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Anyone who has a medical condition and is taking certain medications that could be dangerous or interact with other medicines, or has a severe allergy to something should consider wearing an medical alert bracelet all the time. In choosing a design it is also worth considering what information you should put on a medical identity bracelet . This article provides tips and recommendations for you to consider. Read the rest of this entry »
The steady glucose monitor is one of the best ways to for diabetics to maintain a constant report of their glucose levels. And with the number of diabetics rising throughout the world, a device like this has been wanted for some time. There are a variety of causes for the increase in diabetes. Something from poor eating habits to lack of train to stress can be involved. Genetics too plays a role. And and not using a technique to maintain a detailed eye on blood sugar levels, serious problems can result. Read the rest of this entry »
In order to sum things up, right now I will be talking about diabetes testing supplies. Extra particularly, freestyle take a look at strips and glucose monitors and their features. I have been by means of so many obstacles as a diabetic with so many various topics. So, at present I wish to simply handle a number of of them. Read the rest of this entry »
Diabetes is resulted a result of high blood sugar level. This is often precipitated because of the inappropriate insulin production in the body by pancreas. Read the rest of this entry »
It is not easy living a life having Diabetes. Patients having this disease are not allowed to eat many kinds of foods. There are so many things that you are not allowed to do. Having this disease is very agonizing. So to prevent having this disease, there are health tips that you can follow. To prevent the rise in your blood sugar levels just follow these health tips. Read the rest of this entry »
New and fresh ideas are flowing from the health care community and today it's taking the form of a glucose meter. It is actually the latest medical achievement in the fight against the horrible ailment labeled as diabetes. The meter’s basic design layout allows a diabetic to become his own doctor and improves the life of a person that is struggling with diabetes. Read the rest of this entry »
Did you know that there are shoes exclusively made for diabetics? There are both socks and walking shoes available for diabetics, to help prevent or correct foot problems. Having diabetes can lead to nerve damage, referred to as neuropathy, and poor blood circulation in the feet. Read the rest of this entry »
The continuous glucose monitor is the best method for diabetics to keep a constant record of their glucose levels. Read the rest of this entry »
There are so many common ailments that a lot of people suffer from and diabetes is one such condition. One could suffer from low or high blood sugar. To contain this condition and avoid low blood sugar problems, you will need to check your blood sugar levels at regular times. Read the rest of this entry »
Diabetes has slowly crept into the lives of almost eleven million Americans who have diabetes and are aware they have the illness, and up to seven million Americans who are not aware they have diabetes. Added to this glaring number of diabetes-stricken Americans are the millions more who are in the prediabetes stage. Read the rest of this entry »
Everywhere you turn the Acai Berry is being praised for its array of health benefits. Experts believe the Acai Berry is one of the most nourishing natural foods on earth. From the streets of Hollywood to your neighborhood, everyone is realizing the amazing potential of this unique berry.
In short, the Acai Berry is taking the nation by storm! For this reason, Acai Berry is now a primary ingredient in many of the most effective supplements on the market. From juices and pulps to candy, Acai berries are making individuals all across the country look and feel better. Read the rest of this entry »
Many people see diet soda is an innocuous, harmless beverage that can’t possibly cause any harm to their waistline since it doesn’t have any calories. Think again.
Research published this summer in the medical journal Circulation shows that people who drink more than one soda a day — whether it’s regular or diet — have an almost 50 percent increased risk for metabolic syndrome, which doubles their risk for heart disease and diabetes.
Two years ago, a study at the University of Texas Health Science Center found that there was a 41 percent increase in the risk for being overweight for every single can of diet soda a person consumed daily.
But how can something with no calories increase the risk for obesity and heart disease?
There are several possible ways.
First, my own theory is that the sweet taste works in the brain to create a conditioned response. The body responds as it usually does to normal sugar — with insulin, the fat-storing hormone. Those circuits in the brain are pretty primitive and ancient, and they can’t immediately distinguish chemical fakery. As far as your brain is concerned, sweet means sugar. It’s entirely possible that physiologically, you would respond to aspartame in the same way as you would to table sugar. It’s only a theory, but it makes sense to me.
Second, sugar creates its own cravings. Just as a taste of rum creates an unstoppable craving in an alcoholic, it’s entirely possible that the taste of sweet, even if it’s fake, creates the same cascade of cravings in a carb addict that regular sugar does, leading to overeating and binging and all the rest of the reasons people put on weight.
Third, many people think that by drinking diet beverages they’re "saving" calories. They subconsciously allow themselves to eat more, figuring it’s not doing as much harm since they’re drinking a diet drink. The diet drink gives them subconscious "permission" to eat more.
What’s worse than making you fat, aspartame may be toxic. Aspartame is made primarily from three ingredients: aspartic acid, phenylalanine and methanol. Methanol, an alcohol, breaks down in the body to formaldehyde, a poison if there ever was one. Apologists for aspartame say that it doesn’t create enough formaldehyde in the body to cause any damage, but I’m not so sure. Exposing children to formaldehyde levels as low as .75 mg daily for several months has been shown to cause gradual toxicity. Plus, diet soda is frequently stored in hot warehouses, causing chemical breakdowns that went undetected in the original safety studies that looked at "ideal" conditions.
Soda is bad news, whether regular or diet. Period.
Note: Dr. Bowden is a nationally known expert on weight loss, nutrition and health. He’s a board certified nutrition specialist with a Master’s degree in psychology. Dr. Bowden is also a life coach, motivational speaker, former personal trainer and author of the award-winning book, Living the Low Carb Life.
[www.jonnybowden.com]
Consider these staggering statistics: according to the American Diabetes Association, about 24 million people suffer from diabetes and a whopping 5 million people are undiagnosed and don’t even know they have the disease!1 Overall, 54 million Americans suffer from some degree of blood sugar imbalance and insulin resistance.1 Most of these people have type II diabetes, which is largely preventable with a healthy diet low-carb, low-sugar diet.
As a practicing physician, I was never taught any primary preventative measures for my patients. At most, I was given some detective tools, such as screening blood sugar in "at risk" patients. It baffles me, as I look back, that I couldn’t see the huge gap in my medical school and residency training. We did nothing to prevent diabetes and did very little to address the underlying mechanisms that stimulate abnormal sugar metabolism!
The main focus of conventional medicine today is still all about using prescription drugs to lower blood sugar, which is too late if you want to reverse the disease itself. There is no question that people with diabetes experience an elevated risk for a variety of other illnesses including heart disease and stroke, blindness, peripheral nerve disease and pain, kidney damage and failure, impotency and skin disorders.
In a 2003 report, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, childhood obesity rose to 16% of children between ages 6 and 11 (95th percentile of body mass index for age) plus an additional 14.3% were from the 85th to the 95th percentile. This report pointed out that as these children’s body weights increased, so did their consumption of fast foods and soft drinks, trending up by nearly 300%!2
I shudder when I read articles like the one reported in the October 2005 Annals of Internal Medicine, which tracked 4,000 adults over 30 years for the development of obesity. It verified that becoming abnormally overweight now has a current trend such that nine out of 10 men and seven out of 10 women will become overweight! With obesity playing such a huge role in diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, hypertension, depression and many cancers — no wonder the researchers concluded, "more effective prevention and treatment strategies are urgently needed."
If you have been diagnosed with insulin resistance or high blood sugar levels, there are certain nutrients you can take to help control and even lower your blood sugar level.
Several herbal preparations have been used to control blood sugar levels beginning as early as 1550 B.C.3 Here are a few of the herbs that have been adequately studied to determine their actual effects and potencies.
Gymnema sylvestre (leaf). This age-old herb from tropical India destroys sugar taste when the leaves are chewed and is often promoted as an appetite suppressant for weight-loss. More importantly, several small placebo-controlled trials show that gymnema extracts lower blood sugar levels by enhancing the action of insulin. Animal studies indicate that gymnemacan double the number of insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, and bring blood sugar levels to normal. Research findings also indicate that gymnema can improve blood sugar control so that smaller doses of oral diabetes drugs are needed. Several human trials clearly show quite a significant improvement in blood sugar levels with gymnema.4
Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum). Fenugreek has been found to improve glucose levels, presumably by decreasing absorption of glucose in the small intestine. One large fenugreek study examined participants with poorly controlled Type II diabetes and found an average fasting blood sugar decrease from 151 mg/dL (baseline) to 112 mg/dL after 24 weeks.5
Ginseng root (Korean and American ginseng). Ginseng has been studied and used as a treatment for infections and diabetes generally for up to three months with repeated courses. One study showed a significant reduction in post-prandial glucose versus placebo in Type II diabetes.6
Citrus aurantium (orange bitters). This herb stimulates the sympathetic nervous system, thus increasing metabolism and lowering appetite.
Milk thistle (Silybum marianum). Milk thistle is extremely good at cleansing the liver, an important factor in diabetes. In doses over 1,500 mg per day, loose stools as a result of increased bile flow and secretion can occur.7 This desired effect makes it the herb of choice for any liver-related diseases, including liver toxicity associated with acetaminophen, anti-psychotics, halothane, and alcohol.8
Green tea. Green tea helps increase metabolism and reduce chronic disease. It significantly reduces food intake, body weight, cholesterol and triglyceride levels. In one study, green tea increased insulin activity by about 15-fold, an effect of the active ingredient, EGCG.9
Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus). Bilberry leaves have a reported weak anti-diabetic activity and have been shown experimentally to lower blood sugar levels consistently by 26% in rats.10 In folk medicine, its blood sugar-reducing effect is touted so that it is a common constituent in "anti-diabetic" teas.11
Cinnamon. This spice increases sugar metabolism in rodent fat cells 20-fold according to a report in Diabetes Care. Researchers found that less than one-half teaspoon of cinnamon daily for 40 days significantly dropped blood sugar levels in 60 study participants with Type II diabetes.
Devil’s claw (Oplopanax horridum). The Devil’s claw plant reportedly contains insulin-like substances, but its chemistry is still under investigation. The root can be made into a tincture and just five drops on the tongue can help stop sugar cravings.
Blood sugar imbalance and diabetes are both treatable without risky prescription medications if you are willing to take an honest look at what you eat, examine how active you are, and monitor how much stress you experience every day. To help normalize elevated blood sugar levels, consider one or more of the supplements recommended in this article.
American Diabetes Association, Cowie CC, et al. National Health and Nutrition
Examination Survey 1999-2002. Diabetes Care. 29(6):1263-1268, 2006.
American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Dec 2003. Vol. 78, No. 6, 1068-1073.
David Fitz-Patrick, D. Diabetes and Hormone Center of the Pacific, Ala Moana Pacific Center, Honolulu, Hawaii;
http://www.endocrinologist.com/herbs.html.
Shane-McWhorter, L. Diabetes Spectrum. 14:199-208, 2001.
Sharma RD, et al. Nutr Res. 16:1331-1339,1996.
Vuksan V, et al. Arch Intern Med. 160:1009-1013, 2000.
Luper S.: Altern Med Rev. 3:410-421, 1998.
Pepping J: Am J Health Syst Pharm. 56:1195-1197,1999.
Richard A. Anderson, RA, Ph.D. From the University of California in Santa Barbara but on behalf of the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service in Beltsville, MD.
Cignarella A, et al. Thromb Res. 84:311-322, 1996.
Wichtl MW: Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals. Bisset NG, Ed.Stuttgart, Germany, Medpharm Scientific Publishers, 1994.
[Ed. Note: Michael Cutler, M.D. is a board-certified family physician with more than 17 years of clinical experience. He is a graduate of Brigham Young University and Tulane Medical School. Dr. Cutler's practice focuses on integrative solutions to health problems, and behavioral and nutritional medicine. For more information, visit www.truehealth.com.]
What are Diabetic Socks?
Diabetic socks are socks that are specially designed for diabetics. Diabetic socks provide the best possible safety and comfort to the feet of a diabetic. Diabetic socks help prevent moisture, which can help prevent bacteria infections and odor. Diabetic socks also help prevent blisters and reduces pressure on the feet. Lastly, diabetic socks help improve the blood circulation in the feet and lower legs for diabetics.
What to Look for in Diabetic Socks
1) Choose diabetic socks that are doctor approved. Not all diabetic socks have the features that doctors recommend for the feet of diabetics. With diabetic socks that are recommended by doctors, diabetics can more confident in picking the right pair of diabetic socks.
2) Diabetic socks should have full cushion support on the sole. Full cushion on diabetic socks allows for maximum comfort and helps to minimize the impact on the soles of the diabetic feet. In addition, the cushion on diabetic socks help to prevent infections by minimizing abrasions that come from the feet rubbing against the inside of shoes.
3) Diabetic socks should be made from high quality materials. The best materials used in making diabetic socks are cotton and nylon. Cotton and nylon diabetic socks will help absorb sweat and keep the feet warm. In addition, cotton and nylon diabetic socks will allow for proper air circulation so that the feet can breath, which will help prevent bacteria and odor.
4) Look for loose tops on diabetic socks. The tops on diabetic socks should be loose enough to allow for proper circulation, but not so loose that the diabetic socks fall down. Also make sure that the tops on the diabetic socks are made with a durable and loose nylon to prevent them from stretching out over time.
5) Make sure the diabetic socks fit correctly. Diabetic socks should fit snugly, but not too restrictive. A comfortable fit should ensure proper blood circulation in the feet. Remember that the sizes for diabetic socks are not the same as sizes for shoes.
6) Choose the right diabetic socks length. Ankle diabetic socks or quarter diabetic socks are great for sporting activities such as running. Crew diabetic socks are versatile enough for every day wear or physical activities. Over the calf diabetic socks are great for those that require more support around the calf area and over the calf diabetic socks are also great for the cold weather.
7) Choose the right diabetic socks color. Diabetic socks are available in a variety of colors including black, grey, navy, tan, white and brown. Diabetic socks with lighter colors allow for diabetics to spot open sores quickly since many diabetics do not have sensation in their feet. Diabetics that do not have this particular problem can choose darker color diabetic socks.
Diabetics Socks Prevent Many Foot Complications
Diabetics face a lot of complications particularly in the feet. Every year, millions of diabetics are forced to amputate their feet. Other diabetics suffer from foot injuries such as bacteria infections and ulcers. Other common foot complications include neuropathy, skin changes, and calluses. Therefore, foot care is of extreme importance for people with diabetes. Diabetic socks are the greatest aid for diabetics in preventing foot complications.
By: ED Chan
Article Source: http://www.articleinfo.org
Studies continue to show that sleep curtailment or decreased sleep quality can disturb neuroendocrine control of appetite, leading to overeating, and can decrease insulin or increase insulin resistance, both steps on the road to Type 2 diabetes
Short sleep, poor sleep: novel risk factors for obesity and for Type 2 diabetes
A specialist in the effect of circadian rhythms on the endocrine system, Dr. Eve Van Cauter, University of Chicago, has conducted several studies in which short-term sleep restriction damaged the body’s ability to regulate eating by lowering levels of leptin, the hormone that tells the body when it has had enough. In the symposium, Dr. Van Cauter describes other recently published studies from her group, one showing that only three days sleep disruption is sufficient to increase insulin resistance in humans (thus causing the body to need higher levels of insulin) and a large epidemiological study showing that short sleep over a five year period causes an increase in systolic blood pressure.
Energy metabolism during chronic sleep deprivation: sleep less, eat more, don’t gain weight, yet show signs of progression toward diabetes
Dr. Michael Koban, Morgan State University, also reported a new study in which sleep restriction in rats led to glucose intolerance, a prediabetic state in which the blood glucose remains higher than normal after glucose challenge. Significantly, this is the first rodent study of sleep deprivation in which there was no association between glucose dysregulation and weight gain.
The researchers believe that extending sleep restriction will produce more pronounced glucose intolerance in which glucose levels do not return to normal levels for a longer period, thus providing more evidence that not sleeping enough could lead to diabetes in humans. The researchers also are looking for mechanisms to explain the change in metabolism related to sleep deprivation and the dissociation between weight gain and glucose dysregulation and insulin resistance.
Stress-related behaviors and hormone changes after prolonged sleep deprivation – and environmental factors that appear to modify them
Dr. Deborah Suchecki, Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo, described how prolonged sleep deprivation activates the neuroendocrine stress response, as measured by increased blood levels of the stress-related hormones adrenaline, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), and corticosterone. Earlier studies have shown that sleep restriction in animals can gradually change brain and neuroendocrine systems in ways similar to those seen in stress-related disorders such as depression, while epidemiological studies suggest that sleep restriction may be an important risk factor for cardiovascular and other diseases linked to stress.
CNS changes after chronic sleep deprivation have role in both food intake and metabolism
Dr. Gloria Hoffman, also of Morgan State University, presents studies that explain the role of the central nervous system pathways in stimulating feeding and causing metabolic changes associated with progression to diabetes. Specifically, increased production of the neurotransmitter neuropeptide Y and decreased production of proopiomelanocortiini products in the hypothalamus explain the hyperphagic response.
Although the CNS’s role in regulating metabolic rate is not well understood, she believes that histamine might be involved. Histamine neurons not only affect the maintenance of wakefulness but also are regulators of peripheral metabolism. In sleep deprived rats, elevations in the glucose to insulin ratio were positively correlated with an increase in histamine expression that raises the possibility that a dysregulation of histamine function during impaired sleep might serve to trigger metabolic and other changes leading to diabetes.
The scientists agree that as sleep curtailment becomes more common in industrialized countries it becomes increasingly important to understand how limited or poor quality sleep produces changes that can lead to obesity and diabetes, both epidemic in the developed world. More and more scientists are jumping on board with these lines of investigation, says Dr. Hoffman, and there is an increased demand for information on the part of health professionals and members of the general public, many of whom consider themselves sleep deprived.
On April 22, at the Experimental Biology 2009 meeting in New Orleans, a panel of leading sleep researchers describes recent and new studies in this fast growing field. The session is part of the scientific program of the American Association of Anatomists (AAA).
