Once a person comes to know that he has become diabetic, the first fear that pops up in his mind is about dietary restrictions. Diabetes is considered a disorder of sugar and so patients start enquiring about foods, which contain sugar. Often doctors, dieticians, diabetes educators also forbid the patients from taking rice, potato, fruits, fruit juices, sugar, etc. Thus, with the diagnosis of diabetes, everyone in the family becomes concerned about what NOT to give to the patients as they believe these restrictions can only curb or help in the treatment diabetes.

In countries like India, there are many myths about diet in Diabetes and as a result any rise in glucose is believed to have occurred solely due to dietary reasons. This leads to inadequate medical treatment and thus glucose levels remain high leading to higher diabetes complications.

No book and none of the International organizations on diabetes have prohibited any food in Diabetes, says Dr. Sunil M Jain, CEO of diabeteshormone.com. Diabetics can consume all food items but in moderation and as per Calorie requirement, he adds.

There is a need of awareness among healthcare providers about diet in Diabetes. The food we eat contains carbohydrates, proteins and fats. A healthy diet implies that at least 50 – 60% of calories should come from carbohydrates, 20% calories from fats and 20% calories from proteins. If a meal of a diabetic patient has a healthy diet calorie distribution, it can be permitted.

What is required is an understanding of the composition of food items and then planning of a meal pattern. Doctors and nutritionists should consider this concept and try to remove food related myths rather than reinforcing them. It is crucial to understand that if glucose levels are high, there may be other causes like inadequate medications, missing medications, need of insulin, etc and not small amounts of rice or fruits. Blaming to just diet is one of the cause for inadequate treatment and thus high glucose levels. Patients need to think more in terms of Insulin deficiency and this will automatically lead to process of improvement in medical treatment and better glucose control.

Diabetic diet actually comprises a healthy and proportionate diet. Due to misconceptions, people fail to understand the basic and important concept. Diet modification is an adjustment to decreasing Insulin supply. If glucose is high in spite of a healthy diet, then it more advisable to revise treatment so as to improve Insulin supply.

Republished by Blog Post Promoter

In order to understand the relation between Sugar (glucose) and hormone (insulin), it is essential to know the working of the body at cellular level.

Body Work at cellular level:

Our body is composed of millions and millions of cells. Our muscles are made of muscle cells, our livers of liver cells, and there are even very specialized types of cells that make the enamel for our teeth or the clear lenses in our eyes. Each cell is a complete unit in itself. A number of complex metabolic processes are taking place in these cells for which the required energy is produced by glucose. Anything we eat (carbohydrate) is transformed to glucose after absorption in the intestine. This glucose enters the blood and through the blood vessels is circulated all over the body. When we are in a fasting state, glucose comes from liver (Hepatic Glucose Output).

It means that even in a fasting state glucose is continuously reaching the blood through liver. As liver is known as the store house of glucose and in urgent situation when no food is available it helps in maintaining all the body functions by releasing glucose into the blood. Glucose then acts as a fuel for carrying out the various metabolic processes of the body. So it can be said that glucose is to our body what gas is to a car. Hence, whether we eat or are in a fasting state, glucose level in blood is maintained at all times.

Now the next step is that this glucose should enter the cells where it will be used as a source of energy by the cells to carry out the various metabolic processes.
GL UT4 acts as a door of body cell. In basal state this door GLUT4 is closed. For glucose to enter the cells this door (GLUT 4) must be open. When this door opens, glucose enters the cells of the body and provides energy to the cells. The process of entry of glucose from blood into the cells is complex and is carried out by a hormone called insulin. Insulin opens the door on body cells and makes glucose entry in body cells possible which then provides energy to the cells. So in brief we can say that relationship between glucose and insulin lies in the fact that insulin opens the lock allowing glucose to enter inside the cells.

Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Regardless, there is a chance that you fall into the high risk category when it comes to Type II Diabetes.

Diabetes develops quietly at times, and many sufferers sometimes don’t observe the signs and symptoms early in the disease. If you believe that you are falling into these risk categories, visit your physician immediately for a check-up.

Some common factors associated with diabetes could be if you’ve been struggling with weight issues. You’ve got higher blood pressure; low HDL cholesterol and higher triglycerides Facts on diabetes reveals that family member being diagnosed with diabetes will elevate your risk.

Family history is quite important when it comes to diagnosing diabetes, as hereditary concerns are always relevant.

Another risk factor would be if you belong to an ethnic or minority group that includes a higher chance for diabetic issues, for example African American, American Indian, Asian American, Pacific Islander, or Hispanic American Latino.

If your physician informs you that you are falling into those “pre-diabetic” classifications because of your blood glucose levels, then there are some steps that you can take. Working with your physician to ward off Type II Diabetes is essential.

Keeping our weight in check is a good place to start, as eating a little less will help in maintaining a healthy weigh to body ratio.

Avoid snacks; should you should snack go for a healthy rather than sugar-laden choice. Drink a glass of water 10 minutes prior to eating to take the edge off your appetite so you do not over-indulge in food.

Many dieticians today are recommending fresh whole grain food items and avoiding the starchy white flours. If your physician says it’s safe, then begin an easy exercise program.

Food shopping can create a challenge, especially when we do the shopping on an empty stomach. If we are impulsive in the food store, this can lead to the purchase of garbage foods which only elevate ones blood glucose levels. try to remain disciplined when doing grocery shopping.

Performing some basic tasks can help in minimizing your chances of going to the next level with diabetes.

This information on diabetes was in an attempt to provide some real life facts on diabetes. This information should not be considered medical advice. Please check with your physician in regards to a complete screening. Diabetes should not be taken lightly, and proper treatment is essential.

Get Free Help and Other material regarding diabetes at: Facts About Diabetes and complete information regarding diabetes at: Facts About Diabetes

Republished by Blog Post Promoter

There is no cure for diabetes, you have to live with it no matter what. Fortunately there is a great deal of information and support groups available today, so whist it can’t be cured, living a near normal life is quite possible.

If you have been recently diagnosed with this disease, or are struggling to adjust to this condition, here are 4 tips to help.

Start with yourself.

One of the problems with diabetes is that with the correct medication and monitoring, you are almost left to yourself. It’s not a disease that keeps you in hospital until you recover. You have it for life. The fact that medicine is self administered and blood glucose levels self monitored means that contact with your doctor is kept to a minimum. In the early days, this can be a concern. So what you need to do, is put yourself at the centre of your concern. Be careful not to marginalize others, and don’t become self-absorbed, but the fact is there is a lot of information available and you need to explore it and discover how best to look after yourself.

Develop self discipline.

Taking medication and monitoring your blood sugars (keep a written record) keeps you in touch with your diabetes on a daily basis. The fact is, the health professionals treating you can interpret their medical examinations and go into great depth about the current state of your diabetes, but you will find over time that you recognise certain symptoms – you will know when your sugars are rising or falling and take pre emptive action. The fact is, everyone’s diabetes is different. You need to find out what affects you, and you do this by taking charge of yourself.

Set up your family as a team.

No one likes a whinger! It can be hard sometimes, not just for the sufferer, but for those around them who have to endure demands of a changed diet etc. So be careful. You need your family to back up and support you. So it’s important to explain to them what’s going on, what diabetes is and how it affects you. It’s natural to be angry about it sometimes, but be careful not to take it out on those around you. Explain what you need and why, but try not to demand. Those closest to us are our best support.

Meet the experts.

Your doctor and healthcare professionals cannot manage you 100% of the time. Perhaps one of the problems with diabetes is that unlike other chronic diseases, there is no need to stay in hospital to be treated until you recover. With proper self monitoring one can live a near normal life, but your medical team are there to offer advice and support. Get to know how the system in your area works and make use of it.

So you see, you’re not on your own, but diabetes is one of those diseases where the level of support you get is down to you. By using the tips above, you can form a network of support which offers varied skills to make your life easier than you may think.

Toby has been living with type 2 diabetes for almost 2 years now but is determined to lead a near normal life. Have a look at his latest website showing the best deals on round table cloths at http://www.roundtableclothsreview.com

Republished by Blog Post Promoter

These were taken form the WHO (world health organizations) website, you can read more by going to the WHO.

Facts

* At least 171 million people worldwide have diabetes; this figure is likely to be more than double by 2030.
* Around 3.2 million deaths every year are attributable to complications of diabetes; six deaths every minute.
* The top 10 countries, in numbers of sufferers, are India, China, USA, Indonesia, Japan, Pakistan, Russia, Brazil Italy and Bangladesh.
* Overall, direct health care costs of diabetes range from 2.5% to 15% of annual health care budgets, depending on local diabetes prevalence and the sophistication of the treatment available.
* The costs of lost production may be as much as five times the direct health care cost, according to estimates derived from 25 Latin American countries.
* Recent studies in China, Canada, USA and several European countries have shown that feasible lifestyle interventions can prevent the onset of diabetes in people at high risk.

The global burden of diabetes

A diabetes epidemic is underway. An estimated 30 million people worldwide had diabetes in 1985. A decade later, the global burden of diabetes was estimated to be 135 million. The latest WHO estimate – for the number of people with diabetes, worldwide, in 2000 – is 171 million. This is likely to increase to at least 366 million by 2030. Two major concerns are that much of this increase in diabetes will occur in developing countries, due to population growth, ageing, unhealthy diets, obesity and sedentary lifestyles, and that there is a growing incidence of Type 2 diabetes – which accounts for about 90% of all cases – at a younger age. In developed countries most people with diabetes are above the age of retirement. In developing countries those most frequently affected are in the middle, productive years of their lives, aged between 35 and 64.

The number of deaths attributed annually to diabetes is around 3.2 million. Diabetes has become one of the major causes of premature illness and death in most countries, mainly through the increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Type 1 Diabetes:
Type 1 diabetes is much less common than type 2 diabetes. It is mostly found in children and young adults. Type 1 Diabetes is a result of an autoimmune disorder. Type 1 diabetes is associated with lack of insulin. Such patients have a specific type of HLA gene on their chromosomes. Infection in genetically inclined individual leads to commencement of immune system which cannot distinguish between self and non-self cells which leading to damage of insulin producing beta cells.

Type 2 Diabetes:
It is caused by interaction of hereditary factors and environmental factors, resulting in decreased efficacy of insulin and after a few years the ability of pancreas to produce insulin is also decreased. There are several factors, such as genetics, obesity, and physical inactivity that can increase a person’s risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Type2 diabetes occurs when the pancreas doesn’t make enough insulin or the cells of the body become resistant to insulin.

Insulin binds to insulin receptors on body cells and this insulin-receptor binding cause activation of complex metabolic processes e.g. GLUT activation, protein synthesis and lipid metabolism etc. More than 100 genes are involved in this process. One or more defective genes can lead to destruction of insulin action and hence development of diabetes. In diabetes many genes can turn defective and each patient can have a set of different defective genes. Any defects in the genetic makeup leads to irreparable changes that affect the functioning of insulin. Lack of physical activity, stress and obesity further worsens this situation. After some time production of insulin also diminishes. These changes ultimately lead to the development of diabetes in a person. The figure below explains the working of insulin:

Republished by Blog Post Promoter

In developed countries like America, great importance is attached to physical activity and so diabetes has been brought under control to an extent. At the same time in India, Pakistan and Gulf countries, the number of diabetic patients is rapidly increasing. A changing and more prosperous lifestyle with little emphasis on physical activity is responsible for this.

A survey conducted by World Health Organization shows that the largest number of diabetic patients in the world is in India, hence India has been accorded the status of “Diabetic Capital” of the world.

In 1995, every 7th diabetic person in the world was an Indian & by 2025 every 5th diabetic person will be an Indian. In 1995 the number of diabetic patients in India was 1.94 Crores however by 2025 this number will swell to 5.70 Crores.

The number of diabetic patients is rapidly increasing in India but what is more worrying is the factor that the younger age group is being more affected. At present 30% of the diabetic patients are in the age group of 20 to 40 years.

Projected Diabetic Population by the Year 2030

Republished by Blog Post Promoter

1. Family History of Diabetes:
Family history of diabetes is the greatest risk factor for developing diabetes. Persons with first degree blood relatives having diabetes like father, mother, and brother, sister are at the greatest risk of having diabetes.

Following table shows risk of developing diabetes:

2. Obesity:
Obesity causes insulin conflict, which increases the possibility of having diabetes. The risk of having diabetes is more in persons with central obesity

Obesity can be defined in two ways:
I. A Body Mass Index (B.M.I.) greater than 25
II. Increased Waist Hip Ratio
The Body Mass Index (B.M.I.) is calculated by the following formula

Weight grading according to Body Mass Index:

Central Obesity:
For calculating central obesity, waist and hip size are taken and theWaist Hip Ratio i.e. WHR is obtained. For example if the waist of a man measures 90 cm and his hip measures 80 cm then the WHR is 1.12.

For males risk of diabetes is greater if WHR is more than 0.90
For females risk of diabetes is greater if WHR is more than 0.85

If in males waist is more than 102 cm and in female’s waist is more than 88 cm, risk of diabetes is more.

3. Lack of Physical Activity
4. High Cholesterol
5. High Blood Pressure
6. History of Gestational Diabetes
7. Female with history of having high birth weight baby
8. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in women
9. Person with Low Birth Weight

Republished by Blog Post Promoter