Spiritual Fasting With Diabetes

There seems to be a new move of God in the Body of Christ and a growing hunger for a deeper and more powerful relationship with Christ. Even as I write this article, thousands of men and women across North America and around the world are turning to prayer and fasting as they seek God and His wisdom for their lives.

But can you fast if you have diabetes? That's a question I am asked regularly on the Daniel Fast Blog that I started on WordPress in December 2007. The answer is a resounding, "Yes!" In fact, many have reported back to me that they were healed of their Type 2 diabetes as a result of changing their eating habits while on the Daniel Fast. The Daniel Fast is a partial fast, typically practiced for 21 consecutive days (you can learn more about the Daniel Fast by following the links at the end of this article).

Diabetes

I always encourage people with diabetes to contact their health professional before engaging in any fast. Depending on the severity of the infirmity, usually only slight adjustments must be made to the Daniel Fast Food List if any at all. The Daniel Fast is actually a very healthy way of eating and therefore almost always results in improved health for the individual, along with a deepened relationship with God.

Spiritual Fasting With Diabetes

I also stress to readers that fasting isn't necessarily about the foods you eat or don't eat. Rather, it's about your heart and that you are engaging in a spiritual fast to draw closer to the Lord. God tests your heart, so if you need to eat extra protein or consume more calories for health issues, then you can still fast successfully.

On the other hand, if you hear yourself saying, "I just can't give up coffee," and then adjust the fast so you can still have your morning java...then that attitude in your heart won't necessarily bring you successful fasting results.

Spiritual fasting is denying the body food for a spiritual purpose. It should never harm the body, but rather provide health to your body, your soul and your spirit.

If you have diabetes, I encourage you to learn more about the Daniel Fast by visiting the Daniel Fast Blog. There you will find just about everything you need for a successful spiritual fast that will increase your faith and bring you into a deeper and more abiding relationship with Christ.

Spiritual Fasting With Diabetes

Susan Gregory has been called "The Daniel Fast Expert" and teaches about spiritual fasting on The Daniel Fast Weblog which you can visit at http://DanielFast.wordpress.com

Diabetes Blood Sugar Chart - Normal Blood Glucose Ranges

Monitoring your glucose ranges is very important and must be done on a regular basis (especially if you are a diabetic). One of the best ways to monitor your glucose is to use a diabetes blood sugar level chart.

Glucose is the main fuel that your body uses to produce energy. Without it your body won't function properly (just like an automobile). The chart that I'm about to show you will be very helpful to you as it will help you monitor when problems occur and if there are any patterns of your readings. The patterns will become very clear to you (as you learn how your own body works) and you will be able to discuss them more clearly and effectively with your health professional. It is crucial that you know kind of events, food, activities, and medications may cause your blood sugar to increase or decrease.

Diabetes

You should work closely with your health care provider to ensure that you are meeting your goals. He will provide a meter tool for you to help you keep track of your levels. You should familiarize yourself on how to use the meter.

Diabetes Blood Sugar Chart - Normal Blood Glucose Ranges

Diabetes Blood Sugar Chart - Normal Blood Glucose Ranges

Upon waking up (and before breakfast), your levels should be between 80 and 120. This is considered to be a healthy range.

Before meals your levels should also be between 80 and 120.

Two hours after you eat meals, your levels should be 170 or less.

Before lunch, it should drop back down to 80-120.

Before you go to bed, it is ideal to be between 100 and 140.

At 3am (while sleeping), it is ideal to be between 70 and 110.

While fasting, it is ideal that you stay in the 70 to 100 range.

The numbers from this chart will help give you a good idea of normal blood glucose ranges; however, you may want to ask your health care provider where exactly your range should be at (during each of the above events). It is important to receive frequent testing as this can reduce the risk of having complications from your diabetes.

Diabetes Blood Sugar Chart - Normal Blood Glucose Ranges

I hope this diabetes blood sugar chart was beneficial to you and taught you a little bit about how to monitor your ranges. If you would like to learn more about diabetes and Learn how to Find Diabetic Relief, please check out my Diabetes and Blood Sugar Tips website.

Protein Principles for Diabetes

Dietary considerations can present a Hobson's choice in diabetes. Even when the intake is nutritious, assimilating it can be another matter. Then there is the problem of progression of diabetic complications if one ends up with excess glucose or fat in the system. Excess carbohydrates in a meal, and the resulting uncontrolled blood sugar levels can be detrimental to any number of tissues, from the lens of the eye, to the neurons, small blood vessels and the kidneys. Fat is also a problem with increase incidences of atherosclerosis, large vessel disease and cardiac complications. What, then is the appropriate macronutrient for the diabetic population? Enough medical literature exists to suggest that in diabetes, proteins are probably the best bet.

Proteins are the natural choice of the body when faced with diabetes. In uncontrolled diabetes, muscle protein is broken down into amino acids to be converted into glucose by the liver. If left to fend for itself, this can create a commotion within the body. Since proteins have to supply enough energy to substitute for carbohydrates, proteins are broken down faster than they are made. The body ends up with a protein deficit, a situation with subtle, yet far-reaching effects on normal body functions. Importantly, for diabetics, a protein deficit has been shown to impair resistance to infections (Ganong WF). Replenishing the depleting protein stores is a vital requirement of all diabetic diets.

Diabetes

Importance of proteins in a diabetic has been well documented. The American Associations of Clinical Endocrinologists have made it clear that not much evidence exists to indicate that the patients with diabetes need to reduce their intake of dietary proteins. The AACE recommends that 10-20% of the calorie intake in diabetes should come from proteins (AACE Diabetes Guidelines). It is in fact believed that this is one nutrient that does not increase blood glucose levels in both diabetics and healthy subjects (Gannon et al).

Protein Principles for Diabetes

Nutrition therapy for diabetes has progressed from prevention of obesity or weight gain to improving insulin's effectiveness and contributing to improved metabolic control (Franz MJ). In this new role, a high protein diet (30% of total food energy) forms a very pertinent part of nutrition therapy. One of the most important causes for type II diabetes is obesity. Excess body fat raises insulin resistance and higher levels of insulin are required to bring down blood sugars as the weight increases (Ganong WF). Another problem with excess fat is the clogging of arteries with atherosclerotic plaques that is responsible for a wide range of diabetic complications. Any mechanism that reduces body fat decreases insulin resistance and improves blood glucose control. Parker et al have also shown that a high protein diet decreased abdominal and total fat mass in women with type II diabetes. Other studies by Gannon et al. and Nuttall et al have verified that blood glucose levels and glycosylated hemoglobin (a marker of long term diabetic control) reduce after 5 weeks on a diet containing 30% of the total food energy in the form of proteins and low carbohydrate content. It is speculated that a high protein diet has a favorable effect in diabetes due to the ability of proteins and amino acids to stimulate insulin release from the pancreas. Thus, a high protein diet is not only safe in diabetes, but can also be therapeutic, resulting in improved glycemic control, and decreased risk of complications related to diabetes.

The benefits of a high protein diet do not end here. Individual protein components of such a diet, when aptly chosen, can have other advantages as well. Dietary supplements containing proteins like whey and casein come highly recommended. Casein is a milk protein and has the ability to form a gel or clot in the stomach. The ability to form this clot makes it very efficient in nutrient supply. The clot is able to provide a sustained, slow release of amino acids into the blood stream, sometimes lasting for several hours (Boirie et al. 1997). A slow sustained release of nutrients matches well with the limited amount of insulin that can be produced by the pancreas in diabetes. A protein supplement containing casein can thus increase the amount of energy assimilated from every meal and, at the same time, reduce the need for pharmacological interventions to control blood sugar.

Whey proteins and caseins also contain "casokinins" and "lactokinins', (FitzGerald) which have been found to decrease both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in hypertensive humans (Seppo). In addition, whey protein forms bioactive amine in the gut that promotes immunity. Whey protein contains an ample supply of the amino acid cysteine. Cysteine appears to enhance glutathione levels, which has been shown to have strong antioxidant properties -- antioxidants mop up free radicals that induce cell death and play a role in aging.

Thus, development of a protein supplement containing casein and whey can provide an apt high protein diet and its health benefits to individuals suffering from diabetes, obesity and hypercholesterolemia.

ABOUT PROTICA

Founded in 2001, Protica, Inc. is a nutritional research firm with offices in Lafayette Hill and Conshohocken, Pennsylvania. Protica manufactures capsulized foods, including Profect, a compact, hypoallergenic, ready-to-drink protein beverage containing zero carbohydrates and zero fat. Information on Protica is available at http://www.protica.com

You can also learn about Profect at http://www.profect.com

Copyright - Protica Research - http://www.protica.com

REFERENCES

The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists. Medical guidelines for the management of diabetes. AACE Diabetes Guidelines, Endocr Pract. 2002; 8(Suppl 1).

Boirie, Y., Dangin, M., Gachon, P., Vasson, M.P., Maubois, J.L. and Beaufrere, B. (1997) Slow and fast dietary proteins differently modulate postprandial protein accretion. Proclamations of National Academy of Sciences 94, 14930-14935.

Counous, G. Whey protein concentrates (WPC) and glutathione modulation in cancer treatment. Anticancer Research 2000; 20, 4785-4792

FitzGerald RJ, Murray BA, Walsh D J. Hypotensive Peptides from Milk Proteins. J. Nutr. 134: 980S-988S, 2004.

Franz MJ. Prioritizing diabetes nutrition recommendations based on evidence. Minerva Med. 2004; 95(2):115-23.

Gannon et al An increase in dietary protein improves the blood glucose response in persons with type 2 diabetes. Am J Clin Nutr 2003; 78:734- 41.

Gannon MC, Nuttall J A, Damberg G. Effect of protein ingestion on the glucose appearance rate in people with type II diabetes. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 86: 1040-1047, 2001

Ganong W F. Review of Medical Physiology, 21st Ed. Lange Publications 2003

Ha, E. and Zemel, M.B. Functional properties of whey, whey components, and essential amino acids: mechanisms underlying health benefits for active people. Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry 2003; 14, 251-258.

Kent KD, Harper WJ, Bomser JA. Effect of whey protein isolate on intracellular glutathione and oxidant-induced cell death in human prostate epithelial cells. Toxicol in Vitro. 2003; 17(1):27-33.

Nuttall et al. The Metabolic Response of Subjects with Type II Diabetes to a High-Protein, Weight-Maintenance. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 88: 3577-3583, 2003

Parker et al. Effect of a High-Protein, High-Monounsaturated Fat Weight Loss Diet on glycemic Control and Lipid Levels in Type 2 Diabetes. Diabetes Care 25:425-430, 2002.

Seppo, L., Jauhiainen, T., Poussa, T. & Korpela, R. () A fermented milk high in bioactive peptides has a blood pressure-lowering effect in hypertensive subjects. Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 2003; 77: 326-330.
Unger RH. Glucagon physiology and pathophysiology. N Engl J Med. 1971; 285:443- 449.

Protein Principles for Diabetes

Copyright 2004 - Protica Research - http://www.protica.com

Foot Pain and Diabetes

Foot pain can certainly be caused by any number of reasons. However, foot pain resulting from diabetes is both painful and very common for those living with diabetes.

Diabetes and foot pain is generally defined by four different types.

Diabetes

A nerve problem (where the nerves themselves are affected by the disease) called peripheral neuropathy is the most common source of foot pain tied to diabetes. Peripheral neuropathy comes in the form of sensory, motor, and autonomic neuropathy.

Foot Pain and Diabetes

Sensory neuropathy is the most common and is defined by symptoms where the amount of pain is much greater than the source that is causing the pain. As an example, just touching, or lightly pulling on your socks triggers a painful reaction. Also, with sensory neuropathy you may experience some numbness along with tingling, burning, or even stabbing type pain symptoms.

Because blood sugar can be a player in this type of pain, check your blood sugar levels for the past several weeks to see if perhaps there is an upward trend toward high levels.

Relief is of the utmost importance in these cases and can come from various applications. Massaging your feet or using a foot roller can sometimes drop the level of pain. Anything you can do from a shoe perspective such as cushioned supports and inserts can assist as well. Anything to help mitigate the pressure and pounding of daily activities on the foot and/or any rubbing or chaffing is beneficial. There are also prescription drugs that your doctor can recommend that will often times work.

When the nerves to the muscles become affected by diabetes (motor neuropathy), your muscles will begin to feel weak and achy. Although the smaller muscles of the feet aren't usually the first to be affected, your balance can eventually become affected which may cause alignment problems and/or rubbing on the feet which ultimately results in pain. Support, exercise, stretching, and massage are your best weapon against motor neuropathy. Keeping your muscles healthy and flexible is a key element in relieving this type of foot pain.

Autonomic neuropathy affects the nerves that we don't consciously control, hence the 'auto' of autonomic. With this condition existing your sweating triggers are altered and as such you may suffer from dry or cracked skin. For your feet this may result in a build up of foot calluses, thickened nails and such that lead to foot pain. The daily use of conditioning agents formulated specifically for diabetes can aid or prevent this problem.

With diabetic people proper circulation is a primary concern. Circulation problems in the feet can cause severe pain. Addressing circulation problems should always be done in conjunction with your medical doctor. Various approaches may include an exercise program, physical therapy, medication, or even surgical procedures, but again, consult with your physician before considering any strategy that involves addressing a circulation issue.

With diabetic people muscle and joint pain is not uncommon. If tendons and joints begin to stiffen coupled with imbalances associated with peripheral neuropathy and walking alignment occurs, the foot and the joints become painful. In fact, if the walking misalignments continue, this can lead to other foot disorders such as corns, bunions, and hammertoe.

People living with diabetes are more susceptible to infections within their body because of the changes that have taken place in their body. If a bacterial infection attacks the foot, the foot can become red, experience swelling, feel warm, and be painful. Keeping the immune system as healthy as possible by controlling your blood sugar, proper nutrition, and exercise, should be a top priority in your defense against infections.

If you are afflicted with diabetes, in addition to being mindful of the above information, work closely with your primary care physician to ensure that you receive proper information and care for your personal situation.

Foot Pain and Diabetes

For more important information on sore feet visit sore-foot-remedies.com where you will find advice on foot pain causes such as plantar fasciitis, foot corns, and other articles.

Natural Cure for Diabetes

Food Therapy should be followed under the supervision from your doctor. Check your sugar level frequently so that sugar levels do not go beyond the recommended level

Foods to avoid

Diabetes

It is always advisable to avoid some foods if you are diabetic such as refined sugar, sweets, syrups, glucose, jam, molasses, fruit sugar, ice-cream, cakes, pastries, sweet biscuits, chocolates, soft drinks, condensed milk, cream and fried foods. Fats like butter, ghee and hydrogenated vegetable oil should also be avoided. White sugar and white flour should be reduced drastically. Avoid all processed foods, junk food, pastries, cookies, canned and preserved foods. They contain harmful preservatives and lot of salt. Avoid soft drinks since these have a lot of sugar. Try to avoid fried foods from your diet.
Smoking results in the using up of oxygen in the body. It will result in less of oxygen needed by the body to metabolize glucose. So smoking should be avoided.

Natural Cure for Diabetes

Foods to be limited

Salt consumption should be reduced to a minimum. You will get enough salt form the vegetables and fruits you eat. Reduce animal foods especially red meats. Reduce poultry and egg. Reduce caffeine and alcohol. Do not drink tea and coffee more than 2 cups a day. Try to replace it with green tea or herbal teas like Parsley tea, Blueberry leaf, Tea made of tender walnut tree leaves, Water in which kidney bean pods have been cooked is good diabetes.

Do not consume alcohol in empty stomach. Alcohol on an empty stomach can cause low blood glucose or hypoglycemia.Foods that should be consumed in moderation are honey and other natural sugars like palm sugar, dates which can be used instead of white sugar. Remember these should be consumed in very little quantity only.Pasta, coconut, other nuts, unsweetened juices, eggs should be limited. You can replace it with whole grain, unpolished rice and Soya products. Try to eat whole grain bread instead of white flour. Fats like olive oil and peanut oil are more advisable that hydrogenated fats. Low fat food like skimmed milk and low fat home made cottage cheese can be taken in moderation. You can also substitute it with yoghurt. Sea food and fish also can be taken in moderation.

Foods to be taken

Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day.
An alkaline diet with natural food is recommended. Wholegrain, fruits, nuts, vegetables, and dairy products form a good diet for the diabetic. Raw vegetables can be taken in high quantities. It has been found that cooked foods raise blood glucose higher than raw, unpeeled foods. Cooking destroys many of the enzymes and some vitamins and minerals.

Eat at least five fruits every day. Fruits like grape fruit, pomegranate juice, Indian blackberry, banana, granny smith apples, fig, cranberries, black berry, kiwi fruits, and citrus fruits are highly recommended. It can be taken as a snack. Cucumber, Lettuce, onion, garlic string beans cucumber radish, tomato, carrot, leaves; spinach turnip, cabbage and Jerusalem artichoke are good for diabetes. Colorful vegetables are good for the functioning of pancreas. Drink Fruit juices without sugar. Brewer's yeast and sprouted alfalfa and mung beans are good for the body. Unripe banana also can be cooked and eaten.

The most important of all is eating high fiber diet which lowers need for insulin. It releases energy into the body slowly. It has also been found that diabetes decreases and may even disappear in people eating a high fiber or whole food diet. High fiber diet has more chromium and chromium is very good for people with diabetes.
Eat lot of potassium rich foods like raw peanuts, tomato, bananas, melons, dried peas, potatoes, apple cider vinegar, skimmed milk powder, wheat but do not take potassium supplements.

Include soluble fiber in your meals like barley, oatmeal, almond meal, dried beans, kidney beans, cooked black beans, peas, cereals, chickpeas, Bengal gram which has low glycemic index, , Black gram, lentils and corn or garbanzo beans to helps considerably in reducing blood sugar levels. Soy products like tofu, tempeh, soymilk, soya powder, soy bean sprouts, nuggets etc are also very good in containing neurological complications in diabetes. You can make bread out of any of the whole grains. Get a lot of soluble fiber into your diet. When you eat lots of bread, cereal and starchy vegetables you will get enough of starches which is very helpful for diabetes. Insoluble fibers, found in bran (oat bran, wheat bran), whole grain breads, whole grains and nuts, act as intestinal scrubbers by cleaning out the lower gastrointestinal tract. Fiber cleans your intestinal tract by moving out the food so that it wouldn't stay there and putrefy. Butter milk and yoghurt diet are very beneficial.

Helpful herbs and vegetables

1. Bitter Gourd (Karela): Bitter gourd Momordica-charantia or bitter melon juice contains plant insulin and should be taken 2 ounce 2 times daily on an empty stomach. It is found to be very effective for diabetes.
Or
It can be cooked as any vegetable and eaten.
Or
The bitter melon powder can be made by drying. Take bitter gourd powder I teaspoon daily in empty stomach.

2. Taking half a teaspoon of cinnamon a day may help prevent the onset of diabetes. Even soaking a cinnamon sticks in your tea, could also benefit non-diabetics who have blood sugar problem but are unaware of it.

3. 30 gram fenugreek seeds can be soaked in a glass of water at night and after 12 hours take it and grind it into a paste with the soaked water and drink it on a empty stomach.
Or
2 teaspoon if powdered seeds can be taken with water or milk.
Or
You can add fenugreek into anything you cook.

4. Eating upto 3 grapefruits a day has also been helpful.

5. 1 tablespoon of amla (Emblica officinalis) after removing the seeds extract the juice and mix with a cup of bitter gourd juice and take daily for 2months in a empty stomach.

6. Gymnema Sylvestre a traditional ayurvedic herb the leaf of which is to be taken up to 4 grams per day.

7. Indian blackberry seeds or Jamun seed powder (scientific name of Jamun is Eugenia jambolana or Syzygium cumini L and) is very good for diabetes. Take 1/4th teaspoon with 1 teasoon honey for 50 days.

8. Eating freshly crushed raw garlic 3-4 grams a day lowers blood sugar. You can wash it down with a glass of water.

9. Neem seeds daily 2 times a pinch. Taking a gram of neem leaf daily helps in diabetes.

10. Bael (Aegle marmelos) : The leave of the bael tree when chewed are very useful in diabetes. Pulp of this fruit could be dried and taken in doses of 5 to 10 gms a day.

11. A pinch of pure turmeric powders mixed in amla juice (Indian goose berry) and eat daily in empty stomach.

12. Use of turmeric and gooseberry in equal quantities in powder form taken with warm water is very useful in this behalf. These activate the pancreatic cells and more insulin is produced.

13. Wild jeerakam cumin seeds black colored 60 gm in 1 liter and boil a reduce it ti 1/4th liter and take half divide it into two equal parts and drink one part in the morning and one in the evening 2 times daily.

14. Grind (Bacopa monnieri )Bhrahmi and add a teaspoon of it to milk and drink.

Vitamins that help

Supplements in natural forms are more conducive to the body.
Magnesium supplementation has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity.
Vitamin C: 500 mg is recommended. Vitamin E: This vitamin is very valuable for diabetes. A daily dose of 200 i.u. of Vitamin E is recommended for a fortnight at a time.
Chromium: Whole grains, seeds, mushrooms, corn oil and brewer's yeast are relatively good sources of biologically valuable chromium.
Vitamin A:. Take A dose of 15,000i.u. on alternate days.
Vitamin B: Avoid large dosage of vitamin B because this vitamin interferes with the absorption of insulin by cells.

Things to do

Controlling your Weight is the best way to treat diabetes. Exercise improves the body's response to insulin. An exercise program should be started only with the advice of a doctor to avoid unnecessary complications. Walking, light games, jogging and swimming are also good.

Yoga can help a lot. To relieve stress do meditation once a day for 10 to 40 minutes. Yogic asanas like Siddhasana, Vajrasana, Talasana, Yastikasana,, like Yogamudra, Hastapadasana, Paschimottanasana, Chakrasana, Ustrasana, Bhujangasana, Sarvangasana and Viparitakarani, as halasana, shalabhasana, dhanurasana, Pratipaksabhavana and shavasana will also be beneficial.

Natural Cure for Diabetes

Anita Cherrys is a health enthusiast who offers informative tips on certified organic products. For more information on health visit http://www.healthinfoforyou.com/an/natural-cure-for-diabetes.htm
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Is Diabetes Hereditary - What Causes Diabetes

Diabetes is rapidly becoming one of the most common diseases of the western world. Type 2 diabetes, which is more common than type 1 diabetes, is growing at epidemic rates and with serious complications such as heart disease, stroke and gout it has left researchers and doctors scrambling for answers as to what causes diabetes and how best to treat it.

One of the questions that needs to be answered first is; "is diabetes hereditary?" this will help researchers develop treatment programs that can help prevent or cure this killer disease. While researchers are still not clear as to what causes diabetes there are many factors they have identified that provide a common link in the diabetes question.

Diabetes

Whiles the predisposition to get diabetes is hereditary, there are a number of heredity factors and environmental conditions that will play into if someone develops diabetes. Diabetes is what is classified as an autoimmune disease, where our body sees part of the body as an invader and attacks it.

Is Diabetes Hereditary - What Causes Diabetes

Autoimmune diseases do tend to run in families and where you see one autoimmune disease you are likely to find others. So while nobody in your family may have diabetes, if members of your family have other autoimmune diseases such as thyroid disease or rheumatoid arthritis, it is possible to also see diabetes show up.

Aside from asking if diabetes is hereditary; researchers are also looking at environmental factors, such as obesity, lack of activity and age. Diabetes most often shows up in people over the age of 45 who are obese, and do not get enough exercise. This leads one to think that despite heredity that type 2 diabetes can also be prevented by proper diet and maintaining a normal weight.

With more children being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes at young ages, this is becoming more and more of a certainty. Children have become more sedentary and accustomed to a diet of processed, refined food and drinks leading to obesity and ultimately to diabetes.

Regardless of whether type 2 diabetes is hereditary or not, it is clear that it is both preventable and controllable maintaining a healthy weight and including a healthy diet and exercise into your life.

Is Diabetes Hereditary - What Causes Diabetes

For some great information on how to treat the root cause of diabetes take a look at Is Diabetes Hereditary.

If you have Diabetes you can only benefit by having a look at these groundbreaking techniques. As your natural inner balance is restored, You will become healthier, fitter, and will begin to experience renewed energy, and more and more of your symptoms associated with Diabetes will disappear... These your first steps to freedom from Diabetes medication! Reversing Diabetes

I am not a doctor and before undertaking any diet or fitness regime you should always consult your physician.

Diabetes And Numbness In Feet

A doctor will always advise a person that has recently been diagnosed with diabetes to keep a careful eye on the condition of their feet. They often do this because the condition of the feet is the most noticeable indication that diabetes complications are setting in and it gives the person a straight forward way to get more involved with their diabetes treatment and care. This article will describe why the feet are important in understanding diabetes and various conditions, like numbness, that may affect the feet as a consequence of diabetes.

Diabetes is a disease that affects the pancreas. It causes the beta cells of the islet cells in the pancreas to be destroyed or malfunction. The primary responsibility of these cells is to produce insulin which is used to regulate the glucose level in the bloodstream. Without insulin the body cannot regulate the glucose and this poses serious consequences to the health if untreated. Commonly, insulin is injected to take over this process and the person has to manually manage the role of blood sugar regulation that most people take for granted.

Diabetes

It is believed that consistently high levels of sugar in the blood lead to a number of complications. In the case of feet, the first complication is that the circulation of blood is impeded. It is thought that high sugar levels in the blood affect the lining of blood vessels making them rough. This allows fatty deposits to stick to the lining and leads to arteriosclerosis. It is harder to push blood round the body and it is generally the outermost parts of the body that suffer the most.

Diabetes And Numbness In Feet

This means the feet are liable to pick up cuts and bruises and take longer to heal from these problems.

Over time, continued poor circulation begins to affect the capillaries or small blood vessels that are responsible for providing blood to the nervous system and extremities of the body. Eventually the poor blood supply will cause the nervous system to malfunction. This is another complication of diabetes and is called diabetic neuropathy.

Diabetic neuropathy is broken down into 4 types, the one that concerns feet is called peripheral neuropathy. The person with peripheral neuropathy will lose sensation in their feet. This might take the form of pin and needles or a numbness. Having poor sensitivity in the feet that are already liable to infections, cuts and bruise makes the feet especially vulnerable.

Thus doctors advise on special care for feet and careful monitoring of their condition. If feet become numb for any time it is recommended to see your doctor. People with diabetes also get their feet checked annually or bi-annually where the doctor will check the sensitivity in their feet. This can also determine if neuropathy in the feet is worsening by comparison to the previous year and thus give an overall indication on how diabetes is affecting the body.

Diabetes And Numbness In Feet

What you eat can make a significant impact on how diabetes affects your health. The first step to taking control of diabetes is finding a diet that suits you lifestyle without ruling your life. Learn more about diabetic diet planning by visiting diabeticdietsplan.com. The site deals with diets and eating healthy foods but also covers general information about diabetes including some of the complications caused by diabetes such as diabetic retinopathy and eye problems . Adrian Whittle writes on issues related to diabetes including symptoms of diabetes and diabetic neuropathy.

The Effects of Diabetes

Diabetes is being a huge health problem. Many people suffer from diabetes and the other medical side effects it cause. An early diagnosis of diabetes can help a person to avoid serious related diseases. The earlier diabetes is caught the easy it is for doctors to monitor the patients overall health, thus preventing any further medical problems.

Diabetes is when the pancreas does not function properly and glucose levels fall outside the normal range. A normal glucose reading is lower than 110 mg/dL upon waking in the morning and lower than 140 mg/dL two hours after eating. There are simple blood tests that are used to diagnose diabetes. Once diagnosed a person will work with their doctor to determine a treatment. Treatments can include diet changes, pills, or injections. Any history, family history and people in certain ethnic groups may be at elevated risk for developing diabetes. There are different types of diabetes. Some start in childhood, some start in adulthood and another form occurs during pregnancy. All can cause harmful effects on the body if not taken care of.

Diabetes

Long term effects of diabetes are usually due to a patient letting their glucose levels remain elevated for long periods of time. That is why early detection is important. Excess blood sugar levels have a horrible effect on the body. Some common effects from diabetes include vision problems, kidney damage, nerve damage, heart and circulation problems. A person with diabetes is at a higher risk for these types of conditions, but a person who does not control their diabetes is even more likely to develop one of these conditions.

The Effects of Diabetes

Diabetes is a disease that does not have a cure. Diagnosing and treating diabetes have evolved into easier processes. A person with diabetes can normally live life as they did before their diagnosis. Living with diabetes is a matter of taking control over the disease and preventing complications.

The Effects of Diabetes

Jeanette Pollock is a freelance author and website owner of justdiabeteshelp.com. Visit Jeanette's site to learn more about the effects of diabetes.

How to Stop Diabetes Before it Stops You

There are 800,000 new cases of diabetes each year and that doesn't include the increasing rate of children who are being diagnosed. That means 91 people are being diagnosed with this life threatening disease every hour! If you have already diabetes, want to practice prevention or you are related to someone who has diabetes, this informations packed article is for you.

How do You Know if You Have Diabetes?

\"How Do You Get Diabetes\"

People with pre-diabetes test out at blood sugar levels between 100 - 125 milligrams per deciliter after an overnight fast. If the fasting blood sugar measures at 126 or above - you have diabetes. Many people with pre - diabetes develop type 2 diabetes within 10 years. The great news is studies show that people with pre-diabetes can prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes. Yes Prevent! Simply by following a healthy meal and functional fitness plan. Diabetes is serious!

How to Stop Diabetes Before it Stops You

Pre - diabetes increases your risk of brain attack and heart disease. Make time for prevention NOW and reduce the time you spend with complications later. You can make that choice today. Some of my patients who have lost their legs, eyesight and schedule their lives around dialysis appointments know how serious diabetes is. Take the steps NOW and choose your path to prevention."

5 Complications of Diabetes:

1. Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness for adult's age 20 - 74 years old.

2. Causes heart and blood vessel disease: people with diabetes have heart death rates 2 - 4 times higher than people without diabetes.

3. Nerve damage: Symptoms include erectile dysfunction, slowed digestion, and decreased sensation or pain in the feet.

4. Increases Gum Disease: People who don't control their diabetes are 3xs more likely to have gum disease.

5. Limb amputation: 60 % of people with amputations are performed on diabetics.

How Fat Activates Diabetes Type II

"Being overweight can lead to diabetes because adipose cells, which are fat cells, secrete a substance that inhibits glucose uptake, otherwise known as your blood sugar. So the more fat cells you have, the more it inhibits the uptake of glucose, so your glucose levels will rise in your blood. People with diabetes need to exercise to control blood sugar and reduce the risk of heart disease and nerve damage! The more you exercise, the less dependent your muscles are on insulin." People with diabetes or pre-diabetes who exercise at least 30 minutes a day have more control over their glucose and lower risk of complications because it stimulates the functioning of insulin. If you are prone to or have diabetes, you MUST exercise regularly.

Having treated 1000's of patients with diabetes, I never heard a patient who's had a limb amputation or blindness say, "If I could go back in time, I would just sit around and not do anything to control my diabetes." The American Diabetes Association said it best when they said, "if you could dodge a bullet, would you?" So get up, get moving and dodge that bullet!

7 Tips for a Safe Diabetes Workout

1. Check your blood sugar level before, during and after exercise. If your blood sugar is 70 mg/dL or lower, eat a piece of fruit or crackers, wait 15 minutes and retest your blood sugar before beginning the exercises. If your sugar is between 100 mg/dl and 250 mg/dl your OK to exercise.

2. Keep a piece of fruit or crackers nearby in case your blood sugar drops too low. Check with your Dr to find out what glucose level is appropriate for you.

3. Exhale on exertion when you are doing your exercise. If possible have an expert instruct you with the proper breathing techniques.

4. Make sure you don't hold your breath during the exercises.

5. Check your feet for blisters or sores before and after exercising. If you have sores or blisters, try chair exercises.

6. Wear shoes with good shock absorption and proper socks.

7. Drink water before, during and after exercise or as directed by your Dr.

Not all exercises are appropriate for diabetes. That's why it's important that you get a medically approved diabetes program to ensure a safe functional workout.

How to Stop Diabetes Before it Stops You

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Diabetes - The Cause and Effect to People

Diabetes is the most common cause of kidney failure, blindness and amputation among all adult in the world. Diabetes also can cause erectile dysfunction for men. Almost one out of four adult will suffer from diabetes.

There are two main types of diabetes:-

\"How Do You Get Diabetes\"

  • Diabetes that occurs at a young age (children and teenagers) and requires insulin intake in the form of injections. This type of diabetes is usually hereditary if one immediate family member such as parent, brothers or sisters has diabetes. You have a 3 in 10 or 30% chance of getting diabetes. That is out of 10 siblings, 3 will get diabetes.
  • Diabetes that is more common and is usually related to lifestyle.Nine out of ten people will most probably suffer of this type. This is cause by overweight or obese people.People who are overweight or obese have a higher chance of getting diabetes. Healthcare professionals asses the level of obesity by measuring the body mas index (BMI) and waist circumference.The higher the BMI and waist circumference, the greater the chance of getting diabetes. The target level is different for Asian men.

Diabetes - The Cause and Effect to People

People with diabetes have high blood sugar level that could damage the blood vessels, causing complications. These complications can effect both the small and large blood vessels. Uncontrolled blood sugar levels over a long period of time may cause permanent damage to the small blood vessels and cause diseases such as affecting the eyes ( retinophathy ), kidney ( nephropathy ), and nerves ( neuropathy ). In the long run, it will lead ti blindness, kidney failure and loss of feeling in the feet and legs.

Large blood vessels disease can affect the heart and the brain, resulting in heart attack and stroke. A person with diabetes is eight times more likely to suffer from a heart attack or a stroke compared to someone without diabetes. Men with diabetes are also more likely to experience sexual difficulty ( erectile dysfunction )

Diabetes - The Cause and Effect to People

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How Do People Get Diabetes? - What Causes Diabetes

Diabetes is characterized by the inability of the body to control the level of blood sugar. But how do people get diabetes and what causes diabetes are still two burning questions in the minds of the people. Scientists are still striving hard to find the answer of these question.

Diabetes is caused by the disruption of hormone insulin. There are mainly three types of diabetes. Each type causes the disruption of hormone insulin in different way.

\"How Do You Get Diabetes\"

Type 1 Diabetes is also termed as juvenile diabetes or insulin dependent diabetes. It is termed juvenile diabetes because normally it occurs in early childhood.

How Do People Get Diabetes? - What Causes Diabetes

How do people get diabetes type 1 is still not clear; however there are some theories that work behind it.

Diabetes type 1 is termed an autoimmune disorder. This shows that body has the ability of destroying insulin producing cells. These cells are termed beta cells and are found in the islets cells that are found in pancreas. As insulin producing cell are destroyed; the blood sugar levels cannot be regulated by the body. Thus the insulin has to be injected to perform its role.

Type 2 Diabetes is also termed as adult onset diabetes. It is caused by the resistance towards insulin and generally occurs later in life. The beta cells of the pancreas produce insulin but the body needs more insulin than is secreted by the pancreas. This insufficiency of insulin lessens the control of the body on sugar level.

Again the answer of what causes diabetes type 2 is not clearly known. However it is believed that being overweight, leading a sedentary lifestyle and eating unhealthy foods contribute to the onset of this disease.

Gestational Diabetes is the temporary phase of uncontrolled blood sugar levels. This stage fades away after the completion of pregnancy. Gestational diabetes is an outcome of hormonal changes during pregnancy. The hereditary genes also play their role here.

How Do People Get Diabetes? - What Causes Diabetes

Whatever the cause behind diabetes is; it is a chronic ailment. Find the most effective and miraculous Treatment for Diabetes and informative researches to find out the cause of diabetes here with the help of which you can get rid of diabetes and lead a healthier and happier life.

How Do You Get Diabetes

Diabetes is characterized by the inability of the body to control it's blood sugar level. High blood sugar is known as hyperglycemia and is controlled by the hormone insulin. So diabetes interferes with the creation and secretion of insulin.

There are three types of diabetes and they disrupt the normal secretion of insulin in different ways.

\"How Do You Get Diabetes\"

The first type of diabetes is known as Type 1 diabetes, insulin dependent diabetes mellitus or juvenile diabetes . It is often called juvenile diabetes to indicate the age that most people acquire it. It is unusual to acquire Type 1 diabetes past your mid 20's.

How Do You Get Diabetes

Although it is not known how you get Type 1 diabetes, it is understood what causes the condition and some theories about why it occurs.

Type 1 Diabetes is known as an autoimmune disorder. This means that the body destroys the cells that produce insulin because it thinks that they are harmful to the body. These cells are called the beta cells found in the islet cells that are located in the pancreas. Because the insulin producing cells are destroyed blood sugar levels cannot be regulated by the body so insulin has to be injected into the body to perform this function.

Type 1 diabetes lasts for life and insulin replacement therapy must continue throughout. It is thought that a combination of genetic and environmental factors cause type 1 diabetes. People are thought to inherit genes that will tell the body to destroy beta cells. This, combined with exposure to poor diets, air pollution or poor quality environments could cause the disease to occur. Research continues.

Type 2 diabetes, sometimes known as adult onset diabetes because it was thought to occur in later life (although this is changing) is caused by insulin resistance. The beta cells in the pancreas continue to produce insulin but the body needs more insulin than secreted to process the glucose or the insulin is less effective in converting glucose into glycogen and thus reducing the blood sugar level.

Again, it is not completely clear why Type 2 diabetes occurs but being overweight is a common condition of most Type 2 diabetic people. The common assumption is that a lifestyle of eating unhealthy foods and not taking regular or adequate exercise could contribute to causing this disease.

It is believed that hereditary genes may predispose a person to acquire Type 2 diabetes but most advice on avoiding this condition is to lose weight, eat healthily and do more exercise.

Gestational diabetes is acquired during pregnancy and is a consequence of hormonal changes in the body during the pregnancy and, again, hereditary genes. Gestational diabetes generally stops after childbirth.

Type 2 diabetes is the most common of the 3 types of diabetes. It is estimated that 90% of diabetics suffer from this form of the ailment. It also seems that there is more data on how to avoid and prevent this condition than any of the others. Exercising more regularly and eating a healthy, balanced diet can significantly reduce the chances of contracting the disease. If you already have it, exercise and healthy eating can make it less intrusive to your lifestyle.

How Do You Get Diabetes

Learn more about healthy meals for diabetics at diabetic diet plans. The site deals with diets and eating healthy foods but also describes common diabetic symptoms and conditions of the disease. Adrian Whittle writes on issues related to diabetes including diabetic ketoacidosis and diabetic neuropathy.

How Do You Get Diabetes?

What is Diabetes?

There are two kinds of diabetes and they're simply called Type 1 and Type 2. With Type 1 diabetes, your main problem is your body's inability to produce insulin - the all-important hormone that converts blood sugar into energy. Without insulin, glucose will only continuously build up in your system. Type 1 is also called insulin-dependent or juvenile diabetes. There is no known cure for this type.

\"How Do You Get Diabetes\"

With Type 2 diabetes, your body is able to produce insulin but only in inadequate amounts. And if it is inadequate, your body is unable to make use of it completely and effectively.

How Do You Get Diabetes?

There are other instances in life, like pregnancy for instance, that could cause you to suffer from diabetes.

Symptoms of Diabetes

If you suspect yourself of suffering from Type 1 diabetes, here are several symptoms to further confirm your suspicions.

Hunger. You're eating enough or even more than what you need, but you still end up feeling hungry. This is because the glucose coming from the food you eat isn't being converted to energy. As such, your system will still feel starved even if you've eaten enough for an army.

Thirst and Urination. High glucose levels in your blood reduces fluid volume, which consequently make you feel thirstier more often. And of course, increased thirst will generally lead to increased frequency in urination.

Weight Loss. Going back to the unsuccessful conversion of blood sugar into energy, muscle tissues and fats won't be able to bulk up. The longer they're deprived of energy, the more they'll shrink in size. It's not surprising for diabetics suffering from insulin deficiency to suddenly experience rapid and excessive weight loss.

Fatigue. Naturally, lack of energy distributed to your system will end up causing you to experience fatigue.

Blurry Vision. In spite of its common occurrence, blurry vision is one of the least known symptoms of diabetes. Decreasing fluid levels in your blood will eventually affect fluid levels in the rest of your body, such as your eyes. Diabetes could cause you to have poorer focus because of reduced fluid levels.

Causes of Diabetes

And now, we get to the most important question: how do we get diabetes? Unfortunately, while we do know what happens inside our body to make us suffer from diabetes, no scientist has yet discovered what causes the specified sequence of events to occur. Nobody knows why an individual's immune system would suddenly destroy cells responsible for producing hormones and therefore leading to the increase of glucose content in his blood.

Scientists, however, have certain theories about possible causes of Type 1 diabetes. For one, genetics have been pinpointed to potentially cause diabetes. Family history as well as exposure to certain bacteria and viruses have also been cited as possible contributing factors.

Consulting Your Doctor about Diabetes

Even without determining the cause, the list of symptoms provided will still enable you to determine whether you are suffering from Type 1 diabetes of not. If your suspicions have been confirmed, the next step for validation is to consult your doctor. The type of test or procedure you'll be subjected to will depend on your doctor. In most cases, however, blood tests would be enough to verify your condition.

If not treated properly and instantly, Type 1 diabetes can lead to various complications from short-term ones like extremely high or low blood sugar content and diabetic ketoacidosis to long-term ones like having neuropathy, nephropathy, osteoporosis as well as other serious problems with your heart, eyes, foot, skin and mouth.

Treatments for Diabetes

The critical fact you have to understand about treating diabetes is that it's a commitment which would last a lifetime for you and your loved ones. Emotional support is just as vital for you to cope with your condition.

The components making up treatment plans for diabetes will be determined by your doctor and your preferences. It will commonly include dietary restrictions, exercise requirements, lifestyle changes, and use of medications and possibly therapies as well.

How Do You Get Diabetes?

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How is Diabetes Inherited?

Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes?

Studies have revealed that genetics do play a role in diabetes although exactly how this happens is still unknown. What we do know today is that genetics have a far stronger influence in type 2 diabetes than in type 1 diabetes.

\"How Do You Get Diabetes\"

Researchers are quick to point out nevertheless that it is susceptibility to the disease and not the disease itself that you can inherit from your parents, grandparents, relatives and ancestors.

How is Diabetes Inherited?


Factors Affecting Your Chances of Inheriting Diabetes

If you are especially concerned about your chances of suffering from diabetes, consider screening yourself as well as your family history, preferably with the help of your doctor, for the following factors.

Gender. If one of your parents has diabetes, which one is it - your mother or father? Research reveals that mothers diagnosed of having type 1 diabetes results in a lower risk of having the same disease compared to when it's your father who has been diagnosed. Also, the younger you are, the more chances you'll get the same disease.

Diet. Love for certain foods can be inherited. If your parents are inordinately fond of sweets then this could naturally cause an increase of glucose levels in their bodies and consequently cause them to develop diabetes. The same thing can definitely happen to you if you're guilty of the same diet preferences as well.

Body Reactions. There are certain bodies whose glucose levels do not rise as much as expected even with high consumption of sweet foods. If you are lucky enough to have parents with such characteristics, the probability that you'll get diabetes is as unlikely as it is for them.

What to Do If You Inherit Diabetes

In the event that you find out you do have diabetes, trying to know how it came to be would be moot point. What's important is looking forward and deciding what to do about your condition.

Monitoring. Having diabetes means a lifetime of looking after yourself by the hour if not by the minute. You need to be constantly aware of your blood sugar levels as well as your blood pressure. Invest in diabetes testing devices so that you can monitor your condition at home or wherever you are.

Besides self-monitoring, you also need to submit yourself to regular checkups with your doctor. This will include blood tests as well as eye exams and general checkups. Keep all your appointments with your doctor!

Medication. Once your doctor prescribes medication for you, be responsible enough to take them regularly and consistently. Diabetes is the type of disease that needs continuous treatment. One failed attempt can easily ruin the foundation you've carefully built over time.

Lifestyle Changes. You need to cut down on your alcohol and nicotine intake. Drinking can drastically affect your blood sugar levels while smoking only aggravates the possible complications caused by your disease. You also need to reduce consumption of foods rich in fats, oils, and sugar while increasing consumption of healthy greens like fruits and vegetables.

Identification. Whether you like it or not, you are a diabetic now and you need to wear a bracelet or any other identification item to enlighten the appropriate people about your situation. When you're unfortunate enough to get involved in an accident, the medical professional handling you could mis-diagnose your condition and administer something that might produce unfavorable results for your diabetes.

Support. Don't be too proud not to accept help from your loved ones. You do need their help since having diabetes is never easy. Consider joining support groups for diabetics as well. You'll find yourself more easily comforted if the person doing the comforting is experiencing the same problems you have.

Now that you are aware how diabetes is inherited and what steps you need to take if you do inherit it, you should be better prepared to handle your condition. Contrary to popular belief, life with diabetes need not be tortuous. The right medication and treatment will help you continue to lead a happy, healthy life.

How is Diabetes Inherited?

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