Help For Diabetics - An Action Plan for Emergencies

Have you ever had a really low blood sugar emergency? These episodes can vary in severity, ranging from very mild to very severe. All diabetics, type 1 or type 2, need to be aware that these episodes can occur very quickly, and sometimes result in unconsciousness, but there is usually a simple step that can be taken to correct the situation.

First, we will take a look at the symptoms of low blood sugar. These symptoms are usually rapid heart beat, weakness or trembling, and blurry vision, and can be accompanied by confusion. This emergency can be brought on by eating too little, by taking too much insulin, or going too long between meals.

The good news is that in most cases the situation can be remedied by simply eating or drinking something that contains sugar, such as a small candy bar, glass of juice or soda. The most desirable solution is to carry fast acting glucose tablets with you at all times. These glucose tablets work very effectively and do not raise your blood sugar levels too high like a candy bar or glass of juice.

In more drastic cases, such as when a person passes out from a low blood sugar episode, it is a good idea to always have a glucagon emergency kit. This kit contains one vial for glucagon injection and one hyporet diluting solution which can be mixed for the emergency injection. This enables a partner or friend to mix the solution and inject to revive the unconscious person.

To avoid these emergencies, a diabetic must always be aware of the signals your body is giving you and be ready to react quickly.

Is a Low-Glycemic Index Diet Healthier for Type 2 Diabetics?

The glycemic index is often touted as "the answer" for Type 2 diabetics, but the numbers on the glycemic index (GI) are not all you need to consider for controlling your blood sugar levels and your weight.

The GI is a measurement of how fast a food can be digested into glucose by the human body. Nutritional scientists recruit volunteers in groups of ten. They are asked to fast, and then they are given 50-gram (slightly less than 2 oz) samples of a single food, their blood sugar levels taken at various times after they eat. The average time for digestion is then compared to the digestion of either glucose or bread.

The problem with this system is that nobody makes a meal of just 50 grams of, say, raw turnips, and nothing else, and if foods are mixed, glycemic indices can change dramatically. Adding a pickle to a piece of white bread, for instance, changes the GI from 100 to 45. Cold foods have a much lower glycemic index than hot foods. Hot instant mashed potatoes sometimes are rated 110, their sugars entering the bloodstream even faster than room-temperature glucose, but cold mashed potatoes can have a GI as low as 58.

Nor does the system account for the fact that your body may be able to maintain normal blood sugar levels if you eat a small serving of a high GI food, but not if you if eat a large serving of a low glycemic index food. This measurement system will never take the place of common sense or portion control.

Even though the glycemic index research gives us some insight into how foods react in our bodies, there are many inconsistencies in relating this index with the actual response of the body. This makes the GI difficult to rely on entirely.

However, as a general rule, lower glycemic index foods, eaten in small portions, are preferable to high glycemic index foods. If a food has valuable nutrients, however, such as berries, then eat up to one serving per meal, and limit yourself to one high glycemic index food at a time.

You can make any food a lower glycemic index food if you just take a little vinegar, either directly, drinking a shot glass of vinegar, or indirectly, in the form of a vinaigrette over a salad, at the beginning of any meal. The acidic vinegar becomes alkaline bicarbonates after it has been digested, greatly slowing down the absorption of sugars digested from other foods giving you a lower glycemic response.

The Latest From Juvenile Diabetes Research

Health shows are abuzz with alarm over how juvenile diabetes research finds that children who have high blood pressure, a cholesterol problem and weight issues, are very likely to develop Type II diabetes as soon as they enter adulthood. If you are a parent, this should alarm you too. Scientists have been trying to work out all the consequences that are to be expected from the child obesity epidemic we are going through right now. Doctors classify a child is having a metabolic syndrome when they see a bunch of really unhealthy trends in certain high risk areas. If there is high blood pressure, not enough good cholesterol, fat around the tummy, triglycerides that are running amok and high blood glucose, it tells them that a child is on his way to juvenile diabetes. About 20 years ago, it was unheard of for a child to come down with diabetes. Now, it isn't uncommon.

Even with all this juvenile diabetes research though, it's kind of hard for doctors to accurately identify kids with a metabolic syndrome. Other doctors feel that it doesn't really make sense to diagnose a child in this way, because there's no telling how many kids diagnosed thus might go on to develop full-blown diabetes.

New juvenile diabetes research published in the Archive of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine seems to be right on cue to change all that. In new reports published in that journal, they've used surveys tracking thousands of children with metabolic syndrome and found that there certainly is a way to predict the onset of full-blown diabetes if a child has the metabolic syndrome while still very young. 20% is the figure they've arrived at. Having a parent with type II diabetes sends up a child's risk of developing it himself too.

So what does this mean - should parents be taking their children in to have their hemograms done when they are still five? Perhaps not. But you could keep an eye on a few things. According to the latest juvenile diabetes research, they recommend that you keep an eye on your child's blood pressure. You should be sure that your pediatrician takes your child's blood pressure each time you make a visit with your child. If that doesn't seem normal to you, you can just take a casual reading when you happen to stop by at the pharmacy.

It's absolutely vital that you know your child's body mass index. Calculating the BMI of your child is easy. You just use the CDC's childhood and Teen BMI calculator. If your child is healthy, the BMI rated should fall somewhere between the 5th and 85th percentile. Of course, if one of your child's parents has type II diabetes, that raises your child's risk of coming into that himself. If you find yourself in doubt or any of these issues, it's time for you to stop by at your pediatrician's.

Free Glucose Monitor - How To Get A Free Glucose Monitor From Your Insurance

A free glucose monitor is the least insurance companies can do for diabetes patients. Diabetes patients already pay too much for diabetic supplies. Test strips can cost around $1 each, and if you test your blood 10 times every day, the costs can add up quickly, averaging about $300 per month. For that reason, most medicare covers a free glucose meter.

How to get a free monitor from your insurance company?

You can get a free glucose monitor by simply inquiring with businesses that provide these free meters. They do require that you have medicare in order to receive your free glucose monitor.

Why do they give them away?

They give away glucose monitors because they hope that you will then continue to buy your test strips directly from them. It's a way for them to develop a business relationship with you, thus being a win-win situation.

What businesses give away glucose testers?

If you do a search on the Internet you can find a lot of different medical companies giving away glucose meters. Just type it into your search bar.

How long will this last?

To be honest, I don't know. Fortunately you can get a glucose meter pretty easily right now, but I would act quickly if I were you. These things can be taken off the Internet without any notice, especially with so much for offer online these days.

What do I need to qualify?

To qualify for a glucose meter you need to have medicare. This is important because your insurance company will pay for your glucose meter.

The Glycemic Index, Diabetes and Obesity

The traditional classification of carbohydrates as either simple or complex has limitations regarding the practical applications involving dietary analysis and prescription.

Knowledge of the glycemic index(GI) and glycemic load of foods has greatly increased our understanding of the relationship between the composition of dietary carbohydrates, physiological effects and possible health outcomes.

The Glycemic Index and Health

The GI of foods appears to have profound effects on metabolism and as such may dramatically affect the risk of development of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. As these diseases are highly prevalent in society the health of the population in general could be significantly improved simply by adjusting the diet to include predominantly low GI foods.

It is interesting to note that foods containing refined carbohydrates such as sugar do not necessarily have a high glycemic index and that the inclusion of a moderate intake of sugars at 10-12 % of total calorie consumption is not related to obesity, insulin sensitivity, micronutrient deficiency or altered lipid profiles.

Diabetic diet and Low Glycemic Index Foods
The traditional approach to the treatment of diabetes has been to completely exclude sugar while other aspects of carbohydrate-containing foods such as the fiber and fat content have been somewhat neglected. Expanding the diet to include small amounts of sugars and foods containing them in the context of an overall low GI and glycemic load, may help to increase variety and flexibility in the diet and from a holistic point of view this may actually promote a healthier attitude towards dietary change that ultimately results an overall healthier diet.

The Glycemic Index and Obesity

Conversely it is important to consider the complete nutritional profile of the foods in conjunction with their glycemic index as some foods that have a low GI may be very high in calories and/or fat and contribute little to the micronutrient intake such as commercially produced cakes, chocolate bars and other snack foods.

These types of foods are also more likely to be eaten in excess and will likely contribute to the development of obesity and the associated increased risks of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, arthritis and certain cancers. Diets containing more than very small amounts of these types of foods will also tend to be high in fat and calories and low in fiber, factors associated with insulin resistance and the development of type 2 diabetes.

Can Coffee Reduce The Risk Of Diabetes?

Baristas all have a style of their very own and each cup of coffee will taste completely different due to its roast, the grind, the quantity used, the water, the temperatures and many other things. We have all tried to make these coffee delights at home the way we think they're done, however do we really know the real manner they are supposed to be made to get the enchanting flavors correctly?

Coffee Minimizes Possibility of Diabetes

Studies suggest that individuals who drink coffees are less likely to have type 2 diabetes. Diabetes is a disease wherein the human body does not produce or properly use insulin. Insulin is a bodily hormone which is needed to convert sugar, starches as well as other nutrients directly into energy needed for daily life. The root cause of diabetes continues to be a mystery, although both genetics and ecological factors such as weight problems and lack of physical exercise appear to play roles.

The researchers wanted to see whether there is a connection between diabetes and drinking coffees and green, black, and oolong tea. Individuals completed a detailed list of questions about their wellness, lifestyle habits, and how much caffeine and tea they consumed. The list of questions was repeated at the end of the 5-year follow-up time period.

As soon as other factors have been accounted for, researchers discovered that the more green tea and coffee participants drank, the lower the probability that they were to have diabetes. Men and women that drank 6 cups or more of green tea or three or more glasses of coffee every day were about one-third less likely to get diabetes. The link was stronger in women than in men. No pattern was seen with black or oolong tea.

Vitamin D and Calcium May Lower the Risk for Type 2 Diabetes in Women

A lack of vitamin D and calcium might be linked to getting type 2 diabetes. Over 80,000 women who took part in the Nurses' Health Study. During the period of 20 years, more than 4,800 women developed type 2 diabetes. The experts found that a combined consumption of more than 1,200 mg. of calcium and over 800 units of vitamin D has been connected with a 33% lower possibility for type 2 diabetes (as compared to women who took much smaller amounts of calcium and vitamin D). The results indicate that taking in higher amounts of vitamin D and calcium assist lower the risk for type 2 diabetes in women.

Diabetes is a disorder characterized by hyperglycemia or increased blood glucose (blood sugar). Our bodies perform best at a specific level of glucose in the bloodstream. In case the level of glucose in our blood runs way too high or too low, then we typically feel bad. Diabetes is the term of the ailment where the blood sugar level regularly runs too much. Diabetes is the most common endocrine illness.

Symptoms of Diabetes - 3 Symptoms for Serous Concern

Type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes have many symptoms in common. Having a right knowledge of diabetes symptoms can be highly helping for a diabetic to take timely treatment. Here is a focus on three warning symptoms that are usual in case of diabetes of any type.

Weight loss: Noticing unusual weight loss is one of the warning symptoms of diabetes. Body weight loss is a usual phenomenon with a back screen of multilateral factors. What is inherent with diabetes that makes a diabetic helpless when thrown to weight loss is our main concern. It's nice to reason that eating more beyond optimal peak triggers the system to gain weight. But, when the food intake is not burnt as a whole in a diabetic body to gear up the energy, the body remains lazy in structural make up. So, the weight goes down instead of gaining.

Weight gain: In the list of signs and symptoms of diabetes, gaining over weight otherwise known as obesity is equally as bad as losing weight. Gaining body's weight is also a fraternal factor when a person is prone to diabetes. What is consumed should undergo the process of conversion into energy with the help of insulin secretion. It is the sympathy with a diabetic that the internal combustion of the consumed food is weak and there is the failure of regeneration of the body cells. Consequently, the diabetic patient suffers a degeneration of vigor lacking vital sources for energy. Naturally, he feeds his stomach with no justification and this added food intake sky rockets the body weight. Having on hand AWH (Age - Height - Weight) chart for reference may be helping at all occasions to keep fit with optimal weight.

Frequent urination: This is another warning symptom of diabetes for concern. When the body takes in food for energy, the normal process of the body mechanism is expected to burn the food for regenerating the millions of body cells. With type 2 diabetes, this mechanism fails to function satisfactorily and the consumed food remains stagnant in the blood stream in the form of blood glucose. Excess amount of saturated sugar accumulated in the body strives to find an exit from the system. Urination is one channel through which the excessive deposit of saturated sugar is let out frequently. Though there is less water intake, the density of glucose sugar gives pressure to be let out through frequent urination.

Foods to Avoid for Diabetics - What You Should Exclude in Your Diet

Being diabetic may force you to make a lot of sacrifices; particularly on eating. There are some foods that you should avoid because they can cause your blood sugar level to rise. When that happens, you will feel sick all day long. What's even worse is that your body will be inclined to a lot of complications, which can be fatal. This is because your vital organs can be damaged. For this reason, you should try your best to keep your blood sugar level stable and under control.

To easily determine the foods to avoid for diabetics, you should be aware of what a glycemic index is. Glycemic index or GI describes the different behaviors of carbohydrates in our bodies. Through it, you will be able to identify which among the foods you eat have low and high carbs. Low GI foods will only have 55 counts of carbohydrates and below. If the count goes higher than that, it will not be advisable for you to eat that food. Eating low GI foods is essential to a diabetic's long term health. They will not cause too much instability to your blood glucose and insulin levels.

Some carbohydrates break down quickly in our bodies after eating them. This will also cause rapid discharge of sugar into your bloodstream. These foods have high carbs. When this happens, the demand of your body for insulin will be higher. Hence, you should avoid this kind of foods. Instead, you should go for those that slowly release sugar as they are the ones that have low GI.

High GI foods include anything enriched with white sugar, white flour breads, corn and corn syrup, pre-packed foods, regular sodas, white rice, pasta and potatoes, to mention a few.

The recommended foods for diabetics are those that have high fiber content like whole wheat breads, 100% natural fruit juice, fresh meat, fresh sauteed or steamed vegetables, brown rice and fresh fruits.

Another important thing that you should be aware of is that diabetics should not skip meals. They should always eat on time. However, eating large portions of food should be avoided. They should only eat small portions. It is also recommended that they eat 6 times a day.

Getting a complete list of the foods to avoid for diabetics is not that difficult at all. There are books and magazines that were specially published to help diabetes patients determine the foods that they should eat and those that they should exclude from their diet. There are also websites which are dedicated to diabetic health. They usually feature various recipes that are safe to take in even when you have diabetes.

When you have diabetes, always bear in mind that medication will not be enough. A good diet is also crucial to your condition. You also need to consult your doctor or an expert dietician who can help you in creating a suitable meal plan for you. Some meal plans can be good for a month or more.

Gestational Diabetes - Controlling Blood Sugar Levels During Pregnancy!

Controlling blood sugar levels during pregnancy is critically important for the health of both mother and child. Certain nutritional supplements, which may be needed only during pregnancy, are helpful for both mother and child when there is gestational diabetes.

1. Beta-caroteneor mixed carotenoids, up to 25,000 IU a day, help prevent vitamin A deficiency without exposing the embryo to risks of vitamin A-induced genetic damage. The body converts only as much of the carotene compounds as it needs for vitamin A. Overweight women especially need beta-carotene or mixed carotenoids, since fat cells can sequester these nutrients from the rest of the body

2. Chromium nicotinate, up to 400 mcg a day, helps improve insulin sensitivity and helps normalize blood sugar levels. Chromium picolinate does not have this effect.

3. Omega-3 nicotinate, may prevent premature delivery. In women who do not have gestational diabetes, they also help prevent low birth weight (not an issue in mother who have diabetes). It's probably best to avoid fish oil capsules during the first trimester, both because of their potential heavy metal content and more importantly because of their tendency to cause fishy burps. Ground flaxseed added to cereals and fruit will deliver both essential fatty acids and fiber to prevent constipation. Hempseed and macadamia nut oils and cold-water fish are also great sources of these beneficial fats.

4. Vanadium, in doses of 50 to 100 mcg a day, may help improve insulin sensitivity.

5. Vitamin C, (up to 1,000 mg a day, but no more), vitamin E (up to 400 IU a day, but no more), and lipoic acid (either 250 mg of R-lipoic acid or 500 mg of alpha-lipoic acid daily, but no more) work synergistically to help cells use glucose more effectively. Taking one vitamin without the other or taking too much of any of these antioxidants, or taking one or two without the others, however, can cause a paradoxical, pro-oxidant effect.

6. Vitamin D, prevents bacterial vaginosis during the first trimester. Up to 2,000 IU a day prevents deficiency. To avoid disturbing calcium metabolism, don't take more than 2,000 IU a day during pregnancy... or get at least 20 minutes of unprotected sun exposure on the arms, hands, and face every day.

Free Glucose Meter - How To Qualify For A Free Glucose Meter

As a diabetic you know how important it is to watch your glucose levels. The best way to do this is by using a glucose monitor, or glucometer. The meters themselves are not very expensive, it's the test strips that cost the big bucks. You can compare the concept to a soda company letting a business have a free vending machine, but the soda company takes the profits. The strips are the soda.

If you have health insurance then you can easily get your strips for your glucose monitor from them, but if you don't then it will be very expensive. Fortunately a lot of companies will give you a free meter in exchange for your information. Why do they do this? The give you something for free in exchange for being able to sell you other products. Think the soda machine again.

Is it worth giving out some marketing information for a free meter? For most people the answer is yes because the companies will try to sell you things that you actually want. Also, a free glucose meter will help you in your daily life so there is not much to lose. Also, most diabetics don't pay for their meters, they get a free glucose meter.

If you don't want a free glucose meter you can order one online or buy one from a pharmacy, but they can be around $50 to $80 for the good ones. The free glucose meter is probably of better quality than the ones you will find in your local pharmacy, and it will work just as good.

High Blood Ketones - How It Affects Your Diabetes

Ketones are produced when the body is forced to burn (breakdown) its own fat to provide energy. Glucose is the body's usual source of energy but if insulin is in short supply, or not working correctly, the body cannot use the glucose in the blood and is forced to look for another energy source, fat.

For diabetics the presence of ketones in the blood stream can be a sign of ketoacidosis which, if untreated, could result in coma and death. For this reason it is essential to monitor blood or urine to detect any signs of ketones. If there are ketones present you should contact your doctor immediately.

Who should monitor their ketones?

All type 1 diabetics should monitor their ketones regularly. Type
2 diabetics are less likely to suffer from the production of ketones but testing is still recommended in the following circumstances for all types of diabetics:

* When Blood glucose (sugar) is equal to or above 250 mg/dl or 14mmol/l for two consecutive tests
* When you are ill
* If you vomit or have diarrhoea
* during pregnancy

How to monitor ketones?

Ketones can be monitored via urine or blood. Blood ketone monitoring is the most accurate way to measure ketones and now a days can even be done at home with a ketone meter kit. The optium xceed meter and ketone strips can be used to check blood ketone levels and provides results fast. Urine ketone monitoring is less expensive and can be done using a simple urine dip stick such as ketostix. The urine measurement is less accurate and provides a delayed ketone production picture but is sufficient to indicate the presence of ketones in the body.

Interpreting ketone results

Normally the body only excretes a small amounts of ketones daily in the urine (3-15mg). People with diabetes who have high levels should contact their doctor straight away. High ketone levels can commonly be found in poorly controlled diabetes or in diabetic ketoacidosis. If the results show a small amount of ketones then take the following actions:

* Drink water every hour, and continue testing every three hours.

* Do not exercise.

* If your ketone levels do not fall after two tests contact your doctor.

* If your levels rise contact your doctor immediately.

How do I know if I have diabetic ketoacidosis?

If you have diabetic ketoacidosis you may have symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, breathlessness and breath that smells of fruit (pears). If you have these symptoms contact your doctor immediately.

Type 2 Diabetes - How Does Certain Bacteria Work to Help With Weight Loss?

It might be tempting for Type 2 diabetics to think that simply popping pills or even injecting themselves with insulin will take care of all their blood sugar and weight problems. But diabetes and even pre-diabetes are diseases for which medication alone just is not enough! But it is possible for many people with these conditions to be treated without medication if they could make the changes in their diet plus add exercise to their lifestyle.

Some experts insist that the only way to lose weight is with a low-carb diet. Some experts insist that the only way to lose weight is with a low-fat diet. A third group of experts has found that what really makes a weight loss diet work is having the right symbiotic bacteria in the colon.

Scientists reporting their research in the prestigious journal Nature found that when some dieters followed an Atkins-style diet (extreme meat eating) and other dieters followed an Ornish-style diet (no meat eating at all), what made the difference in weight loss was not the number of calories consumed. It was the balance between the numbers of two kinds of bacteria they had in their digestive tracts.

The more weight the dieters lost, the more Bacteroidetes bacteria they had in their colons, and a lower amount of Firmicutes bacteria. Before their successful diets, about 3 per cent of the bacteria in the dieter's colons were Bacteroidetes. After dieting, there were up to 15 per cent.

Bacteriodetes bacteria can use oxygen to make energy. This produces fewer inflammatory byproducts. Firmicutes bacteria can't use oxygen to make energy. A genus including Clostridium (food poisoning) bacteria, Firmicutes bacteria release inflammatory toxins. Even more important than cutting calories was cutting inflammation caused by the unhealthy bacteria.

The direct way to do this, of course, is to take a probiotic containing Bacteriodetes strains, no matter which diet you are on. And it doesn't hurt to reduce inflammation in the meantime too, by consuming healthy fats that contain omega-3 fatty acids.

A very simple way to do this is to take low-fat salad dressing and add about 1/3 as much flaxseed oil, a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids that fight inflammation, with just a tiny bit of the omega-6 fatty acids we all need to keep the immune system going. You can safely eat a plants food diet if you just make sure you get your probiotics and your omega-3's.

Type 2 diabetes and pre-diabetes are very treatable with a good diet, regular exercise and weight loss.

Trust Diabetes Information On The Internet At Your Own Risk!

While millions of diabetics are hitting away on their keyboards, looking for the latest and greatest diabetes cure out there from the internet; the basic tenets of diabetes management... lose fat, eat a low GI diet, and stick to unprocessed foods, remain unchanged.

In fact, a paper in The Archives of Internal Medicine during September, 2010 came out publicly against all the misinformation floating around the net regarding Type 2 diabetes.

However, most of the information on the net for diabetics is about as reliable as a speech from many executives or even, dare I say, politicians. Of course there are exceptions (present company, of course), but it's important to evaluate these factors before buying into a piece of "neat info" you found on a diabetes blog.

Credentials: This matters more than anything else. Who would you rather trust: someone experienced in helping diabetes patients getting their life under control, or some guy in his underwear banging out articles from his laptop?

In all seriousness, credentials do, and should, carry a lot of weight. The wrong diabetes information isn't benign... it's downright harmful. Someone with medical credentials has their career on the line... so they're not going to tell you anything that's not backed by the science.

Gut Check: Have you ever read anything on the Internet about diabetes, discounted it instantly as hogwash, yet wanted to try it anyway? Marketers, which do include marketers to diabetics, are in the business of telling you what you want to hear. You know more about diabetes than you probably realize... if something sounds fishy, it probably is.

Too Good To Be True: "Instant diabetes cure" are three little words tossed around surprisingly often on the Internet these days. Of course, these "salesmen" have no interest in helping you cure your diabetes, they just want what you've got in your wallet.

Reversing diabetes is possible... but it does take time and effort. Anyone who tells you otherwise is just flat out telling you what you want to hear.

Hype: One of shady marketer's favorite tricks is to take a small study (usually with animals), and make the results sound like they have Darwinian-like implications. As someone who reads diabetes science every chance she gets (don't laugh, it's true), one thing is clear... breakthroughs are exceedingly rare.

Also, new diabetes treatments don't generally come from a single research study. This isn't 1850 and Lord Kelvin isn't playing with beakers in his basement anymore. 21st century science requires millions of dollars, dozens of researchers, and (most importantly), numerous studies with similar findings to confirm the initial results.

Type 2 Diabetics Need to Know About Magnesium Supplement Side Effects!

Magnesium, like chromium, is also involved in the metabolism of sugar and there is considerable evidence that diabetics should take supplemental magnesium. More than half of all people with Type 2 diabetes show evidence of magnesium deficiency, and magnesium may prevent some complications of diabetes such as retinopathy and heart disease.

Women with type 2 diabetes benefit from magnesium in their diets, but are there many potential side effects with taking magnesium supplements?

Side Effects:

1. Laxative Effects: One potential side effect of magnesium supplements isn't hard to understand. Magnesium is the main ingredient in Milk of Magnesia, the well known laxative. Taking more than about 1,200 mg of magnesium in a single dose, or more than about 2,000 mg a day, is likely to make you have to go to the bathroom on an urgent basis. You really don't need this much magnesium in a single day, however, even if you are trying to correct magnesium deficiency.

2. Unexplained Twitches and Batting Eyelashes: "Twitchy" muscles and uncontrollable batting of the eyelashes can be a sign of excessive magnesium or potassium. If these symptoms occur with fatigue, nausea, or tingling sensations, don't hesitate to see a doctor right away.

3. Milk Alkali Poisoning: Another potential side effect of supplemental magnesium is milk alkali poisoning. Although magnesium supplements can lower blood pressure, overdosing magnesium, calcium, and vitamin D together can actually raise blood pressure, sometimes drastically.

How to Handle These Side Effects: The solution is just to stop taking the supplements altogether for about a week, and then to limit yourself to 400 mg of magnesium, preferably in two doses, 800 to 1,000 mg of calcium, preferably in two doses, and no more than 2,000 IU of vitamin D daily. Even better, get your vitamin D by spending time in the sun without wearing sun block, up to 20 minutes a day if you have fair skin, 40 minutes a day if you have dark skin.

Combinations to Avoid: There are also some combinations women need to avoid to ensure that the magnesium supplements they take are actually absorbed by their body:
avoid taking magnesium supplements within two hours of eating any plant food that is high in oxalic acid, such as leafy greens (especially spinach and lamb's quarters), almonds, or cocoa.avoid soft drinks that list phosphoric acid as an ingredient. Phosphoric acid depletes your body's supplies of magnesium.ask you doctor about taking a magnesium supplement if you take prescription digitalis, steroids for arthritis or asthma, or antibiotics. These medications deplete magnesium in the body.

Effect On Diabetes By Alcohol

Alcohol consumption has adverse effect on the body. High intake of alcohol has the tendency to increase the blood sugar levels and also the fat content of the body. Alcohol can also be called a substitute of sugar when considering the sugar and calorie levels.

It has been reported that people who intake large quantity of alcohol are more prone to develop diabetes insipidus. In this condition the person suffers from too much thirst and frequent urination. Other symptoms of the disease condition include rise in blood pressure, dizziness, increase heart rate, nausea, etc.

Alcohol requires a great metabolism rate when compared to other drinks. The metabolism are carried out by the liver and this may alter the sugar regulation function which will result in increase in blood sugar level.

Safety measures for Diabetics

Those who are suffering from diabetes it is best to avoid the consumption of alcohol completely. If one become addicted to the drink it would be very difficult later to stop the habit. To avoid the bad effect on diabetic patients following measures have to be taken.

If you are forced to take alcohol in some functions or that you are unable to quench the aspiration, drink slowly. Sudden intake of large quantity of alcohol shoots up the blood sugar level in the body.

It's recommended to take alcohol along with food to reduce the effect of alcohol in the sugar level of the body. When consumed alcohol in an empty stomach also increase the effects on the body.

Do not drink it dry. Always mix it with water.

Follow these simple steps to avoid Diabetes.

Diabetes Wars

Type 2 diabetes has reached tsunami levels, with no slowdown in sight. All in just the last forty years or so. What changed? What's different now?

We need to look at this.

Type 2 diabetes comes when your body can't, for some reason, use the insulin it produces, and blood sugar roars out of control. The problem lies squarely on the shoulders of the ineffective insulin, not the sugar. We'd handle the sugar just fine if the insulin did its thing.

It's called insulin resistance. We have the insulin we need, but it doesn't work.

Doctors tell us it comes from metabolic syndrome, which includes excess weight, high triglyceride levels and high blood pressure.

Well, looky here! Guess what appeared on the horizon forty years or so ago that just happens to cause excess weight, high triglyceride levels and high blood pressure?. High fructose corn syrup. Suspicious, eh?

Especially since a recent study gave one group of rats a diet that included sugar, and gave a second group of rats the exact same diet, except for replacing sugar with high fructose corn syrup. The sugar rats stayed healthy and slim. The high fructose corn syrup rats got sick and fat as blimps.

Now, these sound like clues to me. And getting rid of high fructose corn syrup sounds wise.

But that's not all. The medical approach to treating Type 2 diabetes isn't all it could be. They don't even try to fix the problem, just treat the symptoms. What's that about?

If you have diabetes, you need to do two things. You need to understand your illness and your options. And you need to find a doctor who will work with you, not just issue orders. Success requires both a good patient and a good doctor.

Overcoming diabetes isn't all about lowering blood sugar. Sugar's not the problem. And we're learning that lowering sugar isn't all it's cracked up to be. Our bodies need sugar to do a lot of things-which all go haywire when sugar isn't available.

What we need to do is get our bodies to use the insulin we produce.

Many alternative doctors say that can be done in fairly short order.

But not on the diet created by diabetes poobahs.

First, the status-quo poobahs recommend a load of grains, but most people, especially those with endocrine problems-which diabetes is-can't tolerate grains. Grains ain't what they used to be. Ditch 'em.

Then they recommend limiting protein. Huh? Health requires protein. Our bodies do all their work via the enzymes they create. And the raw material for those enzymes? Protein.

Following that, they recommend a carb level guaranteed to put things into a tizzy. When your insulin's in a world of hurt, don't beat up on it by shoveling in carbs.

And then they say to avoid saturated fat. Yikes! Our bodies need saturated fat. Our thyroid gland gets the blues without saturated fat, and a sad thyroid complicates diabetes big time. In fact, a down-in-the-dumps thyroid can cause diabetes.

But food isn't the whole nutrition story.

Diabetes Diet - The Importance Of Fats

Implementing a diabetes diet and knowing the importance of which fats are good for you and the fats that you should avoid altogether is vital for your health and especially if you are diabetic. Being overweight is a definite contributor to people who develop type 2 diabetes; consuming the wrong fats and too many fats in your diabetes diet is very unhealthy and can lead to many complications.

Fat contains a lot of kilojoules and has the least amount of nutrients, making it once source you should consider limiting in your diet. Fat contains 37 kilojoules per gram, which is twice the energy of carbohydrates and protein.

It does not matter about the fat content in your diet so much as the type of fat that you consume. Monounsaturated fats should be the main types of fat that you consume; some of these include olive oil, nuts, seeds, and avocadoes for example.

Heart disease is a huge problem especially with people that have diabetes, these people have a great risk of getting cardiovascular disease; It is also known that heart disease and strokes are 2 to 3 times more likely to occur in people with type 2 diabetes than those that do not have this disease. Sadly, around 70 percent of people with type 2 diabetes die of cardiovascular disease.

A known risk factor of cardiovascular disease is high levels of the bad (LDL) cholesterol and the total amount of cholesterol; by reducing the total fat, especially saturated fats will lower both the LDL and the total cholesterol which will decrease your risk of getting cardiovascular disease.

Butter, margarines and oils are the most concentrated sources of fat in our diets that we consume. Fats are basically categorised into three main groups, which are monounsaturated, polyunsaturated and saturated. How these are categorised is based on the chemical structure of each fat and the type of fatty acid that is prevalent.

The importance of fats in our diabetes diet include:

Fat is an integral part of many hormonesFat is a part of all the cell membranes in our bodiesFat is an energy sourceFat provides us with insulation, warmth and also protects vital organs in our body like our kidneys, andFat is the carrier of the fat soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K as well as many antioxidants

Some of the fatty foods that you should limit in your diabetes diet are:

Fatty meats and processed meatsFull cream dairy productsDeep fried foodsAll take-away foodsCakes, pies, pizza, biscuits and pastriesPotato crisps as well as all the other packaged snack foods available, andFrying oils, copha, ghee and cooking margarines

Choosing a healthy balance of fat in your diabetes diet is essential if you want to achieve optimum health and avoid the fatal complications of this terrible disease.

Help For Diabetics - Can Coffee Improve Your Condition?

There are many different treatments for the condition of diabetes. One might be surprised that a beverage such as coffee might be considered one of these treatments and can be a big help for diabetics. Diabetes is a disease or condition in which the pancreas has stopped producing insulin, or in the case of type 2 diabetes, the body is no longer able to process the insulin properly.

There is a naturally occurring fungus known as ganoderma lucidum which is considered a natural organic herb. It is also known as Reishi or Lingzhi and is actually found in rotted wood. Coming from ancient China, it has been known for centuries for its healing properties, aiding in better circulation, nervous system and immune system function.

Ganoderma lucidum coffee has been a known treatment for diabetics to help lower blood sugar levels and can function as an insulin substitute for insulin-dependent diabetics. It is also beneficial for non-insulin-dependent diabetics as a partner with traditional medicines. This herb can also help with many of the complications that diabetics may have in the long-term such as poor circulation, which can lead eventually to amputation of the limbs.

Ganoderma lucidum can be found in your local health food store and can be taken as a daily supplement, but it is also found in certain special brews of coffee, hot tea or hot chocolate.

If you are suffering with diabetes and its effects, it could be beneficial to you to examine more closely the natural approach of treatment with a ganoderma lucidum supplement or specialty coffee.

Diabetes Diet - A Low GI Diet Is Essential

With your diabetes diet a low GI diet is essential if you want to achieve optimum health and manage your diabetes effectively. The key to your success is the diet you implement, and a low GI diet is highly recommended. It may sound difficult and you might even think that the foods that are low in GI are terrible, well let me tell you how surprised you will be, the majority of the foods are what you are already eating or they are foods that you will like.

So what exactly is the GI? The glycemic index (GI) is a measure of carbohydrate quality. It is this measure that best describes how much carbohydrates (the sugars and starches) in the individual foods affect our blood glucose levels.

Following is a list of what the GI is:

The GI is a tool that allows you choose the right type of carbohydratesThe GI is on a scale from 0 to 100 that reflects how fast the carbohydrates in our foods hit our bloodstreamAn important point to remember is that the GI actually compares foods not per 100 grams of food, but does so per gram of carbohydrateA low GI food contains carbohydrates that has the least affect on your blood glucose levels, this means the GI is 55 or lessA high GI food contains carbohydrates that has the largest affect on your blood glucose levels, this means the GI is 70 or more

A low GI diet plus regular exercise is the most powerful and rewarding way that you can achieve optimal health and insulin sensitivity and the decreasing of insulin levels throughout the course of your day.

Many people that are overweight have the challenge of ignoring the hunger pangs throughout the day, this is where a diabetes diet of low GI foods will help and be very beneficial. It has been scientifically proven that low GI foods are more filling than the foods that are high in GI. These foods not only give you the feeling of being full straight away, but they actually delay the hunger pangs for longer and will reduce your food intake.

Following are 10 steps for a low GI diabetes diet:

Ensure that you eat regularlyChoose the low GI forms of bread and cerealsEat at least seven servings of fruit and vegetables each dayReduce your salt intakeLimit your alcohol intakeAdd more legumes like beans, chickpeas and lentils to your dietAlways choose lean meatsEat fish or an alternative source of omega-3 at least twice a weekChoose low fat dairy products, andEat nuts on a regular basis

Type 2 Diabetes and The Chili Pepper Cure for Carbohydrate Cravings!

One of the overlooked minerals in healthy nutrition is lithium. It's important for helping people maintain control over cravings of all kinds, especially sugar cravings, and it's especially abundant in chili peppers. Cravings, especially carbohydrate or sugar cravings, are very common in people with Type 2 diabetes.

Nutritional research into the role of lithium in human nutrition was inspired by an American researcher who noticed that violent crime simply didn't occur in some places in the American West that were otherwise crime centers. Juarez, Mexico, for example, has always been famous for its violence, and El Paso, Texas, literally less than 100 meters away, has always been relatively placid. Similar pockets of placid behavior were found all over the Western United States.

The common connections between the sites of less-than-expected violence turned out to be two-fold: lithium in the drinking water and lithium in the food, especially chili peppers. Researchers later tested adding naturally lithium-rich foods to the diets of inmates in prisons, and they found that salsas, chili peppers, and tomatoes, all naturally rich in lithium, calmed down violent offenders, especially violent offenders who were recovering methamphetamine addictions.

Although there is nothing medicinal about illicit methamphetamines, they do have one interesting effect. They help control blood sugar levels. It turns out that chili peppers and tomatoes also control blood sugar levels, and make managing cravings of all kinds easier.

Chili peppers will never replace diabetes medication, but they can make staying on a healthy eating plan for Type 2 diabetes much easier. Try them in moderation... just be sure that you don't rub your eyes after you prepare them in the kitchen!

A Further Study on the Effects of Chilli: The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, July 2006 reported on a study undertaken by Australian researchers. This study reported that following a meal containing chilli, the amount of insulin needed to lower blood sugar levels after the meal is reduced. And eating chilli flavored meals on a regular basis, reduces the amount of insulin required even more so.

This study involved 36 volunteers who were aged between 22 and 70. All were instructed to follow a bland diet in between eating the following foods for the first two stages:

Stage 1... they were given a bland meal; it contained no spices whatsoeverStage 2... second meal type contained chili

Finally, for:

Stage 3... they changed to a chili-containing diet, followed by a chili-containing meal. (A palatable type of flavoring was used)

Blood sugar levels rose similarly after the three meals, but insulin rose the least following the chili-rich diet and chili-rich meal. So, using chili pepper as a frequently used spice could help reduce your risk of high levels of insulin which is a problem associated with Type 2 diabetes.

So chili all-around sounds like it is helpful in the treatment of Type 2 diabetes; it helps with:

cravingsweight loss due to lower insulin levels, andlower blood sugar levels.

Type 2 Diabetes - Is Brain Surgery Effective in Lowering Blood Sugar Levels?

Type 2 diabetics can be helped by surgery! Firstly bariatric bypass surgery has been spoken of as an aid in weight loss for Type 2 diabetics and now new research has suggested there is a type of brain surgery which may decrease the onset and progression of Type 2 diabetes. Although improvements, and remission of diabetes often follows on from bariatric surgery, these are not seen in all diabetics.

Brain Surgery: According to a study published in the journal Surgical Neurology International, July 2010, surgery on a structure called the medulla oblongata could offer hope to at least some Type 2 diabetics. The medulla oblongata is the lower part of the brainstem, a collection of nerve tissue that controls your breathing, heart rate, blood pressure and digestive functions. It also has much to do with the pancreas and its secretion of insulin. Part of the medulla oblongata can become compressed when an artery expands with every heartbeat. When that happens it can lead to insulin resistance, which is the hallmark of Type 2 diabetes.

Research Findings: Researchers in the Department of Neurosurgery, Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh, United States, operated on 10 diabetics. Compression caused by blood vessels in the medulla oblongata was relieved. Over the following 12 months, 7 of the people operated on showed improvement in their blood sugar control and were able to decrease their anti-diabetes medications. One diabetic was able to discontinue medication entirely while maintaining normal blood sugar levels. Three diabetics whose blood sugar was not improved were obese with an average BMI of 34.4, while those who improved averaged a BMI of 27.9, which is considered overweight but not obese.

The results were consistent with another study published by the same group in 2004. At that time surgery was carried out on 15 people who suffered from nerve problems stemming from compression by blood vessels of the medulla oblongata, and from Type 2 diabetes. This was the outcome:

10 of the patients showed improvement in their blood sugar control after the procedure4 diabetics were able to discontinue their anti-diabetes medication altogether. and1 diabetic was able to achieve good control with less medication normally prescribed

These results are preliminary, and many more studies would have to be carried out before the procedure is proclaimed to be a safe and effective way of treating Type 2 diabetes.

Risk of Surgery Generally: Surgery always carries with it the risks of bleeding, infection, and untoward effects of anesthetic. When the central nervous system is involved, special consideration must be given as to whether the possible benefits of surgery outweigh the risks.

Best Glucose Monitor - Which Is The Best For You?

If you are planning to buy a glucose monitor but you don't know which of the three top diabetes monitors is the right for you, then it's a good idea you read this short article in order for you to spend your money in an intelligent way. Are you interested in having more information?

It's important for you to know that there are only 3 glucose meters that are worth buying. Obviously they have different features! So you have to be aware of the 3 glucose meters functions and decide which one best fits your needs.

EASY USE AND PORTABLE

One Touch Ultra is for the people interested in carrying their diabetes monitor everywhere they go. It's a compact and portable gadget. Furthermore, it's very a intuitive and easy usable unit that displays accurate results wherever you are.

READ EASILY ON A LARGE DISPLAY

If what you are looking is a device that has an easy to read display that can be used as you take it out of the box, then AccuCheck is the right choice for you. You can read accurate results on a large and bright display. Nevertheless as this unit is a large one then it's not adequate to be transported.

SOPHISTICATED TECHNOLOGY

If you are attracted to technology and love sophisticated gadgets the Precision Xtra is the right glucose meter for you. This device is very portable and accurate although it's use is not intuitive and does not involve learning curve.

Remember that not only money is what counts when purchasing a diabetes monitor but also it's features and functions. That's why it's important to read a review like this before making a choice.

Diabetes Diagnosis: Understanding the Types of Diabetes

Learning you have diabetes for the first time can be a devastating news and the first step any patient should take towards a positive approach to managing this disease is to learn and understand every bit possible on this disease, its dynamics and peripheral concerns within your life and the life of others with similar conditions. There are two general types of diabetes - type 1 and type 2 although there are other types of diabetes like gestational diabetes which occurs at the late stages of pregnancy and LADA or latent autoimmune diabetes in adults which is a cross between type 1 and type 2. However, the main point of discussion here is about the two major types as they constitute a vast majority of diabetes sufferers all over the world.

Type 1 Diabetes, also known as Juvenile Diabetes or Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (IDDM) is an autoimmune disease that usually manifests during childhood and adolescent stages. There are also cases of this type of diabetes during infancy and in early adulthood. While it is being the rarer of the two main types; it can be described as more lethal.Type 2 diabetes is characterized by the destruction of the insulin-producing cells called the beta cells located in the pancreas by the body's own immune system. Insulin is a vital bodily hormone responsible for the proper glucose metabolism in the body and converts it to energy needed by the whole body system to function properly. With type 1 Diabetes, the glucose levels in the blood continues to rise which could pose serious complications if let untreated. The development of type 1 diabetes on a young patient can happen fast and his body could deteriorate from robust and energetic to a thin and sickly in no time at all. Symptoms for this disease are the following:

• Excessive thirst
• Increased urination
• Weight loss
• Blurred vision
• Fatigue
• Appetite gain
• Over-all feeling of sickness

Type 2 Diabetes is the most common form of diabetes and can manifest itself at any age, even in childhood. This is also known as adult-onset diabetes although there is an alarming increase of children and adolescents suffering from diabetes in recent years. Type 2 Diabetes is characterized by the inability of the body to process insulin produced by the pancreas to a degree where it cannot effectively manage glucose levels in the body. This usually starts when various organs like the liver, fatty tissue and cells began to develop insulin resistance, a condition where insulin is not processed properly by these bodily systems which the pancreas can readily compensate at first. But with the continued and eventual system-wide insulin intolerance over a period of time, usually years on end, the glucose-level management framework within the body collapses due to the inability of the insulin to perform its functions as insulin resistance in the body increases and became widespread in the body. Many patients diagnosed with adult-onset Diabetes only learn of their disease at a stage where they already developed complications in association, like macular degeneration of the eyes that can lead to blindness, sores and wounds that is slow to heal and organ failures. It is very much advisable to have a thorough medical check-up at the onset of some symptoms stated above or if you have a family history of this disease.

Getting To Know Diabetes

Your health is not something that you should take lightly. It never hurts to shell out money just as long as you have an assurance that you're healthy.

Diabetes is a common disease that anyone can have including children. There's no current cure for it yet so you just need to be vigilant on this one.

My grandmother died because of diabetes. She has insulin shots just to keep everything stable and her wounds aren't healing that fast anymore. My grandmother grew weaker and thinner. In the end, we lost her. But the thing I remembered the most about her is how she disciplined and loved me and my cousins.

How do you know that you're already having diabetes?

Being too hungry can already set you up for diabetes. Insulin levels in your body get depleted and your organs go weaker. Because of the low energy output of your organs, your body craves for more food that it should to get some energy back.

Fluids in the body gets drained easily causing us to go thirsty more than before. As we gain thirstier, our urination becomes frequent as well. The body needs to release the excess water it has. It can also be a sign of kidney damage because whatever happens to your kidney, affects your urination.

The elevation of blood sugar is the most common and major symptom that diabetes can cause. To check on your blood sugar, you need to go to a doctor and get tested. A rise in blood sugar is caused by a problem in the insulin levels of the body. The glucose can't be regulated right and problems start to arise.

Genetics are another reason why you may acquire diabetes. Yes this can be passed on.

When a person drastically decreases weight without even gaining weight, he should immediately go to a doctor to get checked. It's not only a sign of diabetes, but all sorts of other problems as well. My dad decreased weight because of Hyperthyroidism and my grandmother decreased weight because of diabetes.

Preventing diabetes from happening can be done by simply living a healthy life. Going on exercise on a regular basis will help. Normally, dietitians and doctors will recommend a person to lose excess weight to keep diabetes from happening. To lose weight, you should also eat nutritious food. Everything starts from deciding to live healthy. In the end, it's all up to us.

Diabetes Diet - The Importance Of Proteins

Implementing a diabetes diet and understanding the importance of proteins that are necessary for your diet is essential to know so that you can achieve optimum health. It is important to realise that protein is part of every cell in your body, which means that it is vital for the growth and repair of tissues throughout your body. They are made up of amino acids that are the building blocks for your body.

The source of protein can be found in plant and animal foods. The main source of protein is found in meat like beef, lamb, pork and chicken. Other sources include fish, shellfish, and dairy products like cheese, milk and yoghurt. For vegetarians they can find protein in legumes like chickpeas, soybeans, tofu, nuts and grains. Certain protein foods like meat are rich sources of micronutrients that can be found in Vitamin B12, zinc, iron and omega-3 fats.

The protein content in food is listed in grams, the majority of our bodies are made up of protein that is found in our muscles, skin and the immune system, and this is why we need protein in our diet for the healthy growth and repair of our bodies.

The most beneficial source of protein comes from nuts, they also contain dietary fibre, and micronutrients and the best part is that they contain a very small amount of saturated fat. You do need to remember not to eat too many nuts, grab a handful from the packet and place in a bowl. Nuts contain a lot of kilojoules so only eat about 30 grams per day. Research has shown that walnuts are beneficial in a diabetes diet as they help to lower cholesterol and helps reduce the risk of a heart attack.

Eggs are also a great source of protein as well as essential vitamins and minerals. It is now known that high blood cholesterol is obtained from eating huge amounts of saturated fat in foods instead of the cholesterol in foods. When buying eggs try to select the omega-3 enriched variety, as they will increase the intake of this good fat along with your protein intake.

It is also important to remember that our bodies cannot collect and store amino acids each day like carbohydrates and fats, so this is why we need a daily supply in out diabetes diet. The amount that is required for a women on average is about 45 grams per day, of course more is required if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Men require around 55 grams per day. If you are active or still in the growing stage, you will require more protein in your diabetes diet.

Any excess protein that we eat is broken down as a source of energy by our bodies. The importance of proteins in your diabetes diet is essential for you to be able to achieve optimum health.

Sleep Loss, Cinnamon and Type 2 Diabetes!

When you received your Type 2 diabetes diagnosis, you heard: exercise, diet, testing blood sugar levels... and, of all things sleep! These all affect your blood sugar levels. I would say you did not expect to hear about sleep loss as playing a part in Type 2 diabetes, but it has a strong impact on your health.

Sleep, or lack of it, is important because it touches on so many aspects of diabetes management. Lack of sleep can not only sap your energy and motivation to stick with the program, but can affect your hormones, actually promoting insulin resistance, obesity and Type 2 diabetes.

When Type 2 diabetics can't get enough sound sleep, blood sugar control suffers and complications loom large. Scientists at Baylor University in Texas tell us that taking the kind of cinnamon known as Cinnamomum cassia might just help reverse the effects of sleep deprivation.

Not getting enough rest is a problem for Type 2 diabetics on several levels. Without six hours slumber, the brain does not have time to respond to the appetite-regulating hormone adiponectin. Produced by the fat (adipose) cells themselves, this important protein tells the brain you have eaten enough; and your liver that you don't need the release of sugar. You have to get your shut-eye for your body to respond to this hormone properly.

Another issue with insomnia for people with Type 2 diabetes is that it also deprives the body of opportunities to process the appetite-stimulating hormone ghrelin. When your body doesn't recycle this substance, your nerve endings are more sensitive to pain until you find something to eat. Too much ghrelin makes managing diabetes and losing weight more difficult... grelin is a hormone that stimulates hunger.

The scientists at Baylor found that some as yet unidentified compound in cinnamon compensates for both of these effects. It modifies signaling proteins so that cells respond to insulin better. The pancreas does not have to make as much insulin, and there is not as much insulin in the circulation to do its other job, storing fat. Taking cinnamon seems to reverse the detrimental effects of stress and insomnia.

It's not every kind of cinnamon that has this effect, however. The type of the spice that gets sprinkled on oatmeal and baked into rolls, cookies, crisps, and snaps is not the kind that has the beneficial effect.

If you already have Type 2 diabetes, having enough shut-eye is even more important because sleep also appears to control the hormones that regulate blood sugar, and losing out on sleep can contribute to elevated HbA1c percentages.

Diabetes, Cholesterol And A Healthy Heart

It has been proven that those who have been affected by diabetes are more prone to heart diseases than others. This is because in people affected by diabetes, heart diseases have been found to progress more quickly. Due to diabetes problem, a problem called atherosclerosis may occur due to which arteries get hardened. This problem may happen even when cholesterol levels go up also.

It is a known fact that lipoproteins like LDLs and HDLs are carriers of cholesterol in the body. The circulatory system needs cholesterol to a certain extent and this is supplied by LDLs, otherwise known as low-density proteins. The job of HDLs, otherwise known as high-density proteins is to carry the unused cholesterol back to the liver. Excessive cholesterol levels will result in the LDLs depositing the unused and left-over cholesterol on to the blood vessels. Of course, HDLs will try their best to carry the unused cholesterol back to the liver but they fail to do its job completely if the cholesterol levels are very high. Plaque is formed on the walls of the blood vessels and hence they become narrow. This may lead to blood clots, strokes and heart attacks. Therefore, it is important that diabetes-affected people should keep monitoring their cholesterol levels.

Another problem with diabetics is that the glucose present in the blood has a capacity to slow down the work of LDLs. Due to this, cholesterol levels build up more quickly and they may settle on the walls of the blood vessels. Therefore, diabetics will do well by keeping their cholesterol levels lower than other people.

In addition to taking medicines for lowering cholesterol levels, diabetics should make suitable changes to their eating habits. They should completely avoid foods that contain bad fats. They should shift to foods that contain only good fats. Foods that are made of wholesome grains are very good. Foods that are made processed flour, white flour and refined flour contain more of bad carbohydrates and hence they should be avoided. They should opt for low-fat dairy foods only. Red meat must be avoided and more of fish is recommended. They should choose the right protein sources. The most important thing is that they should eat liberal quantities of fresh fruits and vegetables, greens and other leafy vegetables. Instead of snacking on oily and junk foods, snacking on salads and fruits is advised.

Diabetics should do a minimum of 45 minutes of exercises daily without fail. If they are smokers, they should quit this habit forthwith. They should also keep monitoring their blood sugar levels and also cholesterol levels.

By taking these steps and precautions, diabetics can also lead a healthy and normal life and need not fear of heart attacks and strokes.

How to Cure Type 2 Diabetes Naturally?

There is a deluge of natural supplements in the market and alternative healing methods all claiming to provide a cure for Type II Diabetes but can they really deliver as their aggressive advertisements would suggest? Finding a real natural as well as medicinal cure for Type II Diabetes could be far fetched at the moment but medicinal research and development are gearing towards a more natural approach for preventive maintenance and diabetes management. Natural Herbal supplements targeted for diabetics are in the rage nowadays but they can only do so much as far as supplementary nutritional booster for diabetics is concerned. Here are some of the natural remedies that claim to be effective in the proper management of Type II Diabetes:

Chromium
Chromium is an essential trace element found in the many natural foods we eat like fruits, vegetables and in whole grains. Chromium is essential for the maximum effectiveness of insulin in the body and the speedy process of utilizing glucose in the body for energy. There are also chromium dietary supplements available in the market and should be taken at dosages recommended by your medical professional and nutritionist.

Ginseng
The type of ginseng associated most with diabetes is the American Ginseng. Studies conducted on this North American ginseng variety (Panax quinquefolius) have shown that it can improve the control glucose levels in the blood. This is promising indeed but should require further tests and research.

Biter Melon
Bitter Melon is being used all over the world for thousands of years as a potent remedy for various ailments but it is mostly associated with the treatment of diabetes. Studies have shown that bitter melon has a lowering effect on high glucose levels on the body of test patients.

Cinnamon
Cinnamon is another promising product that can help regulate glucose levels in the body. Several studies have conducted to find out whether cinnamon can indeed lower blood sugar levels among the Type II Diabetic test subjects. So far the results have been very encouraging.

There is also the alternative medicinal and therapeutic approach for the treatment of diabetes which provides holistic, non-standard and sometimes controversial healing procedures. These alternative healing approaches include acupuncture which is a traditional Chinese procedure where a practitioner inserts needle at specific parts of the body to trigger and redirects body energy and release the natural painkillers of the body. This is particularly beneficial for patients suffering from neuropathy and other nerve complications arising from diabetes.

In totality, Proper management of diabetes through proper diet, a healthy lifestyle, and taking in prescribed medications is still the way to combat the disease. As research scientists in the field of medicine are still trying mightily to seek a real and lasting cure for the diabetes in the form of a drug or a medical procedure, people with Type II Diabetes still can lead normal and healthy lives as long as they can delay the onset of serious complications associated with diabetes for as long as possible. This is the primary goal of diabetes management and indeed, many Type II diabetics reaches a ripe old age of 50 to 60 to years without even a trace of diabetes complications.

Diabetes: Prevention Is Better Than Cure

Diabetes is dangerous not only because blood contains high amounts of sugar, but because of its other consequences such as making the patients vulnerable to many other diseases. A diabetic patient experiences excess-thirst, waking up at dawn, lethargy, shakiness, etc. There is a fear of 'wounds not healing fast'. While fighting with the above symptoms, prevention of other complications is quite important. Hence, controlling Diabetes through the proper implementation of adequate diet, exercise, and stress reduction is must.

There are many risk factors associated with Diabetes. Though it is known that the onset of the disease is due to low insulin, many other factors like obesity and overweight, inactive lifestyle, family history of the condition, high blood pressure and cholesterol levels contribute to this deadly disease. There is no 100% cure for this disease; it can only be controlled via treatment and monitored through various gluco-check devices readily available in the market.

A proper diet with healthy lifestyle is the most effective way for a diabetic patient to control the risks and prevent other diseases. Regular check-up with the physician and implementation of medical therapy can help monitor the health progress of the patient.

Medical check-ups are also important for family members who have a family history of Diabetes or a member suffering with the condition, to check for their health condition with a consideration for Diabetes. Irrespective of the condition, the members should be careful and follow a healthy diet and exercise as they may be prone to the disease. As they rightly say, "Prevention is better than cure."

Type 2 Diabetes - 3 Tips to Help You Lower the GI of Foods

It's the 'holy grail' of a diabetes diet; a quick and easy way to lower the GI of high-GI foods. While there's no way to completely offset the glycemic impact of a piece of cake or a candy bar, there are a few research-backed tips that can lower the GI of low to moderate GI foods... what I like to call 'GI fighters'.

In general, GI fighters work by delaying gastric emptying. One of the reasons that blood sugars shoot up, even in non-diabetics, is that a sudden influx of carbohydrate rich foods hits the bloodstream... leaving your body scrambling to get things under control.

On the other hand, if food is doled out of your stomach in small amounts, your body can easily cope; keeping blood sugars right where they need to be.

While there are dozens, if not hundreds, of supplements claiming to reduce the GI of food, none can hold a candle to these 3 proven all-natural GI fighters.

GI Fighter No. 1 Cinnamon: Cinnamon is probably the most well known GI fighter out there. A recent study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, found that a high-dose of cinnamon at breakfast delays gastric emptying and caps blood sugar levels after a high-GI meal.

Cinnamon is perfect as an addition to fruit salad, steel cut oats, and even some entrees. Be warned though, you need to eat loads of cinnamon, around 6 grams, to see an effect... a sprinkle simply won't do it.

GI Fighter No. 2 Fish Oil: Fatty fish and supplemental fish oil is a well-documented all-natural treatment for diabetes. One of the ways fish oil seems to work is by slowing down the rate that food passes through the stomach; not only lowering the GI of what you just ate, but reducing your appetite as well.

As a bonus, a single dose of fish oil can make inflammation freefall, making your body less insulin resistant and virtually knocking off a few GI points from your next meal.

GI Fighter No. 3 Whey Protein: You may think whey protein belongs only in the realm of grunting muscle heads, but you'd be mistaken. Whey protein is one of the most potent and heavily researched supplements on Earth. Most diabetics, Type 1 or Type 2, don't have whey protein on their radar screen... with the beneficial effects on immunity and glycemic control relatively unknown.

For example, one study published in Nutrition Journal set out to find whether whey protein could help prevent post-meal hyperglycemia, one of the most frustrating ordeals that diabetes have to go through.

In the study, they gave 10 diabetic subjects either a low (about 5g), or relatively high (about 20g), dose of whey protein along with a very high-GI glucose drink.

It's important to note that while these GI tricks do indeed work, they can't completely erase a poor diet rich in processed, high-GI foods. 20 grams of whey protein helped prevent a glucose spike, and even controlled blood sugar levels over the long term.

And now I would like you to claim your Free E-Book when you click on Answers to Your Questions There you will find answers to the many question diabetics are asking.

Green Leafy Vegetables May Cut Diabetes Risks

More information on preventing diabetes. UK researchers have found that a diet full of green leafy vegetables such as spinach, cabbage and broccoli, rather than just a healthy diet in general, might considerably reduce diabetes risks.

In an analysis of six studies that included 220,000 adults (aged 30 to 74 years old) in the U.S., China and Finland, the team examined fruit and vegetable intake, finding only spinach and cabbage to have a significantly positive effect on diabetes risk.

In fact, a portion and a half of leafy greens a day was seen to cut type 2 diabetes risk by 14% according to the report that has just appeared in BMJ. Of course it may be that those who eat their leafy greens also have other lifestyle factors - healthier diet overall, more regular exercise, a better financial situation - that play a part in how whether they end up with type 2 diabetes.

Earlier work has found that fruit and veggies can help prevent cancer and heart disease, but the benefits to diabetes were unknown until this latest study.

This form of diabetes is caused by the body being unable to use insulin, a hormone that's produced by the pancreas, to regulate the glucose that comes from food. When not controlled, the sugar levels go up and can do damage to the kidneys, nerves, heart and major arteries, even the eyes.

An estimated 180 million people the world over have diabetes, and though there is no cure, those who have the condition can keep themselves healthier by being more active and losing weight. Some people do need medication to control their blood sugar and insulin levels.

An editorial that accompanied the study points out that the message of increasing overall fruit and veggie intake is important. Forget the "magic bullet" idea and focus instead on adding green leafy vegetables to your recommended five servings a day. Keep your focus on the big picture - an overall healthy, natural and balanced diet.

No one can say why green leafy veggies seem to have such a protective effect. One reason might be the high levels of antioxidants, like vitamin C. They also have high levels of magnesium and omega 3 fatty acids. All of these have benefits to the body.

The take home message from the research is that people should still aim for five servings of fruits and veggies each day. As recently as 2008 and 2009, the National Diet Nutrition Survey found that although fruit and vegetable intake has gone up over the past ten years, only a third of men and women are eating the right amount today. This needs to change.

Green leafy vegetables may in fact have particular benefits in terms of diabetes risks, though more work is needed. Eating healthy, and including these foods in your diet as much as possible until we know more, is your best bet.

Answers About Diabetes

Many Americans think you are only susceptible to diabetes if you eat a lot of sweets. While the consumption of sweets or sugar-laden foods certainly won't help you decrease your risk, it is not the only cause of the disease. There are many factors that can put you at risk, and it is important to understand how the disease works as well.

Diabetes mellitus is a disease that prevents your body from properly using the energy from the food you eat. Insulin is a naturally occurring hormone that helps the body use glucose for energy. Glucose (sugar) provides the energy your body needs for daily activities. When glucose enters your cells, the level of glucose in your bloodstream decreases. Without insulin, glucose cannot get into the body's cells for use as energy. This increases the levels of glucose in your blood. Too much glucose in the blood is called "high blood sugar" or diabetes.

Type 1 Diabetes
Type I diabetes occurs because the insulin-producing cells (called beta cells) of the pancreas are damaged. People with type I diabetes produce little or no insulin, so glucose cannot get into the body's cells for use as energy. This causes blood glucose to rise.

Type II Diabetes
Unlike people with type I diabetes, people with type II diabetes, produce insulin. However, the insulin produced is either not enough or doesn't work properly in the body; this causes blood glucose to rise. Type II diabetes is most common in people over age 40 who are overweight. Some people with type II diabetes can manage it by controlling their weight, watching their diet and exercising regularly. Others may also need to take an oral glucose-lowering medication or insulin injections.

Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes is a high blood glucose level that is discovered during pregnancy. Usually, blood glucose levels return to normal after childbirth. However, women who have had gestational diabetes have an increased risk of developing type II diabetes later in life. The symptoms of diabetes are often sudden and severe. Although the causes of diabetes are unknown, the following risk factors may increase your chance of developing diabetes. If a parent or sibling in your family has diabetes, your risk of developing diabetes is increased. Having hypertension (high blood pressure), or abnormal blood cholesterol or triglyceride levels can put you at a greater risk as well. Your risk of developing diabetes increases progressively as you get older. Your risk of developing diabetes increases if you are a smoker. You are also more susceptible to diabetes if you have a history of gestational diabetes (developing diabetes during pregnancy) or delivery of babies over nine pounds. If you suddenly experience symptoms of increased thirst, frequent urination or unexplained weight loss, you already be in the process of developing diabetes.

There are people who have a normal fasting blood glucose reading, but their blood glucose rapidly rises as they eat. These people may have glucose intolerance. If their blood glucose levels are high enough, they may be considered to have diabetes.

You hold the keys to managing your diabetes by planning what you eat and following a balanced meal plan, exercising regularly, and monitoring your blood glucose and blood pressure levels.

Type 2 Diabetes Or Not - What Is the Human Body Designed to Eat?

Luckily, there's a growing fringe of not only nutrition fanatics (oftentimes referred to as "Paleolithic dieters"), but researchers looking into this age-old, yet under-asked question. Although this line of research is still in its infancy, some of the early findings are fairly remarkable, and have particularly crucial implications for diabetics looking to improve or reverse their condition.

Before we get to specific research studies, let's get to the fundamentals of what a diet designed for the human body is supposed to look like. To do so, we need to take a quick trip in a time machine back about 50,000 years... well before the days of cars, iPads, and Starbucks coffee (imagine!).

It's here that modern humans started eating whatever they could get their hands on. Over a period of millions of years, the human body adapted to the available food sources and hasn't changed much since. Unfortunately, while our bodies are locked into prehistoric mode, our diets have undergone a complete overhaul.

In fact, many scientists are now pointing to out modern diets, even those widely considered "healthy" as the culprit of the Type 2 diabetes and obesity epidemic we find our planet in. The sudden influx of sugar, grains, and processed foods have handed our bodies foods that it simply wasn't designed to deal with... and sorry to say, we aren't doing an amazing job adapting to. It takes literally thousands of years for environmental adapting to kick in, meaning that we can't wait for our bodies to adapt. We need to adjust to its design.

Luckily, you don't have to don a loincloth and live in the wilderness to eat a Paleolithic diet. Indeed, scientists are incorporating this diet more and more into diabetic research protocols.

For example, one study published in Diabetologia, put a truly old-school 50,000 year old diet against one of the most highly regarded diets on the planet, the Mediterranean diet. Not only did the Paleolithic diet improve blood sugar levels in a dramatically short period of time, but it actually outperformed a strict Mediterranean diet. It turns out that the Mediterranean diet, while one of the healthiest cuisines on the planet, still doesn't reflect the foods our bodies evolved with.

If you're frustrated, confused, and overwhelmed with the so-called "cutting edge" diabetic diet recommendations out there, it may be time to simplify things... and start eating like a caveman to help you lose weight and have lower blood sugar levels.

The Sad News of Diabetes May Result to Anxiety

It is a sad confirmation of a difficult life ahead - learning for the first time that you have diabetes can be very devastating. It is indeed sad news for an older person who looks forward to an easy and relaxed life upon retirement and more so devastating for the young adolescents, in case of Type I Diabetes, who look forward to healthy and energetic lives ahead.

The first few months upon diagnosis can be excruciating. One only has to scan the list of do's and don'ts in proper diabetic management to be depressed that easily. Many of the older people with diabetes are diagnosed way too late of having Type II Diabetes and already suffer from the complications of the disease. Type I Diabetes, a rarer but a more lethal form of diabetes mostly attacks children, adolescents and young adults. Sufferers of Type I Diabetes have to endure daily insulin injections for the rest of their lives unless some new and more advanced diabetes management procedure come up in the near future.

Anxiety and depression for diabetes patients is not uncommon given their feeling of being thrown in a situation where they simply cannot get out. They just have no option but to accept things as they are and be optimistic but this could be difficult to do at first. A basic positive approach to effectively managing diabetes is acquiring information and knowledge about this disease. Patients suffer more psychologically about their disease which they have no knowledge of or simply refuse to understand. In the case of diabetes, a major part of managing this disease hinges on understanding and knowledge about diabetes not only for the patient but also for the people around him. This aspect is particularly evident and is absolutely necessary in the case of an adolescent with Type I Diabetes. Raising children who have Type I Diabetes is painstakingly difficult for any parent to do. It is like performing two delicate balancing acts at the same time. One being physiologically - trying to maintain glucose levels within the normal range as possible, a little too low would result in hypoglycemia and a little too high would result in hyperglycemia and worse ketoacidosis (having too much ketones in the bloodstream ha can have adverse effects in the body). The other is the psychological balancing act wherein parents try to imbibe positive outlooks to their child regarding diabetes management and dietary adjustments not only for the child but for the whole family as well. Food management for a diabetic child requires incredible patience for the parent. Being too strict may curtail the growing diabetic child's nutritional needs but then again, being too lenient would encourage the child to fall back his former eating habits which could affect glucose levels at an alarming rate.

Family support and encouragement is a must during these trying times. The patient must realize that through the help and understanding of medical professionals and family members that diabetes, while incurable can be properly managed through proper and specialized diet exercise and medication. It is very important for them to acknowledge that all hope is not lost and they can lead normal, healthy and happy lives ahead.

Three Great Tips to Help Reduce Your Risk of Developing Diabetes

Diabetes is becoming an increasingly common problem in America, and many people are wondering "How can I reduce my risk of developing diabetes?" The truth is that with a few changes in lifestyle habits, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing diabetes today.

Tip #1 in reducing your risk of developing diabetes:
The first step in reducing your risk of diabetes is to understand the mechanics of how diabetes develops. Diabetes begins with an insulin problem within your cells. Either the body does not produce enough insulin, or it does not sense and use the insulin it has. Either way, the body has to deal with a lack of insulin in its functioning. When this happens, the body will over produce insulin, resulting in way too much insulin in the blood. As a result, the body cannot properly use glucose for energy.

Genetics, obesity, and exercise patterns all affect insulin sensitivity. Some people are naturally born with insulin problems, but for the most part when the body does not properly utilize insulin, it is because of a combination of lack of exercise and excess fat in the body. This can cause high cholesterol levels, additional weight gain, and high triglyceride levels in the blood.

Tip #2 in reducing your risk of developing diabetes:
Exercise. Even mild exercise such as walking around the neighborhood after dinner is an improvement over no exercise at all. Exercise gets the metabolism going, stimulates endorphins, and promotes weight loss. The more you exercise, the more results you will see, but truly, it doesn't take much. Thirty minutes of brisk walking a day, twenty minutes of aerobics, or half an hour of swimming is all you need to start becoming healthier today. Even yoga in the mornings is a great start to your day, as it is relaxing, but still allows you to tone and firm your body and promote good health.

Tip #3 in reducing your risk of developing diabetes:

Lose weight. Excess weight puts an incredible strain on your body-not only your bones and muscles, but the individual cells in your body must work harder to get accomplished the simple tasks that keep you alive. Losing just ten pounds will significantly reduce strain on your heart, liver, and pancreas-the organ which produces insulin. Losing ten percent of your body weight is even better-and not only will this help your body to function better, but you will feel better in the end as well. Not only right after exercise, when your body is producing endorphins, but as you lose weight, you will look younger, feel more youthful, and have more energy to enjoy life with.

All of these tips are only that-tips. To get an accurate reading of your body's current glucose reading, you may want to try a home testing kit, which is quick and easy. You should also talk to your health care physician if you have any concerns or questions concerning your health. After all, these tips will work for everyone, but to get a personal fitness plan, you may need to see your health care provider.

Diabetes is a problem that affects millions of Americans every day. With diet and exercise, you can begin to live a healthier life, thus preventing diabetes. But sometimes that isn't enough. When more is needed, try Blood Sugar Support, an excellent blend of minerals which help to support health blood glucose levels. To learn more about healthy living, and minerals that can help you live healthier, visit http://www.mineralifeonline.com/ today. You can check out their products, read great articles in the Health Library, or chat with an expert customer service representative today.

Diabetes Diet - The Importance Of Carbohydrates

Diabetes diet and the importance of carbohydrates is the knowledge of how much is enough. Did you know that carbohydrates are the main energy source of the body and is the essential source of fuel for the brain?

Did you know that the brain is the most energy-demanding organ in your body? Your brain cannot burn fat or carbohydrates like the muscles in your cells. If you do not get enough carbohydrates your liver will suffer as your brain goes there first to see what it can get. Once that is used up, your liver begins to create glucose from non-carbohydrate sources, which include amino acids from your muscle tissues and you need to know that the ability to do this is limited.

Being type 1 diabetic, knowing that if you increase your carbohydrate intake it will increase your insulin requirements. Being type 2 diabetic, or even have gestational diabetes too much carbohydrate in your diet may be no good for your sugar levels as you will have insufficient insulin.

You need to take into consideration that your carbohydrate intake should include enough to meet the requirements of your brain, your central nervous system and your red blood cells.

It is important to note that carbohydrate is an essential part of your diet, as it benefits and helps to keep your body sensitive to insulin and also allows you to get stamina. Carbohydrate is the only part food that directly affects your blood glucose levels.

Another important factor to remember in our diabetes diet is that if you don't have enough carbohydrates you can cause yourself some unpleasant problems. These problems can include:
Headaches and constant tiredness - this can be due to low blood glucose levelsMuscle fatigueAn insufficient intake of fibre that can cause constipationBad breath that is a problem with the breakdown of fat products known as ketonesThe most important concern is the chance of eating too much saturated fats in your diet

It is important to understand that carbohydrates are the source of energy that starts with the sugar in your bloodstream, which is considered one sugar molecule; and these substances contain many sugar molecules that are called complex carbohydrates, cellulose, starches and gums. Some of the most common sources of these are bread, cereals, rice, grains and potatoes.

Having a good diabetes diet knows the importance of carbohydrates and how much you should include in your diet is of vital importance if you want to achieve optimum health.

Diabetes Skin Ulcer Management - How to Prevent Gangrene From Happening

Persons with diabetes are usually cautioned by health professionals to take care of their over-all health by taking the necessary medications and eating specialized diets prescribed by medical doctors and nutritionists. Among the primary concern for diabetes patients is the prevention of wound infection especially to the lower extremities like the leg and foot because these bodily parts are highly susceptible to poor blood circulation and neuropathy - nerve damages due to diabetes. Untreated wounds on legs and feet for diabetics can lead to gangrene, and can result to amputation that further affects the physical as well as psychological make-up of a person with diabetes.

Gangrene is caused by the death of tissue due to lack of blood circulation to the affected part. When the gangrene become severe and the subsequent infection becomes uncontrollable, medical professionals usually prescribe amputation of the affected part such as a foot or the whole leg. That is why foot amputation is more common in diabetics than anyone else.

Proper management of glucose level in the blood is the key for the diabetics to maintain his over-all health and thus facilitate for proper blood circulation to especially to the lower extremities and prevent neuropathy from further spreading to the affected areas. Proper foot care management and hygiene should be observed on a daily basis especially for those long-time diabetic patients. Here are some tips for persons with diabetes to keep their feet healthy:

? Wash your feet daily and let them dry completely especially between the toes.

? Check your feet every day and look for injuries like blisters, cuts, abrasions, hard skin and swellings. If you have already exhibiting signs of nerve damage and poor blood circulation, daily feet check-up should be more thorough than usual. Use a mirror if you have a hard time looking at the soles of your feet and if possible seek the help others who can clearly see those parts you have trouble seeing or if you have blurry eyes to begin with.

? Wear proper footwear and socks all the time. Walking barefoot is a no-no even inside the house. Buy shoes and other footwear that fit well and discard those that is ill-fitting.

? If you notice that the skin of your feet is dry, rub a thin coat of lotion on the affected part but do not put lotion or any moisturising cream between your toes.

? Make sure that there is a good flow of blood in your feet all the time. When sitting or lying in bed or in the sofa, put up your feet to facilitate a better blood circulation. Avoid crossing your legs whenever possible especially for a long period of time and don't smoke.

? Cut your toenails only when needed. Do not let your toenails stick out from your toes. Trim them but not too short. You can file the edges with an emery board.

? Most importantly, take proper care of your diabetes. Make sure your glucose levels stays at an acceptable range all the time if possible.

Does Vinegar Help Type 2 Diabetics With Weight Loss and Lower Blood Sugar Levels?

When you have Type 2 diabetes, unscrupulous or even uninformed people are more than happy to encourage you to buy an assortment of unproven treatments. A quick search of the Internet will reveal hundreds of supplements claiming to lower blood sugar and, miracles of miracles, improve all the symptoms associated with Type 2 diabetes.

Supplements have been used for many years to control blood sugar levels, but there are still many unanswered questions about the safety of recommended dosages and side effects. There are still many unanswered questions as to how effective they really are.

Vinegar: Something that might help with weight loss and also give lower blood sugar levels, is vinegar. Real vinegar has not been filtered or pasteurized, and is rich in organic acids, pectin (soluble fiber), and acetic acid, all of which help to slow down the emptying of the stomach. This simple 'detour' for the digestion of food creates a slowdown in dumping sugar into the bloodstream.

Vinegar is well known for stopping the digestion of carbohydrates in the stomach. A meal with 2 tablespoons of vinegar can slow gastric emptying by 30% and also drop blood sugar peaks by 30%.

Research On The Affect Of Vinegar: Scientists at Arizona State University sought to prove that consuming vinegar before meals might help Type 2 diabetics lower their cholesterol. It didn't. Instead, taking a 2 tablespoon (30 ml) dose of vinegar before two meals a day for four weeks helped Type 2 diabetics with weight loss and a drop in blood sugar levels.

The Arizona scientists hypothesized that these carbohydrates might then ferment in the small intestine, creating byproducts that sent a signal to the liver not to make as much cholesterol. A research team led by Dr. Carol Johnston recruited volunteers and divided them into two groups. One group drank vinegar before meals twice a day, and one did not. Both groups were weighed before and after the clinical trial.

Findings: Dr. Johnston's research group was disappointed to learn that vinegar had no effect on cholesterol levels. When they looked at before and after body weight, however, they made an interesting observation. Not a single person in the vinegar group gained weight, whether healthy, pre-diabetic, or Type 2 diabetic. Some lost as much as four pounds (2kg) of body weight.

The average weight loss in the vinegar group was 2 pounds (1kg), with no calorie counting, no dieting, and no additional exercise. Volunteers who did not drink vinegar did not lose weight.

In discussing their findings, Dr. Johnston and her colleagues noted that most of the volunteers did not like the taste of vinegar before meals. Most stated they would prefer to get their vinegar from a vinaigrette on a salad. The Arizona State researchers are considering creating a vinegar supplement, but caution that the vinegar supplements currently on the market do not contain acetic acid, which makes the treatment work to help with weight loss and lower blood sugar levels.