To complicate matters even worse, there is no specific diet for diabetics. Help is available to make sure you have the information you need to learn and understand about diabetes diet guidelines.

Not following diabetes diet guidelines, is a common mistake made by most diabetics. Many diabetes don't understand the needs of diabetes diet guidelines…or how closely tied to good diabetic control the food you eat can be.

The American Diabetes Association has what's called the Diabetes Food Pyramid. Designed much like the revised (2005) version of the USDA's Food Pyramid, this pyramid provides excellent information and diabetes diet guidelines to help you gain control of your blood sugars, your weight, and your diabetes.

Gain Better Control Of Your Diabetes Today Using Diabetes Diet Guidelines

The diabetes food pyramid is divided into six groups. The size of the groups varies. The larger the group, the more servings per day of foods within that group should be consumed.

Grains and starches (carbohydrates) is the largest group. This includes foods such as rice, pasta, breads, and cereals, potatoes, corn, peas, and some beans. The recommended number of servings per day is 6-11. Most people should use the lower number of servings.

The next group is vegetables. Vegetables are naturally low fat. This makes them a good food choice for everyone. Spinach, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflowers, carrots, tomatoes, lettuce, and cucumbers are examples of vegetables in this group. Please note the more starchy vegetables like potatoes, corn, and others are in the grains and starches group. The recommended number of servings per day for this group is 3-5.

The middle layer of the Diabetes Food Pyramid is fruit. This group also contains some carbohydrates. Berries, melons, apples, bananas, peaches, grapes, and other fruits are found in this group. The recommended number of servings is 2-4 per day.

Following the fruits is the milk group. This includes milk and milk products. For those trying to reduce their weight and cholesterol choose low-fat dairy products. Recommended servings are 2-3 per day.

The meat group includes chicken, beef, turkey, fish, eggs, dried beans, cheese, and peanut butter. You only need 4-6 ounces servings per day.

At the top of the pyramid are the fats, sweets, and alcohol group. This group should be avoided. Most recommend keeping your portion sizes small and only having these foods on special occasions.

While diabetes diet guidelines do have some basic principles the best meal plan for you can only come by consulting with a nutritionist, with diabetes experience. Nutritional needs of diabetes vary from person to person. For example, a thin type 1 diabetic with kidney disease won't have the same needs as an overweight type 2 diabetic.

By evaluating your needs individually, diabetes diet guidelines can be established especially to meet your specific health and weight needs.

Diabetes mellitus is a disorder characterized by the inability of the body to either produce or respond to insulin making it impossible to maintain proper levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood. The extra glucose is excreted in the urine and because of the high level of glucose more water is flushed through. The diabetic experiences excessive urination and thirst.

The term Diabetes mellitus literally explains these symptoms: The Greek term diabainein, means "to pass through" (referring to the excessive urination) and mellitus comes from the Latin "sweetened with honey" (referring to the excessive presence of sugar).

There are basically two major types of diabetes: Type 1 (insulin-dependent) and Type 2 (non-insulin dependent).

Type 1 (formerly known juvenile-onset diabetes, because it is diagnosed in children or young adults) is caused by both genetic and environmental causes. In this case, the person's immune system produces antibodies that destroy the cells that produce insulin. Because the body can't produce insulin on its own, daily insulin injections are required.

Type 2 (formerly known as adult-onset diabetes, because it normally appears in people aged over 40) is the most common form of diabetes, accounting for about 90% of cases. Genetic factors play a major role in the development of Type 2, but obesity is also a major factor. A typical Western lifestyle means a diet that is high in fat and low in carbohydrates and a minimal exercise plan and these habits are strong risk factors. A third type of diabetes, known as Gestational Diabetes, affects women who have high blood-sugar levels during pregnancy. There is also a high probably that women who experience gestational diabetes will develop Type 2 diabetes at a later stage.

Diabetes symptoms to watch out for include; frequent urination, excessive thirst and hunger, unusual weight loss, increased fatigue, irritability and blurry vision. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) website is an informative starting point for all. Visit the site today and take the Online Diabetes Risk Test, which can help you determine if you are at risk of developing diabetes. If you are diagnosed with diabetes the ADA website has informative articles the disease, plus lots of suggestions on lifestyle and diet changes for those diagnosed with diabetes. A quick Internet search for "Diabetes Supply" will also bring up various sites offering products suitable for those living with diabetes.

There's lots of help and advice available literally at your fingertips.

Is there an effective type II diabetes diet drug?
When we look at questions concerning type II diabetes control, diet, drug, exercise and dietary supplements are all mentioned. There are conventional, complementary and alternative treatments for type II diabetes, all of which may be helpful, but right now, there is no cure, only treatment and control. This article was written in response to questions concerning a new type II diabetes diet drug. Here’s what we learned.

In July of 2007, Johns Hopkins University published a systematic review of the comparative safety and effectiveness of drugs used to treat type II diabetes. The researchers wrote, “As newer oral diabetes agents continue to emerge on the market, comparative evidence is urgently required to guide appropriate therapy.” After analyzing the data from 216 controlled trials and 2 systematic reviews that addressed the possible risks associated with type II diabetes drugs, the researchers concluded that newer more expensive drugs are not more effective than older drugs, such as Metformin.

The active ingredient in Metformin was originally derived from a plant. The French lilac or Galega officinalis in botanical terminology had been used for centuries to reduce the symptoms of type II diabetes. It is sometimes referred to as a diabetes control diet drug, because it is particularly effective when a patient is overweight or obese. The researchers at Johns Hopkins found that most of the newer drugs caused people to gain weight.

Metformin is one of the most commonly prescribed prescription drugs in the United States. The method of action of these drugs is not completely understood. It is interesting that many health care professionals object to the use of herbal and botanical remedies because their method of action is not understood. Recently, it was noted that Avandia increased the risk of heart attack and a safety alert was issued by the FDA. Actos is believed to be safer, but studies have shown that both drugs affect the levels of cholesterol in the blood stream and have similar molecular activity.

In the book “Death by Medicine”, the authors estimate that 106,000 deaths every year are caused by prescription drugs, due to either doctor error or adverse reactions. That number is more than the number of people who died from diabetes mellitus (72,815) in 2004.

It is doubtful that anyone would want to take a type II diabetes diet drug that could cause the number of deaths associated with other diet drugs, such as the recalled Ephedra and Fen-fen. Changes in diet and increased exercise may be the safest and most effective treatments for type II diabetes, but energy levels are a problem for many diabetics. Herbs, such as green tea, can help with energy levels.

Patsy Hamilton was a health care professional for over twenty years before becoming a health writer. Currently she is writing a series of articles about type II diabetes, a subject of personal interest.

Many of us believe that there are safe and effective alternatives for diabetes control. Diet drug concerns only add to the risks already associated with uncontrolled diabetes. Vitamins, minerals, herbs, botanicals, proper diet and adequate exercise can prevent the need for a type II diabetes diet drug, but pharmaceutical companies will continue to release new drugs, even though the older ones are just as effective.

A judicious blend of healthy eating, balanced nutrition and regular exercise is the key to most successful weight-loss plans. To make your long-term weight loss plan a success, you should follow a healthy lifestyle by eating nutritious foods and engaging in physical activity, alter the way you think about food, and pay attention to reasons why you eat.

You must cut down your calorie intake to lose weight. Just substitute the high-calorie ingredients with low-calorie versions of your favorite dishes. The water and fiber present in low-fat fruits and vegetables will add volume to your dishes, so you end up eating the same quantity of food with fewer calories. Try sensible portion sizes and low-fat dairy and meat products.

Apart from helping you lose weight, these products can help to control high blood pressure. Any type of physical activity will boost your physical and mental health and help to keep the extra pounds off. You will find a number of popular diets which claim great success in helping you lose weight. The Zone Diet highlights lean proteins along with vegetables, fruits, and healthy fats. Starchy carbohydrates are not totally ruled out.

The Pritikin Diet focuses on fruits, vegetables, pasta, oatmeal, soups, salads, and low-fat dairy; limited amounts of low-fat poultry, seafood, and meat; few fatty foods and a limited amount of dry foods. Dr. Ornish's Eat More, Weigh Less says if you eat fat-free, healthy foods, you can feel full and still lose weight.

It puts no restrictions on meats, poultry, seafood, eggs, cheese, butter, cream, oil, nuts, some non-starchy vegetables, and artificial sweeteners. The South Beach Diet lays emphasis on a balanced eating plan of ‘good' carbohydrates such as whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and ‘good' unsaturated fats.

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 is a disease that affects the body natural ability to change carbohydrates and sugars into energy. There is no known cause for the onset of diabetes. However, there are certain factors that place a person at higher risk of contracting diabetes.

The risk factors of diabetes can include:
• A family history of diabetes
• Obesity
• Poor diet
• Physical inactivity


Different Types/Different Causes of Diabetes
There are three main types of diabetes -type-1, type-2, and gestational. Type-1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease and most often affects children and young adults. An autoimmune disease is one in which the body ability to fight infections is decreased causing the body to attack its own cells. In type-1 diabetes, the body often attacks the beta cells in the pancreas -the cells that produce insulin in the body. The main diabetes causes of type-1 diabetes are:

Food-borne chemical toxins
Cows milk -an unidentified component in cow milk can trigger an autoimmune reaction in the body. Young infants who are given cow milk have a higher risk of contracting type-1 diabetes.

The main diabetes causes of type-2 diabetes are:
• Increasing age
• Obesity
• Physical inactivity
• Poor diet

The main diabetes causes of gestational diabetes are:
• Hormones produced during pregnancy blocking actions of insulin
• Mother body can’t produce enough insulin


Common Causes of Diabetes
The risk of diabetes is higher if there is a family history of diabetes. Environmental factors that can lead to the onset of diabetes include poor diet, lack of exercise, obesity, and stress. Diabetes is a disease that can be prevented -or controlled once a diagnosis has been made.

Prevention and Control in Diabetes
While the symptoms of diabetes are not life threatening, diabetes can lead to other more serious diseases and illnesses. People who have been diagnosed with diabetes are at a higher risk of diseases and illnesses such as heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, neuropathy and nerve damage, foot conditions, and blindness. It is extremely important to control your diabetes in order to avoid the onset of these more serious and sometimes life-threatening illnesses.

There are medications that can be used in the control of diabetes, as well as many natural remedies. However, the single most important aspect of a diabetic management plan is a healthy diet and exercise. A healthy diet should consist of fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, carbohydrates in healthy portions, Omega-3 fatty acids, proteins in healthy portions, and fiber. A healthy diet not only helps your overall health, but also can be a major factor in offsetting the symptoms of diabetes. The longer you can prevent the symptoms of diabetes, the longer you can decrease the risks of more serious illnesses associated with diabetes.

A regular exercise routine is also an important factor in the prevention and management of diabetes. By keeping your muscles toned and your blood flowing correctly, you can help your body to fight off infections and your body will be able to help in managing the symptoms of many illnesses. Strong muscles in the abdomen are essential for helping your digestive system work normally.

A Long, Healthy Life
It is possible to live a long, healthy life. You can help ensure that your body will work properly for a long time by beginning a healthy diet and routing exercise program early in life. By choosing to live a healthy lifestyle, you are choosing to consciously help your body fight of the symptoms of many illnesses and diseases.

When diabetics eat too much refined sugar or refined carbohydrates their bodies respond by releasing too much glucose. When too much glucose is in the cells on a regular basis then the insulin secreted to deal with it is not as effective. This is insulin resistance and many Americans suffer from this problem. Those with diabetes, high cholesterol, hypertension, high triglyceride levels, and other health problems are more than likely dealing with insulin resistance.

Since the mid 1900s we have been consuming more refined sugar and not surprising the percentage of individuals with type 2 diabetes has increased significantly. The higher the sugar content of the diet and the lower the fiber content means that the risk of developing type 2 diabetes is increased by more than 200%. Too much sugar also impacts heart health and is the cause of heart disease in both sexes.

This sweetener is metabolized very slowly, unlike refined white sugar, and xylitol is also very low on the glycemic index. There are no peaks and valleys of blood sugar levels with xylitol. Instead, the blood sugar levels are stabilized. Because of this cravings for refined carbs and sugar are reduced or eliminated altogether. Individual with diabetes will be able to eat foods sweetened with this sweetener because it does not increase insulin levels. In fact, it helps keep insulin levels low, which may help keep you looking and feeling younger longer.

Individuals seeking diabetes treatment should talk to their doctors about xylitol and its benefits. Even ask about xlear and xylitol gum while you are there to get all of the facts. Individuals with diabetes have to suffer enough as it is, why should they have to avoid all of their favorite foods and drinks, too? With xylitol that doesn’t have to happen. But, too many diabetic sufferers out there do not know about xylitol so they simply live each and every day maintaining their blood sugar levels with insulin shots and dealing with the negative effects of the disease.

So, while diabetes treatment will still need to continue patients who want to indulge their sweet tooth once in a while may do so with xylitol and suffer no ill consequences. This in addition to a diet low in refined carbohydrates will result in an individual with stable insulin levels and it will reduce the necessity to take so much insulin via injection on a daily basis.
Natalie Aranda writes about health. Individuals seeking diabetes treatment should talk to their doctors about xylitol and its benefits. With xylitol that doesn’t have to happen. But, too many diabetic sufferers out there do not know about Xylitol so they simply live each and every day maintaining their blood sugar levels with insulin shots and dealing with the negative effects of the disease.

For example, having type II diabetes might cause people to feel more depressed because they are sick. Likewise, having depression might cause people to not eat healthy or get any exercise and lead to diabetes. Many scientists, me included, feel that there are common lifestyle factors that lead to type II diabetes and depression at the same time. There are an abundance of studies implicating exercise (or lack of it) in the onset of both diseases. There are also many studies highlighting the role of nutrition in both diabetes and depression.

Now, a new study, published in the October 2007 edition of PLOS Biology, sheds more light on this relationship with a focus on insulin at the center. Anyone with diabetes is well versed in the importance of insulin. It is a primary hormone that controls blood sugar levels, which the body needs to maintain tight control over for survival.

Insulin has many jobs
Your pancreas releases insulin into your bloodstream whenever blood sugar levels rise. In type II diabetes two things go wrong. One, your pancreas becomes less responsive to making and releasing insulin; and two, cells throughout your body start to ignore the insulin that is released. Since insulin is important in so many different body functions, this becomes a serious problem.

The findings in the new study revolve around another role of insulin in the brain. The researchers discovered that dopamine activity in a part of the brain that promotes feelings of pleasure and reward are dependent upon insulin. In my opinion, this has a couple of far reaching implications.

Does insulin promote addiction?
The research suggests that diabetics, who lack the ability to produce insulin, will have a more difficult time feeling joy and pleasure because the brain circuits that control these feelings will be less active. This may be one link between the co-occurrences of type II diabetes and depression.

From a scientific perspective, this is a very interesting finding. But from a health perspective how does it help us prevent these diseases in the first place? The new research suggests that rises in insulin might boost the activity of pleasure and reward centers, the same ones that are stimulated by addictive drugs like amphetamine and cocaine.

When does your insulin go up? It goes up after a high sugar meal. It means that high sugar meals might stimulate addictive centers in the brain.

I've been touting the benefits of feeding yourself and your kids low-glycemic (essentially low sugar) meals for some time. This new research adds fuel to that argument by suggesting that sugar might actually be addictive. Maybe not in the same sense that elicit drugs are addictive, but that they have some degree of addictive tendencies themselves.

The irony is that eating high-glycemic meals actually makes you feel good in the short-term by increasing insulin and boosting activity of your brain's pleasure centers. But after years of eating sugar your pancreas will eventually burn out and lead to type II diabetes and possibly depression, leaving you with the opposite feelings that you ate the sugar for in the first place.

The take home message?
Get the high sugar cereals and other foods out of your house. Don't set yourself and your kids up for a lifetime of battling the cravings for these disease promoting foods.

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

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

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

You just don't care. Enjoying things is not on your priority list. Your sleep schedule has run amok. You have a hard time falling asleep or you often arise during the night. Quick weight gains or losses occur.

You feel tired most of the time.
Your self esteem has gone down hill. You feel like you cannot do anything right and you worry about being a burden to people. Mornings usually are the saddest time of the day for you.

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

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

By Aurther Shoko

Falling into the same category as hypertension, heart disease and kidney disease, diabetes is a chronic illness which requires life long control and management through medications and lifestyle changes. The two types of diabetes type 1 and type 2 demand different approaches to treatment. Type 1 diabetes is typically treated by self injection of insulin into the bloodstream on a daily basis. On the other hand type 2 diabetes can be controlled using pharmaceutical drug medications. These drugs essentially aid a weak system in producing adequate insulin. Each of these drugs has its own problems;

Side Effects Of Meglitinides

Known by generic names repaglinide and nateglinide and brand names Prandin and Starlix meglitinides are type 2 diabetes drugs that essentially seek to drive the pancreas to create more insulin and act more quickly. This is a new drug for diabetes designed to produce insulin soon after your meals. It therefore gives diabetes patients greater freedom in how they take their meals. In fact it can be taken some 30 minutes to right before taking a meal. When no meal is taken it will not be necessary to take the drug. Here are some known problems;

1 Even though its rare, patients may suffer from low blood sugar levels
2 Weight gain

Side Effects Of Alpha-glucosidase Inhibitors

Known by generic name acarbose, miglitol and brand names Precose and Glyset these drugs are designed to keep your blood sugar within range after taking a meal. This is an attempt to artificially keep a normal level of glucose to facilitate the normal absorption of glucose into the bloodstream. By blocking the enzymes that do the work of digesting the starches that you eat the drug slows down the release of glucose into the bloodstream. Here are the problems;

1 Abdominal pain
2 Bloating
3 Diarrhea
4 Gas

Side Effects Of Diabetes Combo Drugs

The practice of taking combination drugs is not only limited to hypertension. It is also used in treating other chronic diseases including diabetes. Doctors may decide to make patients take a combination of already existing diabetes drugs. this may not necessarily mean taking all the lot of pills. Pharmaceutical companies sometimes combine different medications into a single pill which a patient may take. In terms of side effects it becomes possible to suffer from all side effects associated with the drugs in the combo. the following are some problems to expect;

1 Nausea
2 Low blood sugar
3 Weight gain
4 Rash
5 Diarrhea
6 Excess gas
7 Loss of appetite
8 Liver damage

By Cary Ganz

Researchers are trying their best to find a sure cure for the juvenile diabetes by finding the core reason of this disease. They are trying to invent some vaccine that can be given to newborn babies that can help to prevent this all consuming disease. Also they are in the process of making a drug that can be given in case you find early signs of this disease in your child.

But nowadays this disease is usually treated with some kinds of exercises and a juvenile dietary plan accompanied by insulin therapy. To control your child's blood sugars always choose the healthy food over the high sugar content ones.

Blurred vision, abdominal pain, frequent urination, extreme hunger, weight loss, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue are the signs of this disease. When your blood sugar level, after fasting, comes out to be more than 120 mg/dL, the diagnosis is usually made.

To control your blood sugar you must do regular exercises. But be careful about children, as they should be limited to a certain level of exercise after Type 1 Diabetes is diagnosed. This is required because if children overdo the exercise then the blood sugar level can drop significantly. Anxiety, sweating, intense hunger, weakness, and trembling are the symptoms of low blood sugar or hypoglycemia. Even we don't have a definite cure for the juvenile diabetes, you can administer your insulin with the help of a remote which can be of tremendous help. This type of Insulin pump is implanted inside the body then is signaled by this remote. Researchers are trying to find some method to deliver the insulin through the skin.

Although there is no cure for this kind of Type I diabetes, you can prevent some of its effects by taking necessary precautions when you observe any its signs. To stay healthy physically and mentally, try to avoid stress and anxiety. The stress and depression are also signs of juvenile diabetes so in case you are suffering from them you must see your doctor.

Usually people ignores the signs and do not take them seriously. Everyone take time to adjust with them. Whenever you observe any signs follow these strategies that can help you and your child to cope with the juvenile diabetes.

Encourage your Child to be a Team Captain

You should boost your child to be the captain of the juvenile diabetes team. Your child can be more healthy and happy if he or she involves more in her juvenile diabetes care.

Learn about Juvenile diabetes

There is a local American Juvenile diabetes Association, a juvenile diabetes educator, and many books that can give you proper guidance about the signs of diabetes. Learning more about it will help you to deal properly with this disease.

Share with Family and Friends

You should motivate your child to talk more about the juvenile diabetes with family and friends. Only encourage your child to talk but never force them.

Talk to Others with Juvenile diabetes

It can be beneficial for your child to participate in some group of children suffering from juvenile diabetes.

Stress Relievers

Most of the people become tensed when they come across the signs of diabetes. In order to reduce your stress you can follow these simple ways.

* Exercise- exercise helps in relaxing your tensed muscles as well as you may feel happy.
* Writing- you can overcome your frustration by writing.
* Relaxation exercises- try some yoga, deep breathing or do the exercise of one muscle at a time.
* Distraction- try to distract your mind from this issue by going out with friends, watch movies, etc.
* Meditation- you can even try to do some meditation.

By John Willen

The diabetic food available today is both tasty and may help to keep your blood glucose more balanced. The only way to find out the food's influence on your body is to test your blood sugar before you eat it and about 2 hours later. The rise in glucose should be 50 points or less - use this as a guideline. Diabetic snack bars such as Glucerna or Extend are readily available on the market. They contain different starches that help to reduce the fluctuations in blood sugar.

These starches, along with sugar alcohols are used to help you. Sugar alcohol is a carbohydrate that has less of an impact on your blood sugar levels so you must still consider the portion that you are consuming. Nothing is free! Some people require a snack at night so they wake up with a healthy fasting blood sugar. If you go to sleep with a lower blood sugar reading of about 80 mg/dL, let's say, and wake up with 160 mg/dL you may be experiencing the Somogyi Effect. This means that overnight your blood sugar levels are dropping and your liver secretes extra glucose into the bloodstream to protect you from dropping to dangerous levels. It tends to be too generous though! Therefore, by eating the diabetic snack bars it will release the glucose more slowly into your bloodstream over several hours and you can reduce the chance of this from happening.

There are many products created for people with diabetes. By reading the food label and looking at the "total carbohydrate" you will see the amount of grams that will turn into sugar. "Sugar" listed under the heading of "total carbohydrate" reveals the processed sugar and/or the natural fruit or milk sugar. Sugar alcohol will not be listed under sugar. It is not considered a sugar, it's considered a carbohydrate. Carbohydrates turn 100% into sugar within about 1-2 hours. The sugar alcohol also turns into sugar but it does so more slowly - a benefit for people with diabetes. Another popular product on the "sugar free" market is the sugar free cookie.

Sugar free cookies taste good and will turn into sugar more slowly than an ordinary cookie. Please remember, if you eat twice as many, you will gain weight from consuming more calories and it will have more of an effect on your blood glucose levels. Sugar free simply means no processed or natural sugar in the product. It does not mean that it has zero carbohydrates. The sugar is removed from the cookie and replaced by sugar alcohol, however, the remaining carbohydrate, the flour, will still turn into sugar. Again, test your blood sugar to see the effect on YOUR body.

By John Willen

In the United States, approximately 5% of the population with diabetes has Type 1. Here, your pancreas no longer produces insulin so you must inject it. The rest of the diabetes population, about 95%, has Type 2. Type 2 may require insulin but it also is frequently controlled with diet and exercise and/or pills. If insulin is necessary, insulin pumps are available as well as insulin pens and syringes. You must use insulin needles for any of the above devices. There are different types of needles that meet the needs of certain body types.

The recommendation for those people taking doses over 100 units, or less, at a time is 1 cc. People taking 50 units or less would use the ½ cc and those needing only 30 units or less would use the 3/10 cc syringe. It is important to inject into your fat not your muscle! Injecting into the muscle will hurt! And it may affect the absorption rate of the insulin. The stomach is the most neutral site to inject into. If you inject into an area that you are working - your thigh or arm - the medication will absorb more rapidly and may influence your blood glucose levels.

The length of the needle can vary as well. The standard size for a needle is ½, "5/16 is for thinner people and is a shorter needle and 3/16" is for pediatrics - the shortest needle.

Whether you are taking insulin or not, it is important to test your blood glucose so you are aware of the effect food, exercise, medication and stress have on your body. Diabetic testing supplies are readily available to you at your local pharmacy, online or by mail order.

Some of these supplies include blood glucose monitors, testing strips, control solutions and lancets. Safety lancets are available as a one-time use needle. They come in various sizes to meet the needs of different body types. The lower gauge (25 or 28) would be a thicker needle for those who have a tougher skin and the 31 or 33 gauges would be a finer needle for those with more sensitive skin.

Your education needs to go far beyond simply knowing how to inject insulin or test your glucose. You want the insulin to work its best, absorb well and hurt the least. You need to know what numbers you are striving for. Diabetes educators can assist you with all of those questions.

By Loren R. Denton

Do you want to know the most effective Diabetic diet food list?

Having diabetes would definitely require you to choose your foods wisely. Being smart on your food choices will help you avoid the condition or reverse it when you are already diagnosed with the illness.

If you are a diabetic, the foods that you need to eat are basically the foods that most nutritionists recommend even for the people with good health. They are simply foods that you normally ignore when you are still not stricken with diabetes. It was just a matter of time, ignoring your diabetic for too long has led you to develop the metabolic disorder.

This article will be a crash course to having the appropriate Diabetic diet. This will involve supplements and foods. Some of them are surprising and counter-intuitive but nevertheless effective if consumed appropriately.

The Diabetic Supplement and Food List

Chromium - Diabetics have impaired glucose utilization capabilities. Chromium can help improve this impairment, not to mention, overall cardiovascular health. Foods that are rich in chromium are:

* Green Beans
* Whole Grains
* Broccoli
* Ready-to-eat Bran Cereals

Magnesium - People with diabetes are magnesium-deficient due to urination and uncontrollable sugar levels. This supplement is highly recommended for aging diabetics. A good 400 milligrams a day of magnesium is adequate for improving glucose tolerance.

Fish Oil - Everybody knows that fish oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids particularly, EPA and DHA. The risk of dying from heart disease is decreased by taking fish oil as a daily dietary supplement. Diabetics would of course need all the help they can get regarding cardiovascular health.

Biotin - Insulin-dependent (Type 1) diabetics have low levels of biotin. Biotin is an essential supplement in decreasing blood sugar levels especially in people with Type 1 diabetes. Foods that are rich in Biotin are:

* Wheat Bran
* Cooked Eggs
* Raw Cauliflower
* Active Yeast
* Cooked Liver
* Avocadoes

Dietary Fiber - If you lack fiber in your diet, you increase the chances of developing Type 2 diabetes. There are already plenty of research and studies that suggests that an increased consumption of dietary fiber reduce risks of having metabolic disorders like diabetes.

Nuts - In general, nuts are super health foods. They are full of good fats and proteins but with surprisingly low levels of starch and sugars. There is a study that showed a significant decrease of developing Type 2 diabetes mellitus when subjects ate a quantity of nuts five times or more in a week. People with allergies should beware though.

Bitter Melon - Also known as Bitter Gourd is regarded as some kind of miracle food for diabetics especially in asian countries. This food's ability to lower blood glucose levels is outstanding. It is also rich in other essential vitamins and minerals.

Beans - Legumes, lentils, and peas are pancreas-friendly type of foods because they have low glycemic indices-a food quality that diabetics should always find.

When you are diabetic, you need to manage your diet and should know what kinds of food to avoid. Also, it is not only a matter of what to eat; frequency, timing, and portions should also be considered. This diabetic diet food list should start your path towards diabetes reversal.

By Robert Pernula

How a simple diabetic grocery list changed my life and helped me nurse my health back to normal, effectively beating my diabetes type 2 condition in less than 6 weeks.

When I was diagnosed with diabetes type 2 some 20 years ago, I was not shaken or upset. I was shattered and devastated, because at 50, I was 50 at the time, this did not create a very positive image of how I had been living my life so far.

I was a little panicked and thought I would "get by" with the pills the doctor prescribed and my trust in medicine was absolute, doctors knew best as far as I was concerned.

So I remember going to a nutritionist and I also remember laying all the good advice I was receiving nicely aside, trusting the fact that my blind faith in modern medicine was well justified and did not require me to even think about changing anything about my lifestyle at all.

And so I didn't and I continued life just the way I had always lived it before being diagnosed with diabetes type 2 until one day I read a story about the Pimi Indian tribe in New Mexico. This caught my attention because the article in question explained that in their native area, these people did not know what diabetes was.

Only the people from the tribe who had emigrated to the USA and had adopted our lifestyle had developed the condition! That left me to wonder if my diabetes type 2 was not a sickness but more a lifestyle problem.

That took me to the Internet, friends and my doctor as well as my darling wife who is a nurse and I started firing questions at them. It is not a coincidence that doctors send us diabetics to a nutritionist, it is a necessity. What nutritionists are not trained for is how to slowly but surely bring people with bad habits to come to their senses and start behaving with more common sense instead of stubbornly refusing to break bad habits.

I stubbornly refused to break my inefficient eating habits until I looked up the knowledge myself which brought me to a point where I realized that I was resisting change for the wrong reasons. I realized I was loving my food and my ways more than I did my health, and as soon as that hit me, I was ready for change.

And change I did. I found out about the glycemic food index list and how slow carbohydrates slowly dissolve nutrients into the bloodstream which helps me avoid bloods sugar spikes which in turn keeps my diabetes in check.

All I needed to do was to change the way I bought my food to beat the diabetes condition. You can imagine I feel a bit silly for hanging on to the diabetes for 20 years before this dawned on me that I could easily get rid of it.

So, this is how it came to be that I set out to compile a groceries list to help me choose what I would put on my plate from that day forth. I will give it to you if you want it, no charge. It is pretty useful to me and it can be as well for you. Here is to beating diabetes type 2 with better food.

Now you also know how to change your shopping habits as well: a bit of knowledge and a touch of self motivation. It will do wonders, especially to your health.

By Beverleigh H Piepers

High blood sugar levels, combined with poor circulation, puts the skin of diabetics on their whole body not just at risk for infections... a major issue is dry skin. Diabetics tend to have drier skin than most people do, according to Walgreens, a provider of continuing pharmacy education accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education. Correct information for skin care is really essential in the education of diabetics.

Walgreens explains that increased blood sugar levels lead to dry skin that is prone to:

* cracking
* ulcers
* wounds, and
* lesions

High blood sugar levels also encourage the development of:

* strange, yellow pimples (a sign of high fat levels in your blood)
* boils, or
* a varied range of localized infections

And because most diabetic patients have a decreased ability to heal infected lesions, more often than not these infections usually result in uncontrolled would infections leading to extremity amputations. With proper skin care, these various complications may be prevented.

So, how do you take care of your skin if you happen to have Type 2 diabetes?

1. Apply a non-water based moisturizer to your skin regularly. Walgreens advises that diabetics should use non-water based moisturizers on their skin on a regular basis to prevent it from becoming dry. If this kind of moisturizer is not available in your local store, a cream or a heavy lotion can be used in place of the moisturizer.

2. Never use hot water for bathing. According to Walgreens, hot water tends to dry skin more. To prevent this from happening, use warm water instead.

3. Apply your moisturizer immediately after bathing. Applying your moisturizer at this time tends to trap water in the skin making it less prone to drying. It also acts as a sealant and a barrier at the same time, locking out harmful materials from damaging your skin.

4. Drink plenty of water and eat a good amount of vegetables (vegetables also contain water). Increased blood sugar level causes the water to dry up within individual cells becoming dehydrated.

5. Use urea-containing products to soften and hydrate the skin. Urea helps your body retain moisture keeping the skin from drying up and cracking. Again, according to Walgreens, diabetics should select a skin product that contains ten percent or more of urea so your skin receives the full benefits.

6. Type 1 and Type 2 diabetics are also advised to never use skin products recommended for calluses, corns and warts. These skin products tend to crack the skin, damaging it's surface. The best advice is to have these skin conditions treated by qualified doctors.

7. Last, but not least, preventative measures for taking care of your skin includes frequently testing your blood sugar and taking your prescribed medications. The goal of this management is to achieve blood sugar levels that are as normal as possible and therefore avoid all complications, not just dry skin.

By Diane Butler

Prediabetes and diabetes are the most significant health issues confronting Americans today. In the U.S. today the number of people diagnosed with prediabetes jumped from 57 million in 2008 to 79 million in 2010. Even more ominous, during the same time period, the number diagnosed with full-on diabetes went from 23.6 million to 26 million, the vast majority with Type 2 or adult onset. Put the two numbers together and it accounts for one-third of the U.S. population. Diabetes is a serious issue which can be alleviated by the diabetes diet cure.

Prediabetes means chronically elevated blood sugar levels but not high enough to qualify as diabetes. Prediabetics are "insulin-resistant" as their bodies have become less responsive to insulin, the hormone that keeps blood sugar levels in check. Having prediabetes does not condemn a person to diabetes. Lifestyle changes, including increased exercise and better diet, the diabetes diet cure, will often stave off diabetes or actually reverse full-blown diabetes.

Without the diabetes diet cure, prediabetics will develop diabetes within ten years. Compared with people who have normal blood sugar levels, diabetics are 50% more likely to develop cardiovascular disease and two-thirds of diabetics die of heart attack or stroke. Many prediabetics are completely unaware they are at risk as the condition does not exhibit the typical symptoms of diabetes: heightened thirst, frequent urination, blurry vision and fatigue. Only a blood test can determine for sure if someone is prediabetic.

Who is at risk for prediabetes? Sedentary people and the overweight are most likely to have the condition. Gaining even 11 to 15 pounds for a person of normal weight doubles the risk of developing prediabetes. Of course, larger weight gains mean more risk. This means that at least half the adult population of the U.S. is at risk of developing the disease. The diabetes diet cure can have a major positive impact.

The landmark Diabetes Prevention Program study showed beyond a shadow of a doubt that diabetes diet cure along with moderate exercise can significantly reduce the incidence of prediabetes and diabetes. The 3000 participants in the study were randomly divided into three groups: a placebo group, a group given the diabetes drug metaformin and another group receiving intense support for exercise and diabetes diet cure. After three years, the third intensely-counseled group reduced their risk of developing diabetes by 58% compared to those on metformin at only 31%.

What is the diabetes diet cure? It's not that complicated. Eat more fruits and vegetables while avoiding large quantities of meat. Avoid sweets and carbonated beverages. Reduce portion sizes. The goal is to lose even a moderate 5 to 10% of body weight which will produce significant health-protective results. Coupled with moderate exercise, as little as 30 minutes per day, better diet can almost eliminate the condition. The diabetes diet cure alone could completely stop the epidemic of diabetes now threatening this country.

By James K. Robinson

It is stated so simply, in terms so matter of fact -- as it should be, but if you understand what it means in human terms for those affected, you realize immediately how shocking are the cold facts revealed in the 2011 National Diabetes Fact Sheet.

The 2011 National Diabetes Fact Sheet, released in January of this year by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, and other associated national health authorities, states that there are an estimated 26 million children and adults in the United States who have diabetes. And an even greater number, 79 million Americans who have prediabetes. The fortunate aspect, if there can be anything fortunate about an illness of any sort, is that prediabetes can be reversed and prevented from developing into diabetes, the related disease characterized by higher than normal levels of blood sugars in the body.

Without going into many of the grim statistics given in the Fact Sheet that details the poor state of health and physical condition of millions of Americans -- anyone who is interested can search themselves for Fact Sheet data on the internet -- it is worth pointing out that any individual, by modifying their lifestyle, can avoid the dire consequences that can follow diabetes.

Who are the prime candidates to become diabetic or prediabetic?
Any person who is overweight, over forty years of age and physically out of shape, faces the possibility of already having, or soon developing, the disease condition known as prediabetes, which, as its name implies, is a precursor of the really serious disease called diabetes.

Both diabetes and prediabetes are defined by blood sugar problems in the sense that higher than normal levels of the sugar called glucose is circulating in the bloodstream, primarily the result of the types of food being consumed and the lack of exercise in the life of the potential prediabetic. While the condition can be reversed, if it is not, and a person becomes diagnosed as being diabetic, it is then not curable, it's a condition for the rest of life that comes with many restrictions and a diminished quality of life -- and more alarming, if not properly treated and the above normal blood sugars brought under control, diabetes can lead to other serious health complications such as heart disease, kidney disease, nerve and blood circulation problems, eye disease, even blindness. The sugar in the blood is essential for life's cellular activities but too much sugar in the blood is harmful to the heart and other organs and tissues of the body.

Heart disease is the major cause of death among the diabetic population of North America and even though a person with prediabetes may not yet have progressed to diabetes, they are high risk for the possibility of developing those serious ailments. The American Diabetes Association reports that recent research reveals that some long-term damage to the body, especially the heart and circulatory system, may already be occurring during prediabetes.

Considering the serious consequences for both of the health conditions described above, and because, as we have also mentioned, the overweight, out of shape, and over forty year old individual is the prime candidate to develop the diseases, it is in the self interest of everyone who fits that category to see a doctor. A simple blood test that can be requisitioned by a doctor will tell the story. Time to see a doctor?

By Robin Hale

Type 2 Diabetes is a sign of the times it seems. Today's society is the perfect breeding ground for type 2 diabetes. Busy, stressful schedules that leave little time for exercise, latch key children and teenagers who spend hours in front of the television or computer, combined with the availability of convenient yet deadly fast food has paved the way for America's self destruction.

Are you at risk for Type 2 Diabetes? Symptoms may develop slowly and creep upon us unnoticed. As with any health problems, it's best to catch this deadly disease as early as possible.

Here's a list of 5 warning signs:

* Are you constantly tired or have extreme energy crashes during the day? - Spikes and crashes in blood sugar can cause extreme fatigue. The truth is, no one should have to experience that "after lunch tiredness" although many people talk about it as if it is common and acceptable. A properly functioning body that receives the right kind of fuel can keep going at a steady pace throughout the day. That after lunch tired feeling may not be type 2 diabetes, but it is a warning sign that you are not eating properly and your body is not running the way it should.
* Does your vision ever become blurred? - The medical explanation for blurred vision with type 2 diabetes is because during blood sugar spikes necessary fluid is sometimes pulled from the lenses of your eyes. This can impair your ability to focus.
* Do you find yourself extra thirsty? When sugar builds up in your blood stream, fluid is needed, so your body will pull it from your tissues and cause you to be extra thirsty.
* Do you have intense cravings for starchy foods or bread products? If your body doesn't have enough insulin to transfer sugar into your cells for fuel, your body will send hunger signals to your brain even though you may have recently eaten. Your body naturally does all it can to survive, so it will trigger hunger because it is unable to use the supply already in your body.
* Do you have sores that take exceptionally long to heal or frequently become infected? Non-healing sores are one of the most common signs of diabetes.

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, you should see your physician immediately. If you are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, there is still hope. You don't have to live with this condition. At the Center for Type 2 Diabetes, we provide a solid plan of action intended to reverse and break you completely free from type 2 diabetes. Regardless of what stage of diabetes you are in, whether newly diagnosed or managing the disease for several years, we have the answers you are looking for.

By Beverleigh H Piepers

The American Diabetes Association recommends medical nutrition therapy or MNT for preventing the onset of Type 2 diabetes, to manage the existing diabetes problem, and to prevent further complications associated with poor blood sugar control. In fact, the American Diabetes Association states that the MNT should be a part of every diabetic's self-management education.

However effective this diet may seem for the management of diabetes, many diabetics still see the ADA diet as a faulty eating style most people can never follow to the letter. In the forum Diabetes Daily, many concerns were expressed by real people diagnosed with diabetes:

1. The ADA appears to recommend many more carbohydrates than most diabetics can handle in one day. One diabetic who posted on the Diabetes Forum tried following the ADA diet with poor results.

2. The ADA recommends artificial sweeteners and diet drinks that seem to be a major turn-off for many Type 2 diabetics who are looking to reverse their condition.

3. Many Type 2 diabetics are confused about counting calories.

Because of these complaints, the American Diabetes Association (ADA), developed a new and easy "tool" to help make the ADA diet:

* easier to follow
* much more appealing, and
* a custom fit for diabetics.

This new diet tool is called the "Create Your Plate" method.

Create Your Plate may be one of the easiest tools ever created not just for blood sugar control but for weight loss as well. With the Create Your Plate approach it's the size of the sections that matters.

To picture how your plate should look when you use the Create Your Plate method, mentally divide it into left and right halves. Then imagine the right half split into two equal parts. The first step is to fill the left half of your plate with non-starchy vegetables, eg. spinach, green beans, lettuce, etc. Then, place only a small portion of starchy foods, such as rice, pasta or potatoes in the top right hand quarter, and a small portion of protein such as lean meat, eggs, fish or chicken in the bottom right quarter. Simple enough? With this Create Your Plate method, you don't need to worry about counting your carbs or thinking about how many calories you take it. Just eat and be satisfied with your meal.

Having Type 2 diabetes doesn't mean you need to starve yourself. Nor does it mean stuffing yourself with carbohydrates for the sake of reaching the minimum daily requirement for your carbohydrate intake.

An effective diabetic diet means choosing the right kinds of foods in the right proportions. The Create Your Plate approach is not only easy to follow, it also has three distinct advantages: it reduces caloric intake, controls carbohydrates and satisfied your hunger. So what are you waiting for?

By Alice Saracho

More women than ever before are carrying fetuses while they are diabetic. This can have an effect on the mom as well as the developmental process for the baby. Fortunately, modern medicine is doing all it can to make this process less difficult for diabetic women.

Why do some women, with no prior history of diabetes, develop diabetes over the course of their pregnancy? Known as gestational diabetes, this condition occurs in approximately two out of every 100 women who become pregnant. In a normal pregnancy process, the woman's placenta creates a variety of hormones to nourish the fetus and help it to grow and develop. Of these hormones, some of them have anti-insulin properties. In the women who develops gestational diabetes, the hormones decrease the body's sensitivity to insulin so much that the body over produces glucose to compensate. The result may end up causing diabetes. In the women to whom this occurs, it usually happens around the 22nd week of the pregnancy.

Normally, the woman's blood glucose levels will return to normal once the baby is delivered. In some cases, however, the diabetes will remain. Also, women who develop gestational diabetes, do have a greater chance of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. To lessen the chances of this happening, the woman should work with her doctor and nutritionist to develop a post-delivery plan to return her body's glucose and hormonal levels to normal as soon as possible. This will usually involve developing healthy meal plans, starting an exercise program, and scheduling follow-up blood work with her doctor.

In the case of a woman who is already diabetic when the pregnancy begins, special precautions are necessary. In the first month of the pregnancy, the fetus has already begun to develop. The fetus' only source of food is glucose from the mother. If the blood glucose levels are high, the excess sugar can impact the organs of the developing fetus - possibly resulting in birth defects or a miscarriage. That's why, early on, it's important that the doctor ensure that the blood glucose levels of the mother are stable and under control as early in the pregnancy as possible.

Many diabetic women are on oral medications. Even though some of the oral diabetes medications have been tested for safety in pregnant women, some women may be advised by their doctor to use insulin during the pregnancy. This is because many doctors believe that insulin is the safer choice for the fetus in controlling blood glucose levels.

Essentially, the primary reason for the preference of insulin is simply that it has a longer history of tests, studies, and observations surrounding it. In addition, many oral medications only work with type 2 diabetes. Fortunately, insulin therapy has been used by doctors for many decades making the woman's chances for a successful pregnancy nearly as good as for those women without diabetes.

Some women also make use of herbal remedies to control their diabetes during their pregnancy. Any woman that does this, however, should make sure that her doctor is aware of this and that her doctor approves.

By Loren R. Denton

Do you know that fish or seafood is one of the best foods for diabetics? Read on to know more about this.

Everyone needs protein, even people with severe diabetes need this essential macronutrient. However, diabetics should choose their protein sources much more wisely. One of the great sources of protein especially for diabetics is seafood. Protein sources other than seafood-such as pork, beef, and chicken-are packed with unhealthy fat, carbs, and cholesterol. In general, fish is a way healthier option.

One great quality of fish, as food, is its adaptability to take on any flavor. Basically, you can transform fish to any flavor you desire. It's all about the ingredients you use and how you prepare and cook your fish. Once the pangs of hunger kick in, a diabetic should not wait for too long to eat. Apart from a quick snack, the best option is to eat fish mainly because it's fast and easy to prepare.

The ocean is rich in minerals and the creatures that live in it are made of these minerals as well. Therefore, it is only natural to consider that seafood is also rich in essential dietary minerals like selenium, potassium, calcium, iodine, phosphorous, and iron.

There are a lot of delicious yet healthy recipes that you can develop with seafood. In fact, with careful planning, diabetics can strictly consume seafood as their only source of protein in their daily nutrition. The best dishes are seafood mixed with vegetables. Here are some benefits of the seafood diet for individuals with Type1 and Type2 Diabetes mellitus:

* Omega-3 fatty acids. This is an essential nutrient for all folks and even more for people with diabetes. These polyunsaturated fatty acids are particularly high in the fat and oils of fish that live in cold water. This oils help fish survive in a cold environment because it insulates them from the extreme temperature. Omega-3 fatty acids effectively lower Low Density Lipid profile (LDL) cholesterol, which is the undesirable type of cholesterol, while raises the good cholesterol, High Density Lipid profile (HDL) cholesterol.
* Fats from fish also have anti-inflammatory characteristics. The kinds of fish rich in this healthy fat are sardines, mackerel, salmon, and tuna. It is recommended to regularly eat at least two servings of these fishes per week.
* Seafood improves functioning of vital organs especially the kidney which is often found to be problematic among diabetic patients.
* Seafood is a great source of vitamin B, particularly niacin. They also contain fat-soluble vitamin A. Moreover, fatty fish are one of the few food sources of vitamin D.

The best way to prepare fish

As much as possible, avoid frying fish. When you are eating out, many restaurants offer alternatives other than fried fish. Before ordering, make it a point to always ask how the chef prepares the fish they serve. Fried fish is full of bad fats especially when heated at extreme temperatures. Heated oil produce toxic by-products and as a diabetic, you'd like to avoid that.

The best methods of preparing fish for consumption are by grilling, steaming, baking, or pan roasting. If you like to cook, you can experiment and even develop your own style. With fish and other types of seafood, the possibilities are deliciously endless.

By Dee Martinez

I am a Diabetic - and I am happy and enjoying life. It is odd because I have never been this happier and livelier in my whole life - I guess, thanks to my diabetes lifestyle.

If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, it will drastically change your life. For some it is like a death sentence - especially those whose middle name is Cadbury and has a best friend named Sees. But when you look beyond the disease, you will see a silver lining. You will be forced to be fit and stay healthy. This is the only way to control and manage the disease, and of course taking the medication. Let us see what kind of diabetic life a person will have and its effect on the people around you::

Diet
In a diabetes treatment plan, proper diet is the primary factor. It is because what you will eat will directly affect your blood sugar level. If you are with your family, it will be a great adjustment on their part to be eating the same food you are eating. But you can always opt to have your own food cooked if it will be a problem. In doing so, you can try out some low calorie dishes or even diabetic-friendly dessert as a treat.

If you find it a bit hard eating at home, how else it would be if you are eating out? In a restaurant, it is harder to resist food, especially if the people you are with will be eating. Actually, you can eat what they are eating, provided you request the waiter to prepare it with less sugar or less oil. Many restaurants are open to granting client's requests. If you think you will be hesitant to ask those things in front of your colleagues, you can call ahead and make the arrangements.

Exercise
When there is diet, exercise is also needed. Those two go hand in hand when we talk about being fit. Exercise will help a diabetic to control blood sugar. A good tip for those starting out to exercise is to start slow. Walking is a good way to start, you can do it for 15minutes for the first days and gradually increase. To have an exercise routine, it is recommended to have a fixed schedule, let us say before breakfast or in the afternoon. This will help a lot in sticking to your exercise schedule.

Financial Considerations
Having a diabetes is expensive. You should consider the costs of your maintenance medicines, glucometer, test strips, lancets, insulin and frequent visit to a doctor. If you have medical insurance, your financial burden because of this disease will be lessen.

Physical Changes
Feeling very tired and thirsty are only a few of what diabetics will regularly feel. Diabetic life will also include sleepless nights and frequent urination.

Another thing for those women who has Type 2 Diabetes is that it will have an effect on her sex life. They will have decrease urge for sex and decrease in vaginal lubrication. Adjustments and proper knowledge on the part of the partner is needed.

Diabetes Lifestyle
Some will have trouble coping up with the change of normal to a diabetes lifestyle. Some may even go through depression. You can always go to your doctor and talk about what you are feeling. There will be ways to help you adjust. You maybe referred to a dietitian or counselors to assist you on what you are going through.

Just remember that although diabetes is a lifelong disease, it is a manageable condition and you can still live a long a happy diabetic life.

By Lynn Woods

Diabetes and obesity are closely linked, and many diabetics struggle to follow their doctor's orders to lose weight. The biopharmaceutical company Vivus hopes to market an investigational new drug, Qnexa, as both a weight loss drug and a diabetes medication.

Qnexa is in phase 3 clinical trials to treat obesity, and in phase 2 clinical development for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and sleep apnea. The most recent clinical trial of Qnexa as a weight loss drug resulted in an average 10 percent weight loss in study participants.

Qnexa is a combination of the appetite suppressant phentermine, (best known as the "phen" in fen-phen, a controversial weight loss drug that was pulled off the market in 1997), and the anticonvulsant topiramate, prescribed to treat epilepsy and prevent migraine headaches.

Qnexa was denied approval in late 2010, when the FDA expressed concerns about a slightly increased risk of adverse psychiatric and cardiovascular events, and questioned the possibility of birth defects in pregnant women taking the drug.

More than 2400 patients took part in the latest study. Study participants were all clinically obese, and also suffered from two or more secondary medical conditions such as diabetes or heart disease. Patients also saw improvements in high blood pressure, cholesterol and A1C levels (glycated hemoglobin). High A1C levels indicate high levels of blood glucose in diabetics.

Shares of Vivus have increased up to sixteen percent in value since the latest study results were released. If approved, Qnexa would be the first new weight loss drug on the market in more than ten years. Currently, the only FDA approved prescription weight loss drug is orlistat (Zenical). Orlistat prevents the body from absorbing the fat in food, and is known for unpleasant side effects such as loose, oily stools, fecal incontinence and flatulence.

A second weight-loss drug manufacturer, Orexigen, is also struggling to get FDA approval for their new diet drug, Contrave. Contrave is a combination of bupropion (the antidepressant Wellbutrin, also marketed as the smoking cessation aid Zyban) and naltrexone, an opiate antagonist prescribed to treat narcotic and alcohol addiction. Contrave is designed to curb food cravings, and proved effective than Qnexa in terms of weight loss.

Contrave passed a major hurdle in late 2010 when an FDA advisory committee voted 13-7 for its approval, but the FDA disagreed in early 2011, asking for a new clinical trial evaluating the drug's cardiovascular risks.

Arena Pharmaceutical's Lorcaserin was the third diet drug to fail to win FDA approval in 2010, when the FDA deemed that safety concerns outweighed the drug's "marginal effectiveness".

By Kirsten Whittaker

As if you need one more reason to not smoke... or to avoid the effects of secondhand smoke, a groundbreaking study finds that cigarette smoke brings an increased risk of type II diabetes risk factors, for the smoker and for the non smokers around them. The risk goes up with the amount of secondhand smoke you're exposed to.

Researchers tell us that the risks of developing diabetes from secondhand smoke weren't known before, but that these findings reinforce the lesson that you need to limit your exposure.

Tobacco smoke has over 4,000 chemicals, and more than 60% of them are known to cause cancer.

Secondhand smoke is a combination of two forms of smoke that come from burning tobacco - sidestream smoke (from the end of the lighted cigarette, pipe or cigar) and mainstream smoke (exhaled from the smoker's mouth).

It's the sidestream smoke that has higher concentrations of the cancer causing substances than the smoke that comes from the smoker.

For the research experts examined the responses of over one hundred thousand women to questionnaires answered back in 1982.

The subjects were all female, all nurses taking part in a nationwide study known as the Nurses' Health Study that lasted several decades, supplied information on how much exposure they had to cigarette smoke.

Over the following two decades around one in 18 subjects was diagnosed with type II diabetes.

The team discovered that women smokers who smoked over two packets a day were most at risk of developing diabetes. This meant that for each 10,000 subjects in the study, around 30 of the women classed as heavy smokers were diagnosed with diabetes each year, in comparison with around 25 women who didn't smoke, and hadn't been exposed to others cigarette smoke.

The risks were increased for ex-smokers as well as women who were exposed to secondhand smoke. In both groups, around 40 out of 10,000 women were diagnosed with diabetes each year. Once the research team took factors like weight, age and family medical history into account, the women who used to smoke had a 12% increased risk of diabetes in comparison to those who were exposed to secondhand smoke on a regular basis.

No one is sure why secondhand smoke and type II diabetes might be connected, though inflammation might be a part of the picture.

Type 2 diabetes is the form that normally develops in adults, affecting both men and women equally, and is a chronic condition where the body can't process sugar properly. Sometimes patients can control their condition with diet and exercise, while more advanced disease calls for insulin. Diabetes that goes unmanaged, or poorly managed, brings the risks of many dangerous, life-altering complications.

The researchers believe there's no reason to think the findings would not apply to men because the diabetes risk factors are similar for men and women. Today the danger of the effects of secondhand smoke is well recognized, and federal, state and local authorities are enacting clean indoor air ordinances to protect nonsmokers from health problems, like type 2 diabetes, that may come from exposure to secondhand smoke.

By Jim Morham

It is awfully frustrating, but the list of complications from diabetes also includes damage to you sexual performance. Elevated blood sugars over a period of time can cause impotence or, as the term on the television we hear about once an hour, erectile dysfunction. I'm sure we could think of at least three jokes each, if it weren't such a serious issue on so many levels.

What is the cause of the problem?

In diabetics, whether it is type one diabetes or type two adult onset diabetes, there is always one recurring theme. The theme is that elevated blood glucose levels are extremely damaging to every part of your body from your brain to you feet! This issue literally affects your body's ability to heal a wound. During a typical doctor's checkup, one of the many things that get looked over is your feet. This is one of the first places to show problems from possible cuts or abrasions. The source of the problem is always circulatory in nature.

How does this affect my sex life?

Circulation of blood flow is one of the many casualties in the diabetic war. We have to be on guard to the adverse affects of coronary heart disease and stroke. These problems come from constriction of blood vessels. Since the damage caused by hyperglycemia, or elevated blood sugars, is non discriminatory, it attacks every part of the body including all the plumbing from your heart to genitals. Ouch. If your blood sugars are in tight control, there is adequate or normal blood flow to the genitals. Proper flow of blood affects the erection process which causes the blood vessels to expand and contract. Oh, there's that balloon analogy again! There is also nerve damage to contend with, which affects natural sensation. These nerves lose the feeling and sensation just like the nerves in your feet, thus the cause for concern of a diabetic's ability to feel a cut on the foot.

What precautions can I take to help?

The number one precaution any diabetic must take is keeping blood sugars in check with proper regulation via insulin if you are dependent as a type one diabetic. If you are a type two adult onset diabetic, diet and exercise alone may be the answer to keeping your weight down and blood sugars in line.

What about natural enhancement?

There is one rule of thumb that should always be followed in conjunction with good blood sugar control. Eating healthy and particularly with an emphasis on heart health. This includes a low- fat diet high in fruits and vegetables, lean meat, low or no sugar and salt intake and supplements rich in Omega 3 fish oil. What is good for your heart will also help your overall circulation throughout your body. Omega 3 fish oil works several jobs simultaneously according to the National Heart Association. The fatty acids found in fish oil provide a supplemental defense against the very elements that cause the blood vessels and arteries to constrict and clog up. These elements include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and excessive plaque buildup. It's important to remember that there is no substitute to good blood sugar control, but good nutrition with lots of green vegetables and foods high in fatty acids like Omega 3 fish oil will go a long way to protect all the organs above the waist line and below.

Conclusion

Make no mistake; the number one issue is good blood sugar control in order to reap the benefits of good health. Once you have gotten control of this important issue, the natural way to good circulatory health is to take care of your heart. By eating healthy foods and natural supplements like fish oil tablets, you will protect the most important organ, your heart. A healthy heart will make sure all other organs are fed the proper blood flow and there will be organ harmony in your body!