What Do You Know About Diabetes?

When the body produces lesser amounts of insulin than is actually required, a person's blood sugar tends to shoot up. This could be an indication of a metabolic disease such as Diabetes Mellitus. Mainly diabetes is classified into 3 types which are

1. Type 1 Diabetes which is the same as juvenile diabetes and insulin dependent diabetes. The main concern here is to replenish the insulin content in the body due to inadequate production. Regular infusions of insulin will have to be administered at specified intervals.

2. Type 2 Diabetes is a condition in which the cells in the body fail to utilize available insulin appropriately thereby leading to deficiency.

3. Gestational diabetes occurs in pregnant women whose blood sugar levels shoot up during this phase.

Some other forms of diabetes has also been found to be common such as

• Diabetes caused by Cystic fibrosis.
• Steroid induced diabetes.
• Insulin secretion in the body could be defective due to the genetic makeup of a particular individual thus leading to congenital diabetes.
• Another variant is the monogenic diabetes that assumes various forms.

Though diabetes does not have definite cure, the advent of Insulin has made significant progress in controlling the disease. Various oral hypoglycemic drugs have also been evolved to control type 2 diabetes. A proper diet and exercise plan is also recommended to control the disease. An affected person should visit a diabetic clinic regularly, get his blood sugar checked to keep track of the disease and alter the medications accordingly. Proper care should be taken of the pregnant woman as well as her fetus and in order to prevent complications, insulin may have to be administered. People who are overweight are more prone to this disease, so is the case of those with a family history of diabetes.

Diabetes - A Lifestyle Disease Which Can Be Controlled

The last two decades has seen a major change in the style and way of living. The lifestyles have changed a great deal and most people now follow a very sedentary life. This has given rise to many lifestyle diseases and diabetes takes the topmost place in the list.

Diabetes is categorized in the group of metabolic diseases and its characteristic feature is increase in blood sugar levels. The main reason for this is due to the defect in the action or secretion of insulin. In certain cases the action and secretion of insulin are both affected. This is also known as Diabetes mellitus and is also referred to as insulin dependent diabetes.

When the level of glucose increases in the blood it is excreted in the urine and hence originated the term sweet urine. Blood glucose levels are controlled and regulated by insulin. Insulin is a hormone which is produced in the pancreas by the beta cells. It is this hormone which is responsible in keeping the blood glucose levels under control.

After a meal when there is a rise in the blood sugar level and this is normalized by insulin, however in people suffering from diabetes due to the insufficient production or absence of insulin hyperglycemia is produced.

Diabetes is categorized into two types namely

1. Type I Diabetes which is also referred to as insulin dependent Diabetes

2. Type II Diabetes is also called as Insulin independent Diabetes.

In Type I Diabetes there is no production or very little production of insulin and these patients have to take insulin dosages. While in Type II Diabetes the insulin production is there but the cells are less sensitized to glucose, hence medication is provided which makes the cells more sensitized to these glucose cells. With proper care, management and regular exercise one can control diabetes.

Fruits and Vegetables for Diabetes, Diabetic Patients

People suffering from Diabetes or High blood sugar levels must be very cautious about their regular diet, which must be low in carbohydrates, and high in protein, vitamins and minerals. For most of the diabetics, it is tough to control the blood sugar levels, as there is hardly any food totally devoid of carbohydrates. It is advisable for the diabetics to include fiber rich food items in their daily diet that will supply the required energy without altering the blood sugar levels. Obesity is one of the vital causes of diabetes, so a high fiber diet also helps in controlling the body weight.

Fruits and Vegetables for Diabetics

The regular diet of the diabetics must include fair amounts of fruits and vegetables. These are not only rich in fiber, but are loaded with vitamins and minerals, which are essential for the body. Many diabetics are often in confusion, while choosing the right fruits and vegetables that will help in maintaining the normal blood glucose levels. Most tend to avoid fruits, as they are rich in fructose. But a balanced diet consisting of everything is harmless for the diabetics and they can enjoy every kind of fruit, provided they are consumed in right proportions. Processed, refined and canned foods must be totally excluded from the diet.

1. Vegetables consisting of leafy greens are rich in fiber and vitamins, which help in controlling the blood sugar levels and also reduces the pangs of hunger. Whole grains, pulses, sprouts, broccoli, cabbage, beans, spinach, lettuce, peas etc. are most beneficial for the diabetics. The fiber rich diet not only regulates the blood sugar level, but also reduces the blood cholesterol level.

2. Vegetables like potato, yams, beet roots, corns and cassava are rich in carbohydrates, so these can be avoided or taken in very small amounts occasionally.

3. Sea weeds and sea fishes are highly beneficial for the diabetics, and these can also be included in the regular diet.

4. Fruits with high fiber, like nuts are beneficial for the diabetic patients. Almonds, walnuts and peanuts are some of the nuts that can be taken by the diabetics.

5. Fruits mainly contain fructose, which does not require insulin for its metabolism. So these can be taken in restricted amounts. Fruits like grape fruit, apple, avocado, grapes, guava and citrus fruits are ideal for the diabetics. Fruits rich in Vitamin C are must for the diabetics.

6. Juicy fruits are recommended for the diabetics as they are of high water content.

7. Fruits with high sugar content like mangoes, bananas, custard apple can be avoided or taken in small amounts.

8. Fruit juices available in the market must be strictly avoided, as these are devoid of the fiber and contain lots of added sugar.

Can Diabetes Patients Eat Fruits? Fact Uncovered

Many diabetics carry a wrong notion that fruits can cause a spike in the blood sugar levels. On the contrary, fruits are stuffed with essential vitamins, natural fiber, minerals and anti-oxidants that are very essential for the body. Total avoidance of fruits may invite some other undesirable health complications.

Fruits contain sugars like sucrose, fructose and other forms of carbohydrates. Fruits are equally important for diabetes patients, but they should be cautious in selecting the right kind of fruits and the right proportion. Fruits with high sucrose and fructose content demand more insulin production from the body for the metabolism. Insulin production is impaired in case of the diabetics, so they must avoid such type of fruits or take in small amounts.

Fruits beneficial for Diabetics

Fruits rich in fiber and with low glycemic index (GI) are ideal for the Diabetics. The amount of fibers present in these fruits results in slowing down of the metabolic processes, and therefore prevents the shooting up of blood sugar levels.

1. The fruit Avocado is not only rich in fiber, but it also contains high level of mono saturated fats, which is essential for the healthy cardio-vascular system. Diabetics tend to develop cardio- vascular diseases. Including avocado in the diet reduces the risk of heart ailments and also improves the glycemic index.

2. Fruits rich in fructose do not require insulin for metabolism, and so the diabetes patients can enjoy such fruits like guavas, pears, mangoes and apples, which have a fructose to glucose ratios more than 2.

3. Citrus fruits are beneficial for diabetics as they boost the immunity system, and also help in proper functioning of the pancreas. Guava, Indian gooseberry, grapes etc. are some fruits recommended for the diabetics.

4. Nuts are rich in fiber, with low glycemic index and are beneficial for the diabetics. Peanuts, walnuts and almonds if taken in restricted amounts are beneficial for the diabetes patients.

5. Besides high fiber and high fructose levels, raw apples are rich in pectin that reduces the insulin requirement to about 50%.

6. Grape fruit is another fruit useful for the diabetics, which helps in reducing insulin resistance and promotes weight loss. This fruit also helps in controlling insulin levels, when taken along with meals.

7. Fruits rich in water content but low in sugar content like water melon, cucumber are recommended for the diabetics.

Fruits are not harmful for diabetics, but fruit juices, processed and canned fruits may pose serious health problems. Fruit juices and canned fruits contain considerable amounts of added sugar and are devoid of fiber, which results in abnormally high blood sugar conditions.

Diabetes and Yoga, Asanas and Pranayama

Diabetes afflicts a human when his or her glucose level in blood shoots up. Our organ, pancreas produces insulin, a hormone that breaks down the glucose, allows body cells to absorb it, and in the process, energizes our body. When insufficient insulin is produced due to the deterioration of the beta cells of the Pancreas, the glucose or sugar that is ingested cannot be broken down, resulting in accumulation of glucose in blood. The disease is termed as diabetes or diabetes mellitus. It is mainly of three types: Type 1 is caused due to poor production of insulin, Type 2 is caused due to cell growing inert or non-responsive to insulin and the third type, Gestational diabetes attacks women during pregnancy.

Symptoms of Diabetes

1. Unusual and increased hunger
2. Increased thirst
3. Increased urination
4. Fatigue
5. Loss of weight
6. Irritability
7. Excretion of yellowish, sweet smelling urine
8. Itching around genitals

Role of yogic asanas and pranayama in fighting the disease

The word 'yoga' evolves from the Sanskrit word 'yuj', meaning to unite. The concept of yoga was born in India, 26000 years ago in the Sat yuga or the golden era as referred to in Indian mythology. The union that yoga speaks of is the union between the individual self and cosmic spirit. This union can be achieved through certain asanas and pranayama that keep the Pancha tatwa or five elements constituting a human body, in perfect balance. Yoga has in it, the elements of peace, tranquility and spirituality, and yogic gurus believe that practicing yoga can keep both the body and mind in perfect health by energizing the body from within, and making it less susceptible to the attack of stress, tension and innumerable diseases that have forged their way in to our lives with the advent of modernity.

Yogic asanas can be very helpful for diabetic patients. Regular practice of yogic asanas, meditation, poses and breathing exercises can improve metabolism, stimulate liver and pancreas functioning, thus regulating glucose levels in our blood. The asanas or yogic exercises that can be practiced daily by a diabetic have been listed below:

1. Frog pose or mandukasana - This pose requires sitting of the patient in vajrasana. It is excellent for a diabetic, for it exerts pressure on pancreas, thus stimulating the beta-cells.

2. Yogamudrasana - This is done sitting in padmasana, and this too exerts much pressure on stomach and pancreas.

3. Paschimottasana or forward seated bending posture - The person has to sit on a mat with legs stretched in front. After taking a deep breath, the person has to bend forward, exhaling, touching the knees and reaching for the toes. Once the toes are touched, the person has to hold the position for two or three breaths and then return to sitting position. This asana has to be practiced thrice. It improves functioning of liver, pancreas and kidneys

4. Shalabhasana or locust posture - This asana should be practiced in combination with the other yogic postures. It improves digestion, tones up liver and pancreas and combats the problem of acidity.

5. Ardha matsyendrasana - This is the difficult exercise of spine twisting. It is excellent for recovery of pancreas.

6. Vakrasana - This pose is comparatively easy, and can fetch all the benefits of spine twisting.

7. Pranayama - Pranayama includes simple breathing exercises that can prove highly beneficial. One has to devote at least 30 minutes a day to pranayama. The pranayamas that can be practiced along with asanas for curing diabetes include Bhastrika pranayama, Kapalbhati pranayama, Agnisar Kriya, Bahya pranayama, Anuloma-Viloma pranayama, Udgit pranayama, Bhramari pranayama.

Symptoms of Adult Diabetes - Information That You Should Know

Diabetes is a disease associated with the body's inability to produce the required amount of insulin or the inability of the body cells to use the produced insulin. In either case glucose level builds up in our blood leading to diabetes. The hormone insulin secreted by the pancreas is actually a glucose regulator. It activates the cells to burn down the glucose, absorb it and convert it in to energy required by the body for day to day acts. If insulin produced falls short of the required amount, as in the case of Type 1 diabetes, one has to inject insulin to combat the disease. Type 1 diabetes is also known as juvenile diabetes. Type 2 diabetes occurs when cells grow non-reactive to insulin. This is the commonest type of diabetes attacking adults. Poor nutritional habits, inactive lifestyle, obesity are factors leading to Type 2 diabetes. Gestational diabetes is another type affecting pregnant women.

Major Symptoms of Adult Diabetes

1. Frequent urination is a prominent symptom of adult diabetes. One feels a fullness of bladder even after excreting urine. This happens because the body of a patient of diabetes tries to flush out fluids through kidneys in order to balance and dilute the high levels of glucose in the patient's urine.

2. Constant thirst is usually felt by a diabetic. Due to increased urination, the body needs to replace the lost fluids and the result is feeling thirsty frequently. Not taking water may lead to dehydration and further complications.

3. Feeling extremely hungry frequently is another major symptom. The body cells become inert to insulin, and the cells do not get glucose to convert into cells. The starved cells make the feel a persistent hunger.

4. Excessive loss of fluids, reversed metabolism of body fats and proteins lead to loss of weight drastically. Thus weight loss is another symptom.

5. Muscles cells are deprived of enough fuel to convert it in to energy in a diabetic. Often body fat is consumed due to a reverse calorie effect, leading to much fatigue. Fatigue is common symptom of diabetes.

6. Vomiting and nausea is a symptom that occurs when ketone acid builds up in blood due to the reverse calorie effect.

7. Irritability is common in a diabetic. Inadequate glucose supply to brain may make the patient suffer from excessive mood swings or feel cranky.

8. A diabetic also suffers from blurry vision. Excessive glucose may get in to eyes changing the shape and create problems in focusing.

9. Poor wound healing is also a symptom. Excess glucose in blood lowers the production of white blood cells and thereby weakens the immune system. This leads to very slow healing of wounds.

10. A diabetic is more prone to any infections due to the suppression of the immune system.

11. A diabetic may feel an itching sensation on the skin around genitals.

12. A feeling of numbness or a tingling sensation on legs, feet and finger is another symptom a diabetic may suffer from.

To control diabetes, one must take regular herbal supplements such as Diabkil capsules. Herbal supplements are useful in controlling diabetes without any side effects.

Diabetes Mellitus and Normal Fasting Blood Sugar Levels

Diabetes or Diabetes Mellitus is a disease consisting of high sugar or glucose levels in blood. The organ pancreas produces the hormone insulin that regulates metabolism and blood sugar levels. Insulin breaks down the carbohydrates consumed by us, supplying the body cells with metabolized glucose, energizing the cells and facilitating day to day tasks by the body. Sometimes insufficient insulin is secreted by beta-cells of the pancreas, and thus fails to meet the body's requirement. This leads to surplus sugar in blood and Type 1 diabetes. Often when too much of carbohydrates are taken in, it urges the pancreas to secrete more insulin.

Excess production of insulin may render the body cells non-reactive to insulin. This leads to Type 2 diabetes. Another type, Gestational diabetes occurs in women during pregnancy. Heredity, obesity, stress and tension, lack of physical activity, over-consumption of carbohydrates, some disease of pancreas are factors that may lead to diabetes. Diabetes for a prolonged period can be life-threatening, for it may cause cardiovascular disorders, renal failures, damage of retina and neuropathy.

Symptoms of Diabetes

1. Increased urination
2. Increased hunger
3. Increased thirst
4. Fatigue
5. Sweating
6. Trembling
7. Blurred vision
8. Exceptional loss of weight
9. Slow wound healing
10. Irritability
11. Itching around genitals.

Normal Levels of Fasting Sugar

Blood sugar levels depend on the amount of food we consume, and the time when the assay takes place. In a normal person, blood sugar is regulated by the hormone insulin secreted by our pancreas. Insulin burns down glucose and supplies energy to the body cells in the process. Twelve hours generally pass between our dinner and the next day's first meal or breakfast. Our body fasts when we sleep. Four hours after dinner and the eight hours of sleep comprises of the twelve hours when our body is fasting. We break the fast when we consume our breakfast or the first meal of the day. Our blood glucose level is lowest of the day before breakfast, that is, when our body is on fast. The readings indicate the quantity of glucose or sugar circulating in blood when the person is in empty stomach. Thus it is the appropriate time to measure the fasting blood sugar level. Normal fasting blood sugar should be less than 100 mg/L in males and 83 mg/L in females.

In other words, the normal blood sugar should range between 70 to 100 mg/L (milligrams per deciliter). In case of pre-diabetes, the fasting sugar readings are between 100 mg/L to 125 mg/L. It indicates an impaired insulin mechanism within the body, and the patient really needs to worry, and take steps for putting a check on blood sugar in its incipient stage. If the readings are above 125 mg/L, the patient is a full fledged diabetic, and immediately needs to see a doctor.

Signs That You Are Suffering From Type 1 Diabetes

Most people know about diabetes but very few of them know what it truly is. Type 1 diabetes is where your body does not produce insulin and you will have to depend on insulin injections to survive. In simple terms, it means that your body is suffering some serious consequences without the necessary amount of insulin. You need to take these injections on a daily basis and ensure that you eat regularly.

In America, for example around seventy thousand people already have diabetes. Type 1 diabetes affects children and young adults mainly.

Children need assistance from their parents when it comes to this type of diabetes as they cannot prepare their own food or inject themselves. To make sure that children and young adults do not suffer, parents should teach their children about healthy eating values from a very young age.

Type 1 diabetes can change the life of one person completely. They can end up loosing limbs and having to start learning how to move around all over again.

So, what really caused type 1 diabetes? In many cases, this is hereditary but environmental factors can also play a big part in the cause.

Many people who depend on insulin to survive unfortunately suffer from other ailments such as lupus, Thyroid problems and Addison's disease. As you can see, so many things can go wrong if you do not take the time to start looking after yourself.

Some of the studies they did show that children drinking the cow milk could develop type 1 diabetes easier than those who grow up on mother's milk. If you cannot breastfeed your child, consider goat's milk over cow's milk.

The most important thing about this type of diabetes is that you can diagnose it in the earliest stages. This is where the biggest problem comes in, as not many people know what these symptoms are.

The symptoms of diabetes where you depend on insulin to survive are constant urination, extreme thirst as well as hunger, tiredness as well as quick loss of weight. Other symptoms can include pains in your stomach, quick breathing and in some cases the feeling of drowsiness. If you do not go to a doctor to check this out you might suffer coma.

It is not worth loosing your life just because you are finding it hard to exercise and eat foods that will keep your sugar levels normal.

Easy and Tasty Foods for Diabetes and Losing Weight

It is a natural misconception that when you are suffering from diabetes, you are tied to being totally dependent on a strict diabetic diet of only fruits and vegetables when trying to lose weight. But in spite of this diet regime myth there are still many alternative tasty foods for diabetes patients who want to lose a pound or two.

These healthy food choices for diabetes are also vital to managing the disease effectively and enjoyably. In fact you don't even have to be a diabetic to benefit from these recipes far less trying to lose weight. Anyone who wants to cut down on their sugar intake will undoubtedly enjoy these healthy recipes too!

The following are easy and tasty foods for diabetes that you and your family will surely enjoy.

Tacos with Avocados

Avocados are among the healthiest alternative food choices for diabetic patients as they have a glycemic index below 15. They are also high in good monosaturated fats and help to lower bad cholesterol which all diabetics must monitor as diabetes already put you at the risk of heart disease.

Aside from these facts, avocados contain nearly 20 vital nutrients such as fiber, Vitamin E, B-vitamins, potassium, and folic acid that make them a "nutrient booster" in our body by helping it absorb more fat-soluble vitamins in foods.

These fresh-tasting tacos are great for a light meal. Perfect and tasty for diabetics on the go! These tacos are also quite easy to make.

First you will need to dice and lightly sauté a selection of vegetables in a frying pan. These may include onions, green peppers and mushrooms. Once finished fill warmed -tortillas with sliced avocado and your sautéed vegetables.

You will then need to make a salsa for your tacos. This can be simply achieved by combining freshly diced tomatoes, garlic and onions

Mandarin Topped Pork Chops

A high protein diet of regular pork intake can be very beneficial for diabetes patients in losing weight when combined with resistance exercise. This is for 2 reasons.

Firstly increased protein intake helps to boost your metabolism, leading to an increase in fat burn. Secondly pork is abundant in Vitamin B1, also known as Thiamine. Research has shown that Thiamine or Vitamin B1, an abundant lean pork nutrient, places a major role in improving some of the identified complications of diabetes with between 70 - 90% diabetic patients are thiamine deficient.

Do you want to try this tasty fat-burning meal? It is most common to use half inch thick pork chops. Start off by browning the pork chops in a little bit of oil in a frying pan.

You can then either take a can of mandarin oranges or slice a freshly picked orange of your choice for topping. Add a bit of pepper for added flavour. Place a lid on the frying pan and simmer for 30 to 40 minutes.

Chocolate Mousse with a Touch of Strawberries

Is this dessert really sugar-free? We all know that chocolates are among the favorite desserts that even diabetics crave for. This tasty food for diabetes is undoubtedly a great snack to try that can surely fill your appetite for chocolates without adding harm to your diet and increase your weight gain.

You will first mix together 1.4 oz of sugar-free fudge pudding mix with 1 cup of cold skim milk. Fold in 1 and 3 quarter cups of low-fat whipped topping and simply add fresh strawberries to the mouse.

So I truly hope you enjoy these recipes and foods for diabetes. They are not only tasty and easy to prepare, but they will help you manage the disease by eating only foods that will benefit your body the most.

How Can You Control Diabetes Naturally?

Diabetes is a disease also known as resistance to blood glucose or simply as blood sugar. However, you get your blood sugar from the food you eat each day. Therefore the center of this condition is insulin which is produced by a certain organ named the pancreas in your body.

In other words, as soon as the glucose reaches your blood cells, it turns into energy, but when your body is unable to produce insulin properly serious problems might occur.

The reason is that the glucose or blood sugar start building up into your blood and cannot reach your body, this is when a doctor will classify you as a diabetic.

If you do not get some kind of help, this high blood sugar or blood glucose might damage your body seriously. According to the medical terms, you get three levels of diabetics namely the type 1, type 2 and lastly the gestational diabetes.

You fall in the class 1 diabetes range when your body does not produce insulin and therefore such an individual must inject himself or herself with insulin every day.

When your body does produce insulin but it is not a sufficient amount for your body to function, you will classify as a type 2 diabetic that is the most common one of the three levels. This is where only certain patients need insulin, diabetic tablets or both.

Sometimes when a woman is pregnant, she will be end up with gestational diabetes that may cause that the mother and the child might get diabetes in future.

The most common symptoms of diabetes are thirstiness, constant urinating, hungry feelings all day long, tiredness and weight-loss without any diet.

Sometimes it might also happen that you already have diabetes without any symptoms. So seeing through the eyes of many institutions diabetes is a serious condition that can cause other serious health risks. Therefore it is important to control your diabetic condition if you do not want damages to your heart, eyes, kidneys, feet or liver.

Quit smoking, eat healthy foods and smaller portions more often through the day and become physically active.

Avoid fatty foods where possible, cookies, pies, candy, chocolates, crackers and cakes such as a chocolate cake or replace it with a similar diabetic product which is freely available in the most shops. Keep in mind that these kinds of foods are very high in saturated fats and are therefore a high risk for a diabetics. It is hard but it is your health, so rather make the right decision and have a healthy life.

Lastly, make sure you never skip a day to take your medication or insulin if one or both are necessary. Do not start panicking when a doctor diagnoses you with diabetes, because it is manageable as long as you stick by your physician's prescriptions.

Eat Your Vegetable To Control Your Diabetes

If you suffer from the type 2 diabetes, you should know that the best food you can have is vegetables. You will find a great amount of fibers, carbohydrates that are healthy as well as the antioxidants your body needs in vegetables.

Through all the studies during the years, they have proved that the best thing to keep your sugar levels normal is to eat a great amount of vegetables.

Please just keep in mind that it is not all vegetables, which will assist in controlling your sugar levels. Although all vegetables are good for you there are some that are better than others.

You might be wondering what vegetables you should eat then to stabilize your sugar levels.

All green vegetables that are leafy are great. This includes spinach, lettuce as well as kale. Out of all the vegetables, this will be your best choice. You can eat these vegetables right through the day. You will find that it does not only benefit your blood pressure and your sugar levels but also provide you with added nutrients such as iron.

Beans, even though they do not really classify this as vegetable you should eat them. This will regulate your sugar levels very well. You should rather use beans instead of grains when you prepare yourself one of those hearty meals at home.

Are you craving for something sweet but due to the diabetes that you have you cannot indulge in a chocolate? You can actually curb this craving by having a sweet potato or two. These sweet potatoes hardly contain any glycemic that will harm your body.

They are currently busy investigating the fact that sweet potatoes might be able to cure the type 2 diabetes.

Dark vegetables are also good for you. By dark, they mean fresh vegetables. You will find that the color of vegetables that is processed are much lighter than that of fresh vegetables that you pick in your garden or purchase from the farmer.

Understanding Different Types of Diabetes

Diabetes is an increasingly common illness affecting some 23.6 million children and adults in the United States equating to 7.8% of the population in 2007. But what exactly is Diabetes? Many do not know there are various different types. This includes a pregnancy or gestational onset and a post surgical onset. Diabetes relates to insulin, a hormone produced in the pancreas that allows the body to metabolize carbohydrates or sugars. Insulin is also the hormone that makes us feel hungry. Carbohydrates are in just about everything we eat. The more simple the sugar, the faster it is digested as fuel for the body. One problem is if not used as energy, carbohydrates turn to fat.

The most prevalent form of Diabetes is Type 2 comprising some 90-95 percent of those with the affliction. This often strikes those over 35 and is a metabolic disorder in which the body has difficulty using its own insulin. A resistance develops that is furthered as fat cells release fatty acids that worsen this effect. Blood glucose (sugar) levels rise but the insulin stimulates hunger aiding weight gain further perpetuating the resistive cycle. As a subset, Type 2a patients are usually overweight and must use well-managed eating, usually avoiding simple sugars and oral medications for control. Some do come to need insulin injections especially if weight gain continues. Type 2b patients usually are not overweight and control their blood glucose levels by eating properly and frequently. These patients produce adequate insulin but there is a retarded release slowing metabolization.

Type 1 is juvenile onset striking in infancy or in young adulthood. This is considered an autoimmune disease where the body has destroyed its own insulin producing cells that appeared as foreign threats. With no insulin production, it must instead be injected. Properly managed eating is also necessary and includes usually some simple sugars. Some especially those living in underdeveloped countries are increasingly diagnosed with Type 1 as adults. Known as slow onset and Type 1.5 this is usually due to antibodies that slowly attack the insulin producing cells. These patients usually are not overweight, do not immediately require insulin and have little or no resistance to it.

The issue in either case is high blood glucose levels damage the walls of blood vessels, nerve endings and cause the eyes, heart and kidneys to take on water and swell. This swelling combined with vascular damage can lead to debilitating outcomes like kidney failure, glaucoma, heart attack and stroke. This is why normalizing blood glucose levels is so important.

There are many misreported aspects of Diabetes. No you don't catch it from others or get it from eating too many sweets. Yes Type 2s may lose enough weight to make their insulin work better but this does not work for Type 1 patients. High blood sugar is more of a longer term threat unless it is extremely high. Low blood sugar something Type 1s often experience is quite dangerous as it can render unconsciousness. For most Type 2s it is stress and body weight combined with genetic background that are primary factors in causation. For many Type 1's a viral infection combined with some genetic traits is the culprit.

Regardless of type it is imperative any diabetic patient manage their blood glucose as best as possible. Healthy eating, exercise and positive mental attitude are all important. The same applies to prevention for some especially those with a family history. Further research will likely unlock other causes and hopefully lead to viable cures in the future. Until then, check your sugar.

Can A Diabetic Use Ginseng? The Ginseng and Blood Sugar Link Explained

If you are a Diabetic, or know someone with this health problem, you may have noticed that packets of ginseng come with a warning:

Not to be used by Diabetics.
But why is this?
This article aims to explain the link between blood sugar and ginseng, and whether Diabetics should in fact avoid ginseng or if, in some circumstances, it can be beneficial. Ginseng is a term used to describe 11 species of slow-growing perennial plants - it does not include Siberian Ginseng, which is actually another plant species that was renamed as a marketing tactic.

Ginseng has been used for thousands of years since it's mention in the very first Chinese book of herbs, and has been considered a tonic for lethargy, arthritis, impotence, senility and even increased wisdom and mental awareness.

More recently, ginseng has been accepted as an adaptogen, a substance that can help the body repair itself without causing any side-effects even when taken in excessively large amounts. Ginseng helps stabilise the adrenal hormone cortisol, which also interacts with the body's blood sugar control. It is this link that leads to the advice that Diabetics should avoid ginseng, despite common advice and studies suggesting that ginseng is beneficial in the treatment of Type II Diabetes.
If you are a Diabetic who wants to begin or continue using ginseng, here is my advice:

• Use a low amount, around 500mg a day to begin with
• Do not ever take a daily dosage higher than 3g
• Be safe - make sure you discuss your intentions to use ginseng with your doctor and medical team and follow their advice

Katie Williams is a nutritionist dedicated to helping you take control of your wellness. Her articles and website offer the latest news and advice on all areas of diet, exercise and supplements and are designed to help you feel better and get the most of your life!

Diabetes - An Enemy You Can Defeat

Diabetes is an enemy you can defeat once you implement the right management plan. Diabetes is a disease that is rapidly growing throughout the world, this is why it is so important that we start educating people about this terrible disease in an effort to reduce the amount of people that are diagnosed each and every day.

Diabetes occurs when your pancreas does not produce insulin at all or cannot produce enough insulin for your body to function properly. The hormone called insulin is released from the pancreas, which helps maintain your blood sugar levels to remain normal. Insulin also helps the movement of glucose through your cells so that you can receive the energy your body needs to function properly.

Maintaining normal blood sugar levels is not that difficult once you find the right foods for your individual requirements. It will take time to collect the information about which foods affect your blood sugar levels, but once you have your completed list of the foods that you need to avoid at all times you will be able to defeat this enemy called diabetes.

Following is a few simple guidelines to help you defeat this enemy called diabetes:

• It is essential that you eat your meals at regular intervals and at the same time each day
• Ensure that you get at least 30 minutes of exercise per day. Please consult with your doctor before starting any exercise program to make sure it is suitable for your individual needs. Some exercises can actually be harmful
• Make sure you eat plenty of fruits and vegetables each day
• Drink plenty of water each day
• Eat nuts and seeds for snacks
• Limit your salt intake
• Limit your alcohol intake
• Ensure that you choose lean meats (chicken should be without the skin)
• Avoid processed foods at all times
• Avoid takeaway foods at all times
• Avoid fried foods and any other foods that are high in saturated fats
• Ensure that you choose the low fat variety of dairy products, and
• Limit the amount of cakes, pastries, biscuits and crisps

It is important to make sure you choose the right carbohydrate foods and have a good mix of carbohydrate, proteins and fat in your diet. An important point to remember is that when your body is healthy it will make it's own glucose from the carbohydrate, proteins and fat that we consume. This means that you need to make sure that you do not eat foods that will make your blood sugar levels rise to dangerous levels.

It is essential to include as many plant foods into your diet, which will allow you to defeat this enemy called diabetes so that you can achieve optimum health.

Diabetes - How to Live With It

How do you live with diabetes? At first it is extremely difficult to adjust your life around diabetes, but if you want to avoid the complications that are associated with this terrible disease, you will make the most important decision of your life, which is that you will take control and learn to live with diabetes easily and happily.

You will need to make changes to your lifestyle so that you can maintain and manage your blood glucose levels so that it does not develop into nasty complications. How you do this is quite simple, it does sound very hard at first, but you will realise that once you have implemented these changes into your life, you will see a wonderful change on the way you look and feel.

Following a few simple tips on how you can live with your diabetes:

• Make sure that you eat at regular intervals each day as well as at the same time each day - this is crucial for managing your blood sugar levels
• Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables each day
• Drink plenty of water each day
• Do at least 30 minutes of exercise each day. Check with your doctor as to which exercises will suit your individual needs, as some exercises can actually cause you more harm than good
• Reduce your salt intake
• Reduce your alcohol intake
• Avoid processed foods at all times
• Avoid fried foods at all times
• Keep a close eye on the amount of carbohydrates, proteins and fats you consume, you need to get the correct mix of these to get the most benefits
  
• Try to include raw foods into your diet when you can
• Eating plant foods only will greatly increase your chances of managing diabetes easily
• Always choose the low fat variety of foods
• Try to eat fish twice a week
• Avoid takeaway foods as well as cakes, biscuits, pastries, potato crisps and packet snacks, and
• Include nuts and seeds as your daily snack food

Learning to live with diabetes can be done by adjusting the way you live your life; by eating a healthy nutritious diet and getting the exercise your body requires. A recommendation would be to get yourself a diabetes diet plan, so that you can work out which foods are affecting your blood glucose levels as well as making it easy for you to plan your meals ahead of time, this way it does not appear to be a burden.

How you live with your diabetes is ultimately up to you, but you need to ask yourself "am I going to let this disease called diabetes beat me?"