Saturday, February 27, 2010

Preventing Gestational Diabetes While Pregnant

Gestational diabetes is a disorder that affects about two to seven percent of pregnant women. It is a pregnancy complication that be dangerous to the mother and the unborn baby. Preventing this pregnancy complication is possible through diet and exercise.
Signs of Gestational Diabetes
This pregnancy complication happens when the pancreas is unable to produce insulin, or produce it properly. It generally occurs in the fifth or sixth month of pregnancy, and generally disappears soon after delivery. The following are signs of gestational diabetes:
* Excessive weight gain
* Excessive hunger or thirst
* Excessive urination
* Recurring vaginal infections
This pregnancy complication is generally diagnosed after a pregnant woman is given a glucose tolerance test between weeks 24 to 28 of pregnancy. This involves drinking a glucose solution, and having blood drawn an hour afterwards. The blood is analyzed to see if the glucose level is above a certain amount.
Women who have a family history of diabetes, or who have had gestational diabetes in previous pregnancies are at higher disk for developing it. Those who are obese or who have sugar in their urine are also at higher risk.
Treating and Preventing Gestational Diabetes Through Diet and Exercise
There are a variety of dietary things that you can do to either treat or prevent this pregnancy complication:
* Do not skip meals. Doing so will throw off your blood sugar levels, which will ultimately affect your insulin levels.
* Eat small, frequent meals throughout the day. Between five to six smaller sized meals, spaced out about 2 to 3 hours apart is good for stabilizing your blood sugar levels, and for keeping your metabolism working efficiently.
* Eliminate refined sugar and simple carbohydrates from your diet. These are absorbed quickly into your bloodstream and cause blood sugars to rise rapidly.
* Eat foods high in fiber. Doing so will slow the absorption of sugar into your bloodstream and help stabilize blood sugar levels.
* Limit sweets.
* Exercise regularly. Exercising at a moderate intensity level three times per week decreases blood sugar levels. It also burns calories and offsets excessive weight gain, which can directly effect the onset of gestational diabetes.
It is much better to prevent than treat gestational diabetes. If possible, try to follow these guidelines starting at pre-conception, and follow through during your entire pregnancy.
Lisa has been writing articles for many years. Come visit her latest website at http://www.doublejoggingstrollersreview.com, which reviews the best double jogging strollers, and great deals on these items.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lisa_Simonelli_Rennie

Symptoms of the Onset of Diabetes

The most common symptoms of onset diabetes are well known among medical researchers and doctors. But these common symptoms can be misleading due to the fact that these symptoms also appear in diseases other than diabetes.
The common symptoms of onset diabetes are excessive urination, dramatic weight loss in a short period time, extreme thirstiness, sudden bouts of impaired or blurred vision, and a constant feeling of listlessness and no energy. These are the common signs, but just because you do not have any of these symptoms does not mean that are protected from the disease.

When a person has this illness, it means that his body cannot regulate the amount of glucose in his blood stream. This means that either his body is not making enough insulin to convert the glucose into energy. Or the body is producing enough insulin, but for some reason the body is not able to make use of the insulin. In either case, the end result is that the body ends up with too much glucose in the bloodstream. Extended periods of too much blood glucose is bad for the body. It can cause drastic shocks to the system as well as the gradual shutting down of the body organs of the body.

The symptoms of the disease are recognized at different points for the two main types of diabetes. For type 1 or juvenile diabetes, although there is no definitive age, these symptoms usually start to show up around the age of 14 or so. For "adult" onset diabetes or type two diabetes, the symptoms - if they appear at all, normally begin to show up in the early twenties. It is worth noting, however, that type two diabetes is showing up earlier and earlier in the population. This is primarily due to the fact that it is basically triggered by diet and obesity. And as the American diet seems to get worse every year, teenagers get fatter each year, and the incidences of this disease increases every year.

Most of the aforementioned symptoms of onset diabetes are signs that can be observed either by careful observation or sight. But there are medical symptoms as well. For example, obesity - especially in those with pear shaped bodies - has a very close correlation to diabetes. High blood pressure is another medical condition that has a high correlation to diabetes. High fat levels in the blood is yet another symptom that diabetes may be present. And there are many others as well. Again, the presence of any of these symptoms does not indicate diabetes - but the presence of any of them, and especially the presence of more than one of them, is a sign that you should probably have your doctor test for diabetes.

As mentioned before, some people with illness do not manifest any obvious symptoms. That is why it is good to periodically have your blood sugar tested during your physical. This is especially true if you have a family history of diabetes or if you fall into any of the high risk groups that are known to be susceptible to the disease.

Alice Saracho writes about nutrition and news related to diabetes such as type two diabetes diet and american diabetes foundation. Please visit her website for more articles.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alice_Saracho

Preventing Gestational Diabetes While Pregnant

Gestational diabetes is a disorder that affects about two to seven percent of pregnant women. It is a pregnancy complication that be dangerous to the mother and the unborn baby. Preventing this pregnancy complication is possible through diet and exercise.
Signs of Gestational Diabetes
This pregnancy complication happens when the pancreas is unable to produce insulin, or produce it properly. It generally occurs in the fifth or sixth month of pregnancy, and generally disappears soon after delivery. The following are signs of gestational diabetes:
* Excessive weight gain
* Excessive hunger or thirst
* Excessive urination
* Recurring vaginal infections
This pregnancy complication is generally diagnosed after a pregnant woman is given a glucose tolerance test between weeks 24 to 28 of pregnancy. This involves drinking a glucose solution, and having blood drawn an hour afterwards. The blood is analyzed to see if the glucose level is above a certain amount.
Women who have a family history of diabetes, or who have had gestational diabetes in previous pregnancies are at higher disk for developing it. Those who are obese or who have sugar in their urine are also at higher risk.
Treating and Preventing Gestational Diabetes Through Diet and Exercise
There are a variety of dietary things that you can do to either treat or prevent this pregnancy complication:
* Do not skip meals. Doing so will throw off your blood sugar levels, which will ultimately affect your insulin levels.
* Eat small, frequent meals throughout the day. Between five to six smaller sized meals, spaced out about 2 to 3 hours apart is good for stabilizing your blood sugar levels, and for keeping your metabolism working efficiently.
* Eliminate refined sugar and simple carbohydrates from your diet. These are absorbed quickly into your bloodstream and cause blood sugars to rise rapidly.
* Eat foods high in fiber. Doing so will slow the absorption of sugar into your bloodstream and help stabilize blood sugar levels.
* Limit sweets.
* Exercise regularly. Exercising at a moderate intensity level three times per week decreases blood sugar levels. It also burns calories and offsets excessive weight gain, which can directly effect the onset of gestational diabetes.
It is much better to prevent than treat gestational diabetes. If possible, try to follow these guidelines starting at pre-conception, and follow through during your entire pregnancy.
Lisa has been writing articles for many years. Come visit her latest website at http://www.doublejoggingstrollersreview.com, which reviews the best double jogging strollers, and great deals on these items.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lisa_Simonelli_Rennie

Garlic Helps Beat Diabetes Naturally - Control Blood Sugar

Well documented facts of how garlic helps the diabetic by improving blood sugar control, lower cholesterol and blood pressure, and other vascular risk factors makes it an important part of the control of diabetes. It really is a wonder drug that is cheap and plentiful.

The best way to get the benefits of garlic is to use it liberally in your cooking. Getting the taste for garlic has more benefits then I can list in this article. Once you develop your eating habits around garlic, you will not cook without it.

If you would rather get the benefits of garlic in pill form, you will have to watch out to make sure you're getting all the promised results. Manufacturers coat the prepared garlic in such a way that the tablet does not break down until it has passed through the stomach. This is called enteric coating.

There are a couple of things to look for when choosing a garlic product. It is important to make sure the tablet provides a sufficient level of allicin, important for control of blood sugar.

Next, if the quality of the enteric coating is not right, the allicin will not be liberated at the proper time in the small intestine. 75% of the tested brands of garlic tablets on the market released less than 10% of their label claim of allicin.

The studies showing a positive effect of garlic tablets are those that deliver a sufficient dosage of allicin.

There are two brands that use the USP method to ensure label claims for allicin potential. Garlicin {Nature's Way} and Garlic Factors {Natural Factors}. I recommend one of these two brands if you want to see results.

To learn more about the control of diabetes, visit Diabetic Help Page.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Demusz

Friday, February 26, 2010

3 Easily Digestive Foods For Diabetics

Balancing the blood sugar level is most important for the diabetic. Imbalance in blood sugar can lead to multiple problems like blindness, loss of limbs and even death. However one good thing is that though diabetes cannot be completely cured, it can be controlled. Eating a rich and balanced diet can help treatment of diabetes immensely.

Food Selection

Diabetes control is not only dependent on the medicine intake but more on the food habits and use of food. Indigestion can create major hazards for the diabetic patients and rich food can be one of the major causes for indigestion. It is therefore extremely essential that a patient suffering from diabetes takes only such food that is easily digestible.

Food 1 - Favorable Carbohydrates

Some of the important foods that are easily digestible and also have nutritional values are beans, vegetables, fruits, and grains. Foods like oats, grapes, cereals, peaches, whole grains, apricots, legumes, oranges, apples, peas, lentils, dried beans, and leafy vegetables are very good for diabetic patient. While some of them are carbohydrates that are really supposed to be dispensed with for diabetic condition, these carbohydrates are good for the diabetic due to their complex formation. These are rich in fiber and fibers are not digested in the body. Simply passing through the digestive system, these carbohydrates keeps the stomach filled up, reduce appetite, and reduce blood sugar and cholesterol. With fiber in the body, the total digestion process is considerably slowed down on turn slowing down the absorption of carbohydrates. Moreover these complex carbohydrates are rich in nutritional levels. On the other hand, simple carbohydrates burn out quickly causing the sugar level rise instantly.

Food 2 - Fish, Eggs, and Poultry Products

Like Carbohydrate, protein is very important source of nutrition and energy. It slows down the absorption of insulin in the body and thus prevents quick drops in blood sugar. Therefore it is very important for a patient taking sugar preventive medicines to eat some of these items on a regular basis to prevent the sudden drop in blood sugar level. Eggs, fish, and poultry products are better than red meat that immediately spikes blood sugar. Fish oil also prevents hardening of arteries that often occur in case of diabetics. Only precaution is to keep the protein level to 20-30% of the total calorie intake per day.

Food 3 - Essential Fats

While saturated fats and Trans fats are bad for diabetes, there are some essential fats that can give nourishment without harming the patient. Omega 3 and Omega 6 fats provide slow digestion, lower cholesterol, and lower blood pressure without affecting the blood sugar level either way significantly. Corn, olive oil, avocado, corn oil, salmon, and almonds can provide such fats that are good instead of being injurious to health of the diabetes patient.

Controlling blood sugar levels is an art. If you want to be an expert in it, you should know the full details in Diets for Diabetics AND Snacks for Diabetics.

Murali is the author of this article. This article can be used for reprint on your website provided all the links in the article should be complete and active.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Murali_V

Normal Blood Sugar Levels - What Are They?

The importance of normal blood sugar levels is related to the prevention of the complications of diabetes. If your blood sugar (glucose) level is not within the ideal or normal blood glucose range you can begin to experience short-term and long-term problems.

Short-term problems include high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) and low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Long-term problems include blindness, kidney disease, heart disease, stroke, impotence, nerve disease and loss of limbs. Nerve disease can affect the feet and legs as numbness, pain or a burning, tingling sensation. Loss of limbs is the result when amputations are needed because of poor circulation, infection or nerve disease.

Normal blood sugar levels depend on when the test was taken. A fasting normal blood glucose level is taken from a person who has not eaten for 8-12 hours. A person who does not have diabetes will have a normal fasting blood glucose level somewhere between 70 and 100 mg/dL. The goal for people with diabetes for a fasting blood glucose level is less than 110 mg/dL or in some cases 120 mg/dL. This is also the goal for normal blood sugar levels just prior to meals.

Blood sugar levels after meals, specifically 2 hours after one starts eating (2 hour postprandial blood glucose level), are less than 140 mg/dL in a person who is not diabetic. Poorly controlled diabetics will often have higher 2 hour postprandial (after meal) blood sugar levels depending upon how much carbohydrate they have consumed, how much insulin they are producing and how responsive their insulin is to the carbohydrate consumed. Other diabetic medications they may be taking and the effectiveness of that medication regimen are also an important factor in controlling blood glucose levels. Your health care team will help you set the blood glucose target range that is right for you. These guidelines apply to many people. Your target range may be higher or lower than these guidelines.

Another test your doctor may run is hemoglobin A1C (Hgb A1C) or sometimes just referred to as A1C. Hemoglobin A1C results give a number followed by a % sign. The test results of a person who is not diabetic will be less than 6%. Good control for a diabetic is often less than 6% as well. The initial goal for a diabetic person is to lower hemoglobin A1C to between 6 and 7%.

Hemoglobin A1C gives a 2 to 3 month perspective of what your blood glucose or blood glucose has been. It basically gives a 2 to 3 month blood glucose average. It gives it in a percentage based upon how many sugar molecules attach to the hemoglobin molecules (2 to 3 month life) in your red blood cells. That percentage then equates to blood glucose ranges. For instance, an A1C level of 6% is equal to a daily glucose testing average between 115 and 150 mg/dL, an A1C level of 7% equates to a daily glucose testing average of 150-180 mg/dL.

In summary, in a person who is not diabetic normal blood sugar levels are considered to be less than 100 mg/dL fasting or before a meal and less than 140 mg/dL 2 hours after the start of a meal. Blood glucose levels of diabetics can run too high causing short-term problems like hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia. Long-term complications can be serious and include blindness and kidney, heart and nerve disease.

Go to Blood Sugar Levels Normal to get free information on diabetes. This website will give you all of the information you need on this topic along with a lot of other diabetes related free information. Don't miss out on this new website if you are looking for more information. Find us at http://BloodSugarLevelsNormal.org/blog/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jo_Trapp

Diabetes Impotence - Cure Diabetes Impotence Before it is Too Late to Reverse It

Unfortunately many men will suffer diabetes impotence before they do something about their blood sugar level. The diabetic has a poison in their bloodstream called glucose. This powerful poison can cut of the circulation in the body. Waiting is the worst things that a diabetic or person with a high blood sugar level can do. The poison in the bloodstream can eventually cut your life short.

Diabetes is a silent killer, it is slowly killing the cells of the pancreas. The sugar in the bloodstream is literally choking the life out the the diabetic. Diabetes impotence is when the poison is cutting of life to the male organ. The bloodstream is coming polluted and it is affecting the circulation. Men may lose the ability to maintain intimacy. They may be able to start but then will not be able to finish. Studies show the body without normal blood sugar levels is aging faster than one with a normal sugar range. Often diabetic medications can cause serious effects that leave the patient in a difficult position between maintaining a normal blood sugar level or risking the medicines side effects.

Each day that the diabetic waits they can lose the use of their toes or their fingers. Often the diabetic will have to have the legs removed due to the poison in the bloodstream. The critical thing that a diabetic must do is find the right diet. The problem is that most diets can do very little. These diets remove sugars and fats but do not heal the root problem. This is why diabetes continues to grow. The good news is that there is diabetes diet by a filmmaker that has been healing people in an amazing way. It is a diet that lower blood sugar and heals the pancreas which is the answer to the problem. You must seek the right diet quickly before the veins in the male organ are permanently damaged. If you have diabetes impotence do not wait take action very fast.

You may click here to see the filmmaker's diet cure that is reversing diabetes impotence

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Collin_Camino

Diabetes Type 2 Menu - The Right Choice of Foods Helps to Control Diabetic Symptoms

Type II diabetes is spreading like plaque. It is specifically becoming more common in modern societies. There are many contributing factors that aggravate the disease. The most major among them are unhealthy eating habits and lack of exercise. Hereditary also plays its part. However, most people are unaware that disease can be controlled by sticking to the properly planned diabetes type II menus.

Type 2 Diabetes - Basic Facts

A carefully collected data shows that around 20 million residents of USA are suffering from diabetes. More than 95% of these are suffering from type 2 diabetes. The more alarming figure is that average age of diabetic patient has dropped from 52 years to 46 years when the current data is compared with the one collected in 1988.

Even worse news is that diabetes is not limited to only old aged people. Teenagers and even youngsters are also acquiring the disease. Further both genders have an equal tendency of acquiring this disease.

So the question may arise that how does this disease set in? The basic reason behind this is the dysfunction of pancreas. The disease arises when the insulin production by pancreas is impeded because of any reason. Occasionally the cells start to role abnormally and they become unable to use the provided insulin in the bloodstream. Insulin is the hormone that is required to convert glucose into energy.

Symptoms Of Diabetes Type 2

The most problematic thing in type 2 diabetes is there are not any obvious symptoms of the disease. The most common signs of diabetes however are


Upsurge in urination
Intensified thirst
Appetite increase
General exhaustion
Slow healing of wounds
Indistinct vision
Erectile dysfunction in men
Recurrent vaginal infection in women
If someone is experiencing any of the above mentioned symptoms it is better to consult doctor at its earliest.

Treatment of Diabetes Type 2

The most important step in treating diabetes is to lose weight. Most doctors are of the view that losing of added weights helps in the proper control of blood sugar level. This also decreases requiring diabetic medication. The best two methods of losing weight are


Exercising regularly
Following a proper diet menu

Exercise

Cardiovascular exercises and weight training help to trim down not only the waist but also blood sugar levels.

Diabetes Type 2 Menu

The most important nutrient the diabetic should consume is proteins. It helps to build the muscle and bone mass of the body. This further helps in generating energy as well. The healthiest proteins for diabetics are low fat milk, skinless turkey, soy food, nuts and legumes. Generally a person must accustom himself to eat more fruits and vegetables instead of preserved and canned foods.

In order to monitor the foods you eat in breakfast, lunch and dinner it is good to design a diabetes type II menu. The typical items that can be included in type II diabetes menu are potato salad, Spanish omelets, green salad, and shrimp, grilled chicken sandwich and fruit yogurt. These meals are not only healthy but also mouthwatering.

If you want to have a free diabetic meal plan specifically designed according to your personal requirement check List Of Foods For Diabetics To Eat. This list will help to design a meal plan that has the ability to control the Signs Of Diabetes in a way that you'll end saying where is my blood sugar?

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tehmina_Mazher

Why Blood Sugar Levels Are Higher in Mornings? - Achieve Normal Blood Glucose Levels

Excessive amount of insulin causes hypoglycemia or low-level of glucose in blood. This is life threatening condition. The body of the person responds by releasing different insulin enemies like epinephrine and cortisol from the adrenal glands, glucagons from pancreas and growth hormones from pituitary glands. These hormones help to negate insulin effect.

These are strong hormones that can bring a powerful and rapid elevation in the level of blood glucose. It also causes the blood glucose level to shoot high. These elevated levels of blood glucose must be managed with another insulin thrush. This creates another stab in the level of blood glucose. Such doses are further followed by other compensatory hormones and then even larger dose of insulin.

Dawn Phenomenon is natural process. It occurs during sleeping hours. The process starts when the body of the person begins to work as compensatory response explained here. These hormones battle against the attempts of insulin to lower down blood sugar level. The hormone thrush generally takes place when the dose of insulin starts to wear off. The result is the higher blood sugar levels in morning. In most diabetics this process takes place 6 to 10 hours after the bedtime. Most diabetic wake up with the higher level of blood sugar in morning compared to the level when theses diabetics went to the bed. Though they didn't eat anything during the nighttime and had diabetes medication or insulin injection in time.

The blood sugar levels higher than 110 mg/dl in morning are common in diabetics type 2 and a dilemma for most of them.

The events that lead to Somogyi Eeffect or bounce back hypoglycemia are more like Dawn Phenomenon. Difference between the two is cause behind them. In the former one the level of blood glucose drops down because of having the excessive dose of insulin or skipping the snack during nighttime.

The monitoring of blood sugar level at around 2 am for some consecutive nights enables the person to find the clue of the high glucose levels in morning. If the blood sugar levels are consistently low then most like Somogyi Effect is cause. This also indicates that either insulin levels at night or the bedtime snack are very small. However if the level of blood sugar is high during at around 2 am then most likely Dawn Phenomenon is the underling cause.

Whatever the cause is, never hesitate to consult the medical health practitioner. He is in a better position of suggesting you the proper adjustment in the dose of insulin and the time and quantity of snack.

In order to control your Blood Sugar Level in the morning even without insulin check - Signs Of Diabetes, apply the tips mentioned there and get 99.99 % guaranteed results.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tehmina_Mazher

Managing Diabetes in the Elderly

Unfortunately, diabetes is very common among the elderly population. Because of the myriad of issues that surround this disease, it often falls to caregivers to help their elderly loved ones and patients manage their diabetes. At first this can seem an overwhelming task.

However if caregivers educate themselves about the needs and considerations of this disease, and specifically what the elderly need when dealing with it, it can become manageable. Knowing both how and what you need to manage diabetes is the first step. If you are an elderly person dealing with diabetes, a concerned child of an elderly diabetic, or a caregiver of someone older, here is what you need to know about managing diabetes in the elderly-


Tracking the disease-It becomes crucial for both the caregiver and the patient to understand what is going on with their diabetes. The need for accurate information helps you to plan proper nutrition, exercise and medication. Both the patient (if they are able), and the caregiver, will need to have a meter, lancets and test strips to measure and track blood sugar. In addition, you will need control solution to accurately measure blood glucose levels.
Nutritional needs-Diabetics have specific nutritional needs. Once the blood sugar has been measure and tracked, then the diet for the day can be planned. For many elderly, diabetics nutrition becomes a problem due to the process of aging and the effects of the disease. Sometimes, nutritional supplements become needed. Nutritional supplements that are specifically formulated for the diabetic patient can be easily found. This way, they can gain the nutrients they need without disrupting the delicate balance of their system. Best of all, these formulations come in easy to drink powders, shakes or juices, and even puddings, so there is no need to overwhelm your loved one with plates of food or hard to eat pills.
Exercise-Many diabetics are reluctant to exercise due to low energy from disrupted blood sugar, and some fear injury and slow healing. Encouraging and helping your elderly loved one to do even mild exercise can go a long way toward helping control their diabetes. A walk through the neighborhood, or a stroll through the mall, can help. In addition, the added involvement can add quality of life to your elderly loved one.
Skin care-Diabetics need special skin care due to the toll on their skin from the imbalance of insulin. Dry skin is a problem for many diabetic patients, and because elderly skin is more fragile and prone to breakdown, moisturizing is especially important. If this is a problem for your loved one or patient, you can check out the Triderma line of products which offer a dry skin healing cream for diabetics. Keeping elderly skin clean, cared for, and moisturized can also help prevent the skin breakdown and the need for wound care.
Wound care-An unfortunate side effect of diabetes is the inability to heal quickly. For elderly diabetics who must have surgery, or suffer an injury, this can mean slow healing skin. It becomes crucial to care for wounds to prevent infection and further complication. This leads to improvement in overall health and a much higher quality of life. A wide variety of needed items that can help in wound care are available. This includes: wound cleansers, gauzes, pads, compression bandages, skin closures and tapes.

At CareGiver Partnership we offer knowledge and resources to help those who help others. Caring for the elderly is a rewarding but, often difficult undertaking. Working hand-in-hand with caregivers is our passion. We provide many different items which can be utilized in and out of the home of your patient or loved one. Please visit: http://www.caregiverpartnership.com/ for more information.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dianna_Malkowski

Managing Diabetes in the Elderly

Unfortunately, diabetes is very common among the elderly population. Because of the myriad of issues that surround this disease, it often falls to caregivers to help their elderly loved ones and patients manage their diabetes. At first this can seem an overwhelming task.

However if caregivers educate themselves about the needs and considerations of this disease, and specifically what the elderly need when dealing with it, it can become manageable. Knowing both how and what you need to manage diabetes is the first step. If you are an elderly person dealing with diabetes, a concerned child of an elderly diabetic, or a caregiver of someone older, here is what you need to know about managing diabetes in the elderly-


Tracking the disease-It becomes crucial for both the caregiver and the patient to understand what is going on with their diabetes. The need for accurate information helps you to plan proper nutrition, exercise and medication. Both the patient (if they are able), and the caregiver, will need to have a meter, lancets and test strips to measure and track blood sugar. In addition, you will need control solution to accurately measure blood glucose levels.
Nutritional needs-Diabetics have specific nutritional needs. Once the blood sugar has been measure and tracked, then the diet for the day can be planned. For many elderly, diabetics nutrition becomes a problem due to the process of aging and the effects of the disease. Sometimes, nutritional supplements become needed. Nutritional supplements that are specifically formulated for the diabetic patient can be easily found. This way, they can gain the nutrients they need without disrupting the delicate balance of their system. Best of all, these formulations come in easy to drink powders, shakes or juices, and even puddings, so there is no need to overwhelm your loved one with plates of food or hard to eat pills.
Exercise-Many diabetics are reluctant to exercise due to low energy from disrupted blood sugar, and some fear injury and slow healing. Encouraging and helping your elderly loved one to do even mild exercise can go a long way toward helping control their diabetes. A walk through the neighborhood, or a stroll through the mall, can help. In addition, the added involvement can add quality of life to your elderly loved one.
Skin care-Diabetics need special skin care due to the toll on their skin from the imbalance of insulin. Dry skin is a problem for many diabetic patients, and because elderly skin is more fragile and prone to breakdown, moisturizing is especially important. If this is a problem for your loved one or patient, you can check out the Triderma line of products which offer a dry skin healing cream for diabetics. Keeping elderly skin clean, cared for, and moisturized can also help prevent the skin breakdown and the need for wound care.
Wound care-An unfortunate side effect of diabetes is the inability to heal quickly. For elderly diabetics who must have surgery, or suffer an injury, this can mean slow healing skin. It becomes crucial to care for wounds to prevent infection and further complication. This leads to improvement in overall health and a much higher quality of life. A wide variety of needed items that can help in wound care are available. This includes: wound cleansers, gauzes, pads, compression bandages, skin closures and tapes.

At CareGiver Partnership we offer knowledge and resources to help those who help others. Caring for the elderly is a rewarding but, often difficult undertaking. Working hand-in-hand with caregivers is our passion. We provide many different items which can be utilized in and out of the home of your patient or loved one. Please visit: http://www.caregiverpartnership.com/ for more information.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dianna_Malkowski

5 Warning Symptoms of High Blood Sugar

The classic symptoms of high blood sugar are classified under the domain of unlucky persons termed diabetics. This chronic ailment can be further characterized into type 2 diabetes, type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes. However the symptoms of high blood glucose level remain same in all the categories of diabetes. All those who ever had experienced signs of high blood sugar will find nothing new in this article; however a little bit more clarification.

All those who are at an increased risk of diabetics, because of the family history or because of their inactive lifestyle, must read through the following passages. The following reading may help you to understand the symptoms of high blood sugar and lead you to go for a diabetes screening test.

The diabetes screening tests are quick, inexpensive and painless; so there is nothing that one should worry about. Above all the diabetes screening test and timely diagnosis of the problem will help you in saving lot of troubles in near future. Let's check the signs of high blood sugar. These main symptoms of high glucose levels are real alarming bells and one must learn to listen to these sign.

Tingling and numbness sensation in hands and feet is a top warning symptom of high glucose. This sounds ridiculous but this sensation is more like feeling of heart beat in hands or feet. The teeth of the diabetic person remain sticky in spite of thorough cleaning and proper brushing. The reason behind this is excessive circulation of sugar in blood that is then poured in the mouth along with saliva.

The diabetic may feel a tingling sensation around the eyelids. This again is directly linked with excessive level of increased blood sugar flowing in the system. This increased level of glucose is finding their way everywhere. The next alarming symptom of high blood sugar is slow and poor healing of infection and wounds. The density of the blood of the diabetic person increases; so the smaller capillaries that are closer to the surface of the skin find it difficult to receive fresh blood. The result is that healing of the skin is hampered. Small wounds and cuts at the feet of the diabetics take a longer healing time. In severe case it may even lead to amputation and gangrene.

Another classic symptom of high glucose levels is unquenchable thirst. This is an obvious and a notable symptom of all others. This is not simply a requirement of an extra one or two glasses of water like a normal person feels on a hot day. Rather this is an exaggerated version of this. Diabetics feel a nonstop urge of liquids throughout the day and night that do not have any bounds.

Do you want to have a free diabetic meal plan specifically designed according to your personal requirement? If yes, then check Signs Of Diabetes. This will help to design a meal plan that has the ability to control Dangerous Blood Sugar Levels in a way that you'll end saying where is my Blood Sugar?

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tehmina_Mazher

Can Sjogren's Syndrome Be Cured?

When you have an illness you want a cure, but not all illnesses have cures. Take Sjogren's syndrome, for instance. This autoimmune disorder can be unpleasant and even dangerous for individuals who have it but is there a cure?

Treating Sjogren's Syndrome

Sjogren's syndrome with its classic primary symptoms of dry eyes and dry mouth is more likely to be treated than cured. There are many different approaches to treating the symptoms that an individual with this disorder may experience but these treatments depend on the specific symptoms that an individual presents with and the severity of these symptoms. There are even surgical procedures that are a possibility in some extreme cases.

In the end, the symptoms of Sjogren's syndrome are more likely to be managed than cured. These symptoms include dry eyes, dry mouth, painful and swollen joints, swollen salivary glands, dryness of the skin, and fatigue.

These symptoms may be addressed individually or collectively in some cases, but to begin with one must address the issue of dry mouth. Its severity could make eating or talking difficult if it is not addressed.


Dry mouth is a problem. Even if a person is still able to eat and speak then dry mouth can make the mouth a breeding ground for bacteria. Luckily, there are products with natural ingredients that can help to return some moisture to the mouth even as they kill bad bacteria.

These natural products can then aid in removing these bad bacteria from the mouth, helping to promote overall dental hygiene. Of course, this approach should only be used in conjunction with a proper dental care routine involving daily brushing and flossing. Natural products are more of an adjunct to this most basic yet crucial approach to dental care.

The keys to success in the battle against gum disease and most oral problems are hidden in nature. Fighting the bacteria that causes the problem is the first place to start and specific species of peppermint and spearmint oils are scientifically proven to be anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-microbial. Get your mouth in mint condition today!

Allison Clarke is an author and natural health enthusiast. This article covers some of her resent research on gum infection and how it relates to gum disease and your body's overall health.

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Fertility Q & A - When to Start Trying to Conceive, Delaying Fertility, and When to Start Treatment

Q: I'm 34 and want to wait a year or two to try to get pregnant (I just got married and want to enjoy our new status!) Will my chances to get pregnant change dramatically in that time period, or stay the same as they are now?

A: Congratulations on your marriage! There are certainly a lot of changes in your life right now, and even good changes need time for adjustment. Family-planning often follows closely on the heels of the big event, making you (and your spouse) wonder if you are moving too quickly.

Taking all things into consideration, you have to stop and listen to the ticking of your biological clock. It is a fact of nature that after the age of 35, egg quality starts to decrease significantly in women. While it is true that women get pregnant after age 35 all the time, it is more challenging due to changes that occur in the eggs chromosomes and the biochemical make up of the cell. Beginning to try to conceive at age 34 is biologically better than waiting until you are 36. It is certainly possible that you will get pregnant at age 36 with no trouble at all. The problem is that you won't know until you try.

In this day of female independence, many women are offended to hear that at age 35, their eggs are "old". The reality is that we are naturally designed to have our children young; much younger than we are often socially and financially ready to. You and your husband may find it more important as a couple to wait a few years, just make sure you are making an informed decision.

Q: Is it common for women to freeze their eggs for use at a later date, and does it typically work?

A: Egg freezing is an attractive possibility for a few reasons. Single women could store eggs well ahead of menopause to prolong their child-bearing years. Cancer patients could insure their reproductive abilities by saving eggs in the deep freeze ahead of cancer treatments that often damage them. And of course, the most ethically significant reason: the dilemmas regarding frozen embryos would be avoided if the eggs and sperm could be successfully frozen separately. This would eliminate the painful decisions of what to do with unused frozen embryos.

The reality of the matter is that the technology for freezing eggs is still experimental and relatively unproven. It is starting to become commercially available at select clinics around the country, but I would recommend that women do their homework first. The human egg is very fragile and generally does not survive freezing well. Understand that the take home baby rate per thawed egg is extremely low. The younger the woman is when she freezes the eggs, the better the possibility of a pregnancy later. No one should rely entirely on this method for reproduction at this time. Eventually, as the scientific technique gets better, this may become more mainstream medical care.

Q: How long should I try to get pregnant on my own before seeing an Infertility Specialist?

A: If you are a woman under 35, specialists recommend that you seek assistance after 12 months of unprotected intercourse without pregnancy. If you are over 35, don't wait longer than 6 months. Egg quality changes drastically after age 35, and every cycle counts.

If you want to be proactive and work toward conception without the wait, I suggest an at-home fertility product, such as the Conception Kit. It is a great way for people to take charge of their fertility, and get a jump start on trying to conceive. Often, men in particular are reluctant to see the doctor, knowing that it will involve the possibility of a semen analysis. Using an at-home product can help get started without the pressure of an office visit, easing your partner into the process, while still working toward your goal of building a family.

Sources:

1. Fertility and Aging. http://www.asrm.org/Patients/topics/aging.html
2. Oocyte Cryopreservation. http://www.asrm.org/Patients/topics/cryopreservation.html

Stacie L. Hill worked for 13+ years at Michigan Reproductive & IVF Center in Grand Rapids MI, as an embryologist, proficient in all aspects of human embryo work including ICSI, IVF, and cryopreservation of embryos. She left there in 2006 to teach Anatomy & Physiology and Bioethics at Montcalm Community College and currently is the customer service manager at Conceivex; with customer education and communication being the primary focus of her job. http://www.conceptionkit.com

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Signs Of Gestational Diabetes – What To Watch

Gestational diabetes is a condition that affects pregnant women.

If you are pregnant, you should be aware of the signs of gestational diabetes so that you can seek medical attention immediately.

Although you may not have diabetes and may never have diabetes over the span of your life, you may be at risk for developing gestational diabetes.

Diabetes is a condition where you body fails to covert sugar properly.

This excess sugar builds up in the body and can be potentially fatal if left unchecked. Although this condition can be caused by genetic disposition, diet, and other outside factors, women who are pregnant are also at risk for a unique form of the disease.

Typically, when the baby is born, the diabetes will disappear and may not appear if you become pregnant with another child.

What Causes Gestational Diabetes?

Approximately one in 25 pregnant women is affected by gestational diabetes.

Typically, this type of diabetes will occur during the last three months of the pregnancy , but may potentially occur before that time.

The surge of hormones that are present while you are pregnant can completely change your body chemistry.

Furthermore, these hormones can make someone who has never had any problems converting sugars in their body suddenly unable to do so properly.

The specific hormones that are believed to be the root cause of the problem come from the placenta.

Although not all women are likely to develop gestational diabetes, you may be more at risk if you are overweight or expecting over the age of 30.

Signs Of Gestational Diabetes

The most common signs associated with gestational diabetes are extreme hunger and thirst .

Although a growling stomach is certainly no stranger to a pregnant woman, any extreme feelings may be signs of a problem.

Associated with the increased liquid intake is an increased urinary output. Again, this is a common complaint for pregnant women, but any extreme urination should be noted.

Other symptoms include blurred vision and excess weight gain.

If you believe that you are suffering from any of these symptoms, contact your obstetrician.

He or she will run a test to see whether or not you have developed gestational diabetes.

What To Do After Diagnosis

If you have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes, consider reading up on the disease itself.

Education is the key to acceptance and can make a condition that seems scary very livable, at least until the birth of your child.

Typically, women with mild cases of gestational diabetes can control the condition with a proper diet that is prescribed by your physician.

Be sure to understand which foods can cause problems with the condition and avoid them if at all possible.

If you have been diagnosed with a more serious case of gestational diabetes, you may need to have daily injections of insulin and test your blood sugar regularly.

Especially with women who need to use insulin injections, the threat of hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia is especially dangerous.

For this reason, carry the appropriate items, including insulin syringes and sugared candies with you at all times.

If you feel the onset of either hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia, immediately call 911 or head straight to your local hospital.

Mike Herman Is a Successful Webmaster and Publisher of 4HealthConcerns.com [http://www.4HealthConcerns.com] . Where He Has More Information Pregnancy and Diabetes [http://www.4HealthConcerns.com/Diabetes/pregnant-women-with-diabetes.html] That You Can Research While Relaxing at Home in Your Pajamas

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Type 2 Diabetes Symptoms and Who Gets It

Let us face it, diabetes has the possibility to lead for a person to be blind, have nerve damage or kidney failure if the impact is already over time. In which the type 2 condition causes serious complications of the health. That is also the reason why it should be important for you to know type 2 diabetes symptoms. At least in that way you can still take preventive measures on how to reduce the chance of ending up with heart disease too.


But first let us differentiate the type 2 diabetes to the other types. People with this diabetes are producing insulin. Their pancreas on the other hand does not produce amount of insulin enough for the body to be used in adequately. This health condition is called insulin resistance and when that happens, the sugar or glucose cannot get into the cell of your body. The process will continue that glucose build in blood when in fact it should be going to the cells. So body cells are supposedly not going to function well.


This is basically due to high blood pressure. Symptoms include first as human to experience increased thirst and hunger even if you have just actually eaten. You have dry mouth, frequent urination, fatigue which almost you feel tired, headaches also with mostly blurred vision paired, unexplained loss of weight though you are eating much well. And although if ever the condition is rare, the type 2 diabetes symptoms includes those of losing consciousness can be considered one.


Usually, type 2 symptoms are not said to have diagnosis until there would then be health complications. Other symptoms include skin itching usually around the groin or vaginal area, frequent infections of the yeasts, recent gain weight, decreased vision, impotency, tingling and numbness of the hands and feet and the last one is acanthosis nigricans or having dark or velvety skin in the groin, neck and armpit.
Type 2 diabetes problems are associated with glucose build up. When kidneys will lose sugar through urine, large water amount will also be lost that will cause dehydration. And also the opposite situation as high level of glucose will damage the eyes small vessels and nerves.


When the affected with it becomes dehydrated severely, they will have complication development and is life threatening that nobody would want it. This is even


Now, who gets this? It is proven that anyone can. Those however that are in higher risk are those who are obese, through genetics means from the family members and those women who had gestational diabetes. In fact diabetes has affected for almost 17million people just in the 8 percent of the population in the United States. Worst is that, about one third of the population do not know that they have it.


After knowing the type 2 diabetes symptoms, you can self test by using a glucometer device that checks you blood sugar even if you do it yourself. It can provide the reading of your blood sugar by placing the strip to the device and then the result will be available for 30 to 45 seconds. At least through this you initiated ways to monitor and prevent possible complications.


Find out more about Type 2 Diabetes Symptoms at this website http://www.Type-2-Diabetes-Symptoms.net.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Toby_Criddern

Diabetes - Know the Risks and Symptoms and How to Properly Manage It

All the energy we need for our body comes from the ability of our body to turn food into a type of sugar called glucose, which requires the hormone insulin. If our bodies don't produce enough insulin or can't use it properly, there will be a build up of it in the blood. This is what we refer to as diabetes. This article will look into the risks, symptoms and how to properly manage it.


There Are Different Types Of It:
1) Type 1 - This usually occurs when the pancreas produces very little insulin or nothing at all. Not a lot of people have this type, only about 10% do. They will usually take insulin shots for this.


2) Type 2 - This is the most common form. About 90% of people have this type. This type will happen when the body produces insulin, but it can't use it properly.

People can usually control this type with having a healthy eating habit. If it doesn't work for them, they will also end up taking insulin injections.


3) Gestational - This type usually affects about 3% to 4% of pregnant women. This is usually temporary, but it can develop into type 2 eventually.
Who Is Likely To Get Diabetes:


There is no way to tell who will get type 1, but there are some specific factors that will increase a person's risk of developing type 2.


1) Age - If a person is 40 years of age or over, they can be at risk of developing it. Although, in recent years, due to the fact that people are becoming more overweight, younger people are also at risk.


2) Weight - If a person is overweight with a lot of excess weight around the midsection, they will be at risk.

3) Having a high blood pressure or heart disease

4) Having a family member who has it already

5) Giving birth to a child weighing more than 4 kg (kilograms) or 9 lbs (pounds).



7) Having a background of Aboriginal, African, Asian, South Asian, or Hispanic decent

What Are The Symptoms of Diabetes?
Some things you need to watch out for:

1) Having a lack of energy or feeling extreme fatigue

2) Unusual thirst

3) Urinating frequently

4) Unusual hunger

5) Having weight loss or gain that is unexpected

6) Blurred vision

7) Having frequent infections

8) When you get bruises or cuts, they don't heal quick

How To Manage Diabetes:


1) Eat healthy and see you doctor, they can prescribe a great meal plan for you

2) Exercise - Make sure you get some physical activity everyday to control your weight and reduce stress

3) Maintain a healthy body weight

4) Stress Management - Try reducing your stress levels during the day


In this article, I shared with you some risks, symptoms and how to manage it properly. An very important step in managing it is too lose weight. If you need to lose weight, visit this website below for a very easy program that will allow you to lose weight and stay healthy!


http://whatsthequickestwaytoloseweight.blogspot.com/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Burt_Amadio

Diabetes Diet Tips - Do Diabetic Diets Really Work?

The phrase diabetic diet conjures up two rather diametrically opposed images; the first is a diet that is so painfully saddled with refined sugar, saturated fat and salt that the person who consumes it will be placing themselves at an exceptionally high risk of contracting diabetes. On the other hand, a diabetic diet maybe used to help control and manage the symptoms of diabetes and it should be noted that diabetics must keep an especially strong vigil over their diet and nutritional intake.


The problem with the issue of the diabetic diet is that quite frankly, the medical community is strongly polarised as to what exactly it should encompass and what foodstuffs the diabetic should ensure that they eat and those which they should refrain from where possible. The most prevalent theory to date holds that the diabetic's diet should make the consumption of soluble fibre a top priority and avoid the consumption of fat where and when possible.


However, things begin to unravel when the medics have been asked to what proportion of the total daily calories ingested by the diabetic should be derived from carbohydrates, with some of the view that this should be capped at 16-17% (1/6) whilst others contend that this should be significantly higher, around the 75% margin. This is so much more than a dry academic debate, as the potential implications for the diabetic are to put it rather mildly, severe

Despite such concerns, there has been little consensus reached as to what the magic number is or should be.


There has been a number of studies conducted into the issue of the diabetic diet issue in order to (hopefully) reach a more conclusive agreement, and there has been some tentative evidence that would suggest that a totally vegan diet can be very beneficial indeed in the management of diabetes type 2.


Part of the problem with such debate is that the ordinary diabetic sufferer is left rather at a loss for proper information. What many diabetics fail to appreciate is that it is not only what they happen to consume that is of importance and significance, but the times when they eat is also worthy of consideration.


Whilst there have been attempts to lighten the load for diabetic sufferers by the introduction of diabetic dietary supplements, these have not been especially popular among people with the condition if only because of their extremely high price tags.


Jono has been writing articles for nearly 4 years. Come visit his latest website about ottoman coffee tables which helps people find the best round storage ottoman and information they need when looking for round storage ottoman.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jono_Johnson

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Diabetes - Some Facts You Should Know

The symptoms of diabetes vary slightly depending on the type of the disease that one may have. However, the general symptoms are increased hunger, increased thirst and frequent urination with a number of skin rashes known as diabetic dermadromes.


Type1 diabetes symptoms may develop quickly, from weeks to months, particularly in children. Type1 may also lead to a quick and noticeable weight loss despite not changing eating habits or even increasing amount of food and mental tiredness.


Type 2 diabetes usually presents itself relatively slowly and may be slight or not present. A person experiences the same symptoms as for type 1 except weight loss which may only be experienced at the onset of the disease. The confirmation of the disease can only be conclusive on determining the blood glucose concentration medically.


Type 1 Diabetes is characterized by the pancreas being unable to produce insulin and, in particular, by loss of the insulin producing beta cells located in the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas, leading to insulin deficiency. Type 1 can be classified as immune-mediated or idiopathic and can affect both children and adults. However, it is also known as juvenile diabetes because most children who have this disease have type 1.


Type 2 diabetes is characterized by the body being resistant to insulin that is produced in the body which may be coupled to reduced production of insulin. Type 2 is the most common type of diabetes


Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancies and may disappear after delivery. This form of the disease resembles type 2 in relating a combination of insufficient insulin production and responsiveness. It may lead to full type 2 diabetes but it is treatable with careful medical supervision throughout the pregnancy.


Causes of the disease have been attributed to lifestyle (smoking, alcohol intake, overweight), medical conditions (Cushing's syndrome) and genetics (partial inheritance).


John Mowatt is a writer who is interested in health and fitness.He writes on many medical subjects. He also writes on other subjects. See his website at home burglar alarm and also at commercial pizza ovens


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Mowatt

Alternative Health - 10 Reasons Why It's Important to Lose Weight in Type 2 Diabetes!

Weight loss is difficult, but it pays tremendous dividends in controlling type 2 diabetes. Here are ten reasons type 2 diabetics should make an effort to lose weight:

1. Losing a little weight actually helps you lose a lot more. Excessive body fat interferes with the production of adiponectin, an appetite control hormone. When you lose body fat, your body makes more adiponectin and becomes responsive to it, so you naturally want to eat less.

2. Losing weight relieves stress on your feet, ankles, knees, and hips. Type 2 diabetics who have been overweight for a very long time before losing weight are often amazed how much easier it is just to get around... and easier exercise makes both weight loss and blood sugar control easier also.

3. Losing weight can lower blood pressure. Two of the most serious complications of diabetes, kidney disease and diabetic retinopathy, are far more likely to occur when there is a combination of uncontrolled blood sugars and uncontrolled high blood pressure. Losing just 5 to 15 pounds (2 to 7 kg) can lower blood pressure 5 to 15 points. That's as much as most blood pressure medications.

4. Losing weight may preserve beta-cell function. Many type 2 diabetics eventually need insulin because their insulin-producing beta cells simply "burn out" over years of constant stress. Recent research shows that losing weight may keep you from ever needing insulin by protecting beta cells from free radicals.

5. Losing weight may make it possible to control type 2 diabetes with a minimum of medication. Most diabetes medications are expensive... and with the exception of metformin, most diabetic medications that are available for $4 to 5 a month in the US, have the terrible side effect of stressing beta-cells so that you eventually needs insulin injections. Losing weight reduces medical expenses and lowers the risk of long-term complications.

6. The more weight you lose, the less you have to rely on exercise to control your blood sugar levels. Very few diabetics control blood sugars without exercise. Once diabetics achieve a more near normal weight, however, they do not need to exercise as often to keep blood sugars in a healthy range.

7. Losing weight makes breathing easier. The belly fat that causes type 2 diabetes presses down on your lungs. Losing just a few pounds can make breathing astonishingly easier.

8. Losing weight reduces inflammation throughout the body. Even more than cholesterol, inflammation is the real cause behind the arterial changes that lead to heart attacks and stroke.

9. Losing weight helps you sleep better. Fat on the throat interferes with nighttime breathing. The constant interruption of sleep caused by this condition known as apnea, is a major contributor to high blood sugars that resist treatment.

10. Losing weight can lower cholesterol and triglycerides. Cholesterol and triglycerides, as you probably know, are fats. Reducing weight, especially losing belly fat, keeps cholesterol and triglycerides from flowing into your liver and throughout your body to cause arterial damage.

And even if you don't lose weight, simply choosing salads (without the bacon bits and oily dressings!), steamed vegetables, fruit, and lean proteins over white sugar, white bread, white rice, white potatoes, and sweets will result in lower blood sugars, lower blood pressure, lower triglycerides, and a much greater sense of feeling super.

Would you like more information about alternative ways to handle your type 2 diabetes?
To download your free copy of my E-Book, click here now: Answers to Your Questions... its based on questions many diabetics have asked me over recent months.
Beverleigh Piepers is a registered nurse who would like to help you understand how to live easily and happily with your type 2 diabetes.
http://drugfreetype2diabetes.com/blog

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Beverleigh_H_Piepers

How to Eat Fruit and Maintain Low Blood Sugar Levels

Many people with diabetes, type 1 and type 2, think that because fruits are sweet, they will raise their blood sugar level. Actually, nearly all fruits including apples, bananas, blueberries, cherries, oranges, peaches, and many others, have a low glycemic index. The exceptions are watermelon and pineapple.
Fruits are loaded with vitamins and, of course, have no fat or cholesterol. Your best bet to fill you up and get the maximum amount of fiber is, you guessed it, fresh fruit.
Questions people with diabetes often ask about eating fruit include: will fruit juice raise my blood sugar levels more quickly than a piece of fruit? Should I avoid eating fruit in the early morning because my blood sugar level could be high then? Should I eat fruit with my meals or as a snack.
Actually the effect of fruit on your blood sugars depends on several things:
• what form the fruit is in... is it juice that you can gulp down quite quickly or is it a whole piece of fruit that will take several minutes to eat?
• will you eat the piece of fruit as part of a meal, at the end of the meal or alone as a snack
• the glycemic index or glycemic load of the fruit
Usually fruit does not raise your blood sugars faster than any other carbohydrate but some fruits can if they are eaten alone. Apples, grapefruit, prunes and peaches have a low GI but raisins, dates, watermelon and pineapple have a high GI. A good idea is to run a challenge to determine how fruit generally affects your blood sugars. Perhaps eating fruit in the morning will make it more difficult for you to keep your blood sugars on target throughout the whole day. Or maybe one fruit will affect your blood sugar levels more than another.

Although you cannot eat fruit with abandon... the aim usually is to have 2 to 4 portions spaced evenly throughout the day. As a guide, a portion is:

• one medium-sized fruit: apple, orange or pear
• one small banana (or half a medium one)
• two smaller fruits: apricots or plums
• a large slice of a larger fruit: melon or pineapple
• a cupful of strawberries, raspberries or grapes
• half a cup of fresh fruit salad
• 150ml glass of fruit juice also counts as a portion (as this contains no fiber one glass per day is suggested to be the maximum)
Here are some approaches to consider:

1. Have one portion of fruit with each meal, eg. berries at breakfast, an apple at lunch, and a fruit salad dessert after dinner.
2. Eat fruit at breakfast, then as a snack at mid-morning and mid-afternoon.
3. Have fruit for snacks at mid-morning, mid-afternoon and bedtime
The bottom line is fruit is a source of energy, vitamins, minerals and fiber not to be missed.

Would you like more information about alternative ways to handle your type 2 diabetes?
To download your free copy of my E-Book, click here now: Answers to Your Questions its based on questions many diabetics have asked me over recent months.
Beverleigh Piepers is a registered nurse who would like to help you understand how to live easily and happily with your type 2 diabetes. http://drugfreetype2diabetes.com/blog

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Beverleigh_H_Piepers

How to Eat Fruit and Maintain Low Blood Sugar Levels

Many people with diabetes, type 1 and type 2, think that because fruits are sweet, they will raise their blood sugar level. Actually, nearly all fruits including apples, bananas, blueberries, cherries, oranges, peaches, and many others, have a low glycemic index. The exceptions are watermelon and pineapple.
Fruits are loaded with vitamins and, of course, have no fat or cholesterol. Your best bet to fill you up and get the maximum amount of fiber is, you guessed it, fresh fruit.
Questions people with diabetes often ask about eating fruit include: will fruit juice raise my blood sugar levels more quickly than a piece of fruit? Should I avoid eating fruit in the early morning because my blood sugar level could be high then? Should I eat fruit with my meals or as a snack.
Actually the effect of fruit on your blood sugars depends on several things:
• what form the fruit is in... is it juice that you can gulp down quite quickly or is it a whole piece of fruit that will take several minutes to eat?
• will you eat the piece of fruit as part of a meal, at the end of the meal or alone as a snack
• the glycemic index or glycemic load of the fruit
Usually fruit does not raise your blood sugars faster than any other carbohydrate but some fruits can if they are eaten alone. Apples, grapefruit, prunes and peaches have a low GI but raisins, dates, watermelon and pineapple have a high GI. A good idea is to run a challenge to determine how fruit generally affects your blood sugars. Perhaps eating fruit in the morning will make it more difficult for you to keep your blood sugars on target throughout the whole day. Or maybe one fruit will affect your blood sugar levels more than another.

Although you cannot eat fruit with abandon... the aim usually is to have 2 to 4 portions spaced evenly throughout the day. As a guide, a portion is:

• one medium-sized fruit: apple, orange or pear
• one small banana (or half a medium one)
• two smaller fruits: apricots or plums
• a large slice of a larger fruit: melon or pineapple
• a cupful of strawberries, raspberries or grapes
• half a cup of fresh fruit salad
• 150ml glass of fruit juice also counts as a portion (as this contains no fiber one glass per day is suggested to be the maximum)
Here are some approaches to consider:

1. Have one portion of fruit with each meal, eg. berries at breakfast, an apple at lunch, and a fruit salad dessert after dinner.
2. Eat fruit at breakfast, then as a snack at mid-morning and mid-afternoon.
3. Have fruit for snacks at mid-morning, mid-afternoon and bedtime
The bottom line is fruit is a source of energy, vitamins, minerals and fiber not to be missed.

Would you like more information about alternative ways to handle your type 2 diabetes?
To download your free copy of my E-Book, click here now: Answers to Your Questions its based on questions many diabetics have asked me over recent months.
Beverleigh Piepers is a registered nurse who would like to help you understand how to live easily and happily with your type 2 diabetes. http://drugfreetype2diabetes.com/blog

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Beverleigh_H_Piepers