Archive for the ‘Diabetes Prevention’ Category

Is Diabetes linked to Unhealthy Cholesterol Levels?

April 3, 2013 by · Leave a Comment
Filed under: Diabetes - Did You Know?, Diabetes Control, Diabetes Prevention 

According to the findings of the latest analysis of diabetes, close to 60 percent of the people suffering from diabetes have failed to meet their cholesterol targets even though majority of them have their cholesterol levels being looked into by medical experts at least once every year. As much as a large percentage of people with diabetes are being checked by medical experts, a fairly large number of people are still not able to meet their cholesterol targets. From this, it has become very clear that these medical checkups are not leading to any improved outcomes for majority of the population.

Cholesterol Abnormalities ties to Diabetes
Cholesterol simply refers to a soft waxy substance commonly found in the blood stream and in the body cells. Although it is considered to be important for the overall health of the body, not all cholesterol is good/equal. There is cholesterol that is beneficial to the body and that which causes harm to the body [hence should always be kept at minimum levels]. Cholesterol is linked to diabetes in the sense that people with diabetes are more prone to be affected by the unhealthy cholesterol [bad cholesterol], which is known to be one of the main causes of cardiovascular disease.

Note: choosing to control the cholesterol levels in your body helps you significantly reduce your vulnerability to cardiovascular diseases as well as premature death.

Influence of diabetes to cholesterol
Diabetes has a tendency of lowering the levels of good cholesterol levels while at the same time raising the levels of bad cholesterol and triglyceride. These two collectively increase the risks of heart disease and stroke [a common condition referred to as diabetic dyslipidemia].

This diabetic condition “dyslipidemia” simply means that the lipid profile of your body is headed in the wrong direction. In short, it is simply a combination that ends up putting patients at high risks of suffering from premature coronary heart diseases and atherosclerosis [a condition in which the heart ends up being clogged by fat and other irrelevant substances]. Studies have also proven that there is a link to insulin resistance [a precursor to the common type 2 diabetes as well as diabetic dyslipidemia, blood vessel disease and atherosclerosis etc]. Bad thing is that all the above mentioned conditions are likely to develop way before diabetes itself is diagnosed.

Bottom line
Healthcare professionals and their patients are warned not to be too callous about the cholesterol check [which is amongst the health care essentials] carried out on an annual basis for everyone suffering from diabetes.Good news is, the one year anniversary since the launch of the health care essentials is being used to familiarize people with the dangers of overworking themselves. It has also helped make people emphasize more on the health problems that they identify, especially those related to poor cholesterol control which should promptly be acted upon.

Generally, both people with diabetes and health care professionals should work together to make sure that the annual health check leads to a meaningful action aimed at helping optimize cholesterol levels in the body.

Ways to Prevent Type 2 Diabetes

March 20, 2013 by · Leave a Comment
Filed under: Diabetes Control, Diabetes Prevention 

Type 2 Diabetes is a serious condition – one that is capable of wreaking havoc on your health and lifestyle. Therefore, when you hear that it can be prevented, you take this news as the proverbial silver lining.

Medical experts across the country are united in their opinion that nine out of ten cases of diabetes can be prevented by adopting healthy lifestyle habits; a fact that is borne out by recent studies done on this subject.

For instance, it has been observed that women who were categorized as “low risk” were 90% less likely to have diabetes than other women. Low risk women are those who have maintained optimum body weight (defined by a body mass index of less than 25), exercise at least 30 minutes a day, follow a healthy diet, do not smoke and limit themselves to only 2-3 alcoholic drinks per week. Also, it is no coincidence that men who were excessively overweight, did not exercise, and had a “Western” diet were at high risk of type 2 Diabetes.

What one gathers from this is that making modifications to your existing lifestyle can help you steer clear of diabetes.

So, what are these changes we are talking about? Nothing earth-shattering really, but they are crucial nonetheless. Let’s start with the first one, which would be…EXERCISE.

We all know exercise is beneficial for maintaining overall health and fitness; however, it holds special significance for prevention of type 2 Diabetes. Regular exercise helps maintain optimal muscle function that goes towards improving the body’s sensitivity to insulin. This, in turn, stabilizes your blood glucose levels. In addition, it also improves blood pressure, thereby preventing cardiovascular disease.

On a related note, it is common knowledge that excess weight or obesity can contribute towards development of type 2 Diabetes. Therefore, it stands to reason that shedding pounds and achieving normal body weight would be integral to preventing this condition.

Bear in mind that when we speak of losing weight, we are not referring to building six pack abs or sculpting a perfect body. Losing just 5-7% of your total body weight can delay the onset of type 2 Diabetes and taking just 5 kilos off your body can reduce your chances of getting diabetes by 50%. So, try and get at least half an hour of moderate exercise, five times a week, to stay one step ahead of type 2 Diabetes.

Moving on, the other thing you need to focus on is your diet, starting with reducing the amount of high-sugar foods (carbohydrates) that find their way into it. It is important to avoid simple sugars, since they can get rapidly assimilated into the bloodstream, causing a spike in the amount of insulin being produced by the body. On the other hand, complex starches prove to be a better substitute. Since they take a while to break down, the sugars get absorbed into the bloodstream gradually. This, in turn, produces less insulin.

Next in line is the kind of fat that goes into your diet. While saturated fats can bring about insulin resistance, oleic acid – a type of fat found in olive oil has the opposite effect. That’s why it’s considered to be especially beneficial for diabetics to have meals cooked in olive oil.

While there is no denying that genes play a role in the development of type 2 Diabetes, they come second to lifestyle and behavioral factors. If you can keep excess weight off, follow a healthy style, refrain from drinking and smoking excessively, and exercise regularly, you will be successful in keeping diabetes at bay.

Living with Diabetes: Maintaining a Healthy Circulation

October 22, 2012 by · Leave a Comment
Filed under: Diabetes - Did You Know?, Diabetes Control, Diabetes Prevention, Living with Diabetes 

People living with diabetes need to pay special attention to the health of their circulatory systems, taking conscious efforts to reduce the risks of circulation problems or, in worst case scenarios, cardiovascular disease or stroke. Poor circulation affects the whole body from the feet to the nervous system, and is the reason why over 50 per cent of amputations performed in North America are due to diabetes complications. Maintaining a healthy circulation is the most important preventative measure a patient of diabetes can take to keep their condition stable. Keep reading below to learn more about the effect diabetes has on the circulatory system, and the steps you can take to keep it in shape.

How Does Diabetes Cause Poor Circulation?
Diabetes is often associated with other health problems such as high blood pressure and high levels of glucose and cholesterol. All of these maladies create a massive strain on the heart and arteries which in turn slows down the function of a healthy circulatory system. Once the arteries become damaged they are unable to properly circulate blood away from the heart to where it needs to be. This is the reason why so many diabetics face leg amputations or blindness; the delicate arteries have been damaged to a point where they are starting to affect major blood vessels that serve to carry blood flow from the heart to the periphery of the body.

Steps You Can Take to Prevent Circulation Problems
Quit smoking – smoking has hardens the arteries over time and is a proven cause of poor circulation in diabetics and non-diabetics alike. Diabetics who smoke should quit immediate for the sake of their health and quality of life: not only will circulation improve, so will respiratory health and general mobility. You’ll also save money, which you can spend on a circulation-improving massage.

Exercise – Exercise is the most effective way to get the blood flowing and improve circulation. Aerobic exercises such as jogging, walking and cycling will immediately improve blood flow to the legs and feet. The Canadian Diabetic Association recommends at least 150 minutes of aerobic exercise per week, and to never let more than two days go by without any physical activity.

Watch Cholesterol, Glucose Levels – Talk to your doctor about keeping your blood glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol levels at healthy levels. Eat a diet low in salt, fat and sugar and high in whole grains and vegetables.

Improving blood circulation for those people can sometimes be accomplished by always taking medications on time. People with diabetes mellitus also take certain medications such as generic Glucophage to keep the blood sugar levels under control.

7 Easy Ways to Slash Your Diabetes Risk

August 28, 2012 by · Leave a Comment
Filed under: Diabetes and Diet, Diabetes Prevention, Diabetic Treatment 

New research from Women’s Health Magazine finds you can slash your diabetes risk by following these healthy tips:

1. Hit the Weights. Upping your lean muscle mass could lower your insulin resistance, and drop your odds of developing pre-diabetes. Or every 10-percent increase in muscle mass, your pre-diabetes risk fell by 12-percent. Aim for at least two and a half hours a week of glucose-burning cardio activity — like running, cycling, or swimming.

2. Score Enough Sleep. Long-term sleep deprivation may amp up the body’s insulin resistance, especially in people genetically predisposed to diabetes. Those who regularly snoozed fewer than six hours a night were at the highest risk. Try to get at least seven hours of shut-eye each evening.

3. Fiber up. The rough stuff isn’t just good for digestion; it also curbs post-meal sugar spikes by slowing down the flow of glucose into the bloodstream. So when you crave something sweet, opt for fiber-rich fruits like raspberries or pears. And consider adding brown rice to your diet because it lowers your diabetes risk by 11%.

4. Chill Out. When your body senses stress, it releases hormones that increase blood sugar. Regularly practicing deep breathing or meditation, listening to calming music, or getting massages can quell stress hormones and help lower overall blood sugar.

5. Embrace the Omegas. The omega-3 fatty acids found in foods like oily fish, can help improve insulin sensitivity. Eat at least one serving of this kind of seafood a week.

6. Do the D. The “sunshine vitamin” may be a key factor in the fight against diabetes. A review published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that people with high vitamin-D levels were less likely to develop type 2. Swallow 1,000 to 2,000 IU a day through dairy foods, fatty fish, or supplements.

7. Spice Things Up. Cinnamon may be an ace at lowering blood sugar levels, says research in the Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine. Rich in nutrients called polyphenols, the sweet spice may help insulin do its job more effectively. Sprinkle some into your morning joe or mix it into an oatmeal snack.

Diabetes is a serious chronic disease but that can be managed through lifestyle changes and medications such as generic Glucophage 850mg.

Bitter, Better for A Diabetic

June 18, 2012 by · Leave a Comment
Filed under: Diabetes and Diet, Diabetes Prevention 

Bitter gourds

Bitter melon, also known as bitter gourd, is enriched with dietary fiber, also a rich source of iron and potassium. Bitter melon is a vegetable cultivated and eaten in many countries including China, India, Japan, and South American. Bitter melon grows on a vine in yellow or green color.

Bitter melon is a valuable vegetable, sometimes known as “plant insulin”. Studies claim that various compound in bitter melon have found to be responsible for lowing blood sugar level such as charantin, polypeptide p, and oleanolic acid glycoside. Bitter melon juice has been shown the ability to renew and recover of the insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas.

Bitter gourds are commonly found at Asian grocery markets and can be used as a natural treatment for diabetes. Integrating the bitter gourds in your diabetic diet is a good and inexpensive way to help reduce blood sugar and prevent diabetes.

There are so many ways of cooking bitter gourds tastier. Including raw eating, fresh juice, deep frying, or stir-fried mixed with pork or beef. Bitter melon has many health benefits despite the bitter taste; it is helpful to treat blood disorders, respiratory problems, piles, skin disease, improve digestion, eyesight, and weigh loss. Blanching bitter melon before cooking can help reduce the bitter taste.

If you are taking medications or insulin such as Humalog lispro insulin for regulating your blood sugar levels, check with your doctor before trying bitter melon, and keep a close eye on your blood sugar. Avoid use if you have a history or liver problem. Excessive amount scan cause abdominal pain or diarrhea. Avoid it during pregnancy.

Tree Nuts May Prevent Diabetes and Heart Disease

April 17, 2012 by · Leave a Comment
Filed under: Buy Lantus, Diabetes and Diet, Diabetes Prevention 
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Diabetes Prevention

All those fancy nuts you see at parties may be helping out your heart as well as preventing diabetes. A study was recently released by Louisiana State University describing the effects of tree nuts on inflammation marker C-reactive. C-reactive is often linked with chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes.

Researchers found that people who had a higher consumption of tree nuts such as pistachios, almonds, macadamias, walnuts and cashews were 5 less likely to develop metabolic syndrome, a condition which often elads to more chronic conditions.

Tree nuts have a significant amount of ‘good’ cholesterol. This helps the body to digest food, and metabolize it properly. Buildups of ‘bad’ cholesterols often lead to blocked arteries and heart problems. Researchers were quick to note however, that consuming too many nuts often can cause weight gain, as the body reacts to fats and cholesterol that are only good in small, steady amounts. The recommended intake by diet experts is only a quarter of a cup per day…a perfect mid-afternoon snack.

White Rice Raises Risk of Diabetes

March 20, 2012 by · Leave a Comment
Filed under: Buy Lantus, Diabetes and Diet, Diabetes Prevention, Diabetes Research and News 
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White rice is joining white bread as a contributor to the development of diabetes. According to new research, a eating a significant amount of white rice may raise your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, especially in Asian populations. It is not just the white rice though. Researchers say that the high intake of white rice in Asian populations, combined with modern life’s more sedentary lifestyles, are what is leading to these results.

Researchers believe white rice is creating a high diabetes risk due to its high glycemic index; it has a significantly higher glycemic index than that of most other whole grains, due to its processing. The report also showed that this diabetes risk was also higher in women than in men. According to their calculations, Asians who ate a large amount of white rice were 55% more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than those who ate less. The researchers noted only a 27% higher risk in other racial populations.

Although four studies were done, other scientists are suggesting that a more controlled trial will need to be completed in order for this to be seriously taken into consideration when creating one’s diet.

Tea for Diabetes Prevention

February 21, 2012 by · Leave a Comment
Filed under: Buy Lantus, Diabetes Control, Diabetes Prevention, Long Acting Insulin 

Tea is Liquid Wisdom...

A new study has been released detailing the benefits of black tea consumption. According to the study, which was published in the British journal Nutritional Bulletin, drinking 3 or more cups of black tea a day reduced the risk of both diabetes and heart disease.

Researchers believe this is due to black teas high levels of flavonoids. Flavonoids are a type of antioxidant, which is believed to contribute to the reduction of inflammation and promote good functioning of blood vessels. Flavonoids are most commonly found in fruits and vegetables. Drinking two cups of tea is equal to five servings of vegetables, or 300-400 milligrams of antioxidants.

Diabetes affects over 25 millions Americans each year. All of these patients are required to buy anti-diabetes medications for blood sugar regulation. It is also a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. So be sure to drink your tea!