1. health and fitness
2. disease
3. diabetes

How To Play The
Diabetes Diet Game
and Win!!
Your Ultimate Guide to
Diabetes, Health and Wellness
…Without Drugs
Table of Contents
Table of Contents…………………………………………………………………….
Introduction…………………………………………………………………………..
Why Do I Need This Book?.........................................................................................
Before Diabetes……………………………………………………………………....
Diabetes Through Time……………………………………………………………....
The High Cost of Low Insulin………………………………………………………..
What is Diabetes?.........................................................................................................
The Myths and Truth About Diabetes………………………………………………..
The Different Types of Diabetes……………………………………………………...
Who Gets Diabetes and Why?.....................................................................................
Risk Factors…………………………………………………………………………..
Celebrity Diabetics……………………………………………………………………
Symptoms of Diabetes………………………………………………………………..
Diagnosing Diabetes………………………………………………………………….
Treatment and Management……………………………………………………….....
You, Your Partner and Diabetes…………………………………………………......
Common Medications Prescribed in Diabetes……………………………………….
The Downside of These Chemical Compositions……………………………………
Fighting Type 2 Diabetes, Naturally…………………………………………………
Food and Diabetes……………………………………………………………………
A Matter of Fat……………………………………………………………………….
Understanding Carbohydrates………………………………………………………..
Foods to Enjoy and Avoid……………………………………………………………
Mind and Body……………………………………………………………………….
All That You Must Know About Food Labels……………………………………….
Alcohol, Smoking and Diabetes……………………………………………………...
Exercise—a MUST…………………………………………………………………..
Herbs – Do’s and Don’ts……………………………………………………………..
Complementary Care…………………………………………………………………
End Notes……………………………………………………………………………..
A Dummies Guide for Diabetes………………………………………………………
Recipes for Diabetes………………………………………………………………….
Glossary………………………………………………………………………………
Bonus Sections………………………………………………………………………..
2
3
6
8
9
13
16
18
21
25
27
30
31
35
37
39
46
48
53
56
60
68
72
74
80
87
90
94
105
106
108
110
121
122
Introduction
I
t’s a fact! Diabetes can be reversed. My husband, Tim Hanf, is living proof! When
he collapsed due to a spike in his glucose levels on the day of our wedding, I was
determined to find a way to beat this disease.
According to a groundbreaking study conducted by researchers at UCLA, changes in diet
and moderate exercise can actually reverse
diabetes in at least 50% of patients in just
three weeks!
Imagine, in just three weeks; the amount of
cholesterol and free radicals in the blood
could be lower and the nitric oxide levels
could be made higher ---- both key factors in
arresting the deadly disease before it begins
to take its toll on our limbs and life.
Diabetes is the number one cause of leg
amputations in the United States.
StatsSpeak
The American Diabetes Association
estimates that about 15.7 million
Americans have diabetes (see Box 7.2),
with most having Type 2 diabetes and
the others having Type 1. About 10.3
million are aware of the disease, and
5.4 million are not. Half of the 16
million have the disease but are
unaware of it, and people from minority
groups are more likely to go
undiagnosed. The disease itself may go
undetected for years because the
symptoms are sometimes so mild.
Diabetes increases in frequency with
aging so that about 18.4 percent of all
Americans over 65 may have it.
"Sixteen million Americans --- 6% of the population --- have diabetes, and one third of
them don’t even realize it; 800 000 will be diagnosed this year. It is the leading cause of
blindness, end stage renal disease, and leg amputations and the seventh leading cause of
death," Dr Susan Hershberg Adelman told a seminar in New York
.
We can prevent all this and more with this e-book. In fact, with this e-book I will show
you not only how to beat diabetes but teach you how you can learn to stave off heart
disease, strengthen your central and peripheral nervous system and cause natural
reduction of the excess fat accumulated in your body. These are just some of the many
positive, health-promoting tips that you
are going to learn from this e-book.
Believe it or not, one strategy revealed
here eliminates the need for taking an
Insulin shot in 70% diabetic patients!
My husband is now diabetes free using
this strategy. Other amazing tips will
help you halt erratic fluctuations in your
blood sugar level, reduce stress on your
pancreas and help return your body to its
normal, healthy state of blood sugar
management.
The most amazing thing of all: You will accomplish all this and more with minimum
hassle, expenses, side-effects or toxicity that is normally brought about with the use of
prescription drugs and over-the-counter Allopathic medications.
How Long, Oh Lord, How Long!
This, believe me, is the century of instant gratification, instant oatmeal, instant
downloads, and even instant millionaires!
Unfortunately, no one has yet found the key to instant health or the secret to curing
diabetes instantly!
But there’s a saying, “Easy come, easy go.” So if you want to seriously create an
effective plan to achieve long-lasting health and wellness, acknowledge to yourself that
it’s going to take some amount of time; weeks, months or even a year for the new habits
to take firm hold in your life.
Further, the information shared in this guide does not imply a ‘magic pill’ or ‘miracle
cure’ --- although the results you can achieve with these natural interventions are, indeed,
miraculous --- you will still need to go that extra mile in order to internalize specific,
natural health strategies that would be ‘at war’ with a lot of your old, debilitating,
disease-inducing habits.
The destination is important, but so is the journey. As long as you're making forward
progress, that's what counts. My goal is that you will start to challenge yourself to make
forward progress, day after day, and eventually bring yourself one step closer to a life
that is not marred by a devastating disease.
It's not important how long it takes, what is important is that you would have learned the
secret to halting your diabetes --- permanently, and naturally.
That day will mark a new beginning, a new dawn in your life, when you will wake up to
feel the sensation of a new body, a new mind, and a whole new you!
It would signify a life without prescription drugs, without insulin injections, and without
those frustrating, routine blood sugar tests. You can do it.
Why Do I Need This Book?
W
hy indeed?
Because, although it may be hard for you to digest it, diabetes
treatment is both a science and a commercial industry. And like any
industry driven by profits, greed and dishonest science, this industry also is based on
questionable worldwide practices that focus merely on alleviating the symptoms of
diabetes, rather than eradicating them permanently or uprooting the real cause of the
disease.
Ask any diabetic. The suffering, the discomfort and the excruciating pain of diabetic
symptoms and the fear of future complications, returns time and again to hurt torture and
haunt them. The wounds may temporarily heal but the scars remain and below the scars
they fester indefinitely.
However, in our experience and through my interaction with thousands of diabetes
patients, I know honesty and good science can reverse diabetes. All it takes is a natural
process of restoring the body's blood-sugar control mechanism.
Insulin Is Not a Miracle Potion
For decades, diabetics have been told that they can take any amount of sugar and sugarbased food products, so long as they continue with their insulin therapy --- but nothing
can be farther from the truth.
High levels of insulin can be as dangerous to the body as sugar to a diabetic. Repeat and
prolonged exposure to insulin in fact, is positively detrimental.
On the other hand, glucose-lowering drugs may temporarily succeed in lowering blood
sugar levels, but eventually increase the risk of death from cardiac arrest. These drugs
also are associated with innumerable unpleasant and often painful side effects including:
weight gain, elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels, nausea, diarrhea, constipation,
stomach pain, drowsiness and headaches.
What Comes Naturally
To avoid all these negative effects, we can gradually improve our diabetic condition with
what are known as natural remedies. The methods I discovered through my husbands
journey to living diabetes free, are intended to help you develop your own customized
system for treating, curing, and preventing diabetes -- all by yourself.
But first, I will begin by giving you a basic understanding of your diabetes. Over the next
few pages, we’ll explore the causes and symptoms of diabetes and then move on to a
discussion of the various time-tested traditional methods that can be used to not just
manage but also eventually and permanently cure the disease.
All this will take is commitment, a few dietary changes and lifestyle management
including a daily regimen of exercise and stress reduction, as well as a smart and easy
program of nutritional supplementation and herbal remedies.
Good health is closer than you think!
Before Diabetes
B
efore people develop Type 2 Diabetes, most suffer from a condition known
as "pre-diabetes.” It is a condition where in blood glucose levels can shoot
to a higher than normal level but yet is not high enough to be diagnosed as
diabetes. In the U.S., pre-diabetes affects about 41 million people, most of them between
the ages of 40 and 74.
Some long-term damage, especially to the heart and circulatory system, can begin to
occur during undetected pre-diabetes stage. However research shows that if you take
action and are able to control your blood glucose level at the pre-diabetes stage, you can
delay or altogether prevent Type 2 diabetes from ever developing in your body1.
Testing, Testing, 1-2
There are two different tests you can take to determine whether you have a pre-diabetes
condition. The first is the Fasting Plasma Glucose Test (FPG) and the second is the Oral
Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT). Both these tests help determine whether you have
normal metabolism, or pre-diabetes or diabetes condition.
If your blood glucose level is found to be higher than normal with an FPG, the
implication would be that you have Impaired Fasting Glucose (IFG) condition and if your
blood glucose level turns out to be abnormal following an OGTT, the conclusion would
be that you have Impaired Glucose Tolerance (IGT).
Either way, you would be at risk of developing a chronic illness that has been a blight on
humanity since ancient times, as chronicled in the Egyptian history.
Diabetes Through Time
U
nlike many of the diseases and health challenges we face today, Diabetes
has been with us for centuries.
B.C.
•
1552 – The earliest recorded reference to Diabetes, mentioned on 3rd Dynasty
Egyptian papyrus by a physician by the name of Hesy-Ra; refering to frequent
urination as one of the major symptoms of diabetes.
A.D.
•
100 – The condition was described by Arateus as 'the melting down of flesh and
limbs into urine.'
•
164 - Greek physician mistakenly diagnoses diabetes as an ailment of the kidneys.
Until 1200 A.D., water-tasters, people who drank urine of those suspected of having
diabetes, were invited to make the diagnosis. The Latin word for honey is mellitus and
because the urine of diabetics is ‘sweet’ the condition later came to be known as Mellitus
Diabetes.
•
1600's – For the first time, Paracelsus, a renowned physician identifies diabetes as
a serious general disorder.
•
1800's - Chemical tests were created to measure the presence of sugar in urine.
Diabetes in the 1800’s
In the 19th Century, research into diabetes actually began to boom. Around the world,
especially in Europe, doctors and scientists began to look for answers and insights which
could lead to an effective treatment of this debilitating disease.
In France, one physician (Priorry), advised diabetes patients to consume more sugar as an
effective means of treatment. His colleague, Dr. Bouchardat, noticed the disappearance of
glycosuria during the rationing of food in Paris during the Franco-Prussian War. This
caused him to pioneer the idea that diabetic diets need to be individualized.
In Germany, a medical student discovered that the pancreas contains two systems of cells
--- one set secretes normal pancreatic juice, while the function of the other was yet
unknown. Several years later, these cells were identified as the 'islets of Langerhans.' It
was a German scientist, Georg Zuelzer who developed the first injectible pancreatic
extract to suppress Glycosuria. Unfortunately, there were extreme side effects to the
treatment, so its use was discontinued later.
20 th Century Treatment
Many fad diabetes diets became popular in the early part of the century. Among the first
and most popular was: the 'oat-cure', milk diet, rice cure, and 'potato therapy’. At one
point, even opium was proposed as a ‘dietary supplement’ for people identified with
diabetes.
One of the most important findings of the early 20th Century emerged from the work of
Frederick Madison Allen. He published Studies Concerning Glycosuria and Diabetes, a
book on which the contemporary treatment of diabetes is based. Other milestones in this
timeline include:
•
1921 – The discovery of insulin as a treatment after a dog, whose pancreas was
removed, was successfully treated with it.
•
The 1940’s were pivotal years in diabetes research. Researchers discovered a vital
link between diabetes and long-term health complications such as kidney and eye
disease. Concurrently, Diabetes management was standardized with the
development of a uniform insulin syringe.
•
1955 – The first oral drugs to help lower blood glucose levels became available to
patients.
•
1959 – Diabetes was broken down into two types: Type 1 (insulin-dependent)
and Type 2 (non-insulin-dependent)
•
The 1960’s and 1970’s saw significant progress in Diabetes treatment
‘technology.’
The purity of insulin was improved.
Advancements in home
testing for sugar levels in urine gave people greater control over their bodies and
the disease. Blood glucose meters and insulin pumps were developed and laser
therapy was first used to help slow or prevent blindness in some people with
diabetes
•
1983 - First biosynthetic human insulin was introduced
•
1986 - Insulin pen delivery system was introduced
•
With the 1990’s, came the realization that more frequent insulin doses and
personalized treatment regimens based on a patient’s activity level and eating
patterns can delay the onset and progression of long-term complications in
individuals with Type 1 Diabetes. The importance of good glucose and blood
pressure control in the delay and/or prevention of complications in Type 2
Diabetes was also recognized.
21 st Century
Scientists began investigating various means of administering insulin without the use of a
syringe. Reports of the first major clinical trials successfully using a new inhaled form of
insulin were published. This insulin device is similar to an asthma inhaler. It delivers a
dose of insulin in a dry powder form through the mouth directly into the lungs from
where it easily enters the bloodstream. Scientists have also begun experimenting with an
in-the-cheek (buccal) insulin product. This insulin is sprayed into the mouth and is
primarily absorbed through the inner cheek walls.
But perhaps the most revolutionary advancement during this time comes from genetic
research. This includes islet cell transplantation (islet cells produce insulin), and genetic
manipulation.
Looking Back
Despite advancements in science, medicine, and technology, the 21st Century seems to be
a time when “everything old is new again.” So, while people across the world continue to
embrace progress, they are also beginning to reconsider alternative health strategies and
starting to prefer a more natural approach to health and healing.
The High Cost of Low Insulin
D
iabetes affects approximately 17 million people (about 8% of the
population) in the United States. More than a trillion dollars - $1.2 trillion
to be exact -- is spent in the United States on health care, 75% by people
with chronic health conditions like diabetes. Also, an estimated additional 12 million
people in the United States have Diabetes and remain undiagnosed.
Diabetes is in fact, the third leading cause of death in the United States after heart disease
and cancer. Over time, diabetes can lead to blindness, kidney failure, and nerve damage.
Diabetes is also an important factor in accelerating the hardening and narrowing of the
arteries (arteriosclerosis), leading to strokes, coronary heart disease, and other large blood
vessel diseases.
Globally, the statistics are staggering. The number of people around the world suffering
from diabetes has skyrocketed in the last two decades, from 30 million to 230 million.
China now has the largest number of diabetics over age 20, nearly 39 million people.
India has the second largest number of cases with an estimated 30 million suffers, a
staggering 6% of the adult population.
The Prime of Life
Unfortunately, this disease affects people in their most productive age. According to the
statistics published by The Diabetes Atlas the largest number of people affected by Type
2 Diabetes is between the ages of 40 and 59. Once regarded as a ‘mature’ person’s
disease, the Atlas reports that today, the age of onset for Type 2 diabetes has drastically
dropped so people are getting sick in the prime of their life. Long-term health problems
are also common in people who have poor blood sugar control. Some of these
complications include:
•
Heart disease - Heart disease is the leading cause of diabetes-related deaths.
Adults with diabetes are two to four times more likely to die from heart disease
than adults without diabetes.
•
Stroke - The risk of stroke is two to four times higher in people with diabetes
•
Kidney failure - Diabetes was a leading cause of end-stage renal disease in 2002.
•
Blindness -Diabetes is the leading cause of new cases of blindness in adults 20 to
74 years old. There are 12,000 to 24,000 new cases of diabetes-associated
blindness each year.
•
Amputations – Diabetics account for more than 60% of lower limb amputations
in the U.S.
•
Nervous system disease - 60-70% of diabetics suffer from sort form of nervous
system damage, which includes decreased sensation in feet or hands (neuropathy),
slowed digestion in the stomach, and carpal tunnel syndrome.
•
Dental disease - 33% of Diabetics suffer from severe periodontal disease with
loss of attachment of the gums to the teeth
Diabetes Kills
Diabetes claims millions of lives and taxes the ability of health care organizations the
world over, according to data published by the International Diabetes Federation.
Already, each year some 3 million deaths are tied directly to diabetes, with death rates
expected to rise 25% over the next decade. Even more frightening, the number of people
with diabetes throughout the world is expected to double by 2030, according to a new
study published by the World Health Organization.
This can change. Like my husband and me, you can make a difference in your life and in
the life of someone you love. Don’t remain a cold statistic. Instead, choose to be on the
leading edge of a new wave of health. On the following pages, you will learn about a new
and natural way to giving diabetes the boot for good!
What is Diabetes?
D
iabetes mellitus is a disease which prevents your body from properly using
the energy from the food you eat.
Diabetes occurs when
•
The pancreas (an organ behind your stomach) produces no insulin
•
The pancreas produces too little insulin
•
The pancreas makes insulin, but the insulin made does not work as it should.
(This condition is called insulin resistance.)
At this point, you’re probably asking, “What is insulin?”
Good question! Insulin is a naturally-occurring hormone, produced by the beta cells of
the pancreas that helps the body use glucose for energy. To understand Diabetes better,
it helps to know more about how the body uses food for energy.
Your metabolism is responsible for turning food into fuel and delivering it to your hungry
cells. Our bodies are made up of millions of cells. To make energy, the cells need food in
a very simple form. When we eat or drink, much of what goes into our mouths is broken
down into a simple sugar called glucose. The blood and blood vessels transport glucose
from the stomach or the liver to our muscles (where it gets converted to energy) or our
cells (where it is converted to fat).
Man does not live by glucose along. (Woman don’t either!) Glucose cannot go into the
cells by itself. This job is assigned to insulin. The pancreas release a substance called
insulin into the blood. Insulin serves as the helper, or the "key" that unlocks glucose and
releases it into the cells to be used as energy.
When glucose leaves the bloodstream and enters the cells, the blood glucose level
automatically gets lowered. Low glucose is a benchmark of diabetes.
Car Talk
In many ways the human body is like a car. For example, to start a car, you must turn the
key to move the gas to the engine. Without insulin, or the "key," glucose cannot get into
the body's cells for use as energy. This causes the retention of a lot of glucose in the
blood, also called "high blood sugar" or diabetes.
If you have recently been diagnosed as diabetic, don't fret. With proper treatment and
care, you can once again be motoring along the highways and byways of your life. You
may need to make a few changes in how you drive (your lifestyle), but chances are it’s
about time for a tune-up anyway.
Fact is that our bodies, like our car, needs regular care and maintenance. And while your
doctor is a good mechanic and an important element in your health care plan, it’s time
you took some responsibility yourself and responsibility starts with understanding.
So let’s get started right away!
The Myths and Truth About Diabetes
Myth #1: Type 1 diabetes always starts in childhood, Type 2 starts later.
The Truth: Usually, but not always. Type 1 Diabetes can be diagnosed as late as 40 and
an increasing number of people are being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes at a younger
age because of rising rate of childhood obesity.
Myth#2: You can be diabetic without knowing it.
The Truth: This is true only for Type 2 because the symptoms can get overlooked in a
majority of cases. People with Type 2 generally have the condition for 5-10 years on
average before being diagnosed. However, with Type 1 diabetes the symptoms are much
more obvious.
Myth#3: Only fat people get diabetes.
The Truth: Type 1 Diabetes is not caused by the fat accumulated in the body and even
with Type 2 diabetes, which is strongly linked to obesity; around 20% of sufferers are of
normal body weight. You can be slim and develop Type 2 diabetes if you have other risk
factors.
Myth#4: Diabetics cannot – must not – consume sugar.
The Truth: Once you find out the degree of your condition, you can then determine how
to effectively manage your sugar intake.
Myth#5: People with diabetes must cut out all carbs from their diets.
The Truth: Carbs are vital for providing energy and should form the basis of any diet.
However, diabetics should aim to eat foods that provide a slow, steady energy release.
The glycaemic index (GI) is useful because it shows how quickly carbs are converted into
blood sugar. Generally it is advisable for diabetes to make small changes in their diet,
like swapping white bread and long-grain rice for lower-GI granary bread, and combining
a high-GI food like a jacket potato with a low-GI food like beans.
Myth#6: Diabetes is not dangerous.
The Truth: There is no running away from the fact that diabetes is dangerous and can
have serious long-term complications, leading to heart disease, blindness, kidney failure
and nerve damage. It can be dangerous if not managed or controlled.
Myth#7: Diabetes in pregnancy is just a blip.
The Truth: Gestational diabetes goes away once the baby is born, but it means you are at
more risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later on in life. It is an indicator that our body is
not producing or using insulin as efficiently as it could be.
Myth#8: Diabetes is caused by over consumption of sweets.
The Truth: Being overweight puts us at higher risk of Type 2 diabetes, but as mentioned
before, it makes no difference which food made us fat. Sugar is high in calories so it can
contribute to weight gain, but it doesn’t directly cause diabetes. And Type 1 diabetes isn’t
caused by diet at all. It’s believed to be an abnormal auto-immune reaction to the body’s
own cells.
Myth#9: Diabetics just need a daily shot of insulin to survive.
The Truth: This may be true in the case of Type 1 diabetes because the body cannot
produce any insulin itself, but not in the case of people with Type 2, which has to be
treated with a carefully monitored diet and exercise schedule.
Myth#10: Alcohol is completely ruled out for diabetics.
The Truth: Alcohol is fine in moderation, i.e., 1-2 units a day for women and 2- 3 for
men. However, alcohol can also cause low blood sugar so it should not be consumed too
quickly, or on an empty stomach.
Myth#11: Diabetics cannot --- or rather should not --- exercise
The Truth: Exercise in fact does aid the body’s use pf insulin. With Type 1 diabetes,
exercise may cause erratic swings in blood sugar levels, but that does not mean we should
not exercise, as the benefits outweigh the risks. We may just have to adjust our
medication to compensate for the extra glucose being used.
The Different Types of Diabetes
D
Iabetes, as explained in the preceding chapter is a medical term that
signifies a problem with the body’s relation to insulin and insulin
production. Diabetes implies that the pancreas is not producing enough of
the sugar-regulating hormone insulin. There are two major types of diabetes --insulindependent, also known as type I diabetes, and non-insulin-dependent, or type II diabetes.
Type 1 Diabetes
•
When the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas have been destroyed, so the
body can no longer produce any insulin.
Type I diabetes, (also known as Juvenile Diabetes) is usually found in young children and
teenagers, but can also occur later in life. In Type 1 diabetes, the body does not produce
adequate quantities of insulin, a hormone needed to convert blood sugar into energy. The
general treatment for people with Type 2 diabetes is daily injections of insulin. This
keeps keep the blood sugar level within normal ranges.
Chin Up! Steve Redgrave, one of the world's greatest Olympic athletes
battled Type 1 diabetes to win five Olympic Gold medals in rowing!
Type 2 Diabetes
•
When the body can still produce some insulin but not enough to keep blood sugar
levels stable, or the body cannot use it effectively.
Type 2 diabetes (also referred to as Mature Onset Diabetes) is the second most common
form of diabetes. With Type 2 Diabetes the body can either be producing lesser quantities
of insulin than is required or may not be reacting to the insulin correctly. Either way, the
result is the unbroken glucose starts accumulating in the bloodstream instead of getting
absorbed by cells, which can lead to many serious, long-term health consequences.
Type 2 diabetes usually appears later in life, often between the ages of 35-45 years. As it
often develops slowly, many people may
not recognize the symptoms, so it
The toll
remains undetected and untreated for a
Diabetes kills more than 182,000
Americans each year and is the country's
second most-costly disease, behind
mental health. High-risk groups include
African-Americans over 45 who are
overweight, who rarely exercise and who
have a family history of the disease.
Warning signs of diabetes include
excessive thirst, frequent urination,
extreme hunger, irritability, unexplained
weight loss, tingling in fingers or toes,
nausea, fatigue and vomiting. In addition,
people with diabetes also run a higher
than average risk of developing
atherosclerosis. In this condition, the
blood vessels to their legs become
narrowed, which cause cramps, cold feet,
pain upon walking and climbing stairs,
and even skin ulcers and gangrene.
Peripheral neuropathy, chronic kidney
failure and diabetic retinopathy are
possible complications that are treatable
and preventable with good glucose
control.
Source: Diabetes Mellitus Manila Bulletin, July
very long time.
Chin Up!
Many people have
diabetes without knowing it, and
are at a greater risk of long term
medical complications. At least,
you
now
know
it.
So,
if
knowledge is power, you can
now do something to alter your
condition.
14, 2005.
Ladies Only – Gestational Diabetes
The third type of diabetes, Gestational Diabetes is only reported in pregnant women. In
this condition, a woman’s blood sugar is always higher than normal because some other
hormones produced by the body during pregnancy begin to interfere with the insulin that
is being produced naturally.
Gestational
Diabetes
usually
becomes
apparent during the 24th to 28th week of
pregnancy, and, in most cases, disappears of
its own accord after the baby is born.
Women with gestational diabetes usually do
NOT have an increased risk of having a
baby with birth defects. However there can
be some complications caused by gestational
diabetes, although nothing so serious that
they cannot be managed with careful
attention to nutrition and blood sugar levels.
Secondary Diabetes
"Secondary" Diabetes refers to elevated blood sugar levels caused by another medical
condition. Secondary diabetes for instance may develop when the pancreatic tissue
responsible for the production of insulin gets destroyed by disease, such as chronic
inflammation of the pancreas or by toxins released by the consumption of excessive
alcohol, trauma, or after surgical removal of the pancreas.
Diabetes can also result from hormonal disturbances, such as excessive growth hormone
production and Cushing's syndrome.
It can also be a result of damage to the pancreas caused by chronic over-indulgence in
alcohol (Please refer to our special section on Alcohol and Diabetes for more information
on this subject).
Finally, certain medications may worsen diabetes control, or "unmask" latent Diabetes.
This is observed most commonly in patients on steroid-based medications (such as
prednisone) or those taking drugs for the treatment of HIV infection (AIDS).
With so many factors contributing to the development of diabetes, and considering the
chronic, long-term health threat that this disease poses, it’s never too soon to start making
healthy adjustments in our lives.
And that’s exactly why you purchased this book!
Who Gets Diabetes and Why?
A
nyone, anywhere, at any age can develop diabetes. Often, it takes several
years for diabetes to be detected in a person, usually when they have
already developed some complication, such as visual impairment, kidney
failure, heart disease, stroke or nerve damage.
In the underdeveloped part of the world, people with diabetes are not diagnosed at all;
consequently, mortality from diabetes-related complications is extremely high in these
countries. This is tragic, because diabetes for most part is a manageable disease.
The Basics of Diabetes
In medical terminology, insufficient
WARNING SIGNS
production of insulin or the inability of
See your doctor if you are suffering from
these symptoms which can indicate
diabetes, because early treatment is
extremely vital for an effective diabetes
control and management program:
cells to use insulin effectively is called
hyperglycemia that eventually leads to
diabetes. This latter condition affects
mostly the cells of muscle and fat
tissues, and results in a condition known
•
Increased thirst and fatigue
• The need to visit the loo all the
time, especially at night
• Sudden weight loss or gain
• Blurred vision
as "insulin resistance." This is a primary
problem in Type 2 Diabetes.
Glucose is a simple sugar found in food. It’s an essential nutrient that provides energy.
Without insulin, the cells become starved of glucose energy despite the presence of
abundant glucose in the bloodstream. This abundant, unutilized glucose later gets
wastefully excreted through urine.
Insulin is a hormone that is produced by beta cells of the pancreas. Since it helps in the
cell absorption of glucose, it regulates the level of glucose present in the blood. After a
meal, the blood glucose level rises naturally. In response to this increased glucose level,
the pancreas automatically release more insulin into the bloodstream to help glucose enter
the cells and lower the high glucose level in the blood after a meal. After this level falls
to normal again, insulin release from the pancreas automatically gets switched off, once
again.
Risk Factors
In case of Type 1 diabetes, the risk factors are mostly out of our control. However in
Type 2 diabetes, there are some choices that we can make --- relating to lifestyle and
dietary management --- that can reduce
the likelihood of developing this
disease.
ARE YOU AT RISK?
Experts recommend regular diabetes
screening if you have TWO or more of the
following Type 2 risk factors:
Risk Factors for Type 1
•
Diabetes:
These
are
mainly
genetic
and
•
environmental triggers, such as:
•
Family History – If a member
of
our
immediate
family
(parent or sibling) has Type 1
diabetes,
there
is
•
•
•
You are white and aged 40+, or
Asian/Afro-Caribbean aged 25+
• Your mother, father or sibling
had/has diabetes
You are overweight (BMI over 25)
• You do not exercise
You have heart disease, circulation
problems or high blood pressure
You had diabetes during pregnancy
You have polycystic ovary syndrome
and are obese
• You have been diagnosed with
impaired glucose tolerance or
impaired fasting glycaemia
greater
likelihood of us (or our child) having it, too.
•
Autoimmune Conditions - Type 1 diabetes is generally an autoimmune disease,
i.e., it is caused by the body's immune system attacking its own insulin-producing
cells in the pancreas. Auto-immune diseases that trigger this condition are
Addison's disease, Celiac disease, Grave's disease, Hashimoto's disease, and
Pernicious anemia.
•
Birth and Early Childhood –Being born to an older mother or a mother with
pre-eclampsia during pregnancy could be predisposing factors, but more research
needs to be done to establish this correlation. There is also some disagreement
over whether cow’s milk, fed to infants in the first 6-8 months of their life
increases their risk of developing Type I diabetes.
•
Ethnic Background – It’s been discovered that people of northern European or
Mediterranean ancestry are at a higher risk of developing Type 1 Diabetes.
Risk Factors for Type 2 Diabetes:
•
Age - 90-95% of people with diabetes are of Type 2 variety and the risk of
developing this disease increase as you age.
•
Obesity - Over 80 % of people with Type 2 diabetes have been found to be
overweight. The greater the obesity, the higher the risk.
•
Family History – Heredity link has been proved in numerous research papers.
Again, the closer our link with the member of the family who has diabetes, the
greater our chances of developing it ourselves.
Newly-Discovered
Scientists have discovered many new genes that appear to increase the risk for
developing Type 2 diabetes. Understanding how these genes contribute to the disorder
may lead to new strategies for prevention and treatment. These studies have appeared in
the April 26, 2007 online editions of Nature Genetics and Science and some of their
major conclusions are discussed below:
•
Physical inactivity - The less exercise we do, the greater our chances of
developing diabetes.
•
Impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) - Impaired glucose tolerance is a level of
blood glucose which is higher than normal, but not high enough to be in the range
where doctors can classify this condition as diabetes. It does, however, put the
body at risk for developing full-blown diabetes, later in life.
•
Race/ethnicity - Although little research has been done outside of the U.S.,
American studies show that African-Americans, Hispanic Americans, Native
Americans, and Pacific Islanders are at a higher risk of developing diabetes.
While the risk for Type 2 Diabetes is higher among Asian-Americans, the risk is
lower among Asians (including Japanese, Chinese, and Koreans) and Mexicans.
Celebrity Diabetics
D
iabetes makes no distinction between rich and poor, and stars such as Halle
Berry, Larry King, Patti LeBelle, Sharon Stone, and Elizabeth Taylor are
well-known cases of celebrity diabetes. They do not, however, allow it to
have a negative impact their professional or personal lives.
The implications of not controlling diabetes on the other hand can also be serious as in
the premature death of music legend Johnny Cash. Most celebrities however are learning
that the best way to fight chronic disease and go on to live long and happy lives by
following a healthy lifestyle pattern.
Symptoms of Diabetes
E
arly Diabetes symptoms can be subtle or appear to be harmless…- or we may
not experience symptoms at all. So pay close attention to them for early
detection:
Excessive thirst and increased urination - Excessive thirst and increased urination are
classic Diabetes symptoms.
When we have
Symptoms of Diabetes Mellitus
Diabetes, excess sugar (glucose) builds up in our
Increased thirst
blood. Our kidneys are forced to work overtime to
Increased urination
filter and absorb the excess sugar. If our kidneys
can't keep up, the excess sugar is excreted into our
urine along with fluids drawn from our tissues.
This triggers frequent urination, which may leave
us dehydrated. As we drink more fluids to quench
our thirst, we’ll urinate even more.
•
Weight loss even though the
individual is eating more
Fatigue, nausea, and vomiting
Skin infections, blurred vision,
bladder infections
Impotence in men and cessation
of menses in women
Flu-like feeling - Sometimes diabetes symptoms resemble a flu-like illnesses. We
may notice fatigue, weakness and loss of appetite. That's because poorlycontrolled Diabetes hampers our body's ability to use sugar for energy. Instead of
fueling our cells, the sugar remains in the blood. This leaves us feeling tired and
run down.
•
Weight loss - When we lose sugar through frequent urination, we also lose
calories --- creating a feeling of persistent hunger. The combined effect is
potentially rapid weight loss, especially with Type 2 diabetes.
•
Weight gain - Excess weight can make the tissues more resistant to the action of
insulin, which increases blood sugar levels. The more fatty tissue present, the
more resistant cells become. This is why obesity is a prime risk factor in
developing Type 2 diabetes.
•
Blurred vision - High levels
of blood sugar pull fluid from
Other problems associated with diabetes
affect our ability to focus.
Gum Diseases: People with diabetes are at
significantly higher risk for severe gum disease.
Research indicates that good diabetes management
will slow down the progression of gum disease and
that blood sugar levels are more easily controlled if
periodontal disease is treated1.
Left untreated, diabetes can
Vision-related problems
cause new blood vessels to
Many people with diabetes are at risk of unnecessary
blindness because they are not receiving regular eye
screening, according to a new report by the charity
Diabetes UK1
Patients with long-term diabetes are at risk of
retinopathy - a disease of the eye which is the
leading cause of blindness in working age people
across the world. Yet a survey of more than 1,000
diabetes patients in the UK found that 41 per cent
were either not receiving regular screening for the
condition or were not being screened using a digital
camera as recommended by experts.
the tissues, including the
lenses of the eyes. This can
form in the retina as well as
damage old vessels. For most
people this can cause mild
vision problems, such as dark
spots, flashing lights or rings
around these lights. But for
others, these symptoms can
be more serious. In rare
cases, diabetes can also lead
Athletes foot
Problems with circulation, open sores or ulcers on
your feet or oozing or weeping around your toes, is a
good indication of diabetes.
Vaginal thrush
The presence of untreated diabetes mellitus can help
the fungi that cause thrush to flourish.
to partial or complete blindness.
•
Slow-healing sores or frequent infections - High levels of blood sugar impair
the body's natural healing process and the ability to fight infections. For women,
bladder and vaginal infections are common.
•
A tingling sensation in hands and feet - Excess sugar in the blood can also lead
to nerve damage. Tingling and loss of sensation in the hands and feet, as well as
burning pain in the arms, hands, legs and feet.
•
Red, swollen, tender gums - Diabetes may weaken our ability to fight germs,
which increases the risk of gum infection and in bones that hold our teeth in place.
The gums may pull away from the teeth, causing them to become loose, or we
may develop sores or pockets of pus in the gums - especially if we have a gum
infection before diabetes develops.
One severe symptom of diabetes is Diabetic Ketoacidosis. This symptom sometimes
produces slightly sweet-smelling breath that is caused by acetone, a metabolic byproduct,
when the body is forced to burn fatty acids rather than glucose. This process becomes
more and more toxic to the body as it continues; the individual may develop diabetic
coma and die. Ketoacidosis occurs when individuals are either not getting enough insulin
or the insulin is not adequate to allow cells of the body to utilize the glucose.
Another severe symptom of unregulated diabetes is Hypoglycemic Coma (insulin
shock). This condition is usually brought about by too much insulin. A hypoglycemic
reaction causes trembling, weakness or drowsiness, and headache, dizziness, confusion,
double vision, and difficulty in coordination. Eventually, convulsions or unconsciousness
can follow.
Listen to Your Body!
If you notice any possible diabetes symptoms, our advice is contact your doctor,
immediately. The earlier the condition is diagnosed, the sooner the treatment can start.
Diabetes is a serious condition. But with active participation and the support of a health
care team and family, we can manage diabetes while continuing to enjoying an active,
healthy life.
Diagnosing Diabetes
The disease can be detected through a routine blood test. New recommendations suggest
all adults 45 years of age and older be tested for diabetes every three years. For higherrisk African-Americans, it is suggested that testing begin at a younger age and be given
more frequently.
The most common test for diabetes is the fasting blood glucose (sugar) test. It is easy to
perform and convenient. After the person has fasted overnight (at least 8 hours), a single
sample of blood is drawn and sent to the laboratory for analysis. This can also be done
accurately in a doctor’s clinic using a glucose meter. A random blood glucose test can
also be used to diagnose diabetes. A blood glucose level of 200 mg/dl or higher indicates
diabetes.
The Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) is another gold standard for testing diabetes.
For an OGTT also, the person has to fast overnight. After this test, he or she is
administered 75 grams of glucose (100 grams for pregnant women).
The OGTT
measures blood glucose levels five times over a period of three hours. In a person
without diabetes, the glucose levels rises and then falls quickly. In someone with
diabetes, it rises higher than normal and fails to come down to normal as fast.
Another requirement for this test is that the person must be in good health, i.e., without
illness or cold. Also, he/she should be active (not lying down, for example, as an
inpatient in a hospital) and should not be taking medicines that could interfere with
his/her blood glucose level.
Again, for three days before the test, the person should have eaten a diet high in
carbohydrates (150- 200 grams per day). The morning of the test, it is recommended that
he/she not smoke or drink coffee.
Test Results and What They Imply
Test results may lead to one of the following diagnoses:
•
Normal response: when the 2-hour glucose level is less than 140 mg/dl, and all
values between 0 and 2 hours are less than 200 mg/dl.
•
Impaired glucose tolerance: when the fasting plasma glucose is less than 126
mg/dl and the 2-hour glucose level is between 140 and 199 mg/dl.
•
Diabetes: when two diagnostic tests done on different days show that the blood
glucose level is high.
•
Gestational Diabetes: a 100g OGTT, a fasting plasma glucose of more than 95
mg/dl, or a 1-hour glucose level of more than 180 mg/dl, or a 2-hour glucose
level of more than 155 mg/dl, or a 3-hour glucose level of more than 140 mg/dl.
Treatment and Management
No cure has yet been found for diabetes mellitus. There is no question that type I diabetic
requires insulin. Insulin preparations have been used in the treatment of diabetes since
1922. Since insulin is not absorbed orally, it must be injected. Your physician will show
you how to use a syringe to inject the insulin just under the skin of your thigh, arm or
abdomen.
As for Type II diabetes, diet alone is enough to cure diabetes mellitus in many cases. The
main objective of diet control is to restrict the amount of carbohydrates we eat at one
meal. When type II diabetes cannot be controlled satisfactorily with diet therapy, medical
doctors recommend drugs known as oral hypoglycemic agents. They appear to stimulate
the secretion of insulin by the pancreas as well as enhance the sensitivity of body tissues
to insulin.
Diabetes Management
People who are at-risk can reduce their chances of getting diabetes by eating a low-fat
diet, exercising regularly, controlling their weight and taking natural suppliments. The
same applies to those who have been diagnosed with the disease and want to control it. In
fact, regular exercise is crucial to the management of diabetes and can help keep the
disease at bay forever, doctors say. Increased physical activity can help reduce the
amount of insulin or oral medication to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and
control weight gain. In addition, exercise can improve self-esteem and counteract the
emotional blues of having a chronic disease. But experts recommend consulting with a
doctor before any life style changes.
Fact is that people who best adapt to their diabetic condition are the ones who are able to
adapt their lifestyle. It starts by regular doctor visits to monitor the body's ability to make
insulin, decreasing the amount of glucose the liver makes, slowing down how quickly
glucose gets into the bloodstream or working on the cells' ability to use insulin.
Doctors stress that while a good
relationship between a patient and
his
or
her
consisting
"diabetes
of
a
team"--
primary-care
FOUR WAYS TO TAKE CONTROL OF
YOUR DIABETES
•
•
physician, eye doctor, nurse and
dietitian--is
critical,
the
most
•
•
Learn about diabetes
Know your ABCs, wherein A stands
for levels of blood glucose or sugar, B
for blood pressure and C for cholesterol
Manage your diabetes
Get routine check up and care
important thing for diabetics to
understand is that much of their health is in their hands. It is important that we assume
the responsibility for our care, which includes diet and weight control, checking urine for
sugar, exercising appropriately, regular comprehensive medical check-ups and living as
naturally as possible with the natural gifts that are on our earth.
This is something Gladys Knight understands. The Grammy Award-winning entertainer
lost her mother a little more than a year ago from complications of the deadly disease,
and has a brother and cousin who have also been diagnosed with diabetes.
"My mother lived with diabetes for many years. But for her, and our family, education
was the key to her living successfully with this disease," Knight says. "And because she
had all the available facts about this disease, she was able to live a long and productive
life."
You, Your Partner and Diabetes
“I have had diabetes for many years and have now become impotent as a result of the
complications of the disease. I've tried everything, but nothing seems to help. I'm really
worried that my marriage is going to fall apart.”
----- Anonymous
D
Id you know that erectile problems in men and orgasm difficulties in
women affect nearly 20% of diabetics.
In fact, there is no gender
discrimination in diabetes. Researchers recently conducted the largest
study ever on the sex lives of women with diabetes and found that 27% women versus
15% men, reported sexual dysfunction. The good news however, is these problems are
often caused by psychological rather than pure physiological factors. Often, women with
sexual dysfunction tended to be frustrated with their diabetes treatment, which lead them
to depression and this eventually begins to reflect on their sexual lives.
Here is what experts have to say about maintaining a normal and happy sexual
relationship, despite diabetes.
To begin with, seek medical assistance the minute you suspect a problem and get a
complete checkup. According to Detroit urologist Isaac J. Powell, a thorough
examination would include a heart scan and tests for Sexually Transmitted Diseases
(STDs), besides diabetes and hypertension. If undetected, the physical ramifications can
range from chronic discomfort to sterilization or death. In this context, Dr. Powell says,
"Hypertension causes blood vessels that go into the prostate to have decreased blood flow
because of a plaque that builds on the vessels. This causes an obstruction that interferes
with the man's ability to get an erection."
To maintain an erection, three systems have to be working in sync: production of the
hormone testosterone, blood vessels that are flexible and open, and nerves that transmit
the electrical messages from the penis to the brain, must also be in order. Often with
diabetes erections may occur but be less reliable, and then the associated worry about
whether the erection will last leads to a cycle of anxiety about performance. What starts
off as a physical problem gets compounded by the emotional reactions to it which are
often overwhelming.
As a preventive measure, young men between the ages of 15-35 should be screened for
testicular cancer (the so-called "young man's cancer"), and men who are 40 and older
should investigate the condition of their prostate. It has been recorded that prostate cancer
strikes more African-American men than any other group, and the irregular urination and
painful ejaculation associated with the disease can adversely affect your life.
Women likewise, should go through regular breast examinations and pap smears. It is
critical to fully disclose all health concerns to the doctor. Here are a few suggestions that
he or she may make:
Nonsurgical Options
•
Intrapenile injection is recommended if a physical cause of the problem is found.
This gives good erection that lasts for about 30 minutes. Although men often
shudder at the thought of getting this shot, they do feel relieved after their
performance improves.
•
Another treatment option is the vacuum device. It’s a plastic cylinder fitted with a
pump. This is placed over the penis, which fills with blood "passively," and an
elastic band is then slipped off the cylinder onto the penis to create a workable
erection. Although somewhat cumbersome, this device can be an effective nonsurgical approach for men who do not want to go under the knife.
•
Penile Implant: It is another mechanical device that is surgically placed in the
shaft of the penis. There are several different types, but the most commonly used
has a small pump located in the scrotum that allows the implant to be inflated
when needed. When an erection is desired, one has to squeeze on the scrotum.
Most users say it is quite effective and not as strange as it sounds. Approximately
90% of men with implants report being satisfied. At this point, 25,000 are inserted
each year. And if you have a caring partner, you both will be happy with the
renewed sexual contact.
But before you go in for this procedure, you should also know its disadvantages:
•
First, the procedure is not reversible. The implant can be removed, but a natural
erection will never again be possible.
•
If the pump fails, another will have to be put in.
•
It’s difficult for some men to accept the notion of something "foreign" inside their
penis.
It would thus be a good idea to speak to a few couples who have gone through the
procedure before opting for it. Feel free to ask how it works, how it looks and feels, and
whether there are any surprises.
A Word of Caution: At times diabetes may make the blood supply so bad that surgery
gets completely ruled out. There may interfere with the healing process or infections and
tissue damage in the penis after healing may make it necessary to remove the implant.
Therefore, it’s extremely important to carefully discuss all the “ifs and buts” with your
physician and do a cost-benefit analysis.
Fighting it With Drugs
Viagra and other medically-approved
drugs can be an option. Contrary to
popular belief, youth alone won’t
protect
from
impotence.
Many
younger men are affected by erectile
dysfunction due to nicotine and
alcohol abuse in addition to health
problems
such
(inflamed
prostate
as
prostatitis
gland)
and
clogged arteries caused by high
cholesterol, according to Dr. Powell.
Men who have a history of heart problems or who have suffered a recent heart attack are
not considered good candidates for Viagra. So consult your physician and don’t go for
self-medication. Also, remember, never, ever to use someone else's prescribed
medication.
Women-friendly
If nearing menopause, hormone-replacement therapy can be sought. The symptoms of
menopause may range from uncomfortable to unhealthy –– night sweats, hot flashes,
painful sex and loss of libido. The hormone estrogen has been proven to protect women
from cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis. It may be a good idea to treat menopausal
symptoms with hormone-replacement therapy and a proper diet. Physicians can
determine the best treatment plan for each of us.
Vitamins Help
Vitamins are organic substances should be added to our regular diet. Even the healthiest
of meals cannot provide all of the 45-plus nutrients that are needed. Marginal deficiencies
of one or more nutrients can interfere with good health. The two vitamins that can be
effective in this regard are: Vitamin B1 and E. Vitamin B1 converts sugar and starches
into energy and Vitamin E is believed to increase fertility in some men. Carefully choose
a vitamin regimen that best suits your needs. Zinc stabilizes (or, in some cases, increases)
the testosterone level, which fuels the sex
drive in both men and women.
Ten Commandments for Revving
up your sex life
1. Get physical
2. Exercise regularly
3. De-stress and relax
4. Beat the clock
5. Combat impotence
6. Take your vitamins
7. Eat to live and love
8. Avoid nicotine
9. Don't drink in excess
10. Get enough sleep
Eat Healthy, Live Hearty
It’s a well-acknowledged fact! Experts at the U.S. Department of Agriculture have found
that the mineral Boron is vital for hormone production and sexual function. Boron is
found in dark green leafy vegetables, fruits (not citrus), nuts and legumes. The Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) meanwhile suggests that adults eat a healthy
breakfast, drink 100 percent fruit juice and load their diets with fruits and vegetables. We
can also make meal preparation a romantic twist by doing it together –– it will not only
boost energy, but for many, the act of food preparation itself can be a bonding
experience.
Quit Smoking, Alcohol
According to a recent study at the New England Research Institute in Watertown, Mass.,
importance is more likely to strike men who smoke. Other research has linked nicotine to
constricting the arteries and blood vessels –– including those that are responsible for a
man's erection. In women, nicotine can interfere with a woman's ability to achieve an
orgasm, and may reduce fertility, and trigger early menopause.
In addition, our drinking habits can also lead to a range of serious problems, including an
enlarged liver, yellow jaundice, cirrhosis, hepatitis, emphysema, arthritis, osteoporosis
and stomach ulcers, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). NIH data
maintains that an occasional glass of wine or liquor can be good for the constitution and
may help prevent certain forms of heart disease. Even postmenopausal women have been
shown to benefit from an increased level of estrogen stimulated by wine. And, of course,
wine has been known to stimulate the mood as well. But remember, too much of a good
thing can have the opposite effect.
Exercise Regularly
The Harvard School of Public Health reports men who are physically inactive are 40
percent more likely to experience erectile dysfunction than men who exercise half an
hour a day. According to Terry Mason, chief urologist at Chicago-based Mercy Hospital,
working out will not only make us look and feel better, it will also increase our stamina
and level of control. "An enhanced body as a result of exercise provides visual
stimulation. Everybody wants somebody who visually turns them on," Dr. Mason
explains. "Secondly, cardiovascular exercise increases endurance, and that can be a
paramount issue in being able to have the level of intensity that the couple would like to
have."
Learn to Relax
Daily stress can erode our health and love life. Learn to de-stress together at the end of
the day in more romantic ways, such as enjoying a lathery bubble bath for two, complete
with scented candles and a mug of warm milk and honey. Or just watch a movie together.
Spend quality time together. If you are adventurous, try sailing, bike riding, walking
marathons or roller-blading.
Try and catch eight hours of sleep, minimum. Getting adequate sleep is essential to
maintaining good health and reducing stress. If you have difficulty in sleeping, then
redecorate the bedroom to suit both of you comfortably or stock your nightstand with
good reading materials. We can also try some exercise and eat dinner a little earlier in the
evening. Insomnia will, however, need medical help.
Common Medications Prescribed in Diabetes
I
f a person is not able to achieve normal blood sugar control through diet and
exercise,
the
doctor
may
Common Oral Medications
recommend oral medications to
improve
insulin
production,
lower
insulin resistance as well as improve the
blood sugar levels in the body. Oral
medications complement other lifestyle
Sulfonylureas - Amaryl,
Chlorpropamide, Diabinese,
Tolazamide, Tolinase, Acetohexamide,
Glipizide, Glucotrol, Tolbutamide
Orinase, Glimepiride, Glyburide
(DiaBeta, Micronase), Glibenclamide,
Meglitinides - Prandin (Repaglinide),
Starlix (Nateglinide), and Mitiglinide
habits that support healthy living with
diabetes. However, these medications
cannot be regarded as a substitute for
healthy eating and exercise. There are
several oral medications that stimulate
insulin secretion. The most common is
Biguanides - Other names include
Metformin and Glucophage.
Thiazolidinedione - Other names
inlcude
Rosiglitazone,
Avandia,
Pioglitazone and Actos.
Alpha-Glucosidase Inhibitors - Other
names include Acarbose, Precose,
Glucobay, Miglitol and Glyset
sulfonylureas group of medication. What
type gets prescribed will depend on age and medical history.
Other oral medications work more indirectly, for instance, they help in sensitizing the
body to insulin through their effects on other body organs. Biguanides, also known as
metformin for instance can inhibit glucose production in the liver. This causes insulin
receptors to become more responsive or sensitive to insulin. Insulin sensitizers increase
insulin action, without increasing insulin secretion, i.e., it makes it more potent, thereby
increasing the risk of high sugar retention in the blood.
Another type of medication slows carbohydrate digestion from the stomach. These are
called Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors. They block the digestion of carbohydrates, which
then delays the release of sugar into the bloodstream. These medications are usually
prescribed with a meal to lower blood sugar levels after a meal. Sometimes, this group of
medication is prescribed in combination with sulfonylureas or insulin therapy. Remember
just because your doctor prescribed it for you DOES not mean it is healthy for you. A
drug is a drug for reason… it is an unnatural substance for your body.
The Downside of These Chemical Compositions
T
he biggest drawback with conventional Allopathic medicines --- one that the
doctors don’t warn us about --- are the many unintended side effects they
cause. Fortunately there are more natural ways to protect us from the
cumulative effects of uncontrolled diabetes without experiencing these unpleasant side
effects or inviting these health-threatening risks.
Among the most common reactions to diabetes medication are skin rashes and muscle
aches. People taking certain medications may also experience loss of appetite or a
metallic taste in the mouth. Other common effects of oral medication include bloating,
gas, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting. Following is a list of side effects of:
Sulfonylurea medicine:
•
Hypoglycemia (low blood glucose)
•
Upset stomach
•
Skin rash or itching
•
Weight gain
Biguanide medications:
•
Upset stomach (nausea, diarrhea)
•
Metallic taste in mouth
Thiazolidinediones
•
Elevated liver enzymes
•
Liver failure
•
Respiratory infection
•
Fluid retention
Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors:
•
Gas
•
Cramps and diarrhea
•
Nausea
Meglitinides:
•
Low blood sugar
•
Upset stomach
Many side effects pass over time. However, low blood sugar is a serious side effect that is
more common when taking new medications or when combining oral medications. In
addition people who have history of heart, kidney or liver disease need to weigh the risks
of oral medication for Diabetes as well as the possibility of interactions with other
medications.
To better understand the full range of medication side effects talk with your doctor about
your family health history.
Alternative Medicine
Conventional medical system has often been flawed for its limited role in suppressing
symptoms and overtaking the role of the body's natural immune responses. It’s charged
that the American Medical Association (AMA) has colluded with the multibillion dollar
pharmaceutical industry to promote Allopathic medicine, even when it is known and
acknowledged the world over that for some debilitating diseases, such as diabetes and
cancer, natural care is often the best. Perhaps the only area where modern medicine has
proved its utility is in surgery, emergency and trauma management.
In all other diseases management areas, Alternative Medicine has proven to be more
effective and cost-effective especially for diseases like cancer, heart disease, rheumatoid
arthritis, asthma, gastrointestinal disorders, headaches, sinusitis, etc.
Alternative methods work by assisting your body to heal itself instead of introducing
strong drugs into your system. They emphasize prevention over cure and address the root
cause of the disease rather than just provide temporary symptomatic relief.
Two Medicines Are Better Than One
The Chinese have an old adage according to which "walking on both feet," is better than
walking on one. In our present discussion, it would imply that a combination of Eastern
and Western medical systems can produce better results than a single procedure. Many
practitioners of alternate medicine do just that. Since there may be many underlying
factors influencing our health -- poor digestion, nutritional deficiency, toxicity, emotional
stress, etc – holistic healthcare along with the use of modern medicine’s hi-tech, scientific
diagnostic tools can be very effective in diabetes management.
Unfortunately, a conventional doctor who has 20 patients with diabetes will often provide
each of them with the same protocol, thus treating the condition and not the patients
individually. An alternative practitioner in contrast realizes that diabetes can have many
causes. He or she will try to identify each of these causes and treat them individually and
differently. This difference between these two approaches is the cornerstone of
alternative medicine.
Become Your Own Healthcare Provider
Doctors today agree that the "cut, burn and poison" approach to disease completely
ignores the role of our natural defense mechanism, i.e., our immunological system. In
fact, many invasive procedures and chemical protocols weaken the immune system that is
already under assault from the disease producing germs and microbes.
A doctor can’t cure diabetes! The cure eventually comes from our own immune systems.
The doctor's job is merely to provide all the requisite tools and conditions that would
make the job of our stressed out immunological system a wee bit easier.
So ultimately, it’s our job to preserve our health!
Fighting Type 1 Diabetes, Naturally
Because of its very nature, Type 1 diabetes does require regular blood sugar tests and
medical intervention. But in addition to a traditional medical protocol, we can pursue a
number of natural health and wellness steps that can support those efforts:
•
Try chromium therapy: Under the strict supervision of a doctor, take 200 mcg a
day of this essential trace mineral to improve glucose tolerance
•
Fight back with fiber: Stabilize blood sugar by drawing fiber from whole grains,
beans (legumes), vegetables, and fruit.
•
Protect yourself with alpha lipoic acid: We can protect ourselves against several
diabetic complications, such as nerve and kidney damage, by consuming 600 to
1,200 mg of this supplement per day
•
Discover EPO: Help relieve pain from diabetic neuropathy by taking 4 grams of
evening primrose oil supplements per day
Please Note: These recommendations are not comprehensive and these are not intended
to replace the advice of your doctor or pharmacist.
Fighting Type 2 Diabetes, Naturally
T
he glycemic index system for rating carbs can actually help you beat
diabetes, heart attacks, an appetite that's out of control, and more. It can offer
dramatic health benefits not just for diabetics, but for almost everyone.
Invented in the early 1980s by University of Toronto researchers as a tool to help control
diabetes, the glycemic index ranks carbohydrate foods by their effect on your blood sugar
levels.
From the Research Lab
A 1999 Swedish study of Type 2 Diabetes found that 4 weeks on a low-GI diet lowered
blood glucose and insulin by 30% compared to a high-GI diet. In a 4-month study led by
the University of Toronto's Thomas Wolever, MD, a low-GI diet markedly improved
insulin sensitivity in a group of pre-diabetic insulin-resistant people.
In a 6-year study of male health professionals, men eating the lowest-GI diets were 25%
less likely to get Diabetes. In the Nurses' Health Study, the most powerful diabetes
protection--a drop in risk of one-third or more--came from eating a low-GI diet and
getting lots of fiber from cereal (7.5 g daily).
The Good, Better, and Best of Carbs
The type of carbs we eat can make a positive difference on our health and the glycemic
index helps us choose the best carbs for us. This index can be used to choose meals and
snacks that give us an edge against diabetes, heart attacks, and possibly even cancer. And
don't be surprised if you find yourself losing weight to boot!
The glycemic index (or GI, for short) assigns carbohydrate-containing foods a number
based on how they affect blood sugar, or blood glucose. Low-GI carbs are healthy; highGI carbs are not.
•
Foods with a GI less than 55 cause only a little blip in blood sugar.
•
Foods with a GI of 55 to 70 produce a slight rise in blood sugar
•
Foods with a GI of more than 70 send blood sugar soaring.
No matter what form the carb takes initially ---the lactose in a milk, the starch in a bowl
of whole-grain cereal, the sucrose in table sugar --- eventually, the body has to break it
down to glucose. Glucose winds up in the bloodstream, fueling the cells. What makes a
GI number high or low is how quickly the food breaks down during digestion. The longer
our bodies have to wrestle with the carb to break it down into glucose, the slower the rise
in blood glucose and the lower the GI.
The High Risk of a High GI
The problem with eating lots of high-GI foods is this: When blood sugar soars, so does
the hormone insulin. Insulin's main duty is to scoop up excess blood sugar and store it
safely in muscle tissue. In moderation, insulin is a good guy, but it becomes a killer when
its levels spike repeatedly, triggering diabetes, heart disease, and possibly cancer.
The bad news is that insulin is spiking all the time in people who consume high-GI fare
such as bagels, doughnuts, french fries, and other quickly absorbed starchy
carbohydrates. Experts point out that our modern diets offer vastly more opportunity to
eat starchy high-GI foods than the diets on which our race evolved.
Food and Diabetes
Fortunately, diabetes experts no longer recommend a single diet for all people with
diabetes. Instead, they advocate dietary regimes that are flexible and take into account a
person's lifestyle and particular health needs.
Would you believe that ancient Egyptians consumed nothing stronger than cabbage to
combat 87 deadly diseases while onion was good enough for curbing another 28!
They didn’t have an aspirin or tylenol to depend on. Nor, did they have an agency like
ADA in those days.
Today, because, there are so many authorities on health, each working at a cross-purpose,
there seems to be no agreement on what constitutes good health. The result… that there
are more myths than truths about treatment for various diseases.
Take for instance ADA’s latest diet recommendation for diabetics. The new guidelines
relax restrictions on sugar rich foods. This is not surprising considering that the ADA,
which relies mainly on donations to fund its efforts, accepted more than $23 million
dollars from food manufacturers and drug companies in 2005. The charity even licenses
its logo to various food companies for use on diet or low-sugar products in exchange for
sponsorship money, according to Jessica Fraser’s report on News Target
(http://www.newstarget.com/021183.html)
The ADA's advice to diabetics is that they can keep eating all the ice cream, sweets and
soft drinks they want, as long as they control their blood sugar with pharmaceuticals,
which is not just absurd, but potentially dangerous.
Meanwhile, national surveys continue to demonstrate that the lack of Recommended
Daily Amounts (RDA) of nutrients in our diets and increased intake of sugar-rich food is
the leading cause of degenerative diseases, including diabetes. My research shows that
the prevalence of degenerative diseases ---- or what are more commonly known as
lifestyle diseases ---- are almost absent in aboriginal societies. The diseases include
coronary heart diseases, high blood pressure, degenerated disc, osteoarthritis,
appendicitis, gallstone, diabetes, obesity, strokes, hemorrhoids, hiatal hernia, dental
caries, rectal polyps, varicose veins, cancer of colon, ovarian or breast cancer. The
interesting fact here is that lifestyle (especially eating habits) has been attested to being
the biggest factor contributing to this wide scale difference. The aboriginal studies found
that the Greenland Eskimos have a diet that was much higher in good fat (i.e. fish) and
low in refined sugary carbohydrates, compared to that of the modern societies, primarily
sugar rich and low nutrient fast food.
This is the reason I have dubbed ADA’s new guidelines as the biggest diet deception in
the medical world! It promotes sugar as safe whereas, anyone with the slightest bit of
medical knowledge of the disease would tell you that exactly the reverse is true for
diabetics.
Fungus and Mushrooms
The Japanese maitake mushroom (Grifola frondisa) contains beta-glucan that some
believe can fight cancer and improve the health of people suffering from HW, diabetes,
high blood pressure and high cholesterol and obesity. However because so little is
actually known about the medicinal properties of fungi, it’s best not to try anything that
has not been scientifically tested.
One of the leading experts implicating fungi is Dr. A. V. Costantini, M.D., the former
head of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Collaborating Center for Mycotoxins in
Food. He was also a former pulmonologist and clinical professor at the University of
California at San Francisco’s School of Medicine. Dr. Costantini and his colleagues spent
20 years studying how fungi may cause some of the world’s most horrific diseases.
According to these experts:
•
Corn harbors a number of fungi that produce mycotoxins that specifically harm
the pancreas. The harmful substances in corn that can destroy pancreas are
fumonisin, T-2 mycotoxin and diacetoxyscirpenol. In Latin America where corn is
a staple, these mycotoxins are in fact suspected to be causing the current burst of a
diabetes epidemic.
•
The commercial antibiotic streptozotocin is a mycotoxin produced by the soil
fungus Streptomyces achromogenes. The U.S. Dept. of Health and Human
Services in its “Ninth Report on Carcinogens” has found evidence that this
antibiotic promotes kidney and pancreatic islet cell tumors in laboratory rats.
Many, many antibiotics such as penicillin are also mycotoxins.
•
Uric acid is a normal constituent of urine, but when fungi excrete uric acid they
produce alloxan as well — which is known to initiate diabetes in laboratory
animals.
•
A fungus called Aspergilus niger often contaminates peanuts and corn. At times it
produces oxalic acid in large quantities that may cause death by blocking our
body cells ability to convert carbohydrates into usable energy. At a lower
concentration, oxalic acid escalates blood sugars, leading to diabetes.
The Deadly Link Between Grains, Sugar and Mycotoxins
Did you know that sugar is the primary food of fungi? This makes the carbohydrates in
all grains such as corn, wheat, and rice among their most cherished foods. Incidentally,
we ingest mycotoxins in meats and dairy products when mold-infested grains are feed to
cattle. While cooking kills them, their mycotoxins are virtually heat-resistant. In addition,
these poisons are highly fat-soluble so they may abound in foods such as the fat in grainfed meats.
Wait there is more….
The most dangerous carcinogenic substance on earth is alfatoxin, excreted by the fungus
Aspergilus. It’s so harmful that it’s the only mycotoxin screened by the USDA. It’s
considered to be 100 times more able to cause cancer than the industrial pollutant PCB.
Alfatoxin was brought to the attention of the public in 1988. That summer, the US corn
crop grown on mineral poor soil and further weakened by a severe drought could not
withstand a heavy infestation of Aspergilus.
A Matter of Fat
D
id you know that eating out at fast-food restaurants more than twice a
week dramatically increases the risk of diabetes? These are the
disconcerting findings of a team of U.S.-based researchers who have a
strong link between not just fast food and obesity; but also fast food and diabetes. What’s
worse, they also found that fast food increases Insulin resistance in your body.
According to study done by Dr. David Ludwig of the Children's Hospital. An epidemic
of obesity has coincided with the rapid expansion of fast-food outlets. It helps to explain
why more than half of adults in England are officially overweight. Around 23% women
and 22% men are obese compared with 8% women and 6% men in the 1980s.
What’s even worse, obesity has been found to cut life expectancy by an average nine
years while increasing the risk of heart disease, strokes and some cancers. And an
alarming figure of 30,000 deaths a year is blamed on obesity!
Fat and Diabetes
For several years scientists have known that fatty diets, obesity and Type 2 diabetes are
linked, but they were not able to explain why until researchers at the University of
California at San Diego came up with the answer.
The reason is that a particular enzyme, Gnt-4a glycosyltransferase (Gnt-4a), which is
vital to the production of Insulin is suppressed by fatty foods. The enzyme plays a key
role in enabling pancreatic cells to sense blood glucose levels and produce appropriate
levels of Insulin.
Professor Jamey Marth, who led the research, said, “We have discovered a mechanistic
explanation for beta cell failure in
response to a high-fat diet and
obesity, a molecular trigger which
begins the chain of events lead
from hyperglycaemia (high blood
sugar) to Insulin resistance and
the mergence of Type 2 diabetes.”
The Institute of Medicine's 2005
guidelines state that 20 to 35
percent of the total daily calorie
allotment for adults comes from
fat. And, all fats contain the same
number of calories (100 per
tablespoon),
regardless
of
saturation.
So those who suffer from Type 2
diabetes, have a two to fivefold
excess
risk
of
developing
coronary heart disease compared
with non-diabetics.
Junk That Junk Food!
A research led by David Ludwig, published in
medical journal Pediatrics has also found that fast
food industry is taking a heavy toll of the health of
the children. After examining data from surveys
of 6,212 children and adolescents, Dr Ludwig and
his team concluded “children who ate fast food
consumed more total and saturated fat, more total
carbohydrates and added sugars, less dietary fiber,
and more calories per gram of solid food than
children who did not eat fast food. Not
surprisingly, they also consumed less milk, fiber,
fruit and non-starchy vegetables.”
“Thirty percent of the children in the survey ate
fast food on any given day during the survey, and
they ate an average of 187 calories a day more
than those who did not eat fast food. These
additional calories could account for an extra six
pounds of weight gain per year,” according to
Ludwig.
Regardless of these findings, experts estimate that
children’s consumption of fast foods has increased
fivefold, from two percent in the late 1970s, to 10
percent by the mid-1990s, during which time the
number of fast food joints has more than doubled
to an estimated 250,000 nationwide. Worse,
experts at the Medical Research Council have
found that most fast food is very dense in calories,
which means that even a relatively small amount
can shoot up a person’s total calorific intake. The
researchers found that these "energy dense" foods
can fool people into consuming more calories than
the body needs.”
We knew that controlling blood glucose in diabetics is important for preventing eye and
kidney complications, but we were uncertain of the true value of controlling blood
glucose in relation to cardiovascular complications.
The increased cardiovascular risk in diabetes is related as much to hypertension and
dyslipidaemia as to glucose control. Therefore, we need to aggressively control blood
pressure (aiming for 140/80mmHg) and lipids if our likelihood of developing a coronary
heart disease that’s related to diabetes.
Risk Reversal
The main principle in dietary treatment of Hyperlipidaemia is to restrict fat to less than
30 per cent of your total caloric intake, with less than 10 per cent obtained from saturated
fat. There is scientific evidence that if you have diabetes, by reversing this atherogenic
lipid profile you can successfully prevent cardiovascular problems.
Fat File
But before we conclude that fat –– an essential cause for obesity –– should be cut out
completely from our diet, we MUST know that all fats don’t act the same. Some are
definitely harmful, but a few others are helpful –– even necessary –– for proper
functioning of your bodies.
Both animal and plant-derived foods contain fat, which is a prime source of calories (or
energy) for our bodies. Fat provides essential Fatty Acids not produced by our bodies,
which regulate cholesterol metabolism and other processes, and promote proper growth
and development. Fats also transport fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K--important for
vision, healthy skin, and proper immune function –– to cells and aid their absorption in
the intestines.
The Various Forms of Fat
In addition to saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, there are
triglycerides, Trans Fatty Acids, and Omega 3 and Omega 6 Fatty Acids.
Saturated fatty acid has the maximum possible number of hydrogen atoms attached to
every carbon atom. It is therefore said to be “saturated” with hydrogen atoms. However
some Fatty Acids have one pair of Hydrogen atom missing in the middle of the molecule.
This gap is called “unsaturation” and the Fatty Acid is then referred to as
“monounsaturated.” Finally, Fatty Acids that have more than one pair of Hydrogen atoms
missing are called “polyunsaturated.”
Saturated fats (which contain saturated fatty acids) are mostly found in foods of animal
origin. Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats (which contain monounsaturated and
polyunsaturated Fatty Acids) are generally concentrated in plants and some sea food.
Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids are of two kinds: Omega-3 or Omega-6. Scientists tell them
apart by the point at which the Hydrogen atom goes missing or the points of
“nonsaturation."
Recently a new term has been added to the fat lexicon: Trans Fatty Acids. These are
byproducts of partial hydrogenation, a process in which some of the missing Hydrogen
atoms are put back into polyunsaturated fats. “Partially hydrogenated vegetable oils,”
such as vegetable shortening and margarine become solid at room temperature.
Fat Components
Unsaturated oils appear to increase cell fluidity and flexibility, thus contributing to
overall health. Chemically, these may be monounsaturated or polyunsaturated, both of
which can bring down blood cholesterol substantially when substituted for saturated fats.
Heart-healthy monounsaturated fats –– oils like olive and canola –– stay liquid at room
temperature but become cloudy or solidify if put in the refrigerator. Avocados and most
nuts (including spreads like peanut butter) contain monounsaturated fats, as well as many
other essential nutrients, therefore making them healthy additions to your diet.
Polyunsaturated fats are liquid at room temperature as well as when refrigerated. It is
found in vegetable oils such as corn, soy, sunflower and safflower. Peanut oil is on the
lower end of the unsaturated spectrum, but it is easily utilized by the body and can be
totally hydrogenated, leaving no unhealthy Trans Fats.
Labeled as ‘bad’, saturated fats and Trans Fats are sometimes lumped together and can
clog arteries and raise levels of LDL ("bad" cholesterol). Health authorities recommend
that these fats should not exceed 10 percent of your calories (22 grams for a 2,000 calorie
diet) if your LDL is less than 130. Animal products like butter, lard, whole milk and meat
are high in saturated fats, which are solid and waxy at room temperature. So diabetics
should immediately cut short their intake in daily meals.
Meanwhile, Trans Fats have similar effects as saturated fats, with an added negative at
high levels because they not only raise LDL levels, but they also reduce HDL (the good
cholesterol). Trans fats began showing up in high amounts about 20 years ago in many
foods after commercial processors began using polyunsaturated fats (considered healthy)
in a wide range of baked goods and snacks. (See the restaurant guide at the end of this
chapter)
Eating Smart
Eating vegetable fats or polyunsaturated fats instead of saturated fats can significantly
lower the risk for diabetes in postmenopausal women, according to a study to be
published in the issue of Diabetes Care.
This study may bring good cheer to people who are also trying to lose weight as a means
of warding off Type 2 diabetes that has long been associated with obesity. The Iowa
Women's Health Study, led by researchers at the Harvard and University of Minnesota
Schools of Public Health, found that substituting vegetable fat for saturated fats in the
diets of women ages 55-69 lowered their risk for Type 2 diabetes by 22%. Substituting
polyunsaturated fats for saturated fats lowered the risk by 16%.
Diet
And finally, a few diet suggestions from The Basic Basics Diabetes Handbook by
nutritional therapist Jane Frank to help you ward off both obesity and diabetes:
•
Those with Type 2 diabetes can achieve lower blood glucose and blood fats
following a diet made up of 30% protein, 40% carbohydrate and 30% fat. This
eating pattern must be characterized by high intake of vegetables, pulses, fruit,
whole grains and a low intake of red meat, processed meat, high-fat dairy
products and refined grains.
•
Broccoli is often recommended by doctors as a nutraceutical.
•
Onions and garlic appear to increase Insulin in the blood by preventing it being
inactivated by the liver.
•
Buckwheat may help increase Insulin sensitivity, helping the body to use Insulin
more effectively.
•
Cinnamon, just one gram a day, could reduce blood glucose levels by 20 per cent.
•
Oily fish lowers serum triglycerides and contribute to glycaemic control.
The Restaurant Menu Warning List
Don’t Order
Because
Soup (unless made from scratch)
Contains MSG
~
Anything with gravy (unless made
Contains MSG
from scratch)
Salad dressings
Contains MSC and unhealthy oils
(use olive oil and vinegar as an
alternative)
Diet sodas
Contain Nutrasweet
Iced tea (herbal tea OK)
High levels of oxalic acid (causes
kidney stones)
Fruit juice (except for fresh-
Highly acidic
squeezed)
Decaffeinated coffee or teas (natural Contain solvents and chemicals used
herbal teas OK)
in the decaffeinating process
French fries or fried foods
Fried in cheap, unhealthy vegetable
oils
Understanding Carbohydrates
T
he Atkins and South Beach diets have caused us to look at carbohydrates in a
new way. The first and most important point to understand is that all
carbohydrates are sugars. Your mind may differentiate between carbs that
taste sweet ('sugar') and those that don't ('starch) --- but your body doesn’t.
The simple sugars in foods that are most important to human nutrition are called sucrose,
fructose, lactose, and maltose. However, the only sugar our bodies care about is glucose
because that’s the only sugar that’s can be absorbed by the body and converted into
energy. All other simple sugars are broken down during digestion process to the primary
food type, i.e., glucose. Here is a description of various sugar types;
•
Sucrose is the white granulated substance that most of us think of as 'sugar' and
put into our cereal every morning. Sucrose is derived from sugar cane, sugar
beets, and the syrup from sugar maple trees. Sucrose is also naturally present in
most fruits and vegetables, along with higher amounts of other sugars. Sucrose is
a disaccharide (meaning 'two sugars') which coverts to glucose and fructose.
•
Fructose is the form of sugar found in fruits, honey, and corn syrup. It is nearly
twice as sweet as sucrose.
When fructose is added to processed foods,
manufacturers can say that their product has no added sugar. This is a ‘legal
technicality’ since fructose really is a sugar…just not sucrose. Fructose is a
monosaccharide (meaning 'one sugar') which is absorbed intact and changed into
glucose by the liver.
•
Lactose is the sugar found in milk and milk products. It is also a disaccharide
that converts into glucose and galactose. (Galactose is changed into glucose in the
liver)
•
Maltose is a sugar found in grains. It is a disaccharide, but rather than getting
converted into glucose and fructose or galactose, it breaks down into
glucose…and MORE glucose.
Thus, for diabetics this is the worst form of
'sugar.'
No “Ose” For You!
So you can be sure than when you see on the label of a product ending with these three
letters, it is almost certain to be a sugar. Dextrose, for example, is merely another name
for glucose. The only exception is cellulose. Although cellulose is, indeed, a complex
sugar molecule is the material that plant cell walls are made of. The human digestive
system has no enzyme to digest cellulose. It has no nutritional value and passes straight
through you. Cellulose once used to be called roughage. Now we refer to it as fiber.
Four Easy Diet Changes for Diabetes
Tweaking our lifestyle is the first step in diabetes prevention - and it's never too late to
start. Consider these latest diabetes prevention tips from the American Diabetes
Association:
Tip 1: Lighten Up
If overweight, diabetes prevention may simply hinge on weight loss. Every pound lost
can improve health. And you may be surprised by how much. In one study, overweight
adults who lost a modest amount of weight - 5 percent to 10 percent of initial body
weight - and exercised regularly reduced the risk of developing Diabetes by 58 percent
over three years.
To keep our weight in a healthy range, we should focus on permanent changes to our
eating and exercise habits. Involve other family members as well. Motivation can come
from remembering the benefits of losing weight, such as a healthier heart, more energy
and improved self-esteem.
Tip 2: Be A Trend Setter, Not A Fad Follower
Low-carb, high-protein or other fad diets may help us lose weight at first, but they're not
likely to help us maintain a healthy weight in the long run. And by excluding or strictly
limiting a particular food group,
we may in fact be giving up
essential nutrients. Instead, think
variety and portion control as
part of an overall healthy-eating
plan.
Choose healthy foods low in fat
and calories, including fruits,
vegetables and various lean foods
from
groups.
the
other
major
food
Tip 3: Follow the Fiber
It's rough, it's tough - and it can reduce the risk of Diabetes by improving blood sugar
control. And that's not all. Fiber also reduces the risk of heart disease. It can even
promote weight loss by helping us feel full longer.
Aim for 25 to 50 grams of fiber a day. Foods high in fiber include fruits, vegetables,
beans, whole grains, nuts and seeds.
Tip 4: Great Grains
Whole grains are another important piece in the Diabetes-prevention puzzle. Try to make
at least half of the grains whole grains. Even if we’ve been eating white bread and baking
with refined flour for years, switching to whole grains is easier than we think. Many
foods made from whole grains come ready to eat, including various breads, pasta
products and ready-to-eat cereals. Look for the word "whole" on the package and among
the first few items in the ingredient list.
Try to choose items with at least 3 grams of fiber per serving.
Foods to Enjoy and Avoid
F
ighting Diabetes with food can be a pleasure! How? Just focus on these
friendly foods…and the recipes found in the bonus sections at the end of this
book.
Fowl Up
We can feast on poultry whenever we like. Chicken, goose, duck, and turkey may be
enjoyed often. Note: turkey is very low in fat, so fat needs to be added in order to slow
down digestion.
Fatten Up
Perhaps surprisingly, animal and meat fats do not affect blood sugar.
They may,
however, affect cholesterol, so enjoy them, but in moderation.
Go Fishing
Fish and seafood of all types are good for many aspects of total body health.
Egg-cellent Choice
Enjoy eggs often. But do avoid "omega-3 eggs" as these have been artificially fed which
upsets the natural fatty acid profile.
Be A Dairy Queen (or King)
Dairy products such as cheeses and yogurt, and can be enjoyed with moderation and are a
great way to add flavor to sauces and drinks.
Foods Too Avoid
Any healthy eating plan requires we simply learn to say “no” to some foods that we may
be eating regularly. Some of these names are obvious – others less so.
•
Sugar and artificial sweeteners, including honey. The only exception is stevia
•
Sweets and chocolates, including so-called sugar-free types
•
"Diet" and "sugar-free" foods in general (except sugar-free jelly)
•
Processed grains and foods made from them: white flour, rye, barley, corn, white
rice, white bread, pasta, pastry, cakes, biscuits, pies, tarts, breakfast cereals, etc.
•
Starchy vegetables: potatoes and parsnips in particular; and go easy with beet,
carrots, peas, beans, et cetera and packets of mixed vegetables which might
contain them
•
Milk, except in small quantities
•
Cottage cheese, again except in small amounts
Learn to Say NO to Packaged Foods
Beware of commercially packaged foods such as TV dinners, "lean" or "light" in
particular, and fast foods, snack foods and "health foods". They all contain chemical
substances which we can easily do without.
Mind and Body
I
It’s all in the mind, even the control
of this disease…
Who would know better than you,
how stressful it is to be diabetic? But
did you also know that we can
actually cope with the disease as we
deal
with
stress?
Researchers
maintain people who believe they
can control their diabetes are better off than those who do not see their diabetes as under
their control.
This self control can be achieved either through psychological techniques such as
developing a positive attitude, meditation, self-hypnosis; by causal attribution; or by
behavioral techniques such as diet regulation, medication, accessing information or
controlling side-effects. But first, let’s examine stress…
That awful feeing…
Though stress can have different impact on different people, we all experience it in some
form or the other, everyday –– noise, crowd, a bad relationship, job interview, meeting
deadlines or while commuting to work. The signs are also common –– sweaty palms,
heart palpitations, fatigue, headaches or even worse, depression, anger, frustration or the
vague feeling of uneasiness. But what you may not know is that stress is not an isolated
problem. Instead, it is a part of a complex response that not only affects our emotions but
our body’s metabolism as well.
Stress and Your Body
Stress is a natural survival response which occurs when we feel threatened by thoughts or
external stressors. When we are in a stressful situation, our circulatory system shoots up
and blood is pushed rapidly towards different parts of the body. To the organs and
systems that protect us against these threats and as a consequence, this increases our
blood pressure.
However, because the blood supply has been diverted, the supply to the digestive system
is reduced as well, making the process of digestion slower and less effective. Stress also
constricts the blood vessels, increases heart rate, and produces other physiological
manifestations, all instantaneously!
We may also tremble or perspire. The face may flush and we may feel a surge of
adrenaline flow through our body. Our mouth may become dry and we may feel
nauseated, and breathing may become more rapid and shallow. The heart begin to pound
and muscles may become tight, leading to headaches or cramps.
Though stress prepares us to counter any threat, it may also lead to an inability to respond
in a way that eliminates it. An unabated stress may cause even more stress -- creating a
vicious cycle and taking a heavy toll on our body. In fact, many researchers believe
prolonged stress puts such a strain on the body in a manner that the immune system
eventually breaks down and in the process makes the body vulnerable to numerous other
diseases.
Stress and Diabetes
Stress is particularly dangerous for people with diabetes. The hormones the body releases
as part of the fight response are actually meant to prepare the body for quick action.
These hormones break down stored glycogen into blood glucose, which the body should
be able to use for energy. But people with diabetes cannot effectively use this extra
glucose for energy, so the result is a rapid rise in blood sugar.
During times of stress, our self-care skills may also slip a bit. When we’re under pressure,
if we have to meet a tight deadline for example, we may not take time to eat. Even if we
do eat, chances are we won't spend too much time choosing foods that fit into our diet
plan. Alternatively, maybe we’ll decide to forgo exercise, because there are just too many
other important things on our 'to do' list. We may decide, like a number of people, to have
a few 'drinks' or smoke a bit more to help us relax when feeling stressed. Any of these
behaviors can seriously impair blood sugar levels.
Therefore, Know Your Metabolism
From the discussion above, it’s clear that there is a close relationship between stress and
glucose metabolism. Some scientists have suggested that autonomic nervous system is
involved in Type 2 diabetes. Stressful stimuli produce a prolonged sympathetic nervous
system discharge that increases the production of epinephrine, a chemical substance
produced in adrenal gland medulla.
All this interferes with the function of pancreas and carbohydrate metabolism. In
addition, cortisol, increased by chronic stress, causes increased glucose production by the
liver and increased cellular resistance to insulin. Both effects promote higher blood
glucose levels, which may lead to obesity and a predisposition to diabetes.
This is supported by a variety of scientific studies.
Sources of Stress in Diabetics
There are two ways of looking at the issue. Stress may affect the diabetic condition. On
the other hand, the realization that we are suffering from a chronic ailment can cause us
stress. We may feel under a great deal of pressure to maintain 'perfect' control of our
diabetes because the side-effects of diabetes are interfering with our life and
relationships.
We all have a unique way of responding to stress or what we perceive as “stressful
situations.” Our upbringing, self-esteem, beliefs about ourselves and the world, the way
in which we guide ourselves in our thoughts and actions–all of these factors determine
the quality and strength of our stress response.
The degree to which we feel in control of our life also plays an important role in this
response, as does the way we feel, both physically and emotionally, and the way we get
along with other people.
In summary, everyone's method of dealing with stress is unique and individual. It’s a
product of our thoughts, emotions and behaviors.
So How Should You Cope With Stress?
You’ll be happy to learn that by merely maintaining a positive and happy disposition; we
can control our diabetes and avoid many of its long-term complications. Because diabetes
is so difficult to control effectively over the long run, it is important to pay close attention
to both our psychological well-being, as well as our metabolic control.
Ideal diabetic management occurs when we are satisfied with the treatment regime and
are also maintaining effective blood glucose control. Simply following one or the other
measure won’t do --- both have to move in tandem.
Useful Stress Busters
Experts contend that certain relaxation techniques and regular exercise can be extremely
useful in stress management. There are many different types of clinical relaxation
techniques, including meditation and deep breathing, hypnosis and bio-feedback. Discuss
the technique that would be most appropriate for you with your diabetes team.
Pinpoint the source of your stress. Try to objectively identify your stressors and pinpoint
what specifically is causing you to feel stress. Maybe you are having a hard time with the
symptoms of diabetes. Maybe you are tired of sticking to your treatment program, or
maybe you are just tired of thinking about Diabetes. Once identified, eliminate as many
stressors from your life as possible.
Certain physical activities can be a great means of stress control. Exercise is not only a
good way to release stress but can also be a very beneficial part of the diabetes treatment.
(Please refer to our next section on exercise for more details).
Finally, regardless of how diabetes is affecting us, there is still some kind of exercise
which could suit our stress-busting needs. Brisk walking, swimming and dancing, for
instance, all allow release of tension. However before we embark on any program, we
should seek our doctor's approval.
Meanwhile, be positive and fight back with confidence!
All That You Must Know About Food Labels
I
n a major move, according to the new policy guidelines issued by the FDA that
went into effect May 1994, the nutrition information on the new label must be in
bigger type and appear on a white or other neutral contrasting background, when
practical.
Other Label Benefits
•
New regulations require labels on most packaged foods to provide nutrition
information. Earlier this was voluntary and appeared on only about 60 percent of
such foods.
•
The nutrition information for fresh fruits and vegetables and raw meat and fish
may appear at the point of purchase.
•
In addition, besides continuing to provide information about calories, fat,
carbohydrate, sodium, protein, iron, calcium, and vitamins A and C, labels must
also inform about saturated fat and cholesterol. These two nutrients are important
to people with diabetes because diabetes increases the risk of heart disease, and
heart disease is also linked to high intakes of saturated fat and cholesterol.
How to Follow the New Labeling Guidelines?
We can begin by examining the Nutrition Facts panel, usually carried on the side or the
back of the food package. The important parameters on which we make healthy food
choices could be:
•
% Daily Values: A column headed %Daily Values shows whether a food is high
or low in many of the nutrients listed. As a rule of thumb, if the number is 5 or
less, the food may be considered low in that nutrient. The goal for most people
with diabetes must be to pick foods that have low % Daily Values for fat,
saturated fat, and cholesterol and high % Daily Values for fiber.
•
Serving Sizes: The serving size information gives the amount of food to which all
other numbers on the Nutrition Facts panel apply. Serving sizes now are more
uniform among similar products and reflect the amounts people actually eat. For
example, the reference amount for a serving of snack crackers is 30 g. Thus, the
serving size for soda crackers is 10 crackers and for Goldfish Tiny Crackers, 55,
because these are the amounts that come closest to 30 g. The similarity makes it
easier to compare the nutritional qualities of related foods.
However, Please Note: People who use the Exchange Lists should be aware that the
serving size on the label may not be the same as that in the Exchange Lists. For example,
the label serving size for orange juice is 8 fluid ounces (240 milliliters). In the exchange
lists, the serving size is 4 ounces (one-half cup) or 120 mL. So, a person who drinks one
cup of orange juice has used two fruit exchanges.
•
Calorie and Other Information: The Nutrition Facts panel also gives total
calories and calories from fat per serving of food. This is helpful for people who
count calories and monitor their daily percentage of calories from fat. Here's how
to use calories from fat information: At the end of the day, add up total calories
and then calories from fat eaten. Divide calories from fat by total calories. The
answer gives the percentage of calories from fat eaten that day. For example, 450
calories from fat divided by 1,800 total calories = 0.25 (25 percent), an amount
within the recommended level of not more than 30 percent calories from fat.
•
Count the Carbs: The label also gives grams of total carbohydrate, protein and
fat, which can be used for carbohydrate counting. The values listed for total
carbohydrate include all carbohydrate, including dietary fiber and sugars. Not
singled out is complex carbohydrates, such as starches. The sugars include
naturally present sugars, such as lactose in milk and fructose in fruits, and those
added to the food, such as table sugar, corn syrup, and dextrose.
•
Count Proteins as Well: The listing of grams of protein also is helpful for those
restricting their protein intake, either to reduce their risk of kidney disease or to
manage the developed kidney disease.
•
Front Label Info: Elsewhere on the label, consumers may find claims about the
food’s nutritional benefits. Some claims, such as "low-fat," "no saturated fat," and
"high-fiber," describe nutrient levels and could be particularly interesting to
people with diabetes because they high-light foods containing nutrients at
beneficial levels. Other claims, called health claims, show a relationship between
a nutrient or food and a disease or health condition. FDA has authorized eight
such claims; they are the only ones about which there is significant scientific
agreement. Two that relate to heart disease are of particular interest to people with
diabetes:
* A diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol may help reduce the risk of coronary heart
disease.
* A diet rich in fruits, vegetables and grain products that contain fiber, particularly
soluble fiber, and are low in saturated fat and cholesterol may help reduce the risk of
coronary heart disease.
Both claims however must also state that heart disease depends on many other factors.
Nonetheless, this kind of labeling does enable the consumer to use it to choose healthier
foods. For people with diabetes, that's especially important because of the increased risk
of other chronic diseases.
Nutrient Claims Guide for Individual Foods
Fat
•
Fat-free: less than 0.5 grams (g) fat per serving
•
Low-fat: 3 g or less per serving and, if the serving size is 30 g or less or 2 tablespoons or less, per 50 g of the food
•
Reduced or less fat: at least 25 percent less per serving than reference food
Saturated Fat
•
Saturated fat free: less than 0.5 g and less than 0.5 g of trans fatty acids per
serving
•
Low saturated fat: 1 g or less per serving and not more than 15 percent of
calories from saturated fatty acids
•
Reduced or less saturated fat: at least 25 percent less per serving than reference
food
Cholesterol
•
Cholesterol-free: less than 2 milligrams (mg) and 2 g or less of saturated fat per
serving
•
Low-cholesterol: 20 mg or less and 2 g or less of saturated fat per serving and, if
the serving is 30 g or less or 2 tablespoons or less, per 50 g of the food
•
Reduced or less cholesterol: at least 25 percent less than reference food and 2 g
or less of saturated fat per serving
The following claims can be used to describe meat, poultry, seafood, and game
meats:
•
Lean: less than 10 g fat, 4.5 g or less saturated fat, and less than 95 mg
cholesterol per serving and per 100 g
•
Extra lean: less than 5 g fat, less than 2 g saturated fat, and less than 95 mg
cholesterol per serving and per 100 g
•
Healthy: This claim would apply, if the food has
a) "Low fat," "low saturated fat," with 60 mg or less cholesterol per serving (or, if
raw meat, poultry and fish, "extra lean")
b) At least 10 percent of Daily Value for one or more of vitamins A and C, iron,
calcium, protein, and fiber per serving
c). After Jan. 1, 1998, maximum prescribed sodium levels drop to 360 mg.
Calories
•
Calorie-free: fewer than 5 calories per serving
•
Low-calorie: 40 or fewer calories per serving and, if the serving size is 30 g or
less or 2 tablespoons or less, per 50 g of the food
•
Reduced or fewer calories: at least 25 percent fewer calories per serving than the
reference food
•
Light: This claim can carry two meanings
a) One-third fewer calories or half the fat of the reference food--if the food derives 50%
or more of its calories from fat, the reduction must be 50% of the fat
b) A "low-calorie," "low-fat" food whose sodium content has been reduced by 50 percent
from the reference food ("Light in sodium" means the food has 50 percent or less sodium
than the reference food and may be used on foods that are not "low-calorie" and "lowfat.")
Fiber
•
High-fiber: 5 g or more per serving
•
Good source of fiber: 2.5 g to 4.9 g per serving
•
More or added fiber: at least 2.5 g more per serving than the reference food.
(Label will say 10 percent more of the Daily Value for fiber.)
Please Note: Foods making claims about increased fiber content also must meet the
definition for "low-fat" or the amount of total fat per serving must appear next to the
claim.
Sugar
•
Sugar-free: less than 0.5 g per serving
•
No added sugar, without added sugar, no sugar added: This can also imply
two things:
a) No sugar or ingredients that functionally substitute for sugar (for example, fruit juices)
added during processing or packing
b) No ingredients made with added sugars, such as jams, jellies, or concentrated fruit
juice ("Sugar-free" and "No added sugar" signal a reduction in calories from sugars only,
not from fat, protein and other carbohydrates. If the total calories are not reduced or the
food is not "low-calorie," a statement will appear next to the "sugar-free" claim
explaining that the food is "not low-calorie," "not reduced calorie," or "not for weight
control." If the total calories are reduced, the claim must be accompanied by a "lowcalorie" or "reduced-calorie" claim.)
Reduced sugar: at least 25 percent less sugar than the reference food.
Alcohol, Smoking and Diabetes
I
f you thought alcohol and diabetes can have no connect, think again. A community
health study conducted in 2001 reveals a strong co-relation between alcohol use
and the risk for developing Type 2 diabetes in middle-age men but not women.
More than 12,000 middle-age males and females participated in the multi-center
Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study, where researchers tracked participants'
alcohol consumption and other health risk factors over a period of several years. W.H.
Linda Kao, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore,
MD, USA, and study colleagues reported in the October 2001 edition of American
Journal of Epidemiology that excess -- not moderate levels -- of alcohol consumption
could increase a subject’s chances for developing Type 2 diabetes.
The results can be more alarming for those who drink liquor compared to those who
drink just beer or wine! Not just alcohol, but smoking can also play havoc with our sugar
level. A five-year Japanese study for instance has linked cigarette smoking to the risk of
developing Type 2 diabetes. Researchers there found that the longer their 1,266 middleaged male subjects smoked, the worse the health impact. They calculated that smoking
over 31 cigarettes a day, increased the risk of developing diabetes four fold compared to
non-smokers.
The Root Link
Diabetics and alcoholics can blame their genes!
Both diabetes and alcohol-drinking habits are influenced by heredity. The C57BL mice
strain, which originally was developed for diabetes research, is inherently diabetic and
several sublines of this strain have a genetically determined high alcohol intake, a group
of researchers have found. It has also been found that alcohol can induce insulin
resistance, glucose intolerance and even overt diabetes. This could explain the high
representation of diabetes in alcoholics and also the aphorism that there are more
alcoholics who are diabetic than there are diabetics who are alcoholic!
However, there have been countless studies that do prove a link between alcohol and
Type 2 diabetes. A large study in three different populations reported no link but it is
important to note that a number of cross-sectional and prospective epidemiological
studies have found out an association between alcohol consumption and hypertension.
Unfortunately, the mechanisms controlling alcohol drinking remain largely unknown. For
instance, when water is not available, the drinking of alcohol solutions is controlled
largely by the mechanisms regulating fluid balance. But voluntary alcohol drinking, even
when water is available, seems likely to be controlled by mechanisms that are derived
from the control of some macronutrients -- the closest match being carbohydrates. This
explains why factors which alter carbohydrate intake, such as diabetes and thiamine
deficiency, often, alter alcohol selection
In fact, dietary factors might also be beneficial to help control drinking habits. Would you
believe that a vegetarian diet could actually suppress alcohol abuse to a large extent?
A famous chemist Justus von Liebig, who lived at the beginning of the nineteenth century
(and who was not himself a vegetarian), said plant food abolishes the urge for wine and
other alcoholic drinks. Other forms of nutritional therapy have also been recommended
for the treatment of alcoholics. Vitamins, especially thiamine, are frequently
recommended for overcoming the deficiencies that develop during drinking. But all said
and done, it may be days or even weeks before the diabetogenic symptoms begin to
disappear. Even then, we would need to continuously stick to a diet low in carbohydrates
and high in fats or protein. This recommendation appears consistent with the results of
the laboratory studies on the interaction between food and alcohol.
Exercise ---a Must
D
uring exercise, muscles can burn glucose at almost 20 times the normal
non-exercising rate. The liver makes sugar available either by depleting its
own storage or by changing fatty acids from adipose (fat) tissue into
glucose and releasing them to the muscles for utilization.
In normal human physiology, the liver and muscles "talk" so appropriately the liver
produces the exact amount of glucose the muscles need, so the blood sugar level tends
not to change very much. The level of insulin in the blood regulates the glucose coming
from the liver and going into the muscle.
For people with diabetes however, this level of insulin might vary, especially if the
diabetes is poorly controlled. In a patient whose diabetes is well-controlled, the glucose
level might stay stable or drop because the ability to control the level of insulin is lost.
This might occur either because pills make the body produce insulin without food or
exercise, or because the insulin was given by injection.
In a patient whose diabetes is poorly controlled, the glucose level is generally high
because the insulin level is low, and the muscles and liver don't "talk," causing glucose
levels to fall, stay stable, or even rise dangerously with exercise.
Muscle Power
Think of your muscles as itty bitty fuel tanks. They store glucose (sugar) and they burn it
to make energy. If our tank is full (of glucose), it doesn’t matter how much or how little
we eat, our muscle ‘tanks’ can’t store it. So, we have to empty out the muscle tanks
(through exercise) every day in order to ‘make room’ for the calories we take in when we
eat.
Increasing physical activity can help to lose weight. But even if it doesn't, it's still
important to get off the couch. Whether we lose weight or not, physical activity lowers
blood sugar and boosts our sensitivity to insulin - which helps keep blood sugar within a
normal range.
When we exercise, our muscles use sugar (glucose) for energy. This reduces the blood
sugar. The more strenuous the workout, the longer the effect lasts - there's more. With
Type 2 Diabetes, exercise can increase insulin sensitivity. This means the body requires
less insulin to escort sugar into our cells. Along with a healthy-eating plan, exercise may
even reduce - or eliminate - our need for glucose-lowering medication.
In addition, exercise boosts mood and energy levels! What’s not to like about that?
Even Mini Efforts Can Yield Maxi Results
Diabetes increases the risk of high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke and other
cardiovascular diseases. Exercise counteracts the risk by improving blood flow,
increasing the heart's pumping power and improving cholesterol levels.
And, of course, exercise can help us lose weight - and keep it off.
Regular exercise can greatly reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease (a major risk for
those with diabetes), help us lose weight and manage stress. If you can’t work with a
personal trainer, get regular exercise by joining a gym or social club that’s centered
around physical activities (mall walking, for example), or get family members to join you
for walks or bike rides.
Start with strength and cardiovascular exercises —as 10 minutes a day is a great start. It
is easy to get frustrated, but even better to persist and get positive results. The goal is to
eventually build a low ratio of fat to muscle and increase insulin sensitivity.
Exercises that lead to a total body workout are preferable, even for beginners. Try a
regiment of traditional push-ups. (If you can't do them, try the modified version with
knees on the floor for support). Just do as many as you can, and build up to completing 3
sets of 10 reps.
Eating to Win
Try to eat 1 to 2 hours before exercise (to optimize energy for a workout), and
check blood sugar before and after exercising.
Consult Your Doctor
Before jumping into a fitness program, get your doctor's OK to exercise - especially if
you've been inactive for a long period of time. Discuss with your doctor which activities
you're contemplating and whether you should impose certain restrictions pertaining to
one or more exercises.
For example, if you have diabetic retinopathy - abnormal growth of blood vessels on your
retina - strenuous activity could lead to bleeding or retinal detachment. You may need to
avoid certain activities, such as weightlifting or jogging. If you have reduced sensation in
your feet, your doctor may recommend non-weight-bearing activities, such as swimming
or biking.
With your doctor's OK, aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity a day.
Take a brisk daily walk. Ride your bike. Swim laps. If you can't fit in a long workout,
break it up into smaller sessions spread throughout the day. Even trading the elevator for
the stairs and parking farther from your destination are steps in the right direction.
Also discuss with your doctor the best time to exercise. If have to take insulin, you might
need to adjust your insulin dose before exercising or wait a few hours to exercise after
injecting insulin.
Exercise good judgment
When we’re ready to exercise, we should start slowly and gradually build stamina. We
should work our way up to 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the
week. While working out, we need to remember to take good care of ourselves.
•
Check blood sugar before, during and after exercise - especially if you take
insulin or medications that can cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). It is
recommended you carry glucose tablets or hard candy in case ones blood sugar
drops too low or we feel shaky, nervous or confused.
•
Pay attention to our feet. Wear smooth-fitting socks and comfortable athletic
shoes. Examine the feet before and after exercise for any signs of potential
damage, such as cuts or blisters.
•
Drink plenty of fluids while exercising, especially when it's hot. Dehydration
can increase blood sugar. If exercising for more than an hour, we should drink
carbohydrate-containing beverages rather than plain water.
•
Experiencing warning signs - severe shortness of breath, dizziness, faintness,
nausea, chest pain, heart palpitations, or pain in an arm or in your jaw - stop
exercising. If you don't feel better within 15 minutes, seek immediate medical
help. Once we understand how our body responds to exercise, we’ll be even
closer to a healthier us.
The Right Exercise for YOU
Exercise is like a drug. It has to be prescribed and tailored for each situation. For people
with Diabetes, the prescription might
be different than for people with
Action Plan
heart disease or back pain.
•
Since the muscles that use glucose
•
•
appropriately are the long, thin
muscles, we need to develop these
muscles. With a daily low-resistance,
high-frequency
exercise/activity
•
Exercise daily or at least five times a
week.
Exercise for 45 to 55 minutes at a time.
Exercise has no long-term effect on
glucose.
24-48 hours after your
workout, the beneficial effects on
Diabetes and its control are lost.
Therefore exercise is a life-long
commitment.
Get committed to your exercise plan!
program lasting 45 to55 minutes, the
control of blood glucose for those with Diabetes improves and stabilizes even before
weight loss is achieved.
Herbs – Do’s and Don’ts
Most experts agree that the treatment of diabetes and hypoglycemia requires nutritional
supplementation. Supplying these people with additional key nutrients has been shown to
improve blood sugar control as well as help prevent or improve many of the major
complications of their conditions. Following supplements are generally recommended for
diabetics:
Chromium
For the body to function, each cell must "open its door" and allow sugar to enter.
Chromium has been called the key that unlocks that door. Without it, sugar builds up in
the blood, and eventually diabetes develops. It would seem to make perfect sense, then,
to take chromium supplements to ward off diabetes. And some studies have suggested
that supplementing with chromium helps
keep blood sugar under control.
Why Is Chromium Important?
Chromium is available in a variety of
forms: as a single supplement, as an
ingredient in multivitamins, or combined
with any number of vitamins and/or
minerals.
Chromium
picolinate
Do you know that 90% of all Americans
don t even get the recommended daily
dosage of chromium? Yet this mineral may
be very beneficial for diabetics. In a study
taking chromium per day reduces glucose
levels of diabetics by 18% and glycoslated
hemoglobin by 10%.
and
chromium histidine are believed to be better absorbed than other forms of the mineral.
Natural foods that contain chromium include: black pepper, broccoli, dried beans, and
whole grains.
As the name implies, chromium picolinate it is a combination of two different substances:
chromium and picolinate.
The Chromium component helps to increase efficiency of insulin, the hormone that
controls blood glucose (blood sugar) levels; while picolinate is an amino acid derivative
that allows the body to use chromium much
readily.
Why is Fiber So Good For Diabetes?
Vitamin C
Diet with high soluble fibers are
especially important for diabetics
because soluble fiber increases the time
it takes for food to digest and for
glucose to get into the blood. Flax seed
meal is one of the best sources of
soluble fiber.
In a 1991 University of Toronto study,
consumption of flax seed meal was
shown to improve glucose tolerance by
over 25%.
The primary function of vitamin C is in the
manufacture of collagen, the main protein
substance of the human body. Since
collagen is such an important protein in the
structure that holds the body together
(connective tissue, cartilage, tendons and so
on), vitamin C is vital for wound repair,
(Source: Some New Facts You Need to Know
about Diabetes, International Journal of
Humanities and Peace, Vol. 17, 2001)
healthy gums, and the prevention of easy bruising. The fact is that a diabetic person needs
more vitamin C than healthy non-diabetics. A chronic, latent vitamin C deficiency can
lead to a number of problems for the diabetic. This includes an increased tendency to
bleed, poor wound healing, an elevated cholesterol level and a depressed immune system.
Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)
A vitamin B12 deficiency is characterized by numbness of the feet, "pins and needles"
sensations, or a burning feeling. It has been used with some success in treating diabetic
neuropathy. Oral supplementation with 1,000 to 3,000 micrograms (100 mg 300 mg) of
B12 per day may be sufficient for diabetic and hypoglycemies, but intramuscular vitamin
B12 may be necessary.
Other nutritional supplement that helps control the blood sugar level are the following
vitamin E, manganese, potassium, zinc and flavonoids.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E has proven to be effective for a
variety of disease states and has been
shown to be useful in safely lowering
blood
sugar
levels.
Known
for
its
antioxidant powers, Vitamin E appears to
reduce the free radical damage that causes
the complications of diabetes, such as
heart disease and nerve damage, which can
lead to blindness and amputation. Research shows that daily supplements of vitamin E
can significantly reduce the damage in diabetics that ultimately leads to cardiovascular
disease. (70% of deaths from diabetes are related to damaged and clogged arteries.)
Ishwarlal Jialal, MD, PhD, professor of internal medicine and pathology at the University
of Texas Health Science Center at Dallas found that giving 1,200 IU of E a day to people
with diabetes greatly reduced the tendency of LDL cholesterol to begin creating a buildup
of fat and other debris on artery walls. Diabetes experts recommend 600 IU of E a day.
There are two types of Vitamin E, natural (d-alpha tocopherol) and synthetic (dl-alpha
tocopherol). Milligram for milligram, natural is more potent, so it takes less to get the
same benefit. Vitamin E can be found in single ingredient supplements, multivitamins,
and herbal preparations. But large doses are generally found as single-ingredient
supplements.
Good natural sources of Vitamin E include: Avocados, nuts, and vegetable oils.
Magnesium
Diabetes is the most common disorder associated with low magnesium. One out of 3
people suffering from Type 2 diabetes tests low on this mineral. Additional intake of
Magnesium reduces many complications associated with diabetes, such as heart disease,
kidney problems, diabetic retinopathy, impotence and nerve damages. Magnesium is
essential for the transport of glucose and is also important for the release of the hormone
insulin, which helps to control blood sugar levels.
Some studies show that as magnesium intake goes up, the risk of developing Type 2
Diabetes goes down. Other findings suggest that magnesium supplementation of about
350 mg a day improves insulin resistance and blood sugar control.
Although it’s not clear whether low magnesium levels are the cause or the result of
diabetes, experts contend that it's a good practice to make sure that you're getting enough
magnesium. Most people, especially seniors, don't get enough! Supplements come in a
variety of forms, including magnesium acetate, aspartate, carbonate, chloride, citrate,
glycinate, hydroxide, lactate, oxide, or pidolate. And they come in a variety of
combinations, from multis to special-formula supplements for diabetes. Green leafy
vegetables, legumes, nuts, wheat germ, and whole grains are natural sources of
magnesium .
Alpha-Lipoic Acid
Researchers have discovered that this potent antioxidant (experts say it’s more potent
than vitamins E or C) may be an effective treatment for a common complication of
diabetes, known as diabetic neuropathy. It can develop when high blood sugar levels
damage delicate nerve endings. The result is a stabbing, tingling, and burning pain in the
legs, feet, and hands, especially at night.
In Germany, alpha-lipoic acid is a prescription drug used to treat diabetic neuropathy. It
may also help control blood sugar in diabetics, possibly by lowering insulin levels and
increasing the transport of sugar into cells.
Alpha-lipoic acid is found in small amounts in some foods—spinach and meat, for
example—but not enough to make a real difference. For that, studies show you need 600
to 1,200 mg a day, amounts that can come only from supplements.
Plant or Herbal Supplements Used for Blood Sugar Control
Here is a short description of plant-based supplements that are also beneficial for
diabetics:
Gymnema Sylvestre (Gumar)
This is a woody climbing plant that grows in the tropical forests of Central and Southern
India. The leaves are used in herbal medicine preparations. The active ingredient in
gymnema silvestre is "gymnemic acid," which affects the taste buds in the oral cavity. It
interferes with the taste of sweetness, which explains the Hindi (Indian language) name
gumar "Destroyed of sugar." It also reduces the metabolic effects of sugar by altering its
digestion by the intestine, thus reducing the absorption of sugar in the blood.
Eugenia Jambolana (Jambul)
These seeds found in Central and
Scientific Evidence You Cannot Refute
South India and Western America
have been found most effective for
diabetic people as they quickly
reduce the sugar in the urine, which
is known as glucosuria. It also has
the power of regulating the diabetesinducing conversion of starch into
sugar in cases of an increase in
In a 1991 study, six type II diabetics were
given 100 mg of bitter melon, momordica
charantia (also known as balsam pear, bitter
gourd, bitter cucumber or la-kwa) solution
each day.
In 3 weeks, their blood glucose levels dropped
an average of 54%.
In seven weeks, blood glucose levels of all six
diabetics were close to normal and sugar was
no longer detectable in their urine.
(Source: Some New Facts You Need to Know about
Diabetes, International Journal of Humanities and Peace,
Vol. 17, 2001)
production of glucose.
Momordica Charantia (Bitter Melon)
This has been used extensively in folk medicine as a remedy for diabetes. It contains an
insulin-like property known as polypeptide-P, which helps lower blood sugar levels.
Trigonella
foenum
graeceum
Try Melabic
(Fenugreek Seeds)
Fenugreek is a well-known leafy
vegetable that is prized by Diabetics
because of its high soluble fiber
content. Fiber helps in lowering blood
sugar levels by slowing the digestion
It’s one of the most comprehensive and
reliable blood sugar stablizer available in the
market today. Endorsed by nature healers,
Melabic can use insulin more efficiently,
help reverse diabetes, regulate glucose
metabolism, increase insulin sensitivity,
rebuild damaged pancreatic tissues, promote
healthy weight loss and give you more
energy that you ever felt in your life. To find
out more visit http://www.melabic.com
and absorption of carbohydrates. Fenugreek also contains a substance that helps to
control blood sugar levels and increased insulin production.
Fenugreek seeds have been shown to diminish reactive hyperglycaemia in diabetic
patients. Levels of glucose, serum cholesterol and tryglycerides are significantly reduced
when the seeds were consumed.
Always remember: The best assurance for maximum health and an active life comes
from our own responsible attitude and from following the advice we receive from our
physician. Plant-based therapy should not be used by itself. Proper and effective natural
treatment of daibetes and hypoglycemia requires careful integration of diet, proper
exercises, lifestyle modification, nutritional supplements and prescribed medications.
Cayenne
Many herbalists believe that cayenne is the most useful and valuable herb in the herb
kingdom, not only for our digestive system, but also for our heart and circulatory system.
It acts as a catalyst and increases the effectiveness of other herbs when used with them.
Originally grown only in South America, the cayenne plant has now spread across the
globe both as a food and as a medicine.
Certain medicinal herbs are known for
their
These
strong
hypoglycemic
include
garlic
and
effect.
onion,
goldenseal and cayenne pepper. The
‘hypoglycemic effect” means that the
cayenne lowers blood sugar the same
way insulin does.
Cayenne also contains a resinous and
pungent substance known as capsaicin.
This chemical relieves pain by acting on sensory nerves. Cayenne is especially effective
when used as a topical ointment to treat the discomfort of neuropathy
The recommended dose of cayenne is two to four capsules daily. But for those already
suffering from low blood sugar, cayenne is best avoided.
Psyllium
Like Fenugreek, psyllium is a good nutritional supplement for Diabetics because of its
soluble fiber content. In some studies, taking unsweetened or artificially-sweetened
psyllium appeared to delay the absorption of carbohydrates from foods. As a result, blood
sugar levels did not increase as much or as rise as fast as they would have normally. And
in clinical trials, patients who took psyllium supplements were able to lower their blood
sugar by up to 19%.
It’s recommended that you should take 5 grams of psyllium supplements three times per
day for eight weeks. This should not only lower your blood glucose level but also your
cholesterol level. Two-for-one!
Please Note: when taking psyllium supplements, make sure you drink plenty of water.
The Jury Is Still Out
The following herbs are still being studied for their therapeutic value in diabetes:
•
Aloe vera
•
American ginseng
•
Asian ginseng
•
Bilberry
•
Hairy basil (seed)
•
Holy basil (leaf)
•
Onion
Thumbs Down
There is no scientific evidence for the following herbs, despite their prescription in
certain alternative health regimens
•
Eleuthero
•
Mistletoe
•
Olive leaf
•
Reishi
•
Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS)
•
Inositol
•
Medium chain triglycerides
•
Quercetin
•
Starch blockers
•
Taurine
•
Vanadium (for type 2 diabetes)
•
Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide)
Complementary Care
M
anaging stress is key to managing blood sugar levels. In addition to a
medically recommended treatment plan, many people find it helpful to
seek out extra activities that optimize their physical and emotional
health. These are called complementary therapies, because they fit alongside, rather than
in place of, the doctor's advice.
One example of a complementary therapy is taking vitamins and other supplements, such
as a daily multivitamin. Another example of a complementary therapy is joining a
weight-loss, stop smoking, or other group, in order to fight a habit that compounds the
health risks brought on by diabetes.
A third example is engaging in a stress reduction activity. This is important because, for
many people, dealing with Diabetes is very stressful and can trigger depression or other
emotional problems. Examples of stress reduction activities include signing up for a yoga
class, learning deep breathing and other meditation exercises.
Complementary care doesn’t have to be expensive. To relieve stress and promote
wellness, something as simple as a scented bath or a massage from a partner can provide
tremendous benefits.
End Notes
D
iabetes is a disease that affects millions of people and their families around
the world. However by taking good care of ourselves, we can control
diabetes and prevent major complications which can come from it.
Afterall, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!
Checklist for Health
Lifestyle-related
→Create a balanced meal plan and stick to it.
→Try supplements that have been shown to have an impact on fighting diabetes.
(Discuss your choices with an alternative healthcare provider)
→Exercise at least 3-4 times weekly for 20 to 40 minutes each session.
→Practice good foot and skin care.
→No smoking!
→Try to manage stress as best as you can. Attend a stress management workshop to
help you learn better coping methods.
See Your Doctor
→See your doctor regularly…
•
Every 3-4 months for regular check-ups if you are treated with insulin.
•
Every 4-6 months if you are treated with other diabetes medications
•
Every 4-6 months if you are managing diabetes with diet and exercise alone.
→Follow your medication schedule as prescribed by your doctor. You should know the
names of your medications (brand and generic names) and how they work. Always keep
a list of your medications with you.
→Keep your blood glucose level at the recommended range and CALL YOUR
DOCTOR if…
•
If your blood glucose is less than 70 mg/dl and you have more than one
unexplained low blood glucose reaction a week.
•
If your blood glucose is greater that 180 mg/dl for more than a week or if you
have two consecutive readings greater than 300 mg/dl.
→Record your blood glucose and urine ketone test results. Bring your log book with
you to all of your doctor’s visits.
Regular Testing
→Test your blood glucose regularly, as recommended by your health care provider and
more often when you’re sick.
→Test your urine for ketones when your blood glucose is over 300 mg/dl. (Tip: Test
your urine more often when you’re sick.)
→Have a glycosylated hemoglobin test (HbA1c) four times a year or as recommended.
→Have your eyes examined and have a urinalysis test once a year…or as often as
recommended by your doctor.
→Have your cholesterol and triglyceride levels checked (lipid profile test) once a
year.
→Have a dental examination every six months.
A DUMMIES GUIDE FOR DIABETICS
Eat In Measured Quantity
1 slice white or brown bread, 1/2 hamburger bun, 1 biscuit, (1" diameter), 1/2 cup rice,
grits, macaroni or noodles group, 1 cup ready-to-eat cereal (flake-non sugar-coated), 1/2
cup cooked cereal (oatmeal or cream of wheat), 1/2 bagel
Eat Generously (3-5 servings daily)
•
1 cup raw green leafy vegetables, 1/2 cup cooked vegetable (collards, okra, snap
beans, pole beans, turnips, kale mustard greens, green cabbage, potatoes, squash,
carrots and onions), 3/4 cup low-sodium vegetable juice
•
A variety of fruits, such as medium apple, banana, peach, mango, orange, pear,
1/2 grapefruit or 1/4 cantaloupe, 1/2 cup of grapes, 1 cup of strawberries or
blackberries, 3/4 cup 100% fruit juice, 1/2 cup canned fruit packed in light syrup
or natural fruit juice
Eat Moderately
•
3 oz. poultry, lean beef, fish lean pork and eggs (3 per week), 3 oz. lean lamb and
lean ground meats, Dry Beans, Eggs 1/2 cup cooked dried peas or beans, 1
tablespoon of peanut butter (limit servings) 1/4 cup nuts
Note: Bake, broil, grill, stew or boil meats whenever possible. Limit use of shellfish due
to high cholesterol content.
•
1 cup milk (lactose-free) or buttermilk 1% or skim milk recommended, milk,
cheese, 1/2 cup ice cream, ice milk or low-fat frozen yogurt 1-1/2 oz. natural
cheese (cheddar, colby, provolone, mozzorella) 1/2 cup cottage cheese, 1 cup
low-fat yogurt
Eat Sparingly
•
Snacks, sweets, cakes, pies, cookies and other desserts
•
Go easy on rich desserts, candies, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages, snack
foods items, such as chips, cheese puffs, corn chips and pork skins (These are all
high in sugar, fat and salt)
•
Foods such as chitterlings, sausage, fats & oils group. Bacon, pork neckbones, fat
back, hog jowls and pig feet should be avoided because these are high in fat
content, and provide calories that are low in nutrients.
Please Note: These foods do not have enough nutrients to fit in any of the basic food
groups and should not be used to replace foods from other food groups.
Tim and I both completely understand how hard this life change can be, change is
hard for some. With the right mind frame and relaxed attitude you can do this! Everyday
will not be perfect and your body will let you know it! However every day you focus on
natural ways to take care of the one body you have in this life time you will be one step
closer to being free of this diabetes epidemic to spend more time with your loved ones!
I hope you have absorbed all the great information and realize how important it is
to take your health into your own hands. My husband Tim would be long gone if we did
not take the responsibility of his disease into our own hands.
All the best to you and your loved ones on your journey and remember we are
here to support you and to let you know you can do it. You can beat this disease!
Take care,
Recipes for Diabetes
The best way to ensure we eat right
is to eat well. That means investing a
little bit of time and effort to prepare
homemade food items that are
nutritious, health-promoting…and
really, really tasty. We don’t have to
spend the rest of our life in a state of
deprivation. Instead of saying “No”
to bad foods, think about saying
“Yes” to good foods. As we
establish new habits, we’ll find that cravings for unhealthy food will gradually begin to
vanish. And, although you may not believe it yet, the foods that were once irresistible to
us will start to look less and less appealing. Eventually, knowing how unhealthy a food
can be for you will be enough to deter us, forever.
Now I am so excited to share with you a project that I poured my heart and soul into. I
have worked endless hours testing and trying numerous meals for our Diabetes
Cookbook, which are not only good for you but yummy tasting! No recipe is made with
Splenda – (which is full of harmful chemicals) that most diabetic cookbooks recommend
for a white sugar substitute. My family, friends and experts in the health industry have
been very gracious to be my guinea pig taste testers. I have to say after so many hours to
even count and too many dishes ruined we have some real winners in our cookbook. I
have included some recipes below that I encourage you to try, don’t even tell anyone that
the meal is good for them. Food is something that we need, depend on, socialize with,
take comfort in so why not make the best of it in the most flavor-able healthy way. You
can
find
out
more
about
The
Diabetes
Cookbook
by
visiting
http://www.thediabetescookbook. If you have any questions please let me know at
[email protected] , I am more than willing to help in anyway that I can.
I have provided a few recipes that you might want to give a try, and remember if you
have a favorite recipe that you would love to share with everyone, PLEASE email it and I
will make sure to pass it on.
I want to thank you for taking the time to read my book and I want to wish you all the
best in your journey and fight against diabetes. I know that if you take action you will
change your life. Remember I am there for you every step of the way and would love to
hear your story. So please send me an update from time to time to let me know how you
are doing
To Your Health
Julia Hanf
Curry in A Hurry Soup
Ingredients
1 10 ounce package frozen lima beans
1 tablespoon margarine
1 bunch scallions, white and 1 inch green, sliced (about 1/2 cup, 45 g)
1 teaspoon curry powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon crushed dried tarragon
4 sprigs flat-leaf parsley
2 cups fat-free low-sodium chicken broth
1/2 cup skim milk
Procedure
•
Thaw the lima beans and place in the bowl of a food processor or blender.
•
Add the margarine, scallions, curry powder, salt and pepper, tarragon, and
parsley.
•
Process until smooth.
•
Place the lima bean mixture into a pot.
•
Add the broth and milk. Bring to a simmer, cover and simmer for 10 minutes.
•
If the soup is too thick add water to bring it the consistency you like
•
Ladle 1/4 cup soup into espresso cups and serve as an aperitif.
Roasted Eggplant Spread It Around
Ingredients
1 large eggplant (approximately 2 lbs.)
Cooking spray
1 head of garlic
Juice of 1 lemon
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons chopped flat-leaf parsley
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/8 teaspoon kosher salt (optional)
Freshly ground pepper
Procedure
•
Preheat oven to 425°F
•
Cut eggplant in half lengthwise and lightly coat with cooking spray.
•
Place, cut side down, on a large baking sheet.
•
Separate garlic into cloves, but do not peel.
•
Wrap garlic cloves in aluminum foil and bake alongside the eggplant for 30
minutes, until tender.
•
Unwrap garlic and peel. Place in a medium bowl.
•
Scoop out eggplant flesh & place in bowl, Discard skin. Mix in lemon juice, olive
oil, vinegar, parsley, cayenne pepper, cumin, salt (if using), and pepper. BLEND!
Stew beef with vegetables
Ingredients
•
2 lbs. lean stew beef, diced
•
1 10-oz can low-fat cream of mushroom soup
•
2 cups chopped onions
•
2 cups sliced carrots
•
1 cup chopped green bell pepper
•
23 reduced-sodium beef boufillon cubes
•
1/2 cup red wine
•
2 cups water
Method
•
Combine all ingredients except the rice in a large soup pot.
•
Bring to a boil and reduce the heat.
•
Simmer until the beef becomes tender, about 1 to 1 1/2 hours Add more water if
necessary
•
Serve over 1/2 cup of hot rice
Delightful Desserts for Diabetics
Here are some desert recipes that diabetics can tuck in without any guilt pangs
Cherry Pie
Ingredients
•
Pastry for double crust 9-inch pie
•
2 16-ounce packages frozen, no-sugar-added pitted cherries
•
2 packets sugar substitute - Stevia
•
4 teaspoons all-purpose flour
•
4 teaspoons cornstarch
•
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
•
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
•
5 to 7 drops red food color
Method
•
Thaw cherries completely in strainer set in bowl; reserve 3/4 cup cherty juice.
Mix sugar substitute, flour, cornstarch, nutmeg and cinnamon in small saucepan;
stir in cherry juice and heat to boiling.
•
Boil, stirring constantly, 1 minute.
•
Remove from heat and stir in cherries;stir in food color.
•
Roll half of the pastry on floured surface into circle 1 inch larger than inverted 9inch pie pan; ease pastry into pan. Pour cherry mixture into pastry. Roll
remaining, pastry on floured surface to 1/8-inch thickness; cut into 10 to 12 strips,
1/2 inch wide
•
Arrange pastry strips over filling and weave into lattice design. Trim ends of
lattice strips; fold edge of lower crust over ends of lattice shills. Seal and flute
edge.
•
Bake in preheated 425-degree oven until pastry is browned, 35 to 40 minutes.
•
Cool on wire rack.
Tangy Lemon Squares
Ingredients
•
3 cups all-purpose flour
•
8 packets sugar substitute - Stevia
•
1/8 teaspoon salt
•
6 tablespoons butter or margarine, cut into pieces
•
1 teaspoon grated lemon peel
•
1 teaspoon vanilla
•
2 eggs
•
18 packets sugar substitute
•
1/4 cup lemon juice
•
4 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted
•
1 tablespoon grated lemon peel
Method
•
Combine flora, salt and 2 1/2 teaspoons sweetened in medium bowl.
•
Cut in butter with pastry blender until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
•
Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon lemon peel and vanilla; mix with hands to form dough.
•
Press dough evenly on bottom and 1/4-inch up sides of 8-inch square baking pan.
•
Bake in preheated 350 degree oven 8 to 10 minutes.
•
Cool on wire rack.
•
Beat eggs and with remaining sugar substitute; mix in lemon juice, butter and 1
tablespoon lemon peel.
•
Pour mixture into bake pastry. Bake until lemon filling is set, about 15 minutes.
•
Cool completely on wire rack.
Pineapple Upside Down Cake
Ingredients
•
8 1/4-ounce can light pineapple slices in fruit juice, drained
•
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
•
18 packets sugar substitute - Stevia
•
1 egg
•
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
•
1 cup cake flour
•
1 teaspoon baking powder
•
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
•
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
•
1/4 teaspoon salt
•
1/2 cup buttermilk
Method
•
Arrange drained pineapple slices in bottom of lightly greased 8-inch cake pan
•
Mix applesauce, sugar substitute, egg and vanilla until smooth in medium bowl
•
Mix in combined cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg and
salt alternately with buttermilk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients.
•
Pour batter over pineapple slices in pan.
•
Bake in preheated 350-degree oven until cake is browned and toothpick inserted
in center comes out clean, about 20 minutes.
•
Invert cake immediately onto serving plate. Spread Fruit Topping over warm
cake. Serve warm.
For the Fruit Topping
3 tablespoons light apricot pre serve with sugar substitute or apricot spreadable fruit
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon cornstarch
6 packets sugar substitute or
1/4 teaspoon maple extract
Method
•
Mix reserve, lemon juice and cornstarch in small saucepan; heat to boiling,
stirring constantly.
•
Remove from heat.
•
Stir in sugar substitute and maple extract
Glossary
Agoraphobia: fear of open spaces, often preventing individuals from leaving home
Aneurysm: swelling and weakening of a blood vessel wall, making it more susceptible to
rupture.
Diabetic ketoacidosis: a symptom produced by acetone produced by the metabolism of
fatty acids rather than glucose
Diabetic neuropathy: diabetes-induced deterioration of the neurons in the peripheral
areas of the body with consequent tingling, pain, and numbness.
Diabetic retinopathy: diabetic-induced deterioration of the blood vessels supplying the
optic retina.
Glucagon: a pancreatic hormone that retrieves stored energy for use by the body
Hyperglycemia: excess glucose in the blood.
Hypoglycemic coma: loss of consciousness from drastic reduction in the amount of
glucose in the blood often brought on by too much available insulin.
Insulin: a pancreatic hormone that provides energy to cells and stores this as fat.
Self-efficacy: individuals' perceptions of whether certain situations can be handled and
whether they can do it.
Type 1 diabetes: diabetes that often begins early in life (childhood or adolescence) and
originates from the failure of the pancreas to produce insulin
Type 2 diabetes: diabetes that often begins later in life (40s or 50s) and is more likely
brought on by a sedentary lifestyle, lack of exercise, a high-fat diet, and excess body fat.
BONUS SECTIONS
Online Resources
Web Sites:
•
American Diabetes Association (Web Site: http://www.diabetes.org/home.jsp).
This could be your one-stop shop for all information on diabetes culled from
reliable, authoritative sources and experts in the field.
•
The Diabetes Mall: (Web Site: http://www.diabetesnet.com:80/). Information
about many facets of daibetes, treatment and prevention.
•
Alternative Medicine Digest: (Web Site: http://www.alternativemedicine.com)
Site devoted to many illnesses, including diabetes.
•
Diabetes
Herbal
Treatment
Home
Page:
(Web
Site:
http://www.diabetea.com:80/) Best nutrition, Inc. advertises and sells Gymnema
Herbal Tea, which it says can play a role in treating conditions caused by
excessive sugar intakes.
•
Information
About
the
Gerson
Therapy:
(Web
Site:
http://home.unicomp.net/lschiele/gersn.htm) The Gerson Therapy is an intensive,
nutrition-based and detoxifying medical treatment for daibetes. It works closely
with nature to help the sick body fid itself of disease through the supportive
effects of simple foods, juices and non-toxic medication.
•
The Diabetes Home Page:
(Web Site: http://www.nd.edu/hhowisen/diabetes.html) Offers a variety of information
about treatments.
•
CDC Diabetes Home Page:
(Web Site: http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/ddi/whatsnew.htm) A look at government
programs, statistics and facts about diabetes.
•
ChiLel Qigong Home Page - Miracles of Natural Healing:
(Web Site: http://www.chilel-qigong.com/) ChiLel consists of visualizations combined
with a series of gentle movements which can be easily learned by anyone who wants to
improve and sustain their health and wellness.
•
RxHealth.com:
(Web Site: http://www.rxhealth.com/diabetes.htm) Site has lots of information and links
to information about the disease.
•
USA Today:
(Web Site: http://www.usatoday.com:80/life/health/general/ingen000.htm). This site has
many inspiring stories about diabetics and how they overcame their disease and
strengthened their disease resistance.
Disclaimers
•
The material in this book is for information purposes only. We strongly
recommend that you consult a healthcare professional before attempting
any of the strategies recommended in this e-book.
•
Finally, while medicinal herbs are generally extremely safe, they may at times
contain substances that can are drug-like in function. Mixing supplements, herbs,
and OTC or prescription medication may thus lead to unintended, dangerous
consequences due to drug interaction, so follow your doctor’s counsel before
subscribing to any of these treatment schedules and protocols.