Is There a Cure for Diabetes that Diabetics Can Look Forward to?

Posted by admin on Dec 16th, 2009 | Comments Off

There is no current cure for diabetes although several treatments are available. Treatments include, diet plans, insulin injection, oral medication or surgery depending upon the type of diabetes. The proper management of treatments for diabetes helps diabetics maintain a normal way of life.

Diabetes has three specific types: type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes.  

Is there a possible cure for diabetes type 1?

In type 1 diabetes, the islet cells of the pancreas in charge of producing insulin is being destroyed by the immune system of the body. Hence, the production of insulin by the pancreas is affected or the pancreas no longer produces insulin. The cause is still unidentified but this is often attributed to viral infections or disorder in the genes.

This is treated by a daily dose of insulin injection, an insulin pump or the insulin jet system. Oral medication as a treatment for type 1 diabetes is not applicable since it still has to pass the digestive system before it can take effect in the blood.

The currently suggested cure for type 1 diabetes are pancreas transplant, islet cell transplantation or stem cell transplant. Individuals who have undergone these surgical treatments as part of clinical tests, are still under evaluation for possible re-development of immunity rejection and its ability to maintain adequate number of insulin cells that can meet insulin requirements as well as keep new cells alive.

Other new treatments like synthetic human insulin, insulin analogs, genetic manipulation,  BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guérin) vaccine, gastric bypass surgery and computerized artificial pancreas are still undergoing human clinical trials and study, in the hopes of finally determining if there is a cure for diabetes.

The drug BCG is said to have been tried and tested for 80 years now. Hence, if human clinical tests can prove this drug to be successful, the availability of a cheap generic drug to administer is possible.

Is there a possible cure for diabetes type 2?

Majority of diabetics are suffering from type 2 diabetes. This is due to insulin resistance of the body brought about by the inability of the cells to react to insulin or the production of insulin is not sufficient to control the blood glucose.

This is familiar among older people, obese individuals or persons with weight problems, due to their physical inactivity. Treatment initially requires diet control, exercise and oral medication to avoid progression into becoming type 1 diabetes. In the event that it does progress, treatment will then require insulin injection.

Similarly, there is also no cure for type 2 diabetes, hence, proper management of its treatments is necessary to avoid the progression of the disease.   

This type of diabetes may also crop up in pregnant women known as gestational diabetes and may take place in the last months of pregnancy. Although considered as not life-threatening and may disappear after giving birth, the mother is already deemed prone to type 2 diabetes.

Once an individual becomes afflicted with diabetes mellitus, it will become a part of his or her life and can even be a cause of death. Adequate knowledge in managing this disease can help the patient live longer.

Management includes lifestyle change, nutrition plan, physical activity and having a diabetes team to supervise the daily medications and monitoring. Other than the doctor, nurse, dietitian and healthcare professional, one should include a diabetes educator as part of the diabetes team. The diabetes educator will be responsible for the psychological needs of the patient and in providing assistance for some of the clinical requirements.

In as much as the elusive cure for diabetes is still undergoing further researches and clinical tests, management of the diseases is still the best way for the diabetic sufferers.

Those who are not yet afflicted with diabetes but are engaged in a lifestyle that may develop their body system into becoming one, it is best for them to consider the necessary changes in their way of eating and living to prevent diabetes from having control over their lives.

Alvin Hopkinson is a leading health researcher in the area of natural remedies and diabetes natural treatment. Discover how you can reverse your diabetes for good using proven and effective home remedies, all without using harmful medications or drugs. Visit his site now at http://www.minusdiabetes.com

Warning Signs of Diabetes Complications

Posted by admin on Dec 13th, 2009 | Comments Off

Today’s lifestyle makes many vulnerable to the scourge of diabetes. In healthy people, the rise of glucose is easily transferred to the cells of the body. The pancreas produces the insulin needed to move excess blood sugar out of the bloodstream.

Unfortunately, for the diabetic something goes wrong and the glucose remains in the bloodstream where it begins to do significant damage to many organs of the body including the heart and kidneys.

The reasons why glucose remains in the blood are due either to the lack of insulin production by the pancreas or the cells of the body have become resistant to accepting glucose even when enough insulin is available. Type one diabetics count for 10% of all diabetics. It strikes at a young age. Type two diabetes is more prevalent. It often affects during middle age and strikes many who are overweight and live a sedentary lifestyle.

Either type of diabetes will eventually lead to complications if it is not treated. The three most prevalent complications are:

Nephropathy: Excess glucose damages the functioning of the kidneys. 60% of all people on dialysis are diabetic. The kidneys attempt to flush out excess blood sugar, but in doing so it also flushes out many of the essential vitamins and minerals the body needs to function properly. If nutrients are not replaced, this leads to a downward spiral where death ultimately results. Diabetics need to take in more nutrients than the average non-diabetic. Unfortunately, the diets of the average person today lacks the minimum requirements of essential vitamins and minerals necessary for proper health. This insures that many diabetics are headed for dialysis as their kidneys fail.

Retinopathy: Many diabetics eventually go blind as glucose starts to damage the fine nerves in the eyes. Diabetics are at greater risk of developing glaucoma, cataracts and other problems associated with the eyes. Seeing an eye care specialist is a necessity. While drugs do help to reduce blood sugar to normal levels, they do nothing if nerves have been significantly damaged.

Neuropathy: Similarly, the delicate nerves in the feet are affected leading to loss of sensation. The diabetic does not feel pain when stepping on a sharp object. Infection can set in leading to gangrene and eventually amputation to save the person’s life. Tingling, pain, numbness are the first symptoms that the nerves are slowly dying. It is important for anyone with diabetes to have their feet checked for nerve damage.

Cardiovascular Disease: Fully 90% of type two diabetics are overweight and obese. Excess fat puts a strain on the heart. It has been shown that losing a few pounds can greatly reduce the chance of becoming diabetic or improve blood sugar control for those who have diabetes. Most diabetics also have high blood pressure, live a stressful life and have poor eating habits. Diabetics age faster, far beyond their years. Heart attack and stroke are common to diabetics. Evidence appears to point out another type of diabetes as excess blood sugar may be the direct cause of Alzheimer’s and Dementia.

Diabetes is a wasting disease. It is estimated that some 20 million Americans are diabetic while an additional 7 million don’t know they have it as symptoms don’t show up. While there is no cure for the diseases, diabetes can be prevented and even reversed with the right approach which must include a proper diet, exercise and cutting out the bad habits developed over the years that lead to the condition. While Type One diabetics must take insulin injections for the rest of their lives, Type Two diabetics can take an active approach to controlling their disease to insure that they extend life for themselves and remain a vital part for their families and friends.

Controlling diabetes with natural health products

Posted by admin on Dec 10th, 2009 | Comments Off

What do you mean by diabetes

Diabetes occurred due certain metabolic disorder and mal functioning of the pancreas, which leads towards excessive urination, thirst, weakness and restlessness. The Diabetes can be divided into two categories Diabetes mellitus and Diabetes insipidus.

Diabetes mellitus (type one):

In diabetes mellitus body unable to make insulin. Insulin helps the body to convert the sugar from the body into energy source. The patient is insulin dependent. Type one diabetes is very prevalent among young children, young and adults.

Diabetes insipdus (type two)

Diabetes insipdus results due to insulin defective in insulin production and tissues resist to insulin production. In type-2 diabetes, daily supplement of insulin is not necessary. The patent is insulin non-dependent. Controlling diet and doing moderate physical exercises can control type two diabetes.

Diabetes is often slow and silent in effecting a person, an individual may not notice or feel its existence. The tissues of eyes, kidneys, the nerves and the blood vessels of the heart are target areas, which are attacked by diabetes.

Diabetes cannot be cured permanently but it can be controlled to great extend.

Causes of diabetes: Excessive eating containing sugar, obesity, lack of exercise, tension and stress and heredity.

Treatment of diabetes with natural products:

People are reluctant and repulsive towards high dose medicines containing different chemicals, which have severe side effects like head reeling, shivering, tiredness, dizziness and skin allergy. So it is better to opt natural treatment using natural products for the treatment of diabetes, which is safe and free from any side effects. Natural products are cheaper and easily available.

Some herbs are highly recommended for the treatment of the diabetes. Important Diabetic Natural Remedy Considerations:

Consumption of sugar in large quantity for long time may lead to blood sugar level complications

Don’t take fatty food, must take fruits and vegetables containing fiber. Fiber reduces blood sugar levels.

Avoid direct sugar intake (sugars found in raw fruits or whole grains react on the body differently)

White flour based food products increases the chances of diabetes and it will increase the blood sugar level. Avoid taking these foods.

Diabetes must be checked up regularly, especially the blood sugar level or it can be dangerous and fatal if it is ignored.

Gymnema: Improves insulin levels in the body. It controls and destroys sugar-craving habits of a patient. This herb also helps in lowering blood sugar level. It can be used for 18 months and more for positive result.

Fenugreek: Helps in glucose tolerance and breaking the glucose and excrete through urination. Keeps blood sugar level balanced and stable.

Cayenne: works as health tonic and tones blood circulation.

Dandelion: It takes care of the liver, which breaks nutrients into glucose.

Kidney Beans: Helps in detoxifying the pancreases.

There are some herbal diabetic supplement, diabetic vitamins such as Chromium GTF tablets and Chromium Picolinate capsules to control diabetes. Other sugar control supplements are SLIM 3, chromium and niacin, chromium picolate, liver and gall formula, multi vitamins, and food powders exclusively based on natural herbs.

Treatment of diabetes through Homeopathic Medicines

Homeopathy medicines are also very effective for the treatment of diabetes.

Uranium Nitrate: this remedy helps in reducing sugar level in the blood and helps in digestion and decreasing sugar in the urine.

Syzygium jambolanum: It is a remedy helps in decreasing sugar in urine if it is taken in lower dose.

Phosphoric acid: It helps the patient having diabetes due to nervous origin. When the urination is increased and the color of urine is milky containing sugar the phosphoric acid to be thought of. It is a great remedy to cure diabetes mellitus when it is rudimentary stage.

Lactic acid: one of the best remedies for diabetes due to gastric origin. The symptoms are frequent urine; urine is yellow, much thirst, nausea and debility, dry skin, much gas in stomach and dry tongue. If these symptoms are present then lactic acid is the best remedy for it.

Acetic acid: it helps to reduce frequent urination and it also abates severe thirst and dry skin.

Bryonia: If symptoms like bitterness in the taste , dryness of the lips and weakness then Bryonia is first remedy to be remembered

There are other remedies such as Chionanthus and Argentum mettalicium good for the treatment of diabetes.

Diabetes can be controlled and a patient can lead normal life if he takes care of himself by adopting right treatment.

How is Diabetes Managed?

Posted by admin on Dec 7th, 2009 | Comments Off

Before the discovery of insulin in 1921, everyone with type 1 diabetes died within a few years after diagnosis. Although insulin is not considered a cure, its discovery was the first major breakthrough in diabetes treatment.

Today, healthy eating, physical activity, and taking insulin are the basic therapies for type 1 diabetes. The amount of insulin must be balanced with food intake and daily activities. Blood glucose levels must be closely monitored through frequent blood glucose checking. People with diabetes also monitor blood glucose levels several times a year with a laboratory test called the A1C. Results of the A1C test reflect average blood glucose over a 2- to 3-month period.

Healthy eating, physical activity, and blood glucose testing are the basic management tools for type 2 diabetes. In addition, many people with type 2 diabetes require oral medication, insulin, or both to control their blood glucose levels.

Adults with diabetes are at high risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). In fact, at least 65 percent of those with diabetes die from heart disease or stroke. Managing diabetes is more than keeping blood glucose levels under control–it is also important to manage blood pressure and cholesterol levels through healthy eating, physical activity, and use of medications (if needed). By doing so, those with diabetes can lower their risk. Aspirin therapy, if recommended by the health care team, and smoking cessation can also help lower risk.

People with diabetes must take responsibility for their day-to-day care. Much of the daily care involves keeping blood glucose levels from going too low or too high. When blood glucose levels drop too low–a condition known as hypoglycemia–a person can become nervous, shaky, and confused. Judgment can be impaired, and if blood glucose falls too low, fainting can occur.

A person can also become ill if blood glucose levels rise too high, a condition known as hyperglycemia.

People with diabetes should see a health care provider who will help them learn to manage their diabetes and who will monitor their diabetes control. Most people with diabetes get care from primary care physicians–internists, family practice doctors, or pediatricians. Often, having a team of providers can improve diabetes care. A team can include:

a primary care provider such as an internist, a family practice doctor, or a pediatrician

an endocrinologist (a specialist in diabetes care)

a dietitian, a nurse, and other health care providers who are certified diabetes educators–experts in providing information about managing diabetes

a podiatrist (for foot care)

an ophthalmologist or an optometrist (for eye care)

and other health care providers, such as cardiologists and other specialists. In addition, the team for a pregnant woman with type 1, type 2, or gestational diabetes should include an obstetrician who specializes in caring for women with diabetes. The team can also include a pediatrician or a neonatologist with experience taking care of babies born to women with diabetes.

The goal of diabetes management is to keep levels of blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol as close to the normal range as safely possible. A major study, the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT), sponsored by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), showed that keeping blood glucose levels close to normal reduces the risk of developing major complications of type 1 diabetes.

This 10-year study, completed in 1993, included 1,441 people with type 1 diabetes. The study compared the effect of two treatment approaches–intensive management and standard management–on the development and progression of eye, kidney, nerve, and cardiovascular complications of diabetes. Intensive treatment aimed to keep A1C levels as close to normal (6 percent) as possible. Researchers found that study participants who maintained lower levels of blood glucose through intensive management had significantly lower rates of these complications. More recently, a follow-up study of DCCT participants showed that the ability of intensive control to lower the complications of diabetes has persisted more than 10 years after the trial ended.

The United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study, a European study completed in 1998, showed that intensive control of blood glucose and blood pressure reduced the risk of blindness, kidney disease, stroke, and heart attack in people with type 2 diabetes.

The Truth About Diabetes – Diet, Nutrition and Treatment

Posted by admin on Dec 4th, 2009 | Comments Off

Reversing diabetes naturally is not only possible but a preferable solution to the drugs modern day medicine provides, which serve to treat only the symptoms of diabetes without addressing the root cause.

Treating diabetes naturally is not something pharmaceutical companies want shouted out, despite the fact that countless people are successfully doing so, as diabetic drugs are a lucrative business. Sadly, diabetic drugs are also not without their dangers. Many of the side effects however are justified as the disease symptoms are considered worse. You can live without either.

Reversing diabetes naturally is not about a specific home remedy or natural treatment per se as the solution involves addressing diet and nutrition on a broader scale. Key diet and nutrition factors need to be properly understood, and when appropriately balanced and adjusted, can serve to reverse diabetes successfully and naturally and increase the body’s insulin production. In particular, a re-education in how the human body deals with dietary sugars and refined carbohydrates is fundamental, as is an understanding of the effects of acidity and the importance of an alkaline diet. Regular exercise is also important.

Eliminating foods that promote diabetes is paramount. These include sugar and high-glycemic foods such as refined carbohydrates (white flour/rice/bread/pasta), sucrose, corn syrup and dextrose and commercial, processed oils (virgin coconut oil is a diabetic-friendly alternative).

Dr. Mercola in his new book ‘The No-Grain Diet’ points out how a high-carbohydrate diet can lead to diabetes over time. He writes, “If you regularly consume grains, sweets, and starches, and avoid exercise, your weight will escalate while your insulin levels rise. As your tissues become progressively more tolerant to higher levels of insulin, you may develop what is termed “insulin resistance”, a condition where your tissues have absorbed all the insulin they can retain. This entire syndrome can frequently lead to diabetes, and it’s no surprise that 17 million Americans, nearly 7.3 percent of our population, are diabetic with an astounding 33 percent rise in the prevalence of the disease between 1990 and 1999.”

As well as eliminating foods it is also important to ensure the body’s internal environment is primed for optimum health and resistance to disease. An alkaline diet is imperative here as pH balance is pivotal for the appropriate functioning of body fluids which in turn affect the healthy functioning of all cells within the body. As pH specialist Dr. Robert Young writes, “A cell is only as healthy as the fluids it is bathed in.” He further states that diabetes “is not a disease of the pancreas or the insulin producing beta cells or an autoimmune response, it is from the fluids which the pancreas cells are floating in.”

An acidic system (acidosis) is associated with a wide range of health problems including diabetes, obesity, arthritis, stomach ulcers, bladder and kidney conditions, osteoporosis, heart disease and cancer. Foods that acidify the body include sugar, meat, dairy products, eggs, junk/processed foods, fats and most grains (except millet, quinoa and amaranth). Some of the ‘best’ acid foods include nuts and seeds, beans and lentils, brown rice, oats and fish.

Alkaline foods are largely raw fruits, vegetables and herbs, particularly green veggies, algae (spirulina or chlorella) and grasses such as barley grass or wheat grass.

The diabetic condition leads to a great loss of nutrients from the body in its attempts to eliminate sugar, which in turn leads to the deterioration of eyes and kidneys and damage to nerves and blood vessels. Diabetes also promotes abnormal triglyceride levels which dramatically increases the risk of developing atherosclerosis. This is why cardiovascular disease accounts for 80 percent of all diabetic deaths, with diabetics having more than 400 per cent greater risk of heart attack than non-diabetics.

Are diabetic drugs a solution? Sadly, diabetics taking drugs are 2.5 times more likely to die from heart disease than those treated by diet alone. And then there are the side effects of medication. These include liver problems (jaundice), anemia, skin rashes and in some rare cases, death. There is also the ‘Catch 22′ of insulin resistance. Most anti-diabetic drugs stimulate your already drained pancreas to produce even more insulin which results in a loss of insulin-secreting beta cells making you more diabetic. Diabetic drugs increase fat storage and weight gain, leading to greater insulin resistance and an even worse diabetic condition.

Both oral anti-diabetes drugs and insulin can are not health-friendly options. They hasten the onset of aging, and damage your liver, heart and other organs among other complications.

There is a solution. Diabetes is not cured by treating symptoms with drugs that only perpetuate the condition. You need to address the root cause of diabetes to reverse it and increase your body’s insulin production naturally, with out the complications or side-effects of drugs and medications.

Why don’t we hear about this infomation from the American Diabetes Association? The truth is, the American Diabetes Association are benefiting hugely from the current trend in diabetes. They are funded by pharmaceutical companies who would lose out if people reversed there diabetic conditions.