Diabetes and Diet

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

It is well known that diabetics have to follow a strict diet to maintain under control their level of sugar in the blood, and they don not have many alternatives when talking about food.

Here you can find some of the indicated vegetables in treating the diabetes, which are easy to find on the market, and do not taste awful.

The French bean, also known as common or kidney bean is one of the most frequently vegetable used in the whole world.

For controlling diabetes it is indicated to eat beans because they are high in carbohydrates and fiber.

A great remedy for diabetes is the bean decoction. You need 60 grams of fresh bean pods, weighed after removing their seeds, you boil the pads for four hours on a slow fire in four liters of water, then you strain this decoction through fine muslin cloth and then you let it rest for eight hours. During the day it is recommended that you drink one glass of this decoction every two hours for a period of 4 to 8 weeks. You must prepare this decoction every day and drink it fresh, because it looses its medicinal properties after 24 hours.

Another useful natural product is the juice extracted from the French beans, combined with the juice of Brussels sprout, which stimulates the production of insulin.

Studies managed by Dr. James Anderson of the Human Nutrition Research Center of the US Department of Agriculture concluded that foods that lower cholesterol and prevent heart diseases, along with beans that are high in soluble fiber and reduce the level of sugar in the blood, are suitable for diabetics who develop a high risk of heart disease.

Lettuce can also be used freely by diabetics as it contains 3% or less of carbohydrates.

Tomato is useful for those who want to lose weight, is low in carbohydrates too and it is said to control the level of sugar in the urine.

A great nutritious food used in the diet of diabetics is the Soya bean. It is rich in quality proteins and fat, and poor in starch. Studies on Soya bean have been performed since 1910 and have proved the utility of this vegetable in reducing the quality of urinary sugar in diabetes patients.

One of the eldest used vegetable in treating diabetes is the onion. It is not important whether it is eaten raw or cooked, the most important thing is that onion can lower the blood sugar level in diabetes and the greater the dose, the faster the blood response.

In the 1960′s scientists discovered anti-diabetic compounds in onion, similar to the anti-diabetic pharmaceuticals that are used in stimulating insulin synthesis and release: allyl, propyl, disulphide and allicin.

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 diet, diabetes treatment, diabetes causes visit http://www.diabetesmellitus-information.com

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

Groshan Fabiola
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/the-best-foods-for-those-who-suffer-of-diabetes-94082.html

Following are most common myths and misconceptions about diabetes, diet and related issues:

Myth: Diabetes is just a little sugar problem – it’s not that serious

Truth: Diabetes is a constitutional disease that affects the whole body. Constantly high blood sugar levels eventually lead to various health complications such as stroke, heart attack, kidney failure, amputation and blindness. So, its serious.

Myth: Genetics and eating sweets cause diabetes

Truth: Eating sweets does not cause diabetes. Eating sweets makes you fat which can lead to diabetes. Family traditions such as cooking and eating habits have a much significant impact on the development of diabetes than genetics. If you have genetic predisposition to diabetes, you can still live a healthy life if you make better decisions in terms of choice of food, exercise and lifestyle.

Myth: There is no cure for diabetes – once a diabetic, always a diabetic

Truth: Increasing medical evidence suggests that making changes to the diet to improve the nutrition, exercise and better emotional health can prevent and control type 2 diabetes. Once the disease is under control, further lifestyle changes can help improve conditions even more.

Myth: Diabetes is not serious if you are taking pills instead of insulin

Truth: Diabetes should be taken seriously regardless of the mode of treatment. Today, we live in a society in which taking pills is considered normal. This attitude reduces the severity of the disease in the minds of many people. As people get “comfortable” with their disease it continues to progress and creates other complications.

Myth: I don’t need to test blood glucose because I can feel it.

Truth: Nobody can consistently determine their blood glucose level accurately based on how they feel. Very high and very low blood sugar levels do produce certain symptoms that help in estimating their levels. However, most people feel just fine even if their blood glucose level is above 180. Unless you do regular testing, you have no way of knowing if you are in the danger zone. Corrective actions can be taken only when you know that you have consistently elevated blood sugar levels. But, don’t overdo it. Some people who have home blood glucose testing equipments, do too much testing. This can lead to stress and anxiety if their readings are consistently high.

Myth: Drugs work better than diet and lifestyle changes

Truth: Drugs work better in the short term. In the long term, diet and lifestyle changes can reverse diabetes, but not drugs. Most people like taking drugs instead of making changes to their lifestyle and diet. This is due to the intolerance of the society as a whole to pain and suffering. Also, most people believe that drugs “work” because they are advertised to do so. A diet of complex carbohydrates, protein and whole foods combined with lifestyle changes can help in blood sugar control and allow the body to restore insulin sensitivity.

Suman
http://www.articlesbase.com/alternative-medicine-articles/diabetes-myths-and-truths-135421.html

Did you know that approximately a quarter of all Americans are suffering from full blown Type 2 diabetes or pre-diabetes (syndrome X)? Diabetes has become an epidemic that allopathic (traditional western) medicine has been unable to halt. Ninety percent of diabetic patients have difficulty managing glucose levels using drugs that can have serious side effects.

The Diabetes Diet, created by Dr Richard Bernstein, may well be the best diet for everyone, not just diabetics. The reason for this is that it has the potential to not only control diabetic symptoms, but also to reverse them.

The Diabetes Diet has had enormous success – without side effects!

One of the major difficulties people have in recognizing they have the symptoms of diabetes is that they occur gradually. In fact, for the first couple of years, there may be no symptoms at all. Yet, once a person has Type 2 diabetes, they are at serious risk of life threatening complications if they do not carefully follow the low-carbohydrate Diabetes Diet prescribed by Bernstein.

Type 2 diabetes is largely a lifestyle disease and, unfortunately, far too few people understand how extremely dangerous it is. Consequently, patients are often far too casual about getting regular medical check ups to check on blood sugar levels and general health.

Not only do many sufferers find it extremely difficult to radically alter their diet from western convenience foods to the Diabetes Diet containing whole nutritious foods, avoiding sugar and fat as much as possible, they often become depressed and anxious and paralyzed by negative emotions. This can keep them from taking the very actions required to improve their health and keep them alive. It also suppresses the motivation necessary to undertake a regular exercise program.

This diet for Diabetics was created to control blood sugar levels in diabetics, however it clearly benefits everyone. The diet focuses on eating protein, good fat and complex carbohydrates found in whole grains and fruit and vegetables.

By eating this way, people can avoid the fluctuating blood sugar levels caused by a high carbohydrate (simple carbohydrates). Bernstein describes the modern Western diet as SAD (standard American diet) and claims it has directly caused a massive increase in obesity, high blood pressure and damage to the lining of the blood vessels.

Dr. Bernstein, who has Type 1 diabetes, did not experience a healthy life until he devised his own diet to regulate his blood sugar levels. Many diabetics, both Type 1 and Type 2, have experienced a balancing of blood sugar levels and an overall improvement in health and well being after going on The Diabetes Diet. In fact, Bernstein claims that sticking to this diet for as little as two weeks can provide an enormous benefit. Once you have experienced this, he believes you’ll never want to go back to SAD.

While Type 2 diabetes can be caused by some medications, it is usually a direct result of poor nutrition, inadequate exercise and a diet high in sugar and fat. Therefore, it is probably unrealistic to expect that a person can change the habits of a lifetime overnight.

Yet, this is what must happen to improve the lives and futures of type 2 diabetics. Health must become the top priority. The Diabetes Diet provides an excellent map to reclaiming health.

Change is necessary and must not be avoided. However, neither should it be so overwhelming that the patient can’t cope with the thought of it. The answer is to make gradual, but consistent, changes in lifestyle.

For example, the first step might be to start walking every day. Just go as far as comfortable and try for a little more the next day. Drink more water. Cut out all fast foods. These changes would be radical enough for most Type 2 diabetics but, in fact, they don’t go far enough.

However, doing them will improve health and mood and put the patient in a more positive and hopeful frame of mind so they can take further steps. If they continue, eventually, the patient’s lifestyle will be completely overhauled and internal resistance to these changes will have been limited. It is certainly possible to eat according to this weight loss program without undue suffering.

The answer to positive lifelong change in a person’s lifestyle lies in their own motivation. It is possible to encourage that motivation through gradual, supportive change. The Diabetes Diet provides the guidance and support a lot of people need.

Ken Black
http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/can-the-diabetes-diet-save-your-life–129205.html

Diabetes is a life long disease, and how to control this life-long companion?

You can expect co-operation from this disease provided you show some positive signs of awareness about the damaging consequences of neglecting it.

To talk about the Type II diabetes, it is now fairly sure that 9 out of the ten cases can be controlled and cured, provided dietary precautions are taken, and you do regular exercises. Judge what is suitable for your health, by self-assessment and by consulting the doctor and stick to the schedule.

I presume you are a non-smoker and are taking effective steps to control your weight. The body has a foolproof and intricate mechanism to control the glucose levels in the bloodstream. It should not be too low or too high. What you eat is assimilated by the body priority-wise. Carbohydrates are converted into glucose and rapidly absorbed in to the bloodstream.

The reason for diabetes is the inability of the body to make enough insulin or utilize properly the insulin that it produces.

When the insulin-making cells are permanently disabled, the result is the incurable type I diabetes. In both the types of diabetes, nutrition plays a very important role. You may be able to maintain your body and check the advancement of the disease, by proper diet. The factors that contribute to diabetes type II, are the very same old factors that do the damage in most of the serious types of ailments that affect the human body. They are being overweight, having improper diet, doing no exercising, and indulging in smoking and alcohol!

Give adequate activity to your muscles. They are designed for hard work. Activities improve their ability to use insulin and absorb glucose. The insulin making cells get some intermission and function effectively. It is not that you require tough exercises. Light exercises done with discipline and regularity, will help you a lot.

Make whole grain and whole grain products, sprouted cereals a regular part of your diet.

Carbohydrates that are not easily digested, will not help your cause.

All this apart, take care of yourself so that you do not suffer from any other diseases, small or big, because they may worsen your diabetes condition. All negative tendencies such as stress, anger and oversleeping need to be given up. Take it, this is part of the diabetes nutrition!

Do not develop a feeling of depression that diabetes can not be cured at all! Your strong will power supported by a disciplined life can give you great benefits!

Ashish Jain
http://www.articlesbase.com/advice-articles/diabetes-nutrition-is-a-must-to-curtail-the-bad-effects-of-diabetes-59464.html

http://www.diabetes6.com A diabetes diet should do 3 things, achieve ideal weight, maintain normal glucose levels, and limit foods that contribute to heart disease.

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