Bitter Melon as DIABETES Treatment

Bitter melon (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Bitter melon or Momordica Charantia is a vegetable which grows in tropical areas like East Africa, Asia, South Africa, and the Caribbean. This vegetable is rich in iron, beta carotene, calcium, potassium, phosphorus and other dietary fibres. In many countries, it is also used as a herbal medicine due to its properties that help improve insulin production. Clinical studies show that bitter melon increases the production of beta cells in the pancreas which leads to improvement in the insulin production of the body. It is also believed to be beneficial for the liver and can act as an anti-tumour agent. Because of its health benefits, bitter melon is used by many as an alternative treatment for diabetes. 

Diabetes is a disease that is characterized by the presence of high levels of blood glucose and by the secretion of excess glucose in the urine. This ailment develops because of relatively low levels of insulin which leads to irregular carbohydrate, protein, and fat metabolism. Diabetic persons feel hungry and thirsty most of the time. In addition, these people get easily tired physically and mentally. They may also suffer from constipation, excessive itchiness around the genital area, and general weakness. Other body parts that are affected by diabetes are the heart, kidney, eyes, blood vessels, and the nerves. In addition to these health effects, diabetes is one of the major causes of erectile dysfunction (ED) or impotence among men. 

Diabetes causes impotence because it alters the body systems such as the circulatory, nervous, and the endocrine system. The organs in these systems all work in harmony to let blood flow into the penis so an erection can take place. Higher levels of glucose caused by diabetes damages the blood vessels and the nerves. Complications in the state of blood vessels may hamper the flow of blood to the penis, hampering erection.  In addition, a number of medical studies show that diabetic persons are more likely to have low testosterone levels. Testosterone is a hormone that is responsible for enhanced libido, energy, and other reproductive health concerns. Men with type 1 diabetes are more likely to become impotent once they reach 40 years of age.

Many health experts are recommending the use of alternative medicines like better melons for diabetic management. Many studies show that bitter melon is able to reduce the blood sugar levels in the body. Charantin, polypeptide P, and oleanolic acid glucosides are some of the ingredients of bitter melon that are essential in diabetes treatment. Charantin consists of mixtures of natural steroids which are shown to reduce blood sugar levels in the body. Polypeptide P contains alkaloids that can also promote healthy blood sugar levels. Oleanolic acid glycosides, on the other hand, may prevent the retention of sugar from the intestines. Improvements in this area lead to improved insulin levels in the body. 

Diabetes can be treated with alternative medicine and adjustments in lifestyles. Many health experts advice diabetic persons to include bitter melon in their diet to reduce their intake of anti-diabetic drugs. This alternative healing method, however, should not be regarded as a stand-alone treatment.

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DIABETES, Glaucoma Put Millions At Risk for Unexpected Blindness

Normal vision. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Unexpected sight loss is more common than you may think. Blindness often happens without prior warning signs and in people unaware they are at risk.

As it might be viewed by a person with glaucoma.
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The two most common culprits of unexpected sight loss are diabetes and glaucoma. These diseases are known as the "sneak thieves of sight" because symptoms may not occur in the early stages. By the time a person realizes something is wrong, irreversible vision loss often occurs.

In fact, diabetic eye disease is the leading cause of blindness in adults. An average of 55 Americans go blind from the disease each day. The numbers threaten to rise sharply as diabetes becomes increasingly common due to poor eating habits, infrequent exercise and an ageing population. One in three children born in the United States five years ago is expected to become diabetic during their lives.

Diabetes causes a partial or complete loss of vision in as many as 70 per cents of those who have it. Yet 30 per cent of all people who have diabetes don't even know they have it. Even people who know they have diabetes downplay the risks they face.

According to a survey of diabetics sponsored by Lions Clubs International, 60 per cent were not worried about going blind or losing a limb. In reality, 74 per cent of diabetics will develop serious complications that could lead to loss of sight or a limb or kidney failure.

Glaucoma, on the other hand, is a group of eye diseases that slowly damage the fine nerves that connect the eye to the brain. For most people, this damage occurs when the pressure in the eye is too high. When these nerves are damaged, vision loss may result.

Glaucoma is the second-leading cause of blindness in the United States. But like diabetes, not enough people know about it: An estimated 4.2 million Americans have glaucoma but half are not aware of it.

Diabetes and glaucoma are especially prevalent among blacks and Hispanics. These groups are believed to have a genetic predisposition to the diseases and are much more at risk than Caucasians. Others, particularly at risk for glaucoma, are people over 60, those with a family history of glaucoma, diabetics and the very near-sighted.

The good news for those at risk is that a dilated eye exam can detect the two diseases and early treatment can prevent vision loss. Vision experts urge at-risk people to have regular eye exams.

Raising awareness of diabetic eye disease and glaucoma is key to preventing unnecessary blindness. Lions Clubs International works with Lions clubs, community groups and individuals to publicize the need for early detection and timely treatment of the two diseases. The Lions Eye Health Program provides materials for distribution at health fairs, senior citizen centres and similar gatherings. It also offers strategies for raising awareness of eye diseases.

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Insulin Pumps - Get Better DIABETES Control, Get Your Life Back!

Photo by aldenchadwick

In recent years an alternative to manual insulin injections has emerged. Enter the Insulin Pump. The first Insulin Pumps were quite bulky, but modern ones are about the size of a small Cellphone or Pager. The pump is worn unobtrusively on a belt or in a pocket and it delivers insulin through a thin plastic tube (or Infusion Set) that is inserted under the skin.

WHY AN INSULIN PUMP IS BETTER

In a healthy person, the pancreas produces insulin constantly at low levels, keeping blood glucose levels stable. When a meal is eaten, the pancreas will send larger amounts of insulin into the bloodstream to handle the food. Using a standard injection regime, slow and fast acting insulin is used to try and mimic the pancreas. An insulin pump much more closely copies the pancreas. The pump delivers a low level of background insulin (called basal) and at meal times can deliver a "bolus" dose at the touch of a button, to cover the food.

Just like a real pancreas, if you are ill, or exercising, the basal insulin rate can be reduced. If you skip a meal, the bolus is not delivered. In this way, the pump fits into your lifestyle, rather than planning your life around your injection schedule!

CHOOSING AN INSULIN PUMP

Most insulin pumps on the market today have all the basic features. Choosing one is much like choosing a Cellphone, it is a mixture of personal taste and what you plan on using it for. If you are a watersports fan, waterproof ones are available!

If you love analyzing data to improve your control, you can get one with PC download capability and analysis software. If you are new to the world of Insulin Pumps, here are some key points to think about:

Choose a pump that allows you to set up different basal levels. For instance at night time, if you are sick or exercising. This is an important feature to help you live a full life.

Pumps that use a standard "Luer Lock" infusion sets are better. This means cheaper consumables.

Alerts to remind you to check your blood glucose level make life easier.

Check what batteries it takes, standard AA or AAAs are cheaper and easier to buy.

More advanced pumps include a carbohydrate calculator to help you figure out what your meal Bolus dose should be.

Coming to the market are integrated Insulin Pump/Glucose meters. The meters readings are automatically transferred to the pump which can use them to recommend an insulin dose.

Other features to look for include, being waterproof, having a carbohydrate food database and alerts to warn you if you have missed a meal, or the infusion set needs changing. In short, Insulin pump manufacturers are making their products even easier to use and automating more and more features. Life is getting better for diabetics!

  FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  Q What if I don't get on with the pump, can I switch back to injections?

  A Yes. It is not a one-way ticket, but most people do notice an improvement in their blood glucose control and find their lives improved.

  Q I have a really hectic lifestyle, is a pump for me?

  A Yes. In fact, people who are extremely busy often see the biggest improvement. If you struggle to remember to test and inject at the right time - perhaps meal times vary from day to day, then a pump could really help you.

  Q I am considering a pump but may get pregnant, is that ok?

A Yes. As pumps usually improve your blood glucose control, using a pump through pregnancy and beyond is generally a good thing. Having as close to normal blood glucose levels reduces the chances of complications during pregnancy.

  Q What are the costs?

  A The initial outlay is in the order of a few thousand dollars, but prices are coming down all the time. Infusion sets need changing regularly too. The latest prices can be found from various diabetes suppliers on the web.

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More Aware Of DIABETES - Heart Disease Link

 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

With diabetes on the rise, doctors are extremely concerned about associated risks such as heart disease and stroke, which together kill two out of three people with diabetes. Fortunately, a recent study indicates that more people with diabetes are making the link between diabetes and their increased risk for heart disease and stroke.

According to a 2005 awareness survey conducted by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and American College of Cardiology (ACC), 45 percent of people with diabetes understand their increased risk for heart disease, which is up from 35 percent in 2001.

Experts believe even more awareness is needed, however. The ADA and ACC continue to work together to share important information, tools and resources to encourage people with diabetes and health care providers to learn more about the impact of diabetes on the heart.

Other findings from the 2005 ADA/ACC awareness survey show:

• 69 percent know they may develop high blood pressure (38 percent in 2001).

• 64 percent know they are at risk for cholesterol problems (37 percent in 2001).

Importantly, more people with diabetes are talking to their health care providers about managing diabetes comprehensively:

• 45 percent of people with diabetes now have a goal for blood glucose levels (30 percent in 2003).

• 57 percent have a goal for blood pressure (34 percent in 2003).

• 61 percent have a goal for cholesterol (34 percent in 2003).

These figures are encouraging, but awareness may not be moving fast enough to keep pace with the growing prevalence of diabetes.

Recent statistics indicate diabetes has risen by over 14 percent since last estimates in 2003. The need for increased education and awareness about the link between diabetes and heart disease is now more critical than ever.

Armed with the best information, people with diabetes can properly manage their diabetes, understand their risks for complications such as heart disease and stroke, and take action to live a longer, healthier life.

(This is an older article, but still very informativ.)

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DIABETES and The MENOPAUSE

A diagram shows insulin release from the Pancreas and
how this lowers blood sugar levels.
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

You might be thinking "What's the connection between diabetes and the menopause?"

Well, for ladies reaching that certain age, it can be very traumatic - especially when some of the effects experienced can easily be mistaken for those we have to be aware of when managing our diabetes...

For a diabetic taking medication, keeping blood sugars at the right level is a balancing act.  If sugar levels drop too low, because of not eating enough or at the right times, you suffer a hypoglycemic episode (sometimes called 'hypo' for short).  For me, this usually manifests itself as shaking; irritability; sweating and a faint-headed feeling.  

If you are diabetic and have ever had low-blood sugar you may recognize some of these symptoms, amongst others.  A quick 'glucose fix' usually settles it within 5-10 minutes.

Now, compare that to some of the symptoms of starting the menopause; hot flushes [I call them 'power-surges' ;)] - similar to the sweats of a hypo; mood swings - akin to the irritability you might experience during a hypo.  It's very easy to confuse the symptoms you are feeling.

When I first started the menopause, I frequently confused waking at 2 a.m. in the morning in a cold sweat as a hypo and took a quick sugar boost to settle myself.  That pushed my blood sugar levels up when I didn't need it.  Not a good idea!

It was only after visiting my Doctor to talk about these frequent, unexpected hypos I discovered I was starting the menopause (I was in my late 40s, so it was rather unexpected, normally it doesn't occur until early-to-mid 50s).

If you are a lady, with diabetes controlled by medication, and you are in your early 50s and you start having frequent, unexplained hypos - check your sugar levels before 'treating the condition'.  And get your Doctor to check your symptoms.  You may be confusing symptoms of diabetes and the menopause.

And guys; if your lady normally has great control of her diabetes and suddenly seems to be showing the same symptoms when she was getting her diabetes into balance (if you knew her then) please be supportive and understanding, she's going through one hell of an experience, but I promise, she will come through and be her normal, loving and charming self once again.

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Control your DIABETES by Vitamin C and Vitamin E

A kit used by a woman with gestational diabetes.
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Many of the vitamins like Vitamin B complex, Thiamine or Vitamin B1 and Pyridoxine or Vitamin B6 are a great controller of diabetes. Other vitamins like vitamin C and vitamin E also works great in controlling diabetes. Have a look at the benefits of how they can help you control your diabetes.

Vitamin C - Vitamin C is considered highly beneficial in treating diabetes. Because of stress, urinary losses and destruction by artificial sweeteners, the vitamin C requirement is usually high in diabetics. Large amounts of this vitamin sometimes bring very good results. Dr. George V Mann in Perspective in Biology and Medicine recommended extra vitamin C for diabetics. Natural insulin output increases in diabetics with supplementary doses of vitamin C.

The intake of vitamin C in the form of dried Indian gooseberry (amla), the richest known source of vitamin C, or tablets of 500 mg or from natural sources of vitamin C besides amla, are citrus fruits, green leafy vegetables, sprouted Bengal gram and green grams.

Vitamin E - This vitamin reduces considerably the devastating vascular damage accompanying diabetes. Dr. Willard Shute in The Complete Book of Vitamins recommends 800-1600 IU of vitamin E a day to prevent arterial degeneration in diabetes.

A Swedish study also supports vitamin E therapy for treating diabetes. Vitamin E helps diabetics decrease their insulin requirements. It would be advisable for a diabetes patient to take a daily dose of 200 IU of this vitamin for a fortnight at a time.

Rich Sources of Vitamin E. Valuable natural foods sources of this vitamin are wheat or cereal germ, whole grain products, fruits and green leafy vegetables, milk and all whole raw or sprouted seeds.

Other rich sources of vitamin E are cold pressed crude vegetable oils, especially sunflower seeds, safflower, and Soya beans oils, raw and sprouted seeds and grains, alfalfa, lettuce, almond, human milk etc.

Vitamin A - Diabetics are unable to convert beta-carotene to vitamin A.  A supplement of this vitamin, therefore, becomes necessary. A dose of 15000 IU on alternate days is considered adequate by some authorities.

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Is There Self Test For DIABETES?

Photo  by bodytel 

Sixteen million Americans have diabetes, yet many are not aware of it. African Americans, Hispanics and Native Americans have a higher rate of developing diabetes during their lifetime. Diabetes has potential long-term complications that can affect the kidneys, eyes, heart, blood vessels and nerves. A number of pages on this website are devoted to the prevention and treatment of the complications of diabetes.

In diagnosing diabetes, physicians primarily depend upon the results of specific glucose tests. However, test results are just part of the information that goes into the diagnosis of diabetes. Doctors also take into account your physical exam, presence or absence of symptoms, and medical history. Some people who are significantly ill will have transient problems with elevated blood sugars which will then return to normal after the illness has resolved. Also, some medications may alter your blood glucose levels (most commonly steroids and certain diuretics (water pills)).

The TWO main tests used to measure the presence of blood sugar problems are:

1. Direct measurement of glucose levels in the blood during an overnight fast
2. Measurement of the body's ability to appropriately handle the excess sugar presented after drinking a high glucose drink.

Self Testing Methods

Regular self-testing of your blood sugar tells you how well your combination of diet, exercise, and medication are working. Tests are usually done before meals and at bedtime. More frequent testing may be needed when you are sick or under stress.

A device called a Glucometer can provide an exact blood sugar reading. There are different types of devices. Usually, you prick your finger with a small needle called a lancet, which gives you a tiny drop of blood. You place the blood on a test strip and put the strip into the device. Results are available within 30 to 45 seconds.

A health care provider or diabetes educator will help set up an appropriate testing schedule for you. You will also be taught how to respond to different ranges of glucose values obtained when you self-test.

The results of the test can be used to adjust meals, activity, or medications to keep blood sugar levels in an appropriate range. Testing provides valuable information for the healthcare provider and identifies high and low blood sugar levels before serious problems develop. Accurate record keeping of test results will help you and your healthcare provide plan how to best control your diabetes. There are 20.8 million children and adults in the US with diabetes, and nearly one-third of them (or 6.2 million people) do not know it!

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AYURVEDA NATURAL CURE for Diabetes Problems

Photo: Pixabay

In Ayurveda, diabetes is commonly seen as a metabolic Kapha type of disorder in which the Agni has a lowered functioning. It results in high blood sugar. Ayurveda identifies 24 types of the disease commonly classified under Prameha – 4 are due to Vata dosha, 6 are due to Pitta dosha, and 10 are caused by Kapha Dosha. The main causes of these diseases are fat, urine and Kapha formed due to foods, liquids, lifestyle, and others.

Ayurvedic treatment of diabetes patient depends upon the strength of the body and type of diabetes he/she has. The first task is to diagnose the type of dosha imbalance. In all types of urinary disorders, Kapha is deteriorated, but in madhumeha, vata is often aggravated as well. Therefore, Ayurveda nature cure for diabetes will be directed at both vata and Kapha simultaneously to restore the balance of the doshas.

After determining the causes of doshas imbalance, Ayurvedic therapy searches the root causes of diabetes which may be overeating and consequently obesity, Excessive intake of sugar and refined carbohydrates, an overdose of proteins and fats which get converted into sugar if taken excess, more tension, worry, anxiety & grief.

Ayurveda natural cure for diabetes indicates that a person should avoid foods that promote Kapha like potatoes, rice, sugar, fatty foods, and alcohol. Regular exercise for diabetic patients is necessary. One can do yoga asanas such as Halasan and Paschimottanasn to stay healthy during diabetes.

There is a most effective therapy known as Panchakarma Therapy. It helps in reducing the insulin resistance in the tissues in diabetics which is the major goal in treating diabetes.

Ayurveda also includes the diet modification by reducing sugar and refined carbohydrates. Protein is helpful for the body but an excessive intake can damage the kidneys. Fat should be taken in a limited amount as an excessive amount can lead to digestive problems and obesity. Ayurveda natural cure for diabetes starts with herbal massages, followed by fasting to cleanse the body.

Divine Wellness is an interactive online health portal providing online yoga classes for learning Kundalini Yoga. They also provide Ayurveda cure for diabetes through high definition video.

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DIABETES Type 1 and Type 2 Weight Loss Nutrition

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

If you have diabetes you have to be very careful about what you eat. You need to take extra care in managing your blood glucose levels. You can do this by eating healthy, watching your diet, taking medication prescribed by a physician and getting proper exercise.

What foods should you eat? There is a food pyramid for people with diabetes. The Diabetes Food Pyramid divides food into six groups. At the top of the list is fats sweets and alcohol. Since this is the smallest group this tells you to eat very little from this section. The next group is milk, meat, meat substitutes and other proteins.  On the pyramid, 2 to 3 servings of milk are suggested and 4 to 6oz of meat/protein is mentioned. Then you have your vegetables and fruits. Veggies choose at least 3-5 servings per day and fruits choose at least 2-4 servings a day. The last group which you should eat the most of is bread grains and other starches. You can check with your doctor to get a copy of the diabetes food pyramid to learn more about the correct servings and portion sizes for you.

What is Type 1 Diabetes? This type of diabetes was previously known as juvenile diabetes and is typically diagnosed in children and young adults. The body does not produce insulin. What is insulin? It is a hormone needed to convert starches, sugar (glucose) and other foods into energy. Energy is needed for daily life activities. Type I Diabetes is a chronic condition with no cure, but the outlook for people living with this disease is far better than it was 20 years ago. There has been much advancement in medicine, research and patient education reducing disabling complications and extended the expectancies of life for those without diabetes. In other words, people with diabetes 1 can live just as long as people without diabetes with the proper treatment and educating themselves on this disease.

What is Type 2 Diabetes? With type 2 the body does not produce enough insulin or the cell just simply ignores the insulin. Type 2 is the most common form of diabetes.  You need insulin in order for the body to be able to use sugar. The basic fuel for your cells is sugar.  Insulin takes the sugar from the blood into the cells. When glucose does not go into the cells but builds up in the blood instead it can cause problems. The problems it can cause are over time high glucose levels could hurt your heart, kidneys, nerves, and eyes. What are the most common symptoms for adults with Type II Diabetes?  The answer is fatigue, blurred vision, thirst and excessive urination. Do you think you may be diabetic? Check with your doctor. With type II diabetes minor weight loss can greatly improve your blood glucose levels.

So remember if you have diabetes please be under a doctors care. Watch what you eat. Limit your sweets, fats, and alcohol. You can still eat good tasting foods and there are many diabetic food recipes on the internet. Get on a doctor-approved exercise program and keep track of your glucose levels. Learn all you can about your condition so you can take control of it instead of the disease controlling you.

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HYPNOSIS Can Effectively Help Cure DIABETES

Overview of the most significant possible symptoms of diabetes. See Wikipedia: Diabetes#Signs_and_symptoms for references.  (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Diabetes is now considered to be a worldwide epidemic, which has serious after effects like blindness, kidney failure, impotence that in turn makes the illness out of control. A Hypnotist can definitely help a person with diabetes, as a Hypnotist is considered a stress management consultant and a motivational coach. However, a Hypnotist can only be a part of your diabetes support group and medical approval is required before enlisting yourself for any hypnosis program.

A person with diabetes will be feeling stressed and it may be difficult for him or her to follow the doctor’s advice. They may want to reach out for something which will make them feel better instantly, for instance for a type of food which may not be a good and healthy choice of food. The hypnotist helps in reducing harmful stress. This stress can affect a person’s power to make choices, which are beneficial to their health. If a persons stress levels increase their blood sugar also increases. The body releases chemicals called ‘insulin-antagonists’ which block the insulin and release stored sugar in the liver and muscles.

Parents of children with diabetes create stress both for the parents and for the child. The parents are tense looking after a sick child and the child is stressed because they cannot deal with the overwhelming problem like an adult. For Child Diabetes Management it is essential that expert care should be provided.

As many as 95% of the persons with diabetes have Type-2 Diabetes and they are obese. Regular exercise and diet management for Type-2 Diabetic patients leads to competing for system reduction. There is a need for exercise motivation and weight management. Generally, exercise gives you a sense of well-being and positive in outlook. A Hypnotist can help a person with diabetes to reduce stress and help them commit to making better food choices.

Another personal problem that most diabetes patients face which they feel embarrassed to admit to is impotence. These people and their partners are feeling stressed. They may take medication for this problem, which may be inappropriate and actually may cause damage. As many as 60% of the males face this problem.

A Hypnotist can counsel and train the patients how to manage their diabetes and live a healthy life. Even a small reduction in a diabetic patients sugar level reduces their chances of having complications. There are millions of people who have undiagnosed diabetes. A Hypnotist can be an important part of a Diabetics health care system and help cure diabetes to a certain extent.

Pradeep Aggarwal is a world-renowned hypnosis guru. He offers free 15 part free ecourse on How to Become a Master Hypnotist. Go and register here now at www.hypnosisglobal.com/ecourse . He also offers articles, books, audio tapes at www.pradeepaggarwal.com  Article Directory: Article Dashboard

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Best LOW SUGAR Fruits for Healthier Juicing

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Diabetes: Alzheimer's and DIABETES Could Be Linked Diseases I

PET scan of a human brain with Alzheimer's disease
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

According to a new study, diabetes and Alzheimer's diseases are more related than everybody thought. Some researchers believe that Alzheimer's could be a form of diabetes because findings show that insulin production in the brain declines as Alzheimer's disease advances.

Through a series of experiments, a group of researchers discovered that the brain produces insulin and that this substance produced by brains of patients with Alzheimer's illness tends to fall below normal levels.

For the neuropathologist at Rhode Island Hospital and professor of pathology at Brown University Medical School, Suzanne M. de la Monte, “insulin disappears early and dramatically in Alzheimer's disease and many of the unexplained features of Alzheimer's, such as cell death and tangles in the brain, appear to be linked to abnormalities in insulin signaling. This demonstrates that the disease is most likely a neuroendocrine disorder or another type of diabetes”.

During the early stages of Alzheimer's disease, brain levels of insulin and its related cellular receptors fall precipitously, as her group of researchers explained. They believe that Alzheimer's might be a new form of diabetes since the evidence shows insulin levels continue to drop progressively as the Alzheimer's disease becomes more severe.

The team led by de la Monte also found that low levels of acetylcholine are directly linked to this loss of insulin and insulin-like growth factor function in the brain. Acetylcholine is a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease.

The researcher's team autopsied the brain tissue of 45 patients diagnosed with different degrees of Alzheimer's called “Braak Stages” and compared those tissues to samples taken from individuals with no history of the disease.

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Common Knowledge About Gestational DIABETES

A kit used by a woman with gestational diabetes. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I did not become familiar with gestational diabetes until recently when my sister-in-law and my best friend were both diagnosed with it within a week. Many women I know, myself included, have made it through pregnancies without having any serious problems like gestational diabetes.

Basically, gestational diabetes is a disease that can come on during pregnancy but that usually disappears once the baby has been born. In some women, pregnancy results in their blood sugar levels getting out of balance. A pregnant woman might realize that she is having blood sugar problems on her own or it might take a doctor to determine that her levels are not normal. Regardless of how it is discovered, gestational diabetes is a serious issue that needs to be handled with caution and care throughout a woman's pregnancy and after.

When my sister-in-law and my closest friend were struggling with feeling abnormally up and down during their pregnancies, their doctor took blood tests and determined that their blood sugar levels were being affected by their pregnancies and their food choices. They were both diagnosed simply by having this blood work done. At first, they were hesitant and scared because gestational diabetes sounded huge and they didn't know how relatively simple the treatment process could be.

Gestational diabetes, because it is primarily an imbalance of blood sugar, can often be regulated by changes in diet and levels of exercise. The number of changes that are necessary is dependant upon how poor of habits the women have to begin with. My sister-in-law and my friend had to make different levels of changes to their diets, but neither had to make such significant changes that their lifestyle was radically altered. Mostly their changes consisted of going on a low-sugar and low-carb eating plan. Gestational diabetes brings a risk of the baby getting too large during its gestational period and needing to be delivered early or by c-section. The more the pregnant mother cuts down on sugar intake, the less likely it is that the baby will get too large to be delivered vaginally.

If you are pregnant or are thinking of becoming pregnant in the near future, take some time and learn about ways to prevent gestational diabetes. It is the best for you and your baby. Prevention is always a better option than having to find a solution to high blood sugar levels. Be wise with your food and exercise choices from the start and you should be able to avoid dealing with gestational diabetes in your pregnancies. Talk with your doctor and take every possible precaution.

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Childhood Obesity and Type 2 DIABETES

Photo: Pixabay

When a child is diagnosed with diabetes it is commonly referred to as juvenile diabetes or type 1 diabetes.  This type of diabetes is not related to a child’s lifestyle, it is an autoimmune disease that results in the need for insulin injections for food to be turned into energy properly.  In recent years there has been an increased number of children that have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.  This is an alarming trend and one that can be mitigated because the link between children and type 2 diabetes is childhood obesity.

As it is fairly new that children are being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes there isn’t a lot of information or studies on it presently.  But what is known is that parents need to take action immediately.  Once a child has been diagnosed at an older age there isn’t much that can be done except to manage the disease.  But if a younger child is obese and makes healthy lifestyle changes that result in weight loss there is a chance that type 2 diabetes can be avoided.

Some of the early warning signs that your child may have diabetes include:

* A sudden increase in thirst that appears to never be satiated

* An increased need to urinate

* Dark patches on the skin – usually found in the folds of the skin, around the neck 

or around the eyes

As there are many other diseases and complications that can arise if your child is obese it is best to seek medical help for your child.  Between you and your healthcare professional, a plan can be made and put into place that will start your child on the road to a healthier weight and more active lifestyle.  Your child may be resistant at first but by involving them in the process and persistence the changes can be made.

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Are The FOODS We Eat, Always Safe?

Reference Webster's New World College Dictionary: 
Food: 1. any substance taken into and assimilated by a plant or animal to keep it alive and enable it to grow and repair tissue; nourishment; nutriment. 
2. Anything that nourishes or stimulates; whatever helps something to keep active, grow, etc.

But does it enable to grow and repair tissue, or give proper nourishment and stimulants to our mind and body? There was a time when this question could be answered with an astounding yes. But this certainly isn't true anymore!

As a good example, in 1880 it was evident in the general population, that there were around 2.8 cases per 100,000 people who were diabetics. Then this rose to around 29.7 cases per 100,000 people in 1949. But then, in that same year, 1949, the manner in which they started keeping statistics was changed, to where the 29.7 cases were now 16.4 cases per 100,000 people. The consequence coming out of this change was to obscure what was actually the incredible rise in diabetic cases over this same period. Of course, during that time period there was no distinction between Type I, and Type II diabetes it was known simply as diabetes.

Today, Type II diabetes alone has affected around 10 to 20% of the population; this is up from a low 0.0028% in the 1880's. The cause for this seems to be connected directly to the re-engineering of our once natural food supply. It appears that certain essential nutrients have been removed from our foods for the sole purpose of extending its shelf life. But the problem grew even more intensive and dangerous. If we look to the same 100 year period, as we see the diabetes epidemic increase, we must also take note to what occurred within the food industry. As we do this, we have to notice the many coincidences that exist between the almost complete corruption of our food supply and our massive disease epidemic.

As one looks back on the efforts being made to substitute artificial food as the real thing, we will find that it goes back to the time of Napoleon. It has always been the enormous profits as being the motivation factor that is possible with artificial food. It was a Frenchman named Hippolyte Mege-Mouries that invented what is now known as Margarine. He did this in order to win a contest that was sponsored by Napoleon III for the invention of a palatable table fat. We patented his invention in England in 1869. Based on today's standards, this Margarine was barely edible. It wasn't until 1874 when Margarine was first introduced to us in America. It wasn't too palatable, for it consisted of such things as Hog Fat, Gelatin, Fat, Bleach, Mashed Potatoes, Gypsum, and Casein.

It was in 1899 when David Wesson established a vacuum and high-temperature process for deodorizing cottonseed oil. It was the next year when he marketed "Wesson" oil. It took him over ten years to fully develop his hydrogenation process. Then in 1903, William Norman patented the hydrogenation process. This process was used to prevent unsaturated fatty acids from becoming rancid, by turning them into saturated fats.

It was then around 1911 that the artificial fat business actually began to take off. These artificial fats did not spoil and turn rancid as un-refrigerated natural products do. It was also this same year that Crisco came upon the food scene. Even the Jewish community accepted Crisco because it was considered to be "Kosher".

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But, it wasn't until the time of WWII that Margarine finally became popular in America, even though it was taking up around 40% of the market, since the 1920's. Formerly prior to WWII, there had been restrictive laws against Margarine which were repealed, and then Margarine became the dietary staple, as was motherhood and apple pie. And soon after this, it was followed by Crisco and artificial lard. It was also during this same period that refined oils made great inroads into the marketplace and became attractive to the consumer. It was these refined oils that actually made the manufacturer look great to the housewives of that time. It seems that no one ever noticed that even the insects would not eat of these oils when any was spilled.

But by this time, it was very evident that these artificial oils and other product were here to stay. No one ever seemed to take note or gave any thought to the long-term consequences on the health of the nation that came with these cheap artificial foods. The whole period that started in the 1930s up until the present, was increasingly proliferated by a market-driven science, one that was out to change consumer food habits. The complete idea was to wean the consumers away from the animal fat and cold pressed vegetable fat and seeds that had worked and was healthy for generations, and entice them to the newly refined oils. Saturated fat was declared to be bad by salespeople posing as scientists, and as well, by the real scientists that were prostituting their trade.

The American Eskimo, whose diet formally consisted of about 60% animal fat, remained healthy without any signs of diabetes for several generations. But, after they became wealthy from their pipeline revenue, they adopted the typical American diet of artificial foods. Then within one generation, they had degenerated health-wise, to the same health status that was then considered normal in America.

As scientific studies increased, several misleading studies came out regarding artificial fats, and the oil companies asserted the value of "polyunsaturated" or "monounsaturated" oils to one's health. There is no law that says they must tell you the truth, that these are real "transfats"; so they will not tell you, that a "polyunsaturated transfat" and a "monounsaturated" transfat, are poisonous. A polyunsaturated Cis, or natural fat, is a desirable and necessary part of a healthy diet. So now you know!

So, due to all of this, it becomes more evident that the health trend will continue to worsen, and more and more people will continue on the path of becoming Type II diabetics. That is, without some kind of dietary change, such as the living food program.

It Pays to be Prepared - DIABETES

An early insulin pen ("Painless diabetes syringe")
from the swedish manufacturer Helinos (Getinge Skärhamn)
 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Having diabetes can change to live of person entirely. From the way one chooses the foods that he will eat to the way he lives his daily life, everything will change. For someone who doesn’t know much about diabetes, there are a lot of webs sites, magazines, and books that can help you understand better of the nature of diabetes.

The greatest problem for diabetics is not being able to access medication when emergency situations occur. That is why it is important to always have an emergency kit at hand. To keep the medicines from expiring, use them from time to time and replace them with new refills. The emergency kit can include cold medications, antacids, cough syrup, test strips and insulin with syringes if you use one and blood glucose monitoring supplies. If you will purchase over the counter medicines, make sure to read the label before using it. If there is a warning that diabetic people should consult their doctor before using the product, then do so. If you have these emergency kits at home, try to also have it at work or at school.

It is also essential to include in the emergency kit your medical history, prescription medications and emergency contacts. To keep them from getting wet, keep them in a waterproof bags. If you are using insulin keep extra syringes, glucagons emergency kit and urine ketone strips. A glucagon emergency kit consists of a syringe filled with a liquid which must be mixed with a powder. This kit is only used in case of a Severe Hypoglycemic Emergency. Try also to keep the insulin in a cool place as much as possible to keep it from being damaged.

For people who got caught in the Katrina and Rita hurricane disaster, being prepared made the difference between life and death. And for people with diabetes, being prepared is important to their own personal safety and health. Hence, the best thing a diabetic person can do to prevent any problem with diabetes is to live a healthy lifestyle. It is important to eat healthy foods and have a regular exercise to keep blood pressures at normal and reduce the risk of heart disease and other serious conditions. And most importantly, have emergency kits close at hand at all times.

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DIABETES and Your Mouth

We diabetics have to pay even more attention to our teeth and gums than other people.

We are at greater risk of cavities, gum disease and tooth infections. Not only that, but those infections can cause our blood sugar to rise, so it becomes a vicious cycle.

Idealized curves of human blood glucose and insulin concentrations
during the course of a day containing three meals;
in addition, effect of sugar-rich meal is highlighted;
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Here are some mouth problems common in diabetics.

Plaque

Plaque is, of course, a problem for many people, not just diabetics. But it's caused by starches and sugars, and of course we have more than our share of those! So diabetics are highly prone to plaque.

Dry mouth

Sometimes my mouth is so dry in the morning I can hardly speak—I'm sure you know how that feels. But it's more than just inconvenient, it's dangerous to the health of our mouths. You see, saliva washes away many of the bacteria that cause cavities and gum disease. Dry mouth cuts the amount of saliva available for this job, so the result is more cavities and gum disease. Dry mouth sometimes also creates inflammation of the soft tissue in the mouth, making eating difficult and unpleasant.

While there are artificial saliva substitutes, which your dentist can tell you about, you can usually stimulate your own saliva by sucking on a sugar-free hard candy. I like no-sugar-added Ricola for this purpose. And of course, drinking water helps.

Fungal infections

Not only do we diabetics have less saliva than we need, but the saliva we do have is high in sugar content, so it's double trouble for us. This can cause a fungal infection called candiasis, commonly known as thrush. It produces sore red or white spots in the mouth. Medication can help though, so ask your dentist.

As a diabetic, you must pay great attention to oral hygiene. Brush your teeth twice a day, and floss daily. Examine your gums for signs of problems—and always visit your dentist at least twice a year.

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