Diabetes ? Symptoms and Causes of Diabetes

Posted by admin on May 31st, 2010 | 0 comments

Diabetes is a chronic disease. It does not go away, even with treatment. It is also progressive, meaning that if left untreated, it can lead to difficult complications. The good news is that diabetes can be controlled. However, it must be carefully monitored to keep it in control.

Diabetes is a very serious disease and should be treated as such. In nearly all situations, people with diabetes require, at a minimum, routine medical treatment- including daily self-care. Through scrupulous attention to a healthy lifestyle and a strong commitment to maintaining target blood-sugar levels, diabetic people can significantly slow down the degenerative process.

Symptoms of Diabetes

The symptoms of diabetes may develop extremely quickly (over the course of weeks or even days) in children or adolescents who had previously been exhibiting signs of health.

Symptoms of Type 1 diabetes usually arise over weeks and months, as compared to those of Type 2 diabetes that may take years. Although Type 1 diabetics can briefly see mild symptoms similar to the early stages of Type 2 diabetes, the most pronounced symptoms of Type 1 diabetes are usually the more severe symptoms of very high blood sugars and this progress quickly.

Irritability: It is one of the sign of high blood sugar because of the inefficient supply of glucose to brain and other body organs, which make us, feel tired and uneasy.

Diabetes includes fatigue, a sick feeling, frequent urination, especially at night, and excessive thirst. When there is extra glucose in blood, one way the body gets rid of it is through frequent urination. This loss of fluids causes extreme thirst.

Unexplained weight loss: People with diabetes are unable to process many of the calories in the foods they eat. Thus, they may lose weight even though they eat an apparently appropriate or even excessive amount of food. Losing sugar and water in the urine and the accompanying dehydration also contributes to weight loss.

Poor wound healing: High blood sugar resists the flourishing of WBC, (white blood cell) which is responsible for body immune system. When these cells do not function accordingly, wound healing is not at good pace. Secondly, long standing diabetes leads to thickening of blood vessels which may affect proper circulation of blood in different body parts.

Altered mental status: Agitation, unexplained irritability, inattention, extreme lethargy, or confusion can all be signs of very high blood sugar, ketoacidosis, or hyperosmolar hyperglycemia nonketotic syndrome or hypoglycemia (low sugar). Thus, any of these merit the immediate attention of a medical professional. Call your health care provider or 911.

Causes of Diabetes

In type 1 diabetes, the insulin-producing beta cells are destroyed by an autoimmune process, whereby the body’s immune system – its defence mechanism against disease – for some reason recognises the cells as being ‘foreign’ rather than ‘self’, and therefore attacks them.

Type 2 diabetes is believed to have a strong genetic link, meaning that it tends to run in families. Several genes are being studied that may be related to the cause of type 2 diabetes.

Drugs such as steroids, Dilantin, and others may elevate the blood sugar through a variety of mechanisms. Certain other drugs, such as alloxan, streptozocin, and thiazide diuretics, are toxic to the beta cells of the pancreas and can cause diabetes.

Heredity is a major cause of diabetes: If both parents have Type 2 diabetes, there is a chance that nearly all of their children will have diabetes. If both parents have Type 1 diabetes, fewer than 20 percent of their children will develop Type 1 diabetes. In identical twins, if one twin develops Type 2 diabetes, the chance is nearly 100 percent that the other twin will also develop it

Get Information About Diabetes Causes and Types

Posted by admin on May 28th, 2010 | 0 comments

Diabetes: A disease in which the body doesn’t produce or properly use insulin.

Insulin: A hormone, insulin unlocks ‘doorways’ in cells and allows glucose that comes from sugar, starches, and other foods, to enter the cells and be used as energy. Glucose provides the energy that the body needs to function normally and fuel daily activities.

Diabetes causes

Diabetes Can Cause:

Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)

Hypoglycemia

Retinopathy: Nearly 39,000 Americans lose their sight to diabetes each year.

Nephropathy: One out of three people with insulin-dependent diabetes develops kidney failure and need kidney transplants.

Type 1 diabetes-It’s not clear why this happens, but a number of explanations and possible triggers of this reaction have been proposed. These include:

Infection with a specific virus or bacteria;

Exposure to food-borne chemical toxins; and

Exposure as a very young infant to cow’s milk, where an as yet unidentified component of this triggers the autoimmune reaction in the body.

Type 1 diabetes is typically recognized in adulthood, usually after age 45 years. It used to be called adult-onset diabetes mellitus, or non–insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. These names are no longer used because type 2 diabetes does occur in younger people, and some people with type 2 diabetes need to use insulin.

Type 2 diabetes is usually controlled with diet, weight loss, exercise, and oral medications. More than half of all people with type 2 diabetes require insulin to control their blood sugar levels at some point in the course of their illness.

Poor Diet (Malnutrition Related Diabetes) : Improper nutrition, low protein and fibre intake, high intake of refined products are the expected reasons for developing diabetes.

Obesity and Fat Distribution : Being overweight means increased insulin resistance, that is if body fat is more than 30%, BMI 25+, waist grith 35 inches in women or 40 inches in males.

Diabetes Symptoms

The symptoms of type 2 diabetes due to high blood sugar may include:

• Increased thirst

• Increased hunger (especially after eating)

• Dry mouth

• Frequent urination

• Unusual weight loss

• Increased fatigue

• Irritability

• Blurry vision

Diabetes treatment

See a picture of glucagon, which is typically administered as an emergency diabetes treatment when a patient is suffering from symptoms of hypoglycemia — confusion, seizures, or unconsciousness

If the patient is obese and has had difficulty losing weight on their own, talk to a healthcare provider. He or she can recommend a dietitian or a weight modification program to help the patient reach a goal.

Eat a consistent, well-balanced diet that is high in fiber, low in saturated fat, and low in concentrated sweets.

When these measures fail to control the elevated blood sugars, oral medications are used.

If oral medications are still insufficient, treatment with insulin is considered.

Adherence to a diabetic diet is an important aspect of controlling elevated blood sugar in patients with diabetes. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) has provided guidelines for a diabetic diet.

Diabetes remedies

Bittermelon (karela) is one of the best options 21 . Srivastava Y, Venkatakrishna-bhatt H, Verma Y, et al. Antidiabetic and adaptogenic properties of Momordica charantia extract: An experimental and clinical evaluation. Phytother Res 1993;7:285–9.. It can be simply fried with salt and other condiments and can be taken 2-3 daily. Half-cup karela juice can also be taken.

Take 15 fresh mango leaves and boil them in 1 glass of water. Keep them overnight. Filter and drink the next morning.

As a part of diabetes home remedy treatment, grapefruit is considered most beneficial. Eat three grapefruits three times in a day.

Diabetic Supplies – Affordable Survival Kit

Posted by admin on May 25th, 2010 | 0 comments

Diabetes is a chronic disease. It would not be wrong to say that is has no cure. However, with proper care and treatment one can ensure healthy body and longevity. If left untreated, the results will be lethal. One may suffer from fatal conditions such as blindness, nerve damage, kidney damage and even heart attack.

There are three types of diabetes. One can develop namely; Type 1 diabetes or insulin dependent diabetes, Type 2 diabetes or non-insulin dependent diabetes and gestational diabetes mellitus. It is sad but true that more than about two thousand people are diagnosed with this serious disease.

When it comes to treating this disease and preventing the threatening after effects of this disease, one requires to keep a good stock of diabetes supplies. These supplies will provide you adequate help in case of diabetes and even emergency help when you are traveling.

Most people shirk away from purchasing diabetic supplies because these are costly. However, with a good amount of research and gathers good information on diabetic supplies, you can ensure safe health and excellent diabetes control in your body.

Here are some real affordable options for diabetic supplies to ensure healthy glucose insulin levels in your body:

a) Insulin cases

These cases play an option role in protecting your insulin from different factors of the environment such as extreme heat and freezing. These cases can protect your insulin while traveling and going out.

b) Blood glucose monitor

These are widely used to monitor blood glucose level. You should emphasize on using these monitors to completely stop or delay the complications resulting from diabetes.

c) Socks for protection

People with diabetes are tend to develop foot problems. These socks are ideal for saving your feet from wounds or pain. You can find a variety of these available on the market.

d) Blood pressure monitors

High blood pressure in conjunction with diabetes usually results in several heart or kidney problems and even eye diseases. Most complications with the result of diabetes can be maintained via maintaining healthy blood pressure levels.

e) Glucose tablets

Low blood sugar levels can occur anytime. Now, this can be a real serious health problem for people with diabetes specifically if the patient is on insulin.

f) Diabetes software

This is an excellent option to control diabetes and it manages the disease really well.

g) Glucose gel

The gel is potential enough to get absorbed in to the skin quickly. When it comes to hypoglycemia, one must consider glucose gel seriously.

There are several other options when it comes to purchasing affordable diabetic supplies. You can go for a survival kit of your own in order to ensure that your diabetes is under control. The kit must include blood glucose test strips, glucose testing monitors and glucose control solutions. These work best to control diabetes.

Test strips may prove to be very costly due to a lot of researchers, development and testing gone in to it. However, you may get in to a research online to find out affordable test strips.

Make sure that you have a prescription from the doctor when it comes to purchasing diabetic supplies.

Diabetic Skin Care

Posted by admin on May 22nd, 2010 | 0 comments

Epidemiology

Diabetes mellitus is characterized by high blood glucose (hyperglycemia) which can be due to: a) decreased production of insulin (called Type I diabetes mellitus) due to destruction of the pancreas on an autoimmune basis or b) decreased peripheral sensitivity to insulin (called type II which also has some decreased production of insulin by the pancreas) associated with obesity and lack of physical activity. Only about 5-10% of the total have type I disease, the rest have type II.

The most recent statistics available (2005) reveal 20.8 million people (7% of the population) with diabetes of which 14.6 million were actually diagnosed leaving 6.2 million unaware of the presence of this serious disease. Moreover, its prevalence has increased 40% in the last decade and is expected to increase by 165% between 2000 and 2005 (figure 1). It has been estimated that fully 1/3 of the population born in 2000 will develop diabetes. In addition to patient suffering and disability, the economic impact in direct and indirect costs is enormous, amounting to $132 billion in 2002 representing 1/10th of all health care costs.

There were 224,092 deaths attributable to diabetes in the USA in 2002 (probably an underestimation). The risk for death in patients with diabetes is twice that for people of the same age without diabetes, and this decreased longevity is due to cardiovascular disease. Diabetes increases the risk of heart disease and stroke 2-4 fold over that for people without diabetes. Its microvascular complications of retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy make diabetes mellitus the leading cause of blindness, end-stage renal disease, and non-traumatic lower extremity amputations in the U.S.A.2 The frequency of the last complication is increasing (figure 2).

Pathogenesis

The macrovascular and microvascular complications of diabetes are closely related to hyperglycemia and oxidative stress, which is when cells fail to detoxify the reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced during metabolism. Four hypotheses have been proposed to explain how hyperglycemia causes complications: 1) increased polyol pathway flux, 2) increased intracellular formation of advanced glycation end-products (AGE), 3) activation of protein kinase C (PKC) isoforms, and 4) increased flux through the hexosamine pathway.

A unifying concept is that hyperglycemia-induced mitochondrial superoxide overproduction activates these 4 pathways. Excess superoxide partially inhibits the glycolytic enzyme glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) thereby diverting upstream metabolites from glycolysis to pathways of glucose over-utilization. Superoxide anion achieves this by causing DNA strand breaks that result in activation of poly ADP ribose polymerase (PARP) which in turn ribosylates and deactivates GAPDH. By preventing their metabolism, this process increases energy substrates resulting in increased flux of dihydroxyacetone phosphate (DHAP) to diacylglycerol (DAG), an activator of PKC, and of triose phosphates to methylglyoxol, which is the main intracellular AGE precursor. Increased flux of fructose-6-phosphate to UDP-N-acetylglucosamine in the hexosamine pathway increases modification of proteins by O-linked N-acetylglucosamine and increased glucose flux through the polyol pathway consumes the reduced form of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) and depletes GSH (reduced glutathione, a natural potent anti-oxidant).

Several mechanisms have been postulated to explain why increasing the polyol pathway flux is detrimental. These are sorbitol-induced osmotic stress, decreased (Na++K+) ATPase activity, increased cytosolic NADH/NAD+ and decreased cytosolic NADPH.

Activation of the hexosamine pathway results in intracellular glycosylation and donation of N-acetyl glucosamine to serine and threonine residues of transcription factors such as Sp1 resulting in increased production of factors such as plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) and transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-beta 1).5

Production of intracellular AGEs damages target cells by three mechanisms. Intracellular proteins modified by AGEs have altered function (like neurotropism, axonal transport, and gene expression). Secondly, extra-cellular matrix components modified by AGE precursors interact abnormally with other matrix components and with the receptors for matrix proteins (integrins) on cells. Thirdly, plasma proteins modified by AGE precursors bind to AGE receptors (RAGE) on endothelial cells, mesangial cells, and macrophages inducing receptor-mediated production of ROS as a second messenger to activate the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappa B), a transcription factor causing pathological changes in gene expression.5

Hyperglycemia-induced activation of PKC has a number of pathogenic consequences by affecting expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthetase (eNOS), endothelin-1 (ET-1), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), TGF-beta 1, and PAI-1, and by activating NF-kappa B and NAD(P)H oxidases. Increased eNOS and decreased ET-1 decrease blood flow causing hypoxia. Increased VEGF causes increased vascular permeability and angiogenesis. Increased TGF-beta leads to increased collagen, fibronectin, extra-cellular matrix, and basement membrane resulting in capillary occlusion. Increased PAI-1 decreases fibrinolysis leading to vascular occlusion. Increased NF-kappa B causes an increase in pro-inflammatory gene expression. Increased NAD(P)H oxidase causes increased ROS (resulting in DNA damage, oxidation of polydesaturated fatty acids in lipids, and oxidation of amino acids in proteins). These pathogenic mechanisms can all be characterized as a result of ROS effects on genes and proteins.5

Diabetic Skin

The skin of the diabetic is prematurely aged and is subjected to the problems of neuropathy, macrovascular disease, and microvascular disease. In addition, diabetes is associated with poor wound healing, susceptibility to infection, and decreased cell-mediated immunity. This battle may go on unrecognized to the naked eye and dictates a keen vigilance by both doctor and patient to prevent the dreaded complications of this disease. The struggle is against oxidative stress and inflammation, ischemia and necrosis.

Clinical manifestations

1. Diabetic dermopathy is the most common dermatological manifestation of diabetes and is due to microvascular changes. Because it is associated with but not specific for diabetes mellitus, it serves as a marker for the disease. This dermopathy is most often seen in diabetic men over the age of 50 but may also be seen in euglycemic diabetics and healthy individuals. The lesion is so named because of typical changes in the microvasculature. Irregularly shaped patches of skin with a depressed surface are found primarily over the anterior aspect of the lower legs but may occur on the upper arms and thighs and over bony prominences. The lesions are light brown in color due to extravasated red blood cells and deposition of hemosiderin in histiocytes. They appear in crops and resolve over 12-18 months. Since the lesions are asymptomatic, no specific treatment is required except to protect the area from trauma and secondary infection.

2. The skin of the diabetic foot is usually dry due to decreased sweating as a result of the autonomic neuropathy of diabetes. Sweating normally helps hydrate the stratum corneum, and dry skin is prone to callus formation with cracking and fissuring.

3. The “diabetic foot” is due to neurovascular and ischemic changes. It is a very serious complication of this disease. Loss of sensation means that the diabetic patient is no longer able to sense and avoid injuring agents in the environment. Thermal trauma can have horrific results. Even minor mechanical trauma to the skin of the diabetic foot can result in blisters, sores, and ulcers. This is compounded by motor loss to the intrinsic muscles of the foot leading to deformities including a high plantar arch and “hammer toes.” Bony prominences are created at the heel, toes, and metatarsal heads that become pressure points over which the skin can break down. This can lead to ulceration; infection of skin, soft tissues, and bone (osteomyelitis); gangrene (which can be either “wet” due to necrosis with infection or “dry” due to necrosis without infection); and ultimately amputation. The skin over pressure points can become thickened as a callus or corn or develop blisters that can get infected. The skin between the toes can become macerated which fosters secondary infection by bacteria and fungi. The bones of the feet can degenerate producing fractures (Charcot foot). One dreaded complication from this is a “rocker-bottom foot” that often results in skin breakdown and infection. A “diabetic foot” is usually asymptomatic until late in the game. Special attention is required: the patient should inspect his or her feet daily to avoid the complication, and a physician with expertise in this field is required for optimal results.

Treatment:

Control of hyperglycemia: The first step in controlling hyperglycemia in type II diabetics is diet and exercise. Then oral hypoglycemic agents are added of which there are many. Ultimately, insulin may be required by injection. Insulin is the first therapeutic step in type I diabetics. Unfortunately, control of blood glucose is difficult particularly in type II patients probably related to poor compliance. It is at this level that the patient can be most helpful. Make sure the patient takes control of their blood glucose, exercises, has proper diet, attends to their skin, and uses appropriate medications. Patients should check their blood sugar often and their feet daily. The best results come from treatment based on pathogenesis, and prevention is the name of the game.

Pharmacology

Corneotherapy is made possible by what is known as the 500 Dalton Rule. The 500 Dalton Rule is used in the development of topical drugs and trans-dermal delivery systems. The skin’s barrier is effective in blocking molecules with an atomic weight more than 500 Daltons, but molecules of less weight pass through the skin’s barrier. Topical drugs like cyclosporine, tacrolimus, and ascomycins can be effectively delivered through the skin because the molecules of these drugs are all smaller than 500 Daltons.

While the stratum corneum’s physicochemical barrier resists the penetrations of large molecules, smaller molecules with a molecular weight of less than 500 Daltons pass transcutaneously. Molecular size is an important factor governing passage of substances through the skin, giving substances with higher molecular weights self-limiting properties. Passive delivery of substances, due to their low molecular weight, provides novel delivery opportunities. Included in these low molecular weight substances are vitamins, amino acids, ?-3 and ?-6 essential fatty acids, and antioxidants like hydroxytyrosol.

Instructions for Patients to Prevent Diabetic Foot Problems

You should start taking good care of your feet. Set a time every day to check them. Now is the time for you to play an active role in your health care with these 10 steps:

1.Test your blood glucose often. Work with your health care team to keep your blood glucose in your target range with proper diet and exercise.

2.Avoid foot problems by early detection of changes before they get worse. Look at your bare feet daily for red spots, cuts, swellings, and blisters. If you cannot see the bottoms of your feet, use a mirror or ask someone for help.

3.Get active. Plan your physical activity program with your health care team.

4.Get informed. Ask your doctor about Medicare coverage for special shoes (orthotics).

5.Wash (not soak) your feet every day in lukewarm water and dry them carefully, especially between the toes.

6.Keep your skin soft and smooth. Rub a thin coat of skin cream over the tops and bottoms of your feet, but not between your toes.

7.If you can see and reach your toenails, trim them when needed. Trim your toenails straight across and file the edges with an emery board or nail file.

8.Wear shoes and socks at all times. Never go barefoot. Wear comfortable shoes that fit well and protect your feet. Check inside your shoes before wearing them. Make sure the lining is smooth and there are no objects inside.

9.Protect your feet from hot and cold. Wear shoes at the beach or on hot pavement. Don’t put your feet into hot water. Test water before putting your feet in it just as you would before bathing a baby. Never use hot water bottles, heating pads, or electric blankets. You can burn your feet seriously without realizing it.

10.Keep the blood flowing to your feet. Put your feet up when sitting. Wiggle your toes and move your ankles up and down for 5 minutes, two (2) or three (3) times a day. Don’t cross your legs for long periods of time. Don’t smoke!

Remedy® Description:

Clinical Pharmacology: The active ingredient in these preparations is dimethicone 1.5% that protects the skin. Olivamine® is a patent pending blend of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents that helps repair cell membranes and restore cells to a healthy state. Olivamine® contains the following:

Hydroxytyrosol

3,4-dihdroxyphenylethanol (hydroxytyrosol: DOPET) is the major component in the phenolic fraction of olive oil. It is a hydro-soluble and lipid soluble molecule that is an efficient scavenger of peroxyl radicals. Experiments demonstrate that DOPET effectively counteracts the cytotoxic effects of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in various human cellular systems. In studies using DOPET pre-incubated cells, it was found that damage due to oxidative stress, such as lipid peroxidation and alterations of cell permeability, could be prevented and that DOPET exerted a protective effect against H2O2 induced oxidative hemolysis.

Glycine

Altering cellular osmolality to a hyperosmotic state results in a decrease in adenosine triphosphate (ATP) allied with necrosis and resultant necrosis. Glycine is a cytoprotectant against injury by ATP-depletion. Glycine protects ATP-depleted cells by low affinity interactions with multimeric channel protein, stabilization of which may other wise lead to formation of pathological pores. Such porous defects in membranes of ATP-depleted cells have been characterized recently, showing definable exclusion limits for molecules of increasing sizes. Glycine provided during ATP-depletion blocked the development of membranous pores completely. The relationship between necrosis and an extracellular depletion of ATP makes its protection and restoration imperative during the prelethal stages of necrosis or early necrosis.

L-Taurine

L-Taurine can act as a direct antioxidant that scavenges or quenches oxygen free radicals intracellularly to block ROS mediated cell death. The beneficial effects of the ROS-scavenging capacity of L-taurine include attenuation of lipid peroxidation, reduction of membrane permeability, and inhibition of intracellular oxidation in different cells. Taurine prevents high glucose induced apoptosis in endothelial cells thru ROS inhibition and stabilization of intracellular calcium. Apart from its effect on antioxidant defense, L-taurine also functions as a principle modulator of intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis.

N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine

In research conducted by the Department of Microbiology and Immunology, SUNY Buffalo School of Medicine, Buffalo, NY, and the Free Radical & Radiation Biology Program, Department of Radiation Oncology, the University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, we investigated the hypothesis that NAC-induced free radical-signaling delays G0/G1 cells progression to S phase by regulating the cell cycle regulatory protein cyclin D1 and the free radical-scavenging enzyme manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD). Treatment with NAC resulted in increased cellular glutathione levels indicating a shift to a more reducing environment. This shift in cellular redox environment was associated with delayed progression from G0/G1 to S. NAC treatment resulted in a decrease in cyclin D1 and an increase in MnSOD protein levels. The absence of NAC-induced G1 arrest in fibroblasts over-expressing cyclin D1 (or a non-degradable mutant of cyclin D1-T286A) indicates cyclin D1 regulates this delay in G0/G1 to S progression. These results support the hypothesis that cellular redox environment regulates cellular proliferation via regulating cell cycle regulatory protein levels. Furthermore, our results also suggest that inclusion of NAC in skin care formulations might help in appropriate wound healing by controlling proliferation and preventing scarring.

L-Proline

DNA synthesis is a vital part of cell life. In studies done in vivo and in vitro, L-proline was found to be the only amino acid that was involved in the stimulation of DNA synthesis. Further, epidermal growth factor (EGF) elicited no response without the addition of L-proline. Proline-deficient media such as Leibovitz’s L-15, Eagle’s minimal essential, and Dulebecco’s modified minimal essential did not induce DNA synthesis. However, using media such as Williams E, McCoy’s 5A and Ham’s F-12, which are rich in L-proline, there was DNA synthesis and marked proliferation. L-Proline is essential for the induction of cellular proliferation in vivo and in vitro through its effect on synthesis of intracellular collagen.

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)

The term vitamin B6 is used to describe all biologically inter-convertible forms of pyridoxine including pridoxine, pyridoxal, pyridoxal 5-phosphate, and pyridoxamine. Vitamin B6 is an essential co-factor in numerous enzymatic reactions involved primarily in amino acid metabolism. In addition, vitamin B6 functions as an antioxidant by interacting with singlet molecular oxygen during oxidative stress.

Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide)

Niacinamide is a precursor of the coenzyme nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) used to generate ATP in the mitochondrial electron-transport chain. Niacinamide is involved in DNA integrity and maintains phosphatidylserine membrane asymmetry to prevent cellular inflammation and phagocytosis. Current research demonstrates that niacinamide prevents the induction of caspase-8, caspase-1, and caspase-2 activities during cellular injury. The cytoprotectant effects of niacinamide are involved in the maintenance and preservation of cellular membranes.

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is a naturally occurring organic compound containing 34% elemental sulfur. Sulfur is critical in the formation of collagen. The flexibility of bonds between cells, including skin, is dependent upon sulfur. MSM provides a bioavailable from of sulfur and supports the body’s ability to produce N-acetyl-L-cysteine and L-taurine that are sulfur-containing amino acids. MSM is an important volatile component in the sulfur cycle. Topically applied MSM is keratolytic through the formation of hydrogen sulfide. MSM aids in wound healing via keratin. Compounds containing sulfur are found in all body cells and are indispensable for life. Low levels of MSM are implicated in slow wound healing.

Indications and Usage

Remedy® with Olivamine® temporarily protects and helps relieve chapped or cracked skin in patients with dry skin or diabetes mellitus. It is useful in prevention of skin complications from diabetes.

Contraindications

Do not use products on deep or puncture wounds, animal bites, or serious burns.

Warnings

These products are recommended for external use only.

Precautions

When using this product do not get into eyes. Stop use and ask a physician if the condition worsens, symptoms last longer than 7 days, or symptoms clear up and then return within a few days. Keep out of reach of children. If swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away. Protect the products from freezing and excessive heat.

Adverse Reactions

An allergic skin rash is possible with any of the components. If redness, itching, or hives occur, stop the product and seek medical care.

Dosage and Administration

Apply cleansing lotion to wet or dry skin and rub gently. Rinse or wipe with a moistened cloth. The cleanser acts without lathering. Apply the cream liberally until the entire area is covered. Both the cleansing lotion and the repair cream can be used as needed.

The Layman’s Guide to Diabetes

Posted by admin on May 19th, 2010 | 0 comments

The Layman’s Guide To Diabetes

Facts about diabetes that everybody should know

What is Diabetes

Diabetes is one of the commonest but very serious health disorders found all over the world. Approximately one in every 25 person suffers from it and a big population is predisposed to suffer from it. With all the advancements and developments in modern medicine, we have failed to find a cure for it. We do not even know the exact causes of Diabetes. Diabetes today has affected whole world irrespective of peoples’ life styles. Elder or younger, rich or poor, rural or urban; all have equally suffered.

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder. It is associated with a hormone called ‘insulin’ which is secreted by a gland known as ‘pancreas’ situated near the lower border of stomach. Diabetes arises either from ‘deficiency of insulin’ or from ‘inability of cells to utilize the available insulin’. It is basically the ‘lack of action’ of insulin that brings about Diabetes. This disorder affects the whole metabolism of the body. Modern sciences have failed to explain with certainty why pancreas stops the production of insulin or why body cells develop resistance to insulin.

The causes of diabetes are still not known but there are certain predisposing factors that considerably increase the chances of developing diabetes. Some predisposing factors are

Obesity

Sedentary life style with very less physical activity

Family history of diabetes

Old age

Eating habits especially when food contains excessive carbohydrates

What actually happens!

When we eat food, it is digested in digestive tract beginning from mouth. Complex food is broken down to simpler foods such as glucose, amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins etc. which can be absorbed in the blood. In a normal human being, the glucose produced in this way is acted upon by a hormone called insulin which helps in taking this glucose to all body cells for their energy needs and converts the ‘left over’ glucose into glycogen. Thus, the chief role of insulin is to regulate the glucose level in the blood. Sometimes, for unknown reasons, either the Pancreas gland stops producing insulin or the body cells develop inability to utilize the available insulin thereby causing glucose level in the blood to rise which eventually results in diabetes. More than 90% of all diabetics suffer from the diabetes that is caused by inability of body cells to utilize the available insulin to regulate the glucose level.

When body cells do not receive glucose for their energy needs, they begin to starve. To supplement the energy needs, body starts disintegrating the stored fats and proteins leading to loss of weight, fatigue, weakness and several other complications.

Symptoms and their reasons explained

Common symptoms of diabetes include

Frequent and excessive urination

As I explained earlier, glucose level in the blood is very high in diabetes. This glucose circulates in blood and reaches

kidneys which filter the blood to form urine. Kidneys ordinarily never let glucose pass into the urine but when glucose level is excessive, this glucose enters the urine and during this, kidneys filter a lot of water also which results in excessive and frequent urination in diabetes.

Excessive thirst and dry mouth

Excessive urination in diabetes leads to shortage of water in the body. This, in turn leads to thirst and dry mouth.

Hunger

Since, the body cells do not get glucose, they begin to starve. Although the glucose is all around yet cells cannot utilize it. This is a case of ‘scarcity amidst plenty’. This starvation of body cells leads to more and more hunger.

Weight loss

When body cells cannot utilize glucose, the stored fat in the body is slowly disintegrated to compensate it. This leads to loss of weight.

Fatigue

Along with stored fat, the protein in the muscles is also disintegrated to nourish the starving cells. This results in fatigue and weakness of the body.

Blurred vision

Our eyes have a fluid inside them that helps in focusing. Due to high concentration of glucose in blood, this fluid also changes its concentration thus leading to blurring of vision and frequent changes in power of eye lenses.

Slow healing of cuts and wounds

Since the blood contains abnormal amount of glucose, it provides an ideal medium for the growth of pus forming micro-organisms. This in turn affects the healing of even small cuts and abrasions and delays the recovery.

Itchy skin and fungal infection

The blood of a diabetic is quite rich in glucose which provides favorable conditions for faster growth of micro-organisms that cause diseases. This is more visible on skin which becomes vulnerable to infections. This excessive glucose also causes itching on the skin.

Complications

There are various complications that may take place due to prolonged presence of glucose in bloodstream.

Some commonly occurring complications include

A. Diabetic Coma

B. Coronary Heart Disease

C. Cerebral Hemorrhage

D. Gangrene

These complications are a result of very complex changes that take place in the body due to excess glucose. Almost all parts of the body are affected by Diabetes and in long run, it ruins all body parts.

Hyperglycemic Coma

This is a commonly occurring complication of diabetes. But how does it happen?

In diabetics, glucose does not nourish the body cells either due to deficiency of insulin or due to inability of body cells to utilize available insulin. As a result, stored fats in the body start disintegrating and chemical compounds called ‘ketones’ are formed which make the blood ‘acidic’. Now the body tries to reduce the acidity and forms more and more urine. But this in turn reduces the fluid content of the body and further increases the acidity of the blood which eventually affects the brain and Coma sets in.

What to do!

There are some predisposing factors that may cause diabetes as explained earlier. Sedentary life style invites the disease therefore one should cultivate a life style full of physical activities and exercises. People working in the offices usually do not get any opportunity to remain physically active. Such people should try to spend some time out of their chairs and do as much physical activity as possible at their work place. Today’s little workout can ward off tomorrow’s great suffering.

Obesity is another big predisposing condition. More than 70% elder people who develop diabetes are obese. Physical exercises and a check on food intake are best things one can do to avoid adding unwanted weight.

Family history plays a role in causing diabetes. When one is aware of occurrence of diabetes in the family, one should prepare against the disease by avoiding other predisposing factors like obesity, sedentary life style, faulty eating habits etc. Remember, a prepared man has half fought the battle!

Foods may also be related to diabetes but it is not known with certainty which foods may cause diabetes or may hamper the activity of pancreas. One should be careful in selecting food. The intake of fast foods and those foods that are quite rich in carbohydrates should be minimized.

Diabetes badly affects all physiological systems of the human body. Majority of the diabetics develops severe complications that shorten the lifespan. Whether there is any history of diabetes in one’s family or not, it is always advisable to take precautions and lead a physically active life. Remember, prevention is always better than cure!

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