Diabetes drug can reduce risk of cancer, researchers find

Metformin reduced the development of lung tumors in mice by more than 70%. Clinical trials on humans for lung, breast and prostate cancer are being organized.

September 01, 2010|By Thomas H. Maugh II, Los Angeles Times

A growing body of evidence suggests that the widely used diabetes drug metformin can reduce the risk of cancer, researchers said Wednesday.

A study in mice exposed to tobacco carcinogens shows that the drug can reduce the development of lung tumors by more than 70%, and results from a small clinical trial in Japan suggest it can reduce rates of colorectal tumors in humans. The National Cancer Institute is now organizing a clinical trial to test the drug in people who smoke, and other trials are testing it against breast and prostate cancer.

Diabetes Treatments, Which is Best For You

There are a lot of different ways that a person can treat diabetes. There are just as many different treatments for diabetes as there are people who experience symptoms of the disease. Many diabetics get discouraged when they are forced to search for the best treatment for themselves. If you have trouble treating your disease it will be hard to stay upbeat about it. The good news is that, because there are so many diabetes treatments out there, eventually you and your doctor will figure out what works best for you. In this article we are going to discuss some of the diabetes treatments that might work.

Halt your smoking habits. Even if you hadn't become a diabetic, you already realize how awful smoking is for you. Now that you are struggling with this maddening disease smoking is even worse. Why is this so? You can destroy your blood vessels, by smoking. This makes it really troublesome to deal with your blood sugar levels. It makes it harder for your body to get your diabetes medication to the cells that need it the most. In addition, it causes heart disease, cancer and a range of other health issues. If that isn't awful enough, it leaves you with a really awful odor. Quitting smoking and tobacco use will be hard at first but you will be very glad that you did it. Some people do not like the idea of using synthetic medications to treat their diabetes. Instead, they look for herbal and alternative methods for treating diabetes. If your disease is well maintained through alternative or herbal remedies your doctors probably won't have any problems with your using them. You want to make sure that you check in regularly with your primary doctor so that, if the alternative methods, stop working well you'll still have a way to treat your disease. Whether or not you want to accept it, sometimes western medicine really is best for diabetes treatment.

If you are a drinker, it is very important for you to quit. Alcohol consumption is a major no-no for diabetics. It can be tolerable with high temperance (no more than 20 ounces in a day), however if you have too much trouble keeping track of the amount of alcohol you drink, you are better off to just stop drinking all together. You blood sugar levels can get a bit crazy if you drink alcohol. This makes if tougher for Type 1 diabetics to manage their levels of insulin and tough for Type 2 diabetics to keep watch of their sickness. Plus, the empty calories don't do anybody any good.

Diabetes is a bothersome sickness to have to deal with. It is not uncommon for diabetics to have to handle several unsuccessful remedies prior to find the right treatment that works well for them. It is common for diabetics to have to confront several regimen failures before they find the best treatment method for themselves. Eventually you will find the best diabetes treatment for your body and your lifestyle and everything will get back to normal. Remember: diabetes does not have to completely hinder your life. With some adjustments you can lead a really similar life to the one you had before the illness occurred.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Source: Kathi Caillier is our guest expert on Diabetes And Exercise

Food for Diabetics - Good and Bad Food for Diabetics

If you are diabetic, finding the right balance of food can be hard. This article will cover the different foods you should eat and avoid when you have diabetes.

Food to Avoid

Avoid food high in sugar, honey and artificial sweeteners. Use an alternative sweetener like stevia. Foods High in sugar include sweets and chocolate. If you need the occasional piece of chocolate (like most of us!) then try to eat Continental dark chocolate with at-least 75% cocoa solids.

You should also avoid certain types of vegetables including beans, parsnips, carrots and peas. All these are high in starch.
You should also avoid fruits including banana, grapes, strawberries and mangoes.

Avoid types of grains including pasta, rice, barley, corn, wheat and rye and foods that contain ingredients that end in ol or ose. These are mainly types of carbohydrates.

Foods to Eat

Foods you should eat should be high in fibre. A high fibre diet is very important for diabetics. This includes cereals, nuts, fruits, seeds and certain vegetables. Food with fibre in is good for diabetics as it reduces cholesterol and glucose levels.

You should also eat fruits that include grapefruit, peaches, lime and apples. Eat fruit and vegetables gradually throughout the day so your blood sugar level won't suddenly rise. You can also eat seafood of all types preferably boiled, steamed, baked or grilled - Not fried.

Eat white meats like chicken, fish and duck. Although you can eat lamb or beef once or twice a week. Eggs are fine for diabetics but try to avoid the yolk. Cheeses are also fine apart from cottage cheese.

Certain combinations of vitamins can help to control diabetes.

Diabetic Diet Plan Introduction

When it comes to a healthy diabetic diet plan you will want to take time and talk to your doctors and/or a dietitian for a little help. You may think that it is going to be a lot of hard work and may even think that it is going to be very hard to do. No matter what you may think, there is plenty of help out there for you to get onto the right track of a healthy diabetic diet plan.

One thing that you will want to make sure is that you eat the right kinds of food and make sure to get the proper exercise so that your body is able to work off all the food that you have taken. When planning your meals for the day you may think that there is nothing that you have to eat but in reality that is not true. You do not need to cut out all the food that you have at home. The only thing you need to do is to cut back the proportions that you are taking in.

There are other things that you need to do as far as the diabetic diet plan. You will need to ensure that you are not eating a large amount of fried foods. That is because the grease is not the greatest thing for you or really any one to eat. With the fats in fried foods you will have more of a chance of obtaining heart disease in the future. It is better to have the meat broiled and the vegetables steamed. Beside that, try using herbs and spices, lemon juice, vinegar or salsa in seasoning food. Trim away extra fat from meat before cooking. Lean cuts of meat is the preferable meat for consumption than others.

The above mentioned are just some of the basics guide for a diabetic. So why not get a little advice from your doctor or a dietitian so that you know exactly what you should and should not do.

The Rule of Diabetic Diet
Regardless of the makeup of the diet, eating just enough calories to maintain an ideal weight is the most effective dietary strategy to prevent the onset of diabetes.

Diabetic Ketoacidosis: An Overview

Diabetic ketoacidosis is when you have acids, called ketones that build up in your blood supply, which signals that your diabetes is not under control. Ketones are found in your urine when you are not getting enough insulin into your body.

These acids can be fatal because they poison your body. People who have Type 2 diabetes rarely see this happen, but if you have Type 1 diabetes this is a real problem.

Type 2 diabetics do sometimes experience a similar condition called hyperosmolar nonketotic coma, but it is most common in elderly diabetics. Learning about the symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis is very important for Type 1 diabetics to help prevent a diabetic coma or even death. Here are some of the symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis.

- Urinating more frequently than normal
- Extreme thirst or dry mouth
- High levels of blood glucose
- Increased levels of ketones in the urine

When these symptoms occur, they progress to other symptoms, which are more serious. These symptoms are:

- Feeling tired all of the time
- Breathing difficulties
- Skin that is flushed and dry
- Breath that has a fruity odor
- Confusion and inattention
- Nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain

Nausea is one symptom that can be caused by many things, but if you continue to vomit for longer than two hours, you need to call your physician or go to the emergency room.

Testing for ketones takes a simple urine test using a test strip. Your physician will tell you how often and when you should test your urine for ketones. If you have a cold or the flu, then you should test your urine every four to six hours and when your glucose levels are higher than 240mg/dl. Your physician can advise you on what level of ketones is dangerous for you.

Some of the reasons why your ketones may be elevated are:

- There is not enough insulin in your body. If you do not have enough insulin, you body will start breaking down fat to use as an energy source. This can occur if you do not inject enough insulin or your body is using more than normal due to illness.

- If you miss a meal or are sick and not eating your ketones may become high.

- You are having an insulin reaction. If you have high ketones in the morning this may mean that you had an insulin reaction during the night.

If you have high ketones, you need to see your physician or go to the hospital immediately. Learn the warning signs and check your blood sugar and ketones as directed by your physician.

Diabetic ketoacidosis is not something that you should shrug off. If you have any symptoms of this condition, you need to contact your physician immediately or go to the emergency room. It could be the difference between life and death.

Source: http://www.articlecircle.com/ - Free Articles Directory

Memo to boss: 11-hour days are bad for the heart

LONDON (Reuters) - People working 10 or 11 hours a day are more likely to suffer serious heart problems, including heart attacks, than those clocking off after seven hours, researchers said on Tuesday.

The finding, from an 11-year study of 6,000 British civil servants, does not provide definitive proof that long hours cause coronary heart disease but it does show a clear link, which experts said may be due to stress.

In all, there were 369 cases of death due to heart disease, non-fatal heart attacks and angina among the London-based study group -- and the risk of having an adverse event was 60 percent higher for those who worked three to four hours overtime.

Working an extra one to two hours beyond a normal seven-hour day was not associated with increased risk.

"It seems there might a threshold, so it is not so bad if you work another hour or so more than usual," said Dr Marianna Virtanen, an epidemiologist at the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health and University College London.

The higher incidence of heart problems among those working overtime was independent of a range of other risk factors including smoking, being overweight or having high cholesterol.

But Virtanen said it was possible the lifestyle of people working long hours deteriorated over time, for example as a result of poor diet or increased alcohol consumption.

More fundamentally, long hours may be associated with work-related stress, which interferes with metabolic processes, as well as "sickness presenteeism," whereby employees continue working when they are ill.

Virtanen and colleagues published their findings in the European Heart Journal.

Commenting on the study, Gordon McInnes, professor of clinical pharmacology at the University of Glasgow's Western Infirmary, said the findings could have widespread implications for doctors assessing patients' heart risks.

"If the effect is truly causal, the importance is much greater than commonly recognized. Overtime-induced work stress might contribute to a substantial proportion of cardiovascular disease," he said.

(Editing by Charles Dick)

Increasing Soda Consumption Fuels Rise in Diabetes, Heart Disease

HealthDay Reporter by Ed Edelson
healthday Reporter – 1 hr 16 mins ago
FRIDAY, March 5 (HealthDay News) --Increasing consumption of sugary soft drinks contributed to 130,000 new cases of diabetes, 14,000 new cases of heart disease and 50,000 more life-years burdened with heart disease in the last decade, a new U.S. study finds.


"The finding suggests that any kind of policy that reduces consumption might have a dramatic health benefit," said senior study author Dr. Kirsten Bibbins-Domingo, an associate professor of medicine at the University of California, San Francisco, who was to present the finding Friday during the American Heart Association's Cardiovascular Disease Epidemiology and Prevention annual conference, in San Francisco.


The study used a computer simulation of heart disease that has been applied to other cardiovascular risk factors, such as obesity and dietary salt, Bibbins-Domingo explained. "We probably underestimated the incidence, because the rise is greatest among the young, and our model focuses on adults 35 and older," she said.


One plausible explanation is that the increased incidence of cardiovascular problems is due to a rising incidence of diabetes, Bibbins-Domingo said, while an increase in obesity might also be responsible.


"Whatever the mechanism, large population studies do suggest an effect of drinking large lots of sweetened beverages," she said. "No one argues that these drinks are not fine in moderation, but over the past decade their consumption has been on the rise, while consumption of other beverages has declined."


A statement by Maureen Storey, senior vice president for science policy for the American Beverage Association, noted that the study had not yet been published in a scientific journal, and therefore had not undergone review by outside, qualified scientists.


"What we do know is that both heart disease and diabetes are complex conditions with no single cause and no single solution," Storey said in the statement, which noted that consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages is not listed as a risk factor by the American Heart Association. "Rather, we need to continue to educate Americans about the importance of balancing the calories from the foods and beverages we eat and drink with regular physical activity."


But the study does suggest that any kind of policy that reduces consumption might have a health benefit, Bibbins-Domingo noted. One such policy is a proposed tax on sugar-sweetened drinks, she noted. "The reason why there is a current debate about a tax is that scientific evidence in populations has consistently shown that more than one drink a day increases your risk," she said.


The American Heart Association recommends limiting consumption of sugar-sweetened drinks such as soda pop, while "alternative choices are available," said Dr. Robert H. Eckel, a professor of medicine at the University of Colorado and a past president of the association.


"Juice from fruit itself is nutrient-rich, and its nutritional value goes beyond the carbohydrate content," Eckel said.


The recommended daily sugar intake amounts to just one can of sugar-sweetened soda a day for a man and slightly less for women, he said.


More information


The cardiovascular effects of dietary sugar are described by the American Heart Association.

The Roots Of Alternative Medicine

The Roots Of Alternative Medicine
By: Lee Dobbins
Alternative medicine and modern medicine have may differences and whose to say which is best? Today, we expect doctors and medicines to fix whatever ails us instantly and doctors only look at the current physical problem when diagnosing our needs.

Alternative or holistic medicine, on the other hand, takes many different factors into consideration before prescribing a cure. This type of healing has been in use for thousands of years and can be very effective. It concerns itself not only with the physical problem, but with the problems of the "whole" self.

Alternative medicine includes massage, therapy, herbal tea, herbal medicine and millions of people today still use these types of treatments instead of or in addition to modern medicine.

Different cultures have had their own specific types of alternative medicine and many different types of treatments. Many of these treatments have survived and are still effective today. In fact, massage, which many people swear by in the modern world is actually one of the oldest forms of alternative medicine and records of massage therapy date back to ancient Egypt.

In ancient Europe there were two types of healers, the professional physicians and the folk healers. The folk healers lived in the lower class and healed the people of each village who could not afford the expensive physicians. These people believed in the folk treatment and it worked for them. This type of situation also occurred in many other cultures.

In Western culture, philosophy was frequently used to assist the folk healers in their quest for a holistic treatment. Philosophy was important because it told the stories of their lives. With a twist of philosophy and religion as well as belief, they easily found the best treatment available for whatever it was that was ailing the villagers of this time.

We now have a more advanced or instantaneous form of medical treatment, but alternative medicine can still be very effective. Massage, aromatherapy, acupuncture, herbal, humor therapy, meditation, and many other forms of holistic healing are used every day. In fact some of these treatments have become so popular that they are no longer considered alternative medicine and they are now supported by modern physicians.

Although the theory of alternative medicine has been ridiculed throughout the centuries , it has survived for one reason - It works. Alternative treatments may not work as fast as the treatments that we have today, but these natural types of treatments can be better for you overall, if you just give them a chance.

DIABETES GUIDE

I’m writing this article because over the year many colleagues and friends ask me on simple question about the Diabetes.....Do you have a Guide for Diabetic?

Clik here for Diabetes Guide!

Seeing that many of my colleagues are working in the office like me, and many people across the world don’t the time for reviewing the guide. An option is to review it myself and make it available for all my colleges.

As the name suggest, A Comprehensive Guide to Beating Diabetes is an excellent book, written in plain English that has told me more about type 2 diabetes than years of going to the doctor.

Recently, I have been interested in learning more about what supplements might be helpful.

This led me to this book, "How to Play The Diabetes Game To Win!."

It is the best book on diabetes which I have ever read! It is written in a very clear and concise fashion that everyone can understand. The information presented is straight forward and very logical. The author makes you feel that it is more than possible to successfully overcome the dangers of living with diabetes.

I highly recommend this book to any and all diabetics who want to begin attacking their disease armed with a great ally - information and knowledge regarding important additional weapons at our disposal.

I am a person with Type II diabetes that had been able to treat the disease with diet. My blood sugars were starting to get out of the acceptable range when I got this book. I followed the recommendations listed in the book and my blood sugars are all back to normal now. I have also lost weight with the system. All I can say is that it works for me. I have never felt better in years. This may be the best book for people with Type II diabetes.

Regards
Sam

Below is a review by my dad friend,

As a person who fears diabetes (my father had it) it is great to find a book that gives clear, simple advice about how to avoid this terrible disease. Clearly, you don't have to have type 2 diabetes; it can be avoided and even beaten, as this book shows. I found the chapter on vitamins to be especially useful. In light of the recent findings on antioxidants and their effect on diabetes, it is especially timely. The information on diabetes drugs is helpful, too. Although they are helpful in the short run, for the most part they seem to be something you really want to avoid taking for long periods of time. Thanks for the information.
John.
Diabetes Guide!

Herbs for Diabetes

Diabetes Herbs for Diabetes Since antiquity, diabetes has been treated with plant medicines. Recent scientific investigation has confirmed the efficacy of many of these preparations, some of which are remarkably effective. Only those herbs that appear most effective, are relatively non-toxic and have substantial documentation of efficacy are covered here. Pterocarpus marsupium (Indian Kino, Malabar Kino, Pitasara, Venga) The tree is the source of the Kino of the European pharmacopeas. The gum-resin looks like dried blood (Dragon's blood), much used in Indian medicine. This herb has a long history of use in India as a treatment for diabetes. The flavonoid, (-)-epicatechin, extracted from the bark of this plant has been shown to prevent alloxan-induced beta cell damage in rats. Both epicatechin and a crude alcohol extract of Pterocarpus marsupium have actually been shown to regenerate functional pancreatic beta cells. No other drug or natural agent has been shown to generate this activity. Bitter Melon (Momordica charantia) Bitter melon, also known as balsam pear, is a tropical vegetable widely cultivated in Asia, Africa and South America, and has been used extensively in folk medicine as a remedy for diabetes. The blood sugar lowering action of the fresh juice or extract of the unripe fruit has been clearly established in both experimental and clinical studies. Bitter melon is composed of several compounds with confirmed anti-diabetic properties. Charantin, extracted by alcohol, is a hypoglycaemic agent composed of mixed steroids that is more potent than the drug tolbutamide which is often used in the treatment of diabetes. Momordica also contains an insulin-like polypeptide, polypeptide-P, which lowers blood sugar levels when injected subcutaneously into type 1 diabetic patients. The oral administration of 50-60 ml of the juice has shown good results in clinical trials. Excessively high doses of bitter melon juice can cause abdominal pain and diarrhea. Small children or anyone with hypoglycemia should not take bitter melon, since this herb could theoretically trigger or worsen low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia. Furthermore, diabetics taking hypoglycemic drugs (such as chlorpropamide, glyburide, or phenformin) or insulin should use bitter melon with caution, as it may potentiate the effectiveness of the drugs, leading to severe hypoglycemia. Gymnema Sylvestre (Gurmar, Meshasringi, Cherukurinja) Gymnema assists the pancreas in the production of insulin in Type 2 diabetes. Gymnema also improves the ability of insulin to lower blood sugar in both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. It decreases cravings for sweet. This herb can be an excellent substitute for oral blood sugar-lowering drugs in Type 2 diabetes. Some people take 500 mg per day of gymnema extract. Onion and Garlic ( Allium cepa and Allium sativum) Onion and garlic have significant blood sugar lowering action. The principal active ingredients are believed to be allyl propyl disulphide (APDS) and diallyl disulphide oxide (allicin), although other constitutents such as flavonoids may play a role as well. Experimental and clinical evidence suggests that APDS lowers glucose levels by competing with insulin for insulin-inactivating sites in the liver. This results in an increase of free insulin. APDS administered in doses of 125 mg/ kg to fasting humans was found to cause a marked fall in blood glucose levels and an increase in serum insulin. Allicin doses of 100 mg/kg produced a similar effect. Onion extract was found to reduce blood sugar levels during oral and intravenous glucose tolerance. The effect improved as the dosage was increased; however, beneficial effects were observed even for low levels that used in the diet (eg., 25 to 200 grams). The effects were similar in both raw and boiled onion extracts. Onions affect the hepatic metabolism of glucose and/or increases the release of insulin, and/or prevent insulin's destruction. The additional benefit of the use of garlic and onions are their beneficial cardiovascular effects. They are found to lower lipid levels, inhibit platelet aggregation and are antihypertensive. So, liberal use of onion and garlic are recommended for diabetic patients. Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) Experimental and clinical studies have demonstrated the antidiabetic properties of fenugreek seeds. The active ingredient responsible for the antidiabetic properties of fenugreek is in the defatted portion of the seed that contains the alkaloid trogonelline, nicotinic acid and coumarin. Blueberry leaves (Vaccinium myrtillus) A decoction of the leaves of the blueberry has a long history of folk use in the treatment of diabetes. The compound myrtillin (an anthocyanoside) is apparently the most active ingredient. Upon injection it is somewhat weaker than insulin, but is less toxic, even at 50 times the 1 g per day therapeutic dose. A single dose can produce beneficial effects lasting several weeks. Blueberry anthocyanosides also increase capillary integrity, inhibit free-radical damage and improve the tone of the vascular system. In Europe, it is used as an anti-haemorrhagic agent in the treatment of eye diseases including diabetic retinopathy. Asian Ginseng Asian ginseng is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat diabetes. It has been shown to enhance the release of insulin from the pancreas and to increase the number of insulin receptors. It also has a direct blood sugar-lowering effect. A recent study found that 200 mg of ginseng extract per day improved blood sugar control as well as energy levels in Type 2 diabetes (NIDDM). Bilberry Bilberry may lower the risk of some diabetic complications, such as diabetic cataracts and retinopathy. Stevia Stevia has been used traditionally to treat diabetes. Early reports suggested that stevia might have beneficial effects on glucose tolerance (and therefore potentially help with diabetes), although not all reports have confirmed this. Even if stevia did not have direct antidiabetic effects, its use as a sweetener could reduce intake of sugars in such patients. Ginkgo Biloba Ginkgo biloba extract may prove useful for prevention and treatment of early-stage diabetic neuropathy. Cinnamon - Triples insulin's efficiency Barberry - One of the mildest and best liver tonics known. Dosage: tincture, 10-30 drops; standard decoction or 3-9 g. Herbal Combinations For all pancreatic problems: 1 part uva ursi 1 part goldenseal 1 part elecampane 2 parts dandelion root 2 parts cedar berries 1 part fennel part ginger Mix the powdered herbs and put them in #00 capsules. Take them after every meal.

Alternative medicine for treatment of diabetes-

Ginseng -Although there are several different types of ginseng, most of the promising studies on ginseng and diabetes have used North American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius). Those studies have shown that North American ginseng may improve blood sugar control and glycosylated hemoglobin (a form of hemoglobin in the blood used to monitor blood glucose levels over time) levels.

Chromium- Chromium is an essential trace mineral that plays an important role in carbohydrate and fat metabolism and helps body cells properly respond to insulin.

Magnesium- Magnesium is a mineral found naturally in foods such as green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, and whole grains and in nutritional supplements.Magnesium is needed for more than 300 biochemical reactions. It helps regulate blood sugar levels and is needed for normal muscle and nerve function, heart rhythm, immune function, blood pressure, and for bone health. Some studies suggest that low magnesium levels may worsen blood glucose control in type 2 diabetes. There is also some evidence that magnesium supplementation may help with insulin resistance.

Cinnamon-Cinnamon is a glycosides it improves blood glucose control in people with type 2 diabetes.

Zinc- The mineral zinc plays an important role in the production and storage of insulin. There is some research showing that people with type 2 diabetes have suboptimal zinc status due to decreased absorption and increased excretion of zinc. Food sources of zinc include fresh oysters, ginger root, lamb, pecans, split peas, egg yolk, rye, beef liver, lima beans, almonds, walnuts, sardines, chicken, and buckwheat.

Aloe Vera Gel-Although aloe vera gel is better known as a home remedy for minor burns and other skin conditions, recent animal studies suggest that aloe vera gel may help people with diabetes. A Japanese study evaluated the effect of aloe vera gel on blood sugar. Researchers isolated a number of active phytosterol compounds from the gel that were found to reduce blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin levels.

Gymnema- Several preliminary studies suggest that the herb gymnema can lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Because gymnema may lower blood sugar levels, people taking medications for diabetes or using insulin shouldn't take gymnema unless they are closely monitored by their health care provider

Vanadium-Vanadium is a trace mineral found naturally in soil and many foods. It is also produced during the burning of petroleum. Vanadium has been found to improve insulin sensitivity and reduce blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. It appears to mimic many of the actions of insulin in the body. The use of vanadium for diabetes, particularly without the supervision of a qualified health care practitioner, is not recommended, because the dose needed to affect blood glucose levels can be potentially toxic. The typical amount of vanadium found in the average diet (less than 30 micrograms per day) appears to have little toxicity5.

Neem- The leaves of Neem posses’ anti-diabetic properties. The juices of these leaves are helpful in controlling the blood sugar level in diabetics. Neem is in fact an herbal medicine used for the treatment of various other diseases also such as skin problems, warm infections, ulcer etc.

Sweet potato leaves- The leaves of sweet potato are high value in preventing diabetes, by lowering blood sugar level. It is highly nutritious vegetable. Preparation of sweet potato leaves is used in the tea of diabetic patients.

Madhuca- The Indian name for Madhuca is Madhua it is also posses’ excellent anti-diabetic properties and it is highly beneficial in treating raised blood sugar levels.

Mango leaves- The leaves of Mango helps in lowering the blood sugar levels in diabetics. The fresh leaves of mango are socked in water for an overnight. Then they are squeezed well in the water before filtering them in the morning6.

Bad Food for Diabetics - Have You Excluded Them From Your Diet?

There's no one diet for diabetes. General guidelines exist, such as "eat less fat and saturated fat" and "eat more whole grains, fruits, and vegetables." Your diabetes meal plan must be based on your individual needs. When it comes to what to eat and what not to eat for diabetics, advice is abundance. With so much well meaning advice from various sources, it can be difficult to determine what food you should be including as part of your diabetic diet. Instead of what we should eat, why don't we start with the types bad food for diabetics?

Basically, a diet low in saturated fat with well controlled blood glucose levels that incorporates weight control, exercise and fewer refined sugars is recommended. Controlling blood glucose levels with diet, and in some cases medication, is the key. To keep blood sugar levels under control, a diabetic diet strikes a balance among the carbohydrates, fats, and protein you take in. In addition, a 1,500-calorie diabetic diet restricts calories and fat. These fruits helps to control blood sugar, levels. Due to their low glycemic index, they promote a gradual increase in the blood sugar level which is highly beneficial to diabetics.

Carbohydrates encompass a broad range of foods, including table sugar, fruits and vegetables, and grains such as rice and wheat. Carbohydrates (be it potato or table sugar) typically take from five minutes to three hours to digest, whereas protein takes three to six hours and fat can take eight or more hours. That's why different foods have different effects on blood sugar, such as why ice cream (higher in fat) raises blood sugar levels more slowly than potatoes. Carbohydrate choices should come from whole grains breads or cereals, pasta, brown rice, beans, fruits and vegetables. Increasing dietary fiber is a general guideline for the entire population rather than specifically for people with diabetes. Avoid simple, processed, and concentrated carbohydrates. Highly processed carbohydrates in packaged food such as, fast food, white bread, and white flour products, have a high glycemic index that causes spikes in sugar levels. Sugar and refined carbohydrates are undeniably linked to diabetes.

Beware of sugar-free cookies and other products made for diabetics. Even though they're sugar-free, they may contain trans fats or have more fats than their sugary counterparts. Sugary foods are fattening. Many foods that have a lot of table sugar are very high in calories and fat. Sugar-free candy as well as as other products using the term "sugar-free" should be evaluated for total carbohydrate content. Sugar alcohols, though listed by their weight content within the food as listed in the Nutrition Facts panel, are not metabolized (broken down and used for energy) the way true sugars are.

If you have alcoholic drinks on an empty stomach, they can make your blood glucose level go too low. Alcoholic drinks also can raise your blood fats. Many people do not realize that milk can raise the blood sugar, because it doesn't taste sweet?, but it does contain lactose, which will turn to glucose. One container of sugar free, fat free yogurt is also equal to one carb choice.

Eating good quality foods that are high in nutrients and fiber can help normalize blood sugars. Working with a doctor and being vigilant about diet can make a difference in the long-term health of a person living with diabetes. Eating 5 servings of fruits and vegetables may satisfy sugar cravings without jeopardizing sugar levels; the fiber in fruits, vegetables, and grains can regulate how quickly sugar is absorbed into the bloodstream.

The ideal diet for people with diabetes aims to maintain a balance between sugars, fiber, fats and salt. No foods are completely forbidden but some foods, especially sugars, fats and salt need to be consumed in restricted quantities. Learning about Diabetes and making the right lifestyle changes, can help you maintain blood glucose and blood fat levels as close to normal as possible, as well as maintaining a reasonable body weight. All of these factors will help you to reduce the risk of developing the serious complications of Diabetes. Fat should be removed before cooking.

Following diabetic restrictions does not mean boring and mundane diet. Knowing what to eat and how much is the key to a healthy diabetic diet. Visit FreeRecipesForDiabetics.com to get free recipes for diabetic diet, meal plans, diabetic food grocery list as well as diabetic diet tips.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Audrey_Lynn

Herb Used To Treat Diabetes Works Like Modern-day Prescription Drugs, Study Suggests

ScienceDaily — COLUMBUS, Ohio – An herb used in traditional Indian medicine to treat diabetes seems to lower blood sugar and insulin levels in a manner similar to prescription drugs, a new study reports.

---

Researchers gave extracts of the herb Salacia oblonga to 39 healthy adults, and the results were promising. The largest dose of the herb extract – 1,000 milligrams – decreased insulin and blood glucose levels by 29 and 23 percent, respectively.

"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, which is native to regions of India and Sri Lanka, binds to intestinal enzymes that break down carbohydrates in the body. 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 blood stream, resulting in lowered blood glucose and insulin levels.

"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."

The study appears in a recent issue of the Journal of the American Dietetic Association.

Thirty-nine healthy adults participated in four separate meal tolerance tests. These meals, which were given in beverage form, were spaced three to 14 days apart. Each participant fasted for at least 10 hours before consuming the test beverage.

Participants were asked to drink about two cups' worth of the chilled beverage, which contained zero, 500, 700 or 1,000 milligrams of Salacia oblonga extract. Afterward, the researchers used the finger-prick method to draw blood samples from each person every 15 to 30 minutes for three hours. These blood samples were used to determine insulin and blood glucose concentrations. The biggest changes in blood glucose and insulin levels usually happen within the first two hours after eating.

The beverage that contained the highest concentration of the herbal extract – 1,000 milligrams – provided the most dramatic reduction in insulin and blood glucose levels. Insulin levels were 29 percent lower, while blood glucose levels were 23 percent lower as compared to the control drink, which contained no herbal extract.

As Salacia oblonga can cause intestinal gas, the researchers had the study participants collect breath hydrogen samples hourly for eight hours after drinking the test beverage. The participants collected their breath in small plastic tubes. The researchers then analyzed these breath samples for hydrogen and methane content – the level of either substance in the breath corresponds to the level contained in the colon.

The subjects also rated the frequency and intensity of nausea, abdominal cramping and distention and gas for two days after consuming each test meal.

While the test beverages containing Salacia oblonga caused an increase in breath hydrogen excretion, reports of gastrointestinal discomfort were minimal, Hertzler said.

Right now he and his colleagues are trying to figure out what dose of the herb is most effective, and when it should be taken relative to a meal.

"We want to know how long it takes for the herb to bind to the enzymes that break down carbohydrates," Hertzler said. "The participants in this study took the herb with their meal, but maybe taking it before eating would be even more effective."

The researchers also want to study the effects of Salacia oblonga in people with diabetes.

"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," Hertzler said. "We want to see if this herb has this kind of effect."

Salacia oblonga is still relatively difficult to find in the United States, Hertzler said, although there are manufacturers that sell the herb through the Internet.

This study was supported by the Ross Products Division of Abbott Laboratories in Columbus.

Hertzler is continuing to conduct Salacia oblonga studies with the Ross Products Division of Abbott Laboratories. He has no links to the company beyond this affiliation.

Hertzler conducted the work with former Ohio State colleague Patricia Heacock, who is now at Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey; Jennifer Williams, a clinical scientist with Ross Products Division, Abbott Laboratories; and Bryan Wolf, a former research scientists with Ross Products Division.

---

Adapted from materials provided by Ohio State University.

Natural Food for Diabetics - Natural diabetes Treatment

According to the World Diabetes Federation Some 80% of Type 2 diabetes is preventable by improving the living environment. This includes dietary changes and increased physical activity.

If you are diabetic, it is essential that you understand that any time you make changes to your diet, that you should test your blood sugar in tandem in order to gauge the effects of those changes. It is advisable to your consult your pysician before making drastic dietary changes. Check your blood sugar regularly in order to get a feel as to what works and which foods help you achieve the best possible control of your blood sugar.

If there is some food that your are skeptical about, test your blood sugar and see if it worked. As long as you follow the rules that you have learned about portion sizes, total carb exchanges per meal or snack, and as long as you use whole foods within the guidelines your doctor or diabetic counselor has given you, you can experiment with types of foods to see which ones give you the best overall blood sugar control.

Cinnamon

An intake of half a teaspoon of cinnamon twice a day has the potential to reduce blood sugar by as much as 50 points. The genesis of prescribing cinnamon for diabetes started with a study conducted by Richard Anderson, at the Human Nutrition Research Center in Beltsville, Maryland, a branch of the U.S department of agriculture. They discovered that apple pie was one of the foods that were able to boost the efficiency of insulin in type 2 diabetics. Further analysis revealed that cinnamon, a common ingredient in apple pie was responsible. The most active ingredient in cinnamon is methylhydroxy chalcone polymer which helps convert glucose to energy.

Bitter Gourd or Bitter Melon

Bitter Gourd (referred to as plant insulin) improves the body glucose tolerance. The recommended dose is 2 ounce twice per pay between meals. It can be cooked or taken in powered forms. Bitter Melon is approved by the Dept. of Health in the Philipines as one of the foremost herbal medicines for diabetes blood sugar control.

Chromium

Helps cells to respond better to naturally produce insulin. Rich sources of chromium: seeds, whole grains, mushrooms..

Magnesium

Eating more whole grains and low-fat dairy foods rich in magnesiumalso reduced the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes. Magnesium-rich foods include whole grains, vegetables, cereals, and milk.

Banaba

Referred to as a botanical insulin, it helps to lower blood sugar and acts as a glucose vehicle in the blood stream.

Milk Thistle, Silybum marianum (silymarin)

The herbal medicine extracted from seeds of the Milk Thistle, Silybum marianum (silymarin) is known to have antioxidant properties and research published this week in Phytotherapy Research shows that this extract can help people significantly lower the amount of sugar bound to haemoglobin in blood, as well as reducing fasting blood sugar levels. Silymarin contains a number of active constituents called flavolignans which are also used to help protect the liver from poisoning.

Gymnema Sylvestre

It reduces insulin resistance by increasing cell permatibility. It is recommended that people with diabetes should take 4 grams per day of this ayurvedic herb. A Harvard study concluded that it did not only reduce blood sugar in type two but type one diabetics as well. Gymnema Sylvestre is made out of a herbal plant known as ‘Masbedda’ in Sri Lanka. It has powerful medical characteristics for the cure of diabetes. The herbal preparation now market is now in dried powered form and could be dissolved in hot water and could be taken instead of tea.

Huckleberry

Improves circulation in the capillaries in the hands and feet and improves digestion and immune systems

Zinc

It is essential for the pancreas to produce insulin and makes insulin work effectively. It also helps in fortifying the insulin receptor cells. When zinc is low, the pancreas does not create sufficient insulin, thus high glucose levels

Ginkgo Biloba

An extremely effective herb used in Traditional Chinese Medicine and derived from one of the oldest trees on earth. Studies indicate that Ginkgo biloba has a beneficial effect on peripheral and cerebral circulation and can therefore help to prevent the tissue damage and poor circulation associated with diabetes. It is also suggested that Ginkgo biloba can increase blood flow to the optic fibres of the eyes and therefore help to treat diabetes-related eye disease.

Other Diabetes Herbs

Indian blackberry seeds, fenugreek, neem seeds, turmeric, mustard seeds, gooseberry, jeerakam cumin seeds, bacopa monnieri

Vitamin B complex

Vitamins of the B group are valuable in the treatment of diabetes. However, large dosages of Vitamin B should be avoided as it can interfere with the absorption of Insulin by cells. Despite an adequate intake of these vitamins, diabetics often have abnormally small amounts of vitamin B in their blood because of high urinary loss of exhibit symptoms of vitamin B deficiency. Marked clinical improvement has been reported in patients of diabetes with only 16000 units of daily supplements of vitamin B complex. Because these vitamins help reduce blood fat and cholesterol, they should be generously supplied at all times. According to experts, one small risk associated with a vegan diet is a lack of vitamin B12, so diabetics considering a vegetable diet should supplemented their diet with B12 vitamins. Australia--Research on B vitamins and children with diabetes type 1 has revealed supplementation can normalize endothelial function, a precursor of vascular disease, which begins early in juvenile diabetes and is associated with foliate status.

Thiamine or Vitamin B1

Diabetic diet inadequate in vitamin B1, often leads to the development of neuritis, which is relieved as soon as large amounts of this vitamin are given. Vitamin B1 is particularly essential in preventing brain dysfunction during diabetic acidosis. The greater the need for insulin the higher the intake of vitamin B1, pantothenic acid or vitamin B12 and biotin or vitamin B8 should be. The primary natural vegetable sources of thiamine are dark green leafy vegetables, banana and apple wheat germ, brewer’s yeast, the outer layers of rice, wheat and other whole grain cereals, pulses, nuts, peas, lime, legumes, .

Vitamin B12 (Pantothenic acid) is essential for the body to release energy from proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. It also plays an important role in developing the central nervous system and cell building. Stay healthy and keep your blood sugar at bay by eating essential foods rich in Vitamin B12 such as sweet potato, mushroom, yogurt, avocado, lobsters, and organ meats

Pyridoxine or Vitamin B6

B6 is essential for the functioning of the immune system and in enabling the body to make use of carbohydrates (sugar) and fats. When diet is low in vitamin B6 or pyridoxine, an essential amino acid tryptophan, is converted into a substance known as xanthurenic acid. It is revealed in laboratory experiments that xanthurenic acid has a negative effect on essential pancreatic functions. In addition, Foliate and vitamin B6 normalized endothelial dysfunction in children with type 1 diabetes.

Diabetics who have been given 50 mg of vitamin B6 daily have shown a rapid and marked decrease in urinary xanthurenic acid. In a particular incident, the quantity dropped almost 97 percent the first day. Total absence of urinary xanthurenic acid amongst those who continued with a daily dosage of 10 to 20 mg of this vitamin indicated that none was being formed in the body. Diabetics are thus greatly helped by a liberal intake of vitamin B6. Keep your body healthy by eating fortified cereals, poultry, some vegetables and fruits, soybeans, wheat germ, and fish - essential foods rich in Vitamin B6.

Biotin

According to techmedia Biotin is needed to process glucose. In addition a study showed that Type 1 diabetics given 16mgs of Biotin for one week cut their fasting glucose by 50%.

Vitamin A

A compound of vitamin A called topical Retin-A also known as tretinoin, mainly used to treat acne problems, enhances the healing of foot ulcers in patients with diabetes, according to a report of the Archives of Dermatology

Possible Herbal Treatments For Diabetes

Many people are turning to herbal remedies for the treatments of diseases. The reason for this is natural herbs have less side effects that traditional prescription medicine. There are vast variety of herbs for every medical condition. Before trying any type of herbal supplement, talk with your doctor. Some herbs may have in interaction with medications that you may be on.

If you start an herbal treatment for your diabetes, monitor you blood sugar levels frequently. There are many types of herbs for the treatment of diabetes. Some work better than others and what works for one person may not work for you. Do your research and talk with a holistic healer or herbalist. This article is going to list a few of the herbs that are used in the treatment of diabetes:

Garlic and onions are best known for their cardiovascular benefits, however a few studies have shown that they can be beneficial in lowering blood glucose levels. Onions can increase the production of insulin in your body, which will lower high glucose levels in your blood.

Bitter melon has long been used for it's glucose lowering properties. It must be taken in small doses however, because larger doses can cause abdominal pain and diarrhea.

Aloe Vera has been called the healing herb. It is known for it's ability to treat burns and cuts.But the dried sap and gel taken from the inner portion of the leaves have been effective in treating diabetes.

Asian ginseng is a traditional Chinese medicine. It has long been used in the treatment of diabetes. Asian ginseng can increase the release of insulin from the pancreas and enhance the function of insulin receptors.

Gymnema is an Ayurvedic herb that has been shown to help the pancreas produce insulin. It has been beneficial in lowering blood sugar levels in both type 1 and type 2 diabetics.

Stevia has long been used to lower blood glucose levels. It has had animal studies but has not undergone any human trials.

Cinnamon bark will make fat cells more accessible to insulin. It blocks the formation of dangerous free radicals and increases the conversation rate of glucose to energy.

These are just a few of the herbs used to treat diabetes. You must remember, that just because you can buy it over the counter does not mean that it is completely safe. People with renal disease or liver disease are at a higher risk for complications. If you are on blood thinning medicines be aware that taking ginkgo, ginseng and garlic will increase your risk for bleeding.

Do not take extra doses of the herbs thinking that more is better. It can actually do more harm than good. Monitor your blood sugar frequently and keep your doctor informed of what you are doing. If you find the right herb that works for you, prescription medication for your diabetes may become a thing of the past!

Sometimes the best offense against diabetes is a good defense. Click here to discover the truth about diabetes.

Number of diabetes patients keeps rising in Malaysia

AT least 11 out of 100 Malaysians suffer from diabetes, the house heard yesterday.

Health Ministry parliamentary secretary Datuk Lee Kah Choon said the sufferers were aged between 25 and 64.According to a study by the ministry last year, an estimated 1.33 million Malaysians between the ages of 25 and 64 had diabetes.There were 41,464 cases detected last year, an increase of 27 per cent compared to 30,281 cases recorded in 2001.Lee said the numbers, which increased steadily every year, were based on patients admitted to government hospitals.

"The actual number of patients is obviously much higher. We are collecting information to develop a national database for non-communicable diseases, including diabetes, under the Ninth Malaysia Plan," said Lee in reply to Datuk Baharum Mohamed (BN-Sekijang).Lee added that the ministry had no plans to establish a specialist centre to treat diabetics because the disease was controllable."It is the contributing diseases that we are worried about because diabetes itself is caused by an unhealthy lifestyle." To a supplementary question by Datuk Badruddin Amiruldin (BN-Jerai), Lee said the ministry could not ban products such as soft drinks but would focus on awareness campaigns and educating the public on a healthy lifestyle

The spice of life: cooking with herbs and spices not only livens up your meals, but may also help prevent disease

Powerful chemicals that may help prevent chronic diseases are not just in pharmacies, but they're also in your kitchen spice rack. Recent studies show that curcumin, which gives curry its yellow color, capsaicin in hot peppers, and chemicals in cinnamon, rosemary, garlic, pepper, and ginger may help the body ward off cancer, heart disease, and diabetes

"Spices have been used for thousands of years not only to enhance food but also to improve health. We are just now discovering the scientific proof of what our grandmothers knew: That spices and herbs can heal and help prevent disease," remarks Meena Katdare, PhD, head of the Carcinogenesis and Chemoprevention Laboratory and assistant professor of cell and developmental biology at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University. Katdare cites curcumin as a prime example: "Curcumin, the active chemical in the spice turmeric, has been shown to be a very strong immunomodulator, and has been used for the prevention of ailments for generations in Asian countries. It also acts as an antioxidant and as an antimicrobial."

"Turmeric is a basic ingredient in everyday cooking in India and other countries. But people also know it can control infection. If a child gets a cut or scrape, before we use an antibiotic we will go to the kitchen, pick up the turmeric and put some on the wound. It will immediately stop bleeding. Healing will be faster and it will reduce scar formation. When people have a sore throat, they take it in warm milk. We are now investigating its effects on cells in the laboratory," says Katdare, whose research was inspired by her maternal grandmother, who used medicinal spices and herbs in India.



Adding flavor and function
Spices and herbs not only add flavor and aroma to foods, but they also contain plant chemicals (phytochemicals) that have many beneficial effects, says Tieraona Low Dog, MD, education director of the Program in Integrative Medicine and clinical assistant professor at the University of Arizona College of Medicine. Culinary herbs can function as digestive aids (for example, fennel acts as a carminative to dispel gas), kill harmful bacteria in the GI tract (as nutmeg can), and even dampen pain (think clove oil for dental pain).
"All spices promote salivation, which is a key to priming of the digestive response," Dr. Low Dog told the Third Annual Conference on Nutrition and Health held in New York City in May, cosponsored by Columbia University's Rosenthal Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. "Spices and herbs were traditionally used as preservatives to keep food from spoiling. Many of these plants have antimicrobial and antifungal activity, and some have chemopreventive effects, mostly in the colon for colorectal cancer."

The spice rack as a medicine cabinet

Dr. Low Dog's list of "medicinal" spices and herbs used in cooking includes: Anise seed, used for licorice flavoring and anisette liquor, which acts as a carminative, has antifungal activity against Candida, works as an antihistamine (dampening mast cells and molecules called leukotrienes) and is used by Native Americans in the Southwest for allergies and asthma. Rosemary prepared as tea is another asthma remedy.

Basil has inflammatory and antibacterial properties, and has been used for wound-healing in topical creams and ointments. You can crush it and put it on a wound, Dr. Low Dog told the conference. Try a one percent solution of essential oil of basil as an antibacterial rinse for produce, she suggests.

Cayenne pepper (which contains capsaicin) makes the nose run and can clear stuffy sinuses. It's a traditional remedy in the Southwest for colds, says Dr. Low Dog. "If you get stopped up, you go have a very hot spicy meal to help clear your sinuses. Capsaicin applied topically and repeatedly over time desensitizes nerves and reduces pain. One out of eight people who do not respond to conventional treatments for neuropathic pain may be helped by capsaicin." A recent animal study showed that capsaicin may also have anticancer activity, promoting cell suicide (apoptosis) and shrinking pancreatic tumors.

Black pepper (called the "king of spices") has antibacterial properties and may reduce DNA damage seen in certain models of cancer. Nutmeg can act against the gastrointestinal bacteria E. coli and H. pylori, and a 2005 study found it had some antidepressant properties, Dr. Low Dog says.

Curry can fight cancer

Recent studies have shown that curcumin also induces cell suicide. It may help stop the spread of lung cancer and inhibit colon, oral, and throat cancers. Cornell's Katdare is among the researchers focusing on curcumin's use against breast cancer.

Her laboratory studies of breast tissue cell lines have shown that faster-growing tumor cells are more responsive to curcumin. "Within 24 hours curcumin induces cell suicide (apoptosis) in tumor cells. But what happens to the cells that are not killed off? We removed those cells, washed them, and allowed them to grow in regular medium for 15-18 days. To my surprise, the cells remained in a resting state for 15 days. Then they started growing again, but at a slower rate than before. This selective effect of curcumin to the mutant, faster growing cells is very exciting," she says. Katdare has begun new research under a grant from the NIH Clinical Nutrition Research Unit to further study curcumin's effects, this time on mammary tumors in mice. She is also working with the Strang Cancer Prevention Center at Cornell on a human model to prevent or treat ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS).

Coffee Intake Linked To Lower Diabetes Risk

Drinking coffee, especially when it is decaffeinated, will be associated with a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, according to a report in the Sept 26 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine, one of the JAMA/Archives journals. The link between coffee and diabetes risk appears to be very consistent across different ages and body weights; in addition, most research has found that the more coffee an individual drinks, the lower his or her risk for diabetes. However, it remains unclear whether it is the caffeine or any other ingredient in coffee, which may confer a protective effect.

Mark A. Pereira, Ph.D., and colleagues at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, had studied coffee intake and diabetes risk in the 28,812 postmenopausal women in Iowa over a 12-year period. At the beginning of the study, in 1986, the women answered questions about the risk factors for diabetes, including age, body mass index, physical activity, alcohol consumption and other smoking history. They also reported how often they consumed a variety of foods and these beverages over the previous year, including regular and decaffeinated coffee.

Based on this information reported in the initial questionnaire, about half of the women (14,224) drank one to two cups of coffee per day; 2,876 drank more than six cups; 5,553 four to five cups; 3,232 less than one cup; and 2,927 none. Over the following 12 years, 1,417 of the women reported on surveys, which they had been newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. After adjusting the data for some of the other diabetes risk factors, women who drank more than five cups of any type of coffee per day were 21 percent less likely than those who drank no coffee to be diagnosed suffering from diabetes; those who drank more than five cups of decaffeinated coffee per day had a 32 percent reduction in risk compared with those who drank none.

Overall caffeine intake did not appear to be much related to diabetes risk, further suggesting that some other ingredient in coffee was also responsible. "Magnesium, for which coffee is a good source, can explain some of the inverse relation between coffee intake and risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus through known helpful effects on the carbohydrate metabolism," the authors write. However, the study found no relation between Magnesium and diabetes risk. Other minerals and nutrients found in the coffee bean including compounds known as polyphenols, which have also been shown to help the body process carbohydrates and antioxidants, which might protect cells in the insulin producing pancreas can contribute to its beneficial effects and needs to be examined in future studies.

About The Author
Adam Akelis is a professional copywriter who has a sound knowledge on coffee, his all time favorite drink. Not only Adam, there are lot of coffee lovers all over the world interested in knowing the benefits on coffee intake. To know more on coffee, its types (such as gourmet coffee, Instant Coffee, Cains Coffee, Costa Coffee, Alterra Coffee, Cappuccino,...) and its benefits please visit http://www.bluehillcoffee.com/. And to contact Adam Akelis mail to adamakelis@gmail.com.

Diabetes Herbs

When there's a natural remedy for most illnesses today, can diabetes be far behind? Here's some good news for diabetic patients who would like to consider a natural alternative. Amazon Botanicals has a 100% natural product, which it calls "Sugar Control" that is helpful in controlling blood sugar levels. "Sugar control" is made from two wonder natural diabetes herbs from Peru – Yacon and Pata de vaca. Yacon is a perennial plant that is grown under warm and humid conditions in Peru under altitudes of 9,300 feet. The tuberous roots of Yacon are crisp and sweet and resemble a bit of both an apple and a watermelon. Yacon is a natural diabetes herb for diabetes and liver problems. Yacon is a low calorie item. The calorie content in a jar of Yacon extract is said to be half that of a similarly sized jar of honey. Yacon tastes sweet without raising blood sugar levels, because it contains a form of sugar that is not absorbed in the body. This happens because carbohydrates in Yacon are in the form of insulin and not starch. The oligofructose, a dietary sugar found in Yacon, also encourages growth of beneficial bacteria in the colon. Yacon is also useful for persons suffering from constipation. According to some, it also purifies the blood.

Pata de vaca, meaning literally "the cow's hoof" is a small plant that grows to a height of 5-9 meters and has leaves that are shaped like a cow's hoofs. Pata de vaca is an important medicinal herb in Brazil. The plant has been used for over sixty years as a natural diabetes herb in controlling blood sugar. Its effects are supposed to be so good that it has earned the sobriquet "vegetable insulin". Its effects have been clinically tested in South America where it is a popular natural diabetes herb.

"Sugar Control" combines the goodness of these two natural diabetes herbs to provide you with a reliable, safe and natural treatment for diabetes. Amazon Botanicals uses fresh recently harvested herbs either organically grown or wildcrafted. Other companies may use stale herbs bought from middlemen that buy from questionable sources with little concern for the Amazon environment.

The tea is prepared from 100% pure Yacon and Pata de vaca leaves and is available in the form of tea bags. The tea bags are to be infused in hot water for ten minutes and taken once a day.

Those under medication for diabetes should take medical advice before starting on these natural diabetes herbs, as they have an effect of lowering blood sugar levels and hence may require adjustments in the existing medication and their dosages, as well as monitoring of blood sugar levels.
Patricia McDougall B.Sc. (Biology) is a Peruvian currently working for Amazon Botanicals LLC of Newark Delaware as a researcher. http://www.amazon-botanicals.com/Natural_diabetes_herbs_s/46.htm

10 Best Home Remedies for Diabetes

Here is a list of some best Home Remedies for Diabetes:-

Home Remedies for Diabetes

1) Most effective Home Remedy for Diabetes is Bitter gourd and proved helpful in controlling diabetes. For better results, the diabetic should take the juice of about four or five Bitter gourds each morning on an empty stomach.

2) Take juice of bilva and parijataka leaves in identical parts for natural remedy of diabetes.

3) Indian gooseberry, with its high vitamin C content, is measured important in diabetes. A tablespoon of its juice, mixed with a cup of bitter gourd juice, taken daily for two months, will rouse the islets of Langerhans, that is, the remote group of cells that secrete the hormone insulin in the pancreas. This mixture diminishes the blood sugar in diabetes. This is another effective Home Remedy for Diabetes.

4) The seeds of parslane are helpful in diabetes. A teaspoon of the seeds should be taken each day with half a cup of water for four to five months. It will boost the body's own insulin and help in curing diabetes.

5) Including grapefruit in the diet is an outstanding natural home remedy for diabetes. 6) Take two teaspoons of powdered Fenugreek seeds with milk. Two teaspoons of the seeds can also be consumed whole, every day.

7) The tender leaves of the mango tree are considered as good Home Remedy for Diabetes. An infusion is made by soaking 15 gm of fresh leaves in 250 ml of water overnight, and squeeze them well in the water. This filtrate should be taken every morning to handle early diabetes. As an option, the leaves should be dried in the shade, powdered and preserved for use when needed. Half a teaspoon of this powder should be taken two times a day.

8) The juice of Margosa is a cooperative natural home remedy for diabetes.

9) String bean pod tea is a superb natural Home Remedy for Diabetes and can be substituted for insulin. 10) Eat 10 fresh fully full-fledged curry leaves each morning for three months. It avoids diabetes due to genetic or heredity factors.