Archive for the 'Diabetes and Blood Glucose' Category

Know Your Diabetes Glucose Monitoring Kit

As we all know, Diabetes is one of the most common disease prevalent over the world these days. The condition in which the body accumulates excess of sugar is termed as diabetes.

There can be two reasons for this, either a problem with secretion and functioning of the Anti Diuretic hormone or the problem with secretion of insulin. The former is called, Diabetes insepidus, Diabetes Mellitus being the latter one. The latter is rather more prevalent and is the matter of concern for almost every second house in the society these days.

There is no miracle drug to totally cure diabetes at once, but what we can do is just keep it under control by imposing a regular check on it by using medicines etc. For this we need monitoring the progress of the disease from time to time. In the busy schedule of the 21st century it is virtually impossible to go to the doctor every time there is a need for testing the blood sugar level. The solutions to these are Glucose monitoring kits.

November is celebrated as the National diabetes awareness month, and what is better than buying a new technologically improved glucose monitoring kit this month, with lots of companies selling them at discounted price.

The most common and used item all over the world is the Accu chek. There are various variants like, Accu chek AVIVA, Accu chek Compact Plus, Free style flash, free style lite, Ascensia Breeze 2, Ascentia contour. Free style freedom meter kit is considered to be using the least amount of blood (3 – 10ml).

Moreover the kit includes, 10 test strips, lancing device from Free Style, 10 Lancets, Free style control solution, etc. Accu check Advantage Diabetes monitoring kit contains the blood glucose meter, Adjustable Accu-Chek Softclix Lancet Device (10 lancets), etc. Accu check active diabetes monitoring kits also has a similar composition.

The new Accu chek Compact plus diabetes monitoring kit requires no strip handling and auto calibration is done. There are various combo offers available too, when brought in combination a discount can be availed.

One Touch Ultra 2 Blood Glucose Monitoring System:

It requires just a drop of blood and requires only about 5 seconds to get the result. The back light and the scroll button makes it easier to handle. It can store last 500 records with time and date of checking. Hence, the patient can have a look at the rate of improvement. It has got a simple and unique design and comes in various combo offers. The one touch ultra 2 strips are available separately.

One Touch Ultra Mini Blood Glucose Monitoring System is simple and sleek in design. Only one touch Ultra test strips can be used with it and the result comes within 5 seconds. The whole kit comes with an educational booklet along with category of food which, if taken keeps the blood sugar level low.

Home Diagnostics Sidekick Blood Glucose Testing System, is another one in the similar category. It requires 1 UL of blood sample and less than 10 seconds to give the answer. The blood is generally taken from the forefinger.

However, while using these Diabetes testing kits, you must keep in mind certain simple things:

* Proper instruction should be followed while taking the test at home.

* Each strip should be used only once and after that it should be discarded at a safe place.

* When abnormally low or high results come, then you must repeat the test to confirm.

* Proper medication should be taken only after consultation with the doctor.

Roberto S
http://www.articlesbase.com/medicine-articles/know-your-diabetes-glucose-monitoring-kit-698693.html

11 Comments »

admin on February 27th 2010 in Diabetes and Blood Glucose

Managing Your Blood Glucose

It is important to keep your blood glucose under control. If you have diabetes, it is very important to continue to manage your blood glucose. There are several ways to monitor your blood glucose levels. Keeping your blood glucose levels within the normal range, will help you to prevent or delay some of the complications of diabetes.

When doctors determine that your blood glucose level is high, it is time to start trying to manage to keep it under control. First of all, you might start by watching your diet. A diet that is high in vegetables, low in fat, and includes legumes and fiber, is one way of keeping glucose under control. Diet is important to our health, always, and most people usually wait until they get some illness before they start considering a healthy diet.

Another way of managing blood glucose is by daily exercise. Exercise is another important factor in good health. One of the first things that the doctor will tell you if you have some kind of health problem, is to be sure that you get some exercise each day. Exercise is another thing that many people overlook in their daily life. Life is so hectic and busy, that we hardly have time to get the exercise that we need. Young people have become interested in computerized games, etc., which take their time, and even the younger generation does not get the exercise needed, like they once did.

If you are in the early stages of diabetes, it is extremely important to keep your glucose under control. You should monitor your glucose daily, to make sure that it is in the normal, or in a safe, range. Many diabetics are overweight, and weight does need to be controlled. It is very important to keep your weight down to the range that it should be for your height and age. By eating less fats, sweets, and breads, your weight should come down to a fairly normal range. It is definitely hard to do, especially if you have always eaten the things that you like, but it can be done if you are serious. High fiber diets have shown to help in managing diabetes.

Blood glucose monitoring checks are the only way that you can keep a safe check on your glucose. You will need a blood glucose monitor, and you will have to prick your finger to get a drop of blood. This check will tell you what your glucose is at any given moment. You should keep a record so that when you go to the doctor you can show him/her your record and he can see how your diabetes plan is working and if there is anything else that you need to do, or whether what you are doing is working as it should.

Diabetes, if untreated, is a deadly disease, but with the correct care and treatment a person with diabetes can live a long, healthy, and happy life. It is just important that blood glucose be monitored regularly if you do have diabetes, and if you do not yet have it, see your doctor regularly so that he/she can keep a check on your health to make sure that everything is going well.

For more information on blood glucose, visit http://controlbloodglucose.com.

John Parks
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/managing-your-blood-glucose-690145.html

5 Comments »

admin on February 20th 2010 in Diabetes and Blood Glucose

Herbal medicine for type 2 diabetes

Salacia oblonga Indian herb also known as Ponkoranti. It has
been used by Indian natives since ancient times to effectively
manage Diabetes. This is a effective cure for type 2 diabetes.
Reduction in blood sugar levels can be observed within 5 days of
usage. It is also a strong weight gain inhibitor and effectively
controls weight gain commonly associated with type 2 diabetic
patients.

The recommended dosage is 1000 mg twice daily. To purchase this
medicine visit www.salaciaoblongacapsules.com write to
info@salaciaoblongacapsules.com

LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS HERB ON
www.nutrasolutions.com/CDA/ArticleInformation/news…

http://www.newstarget.com/005986.html

http://www.news-medical.net/?id=7685

For Salacia Oblonga herb Capsules and Extract Write to Botanika
herbalpowders@operamail.com treeseeds@operamail.com
treeseeds@rediffmail.com : : : : WWW.SALACIAOBLONGACAPSULES.COM
Traditional Indian medicine, herb Salacia oblonga may help treat
diabetes Posted By: News-Medical in Medical Study News
Published: Tuesday, 8-Feb-2005 Printer Friendly Email to a
Friend : : : : Herbs used in traditional Indian medicine to
treat diabetes seems to lower blood sugar and insulin levels in
a manner similar to prescription drugs, a new study reports.
Researchers gave extracts of the herb Salacia oblonga to 39
healthy adults, and the results were promising. The largest dose
of the herb extract – 1,000 milligrams – decreased insulin and
blood glucose levels by 29 and 23 percent, respectively. : :
“These kinds of reductions are similar to what we might see with
prescription oral medications for people with diabetes,” said
Steve Hertzler, a study co-author and an assistant professor of
nutrition at Ohio State University. : : Salacia oblonga, which
is native to regions of India and Sri Lanka, binds to intestinal
enzymes that break down carbohydrates in the body. These
enzymes, called alpha-glucosidases, turn carbohydrates into
glucose, the sugar that circulates throughout the body. If the
enzyme binds to the herbal extract rather than to a
carbohydrate, then less glucose gets into the blood stream,
resulting in lowered blood glucose and insulin levels. : :
“Lowering blood glucose levels lowers the risk of
disease-related complications in people with diabetes,” Hertzler
said. “Also, poor compliance with diabetes medications often
hinders the effectiveness of these drugs. It may be easier to
get someone to take an herb with food or in a beverage, as
opposed to a pill.” : : The study appears in a recent issue of
the Journal of the American Dietetic Association. : :
Thirty-nine healthy adults participated in four separate meal
tolerance tests. These meals, which were given in beverage form,
were spaced three to 14 days apart. Each participant fasted for
at least 10 hours before consuming the test beverage. : :
Participants were asked to drink about two cups’ worth of the
chilled beverage, which contained zero, 500, 700 or 1,000
milligrams of Salacia oblonga extract. Afterward, the
researchers used the finger-prick method to draw blood samples
from each person every 15 to 30 minutes for three hours. These
blood samples were used to determine insulin and blood glucose
concentrations. The biggest changes in blood glucose and insulin
levels usually happen within the first two hours after eating. :
: The beverage that contained the highest concentration of the
herbal extract – 1,000 milligrams – provided the most dramatic
reduction in insulin and blood glucose levels. Insulin levels
were 29 percent lower, while blood glucose levels were 23
percent lower as compared to the control drink, which contained
no herbal extract. : : As Salacia oblonga can cause intestinal
gas, the researchers had the study participants collect breath
hydrogen samples hourly for eight hours after drinking the test
beverage. The participants collected their breath in small
plastic tubes. The researchers then analyzed these breath
samples for hydrogen and methane content – the level of either
substance in the breath corresponds to the level contained in
the colon. : : The subjects also rated the frequency and
intensity of nausea, abdominal cramping and distention and gas
for two days after consuming each test meal. : : While the test
beverages containing Salacia oblonga caused an increase in
breath hydrogen excretion, reports of gastrointestinal
discomfort were minimal, Hertzler said. : : Right now he and his
colleagues are trying to figure out what dose of the herb is
most effective, and when it should be taken relative to a meal.
: : “We want to know how long it takes for the herb to bind to
the enzymes that break down carbohydrates,” Hertzler said. “The
participants in this study took the herb with their meal, but
maybe taking it before eating would be even more effective.” : :
The researchers also want to study the effects of Salacia
oblonga in people with diabetes. : : “A lot of studies show that
lowering blood sugar levels reduces the risk for all kinds of
diabetes-related complications, such as kidney disease and nerve
and eye damage,” Hertzler said. “We want to see if this herb has
this kind of effect.” : : Salacia oblonga is still relatively
difficult to find in the United States, Hertzler said, although
there are manufacturers that sell the herb through the Internet.
: : This study was supported by the Ross Products Division of
Abbott Laboratories in Columbus. : : Hertzler is continuing to
conduct Salacia oblonga studies with the Ross Products Division
of Abbott Laboratories. He has no links to the company beyond
this affiliation. : : Hertzler conducted the work with former
Ohio State colleague Patricia Heacock, who is now at Rutgers,
the State University of New Jersey; Jennifer Williams, a
clinical scientist with Ross Products Division, Abbott
Laboratories; and Bryan Wolf, a former research scientists with
Ross Products Division

Goldie
http://www.articlesbase.com/advertising-articles/herbal-medicine-for-type-2-diabetes-292.html

3 Comments »

admin on February 9th 2010 in Diabetes and Blood Glucose

How to Keep Diabetes Under Control?

In order to improve the diabetic patient’s condition the doctor needs to apply a treatment which will reduce the level of glucose in blood and will keep it constant. This way the symptoms will disappear gradually and the patient will feel better. In this way complication given by diabetes can be avoided and the life can be prolonged.

Before resorting to medication the doctor will try to reduce the symptoms with a diet and daily exercises. The doctor will help the patient to test his level of glucose in blood by its own; will let him know what he is allowed to eat and what he must avoid; will advise him what to do when he feels sick and will tell him where he can procure his diabetes supplies.

Adopting a new lifestyle is not an easy thing to do and people suffering of diabetes must have patients and will in educating themselves.

Testing the level of glucose in blood can be done by the patient without the doctor’s help. These tests are usually done before meals and at bedtime. Sometimes they can be done more frequent if the patient feels sick or is under stress. The patient will monitor its level of glucose in blood with the help of a glucometer. The patient will prick his finger with a small needle attached to the glucometer and a drop of blood will appear on the finger. The finger will then be placed on a test strip and then the test strip will be placed in the glucometer. After 30 seconds the blood test results will appear on the screen of the glucometer.

By keeping a record of the values obtained in several days the doctor will be able to set a more adequate treatment scheme for the patient.

The diet will be also set by the doctor and a nutritionist who will choose healthy foods for the patient, in adequate amounts, and will also set a schedule for taking meals. In most of the cases, loosing weight can do a lot of good in diabetic patients and by this way they can renounce taking medications even though they still have diabetes.

Daily exercising is essential for a diabetic patient. In this way the weight can be kept under control and the glucose level in blood will be reduced. It also decreases I the insulin resistance, making it more effective in the process of reducing the level of glucose in blood.

Before adopting certain exercised the patient should talk with the doctor to see whether those exercises are suitable for him or not. Also, before, during and after exercising the patient should drink fluids that do not contain sugar, and should monitor the level of glucose in blood before and after exercising.

If exercising and diet do not help the patient in lowering the level of glucose in blood, then the doctor will recommend medication like: oral sulfonylurea, Biguanides, Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, Thiazolidinediones, Meglitinides.

In the worse case insulin injections will be prescribed. These injections must be done from one to four times a day depending on the product and on the type of diabetes the patient has.

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/how-to-keep-diabetes-under-control-122766.html

4 Comments »

admin on January 24th 2010 in Diabetes and Blood Glucose

Diabetes Supply – Where Can You Get Them?

Nearly 20 million people suffer from diabetes in the United States alone. After the initial diagnoses, the condition is usually monitored by the patient themselves. There are a wide range of products on the market today listed under diabetes supply. This includes ways to test, treat and control the side effects of this disease. It may be a little overwhelming at first with all the diabetes products out there. But after you become more familiar with the items, management of the ailment will become much easier.

A wide range of health problems will develop if diabetes is not treated quickly and correctly. In recent years, diabetes is becoming greater of a concern because of heredity and lifestyle changes. Over the last generation or so, diabetes has started to affect larger numbers of people and is becoming more evident at younger ages.

Medical tools and accessories that are part of your diabetes supply will be needed for care and regulation of the disease. Sugar levels rise in the blood when not enough if being produced naturally in the body. This is very dangerous because as the sugar levels rise, so do the toxins in the blood. What happens then is the waste builds up in the blood stream, resulting in a variety of health issues ranging from mild to severe.

Some of the signs that would be on the minor side include excessive thirst, dehydration, being more tired than usually and possibly stomach pains. The other side is when too much insulin is produced in the body and not enough food is going in. Signs of this side of the disease include headaches, dizziness, trembling and clumsiness.

Diabetics will use the medication and diabetes supply equipment on a daily basis to be sure they are keeping it under control. The blood will need to be checked several times a day to be sure that levels are where they should be. Insulin may be required to treat any imbalance. To test sugar levels, you will need to analyze a drop of your blood in a glucose meter.

Common Diabetes Supply Items

When you check you blood sugar levels, you have to have a way to get the blood out of your body. You will be able to find lancets and lancing devices at any diabetic supply store. These are use to make a small puncture in the skin, allowing the blood to be analyzed. Usually, the tip of the finger is where blood is taken from.

After you have obtained the blood, it needs to be placed on a test strip. Then, the strip is placed either in or on the meter, follow the manufactures instructions to be sure you get accurate results. When you get the results stating what your blood sugar is, you can decide what the next step is in evening out the levels.

Humulin and Novolin are two types of insulin you may have to use through out the day to keep your sugar levels where they need to be. In order to get the insulin into your body, you must inject it with a syringe.

Where to Find Diabetes Supplies

There are plenty of places to keep in mind when you are buying your diabetes supply items. A wide range of supplies will be found at hospitals, drug stores, and even some supermarkets and grocery stores will have them if they have a pharmacy. One of the more personal choices you will have to make when purchasing your diabetes supply arsenal is the glucose meter.

There are many types of glucose meters on the market; MediSense, TheraSense, Liberty and LifeScan are just a few of them. This is one of those items to you have to get because it suits you, not necessarily because it came recommended by the doctor, or because the print ad looks better than the other guys. You have to decide what size you want the meter to be. The ones with larger displays are easier to read, but generally are bigger but may not be the right piece of diabetes equipment if you are looking to be discrete. Other things to consider are the glucose monitor. They are also available in varying styles with specialties such as colors, speeds and how the blood is tested.

Summary:

Nearly 20 million people suffer from diabetes in the United States alone. After the initial diagnoses, the condition is usually monitored by the patient themselves. There are a wide range of products on the market today listed under diabetes supply. This includes ways to test, treat and control the side effects of this disease.

Brooke Hayles
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/diabetes-supply-where-can-you-get-them-79967.html

3 Comments »

admin on January 18th 2010 in Diabetes and Blood Glucose

Always Get Your Blood Sugar Levels Tested To Monitor Diabetes

It is estimated that there are at least 16 million Americans who are diabetic. This is an alarming figure in itself but when one considers the fact that often people who are suffering from diabetes have virtually no symptoms of the disease, then the idea becomes even more worrying. Although it is now common hearsay that one can easily detect the symptoms of this disease, but one cannot be perfectly sure of being diabetic. It requires a blood test to establish for certain that one has diabetes.

The blood test that is done for checking diabetes is a test to check the blood sugar levels in the body. The test is carried out in two phases on the same day. The first blood test is carried out on the patient’s blood when he is fasting. So, a patient coming for the test arrives without taking his breakfast or even a cup of morning tea or coffee. If the blood sugar levels are found to be 126 milligrams per deciliter or higher, on two separate occasions, after fasting, then there is a likelihood of diabetes.

Following this, another blood test is taken after the patient has had his breakfast and a cup of tea or coffee. This time the blood sugar levels should not go above 200 milligrams per deciliter. In case it is above this mark, then the likelihood of diabetes is high. At times the patient is given 75 gram glucose solution to drink. Then the blood sugar levels are checked for monitoring the blood sugar levels as well as the measurement of ketones, which are the products from the breakdown of fats.

Once these tests have been successfully carried out, the patient is prescribed a course of treatment which involves both the physical and emotional aspects of his being, as diabetes is not a malaise of the physical body alone. It is also a disease that affects one’s emotions and reactions.

Ashish Jain
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/always-get-your-blood-sugar-levels-tested-to-monitor-diabetes-83742.html

No Comments »

admin on January 7th 2010 in Diabetes and Blood Glucose