Controlling Type II Diabetes Through Diet And Exercise

by: Sintilia Miecevole

If you have been diagnosed with adult onset type II Diabetes, you may be able to control your condition through diet and exercise. Many people have genetic predispositions for adult onset diabetes, but the disease is usually brought on by poor diet and a sedentary lifestyle. It can be hard to reverse the damage caused by years of unhealthy living, but by changing the way you eat and exercise, you can help control your disease and can lead a fairly normal life without the need for insulin-regulating medicine.

Before embarking on a workout plan or adhering to a new diet, you should first consult your doctor. He or she will probably make dietary suggestions and will usually refer you to a dietician who can help you plan your meals. The dietician will tell you what you can and cannot eat, and what you can eat in moderation. You will have to cut out all of the sugar from your diet. This means drinking diet sodas, if you must drink sodas at all, and eating sugar free candy on those special occasions.

It is important to eat a variety of fruits and vegetables to take the place of all of those empty calories and to keep you feeling full and energetic. You should make sure to take in enough protein to help your muscles get your through your new workout schedule, and be sure to drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated. You will want to eat several small meals throughout the day rather than just eating two or three times with a lot of time in between. By eating more small meals, you will keep your blood sugar at a more steady level, rather than having the ups and downs associated with large meals followed by gaps in eating.

Once your diet is under control. The next step is to begin an exercise program. You don’t have to aim for running a marathon or even a mile. Walking is the most prescribed form of exercise for diabetes patients. Whether you walk in the mall, around the neighborhood or on a treadmill, the most important thing is to get moving and to keep moving for an extended period of time every single day. Though you may not feel motivated at first, you will soon start to look and feel better and better. Seeing these changes will hopefully provide you with enough motivation to stick to your workout plan.

If find walking boring, try to find a partner who will keep you motivated. There are also many diabetes support groups that have walking clubs that meet daily. You can join a club and meet other diabetes sufferers who will help keep you on the right track. They can provide inspiration and encouragement by sharing success stories and by keeping you aware of the complications that can arise if the disease is left untreated. Once you get into fairly good shape, you might try playing a sport that you enjoy, like golf or tennis. You could also join a gym and participate in some yoga or aerobics classes to add some variety to your workout plan.

Keep in mind that the best way to avoid diabetes complications is to change your lifestyle. Many of the common problems of people diabetes can be avoided by staying away from sugar and other harmful foods. By exercising and staying healthy, you can avoid vision loss and circulation problems associated with the disease without having to use expensive and debilitating drugs to keep your blood sugar at a healthy level. Remember that your body is your most important asset, and keeping it working properly should be your highest priority.

About The Author Sintilia Miecevole Click on to http://www.fenadiabetes.com to learn about common symptoms, risk factors and treatments of diabetes with your host, Sintilia Miecevole who has put together a vast source of knowledge on the subject. Check out everything from prevention, research and recipes to medicine. Be sure to visit http://www.fenadiabetes.com for more information.

Type 2 Diabetes

by: Dr. Mark S. Johnson

Type 2 diabetes is sometimes referred to as mature onset diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is much more common than Type I. In Type 2 diabetes the pancreas either does not produce adequate levels of insulin or the body becomes resistant to its own insulin.

Type I diabetes, also known as adolescent diabetes, differs from Type 2 in that the body stops producing insulin altogether. Type I diabetes is generally diagnosed in children or young adults. Type 2 diabetes is usually diagnosed in older adults, however, it is becoming substantially more prevalent in the younger population.

With the onset of diabetes, whether it be Type I or Type 2, we lose our ability to adequately utilize sugar. When this occurs, blood sugar levels increase due to the body’s inability to transport sugar into the cells and out of the blood stream. Sugar is very important in that it is the basic fuel source for the cells in our bodies. Insulin is necessary for the transport of sugar from the blood and into the cells.

Diabetes is a serious condition and can lead to many other health problems. Some problems that diabetics commonly encounter are an increased risk for heart and circulatory problems, high blood pressure, visual problems and blindness, nerve damage, and kidney damage. With the diagnosis of diabetes, it becomes extremely important that blood sugar fluctuations are tightly controlled. With good control of blood sugar levels and the prevention of prolonged periods of elevated blood sugar, people with diabetes can live long and healthy lives.

Fortunately for the newly diagnosed diabetic, there are more and more tools available to help monitor and control the condition. Glucose meters are becoming smaller and easier to use. Blood samples necessary for glucose meter use are much smaller than in the past. Painful finger pricks can now be avoided with blood samples being able to be taken from alternate, less sensitive areas, such as the forearm. In the relatively near future, there will be non-invasive glucose monitoring devices not requiring a sample of blood at all.

A simple blood test, known as the A1c test, can measure the average blood glucose levels over the previous three months. This test is a very good way to monitor and critique how effective current treatments, diet, medications, etc. have been recently. This test is now available for home use and as such does not even require a visit to the doctor.

Type 2 diabetics have more options available to them for blood sugar control than do Type I diabetics. Not only are there oral medications, often eliminating the need for insulin injection treatment, but other methods that may eliminate the need for medications altogether.

Type 2 diabetics should look to multiple sources of information in order to determine the best methods available to deal with their condition. A good start is a physician specializing in the treatment of diabetes. Most physician specialists will have nutritional counseling available to help understand the relationship of various food items with blood sugar levels.

Additionally, diabetics should become very familiar with vitamin, mineral, and herbal options to improve blood sugar metabolism and control. A few examples of supplements that are well known to help in this regard are chromium, magnesium, and vanadyl sulfate. Various natural glucose transport factors can be very helpful in aiding the body’s transport of glucose from the blood and into the cells. Vanadyl sulfate has been shown to improve glucose sensitivity and decrease insulin resistance.

Various herbal preparations have been shown to significantly improve blood sugar levels, sugar metabolism, and reportedly even improve the function of the insulin producing cells in the pancreas. Notably, Gymnema sylvestre, known as “sugar destroyer” in Sandskrit, has been shown to have positive effects and benefits for diabetics.

Along with proper nutrition, appropriate supplements and vitamins, other important considerations are weight control and exercise. Excess weight tremendously increases the burden on the pancreas as fat requires much more insulin than lean tissue. Exercise not only helps control body fat and reduce weight, but additionally aids the transport of sugar from the blood and into the cells.

Diabetes is a very serious condition, but proper diet, glucose monitoring, and exercise can substantially improve our ability to control the condition. We should attempt to educate ourselves not only in the importance of tight blood sugar control, but also the various methods and options available to help in this regard. By utilizing good judgment in diet, weight control, exercise, and appropriate supplementation, diabetics can markedly reduce complications and lead long and healthy lives.

For further information about diabetes go to http://www.diabetessites.com.

About The Author Dr. Mark S. Johnson, D.C., FAFICC, QME is a doctor of chiropractic medicine, specializing in nutrition and exercise. He is a Fellow of the Academy of Forensic and Industrial Chiropractic Consultants and a Qualified Medical Evaluator for the State of California.

Vanadyl Sulfate and Diabetes

by: Dr. Mark S. Johnson

Vanadyl sulfate is a form of the vanadium, a trace mineral. In Europe, vanadium is often used as a natural treatment for diabetes. Vanadium has been found in human studies to imitate the effects of insulin in our bodies. This ability may allow some of those with diabetes, a natural method to help lower blood sugar, taken less insulin or in some instances stop taking insulin altogether.

Vanadium is believed to assist in the transfer of sugar in the blood (glucose) into muscles, similar to the function of insulin. It is also believed to increase insulin sensitivity in the muscles. This is important to Type 2 diabetics especially, in that one factor in the development of diabetes can be insulin resistance.

This transfer of glucose into muscle tissue has also been touted by weightlifters and body builders. Vanadium allows the body to store more energy in the muscles,therefore decreasing the need for conversion to triglycerides for fat storage.

Diabetics should consult their physician prior to taking Vanadyl sulfate. They should also monitor their blood sugar regularly when taking a vanadyl supplement because of the potential to lower blood sugar and decrease insulin needs.

The effects of vanadium have been shown to last for weeks, even in the absence of further supplementation. Therefore it is suggested that it be taken in cycles. It is probably best to take vanadyl sulfate supplements for about three weeks and then discontinue their use for about three weeks. By utilizing this valuable adjunct to the treatment of diabetes in this manner a diabetic can improve sugar control and avoid any potential toxicity.

http://www.diabetessites.com

About The Author Dr. Mark S. Johnson, D.C., FAFICC, QME is a doctor of chiropractic medicine, specializing in nutrition and exercise. He is a Fellow of the Academy of Forensic and Industrial Chiropractic Consultants and a Qualified Medical Evaluator for the State of California

Diabetes Relief And Prevention Through Exercise

by: Patrick Mckeeman

Diabetes is something that can be treated and even prevented very effectively with exercise. Most people are aware of the many other benefits of exercise but the one that could have the greatest impact on the health-care system is the prevention and relief of this health problem.

Diabetes comes in two main types. These are type I and type II.

Type I occurs when your pancreas is producing too little insulin or in some cases not producing any at all. If you already have type I you of course have the daily task of injecting insulin into your body in order to control your glucose levels.

This is not an enjoyable thing to do. If you currently do not have type I diabetes then learn to prevent it through exercise and healthy living. The alternative may be daily injections for the rest of your life.

The second main type of diabetes is known as Type II. Many people also refer to it as adult onset diabetes.

If you are suffering from the symptoms of Type II it's due to you pancreas not being able to make enough insulin to control glucose levels. It can also occur when your cells do not respond properly to insulin.

This is commonly known as insulin resistance.

One of the most effective ways of dealing with insulin resistance is through exercise and good nutritional habits. A large number of people with this type of diabetes are over-weight.

Therefore, weight control is a must. If you are not active, over-eat and become obese, you have a very high risk of being afflicted with type II. In most cases, simply adding in exercise, including both weight training and cardiovascular exercise, along with good eating habits is enough to prevent type II diabetes.

Only in rare cases will this not work, and medication is needed.

With type II diabetes there are a number of other health problems that can then occur, including; high cholesterol, obesity, and hypertension. Exercise has a very positive effect on Type II for improving insulin sensitivity.

Ninety percent of all people with this health problem actually have type II, and exercise will help your body to process glucose at a quicker rate, lowering any high blood sugar symptoms you may have.

The intensity of your exercise session also plays a role. A more intense exercise program will help your body to utilize glucose quicker. However, high intensity does not mean faster. There is a difference.

Obviously before beginning any type of exercise program, regardless of what type of diabetes you have, you should check with your doctor. There are many differences between exercise for different types of diabetes that you need to be aware of before starting.

There can be certain dangers resulting from injecting insulin just before you begin to exercise. One situation that can occur is the risk of hypoglycemia or insulin shock during the exercise session.

Here are some general rules to keep in mind when exercising if you are type I: allow for enough rest between weight training sets to avoid high blood pressure symptoms; avoid lifting heavy weights or going to failure on each set; when doing cardio, avoid high impact exercises such as running outside; always ensure that you have carbohydrates in your system before you start and a supply of them nearby as well.

You may begin to feel shaky, disoriented, hungry, anxious or become irritable if you allow your blood sugar levels to get too low. Having a carbohydrate snack or drink nearby will help prevent these symptoms very quickly.

Blood glucose analyzers are very effective tools to use when exercising. You can test your blood sugar to ensure it's not at a level below 80 - 100 mg/dl range and not above 250 mg/dl.

During your post-exercise recovery period, around three to five hours after you complete your exercise session, so-called diabetic diets can be beneficial. Diabetic diets should consist of a good amount of carbohydrates to prevent hypoglycemia.

Exercise has its greatest impact on people with type II diabetes because of its positive effects on insulin sensitivity. Proper exercise and sound nutritional habits work considerably well for type II diabetics.

Consistency is critical in the prevention of type II diabetes. You can't expect to exercise now and then, and prevent it. You need to make exercise part of your life if it's going to be effective.

About The Author Patrick Mckeeman has very quick, easy & effective health & fitness solutions for you. For extensive information on diabetes & exercise please go to: http://www.man-health-fitness-solutions.com/diabetes.html

How Important Is The Right Diabetes Diet?

by: Dana Goldberg

There is nothing more important than the right diabetes diet. Diabetes is a serious disease that you need to learn as much as you can about if your or someone that you care about has been diagnosed with it. Eating right and staying healthy is the only way to battle diabetes and knowing what you can and cannot eat is essential. If you have the proper diet you may be able to have some control over your diabetes.

Having diabetes is a balancing act and it is one that you can manage if you take the time to learn how. As long as you are eating the right amount of healthy foods and you are avoiding all of the sugar that you are not allowed to eat you will be well on your way to staying healthy in spite of diabetes.

Keeping an eye on your sugar intake is key to good diabetes diet management. This will mean learning all of the best sugar replacements and sugar free foods. This used to be a lot harder than it is now. These days there are all kinds of great sugar replacements, many are even perfect for baking, and the sugar free products are becoming ever so popular. Even people without diabetes are choosing them over the sugar filled alternatives. Sugar free products taste delicious, which makes the easy to eat and enjoy while still maintaining a good blood sugar level.

You will also need to watch how much food that you eat. Eating too much or too little can have a negative impact on your diet and health. Talk to your doctor about how much food you should be eating each and every day and what times are optimal. Your diabetes diet will have to be set just right if you want to stay in perfect control and health. As long as you eat right every day you will stay feeling good and healthy for years to come.

About The Author Dana Goldberg is the owner of Lose Weight Free Tips. Learn how to lose weight and body fat. http://www.loseweightfreetips.com.

Diabetes and Your Eyesight

by: Lucy Nicholas

What does diabetes mean to a common man? Sugar? But it’s not that simple. Diabetes is a multi-organ disease that affects almost all parts of the body simultaneously and eyes are most commonly affected. The side affects of diabetes can be prevented or delayed by being in touch with doctors.

Early diagnosis and treatment goes a long way in preserving good eyesight throughout life. Sometimes, diabetes may be first detected by manifestations in the eye like infections, boils, styes, recurrent redness, mild haziness of vision, double vision, frequent change of glasses for reading, difficulty in focusing near or distance, difficulty in driving especially at night, glare etc. as these signs also appear in established diabetic patients. In the presence of these suspicious symptoms or when in doubt it’s wise to have detailed eye testing from a specialist.

The main affect of diabetes on eyes is a matter of concern since it can cause permanent untreatable blindness - diabetic retinopathy. In simple terms it means diabetic affects or deposition on retina of the eye. In early stages diabetic retinopathy many not have any symptom to warn you of it happening inside the eye. This can only be detected by detailed, meticulous examination of the retina. This early detection is only possible by awareness and understanding of the disease, regular eye examination, minimum once a year, unless told otherwise by the eye surgeon, early referrals by diabetologists, endocrinologists, treating physicians and general doctors, all of whom need to get their diabetic patients cleared of diabetic retinopathy, off and on, as they do to rule out other complications of the disease.

In fact, in this early stage, when there may be just a thickening of the retina or presence of tiny blood clots due to diabetes, called CSME, even in the presence of normal 6/6 vision, laser treatment benefits the patient the most. If diabetic retinopathy is diagnosed at a later stage, it progresses to severe stage with abundance of hemorrhages, exudates and fluids and formation of new blood vessels, ultimately leading to complete blindness due to total bleeding inside the eye, which requires major eye surgery to retrieve a little bit of vision that could have been almost 100 percent in earlier stages.

Uncontrolled diabetes and diet, blood pressure, excess weight and cigarette smoking are not good associations. It is absolutely necessary to get your eyes tested when your treatment is shifted from oral drugs to insulin because the latter can cause start/worsening of diabetic changes in the retina, and that too at a fast speed. Diabetic retinopathy in pregnancy should be carefully monitored. Cataract surgery can worsen the retinal condition and get it checked immediately after the surgery. Diabetes can also cause fast maturation of cataract.

About The Author Lucy Nicholas also writes on how to treat acne. More info: http://www.natural-acne-treatments-reviews.com/.

Natural Ways To Treat Diabetes

by: Gray Rollins

Diabetes is a disease caused when the body does not properly produce insulin. Seven percent of the population in the United States has diabetes. There are two types of the disease. Type one diabetes is where the body does not produce insulin and type two is where the body resists insulin. The majority of people diagnosed with this disease have type two. Symptoms of diabetes include extreme thirst, hazy vision, excessive hunger, weight fluctuation, fatigue and frequent urination. Diabetes is often controlled with insulin and prescription drugs, but diet and exercise play a large part in the ability to control the disease. There are also herbs that can help reduce the effects of diabetes.

Ensure a healthy diet by concentrating on foods such as vegetables, grains, fiber and legumes. These foods will help regulate sugar in the blood stream. Avoid junk food and foods that contain sugar such as cakes, cookies and other sweets. Alcohol, tobacco and caffeine should also be avoided to maintain a nourishing diet.

Exercise helps promote good health and combats against the negative effects of diabetes. It is important to exercise regularly and keep an appropriate weight. People who are inactive or overweight have a higher risk factor for diabetes and are prone to suffer from more side effects caused by the disease. It is especially important to exercise to build muscle. Starting a weight program will increase muscle mass which will increase sensitivity to insulin.

There are many herbal remedies recognized for their therapeutic properties of treating diabetes. They are commonly found in pharmacies and grocery stores and can be a great natural remedy. Prickly pear cactus has shown positive results in the treatment of this disease and was recently recognized by the International Diabetes Center as a viable natural remedy. Bitter Melon has been used for years in Asia, Africa and South America for treatment. Garlic will reduce sugar levels and is a healthy way to add flavor to food while benefiting from its curative traits. Other common herbs are ginseng, psyllium, fenugreek, bilberry, dandelion and burdock.

Vitamin supplements are frequently used to help treat diabetes with the most commonly recommended ones being vitamins B6, C and E. Also, zinc, selenium, alpha lipoic acid, chromium and vanadium are commonly used. Rather than take individual supplements, some patients opt for a multivitamin to add to their diet.

Diabetes is a disease that affects a large portion of the population. The risks associated with it are serious but can be controlled with lifestyle change. Ensuring a well balanced diet and good exercise routine will help in preventing side effects. Also, proper use of herbs, vitamins and natural remedies will help prevent the necessity for more traditional means of medication.

About The Author Gray Rollins is a featured writer for MyDiabetesInfo. To learn more about Diabetes Treatment, visit http://www.mydiabetesinfo.com/diabetestreatment/ and http://www.mydiabetesinfo.com/naturalcurefordiabetes/.

Diabetes: The $132 Billion Dollar Pandemic

by: Dr Robert Gamble

You know, it’s not everyday a fellow like me gets to announce a major paradigm shift, much less concerning diabetes …or any other medical condition.

You don’t know what a paradigm shift is? Well, if I mentioned events and names like: Gutenberg, Copernicus, Isaac Newton, Albert Einstein, Louis Pasteur, and Werner von Braun …you would probably guess a paradigm shift is major shift in thinking…and you would be right.

Back in the 1960’s, Thomas Kuhn wrote a famous book, The Structure of Scientific Revolutions. In it, he destroyed the common misconception so many of us have about science.

We tend to think scientific progress is ushered in by a slow, line upon line, piece by piece development of thought over time.

Thomas Kuhn showed that, historically, scientific progress occurs in leaps …and is always confronted by a struggle with an “old guard.” The old scientific theorists hold tenaciously to their (usually tenured or profitable) positions and array themselves against the new discovery, attempting to drive it away.

But, the new guard – the new discoverers, inventors, explorers– takes the new discoveries and advances it over the thinking of the old establishment. Rarely is the old guard converted to the new patterns of thinking (new discovery). They just die off. The new position wins by attrition …truth…and perseverance.

Diabetes: The $132 billion dollar pandemic

Diabetes is on the front edge of such a paradigm shift.

Diabetes afflicts over 18 million Americans. That is double the number of people with diabetes just since 1991 alone.

According to the CDC, one in every three Americans will develop diabetes in their life*time. Let that sink in…one in every three Americans will develop diabetes in their life*time.

It is estimated over 40 million Americans can be classified as “pre-diabetes” meaning they have blood sugar levels higher than normal but still below the type 2 diagnosis level which helps to define diabetes.

By anyone’s standard that is pandemic (goes far beyond epidemic proportions). The cost for this carnage is over $132 BILLION DOLLARS. So much expense, grief and sorrow…and unnecessary.

Diabetes: A reflection of our culture.

We are a fast food, sedentary, “get-our-fix-now” generation. More than one in every two Americans are overweight. We don’t exercise as we should. All of which affects glucose levels. Diabetes is a lifestyle disease…and we’ve got the lifestyle.

Diabetes: The important announcement

That said, diabetes is a condition which CAN be turned around. Glyconutrition is the new discovery shaking the medical and scientific worlds. There are four Nobel Prizes and MIT testifying to the fact that glycobiology is one of the 10 technologies/discoveries which will shape our world.

Glyconutrition is more than just a promising new treatment for diabetes. Many are starting to whisper “VICTORY” over diabetes in their approach to disease.

Whether that is the case, time will tell.

Oh no… The problem is not a failure of glyconutrition. It is the building block VITAL to healthy cell*ular function and it is extremely vital to the proper functioning of the IMMUNE system. Those are known facts.

Diabetes is an auto-immune disease meaning, your body’s immune system gets misguided messages. Thus, it starts attacking the islet cells in the pancreas which produces insulin. Voila...diabetes!

But, the problem is NOT whether glyconutrition really works. Anecdotal evidence (market buzz!) is already overwhelming in favor of glyconutritional therapy for diabetes. As is the professional research.

No…the actual science is NOT the problem. The problem is the old guard again. Thomas Kuhn’s book is almost prophetic. The old guard, the medical and pharmaceutical establishment, just can’t accept the findings of (their own) research… “What! A nutrient… to treat diabetes?” “Hogwash,” one can almost hear them say.

Actually, I wish they were saying that out loud. The reality is, they just ignore the issue. You see, too much is at stake. Like billions of dollars…uh…a $132 billion dollars. All of that mon*ey (read, “business”) disappears if glyconutrition continues to “pan out” the way the research shows us. But, for no^w, the only thing “panning out” is a diabetes pandemic.

Yet, glyconutrition gets shunned as an official diabetes treatment approach.

A study published in the 1997 issue of the Proceedings of the Fisher Institute for Medical Research showed that people with type 1 diabetes who were given glyconutrients “…reported a dramatic improvement in their health, including a decrease in vision problems, better wound healing, less infections, and lower blood pressure.” (Miracle Sugars, by Rita Elkins, M.H., Woodland Publishing, p. 26)

“Glycobiology has achieved critical breakthroughs in the medical field, primarily by addressing what could be the greatest plague in health care today -- auto-immune diseases. Multiple sclerosis, arthritis, diabetes, Crohn’s disease and colitis are just a few of these diseases.” - Dr. Neecie Moore, Ph.D. (cf. Rita Elkins, M.H.

Miracle Sugars, Woodland Publishing, p. 18.)

Also, mannose (one glyconutrient) can stimulate the pancreas to produce more insulin “…thus lowering the amount of insulin needed to control this disease.” (Miracle Sugars, p. 27).

Reality Check: The lives of 1 out of every 3 Americans are affected directly by diabetes and there is a $132 billion dollar diabetes pandemic running amuck in our midst. So, I sure hope this paradigm shift - glyconutrition - gets less opposition from the “powers that be” (the “old guard”), and is given its rightful place in the sun…soon.

But, with the mon^ey being made by the pharmaceuticals and their drugs, and the astoundingly simplistic view of disease treatment (“Blast that disease with technology and drugs!”) it is doubtful if Thomas Kuhn’s “paradigm shift” will work out any differently for diabetes across the land.

The old guard will attack and ignore the discovery — arguably, the greatest in medical history in over a hundred years — and, a la Kuhn, they will simply go the way of the Dodo Bird and diabetes treatment will receive its due.

About The Author

Dr. Robert Gamble is retired from a very successful medical/surgical career. His articles are designed to encourage people about the exciting discoveries surrounding glyconutrition. Visit www.glycoshare.com or write sharethegift@glycoshare.com or…

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