Hereditary Risk Factors for Type 1 Diabetes - Who Is At Risk?

Riddle: What has been around for years and makes you go out on a limb?

Answer: Your family tree.

Finding out where you've come from has become a popular and interesting hobby. There are websites designed to help you find out everything about your ancestry. There are companies that collect ancestry information because of its recent popularity. Look for a social group that shares your interest and meet new friends.

While tracing your family tree can be fun and informative, it can also be devastating. Why? Because newly found health problems can transform that feeling of happiness to susceptibility when someone realizes they are at great risk for type 1 diabetes because of their hereditary. Ignorance is not bliss when it comes to your health. You need to know the facts so you can live a healthier life. You need to know the facts, too, so you can inform your children and grandchildren. You want to give your children and grandchildren the information they need to live their lives healthier.

How do I know if I'm at risk for type 1 diabetes?

Trace your family history. There are many advantages to doing this.

1. You become aware of your health predispositions.

2. You learn more about your family.

3. You find out new things you never knew about your family.

4. You can possibly save your life.

How does my ancestors' type 1 diabetes affect my health?

The answer to this stomach-churning question includes two factors: genetics and exposure to a certain virus.

1. Genetics is the first reason for type 1 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes usually develops during adolescence or childhood, but don't be fooled. Type 1 diabetes can develop at any age.

2. A certain virus is the second reason for type 1 diabetes. The immune system attacks its own beta cells. These cells create and release insulin. Insulin controls the level of glucose in the blood.

Tracing your family's health history will let you know if you're at risk for type 1 diabetes. After tracing your family's health history, you discovered an ancestor who had diabetes.

Why should I take time out of my busy schedule to trace my family history, follow all these rules, and treat my diabetes?

You need some reasons? No problem, I'll give you two:

1. A mild exercise program will give you energy, new life, and a healthy body.

2. A healthy diet will give you the nutrients you need to have a longer and fuller life.

The bad news first. Even though there is active research, type 1 diabetes still has no cure. But this doesn't mean you can't live life to the fullest.

Huckleberry and Diabetes - The Medicinal Properties of Huckleberry

"The average man don't like trouble and danger."

Well, even if we don't necessarily mean to put ourselves in danger or get ourselves in danger, we do. You wonder how? We put ourselves in danger with our lifestyles and our diets. And sometimes it's our own mental state that puts us at risk for dangerous health conditions. Ignorance, self-denial, refusal to get help, and stubborn mindsets only make matters worse. Twain said it right, we "…don't like trouble and danger," but somehow we are intrigued. There is a dangerous diagnosis in which 20 million Americans suffer: Diabetes.

Despair.

Diabetes is a disorder that affects metabolism; the process in which the body uses digested food for energy and growth. A good portion of the food that is digested gets broken down into glucose (a form of sugar). This glucose is the body's fuel for energy and growth. However, this can only be used if insulin is present. Diabetics either produce very little or no insulin and the cells don't respond correctly to the insulin. Because of this, the glucose builds up, overflows into the urine, and then is passed through the body. The body loses a large amount of energy.

Hope.

There is hope, friend! You don't have to live with the symptoms, side effects, and the binding chains of diabetes. The easiest and simplest answer to give you your life back is something that you can find at your local grocery or convenient store. It is huckleberry. Huckleberry, similar to blueberries, is a delicious fruit that tastes good and has medicinal properties. Research has documented that huckleberry can improve circulation and this is very important for diabetics. The properties of huckleberry can help those who have trouble with capillaries in their feet and hands.

Truth.

The medicinal properties of huckleberry have six proven help aids to give you a healthier life:

1. Circulatory system: Huckleberry eases varicose veins, hemorrhoids, and weak capillaries, and improves the circulation in your hands and feet.

2. Diabetes prevention: Huckleberry lowers blood sugar to prevent diabetes.

3. Diarrhea and Constipation: Huckleberry acts as a laxative to treat diarrhea and constipation.

4. Digestion: Huckleberry balances your digestion.

5. Immune system: Huckleberry strengthens your immune system.

6. Mouthwash: Huckleberry acts as a mouthwash to treat infections.

7. Urinary tract: Huckleberry treats urinary tract infections with its astringent and antiseptic qualities.

8. Vision: Huckleberry helps improve vision.

9. Vitamins: Huckleberry provides vitamins A, B3, C, D, and E.

10. Glycosuria (increase of urine) and hyperglycemia (increase of glucose): Huckleberry, when digested regularly, is known to alleviate these conditions.

Natural.

Huckleberry is natural fruit that grows similarly to blueberries and grows in damp, acidic soil. This natural fruit has so many great qualities

Diversity.

There are five ways to take huckleberry to appeal to any diverse preference. Huckleberry can be taken as capsules or tablets, fresh or dried berries, or as a liquid (like a tea).

Safety.

Don't use the leaves for more than three weeks at a time. In doing so, they can produce toxic results. Before using any herb, consult your health care professional.

Life.

What are you waiting for? Get out there and start living again!

The Effects of Yoga on Diabetes

"Yoga's only for young and fit women." Does this depressing statement sound familiar to you? Let me tell you that, while it isn't for everybody, Yoga has so many advantages for diabetics. The effects of Yoga on diabetes are amazing. That's right, Yoga! You don't have to strain your muscles in a musty and crowded gym or pound your knees on the hard pavement to run a four-minute mile. If you have preconceived ideas on what Yoga is, let me describe it for you in the simplest way, the ABC's:

Asthmatics' breathing is improved

Balance- achieve, maintain, and improve

Circulation improvement

Develops exercise, breathing, and meditation

Energy

Focus on your rhythmic breathing

Graceful in motions

Harmony with yourself and your environment

Improves flexibility

Jeering exercise is a thing of the past

Keeps the blood vessels elastic

Lessens stress

Muscle tension is relieved

Neglect everyday stresses

Opens your mind to tranquility

Posture

Quit – you won't want to

Reduces stress and high blood pressure

Spine and posture

Tones and shapes your body

Universal and your own consciousness

Various yoga techniques keep things interesting

Willpower

eXuberance for life

Your well-being

Zeal for life

Okay, I get it, you want to know the effects on diabetes with Yoga. You know Yoga is the perfect solution to help improve your type 2 diabetes. Now, don't get me wrong, Yoga isn't the magic cure for type 2 diabetes, but it can complement your healthy lifestyle changes and help you feel more in control of your well-being and health.

Here are some various relaxing and energizing exercise positions that are proven to prevent type 2 diabetes. Once you see how easy and beneficial they are, you'll want to get started right away! I will satiate your curious with just four poses:

- The Easy Pose

It's exactly how it sounds! It is the classic pose that uses meditation (or, if you want, you can say prayers) that straightens the spine, slows down metabolism, promotes inner tranquility, and keeps your mind still.

- Shoulder Stretches

These stretches relieve stress and tension from your neck, shoulders, and upper back.

- Tree Pose

This pose helps strengthen the thighs, ankles, calves, and back. It also increases the flexibility in your hips and groin, and improves your balance and concentration.

- Relaxation Pose

This one is the best! Physical, mental and spiritual relaxations are incorporated in this one exercise.

The three main Yoga structures are exercise, breathing, and meditation. These three structures correlate perfectly to enhance your health both physically and mentally.

So, now you know the ABC's of why Yoga can improve your health, mind, body, and soul and can improve your type 2 diabetes. What are you waiting for? Put on your comfy workout clothes, drink plenty of water, and let Yoga melt away the stress in your life.

Diabetes Exercise - Cut Your Risk of Developing Type 2 Diabetes In Half With 30 Minute Walk Each Day

The best time to get out and take a walk is usually 1-2 hours after you eat. Most people prefer the morning time to exercise. If you are new to walking and exercise it is wise to take it slow at first and slowly increase your daily routine. After you develop an exercise program that is best for you, you will know your limitations better and be able to do more.

Simple But Effective Home Remedies For Diabetes

Diabetes is a disease that varies the way your body utilize sugar. The food you eat develops to sugar and this sugar travels through the blood to all parts of the body. Generally, insulin assists get sugar from the blood to the body's cells, where it is used for energy or power in the body. When you have diabetes, your body has trouble making and/or reacts to insulin. So your body does not get the fuel it desires. And your blood sugar goes too high.

Types of Diabetes:

Type 1 or insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) occurs when the pancreas becomes unsuccessful to make sufficient insulin. It usually occurs in childhood or adolescence but can expand at any age. These patients need insulin each day.

Type 2 or non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus occurs when body cells develop into resistant to insulin. This is more general among adults, particularly those who are overweight and over age 40. These people are able to manage their blood sugar levels through weight control, regular exercise and a well-balanced diet. Some people need oral medications or insulin injection to lower blood sugar.

Symptoms of Diabetes

Early Symptoms

Increased thirst, increased urination, increased appetite are the initial signs.

In type I weight loss is seen and in type II obesity is seen.

Additional Symptoms

Other possible symptoms are blurred vision, skin irritation or infection, weakness or loss of strength, and decreased healing capability.

Clinical lab test information reveal glycosuria (sugar in urine), hyperglycaemia, abnormal glucose tolerance tests.

If diabetes is not identified at the right time symptoms like fluid and electrolyte imbalance, acidosis, coma is seen.

Causes of Diabetes

Cause for IDDM

IDDM mostly outcome from a virally initiated autoimmune destruction of beta cells of the pancreas.

Cause for NIDDM

NIDDM is determined heritably and is expressed with age or other factors like obesity, diet and inactivity.

Home Remedies for Diabetes

1. Diabetes treatment with Bitter Gourd

2. Diabetes treatment with Indian Gooseberry

Indian gooseberry, with its high vitamin C content, is considered precious in diabetes. A tablespoon of its juice, mixed with a cup of bitter gourd juice, taken daily for two months, will arouses the islets of Langerhans, that is, the isolated group of cells that secrete the hormone insulin in the pancreas. This mixture decreases the blood sugar in diabetes.

3. Diabetes treatment with Jambul Fruit

Jambul fruit is another useful home remedy. It is regarded in customary medicine as a specific against diabetes because of its effect on the pancreas. The fruit as such, the seeds, and fruit juice are all helpful in the treatment of this disease. The seeds contain a glucoside 'jamboline' which is supposed to have the power to check the pathological conversion of starch into sugar in cases of increased production of glucose.

The seeds must be dried and powdered. One teaspoon of this powder should be mixed in one cup of milk or water or half a cup of curd, and taken two times daily. The internal bark of the jambul tree is also used in the treatment of diabetes. The bark is dried out and burnt. It will create an ash of white colour. This ash must be pestled in mortar, strained and bottled. The diabetic patient must be given ten grams of this ash on an empty stomach with water in the morning, and twenty grams in the afternoon, and in the evening an hour after taking meals. An equal amount of amla powder, jamun powder, and bitter gourd powder also makes a very useful remedy for diabetes. A teaspoon of this mixture once or twice a day would be efficient in checking the progress of the disease.

4. Diabetes treatment with Grapefruit

Grapefruit is a fine food in the diet of a diabetic patient. If grapefruits were eaten more generously, there would be much less diabetes. If you have sugar, use three grapefruits three times in a day. If you do not have sugar, but a propensity towards it and want to prevent it, use three a day.

5. Diabetes treatment with Fenugreek

The seeds of fenugreek have been found useful in the treatment of diabetes. Fenugreek seeds, when given in changeable doses of 25 gm to 100 gm daily, diminish reactive hyperglycaemia in diabetic patients. Levels of glucose, serum cholesterol, and triglycerides were also appreciably reduced in the diabetes patients when the seeds were consumed.

6. Diabetes treatment with Bengal Gram

Experiments have shown that the drinking of water extract of Bengal gram enhances the use of glucose in both diabetic and normal persons. When kept on a diet which incorporated liberal supplements of Bengal gram extract, the condition of tile patient improved considerably and his insulin requirement was decreased to about twenty units per day. Diabetes patients who are on a set diet which does not severely limit the intake of carbohydrates, but includes liberal amounts of Bengal gram extract, have shown significant improvement in their fasting blood sugar levels, glucose tolerance, urinary excretion of sugar, and general condition.

Type 2 Diabetes - Cinnamon Helps Diabetes and Obesity

The red carpet is laid out. Guests are "invitation only". Bright flashes from thousands of admirers' cameras are directed on you. Fans scream to get your attention. Filmmakers woo you to sign with them. Interviewers clamor to ask you just one question. You have top billing. You're the star. "Star of what?," you ask. Your healthy life.

You're invited to live your life without being diabetic or obese! Live without type 2 diabetes. Now, I know you're quite anxious to find out how you can live without diabetes or obesity strangling the life out of you. I will answer the "who, what, when, where, why, and how" questions so you can start living as soon as possible!

Who is invited?

-Anyone who wants to live life without diabetes or obesity.

-Anyone who wants to live life on their terms and not on medications or injections.

-Anyone who wants to live life healthy.

What is the secret to prevent diabetes and obesity? What is the secret that can be found in your kitchen pantry? Do you want to know the secret ingredient? It is cinnamon! Yes, cinnamon, the tasty spice you mix in apple pies and sprinkle on certain foods, can help prevent diabetes, obesity, and many other life-threatening diseases!

When should I start using cinnamon to prevent diabetes and obesity from sneaking into my life? Right now! A healthier body can't wait until tomorrow! Cinnamon is scientifically proven to help you feel, look, and live better.

Where can I buy cinnamon and in what forms does cinnamon come in?

-You can find cinnamon at your favorite local grocery store or market.

-There are two forms of cinnamon that can help any person with their personal interests:

1. Cinnamon comes in a convenient powdered form that can be mixed in with milkshakes or natural fruit juice.

2. Cinnamon also comes in sticks that can be used for cooking or decoration in your favorite unsweetened iced teas.

Why should I use cinnamon and how does it help me? Cinnamon is a wonderful and rich source of magnesium, in which I will explain the benefits:

Magnesium is essential for maintaining:

- Bone density.

- Electrolyte balance.

- Certain enzyme functions.

Magnesium is essential for improving:

- Cholesterol metabolism.

- Removes artery-damaging menaces from the blood.

- Improves the function of tiny blood vessels.

- Lowers blood levels of bad cholesterol and fats.

This rich source of magnesium holds many advantages for your health.

How can just a half a teaspoon of cinnamon a day prevent me from getting other dreaded ailments?

Cinnamon:

1. Improves cholesterol and glucose levels in the blood.

2. Treats stomach disorders such as diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.

3. Acts as a digestive aid to relieve gas and bloating.

4. Prevents diabetes.

You're invited to live a longer and healthier life. The red carpet is laid out. All attention is on you, the star. What are you waiting for?

Is Diabetes Nutrition About Cutting Out Sugar ?

So as you can see, controlling the food we eat is an important part of the treatment for the disease. Diabetic diets have a few basic aims.

They aim to control the number of calories that are consumed per day. In many cases, especially with type 2 diabetes, excess weight is an issue that may have caused diabetes or exacerbates the condition. Restricting the number of calories can stabilize weight gain or help to lose weight if combined with an exercise program. This is better for the overall health of the body and in treating diabetes.

The second point of a diabetic diet plan is to provide a balanced approach to food. A typical diet will follow many of the principles set out in the diabetic food pyramid. Therefore a typical meal or daily plan should consist of carbohydrates, fresh fruit and vegetables, dairy products and protein.

Most of the sugar that the body uses to convert to energy will come from the carbohydrates that are consumed so this food group should be monitored. A plan will specify the portions of carbohydrates and the number of portions that can be eaten in one sitting.

It is suggested to avoid fatty foods and oils mainly because they serve no real benefits to the overall health of the body which can only make diabetes worse.

Eating sweet foods that contain lots of sugar as part of a diet plan is also advised against but can be taken from time to time as a treat. Sugar gets into the body regardless of how much sugary foods are eaten and is vital for providing the body with energy. The aim of a balanced diabetic diet is to keep this blood sugar reading at a steady and constant level as much as possible. Eating sugary foods will cause this level to spike up. Large variations in the blood sugar level is ultimately bad for the health of the person.

Another part of diabetic nutrition is to eat on a regular basis. This ensures that blood sugar reading will be constant at all times.

Diabetic nutrition is not so much about restricting the amount of sugar that the body gets but how and what type of foods provide the sugar that our bodies need to create energy.

Diabetic Foot Ulcers and Essential Oils

Often and unfortunately, ulcers on the feet become a common result of diabetes. Once an open wound is present on the foot, it also becomes prone to complications that may rise from infection.

Prevention of infection may be achieved through the use of anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral essential oils like Tea Tree oil. Tea Tree oil is also a commonly recommended essential oil that has historically assisted with the recovery of foot ulcers for several reasons.

First, Tea Tree oil has an unusually high concentration of terpinen-4-ol, an alcohol, which constitutes up to 35% of the finest quality Tea Tree oils. Research indicates the Terpinen-4-ol, successfully helps the body achieve normal inflammation levels, as indicated in a November, 2003, Australian study. Inflammation naturally occurs any time the body responds to trauma within the body. Inflammation results in redness, swelling, increased body temperature and pain. Thus, reducing inflammation may result in a reduction of the discomforts associated with the ulcer. Additionally, Tea Tree oil is used on foot ulcers is, because Tea Tree oil contains a unique blend of constituents that cannot be found in this combination anywhere else in nature. In 1978, G. Swords and G. L. K. Hunter authored an article titled: 'Composition of Australian Tea-Tree Oil (Melaleuca alternifolia)' in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry (vol. 26, 1978, pp. 734-9). This article pointed out that Tea Tree contains viridiflorene, present at I %, B- terpineol (0.24%) 1-terpineol (trace amounts) and allyl hexanoate (trace amounts).

Second, Tea Tree oil has been reported to have strong antiseptic properties. An antiseptic is defined as an anti-microbial substance that is applied to living tissue or skin to reduce the possibility of infection, sepsis (defined below), or putrefaction (defined below).

A small list of additional essential oils has also been noted to assist with ulcers: Frankincense (Boswell carteri), Rose (Rosa dmascena), Clary Sage (Salvia Sclarea), Lemon (Citrus limonum) and Bergamot (Citrus bergamia).

Two processes are suggested for the application of essential oils to an open wound. First, you may choose to put one or two drops of the essential oil directly onto a cotton ball or a cotton swab. Then simply dab the ulcer with the cotton ball. Second, you may choose to make a compress. A compress can either be hot or cold. Typically, a cold compress is used in the presence of a fever, acute pain or swelling. You may choose to alternate between a hot and cold compress until you are able to determine which one produces the best results. You may even find that a combination of a hot and cold compress used at alternating times, is the best option.

To make a compress, place 6 drops of essential oil into a small bowl of water. Then soak a piece of absorbent material in the mixture. The material can literally be anything the holds the liquid, such as a towel or washcloth. Do not remove the piece of material until it cannot hold one more drop of the liquid mixture. Then remove the material and twist it until the excess liquid is drained out of the material. This is done simply to prevent excessive spillage. After draining the extra liquid, the cloth may be applied to the open wound. The compress should remain on the wound for at least 2 hours. However, leaving the compress on the wound overnight, may be even more beneficial.

Copyright © 2007 Tawne Bachus

Children with Diabetes - A Fat Chance

Children with diabetes are becoming a major problem in this country and around the world. This childhood epidemic is growing.

What is the concern?

The trend is growing. In 1999 13% -14% of boys and girls aged six to 19 were overweight. Over the past two decades these numbers have gone up 300%. More children are getting diabetes. Which will probably mean, more adults will have diabetes into the future?

A great percentage (over 80 %) of kids and adolescents that have diabetes are overweight. And this trend is increasing.

We are becoming less and less physical. Many of our activities are either on the computer, watching television or playing video games. It is so cool to have the latest and greatest cell phone with all the gadgets, or the most up to date software package for ones computer. With less movement comes increased girth.

Our children are waiting for us to lead the way.

As an adult you can deliver the message to your children in a way that they can benefit from what you have learned. This disease is similar for adults as it is for children. If you eat healthy and exercise you can avoid the diabetes disease. If you have diabetes then eating smart an exercising is not an option. You must make the change and so do your children.

Support your children no matter what. Show them an abundance of love and caring. If you are living a healthy lifestyle they are more likely to do the same as you. This will be beneficial for both of you. Create time together where you and your child can exercise. If you like playing a sport or like a particular work out program see if you can get your child into the same program. This will create a partnership with your kid that can last a lifetime.

Helping your child at this critical point in their lives is one thing that can enhance your relationship forever.

Your Diabetes Natural Solution - Green Tea

What's so good about green tea you ask?

What's all the fuss? Green tea is filling up the grocery store shelves. A few years ago I just about heard of green tea. Now when I go to the store I see a dozen (at least) variations of green tea. Could this tea color be catching on?

So many green teas. So many flavors.

While green tea has been around for thousands of years, it has become a remedy of choice for diabetics looking to free themselves of medications. It is also a very accessible product to obtain. Grocery stores from Maine to Florida and from North Carolina to California carry varieties of green tea.

Green tea is easy to find. And the results that have been studied with regard to diabetes research are very positive. Japan, The United Kingdom's Council on Tea, The U S Department of Agriculture and Maryland University have produced research and testing results of green tea usage that has been very favorable. .

How does green tea work in the body?

There seems to be so many benefits associated with this type of tea. Green tea might just be one great blessing for diabetes care.

The Japanese and Chinese cultures have been using green tea for thousands of years. Green tea has been the buzz word in western culture for a few years now. Maybe some of the positive results that are being attributed to green tea are what all the hoopla is about.

Green tea can help control blood sugar levels for diabetic making it very appealing as a natural solution. The catechin polyphenols found in green tea make it a great antioxidant that can lower cholesterol, help to increase your immune system and assist your cardiovascular as well. It can support in the battle against cancer, and can also help preventing heart disease and rheumatoid arthritis.

The UK Council on Tea claims that people drinking green tea reduce their likelihood of getting diabetes, than those individuals that do not consume the beverage.

Green tea has about one half the amounts of caffeine that black tea has and about one quarter the caffeine in coffee. So it can be drunk just about any time of the day.

Green tea is for me. What about you?

Finding natural solutions for diabetes is what I like doing. If you are interested in what The Diabetic Warrior has to say about natural methods to help diabetics then keep reading. He has conquered the disease with his way of eating. The MP3 I did with him provides some insights that will benefit you in controlling your diabetes. Grab your free interview.

The Importance Of Exercise In Fighting Type 2 Diabetes

As more and more of us are leading less active lives and, for example, sitting all day long in our ergonomic chairs in front of a computer, health problems associated with this change in our lifestyle are rising.

I don't think that anybody would dispute the fact we need to take some regular exercise, but only about 30% of people in the United States are currently getting the recommended level of thirty minutes exercise a day and it is frightening to discover that 25% of Americans today take very little or no exercise at all.

So what does this have to do with type 2 diabetes?

In recent years, in large part as a result of lower levels of activity, we have seen a dramatic increase in the number of people who are overweight in the United States and indeed obesity in America has now reached epidemic proportions. One major side-effect of this is that, as weight rises, so does insulin resistance and the onset of type 2 diabetes.

If you are skeptical about the connection between weight and diabetes then you only need to look at the latest statistics from the US Department of Health and Human Services which show that a staggering 80% of people suffering from type 2 diabetes are also classed as being clinically overweight.

If we are to reverse the rising trend in the number of people being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes then we must attack one of its root causes which is increasing weight. In turn, this means looking carefully at our diet but, just as importantly, looking at the amount of exercise we take to burn off the calories we are eating.

Perhaps the biggest problem whenever anyone mentions exercise is that it conjures up a picture of having to put on a pair of sweat pants and a tee shirt and jog around the local park or join those fitness fanatics down at the local gym. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Of course you can go jogging if you want to, or join your local gym, but there are numerous other options open to you.

The secret is simply to add activity into your daily routine which stretches you physically. Not to the point at which you feel you are about to collapse, but simply to the point at which you are aware of making your body do a bit of extra work.

So what sort of things are we talking about?

Well, if you live in an apartment on the fifth floor, use the stairs instead of taking the lift. If you ride the bus to work, get off a couple of stops early and walk the last part of your journey. If your garden is in need of attention, get out once or twice a week and push the mower around, do some weeding or dig over the vegetable patch.

This list of exercise opportunities is virtually endless and it doesn't really matter how you get your exercise. What is important is that you look carefully at your lifestyle and, in particular, at your daily routine and try to work in at least 30 minutes of physical activity every day. Combine this with taking a close look at your eating habits and both your weight and the problems associated with type 2 diabetes will begin to fall.

Diabetic Socks - Foot Care For Diabetic Patient

It is of crucial importance for a diabetic to protect his feet from injury and infection. Loss of sensation, reduced circulation and delayed wound healing are potential complications that might result from diabetes. Investing in a sock specifically designed for a diabetic might be the first step for a diabetic towards protection from these complications. Such a sock has continuous direct contact with the skin of the foot throughout the day and thus, might help in preventing complications.

Elasticized form-fitted socks will not slide down the ankle or wrinkle inside the shoe. At the same time, a form-fitted sock with a mild amount of compression can promote circulation and reduce swelling. It is nearly unthinkable that a sock could restrict circulation in anyone's foot. However, this is possible if the sock is not properly designed and is too tight.

In order to ensure proper blood circulation in the foot, the sock should be tight fitting, but at the same time, it should not be excessively tight. Improperly designed socks that have an elasticized ridge at the top cause the "red line" commonly seen on the skin of the leg of a patient with edema. Properly made socks for a diabetic should have an upper with minimal elastic at the top to avoid such skin irritation.

The recommendation of cotton socks for diabetic patients is also mistaken. Compared to newer synthetic fibers such as Duraspun acrylic, cotton fibers lose shape and take a longer time to dry up inside the shoe. Cotton fiber socks are also rough and become abrasive with multiple wash-wear cycles.

Therefore, for a sock to be protective or therapeutic for the diabetic foot, it should:

1. Contain synthetic moisture-wicking fibers such as Duraspun acrylic or Coolmax polyester to remain soft and provide cushion. Pure cotton fiber socks should be avoided for patients with diabetes as far as possible.

2. Be form-fitted and snug (not tight), with sufficient elasticity to prevent the sock from slipping inside the shoe and stay up on the ankle.

3. Have no harmful dyes or additives, as they might cause skin irritation.

Wearing properly fitted shoes would go a long way in protecting a diabetic's foot.

For a diabetic, keeping the feet in shape in the long term takes knowledge and vigilance. For those who fail to protect their feet, the price is severe. Each year, thousands of people with diabetes have amputations. However, most of those amputations are the result of minor injuries that were left untreated and allowed to develop into ulcers. This means that most of those amputations could have been prevented.

Lower Blood Sugar Using the Glycemic Index

You may ask, what is the glycemic index? A couple of years ago, I asked the same question. The glycemic index is the meassue of how much food (in the form of carbohydrates ) will increase a person's blood sugar level. The higher the number measures, the worse the food is for you. A high glycemic index gives a quicker, higher rise in blood sugar. These items with the high index, break down very quickly in the digestive tract. The lower index products are broken down slower in the digestive tract. they give a slower more even rise in blood sugar.

Eating foods with a high glycemic index leads to obesity, high blood pressure, heart disease, strokes, cancer, and diabetes.

How does this apply to people with diabetes? Foods with a low glycemic index, will help your blood sugar lower and more even keel. The lower index foods will reduce the risk of diabetes, as well as the risk of heart attack, stroke, and cancer.

When a diabetic person eats a high glycemic index food, it triggers a rapid rise in blood sugar level. In a normal individual, the pancreas quickly releases a large amount of insulin to cover the rise in glucose. The insulin quickly cleans up the excess glucose, and the blood sugar level often drops lower than our normal level. Shortly thereafter, we feel hungry again, creating a cycle which can lead to obesity and diabetes. Lower glycemic index foods keep the stomach fuller, because they are broken down slower.

A lower glycemic index diet can help us lose weight, and improve on the body's sensitivity to insulin. An advantage of a high index intake, is it refuels carbohydrates after exercise. But, this is not true in diabetics, because the levels of blood glucose don't go down to start with.

So, low glycemic foods keep you fuller longer. They prolong physical endurance. they give a slower, more stable, rise in blood sugar after eating. They help people lose weight.

Low carbohydrate diets ( Metabolic Diet, Atkins Diet, and others ) are reflective of this lower glycemic index. There are other factors in a healthy diet. Fiber content, the total amount of carbohydrates, How much fat and what kind of fats, we are using, should be considered.

Carbohydrate are give a glycemic index to show the rate glucose is released into the blood. Lower is slower and better for your body. you should switch to a low glycemic index, specially if you have diabetes. You can get all the necessary information at your local bookstore or on the internet. I will leave you with a few examples to help you improve on your diet.

-Eat breakfast cereals with oats, barley or bran.

-Eat only, whole grain breads ( preferably with the seeds still in it ).

-Reduce the amount of white potatoes you eat, although the skins are good fore you.

-Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables, excluding potatoes.

-Eat salads, and use a vinaigrette dressing on them.

Happy eating and good health to you.

Blood Glucose Meters Defined

Whilst the function of a blood glucose meter will be much the same from machine to machine, there will be some differences in the models that you are offered.

On average, a blood glucose meter will fit on the palm of your hand, although there of course variations to this. They are usually battery powered and therefore portable, which is essential to the management of your blood sugar. You may well need to check the level of glucose in your blood after every meal, or perhaps if you suddenly start to feel unwell for no explicable reason.

The test strips themselves are disposable and can only be used once. You need to ensure that there is a regular supply of these strips available for your use. The blood glucose meter will be useless without them. The strips themselves are usually made of plastic and are embedded with chemicals that allow the blood glucose meter to check the level of sugar in the blood. Some machines do use discs rather than strips, which do allow multiple readings from a single disc, but either way, the over-riding concern is that you have access to a continued supply for your machine.

The amount of blood required to take a reading may vary between machines, so check with the supplier before you use the machine, to ensure that you get accurate results. If necessary, consult with your Doctor to make sure that the machine that you are using is being used correctly.

Whilst you will be advised how and where to obtain your blood from, some parts of the body reflect changes in glucose levels more quickly than others. This is usually why the finger is used. However, if for any reason you are going to obtain blood from another part of the body, make sure that you know how long it will take for that part of the body you are using to indicate fluctuating blood sugar levels. Again, a chat with your Doctor should ensure that you are fully informed before you start to use your meter.

The amount of time required to produce a result will vary from machine to machine, Please read the manufacturer's notes carefully to ensure that you are fully conversant with the operation of the meter. Some machines also require a code to be entered into the meter, which is obtained from the batch of test strips that you are using. This allows your meter to calibrate itself with the strips to ensure accurate results.

Ayurvedic Herbs for Diabetes - A Purely Natural Way to Control Sugar Levels

Diabetes has almost become an epidemic in today's world. Diabetes is a disorder that affects the way your body uses food for energy. Whatever sugar we take is generally broken down into simple sugar called 'glucose' in our body.

This glucose circulates within the blood and enter into the cells with the help of insulin. Insulin is a hormone, made within the Beta-cells of Pancreas. Due to sedentary life style and genetic predisposition, the beta cells are not able to make enough insulin, which is a key for glucose to enter into the cells. The key is not there and the glucose keeps on circulating within the blood.
This is called Diabetes.

There are two main types. Type I & Type II .
There is another condition known as Pre-Diabetes.

There are two main types of full-blown diabetes. People with Type 1 diabetes are completely unable to produce insulin.

People with Type 2 diabetes can produce insulin, but their cells have become resistant to it. In either case, the glucose can't move into the cells and blood glucose levels can become high. When these levels remain high for long time, they can cause serious complications.

Pre-Diabetes:

Pre-diabetes is a condition in which the cells in your body are becoming resistant to insulin or your pancreas is not producing as much insulin as required. Your blood glucose levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be called diabetes. This is also known as "impaired fasting glucose" or "impaired glucose tolerance". Every individual who has a Diabetic father or mother must go for glucose tolerance test or GTT. This can help in diagnosing pre-diabetic condition. A diagnosis of pre-diabetes is a warning sign that diabetes will develop later.

Type 1 Diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes

So the only way to prevent diabetes is to change the life style, which is the basic theory of Ayurveda to fight any disease. According to Ayurveda, Stress and life style is the reason for most of the illnesses including Type II diabetes.

Factors for developing Type II diabetes and herbs for them

As we know that there is no problem with the insulin production. It is there in the body in enough quantity, but the only problem is that it is not able to open the cells to make the glucose enter into them. All the glucose keep circulating within the blood. The cells become resistant to insulin. The reasons for Insulin resistance are -

1. Obesity

The number one risk factor for Type 2 diabetes is obesity. Nearly 40 % of the patients suffering from Type II diabetes are obese.

Excessive fat interferes with body's ability to use insulin properly. According to Ayurveda this is called " Stroto-avarodh" i.e. blocked channels. This blockage in the channels of passage of Insulin is reason for greater insulin resistance.

Food and life style which cause blockage in the channels or " Stroto-avarodh " are curd, banana, heavy greasy diet, overeating, excess daytime sleep.

There are herbs which are useful in clearing the blockages and opening up the micro channels. These remove excessive fat from within the body. Herbs like Katuki (Picrorrhiza kurro), Vidang (Embelia ribes), Amalvetas (Garcinia cambogia), Triphala are useful in Type II diabetes because they open up the channels and helps in reducing the insulin resistance.

2. Sedentary Lifestyle

3. Unhealthy Eating Habits

90% of people who have been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes are overweight. Unhealthy eating contributes largely to obesity. Too much fat, not enough fiber, and too many simple carbohydrates all contribute to a diagnosis of diabetes. Eating right is can turn the diagnosis around and reverse or prevent Type 2.

4. Family History and Genetics

It appears that people who have family members who have been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes are at a greater risk for developing it themselves. Indians have a higher than normal rate of Type 2 diabetes. Having a genetic disposition towards Type 2 is not a guarantee of a diagnosis. Lifestyle plays an important part in determining who gets diabetes. So it can be prevented if we go for changed life style to avoid diabetes.

5. Increased Age

It's a very sad but true fact. The older we get, the risk of Type 2 diabetes is increased. Even if an elderly person is thin, he/she still may be predisposed to getting diabetes. As we age, the pancreas ages right along with us. It doesn't make enough insulin it did when we were younger. Also, as our cells age, they become more resistant to insulin as well.

6. Stress, High Blood Pressure and High Cholesterol

The hormones are under the control of our thought and our attitude towards events in life. The stress hormone immediately releases pool of glucose, corticosteroid hormones in our blood. There is immediate release of adrenal hormones, causing blood pressure and constriction of arteries.

Diabetes - The Silent Killer

To understand diabetes, we must first appreciate the role that insulin plays in our body. When we consume glucose, fructose or carbohydrates, our body converts them into glucose in the blood stream. For us to be able to use the glucose to produce energy, our pancreas produces insulin which 'unlocks' receptors in our cells and allows the glucose to enter the cells and be used for energy.

In Type 1 diabetes the body is incapable of producing enough insulin to regulate blood sugar adequately. It is frequently called juvenile diabetes or insulin dependent diabetes, and it usually occurs in people under 30 years of age.

A recent technological breakthrough has created a new treatment involving the transplantation of islet cells, and although the patient needs to take drugs to stop the body rejecting the cells, the new cells are capable of producing insulin and patients in the medical trial have reported significantly reduced need for insulin injection. The hope is that the injections may eventually be entirely eliminated through the use of transplants of islet cells.

Type 2 diabetes accounts for 90-95% of diabetes cases. Sufferers from type 2 diabetes are able to produce insulin, but their cell receptors have become resistant to insulin. Thus, their body has to produce greater amounts of insulin to be able to 'unlock' the cells so that they are able to extract the glucose from the blood stream. Eventually, these sufferers get to the point where they cannot create enough insulin to reduce the sugar levels in their body.

The disease affects 15-20% of people over the age of 60. A substantial number of adults remain undiagnosed as diabetes sufferers. It is usually discovered during a doctor's check-up following complaints of an infection such as a chest, skin or urinary problem.

More alarming is the recent trend of children being found suffering from Type 2 diabetes. This is thought to be due to the prevalence of childhood obesity, combined with the shortage of exercise that overweight children take and the diet they follow that is high in carbohydrates and sugar with a high glycaemic index.

The most recognisable sign of diabetes is constant thirst and subsequent regular urination. Other symptoms include dizziness, constant fatigue, unexplained weight loss, itching and leg pains walking.

If diabetes just involved taking insulin for the remainder of your life, it wouldn't be such a serious problem. Diabetics have a number of elevated risks including:

- twice the rate of heart disease compared to non-sufferers

- five times the risk of having a stroke

- the most frequent need for limb amputations discounting accidents

- diabetes is the most likely cause in all new cases of blindness in people aged 24 to 74

- the cause of over one third of new kidney diseases and the major cause of end-stage renal disease.

Accurate and consistent management of blood sugar levels reduces the odds of any of the above occurring.

Dialysis For Active People

Hearing the words "you need dialysis" can be terrifying. You may imagine a lifetime of being hooked to machines, unable to go on vacation or even keep your job. It might seem as though the active part of your life is over -- you couldn't be more wrong. In fact, there are many dialysis options that allow you to maintain control over your schedule and continue the active lifestyle that you currently enjoy.

Many people are familiar with dialysis centers -- medical facilities with machines capable of filtering bodily waste that failing kidneys cannot handle. Patients who receive their dialysis at such centers typically spend three to four hours in the center three times a week. Some centers offer early morning or evening appointments, which can be helpful for those who work regular hours. Patients with flexible work situations can schedule their work hours around their dialysis, and even bring a laptop, portable phone or notebook so that they can work while they dialyze. Others use that time to read, write letters, meditate, or even pay bills.

But not everyone's schedule can accommodate such a disruption; perhaps you have kids to pick up at school or a job with little flexibility. Do you have to redesign your life around your dialysis? Absolutely not.

Dialysis centers are not your only option. If you are willing to learn some new skills, you can dialyze in the comfort of your own home – privately, when and where you want to. There are two major types of home dialysis: home hemodialysis that filters the blood using a machine similar to what is found at dialysis centers, and home peritoneal dialysis which uses the lining of the abdomen to filter wastes and fluid out of the body.

The options for home dialysis are:

1. Conventional home hemodialysis: this method uses a needle in your arm to carry your blood to a dialyzing machine and another to return the filtered blood back to your arm. You, and your helper, will need to learn to use the machine, set up a treatment area in your house and store supplies. You will only need to visit your dialysis center once a month. Since the machine is in your home, you can dialyze early in the morning, late at night, or any other time that fits into your schedule. Some people choose to dialyze more often than three times a week, sometimes even daily, because they find that they feel better and have more energy.

2. Nocturnal home hemodialysis: this method uses the same kind of machine as conventional home hemodialysis, but you use it for 6-8 hours 3-7 nights a week. The more frequent, slower dialysis is easier on your heart and people often find that they feel better with this method than they do with conventional dialysis.

3. Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis: this method uses your peritoneum, the lining of the abdomen, to filter wastes and fluid out of your blood through a catheter placed into your abdomen. Several times a day you will place two liters of fluid into your abdomen through the catheter, allow it to stay in place for a few hours, and then remove it. You can go about your regular activities while the fluid is in place. You can do the exchanges when it is most convenient for you, and can travel without difficulty. You can even have your supplies delivered to you on vacation. Since your exchanges are done through the catheter, there are no painful needle sticks.

4. Continuous cycling peritoneal dialysis: this method is similar to continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis, but it uses a machine to do the exchanges while you sleep.

While being on dialysis does require some lifestyle changes, they need not be as dramatic as some people think. There is no need to stop working or avoid vacations, and no need to see yourself as chronically sick. A critical evaluation of your lifestyle, along with guidance from your nephrologist, can help you choose the dialysis method that is best for you.

Delia Chiaramonte, M.D.

Insight Medical Consultants:

Caring Doctors Helping You Navigate The Medical Maze

The Benefits of a Vegetarian Diet to Diabetics

Diabetes affects people of all ages and both genders, from all walks of life and backgrounds. Though the disease usually does not show up until later in life it can affect children as well. If you are diabetic then you already know that you must choose every food you eat very carefully. On a meal-to-meal basis your choices can affect your overall health.

If your diabetes is left un-treated it can cause symptoms such as wounds taking longer to heal than they should. Longer implications are blindness and ultimately kidney failure.
Your diet is one of the most important ways that you can control your diabetes, and a vegetarian lifestyle, with an emphasis on a low fat, high fiber and nutrient rich menu can be very complementary to your continued good health.

The insulin needed for this conversion process is either insufficient, ineffective or absent entirely. The result of this are a glucose build up in the bloodstream or a higher level of blood-sugar. This can lead to weakness, a loss of coordination and blurry vision. An incorrect balance can also lead to low blood sugar levels, which can lead to coma and death if not taken care of.

Although diabetes is incurable it can be controlled successfully through diet and exercise, oral medications, insulin injections or a combination of the above. Diabetics can't just count calories. They must calculate their total intake of carbohydrates. No less than half of their food intake must be complex carbohydrates.

Many diabetic vegetarians have discovered that, as a result of their meatless diet, they've had to use insulin injections less, which gives them a feeling of power and control over their disease.

Diabetics that have turned to the vegetarian lifestyle have discovered that as a result of a meatless diet, that are able to reduce their insulin injections. This has given them a sense of control over this dreaded disease. So changing your diet to a meatless diet can help you with your diabetes as well as many other benefits of not eating meat.

ALWAYS consult your physician before making any drastic changes to your diet.