Diabetes and Diet

Diabetes is an affection which occurs is the body has a problem in making or using the insulin. The role of the insulin is to take the glucose from the blood and move it to cells which use it for producing energy. If the insulin is not enough or it can not be used by the body then the glucose will remain in the blood and the symptoms of diabetes will appear.

In some cases the body produces enough insulin but this can not enter the cells and help the process of producing energy. This way the glucose will remain in the blood, causing hyperglycemia and the level of the insulin will be high too as it is not used by the cells. Most of these patients which are known to have insulin resistance are also obese. The fat cells stop the insulin from being used by the other cells and this also counts in the malfunctioning of the energy process. This kind of diabetes is known as diabetes type 2.

There are cases when diabetes type2 occurs in slim parsons and this mostly happens in elder people. Genetics and family history also have an important role in determining whether diabetes type 2 will install or not. Also, having a sedentary lifestyle, eating junk food will only increase the risk of developing this affection.

Some other risk factors are: the age over 45, high blood pressure, HDL less than 35 mg/dl, triglycerides more than 250 mg/dl and a previous history of personal impaired glucose tolerance.

Most of the diabetes type 2 cases do not present any symptoms at all. In some cases increased thirst, appetite and urination might occur along with blurred vision, fatigue, infections, and erectile dysfunctions.

In order to diagnose diabetes type 2 the doctor will perform some tests: the level of fasting glucose in blood will be measured and if it is higher than 126 mg/dl on 2 occasions than diabetes might have installed. The random glucose blood level will also be measured and it should be less than 200 mg/dl in order for the doctor to be sure diabetes in not present. Also, the symptoms of increased thirst, urination and fatigue should not be present in order for the patient not to be suspected of having diabetes. At last, the oral glucose tolerance test will be performed and if the level of glucose is higher than 200 mg/dl after 2 hours diabetes is diagnosed.

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

Groshan Fabiola
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/the-causes-of-diabetes-and-the-risks-this-disease-brings-to-a-patient-122769.html

If diet and exercise aren’t enough, you may need diabetes medications or insulin therapy to manage your blood sugar. People with diabetes have problems converting food to energy. Treatment includes taking diabetes medicines, making wise food choices, exercising regularly, controlling blood pressure and cholesterol, and taking aspirin daily for some.

A diagnosis of diabetes can be made based on test results, confirmed by retesting on a different day. If the results of the second test are the same, you likely have diabetes. If glucose can’t be absorbed by the cells, it builds up in the bloodstream instead, and high blood sugar is the result. As a result, the amount of glucose in the blood increases while the cells are starved of energy. An autoimmune disease results when the body’s system for fighting infection, the immune system, turns against a part of the body. As a result, sugar accumulates in your bloodstream. If the test results are normal, repeat the test every three years. If your results are border line, have a fasting blood sugar test every year.

Some women develop gestational diabetes late in pregnancy. Gestational diabetes is caused by the hormones of pregnancy or a shortage of insulin. Some people have symptoms but do not suspect diabetes.

Many people do not find out they have the disease until they have diabetes complications, such as blurry vision or heart trouble. If you find out early that you have diabetes, then you can get treatment to prevent damage to the body. Your doctor will tell you if you have normal blood glucose, pre-diabetes, or diabetes.

Pre-diabetes means your blood glucose is higher than normal but lower than the diabetes range. However, you can reduce the risk of getting diabetes and even return to normal blood glucose levels with modest weight loss and moderate physical activity. You can do a lot to lower your chances of getting diabetes.

Sandy Klocinski

Herbs For Diabetes

A new line of diabetes remedy that is gaining fast popularity nowadays is herbal treatment, with an assortment of plant-derived herbal cures being promoted as capable of controlling blood sugar levels.

Recent scientific investigation has confirmed the efficacy of many of these herbal preparations, some of which are remarkably effective. Herbal supplements along with proper diet, exercise can really help a person keep his blood sugar in check, and thus avoid the serious complications associated with the disease.

Herbs have remedial powers to restore balance to the body, enabling it to rely on its own healing powers. People who decide to try herbs many a times find themselves feeling better, and therefore assume that their diabetes is well under control. But, one must also simultaneously keep monitoring his blood sugar level, to see that it is within the normal range.

It is not intended through this article to diagnose, prescribe, or cure diabetes, but only provide certain information about alternative diet and references to plant descriptions which have relevance to diabetes mellitus.

Some of the well known herbs that help keep diabetes under control -

1. Fenugreek (methi) – Fenugreek seeds to be soaked overnight in a glass of water. Next morning have the water and chew the seeds – proves very beneficial in controlling sugar.

Known side effects of high doses include mild digestive pain. Fenugreek should not be used by pregnant or nursing women.

2. Indian Kino or Pitasara – has a long history of use in India as a treatment for diabetes. The flavonoid – epicatechin, extracted from the bark of this plant helps reduce sugar levels.

3. Aloe vera – regarded as a ‘healing herb.’ Dried aloe vera sap and gel (taken from the inner portions of the leaves) is used traditionally to treat diabetes, as it is believed that it helps lower fasting blood glucose levels as well as HbA1c.

4. Cinnamon bark- Makes human fat cells more accessible to insulin. Increases the conversion of glucose to energy manifold times. It also blocks the formation of dangerous free radicals.

5. Basil (tulsi) – studies have shown a positive effect on postprandial and fasting glucose, The herb facilitates the insulin secretion process.

6. Tian hua fen (trichosanthis) – shown to reduce blood sugar levels in Chinese research studies. It is very commonly used in herbal formulas for diabetics.

7. Gymnema Sylvestre (Gurmar or Cherukurinja) – Gymnema, an Ayurvedic herb helps the pancreas in the production of insulin in Type 2 diabetic patients, as well as improves the ability of insulin to lower blood sugar in both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.

8. Onion and garlic – Onion and garlic have significant blood sugar lowering action. Onion extract reduces blood sugar levels during oral and intravenous glucose tolerance. Thus, onion affects the hepatic metabolism of glucose and increases the release of insulin, thus preventing insulin’s destruction.

Garlic and onions are beneficial for their cardiovascular effects. They are found to lower lipid levels, inhibit platelet aggregation and are antihypertensive.

9. Stevia – Stevia has been used traditionally to treat diabetes, and has beneficial effects on glucose tolerance. Stevia has been studied in animal experiments, but is yet to undergo large, controlled human studies.

10. Ginkgo biloba – Ginkgo biloba extract is useful for prevention and treatment of early-stage diabetic neuropathy.

11. Asian ginseng – Asian ginseng is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat diabetes. It has a direct blood sugar lowering effect as it enhances the release of insulin from the pancreas and increases the number of insulin receptors.

12. Bitter Melon – The blood sugar lowering action of the freshly extracted juice or the pulp extract of the unripe fruit has been widely accepted. 50-60 ml of the juice if taken orally shows effective results. Excessive high doses of the juice can cause abdominal pain and diarrohea.

13. Bilberry – helps lower the risk of diabetic complications, such as diabetic cataracts and retinopathy (eye damage).

Certain precautions to be followed while taking herbs along with diabetic drugs -

« Some diabetes drugs and herbs should not be taken together as the herb may affect positively or negatively the drug’s effect on the person. People with any sort of renal disease, liver problem or any other chronic illness are at an extra risk for complications.

« People with some heart disease if taking a blood thinner such as aspirin, ecospirin should avoid taking garlic, ginger, ginkgo biloba, ginseng as it can lead to increased bleeding.

« If taking a herbal remedy, do not stop your current diabetes drugs if any.

« If taking a diabetes drug, ginseng can further lower blood sugar levels, possibly causing low blood sugar or hypoglycemia.

« If taking herbal supplements for diabetes, do it under medical supervision if possible. Keep monitoring sugar level regularly, to check for any sudden fall in glucose levels.

« Do not take any extra dose. More will not make your sugar less.

If you are a diabetic and taking medication to control blood sugar levels, it is best to have your blood sugar monitored while taking these herbs. Consult your doctor to adjust the dosage of medications accordingly, so that the blood sugar doesn’t drop too drastically. It is likely that one will eventually be able to taper off the herbs and medication, and control sugar through exercise and diet.

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

Tom alter
http://www.articlesbase.com/diseases-and-conditions-articles/herbs-for-diabetes-100610.html

Type II diabetes is one of today’s most common health conditions. As the rate of obesity has increased in this country, so has the incidence of diabetes.

It’s becoming more and more important to understand how to prevent diabetes, as well as the best ways to treat it if we discover that we’re already affected.

Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin, the hormone that converts sugar and other food into energy. The most common type of diabetes seen today is Type II, where insulin is produced (though sometimes not in a high enough quantity), but is not used properly.

This results in a higher than normal level of blood glucose in the body. Type I diabetes is diagnosed in childhood, and results from an inability to produce insulin.

Doctors are not entirely sure what causes diabetes, but we do know that family history plays a part. In addition, we know that people who are obese and who do not get regular exercise are at a much greater risk of developing Type II diabetes than those who exercise and maintain a healthy weight.

Today, there are about 20.8 million people in the US with diabetes. Nearly one third of these people don’t realize they have the disease. In addition, about 54 million people in the US are pre-diabetic, meaning their blood glucose levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be diagnosed with diabetes.

Complications from diabetes include blindness, kidney problems, heart disease, stroke, nerve damage and foot and skin problems.

Prevention is critical when it comes to diabetes, and even many people who are already pre-diabetic can reduce their blood glucose levels naturally to prevent their pre-diabetic state from turning into diabetes.

In addition, some patients who already have Type II diabetes are able to control their condition with lifestyle changes.

To protect yourself from diabetes, it’s critical to maintain a healthy weight. Eat natural unprocessed foods that are rich in fiber and nutrients. Avoid sugar and white flour, because both of these foods tend to leave us with an excess of insulin.
Exercise every day.

Not only can exercise help you keep your weight in check, but it can help your body more effectively use the food you consume, helping to prevent your blood sugar levels constant.

Exercising and maintaining a healthy weight are the two most important ways to prevent diabetes, and to help control your insulin even if you’ve already been diagnosed. But, scientists are also discovering that there might be a secret weapon in the fight against diabetes, and it’s safe and simple.

Drink tea. Both green and black teas have been shown to help control blood sugar levels. One study, in particular, performed by the Indian Institute of Chemical Biology in Calcutta, India, showed that tea had a significant effect on the blood glucose levels of diabetic mice.

When the mice were given tea, their blood sugar levels stayed consistent and did not rise above normal levels.

Tea, particularly green tea, has been shown to be effective in preventing, and even treating, many forms of disease. It has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, and even cancer.

And, some studies have shown green tea to even be an effective adjunct to traditional cancer therapies. Some researchers have found that traditional cancer treatments, like chemotherapy, are more effective when green tea is used in conjunction with the treatment.

Tea helps keep insulin levels constant in the blood, helping to regulate it naturally. Though most studies showing tea as an effective health protector have recommended green tea over black, this study on diabetes found no difference between the two. So, whether your preference is green tea or black, it may be helpful in the fight against diabetes.

For some pre-diabetics who are trying to ensure that their problems don’t progress, adding tea to your diet may be an easy way to help get your blood sugar levels back to normal. Of course, you will need to continue with your healthy diet and exercise routine, as well.

And, even for those who already have Type II diabetes, a regular regimen of tea may help you keep your blood sugar regulated with less medication, when used along with proper diet and exercise.

Of course, as with any other alternative therapy, talk with your doctor. Tea is not designed to replace any medications you’re already taking, and should not be used as a substitute for diet and exercise.

Beware of drinking highly sweetened tea. Adding sugar to the tea may negate any benefits the tea offers. Use a doctor approved artificial sweetener if you like your tea sweetened.

So, add some tea to your diet. Whether hot or cold, black or green, tea is good for you. And, particularly if one of your health goals is to prevent or treat Type II diabetes, tea may be a simple and effective way to help meet those goals.

Marcus Stout
http://www.articlesbase.com/medicine-articles/can-tea-help-with-diabetes-99473.html

Diabetes mellitus is a disease in which the glucose metabolism is affected, causing the level of glucose in blood to increase (hyperglycaemia). Glucose can be found in the urine too in patients who suffer of this affection. The accumulation of glucose in blood is caused by an insufficient secretion of insulin or by a malfunction of the insulin. Insulin is produced by the pancreas and its role is to take the glucose from the blood and make it enter the cells of the body which use it for producing energy.

If the glucose metabolism is affected the body gives signals to the brain which will increase hunger and so more food will be eaten. This way the glucose level in blood will increase more rapidly causing toxic products to appear (ketones). If these products are not discovered soon they will cause diabetic ketoacidosis which is a life-threatening condition.

Treatment of diabetes focuses on lowering the level of glucose in the blood and on protecting the patient from the consequences this disease causes.

Diabetes is classified into three types: type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes.

The first two types are chronic affection and the third one disappears after pregnancy is done.

Type 1 is known to occur during childhood and was named as insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. The pancreas is not able to produce the insulin any more as the cells responsible to this process have been destroyed by the body. These patients require insulin injections permanently.

Diabetes type 2, also known as non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus occurs mostly during adulthood. In this case the insulin is not produced in sufficient quantities or it is not effective on the body cells.

Type 1 is not as frequent as type 2 is. In 1995 there were known to exist 430,700 Australians who suffered of diabetes. 19% of them were affected by diabetes type1. The rest were considered to be mostly type 2 diabetic patients. Nowadays scientists believe that for every diagnosed type 2, there is one other undiagnosed type 2 patient.

In some cases diabetes is a result of a misuse of certain drugs, or a result of a different affection like: endocrine diseases, pancreatic diseases, infections, genetic diseases, and misusage of drugs and chemicals.

The treatment will help the patient control the level of glucose in blood and ameliorate the symptoms; the doctor will also help the patient letting 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.

So, if you want to find out more about type 1 diabetes or even about symptoms of diabetes please follow this link http://diabetes-info-center.com/

Groshan Fabiola
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/general-information-about-diabetes-mellitus-118512.html

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/ayurvedic-medicne-for-type-2-diabetes-287.html