Diabetes is a chronic medical condition. The signs of diabetes start to set in when the body either does not produce or use the provided insulin. There are bright chances that person is suffering from diabetes but still he is not able to recognize some signs of diabetes. It is important that whenever these signs are seen the person should get tested with the best diabetic testing supplies.

There are two warning signs of diabetes

• Hypoglycemia
• Hyperglycemia

If a person is suffering from hypoglycemia it means that his blood sugar level has come down to an extent where it is causing

• Dizziness
• Shaking
• Hunger pangs
• Sweating

However if a person is hyperglycemic then the warning signs of diabetes may be

• Weight loss
• Nausea
• Light-headedness

If any of the above signs are seen it is better that person should plan a doctor’s visit and have him tested with the best diabetic testing supplies. The doctor will inquire about the family history of diabetes and ask for the flowing tests:

Finger stick test:

This test involves pricking the finger with lancet (diabetic testing supply) to draw a drop of blood. This drop is then placed on test strip. This is done to check the exact concentration of glucose in the drop of blood with the help of blood glucose monitor.

Fasting blood Glucose Test

This test needs fasting for 8 to 12 hours. The blood is then drawn in the laboratory for checking the concentration of glucose. The reading of fasting blood glucose must not go over 126 mg/dl. If it goes then it shows that person is diabetic.

Plants are natural pharmacies and are rich in a diversity of nutrients. Many of all modern day pharmaceutical drugs have either been developed from plant compounds or are synthetic replicas of the plant molecule system. These nutrients mainly function as antioxidants but they also help to regulate the gene function in the plants and also in animals that actually eat them. These nutrients have played a major role in human nutrition also, for example herbs have often provided a much needed boost during illness.

Many herbs contain elements that regulate glucose and indirectly, insulin levels. Bitter melon (Momordica charantia), also known as bitter gourd, balsam pear and karela, has been used by traditional healers for a variety of medicinal purposes, including the treatment of diabetes.

Bitter melon contains medicinal constituents that are similar to animal insulin. However the plant is used… as a juice, in fruit form or dried powder… all have been useful in decreasing blood sugar levels. It can be found at farmers’ markets that feature Asian plants or is available at many Asian grocery stores.

How to take bitter melon:

• firstly select one that is green or yellow, orange ones are old
• slice the unpeeled fruit lengthwise and remove the seeds. Cut into thin slices and steam or boil until the fruit is tender and is easy to cut with the edge of a spoon. Then place the fruit with an equal amount of water in a blender and puree for two or three minutes. Drink one quarter to half a cup a day
• or the gourds can be sliced and added in small amounts to wok dishes. Or cut into thin strips, mixed with onions and tomatoes and eggs and made into an omelet
• a bitter melon extract can be found in Asian grocery stores… take one quarter to half a teaspoon up to three times daily
• bitter melon has been concentrated and made into capsules… it is advised to take two capsules per day usually with a meal or one hour after eating when your blood sugar levels are highest.
• bitter melon is also an ingredient found in most diabetic herbal supplements; combined with other herbs, vitamins or even minerals

The bitter melon extract can be taken alone or mixed with other herbs, mineral or vitamin supplements. Bitter melon itself is also naturally loaded with vitamins and minerals; a mix does not have harmful interactions.

Don’t forget though to inform your health care practitioner about the bitter melon supplements or concoctions you are taking.

Type 1 diabetes is a medical condition that is treated with insulin supplementation. The pancreas of people who suffer from this type of diabetes cannot produce enough insulin, and hence, type 1 diabetics are dependent of insulin injections.

Even though it is most frequent in children, this metabolic disorder may appear at any age. It features symptoms such as:

- Extreme thirst

- Frequent urination

- Weight loss

One of the main causes of type 1 diabetes is a very weak immune system. In this situation, your body will destroy the pancreatic cells that produce insulin. Glucose will no longer be used by your cells for energy and so your blood sugar levels will increase past normal levels.

If you suffer from type 1 diabetes, your body is not able to handle food adequately. Glucose, the main source of energy, is obtained from foods that abound in simple or complex carbohydrates.

After many years of research, some major discoveries have been made. In the near future, it will be possible to predict who can develop type 1 diabetes. In addition to that, personalized treatments will be available shortly. With all the factors that contribute this metabolic disorder identified, prevention and even reversal of type 1 diabetes will be possible.

The main treatment option for type 1 diabetes is represented by insulin injections. However, certain other types of medication can be used. In addition, if you suffer from this medical condition, you should follow a certain dietary plan and make sure that you perform physical exercises with regularity. These two measures will not make your insulin dependency any less serious, but they might improve the symptoms and increase your energy levels. Even though diabetes cannot be cured, with proper treatment and several lifestyle changes, it can be easily held under control.