of Diabetes?

There are many causes of diabetes. Not all people have control of whether they could have prevented the disease. Eating healthy is a big factor in prevention, but some times that's not enough. Below are several ways it can be caused.

The disease is caused when the pancreas becomes dysfunctional. The body is dependent upon the insulin the pancreas secretes to keep the body's blood sugar levels normal. Many things can cause the pancreas to become dysfunctional and cause illness.

Diabetes is known to be higher in certain ethnicities such as Asian American, Hispanic, African American, Native American and Pacific Island descendants. The disease is known to be inherited and if it runs in your family, then you have a 25% chance of having it eventually.

Age is a big cause because as people get older, they exercise less and they gain weight, causing the body's pancreas to improperly secrete insulin. It can also be caused by a viral infection or illness affecting the pancreas, causing it not to secrete insulin properly.

However, the biggest cause is obesity. Excessive weight and fat in the body cause muscle and tissues not to react to insulin the way they should, almost making them resistant to the insulin the pancreas is secreting. The insulin will not function properly causing high blood sugar levels, eventually leading to the disease. Overeating can cause it also. The body needs a proper balance in its diet and if a body has too many carbohydrates, fats, or proteins, it can cause the pancreas to be dysfunctional also.

Frequent smoking can eventually lead to diabetes. Stress is also a major factor. The body's metabolism is directly influenced by its lifestyle. This includes the amount of daily stress; grief, and excessive worrying, that can cause the metabolism to react differently to insulin and the person to become a diabetic.

The body needs plenty of exercise and a balanced diet for the pancreas to properly function, secreting enough insulin. Many people cannot prevent this disease, especially if they inherit the disease or contract a viral infection causing it. The causes of diabetes vary, but the most important thing in trying to prevent it are maintaining a healthy lifestyle with plenty of exercise and eating right.

Visit Diabetes Info to find more diabetes information. We cover everything from oral insulin to diabetes continuing education.

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Natural Diabetes Treatment, 2 Secrets!

There are many studies showing that natural diabetes treatment from herbs, oils and their by-product are very effective in maintaining healthy blood sugar levels and controlling the effects of diabetes. This is not to say that one should stop consulting their medical practitioner. In fact consulting your doctor and exploring a natural cure for diabetes should not be mutually exclusive, both options should be followed in tandem.

Before medicines, diabetes was always treated by natural means. However, the need for speed and immediate gratification has allowed for medical science to speed the process up with medicine.

In 90% of the cases, diet and nutritional balance can prevent diabetes, and the right food and nutrients has also shown to cure diabetes, or should I say reverse the effect of diabetes on the body.

There are 2 secret natural diabetes treatment , while these may be known to some, to some they are new, and therefore secret.

A. Blood Cleansing - included in a good herbal total body cleanse.

Our bodies are bombarded with toxins on a daily basis, not to mention our entire lives. We should from time to time undergo a complete body detoxification, especially a blood detoxification. In fact, I personally undergo a complete body detoxification annually, and I remain on a smooth colon cleanse system continuously. This process is important to rid the body of all the bad food we have ingested, and the effects on the environment on our aging bodies. The blood cleanse usually incorporated in a total body cleanse will in fact rid the blood of toxins which are contributing to elevated blood sugar.

B. Flaxseed Oil and Omega-3 Flaxseed Oil and Cottage cheese mixed together and in a small protein shake can reduce the effects of diabetes. Incidentally while this has been promoted as a natural cure for cancer, I have had people tell me that it has worked for them and reverse the effects of their diabetes, so much so they hail it as a natural cure for diabetes. Fish oil is also rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, which a beneficial in fighting against cardiovascular disease and other complications related to diabetes.

Many Natural Diabetes treatment are found in herbs. Many herbs have always been used in the treatment of the disease. However, as is well known, herbs work but for them to do so effectively they have to be taken consistently. This should ot be a problem, because herbs are foods from mother nature and therefore as a proposed natural cure for diabetes, the positive results with be long term and sustained. Some herbs, such as ginkgo biloba, cinnamon, garlic, onion, barberry , burdock root are all effective as a natural diabetes treatment. Night time teas before bed with some of these herbs will promote regular sugar levels the next morning.

Finally, ultimately the best form of diabetes cure and relief is the reduction of sugar intake. Sugar is in all food we eat and if you are diabetic you must have already been advise of what foods to stay way from. If you are not sure which foods to stay away , we can guide you.

Live well!

OK, So what foods should we eat? What are the foods to lower blood sugar Is there a magic food that we should eat on a daily basis? How can I change my diet? All these questions and more will be answered at our website, most importantly you will discover more natural diabetes treatment visit us and lean how to relieve the effects of diabetes, safely and naturally and maybe reverse diabetes

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List of Foods For Diabetic to Eat

As a diabetic, it is ultimately important for you to have a list of foods for diabetic to eat. Keeping your diet plan correctly you can have good control of diabetes. There are some things that can work against your diabetes and make you extremely ill and there are some things that you should be including in your diet that you may not have been aware of. Because we know just how difficult it can be to determine what foods you should or should not eat, we have devised this article, complete with a list of foods for diabetic to eat to help you out.

Before we get into what you should eat, let's have a look at some of the things you should not eat. You want to make sure you avoid or restrict your intake of carbohydrates, either simple or refined. This might include items such as corn syrup, honey, sweets, sugar, white bread, white rice, or items that contain fructose, glucose, or sucrose.

Diabetics should also avoid foods that are extremely high in fat or sodium. The less you have of either of these items, the better off you will be. It is also suggested that you limit your intake of alcohol. Drinking heavily could lead to a greater heart disease risk, as well as liver damage.

With that being said, here is a list of foods for diabetic to eat:

• Make sure you include starches – While white breads can be bad for your diabetes, you still want to make sure that you include plenty of starches in your diet. This should be vegetables, pasta, cereal, grains, and breads.
• Vegetables – Vegetables are important to any diet, diabetic or otherwise. These provide a great source of fiber, minerals, and vitamins. Particularly good vegetables for your diet include cabbage, spinach, broccoli, green beans, carrots, tomatoes, and peppers.
• Fruits also provide you with fiber, minerals, and vitamins. They are also a source for carbohydrates, but should be taken in moderation. Depending on your calorie count, you should include two to four servings of fruits such as apples, bananas, mango, fruit juice, oranges, raisins, and grapefruit each day.
• Milk is also a much needed source of critical elements that your body needs. Fat free sources of milk is good, such as yogurt or low fat milk.
• Meats, though necessary, should only be eaten in moderation. This includes meat substitutes as well. This category includes all red meats and poultry, as well as cheese, cottage cheese, tofu, peanut butter, eggs, and fish.

Knowing what you should and should not eat while dealing with your diabetes is the best way to get it under control, lose weight, and maintain a healthier lifestyle at the same time. We hope this list of foods for diabetic to eat has helped you on your journey to monitoring your diabetes.