Latest Diabetes Articles

Things to know about Diabetes

Tue, 08 Jun 2010 00:44:48 -0700

Most of us know that the diabetes is a disease in which the level of blood glucose, which is also called as blood sugar, is above normal value. People suffering with diabetes face problem converting food to energy. Normally, after a meal, the body breaks food down into glucose, which the blood carries to cells throughout the body. Cells use insulin, a hormone made in the pancreas, to help them convert blood glucose into energy. People develop diabetes because the pancreas does not make enough insulin or because the cells in the muscles, liver, and fat do not use insulin properly, or both. As a result, the level of glucose in the blood increases while the cells are starved of energy, which can lead to complications such as heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, blindness, nerve problems, and gum infections.

Three Main Types of Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes: Type 1 diabetes results when body fails to produce insulin and requires the person to inject insulin.
Type 2 diabetes: Type 2 diabetes results in a condition in which cells fail to use insulin properly sometimes combined with an absolute insulin deficiency.
Gestational diabetes: Gestational diabetes occurs during late pregnancy. During pregnancy the need for insulin appears to increase which develop gestational diabetes during the late stages of pregnancy.

How to diagnose diabetes?
The following tests are used for diagnosis:
- A fasting plasma glucose (FPG) test
- An oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT)
- A random plasma glucose test

Few myths about diabetes:

Diabetes is not really all that serious: The truth is that Diabetes is as serious disease as any other life taking disease. The American Diabetes association brought the fact that Diabetes kills more people than Breast Cancer and AIDS combined each year and two out of every three diabetics die from heart attack or stroke. Now you only decide how serious disease it is.

Diabetics can’t eat any good food: A well balanced diet of healthy food is what a diabetic person should take. While it is true that Diabetics should not eat lots of sweets, neither should anyone else. This leads us to the third myth:

Diabetes is caused by eating too many sweets: Unfortunately, this is a myth that has been around for sometime. Eating a lot of sugar doesn’t give you Diabetes; however, being overweight does increase your risk for Diabetes. Since lots of sweets can because you pack on the pounds some people have made that correlation. Type 1 Diabetes is all genetics and Type 2 Diabetes is a combination of genetics and lifestyle choices.

I can’t do anything to stop complications from Diabetes: This is the worst myth of them all. Maintaining your blood sugar level, lowering your cholesterol and blood pressure, as well as getting plenty of exercise can all help to reduce your chances of having major complications from Diabetes.

Diabetes Mellitus and its Prevention

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 17:35:23 -0800

Diabetes—is a condition in which the body either does not produce enough insulin, or does not properly respond to insulin a hormone produced in the pancreas.
Insulin enables cells to absorb glucose in order to turn it into energy. Any disturbance in this causes glucose to accumulate in the blood (hyperglycemia), leading to various complications.
TYPES OF DIABETES:
1) Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 Diabetes is autoimmune disease. It is result of destruction of beta cells due to aggressive nature of cells present in the body.

2) Type 2 diabetes
Type 2 Diabetes is also called non insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) or adult-onset diabetes. It occurs when the body produces enough insulin but cannot utilize it effectively. This type of diabetes usually develops in middle age. more common among older; obese; have a family history of diabetes; have had gestational diabetes.
3) Gestational diabetes:
It is a form of diabetes which affects pregnant women. Hormones involved in development of placenta, also blocks the action of the mother's insulin in her body. This is called insulin resistance. During pregnancy a mother may need up to three times more insulin for glucose to leave the blood and transform to energy. When body is not able to use insulin due to insulin resistance it develops into Gestational Diabetes. Glucose builds up in the blood to high level, it is called hyperglycemia.
Causes of Diabetes
• Hereditary or Inherited Traits : It depends upon closeness of blood relationship as mother is diabetic, the risk is 2 to 3%, father is diabetic, the risk is more than the previous case and if both the parents are diabetic, the child has much greater risk for diabetes.
• Age : Increased age is a factor which gives more possibility than in younger age.
• Poor Diet (Malnutrition Related Diabetes) : low protein and fiber intake, high intake of refined products are the expected reasons for developing diabetes.
• Obesity and Fat Distribution : Being overweight means increased insulin resistance.
• Sedentary Lifestyle
• Stress : physical injury or emotional disturbance is the initial cause of the disease..
• Drug induced: Clozapine, olanzapine , risperidone , quetiapine and ziprasidone induce this lethal disease.
• Infection : strephylococci that infects pancreas.
• Sex : commonly seen in elderly especially males but, strongly in women
• Hypertension : there is direct relation between high systolic pressure and diabetes.
• Serum lipids and lipoproteins : High triglyceride and cholesterol level in the blood is related to high blood sugars.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS:
Diabetes Type 1:
• Primary stage : nausea and vomiting.
• Later stage : ketoacidosis, fast weight loss
• Advanced stage : Coma and death.

Diabetes Type 2:
• Increased fatigue
• Polydipsia
• Polyuria
• Polyphegia
• Weight flactuation
• Blurry vision
• Irritability
• Infections
• Poor wound healing
Complications
• Diabetic retinopathy: pain in the eyes and may even result in loss of vision.
• Diabetic nephropathy: kidney disease shows symptoms of swelling (edema) in the feet and legs. blood pressure also increases.
• Diabetic neuropathy: Tingling, burning, numbness, tightness, shooting or stabbing pain in the hands, feet or other parts of body
• Diabetic foot: Any injury leads to gangrene if neglected
• Cardiac complaints: Chest pain ,shortness of breath, dizziness ,light headache, shoulder or stomach pain, fast heartbeat, heart attack or stroke
• Others: scanty or profuse sweating, difficulty of sensing when your bladder is full, increased sexual problems, weakness.
Prevention & management:
• Control weight to normal or near-normal levels by eating a healthy low-fat, high-fiber diet.
• Regular exercise is crucial to the prevention of type 2 diabetes.
• Keep alcohol consumption low.
• Quit smoking.
• If you have high blood fat levels (such as high cholesterol) or high blood pressure, take your medication as directed
• Lifestyle modification
• If you already have diabetes, your focus should be on preventing the complications
• Tight glucose control.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Increase physical activity levels
• Drink an adequate amount of water and avoid taking too much salt.
• The skin should be taken care of; avoid sores and cracks that can become severely infected.
• Brush and floss the teeth every day to prevent gum disease.
• The feet should be washed and examined daily, looking for small cuts, sores, or blisters that may cause

Five Factors in Managing Diabetes Naturally

Fri, 08 Jan 2010 07:25:09 -0800

Diabetes is one of the most common chronic illnesses, affecting millions of people worldwide. It is a condition in which the body either does not produce enough insulin (Type 1), or does not properly process the insulin it is making (Type 2).

There are many differing causes for diabetes, including specific viral infections, genetic predisposition, and personal diet. In particular, Type 2 diabetes tends to manifest in patients whose diet is poorly managed. Currently there is no known cure for diabetes, meaning this is an illness that requires constant careful management.

A diabetic's diet has a great deal to say about how the condition will continue to affect them. Proper diet can help prevent the onset of Type 2 diabetes, but even in patients who have been diagnosed with either condition, a healthy diet can reduce the side effects and secondary illnesses that tend to crop up. Here are five factors to consider when managing diabetes.

1 - the Glucose Cycle

The primary element that requires management in diabetic patients is their glucose cycle. Glucose (a simple sugar) is brought into the body, then processed by way of insulin and removed. Diabetics' bodies cannot accomplish this second task properly, which leads to glucose buildup and the development of secondary illnesses such as kidney damage. This is why many diabetic patients have to monitor their blood sugar.

A healthy diabetic diet must take sugar and glucose intake into account. High blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia) can cause kidney damage, retina damage, or even a diabetic coma and eventually death if left untreated long enough. Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) is equally dangerous, leading to potential brain damage or fainting spells.

Being able to properly control glucose intake requires understanding where it comes from. Not all carbohydrates have glucose in them: while sucrose sugars have a high glucose content, crystalline fructose does not. There are many resources on the Web that list comprehensive breakdowns of glucose content, and your dietician should have a primer or guide as well.

A very important part of this is record keeping. Similar to a dietary journal for weight loss, a simple glucose journal is no more than a list of the foods and portions you had throughout the day. Kept up for a month or more and compared to your blood sugar over time, this will allow you to track the contents of what you're eating and measure their effects.

2 - Mushrooms, Mushrooms!

As we've discussed, keeping your blood sugar level in check is an important part of diabetes management. Interestingly, there are certain mushrooms that are noted for their ability to lower blood sugar levels. The three most common are the reishi, maitake, and the agaricus blazei varieties. If you enjoy adding mushrooms to your recipes, consider including these with the usual shitaki or canned variety.

3 - Water, Water Everywhere

Water is always a vital nutrient to the body, and is even more critical for diabetics. Water promotes healthy bodily function, flushes out toxins and accumulated wastes, and maintains body temperature properly. When your body has the proper amount of water intake, you feel better, operate more healthily, and your system can adapt to greater strains, which include those brought on by diabetes.

The general guideline is eight to twelve cups of water per day under average conditions. If you perform greater exercise, you will of course require more water. The trick is not to flood your system at any one time, such as just drinking during meals. Drink at a rate of a cup every two hours to keep your system operating at peak condition, with more during meals. A bonus effect is that water imparts a sense of fullness, reducing the urge to snack on glucose-heavy foods.

4 - Whole Grain, No Pain

Fiber is a very important element in controlling blood sugar. The soluble fiber found in whole grain foods is particularly beneficial, since it slows digestion and allows your system more time to even out the process of managing blood sugar. This means insulin management is much more effective, making management of your entire condition much easier.

Good sources of whole grains include breads, oat based foods, and other sources. An additional benefit from the slower digestion caused by whole grains is that you gain a sense of fullness and feel full longer. This reduces the urge to snack between meals, and lets you keep meal portions to more manageable sizes. So consider replacing the afternoon snack with a whole-grain sandwich.

5 - the Doctor's Orders

Before making any changes whatsoever to your diet, it is vitally important that you speak at length with your physician and dietician about your specific case. Diabetes is a highly individual illness, manifesting in different ways in every patient. Any changes to your diet should be checked for approval with your doctor, so you can be sure you're going to get the best possible results. You don't have to go it alone, so take your physician's advice to heart.

A Final Word

Diabetes is a serious condition requiring diligent care. However, making smart changes to your diet, under your physician's guidance, may naturally help prevent or alleviate many side-effects and promote your wellbeing.

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Tue, 22 Dec 2009 03:02:56 -0800

Diabetes Insulin Treatments Specialist

Diabetes is a heath condition in which the body of the person suffering from this illness fails to produce enough insulin. Depending upon the severity of the diabetic person the diabetes insulin treatments specialist may suggest insulin treatment. There are various types of diabetes insulin treatments available which are categorized on the basis of their onset time, their peak time and their overall duration.

There are many doctors in Morrisville who specialize in providing diabetes insulin treatments. You can visit their walk in medical clinic and know which treatment will be best for you. In this article we will discuss some of the diabetes insulin treatments:

1.       Injection Methods: Injecting insulin in the body is one of the most effective and common way used by diabetic patients. Nowadays, you get Insulin pens which contain an insulin container plus a syringe. They are very easy to use; all you have to do is attach a needle, set your dose and push the plunger. It is advisable to visit your nearest walk in medical clinic in case you experience the insulin dose to be ineffective and take direction from your diabetes insulin treatments specialist.

2.       External Insulin Pump: Another way of injecting insulin into your bloodstream is by an external insulin pump. The insulin pump is a small device that is worn around the waist and attached to the body with a small tube and needle. This pump automatically provides required amount of insulin to the body. In case you wish to control the amount of insulin injected in the body, you can press the button on the devices or visit your nearest walk in medical clinic and take help from your diabetes insulin treatments specialist.

3.       Premixed Insulins: As, the medical conditions of different diabetic patients vary, the diabetes insulin treatments specialist may suggest more than one type insulin treatments depending upon the particular health condition and medical history of the patient. These mixtures are usually a blend of intermediate-acting insulin and regular or rapid-acting insulin, and are either mixed manually or available in convenient prefilled insulin pens.

The Greatest Threat to Our Children's Health: Diabetes?!

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 19:11:53 -0700

Type 2 diabetes is a growing concern in the United States as more cases of the disease are being seen in children. Usually type 2 diabetes affects people who are obese and over age 40. Over the past 20 years however, doctors have seen an increase in type 2 diabetes among children.

If untreated, type 2 diabetes can lead to high blood pressure, hardening of the arteries, heart attack and stroke. It can also lead to kidney failure and eventual blindness. The effects of this disease can be so devastating, it is important to know your risks and take action right away to reduce your chances of developing type 2 diabetes.

What is type 2 diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes, also known as insulin resistant diabetes, is the most common form of the disease. It accounts for 90% of all diabetes cases diagnosed each year. With type 1 diabetes the body does not produce insulin. With type 2 it does produce insulin but either it does not produce enough or the cells in the muscle are less sensitive to its effects.

When you eat something, the body breaks the food down into a simple sugar called glucose. Glucose then moves through the bloodstream and then into the muscle and fat cells. Insulin sends a signal to the cells which tell them to open up and accept the glucose. Glucose is either used right away or stored as fat. In individuals who have type 2 diabetes, the cells do not correctly receive the signal to allow the glucose in. This causes glucose to build up in the bloodstream and keeps the cells from functioning properly. Eventually the elevated glucose levels in the system can cause damage to heart eyes and kidneys.

Risk factors

Your risk for type 2 diabetes can be inherited. If you have a parent or sibling who has the disease you have a great chance for developing it yourself. Individuals of Hispanic, African-American, or Native American ancestry are also at greater risk as well as those over age 45. Other risk factors include having a sedentary lifestyle, excessive stress, smoking and obesity.

One of the most important things we can do to cut our chances of developing type 2 diabetes is to get more active and lose weight. Fat stored around the abdominal area make it especially hard for cells to respond to insulin. Other risk factors include a Body Mass Index of 25 or more or a waist size that is greater than 35 inches for a woman or 40 inches or more for man.

Take action

Knowing what the risk factors are for developing type 2 diabetes is an important step to avoiding the disease. If you have a close family member who has developed type 2 diabetes, discuss it with your doctor. Find out what your BMI is and to measure your waist. If you have any other risk factors, take action today to eat better, exercise and lose weight. By taking action today you can avoid the damaging health effects of type 2 diabetes tomorrow.

Diabetes mellitus: Easy methods to conquer

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 09:25:27 -0700

DIABETES MELLITUS: FALL IN LOVE WITH IT!

Know for sure that once diabetes has taken hold of your body, it has fallen in love with it. The natural corollary is that diabetes won,t leave your body!

Then, what do you do with such a headstrong partner?

DIABETES MELLITUS: SLOW & STEADY WINS THE RACE

The crucial moment calls for the accurate shots (diplomatic moves) at the right moment when your opponent (spouse) is at its weakest!

As you sing its song, dance to its rhythm and satisfy it with your acquiescence, that's actually the time when you can take control of it.

DIABETES: CONTROL THE MIND TO CURE IT

That,s true!

Mind control is the cue!

Using this tactic, which become a habit with us, we can cure all ailments including diabetes mellitus.

DIABETES SPREADS SLOWLY BUT SURELY

Medical studies have found that diabetes is not a disease that appears overnight.

One thing is for sure, though. Diabetes mellitus can be cured naturally.

The means are yoga and Ayurveda.

YOGA & AYURVEDA

Both yoga and Ayurveda are age-old time-tested means to strengthen the body through natural means.

IGNORE DIABETES MELLITUS: SUFFER THE CONSEQUENCES

Obviously once you let a wound fester; it can turn cancerous with disastrous consequences for the sufferer.

DIABETES MELLITUS: A LIFE-LONG PARTNER

So is the case with the ailment ,diabetes, or diabetes mellitus: Diabetes is a life-long partner.

Now, how do you adjust with your lifetime mate?

Don,t you love your spouse, share time together and also take care of each other?

You do.

YOU MUST CONTROL YOUR MIND, ELSE…

You can, and should manage your mind. Then, you will insulate your body against all forms of diseases.

Else, you,ll become a slave of your inclinations or desires. And, know for sure such a lifestyle will land you in a soup!

Your body will revolt, the naturally gifted authority to check attacks of germs and viruses will get weakened, and you will very soon be a patient.

The moment you give space to such urges one blocks the logical part of the mind. On the other hand, that part of the mind is activated, which makes us feel good. That portion is the manager of all our urges.

So in the above situation, even though the mind does remain active it stays so only partially – hence we feel the pleasures. At that juncture, we fail to reason out or we simply do not like to do any serious thinking. This reasoning capability again comes to the fore once the urge is satisfied.

However, it has been found that sometimes we carry on logical exercises in our minds even as we physically indulge in the pleasurable activities. This typical situation happens when we are under stress. Tension, fatigue, and unknown apprehensions are the catalysts.

PRACTICE YOGA REGULARLY: TACKLE DIABETES SUCCESSFULLY

Yoga is a set of ancient time-proven Indian set of exercises. Yoga helps to synthesize the body of the practitioner (yogi) with his mind.

The ancient Indian treatises and folk-lore bear adequate testimony to the fact that yoga can deal with all forms of attacks on the human body – both physical as well as mental.

Thus, regular practicing of the mind control exercises through meditation (tapasya), deliberate breathing (pranayama) in particular moves (asanas) give us the magical power to be the masters of our minds!