How To Play The Diabetes Diet Game and Win!!
How To Play The Diabetes Diet Game and Win!! Your Ultimate Guide to Diabetes, Health and Wellness …Without Drugs Julia Hanf You are reading the TRIAL Version! to get the complete version, click Download button below or use Order button at the end of this document. 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).
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