Diabetes Symptoms

Diabetes Symptoms - New Diabetes Resources Engage Physicians And Patients

2009-07-17T00:42:00.000-07:00

Eat right. Exercise. Monitor blood sugar. Take medication regularly. This is the advice physicians give the more than 20 million Americans affected with diabetes. Yet implementation of these recommendations is often far from ideal, putting patients at greater risk for damage to the heart, kidneys, eyes and feet.

In an effort to improve diabetes care, the American College of Physicians (ACP) and the American College of Physicians Foundation have created three practical tools for practicing internists who are ACP members, other health care professionals on clinical practice teams and their patients.

These comprehensive educational tools are the culmination of an ambitious three-year Diabetes Initiative funded by an unrestricted educational grant from Novo Nordisk.

"The goal of providing these resources," said Vincenza Snow, M.D., FACP, Director, Clinical Programs and Quality of Care at ACP, "is to increase awareness of the gap between current practice and acceptable standards of diabetes care."

The following materials are designed to help physicians and their staff to implement team-based care strategies, provide them with practical tools and motivate patients to implement lifestyle changes and self-management techniques:

"Living With Diabetes: An Everyday Guide for You and Your Family" is an innovative model for patient education and empowerment. This self-management guide for patients covers diet, exercise, monitoring blood sugar, insulin and other medications. Available with text in English or Spanish, "Living With Diabetes" is written in a conversational tone at a fifth-grade reading level and gives practical tips and concrete examples of successful approaches to control diabetes. Patients can get a copy of "Living With Diabetes" from their ACP-member internist.

The "ACP Diabetes Care Guide" for physicians and practice teams is intended to be used by multidisciplinary teams providing care to patients with diabetes. It has two components: a printed practice manual (including special tools for better management of practice and patients) and a CD-ROM containing electronic versions of the manual and tools, and 81 multiple-choice questions, answers and critiques.

New practical tools from the American College of Physicians are designed to help patients and their doctors improve diabetes care.

The Diabetes Portal (http://diabetes.acponline.org) is a free Web-based resource for physicians and patients that provides tools, resources and research supporting diabetes care. Patients and clinicians can access information specific to their needs.

Both "Living With Diabetes" and the "ACP Diabetes Care Guide" can be ordered at and are free to ACP members.

Diabetes Symptoms - The Benefit Of Supplements On Diabetes

2009-05-30T04:13:00.001-07:00

A new study shows that taking dietary supplements can benefit people with diabetes.

That's good news, because diabetes is the fifth-leading cause of death in the U.S. It also raises the risk of other diseases, including heart disease, blindness and kidney failure.

Diabetes is a disease in which the body either does not produce or use insulin properly. There are 20.8 million children and adults with diabetes in the population and another 6.2 million are unaware that they have the disease.

Overall, the study found that successfully controlling diabetes is complex, but supplement use, together with other healthy behaviors, can be beneficial. Here are some specific study findings:

• Use of dietary supplements by the general population is significantly associated with reporting oneself to be in better health than a year ago.

• People with diabetes report significantly worse health than people who are not diabetic.

• About 34 percent of people with diabetes take dietary supplements.

• Diabetic supplement users report being in better health than diabetics who do not use supplements.

• Diabetic supplement users are more likely to engage in protective health behaviors. This is important, since there is no cure for diabetes, only lifelong management to keep blood glucose within normal range and to prevent long-term complications.

• Diabetic supplement users are more likely to use chromium, zinc, calcium, folate and omega-3 fatty acids than non-supplement users. Many may take specific supplements because of a perceived role in reducing the relative risk of type 2 diabetes, lowering blood glucose levels and improving neuropathic symptoms.

• Diabetic supplement users are more likely to eat healthier and less likely to be heavy drinkers of alcohol.

Successfully controlling diabetes is complex, but supplement use, together with other healthy behaviors, can be beneficial.

Because no other disease is more closely related to nutrition, the Dietary Supplement Information Bureau (www.supplementinfo.org) commissioned a study of dietary supplement use among people with diabetes. The study sought to find out if dietary supplements are associated with better health among the general population and to find out how it affects people with diabetes.

Diabetes Symptoms - Basic Knowledge For Blood Glucose Levels

2009-05-28T16:13:00.001-07:00

The body closely regulates blood glucose (also know as blood sugar) to maintain an adequate supply of glucose for cells. If blood glucose levels drop too low. A person becomes shaky and weak. If blood glucose levels rise too high, a person becomes sluggish and confused and may have difficulty breathing. Two hormones produced by the pancreas tightly control blood glucose levels. When blood glucose levels rise after a meal, the pancreas releases the hormone insulin into blood. Insulin acts like a key, "unlocking" the cells of receptors on the surface of cells, increasing their attraction for glucose and increasing glucose uptake by cells. Insulin also stimulates liver and muscle cells to store glucose as glycogen. As glucose enters cells to deliver energy or be stored as glycogen, blood glucose levels return to normal.

When an individual has not eaten in while and blood glucose levels begin to fall, the pancreas releases another hormone call glucagons. Glucagon stimulates the body to break down stored glycogen, releasing glucose from protein. Another hormone, epinephrine (also called adrenaline), exerts effects similar to glucagons to ensure that all body cells have adequate energy for emergencies. Released by the adrenal glands in response to sudden stress or danger, epinephrine is call the "fight-or-flight" hormone.

Different foods very in their effect on blood glucose regulation. Foods rich in simple carbohydrates or starch but low in fat or fiber tend to be digested and absorbed rapid absorption cause a corresponding large and rapid rise in blood glucose levels. The body reacts to this rise by pumping out extra insulin, which rapid lowers blood glucose levels. Other food, especially foods rich in dietary fiber, resistant starch, or fat, cause a lesser blood glucose response with smaller swings in blood glucose levels.

The glycemic index measures the effect of a blood glucose levels. Foods with a h9igh glycemic index cause a faster and higher rise in blood glucose than foods with a low glycemic index. Although some experts disagree on the usefulness of the glycemic index for humans, diets that emphasize foods with a low glycemic index many offer important health benefits.

Read more article about Blood Glucose Level

Diabetes Symptoms - Drinking Coffee Is Beneficial To Health

2009-05-26T16:13:00.001-07:00

One of the stories regarding the origin of coffee tells us that a monk told the sheepherder who discovered the coffee cherries that coffee is the devil's fruit. The monk even went so far as to forbid the sheepherder from touching the shrubs again. Considering the many health benefits that the researchers of today have identified in coffee, please give us more of this forbidden fruit.

The millions of people around the world who buy and consume coffee do so for many different reasons. Some need the caffeine jolt, others do so simply because of the taste especially in gourmet type coffees, and still for some, it is both a habit and a ritual. Yet in its centuries of history and tradition, it is only in recent years that people are beginning to realize coffee's health benefits.

Moderate consumption is the key, and this means about two to three cups of coffee a day. The recognized benefits are that coffee helps:

increase alertness and fight fatigue;

reduce the risk of colon cancer;

reduce the risk of Parkinson's disease; and

reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.

However a recent article found in the WebMD website tells us that a Harvard study concludes that having six cups or more of your favorite java reduced the risk of diabetes by 54% in men and 30% in women. But the researchers themselves advise that the findings should be taken with a grain of salt. The effect of caffeine differs from one person to another due mainly to how it is absorbed by one's system.

Another researcher from Vanderbilt University tells the same website that their studies have shown that the reduction in the risk of Parkinson's disease is directly related to higher caffeine content. The researcher further adds that Parkinson's drugs are now being developed that contain a derivative of caffeine based on the evidence taken from their studies.

And then there are is the fact that coffee contains antioxidants. Antioxidants are found naturally in fruits and vegetables and help fight free radicals in the body. Normal body functions produce these free radicals which in turn cause cellular damage that results in the risk of cancer. It has been proven that in terms of drinks, coffee contains the highest amount of antioxidants, four times more than tea. One of the antioxidants found in coffee is chlorogenic acid which contributes to insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism, thus fighting diabetes.

It is quite clear at this point that the health benefits from your favorite cup of java are many. But taking advantage of them is not necessarily automatic. One should ask themselves whether their body can tolerate six cups of coffee a day as suggested by the study cited above.

In excessive doses, caffeine can increase nervousness, hand trembling, and heart palpitation. Pregnant women and heart patients are also advised to stay away from coffee. For most healthy individuals, studies have shown no adverse affects. The bottom line is that it is always good to do things in moderation.

Coffee is consumed and enjoyed by millions worldwide regardless of culture or tradition. We try in our own simple way to see why the coffee bean can be so small yet so powerfully stimulating. Also discover flavorful and healthy gourmet coffees that you can enjoy right in the comfort of your own home.

Diabetes Symptoms - Depression and Diabetes - A Bad Duo .

2009-05-26T04:13:00.001-07:00

Why does depression cause diabetes?

The diabetes disease can be brought on by depression. Cortisol, a stress hormone can increase if you get depressed. This hormone can reduce insulin sensitivity. Once insulin sensitivity is compromised the diabetes disease can begin to flourish in your body. This condition of depression is more prevalent in older people. Depression is often undiagnosed. Loss of a loved one may be characterized as grief, a temporary issue instead of depression.

In the four states of Pennsylvania, California, North Carolina and Maryland 4,681 men and women were tracked with an average age of 73. This test was done in 1989. The Archives of Internal Medicine disclosed the following: In these three scenarios (single bouts of depression, chronic depression and depression that worsened over time) an increased risk of diabetes existed in all three cases when depression prevailed.

What to look for

Some signs for possible depression problems can show up physically or emotionally. Check for some of these symptoms so you can put yourself on a healthier track for yourself. The sooner you recognize any of these issues the quicker you can right your ship.

You just don't care. Enjoying things is not on your priority list.

Your sleep schedule has run amok. You have a hard time falling asleep or you often arise during the night. You wake up early and cannot get back to sleep.

Your have a change in your appetite eating more or less than you used to. Quick weight gains or losses occur.

You feel tired most of the time.

Your self esteem has gone down hill. You feel like you cannot do anything right and you worry about being a burden to people.

Mornings usually are the saddest time of the day for you.

You find it very difficult to concentrate as "other thoughts" keep getting in your way.

Nervousness, you always feel so anxious you can't sit still.

You have suicidal thoughts or you think about different ways to harm yourself.

Should you have any of these symptoms you can be hurting yourself mentally but you may compound the issue by bringing on type 2 diabetes as well. Let's break the combination of diabetes and depression by seeing a doctor or joining a support group so you can voice your issues and improve your condition.

Recognizing these issues is the first step to gaining a healthier lifestyle. If you have any concerns about diabetes or potential diabetes issues then claim your free ecourse. It will help you deal with diabetes in a safe and natural way.

If you would like to learn more about diabetes, diabetes diets and get other tips about treating your diabetes naturally then go grab your free e course. Go here right now

Diabetes Symptoms - Control Your Diabetes Disease With the Foods You Eat

2009-05-24T04:13:00.001-07:00

Diabetes is a killer disease. It can lead to kidney failure, heart disease, neuropathy, blindness, and much more. If you have diabetes, you must take control of it immediately.

Type 1 diabetes is the hardest type to control. It is also called juvenile diabetes, as it is common to get type 1 diabetes when you are a child. For type 1 diabetes, the body does not produce insulin, which is needed to take sugar (glucose) from the blood to the cells. This results in very high blood sugar counts and this is the major cause of many of the serious complications that may develop.

A person with Type 1 diabetes needs to take insulin shots to lower the blood sugar. Diabetics need to have insulin called a background insulin, which works throughout the day. Then they need to take extra insulin after eating a meal.

However, diabetics must test their blood sugar levels four or five times a day and make whatever adjustments need to be made. The normal testing times are before breakfast, lunch, dinner and bed. The amount of insulin to take with each meal will be determined by these readings..

What can someone do that has type 2 diabetes?

Sugar highs and lows wear down the body. The key is to try to control these up and down readings the best you can by maintaining safe sugar levels. One way to do this is by eating foods with a low glycemic index.

What is this glycemic index and why is it important?

Follow the glycemic index when eating. This index rates foods according to the way these foods react to your blood sugar. If the carbohydrates the food contains break down quickly, they tend to make your blood sugar levels jump quickly. These foods have a high GI (glycemic index) ranking. Foods with a low glycemic index break down in your body a slower pace and cause less of an extreme jump in your blood sugar.levels

For example, a potato has a high GI ranking. The carbohydrates break down very quickly and cause your blood sugar to rise rapidly.

Beans have a low GI index, so the blood sugar effects are spread out over a longer period of time. You do not get the rapid sugar rise.

Diabetics, in particular, need to learn to balance these foods to avoid those highs and lows. If you are having potatoes, for example, try eating a sweet potato instead or combine some low GI ranked foods with the potatoes to balance this sugar rise.

It's well worth it for diabetics to learn as much as they can about this glycemic index. The best diet for a diabetic to follow will be eating more of the foods with a low to medium glycemic index instead of high glycemic index foods.

Other things you can do as a diabetic can do is to snack on air popped popcorn rather than pretzels. Salt should be limited in the diet as the diabetic is at a greater risk for high blood pressure.

Eat broiled or grilled chicken rather than fried chicken. This also helps control blood pressure and cholesterol.

If you want to drink wine, drink it with a meal. There is less of an impact on blood sugar. However, do not over indulge. It can and will interfere with your medications.

Diabetes is a very dangerous disease and any diabetic definitely should be visiting a doctor on a regular basis. He or she will help manage your diabetes and will most likely advise a visit with a nutritionist.

Diabetes can be controlled with a change in diet and lifestyle, Diabetics can help manage your illness and live a long life.

If you would like to learn more about diabetes diets and get other tips about treating your diabetes naturally then go grab your free e course. Go here right now

Diabetes Symptoms - Treating Type 2 Diabetes

2009-05-16T04:13:00.001-07:00

Evidence from particular studies such as the Nurses Strength Study Vitality Professional and Follow-Up Study has linked dietary carbohydrate intake (measured as glycemic load) containing risk of type 2 diabetes. From a historical perspective, the epidemic of type 2 diabetes today has developed steadily through the decades in the last century. We see more and more evidence of the increase in diabetes over the last few years.

Baby boomers are moving into their later years. Do a search on Google. When you do you will discover millions of pages.

Diabetes screening is suggested for many types of people at various stages of life. If there is diabetes in your family then testing is a must. Hyper osmotic diabetic coma is another acute baffling problem interrelated with improper management of diabetes mellitus.

Other forms of diabetes show up as neuropathy. That tingling feeling in your hands or feet that is caused by lack of blood circulating to those limbs.

As high as 80% of the cases of type 2 diabetes could be attributed to the combined effect of inactivity and improper diet. This leads to being overweight. Think about this. Whenever you see someone that looks fit most often they are in decent shape. When you see someone overweight or drastically overweight they seem to have something negative going on in their body. With people over 40 years of age the problem is often type 2 diabetes.

Getting in shape with a sound dietary program is what is needed to combat your diabetes. Our bodies need to be in motion and we need to eat foods that will support us in our fight against type 2 diabetes.

The National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse estimates that diabetes costs a whopping $132 billion in the United States alone every year.

Patient understanding and participation is vital as blood glucose levels change continuously, while successfully keeping blood sugar within normal limits has been compellingly shown to control or prevent maturation of some of the complications of diabetes.

All types of diabetes mellitus share similar symptoms and complications at advanced stages.

Therefore patient education, understanding and participation are vital.

There are ways to treating type 2 diabetes. Grab your free e course. It will help you find the answers about diet, and exercise.

If you would like to learn more about treating diabetes naturally then go grab your free e course. Go here right now

Diabetes Symptoms - You and Your Carbohydrates.

2009-05-15T04:13:00.001-07:00

I am so zeroed in when it comes to carbohydrates. I read all labels of any food I have an interest in purchasing. Checking the carb gram count is part of my mission wherever I am when I purchase foods that bear labels on the package. To create an easier time for myself I now just by-pass the pasta and bakery aisles when I shop. We all know that those food groups usually encompass a whopping number of grams of carbohydrates. They are in another league.

What is it about these carbs anyway?

Carbohydrates, which the body breaks down to glucose (sugar) in the digestive system is the energy provider you and I need to run our lives. Without the fuel from carbohydrates our bodies will look for other foods to create energy. This may not be an effective way for you or I nutritionally.

So carbohydrates are needed. The difficulty I had was consuming too many carbohydrates. I loved the breads and pastas. The cookies and cakes were pretty good also.

The problem was that the unnecessary glucose my body created went into my blood sugar. Making me a diabetic. What I like to equate this to is if I were a car and had a 15 gallon gas tank. I would order 17 gallons of gas because I liked the gas, Two gallons would spill onto the ground and make the environment unhealthy. It is the same with me. Because I ate too many carbohydrates the sugar spilled into my blood raising my blood sugar amount. You could say I have a portions control problem.

What is a carbohydrate you ask?

Carbohydrates are a critical part of our diets. They consist of sugars, starches and fiber. Carbohydrates are broken down to glucose in the body which is an imperative fuel for the body.

Some foods will help you with your diabetes diet plan. Some will not. That is why I count carbohydrates. Some foods do not make up a good diabetes diet plan. Like soda, ice cream, most breads, and pastries. Limit yourself to these foods. Eating them once per week or once per month or maybe once every quarter, depending on the severity of your diabetes will help you control your diabetes. You cannot be too careful when it comes to the carbohydrates you ingest into your body. Other foods like non starch vegetables, chicken and fish will help with your diabetes diet plan.

Think of this. The level of sugar that gets into your blood depends on the amount of carbohydrates eaten. Depending on what type of food you eat will determine how quickly or slowly the carbohydrates are turned into sugar and how hastily or slowly that sugar enters into your blood if you are diabetic.

So as they say a carb is a carb. The determining influencer is the range of carbohydrates that are eaten. With all that being said the one exception is fiber. This type of carbohydrate does not get digested into the body like other foods. So it does not heighten blood sugar levels. It cleans the body. Fiber is the roughage needed to sweep out the waste created by the foods we digest.

Carbohydrate counting is one part of a responsible diabetes diet plan. I like to have fun when I carbohydrate count by finding at least on food in the store that has a huge amount of carbohydrates that I may have eaten in the past that I avoid now.

Grab your free e course. It will help you create a comprehensive diabetes natural solutions care program.

If you would like to learn more about what to eat and some other natural diabetes solutions go grab your free e course. Go here right now

Diabetes Symptoms - Bronchiectasis

2009-05-14T04:13:00.001-07:00

Bronchiectasis is a chronic necrotizing infection of the bronchi and bronchioles leading to or associated with abnormal dilation of these airways. It is manifested clinically by cough, fever, and expectoration of copious amounts of foul-smelling, purulent sputum. To be considered bronchiectasis, the dilation should be permanent; reversible bronchial dilation often accompanies viral and bacterial pneumonia. Bronchiectasis has many origins and usually develops in association with the following conditions.

Bronchial obstruction, owing to tumor, foreign bodies, and occasionally mucous impaction, in which the bronchiectasis is localized to the obstructed lung segment, or owing to diffuse obsstructive airway disease, most commonly atopic asthma and chronic bronchitis.

Congenital or heriditary conditions, including congenital bronchiecasis (caused by a defect in the development of bronchi), cystic fibrosis, intalobar sequestration of the lung, immunodeficiency states, and immotile cilia and Kartagener syndromes.

Necrotizing pneumonia, most often caused by the tubercle bacillus or staphylococci or mixed infections.

Etiology and Pathogenesis

Obstruction and infection are the major influences associated with bronchiectasis, and it is likely that both are necessary for the development of full-fledged lesions. After bronchial obstruction, air is resorbed from the airways distal to the obstruction, with resultant atelectasis. Often accompanying atelectasis are early bronchial wall inflammation and the presence of intraluminal secretions that result in dilation of the walls of those airways that are present. These changes are reversible (1) if the obstruction persists, especially during periods of growth because the airways will not be able to develop normally and (2) if there is added infection. Infection plays a role in the pathogenesis of bronchiectasis in two ways: (1) It produces bronchial wall inflammation, with weakening and further dilation and (2) the extensive bronchial and bronchiolar damage causes endobronchial obliteration, with atelectasis, distal to the obliteration and subsequent bronchiectasis around atelectatic areas.

These mechanisms infection and obstruction are most readily apparent in the severe form of bronchectasis associated with cystic fibrosis. In this disorder, there is squamous metaplasia of the normal respiratory epithelium with impairment of normal mucocilary action infection, necrosis of the bronchial and bronchiolar walls, and subsequent bronchiectasis. In younger children, the changes take the form of bronchiolitis (occlusion of the bronchioles by granulation tissue). But older children tend to develop full-blown bronchiectasis.

In Kartagener syndrome, charaterized by bronchiectasis, sinusitis and sutus inversus, there is a defect in ciliary motility associated with structural abnormalities of cila most commonly absent or irregular dynein arms the structures on the microtubular doublets of cilia that are responsible for the generation of ciliary movement. The lack of ciliary activity interferes with bacterial clearance, predisposes the sinuses and bronchi to infection and affects cell motility during embryogenesis, resulting in the situs inversus. Males with this condition tend to be infertile owing to ineffective mobility of the sperm tail. The syndrome is inherited as an autosomal recessive trait and is variable as about half the patients with defective filia have no situs inversus for uncertain reasons. In some groups of patients , the cilia are not immobile but have abnormal movement (ciliary dyskinesia). More may be involved in the genesis of this syndrome than ciliary abnormalities, since some abnormal cilia may be found in otherwise normal individuals or in patients with viral illnesses and bronchial inflammation.

Clinical Course

Bronchiectasis causes severe persistent cough; expectoration of foul smelling sometimes bloody squtum; and dyspnea and orthopnea in severe cases. A systemic febrile reaction may occur when powerful pathogens are present. These symptoms are often episodic and are precipitated by upper respiraatory tract infections or the introduction of new pathogenic agents. In the full-blown case, the cough is paroxysmal in nature. Such paroxysms are particularly frequent when the patient raises in the morning and the changes in position lead to drainage into the bronchi of the collected pools of pus. Obstructive ventilatory insufficiency can lead to marked dyspnea and cyanosis. Cor pulmonale metastatic brain abscesses, and amyloidosis are less frequent complications of bronchiectasis.

For more information about Bronchiectasis visit

Diabetes Symptoms - Understanding The Difference Between Type One And Type Two Diabetes

2009-05-11T16:13:00.001-07:00

Glucose is also a vital factor for the proper functioning of your body, just like oxygen is essential for the survival of your cells. Glucose provides the energy required by your body's cells in order for the body to perform its myriad tasks correctly. When not enough glucose is available to your body, it can lead to adverse and irreversible effects.

The inability to use the insulin present in the body to produce glucose, leads to Type 2 diabetes. Just like oxygen is needed to breathe, so is glucose needed by the body to function well. Glucose is required for the cells of the body to produce energy.

There are two types of diabetes and their respective treatment differs accordingly. To ensure that you get the treatment that you need, you first have to know the difference between the two types. It is very important to be aware of what type of diabetes you have, because the wrong diagnosis can lead to even more problems later. Learn what the signs and symptoms are and go to a physician as soon as possible. The longer you delay your visit, the more difficult your disease becomes to control.

In Type 1 diabetes the pancreas stops producing insulin completely. It can occur at any age and is often seen in children and young adults. The disease is therefore also known as juvenile diabetes. The only way to get treated for Type 1 diabetes is to supply insulin to the body on a daily basis by giving yourself insulin shots. Leading a healthy lifestyle is very, very important if you have any type of diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes is seen usually in adults at a later stage in life. This condition occurs when the body is unable to use the insulin produced by the pancreas, to generate the energy required for the correct functioning of the body. The good news is that type 2 diabetes can be controlled if you follow a strict and regular diet, exercise daily and get proper medication.

The onset of Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body resists the insulin present and the body cells stop responding to the hormone altogether. When this happens, the pancreas starts producing more and more insulin. What follows is that the storage organ for glucose - the liver - also starts releasing glucose. Eventually the pancreas is unable to produce more insulin and the muscles and tissues of the body start resisting it. As a result, the blood sugar level increases dangerously because the body does not convert the glucose present in the bloodstream into energy required for the body's proper functioning.

Are You at Risk?

Once you pass the age of 40, you have to be very cautious as this type of diabetes is seen mainly in people of this age group, especially if you are also overweight. If you have a Body Mass Index of over 25 and do not lead an active lifestyle, you have a greater risk of contracting diabetes. A person whose body shape is like an apple; with a lot of fat in the stomach area, has to get their weight under control by dieting and exercise, because obese people are especially at risk.

It has become a great concern now for children also, as the obesity level in kids is also increasing at an alarming rate. Children risk getting Type 2 diabetes if a proper diet and exercise program is not maintained.

Although there are clear symptoms, people with Type 2 diabetes do not necessarily show any of them. The symptoms are very common and therefore, a wrong diagnosis can easily occur:

Passing of urine frequently

Excessive thirst

Feeling fatigued

weight loss

Increase in appetite

General malaise

Blurred vision

Watch out for any of these symptoms and see your physician immediately if any of them occur. If you have Type 2 diabetes, the sooner you start treatment, the sooner you can get it under control.

Getting to grips with Type Two diabetes doesn't have to be tough. Find out more about Type Two diabetes at http://DealWithD

Diabetes Symptoms - Shopping online for pet diabetic supplies has never been easier

2009-05-09T16:13:00.001-07:00

Someone that owns a pet with diabetes can get that pet diabetic supplies from online sellers. All pet owners care deeply for their pets and health is a major priority. Managing a pets illness is not a reason to go broke, above all diabetes, since sellers online have the essential supplies for drastically lower prices.

Pet diabetic supplies usually offered include blood glucose meters, urine testing strips, veterinary syringes, U-40 (a type of insulin), syringe disposals and syringe dispensers. Special veterinary syringes are available that make injection of insulin less painful for your pet with diabetes. These needles are razor-sharp and thin, helping to make for easy insertion. Also, syringe dispensers and disposals are very much recommended pet diabetic supplies for safe storage and the disposal of used syringes. These items are tamper-proof and help to keep children and other animals from being hurt.

Not to be left out is the important task of keeping track of your pet's diabetes. Pet owners should note blood glucose levels and also when the animal received its last injection. A very handy object to have in this case is a logbook. Logbooks are essential and should be on the list of pet diabetic supplies that are to be ordered, the book should also always be kept in a safe place at all times.

Finally, when you order pet diabetic supplies pet owners should remember that it is vital to order them in advance. The orders can take a few days or more and you would not want to run low or out of supplies before your order of new pet diabetic supplies arrives.

Taking care of your pet is very important and Pet Diabetic Supplies are vital to a pet that needs them. The money you can save by shopping online is hard to dispute, you may visit for more general information.

Diabetes Symptoms - April is Women's Health Awareness Month

2009-05-08T16:13:00.001-07:00

Two Diagnoses: Eye Condition Reveals Multiple Sclerosis

Ask VSP network eye doctor David P. YESnick O.D., to estimate the value of a yearly eye exam, and this Las Vegas eye doctor won't mince his words.

"Take it from me, an annual eye exam can be absolutely priceless at times." "I'm talking about situations in which the eye doctor discovers the symptoms of a significant medical condition and then quickly refers the patient for medical care.

"In that kind of situation, rapid intervention can protect quality of life or even help save a life. How can you measure the value of that?"

To illustrate his point dramatically Dr. YESnick describes a recent case in which a young mother of two children came in for a supposedly "routine" eye examination . . . and left with a doctor's referral that quickly pinpointed her early-stage multiple sclerosis (MS).

Until the visit to her family eye doctor, this 34-year-old mom had no inkling that she might be suffering from this chronic, potentially disabling illness a disorder of the central nervous system that currently affects more than 300,000 Americans.

Caused by a variety of factors and so far incurable, MS can lead to increasing loss of muscular function, growing weakness and even total disability for patients who fail to have it diagnosed early and then treated effectively.

"When I examined the patient, she mentioned that she'd been experiencing some blurred vision and painful movement in one eye. She also reported a reduced ability to distinguish colors. As soon as I heard about those symptoms and also noticed that she had a discolored optic nerve, I went on alert. Why? Because those indicators often signal the condition known as 'optic neuritis,' which is frequently associated with MS in younger female adults."

Although optic neuritis (chronic inflammation of the optic nerve) can also be triggered by viruses, bacteria or even autoimmune disorders such as lupus, the culprit often turns out to be MS, says Dr. YESnick. "Research shows that more than 55 percent of all MS patients will develop optic neuritis," he notes, "which is why I start looking for possible symptoms of MS whenever I learn a patient has inflammation of the optic nerve.

"In this young woman's case, I was able to refer her to a neurologist who made the MS diagnosis and got her started on an effective treatment program right away. This patient was very smart because she schedules yearly eye exams for herself and her family."

Is Dr. YESnick sold on the idea of regular, health-protecting eye examinations for all of his patients? "You bet! "Just think about it for a second. An eye exam takes only a few minutes, and then you can rest easy, knowing your vision is being protected.

"But what if that exam helps you uncover a medical condition that could vitally affect the quality of your life? How could you ever put a price tag on that?"

www.TheYVC.com;

www.LowVisionS

Diabetes Symptoms - Lowering Your Blood Sugar Contents: Diabetic Diets

2009-04-29T16:13:00.001-07:00

There are millions of people being diagnosed with diabetes daily and the numbers are increasing. If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, it is in your best interest to avoid being the increasing statistic of death due to diabetes. You can prevent this by strictly following a diabetic diet to keep diabetes at bay or under control.

Read the labels when you are purchasing diabetic diets food. The thing to look for is the amount of calorie attributed with the food you want to buy. This calorie value is much too high for diabetic diet. You will need to recalculate the calorie values into grams and adjust that into your diet plan.

The timing of meals is also important on a diabetic diet. Do not be tempted to skip your meal as it can have adverse effect, especially to those that have insulin dependency. The stability of your insulin and food intake can severely be disrupted when you skip a meal. Diabetes patients often takes insulin injection as calculated with the timing of the meals taken.

These guidelines suggest limiting fat intake, limiting dietary cholesterol, a diet rich in fiber, eat fresh fruits in moderation, limit the amount of protein that is eaten and reduce your salt intake. What should be the goal for any diabetic sufferer is to have atleast five serving of fruits and vegetable, six serving of grains and two serving of fish per week.

For diabetic sufferers, never be tempted to eat in between meals. This is because if too much food is eaten at the wrong times, it can lead to weight gain. Other than that it will also disrupt the effectiveness of any insulin injection that you take to control the diabetic problem. Always remember to follow the diet plans as outlined by your doctor for you.

Having said that, nothing are set in stone for the control of diabetes in any person. A healthy lifestyles means that you are less prone to the disease and it is best to follow the recommendations given. The suggestion above is based on the US dietary guidelines.

When you have questions that need immediate answer, always seek the best answer from the most reliable source. Your doctor is more than willing to answer all of your questions and if he is not available, set up an appointment as soon as possible.

Looking for more information on diabetes and its related symptoms and illness, Get FREE info regarding Diabetes Diet Mellitus Diet Plan from this website Educate yourself and make informed decision.

Diabetes Symptoms - Not All Carbohydrates are Created Equal

2009-04-19T04:13:00.001-07:00

"You might as well eat the box. IT has more nutrition than the cereal inside". These are the words of my mother every morning when I was a kid.

Of course, that was the 1960s which was the real beginning of the popularity of pre-prepared convenience foods. Nutrition science was more geared toward preventing beri beri than promoting health and longevity.

Nutrition science has come a long way since then and provides you new tools as the Glycemic Index (GI) and the Glycemic Load (GL)

What is the Glycemic Index (GI)? The Glycemic Index is a ranking of foods based on how they affect blood glucose (sugar) levels. Since protein and fat don't really impact blood glucose, it's really an index of the rate that carbohydrates are broken down in the gut and enter the bloodstream. The higher the GI number, the faster it goes into the blood.

Eating high GI foods triggers an insulin mechanism which causes the body to store fat. For most of us, eating a lot of high GI foods causes an increase in fat storage.

Most beans, whole grains and non-starchy vegetables have a low glycemic index; while sugars, foods made from refined flour (eg., white bread), most fruits and some root vegetables have a high GI.

The more processed, cooked or chewed a food is, the higher the GI because the gut doesn't have much to break down. Soluble fiber, like in beans slows down the release of carbohydrates in the blood. The degree of ripeness of a fruit: more ripe = higher GI. acidic foods, like lemon juice and vinegar slow release of sugar. Salty foods increase the rate of release. Protein in a meal will lower the overall GI of the whole meal.

What is the Glycemic Load (GL)? Now, if you take a look on the web at one of the many glycemic index listings available, you will notice that carrots have a very high GI almost as much as sugar! That does seem a bit odd. Enter the concept of glycemic load index (GL).

The GL takes into account not only the type of sugar (how quickly it spikes blood sugar) but also the amount of other stuff in the food that doesn't affect blood sugar - like water and fiber. There is a mathematical calculation which I won't bore you with.

For example, a half-cup serving of carrots has a GI of 131 (very high) but since it is mostly fiber and water has only 6.2 grams of carbs. The glycemic load of that portion size is 6 (low GL). By contrast, a plain five-ounce bagel has a GI of 72 (high) and has 65 grams of carbohydrate. Its glycemic load is very high at 47.

How Is This Useful? The GL index is a recent development and is still mostly used by diabetics to balance the blood sugar release of whole meals. The GI, which was developed in the early 1980s, helps diabetics manage nutrition, but endurance athletes also use it for "Carbo Loading". It is common for athletes to use low and medium GI foods before an event and high GI foods during and after the event to fuel the muscles quickly for recovery.

The Bottom Line? Eating low on the GI is an easy way for all of us who want to keep our body efficiently using fat rather than storing it and to keep our energy levels consistent throughout the day.

If you don't want to confuse yourself with GI and GL food tables, you can adopt "Anti-Aging Fitness" nutrition plan. The "white list" is low GL/GI. The "black list" is high GL/GI and the "grey list" is medium GL/GI. Easy to remember and follow.

Happy and healthy eating!

References:

Diabetes Symptoms - The causes of diabetes and the risks this disease brings to a patient

2009-04-18T04:13:00.001-07:00

Diabetes is an affection which occurs is the body has a problem in making or using the insulin. The role of the insulin is to take the glucose from the blood and move it to cells which use it for producing energy. If the insulin is not enough or it can not be used by the body then the glucose will remain in the blood and the symptoms of diabetes will appear.

In some cases the body produces enough insulin but this can not enter the cells and help the process of producing energy. This way the glucose will remain in the blood, causing hyperglycemia and the level of the insulin will be high too as it is not used by the cells. Most of these patients which are known to have insulin resistance are also obese. The fat cells stop the insulin from being used by the other cells and this also counts in the malfunctioning of the energy process. This kind of diabetes is known as diabetes type 2.

There are cases when diabetes type2 occurs in slim parsons and this mostly happens in elder people. Genetics and family history also have an important role in determining whether diabetes type 2 will install or not. Also, having a sedentary lifestyle, eating junk food will only increase the risk of developing this affection.

Some other risk factors are: the age over 45, high blood pressure, HDL less than 35 mg/dl, triglycerides more than 250 mg/dl and a previous history of personal impaired glucose tolerance.

Most of the diabetes type 2 cases do not present any symptoms at all. In some cases increased thirst, appetite and urination might occur along with blurred vision, fatigue, infections, and erectile dysfunctions.

In order to diagnose diabetes type 2 the doctor will perform some tests: the level of fasting glucose in blood will be measured and if it is higher than 126 mg/dl on 2 occasions than diabetes might have installed. The random glucose blood level will also be measured and it should be less than 200 mg/dl in order for the doctor to be sure diabetes in not present. Also, the symptoms of increased thirst, urination and fatigue should not be present in order for the patient not to be suspected of having diabetes. At last, the oral glucose tolerance test will be performed and if the level of glucose is higher than 200 mg/dl after 2 hours diabetes is diagnosed.

So, if you want to find out more about what causes diabetes or even about diabetes mellitus please follow this link

Diabetes Symptoms - Gestational Diabetes - A Cause For Concern In Pregnancy

2009-04-14T04:13:00.001-07:00

Gestational diabetes is a unique type of diabetes that occurs when a woman is pregnant. Approximately four percent of all pregnant women are affected by gestational diabetes. The disease is caused when the body is unable to properly process insulin, causing high levels of blood sugar, very similar to type 2 diabetes. It usually occurs during the second trimester, and often disappears after the child is born. Left untreated, gestational diabetes can cause harm to the fetus as well as to the mother.

What Triggers Gestational Diabetes?

Gestational diabetes starts when a woman's body is not able to make and use all the insulin it needs for pregnancy due to hormonal changes caused by pregnancy. During pregnancy, hormones from the placenta help the baby grow and develop. But these same hormones make it tougher for the woman's body to use insulin, creating insulin resistance. In most cases, this isn't a problem: as the need for insulin increases, the pancreas steps up its production. But when a pregnant woman's pancreas can't keep up with the insulin demand and blood glucose levels get too high, the result is gestational diabetes.

Who Is At Risk For Gestational Diabetes?

A woman may be at risk for gestational diabetes if she is:

*over 25 years of age,

*has a family history of type 2 diabetes,

*experienced gestational diabetes during a previous pregnancy,

*is overweight,

*had a previous pregnancy resulting in unexplained stillbirth or an infant with a birth weight over nine pounds; or

*is African-American, Hispanic, or Native American.

Expectant mothers who have gestational diabetes may experience increased thirst, tiredness, excessive urination and other symptoms similar to diabetes mellitus. Unfortunately, those same symptoms are normal for any pregnancy. As in prediabetes, gestational diabetes often has no symptoms at all. The woman's blood sugar should be tested regularly by the prenatal medical team and at home, especially if she is considered at risk.

Babies Are Affected by Gestational Diabetes

High levels of blood glucose circulating to the fetus can cause unusually large, fat babies. This is a condition known as macrosomia. Extra blood glucose goes through the placenta, giving the baby high blood sugar levels. The baby's pancreas in turn must make extra insulin to get rid of the blood glucose. Since the baby is getting more energy from the mother's high glucose level than it needs to grow and develop, this excess energy is stored as fat. Babies with macrosomia face health problems of their own, including shoulder damage at birth (shoulder dystocia) because they are too large to fit through the birth canal. Because of the extra insulin made by the baby's pancreas, newborns may develop very low blood glucose levels (hypoglycemia) at birth and are also at higher risk for breathing problems and jaundice. These babies also have an increased risk for obesity and type 2 diabetes as adults. Gestational diabetes has not generally been associated with birth defects.

How Does Gestational Diabetes Affect The Mother-To-Be?

Besides suffering symptoms of diabetes, women may need a cesarean section delivery if the baby is macrosomic. Expectant mothers are also at increased risk for preeclampsia, a serious condition characterized by significant increases in blood pressure. Women with gestational diabetes are at greater risk of developing Type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure later in life.

An Accurate Diagnosis Requires Testing

Pregnant women at risk for developing gestational diabetes should be tested between weeks 24 and 28; earlier if there are risk factors present, and especially if the condition was present during a previous pregnancy.

If you are diagnosed, treatment includes special meal plans and regularly scheduled physical activity, which helps lower blood sugars. It may also include daily blood glucose testing and, if necessary, insulin injections. Work with your doctor, nurse practitioner, and other members of your health care team so that your gestational diabetes treatment can be adjusted as needed. Following the prescribed treatment for gestational diabetes will help ensure a healthy pregnancy and birth, and a healthy baby.

While gestational diabetes usually goes away after several weeks, it is important to remember that you have a higher risk of gestational diabetes with your next pregnancy and a greater chance of becoming diabetic later in life. One or two months post-pregnancy, get a blood glucose test to ensure that your gestational diabetes is in fact gone. It is important to exercise, minimize weight gain, and maintain a healthy diet full of vegetables, fruits and minimal fats to ensure that you remain in good health.

Cydne Kaelin is a health writer living in Northern Georgia, USA. As a wife, niece and granddaughter of diabetics she has a keen personal interest in researching and writing about the disease. Visit Natural Diabetes Remedy, her diabetes blog at for more information, news and tips on diabetes.

Diabetes Symptoms - How to manage and keep under control diabetes type 2 Mellitus?

2009-04-13T04:13:00.001-07:00

Diabetes type 2 Mellitus, also know as non-insulin dependent diabetes is an affection which generally installs at maturity after the age of 45. Until a few years there were not so many cases of obese children but now, as the number of obese children is increasing it is possible for diabetes type 2 to install more precocious as this disease is also caused by obesity.

The pancreas cells are responsible for producing insulin. Insulin makes sure that the level of glucose in blood remains constant. When insulin is not enough or it is inefficient, diabetes type 2 installs. There are two possibilities: one, the pancreatic cells are not producing enough insulin and so the level of glucose in blood remains high and two, the body cells are resistant to insulin and so the pancreas will produce more and more insulin to correct the high level of glucose in blood but as this thing is not possible the level of insulin in blood will be high too.

Diagnosing diabetes is made after the doctor consults the results of the patient's blood test and after the presence of the symptoms. The doctor will be interested in finding out how high it is the level of glucose in blood and this is why he will ask for a blood test.

If the patient has a family history of diabetes type 2 then there is a possibility for him to develop this affection too. In order to prevent diabetes, the patient has to adopt and active lifestyle, to make exercises, to keep a healthy diet, and to monitor the body weight.

In case diabetes has already installed before taking medication the patient will be advised to talk to a nutritionist and to adopt a certain diet. If this diet fails to keep the glucose level in blood under control, then the patient will have to take medication (metformin or gliclazide tablets). These tablets might help the patient produce more insulin if he produces inefficient amounts; might help the cells be more receptive to insulin or might even reduce the glucose rate of absorption from food. In the worse case, if diet and tablets are not efficient, insulin will be administered by injections.

So, if you want to find out more about what causes diabetes or even about diabetes mellitus please follow this link

Diabetes Symptoms - Bitter Melon Natural Remedies for Diabetes

2009-04-09T16:13:00.001-07:00

General Description

The bitter melon or bitter gourd is the bitterest of all vegetables known to humankind, but it is also the most medicinally effective. Though bitter, its fruit is eaten as a vegetable and is used to make several mouthwatering dishes especially in India. In India, the bitter gourd is known as the karela. Its biological name is Momordica charantia.

Morphologically, the bitter melon is an herbaceous vine which bears tendrils and it creeps along supports. Leaves are simple and alternate, and flowers are yellow. Male and female flowers grow on separate plants. The fruit of the plant, which is known as the bitter melon, has an oblong shape with a warty exterior and is dark green in color.

Bitter melon possesses various chemicals such as charantin, peptides resembling insulin and several alkaloids. Due to these constituents, bitter melon is quite widely used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus.

Properties

Bitter melon is a valuable vegetable. It is useful in most metabolic and physiological processes of the human body. It has the following properties:-

(i) Bitter melon is composed of various chemicals that have a hypoglycemic activity, i.e. they reduce the amount of sugar in the blood.

(ii) Bitter melon stimulates appetite.

(iii) Bitter melon helps in the entire digestion process. Hence it is used in treatment of digestive problems.

(iv) Bitter melon has emetic, purgative and anthelmentic properties. It is also anti-flatulent.

(v) Bitter melon is used in the dissolution of fats from the body. It is known to have anti-lipolytic properties.

(vi) Bitter melon possesses all the essential vitamins in good amounts, such as vitamin A, thiamine, riboflavin, vitamin C and also minerals like iron.

(vii) Bitter melon is anti-inflammatory and astringent. It has specific action on the movement of bowels.

Uses

(i) Anorexia

Bitter melon is an appetite stimulant. Hence it is used in the treatment of anorexia, a disorder in which a person is unable to eat the required amount of food.

(ii) Blood Impurities

Bitter gourd is used as a blood purifier due to its bitter tonic properties. It can heal boils and other blood related problems that show up on the skin. For treatment, a cupful of the juice of the bitter melon must be taken each day in the morning, with a teaspoon of the juice of the citrus lemon in it.

(iii) Diabetes Mellitus

A lot has been written lately about the very beneficial aspects of bitter melon in the treatment of diabetes. As already discussed above, bitter melon has a host of bitter chemicals in which, which are hypoglycemic in action. It also has at least one substance that is like the insulin secreted by the human pancreatic glands. Hence, bitter melon is extremely effective in the treatment of diabetes mellitus. Doctors all over the world prescribe having either bitter melon juice early in the morning or to include it in some other fashion in the daily diet. Regular use of bitter melon over a period of time helps to bring the blood sugar level down.

(iv) Diarrhea

For diarrhea, the juice of a bitter lemon is mixed with the juice of the spring onions, both two teaspoons in quantity. This is then added with the juice of a lemon. This juice is given to the patient twice a day. This remedy is also effective in curing the diarrhea that is caused due to cholera.

(v) Hangovers

The juice of the bitter melon is excellent remedy for hangovers. It is also very beneficial in preventing the liver damage that occurs due to excessive alcoholism.

(vi) Piles

In case of piles, the fresh juice of bitter melons is prescribed to the patient with positive results. Three teaspoons of juice of the bitter melon leaves is to be extracted each morning, added to a glassful of buttermilk and then consumed on an empty stomach. Carrying on this routine for thirty days will treat piles completely. Even externally, the paste of the leaves of the piles can be applied over the hemorrhoids.

(vii) Pyorrhea

Pyorrhea is bleeding from the gums. Including bitter melon in the daily diet or having some of its juice every morning on an empty stomach helps to reduce this problem.

(viii) Respiratory Problems

The paste of the leaves of the bitter melon is mixed with equal amounts of the paste of tulsi leaves. This is taken with honey each morning as a treatment and prevention for respiratory problems such as asthma, bronchitis, common colds and pharyngitis.

(ix) Skin Infections

In case of scabies, ringworm and psoriasis, etc. one cup of bitter melon juice must be had each morning on an empty stomach. This juice can be made more potent by adding a teaspoonful quantity of the juice of the lime in it. It is also used in prevention of leprosy in vulnerable regions of the world.

Special Ayurvedic Preparations

Bitter melon is used mostly as a vegetable. It is incorporated in the daily diet. Its juice is also prescribed, generally mixed with other citrus juices like those of the lemon. There are no special preparations made out of the karela, as it is generally consumed in its basic form.

Precautions

There has been some indication that the juice of the karela may induce abortion of fetuses in pregnant women. More research on this is going on. At the same time, attempts are being made to extract the essential components of the bitter melon in a more acceptable and safe form for human consumption.

Read more about the benefits of Bitter Melon and also find Home Remedies for Diabetes at - World's Finest Portal on Ayurveda and Herbal Remedies

Diabetes Symptoms - Obesity Treatment Herbs and Ayurvedic, Home Remedies

2009-04-01T04:13:00.001-07:00

Not only is being overweight a matter of social ridicule, but it is also a very dangerous proposition health-wise. Obesity is an open invitation for six of the most terrible diseases known to man diabetes, atherosclerosis, cardiovascular problems, paralysis, gangrene and heart attacks. Hence obesity may not itself be a disease, but it could definitely be a life-threatening condition.

In Ayurveda, obesity is known as Medo Roga. It is simply defined as the condition in which excessive amount of fat is accumulated in the body. There are two main reasons for this abnormal deposition of fat (i) excessive fat intake through the diet and (ii) some metabolic problem which does not allow the proper utilization of fat in the body. Ayurveda holds agni, or the digestive fire, responsible for obesity. When the agni is vitiated, then the ama (toxic substances) is built up in the body, leading to obesity.

The fat accumulated in the body could lead to a deposition of cholesterol in the arteries and the veins of the body. This is where most of the problems begin. The collection of the cholesterol can reduce the diameters of the blood vessels leading to a decreased blood flow into various important organs of the body, including the heart.

(1) Useful Herbs in the Treatment of Obesity

1. Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia)

Guduchi is an indigenous Indian herb which is not very well-known out of India. It is a commonly prescribed herb in Ayurveda for the condition of obesity. It helps in the proper canalization of fats in the body and thus reduces obesity.

2. Guggulu (Commiphora wightii)

A great deal of research has been done on the guggulu plant in recent times. The guggulsterone present in it is an alkaloid that has been found to be especially effective in heart ailments. Among its myriad other benefits, one is the reduction of fat accumulation in the body, giving people a leaner physique. Guggulu is the Ayurvedic drug of choice for obesity.

3. Indian Gooseberry (Emblica officinalis)

Known as amalaki in Indian medicine, the Indian gooseberry is the richest source of vitamin C among all foodstuffs. Vitamin C can disintegrate fatty buildup in the body. Hence, it is a very effective herb for the treatment of obesity and related conditions. The amalaki is an integral component of Triphala, which is commonly prescribed in the treatment of obesity.

(2) Dietary Treatments for Obesity

There is a direct relation between the diet one eats and obesity. Controlling the diet is a sure method of controlling obesity. The following guidelines must be observed:-

1. Foods that are excessively rich in carbohydrates must be avoided. These include rice and potatoes. Wheat must be used instead of rice. Barley and maize can also be used effectively.

2. Fatty substances must be avoided. In obese people, the chances of cardiovascular problems such as atherosclerosis are high. Hence, people who consume lots of hydrogenated fats have greater risk of cholesterol buildup in their arteries.

3. Obesity increases the chances of diabetes mellitus. Hence, people who are overweight must reduce their intake of sugars and other sweet foods.

4. Bitter and pungent foods are found to be effective in the control of weight and also preventing the dangers of diabetes in obese people. The bitter gourd and the bitter variety of drumstick are beneficial in this aspect.

5. Obese people must avoid preserved foods. The same applies to refrigerated drinks and cold foods.

6. Among meats, avoid red meats as they have high fatty contents. While buying meats, ask for the lean cuts and get the fats trimmed from them before cooking.

(3) Ayurvedic Treatments for Obesity

Guggulu is prescribed by most Ayurvedic physicians as the drug of choice in the control of obesity. It may be prescribed in its pure form (in the dosage of one gram four times a day), or it can be given in a mixture form as Navaka Guggulu or Triphala Guggulu. These are given in tablet form, followed by some hot drink. Mineral supplements such as Tapyaadi Lauha and Shilajitawadi Lauha are given in conjunction with the Guggulu tablets.

(4) Home Remedies for Obesity

1. When you wake up in the morning, have a tablespoonful of honey mixed in an equal amount of water.

2. Drinking hot water continuously throughout the day also helps to dissolve the excess fat in the body.

3. Ginger is effective in dissolving fat. Have it twice or thrice a day in the form of tea.

4. Every one day a week, have a totally liquid diet. fasting entirely can also be done if it is physically tolerable. This helps to flush out the toxins and excess fats accumulated throughout the week.

5. Regular exercise is one of the most important things. It helps to reduce the excess fats in the body and also keep the person fresh and active throughout the day.

Read more on obesity treatment and obesity home remedies by ayurveda at

Read more about Ayurveda at World's Largest Portal on Ayurveda and Ayurvedic Remedies: A - The Free Ayurvedic Encyclopedia

Diabetes Symptoms - Knowing what to give a diabetic for a gift

2009-03-31T04:13:00.001-07:00

Knowing what to give a diabetic these days has become easier. There are many articles and websites out there to guide us. Many diabetics stay away from sugar and can easily control their sugar levels. Diabetics not only watch their sugar intake but their carb intake as well. But for others, it is harder for them to change their ways.

Most diabetics prefer gifts that are non food items. This way, it is easier for them to control their eating patterns for the day. In giving a non food gift there is no surprise for the diabetic who must monitor their blood sugar levels several times a day.

There are many gifts out there that are non food, for example a coffee gift basket. Even these baskets hold some items that the diabetic must use within limits. These baskets may include: several assorted gourmet coffees, honey straws, creamer, and stir spoons.

On the other hand there are baskets that are lower in sugar and carbs. These baskets may include: sugar free asst. chocolates, sugar free asst Jelly Belly Jelly Beans, sugar free chocolates candies, gourmet coffee, water crackers, cheddar cheese pretzel sticks, creamy port salut cheese dip, cheddar popcorn.

In many cases choosing a basket for a friend or family member that is filled with sugar free items will make them feel as if they are one of the crowd. On many occasions we purchase for the non diabetic and get them filled gift items with food, and here we can do the same for the diabetic.

Choosing a gift as this is easier, nowadays with the online retailers and the way society has changed recipes to accommodate the diabetic person. The diabetic is sure to enjoy their gift basket and be thankful that they are not given anything different, due to their disease.

Author is Michele Rogers, owner of Lilyputts Gift Baskets , an online gift basket retailer. Also hosted is a BLOG that reviews gifts and welcomes other comments as well. Please visit Lilyputts Gift Baskets for descriptions and product presentations. Please, if you use any portion herein be sure to email author first.

Diabetes Symptoms - Herbs and Ayurvedic Remedies for Diabetes Treatment

2009-03-29T16:13:00.001-07:00

Diabetes mellitus, or madhumeha, is one of the twenty types of pramehas described in Ayurveda. It is the condition in which there is an excessive amount of sugar present in the bloodstream of the person, which is observed in the urine. It is a condition that cannot be treated, but by several methods it can be controlled. Though diabetes is one of the leading causes of metabolic deaths in the world today, by care and perseverance the disease can be controlled and people with diabetes can lead normally long lives.

(1) Useful Herbs in the Treatment of Diabetes

1. Bael (Aegle marmelos)

The leaves of the bael have anti-diabetic properties. Their extract must be consumed, preferably with a pinch of black pepper in it.

2. Bitter Gourd (Momordica charantia)

This is perhaps the most well-known food in the treatment of diabetes. The seeds of the karela, as it is locally called, have charantin, which helps in reducing the sugars in the blood. As the name suggests, the bitter gourd is indeed bitter and difficult to eat. But it must be eaten in as much bitter form as possible (without sweetening) or its properties will be lost.

3. Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum)

Fenugreek can suppress the excretion of sugar through the urine. Thus it can relieve the symptoms of diabetes.

4. Garlic (Allium sativum)

Garlic has been shown in Ayurveda to contain the best vata pacifying properties. Since diabetes mellitus is a vata disorder, garlic is beneficial. Garlic contains allicin, which works at reducing the sugar level in the blood. It also brings about the disintegration of cholesterol in the body.

5. Jamun (Syzygium cumini)

The jamun is also known as the Indian plum. It has a specific action on the pancreas, which controls the conversion of starch to sugar. The seeds of the fruit have better effects than the pulp.

6. Neem (Azadirachtha indica)

The neem or the Indian margosa tree is known for its medicinally useful bitter leaves and other parts. A paste of its leaves taken daily has excellent properties in reducing the sugar content of the blood.

7. Onion (Allium cepa)

The onion has hypoglycemic (i.e. low sugar) properties. In Ayurveda, it has been investigated thoroughly for its rasayana property. Along with these properties, onion is also a mild aphrodisiac and it can promote the strength of the body. With all these properties, onion becomes a very valuable food in the treatment of diabetes.

8. Turmeric (Curcuma longa)

Turmeric is another useful remedy for diabetes. Its effects are felt better if it is t taken along with amalaki (Indian gooseberry).

(2) Dietary Treatments for Diabetes

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder, which can be severely aggravated by the wrong kind of diet. Hence the following dietary guidelines must be followed:-

1. Reduce or even completely eliminate sugar in the diet. A hypoglycemic diet must be taken.

2. Obesity is one of the leading causes of diabetes. Hence the food must be devoid of fats and cholesterol producing substances.

3. Include at least one bitter dish in every meal.

(3) Ayurvedic Treatment for Diabetes

If the person is obese, then diabetes becomes more of a problem. In such people, an elaborate Ayurvedic system of treatment is used. The preliminary methods are:-

a) Apatarpana (de-nourishment)

b) Shamshodhana (cleansing)

In these methods, the fats built up in the body are reduced by de-nourishment of the body. This is followed by a cleansing of the toxins that have accumulated in the body. The panchakarma method of cleansing the body may be used.

Once this is done, then the body has to be rebuilt. This is done by:-

c) Santarpana (replenishment)

d) Brumhana (promoting body bulk)

If the person is chronically ill with diabetes, then these methods work. This is effective in treating diabetes in people who are underweight. By these methods, the essential nutrients are allowed to flow into the body and the body is rebuilt in a healthy manner.

(4) Home Medications

1. Continue a diet of bitter gourd cooked in ghee for a period of three months. This will bring the diabetes down by a significant amount.

2. Soak a few seeds of fenugreek in water and keep them overnight. Have these softened seeds in the morning.

3. Have a breakfast of fruits such as oranges, tomatoes and jamuns.

4. Soak dry raisins in water overnight. Drink the water they were soaked in the morning.

5. Prepare a choorna (fine powder) of dry amalaki. Put this powder in water and let it stand for some time. Then filter the water and squeeze the juice of a lemon in it. This must be had early in the morning.

6. Prepare a choorna of amalaki, turmeric and fenugreek taken in equal amounts. Take this choorna with honey every morning, afternoon and evening. This system provides relief from diabetes within about two months.

7. Make a mixture of the juices of mango and jamun taken in equal amounts. This must be taken thrice a day.

Read More on diabetes cure by Ayurveda and diabetes Home Remedies at

Read more about Ayurveda at World's Largest Portal on Ayurveda and Ayurvedic Remedies: A - The Free Ayurvedic Encyclopedia

Diabetes Symptoms - Best way to test your glucose levels

2009-03-28T16:13:00.001-07:00

For every diabetic having knowledge of your own glucose (sugar) levels can be vitally important in controlling your diabetes. The current treatments in diabetes, whether medicines or diet, focus on trying to keep blood glucose levels as close to normal as possible.

To gain knowledge of your body's glucose levels there are 2 main methods, testing for urine glucose and testing for blood glucose. Which method you use depends a lot on why you are testing and what your doctor has recommended you use.

Blood glucose testing

Testing blood glucose levels has become very simple and very accessible thanks to a whole range of blood glucose meters on the market. Checking glucose in this way is the most accurate method. This is especially important for patients with Type 1 Diabetes (Insulin dependent) and some patients with Type 2 Diabetes requiring insulin. This is because some of these patients can make adjustments to their insulin dose depending on their blood glucose test results. Also patients with diabetes may experience very low blood glucose levels called hypoglycaemia or very high blood glucose levels called hyperglycaemia. Often there are signs and symptoms of both. Using a blood glucose meter to provide an exact reading can help reassure or confirm that action must be taken.

How to use a blood glucose monitor

The blood glucose meter market is dominated by 2 main brands OneTouch and Accu-chek. Both brands of meters essentially work in a similar way. A blood sample is taken from the finger using a lancing device, the resulting blood is placed on a specially coated test strip. This test strip is then placed into a meter. After 30-60 seconds the meter displays a blood glucose reading. Some patients need to test frequently and so testing in this way can be painful for the fingers. A lot of the newer meters such as Accu-chek Aviva and OneTouch Ultra use the latest lancing technology to minimise the amount of blood needed to test with thus resulting in less pain.

Urine testing

Urine glucose testing has the advantage of being painless but the downside of not being as accurate as blood glucose testing.

Urine testing can be more than an adequate method to test glucose levels for those diabetic patients that do not need exact readings. Often these patients will have a stable, predictable glucose profile day in day out and have been told by their physician that urine testing is suitable. It is important remember that glucose only appears in urine when glucose levels in the blood reach above 180mg/dL (10 mmml/L). If blood glucose levels are below 180mg/dL (10 mmml/L) glucose is unlikely to appear in the urine and a urine glucose test would not be able to provide a reading. It is therefore essential, when checking to confirm hypoglycaeima (very low blood glucose levels), that a blood glucose meter is used.

How to use urine testing strips

The main 2 makes of urine glucose test strips are Clinistix and Diastix. Visit the link below in the resource box to learn more about how to use them.

Interpreting blood glucose readings

How you interpret your results very much depends on the goals your doctor has set out for you and what you are testing for. A key point to remember is that blood glucose levels will be affected by food and diabetic medication.

To learn more about how to use urine test strips visit:

If you would like more information on diabetes from management to treatment click on the following link Learn about diabetes

Diabetes Symptoms - The Secrets To Managing Type 2 Diabetes And High Blood Sugar Levels

2009-03-26T16:13:00.001-07:00

Diabetes, and Type 2 Diabetes in particular, is a chronic disease that is affecting more than 16 million people in America alone. It is also on the rise in nearly every country in the world, and is currently responsible for killing more than three million people around the world each and every year. It is also the number one reason for blindness. Alzheimer's disease is also triggered by diabetes in many studies.

Type 2 is much more prevalent than Type 1 Diabetes. It accounts for approximately 90% - 95% of all diagnosed cases. As incredible as it may sound, researchers aren't exactly sure of what causes type 2 diabetes. Symptoms of the disease usually develop after the age 40, but don't be fooled, it can appear much sooner. In recent years, more and more cases have begun to appear with children.

Type 2 diabetes is a condition where your body can't regulate your blood glucose level. It's not the absence of insulin that causes the problem, but rather by the insulin not working properly. This results in too much blood sugar in your bloodstream

Your blood sugar level is the amount of glucose that is present in the blood. So, what is a good blood sugar level? Doctors say that a fasting blood sugar level of less than 120 mg/dL is considered a normal blood glucose level. Anything higher suggests that you have diabetes.

Testing your blood sugar level is the only way to know how you are doing with your diabetes control. By knowing what your blood sugar level is will help you to maintain a healthy lifestyle. For this reason, it's essential that you know your blood sugar level and take the steps necessary to control it if you develop this disease.

If you have type 2 diabetes, the first step in any treatment program will be meal planning for blood sugar control, weight loss, and exercising. The good news is that by controlling your diet and getting your weight lowered, along with exercise, can actually control and reduce the disease.

Diabetes can be a tough disease to tackle. Often, people will bungle, misunderstand, or just plain ignore the critical moment when blood sugar tests reveal that diabetes is present. The results of ignoring the disease can be disastrous. Don't let this happen to you. Controlling diabetes is very important. Learn as much as you can about type 2 diabetes and take the necessary steps to keep it under control. It will put you on the road to a healthier future.

Want to know more secrets to controlling Type 2 Diabetes as well as much more information on all types of diabetes issues? Find out more at

Diabetes Symptoms - Manage your Diabetes with a Diet Menu

2009-03-24T04:13:00.001-07:00

This is a great starter diet for someone suffering from Diabetes, who is looking for an effective way to manage the health and fitness portion of their diabetes management plan. Be sure to always consult your physician before beginning any new diet plan. This diet provides 50 percent starches, 30 percent proteins and 20% fat in calories, and follows the diabetic food pyramids method of creating an eating plan. Make sure to only eat the foods that are on the list below, and only eat the amount that is specified. It is important that you do not skip over or miss meals, or snack in between the planned meals. All foods should be measured, which can be done using a standard measuring cup, teaspoon or tablespoon. Foods are generally measured after cooking to ensure proper portion size. Make sure always to bake, broil or boil meats rather than frying, unless you are instructed specifically to do so. Special foods are not necessary, as you're only required to stick to low calorie and lean foods, as well as fresh fruits and vegetables rather than canned or frozen, and skimmed milk instead of whole or Vitamin D.

As a diabetic, make sure to avoid sweets, candy, sugar, honey, pies and anything else that is prepared with sugar. You should also avoid foods that are high in fat or cholesterol, as well as alcoholic beverages like beer and wine. Avoid fats, sweats, fried foods and foods prepared in sugar or oil in order to control or maintain your weight. Make sure to avoid red meats, high cholesterol and fat foods and alcoholic beverages at all times, regardless of the goals in your personal diet management plan.

A standard 1800 calorie sample menu involves two fruits, two breads, one meat, two fats, one milk, and a free food. This translates to approximately 2/3 of a cup of apple juice, of a cup of oatmeal, one slice of toast, one egg that is soft cooked, one cup of percent or skim milk, and a glass of coffee or tea for breakfast. For lunch, expect to have two meats, two breads, one vegetable, two fruits, two fats and a free food, which translates to something like a half cup of tuna, two slices of bread, a half cup of tomato slices, a cup of mixed fruit, a teaspoon of margarine, and a glass of tea with lemon. The ideal dinner consists of three meats, two breads, one raw vegetable and two fats. This can translate to three ounces of baked chicken, a half cup of mashed potatoes, a slice of bread and a cup of broccoli or a tossed salad with a tablespoon of salad dressing.

Want to learn more about Diabetic Diet - feel free to visit us at:

Diabetes Symptoms - Lipid Screening in Women

2009-03-16T04:13:00.001-07:00

Facts prove the benefits of lowering cholesterol in various populations continues to grow, but questions still remain about screening and treatment of lipid disorders in women, even though data from primary prevention trials in women remain thin, recent trials demonstrating benefits of cholesterol reduction across a broad range of cholesterol levels and cardiac risk in men and women encourage the conclusion that benefits may extend to asymptomatic women who are otherwise at high risk for coronary disease.

Periodic lipid screening beginning in middle age will identify most women who are at high enough risk to merit drug therapy or more detailed consideration of age, diabetes, blood pressure, and other risk factors can more accurately estimate individual risk of coronary heart disease. Advice about healthy diet, weight control, and physical activity can benefit all women.

Advanced Lipoprotein Fingerprinting is a more precise cholesterol test that allows doctors to identify health risks that traditional screens miss. Doctors now have a precise reading not only of a patient's cholesterol levels but other independent risk factors known to be associated with heart disease.

The process separates lipids in the blood to create a detailed cholesterol profile that helps doctors identify patients at risk for heart disease. The detailed graph allows a doctor to precisely analyze a patient's overall risk profile and monitor the effectiveness of a diet or treatment regimen.

This advanced analytical techniques that can help doctors diagnose early warning signs for coronary heart disease, which kills more than 2,600 Americans a day, according to the American Heart Association. High LDL cholesterol is a major cause of coronary heart disease, according to the National Cholesterol Education Program.

Aiming to identify early risk factors, the National Cholesterol Education Program issued guidelines calling for more comprehensive cholesterol screens as well as other risk factors not included in the cholesterol screen.

Early detection, particularly in youth, is the key to slowing down the development of heart disease in later life. Advanced cholesterol screening is a valuable tool that is gaining acceptance among medical insurers.

Texas A&M University researchers created Advanced Lipoprotein Fingerprinting as a more precise cholesterol test that allows doctors to identify health risks that traditional screens miss. LipidLabs further refined the Advanced Lipoprotein Fingerprinting Process and made Advanced Lipoprotein Fingerprinting available for commercialization. LipidLabs' results translate to more accurate and specific data on which to make clinical judgments and guide patient therapy and prevention at reasonable costs.

Dr. D.S. Merchant Resident Medicine

Gold Medalist (Anatomy & Histology)