Personal health management or self-management has been a basic tenet of chronic disease management for a long time. However, often the patient’s attitude towards healthcare has been to go to the doctor and say, “Fix me”. This approach is no longer viable because it provides only satisfactory responses to short-term problems and stretches medical professional resources thin. Add to this the basic fact that 75% of all adults over 65 have a chronic illness – half of this group has multiple illnesses– and it is easy to see how medical provider’s resources are struggling to provide cost-effective, quality care to their chronic disease patients. The end result is that self-management has to mean more than the patient following doctor’s orders. Self-management in today’s world needs to promote a more active role for the patient in their own healthcare solutions.

It means acknowledging that the patient should play a lead role in managing their care. This does not mean that the patient should go it alone, but a collaborative approach needs to be employed where medical professional and patient work together to define problems, set goals and create plans. Think of it as a team sport where the patient is the team captain and all of the medical professionals that the patient sees play specialized roles on the team. The patient is the leader and the coordinator, but each professional contributes important pieces to make the team successful.

Another difficulty in providing effective management of chronic disease is that often patients go several months between medical appointments. More frequent visits are simply too costly for patients and too time consuming for care givers. This is especially true in cases where appointments often include no actual medical treatment, but are used to exchange information between patient and medical professional. This strongly suggests that an effective self-management strategy must improve communication between medical visits.

Several different strategies have been looked at over the years to improve self-management, and according to the National Health Institute one thing is clear – any program adopted should be readily applicable to more than one condition. This is because multiple strategies make it difficult for the whole health care team to be on the same page. There are also six core strategies that should be included in any effective self-management routine:
• Patient self-education about their condition
• Routine monitoring and management of symptoms
• Patient/Professional partnership in deciding when medical help is needed
• Communication between patient and professional via means other than just face-to-face
• Developing and maintaining appropriate exercise and nutritional programs
• Finding ways to do the above with minimal impact on the patient’s life

There are several Internet-based personal health management solutions designed with many of these six strategies in mind. Patient self-management is quickly becoming a key part of the solution to the growing health care crisis. These new online personal health management solutions help make simple, comprehensive, cost-effective self-management a reality.

Diabetes has almost become an epidemic in today's world. Diabetes is a disorder that affects the way your body uses food for energy. Whatever sugar we take is generally broken down into simple sugar called 'glucose' in our body.

This glucose circulates within the blood and enter into the cells with the help of insulin. Insulin is a hormone, made within the Beta-cells of Pancreas. Due to sedentary life style and genetic predisposition, the beta cells are not able to make enough insulin, which is a key for glucose to enter into the cells. The key is not there and the glucose keeps on circulating within the blood.
This is called Diabetes.

There are two main types. Type I & Type II .

There is another condition known as Pre-Diabetes.

There are two main types of full-blown diabetes. People with Type 1 diabetes are completely unable to produce insulin.

People with Type 2 diabetes can produce insulin, but their cells have become resistant to it. In either case, the glucose can't move into the cells and blood glucose levels can become high. When these levels remain high for long time, they can cause serious complications.

Pre-Diabetes:

Pre-diabetes is a condition in which the cells in your body are becoming resistant to insulin or your pancreas is not producing as much insulin as required. Your blood glucose levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be called diabetes. This is also known as "impaired fasting glucose" or "impaired glucose tolerance". Every individual who has a Diabetic father or mother must go for glucose tolerance test or GTT. This can help in diagnosing pre-diabetic condition. A diagnosis of pre-diabetes is a warning sign that diabetes will develop later.

You can prevent the development of Type 2 diabetes by losing weight, making changes in your diet and exercising.

Type 1 Diabetes

In case of Type I (Insulin Dependent Diabetes) the person can't make any insulin. Type 1 most often occurs before age 30, but may strike at any age. This is typically caused by genetic disorder. The pancreas produces very little or no insulin anymore. Frequent insulin injections are needed for Type 1. However there are certain herbs like Salacia oblonga and Pterocarpus marsupium which are found to be useful even in Type I diabetes.

Type 2 Diabetes

People suffering from Type II diabetes are having enough insulin but the cells have become resistant to it. This type of Diabetes has become very common and is spreading like an epidemic everywhere around the world. The most important reason for the cells to become resistant to insulin is sedentary life style which is being followed by modern age people.

95 percent of all diabetes cases are Type 2. What can be the reason? It's a lifestyle disease, triggered by obesity, a lack of exercise, increased age and to some degree, genetic predisposition.
So the only way to prevent diabetes is to change the life style, which is the basic theory of Ayurveda to fight any disease. According to Ayurveda, Stress and life style is the reason for most of the illnesses including Type II diabetes.

Factors for developing Type II diabetes and herbs for them

As we know that there is no problem with the insulin production. It is there in the body in enough quantity, but the only problem is that it is not able to open the cells to make the glucose enter into them. All the glucose keep circulating within the blood. The cells become resistant to insulin. The reasons for Insulin resistance are -

1. Obesity

The number one risk factor for Type 2 diabetes is obesity. Nearly 40 % of the patients suffering from Type II diabetes are obese.

Excessive fat interferes with body's ability to use insulin properly. According to Ayurveda this is called " Stroto-avarodh" i.e. blocked channels. This blockage in the channels of passage of Insulin is reason for greater insulin resistance.

Food and life style which cause blockage in the channels or " Stroto-avarodh " are curd, banana, heavy greasy diet, overeating, excess daytime sleep.

There are herbs which are useful in clearing the blockages and opening up the micro channels. These remove excessive fat from within the body. Herbs like Katuki (Picrorrhiza kurro), Vidang (Embelia ribes), Amalvetas (Garcinia cambogia), Triphala are useful in Type II diabetes because they open up the channels and helps in reducing the insulin resistance.

2. Sedentary Lifestyle

According to Charaka- an ancient Ayurvedic healer, lifestyle is damaging to health and bears responsibility for the growing obesity and diabetes. Inactivity and being overweight go hand in hand towards a diagnosis of Type 2. Muscle cells have more insulin receptors than fat cells, so a person can decrease insulin resistance by exercising. Sushruta another ancient Ayurveda surgeon explains by giving an analogy that who suffers from diabetes should walk at least 100 kilometers a day to keep his sugar level under control.

This indicates that one must walking and being more active also lowers blood sugar levels by helping insulin to be more effective.

3. Unhealthy Eating Habits

90% of people who have been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes are overweight. Unhealthy eating contributes largely to obesity. Too much fat, not enough fiber, and too many simple carbohydrates all contribute to a diagnosis of diabetes. Eating right is can turn the diagnosis around and reverse or prevent Type 2.

4. Family History and Genetics

It appears that people who have family members who have been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes are at a greater risk for developing it themselves. Indians have a higher than normal rate of Type 2 diabetes. Having a genetic disposition towards Type 2 is not a guarantee of a diagnosis. Lifestyle plays an important part in determining who gets diabetes. So it can be prevented if we go for changed life style to avoid diabetes.

5. Increased Age

It's a very sad but true fact. The older we get, the risk of Type 2 diabetes is increased. Even if an elderly person is thin, he/she still may be predisposed to getting diabetes. As we age, the pancreas ages right along with us. It doesn't make enough insulin it did when we were younger. Also, as our cells age, they become more resistant to insulin as well.

6. Stress, High Blood Pressure and High Cholesterol

The hormones are under the control of our thought and our attitude towards events in life. The stress hormone immediately releases pool of glucose, corticosteroid hormones in our blood. There is immediate release of adrenal hormones, causing blood pressure and constriction of arteries.
Not only do they damage your heart vessels but they are two key components in Metabolic syndrome, a cluster of symptoms including obesity, a high fat diet, and lack of exercise. Having metabolic syndrome increases your risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

HERBS FOR DIABETES-

Following are the herbs, which have been extensively researched by modern parameters by various research scholars. They have also been described in ancient Ayurvedic texts as herbal solution for diabetes. These are -

1. Saptrangi - Salacia oblonga
2. Vizaysaar - Pterocarpus marsupium
3. Gurmaar - Gymnema sylvestrae
4. Jamun - Syzigium cumini
5. Bilva Leaves- Leaves of Aegle marmelos
6. Karela - Momordica charanatia
7. Methi - Trigonella foenum graecum
8. Neem - Azadirachta indica
9. Tulsi - Ocimum sanctum
10. Daruhaldi - Berberis aristata
11. Haridra - Curcuma longa
12. Sadabahar- Vinca rosea
13. Amla - Emblica officinalis

1. Saptrangi - Salacia oblonga

This is a wonderful remedy for diabetes. It is a tree whose bark is effective in controlling diabetes. It is extensively studied in the western herbal schools, but in Ayurveda it is being used since ages. The herb have been found to have diabetes controlling properties.

2. Vizaysaar - Pterocarpus marsupium

This is a big tree whose bark is very useful for diabetes. The bark of the tree is made into a wooden glass and the glass is termed as "The miracle cure for diabetes". Some water is kept in the wooden glass overnight and is consumed early morning by diabetes patients. The color of the water changes to brown and glass is changed after around 1 month when the water color does not change. Diabetes support contains extract of bark of this miracle tree.

3. Gurmaar- Gymnema sylvestrae-

In Hindi language, 'Gur' means Sugar and 'Maar' mean Kill. Gurmaar means "The sugar killer". It is a twine that is known since ages in Ayurveda for its sugar controlling properties. Recent studies show that it contains Gymnemic acid molecules responsible for its anti-diabetic action. They bind with glucose molecules in the intestines and inhibit their entry into the blood stream. Thus it is effective in controlling sugar levels.

4. Jamun - Syzigium cumini-

It is a popular fruit tree growing wild in plains of India. The seeds of this tree are dried up and then a powder is made of them. The powder of the seeds of Jamun fruit is very effective in controlling sugar levels. It is astringent in taste which is opposite to sweet. Anything astringent in taste is useful for diseases caused by excessive sweetness like obesity and diabetes.

5. Bilva - Aegle marmelos-

This tree has three leaves together on its branches. Any tree who has combination of three leaves is considered in Ayurveda as divine and seat of Lord Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh. The leaves are offered every Mondays in Shiva temples. This fruit of this tree is useful in irritable bowel syndrome. The leaves of Bilva are excellent for diabetes. The leaves are dried and powder is made and mixed with other herbs for better results.

6. Karela - Momordica charanatia-

The juice of this fruit is a miracle in treating and preventing diabetes and its complications. 30 ml of Karela juice every morning empty stomach is recommended for best results. It can be taken along with Amla juice for better results, as Amla is rich in natural vitamin C and is also effective in diabetes. Karela contains natural chromium and other micronutrients, whereas Amla is also rich in natural anti-oxidants like vitamin C and others.

7. Methi- Trigonella-foenum-graecum-

Since ages Fenugreek is being used as a medicine in India, Egypt, Middle east and other ancient civilizations. Fenugreek has excellent properties to bring sugar levels as well as cholesterol levels under control. The seed powder of Methi is used to lower down sugar levels. It can be mixed with herbs described above.

8. Neem - Azadirachta indica-

Azadirachtin, Nimbin and Nimbidin are effective alkaloids found in neem. They act not only as blood purifiers but also controls sugar level very effectively. Neem is also useful in many skin diseases like eczema, psoriasis, rashes. The skin diseases associated with diabetes also respond to this herb quickly. It also helps in clearing away the blocked channels and maintains the flow of bile from within the liver and improves liver function.

9.Tulsi - Ocimum sanctum-

It is popularly known as 'The Holy Basil' is a sacred plant according to Hindu mythology. People in India worship this plant as it has tremendous medicinal properties. Regular use of leaves of this plant controls blood sugar levels very effectively. It is also useful in many types of cancers, viral and bacterial infections, sore throat, cough and cold etc.

10.Daruhaldi - Berberis aristata-

This is a rhizome growing mainly in South India. The roots of this herb are taken out and grinded well. The herb powder stimulates pancreas to pump more insulin into blood. It also helps in preventing insulin resistance among cells. It acts as a channel opener for glucose into the cells. This also purifies the blood.

11.Haridra- Curcuma longa-

This is very popular herb and is commonly called Turmeric. Turmeric powder is an effective anti-allergic, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory and one of the best natural anti-diabetic. It works in the same way as Berberis aristata. It helps in purifying the blood, channel opener, helps in reducing the insulin resistance and thus making the way for glucose into the cells.

12.Sadabahar- Vinca rosea-

It is always flowering plant, growing almost in every house in India. It is known as periwinkle in English. The plant contains very precious alkaloids ' vincristine' and 'vinblastine' which are used in allopathic medicine as anti-cancer injections. The herb leaves are very useful in controlling the diabetes. The herb leaves are mixed with other herbs described above to get good results.

13. Amla - Emblica officinalis -

Amla is world's richest natural source of vitamin C and is nature's super anti-oxidant. One amla contains 30 times more vitamin C than an orange. It prevents ageing and therefore delayes the onset of complications of diabetes. Amla powder, Amla juice can be consumed regularly to get the benefits in diabetes and other diseases.

This article is submitted by Dr. Vikram Chauhan- MD -Ayurveda, Consultant Ayurveda Physician for http://www.planetayurveda.com Dr. Chauhan provides free online consultations to his patients worldwide.

Diabetes is a disease that varies the way your body utilize sugar. The food you eat develops to sugar and this sugar travels through the blood to all parts of the body. Generally, insulin assists get sugar from the blood to the body's cells, where it is used for energy or power in the body. When you have diabetes, your body has trouble making and/or reacts to insulin. So your body does not get the fuel it desires. And your blood sugar goes too high.

Types of Diabetes:

Type 1 or insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) occurs when the pancreas becomes unsuccessful to make sufficient insulin. It usually occurs in childhood or adolescence but can expand at any age. These patients need insulin each day.

Type 2 or non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus occurs when body cells develop into resistant to insulin. This is more general among adults, particularly those who are overweight and over age 40. These people are able to manage their blood sugar levels through weight control, regular exercise and a well-balanced diet. Some people need oral medications or insulin injection to lower blood sugar.

Symptoms of Diabetes

Early Symptoms

Increased thirst, increased urination, increased appetite are the initial signs.

In type I weight loss is seen and in type II obesity is seen.

Additional Symptoms

Other possible symptoms are blurred vision, skin irritation or infection, weakness or loss of strength, and decreased healing capability.

Clinical lab test information reveal glycosuria (sugar in urine), hyperglycaemia, abnormal glucose tolerance tests.

If diabetes is not identified at the right time symptoms like fluid and electrolyte imbalance, acidosis, coma is seen.

Causes of Diabetes

Cause for IDDM

IDDM mostly outcome from a virally initiated autoimmune destruction of beta cells of the pancreas.

Cause for NIDDM

NIDDM is determined heritably and is expressed with age or other factors like obesity, diet and inactivity.

Home Remedies for Diabetes

1. Diabetes treatment with Bitter Gourd

Among the several home remedies that have proved helpful in controlling diabetes, perhaps the most vital is the use of bitter gourd. It has lately been established that bitter gourd contains a hypoglycaemic or insulin-like principle, designated as 'plantinsulin', which has been found precious in lowering the blood and urine sugar levels. It should, therefore, be included generously in the diet of the diabetic. For better results, the diabetic must take the juice of about four or five karelas each morning on an empty stomach. The seeds can be added to food in a powdered state. Diabetics can also use bitter gourd in the state of a decoction by boiling the pieces in water or in the form of dry powder.

2. Diabetes treatment with Indian Gooseberry

Indian gooseberry, with its high vitamin C content, is considered precious in diabetes. A tablespoon of its juice, mixed with a cup of bitter gourd juice, taken daily for two months, will arouses the islets of Langerhans, that is, the isolated group of cells that secrete the hormone insulin in the pancreas. This mixture decreases the blood sugar in diabetes.

3. Diabetes treatment with Jambul Fruit

Jambul fruit is another useful home remedy. It is regarded in customary medicine as a specific against diabetes because of its effect on the pancreas. The fruit as such, the seeds, and fruit juice are all helpful in the treatment of this disease. The seeds contain a glucoside 'jamboline' which is supposed to have the power to check the pathological conversion of starch into sugar in cases of increased production of glucose.

The seeds must be dried and powdered. One teaspoon of this powder should be mixed in one cup of milk or water or half a cup of curd, and taken two times daily. The internal bark of the jambul tree is also used in the treatment of diabetes. The bark is dried out and burnt. It will create an ash of white colour. This ash must be pestled in mortar, strained and bottled. The diabetic patient must be given ten grams of this ash on an empty stomach with water in the morning, and twenty grams in the afternoon, and in the evening an hour after taking meals. An equal amount of amla powder, jamun powder, and bitter gourd powder also makes a very useful remedy for diabetes. A teaspoon of this mixture once or twice a day would be efficient in checking the progress of the disease.

4. Diabetes treatment with Grapefruit

Grapefruit is a fine food in the diet of a diabetic patient. If grapefruits were eaten more generously, there would be much less diabetes. If you have sugar, use three grapefruits three times in a day. If you do not have sugar, but a propensity towards it and want to prevent it, use three a day.

5. Diabetes treatment with Fenugreek

The seeds of fenugreek have been found useful in the treatment of diabetes. Fenugreek seeds, when given in changeable doses of 25 gm to 100 gm daily, diminish reactive hyperglycaemia in diabetic patients. Levels of glucose, serum cholesterol, and triglycerides were also appreciably reduced in the diabetes patients when the seeds were consumed.

6. Diabetes treatment with Bengal Gram

Experiments have shown that the drinking of water extract of Bengal gram enhances the use of glucose in both diabetic and normal persons. When kept on a diet which incorporated liberal supplements of Bengal gram extract, the condition of tile patient improved considerably and his insulin requirement was decreased to about twenty units per day. Diabetes patients who are on a set diet which does not severely limit the intake of carbohydrates, but includes liberal amounts of Bengal gram extract, have shown significant improvement in their fasting blood sugar levels, glucose tolerance, urinary excretion of sugar, and general condition.

7. Diabetes treatment via Black Gram

For a milder sort of diabetes, two tablespoons of germinated black gram, taken with half a cup of fresh bitter gourd juice and a teaspoon of honey, is said to be valuable. It should be taken once each day for three to four months. A limit should be placed on the intake of carbohydrates. Still in severe cases, regular use of this combination, with other precautions, is helpful as a health-giving food for the prevention of various complications that may arise due to malnutrition in diabetics.

8. Diabetes treatment with Mango Leaves

The tender leaves of the mango tree are measured useful in diabetes. An infusion is prepared by soaking 15 gm of fresh leaves in 250 ml of water overnight, and squeezing them fine in the water in the morning. This filtrate should be taken every morning to manage early diabetes. As an option, the leaves should be dried in the shade, powdered and preserved for use when necessary. Half a teaspoon of this powder should be taken two times in a day.

9. Diabetes treatment via Parslane

The seeds of parslane are helpful in diabetes. A teaspoon of the seeds should be taken each day with half a cup of water for three to four months. It will raises the body's own insulin and help in curing diabetes.

10. Diabetes treatment via Other Foods

Besides bitter gourd, certain other vegetables have been found helpful in diabetes. These comprise string beans, cucumber, onion, and garlic. Tea made of the pods of string beans is important in diabetes.

For more information on diabetes treatment, home remedies for diabetes visit http://www.himalayahomeremedies.com ? HERBAL HOME REMEDIES and Natural Treatments

Diabetes is a chronic disease affecting as many as 16 million Americans, half of whom do not know they have it. It is the 5th leading cause of death in the United States. Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness, renal failure, and amputation in the U. S., and is associated with a range of complications, including heart attacks, strokes, amputations and loss of vision. It is also the leading cause of new cases of blindness among adults 20-74 years old. Diabetics have up to a 400% greater chance of heart attack or stroke. Could a natural health remedy for diabetes turn the tide?

Researchers are in agreement that the theory of oxidative stress is central to the understanding of diabetes. Since diabetes is on such a dramatic increase in the United States, it's helpful to understand what diabetes is, and what to look for. Diabetes mellitus is a nutritional disorder, and is characterized by an abnormally high level of blood glucose and the excretion of the excess glucose into the urine. Diabetes is known to cause swelling of the ankles and feet by damaging small blood vessels (microangiopathy). Fortunately, diabetes has been clinically proven to be curable in over 98% of patients with Type 2 diabetes, 64% with Type 1 diabetes and can be controlled with nutrition and supplements. Any one of these could be the next natural health remedy for diabetes. Listed below are natural supplements that can help reduce blood sugar.

Type 2 diabetes is a condition characterized by high blood sugar resulting from an impaired response to insulin. Insulin is a hormone secreted by the pancreas in response to increased levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood and is released to regulate the amount of glucose in the bloodstream. It is required by the body to convert sugar, starches and other foods into energy. Insulin resistance is understood to be a major contributor to the onset of diabetes. Resistance to insulin appears to have a major effect on heart disease. To be a natural health remedy for diabetes, a supplement must be shown to reduce blood sugar levels.

Diabetics are chronically deficient in both vitamins and minerals. At the least, they need to add a good quality multi-vitamin and mineral supplement to their diet. Diabetic neuropathy is a painful nerve disorder resulting from reduced blood flow and subsequent oxygen-deprivation of the limbs or organs. It was reversed in studies conducted by seven medical centers. Diabetics are at much greater risk for heart attacks, high blood pressure, and strokes. Diabetics are not necessarily prone to zinc deprivation, but zinc supplements help control blood sugar levels. Zinc, therefore, could be a natural health remedy for diabetes. A magnesium deficiency is a predictor of diabetes; diabetics both need more magnesium and lose more magnesium than most people. Marine phyto-plankton reduces the amount of sugar present in our bloodstream. This results in the reduction of the myriad complications seen in diabetics (eye problems, ulcers in extremities, heart disease, strokes, hormone problems, neurologic and immune system dysfunction, etc. Marine phyto-plankton also passes the test as a natural health remedy for diabetes.

Natural Remedies

Millions have discovered the healing power of natural remedies and supplements and are turning to vitamins, minerals and herbs as a natural health remedy for diabetes. When considering using any of these natural diabetes remedies, it would be wise for you to consult with your primary care provider.

Reported in the British Journal of Nutrition was a four-week study indicating that flax oil was beneficial in helping to regulate blood glucose levels in diabetics. Contemporary research has also found that spices including cinnamon, garlic, fenugreek, gymnema, bitter melon and caper have the potential to be an effective natural health remedy for diabetes. Diabetics report their blood sugar level improved simply by taking cinnamon on a daily basis. One human study published in Diabetes Care looked at 60 people with type 2 diabetes, 30 men and 30 women with an average age of 52. The results of this study suggest that the inclusion of cinnamon in the diet of people with type 2 diabetes will reduce the risk factors associated with diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Cinnamon or any of these other spices could turn out to be the best natural health remedy for diabetes.

Contrary to some early concerns, both fish oil and niacin (treatments used for improving triglyceride and cholesterol levels) appear to be safe for people with diabetes. Scientific study has shown the effectiveness of many natural diabetes treatments. Also found in Diabetes Care was a study that confirmed significant progress in insulin sensitivity with chromium present in the body and, in addition, studies have revealed that people with diabetes had low levels of chromium. Also, low magnesium levels may reduce blood glucose control in type 2 diabetes. North American Ginseng, has been shown to be another effective natural health remedy for diabetes.

Research collaboration between Australian, Chinese and Korean scientists at Sydney's Garvan Institute demonstrated that the natural plant product berberine could be a valuable new treatment against type 2 diabetes. Their study, published in the journal Diabetes, found that rats and mice given berberine over three weeks had a 50 per cent drop in blood sugar. It's exciting to see evidence that berberine may be a helpful new natural health remedy for type 2 diabetes. However, despite its widespread use in traditional medicine, it will still have to go through the defined clinical trials process.

Conclusion

These dietary supplements and/or any natural health remedy for diabetes could also help pre-diabetics. By aiding in the prevention and treatment of one of the worst and most widespread chronic diseases afflicting the modern world, any of these vitamins, minerals or herbs could turn out to be an effective, natural health remedy for diabetes.

This article is intended to provide assistance and information to people who are interested in learning more about natural remedies. It should not be used as a basis for any form of diagnosis or treatment for any medical condition. Always seek professional medical advice.

J. D. Sanders is a successful Webmaster and publisher of http://natural-health-remedies.org where you can find even more information on treating various conditions the natural way for you to research at your leisure.

Diabetes Mellitus comes in two forms, Type I and Type II. Unlike Diabetes Type I, Type II Diabetes Mellitus occurs later in life. The majority of Type II Diabetics are women. Documented in medical journals, drinking alcohol can lower the risks of complications for women who have Type II Diabetes Mellitus. A light to moderate amount of alcohol and life style enhancement has the greatest positive effect and will benefit a woman's future health.

The importance of alcohol and its dangers
The mechanism of alcohol's effects, in moderate amounts of about 2 drinks a day, can decrease the insulin resistance in women with Type II diabetes. In a normal situation, the insulin acts on the peripheral cells where the glucose or sugar is waiting to enter. The insulin binds to the cell and the glucose enters. Unfortunately, in this type of diabetes, the insulin does not bind to the cell where the insulin resistance takes place and the glucose can't go inside. It is dangerous to consume too much alcohol as this can lead to adverse effects such as hypoglycemia, inhibition of insulin secretion, pancreatitis, increased incidence of breast cancer, ketoacidosis, cirrhosis of the liver, and most notably, addiction.

Women who have experienced menopause are at even higher risk for Type II Diabetes. They are also at risk for cardiovascular disease. Alcohol's benefits are that it can increase the level of good cholesterol such as HDL, decrease platelet aggregation, and reduce incidence of myocardial infarction.

The French Paradox
In southwestern France they have high saturated fat diet. The French workers in this study have a 36 percent lower incidence of coronary artery disease when compared to similar U.S. workers. They have a high intake of red wine with antioxidants and they have shown lower platelet aggregation and lower atherosclerosis. As stated previously, this suggests that not only is alcohol good for Diabetes but good for the heart as well.

Lifestyle Changes
Drinking alcohol is not the only way to decrease the chances of acquiring Type II Diabetes. There are many other factors that influence the development of this disease. According to the New England Journal of Medicine researchers led by Dr. Hu, overweight and obesity is the single most important predictor of diabetes. They also say that "lack of exercise, a poor diet, current smoking, and abstinence from alcohol use were all associated with a significantly increased risk of diabetes." Obese women, who choose to exercise regularly and follow a healthy diet while abstaining from smoking, can decrease their chances of acquiring diabetes by 24 percent. It is 50 percent for overweight women.

Symptoms of Diabetes Type II
If you are concerned that you are at risk for Type II Diabetes, the following symptoms are clues that a follow up by your physician is necessary: Frequent urination, increased thirst, increased hunger, slow-healing wounds and sores, prolonged and unexplained fatigue, numbness or tingling of extremities, and gynecological fungal infections in women.

Conclusion
Type II Diabetes Mellitus is a serious illness that necessitates immediate care. Alcohol in moderate amounts is a first step and is important to decreasing insulin resistance and even helping the heart and cardiovascular system. Diet, exercise, and cessation of smoking are likewise important. Lifestyle changes are the first step.

"Life is not over because you have diabetes. Make the most of what you have, be grateful." Dale Evans Rogers (American Singer known as the "Queen of the West", )

Glucose, a form of sugar, is the body's main source of fuel. Glucose needs insulin to enter the cells to be used as energy. Insulin is produced by a large gland situated behind the stomach - the pancreas. In diabetes, either the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or the cells in the muscles, liver, and fat do not use insulin properly, or both. This allows sugar to accumulate in the blood while the cells are starved. These metabolic abnormalities lead to vascular inflammation. People with diabetes are at a much higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases like heart attack, stroke, peripheral artery disease and heart failure.

The incidence of diabetes is reaching epidemic proportions. Worldwide, it is estimated that the prevalence of diabetes will rise from 2.8% (171 million people) in 2000 to 4.4% (366 million people) in 2030. Elevated blood glucose levels are responsible for 21% of deaths from coronary heart disease and 13% of deaths from stroke. This translates into 3.16 million deaths a year. Diabetes is also a major problem in the United States.

Many clinical trials have established that cardiovascular diseases are the most common and most serious complications in diabetics. Almost 65% patients with diabetes die of heart attack or a stroke. Dr. Garcia and his co researchers reported in Diabetes in 1974, using data from the Framingham Study, that patients with diabetes have a two-three-fold increased incidence of cardiovascular disease and those who present in the fourth and fifth decade of life have a two-fold increase in mortality. This cardiovascular risk develops even before diabetes becomes clinically apparent. Researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health in Boston found that women who eventually developed type 2 diabetes had a risk of heart attack almost 4 times higher than those who never developed the disease. This data from the Nurses Health Study, was published in the July 2002 issue of Diabetes Care.

The cause of the increased risk of macro-vascular cardiac disease is multi-factorial. Eighty percent of patients with type 2 diabetes are either obese or overweight. Diabetics also carry an abnormal lipid profile. Diabetics typically have elevated plasma triglycerides, normal or mildly elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and reduced plasma HDL-C concentrations. This encourages atherosclerosis. The combination of high blood sugar and high insulin levels are also toxic to the cardiovascular system. Further, more than two thirds of the adults with diabetes suffer from high blood pressure, another major risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

"What was so upsetting was I didn't really know anything about diabetes except that Ella Fitzgerald lost her legs and later died from it." Della Reese. Diabetics also causes many micro-vascular complications. These include diabetic retinopathy, diabetic nephropathy and diabetic neuropathy. Despite good long-term sugar and blood pressure control, diabetes remains a major cause of blindness, renal failure and amputations. Two landmark studies, the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial, published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 1993 and the United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study Group (UKPDS) study published in the British Medical Journal in 1998, have shown that intensive control of blood glucose levels and tight blood pressure control reduce the risk of these micro vascular complications in diabetics.

An earlier report from the UKPDS Study published in the British Medical Journal in 1996, showed that increasing age, poor sugar control, increased systolic blood pressure, raised bad LDL-cholesterol, reduced good HDL-cholesterol levels and smoking were significant risk factors for coronary heart disease in diabetics. Lifestyle interventions reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases and include eating healthier, staying active, drinking alcohol in moderation , stopping the use of tobacco products and maintaining a healthy body weight. They have been shown to prevent the development of diabetes by almost 58%. In patients who have impaired glucose tolerance, they can delay diabetes by almost 11 years. These beneficial effects of lifestyle interventions were also proven in the Diabetes Prevention Program Research Group report published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2002.

"Diabetes is like being expected to play the piano with one hand while juggling items with another hand, all while balancing with deftness and dexterity on a tightrope" - Marlene Less, Scott's Diabetes Journal. Treating diabetes and controlling your sugar may be difficult. This is because blood sugar levels ideally should be continuously maintained within a small normal range. This may require frequent medications or injections and careful monitoring of the sugar levels. Recent data suggests that the traditionally used blood sugar lowering medications may also have a dark side. In 2002, Duke researchers presented data at the 51st Annual Scientific Sessions of the American Heart Association which showed that there was a 2.6-fold increased risk of death for patients taking injected insulin and sulfonylurea drugs, compared with insulin-sensitizing therapies, such as metformin. They also found that at 90 days into the trials, 12% of diabetic patients on insulin-providing therapy had a major adverse event, compared with 5% of diabetic patients on insulin-sensitizing therapy. Treating diabetes is therefore just not limited to reducing blood glucose levels. Several metabolic abnormalities including elevated insulin levels, inflammation and lipids have to be taken into account. Most diabetics are now also placed on a class of high blood pressure pills called ace inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers, cholesterol lowering statins and the household aspirin. Recent trials (especially the ASCOTT-LLA study, published in Lancet in 2003) have shown that even in the absence of a history of coronary heart disease or high cholesterol, statin therapy is beneficial in diabetes. The American Diabetic Association advocates the use of aspirin in diabetics with an additional risk factor. Diabetics share a common vascular inflammation seen in patients with cardiovascular disease and aspirin appears to be beneficial in decreasing cardiovascular mortality. Ace inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers appear to have a better cardiovascular protection effect in diabetics that goes beyond the benefit achieved by their reduction in blood pressure. The blood pressures goals are lower in diabetics and you are better protected if the blood pressure is reduced to 120/80 mm/Hg or less.

"I lay in the bed at the hospital and said, 'let's see what I have left.' And I could see, I could speak, I could think, I could read. I simply tabulated my blessings, and that gave me a start." Dale Evans Rogers, American Singer. Many diabetics may feel this way, but recent understanding of the disease and the cardiovascular connection has made complications easier to delay or avoid. And lifestyle changes can even prevent or delay the development of diabetes. Jill Johnson said, ""Living a healthy lifestyle will only deprive you of poor health, lethargy, and fat." And I may add, diabetes and heart disease.

Dr. Shashi K. Agarwal is a Board Certified Internist and Cardiologist with a private practice in New York City and New Jersey. He is also a Diplomate of the American Board of Holistic Medicine and the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine.

A recent article from the Hilton Head Health Institute stated, "The evidence is growing that diabetes - especially "late onset" type 2 diabetes - is becoming an epidemic. American's well-known attachment to the "couch potato" lifestyle - fatty, high calorie foods and an aversion to exercise - may be the contributing factor to the spread of the disease. On the opposite side of the coin, the healthy lifestyle is believed to contribute to diabetes prevention and management." A January 9, 2006 New York Times article declared, "that the Centers for Disease Control estimate that 21 million Americans are currently diabetic while 41 million more are suffering from pre-diabetic symptoms, and many aren't even aware of it yet. Over the past decade, the rate of diabetes has increased 80% in the US. Yet most health officials still emphasize the threat of communicable diseases, which are far less deadly than chronic conditions such as diabetes."

Any life insurance agent that has been around for very long will attest to the statements made in that article. Diabetics now make up a large percentage of our client base and the number of people diagnosed as diabetic or pre or borderline diabetic on life insurance exams has sky rocketed. While most diabetics are insurable at fair rates, it is alarming to see how many diabetics have truly stayed somewhat uneducated about their condition and do not fully comprehend or care about the fact that diabetes can have a compounding effect on other health issues and ultimately be at least the root cause of a health decline that leads to an early death. Those diabetics who do take the situation seriously, educating themselves, monitoring their diabetes and taking control of other risk factors such as hypertension and obesity, can ultimately lead a long, healthy life. Not surprising that this group is also rewarded with life insurance rates that reflect their concern with their own longevity. It should be no secret that life insurance companies reward those who have an interest in their own mortality.

Those that do not take care of themselves are usually still insurable, but will pay a premium that reflects the end of the risk pool they have chosen to swim in. Not understanding the disease, not monitoring your glucose on a regular basis, not changing your lifestyle and not being compliant with your physician's suggestions will all contribute to higher rates that you really have to pay if your concern factor was a bit higher. Good quiz for a diabetic: Do you know what your hbA1C, or A1C level is? Do you even know what it is referring to? The A1C, a test done by your physician every time you have a checkup is a measure of how well you are controlling your diabetes. Blood glucose binds to the hemoglobin through a process called glycosylation. The higher the blood sugar the more the glucose binds to the hemoglobin. A blood test can measure the amount of glycosylation that has occurred revealing the average blood glucose levels for the previous three to four months before the test.

Do you understand why this is important to you? With a healthy A1C level of say, 6.5 or less, you know that your glucose is staying in check over long periods. Do not fool yourself into believing that the glucose reading you took before breakfast this morning is indicative of where your glucose is all the time. For instance, let us say you take your glucose at an optimal time, before breakfast, and the reading is 110. Then let us assume that your A1C is 7.5. That would indicate that your average glucose over the last 3 months is around 165. So, if the average is 165 and the low end is 110, that means that there are many times when your glucose is well over 200, not a healthy level. What are the complications of type 2 diabetes? What really worries life insurance underwriters? This list came from the American Diabetes Association website. www.diabetes.org:

Heart Disease and Stroke

People with diabetes have extra reason to be mindful of heart and blood vessel disease. Diabetes carries an increased risk for heart attack, stroke, and complications related to poor circulation.

Kidney Disease

Diabetes can damage the kidneys, which not only can cause them to fail, but can also make them lose their ability to filter out waste products.

Eye Complications

Diabetes can cause eye problems and may lead to blindness. People with diabetes do have a higher risk of blindness than people without diabetes. Early detection and treatment of eye problems can save your sight.
Diabetic Neuropathy and Nerve Damage

One of the most common complications of diabetes is diabetic neuropathy. Neuropathy means damage to the nerves that run throughout the body, connecting the spinal cord to muscles, skin, blood vessels, and other organs.

Foot Complications

People with diabetes can develop many different foot problems. Foot problems most often happen when there is nerve damage in the feet or when blood flow is poor. Learn how to protect your feet by following some basic guidelines.

Skin Complications

As many as one-third of people with diabetes will have a skin disorder caused or affected by diabetes at some time in their lives. In fact, such problems are sometimes the first sign that a person has diabetes. Luckily, most skin conditions can be prevented or easily treated if caught early.

Gastroparesis and Diabetes

Gastroparesis is a disorder that affects people with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Depression

Feeling down once in a while is normal. But some people feel a sadness that just won't go away. Life seems hopeless. Feeling this way most of the day for two weeks or more is a sign of serious depression.

Ultimately there is good news for type 2 diabetics working to acquire life insurance. With improvements in treatment and all of the available diabetic education, you can control your condition and to a great extent control your ability to get affordable life insurance. Type 1 diabetes Type 1 diabetes, often called juvenile diabetes, is different from type 2 diabetes but often has many of the same complications. While type 2 diabetes is occurs when a person has too little natural insulin or his or her body is not able to use the insulin `effectively, type 1 diabetes is the absence of insulin altogether. From www.ehealthmd.com we get this take on the cause of type 1 diabetes. "Diabetes is an autoimmune disease. That means the body's defense system attacks some of the body's own cells. In type 1 diabetes, the cells in the pancreas that make insulin are destroyed, and therefore they are no longer capable of making insulin.

We don't know exactly why this happens, but we do know that some people are born with a tendency to develop diabetes. Then something "triggers" the onset of the disease. It may be a virus that triggers the onset, or it may be something in the environment. There is nothing a person can do to prevent this from happening."

That having been said, a person with type 1 diabetes is left with two options. They can control their diabetes by persistently monitoring their glucose levels and being very committed and dogmatic about administering insulin as prescribed. There is an often-misunderstood relationship between diet and diabetes. The Mayo Clinic's website at www.mayoclinic.com suggests the following: "Contrary to popular perception, there is no diabetes diet. Furthermore, having diabetes doesn't mean you have to eat only bland, boring foods. Instead, it means you'll eat more fruits, vegetables and whole grains - foods that are high in nutrition and low in fat and calories - and fewer animal products and sweets. Actually, it's the same eating plan everyone should follow." So, a healthy diet and persistent monitoring and treatment are the key.

The other option I suggested would be the option of not taking your diabetes seriously. A type 1 diabetic who only occasionally checks their glucose, is not horribly committed to a healthy lifestyle, and may not take insulin as prescribed, but more when they think they need it, is a person who is looking for a long-term health problem. The long-term affects of mismanaged type 1 diabetes are at best damaging and at worst deadly. It should be no wonder that life insurance underwriters pay special attention to the type of compliance you keep with your doctor and dietician and the type of control you have achieved and maintained with your glucose levels.Again, you will not impress a life insurance underwriter, or for that matter, a life insurance agent who is knowledgeable about diabetes by telling them your most recent glucose reading was 98. That may be control, but it might also be a well-timed glucose check. The real story comes from your regular lab work and the test that reveals all secrets, the hbA1C. This test will take both your 98 and 230 into account; the reading you did not want to discuss or possibly did not even take because you knew it was bad timing for a good reading.

Your doctor and the life insurance underwriter are preaching from the same book, and the sermon is CONTROL! CONTROL! CONTROL!The Mayo Clinic sums up the repercussions of not following that advice. "Long term complications include - Heart and blood vessel (cardiovascular) disease - Nerve damage (neuropathy) - Kidney damage (nephropathy) - Eye damage (diabetic retinopathy) - Osteoporosis and several skin conditions." "Short term complications such as low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) and a high level of ketones in your urine (diabetic ketoacidosis), require immediate care. If left untreated, these conditions can cause seizures and loss of consciousness (coma)." In summation it seems clear that whether type 1 or type 2 diabetes, the conditions are something that simply has to be taken seriously or the results can be disastrous and deadly. This fact is not lost on the people who decide what rate you are going to pay for life insurance. Diabetes does not preclude getting life insurance at competitive and good rates. Poorly controlled diabetes, for abundantly obvious reasons, may very well make life insurance expensive and even unattainable.

Diabetes is considered a serious affection due to its permanent existence, procedures and moreover the complications that involves. Even though many people all over the world suffer from diabetes, the specialists haven t discovered yet the real source of its occurance. It is very important to mention that people who suffer from diabetes should ask for medical help as soon as they notice changes in their body and unusual symptoms.

First of all, diabetes occurs when the beta cells in the pancreas which produce insulin are totally destroyed. As we know the food that we eat turns into glucose or sugar helping our body to use for energy. Once there aren' t beta cells to produce insulin in order to transfer the glucose in the cells, the sugar remains in the blood and because the body cannot use sugar, it is spilled over into the urine and lost. Much more, diabetes can lead to severe health complications, such as heart disease, kidney failure, blindness, lower-extremity amputations and in many cases even death.

Secondly, people who notice certain symptoms which indicate the presence of diabetes should see a physician in order to receive a proper diagnosis. Some of the most common symptoms which indicate the presence of diabetes are: excessive hunger and thirst, frequent urination, dramatic weight loss, lack of energy, dry skin, wounds that heal very hard and even nausea and stomach pains, symptoms which usually occur in type 1 diabetes.

In addition to this, there are two types of diabetes which are quoted from the National Diabetes Fact Sheet: National estimates and general information on diabetes in the United States (Centers for Disease Control an Prevention. Atlanta, GA: US Department of Health and Human Services, 1997). Much more, type 1 diabetes tends to be more serious than type 2 diabetes and usually occurs during the childhood.

Type 1 diabetes also called insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) or Juvenile-Onset diabetes, is a common disease in children and may account for 5% to 10% of all diagnosed cases of diabetes. The factors which cause type 1 diabetes aren t entirely known but it has been considered that genetic predisposition and environmental factors, such as viral infections might have an important influence. On the other hand, type 2 diabetes also known as non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) or adult-onset diabetes. This type of diabetes may appear due to certain factors, such as older age, obesity, impaired glucose tolerance, family history of diabetes, physical inactivity, prior history of gestational diabetes and other factors. It has been considered that certain races and ethnicities, such as African Americans, American Indians, Latino Americans are more exposed to get type 2 diabetes than other people.

Gestional diabetes seem to occur in 2% to 5% of all pregnancies but the good thing is that usually disappears when the woman gives birth. Even though a woman who had suffered of gestional diabetes and healed when the pregnancy was over, might develop type 2 diabetes in the future.

Furthermore, there are other types of diabetes which may account for 1% to 2% of all known cases of diabetes and they occur from genetic syndromes, surgeries, drugs, malnutrition, infections and many other affections.

Medical treatments for diabetes are vital for the body and include important changes in the lifestyle. Diabetes treatments tend to advance in a short time and their role is to maintain blood glucose near normal levels at all times. For instance, type 1 diabetes, the most severe type requires a wide range of procedures. People who suffer from this type of diabetes need a special treatment which include: administration of insulin injections, home blood glucose testing several times a day, a certain, calculated diet and also planned physical exercises. Even though, type 2 diabetes is not so serious like type 1, it also requires a strict treatment which consists in special diets, physical activities, home blood glucose testing, oral medication and 40% of the cases require insulin injections.

The causes of type 1 diabetes are not entirely identified, it is believed that it occurs to genetics predisposition or certain viruses which destroy the beta cells in the pancreas. Some important factors which may develop type 2 diabetes are lack of activity and overweight.

In order to take care of the people who suffer from diabetes, the diabetes community offers, pursued by the US Departament of Health and Human Services offer three options: prevent diabetes, cure diabetes and moreover taking better care of people with diabetes to prevent dramatic complications. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is involved in the research of curing type 1 and type 2 diabetes. On the other hand, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention focuses through their programmes on being sure that the proven science is put into daily practice for people with diabetes.

All in all, even though diabetes tends to be an incurable illness, the science try to discover and consequently to utilize in practice several methods to cure diabetes, such as pancreas transplantation, artificial pancreas development, islet cell transplantation and genetic manipulation. However, until these approaches become reality they need to pass through a serie of investigations like preventing immune rejection, finding an adequate number of insulin cells, keeping cells alive and many others.

So, if you want to find out more about type 2 diabetes [http://diabetes-info-center.com/type-2-diabetes.htm] or even about what causes diabetes [http://diabetes-info-center.com/what-causes-diabetes.htm] please follow this link http://diabetes-info-center.com

The toes burn and tingle and sharp pains shoot into your legs. The bed sheets feel uncomfortable on the feet as you toss and turn, trying to get some rest. Nothing seems to help as you watch the hours on the clock pass by, hoping to fall asleep.

Burning, numbness, tingling, hot and cold sensations, shooting and electrical pain are common sensations felt at rest in painful peripheral neuropathy. Neuropathy is an abnormality of the nervous system. There are many different types of neuropathy, but the most common neuropathy effecting diabetics is peripheral neuropathy.

It is sometimes referred to as a stocking glove neuropathy because it progresses as if one was pulling on a stocking.

Sixty percent of diabetics have some type of neuropathy in their feet. Five percent of diabetics will experience painful diabetic neuropathy and the incidence increases with age. Over 45% of individuals who have had diabetes for over 25 years will experience some symptoms of painful diabetic neuropathy.

The cause of diabetic neuropathy is not clearly understood. Many believe that the damage to the small vessels surrounding the nerves, from the diabetes, causes damage to the nerves. Others believe the increase in blood sugar causes damage to the nerves. Despite the different theories, studies have shown better blood sugar control helps prevent progression of the neuropathy.

There are currently no treatments to help reverse diabetic neuropathy. There are no treatments which help reduce the numbness. But, there are many treatments to help decrease the pain associated with the neuropathy.

Your doctor may prescribe medications to help with the pain. There are many options, but until recently none were FDA approved for the treatment of painful neuropathy. Cymbalta®, duloxetine HCl, was recently approved by the FDA in September of 2004 for use in diabetic peripheral neuropathy at doses of 60 and 120 mg per day. Gabapentin, also known as Neurontin®, has been a successful treatment for painful diabetic neuropathy. Neurontin® was originally approved by the FDA for adjunctive use in seizures, but the benefits of this drug for other conditions, like neuropathy, soon became known. Many physicians still use this drug despite the controversy. Tegretol and Dilantin, common seizure medications, can be used in more severe cases. New treatments include lidocaine 5% cream, acetyl-L-canitine, nerve growth factor and Annodyne ®, infrared therapy.

To help treat painful peripheral neuropathy without prescription medications, consider the following tips:

1. Keep your blood sugar in control: Studies have shown that when blood sugars remain high, or roller coaster from high to low, peripheral neuropathy will worsen.

2. Exercise. Exercise helps increase circulation and stimulates the growth of new vessels which help slow the progression of the neuropathy. Exercising also helps to increase your pain threshold and to provide a distraction from the nerve pain in your feet.

3. Eat healthy. Besides helping to control your blood sugar, eating a wide variety of fruits and vegetables will add anti-oxidants to your diet. Anti-oxidants will combat the damaging oxidative effects glucose has on your nerves. In particular, try dark-green, leafy vegetables, yellow, orange, and red fruits and vegetables, citrus fruits and tomatoes.

4. Try red pepper powder. Capsaicin is the active ingredient in chile peppers. When applied to the feet it acts as a counter-irritant and can help decrease neuropathic pain. Capsaicin can be purchased at your local drug store. If you cannot afford capsaicin, try mixing 1 tablespoon of dry chile powder with 2 tablespoons of baby powder. Place the mixture in a sock and use the socks at night.

5. Try alpha lipoic acid. ALA is an effective anti-oxidant that has been shown to relieve pain associated with neuropathy in multiple studies. To help relieve pain, the dose must be at least 600mg a day. It is advisable to start with a lower dose, as higher doses can cause nausea, stomach upset, fatigue, insomnia and can lower blood sugar. In general, ALA is a safe supplement.

6. Try gamma linolenic acid. GLA is an essential fatty acid found in evening primrose oil. Many indications require higher dosages, but side effects with long term use at higher doses may include inflammation, thrombosis (blood clots), or decreased immune system functioning.

Treating painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy is very difficult and many of the above mentioned therapies should be tried and combined.

what are types of Diabetes Mellitus. Diabetes is classified into 3 types.
1-Type 1 Diabetes
2-Type 2 Diabetes
3-Gestational Diabetes

Here we will discuss one by one all three types of diabetes.

Type 1 Diabetes:

Type 1 diabetes is also called Juvenile Diabetes, Insulin dependent diabetes or Autoimmune Diabetes. Person with type 1 diabetes has immune response against his own beta cells of pancreas, so pancreas is unable to produce insulin at-all.That is why it is called as autoimmune diabetes. Juvenile diabetes usually occurs in children but can appear at any age. To live normal life patient has to take insulin and take regular exercise and has proper diet plan. The main cause of this type 1 diabetes are environmental factors like virus, diet or chemicals in people genetically predisposed. In USA 10-15% diagnosed cases of diabetes mellitus comprises of type 1 diabetes. Symptoms of type 1 diabetes are increase urination, increase thirst, increase hunger and weight loss. Eyes may also be affected as blurred vision. The person with type 1 diabetes should be diagnosed earlier, otherwise it can lead to a medical emergency situation like diabetic Coma with kitoacidosis.

Type 2 Diabetes:

Type 2 Diabetes is also called as Non Insulin dependent diabetes Mellitus or Adult-onset diabetes.This is most common type of diabetes affecting nearly 80% of all cases of diabetes. It is usually seen in adults. There are two mechanisms of type 2 diabetes. Either there is deficiency of insulin, or there is increase resistance of insulin. Insulin resistance means that body is unable to use available insulin.The main cause of this type of diabetes is genetic however other factors like overweight, obesity, high blood pressure, lack of exercise, overeating habits may also affect.About 80% of people with type 2 diabetes are overweight. Symptoms of type 2 diabetes in-contrast to type 1 develop very slowly. There may be fatigue, weight loss, increase urination, blurred vision or delay wound healing.This type of diabetes is treated with exercise, diet control, tablets. However later, you may need insulin injections as well.

Gestational Diabetes:

Some women who develop diabetes during later stages of pregnancy is called as Gestational diabetes. Though their glucose levels returns to normal but even then they have greater chances of developing diabetes mellitus within next 5 to 10 years. Women with gestational diabetes may have no symptoms at all. The cause of gestational diabetes is hormonal imbalance during pregnancy or insufficient Insulin. Child of women who develops gestational diabetes is also at high risk of developing diabetes in later life. Maintaining normal body weight and being physically active may help prevent development of type 2 diabetes mellitus in a patient of gestational diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes, or Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (IDDM), is a disease characterized by "auto-destruction" of the pancreatic beta cells that produce insulin. Overtime, your body silently destroys these cells creating an insulin deficiency. IDDM appears to stem from an inherited defect in the immune system, triggered by some environmental stimuli. The exact cause of the disease is still unknown; however, scientists have isolated a few factors that may be related to development of the disease. The purpose of this review is to provide insight on where research is headed and what we already know about the progression of IDDM.

Genetics
Recent mapping of the human genome has opened many areas to explore in the field of diabetes research. Animal models and large population studies have led to some possible genetic links. The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) on chromosome 6 is a regulator of immune response because it recognizes "self" and "not-self" things in the body. If something is seen as foreign, the MHC will stimulate antibody production. Genes encoded on the MHC are associated with IDDM, particularly the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class II alleles, DQ and DR (1). Although the HLA-DQ locus appears to be the best single marker for susceptibility among Caucasians, at least 40% of family-related diabetes cases have combinations of both DQ and DR alleles (2,3). DQ and DR alleles are almost always found together on a chromosome and the risk is associated with them not being in equilibrium. Many combinations have been documented, some showing both increased and decreased susceptibility, however it has been difficult to determine the contribution of HLA-DQ independent of DR. The insulin gene region at chromosome 11 is also associated with IDDM risk.

Studies conducted in the 1970's established an HLA association and contribution of IDDM while comparing siblings with the disease (4,5,6). When comparing the relationship between family members, results are inconsistent. Current estimates suggest that HLA is 40-50% related to genes passed down by family members (7,5). The risk of developing IDDM for a twin of someone who already has the disease is about 70%, and this rises depending on the specific HLA alleles that the twins share (8). When comparing the risk of developing the disease for first-degree relatives vs. the US population, the risk is 1/20 and 1/300, respectively (1). Research in the area of HLA has been extremely difficult. Definitive answers cannot be drawn because not everyone holding these "susceptible" genes develops IDDM. Actually, less than 10% of genetically susceptible individuals progress to diabetes, implying that other factors are responsible for progression of the disease. Researchers have explored these other factors, particularly environmental factors such as early introduction of cow's milk, dysregulation of the gut immune system, viral infections, drinking water and a number of others.

Cow's Milk
Several population studies have found a link between exposure to cow's milk and increased risk for IDDM in genetically susceptible individuals. A few studies have also shown an increased risk for infants exposed to cow's milk or cow's milk based formulas within the first 3 months, and also later in life. It has been found that infants fed cow's milk had increased levels of bovine insulin anti-bodies compared to those that were breast-fed (9,10,11). Bovine insulin is found in the milk of cows. The antibodies binding to bovine insulin appear to cross-react with human insulin (9,10). Bovine insulin is considered immunogenic because it differs from human insulin by 3 amino acids.

Insulin-specific antibodies (ISA), those specific for IDDM, and increased T cell levels from exposure to cow's milk have been found in those carrying diabetes associated HLA risk alleles. Of all the studies to date however, levels of insulin binding antibodies seem to decrease as the child approaches 9-18 months. This suggests that the infant is building a tolerance to dietary antigens (12). However, Vaarala et al. discovered that infants who developed ISA's, also had increased levels of bovine insulin antibodies, suggesting that insulin specific immune responses in children prone to develop autoimmunity cannot be prevented (12). Other studies have found bovine insulin antibody levels to decrease when human insulin was presented in the body.

Early weaning (2-3 months) from breast milk has been shown to increase the risk for IDDM. Maternal milk contains colostrum, a light fluid that contains a variety of protective factors for the infant. Infants have an immature and easily penetrable gut system allowing food, in this case cow's milk, to easily cross into the bloodstream. The gut system works in one of two ways: it will either accept (build tolerance to) or reject (develop immunity to) food and its dietary components (13). Several cow's milk proteins have been shown to be related to IDDM such as bovine albumin, beta-lactoglobulin, and beta casein (14,15,16)

A study by Karjalainen et al. in 1992 was conducted to assess whether bovine serum albumin (BSA) was a trigger for IDDM (14). Researchers measured the levels of anti-BSA and anti-ABBOS (specific part of the albumin protein) antibodies in the serum of children with newly diagnosed IDDM, children without IDDM, and blood donors' (14). Antibodies that react to the ABBOS also react with a beta cell surface protein that may represent a target for autoimmune attack (14). All children in the study with IDDM had the highest amount of both antibodies, especially ABBOS, compared to the children without IDDM and blood donors' (14). Antibody levels declined after one or two years of exposure to cow's milk (14). This suggests that albumin has a section that is capable of reacting with "beta-cell specific surface proteins", which could contribute to islet cell dysfunction because of molecular mimicry (14). What is molecular mimicry?

When an antigen is present in the body, T cells latch onto a short segment, consisting of about 10 amino acids. T cells then present the antigen to macrophages that engulf it and break it down into smaller protein fragments. The macrophages bring the fragments to the cell surface where capable T cells can bind to it. This activates the T cells, leading to stimulation in other areas to attack all proteins with similar amino acid segments. Bovine serum albumin has a short amino acid sequence similar to a beta cell surface receptor ICA69 (17) and beta casein shares a similar sequence with a glucose transporter. If molecular mimicry occurs here, then presentation of BSA or beta casein in the body would lead to autoimmune destruction.

Contrary to Karjalainen et al.'s study, Vaarala et al. found no association with BSA, but did find an increased risk for newly diagnosed IDDM with beta-lactoglobulin, another cow's milk protein (15). A study conducted by Cavallo et al. found an association with increased risk of newly diagnosed IDDM with beta casein, another milk protein (16). However, no differences were noted with BSA and other proteins assessed (16). Despite these conflicting results, it does appear that some form of "cross-reactivity" may occur with cow's milk proteins and islet-cell antigens, leading to "auto-attack" of the beta cells.

The role of cow's milk related to IDDM is not clear. The hypothesis of molecular mimicry has been questioned. Few studies have found a link between cellular immunity to BSA and IDDM. A recent study found that reactivities to beta casein were similar between newly diagnosed individuals with IDDM, their immediate relatives without the disease, and non-related healthy subjects. One confounding factor of the previous study was the lack of appropriately matched subjects, because researchers failed to use HLA matched relatives. Also, when comparing breast-feeding vs. cow milk formula, it is unclear at what point there is an increased risk, as well as the actual amount needed to induce an immune response. Despite all of the evidence presented here, exposure to cow's milk and risk for IDDM is only suggestive because the exact cause is unknown (18).

Viral Infections
Viral infections have been considered to be "more" responsible for diabetes development, than milk proteins. Identifying the exact virus responsible has been extremely daunting for several reasons. Individuals are exposed to many viral infections within their lifetime. Although IDDM is primarily a juvenile disease, by the time the disease is diagnosed, children have been exposed to many viruses. Thus, pinpointing the exact one would be every difficult, if not impossible to link. Another problem is that immunological damage often occurs after the virus is gone, leaving no trace of the virus responsible. However, large population studies, as well as human and mice studies, have led to some possible viruses responsible.

Coxsackie B Virus
Coxsackie B virus is an enterovirus, a virus part of a group of picornaviruses, related to those that cause polio. Several studies have found that after or with exposure to Coxsackie B that individuals developed IDDM. Also, large population studies have found antibodies against the virus in children with newly diagnosed IDDM. Coxsackie B viruses have been isolated from the pancreas in children who have developed IDDM very rapidly. Plus, inducing certain mouse strains with the virus has caused these mice to develop the disease.

Molecular mimicry has been postulated in the case of Coxsackie B virus. The virus increases the expression of an enzyme GAD in the pancreas. GAD is a highly potent autoantigen of the autoimmune response in humans and mice models. Coxsackie B and GAD share a similar sequence that may lead to cross reactivity.

Other, but not limited to, factors that may be responsible for Coxsackie B and IDDM are altered immune system regulation because of viral infection, altered memory of the T cells causing them to forget which are "self" and "not self" in the presence of viral infection, and persistent infection of the beta cells because of viral antigens expressed within them.

Although this all sounds promising, several other studies have not found conflicting results such as no difference in Coxsackie B antibodies between those with IDDM and those without it, along with no differences in prevalence and amount of antibodies responsible.

Rubella Virus
About 12-20% of fetal infected individuals with rubella will develop diabetes within 5-20 years (19,20). In some adults, development of diabetes has occurred after infection with rubella. Although this poses a threat to genetically susceptible individuals, vaccination programs have decreased the amount of rubella cases.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
There have been individual case reports of children developing IDDM after exposure to CMV. There have been recent studies done showing that newly diagnosed individuals with IDDM were recently exposed to CMV. It has been suggested that molecular mimicry may be partly responsible because CMV proteins share a resemblance with a protein in the islet cells of the pancreas. Pak et al. discovered that about 20% of individuals with IDDM have CMV DNA in the islet cells (21). Despite all this evidence however, a large Swedish study found no correlation between CMV infection and risk for IDDM (22). Besides all of this, vaccinations against the virus have lowered the prevalence of CMV infections.

Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)
Individual cases have been noted where those infected with EBV develop diabetes. However, IDDM development as a result of EBV infection is probably not responsible for the disease in the majority of subjects. Little research and single cases are not enough to consider this a major cause.

Other Viruses
There have been reports of individuals developing IDDM after exposure to influenza, hepatitis A, varicella zoster, mumps, measles, rotavirus, polio, and Coxsackie A virus.

Other Environmental Factors
Recent studies have found a positive association between zinc levels in drinking water and protection against diabetes. Magnesium levels in tap water have been shown to be related to diabetes protection as well, however conflicting evidence resides with this. The protections that zinc may provide is unclear. Despite possible relationships with heavy metals and diabetes, more research must be done to ascertain the actual relationship.

Of all the evidence presented here, researchers have been unable to find the exact cause for development of IDDM. What we do know is that genetically susceptible individuals have an increased risk for diabetes. As displayed here, researchers have located genes that seem to predispose individuals to diabetes. Genes are not enough however, because not everyone who has these genes develops diabetes. Environmental factors are another part of the picture. Whether it is milk proteins, viral infections, or impaired gut function, those with genetic susceptibility tend to develop the disease after exposure to these. Identifying which factor is responsible has been difficult because exact mechanisms of the body are still unclear and tests to determine these things may not be specific or have not yet been developed. Plus, isolating one factor is not reasonable because there are a lot of overlaps in immune functions and genetics. All in all, research is headed in the right direction, but for now there is still no known cause for IDDM.

References

1. Gottlieb MD, P.A., Eisenbarth MD, Ph.D., G.S. Diagnosis and Treatment of Pre-Insulin Dependent Diabetes. Annual Review of Medicine. 1998; 49: 397-405. 2. Nepom G.T. Immunogenics and IDDM. Diabetes Review. 1993; 1: 93-103. 3. Pugliese A, Eisenbarth G.S. Human Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: Genetic Susceptibility and Resistance. In Type 1 Diabetes: Molecular, Cellular, and Clinical Immunology, ed. G.S. Eisenbarth, K.J. Lafferty. New York: Oxford University Press. 1996; pp. 4. 134-152. 5. Singal DP, Blajchman MA. Histocompatibility (HL-A) Antigens, Lymphocytotoxic Antibodies and Tissue Antibodies in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus. Diabetes. 1973; 22: 429-432 6. Thomsen M, Platz P, Andersen OO et al. MLC Typing in Juvenile Diabetes Mellitus and Idiopathic Addisons Disease. Transplant Review. 1975; 22: 125-147 7. Nerup J, Platz P, Andersen OO et al. HLA Antigens and Diabetes Mellitus. Lancet. 1974; ii: 864-866. 8. Risch N. Assessing the Role of HLA-Linked and Unlinked Determinants of Disease. American Journal of Human Genetics. 1987; 40: 1-14. 9. Verge C.F., Gianani R, Yu L, et al. Late Progression to Diabetes and Evidence for Chronic Beta Cell Autoimmunity in Identical Twins of Patients with Type 1 Diabetes. Diabetes. 1995; 44:1176-1179. 10. Vaarala O, et al. Cow Milk Feeding Induces Antibodies to Insulin in Children-A Link Between Cow Milk and Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus? Scandinavian Journal of Immunology. 1998; 47: 131-135. 11. Vaarala O, et al. Cow Milk Feeding Induces Primary Immunization to Insulin in Infants at Genetic Risk for Type 1 Diabetes. Diabetes. 1999; 48: 1389-1394. 12. Paronen J, et al. The Effect of Cow Milk Exposure and Maternal Type 1 Diabetes on Cellular and Humoral Immunization to Dietary Insulin in Infants at Genetic Risk for Type 1 Diabetes. Diabetes. 2000; 49: 1657-1665. 13. Vaarala O, et al. Cow's Milk Formula Feeding Induces Primary Immunization to Insulin in Infants at Genetic Risk for Type 1 Diabetes. Diabetes. 2000; 49(10):1657-1665. 14. Strobel S, Mowat A. Immune Responses to Dietary Antigens: Oral Tolerance. Immunology Today. 1998; 19: 173-181. 15. Karjalainen J, et al. A bovine albumin peptide as a possible trigger of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. New England Journal of Medicine. 1992; 327(5):302-307. 16. Vaarala O, et al. Cellular Immune Response to Cow's Milk B-lactoglobulin in Patients with Newly Diagnosed IDDM. Diabetes. 1996; 45: 178-182. 17. Cavallo M.G., et al. Cell-Mediated Immune Response to B Casein in Recent-Onset Insulin-Dependent Diabetes: Implications for Disease Pathogenesis. Lancet. 1996; 348: 926-928. 18. Virtanen S.M., et al. Cow's Milk Consumption, HLA-DQB1 Genotype, and Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus. A Nested Case-Control Study of Siblings of Children with Diabetes. Diabetes. 2000; 49: 912-917. 19. Vaarala O. The Gut Immune System and Type 1 Diabetes. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences. 2002; 958: 39-46. 20. Menser M.A., et al. Rubella Infection and Diabetes Mellitus. Lancet. 1978; 1: 57-60. 21. McIntosh E.D., et al. A Fifty-Year Follow Up of Congenital Rubella. Lancet. 1992; 340: 414-415. 22. Pak C.Y., et al. Association of Cytomegalovirus Infection with Autoimmune Type 1 Diabetes. Lancet. 1988; 2: 1-4. 23. Ivarsson S.A., et al. The Prevalence of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus at Follow-Up of Swedish Infants Congenitally Infected with Cytomegalovirus. Diabetes Medicine. 1993; 10: 521-523. Chris Theberge is the founder of the Nutrition and Food Web Archive, NutriWeb Designs, and Dietitian Designs. Visit http://www.nafwa.org for free nutrition and food-related resources.

Discussed in this article:

1) The Quiet Crisis Within Diabetes.
2) A Hidden Danger of Diabetes.
3) Are Physicians Aware Of This Danger?
4) Does Depression Cause Diabetes?
5) The Formation of Depression Post-Hypnotic Suggestions.
6) Summary
5) Next Issue Highlights.

The Quiet Crisis Within Diabetes

Depression is a 'quiet crisis' facing diabetics, their families and their health care providers. Financially and emotionally this crisis is exacting a terrible cost.

The purpose of this and following articles is to share important information about depression and how a hypnotist can responsibly and effectively help a diabetic with depression. This assistance will help to improve a diabetic's life by (a) reducing the suffering from this painful state of mind and being and (b) thus enhance their diabetes management skills which will therefore result in a state of enhanced health.

Bear in mind the importance of your contribution as a hypnotist. You can make an incredible difference because even a small reduction in a diabetic's long term blood sugar levels can result in a marked decrease in the likelihood of diabetic complications.

A Hidden Danger of Diabetes

A largely unknown hence, hidden danger of diabetes is that diabetics have twice the risk of non-diabetics for becoming depressed. Dr. Richard Surwit of Duke University states that: "Diabetes more than doubles the odds of suffering from depression at some point. One third of people with diabetes have been diagnosed with significant depression and 11 percent with major depression--twice the rate in the non-diabetic population (1)."

What is obvious and yet, not really obvious about the preceding statement is that being diagnosed with a major disease is traumatic. This, in and of itself, can lead to depression--never mind all the other contributing factors that are related to diabetes and depression.

For example, a contributing factor to depression in a diabetic can be their physiological state. As noted by Dr. Surwit, there is research indicating that high blood sugars cause biochemical changes in the brain that can lead to depression. (2)

Are Physician's Aware Of This Danger?

Physicians by and large, are extremely busy and the demands on them are greater than most can imagine. It is no wonder that many of them are simply not aware that their diabetic clients are two times more likely to suffer from depression. If they knew this, they would probably be more likely to refer their diabetic clients with poor blood sugar control to someone who could help.

When appropriate, a hypnotist can help in key ways because a hypnotist is trained to be a motivational coach and stress management consultant. One way a trained hypnotist can help a depressed person with diabetes will be explained later in this article. But first, let's look at an important question.

Does Depression Cause Diabetes?

This is an important question for many reasons. Probably one of the more compelling reasons to deeply consider this idea is because, if true to some degree, then it begs this question: Wouldn't the validity of this concept make the majority of treatment efforts inappropriate and/or ineffective to some degree? Consider the plight of many frustrated nurses and doctors who will attest that no matter what they do for their patients, nothing seems to work.

This statement is not meant to denigrate in any way the efforts of so many. It is meant to highlight the importance of timely consideration of the depression-diabetes connection before the cost for all concerned becomes not only debilitating, but also tragically unnecessary.

Consider this: Evidence, that will be discussed shortly, shows there is a strong connection between depression and diabetes. This is important because, unless diabetes treatment programs are sculpted to target a largely unaddressed cause and exacerbating feature of diabetes, many of those at risk will only become worse. Those at risk include person's with pre-diabetes as well as those with diabetes.

This pragmatic approach also prompts one to think about the idea that perhaps with re-targeted treatment methods, many of those with diabetes may actually experience a remission of symptoms. And, dwell on the idea of how many may be able to avoid developing diabetes.

Bear with me a moment while I explain. Untreated depression in those with diabetes is a personal tragedy for all family members but most especially children. I state this because children have no coping skills to handle the emotional burden of a depressed and diabetic parent.

Imagine being a child helplessly watching your mother (as in my case) being slowly, inexorably, taken apart emotionally and physically by the deadly combination of poorly controlled diabetes and untreated depression.

It is because of this searing pain that I am driven to reach whomever I can with my Diabetes Motivational Coaching TM training so that perhaps some little boy somewhere doesn't have to watch his mother go blind emotionally and physically.

I realize this may sound disingenuous or dramatic to some and I understand but I make no apologies because it is true. In fact, my feelings go far deeper than what I have communicated here. You see, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree and now that hypnosis has helped me to put my life on a previously undreamed of healthy course, my motivation is intensified because I think so many times: "What if my mother had been able to have access to these methods? How much better would her life be now?"

Now, to tie all this in to my point that perhaps an innovative approach can actually prevent diabetes: The challenge with current diabetic treatments is that no amount of chemical management (including anti-depressants as well as insulin, etc.) will ever ameliorate this significant cause of diabetes. (Depression) This is because these treatments do not address the root of the problem. Furthermore, no amount of medication given to one individual will ever prevent another from developing diabetes.

The last point seems odd until you consider a landmark Swedish study (3) in which it was discovered that there is a disturbingly high correlation between traumatic childhood life events (4) and diabetes-related auto-immune activity. This study involved 17,000 children born between 1997 and 1999. One of many conclusions in this study is that: "Experiences of serious life events (e.g., parental separation, serious illness, or death in the family) has been suggested to trigger type 1 diabetes(5) or the auto-immune process behind the disease.(6)"

An additional interesting point to take away from the preceding considerations is that current treatment programs treat one person. Limited efficacy and high cost. However, if a patient were to receive Diabetes Motivational Coaching TM then more than one person can receive the positive benefits because a healthier, non-depressed diabetic parent is less likely to have a precipitating influence on their child. Two for the price of one. A win-win situation from so many angles. Obviously more study is required but the premise is intriguing and the evidence it is based on is reasonably sound.

Another win-win benefit of appropriate, innovative treatment is that the exacerbating (and ultimately very costly) effects of depression on those with diabetes can likely be reduced or eliminated.

So, what can a properly trained hypnotist do? One key way a properly trained hypnotist can help is to reduce or eliminate depression in an individual (diabetic or not) by helping them to eliminate depression activating post-hypnotic suggestions.

The Formation of Depression Activating Post-Hypnotic Suggestions
A post-hypnotic response is a cause-effect belief program that powerfully dictates behavior. Another way to look at this is that when a specific stimulus becomes uniquely associated with a strong internal state, you have a post-hypnotic suggestion and effect. (stimulus/response)

For example, the physical lethargy and mental apathy that accompanies very high (or low) blood sugars can be a contributing factor to inappropriate cause-effect belief formation. To illustrate, let me share with this case: Shortly before I was diagnosed with diabetes, my cognitive functions were significantly reduced and my affect was severely depressed.

In layman's terms this means I felt like garbage due primarily to out of control blood sugar levels that were causing me to lose my vision as well as feel awful. (What is interesting to note is that diabetes and its attendant emotional/physical affects can go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed for years.)

Now, when a person has a strong emotional feeling, that affect state can then become associated with whatever situation and/or thoughts they are currently experiencing. I.E., uncontrolled diabetic consequences coupling with a relationship break-up, a job loss or any other stressful situation. These are common events but note that even a small, insignificant incident can also be implicated. This confluence of events is called an I.S.E. or Initial Sensitizing Event. (Please note that, as in the case of many phobias, some initial sensitizing events can have a profound post-hypnotic impact after only one learning event.)

The next stage in deepening the power of this erroneous belief programming occurs when a person is next exposed to the same stimuli that were initially associated with a powerful, negative state of mind.

The result? Generally, with enough repetition and enough time, feelings can become facts cognitively and physically. And then, a pseudo-depression cycle is perpetuated.

As a quick illustration imagine a large spider near your foot. Now, if you are a person who becomes upset when big, hairy spiders with lots of eyes and big fangs are near you, then your body will respond to some degree.

Now, imagine being unconsciously reminded (triggered or post-hypnotically influenced) to thinking and therefore feeling, many times a day that there is a nasty spider about to crawl up your leg. Ultimately, this could become a panic disorder that can even attach itself to unrelated objects and/or events. In fact, this is not uncommon.

Hopefully, this example will help to illustrate why I call it pseudo-depression. I do this because the belief syllogism is: "I feel depressed (like garbage) therefore there must be reasons."

And, when feelings happen, a person must make sense out of their world. So, they justify this unconscious, powerful, emotional experience with a conscious understanding that usually takes the form of inappropriate cause-effect associations. I.E., "I am feeling depressed because of my job--spouse--life--" or whatever seemingly reasonable explanation is available.

In other words, one's feelings of depression can be in part or whole, built on erroneous beliefs or, post-hypnotic suggestions. Therefore, all a depressed person may need are the tools and coaching in order to be able to disable erroneous cause-effect belief programs.

To finalize this point, please consider a quote from Breaking The Patterns of Depression, by Michael D. Yapko, Ph.D.:
"For most people, depression is the product of a hurtful way of interpreting and responding to life experiences."

Summary

In this article I have attempted to share information that will raise awareness on a number of different levels. If you are a person with diabetes and you are hitting a 'wall', consult with your physician to discover whether or not you have depression.

If you are a nurse or physician and you have patients who don't seem to want to take care of themselves, then perhaps there are hidden forces at work. And, there are alternatives that you may not have been aware of before now.

If you are a hypnotist and you wish to help those with diabetes, please remember four things:

1) You must always obtain a fully informed referral from your client's doctor. If you suspect your client is depressed, never diagnose. In fact, if you think they are depressed, it is incumbent upon you that you suggest they see their physician for an official assessment before you can help them further. Be sure to obtain an additional referral so that you can help them appropriately with their depression if your help is suitable. If you feel you cannot help, don't.

2) Should a physician or nurse, have time to chat with you, please remind them that if you are only allowed one approach to helping their patient, stress management alone can produce incredible blood sugar lowering benefits over time. This is attested to by an article in a January, 2002 issue of Diabetes Care in which a study done by Dr. Surwit shows that: "stress management techniques, when added to standard care, helped reduce glucose levels". Surwit notes also that: "The change is nearly as large as you would expect to see from some diabetes-control drugs".

3) By acting in a responsible manner as part of your client's health care team, you can in your way, make a big difference, even if only by reducing stress. Please note that stress is a contributing factor to depression. Therefore, as your client is reducing their stress levels they may also experience a reduction in depression. This will in turn create a need for your client to reduce their diabetic medication needs . This is because there is evidence that a reduction in depressive symptoms correlates with a reduction in blood sugar. This was demonstrated in a study conducted by Patrick Lustman, a psychologist at Washington State University School of Medicine in St. Louis.

4) Finally, before helping a person with diabetes or depression, you really need to know a great deal about both subjects.

In the next article, we will discuss several things:

1) More Ways A Hypnotist Can Responsibly Help.
2) When A Hypnotist Should Never Help.
3) The Depression-Diabetes-Pain Connection.
4) Additional Interesting Ideas and Studies.

Thank you for reading this article. It is greatly appreciated and I welcome comments.

Warm Regards,

Devin Hastings

REFERENCES AND AUTHOR INFORMATION BELOW

1. The Mind/Body Diabetes Revolution, Richard S. Surwit, Ph.D. Page 43
2. Ibid. Page 44
3. Psychological Stress May Induce Diabetes-Related Autoimmunity in Infancy --Anneli Sepa, PhD; Jeanette Wahlberg, MD; Outi Vaarala, MD, PHD; Ann Frodi, PhD; Johnny Ludvigsson, MD, PHD
4. Ed. Note: It is fascinating to note that in 1684, English physician and anatomist, Thomas Willis wrote that diabetes was the result of "sadness, or long sorrow." Apparently like DaVinci, he was ahead of his time.
5. Hägglöf B, Blom L, Dahlquist G, Lönnberg G, Sahlin B: The Swedish childhood diabetes study: indications of severe psychological stress as a risk factor for type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus in childhood. Diabetologia 34:579-583, 1991
6. Thernlund GM, Dahlquist G, Hansson K, Ivarsson SA, Ludvigsson J, Sjöblad S, Hägglöf B: Psychological stress and the onset of IDDM in children. Diabetes Care 18:1323-1329, 1995

AUTHOR INFORMATION:

Devin Hastings is the owner of MindBody Hypnosis and the founder of the Diabetes Research Association of America. Devin was going blind from diabetes in 1992. He has since regained 20/20 vision using hypnosis and other mind/body methods. To learn more please visit either: http://www.MBH4U.com or http://www.draa.NET Thank you