What is Diabetes Mellitus?

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic health situation in which the body stop working to generate adequate amount of insulin or react strangely to insulin.When we talk about the categorization of diabetes mellitus, it is of three natures, namely,

1. Diabetes

2. Diabetes and Gestational diabetes.

3. Hyperglycemia which is the ultimate outcome for all the three types of diabetes.Pathophysiology of diabetes mellitus is complicated, as the disease is characterized by diverse etiologies but share some related signs,symptoms and complications.

Meaning of pathophysiology

Pathophysiology means the learning of alteration seen in natural mechanical, bodily, and biochemical functions that are maybe caused by a disease or as a  result of an irregular syndrome. The pathophysiology of any given ailment or syndrome give details to  its source,symptoms and effects

Pathophysiology and Diabetes Mellitus

Pathophysiology of diabetes mellitus (all types) is connected to the hormone insulin, which is concealed by the beta cells of the pancreas. This hormone is responsible for keeping the glucose level in the blood. It also allows the body cells to use glucose as the major energy source. though, in a diabetic person, due to the improper insulin metabolism, the body cells and tissues do not utilize the glucose from the blood and as a result of that,it raise the level of hyperglycemia..Within some period of time, elevated glucose level in the bloodstream can lead to critical condition, such as eye disorders, cardiovascular diseases, kidney injury and nerve problems.

In type 1, the pancreas cannot produce sufficient amount of insulin hormone needed by the body. The pathophysiology of type 1 diabetes propose that it is an autoimmune disease, in which the body's own immune system produces secretion of substances that attack the beta cells of the pancreas. As a result, the pancreas give off little or no insulin. The type 1 is more familiar with children and young adults between 20 years. For the reason that it is common among young folks and insulin hormone is used for treatment, the type 1 diabetes is also known as (IDDM) meaning Insulin Dependent Dabetes Mellitus.

The type 2 diabetes mellitus is a normal way to manufacture of insulin hormone except that the body cells are resistant to insulin.For the reason that the body cells and tissues are not sensitive to insulin, glucose stays in the bloodstream. It is ordinarily noticeable by middle-aged adults about 40 years or more.Since the  insulin is not required for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus,so it is regarded as (Adult Onset Diabetes) or (NIIDM) meaning Non-insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus.

On the other hand,gestational diabetes occurs between pregnant women. It is as well triggered due to rise and fall of the hormonal level throughout pregnancy.More often,the blood glucose level come back to where it supposed to be after the baby is born.

Like I said before,the symptoms/signs and effects of the entire three types of diabetes are alike.The apparent clear symptoms contains escalation in dehydration known as (polydipsia),escalation in urination known as (polyuria), escalation in appetite also known as (polyphagia),too much tiredness, mysterious weight loss and body irritation.

In  relation to  the meaning of diabetes mellitus, it is frequently described as a fasting blood glucose level of 126 milligrams per deciliter or more.And as per statistics,the type 2 diabetes is mainly the occurring type,contrast to the remaining two types of diabetes mellitus.

Knowing the correct type of diabetes is very essential to avert rigorous health effects. Subsequent to diagnosis, a medical doctor may prescribe suitable medicine for curing of diabetes, which could contain insulin vaccination or oral insulin medicines, depending on the type of diabetes mellitus the person is a victim of. In addition, healthy lifestyle modifications, especially diet and exercise are recommended for the effective management of symptoms and long-term effects. Since diabetes is a global health issue, studies regarding the pathophysiology of diabetes mellitus are currently in progress in order to minimize its associated health effects.

Diabetic patients have always been bothered by possible easy diabetes control measures that will enable them get on with their life. Below are few sure diabetes control, prevention and management tips that will help you put the problem of diabetes to a reasonable level, if not cured entirely:

- Dietary management. In general principle, dietary measures are required in the treatment of all diabetic patients in order to achieve the overall therapeutic goal.

- Endeavor to exercise yourself as much as possible.

- Then grab the much talked about Diabetes Control Made Easy. A 100% safe, natural, and effective ways you can manage and even fully recover from your diabetes in as little as 90 days ... and so that you never have to take insulin again, or have to suffer painfully dull diets even again! Check the links below for useful Diabetes Management Tips your doctor does not want you to see.

By Dave Woodgate

Many people diagnosed as having the disease called diabetes, are advised to lose weight. Easily said, but sometimes difficult to accomplish.

The advice usually emphasizes the need to eat the right foods, your diabetic menu should avoid the foods that are high in saturated fats and with a high sodium content. It is difficult to change old habits but it will also probably be necessary to eat less and exercise more. Something we know but do not do.

So those are the generalities -- unless the diabetic is provided with a more detailed meal planning guide, it is left for the individual to work out their own approach and ways to achieve a weight-loss goal, to find out for themselves just what to eat and how much to eat.

Initially, it can be a complicated process to determine a weight target and what foods are appropriate, so if possible the diabetic should request the healthcare team to give advice and a tailored diet plan.

The reason why
Simply stated, the reason weight is gained is because more food is consumed than is needed to stay alive. The body converts any excess and stores it in the form of fat.

Expressed in calories, some foods are richer, weight for weight, than others. Fats provide more calories per gram than do non-fats. The body needs fat, just as it needs protein and carbohydrate, but it makes sense to eat less fatty foods.

Nutritionists have established ratios of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats considered appropriate to maintain good health for the general population.

Carbohydrates supply most of the glucose needed by the cells of the body for energy. Although if there were no carbohydrates, the body would use protein to make the glucose needed. It is the glucose that is the problem for the diabetic whose body cannot control the glucose content in the same way as the non-diabetic. In the case of the diabetic, much of the glucose does not get into the body cells that need it but stays in the blood stream for a long time, and that is harmful and damaging.

There are different categories of carbohydrate, classified by the complexity of the content of their sugar containing molecules, of which there are many, and the more complex they are the longer it takes for the body's digestive system chemical actions to break them down to glucose. The longer time in doing so diminishes the peak of the increased glucose load in the bloodstream that always occurs after eating. With the diabetic, that elevated blood-glucose conditions lasts longer than it does for the non-diabetic, that is the problem.

Carbohydrates provide the needed glucose and glucose causes the diabetes
That is what diabetes is all about, high blood sugars for too long a time, leading to so many other health problems.

Differing viewpoints
There are two conflicting schools of thought regarding the amount and ratio of carbohydrates, compared to other essential nutrients, which should be consumed by the diabetic.

So the approach followed by some well-known and successful medical practitioners is to keep the main source of glucose, the carbohydrate ratio, to the low end of the scale in comparison to the protein and fat content. Some suggest as low as 15%, some 25%. In this way, less sugar be will be manufactured which surely make a lot of sense.

One well-known and leading advocate of the low carbohydrate approach, a type 1 diabetic himself, now in his sixties, is Richard K. Bernstein, M.D. author of the 'Diabetes Solution' and also the 'Diabetes Diet'. This could be a worthwhile read for those diabetics who need to lose weight and who are having trouble controlling their blood glucose levels.

There are many other physicians who agree with Dr. Bernstein's views and many research studies confirm the effectiveness of the low carbohydrate diet, supported by exercise and certain vitamin and dietary supplements.

The other approach suggests consuming a higher carbohydrate intake, as high as 50 to 60 percent, and is recommended by the American Diabetes Association and other national diabetes associations and many other organizations dealing with diabetes, including physicians and nutritionists. The high carbohydrate content advocates recommend the inclusion of as many complex forms of carbohydrates as possible in their dietary approach since it takes longer for the digestion process to breakdown complex carbohydrate to provide the ultimate glucose, meaning slower absorption into the bloodstream.

To aid in identifying complex carbohydrates, a chart has been devised, called the Glycemic Index, which provides a numerical rating of carbohydrate containing foods. An explanation of that index and a modification of it, called the Glycemic Load, can be found on the Diabetic Food List Plus blog-site listed in the author's reference below.

Although supporting the high carbohydrate approach, the American Diabetes Association, defying logic somewhat, recognizes that lower carbohydrate diets are helpful to diabetics in controlling their high glucose problems but in their view, even though producing the right results, are too difficult to follow for any length of time.

Perhaps the individual would be better able to make that decision, but the national diabetic associations make little effort to make diabetic patients aware of what the lower carbohydrate diets can accomplish.

Excellent and comprehensive diabetes meal planning and advice is available from both the low carbohydrate and the higher carbohydrate advocates.

Losing weight and following a weight loss program is a serious process and should the discussed with a doctor. It is the right and responsibility of the diabetic patient to decide which route to follow, but it is wise to confide in and discuss the merits of their choices with their doctor. Much of the control and management of the diabetic condition is left to the patient and requires monitoring levels of glucose in the blood every day and sometimes, when control is poor, several times each day.

By James K. Robinson

Diabetes mellitus is perhaps the most alarming of the medical problems in the developed world. Notwithstanding all the efforts of diabetes experts and diabetes researchers, the problem is becoming even worse, with increasing numbers of people being diagnosed as suffering from diabetes mellitus each and every year.

Some researcher maintain that up to 10% of people in the USA have diabetes, and many of these poor people are unaware of the fact! Moreover, for many of these poor people, it may well have been avoidable if they had known about earlier in their lives.

The most important danger in the diabetes problem is ignorance of the problem amongst those who are at risk.

If you believe that you could be in a high risk group, it is sensible to get as much information as you can about the main types of diabetes, the most important symptoms to watch out for, what you can do to decrease the threat of diabetes, and what the key diabetes management techniques are. Additionally, if you are expectant, you need to learn about the dangers of gestational diabetes, a type of diabetes which can be present in up to one in four pregnant women.

Although Type 1 diabetes is quite uncommon, Type 2 diabetes is approaching crisis point in the US, with other nations following on behind. Diabetes Type 2 used to be called "adult-onset" diabetes, but in the present day this expression is not really appropriate as overweight teens in the United States are becoming diabetic at a rapid rate.

In these examples of diabetes in kids, most diabetes specialists think that modern-day teenager's daily food intake, (which has really unhealthy levels of refined carbs), is to blame as it can result in insulin resistance, and that can cause type 2 diabetes.

Irrespective of the fact that the true cause is unknown, what we know is that diabetes is a serious illness, it cannot be cured at the moment, and it can bring about long term health risks.

The quickest approach to lessen the chance of getting diabetes mellitus is to take up a healthy way of life.

If you adhere to the advice listed below, you will decrease the chances of getting diabetes, and if you already have it, minimize the damage that it may lead to.

1. Pattern of eating.
It may well seem evident, but if you eat sensibly then you are in a better position than individuals who eat badly.

Experts give advice to people who are at risk of diabetes that if they don't want to develop this disease they should:
* Eat more fruit and vegetables particularly those that are low in carbohydrates.
* Enjoy more whole grain foods like lentils, beans and grains.
* Consume more lean protein foods, like turkey and fish.

2. Lose Weight.
Being too fat is also a considerable issue for those who are prone to diabetes mellitus. Diabetes specialists say that individuals who are heavy have a far larger chance of contracting diabetes as it can be the cause of high resistance to insulin.

3. Keep Fit.
Many diabetes specialists believe that those who have a regular exercise program have a much reduced likelihood of developing diabetes mellitus. For additional background, try searching for a web site where they discuss the benefits of keeping fit for diabetics in some detail.

4. Drinking and Smoking
Drinking and smoking are also quite dangerous for those who are prone to diabetes. It is not that smoking and drinking alcohol lead to diabetes, but that they affect the same parts of the body.

In truth, most of these guidelines are sound advice for people who are not diabetic too.

What is also important is the fact that if you go by the strategy discussed here, you will not only lower the odds of contracting diabetes, but also improve other aspects of your health and reduce the risk of heart disease at the same time.

By Roger Wakefield

Before studying the causes of diabetes you must understand what is diabetes? Diabetes is a disease caused by hormonal imbalance. Insulin is helpful in supply of sugar to various parts of the body. When the beta cells in either produce low quantities of insulin or does not produce insulin in the pancreas, such a stage is called diabetes. In other cases the insulin is produced in the pancreas but the blood cells do not respond to the insulin. This factor of insulin imbalance leads to diabetes.

Diabetes is classified in different categories based on the above factors. They are commonly known as Type-1 & Type-2 Diabetes.

In Type-1 Diabetes the insulin is not produced in the pancreas. This happens because beta cells producing insulin are attacked and destroyed by the body’s cells. This system of attacking and destroying insulin producing cells has a name called “autoimmune reaction”. There are no proven results available to establish the cause of this destruction of cells.
a) It may be result of specific bacterial or viral infection.
b) It may be the result of toxins which are consumed through food.
c) According to some scientists it is the result of cow milk feeding at a very young infant stage.

The other form of diabetes – Type-2 Diabetes develops under the following circumstances:
a) Insulin Resistance. In this stage though the insulin is produced in the pancreas but the blood cells do not respond to the insulin. This leads to excess production of insulin. This over production of insulin results in getting insulin-producing cells exhausted.
b) As a result of insulin producing cells getting exhausted, there may not be sufficient insulin available or the available insulin may not be normal for your body system.

Here are some other factors which may increase the risk of occurrence of Type-2 diabetes. These factors are Increasing Age, Overweight and Physical Inactivity.

There are some other causes which may increase the risk of diabetes occurrence. Continued prolonged consumption of certain drugs/steroids/medicines may elevate the blood sugar leading to diabetes.

Women may suffer from Gestational diabetes during pregnancy period. However, this type of diabetes is temporary but chances of it converting into Type-2 diabetes can not be ruled out.

Some diseases affect the pancreas. The pancreas may be damaged as a result of these diseases. This results in the malfunction of the pancreas and non-production of insulin. This can lead to diabetes.

What doesn’t cause diabetes?
You know that obesity – which is the cause of diabetes - is the result of eating sweets or the wrong kind of food. But eating sweets or the wrong type of food does not itself result in the occurrence of diabetes.

Stress may worsen the condition of diabetes but stress can not cause diabetes. Diabetes is not contagious. If you follow certain tips like eating nutritious food, regular daily exercise, and avoid the use of steroids.

Introduction :

This article is mainly intended to make the reader understand what diabetes is, what causes diabetes, the diagnosis, the signs and symptoms, the types and the treatment to help the reader remove his worst fears about this disorder.

So What is Diabetes?

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by the elevated blood sugar level. It occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, or put in other words, when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces.

What Causes Diabetes?

Diabetes is basically a genetic disorder influenced by environmental factors such as obesity, lack of exercises and stress which may trigger the disease in predisposed individuals. Heredity is also one of the main reasons.

Signs and Symptoms :

Diabetes can appear with or without symptoms. The most common symptoms are increase in frequency in urine(poly urea), increase in thirst(polydypsia), giddiness, weakness, delayed wound healing and unexplained weight Loss.

Diagnosis :

Diabetes is diagnosed by a simple blood test for the presence of excess sugar. The blood sugar is measured in milligrams per deciliter or mg/dL which is the standard measuring unit. Any blood sugar reading that is 126 mg/dL, or higher is considered a diabetes diagnosis. If your reading is between 100 and 125 mg/dL, you will be categorized as prediabetes with Type2 in future unless you can reverse the direction.
Typical Glucose or Blood Sugar Level
- Fasting Blood Sugar: 70-99mg/dL
- 2 hours after eating(Post Prandial) : 70-145mg/dL
- Random(casual): 70-125mg/dL

Types of Diabetes :

There are three types of diabetes: Type1, Type2 and Gestational diabetes. Type1 diabetes is also known as insulin dependent diabetes or juvenile diabetes. It is most commonly diagnosed in childhood. Type2 diabetes, also called non-insulin dependent
Diabetes, is the most common form of diabetes. Gestinal diabetes occurs in pregnant woman(most commonly 24th to 28th week of gestation), but usually disappears when a pregnancy is over, Women who have had gestinal diabetes are at the increased risk of later developing Type2 diabetes.

Effects of Diabetes :

Diabetes can damage body vessels and nerves and decrease the body's ability to fight infection.That is why it leads to all sort of complications. Diabetes can contribute to eye disorder and blindness, stroke, kidney failure, amputation and nerve damage.

Treatment :

First and foremost, you should consult a doctor as soon you find one of these symptoms. Depending on the type of diabetes[falling under one of the above mentioned categories] you would be prescribed a treatment. Natural diet and exercises help diabetic people to a great extent. Practising yoga is a natural way of keeping your body healthy and your mind peaceful. A life without stress and a light happy heart will help one to have good control over your body.

Conclusion :

Ok, the fact is 'Diabetes is complex and complicated'. But it is definitely in your hands to make it 'Simple and Keep it well under your Control'. Diabetes is a universal problem. Consult your doctor regularly and get your levels checked. Type2 diabetes is the prominent type, almost more than 80% of people have it. By maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, practicing yoga and leading a sound healthy way of life, one can even get away without medication for Type2 Diabetes!!!!

Having given you an overview of what diabetes is, here I am to help you make reversal of diabetes possible, something I have done in my personal life!!! Follow the link:

[http://diabetes-natural-cure.com/] to find a way to a healthy life! After all HEALTH is WEALTH.

About Author: G Dharmar is the CEO of a Computer Sales and Service company. Being a diabetes person himself for the past twenty three years, he now knows the best ways to reverse it in a systematic way as a part of his daily routine and would like to share his good learning experience with all. Click here [http://diabetes-natural-cure.com/] to know what Dharmar practiced to set path his way to a healthy life.

By Dharmar Guruswamy

Many older diabetic patients present with symptoms from the complications of diabetes in the eye (cataract, retinopathy). In diabetic patients, sometimes there are problems in the blood vessels behind the eye, leading to retinopathy which is a disease of the retina, especially one that is non-inflammatory and associated with damage to the blood vessels of the retina and sometimes blindness.

Diabetic retinopathy is one of the most serious complications of diabetes which usually occurs in people with chronic diabetes. People with type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes are usually affected. A diabetes research has shown that retinopathy is one of the leading causes of blindness in the United States.

According to diabetes research, the symptoms of diabetes that associate diabetic retinopathy are spots floating, dark streaks or red films that block the vision, loss of vision, poor vision in the night, shadows or missing areas in the sight.

When you notice warning signs and symptoms of diabetes retinopathy, a dilated eye exam for the diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy is necessary. This test is performed by examining the retina and dilating the pupils using eye drops. The doctor examines for abnormal blood vessels, swelling, damage to the nerve tissues, growth of new blood vessels and scar tissues, bleeding in the retina, and retinal detachment. For the diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy, retinal photography test is also necessary.

Treatment for retinopathy in diabetes is decided depending upon the type and severity of the condition. An already damaged retina can't be reversed. The treatment is aimed at preventing the disease from getting worse and stopping further damage. However, laser treatment can be administered if necessary.

A prompt surgical treatment may be required. Surgical treatment helps to stop the progression of the disease. Regular eyes check-up after the treatment is necessary because there is a possibility of further retinal damage and vision loss in diabetic people.

The only way to prevent diabetes retinopathy is to know the right steps to take to keep your diabetes under control. Firstly is recognizing the early signs of diabetes and its symptoms. The early signs of diabetes are often confused with symptoms of other health problems. A good number of people who have diabetes are not aware that they suffer from the disease. The early signs and symptoms of diabetes you must know are frequent urination, increased thirst and appetite, weight loss, skin infections etc.

Know the appropriate diabetes diet and exercises to control diabetes. A well-planned diabetes diet helps maintaining the blood sugar level. Ensure to monitor and maintain your blood sugar levels using blood glucose tests regularly. Nutritious diabetes diet and regular exercise help in controlling blood pressure and cholesterol. There are certain healthy diabetes diet recipes which can be enjoyed by diabetic patients. The type of diabetes diet recipes not only reduces the risks of developing diabetes, but they are also essential for general good health. Diabetes diet should also have sufficient proportions of vegetable and non-vegetable foods as well. Simple carbohydrates must be avoided in diabetes diet, as they lead to food cravings and weight gain in most people. Complex carbohydrates, on the other hand, are high fiber foods.

Most importantly, for a complete diabetes diet recipe, refrain from 'junk foods' and high calorie snack foods and desserts. Try having boiled foods as far as possible and reduce the amount of fried foods. Boiled foods reduce levels of cholesterol and accumulation of fat in the body. A strict adherence to diabetes diet recipe is necessary and enjoyable.

Any notice of slight changes in vision should be directed to an eye specialist.

By Piere Arnold

This is a follow-up to my earlier article, "When you ignore diabetes: feet and legs". I am focusing on the feet and legs specifically as there are diabetes sufferers out there who are not fully aware of the danger of diabetes, especially to their legs and feet. Why the legs and feet? To lose even a single toe, not to mention a leg, will be a big blow to a human being. He or she will have to re-learn how to be mobile again with the use of an aid, be it a crutch or a prosthetic leg. For diabetes sufferers, avoid this at all cost.

Once forewarned of this danger, those suffering from diabetes can take the correct action to prevent the loss of their legs to amputation due to diabetes. It is a fact; once a person is struck by diabetes, there is the possibility of losing the legs to diabetes. In the past, when complications occur to the legs of a diabetes sufferer, the easy way out by some doctors were to have the diabetic legs amputated. Even in today's modern world, the option chosen by some doctors is to have the legs amputated if they find that nothing much can be done for the person suffering from diabetes. I should know because I saw it happened to my own aunt. Her leg was amputated as a result of diabetes, and it was not too long before she passed away as she failed to take care of herself. I want to emphasize, through this article, the importance of looking after a diabetic person's legs. Also, being more aware of what could happen to a diabetic sufferer's leg is to help to educate the diabetic person to avoid an amputation.

There has been a lot of things said about foot ulcer, but how does one knows what a foot ulcer is? According to Dr. Vijay Viswanathan, foot ulcers are sores on the feet that often occur in people with diabetes. (Viswanathan, Vijay (2009). Feet first. Beta, 1 (3), Retrieved July 10 2009). This is due to the poor supply of blood flow to the legs. Because of poor blood circulation, a diabetes legs would be less sensitive than a healthy person's legs. That is why whenever there is a problem with the leg; a person with diabetes does not usually realize it. So this posed a serious health problem to them.

According to a report, diabetes sufferer would frequently developed premature and severe arteriosclerosis. To make a long story short and to avoid the medical jargons, it was stated that a consequence of this is that a diabetic person would most likely have small and thinner arteries. The damaged arteries are not as efficient as those that are healthy and would not be able to ensure the smooth flow of blood. A possible result of this is that there is a risk of gangrene developing. (Falkel, Jeffrey E. (1983 ). Amputation as a consequence of diabetes mellitus. Physical Therapy, Retrieved July 10 2009)

A number of diabetes sufferers will, in a few years time lose all sensation in their legs. Losing the feelings in the legs is a danger to diabetics. They are at risks as they would not be able to feel pain in their feet. Should they injure themselves further in the feet, they may not even realize it (Zulfiqarali, Abbas. Diabetes foot damage in developing countries: the urgent need for education. 2005 November, Diabetes Voice, 50, Retrieved July 10 2009). A person suffering from diabetes can damage his feet further if inappropriate or ill-fitting footwear is used. Even the simple act of cutting toenails may cause damage to a diabetic foot if it is not cut properly. Sometimes people are not aware that such simple acts may lead to disastrous results due to lack of education on diabetes. However, it must be noted that foot infection can be prevented.

A person having diabetes should not take it lightly if gangrene is found in the legs. Immediate medical attention is needed. Do not self-medicate. Having reach this stage, the diabetic person life is already in danger. He or she has to be admitted to a hospital. Even if it is too late to save the leg, at least the person's life can be saved.

Normal foot problems such as corn, bunions, calluses and blisters are common foot problems for most people. It is different for a diabetes sufferer. They have to be more careful with these common foot ailments. The major risk to diabetics is that if left untreated, it may develop into something more serious. If you have these, go and seek medical attention. Do not self-medicate or you may make the problem worse.

Tom YC, a trainer by profession, advocates life-long learning and that age is no barrier. His motto is "Gain new information to scale new heights". He was recently diagnosed with diabetes and other ailments. This resulted in him looking for more information on the diseases but such information is not easily available. He hopes to provide a one-stop website for such information for the layman.

Quick updates on diabetes information are available at: http://diabetesanswer.blogspot.com/ ;
More information on diabetes can be found at: [http://www.diabetes.inforichweb.com/]

By Thomas Yancy

Glucosamine supplements are a popular remedy for arthritis pain relief, especially for osteoarthritis. Unlike NSAIDs and other anti-inflammatory drugs, the pain relief provided by glucosamine lasts even after a person is no longer taking the supplements. This is because glucosamine helps repair damaged cartilage in joints. There has been some concern that glucosamine might cause insulin resistance and that people with diabetes should not take glucosamine.

This concern is because of previous animal and human studies that found “giving glucosamine can impair insulin’s action, which can potentially make [people] diabetic or worsen diabetes.” This is according to Rajaram J. Karne, now of the Ohio State University Medical Center in Columbus.

Most people take glucosamine orally, not by injection.

Karne and his collaborators in Bethesda, Md, at the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, tested a commonly used dose of oral glucosamine in 20 normal weight and obese adults. The dose they tested was three 500-milligram pills of glucosamine daily or a placebo.

Unlike the high doses of injected glucosamine used in previous studies, this oral dose of glucosamine is what is normally recommended by health care professionals and what is most commonly used by folks taking glucosamine supplements.

Six weeks of glucosamine didn’t make any measurable difference in insulin’s action. This study indicates that at least in adults who don’t already have diabetes, three 500-milligram glucosamine pills does not effect insulin resistance or cause diabetes. This dose should be safe for those taking it for osteoarthritis pain relief.

Diabetes diet is one factor that should diabetic patients should never overlook. Diet is a form of medicine. Food is the most natural medicine on earth. One cannot talk about diabetes without talking about food and dietary habits. Food is a major factor in any illness. This is especially true in the case of diabetes. Any treatment of diabetes should begin with proper food combination. It is good to note that drugs do not cure any illness. Drugs only help to strengthen the immune system and aid the system in fighting against illness.

Some diabetic patients have always reasoned that diabetic drugs can cure their illness. Such people give less attention to the kind of food they eat and how they eat it. Most of the sufferers of diabetes are mislead by some kind of 'medical recommendation' that mandates them to eat plenty of meat, beans, plantain and avoid yam, cassava, honey, fruits and sugar." At most cases, when I ask them how many times they eat in a day, they would respond twice or thrice a day.

As a diabetic, it is not good for you to eat only twice or thrice daily, for such meal is often heavy. If you take a heavy meal even once a day, your sugar level will rise, because there is insufficient insulin in the body to metabolize the food. The secret is to eat a little as often as you wish. In other words, eat five or six times daily, but just a little at a time. Failure to observe this simple diabetes diet rule has sent many diabetics to their grave. Despite all the complicated and expensive diabetes medications, they did not get better. Taking proper diabetes diet

Our food consists of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals. To be healthy, we need to maintain a balance of these nutrients in our diet. Carbohydrates include sugar, starch, cassava, yam, rice etc. Protein is found in meat, fish, eggs, milk, beans, etc. Saturated fats are found in butter, coconut oil, palm oil, fish, meat and eggs. This kind of fats is dangerous for the system and can lead to heart disease. Unsaturated fats, which are derived from groundnut oil, Soya bean oil, cotton seed oil and Castor oil, are healthier.

Fruits also provides the one of the richest diabetes diet. Vitamins and minerals come mainly from fruits and vegetables. Keep in mind that these fruits and vegetables are best when taken in their natural state. Raw vegetables are more nourishing than cooked ones. So often, I hear diabetics say that they have been told to abstain from eating fruits like paw paw, banana and oranges, as well as all natural juices like honey. The sugar in honey is pre-digested and cannot be compared to artificial, refined honey sold in the stores. The sugar in honey is only 70%, even though it has a very sugary taste.

If diabetics do not eat fruit, how can they survive? What is bad is not the fruit itself, but the manner of eating it. Diabetic patients should not combine fruits with any other food. This is one mistake which so many diabetic patients make.

Diabetes diets should involve eating plenty of onions, carrots, garlic and ginger. As much as possible, eat green vegetables in their natural state. Green leaves such as bitter leaf and paw paw leaves are very good for the body. So often, people squeeze out the bitterness from these leaves before preparing their meal, thereby rendering the leaves useless. The bitterness is what actually makes the leaves medicinal. Okra is a very good for diabetes diet that tend to meet the requirements to counter the scrunching effects of diabetes.

In as much as diabetes diet guidelines are fashioned based on some basic principles, the best diet plan for a particular diabetic patient are best achieved by getting in touch with a nutritionist that has an in depth knowledge of diabetes experience.

Diabetic patients have always been bothered by possible easy diabetes control measures that will enable them get on with their life.

Below are few sure diabetes control, prevention and management tips that will help you put the problem of diabetes to a reasonable level, if not cured entirely:
 

Ø  Dietary management. In general principle, dietary measures are required in the treatment of all diabetic patients in order to achieve the overall therapeutic goal.

Ø  Endeavor to exercise yourself as much as possible.

Ø  Then grab the much talked about Diabetes Control Made Easy Guide. A 100% safe, natural, and effective ways you can manage and even fully recover from your diabetes in as little as 90 days ... and so that you never have to take insulin again, or have to suffer painfully dull diets even again!
 

By Morres Pastor

Type 1 diabetes may not be as common as type 2 diabetes, but it does not mean that this should not be given the same amount of attention.

Type 1 diabetes happens because the pancreas is unable to produce insulin, or even if it is able to do that at all, the amount of insulin is not enough. Insulin, as you must know is a hormone that is responsible in converting glucose into energy. Normally, the insulin breaks down glucose in the blood and the essential nutrients are then distributed in the blood stream. Unfortunately, what happens with diabetes is that instead of getting the essential nutrients, the cells become starved because excess glucose is excreted out of the body through the urinary system.

Such being the case, people with type 1 diabetes may present the following signs and symptoms:

o excessive urination
o excessive thirst
o dehydration
o dry mouth
o weight loss
o fatigue

There may also be:

o nausea and vomiting
o abdominal pain
o blurred vision
o breathing problems
o frequent skin infections, UTI, vaginal infections

It is not really clear what causes type 1 diabetes, but genetics and environmental factors seem to be linked to this diabetes type. According to some studies, there is a virus that seem to attack the pancreas, rendering it unable to produce insulin.

It is also said that type 1 diabetes occurs usually before the age of 20, the reason why it is called juvenile diabetes.

People with type 1 diabetes often need insulin injections to control the problem. The type of insulin you need depends on your body's response to insulin, your lifestyle, your willingness to do the injections and monitor your blood sugar level, and your age. Insulin may be fast acting, intermediate acting, short acting or long acting.

Close monitoring is very important if you are taking insulin injections for type 1 diabetes; that is why it is often recommended of diabetics to use a blood sugar monitoring device. This way they get to check their blood sugar levels at random times.

Controlling Diabetes

Controlling type 1 diabetes is very important because uncontrolled diabetes can lead to more serious diseases, such as retinopathy, kidney damage, and diabetic ketoacidosis which can be fatal. Controlling diabetes can be achieved through insulin injections, but diabetics are nonetheless advised to embark on a healthy lifestyle, that means eating the right foods and engaging in regular exercises.

Life with Diabetes

People who are recently diagnosed with type 1 diabetes are concerned about the kind of life they will have to live now that they are confirmed diabetics. One major issue is the need for insulin injections for life. Then there's also the matter of avoiding sweets. For chocoholics and sweet lovers, having diabetes is tantamount to the end of the world, but of course, that should not be the case at all.

Yes, you may need some changes in your food choices, but keep in mind that fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are not only healthy - they are truly delicious, too!

The fact that you have diabetes should not dampen your mood at all. Strong family support is very important, and thankfully there are now many diabetes support groups that you can join to help you cope with diabetes better.

Diabetics can still live a long, normal and healthy life, even in the midst of type 1 diabetes.

By Diana Mortenson

Diabetes treatment, for some people, remains a mystery. For so many years, people have been led to believe that diabetes has no cure; that once you were diagnosed as a diabetic, you are a diabetic for life.

Indeed, when you think about it a number of diabetes treatment options are geared towards the control of diabetes only. The right diet, regular exercise, diabetic medications or insulin injections are all aimed at regulating blood sugar levels. This means that even if you have to do this everyday, you are not going to get rid of your diabetes totally; the most that you can do is only to control it so it does not worsen.

Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to a host of problems, some of which are debilitating, if not deadly. The unfortunate thing is that that more and more people from all over the world are now confirmed diabetics, making diabetes a worldwide concern; thus the urgent need for the ultimate diabetes treatment.

Thankfully, there just may be, although the ultimate diabetes treatment may not happen very soon. New studies of alternative treatments for diabetes are providing glimmers of hope for diabetics. The stem cell therapy technology and inhaled insulin, for instance, are said to revolutionize diabetes treatment if ever they get approved for implementation.

Stem Cell Therapy

One diabetes treatment proposal is called the stem cell therapy. This form of diabetes treatment which will make use of viable cells injected with proteins to trigger an insulin response. This, however, is still on the developmental stages and is yet to be tested on humans; nonetheless, if all goes well, the stem cell therapy is certainly going to provide relief for diabetics as this can mean no more insulin injections.

Inhaled Insulin

Inhaled insulin is a proposed form of diabetes treatment that enables diabetics to inhale insulin in powdered form via an inhaler. Once inhaled, the insulin goes directly to the lungs and then distributed into the bloodstream.

Apparently, these proposed alternative diabetes treatment options require more studies, and more researches, and of course they have yet to be approved by the regulating bodies prior to implementation.

Another approach to diabetes treatment that is worth looking into is the use of herbal remedies. Actually, a lot of people these days are preferring to go natural, especially when it comes to health. Herbal remedies are safe and without side effects, unlike certain medicines.

A number of herbs and spices are said to work well against diabetes, among which are:

o Cinnamon - cinnamon is very powerful spice in regulating blood sugar levels. Accordingly, a dash a cinnamon can cause a significant drop in the blood sugar levels. Diabetics on medications are even advised to observe themselves closely for signs of hypoglycemia if ever they take cinnamon along with their regular diabetic medications.
o Garlic - garlic not only lowers blood sugar levels, it also improves circulation and immunity to diseases
o Bitter melon
o Fenugreek
o Ginseng tea
o Huckleberry - this is believed to increase production of insulin

These herbs and spices may be taken in different forms and preparations, but of course, it is always best to consult with your diabetologist or physician first before taking any of these.

By Diana Mortenson

Almost one quarter of all women with diabetes will experience a sexual side effect at some point in her life. This does not mean that all diabetics can’t have a great sex life: on the contrary, with a little forethought (and foreplay?) sex can be great and safe for people with diabetes.

Most women with diabetes will have already noticed that their blood sugar changes before and after her period. The menstrual cycle affects the blood glucose cycle, and as such, has to be monitored more closely during and around your period.

Sex has two main components: a physical component and a mental or emotional component. As diabetes can have both physical and emotional effects, take both elements into consideration when you are trying to improve your sex life.

Building a strong relationship between both partners is key to having a good emotional attitude for sex. Some women with diabetes want to be independent with their treatment: this is good. However, it is also important to keep your partner informed and to education your partner on diabetes so that s/he will feel included in your life. You can also address this with your partner. Finding a nice balance between independence and reliance will help give you the basis for sex that you need.

One of the possibly physical side effects of diabetes is neuropathy. Luckily, vaginal dryness can be easily treated with a lubricant available from any drug store. Poor vaginal lubrication can also be treated with hormone therapy. If your vaginal dryness is caused by low hormone levels, don’t be afraid to ask your doctor about taking a hormone supplement (sometimes these are oral or topical). Although it used to be thought that women with diabetes couldn’t use hormones, now it has been found that hormones do not affect blood sugar, and that you can find a hormone dosage that will fit into your diabetes management routine.

Women with diabetes, especially after menopause, can be at a higher risk for yeast infections, which can make sex less desirable. To prevent yeast infections, regulate your blood sugar. Wash yourself regularly (but don’t douche). You can also consider hormone replacement therapy.

If you find that your sex life is adversely affected because you no longer desire sex, consider talking to your partner, or talking to a professional. The anxiety or depression that sometimes affects people with diabetes can be challenging to overcome, especially in bed.

Some doctors advise their patients to check their blood pressure before and after sex. This can help women tell if they are having an orgasm or if they have low blood sugar. Orgasms and low blood sugar can have similar symptoms, and some women have trouble establishing the source of their heart palpitations and sweating. Keep some lifesavers with your condoms and lubricant, to help you practice safe sex with diabetes.

Diabetes mellitus - who hasn't heard of it? Indeed, diabetes mellitus (DM) seems to be a universal language for high blood sugar.

Millions of people are diagnosed with diabetes mellitus, a fact that is indeed getting a lot of attention from health care experts all over the world. The complications of diabetes mellitus can, after all, cause serious health problems leading to death.

The General Classifications

Diabetes mellitus are generally of three types:

o type 1 diabetes which is insulin-dependent or juvenile onset
o type 2 diabetes which is non-insulin-dependent or adult onset
o gestational diabetes which occurs during pregnancy

The Signs and Symptoms

Knowing the tell-tale signs of diabetes mellitus is important in order to be diagnosed and treated early. For type 1 and type 2 diabetes, the presenting signs and symptoms are basically the same:

o increased urination
o increased thirst
o weight loss
o feelings of hunger
o blurred vision
o nausea
o fatigue

For gestational diabetes, though, it may be difficult to conclude because all these signs and symptoms can be easily mistaken as pregnancy-related. The best thing to find out is to undergo an oral glucose tolerance test --- this is the most definitive test for gestational diabetes It's usually conducted on the fifth month of pregnancy.

The Treatment Options

The treatment options for diabetes mellitus include eating the right diet, engaging in regular exercises, and medications. In milder cases of diabetes mellitus, eating the right foods and engaging in exercises are enough to keep the blood sugar levels down, but in more serious cases, diabetic medications have to be administered.

The right diet for diabetics includes starches in the form of whole grains, bread, cereals; fresh fruits and vegetables, some meat products, and just a little of fat and sweets. How much you need to eat of these, though, may depend on your body weight and other needs. It's always best to consult a dietician to program a diabetic meal that is just right for you.

Exercise should be made part of any diabetic treatment plan. Exercise helps you to lose weight and keeps you generally healthy.

Type 1 diabetics most likely need insulin therapy, but type 2 diabetics may be able to manage their diabetes with oral medications. Insulin needs to be injected into the body, the reason why a lot of diabetics frown on the idea of insulin therapy. Insulin may be rapid-acting, intermediate-acting or long-acting.

Diabetic Emergencies and Complications

Managing diabetes mellitus is extremely important in order to prevent complications such as:

o atherosclerotic heart disease
o myocardial infarction
o peripheral vascular disease
o cerebrovascular disease
o renal artery stenosis
o diabetic retinopathy
o diabetic nephropathy
o peripheral neuropathy

At the same time, you may also want to prevent the likelihood of medical emergencies such as:

o diabetic ketoacidosis which can cause coma and eventually death. Intensive care is essential
o nonketotic hyperglycemic-hyperosmolar coma

Responsibilities of a Diabetic

As a diabetic you also need to do your share in the treatment, that means:

o making regular visits to your diabetologist
o constant monitoring of your blood sugar levels
o observing yourself for anything that indicates an increase in your blood sugar levels and reporting the matter to your doctor
o eating the right diet
o doing daily or regular exercises
o strictly taking your medications

With these tips, you should be able to cope well with diabetes mellitus.

By Diana Mortenson

Having Diabetes is no child's play.

You might think that it's only a matter of having a problem with your pancreas and your body's inability to use glucose floating in your blood stream, but that's not the full story.

Having Diabetes is so much more, there are so many other organs and systems that are affected by diabetes and we will be discussing a few. It is very important to know what diabetes is about and what you are facing in future, as failure to do so is like jumping into the ocean with a weight tied around your neck...... you will surely not survive.

Living with Diabetes is a challenge; it's about lifestyle changes, about keeping away from the wrong things and about monitoring your glucose every day making sure you are maintaining healthy glucose levels.

Even if you do all of the above, it is not guaranteed that you will be in the lifeboat and not in the sea. Staying inside the lifeboat is a whole different mission, but you can get there with the right information and education.

As said, having diabetes makes you susceptible to so many other conditions, and they will surely be on your way. Here is just a very short version to introduce you to some of your competitors that you will be facing.

Diabetes associated conditions:

Diabetic Cardiovascular disease:
We kick off by looking at our vascular system and the changes that diabetes causes to this system. Diabetes causes major structural changes in the arteries and veins of your body like atherosclerosis and thickening of capillary basement membranes. This can cause an obstruction to blood flow which can lead to high blood pressure, peripheral vascular diseases or a total blockage which will cause a stroke, a heart attack or ischemia.

Diabetic Neuropathy:
As already discussed diabetes can cause changes in the blood vessels which supplies all areas of our body with oxygen, nutrients and water. These structural changes will also affect the nervous system and causes deterioration or loss of nerve function.

Diabetic neuropathy can manifest with no symptoms while the sufferer may also have symptoms such as pain, tingling, or numbness-loss of feeling-in the hands, arms, feet, and legs. According to research, about 60-70% of all diabetics have some form of diabetic neuropathy.

Diabetic Ketoacidosis:
Diabetic ketoacidosis is a is a life-threatening complication in patients with diabetes mellitus. If you do not have enough insulin in your body, you run the risk of developing this condition and urgent medical intervention is needed to prevent a sufferer from falling into a coma or even death.

Since you do not have enough insulin in your body, your glucose levels will increase and your body needs to get rid of the excess glucose by excreting it in the urine. When the glucose is excreted, so is a large amount of water causing the sufferer to become dehydrated.

Since the body does not have any glucose to use for energy, it starts burning fat and protein from muscle tissue in an attempt to generate energy. This is an extremely unhealthy way of generating energy as the liver becomes involved in fat burning. The by-product of this process is ketones. The ketones build up and your blood becomes acidic...... and this is VERY bad indeed. This will cause your blood to become a toxic environment for all your other organs.

Your body will try to counter this acidic environment by shifting electrolytes and this will cause your body to lose potassium and retain sodium.
Potassium affects your heart rhythm and if you lose potassium this will cause severe arrhythmias. Potassium is also needed by the brain for vital functions, and if there is a deficiency of potassium for the brain to use, you run the risk of a coma. Untreated diabetic ketoacidosis can result in coma or death......

Diabetic Ketoacidosis is serious business, but you can avoid it if you are aware of the risks.

Diabetic Retinopathy:
One of the most severe long term effects of diabetes in my opinion must be Retinopathy. As changes in the vascular system occur, the eyes are not spared. Diabetes causes long term changes to the capillaries in the retina of the eye which also decreases blood flow to vital areas of the eye.... just like with neuropathy where the nerves are affected.

The structural changes can cause a high blood pressure in the eyes. This can cause damage to the veins and causes the veins to leak. When the vessels leak, it can leak in the white area (vitreous humour) of the eye causing an increase in pressure of the eye ball or into the macula which is the most light-sensitive part of the retina with highly specialized cells. This can cause the sufferer to see floaters.

The sufferer may also see double vision when the nerves affected is the nerves controlling the eye muscles. Usually Retinopathy only manifests after 10 years of being diabetic, but do not wait until then to start treatment or take corrective measures. Make sure that you visit your optometrist at least once a year for a dilated eye exam. During this exam the optometrist can see how your diabetes is progressing and monitor any eye problems.

If you experience any of these signs, see your eye doctor immediately.

Diabetic Nephropathy:
As the eyes, nerves, heart and other body systems are not spared, so is the kidneys affected by diabetes. As previously discussed, diabetes causes structural changes to the cardiovascular system which in turn causes high blood pressure. This high blood pressure also causes damage to the tiny blood vessels in the kidneys which will prevent the kidneys from functioning normally. This is called kidney failure.

Not all sufferers of diabetes get kidney damage and doctors do not understand yet why only some people are affected and some don't. Out of a 100 people, as many as 40 will get kidney damage.

There are no symptoms in the early stages. So it's important to have regular urine tests to find kidney damage early. The first sign of kidney damage is the trace of a small amount of protein in the urine. This can be detected by a simple urine test. Sometimes early kidney damage can be reversed if detected in time.

Diabetic Hypoglycemia:
People with diabetes runs a risk of having a very low blood sugar and develop a condition called hypoglycemia. This is when the body does not have any glucose left to burn to be used as fuel for cells.

Diabetics experiencing hypoglycemia can have a variety of symptoms which may include feeling weak, drowsiness, hunger, dizziness, paleness, headache, irritability and trembling.

Diabetics can bring on hypoglycemic attacks by missing or delaying meals, drinking too much alcohol, exercising too much or taking too much insulin in comparison to food. This can be easily corrected by eating food that is known for increasing the glucose level in the blood.

As you can see diabetes is a very unforgiving disease and it's best to be prepared for it. As Sir Francis Bacon said: "Knowledge is power" and if you know what to expect, you know how to prevent it.

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By A. Pens

One of the most perplexing problems that diabetics face is weight loss. Many doctors insist it is a simple matter of consuming less calories than are burned. And, in a perfect world that works. But most diabetics will insist that there is more to it, because when they do the same things as non-diabetics, they get no results, while their non-diabetic friends drop pound after pound. Fad diets do not work, diet products do not work, even exercise shows little or no results. The struggling diabetics are right-- there is more to it than just cutting calories.

Diabetes is caused by eating a bad diet, and a good diet is a key part of regaining control. But it is the bad diet that has placed a number of conditions in place that must be understood in order to win the fat war. There are a number of interrelated circumstances that contribute to making diabetic weight loss difficult. First, let's look at how the problem originated, then we can investigate how that information can lead to reversing the problem.

Years of bad diet, containing fats, sweets, high glycemic index foods, prepared foods and dairy products caused inflammation. A complete detailed explanation of how inflammation caused diabetes can be found in the "Diabetics Handbook" (see below). The following will be a gross oversimplification, due to space limitations, but hopefully, it will demonstrate the important aspects of the problem. Pro-inflammatory substances (pro-oxidants) are normally used by the body to fight disease and infection (via the immune system). They play many important roles in the body including digestion, and even breathing. Normally, the body uses antioxidants to control these processes. However, years of bad diet, which is characteristically very low in antioxidants, causes an immune system to lose the ability to shut down. Consequently, the immune system begins to attack healthy cells causing serious damage. In type I diabetes, the beta cells (insulin producing cells) are destroyed. In type II diabetes many cells are damaged setting up a condition known as insulin resistance. Insulin resistance occurs when the body's cells cannot properly communicate when using insulin to uptake and burn glucose.

When the body digests food, particularly carbohydrates, it is converted into glucose. Glucose is distributed throughout the body in the bloodstream by the liver. The liver will normally control fat levels. When very high levels of fat are in the bloodstream, due to diet, the liver cannot process it all. It begins to fill its cells with sacs of triglycerides (converted glucose for storage) and it places the excess in the adipose tissues (belly fat).

The brain, vital organs and muscle tissue rely on glucose which provides energy to function. As these organs use glucose, the liver will place more in the bloodstream to replace it. In a perfect world, the organs and tissues would use it efficiently, and hopefully in proportion to the amount produced by food. Insulin resistance reduces the amount of glucose that is absorbed and stored by the organs and muscle tissue. Add to that, the fact that most diabetics lead a sedentary lifestyle, meaning that they get minimal amounts of exercise resulting in much less glucose being burned.

When the body is impaired by insulin resistance (type II diabetes), the cells do not use as much glucose. The body senses that glucose levels are building up in the bloodstream, so it instructs the pancreas to release more insulin. The body now has high glucose levels and high insulin levels in the bloodstream. Insulin is a hormone that performs many functions, besides allowing cells to absorb glucose. Insulin will also attempt (vigorously) to remove excess glucose from the bloodstream by placing it in storage as fat. Once in storage, insulin will block the process of breaking fat down to remove it from storage. Many doctors say that the presence of high levels of insulin in the blood causes unnecessary water retention in the body, which is a factor in weight gain. This is a key aspect of beating diabetic obesity, which means that insulin regulation is very important. Insulin also acts on the brain. It promotes cravings that result in eating more and on the liver to manufacture more fat. The liver removes insulin from the bloodstream, but insulin causes fat to be deposited in the liver which, in turn, prevents the liver from removing insulin from the bloodstream. People with belly fat store too much fat in their livers (fatty liver disease - see below), which prevents the liver from removing insulin. consequently, insulin levels rise higher and higher, which can contribute to heart attacks and more abdominal obesity.

Also, fat in the abdominal area functions differently than fat elsewhere in the body, such as the hips. Blood flow from the belly fat goes directly to the liver. The blood flow from other fatty areas, such as the hips, goes into the body's general circulation. Belly fat has an efficient blood supply and has as more receptors for cortisol (a stress hormone). Cortisol levels vary throughout the day, but will elevate and remain elevated if the body is under stress. High stress and high cortisol levels promote fat deposits in the belly area. It goes to the belly area because there are more cortisol receptors there. Chronically high cortisol levels kill neurons in the brain. They also interfere with neurotransmitters (such as dopamine and serotonin - the good mood neurotransmitters) which leads to depression and feeling more stressed. Depression is common in diabetics, which adds to the problem since depression causes a stress type reaction in the body. In other words, depression promotes the development of belly fat.

The fat that is stored in the adipose tissue (belly fat) is also a characteristic of diabetes. That means that diabetics are genetically prone to belly fat. Belly fat (central obesity) is associated with higher rates of cardiovascular disease, and several types of cancer as well. Heredity plays a role in overall body type (apple vs. a pear shape). Genetics accounts for 25-55 % of the tendency to develop the most serious diseases associated with abdominal fat, the remainder is lifestyle. As belly fat builds up, it does several things. First, it stops the production of the hormone leptin, which normally would curb appetite. Second, it causes insulin resistance to further increase, which has obvious consequences. The cells use less glucose, the body produces more insulin, and guess what... more fat goes into storage. Fat storage is the body's way of following ancient mechanisms designed to protect the body during lean times. Cave men would sometimes go long periods of time between successful hunting campaigns. So the body learned to take advantage of good times to prepare for the bad times. The body converts glucose into glycogen and triglycerides which are very efficient methods of storing energy.

When the cells of the liver fill up with triglyceride fat sacs, the liver's function is impaired. It cannot process fats efficiently. It quickly runs out of room to store more fat, and when the body's tissues and organs are not using as much, the liver simply puts it all into storage as belly fat. The number of fat cells a person has is determined at birth. The numbers remain constant unless the fat cells become full. When they become full, the cells will divide creating new fat cells. The new cells will remain throughout the balance of the person's life. However, a successful diet will reduce the size of the fat cells. Fat cells are fed by blood vessels in the belly area. Each fat cell is in contact with at least one capillary. The blood supply provides support for the metabolism. The blood flow will depend upon body weight and the overall nutritional state. The number of vessels will increase during fasting or high demand for glucose. Increased numbers of blood vessels can contribute to increasing blood pressure. The heart simply has to work harder to supply the additional vessels.

A liver that has many cells filled with triglyceride sacs is called a fatty liver NAFLD (nonalcoholic fatty liver disease). Any diabetic that has large amounts of belly fat likely has a fatty liver. Fatty liver develops early in the process because of high levels of triglycerides in the bloodstream. Diabetic fatty liver's second stage is called NASH (nonalcoholic steatohepatitis), meaning that it is not caused by alcohol consumption (but similar), and it mimics damage caused by hepatitis diseases. Oxidation of cells begins to occur causing cell damage. The third stage is cirrhosis which is very serious and dangerous. The first stage of fatty liver is not particularly dangerous, and will go away with proper treatment. Fatty liver is difficult to diagnose. The only reliable test is to conduct a biopsy to determine how much fat is present and if any scarring is present. Biopsies are rarely conducted, because the medical industry cannot agree on how it should be interpreted. The symptoms of NAFLD are nondescript, non-existent or mimic symptoms of other diseases. Certain blood tests will display the presence of certain liver enzymes that are common in hepatitis, which would signify the presence of NASH. Fatty liver will seriously complicate the weight loss process.

Parasites will virtually stall weight loss efforts. Parasites are more common in diabetics than a non-diabetic person, due to their weakened state. Unfortunately, western medicine doctors have little training in recognizing the presence of parasites. Few people are trained in testing for them. Most common tests have a very low accuracy rate. Treating parasites with drugs is rarely effective because they have a very narrow range of effectiveness. There are over 100 common species found in humans and treatments are very specific to specie. Parasites escape diagnosis in as many as 70 chronic diseases, and are now believed to be instrumental in the development of many chronic diseases.

When parasites are present, patients will have virtually no success in losing weight. Reduced portion sizes, carbohydrate counting or elimination, or even vigorous exercise will not produce results. Parasites inflame the lining of the digestive tract, and slow nutrient absorption. They eventually spread to all areas of the body, including vital organs. They disrupt hormonal balance, blood sugar regulation and alter the metabolism. Parasites eat the nutrients ingested, or they eat the host. They leave the host with empty calories, which triggers cravings and over consumption of food (urges to pile it high on a plate). They virtually take over control of the body.

Parasites release toxins that overload the kidneys and liver. The weakened state leads to further reductions in metabolism. They hinder the maintenance of beneficial flora in the intestinal tract that can lead to over production of yeasts. Overdevelopment of yeasts lead to the development of allergies, gas and bloating. Their acids damage organs, breakdown muscle tissue and cause the central nervous system to become sluggish. The body will react to increased acid levels by producing fat cells to store the acid, thus removing it from the system. A lower metabolism encourages the production of fat cells.

The good news is, by now, the reasons for difficulty in losing weight are clearer. So how does one beat these powerful mechanisms? Start by getting rid of any parasites. The safe bet is to assume that they are present, because they probably are present. There is an extensive listing of symptoms, and how to cleanse the body of parasites in the "Diabetics Handbook". Also read about glycemic index and load. Modify the diet to eat only low glycemic index foods. Stop eating any of the pro-oxidant foods, especially processed foods, which is basically anything in a box or can that has ingredients that you cannot pronounce, or it's unknown as to why it is in there.

Then assume that you have a fatty liver, because you probably do to some extent. This is the tough part. The most success comes from combining a series of techniques. Fasting and exercise are effective to break the cycles and burn liver fat. But it must be done correctly. If liver and/or kidney damage is present a doctor should be consulted. An alternative to fasting is to start eating 6-8 very light, low glycemic index meals per day, instead of three large meals. That will reduce the glucose spikes that exacerbate the process.

Change the diet. Stop eating the pro-oxidant foods. Processed foods are poison to diabetics, which cannot be stressed enough! Processed flour is very bad for diabetics (actually for everybody). Sodas are high in pro-oxidants and phosphoric acid, drink green tea instead. However, be careful, some bottled green teas have additives in them, including phosphoric acid. Stop drinking coffee. Eat only very lean cuts of meat. Stop eating sweets, sugar substitutes and dairy products. Never cook food at high temperatures (over 400 degrees F) or microwave food. That means that grilling and broiling are out. Microwaves kill as much as 97% of the living nutrients in food. Steaming, stir frying in olive oil or boiling food is best. Diabetics should eat fruit if their system does not react to them (glucose spikes). Pineapple and bananas are very high in natural sugar. Eat low glycemic index foods only. Take a good quality multivitamin daily, such as Rejuvenage 40+, which is sold on the internet. If a multivitamin is being taken, compare the product label to the sample label posted on the internet. This particular multivitamin has the broadest coverage of nutrients found on the market. Eat lots of fiber, especially water-soluble fiber.

Glucose management can be improved if sodium levels are managed, and fiber levels are kept high. Sodium slows the insulin response, which means higher sodium levels can be an advantage for hypoglycemia. High sodium levels prevent a quick rise and fall in insulin levels, and subsequently reduce the blood sugar highs and lows commonly experienced with hypoglycemia. Sodium, along with ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and biotin are among the most important factors in reducing erratic glucose level changes; even between meals. Manganese, chromium and niacin/niacinamide control glucose response as well as the liver's storage of glycogen. Potassium, vitamin B6, and vitamin C can both, help stabilize, or interfere with glucose management depending on whether a patient is prone to be hypoglycemic, or hyperglycemic. Lower amounts are recommended for patients that are prone to hypoglycemia, and higher amounts for patients that are prone to hyperglycemia. On the other hand, high amounts of potassium can reduce manganese and chromium. High amounts of vitamin C can lower manganese and stimulate insulin. Vitamin B6 stimulates magnesium and potassium, but lowers manganese. It can become complex. It should be noted that too much sodium in the diet is never a good thing.

Eliminate candies, honey, sodas of all types, donuts, cereals (especially sweetened), cakes and bakery goods, over ripe fruits, fruit juices (unless diluted), sugar (both brown and white), syrups (corn, maple and molasses), glucose, sucrose, fructose (of any variety), dextrose, maltose, or any substance ending in "ose". Eliminate all artificial sweeteners except Stevia. Most of the bakery goods contain synthetic additives, along with processed flour, both of which are highly pro-oxidative.

It will be necessary to start exercising to maximize the burning of glucose in tissues. Power walking for approximately 45 minutes, preferably daily, will burn upwards of 300 calories each day. Exercising other major muscle groups is important. The fasting and exercise program should be alternated with non-fast and exercise programs (3-5 days each). Depending upon health conditions, choose between a water or a juice fast. The water fast is more aggressive. Don't lose weight too fast. It can damage the liver. Most people lose 3-5 pounds after the first several days and an additional 3-5 pounds the next day, it will level off at a pound per day after the initial loss. It is customary to not lose weight during the non-fast phase. Then repeat the cycle. The "Diabetics Handbook" covers a variety of programs, the most aggressive being a 30 day fast, which will totally detox the entire body as well. It is known to release toxins present since birth. Fasting is safe, and very effective. Exercising a muscle does not get rid of fat over the specific muscles that are exercised. The only way to reduce a fat belly is to lose weight overall, and any type of exercise will help accomplish that. There's a growing body of research showing that the fastest way to burn off belly fat is by a combination of weight training, aerobic exercise and modified diet. Bear in mind that increased muscle mass, from exercise, will increase body weight as fat is lost.

Physical activity is clearly beneficial for diabetics, including lowering blood glucose levels. However, physical activity can make levels go too low, causing hypoglycemia for up to 24 hours afterward. For those taking insulin, or one of the oral medications that increase insulin production, the breaking of routine (fasting) by having a snack, may be required if the glucose level goes below 100 mg/dL. Adjusting medication doses before physical activity can help avoid hypoglycemia. For some diabetics, it may be necessary to consult a doctor while on aggressive programs. A snack can prevent hypoglycemia, provided that it is a low glycemic index food. Extra blood glucose checks, especially 2 hours after strenuous exercise, may be advised. Place increased emphasis on maintaining blood sugar levels. Hold them as close to normal as possible. In type II diabetes that will reduce the amount of excess insulin in the bloodstream. If insulin-dependent, or type I diabetic, avoid taking more insulin than is required to maintain control. Many diabetics assume that more insulin than is needed is not necessarily a bad thing. This is a critical phase that requires lots of testing and focus. The combination of lower insulin, lower glucose levels and vigorous exercise will allow the body to quickly start burning the liver fat. It takes up to 12-16 hours for the body to start drawing fat from the liver. Exercise will increase the metabolism. However, understanding the metabolism will be helpful, because the metabolic rate will change throughout the process. Exercise reduces stress levels. If high stress is an issue, try stress reducing activities such as deep breathing or meditation. Be certain to take antioxidant supplements during the fasting process. Several recent studies show that omega-3 fats can reduce output of another stress hormone, epinephrine (aka adrenaline). Start taking 4000IU of fish oil twice daily. You cannot overdose on fish oil. The body will produce large amounts of free radicals, which will require large amounts of antioxidants to be controlled. Be certain that 100% of the daily requirements of vitamins and minerals is consumed.

In summary, modify the diet; learn what to eat and what not to eat; take a good quality multivitamin every day; get the glucose levels in tight control; manage the insulin levels; manage the sodium levels; exercise vigorously daily; manage stress; eliminate the possibility of parasite infestation; and consider fasting techniques. Learn as much as possible about diabetes, food, and how to cleanse and maintain all of the vital organs.

If this appears to be a lot of hard work, it is. But it is not unusual for diabetics, that have not had any dieting success at all, to lose 30 pounds the first month. The key to total diabetes control, and improved health, is to lose the belly fat. It is paramount. As the belly fat goes away, it will become increasingly easier to win the fat war. Blood sugar control will become easier, blood pressure, triglyceride and cholesterol levels will improve. Go to http://www.diabeticshandbook.com for a free daily nutrition log, which will make tracking nutrition easier.

By Thomas Edward Nelson

The treatment of diabetes is highly individualized. It will depend on the type of diabetes, whether you have other active medical problems, as well as your age and general health at time of diagnosis. However, one fact remains constant in treatment: if you have diabetes, you must make healthier lifestyle choices in diet, exercise, and other habits. These will help to improve glycemic (blood sugar) control and prevent or minimize complications of diabetes.

1. Diet: A healthy diet is key to controlling blood sugar levels and preventing diabetes complications.

*If you are obese and have had difficulty losing weight on your own, talk to your health care provider.
*Eat a consistent, well-balanced diet that is high in fibre, low in saturated fat, and low in concentrated sugars.

*A consistent diet that includes roughly the same number of calories at about the same times of day helps your health care provider prescribe the correct dose of medication or insulin.

*It will also help to keep your blood sugar at a relatively even level and avoid excessively low or high blood sugar levels, which can be dangerous and even life threatening.

2. Exercise: Regular exercise, in any form, can help reduce the risk of developing diabetes. Activity can also reduce the risk of developing complications of diabetes such as heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, blindness, and leg ulcers.

Any exercise is beneficial; no matter how light or how long, some exercise is better than no exercise.

*If you have complications of diabetes (eye, kidney, or nerve problems), you may be limited both in type of exercise and amount of exercise you can safely do without worsening your condition. Consult with your health care provider before starting any exercise program.

3. Alcohol use: Moderate or eliminate your consumption of alcohol. One drink is considered 1.5 ounces of liquor, 6 ounces of wine, or 12 ounces of beer. Excessive alcohol use is a known risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Alcohol consumption can cause low or high blood sugar levels, nerve pain called neuritis, and increase in triglycerides, which is a type of fat in our blood.

4. Smoking: If you have diabetes, and you smoke cigarettes or use any other form of tobacco, you are raising your risks markedly for nearly all of the complications of diabetes. Smoking damages blood vessels and contributes to heart disease, stroke, and poor circulation in the limbs. If you need help quitting, talk to your health care provider.

5. Self-monitored blood glucose: Check your blood sugar levels frequently, at least before meals and at bedtime, and record the results in a logbook.

*Better equipment now available makes testing your blood sugar levels less painful and less complicated than ever. Your daily blood sugar diary is invaluable to your health care provider in seeing how you are responding to medications, diet, and exercise in the treatment of your diabetes.

*Medicare now pays for diabetic testing supplies, as do many private insurers and Medicaid.

Lee Ann Griffin is a warrior for the Choctaw nation. Not the kind of warrior you'd imagine, Griffin RN, CDE (certified diabetes educator) battles diabetes, a disease whose numbers are growing. Her weapons are education, medical supplies such as glucometers and test strips to check blood sugar levels, medicine and lots of determination.

Oklahoma ranks second in the number of Native Americans or American Indians. People of Native American heritage have a higher risk of developing diabetes. According to the Centers for Disease Control, the largest ethnic group of diabetics in Oklahoma, 2000-2001, was the Native American population; 10.1% were diabetics. Also, in 2000 Oklahoma ranked 15th in the nation in deaths from diabetes.

Griffin, a member of the Choctaw Tribe, is a Community Diabetes Educator based out of the Choctaw Nation clinic in McAlester, Oklahoma. She is part of the Choctaw Diabetes Wellness Center, which is located in Talihina, Oklahoma. The Diabetes Wellness Center offers complete services for diabetics. The staff includes a physician who is board certified in Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, a physician's assistant, and a master's level Nurse Practitioner. The Center also houses a fitness center with trainers who help participants with an individualized fitness program. Besides Griffin, the Diabetes Wellness Center employs four other Community Diabetes Educators.

Griffin has individual appointments with patients on Mondays at the McAlester clinic. She sees patients of all ages who have a CDIB (certificate of degree of Indian blood) card that shows membership in any recognized American Indian tribe. She also sees employees who make appointments.
"I'm proud that our employees get good care. In Talihina there is good attendance in the Employee Wellness Group."

Griffin is delighted with the new, modern Choctaw Health Clinic, which replaced the old one in McAlester. "This clinic opened in July, 2007. We also have clinics in Stigler, Poteau, Broken Bow, Idabel Hugo, and a clinic opened in Atoka in 2008. Talihina is home to the hospital and the specialty clinics."
Griffin has worked for the Choctaw Nation since 2001.

"One day I was handed a blank piece of paper and was told to plan a Diabetes Wellness Program. The program is funded by a federal grant and a matching grant from the Choctaw Nation." Designing the program happened by trial and error. She saw diabetic patients and tried out different ideas to see which ones worked best. "We tried doing group sessions, but we had poor attendance, and the individual sessions worked better."

Griffin took a national exam and received her credentials from the National Certification Board For Diabetes Educators to become a certified diabetes educator (CDE) in 2005. In order to take the exam, medical professionals such as doctors, registered nurses, clinical psychologists, optometrists, and certified dieticians must be employed in diabetes self-management for two years, have a minimum of 1,000 hours in diabetes self-management experience, and have current employment as a diabetes educator a minimum of four hours per week.

Griffin sees 2-6 patients per day. "We discuss nutrition, exercise, medications and complications in our sessions," Griffin stated. Physicians refer most of her patients, but some patients make their own appointments.

"The Choctaw Nation is fortunate to have an Endocrinologist (a specialist in diabetes) at the Wellness Center in Talihina. I work with the doctors and do their lab work. We use a lab test, the hemoglobin A1C, to see how the patient is doing. This blood test measures blood sugar levels for approximately 90 days. We want the A1C levels to be between 6.5-6." (Recently the American Diabetes Association changed their recommended A1C levels for diabetics from >7 to 6.5-6.) Most doctors want their diabetic patients to have an A1C every 3-6 months.

Griffin gives her patient's glucometers and test strips. She teaches them how to use the glucometers and makes them demonstrate they can use them correctly before the end of training. Patients can also get their diabetes medications and supplies at the clinic. Griffin admits that some of the newer medications for diabetes are not on the clinic's Drug Formulary.

She still sees a lot of complications from diabetes such as leg amputations. There are more young adults with Type 2 diabetes, which used to occur mostly in middle-aged people.

Griffin and the other diabetes educators will go wherever they're invited such as doing diabetes screening at health fairs, senior citizen's centers, and the Choctaw Nation Housing. The educators are also trying to reach the younger generation. "We have a wellness program in the Choctaw Head Start programs. We are trying to catch the parents of the students," Griffin said.

The Choctaw Nation sponsors a program to teach fifth graders about diabetes. The diabetes educators go to 36 different elementary schools. "We developed the program to teach 5th graders what diabetes is on their level. We discuss risk factors, and signs and symptoms of diabetes and also stress two healthy habits: exercise and nutrition."

The students are taught food portion sizes and how to read the nutrition labels on boxes and cans. "Food labels are one of the biggies," Griffin said. The educators emphasize portion control and teach easy visuals such as the palm of hand equals one serving of meat, and the thumb is equal to one ounce.

In Griffin's classes, she doesn't stress weight. "I try to stress serving sizes, slow weight loss, and increased exercise. Walking is a great way to exercise."

Additional health information is available on the Internet at the Choctaw Nation website, www.choctawnation.com, then click the link for the Health Services Authority.

When asked about the future of diabetes treatment, Griffin responded, "The future of diabetes is that treatment will become more aggressive. It comes down to lifestyle, prevention, and wellness."

Mary J McCauley, a native of Oklahoma, holds two bachelor's degrees from the University of Tulsa. She took additional classwork from the University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University, Tulsa Junior College and Northeastern State University. She has a BS in Education and worked as a substitute teacher in the Tulsa area for several years, and McCauley taught two years in the Prue, Oklahoma school system, teaching social studies classes, yearbook and creative writing. McCauley went back to school at the University of Tulsa in 1990 and received a BS in Nursing in 1993. She worked in different hospitals and medical clinics in Tulsa. McCauley is now a fulltime writer in McAlester, Oklahoma with her husband and three dogs and one cat. She still has her nursing license and is working on a book about diabetes. Her first book came out in July, 2008 a romantic, suspense entitled Oklahoma Hearts Online.com. McCauley's website is [http://www.marymccauley.com]

By Mary J McCauley