A nasal spray vaccine currently being trialed in Australia could prevent the development of type 1 diabetes.

Previous research showed that the nasal vaccine was successful in preventing the disease in mice, and now the results of a study involving 52 adults with early type 1 diabetes has provided encouraging evidence that it could also be effective in preventing the disease humans.

Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body’s immune system attacks and kills the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. The subsequent lack of insulin leads to increased blood and urine glucose, which can result in heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, blindness and premature death if left untreated, with the most common treatment being the daily injection of insulin.

Although the 52 participants in the study had early type 1 diabetes and had evidence of immunity to insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas, they were not yet at the stage of requiring insulin injections. For the study, the participants were given either the nasal vaccine or a placebo for 12 months.

When administered through the nasal passages, the insulin vaccine stimulates the immune system present in the mucosal linings and works to desensitize the whole immune system to insulin so that the immune system’s white blood cells are prevented from attacking insulin in the beta cells.

“The results showed that the vaccine allowed the immune system to restore immune tolerance to insulin,” said Professor Len Harrison of the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute in Melbourne, Australia. “When subsequently given insulin by injection, the participants who had received the nasal insulin vaccine were found to be desensitized to insulin.”

The researchers from the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute and the Royal Melbourne Hospital say the results of the study indicate they are on the right track to finding a vaccine for type 1 diabetes and the same approach could also be adapted to other autoimmune diseases.

“The nasal vaccine approach, if shown to be successful in human type 1 diabetes, could also be tested with different vaccines for the prevention of other autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis,” added Professor Harrison.

The Type 1 Diabetes Prevention Trial, which was previously known as the intranasal insulin trial, INIT II), began in 2006 and is now halfway through the testing phase. Following the encouraging results of the study, hopes are high a nasal vaccine for type 1 diabetes could be available in as little as two years.

Details of the research was published in the April 2011 issue of the journal Diabetes.

Sourced & published by Henry Sapiecha

The 7-minute exercise plan for diabetes prevention

Exercise is overrated. I’m always reading more proof that says you don’t need to run a marathon to receive the benefits of a little exercise. Like this British study that claims you can control or prevent diabetes with as little as seven minutes of exercise… per week.

The study’s leader, University of Edinburgh biologist James Timmons, says that you can get the same benefits from minimal amounts of exercise as you can from workouts that last for hours. “This is such a brief amount of exercise you can do it without breaking a sweat,” Timmons said.

In the study, out-of-shape men in their 20s were asked to ride an exercise bike a few times each day – in 30 second bursts of pedaling – two days a week. After just two weeks, the all of the men were 23 % more effective at processing the insulin.

I’ve warned you many times about the potential dangers of over-rigorous exercise, so this minimalist approach appeals to me – and it should to you, too! Like I always say, skip the gym membership and just go for a brisk walk.

Always providing your brain with vigorous exercise,

William Campbell Douglass II, M.D.

Sourced & published by Henry Sapiecha

CINNAMON AND BLOOD PRESSURE/APHRODISIAC/DIABETES

The use of cinnamon can be traced way back remote times – Moses is said to have used cinnamon when he made the holy oil, and ancient nations gave cinnamon as a gift for monarchs and gods.  Cinnamon has been regarded as a very valuable spice, its value sometimes being likened to gold. Nations who were involved in trading centuries ago regard cinnamon as highly-priced and highly-coveted item.

Over the years, people have discovered the source of cinnamon and, with the advent of technology, acquiring cinnamon is no longer very difficult.  Cinnamon has been used as a condiment for cooking, giving the dish a sweet flavour coupled with an aroma like no other. Liqueurs, tea, cocoa, chocolates, breads and fruits have benefitted from the use of cinnamon.

Medical experts have been studying the health benefits that one can get from the consumption of cinnamon.  One case to prove that point is a recent randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study conducted by researchers from London’s Imperial College regarding the benefits of cinnamon on diabetes patients.

Cinnamon and Diabetes:  Is there a link?

In order to find the association between cinnamon and its effects on patients with diabetes, a group of researchers from the Imperial College in London, headed by Dr. Rajadurai Akilen, conducted a study which involved 58 patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and whose mean age was 55. Each participant was randomly assigned to either of two groups:  one group received a supplement of 2 grams of cinnamon every day, and another group received placebo.  The length of time wherein the participants received the intervention was 12 weeks.

After the study, the results revealed that the intake of cinnamon supplement was linked to an average decrease in systolic blood pressure of 3.4 mmHg, and a decrease in diastolic blood pressure of 5.0 mmHg.  As for the results of the placebo group, no significant reduction in blood pressure was noted.

When it comes to the participants’ blood sugar level, the researchers noticed a decrease in glycated haemoglobin levels over twelve weeks in the cinnamon group – from 8.22 percent to 7.86 percent.  In the placebo group, on the other hand, researchers noted an increase in glycated haemoglobin levels – from 8.55 percent to 8.68 percent over a period of twelve weeks. Glycated haemoglobin is used in measuring the levels of sugar in the blood.

The Conclusion

Dr. Akilen and his co-workers said that the clinical trial is a first in the UK which has confirmed significant valuable effects of 2 grams cinnamon on the blood pressure and glycated haemoglobin of patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes coming from different ethnicities. The authors, writing in Diabetic Medicine, said that the 2 gram dose of cinnamon that was administered to the participants of the study was well tolerated and considered safe for the entire duration of the study. They concluded by saying that the durability and sustainability of cinnamon’s effects has not yet been tested, and its long-term safety and tolerability has not yet been determined. Nevertheless, the short-term effects of cinnamon use for type 2 diabetes patients appear to hold a lot of promise.

Health Benefits of Cinnamon

• It helps lower bad cholesterol (LDL) levels.
• Studies have shown that it has the ability to stop yeast infections that have become resistant to medications.
• A study conducted by researchers from the U.S. Department of Agriculture located in Maryland revealed that cinnamon reduced the propagation of lymphoma and leukaemia cancer cells.
• Cinnamon is said to prevent the formation of blood clots.
• A study conducted at the Copenhagen University revealed that patients who were given half teaspoon of cinnamon powder mixed with one tablespoon of honey each morning prior to eating breakfast experienced a significant relief in pain brought about by arthritis after one week.
• Another study indicated that inhaling the smell of cinnamon helps boost memory and cognitive function.

The Facts on Diabetes

More and more people are being diagnosed with diabetes each day that the statistics appear to be very alarming. The European Union 25 currently has 19 million diabetics, and the numbers are expected to rise by up to 26 million by the year 2030.  Four percent of EU 25’s current total population are diabetics.  In the United States, 24 million people – or eight percent of America – are diabetics.  According to the 2005-2007 figures of the American Diabetes Association, the total cost being spent on diabetes is a whopping $174 billion, and $116 billion from this is being spent on medication.

Diabetes results from high amounts of sugar levels in the blood.  If left uncontrolled, diabetes will eventually cause problems in other parts of the body and will seriously interfere with the body parts’ normal functioning.  Examples of body parts that are most commonly affected by the complications brought about by uncontrolled diabetes include the eyes (diabetic retinopathy), feet (peripheral vascular disease), nerves (diabetic neuropathy), and the kidneys (diabetic nephropathy).  Being diagnosed with diabetes also puts a person at a higher risk for cardiovascular diseases as well as joint and bone disorders.  Sexual dysfunction, digestive and skin problems as well as oral and dental problems are long-term complications of uncontrolled diabetes mellitus.

Top Five Ways to Naturally Lower Blood Sugar Levels

• Get Enough Sleep

Studies have shown that the quality and duration of sleep can affect the body’s ability to properly regulate the production of insulin and that interrupted or short sleep can disturb insulin production. Insulin is produced by the pancreas in order to control the levels of sugar in the blood.

In order to ensure a good night’s sleep, do some exercises during the early part of the day.  It will also help if you establish a regular time for sleeping and waking up.  Also, avoid caffeine especially before going to bed.

• Stay Active

Regular exercise helps a person lose extra pounds and promotes better health.  However, researchers have also discovered that exercising is associated with the way the liver gives out glucose in order for it to be used by the body.  It is advised that workouts should be done right before a meal. This is according to researchers from the University of Michigan.

• Reduce your Stress Level

Stress causes the release of hormones, such as adrenaline, responsible for the fight or flight response.  Once these hormones accumulate, fat and glucose stores are released into the blood stream which, in turn, raises the levels of sugar present in the blood.  In order to prevent this from happening, it is important that a person recognizes the stress levels in his life and then try to minimize its impact. Learn to take deep breaths, or do some meditation exercises because having the ability to relax will do wonders to one’s blood sugar levels.

• Get More Fiber in your Diet

Aside from helping in the digestive process and in easing constipation, soluble fiber helps lower cholesterol levels, and improves blood sugar levels as well. Avoid foods processed foods and those that contain refined carbohydrates. Go for foods rich in fiber such as broccoli, whole wheat breads, beans, etc.

• Think Mediterranean

Scientists in Spain conducted a study which revealed that a diet rich in vegetables, extra virgin olive oil and fish provided remarkable results when it comes to reducing a person’s risk of diabetes.  It is recommended that a person consume two or more servings of vegetables per day, eat three servings of fish per week, and have fresh fruits for snacks and dessert.

Sourced & published by Henry Sapiecha

SO YOU HAVE DIABETES?

GO DO SOME EXERCISE TO CONTROL YOUR BLOOD SUGAR LEVELS

Diabetes is a serious health problem triggered by different factors like an unhealthy diet, sedentary lifestyle and other health conditions like obesity. It affects all demographics with increased prevalence in some races. Also known as diabetes mellitus, diabetes is a composition of several metabolic disorders that results to high levels of blood sugar.

The types of diabetes are classified according to the reason for the increase in blood sugar.

• The first of type diabetes is a result of the body’s insufficient production of insulin; this is type 1 diabetes. A person with type 1 diabetes will need insulin medication which is normally injected to the body in order to manage blood sugar level.
• Type 2 diabetes, on the other hand, results to the body cells’ resistance to insulin in order to properly metabolize sugar. This condition may also be worsened by the insufficient production of insulin.

Diabetes can be diagnosed at an early stage. The condition can be genetic but lifestyle factors also play a big role in influencing the onset of the disease. Different studies have shown that the lack of exercise and an unhealthy diet can significantly increase the risk of developing diabetes. The first and most common symptoms of diabetes are:

• frequent urination or polyuria
• increased hunger or polyphagia
• increased thirst or polydipsia

If the three symptoms are felt, the person is advised to go to a physician and undergo sugar blood test.

Unmanaged blood sugar can lead to several health complications; the simplest is the physiological change of the shape of the lenses in the eyes. This leads to vision changes but this effect can be easily handled by lowering blood sugar through lifestyle changes and by controlling one’s diet. In type 1 diabetes, vision change is rapid.  In type 2 diabetes, on the other hand, visual problems appear more gradually. The traditional treatment of diabetes primarily involves the introduction of insulin to the body to help it lower blood sugar level. Nowadays, more and more medical experts turn in to the natural ways of dealing with diabetes. They advise patients to limit their sugar intake and participate in more physical activities in order to manage weight and stimulate the metabolism of glucose.

The risk of developing diabetes is highly influenced by genetics, high blood pressure, obesity, high cholesterol levels and smoking. Unhealthy diet and lack of exercise has also been proven to elevate the risk. Though medications to treat the disease is highly available, the health hazards of its continuous application poses a great risk of trading one serious health condition for another. Alternative procedures to manage blood sugar are being continuously discovered by studies to be effective in better managing diabetes without the adverse effects. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association showed the efficacy of combination exercise in managing the symptoms of type 2 diabetes.

Combination Exercise against Diabetes

A group of researchers from the Louisiana State University conducted a study evaluating the effects of combination exercise to type 2 diabetes patients. They found that the combination of resistance training and aerobic exercise can offer significant health benefits to type 2 diabetes patients by helping them manage their blood sugar levels. The results of the study were compared to diabetes management plans with either type of exercise and with no exercise at all. Researchers said that exercise can give numerous benefits to type 2 diabetes patients but despite that, it is unclear which type of exercise has greater benefits in managing the condition. This is what they aimed to find out.

The researchers gathered a group of 262 men and women who were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and who did not use exercise as a means of managing their condition. The researchers compared the effects of aerobic exercise, resistance training program and a combination of the two against not exercising. After the nine-month study period, the researchers observed a significant change in the blood sugar levels in study participants who took the combination exercise program. In addition to this, the patients also needed lesser pharmaceutical medication in order to manage the disease compared to the other groups. The group who did not exercise needed to increase their medication by 39 percent compared to the group which took resistance training, 22 percent against aerobic exercise and 18 percent compared to combination exercise.

The head of the research team, Timothy S. Church, said that even though both aerobic and resistance training program have been proven to be beneficial to diabetes management, the combination of the two programs produced better results. He added that it is also important to consider the lower blood sugar levels in the combination group compared to the group with no exercise despite the latter having increased usage of diabetes medication.

The Many Health Benefits of Frequent Exercise

The list of the many health benefits of maintaining a healthy lifestyle can just go on and on. Here are some examples:

• Exercising in most days of the week has been found to extend a person’s life expectancy by improving his resistance against diseases. Maintaining an active lifestyle is just as important as eating the right kinds of food.
• Diet and exercise come hand in hand. Exercise improves the digestion, absorption and metabolism of food. This helps the body get more of the foods we eat.
• For a fact, participating in physical activities can be fun. Playing sports, going to the gym or jogging around the park can be an effective means to socialize with other people, meet new friends and spending time with family and friends.
• Exercise can also promote better sleep. People who exercise more have been found to sleep faster and better.
• Participating in physical activities can also improve ones mood and energy levels.
• On top of all these, exercise is an effective means of managing and maintaining body weight. People who don’t exercise are found to be more at risk to grow obese and are more prone to develop serious health conditions. In diabetes prevention, for example, exercising is utilized as a means of improving metabolism, control weight and shed out excess pounds.
• Other diseases like cancer and cardiovascular diseases have also been associated with the lack of exercise, along with an unhealthy diet.
• Sourced & published by Henry Sapiecha
• 
  

WHAT FOODS & DRINKS NOT TO HAVE TO AVOID DIABETES

Diabetes is one of the biggest health concerns today. The therapies used today in order to cure diabetes are limited to helping the body maintain a healthy sugar level. The most commonly known treatment is the injection of insulin to the body in order to supplement the naturally supplied insulin from the pancreas and to stimulate the cells’ response to the substance. Note that insulin is a very important hormone that helps in the metabolism and balance of sugar in the body.

The approach to treating diabetes may depend on which type a person’s case falls under. Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body’s immune system attacks the cells in the pancreas responsible for producing insulin. It can be triggered by genetic markers but environment factors like diet and viruses can also cause the onset of type 1 diabetes. Insulin-dependent diabetes, as it was previously called, usually happens in people aged 40 or below and will require the injection of insulin several times in a day.

Type 2 or late-onset diabetes happens when the body cells have become resistant to insulin. This is also accompanied with the insufficient production of insulin. People with a family history of type 2 diabetes have higher risk of developing the disease as well. But studies have shown that a person’s lifestyle have great influence over the disease; it can also work the other way around and reduce a person’s risk despite being genetically predisposed.

The usual aphorism for the fight against any disease is “prevention is better than cure.” And nothing can have as much value as avoiding the things in terms of diet that may lead to an increased risk of developing diseases. Specific types of foods and habits have been linked to the development of diabetes. A study from the Harvard School of Public Health showed that drinking sweetened-beverages increases the risk of diabetes by 26 percent.

Sweetened Drinks Can Increase Diabetes Risk

A team of researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health analyzed the data from 11 earlier studies on diabetes risk. The reports contain information from over 320,000 study participants and it gave the researchers an opportunity to look at the issue from higher grounds. Vasanti Malik, one of the researchers, said that drinking beverages with artificial sweeteners have been consistently linked to metabolic syndromes and the development of diabetes in the different studies that they analyzed. They included drinking vitamin and energy drinks, iced tea, fruit drinks, and soft drinks in their study while removing pure fruit juices with no added artificial sweeteners from the list. Some examples of risk factors for metabolic syndromes are increased waist size, low good cholesterol levels, high triglycerides, increased blood sugar levels, and high blood pressure. All these metabolic abnormalities increase diabetes risk.

Malik said that, through the massive information that they have gathered from the previous studies, they were able to look at the bigger picture and found consistent evidence. They were able to summarize the studies and have found an average measurement on the link between drinking sweetened beverages and diabetes risk. According to their analysis, people who habitually drinks sweetened drinks with approximately 1 to 2 sweetened beverages in a day have 20 percent higher risk of developing metabolic syndromes and 26 percent higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared to the people who only drank the beverage at least once a month or those who totally do not. The study on diabetes included 310,819 participants of which 15,043 had diabetes, while the study on metabolic syndromes had more than 19,400 participants with over 5,800 cases of metabolic syndromes.

According to the American Diabetes Association, over 18 million people in the United States suffer from diabetes and most of them have type 2 diabetes where the body fails to produce sufficient insulin and at the same time fails to respond to it properly. There are several factors that affect the risk of developing diabetes. These include age, weight, ethnicity and family history. The association between drinking artificially sweetened beverages and diabetes lies in the factor of excessive weight gain according to the researchers. This can also lead to the rapid increase in blood sugar and the accumulation of insulin in the blood which promotes insulin resistance in the cells. They added that the study is dedicated to measuring the relations between sweetened beverage and diabetes, and not to establish causation.

Foods to Avoid

The list of foods that a person with diabetes needs to avoid may go all the way down to the food we love eating the most. And the ingredient that one needs to look for before putting something in the shopping cart is sugar, red meat and saturated fat. Common white sugar, for one, is refined sucrose. It is derived from refining cane juice and removing minerals, protein and fiber. Its ability to be easily absorbed into the blood stream without digestion makes it the worst food for people with diabetes. When a person eats white sugar, his blood sugar levels immediately rises. People with efficient insulin production may not have to worry about it. But people with diabetes can experience hypoglycemia, loss of consciousness, insomnia, dizziness and depression.

The intake of excessive saturated fats may lead to the development of cardiovascular diseases in people with diabetes. Foods with high saturated fats are cocoa butter, coconut oil, palm oil and red meat. Trans-fatty acids from hydrogenated products like margarine can increase not only the risk of diabetes but also heart diseases and even cancer. Trans-fat can also affect the lining of the arteries and result to a 53 percent higher risk of heart attack compared to people who have little or no consumption of the fat. White breads and other products made from white flour needs to be avoided by people with diabetes. White flour is known to contain alloxan which destroys the cells in the pancreas that produces insulin. It causes genetic damage to beta cells and causes them to malfunction and die.

Sourced & published by Henry Sapiecha

Keeping Dieting Simple for Greater Weight Loss Success

When you are dieting it is easy to bounce from one good sounding diet to the next in your bid to lose weight fast. Those who enjoy the most success when losing weight are those who are sensible about the process. Here are some tips that will help you to lose weight sensibly without making you crazy in the process.

The best way to start any attempt to lose excess weight is to record everything that you eat, and what you were doing at the time you were eating as well as how you felt during the meal or snack. Your food diary will reveal a lot about your eating habits. Your eating habits are what makes up your eating pattern which typically involves overeating for a variety of reasons including emotional eating (when you are upset, nervous, or even excited), to avoid having to talk at meals, or because you just love food and have no idea how much food you should be eating at each meal or snack. The food diary will tell a lot about what foods you eat, your food temptations, your emotional state while eating and how often you eat.

Another smart tip is to brush your teeth if you feel tempted to eat a sweet or other goodie that would destroy your goal of losing weight. Most people have an aversion to eating food right after brushing. If you must, give in to the temptation to cheat on your diet with a tasty morsel or sweet by giving yourself permission to eat it, but only half of the food item instead of the entire thing. Another way to avoid temptation is to wait ten minutes before letting yourself have the goodie in order to give yourself time to focus on other things instead of eating. Sometimes this works and sometimes it doesn’t depending on your ability to be distracted and your willpower to lose weight.

Building up willpower is sometimes easier if you have motivation that is right in front of your face when temptation to stray from your diet rears its ugly head. A motivational reminder can be a picture of the new bathing suit your are hoping to wear when you lose weight, or a photo of a wedding couple as a reminder that you want to lose weight before your wedding. Anything that is a physical reminder of your reason for wanting to lose weight will be a visible reminder when you are being tempted.

Make sure that your weight loss goals are reasonable ones and that they are attainable in the time frame that you have given yourself. Make smaller goals along the way to your ultimate goal. Get adequate amounts of sleep, drink 8 glasses of water a day, exercise daily, avoid sugar and eat smaller more frequent meals are perhaps the most important weight loss tips. Have a buddy to go through your weight loss program with, one who is also trying to lose weight or one who is able to support you and understand your weight loss efforts. Drink a full glass of water as soon as you wake up, and before each meal and snack. A full glass of cold water to start your day also starts your metabolism. A metabolism that has been jumpstarted with a glass of cold water will burn more calories than a person who wakes, and does other activities besides drinking water or eating. When you drink adequate amounts of water, the water acts as a diuretic, which will then cut down on the water retention and give you a full feeling before meals and snacks so you eat less.

Sourced & published by Henry Sapiecha

ACTOS DRUG FOR DIABETES HAS SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS ON THE BODY

DIABETES IS A CURABLE DISEASE IT IS SAID – TRUE OR FALSE?

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has published a review regarding the long term adverse effects of Diabetes drug Actos to the body. According to the study, data acquired from patients taking Actos has shown more risk of getting bladder cancer. The extended consumption of the drug has shown significance in affecting a person’s susceptibility to bladder cancer.

The presence of unwanted side effects has been one of the primary issues surrounding the use of diabetes pharmaceutical drugs. Another diabetes drug, Avandia, has also been subjected to several debates by health professionals and FDA experts regarding its overwhelming side effects, including the increase of heart failure risk. But the lack of other quality options proven curative or beneficial to controlling diabetes keeps these drugs, including Actos, in the market.

FDA has yet to conduct further studies regarding Actos and its potential influence over bladder cancer risk.  The results may spell the difference between getting the red light, or the green light, with regards to consumption. However, early human and animal studies had linked Actos to the condition.  In fact, the agency had required Takeda Pharmaceuticals, the manufacturer of Actos, to conduct their own study regarding the potential risks brought about by the prolonged use of the drug, especially its influence over bladder cancer. The study is expected to last for 10 years.  Results on its 5th year reveals that intake of the drug did not show increased risk of getting bladder cancer. But when the researchers focused on the patients who had taken the highest dosage of the drug in their lifetime, a significant increase in bladder cancer risk was apparent. The increase in risk was observed in patients who had taken the drug for at least 24 months.

In their published statement, the FDA refused to assure the public that Actos increases the risk of bladder cancer. They advised patients who are taking Actos as a maintenance drug to stop taking the drug and seek consultation from their physicians or a medical professional for alternative ways to control their diabetes, especially if they are finding Actos an unsuitable option, and if they have been experiencing the probable onset of the proposed side effect.

A Closer Look at Diabetes

Diabetes of Diabetes Mellitus with an international symbol of a blue circle is not just one disease but is actually a group of metabolic diseases wherein the person’s body has high blood sugar levels. This is either caused by the body’s reduced capacity to produce insulin or the cells’ incapacitation to respond to insulin in controlling the body’s sugar level.

The usual symptoms of increased sugar levels in the body are increased thirst or polydipsia; frequent urination or polyuria; and increased hunger or polyphagia. The three classifications of diabetes are related to the reasons for the increased sugar level in the person’s body:

• type 1 diabetes is when the person’s body is producing less insulin than what the body needs;
• type 2 diabetes is when the cells in the person’s cells fail to respond to the insulin hormone that the body produces;
• Type 3 diabetes is a special case in pregnant women who experience increased sugar levels during pregnancy.

Natural Methods of Preventing and Controlling Diabetes

Compounds that have been scientifically proven to contain curative and preventative qualities against chronic and degenerative diseases have been discovered to be found in natural sources like fruits and vegetables. People are beginning to be more aware and are now more open to the natural methods of preventing and curing diseases due to the overwhelming side-effects of pharmaceutical drugs to their bodies. In fact, most of the compounds used in pharmaceutical drugs are found in nature but the process and integration of other chemicals make the drugs harmful to the body. Medicines made entirely from natural substances have been flooding the market in synch with the rising demands for organic medicines. In the case of diabetes, the disease is finding powerful enemies in the form of innocent-looking fruits and plants.

Blueberries

There are many foods known to be potent against diabetes. A study conducted by Professor William Cefalu of the Center for the Study of Botanicals and Metabolic syndrome revealed that regular consumption of blueberries may increase the body’s sensitivity to insulin. Blueberry bioactives are thought to have positive effects in reinforcing the body’s sensitivity to insulin; thus, giving the cells more capacity to respond to the said hormone. The study consisted of a group of 32 obese individuals, who were insulin resistant but non-diabetic. The participants were asked to consume a smoothie containing blueberry bioactives for 6 weeks on a daily basis. 67 percent of the participants showed an increase of sensitivity to insulin by 10 percent while the rest of the group produced similar effects. Professor Cefalu also added that the study was the first of its kind to be conducted and the promising results will call for further research and experimentation.

Bitter Gourd

Bitter gourd or bitter melon is a fruit endemic in Asian countries. It has unique bitter characteristics and has been proven to have high nutritional value. Clinical studies showed that bitter gourd contain compounds that are potentially effective in lowering concentrations of glucose in the body. The fruit’s protective properties such as the polypeptide-P and charantin act like insulin and supplement the insulin naturally produced by the body. The consumption of 50 to 60 milliliters of bitter gourd juice has shown positive effects in lowering down the body’s sugar level. Bitter gourd products have been an established supplement to insulin for diabetics.

Cinnamon

Incorporation of cinnamon to daily diet has shown benefits in lowering the risk of type 2 diabetes; a condition where the cells are becoming tolerant to insulin. Cinnamon has been clinically proven to optimize the cell’s sugar consumption and half a teaspoon of cinnamon is the recommended daily dosage to lower the risk of type 2 diabetes.

Healthy Diet and Exercise prevents Diabetes

What we put in our mouth and our lifestyle usually contribute to the diseases we develop. Diabetes can be effectively prevented through healthy diet and a healthy lifestyle. Studies have shown that diabetics usually have an unhealthy body mass index. The body’s blood sugar levels are primarily influenced by the food we eat and along with it, the lack of exercise is one of the reasons for the body’s failure to consume sugar properly.

Sources:
diabetes.webmd.com
diabetes.webmd.com
naturalhealthontheweb.com
suite101.com

Sourced & published by Henry Sapiecha

New Evidence That Drinking Coffee

May Reduce the Risk of Diabetes

Science (June 10, 2010) — Scientists are reporting new evidence that drinking coffee may help prevent diabetes and that caffeine may be the ingredient largely responsible for this effect. Their findings, among the first animal studies to demonstrate this apparent link, appear in ACS’ Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.

Fumihiko Horio and colleagues note that past studies have suggested that regular coffee drinking may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. The disease affects millions in the United States and is on the rise worldwide. However, little of that evidence comes from studies on lab animals used to do research that cannot be done in humans.

The scientists fed either water or coffee to a group of laboratory mice commonly used to study diabetes. Coffee consumption prevented the development of high-blood sugar and also improved insulin sensitivity in the mice, thereby reducing the risk of diabetes. Coffee also caused a cascade of other beneficial changes in the fatty liver and inflammatory adipocytokines related to a reduced diabetes risk. Additional lab studies showed that caffeine may be “one of the most effective anti-diabetic compounds in coffee,” the scientists say.

Sourced & published by Henry Sapiecha

Explaining the Benefits of Exercise on Type 2 Diabetes

Did you know that you can easily manage your diabetes just by engaging in exercise? There are exercises that have a good effect on the glucose levels of those suffering from type 2 diabetes. When you engage in exercise, you expend a lot of energy from the glucose found in your muscles. At first, the body simply uses up the glucose which is traced from your muscles’ glycogen. It is in your bloodstream where this glucose is found. Engaging in exercise means your blood glucose levels will not get lower. Additionally, your body also releases additional glucagon and hormones. These are important because they break down your liver’s stored fats, turning it into more glucose you can expend. Engaging in exercise means your body improves; it develops a better sensitivity when it comes to insulin, as well as allowing you to be more in control of your glycemic index.

Exercise indeed has a good effect on a patient’s glucose level. This is good news for people who have type 2 diabetes. A lot of research indicates that patients of diabetes gain more control over their glycemic as soon as they get used to a regular exercise program. On the other hand, people who do not engage in exercise find no improvement on their glycemic control. Since exercise improves your insulin sensitivity, you will also need less medicines in order to control the levels of your blood sugar.

There are, of course, people who become at risk for hypoglycemia due to the combined effects of their diabetes and engaging in high stress exercise. This happens during exercise and after it, too. If you think about it though, people can also be at risk for hyperglycemia simply for having poor control over their diabetes. Therefore, the leaders in this field recommend engaging in moderate exercise for a minimum of 2 hours and 30 minutes, or 90 minutes if they want to do vigorous exercise.

In light of this, the frequency of the routine is more important that the kinds of exercise one engages in. There are many researches wherein an abundance of benefits result from both weight training as well as aerobic activity.

Of course, sometimes patients should not engage in vigorous exercise especially when they have cardiac conditions or they are more prone to developing injuries as a result. It is better if they start of slow and get used to a light intensity program instead.

About the Author – Su Rollins writes for “http://www.hypoglycemicdiet.org “>hypoglycemia diet plan</a> , her personal hobby blog focused on tips to prevent and cure hypoglycemia using the right diet and nutrition.

Received and posted by Henry Sapiecha 25th March 2010

How To Naturally Restore Blood Sugar Levels

Hypoglycemia or low blood sugar is a condition characterized by an abnormally low level of blood sugar (glucose) in the blood.

Many people with diabetes have hypoglycemia. However, there are rare cases where people who are not diabetic have hypoglycemia. For those people, the condition may be caused by:

- Certain Medications

- Alcohol

- Certain types of Cancer

- Other Critical Illnesses that Result in Excess Insulin Production

Insulin is the hormone secreted by your pancreas that regulates your blood sugar level. Signs & symptoms of hypoglycemia include:

- Confusion

- Abnormal Behavior

- Visual Disturbances

- Seizures (uncommon)

- Loss of Consciousness (uncommon)

The signs & symptoms listed below can related to hypoglycemia but may not be as well:

- Heart Palpitations

- Tremor

- Anxiety

- Sweating

- Hunger

Having your blood sugar level measured is the only sure-fire way to know if hypoglycemia is the cause of the symptoms listed above.

The main cause of hypoglycemia is an over production of insulin within the body. Some foods that a person consumes contain sugar molecules called glucose, which is the primary source of energy for the body. After a person eats, the glucose is absorbed directly into your bloodstream, but it cannot enter the cells without insulin, which is a hormone secreted by your pancreas.

The pancreas is located behind the stomach. When blood glucose levels rise, the pancreas releases insulin, which unlocks the cells so that glucose can enter. It also reduces glucose production by your liver. This results in a reduced amount of glucose in the bloodstream and prevents it from reaching dangerously high levels. The secretion of insulin decreases as the blood sugar level returns to normal.

Sometimes, the pancreas can produce and release too much insulin into the blood. This is a condition known as hyperinsulinemia, which is not a disease but more of a symptom of an underlying health problem. When too much insulin is released by the pancreas, even more glucose enters the cells, and the liver cannot release glucose into the bloodstream. This is how low blood sugar develops.

Aside from regulating the blood sugar level directly, insulin also influences your blood sugar indirectly because it affects the liver, which also plays a key role in maintaining normal blood sugar levels. The liver accepts extra sugar and stores it in the form of glycogen after a person eats. As insulin levels drop between meals, glycogen is broken down by the liver (glycogenolysis). The liver then releases glucose into your bloodstream, which maintains a normal blood sugar level.

Insulin isn’t the only factor that plays a role in the process by which your body attempts to regulate blood sugar levels. These levels can also become too low if your body’s gluconeogenesis is disrupted. Gluconeogenesis is the body’s natural ability to to manufacture glucose.

Foe people who do not have diabetes, possible causes of hypoglycemia include:

- Certain Medications (Here’s another reason to avoid prescription med’s folks)

- Alcohol

- Long-Term Starvation

- Excessive Production of Insulin

- Endocrine Deficiencies

- Non-Beta-Cell Tumors

Most cases of hypoglycemia occur in a fasting state but sometimes, it can occur after meals as a result of the body producing more insulin than is needed. This type of hypoglycemia is known as reactive or postprandial hypoglycemia.

To accurately diagnose hypoglycemia, a professional health care practitioner may perform a glucose tolerance test (GTT). But even with this test, the results can be within normal limits and a person can still have symptoms of hypoglycemia.

To better diagnose the condition, try following a healthy regimen outlined below and see if your symptoms improve.

First off, pay attention to the way you feel. If symptoms start surfacing, you can treat a sudden (acute) episode of hypoglycemia by consuming some form of sugar to restore your blood sugar back to normal range.

Drink fruit juice, a non-diet soda or eat a piece of high-sugar candy immediately. Also make your friends and family aware of the situation so they will know what steps to take in the event of a reaction. Tell them to call 911 immediately if you become sleepy or unconscious.

Do not drink any alcoholic beverages. Your diet should consist of high-fiber, starchy foods. Eat smaller meals more frequently and begin and maintain a regular exercise program.

Some natural supplements that a person with hypoglycemia may find to be beneficial are:

Chromium Picolinate (300-600 mcg daily) – Vital for glucose metabolism.

Brewer’s Yeast (take as directed on label) – Aids in stabilizing blood sugar levels.

Garlic (take as directed on label) – Relieves low blood sugar when an attack occurs.

Glutathione (take as directed on label) – Aids in breaking down glucose into energy.

Pancreatin (take as directed on label) – Important for proper protein digestion.

Zinc (50 mg daily) – Necessary for proper release of insulin.

Vitamin C with bioflavonoids (3,000-8,000 mg daily in divided doses) – For adrenal insufficiency, which is common in people with hypoglycemia.

Quercetin (take as directed on label) – Aids in stopping allergic reactions.

Vitamin B Complex (50 – 100 mg of each B vitamin daily & up) – Aids in carbohydrate & protein metabolism. Helps the body tolerate foods the produce low blood sugar reactions.

Dandelion Root – Supports the liver and pancreas.

Licorice – Aids the body in responding well to stress. Don’t use for more than seven days and avoid if you have high blood pressure.

Bilberry and Wild Yam – Aids in controlling insulin levels.

Published by Henry Sapiecha 11th March 2010