diabetes 2

Cholesterol is a fatlike substance which is found in the tissue of humans and other animals. It plays important roles in cell membrane structure
certain hormones
and manufacturing vitamin D. Our livers procude all of the cholesterol that we need for these important functions. Excess cholesterol can contribute to antherosclerosis or clogging of the arteries.

Cholesterol is found in all food from animal sources: meat
eggs
fish
poultry
and dairy products. Some animal foods contribute substantial amounts of cholesterol
while others contribute only small amounts. There is no cholesterol in any plant-derived foods. Excess dietary cholesterol can increase blood cholesterol
which can increase the risk of coronary heart disease.

You'll often hear cholesterol referred to as either good cholesterol or bad cholesterol. To help in our understanding of the two and their differences
we first need to define the word "lipoproteins." These are packets of proteins
cholesterol
and triglycerides that are assembled by the liver and circulated in the blood. When we talk about LDL cholesterol
we're referring to low density lipoprotein cholesterol. And when we refer to HDL cholesterol
we're referring to high density lipoprotein cholesterol.

LDL cholesterol
often referred to as "bad cholesterol
carried cholesterol through the bloodstream, dropping it off where it's needed for cell building and leaving behind any unused residue of cholesterol as plague on the walls of the arteries.

HDL cholesterol, often referred to as
good cholesterol
picks up the cholesterol which has been deposited in the arteries and brings it back to the liver for reprocessing or excretion.

You can easily understand why there's a distinction between good and bad cholesterol now that you understand the unique functions of each.

Saturated fats are usually from animal products such as lard, fats in meat and chicken skin, butter, ice cream, milk fat, cheese, etc. Tropical oils such as coconut oil and palm oil are also highly saturated. These fats are usually solid at room temperature. You've undoubtedly heard from somewhere that you should keep your saturated fats to a minimum, but do you know why? Because these fats tend to increase your blood cholesterol levels, which in turn increases your risk of coronary heart disease.

Hydrogenated fats are those liquid vegetable oils than have been turned into solid saturated fats through a chemical process. These fats also contribute to your blood cholesterol levels.

Polyunsaturated fats are liquid at room temperature and derived from plants. Examples: safflower, corn, soybean, cottenseed and sunflower oils. Polyunsaturated fats tend to lower LDL (your bad cholesterol), but in excess can also lower your HDL (good cholesterol).

Monounsaturated fats are also derived from plants. These include olive oils and canola oil. Replacing the saturated fats in your diet with monounsaturated fats can help to lower your LDL (again, bad cholesterol) without lowering your HDL (good cholesterol). This is why monounsaturated fats are a healthy choice for your heart. However, keep in mind that too much of any form of fat can contribute to obesity.

The bottomline: whenever you're making a choice about the fats you use, keep in mind that good heart health depends on keeping your LDL cholesterol low while maintaining your HDL cholesterol.

French bean

French bean is one of the most commonly used vegetables all over the world. There are several varieties
the most widely used being the French bean
is also known as common or kidney bean.

Beans are high in carbohydrates and fiber. They should be eaten liberally to keep diabetes under control.

A decoction prepared from the beans is an excellent remedy for diabetes. This decoction is prepared by boiling 60 grams of fresh kidney bean pods
after removing their seeds
in four liters of water on a slow fire for four hours. It is then strained through fine muslin cloth and allowed to stand for eight hours. One glass of this decoction every two hours during the day is recommended. This treatment should be continued for four to eight weeks along with the prescribed diet restrictions. The decoction must be made fresh every day
as it loses it medicinal value after 24 hours.

The juice extracted from French beans is also valuable in controlling diabetes. It stimulates the production of insulin. This juice is generally used in combination with the juice of Brussels sprouts. The patient must
however be on a controlled diet.

Dr. James Anderson of the Human Nutrition Research Center of the US Department of Agriculture insists that the same foods that lower cholesterol and fight heart disease are also excellent for diabetics
who are at high risk of heart disease. This puts foods like beans that are high in soluble fiber in “highly recommended” category. Dr. Anderson quotes confirm that high fiber foods significantly reduce blood sugar along with cholesterol.

Lettuce

Lettuce belongs to that group of vegetables that contain three percent or less of carbohydrates. It is among the important foods that can be prescribed for diabetes. Diabetics can use it freely.

Onion

The onion has been used as a treatment for diabetes since ancient times. Recent research studies have proved that this pungent vegetable can lower blood sugar in diabetes. In recent investigations in India
scientists fed onion juice and whole onions in does of 25 to 200 grams to a group of diabetics and found that the greater the dose
the faster the decrease in blood sugar levels. It made no difference whether the onion was eaten raw or cooked. It was found that the onion affected the liver’s metabolism of glucose
or release of insulin
or prevented the destruction of insulin.
The probable active hypoglycaemic substances in the onion are allyl
propyl
disulphide and allicin. In fact
as early as 1923
researchers had detected the blood sugar lowering properties of onion. And in the 1960s
scientists isolated anti-diabetic compounds from onions
which are similar to the common anti-diabetic pharmaceuticals that are used to stimulate insulin synthesis and release.

Soya bean

Soya bean is one of the most nutritious foods of the great value in the treatment of diabetes. The journal of the American Medical Association quotes from an article by Dr. Christian Becker published in an authoritative German Medical journal. In this article
Dr. Becker points out that the Soya bean bread is a valuable food for diabetics. It contains very little starch
but is rich in fat and protein
both the excellent quality. Soya bean has steadily grown in importance from a therapeutic point of view
since 1910 when studies indicated it to be a valuable part of diabetic diet. Its usefulness in diabetes is attributable not only to its richness in protein and its palatability
but also to its ability to cause
in some unexplained way
a reduction in the percentage and the total quantity of urinary sugar in diabetes patients on the usual dietary restrictions.

For diabetes information
diabetes diet
diabetes treatment
diabetes causes visit www.diabetesmellitus-information.com

When Hurricane Katrina struck last August
people with diabetes faced particular challenges
especially those using insulin. More than 20 million people in America have diabetes
and many others suffer with other chronic health conditions.

During this year's hurricane and tornado season
Eli Lilly and Company
one of the world's leading manufacturers of insulin
suggests that individuals with diabetes or any other chronic illness should follow the guidelines below
no matter where you live:

• Medicine and supplies should be stored in a defined location to be easily gathered if you must quickly evacuate home or work.

• Keep cool packs in your freezer to keep medicine cool.

• Compile an easy-to-reach kit including:

• Medical supplies: syringes
cotton balls
tissues
swabs
blood glucose testing strips
blood glucose meter
lancing device and lancets
urine ketone testing strips
items for your therapy and blood sugar monitoring

• An empty hard plastic bottle to dispose of syringes and lancets

• Cooler for insulin

• Pen and notebook

• Glasses

• Copies of prescriptions
insurance cards
medical information and contact list
including caregiver's and physicians' names and phone numbers

• Physician's orders for your child's care on file at school and in your disaster kit

• Glucagon emergency kit and fast-acting carbohydrate (glucose tablets
orange juice)

• Nonperishable food such as granola bars and water

• First-aid kit
flashlight
whistle
matches
candles
radio with batteries
work gloves

• Supplies for at least a week

• Something containing sugar in case you develop low blood sugar.

"No one can fully anticipate a natural disaster
but with preparation
people with diabetes can manage their disease
said Dr. Sherry Martin, medical advisor, Eli Lilly and Company.
Taking the time to prepare could make a huge difference in an emergency."

If disaster strikes
remember to:

• Maintain meal plan
keep hydrated.

• Monitor blood sugar and record numbers.

• Wear shoes and examine feet often. If a foot wound develops
seek medical attention immediately.

• If relocated
call your doctors as soon as possible to maintain the continuity of your medical care.

• Parents of children with diabetes should identify which school staff members will assist children in an emergency.

• If you are displaced
identify yourself immediately as a person with diabetes so authorities can provide medical care.

Pre-diabetes means you probably have higher than normal blood-sugar levels but
fortunately
not high enough to be classed as being diabetic.

However it does mean that you are susceptible to developing type 2 diabetes and heart disease if you do nothing about it.

Unfortunately
more often than not
there are no physical symptoms to warn you if you are in a pre-diabetes stage. So it's worth getting yourself checked out and
if you fall into any of these categories
ask your physician if you are likely to be at risk of pre-diabetes:

* You are overweight and you are aged 45 or older

* Your weight is OK and you're aged 45+. Ask your doctor during a routine check-up if testing is appropriate for you

* You are an adult under age 45 and you are overweight

* You have high blood pressure; low HDL cholesterol and high triglycerides

* Your family has a history of diabetes

* There's a history of gestational diabetes in your family

* You have given birth to a baby weighing more than 9 pounds

* You belong to an ethnic or minority group that has a high risk for diabetes
such as African American
American Indian
Asian American
Pacific Islander
or Hispanic American/Latino.

The good news is
if after testing you discover that you do have pre-diabetes; your blood-sugar levels are rather higher than they should be but not in the diabetes range
you can take positive action to reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

* Reduce the amount on your plate - eating just a little less helps reduce your risk factor.

* Avoid snacks; if you must snack go for a healthy rather than sugar-laden option.

* Drink a glass of water 10 minutes before eating to take the edge of your appetite so you don't overindulge in food.

* Choose whole-grain foods or sugar-free foods.

* Take a little more exercise; such as walking up the stairs instead of taking the lift or an escalator.

* Don't shop for food when you are feeling hungry. You'll be more tempted to buy the foods that increase your blood-sugars; add on weight and generally create a higer risk of moving from your pre-diabetes state into being a fully diagnosed type 2 diabetic.

Taking these and other simple actions can reduce your risk of turning pre-diabetes into type 2 diabetes.

Because of the disease diabetes
damage can be caused to blood vessels and nerves in the feet
then circulation may be impaired and infections can form on the feet without the person realizing. This can ultimately cause major complications and even amputation. Diabetes also impairs the immune system so diabetics are more prone to infection. Those who suffer from the disease should have regular foot examinations by their doctor and should know whether or not they have nerve damage.

To prevent and check whether there is injury to the feet you should get into a routine of checking and caring for your feet
this is especially important if you already have nerve or blood vessel damage or current foot problems. Here are twenty important natural tips for keeping your feet healthy:

1
Inspect your feet thoroughly every day.

2
Clean your feet daily in lukewarm water (test this with your hands) with a natural soap
dry them thoroughly to prevent fungal infection.

3
Protect your feet constantly by wearing well fitted
comfortable but sturdy shoes.

4
Never walk around without some kind of footwear to protect your feet.

5
Clean
dry cotton or wool socks are also a good way to protect your feet from pressure points and bacteria caused by sweat.

6
Always apply a little amount of a natural foot cream that contains antibacterial agents to the soles of your feet after bathing
avoiding the skin between the toes. Diabetics can find that the skin on their feet dries and cracks easily which can potentially leave them open to infection.

7
When cutting toenails always soak the feet in a good foot soak that has antibacterial properties in it to soften the nails and cleanse away any bacteria and grime from the nails. Remember to cut the nail straight across with a nail clipper
since curved nails are more likely to become ingrown.

8
Using a gentle natural foot scrub can smooth any small rough areas before they become a problem.

9
Exercise promotes good circulation so walk daily and don't sit in one spot for too long. An easy exercise is to make circle with your feet ten times in each direction
keeping your leg as still as possible.

10
Sitting with your feet elevated for 10 minutes will also help your circulation.

11
Regularly massage your feet
this will also stimulate the circulation.

12
If you do notice a sore or any type of infection
see your doctor for treatment.

13
Stop smoking. It's awful for the circulation and your health generally.

14
Have any bunions and corns removed by a professional to avoid infection.

15
Regularly clean the shower with a natural cleaner and spray a little diluted tea tree oil around the drain.

16
To keep your feet warm in bed wear loose
comfortable cotton or wool socks.

17
Always make sure your feet are kept at a comfortable temperature
avoiding cold feet.

18
If you have any pain in your feet see a podiatrist or your doctor immediately.

19
Use foot powder.

20
Follow a healthy diet and lifestyle; this will help prevent problems and complications.

With diabetes on the rise
doctors are extremely concerned about associated risks such as heart disease and stroke
which together kill two out of three people with diabetes. Fortunately
a recent study indicates that more people with diabetes are making the link between diabetes and their increased risk for heart disease and stroke.

According to a 2005 awareness survey conducted by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and American College of Cardiology (ACC)
45
percent of people with diabetes understand their increased risk for heart disease
which is up from 35 percent in 2001.

Experts believe even more awareness is needed
however. The ADA and ACC continue to work together to share important information
tools and resources to encourage people with diabetes-and health care providers-to learn more about the impact of diabetes on the heart.

Other findings from the 2005 ADA/ACC awareness survey show:

• 69 percent know they may develop high blood pressure (38 percent in 2001).

• 64 percent know they are at risk for cholesterol problems (37 percent in 2001).

Importantly
more people with diabetes are talking to their health care providers about managing diabetes comprehensively:

• 45 percent of people with diabetes now have a goal for blood glucose levels (30 percent in 2003).

• 57 percent have a goal for blood pressure (34 percent in 2003).

• 61 percent have a goal for cholesterol (34 percent in 2003).

These figures are encouraging
but awareness may not be moving fast enough to keep pace with the growing prevalence of diabetes.

Recent statistics indicate diabetes has risen by over 14 percent since last estimates in 2003. The need for increased education and awareness about the link between diabetes and heart disease is now more critical than ever.

Armed with the best information
people with diabetes can properly manage their diabetes
understand their risks for complications such as heart disease and stroke
and take action to live a longer
healthier life.

The management of diabetes is progressively evolving. The latest medical and technological advances-including ones involving the Internet-have begun providing the 18.2 million Americans affected by this disease with the kind of freedom few dreamed of not all that long ago.

Diabetes is a chronic condition in which the body doesn't produce or properly use insulin
a hormone needed to convert glucose into energy. Since over time the high blood sugar levels associated with diabetes-the nation's fifth-leading cause of death by disease-can lead to complications of the eyes
blood vessels
nerves
kidneys and other organs
anything that would ease the typical daily regimen of insulin injections and the like would be most welcome by patients.

According to experts at the Mayo Clinic
that "simplification" is exactly what's happening. The Food & Drug Administration
for example
is in the process of approving both insulin patches and inhalants as alternative delivery methods to insulin injections. Breakthroughs in blood glucose monitoring that would allow continuous testing throughout the day are currently in development.

And then there's the Internet. Unlike in the past
the latest advances
treatment and disease management recommendations are now available on the Web sites of the American Diabetes Association
the American Association of Diabetes Educators
and countless others. Beyond that
people with diabetes are being helped in managing their disease through the conve-nient online ordering of necessary diabetic supplies
pharmaceuticals and equipment.

Better Living Now manages all insurance claims and paperwork so patients don't have to. And they will contact physicians for prescription renewal and fill necessary medical orders with up to 90-day supplies. Members also receive special discounts when ordering online and can contact the company's pharmacy with questions about their medication.

A Web site now offers all the medical supplies and medication needed to manage diabetes.

In a low-carb diet
the carbohydrate intake is limited to about 5 to 10 percent
such that protein and fats take precedence in one’s eating habits
to be able to keep sated and avoid bouts of hunger. It is in maintaining that feeling of fullness that one is able to avoid craving for sweets
and this is a good reason for diabetics to adopt a diet that is low in carbohydrates to control their condition. Following this type of diet prevents excessive consumption of carbohydrates
which leads to higher levels of blood sugar.

Diabetes is a condition in which the body is unable to properly take in starch and sugar. For a diet to work in favor of a diabetic
it has to be low in fat
high in fiber
and packed with minerals
vitamins
phytochemicals
and antioxidants. Keeping to the kinds of food with low glycemic index is also important. Foods that are permitted in low-carb diets are meat
poultry
eggs
cheese
fish
and some selected vegetables.

Although some sources say that to eliminate carbohydrates altogether is not recommended for diabetics
as carbohydrates in the diet are vital
because they serve as the main resource of energy and nutrients within our bodies. In a diabetic’s diet
carbohydrates in excessive amounts may be frowned at
but authorities recommend a daily dosage of not less than 130 grams. On the other hand
studies have shown that the low-carb diet caused no undesirable effects on the levels of insulin
glucose
blood pressure or cholesterol. It is also worthwhile to note that one can alter a diet according to his or her specific needs. In this regard
before following any diet
be sure to check with your physician to make sure you will be getting all the right nutrients that will help you control your condition. Doing so will also help you pinpoint areas of the regimen that you should alter for a more appropriate eating habit.

The effects of limiting the amount of carbohydrates in your diet manifest as loss of weight due to a lesser calorie intake
or the successful maintenance of your ideal weight. Remember that with weight loss
the body’s blood sugar and insulin levels naturally improve. Even just a 10 percent weight loss is a substantial improvement towards being in better control of diabetes.

Also
when weight loss is part of your goal of achieving better health to make your condition more bearable
then a carefully planned diet is best paired with an exercise routine that is easy enough to follow. Daily walks and a couple of dozen repetitions with free weights are good low-impact exercises you can adopt. Regular exercise doesn’t only help combat diabetes; it also promotes a sense of well-being that helps you maintain the right attitude towards living a healthier life for good.