Latest Diabetes Articles

Exercises for Diabetes

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 00:16:36 -0400

It is an established fact that diabetic exercise not only helps control diabetic sugar but also contributes to regulate lipid levels simultaneously. In addition to these benefits, exercise for diabetics can naturally increase metabolism and improve general health. It is plus in some cases that exercise reduces insulin need because the pancreas is naturally regenerated.

The researchers asked 16 people who were around 20 years old to take part in their exercise sessions in which every person's exercise limit will differ between 4 to 30 seconds. These people were also made to drink some kind of solution which contains 75 grams of glucose to calculate the amount of time required for their blood sugar and insulin level to remain elevated. In just 2 weeks, the researchers found that the duration of blood sugar and insulin level elevation was reduced by 12% and 37%.

Exercises like jogging, swimming, fast walking and cycling are good for diabetics. These exercises help to keep cardiovascular system in good condition. These exercises should couple with stretching exercises as warming and cooling down exercises. A typical exercise session should consist of: 10 minutes of warming up exercise of stretching type; about 20-30 minutes of aerobic exercise and finally 5 minutes of cool down and stretching exercise.

Once you start exercising, your body will start to call on the fat supplies in your body and you will need to keep to the new balanced diet. Your body will have slightly different glucose requirements but your new diet should help to cater for this aspect. However, it is very important to keep a close check on your glucose levels, especially in the early stages, as your body will be adjusting to the new regime. The benefits of smaller but more meals will be appreciated as this will help to keep your sugar levels more constant.

To sum up: exercise will reduce blood sugar levels and help maintain insulin sensitivity. It will also improve circulation. This is important for diabetics because they are known to have circulatory problems. Diabetics often suffer from poor circulation in the legs and feet. Exercise helps to promote blood circulation. Regular exercise will also help to lower blood pressure and so reduce the risk of stroke.

By doing regular exercise type 1 diabetic patients can successfully manage insulin sensitivity as well as it helps in improving the glucose absorption rate in the body. In addition, regular exercising helps in managing weight, which is obviously an additional benefit for diabetic patient. You cannot do anything to prevent type 1 diabetes, but you can surely do something to prevent type 2.

Cardiovascular exercises. These types of exercises are non-vigorous activities. Water aerobics and cycling are two options. Just three to four days per week of moderate-intensity exercise for 20-60 minutes will give you the energy and encouragement you need.

Natural Diabetes Treatment

Mon, 17 May 2010 03:09:11 -0400

Diabetes is a harmful disease, which left untreated, can lead to further health conditions. It is important to get a diagnosis and then start an appropriate treatment. The option that you choose could be herbal or natural diabetes treatments, it could involve some changes in lifestyle, or it could involve prescription medication. There are many people out there that have chosen a combination of all 3 in order to treat their diabetes effectively.

Although they are different types of diabetes, natural diabetes treatment is able to suit both conditions. Natural diabetes treatment is a form of naturopathy. It is an alternative medical system which focuses on the natural systems of treatment and the body's ability to heal and maintain itself. Naturopathy comprises of a new healthy lifestyle which favors a balanced diet and adequate exercise.

Some people may be comfortable with their drug medications but there are those who prefer the natural way of treating their illnesses. The term for the process of treating diabetes in natural ways is called naturopathy, which efficiently uses certain natural plants which may ease the diabetic conditions. Some ingredients include balsam pear, bitter melon, garlic, onion, Asian ginseng, bilberry, the extract of ginkgo biloba, cinnamon and barberry.

Natural treatment for diabetes mainly consists of eating the right foods and staying away from bad foods, making sure that you stay active by getting enough exercise and making some lifestyle changes. I could not believe what I was reading. No dancing men, no weird potions and I understood every word of it.

You will be able to use natural diabetes treatment to improve your conditions. Type 1 diabetes is a disease where the body itself destroy the cells in the pancreas, causing the pancreas to stop producing insulin. The pancreas could not produce insulin, which is responsible for regulating the blood sugar level, thus causing diabetes. Therefore, sufferers will need to depend on the injection of insulin. On the other hand, type 2 diabetes is caused by a defective pancreas, resulting in an inadequate amount of insulin being produced.

Cherukurinja also known as Meshasringi or Gurmar is popular in India as a "sugar killer". It is primarily used in the treatment of Type II diabetes. It is a common ingredient in herbal formulas aimed at reducing blood sugar levels. It is also known to have weight reduction properties by reducing the sweet cravings of patients. It increases the ability of the pancreas to produce insulin as well as insulin receptors in cells, thereby helping to control blood sugar levels. Gymnema extract is produced from the leaves of the plant.

Having a positive attitude is important for everyone, but when we need to heal ourselves from a disease or a disorder, our attitude is one of the most important factors involved. When you think negative thoughts you are putting stress on your body and having a positive attitude can dramatically improve your physical health.While it is a bit more complex than this, a natural diabetes treatment begins with diet, lifestyle and attitude. This is not so hard to do and you will be amazed at how much better you will feel on the inside and the outside.

A diabetic diet plan is planned by a dietitian in a way that it will make possible diabetics to lower their blood sugars effectively and keep up healthy body functioning. Some food stuffs that are rich in fiber and protein are suitable for diabetic condition.It is wise to keep away from certain food items like high carbohydrate, high fats, processed food, high sugars, junk foods, preserved foods etc.

Understanding the Glycaemic Index of Foods, Helps Type 2 Diabetes

Wed, 05 May 2010 01:49:51 -0400

High sugar or glucose levels in the blood is referred to as diabetes. There are several types of diabetes - a few ‘independent’, and others ‘dependent’ on ‘insulin’.

Type 2 diabetes is non-insulin dependent diabetes. Type-2 diabetes is popularly known as NIDDM in medical science which stands for non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.

Diabetes patients know very well that their blood sugar level is easily affected by the carbohydrates eaten in their diet. In order to measure how high the blood glucose will respond and go up after consuming one of the many carbohydrate containing food choices, an index was introduced and is now known as the Glycaemic Index (or the GI).

The greater the value of the Glycaemic index of a food (i.e. the higher the number the food is given on the Glycaemic Index Scale) then this reflects the greater speed it will break down during digestion, and consequently release greater amounts of glucose into the bloodstream more rapidly. So for foods with high GI values, the blood sugar level will rise higher (and more quickly) and this is not good for diabetics! So the higher the number on the Glycaemic Index Scale, the quicker the blood sugar goes up. Not good.

The value of a food on the Glycaemic Index Scale is greatly affected by the type of food, its processing, ripeness, period over which it is stored, the method of cooking and few other factors. When the food (containing the carbohydrate) is ingested, it finally releases glucose during the digestion process, which is absorbed, which then produces a spike in the blood glucose level. Large spikes are very harmful to a person with Diabetes 2!

These spikes increase the imbalance between body‘s ability to ‘detoxify’ reactive oxygen and its ‘production’. This disturbance can produce ‘free radicals and peroxides’ that can be toxic and damage cell components. The human body is certainly pushed to extremes when large amounts of foods with a high Glycaemic Index value (like 70 - 100 or even more on the scale) are consumed, and large amounts of glucose are rapidly absorbed producing large spikes in blood glucose levels.

It is very important that Diabetes 2 patients know the Glycaemic Index values of the food that they consume. This is because the amount of glucose obtained from the carbohydrate portion in their food (and the glucose spike which goes along with it - after eating it) is not the same for all foods! Diabetes 2 patients should know what they can and can’t eat, based on this Glycaemic Index.

The intake of low Glycaemic Index foods produces 1) only very small spikes in blood glucose and 2) introduces at very slow rate, the absorbed glucose into the bloodstream, which 3) helps maintain ‘balanced’ energy levels and will 4) keep you active for longer, simply by supplying you energy for longer in the form of slow release energy (or ‘slow release glucose’ into the bloodstream).

Low GI foods can help people in losing weight, increasing body’s sensitivity to insulin, reducing heart disease risk and also help control cholesterol levels.

Major suggestions of low GI foods for people with Type 2 Diabetes are consumption of all types of fruits and vegetables, plenty of salad, noodles, pasta oats, barley and bran. Those with Diabetes 2 should also reduce or avoid the consumption of high GI Index foods like potatoes, cakes and chips!

Foods To Avoid and Eat in Type 2 Diabetes

Wed, 05 May 2010 01:43:42 -0400

If Diabetes 2 has taken hold of you, then don’t fret! There are ways by which you can overcome this disease/condition to a certain extent, with proper healthy eating habits. It is critical to discover what to eat and what not to eat with Type 2 Diabetes! In general, a diet loaded with fiber is advised by medical practitioners for Diabetes 2 patients and it’s preferably a strict ‘no’ to simple sugars, simple carbohydrates and saturated fats (highest levels found in butter, cheese, cream, meat, etc.).

Foods to keep away from

When one is in search of foods that he/she should avoid in Type 2 Diabetes, the first and foremost food which should be avoided is the simple and basic form of sugar. Sweets for instance, such as chocolates and cakes should be totally avoided. If you are consuming artificial sweeteners, then limit them as well. Foodstuffs made of white flour must also be totally avoided. Vegetables rich in starch, particularly potatoes, beets, and parsnips should also be avoided or highly limited. Reduce the consumption of full fat milk as well. Also be careful with fruit juices, because they are high in sugar. If you still wish to sip some fruit juice, simply mix and dilute it with some water. Stay away from soft drinks as well due to their high sugar content.

Foods to Eat

Having Diabetes 2 does not mean at all that you cannot eat anything. There are various foods which you can eat as well and can control your Type 2 Diabetes. You can still consume meats like lamb, pork, bacon, as well as beef! But with all the excess fat trimmed off, and in small portions! If you can’t avoid only always eating chicken, turkey is a great option to choose from as an alternative. Seafood and fish can also be included in your diet.

Include foods rich in fibers like wholegrains, beans, peas, nuts, etc. You can include cheese in your diet, but don’t eat too much due to its fat content. Vegetables and fruits are without doubt extremely beneficial. Try to eat at least 5-6 servings of vegetables and fruits on a regular basis. Yogurt, which is natural and plain and devoid of any sugar content, is in addition, one more food alternative that you can consume in a Diabetes 2 diet.

Best Fruit and Vegetables for Type 2 Diabetes

Wed, 05 May 2010 01:38:39 -0400

Fruits are an important staple of one’s diet. Whether you have Diabetes 2 or not, fruits provide you with fiber, vitamins and minerals which are essential for a complete balanced diet. If you are suffering from Type 2 Diabetes you can still enjoy the benefits of fruits, except those fruits which contain high levels of carbohydrates and sugars and that can have an effect to increase your blood glucose level. While choosing a fruit, always opt for fresh fruit. If fresh fruits are not available try to find dried or frozen fruits with no additional sugar.

You must include fruits with a low Glycemic Index to control your Diabetes 2. The fruits with low Glycemic Index include Cherries, Prunes, Grapefruit, Dried Apricots, Raisins, Peach (canned juice), Apple, fresh Pear, Strawberries, Plum, Guava, Orange, Grapes, Papaya, Banana, Kiwi, Pineapple, Figs, and Mango.

Although watermelon has a high Glycaemic Index, the glycemic load per food serving (size of 120g) is low; so unless you consume lots in one go, it will not have a big effect on your blood glucose levels. So, a typical serving, because so much of it is water, contains very little carbohydrate and thus has a low glycemic load. However, since watermelon is high in sugar, you should still eat it in moderation.

You can consume these fruits either in raw or cooked form, or in the form of fruit juice, but with no added sugar! While buying fruits, try to buy small pieces. Try to avoid fruit juices. Instead opt for whole fruits since they contain more fiber and are more filling. If you must, when buying canned fruit juices, check the label for the following (which is the best): “unsweetened or extra-light,” or “no sugar added." Stay away from fruits that are frozen or canned in heavy syrup.

Vegetables supply vitamins, minerals and fiber. The best vegetable choices can be found to have low amounts of carbohydrates! The vegetables recommended in a Type 2 Diabetes diet include Broccoli, Lettuce, Spinach, Cabbage, Asparagus, Brussels sprouts, Cauliflower, Radish, Turnip, Mushrooms, Green Peas, Soybean sprouts, Carrots, Onions, Peppers (all varieties), Green Beans, Eggplant, Celery, Cucumber, Zucchini, Tomatoes, Chilies, and vegetable juice.

Consume cooked or uncooked vegetables prepared with little or no fat, and with little or no dressings (or sauces). Opt for fat-free or low-fat dressings on salads, as well as on uncooked vegetables. In your vegetables dish, you can also mix in some chopped garlic or onions. Make use of low-fat broths or water to steam the vegetables. Also, add in some lemon juice or a little vinegar to put on your vegetables. You can even put in some smoked turkey or a few pieces of lean ham with vegetables while cooking (for flavoring), instead of any other kind fats. Another good idea is to sprinkle your vegetables with spices, peppers, and many of the commonly available herbs. If you still want to add some quantity of fat, make use of soft margarines, olive oil, or canola oil in place of butter or fatty meats.

Vitamins and Herbal Supplements in Type 2 Diabetes

Wed, 05 May 2010 01:29:04 -0400

Below is a list of a few vitamins that can help with Type 2 Diabetes:

Alpha-lipoic acid

Alpha lipoic acid boosts glucose intake into cells in Type 2 Diabetes, and slows down the biochemical process of irregular ‘addition’ of sugar molecules to protein molecules in the body (which can cause damage to various parts of the body); as well as reducing diabetic nerve damage and decrease the pain, related with nerve damage.

Chromium

Chromium is an indispensable mineral that plays a major role in fat and carbohydrate metabolism, in addition to facilitating the body’s cells to react properly to insulin.

Magnesium

Magnesium assists in adjusting blood sugar levels and is required for proper nerve and muscle functioning, immune function, heart rhythm, and blood pressure. Low levels of magnesium aggravate blood sugar control in Diabetes 2. Therefore including wholegrains, seeds, nuts, and green leafy vegetables in your diet that are natural sources of magnesium, is a must.

Zinc

Zinc plays a major part in the manufacture and storage of insulin. Foods rich in zinc include egg yolks, chicken, lamb, fresh oysters, beef liver, buckwheat, pecans, sardines, ginger root, lima beans, split peas, walnuts and almonds.

Brewer’s yeast

Brewer's yeast is an great resource for chromium; it is also believed to be helpful in treating high levels of blood sugar or blood glucose. It assists the body by reducing the quantity of insulin required by the body.

Below are a few Herbal Supplements that can help those with Type 2 Diabetes:

Ginseng

There are many varieties of ginseng available, out of which North American ginseng has been found to be very effective for Diabetes 2, since it is found to be helpful in improving blood sugar level. The scientific name of ginseng is Panax quinquefolius.

Cinnamon

Various studies have shown that cinnamon also assists in improving blood sugar/glucose levels in people with Type 2 Diabetes. You can also consume cinnamon tea for controlling your blood sugar level. But it may produce a tendency for additional bleeding, if you are already taking aspirin everyday.

Gymnema sylvestre

Gymnema, a herb, is also found to be very useful in lowering blood sugar/glucose levels in people with Type 2 Diabetes.

Psyllium

Psyllium is an excellent for those with Type 2 Diabetes. It helps puts a check on the blood sugar level from increasing too high after meals. The seed extracts of Psyllium contain a large quantities of soluble fiber that help stop the blood sugar/glucose level from rising too high after meals.

Some other herbal supplements include Bitter melon, Cayenne, Fenugreek, Cranberry, Reishi, Aloe Vera, and Nopal.

Can a Type 2 Diabetes Diet Really Work?

Wed, 05 May 2010 01:20:22 -0400

The general perception is that the ill health effects of Type 2 Diabetes cannot be cured with the help of dietary changes alone. To an extent this is right, but not always, and not in every case. This is because following an altered diet may not help in controlling the underlying diabetes, if the original diet followed was not the root cause of the diabetes in the first place. The root cause may have been for example, a lack of physical activity, chronic stress, or both.

Diet adjustments are made so as to ‘remove or lower’ the excessive glucose or sugar load from the bloodstream. Though this should be the first step that any person diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes needs to follow, such adjustments in the diet alone are not always capable of curing one from the ill effects of Diabetes 2.

Regarding the diet, Type 2 diabetes is also partly caused by the lack of ‘good’ fats and an excess of ‘poor’ quality fats in our diets. Besides contributing to the onset of Type 2 Diabetes, these ‘bad’ fats can additionally cause other problems such as heart disease, obesity and a few more other dreaded health related conditions.

Diet alterations can be used to control and cure one from the ill effects of Diabetes 2, if done intelligently. So, one needs to understand various parameters in order to ‘implement and design’ a favorable diet routine that can cure one from the ill effects of Diabetes 2.

PCF ratio is one of these important parameters. PCF stands for protein, carbohydrates and fats. Proper ratios of PCF consist of 20% protein, 30% fats (good fat) and 50% of carbohydrates.

One can consume these proteins from fish, chicken, eggs and nuts, etc, but at the same time, one should also adjust the intake of these things in a very controlled, and limited manner. That means, watch your portion size! Note that in individuals with advanced kidney disease, an excessive intake of protein can lead to further kidney failure, which could be a major problem in some diabetic patients.

Carbohydrates may be taken from many sources, including fruits, vegetables and wholegrains. Those with Type 2 diabetes should ensure that the carbohydrate they are taking in, should be one with a low Glycaemic Index (low GI) value.

Fats come in several types, and the more monounsaturated fat is, the better it will be for you. Fats can be taken in from Oleic sunflower oil, olive oil, canola oil, peanut oil.

The one particular fat which is essential for the healthy functioning of the body is a fat commonly referred to as an ‘omega 3 fatty acid’. These are found in oily fish like salmon, and also found in flaxseed which is also known as linseed (which should be ground before consuming, otherwise it cannot be absorbed from the intestines). The ‘saturated’ fats are the worst for your health, and are absolutely not good for diabetic patients. Finally, one should also aim to consume fiber in copious amounts, as this will help to slow digestion. Slowing digestion also means blood sugar levels will rise more slowly (rather than rising rapidly to high and dangerous levels). Keeping blood sugar levels as low as possible is the ultimate goal of all diabetics. Fibre included in your diet is also thought to help you reduce the risk of obesity, as it is considered to help you feel fuller for longer and help you eat less. An intelligent diet plan can not only help you control, but also help cure you from the ill effects of Type 2 diabetes!

Discover the Ultimate Solution to Diabetes

Fri, 16 Apr 2010 05:56:46 -0400

Diabetes is a disease that is the result of your body not producing enough insulin. Insulin is a hormone produced by your body that helps to turn sugars into energy. The symptoms of diabetes are increased thirst, increased urination, constant hunger, weight loss, irritability, blurred vision, and fatigue. While each symptom alone is harmless, the combination of symptoms could mean that you have diabetes.

Indeed, when you think about it a number of diabetes treatment options are geared towards the control of diabetes only. The right diet, regular exercise, diabetic medications or insulin injections are all aimed at regulating blood sugar levels. This means that even if you have to do this everyday, you are not going to get rid of your diabetes totally; the most that you can do is only to control it so it does not worsen.

Prandial glucose regulators need to be taken three times daily to stimulate insulin production in
the pancreas. They act quickly over a short time period, reducing the risk of a hypo, and so should
be taken at the same time as a meal is eaten. The various types of prandial glucose regulators,
including repaglinide and nateglinide, can cause an upset stomach, nausea and skin rashes.

The best treatment involves beginning and maintaining a healthy diet and a regular exercise regimen early in life. A healthy lifestyle not only helps to prevent the onset of diabetes symptoms, it also helps to prevent or delay many other illnesses and diseases. A healthy diet and exercise allows your body to work as it should, and helps your body to fight off the effects of illnesses.

Diet is a terribly effective diabetes treatment that means changing your way of life to bring raised blood sugar levels down to ordinary, and it'll prevent you from suffering from other complications too. In truth, obesity is among the number one reasons for turning into a diabetic, which needs shedding weight so that it will help you become less of a diabetic, figuratively speaking.

Type 2 diabetes represents the other 90 to 95% of reported cases, and is, by far, the more widespread type of diabetes. It is also the sort that is easier to manage through lifestyle adjustments including diet, nutritional supplements and exercise. With increases in fatness among kids, the expansion pace of type 2 diabetes is mounting significantly amongst that population.

Amla can also be used in powdered form after drying and grounding it. The vitamins are preserved even in the dried form and it is considered a much better source of Vitamin C than grapefruit and lemons. It is also used for treatment of urinary infections as it is known to reduce the body heat. It also reduces body fat and is good for the eyes. Thus it can effectively delay the onset of diabetic retinopathy in patients.

Cost for treating diabetic patients may be higher due to the frequency of visits to the doctor, physician, and hospital and, of course, the maintenance of daily insulin intake. In the USA alone, there was an estimation that American people who have undergone treatment has reached their health-care costs and was pooled to approximately $100 billion yearly.

Diabetes Mellitus and its Prevention

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 20:39:02 -0500

Diabetes—is a condition in which the body either does not produce enough insulin, or does not properly respond to insulin a hormone produced in the pancreas.
Insulin enables cells to absorb glucose in order to turn it into energy. Any disturbance in this causes glucose to accumulate in the blood (hyperglycemia), leading to various complications.
TYPES OF DIABETES:
1) Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 Diabetes is autoimmune disease. It is result of destruction of beta cells due to aggressive nature of cells present in the body.

2) Type 2 diabetes
Type 2 Diabetes is also called non insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) or adult-onset diabetes. It occurs when the body produces enough insulin but cannot utilize it effectively. This type of diabetes usually develops in middle age. more common among older; obese; have a family history of diabetes; have had gestational diabetes.
3) Gestational diabetes:
It is a form of diabetes which affects pregnant women. Hormones involved in development of placenta, also blocks the action of the mother's insulin in her body. This is called insulin resistance. During pregnancy a mother may need up to three times more insulin for glucose to leave the blood and transform to energy. When body is not able to use insulin due to insulin resistance it develops into Gestational Diabetes. Glucose builds up in the blood to high level, it is called hyperglycemia.
Causes of Diabetes
• Hereditary or Inherited Traits : It depends upon closeness of blood relationship as mother is diabetic, the risk is 2 to 3%, father is diabetic, the risk is more than the previous case and if both the parents are diabetic, the child has much greater risk for diabetes.
• Age : Increased age is a factor which gives more possibility than in younger age.
• Poor Diet (Malnutrition Related Diabetes) : low protein and fiber intake, high intake of refined products are the expected reasons for developing diabetes.
• Obesity and Fat Distribution : Being overweight means increased insulin resistance.
• Sedentary Lifestyle
• Stress : physical injury or emotional disturbance is the initial cause of the disease..
• Drug induced: Clozapine, olanzapine , risperidone , quetiapine and ziprasidone induce this lethal disease.
• Infection : strephylococci that infects pancreas.
• Sex : commonly seen in elderly especially males but, strongly in women
• Hypertension : there is direct relation between high systolic pressure and diabetes.
• Serum lipids and lipoproteins : High triglyceride and cholesterol level in the blood is related to high blood sugars.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS:
Diabetes Type 1:
• Primary stage : nausea and vomiting.
• Later stage : ketoacidosis, fast weight loss
• Advanced stage : Coma and death.

Diabetes Type 2:
• Increased fatigue
• Polydipsia
• Polyuria
• Polyphegia
• Weight flactuation
• Blurry vision
• Irritability
• Infections
• Poor wound healing
Complications
• Diabetic retinopathy: pain in the eyes and may even result in loss of vision.
• Diabetic nephropathy: kidney disease shows symptoms of swelling (edema) in the feet and legs. blood pressure also increases.
• Diabetic neuropathy: Tingling, burning, numbness, tightness, shooting or stabbing pain in the hands, feet or other parts of body
• Diabetic foot: Any injury leads to gangrene if neglected
• Cardiac complaints: Chest pain ,shortness of breath, dizziness ,light headache, shoulder or stomach pain, fast heartbeat, heart attack or stroke
• Others: scanty or profuse sweating, difficulty of sensing when your bladder is full, increased sexual problems, weakness.
Prevention & management:
• Control weight to normal or near-normal levels by eating a healthy low-fat, high-fiber diet.
• Regular exercise is crucial to the prevention of type 2 diabetes.
• Keep alcohol consumption low.
• Quit smoking.
• If you have high blood fat levels (such as high cholesterol) or high blood pressure, take your medication as directed
• Lifestyle modification
• If you already have diabetes, your focus should be on preventing the complications
• Tight glucose control.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Increase physical activity levels
• Drink an adequate amount of water and avoid taking too much salt.
• The skin should be taken care of; avoid sores and cracks that can become severely infected.
• Brush and floss the teeth every day to prevent gum disease.
• The feet should be washed and examined daily, looking for small cuts, sores, or blisters that may cause

Five Factors in Managing Diabetes Naturally

Fri, 08 Jan 2010 10:28:03 -0500

Diabetes is one of the most common chronic illnesses, affecting millions of people worldwide. It is a condition in which the body either does not produce enough insulin (Type 1), or does not properly process the insulin it is making (Type 2).

There are many differing causes for diabetes, including specific viral infections, genetic predisposition, and personal diet. In particular, Type 2 diabetes tends to manifest in patients whose diet is poorly managed. Currently there is no known cure for diabetes, meaning this is an illness that requires constant careful management.

A diabetic's diet has a great deal to say about how the condition will continue to affect them. Proper diet can help prevent the onset of Type 2 diabetes, but even in patients who have been diagnosed with either condition, a healthy diet can reduce the side effects and secondary illnesses that tend to crop up. Here are five factors to consider when managing diabetes.

1 - the Glucose Cycle

The primary element that requires management in diabetic patients is their glucose cycle. Glucose (a simple sugar) is brought into the body, then processed by way of insulin and removed. Diabetics' bodies cannot accomplish this second task properly, which leads to glucose buildup and the development of secondary illnesses such as kidney damage. This is why many diabetic patients have to monitor their blood sugar.

A healthy diabetic diet must take sugar and glucose intake into account. High blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia) can cause kidney damage, retina damage, or even a diabetic coma and eventually death if left untreated long enough. Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) is equally dangerous, leading to potential brain damage or fainting spells.

Being able to properly control glucose intake requires understanding where it comes from. Not all carbohydrates have glucose in them: while sucrose sugars have a high glucose content, crystalline fructose does not. There are many resources on the Web that list comprehensive breakdowns of glucose content, and your dietician should have a primer or guide as well.

A very important part of this is record keeping. Similar to a dietary journal for weight loss, a simple glucose journal is no more than a list of the foods and portions you had throughout the day. Kept up for a month or more and compared to your blood sugar over time, this will allow you to track the contents of what you're eating and measure their effects.

2 - Mushrooms, Mushrooms!

As we've discussed, keeping your blood sugar level in check is an important part of diabetes management. Interestingly, there are certain mushrooms that are noted for their ability to lower blood sugar levels. The three most common are the reishi, maitake, and the agaricus blazei varieties. If you enjoy adding mushrooms to your recipes, consider including these with the usual shitaki or canned variety.

3 - Water, Water Everywhere

Water is always a vital nutrient to the body, and is even more critical for diabetics. Water promotes healthy bodily function, flushes out toxins and accumulated wastes, and maintains body temperature properly. When your body has the proper amount of water intake, you feel better, operate more healthily, and your system can adapt to greater strains, which include those brought on by diabetes.

The general guideline is eight to twelve cups of water per day under average conditions. If you perform greater exercise, you will of course require more water. The trick is not to flood your system at any one time, such as just drinking during meals. Drink at a rate of a cup every two hours to keep your system operating at peak condition, with more during meals. A bonus effect is that water imparts a sense of fullness, reducing the urge to snack on glucose-heavy foods.

4 - Whole Grain, No Pain

Fiber is a very important element in controlling blood sugar. The soluble fiber found in whole grain foods is particularly beneficial, since it slows digestion and allows your system more time to even out the process of managing blood sugar. This means insulin management is much more effective, making management of your entire condition much easier.

Good sources of whole grains include breads, oat based foods, and other sources. An additional benefit from the slower digestion caused by whole grains is that you gain a sense of fullness and feel full longer. This reduces the urge to snack between meals, and lets you keep meal portions to more manageable sizes. So consider replacing the afternoon snack with a whole-grain sandwich.

5 - the Doctor's Orders

Before making any changes whatsoever to your diet, it is vitally important that you speak at length with your physician and dietician about your specific case. Diabetes is a highly individual illness, manifesting in different ways in every patient. Any changes to your diet should be checked for approval with your doctor, so you can be sure you're going to get the best possible results. You don't have to go it alone, so take your physician's advice to heart.

A Final Word

Diabetes is a serious condition requiring diligent care. However, making smart changes to your diet, under your physician's guidance, may naturally help prevent or alleviate many side-effects and promote your wellbeing.