By Beverleigh H Piepers

According to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse, as many as 23.6 million Americans are suffering from both direct and indirect complications of Type 2 diabetes. As well as that unbelievable number, around 29.5 percent of American adults have prediabetes. Most people with Type 2 go through a phase of prediabetes, where they have slightly raised blood sugar levels without having full-blown diabetes. Prediabetes is defined as having a fasting blood sugar reading of 100 to 125 mg/dL.

Over a number of years, uncontrolled blood sugar causes serious damage to blood vessels and nerves, leading to complications such as:

* heart disease
* loss of vision
* kidney failure
* amputations, and
* impotence

There is no cure for Type 2 diabetes, although it can certainly be controlled, and the following outcomes avoided:

1. Stroke and complications of the heart: As mentioned by the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse, heart disease has been the cause of death in 65 percent of cases in the older age group in the year 2004. Within this age group,16 percent had stroke complications brought about by uncontrolled blood sugar.

It is now known people having prediabetes or Type 2 diabetes are two to three times more likely to suffer complications of the heart and suffer a stroke than people without these conditions. The National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse explains uncontrolled blood sugar levels trigger the deposition of fatty deposits in the blood vessel walls causing the development of atherosclerosis, the clogging and hardening of blood vessels. Atherosclerosis, in turn, is the most important independent factor to the development of stroke and heart complications.

2. Blindness: Diabetes is the leading cause of new blindness in adults in the United States. In fact, diabetic retinopathy, the complication affecting nerve tissues of the eyes, causes around twelve thousand to fourteen thousand new cases of blindness per year. Chronic uncontrolled blood sugar levels damage the tiny blood vessels in the eyes resulting in the clogging of these tiny blood supply carriers. With this compromised blood supply, deterioration of nerve tissues in the eye guarantees the development of gradual blindness. Seventy-eight percent of people with Type 2 diabetes experience eye disease due primarily to their health condition.

3. Renal failure: Diabetes is the most common cause of renal failure in the United States according to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse. Both small and large blood vessel complication can lead to kidney problems. High blood pressure and high blood sugar can be a dangerous combination for your kidneys. About 15 percent of people with Type 2 will develop kidney disease, known as renal disease or nephropathy. Diabetes causes 40 percent of all end-stage renal disease or kidney failure. To prevent this health issue becoming a problem, annual laboratory testing in all diabetic patients is essential.

4. Your Feet: Diabetes accounts for approximately half of all non-emergency amputations, but many experts agree doing a foot self-exam every day can prevent most foot complications from becoming severe. Your feet are the targets of both large blood vessel and small blood vessel complications. In the first place, peripheral vascular disease affects blood circulation to your feet. In the second place, the nerve cells in your feet which control sensation, can be altered through complications of the small blood vessels. Nerve damage can also affect your feet's muscles and tendons, causing weakness and changes to the foot's shape.

Preventing complications for Type 2 diabetes revolves around blood sugar control, exercise, and low-fat eating which are the same things that can prevent Type 2 diabetes in the first place.

By Christine Crotts

Medical alert bracelets serve a very important function for those who wear them. Diabetics are especially at risk since incorrect treatments can easily put them into a diabetic coma. In an emergency, it is important that those with diabetes have a way to convey their condition to the people around them. Here are five reasons that wearing a medical alert bracelet is a good idea for diabetics. Let your bracelet speak for you when you can't.

1. Diabetes has two opposite types. Diabetes I and Diabetes II require very different treatments and it is not enough to just know that the person is diabetic. It must be determined which type of diabetes needs to be treated. A diabetic bracelet will do this. Diabetes I is usually diagnosed in children and is when the body doesn't produce insulin. Type II Diabetes is very different in that it is diagnosed in adults and is the result of lifestyle choices and genetic factors. This disease produces a condition of insulin resistance. Long term effects of type II can include heart attacks and kidney failure.

2. Wearing a bracelet will not only serve a practical purpose, it provides peace of mind. Loved ones will worry less, knowing that you are one step closer to proper treatment in an emergency. Diabetes can quickly complicate any emergency, with the specific type dictating how to handle your condition.

3. Medical personnel are trained to look for medical alert bracelets and other jewelry. It is one of the first things they do as they assess an emergency situation. This makes wearing a diabetic bracelet even more compelling. But doing so, you are participating in a well-thought out system designed to keep you safe. There is no doubt that diabetes bracelets have saved lives. If you care for someone with diabetes who cannot always speak for themselves, you should consider wearing a bracelet on their behalf. Many retailers of medical alert jewelry can provide this special type of bracelet.

4. Diabetes bracelets are available in dozens and dozens of styles. From gold to plastic, colorful to plain, it is not important what your bracelet or other jewelry looks like, as long as it carries the important information: condition, which type of diabetes and recommended treatment. However, you should choose something appealing to you since you need to wear it all the time.

5. You need not advertise to the world that you have a medical condition. Many pieces of medical alert jewelry are subtle and you can choose a style that most people won't even recognize as medical jewelry.

By Beverleigh H Piepers

Although the thought of eating out when you have Type 2 diabetes can be a little daunting, it is none the less, quite possible. The main thing to remember is that you might be able to monitor your own cooking, but you have to take charge when someone else is preparing your food. Since you're paying for the meal, have it done your way.

Your quest starts with the right establishment. For example, your chances of choosing healthy options are much higher with Italian food than with Mexican. If a majority of dishes are covered with sauces, creams and cheese, you can opt to have them prepared without these extra calories, but the taste will suffer. And, lets face it; most people won't have that kind of willpower.

Even healthy foods can come laden with extras. Skip some of these options and go for more heart-conscious choices. Remember each tablespoon of butter contains 11.5 grams fat and 102 calories (0.43 kJ). You will want to avoid foods high in animal fats which load on extra calories and saturated fats. A low-salt dish will do wonders, too. There are plenty of great tasting foods out there to choose from, the problem is that we have grown accustomed to masquerading their true taste with extras.

Ask questions: Menus are not only vague, but they are designed to focus on the presentation of the food, and not the preparation. Ask your server how a dish is cooked and what your alternative choices for extras and sides are. Often, a restaurant will substitute something simply by asking... even if it isn't advertised. If it isn't offered, ask if an exception can be made as you have diabetes and want to keep your blood sugar as near to normal as possible. If not, maybe you will need to consider a different dish instead of compromising your eating standards.

Watch the size: One of the downfalls for Type 2 diabetics eating out is the hefty portions of meat and dairy that restaurants often serve you. Portion size has gotten out of control. In fact, a main dish can easily be split between two people. If a plate the size of a football is brought to the table, immediately ask for a to-go container. Removing half of the food before you even begin eating will eliminate the temptation to polish it all off.

Go for a salad: Many establishments offer a wide array of delicious salads that are better options than main courses. But be leery of how they are made. Ask for extras on the side, including cheese. Your idea of adding cheese and the cook's idea will probably differ greatly.

If you have to include dressing, have them bring it on the side. Dipping your fork in the dressing before each bite gives you the taste without drowning your salad in needless calories and fat. Each tablespoon of mayonnaise contains 11 grams of fat and 100 calories (0.41 kJ). Creamy mayonnaise-based salad dressings are dripping with fat grams.

By Nick A Jones

People sometimes ask, "what can I do if I get invited to a party".

The answer is simple, GO!! You can do all the things your friends do and go to all the same places. Once you know you have diabetes this is easy. You now have to manage it, if it is managed well you can even snack and eat some of the so called bad foods.

Say you are invited to or even want a birthday party for you or your child.

You can have the traditional party cake and then frost it with non-dairy whipped topping. Hamburger, pizzas, hot dogs all OK. Make sure there is activities planned as well during the party so that any extra carbs are used up and don't get the chance to become sugar in the blood.

If you are having canned fruit then stay away from fruit canned with syrup because the fruit will absorb some of the sugar in the syrup, this is because the syrup has the higher concentrate of sugar, higher than the fruit. You can't rinse this off neither as it is in the fruit. Go for fruit in natural juice but again make sure you read the label and this time you can drain or rinse the fruit juice off. I'm sure you know the bad things to look out for, high fructose corn syrup, sucrose, dextrose, lactose. What about stuff like sorghum, molasses, dextrin or invert sugar (that sounds OK), all a big no no, sugar, sugar, sugar. You can get diabetic canned fruit which won't have any extra sugar and will often be in water but not compulsory.

What about cookies I hear you ask, well again you can buy diabetic cookies and sugar free ones or you can bake your own to take to the party.
A couple of things to remember though. Diabetic may not mean sugar free, just that one or more of the ingredients have been changed. It could be salt free, have a sugar substitute. You may also find that just because something is sugar free it is not always lower in calories. If you are baking your own then you need to get a good diabetic cookbook that explains the nutritional makeup for their cookies.

Desserts, Well you do have to be extra careful as most desserts are full of sugar, if you can get some input to the party this will be easier to manage as you can take the route above, make you own but with the right ingredients. That same cookbook should help. Also the same applies, what does sugar free and diabetic really mean?

Enjoy the party, watch what you eat and get in involved in preparing as much as you can. Read the labels, understand what it all means and you will be OK. Gain as much knowledge as you can and this will assist you to make the right choices.

By Denchi Minh

The Diabetic Diet is the best way to take control of one's diabetes. Supplemented with proper exercise the individual can even forgo medication if it is just type 2 of the illness and it is not yet of alarming levels. A healthy meal plan is the first thing someone who has just been diagnosed of the illness should be looking for. The creation of a healthy meal program however can be a little complex because it is not simply eliminating carbohydrate because doing such will lead to malnutrition. Carbohydrates should simply be reduced but to a certain minimum. Studies show that an average diabetic can still eat 50% of his usual carbohydrate intake and get away with it without any problems. Meals should also come in constant and regular intervals to help maintain the stability of the nutrients in the body.

Carbohydrates are a requirement to a healthy body even though they increase blood glucose levels because they are the primary energy providers. Too much of them however will lead to weight gain and being overweight is a mortal sin to diabetics because it increases the dangers of the illness exponentially. Carbohydrates also support the regular functioning of the brain and the entire nervous system.

Starch and sugar are the two categories of carbohydrates. Starch being complex is considered a lot healthier than sugar which is simple. This is because complex carbohydrates consist of a variety of other vitamins and nutrients and also take several hours before they are broken down into components that can be absorbed by the body hence the individual will take longer to feel hungry. Sugar on the other hand is readily absorbable by the bloodstream making the feeling of being full very short lived. Complex carbs also make it easier to lose weight.

Eating too much carbohydrate -rich foods within a short period of time is the primary culprit to weight gain and rising blood sugar levels. This is what the Diabetic Diet aims to avoid. A dietician is the first friend of any diabetic in formulating the proper meal plan. A dietician is a specialist in creating meals that can provide the person with just the right nutrition his body needs. Carbohydrate count as well as absorption speed are only some of the necessities that a dietician can provide. He can also tailor fit the meals to match your preferences in taste to make it easier for you to adjust to the new diet.

By Denchi Minh

Maintaining a stable level of blood glucose is generally the foremost goal of a Diabetic Diet. The meal plans may be different from individual to individual because of the different conditions of their diabetes but they are all geared towards engraving to the person healthy eating habits. Three principles are usually employed which are avoidance of sugar-rich foods and foods that are rich in simple carbohydrates, mitigating the quantity of food without being detrimental to its nutritional value, and eating more small meals instead of three huge ones. In other words what is important is what you eat, how much you eat, and when you eat. The recommended food for people with diabetes can be categorized into five as given below.

Grains and Starches
This is the primary source of complex carbohydrates in the Diabetic Diet. Carbohydrates are essential in supplying the body with enough energy so it can function properly. But carbohydrates should be in complex form to be fit for consumption because such type takes long to be absorbed by the body thus keeping the individual full for a longer duration and thus help in losing weight. Grains and starches usually come in the form of bread. At least six servings of bread should be consumed each day.

Vegetables
Vegetables are important sources of fiber and other nutrients. The healthiest vegetables are considered to be tomatoes, carrots, spinach, broccoli, cabbage, lettuce and cucumbers. At least three servings are recommended each day and the vegetables can be served as side dishes instead of being part of the main course.

Fruits
Sugar is still needed by the body even if there is diabetes because the body needs glucose to maintain its functions. This is the main reason why fruits are always part of any Diabetic Plan. Fruits that are rich in natural sugar and other nutrients should be picked such as bananas and apples. At least two servings should be consumed each day.

Dairy Products
Low Fat Milk is also integral in a Diabetic Diet because of the healthy fat it can provide. Milk also provides calcium which is essential in the development and maintenance of healthy and strong bones. Without enough calcium bones will become brittle and weak and may lead to several complications such as osteoporosis. At least two servings should be consumed each day.

Protein and Fats
This are usually achieved though the consumption of meat. At least two servings each day is recommended.

By Denchi Minh

Gestational Diabetes is a condition in which the pregnant mother who has never had diabetes before experiences abnormally high blood sugar levels during the pregnancy. The condition usually ends after delivery but it should not be ignored. When left unattended it may lead to perilous effects to the mother and most specially the infant. Anyone can develop such condition and every pregnant woman should therefore undergo glucose screening to make sure any problems related to blood sugar are detected. There are several commonly used methods of screening such as the non-challenge blood glucose tests, screening glucose challenge test, oral glucose tolerance test, and urinary glucose testing.

Non-challenge Blood Glucose Tests
This is the cheapest method of screening for Gestational Diabetes but it also has the highest chance to come up with false positive results. It is conducted by simply determining the blood glucose level for two consecutive days. The first test is conducted after fasting and the second test in conducted under normal circumstances. Levels exceeding 126 mg/dl on the first day and 200 mg/dl on the second day will result to a positive result.

Screening Glucose Challenge Test
This is a method of screening considered the most widely employed and is conducted around 24-28 weeks into pregnancy and is conducted by having the pregnant woman drink a 50-gram glucose solution and then take her blood sugar level after 60 minutes. Levels in excess of 140 mg/dl will result to positive analysis.

Oral Glucose Tolerance Test
This method of screening for Gestational Diabetes is considered to be the most lengthy of all procedures. It requires the pregnant woman to prepare for the procedure by making sure she consumes her regular diet with at least 150 grams of carbs each day for the entire three days prior the test. The procedure will then commence by having the woman undergo fasting of about 12 hours. She is then asked to drink a glucose solution and the changes in her blood sugar levels will be recorded.

Urinary Glucose Testing
High levels of blood sugar may also manifest in the urine. This is the basic principle behind this method of Gestational Diabetes screening. It involves conducting dipstick tests on the pregnant woman's urine. This test however is no longer widely practices as it has the chance of resulting to a false negative result which may endanger the mother and the infant with false security of not having the illness.

By Denchi Minh

Gestational Diabetes is a condition in which the body fails to produce extra insulin which is required by the body to regulate blood sugar levels amidst the hormonal changes brought about by pregnancy. This results to alarmingly high blood sugar levels for the pregnant mother. Glucose levels will revert back to normal after delivery but this does not mean that the condition is harmless. The abnormality may endanger both the mother and the infant during the entire 9 months of pregnancy and during delivery. But the most serious complications are the chances the infant will develop certain illnesses when he grows older.

Gestational Diabetes can make delivery extremely difficult and dangerous especially if the baby is quite large. It may require the mother to undergo cesarean delivery because too much glucose impedes the regeneration of cells that and necessary bodily changes required to give normal delivery. It also greatly enhances the risks of the mother developing hypertension after child birth. Hypertension is a serious illness that can prove to be fatal when left alone. It may result to seizures or sudden periods of unconsciousness. Seizures can be very dangerous especially if they occur in hazardous places or situations.

Gestational Diabetes can also endanger the health of the newborn baby. The baby may be born overweight and grow up obese. He may have metabolic problems and will find harder time to lose weight. He may also have low blood sugar levels which may lead to lack of energy and concentration. This will make his day to day life very difficult because he may not have enough energy to do the things he wants to do. Normal body functions such as digestion will also be impeded making abnormally fast weight gain a problem. Jaundice is another problem the baby may experience. It is the yellow pigmentation of the eyes and skin.

Gestational Diabetes can cause very huge problems in the present and the future but such can be avoided with very simple solutions such as proper diet and enough exercise. The pregnant woman should develop meals that can provide his recommended dietary allowance while keeping her blood sugar levels stable at the same time. Eating healthy is always the best way to control and manage all forms of diabetes. A healthy diet along with regular exercise will also prevent excessive weight gain during the pregnancy. Excess body fats greatly increase the risks of developing complications such as heart attacks.

By Denchi Minh

Gestational Diabetes is characterized by sudden spikes in the amount of glucose in the bloodstream during pregnancy. It is caused by the inability of the body to increase the production of insulin to cope up with other chemical and hormonal changes that accompany pregnancy. The condition lasts only during pregnancy and goes away but itself after delivery when hormone production of the body normalizes. But even so, the condition may lead to very serious results especially for the baby. It greatly increases the chance of the baby to develop Type 2 diabetes in the future. This is the reason why it is essential that it be managed through healthy eating.

Gestational Diabetes is best managed through a healthy eating program. The diabetic can devise a meal plan that can provide her of her nutritional needs without causing his blood glucose levels to go over the manageable limit. Carbohydrates are the main source of glucose but they should not simply be avoided because they are also the body's primary source of energy. Insufficient carbohydrates in the diet can cause lack of energy and slow metabolism which can lead to weight gain. Gaining weight is a major sin to any diabetic because it greatly increases the risks brought about by the condition.

Carbohydrate control and not carbohydrate avoidance should be employed in the fight against Gestational Diabetes. This is best described as enhancing the quality of carbohydrates you consume. This means that all the carbohydrates you eat should be complex instead of being simple. Complex and simple carbohydrates both have similar energy giving properties. The difference lies in the way they are consumed by the body. Simple carbohydrates are readily absorbed which may lead to spikes in blood sugar levels. Complex carbohydrates on the other hand need to be broken down into simple components first before they are absorbed hence spikes in blood glucose is avoided and the individual stays full longer which helps him avoid weight gain easier.

The fight against Gestational Diabetes can be very complex because the health and proper nutrition of the baby in the womb should also be considered. It is always best to get help from a professional, in this case a dietician. A dietician is an expert in food and nutrition and can help you create meals that are not only to your liking but will also provide you and your baby enough vitamins and nutrients while keeping your condition under control.

By Pulak Kumar

Diabetes is becoming an epidemic in India and everywhere. Diabetes is commonly known as 'high sugar' problem. Currently a fasting blood glucose (sugar) level of 126mg% or more is defined as diabetes. The blood glucose level is normally kept in range by a hormone called insulin, which is produced from the pancreas. Insulin controls blood glucose levels by allowing glucose to enter the cells so that it can be used as fuel by the body.

There are two main types of diabetes, Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body is unable to produce any insulin and this has to be replaced, usually through insulin injections. Type 2 diabetes is when the body is able to make some insulin but not enough, or when the insulin produced does not work properly (called 'insulin resistance'). The aim for both types of diabetes is to achieve and maintain the best possible control of blood glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol; which will reduce the risk of diabetic complications in the future.

The British Dietetic Association has come out with the following research on food items that are useful in preventing and curing diabetes

Dark green leafy vegetables, nuts, avocados and whole grain contain magnesium which helps prevent and control diabetes. In a study done in England on 11,000 women in the high-risk category, it was shown that those with a high magnesium intake were 27 per cent less susceptible to diabetes. According to research, magnesium is known to lower blood pressure, relax the heart muscles, and controls homocysteine, which is a known trigger for heart disease and diabetes.

Priority wise the following categories of fruits and vegetables should be taken. Category I food items should become a part of your regular diet & the others can be taken from time to time:

Category I

Bitter gourd (Karela) contains high dosage of "plant insulin". Investigations and tests have shown this insulin to be very effective for lowering the blood sugar levels.

Jamun Fruit: According to Science Reporter "Jamun fruits are universally accepted medicine for curing diabetes because of its effect on pancreas. Jamun reduces blood sugar levels quickly and the best part is that it is virtually without any side effects. It contains oleanolic acid and hence inhibits the production of free radicals. During off season, the seeds of this fruit can be powdered and taken 2-3 grams a day. This stone contains a glucoside which prevents the conversion of starch into sugar. Dried powdered leaves of jamun tree also help in controlling diabetes.

Bael Fruit is an effective remedy for diabetes. The bael leaves have anti-diabetic properties. Their extract must be consumed, preferably with a pinch of black pepper in it. The leaves of the bael tree when chewed are very useful in diabetes. Pulp of this fruit could be dried and taken in doses of 5 to 10 grams a day.

Cherries: It is a fruit that contains a red pigmented antioxidant that helps the body produce more insulin. It is low in calories and high in fiber contents and its antioxidant properties provides many benefits.

Bengal Gram: Soup of bengal gram (chana) has been known to reduce the intake of insulin by diabetics to almost half.

Soybean: German Medical Journal considers soybean with its low starch and high protein and with high fat, valuable for diabetes. Freedenweld Ruhrah (1911) established that there was something in soybean, yet unidentified, which lowered the urinary sugar amongst diabetics. Soy Lecithin contains choline which was found useful in preventing and treating neurological complications of diabetes.

Wheat Germs: The combined action of the vitamins B1 and E present in wheat germ explains its anti-diabetic effect: 4 or 5 spoonfuls can reduce the glucose level and the need for insulin.

Barley: Barley is a blessing for those who want to reduce the blood sugar levels. It can be used as a substitute of rice. It is rich in fiber. It even reduces the glycemic index of that particular food into which it is added. It also helps you in eating fewer calories while keeping you fuller.

Fenugreek (Methi): is also highly effective at modulating glucose metabolism and can lower the blood glucose levels of diabetics by up to 45 percent. This spice increases both insulin receptor sensitivity and normalizes the imbalanced blood lipid levels of diabetics. The fiber contained in fenugreek also lowers the GI of a meal, thus modulating the postprandial blood glucose levels by slowing the absorption of high GI foods. The Director, National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad, India recommends inclusion of fenugreek in daily diet as an effective supportive therapy in the management of diabetes.

Cinnamon is a wonder diabetes inhibitor: According to a report published in New Scientist nutritionist Richard Anderson says, "People with type II diabetes could help themselves. Use of cinnamon plays wonders in diabetics. It is a common spice that reduces the LDL cholesterol in diabetics. Its high fiber content helps to control the sugar level and serves as a valuable source of magnesium. Cinnamon contains an extract called Cinnulin PF which works at the cellular level and increases the sensitivity of insulin cell receptors by three times. Poor response of insulin cell receptors is often a major problem in diabetics.