Archive for February 2011
Symptoms of Diabetes – Early Recognition of the Signs of Diabetes
Symptoms of diabetes can be watched for throughout life and spotted early. This allows an individual to detect the possible onset of diabetes symptoms before they become severe and rectify them with positive lifestyle modifications. Of course, it is always far better to intervene and take control of your health before you ever sense any of the warning signs for diabetes.
The causes of diabetes:
The causes of type 2 and gestational diabetes mellitus are almost always the same. People develop these autoimmune diseases when they do not provide their bodies with proper nutrients from their diets and when they fail to get regular (preferably daily) physical activity. Since 1990, there has been a more than 76% increase in Type II diabetes mellitus amongst individuals between 30 and 40 years old. This is a direct result of several variables including: Claiming to be “too busy” to eat wholesomely-nutritious meals that are prepared and planned at home. If you are really so busy that you can’t even spend half an hour to prepare a delicious and nutritious meal, then it may be time to consider switching your vocation. What good is the world’s best (and most demanding) job if you don’t live long enough to retire? Overconsumption. We eat too much of the wrong foods. We supersize this and mega-size that. We eat loads of fast foods, processed foods, bleached foods and nutritionally-empty foods. We force down simple sugars and alcohol. We think very little about the consequences that will come as a result of every poor food choice that we put down our throats. We eat not only the wrong foods in the wrong ways, but we also eat at the wrong times and without proper techniques employed. Healthful eating means more than just eating the right foods in the right amounts. It means that we need to eat at just about the same times every day. We need to eat more small meals and less big meals. Eat 5 or 6 times every day in smaller quantities to allow the body to more easily assimilate and metabolize your foods. Train your body to perform for you and then give it the proper nutrients that it needs to do so. We do not move enough. Over 25% of all Americans are considered to be “completely sedentary”. You have to get daily exercise in addition to eating in a healthy fashion.
The symptoms of diabetes:
Undying thirst; Frequent trips to the bathroom to pee; Excessive hunger; Profuse sweating; Velvety skin patches on the neck and/or underarms; Drowsiness and difficulty waking; Bedwetting; Nausea and vomiting; Irritability; Weight loss; More…
The symptoms of diabetes do not have to become a part of your life. It is projected that over 57 million Americans have pre diabetes. There are currently over 15 million reported cases of diabetes in the US and that number continues to grow at more than 1 million new cases every year. It is within your power to stop the development of Type II and gestational diabetes in almost every case. You need to recognize the symptoms of diabetes early and then act immediately to reverse them. Begin your Type 2 diabetes diet and exercise plan today and never worry about the onset of diabetes to begin with.
If you begin to live a healthy lifestyle starting today, then you will most probably never experience the symptoms of diabetes mellitus.
By: Steven R Arnold
Diabetes Symptoms
Diabetes is a disease that all too often goes undetected because the symptoms are either so mild or common to other problems. Because of this, many people walk around with diabetes without even knowing it until they finally go to the doctor for a blood and urine test. This article is going to review the most common symptoms of diabetes so that you’re alerted to what to look out for. The sooner your diabetes is diagnosed, the quicker you can receive treatment.
Probably the most common symptom of diabetes is extreme thirst. The reason for this is that the kidneys of a diabetic spill excessive levels of glucose into the urine which results in taking more water with it. That’s why diabetics are so thirsty, because they are losing more water than non diabetics.
Another common symptom of diabetes is frequent urination. This is also caused by the same problem as above. Diabetics usually wake up many times during the night. Diabetics have a difficult time taking long trips because of this urination problem.
Another common symptom of diabetes is extreme hunger. This is caused by the body not producing enough insulin, which is needed for glucose to enter our cells. Because our cells don’t get enough glucose, which gives us our energy, we are constantly hungry. This same problem also causes fatigue and weight loss as well.
Another common symptom of diabetes is headache. The reason diabetics get headaches frequently is because our brain cells need a constant supply of energy, which they are not getting because not enough glucose is getting into our cells. This also tends to make diabetics nervous and irritable.
Another very common problem of diabetes is blurred vision, which can ultimately lead to blindness if your diabetes isn’t kept in check. The reason for the blurred vision is because of the high levels of glucose in the cells. This damages the cells and causes them to leak. This makes the retina bleed and swell, which is what causes the blurred vision.
There are many more symptoms of diabetes such as abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, skin infections, impotence, wounds that take a long time to heal, no tolerance to cold, itching, numbness in fingers and toes, heart palpitations and excessive perspiration.
Because many of these symptoms can occur with other diseases, it is important to see your doctor for a blood test and urinalysis in order to determine whether or not you have diabetes.
Diabetes, if caught early, can be treated and controlled.
To YOUR Health,
Steve Wagner
By: S. Wagner
Suitable Diabetic Foods That A Diabetic Patient Can Take
Who hasn’t heard of diabetes? It has become a very common lifestyle disease today. Most of us seem to suffer from diabetes due to increase in level of sugar content in our body. Diabetes generally is of two types the type I and the type II diabetes. The food habits which you follow tend to have a direct bearing on the level of sugar in your body. Apart from this since most of us these days lead a sedentary lifestyle; we are more prone to these kinds of diseases. Adhering to diabetic foods is a must in this case so that you can continue to live a normal and active life free from diseases.
While creating the diabetic foods chart there are basically two aspects which need to be kept in mind.
The kind of foods to be included The kind of foods which are restricted or can be consumed in moderate amountsFollowing the dietary chart can help you to keep down the level of insulin in your body. If you are suffering from Type 1 diabetes, you will not have to take insulin injections. You however, need to be very cautious about the kinds of foods you are taking. Diabetes must not be neglected, for if unattended it can lead to serious implications in the future. There are several cases when the patients with high blood sugar levels suffer from blood circulation problems and vision problems even leading to blindness.
The diabetic foods chart includes foods which are rich sources of minerals, vitamins and fiber. Fresh fruits and vegetables are nutritionally very rich and help in fighting against diseases and strengthening the immune system. Green leafy vegetables, arugula and spinach must be taken regularly. Whole grain products and the fiber rich foods are the best option for protecting yourself from sudden fluctuations leading to fall or rise of blood sugar levels.
There are quite a number of foods which are to be avoided in diabetes and these include the processed and canned foods that are said to be high in contents of refined sugar, nitrates and sodium. Due to low levels of natural fiber content you can experience sudden fluctuations and rise or fall of blood sugar levels. Get in touch with dieticians who can prepare a customized diet diabetes chart for you. Make sure you are seeking help from professionals so that you can continue to live a decent life.
For more information about diabetic foods and diabetic diets go to
www.naturalhealthandbeautyinfo.com/reversediabetes.html
By: Greg J Ray
Diabetic Food Doesn’t Have To Be Boring And Tasteless
People who suffer from diabetes, on top of the other issues that they must deal with, often find that the diabetic food that is available to them is quite bland and uninspiring. If you have diabetes, there’s a good chance that you’ve become bored with the options that are available to you, but there is hope! Today, there are plenty of foods that can make a diabetic diet more enjoyable and tasty; all you need to do is know it is out there and go looking for it!
One of the biggest things that you will have to adjust to in terms of a diet that is suitable for your condition is the lack of sugar. While people with mild cases of diabetes might be able to have a nibble of sugared food from time to time, this is definitely out for medium to severe cases. Instead, replace your sugar with fruit. Guava, fig, apple and citrus fruits are surprising sweet, and similarly do not carry the same issues as refined sugar. If necessary, forgo white sugar and replace it with palm sugar, or add honey to your diet. The important thing to do is to make sure that you don’t find your food completely unappealing.
When it comes to vegetables, remember that things like onion, ginger and garlic all add a great deal of taste to your food while serving you quite well in treatment. Similarly, look to add kidney beans, carrots, tomatoes and cucumber to your diet as well. These foods add both fiber and vitamin C, and can lessen your need for insulin. You might want to take a look at Italian cuisine if you’ve not had much experience with it before; use substances like fats and olive oil to prepare your food.
A quick tip to keep in mind is that you should remember to eat raw vegetables as much as you can; cooking the food raises the level of your blood sugar quickly. Try starting your day off with a cup of plain yogurt mixed with healthy fruit. Some people who love bread fear that this food group will need to be eliminated entirely, but all you need to do is to find great recipes! Potato bread, buttermilk cornbread and even sweeter breads like cranberry muffins all have diabetes-friendly versions, so take a look around.
If you are a bit at a loss, you can always pick up one of the many excellent diabetic cookbooks out there. The Diabetic Gourmet Magazine gives you fresh recipes every month, while The New Diabetic Cookbook by Mabel Cavaiani receives excellent reviews. The American Diabetes Association Cookbook is an excellent place to get started, as is Fix and Forget It Diabetic Cookbook by Phyllis Good. You’ll find that with a little bit of work and research, diabetic food doesn’t have to be nearly as dreary as you feared!
By: Ned D'Agostino
Diabetic Diet to Control Diabetic and Lose Weight
Diabetic diet is a diet that consists of some restrictions based on the dietary rules set for a diabetic.
Diabetes is a medical condition where the production of insulin by pancreas is zero or the production is resisted. Insulin helps the cells to receive the glucose that’s present in the blood. Most of the cells work towards converting the glucose in to energy. When there is no insulin, the glucose tends to remain in the blood stream and then builds up. The situation can be dangerous.
The glucose present in the blood is derived from the food we eat. Hence, it is necessary for the diabetic to make sure that the amounts of glucose in the blood do not rise. Diabetics need to be really careful about their diet. In case, the person is insulin dependent, the diet taken should comprise of about 35 calories of each kilo of the overall body weight. In cases where the patient has type-2 diabetic, the number of calories consumed must vary between 1300-1700 according to the frame, size, age and level of activity.
The diabetic diet must include carbohydrates, fats and proteins. About one-half of the calories must be derived from complex carbohydrates. The diet should consist of whole grain breads, fruits, cereals, vegetables and low fat milk.
Raw salads work really well in this type of a diet as compared to the cooked vegetables as these are digested slowly. Most people are under a notion that if a particular food does not contain sugar, it doesn’t mean that the blood sugar levels will not rise. It is important to know the amount of food taken, the type of food and the form it has been eaten. Since, all carbohydrates are ultimately converted in to glucose, its intake should be regulated.
In a diabetic diet, one must take utmost care to restrict the intake of carbohydrates as much as they can. On an average, one must consume about less than 10% carbohydrates on a daily basis.
Of course, direct sugar intake should be a taboo. Once, a direct sugar substance creeps in to your blood levels, the blood sugar rises up instantly. You can have carbohydrates in many other forms such as white flour food items, baked items made of sugar and potatoes and confectioneries.
One must also stay away from processed foods. These food items consist of a good amount of sugar.
One can get enough amounts of proteins from meats, poultry products, egg and nuts. Vegetables oils such as sunflower oil, avocados and rapeseed oils are good. However, one should steer clear of butter and margarine.
There are several benefits of a diabetic diet. One of the main benefits of this diet is that it reduces your weight and helps in maintaining it. It is designed in a fashion to regulate the levels of glucose in the body. A diabetic diet works towards processing the glucose in an ideal and healthy way. It also helps in maintaining healthy lipid levels and keeps your blood pressure under control.
These days, there is a variety of diabetic diet available. It is very important to consult a doctor prior to setting for a particular diet schedule. This way, you will be on a diet that’s ideally meant for you.
By: Bertil Hjert
Type II Diabetes Symptoms Vary, But Ignoring Diabetes Symptoms Is Dangerous
Sometimes it is difficult to recognize type II diabetes symptoms, since they vary from person to person. But, ignoring diabetes symptoms can lead to serious damage to the organs caused by unchecked blood glucose levels. Here we look at the most common type II diabetes symptoms, but keep in mind that regular check-ups are always important, even if you do not notice the symptoms, particularly if you have a family history of the condition.
More Frequent Urination
In an effort to remove the excess glucose from the blood stream, the kidneys work harder, leading to more frequent urination. This also removes other necessary fluids from the body and can lead to dehydration. Increased thirst and/or dry mouth are usually noticed.
Possible kidney damage is one reason that ignoring diabetes symptoms is not safe. In addition, severe dehydration accompanied by very high blood sugar levels can lead to hyperglycemic hyperosmolar nonketotic syndrome, which is life threatening.
In rare cases, people who have not previously noticed type II diabetes symptoms have ended up in the emergency room in a coma. Scientists believe that they have identified genes that are responsible for the development of the condition, confirming the long held belief that it does “run in the family”.
This information also confirms the long held suggestion that persons with a family history of type II diabetes should advise their doctor and have regular physicals, including a fasting or casual plasma glucose test. This test measures the level of glucose in the blood stream.
Fatigue
If you have high blood glucose levels, you may feel tired, weak or easily fatigued. The cells of the body convert glucose enter energy. Insulin, secreted by the pancreas after a meal, signals the cells that glucose is available. The cells “open their doors”, so to speak, and allow the glucose to enter.
If insulin production is insufficient or if the cells do not recognize the “signal”, glucose builds up in the bloodstream. It needs to be mentioned that a certain amount of glucose in the bloodstream is normal and necessary to fuel the brain. If blood glucose levels fall too low, a condition call hypoglycemia can occur. Some of the symptoms of hypoglycemia are similar to type II diabetes symptoms, including fatigue.
If untreated, hypoglycemia can lead to coma, brain damage or death. These are more reasons why ignoring diabetes symptoms can be dangerous. Type II diabetes symptoms are not specific to the condition and can be symptoms of other health problems.
If blood sugar levels are too high, fatigue is caused by lack of glucose or energy in the cells. If blood sugar levels are too low, fatigue or sleepiness is a result of lack of fuel to the brain.
Other Type II Diabetes Symptoms
Other symptoms can range from increased hunger, even after eating a meal, to nausea or vomiting. Blurred vision is sometimes noted and if left unchecked the condition can cause permanent damage to the eyes.
Tingling in the hands or feet may be noticed early on in the condition. If left untreated the small blood vessels that supply the nerves of the hands and feet can become damaged, leading to pain and other more serious complications.
Frequent urinary tract infections, vaginal infections or skin infections are sometimes type II diabetes symptoms. Not everyone with the condition experiences all of the symptoms mentioned here, but ignoring diabetes symptoms may mean that treatment does not begin early enough to prevent permanent damage to the organs, nerves and blood vessels in the body.
To learn more about type II diabetes symptoms and to learn about new natural products that support healthy insulin production and improve insulin sensitivity, please visit the Diabetes Type Two Info Guide.
By: Patsy Hamilton
Being in Control With the Diabetic Diet
The Diabetic Diet is the best way to take control of one’s diabetes. Supplemented with proper exercise the individual can even forgo medication if it is just type 2 of the illness and it is not yet of alarming levels. A healthy meal plan is the first thing someone who has just been diagnosed of the illness should be looking for. The creation of a healthy meal program however can be a little complex because it is not simply eliminating carbohydrate because doing such will lead to malnutrition. Carbohydrates should simply be reduced but to a certain minimum. Studies show that an average diabetic can still eat 50% of his usual carbohydrate intake and get away with it without any problems. Meals should also come in constant and regular intervals to help maintain the stability of the nutrients in the body.
Carbohydrates are a requirement to a healthy body even though they increase blood glucose levels because they are the primary energy providers. Too much of them however will lead to weight gain and being overweight is a mortal sin to diabetics because it increases the dangers of the illness exponentially. Carbohydrates also support the regular functioning of the brain and the entire nervous system.
Starch and sugar are the two categories of carbohydrates. Starch being complex is considered a lot healthier than sugar which is simple. This is because complex carbohydrates consist of a variety of other vitamins and nutrients and also take several hours before they are broken down into components that can be absorbed by the body hence the individual will take longer to feel hungry. Sugar on the other hand is readily absorbable by the bloodstream making the feeling of being full very short lived. Complex carbs also make it easier to lose weight.
Eating too much carbohydrate -rich foods within a short period of time is the primary culprit to weight gain and rising blood sugar levels. This is what the Diabetic Diet aims to avoid. A dietician is the first friend of any diabetic in formulating the proper meal plan. A dietician is a specialist in creating meals that can provide the person with just the right nutrition his body needs. Carbohydrate count as well as absorption speed are only some of the necessities that a dietician can provide. He can also tailor fit the meals to match your preferences in taste to make it easier for you to adjust to the new diet.
By: Denchi Minh
Avoid These 7 Foods to Control Blood Glucose Levels
If you are a diabetic or pre diabetic, you can choose a balanced lifestyle to control blood glucose levels following warning signs of diabetes. Changed lifestyle means you are offering to avoid certain bad diabetic foods as much as you can because these foods can topple your blood sugar levels. As such you should basically accept life style changes. The main theme of this article is to furnish a brief description of foods to control blood glucose levels.
As some foods can bear a massive impact on blood glucose levels you need to know precisely what foods to avoid in Toto. Here are some diet foods to exclude in your diet meal plan.
Artificial sweeteners: It is pretty difficult to avoid sugar in your diet to zero level. Still, it is advisable to avoid sweeteners like refined sugar as much as you can to increase control of blood glucose in the blood stream.
Sweet Chocolates: You should avoid chewing candy chocolates as they contain high sugar mix. Consuming these can increase sugar levels in your body.
High carb grains: Grains high in carbohydrate should be kept off. The foods rich in carbohydrates can increase the glucose levels in the blood. In this list, you have the white bread, refined rice, pasta, and pastry as bad diabetic foods to avoid.
Vegetables high in starch: Usually all vegetables are good for health. However, there are some vegetables high in starch component which should be cut off from eating. In this regard, you may avoid consuming much of sweet beets, carrots, potatoes, peas, and butter beans.
Fruits rich in sweet: As fruits contain minerals and vitamins they are highly recommended for diabetics to control blood glucose levels. Usually fruits are good fiber sources. However, fruits like mango, banana, jackfruit, strawberry, pineapple are not good for controlling blood glucose.
Fatty dietary foods: Milk is a healthier food but skimmed milk is good for reducing fat intake in the blood. Cheese and yogurt containing whole fat should be avoided. Butter cakes are very bad food for diabetics.
Processed foods: Though processed diet foods are added with preservatives they have very poor fiber content needed for diabetics to reduce blood sugar in the blood stream. So, any food packed in solid form or in liquid form should be totally avoided.
Be sure, if you can avoid these foods you can keep the blood glucose levels under control and no medicine is needed.
By: Varadharajan R
Durango Breakfast Eggs – Diabetic Breakfast Recipes
Fill up on a high-fiber breakfast each morning and you could better regulate your blood glucose, avoid midmorning cravings, protect against heart disease and stroke, and lose weight. For a diabetic, this meal is the most important meal of the day. It is imperative to start the day off healthy, normal and balanced.
Durango Breakfast Eggs
Makes 4 Servings
4 small (6-inch) whole-wheat tortillas
2 teaspoons canola oil
1/2 cup diced onion
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 scallions, minced
1/2 cup sliced red pepper
1 tablespoon seeded and diced jalapeno pepper
1/2 teaspoon cumin
7 egg whites
3 whole eggs
1/3 cup fat-free milk
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
1/2 cup hot or mild salsa
1/4 cup nonfat Greek yogurt
1. Preheat the oven to 400*F. Wrap the tortillas in foil and place them on a baking sheet in the oven to warm while you prepare the eggs.
2. Heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and saute for 3 minutes. Add in the scallions and red pepper and saute for 3 minutes. Add in the jalapeno peppers and cumin and saute for 1 minute.
3. Whip together the egg whites, eggs, milk, oregano, salt, and pepper. Pour over the vegetable mixture and lightly scramble the eggs until desired doneness.
4. To serve, divide the egg mixture among the hot tortillas and roll into cones. Serve with the salsa and a dollop of Greek yogurt.
Calories: 225;
Calories From Fat: 65;
Total Fat: 7g;
Saturated Fat: 1.7g;
Cholesterol: 160mg;
Sodium: 565 mg (without added salt);
Total Carbohydrates: 24g;
Protein: 15g;
Fiber: 3g;
Sugars: 6g;
Be sure to visit my website to obtain further wonderful recipes, cooking tips, and other general food creation information.
By: Allen Wheeler
Diabetes Foods and Nutritional Requirements For Diabetics
Diet plays an important role in managing diabetes. All diabetic patients should know what to eat and what to avoid. This article will help you know about the diabetes foods and nutritional requirements for diabetics.
Diabetes Foods
Foods that can be eaten as much as one wants – Green leafy vegetables, fruits except banana, lemon; clear soups, onion, salads, mint, spices, plain coffee or tea, skimmed and butter milk
Foods that can be eaten in moderation – Fats, meat, egg, cereals and pulses
Foods to be avoided – Simple sugars (glucose, syrup, sweets and honey), dried fruits, cake, fried foods, candy, alcohol and nuts
Nutritional Requirements for Diabetics
Carbohydrates – High carbohydrate and high fiber diet improve insulin binding and increase in monocyte insulin receptor binding. High carbohydrate diet is likely to elevate serum triglyceride levels (endogenous cholesterol). Hence carbohydrate is maintained to about 50% of total calories. Most carbohydrates should be in form of polysaccharides such as bread, cereals, beans, etc. Rapidly absorbed mono and disaccharides such as sweets, chocolates and sweetened drink should be avoided.
Proteins – A diet high in protein is good for the health of diabetics because it supplies the essential amino acids needed for tissue repair. Protein does not raise blood sugar during absorption as do carbohydrates and it does not supply as much calories as fat.
In patients with NIDDM, consumption of protein along with carbohydrate will lower the blood glucose concentration due to amino acid stimulation of insulin secretion; this help to compensate for the defect in glucose mediated insulin secretion seen in so many of these patients. Protein also promotes satiety and helps both types of diabetic patients to adhere to the carbohydrate allowance.
Fats – Low fat diet increases insulin binding and also reduces LDL and VLDL levels and lowers the incidence of atherosclerosis which is more common in diabetics. Fat content in the diet should be 15-25% of total calories and higher in polyunsaturated fatty acids.
Dietary Fiber – Diets high in carbohydrate and fiber improve glucose metabolism without increasing insulin secretion. They lower fasting serum and peripheral insulin concentrations in response to oral glucose administration in both diabetic and non-diabetic individuals. Fenugreek seeds which contain high fiber are useful to diabetics.
Artificial Sweeteners – High content of sugar consumption is undesirable for diabetics and for obese individuals. Non-caloric and high intense sweeteners are available as sugar substitute. These sweeteners are as sweet as sucrose, have a pleasant taste, are colorless, odorless, readily soluble, stable, functional and economically feasible.
Disclaimer: This article is not meant to provide health advice and is for general information only. Always seek the insights of a qualified health professional before embarking on any health program.
By: Nick Mutt