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Diabetes is one of the biggest scourges of this century. Along with cardiac problems and high cholesterol levels, this condition has pushed entire generations of people into a high risk zone, where they are literally living on the edge everyday. One of the most puzzling things about diabetes is the fact that there is still a lot of confusion about what causes it. Of course, heredity, food habits and lifestyle factors play an important role. But, there are still gaps in our understanding.

According to studies conducted recently, carbohydrate intolerance could be one of the factors that cause diabetes. It certainly contributes to obesity so by natural progression, it must also contribute to diabetes. The ACCP (American College of Chest Physicians) published a new study in their journal that shows how in some people, the inability to absorb and break down carbohydrates leads to the build up of fat. Such people become obese when they are unable to digest or process carbohydrates. When this intolerance is not diagnosed, it leads to metabolic disorders in the long run. Researchers also made another interesting discovery: carbohydrate intolerance leads to metabolic syndrome, which is nothing but a collective name for medical conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure and hypertension.

Proper carbohydrate intake is an important part of type2 diabetes treatment. This is because people who suffer from carbohydrate intolerance cannot tolerate any of the simple sugars that their food provides. In such people, there is a lack of digestive enzymes. This makes it impossible to digest and absorb carbohydrates. Since the body is not getting its fair share of carbs, it goes into a starvation mode. It stores more fat. At the same time, it stimulates hunger, thereby encouraging the person to eat more. This is the reason why untreated food intolerance directly leads to diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

It is not just type2 diabetes, even type1 diabetes may be caused by the body’s adverse reaction to food. Evidence has been collected to show how the condition shows great genetic similarity to celiac disease which is caused by gluten intolerance.

As sufferers know, there is no cure for diabetes. The most vital part of diabetes treatment is the proper management of blood sugar levels. Patients are advised to eat food in moderation, exercise and follow a healthy lifestyle so that their blood sugar levels remain stable. Food items that are rich in fiber while lean on carbs is the recommended diet since these items release sugar at a steady pace, unlike simple carbohydrates which inundate the bloodstream with high doses of sugar. Even in spite of following these regulations, carbohydrate intolerance can lead to associated problems. Therefore, such people may need to take in enzymes that help break down carbohydrates.

According to surveys and reports, more than 72% of all Americans suffer from one or another kind of food intolerance. Unfortunately, most of us are not aware of food sensitivities because the symptoms are quite subtle. The only way you can spot food sensitivity is through blood tests that confirm the same. Considering the needless suffering that people with food sensitivities undergo day after day and year after year, a simple blood test seems like a more attractive alternative.

Diabetes is defined as a chronic disease marked by high levels of sugar in the blood. There are three major types of Diabetes:

* Type 1 Diabetes - This type of Diabetes is usually diagnosed in childhood. Many patients are diagnosed when they are older than age 20. In Type 1, the body makes little or no insulin, and daily injections of insulin are needed. The exact cause is unknown. Genetics, viruses, and autoimmune problems may possibly play a role.

* Type 2 Diabetes - This type of Diabetes is much more common than Type 1. It usually occurs in adulthood. In Type 2, the pancreas does not make enough insulin to keep blood glucose levels normal, often because the body does not respond well to insulin. Type 2 Diabetes is becoming more common due to the increasing rate of obesity and lack of exercise.

* Gestational Diabetes - This type of Diabetes indicates high blood glucose that develops at any time during pregnancy in women who do not have Diabetes.

People with Type 2 Diabetes are most likely to respond well to natural alternative Diabetes treatments which include regular exercise, a reduction in the consumption of processed foods, and a return to a diet rich in fresh vegetables.

Discover Natural Alternative Remedies that are Safe, Effective, and Beneficial at: http://natures-remedy.blogspot.com

Type 2 diabetes, once known as adult-onset or noninsulin-dependent diabetes, is a chronic condition that affects the way your body metabolizes sugar (glucose), your body’s main source of fuel. Type 2 diabetes is often preventable, but the condition is on the rise fueled largely by the current obesity epidemic.

Type 2 diabetes used to be known as maturity onset, or Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes. It develops mainly in people older than 40 (but sometimes occurs in younger people). In the UK about 3 in 100 people aged over 40, and about 10 in 100 people aged over 65, have Type 2 diabetes. It is more common in people who are overweight or obese. It also tends to run in families. It is also more common in South Asian and African-Caribbean people (often developing before the age of 40 in this group).

Managing your diabetes

Here are some steps you can take to manage your diabetes and help maintain your overall health and wellness – today and in the future:

• Don’t smoke

• Check your blood glucose levels regularly and keep them in your target range

• Keep your cholesterol and other blood fats in your target range

• Maintain a healthy weight

• Keep your blood pressure close to target level

• Take your medication as prescribed

• Manage your stress effectively

• Follow a balanced meal plan

• Be physically active

• Take care of your feet

• Regularly visit your dentist, eye care specialist (every one to two years) and

• Doctor

Treatment for Type II Diabetes

Regular Physical Activity: Regular exercise is important for everyone, but especially if you have diabetes. Regular exercise helps control the amount of glucose in the blood. It also helps burn excess calories and fat so you can manage your weight.

Monitoring treatment: Your treatment should be monitored regularly in a diabetes clinic. You may need to ‘step up’ treatment from time to time. For example, your blood glucose may be well controlled by lifestyle measures alone for a number of years. However, in time, you may need to add in one tablet. And then at a later time you may need to add in another tablet to keep your blood glucose level down.

Diet and Weight Control: Meal planning includes choosing healthy foods, eating the right amount of food, and eating meals at the right time. You should work closely with your health care provider to learn how much fat, protein, and carbohydrates you need in your diet. Your specific meal plans need to be tailored to your food habits and preferences.

Insulin: Insulin injections lower blood glucose. Only some people with Type 2 diabetes need insulin. It may be advised if your blood glucose level is not well controlled by tablets. The dose and type of insulin used varies from person to person. Sometimes insulin is used alone. Sometimes it is used in addition to tablets (such as metformin or a sulphonylurea).

Foot Care: People with diabetes are prone to foot problems. Diabetes can cause damage to nerves, which means you may not feel an injury to the foot until a large sore or infection develops. Diabetes can also damage blood vessels, which makes it harder for the body to fight infection.

Hence, treatments involve the implementation of a proper diet, enough exercise, and drug medication. However, this type of diabetes is known to be progressive or can get worse and may reach a point where symptoms will have to be addressed by insulin injections.   

Based on statistics, 95% of people with known medical records of diabetes are affected by the type 2. Nonetheless, both types 1 and 2  diabetes are considered as incurable and the treatment for both is aimed at controlling the blood glucose at a normal level.    

Type 2 diabetes treatment however, is different from type 1 since exercise, proper diet and drug medications will suffice to control the symptoms.

Herewith are the generic names of the medications used as additional treatment for the type 2 diabetes; the list below can provide you with the possible side effects you may encounter as a diabetic patient:

1. Sitagliptin phosphate – This is an oral medication that may not affect your weight but has known indications to have caused sore throat, diarrhea or upper respiratory tract infection.    

2. Exenatide – This medication is taken as an injection and may help as a weight loss medium. Its possible side effects are nausea or inflammation of the pancreas.    

3. Pramlintide – Also received by the body through injection and can also help in weight loss. Possible side effect is nausea and the patient is cautioned not to take this simultaneously with other oral medications for diabetes. Avoid using the same syringe previously used for injecting insulin.    

4. Pioglitazone – An oral medication known to cause decrease in triglycerides. Weight can  be gained and there are indications that it can cause swelling, increase bad cholesterol (LDL). In some rare cases this medication has caused liver problems. It is important not to use this in type 1 diabetes if under diabetic ketoacidosis.

5. Rosiglitazone – This medication is taken orally and is known to increase good cholesterol (HDL). However, its use presents the possible risks of heart attack, swelling, weight gain, liver problems, increase in bad cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides.

6. Glimepiride – An oral medication that blends well with other diabetes medicines. Its other effects can cause lower blood sugar and weight gain.

7. Metformin – Taken orally and will not cause weight gain but can lead to a decrease in bad cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides. However, some side effect are nausea, diarrhea and the build up of harmful lactic acid.

8. Glipizide – One of the oldest known oral medication which unifies with other diabetes medications. Nevertheless, weight gain and low blood sugar can be experienced.

There maybe an abundance of medications available for type 2 diabetes, but still there is the possibility to develop hypoglycaemia or low blood glucose. In view of this, it is recommended to have a sugary drink or glucose tablets with you in case the need arises. Other remedial treatment includes an injection of glucagon, a hormone that immediately increases the level of blood glucose.  

Trained educators who understand diabetes sufferers and well versed in education programs flexible in content and adaptable to the clinical and psychological needs of the patient can also contribute to the effective implementation of type 2 diabetes treatment.

Alvin Hopkinson is a leading health researcher in the area of natural remedies and diabetes natural treatment. Discover how you can reverse your diabetes for good using proven and effective home remedies, all without using harmful medications or drugs. Visit his site now at http://www.minusdiabetes.com

MAJOR RISK FACTORS FOR TYPE 2 DIABETES

Here are some of the major risk factors for type 2 diabetes:

1) Age – As people age, the chances of getting diabetes type 2 is considerably higher. So for those who are older than 45 years, they are at a higher risk of getting the disease.

2) Overweight – Being overweight is another strong risk factor especially the person is heavier in the center.

3) Genetic factors – Having someone with diabetes in the family puts you at a higher risk.

4) Certain ethnic groups such as such as native americans, african americans, latino americans, pacific islanders and asian individuals who are at higher risk for developing type 2 diabetes.

5) People with high blood pressure and high cholestorol levels are at higher risk for type 2 diabetes.

6) Women at risk – women who have had a big baby of more than 9lbs are at higher risk of having type 2 diabetes. Other risk factors include women who had gestational diabetes, polycystic overian syndrom, irregular menstrual cycles and developing facial hair.

Of all these common risk factors, the most common are those who have family history as well as those who are gaining weight in the middle.

HOW TO CONTROL TYPE 2 DIABETES

Diabetes can be one of the hardest diseases to treat as it does not go away. It is always there with you, day in and day out. It will affect your daily life in what you do and what you eat. You have to be always conscious of your blood sugar as you can’t let it go too high to avoid complications. The next best thing you can do to help yourself is to control the disease.

The main cause of type 2 diabetes is insulin resistance and insulin deficiency. So the first thing you want to do is to help reduce the resistance of insulin. Exercising and losing weight can help reducing resistance to insulin and thus control type 2 diabetes. The other way is using pills which your doctor will recommend to you. However,due to the advance technology as well as rising awareness of using alternative way to treat type 2 diabetes, herbal and natural supplements are increasingly popular.

Here are a few of the natural/alternative herbs which have worked for many diabetics:

1. Bitter melon has long been regarded as the natural cure for diabetes. This fruit is known for its abilities to regulate blood glucose level. In fact, bitter melon is recommended by the Dept of Philippines as one of the best herbal medicines for managing diabetes.

2. Gymnema sylvestre is a herb native to the tropical forests of southern and central India where it has been used as a naturopathic treatment for diabetes for nearly two millennia. This herb has been shown to reduce blood sugar levels when used for an extended period of time. The active ingredient is thought to be gurmenic acid which has structure similar to saccharose. Extracts of Gymnema is not only claimed to curb sweet tooths but also for treatment of as varied problems as hyperglycemia, obesity, high cholesterol levels, anemia and digestion.

3. Cassia (Cinnamomum aromaticum or Chinese cinnamon) is a close relative to cinnamon. In fact, when cinnamon is said to be beneficial for diabetes, it is actually cassia, a less delicate version of the true cinnamon. A 2003 study published in the DiabetesCare journal followed Type 2 diabetics ingesting 1, 3 or 6 grams of cassia daily. Those taking 6 grams shows changes after 20 days, and those taking lesser doses showed changes after 40 days. Regardless of the amount of cassia taken, they reduced their mean fasting serum glucose levels 18–29%, their triglyceride levels 23–30%, their LDL cholesterol 7–27%, and their total cholesterol 12–26%, over others taking placebos. The effects, which may even be produced by brewing a tea from cassia bark, may also be beneficial for non-diabetics to prevent and control elevated glucose and blood lipid levels.

4. Chromium – Starting in the 1960s reports have shown that Chromium helps cells respond properly to naturally produced insulin. Current estimates show that 90% of Americans are lacking in this essential mineral nutrient.

5. Helps to improve circulation in the little capillaries in the hands and feet. Also valuable in balancing the digestion and strengthening the immune system.

6. Mulberry leaves is know to effectively help regulate blood sugar levels. Drink as tea can help to reduce absorption of sugar and carbohydrates. It is also a good source of antioxidants, vitamin C and carotene.

Beside these, there are others less known herbs for controlling diabetes. These herbs when combine together in the right balance can be very powerful in helping you manage diabetes. However, it is important to research on these supplements to ensure they indeed do what they claim. ProvenHealthCare.com provides informative reviews and articles on alternative methods of controlling diabetes.

This combination of stress and diabetes can even lead to other health problems like kidney disease, blindness, limb amputation, and cardiovascular problems. Your diabetes treatment can only be effective if you learn how to control your stress levels at the same time.

You need to practise some form of relaxation therapy in order to do this. These include breathing techniques, prayer, meditation, and exercise.

Another form of relaxation therapy that is widely used is biofeedback. This technique measures your stress level by monitoring your body temperature and muscle tenseness, and then helps you to learn how to deal with stress once you recognize the symptoms of stress. Studies have been conducted that have confirmed the value of using biofeedback with relaxation techniques as diabetes treatment.

Most patients who are under a great deal of stress do have a problem of controlling their blood glucose levels. The reason is that the stress makes them unable to control their eating and it makes it difficult to be consistent with their exercise plan. The cycle then continues with high and uncontrolled blood sugar levels, which can cause sickness and more life-threatening complications.

A relaxation therapy can help you adjust your response to stress. Changing your response to stress can help control your blood glucose levels, because when you become stressed, your body releases a chemical called cortisol. This chemical keeps the body from absorbing insulin properly. Patients who used biofeedback and relaxation techniques together control their glucose levels much better than patients who are educated about stress in their lives alone. This combination helps to lower levels of muscle tension, depression, and anxiety as well.

Exercise is another excellent way to decrease your stress level. The good news is that it has other benefits, too, including weight control, lower blood sugar levels, and reducing those stressful feelings. If you start to feel stressed at work, you may want to get up and walk around to relieve that stress. The key is to listen to your body and realize that exercise can benefit you both mentally and physically. Your diabetes treatment can be of greater help if you exercise at the same time.

You should definitely consider using relaxation therapy while undergoing diabetes treatment. Do you feel the signals that your body releases when you are stressed? Do you feel your muscles tightening up in your neck and shoulders? Do you clench your teeth or have hot flashes? Do you find it hard to breathe? Any of these signs can be telling you that it is time that you relax to accelerate the success of your diabetes treatment.