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.

My Diabetic Gastro Issues Things are out of Wack

 

 

Really!  You must be joking!  No I am not!  The problems that come along with Diabetes also can and does make difficulties for you with your Gastrointestinal issues.  I know they have interfered with mine and I am not ashamed to say that.

 

I had no clue that my Diabetes could cause havoc with my intestines.  Things started to happen that I was not used to.  It began with irregularity with my stools.  I used to be someone who never skipped a beat being able to go to the bathroom and do the #2.  Then my stools became hard and it became difficult to go.  The thing I think bothered me the most was that I had no urge to go at all.  Even though this was happening it wasn't a everyday thing, I just didn't know when it would happen. 

 

Since moisture is one of the things we lose when we are Diabetic I was unaware of the fact that the intestinal tract also suffers from a lack of moisture.  I decided it was time to talk to the doctor about those issues.  I thought maybe there was something else going on with me.  After speaking to the doctor he assured me it was part of my Diabetes and it was called Gastroenteropathy. 

 

Diabetic  Gastroenteropathy manifesting in upper gastrointestinal symptoms, delayed gastric emptying, constipation, diarrhea and fecal incontinence occurs frequently in patients with diabetes mellitus and represents a significant health care burden.

Source:  http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2854169/

The term diabetic Gastroenteropathy encompasses all gastrointestinal complications of diabetes, which may manifest in dysphagia, heartburn, abdominal pain or discomfort, early satiety, nausea, vomiting, postprandial fullness and bloating; as well as in constipation, diarrhea, and fecal incontinence.
Source:  http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2854169/

The whole thing I am learning about this problem with Diabetes is that they need to do a lot more research and studies with Diabetics who currently show signs and symptoms of these Gastrointestinal issues.

I hope you will read on this information and find out more about why you may be having issues with your bowels and gastro system as a Diabetic. 

If we can keep on talking and keep a good communication open then we serve our whole Diabetic community.  It is important to share what you know and research what you don't know and as always if you wish to connect with me I am on google at diabetic.day2013@gmail.com also follow me on 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.

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.  

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

How our Weight is affected by Diabetes

I was diagnosed at the age of 11 years with being borderline Diabetic.  I was always a chubby kid when I was growing up.  A little over weight for me at 5ft 5in.  I was told then I had to control my weight and my foods or I would become Diabetic in the future.  Unfortunate for me I had a mom who cooked very country foods and I guess because I was the last child at home she wanted me to feel not alone so much so she let me eat sweets much to often.  I don't think she realized the seriousness of what my pediatrician had told us. 
It was in the 70's.

As an adult living with Diabetes I now know that what I had done up to the time of being told I was diabetic was really only harming me.  I didn't listen to what doctors said to me either about losing weight, or I had been told that I had Celiac Disease, which causes a problem from any type of products with gluten in it. 
That was a key fact I should have listened to, but didn't.  I never really understood why I was always craving noodles, starchy foods.

The fact is many things can play a part on why a Diabetic is having weight Issues.  To understand
more about this I did some reading and researched the why's of Diabetes and Weight.

1.  Our body converts digestible Carbohydrates into Blood Glucose (Sugar)
2.  Our Blood Glucose can affect how much energy we have and how hungry we get and how
      energetic we  feel.
3.  This determines if we will store fat or if we will burn the fat.

Our pancreas creates a hormone called insulin that transports blood sugar into our body's cells where it is used for energy. When we eat refined grains that have had most of their fiber stripped away, sugar, or other carbohydrate-rich foods that are quickly processed into blood sugar, the pancreas goes into overtime to produce the insulin necessary for all this blood sugar to be used for energy. This insulin surge tells our body that plenty of energy is readily available and that it should stop burning fat and start storing it.
  However, the greater concern with the insulin surge is not that it tells our body to start storing fat. Whatever we eat and don't burn up eventually gets turned into fat anyway.
 Source:  http://www.caloriesperhour.com/tutorial_sugar.php

 There are things to watch for regarding Carbohydrates.  Here is a list of things and a great source for information regarding Carbohydrates.  

1.  Simple Carbohydrates, such as sugar, sucrose, fructose, lactose, glucose any of the ones ending in "ose".
2.  Hidden Sugars in Processed Foods, Peanut butter, applesauce, jelly, canned fruits, ketchup, soups,
     salad dressing....etc.
3.  Beverages also hold large amounts of sugars, so be careful to watch how much they have. 
     Try to stay on  the low end of the sugar count. 
4.  Fat Free Products often replace the lack of taste of being fat free with sugar.  Be aware of this fact
     and check your labels on packages.
5.  Cereal is another one that uses deceptive ways to change sugar content but still remain high in sugars.
     They do this by calories, carbohydrates, fat, fiber and other nutrients that are almost identical to
     the full-sugar cereals. Always Check labels on products and try to stay to more Raw grain products.
6.  Things that say No Sugar Added does not mean they don't contain natural sugars.  Most of your fruit    
      items will contain Fructose a natural form of sugar,
Source:  http://www.caloriesperhour.com/tutorial_sugar.php

I hope this has helped in understanding the breakdown of what creates our weight and why we have so much of an issue with trying to take it off.  It seems that our body is quite confused when we have this Diabetic Disease.  It doesn't know when to store fat and when not to thus weight becomes an issue for us.  The best way to fix this is to maintain a good Diabetic Diet and exercise program.  There are many good sources out there on the internet and in our communities for Diabetics.  Use your resources and if there isn't anything then start one.  I bet your community would love to have a free Diabetic exercise program. 

We as a community will win the battle over this disease with continued support and dialog among us.  If you have a story or a blog idea, even if you just have a question or want to chat contact me at :  diabetic.day2013@gmail.com.

Normal! "Huh, I'm Diabetic!"

If you are like me life as a Diabetic has been more than confusing at times.  I have had a very difficult time trying to get everything straight.  I sometimes wasnt sure if I was coming or going. 

Some things about being Diabetic was easy to get ahold of, but not all of it.  I have still been trying to figure out my eating and snacks and excersize and what affects my blood glucose. 

The things I have learned over the past almost 8 years living with Diabetes is that there is always new things to learn and things changing in our worlds, so yes it can be very confusing at times. 

Here are some of the things that I have learned. 

1.  Stress is one of the number one things that create fluctuations in your blood glucose levels.  It is important to figure out the stresses in your life and try to eliminate or just manage them better.

2.  Getting proper rest is so important.  If you do not get proper rest your body will be under stress and we know now that both Mental and Physical things can stress our body and cause our blood glucose to rise.

3.  Illness can create a higher gluclose level for us Diabetics because once again with illness our bodies are once again under stress.  The same goes for injuries to our bodies our blood glucose will be higher as our bodies try to heal.  Diabetes is an Autoamune Disease. 

4.  Eating is probably the most difficult to get right and it affects our bodies ability to maintain a fairly level glucose, however if we are not sure how to eat or we are not understanding how things affect our glucose levels then it will be difficult for us to change.  Reading I have found and experementing with foods is the best way to know what works best for your body.

5. Excersize will lower your glucose level but once again if you do not have the proper carbs in your body before excersize it can be dangerous when and if your glucose drops to low.  Make sure you know what you need to do as a diabetic to deal with this situation.  Always contact your Doctor to make sure you have an okay to proceed with the excersize program you choose.

6.  Medications will also affect your blood glucose.  It is important to keep up with your Doctor on any supplements or medications you may be taking.  Sometimes we have more than one doctor for many things and they can prescribe different medications, so make sure you always have an up to date list of all medications to take with you to your primary care Doctor.
Daily routine how it affects your Diabetes

One of the things I have struggled with the most is trying to figure out how to eat properly and exactly what I can eat.  If you have struggled with this also then we can figure this out together.

The American Diabetes Association has a really wide variety of articles on how to eat and what to eat.  They say that once you get used to eating right it is basically routine.  http://www.diabetes.org/food-and-fitness/food/what-can-i-eat/?loc=DropDownFF-whatcanieatWhat Can I Eat

Finding infromation on the internet is easy when it comes to Diabetes and eating such as great recipes and meal guides and plans.  Recipes for healthy living

I am really just beginning to understand the Importance of Skin Care, Dental Care and Foot Care as a Diabetic and there are some really interesting things to know.  The information is all out there on the internet or in your libraries.  If you are confused ask your doctor there are programs that are information packed that the doctor can refer you to.  Sometimes on the Diabetes Association Website you can also find events in your area and as always you can always donate time and effort in finding a cure for this disease.  In my Community Via ADA

I will be expanding on other topics of Diabetes as we continue on our journey together as Diabetics and Caretakers of Diabetics.  As a community I think we can support each other much better than standing alone.  There are over 26 Million people with this disease, that is a pretty large population.   We can become healthier by sharing and caring. 

If you have a story or a question you would like to give then get ahold of 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.