Type 2 Diabetes - 4 Trigger Factors

Posted by admin in Prescription Diabetes Drugs on August 28th, 2009

Type 2 diabetes is a preventable condition. It is often the result of poor life style choices made over many years. Four life style factors have been identified as being responsible for triggering the condition. These four factors are:

# 1. Having a sedentary lifestyle

According to a number of studies, leading a sedentary lifestyle increases his risk of developing type 2 diabetes. As inactivity can trigger the condition, it is important to build moderate levels of exercise into your daily routine. This could be as simple as taking the stairs instead of the elevator or brisk walking for 30 minutes a day.

# 2. Having a high BMI

Your BMI (Body Mass Index) is the relationship of your weight to your height. If you are overweight you substantially increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes because excess fat inhibits the effectiveness of the insulin your body produces. Over time, your body will become resistant to insulin which will, if left unchecked, result in you developing the condition. It is no coincidence that nearly 90% of people suffering from the condition are overweight.

# 3. Having belly Fat

Visceral fat, also known as belly fat, love handles, beer belly and a host of other names is a long-term fat store. Our ancestors developed the ability to store fat like this as a survival mechanism against times of famine. It is one of the last areas from where your burns fat. Visceral fat is believed to create more insulin resistance than the fat stored in other parts of your body. Consequently, having belly fat greatly increases the risk of you developing type 2 diabetes.

# 4. Having a healthy diet

You can reduce the risk if developing type 2 diabetes by having a healthy, balanced diet that includes fresh fruit and vegetables each day. By having such a diet you will consume sufficient dietary fibre, which improves your digestive system. You will also get more nutrients from the food you consume and that will boost your insulin.

These four lifestyle factors are linked, and so are the ways to overcome their combined effect. Taking regular amounts of moderate exercise and having a healthy, balanced diet can help you to lose weight and are the basis of a healthy life style. Having a healthy lifestyle and not being overweight is the best way of preventing the onset of type 2 diabetes.?

The Ten Step Foot Self-Exam

Posted by admin in Prescription Diabetes Drugs on August 28th, 2009

Since it is common for diabetics to lose the sensation in the feet, it is important that they perform a foot exam at least once a week - and even as often as daily if there is little to no sensation. Here are the ten steps to performing a thorough foot self-exam:

1. Thoroughly, yet gently, wash the feet in a tub, shower,or bath. Make sure that you are in a well lit room and that both feet hang comfortably in front of you.

2. Lift one foot over the opposite leg and place it on your thigh so that you can easily see the entire foot.

3. Pat your foot dry with a towel. Be sure to gently dry between your toes.

4. Check for any unusual odor that could signify an infection. If your feet do not smell clean, there could be an underlying problem.

5. Visually inspect the feet. Check for cuts, sores, scabs, and bruises. Also check the toenails for breakage and discoloration.

6. Gently check between your toes by spreading them apart. Also, check the fleshy area around each toenail for abrasions.

7. Rotate your ankle slightly so that you can see the sole of your foot. If you unable to do this, use a hand mirror to view the bottom of your foot for any problems.

8. Feel your foot with both of your hands and check for any unusual bumps, sensitive areas, or noticeable changes in temperature from one part of the foot to the other.

9. Take notes on anything that you find unusual. Describe in detail any specific concerns.

10. Repeat on the other foot. Now, compare notes from exam to exam. Contact your doctor with any worsening issues or new problems.

It is easy to keep your feet healthy as long as you pay attention to them. If you have limited flexibility, have a companion or caretaker do the exam for you. Either way, your feet will thank you for it.

Posted by admin in Prescription Diabetes Drugs on August 27th, 2009

Rate of overall survival and freedom from cardiovascular (CV) events of Type 2 diabetes patients with ischemic heart disease (IHD) does not differ significantly between patients treated with revascularization versus intensive medical therapy, show results from the BARI 2D trial.

Similarly, the researchers found no significant differences between mortality and CV event rate between those treated with insulin provision versus insulin sensitization strategies.

“Few large, randomized trials have addressed the question of the optimal treatment for patients with diabetes and angiographically defined stable ischemic heart disease,” comment Maria Brooks (University of Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, USA) and co-researchers in the New England Journal of Medicine.

The BARI 2D (Bypass Angioplasty Revascularization Investigation 2 Diabetes) trial enrolled 2368 patients with Type 2 diabetes and IHD between January 2001 and March 2005. Patients were followed up for an average period of 5 years.

Participants were sorted into two revascularization groups by their individual suitability for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI, n=1605) versus coronary artery bypass graft (CABG, n=763).

The CABG group were then randomly assigned to receive CABG (n=378) or intensive medical therapy including statins, aspirin, and beta-blockers (n=385), and the PCI group to receive PCI (n=798) or intensive medical therapy (n=807). A further round of randomization was then carried out to assign participants to either insulin provision (n=1185) or insulin sensitization (n=1183) therapy.

At 5 years, rates of survival were 88.3% in the revascularization group and 87.8% in the intensive medical therapy group, a non-significant difference.

Survival was also non-significantly different between patients taking insulin provision or insulin sensitization therapy at 87.9% and 88.2%, respectively.

Rates of freedom from CV events (CV death, myocardial infarction, or stroke) were also similar at 77.2%, 75.9%, 77.7%, and 75.4% in the revascularization, intensive medical therapy, insulin sensitization, and insulin provision groups, respectively.

When the researchers assessed the results by type of revascularization, they found no significant difference in outcomes between patients who had PCI versus intensive medical therapy. However, they found that significantly less patients who underwent CABG had major CV events compared with those on intensive medical therapy at 22.4% versus 30.5%, largely driven by a greater reduction in nonfatal myocardial infarction.

Brooks et al note that adverse events were generally similar across the different groups, but that severe hypoglycemia was more common in the insulin provision group compared with the insulin sensitization group at 9.2% versus 5.9%. Insulin sensitization therapy also seemed to provide more significant improvements in plasma insulin, glycated hemoglobin, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and weight gain than insulin provision therapy.

“Overall, the BARI 2D results reassure us that our current major drug treatments for diabetes are equally appropriate,” said study author Saul Genuth (Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA).

“They also indicate that when a patient with Type 2 diabetes has more severe heart disease it may be better to do bypass surgery early than to wait and simply treat with medication. For patients with milder disease who are candidates for angioplasty, it is appropriate to treat with drug therapy first.”

The results from the BARI 2D trial were presented at the American Diabetes Association 69th Scientific Sessions held in New Orleans, Louisiana.

MedWire (www.medwire-news.md) is an independent clinical news service provided by Current Medicine Group, a part of Springer Science+Business Media. © Current Medicine Group Ltd; 2009

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Take Vitamins For Hypoglycemia

Posted by admin in Prescription Diabetes Drugs on August 27th, 2009

Treating diabetes is hard enough. Don’t make it harder by starving your body of the nutrients it needs to work properly. Research has shown decisive evidence supporting key vitamins for hypoglycemia can dramatically improve your success against this disease.

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Hypoglycemia is low blood sugar,
and it leads to type II diabetes. Diabetes is a medical snowball that can deplete your health rapidly. Left unchecked, diabetes can lead to feet/leg amputations and heart disease. Without going into great detail, you would be wise to protect your health and your heart with preventative measures. Vitamins for hypoglycemia exist, and they are proven to be effective.

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Research has shown that insulin sensitivity (hypoglycemia) is influenced by many different dietary factors. Proper nutrition plays a vital role in controlling blood glucose levels and insulin function throughout our life.

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Individuals with poor blood sugar metabolism are more susceptible to free radicals that speed up the aging process and promote chronic illnesses like cancer, stroke, and heart disease. Antioxidants can neutralize these free radicals protecting you from the aging process, but unfortunately, diabetics have low levels of antioxidants. This is a main reason the life expectancy of a diabetic person is reduced. A potent antioxidant is recommended by doctors to help neutralize free radicals, but this is not the only supplementation that is helpful.

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Diabetics have low blood levels of copper, zinc, selenium and especially chromium. These nutrients are an integral part of the glucose tolerance factor (GTF), that is essential for proper glucose metabolism. Supplementing with these key nutrients at optimum doses can make dramatic improvements in your health. Diabetes is not easy to live with, but a little education goes a long way.

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Without getting technical and wordy, it is important to give your body what it needs to function properly. There are supplements available that are specifically designed to target the needs and deficiencies of diabetes. Vitamins for hypoglycemia work and they are inexpensive. Improve your quality of life with expert advice from the Superfood-Guru. Life’s Delicious!

Diabetics - Plan Your Meals

Posted by admin in Prescription Diabetes Drugs on August 27th, 2009

If you are diabetic selecting the correct foods can seem to be a challenge on occasions, however with a proper meal plan and some practice this will become second nature to you.

Your meal plan is your guide to healthy eating. A registered dietician or your diabetic health worker/nurse should be able to assist you in your diet plan.

Before you go to the supermarket write down your list of healthy foods that you require for the week. Select some or all of the following, whole grains, fresh,frozen and canned fruit and vegetables. If you select fruit in cans make sure they are packed in water or fruit juice, and that your vegetables are without added salt or sauces.

Select lean cuts of meat, skinless poultry or remove the skin yourself, use fat free/semi skimmed milk, plain yoghurt, and reduced or low fat cheese. Check all labels for the nutritional value, fat, sugar and salt content of your purchases, consider health options before taste.

Only buy light or fat free mayonnaise or salad cream, and if you are trying to lose weight don’t forget that fat and sugar free foods still contain calories. If time is an issue most supermarkets stock foods which are suitable for diabetics just ask, and check out the ready prepared meals from weight watchers and other weight loss groups.

Where possible bake,steam, grill and boil your foods, try to keep using lard/butter in your cooking to a minimum. If you must use a sweetener avoid sugar and use a low calorie sweetener that’s suitable for baking.

Read recipe books on meals for diabetics and learn a few insider methods for example: when mashing potatoes use skimmed milk and a brand of “light” margarine in place of ordinary milk and butter. For a change use mashed cauliflower in place of potatoes. How about having a light snack say 90 or 60 minutes before your meal so you don’t require as much to eat, say an apple with a slice of low fat cheese, or a couple of cream crackers with perhaps a little boiled ham on them. Keep to your plan stay within the calorie/carbohydrates guidelines you will lose weight and remain healthy.

Insulin allows the body to process sugar in the cells. Diabetes is a disease where the body doesn’t produce enough insulin or the cells don’t allow the affects of insulin to work. Sugar will build up and cause detrimental effects to the kidneys, eyes or other parts of the body.

Diabetics is classified in two categories. In type 1 diabetics there is no production of insulin. In type 2 diabetes there is either a reduced production of insulin or the body has an increased resistance to the effects of insulin. Type 1 diabetes almost always requires daily insulin treatment. But type two diabetes can respond to a variety of natural cures. Chromium, ginseng, magnesium and cinnamon all show positive effects on reversing diabetes.

People with diabetes often have low levels of chromium. This element helps the body process insulin. There have been many studies that show chromium supplements can help diabetes sufferers process their naturally produced insulin. Another natural alternative or addition to traditional treatment is ginseng. Studies have shown that certain types of ginseng can aid the body controlling blood sugar.

Magnesium is a mineral in our system we derive from leafy vegetables. There are numerous studies that show magnesium helps to reverse diabetes and the resulting negative effects. Low magnesium may worsen the effects of sugar in type 2 diabetics. Studies have shown that type 2 diabetics who start a regimen of magnesium supplements improve their ability to process insulin.

Cinnamon supplements have shown to aid diabetics process sugar. There have been several clinical studies that show that taking this spice in controlled doses can aid in reducing the need for insulin.

Low insulin in diabetics can be reversed. You should consider using natural cures to augment or eliminate traditional therapies. Of course, always make sure to inform you chosen medical practitioner of any supplements you are taking.

Physicians and dieticians teach their patients with diabetes to properly monitor their blood sugar levels, to take the right amount of insulin, and above all, to maintain a proper diet. Proper diet partnered with medication has been the prevailing wisdom when it comes to controlling the disease of diabetes. However, recent studies have shown that with diet alone it may be possible for patients to not only maintain their healthy glucose levels, but to actually reverse their diabetic condition, without medication.

One example of this type of reverse diabetes meal plan centers around eating a low-fat, high-fiber diet. One study of this type of diet, out of UCLA, showed that after three-weeks of adhering to this plan, fifty percent of participants were no longer classified as diabetic. The diet is based on percentages, with the lowest percent of calories coming from fat, twenty to thirty percent from protein, and the highest caloric intake from high-fiber carbohydrates. At the conclusion of this study, the majority of the participants no longer tested positive for metabolic syndrome.

A similar diet based plan for diabetes reversal takes the low-fat model to a higher level by focusing on the vegan diet. In this plan, diabetics are encouraged to cut out all animal proteins, and animal-based proteins, including cheese, eggs, and animal fats. This diet is based on cultures in which the consumption of animal fats is relatively low, and in which diabetes is almost non-existent. Studies have indicated that when patients follow a more plant-based diet their bodies become more sensitive to the insulin being produced, whereas a fatty diet can cause the body to be more resistant the insulin.

All protein in this diet plan comes from plant-based products. To guide diabetics following this plan it is necessary to learn the new food groups, as designated by this diet: grains, legumes, vegetables, and fruits. Participants in a twelve-week trial of the low-fat vegan diet showed a marked decrease in glucose concentration when compared to the control group.

Diabetes, the condition where high blood sugar is a problem, can begin with have low blood sugar for an number of years. If you often crave a snack or are restless at night this can be caused by low blood sugar. The pancreas can overreact to the sugar by producing too much insulin and this causes extreme variations in the level of blood sugar. This will cause more feelings of hunger and continue the cycle.

It is possible to prevent and even reverse this cycle that causes diabetes. These are good habits even for people that are free from diabetes. Diabetes can be developed at any stage in life and steps should be taken to prevent it, especially if there is history of problems with blood sugar in the family.

1. Anti-depressant medication can also cause complications and removing them or avoiding them completely will reduce the risk of chronic low blood sugar.

2. The fats and fibers found in fruits and vegetables are very healthy for the metabolization of sugars. Increasing the amount of vegetables with an occasional fruit (instead of a candy bar or pop) will also help stabilize blood sugar levels.

3. It can be helpful to slowly reduce the amount of refined sugars and high carbohydrate snacks. Some high fiber grains should be retained in the diet to promote healthy digestion.

4. Natural sources of minerals should be consumed regularly in improve overall nutrition and digestion. There are herbs and dietary supplements available marketed for the purpose of controlling blood glucose levels. These should be used as recommended, as well as daily vitamins.

5. Reduce the consumption of alcoholic beverages. If this is too difficult try to stick to low carb, low calorie drinks; use them only in moderation.

6. The last one is a very important step in reversing the effects of diabetes. Regular exercise helps burn the sugars and removes the need to metabolize them chemically inside the body. Burning up excess of sugar in the blood will decrease the amount of insulin produced and relieve the urge to consume high carb and high sugar foods.

Though the drug companies may benefit from the fact that no modern medicine yet developed can cure diabetes, these are a few things that can be done to help prevent, reverse, or treat diabetic symptoms. As we move into the future there promises to be more advancement and understanding of diabetes.

It is indeed disconcerting to know that you have been diagnosed with diabetes. How this condition will affect your lifestyle and your family is still an unanswered question. It seems now that you are standing on a tip of an iceberg, and experiencing a mental block out. It can be hard to accept such predicament, but now is the time to investigate remedies Type 2 diabetes so you can pick up the pieces, focus your mind and save your life.

Being cautious with what you eat and do should now be automatic, especially if some symptoms and effects are rather severe and effect your daily activities. More importantly, however, you should be cautious on where to look for information on how you can start your healing process.

The internet is teeming with so much information about this. Simply type in remedies type 2 diabetes and you will get thousands of internet sites. Of course, you check the very first hit on the page. Looking at the information closely, you should identify valid sources and proven researches backed up by further studies before believing anything you read and see.

One popular natural remedy guide is called the Diabetes Reversal Report. It gives you detailed information about the disease and lets you choose what method of remedy suits you. Browse through the remedies sections that cover all different home based means to treat the disease.

Doctor visits should continue as well, as your medications even when you are using natural means especially if advised by your family doctor. Natural remedies type 2 diabetes are not meant to replace your medicines. They supplement your existing medications especially when these are getting too expensive.

Just remember there is a wealth of research out there that can help you become healthier and provide help and information to help you manage your diabetes.

Reversing type 1 diabetes is more of a reality now than in previous decades. This type of diabetes can come on suddenly and unexpectedly. Unfortunately, the pancreas is unable to produce enough insulin. It is more prone in children or adults under the age of 40. Moreover, there are several causes for type 1 diabetes. Unfortunately, medication and diet only do not prevent many complications from diabetes occurring. This autoimmune disease can be cured or reversed by addressing the symptoms naturally. It is possible to cure diabetes with the use of supplements, like niacinamide and vitamin E. Niacinamide is vitamin B-3 and has reverse type 1 diabetes by improving beta-cell function in diabetics.

Vitamin E is an antioxidant and known for helping to decrease many complications from diabetes. Furthermore, this vitamin improves kidney function, normalization of blood flow to the retina, and prevented heart complication in diabetics. Vitamin C is another vitamin that is great in reversing type 1 diabetes. This vitamin normalizes free radicals in diabetics, which prevent tissue damage that leads to amputations. It prevents blindness and heart complications as well. In addition, the omega-3 fatty acids can prevent and reverse type 1 diabetes in children. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in fish, nuts, and in supplements, like cod liver oil and mackerel. Consuming fatty fish will give you eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). These omega-3 fatty acids will also prevent heart disease and other complications from occurring.

Type 1 diabetes is curable once you tackle the symptoms with nutritional support, exercise, and diet. Most importantly, diet is another factor in reversing diabetes. Many processed foods have high fructose corn syrup, food preservatives, and additives added to them. Unfortunately, these ingredients can interrupt the production of insulin inside the pancreas. In addition, food allergies can cause type 1 diabetes in individuals, if not properly deal with early.

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