Charcot Foot disease is a little known complication that can affect anyone who has diabetes. This condition also occurs in non-diabetic patients too, but diabetics can be more prone to this disease due to a diabetic complication known as neuropathy (nerve damage) Nerve damage can stop someone from feeling pain, so the foot can get injured without the person being aware that something is wrong.
The Charcot Foot condition is a very serious condition. Joints and bones can literally be crushed without being known to the sufferer. Imagine breaking your foot and not knowing that it’s broken due to no pain being felt. As time wears on, those broken bones (and sometimes joints) can suffer irreparable damage, with the person walking on the foot normally instead of the foot being in a cast and trying to heal.
Once this damage happens the foot can become misshapen, become dislocated, warm to the touch, and the arch of the foot can literally collapse. The Charcot condition is often called a “silent” disease since a sufferer might not know there is a problem until massive damage has occurred.
Treatment for this condition, traditionally has been to apply a cast so the fractures and dislocations can heal. The foot would be immobilized for a long period of time (often a year or more). Surgery, although done in some cases is ruled out for many patients due to an increased risk of the foot not healing properly.
Some patients must wear a special brace on their foot/leg in order to be able to walk with the Charcot condition present. It’s extremely important for the foot to stay as stable as possible in order to avoid future additional damage such as ulcers, infection and amputation.
A Charcot Foot (also called a Charcot Fracture) can bring devastating changes to a person’s life. Day-to-day activities can be limited and the person might find themselves immobilized for long periods of time, sometimes having to use a wheelchair to get around. Often people can go back to work after treatment with limitations and/or corrective shoes/braces.
About The Author
Belver Ladson has been a diabetes educator for the past ten years and has strived to help people with diabetes live long, fulfilling lives. Belver's life goal is to help others see the goodness in life and to let them know that hope is always present. Belver can be reached at http://www.dfandiabetes.com.
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
Thursday, June 22, 2006
Brand-new diabetes advice
We've known forever that a lowfat diet can protect against cardiovascular disease--now there's evidence suggesting that it fights diabetes too.
Researchers at the University of California, San Diego, found that overdoing it on fatty foods appears to suppress the action of GnT-4a, the single gene that controls the production of the hormone insulin, which keeps blood sugar (glucose) levels in check.
Consistently elevated glucose is the hallmark of diabetes. "The results of the study, which was done on mice, have the potential to explain how diet influences the development of type II diabetes in people," says study author Jamey Marth, Ph.D. Scientists are now trying to find out why the gene fails--and how to correct it.
But you don't have to wait to take action: Trimming the fat out of your diet is an overall healthy move.--S.R.
Researchers at the University of California, San Diego, found that overdoing it on fatty foods appears to suppress the action of GnT-4a, the single gene that controls the production of the hormone insulin, which keeps blood sugar (glucose) levels in check.
Consistently elevated glucose is the hallmark of diabetes. "The results of the study, which was done on mice, have the potential to explain how diet influences the development of type II diabetes in people," says study author Jamey Marth, Ph.D. Scientists are now trying to find out why the gene fails--and how to correct it.
But you don't have to wait to take action: Trimming the fat out of your diet is an overall healthy move.--S.R.
Monday, June 19, 2006
10 Things You Can Eat That Can Make You Clever
Certain Foods Can Help Keep The Brain Healthy and Active.
Solving crossword puzzles and sudokus may help to keep the brain alive, but they are not the whole answer. So, what will protect the brain from ageing?You have to eat the right foods. We’ve all been told by our parents to eat fish because that is brain food. Our parents were not wrong, but eating certain fish is better for the brain than any old fish.
Another advantage to eating food that is good for the brain is that it is also good for the heart.
Besides fish, what else should be eaten that will protect the delicate nerve cells and blood-vessels from the damage that often goes hand in hand with ageing?Why not include the foods listed below in your daily diet?Fish – What Fish?· Herring, Sardines and Salmon are all oily fishes. The oil we get from these fishes is full of omega 3 fatty acids. Therefore, the more omega 3 there is in the blood the higher the level of serotonin. Serotonin is a mood enhancer. It can give you that feel-good feeling.
In a test run by the Rush Institute for healthy ageing in Chicago, USA it was found that people who had a fish meal even only once a week are less likely to suffer with Alzheimer’s Disease than those who don’t eat fish.
Eat Your Vegetables· Homocysteines are chemicals that are a normal part of protein metabolism. But too much homocysteine is not good for you. It brings on Dementia and also increases heart disease.
How can you keep homocysteines at a reasonable level? By eating dark-green vegetables for example Broccoli and Curly Kale.
Fruit Can Also Be Good For You and Your Brain· Sweet wild blueberries are full of anti-oxidants. Anti-oxidants are the good guys that get rid of the free radicals in the body. How do these free radicals get into the body? You don’t have to be a smoker to inhale passive nicotine. If you walk in the street, cars, buses and motorbikes are giving off petrol or diesel fumes. And as you breathe in, you are breathing in pollutants that are not good for your health.
There are some chemicals in blueberries that help keep the arteries in good condition; this in turn can prevent high blood pressure.
If blueberries are difficult to buy at your local greengrocers, most supermarkets stock tinned blueberries.
Popeye Sort of Had The Right Idea· While Popeye took spinach to give him bulging muscles so he could get the better of his enemies, we should take spinach to improve the functioning of our brains. It makes sense, as the brain is also a muscle.
A salad with spinach has more than three times the folate as a salad with lettuce.
Brown Rice Is Better Than White Rice· Switch to brown rice instead of white. This will improve your intake of nutrients. Brown rice is filled with vitamins and magnesium, which seem to play a large part in improving the brain’s function.
Whole grains contain Vitamin B6, which aids in reducing homocysteine levels. People often don’t have enough Vitamin B6, this is because they usually eat processed food.
Red Wine or Grape Juice Which Is Best?· Drinking red wine in moderation is good for you, it increases longevity, yet what’s good about it, seeing as it slows down the functioning of the brain?Grape Juice is the better choice than red wine. It has an abundance of anti-oxidants. In fact, it has more anti-oxidants than any other fruit, vegetable or juice.
Now Popeye’s Girl Friend Olive Oil· Olive Oil the main ingredient of the Mediterranean Diet is good for your heart.
So, go with Popeye and Olive Oil and enjoy a healthy heart.
Hot Cocoa Is More Than Just A Good Night Drink· It has been found that two tablespoons of cocoa powder is almost twice as strong as red wine, two to three times stronger than green tea and four to five times stronger than black tea.
The anti-oxidants in hot cocoa protect the brain cells from oxidative stress that can lead to Alzheimer’s and other disorders.
Garlic Is Good For More Than Scaring Off Vampires· Garlic also has Anti-Oxidant properties. However, it also contains Anti-Bacterial and Anti-Viral compounds that help shake off stress induced colds and infections.
Raw crushed garlic is best, but although cooked garlic is less powerful, it still is good for the heart.
Nuts To You· Almonds and Walnuts are full of Anti-Oxidants. They have been found to lower blood cholesterol levels because of their monounsaturated fat content. This means they don’t make you put on weight. Walnuts are rich in omega 3’s.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Eva Moffat has helped many people with their Weight Loss problems over the years. Now it is your turn to be helped. For more of Eva’s practical help, visit Eva’s Weight Loss Sitehttp://www.weight-loss-4-you.com
Solving crossword puzzles and sudokus may help to keep the brain alive, but they are not the whole answer. So, what will protect the brain from ageing?You have to eat the right foods. We’ve all been told by our parents to eat fish because that is brain food. Our parents were not wrong, but eating certain fish is better for the brain than any old fish.
Another advantage to eating food that is good for the brain is that it is also good for the heart.
Besides fish, what else should be eaten that will protect the delicate nerve cells and blood-vessels from the damage that often goes hand in hand with ageing?Why not include the foods listed below in your daily diet?Fish – What Fish?· Herring, Sardines and Salmon are all oily fishes. The oil we get from these fishes is full of omega 3 fatty acids. Therefore, the more omega 3 there is in the blood the higher the level of serotonin. Serotonin is a mood enhancer. It can give you that feel-good feeling.
In a test run by the Rush Institute for healthy ageing in Chicago, USA it was found that people who had a fish meal even only once a week are less likely to suffer with Alzheimer’s Disease than those who don’t eat fish.
Eat Your Vegetables· Homocysteines are chemicals that are a normal part of protein metabolism. But too much homocysteine is not good for you. It brings on Dementia and also increases heart disease.
How can you keep homocysteines at a reasonable level? By eating dark-green vegetables for example Broccoli and Curly Kale.
Fruit Can Also Be Good For You and Your Brain· Sweet wild blueberries are full of anti-oxidants. Anti-oxidants are the good guys that get rid of the free radicals in the body. How do these free radicals get into the body? You don’t have to be a smoker to inhale passive nicotine. If you walk in the street, cars, buses and motorbikes are giving off petrol or diesel fumes. And as you breathe in, you are breathing in pollutants that are not good for your health.
There are some chemicals in blueberries that help keep the arteries in good condition; this in turn can prevent high blood pressure.
If blueberries are difficult to buy at your local greengrocers, most supermarkets stock tinned blueberries.
Popeye Sort of Had The Right Idea· While Popeye took spinach to give him bulging muscles so he could get the better of his enemies, we should take spinach to improve the functioning of our brains. It makes sense, as the brain is also a muscle.
A salad with spinach has more than three times the folate as a salad with lettuce.
Brown Rice Is Better Than White Rice· Switch to brown rice instead of white. This will improve your intake of nutrients. Brown rice is filled with vitamins and magnesium, which seem to play a large part in improving the brain’s function.
Whole grains contain Vitamin B6, which aids in reducing homocysteine levels. People often don’t have enough Vitamin B6, this is because they usually eat processed food.
Red Wine or Grape Juice Which Is Best?· Drinking red wine in moderation is good for you, it increases longevity, yet what’s good about it, seeing as it slows down the functioning of the brain?Grape Juice is the better choice than red wine. It has an abundance of anti-oxidants. In fact, it has more anti-oxidants than any other fruit, vegetable or juice.
Now Popeye’s Girl Friend Olive Oil· Olive Oil the main ingredient of the Mediterranean Diet is good for your heart.
So, go with Popeye and Olive Oil and enjoy a healthy heart.
Hot Cocoa Is More Than Just A Good Night Drink· It has been found that two tablespoons of cocoa powder is almost twice as strong as red wine, two to three times stronger than green tea and four to five times stronger than black tea.
The anti-oxidants in hot cocoa protect the brain cells from oxidative stress that can lead to Alzheimer’s and other disorders.
Garlic Is Good For More Than Scaring Off Vampires· Garlic also has Anti-Oxidant properties. However, it also contains Anti-Bacterial and Anti-Viral compounds that help shake off stress induced colds and infections.
Raw crushed garlic is best, but although cooked garlic is less powerful, it still is good for the heart.
Nuts To You· Almonds and Walnuts are full of Anti-Oxidants. They have been found to lower blood cholesterol levels because of their monounsaturated fat content. This means they don’t make you put on weight. Walnuts are rich in omega 3’s.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Eva Moffat has helped many people with their Weight Loss problems over the years. Now it is your turn to be helped. For more of Eva’s practical help, visit Eva’s Weight Loss Sitehttp://www.weight-loss-4-you.com
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
A Natural Herbal Remedy Could Be Your Answer
Natural herbal remedies are drawing the attention of many traditionalmedical practitioners to rapidly recognize the ability of the hundredsof thousands of known herbs that have the ability to treat and preventvarious human and animal illnesses, as well as properties that canenhance mental attitude, appearance, and performance.
Many centuries of experimentation by many cultures, for example Indianherbal medicine(Ayurvedic), Chinese herbal medicine, and western herbalmedicine have created many uses for plants either singularly or incompounds, and sometimes animal by products to prevent and treatvarious conditions and illnesses.
A natural remedy can be anything from tea, to complex preparations ofherbal compounds used in hospitals and clinics. These formulas come inmany forms such as capsules, pills,ointments, and gels.
You may be using some of the common herbs as a food in your home such as:
Garlic--natural antibiotic and helps reduce cholesterol
Cinnamon--lowers blood sugar, cholesterol, and triglycerides
Ginger--prevents motion sickness and lowers risk of blood clots
Chamomile Tea--calms nerves and help relieve digestive problems
Peppermint--Treats many digestion and gastrointestinal problems
These common herbs may be mixed with other proven natural products to achieve a particular result.
Traditional medicine is very useful for diagnosis, emergencies, traumaand surgery, but often does not cut it for preventing disease fromoccurring.
The time and wait needed to visit a doctor to get a prescription, andthe ever growing cost of medicine is allowing an opportunity for manypeople to try to get help from natural products.
Many traditional medicines are showing many adverse side effects.Natural, is not necessarily safe, and may have unwanted side effectsjust as with conventional medicines, however a large ever growingnumber of the population has been using herbals, vitamins, minerals,and amino acids for many years with very favorable results and noadverse effects.
Natural herbal products are now available for use by adults, children,and pets to remedy countless conditions from Angina and Arthritis, toskin care remedies, thyroid treatment, urinary tract infection and anunlimited number of other disorders. Many new products have been compounded to remedy conditions other then disease, such as smoking cessation, removing unwanted hair, eliminating wrinkles and many other conditions.One of the many natural herbal remedies could be your answer.
For quality information, and natural herbal remedies that are produced under pharmaceutical conditions to ensure the highest degree of potency and consistency. http://www.aa1info.com
Article Source: ArticleWorld.net
Many centuries of experimentation by many cultures, for example Indianherbal medicine(Ayurvedic), Chinese herbal medicine, and western herbalmedicine have created many uses for plants either singularly or incompounds, and sometimes animal by products to prevent and treatvarious conditions and illnesses.
A natural remedy can be anything from tea, to complex preparations ofherbal compounds used in hospitals and clinics. These formulas come inmany forms such as capsules, pills,ointments, and gels.
You may be using some of the common herbs as a food in your home such as:
Garlic--natural antibiotic and helps reduce cholesterol
Cinnamon--lowers blood sugar, cholesterol, and triglycerides
Ginger--prevents motion sickness and lowers risk of blood clots
Chamomile Tea--calms nerves and help relieve digestive problems
Peppermint--Treats many digestion and gastrointestinal problems
These common herbs may be mixed with other proven natural products to achieve a particular result.
Traditional medicine is very useful for diagnosis, emergencies, traumaand surgery, but often does not cut it for preventing disease fromoccurring.
The time and wait needed to visit a doctor to get a prescription, andthe ever growing cost of medicine is allowing an opportunity for manypeople to try to get help from natural products.
Many traditional medicines are showing many adverse side effects.Natural, is not necessarily safe, and may have unwanted side effectsjust as with conventional medicines, however a large ever growingnumber of the population has been using herbals, vitamins, minerals,and amino acids for many years with very favorable results and noadverse effects.
Natural herbal products are now available for use by adults, children,and pets to remedy countless conditions from Angina and Arthritis, toskin care remedies, thyroid treatment, urinary tract infection and anunlimited number of other disorders. Many new products have been compounded to remedy conditions other then disease, such as smoking cessation, removing unwanted hair, eliminating wrinkles and many other conditions.One of the many natural herbal remedies could be your answer.
For quality information, and natural herbal remedies that are produced under pharmaceutical conditions to ensure the highest degree of potency and consistency. http://www.aa1info.com
Article Source: ArticleWorld.net
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
Diagnosis of Diabetes
Find Out if You Have Diabetes
There are 3 ways to know if you have diabetes:
If you have symptoms of diabetes and a plasma glucose level equal or greater than 200 mg/dl (11.1 mmol/l) in a sample taken at any time of day.
If the measurement of your blood glucose levels after an overnight fast (12 hours), which is called Fasting Blood Glucose Test shows a value equal or greater than 126 mg/dl (7.0 mmol/l). Normal fasting glucose levels range between 70-110 mg/dL.
If the measurement of the ability of your body to handle excess sugar properly after drinking a drink with glucose shows a 2-hour plasma glucose value equal or greater than 200 mg/dl (11.1 mmol/l).
In this test, know as the Oral Glucose Tolerance Test a blood sample is taken and you will be given a beverage containing 75 grams of glucose or 100 grams for pregnant women.
Then, your blood glucose levels will be tested again at 30 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours and, for pregnant women, 3 hours after drinking the beverage with glucose.
If you have diabetes, your blood glucose levels will be higher than normal after drinking the glucose beverage and they come down to normal levels much slower than in people without diabetes.
Gestational Diabetes
A woman has gestational diabetes when she has any two of the following values after the Glucose Tolerance Test:
A fasting glucose level higher than 105 mg/dl,
A 1-hour glucose level higher than 190 mg/dl,
A 2-hour glucose level higher than 165 mg/dl, or
A 3-hour glucose level higher than 145 mg/dl.
Impaired Fasting Glucose
A fasting glucose value equal to or greater than 110 and less than 126 mg/dl, means that you have impaired fasting glucose. This is considered a risk factor for developing diabetes in the future, but is not a positive diagnosis of diabetes.
Impaired Glucose Tolerance
Impaired glucose tolerance occurs when the 2-hour glucose are greater than or equal to 140 but less than 200 mg/dl.
Pre-diabetes
If you show impaired fasting glucose or impaired glucose tolerance it is usually considered that you have pre-diabetes and this is a risk factor for developing diabetes in the future.
There are 3 ways to know if you have diabetes:
If you have symptoms of diabetes and a plasma glucose level equal or greater than 200 mg/dl (11.1 mmol/l) in a sample taken at any time of day.
If the measurement of your blood glucose levels after an overnight fast (12 hours), which is called Fasting Blood Glucose Test shows a value equal or greater than 126 mg/dl (7.0 mmol/l). Normal fasting glucose levels range between 70-110 mg/dL.
If the measurement of the ability of your body to handle excess sugar properly after drinking a drink with glucose shows a 2-hour plasma glucose value equal or greater than 200 mg/dl (11.1 mmol/l).
In this test, know as the Oral Glucose Tolerance Test a blood sample is taken and you will be given a beverage containing 75 grams of glucose or 100 grams for pregnant women.
Then, your blood glucose levels will be tested again at 30 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours and, for pregnant women, 3 hours after drinking the beverage with glucose.
If you have diabetes, your blood glucose levels will be higher than normal after drinking the glucose beverage and they come down to normal levels much slower than in people without diabetes.
Gestational Diabetes
A woman has gestational diabetes when she has any two of the following values after the Glucose Tolerance Test:
A fasting glucose level higher than 105 mg/dl,
A 1-hour glucose level higher than 190 mg/dl,
A 2-hour glucose level higher than 165 mg/dl, or
A 3-hour glucose level higher than 145 mg/dl.
Impaired Fasting Glucose
A fasting glucose value equal to or greater than 110 and less than 126 mg/dl, means that you have impaired fasting glucose. This is considered a risk factor for developing diabetes in the future, but is not a positive diagnosis of diabetes.
Impaired Glucose Tolerance
Impaired glucose tolerance occurs when the 2-hour glucose are greater than or equal to 140 but less than 200 mg/dl.
Pre-diabetes
If you show impaired fasting glucose or impaired glucose tolerance it is usually considered that you have pre-diabetes and this is a risk factor for developing diabetes in the future.
Monday, June 12, 2006
The Effects of Diabetes
Diabetes is being a huge health problem. Many people suffer from diabetes and the other medical side effects it cause. An early diagnosis of diabetes can help a person to avoid serious related diseases. The earlier diabetes is caught the easy it is for doctors to monitor the patients overall health, thus preventing any further medical problems.
Diabetes is when the pancreas does not function properly and glucose levels fall outside the normal range. A normal glucose reading is lower than 110 mg/dL upon waking in the morning and lower than 140 mg/dL two hours after eating. There are simple blood tests that are used to diagnose diabetes. Once diagnosed a person will work with their doctor to determine a treatment. Treatments can include diet changes, pills, or injections. Any history, family history and people in certain ethnic groups may be at elevated risk for developing diabetes. There are different types of diabetes. Some start in childhood, some start in adulthood and another form occurs during pregnancy. All can cause harmful effects on the body if not taken care of.
Long term effects of diabetes are usually due to a patient letting their glucose levels remain elevated for long periods of time. That is why early detection is important. Excess blood sugar levels have a horrible effect on the body. Some common effects from diabetes include vision problems, kidney damage, nerve damage, heart and circulation problems. A person with diabetes is at a higher risk for these types of conditions, but a person who does not control their diabetes is even more likely to develop one of these conditions.
Diabetes is a disease that does not have a cure. Diagnosing and treating diabetes have evolved into easier processes. A person with diabetes can normally live life as they did before their diagnosis. Living with diabetes is a matter of taking control over the disease and preventing complications.
About the author: Stephen Kreutzer is a freelance publisher based in Cupertino, California. He publishes articles and reports in various ezines and provides diabetes resources on Diabetes Aid.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Stephen_Kreutzer
Diabetes is when the pancreas does not function properly and glucose levels fall outside the normal range. A normal glucose reading is lower than 110 mg/dL upon waking in the morning and lower than 140 mg/dL two hours after eating. There are simple blood tests that are used to diagnose diabetes. Once diagnosed a person will work with their doctor to determine a treatment. Treatments can include diet changes, pills, or injections. Any history, family history and people in certain ethnic groups may be at elevated risk for developing diabetes. There are different types of diabetes. Some start in childhood, some start in adulthood and another form occurs during pregnancy. All can cause harmful effects on the body if not taken care of.
Long term effects of diabetes are usually due to a patient letting their glucose levels remain elevated for long periods of time. That is why early detection is important. Excess blood sugar levels have a horrible effect on the body. Some common effects from diabetes include vision problems, kidney damage, nerve damage, heart and circulation problems. A person with diabetes is at a higher risk for these types of conditions, but a person who does not control their diabetes is even more likely to develop one of these conditions.
Diabetes is a disease that does not have a cure. Diagnosing and treating diabetes have evolved into easier processes. A person with diabetes can normally live life as they did before their diagnosis. Living with diabetes is a matter of taking control over the disease and preventing complications.
About the author: Stephen Kreutzer is a freelance publisher based in Cupertino, California. He publishes articles and reports in various ezines and provides diabetes resources on Diabetes Aid.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Stephen_Kreutzer
Sunday, June 11, 2006
Herbal Formula Replaces Conventional Medicine For Diabetics
Diabetes has afflicted my life physically, emotionally and spiritually for the last sixteen years of my life. My wife of twelve years and daughter has had to live with an abnormal functioning husband and father. As the years went by as a diabetic, it became more and more difficult to control my blood sugar levels. My diet had to consist of a lot of calories because I have a fast metabolism and twenty pounds underweight. The increasing periods of uncontrolled blood sugar interfered with my thought processes at work and especially with my family.
The most detrimental effect of high blood sugar happened when I had to be hospitalized during the birth of my only daughter. My wife was hurt because it appeared that I purposely used the excuse of diabetes to not want to be with her for my daughter’s birth. It seemed I could never get close to anyone because I was living in a world of dysfunctional blood sugar all the time. I woke up in the morning with high blood sugar and grouchy. During the day it was a guessing game to keep my blood sugar at a normal level. I was always just getting by with life and never fully enjoying anything, not even a close relationship with God.
As the years went by, I became desperate and would buy a lot of products to help me try to manage my disease with no results. I could not afford health insurance and Doctor’s visits. This would always get me into trouble with my wife because we would fight about me not trusting God for the answer and wasting money. The people that would sell me products were out to take my money and take up too much of my personal time which took me away from my family.
One late evening after work, I vented my frustrations on a forum for diabetics. A response came back from Dr. Joseph Khoo from Singapore. Dr. Khoo approached me as a brother in Christ and offered me an herbal formula called Combetic on the honor system. I began taking Combetic with Dr. Khoo calling me on the phone everyday to make sure I was safely controlling my blood sugar. Having a new friend caring about me meant more to me than the remedy of my condition. After three days on Combetic, we had results and my hope grew by each passing week. I continued to decrease my insulin and I became an easier husband and father to live with. I could think better and I felt as though a fog had lifted off of me. My wife and I thanked God she had a husband to love. Dr. Khoo needed distributors for Combetic so we agreed to help as a team. Dr. Khoo visited us a few months later and we formed a corporation to market Combetic called Third Day Resources. We are now a growing team to help diabetics get freedom from the imprisonment diabetes causes. Diabetics can now go to: http://www.thirddayresources.com to get informed about diabetes and order Combetic. Dr. Khoo and professional staff offers free consultation in order to provide safe effective advice for every diabetic needing freedom from the “prison” of high blood sugar so they can get back to their lives and their families.
About The Author
Robin Roberts is President of Third Day Resources with a B.S. in Recreation and an eleven year career working with the disabled. Robin enjoys his family living in Eastern Tennessee by the Smokey Mountains.
The most detrimental effect of high blood sugar happened when I had to be hospitalized during the birth of my only daughter. My wife was hurt because it appeared that I purposely used the excuse of diabetes to not want to be with her for my daughter’s birth. It seemed I could never get close to anyone because I was living in a world of dysfunctional blood sugar all the time. I woke up in the morning with high blood sugar and grouchy. During the day it was a guessing game to keep my blood sugar at a normal level. I was always just getting by with life and never fully enjoying anything, not even a close relationship with God.
As the years went by, I became desperate and would buy a lot of products to help me try to manage my disease with no results. I could not afford health insurance and Doctor’s visits. This would always get me into trouble with my wife because we would fight about me not trusting God for the answer and wasting money. The people that would sell me products were out to take my money and take up too much of my personal time which took me away from my family.
One late evening after work, I vented my frustrations on a forum for diabetics. A response came back from Dr. Joseph Khoo from Singapore. Dr. Khoo approached me as a brother in Christ and offered me an herbal formula called Combetic on the honor system. I began taking Combetic with Dr. Khoo calling me on the phone everyday to make sure I was safely controlling my blood sugar. Having a new friend caring about me meant more to me than the remedy of my condition. After three days on Combetic, we had results and my hope grew by each passing week. I continued to decrease my insulin and I became an easier husband and father to live with. I could think better and I felt as though a fog had lifted off of me. My wife and I thanked God she had a husband to love. Dr. Khoo needed distributors for Combetic so we agreed to help as a team. Dr. Khoo visited us a few months later and we formed a corporation to market Combetic called Third Day Resources. We are now a growing team to help diabetics get freedom from the imprisonment diabetes causes. Diabetics can now go to: http://www.thirddayresources.com to get informed about diabetes and order Combetic. Dr. Khoo and professional staff offers free consultation in order to provide safe effective advice for every diabetic needing freedom from the “prison” of high blood sugar so they can get back to their lives and their families.
About The Author
Robin Roberts is President of Third Day Resources with a B.S. in Recreation and an eleven year career working with the disabled. Robin enjoys his family living in Eastern Tennessee by the Smokey Mountains.
Friday, June 09, 2006
Diabetes Facts and Statistics
What is it?
Diabetes is a disease where the body cannot properly produce or use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that turns the foods you eat into energy. If your body cannot turn food into energy, not only will your cells be starved for energy, you will also build up glucose (sugar) in your blood. This will lead you to have "high blood glucose levels." Over years, the high blood glucose level can damage major organs like your heart, eyes, and kidneys.
Statistics:
According to the American Diabetes Association, there are 18.2 million people in the United States with Diabetes. That's 6.3% of the population.
Diabetes is found in both men and women over the age of 20. About one-third of Diabetics do not know that they have it.
African Americans are 1.6 times more likely to have diabetes than Whites.
Latinos are 1.5 times more likely to have diabetes than Whites.
Type 1 is most often found in children, with the peak incidence at puberty.
Type 2 is generally found in adults, however an alarmingly growing number of children are now diagnosed with type 2 Diabetes. One of the main causes is overweight.
Types:
Type 1 Diabetes is caused by a total lack of insulin that, in turn, produces high blood glucose levels. Type 1 is most often is seen in children, but can develop in adults. If you have Type 1, your health care provider might recommend scheduled, nutritious meals, exercise, medication, and frequent blood sugar level tests.
Type 2 Diabetes occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin or cannot properly use insulin. This is the most common type. The treatment may be similar to Type 1.
Pre Diabetes or Borderline Diabetes may occur before a Type 2 diagnosis. Blood glucose levels will be higher than normal. Good nutrition and exercise may be recommended by your health care provider as treatment for pre diabetes. Even a slightly high blood sugar level is insidious and could affect major organs over time.
Gestational Diabetes occurs in pregnant women that have high blood glucose levels. This type of Diabetes can harm both Mother and baby. If you have Gestational Diabetes, your health care provider may prescribe meal plans, exercise, daily testing and medicine.
Symptoms:
The main symptom of diabetes is the lack of insulin activity or the inability for the body to create insulin. Other symptoms include:
1. increase in urine production
2. blurry vision
3. irritability
4. extreme hunger
5. excessive weight loss
6. increased fatigue
Causes and Risk Factors:
The exact causes of Diabetes are still unknown. However, heredity, obesity and lack of exercise may play a role.
Here are some general risk factors:
1. Your siblings or parents have diabetes.
2. You are more than 20% overweight.
3. You do not exercise.
4. You have had gestational diabetes or you have had a baby over 9 lbs.
5. You have high blood pressure.
6. Your cholesterol level is not normal.
Treatment Options:
According to the American Diabetes Association, people with Diabetes have the same nutritional needs as everyone else. In addition to prescribed medications, well-balanced meals may help you keep your blood glucose level as normal as possible.
Also, just like everyone else, exercise is an important part of staying healthy. Exercising with diabetes does require a few extra safety steps that your health care professional can make you aware of.
Nutritious meals, an exercise routine, along with the help of your doctor may aid you in controlling your Diabetes. Diabetes will never truly go away, but with proper nutrition, exercise and prescribed medications, it can be controlled.
Outlook:
There is no cure for Diabetes, but the treatment options are becoming better than they've ever been. Self-monitoring devices for blood glucose levels and administering insulin are the areas that have seen the most improvement.
The following are a list of new treatment options that are currently being researched:
1. Insulin Pump Implants - a permanently implanted pump that will measure blood sugar levels and deliver the exact amount of insulin needed.
2. Insulin Capsule Implant - an insulin capsule that can be implanted to continuously release insulin into the bloodstream.
3. Insulin Inhaler - a rapid-acting insulin that is inhaled into the mouth. Currently in clinical trials.
4. Insulin Pill – Currently, the pill form has only been tested in animals.
5. Continuous Monitoring Device - The GlucoWatch Biographer, a wristwatch-like device, has been approved by the FDA. It is intended as a companion for the fingertip blood test to monitor glucose, in order to ensure accurate results.
6. Islet Cell Transplant – For people with Type 1 Diabetes, helps patients become insulin free for up to 14 months after treatment. Currently in clinical trials.
7. Gene Therapy
8. A Diabetes Vaccine – To prevent or slow the progress of Type 1 Diabetes.
About The Author
Renee Kennedy
Diabetes is a disease where the body cannot properly produce or use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that turns the foods you eat into energy. If your body cannot turn food into energy, not only will your cells be starved for energy, you will also build up glucose (sugar) in your blood. This will lead you to have "high blood glucose levels." Over years, the high blood glucose level can damage major organs like your heart, eyes, and kidneys.
Statistics:
According to the American Diabetes Association, there are 18.2 million people in the United States with Diabetes. That's 6.3% of the population.
Diabetes is found in both men and women over the age of 20. About one-third of Diabetics do not know that they have it.
African Americans are 1.6 times more likely to have diabetes than Whites.
Latinos are 1.5 times more likely to have diabetes than Whites.
Type 1 is most often found in children, with the peak incidence at puberty.
Type 2 is generally found in adults, however an alarmingly growing number of children are now diagnosed with type 2 Diabetes. One of the main causes is overweight.
Types:
Type 1 Diabetes is caused by a total lack of insulin that, in turn, produces high blood glucose levels. Type 1 is most often is seen in children, but can develop in adults. If you have Type 1, your health care provider might recommend scheduled, nutritious meals, exercise, medication, and frequent blood sugar level tests.
Type 2 Diabetes occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin or cannot properly use insulin. This is the most common type. The treatment may be similar to Type 1.
Pre Diabetes or Borderline Diabetes may occur before a Type 2 diagnosis. Blood glucose levels will be higher than normal. Good nutrition and exercise may be recommended by your health care provider as treatment for pre diabetes. Even a slightly high blood sugar level is insidious and could affect major organs over time.
Gestational Diabetes occurs in pregnant women that have high blood glucose levels. This type of Diabetes can harm both Mother and baby. If you have Gestational Diabetes, your health care provider may prescribe meal plans, exercise, daily testing and medicine.
Symptoms:
The main symptom of diabetes is the lack of insulin activity or the inability for the body to create insulin. Other symptoms include:
1. increase in urine production
2. blurry vision
3. irritability
4. extreme hunger
5. excessive weight loss
6. increased fatigue
Causes and Risk Factors:
The exact causes of Diabetes are still unknown. However, heredity, obesity and lack of exercise may play a role.
Here are some general risk factors:
1. Your siblings or parents have diabetes.
2. You are more than 20% overweight.
3. You do not exercise.
4. You have had gestational diabetes or you have had a baby over 9 lbs.
5. You have high blood pressure.
6. Your cholesterol level is not normal.
Treatment Options:
According to the American Diabetes Association, people with Diabetes have the same nutritional needs as everyone else. In addition to prescribed medications, well-balanced meals may help you keep your blood glucose level as normal as possible.
Also, just like everyone else, exercise is an important part of staying healthy. Exercising with diabetes does require a few extra safety steps that your health care professional can make you aware of.
Nutritious meals, an exercise routine, along with the help of your doctor may aid you in controlling your Diabetes. Diabetes will never truly go away, but with proper nutrition, exercise and prescribed medications, it can be controlled.
Outlook:
There is no cure for Diabetes, but the treatment options are becoming better than they've ever been. Self-monitoring devices for blood glucose levels and administering insulin are the areas that have seen the most improvement.
The following are a list of new treatment options that are currently being researched:
1. Insulin Pump Implants - a permanently implanted pump that will measure blood sugar levels and deliver the exact amount of insulin needed.
2. Insulin Capsule Implant - an insulin capsule that can be implanted to continuously release insulin into the bloodstream.
3. Insulin Inhaler - a rapid-acting insulin that is inhaled into the mouth. Currently in clinical trials.
4. Insulin Pill – Currently, the pill form has only been tested in animals.
5. Continuous Monitoring Device - The GlucoWatch Biographer, a wristwatch-like device, has been approved by the FDA. It is intended as a companion for the fingertip blood test to monitor glucose, in order to ensure accurate results.
6. Islet Cell Transplant – For people with Type 1 Diabetes, helps patients become insulin free for up to 14 months after treatment. Currently in clinical trials.
7. Gene Therapy
8. A Diabetes Vaccine – To prevent or slow the progress of Type 1 Diabetes.
About The Author
Renee Kennedy
Could You Have Diabetes And Not Even Know It?
Almost one third of all people with diabetes don't know they have it. The symptoms seem so harmless, like symptoms of just getting older. This article goes into the different types of diabetes and some of the common symptoms of each to help you understand diabetes a little better.
In this article we'll go over the three main types of diabetes. They are Type 1, Type 2, Gestational diabetes.
Type 1 Diabetes
This type of diabetes has also been called insulin-dependent and immune-mediated diabetes. It occurs when your body can't produce insulin. The immune system attacks insulin producing cells in the pancreas. This type of diabetes is usually diagnosed in children and young adults, and was previously known as juvenile diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes increases the risk of other serious complications such as heart disease, nerve damage, blindness, and kidney damage.
Some of the symptoms include increased thirst, increased urination, weight loss even with increased appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fatigue, and absence of menstruation
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is the most common type that fails to be diagnosed. It progress slowly and causes symptoms such as skin infections, poor healing, kidney problems, and vision problems. It is ordinary that neither these complications nor the diabetes is diagnosed after years of mild symptoms.
The problem is usually that people have no severe symptoms and do not seek medical care at all. They just think of the symptoms as simply getting older. For this reason it is important to get regularly tested for diabetes in the most common age group (over 40's). Less commonly a doctor may treat other diseases, without realizing to test for diabetes.
Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes occurs during a woman’s pregnancy. Pregnant women who have never had diabetes before but have high blood sugar levels during pregnancy are said to have it. It affects 4 percent of all women during pregnancy.
Symptoms include Increased thirst Increased urination Weight loss in spite of increased appetite Fatigue Nausea and vomiting Frequent infections including those of the bladder, vagina, and skin Blurred vision.
Gestational diabetes can be missed in pregnancy. It usually starts with mild symptoms that often can be attributed to other things. It’s important to get tested during pregnancy because the high blood sugars from gestational diabetes can do harm to the baby and sometimes lead to other complications.
Even if you’re not pregnant, you should make it a priority to get tested. Many women have gestational diabetes and think about their symptoms as being usual during pregnancy. You never know, maybe it is, but it’s always a good idea to get tested.
If you’re having any of the symptoms for diabetes, it’s important to see your doctor. Even if you think it’s absolutely nothing. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
Article Source: http://www.best-content-articles.com
In this article we'll go over the three main types of diabetes. They are Type 1, Type 2, Gestational diabetes.
Type 1 Diabetes
This type of diabetes has also been called insulin-dependent and immune-mediated diabetes. It occurs when your body can't produce insulin. The immune system attacks insulin producing cells in the pancreas. This type of diabetes is usually diagnosed in children and young adults, and was previously known as juvenile diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes increases the risk of other serious complications such as heart disease, nerve damage, blindness, and kidney damage.
Some of the symptoms include increased thirst, increased urination, weight loss even with increased appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fatigue, and absence of menstruation
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is the most common type that fails to be diagnosed. It progress slowly and causes symptoms such as skin infections, poor healing, kidney problems, and vision problems. It is ordinary that neither these complications nor the diabetes is diagnosed after years of mild symptoms.
The problem is usually that people have no severe symptoms and do not seek medical care at all. They just think of the symptoms as simply getting older. For this reason it is important to get regularly tested for diabetes in the most common age group (over 40's). Less commonly a doctor may treat other diseases, without realizing to test for diabetes.
Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes occurs during a woman’s pregnancy. Pregnant women who have never had diabetes before but have high blood sugar levels during pregnancy are said to have it. It affects 4 percent of all women during pregnancy.
Symptoms include Increased thirst Increased urination Weight loss in spite of increased appetite Fatigue Nausea and vomiting Frequent infections including those of the bladder, vagina, and skin Blurred vision.
Gestational diabetes can be missed in pregnancy. It usually starts with mild symptoms that often can be attributed to other things. It’s important to get tested during pregnancy because the high blood sugars from gestational diabetes can do harm to the baby and sometimes lead to other complications.
Even if you’re not pregnant, you should make it a priority to get tested. Many women have gestational diabetes and think about their symptoms as being usual during pregnancy. You never know, maybe it is, but it’s always a good idea to get tested.
If you’re having any of the symptoms for diabetes, it’s important to see your doctor. Even if you think it’s absolutely nothing. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
Article Source: http://www.best-content-articles.com
Wednesday, June 07, 2006
Five Ways To Control Diabetes
If you have the tendency to inherit diabetes, you must read this and always be aware of the symptoms of the disease.
There are many people, unfortunately, who do not know the signs or symptoms of diabetes. Diabetes is a disease in which blood glucose levels are above normal. Those who suffer from this disease may have problems converting food to energy. In addition, the body will not get enough insulin and the amount of glucose in the blood increases.
In a few years, the high blood glucose may damage nerves and blood vessels leading to complications such as stroke, blindness, heart disease, kidney disease, nerve problems, gum infections, and amputation.
Many people do not find out they have the disease until they suffer from complication, which of course will be too late to cure as the body will already be damaged.
The signs and symptoms can be so mild that some people might not even notice and suspect that they have diabetes. The most common symptoms include blurred vision, unhealed sores, increased thirst and hunger, fatigue, weight loss, and increased urination at night.
Finding out early if you have diabetes is important because treatment can prevent damage to the body. One of the preventions you can take, based on a report of a recent study, is by having the right amount of sleep.
Those who get too much or not enough sleep may increase diabetes risks. Dr. Henry Klar Yaggi from Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut, who lead the study, assumed those who sleep less than 6 hours per night, as well as those who sleep more than 8 hours, were at significantly increased risk for developing diabetes, compared to those who sleep 7 to 8 hours.
What else can you do to beat diabetes and live healthier without being worried about this disease?
Here are things you can do to control your diabetes:
1. Weight Control
- By controlling your weight, you will make your blood glucose levels normal. If you are overweight, it is difficult for your body to make and use insulin properly. Insulin is produced to help the body to use and store the blood glucose. Use the Body Mass Index (BMI), a measure of body weight relative to height, to see whether you are underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese.
2. Physically Active
- You can walk, bike, take the stairs, dance, swim and do other outdoor activities that will keep cholesterol and blood pressure under control. Being extra active while staying indoor can also increase the number of calories you burn, such as walking around while you are talking on the phone, getting up to change the TV channel instead of using the remote control, working in the garden or cleaning up the house.
3. Aerobic
- You might not know this activity can lower your blood glucose and improve your body's ability to use insulin. Doing aerobic for 30 minutes a day, most days of the week, provides many benefits for your health. You can either take an aerobic class.
4. Following A Healthful Meal Plan
- Having a meal plan can have big impact on your blood glucose. You can get sick if the blood glucose goes too high due to eating too much food containing lots of fat and calories. It is better to look at the serving sizes of the food you eat. Take more fruits and vegetables and lessen your salt intake.
5. Taking Diabetes Test
- If you are potential to get diabetes, taking diabetes test is strongly recommended. The doctor will be able to explain about your condition after you have done a fasting blood glucose test or an oral glucose tolerance test. So, the important thing is to control or prevent diabetes by balancing the blood glucose levels. If you can't control them, the possibility of suffering diabetes will be higher.
Author:Riana Lance
There are many people, unfortunately, who do not know the signs or symptoms of diabetes. Diabetes is a disease in which blood glucose levels are above normal. Those who suffer from this disease may have problems converting food to energy. In addition, the body will not get enough insulin and the amount of glucose in the blood increases.
In a few years, the high blood glucose may damage nerves and blood vessels leading to complications such as stroke, blindness, heart disease, kidney disease, nerve problems, gum infections, and amputation.
Many people do not find out they have the disease until they suffer from complication, which of course will be too late to cure as the body will already be damaged.
The signs and symptoms can be so mild that some people might not even notice and suspect that they have diabetes. The most common symptoms include blurred vision, unhealed sores, increased thirst and hunger, fatigue, weight loss, and increased urination at night.
Finding out early if you have diabetes is important because treatment can prevent damage to the body. One of the preventions you can take, based on a report of a recent study, is by having the right amount of sleep.
Those who get too much or not enough sleep may increase diabetes risks. Dr. Henry Klar Yaggi from Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut, who lead the study, assumed those who sleep less than 6 hours per night, as well as those who sleep more than 8 hours, were at significantly increased risk for developing diabetes, compared to those who sleep 7 to 8 hours.
What else can you do to beat diabetes and live healthier without being worried about this disease?
Here are things you can do to control your diabetes:
1. Weight Control
- By controlling your weight, you will make your blood glucose levels normal. If you are overweight, it is difficult for your body to make and use insulin properly. Insulin is produced to help the body to use and store the blood glucose. Use the Body Mass Index (BMI), a measure of body weight relative to height, to see whether you are underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese.
2. Physically Active
- You can walk, bike, take the stairs, dance, swim and do other outdoor activities that will keep cholesterol and blood pressure under control. Being extra active while staying indoor can also increase the number of calories you burn, such as walking around while you are talking on the phone, getting up to change the TV channel instead of using the remote control, working in the garden or cleaning up the house.
3. Aerobic
- You might not know this activity can lower your blood glucose and improve your body's ability to use insulin. Doing aerobic for 30 minutes a day, most days of the week, provides many benefits for your health. You can either take an aerobic class.
4. Following A Healthful Meal Plan
- Having a meal plan can have big impact on your blood glucose. You can get sick if the blood glucose goes too high due to eating too much food containing lots of fat and calories. It is better to look at the serving sizes of the food you eat. Take more fruits and vegetables and lessen your salt intake.
5. Taking Diabetes Test
- If you are potential to get diabetes, taking diabetes test is strongly recommended. The doctor will be able to explain about your condition after you have done a fasting blood glucose test or an oral glucose tolerance test. So, the important thing is to control or prevent diabetes by balancing the blood glucose levels. If you can't control them, the possibility of suffering diabetes will be higher.
Author:Riana Lance
Tuesday, June 06, 2006
The Natural 'Cure' for Diabetics That Work Wonders
A natural cure, sorry - therapy, for diabetics begins by totally eliminating sugar and refined carbohydrates - including honey, alcohol, mashed potatoes, cakes, biscuits and sweets.
The other ingredient is the addition of two special minerals to your diet is also a little known natural treatment for diabetics that your health practitioner probably forgot to tell you about.
Chromium and vanadium – these two minerals improve the action of insulin and in the case of vanadium, actually replace insulin for adult diabetes. The intake should be at around 25 mcg/day. Of course, as with any alternative therapy you should see your health care practitioner - referably one who has heard of these two minerals and is prepared to let you 'try'.
Zinc, B Complex vitamins, copper and glutathione and a high intake of essential fatty acids are also part of a natural cure for diabetics. For your supplements find a high quality source you can trust.
As far as dietary nutrition is concerned, consume a high fiber diet consisting of plenty of complex carbohydrates (vegetables, beans, certain grains such as bran).
Also, an allergy test is very useful for a natural cure for diabetics – particularly for dairy, soy and wheat. If you test positive, take digestive enzymes before meals to help improve your nutrition and to clean up any intestinal damage that is likely to have been caused.
Be patient with this nutritional treatment and have your physician closely monitor your progress. Monitor your blood sugar regularly and you will notice results within several weeks.
Herbs may be used as part of a natural cure for diabetics and include licorice, yarrow, Canadian fleabane and Jerusalem artichoke.
Essential oils including coriander, cinnamon, fennel, dill, cypress, rosemary, pine and ylang-ylang can be helpful. These may be applied by inhaling or absorbed in a bath. If pregnant, consult with a physician before use.
The other ingredient is the addition of two special minerals to your diet is also a little known natural treatment for diabetics that your health practitioner probably forgot to tell you about.
Chromium and vanadium – these two minerals improve the action of insulin and in the case of vanadium, actually replace insulin for adult diabetes. The intake should be at around 25 mcg/day. Of course, as with any alternative therapy you should see your health care practitioner - referably one who has heard of these two minerals and is prepared to let you 'try'.
Zinc, B Complex vitamins, copper and glutathione and a high intake of essential fatty acids are also part of a natural cure for diabetics. For your supplements find a high quality source you can trust.
As far as dietary nutrition is concerned, consume a high fiber diet consisting of plenty of complex carbohydrates (vegetables, beans, certain grains such as bran).
Also, an allergy test is very useful for a natural cure for diabetics – particularly for dairy, soy and wheat. If you test positive, take digestive enzymes before meals to help improve your nutrition and to clean up any intestinal damage that is likely to have been caused.
Be patient with this nutritional treatment and have your physician closely monitor your progress. Monitor your blood sugar regularly and you will notice results within several weeks.
Herbs may be used as part of a natural cure for diabetics and include licorice, yarrow, Canadian fleabane and Jerusalem artichoke.
Essential oils including coriander, cinnamon, fennel, dill, cypress, rosemary, pine and ylang-ylang can be helpful. These may be applied by inhaling or absorbed in a bath. If pregnant, consult with a physician before use.
Monday, June 05, 2006
Diabetes herb as effective as drugs
An herb used in traditional Indian medicine to treat diabetes has been found to lower blood sugar and insulin levels as effectively as prescription drugs, a new Ohio State University study reports.
Researchers gave extracts of the herb Salacia oblonga to 39 healthy adults, and the results are promising. The largest dose--1,000 milligrams (mg)--decreased insulin by 29 percent and blood glucose by 23 percent.
These reductions are similar to the effects of prescription medications for diabetics.
Researchers are now trying to figure out which dose of the herb is most effective and when it should be taken relative to mealtimes. Participants took the extract with meals, but it is thought that it may be more effective if taken prior to eating.
The herbal extract binds to intestinal enzymes that break down carbohydrates. These enzymes--called alpha-glucosidases--turn carbohydrates into glucose, the sugar that circulates throughout the body. If the enzyme binds to the herbal extract rather than to a carbohydrate, then less glucose gets into the bloodstream, resulting in lowered blood glucose and insulin levels.
Lowering blood glucose levels reduces the risk of disease-related complications in people with diabetes, such as kidney disease and nerve and eye damage.
The study appears in the January 2005 issue of the Journal of the American Dietetic Association.
You can search the web by Google Search.
Researchers gave extracts of the herb Salacia oblonga to 39 healthy adults, and the results are promising. The largest dose--1,000 milligrams (mg)--decreased insulin by 29 percent and blood glucose by 23 percent.
These reductions are similar to the effects of prescription medications for diabetics.
Researchers are now trying to figure out which dose of the herb is most effective and when it should be taken relative to mealtimes. Participants took the extract with meals, but it is thought that it may be more effective if taken prior to eating.
The herbal extract binds to intestinal enzymes that break down carbohydrates. These enzymes--called alpha-glucosidases--turn carbohydrates into glucose, the sugar that circulates throughout the body. If the enzyme binds to the herbal extract rather than to a carbohydrate, then less glucose gets into the bloodstream, resulting in lowered blood glucose and insulin levels.
Lowering blood glucose levels reduces the risk of disease-related complications in people with diabetes, such as kidney disease and nerve and eye damage.
The study appears in the January 2005 issue of the Journal of the American Dietetic Association.
You can search the web by Google Search.
Sunday, June 04, 2006
Understanding Diabetes
To manage diabetes, it helps to understand how it affects your body. In healthy people, the body turns food into glucose (blood sugar) to use for energy. Insulin, produced by the pancreas, is the hormone responsible for shuttling glucose into the body's cells where it is either used right away or stored for later use. With diabetes, however, high levels of glucose build up in the blood because either the pancreas doesn't produce enough insulin or the body can't use the insulin it produces. Your treatment will depend on which problem you have.
Diabetes is broken down into three categories: type 1 or type 2 or gestational.
Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body's immune system destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, usually leading to a total halt in insulin production. Insulin shots or the use an insulin pump to keep the blood glucose within normal range is a daily activity. Insulin - stimulates the entry of glucose into fat cells. Glucose is a simple sugar that normally enters the cells of liver, fat and muscle to be stored or converted into energy. Because insulin is one of the "major" hormones, it's also impossible for your body to balance its "minor" hormones until your insulin metabolism is balanced first. Without insulin, blood glucose rises to dangerously high levels, if not treated it can lead to a coma or death. Type 1 most often occurs in children or young adults. Type 1 diabetes is usually referred to as insulin-dependent or juvenile diabetes. Type 1 diabetes often appears suddenly. Knowing the symptoms of diabetes can help you determine what steps to take. Here are some of the symptoms:
High levels of sugar in the blood
High levels of sugar in the urine
Frequent urination
Extreme hunger
Extreme thirst
Extreme weight loss
Weakness and fatigue
Moodiness and irritability
Nausea and vomiting
In type 2, the pancreas produces some insulin, but the body in unable to use it properly. This leads to high levels of glucose in the blood. Because people with type 2 diabetes are often overweight, treatment usually includes weight loss. Until recently, type 2 diabetes was called non-insulin dependent or adult-onset diabetes. Often, type 2 diabetes develops slowly, and symptoms are mild:
Increased thirst
More frequent urination
Edginess, fatigue, and nausea
Increased appetite accompanied by weight loss
Repeated or hard-to-heal infections (for example, skin, gum, vaginal, or bladder)
Blurred vision
Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet
Dry, itchy skin
Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy when blood glucose levels rise above average. After delivery, blood glucose usually returns to normal, though women who have gestational diabetes are at greater risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Gestational diabetes, if left uncontrolled can lead to high blood pressure or a large baby. Most pregnant women are routinely tested for the condition. If you test positive, your doctor and registered dietitian will work closely with you to keep your blood glucose under control.
For anyone with diabetes, it is encouraging to know that the future gets brighter every day for managing the disease. Ongoing research provides people with the most up-to-date information and successful treatment plans possible. Diabetes information along with good diabetes management will help your body to function closer to normal.
To help you feel confident in managing diabetes, you can obtain additional information on what it is, who is at risk, how it's diagnosed, and how it's treated. You can also get information on eating well with diabetes. You can learn the role of food in managing your blood sugar levels. You'll also get the latest nutrition advice; tips for shopping, cooking, and eating out; and the basics of building a meal plan using food exchange tips from the American Diabetes Association and The American Dietetic Association.
by: David Chandler
Diabetes is broken down into three categories: type 1 or type 2 or gestational.
Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body's immune system destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, usually leading to a total halt in insulin production. Insulin shots or the use an insulin pump to keep the blood glucose within normal range is a daily activity. Insulin - stimulates the entry of glucose into fat cells. Glucose is a simple sugar that normally enters the cells of liver, fat and muscle to be stored or converted into energy. Because insulin is one of the "major" hormones, it's also impossible for your body to balance its "minor" hormones until your insulin metabolism is balanced first. Without insulin, blood glucose rises to dangerously high levels, if not treated it can lead to a coma or death. Type 1 most often occurs in children or young adults. Type 1 diabetes is usually referred to as insulin-dependent or juvenile diabetes. Type 1 diabetes often appears suddenly. Knowing the symptoms of diabetes can help you determine what steps to take. Here are some of the symptoms:
High levels of sugar in the blood
High levels of sugar in the urine
Frequent urination
Extreme hunger
Extreme thirst
Extreme weight loss
Weakness and fatigue
Moodiness and irritability
Nausea and vomiting
In type 2, the pancreas produces some insulin, but the body in unable to use it properly. This leads to high levels of glucose in the blood. Because people with type 2 diabetes are often overweight, treatment usually includes weight loss. Until recently, type 2 diabetes was called non-insulin dependent or adult-onset diabetes. Often, type 2 diabetes develops slowly, and symptoms are mild:
Increased thirst
More frequent urination
Edginess, fatigue, and nausea
Increased appetite accompanied by weight loss
Repeated or hard-to-heal infections (for example, skin, gum, vaginal, or bladder)
Blurred vision
Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet
Dry, itchy skin
Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy when blood glucose levels rise above average. After delivery, blood glucose usually returns to normal, though women who have gestational diabetes are at greater risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Gestational diabetes, if left uncontrolled can lead to high blood pressure or a large baby. Most pregnant women are routinely tested for the condition. If you test positive, your doctor and registered dietitian will work closely with you to keep your blood glucose under control.
For anyone with diabetes, it is encouraging to know that the future gets brighter every day for managing the disease. Ongoing research provides people with the most up-to-date information and successful treatment plans possible. Diabetes information along with good diabetes management will help your body to function closer to normal.
To help you feel confident in managing diabetes, you can obtain additional information on what it is, who is at risk, how it's diagnosed, and how it's treated. You can also get information on eating well with diabetes. You can learn the role of food in managing your blood sugar levels. You'll also get the latest nutrition advice; tips for shopping, cooking, and eating out; and the basics of building a meal plan using food exchange tips from the American Diabetes Association and The American Dietetic Association.
by: David Chandler
Thursday, June 01, 2006
Diabetes Herbal Remedy Works Better Than Insulin?
It is another case of a home remedy waiting to be discovered. A new study suggests that a traditional Indian diabetes herb treatment lowers blood sugar and insulin levels as well as today's prescription drugs.
39 healthy adults received extracts of the herb Salacia oblonga with promising results. Insulin and blood glucose levels were lowered by a maximum of 29 and 23 percent, respectively. These reductions occurred when test subjects received the largest dose of the herb extract (1,000 mg).
"These kinds of reductions are similar to what we might see with prescription oral medications for people with diabetes," said Steve Hertzler, a study co-author and an assistant professor of nutrition at Ohio State University.
Salacia oblonga is an herb native to regions of India and Sri Lanka. Researchers found that it can bind to intestinal enzymes that convert carbohydrates into glucose. If the herb binds to these enzymes before the enzymes can turn carbs into glucose, then less glucose sugar enters the bloodstream. Therefore less insulin is required.
"Lowering blood glucose levels lowers the risk of disease-related complications in people with diabetes," Hertzler said. "Also, poor compliance with diabetes medications often hinders the effectiveness of these drugs. It may be easier to get someone to take an herb with food or in a beverage, as opposed to a pill.
"Although this study was performed on healthy adults, the researchers also want to study the effects of the Salacia oblonga herb in diabetic patients.
Hertzler also commented that, "A lot of studies show that lowering blood sugar levels reduces the risk for all kinds of diabetes-related complications, such as kidney disease and nerve and eye damage. We want to see if this herb has this kind of effect.
"The herb caused an intestinal gas side effect. Researchers measured hydrogen and methane levels in the breath of study participants for a two-day period following each test. Additionally, participants rated the frequency and intensity of any nausea, cramps, or gas they experienced.
The studies will continue, but the herb is difficult to find in the U.S. Some online suppliers do exist.
This study was conducted by Ohio State University (OSU), and supported by the Ross Products Division of Abbott Laboratories in Columbus. It was reported in a recent issue of the Journal of the American Dietetic Association, and on the OSU website at http://researchnews.osu.edu/archive/saloblo.htm where the study researchers can be contacted and the full news release can be found.
A seemingly-obscure herb appears to have the same medicinal properties as some of today's most-researched diabetes medicines. Just imagine what other home remedy treasures are waiting to be uncovered.
By: Doug Smith
39 healthy adults received extracts of the herb Salacia oblonga with promising results. Insulin and blood glucose levels were lowered by a maximum of 29 and 23 percent, respectively. These reductions occurred when test subjects received the largest dose of the herb extract (1,000 mg).
"These kinds of reductions are similar to what we might see with prescription oral medications for people with diabetes," said Steve Hertzler, a study co-author and an assistant professor of nutrition at Ohio State University.
Salacia oblonga is an herb native to regions of India and Sri Lanka. Researchers found that it can bind to intestinal enzymes that convert carbohydrates into glucose. If the herb binds to these enzymes before the enzymes can turn carbs into glucose, then less glucose sugar enters the bloodstream. Therefore less insulin is required.
"Lowering blood glucose levels lowers the risk of disease-related complications in people with diabetes," Hertzler said. "Also, poor compliance with diabetes medications often hinders the effectiveness of these drugs. It may be easier to get someone to take an herb with food or in a beverage, as opposed to a pill.
"Although this study was performed on healthy adults, the researchers also want to study the effects of the Salacia oblonga herb in diabetic patients.
Hertzler also commented that, "A lot of studies show that lowering blood sugar levels reduces the risk for all kinds of diabetes-related complications, such as kidney disease and nerve and eye damage. We want to see if this herb has this kind of effect.
"The herb caused an intestinal gas side effect. Researchers measured hydrogen and methane levels in the breath of study participants for a two-day period following each test. Additionally, participants rated the frequency and intensity of any nausea, cramps, or gas they experienced.
The studies will continue, but the herb is difficult to find in the U.S. Some online suppliers do exist.
This study was conducted by Ohio State University (OSU), and supported by the Ross Products Division of Abbott Laboratories in Columbus. It was reported in a recent issue of the Journal of the American Dietetic Association, and on the OSU website at http://researchnews.osu.edu/archive/saloblo.htm where the study researchers can be contacted and the full news release can be found.
A seemingly-obscure herb appears to have the same medicinal properties as some of today's most-researched diabetes medicines. Just imagine what other home remedy treasures are waiting to be uncovered.
By: Doug Smith
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