Diabetes Types- Knowing the Symptoms

Diabetes Types- Knowing the Symptoms

Diabetes is a condition featuring unusually high levels of glucose in the bloodstream. Insulin, produced by the pancreas, is used by the body to lower blood glucose levels. If someone’s pancreas doesn’t generate enough insulin, their body will develop diabetes.
A short list of symptoms of diabetes would include severe hunger and thirst, more urge to urinate, and fatigue. But the surest way of knowing whether you have diabetes is having a blood sugar test, also known as a Glucose Tolerance Test.
Type 1 diabetes is the more acute form. It is typically treated with special dietary restrictions, exercise and occasionally with insulin. Type 1 diabetes usually will be treated with special diet, exercise, and a weight loss plan before insulin is added. This form of diabetes is considered an insulin dependent disease.
A less severe form of diabetes, Type 2 diabetes is first treated with a diabetic diet, exercise and weight loss. If theses measures are not successful in controlling blood sugar and insulin levels, oral medications may be added. Insulin is then finally considered if these also are unsuccessful. Type 2 diabetes normally occurs in adults who are middle age or older, which is why it is sometimes called Late-Onset Diabetes In this case, he pancreas still produces the right levels of insulin but the body has become resistant to it.
It is feasible to delay the onset of Type 2 diabetes if it runs in the family. Through losing weight, getting the right amount of exercise and controlling your diet, you can manage. If Type 2 diabetes is not treated, eventually the same complications may ensue as those seen with Type 1 diabetes.
Gestational diabetes is seen in pregnant women. Normally it disappears after the birth of the baby, however, treatment for the mother to stabilize the blood glucose levels will decrease the chance of complications to the baby as well as mother.
Juvenile Onset diabetes is another major form of diabetes that affects many children. It is believed to be the onset of Type 1 diabetes. If a child is showing even a few of the symptoms of diabetes, it’s vital that they be checked by a doctor. It is estimated that over two million adolescents are in the pre-diabetes stage. This is mostly due to being overweight. In this condition, blood glucose levels are high but not high enough to be considered diabetes. Teens usually develop this between the ages of 12 and 19.
For information on diabetes treatment, visit Medopedia.com.

Diabetes Types- Knowing the Symptoms

Diabetes Type 2 and Artificial Sweeteners

Diabetes Type 2 and Artificial Sweeteners

Diabetes Type 2 (adult onset)
Refined carbs/sugars are actually the biggest contributing factor to type 2 diabetes--that is, the type of diabetes people develop later in life. The major contributing factor to type 2 diabetes is eating too many refined carbs. Type 2 diabetes is one of the easiest things for your body to heal. Are you ready? It is so simple. Quit eating carbs. It really is that simple. I have yet to meet anyone who was a type 2 diabetic who could not totally control their blood sugar levels without any insulin just by cutting carbs out of their diet.
All Artificial Sweeteners are Hazardous to Your Health. Like most things, everything starts out as a good idea. When NutraSweet was first invented it was actually made from grapefruit rinds. All the studies were done on this sweetener. It passed with flying colors. Then DuPont bought the rights, examined it under a microscope and chemically made it in a lab because it was cheaper. But there was one problem, this new artificial sweetener is essentially formaldehyde. And at temperatures above 95 degrees (the human body is 98 degrees) the artificial sweetener actually changes to formaldehyde in the body. Formaldehyde is the chemical they use to put into dead people to keep them from rotting before they burry them.
Some people want to argue that it takes large amounts of artificial sweeteners to induce cancer in rats. And in the small quantities the sweetener is found in food it is not harmful to humans. To that I have this to say: I don’t know about you but I don’t want to put anything in my body that causes cancer in any quantity, large or small. Living in the world we do today you are being exposed to toxins that cause cancer. So anywhere I can easily eliminate getting additional toxins, I will.
The truth about supplements. I also share this and more with you in my free e-course that this article is a part of. Go to http://www.HealthyEatingDiet.com to get the full e-course. Dr. Jamie wants to help give you Permanent Results with his "non-diet." He is also giving you dozens of valuable free gifts to "ethically bribe" you into helping him make his new book, "The Ultimate Non-Diet" a #1 best seller. For details on the book go to: http://www.TheUltimateNonDiet.com/free

Diabetes Type 2 and Artificial Sweeteners

Type II Diabetes – Simple Tips to Help Yourself

Type II Diabetes – Simple Tips to Help Yourself

We are being told that type II diabetes is on the rise in an alarming rate. We also hear that the pharmaceutical companies are always trying to come up with the next wonder drug to “cure” this disease. But who is telling us of ways we can help ourselves?
The majority of people who become type II diabetics start that way by first becoming insulin resistant. In plain terms that means the body is releasing more insulin than the body will use. It becomes a very vicious cycle – too much insulin released, not being used by the body ends up being stored in fat cells. The more fat cells a person has can lead to an increase of insulin being released and the cycle goes on and on and the person develops diabetes.
I would like to give you some useful tips on how you can help yourself. The key is to regulate your blood sugar as much as possible.
• Cut down on the number of carbohydrates you eat. Eating a lot of starches (pasta, bread, potatoes and desserts) can really affect the amount of insulin being released in the body. You have to eat some carbohydrates, but you can reduce it significantly and some people are able to cut back or stop taking their medicine for this completely. Don’t cut back on your medicine on your own though. Wait until your next blood work is done, and if it is better, your doctor will let you know. You can talk to your doctor at that point about cutting back on your medicine.
• When you eat carbohydrates, eat good ones! Eat grains high in fiber and vegetables – especially green vegetables.
• Limit the number of times you actually eat. Every time you eat or snack, your body releases insulin. You don’t want to do away with snacks, just be smart about it. Don’t graze all day long. Be finished with your meal within an hour. If you take longer than an hour to eat, your body will release more insulin.
• Be sure to balance any carbohydrates you eat with protein and fiber. It will help your blood sugar stay more stable and you won’t have as many spikes in your blood sugar. Most of us have heard of the sugar high and the slump that follows. Balancing carbohydrates with protein and fiber will help limit the sugar highs and slumps.
• Educate yourself. I was amazed when I learned some servings of dessert actually had enough carbohydrates for a whole meal or two whole meals! Learning how to incorporate good nutrition into your meals and limiting the empty carbohydrates really goes a long way to good health.
• Drink plenty of water. If you rely on regular sodas or fruit drinks, you will be consuming many more empty carbohydrates during the day. You want to be moving as much toxins and impurities out of your body.
• Exercise. Yes, that dreaded word. You can add exercise to your day easily though. Park at the back of a parking lot and walk. When at work, take your 15 minute break to walk around the block. It will add up.
With these simple tips and working with my doctor, I was able to completely stop taking my diabetic medicine. I found within 24 hours of really cutting back on my carbohydrates that I felt much better. I have also lost 25 pounds using these tips.
Copyright 2006 MMF All Rights Reserved
Marla Fuller
Visit http://www.AmericanDreamHomeBiz.com

Type II Diabetes – Simple Tips to Help Yourself

Nutritional Help for Type 2 Diabetes

Nutritional Help for Type 2 Diabetes

Diabetes mellitus is a disorder in which the pancreas fails to secrete sufficient insulin or the body’s decreased ability to use insulin. Diabetes mellitus is Greek for ‘a passing through of sweetness’ which refers to the passing of sugar rich urine, a characteristic of the disease. It is a very serious disorder, sometimes fatal and is the leading cause of death in Western society because of its damage to the cardiovascular system.
In a healthy body food is digested to release glucose into the blood. This causes beta cells in the pancreas to release insulin into the bloodstream. Insulin helps in the transportation of glucose from the blood to the liver and muscle cells. This can then be released later into the blood for metabolism. If the pancreas fails to produce sufficient amounts of insulin or if there is insulin resistance then diabetes will set in.
There are two types of diabetes, Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) also known as juvenile-onset diabetes, type 1 diabetes and Non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) also known as maturity-onset diabetes, type 2 diabetes. Both environmental and genetic factors contribute to both forms of diabetes mellitus but the exact cause of diabetes mellitus is unknown. In both types, excess sugar in the blood known as hyperglycemia needs to be removed by the kidneys. Excessive thirst, frequent urination and hunger are the symptoms.
Non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) also known as maturity-onset diabetes, type 2 because it typically occurs in obese people over 35 years of age, although some obese children have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes due to lack of exercise and poor diet. The clinical symptoms of NIDDM are mild, and the high glucose levels can be controlled by exercise, weight loss, diet and sometimes a drug like glyburide (DiaBeta) is used to stimulate the pancreatic beta cells to produce insulin. Some type 2 diabetics have sufficient amounts of insulin in the blood and diabetes happens not because of shortage of insulin but because cells become desensitized due to down-regulation of insulin receptors. Ketosis rarely develops in NIDDM.
Eating foods containing carbohydrates such as rice, potatoes, bread and cereals will raise blood sugar and insulin levels. This sugar raising effect of a food is called ‘the glycaemic index’ and it measure how quickly the carbohydrate is absorbed by the body. Individuals whose diet consists of a high amount of sugary foods and foods with high glycaemic index are more prone to develop type 2 diabetes. Those whose diet consists of a high amount of foods which have a low glycaemic index are at low risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Typical foods with a low glycaemic index are oats, fruit, beans and peas. To prevent or control type 2 diabetes it is best to avoid processed and snack foods which are typically high in sugar and eat high fibre whole foods such as oats, fruits, vegetables and seeds which have a low glycaemic index, regular exercise to reduce excess weight is also very important. Taking high fibre supplements such as psyllium, guar gum, oat bran, pectin, glucomannan and fenugreek seeds has shown to be beneficial to those suffering from type 2 diabetes. Stopping smoking and cutting down on alcohol will be beneficial to the diabetic.
The following supplements may help if you are suffering from Type 2 Diabetes.
Alpha lipoic acid
Biotin
Brewer’s yeast
Chromium
Coenzyme Q10
Evening primrose oil
Fenugreek (seeds)
Fibre
Fish oil (EPA/DHA)
Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS)
Glucomannan
Inositol
L-carnitine
Magnesium
Manganese
Medium-chain triglycerides
Multivitamins and minerals
Psyllium
Quercetin
Starch blockers
Taurine
Vanadium
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B3 (niacin)
Vitamin B6
Vitamin C
Vitamin D
Vitamin E
Zinc
Stewart Hare C.H.Ed Dip NutTh
Advice for a healthier natural life
website: http://www.newbeingnutrition.com

Nutritional Help for Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes, Glycemic Index and Weight Loss: The Next Diet Fad?

Type 2 Diabetes, Glycemic Index and Weight Loss: The Next Diet Fad?

Move over low carbohydrate, here comes the next craze -- the glycemic index. As attention to the Atkins and South Beach diets wanes, watch out for the next wave of diet books featuring the glycemic index. Indeed, just googling the term shows a variety of books already exist that promise health benefits, including type 2 diabetes control and the ever elusive weight loss miracle.
Just how does the glycemic index work? Should we add another diet book to our already burgeoning libraries?
The Glycemic Index Promise for Diabetes & Weight Loss
The glycemic index is simply a measure of the effect a carbohydrate-containing food has on blood sugar levels. The theory - emphasis on theory; this isn't proven -- is that foods with a higher glycemic index cause blood sugar levels to rise more than foods with a lower index, thereby increasing insulin secretion, which then causes blood sugar levels to drop. Theoretically, that leads to false hunger, causing us to eat more than our body really needs. Hence, struggles with weight and, for people with diabetes, blood sugar control.
A number of studies have looked at various aspects of this promise. For people with diabetes, several studies do suggest that paying attention to the glycemic impact of foods may have a positive effect on A1C levels (a measure of blood sugar control). Studies of the effect of the glycemic index on weight gain are inconsistent; some show a potential effect; others don't. A recent study of 32 healthy 'overweight' adults with normal glucose tolerance, however, showed that those who had high levels of insulin secretion and ate a low glycemic load diet lost the most weight.
The Problems with Using the Glycemic Index for Weight Loss &/or Diabetes Control
The glycemic index, however, has a number of practical problems. For one, it fails to truly categorize foods according to their impact on glycemic effect because it doesn't consider the amount of a food that we tend to eat at one time. A good example of this is a carrot versus a Snickers bar.
In the low carbohydrate diet craze, carrots gained a bad reputation due to their glycemic index. They rank 92 on the scale, which runs from 0 to 100. By comparison, a Snickers bar has a glycemic index of only 68. So does that mean Snickers are better choices than carrots for type 2 diabetes and weight loss? No. Because the amount of carbohydrate eaten at any one time is an important factor. If you take into account how much carbohydrate you eat in each carrot vs. each Snickers bar - which is the basis for a calculation called glycemic load - carrots rank as 7 and Snickers as 23. To get as much carbohydrate from carrots as one Snickers bar, we'd have to eat about 8 carrots in one sitting.
The concept of glycemic load, then, appears to better to assess the effect of individual foods on blood sugar levels. Still, experts agree that this concept has more utility for research on how populations of people eat, not for individual diet planning. One reason is because glycemic load is based on measures of the glycemic index, and the measures themselves are highly variable according to, among other things, individual response, where a food is grown, how ripe it is, its physical form (whether it's whole or ground, for example) and how it is prepared.
For example, rice from Italy has a glycemic index of 102; in Canada, it's 72. Tables of glycemic index often reflect an average glycemic index, which can be useful for studies of what an entire population eats. When it gets down to individuals, obviously the variations can make a big difference. To further complicate things, fat and protein also affect the glycemic response, resulting in a lower glycemic effect when a food is eaten in combination with other foods rather than by itself.
What to Do
Clearly, trying to determine the effect of a food on blood sugar outside of a laboratory is fraught with complications that would make eating a low glycemic diet an exercise in frustration. That is, if you keep looking at single foods. But if you look at the total diet, there are some words of wisdom to make smart eating a reality.
Choose among a wide variety of whole foods, including whole grains, beans, vegetables, fruits, lowfat dairy products and protein foods. Most likely, you'll automatically be eating a lower glycemic diet as a result. Refined foods - those with fiber removed such as white bread and fruit juices - tend to have a higher glycemic load. What's more, they're lower in all the vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients and other substances that make for healthy eating.
If you do want to eat a food with a higher glycemic index, eat it in combination with a protein food. For example, saltines with peanut butter for a snack.
If you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes or high insulin levels, work with your dietitian to determine if some foods have a higher glycemic effect for you. This may involve checking your blood sugar levels after test meals.
So save your money - skip the latest book promising easy solutions for type 2 diabetes and weight loss by using the glycemic index. First, it isn't easy; second, it's not necessarily accurate. Try spending your money instead on something that really helps you feel better - like a massage, facial, manicure, pedicure, personal training session, and the like.
Marsha J. Hudnall, MS, RD, CD is director of health communications and senior nutritionist at Green Mountain at Fox Run. For over 34 years, Green Mountain at Fox Run has been a women's weight loss retreat and spa. Green Mountain's unique weight loss program has offered women lifelong solutions for weight management through lifestyle and behavioral change. Learn more about our Mastering Type 2 Diabetes and Prediabetes, offered in concert with the Joslin Diabetes Center, Harvard Medical School.

Type 2 Diabetes, Glycemic Index and Weight Loss: The Next Diet Fad?

Type 2 Diabetes Symptoms

Type 2 Diabetes Symptoms

Did you know that a third of all people that have diabetes are not aware that they have diabetes? Symptoms may seem tolerable, and most people just move on and don't pay attention to the bodies warning signals. Know you have diabetes or if you are pre diabetic, is important because you can start improving your life style and making the necessary changes to lessen the effects of diabetes in the future.
Sometimes people experience type 2 diabetes symptoms but don't get a check up, since these systems can just be overlooked. Take a look at some of the symptoms that are associated with type 2 diabetes.
-Feeling thirsty.-Having to urinate more than usual.-Feeling more hungry than usual.-Losing weight without trying to.-Feeling very tired.-Feeling cranky.-Lots of infections and cuts and bruises that heal slowly.-Blurred vision.-Tingling or numbness in your hands or feet.-Lots of skin, gum, or bladder infections.-Vaginal yeast infections.
At first, your blood sugar level may rise so slowly that you may not know that anything is wrong. It is important to find out early if you have diabetes because treatment can prevent damage to the body from diabetes. Even though type 2 diabetes is commonly associated with being over weight that does not mean that just because you are not overweight you are safe from having type 2 diabetes. Also, type 2 diabetes usually arises in adult years, but children can also be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Sometimes Type 2 diabetes develops so slowly that you do not have symptoms until you already have some more serious problems from the disease. Many people are pre diabetic, when blood sugar levels are above normal but not high enough to have diabetes, for years before they know they’ve develop Type 2 diabetes.
If you suspect you are experiencing any of these symptoms, go see your doctor. As the saying goes, it's better to be safe than sorry. If you are diagnosed with diabetes, work with your doctor and follow your treatment plan. This usually consists of a healthy diet, regular exercise and checking your glucose levels more often. Working closely with your doctor can help you feel better and in more control of diabetes. With your treatment plan you can help delay or even prevent serious health complications by keeping your blood sugar under control.
Siporah Anicama is a successful webmaster and publisher of of Diabetes Care. She focuses on diabetes diets, juvenile diabetes and more to keep you informed.

Type 2 Diabetes Symptoms

Using Diabetes Pills

Using Diabetes Pills

There are several different options available for controlling type 2 diabetes. They have traditionally included insulin injections, diabetes pills, and more recently inhalant medications such as Exubera. Determining what type of treatment works best for you is a decision that should be made in consultation with your doctor and diabetes support team. Some considerations are:
* What is your level of requirement for insulin?* Do you need one pill or a combination of pills?* Will you require insulin and pills in combination?
There are several major types of diabetes pills currently on the market. Below is a summary of the major types and their uses.
Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors
These mediations slow down the body’s ability to breakdown and digest starches such as bread, pasta, potatoes and even some sugars. These pills need to be taken at the beginning of a meal, and can be very effective in controlling blood glucose levels. They are marketed under the names of Precose and Glyset. The side effects to using alpha-glucosidase inhibitors are gas and intestinal discomfort with diarrhea.
Biguanides
Metformin is the drug name for the Biguanides, which acts to decrease the amount of glucose produced by the liver, and also makes the fat cells, cells in the liver and the muscles more sensitive to insulin so it can be absorbed easier. This medication has been proven effective for individuals with insulin resistance, and is taken twice a day, every day. There is initially some diarrhea, but this will improve over the time that the medication is taken and will also improve if the medication is taken just before the meal.
Meglitinides
Known by the names of Starlix and Prandin, this medication causes the beta cells to produce more insulin. The medication is taken before each of the three daily meals, and produces the same effect as an insulin shot. It is important to control your carbohydrate intake while using these medications. Since the drug causes a rapid increase in the release of insulin by the pancreas it is important to watch for hypoglycemia, and carry candies or glucose tablets or gel to counteract the medication.
Sulfonylureas
These drugs are some of the original drugs used to control diabetes. They were first used in the 1950’s, but have been improved and advanced. They work the same as the meglitinides to increase the production of insulin by the pancreas thereby reducing the blood glucose levels.
Sulfonylureas are usually taken one or two times a day with meals. They are often combined with other diabetes medications and have different interactions with different medications. Care needs to be taken when combining drugs to monitor any possible side effects.
Thiazolidinediones
These drugs, marketed as Avandia, Rezulin or ACTOS make the cells of the muscles and liver work better with insulin, and also reduce the release of glucose by the liver. They are usually taken one or two times a day, with meals, and can be very effective in lowing blood glucose levels. There is a significant and serious side effect to taking these drugs for some people. Individuals on these medications will need to have regular blood work to determine the functioning of their liver, as severe complications have been noted.
Diabetes pills can be very effective as treatments for controlling diabetes. As with any medication it is important to stick strictly to the prescribed doses and to consult with a doctor should any side effects be noted.
Karen Newton is a registered nurse and acclaimed author with over 25 years of health care experience. Her newest book, Diabetic Diet Secrets, is an easy to follow guide to losing weight and getting control of your diabetes. Karen offers a free Diabetic Tips Course at http://www.diabeticdietsecrets.com/diabetictips.htm.

Using Diabetes Pills