Unconventional Ideas that possibley help Diabetes

Studies in Denmark have shown that in Diabetics that the Probiotic's and Prebiotic's are imbalanced and different in those without Diabetes.  Also common is that the Micro flora is imbalanced in people who are obese as apposed to those that are thin. 

One of the things is that when you are having a more balanced and proper diet your balances in your intestinal tract will actually be much better therefore creating a more balanced blood glucose level.

As I was reading I understood that the over prescribing of antibiotics will kill off both good bacteria and bad bacteria that is inside of the Gastro Intestinal Tract.  This is also causing it harder for those with Diabetes and other Diseases to maintain health inside of their Intestines.  

In one of the articles I was reading they said,

Consider the fact that if you're eating conventionally-farmed meats, you're ingesting antibiotics with every bite, whether you know it, and approve of it, or not.

Source:
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2010/03/02/diabetes-alert-your-gut-microflora-may-be-out-of-balance.aspx

After all, inside your gut is a living ecosystem, full of both good bacteria (probiotics) and bad bacteria that play a major role in your physical and mental health. So it's quite conceivable that a fundamental shift in your gut flora might make it easier to gain weight, and/or affect the delicate balance of leptin and insulin in your body.

Source:
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2010/03/02/diabetes-alert-your-gut-microflora-may-be-out-of-balance.aspx


Knowing that we could make a difference if we understood the proper balance and ratio of the probiotics and prebiotics needed to assist in our insulin absorption then we ourselves would be able to help our own bodies to adjust the proper insulin proportions.

The results showed significant differences in intestinal populations of various bacterial groups between diabetics and non-diabetics. In particular, diabetics had fewer Firmicutes and more plentiful amounts of Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria, compared to non-diabetics.  

The problem with this is that most doctors do not prescribe this for their Diabetic Patients instead this has to be done by you or possibly your Naturopathic Doctor.  You might be scared to do this because you don't know exactly how much of what to take so you can balance that but there are solutions for that.  One way the article said was to stop consuming sugary foods.  Lower your grain intake and processed foods they said should help to build up the good bacteria to fight the bad bacteria and create a healthier gut

The article even goes further to say we should be eating foods within our nutritional type.  Wow, very interesting as I didn't even know I had a nutritional type except I was Diabetic and I needed to stay away from sugars and sugar products.

Here is a video Link that will help you to understand more about your nutritional type Watch it and be your own judge.  I am not promoting anything just bringing information to your attention.

This is only one of many ways that are unconventional in ways of treating Diabetes but if you are a person who tends to want to deal with your health on a more natural basis you may want to check out the information that Dr. Mercola has put out there on the Internet.  This is just one more piece of information that we can share and learn more about.  Anything we can do to make our Diabetes better then I say it is worth reading about. 

Don't stop taking your medicine make sure to discuss options with your doctor or health care professionals. 

Again if you are interested in being a guest blogger or would like to share something with us or have something you would like to ask about you can contact me at:  diabetic.day2013@Gmail.com or #DiabeticDay on twitter.

Nasty little words or what did you say is in this product!

Oh my goodness if it wasn't hard enough trying to eat right as a Diabetic now we have to really read food labels and know what they mean.  How many times have you been to the grocery store and tried to figure out if something is sugar free, and just because it says its sugar free is it???

How many times have you tried to stay away from full of sugar full of gluten products.  Do you even know what words scream out sugar or gluten?  If not you are like most of us who are trying to get by off of the knowledge we were given in home economics in school or from shopping with our mom back in the 70's and 80's as children....even so we do have the bests tools to us and that is a mouth for questions and eyes for reading. 

So as I do all of the time I am reading on the internet and I decide to find out what those illusive words are that mean Sugar to us and Gluten to us Diabetics.  

The first thing I looked up is how to figure out if something had gluten's in it.  I came across an article by a woman who was a nutritional expert.   She began by saying that there are 6 key words we should look for when searching to see if a product that doesn't say its gluten free has in it.  Those 6 words are below.

• Wheat

• Rye

• Barley

• Oats

• Malt & Brewers Yeast

If any of the contents of a package or you find any of these words within a label then you will know they are not gluten free products.

Oats however are not gluten products unless they have been contaminated by wheat, barley, or rye products. If a product does contain wheat but only 20 parts per million it may be labeled gluten free.  Even with food products regulated by the USDA, there are very few ingredients that should cause you any concern. Modified food starch, dextrin, and starch (in USDA-regulated foods “starch” may mean corn starch or wheat starch) may give you pause if their source is not named. You may want to find another product that does not contain these ingredients or contact the manufacturer to verify gluten-free status.
Source:  http://www.glutenfreedietitian.com/newsletter/dietcom-blog-how-to-tell-if-a-food-is-gluten-free/

So here is a list of the added sugars you may find on a package label.  Remember that this does not tell you how much of these have been added and the only way to figure that out is by scanning the label to read the amounts.

• Agave nectar
• Brown sugar
• Cane crystals
• Cane sugar
• Corn sweetener
• Corn syrup
• Crystalline fructose
• Dextrose
• Evaporated cane juice
• Fructose
• Fruit juice concentrates
• Glucose
• High-fructose corn syrup
• Honey
• Invert sugar
• Lactose
• Maltose
• Malt syrup
• Molasses
• Raw sugar
• Sucrose
• Sugar
• Syrup

Source:  http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/added-sugar-on-food-labels/
As you begin to understand labels better shopping for Sugar free and Gluten Free products will become easier.

Going even further there are websites that help us understand what we are reading on the labels of our food and food products.  If you have a bit of difficulty I hope this article will be of some assistance.  Consumers need to understand the labels and what they are eating.  The more information the better off you are but only if you understand the labels. 

Consumers using Nurtrition Facts when making food choices a healthier option. 
Source:  http://www.fda.gov/Food/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/ucm267499.htm

My blog today isn't tremendously long, but one thing that we gain from this one is how easy it is for us to learn for ourselves what is healthier for us to put into our bodies.  If you cant remember all of the names of things then take time make a list that you can carry with you at all times with a list to remind you what you can and cannot have on your diet.  Living healthier comes from knowledge and in most cases knowledge is free.  Take time to stay informed and information is key so share it. 

If you wish to contact me for any reason regarding a blog or question or just a chat then connect with me here at diabetic.day2013@gmail.com  We are a community so lets create our health together.

Sex and the Diabetic, No it's not a Movie it's Real Talk

Lets face it having Diabetes takes away the hey babe ya wanna excitement.  It isn't that you don't want to, more like your urges might not be there as they were before.  Sometimes you just become depressed and other times your medication or complications can play a part in why you don't want some. 

Each of these factors can play a part in what is physiologically happening inside of your body and to your emotions and mental state.  Take for instance Depression.  Often in Depression you feel as though your tired and sad and things just are not worth the effort if you can even find enough energy to make an effort.  You may be sleepy and want to sleep much of the time and things that used to be fun and exciting may no longer make you feel the same way. 

If you are taking medications for your Diabetes and it's complications often the medications have side affects so make sure to read them or ask your Pharmacist about the side affects.  Talk to your doctor and let him or her know what is going on with you.  Heart medications can interrupt things in the body, and Diabetic Neuropathy affects many part of your body including female and male parts.  Sensation that would create feelings to help are often just nil or non existant.  Blood flow is often slowed down because of damage done to the cardiovascular issues that Diabetics often deal with from complications of the disease making it harder to obtain erections for men and stimulation to the clitoral area for women.

It isn't something you really want to talk about very often as a Diabetic, but it is a very real thing that happens to many of us.  It is a sensitive subject but one you need to speak about to your spouse and to your health care professionals.  There are numerous things that you can do for yourself and things that you can do for each other.  Doctors also have some things they can discuss with you.  Don't be afraid to discuss your Sex Life with your spouse and your healthcare professional, great things can be accomplished to help the situation.

I am going to post some really good information regarding this and remember it isn't just because someone has no need for it or want but that there can be many things affecting the why's of  Diabetes interrupting yours or a spouses sex life.

Evidence of Neuropathy in your feet may mean that nerves in other parts of your body are affected as well, possibly affecting your sexual functioning.
Source:  http://www.diabetesselfmanagement.com/articles/sexual-health/when-diabetes-affects-your-sex-life/all/

There’s a lot you can do on your own, too, to improve your sex life, whether you are able to actually change your physical functioning or simply learn new ways to enjoy what you have. 
Source:  http://www.diabetesselfmanagement.com/articles/sexual-health/when-diabetes-affects-your-sex-life/all/

10 sex tips for Diabetics
http://healthyliving.msn.com/diseases/diabetes/10-sex-tips-for-diabetics

Sexual problems in women are also common although not always reported. It is estimated that one third of women may have problems with sexual desire, vaginal dryness, and the ability to reach orgasm.

 Sexual problems in men with diabetes are common with over half of men being impacted. Age and the progression of the disease both increase the risk of erectile dysfunction and low testosterone, the two most common sexual health issues.

Source:  http://healthpages.org/self-care/sex-diabetes/

There are things we as Diabetics can do to help ourselves get through a difficult period in our Disease, but remember the Disease doesn't just affect us it affects our mates as well.  Talking a direct communication with your mate will make it easier to find solutions and answers to these all to often common issues Diabetics have with Sex.  Keep open communication flowing it will help resolve any issues you may be having in your relationship.

There are so many great articles out there.  Just open up your web browser and ask the questions.  It will have several answers for you but most of them are very common facts and will answer your questions quite well.  Don't forget to speak to your healthcare professional, ask if they are comfortable in discussing the physical aspects of what your Disease may be creating for you, if not ask them if they have suggestions on who to speak to about it.  The only questions that are not good questions are those that don't get asked.

If you have comments or a blog Idea, if you have a subject you want to discuss or just a question please feel free to connect with me at diabetic.day2013@gmail.com.  Together we can make us knowledgeable about our Diabetes and we can share and help each other in our journey. 

Diabetes Can be Spendy or Thats Ok Keep the Change in Your Own Pocket

As a Diabetic without Insurance it is difficult to find economical Diabetic Supplies sometimes.  In the town I live in we don't have to many options for finding Diabetic Supplies in the Stores.  I was able to go to the Walmart and they did have a variety of meters and test strips. I purchased a ReliOn confirm/micro for $9.00 and the test strips were $19.99 for 50.  Just a couple of weeks ago I bought another meter it was without all the bells and whistles though.  It also was a ReliOn  Prime and it was $16.00 meter but for 50 test strips it was $9.00.  Of course each state may vary with prices.

For others who wish to use the internet to purchase with Medical Insurance or Medicare there are several different sites that offer different discounts.  One of my favorite sites that I have found is the American Diabetes Wholesale on line.
Link:   http://www.americandiabeteswholesale.com/

Special:  http://www.americandiabeteswholesale.com/product/free-truebalance-meter-kit_1606_120.htm

70% OFF! Retail Price: $65.97 Your Price: $19.49


Special: http://www.americandiabeteswholesale.com/product/free-truetrack-smart-system-meter-kit_1591_120.htm
77% OFF! Retail Price: $92.97 Your Price: $21.49 

Special:   Clever Choice Mini Blood Glucose Meter - Grey w/ 100 strips
 56% OFF! Retail Price: $70.97 Your Price: $30.99
It also comes in other colors such as blue and red. You will need to go to the website and look through all the really great options for you.

 I just went to the doctor and then took a trip to my local pharmacy and found myself just pulling out $52.00 on medications.  Usually I would have paid no payment but because of the type of Medications I have had to get and the fact that my insurance company didn't get my insurance papers correct in time I was stuck paying a bill.  Now most people would say that $52.00 wasn't much however it is when you are living on a budget and trying to make ends meet.  So I want to share some information about shopping and finding your prescripstion's for reasonable prices.  

Wal*Mart Pharmacies offer a wide range of prescription's for $4.00 and some for just slightly higher prices if you are without insurance.  They have a list at their store that gives you all the information you want.  Go to Wal*Mart Pharmacy Savings Tools

Prescription Help Information Sites.
https://www.pparx.org/ 1-888-4ppa-now (1-888-477-2669) Toll Free. Find out if you are elegible.

http://www.needymeds.org/  For helpline calls, call 800-503-6897.

http://coverageforall.org/pdf/FHCERxAssistanceProgramsGuide.pdf

This is just some of the options that are out there for you.  You could really use a numerous amounts of assistance programs.  Be sure to check if you have medicare or medicaid with your insurance information hotlines and ask questions so you are well informed and have all the information you may need before going any further with discount programs and options.  Some of your insurances will allow discount cards etc.  Also if you are over 50 you can use AARP they often offer discount on products through them. 

If you have any questions regarding any of the information that has been provided for you feel free to write me and I will answer any questions you might have.  You may even just have a comment or would like to share your information on this blog if so connect with me @ diabetic.day2013@gmail.com. 





 

EMERGENCY Recall Alert for Test Strips August 1st.

Nova Diabetes Care announced the recall Friday. An incorrect reading could potentially lead to dangerous medication errors for patients. 
Source:  http://www.novacares.com/news/nova-max-recall.php

 "It is important that patients using these test strips discontinue their use immediately," said Alberto Gutierrez, director of FDA's office of in vitro diagnostics. "A false reading could result in patient harm and delay critical care."

 Patients can visit a company website to check if their glucose test strips are affected by the recall: www.novacares.com/news/nova-max-recall.php . They can also call a company hotline at 1-800-681-7390. Customers can return the strips and receive replacements at no charge.



Doctors and patients should pay attention for signs and symptoms of high or low blood sugar levels, including excessive thirst, nausea, weakness, headaches and trembling.

To Read the entire article please follow the source link.  It will give you much more information on the names of each type of strip.  It will tell you which countries are affected and currently there are several.  Please read more and pass the information on if possible.  

Source:  http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/viewart/20130801/NEWS/130801018/FDA-warns-massive-diabetic-test-strip-recall

It is really important as a Diabetic to make sure you check often of drug recalls and equipment recalls.  Faulty equipment can cause you to overdose on Insulin and other Diabetic Medications.  If you feel you are having symptoms of Either High Glucose or Low Glucose and are not sure it is best to consult your physician or 911.

Today the information is enough to share with you all as a blog post.  I want us to all keep aware of the problems for us out there as Diabetics as well as the wonderful things out there to help keep our Diabetes Managed.  The way we can do this is by offering information to each other and talking on a regular basis about our concerns, idea's and keep the knowledge coming.  We belong to a pretty large community of 26,000,000 and climbing.  Together we can create a better life for each other through information sharing.

If you have a question or comment please feel free to connect with me through diabetic.day2013@gmail.com.  I answer all notes to me. 

Diabetic Shopping Lists

Here on planet Earth, the confusion is great over just what to buy when you go to the grocery store, farmers market or international markets as a Diabetic.  It feels like you are a alien from outer space and there just is no food sources here on this planet to feed that hunger inside you.   Lucky for you we have what is called the internet, and lucky for you I don't mind learning as I go along myself seeking answers to mind boggling questions.

This question for me today is WHAT DO I EAT? Sorry, I didn't mean to shout so loud, but I get so very confused about this when I go shopping with my husband.

While I was looking around the internet at different types of answers for this question I thought to plug in Diabetic Grocery Lists.  I came up with some information on what to eat and a few really good lists to print and take with me to the Grocery store while I was looking.  I will list some of these and maybe you won't be so confused what to buy just maybe how to make out a menu and the recipes to make some great food.  Don't worry though we will answer those questions too.   Now lets get busy!

The First Shopping List was from sharecare.com here is the
Link http://www.sharecare.com/health/type-2-diabetes/article/diabetic-food
This is the link to the printable Diabetes Friendly Shopping List from sharecare.com http://s.origin.sharecare.com.s3.amazonaws.com/newsletter/OHG/Diabetes_Friendly_Shopping_List-v05.pdf

Second:  Right at Home Diabetic Shopping list
Link:  http://www.rightathome.net/assets/franchises/nova/Diabetic%20Grocery%20List.pdf

Third:  Your Diabetes Diet:  Exchange Lists (Mayo Clinic) Very Helpful Information
Source:  http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/diabetes-diet/DA00077

• Diabetes meal plan recipes
• Diabetes diet: Create your healthy-eating plan
• Exchange list: Starches
• Exchange list: Fruits
• Exchange list: Milk and yogurt
• Exchange list: Sweets, desserts and other carbohydrates
• Exchange list: Nonstarchy vegetables
• Exchange list: Meat and meat substitutes
• Exchange list: Fats
• Exchange list: Free foods

Printable Diabetic Grocery List you will need to download the PDF or DOC.
Link:  http://www.freeprintablegrocerylist.com/preview/Diabetic_Food_Grocery_List

Don't forget to check your App Stores for great Diabetic Help Apps.  You can Find them on Google Play Store, Itunes, and numerous others.  There are great Diabetic Recipe Apps and as I said before also great food and menu planning Apps.  Great Resources for a Diabetic on the Go. Don't forget to set alarms on your phone to help you remember when you need to eat your snacks and prepare your meals.  I do this on a regular basis.  It has been a great help to have this on my Android Phone.  

There are also some great Meal Planners out there for Diabetics and Recipes too.  I will try my best to keep fresh and new places, information and Idea's coming out there for you to help you as I am helping myself with the complexities of Diabetes.  It really isn't fun to try to do this alone.  As a community of Diabetics and Caregivers we can do this together.  We can be great support for each other on this journey that is Diabetes.

If you have questions or would like to share information or ideas or even write a blog for Diabetes Day then feel free to connect with me @ diabetic.day2013@gmail.com

Diabetic Education on line Resources

Diabetics often have a hard time finding really good resources and ways to teach them how to manage Diabetes and just what Diabetes is all about.  In this blog I will offer you some really great Websites that have classes or courses on Diabetes that are free and easily accessed by the internet. 

Site Resources & Classes Offered:

Joslin Diabetes Center | Online Classes http://ndep.nih.gov/resources/webinars/
On line classes link
Assessing Your Diabetes Actions, Assessing Your Diabetes Beliefs, Assessing Your Diabetes Knowledge, An Overview of Diabetes, and Treating Type 2 Diabetes with Oral Medications

NDEP
http://ndep.nih.gov/resources/webinars/
The National Diabetes Education Program's Quarterly Webinar Series explores the latest advances and challenges in diabetes prevention and management

American Association of Diabetes Educators
https://www.diabeteseducator.org/ProfessionalResources/products/fundamentals.html
This is a 6 course module for professional caregivers but can also be taken by those that are not and still must care for a Diabetic.  

UCSF
Diabetes Education Online
There are numerous types of things to learn on this site one is a Diabetic Symposium Video you may find quite interesting. 

CDE Help Team | Diabetes Support
https://www.cdehelpteam.com/
This website offers support and information and education on several topics as well.  Better ways to control your blood sugar, if your treatment plan includes insulin, if you are new to Diabetes, a little something for caregivers or parents of a Diabetic, In control but looking for more information on Diabetes.  

Diabetes Helpline
http://www.diabeteswellness.net/WellnessNetwork/DiabetesHelpline.aspx
Offering a variety of information and help with your Diabetes questions.  Education through research is offered as well. 

I hope you find these resources good.  I have already found several things that I will be using for myself to educate myself even further in my Diabetic Journey.  I think that they offer a variety of options and it never hurts to have more than one handy at all times.  What one can not answer another can so don't be afraid to reach out ask questions, talk to other Diabetics and health care providers and educators. 

Once again I would like us all to be a source of support and information for each other.  We are a community within a larger community.  I think we will have better opportunities to be healthy if we work together and keep that communication among us as Diabetics and Caregivers of Diabetics. 

If you have a question, if you would like to share by writing a story for the blog or have information to share or if you just want to chat please contact me at diabetic.day2013@gmail.com

Feet, Feet Beautiful Painful Cracking Ulcered Feet. Ouch!

If you are like me I have always loved to be barefoot and enjoy feeling things under my feet.  Now that I am Diabetic I can no longer enjoy the thrill of being barefoot. 

Diabetes does some interesting things to the body, but one of the worst things it does is it messes with the brain and the nerves that care for our feet.  The brain needs to be able to send messages and receive messages to and from the feet. 

Chronic Glucose levels can damage the Nervous System.  The nerves are what sends and receives the messages from the brain about pain.  The Nervous System receives messages from our environment and how the body is affected by it through our five senses. Source:  http://health.howstuffworks.com/diseases-conditions/diabetes/how-diabetes-affects-the-feet.htm  The greatest problem then occurs when your feet as a Diabetic can not send the information about pain to your brain and the environmental information needed to detect problems with the feet, this is caused to over exposure of glucose to the Nervous System.

Things that may seem minor to most people such as scrapes, cuts, blisters, or cracking in the skin are not minor things to those of us with Diabetes.  A staggering 60% of all amuputations bellow the knee are from People with Diabetes. 

Along with Nervous System issues we also have Peripheral Vascular Disease for 1 out of 3 people with Diabetes over the age of 50.  This means narrowing and stiffeness of the arteries in the legs making a lack of oxygen and blood flow and nutrients to affected area's in the lower extremeties.  This makes it harder for a Diabetic person to be able to heal. This is also called Peripheral Artery Disease. 

This all leads to Diabetic Neuropathy or numbness in the feet and legs making it harder to tell if you have been injured or have any unusual cuts or skin problems in your feet and legs. 

How you should care for your feet being Diabetic:  Every day you should check your feet for any abnormalities, cracking between your toes and on your heel, bottom of your feet for cuts and blisters on your entire feet. 

Make sure your doctor checks your feet on a routine basis as well, if they dont then ask them to because it is part of your regular check up and the sooner you find an injury on your foot the faster you can have treatment for it.  Remember you run a risk of it becoming amputated if left untreated. 

1.  Take care of your Diabetes
2.  Check your feet Daily
3.  Make sure you get an annual foot examination by your physician
4.  Stay Active it gives a better chance for good circulation in your legs feet and for your heart.
5.  Trim your toe nails if you can or have a Foot Care Professional do it.
6.  Wear Shoes and Socks
7.  Protect your feet from Hot and Cold as they affect the blood vessels in your feet and your circulation.
8.  Keep blood flowing to your feet and legs by not crossing your legs, moving your feet and legs several
     times a day, and put your feet up if you can when sitting. 
9.  Make a routine to check your feet at the same time daily so you will get into a habbit of it.

After bathing or showering make sure your feet are dried off good especially in between the toes.  Make sure you moisturize them with skin care lotion to maintain a non dry skin to prevent cracking in the skin. 

Remembering it is up to each one of us to insure that we still are up and going, taking care of our feet is a priority for us as Diabetics.  Follow a daily routine of check our feet and staying active will help us to maintain better foot care.  There are shoes and socks for Diabetics that make foot care easier. 

We are together on this and as long as we stay in a community that supports each other and offers information for each other then we can stay healthier and improve our lives. 

If you have a story a comment or something you would like to share with me please contact me at diabetic.day2013@gmail.com.  I cant wait to hear from you.

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 . 

Stress me out...Ouch! How Stress Affects Diabetes

I have been told recently to stop stressing out so much, whew that is a hard one for me.  I am a natural born worrier.  I really dont mean to be, but my nature as a female, mother, caregiver tells me otherwise.  I also am busy working on things that concern the country like cold cases all over the united states.  So like most people time management is important and being a sort of perfectionist when it comes to things can cause the utmost stresses for me.  I have had to learn to let some of that go.

Diabetes doesnt pick and chose one race over another, one sex over another or even what social status over another.  It is an equal opportunity disease.  How we manage it though is up to us and even though it is easier to manage if you have the means it is not necessarily that hard if you dont have the means it just means you have to be creative and use alot of free resources to help you maintain it even the stress management part.

Stress is many things it can be Physical, Mental, Emotional and Environment can play a huge part in all of these.  We may have every day stresses like work, home, family, economics, or we could have physical stresses such as Illness (Diabetes), and injuries to our bodies that can be stresses. 

I know when I first talked to a my doctor and she found I had a Kidney infection she said this is why your blood sugar is high, infections raise it because it puts stress on your body.  I was unaware of that now 4 years into the disease.  But it is true it can really stress the body.

When stress occurs, the body prepares to take action. This preparation is called the fight-or-flight response. In the fight-or-flight response, levels of many hormones shoot up. Their net effect is to make a lot of stored energy — glucose and fat — available to cells. These cells are then primed to help the body get away from danger. In people who have diabetes, the fight-or-flight response does not work well. Insulin is not always able to let the extra energy into the cells, so glucose piles up in the blood.  Diabetes affected by stress explained

I have found a few ways to deal with my stress now that I know how it affects my Diabetes that are free and enjoyable.  I use the internet alot for this either on my cell phone or on the computer itself.  I have found that Youtube is a great source for free videos on relaxation, meditation and excersize such as Yoga.  If you have a cell phone there are alot of free Apps that help with this and will give you the opportunity to get free excersize, meditation and even sleep programs to use. 

Taking time out for your needs are very important when you are dealing with a disease like Diabetes.  If it affects your whole body then you must take time to help your body stay healed. 

Remember to try and lower your blood sugar and stay healthy with excersize, eating right and sleeping well.  Remember not to get to stressed out.

Together we can do this as a community.  If you have a story or want to ask questions or share something contact me at diabetic.day2013@gmail.com

Living With Diabetic Complications (What?)

I used to think that since I had Diabetes the medication would take care of it all.  Boy was I sadly mistaken.  I was diagnosed in 2007 when I got sick after work and began to vomit and just feel generally ill.  Needless to say, I took myself to the hospital and found out that day that I was probably Diabetic and was told to contact my doctor right away and get a thurough set of testings.  Not even a week later and I was given the diagnosis.  I was started on Metformin and that was the minimum amount.  Since that time I have had very few days when my Diabetes was under controll.  I have always felt I was good at taking care of myself dealing with my Diabetes, but why then am I having the difficulties I am having with these Diabetic Complications.  In 2010 I had a mild heart attack, after going to the doctors I was told that it damaged my kidneys and my liver.  I didnt understand how could that happen?  I was always very active and I didnt eat alot of sweets, so what was causing all these issues with my health.  I began to learn more by understanding the disease of Diabetes.  How it affects the Kidneys, Liver, Heart and Eyes, but also the biggest organ we own our Skin, then less not forget our nerves. 

Diabetic Neuropathy is when we have damage to our nerves from excess high glucose levels and it actually damages the endings of the nerves and the blood vessels that supply blood to the nerves has thinning walls from the glucose as well. Diabetic Neuropathy what causes it.  I have had issues with that off and on throughout my journey with Diabetes.  It can be quite painful and it seems to happen at night most of the time.  I was given different types of medications to help with it and currently take  numerous supplements and Gabapentin.  Each doctor deals with these issues according to the patient.  I have noticed that Natural Oils help as well I currently use them from a family member of mine who deals in Medicinal Oils Daelene Burris Oils Instructor/Business Owner.  It does help my pain almost immediately.  Kidneys are controlled by medication for High Blood pressure and are always evaluated in an every three month blood test that is done to see how the functions are.  This is a little more complicated to explain how this works but basically when you have Diabetes abnormality in carbohydrate metabolism that leads to persistently high levels of blood glucose and the coexisting high levels of fat in the blood cant be filtered correctly and the protiens are leaked from your kidneys into the urine causing damage.  How Diabetes affects the Kidneys  Heart issues from Diabetes happen when lipids clog, harden and narrow the blood vessel walls, leading to what is called atherosclerosis. How Diabetes Affects the Heart  Along with your Kineys, Heart, your liver is often affected as well. How does Diabetes affect the LiverInsulin is metabolized in the liver, where it promotes the production of glycogen, protein, cholesterol, and triglycerides and stimulates the formation of low density lipoproteins, or LDL, which transport cholesterol into the arteries. How Diabetes affects the Liver  Usually for both the Liver and Kidneys the Doctor prescribes Cholesterol Medications and High Blood pressure Medications such as, statins and Some high blood pressure medication such as Lisinopril. The key is excersize as well since that also helps regulate the sugar level or gluclose level and insulin your body produces.  Now I have had the opportunity to realize it also affects the Mind and our Brains.  Diabetes affects the Brain because of the lack of sugars or the excessive amounts of sugars in the blood, (Better known as Gluclose), they believe that Dementia and also Alzhiemers is more prevelent in type 2 Diabetics.  How the Brain is affected by Diabetes  All I know is that many times it affects most or a majority of your body.  It has deffinantly affected mine.  I am hoping by sharing information and stories we can figure out some things together.  I think we have hope and as long as we as Diabetics or caretakers of Diabetics stay connected we can get through this together.  If you have questions or would like information and if you have a story you would like to share with me feel free, we can inspire one another to care for ourselves and others much better working side by side to make changes in our lives.  Email me @ diabetic.day2013@gmail.com.