Type 2 Diabetes Treatment - Effective Treatments to Avoid Diabetes Progression

Type 2 diabetes is often associated with obesity and the insulin concern is either the insufficiency of its production or the lack of response by the body cells to insulin functions.



Hence, treatments involve the implementation of a proper diet, enough exercise, and drug medication. However, this type of diabetes is known to be progressive or can get worse and may reach a point where symptoms will have to be addressed by insulin injections.



Based on statistics, 95% of people with known medical records of diabetes are affected by the type 2. Nonetheless, both types 1 and 2 diabetes are considered as incurable and the treatment for both is aimed at controlling the blood glucose at a normal level.



Type 2 diabetes treatment however, is different from type 1 since exercise, proper diet and drug medications will suffice to control the symptoms.



Herewith are the generic names of the medications used as additional treatment for the type 2 diabetes; the list below can provide you with the possible side effects you may encounter as a diabetic patient:



1. Sitagliptin phosphate - This is an oral medication that may not affect your weight but has known indications to have caused sore throat, diarrhea or upper respiratory tract infection.



2. Exenatide - This medication is taken as an injection and may help as a weight loss medium. Its possible side effects are nausea or inflammation of the pancreas.



3. Pramlintide - Also received by the body through injection and can also help in weight loss. Possible side effect is nausea and the patient is cautioned not to take this simultaneously with other oral medications for diabetes. Avoid using the same syringe previously used for injecting insulin.



4. Pioglitazone - An oral medication known to cause decrease in triglycerides. Weight can be gained and there are indications that it can cause swelling, increase bad cholesterol (LDL). In some rare cases this medication has caused liver problems. It is important not to use this in type 1 diabetes if under diabetic ketoacidosis.



5. Rosiglitazone - This medication is taken orally and is known to increase good cholesterol (HDL). However, its use presents the possible risks of heart attack, swelling, weight gain, liver problems, increase in bad cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides.



6. Glimepiride - An oral medication that blends well with other diabetes medicines. Its other effects can cause lower blood sugar and weight gain.



7. Metformin - Taken orally and will not cause weight gain but can lead to a decrease in bad cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides. However, some side effect are nausea, diarrhea and the build up of harmful lactic acid.



8. Glipizide - One of the oldest known oral medication which unifies with other diabetes medications. Nevertheless, weight gain and low blood sugar can be experienced.



There maybe an abundance of medications available for type 2 diabetes, but still there is the possibility to develop hypoglycaemia or low blood glucose. In view of this, it is recommended to have a sugary drink or glucose tablets with you in case the need arises. Other remedial treatment includes an injection of glucagon, a hormone that immediately increases the level of blood glucose.



Trained educators who understand diabetes sufferers and well versed in education programs flexible in content and adaptable to the clinical and psychological needs of the patient can also contribute to the effective implementation of type 2 diabetes treatment.

Type 2 Diabetes Treatment - Effective Treatments to Avoid Diabetes Progression

Type 2 diabetes is often associated with obesity and the insulin concern is either the insufficiency of its production or the lack of response by the body cells to insulin functions.



Hence, treatments involve the implementation of a proper diet, enough exercise, and drug medication. However, this type of diabetes is known to be progressive or can get worse and may reach a point where symptoms will have to be addressed by insulin injections.



Based on statistics, 95% of people with known medical records of diabetes are affected by the type 2. Nonetheless, both types 1 and 2 diabetes are considered as incurable and the treatment for both is aimed at controlling the blood glucose at a normal level.



Type 2 diabetes treatment however, is different from type 1 since exercise, proper diet and drug medications will suffice to control the symptoms.



Herewith are the generic names of the medications used as additional treatment for the type 2 diabetes; the list below can provide you with the possible side effects you may encounter as a diabetic patient:



1. Sitagliptin phosphate - This is an oral medication that may not affect your weight but has known indications to have caused sore throat, diarrhea or upper respiratory tract infection.



2. Exenatide - This medication is taken as an injection and may help as a weight loss medium. Its possible side effects are nausea or inflammation of the pancreas.



3. Pramlintide - Also received by the body through injection and can also help in weight loss. Possible side effect is nausea and the patient is cautioned not to take this simultaneously with other oral medications for diabetes. Avoid using the same syringe previously used for injecting insulin.



4. Pioglitazone - An oral medication known to cause decrease in triglycerides. Weight can be gained and there are indications that it can cause swelling, increase bad cholesterol (LDL). In some rare cases this medication has caused liver problems. It is important not to use this in type 1 diabetes if under diabetic ketoacidosis.



5. Rosiglitazone - This medication is taken orally and is known to increase good cholesterol (HDL). However, its use presents the possible risks of heart attack, swelling, weight gain, liver problems, increase in bad cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides.



6. Glimepiride - An oral medication that blends well with other diabetes medicines. Its other effects can cause lower blood sugar and weight gain.



7. Metformin - Taken orally and will not cause weight gain but can lead to a decrease in bad cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides. However, some side effect are nausea, diarrhea and the build up of harmful lactic acid.



8. Glipizide - One of the oldest known oral medication which unifies with other diabetes medications. Nevertheless, weight gain and low blood sugar can be experienced.



There maybe an abundance of medications available for type 2 diabetes, but still there is the possibility to develop hypoglycaemia or low blood glucose. In view of this, it is recommended to have a sugary drink or glucose tablets with you in case the need arises. Other remedial treatment includes an injection of glucagon, a hormone that immediately increases the level of blood glucose.



Trained educators who understand diabetes sufferers and well versed in education programs flexible in content and adaptable to the clinical and psychological needs of the patient can also contribute to the effective implementation of type 2 diabetes treatment.

Pre Diabetes Symptoms: Warnings to Avoid Full Blown Diabetes

Pre diabetes is a medical condition which occurs when a person's blood sugar levels become higher than the normal range but still falls short to reach the range for a qualified diagnosis of diabetes. Several terms are used to mean the same condition such as borderline diabetes, Impaired Glucose Tolerance (IGT) or Impaired Fasting Glucose (IFG). Because the condition is medically accepted to be the precursor of diabetes, which is a much serious glucose impairment, knowing the pre diabetes symptoms is important to make necessary steps to hinder the onset of full blown diabetes.



Diabetes is considered as a silent medical condition because in most cases, physical symptoms and manifestations are absent. It is hard to tell if a person is pre diabetic or not. Most people often have the condition without actually knowing that he has it. One of the few and accepted pre diabetes symptoms is called acanthosis nigricans. It is the darkening of some skin areas, the most commonly inflicted of which are the neck, armpits, elbows, knees and the knuckles. However, this symptom rarely manifests. It is therefore very important to watch for the known tell-tale signs of diabetes as they are likely manifestations that a person is indeed pre diabetic.



Polydipsia, polyuria and polyphagia can all be considered as pre diabetes symptoms. Polydipsia in simpler terms is excessive thirst. A pre diabetic person often requires to quench his thirst more than the usual. Most of the times he would like to drink water even though he has not been exposed to a physically demanding activity. Polyuria, on the other hand is excessive urination. It is somehow connected to polydipsia because the body of a diabetic person would try to flush out the excess sugar in the blood through urine.



When frequent urination occurs, the brain is stimulated to drink more. Polyphagia or excessive eating is triggered by the functional anomalies within the pancreas and also with insulin, the hormone which the pancreas secretes. When a person has diabetes, the cells may become insulin resistant due to the over production of the hormone. The cells will try to deal with the excessive level of sugar which is the resulting product of carbohydrate synthesis. When this happens, the insulin will again stimulate hunger.



Some medical professionals recognize minor diabetes symptoms such as fatigue, blurred vision, and dry and itchy skin particularly to the genital parts. Because the symptoms of diabetes are almost similar to diabetes itself, it is essential for a person experiencing a sign or two to immediately seek professional help. Most cases of diabetes are reversible and many ways can be done to stop it from becoming full blown diabetes.



If you are suspecting that you have pre diabetes, set an appointment to undergo tests such as fasting plasma glucose test (FPG) or oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Whether you have pre diabetes or you have normal blood sugar, a key aspect to reverse its occurrence or to hinder it from occurring is to maintain a healthy lifestyle. This means that you should at least refrain from eating foods which contain high amount of carbohydrates as they are converted to sugar.



You should also watch for your weight. Overweight persons are more likely to be diabetic or diabetic. Keep a daily exercise routine to maintain a good weight. By doing these, you are walking away from the pre diabetes symptoms, and the more likely you are not to become afflicted with diabetes. And by the way, reversing diabetes can also save you from other diseases involving the cardio vascular system such as heart attack and stroke.

How To Avoid Dog Diabetes

Diabetes in dogs is associated with obesity through either over feeding or a high fat diet. Since today many dogs are overweight, you really have to look at the ingredients and avoid a diet high in fat and sugar in their food.



Causes of Diabetes in Dogs:



Many people are astonished to know that pet foods and treats contain sugar. Do you know a dog that prefers sugar in its diet, as I have not met one lately. I recently went to the local pet store just to read labels, and read the following list of ingredients on one particular brand I was astonished as what passes for nutrition and the list is:



"Ground yellow corn, chicken by-product meal, corn gluten meal, whole wheat flour, animal fat preserved with mixed-tocopherols (form of Vitamin E), rice flour, beef, soy flour, sugar, sorbitol, tricalcium phosphate, water, salt, phosphoric acid, animal digest, potassium chloride, dicalcium phosphate, sorbic acid (a preservative".



Pet Food Sugar:



We find that corn, sugar and sorbitol all contain sugar. Corn contains sugar in fact it is high on the gylcemic index for food that contain higher amounts of sugar. Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol, which causes irritable bowel syndrome and is instrumental in developing IBS as well as diarrhea.



Another cause of diabetes in dogs is cortisone treatments, shock or a stressful event. The result is the development of diabetes mellitus or quite simply Sugar Diabetes. Also the obesity in dogs causes a higher rate of insulin to counter the higher blood glucose levels. If the need for insulin is higher than the body can provide the consequence is a diabetic condition.



Diabetes can occur in puppies, which is typically called juvenile onset diabetes, or in adult dogs at later stages of life after consuming sugar in their foods.



Symptoms of Diabetes:



The general symptoms of Canine Diabetes are: drinking more water than usual, eating more, change in appetite, lethargy, frequent urination, weight loss, and general weakness.



How To Avoid Diabetes:



The question is what to feed your dog with all the changes in pet foods in the last twenty years; dog food quality has drastically been reduced. The most obvious answer is not feed your dog foods that contain sugar by checking the ingredients of your pet food. What is best for a diabetic dog or to prevent the onset of diabetes is a raw, natural diet with fresh vegetables.



Feedings:



If your dog already has diabetes, feedings should be two or three meals a day instead of one large meal. This method helps to balance out blood sugar throughout the day, rather than having the levels of sugar changing radically.



Avoid Moist Dog Foods:



These are the moist foods in cellophane plastic wrappers and semi-moist treats which contain a good quantity of sugar but all canned and packaged foods contribute to this disease. A high soluble fiber diet is recommended to slow the assimilation of glucose and a healthy lifestyle.



Supplements:



There are herbs and supplements that can help balances blood sugars in dogs. For instance brewer's yeast contains a high amount of chromium a mineral that naturally balances blood sugar levels. Usually one teaspoon of brewers yeast for small to medium sized dogs, and one tablespoon for larger dogs with each meal. Vitamin E reduces the need for insulin and Vitamin C also helps the immune system.



Blood sugar in pets when not balanced can lead to many other diseases such as of the heart, kidney, liver diseases and cataracts as well as intestinal disorders.



Exercise:



A good daily workout for your dog keeps the blood sugars down and prevents diabetes. I never knew a dog that did not like running circles around me in the park. My dog chasing a frisbee or a ball is all good in keeping a lean and trim dog in good shape and avoiding high veterinary bills. This type of exercise whether a brisk walk or a good game of Frisbee also rekindles your bonding with your dog after a long day as well as keeping a few pounds off of your own waistline.



The right mix is important, for optimum health and although Veterinarians carry a line of "diabetic dog foods", I would expect that they are not organic or without additives. Most specialty expensive brands of dog foods contain additives that counter act the advertised vitamins they have added; therefore they balance out to produce no improvement at all. The ideal foods are those that are: certified Organic, "with no byproducts or additives especially sugar and corn.



If you dog is overweight, you will have to calculate a calorie count for daily intake, to determine the right amount. Your dog's ideal weight can be achieved and weight loss can occur by using this method to keep the weight down.



Insulin for Dogs:



Dogs that have Type 1 Diabetes require insulin, which can be treated with human Insulin. There are canine formulas of diabetic insulin that are administered at least twice a day by injection, as the oral meds are not as effective. A schedule can be worked out with your veterinarian.



In summary it is prudent to avoid diabetes for you and your dog by using these simple tips you can avoid this debilitating disease.

Signs of Diabetes - Diagnose Early to Avoid Major Complications

Diabetes is chronic in nature only treatment can be given there is no proper cure for it. The signs and symptoms for diabetes develop very slowly and steadily but when they become more severe they lead to serious other complications. The main symptoms and signs of diabetes are



ท Increased thirst



ท Increase in appetite or excessive hunger



ท Increased urination, during night times



ท Weight loss or gain which is unexplained



ท Blurred or unclear vision



ท Sores and wounds that do not heal



ท Dry itchy skin



In more complicated cases diabetes leads



ท Blindness



ท Kidney failure



ท Nerve damage and



ท Micro vascular and macro vascular diseases.



ท Micro vascular disease are related to small blood vessels.



ท Macro vascular diseases are related to arteries i.e. hardening of arteries and narrowing them and leading to strokes, heart attacks.



Diabetes is mainly classified into two types i.e. type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is mainly due to halt in production of insulin which is due to autoimmune system of the body, it destroys the beta cells of the pancreas which are responsible for secretion for insulin. Type 1 diabetes is also known as insulin dependent diabetes mellitus because insulin is a must dose over here. It is also by name Juvenile diabetes because it is more common among young adult and teenagers.



Diabetes type 2 is due to low production of insulin or the receptors of the cells not reacting with the insulin produced. This condition is known as insulin resistance. Here the body secretes more and more insulin rigorously and so it develops a resistance by itself.



The good news about diabetes is that it can be controlled or maintained naturally by taking well balanced diet, doing regular exercise.



Balanced diet in the sense diet should be rich in nutrition. For diabetes diet rich in fiber is recommended. Examples of diet rich in fiber are carrot, broccoli, peas, beans, apples, bananas, apricot, dates.

Diabetes and White Foods - Should Diabetics Avoid All White Foods?

Are carbohydrates "Public Enemy No. 1" for diabetics?



Many published sources have told us that carbohydrates are at the root of many of our health problems including diabetes. Carbohydrates come in two forms:



1. Complex carbohydrates consist of substances that contain three or more molecules of sugar that are bonded together forming larger molecules we know as starches. When eaten, the body's digestive system breaks down carbohydrates to form much needed energy.



A second type of complex carbohydrates are the cellulose forms that constitute dietary fiber. Foods heavy in complex carbohydrates include various kinds of beans (legumes), and high starch content vegetables such as potatoes and corn, rice and most grains.



Vegetables with lower starch levels include green beans, broccoli and spinach, which contain smaller amounts of starch, but they have more fiber. The best complex carbs from a health standpoint come from the very foods that should be minimized in a diabetic's diet-if not totally eliminated: legumes, breads, pasta and cereals.



2. Simple carbohydrates are those that are quickly broken down in the body. Simple carbohydrates are used as energy. They are found in foods like fruits, and dairy products. They are also found in processed and refined sugars such as candy, table sugar, syrups, and soft drinks. Among the most deadly form of a sugar is high fructose corn syrup, which has replaced refined sugar in many everyday prepared foodstuffs and drinks.



The majority of carbohydrates in our diet should come from complex carbohydrates (starches) and naturally occurring sugars rather than processed or refined sugars. But when speaking of diabetics, simple carbs, which find their way into the bloodstream with lightning speed, must only constitute a fraction of the daily diet.



Some carbohydrates are necessary for overall good health, but a diet of NO-CARBS will be more harmful over the long haul. Strike a bargain with your diabetes by eating very small amounts of simple carbs.



Now... let's get back to the main subject in this article by taking a look at the good and bad of eating "white" foods.



Much of the current literature often makes a blanket statement that the white foods are an unhealthy way for diabetics and the population at large, to eat.



Let's clarify that by showing you the good and the bad and what white foods are beneficial



Starting with the bad: cut out white potatoes (regardless of skin color), refined sugars, refined white flour and white rice. That isn't too complicated-is it? And yes that includes a few of my favorites: french fries, sweet tea, pastries, donuts and rice pudding. But on the good side, here are some "White Foods" you may be over-looking.



Onions: Onions come in two primary colors-white and yellow; under the skin they are white. Onions are an abundant source of phytonutrients and vitamins. Here also is a source of micro-nutrients like quercetin, chromium and allicin.



Garlic: Many consider garlic a "Wonder Food." It has been touted as a cure-all for many ailments like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, arthritis, cardio-vascular problems and more. It contains many of the same beneficial substances as onions.



Cauliflower: This isn't a very attractive food but it is right up there in health value with broccoli and cabbage. It is a great source for vitamin C, fiber and minerals, and helps to combat the effects of steroidal estrogens that find their way into our drinking water.



Mushrooms: Mushrooms are a good source for unique nutrients and antioxidants. The portabella mushroom is a good source for vitamin D-a vitamin that we get mostly as a result of exposure to sunlight. Some members of medical science say that diabetes is a "lifestyle" condition. We bring this dreaded illness upon ourselves by the way we live-and in particular, the way we eat.

Onset Diabetes Symptoms - What Are They and How Can I Avoid Diabetes?

What is Onset Diabetes?



Onset Diabetes, otherwise known as Type 2 Diabetes, is when you have high levels of sugar (glucose) in the bloodstream which spills over into the urine. Most times diabetes is associated with high amounts of carbohydrates in the diet.



Of all the non-insulin dependent diabetics, 90% can be "cured" by achieving their ideal weight and maintaining healthy eating habits.



What are the symptoms of diabetes?



- blurry vision
- increased tiredness or fatigue
- slow healing of wounds or infection
- increasingly high thirst
- frequent need to urinate
- increase in appetite
- impotence



How do they test for diabetes?



Your doctor will test you for diabetes by checking your blood sugar (glucose) level through a sample of your blood. If your blood sugar level is above 126, the doctor will ask you to come back for a re-test. If the second time your blood sugar level is above 126, your diagnosis will most likely be diabetes. A blood sugar that immediately comes back above 200 will instantly be labeled onset diabetes.



How can I Avoid Diabetes?



Prevention is always the best way to avoid any disease. But with onset diabetes, watching what you eat as well as exercising is the best way to control this deadly disease.



A diet with very little or no sugar and complex carbohydrates is best. Some examples of foods to avoid would be candy, boxed cereal, alcohol, soda/pop, pizza, ice cream, cookies, white bread (whole wheat is the best choice) and honey.



Try to stay away from pastries, pasta and sugary drinks. Although you can have these in moderation, it is best to avoid them altogether.

Pre Diabetes Symptoms: Warnings to Avoid Full Blown Diabetes

Pre diabetes is a medical condition which occurs when a person's blood sugar levels become higher than the normal range but still falls short to reach the range for a qualified diagnosis of diabetes. Several terms are used to mean the same condition such as borderline diabetes, Impaired Glucose Tolerance (IGT) or Impaired Fasting Glucose (IFG). Because the condition is medically accepted to be the precursor of diabetes, which is a much serious glucose impairment, knowing the pre diabetes symptoms is important to make necessary steps to hinder the onset of full blown diabetes.



Diabetes is considered as a silent medical condition because in most cases, physical symptoms and manifestations are absent. It is hard to tell if a person is pre diabetic or not. Most people often have the condition without actually knowing that he has it. One of the few and accepted pre diabetes symptoms is called acanthosis nigricans. It is the darkening of some skin areas, the most commonly inflicted of which are the neck, armpits, elbows, knees and the knuckles. However, this symptom rarely manifests. It is therefore very important to watch for the known tell-tale signs of diabetes as they are likely manifestations that a person is indeed pre diabetic.



Polydipsia, polyuria and polyphagia can all be considered as pre diabetes symptoms. Polydipsia in simpler terms is excessive thirst. A pre diabetic person often requires to quench his thirst more than the usual. Most of the times he would like to drink water even though he has not been exposed to a physically demanding activity. Polyuria, on the other hand is excessive urination. It is somehow connected to polydipsia because the body of a diabetic person would try to flush out the excess sugar in the blood through urine.



When frequent urination occurs, the brain is stimulated to drink more. Polyphagia or excessive eating is triggered by the functional anomalies within the pancreas and also with insulin, the hormone which the pancreas secretes. When a person has diabetes, the cells may become insulin resistant due to the over production of the hormone. The cells will try to deal with the excessive level of sugar which is the resulting product of carbohydrate synthesis. When this happens, the insulin will again stimulate hunger.



Some medical professionals recognize minor diabetes symptoms such as fatigue, blurred vision, and dry and itchy skin particularly to the genital parts. Because the symptoms of diabetes are almost similar to diabetes itself, it is essential for a person experiencing a sign or two to immediately seek professional help. Most cases of diabetes are reversible and many ways can be done to stop it from becoming full blown diabetes.



If you are suspecting that you have pre diabetes, set an appointment to undergo tests such as fasting plasma glucose test (FPG) or oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Whether you have pre diabetes or you have normal blood sugar, a key aspect to reverse its occurrence or to hinder it from occurring is to maintain a healthy lifestyle. This means that you should at least refrain from eating foods which contain high amount of carbohydrates as they are converted to sugar.



You should also watch for your weight. Overweight persons are more likely to be diabetic or diabetic. Keep a daily exercise routine to maintain a good weight. By doing these, you are walking away from the pre diabetes symptoms, and the more likely you are not to become afflicted with diabetes. And by the way, reversing diabetes can also save you from other diseases involving the cardio vascular system such as heart attack and stroke.

What Foods to Avoid If You Are Diabetic

Deciding what to eat when you are challenged by Diabetes can sometimes be confusing and frustrating, but think of it as saving you from the food pit falls that many are struggling with. Many foods that Diabetics should avoid ironically are foods everyone should avoid. What foods to avoid if you are a diabetic? Anything that is not natural, with a few exceptions.



Stay away from foods that have been adulterated or undergone any processing, there is really no need to tell you to stay clear of junk food that is a no brainier. Potatoes, white rice, and other foods that will turn into sugar once the body processes it should be left alone. If you love eating out there are many restaurants that are very aware of people with dietary problems so don't hesitate to ask for those items that are beneficial to your health.



Many people are trying to eat healthier and surprisingly the diet is very similar to the Diabetic diet. Diabetics should stay clear of foods that have preservatives, in a word no chips, or any other vending machine item. Stay away from fruits with heavy natural sugar, bananas, oranges, grapes and a few others. Stay away from candy, chocolate and other sweets, although, a bit of chocolate made with heavy cocoa is fine. Fruit is good but dried fruit is far too sugary. Tea and coffee will not help your blood sugar so dislike them as much as they dislike do you. What foods to avoid when you are a Diabetic, primarily grain, wheat, rye and other grains, once these foods turn into glucose your body will not be able to process them. You must avoid carrots and peas which have a sweetness all their own and beans but remember to focus on the many foods you can eat.



A very sensible method to eating when you must deal with Diabetes is to do everything in moderation. Something sour on your dinner list might help to keep your sugar level in balance if you are giving yourself a special treat. As with dieting most times all you really want to do is to taste the forbidden, not really eat it. Develop a passion for salads, they can be quite good, and they can make you look really good too; but leave the dressing. Being restricted in any way is not easy but try and think of the future benefits and all of the wonderful things you will do because you have kept your body healthy.

Diabetes - Foods To Eat And Avoid

What one eats is very important from the point of view of his health.
The chief concern while monitoring and controlling diabetes is to see that the sugar level does not cross the normal range. This means that one needs to cut down on certain types of food and consume regularly those foods, which are good at regulating diabetes.



People with diabetes should try to maintain a healthy weight and eat a diet that is:



« low in fat



« low in sugar



« low in salt



« high in fruit and vegetables (at least five portions a day)



« high in starchy carbohydrate foods, such as bread, chapatti, rice.



There is no such food that people with diabetes should never eat. In addition, there is no need to cut out all sugar. But, people with diabetes should try and eat only small amounts of foods that are high in sugar, fat. So, if you have diabetes you can treat yourself to cakes and biscuits once a blue moon, as part of a balanced diet.



What foods to eat?



« A diabetic patient must eat lots of fruits and vegetables in which fibre content is very high. Such type of food lowers the requirement for insulin, the reason being it releases energy into the body cells slowly. A high fibre diet means more chromium, which is very helpful in the treatment of diabetes.



« As for vegetables, onion, garlic, ginger, radish, spinach, kale, cucumber, carrot, tomato, cabbage and cucumber are excellent in the treatment of diabetes. Moong, kidney beans which have been sprouted, and unripe banana which is cooked, are also recommended.



« Fenugreek seeds which have been soaked in water are good for diabetic patients.



« For fruits, take guava, Indian blackberry (jamun), fig, kiwi fruit, apples, citrus fruits and pomegranate juice. Let these things be a part of your morning breakfast. Since, fruit juice is high in fructose (fruit sugar) and can cause blood sugar levels to rise quickly, it's best for diabetics to drink fruit juice with a meal and avoid having more than one small glass a day.



« Replace white sugar with palm sugar, dates and honey, if you want to have something sweet.



« Unpolished rice, sprouted grain should be taken in moderate quantity.



« Fats like olive oil and peanut oil are good in diabetes.



« Drink plenty of water, at least 8 to 10 glasses per day.



« Single helping of fish or seafood, as it provides omega 3 fatty acids.



« Condiments such as pepper, chilli, mustard, herbs and spices.



« Raw vegetables need to be taken in large quantity, as cooked food raises the level of blood sugar fast.



« Eat non-fat dairy such as skim milk, non-fat yogurt and non-fat cheese, plain yoghurt, avoid cottage cheese a sit is high in carbohydrates.



« Some herbs and vegetables are specifically prescribed for diabetes, like Bitter Gourd and bitter melon juice.
What to avoid?



« Processed foods, white sugar, white flour and junk food, must be totally given up. Avoid sweets, glucose, fruit sugar, cakes, ice cream, chocolates, soft drinks, cream and fried foods.



« Anything that contains harmful preservatives and too much salt should be avoided.



« Avoid smoking and alcohol.



« Try and abstain from sweets, ice-creams and chocolates, including the so-called sugar-free types.



« Foods made from white flour, rye, corn, polished rice, bread, pasta, pastry, cakes, biscuits, pies.



« Starchy vegetables such as potatoes in particular; and go easy with beet, carrots, peas, beans.



« Avoid concentrated dairy products, such as khoya, kheer, cheese, cottage cheese.



« Fruits such as bananas, mango, grapes, strawberry, custard apple, date.



« Cottage cheese (except in small amounts)



« Avoid commercially packaged foods such as fast foods, chips, ready-to-eat foods, snack foods and "health foods."



« Fruit juices, as these are much higher in carbohydrates than fresh fruit. Moreover, they also lack in dietary fibre.



A few helpful tips if eating out -



· Avoid items called jumbo, combo, giant, deluxe, as they tend to have more calories.



· Choose grilled, baked roasted or steamed food.



· Choose water and calorie-free "diet" drinks instead of regular soda, fruit mock tails, sweet tea and other sugar-sweetened drinks



· Avoid creamy toppings, like mayonnaise. Add flavour with pepper, tomato, and onion.



· Watch out for high-fat topping salads, dressings, cheeses, and croutons.



· Choose a thin-crust pizza with extra vegetable toppings. Limit yourself to one or two slices. Keep off the extra cheese, which add calories, fat, and sodium.



· End your meal with sugar-free, fat-free frozen simple yogurt or a small cone of fat-free yogurt. Better still, go for a platter of fresh fruit salad.



· Check out on your portion size.



SO, EAT WELL AND BE WELL.

Signs of Diabetes - Diagnose Early to Avoid Major Complications

Diabetes is chronic in nature only treatment can be given there is no proper cure for it. The signs and symptoms for diabetes develop very slowly and steadily but when they become more severe they lead to serious other complications. The main symptoms and signs of diabetes are



ท Increased thirst



ท Increase in appetite or excessive hunger



ท Increased urination, during night times



ท Weight loss or gain which is unexplained



ท Blurred or unclear vision



ท Sores and wounds that do not heal



ท Dry itchy skin



In more complicated cases diabetes leads



ท Blindness



ท Kidney failure



ท Nerve damage and



ท Micro vascular and macro vascular diseases.



ท Micro vascular disease are related to small blood vessels.



ท Macro vascular diseases are related to arteries i.e. hardening of arteries and narrowing them and leading to strokes, heart attacks.



Diabetes is mainly classified into two types i.e. type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is mainly due to halt in production of insulin which is due to autoimmune system of the body, it destroys the beta cells of the pancreas which are responsible for secretion for insulin. Type 1 diabetes is also known as insulin dependent diabetes mellitus because insulin is a must dose over here. It is also by name Juvenile diabetes because it is more common among young adult and teenagers.



Diabetes type 2 is due to low production of insulin or the receptors of the cells not reacting with the insulin produced. This condition is known as insulin resistance. Here the body secretes more and more insulin rigorously and so it develops a resistance by itself.



The good news about diabetes is that it can be controlled or maintained naturally by taking well balanced diet, doing regular exercise.



Balanced diet in the sense diet should be rich in nutrition. For diabetes diet rich in fiber is recommended. Examples of diet rich in fiber are carrot, broccoli, peas, beans, apples, bananas, apricot, dates.

Diabetes Foods to Avoid

As we have mentioned on numerous occasions, knowing how your body reacts to various food ingredients is vital in the fight against diabetes. You need to know the diabetes foods to avoid and give yourself the best chance of leading a normal life as bad food for diabetics can have a detrimental impact on your quality of life.



Why do certain foods react differently?



For whatever reason, whether type I diabetes or type II diabetes, in a diabetic the level of sugar in the blood will either be too high or too low thereby placing the person at risk of medical complications. As a consequence, it is vital to know which foods to eat and which foods not to eat although that is not to say that any one food should be out of bounds for diabetics, but you may need to eat some foods in moderation.



Diabetic diets



Many years ago there was a move towards low fat diets for diabetics although recently we have seen the emergence of low carbohydrate diets which many believe offer a better standard of life for diabetics.



Low-fat diets



While low-fat diets do have an impact upon weight gain and obesity, there was a feeling that's if the amount of fat in a diabetic diet with stripped down to the bare minimum then the body would eventually look to burn existing fat cells for energy. This is why many medical experts now look towards a more balanced diet with a lower content of carbohydrates.



Low carbohydrate diets



Carbohydrates come in all shapes and forms and are basically sugar which will filter straight into the blood system when ingested. For a diabetic, whether they are insulin resistant or the body is not able to produce enough insulin, this can lead to very high blood sugar levels which can result in serious medical complications.



Diabetic diets



There are a number of foods which should be avoided in large quantities which include sugar, fried foods, rich sauces, salad dressing, cheese and dairy products, refined flour, some natural fruit, high starch content vegetables and high cholesterol foods to name but a few. Again, many people believe there is no need to put these foods out of a diabetic diet completely while maybe consuming them in very light amounts.



Diabetic food



As the arguments over diabetic diets continue with different parties offering very different opinions we have seen the creation of a massive diabetic food industry. Quite literally any food which is available in "normal shops" is likely to be available for a diabetic although you will see sugar replaced by an alternative and other potentially harmful ingredients omitted.



Conclusion



There is no doubt that diabetic diets have come on in leaps and bounds over the last few years as information becomes available about the illness and potential side effects. However, in order for any diabetic diet to be wholly successful there needs to be a focus and determination on the side of the patient. There are many bad foods for diabetics and there are many diabetes foods to avoid, at least in moderation.

Diabetic Diets - Foods to Avoid

The diabetic patient is not permitted to eat just any type of foods because not all of them are good for his health. Certain diets are restricted because they add up to the patient's problem by making his condition worse.



No particular food is tagged "diabetic diet"; since other persons can eat what the diabetic person eats. The only thing is that the person with diabetes needs to abstain from certain kinds of foods in order to avoid the problems associated with them, usually because they are not compatible with his health condition.



The patient is free to eat a balanced diet (with the nutrients in the right proportions) but with the carbohydrates carefully controlled, but not completely eliminated because he requires it as a source of energy supply. The individual should therefore avoid the following:



1. Sugar: He has to avoid white sugar, jaggery, jelly jam, honey, pastries, ice cream, cake, canned juice, chocolates, pie, doughnuts, syrup, cookies and carbonated soft drinks. They increase the blood sugar level and could make the patient suffer hyperglycaemia.



2. Cholesterol-rich food: He should avoid sources of high cholesterol such as egg yolks, red meat, poultry, high fat dairy foods and products. Cheese should be limited (Light cream cheese, cottage cheese and margarine), because they help to add more fatty deposits to the wall of the blood vessels, thereby worsening the diabetic condition.



3. Starchy vegetables: Starchy vegetables such as squash and potatoes should also be avoided.



4. Junk foods: Junk foods such as meat pie, fish roll, egg roll, sausage roll, etc, should be limited. They are made of white flour, and also have the tendency to add more calories to the system, which in the long run lead to weight increase and subsequently worsen the condition of the patient. They should not be eaten regularly or in large quantity.



5. Soy Sauce: They should be avoided because of the fact that they contain a lot of sodium chloride, which usually retains fluid, increase oedema and lead to hypertension or worsen an already existing hypertension (usually a complication of diabetes).



6. Avoid alcohol: Alcohol has the tendency to increase weight (especially beer), and as such they should be avoided. Besides, whisky and spirits are toxic to the liver and could lead to hepatitis and liver cirrhosis, which in turn worsen diabetes. Smoking should also be avoided.



If the patient sticks to this advice and abstains from those foods which are not compatible with his condition, he would be free from some of the complications associated with diabetes; and he would also enjoy relative health and live longer.