27 May 2007

How Can Mango Leaves Help Your Diabetes?

Diabetes- we all heard the word but do we really know what it is?!

Let me tell you what diabetes is and what you can do about it.
So, let's start from the beginning.

Diabetes is a lifelong, chronic health condition. It is a disturbance in the metabolism system. After we eat, the food in the metabolism system becomes glucose which gets into the blood. Insulin is a hormone which helps our bodies to get sugar from the blood. The insulin is produced by the pancreas and secreted to the blood so it can help the glucose to get into the body cells.

Diabetic people are unable to break down sugar, so the sugar levels are high in the blood. The reason for that is they can't produce insulin or have resistance to insulin and therefore lose energy.
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Diabetes causes: hunger, weight loss, thirst, urination, dehydration; and in severe cases also: heart disease, hearing and vision problems, and more.

There are two types of Diabetes:

Type I affects people less than 30 years old, and develops when antibodies, kill cells of the pancreas, which is in charge of creating insulin.

Type II, develops in people 30 years of age and older, and is caused by the insufficient or ineffective production of insulin.

Diabetic people don’t need to stop their lives, they can learn how to live with it and take care of themselves.

First, it is very important to notice what you eat: just notice the kind, amount, and frequency of your meals.

Then exercise, which will help the body to work better and make some more insulin.

Use insulin if needed, ask your doctor about it, and also check the insulin levels in your body as the doctor orders.

And last but not least – Use natural home remedies.

There are a lot of different remedies for diabetes on the market but why use chemicals when you can try natural home remedies first.

Don’t buy products at the store when you can make it on your own. Just try out some natural remedies and examine how your body reacts to the natural treatments. Then choose the best natural remedy for your specific problem.

I added a few options to try and decide:

1. Take 1 small bitter gourd, remove the seeds and saturate in a cup of water. Drain and drink every morning.
2. Wash and peel a green plantain, put the peel in a jar, cover with water and drink this water three times a day.
3. Soak 1 teaspoon of fenugreek seeds (Hilba- Yemenite herb) in 1 cup of water at night. Drink the water in the morning on an empty stomach and eat the seeds. Very good for diabetes because it works like insulin.
4. Boil 13-16 mango leaves in one cup of water, saturate over night and filter in the morning. Drink every morning on an empty stomach.
5. Take 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar 3 times a day.
6. Add turmeric and cinnamon to your cooking, it is very good for diabetes.

If you need more information and more natural home remedies, you can find many more on the GrannyMed.com website.

19 May 2007

Type 1 Diabetes: How Does It Occur?

Glucose plays a very important role in the functioning of the body. It is the most important carbohydrate, a simple monosaccharide, which helps provide energy to the body. It works with insulin to help build glucose transporters to the body's cells. This glucose in the cells produces energy required for the functioning of the body. When this process is disturbed and the production of insulin is affected, the condition is called diabetes.

The pancreas produces insulin in the body, but when the body is unable to utilize the insulin produced, then this is known as type 2 diabetes. The condition when the pancreas stops producing insulin altogether, is called type 1 diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes usually occurs in children and young adults; therefore it is also called juvenile diabetes. Fortunately this type of diabetes can be controlled and managed more comfortably than type 2 diabetes. However, this does not change the fact that this is a serious condition and if you have the disease, you have to be very careful. Diabetes is not a condition that you can neglect; medical attention is required as soon as it is diagnosed. If left untreated, it will lead to more serious health problems. You have to be careful about what you eat and what you do.

If your family has a history of diabetes, then you have to take extra care as you have a greater chance of getting it than someone who does not have a family history of the disease. Look out for the signs and symptoms of type 1 diabetes at an early age. It is best to get the right tests done to confirm whether or not you have it. It is advisable to get as much information as you can get on the condition. You can find a lot of information in books, from your physician and, of course, on the Internet.

Some of the early signs of type 1 diabetes that you need to look out for are:

• Increased frequency of urination
• An insatiable thirst
• Severe hunger
• Unexplained weight loss
• Weakness and malaise
• Blurry vision
• Irritability

If you experience any of these symptoms, consult your physician immediately.

Type 1 diabetes can lead to more complications if it is left untreated. Examples are heart problems, strokes, damage to the kidneys and blurred vision, possibly leading to blindness.

As the pancreas stops the production of insulin in type 1 diabetes, the treatment for this disease would include the introduction of insulin to the body. There are about 20 types of products available which could provide the much needed insulin. Which product should be taken depends on the patient and the physician providing the health care.

There are various insulin products which are made to suit the different needs and lifestyles of the patients. The physician, after examining the patient, will prescribe the insulin product that is the most suitable. Factors affecting this decision are the blood sugar level, how soon the insulin takes effect, the peak times that insulin is required and also how long the insulin is effective in the diabetic's body.

16 May 2007

Diabetics And Test Strips

When you're first diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, healthy eating and regular physical activity are usually prescribed. If this doesn't work well enough, tablets may be given — not as a substitute, however, because healthy eating and regular physical activity are needed as well.

If you have type 1 diabetes then yes, you will have to at least control and balance your food intake with your insulin intake. But because new insulin medications are available, this means that you can eat almost anything you would like so long as you take your “short acting” insulin either immediately before, during, or after your meals. Your doctor will decide which tablets are best for you.

It's then up to you to test your blood glucose levels often and record the results in a diary so that you and your doctor can see if the tablets are helping and whether your dose needs adjusting. There are two kinds of blood tests that can be used to examine an individual's blood glucose levels. They are called “teat strips” that permit blood to respond with a sure enzyme on the strip. On one of the strips, the blood and the enzyme will produce a tone. There is a m that will so learn the sum of the tone which results in the glucose interpretation.

The second character of strip results in the output of electrons when a blood sampling is mixed with it. A meter will so learn the amounts of the electrons and exhibit the glucose interpretation. Testing your blood glucose levels is something that you may do more often than needed. There is never a bad time to test as it helps keep you more in control.

For example, if you would like to have a bite to eat that is not exactly within your diet guidelines, then you may run a test to see what the effect that food has on your glucose levels. Another example is if you are getting ready to exercise and by taking a test beforehand, it will let you know if you need something to eat.

12 May 2007

The Hidden Disease - Diabetes

The hidden disease. Diabetes, often a surprise to the individual, can live unnoticed. Because there are no aches or pains associated with the illness in the beginning stages it can cause damage as it exists in the background. Numerous people in the USA (over 20.8 million) have diabetes. About one third of this crowd are unaware they have the ailment. It is very important that these pre-diagnosis tests are done regularly so that early detection may help prevent serious problems of the disease.

Some of the symptoms of diabetes include, but are not limited to:

1 Seems like you are urinating quite often.
2. You have an ongoing thirst that needs to be addressed.
3. You are peculiarly losing weight. This is a new phenomenon for you.
4. You always seem to be hungry. You just ate a decent meal you get up from the table and you want to eat some more.
5. Increased fatigue. You may also wake up fatigued.
6. Quite often you are short-tempered
7. You are having problems with your sight.
8. You have diabetes is in your family tree.

If any of the above diabetes symptoms concern you then you will need to get yourself tested. Obtain a fasting diabetes test to check on your blood sugar level. If you are pre diabetic or diabetic then some changes need to take place.

You will need to alter your diet. In my opinion this is the number one remedy. While exercise, herbs, meditation to reduce stress is good for you, adjusting your diet and sticking to your new meal plan will pay the most dividends. Concentrate on eating fiber, vegetables and proteins. Do this while you are decreasing your high sugar, high carbohydrate foods, and high fat foods. You want to create a good balance. Even though it may seem intimidating at first, you can make the proper choices with some effort and smart planning.

Even people already diagnosed with diabetes and taking medication can sometimes revert to proper blood sugar levels with the addition of more, or consistent, physical activity and proper diet in their lives. Some studies have shown, in fact, that these two situations of diet and exercise can work as well as medications. Of course, you should not go off any medications unless you check with your physician first and have the proper normal readings on tests associated with diabetes levels.

Another important item to consider is an eye exam. This should be done every year to allow your doctor to catch any upcoming or progressing diseases, including diabetes. Early detection is very important as mentioned above. You have more of a chance to offset the disease by specific measures if you know you can keep control of your situation by simple problem solving techniques.

Conclusions to this article then are:

1. Consult with a nutritionist, your health care provider, the hospital, or someone you trust that can give you the real deal on what foods to eat and how to prepare them.

2. Do not gain any weight. If anything, lose 10% (if this is appropriate) of your weight to start reaping the benefits of a better you. Keep your weight at a standard level for your age and height.

3. Even if you show no symptoms, if the disease is inherent in your family get yourself tested on a regular basis. Can you be too cautious?

4. Follow your doctor's recommendations. Get your diet and exercise under control first.

5. If you notice any of the diabetes symptoms listed above, please get a fasting diabetes test as soon as possible to prevent the onset of any serious medical conditions that can be elevated or heightened by diabetes such as stroke or joint problems.

Research the diabetes problem in the United States just a little bit and you will see why everyone should be aware of this dangerous and often misunderstood and often un-diagnosed disease.

09 May 2007

Basic Knowledge For Blood Glucose Levels

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.

07 May 2007

Diabetes And Exercise

Diabetes is generally found in overweight people. Diabetes and exercise are complementary, since exercise lowers sugar levels and reduces the need for insulin. Exercise also protects the body against heart attacks and strokes, strengthens bones, tones and strengthens muscles, improves how you feel, relieves stress, improves your quality of sleep, and the quality of your life. While you may think the list of benefits might be applicable to anyone, it is even more applicable to diabetes. Each of the benefits may require a reduction in medication. Lowering sugar levels and reducing the need for insulin can bring your sugar levels down enough that you may not need medication at all. By lowering your risk of heart attacks and strokes, you may also not need medication for cholesterol or high blood pressure, as your body will be fit and healthy.

Once you start losing weight, muscle and joint pain will go away, and exercising will become easier. It’s always difficult to start, especially if movement is uncomfortable. Walking as little as 30 minutes a day can have a positive effect. Walking for a few hours once or twice a week will not only cause pain because your body is not used to the exercise, but it doesn’t count toward regular diabetes and exercise routine. Swimming is a wonderful form of low or no impact exercise that is perfect for people who are not used to the exertion of walking or jogging. A half-hour in the pool, with some kicking or swimming, or even water aerobics, can be very beneficial. You may find that starting in the shallow end with some minor aerobics will be so enjoyable that you want to do more. Year-round swimming pools are no available at many health clubs or physical therapy centers, and health insurance may pay if it is for a diagnosed medical condition. It is worth investigating the possibility with your health insurance provider.

Once you are walking and exercising, you’ll be sleeping and thinking better. Colors will seem brighter, food will taste better, and you will probably find you are happier. Exercise releases many chemicals in your body that make you feel better, and feeling better about yourself will make you want to experience the change. You can control your diabetes and exercise your right to a happier, healthier life.

06 May 2007

Control Your Diabetes With the Foods

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.

Article Source: http://www.healthandwellnesscentral.com