Type 2 Diabetes - Is There A New Natural Treatment To Help Diabetic Kidney Failure?

Even though only a small percentage of Type 2 diabetics actually develop kidney failure, chronic damage to the kidneys eventually necessitating dialysis is one of the most dreaded complications of diabetes. For diabetics who are in the beginning stages of kidney failure and who do not need dialysis yet, the probiotic bacterium Bacillus coagulans may offer a helpful treatment.



Bacillus coagulans is a symbiotic, probiotic, helpful species of bacteria. It's not like the better-known Lactobacillus acidophilus in that it easily survives passage through the acid environment of the stomach. In fact, "digesting" this kind of probiotic activates it. The acid in the stomach dissolves it's spores, and then the spores germinate in the colon.



Once the "bug" gets into the colon, it interacts with neutrophils. These are the white blood cells that "zap" disease-causing microorganisms and zap healthy tissue at the same time. By sheer numbers, the bacteria train the immune system not to inflame and destroy healthy tissues. This keeps the neutrophils from damaging the tissues in the nose and throat when people encounter colds and flu viruses.



But that's not all B. coagulans does. It also feeds on urea and proteins that otherwise would literally clog the filtration tubes, the glomeruli, of the kidneys. It breaks down proteins to take the amino acids it needs, freeing the other amino acids to be used by its human host. In this form, excess protein in the diet... which becomes very, very difficult to avoid in diabetic kidney disease... doesn't create a problem for the kidneys. They don't have to strain out the larger protein molecules, and the body can use most of the amino acids. (The rest become urea and sugar, and B. coagulans can also break down urea).



There is never going to be a time when a Type 2 diabetic with advanced kidney failure can pop a probiotic pill and skip dialysis. However, Type 2 diabetics with early stage kidney failure may be able to buy themselves time to do the things that are fundamental to reversing kidney disease, which are keeping blood sugar levels in good control and controlling high blood pressure.



Type 2 diabetics with who do not have indwelling catheters (who don't do dialysis at home), may be able to benefit from taking capsules of this friendly bacterium, too. It's important to let the doctor know you are taking any kind of probiotic in case your treatment changes.



And even if you have a permanent catheter, Bacillus coagulans is probably safe to take. The only way you could run into a problem is that you use a "drink" form of the product, the drink gets contaminated with other kinds of microorganisms, the spill gets on your catheter, and the bacteria get inside you. The B. coagulans itself is not likely to cause any diabetics any problems, but work with your doctors, nurses, and technicians to make sure. If this complementary treatment will work for you, it will like cost less than US $1 per day.

Is There Already a Cure For Diabetes?

At present there is no known scientific cure for diabetes, either Type 1 or Type 2. The scientists are getting nearer to discovering a cure but there are no definite possibilities as yet. Many clinical trials on mice and humans are being conducted around the world each year in an attempt to find the cure for diabetes.



Having said this, several experiments involving people with Type 1 diabetes have suggested that it can be cured already. Type 1 diabetes sufferers have a pancreas that is not producing any insulin at all. Several patients with Type 1 diabetes have had pancreas transplants that have proved to have been effective at preventing their diabetes and allowed them to be insulin independent. It has not been successful in all cases and the logistics of providing every Type 1 diabetes patient to a new pancreas is unsurpassable.



Another method which when developed further may prove to be a cure for diabetes, is the transplantation of beta cells into the patient. This method has been carried out on both mice and humans but with disappointing results. It was found that the immune system was attacking the transplanted beta cells. This result was also found in a test involving the transplant of stem cells into both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes patients.



Some people may argue that there is already a cure for diabetes. Many alternative medicine and therapeutic practitioners believe that their treatments prevent or disrupt the symptoms of both kinds of diabetes. You can purchase products that are designed to protect the beta cells from harmful symptoms and exude an insulin-like action.



These products can be found online and can be shipped directly to you. Most of the products are quite expensive and so you need to decide if this is the right option for you. It could end up being a waste of money if it does not work for you.



Until a scientific cure for diabetes is found you may wish to keep using the various diabetic supports already available. You can access diabetic supplies in a number of ways. Firstly, it is worth noting that insulin can only be prescribed by a medical doctor and will be dispensed to you by a pharmacist.



All of the other supplies you need can be bought over-the-counter at pharmacies and drugstores; you can also access diabetic supplies via the internet. Items such as syringes, glucose monitors, lancets and testing strips can be ordered online and delivered to you. There are several companies who can provide you with what you need, when you need it.



Diabetics are well supported and there is a lot of information and products available to help control the condition. With the scientific studies getting nearer to a cure for diabetes it may not be long before the condition is eradicated.

Are There Alternatives to the Swine Flu Vaccine?

The latest outbreak of H1N1 viral influenza commonly referred to as swine flu or Mexican flu hit the world in the early part of 2009. Although the current outbreak was termed Novel Influenza A' in the US, previous smaller outbreaks have occurred in Europe and elsewhere. Because of the frequently recurring avian flu outbreaks over the past few years, both the WHO and most countries were better prepared to control the swine flu outbreak. Unlike the avian flu virus, there has been no record of transmission of this flu virus from animals / birds to humans and it is safe to eat cooked pork products. So far the infection has spread only between humans, but there is always the risk that the virus will mutate and eventually transmit between different species.



Most people who have been infected by the flu have shown only mild symptoms and the normal precautions taken for those afflicted with seasonal flu should suffice. These include vaccination (when made available in the market), washing hands, sufficient rest and sleep, exercise, balanced diet with emphasis on fruit and vegetables and avoiding crowds. Covering the face while sneezing or coughing and staying at home during the period of illness (with some level of isolation) also helps in preventing the spread from an infected person; there is some doubt as to how effective face masks are, in this regard. The most common symptoms are body ache, fever, coughing (dry), sneezing, headaches and in some instances - diarrhoea and vomiting. Stricter control and more care is needed for the high risk group comprising people likely to be more severely affected by the virus and these include children below 5 years of age, the elderly (above 65), pregnant women, people with asthma, diabetes, obesity, heart disease and people having muscular and nervous system concerns; hospitalisation may be the best option in extreme cases.



Vaccines used for treating the common influenza have not worked in controlling swine flu and more specific vaccines have been tested. Just a single dose of these is expected to be reasonably effective in preventing an attack on most individuals, but younger children less than 10 years of age are advised 2 injections at an interval of 21 days. More efficient vaccines are also being tested and should be made available shortly. A number of countries are gearing up for mass vaccinations in late 2009 to try and control the spread of the virus among their citizens - something similar to what was undertaken during the polio eradication campaign.



There are a number of options available to control the flu and its symptoms without a swine flu vaccine. Ideally a homeopathic specialist should be consulted to decide on which formulation to take and the dosage required. There are some companies who continuously modify their formulations to create natural flu remedies that take care of differences in the type of flu that is going around as to what works well for the current influenza that may be effective for swine flu.

Don't Despair If Your Dog Has Canine Diabetes - There Are Effective Treatments For Canine Diabetes

One of the most serious medical aliments out there these days is diabetes. This disease affects people young and old in increasing numbers. What many folks don't know is that diabetes not only affects humans, but affects dogs too. Some estimates place the incidence of diabetes in dogs as one out of every five hundred dogs. Female dogs come down with diabetes far more often than male dogs.



One type of diabetes in dogs can be genetic, that means the dog will likely get the disease regardless of it's lifestyle and diet. Other types can be exasperated by poor nutrition. With the latter, the disease usually begins in the five to nine year age range in dogs. Because of this people need to be aware of their dogs health and be on the look out for the signs and symptoms of this disease. This awareness is important because there are canine diabetes treatments available.



So what causes canine diabetes? Much like in humans, diabetes in dog's happens because the pancreas doesn't produce enough insulin. Because of this glucose isn't able to get into the necessary cells to metabolise. As a result a dog will appear to have little or no energy. Other symptoms of a dog suffering from diabetes is increased urination, because the dog's body is trying to get rid of the excess glucose. As a result another symptom of a dog having diabetes is an increase in the consumption of water. A marked weight loss is another symptom of this disease. If a dog owner see any of these symptoms in his dog, then a visit to a veterinarian is necessary. A veterinarian's office can perform the tests necessary to determine if the dog has diabetes.



Thankfully there are canine diabetes treatments available these days. Typically a dog that has diabetes will need to be given daily insulin shots. This is something that can be done in the house. Because every dog is different, the amount of insulin given will be vary. It is important closely with your vet to monitor the exact amount.



Another component of treatment is to help the dog lose weight if they are overweight. If a dog, much like a human, is overweight their body will not respond to the insulin treatment well. Most canine diabetes can be treated by using insulin and paying good attention to your dog's nutrition. As a result most dog can live healthy lives as a result of good diabetes treatments.

Is There a Permanent Cure For Diabetes? Controlling and Handling the Disease

Diabetes is one of the most insidious disorders that has now been taking gigantic proportions and is affecting more and more people across the globe. What makes this disease so difficult to handle is that mild, borderline diabetes might sometimes go totally unnoticed, as the patient reveals no symptoms whatsoever, sometimes, over a period of many years. Finally when it does show up, it gets most difficult to treat and cure. Now the question here is, "Is there something such as a permanent cure for diabetes"?



Conducting a test



Once you cross your mid-40s, it is advisable to get a thorough medical checkup done on yourself, especially the diabetes test - all the more so if you have a family history of the same. A test for diabetes reveals whether or not you are suffering from the disease. Drink a glass of glucose water, wait for a couple of hours and then get a fasting blood glucose test done. This test should ideally be repeated every year. In case your blood glucose levels are found to be 200 mg/dL or higher, you would be diagnosed as a diabetic.



Is there a cure for the disorder?



The answer, sadly, is no. Diabetes is not a disorder that can be cured completely. However, the good news is that it can be brought well under control and kept that way for life! Many diabetics have been living perfectly active, healthy lives. So can you, if you strictly follow your physician's instructions.



The key to lead a good life in spite of living with the disorder is to control your blood sugar levels. This should be between the range of 90-130 mg/dL at fasting and lesser than 180 mg/dL a couple of hours after meals.



The honeymoon phase



In some cases, especially in those diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, patients do not need any medication or insulin shots to control their blood sugar levels for long periods of time, sometimes lasting as long as six months. This is called the 'honeymoon phase'. A word of caution - you should not consider yourself cured of the disorder. This is merely a phase. So continue with your checkups and be aware that it can definitely resurface anytime at all.



Controlling diabetes



Many people - almost 75% - with uncontrolled diabetes fall prey to cardiovascular disease, while as many as 30% suffer from acute myocardial infarction. Diabetes largely targets the heart's functioning. This disorder can double the risk of heart attack in men and triple it in the case of women. It is also responsible for causing major heart vessel blocks and thickening of the arteries. Elderly diabetics may suffer silent heart attacks, which can cause sudden death.



A diabetic can lead a perfectly normal life if he learns the right ways to handle the disease, thereby controlling his blood glucose, blood cholesterol and blood pressure levels. The key here is to eat right, exercise moderately everyday. It is also most advisable to completely give up smoking and drinking, especially in the case of overweight diabetics. Even if these measures do not end up being a cure for diabetes, they can go a long way in helping you enjoy your life to the fullest!

Borderline diabetes-is there a difference between prediabetes and type 2 diabetes?

If you've been diagnosed with prediabetes, then this is the stage to get into action! There is no way that you could get in on the action without awareness of the problem.



The first step begins with awareness.



What is Borderline diabetes?



Borderline diabetes or prediabetes is when blood sugars are out of normal range, but not in the range for the diagnosis of type 2 diabetes.



The clinical name for this is called fasting glucose.



Borderline diabetes or prediabetes is important because it serves as a warning sign. This is the time to make major changes in lifestyle. Or increases the risk of becoming a type 2 diabetic.



How is prediabetes diagnosed?



The quickest way to diagnose prediabetes is a fasting blood sugar. I usually recommend an overnight fast for at least 8 hours and if possible up to 12 hours.



Blood glucose levels normal for diabetes are among 70-99 mg/dL. Substantially less than 100 mg/dL.



When your blood glucose is between 100-125 mg/dL, this indicates prediabetes or borderline diabetes.



If the level is above 126 mg/dl that indicates diabetes type 2.



Another test that can be used to diagnose prediabetes is called the glucose tolerance test (OGTT) oral.



This is a more detailed tests. Firstly, a fasting blood glucose level. Once a fast 8-12 hours is required.



Then you are given a very sweet liquid to drink. This is equivalent to 75 G glucose or the amount of sugar in a can of Coca Cola for example.



Two hours after taking this, I did another blood test. If this is between 140 and 199 mg/dL.



When your blood sugar is over 200 mg/dL, then this indicates type 2 diabetes.



Borderline diabetes have symptoms?



There are symptoms associated with borderline diabetes. So don't expect to have the common signs of diabetes.



What are the risks associated with prediabetes?



The main risk is the development of type 2 diabetes. However people with prediabetes are at increased risk for heart disease, stroke and hypertension.



Get more information on how diabetes and hypertension are linked.



Remember that the same risks that put you at risk for type 2 diabetes also can put you at risk of prediabetes.



What can you do to prevent prediabetes from becoming diabetes type 2?



As noted earlier in this article, diagnosed with prediabetes should serve as a warning sign to make changes in your lifestyle.



In other words does not mean that inevitably will become a type 2 diabetic.



Patients diagnosed with prediabetes should be closely monitored. This is one of the times that, with a commitment to a healthy life, progression to diabetes can be reversed.



The hallmark of success reversing prediabetes is diet and exercise. If you are overweight or obese, commit to losing weight.



Just losing 10% of your current body weight could reverse these effects.



It is important to work with your doctor during this critical phase. By monitoring your blood tests, you and your doctor are better aware of the corrective action to be taken.



Sometimes the doctor may choose to put on a drug called metformin. When this happens, many times patients may get confused because they don't understand enough because I'm on a medication for diabetes even if you don't have diabetes. But research shows that the metformin helps reduce the chances of developing full-blown diabetes.



So next time you hear someone say that they have been diagnosed with borderline diabetes or prediabetes, do a favor to them and educate them about it.



Let them know that this is the time to begin to make changes in their lifestyle.