One minute spot about Glucotrin, the Blood Sugar Institute’s herbal supplement designed to help regulate your blood sugar, control food cravings and maintain healthy weight. Developed by Klee Irwin, nutraceutical formulator and developer of Cellular Research’s Dual Action Cleanse. For more information or to buy Glucotrin, go to: www.aboutglucotrin.com
Archive for July, 2010
Glucotrin, One Minute Spot
Saturday, July 31st, 2010How does the pancreas detect changes in blood glucose levels?
Saturday, July 31st, 2010Does it do so via sensors which send an impulse via neurons?
The Bloody High Blood Sugar
Saturday, July 31st, 2010Does high blood pressure normally run in your family’s blood?
If yes, then you must take into consideration having a regular blood test. In this process you will be able to know whether you might have an underlying ailment.
The blood glucose is normally expressed in millimoles pr litre (mmol/l). Typically, its level is lowest in the morning and higher after mealtime than its narrow limits right through out the day which is 4 to 8mmol/l.
Note: Glucose is normally the only sugar found in the blood. Blood glucose concentrations are kept within a relatively narrow range by such factors as hepatic and renal uptake and release, glucose removal by peripheral tissues, hormone influences on uptake and release, and intestinal absorption. The only endogenous sources of glucose are the liver and kidneys which convert glucose-6-phosphate to glucose. Insulin is the main hormone that affects glucose blood levels.
However in the case of diabetes, it blows out of proportion until it is treated or at least maintained. Yet, though treated, there will still be some time where it will go adrift from its normal level.
Now, if you happen to discover that you have failed to escape this kind of illness. The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) which was introduced by the Lousiana State University Ag Center in their research could be of so much help.
The study states that a healthy food preparation will be able to trim down your blood pressure and reduce the possibility of reducing it to normal levels. It also shows that blood pressure may be decreased by taking foods which are low in salt, total fat, saturated fat and cholesterol. Likewise it also advises a diet loaded with fruits, whole grains and low-fat dairy foodstuffs and vegetables.
In addition, the study also showcased the usual American diet sodium cutback. According to the results the minimal intake of sodium also minimizes the blood sugar level.
Since high blood pressure threatens the chances of heart disease, stroke and kidney disease, which ranks as the first, third and ninth chief causes of death in the American populace. It is therefore important to do the necessary measures to prevent it from happening.
Three things may help you prevent high blood sugar:
- Testing your blood sugar often, especially if you are sick or not following your normal routine. You can see when your blood sugar is above your target range, even if you don’t have symptoms of high blood sugar (increased thirst, increased urination, and fatigue).
- Visit your doctor if you have frequent high blood sugar or your blood sugar is consistently above your target range. Your medication might need to be adjusted or changed.
- Drink extra water or noncaffeinated, nonsugared drinks to prevent dehydration
Article written by Hector Milla, editor of http://www.thehighbloodsugar.org, a website about High Blood Sugar, thanks for using this article in your website or ezine keeping a live link.
Why Won’t My Blood Sugar Levels Come Down – Life Saving Tips for Taking Control of Your Blood Sugar Levels
Saturday, July 31st, 2010Firstly, having less than ideal blood sugar levels is not something that you can wish away with a bit of positive thinking, no amount of denial is going to see you right when it comes to high blood sugar levels. You have a problem, a potentially serious and life threatening problem so do not think a quick rain dance and a fresh mug of coffee is your answer. You will have to book an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible.
If you are reading this article then it is my guess that you have already measured your blood sugar levels, if you hadn’t, you would not know your levels were high in the first place. Maybe you would have some indication from the classic signs and symptoms of high blood sugar, ie: thirst, poor healing, tiredness, constant urination but since your here, we’ll take it as read that your blood sugar is less than ideal. You may be wondering, what are normal blood sugar levels? Well, depending on what part of the world you are in will give a different conversion. For people in the UK a reading of 5.5mmol is pretty much the average and if you are in the US, then multiply that figure by 18.
How To Lower Blood Sugar Levels?
In order to lower your sugar levels to a significantly safer blood sugar level range. The first and foremost rule above all others it STOP adding fuel to the fire immediately.
That means using every trick in the book to take manual control of your blood sugar levels before they take control of you.
1.
Stop the intake of any and every form of carbohydrate. That includes, fruit juice, nuts, cereal (yes oats to), candy, even the diabetic type, root vegetables (yes they contain sugar) any low carb bars since they replace the sugar with polynols (alcohol sugar) which still affects blood sugar levels, dried fruit, each and every product ending in “ose”, watch out for meats that have spicy or bbq coatings they have sugar, crisps, chips, French fries, pizzas, pastas, rice, semolina and all other starchy carbohydrates. The list goes on and on but this should give you a general idea.
2.
Fill up on protein: chicken, beef, tofu, eggs, cheese, bacon, you get the idea. Basically anything without carbohydrate in it.
3.
Fill up on dark green veg, the best sort of veg there is and this will also provide quality soluble fibre.
4.
Do not each past 6pm and eat smaller portions, yes you will feel hungry for a while but you will get used to it.
5.
Consume only healthy chemically unaltered fats and oils, olive oil, avocado oil, natural butter, lard, hemp oil, virgin coconut oil.
6.
Start consuming healthy omega 3 oil, flax seed oil and fish oils are pretty much the two main ones. When you take flax seed oil, mix it with either quark or unsweetened Greek yogurt, this will enable the oil to become water soluble and your body will absorb it much easier.
7.
Get some exercise in! Walking, weight lifting, squats, running, climbing the stairs, cycling etc.
There are infinite forms of exercise, no one has an excuse not to exercise in some way or another, even five minutes a day, provides benefits.
These basic guidelines will go a long way to helping control blood sugar levels and if kept to stringently, will help keep your blood sugar levels in a safer range but under no circumstances, ignore the problem, you must speak to a doctor.
For more articles on type 2 diabetes reversal, visit http://www.type2diabetesreversal.com
Mulberry leaves and Diabetes
Saturday, July 31st, 2010
Mulberry leaf is traditional Chinese medicine most in use for the following: Invigorating and clearing liver improving visual acuity preserving youthful looks: blacken hairs and skin toning relieving blood curing cough Eliminating heat and curing dizziness promoting the subsidence of swelling clearing dysentery and in stomachache Diabetes and sugar control
Controlling Diabetes with Continuous Glucose Monitoring
Friday, July 30th, 2010Having diabetes means a lifetime of maintaining their diabetes and the blood sugar and controlling their glucose levels.
The blood sugar level shows of how much glucose, which is a basic sugar, is found in the bloodstream. Glucose, in one form or another, is in many of the foods that we eat, so diet is a very important part of controlling the glucose levels in your bloodstream.
Diet and exercise are also key factors in controlling diabetes, in fact some doctors say that diet alone can control type 2 diabetes. The diabetic will be given dietary guidelines by their medical practitioner no matter what type of diabetes you have.
It is suggested that diabetics pay rigorous attention to their diet and self-monitoring activities to establish which foods cause the worst glucose-level peaks and troughs, then make “self adjustments”.
However, the best way of controlling diabetes, and the only way for those with type 1 diabetes, is for patients to test their glucose levels regularly – as instructed by their doctor – and to take the appropriate levels of medication or injection of insulin.
Since a diabetics body either doesn’t produce insulin, as in Type 1 diabetes, or cannot process the insulin that it makes, which is found in Type 2 diabetes, these blood sugar levels can vary much more then those of a person in perfect health.
Diabetics afflicted with type 1 diabetes should be checking their blood sugar levels daily before eating. The number of tests each day should a minimum of 2 times per day, but some patients may need as many as 6 tests in a day. These tests help determine how much insulin needs to be taken into the body to help process the glucose.
Type 2 diabetics are able to control their diabetes with drugs and dieting. However they too need to be monitoring their blood sugar levels a few times a week. This should be done immediately after eating a meal or up to 90 minutes after eating. In addition, it is a good idea to check your levels before every meal around one day a month to see exactly how your body interacts with the food that you eat.
To check your blood sugar levels, the most commonly used method of obtaining a blood sample is to prick the finger. You then take the blood that is released and put it onto a testing strip, which comes with blood sugar level testing kits. This strip is then put into a measuring device, and processed for around 30 seconds before a result is achieved.
But there is some good news!
Lots of research is on going and a new gadget is now available that checks a diabetic’s blood sugar and lets them know if it falls to a dangerous low. Researchers have been searching for the gadget for years. Monitoring devices are now coming on the market and by late summer will be available in the United States.
These monitors are not as accurate as “normal” blood tests, finger lances, but researchers are hoping that within a couple of years it will allow a diabetic to forgo putting their finger to test for blood glucose levels. If the monitor signals that blood sugar levels are low, it is necessary to take a blood test for confirmation. The monitors are also slow to show rapid changes that occur, especially when you exercise. This monitor is working to make finger lances outdated for all diabetics.
Those who have used the monitors report little discomfort. A patch worn on the abdomen may hurt when it goes on because there is a tiny wire placed under the skin to measure the glucose in cell fluid. Once the patch is on, it is comfortable to wear and sends information to a receiver. The receiver is about the size of a cell phone. A patch can be worn for several days before changing.
Researchers are working toward pairing the new monitoring device to insulin pumps. These pumps have been on the market for years and could reduce the time needed for controlling diabetes to a minimum. One such product has already been approved in April and is now offered for sale now.
The monitoring portion of the device will not be available until later this summer, so it isn’t fully automatic yet, but it is promising news for those who are trying to control Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes.
Another new treatment going through trials is the delivery of insulin through inhalation. The insulin is prepared in a dry micro fine powder form which is inhaled directly into the lungs from where it is absorbed into the blood stream.
And, of course, much more research is on going.
Come Get More Life Improving Information About Diabetes Including Symptoms, Signs, Dietary Information and Treatments
Understand and Maintain Blood Glucose Levels For Healthier Life
Friday, July 30th, 2010When you are referring to blood glucose levels, it is the amount or concentration of glucose in the human body which should be normally in the range of 4 and 6 millimoles per liter (mmol/L). If you are suffering from diabetes you are experiencing levels outside these limits. Higher glucose levels do not always mean you are diabetic, as they may be caused due to several other health reasons. However, whatever may be the cause, it is necessary to maintain the levels within the range as very high or low levels may cause damage to your small blood vessels or develop other risks.
Normal Blood glucose levels:
The total amount of glucose circulating in the human blood is about 3.3 to 7g for an average adult assuming his blood volume to be 5 liters. The blood sugar levels are regulated by the human body as part of a metabolic homeostasis. Glucose which is the primary source of energy for the body cells gets transported via the bloodstream from intestines or liver to the body cells. Blood glucose levels are higher immediately after meals. Ideally the values are 4 to 7mmol/L before meals, less than 10mmol/L immediately after meals and 8mmol/L at bedtime. They are usually the lowest in the morning before you have the first meal of the day. Unless with larger intervals between meals or a substantial carbohydrate content in the recent meal the sugar levels remain within a narrow range of about 3.9 mmol/L or 80 mg/dl to 6.0 mmol/L or 110 mg/dl. It may shoot up temporarily to 140 mg/dl or 141 mg/dl after eating.
Health effects
Failure to keep the blood glucose levels in the normal range may lead to either high or low blood sugar levels. High levels or hyperglycemia is caused when you have sugar levels much higher than the normal range. Persistent hyperglycemia may even lead to diabetes mellitus. Long term hyperglycemia causes health problems like diabetes, kidney damage, nerve damage etc. Low blood sugar level may cause hypoglycemia. Symptoms of hypoglycemia are lethargy, irritability, loss of consciousness, impaired mental function, and even brain damage in some cases.
Common tests
There are different tests that can be done to measure blood glucose levels.
* Fasting blood sugar (FBS):
This test is used to measure levels of glucose after you have not eaten for at least 8 hours. This is often the first test done to check for diabetes, though not the only one.
* Random blood sugar (RBS):
RBS measures the blood sugar regardless of when you have last eaten anything. Several tests may be conducted throughout the day. Random testing is useful in healthy people whose level do not vary widely throughout the day. Any variation may indicate a problem.
* 2 hour postprandial blood sugar:
This test is carried exactly 2 hours after you eat a meal.
* Oral glucose tolerance test:
This test is usually used to diagnose pre-diabetes and involves a series of measurements after you drink a sweet liquid which has glucose. It is most commonly use to diagnose gestational diabetes.
* HbA1c test:
This test is carried out to find out the average blood sugar levels over the previous six to eight weeks. It is basically useful to find out how you are controlling diabetes. HbA1c is a compound which is produced as a result of chemical reaction of hemoglobin and glucose in blood. It is also called as glycated hemoglobin. Consistent high levels cause HbA1c to rise. It is 6% of hemoglobin in people without diabetes, 7.5% with fair control of diabetes and 8.5% indicates poor control of diabetes.
Maintaining blood glucose levels in the specified normal range is necessary to keep you healthy and avoid any kind of future complications.
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Diabetes + Chocolate Pie = Cure!
Friday, July 30th, 2010
Image taken on 2007-10-09 16:03:59 by kitsu.
Diabetes: The Result of an Unhealthy Lifestyle
Friday, July 30th, 2010Excessive glucose in the blood is a feature of Diabetes mellitus. Type 2 Diabetes, also known as insulin-dependent Diabetes, is chronic and carries significant incidences of morbidity and mortality, with heavy quality of life questions and costly health care issues. Nine out of ten new patients suffering with type 2 Diabetes contracted the condition through an unhealthy lifestyle.
A study published by the Archives of Internal Medicine over 10 years assessed the effects of an unhealthy lifestyle, including factors such as exercise; body weight; diet, alcohol consumption and smoking: the more of these issues that are present, the more likely the person is to contract type 2 Diabetes. Thankfully, improving a poor lifestyle can help in delaying or even reversing type 2 Diabetes.
Medical Director of the Aviisha Medical Wellness Institute says: “Many people are not aware of how their lifestyle can have a tremendous impact on their health – for better or worse. Type 2 diabetes is a perfect example of a serious disease that can be prevented, and even reversed, by basic lifestyle changes”.
Even more interesting, the study showed that people who paid attention to their lifestyle habits were at a lower risk of getting Diabetes, by:
· Sustaining regular physical exercise
· Adhering to a sensible diet consisting of high fiber; low fat and a low mean glycemic index
· Not smoking, or if a former smoker, someone who smoked less than 5 years
· Not consuming alcohol or at least in moderation
· Keeping a healthy BMI of less than 25 and maintaining an average waist measurement of 88cm for women and 92cm for men.
Genetics are also important, although the more of the criteria for health that is adhered to, the more remote is the chance of developing type 2 Diabetes. The regime is not difficult to stick to and mostly prescribes everything in moderation, including eating!
If you suspect you might be suffering with the symptoms of type 2 Diabetes, they are:
· Increased thirst and possibly dehydration
· Increased appetite
· Loss of weight
· Nausea and vomiting
The symptoms are certainly unpleasant but even if you are not suffering from Diabetes, surely it makes sense to take steps to ensure you do not fall victim to this unpleasant disease by adopting a healthy lifestyle. Prevention is better than cure!
The Aviisha Medical Wellness Institute in California is recognised as a leader in family medicine in Los Angeles. Patients are provided with a personalized, medically supervised plan for living a healthy lifestyle and improving their overall health. The Institute provides comprehensive medical screening and diagnosis and treatment for obstructive sleep apnea as well as the most advanced and personal treatment for medical weight loss in Los Angeles.
12 Steps to Controlling Your Diabetes
Friday, July 30th, 2010
24 million Americans have diabetes and 1/3 of them don’t even know it! Diabetes can lead to many complications – since it is a disease of the vessels: heart disease, kidney disease, blindness, nerve damage and amputation are some of the problems that can result from uncontrolled diabetes. The good news is that diabetes can be managed by you! With proper education, you have the power to avoid or reduce the severity of these complications.
You can make a life-changing difference by following these guidelines:
Limit carbohydrates (starch, fruit, milk, sweets) at each meal or snack.
Consume approximately 30-60 grams of total carbohydrate per meal (depending on your calories for the day and how your glucose is running). Consume approximately 15-30 grams of total carbohydrate per snack combined with a lean protein and/or unsaturated fat such as a yogurt with nuts or a fruit with low-fat cheese. Evenly distribute carbohydrates throughout the day to avoid fluctuations in blood sugar and to achieve a level blood sugar. Consume slow-digesting foods or food combinations to assist you in achieving a more level blood glucose. Consume the following foods in combination:
a. High fiber carbohydrates (30-50 grams a day) like brown rice, whole grain breads or cereals, grains such as kasha, barley or millet.
b. Lean protein such as fish, shellfish, poultry, lean meat and low-fat cheese.
c. Unsaturated fat such as nuts, nut butters, avocado, oils. Test your blood sugar before meals and 2 hours from the start of the meal to determine if your body can handle the amount of carbohydrates you’ve eaten. If not, decrease the amount of carbohydrates or you may need a medication adjustment. For example: Test at 8:00 am before beginning breakfast and then again at 10:00 am. Look for the following results when testing blood sugar:
a. Before meals blood sugar should be 90-130 mg/dL (American Diabetes Association – ADA guidelines*) or 80-110 (American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists – AACE guidelines**)
b. After 2 hours blood sugar should be under 180 mg/dL * or under 140 mg/dL**.
c. Blood sugar can expect to rise about 30-50 points from a meal. Eat every 3-4 hours so your blood sugar doesn’t drop or fluctuate too much. This may determine whether a snack is necessary or not. Eating more frequently prevents over-eating at the next meal or snack and keeps your metabolism higher so you burn more calories! Wait 2 hours between meals and snacks so the blood sugar has a chance to come down before you send it back up with your food consumption. Have your doctor do a blood test to determine your 3-month blood sugar average. HbA1c also known as glycohemoglobin or hemoglobin A1c shows the progress you are making every few months with controlling your diabetes. Look for a number of 7% which is equivalent to154 mg/dL * or 6.5% which is equivalent to 140 mg/dL **, for best control. Fructosamine is a similar test that averages two weeks worth of blood sugar results. Remember to exercise at least 5 days a week for 30 – 40 minutes. This includes walking, bicycling, strength training, etc. Exercise helps insulin work more efficiently to lower your blood sugar.
Be sure to meet with a team of diabetes experts. They will provide you with the knowledge you need to control your blood sugar. There may need to be adjustments with times of exercise, medications or food choices for best glucose control.
There are no secrets when managing diabetes. You have all the tools you need to find out how food, exercise, medications and even stress affects your glucose readings. In time, you will learn how to fine tune and better manage your disease. The HbA1c will tell you what range your blood sugar is in. Your glucose monitor will provide you with critical information so you can find out how daily living affects your blood sugar. Don’t allow the diabetes to rule your life when you are in charge!
Your find more articles at Destination Diabetes
Marci Sloane, MS, RD, LD/N, CDE, is a registered and licensed dietitian/nutritionist and certified diabetes educator. She grew up in NYC where Marci graduated with a degree in Nutrition and Physiology from Teachers College at Columbia University.