Diabetic Day: Work out The all over Medicine for Diabetes

Diabetic Day: Work out The all over Medicine for Diabetes: I know that the cartoon image up above may seem a little on the harsh side, but being diabetic I have learned one thing and that is withou...

Work out The all over Medicine for Diabetes

I know that the cartoon image up above may seem a little on the harsh side, but being diabetic I have learned one thing and that is without exercise we risk much more than just high blood sugar. 

Diabetes brings with it much more for us to be concerned about, like Heart Disease, Kidney Disease, Liver Disease, and a broad range of Brain, Eye, and Nerve issues.  Circulation and getting blood flow and Oxygen to our vital organs and lower extremities is key to better health and saving our lives as Diabetics. 

Taking the time to at least get 30 minutes of exercise a day can better your chances of  lowering your Blood Glucose levels, keeping blood flow to your legs and feet, making your Heart stronger and aids in better and Liver function.  It is even better if you can put in an 60 minutes a day.  But if you can not find the time then 30 minutes is standard.

Walking of course is one of the best exercises for Diabetics.  It is low impact and brings great results for our Blood Glucose levels.

"George Griffing, MD, professor of endocrinology at the Saint Louis University School of Medicine says that small bouts of exercise per day is fine.  He says that as long as they equal to 30 minutes a day it will work. "

Source:   http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20425548_2,00.html

It is important that Diabetics maintain movement and keep that oxygen and blood flowing throughout our bodies.  We should try to increase any type of activity that we would normally do, such as housework, or walking up and down our stairs.  Any type of exercise that will get that heart pumping.  Be sure you connect with your physician before you begin an exercise program to be sure it is safe for you.

I have used a pedometer for about 3 years now.  I had a mild Heart Attack in 2010 and since then have relied upon my pedometer to make sure I am getting enough steps in per day.  I was recommended 10,000 steps to equal five miles. This can make your Blood Pressure lower,  and lower your Blood Glucose and Cholesterol.

It is also important at the time to consider what caloric intake you have.  Keep yourself a daily journal there are applications you can put on your smart phone to keep track of your calories and how many proteins, fats, and carbohydrates your calories equal. You can also use programs on your computer to do the same as well as a regular notebook and do a handwritten one.  The Application I use on my Android Phone is :  My Diet Diary by GE healthymagination.  You can find this app on Google App Store
Find more Information out @ http://www.medhelp.org 




Source:  http://www.webmd.com/depression/guide/exercise-depression


Source:  Fifteen tips for Diabetic Exercise

What a wonderful source of happiness.  It is so much safer and better than pain medications and sleep medications.  It is also much better than us having to take medications for Depression and Anxiety Disorders.  Side affects of Chemicals can damage our bodies, but with exercise we are okay for better ways in which our bodies handle stress and sleeplessness.  The benefits of exercise outweigh the alternatives of no exercise.  Happier, Healthier, and alive.

Together we as Diabetics must keep the conversations happening.  We need the information and communication that can get us healthier and keep us strong.  If you would like to write a blog post information or have an idea or comment or question please contact me at:  diabetic.day2013@gmail.com

Diabetic Day: New Discovery Insulin May be A Thing of the Past

Diabetic Day: New Discovery Insulin May be A Thing of the Past: The Harvard School of Public Health has discovered a new Protein (Hormone) that have been found in fat cells.  This Protein (Hormone) help...

New Discovery Insulin May be A Thing of the Past

The Harvard School of Public Health has discovered a new Protein (Hormone) that have been found in fat cells.  This Protein (Hormone) helps regulate how glucose is controlled and metabolized in the Liver.  The Scientists have discovered that by switching off the Protein, leads to a better control of  production of glucose from the Liver. 
Source:  http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130507134555.htm

Scientist and Physicians alike have been puzzled over the fact that not all obese people obtain type 2 Diabetes.  They have decided that there must be a missing factor or component that they had not found that aided in the production of glucose by the Liver up until the discovery of aP2 which has been considered a protein that resides within our fat cells.

The study was done on mice they increased the amount of aP2 in healthy mice which was the same in obese mice and humans, this caused the mice to have an increased amount of glucose which impaired glucose metabolism.  Next they reduced the amount of aP2 in obese and Diabetic mice. This caused the blood glucose metabolism to be that of blood glucose seen in lean healthy mice.  This restored blood glucose metabolism to normal ranges again. 

Conclusion: The amount and action of aP2 in blood was critical for diabetes, opening up new avenues for potentially being able control or prevent type 2 diabetes. The researchers also identified a potential therapeutic role for a novel aP2 antibody that neutralizes aP2 activity and corrects type 2 diabetes in mice.
Source:  http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130507134555.htm

Journal Reference:

1. Haiming Cao, Motohiro Sekiya, Meric Erikci Ertunc, M. Furkan Burak, Jared R. Mayers, Ariel White, Karen Inouye, Lisa M. Rickey, Baris C. Ercal, Masato Furuhashi, Gürol Tuncman, Gökhan S. Hotamisligil. Adipocyte Lipid Chaperone aP2 Is a Secreted Adipokine Regulating Hepatic Glucose Production. Cell Metabolism, 2013 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2013.04.012

Every day they are discovering new ideas and finding new sources to help in aiding in the fight against Diabetes.  It is really important to keep up on reading in regards to what potentially could be a cure for the disease and make it treatable to all those who have it.  I encourage reading and keeping informed.

As a Woman with Diabetes I need to be responsible for my own well being, no one can take care of me except me.  I have to be in control over what my body is going through with the outer influences or environment that surrounds me as a Diabetic.  I encourage you also to take control and learn all you can, share with other Diabetics and keep the conversation open and flowing.  Together we can make a difference in each others lives.

If you have a story or a comment, if you wish to write a blog page for here and be a contributor please contact me at:  diabetic.day2013@gmail.com and I will be more than happy to answer any mail that is sent to me.  We can do this together as a community.  

Diabetic Day: Type 2 Medication Madness...or What am I taking?

Diabetic Day: Type 2 Medication Madness...or What am I taking?: The First thing that happens as a Diabetic is that they decide what type of medication is best suited for where you are in the disease....

Type 2 Medication Madness...or What am I taking?

The First thing that happens as a Diabetic is that they decide what type of medication is best suited for where you are in the disease.  My first medication was Metformin then went on to add Glipizide.  I am a type 2 Diabetic so these are pretty standard drugs.  I don't really know much about the Diabetic Drugs out there so I am doing some research so that I can learn about the options and alternative's  if I have to change drugs to manage my Diabetes.

The Oldest type of Diabetic Drug is a Sulfonylureas.  These drugs work to stimulate the pancreas to increase the production of Insulin.  Currently the oldest one of these drugs on the market is Chlorpropamide  Diabinese.

 The second-generation Sulfonylureas are taken once or twice a day. They include Glipizide Glucotrol, Glucotrol XL, Glyburide Micronase, DiaBeta, Glynase, and Glimepiride Amaryl.

Source: http://www.rxlist.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=104192

Meglitinides also stimulate the release of more insulin from beta cells. Repaglinide Prandin and Nateglinide Starlix are taken before each of three meals.

There is a medication that decreases your glucose production and increases your insulin on This Drug is a Biguanides.  Metformin Glucophage, is the only medication that  works by decreasing production of glucose by the liver and by making muscle more sensitive to insulin.

Source:  http://www.rxlist.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=104192

Thiazolidinediones work in a simular manner as Metformin does. These drugs are:   
 Rosiglitazone Avandia  Pioglitazone Actos.

The interesting thing that I found while reading was that there were drugs that slowed down the breakdown of carbohydrates and sometimes even stopped them or blocked them from absorption.  My doctor has never spoke of the option of drugs with me and since I now know that this information is out there I can talk with him and stay better informed on the options that I have. 

Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors are the drugs that slow down the absorption of carbohydrates.  These drugs slow the inhibiting the breakdown of starches in the intestine, these medications slow the rise in blood sugar normally seen after a meal.
Source:  http://www.rxlist.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=104192

The drug DPP-4 inhibitor Sitagliptin Januvia. This drug works by inhibiting the action of an enzyme in the body that leads to increase in insulin release. It also decreases the production of glucose by the liver.
 Source:  http://www.rxlist.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=104192

There are non-insulin injectable drugs that are also used for type 2 Diabetes to read more about these types of drugs available for use as a Diabetic go to this website.
 http://www.rxlist.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=104192&page=2

There are options out there also for natural help and I will be doing a follow up article on it so that you are aware of naturopathic options.

I hope this has helped you on some of the type 2 medications and by reading the links you will be able to understand these medications even further.  By staying informed you can make proper decisions along with your doctors on how to best manage your Diabetes.

Together as a community we can support one another and offer each other the knowledge to get through this one day at a time.  If you have a story a blog post you would like to write or any other things you wish to discuss or chat about connect with me at diabetic.day2013@gmail.com.  

Blah, Blah, Blah...Depression and Diabetes

I hate those days when I just feel really down in the dumps.  I wake and say hurray its another day.  I don't always mean that.  I feel like since I have had Diabetes that Depression can plague me quite often, probably not every single day but enough that it becomes bothersome. 

Its really hard to know what to do about it because I was told that my sugar could be causing it.  I was told that by so many people including a couple of doctors.  When I asked how I really got a vague explanation so I of course want to know more.  What I have found I am sharing with you.  Maybe together we can understand this plight of Depression and Diabetes.

I was amazed to find out that most people with Diabetes do not have Depression.  However being a Diabetic we have a much greater risk of having it because of our Diabetes.  They say that there is no easy answer as to why this is true. 

They say that a few of the factors could be that managing Diabetes is a daunting task and it takes so much extra work that we could find ourselves set apart from our friends who don't have it.  Complications such a nerve damage, not being able to keep your blood sugar managed could cause stress and tension between you and your health care providers. Feeling like you cant get your Diabetes under control can cause worry and depression. 

Depression can spiral into a vicious cycle.  It can cause you to not manage your Diabetes carefully, missing meals, over eating, self care, loss of energy and even being anxious or having anxiety.  Lack of sleep and maybe sleeping all the time lack of exercise. 

Here are some Signs and Symptoms of Depression:

1.  Loss of Pleasure.  You no longer take interest in doing the things that brought you pleasure before. 
2.  Early to Rise.  You no longer sleep you wake up and can not go back to sleep. 
3.  Change in Appetite.  You eat more or less then you usually do which leads to rapid weight gain or
     weight loss.
4.  Trouble Concentrating.  You cant watch T.V., Visit, Read, Do Crafts or Work without other
     thoughts getting in the way.
5.  Loss of Energy.  You feel tired all of the time.
6.  Guilt.  You feel you cant do anything right or that you are a burden to others.
7.  Morning Sadness.  You feel worse in the morning than any other time of the day.
8.  Suicidal Thoughts.  Wanting to end your life or thinking of ways to do self harm.
If you have three or more of these symptoms, or if you have just one or two but have been feeling bad for two weeks or more, it's time to get help.
Source:  http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/complications/mental-health/depression.html

Sometimes other things can be the cause of why you might be feeling some of these things like medication side affects, Thyroid issues, or maybe a drug or alcohol issue.  Always talk to your doctor if you are feeling any of these signs or symptoms.  Your doctor can help see you through it.  There is always the Suicide Prevention lines as well to use. Need help? In the U.S., call 1-800-273-8255National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

Causes underlying the association between depression and diabetes are unclear. Depression may develop because of stress but also may result from the metabolic effects of diabetes on the brain. Studies suggest that people with diabetes who have a history of depression are more likely to develop diabetic complications than those without depression. People who suffer from both diabetes and depression tend to have higher health care costs in primary care. Source: http://psychcentral.com/lib/diabetes-and-depression/0001380

This is a very good site to help with the recovery from Depression.  It is a self help site.  It can be hard but will be much worth the effort if you can bring yourself out of your depression a small step at a time. 
Source:  http://www.helpguide.org/mental/depression_tips.htm

• The road to recovery
• Supportive relationships
• Negative thinking
• Taking care of yourself
• Exercise
• Healthy diet
• Getting additional help

Dealing with Diabetes and its complications are never easy.  It can be a struggle daily just to get up out of bed and many times I even hear myself saying Why Bother.  I find the bother just isn't about my life but about my family and my friends as well.  It is hard, but we can do it if we stick together as a Diabetic community and Caregivers of those that are Diabetic.

If you have any information you wish to share, a blog you wish to write or just would like to chat contact me at diabetic.day2013@gmail.com.