Diabetics And Risk Of Hypoglycemia

Low blood glucose (hypoglycemia) is a common occurrence in patients who have diabetes. Hypoglycemia occurs when the blood glucose level drops too low to provide energy for the body and the brain. Hypoglycemia mainly occurs as a complication of insulin therapy, however some of the pills that are used in the treatment of diabetes may also cause hypoglycemia.



Commonest reason for development of hypoglycemia is a combination of excessive use of insulin and irregular diet. Often the diabetic person may be injecting insulin but not eating enough or in a timely manner and this can result in low blood sugar or hypoglycemia.



Common symptoms of hypoglycemia include hunger, nausea and vomiting. You may be confused with nervousness and develop shakiness from hypoglycemia. You may experience profuse sweating while experiencing an episode of hypoglycemia. Severe hypoglycemia may lead to confusion and even coma.



Hypoglycemia may also occur in sleep. This may happen if a diabetic person takes too much insulin at night, Symptoms of hypoglycemia that may occur in sleep may include nightmares, crying out spells. Sometimes the only finding is to discover your night pants, pajamas, or bed sheet to be wet from perspiration at night. Diabetic patients who experience hypoglycemia during night may be tired, irritable, or confused when they wake up.



When blood glucose begins to fall, glucagon, another hormone produced by the pancreas, signals the liver to break down glycogen and release glucose, causing blood glucose levels to rise toward a normal level. With repeated episodes of hypoglycemia this glucagon response to hypoglycemia may get blunted, making it harder for your glucose levels to return to the normal range. Also the warning symptoms of nausea, sweating, faintness may fail to occur with repeat episodes of hypoglycemia.



Repeated episodes of hypoglycemia can impair the body's ability to respond to low blood sugar in the future. This impairment can allow an individual to develop severe hypoglycemia in which they may lose consciousness, experience convulsions, fall into a coma, and suffer brain damage or even die.



Patients who are on insulin treatment should be aware of these potential complications. If you are taking insulin or other diabetic medications you should be aware of the risks of hypoglycemia. You should take the medication in the recommended doses. Do not compensate for a missed dose with double dose of medication. You should maintain strict dietary schedule so that episodes of hypoglycemia could be avoided.

What is Hypoglycemia - And Does it Affect Type 2 Diabetics?

Hypoglycemia will affect type 2 diabetics just as much as it can affect anyone in the general population. Hypoglycemia is when your blood sugar drops too low, and you start to experience low blood sugar symptoms like



ท headache
ท dizziness
ท blurred vision
ท paleness, and possible trembling, or shaking
ท drowsiness
ท sweating
ท extreme hunger
ท possible temper changes
ท a feeling of pins and needles around the mouth



These low blood sugar symptoms can be experienced by diabetics who are taking insulin or tablet medication, but shouldn't happen to people being treated by diet alone, unless you haven't eaten for some time, and then participate in a prolonged form of exercise.



What should you do if you get hypoglycemia?



You need to immediately ingest a sugary food that will help raise your blood glucose level. Any type of high GI product will do like a glucose sweet, honey, jam, jelly bean lolly or the like. If the symptoms don't seem tom improve within five minutes, you need to take in some more of the above sugary food, and if you don't notice any improvement within ten to fifteen minutes, then you need to contact your Doctor or local hospital as soon as possible. Assuming your blood sugar levels have been raised, you need to eat a helping of complex carbohydrate (lower GI food) to help prevent your blood sugars from dropping again after the quick spike from the sugary item. Hypoglycemia, if not treated properly can get worse and lead to unconsciousness.



As a type 2 diabetic, the best ways to prevent hypoglycemia and low blood sugar symptoms from occurring is to ensure your food intake contains enough carbohydrate, and don't go too long in between meal time or snack times. Avoid drinking alcohol on an empty stomach, and if you are on medication, and you're experiencing hypoglycemic episodes a little too often, then get your doses of insulin or tablets checked. Also, if you're planning on doing some strenuous exercise or activity for an extended period, make sure you have a ready supply of snack food on hand.

Hypoglycemia In Diabetics

Hypoglycemia is a condition wherein there is insufficient glucose or sugar in the blood. There are several reasons why hypoglycemia occurs. The most common being as a side-effect of drugs used to treat diabetes, specifically those that lower blood sugar level, like insulin. There are several signs and symptoms to help you recognize hypoglycemia before it could get worse. These are the following:



1. Shakiness
2. Hunger
3. Paleness
4. Dizziness
5. Sudden mood changes
6. Sweating excessively
7. Shaking
8. Seizures
9. A tingling sensation in the mouth



If you have any of these signs and symptoms, have your blood glucose level tested regularly, especially if you believe that you might have done something to warrant its occurrence. Even if you don't have any reason to suspect hypoglycemia, have your glucose level checked if you are experiencing one or more of these signs and symptoms, just to be safe.



To raise your blood glucose level and pull out of hypoglycemia, you need to take in something sweet like several pieces of hard candy, fruit juice, or you can also take glucose tablets. Check your glucose level again after taking some of the treatments mentioned. If glucose level is still below normal, repeat the treatment until it normalizes. This is the reason why diabetics must always carry some sweet snack, more so for those with Type 2 diabetes. Sometimes, diabetics can pass out if hypoglycemia is not properly and timely treated. In case of a diabetic passing out, he should be rushed immediately to the hospital for emergency treatment. There, he will most likely be treated with something that can significantly raise the glucose level in the blood, like glucagon. It is also important to note that insulin should never, ever, be given to a diabetic who has passed out as this will further lower his blood sugar level.



There are some people who cannot feel that they have hypoglycemia. This condition is called hypoglycemia unawareness. Mostly, this occurs on people with chronic diabetes in addition to suffering from nerve damage, or neuropathy, as well. It can also occur on people whose glucose levels are being strictly monitored and controlled, and those diabetics taking heart medications. If you have hypoglycemia unawareness, it is important that hypoglycemia be explained to you so that you can understand the condition and be aware of the treatments and prevention techniques. This way, your diabetes can be managed properly and your blood glucose levels can be better monitored.

Natural Treatments For Diabetics

Diabetics today have a choice in treatment of diabetes. These treatments include the conventional treatments in addition to complementary and alternative treatments.



Natural treatments for diabetes are those that are not classified as the standard Western medical practice. These treatments fall into the complementary and alternative medicine categories. These two are made up of everything from diet and exercise to mental conditioning and lifestyle changes. Examples include acupuncture, guided imagery, chiropractic treatments, yoga, hypnosis, biofeedback, aromatherapy, relaxation, herbal remedies, massage, and many others.



Partaking in dietary changes and exercise as a form of natural treatments for blood glucose management, can help many people avoid the long-term complications associated with diabetes. Here are a few things to incorporate into you lifestyle:



o Use a diabetes meal plan. This may be obtain from your healthcare provider.



o Eat healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables, fish, lean meats, chicken or turkey without the skin, dry peas or   beans, whole grains, and low-fat or skim milk and cheese.



o Keep protein to about 3 ounces (or the size of a deck of cards). Bake, broil, or grill it.



o Decrease your fat and salt intake look for foods that are low in fat and salt.



o Increase your fiber eat foods such as whole grains cereals, breads, crackers, rice, or pasta.



o Get 30 to 60 minutes of physical activity on most days of the week. Brisk walking is a great way to move more.



o Get to and stay at a healthy weight by using your meal plan and moving more.



o Ask for help if you feel down. A mental health counselor, support group, member of the clergy, friend, or family member who will listen to your concerns may help you feel better.



o Manage your stress level. Being stressed can raise your blood glucose. There will always be stress in life, look for ways to handle it better.



o Stop smoking. If you have been unsuccessful, seek help from your healthcare provider.



o Take medicines even when you feel good. Ask your doctor if you need aspirin to prevent a heart attack or stroke. Tell your doctor if you cannot afford your medicines or if you have any  side effects.



o Daily foot care check your feet for cuts, blisters, red spots, and swelling. Call your health care team immediately about any sores that do not go away.



o Oral hygiene brush and floss your teeth every day to avoid problems with your mouth, teeth, or gums



o Check your blood glucose. Test your blood sugar as directed by your healthcare provider. Take any recordings to your doctor visits.



o Check your blood pressure if your doctor advises.



o Report any changes in your eyesight to your doctor.



Many people are also turning to natural remedies to help maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Below are some of the natural remedies that are having a tremendous impact not only with aiding in glucose management, but also with other complications diabetics are often faced with.



Pycnogenol®: This natural super-antioxidant, has been shown to help lower elevated blood glucose levels and improve cardiovascular health.



Madeglucyl(TM) (Eugenia Jambolana): Specifically developed to maintain healthy blood sugar levels, this patented product has been proven effective in pharmacological and clinical trials.



Silbinol® (Pterocarpus Marsupium Extract): Silbinol concen- trates the Indian kino tree's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties to help manage both blood sugar and cholesterol.



Glucohelp(TM): This patented banaba tree extract contains a high percentage of corosolic acid, which has been shown to support healthy glucose metabolism.



Salacia Extract: Research has indicated that consuming sala¬cia extract on a daily basis can be effective in lowering blood glucose, serum cholesterol, triglycerides and increasing HDL (the "good" cholesterol) levels.



Omega 3 Fish Oils: The Omega 3 Fish Oils have many health benefits, in addition to those for the brain, joints and throughout the body. Omega 3 fish oils also help promote cardiovascular health and maintain optimum blood pressure and cholesterol levels, common challenges for individuals with elevated blood sugar.



There is no doubt that in today's market people are seeking both natural and alternative treatments for their diabetes and diabetes related conditions. However, there are many choices being marketed, thus choosing the right one isn't an easy process.

Diabetes Treatments - Alternative Therapies For Diabetics

Have you ever listened about alternative therapies for diabetic people? If you have, have you ever tried one? If your answer is no, keep read on because this article is intended to point out some alternative diabetes therapies that have showed some degree of success treating this disease. Then, we have listed some of them without any particular order, that way you can further research one that has picked out your attention.



Firstly, take in consideration that the therapies listed below do not replace any medical treatment that you have been advised to follow, but they are very helpful as adjuncts. So, it is advisable to ask your doctor for specialized and technical recommendations.



Alternative Therapies For Treating Diabetes List:



- Meditation



- Homeopathy



- Nutrition Therapy



- Self Hypnosis



- Relaxation Techniques



- Yoga



- Exercise Conditioning



- Massage



- Detoxification Diet Programs



Most of these therapies, at least the ones that have for objective to calm down your nervous system, reducing stress and relieving tension of your muscles, are very effective improving diabetes condition, this is because you got unwanted toxins eliminated from your body.



Last but not least, remember that diabetes disease is all about how to control elevated blood sugar and consequently how to lower your blood glucose levels, then independently of the therapy and medical treatment that you follow, testing regularly your blood sugar levels it is a good comparative point in order to know if you are getting good results with the chosen alternative therapy. Remember that by researching online you can get a free blood glucose tester delivered to your address.

Medications For Type 2 Diabetics

Diabetes type 2 is a chronic metabolic disorder that is characterized by insulin resistance. It is a disease that lacks a permanent or perfect cure. For sufferers management is the only option.
Management of this syndrome entails medication, exercise, diet and life style modification.



Applying medications is one amongst the few ways of managing diabetes type2. The medication could be in the form of oral or injectable drugs. People with diabetes type 2 need medicine (medication) because it can help their body in manufacturing more insulin which can help decrease insulin resistance or lower the rate at which their body absorbs carbohydrate.



There are 5 basic classes of medications that can be used in the management of diabetes they are



Sulfonylueas; -



This is an example of an anti diabetic drug that can be used in the effective management and treatment of diabetes. It is mostly applied in the treatment of diabetes mellitus type 2. It has some mild side effect like inducing hypoglycemia when insulin production overshoots. This could be corrected by taking sugary foods. Sulfonylueas are greatly ineffective in the treatment of diabetes type 1 or post pancreatectomy where there is absolute deficiency of insulin.



Meglitinides; -



These are drugs that are used in the treatment of diabetes. They treat diabetes by blocking the potassium channel in the beta cell, This closes the ATP dependent potassium channels and opens the cells calcium channel. The resulting calcium influx aids in stimulating the beta cells into releasing more insulin.
One of the side effects of meglitinides is hypoglycemia (low blood glucose) which occurs because meglitinides stimulate the beta into releasing insulin.



Thiazolidinediones; -



These are drugs that act as an adjunctive therapy for diabetes type 2. They help in the reduction of the level of glucose produced in the liver, and also help the insulin to function better in the muscles and fat. They are very useful and effective in lowering the level of glucose in the blood
Some of its side effects include increase risk of hepatitis, liver damages, heart failure and fluid retention resulting in edema. Some of these side effects are more pronounced if there is a withdrawal or discontinuation of usage.



Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors;-



These are oral anti-diabetic drugs that are used for the treatment of diabetics type 2. They are useful in the treatment of diabetics type 2 because they help in preventing the digestion carbohydrate by converting it into monosaccharides (simple sugar) which can easily be absorb by the intestines. They also slow the breakdown of certain sugars. After meal, their actions are capable of slowing down the rise in the level of glucose in the blood.
The side effect of this drug include diarrhea and flatulence which are dose related



Biguanides;-



These are oral hypoglycemic drugs which are useful in the treatment of diabetes they help in lowering the blood glucose level by making the tissues of the body especially the muscle tissues more sensitive to insulin It has some side effect which include diarrhea and lactic acidosis.
In applying medications to diabetes type 2, regular check is also advised. This should be done to ascertain the effect the drugs are having on our bodies.

Diabetes-diabetic symptoms

Diabetes is caused by insufficient insulin enters the bloodstream to regulate glucose. It is caused by cells in the pancreas that dying or receptor sites clogged with fat and cholesterol. In some cases diabetes is caused by allergic reactions of cells in our body.



If you have the following symptoms, please check with your family doctor. You could have diabetes:



1. frequent urination:
If you feel that you are needing to urinate more often than usual, or a compelling urge to urinate, discomfort in the bladder.



2. excessive thirst:
The urge to drink too much beyond a certain limit can be a symptom of high blood sugar into the bloodstream and can be an important clue in detecting diabetes.



3. Increased appetite:
If you have the drive to eat excessively emotional and physical causes, is a disorder of emotion that forces you to eat even after they are full. Increased appetite may be an early symptom of diabetes.



4. unexplained weight loss:
Weight loss can occur due to various conditions ranging from eating disorders to severe metabolic conditions including diabetes. Drastic weight loss of more than 5-10 pounds when you're not looking, requires medical attention because it can be a sign of diabetes.



5. Blurred vision:
This is a symptom of great concern. If blood sugar levels are too high, sugar accumulates in your eye, this excess sugar in the fluid, changing the shape of the lens and blurry vision. Some types of blurred vision can be a medical emergency where delay can lead to vision loss.



6. increased fatigue:
Unlike tiredness experienced by a healthy person, sudden increase of fatigue is a bad thing in people with symptoms of diabetes.



Type II diabetes most are caused by binge eating high in saturated fat. In the case of pancreatic cells dying, experts believe it is caused by the excessive drinking of alcohol.

How Diabetics Should Treat Other Bouts of Illness

When you have diabetes and then catch a cold or the flu, or get a stomach bug, it can be difficult to manage medication or insulin injections. The body is placed under tremendous physical stress when suffering from a cold, flu, or just about any other illness.



When your body senses the threat of infection it produces more glucose in the form of glucagon, a hormone that raises blood sugar levels. If you are diabetic, this extra glucose in the bloodstream can lead to dangerously high blood sugar levels. Therefore, it is important to continue taking regularly prescribed oral medications (for type 2 diabetes) and insulin (for type 1 or type 2 diabetes) when sick and to regularly check sugar levels to assess whether more insulin is necessary.



Check Blood Sugar Regularly During Illness? Levels may fluctuate dramatically during an illness, so you need to check them  throughout the day. When blood sugar levels are high -- above 300 mg/dL (16.5 mmol/L) -- it is also necessary to check for ketones in the blood or urine, which is a byproduct resulting from the body using fats as an energy source. You will probably have testing strips to use. The presence of ketones indicates diabetic ketoacidosis which is a dangerous build-up of acid in the body.



How Does Illness-Related Appetite Loss Affect Blood Sugar Levels? Normally your body is largely dependent on food to provide glucose to the bloodstream. Going without food for prolonged periods, particularly while continuing to treat diabetes with oral medications and/or insulin, can lead to dangerously low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia) causing symptoms such as palpitations, shakiness, hunger, confusion, and even convulsions and coma. However, during illness or other stress, the body's own immune system triggers glucose production whether or not blood glucose is boosted by food intake. In fact  insulin requirements, are typically higher on sick days without food than on regular days with normal meals.



Even if you can't eat solid food, it is important to maintain an adequate intake of fluids to prevent dehydration. It is helpful to drink fluids containing carbohydrates and salt to maintain the electrolyte balance in the body. Sometimes illness leads to nausea and an inability to keep any food or medications down. Don't stop taking oral medications in this case; it is important to take them to treat the high blood sugar levels that naturally occur when ill, and also to dose the insulin accordingly, even if illness prevents eating.



While fighting an illness, most people with Type 1 diabetes may  require additional short-acting insulin, along with typical doses. Similarly, people with Type 2 diabetes who manage the disease entirely by diet and oral medications may require short-acting insulin during the course of an illness.



Is it safe to take Over-the-Counter Medications? Often when people are sick, they look for remedies to treat various symptoms, such as a cough or fever. While these nonprescription medications are typically fine for people with diabetes, it is important to remember that they can affect the blood and could potentially interact with diabetes medications. For example, cough syrup generally contains sugar.  Some antibiotics can interact with oral diabetes medications and result in lower blood sugar levels.



It is very important to talk to your doctor or diabetic consultant before taking any additional prescription or nonprescription medication to determine what, if any, changes to your diabetes management may be needed. If you become ill it is important to let your diabetes care team know of any changes to your health. This includes symptoms -- such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or fever - the amount of insulin given, your food and fluid intake, heart rate, breathing rate, and current body weight.



This information will help the team to advise patients on how to manage their blood sugar levels and other symptoms during the illness with a goal of preventing dehydration and the development of dangerous hyperglycemia.

Diabetics and Flu Season

Diabetics have to be especially vigilant in making sure that they get their seasonal flu shot and the H1N1 shot as well. These shots are a good idea for everyone, but for diabetics they are critical. The flu can cause changes in your blood sugar levels.



You have to get shots like these every year, unlike others shots like tetanus or measles. The flu mutates quickly so every year is a necessity - last year's vaccine likely won't work for this year's flu. Scientists start working on the next season's vaccine well before the season starts. Fortunately, the H1N1 virus has not yet mutated.



Flu is a miserable experience. It can include high fever, severe muscle aches and headache, cough, runny nose, and sore throat. When you have the flu, you also end up feeling very weak. These symptoms can last for weeks, prolonging the misery.



Diabetics often can't get effective symptom relief, either. The over-the-counter medicines that most people use to treat cold and flu are often inappropriate for diabetics. The liquid medicines are usually full of sugar to make them more palatable. You can't take them, because during flu your blood sugar may already be in flux. Adding a bunch of sugar to the mix is a really bad idea.



Cough drops are also a bad idea. Most have sugar in them. Even sugar-free cough drops may not be a good idea. Eucalyptus can also play havoc with blood sugar.



For diabetics with the flu, you need to be extra careful and test your sugar more frequently. It's very important because you may not know if your sugar is off since you feel so miserable anyhow.



It's a good idea to test every three to four hours, according to the ADA. They also recommend that you check ketones. If any of the results come back and indicate you are having trouble regulating these, you'll want to check with your doctor or go to the ER.



The flu virus can kill appetite too. You have to eat anyhow, in order to regulate your sugars. Don't skip eating - instead, eat small amounts of your regular foods.



You may not want a full meal. Instead, try to get fifteen grams of carbohydrates each hour. That's not too much food. It's about one slice of toast, one cup of soup, or พ cup of yogurt. Make sure you take in enough fluids, also. Be careful with fruit juices though, they can be very sugary.

10 Tips for diabetics with a cold and flu

We get colds and flus from time to time, but for diabetics colds and flus can be a little more serious. People with diabetes are more prone to infections, so it's important to make sure a cold and flu doesn't turn ugly. Here are some simple hints and tips that should help you should get a cold or flu.



1) drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration-if you don't eat properly and your dehydrated glucose levels of the blood may become too low. Dehydration can cause problems as well.



2) Rest-lots of rest will allow the body to repair and fight colds and the flu bug. Your body will be weaker when you have a cold or flu so help giving your body less to do and concentrate on the fight against the infection.



3) Keep a good supply of vitamin C and zinc-vitamin C is found in citrus fruits like oranges and fruit juices or you can take supplements. If you make use of supplements do not need high-strength varieties such as 1000mg just use standard strengths.



4 high temperature)-If you have high temperatures exceeding 38 degrees then let your doctor know. Acetaminophen is good to lower the temperature. If you are on medication make sure you check with your pharmacist which you can take acetaminophen with other drugs. (Almost all diabetic medications are compatible with acetaminophen, but it's still good to check). If you have a high temperature, this could be a sign of infection.



5) Avoid flu remedies with decongestants. Theoretically you could
make it harder to identify the signs of persistent high blood glucose and if you are on blood pressure lowering drugs raise blood pressure.



6) check glucose levels regularly. If the levels are notably target, then consult your doctor or if you're on insulin and may make changes to your insulin regimen, then you may need to adjust accordingly, but make sure you have your doctor's permission.



7) monitor your ketones – if the blood glucose levels become high the result may be the production of ketones, this can happen more often with type 1 diabetics. Check your urine ketones with a simple urine ketone strips such as ketostix and tell your doctor you have positive results.



8) Take the diabetes medication and/or insulin-if you can take medication that will help you recover faster by making sure that your body is working properly. In some cases the cold or flu might worsen if not take your diabetes medications or insulin.



9) prevention is better than cure-flu vaccine jab can prevent some types of flu. If you can get access to the flu jab would be worth it to prevent the flu. Ask your doctor if you can gain access to the flu jab.



10 sugar-free Medications) you can use lozenges for a sore throat and cough cough suppressants. Ask your pharmacist for the sugar free variety. If you have a chesty cough (cough with phlegm) and mucus is dark, this is a sign of infection and you should go see your doctor. Diabetics are more prone to infections.



We hope that you will be able to use these tips for preventing colds and influenza becoming severe and recover faster.



Now that you've read our article on diabetes and colds flu &, you may want to read our article on what is diabetes?. There is a lot of useful knowledge in the article.

Why is the flu so dangerous for diabetics?

The flu is more dangerous for diabetics than for others. Why is it so? Any kind of disease raises blood sugar levels in diabetic patients. In fact, a disease can prevent a diabetic to eat properly, which further affects blood glucose levels. Diabetes affects the immune system by causing people to become more vulnerable to severe cases of flu (Centers for Disease Control (CDC).) Diabetics who contract the flu usually get very sick, very sick, compared to other people that swine flu. In many cases, diabetics with the flu will end up in hospital.



People with diabetes can help keep it safe from the flu by getting an annual flu shot, provided they are not allergic to it, as many people are. The influence is definitely not good for everyone. Many people complain of getting sick after taking the flu vaccine. However, for the most part, is very good in preventing the flu. It is recommended that everyone with diabetes, women who are pregnant should get an annual flu shot, and the best time to get one is in October or mid-November before the start of flu season (CDC).



According to the CDC, if one has diabetes, a flu shot can be the difference between life and death. In addition to flu vaccine, diabetics should get pneumococcal vaccine also with Toxoide vaccine of tetanus/diphtheria (Td). All measures should remain safe from infections.



There are some important steps you can take to avoid sick people. Regularly wash your hands is a very good practice to stop the spread of flu and other infections. You should avoid contact with sick people. The flu, for example, is thought to spread from person to person through coughing, sneezing or contact with infected people. If one feels under the weather, the CDC recommends that one should stay home from work or school to limit contact with others to keep them from getting sick too.



Regardless of the circumstances, diabetics should continue taking their medications (pills or insulin), although they may not eat while sick with the flu. Health care providers may sometimes advise patients to take more insulin during the illness, depending on the situation, (CDC).



Very strict supervision should be used by diabetics when you experience any form of disease. Here are some basic steps to follow in case of illness: check your blood glucose levels every hour-all results should be recorded and monitored; drink extra fluids (no calories) and try to eat normally; If you eat normally, it is not possible, eat soft food and liquids containing the same amount of carbohydrates you consume normally. weigh yourself every day-lose weight without effort could be a sign of high blood sugar; and check your body temperature every morning and every evening-onset of fever may be a sign of infection, (CDC).



One should call you or your health care provider or go to the emergency room if any of the following: feeling too ill to eat normally unable to keep down food for more than 6 hours; episodes of severe diarrhea; lose 5 kg or more; body temperature is over 101 degrees F; blood glucose is below 60 mg/dL or remains over 300 mg/dL; experience moderate or large amounts of ketones in the urine; feeling of drowsiness or unable to think clearly. and having trouble breathing, (CDC).



Diabetics need to be very careful when it comes to influenza, because diabetes affects the immune system of diabetics. Therefore, flu prevention is the best medicine. Although the flu vaccine does not agree with all, is still the most effective remedy against flu. Thus, all efforts should get a flu shot every year.



Please visit the CDC for more information about diabetes and the flu.

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.

Diabetics - Beware of Bezoars!

A bezoar is a mass of hardened, undigested food or other material trapped in the digestive system, usually the stomach. Bezoars can also form in the large intestine, the trachea, and the esophagus (especially in children).



The word "bezoar" comes from the Persian for "protection from poison". Bezoars from animals were once believed to be antidotes for any type of poison, and were highly prized and sought after in Europe as a type of medical good luck charm for centuries.



People would place bezoars in their drinking glasses as an antidote to any potential poisons, and even set them into jewelry. There was a gold-framed bezoar in the Crown Jewels of Queen Elizabeth I as recently as 1962. Animal bezoars are still in demand from some practitioners of Asian medicine.



Bezoars are often found in people with diabetes mellitus and impaired gastric functioning, both of which can cause underactive digestive systems. Food that sits motionless in the digestive system mixes with mucus and solidifies into a stone-like lump.



Bezoars are classified by their content. Phytobezoars are the most common type, and are formed from undigested plant material. A diospyrobezoar is a common sub-type of phytobezoar formed specifically by the consumption of unripe persimmons.



Pharmacobezoars are masses of undigested drugs, usually found after an overdose of sustained release medications or heavy use of antacids. Lactobezoars are formed from milk and other dairy products.



Trichobezoars are basically a large hairball, and typically result from a psychiatric condition called trichophagia which involves the compulsive pulling out and eating of hair, which humans can not digest. In 2007, Chicago surgeons removed a ten-pound hairball from the stomach of a young woman with the condition.



Doctors usually treat bezoars by attempting to dissolve them with enzymes, with many doctors directing their patients to swallow meat tenderizer. Severe cases may require surgery, laser therapy or shock wave therapy. Since 2002, there have been a number of cases, primarily in diabetes mellitus patients, where doctors successfully used cola therapy to dissolve diospyrobezoars.



One documented case involved a diabetic gastroparesis patient with three large diospyrobezoars in his stomach. He was instructed to drink two cans of cola every six hours. Within 24 hours, the bezoars softened and began to dissolve. The doctors then injected cola directly into each bezoar, which caused them to completely dissolve by the next day. Doctors aren't sure why cola helps dissolve bezoars, but assume it's because of its acidity, possibly aided by its carbonation.



The symptoms of a bezoar are similar to those of gastroparesis (delayed gastric emptying), and include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and a feeling of being full after eating a small amount of food. As diabetes and gastroparesis often occur together, any such symptoms should be taken seriously by a diabetic.

Diabetes - Diabetics Symptoms

Diabetes is caused by insufficient insulin entering the bloodstream to regulate the glucose. It is either caused by cells in the pancreas dying off or receptor sites clogged up by fat and cholesterol. In some case diabetes is also caused by allergy reactions of cells in our body.



If you have the below symptoms, please check with your family doctor. You might have diabetes:



1. Frequent urination:
If you feel that you are needing to urinate more often than usual or a compelling urge to urinate, along with discomfort in your bladder.



2. Excessive thirst:
The urge to drink too much beyond a certain limit may be a symptom of high blood sugar in your bloodstream , and can be an important clue in detecting diabetes.



3. Increase appetite:
If you are experiencing the drive to eat excessively due to emotional and physical causes then it is an emotion disorder that compels you to eat even after you are full. Increased appetite can be an early symptom of diabetes.



4. Unexplained weight loss:
Loss of body weight can occur due to various conditions ranging from eating disorders to severe metabolic conditions including diabetes. Drastic weight loss of more than 5 to 10 pounds when you're not trying to, requires medical attention because it may be a sign of diabetes.



5. Blurry vision:
This is a symptom of great concern. If the blood sugar levels are too high, sugar builds up in your eye, This excess sugar also draws in fluid, changing the shape of the lens and making blurry vision. Certain types of blurry vision can be a medical emergency where delay can lead to loss of sight.



6. Increased fatigue:
Unlike the tiredness experienced by a healthy person, sudden increase of fatigue is a bad thing in people with symptoms of diabetes.



Most Type II diabetes are caused by uncontrolled diet that are high in saturated fat. In the case of the cells of the pancreas dying off, experts believe it is caused by excessive drinking of alcohol.

Diabetic Diet - 10 Healthiest Foods For Diabetics

Diabetics generally have an innate feeling that there are too many restrictions on their diet and food items. Some diabetics even think there is nothing delicious left in their eating plan once they are diagnosed with diabetes.



Do you have the same feeling? If yes then you'll be surprised to read the following passages as there are many healthier fruits and vegetables for the diabetics.



Fruits



Many fruits like grapefruit, peaches, apples and lime are healthier for diabetics. It is recommended that diabetics should divide their fruit and vegetables in five portions and take them evenly distributed throughout the day. This even distribution of food portions helps the diabetics to avoid sudden rise and fall in the blood sugar levels



High fiber diet



High fibrous diet includes fruits, cereals, nuts seeds, pulses and vegetables. Fiber rich diet not only helps the diabetics to control the level of blood glucose but at the same time lower down the level of cholesterol. It gives the diabetics a fuller feeling and keep them away from binge eating.



Whole grain foods



It is better to give preference to whole grain food items over the processed foods. The examples of whole grain foods are whole wheat bread, whole gain spaghetti etc. the examples of processed foods are white bread and white rice. No matter these processed food groups taste good but it is better to avoid them specifically if you are a diabetic.



Meat



Prefer the leanest part of the meat. You may take meat of beef and lamb once or twice a week. Occasionally diabetics may eat organ meat to fulfill the vitamin deficiency of their bodies.



Poultry



Best meat choices are fish, poultry and duck.



Seafood



Seafood of all types is excellent for diabetics. However it is strongly recommended to boil, bake or steam it.



Non Fat Dairy Products



Prefer non fat dairy products over full cream food groups. Low fat cheeses, skimmed milk and low fat yogurt are good for diabetics.



Egg White



Egg is allowed to the diabetics, however white part is better than yellow. The egg yolk may increase the cholesterol level of diabetics.



Cheese



All kinds of cheeses are good except for the cottage cheese.



Vegetables



All types of vegetables are good. Still the preferred choices for diabetics are onion, garlic and sweet potato.



Diabetics must avoid eating sugar, honey, sweets, cakes, rye, rice, bread, pasta, pastry. Potatoes, carrots, mangoes, sugarcane, fast food and saturated fats.

Diabetes Diet That Helps Diabetics Live Longer

Diabetes diet is one factor that should diabetic patients should never overlook. Diet is a form of medicine. Food is the most natural medicine on earth. One cannot talk about diabetes without talking about food and dietary habits. Food is a major factor in any illness. This is especially true in the case of diabetes. Any treatment of diabetes should begin with proper food combination. It is good to note that drugs do not cure any illness. Drugs only help to strengthen the immune system and aid the system in fighting against illness.



Some diabetic patients have always reasoned that diabetic drugs can cure their illness. Such people give less attention to the kind of food they eat and how they eat it. Most of the sufferers of diabetes are mislead by some kind of 'medical recommendation' that mandates them to eat plenty of meat, beans, plantain and avoid yam, cassava, honey, fruits and sugar." At most cases, when I ask them how many times they eat in a day, they would respond twice or thrice a day.



As a diabetic, it is not good for you to eat only twice or thrice daily, for such meal is often heavy. If you take a heavy meal even once a day, your sugar level will rise, because there is insufficient insulin in the body to metabolize the food. The secret is to eat a little as often as you wish. In other words, eat five or six times daily, but just a little at a time. Failure to observe this simple diabetes diet rule has sent many diabetics to their grave. Despite all the complicated and expensive diabetes medications, they did not get better. Taking proper diabetes diet



Our food consists of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals. To be healthy, we need to maintain a balance of these nutrients in our diet. Carbohydrates include sugar, starch, cassava, yam, rice etc. Protein is found in meat, fish, eggs, milk, beans, etc. Saturated fats are found in butter, coconut oil, palm oil, fish, meat and eggs. This kind of fats is dangerous for the system and can lead to heart disease. Unsaturated fats, which are derived from groundnut oil, Soya bean oil, cotton seed oil and Castor oil, are healthier.



Fruits also provides the one of the richest diabetes diet. Vitamins and minerals come mainly from fruits and vegetables. Keep in mind that these fruits and vegetables are best when taken in their natural state. Raw vegetables are more nourishing than cooked ones. So often, I hear diabetics say that they have been told to abstain from eating fruits like paw paw, banana and oranges, as well as all natural juices like honey. The sugar in honey is pre-digested and cannot be compared to artificial, refined honey sold in the stores. The sugar in honey is only 70%, even though it has a very sugary taste.



If diabetics do not eat fruit, how can they survive? What is bad is not the fruit itself, but the manner of eating it. Diabetic patients should not combine fruits with any other food. This is one mistake which so many diabetic patients make.



Diabetes diets should involve eating plenty of onions, carrots, garlic and ginger. As much as possible, eat green vegetables in their natural state. Green leaves such as bitter leaf and paw paw leaves are very good for the body. So often, people squeeze out the bitterness from these leaves before preparing their meal, thereby rendering the leaves useless. The bitterness is what actually makes the leaves medicinal. Okra is a very good for diabetes diet that tend to meet the requirements to counter the scrunching effects of diabetes.



In as much as diabetes diet guidelines are fashioned based on some basic principles, the best diet plan for a particular diabetic patient are best achieved by getting in touch with a nutritionist that has an in depth knowledge of diabetes experience.

Food List For Diabetics To Eat - Diabetic Diet Plan

Diabetic diet plan is not complete without these four essential categories of food. If a diabetic person eats food that help him to metabolize sugar, trigger insulin sensitivity, protect him from glycation and lower down oxidative stress; he can achieve his goals of maintaining normal blood sugar levels.



Here is the food list for diabetics to eat



Metabolizers



Diabetic diet plan must include ingredients that help to restore the metabolism process of sugar. Excessive blood sugar triggers dangerous reactions that start to destroy the body. There are certain foods that help to restore process of sugar metabolism.



The following spices and foods are good metabolizers:



1- Basil



2- Cinnamon



3- Green beans



4- Broccoli



5- Apples



6- Sprouted beans



7- Whole wheat bread



It is good to add either 1 or 2 servings in each major meal.



Promoters



The trademark of diabetes type 2 is insulin resistance. Insulin helps the intake of sugar by the cells of the body. Nutritional promotion of insulin sensitivity help the medications to work better.



Following is the list of good promoters for diabetes:



1- Lean red meat



2- Cabbage



3- Collard green



4- Brewer's yeast



A diabetic diet plan that provides 6 to 7 ounces of lean cut of red meat with plenty of green vegetables provides a good dose of insulin promoters.



Reducers



Excessive blood sugar levels create extreme oxidative stress. If blood sugar isn't properly metabolized then blood sugar quickly changes itself into reactive molecules that damage the body. Reducers are also termed antioxidants. Antioxidant foods are those that could lower down the oxidative stress by mopping reactive metabolites of sugar. The key step in the treatment of diabetes is to eat wide range of antioxidants. Following is the list of foods for diabetics that can be added in their diet plan for lowering down the blood sugar levels.



1- Cranberries



2- Blueberries



3- Red beans



4- Pomegranate



5- Artichokes



6- Black And green tea



Each diabetic meal must contain 2 to 3 servings of antioxidants.



Protectors



It is critically important that all diabetic understand the ways in which blood sugar level cause the damage. The naughtiest process is glycation. In this process sugar molecules react with proteins and form non function structures in the body. This is the prime cause of complications of diabetes. It makes the basis of heart attack, heart stroke and even blindness.



Protector foods include those foods that have the capability of minimizing the glycation effect:



1-Liver



2- Turkey



3- Chilli pepper



4- Chicken



5- Lean red meat



6- Lentils



7- Tuna



The best way to enhance diabetes favour diabetes is by adding chilli peppers as marinade for fish and chicken. This is also strongly advised that diabetics must only choose the leanest cuts of the meat.



It is not difficult to beat diabetes, if a person has got the right tools for it. Human body can heal itself with the proper diabetes diet. The diabetic person has to plan his diabetic meals with greatest care while incorporating metabolizers, promoters, reducers and protectors.

Diabetic Diet - 3 Healthiest Foods For Diabetics

Diabetes has become the major health concern of not only the modern societies but for the whole world. Diabetes is a chronic illness that must never be ignored. The initial signs of diabetes if left untreated may result in chronic health complications like heart diseases, liver problems etc.



It is important for the diabetics to listen closely to their body, give prime importance to diabetic diet and adopt a healthy exercising routine.



A mild case or newly diagnosed diabetes can be easily managed with the help of proper planning of diabetic diet. It is important for diabetics to give primary importance to the timing of their meals. Skipping the meals is the biggest sin a diabetic can do; this result in the formation of peaks and valleys of blood sugar levels. If this process continues for a certain length of time it starts to damage various body organs that includes damage to heart, kidneys and other systems of the body.



It is recommended that diabetic should take each serving of their meal that is low in calories, low in fats but high dietary fiber. Fruits also play a vital role maintaining the better health of the diabetic patients. Fruits play a key role in maintaining the better health if diabetics.



There are few fruits that are richer in fiber content and at the same time have low sugar content. Such fruits are best for the diabetics. It is good to note that all fruits are not equally healthier for diabetics. There are some fruits that instead of maintaining increase the level of blood sugar. The names of few such fruits are mangoes and grapes. It is important for the diabetics to know well about the nutritional content of the fruits so he is in a better position of selecting the right fruit at the same time.



This information would help the diabetics to select the foods that are either harmless or good for the body of diabetics.



Here are the names of few such fruits. These fruits help the diabetic to keep the health related complications at bay.



Grapefruit: Grapefruit is the best fruit that avoids the formation of spikes in your blood sugar level. It is the best fighter against cholesterol disease and heart related problems. A professor of University of Florida has found that grapefruit has the ability to lower down the level of bad cholesterol in humans. However it interferes with some prescriptive medicines so it is advised to consult with your doctor if you are on prescriptive medicine.



Beans: The amount of soluble dietary fiber available in beans is helpful in lowering down the level of blood sugar. Beans are of great help in maintaining the level of blood sugar while providing plenty of slow releasing energy. The dietary fiber of the beans helps to hinder the level of blood sugar from rising instantly after meals.



Oats: The healthful benefits of oats were reported many years ago. The dietary fiber of the oats is helpful in reducing the level of cholesterol. A person who eats oat bran foods or oatmeal will experience lesser blood sugar spikes. The soluble dietary fiber lessens the speed of absorption of food into the blood from stomach. It delays the absorption of glucose in the bloodstream after meals.