diabetes 2

In recent years an alternative to manual insulin injections has emerged. Enter the Insulin Pump. The first Insulin Pumps were quite bulky
but modern ones are about the size of a small Cellphone or Pager. The pump is worn unobtrusively on a belt or in a pocket and it delivers insulin through a thin plastic tube (or Infusion Set) that is inserted under the skin.

WHY AN INSULIN PUMP IS BETTER

In a healthy person
the pancreas produces insulin constantly at low levels
keeping blood glucose levels stable. When a meal is eaten
the pancreas will send larger amounts of insulin into the blood stream to handle the food. Using a standard injection regime
slow and fast acting insulin is used to try and mimic the pancreas. An insulin pump much more closely copies the pancreas. The pump delivers a low level of background insulin (called basal) and at meal times can deliver a "bolus" dose at the touch of a button
to cover the food.

Just like a real pancreas
if you are ill
or exercising
the basal insulin rate can be reduced. If you skip a meal
the bolus is not delivered. In this way
the pump fits into your lifestyle
rather than planning your life around your injection schedule!

CHOOSING AN INSULIN PUMP

Most insulin pumps on the market today have all the basic features. Choosing one
is much like chosing a Cellphone
it is a mixture of personal taste and what you
plan on using it for. If you are a water sports fan
waterproof ones area available!
If you love analysing data to improve your control
you can get one with PC download
capability and analysis software. If you are new to the world of Insulin Pumps

here are some key points to think about:

• Choose a pump that allows you to set up different basal levels. For instance at night time
  if you are sick or exercising. This is an important feature to help you live a full life.


• Pumps that use a standard "Luer Lock" infusion sets are better. This means cheaper consumables.


• Alerts to remind you to check your blood glucose level make life easier.


• Check what batteries it takes
  standard AA or AAAs are cheaper and easier to buy.


• More advanced pumps include a carbohydrate calculator to help you figure out what your meal Bolus dose should be.


• Coming to the market are integrated Insulin Pump/Glucose meters. The meters readings are automatically transferred to the pump which can use them to recommend an insulin dose.

Other features to look for include
being waterproof
having a carbohydrate food database and alerts to warn you if you have missed a meal
or the infusion set needs changing. In short
Insulin pump manufacturers are making
their products ever easier to use and automating more and more features. Life is getting better for diabetics!


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q What if I don't get on with the pump
can I switch back to injections?

A Yes. It is not a one way ticket
but most people do notice an improvement in their blood glucose control and find their lives improved.

Q I have a really hectic lifestyle
is a pump for me?

A Yes. Infact people who are extremely busy often see the biggest improvement. If you struggle to remember to test and inject at the right time - perhaps meal times vary from day to day
then a pump could really help you.

Q I am considering a pump but may get pregnant
is that ok?

A Yes. As pumps usually improve your blood glucose control
using a pump through pregancy and beyond is generally a good thing. Having as close to normal blood glucose levels reduces the chances of complications during pregnancy.

Q What are the costs?

A The initial outlay is in the order of a few thousand dollars
but prices are coming down all the time. Infusion sets need changing regularly too. The latest prices can be found from various diabetes suppliers on the web.

In the past
diabetes was never such a big epidemic like it is today. People often thought of diabetes as simply a body condition where one must reduce one’s sugar and fat intake. Little did people know that diabetes could end up causing blindness!

Now that diabetes is reaching epidemic levels in most of the western world
this problem is becoming more and more serious. Vision is one of our most critical senses and in this "need for speed" information era
over 70% of our sensory information comes through our eyes. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology
diabetics are 25 times more likely to lose vision than those who are not diabetic.

With diabetes already being the number one cause of blindness in the United States
it's no wonder eye care professionals are predicting a devastating increase in vision loss as the diabetic epidemic grows alarmingly.

People newly diagnosed with diabetes often have nothing more than minor vision fluctuations which settle when blood sugar levels improve with treatment. Early on it's easy to believe everything is fine. After some years though
continuing high blood sugar can gradually damage the blood vessels at the back of the eye in the retina. This causes a problem called diabetic retinopathy and the longer you have diabetes the more likely you are to have retinopathy. The risk increases further when there is poor control of blood sugar levels. More than 70% of diabetics develop some changes in their eyes within 15 years of diagnosis.

Now
what exactly is retinopathy? There are 2 types of retinopathy. Retinopathy is graded as Non-proliferative or Proliferative. Non-proliferative retinopathy is the common milder form
where small retinal blood vessels break and leak. There may be some mild retinal swelling but it rarely requires treatment unless it causes hazy central vision or straight lines appear bent.

On the other hand
proliferative retinopathy is the less common
but more serious form where new blood vessels grow abnormally within the retina. If these vessel scar or bleed they can lead to potentially serious vision loss including blindness. Early laser treatment can seal leaking vessels and slow the progress of diabetic retinopathy
but can't reverse existing vision loss.

Although there is no real cure or method to eliminate the risk of diabetic eye damage
you can do two important things to help prevent the more serious complications. The critical first step is making sure you stabilize and control your blood sugar with a healthy diet and regular exercise. The second step is to make sure you have a yearly diabetic eye examination.

Diabetes is a disease that mostly affects blood vessels and in it's extreme forms can lead to serious heart disease
stroke and kidney damage. Clearly these life threatening diabetic vascular diseases deserve priority attention
but high on the critical list for diabetics is the risk of serious eye disease and loss of vision. Make sure you check up with a qualified doctor to prevent diabetes-related eye problems! An experienced eye care professional can pick up subtle diabetic eye changes long before you notice any vision change
and more importantly
early enough to do some good.

If you suspect that you or a close one has diabetes – or if diabetes is already present – now is the time to seek a doctor for a detailed eye check up before it’s too late! Don’t let diabetes claim another person’s vision!

What if you are diagnosed with diabetes? Are you going to stay indoors and just inject yourself with insulin everyday? Maybe you need to understand the facts about diabetes and accept it wholeheartedly so that it can't be a heavy burden in your part.

There are no other alternative for you to eradicate the presence of diabetes in your body once you have been diagnosed with it. You must learn how to deal with the disease because it can certainly kill you once you do not have a proper diabetes diet included in your everyday food intake.

Eating the right kind of food and living a healthy lifestyle is the best arsenal that you have to fight diabetes. If you are still groping in the dark on how you can have the right diabetes diet
take a look in the proceeding sections:

• Have a regular check of your everyday meal and their nutrients. Remember that your main goal is to avoid all the sugar that you are not allowed to eat. Include in your everyday meal the right amount of healthy foods so that you are right on track of staying healthy in spite of the disease.

• Be careful and always check your sugar intake. If you have alternates for sugar-rich foods
then go for it. There are different kinds of sugar replacements in the market
especially if you are planning to bake some cakes and cookies. You can utilize these sugar-free products for your baking purposes. It also tastes delicious and you will enjoy whatever you baked for yourself and at the same time maintaining a good blood sugar level.

• The amount of food intake is also important because it can have positive or negative impact in your diet and health. You can seek some suggestions from a physician of how much food you should eat everyday.

As long as you follow the right diet for you
them you will stay healthy for the rest of your life.

One of the most dreaded diseases is diabetes. It is a killer disease and it is really very difficult to control. Going by the official US stats
diabetes is the third biggest giant killer among the deadly diseases in the United States of America. The global statistics is also mind-boggling!

First things first
how does a person become diabetic? When your body is unable to produce insulin that is necessary for its normal functioning
it becomes unable to absorb glucose (sugar). When the levels of glucose take a course to the blood stream
you become a diabetic patient.

Once you become diabetic
you have a problem for life. You live hour by hour
during the day. Medication becomes part of your life
which is likely to demand a good portion of your pension! Your lifestyle will be changed. You will suddenly become a thinking man now—thinking about diabetes. You might find your self pronouncing the term diabetes
diabetes
and diabetes hundreds of times a day!!

When it has finally seized you
it is not only diabetes alone! Many other dreaded diseases live in waiting to take hold of you. Some of them are kidney failure
heart diseases
nervous breakdown
blindness
blurred vision
limb amputation and the ultimate for the human body—death!

The prescriptive medicines complete the remaining process of the damage. Many toxic side effects are reported- skin rashes
weight gain and respiratory ailments
are few to quote. Notwithstanding the claims of many over-the-counter drugs that promise cure
the one thing that can really help you is your diet control and perfect discipline as regards to time management.

For example
your morning walks. Now
all the medical practitioners agree that morning walks do great service to tame the intensity of diabetics. So
you need to take a complete brief about the articles of food that is suitable for you
vegetables included! If anything will have the exacting affects to take you out of the influence of this disease
it is nature! So
have a perfect dietary discipline. It has taken many to the path of complete recovery! Some of the local treatments have the intrinsic capacity to tame your high blood sugar and such cases are the only hope for the diabetic patients!

So
do not think that everything is lost for you! From the dark ashes
sprouts a seedling!

Here's what researchers know about controlling blood glucose (blood sugar) in people with diabetes: It's not easy
but it can be done. It takes hard work. And it can save your life.

An important new study by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) shows that tight control of blood glucose can reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes-the number one killer of people with diabetes-by more than half.

For most people with diabetes
keeping blood glucose under tight control isn't easy. The latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggest that fewer than 45 percent of Americans with diabetes are reaching the level of control seen in the NIH study. But it can be done
and the National Diabetes Education Program (NDEP) has materials that can help.

The National Diabetes Education Program's Control Your Diabetes. For Life. campaign materials teach people with diabetes how to know their ABCs-what their A1C (a test of blood glucose)
Blood pressure
and Cholesterol numbers are
what they should be
and how to work with their health care team to reach those goals. The materials also offer ideas for sticking to a healthy eating plan
ways to stay active with regular physical activity
and other tips for feeling better and staying healthy.

NDEP materials are easy to read
and available in English
Spanish
and in 15 Asian and Pacific Islander languages. They have been tailored for groups at high risk for diabetes
including American Indians and Alaska Natives
African Americans
and Hispanics/Latinos. And all NDEP materials are based on science
backed by the federal government
and copyright free.

For people with diabetes
controlling blood glucose-along with blood pressure and cholesterol-can save their sight
their limbs and their life.

Before the discovery of insulin in 1921
everyone with type 1 diabetes died within a few years after diagnosis. Although insulin is not considered a cure
its discovery was the first major breakthrough in diabetes treatment.

Today
healthy eating
physical activity
and taking insulin are the basic therapies for type 1 diabetes. The amount of insulin must be balanced with food intake and daily activities. Blood glucose levels must be closely monitored through frequent blood glucose checking. People with diabetes also monitor blood glucose levels several times a year with a laboratory test called the A1C. Results of the A1C test reflect average blood glucose over a 2- to 3-month period.

Healthy eating
physical activity
and blood glucose testing are the basic management tools for type 2 diabetes. In addition
many people with type 2 diabetes require oral medication
insulin
or both to control their blood glucose levels.

Adults with diabetes are at high risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). In fact
at least 65 percent of those with diabetes die from heart disease or stroke. Managing diabetes is more than keeping blood glucose levels under control--it is also important to manage blood pressure and cholesterol levels through healthy eating
physical activity
and use of medications (if needed). By doing so
those with diabetes can lower their risk. Aspirin therapy
if recommended by the health care team
and smoking cessation can also help lower risk.

People with diabetes must take responsibility for their day-to-day care. Much of the daily care involves keeping blood glucose levels from going too low or too high. When blood glucose levels drop too low--a condition known as hypoglycemia--a person can become nervous
shaky
and confused. Judgment can be impaired
and if blood glucose falls too low
fainting can occur.

A person can also become ill if blood glucose levels rise too high
a condition known as hyperglycemia.

People with diabetes should see a health care provider who will help them learn to manage their diabetes and who will monitor their diabetes control. Most people with diabetes get care from primary care physicians--internists
family practice doctors
or pediatricians. Often
having a team of providers can improve diabetes care. A team can include:

- a primary care provider such as an internist
a family practice doctor
or a pediatrician

- an endocrinologist (a specialist in diabetes care)

- a dietitian
a nurse
and other health care providers who are certified diabetes educators--experts in providing information about managing diabetes

- a podiatrist (for foot care)

- an ophthalmologist or an optometrist (for eye care)

and other health care providers
such as cardiologists and other specialists. In addition
the team for a pregnant woman with type 1
type 2
or gestational diabetes should include an obstetrician who specializes in caring for women with diabetes. The team can also include a pediatrician or a neonatologist with experience taking care of babies born to women with diabetes.

The goal of diabetes management is to keep levels of blood glucose
blood pressure
and cholesterol as close to the normal range as safely possible. A major study
the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT)
sponsored by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
showed that keeping blood glucose levels close to normal reduces the risk of developing major complications of type 1 diabetes.

This 10-year study
completed in 1993
included 1
441
people with type 1 diabetes. The study compared the effect of two treatment approaches--intensive management and standard management--on the development and progression of eye
kidney
nerve
and cardiovascular complications of diabetes. Intensive treatment aimed to keep A1C levels as close to normal (6 percent) as possible. Researchers found that study participants who maintained lower levels of blood glucose through intensive management had significantly lower rates of these complications. More recently
a follow-up study of DCCT participants showed that the ability of intensive control to lower the complications of diabetes has persisted more than 10 years after the trial ended.

The United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study
a European study completed in 1998
showed that intensive control of blood glucose and blood pressure reduced the risk of blindness
kidney disease
stroke
and heart attack in people with type 2 diabetes.

The glycemic index helps us to understand which foods are best and worst for controlling our blood glucose levels.

As we have seen
when blood glucose levels get too high
insulin is released into the bloodstream by the pancreas to help disperse the glucose. The insulin transports the glucose to cells needing extra energy. The cells have "insulin receptors" positioned so that insulin can bind to them
facilitating glucose entry and utilization in the cells. Once inside the cells
the glucose is burned to produce heat and adenosine triphosyphate
(ATP) a molecule that stores and releases energy as required by the cell.

When cells become less sensitive to the effects of insulin
they accept less glucose
so more glucose than usual remains in the bloodstream. Result? The pancreas over-compensates by working harder and releasing even more insulin.

The combination of insulin-insensitivity and insulin over-production typically leads to one of two results:

Either
the pancreas gets worn out and insulin production slows down to abnormally low levels. Result? We develop type 2 diabetes. (About 30 percent of cases)

Or
the insulin-resistant patient doesn't develop diabetes (because the pancreas continues to produce sufficient insulin) but
instead
contracts hyperinsulinism (abnormally high levels of insulin in the blood)
which can cause chronic obesity as well as high blood pressure
high levels of triglycerides
low HDL (good) cholesterol
heart disease
and possibly some cancers.

Low GI Foods Cause Lower Insulin Levels

This is why experts are beginning to recognize the health advantages of following a low GI diet. Because lower GI foods are converted into glucose much more slowly
causing less insulin to be produced.

This is not the last word on this subject
by any means. Research into insulin insensitivity and the relationship between insulin levels and obesity is ongoing. However
the overconsumption of high-GI foods (and high-fat fast-food) is a major cause of concern.

The new carbohydrate-classification system known as the Glycemic Index rates the carbohydrate quality in foods according to its immediate effect on blood glucose level. Thus carbs that break down quickly into glucose during digestion
causing a rapid rise in glucose levels
have a High GI value. Those carbs that break down more slowly
are given an Intermediate or Low GI value.

Green tea diet pills are a good way in which you can educe your weight. Green tea diet is also widely recognized as a substance that can protect against many different cancers such as stomach cancer
ovarian cancer
cancer of the colon
oral cancer
prostate cancer
and breast and cervical cancers.

Green Tea Diet is standardized and tested to ensure that each tablet delivers the active. But the basic and best advantage of super green tea diet is that it helps in burning calories by promoting sugar and fat metabolism.

Benefits

More than four thousand years ago
green tea diet has become a staple beverage for most Asians because of its countless health and medicinal benefits. It seems that each study yields more benefits of the green tea diet.

One of the benefits of having a green tea diet is providing a potential cure for cancer. Rather it’s about supplementing your diet with green tea so that you can receive the green tea weight loss benefits that go along with that.

Some people even call it weight loss tea as it has benefits including increasing metabolic rates and fat burning ability
as well as providing
antioxidants that help decrease free radicals in your body.

There are a lage number of remedial benefits of drinking Green Tea and research has confirmed that consuming a small amount like just one cup of Green Tea a day can greatly assist in weight reduction and fat burning. What you have to do is incorporate green tea into your daily diet
which needs to be a healthy and balanced one
for the benefits to really show.


Diabetes

In the US
there are over 20 million people with diabetes
equal to 7% of the population. Do you or a loved one have diabetes and need all the help you can get managing this condition.

Diabetes and excess weight are very closely related; the risk of diabetes increases with weight gain. Dietary supplementation with EGCG could potentially contribute to nutritional strategies for the prevention
and treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

New herbal supplement product uses green tea and cinnamon for controlling diabetes. Consult doctor before use if you have
or have had
diabetes
hypoglycemia
high blood pressure
ulcer
iron-deficiency

osteoporosis
anxiety
depression
kidney
liver
or heart problems; gastrointestinal disorder
heartburn
gallstones
fever

a bleeding disorder
if you are sensitive to caffeine
if you smoke or consume alcohol daily or if you are taking any medications
or remedies such as blood thinners
daily aspirin
asthma
cold or flu remedies; antidepressants
ulcer
antipsychotic or
migraine medications
birth control pills or stimulants.


Conclusion

Creating a green tea diet is not about going on a liquid diet where all you consume is green tea. If you want to jump-start your fat-burning ability
then Dual Action Green Tea Diet is the product for you.

The truth is that the astounding weight loss being achieved on the Green Tea diet is just one of the numerous miracle-like benefits of simply drinking Green Tea. A combination of this with the green tea diet is a successful and effective method for maintaining health and physique or also losing weight. The Green Tea diet is all natural and is healthful providing additional benefits to their body as well.

More than 18 million people in the United States have diabetes. And nearly one-third of them are undiagnosed. This can be devastating
as diabetes is the main cause of kidney failure
limb amputation
and new onset blindness in American adults.

People with diabetes are also two to four times more likely than people without diabetes to develop heart disease. In fact
65
percent of diabetics die from heart attack or stroke.

Diabetes mellitus is a condition in which the amount of glucose (sugar) in the blood is too high because the body cannot use it properly. Glucose comes from the digestion of starchy foods such as bread
rice
potatoes
chapatis
yams and plantain
from sugar and other sweet foods
and from the liver which makes glucose. Diabetes is a disorder that affects the way your body deals with the foods you eat. Normally
carbohydrate foods are broken down into the sugar glucose
which travels in the blood (hence the name blood sugar) until it reaches your cells
where it is taken in and used for growth and energy. For this to happen
however
the hormone insulin must be present. Produced by the pancreas
insulin acts as a key that unlocks cells so that they can receive blood glucose.

Insulin works like a key to open the door of the cells so glucose – the fuel you get from food - can come inside and be converted into energy - cause serious complications and premature death. Insulin is vital for life. It is a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps the glucose to enter the cells where it is used as fuel by the body.

The main symptoms of untreated diabetes are increased thirst
going to the look all the time – especially at night
extreme tiredness
weight loss
genital itching or regular episodes of thrush
and blurred vision.

In diabetes
either the pancreas may produce insufficient insulin
or the body has lost its ability to use it effectively (insulin resistance). Glucose builds up in the blood
overflows into the urine
and passes out of the body without fulfilling its role as the body’s main source of fuel.


Two types of diabetes:

Type 1 diabetes develops if the body is unable to produce any insulin. This type of diabetes usually appears before the age of 40. It is treated by insulin injections and diet and regular exercise is recommended. Type 2 diabetes develops when the body can still make some insulin
but not enough
or when the insulin that is produced does not work properly (known as insulin resistance). In most cases this is linked with being overweight. This type of diabetes usually appears in people over the age of 40
though in South Asian and African-Caribbean people often appear after the age of 25. However
recently
more children are being diagnosed with the condition
some as young as seven.

Type 2 diabetes is treated with lifestyle changes such as a healthier diet
weight loss and increased physical activity. Tablets and/or insulin may also be required to achieve normal blood glucose levels.

The main aim of treatment of both types of diabetes is to achieve blood glucose
blood pressure and cholesterol levels as near to normal as possible. This
together with a healthy lifestyle
will help to improve wellbeing and protect against long-term damage to the eyes
kidneys
nerves
heart and major arteries.


Managing Diabetes: Begin with the ABCs

The National Diabetes Education Program suggests that you reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke by working with your health care team to monitor three critical factors
which they have named the Diabetic ABCs.

"A” is for the A1C test.

This is a number that shows how well your blood glucose has been controlled over the last 3 months. Bad glucose control can hurt your eyes
kidneys and feet. The goal for most people is an A1C of less than 7. It should be checked at least twice a year.

A 1998 research study showed that increased in blood pressure could be prevented significantly by goji’s master molecule polysaccharides. Polysaccharides are very long-chain sugar molecules that provide nourishment for macrophages
the large white blood cells which are an important component of the body’s defense system against invading microbes and the malignant cells which form tumors.

Four polysaccharides discovered in Goji berries have not been found in any other fruit. The Goji polysaccharides enhance the body’s production of human growth hormone (HGH)
which helps build muscle and repair skin cells. The LBP polysaccharide complex unique to Goji berries has been found to be a powerful secretagogue - a substance that stimulates the secretion of human growth hormone (HGH) by the pituitary gland.

One research study in China showed that the LBP polysaccharide facilitated the proliferation of stem cells and increased the number of monocytes in bone marrow. The LBP polysaccharide helps the monocytes convert to matured leukocytes.

“B” is for blood pressure.

The goal for most people is 130/80. High blood pressure can cause heart attack
stroke and kidney disease.

"C” is for cholesterol.

Bad cholesterol (LDL) can oxidize and clog blood vessels
causing heart attack or stroke. Good cholesterol (HDL) helps to lower bad cholesterol. The goal for most people is LDL under 100 and HDL over 40.

Goji contains eta-sitosterol
which has been shown to lower cholesterol levels. Its antioxidants keep cholesterol from oxidizing and forming arterial plaques. Goji increases exercise tolerance
stamina
and endurance. It also helps to eliminate fatigue
especially when receiving from illness.

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.