Diabetic Kidney Disease - Precautions To Help You Avoid Kidney Failure

Ah, the family tree. It's a wonderful thing to know where you've come from. Questions seem to automatically arise when the family tree is brought up. Will I inherit grandma's beautiful hair? Will I inherit grandpa's big chin? Will I inherit Uncle Joe's musical ability? Will I inherit money when Aunt May passes? Okay, that's a different kind of inheritance. Then there are questions that involve your health and expected lifespan.

Knowing your genetic predisposition can be interesting, but it can also be a life-saving experience. If you think you might have the possibility to inherit type 2 diabetes, the information in this article just might save your life! Knowing your family's medical history can only answer half of the question if type 2 diabetes is inherited.

In fact, knowing these health answers will benefit you when you need to visit a health professional because she will ask questions about your family history. Being aware is the best defense you can have at this point. Being ignorant of these needed answers is not going to help you. Knowledge is power when it comes to your health.

So, read up on your family ancestry and get to know them, and yourself, better.

I'm sure you have many questions, so I will answer them in a question and answer format just for you!

How can I find out if I will inherit type 2 diabetes mellitus? There are basically four categories of people who are susceptible to getting type 2 diabetes:

1. People who are over the age of 45.

2. People who are overweight.

3. People who are of African American, Latino/Hispanic American, Native American, Asian American or Pacific Islander descent.

4. People who have a family history of diabetes.

Are there any other ways I can develop type 2 diabetes mellitus? Yes. There are five main reasons why people are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

1. Being insulin resistant.

2. Being obese.

3. Living a sedentary lifestyle.

4. Having low HDL cholesterol levels (the good cholesterol) and high triglyceride levels.

5. Having increased occurrences of high blood pressure.

What are some warning signs of diabetes mellitus that I should look out for? There are six common warning signs for you to check if you are pre-diabetic:

1. Blurred vision.

2. Fatigue.

3. Frequent and slow-healing infections.

4. Increased appetite.

5. Increased thirst.

6. Increased urination.

What can I do to prevent myself from getting type 2 diabetes mellitus? There are five simple ways to make sure you don't become a victim of diabetes:

1. Be active every day.

2. Change your diet.

3. Limit soft drinks.

4. Make wise food choices.

5. Take prescribed medications.

Can you sum up the necessary checklist for me to check if I'm susceptible to type 2 diabetes mellitus? Sure. The main causes for type 2 diabetes are:

- Genetics

- Neglected lifestyle

- Sedentary lifestyle

- Unhealthy diet

So, learn about your family tree! It's a fun activity that can save you life. It's your life. No one else can live it.

Is Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 Inherited?

Picture a desert. It's hot, the sun is beating down with excessive heat. You're unsure if it's an oasis or a mirage in the distance. You're panting so heavy. Your tongue feels like it's too big for your mouth. You feel as if you haven't had a drink of water in months. You're craving just a sip of water. Do you equate a desert to the inside of your mouth-an unquenchable desire to drink anything and everything in sight?

Well, excess thirst is just one symptom of diabetes mellitus. Before you jump to conclusions and misdiagnose your symptoms, you need to know what to look for. Here's a checklist of the causes of excess thirst. See if any of them describe your insatiable thirst.

-Hormone imbalances. These include high levels of the thyroid hormone.

-Certain drugs or medications. These include antihistamines, caffeine, or alcohol.

-Psychogenic Polydipsia. This is a psychiatric condition causing a person to feel thirsty for no reason at all.

-Increased exercise. This increases the body's water requirements.

-Damage to the hypothalamus, an area of the brain.

-Diabetes insipidus. It is a disease that causes excessive urination that results in dehydration.

All right, you've looked the checklist over and none of the sources described your thirst. Now, you're almost convinced your excess thirst might be a symptom of diabetes. Remember: You need to know what to look for before you misdiagnose yourself with diabetes. There are two sure-fire ways you can find out if you're diabetic or not:

-A blood glucose test is a great way to detect diabetes.

-Schedule a doctor appointment for a proper diagnosis.

So, you've made that dreaded, but important, doctor appointment. Now what? Well, your doctor needs to know several things in order to diagnose you properly. Be prepared to know the answers to the following questions your doctor will ask. It would be helpful if you would jot down some of these answers or some of your concerns before the appointment. It seems it's so easy to forget important things when we go to the doctor's office. Write down a list of the medications you currently take. This is very important information. Don't be afraid to ask your doctor about other symptoms you might be experiencing, too.

-When the problem began.

-What types of liquids you drink.

-What other medical conditions you might have.

-What medications or drugs you may be taking.

-How much you drink each day.

-How often you exercise.

-Whether you feel dehydrated or have a dry mouth.

-Whether your thirst is constant or occurs only at specific times.

-Whether you have increased or decreased the amount of fluids you drink each day.

-Whether your weight has changed drastically.

-Whether you are having any other questionable symptoms.

Excess Thirst and Diabetes Warning Signs- Know What to Look For

Diabetes is a chronic disease affecting as many as 16 million Americans, half of whom do not know they have it. It is the 5th leading cause of death in the United States. Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness, renal failure, and amputation in the U. S., and is associated with a range of complications, including heart attacks, strokes, amputations and loss of vision. It is also the leading cause of new cases of blindness among adults 20-74 years old. Diabetics have up to a 400% greater chance of heart attack or stroke. Could a natural health remedy for diabetes turn the tide?

Natural Remedies

Millions have discovered the healing power of natural remedies and supplements and are turning to vitamins, minerals and herbs as a natural health remedy for diabetes. When considering using any of these natural diabetes remedies, it would be wise for you to consult with your primary care provider.

Contrary to some early concerns, both fish oil and niacin (treatments used for improving triglyceride and cholesterol levels) appear to be safe for people with diabetes. Scientific study has shown the effectiveness of many natural diabetes treatments. Also found in Diabetes Care was a study that confirmed significant progress in insulin sensitivity with chromium present in the body and, in addition, studies have revealed that people with diabetes had low levels of chromium. Also, low magnesium levels may reduce blood glucose control in type 2 diabetes. North American Ginseng, has been shown to be another effective natural health remedy for diabetes.

Research collaboration between Australian, Chinese and Korean scientists at Sydney's Garvan Institute demonstrated that the natural plant product berberine could be a valuable new treatment against type 2 diabetes. Their study, published in the journal Diabetes, found that rats and mice given berberine over three weeks had a 50 per cent drop in blood sugar. It's exciting to see evidence that berberine may be a helpful new natural health remedy for type 2 diabetes. However, despite its widespread use in traditional medicine, it will still have to go through the defined clinical trials process.

Conclusion

This article is intended to provide assistance and information to people who are interested in learning more about natural remedies. It should not be used as a basis for any form of diagnosis or treatment for any medical condition. Always seek professional medical advice.

Diabetes Insipidus, Water Diabetes

It has been accepted wisdom for many years now that women live longer than men, but a recent study may well turn this on its head for at least one section of the population - women with diabetes.

However, although the death rate from diabetes in the case of men is dropping, it is rising in the case of women.

Researchers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, Georgia, recently published the results of a survey in which the 30 year health records from 1971 to 2000 of some 27,000 diabetes sufferers were examined. This research study showed that although the death rate amongst men fell during this time period from 4.3% to 2.4%, the death rate amongst women rose from 1.8% to 2.6%. Interestingly, the research study also noted that death rates from cardiovascular disease in particular dropped in the case of men, but remained steady in the case of women.

So what exactly is causing this difference?

The simple answer would appear to be that we don't know, although there are several theories being put forward. Some people believe that the risk factors for heart disease in women have declined less in recent years than they have for men. Others suggest that women have not been receiving as comprehensive a program of treatment as men, or that treatment provided to women has not been as aggressive. At this point this is of course pure speculation but, whatever the cause, there is certainly no doubt that there is a difference in the figures for men and women.

Further studies will need to be carried out to discover why this disparity exists but, until we have further information on the subject, if you are a woman then you should get yourself checked for diabetes, if you have not already done so, and should ensure that your doctor is giving you a comprehensive and aggressive course of treatment.

Are Woman Receiving The Same Level Of Diabetes Care As Men?

"This cut just won't heal."

"I can't wear shorts because of that ugly bruise on my calf."

"I have no idea how I got this bruise."

"I can't wear short sleeve shirts because of that ugly cut on my arm."

"I've had this bruise for the longest time."

"I had to finally admit to myself that I can no longer wear shorts in public."

If you've ever said or thought any of these statements, you're not alone. But, yet you're wondering why you keep getting bruises and cuts. Most of the time you're not even aware when you got the bruise or when you cut yourself. All you're aware of the slow healing time of your unwanted cuts or bruises.

I'm not going to lie to you, friend, but slow healing cuts or bruises may be symptoms of diabetes. If you suspect you are diabetic, it's important you learn about all the symptoms of diabetes. You have a lot to lose if you don't address your health concerns. Ignorance is not bliss when it comes to diabetes. Let me say it again, slow healing cuts or bruises may be symptom of diabetes.

Every diabetic has the risk of obtaining a bruise or a slow healing cut. I'm here to inform you that you can prevent bruises and cuts. You can help speed up the recovery process for those slow healing cuts and unwanted bruises. And most importantly, you can prevent these diabetes symptoms from invading your life.

"I don't have any bruises or cuts, but I want to prevent them from happening."

"I've seen the bruises on my grandma, but didn't know it may be diabetes."

"I have family members and friends who've had bruises and cuts for the longest time and I want to help them."

If you've ever said or thought these statements, you've come to the right place because I have the answer. Become aware of the warning signs listed in this diabetes acronym!

Diabetes is easier to prevent than to manage or reverse.

Infections are common for diabetics.

Abrasions or wounds need special attention at the first sign.

Beating the infection before it starts will shorten the healing time.

Exercising will speed up the healing process.

Time is the enemy; it will take a long time for bruises and cuts to heal.

Elevated blood sugar levels are life threatening and must be controlled.

Signs of infections are numerous and should be carefully monitored.

"I think I am diabetic. Is there a product out there that can help me?"

"I'm willing to become pro-active in my health, but I still need help."

"I feel alive!"

"My energy level has changed 180 degrees!"

"I can start living again!"

These statements are what you can say now that you know about the warning signs and the perfect supplement. Start living again and enjoy your life without slow healing cuts or embarrassing bruises.

Slow Healing Cuts or Bruises May Be A Symptom of Diabetes

What do the following items have in common?

Panda bears

Old movies

Killer whales

Piano keys

Soccer balls

Newspapers

Exercise

That's right! They're all black and white. But, wait a minute. Exercise? How can exercise be black and white? When it comes to your health and well-being, there are no gray areas.

Even the simplest amount of exercise done on regular basis can improve your overall health and wellness in your diabetes. Did you know exercises done regularly help control your diabetes? Look at your choices! Diabetics can and should do these three types of exercises on a regular basis. They are aerobic, strength training, and flexibility exercises.

Aerobic exercise increases the heart rate, raises the breathing rate, and works the muscles. This is for people who can withstand vigorous workouts for 5-10 minutes a day, 5 days a week. You might be surprised at how many of your diabetic friends enjoy these activities. Some examples of aerobic exercises are:

-A brisk walk

-Dancing

-Swimming or water aerobic exercises

-Ice-skating or roller-skating

-Tennis

-Stationary biking

Strength training should be done regularly because it builds strong bones and muscles that help you burn more calories than fat. Several days a week is the recommended time. Some examples of strength training are:

-Joining a strength training class to work with weights or elastic bands

-Lifting light weights in the comfort of your own home

Flexibility exercises, or stretching, keeps your joints flexible and reduces your chance of injury during any other activities. Easy stretching for 5-10 minutes helps to warm your body up to prepare for aerobic activities. Be sure to stretch after your workout because your warm muscles will stretch easier and that's when you gain the flexibility you need.

These three exercises can and will improve your health and the way you feel about life. You will receive energy, better health, and most importantly, you will get your life back!

You don't have the time or money to do some of these suggested exercises? Here are some helpful tips to get active during the day while you do your normal errands and activities:

1. Walk whenever possible.

2. Take the stairs whenever possible. Remember: safety first!

3. Work in the garden, rake leaves, or water your lawn the old-fashioned way and forget the automatic sprinklers.

4. Park at the other end of the parking lot to walk some extra steps.

5. Don't pay someone to walk your dog - you walk your dog.

6. Take the garbage out.

7. Do some housecleaning.

8. Hide your television remotes and get up to turn the channels.

Regular Exercise Improves Overall Health and Wellness in Diabetes

Indeed, there are several well-known and highly respected glucose support herbs that may help control blood sugar levels for diabetes sufferers. In fact, in the past two decades there has been an explosion of interest in natural medicine as millions of people around the world have an ever-increasing appetite for information on diet, nutrition, nutritional supplements, medicinal herbs, and natural remedies.

We would be remiss if we did not mention to you that the most important aspect of managing diabetes is ensuring that you eat a healthy, balanced diet, maintain a healthy weight, and get regular exercise. Moreover, supplements work best, including glucose support herbs, when you also make these health enhancing lifestyle changes.

Now, before we delve into herbs that may be helpful for diabetes sufferers, it's important to understand that herbs and/or dietary supplements are not meant to replace the advice of your physician and you should never stop using your medications or insulin, or alter your dosage, without your physician's approval. In fact, you should always consult with your physician before taking any glucose support herbs and/or any dietary supplements.

That said, let's take a look at some of the most highly respected glucose support herbs that may possibly help you or a loved one.

Gymnema Sylvestre, also known as the "sugar destroyer," is highly touted as one that has the ability to block the taste of sweetness, and, as such, it helps to stave off the "cravings of sweets." Gymnema Sylvestre has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for many centuries to regulate blood sugar levels. Indeed, gymnema is a well-known and highly respected Ayurvedic remedy used to maintain healthy blood sugar levels.

"Since, unlike insulin, polypeptide-p does not stimulate the movement of fat into fat cells, it has been considered as a replacement for at least some of the injected insulin that people with type 1 diabetes must take each day, although the herb cannot completely replace insulin. When used to treat this type of diabetes, polypeptide-p is effective only in injection form." (Page 32).

Fenugreek seeds are among the list of glucose support herbs. It has been shown to reduce cholesterol and blood sugar levels in clinical and experimental studies. Clinical studies in India have found that large doses of fenugreek seeds lowers blood-glucose levels in type 1 and type 2 diabetes. However, there is a negative side to this glucose support herb. You have to take a lot (15 to 100 grams daily) of fenugreek seeds to obtain an effect, and it is also associated with mild gastrointestinal upset.

Banaba Leaf Extract - Banaba is a medicinal plant that grows in India, Southeast Asia and the Philippines that is climbing the charts as a one of the glucose support herbs. In fact, banaba has been used in the Philippines to promote blood sugar control. Banaba contains a compound known as corosolic acid, which is believed to have actions in stimulating glucose transport into cells and, as such, plays a role in maintaining healthy blood sugar levels. In Japan, there has been some research done with banaba. However, we have not come across published human studies on this glucose support herb. On the other hand, our research indicates that there has been at least one human study with corosolic acid, which is an extract found in banaba and it showed to be effective in reducing blood sugar levels in type II diabetics.

But wait, there are more glucose support herbs...

Garlic and Onions are best known for reducing cholesterol. However, according to two Indian studies, this duo has also shown to lower blood sugar levels.

Ginseng was found effective in lowering blood sugar levels. In a small Finnish study, people newly diagnosed with non-insulin-dependent (Type II) diabetes received either 100 or 200 milligrams of a ginseng extract or placebos every day. Compared with individuals in the placebo group, the people in both ginseng groups not only reported lower blood sugar levels, but also greater improvement in mood as well as enhanced performance on physical and psychological tests. However, those taking 200 milligrams of ginseng experienced more benefit than those who took 100 milligrams.

Bilberry is an herb that is traditionally recommended to promote healthy blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. In addition, it is used to promote healthy insulin production as well. However, there's more to this herb. Bilberry is a powerful antioxidant, which makes it an excellent source to help fight against the continuous onslaught of free radicals. Bilberry is also hailed for its ability to promote vision health. It appears to strengthen the tiny blood capillaries that carry oxygen to the eyes, which may account for its wide use in Europe to treat diabetic retinopathy.

Other glucose support herbs that may possibly help lower or improve blood-sugar levels include: Garlic, Psyllium, Burdock, and Nopal (prickly pear cactus).

Nutritional-Supplement-Educational-Centre's Opinion on Glucose Support Herbs

Glucose Support Herbs - Discover Amazing Herbs That May Help Control Blood Sugar Levels For Diabetes

Feet don't fail me now

The game has changed now that you have diabetes. The old days of taking a shower and drying yourself off without the proper attention to your feet can be costly. Having diabetes does not give you that luxury any more. You must be more sensitive to your feet now more so than ever. Make sure they are clean and dried thoroughly. Having diabetes considerably boosts your likelihood of having nerve damage to your feet. The number one reason people have their feet amputated is because of diabetes.

Your diabetes foot care

Keep those puppies clean (Did I mention that already?) Wash them at least once per day. Dry between your toes methodically. Hey I feel like the foot doctor. That means taking your time with your towel. Use a powder to help dry your feet. Quality foot powders will make a difference.

Good foot care requires you to be a foot examiner. Assess your feet at least twice a day for better foot care. Check for problems like blisters, swelling, infections, and redness or even open cuts. Take care of any issues instantly. Keep your toenails cut straight across and short for safety. You do not want to sang your toenail and find out later that you have a problem because you do not have the feeling in your toes. If you cannot examine your feet because you a problem like bad eyesight then have someone else do the job for you.

Diabetics foot apparel

Shoes and socks for diabetics are key components to good foot care. A more conscious effort needs to be in place to take care of those puppies. Making sure you are wearing clean socks and comfortable supportive shoes is imperative. Running and walking shoes have been tested quite extensively and have been proven overall to be the best answer for your foot support. Wearing clean socks may require changing your socks twice or three times a day. Depending on what the weather is like where you live or work. If your feet sweat a lot you may need to change socks more frequently as well.

Podiatrist Marc A. Brenner, D.P.M., past president of the American Society of Podiatric Dermatology stresses the importance of good, clean care for diabetics. He suggests buying Thor-Lo socks and a good pare of walking or running shoes to help with your diabetes foot care. Make sure your shoes fit well.

Seventy five percent of the time when someone loses a leg they lose the other leg within five years. Developing foot consciousness is essential to better health. As a diabetic you must watch those feet. Look for bruises or infections and take care of them now.

In closing

Foot care is essential for diabetic care. It is one part of a well rounded care plan. Controlling your diet is one major task as well. I think it is the most important aspect of diabetes care. If you are interested in what "The Diabetic Warrior" did to handle his diabetes issue and also lose over 100 pounds, grab your free MP3.

Diabetes Feet - Keep Those Puppies Clean

They say, tis is the best time in history to be alive. Technological advances multiply daily. Medical advances are snowballing. We have cures for diseases, we did not know, existed one hundred years ago. People are living longer than ever before ( women have a longer life expectancy than men ). Perhaps, it is the greatest time to be alive.

With all the advances in technology and medicine, comes responsibility. And, with responsibility, comes stress. Computers were supposed to make us a paperless society. As a pharmacist, over the last 33 years, I find this not to be true. Back in the 1970's, I filled a prescription, stamped the actual prescription blank with the date, initialed it, and dispensed it. Today, we enter all the information in a computer, initial it, and there about five more steps, before we can give it to the patient. And, there are many more papers to store away for up to 7 years. I am not saying today's system is not a better one. It is not a paperless one.

Stress causes a rise in blood sugar levels. This is part of our survival system, called the fight or flight syndrome. As it occurs, the body senses stress. To deal with stress, the body releases adrenaline, as well as many other chemicals. This is to help you fight or flee from the situation. But, in todays world, we do not fight or flee, we deal with it. But, dealing with it, does not change the way the body handles the situation.

One thing that does change, is your blood sugar. The body increase the amount of glucose into the blood for energy to fight or flee. Normally, the excess sugar would be taken back in tho the cells. If you have diabetes, this does not happen. Your body does not get the sugar out of the blood. So now, you have a higher blood sugar level. This can continue all day long, raising your blood sugar level higher and higher. Then, you need more medicine to control it.

This can be an endless cycle. Relaxation is an important part off the key to counter this cycle. But, how can you relax? Your blood sugar is high and you feel wired. Practice.

Meditation can reduce the medication. This involves focusing on something else or nothing at all. It should be practiced in a peaceful place and time. Make sure you are void of distractions.

Walking can be a peaceful, relaxing, experience. Walk in the fresh air. Breathe in new life to your body, exhale that which is negatively affecting you. Your blood sugar level goes down with walking.

Yoga, a slow, deliberate, stretching type of exercise, can be helpful. It is relaxing, and you focus on the exercise and breathing. Stretching the body, allows for a better blood flow and a better functioning nervous system. The body will be able to control the blood sugar better. This does take practice.

Massage is another thing we can do to relieve stress and lower our blood sugar. A massage can be very relaxing. A Duke University research study shows, that massage as stress management, lowers blood sugar levels. A New Mexico University study shows that a short term stress relief program involving touch, lowered the blood sugar level more than one without touch.

Massage relaxes you. It helps you let go of some of the daily stresses that affect your blood sugar level.

Actively, relax. Take a break from daily stresses, to reduce your blood sugar. Make a habit of it. It will beneficial to your health.

Relax To Lower Blood Sugar

Check your blood sugar levels regularly

Sweets are one of the most delectable and craved goodies that a person loves to eat.
It's probably one of the most favored tastes a person likes and whet for. Not only will
it fill one's hunger, but it also soothes the tongue and satisfies an appetite's
pleasure. And one of the most important things it does to the body is boosting the body
cells' energy, making the blood regulation flows smoothly and rejuvenated.

It is significant though to know that what the body needs is not just any intake of
sweets, but rather the body needs to absorb the glucose of those sweets, since its that
particular glucose or sugar that gives energy to the body and its cells. The glucose
also is the main sugar that is measured to determine one's blood sugar level. Although
fructose and galactose are sugars also, it is the glucose that's measured so that one
would know if the blood sugar level of the body is within normal range or if one needs
to take insulin to control this.

The blood sugar level is measured to know and check the amount of sugar, or glucose, in
the blood. The reason why the blood sugar levels must be maintained within the normal
range is because somehow an imbalance of the blood sugar levels would lead to damage in
the small blood vessels. This in turn would result to other health related problems,
which would attack the cardiovascular organs like the heart and arteries. What makes
oftentimes appear after a couple of years or decades. This is why it is one's
and consultation with a physician, so as to monitor the blood sugar levels. It's better
if one doesn't take any risk when dealing with blood sugar issues.

If one is too busy and cannot spare a day with the doctor, then he can avail of the home
testing kits to measure his blood sugar levels regularly. Just make sure you
familiarize yourself with the testing kits to ensure that you have the correct
information of your blood sugar levels or else it defeats the purpose. If you're using
a home testing kit, you also have to know the normal blood sugar levels and ranges, so
that when you check your results later, you would know if you're doing fine or if you

What Are Normal Blood Sugar Levels For Me?

"What are normal blood sugar levels for me?", you asked. Either in your own or in the company of your personal physician, you constantly put in effort to understand the details of your blood sugar testing. Having a well-based understanding of these results and the associated causes will be a good tool for one to better approach one's medical condition.

If one desires to really find out how well his body digest sugar, blood sugar tests are available for one to undergo and see for himself how he fairs out. These tests are also used for the purpose of diagnosing for pre-diabetes or diabetes – while these are also done to determine how one is managing diabetes.

When asking, "What are normal blood sugar levels that I should aim for?", should be taken in the context of the type of testing that will be employed – and current health condition you have.

Fasting Blood Glucose Test

This involves fasting – no food or liquids other than water – for at least eight hours and then having your blood tested for the amount of sugar. The normal blood sugar level for this test is lower than 100 milligrams per deciliter. If your result is 200 mg/dL and it goes along with symptoms of diabetes – there may be no need for a confirmatory second test to be diagnosed as having diabetes.

Random Blood Sugar Test

As the name of the test implies, it is taken at no specific time. This is taken regardless of when you last ate. The normal blood sugar level for this test is lower than 100 milligrams per deciliter. If your result is 200 mg/dL or higher, it would suggest that you either have Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes.

Oral Glucose Tolerance Test

In this test, asking, "What are normal blood sugar levels for me?" – will have different answers depending on the stage of this test. First, your fasting blood sugar level will be measured. After which, you will be asked to drink a sugar-water solution, and blood sugar levels will be taken after 60 minutes & after 120 minutes. A blood sugar level that is lower than 140 mg/dL is considered normal after the test. Two hours after, with a 200 mg/dL level, may indicate diabetes.

It is but normal to be constantly asking, "What are normal blood sugar levels for me now?" – precisely because there is a good reason to be very much concerned. If high levels of blood sugar are present for a good number of years already, there will be health risks associated with it.

Regulating Blood Sugar

Regulating blood sugar in the body is a key process of the body to boost energy.

One's activities depend largely on the person's outlook and health. It is impossible for a person who's weak and ill to perform rigorous activities because his body is not equipped to do it. It is also unlikely to see an active person just sitting around and waiting for the night to come, because his body tells him otherwise, it's pushing him to do something because of the energy stored in it.

Regulating blood sugar levels to stabilize and normalize the body's processes is a key role that will help keep your body functioning well and that will help you perform your daily activities, sports, and hobbies. It is always important to know what your body needs, as long as you maintain a balance between your body's demand and supply, then you would be all right. It is in controlling and regulating blood sugar levels that one can meet the energy demand required of him, but in order to continuously regulate such, then supplement your body with the much needed glucose as well.

Reduce Blood Sugar

Reduce blood sugar levels to avoid diabetes and other health problems.

Though people are careful and conscious with their health, there are always some causes, which are still unknown as of the moment but believed to be autoimmune, that lead to illnesses, diseases, and other health complications. Sometimes, no matter how careful you may be, it will just attack you.

Like diabetes for example, it happens when the glucose or blood sugar levels of a person increases than the normal range. There are different reasons why this happens, but there are also cases, wherein reasons are still unknown. If there's no proper regulation of the blood sugar in its coming in and out of the cells of the body, then there's a tendency that it will lead to complications. Since glucose is the main source of energy of the body especially the brain and nervous system, then one must look into its correct regulation or else there's no way the body can properly perform or function well. If the person has very high levels of glucose in the body, and he's not very active in terms of his daily activities and tasks, then it's very likely that he'll have diabetes. If this will happen, a person must reduce blood sugar levels in his body so as not to complicate this health problem. Some of the ways to reduce blood sugar levels are: insulin injections, exercise programs, and proper diet. But for those who have a higher type of diabetes, then it is important to consult a doctor and ask his advice on what to do and take.

If diabetes is not treated immediately on its onset, then it's most likely that it will be an illness that a person will take with him until the future. Proper maintenance must be observed to avoid sudden attacks of diabetes. At least, make sure that you do physical activities like a series of exercise or some sports that will boost your energy, utilizing the glucose in your body. Also, with a healthy and well-balanced diet, at least your glucose intake will be monitored and controlled. Lastly, diabetes tend to harden the arteries, which is even increased through smoking, so to avoid this complication, it is advisable to stop smoking.

It is important to reduce blood sugar levels when it is increasing and going over the normal or average levels. Because if you won't reduce blood sugar levels the earliest you detect it, this will only lead to more health problems like arteriosclerosis, retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy, and loss of consciousness.

Diabetes - And How You Can You Reverse It?

So how did we achieve this? Instead of popping prescription drugs, Sharon simply followed a strict low GL diet and took a supplement of the mineral chromium and cinnamon. Naturally Sharon is thrilled, saying that "My doctor told me I'd be on medication for the rest of my life. I am really thrilled to have been able to come off medication and still have stable blood sugar. My energy is much better. My skin is clearer, mood more stable and I've lost 14lbs in a month. I feel in control of food instead of it being in control of me."

Diabetes - Are You at Risk?

ARE YOU IN DANGER OF BEING DIABETIC?

Are you rarely wide awake within 15 minutes of rising?

Do you need tea, coffee, a cigarette or something sweet to get you going in the morning?

Do you crave chocolate, sweet foods, bread, cereal or cakes?

Do you often have energy slumps during the day or after meals?

Do you crave something sweet or a stimulant after meals?

Do you often have mood swings or difficulty concentrating?

Do you get dizzy or irritable if you go six hours without food?

Do you find you over-react to stress?

Is your energy now less than it used to be?

Do you feel too tired to do any exercise?

Are you gaining weight, and finding it hard to lose, even though you're not noticeably eating more or exercising less?

Do you get very thirsty and pee a lot - especially at night?

Do you get blurred vision?

If you experience many of these symptoms check you blood sugar levels. You are likely to have insulin resistance and benefit from a low GL diet, plus chromium and cinnamon.

Traditional Treatment

Conventional treatment of type 2 diabetes has focused on using drugs, which increase sensitivity to insulin or enhance insulin production. However, the side-effects of these long term drugs can be disastrous.

For example, the most widely used drug Metformin frequently causes nausea, cramps, vomiting and loose stools, and knocks out vitamin B12, raising homocysteine. Low B12 and high homocysteine increases risk for dementia. Other side effects of diabetes drugs include weight gain and increased blood pressure.

A Holistic Solution

Studies have shown that lifestyle changes focusing on diet and exercise are not only more than twice as effective as drugs in preventing diabetes, but are also more cost effective. Following a low GL diet has even been reported to completely reverse adult-onset, type 2 diabetes. Fedon Lindberg, a diabetes expert states 'A balanced low glycemic load diet, coupled with a healthy lifestyle can not only achieve normal blood pressure, cholesterol and fat levels but can also achieve non-diabetic sugar levels without the need for medication - therefore 'reversing' the disease.'

The principle behind the low GL diet is eating foods which provide a slow release of sugar, together with lean protein foods. This leads to less hunger, reduced sugar cravings, increased energy and rapid weight loss, as well as stabilising blood sugar levels.

Along with following a low GL diet, introducing other dietary compounds such as cinnamon and chromium has been found to aid blood glucose control. Cinnamon contains an ingredient called MCHP, which mimics the action of insulin, and therefore increases glucose metabolism. Studies have shown that just 1g of cinnamon per day (1/2 a teaspoon) is enough to lower blood glucose and levels of 'bad' LDL cholesterol in type 2 diabetics, with some volunteers even achieving normal blood sugar levels.

Chromium is the other key nutrient in reducing or reversing diabetes. This non-toxic mineral is essential for insulin regulation and glucose control. Chromium's role in insulin regulation was first proven in the 1970s. We now know that the essential mineral increases insulin binding, increases the number of insulin receptors and also increases insulin effectiveness; all of which lead to improved glucose transport into muscle, fat and liver tissue, and therefore better glucose control.

In fact chromium has been shown to dramatically decrease the need for medication in many diabetics and in some cases eliminate the need for drugs completely Thirteen out of fifteen studies have shown that chromium, usually at levels of 400mcg to 600mcg a day, is remarkably effective - in fact so much so that, if you are diabetic I recommend you monitor your blood sugar carefully and inform your doctor since you may need to reduce your diabetic medication (especially sulfonylurea medication). The answer therefore seems to be to combine a low GL. If you intend to take a low GL diet, I recommend Patrick Holford's Book - The Holford Low GL Diet. It contain the essential information you will need.

Bolaji Alli is the founder and CEO of Holistic Miracles, an international organization committed to empowering the physical well being of humanity. He has spent the last twenty years researching into various areas of alternative healing methods such as herbal medicine, nutrition, detoxification etc. He is also a distributor for Tianshi products.

Blood Glucose Monitor Components

In this article we will take a look at the various components which make up a blood glucose testing kit such as the Ascensia Breeze from Bayer. We will be taking a closer look at such items as the lancing device, the lancet and the test strips. All these components are essential for anyone suffering from diabetes who would like to be aware of what their blood glucose levels are.

1. Lancing Device

This is also known as the finger prick device and it is used in order to make a small hole in the skin (usually on the tip of a person's finger) so that a drop of blood appears. It is this drop of blood which the blood glucose meter will then analyze. Some models do come with lancing device and others do not so it is wise to shop around for one which you would prefer to use. These devices are also adjustable which means that you can control just how deeply it goes into your skin.

2. Lancet

3. Test Strips

It is on these that you place your blood sample and then it is inserted in to the blood glucose meter in order that an analysis can be carried. These are either sold in vials or they may come in individual foil wrappers. But with the Ascensia Breeze system you are provided with ten strips together so if you want you can carry out 10 tests at once without having to take out several test strips at a time.

All test strips are coated with a chemical which allows the meter to analyze the levels of glucose in your blood sample. But be warned the actual amount of chemical to be found on these strips can vary from batch to batch. It is therefore important that you recalibrate your machine each time you buy a new set of test strips. When you get the new test strips you will find instructions enclosed within on how to recalibrate your blood glucose monitor and there are some machines such as the Ascensia Breeze from Bayer which can recalibrate themselves. Normally to recalibrate your monitor all you need to do is change the code number or insert a chip code into it.

Heart Disease Prevention - The Diabetes-Heart Disease Connection

If you saw a tiger, you'd run for your life. But what if you didn't see it? For those of you with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, heart disease is that unseen tiger. You're two to four times more likely to develop a heart condition than people without diabetes? Even more shocking, those individuals are more likely to die from heart disease or other cardiovascular ills than from the complications of diabetes itself. Yet surveys show that 68 percent of Americans with diabetes are unaware of their increased cardiovascular risk.

If you have diabetes, now is the time to take steps to protect your heart.

"High blood glucose alters cell metabolism," says Richard Kahn, Ph.D., chief scientific and medical officer of the American Diabetes Association (ADA). When the function of platelet cells changes, the likelihood of blood clots increases and the risk of heart attack rises. Cells that line the artery walls are also affected; the ability of blood vessels to dilate is impaired, which can lead to high blood pressure.

One pivotal phenomenon underlying these changes is inflammation, already known to promote heart disease. Researchers at the University of Virginia School of Medicine in Charlottesville, for example, found high blood glucose linked to chronic inflammation in the blood vessel walls of mice.

Prevention Works

The first step to protecting your heart? Control your glucose. In the groundbreaking Diabetes Control and Complications Trial to determine the effects of glucose on complications, type 1 patients underwent intensive glucose control. A later study found these participants were 57 percent less likely to die from cardiovascular disease over the next 16 years.

Although the findings haven't been confirmed in those with type 2, high blood glucose levels have been proven to increase the risk of heart disease in both kinds of diabetes. Says David Nathan, M.D., professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and co-chair of the type 1 study, "The major difference is that people with type 2 are generally older, heavier and more likely to have hypertension and abnormal cholesterol levels, all of which puts them at much higher risk for heart disease." For them, prevention is even more urgent.

"Everyone with diabetes should know their numbers and goals, and get checked regularly," says John Buse, M.D., lead author of the ADA and American Heart Association's new joint statement on preventing cardiovascular diseases in people with diabetes. Start with a healthy lifestyle:

Nutrition Eat less fatty red meat, cheese, butter, processed foods and fast food; instead, choose more beans, vegetables, fruits and whole grains, along with lean meats and poultry, seafood, low-fat dairy and nuts. If you're overweight, cut some 250 to 500 calories a day until you've lost about 7 percent of your weight. "To do this right, ask your doctor to refer you to a registered dietitian," Dr. Buse says. Exercise Each week, be sure to do a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity—swimming, biking, walking briskly. Exercise at least every other day.

Even if your doctor prescribes medication, don't give up on diet and exercise: A healthy lifestyle not only has broad positive effects on blood glucose levels, blood pressure and cholesterol levels, says Dr. Buse, but also helps you fight depression, function at your best and maintain your energy.

Sources: Journal of the American College of Cardiology, November 20, 2002; Journal of the American Medical Association, November 27, 2002, and January 21, 2004; Arthritis and Rheumatism, 2005 supplement, Abstract 149; New England Journal of Medicine, December 22, 2005.

©MDminute: Diabetes Issue 1, 2007

Diabetes Management - Managing a Child's Diabetes at School

As the school year winds down, parents of children with diabetes may want to take a few minutes to evaluate their child's relationship with the school. Was the school staff able to handle any problems that arose this year? "There needs to be really good communication between the parent and the school," says Virginia Zamudio, R.N., M.S.N., C.D.E. and past president of the American Association of Diabetes Educators. Assessing how things are going and establishing effective diabetes management at school can yield a variety of positive results, including:

Promoting a healthy, productive learning environment (when your child is experiencing lows, it is very difficult for him or her to learn)Reducing school absences and classroom disruptions Creating an effective response in a diabetes-related emergency

The younger the child, the more important it is to check in with the school on a week-to-week basis. Age matters: A recently diagnosed kindergartner will need a much different approach than the one you'd take with a high school senior who has been managing diabetes since childhood.

At every age, however, you should talk with your child regularly about how things are going. In a little heart-to-heart, you might help him or her become adept at recognizing signs of trouble and asking for help if and when it's needed. You also have to give school personnel enough information so that you can trust they will look out for your child's welfare.

Provide the school with an individual action plan from your child's doctor that gives instructions on: testing, shots, oral medications for low blood sugar problems, dietary requirements (e.g., need for snacks), and explicit plans for handling low and high blood sugar.

"If the nurse isn't available, even the bus driver and other school personnel need to be able to recognize if your child is having symptoms of hypoglycemia and offer a form of quick-acting sugar," Zamudio says. Work to establish an overall diabetes-friendly environment. The American Diabetes Association's Safe at School campaign recommends that capable students should be allowed to self-manage their diabetes in the classroom and during school activities. To learn more about diabetes management at school, go to diabetes.org/advocacy-and-legalresources/discrimination/school/safeschool.jsp

Open communication between you, your child and the school staff is the key. With a diabetes management plan in place at school, you and your child can rest easier knowing the right care will be given when it's needed.

©Diabetes Focus, Second Quarter 2007