Diabetes - The Emotional Side

Looking back nearly fifteen years ago when I first suspected I had diabetes, several emotions played a rather substantial part in my disease's development. Any one of them at any given time could have made the disease much worse and made my life in general worse.

The physical aspects of diabetes are well chronicled. The emotional aspects maybe not so well. Here is a partial list of the emotions I experienced and the impact they had on me.

DENIAL. When I first was told I had diabetes this was the first emotion I had. Maybe it was the nonchalant way the Dr. told me I had the disease in my life. He didn't handle it very well which set the stage for my feelings. Those feelings only prolonged my getting control of the disease. Getting control of diabetes at an early stage of development is critical.

ANGER. The next emotion I remember having was anger. After the news set in and I began to get a grip on my situation I was mad. Mad at my Dr., mad at GOD, just mad at everything for getting my simple life so complicated. Mad at my new disease for turning my life up side down in my very prime.

WITHDRAWAL. I have always been an outgoing type. The retail food biz sort of demands that. When I got the news of my new disease (looking back in hindsight) I can see how slowly I began to withdraw and become more introverted. My personality slowly started changing as well. I became more serious and less fun loving.

DEPRESSION. Without sounding overly dramatic, there were/are times when I became depressed with my newfound disease. All the changes I had to make in my diet; the long list of meds arising from complications; the never ending (for me ) battle of weight loss; the stress of knowing the complications that can develop from my inaction; the list goes on.

Those were the major emotions I experienced-there are others. What to do about it?
The most important thing is to have a great support team surrounding you-family, spouse, doctor, nutritionist, etc. all those who can provide the emotional support you will need to cope with this disease. There are support groups at most hospitals that may help too.

The next thing is to know as much as you can about the disease. Only thru knowledge can you have any chance of success in fighting this horrific disease.

Find out more about this terrible disease at the link below for Diabetes. It contains useful information that will help all with this terrible disease.

Jack Krohn has had Diabetes, Pre-diabetes and Syndrome X for nearly fifteen years. He speaks from the experiences he has had during that time. He is also a free lance writer-the #1 author of Home Security Articles in the country according to EzineArticles.

The Prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes

The origin of type 2 diabetes is unknown at this time, but factors contributing to it's appearance are tied to diet, activity and hereditary tendencies. It may well be that a person is genetically disposed to developing type 2 diabetes. This type is more of a problem than type 1, but is somewhat easier to treat due to the non-dependency on insulin. However, as age increases, the production of natural insulin decreases and the condition moves into type 1 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes is widespread in the developed world with an increasing rate of occurrence in other countries and regions of the world. It is so prevalent that the CDC (Center for Disease Control) has declared the increase an epidemic.

The onset of type 2 diabetes usually occurs in middle age and later stages of life. Noticeable symptoms include failure of wounds to heal, renal (kidney) failure, blindness and coronary heart disease in severe cases. For this reason, type 2 diabetes is somewhat more serious in nature although there is an equal rate of mortality in both types.

Diabetes type 2 is both progressive and chronic with no known cure. Treatment of this condition has a dual purpose:

1. To reduce the mortality possibilities and stem the morbidity of the disease.

2. Sustain the quality of the patient's life.

Dietary management has a key role in not only preventing the onset of diabetes, but also managing it after it has manifested. Caloric content is found to be not so major a factor as what types of foods are taken in. After exhaustive studies, it was discovered that vegan diets and some natural spices (strangely enough, those found in apple pie) are beneficial.

While the origins of both types of diabetes are unknown, there are factors that contribute to the onset. These include, but are not limited to, morbid obesity, consumption of greasy or sugary foods, lack of activity and a general lackadaisical attitude toward ones health.

Type 2 diabetes is known to be responsible for numerous maladies like heart attacks, strokes, blindness and paralysis. The health of the patient takes a noted downturn when diabetes rears it's ugly head.

Developing type 2 diabetes is not the end of the world, but speed is of the essence in diagnosis and treatment.
If you notice any symptoms that you think may be diabetes related, consult a physician immediately.

Gymnema Sylvestre, Sugar Metabolism And Diabetes

Gurmar is a common name of Gymnema sylvestre, meaning 'sugar destroyer'. Studies show that Gymnema sylvestre not only reduces the taste of sweetness, but also reduces sugar absorption from the gut into the body.

Gymnema Sylvestre And Diabetes

Anything which can help the body to produce more of its own insulin is to be welcomed. In studies, Gymnema has been identified as a herb which can certainly assist in the management of diabetes.

Gymnema has several properties which lends it to helping blood sugar management. It:

- Reduces sugar absorbed from food in the intestines

- Stimulates insulin production

- It appears to build pancreatic beta cells, which produce insulin

- Finally, taking Gymnema drops on the tongue dulls the sense of taste for sweet foods.

Some benefits from Gymnema have been reported for Type 1 diabetes, but most research has been done on Type 2 diabetes - the 'maturity onset' type.

K, Kizar-Ahamath B, Shanmugasundaram MR, Shanmugasundaram ERB. Antidiabetic effect of leaf extract from Gymnema sylvestre in non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus patients. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 1990;30(3):295-300.

Healthnotes, a reliable science based herbal assessment website says of Gymnema sylvestre:

"Gymnema sylvestre has been used in India for the treatment of diabetes for over 2,000 years.... The hypoglycaemic (blood sugar-lowering) action of gymnema sylvestre leaves was first documented in the late 1920s. This action is attributed to members of a family of substances called gymnemic acids. Gymnema sylvestre leaves raise insulin levels, according to research in healthy volunteers."

Gymnema is a remarkable herb which can be a huge benefit both to those who truly want to cut down their consumption of sweet foods and those with blood sugar issues. Of course, if on medication you should consult your doctor before taking Gymnema: but if you have 'blood sugar lows' and are not on medication, try Gymnema.

The main treatment for low blood sugar involves a change of diet and getting more exercise: but if you do these things, Gymnema drops are a great help to have in your pocket, and Gymnema capsules can, with benefit, be taken 3 times a day for 3-6 months to help you achieve good improvements.

New Type II Diabetes Diet Drug Not More Effective Than Older Drugs, Researchers Say

Is there an effective type II diabetes diet drug? When we look at questions concerning type II diabetes control, diet, drug, exercise and dietary supplements are all mentioned. There are conventional, complementary and alternative treatments for type II diabetes, all of which may be helpful, but right now, there is no cure, only treatment and control. This article was written in response to questions concerning a new type II diabetes diet drug. Here's what we learned.

In July of 2007, Johns Hopkins University published a systematic review of the comparative safety and effectiveness of drugs used to treat type II diabetes. The researchers wrote, "As newer oral diabetes agents continue to emerge on the market, comparative evidence is urgently required to guide appropriate therapy." After analyzing the data from 216 controlled trials and 2 systematic reviews that addressed the possible risks associated with type II diabetes drugs, the researchers concluded that newer more expensive drugs are not more effective than older drugs, such as Metformin.

The active ingredient in Metformin was originally derived from a plant. Opponents of herbal remedies may want to take that fact into consideration. The French lilac or Galega officinalis in botanical terminology had been used for centuries to reduce the symptoms of type II diabetes. It was first marketed in France in 1979, but did not receive FDA approval until 15 years later. It is sometimes referred to as a diabetes control diet drug, because it is particularly effective when a patient is overweight or obese. The researchers at Johns Hopkins found that most of the newer drugs caused people to gain weight.

Metformin is one of the most commonly prescribed prescription drugs in the United States. But, Actos (pioglitazone) and Avandia (rosiglitazone) are newer and some people automatically think that newer is better. The method of action of these drugs is not completely understood. It is interesting that many health care professionals object to the use of herbal and botanical remedies because their method of action is not understood. Yet, these same doctors do not object to prescribing drugs, even though they may not know how they work.

It is doubtful that anyone would want to take a type II diabetes diet drug that could cause the number of deaths associated with other diet drugs, such as the recalled Ephedra and Fen-fen. Changes in diet and increased exercise may be the safest and most effective treatments for type II diabetes, but energy levels are a problem for many diabetics. That's understandable because the real problem in diabetes is that glucose gets trapped in the bloodstream and cannot enter the cells where it would be converted to energy. Herbs, such as green tea, can help with energy levels.

Diabetic Supplies And Medicare

Medicare and Diabetes

Part A Medicare covers costs like hospital bills, nursing homes and hospices. Most people eligible for Medicare get Part A for no cost.

Part B is concerned with diagnostic and screening tests and medical supplies and equipment. Most people eligible for Medicare have to pay a monthly premium to receive the benefits of Medicare Part B. However in some cases assistance can be given to people that cannot afford the monthly premium.

Screening for diabetes is free under Medicare. You may receive two tests per year for diabetes.

Medicare does not cover things like insulin, syringes, insulin pumps or diabetic medication.

Summary

Medicare is aimed at making some of the essential items for diabetes treatment available at a lower cost. It does not cover all the medication and equipment that you need however so be sure to budget for these items. Insulin and Syringes, for example can be picked up on the Internet at very reasonable prices.

Diabetes-Ignorance is Not Bliss

The survey also showed that nearly 80 percent of U.S. adults don't know the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Type 1 Diabetes develops when the body's immune system destroys pancreatic beta cells, the only cells that make insulin, a hormone that regulates blood glucose. About 1 million Americans with type 1 diabetes are insulin dependent for survival.

Only half (fifty-one percent) of the survey respondents knew there were two types of diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is non-insulin-dependent diabetes. It appears mostly in older adults, but it's on the rise in younger adults due to the exploding obesity rate in the United States. Type 2 diabetes accounts for 90-95% of all diabetes cases in the U.S.

This is particularly disturbing in light of the fact that 90 % of type 2 diabetes can be prevented or reversed but can only happen if people have the knowledge of how to do it.

In the information age it seems appalling to me that so many people are ignorant of this disease which ruins so many lives not only in the United States but throughout the world.

Particularly in the case of diabetes, knowledge is the key to controlling the disease and prevention and reversing the disease as well. The drug companies and medical community needs to step up and do a better job of educating our misinformed public.

Find out more about this terrible disease at the link below for Diabetes. It contains useful information that will help all with this terrible disease.

Jack Krohn has had Diabetes, Pre-diabetes and Syndrome X for nearly fifteen years. He speaks from the experiences he has had during that time. He is also a free lance writer-the #1 author of Home Security Articles in the country according to EzineArticles.

The Importance Of Good Pre-Diabetes Information

Type II diabetes has now reached epidemic proportions according to the Center for Disease Control and that means that there are literally million of people walking around today not just with type II diabetes but, more importantly, with as yet undiagnosed diabetes or diabetes which is in its early stages of development.

This early stage type II diabetes, during which blood sugar levels are elevated but not raised sufficiently to warrant a diagnosis of diabetes, is known as pre-diabetes and, although it may not appear to be of serious concern, studies show that, even at this early stage, permanent long-term damage is being done, especially to the circulatory system and to the heart. Pre-diabetes currently affects over 50 million Americans.

Testing is a fairly simple process using one of two standard tests – a fasting plasma glucose test or an oral glucose tolerance test. These tests will indicate whether your blood glucose levels are normal, pre-diabetic or diabetic.

The good news is that, if your test reveals that you are pre-diabetic then bringing your blood glucose levels back down to normal and returning your body to a good state of health and forestalling the onset of diabetes is generally quite simple.

Although medication can be used to correct pre-diabetes, tests have shown that a simple program of diet and exercise, combined if necessary with a relatively modest weight loss, can often return blood glucose levels to normal quite quickly and, as long as you maintain a healthy diet and an exercise program, there is no reason at all why your blood glucose level should not remain at normal levels for a considerable period of time. This does not of course mean that you will eliminate the risk of developing type II diabetes altogether, but it does mean that you can delay its onset and prevent early and irreparable damage to your circulatory system and heart.

When we talk about a program of weight loss and exercise here we are not talking about anything too drastic and a reduction in weight of as little as 5% to 10% and a light exercise program of say 30 minutes of brisk walking 5 times a week can be sufficient.

Pre-diabetes is a serious problem which is both easy to detect and simple to treat. All that we are really lacking at the moment is sufficient publicly available pre-diabetic information.