Friday, March 31, 2006
Diabetes Test - Cinnamon Helps Diabetics
Diabetes Test - Cinnamon Helps Diabetics.
Diabetics should have the following tests done once a year:
Full vision test (Sugar Deposits in the eyes can cause blindness)
Check up of the feet (Sugar Deposits can settle in the feet and cause gangrene)
Complete check up of kidney function
Blood pressure
Check for Cholesterol in Blood
Diabetics come under 2 groups.
1. Type 1 are Insulin Dependent Diabetics
Diabetics should have the following tests done once a year:
Full vision test (Sugar Deposits in the eyes can cause blindness)
Check up of the feet (Sugar Deposits can settle in the feet and cause gangrene)
Complete check up of kidney function
Blood pressure
Check for Cholesterol in Blood
Diabetics come under 2 groups.
1. Type 1 are Insulin Dependent Diabetics
2. Type 2 are Age Onset Diabetics, these patients control their Diabetes with diet and don't have to rely on insulin injections.
How Taking Cinnamon Can HelpIn a recent survey in the USA, 60 Type 2 Diabetics were divided into four groups.
- Group 1 was given one gram of cinnamon per day
- Group 2 received three grams
- And Group 3 six grams
- Group 4 were given placebos.
Those who had been given cinnamon reduced their blood sugar by 18 –29%, their triglycerides by 23 –30% and their LDL cholesterol by 7-27% plus their total cholesterol by 12-26%.
The group that had been given placebos showed no change in their blood sugar.
So adding cinnamon to your daily diet will not only enhance the flavour of your food but could prove very helpful to your health.
Other Health Benefits of CinnamonCinnamon has been used for its medicinal properties for hundreds of years.
It has been found that cinnamon has anti-inflammatory properties, reduces cholesterol and is also one of nature's best blood sugar balancers.
In 2003 the journal Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice published an animal study. This study was carried out on rats. They were given 300 mg of cinnamon per kilogram of body weight, daily for 3 weeks. The results showed they were able to absorb 17% more blood sugar per minute than rats not given the cinnamon.
Again using rats in another study they were fed a high fructose diet. Usually this would induce significant metabolic changes. But they were also fed some cinnamon. The result of this test was their glucose metabolism was improved so much there was no noticeable difference from the rats that didn't receive the high fructose.
These studies seem to prove that cinnamon can lower your risk of developing diabetes.
For those who are already Diabetic, it can be an effective and affordable tool to help manage your condition.
Further Information About Diabetes.
You can contact Diabetes UK on Tel: 020 7424 1000 or E-Mail: info@diabetes.org.uk Website: http://www.diabetes.org.uk
by Eva Moffat at articlesfactory.com
Tuesday, March 28, 2006
Top 10 Do's For Women With type II Diabetes
Diabetes type II - Top 10 Do's For Women With type II Diabetes
It has been observed that women who are diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes are overweight. The exact cause of this type of diabetes is unclear, but it does appear to be associated with weight gain. In fact, a sedentary lifestyle, along with poor dietary habits, popular in the culture today, is among the explanations for the dramatic increase in the numbers of women suffering with Type 2 diabetes.
The connection between diet and diabetes is that, if you eat a high-fat, high calorie diet, which a lot of us do today, you put yourself at risk for weight gain, and if you are more than 120% of your desirable body weight, in simple terms, more than 20 pounds over what you should weigh, you become more insulin resistant, you use your own insulin at less capacity than you should, and you will have higher blood sugars, which will lead to diabetes. Diabetes is on the rise, and women with diabetes have an elevated risk of heart disease and stroke.
The good news is that there are steps they can take to reduce their risk of diabetes complications. From the National Diabetes Education Program (NDEP), here are Top 10 do's to help women with diabetes live longer, healthier lives.
Do review your treatment plan with your doctor or health care provider at least once a year. Make changes if your plan is not working well.
Do work with a dietitian. Create a meal plan that gives you healthy choices and is just right for you. A dietician will guide you on how to exercise portion control & make healthy food choices.
Do have a snack when you're hungry. Choose something healthy (something that's low in carbohydrates) that fits into your overall meal plan. All the starchy foods like rice and potatoes and breads and cereals get broken down into sugar in the body. If you eat them in excess, your blood sugar is going to go up, so you need to use some portion control. The real key, is portion control.
Do ask your health care provider for an A1C test. A1C, short for hemoglobin A1C, is the best test to know if your blood glucose (sugar) is under control. Aim for a fasting blood sugar between 70 and 120. Before a meal, we want it less than 122, and after a meal, about an hour after a meal, we want it to be less than 180. These are actually the blood sugars that you should be aiming for, and that is actually what we call good control.
Do control the ABCs of diabetes: A1C for blood glucose, B for blood pressure and C for cholesterol. That's the key to reducing your risk of heart disease and stroke.
Take care of your feet. Wear comfortable shoes that have a smooth lining, fit well and protect your them. Do have your feet, eyes and kidneys checked at least once a year. Regular check-ups help to find problems early, when they can be treated and managed well. Also, do see your dentist twice a year. Make sure he or she knows you have diabetes.
Do your housework and get more than a clean house. Turn up the music, get some exercise and burn away those calories. Exercise is a really important tool, because it can help lower your blood sugars. Your muscles use sugar, glucose, as the source of energy, so it can actually lower your blood sugars. Begin after you have undergone a stress test before starting on a fitness routine. Just walking like maybe half a mile in the beginning, would be enough, then you can slowly build up from that.
Do walk whenever you have the chance. Get off the bus or subway a few stops early or park at the far end of the lot. Walking is a great place to start . You don't need any fancy equipment, you don't need to have a special outfit or anything, what you really need is a good pair of walking shoes, and to go out and start.
Do avoid smoking. Smoking doubles the damage to the body by contributing to poor blood glucose control by interfering with the timing and effects of insulin. It also raises your blood glucose level, which contributes to poor diabetes control. If not checked in time ,it can cause hardening of the arteries. This particularly affects the body's larger arteries to the legs and brain, making amputation and strokes more likely. Although it is true that most people gain some weight when they quit smoking, for the vast majority of smokers the gain amounts to less than 10 pounds. The health benefits of quitting far outweigh the risks of a few extra pounds . Beyond fear of weight gain, the most common obstacle to quitting is the addictiveness of nicotine. Ask your doctor or nurse about ways to help you quit smoking. Log on to:
http://www.diabetes.org/main/community/forecast/page46.jsp to know more on Diabetes & Smoking.
Do talk with family and friends about managing your diabetes. Be an inspiration with your healthy lifestyle.
The mainstay in treatment of Type 2 diabetes is actually diet and exercise. Regardless what type of medicines you're going to be on, diet and exercise are always going to be important. Your medicines are not going to work if you mess up at your diet.
For more information on diabetes care, call the National Diabetes Education Program at 1-800-438-5383 or visit the NDEP Web site at www.ndep.nih.gov .
by Namita Nayyar at articlesfactory.com
It has been observed that women who are diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes are overweight. The exact cause of this type of diabetes is unclear, but it does appear to be associated with weight gain. In fact, a sedentary lifestyle, along with poor dietary habits, popular in the culture today, is among the explanations for the dramatic increase in the numbers of women suffering with Type 2 diabetes.
The connection between diet and diabetes is that, if you eat a high-fat, high calorie diet, which a lot of us do today, you put yourself at risk for weight gain, and if you are more than 120% of your desirable body weight, in simple terms, more than 20 pounds over what you should weigh, you become more insulin resistant, you use your own insulin at less capacity than you should, and you will have higher blood sugars, which will lead to diabetes. Diabetes is on the rise, and women with diabetes have an elevated risk of heart disease and stroke.
The good news is that there are steps they can take to reduce their risk of diabetes complications. From the National Diabetes Education Program (NDEP), here are Top 10 do's to help women with diabetes live longer, healthier lives.
Do review your treatment plan with your doctor or health care provider at least once a year. Make changes if your plan is not working well.
Do work with a dietitian. Create a meal plan that gives you healthy choices and is just right for you. A dietician will guide you on how to exercise portion control & make healthy food choices.
Do have a snack when you're hungry. Choose something healthy (something that's low in carbohydrates) that fits into your overall meal plan. All the starchy foods like rice and potatoes and breads and cereals get broken down into sugar in the body. If you eat them in excess, your blood sugar is going to go up, so you need to use some portion control. The real key, is portion control.
Do ask your health care provider for an A1C test. A1C, short for hemoglobin A1C, is the best test to know if your blood glucose (sugar) is under control. Aim for a fasting blood sugar between 70 and 120. Before a meal, we want it less than 122, and after a meal, about an hour after a meal, we want it to be less than 180. These are actually the blood sugars that you should be aiming for, and that is actually what we call good control.
Do control the ABCs of diabetes: A1C for blood glucose, B for blood pressure and C for cholesterol. That's the key to reducing your risk of heart disease and stroke.
Take care of your feet. Wear comfortable shoes that have a smooth lining, fit well and protect your them. Do have your feet, eyes and kidneys checked at least once a year. Regular check-ups help to find problems early, when they can be treated and managed well. Also, do see your dentist twice a year. Make sure he or she knows you have diabetes.
Do your housework and get more than a clean house. Turn up the music, get some exercise and burn away those calories. Exercise is a really important tool, because it can help lower your blood sugars. Your muscles use sugar, glucose, as the source of energy, so it can actually lower your blood sugars. Begin after you have undergone a stress test before starting on a fitness routine. Just walking like maybe half a mile in the beginning, would be enough, then you can slowly build up from that.
Do walk whenever you have the chance. Get off the bus or subway a few stops early or park at the far end of the lot. Walking is a great place to start . You don't need any fancy equipment, you don't need to have a special outfit or anything, what you really need is a good pair of walking shoes, and to go out and start.
Do avoid smoking. Smoking doubles the damage to the body by contributing to poor blood glucose control by interfering with the timing and effects of insulin. It also raises your blood glucose level, which contributes to poor diabetes control. If not checked in time ,it can cause hardening of the arteries. This particularly affects the body's larger arteries to the legs and brain, making amputation and strokes more likely. Although it is true that most people gain some weight when they quit smoking, for the vast majority of smokers the gain amounts to less than 10 pounds. The health benefits of quitting far outweigh the risks of a few extra pounds . Beyond fear of weight gain, the most common obstacle to quitting is the addictiveness of nicotine. Ask your doctor or nurse about ways to help you quit smoking. Log on to:
http://www.diabetes.org/main/community/forecast/page46.jsp to know more on Diabetes & Smoking.
Do talk with family and friends about managing your diabetes. Be an inspiration with your healthy lifestyle.
The mainstay in treatment of Type 2 diabetes is actually diet and exercise. Regardless what type of medicines you're going to be on, diet and exercise are always going to be important. Your medicines are not going to work if you mess up at your diet.
For more information on diabetes care, call the National Diabetes Education Program at 1-800-438-5383 or visit the NDEP Web site at www.ndep.nih.gov .
by Namita Nayyar at articlesfactory.com
Thursday, March 23, 2006
Diabetes Diet And Exercise
Controlling Type II Diabetes Through Diet And Exercise
If you have been diagnosed with adult onset type II Diabetes, you may be able to control your condition through diet and exercise. Many people have genetic predispositions for adult onset diabetes, but the disease is usually brought on by poor diet and a sedentary lifestyle. It can be hard to reverse the damage caused by years of unhealthy living, but by changing the way you eat and exercise, you can help control your disease and can lead a fairly normal life without the need for insulin-regulating medicine.
Before embarking on a workout plan or adhering to a new diet, you should first consult your doctor. He or she will probably make dietary suggestions and will usually refer you to a dietician who can help you plan your meals. The dietician will tell you what you can and cannot eat, and what you can eat in moderation. You will have to cut out all of the sugar from your diet. This means drinking diet sodas, if you must drink sodas at all, and eating sugar free candy on those special occasions.
It is important to eat a variety of fruits and vegetables to take the place of all of those empty calories and to keep you feeling full and energetic. You should make sure to take in enough protein to help your muscles get your through your new workout schedule, and be sure to drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated. You will want to eat several small meals throughout the day rather than just eating two or three times with a lot of time in between. By eating more small meals, you will keep your blood sugar at a more steady level, rather than having the ups and downs associated with large meals followed by gaps in eating.
Once your diet is under control. The next step is to begin an exercise program. You don't have to aim for running a marathon or even a mile. Walking is the most prescribed form of exercise for diabetes patients. Whether you walk in the mall, around the neighborhood or on a treadmill, the most important thing is to get moving and to keep moving for an extended period of time every single day. Though you may not feel motivated at first, you will soon start to look and feel better and better. Seeing these changes will hopefully provide you with enough motivation to stick to your workout plan.
If find walking boring, try to find a partner who will keep you motivated. There are also many diabetes support groups that have walking clubs that meet daily. You can join a club and meet other diabetes sufferers who will help keep you on the right track. They can provide inspiration and encouragement by sharing success stories and by keeping you aware of the complications that can arise if the disease is left untreated. Once you get into fairly good shape, you might try playing a sport that you enjoy, like golf or tennis. You could also join a gym and participate in some yoga or aerobics classes to add some variety to your workout plan.
Keep in mind that the best way to avoid diabetes complications is to change your lifestyle. Many of the common problems of people diabetes can be avoided by staying away from sugar and other harmful foods. By exercising and staying healthy, you can avoid vision loss and circulation problems associated with the disease without having to use expensive and debilitating drugs to keep your blood sugar at a healthy level. Remember that your body is your most important asset, and keeping it working properly should be your highest priority.
by Sintilia Miecevole at articlecity.com
If you have been diagnosed with adult onset type II Diabetes, you may be able to control your condition through diet and exercise. Many people have genetic predispositions for adult onset diabetes, but the disease is usually brought on by poor diet and a sedentary lifestyle. It can be hard to reverse the damage caused by years of unhealthy living, but by changing the way you eat and exercise, you can help control your disease and can lead a fairly normal life without the need for insulin-regulating medicine.
Before embarking on a workout plan or adhering to a new diet, you should first consult your doctor. He or she will probably make dietary suggestions and will usually refer you to a dietician who can help you plan your meals. The dietician will tell you what you can and cannot eat, and what you can eat in moderation. You will have to cut out all of the sugar from your diet. This means drinking diet sodas, if you must drink sodas at all, and eating sugar free candy on those special occasions.
It is important to eat a variety of fruits and vegetables to take the place of all of those empty calories and to keep you feeling full and energetic. You should make sure to take in enough protein to help your muscles get your through your new workout schedule, and be sure to drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated. You will want to eat several small meals throughout the day rather than just eating two or three times with a lot of time in between. By eating more small meals, you will keep your blood sugar at a more steady level, rather than having the ups and downs associated with large meals followed by gaps in eating.
Once your diet is under control. The next step is to begin an exercise program. You don't have to aim for running a marathon or even a mile. Walking is the most prescribed form of exercise for diabetes patients. Whether you walk in the mall, around the neighborhood or on a treadmill, the most important thing is to get moving and to keep moving for an extended period of time every single day. Though you may not feel motivated at first, you will soon start to look and feel better and better. Seeing these changes will hopefully provide you with enough motivation to stick to your workout plan.
If find walking boring, try to find a partner who will keep you motivated. There are also many diabetes support groups that have walking clubs that meet daily. You can join a club and meet other diabetes sufferers who will help keep you on the right track. They can provide inspiration and encouragement by sharing success stories and by keeping you aware of the complications that can arise if the disease is left untreated. Once you get into fairly good shape, you might try playing a sport that you enjoy, like golf or tennis. You could also join a gym and participate in some yoga or aerobics classes to add some variety to your workout plan.
Keep in mind that the best way to avoid diabetes complications is to change your lifestyle. Many of the common problems of people diabetes can be avoided by staying away from sugar and other harmful foods. By exercising and staying healthy, you can avoid vision loss and circulation problems associated with the disease without having to use expensive and debilitating drugs to keep your blood sugar at a healthy level. Remember that your body is your most important asset, and keeping it working properly should be your highest priority.
by Sintilia Miecevole at articlecity.com
The Right Diabetes Diet
How Important Is The Right Diabetes Diet?
There is nothing more important than the right diabetes diet. Diabetes is a serious disease that you need to learn as much as you can about if your or someone that you care about has been diagnosed with it. Eating right and staying healthy is the only way to battle diabetes and knowing what you can and cannot eat is essential. If you have the proper diet you may be able to have some control over your diabetes.
Having diabetes is a balancing act and it is one that you can manage if you take the time to learn how. As long as you are eating the right amount of healthy foods and you are avoiding all of the sugar that you are not allowed to eat you will be well on your way to staying healthy in spite of diabetes.
Keeping an eye on your sugar intake is key to good diabetes diet management. This will mean learning all of the best sugar replacements and sugar free foods. This used to be a lot harder than it is now. These days there are all kinds of great sugar replacements, many are even perfect for baking, and the sugar free products are becoming ever so popular. Even people without diabetes are choosing them over the sugar filled alternatives. Sugar free products taste delicious, which makes the easy to eat and enjoy while still maintaining a good blood sugar level.
You will also need to watch how much food that you eat. Eating too much or too little can have a negative impact on your diet and health. Talk to your doctor about how much food you should be eating each and every day and what times are optimal. Your diabetes diet will have to be set just right if you want to stay in perfect control and health. As long as you eat right every day you will stay feeling good and healthy for years to come.
by Dana Goldberg at articlecity.com
There is nothing more important than the right diabetes diet. Diabetes is a serious disease that you need to learn as much as you can about if your or someone that you care about has been diagnosed with it. Eating right and staying healthy is the only way to battle diabetes and knowing what you can and cannot eat is essential. If you have the proper diet you may be able to have some control over your diabetes.
Having diabetes is a balancing act and it is one that you can manage if you take the time to learn how. As long as you are eating the right amount of healthy foods and you are avoiding all of the sugar that you are not allowed to eat you will be well on your way to staying healthy in spite of diabetes.
Keeping an eye on your sugar intake is key to good diabetes diet management. This will mean learning all of the best sugar replacements and sugar free foods. This used to be a lot harder than it is now. These days there are all kinds of great sugar replacements, many are even perfect for baking, and the sugar free products are becoming ever so popular. Even people without diabetes are choosing them over the sugar filled alternatives. Sugar free products taste delicious, which makes the easy to eat and enjoy while still maintaining a good blood sugar level.
You will also need to watch how much food that you eat. Eating too much or too little can have a negative impact on your diet and health. Talk to your doctor about how much food you should be eating each and every day and what times are optimal. Your diabetes diet will have to be set just right if you want to stay in perfect control and health. As long as you eat right every day you will stay feeling good and healthy for years to come.
by Dana Goldberg at articlecity.com
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
Cats with feline diabetes can still lead a happ life
Feline diabetes.
"Your cat has feline diabetes." If this is your vet's message after examining your beloved friend, it will come as a shock. Yes, your cat has a serious disease. But you can treat it!
I got the message myself early 2003. My (then) 10-year-old neutered cat Duvelke had been urinating and drinking more than usual for a few weeks. First it was thought to be connected with a previous medication. But after urine and blood tests the veterinarian was certain. "Your cat has feline diabetes."
Now what is diabetes?
Blood contains sugar (glucose). The blood sugar level is controlled by the hormone insulin, which is produced by the pancreas. If this organ produces not enough insulin, we speak of diabetes.
Symptoms of feline diabetes differ. Duvelke started to pass more urine than usual, and had an increased thirst as a result of this. Other possible symptoms are weight loss, decreased appetite, lethargy and a poor coat condition.
Cats with untreated diabetes will become inactive, vomit regularly, stop urinating and fall into a coma. But if you treat feline diabetes correctly, your cat might still be able to lead a long and happy life. It does take effort and dedication, though.
Your cat will need to get food at set times, and preferably should stay indoors.
And – this is essential - you will have to give your cat insulin shots. Once a day, often two times daily. Your vet will determine the quantity and tell you how to do it. It is not scary!
But keep an eye on your friend. Your cat should have had food before getting the insulin shot! If not, a hypoglycemic shock (a ‘hypo') may occur. This is also possible if your cat gets too much insulin. And this is really dangerous. If you are not there to help, your cat might die from a hypo.
Duvelke has had a few hypos since 2003. He survived. How? By putting glucose in his mouth, on the inside of his cheeks. Honey on his tongue also worked well.
Duvelke's quantity of insulin has been reduced considerably the past year. And he's doing really fine. If you didn't know about his disease, you would assume he is a perfectly healthy cat.
So, with a proper treatment, diabetic cats can still lead a happy life!
source: Marc de Jong at articlesfactory.com
"Your cat has feline diabetes." If this is your vet's message after examining your beloved friend, it will come as a shock. Yes, your cat has a serious disease. But you can treat it!
I got the message myself early 2003. My (then) 10-year-old neutered cat Duvelke had been urinating and drinking more than usual for a few weeks. First it was thought to be connected with a previous medication. But after urine and blood tests the veterinarian was certain. "Your cat has feline diabetes."
Now what is diabetes?
Blood contains sugar (glucose). The blood sugar level is controlled by the hormone insulin, which is produced by the pancreas. If this organ produces not enough insulin, we speak of diabetes.
Symptoms of feline diabetes differ. Duvelke started to pass more urine than usual, and had an increased thirst as a result of this. Other possible symptoms are weight loss, decreased appetite, lethargy and a poor coat condition.
Cats with untreated diabetes will become inactive, vomit regularly, stop urinating and fall into a coma. But if you treat feline diabetes correctly, your cat might still be able to lead a long and happy life. It does take effort and dedication, though.
Your cat will need to get food at set times, and preferably should stay indoors.
And – this is essential - you will have to give your cat insulin shots. Once a day, often two times daily. Your vet will determine the quantity and tell you how to do it. It is not scary!
But keep an eye on your friend. Your cat should have had food before getting the insulin shot! If not, a hypoglycemic shock (a ‘hypo') may occur. This is also possible if your cat gets too much insulin. And this is really dangerous. If you are not there to help, your cat might die from a hypo.
Duvelke has had a few hypos since 2003. He survived. How? By putting glucose in his mouth, on the inside of his cheeks. Honey on his tongue also worked well.
Duvelke's quantity of insulin has been reduced considerably the past year. And he's doing really fine. If you didn't know about his disease, you would assume he is a perfectly healthy cat.
So, with a proper treatment, diabetic cats can still lead a happy life!
source: Marc de Jong at articlesfactory.com
Thursday, March 16, 2006
Hurricane Katrina Causes Diabetes
"Hurricane Katrina Causes Diabetes" may soon be a real headline. This article will explain what you need to know before you or someone you know are unpleasantly surprised.
Though the debate still continues as to the exact cause, Type 1 diabetes (having to use insulin) is thought to be the result of an inappropriate autoimmune response in the body.
What apparently happens is that the body attacks the Beta cells of the pancreas believing them to be invaders. These insulin-producing cells are therefore destroyed to a significant degree and "Hey Presto! Instant Diabetes".
Type 2 diabetes (not needing insulin) is caused by insulin resistance which is generally the result of obesity though now there is a blurring of boundaries between Type 1 and 2.
Now, with the above in mind, the question is, how the heck could a hurricane cause diabetes? Well, regarding Type 1 diabetes a theory that may prove correct or incorrect is that an autoimmune response may be precipitated by on going stress of such intensity that the inflammation caused by chronically high levels of cortisol leads to an immune system malfunction.
However, regarding Type 2 diabetes I think there is a very clear and direct connection. For the sake of brevity I will not cover all pertinent details because the purpose of this article is to convey an idea that may be worth considering.
So, "Hurricane Katrina Causes Diabetes" may be a reality when you look at two groups of persons. First, are those directly affected. Many people, when stressed sufficiently, will eat more than they need. I am willing to bet that over the next 5 years, if the direct victims are tracked, many of them will become obese and get diabetes; even those without a genetic predisposition.
The second group are those who, though not directly involved with the disaster, are vicariously involved to the point where they begin to gain significant amounts of weight due to poorly managed stress.
Both groups may also, to some degree, be affected by a type of hyper-vigilance that creates an on going 'fight or flight' response that can lead to insulin resistance. Untreated insulin resistance not only can lead to diabetes but, to its corollary, hyperinsulinemia which is also very dangerous.
So, what is an answer? For both groups, effective stress management tools are a must. I believe that being taught self-hypnosis is the best, most cost-effective answer. If insurance companies want to save a lot of money over the next decade then it is definitely in their best interests to somehow get their insured clients strongly involved in stress reduction classes.
Stress reduction may also mitigate some of the potential harmful, autoimmune responses that Katrina may induce in those who are susceptible.
source: C. Devin Hastings at articlesfactory.com
Though the debate still continues as to the exact cause, Type 1 diabetes (having to use insulin) is thought to be the result of an inappropriate autoimmune response in the body.
What apparently happens is that the body attacks the Beta cells of the pancreas believing them to be invaders. These insulin-producing cells are therefore destroyed to a significant degree and "Hey Presto! Instant Diabetes".
Type 2 diabetes (not needing insulin) is caused by insulin resistance which is generally the result of obesity though now there is a blurring of boundaries between Type 1 and 2.
Now, with the above in mind, the question is, how the heck could a hurricane cause diabetes? Well, regarding Type 1 diabetes a theory that may prove correct or incorrect is that an autoimmune response may be precipitated by on going stress of such intensity that the inflammation caused by chronically high levels of cortisol leads to an immune system malfunction.
However, regarding Type 2 diabetes I think there is a very clear and direct connection. For the sake of brevity I will not cover all pertinent details because the purpose of this article is to convey an idea that may be worth considering.
So, "Hurricane Katrina Causes Diabetes" may be a reality when you look at two groups of persons. First, are those directly affected. Many people, when stressed sufficiently, will eat more than they need. I am willing to bet that over the next 5 years, if the direct victims are tracked, many of them will become obese and get diabetes; even those without a genetic predisposition.
The second group are those who, though not directly involved with the disaster, are vicariously involved to the point where they begin to gain significant amounts of weight due to poorly managed stress.
Both groups may also, to some degree, be affected by a type of hyper-vigilance that creates an on going 'fight or flight' response that can lead to insulin resistance. Untreated insulin resistance not only can lead to diabetes but, to its corollary, hyperinsulinemia which is also very dangerous.
So, what is an answer? For both groups, effective stress management tools are a must. I believe that being taught self-hypnosis is the best, most cost-effective answer. If insurance companies want to save a lot of money over the next decade then it is definitely in their best interests to somehow get their insured clients strongly involved in stress reduction classes.
Stress reduction may also mitigate some of the potential harmful, autoimmune responses that Katrina may induce in those who are susceptible.
source: C. Devin Hastings at articlesfactory.com
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
Potato lovers may have higher diabetes risk
Potato lovers may have higher diabetes risk.
Holding that side of fries might help thwart type 2 diabetes, new research suggests.
In a long-term study of nearly 85,000 U.S. women, researchers at Harvard University found that those with the highest potato intake had a modestly elevated risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
The link was strongest among obese women, who are already at increased risk of the disease, suggesting that heavy potato consumption may pose a particular problem for them, the researchers point out.
The findings are published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
Though potatoes have healthful attributes, they also have a high glycemic index (GI) -- meaning they cause a rapid, strong rise in blood sugar. Over time, these surges may damage the pancreatic cells that produce the hormone insulin, which is needed to metabolize blood sugar.
Overweight or sedentary adults may be particularly vulnerable to the effects of high-GI foods because they often have underlying insulin resistance -- a precursor to diabetes in which body cells lose their sensitivity to insulin.
So it would make sense for these individuals to lay off the french fries, Thomas L. Halton, the lead author of the new study, told Reuters Health.
He and his colleagues found that women with the highest potato intake were 14 percent more likely than those with the lowest intake to develop diabetes over 20 years. And women who ate the most french fries, specifically, had a 21 percent greater risk of diabetes than those who ate the fewest.
Overall diet and other lifestyle habits did not explain the link, and potatoes seemed to be more problematic when a woman ate them instead of whole grains.
Whole grains -- as well as many high-fiber vegetables, fruits and legumes -- have a lower GI than potatoes and white-flour products. So eating those foods in place of potatoes, Halton's team concludes, could potentially cut diabetes risk.
source: healtcentersonline
Holding that side of fries might help thwart type 2 diabetes, new research suggests.
In a long-term study of nearly 85,000 U.S. women, researchers at Harvard University found that those with the highest potato intake had a modestly elevated risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
The link was strongest among obese women, who are already at increased risk of the disease, suggesting that heavy potato consumption may pose a particular problem for them, the researchers point out.
The findings are published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
Though potatoes have healthful attributes, they also have a high glycemic index (GI) -- meaning they cause a rapid, strong rise in blood sugar. Over time, these surges may damage the pancreatic cells that produce the hormone insulin, which is needed to metabolize blood sugar.
Overweight or sedentary adults may be particularly vulnerable to the effects of high-GI foods because they often have underlying insulin resistance -- a precursor to diabetes in which body cells lose their sensitivity to insulin.
So it would make sense for these individuals to lay off the french fries, Thomas L. Halton, the lead author of the new study, told Reuters Health.
He and his colleagues found that women with the highest potato intake were 14 percent more likely than those with the lowest intake to develop diabetes over 20 years. And women who ate the most french fries, specifically, had a 21 percent greater risk of diabetes than those who ate the fewest.
Overall diet and other lifestyle habits did not explain the link, and potatoes seemed to be more problematic when a woman ate them instead of whole grains.
Whole grains -- as well as many high-fiber vegetables, fruits and legumes -- have a lower GI than potatoes and white-flour products. So eating those foods in place of potatoes, Halton's team concludes, could potentially cut diabetes risk.
source: healtcentersonline
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
Whole grains good for the diabetic heart
Whole grains good for the diabetic heart.
Women with type 2 diabetes who incorporate more whole grains, bran, and cereal fiber into their diets may reduce their risk of heart disease, according to a new study.
What's more, low-glycemic index foods, that is, readily digested carbohydrates that cause a rapid rise in blood sugar levels, may also help to curb early signs of heart trouble.
"To adapt a diet high in whole grains and low in glycemic load will help diabetic patients to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease," study author Dr. Lu Qi, of the Harvard School of Public Health in Boston, Massachusetts, told Reuters Health.
The findings are based on an analysis of data from 902 women with diabetes who were involved in the Nurses' Health Study.
Qi and colleagues found that women who reported eating more whole grains, bran, and cereal fiber tended to have lower levels of two markers of blood vessel inflammation that have been linked to heart disease -- CRP and TNF-R2.
In fact, cereal fiber, which is largely composed of whole grains like bran, "may confer stronger effects than fibers from other food sources such as fruit and vegetable," they note in the journal Diabetes Care.
Based on the current findings, Qi recommends that women with diabetes "consume more whole grain bread and cereals and less refined grains. In addition, a meal with more low-glycemic components, such as beans, cruciferous vegetables, low-fat unsweetened plain yogurt, grapefruit, apples and tomatoes will also help."
source: healthcentersonline
Women with type 2 diabetes who incorporate more whole grains, bran, and cereal fiber into their diets may reduce their risk of heart disease, according to a new study.
What's more, low-glycemic index foods, that is, readily digested carbohydrates that cause a rapid rise in blood sugar levels, may also help to curb early signs of heart trouble.
"To adapt a diet high in whole grains and low in glycemic load will help diabetic patients to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease," study author Dr. Lu Qi, of the Harvard School of Public Health in Boston, Massachusetts, told Reuters Health.
The findings are based on an analysis of data from 902 women with diabetes who were involved in the Nurses' Health Study.
Qi and colleagues found that women who reported eating more whole grains, bran, and cereal fiber tended to have lower levels of two markers of blood vessel inflammation that have been linked to heart disease -- CRP and TNF-R2.
In fact, cereal fiber, which is largely composed of whole grains like bran, "may confer stronger effects than fibers from other food sources such as fruit and vegetable," they note in the journal Diabetes Care.
Based on the current findings, Qi recommends that women with diabetes "consume more whole grain bread and cereals and less refined grains. In addition, a meal with more low-glycemic components, such as beans, cruciferous vegetables, low-fat unsweetened plain yogurt, grapefruit, apples and tomatoes will also help."
source: healthcentersonline
Monday, March 13, 2006
Sexual function variable in diabetic women
Sexual function variable in diabetic women. Research suggests that women with type 1 or insulin-dependent diabetes have decreased sexual function and increased sexual distress during the second half of the menstrual cycle after ovulation and before menstruation (also known as the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle).
A group of Italian researchers lead by Dr. Andrea Salonia, of University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milano, evaluated the sexual function and endocrine profile in 50 fertile women with type 1 diabetes, noting the follicular (roughly the first two weeks of the menstrual cycle) and luteal phases of the menstrual cycle, and compared the findings with those of 47 controls.
Compared with the controls, women with diabetes had decreased sexual function and increased sexual distress during the luteal, but not the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle.
During the luteal phase, patients had higher total testosterone levels and lower estrogen and progesterone levels compared with the controls.
"Decreased sexual function occurs independently of mood deflections and does not seem to be influenced by glycemic (sugar) control," Salonia and colleagues write.
The variability of sexual function with different phases of the menstrual cycle may have implications on the clinical assessment in diabetics, they conclude.
source: healthcentersonline
A group of Italian researchers lead by Dr. Andrea Salonia, of University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milano, evaluated the sexual function and endocrine profile in 50 fertile women with type 1 diabetes, noting the follicular (roughly the first two weeks of the menstrual cycle) and luteal phases of the menstrual cycle, and compared the findings with those of 47 controls.
Compared with the controls, women with diabetes had decreased sexual function and increased sexual distress during the luteal, but not the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle.
During the luteal phase, patients had higher total testosterone levels and lower estrogen and progesterone levels compared with the controls.
"Decreased sexual function occurs independently of mood deflections and does not seem to be influenced by glycemic (sugar) control," Salonia and colleagues write.
The variability of sexual function with different phases of the menstrual cycle may have implications on the clinical assessment in diabetics, they conclude.
source: healthcentersonline
Saturday, March 11, 2006
Diabetic complications rooted in faulty cell repair
Scientists say they may have discovered why diabetes patients are prone to diseased blood vessels and a host of complications, a finding that could lead to treatments.
Diabetes is a condition in which the body either stops making or cannot properly use the hormone insulin. Insulin is needed to process glucose (blood sugar), the body's primary fuel.
Researchers at the University of Florida explored why people with diabetes have increased risk of disorders of the blood vessels and vascular complications such as heart conditions and stroke. They suggest that the problem is at least partly due to failure of cells created in bone marrow to repair damage to the lining of blood vessels (endothelium), leading to complications such as atherosclerosis ("hardening of the arteries") and the eye disease diabetic retinopathy.
The scientists studied vascular repair cells in blood samples taken from volunteers with diabetes and chronic kidney disease. These cells could not move normally. However, they became more flexible and mobile when the researchers added nitric oxide, a gas that occurs naturally in the body. Many diabetic individuals have low levels of nitric oxide, which promotes the functioning and repair of blood vessels.
"The benefit of this is that when cells have improved movement they are able to repair the endothelium better and perhaps prevent atherosclerosis," researcher Dr. Mark S. Segal reported.
"The importance of this is related to other work that has shown that many drugs being used on the market today actually affect nitric oxide levels within these cells. So someday there may be two ways to help people whose cells may not function as well as they should. One is through certain medications - there may be a way we could actually give medications that would affect the nitric oxide levels within these cells and enhance their migratory ability. The other is through certain instances where we might actually collect these cells, treat them with nitric oxide outside the body and give them back to patients, to help improve the cells' migration ability," Segal concluded.
Source : Healthcentersonline
Diabetes is a condition in which the body either stops making or cannot properly use the hormone insulin. Insulin is needed to process glucose (blood sugar), the body's primary fuel.
Researchers at the University of Florida explored why people with diabetes have increased risk of disorders of the blood vessels and vascular complications such as heart conditions and stroke. They suggest that the problem is at least partly due to failure of cells created in bone marrow to repair damage to the lining of blood vessels (endothelium), leading to complications such as atherosclerosis ("hardening of the arteries") and the eye disease diabetic retinopathy.
The scientists studied vascular repair cells in blood samples taken from volunteers with diabetes and chronic kidney disease. These cells could not move normally. However, they became more flexible and mobile when the researchers added nitric oxide, a gas that occurs naturally in the body. Many diabetic individuals have low levels of nitric oxide, which promotes the functioning and repair of blood vessels.
"The benefit of this is that when cells have improved movement they are able to repair the endothelium better and perhaps prevent atherosclerosis," researcher Dr. Mark S. Segal reported.
"The importance of this is related to other work that has shown that many drugs being used on the market today actually affect nitric oxide levels within these cells. So someday there may be two ways to help people whose cells may not function as well as they should. One is through certain medications - there may be a way we could actually give medications that would affect the nitric oxide levels within these cells and enhance their migratory ability. The other is through certain instances where we might actually collect these cells, treat them with nitric oxide outside the body and give them back to patients, to help improve the cells' migration ability," Segal concluded.
Source : Healthcentersonline
Thursday, March 09, 2006
Common chemical linked to insulin resistance
Common chemical linked to insulin resistance
Scientists report a possible connection between a common chemical and insulin resistance, a condition that often precedes type 2 diabetes.
Insulin resistance is an inability of the cells to properly use insulin, a hormone needed to process glucose (blood sugar) for energy. Insulin resistance causes high blood glucose (hyperglycemia), which can lead to type 2 diabetes. In people with type 1 diabetes, insulin resistance can lead to double diabetes.
Spanish scientists studying adult mice found that injections of the synthetic chemical bisphenol-A (BPA) or a female estradiol hormone reduced glucose and increased insulin in the bloodstream. After four days, mice treated with BPA or estradiol had chronic hyperinsulinemia (high levels of insulin in the blood) and altered test results for insulin and glucose tolerance.
BPA is found in many consumer plastics including food containers, dental sealants, electronics, sports equipment and cars. The plastics industry says BPA is safe and useful. The researchers describe it as a widespread contaminant.
The scientists assert that the study shows a link between environmental estrogens and insulin resistance, and that heavy exposure to estrogens increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and dyslipidemia (unhealthy levels of blood fats such as cholesterol).
The study was published in the January issue of Environmental Health Perspectives, a publication of the U.S. government's National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.
Source: HealthCentersOnline
Scientists report a possible connection between a common chemical and insulin resistance, a condition that often precedes type 2 diabetes.
Insulin resistance is an inability of the cells to properly use insulin, a hormone needed to process glucose (blood sugar) for energy. Insulin resistance causes high blood glucose (hyperglycemia), which can lead to type 2 diabetes. In people with type 1 diabetes, insulin resistance can lead to double diabetes.
Spanish scientists studying adult mice found that injections of the synthetic chemical bisphenol-A (BPA) or a female estradiol hormone reduced glucose and increased insulin in the bloodstream. After four days, mice treated with BPA or estradiol had chronic hyperinsulinemia (high levels of insulin in the blood) and altered test results for insulin and glucose tolerance.
BPA is found in many consumer plastics including food containers, dental sealants, electronics, sports equipment and cars. The plastics industry says BPA is safe and useful. The researchers describe it as a widespread contaminant.
The scientists assert that the study shows a link between environmental estrogens and insulin resistance, and that heavy exposure to estrogens increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and dyslipidemia (unhealthy levels of blood fats such as cholesterol).
The study was published in the January issue of Environmental Health Perspectives, a publication of the U.S. government's National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.
Source: HealthCentersOnline
Wednesday, March 08, 2006
Smoking not good with new inhaled insulin
09 Mar 2006
Based on Reuter Health, smoking leads to major changes in the absorption of the newly approved inhaled insulin, Exubera, German and US researchers warn.
"These findings, which are consistent with other studies conducted to assess the effect of inhaled insulin in smokers, show that smoking greatly increases the rate and extent of absorption of Exubera," Dr. Reinhard H. A. Becker told Reuters Health.
Becker, of Aventis Pharma Deutschland, Frankfurt, and colleagues examined the absorption profile of Exubera in 20 healthy non-diabetic active chronic smokers, who then quit smoking and finally resumed smoking. In addition, the team compared the absorption of inhaled insulin in smokers with that in 10 healthy non-smokers.
Maximum levels of insulin in the blood were significantly higher in smokers than in nonsmokers, the researchers report in the medical journal Diabetes Care. The time it took to reach peak levels was also shorter in smokers than in non-smokers.
Following smoking cessation, insulin absorption declined within 1 week and approached non-smoker levels. This was completely reversed with smoking resumption.
Thus, "Exubera should not be used in people with diabetes who choose to continue smoking," warned Becker, because rapid changes in insulin levels can lead to excessively low blood sugar levels.
"In line with the recommendations from the FDA and EU Commission," he concluded, "people should have stopped smoking at least 6 months prior to starting Exubera and if smoking is resumed during Exubera therapy, treatment should be discontinued immediately."
Based on Reuter Health, smoking leads to major changes in the absorption of the newly approved inhaled insulin, Exubera, German and US researchers warn.
"These findings, which are consistent with other studies conducted to assess the effect of inhaled insulin in smokers, show that smoking greatly increases the rate and extent of absorption of Exubera," Dr. Reinhard H. A. Becker told Reuters Health.
Becker, of Aventis Pharma Deutschland, Frankfurt, and colleagues examined the absorption profile of Exubera in 20 healthy non-diabetic active chronic smokers, who then quit smoking and finally resumed smoking. In addition, the team compared the absorption of inhaled insulin in smokers with that in 10 healthy non-smokers.
Maximum levels of insulin in the blood were significantly higher in smokers than in nonsmokers, the researchers report in the medical journal Diabetes Care. The time it took to reach peak levels was also shorter in smokers than in non-smokers.
Following smoking cessation, insulin absorption declined within 1 week and approached non-smoker levels. This was completely reversed with smoking resumption.
Thus, "Exubera should not be used in people with diabetes who choose to continue smoking," warned Becker, because rapid changes in insulin levels can lead to excessively low blood sugar levels.
"In line with the recommendations from the FDA and EU Commission," he concluded, "people should have stopped smoking at least 6 months prior to starting Exubera and if smoking is resumed during Exubera therapy, treatment should be discontinued immediately."
