Know Your Diabetes Risk or Be One of the Six Million Who Don't

The American Diabetes Association says 6 million adults have type 2 diabetes and don't know it.
In the simplest terms, type 2 diabetes is a disease caused by too much sugar in your blood. The main cause is resistance of your muscle, liver and fat cells to the hormone insulin.
If your blood is tested for glucose and insulin levels and they are higher than normal, you are prediabetic. If the levels are a lot higher, you are a type 2 diabetic.

Type 1 diabetes comes from your own immune system attacking the beta cells in your pancreas. In infants and small children this happens quickly. But in a teenager or adult it can take years to lose all of your insulin-making beta cells.

When your blood is tested for glucose and insulin, glucose will be high but insulin will probably be lower. That is one way to tell adult onset type 1 from type 2 diabetes.
Since a blood test is the only way to be sure diabetes is present, it makes both type 1 and type 2 diabetes able to sneak up on you. This is why knowing your diabetes risk is so important.

More Reasons to Know Your Diabetes Risk
Almost 10% of people in the U.S. have diabetes, and another 7 million are probably unaware they have it. There are 79 million prediabetics here.
One in 400 of people under 20 have diabetes. Over 20 years old the number becomes one in ten. Over 65 that number jumps to one in four.
More than half of diabetic death certificates list heart disease as the first cause. Diabetes is the leading cause of new blindness and kidney disease. Three out of four diabetics have nervous system disorders, also called neuropathy.
Over half of amputations not caused by trauma are done on diabetics. These are the things we diabetics who are getting older have to face as possibilities.
It has been proven over and over that early and sustained blood sugar control lowers the risk of complications. But if you are one of the 79 million who are blissfully unaware of your high blood sugar, the statistics are going to catch up with you.

Know Your Risk
The number one risk factor is your family history. Twins are used to assess this risk for both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. If one twin has type 1 diabetes the second has a 50% chance of having it also. If one twin develops type 2, the other has a 75% chance of becoming type 2 diabetic.
Genetics also plays a role in diabetes. For type 2 the risk increases if your family tree includes any of these genes: African American, Alaskan native, Native American, Asian American, Pacific Islander, or Hispanic/Latino.

The white European races have a higher risk of type 1 diabetes. And people who live in colder climates are more at risk for getting type 1. Finlanders have four times as many type 1 diabetics as we do in the U.S. and 400 times more than Venezuela.
Some viruses can trigger the autoimmune response that leads to type 1 diabetes. Some of these viruses can directly destroy pancreatic beta cells. The known viruses include Epstein-Barre, mumps and cytomegalovirus, and there are probably more.

Other possible risk factors haven't been proven conclusively but here are a few. Low vitamin D, not enough omega-3 fatty acids, nitrates in drinking water, and newborn jaundice seem to increase the risks for type 1.
The sooner you get on insulin and regulate your blood sugar levels, the fewer complications you will suffer in your eyes, heart, kidneys and neurological system. Right now there is no other treatment for type 1 diabetes.

A Type 2 Diabetic Risk Test
Since 90% of diabetics have type 2, here's a good risk test to take. If you fit any of these statements you should get your blood sugar tested, and not just once but every year or so. That way type 2 diabetes won't sneak up on you.

• I have a parent, brother or sister with type 2 diabetes.
• My family background includes one of the ethnic groups mentioned above for type 2.
• I am a woman who tested positive for diabetes when I was pregnant (gestational diabetes).
• I am a woman with PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome).
• My doctor says I have high blood pressure. It can be 140/90 or above.
• My doctors say my cholesterol is too high and my triglycerides are above 250 mg/dL.
• I exercise less than three times a week for less than 30 minutes at a time. I'm pretty inactive.
• I have a history of heart problems or artery disease.
• I've had an abnormally high blood sugar test in the past.
• I have a dark velvety rash around my neck or in my armpits.
• I'm overweight and my BMI is higher than it should be.

If Your Blood Sugar Test Says You're Prediabetic
Finding yourself with a fasting blood sugar over 80 on a glucose test does not make you a type 2 diabetic. It does mean you need to do things to lower your diabetes risk.

If you lower your weight by changing some of the things you eat, that will lower your risk immediately. And if you exercise more than 30 minutes a day several times a week, you will drastically change your diabetes risk.
Prediabetics over 60 who changed their lifestyle in these two ways reduced their risk by 71%. Under 60 prediabetics lowered their risk by 58%. Those are just averages. You might do much better.

It all depends on whether you will change. Becoming physically active every day is guaranteed to transform your life. But it is important to make reasonable goals for yourself.
Losing as little as 5-7% of body weight has been shown to reverse prediabetes. The changes you make to your diet can be small but they have to be sustained.
Remember three things and you'll succeed in beating prediabetes.

• Drastic changes usually don't last.
• Fad diets are hard to stick with.
• It's better to do things you like for exercise.

If You Are a Type 2 Diabetic
The advice given for lowering your diabetes risk will work double for you now. Lowering your weight, getting in shape, changing what you eat and being more active - those things have been known to reverse type 2 diabetes.

Be faithful in taking the medications you've been given, and don't skip or quit. Avoiding complications is a top priority for you now, so keep all of your doctor's appointments and get the tests they ask for.
You might try joining a clinical trial or two. They are a great way to monitor and improve your diabetic condition. All of the medications and exams will be free, and you'll get topnotch care. You'll learn a lot too.
If you are interested in clinical trials for diabetes, here's the official website to visit: http://www.ClinicalTrials.gov.

You Can Lower Your Risk for Diabetes
No matter what genetics and family history you were given, you can lower the risks and avoid the terrible complications of diabetes. Advice on a healthy diet and ways to make exercise a habit will help you in the beginning.
Once you've decided to change, you might find that fighting diabetes has put you onto a new and unexpected path. That's not always a bad thing. I hope this helps you, and I wish you well.

Martha Zimmer invites you to visit her website and learn more about type 2 diabetes, its complications and how you can deal with them, as well as great tips for eating healthy that will make living with diabetes less painful.

Go to http://www.a-diabetic-life.com and find out what you can do to avoid many of the pitfalls of this life-changing condition, like paying for cures that don't work and spending money for things you could have gotten free. Martha has made the mistakes and done the research so you don't have to.

By Martha J Zimmer 

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7077460

How Does Diabetes Affect My Teeth and Gums?

What is Diabetes Mellitus?
Diabetes is a lifelong (chronic) disease in which there is a high level of sugar in the blood. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas in your body to control this blood sugar. Diabetes thus, can be caused by too little insulin production, resistance to insulin, or both.

To understand diabetes, it is important to first understand the normal process by which food is broken down and used by the body for energy. Several things happen when food is digested:
A sugar called glucose is absorbed into the bloodstream. Glucose is a source of fuel for our body. The body now produces insulin. The role of this insulin is to move glucose from the bloodstream into muscle, fat, and liver cells, where it can be stored.Diabetics have high blood sugar because their body cannot move sugar into fat, liver, and muscle cells to be stored for energy.

Why does this happen?
Their pancreas either does not make enough insulin or the body cells do not respond to insulin normally.Both of the above ca also occur
There are three major types of diabetes:

Type 1 diabetes can occur at any age, but it is most often diagnosed in children, teens, or young adults. In this disease, the body makes little or no insulin. Daily injections of insulin are needed to control this. The exact cause is unknown.

Type 2 diabetes makes up most of diabetes cases. It most often occurs in adulthood, but teens and young adults are now being diagnosed with it because of high obesity rates. Many people with type 2 diabetes do not know they have it. In this type of Diabetes the cells of the body require higher insulin levels to clear the blood of sugar
Gestational diabetes is high blood sugar that develops at any time during pregnancy in a woman who does not have diabetes.

Complications of Diabetes:
Periodontitis: Periodontitis is an infection of the supporting structures of the teeth ie, the Alveolar bone the ligaments and the gingiva on top. Uncontrolled diabetics show increased levels of gum infections which results in early loss of their teeth. In uncontrolled diabetics there is increased production of advanced glycation end products.these do not allow the collagen to be remodeled therefore the collagen tends to break down at the slightest infection resulting in multiple abscess in the gums
Diabetic cardiomyopathy: damage to the heart, leading to diastolic dysfunction and eventually heart failure.
Diabetic nephropathy: damage to the kidney which can lead to chronic renal failure, eventually requiring dialysis. Diabetes mellitus is the most common cause of adult kidney failure worldwide in the developed world.

Diabetic neuropathy: abnormal and decreased sensation, usually in a 'glove and stocking' distribution starting with the feet but potentially in other nerves, later often fingers and hands. When combined with damaged blood vessels this can lead to a diabetic foot. Other forms of diabetic neuropathy may present as mononeuritis or autonomic neuropathy. Diabetic amyotrophy is muscle weakness due to neuropathy.
Diabetic retinopathy: growth of friable and poor-quality new blood vessels in the retina as well as macular edema (swelling of the macula), which can lead to severe vision loss or blindness.

Is there an association between gum disease and Diabetes?
For the nearly 50 million Indians that have diabetes, many may be surprised to learn about Periodontitis being an unexpected complication associated with this condition. Research shows that there is an increased prevalence of advanced gum disease called periodontitis among those with diabetes, The American Diabetic Association has added periodontitis to the list of other 5 established complications associated with diabetes, macro vascular disease such as heart disease, micro-vascular diseases, retinopathy, nephropathy (renal disease) and neuropathy.

If I have gum disease like Periodontitis will I have more diabetes?
Research is showing that when gum disease/ periodontitis is present it results in increased levels of TNF-alpha. The ability of the body to respond to insulin decreases therefore the patient requires a higher dose of insulin or oral hypoglycemic drugs to control their rising blood sugar levels. Research has also shown that once this gum disease is controlled the amount of medication required reduces.

Is There a Two-Way Street?
Yes,the relationship between serious gum disease and diabetes is two-way. Not only are people with diabetes more susceptible to serious gum disease, but serious gum disease may have the potential to affect blood glucose control and contribute to the progression of diabetes. Research suggests that people with diabetes are at higher risk for oral health problems, such as gingivitis (an early stage of gum disease) and periodontitis (serious gum disease). People with diabetes are at an increased risk for serious gum disease because they are generally more susceptible to bacterial infection, and have a decreased ability to fight bacteria that invade the gums.

Diabetics should get their periodontal health examined by a periodontist every 6 months.
If I Have Diabetes, am I at Risk for Dental Problems?
If your blood glucose levels are poorly controlled, you are more likely to develop serious gum disease and lose more teeth than non-diabetics. Like all infections, serious gum disease may be an important factor in causing blood sugar to rise. Other oral problems associated to diabetes include: thrush, an infection caused by fungus that grows in the mouth, and dry mouth which can cause soreness, ulcers, infections and cavities.

How Can I Help Prevent Dental Problems Associated with Diabetes?
First and foremost, control your blood glucose level. Get regular blood check ups done Then, take good care of your teeth and gums, along with regular checkups every six months.
Flossing every day helps prevent build up of plaque or tarter which results in gum disease. Care should be taken not to snap the floss between the gums as it will hurt the underlying gums.
Brushing should be done twice a day and care should be taken to reach all areas of the mouth or you can ask your dentist to correct your method.

Some dental patients complain of excessive dryness this can result in caries and fungal infections our specialists provide gels to prevent such dryness.
To control thrush, a fungal infection, maintain good diabetic control, avoid smoking and, if you wear dentures, remove and clean dentures daily.

Should I Tell My Dental Professional About My Diabetes?
Yes, people with diabetes have special needs.please inform us of changes in your condition and any medication you might be taking. Postpone any non-emergency dental procedures if your blood sugar is not in good control.

The most common complication for diabetics on the dental chair is hypoglycemia, due to the hypoglycemic medications.Please do not come empty stomach for appointments.
Prior to any major dental appointment it is required to get a glycated hemoglobin test done. This test tells us the blood sugar levels over a period of three months

With appropriate care and awareness on the part of the patient and doctor, Diabetes can be defeated.

The author is a cosmetic periodontist, assistant professor in Bangalore, India. and director of Smilechain group of clinics in India. Can be contacted at http://www.smilekraft.in or Director@smilekraft.in

By Sidharth Shankar  

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6893942

Should Diabetes Stop Your Enjoyment of Life?

With over 350 million people now suffering from diabetes on a worldwide basis, and tens of millions suffering in silence unaware of their condition, we can only imagine how many people will receive the news that they have diabetes in years to come. Standing in front of your doctor awaiting the results of a diabetes test could be one of the most challenging times of your life but should diabetes stop your enjoyment of life?

Diabetes today

Over the last 30 years we have seen a massive increase in the number of people suffering from diabetes with type II diabetes now more commonplace than ever. Indeed type II diabetes is seen by many as a "lifestyle condition" brought about by bad diet, lack of exercise and a generally unhealthy lifestyle. However, nothing is straightforward with regards to diabetes and ultimately there may be a number of different factors coming together to create the perfect environment for the condition to develop.
If we take a step back and look at the situation, diabetes is now regularly spoken of in the public domain as opposed 10 years ago when there was a great reluctance to admit you had diabetes. So, why shouldn't diabetes impact upon your life going forward?

Diagnosing diabetes

In years gone by many people would have been suffering from diabetes for potentially years unaware of the condition. They would likely have encountered bouts of serious illness, challenging medical conditions and in some cases possibly pushed to the edge of life. The situation today is very different with governments and charities around the world carrying out more and more tests for diabetes on a regular basis. As a consequence, as soon as you begin to show signs of diabetes the likelihood is that a test will be made available for you and you will be diagnosed with or without the condition much earlier than people have been in the past.

This element of the diabetes industry alone should improve your standard of living in the short to medium term but if we look longer term what is the situation?

Living with diabetes

As the number of diabetics around the world has doubled over the last 30 years we have seen a major increase in the number of treatments available, research programmes and equipment. Never has the diabetes industry been so well-equipped, been so well supplied and in many cases it is on the edge of the latest technology. There is an array of different injection systems available, different ways to control your blood sugars and indeed advice on diets is available on thousands of websites around the world.

Many experts take a very simple approach to living with diabetes suggesting that "a little of what you fancy" will not necessarily do you any harm. There are other opinions with regards to this particular subject with some experts preferring to look towards specialist diabetic foods, diabetic recipes and specific ways of life. However, on the whole there is a general feeling that if you are careful, monitor your blood sugar levels and you are sensible then diabetes should not stop you from enjoying your life.

Lifting the stigma

There has been a stigma attached to diabetes for many years now, it was often one of those conditions which was never spoken of in public. However, the internet has also brought together a variety of support groups able to offer help and assistance, from people who've been there and done it, which can be invaluable going forward. Just a relatively small number of tweaks to your everyday life can make a massive difference, can put your mind at rest and can ultimately protect you from any potential dangers going forward.

We must never underestimate the power of support, the power of talking and the power of advice from those who have been there and done it. Perhaps this is ever more so in the world of diabetes, a world which was often left in the shadows with little or no public recognition or major government investment.

Conclusion

If you look back 30 years ago you will see that the number of diabetics around the world has doubled. However, during this time we have also seen major improvements in treatment, diagnosis, support and advice. The life of a diabetic is very different today than it was 30 years ago, there is no reason why you cannot enjoy life to the max and do the majority of those things on your "to-do list"
.
If you dig deep with regards to diabetes you will see a variety of different levels of advice, from food to exercise, from testing to pregnancy and everything else in between. Many experts take a fairly simple approach to the condition suggesting that if you are careful and eat "a little of what you fancy" then there is no reason why diabetes could or should control your life. We are all different but there is no reason why diabetes should ever control your life.

If you are looking for advice about diabetes, the latest news or you are struggling to cope, visit the DiabetesForum.com and join our 25,000 strong forum community.

By NM Benson 

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7509122

Take Action Against Diabetes With The Help Of These Best Foods For Diabetes

The food you eat is one of the things that can get you into trouble with diabetes. If you are pre-diabetic or have diabetes, one of the ways to cure, control or prevent diabetes is to focus on foods that can help cure or reduce your risk of developing this chronic condition. It may seem like a monumental task to try to change your eating habits because let's face it, many bad foods are quite delicious. Despite this, you can make a change. Some of the best foods for diabetics are delicious too.

Before considering the best foods for diabetics, you need to consider what type of diabetes you have as well as what goals you are aiming for when making dietary changes.
Type I diabetes is not preventable and cannot be cured and requires daily insulin injections. Using diet to control type 1 diabetes is done in order to ensure that complications both long and short term are minimized by blood glucose levels normalization with the help of diet.

Type II diabetes on the other hand can not only be prevented but in some cases can be cured or the reliance on medications or insulin injections by the patient can be significantly reduced.
Making dietary changes for type II diabetes (and increasing daily physical activity levels) is with the aim of helping with weight reduction and help the patient maintain normal body weight. While the causes of type II diabetes are varied, one significant area that increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes is being overweight or obese.

Best Foods for Diabetics

1. Carbohydrates
The body needs carbohydrates that it turns into glucose which is the source of the energy or fuel required by the cells in the body. Carbohydrates are present in most foods except for meat, poultry and fish.
The two types of carbohydrates used by the body are derived from complex carbs (starches) such as beans, pasta, rice, etc. The second type of carbohydrates are known as simple carbohydrates which refer to sugars derived from fruits, vegetables, honey, white table sugar, etc.

If you are a diabetic, you should become well versed in carbohydrates. Diabetics should eat a diet that is higher in carbohydrates and complex carbohydrates in particular than any other type of food. Simple carbohydrates raise blood sugar levels much more quickly than complex carbohydrates (grains, beans, peas, peanuts, soybeans, potatoes, etc) which raise blood sugar levels very slowly.

Simple carbohydrates may not be entirely off limits for diabetics but this is something for you to discuss with your doctor as many "forbidden foods" such as white table sugar many not be completely off limits.
Carbohydrate counting is probably prudent for each diabetic. After a discussion with your doctor on how many carbs you need in a day, you can then decide what your daily mix of carbs will include. You may then be able to enjoy a candy bar here and there as long as you consider how much the candy bar will affect your daily allowable carbohydrate requirements in much the same way you would consider a cup of beans, cup of pasta, etc.

2. Fiber
The reason that complex carbs and whole grains are crucial for a diabetic is mainly because of the fiber content which is why refined "foods" are usually forbidden for a diabetic because they do are usually stripped of fiber and raise blood sugar levels very fast because foods are digested very quickly when they do not contain fiber.

Fiber has many health benefits including relieving constipation, reducing the risk of heart disease, lowering cholesterol, it can help with weight reduction, etc. Fiber rich foods are one of the best foods for diabetics because fiber can help to control blood sugar levels, so adopting a fiber rich diet is a must for anyone wanting to overcome or prevent diabetes.

There are two types of fiber and each of them is very important. The first type is known as soluble fiber and the second is known as insoluble fiber.
Soluble fiber
Soluble fiber which is found mainly in beans, oats, certain fruits and vegetables, etc, dissolves in water and turns into a gel in the stomach. The gummy consistency of insoluble fiber helps to slow down the digestion process. This slowing down helps to prevent spikes in blood sugar which is a very powerful role for diabetes cure or management as it helps to stabilize blood sugar levels by preventing glucose from being absorbed too quickly into the blood.

Spikes in blood sugar levels means that there will be excess amounts of glucose in the blood which the body may have trouble transferring to the various cells in the body or storing which could lead to complications and even death if very severe.
Another benefit of soluble fiber is that if you are dealing with insulin resistance which is a common feature of type 2 diabetes development, soluble fiber can help to increase the sensitivity of the body's cells to insulin so that the insulin is able to remove more glucose from the blood and distribute it to the various cells in the body.
Insoluble fiber

Insoluble fiber does not dissolve in water and passes through the body intact and helps to speed up the movement of food through the intestines which helps prevent constipation.
The insoluble fiber that is derived mostly from whole wheat as well as certain fruits and vegetables has been linked to a lower risk of diabetes.
Various studies have shown that those who consumed fiber rich ( or complex carbohydrate rich) diets were able to achieve and maintain normal blood sugar levels by as much as 90 percent for those with type 2 diabetes and 30 percent for those with type 1 diabetes.

An important feature of a high fiber diet is to ensure that you increase your water intake. Fiber needs a significant amount of water to move through the body and do what it needs to do. Increasing your water intake will also keep you well hydrated which is important for general health and wellbeing.
Consuming more fiber is also a great way to prevent developing diabetes if you have been diagnosed as being pre-diabetic.

3. Healthy fats
No two diabetic diets are ever the same. While one person with diabetes may be advised to consume less fat, another may be required to eat more fats (the healthy kind).
The amount of healthy fat content is something to discuss with your doctor but it has been discovered that some who ate less healthy fats and more carbohydrates may have unwittingly increased the levels of triglycerides in their bodies which has been linked to a greater risk of heart disease in diabetics. This is because fat and protein when compared to carbs, do not raise blood sugar levels quite as fast as the latter and this helps to reduce the levels of triglycerides.

If this is a risk for you, increasing your intake of healthy fats such as olive oil will not only lower blood sugar levels but will also reduce your heart disease risk. Healthy fats like those found in olive oil, avocados and various nuts, are also loaded with antioxidants which are also important for diabetes management as discussed below.

4. Vitamins and minerals
There are many complications that can arise from diabetes that can affect the nerves, eyes, blood vessels, etc, and certain vitamins can help promote healthier eyes, blood vessels, nerves, etc.
Foods containing vitamins C and E as well as the mineral zinc are some of the best foods for diabetics as these vitamins and minerals are known as antioxidants which help to prevent free radical damage to the cells in the body. Damage to the cells from free radicals can increase the risk of developing diabetes related complication such as nerve damage and heart disease. Antioxidants help to protect the cells from free radicals.

Many diabetics have also been found to be deficient in the mineral magnesium and this deficiency can increase the risk of diabetes related eye problems as well as heart disease. Magnesium deficiency has been linked to retina damage so increasing your intake of magnesium can help protect your eyes and your heart from any complications.
Chromium is another mineral that many people with diabetes are deficient in. Chromium is important because it can help the body better manage blood sugar levels. This mineral is found in broccoli, fortified breakfast cereals, grapefruit, etc.

Vitamins and mineral deficiencies are a common issue with people with diabetes so if you are not getting enough of these nutrients from your diet, a good supplement may work.
An important aspect of using food to cure, manage or prevent diabetes naturally is about finding a meal plan that works for you which combines these various elements - fiber, vitamins, minerals, fats, etc - in order to help control blood sugar levels either directly or indirectly.

Another aspect of trying to find and incorporate the best foods for diabetics [http://diabetestype1and2info.com/] into your diet is to ensure that instead of eating a few large meals a day, you need to instead eat several small meals each day in order to make it easier for your body to manage the glucose in your blood. Shoot for three small meals - breakfast, lunch and dinner - as well as two or three healthy snacks between these small meals. This will not only help with diabetes management but also weight control. For more on fighting diabetes naturally, visit [http://diabetestype1and2info.com/].

By Terry Robbins 

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8600538

Diabetes and Mouth Diseases

According to a study published in the Journal of the American Dental Association, the risk of tooth loss is greater among diabetics than for non-diabetics-especially among the elderly.
The study was based on an analysis of data for more than 2,500 Americans who were over 50 years of age. The researchers discovered that diabetics (both type 1 and type 2) were missing an average of nearly ten teeth each compared to less than seven teeth for non-diabetics.

They also found that diabetics are twice as likely to have lost all their teeth. Among the subjects of the study, 28% of the diabetics had no teeth at all, compared to just 14% of non-diabetics.
The study also discovered that, while those who have poorly controlled diabetes are most likely to experience tooth decay, even diabetics who have their disease under control are more likely to suffer from gum disease compared to non-diabetics.

Unless you have been in a fight, falling teeth are nearly always due to gum disease. However, the damage diabetes does to your mouth is not limited to falling teeth.

How diabetes affects your mouth and teeth
Your mouth includes your teeth, your gums, your jaw, and tissues such as your tongue, the roof and bottom of your mouth, and the inside of your cheeks. All of these can be affected by diabetes.
The most common problems diabetics get in their mouths are:

• tooth decay (cavities)
• early gum disease (gingivitis)
• advanced gum disease (periodontitis)
• thrush
• dry mouth (xerostomia)
• burning mouth syndrome

These problems are not confined to those of us who have diabetes, of course. It's just that being diabetic makes it more likely that you will suffer from one or more of these conditions.
Plaque
Your mouth naturally contains many types of bacteria, and your saliva contains glucose. The glucose nourishes the bacteria.
If you are failing to control your diabetes, the level of glucose in your saliva will be elevated, making it a rich medium in which harmful germs can grow.

The germs and saliva form a sticky film on your teeth called plaque which binds to the surface of your teeth. This happens whether you are diabetic or not.
You can also get plaque from consuming food or drink containing sugar or starches because these deposit residues as they pass through your mouth.
If you don't remove plaque regularly it will harden over time into a substance called tartar and collect under the gum line. Tartar makes it more difficult to brush between your teeth and it needs to be removed by regular cleaning using the correct technique.
Plaque affects your teeth and gums. Some types cause tooth decay or cavities. Other types of plaque cause gum disease, a very common form of infection.

Gum disease can happen more often, be more severe, and take longer to heal if you have diabetes. In turn, having gum disease can make your blood glucose hard to control. Some studies suggest that treating your gum disease can make it easier to control your blood glucose.

Tooth decay (cavities)
Plaque contains acids. These acids attack the hard, outer surface (enamel) of your teeth. This can create cavities or holes in the enamel.
The higher your blood glucose level, the greater the supply of sugars and starches in your food and drink, the more acid there will be eating away at your teeth. Thus diabetics who fail to control their blood glucose levels are more prone to cavities than non-diabetics.
Early gum disease (gingivitis)
The longer plaque and tartar remain on your teeth, the more they irritate the gingiva, the part of the gum around the base of the teeth. In time, your gums become red and swollen. Bleeding will often occur while you are brushing your teeth.

This is gingivitis, or inflammation of the gums. It is the first stage of gum disease. If it is not treated, you teeth will begin to decay.
You can avoid gingivitis by bushing and flossing your teeth daily, and by having your teeth cleaned regularly by your dentist.
Infections spread much more easily when you have diabetes and high blood glucose levels. Keeping your blood sugar under control reduces the rate at which this happens. Unfortunately, when your body begins to fight an infection, blood glucose levels usually rise in response thus accelerating the spread rate.
When gingivitis is not treated, it can develop into periodontitis, a much more serious form of gum disease which destroys the soft tissue and bone that support your teeth.

Advanced gum disease (periodontitis)
In periodontitis, the gums pull away from the teeth and form pockets or spaces which become infected. Your body fights the germs as the plaque spreads and grows below the gum line.
However, the germs and your body's response to the infection start to break down the bone and tissue that hold your teeth in place. Eventually, periodontitis causes your gums to pull away from your teeth. Your teeth will loosen and may even fall out.

Not only will your gums be red and swollen and prone to bleeding but you may have pus between your teeth and gums, as well as bad breath that you just can't get rid of.
In addition, your teeth may tend to move away from each other. You will probably notice changes in the way they fit together when you bite or the fit of your dentures is becoming uncomfortable.

The solutions range from deep cleaning by your dentist, through prescription medicines, to gum surgery. If periodontitis is not treated, the gums, bones and tissue that support the teeth will be destroyed and teeth will have to be removed.
Periodontitis tends to be more severe among people who have diabetes because diabetes lowers the ability to resist infection and slows healing.
An infection such as periodontitis may cause your blood sugar level to rise, which makes controlling your diabetes more difficult. Treating periodontitis, however, can help improve blood sugar control.

Thrush
Thrush in the mouth manifests itself as sore, white (sometimes red) patches on your gums, tongue, cheeks, or the roof of your mouth. These patches can turn into open sores.
Thrush is due to the spreading of a natural fungus. It is more common amongst people who have poor blood glucose control.
The solution is prescription medicines. If you wear dentures, removing them during the night and for part of the day may help, as will keeping them clean. If they don't fit well, get them fixed.
Dry mouth (xerostomia)
Dry mouth is a lack of saliva in your mouth, which raises your risk of gum disease and tooth decay.
You feel that your mouth is almost always dry. The feeling may come along with a dry, rough tongue, cracked lips, oral sores and infections, and difficulties chewing, swallowing, or talking.
Your doctor or dentist can prescribe medicine to keep your mouth wet. You also need to avoid tobacco, caffeine, alcohol and spicy or salty foods.
To increase the flow of your saliva you can use sugarless gum or mints or take frequent sips of water. Rinsing your mouth with a fluoride mouth-wash may help.

Burning mouth syndrome
This is a complex mouth problem in which you have a burning feeling in the mouth. Your mouth will feel dry and painful and will have a bitter taste. The symptoms may get progressively worse over the course of a day.
The cause of burning mouth syndrome is not known but is thought to be linked to nerve damage, painful dentures, hormonal changes, dry mouth, and a poor diet. The only solution is to seek medical advice.
How does smoking affect the mouth?
Tobacco products-cigarettes, cigars, and pipes-are bad for anyone's mouth. But if you have diabetes and smoke, you are increasing your risk of developing gum disease.
This is because smoking-besides causing cancer, cardiovascular diseases and lung diseases such as emphysema-can damage gum tissue and cause swollen or receding gums. It can also speed up bone and tissue loss, leading to falling teeth. Smoking contributes to the development of mouth ulcers and raises your chances of getting cancers and fungal infections in your mouth and throat.
In summary, smoking makes any problems you have within your mouth much worse. It also discolours your teeth and makes your breath smell bad.

Dental hygiene, diabetes, and cholesterol
Diabetes can cause excess cholesterol to build up in the bloodstream.
If your gums have an infection that isn't treated promptly, bacteria from the infected gums can flow into the bloodstream. This may speed up the rate at which your arteries are clogged by cholesterol, putting you at the front of the queue for a heart attack or stroke.
The only solution is to make sure that you control your diabetes, look after your teeth and your gums, and visit your dentist regularly.

Summary
People with poorly-controlled diabetes are more susceptible to dental problems.
They are more likely to have infections of their gums and the bones that hold the teeth in place, because diabetes can reduce the blood supply to the gums.
In addition, high blood sugar may cause dry mouth and make gum disease worse, because the decrease in saliva can cause an increase in tooth-decaying bacteria and the build-up of plaque.
Smoking exacerbates all these problems.

By Paul D Kennedy 
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8616135

Diabetes and Depression: Can Hypnosis Help?

Discussed in this article:
1) The Quiet Crisis Within Diabetes.
2) A Hidden Danger of Diabetes.
3) Are Physicians Aware Of This Danger?
4) Does Depression Cause Diabetes?
5) The Formation of Depression Post-Hypnotic Suggestions.
6) Summary
5) Next Issue Highlights.

The Quiet Crisis Within Diabetes

Depression is a 'quiet crisis' facing diabetics, their families and their health care providers. Financially and emotionally this crisis is exacting a terrible cost.

The purpose of this and following articles is to share important information about depression and how a hypnotist can responsibly and effectively help a diabetic with depression. This assistance will help to improve a diabetic's life by (a) reducing the suffering from this painful state of mind and being and (b) thus enhance their diabetes management skills which will therefore result in a state of enhanced health.

Bear in mind the importance of your contribution as a hypnotist. You can make an incredible difference because even a small reduction in a diabetic's long term blood sugar levels can result in a marked decrease in the likelihood of diabetic complications.

A Hidden Danger of Diabetes

A largely unknown hence, hidden danger of diabetes is that diabetics have twice the risk of non-diabetics for becoming depressed. Dr. Richard Surwit of Duke University states that: "Diabetes more than doubles the odds of suffering from depression at some point. One third of people with diabetes have been diagnosed with significant depression and 11 percent with major depression--twice the rate in the non-diabetic population (1)."

What is obvious and yet, not really obvious about the preceding statement is that being diagnosed with a major disease is traumatic. This, in and of itself, can lead to depression--never mind all the other contributing factors that are related to diabetes and depression.

For example, a contributing factor to depression in a diabetic can be their physiological state. As noted by Dr. Surwit, there is research indicating that high blood sugars cause biochemical changes in the brain that can lead to depression. (2)

Are Physician's Aware Of This Danger?

Physicians by and large, are extremely busy and the demands on them are greater than most can imagine. It is no wonder that many of them are simply not aware that their diabetic clients are two times more likely to suffer from depression. If they knew this, they would probably be more likely to refer their diabetic clients with poor blood sugar control to someone who could help.

When appropriate, a hypnotist can help in key ways because a hypnotist is trained to be a motivational coach and stress management consultant. One way a trained hypnotist can help a depressed person with diabetes will be explained later in this article. But first, let's look at an important question.

Does Depression Cause Diabetes?

This is an important question for many reasons. Probably one of the more compelling reasons to deeply consider this idea is because, if true to some degree, then it begs this question: Wouldn't the validity of this concept make the majority of treatment efforts inappropriate and/or ineffective to some degree? Consider the plight of many frustrated nurses and doctors who will attest that no matter what they do for their patients, nothing seems to work.

This statement is not meant to denigrate in any way the efforts of so many. It is meant to highlight the importance of timely consideration of the depression-diabetes connection before the cost for all concerned becomes not only debilitating, but also tragically unnecessary.

Consider this: Evidence, that will be discussed shortly, shows there is a strong connection between depression and diabetes. This is important because, unless diabetes treatment programs are sculpted to target a largely unaddressed cause and exacerbating feature of diabetes, many of those at risk will only become worse. Those at risk include person's with pre-diabetes as well as those with diabetes.
This pragmatic approach also prompts one to think about the idea that perhaps with re-targeted treatment methods, many of those with diabetes may actually experience a remission of symptoms. And, dwell on the idea of how many may be able to avoid developing diabetes.

Bear with me a moment while I explain. Untreated depression in those with diabetes is a personal tragedy for all family members but most especially children. I state this because children have no coping skills to handle the emotional burden of a depressed and diabetic parent.
Imagine being a child helplessly watching your mother (as in my case) being slowly, inexorably, taken apart emotionally and physically by the deadly combination of poorly controlled diabetes and untreated depression.

It is because of this searing pain that I am driven to reach whomever I can with my Diabetes Motivational Coaching TM training so that perhaps some little boy somewhere doesn't have to watch his mother go blind emotionally and physically.

I realize this may sound disingenuous or dramatic to some and I understand but I make no apologies because it is true. In fact, my feelings go far deeper than what I have communicated here. You see, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree and now that hypnosis has helped me to put my life on a previously undreamed of healthy course, my motivation is intensified because I think so many times: "What if my mother had been able to have access to these methods? How much better would her life be now?"

Now, to tie all this in to my point that perhaps an innovative approach can actually prevent diabetes: The challenge with current diabetic treatments is that no amount of chemical management (including anti-depressants as well as insulin, etc.) will ever ameliorate this significant cause of diabetes. (Depression) This is because these treatments do not address the root of the problem. Furthermore, no amount of medication given to one individual will ever prevent another from developing diabetes.

The last point seems odd until you consider a landmark Swedish study (3) in which it was discovered that there is a disturbingly high correlation between traumatic childhood life events (4) and diabetes-related auto-immune activity. This study involved 17,000 children born between 1997 and 1999. One of many conclusions in this study is that: "Experiences of serious life events (e.g., parental separation, serious illness, or death in the family) has been suggested to trigger type 1 diabetes(5) or the auto-immune process behind the disease.(6)"

An additional interesting point to take away from the preceding considerations is that current treatment programs treat one person. Limited efficacy and high cost. However, if a patient were to receive Diabetes Motivational Coaching TM then more than one person can receive the positive benefits because a healthier, non-depressed diabetic parent is less likely to have a precipitating influence on their child. Two for the price of one. A win-win situation from so many angles. Obviously more study is required but the premise is intriguing and the evidence it is based on is reasonably sound.

Another win-win benefit of appropriate, innovative treatment is that the exacerbating (and ultimately very costly) effects of depression on those with diabetes can likely be reduced or eliminated.
So, what can a properly trained hypnotist do? One key way a properly trained hypnotist can help is to reduce or eliminate depression in an individual (diabetic or not) by helping them to eliminate depression activating post-hypnotic suggestions.

The Formation of Depression Activating Post-Hypnotic Suggestions

A post-hypnotic response is a cause-effect belief program that powerfully dictates behavior. Another way to look at this is that when a specific stimulus becomes uniquely associated with a strong internal state, you have a post-hypnotic suggestion and effect. (stimulus/response)
For example, the physical lethargy and mental apathy that accompanies very high (or low) blood sugars can be a contributing factor to inappropriate cause-effect belief formation. To illustrate, let me share with this case: Shortly before I was diagnosed with diabetes, my cognitive functions were significantly reduced and my affect was severely depressed.

In layman's terms this means I felt like garbage due primarily to out of control blood sugar levels that were causing me to lose my vision as well as feel awful. (What is interesting to note is that diabetes and its attendant emotional/physical affects can go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed for years.)

Now, when a person has a strong emotional feeling, that affect state can then become associated with whatever situation and/or thoughts they are currently experiencing. I.E., uncontrolled diabetic consequences coupling with a relationship break-up, a job loss or any other stressful situation. These are common events but note that even a small, insignificant incident can also be implicated. This confluence of events is called an I.S.E. or Initial Sensitizing Event. (Please note that, as in the case of many phobias, some initial sensitizing events can have a profound post-hypnotic impact after only one learning event.)

The next stage in deepening the power of this erroneous belief programming occurs when a person is next exposed to the same stimuli that were initially associated with a powerful, negative state of mind.
The result? Generally, with enough repetition and enough time, feelings can become facts cognitively and physically. And then, a pseudo-depression cycle is perpetuated.
As a quick illustration imagine a large spider near your foot. Now, if you are a person who becomes upset when big, hairy spiders with lots of eyes and big fangs are near you, then your body will respond to some degree.

Now, imagine being unconsciously reminded (triggered or post-hypnotically influenced) to thinking and therefore feeling, many times a day that there is a nasty spider about to crawl up your leg. Ultimately, this could become a panic disorder that can even attach itself to unrelated objects and/or events. In fact, this is not uncommon.

Hopefully, this example will help to illustrate why I call it pseudo-depression. I do this because the belief syllogism is: "I feel depressed (like garbage) therefore there must be reasons."
And, when feelings happen, a person must make sense out of their world. So, they justify this unconscious, powerful, emotional experience with a conscious understanding that usually takes the form of inappropriate cause-effect associations. I.E., "I am feeling depressed because of my job--spouse--life--" or whatever seemingly reasonable explanation is available.

In other words, one's feelings of depression can be in part or whole, built on erroneous beliefs or, post-hypnotic suggestions. Therefore, all a depressed person may need are the tools and coaching in order to be able to disable erroneous cause-effect belief programs.
To finalize this point, please consider a quote from Breaking The Patterns of Depression, by Michael D. Yapko, Ph.D.:

"For most people, depression is the product of a hurtful way of interpreting and responding to life experiences."

Summary
In this article I have attempted to share information that will raise awareness on a number of different levels. If you are a person with diabetes and you are hitting a 'wall', consult with your physician to discover whether or not you have depression.

If you are a nurse or physician and you have patients who don't seem to want to take care of themselves, then perhaps there are hidden forces at work. And, there are alternatives that you may not have been aware of before now.

If you are a hypnotist and you wish to help those with diabetes, please remember four things:

1) You must always obtain a fully informed referral from your client's doctor. If you suspect your client is depressed, never diagnose. In fact, if you think they are depressed, it is incumbent upon you that you suggest they see their physician for an official assessment before you can help them further. Be sure to obtain an additional referral so that you can help them appropriately with their depression if your help is suitable. If you feel you cannot help, don't.

2) Should a physician or nurse, have time to chat with you, please remind them that if you are only allowed one approach to helping their patient, stress management alone can produce incredible blood sugar lowering benefits over time. This is attested to by an article in a January, 2002 issue of Diabetes Care in which a study done by Dr. Surwit shows that: "stress management techniques, when added to standard care, helped reduce glucose levels". Surwit notes also that: "The change is nearly as large as you would expect to see from some diabetes-control drugs".

3) By acting in a responsible manner as part of your client's health care team, you can in your way, make a big difference, even if only by reducing stress. Please note that stress is a contributing factor to depression. Therefore, as your client is reducing their stress levels they may also experience a reduction in depression. This will in turn create a need for your client to reduce their diabetic medication needs . This is because there is evidence that a reduction in depressive symptoms correlates with a reduction in blood sugar. This was demonstrated in a study conducted by Patrick Lustman, a psychologist at Washington State University School of Medicine in St. Louis.

4) Finally, before helping a person with diabetes or depression, you really need to know a great deal about both subjects.

By Devin Hastings 

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/71046

Diabetes Treatment - The 3 Fundamental Pillars You Need to Know

You may feel afraid and puzzled when the doctor diagnoses you with diabetes. Nevertheless, as soon as you know what it is and how to deal with it, you will feel better. Notwithstanding, even if you feel fine, it is important that you take your condition seriously and immediately start your diabetes treatment.

SO WHAT IS DIABETES?
If you are diabetic, your body is unable to use insulin properly, or even incapable of making enough insulin. Insulin helps you move glucose (sugar) from your bloodstream into the cells of your body, to produce energy for its functioning. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas, without which sugar can not enter the cells and thus builds up in the bloodstream.

WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF DIABETES?
PRE-DIABETES
There is a condition named "pre-diabetes". People with pre-diabetes have higher than normal levels of blood sugar, though not quite as high as those with diabetes. This is a warning sign to urge one to make a lifestyle change to prevent type 2 diabetes. In the United States alone more than 50 million people have pre-diabetes, studies reveal.

TYPE 1 DIABETES
Then there is type 1 diabetes, which is an autoimmune disease. The immune system attacks the beta cells in your own pancreas, the cells that produce the insulin, and this causes the pancreas to make too little insulin or stop making it at all. This type of diabetes is more common among whites than it is among people of other races.

TYPE 2 DIABETES
Type 2 diabetes is the most common type. According to the CDC, in the United States alone more than 20 million people are affected by this condition. Type 2 diabetes occurs when your body cannot properly use the insulin that it produces itself. This condition is called insulin resistance. This usually happens when you are overweight, and body fat makes it harder to use the insulin your body produces. There may be other risk factors, including aging, physical inactivity, race, family history of type 2 diabetes, etc.

GESTATIONAL DIABETES
Another type of diabetes occurs when blood sugar levels during pregnancy are higher than pre-pregnancy levels. This is called "gestational diabetes", and its causes are not well known at the present. Some experts' opinion is that the hormones produced by the placenta interfere with the mother's capacity to use her own insulin. If this type of diabetes is not carefully controlled, the baby may be affected. Fortunately, gestational diabetes is usually caught in an early stage and the baby does not suffer any complications.

DIAGNOSIS OF THE TYPE OF DIABETES
To determine what type of diabetes a person has, there are two different tests to be used. The FPG test (fasting plasma glucose), in the first place, measures the glycemia level after fasting for an eight hour period. The other one, the OGTT (oral glucose tolerance test), measures the glycemia level after drinking a standardized drink, rich in glucose. Glycemia levels are then tested several times over a period of four hours.
Just a few years ago type 2 diabetes was referred to as "adult onset diabetes". However, an increasing number of teenagers and even children are diagnosed with this type of diabetes, as juvenile obesity increases. Type 1 diabetes used to be known as "juvenile diabetes", but every day more adults are being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Diabetes mellitus is no longer called "sugar diabetes". So you see that many old terms for diabetes are not relevant anymore.

WHAT YOU MUST DO IF YOU ARE DIAGNOSED WITH DIABETES
Although being a frightening situation, receiving a diagnosis of diabetes can be, on the other hand, an excellent opportunity to adopt healthier habits and the decision to take control of your own overall well-being and choose, as soon as possible, the right diabetes treatment you need. If you are a type 1 diabetic, you will need insulin each and every day. If you have type 2 diabetes, or gestational or pre-diabetes, you probably will not need insulin.

Anyway, no matter what the type of diabetes you have, you don't need to live a miserable life, full of restrictions and sufferings. You might be able to improve your condition with the appropriate lifestyle modifications including diet, weight control, exercise and nutritional supplements.
Keeping glycemia level under control is key. Maintaining it in the correct range is the first mandatory step. Scientific studies have consistently shown that attaining this goal helps minimize the risk of complications. Strict blood sugar control drastically reduces the chances of suffering most of the diabetes-related complications: kidney, eye and nerve diseases.

A crucial issue here is the way you deal with food. Healthy eating habits can help diabetics control their weight and thus control their diabetes more easily. Among the diets for diabetics, I would recommend the low glycemic index diets (low GI diets), which help maintain body weight and blood sugar in the right levels. It is important for the diabetic to follow a heart-healthy diet, with high complex carbs content, high fiber and low fat content, to prevent hypertension and high cholesterol.

BOTTOM LINE: THE THREE FUNDAMENTAL PILLARS
People can control their type 1 diabetes with a combination of a healthy diet, frequent exercise, the appropriate nutritional supplements, and of course insulin.
People with anyone of the other types of diabetes may be able to keep their glycemia under control, and even reverse their diabetes with just diet, exercise and supplements, the three fundamental pillars of any diabetes treatment.

JOSE TALAVERA - Health advisor. Diabetes expert, consultant and author. If you like this article, please visit the web site below for more advice and resources for diabetics:

By Jose Talavera 

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/2819632

Diabetes and Exercise - Why the Connection is Vitally Important

Almost twenty-one million people in the US are living with diabetes and an estimated 6.2 million of these people don't know that they have diabetes because they are undiagnosed. People with diabetes, on average, have medical expenditures that are 2.3 times higher than non-diabetics, according to the American Diabetes Association. Another study in Population Health Management estimates that diabetes is costing our nation $218 billion dollars in health care every year. Yet, most diabetes cases are preventable or reversible through exercise, weight loss, and healthy living.

I find myself wondering. What if the 6.2 million people who were undiagnosed knew they had diabetes? Or the estimated 57 million Americans with Pre-Diabetes were educated on how they could mange their health and avoid becoming a Type 2 Diabetic?
Being diagnosed as Pre-Diabetic does not mean that Type 2 diabetes is inevitable. If you lose weight and increase your physical activity, you can prevent or delay diabetes and even return your blood glucose levels to normal (ACSM 2006). (See sidebar for diabetes terms defined)
This is a very important point that many people do not understand - if you exercise and lose weight you can prevent or delay diabetes.

Do you know the signs of diabetes? Take a look around you. Do you see any signs of diabetes in your friends and family right now? (See sidebar for common signs of diabetes) It is very possible that there are people that are diabetic (or will become diabetic) around you every day. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that one in three Americans may develop diabetes in their lifetime. Those statistics are staggering and PREVENTABLE for most.

What about Type 2 diabetics that have been diagnosed? What if we educated them that through diet and exercise they could reduce their medication or eliminate it? What would this do for our health care crisis? I know that we'd first have to break through many myths, magic solutions, and limiting beliefs. The pharmaceutical companies won't be happy with me letting this secret out either. But, what the heck, our health care system is in a crisis! Our Nation is sick! There, I said it. So let's get down to the business of taking some personal responsibility for our health.
Many of you who are trying to understand diabetes and take responsibility for your health immediately have several questions:

o Should you cut out sugar?
o Is your weight putting you at risk?
o If you are skinny, you don't have to worry, right?
o Can exercise and diet really help YOU?
o How do I control blood sugar levels?
And then there are the issues that you might not even know to ask about:
o Having diabetes for more than five years can increase your likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease
o Regular exercise can make you more sensitive to insulin, which can reduce medication dosages

First, let's talk about insulin, the prime medication that keeps diabetics functioning and then you can see the answers clearly to your questions.

How does insulin work? Insulin is the main hormone that controls the entry of blood sugar from the blood stream into the cells of the body to be used as energy. How does exercise influence the insulin hormone? Exercise has an insulin-like effect on the body. When exercising, your muscles require a steady flow of sugar to keep contracting and keep you moving. Exercise increases the rate at which your muscles take up the sugar from your blood stream; so exercise acts the same as insulin by emptying the excess sugar in your blood stream into your muscles. This action, therefore, lowers your blood sugar. One twenty minute walk a day can lower glucose levels by twenty points.

Here is a great example to explain insulin's function in your body. Think of insulin as a bus for a moment. Glucose (sugar) is the passenger. There are two types of diabetics. Type 1 diabetics manufacture no insulin (or have no bus), which, according to the Center for Disease Control, is 5% - 10% of all diagnosed cases. The second type (Type 2), have insulin resistance, which means the bus is there, but it is not picking up passengers and, there are less buses running the route. According to the Center for Disease Control, Type 2 diabetes accounts for 90%-95% of all diagnosed cases.

When you exercise, your muscles work harder than usual and require more fuel than usual; so your muscles send out their own buses to pick up the sugar in the bloodstream and carry it back to the muscles. Working muscles take over for insulin and (for Type 2 diabetics) they can even show the buses (insulin) how to work again (pick up passengers).
Exercising has many benefits for a diabetic. It increases glucose uptake by the cells, improves insulin sensitivity by improving glucose metabolism and reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease. Reduction of blood glucose levels improves insulin sensitivity by making it more effective. Exercise may reduce dosage requirements or need for medication and improve the ability to lose and/ or maintain body weight if combined with an intuitive diet. (See sidebar for Safe Exercise Check List)

There are many popular myths about diabetes. Here are a few that I hear often.
Myth #1 - Diabetics can't eat sugar or sweets and the only reason they have diabetes is because they ate too much sugar. Yes, simple carbohydrates or sweets do raise your blood glucose levels but if you eat them in moderation and make them part of your meal plan, you can safely eat an occasional sweet
Myth #2 - If I'm skinny I'm fine. Diabetes is only a disease that obese people get.
 
Not completely true, 20% of people with Type 2 Diabetes are slim. Yes, being obese does put you at risk for Type 2 Diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. The key thing to remember is that there is not an atypical "diabetes" body type, genetic trait, race, age or gender. Type 2 diabetes is caused by lifestyle choices and diabetes is a disease to take seriously.
Myth #3 - There is no natural remedy for Diabetes. If I take insulin or insulin sensitivity drugs I can continue with my same lifestyle choices and be alright. Well there is a natural remedy, it is called exercise and balanced eating. You can keep a tight control on diabetes by monitoring your glucose levels, combining exercise with balanced eating, or use medication.

Myth #4 - Well I'm only borderline and 170 mg/dl blood sugar reading is normal for me. You may feel normal being a diabetic but high glucose levels are not safe. There is no such thing as borderline. You either are a diabetic or you are not a diabetic. This is a serious disease that requires you to take personal responsibility for your body. There is serious health complications associated with diabetes, especially when you are stressing your body with high blood sugar levels. You have to start to make lifestyle changes so that you can live a quality life over the long term.

Myth #5 - Exercise! What can that do for me? Blah! Blah! Healthy Lifestyle Blah! Yeah, Yeah, I know. The American Diabetic Association recommends 150 minutes of exercise a week. This is exercise of 20-60 minutes, in continuous sessions, 3-5 times a week. The Diabetes Prevention Study revealed that exercising for a total of two hours a week can reduce the risk of developing diabetes by 50%, that can be as little as 20 minutes, 6 days a week. Take a short, ten minute walk before and after work and you can prevent diabetes or lower your glucose levels.

The fact is, over 90% of diabetes cases are preventable and can be maintained with some natural remedies such as exercising, healthy eating, and/or combined with low doses of medication without tapping into our health care system to the tune of $218 billion. Start gradually and exercise a little everyday until you build up to the recommended guidelines. Eat a balanced, healthy diet and lose the all or nothing approach. Get educated about your disease, determine what your beliefs are about diabetes and make lifestyle changes starting today. (See sidebar Want to Learn More)
Diabetes is serious but you can do something about it!
Side Bars:

Diabetes Terms Defined
o Type 1 = Auto immune disease that destroys insulin producing cells in the pancreas. The body cannot manufacture its own insulin because the beta cells of the pancreas that are responsible for insulin production are destroyed. About 5-10% of all diagnosed cases (CDC 2005)

o Type 2 = body loses its sensitivity to insulin so the body's cells are unable to utilize insulin properly (also knows as insulin resistance or adult onset diabetes). About 90% - 95% of all diagnosed cases (CDC 2005)

o Pre-Diabetes = If you have a fasting plasma glucose test (FPG) and your levels are 100 mg/dl to 125 mg/dl you are diagnosed as showing signs of becoming a diabetic unless you make some lifestyle changes

o Gestational Diabetes = When pregnancy hormones interfere with the mothers insulin, causing glucose levels to rise. This is a form of insulin resistance that in most cases ends with the birth of the child.

o Metabolic Syndrome = A combination of medical disorders that increases the risk factors of developing cardiovascular disease, obesity, hypertension, low high-density lipoprotein (HDL), high cholesterol levels and elevated plasma triglyceride levels.

o Hypoglycemic = abnormally low blood sugar levels which could be caused by excessive insulin, or your diet. Signs would be: trembling or shakiness, nervousness, rapid heart beat, increased sweating, headache, impaired concentration or attentiveness, unconsciousness and coma

o Hyperglycemic = abnormally high blood sugar levels. Signs would be: frequent urination, great thirst, nausea, abdominal pain, dry skin, disorientation, labored breathing, and drowsiness.

Do you know the signs of diabetes? Some very telltale signs include:
 
o frequent thirst, hunger and urination
o weight loss
o fatigue
o crankiness
o frequent infections
o blurred vision
o cuts/ bruises that are slow to heal
o tingling and numbness in hands and feet
o recurring skin, gum and bladder infections

Safe Exercise Check List

o Get physician clearance before starting any exercise program
o Test your blood glucose level before exercise, immediately after exercise, and again two hours after exercise
o Follow general guidelines for a safe exercise session; warm-up, cool-down, stretch, adhere to an intensity of Type 1 (3 to 5 RPE) and Type 2 (3 to 6/7 RPE), drink plenty of water
o Wear well-fitting, well cushioned, supportive shoes
o Wear polyester or cotton polyester socks so that your feet stay dry and minimize trauma to the foot
o Avoid strenuous, high-impact or static activity unless specifically approved by your doctor
o Carry a carbohydrate snack with you of 10-15 grams of carbohydrate
o Wear identification that tells others you have diabetes in case of a hypoglycemic response http://www.n-styleid.com
o Know and monitor signs of exercise induced hypoglycemia
o Do not exercise if 250 mg/ dl blood glucose levels or if you have ketones in your urine
o If you have autonomic neuropathy, peripheral neuropathy, neuropathy, retinopathy or any other related conditions to diabetes, you must get a doctors approval before starting an exercise program. These conditions require specific and strict guidelines.
o Exercise with a partner until you know your response to exercise
o Always check your feet before and after exercise for lesions
o Drink plenty of water. A good rule is to take a mouthful or two at least every fifteen minutes
Want to Learn More? Additional Resources:
o Living Free! CD and Workbook System http://www.livingfreediabetes.com

By Kimberly Searl 

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3395906

Tips On Controlling Diabetes With Diet And Exercise

Controlling diabetes with diet and exercise is something that every diabetic is tasked with because the alternative is bleak. Medications or insulin shots can only do so much. Diet and exercise allow you to lessen the effects of diabetes on your body and life and help you thrive even with this diagnosis. In the case of type 2 diabetes, diet and exercise may even allow you to reverse this type of diabetes. Get in the game. Fight for your life and health. Diet and exercise is the best way to accomplish this.

The Outlook is Bleak
Not taking a proactive approach to diabetes treatment will lead to kidney disease, heart disease, blindness, high blood pressure, stroke, infections and wounds that are slow to heal or never heal, limb amputation and even falling into a diabetic coma when severe. Controlling diabetes with diet and exercise is one of the best ways to ensure that this is not your present and future.
But you need not be afraid or feel powerless because simple changes to your lifestyle can produce amazing results and you will be able to live a long and productive life even if you have the more serious type 1 diabetes which is not curable or preventable.

Controlling Diabetes with Diet and Exercise

1. Controlling Diabetes with Diet
The word "diet" has such negative connotations and at the mere mention of it, many people recoil. At the mention of the word, most people think it means that you won't be able to eat anything you like, or anything delicious, or will be starving and so forth.
But when a diet for diabetes is talked about, it simply means a well thought out plan for eating. In some cases, you may even be able to still eat some "bad" foods on occasion as long as you are aware of how they will impact your diabetic eating plan and what adjustments you may need to make when you eat these "bad" foods so that your blood sugar levels do not go crazy and cause you problems.

In addition, creating a proper diabetes eating plan will help you get a better understanding of how various foods impact blood sugar levels which will help you make the decision on which foods to eliminate and which to include. For instance, soft drinks, refined grains, etc, have been shown to increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and also increasing inflammation in the body. Knowing this will help you make the choice to eliminate soft drinks (regular and diet) and hopefully encourage you to drink more water and to select complex carbs in placed of processed foods made from refined grains.

It is important to remember that a healing diabetes diet will vary from one diabetic to another. You have to find the diet that will work for you. Some diabetics may be able to eat certain foods whereas another many have to eliminate that food. There isn't one diet that will work in all cases. One may need to follow a low fat, high carbohydrate diet while another may need to follow a low carbohydrate, high vegetable diet, etc. Find what works for you.

While you may be confused about what to eat and what to avoid, you should be prepared to experiment with various recommended foods to see which ones raise your blood sugar levels and which ones help to normalize it.
To find which foods are best for controlling blood sugar, you need to monitor your blood sugar levels for a period of time such as two to three weeks. Measure your blood glucose levels first thing in the morning, after breakfast, after meals as well as snacks and also before you go to bed. Also measure the sugar levels before and after physical activity.

Once you have an understanding of how your blood sugar levels are affected, you will then be in a better position to create a diet plan that works for you and helps heal your body naturally.

2. Controlling Diabetes with Exercise
The other aspect of controlling diabetes is exercise. It is amazing how effective exercise can be against type 2 diabetes especially. The best thing you can do against diabetes is exercise. It is also the least expensive when you consider how much you have to spend on diabetes medications, insulin injections, etc. Effective exercise can be as simple as a walk or run, swimming, dancing, cycling, etc.
Moderate exercise performed consistently that leads to modest weight loss has been shown to prevent insulin resistance that can lead to pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes.

Those who have diabetes also benefit from regular exercise as exercise can not only help control blood glucose levels but can also help prevent serious complications from diabetes.
Exercising regularly is one of the best ways to improve insulin sensitivity. Insulin resistance is one of the main issues with the development of type 2 diabetes and results from the body not recognizing the insulin that is produced by the body which keeps glucose in the blood and not removed from the blood and transferred to the cells where it is needed for energy which ends up starving the cells in the body.

By improving insulin sensitivity with the help of exercise, this glucose will be removed from the blood by insulin and transferred to the cells and used more efficiently by the cells without any issues which will help to manage blood glucose levels.
Exercise (and diet) is also the best way to control weight. Type 2 diabetes has reached epidemic levels and the main culprit is obesity as it has been found that at least 80 percent of type 2 diabetes patients and those with pre-diabetes have been found to be obese. It is believed that obesity can lead to insulin resistance which increases the risk of developing pre-diabetes and type II diabetes.

It is also important to monitor blood sugar levels before and after exercise. If you have type I diabetes, you will need to make sure that you do not overly exert yourself to the point of becoming hypoglycemic which is a state of low blood sugar. Low blood sugar can lead to fatigue, dizziness, sweating, headaches, trembling and if severe, consciousness can be lost as well as falling into a coma.
Those with type II diabetes though they have more leeway with exercise, should still monitor their blood sugar levels before and after exercise.

If you are on medication, you need to work with your doctor to make the necessary adjustments to your exercise regimen. In addition, diabetics who deal with neuropathy need to ensure that the nerve endings in the feet are protected. High impact running or jogging may not be advised in cases of neuropathy.
Dehydration is another area for diabetics to be concerned about when exercising since frequent urination is one of the symptoms of diabtes.

High impact exercise can also affect the capillaries in the eyes that have been weakened by diabetes. If you have eye problems due to diabetes, make sure that the exercise selected will not make vision problems worse or cause rapture which can occur especially if you use weights.
Talk to your doctor before beginning any exercise program and set realistic goals in order to avoid too high or too low blood sugar levels as well as the other issues that exercise may cause in people with diabetes. Start small and gradually build up.

Exercise is an important component of diabetes management and many of its other benefits include helping to lower blood pressure, raising good cholesterol (HDL) levels, strengthening bones, toning the heart and other muscles, eliminating stress, weight loss, strengthening the respiratory system, etc.

Do it no matter how you feel. You will feel better and after you finish you will fill like you can conquer the world including diabetes!

Controlling diabetes with diet and exercise [http://diabetestype1and2info.com/reverse-your-diabetes-today-by-matt-traverso-book-review-reverse-diabetes-in-less-than-30-days/] is one of the most effective ways to deal with a diabetes diagnosis. For more ways on how to eliminate type 2 diabetes or manage type 1 diabetes naturally, visit [http://diabetestype1and2info.com/reverse-your-diabetes-today-by-matt-traverso-book-review-reverse-diabetes-in-less-than-30-days/].

By Terry Robbins

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8634262

Home Remedies for Diabetes - 4 Rookie Ways to Reverse Diabetes Naturally

Diabetes means a high level of blood sugar and it is also characterized by the excretion of the surplus glucose through urine. The major cause of diabetes is lack of insulin or completely no insulin.

 There are more cases of diabetes and the numbers of diabetes sufferers are increasing nowadays. As a diabetic, you need to consider home remedies for diabetes to tackle it. Even young people are found with diabetes. In case you doubt whether you have normal blood sugar level, then you can find it out by doing blood glucose level test. This disease is more common in those who are overweight.

Following a right lifestyle is very important if you want to keep blood sugar under control. You must know about the right ways of treating diabetes. Ensure that you don't do anything that raises the blood sugar level in your body. Let me tell you about the ways that you can take for diabetes treatment.
Some of The Home Remedies for Diabetes Are:

1. Off all the home remedies that have proved helpful in reversing diabetes, the most vital is the use of bitter gourd. It has lately been established that bitter gourd contains a hypoglycaemic or insulin-like principle, designated as 'plant insulin', which has been found helpful in lowering the blood and urine sugar levels. It should, therefore, be included in the diet of the diabetic. For better results, the diabetic must take the juice of about 4-5 karelas each morning with eating. The seeds can be added into your food in a powdered form. Diabetics can as well make use of bitter gourd in form of a decoction by boiling the pieces in water or in form of dry powder. One of the good home remedies for diabetes is bitter gourd.

2. Another diabetes home remedy is to add bitter melon in your diet. For three months eat one dish made from bitter melon. Bitter melon possesses various chemicals such as charantin, peptides resembling insulin and several alkaloids. Due to these constituents, bitter melon is quite widely used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus. This will help in keeping the blood glucose level in control.

3. The tender leaves of the mango tree are very helpful in treating diabetes. An infusion is prepared by soaking 15 gm of fresh leaves in 250 ml of water overnight, and squeezing them very well in the water in the morning. It should be taken every morning to manage early diabetes. As an option, the leaves should be dried in the shade, powdered and preserved for use when required. Half a teaspoon of this powder should be taken 2x on a daily basis.

4. Take fenugreek, bitter melon and gooseberry together in equal amount. Dry them in sun for few days and then grind them into fine powder form. Take this powder 3x daily. Combining bitter melon, gooseberry and fenugreek together will make great home remedies for diabetes. This will help you to control the diabetes if you will follow this for about a month and see the difference.

The pancreas is, in a sense, the 'shock organ' of the stomach. If you fill yourself with acidic foodstuffs, the stomach is going to pump all that directly into the pancreas.
Diabetes is due to the breakdown of the pancreas by an over-acidification of your system. By alkalizing and energizing your body you can slowly rebuild your pancreas. With your pancreas functioning optimally, you no longer experience the symptoms associated with 'Diabetes'.

Diabetes is an illusion. Your lifestyle has created an imbalance within your body that is throwing it into 'survival mode'.

Your diabetes isn't going away on its own...

You may think shooting insulin is the answer. After all, your doctor said so.
The fact is there are more effective methods for controlling your blood sugar and wiping diabetes out of your life permanently, in 4 weeks or less, without insulin injections and without drugs. You can do it naturally with supplements, whole-foods and special recipes that attack diabetes at the core, obliterating it for good. Click Home Remedies For Diabetes to control your blood sugar level now.

By Mathew Benson
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6987601

Diabetic Food: Good to Tackle Diabetes

Diabetes has become a modern day epidemic due to our current lifestyle and eating habits. Frequent and increased consumption of fatty foods coupled with a decrease in physical activity as well as our increasingly sedentary lifestyles has led to a dramatic increase in Diabetes.

Diabetes is considered as a chronic disease that is caused due to a lack of insulin in the body. There are three major reasons for the lack of insulin in a person's body and based on that Diabetes is classified as Type 1 Diabetes, Type 2 Diabetes and Congenital Diabetes. In Type 1 Diabetes, the body fails to produce insulin due to loss of insulin producing beta cells in the pancreas which leads to an insulin deficiency. Type 2 Diabetes is a condition in which cells fail to use insulin properly. Type 2 is the most common form of Diabetes. The third type of Diabetes is Congenital Diabetes, which is due to genetic defects.

For diabetic patients it is essential to check the glycemic index (GI) as it provides a measure of how quickly blood sugar levels rise after eating a particular type of food. It is essential for diabetic patients to improve their eating habits ensuring that their blood sugar level does not peak or dip. It is recommended that patients take plenty diabetic food which has proteins, nutrients and vegetables in their diet to ensure a stable GI.

A healthy diet plays a very important role in keeping diabetes under check and that is the reason why doctors recommend immediate changes in diet and lifestyle to those diagnosed with Diabetes. Generally diabetic patients are recommended milk, vegetables, grains, meat and eggs. It is advised that diabetics carefully monitor their carbohydrate intake to maintain a stable GI. As part of this strategy, Diabetics must ensure that they eat small meals at regular intervals rather than one or two big meals. It is also advisable to replace food with high fats and carbohydrates with diabetic food products such as diabetic sweeteners, sugar free drinks, sugar free food etc which are widely available these days.

Along with this there are several diabetic supplements that help in regulating the actions of insulin in maintaining blood sugar levels. Some of the popular supplements for the treatment of diabetes are Ginseng, garlic, omega-3 fatty acids and magnesium. These dietary diabetic supplements are available in various forms, including tablets, capsules, softgels, liquids, powders, and bars.

Doctors recommend diabetics to follow the Glycemic Index Diet or G.I. Diet as it helps keep the Glycemic Index in check by avoiding foods such as white bread or potatoes, cooked in certain ways and adding more whole grains and multi grain products to your diet. Another diet plan that is recommended for diabetics is the Low Carb Diet. In this diet patients gradually decrease carbohydrates from their diet. As carbohydrates are the major influence on blood sugar levels, less carbohydrates helps maintain a low and stable GI and ultimately, helps in the better management of diabetes.

Diabetes is a lifestyle disease and it is important to not only change our diet but our entire lifestyle to manage it. Doctors recommend that along with changing our food habits, we should also increase the amount of exercise we take to better manage diabetes.

The Author is well known Diabetologist and gives advice on glucose control, cholesterol management, and other diabetic related problems. Moreover, he expands his knowledge by surfing & writing articles on diabetic food supplements and other diabetic care products available in the markets. Also his reviews on diabetic products are many times published in news papers and well known magazines. Hope his articles help.

By Krishna Ramakant Mathur 

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7526671

5 Types of Diabetes You Should Know About

The energy from glucose helps us perform different work and maintains the functions of the body. There are actually many different types of diabetes which have been found to be affecting the human body. Lack of knowledge and improper treatment of diabetes can be dangerous for your health. For proper treatment determining the type of your diabetes is essential.

How does the different diabetes type affect our body?
Diabetes is a deadly disease that can affect different body parts adversely if not treated with care and caution. Following are some bad effects of diabetes:
· Severe form of this disease can lead to the damage of the retina. Retinal damage can cause blindness in a patient.

· The kidney is often affected by this disease. Impaired kidney functions can lead to kidney failure and permanent disability of the kidneys.
· Diabetes also negatively influences the nerve functions. This leads to ulcer and wounds in the feet. People have to get their leg amputated due to such ulcers/wounds, if the case becomes an extreme.
· High blood sugar levels are also known to affect the blood pressure levels and cholesterol levels adversely.
· Nervous dysfunction caused by this disease can cause gastro-paresis or paralysis of the stomach functions.

The Main Diabetes Type Discussed:

1. Type 1 Diabetes: Type 1 Diabetes is also referred to as Juvenile Diabetes, Insulin- Dependent Diabetes or Immune-Mediated Diabetes. It is not as common as Type 2 Diabetes. In an approximate estimate, 10% of the world's diagnosed diabetes cases belong to this category. Generally this type of diabetes affects people who belong to the age group below 40. It is often found in teenagers and young-adults. The scientists and researchers are not entirely sure about the causes of this type of the disease. Type 1 Diabetes is mainly caused due to an acute lack or absence of the hormone insulin. Patients are given insulin injections on a regular basis to keep the disease under check.


2. Type 2 Diabetes: This type of diabetes is found in an approximate of 90% patients diagnosed with Diabetes. Type 2 Diabetes is also referred to as the Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes or the Adult-Onset Diabetes. In this type of diabetes the body resists the functions of the insulin or the insulin's general functions are disrupted. Obesity is one of the many reasons behind this type of diabetes. It is quite risky and the risk increases with age.


3. Gestational Diabetes (GDM): This kind of Diabetes occurs during pregnancy in women. The mother and child both are at risk of getting the Type 2 Diabetes in the coming future. Every 1 in 25 pregnant women have been found with GDM.


4. Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young (MODY): MODY is found only in 1%-2% of the people diagnosed with diabetes. It generally occurs in persons below the age of 25 and is genetically passed on from parents to the kids.


5. Diabetes Insipidus: This is quite an uncommon variety of diabetes which causes the patient to urinate many times in a short period of time.

How to treat the Different Diabetes Type?

· Patients are advised to consume a well-balanced diet which is rich in fiber and doesn't contain saturated fats or high amounts of sweet or sugar.
· Exercising on a daily basis is necessary.
· Proper medical care and medicines.

Diabetes is often considered to be a lifestyle disorder disease. Positive changes can curb the diabetes type you are suffering from.

Ishana Luthra, an author and director of the writing company, Pattraco, is loved for her writing.
Pattraco Store, is a leading writing store, well-known for its high-quality articles.

By Ishana Luthra 
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7695300