Diabetes and Diet

Cats are beautiful, affectionate animals that bring a lot of love and joy into your home. They are much more independent than dogs, but that does not stop them from showing how much they care about you.

They’ll twine around your legs or rub their face against you while you’re preparing food, just to let you know they are there. They’ll hop into your lap while you watch television or amuse you by chasing and batting around a catnip toy that you give them to play with.

Just like all pets, cats need to be watched for signs of illness, such as feline diabetes. This disease is just as dangerous for cats as it is for humans and if left untreated, could become deadly.

The pancreas not secreting the natural insulin that the body needs to control blood sugar causes diabetes. Uncontrolled blood sugar will then build up in the blood stream and can cause serious effects such as stroke. It also lowers the immune system and desensitizes the extremities. When your cat hurts its paw, it will be reflected by the way it walks. The combination of the side effects can make your pet unable to feel when they have cuts that need to be treated. By not giving signs of pain, you won’t realize that the cat needs to be treated and infection can occur.

There are signs that may indicate that your cat has contracted diabetes, such as constantly drinking water. Diabetes causes extreme thirst and your cat may be drinking tons of water in an effort to satisfy it. Another sign is a decrease in weight as well as its fur losing its luster. Your veterinarian will be able to determine if the cause of these symptoms is feline diabetes.

The good news is that this illness can be successfully treated with insulin shots and a structured diet. Care must be taken that the shot never be given prior to the cat’s meal. This could result in too much insulin in the blood stream and cause a stroke. Even if you feed your cat before administering the shot, you must still watch it closely, since the prescribed dosage may need adjusting. If you notice that your cat is vomiting and has a low amount of energy, return to the vet because the dosage may not be high enough.

Treating your cat for diabetes will help it to lead a longer life, with less threat for the serious side effects that the disease can cause. If your cat has this disease, keep it inside where there is less chance of injury. Give your cat lots of affection since having to get needles can be traumatizing and be sure to follow the eating plan that your vet prescribes. This way, not only are you helping your cat to live a long and healthy life, you are ensuring that it will continue to twine around your legs and love you for years to come.

Gregg Hall
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/how-to-know-if-your-cat-has-feline-diabetes-and-how-to-treat-it-63356.html

If you like pumpkin pie than you’ll like zone diet meals. In fact, if you like a lot of things you’ll like a zone diet. That is because you can eat almost anything you want, as long as it’s in the right proportions.

Unlike weight loss diets that focus on cutting one thing like calories or carbohydrates, zone diet meals use a strict proportional guide of 40/30/30. This means 40 percent of the calories you take in should be from carbohydrates, 30 percent from proteins, and 30 percent from low fat foods.

You can probably already see how confusing and time consuming it would be to carry on this kind of diet. And it is if you’re just doing it on your own. But as the scientific community began realizing how effective zone dieting can be many companies caught on and have produced some great products that make it much easier for you to diet zone style.

Depending on how much time you have or how much money you’re willing to spend (you usually have to choose one or the other) there are programs that go from giving you a cookbook or diet meal plans and let you run with it to delivering fresh, gourmet meals to your door at 5 am every morning.

Do It Yourself and We’ll Help

Most of these companies work similarly to the Weight Watcher’s plan. You eat what you want from a zone diet cookbook and instead of counting points, you’ll be counting food blocks of protein and carbs.

The founder of the zone diet system, Dr. Sears, currently sells this type of system. If you join his program you’ll receive all the resources you need like a shopping list generator, personalized meal planner and even a nutritionist that will answer your questions via the internet.

This works for dieters who enjoy cooking and only want to worry about one meal for their whole family. The cost is usually much lower (for example $4 a week for Dr. Sear’s service compared to $25 a day for a lower end delivery program). But it will take a considerable amount of time to research, cook and keep track of everything you need to to make a zone diet meals.

Snacking Zone Style

You can purchase snack bars and shakes that follow the zone diet rules. If you decide to go this route remember that you need to use the right recipes when you aren’t using the supplements to be able to lose weight.

Since you can only replace one or two meals a day with snack bars or shakes, a good company will show you how to do this and even provide free recipes. If not, you can find recipes online through search engines.

Diet Food Delivered

If you don’t have a lot of time, don’t like to cook, get groceries and don’t want to research all the nitty gritties of a zone diet (and believe me there are plenty) there are many companies that provide your zone diet food delivered. It is easy to spend a lot of money on these plans so you’ll want to look at several to see where you’ll get the most value.

The Formula Zone has family plans so you don’t have to think about something different to make for dinner. And some plans allow you to customize the meals for your tastes. The DineWise Diet program offers plan flexibility so you can even decide how many calories you want to take in every day.

When you are looking for a good home delivery program, make sure you check to see if their website offers advice on maintaining a healthy lifestyle beyond the foods you eat, if there are extra delivery charges, and what kind of flexibility they have when you need to skip some meals to go out of town. Customer service is also key because the company you choose will have a large part in your life.

If you’re struggling with diseases like Diabetes that effect what you need to eat or like to stick to a vegan, vegetarian or kosher diet, than you might consider zone dieting as an option. Many companies make meal plans specialized for these circumstances so you don’t have to compromise to go on a diet.

Karen Gates
http://www.articlesbase.com/nutrition-articles/how-to-choose-a-plan-thats-right-for-you-81454.html

If your child is under the age of two and has been diagnosed with diabetes, know that there are many alternatives and options available that will control this condition and ensure your child has a happy, healthy, and normal childhood.

The number of toddlers with diabetes is increasing, so know that you are not alone. Diabetes is a condition where the pancreas does not process sugar effectively.

Since there are many different types of diabetes, ask your physician to explain the exact condition that affects your child.

Also, consider seeking out parents of other diabetic toddlers in your area to glean information and support from individuals who are in your shoes.

• Learn About The Disease *

Diabetes can be frightening to anyone, but especially a parent of a toddler with diabetes.

Instead of allowing the disease to take over your life, strive to learn as much as possible about the specific type of diabetes that affects your child.

Also, be sure to learn the side effects of diabetes and any symptoms that you should be aware of that are associated with a potential problem caused by the disease.

By educating yourself, you take away some of the unexpected associated with any disease that affects a child.

Finally, learn about the proper ways to care for your child and exactly what medications or medical techniques are necessary in controlling this condition.

Many toddlers with diabetes can control the condition by switching to a favorable diet.

• Test Blood Sugars Often *

Especially with children , testing blood sugar can be difficult.

However, this task is necessary in order to determine if your child is having problems so that you can stop any potentially deadly problems before they start.

Since a blood sugar test typically involves a pin prick, consider ways to make the entire process less scary and painful for your child.

There are several high quality testing monitors on the market that are made especially for youngsters with diabetes.

Also, speak with your child and let him or her know the exact reason why this test needs to be performed.

Education is the key to understanding.

• Develop A Schedule *

Schedules are important in the life of any child, but especially one that has been diagnosed with juvenile diabetes.

By developing a schedule for your child and ensuring that he or she sticks to it, you are working diligently to control the diabetes.

This schedule is especially important when it comes to meal times. Most diabetics need to eat smaller meals more frequently.

With small children, consider developing a game that will allow him or her to stick to the schedule without feeling regimented.

As you child grows and enters into schooling, you should maintain this schedule to prevent potential problems from developing during the day.

• Plan For The Worst *

If you properly control the disease, the risks of complications or problems are less likely to happen.

However, you should always have a plan in mind in the event the worst does happen.

Create a special diabetes station in your home and be sure that everyone in your home (even another child) knows how to use the equipment properly.

You may also need to teach your child that suffers from diabetes on the correct way to use the medical equipment in case he or she needs to self medicate.

By developing a plan, everyone will know exactly what to do and panic will be avoided so that the problem can be solved immediately. This is also the case when you are traveling.

Carry a small kit just in case your diabetic child should have to need medicine to stop a potential problem.

Mike Herman
http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/toddlers-with-diabetes-tips-for-success-50037.html

There are many natural ingredients that can help reduce cholesterol levels and thus reduce the risk of various diseases associated with elevated cholesterol: arteriosclerosis, heart disease, congestive heart failure, diabetes mellitus, kidney failure, etc. However, until recently medical scientists believed that diet alone couldn’t substantially reduce cholesterol levels in persons confronted with high cholesterol problems. Compared to cholesterol-lowering drugs such as statins (medications that block the enzyme that stimulates the production of cholesterol at the level of the liver), most diets were considered to be inefficient in dealing with cholesterol. However, a newly published diet has clearly contradicted such beliefs, proving to be as efficient as many existing cholesterol-lowering medications.

Combining a series of natural ingredients renowned for their efficiency in reducing cholesterol levels, the special diet can cut down cholesterol by up to 30 percent. Thanks to its remarkable efficiency, the diet is considered to be a good replacement for synthetic cholesterol-lowering drugs such as statins, which are known to produce a series of pronounced side-effects on long-term use. The diet limits the intake of foods rich in saturated fat and simple carbohydrates and encourages the consumption of soy proteins, nuts, viscous fibers (found in barley and oats) and plant sterols substance with beneficial action, contained by non-starch and leafy green vegetables, as well as most vegetable oils.

A recently conducted clinical study has clearly revealed that the special diet is actually very efficient in reducing cholesterol levels and preventing the occurrence of multiple diseases associated with elevated cholesterol. The study involved the participation of 13 people, who were asked to follow the dietary plan over a period of one month. The subjects’ regime consisted solely of the following foods: carrots, broccoli, tomatoes, onions, beans, cauliflower, red peppers, eggplant, oats, barley, almonds, fresh fruits, vegetal margarine and soy products (soy milk, tofu, soy substitutes for meat). The study participants had the liberty to choose the amount of foods consumed with each meal and combine the ingredients any way they wanted. However, all study participants were asked to only stick with the ingredients included in the diet.

By the end of the study, all subjects had substantially reduced their bad cholesterol (LDL) levels and had increased good cholesterol (HDL) levels. The average reduction in cholesterol levels registered in all 13 participants was around 30 percent, very similar to the effects of statins and other commonly used cholesterol-lowering medications. Considering the fact that it produces very efficient results, the special diet can actually be regarded as a suitable replacement for treatments with cholesterol-lowering drugs.

If you want to find great information about many cholesterol subjects like low cholesterol food, low cholesterol food or many more please visit us at http://www.cholesterol-info-guide.com/

Groshan Fabiola
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/cholesterollowering-diet-matches-statin-drugs-in-terms-of-efficiency-67658.html

You are what you eat, for a diabetic nothing could be truer. When it comes to maintaining good blood sugar levels, a healthy diet is vital.
People with diabetes have to take extra care to ensure their diet is properly balanced with their insulin and oral medications.

The right meal plan will help any diabetic improve blood glucose levels, blood pressure and cholesterol numbers. It will also keep their weight on track.
All diabetics must control their refined carbohydrate intake. These types of carbohydrates increase blood glucose levels. While some promote health, others when eaten often and in large quantities, may increase the risk for diabetes.

Carbohydrates come from a wide array of foods including fruit, vegetables, beans, milk, popcorn, potatoes, cookies, spaghetti and corn. The most common and abundant ones refined in are sugars, fibers and starches. It is advised diabetics avoid white bread, rice and pasta, along with foods containing unnaturally added sugars.

The body will convert all types of refined carbohydrates into glucose. Eating extra servings of rice, pasta and bread will make blood sugar rise. Just because an item does not contain added sugar, does not guarantee it is a safe food.

Diabetics should consume carbohydrate-rich foods close to their natural form. These items have greater vital nutrient density. Whenever possible, replace highly processed grains, cereals and sugars with natural whole-grain products.

Eating complex carbohydrates rich in fiber significantly lower blood sugar levels. It is suspected that soluble fiber may play an important role in glucose control. It is capable of slowing down the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates and increasing the sensitivity of tissues to insulin, thereby preventing rises in blood sugar.

It is recommended diabetics eat 13 fiber-rich servings of fruits, veggies, beans and grains daily. Soluble-fiber rich foods include orange and grapefruit segments, prunes, cantaloupes, papayas, raisins, lima beans, zucchini, oatmeal, oat bran and granola. Other foods high in soluble fiber include barley, peas and strawberries.

The glycemic index system, or GI, is a good guideline for diabetics to follow.

Invented in the early 1980s by University of Toronto researchers, the glycemic index ranks carbohydrate foods by their effects on blood sugar levels.

The GI assigns carbohydrate-containing foods a number based on how they affect blood sugars. The number indicates how quickly the food breaks down during digestion. The longer the body has to break an item down into glucose, the slower the rise in blood-sugar levels, and the lower the GI. Products with a GI less than 55 are preferred.

Natural supplementation is a good ingredient to implement in the fight against diabetes. Adding a half a teaspoon of cinnamon to any meal can stabilize blood sugar swings.

Many diabetics also supplement with vitamins, herbs and medicinal teas. Incorporating natural ginseng into a diet can produce positive affects. This herb, which is recognized throughout China to have healing properties, has been known to help improve fasting blood glucose levels and increase insulin secretion.

The easiest method to control diabetes is through proper diet. An eating plan high in fiber and low in refined carbohydrates will ensure the best strategy to beat the disease.

Julia Hanf
http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/eat-to-beat-diabetes-135919.html

Diabetes is an epidemic disease that affects more and more people nowadays. No need to panic when diagnosed with diabetes. It’s bad news. It could be devastating at first. Fortunately, diabetes is a manageable condition. By following some simple steps you can keep your diabetes under control and still live a healthy life you deserve. Here are some tips on how to manage your diabetes successfully:

* Learning more about your diabetes – Knowledge about this disease will help you do what’s good and avoid what’s bad for this disorder.
* Planning a healthy diet – A healthy and balanced meal plan plays an important role in controlling your diabetes. It makes you feel better and help to reduce the chances of developing serious complications. A balanced healthy diet including a variety of foods from each group of grain products, vegetables and fruit, milk products and meat and alternatives will keep your blood glucose at the normal level. Choose low fat foods and foods with a lower glycemic index. Avoid high fat foods and foods with a high glycemic index.
* Keeping your weight in a healthy range, shed off extra pounds if you’re overweight, especially if you have type 2 diabetes – Keeping normal and healthy weight will help your body’s ability use its insulin properly and maintain your blood glucose at normal level. Try to keep your Body Mass Index (BMI) at 18.5 – 24.9 You can calculate your BMI using the following formula:
English Formula
BMI= weight in pounds/ (height in inches x height in inches) x 703
Metric Formula
BMI= weight in kilograms/ (height in meters x height in meters)
* Trying to be physically active – 20-30 minutes of exercise on a daily basis will be very helpful. Exercise can improve insulin sensitivity, lower the risk of heart disease, and lose some extra pounds to keep you weight at a normal level. However, some diabetic complications will probably make some types of exercise program not suitable for you. Activities like weightlifting, jogging, or high-impact aerobics may be a little risky for people with diabetic retinopathy due to the risk for further blood vessel damage and possible retinal detachment. Consult your doctor before you get started. Make an action plan. Start slow and gentle. Gradually work your way up.
* Taking medications and/or insulin (in applicable) as prescribed by your doctor – Depending on types of diabetes you may need medications and/or insulin to assist the body in making or using insulin more effectively.

* Monitoring how your diet and/or treatment (if applicable) affect your blood glucose levels – Using a glucose meter to monitor your blood levels to see if they are affected by your meal plan and/or treatment .Keeping diary of your blood glucose readings and reviewing them to see if there are any noticeable patterns

Start to follow these simple tips and manage your diabetes today. You can too live a healthy life you deserve.

Forest Sun
http://www.articlesbase.com/diseases-and-conditions-articles/tips-to-manage-your-diabetes-74347.html