Accounting for height does not alter the ability of waist circumference to predict incident diabetes, but may be useful for exploring differences in risk among racial/ethnic groups, US researchers believe.

Their conclusions are based on a study examining anthropmetric measures, ethnicity, and diabetes risk among 1730 participants in the San Antonio Heart Study. This was a population-based study involving Mexican Americans and non-Hispanic Whites living in San Antonio, Texas, USA.

“In San Antonio, Mexican Americans are more obese and have more Type 2 diabetes mellitus than non-Hispanic Whites, but are also shorter,” explain Carlos Lorenzo (University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio) and co-authors in the journal Metabolism Clinical and Experimental. “Therefore, height may explain to some extent the difference in diabetes risk between Mexican Americans and non-Hispanic Whites.”

To investigate, Lorenzo’s team developed six different risk-prediction models that incorporated age and ethnicity plus various combinations of anthropometric measures (eg, body mass index, waist circumference, height, and waist-to-hip ratio).

Receiver operating characteristic curves were then used to determine each model’s ability to predict incident diabetes over a mean follow-up duration of 7.4 years.

The areas under the curves were similar, at approximately 0.75??”0.78, for models that included waist circumference, waist circumference and height, and waist-to-height ratio, Lorenzo et al report.

However, the predicted risk for diabetes according to ethnicity (Mexican-Americans versus non-Hispanic Whites) was lower in a model that included the waist-to-height ratio than in a model that included just waist circumference. The odds ratios in the two models were 1.45 and 1.84, respectively, in women, and 2.00 and 2.74, respectively, in men.

Finally, after adjusting for age and ethnicity, height alone did not predict diabetes in either men or women.

The researchers conclude that correcting waist circumference for height “does not help explain a larger proportion of the risk of diabetes in either men or women, but attenuates more of the impact of ethnicity on incident diabetes.”

They add: “Height may be an anthropometric measure to consider in studies that examine differences in diabetic risk between populations of different race/ethnicity.”

MedWire (www.medwire-news.md) is an independent clinical news service provided by Current Medicine Group, a trading division of Springer Healthcare Limited. © Springer Healthcare Ltd; 2009

Free abstract

Diabetes is a chronic disorder (lifelong) disease marked by high levels of sugar in the blood. More simply stated diabetes keeps your body from properly utilizing the sugar obtained from the food. The normal process, food is broken down and formed into a simple sugar known as glucose that gives energy to the body. Ingested glucose when absorbed from the intestine into the blood resulted in the increase in blood glucose or simply known as blood sugar. Insulin helps the glucose to be used by the cell through the bloodstream. The role of insulin is to move glucose from the bloodstream into the muscle, fat, and liver cells, where it can be used as fuel. The pancreas is an organ that produces insulin but is insufficient for reducing blood glucose to normal.

There is no cure for diabetes. Treatment involves medicines, diet, and exercise to control blood sugar. Here are some natural treatments to prevent elevation of symptoms.?

1. Bitter Melon is world famous in treatment of diabetes. It contains polypeptide P, charantin and vicine that are the specific components to have blood glucose-lowering effects.
2. Cumin shows significant reduction in blood glucose. It helps decrease body weight.
3. Jambolan belongs to the species of cloves that help reduce blood sugar levels quickly and the best part is that it is virtually without any side effects.
4. Cinnamon from the bark of a tree has been found to increase the conversion of glucose into energy.
5. Fenugreek has been used as an anti-diabetic drug. The fenugreek seed powder has significantly reduces blood glucose levels.
6. Green Tea affects blood sugar by enhancing the insulin action in the body.
7. Chromium affects a number of receptors for insulin and helps insulin to take its duty.
8. Garlic helps lower high blood sugar level and can also help in having a healthy blood circulation.

Following is a rundown of the foods that can best help you control or regulate the sugar levels in the blood:?

1. Potassium rich food plays a significant role in the treatment of diabetes. It is capable of healing and revitalizing cells of the pancreas and improves its function.
2. 1200 calories food such as vegetables, fruits, and fresh fruit juice provide fewer calories required thus resulting to depletion of body fats.
3. Complex high-fiber carbohydrates show that diet high in dietary fiber slows down digestion and absorption and increases sensitivity of tissues to insulin, thereby preventing rise in blood sugar.
4. Alpha-lipoic acid enhances the glucose uptake and improves nerve damage.
5. Low carbohydrate intake leads to less fluctuation in blood sugar and maintains accepted blood glucose with diet alone.
6. Vitamins are a must for enzyme functioning in the body and these are much needed pieces for a diabetic person.
7. Apple has been found beneficial in treatment of diabetes because of its rich pectin content and decreases body insulin requirement.
8. Bengal Gram possesses an anti-diabetic property thereby preventing increase in the blood sugar level following a meal.
9. Artichoke contains a lot of insulin that are used to treat diabetes.
10. Chromium is helpful in the digestion of fats, proteins, and carbohydrate metabolism. It also helps the actions of insulin to be more effective. Chromium therefore is helpful to glucose metabolism.
11. Mediterranean diet includes vegetables, whole grains, fish, poultry, and healthy fats such as olive oil.
12. Low glycemic index food helps control increase in blood glucose such as whole grain and barley.
13. Black tea known for its antioxidants and immune boosting also help control diabetes.
14. Brown bread has more fiber content that helps lower blood sugar therefore helps better manage diabetes.
15. Dragon fruit is full of dietary fiber and vitamin C that help control glucose blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes often occurs in three stages, stage 1, syndrome X stage 2, and full-blown or stage 3. While diabetes can be very serious if left uncontrolled, it’s nice to know that there is treatment available at every stage. It’s not like cancer where the only hope seems to lie in the hands of medical professionals and even after all the chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery, many still do not survive.

For Type 2 Diabetes, the treatment of choice is directed towards healthy eating habits. So long as you can find the right foods that help you lose weight, regulate blood sugar levels, reduce your triglyceride levels and increase your HDL levels, at the same time, you may be able to keep Diabetes Type 2 at bay.

Among the most essential things you need to know when choosing the appropriate diet in this case are the ideal carbohydrates and their proportion to proteins and fat. Carbohydrates or foods that generally have low GI or glycemic index make great food choices; why? Because a GI diet can reduce both the blood sugar and insulin levels almost at once; thus you also reduce your need for insulin. This kind of diet can help you manage your weight so you do not become obese because obesity is often a precursor to diabetes.

To ensure that you are on the right tract, look for an authorized practicing dietician who is particularly trained on diabetes management. Alternatively, you may want to do your own research of e-books or handbooks with regards to the ideal dietary plan.

The human body is very responsive to the low GI diet plan. You will experience an almost immediate reduction in your blood sugar levels. You will feel significantly lighter, particularly around your abdominals, and you will also require less insulin, so that means less injections, too.

Over time people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes can develop diabetic neuropathy throughout their entire body. Problems can occur in every organ including the digestive tract, heart and sex organs. But, not all diabetics are aware they have nerve damage, some may show no symptoms whatsoever. Others may have symptoms such as:

• pain
• tingling
• numbness or
• weakness

in their hands or feet. It pays to take these signs seriously … although this condition can get better, if you are not careful it can get worse.

Unfortunately, health care providers are unable to tell which of their diabetic patients are going to develop these neuropathies. This is interesting though … a recent scientific study conducted by researchers at the University of Michigan and Wayne State University, revealed that diabetic neuropathy occurs more in those with high triglyceride levels than in diabetics with normal triglyceride levels.

Additionally, diabetics with neuropathy and high triglyceride levels found nerve damage developed rapidly, usually within a year. Diabetics with normal triglyceride levels did not develop nerve damage during this time. Further, this research revealed:

• other blood cholesterol levels were of no consequence to nerve damage
• high triglyceride levels are definitely an important predictor of the development of diabetic neuropathy
• nerve fiber damage and loss is not associated with how long you have had type 2 diabetes, your blood sugar control or other variables

This study involved 427 people with type 2 diabetes and nerve damage.

What are triglycerides? They are molecules of fat transported in your blood for various purposes and having a certain amount in your blood is normal. However, high triglyceride levels increase the risk of:

• heart problems
• disease of the pancreas

A normal fasting reading is less than 150 mg/dl. If you have a value higher that 150 mg/dl especially if it reaches above 200 mg/dl, you are at risk for coronary artery disease and the complications of neuropathy.

Research shows:

• if your diet is high in refined carbohydrates this will cause a temporary rise in triglycerides
• high fiber and low-GI foods seem to have the opposite effect
• exercise such as walking will lower triglyceride levels by an average of 10mg/dl. More strenuous exercise will have a greater effect
• alcohol raises triglyceride levels so avoiding alcohol will lower them

Diabetic neuropathy or neuropathies, are nerve disorders caused by many abnormalities common to type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Treatment first involves bringing your blood sugar levels under control and to within the normal range and this will help to prevent or delay the onset of further health issues.

Type 2 diabetes is something that a lot of people live with. If a person has been diagnosed with it, they may feel as though they have lost control of their life. That doesn’t have to be the case if you know what to do and what Project You Type 2 can do for you.

What Is Type 2 Diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes is something that happens when your blood glucose levels are to high for the body to handle. The blood will have a high buildup of sugar and can cause serious problems. The insulin that a body makes usually will take the glucose from the blood and put it in the body’s cells. When this doesn’t happen, high blood sugar can occur.

What Is Project Type 2?

This is a new program that was developed by Kathy Smith as well as the Diabetes Association to help control the symptoms of type 2 diabetes. This program uses exercise as well as balanced meal options to make sure that anyone that is doing it eats right and exercises like they should. This program may also help to prevent type 2 diabetes for those that know that they are at risk at developing it later on.

Who Can Benefit From it?

Anyone can benefit from this lifestyle program, but it is more aimed at those that are dealing with diabetes already or might be in the near future. Older children of diabetic parents may also want to really consider this program to help with prevention of type 2 diabetes.

When Is A Good Time To Start?

Anytime is a great time to start. Even if the person that wants to give it a try is already facing the rigors of diabetes, they will still be able to manage it with the program. If they are unsure, they can talk to a doctor about the program and see what they recommend. Most doctors will be very pleased that a patient is willing to take their health seriously and take the steps to help get in shape and change their lives.

If the person that wants to start the program is not diabetic, but it is a possibility in the future, it is probably a good idea to think about their health and take care of their body now. This program can help with that and will make sure that they have a good jump-start on their lives.

There are many living with diabetes and many that want to have a good lifestyle program. Kathy Smith may be able to help anyone feel better about their lives and their health. All that anyone needs to do is give it a try.

Despite popular belief to the contrary, it may be possible to cure insulin resistance by following a protocol that includes an insulin resistance diet plan, insulin resistance supplements and a regular exercise program.

Insulin resistance (IR) is characterised by an inability of the body cells to bind insulin and allow nutrients to flow into the cells.

This results in elevated levels of glucose in the bloodstream, leading to many serious health issues. Over time, it may result in blindness, peripheral neuropathy (damaged blood vessels and nerves in fingers and toes that may require amputation) and coronary heart disease to name a few.

Despite the serious nature of this condition and its growing prevalence in our society, it may be possible to cure insulin resistance by following some simple strategies.

1. Eat small meals often

Having a ‘Sunday Roast’ or dinner with friends occasionally is fine. However, in order to prevent or cure insulin resistance, small meals must be the norm.

Larger meals induce a larger insulin response in the body simply because more nutrients need to be stored. Since it is necessary to keep insulin production as low as possible, replacing the large meals with smaller options is the first step that needs to be taken.

In saying that, having small meals doesn’t mean you have to starve. You can still have the same amount of food throughout the day you just need to spread it over 5 meals as opposed to 3. By keeping insulin low you will also help your body use more of its fat stores as a fuel.

This is a major part of the insulin resistance diet plan.

2. Reduce your intake of refined carbohydrates

Refined carbohydrates tend to induce a far higher spike in the blood sugar than other carbohydrates. This of course results in a greater amount of insulin being secreted by the pancreas.

When the receptors on cell membranes get continually bombarded by insulin they become de-sensitised to its action (IR). Therefore, reducing your intake of refined carbs means that less insulin is produced and the chance of the cell receptors becoming de-sensitised will also be reduced.

3. Reduce your overall carbohydrate and saturated fat intake

Carbohydrates induce insulin production far more than the other two macronutrients; protein and fat. Therefore, reducing your overall intake of carbohydrates will reduce insulin production and decrease the opportunity for IR to occur in your body.

All of our cell membranes are made of phospholipids, which are made from fats. If we have a high intake of saturated fats in our diet our cell membranes become harder and less permeable. This promotes IR.

By reducing our overall carbohydrate and saturated fat intake we reduce insulin production and improve the functioning of our cell membranes, which reduces IR.

4. Increase your fibre intake

Since fibre slows down the absorption rate of carbohydrates from the intestines into the blood stream, insulin production will also be reduced. By reducing insulin secretion, you reduce the potential for IR to occur in your body.

Fibre is found mainly in fruits, vegetables and whole-grain foods. Some people find it easy to add a couple of teaspoons of psyllium husks to their breakfast cereal in the morning. This is a great way to increase your fibre intake and psyllium has a whole range of health benefits.

5. Add some good fats to your diet

All of our cell membranes are made of phospholipids, which are made from fats. Adding good fats to our diet makes our cell membranes more permeable and flexible. It also reduces IR by allowing the cell receptors to function optimally.

You may want to take some fish oil capsules every day, add some flax seed oil to your diet or simply add some LSA (Linseed, Sunflower seed and Almond) meal to your cereal each day. These are some easy ways to add good fats to your diet.

6. Have ‘complete’ meals

‘Complete’ meals are meals that supply your body with a portion of carbohydrate, protein and fat. By ensuring that all 3 macronutrients are in your meals, you slow down the passage of carbohydrates into the blood stream because protein and fat slow its absorption.

A slow and sustained release of glucose into the blood stream means that your blood sugar level will remain stable, insulin will stay low and the potential for IR in your body will be reduced.

7. Use glucose disposal agents

Glucose disposal agents (GDAs) function of insulin by making cell receptors more sensitive to its action. This means they have the potential to prevent and even reverse insulin resistance in your body, which will make it much easier for your body to access and burn fat as a fuel source.

Since insulin resistance is becoming more prevalent these days, most adults should consider using glucose disposal agents almost every day. In order to cure insulin resistance it is best to use it 3 times a day with your breakfast, lunch and dinner meals.

8. Exercise every day

Regular, daily exercise is important for everyone to do but it is even more important if you want to cure insulin resistance. When you exercise your body cells, particularly muscle cells, use up more nutrients. This makes the cell membranes more receptive to insulin since the cells need more nutrients to flow into them.

Both aerobic exercise and resistance exercise should be performed on a weekly basis. This will ensure the cell membranes become as receptive to insulin as possible.

Overall, by combining an insulin resistance diet plan with insulin resistance supplements and daily exercise it is possible to cure insulin resistance.

Fear of diabetes, also called diabetophobia, is an irrational fear of being diagnosed with diabetes. Diabetes is a chronic condition with some serious complications associated with it. While it is normal to have some fear of any bad thing, when a fear becomes irrational and interferes with day to day life it is considered a phobia.

Phobias are often indicated by physical reactions to the focus of the phobia. For the fear of diabetes, physical reactions such as increased heart rate, sweating and shortness of breath can follow the mention of the disease or anything that brings diabetes to mind. This fear may be related to fear of the treatments for diabetes such as insulin injections and the finger pricks of testing. It may be related to some of the more severe complication of the disease such as blindness, loss of limbs or kidney failure. Regardless of the actual root cause of the fear, a severely affected diabetophobe often has problems with daily activities.

Some medicines are occasionally prescribed for treatment of phobias including the fear of diabetes. Many practitioners believe these medicines only hide or mask the symptoms of the fear without treating the root cause of the fear.

Diabetes is relatively easy to diagnose and modern treatments can prevent or delay the complications that contribute to the fear of diabetes. Even the daily insulin injections can be eliminated with insulin pumps. There is no real basis for the disabling fear. One part of the treatment for fear of diabetes is education. Convincing the diabetophobe that most of the fears are unfounded can help weaken the fear reactions.

This education alone is not a complete treatment. Combine this education with some techniques for reprogramming the fear responses of the unconscious mind and one effective treatment is created. Hypnosis has also been effective for many individuals.

If you are having problems with daily activities because of a fear of diabetes you should consult a professional for a correct diagnosis. A professional can run tests to be sure you do not actually have diabetes and to check for underlying conditions that increase you susceptibility to fear or anxiety problems.

Yesterday I was lucky enough to conduct an interview with the events coordinator of my local JDRF, Greater West Palm Beach Chapter. I have worked with Esther on multiple events over the past two years and have come to have a great working relationship with her. She also has an amazing story about diabetes and I wanted to share a little of Esther great heart, mind, and efforts with you. This interview was conducted via e-mail.

1. How long have you been with JDRF

* I’ve been with JDRF for 10 years.

2. How did you get started

* I’ve worked for another non-profit in the past (St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital) and so I know how important it is to fight for children who are faced with a serious disease.

3. Explain how diabetes struck home

* One day after hosting a Walk to Cure Diabetes, I took my daughter to the emergency room because I had notice the warning signs of diabetes for a few weeks, but was in denial that this could indeed happen to me and my family.

4. One word to describe how you felt after your daughter’s diagnosis

* After her diagnosis, my head was spinning … literally .. I felt shock, disbelief and bewilderment.

5. One word to describe how you feel now about it

* Although one of the most serious diseases anyone can be affected by, I know that diabetes is very manageable and I remind my daughter that she can still to anything she puts her mind to.

6. Best part of working at JDRF

* I have the opportunity to meet so many wonderful people, filled with the same passion … to find a cure for diabetes and its complications

7. Scariest diabetes moment

* When my daughter first came home from the hospital, her blood sugar had dropped into the forties, so my husband and I gave her glucose tabs and a 15 gram snack. This didn’t seem to move her blood sugar number up much after 20 minutes, we gave her an additional 15 gram snack and that took her blood sugar to about 350. Yikes …we were so scared that we would never learn how to properly regulate her numbers.

8. Funniest diabetes moment

* Shortly after diagnosis, a little boy at my daughter’s school called her a “diabetic.” Well my husband and I don’t believe in labeling her, so she knows that we never use that word. So, in response to this little boy, my daughter said, “I am not a diabetic. I am a little girl who has diabetes. Would you call someone with cancer a “canceretic” No, you’d say that they have cancer. So, don’t ever call me that again. To this day, no other student at her school ever uses that term around her.

9. Favorite movie, book, singer

* Favorite Movie: Mask (with Cher); Favorite Book: Misery; Favorite Singer: Michael Jackson (of course )

10. If you could change one thing in the world today, other than the obvious of finding a cure, what would it be

* If I could do one thing, I would find a way to keep children and seniors, the most vulnerable people in our society, away from those who would intentionally do them harm, be it physical, emotional or otherwise. And, I would want to see anyone caught harming them, prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

If you have any questions for Esther, please leave a comment on my blog and I will make sure that they are answered. If you live in my area, please let me know if you are interested in helping with any local JDRF events.

If you want the best socks for sensitive feet, shop in the diabetic care section, even if you don’t have the disease. Diabetics have unique problems that require them to be extra picky when they are choosing footwear.

Some companies offer large selections for both men and women in a variety of heights, thicknesses, materials and colors. Because they are designed with the diabetic foot in mind, you can be assured of a comfortable fit. In many cases, they help prevent excessive sweating, too. Here are some of the features to look for.

Seams on the Outside of the Toe

Some of the latest styles are available with no seams, at all. But, if you can’t find those, at least, you can make sure that the seams are on the outside of the toe, where they won’t cause irritation.

To be truly comfortable, a sock should have as few pressure points, as possible. If you’re smart, you will choose shoes with fewer pressure points, too.

Extra Padding

Extra padding on the heel, at the sole and around the toe area can improve comfort when you are walking and provide some relief from un-giving shoe designs. Not all socks for sensitive feet have the extra padding. In some cases, they are designed to be extra thin, lightweight and airy. Depending on the season, you may want the extra padding, as it provides extra warmth.

Wicking Materials

Materials that wick perspiration away from the foot will allow your feet to stay dry and comfortable. It will also reduce your risk of athlete’s foot and other fungal infections. Cotton, acrylic, nylon and polyester blends will all allow for some wicking.

Soft Linings

Extra soft linings can be found in a variety of stylish socks for sensitive feet. Terry cloth is a good choice. It feels like walking on a thick towel, quite comfortable.

Wide Tops

If you have trouble with swelling around your ankles, calves or around the tops of your stockings, you will find that extra-large tops are particularly comfortable. Super stretch tops that accommodate a calf circumference of up to 23″ are available. They will help[ to prevent swelling and poor circulation.

Extra Support

You can choose light, medium or strong support socks for sensitive feet. It’s best to start out with the lightest support and work your way up as you become accustomed to the different feel. As the name suggests, a support sock helps to support the ankles. They are particularly beneficial for people with weak ankles that tend to sprain or twist, easily.

Thermodynamics

Thermodynamic designs help to keep your feet warm in the winter and cool in the summer. So, they are “all-season” stockings. They are thinner than padded designs and some people prefer the thinness.

No Elastic

Elastic bands at the calf, knee or ankle are not essential. It is possible to make a sock that does not have elastic. Special banding holds them in place, without restricting circulation.

You may find that all of the features listed here are beneficial. It might make shopping for socks for sensitive feet harder, because there is so much to choose from.