Diabetes and Diet

hey im only 11 but im a little worried that im gonna get type 2
you see i got a letter from the nurse a long time ago and it said that i might have too much insulin in my body, so i went to go get a lab and the results said i have 98 glucose (70-100) and i think 26 insulin.
now i jog every day after school, im a little bit overweight at 120 pounds
im pretty tall but after i jog im still a little bit worried that ill have diabetes one day, please give me some recommendations
and what fruits and vegetables are good for the pancreas ?
thanks ahead of time

It doesn’t sound like you have it now, but make sure you keep an eye on it. If you notice any of these symptoms, see a doctor IMMEDIATELY: Extreme thirst, excessive urination, frequent infections or cuts that heal really slowly, tingling hands and feet.

Good for you exercising frequently. That really helps. As for food, try going low-carb–so low-sugar, non-starchy fruits and vegetables (like grapes are really high sugar, and potatoes are really carby-starchy) Cut back on any excessively sugary, carby things and focus on filling your diet with healthy proteins, fiber, vitamins, and nutrients.

Best of luck!

Have a few questions everyone. I was diagnosed with Type II Diabetes about a year ago. I am not on insulin, but I am taking Metformin. I have changed my diet drastically, cut out all processed foods, eat low carbs, avoid candy, cakes, etc, eat fresh vegetables, lean meats, just totally trying to eat healhy. My sugar levels are doing great and I have lost weight and exercise. I know that fruits do have sugar in them, but I thought it was okay to eat fresh fruits because from what I have been told that is a "natural sugar". What is a "natural sugar" anyway? I have recently been told that I should not eat fresh fruits (was not told this by a doctor by the way). Is it okay to have fresh fruits? Also should I avoid diet soda with diabetes? Fresh fruits are like a treat to me now. Please help, I am confused and want to learn more. Any tips to help me out are appreciated. I thank you in advance for your answers.

Fresh fruits are fine. Just make sure to add the calories from sugar in with your allowance for calories from carbs. Total for any given meal will vary according to your weight. You kind of have to experiment up or down and monitor your blood sugar at first to see. A medium apple or half a cup of blueberries does very little to spike my sugar, but you may be different. For a list of what foods have what calories, visit here:
http://www.calorieking.com/

Doctors will tell you to avoid sugar in an effort to err on the side of caution, but many (if not most) don’t have a clue about managing diabetes. If you want to learn more about diabetes management than most M.D.s, then get this book:
http://www.diabetesimprovement.com/diabetesbook.html

Or, type in diabetes in the search window on this site:
http://www.drmcdougall.com

Diet soda will not affect your blood sugar. There are reports that aspartame may be harmful, but it’s still in the rumor stage, as far as I’m concerned.

As far as the answer concerning your pancreas not working properly, that’s not the main concern in type two diabetes. The main concern, in the beginning, is that the insulin isn’t getting the glucose through the cell walls. This is called insulin resistance. It has more to do with fat in the cells than it does with insulin production. Read this:
http://www.sciencentral.com/articles/view.php3?language=english&type=&article_id=218392748

It is well known that a person suffering of diabetes has special needs regarding food and diet.

One of the most valuable fruits used in the diabetic’s diet is the apple. Apples contain in their rind and pulp a high level of pectine, which supplies the galacturonic acid needed in the process of cleaning the body of harmful substances. It also decreases the body’s need of insulin by 35%.

Besides pectine, apples also contain vitamin B1, which has an important role in preventing brain damages during diabetic acidosis, and reverses a complication that appears in diabetes: the neurosis. This complication can be relieved by administering high doses of vitamin B1.

Another valuable fruit is the grapefruit, a citrus fruit. Besides its appetizing properties and its refreshing qualities, studies have proved its usefulness in decreasing the level of sugar in the blood if taken two weeks, three times a day. Associated to this diet, consume of sweets, chocolate, and fats should be reduced and replaced with consume of more vegetables and fruits.

Other anti-diabetes fruit is The Jambul Fruit (also known as the rose apple) which grows in India, used at first by natives. It has a strong effect on the pancreas, checking the wrong transformation of starch into sugar in case of increase production of glucose.

The fruit is mostly used for its seeds which are dried, powdered and then mixed with water. This drink taken three times a day controls the level of sugar in the blood, allays thirst and prevents excessive urination.

In Ayurveda another treatment is considered to be useful in diabetes: the use of white ash from the inner bark of jambul tree, crumbled in the mortar, strained and then bottled. The treatment consists in giving the patient in the morning, on an empty stomach two grams of the ash and then the same in the afternoon. It is considered that this treatment controls excessive urination that affects most of the diabetics.

An equilibrate diet, based on vegetables, fruit and juices, and with less fats and sweets, associated with an active lifestyle, quitting smoking, self measuring the level of sugar in the blood and losing weight could control the diabetes and allow the patients to live a normal life.

For more information about diabetes causes, diet, treatment and home remedies, visit http://www.diabetesmellitus-information.com

So, if you want to find out more about juvenile diabetes or even about diabetes mellitus please follow this link http://diabetes-info-center.com/

Groshan Fabiola
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/special-fruits-used-in-the-treatment-of-diabetes-88351.html

DIABETES TESTING

Regular blood glucose testing by people with diabetes is important to help control it, and also prevent long-term complications. Good control of blood glucose levels can prevent or reduce serious complications.

Frequent testing can show how changes in diet, exercise, medications or weight are having an effect on a patient’s diabetes.

Close monitoring of blood glucose levels allows control and timely intervention to prevent diabetic complications.

Why is testing important for diabetic patients?

Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels (blood glucose) gives valuable information as to whether the level is within the normal range.

If kept in control, this can delay the onset or development of long term diabetic complications, which can even be life-threatening.

People with type 1 and type 2 diabetes can monitor their blood sugar themselves, by using thumb prick blood tests which are available as home kits. Self-monitoring is very important for long-term health.

What are the routine tests that are followed?

Regular self testing, recording of blood glucose levels by thumb prick blood tests, laboratory test of HbA1c (glycosylated haemoglobin) level a few times a year should be taken.

Other tests that should be performed routinely include: urine test to monitor kidney function; blood fat levels (cholesterol & triglyceride levels), and tests for kidney function.

Regular blood pressure measurement and treatment if needed.

Examination of the feet is also necessary, as the patient may not be aware of loss of sensation from early nerve damage.

Also, get eyes tested every 1 to 2 years, depending on test results.

How is diabetes and pre-diabetes diagnosed?

The following test are the normal tests whoich are used for diagnosis:

1. Fasting plasma glucose test –

This measures the blood glucose with a minimum gap of at least 8 hours without eating. It is best done on an empty stomach in the morning. This test is used to detect diabetes or pre-diabetes.

If a person’s fasting glucose level is 100 to 125 mg/dL, you have a form of pre-diabetes called impaired fasting glucose (IFG), meaning that one is quite likely to develop type 2 diabetes but does not have it yet.

A level of 126 mg/dL or above, confirmed by repeating the test on another day, means that one is diabetic.

99 mg/dL and below – normal, not diabetic

100 mg/dL to 125 mg/dL – pre diabetic

126 mg/dL and above – diabetic.

2. Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) –

This measures the blood glucose after one has not eaten for least 8 hours, and then 2 hours after drinking 75 grams glucose-containing beverage. This test is used to diagnose diabetes or pre-diabetes.

This test is more sensitive than the fasting plasma glucose test for diagnosing pre-diabetes.

If 2 hours after drinking the liquid, the blood glucose level of a person is between 140 and 199 mg/dL, then it a form of pre-diabetes called impaired glucose tolerance or IGT, meaning that one is more likely to develop type 2 diabetes but does not have it yet.

Glucose level of 200 mg/dL or above, confirmed by repeating the test on another day, means that one has diabetes.

139 mg/dL and below – not diabetic, normal

140 mg/dL to 199 mg/dL – pre diabetes

200 mg/dL and above – diabetic

Gestational diabetes is diagnosed based on plasma glucose values measured during the OGTT. Blood glucose levels are checked four times during the test. If the blood glucose levels are above normal at least twice during the test, then the person has gestational diabetes.

3. Random plasma glucose test –

This measures blood glucose without regard to when you ate your last meal. This test, along with an assessment of symptoms, is used to diagnose diabetes, but not pre-diabetes.

A random blood glucose level of 200 mg/dL or more, alongwith presence of the following symptoms, can suggest that one has diabetes:

· increased urination

· increased thirst

· unexplained weight loss

Other associated symptoms include fatigue, blurred vision, increased appetite, and sores that do not heal.

Test results are confirmed only after repeating the fasting plasma glucose test or the oral glucose tolerance test on a different day.

What is HbA1c or the glycosylated haemoglobin test?

HbA1c (glycosylated haemoglobin) gets collected in red blood cells when they are produced. This gives a clue about the blood sugar levels over a couple of months – the average lifespan of a red blood cell. Thus, this test shows the average blood glucose level over time, as compared to the thumb prick test, which indicates blood glucose at the time of testing.

If the HbA1c level is above 7%, consult a doctor for a better diabetes management plan.

If the HbA1c level is above 8%, the doctor may change medication or a more intensive insulin regime be used.

The combination of HbA1c test and thumb prick test results give a better indication of variations in blood glucose levels than either test alone.

How often should blood sugar testing be done?

Diabetic patients who are taking insulin injections should self test 3-4 times everyday, especially before retiring to bed. Type 2 diabetic patients on medicines should self test around a few times every week.

It is best to check glucose levels first thing in the morning; and before and after meals. Keep changing daily test times to get a better idea of the changes to blood glucose levels.

For diabetes information, diabetes diet, diabetes treatment, diabetes causes visit www.diabetesmellitus-information.com

Tom alter
http://www.articlesbase.com/diseases-and-conditions-articles/diabetes-testing-99917.html

Vitamins For Diabetes

Vitamins are essential to sustain life and we need to take the required amounts from our daily foods or dietary supplements. The benefits they provide help people feel more energetic, and assist the body in its regular functions.

As a diabetic patient is not able to get all the required nutrition from diet because of impaired functioning of the system, some vitamins may be required to take along with the regular medication. But, before taking any vitamin supplements, it is important to check with a doctor for what affect it may have upon diabetes.

Some of the essential vitamins for diabetics are -

Vitamin E

People with diabetes need extra vitamin E, which improves insulin activity and acts as an antioxidant (helps reduce the risk of diabetic complications), fights toxins and oxygenates the blood. Research has shown that people with low blood levels of vitamin E are more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes. In type 2 diabetics, it improves glucose tolerance.

It may require at least 2-3 months or more of regular intake of Vitamin E supplementation for benefits to become apparent. If one is taking an anticoagulant like ecospirin, aspirin (blood thinner), consult a physician before taking supplemental vitamin E.

Dietary sources include fortified & multi-grain cereals, nuts, wheat germ, vegetable oils, green leafy vegetables.

Vitamin C

Type 1 diabetic patients generally have low vitamin C levels. By increasing the amount of vitamin c in the bloodstream, the amount of sorbitol may get reduced. Sorbitol is a destructive sugar that can accumulate and lead to increased risk of diabetic complications such as retinopathy (eye), neuropathy (nerves) and renal damage. Vitamin C also helps improve glucose tolerance in the case of type 2 diabetic people. Doctors recommend between 1 – 3 g of Vitamin C dosage per day for diabetics.

Dietary sources include fresh vegetables and citrus fruits, such as broccoli, green and red pepper, cauliflower, lemon, cabbage, pineapples, strawberries, oranges, olives, citrus fruits.

Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6 is also known as pyridoxine. Diabetics who have a deficiency of this vitamin mostly suffer from neuropathy (nerve damage), and benefit from its supplementation. Peripheral neuropathy is a common outcome of vitamin B6 deficiency. Pyridoxine supplements are able to improve glucose tolerance, particularly for women with gestational diabetes, or impaired glucose tolerance caused by intake of birth control pill.

Vitamin B6 is also important in preventing other diabetic complications as it is an important non-protein compound that combines with the protein – collagen to form an active enzyme.

Dietary sources include chicken, fish, liver, whole grains, nuts, and legumes.

Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 supplementation does to quite an extent help treat diabetic neuropathy. The presence of Vitamin B 12 is necessary for the correct functioning of nerve cells, and therefore taking it as a supplement may help reduce nerve damage.

Vitamin B12 may be taken orally in capsule form or intravenously or by injection to reduce nerve damage caused by diabetes in most people.

Recommended dosage is up to 500 mcg of Vitamin B12 three times a day.

Dietary sources include liver, yogurt, dairy products, fish, non fat milk.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is both a hormone and a vitamin. Vitamin D deficiency predisposes individuals to type 1 and type 2diabetes. Low levels of vitamin D interfere with the proper functioning of insulin-producing cells. If not enough insulin is present, blood glucose levels will begin to rise.

Those with higher blood levels of vitamin D have better sensitivity to insulin and lower blood glucose levels compared to those with low vitamin D levels.

The skin is the most plentiful source of vitamin D. When exposed to ultraviolet light, our skin can produce as much as 20,000 IU of vitamin D. Food sources are limited to egg yolks, liver, cod liver oil and fortified milk.

Biotin (Vitamin B8) -

Biotin is a B vitamin needed to process glucose. It works in harmonization with insulin in the body, and independently increases the activity of the enzyme glucokinase (responsible in the primary step of glucose utilization). Glucokinase is formed only in the liver, and its concentration may be extremely low in diabetic patients.

Supplements of biotin may have a significant effect on glucose metabolism for both type 1 and type 2 diabetics. It might to an extent help reduce pain from diabetic nerve damage.

Experts advise taking 16mg of biotin for a few weeks to see for any changes in blood sugar levels.

Dietary sources include cereal, grain products, yeast, liver, legumes.

Niacin (Vitamin B3)

High levels of niacin may actually weaken glucose tolerance, and should therefore be avoided by diabetics. However, smaller amounts (500-750 mg per day for one month followed by 250 mg per day) can help some type 2 diabetics to lower their glucose levels.

Dietary sources include liver, poultry, milk, leafy green vegetables.

ALA and GLA

ALA (alpha-lipoic acid) is a potent and natural antioxidant, and may function to help diabetic neuropathy and reduce pain from free-radical break up. Some studies link ALA to decreased insulin resistance and thus, the control of blood sugar.

GLA (gamma-lipoic acid) is another naturally occurring antioxidant. It is helpful for improving damaged nerve function, which is common in diabetes.

For diabetes information, Diabetes Testing, diabetes treatment, diabetes causes visit www.diabetesmellitus-information.com

Tom alter
http://www.articlesbase.com/diseases-and-conditions-articles/vitamins-for-diabetes-100616.html

The Atkins diet principles lay the foundation for a healthy, more balanced way of eating than the standard American diet. Its emphasis is on using good carbohydrates in balance with adequate protein. This is in stark contrast to what most Americans eat on a daily basis. The average American eats lots of processed foods that have hidden sugars and highly processed carbohydrates. This has put most Americans on the road to diabetes and pre-diabetic conditions. What is sad is that diabetes has a predictable set of stages and that they can be easily recognized.

The road to diabetes has to do with something called the glycemic index. All carbohydrates are rated on this index with regards to the level of insulin reaction they produce. Foods that have a high glycemic index rating will cause your pancreas to release a lot of insulin to break down the amount of sugars and carbohydrates (which produce high amounts of glucose). The refined carbohydrates and sugars that make up the vast majority of the American diet rank very high on the glycemic index.

We are able to more readily digest these foods as children, because our bodies function more efficiently in our youth. There may have been side effects, like weight gain and mood swings, but they didn’t stand out. As we age, however, these symptoms begin to grow and become more prevalent. The nation-wide obesity epidemic is a result of high-carbohydrate diets and unstable blood sugar levels.

Many people who are overweight are also insulin resistant. Insulin resistance means that the insulin is not doing its job in removing glucose from the blood stream. The pancreas gets over worked and it releases massive amounts of insulin, sometimes 20 times more than the body actually needs. This results in the blood sugar dropping to extremely low levels. This sets off a chain reaction in the body that leads to a release of adrenaline to correct the blood sugar problem.

With age, blood sugar and insulin difficulties become more aggravated. The condition is called “hyperinsulinism” and is a precursor for type II diabetes. It is normally accompanied by high blood pressure and high triglycerides.

After years of using a high-carbohydrate diet, you will finally become fully diabetic. Insulin is the body’s primary fat creator and extra pounds usually accompany late onset diabetes. Pre-diabetic conditions, if not treated effectively, will lead to diabetes indefinitely.

However, there are easily identifiable warning signs to diabetes that appear early. Your family doctor can perform insulin level tests that will let you know if you are at risk for pre-diabetic conditions, and studies show that low-carb diets like Atkins can help. Controlling your blood sugar is one of the most effective methods to controlling pre-diabetic conditions.

The Atkins diet helps effectively control blood sugar. The combination of proteins, fats and good carbohydrates will keep your body satisfied without the roller coaster effect. Controlling carbohydrates in quantity as well as type will help limit the insulin spikes. This will let your pancreas work in the way that it was meant to be, and it will decrease the likelihood of your developing pre-diabetic conditions. It’s a vicious cycle that, if left unchecked, can lead to diabetes later in life. When the Atkins diet is followed effectively it produces stable blood sugar throughout the day and helps you stay off the road to diabetes.

Ginger Malone
http://www.articlesbase.com/wellness-articles/atkins-and-diabetes-112695.html