Diabetes can play havoc with your eyes, and sometimes there are no early sumptoms. So you may have no idea anything is wrong until your eyesight is in danger.
Here are the main eye problems that can be caused, or made worse, by diabetes.
Cataracts
These are often described as a clouding of the lens of the eye. They are treatable by surgery in most cases.
Glaucoma
Our eyes are largely made up of fluid, and when the pressure of that fluid builds up too much inside the eye, you have glaucoma. Left untreated, it can damage the optic nerves, and even lead to blindness.
Diabetic retinopathy
Lining the back of our eyes is light-sensitive tissue known as the retina. The retina contains very small blood vessels that can be damaged by diabetic retinopathy. Sometimes there are symptoms such as blurred vision, but often you won't even know anything is wrong until the condition is well advanced. In the worse case, it leads to blindness.
Early detection is the key to battling all of these conditions, and the best diagnostic tool available is the dilated eye examination. This is a test in which special eye drops temporarily enlarge your pupils, allowing the doctor to see the back of your eyes. This test (which is painless) can detect cataracts, glaucoma or diabetic retinopathy in their early, treatable stages.
Eyesight is precious, so if you have diabetes do yourself a favor and make an appointment for your dilated eye examination. And then do it again every year from now on.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Friday, June 19, 2009
Diabetes and Smoking: 7 Quick Points
Here are 7 reasons why mixing diabetes with smoking is a very bad idea:
1) You are more likely to get nerve damage (neuropathy). This is because smoking affects your blood circulation and that in turn means your nerve endings are not getting the nutrients they need. If this happens to the nerves in your feet it could lead to sores and infections and, if not taken care of properly, even amputation.
2) There is an increased risk – double in fact -of you getting limited mobility in your joints. It's no fun trying to bend, climb stairs or lift something when you have a painful joint.
3) Because of smoking you could develop kidney disease.
4) When you smoke your blood pressure increases. Increased blood pressure creates a real risk of heart disease.
5) Research has shown that diabetics who smoke increase, 3-fold, the risk of dying of heart (cardiovascular) disease.
6) By smoking you increase your blood-sugar levels. This makes it more difficult to control your diabetes because your glucose levels could be fluctuating quite dramatically. This, in turn, leads to other problems.
7) And it also increases your cholesterol levels, which increases the risk of a heart attack.
In fact smoking - and passive smoking - have a seriously detrimental effect on the ABC's of diabetes management:
A1C - the measurement of your blood glucose over a 3-month period
B - your blood pressure, which should be below 130/80
C - your cholesterol levels. Cholesterol levels include LDL, HDL and triglycerides. Your LDL should be below 100. HDL levels should be above 40 (for men) and above 50 (for women). Tryglycerides should be below 150.
And, of course, on top of all that there's the proven risk of cancer!
1) You are more likely to get nerve damage (neuropathy). This is because smoking affects your blood circulation and that in turn means your nerve endings are not getting the nutrients they need. If this happens to the nerves in your feet it could lead to sores and infections and, if not taken care of properly, even amputation.
2) There is an increased risk – double in fact -of you getting limited mobility in your joints. It's no fun trying to bend, climb stairs or lift something when you have a painful joint.
3) Because of smoking you could develop kidney disease.
4) When you smoke your blood pressure increases. Increased blood pressure creates a real risk of heart disease.
5) Research has shown that diabetics who smoke increase, 3-fold, the risk of dying of heart (cardiovascular) disease.
6) By smoking you increase your blood-sugar levels. This makes it more difficult to control your diabetes because your glucose levels could be fluctuating quite dramatically. This, in turn, leads to other problems.
7) And it also increases your cholesterol levels, which increases the risk of a heart attack.
In fact smoking - and passive smoking - have a seriously detrimental effect on the ABC's of diabetes management:
A1C - the measurement of your blood glucose over a 3-month period
B - your blood pressure, which should be below 130/80
C - your cholesterol levels. Cholesterol levels include LDL, HDL and triglycerides. Your LDL should be below 100. HDL levels should be above 40 (for men) and above 50 (for women). Tryglycerides should be below 150.
And, of course, on top of all that there's the proven risk of cancer!
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Insulin Resistance and Diabetes
Insulin Resistance and Diabetes
By Jennifer Kirkman
Insulin resistance is a syndrome that is commonly discovered to be an issue in those that suffer from diabetic conditions, such as Type 2 diabetes. Many medical professionals also refer to this as "metabolic syndrome". While this syndrome is normally found to be an issue with those that suffer from Type 2 diabetes, it must be understood that it can develop into this diabetic condition and result in other medical complications as well.
These complications include, but are not at all limited to, ovarian complications that include polycystic complications, blood pressure that is high, cholesterol levels that are deemed as abnormal, heart disease, and several other complications.
Insulin Resistance Explained
In order to appropriately understand insulin resistance, you must first understand the initial digestion process when it comes to foods that are consumed. As food travels through the gastrointestinal tract, the body will pull out nutrients, minerals, and other items that can be used for basic maintenance.
These substances eventually end up in the bloodstream as this is the quickest means of travel throughout other locations in the body. Basic sugars which typically enter the bloodstream as glucose also enter into the blood. As soon as the body recognizes the glucose located in the blood, the pancreas kicks in and begins to secrete insulin. Insulin that is produced by this organ is identified as a hormone.
Insulin travels through the blood and seeks out cells that are traveling from one location to another. It acts as a type of sponge when it comes in contact with glucose. It absorbs the glucose and retains it so that it can be used when necessary for the production of energy. When an individual suffers from insulin resistance, the body is not as receptive as it normally would be at the optimal level of health. The cells simply "ignore" the hormone and continue without the energy that is required to successfully maintain the functions of the body.
As a result of the cells simply bypassing the hormone of insulin, the pancreas immediately kicks in and begins to work harder producing the hormone because it recognizes the fact that the cells passing through the bloodstream require it.
Common Symptoms of Insulin Resistance
There are many common symptoms of insulin resistance. If you have Type 2 diabetes, or have found that you are not as healthy as you once were, it is important to ensure that you become familiar with these symptoms just in case this syndrome begins to infect you. By knowing the symptoms, you can obtain the medical care that you need to treat the metabolic condition. The symptoms are as follows:
* Many may begin to develop moderate to high levels of fatigue. This may affect an individual either physically or mentally. Many cases involve fatigue that affects one physically as well as mentally.
* One may notice that they begin to gain weight. The weight gain typically occurs in the area of the middle abdomen area.
* Mild to severe bloating due to gas accumulation in the gastrointestinal tract may be experienced in those that suffer from insulin complications in the body.
* If the blood is tested, one may be informed that they have a high level of sugar in the blood. In addition to this, they may be informed that their triglyceride level is relatively high.
* Many individuals may notice spikes when it comes to their blood pressure reading. High blood pressure is a common issue in those that experience insulin resistance as well as Type 2 diabetes.
* Difficulties surrounding focus and concentration levels are often experienced in those that suffer from a resistance to insulin.
If any of the above symptoms sound familiar, it may be time to talk to a medical professional. Delay could result in serious medical complications. While insulin resistance is a syndrome, it can result in many potentially dangerous medical conditions and disease.
Jennifer Kirkman is the owner of many websites, two of the main ones are
http://www.diabetesandrelatedhealthissues.com
and also http://www.dietplansandweightloss.com
Visit these sites for much more information on diabetes and diabetes problems, and proper nutrition.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/
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Saturday, May 16, 2009
Diabetes in Children: The Summer Camp Option!
As any sufferer knows, there are two types of Diabetes, type I and type II. The latter is sometimes called adult onset diabetes, and over 90% of diabetics suffer this type.
It therefore takes no great leap of imagination to realize that the vast majority of diabetics are adults. But children can also suffer from diabetes, and for such kids, there are problems to face that are very different to those of their diabetic seniors.
For example, a child with diabetes will obviously need close monitoring, and a great deal of constant care and attention from parents. This in itself is not a problem, but it may mean that the child may never spend a night away from home, and it is not uncommon in these circumstances for a child to have never met another child of their own age with diabetes. Effectively, this is a very isolating period in a diabetic child’s life.
For theses reasons, many countries are now establishing special camps for diabetic children, to address these problems, by bringing a higher degree of normality to the life of diabetic children. Such camps provide 24 hour professional medical supervision and care to all the children, and are an extremely effective way to give young people living with diabetes a chance to be independent and learn about their condition with the support of their peers and trained health professionals.
They provide an enjoyable and safe camping experience in a supervised environment, and often focus, at least to some degree, on increasing the children’s ability to manage their own condition. Such camping conditions also create an environment which allows the interaction between young people with diabetes that may otherwise be denied through geographic isolation.
These diabetes education and recreational camps are, of course, designed to be fun as well as educational. Generally, they will offer a wide range of sporting facilities, which allow participants to try out new sports and other recreational activities, particularly team based activities, that they may often be otherwise denied.
On the medical side, nothing is left to chance. Prior to camp, each participant is normally required to supply a detailed medical history and an indication of the management skills of the child. Based on this knowledge, the camp can then offer the child the opportunity to learn further self management skills and how to interact with other young people with diabetes under professional supervision.
Other people benefit too. Often, many of the “helpers” in such camps are volunteers, with little first hand knowledge of diabetes, and these people will learn a great deal from their exposure on a day to day basis to the children.
Even the health care professionals themselves can gain a valuable insight into the management and lifestyle of young people with diabetes that no textbook can provide. These people usually report that they do learn a lot, and even the most experienced educators say they are moved by the realities of living day to day with these children.
And, last but by no means least, the parents enjoy a break from the daily routine of caring for a young person with diabetes, with the real likelihood that their child will gain confidence and increase their self management skills. To read more, http://webbiz99.com/diabetesdietexercise/
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and maybe also: Toddler Car Seats
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It therefore takes no great leap of imagination to realize that the vast majority of diabetics are adults. But children can also suffer from diabetes, and for such kids, there are problems to face that are very different to those of their diabetic seniors.
For example, a child with diabetes will obviously need close monitoring, and a great deal of constant care and attention from parents. This in itself is not a problem, but it may mean that the child may never spend a night away from home, and it is not uncommon in these circumstances for a child to have never met another child of their own age with diabetes. Effectively, this is a very isolating period in a diabetic child’s life.
For theses reasons, many countries are now establishing special camps for diabetic children, to address these problems, by bringing a higher degree of normality to the life of diabetic children. Such camps provide 24 hour professional medical supervision and care to all the children, and are an extremely effective way to give young people living with diabetes a chance to be independent and learn about their condition with the support of their peers and trained health professionals.
They provide an enjoyable and safe camping experience in a supervised environment, and often focus, at least to some degree, on increasing the children’s ability to manage their own condition. Such camping conditions also create an environment which allows the interaction between young people with diabetes that may otherwise be denied through geographic isolation.
These diabetes education and recreational camps are, of course, designed to be fun as well as educational. Generally, they will offer a wide range of sporting facilities, which allow participants to try out new sports and other recreational activities, particularly team based activities, that they may often be otherwise denied.
On the medical side, nothing is left to chance. Prior to camp, each participant is normally required to supply a detailed medical history and an indication of the management skills of the child. Based on this knowledge, the camp can then offer the child the opportunity to learn further self management skills and how to interact with other young people with diabetes under professional supervision.
Other people benefit too. Often, many of the “helpers” in such camps are volunteers, with little first hand knowledge of diabetes, and these people will learn a great deal from their exposure on a day to day basis to the children.
Even the health care professionals themselves can gain a valuable insight into the management and lifestyle of young people with diabetes that no textbook can provide. These people usually report that they do learn a lot, and even the most experienced educators say they are moved by the realities of living day to day with these children.
And, last but by no means least, the parents enjoy a break from the daily routine of caring for a young person with diabetes, with the real likelihood that their child will gain confidence and increase their self management skills. To read more, http://webbiz99.com/diabetesdietexercise/
********************************************
Check out: Electric Pressure Washers
and maybe also: Toddler Car Seats
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Sunday, April 19, 2009
Gestational Diabetes Discussed...
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, 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 amount of changes that are necessary are 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 to 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.
You may want to take a look at the supporting blog:
http://www.diabetes-and-diet.blogspot.com
*****************************************************
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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 amount of changes that are necessary are 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 to 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.
You may want to take a look at the supporting blog:
http://www.diabetes-and-diet.blogspot.com
*****************************************************
Need an Electric Pressure Washer? Check These Out!
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Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Take Special Care of your Feet!
We diabetics have to take special care of our feet, or we can find them troubled in
two ways: reduced blood circulation and nerve damage.
Here's what to look for and some prevention ideas.
Symptom:
If your feet are constantly cold, your legs are sore when you walk, or your feet hurt
in bed at night, you may be suffering from poor blood circulation. This, in turn, can
slow down the process of healing when you have cuts or other damage to your feet.
Prevention:
Staying physically active is one way to help improve your circulation. You also need
to control your blood fat and sugar levels, as well as your blood pressure. And of
course, don't smoke.
Symptom:
If your feet are numb, you have a burning sensation on the soles of your feet or pins
and needles in your feet, you have signs of possible nerve damage.
Foot nerves are the longest in our bodies and are therefore susceptible to damage
by diabetes. If these nerves are damaged, the feelings are lessened, so we could
have the cuts or blisters that can lead to ulcers, and we wouldn't even know about
it.
Prevention:
Check your feet regularly to be sure there are no signs of injury. If you develop
corns or calluses, have them treated immediately by a podiatrist. Wash and dry
carefully between your toes, and keep your nails trimmed and smooth.
Everyone likes to have their feet pampered, but for us diabetics it not only feels
good, it also prevents serious health problems in the future. So book that foot
massage now!
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two ways: reduced blood circulation and nerve damage.
Here's what to look for and some prevention ideas.
Symptom:
If your feet are constantly cold, your legs are sore when you walk, or your feet hurt
in bed at night, you may be suffering from poor blood circulation. This, in turn, can
slow down the process of healing when you have cuts or other damage to your feet.
Prevention:
Staying physically active is one way to help improve your circulation. You also need
to control your blood fat and sugar levels, as well as your blood pressure. And of
course, don't smoke.
Symptom:
If your feet are numb, you have a burning sensation on the soles of your feet or pins
and needles in your feet, you have signs of possible nerve damage.
Foot nerves are the longest in our bodies and are therefore susceptible to damage
by diabetes. If these nerves are damaged, the feelings are lessened, so we could
have the cuts or blisters that can lead to ulcers, and we wouldn't even know about
it.
Prevention:
Check your feet regularly to be sure there are no signs of injury. If you develop
corns or calluses, have them treated immediately by a podiatrist. Wash and dry
carefully between your toes, and keep your nails trimmed and smooth.
Everyone likes to have their feet pampered, but for us diabetics it not only feels
good, it also prevents serious health problems in the future. So book that foot
massage now!
**********************************************************
Need an Electric Pressure Washer?
**********************************************************
Friday, March 27, 2009
How Steaming Camel Dung Contributed to Reversing Diabetes
[This is very strange but apparently true: Be Warned!]
Beating Diabetes Without Meds
Early in the 1940's, when German armies occupied areas of North Africa, Dysentery threatened to defeat the mighty Army.
Thousands of soldiers were dying in the fields, victims of. the disease. Hitler ordered a team of scientists to the region to study the problem. One of the first questions they sought answers to, was why are the people that live there not suffering from Dysentery? What they learned has changed medicine forever.
When locals felt the symptoms of Dysentery coming on, they simply followed a camel around until it dropped a steaming fresh camel apple (dung). Then they promptly picked it up... and ate it. End of problem. Needless to say, the scientists were faced with a dilemma. What were their options? Obviously, they couldn't feed fresh camel dung to all of their troops. There were simply not enough camels in Africa to produce that much dung. Not to mention, the soldiers probably would not eat it, even though it probably tasted better than army rations. Besides, how would you keep it fresh?
So, they decided that they needed to find out what was in steaming camel dung, that could prevent the onslaught of disease. To this day, Arabs will comment on how rude the German scientists were, butting in the front of the line of Arabs following camels, and then...they didn't even eat it! But, they did collect it and rush to tent laboratories to study it. What they discovered not only saved their army, but taught us about beneficial bacteria, and how it works in the gastrointestinal tract. The foundation of the immune system.
The German scientists isolated several of, what now is believed to be trillions, of organisms in our digestive tract. "Beneficial bacteria" or " flora." They learned that not only did the beneficial bacteria help digest food and absorb nutrients, they also played important roles in preventing human pathogens from multiplying and killing us. They also manufacture vital enzymes used by the body for numerous functions, as well as to manufacture some vitamins.
Quite literally, our body (our lives) depend on the beneficial bacteria for many vital functions. The foundation of the body's immune system is dependent upon it. So, how can this contribute to reversing the symptoms of diabetes?
Diabetics are dangerously deficient in five vital nutrients. Even if their bodies are given those deficient substances, their body has a reduced capacity to absorb them. That's called a "Double Whammy." So, it is very important for diabetics to perform serious maintenance on their colon. They must remove toxins and dead matter that has accumulated over the years; they must restore the correct types of beneficial bacteria; they must feed the beneficial bacteria to strengthen the immune system and improve nutrient absorption; and finally, rebuild the nutrient deficiencies to allow the body to repair diabetic damage.
All that without eating camel dung. The local zoo's frown on us climbing the fences. Besides, it is dangerous, because people throw food at you.
If you would like to learn more, go to http://www.how-to-take-charge-of-your-diabetes.com. Hundreds upon hundreds of hours of research have been compiled into one document. Learn about other crucial topics central to diabetes including inflammation, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, essential fatty acids, cholesterol, glycemic load, phytonutrients and starches. We can stop the progression of damage caused by diabetes - and stamp out paranoia in camels.
Camels will finally be free of the feeling that people are following them.
[Author: Tomenelson from "Beating Diabetes Without Meds." courtesy of www.articlealley.com]
**Sleep Problems? Check out Sleep Help 4u.com
Beating Diabetes Without Meds
Early in the 1940's, when German armies occupied areas of North Africa, Dysentery threatened to defeat the mighty Army.
Thousands of soldiers were dying in the fields, victims of. the disease. Hitler ordered a team of scientists to the region to study the problem. One of the first questions they sought answers to, was why are the people that live there not suffering from Dysentery? What they learned has changed medicine forever.
When locals felt the symptoms of Dysentery coming on, they simply followed a camel around until it dropped a steaming fresh camel apple (dung). Then they promptly picked it up... and ate it. End of problem. Needless to say, the scientists were faced with a dilemma. What were their options? Obviously, they couldn't feed fresh camel dung to all of their troops. There were simply not enough camels in Africa to produce that much dung. Not to mention, the soldiers probably would not eat it, even though it probably tasted better than army rations. Besides, how would you keep it fresh?
So, they decided that they needed to find out what was in steaming camel dung, that could prevent the onslaught of disease. To this day, Arabs will comment on how rude the German scientists were, butting in the front of the line of Arabs following camels, and then...they didn't even eat it! But, they did collect it and rush to tent laboratories to study it. What they discovered not only saved their army, but taught us about beneficial bacteria, and how it works in the gastrointestinal tract. The foundation of the immune system.
The German scientists isolated several of, what now is believed to be trillions, of organisms in our digestive tract. "Beneficial bacteria" or " flora." They learned that not only did the beneficial bacteria help digest food and absorb nutrients, they also played important roles in preventing human pathogens from multiplying and killing us. They also manufacture vital enzymes used by the body for numerous functions, as well as to manufacture some vitamins.
Quite literally, our body (our lives) depend on the beneficial bacteria for many vital functions. The foundation of the body's immune system is dependent upon it. So, how can this contribute to reversing the symptoms of diabetes?
Diabetics are dangerously deficient in five vital nutrients. Even if their bodies are given those deficient substances, their body has a reduced capacity to absorb them. That's called a "Double Whammy." So, it is very important for diabetics to perform serious maintenance on their colon. They must remove toxins and dead matter that has accumulated over the years; they must restore the correct types of beneficial bacteria; they must feed the beneficial bacteria to strengthen the immune system and improve nutrient absorption; and finally, rebuild the nutrient deficiencies to allow the body to repair diabetic damage.
All that without eating camel dung. The local zoo's frown on us climbing the fences. Besides, it is dangerous, because people throw food at you.
If you would like to learn more, go to http://www.how-to-take-charge-of-your-diabetes.com. Hundreds upon hundreds of hours of research have been compiled into one document. Learn about other crucial topics central to diabetes including inflammation, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, essential fatty acids, cholesterol, glycemic load, phytonutrients and starches. We can stop the progression of damage caused by diabetes - and stamp out paranoia in camels.
Camels will finally be free of the feeling that people are following them.
[Author: Tomenelson from "Beating Diabetes Without Meds." courtesy of www.articlealley.com]
**Sleep Problems? Check out Sleep Help 4u.com
Monday, March 23, 2009
Taking Control of Your Diabetes.
Aida Turturro, the actress who plays Janice Soprano on the HBO series "The Sopranos," is one of the more than 20 million Americans who have diabetes.
Turturro was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes (where the body does not produce enough insulin or the cells do not use the insulin properly) in 2000. For more than a year after her initial diagnosis she was in denial and did not take the proper steps-such as diet and exercise-to manage the disease.
Finally, her doctor told her that her blood sugar levels were too high and if she did not learn how to manage the disease, she would suffer serious complications.
"As soon as I started learning more about the potential complications of the disease, I realized I should have taken action sooner," said Turturro. "It is scary what can happen to you if you do not take control of your diabetes."
Turturro was among the more than 50 percent of diabetes patients whose A1C levels are above the target goal of 7 percent as established by the American Diabetes Association. Patients with diabetes should know their A1C level. It is a simple blood test that assesses glucose levels over a two- to three-month period.
Taking Control
In addition to her diet and exercise routines, Turturro worked with her doctor to develop a treatment regimen that was right for her. At first she was taking oral medications but was still unable to get her blood sugar levels under control. About two years ago, Turturro and her doctor added Lantus® (insulin glargine [rDNA origin] injection), the once-daily, true 24-hour basal insulin, to her treatment plan.
With a treatment regimen that includes Lantus and other diabetes medications, Turturro achieves good blood glucose control with an A1C level below seven percent.
"Managing diabetes is not easy. What I have learned is the best way to manage the disease is by becoming educated, motivated and an advocate for yourself," said Turturro. "It is a 24-hour disease and you have to put in a real effort to keep your blood sugar levels under control."
Take control of your Diabetes before it is too late!
Important Safety Information for LANTUS use!
LANTUS is indicated for once-daily subcutaneous administration, at the same time each day, for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients (6 years and older) with type 1 diabetes mellitus or adult patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who require basal (long-acting) insulin for the control of hyperglycemia.
Lantus must not be diluted or mixed with any other insulin or solution. If mixed or diluted, the solution may become cloudy, and the onset of action/time to peak effect may be altered in an unpredictable manner.
Lantus is contraindicated in patients hypersensitive to insulin glargine or the excipients. Hypoglycemia is the most common adverse effect of insulin, including Lantus. As with all insulins, the timing of hypoglycemia may differ among various insulin formulations.
Glucose monitoring is recommended for all patients with diabetes. Any change of insulin type and/or regimen should be made cautiously and only under medical supervision.Concomitant oral antidiabetes treatment may need to be adjusted. Other adverse events commonly associated with Lantus include the following: lipodystrophy, skin reactions (such as injection-site reaction, pruritus, rash) and allergic reactions.
[For more on Diabetes and your diet go to: http://diabetes-and-diet.blogspot.com]
Turturro was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes (where the body does not produce enough insulin or the cells do not use the insulin properly) in 2000. For more than a year after her initial diagnosis she was in denial and did not take the proper steps-such as diet and exercise-to manage the disease.
Finally, her doctor told her that her blood sugar levels were too high and if she did not learn how to manage the disease, she would suffer serious complications.
"As soon as I started learning more about the potential complications of the disease, I realized I should have taken action sooner," said Turturro. "It is scary what can happen to you if you do not take control of your diabetes."
Turturro was among the more than 50 percent of diabetes patients whose A1C levels are above the target goal of 7 percent as established by the American Diabetes Association. Patients with diabetes should know their A1C level. It is a simple blood test that assesses glucose levels over a two- to three-month period.
Taking Control
In addition to her diet and exercise routines, Turturro worked with her doctor to develop a treatment regimen that was right for her. At first she was taking oral medications but was still unable to get her blood sugar levels under control. About two years ago, Turturro and her doctor added Lantus® (insulin glargine [rDNA origin] injection), the once-daily, true 24-hour basal insulin, to her treatment plan.
With a treatment regimen that includes Lantus and other diabetes medications, Turturro achieves good blood glucose control with an A1C level below seven percent.
"Managing diabetes is not easy. What I have learned is the best way to manage the disease is by becoming educated, motivated and an advocate for yourself," said Turturro. "It is a 24-hour disease and you have to put in a real effort to keep your blood sugar levels under control."
Take control of your Diabetes before it is too late!
Important Safety Information for LANTUS use!
LANTUS is indicated for once-daily subcutaneous administration, at the same time each day, for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients (6 years and older) with type 1 diabetes mellitus or adult patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who require basal (long-acting) insulin for the control of hyperglycemia.
Lantus must not be diluted or mixed with any other insulin or solution. If mixed or diluted, the solution may become cloudy, and the onset of action/time to peak effect may be altered in an unpredictable manner.
Lantus is contraindicated in patients hypersensitive to insulin glargine or the excipients. Hypoglycemia is the most common adverse effect of insulin, including Lantus. As with all insulins, the timing of hypoglycemia may differ among various insulin formulations.
Glucose monitoring is recommended for all patients with diabetes. Any change of insulin type and/or regimen should be made cautiously and only under medical supervision.Concomitant oral antidiabetes treatment may need to be adjusted. Other adverse events commonly associated with Lantus include the following: lipodystrophy, skin reactions (such as injection-site reaction, pruritus, rash) and allergic reactions.
[For more on Diabetes and your diet go to: http://diabetes-and-diet.blogspot.com]
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Eating Sugar Causes Diabetes and other fictions!
Like most diseases, there is plenty of fact and fiction and often the two become intertwined and diabetes is no exception. Most people think that eating too much sugar cause diabetes, this is not true.
Diabetes is not caused by eating sugar. Diabetes is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. However, eating a diet high in fat and sugar can cause you to become overweight.
It is being overweight that radically increases your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, so if you have a history of diabetes in your family, I would recommend a healthy diet and regular exercise.
Actually, I remember a story about an ex-patient of mine, let's call her 'Patricia'.
We spoke at length about all her risk factors, but she stopped me when I asked her if she had any relatives with diabetes. I couldn't hold back the laughter, when she informed me that she wasn't too worried as she didn't like her relatives and had no contact with them!
You can catch diabetes from someone else - Fact or fiction?
This brings me nicely to another common myth about diabetes, that it can be passed from person to person by everyday contact (SOURCE: Diabetes UK). Although we don't know exactly why some people get diabetes, we know that it is not contagious - it can't be caught like a cold or flu. There seems to be some genetic link involved particularly Type 2 diabetes. But environmental factors also play a part.
That's enough Diabetes Fiction now for some fact:
Diabetes is a metabolic disorder characterised by abnormally high blood sugar levels due either to lower production of insulin or abnormal resistance to insulin's effects.
The major symptoms are excessive thirst, frequent urination, muscle cramps, poor healing of wounds, impaired vision and itching.
Heart disease and stroke - caused by diseased coronary arteries supplying blood to brain- are also common complications associated with diabetes.
As people age, insulin production may diminish and/or insulin resistance may increase. If the consumption of food, especially food that causes rapid surges in blood sugar levels, remains high, blood sugar levels may become and remain abnormally high, which is the condition known as diabetes.
The serious consequences of this are collapse, a diabetic fit followed by diabetic coma and if not treated quickly, death can occur.
So diabetes is a killer disease!
Conventional and Complimentary treatments.
One problem with conventional treatments is that they are sometimes cumbersome and, on their own, not always effective. They sometimes have unwanted side-effects and very occasionally serious side-effects have been reported.
This is not to say that oral medication should not be used. On the contrary, they may be life-enhancing and life-saving and they should certainly never be stopped or their dose changed without a doctor's advice.
But the need for them - and indeed the need eventually for insulin injections - will be greatly reduced with a few simple changes to lifestyle. One of the best things you could do is follow the methods of Doctor Patrick Quillin in his International bestselling book The Diabetes Improvement Program.
I've reviewed this book before and it stirred up quite a lot of interest, so I think it's well worth another mention.
The author, Doctor Patrick Quillin, is renowned in this field and I've been impressed with his theses in the past. He uses food and supplements to slow and even reverse all aspects and symptoms of diabetes.
The programme helps to eliminate ketones and provides an abundance of energy. It normalises blood sugar levels, and improves both eyesight and balance. Scratches and scrapes heal much quicker. It will also renew feeling and sensation in numb limbs.
It reverses neuropathy and helps to heal ulcers. All these fantastic benefits have great knock-on effects as well. They help with blood pressure, lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels, reducing your risk of heart attack, stroke and kidney damage.
And for those of you that are quite handy around the kitchen, there is a second great book associated with the programme called the Diabetics Cookbook, that lists hundreds of great recipes from all around the world.
Due to the success of the Diabetes Improvement Program last time I mentioned it the publishers have agreed to supply my readers with both the Diabetes Improvement Program and the Diabetic Cookbook at a specially discounted rate. Basically, if you buy both books, you get the Cookbook for just a fiver! That's half price and not a bad deal if you ask me. To read more about the Diabetes Improvement Program visit my website.
Dr Bruce Caine is a Sixty Five year old retired GP, who is quietly losing his boyish good looks, but with dignity. I retired just over a year ago and the first six months were great - moving to Spain and doing all the things we've always wanted to do. But now, the truth is - I've started to miss being in practice and being involved with people. So, that's why I started The People's Doctor - a weekly newsletter all about general health matters. To learn more about Diabetes Improvement Program visit my home page at http://www.thepeoplesdoctor.co.uk
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/
Diabetes is not caused by eating sugar. Diabetes is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. However, eating a diet high in fat and sugar can cause you to become overweight.
It is being overweight that radically increases your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, so if you have a history of diabetes in your family, I would recommend a healthy diet and regular exercise.
Actually, I remember a story about an ex-patient of mine, let's call her 'Patricia'.
We spoke at length about all her risk factors, but she stopped me when I asked her if she had any relatives with diabetes. I couldn't hold back the laughter, when she informed me that she wasn't too worried as she didn't like her relatives and had no contact with them!
You can catch diabetes from someone else - Fact or fiction?
This brings me nicely to another common myth about diabetes, that it can be passed from person to person by everyday contact (SOURCE: Diabetes UK). Although we don't know exactly why some people get diabetes, we know that it is not contagious - it can't be caught like a cold or flu. There seems to be some genetic link involved particularly Type 2 diabetes. But environmental factors also play a part.
That's enough Diabetes Fiction now for some fact:
Diabetes is a metabolic disorder characterised by abnormally high blood sugar levels due either to lower production of insulin or abnormal resistance to insulin's effects.
The major symptoms are excessive thirst, frequent urination, muscle cramps, poor healing of wounds, impaired vision and itching.
Heart disease and stroke - caused by diseased coronary arteries supplying blood to brain- are also common complications associated with diabetes.
As people age, insulin production may diminish and/or insulin resistance may increase. If the consumption of food, especially food that causes rapid surges in blood sugar levels, remains high, blood sugar levels may become and remain abnormally high, which is the condition known as diabetes.
The serious consequences of this are collapse, a diabetic fit followed by diabetic coma and if not treated quickly, death can occur.
So diabetes is a killer disease!
Conventional and Complimentary treatments.
One problem with conventional treatments is that they are sometimes cumbersome and, on their own, not always effective. They sometimes have unwanted side-effects and very occasionally serious side-effects have been reported.
This is not to say that oral medication should not be used. On the contrary, they may be life-enhancing and life-saving and they should certainly never be stopped or their dose changed without a doctor's advice.
But the need for them - and indeed the need eventually for insulin injections - will be greatly reduced with a few simple changes to lifestyle. One of the best things you could do is follow the methods of Doctor Patrick Quillin in his International bestselling book The Diabetes Improvement Program.
I've reviewed this book before and it stirred up quite a lot of interest, so I think it's well worth another mention.
The author, Doctor Patrick Quillin, is renowned in this field and I've been impressed with his theses in the past. He uses food and supplements to slow and even reverse all aspects and symptoms of diabetes.
The programme helps to eliminate ketones and provides an abundance of energy. It normalises blood sugar levels, and improves both eyesight and balance. Scratches and scrapes heal much quicker. It will also renew feeling and sensation in numb limbs.
It reverses neuropathy and helps to heal ulcers. All these fantastic benefits have great knock-on effects as well. They help with blood pressure, lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels, reducing your risk of heart attack, stroke and kidney damage.
And for those of you that are quite handy around the kitchen, there is a second great book associated with the programme called the Diabetics Cookbook, that lists hundreds of great recipes from all around the world.
Due to the success of the Diabetes Improvement Program last time I mentioned it the publishers have agreed to supply my readers with both the Diabetes Improvement Program and the Diabetic Cookbook at a specially discounted rate. Basically, if you buy both books, you get the Cookbook for just a fiver! That's half price and not a bad deal if you ask me. To read more about the Diabetes Improvement Program visit my website.
Dr Bruce Caine is a Sixty Five year old retired GP, who is quietly losing his boyish good looks, but with dignity. I retired just over a year ago and the first six months were great - moving to Spain and doing all the things we've always wanted to do. But now, the truth is - I've started to miss being in practice and being involved with people. So, that's why I started The People's Doctor - a weekly newsletter all about general health matters. To learn more about Diabetes Improvement Program visit my home page at http://www.thepeoplesdoctor.co.uk
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/
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