Ultimately as a person living with diabetes, the goal is to have blood sugar levels within the target range of 70-130 mg/dL.

A lot of times this may require frequent monitoring of blood sugars. This is where I usually encounter a lot of resistance from my patients. They complain that testing their sugars several times a day is painful. Also that the test strips cost a lot of money. Or that because of their work schedule they just don't have the time.

I found that the more I argued with them about this, the more resistant some patients became. In fact some even stopped coming in as scheduled. They would stretch out their appointments. So instead of coming in every three months, they made it twice a year.

Now that can be harmful as it is a surefire way to develop complications related to diabetes!

So I had to get creative with that segment of my patients that just were not going to check their blood sugars consistently.

Well here are three strategies that I came up with. For the most part they ended up being about compromise. Which I think is something that is very important if you are committed to living powerfully.

STRATEGY NUMBER ONE - ALTERNATE FASTING BLOOD SUGARS LEVELS WITH POST-PRANDIAL LEVELS

This is by far my favorite strategy.

This is how it works:

On a calendar, divide the month into odd-numbered and even-numbered days.

On odd-numbered days of the month, check your fasting blood sugar level.

On even-numbered days, check your post-prandial sugar levels. Try to vary the times that you check your post-prandial levels. For instance on one day check the levels after breakfast. The next time after lunch. At another time after dinner.

This is a great way to get a general view of how your sugars run during different times of the day. And not test more than once a day.

Remember to label the times that you check your sugars so that your doctor can understand the trend. I find that certain machines, like the Accucheck One Touch Ultra has a feature that allows labeling the blood sugars also. Check your machine to see whether you can do this.

STRATEGY NUMBER TWO - CHECK POST-PRANDIAL BLOOD SUGAR LEVELS OVER THE WEEKEND

Here is when I would recommend this strategy:

For the most part there are two types of blood sugar levels that determine how well controlled a type 2 diabetic is.

The fasting blood sugar level - the blood sugar level first thing in the morning. The target range for the fasting blood sugar is 70-130 mg/dL.

The second level is the post-prandial blood sugar level. This is the blood sugar level that is taken 2 hours after a meal. The level should be less than 140 mg/dL.

Diabetes type 2, is well controlled when both the fasting blood sugars levels and the post-prandial levels are within the target range.

Let's say I have a person who cannot check their post-prandial levels during the week due to their work schedule. I then encourage them to check the fasting levels during the week. And then over the weekend, focus only on checking their post-prandial levels.

They can do this by alternating post-prandial levels between breakfast, lunch and dinner over the 3 days.

STRATEGY NUMBER THREE - CHECK YOUR BLOOD SUGAR LEVELS FOR TWO WEEKS BEFORE YOUR SCHEDULED DOCTOR VISIT

I only bring out this strategy when I am pushed to the wall. Literally I am begging a patient to work with me.

There is nothing more frustrating than not having an idea about how the blood sugars are running in between visits. It is like shooting in the dark. You get a blood test result that is high, but you have no idea how to go about correcting it.

As I tell my type 2 diabetes patients, on average they get to see their primary care physician between three to four times per year for routine diabetes care. What happens the remaining 361 days is left in their hands.

If you take blood sugars consistently for even two weeks before an office visit. And when combined with the hemoglobin A1C. Most times it is much easier to spot the problem.

WHY IT IS IMPORTANT TO CHECK BOTH THE FASTING AND POST-PRANDIAL BLOOD SUGAR LEVELS:

In an earlier article I shared some important numbers that a person living with diabetes needs to know. One of those numbers is the A1C. This is also known as the glycosylated hemoglobin. The target range for the A1c is less than 6.5- 7%. In order to achieve that goal, the fasting blood sugars are within the target range of 70-130 mg/dL. The post-prandial levels also have to be consistently less than 140 mg/dL two hours after a meal.

If your A1C is high, then by keeping a log of the blood sugars, you will be able to pinpoint the problem.

For instance, if the fasting blood sugars levels are within normal range. But the post-prandial levels are high. Then perhaps you need to adjust portion sizes.

Are your fasting levels are running high? It may be that the evening medications need to be adjusted. Or that a late night needs to be cut out. Sometimes this may even mean that the nighttime medications may need to be cut down. But your physician needs to see your glucose log. So that they can target the problem. And create a customized plan for you.

START TODAY TO CHECK YOUR BLOOD SUGAR LEVELS

Perhaps you are a newly diagnosed diabetic. Or even if you have had diabetes for some time. But just never thought it important to check your blood sugars. Let's start out fresh.

Review the instructions of your glucometer. If you do not understand how to use it then check to see whether your local pharmacist can help you. If not call your doctor's office. And schedule a visit with the nurse. Most times they can help you. Most times the machines work the same way. A few have extra 'bells and whistles' attached to them.

Just as I share in my upcoming e- book, two of the hallmarks of living a powerful life with type 2 diabetes is being committed and persistent. If you do, you will go a long way to living free of diabetes complications.

By Eno A. Nsima-Obot, MD

You can be a perfectly healthy individual anywhere in your 20's to 50's and still run into a bout of hemorrhoids occasionally. The key here to avoidance is Prevention. Change up your daily lifestyle by adding a few simple steps including moderate exercise and a few dietary changes and the ultimate reward will be no more painful unpleasant outbreaks of hemorrhoids.

    * Fiber Up! - preferably with fiber directly from nature. Fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grain products need to be a major portion of your daily diet. Supplement these only if more is needed with any of the many sources of supplements, powders and pre-mixed drinks found at many health food or local drug stores.

    * Another good option is to buy fresh flax seeds and grind them as needed, (stored ground flax seed loses its healthy qualities over time and tends to turn rancid rapidly). Always store the seeds in the refrigerator though. Any shelf-stable ground flax is full of chemical preservatives to keep it shelf stable. By ingesting this chemical cocktail you are negating all of your purpose at attempting a healthier lifestyle.

    * Low impact exercise (such as walking) for a minimum 10 minute period daily helps to keep your stool soft and moist (it speeds up the rate of flow which foods travel through your digestive tract) thus promoting quicker and easier elimination

    * Drink lots of water to stay hydrated. This not only aids every other body organ, it also manages to ease elimination by keeping your stool flowing fast and smooth.

    * Avoid excessive amounts of caffeine in most blends of coffee and teas, both regular and decaffeinated, most alcohols and excessive strong types of spice blends (hot peppers and cayenne peppers). Continuous digestion of all of these leads to dehydration and a build-up of inflammation in your body which aggravates the external skin tissues.

    * Desk jobs or couch potatoes need to learn to get up and move at least 3 to 5 minutes every hour. Prolonged sitting creates continuous pressure which is detrimental to the sensitive nerves and tissues, thus enabling hemorrhoids to develop and enlarge

    * Chill out! - or at least learn how to manage your stress levels daily. If you are a type A aggressive personality, all that self-imposed pressure upsets your digestive system by aggravating your nervous system, the control center for good digestion in the human body.

The Road To Recovery

But sometimes it's just too late for prevention and relief is all that's being sought instead. So start by trying a few of these natural therapies instead to jumpstart some much needed relief.

    * After every bowel movement plus up to 5 more times daily, wash the area down and then apply a "bath" of witch hazel with a cotton ball or tissue. This is an astringent which means it is going to burn and smart some on this sensitive skin but it does rapidly promote healing, thus relief.

    * For extreme cases, between cleansing sessions apply a thin film of aloe vera gel to further aid in healing and quieting the itch. Hydrocortisone creme or calendula cream can also be used in place of the aloe vera.

    * Take a warm bath or apply warm compresses to the area for at least 10 minutes every few hours. The warmth promotes the flow of blood and oxygen to the area which promotes faster healing.

    * For severe cases, check with your local health food store for an ayurvedic treatment gel known as Triphola. This remedy helps to tone and condition your lower GI tract which aids in better elimination, thus lessening your chances of hemorrhoids.

    * Two other herbs with sustained history of good relief for many people include Butcher's Broom (tightens the weakened blood vessels) and Horse Chestnut (this tones and tightens the weakened, distended veins and tissues.

    * Standard ibuprofen (Motrin and Advil etc) can be used, as directed on the bottle, for short-term pain and swelling relief while you are waiting for nature's remedies to offer your body some relief.

So, a few simple changes starting now in your daily diet and daily routine is all it takes to ward off any of the nasty sounding after-effects common with this inconvenient diabetic complication.

About The Author:Kathi Robinson
Hemorrhoidal relief, although uncomfortable, is actually just a disturbing inconvenience as a diabetic complication. Many other complications of diabetes can actually be life threatening. Please visit my site at http://www.allergy-and-diabetic-health.com/ for some help to navigate your way through the myriad of symptoms and finding some avenues to relief.

By Kathi Jo Robinson

By Beverleigh H Piepers

The Linus Pauling Institute states that coenzyme Q10 is a fat-soluble chemical compound which may be produced within your body, or may be ingested through your diet. In most cases, the endogenous production of co-enzyme Q10 and your diet is sufficient to meet the demands and needs of your body. However, there are special cases that may result in the decreased supply and level of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10).

The mitochondria of your cells is where energy is produced and it is here the most CoQ10 is contained. Powering up your cells' generators, the mitochondria, can:

* help you burn fat
* improve your cholesterol ratios
* raise your energy, and
* improve your thyroid and pancreatic function

Coenzyme Q10:

* serves as a very important compound that facilitates the production of adenosine triphosphate, the basic unit of energy within the mitochondria, the energy factory within each cell. Basic body processes and other body functions such as muscle contraction and production of body proteins require the presence of adenosine triphosphate
* may also act as an antioxidant. Antioxidants block the effect of free radicals, the active chemical compounds that may damage cell membranes, tamper gene coding within your cells and in worst cases, may even cause premature cell death. Free radicals are natural by-products of metabolism within the body. However, these harmful substances may also come from other sources such as environmental pollution, cigarette smoking, ionizing radiations and even inflammation
* is also important in boosting your body's energy. And it also plays a role in enhancing the body's immune system activity

Do statins lower the level of CoQ10?

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, statins... a group of anti-cholesterol medications, may decrease the levels of this very important antioxidant. The most common examples of statins include:

* atorvastatin (Lipitor)
* simvastatin (Zocor), and
* rosuvastatin (Crestor)

Statins are a group of special medications that decrease the level of blood cholesterol by inhibiting its synthesis. However, statins may also inhibit the production of coenzyme Q10 during this process.

Your blood sugar may also go up because of your cholesterol medication.

Can anti-diabetic medications also lower your body's supply of co-enzyme Q10?

The University of Maryland Medical Center confirms sulfonylureas, a group of antidiabetic medications, may decrease the supply of co-enzyme Q10. The examples of sulfonylureas include glipizide (Glucotrol), gliclazide (GenRx Gliclazide), and glimeperide (Amaryl). With the long-term use of these medications, the levels of CoQ10 also becomes chronically depleted resulting in an increased risk for heart problems and hypertension. Other symptoms that may result from a coenzyme Q10 deficiency include:

* gingivitis
* decreased activity of the immune system, and
* muscle pains and weakness

To correct a CoQ10 deficiency resulting from the intake of these medications, supplementation may be necessary according to the Linus Pauling Institute. Product labels will show ubiquinone, CoQ10, or coenzyme Q10... they are all exactly the same nutrient.

Dietary sources of CoQ10 include: sardines, mackerel, beef heart and liver, lamb, pork, and eggs. Vegetables include spinach and broccoli. Nuts and whole grains are also sources.

Diabetes is characterized by high blood sugar levels. It is a disease resulting from the mode of lifestyle one is living. It is takes a long time before recovery. For a person with type 1 diabetes, a diabetic diet, exercise and insulin is required. Type 1 diabetes is as a result of less than enough or sometimes zero production of insulin by the pancreas. This is why insulin injections are crucial to manage the diabetes disease. It affects people as early as from the childhood years.

Type 2 diabetes. It is as a result of too little insulin by the pancreas and low effectiveness of the insulin in the body. Treatment is supposed to increase the amount of insulin produced by the pancreas and increase the insulin's ability to work in the body. It should also reduce the amount of glucose produced and carbohydrates absorbed in the blood system. Type 2 diabetes is treated with drugs, weight reduction and exercise to increase effectiveness of the insulin in the body but when none of these seem to work, insulin is sometimes used.

A diabetes diet usually contains low fat, cholesterol and sugars. However, avoid foods with too much sugar such as sweet potatoes and some types of cereals. Try including green vegetables, soy and fish products in your diet. Uncooked vegetables, herbs, onions and garlic are good for stimulating insulin production hence managing the diabetes disease.

Before medication is provided factors such as the side effects, cost, complications and other conditions that might be important such as health conditions or pregnancy. High cost quality drugs are better than low quality cheap ones which might cause complications. Get a trusted physician to be prescribing and suggesting medication suitable for your health. Diabetes is more common with people who are obese as well as those used to sedentary lifestyles.
Other lifestyle practices that will make one more prone to getting the diabetes disease include oversleeping especially during the day, smoking and lack of exercise.

Emma Wanjiku is an experienced writer and publisher who focusses/reports on issues affecting you. Her research is based on aspects and topics of life that matter. She is a trained journalist. For daily health tips and fitness information, access her health site at http://www.emmalifetips.com

By Emma Wanjiku

Cells called osteoclasts break down bone while another type of cell, osteoblasts, build it up. The mechanism for bone remodeling is complex and not completely understood, but one of the molecules involved is sclerotin, which is thought to inhibit osteoblasts from doing their job.

Osteoporosis, or brittle bone disease, is responsible for bone fractures in both older people and people diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. Although diabetics tend to have less mineral mass in their bones than non-diabetics, mass is not the only factor affecting bone strength. The architecture of bones is as important as the mass, and the Study of Osteoporotic Fractures found that women with Type 2 diabetes had a higher rate of fracturing their hips, thighs, and feet than did non-diabetic women. Osteoporosis tends to be more common in diabetics with poorly controlled blood sugar levels, than in those with good control.

Researchers at the University Hospital of San Cecilio in Granada, Spain, guessed that sclerotin might be higher in uncontrolled diabetes than in healthy individuals and designed and carried out a study to test their idea.

This Study: Their study, published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, in October 2011, included 74 volunteers with Type 2 diabetes and 60 healthy participants. Sclerostin levels were significantly higher in diabetics than in non-diabetic participants. The highest levels of sclerostin were found to in those who had diabetes the longest, and in those who had the highest levels of hemoglobin A1c.

Studies are underway to treat osteoporosis by using antibodies against sclerotin. In the mean time, controlling Type 2 diabetes could be one way of keeping sclerotin within normal limits. With good diabetic control, your hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) should be 7 per cent or less.

Osteoporosis is a disease that often goes unrecognized until there is a fracture. Several tests are available to monitor bone density and architecture, and they should be discussed with your doctor. Type 2 diabetics sometimes fall because of:

    * neurological damage,
    * poor coordination,
    * poor sensation,
    * pain in the feet, and
    * poor eyesight...

all of which should be addressed to prevent bone fractures.

Getting enough calcium, vitamin D and exercise can all help to keep your bones strong. Take good care of your bones so they can take good care of you.

By Beverleigh H Piepers

What That Means To a Type 2 Diabetic

If diabetes and sleep dysfunction are connected, you need to find the causes of your sleep disturbance and what you can do about them. You don't have to resort to sleep medications, which have their own side effects and limitations. Many of the things suggested below came directly from sleep doctors, and they have worked.

Some Reasons Diabetes and Sleep Dysfunction Go Together

High blood sugar from worsening insulin resistance has been linked to the symptom of shortened sleep hours. That has led to the addition of short sleep time to the warning signs of prediabetes.

High and low blood sugars in type 2 diabetics disturb sleep. Grogginess after what should be more than sufficient sleep, and wakefulness at bedtime are two of the symptoms that often plague us if blood sugars are too high.

And low blood sugar pulls you out of sleep with sweating, shakes, anxiety attacks and blurred vision. Treating the low blood sugar and staying up to make sure the hypoglycemia does not return can mean an hour awake in the middle of the night.

Then there are the foot pains, muscle cramps from diuretics and neuropathy, and tingling and aching in hands and feet from diabetic paresthesias. These symptoms of diabetes make it hard to go to sleep and stay asleep.

Women who are type 2 diabetics and are going through menopause often have twice the problems with diabetes and sleep disturbance. Menopause changes already cause hot flashes and restless sleep, and if you add diabetic complications you have double trouble.

Blood sugar is harder to control in a type 2 diabetic who is not sleeping well. Lack of sleep adds stress, and chronic stress worsens the diabetic complications. In turn, diabetic complications worsen sleep, which worsens stress, and the cycle continues.

Breaking the Cycle of Diabetes and Sleep Dysfunction

Here are three natural substances that are known to promote sleep: melatonin, tryptophan and magnesium. Eating magnesium rich foods like almonds, seeds and whole grain snacks before bed can improve the quality of sleep.

Tryptophan is the enzyme in turkey that makes everyone sleepy after Thanksgiving Dinner. It is also found in watercress, soy protein, uncooked spinach, many seeds, and egg whites (in powdered form as well as raw).

Taking melatonin as a medication can be problematic, and it can't be done over a long period of time. Your body makes melatonin, and there is a way to boost its production. When you get up in the morning, simply expose yourself to sunlight for a few minutes.

Exercise Helps Both Diabetes and Sleep Dysfunction

One great way to get morning sunshine is to go for a walk outside. It will set your biological clock by the release of serotonin, the hormone that works with melatonin to signal your wake and sleep cycle. Melatonin release at night will be reinforced by simply adding a dose of sunshine when you wake up.

Add to that the benefit of exercise and you've done two things that will help you sleep better at night. Yes, exercise during the day helps you sleep at night. But confine vigorous exercise to at least two hours before bedtime.

The best kind of exercise to do near bedtime is stretching, deep breathing, meditative styles. They give you time to wind down before you try to sleep. There are websites that teach gentle yoga and progressive muscle relaxation techniques.

More Suggestions

Add a warm bath to your bedtime ritual. And if you watch TV in bed, quit. People who stop this habit improve their sleep almost immediately. Try aromatherapy with lavender next to the bed or under your pillow. It has been proven to aid onset and depth of sleep.

Try istening to calm and gentle music. Some people drink chamomile tea at night for its calming effect on their digestive system, but it's an herb that some are allergic to, so be sure you are not one of them before you try it.

Speaking of digestion, don't try to sleep right after a large or rich meal. Wait a little while before lying down. And don't use alcoholic drinks right before bed. Alcohol may relax you, but it disturbs sleep a few hours later when it leaves your brain, and that's something you don't want.

If you suffer from hot flashes and/or sweating at night, there's a pillow insert called a Chillow that helps keep your head cool. And if neuropathic discomfort wakes you, the over the counter anti-inflammatories like aspirin and ibuprofen can reduce foot and leg pain caused by diabetic complications.

Of course, if none of these things work for you, your doctor can offer you sleep, stress and pain medications by prescription. If you need them to help you break the cycle of diabetes and sleep dysfunction, and you are working to end insulin resistance and high blood sugar, you won't need medications forever.

Whatever helps you get on with the things that matter to you is what you need to do. It's your diabetic journey, and I wish you well.

Martha Zimmer invites you to visit her website and learn more about type 2 diabetes, its complications and how you can deal with them, as well as great tips for eating healthy that will make living with diabetes less painful.

Go to http://www.a-diabetic-life.com and find out what you can do to avoid many of the pitfalls of this life-changing condition, like paying for cures that don't work and spending money for things you could have gotten free. Martha has made the mistakes and done the research so you don't have to.

By Martha J Zimmer

By Chris Cifatte

When you are first diagnosed with diabetes, you may find yourself overwhelmed and scared. There are so many things that must be learned and you want to know everything right at once because diabetes can be deadly. One of the first things you should do is get a meter to test your blood sugar level. Don't run out and purchase one though. There are many ways to get a free diabetes meter and you should take advantage of them. As you may have a lifetime of controlling this disease, medical expenses can add up. Take advantage of every free offer you get.

With any glucose meter, including a free diabetes meter, you will need to insert a strip into the device. Once this is done, you will take a small drop of blood from either your fingertip or forearm and insert it into the device. This will then read your blood sugar level. Don't just take the first free device that is offered. Look for one that will allow you to store results in your device or download them to your computer. By having this information handy, both you and the doctor can evaluate the results and see if any changes need to be made to your treatment plan.

No one free diabetes meter is right for everyone though. The first thing you will need to do is look at the various meters that can be gotten for free. Research the different models and discuss which ones you think are best with your doctor. As he or she works with these meters on a daily basis and talks to patients about how they work, he would be a great person to make recommendations. Don't hesitate to ask other patients when you go in for a visit also. Most, if not all, will be willing to share their expenses with you.

One thing that must be checked with any glucose meter, including a free diabetes meter, is the accuracy. If your meter is inaccurate, you may use the wrong dosage of medication and your health can suffer. Be sure to have yours calibrated on a regular basis so you don't run into problems in the future. Try a free meter first though as you will most likely be pleased with what you get.

So - if you're headed out shopping for a free meter - pick your website carefully. Make sure you can opt out of future offers. And know you will have to provide personal information about your health insurance or medicare (no different than if you used your insurance to buy it somewhere else).

Here are a few suggestions:

Create a mini-support group: Talk to someone who has diabetes already if you want an empathetic ear. Maybe you would prefer to join a support group, or log onto a blog site. This will help you to fight the feelings of isolation that sometimes occurs when you first receive your diabetes diagnosis.

Ask your family to support you, not to act as the "food police." Ask them to give you positive feedback during your transition.

Plan out your meals: Getting caught without the healthy foods you need, when you need them, is the surest path to failure. With so many fast food establishments littering the roads it's far too easy to jump in the car and grab your lunch from a window.

Why not dedicate one day, preferably on the weekend, to make meals ahead of time and freeze them in individual servings. That way, it's just a matter of warming your meal up... that takes less time and is much easier than hitting the drive-thru; and considerably healthier!

Fortunately you do not need to start from scratch when developing your diabetes meal plan. There are several types of diabetes meal plans to choose from. The American Diabetes Association does not endorse one meal plan over another. Many Type 2 diabetics have successfully used the following popular meal plan methods:

    * the Plate Method
    * Exchange/Choice Lists
    * Carbohydrate counting
    * Food Pyramid
    * Calorie counting

Each of these methods help you to learn how to make healthy food choices and eat healthy portions.

Why not call your new diabetes meal plan just that? The word diet makes people feel they are doing without their favorite foods. Experiment with new foods and recipes to make changes more appealing.

Schedule snacks: These can be as equally important as your main meals. This is crucial for avoiding those dips in blood sugar between meals. When that happens, it's an invitation to "pig" out at your upcoming meal, which negates the idea of eating right. Keep healthy (key word here) snacks on hand and with you while you are out and about.

White stuff, bad... colors, good: Anything you can consume that is white is a "no-no" for a diabetic. That goes for sugar, bread, flour, shortening, pasta, rice and even potatoes. If it is white it means it has been stripped of most, if not all, of its nutritional value when it was "processed."

The more colored foods you can eat at a meal, the better off you will be. No, M&M's do not count! Colored fruits and vegetables are loaded with vital nutrients, minerals, and all the good stuff our bodies need, and crave. Many of these items are so healthy that you can load up on them, satisfy your hunger and still lose weight. Not bad, huh?

Food is a personal choice, and the choice is up to you.

Get moving: You have to get up and exercise in order to maximize the level of health you can achieve. Aerobics is, by far, the best kind of workout to start with because it is low impact, but burns a great number of calories (or kilojoules), at a time. Plus, it works the heart and gets the blood pumping, which increases circulation. That not only keeps arteries moving precious blood, but also much-needed oxygen.

When you start to lose weight through following a healthy eating plan, the odds are you will lose muscle mass... this is when many diabetics realize they need to start exercising. Resistance training and weight training could be added to your exercise program as you become stronger.

TV off... treadmill on: Sitting in front of the television is a recipe for disaster. If you are watching TV, chances are you aren't moving and you are eating or even drinking. Get up and go walking. Jump on the treadmill. Limited movement? Take a water aerobics class. Take Tai Chi, yoga, or step aerobics. Just get moving!

The time you put into caring for your body will be rewarded with a longer, healthier life.

By Beverleigh H Piepers

The one thing that people with diabetes struggle with is knowing which foods to stay away from. There are foods that are sugar based such as candy and ice cream that are easy to spot. Others that are rich in carbs can be a lot harder to detect. When you eat foods that are high in carbs they will turn to sugar in the body and cause your blood sugar numbers to be high. Make sure that you know which foods these are and try to avoid then if possible.

Having the right amount of nutrient is important for you to be healthy. Try to eat plenty of vegetables and low carb meats. These are meats that are not breaded with something. There are fruits that are typically lower in sugar such as strawberries that can be good to eat as well. The main focus is for you to create a diet plan that consist of foods that help you to keep your blood sugar levels in check. Make sure that these foods are ones that you like to eat. You want to stay on this diet and make it a way of life so eating foods that you enjoy eating make this much easier.

When you are shopping in your local store try to buy items that are naturally grown instead of processed. This is a good rule of thumb because most items that come from the ground are going to be better for you. They will have valuable nutrients for your health and will also help you to maintain your diabetes. Most processed foods are not as healthy for you and can contain carbohydrates that will only raise your blood sugar.

Remember that losing weight can have many heath benefits. The key to reaching your weight loss goals is finding a diet plan that you can stick with on a daily basis. You have to remember that with any plan you are going to have ups and downs but make sure that you enjoy the food that you are eating. Lowering your blood sugar will help you keep your diabetes in control. You want to eat a good diet and avoid things such as carbohydrates that can cause your sugar levels to spike.

By Bryan Burbank

Knock, knock, the doctor opens the door to the exam room. "Hello, Mary, how are you today?"

"I'm here for you to tell me. Did you get the results of my lab work yet? I had my blood drawn on Monday?"

"Let's see here."

The doctor sits down on his stool and begins looking through the chart.

"Yes, your lab results are here. Let's see what it says."

After only a few seconds of studying them, the doctor looks up.

"Ms. Thompson, this shows that your fasting blood sugar on Monday was over 200. It was 212."

"So is that bad?"

"Well, it means you have diabetes, and that's not good. It's something you are going to have to take care of."

"Is 212 really high?"

"A normal fasting blood sugar level is less than 100 and you are 212, so yeah, you are up there."

"So what do I do?" Mary asks.

The doctor reaches into his pocket and pulls out a prescription pad. He then reaches over and takes a preprinted sheet out of a file folder attached to the wall. After briefly reviewing it he hands it to Mary.

"This is a 1500 calorie meal plan. I want you to try to follow this as much as possible until I see you again. Since you have too much sugar in your blood you need to really limit the amount of sugar or carbohydrates you eat. Following this meal plan should help a lot."

"I am also going to write you a prescription for metformin. I want you to take it twice a day with breakfast and with dinner."

The doctor tears the prescription from the prescription pad and hands it to Mary.

"This next one is for Januvia. Take this once a day in the morning only."

Again he rips the prescription from the pad, and gives it to the patient.

"This last prescription I am going to give you is for a blood glucose monitor. I want you to test your blood sugar first thing when you get up in the morning and before dinner.

Before breakfast your blood sugar should be less than 130 and if you check it 2 hours after dinner it should be less than 180."

"Do I get this at the pharmacy too?" the patient asks.

"Yeah, you get all of these from the pharmacy."

The doctor quits writing and spins himself around on his stool to directly face the patient.

"Lets' try this for 3 months and see how you do. Try to stick to that meal plan and that should help a lot. Ok?"

The doctor picks up the chart from the desk and gets up from the stool. He reaches out to shake Mary's hand and heads for the door. As the doctor reaches for the door, he turns toward Mary, and suggests, in what appears to be an after thought,

"Try to get more exercise, that's going to help too. Have a nice day."

On the way home, every time Mary pulls up to a red light, she picks up the 1500 calorie meal plan the doctor gave her and studies it to see what foods she has to eliminate and more importantly, what she can still eat. After 4-5 lights, Mary has seen enough. Now her attention turns to the idea of having o stick her finger twice a day. It's not a pleasant ride home.

Once home, she's greeted by her husband at the back door, "So what did the doctor say?"

"You are never going to believe this," Mary grumbles as she walks past her husband and heads to the living room.

Her husband follows her to see what it is he will never believe while hurriedly trying to gobble down the last several bites of mint chocolate chip ice cream he was enjoying before his visibly upset wife arrived home.

"Please don't eat that in front of me," she told her husband. "In fact, I want you to get rid of all of that," she told him implying she wanted him to empty the freezer of all the ice cream.

"Honey, what is going on? What is wrong? What did the doctor say?" He asked while hiding his bowl under the sofa skirt.

"The doctor said I have diabetes."

"Diabetes. I thought only old people got that. You're only forty-six. Why does he think you have diabetes?"

"Because my fasting blood sugar level was 212, and it is supposed to be under 100."

"So what are you supposed to do?"

"Well, because my blood sugar level is so high he wants me to follow this 1500 calorie meal plan. This stinks, I'm not going to be able to eat a lot of the stuff I was eating before."

"It may not be that bad," Mary's husband Bob says as he looks over the meal plan.

"Good, then you can do it with me."

What else did he say? "Are you going to have to take any medicine?"

"Yeah, that too. I have to take two of them. I can't pronounce them, but I have the prescriptions in my purse. And as if that is not enough I have to start testing my blood sugar every day, once when I first get up and then two hours after dinner."

"How do you do that?" Bob asks.

"I have to poke my finger and get it to bleed. Then somehow I use a little machine that measures the amount of sugar in my blood. You know how I hate needles; I don't know how I am going to do that."

"Did he say anything else?"

"No, I think that's it."

Mary gets off the couch and tells Bob that she is going to change her clothes. As she starts to leave the room, Bob reaches under the sofa skirt to retrieve his mostly melted ice cream. Little did Bob know that Mary was going to turn around to mention to him one last thing the doctor had said to her, almost as an after thought, the same way she was remembering to mention it to Bob now.

"The doctor did say that I should try to get more exercise. He said that would help."

Tale 2

Knock, knock, the doctor opens the door to the exam room. "Hello, Kristen, how are you today?"

"I'm here for you to tell me. Did you get the results of my lab work yet, I had my blood drawn on Monday?"

"Let's see here."

The doctor sits down on his stool and begins looking through the chart.

"Yes, your lab results are here. Let's see what it says."

After only a few seconds of studying them the doctor looks up.

"Kristen, this shows that your fasting blood sugar on Monday was over 200. It was 212."

"So is that bad?"

"Well, it means you have diabetes, and that's not good. It's something you are going to have to take care of."

"Is 212 really high?"

"A normal fasting blood sugar level is less than 100 and you are 212, so yeah, you are up there."

"So what do I do?" Kristen asks.

The doctor puts the cap on his pen, closes Kristen's chart, rests his right elbow on the table, crosses his legs, and now that he is comfortable, asks Kristen, "Kristen, how much exercise do you get. Do you get any regular exercise?"

"What do you mean by regular exercise? I mean I'm always doing something, housework, volunteering at the church; I take care of the lady next door who is very sick, every Wednesday. If you mean do I go for a walk or swim, or go to the gym every day, no I don't do that."

"I want you to. I want you to make time to get some regular exercise everyday. I'm glad you are up and around instead of sitting at a desk or computer all day but that is not enough. It is very important for your diabetes that you get some form of regular exercise nearly every day of the week. Do you think you can do that?"

"Well, yeah, but I'm pooped when I go to bed at night. I figured with all I was doing I was active enough."

"No, not really. A lot of people believe that, but it's not true. Everyone, regardless of having diabetes or not, needs regular exercise, but when you have type 2 diabetes which you do, exercise becomes even more important."

"OK well, if it is that important then I'll establish some kind of regular exercise program."

"Does it matter what I do? Is walking good enough? I heard swimming is better for you."

"It doesn't matter. You know what the best exercise is, the one you are willing to do."

"So the key is doing something on a regular basis."

"Right, and if you like to do a lot of different kinds of exercise then mix it up. That would be even better. Ideally you should aim for at least 150 minutes a week, but work up to it slowly. Once you can accomplish that comfortably, if you want to lose some weight gradually bump up the duration to 250 minutes per week."

"Can I split the time up anyway I want as long as I get 250 minutes in, in a week."

"Yes."

"Should I really push myself? My coaches in high school and college told me that if it didn't hurt I was wasting my time."

"No, forget what your coaches said. We have learned a lot more about exercise since then. Walk, jog, swim or whatever you choose to do at a comfortable pace. I want you to forget you ever heard the expression, "No pain, no gain."

"But I don't understand what exercise has to do with me having too much sugar in my blood," Kristen comments, sounding a bit confused.

"Kristen, the more exercise you get, the easier it is to get sugar out of your blood and into your muscle, fat and liver cells. Exercise may very likely be the most important thing most people can do to improve type 2 diabetes."

"OK, do you think you can do this?

"Yeah, yeah, I can. Will this totally take care of my diabetes? I mean is exercising more all I need to do?"

"In some cases, exercising more is all you need to do to control your diabetes as long as you are reasonably careful with what you are eating. For now what I would like to do is have you start testing your blood sugar first thing in the morning and two hours after dinner. If eating better, and what I mean by that is less carbohydrates, and getting more exercise don't improve your blood sugar levels enough, then we will try you on a small dose of metformin and go from there. Sound good?"

"Yep."

"Let me just write you a prescription for a blood glucose monitor and you will be on your way."

"Great."

"I want to see you again in 3 months and we will see how you are doing."

The doctor leans over and hands Kristen the prescription.

"Sounds good."

The doctor gets up, walks to the door, and opens it.

"Bye now."

The doctor walks off down the hall and Kristen leaves the office.

On Kristen's way home she's thinking about when she will be doing her exercise, how she is going to work it into her schedule, and what exercise she will be doing.

It occurs to her that her husband has been talking about getting more exercise. Maybe they could do something together; if not she might be able to talk her neighbor down the street into walking with her after dinner in the evenings.

As she gets closer to her home, she pays closer attention to the YMCA billboard encouraging people to join and participate in their many exercise programs. She pulls out an envelope from her purse and while sitting at a stoplight jots down the phone number of the YMCA listed on the billboard.

Once home, she pulls into the garage, careful to avoid the clutter, characteristic of most garages. But today, unlike any other day recently, as she inches her car into the garage she sees a bicycle, her bicycle. It has been there ever since her husband cleaned out the garage last time and she has seen it for the past 18 months, but today she SEES it.

As she opens the back door, she hears her husband call her, "Honey is that you?"

"It's me, I'm home."

Her husband walks in the room.

"What did the doctor say?"

"I'll tell you all about it in a minute. Listen, I need you to do something for me. Do you mind?"

"I'm not painting the house."

"No seriously, can you pull my bike out of the garage and take it to that bicycle shop around the corner. I haven't ridden it in forever and I'm sure it needs some new tires and probably an overall servicing."

"Are you going to start riding it again?"

"Yep, I'm going to start riding my bike and walking."

"That's great, but what prompted this?"

"The doctor said I have type 2 diabetes and if I start exercising regularly and eating more carefully that I might be able to keep my blood sugar levels normal without taking any medication. This weekend I want us to go to the YMCA and see what it would cost to join."

For most people with type 2 diabetes, unless they are eating very badly or living off of sodas, performing regular exercise, preferably a minimum of 150 minutes per week, is THE MOST IMPORTANT thing that they can do to improve their diabetes control.

In tale 1 the doctor mentioned it as he was walking out of the exam room, as though it were an afterthought. What impression does this leave on the patient?

In tale 2 the doctor sits and spends almost the entire visit discussing the importance of exercise as well as how long to do it, what she can do and how hard to push it.

What impression did this leave on the patient?

Exercise as well as how long to do it, what she can do, and how hard to push it. What impression does this leave on the patient?

Now, remember the last time you took a major exam. More than likely you had a question that asked you something like this:

Compare and contrast the impression left with the patient in Tale 1 and Tale 2. Discuss.

(This question is worth 98 points if you are a patient or a diabetes educator working with a patient with type 2 diabetes)

Milt Bedingfield is a certified diabetes educator and exercise physiologist. Milt received his graduate degree in exercise physiology from The University of South Florida in 1988. Milt has been teaching people with diabetes about the disease and how to care for it for the last 18 years.
Milt has a website at: http://www.TheExerciseDiabetesLink.com and Twitter account. His user name is: IKnosugar.
Milt's email address is: MBedingfield@yahoo.com

By Milt O Bedingfield

By Lynn Woods

Not that long ago, being insulin dependent meant carrying around a syringe and a vial of insulin to deliver your insulin injections, while making sure to keep the insulin dose refrigerated. There are now a variety of methods for insulin delivery on the market, and some promising new developments on the horizon. These include:

1) Insulin pens. Most types of insulin are now available in convenient prefilled pens. Some pens are entirely disposable when empty, and others use a replaceable insulin cartridge, usually containing 300 units. There is a dial on one end to set your desired dose. The pens offer discreet, push button insulin delivery. Some claim the injections are more comfortable than from a needle that has already been dulled by insertion into a vial. Many people prefer to use a pen if they are caring for a diabetic child or pet.

2) Insulin pumps. Insulin pumps are a device about the size of a pager that adhere to the skin and are worn 24/7. Pumps contain an insulin reservoir, a battery powered pump, and a programmable computer chip that allows the user to control insulin dosing.

The pump is attached to a thin plastic tube called a cannula, which is inserted just under the skin to deliver insulin subcutaneously and continuously. Pump technology is constantly being improved upon. The newer pumps are smaller, and can "communicate" and interact with a continuous blood glucose monitor and computer software for state of the art blood sugar control.

3) Insulin jet injectors. Jet injectors deliver a fine jet of high pressure medication directly through the skin. The main advantage is that that the delivery system requires no needles. The major disadvantage is that many diabetics find the force required for the insulin to permeate the skin is painful, and may cause bruising. Jet injectors have been on the market since 1979, but have yet to become popular.

4) Insulin patch. The FDA has just approved a new insulin delivery patch. The new device, Finesse, is a small plastic patch-pen roughly 2 inches long and an inch wide that is attached to the skin like a bandage. It can be worn under your clothes, and remains attached during routine activities like sleeping, exercising and even showering.

Patients use a syringe to pre-fill the patch-pen with a three-day supply of insulin, and simply push two buttons to dispense a dose of fast-acting insulin when needed. The insulin is delivered in seconds through a miniature, flexible plastic tube inserted painlessly into the skin. The manufacturer, Calibra is also working on a patch-pen that would deliver a.05 unit insulin dose for children.

5) Inhaled insulin. The FDA approved the first insulin inhaler, Exubera, in 2006. It was a short-acting insulin delivered to the lungs through a device similar to an asthma inhaler. But it never achieved market success, and was discontinued a year later.

But research on inhaled insulin continued, and two new forms are poised to hit the market. One is an inhaler, AFREZZA, which is awaiting FDA approval. The other is a spray which is absorbed through the mouth, called Oral-Lyn. Oral-Lyn is in Phase 111 clinical trials in Europe and North America.

Despite some obvious advantages to the new insulin delivery methods, tried and true syringes remain the most popular way to deliver injections with most insulin dependent diabetics, who no longer consider them a big deal.

Insulin pens, pumps, and jet injectors are all more costly than insulin syringes, and not always covered by medical insurance. Not all types of insulin are available in insulin pens, and you can't mix insulin types in a pen.

Insulin pumps can kink or otherwise malfunction, posing the danger of inaccurate insulin dosing, and are just too "high tech" for some diabetics. Many diabetics remain skeptical of devices like inhalers and sprays after Exubera's spectacular lack of success.

Still, with the advances being made in insulin pumps, and the pending introduction of an improved inhaled insulin and the insulin patch, the world of insulin therapy is definitely changing - and most would say for the better.

Especially if a person has an ailment such as diabetes, they can never be too careful. Just like any other chronic ailment, diabetes is usually accompanied with a number of interlinked physical ailments with one of the most profound sub-issue of diabetes being pooling of blood. Though this condition is also found in nursing mothers and people with blood pressure and heart issues, the condition is most commonly found in people with diabetes.

The root cause for this ailment is the decrease in the blood carrying capacity of the veins. In such cases, high level of cholesterol, which may rise due to the body's reduced capability to process fatty acids, causes unprocessed cholesterol to deposit in the veins. Now, as veins are the medium for blood to flow back to the heart, the deposition of cholesterol causes a significant deterioration in their blood carrying ability, resulting in back-flow of blood back to the person's lower limbs.

Thanks to the development of remedial aids such as compression stockings, compression socks, support pantyhose, and the likes, people with this issue now have a great way of dealing with this issue as well as minimizing the potential risk of its development. As described by the name, these are specially designed hosiery that provides a uniform pressure on the veins, thereby promoting the flow of blood back to the users' heart and preventing pooling of blood.

With the immense rise in their demand, compression socks are readily available over the counter at all leading stores dedicated to diabetic care; however, it is recommended that you buy the required compression hosiery online to ensure authenticity. As the demand supply ratio of compression pantyhose and other similar hosiery items has enabled several poor quality manufacturers to come into being, buying the required hosiery online will let you read about what you are buying before placing your order.

By Puja P Rai

It may go something like; 'You know I always have poor circulation in my feet'.

Well here is what you need to know. Poor circulation is not normal. Poor circulation may be a sign of a more serious condition called peripheral arterial disease.

What are some factors that put a person at risk of developing peripheral arterial disease?

Cigarette smoking. In one study people who smoked had an increased risk of:

    * Type 2 diabetes especially in those over the age of 50
    * High cholesterol levels
    * High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
    * People over the age of 70
    * If you have had blocked arteries elsewhere. This is calledatherosclerosis. Examples would be angina (chest pains) or a heart attack, strokes or kidney disease.

You may notice that a lot of the above factors, except cigarette smoking, type 2 diabetics are at risk of developing anyway.

Now do you see why poor circulation is something that cannot be ignored?

Peripheral arterial disease is the leading cause of non-traumatic amputations in the United States.

I have met some myths in people with type 2 diabetes, especially African-Americans. One of these myths was that if you are diagnosed with diabetes, that eventually your legs would get cut off.

In fact they usually could tell me stories of friends or relatives that this had happened to.

A myth does not have to become self-fulfilling prophecy.

I want to dispel this myth. I want to prove that people living with diabetes do not have to give up on life. They don't have to wait for their legs to get amputated. End up on dialysis, suffer a heart attack or stroke.

In order to change a statistic, we need to increase our awareness.

How do you know if you have peripheral arterial disease?

A common complaint that people have is claudication. Claudication causes pain and/or cramps in the legs. They may start to walk. Have to stop because of the pain. And then start to walk again. Then they have to stop again.

As peripheral arterial disease gets worse, the pain in the legs may occur even when at rest. A lot of people may describe this as cramps in the legs, or a 'Charlie horse'. Peripheral arterial disease may cause less hair on the legs. The toenails may become brittle and break off easily. The skin may also get darker in color and shiny.

How is peripheral arterial disease diagnosed?

It is straightforward to diagnose someone with peripheral arterial disease when they already come in complaining of 'poor circulation'. So the person who complains of pain while walking that stops them in their tracks or even pain at rest, most likely has peripheral artery disease.

Your doctor most likely will refer you to a vascular specialist.

Here are some tests that may be done:

Ankle-brachial index (ABI)

This is a test that measures the resting blood pressure at the ankle compared to the blood pressure in the arm. Sometimes the test may be normal. So the doctor may have them exercise by walking on a treadmill. Or by taking a brisk walk outside. The normal value for the ABI is between 0.9-1.3.

Segmental Blood Pressure Testing

In this test, the blood pressure is taken at different levels of the leg. For instance the thigh, the calf, and the ankle. The readings are then compared to decide where the blockage is.

Imaging Tests

There are different imaging tests. Ultrasound, CT angiograms and Magnetic resonance angiograms are all examples of imaging studies that can be done. The vascular disease specialist decides what test gets done.

If the symptoms get worse, then the specialist may need to order a more detailed invasive test called an arteriogram. This will help map out exactly where the blockage is. At times surgery may even be needed.

How can you prevent peripheral arterial disease?

You can reduce your risks of developing peripheral arterial disease by making adjustments in your lifestyle. Also follow the medical treatment plan that your doctor recommends.

It is very important to make sure that you follow up with your doctor regularly.

So if you are a person living with type 2 diabetes and you smoke, quit smoking.

Get your cholesterol checked and if it is high, then make sure that it is treated. Lowering the cholesterol to less than 100 mg/dL will help to reduce the symptoms of claudication.

If you have high blood pressure, take your medications. And make sure that you keep your blood pressure under 130/80 mm hg.

If you have had a heart attack, stroke or have angina make sure that you are being properly treated for these conditions. They increase your risk for peripheral artery disease.

Think of the circulatory system in the body like the plumbing in your house.

If the sink gets clogged up one day, there's a fair chance that the toilet may get clogged another day. This is because as your house gets older the plumbing system will need to be unclogged from time to time.

The same thing with cholesterol build up (called atherosclerosis) in the circulatory system of the body.

Medications:

Your doctor or the vascular specialist may also start you on medications for peripheral artery disease.

Always remember that you can prevent peripheral arterial disease. And even if you do get symptoms, the important thing is to treat it early.

Let's reduce amputations from peripheral arterial disease. So remember if you have 'poor circulation' please schedule an appointment to see a healthcare provider immediately.

By Eno A. Nsima-Obot, MD

If you don't know the right answers to those questions then it's sensible that you speak with your doctor as soon as possible. At least hold off drinking any alcohol until your doctor clears you. Let me briefly explain how alcohol effects your body. It only takes five minutes for alcohol to enter your bloodstream and start taking its course.

Once you have a glass of alcohol your liver will step in and metabolize it. On average it will take you about two hours to metabolize one glass. If you drink too fast, or take it to the head as they say, you will have too much in your system and it will quickly enter your bloodstream and work its way to other parts of your body. This is how you get what is known as a buzz from drinking too much too fast.

If you are on insulin or take other medication for diabetes, drinking alcohol can cause your blood sugar to drop to dangerously low levels. This is because your liver will be working over time trying to remove all the alcohol from your system. And that means it won't be doing its main job which is to regulate your blood sugar.

If for some reason you decide you want to drink alcohol and have diabetes, here are a few things you should do. First consult with your doctor. Ask if it is ok for you to drink alcohol. If it is, make sure you monitor your blood sugar before, during and after you have had your last drink. You should also check it before you lay down to go to bed.

Be sure to eat something before you drink any alcohol. Food will help to slow down the rate at which the alcohol will be absorbed into your bloodstream. And last but by no means least, do everything in moderation. You don't want to be a binge drinker. It is not the responsible thing to do. If you must have a drink, drink no more then 2 glasses a day. Diabetes (or pre diabetes) is not a disease to be ignored and must be taken seriously.

Should you be unfortunate enough to be a diabetes or pre diabetes sufferer, then please have a look at http://www.prediabetesdiet.net/

By George P White

Diabetes is a disorder in which a person experiences a surge of blood sugar, which, in the long term, can lead to organ and tissue damage. Often referred to as diabetes mellitus, this disease is characterized by uncomfortable symptoms such as frequent urination, increased thirst, blurred vision, and wounds that take a long time to heal. Diabetes is also expensive to treat. This has prompted people to look for alternative treatments for diabetes that are just as good as available medications.

There are two common types of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder, where the body’s immune system destroys the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas. Type 2 diabetes, on the other hand, happens when the body’s cells no longer respond to changes in insulin levels. There are alternative treatments for diabetes of either type.

Aside from alternative treatments for diabetes, patients are cautioned to follow their doctors’ orders and go by the traditional insulin route, along with a strict diet. Because diabetes has no known cure, any alternative treatments for diabetes are designed as palliative care; that is, they ease the symptoms and keep the body from accumulating dangerous levels of glucose.

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese method that involves inserting needles into specific points on a patient’s skin. This supposedly redirects the body’s energy field, so that the body heals itself; scientists believe that acupuncture can prompt the body to release its own painkillers. There are also stress reduction methods, such as biofeedback, where patients with diabetes are taught to relax, which might allow their diabetes to be less painful.

Also included in alternative treatments for diabetes are dietary supplements, such as chromium, ginseng, magnesium, vanadium, co-enzyme Q10, garlic, and omega-3 fatty acids. For more information, talk to your doctor about alternative therapies that might be suitable for your diabetes case.

Why does it take so many different diets to accommodate everyone?

The main reason why one diet doesn't work for everyone is because people are different. This goes for every part of the diet process:

    * from the amount of weight they need to lose,
    * to how their body burns fat,
    * to how it stores fat,
    * how it builds muscle,
    * how efficiently it processes food, etc.

Our bodies are so complex and diverse it is impossible to assume one type of eating plan will work for everyone. People lose weight at a different rate and people build muscle differently.

Genetics also play a huge role in how we react to food and exercise. Some people can exercise two hours a day and lose a pound (.9 kg) a week. Another person can exercise 30 minutes a day and lose 4 pounds (1.8 kgs) a week. Not fair, is it? Call it metabolism, or genetics, but in the end, there isn't much you can do to change it. You just have to learn to work around it.

Other factors also come into play. Believe it or not, your blood type affects how well your body reacts to certain foods. Your oxidation rate, or the way your body processes certain types of food into energy, is another factor. Hormones even come into play when it refers to the body's ability to process, burn and utilize foods.

Another reason one eating plan may not work for everyone is that people do not follow the same guidelines when they are on a diet. You can give two people the same guidelines of:

    * what they should eat,
    * when they should eat it, and
    * how much they should eat.

Inevitably, the two will have different perspectives as to what the details refer to. Instructions will be perceived differently, which will generate different results.

Even small details can make a major difference. For example, a crucial part of an exercise regimen is to drink plenty of water. Two people can carry out the same exercise routine and yet one can experience a greater weight loss. Why? Because they are staying hydrated and the excess water they are consuming is flushing the fat and toxins out of their system.

By Beverleigh H Piepers

But, how are you supposed to know if you aren't producing insulin? It's not like you can call down to your pancreas and say "hey, everything good in there" and it will magically call back "yep, we're good... just busy producing insulin."

The best thing you can do is know what to look for. But, keep in mind that symptoms of diabetes aren't always obvious. There aren't always red flags. Sometimes symptoms can take a really long time to develop. Sometimes there aren't any symptoms. (I know, that's not what you want to hear.) Also important to know is that just because you may have some (or all) of these symptoms doesn't mean you actually have diabetes. But, it's better to be safe than sorry, so if you have two or more symptoms, take a minute to call your doctor or an endocrinologist and talk about your concerns. The earlier diabetes is diagnosed, the greater your chances are of beating it.

Frequent Urination
The porcelain thrown has recently become your best friend? That's probably because your body doesn't like these high levels of glucose in your bloodstream. So, in an effort to flush out the excess sugar, your kidneys start working overtime. And, overworking kidneys are a sure way to keep you running for the restroom.

Increased Thirst
This probably has something to do with your frequent restroom visits. To help rid your blood of the excess glucose, your kidneys are pulling water from your bloodstream. The water helps to dilute the glucose and flush it out in your urine. But, because you are constantly losing water, you are thirstier than normal. It's your body's way of telling you it needs more H2O.

Intense Hunger
Your cells aren't getting the energy they need from your food. (Remember, the glucose can't get into the cells without insulin and your body isn't using insulin properly right now.) As a result, your body is screaming "feed me!' It just needs more energy.

Weight Gain
Your pants feeling a bit snug today? This is likely a result of the 'intense hunger' we talked about above. Intense huger = eating more food = extra calories = weight gain. Sorry.

Extreme Weight Loss
This is more noticeable in patients with Type 1 Diabetes because it has more of a sudden onset. Because your body isn't producing insulin, your cells aren't getting the nutrients they need to survive. So, your body streets to break down your muscle and fat cells to get the energy it needs. This causes you to lose weight.

Fatigue
Simply stated, your body isn't getting the energy it needs to survive.

Irritability
Most people get cranky when they are tired, hungry, thirsty and gaining weight.

Infections
The more sugar you have hanging around in your bloodstream, the harder it is for your body to heal from infections. Diabetics are more prone to suffering from frequent skin, gum, bladder and yeast infections.

Itchy Skin
We don't know for sure why, but sometimes itchy skin is a symptom of diabetes.

Unhealed Cuts
If your cuts and bruises are taking longer to heal than usual it may be a result of diabetes. Having a lot of sugar in your blood makes it harder for your body to heal itself.

On their own, these symptoms are harmless - which is probably why many people are completely clueless that they have diabetes. However, if diabetes goes untreated, it can lead to some very serious health conditions including stroke and heart disease.

Your doctor can usually tell if you have diabetes from a simple urine test. All the doctor needs to know is if there is extra sugar in your urine. Following a positive urine test, the doctor can perform a blood test to confirm the diabetes. It's not worth the risk. If you think you have some of the symptoms of diabetes, call your doctor and schedule an appointment today.

By Tami Ropelato

Of course, the first and most important point to make is to ensure you pack plenty of insulin for the trip. You always want to have extra just in case you:

    * end up staying longer than expected,
    * encounter a delay, or
    * if you were to accidentally damage some of your supply.

Insulin vials don't take up too much room and it is definitely worth the peace of mind to have extra on hand.

Checking-in your insulin and diabetes equipment: If you are traveling by plane it is best to have your insulin supply and it's related equipment contained in their original containers with the original labels. This is to help avoid any unnecessary delays when going through security checks. If you do not have these in the proper packaging make sure to get some from your pharmacy. Do not risk carrying it in plain packaging or the security staff could confiscate it.

But security checks are not the only issue to deal with. Check ahead of time with your transportation company about the luggage regulations. As well as the legal guidelines, you will need to know how your bags will be stored and the temperatures they will be exposed to. The luggage storage hold of the bus or train, or even the baggage hold of the plane, may experience extreme temperature differences during travel...

    * most anti-diabetic medications,
    * glucose meters, and
    * testing strips

need to be stored at room temperature. Many injectables must be kept cool.

Travel bags: Always carry two different travel bags with you and split your insulin and supplies into both bags. That way, if one bag is lost, you will have an ample supply of what you need until your other bag can be located.

When packing, you have to be extremely careful with your supplies. This all comes down to the type of case you will be carrying it in. There are many different types on the market so make sure you do your homework before purchasing. It needs to be compact enough not to be cumbersome, while still offering substantial protection. Travel bags are made specifically for diabetes supplies and can be purchased from your pharmacy and/or available online.

Also, make sure your case is well insulated for extreme weather variations. Your supplies cannot get too hot or too cold so check the insulation rating before you buy. Also, if traveling by plane, make sure your supplies are in your carry-on luggage. Temperatures in the cargo compartment can get very cold and your supplies could become permanently damaged if left there throughout the flight.

Lastly, make sure you carry some snacks of your own to help prevent overeating or to help fill you when there are flight delays, or even meal delays. If your blood sugar levels are low, you may need to grab something to eat. Having the right items on hand could avoid having to rely on unhealthy vending machines or worse... doing without. Just make sure the snacks you select can withstand the trip and being banged around in your luggage.

But don't forget... extra meals, sitting for long periods, and even travel jitters can all raise your blood sugar.

By Beverleigh H Piepers

Charles Best, one of the discoverers of insulin, was a visionary, who had estimated much earlier on that a great number of people in Canada would be affected by diabetes and related disorders. In accordance, the Diabetic Association of Ontario was established in the late 1940s. Each of the other territories and provinces created their own associations too. This realization is what ultimately led to the founding of the Canadian Diabetes Association in the year 1953.

Starting off in a humble way, this Association is a huge charitable organization, which comprises more than 150 communities in the country. The organization aims at promoting the health of Canadian citizens by way of research in diabetes, education, advocacy and service.

Achievements of the Canadian Diabetic Association
Growing from strength to strength each consecutive year, this organization has achieved success in each of its strategic plans in dealing with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Additionally, it has set a detailed agenda on research of diabetes and prevention of Type 2 diabetes in that country.

Diabetes is on the rise the world over. Much of it arises from factors such as obesity, stress, immigration among high-risk groups and so on. Realizing that there would be a possibility of a huge rise in the percentage of people with diabetes in Canada alone, this organization aims to raise all its resources to tackle this problem. It therefore focuses on restructuring itself, becoming more productive, thereby developing a fresh bout of energy each year.

The Association's efforts included:
* Making diabetic drugs more affordable
* Performing extensive research on diabetes, its causes, prevention, management and treatment
* Educating the masses on diabetes by holding cross-country Expos
* Developing a UN Resolution of Diabetes by joining hands with the International Diabetes Federation

Tackling the problem
Almost 2 million Canadian adults and children suffer from diabetes.
* Reserving $6 million to fund research on more than 120 projects
* Giving access to diabetes information through its comprehensive website, newsletters and teaming up with television media and several leading publications such as Reader's Digest, National Post and so on.
* Supporting healthcare professionals by conducting conferences and releasing publications on the subject
* Developing recycling operations in order to enhance funding capabilities
* Improving existing technology

Partnerships
The Canadian Diabetes Association has partnered with many major institutions such as the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada, the University of British Columbia and so on, so as to make its presence felt in the field and to support especially those who are insulin dependent and cannot quite afford the cost of medical supplies.

Diabetes is a dangerous, dark devil, which needs to be tackled urgently. Though the Canadian Diabetes Association is doing its level best to control the current situation, it needs your help and support too. Join in today to educate yourself and pitch in your bit!

Although quitting smoking has many benefits, one unfortunate side effect is weight gain. In the month of October, 2011, the Journal of Epidemiology reported the results of a study on quitting smoking and blood sugar levels, performed by the Kanagawa Health Services Association in Japan.

Nine hundred and forty-six volunteers who had stopped smoking were included in the study. After 3 years, the people who had gained weight were found to have higher blood sugar levels than they had at the beginning of the study. Blood sugar levels went up at the same rate as their body weight, and were greatest for those who had smoked at least 20 cigarettes per day.

Smoking increases the levels of adrenalin, which can help to burn calories, but it is not a good way to maintain normal body weight. Individuals planning to quit smoking need to compensate by either cutting back on calories (or kilojoules), and/or by increasing their physical activity. Exercise has the advantage of:

    * getting smokers away from their frequently used environments, and
    * helps them to substitute another activity for the smoking.

Many smokers smoke to relieve stress... exercise is also a great way to relieve stress.

Studies have shown exercise decreases the cravings for tobacco. But to be effective, exercise must be frequent. In August 2011, the journal Addictive Behavior reported on a study from the Institute for Community Health Promotion at Brown University in Rhode Island, USA. Sixty female smokers completed an eight week program on smoking cessation that included counseling and a nicotine patch before being assigned either to:

    * three weeks of aerobic exercises, or
    * no exercise at all.

Women in the exercise group, reported having not only decreased cravings but also higher energy levels and less tiredness.

The bad news is their cravings returned between exercise periods. It was therefore concluded exercise could be successfully used to help anyone quit smoking if exercise was participated in often.

Another study which was reported in the journal Pediatrics October, 2011, found teenagers, especially boys, were better able to quit smoking if they were given physical activity training along with other forms of therapy. Investigators at West Virginia University School of Medicine, in Morgantown, a city with a record for the least healthful habits in the USA, included 233 smokers ranging in age from 14 to 19 in this study. They were assigned to three groups and provided with either:

    * brief intervention,
    * a teen cessation program called Not on Tobacco, or
    * Not on Tobacco with physical activity.

At the end of six months, adolescents in the Not on Tobacco program along with exercise had the greatest rate of successfully quitting smoking. Boys in the exercise program had a higher rate of quitting than girls in the same program. It was concluded physical activity along with an effective adolescent smoking cessation program, could be a more effective way of treating nicotine addiction in adolescents.

By Beverleigh H Piepers