diabetes 2

Study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition findings are that assessing a meal using the glycemic index
which lists the quality of carbohydrates contained in many common foods
appears to be a good way to predict the effect a meal will have on blood sugar levels
this is important information for diabetes patients.

Dr. Thomas M. S. Wolever
of the University of Toronto and colleagues examined whether overall carbohydrate content and glycemic index of individual foods
as given in published tables
determined the effects of a realistic mixed meal on the blood sugar in normal subjects.

The team measured the responses to six test meals in 16 subjects in Sydney and eight meals in 10 subjects in Toronto
and then pooled the results. The meals varied in amount of calories
protein
fat
available carbohydrates and glycemic index score.

The blood sugar and insulin responses to the Sydney test meals varied over a 3-fold range. For the Toronto test meals
the blood sugar responses varied over a 2.4-fold range.

The team found no correlation between the blood sugar levels and fat or protein content of the test meal
but there was a significant correlation with carbohydrate content and glycemic index alone
which accounted for 88 percent of the variation in the blood sugar response.

This findings show that the glycemic index works and diabetes patients can use glycemic index diets but should be monitored and use thier prscribed theraphy.

Today
there are at least 20 million people living with diabetes in America and the sad part is that it is possible to prevent and heal pre-diabetes and diabetes type 2 naturally with balanced nutrition
and basic exercise.
People at risk of getting the disease drop by a staggering 60 percent if they manage to lose just 10 pounds by following a healthy diet and engage in regular exercise such as walking
according to a report published in the New England Journal of Medicine. (May 3
2001


Pre-diabetes
This term means that you are at risk for getting type 2 diabetes and also heart disease.
The good news is if you have pre-diabetes you can reduce the risk of getting diabetes type 2 and even return to normal blood glucose levels if you follow the guidelines in this article.

Type 2 diabetes
Formerly called adult-onset diabetes
this is the most common form of diabetes. This form of diabetes usually begins with insulin resistance
a condition in which the body cannot use insulin properly. People can develop this type of diabetes at any age and is usually associated with today’s modern lifestyle of fast food
stress and no exercise.
Being overweight and inactive increases the chances of developing type 2 diabetes dramatically. Traditional treatment includes taking diabetes medicines
aspirin daily
and controlling blood pressure and cholesterol with prescription drugs.
But with modest weight loss and moderate daily physical activity
you can delay or even prevent type 2 diabetes and lead a normal life. Lets look at a few steps you can use straight away in your daily life that will make a big difference to your condition.


Strength Training - Researchers have reported a 23% increase in glucose uptake after four months of strength training. Because poor glucose metabolism is associated with adult onset diabetes
improved glucose metabolism is an important benefit of regular strength exercise.

Nowadays you do not have to live in a gym to put on functional muscle. Short High Intensity sessions performed once a week is all that is required to improve glucose metabolism and lose weight.

The strength training technique I use requires just twenty to thirty mins per week. Gone are the days of the five-day a week program with 6 to 12 sets per body part that
method has never worked. One short intense strength-training workout a week will elevate your metabolism more than you ever thought possible.


The two main components of this technique are the intensity of the exercise and the recovery after the exercise. Infrequent
short
high intensity weight training sessions
followed by the required amount of time to recover and become stronger is what is needed to increase functional lean muscle and improve glucose metabolism.


Nutrition - The way to lose body fat and maintain muscle is to have a food program for life. Quality food and more energy output are the basics you'll need to go for. Bulk foods that fill you up and don't fill you out
foods that are low in fat and sugar which
aren't refined should be the ideal.

Small frequent meals should be consumed during the day each containing a little protein to maintain muscle and energy levels. Foods with vital vitamin and mineral supplements should also be taken on a daily basis. A high quality broad-spectrum vitamin and mineral supplement should also be taken on a daily basis.

As before get the calories from high quality food but if you can’t
utilize a blender to make concoctions from skim milk with whatever additives you want to use
just as long as you keep count of the calories for your daily total.

Now use these blender mixtures and solid food for your daily feedings. Spread it out over many small meals a day instead of the traditional three meals a day. The way to keep track of weight loss is to buy a calorie counter and record your daily calorie intake for a week.


Exercise - Fat is burned from the body when cells oxidize to release energy in the form of exercise. When the exercise is done slowly to moderately then the majority of energy is taken from the fat stores.

The key to effective aerobic training that burns off maximum fat is long-term consistency not intensity. It doesn’t matter if you run a mile
jog a mile or walk a mile you will burn exactly the same amount of calories.

The best exercise by far for the purpose of fat-loss is fast walking either indoors on the treadmill or outdoors. Other aerobic activities are the treadmill
bike
climber or any other training gear found in or out of the Gym.
You can do a lot to lower your chances of getting diabetes. By exercising regularly
reducing fat from your diet and losing weight can all help you reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

This type of diabetes is a temporary form of insulin resistance that usually occurs halfway through a pregnancy. It results from excessive hormone production in the body
or the inability of the pancreas make the additional insulin that is needed during pregnancy in women with no previous history of diabetes. Without enough insulin
sugar builds up in the blood to high levels. This is called hyperglycemia.

Gestational diabetes affects about four percent of all pregnant women although it is usually goes away after childbirth. Untreated gestational diabetes can lead to problems for both the mother and the child. Although insulin does not cross through the placenta to the baby
sugar and other nutrients do.

Extra blood sugar goes through the placenta
giving the baby high blood sugar level. This causes the baby’s pancreas to produce extra insulin to get rid of the blood sugar
which can lead to microsomatia or a fat baby syndrome. Microsomatia develops because extra blood sugar and insulin cause the baby’s body to produce extra fat.

Babies with microsomatia are prone to other health problems including damage to their shoulders during birth. Because of the extra insulin newborns may have very low blood sugar levels at birth and may also have a higher risk of breathing problems.

The treatment of gestational diabetes should start quickly to prevent adverse effects to the mother and the baby. It should aim to keeping blood sugar level equal to those of pregnant women who do not have gestational diabetes. Treatment includes special meal plans and scheduled physical activity as well as daily blood sugar testing
so as to keep it under control.

For complete information on Gestational diabetes
diabetes supply
diabetes treatment
diabetes mellitus visit www.diabetesmellitus-information.com

Type 1 diabetes
Results from the body's failure to produce insulin
the hormone that unlocks the cells of the body
allowing glucose to enter and fuel them. It is estimated that 5-10% of Americans who are diagnosed with diabetes have type 1 diabetes.

Having type 1 diabetes increases your risk for many serious complications. Some complications of type 1 diabetes include: heart disease (cardiovascular disease)
blindness (retinopathy)
nerve damage (neuropathy)
and kidney damage (nephropathy).

Type 2 diabetes
Results from insulin resistance (a condition in which the body fails to properly use insulin)
combined with relative insulin deficiency. Most Americans who are diagnosed with diabetes have type 2 diabetes.

Having type 2 diabetes increases your risk for many serious complications. Some complications of type 2 diabetes include: heart disease (cardiovascular disease)
blindness (retinopathy)
nerve damage (neuropathy)
and kidney damage (nephropathy). Learn more about these complications and how to cope with them.

Gestational diabetes
Gestational diabetes affects about 4% of all pregnant women - about 135
0
cases in the United States each year.

Because gestational diabetes can hurt you and your baby
you need to start treatment quickly. Treatment for gestational diabetes aims to keep blood glucose levels equal to those of pregnant women who don't have gestational diabetes. Treatment for gestational diabetes always includes special meal plans and scheduled physical activity. It may also include daily blood glucose testing and insulin injections. You will need help from your doctor
nurse educator
and other members of your health care team so that your treatment for gestational diabetes can be changed as needed.

For the mother-to-be
treatment for gestational diabetes helps lower the risk of a cesarean section birth that very large babies may require. Sticking with your treatment for gestational diabetes will give you a healthy pregnancy and birth
and may help your baby avoid future poor health. (see Diabetes Symptoms)

Pre-diabetes
Pre-diabetes is a condition that occurs when a person's blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough for a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. There are 41 million Americans who have pre-diabetes
in addition to the 20.8 million with diabetes.

In 1550 BC
the famous Ebers Papyrus advised treating diabetes with high fiber wheat grains. Not much has changed since then. Plant foods are the drug of choice for treating diabetes. There are large numbers of scientific research findings to confirm the effectiveness of plant foods in managing this disease. Through the centuries
more than 400 plants have been identified
used
and prescribed as diabetic remedies.

Raw onions and garlic have been long been favorite anti-diabetic drugs in Europe
Asia and the Middle East. The vegetable bitter gourd and the herb ginseng have been widely used for treating diabetes since the ancient time in India and China. Common mushroom is widely used in parts of Europe to lower blood sugar. Barely bread is a popular treatment for diabetes in Iraq. Other foods
used in different countries
in the treatment of diabetes include beans
cabbage
cinnamon
coriander seeds
cucumber
fenugreek seeds
Indian gooseberry and lettuce.

All these foods have anti-diabetic properties. Scientific research has confirmed that most of these foods
or their compounds
either lower blood sugar
or stimulate insulin production. Some of the more important foods that help to lower blood sugar or stimulate insulin production in diabetes patients are discussed here.

Artichoke is a tuberous root with a top like a sunflower. This vegetable contains good amounts of potassium
a fair amount of calcium and some iron and sulphur
all of which are needed by the body for maintaining good health.

Artichoke is beneficial in the treatment of diabetes because of its high insulin content. A fully ripe artichoke is said to contain more than two percent of insulin. Ripe artichokes are generally available only during autumn or fall. The insulin is converted into sugar in winter. Artichokes are most effective when eaten raw in salads. It cooking is required; they should be boiled
unpeeled
in a small quantity of water for about 10 minutes. Artichokes can be effectively combined with other vegetables.

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

The researchers all over the world are busy trying to find out the exact methods to manage diabetes. For
diabetes has assumed the settled form of a dreaded disease
not sparing children
pregnant women
adults and the old. The aged persons are the worst sufferers because it destroys the strength in their body at a rapid pace.

Scientists believe that environmental factors cause the immune system to destroy the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. When the insulin-producing cells are permanently destroyed
the only alternative for you is to provide insulin to the body through external resources such as injections! So
far no other remedy has been found!

There are two types of diabetes. Type I and Type II.

The former is incurable
and it will remain as your life-long partner- the most unreliable partner for that matter! Because many dreaded diseases are its likely companions. These dreaded companions will never shudder to attack you
should you be a bit less alert in taking care of your diabetes.

Type II is curable
it is reported that 9 out of 10 cases are successfully treated. There are certain preconditions however! You must have control over your diet and indulge in regular exercising. Consumption of alcohol as well as smoking is thoroughly prohibited. Body Weight Check is your watchword!

For type I
take 2 to 5 injections per day. Insulin has a dual function to play. It regulates both the blood sugar and the speed at which sugar moves into cells. But insulin is not to be treated as replacement for proper diet. The diet and exercise are the foundation stones for controlling diabetes. Insulin will have the favorable impact only after you take the necessary precautions.

With course of treatment of type I Diabetes
no chance can be taken. It is always to be considered as a dreaded disease and should be treated and respected as such. Some of the symptoms of your laxity of treating type I diabetes are continuous need to urinate
excessive thirst
weakness
coupled with tiredness
urinary tract infections
blurred vision and numbness in the feet.

If Type I diabetes is not treated and looked after properly
it is not a life and death situation
it is life or death
and chances for the later are more!

Your pet is caught in a serious type of disease!

And do not be under the impression that this disease is the 'privilege' of human beings alone!

Feline Diabetes is one of the most common feline endocrine diseases. Its direct link is to the high carbohydrate diet of dry food. Many canned foods contain too many carbohydrates
which your cat may eat with great speed and gusto; but your poor choices
will definitely damage the health of your pet. Cats by nature are obligate carnivores and their system
as created by the nature is not suitable for a carbohydrate diet. Just don't put anything and everything before your cat. Understand its requirements
from its biological point of view. Feline Diabetes is not a cat and mouse game.

Cats and insulin shots...sounds odd? But
it's true.

If the diabetic condition in your cat is a longstanding one
then insulin shots are necessary. Once you start giving it the low carbohydrate diet
and once the cats recoup their original health
no further insulin shots are required.

“Feeding a diabetic cat with a high-carbohydrate diet is analogous to pouring gasoline on a fire and wondering why you can't put it out.”

There are two types of diabetes - Type I and Type II. Type II is the more common
both in humans and in cats. But the cat has a unique metabolism.

Cats are obligate carnivores and are adapted to consume a diet that is high in protein
moderate in fat
and include a very small amount of carbohydrates (roughly 3 to 5%). Since nature designed them thus
cats do not have many of the important enzymes that are necessary to process these types of foods.

So
it is not sufficient that you love your cat. You have to understand the cat and its food habits! The food you give to your cat can put it in its grave!

For people with insulin-dependent diabetes
trying to control their blood glucose
or blood sugar
can be a stressful juggling act. Managing the disease often requires several daily insulin injections
taking up to 10 blood samples a day
coordinating the use of multiple medical devices and being mindful of how diet
exercise and medication can affect blood-sugar levels.

Medtronic's Paradigm REAL-Time System incorporates a glucose sensor
a transmitter
a "smart" insulin pump and a glucose meter to provide patients with better control
flexibility and health.

Chris Jarvis
a member of the 2004 Canadian Olympic Rowing Team and a marathon runner
knows firsthand about the challenges associated with diabetes. He has type 1 diabetes
which means his body doesn't produce insulin on its own. Some days
during races
Jarvis used to take up to 15 fingerstick measurements to check his blood sugar. For many years
he used two separate devices to control his diabetes
one to monitor his glucose and another to administer insulin into his body.

Most recently
however
Jarvis has been using a new federally approved device-the only one of its kind in the world-that has given him much more control over his diabetes.

Developed by Minneapolis-based medical technology company Medtronic
Inc.
the MiniMed Paradigmฎ REAL-Time Insulin Pump and Continuous Glucose Monitoring System integrates an insulin pump and continuous glucose monitoring system to deliver insulin to the body day and night while at the same time continuously checking glucose levels
and sounding an alarm (or vibrating) if levels get dangerously high or low. This new device provides Jarvis with the confidence he needs to continue leading a healthy life.

"It gives you a real sense of comfort knowing exactly what's happening inside of your body
rather than trying to guess with only a couple of fingersticks
Jarvis says.
It's just a quick touch of a button and you see where your blood sugar is."

This new therapy option helps patients
like Jarvis
gain tighter control over their disease and understand how their diet
exercise
medication or lifestyle may affect their blood sugar. Armed with this knowledge
patients can take immediate corrective or preventive action to maintain healthy glucose levels.

Dr. Irl Hirsch
medical director
University of Washington Diabetes Care Center
Seattle
says that many patients with insulin-dependent diabetes still give themselves multiple daily injections of insulin and rely solely on blood draws-four to 10 per day-from fingersticks to measure their blood-sugar levels. The new system changes all this because it constantly delivers insulin to the body and continuously-almost 300 times a day-provides users information on what their glucose level is and whether it's heading up or down.

"If you have insulin-dependent diabetes
you need to make sure you're getting the right amount of insulin
and you need to keep a close eye on your glucose levels
Hirsch says.
The insulin pump and continuous glucose monitor is a major breakthrough because it's the only device in the world that helps you do both."

Studies have shown that multiple daily insulin injections aren't as effective as insulin pumps in controlling diabetes. Fingersticks alone miss more than 60 percent of low-glucose events
and that's a real danger for people with diabetes. If blood sugar gets too high or low
patients can lapse into a coma and die within just a few hours. Over time
not maintaining normal blood-sugar levels can lead to blindness
stroke
amputations
heart disease and kidney disease.

"With the MiniMed Paradigm REAL-Time System
I control my diabetes; it doesn't control me
Jarvis says.

Exercise for Diabetics

The two most common forms of diabetes are referred to as Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 diabetes
also known as adolescent diabetes
differs from Type 2 in that the body stops producing insulin altogether. Type 2 diabetes is generally diagnosed in older adults and occurs as the body stops producing enough insulin or the individual becomes resistent to their own insulin.

With either form of diabetes
we lose our ability to adequately untilize sugar. Blood sugar levels increase due to the body's difficulty in transporting sugar into the cells and out of the blood stream. There are various ways to lower blood sugar levels including exercise
diet
and medications.

Exercise is a very important part of diabetic management for both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetics. For the Type 1 diabetic
regular exercise helps to maintain insulin sensitivity
helps prevent accumulation of excess weight
and increases the use of glucose by muscles
thereby lower blood sugar levels. While there is currently no way to prevent Type 1 diabetes
it may be possible to prevent Type 2 diabetes.

Things to consider when attempting to prevent the onset of Type 2 diabetes are regular exercise
supplementation with vitamins and herbs that help prevent insulin resistance
and proper weight control.

Exercise not only helps directly in diabetic management by lowering blood sugar levels and maintaining insulin sensitivity
but also helps minimize many of the complications that can arise in a diabetic individual. Studies have shown that walking for 30 minutes per day can substantially diminish the possibility of developing Type 2 diabetes.
Diabetics tend to develop circulatory problems and exercise can certainly help lower blood pressure and improve circulation throughout the body. Since individuals with diabetes tend to have poor blood flow to their lower extremities and feet
better circulation is of great benefit.

There are some risks associated with exercise
but the potential benefits greatly outweigh the risks. Since exercise does lower blood sugar levels
people with diabetes should measure their blood sugar both before and after exercising. Since your body uses more sugar while exercising and makes you more sensitive to insulin
there is a risk of blood sugar becoming too low and causing hypoglycemia.

When exercising it is important to let others know that you are diabetic. They should be informed what to do in case of hypoglycemia. You should always carry candy or fruit juice to treat low blood sugar levels should they occur. During and after exercise sessions
you should pay close attention to how you feel since rapid heart beat
increased sweating
feeling shaky
or hunger can signal that your blood sugar levels are becoming too low.

Exercise is a critical part of diabetic management and treatment. Exercise helps blood sugar control when the muscles use more glucose and the body become more sensitive to insulin. Exercise also helps to prevent and minimize common diabetic complications including heart problems
high blood pressure and circulatory deficiencies. All diabetics should include a regular exercise program as part of their overall management plan.

Drinking Alcohol Really Does Decreases the Risk of Type 2 Diabetes Among Older Women
It is absurd. For the longest time
we have believed that alcohol has no real benefits. However
recently
a study has found that drinking moderate amounts of alcohol really does decreases the risk of Type 2 Diabetes
and this is especially true among Older Women! There are 20.8 million children and adults in the United States
or 7% of the population
who have diabetes. While an estimated 14.6 million have been diagnosed with diabetes
unfortunately
6.2
million people (or nearly one-third) are unaware that they have the disease.

Recent studies have shown that drinking moderate amounts of alcohol (as compared to drinking too much alcohol or no alcohol at all) can lower the chances of getting type 2 diabetes. However
only a few studies on alcohol and type 2 diabetes have included women
and very few have included older women.

Previous studies on the effects of drinking moderate amounts of alcohol (1-2 drinks) and the risk of developing type 2 diabetes have mostly been done on men or both men and women who were younger than 55 years old. The researchers wanted to study how drinking alcohol affects older women’s (more than 50 years old) chances of developing type 2 diabetes. (see Diabetes Symptoms)

Questionnaires were mailed to the women in the study. The women were asked where they lived and if they had conditions that put them at risk for any other diseases. Waist and hip
height
weight
and blood pressure measurements were taken at the beginning of the study. Diabetes
high blood pressure
and high cholesterol were also reported if these conditions were diagnosed by a doctor. The questionnaire asked about how much each woman exercised and how much they ate.

The questionnaire also contained questions about how much alcohol the women drank
how often they drank
and what types of alcohol they drank
both currently and in the past. The researchers sent out two follow-up questionnaires every 3 to 5 years. These questionnaires asked the women whether they developed type 2 diabetes
what year they were diagnosed
who diagnosed them
and whether they were being treated by diet
drugs
and/or insulin.

Conclusion
The researchers found that blood pressure was lower in the women who drank moderately
but it increased in women who drank more. During the study
a total of 760 new cases of diabetes were diagnosed. The research shows
however
that drinking alcohol in moderate amounts did lessen the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. This is rather significant piece of news as we can now safely drink our favourite wine and not feel guilty about it!

Believed to effect 1 in 400 cats
feline diabetes often presents itself with symptoms that are very similar to those found in humans. The good news is that feline diabetes is treatable and does not necessarily mean a shorter life span or lesser quality of life for cats. In many cases
early and effective treatment of feline diabetes may even lead to a complete remission
which means that a cat will not continue to need insulin injections.

Early detection of feline diabetes is critical to a cat’s health. If left untreated
this illness can lead to weakness in the legs
malnutrition
dehydration and possibly even death. The symptoms of feline diabetes are gradual and may manifest themselves over a period of several weeks. Typically
feline diabetes if not found in cats that are under 7 years of age. The first signs are likely to be a sudden weight loss or gain. In addition
excessive drinking and urination may be accompanied by an sudden increase in
or loss of
appetite. The next symptom of feline diabetes may be the back legs growing increasingly weak.

Once any of the aforementioned signs begin to surface
it’s time to take your pet to the veterinarian for the appropriate tests. If feline diabetes is confirmed
one of the most important treatment methods will be that of a well-balanced diet. Based upon your cat’s needs
the veterinarian will recommend a diet and nutrition plan
which can be utilized in addition to regular insulin injections. Oral medications are also often prescribed in place of injections
but pills are often thought to cause liver damage or possibly even a remission reversal in cats. Therefore
most pet owners opt for insulin injections for the most effective treatment of feline diabetes.

While in treatment
it is important that cats be taken to the veterinarian for regular checkups and to monitor their health and dietary habits. If this illness is not treated properly or if their diet is not closely monitored
your pet may end up hospitalized. When dealing with feline diabetes
there is no room for error and pets must be closely supervised to make sure that they are eating right and gradually beginning to regain their strength.

The information in this article is intended for informational purposes only. It should not be considered as
or used in place of
medical advice or professional recommendations for the diagnosis or treatment of feline diabetes. If necessary
individuals should take their pet to a licensed veterinarian for further information regarding feline diabetes
including a proper diagnosis and treatment.

If you are living with diabetes
one of the best ways to fight this disease is with a diabetic diet plan. This diabetic meal plan is based of the recommended foods found on the diabetic food pyramid. By following the suggested meal plan
you will be receiving the proper amounts of recommended nutrients which will ultimately help you fight the disease.

Today
there is a wide range of diabetic diet plans. Many doctors and researchers have researched and created countless plans for diabetics. They try to aim for foods that will be tasteful
yet provide the proper amount of nutrients. We all know a diet is not any fun when the food does not taste great!

Recent studies have shown an increase in diabetes over the past 10-20 years. With the large increase
it has created a huge demand for diabetic diet plans to help diabetics battle the disesase. Since diabetes affects all types of people and diverse lifestlyes
many types of diabetic diet plans have been created to suit these varying types of individuals.

Despite the varying lifestlyes of many diabetic individuals
all have one common goal. That goal is to battle this disease with the help of a diabetic diet plan. With the proper amounts of nutrients
individuals can make progress against diabetes.