Here is a few really good food sources for natural help with controling your sugar

This beautiful little baby is called a Tart Cherry and studies that were done at the University of Michigan show that it has some great benefits for those of us with Diabetes.  They have what is called Anthocyanins, this is what gives them there beautiful red color.  Colorful is very good for our bodies as long as we know what is non-poisonous.  Eating about a cup and a half of Tart Cherries can boost your antioxidants for approximately 12 hours.  They suggest that eating fresh ones are even better than the frozen ones because they loose their nutritional value by up to 50% when they are frozen.  So, it is a good food to take into consideration when you are eating for your health.  Diabetic Friendly!

Oh these gorgeous little fiber filled beans.  As a Diabetic you know that they recommend us to eat these little beauties.  They are high in protein and have a bunch of antioxidants once again they have an increased amount of anthocyanin pigments.

 These dark beans also contain polyphenols, which prevent cholesterol from forming plaque and clogging blood vessels, and in turn decrease your risk for diabetes-related blood vessel inflammation and heart disease.
Source:  http://www.everydayhealth.com/type-2-diabetes-pictures/colorful-diabetes-fighting-foods.aspx#/slide-3

This beautiful little Black Berry is not really a berry at all instead its really and aggregate fruit.  This means that each little seeded fruit is attached to the core kind of like corn kernels on an ear.  The great thing about Black Berries is that they are full of great things that are great for Diabetics.  For one they are full of dietary fiber and we know that fiber is great for us Diabetics, they have polyunsaturated fats which really do the opposite of most fats in that they actually lower your bad cholesterol.  They help us to have a healthier heart.
Antioxidants are another great benefit of this berry and again the  anthocyanin pigments in the berry are high as well. 
Blackberries are rich in antioxidants. They have anthocyanins, which will work to prevent the effects of aging, cancer and neurological diseases. They also help to fight diabetes and bacterial infections. The ellagic acid in blackberries can help to reduce blood pressure. Blackberries contain rutin, which is a flavonoid that works to improve blood circulation. It also acts as an anti-inflammatory and can lower the risk of heart disease. The Gallic acid in blackberries is an anti-fungal and anti-viral antioxidant that is used to help treat psoriasis and hemorrhoids. Blackberries also contain p-coumaric acid which can lower the risk of stomach cancer. Vitamins A and C work together as antioxidants to help strengthen the immune system and fight free radicals.
Source:  http://www.fitday.com/fitness-articles/nutrition/healthy-eating/the-nutrition-of-blackberries.html

Absorbs Blood Sugar: The main trouble of diabetes is that foods that are broken down into sugar do not get absorbed into the body cells due to lack of insulin. According to a study conducted by University of Sydney, ginger helps the body's cells absorb sugar without the help of insulin. This is a revolutionary discovery that would help control diabetes without insulin injections. The gingerols present in ginger control diabetes or the high blood sugar levels of an individual by aiding the absorption of sugar into the muscles.
Read more at: http://www.boldsky.com/health/disorders-cure/2012/ginger-diabetes-benefits-030371.html

Researchers found that people who were overweight and had insulin resistance, a condition that usually precedes diabetes, improved their insulin sensitivity and decreased their risk of getting type 2 diabetes by eating blueberry smoothies for six weeks.
Source:  http://www.everydayhealth.com/type-2-diabetes-pictures/colorful-diabetes-fighting-foods.aspx#/slide-5

The team also discovered that the Beauregard variety of sweet potatoes - which makes up about 85 percent of the production in North Carolina - has essentially the same protein patterns as a commercial dietary supplement known as Caiapo, marketed to control blood glucose in diabetics. Developed by Japanese scientists, Caiapo is derived from the peel of white-skinned sweet potatoes, which have been consumed in Japan for many years as a remedy for anemia, hypertension and diabetes. 
http://www.cals.ncsu.edu/agcomm/magazine/winter07/diabetes.html

Testing shows that the levels of antioxidants in blue corn are even higher than those found in blueberries. Animal studies suggest that blue corn antioxidants help protect against obesity and diabetes.
Source:  http://www.everydayhealth.com/type-2-diabetes-pictures/colorful-diabetes-fighting-foods.aspx#/slide-7

There is so much more than we could ever imagine out there for us to learn about.  I think that as we learn about our food sources and the benefits that some of them have for us as Diabetics and Pre-Diabetics then we can learn more about control of our blood sugars.  Whats wrong with changing the color of our diets?  I think we may enjoy these foods just as much and maybe we can teach those out there about living a healthier life style with colorful foods. 

Let's keep this conversation going so many wonderful things to read and learn.  As we do this lets also share and talk and keep communication happening between us as Diabetics in a large community and share with those that care for us. 

If you are interested in being a guest blogger or have some information to share or an idea to share connect with me at diabetic.day2013@gmail.com or on g+ and twitter at #DiabeticDay.

What are the best Diabetic Foods to keep your Blood Sugars from Spiking?

I think this has been one of my hardest things to overcome.  It isn't easy trying to figure them out even after keeping a food Journal.  What I realized is that some foods in combination with others spiked it really high while others didn't and mixtures were sometimes better than single ingredients. 

I was reading a post by a Woman named Joy Bauer @ JOYBAUER.com about 9 foods that we as Diabetics should eat and well the article basically lays it out for you.  It offers you less spikes in sugars with these 9 foods.

Joy Says that Beans are one of those foods.  Beans (including black, white, navy, Lima, pinto, garbanzo, soy, and kidney) are a winning combination of high-quality carbohydrates, lean protein, and soluble fiber that helps stabilize your body's blood-sugar levels and keeps hunger in check. 

Next she said that Oatmeal was a great food for Diabetics.  I can understand that because when I was researching earlier about grains and having Celiac Disease with Diabetes I learned that it was gluten free except when contaminated by wheat or barley.  Oatmeal: It's packed with soluble fiber, which slows the absorption of glucose from food in the stomach — keeping blood-sugar levels under control.

  Fish: Pair fish with the high-quality carbs found in vegetables, lentils, or beans for another balanced meal combination that will keep your blood sugar from rising.

Nonfat Yogurt
Fat-free yogurt naturally contains both high-quality carbohydrates and protein, making it an excellent food for slowing or preventing an unhealthy rise in blood sugar.

Almonds
Unsalted almonds provide a healthy, low-carb mix of monounsaturated fats plus magnesium, which is believed to be instrumental in carbohydrate metabolism.

Non-starchy Vegetables
Chock-full of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, non-starchy vegetables (such as broccoli, spinach, mushrooms, and peppers) are an ideal source of high-quality carbohydrates.

Wild salmon or sardines are not only rich in omega 3s but also contain a healthy-fat-and-protein combination that slows the body's absorption of carbohydrates, keeping blood sugars on an even keel.

Egg Whites
Rich in high-quality lean protein and low in carbs, egg whites are another healthy choice for controlling or preventing type 2 diabetes.

Avocado
Avocado is high in monounsaturated fats, which are generally considered among the healthiest of fats. Researchers have found that a diet high in monounsaturated fats and low in low–quality carbs may improve insulin sensitivity.
Source:  http://www.joybauer.com/photo-gallery/best-foods-for-type-2-diabetes.aspx

Joy has a variety of help topics to listen to read and watch on her website JOYBAUER.com.  Here is one of the links below that will help you get to her information.  I find her information is leading in its expertise. 
Source:  http://www.joybauer.com/type-2-diabetes.aspx

I am really offering her as a source because like you I am trying to find the best way to manage my Diabetes through help, information and conversation.  While reading what she had to say I decided to pass some of it along.  She is a walking book of information on help for us with many diseases that plague us as Diabetics, Heart Disease, Eye sight and so much more.  I hope you will check it out and let me know what you think.

If you have an idea or would like to chat you can connect with me at diabetic.day2013@gmail.com feel free to connect with me so we can continue to learn and grow healthier together.

Programs to help you with Diabetic Weightloss

There is no time like the present to look into those programs out there for Diabetic Weight loss.  I myself did it on my own sticking to a rigid diet.  I went to Kmart and bought myself some super green tea triple tea formula.  I weighed 198 lbs when I started that was 8 months ago, today I weigh 164.  I still eat what I normally eat as a diabetic and it did not interfere with anything I was doing, but I spoke to the doctor about it prior to taking it. I always take specific Diabetic Supplements that are a daily part of my regiment.

Nuturna Super Supplements has been something I am looking into.  I was interested in the product when I typed in diabetic weight loss supplements and it was the first thing I saw.  So I went to the page and began reading about it.  They have you ask three simple questions about your supplement.

1.  What are the product ingredients?
2.  What is the dosage of the ingredients?
3.  Is it a quality product and is it right for me?

Good questions to ask yourself if you are going to use supplements.  The Ingredients that they use are clinically studied and also scientifically recognized in supporting healthy blood sugar balance. The key to working your Diabetic life and the maintenance of healthy blood sugar is also exercise, healthy diet, Nutrition,  and Knowledge.   They guarantee the product or your money back. Below is the link to there page to read more information on the product.
Source:  http://ww.nuturna.com/Diabetes/?gclid=COrjiPqv9rgCFS3hQgod1TUALw

At Supplement-Geek.Com  there is an article on Glucosulin  weight loss supplement.  Here is the link to that article and remember as it says to always consult your physician or health care professional regarding the supplements interactions with other medications.
Source:  http://supplement-geek.com/glucosulin-weight-loss-supplement-review/

Medifast has a weight loss program for those of us with Diabetes.  They offer a plan along with health shakes and diet options.  There goal is to offer you different meals with the options of over 70 different choices.  They are looking to help you lose weight while still maintaining proper nutrition and balance your blood sugars.
Source:  http://www.medifastmedia.com/med/docs/diabetes_guide.pdf

Honestly there is more out there than we really think there is.  Including Hypnosis and Bariatric Surgeries.  If we choose to to use any of these options please take the time to do research, find out what the options are and the best plan of action for you.  Remember Diabetics are prone to dropping blood glucose, we don't heal very fast if we have injuries, and all these things can stress our bodies out.  So we need to really talk about it with our physicians.  We always want to take care of ourselves and each other.

If you have an idea about a blog or a suggestion for a topic or if you are interested in writing one.  Contact me at diabetic.day2013@gmail.com.  Together we can continue to progress and become healthier Diabetics.

Curcumin Diabetic Super Natural Hero, What's the Story?

So I was the lucky recipient of a link posted on my Facebook page that said Curcumin curbs Diabetes.  My sister is always looking for natural solutions for me and my Diabetes.  So I thought I would type in my browser and see what it had to say about Curcumin.  The incredible thing is there are several articles on it, posted by the medical community as well as the Naturopathic community.

Curcumin is a natural anti-inflammatory as well as an antioxidant.  Curcumin, a phytochemical found in the spice turmeric, has been used in India for centuries, and it has no known side effects.  It has shown great help in several different types of Chronic Illnesses, one of them being Diabetes Mellitus and its complications.

With Diabetes Mellitus there are several things that occur but some of the greatest issues come from the Oxidative Stress and the Inflammatory Mechanisms.   Curcumin can be considered suitable for the prevention and Amelioration of Diabetes.  Curcumin is an anti-oxidant and nuclear factor kappa-B inhibitor derived from turmeric.  Curcumin is an anti-oxidant and nuclear factor kappa-B inhibitor derived from turmeric. A number of studies have shown that dietary curcumin reduces inflammation and delays or prevents obesity-induced insulin resistance and associated complications, including atherosclerosis and immune mediate liver disease.

Source:  http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23495213

Curcumin in its natural state is hard for absorbtion into the body's biological systems.  Currently they are working on ways to make it better absorbed into the body they are developing nano-particles and lipid/liposome formulations that increase absorption and bio-availability of curcumin.

Source:  http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23495213

Other articles to read about Curcumin are:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18403477
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20420526
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19462685

On these pages you will also be able to find side articles regarding Curcumin.
http://www.t-nation.com/free_online_article/most_recent/curcumin_the_next_big_superfood

The advances in natural substances in the care and treatment of Diabetes is on the rise, everyone out there is looking for a cure.  Being Diabetic I am so glad we have those out there looking for an answer because just controlling it is not good enough, it is just a bandage on a really serious wound. 

I hope you will share this information with several of your Diabetic Family, Friends, Communities.  I want us to keep an open mind and be well informed on what is out there for us.  We should really be thankful to those willing to share with us and as Diabetics and Caregivers of Diabetics be willing to keep the information flowing on to others suffering with this disease. 

If you have comments or would like to contact me for a story idea or any type of information you wish to share connect with me at diabetic.day2013@gmail.com.  Lets keep our community knowledgeable about Diabetes.  

Natural Helps and Diabetes

We all have heard of different types of things that are out there and supposed to help us with Diabetes instead of having to take our perscription meds.  Even though we have heard of things we dont really get the information we properly need to know if that is the direction we should go or try.

So let me start out by giving you some of the names of these Natural herbs and plants dealing with Diabetes.  North American Ginseng, Chromium, Magnesium, Cinnamon, Zinc, Aloe Vera Gel, Vanadium, Momordica Charantia, Nopal, Fenugreek, Gymnema.

1.  North American Ginseng:  Diabetes

Several human studies found that American ginseng lowered blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. The effect was seen both on fasting blood sugar and on postprandial (after eating) glucose levels. One study found that people with type 2 diabetes who took American ginseng before or together with a high sugar drink experienced less of an increase in blood glucose levels. However, more research is needed.
One study using mice found that the American ginseng berry was more effective at lowering blood sugar levels than the root.  Source: American ginseng | University of Maryland Medical Center http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/american-ginseng#ixzz2ZhP5Wojb 

2.  Chromium:   Diabetes

Researchers have studied the effects of chromium supplements for type 2 diabetes for many years. While some clinical studies have found no benefit, other clinical studies have reported that chromium supplements may reduce blood sugar levels as well as the amount of insulin people with diabetes need.
In one double-blind, placebo-controlled study, people with type 2 diabetes who took chromium picolinate had better HbA1c values -- used to measure long-term control of blood sugar levels -- than those who took placebo. The group taking chromium also had better fasting blood glucose levels, a measure of short-term control of blood sugar levels.
Another double-blind, placebo-controlled study looked at a combination of chromium and biotin. Half the people in the study took chromium picolinate and biotin, and the other half took placebo. Those who took chromium and biotin had better fasting glucose levels as well as HbA1c values.
One study found that women who have diabetes as a result of being pregnant improved their blood sugar control when they took chromium.
But not all studies agree, and if chromium does help reduce blood glucose, it’s not clear how big the benefit might be. More research is needed.  Source: Chromium | University of Maryland Medical Center http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/supplement/chromium#ixzz2ZhQHYmQ6

3.  Magnesium:  Magnesium and diabetesDiabetes is a disease resulting in insufficient production and/or inefficient use of insulin. Insulin is a hormone made by the pancreas. Insulin helps convert sugar and starches in food into energy to sustain life. There are two types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2. Type 1 diabetes is most often diagnosed in children and adolescents, and results from the body's inability to make insulin. Type 2 diabetes, which is sometimes referred to as adult-onset diabetes, is the most common form of diabetes. It is usually seen in adults and is most often associated with an inability to use the insulin made by the pancreas. Obesity is a risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes. In recent years, rates of type 2 diabetes have increased along with the rising rates of obesity.  Source: http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Magnesium-HealthProfessional/

4.  Cinnemon:  Researchers have been investigating a number of powerful natural agents that can help you stabilize your blood sugar, and once again, cinnamon has proven itself as a viable contender in the fight against diabetes, as the study in Diabetic Medicine reveals.(1)  Source:  http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-mercola/cinnamon-diabetes-_b_839487.html

5.  Zinc:  According to Ayyalusamy Ramamoorthy, a professor of chemistry and of biophysics,  amylin,  a protein forms dense clumps that shut down insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, and disrupts the body’s ability to control  blood sugar levels. Zinc  may help prevent this disruption that amylin causes.  Source:  http://howtogetwellfaster.com/health-2/nutrition/does-zinc-help-type-2-diabetes

6.  Aloe Vera Gel: 
The first study was conducted by Mahidol University in Bangkok, Thailand. Thirty six human type 2 diabetics were treated with 2 tablespoons of 80% aloe vera juice. There was also a control group of 36 patients, who did not receive the trreatment. All 72 patients had similar blood glucose levels at the begininng of the study.
By the end of week two of the study, the aloe vera consuming group had lowered their fasting blood glucose by 17 percent. By the end of six weeks, this group had lowered their fasting blood glucose 57 percent (43 percent of the starting value).  Source:   http://www.diabeteswellbeing.com/aloe-vera-and-diabetes.html

7.  Vanadium: 
Vanadium is a mineral. It was named for the Norse goddess of beauty, Vanadis, because of its beautiful colors. Vanadium supplements are used as medicine.
Vanadium is used for treating diabetes, low blood sugar, high cholesterol, heart disease, tuberculosis, syphilis, a form of “tired blood” (anemia), and water retention (edema); for improving athletic performance in weight training; and for preventing cancer. 
Source:   http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-749-VANADIUM.aspx?activeIngredientId=749&activeIngredientName=VANADIUM
How does it work? There is some evidence that vanadium might act like insulin, or help to increase the effects of insulin.

8.  Momordica Charantia:  Three randomised controlled trials with up to three months duration and investigating 350 participants met the inclusion criteria. Risk of bias of these trials (only one study was published as a full peer-reviewed publication) was generally high. Two RCTs compared the effect of preparations from different parts of the momordica charantia plants and placebo on the glycemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus. There was no statistically significant difference compared to placebo. The effects of preparation from the leaves of the plant and glibenclamide were comparable in the third trial. No serious adverse effects were reported in all the trials. There were no documentations of death from any cause, morbidity, (health-related) quality of life and costs.  Source:  http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20166099

9.  Nopal:  Although research on nopal as a treatment for diabetes is somewhat contradictory, there is some evidence to suggest that the plant has a mild blood-sugar lowering effect. The raw plant contains complex carbohydrate and fiber, which may help to slow glucose digestion and absorption. Dried prickly pear capsules are popular both in Mexico and the United States, but while a study has shown that this supplement may help to lower cholesterol levels, there is not good evidence to support the use of nopal capsules for the treatment of diabetes Source:  http://diabetes.about.com/od/nutrition/a/Nopal.htm

10.  Fenugreek:  How does fenugreek work to help fight diabetes? One study reports that a substance called 4-hydroxyisoleucine, isolated from the seeds of the herb, has shown significant potential as an anti-diabetic agent because it suppressed progression of type 2 diabetes in mice by improving insulin sensitivity and uptake of glucose. Fenugreek contains fiber and pectin, which may help lower blood glucose.  Source:  http://www.emaxhealth.com/1275/fenugreek-type-2-diabetes

11.  Gymnema:  How does it work? Gymnema contains substances that decrease the absorption of sugar from the intestine. Gymnema may also increase the amount of insulin in the body and increase the growth of cells in the pancreas, which is the place in the body where insulin is made. 
Source:  http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-841-GYMNEMA.aspx?activeIngredientId=841&activeIngredientName=GYMNEMA

Here we have some of the most affective natural substances Plants and Herbs that can help with Diabetes.  Make sure you read up on it and discuss it with your doctor and always follow the best form of control for your Diabetes.  Consult with your physician before going out on a limb and trying to cut yourself off from medications you may be taking and also there could be interactions between the medications you take currently. 

Together as a community we can learn.  We can help each other with information and support.  If you or anyone you know is Diabetic or is a caretaker of a Diabetic and have something to share or just have information to share contact me at diabetic.day2013@gmail.com .