Diabetes, Hypertension, and Heart Disease – What’s the Connection?

Diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease we have been told are somehow connected. How? They are connected, that’s true, but what is one to do when faced with this truth? First of all, learn as much as you can about this. Go and see the doctor and find out what to do to lower the chance of getting any of those three.

When you find out that your blood pressure is 132/88, the LDL level is 180 mg/dL and the blood sugar level is 120 mg/dL, what do you think the doctor will tell you? That’s right, he will tell you that you have prehypertension and prediabetes.

Now some people are relieved when they hear the verdict and think, wrongly may I say, that they are home free because they do not have the real hypertension and the real diabetes. They have this false sense of security that everything is fine due to their limited understanding of these three conditions.

So don’t celebrate just yet because studies have shown that those diagnosed with the evil twins of prediabetes and prehypertension have a higher chance of developing diabetes, hypertension and heart disease. So you have work to do to prevent this from happening. And it is not really work for it is something you should do anyway to be healthy.

The goal is for the blood pressure to go below 140/90 even lower if you already have diabetes. It should be 130/80 then. In the beginning, the treatment for diabetes, hypertension and heart problem is practically the same although I’ve seen more aggressive form of treatment with medication right off the bat along with the lifestyle changes. Here are things you can do to stop these three from making an appearance:

• Maintain ideal weight as this is the keystone for treatment of all three conditions.
• Get enough exercise and do this regularly.
• Eat healthy meals and follow the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) Diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains and lower fat intake.
• Limit consumption of salt.
• Quit smoking as this is the main risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
• Limit alcohol to a daily intake of one ounce of ethanol for men and half of that for women.
• Medication may be added by the health care provider if the lifestyle changes cannot control the blood pressure and lipid levels.

Risk for diabetes of hypertension patients have been found to be reduced by preventing enlarged heart. The physicians at Weill Cornell Medical Center in New York-Presbyterian Hospital found that patients with high blood pressure may prevent diabetes when treated for enlarged heart.

Around 20% of patients with high blood pressure or 12 million Americans have enlarged heart. The reduced risk of developing diabetes is down by 38% in patients who have shown regression of LVH while treated for high blood pressure. The lowering of risk is not dependent on the type of treatment and level of blood pressure change.

The body needs a healthy heart in order to be healthy as a whole. Past research demonstrated that treatment of enlarged heart among patients with high blood pressure lessens the risk for a number of cardiovascular conditions. Now there is an added benefit in the reduction of risk for diabetes.

It is too bad though that those who have already diabetes showed that high blood pressure treatment is less effective in reducing the enlarged heart when compared with those who have no diabetes yet. In addition, patients with diabetes did not show any link to the decrease of cardiovascular events.

There is all the more reason to prevent diabetes. So we will keep adopting a healthy lifestyle by eating the right way and moving more. Prevention of diabetes among patients with high blood pressure is therefore a vital goal. And that’s the story on the connection among diabetes, hypertension and heart disease.

Diabetes – If You Are Diabetic Don’t Eat These Foods

Diabetes is when the body doesn’t produce any or enough insulin, which is responsible for converting sugars and starches into energy. Unfortunately, those with diabetes are often strongly warned to avoid a number of foods with high levels of starch and sugars because of dangerous reactions their body may have. Here’s an overview of some common foods that diabetics should avoid eating.

High glycemic index foods are one of the most important things for diabetics to avoid. White pasta in particular poses a risk to diabetics. Anything made with white flour or white rice should instead be replaced with whole wheat and brown rice and pastas or low-carb pastas, if possible. White rice is one of the worst foods for people with diabetes; wild rice is the most preferable alternative because it isn’t actually a rice, it’s a grass.

Sweets and desserts are another major problem area for diabetics, mostly because they’re made with sugar and white flour. Cookies, cake and candy are dangerous areas for diabetics because not only are they packed with carbs and sugar, they’re also very filling and make the person less likely to eat healthy foods.

Potatoes are yet another food to avoid because they contain a large amount of starch. White bread should also be avoided as much as possible because of the enormous amount of white flour. If you want to eat bread, stick with whole wheat.

Here’s something you may not think of: sodas, juices and sports drinks can be very harmful to a diabetic because they contain vast amounts of sugar and have almost no nutritional content.

In addition to these items, diabetics should also avoid fats because they’re at a great risk of heart attack and stroke. Artificial sweeteners are very common for diabetics to use, although they do still raise blood sugar levels. Alcohol is, lastly, one of the most important thing for diabetics to avoid because it causes high blood pressure, high blood sugar and can increase the risk of diabetic nerve damage and obesity.

Diabetes, the Other Silent Killer

Figures from the American Diabetic Association show that diabetes is the fourth leading cause of death in the U.S, killing approximately 210000 persons every year. Medical and other related costs can soar over $100 billion a year!

The good news is there is a great deal that you can do to help manage the condition at an early stage. Being informed truly is the best medicine. Learning as much as you can about your diabetes, how to control your blood sugar, complications and how to prevent them, can help you stay healthy. As always, be sure to consult your physician first before implementing or changing diet or exercise routines or taking any over the counter medications or nutritional supplements.

Diabetes is a serious condition. It is a chronic disorder of carbohydrates, fat and protein metabolism, characterized by fasting elevation of blood sugar level and a greatly increased risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney disease and loss of nerve functions.

There are two major types of diabetes. Type I and Type II.

Type I is also known as Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (IDDM) and often occurs in children and adolescents. Individuals with Type I diabetes need to inject insulin everyday. It occurs when the pancreas stops producing insulin (a hormone which helps deliver sugar from the blood to the body’s cells).

Type II is also known as Non-Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (NIDDM) and is usually an adult disease. In type II diabetes, insulin is present but not appropriately available due to insulin-resistance. For a variety of physiological reasons, the hormone (insulin) is unable to do its job. The pancreas produces insulin but the body’s cells do not respond to its action and can’t absorb the glucose from the blood so glucose levels rise in the blood.

There are a number of causes which give rise to diabetes. Some of the causes are listed below; however, they should not be considered a complete list.

Heredity plays a major role. Some individuals or ethnic groups may be genetically susceptible than others.

Experts are convinced that obesity and a sedentary lifestyle also play a major role in the development of diabetes.

Impaired digestion and an overworked pancreas.

Syndrome-X (results from a combination of disorders such as hypertension, high cholesterol, blood clotting abnormalities and insulin resistance)

Chromium deficiency.

Prenatal factors. Recent evidence supports the concept that the nutritional status of the mother during pregnancy plays a role in determining whether the child will develop diabetes later in life.

Food with refined sugars and high glycemic index.

Imbalance between two critical hormones- insulin and glucagon.

Misplaced T7 (thoracic 7) vertebra.

Complications resulting from diabetes can be grave if not controlled.

Some complications include but are not limited to:

Hypoglycemia and diabetic coma.

Cataracts, diabetic neuropathy, retinopathy, nephropathy, skin ulcers, gangrene leading to amputation, stubborn skin infections and heart disease.

There are some early warning signs you should be aware of if you suspect development of diabetes such as 1) Frequent urination 2) Constant thirst or hunger 3) Blurred vision 4) Numb or tingling hands or feet 5) Slow healing of cuts and bruises 6) Frequent skin infections.

Proper treatment is often delayed because diabetes is not diagnosed until a patient is already experiencing complications.

Diet is an extremely important part of diabetic therapy. Nutrition is the cornerstone for good health. A couple of diet considerations after consultation with your physician could include complex carbohydrates that are rich in fiber, fresh vegetables and fruits of low glycemic index, rather than simple carbohydrates such as breads and pastries.

Complex carbohydrates take longer for the body to break down and absorb and therefore provide a slower or more gradual increase in blood sugar levels. Your physician may even advise you to eat smaller frequent meals throughout the day. Along with diet, exercise is also of equal importance. Exercise will increase tissue levels of chromium and also increases the number of insulin receptors. In many instances, changes in diet and exercise may push borderline blood sugar down to a normal range.

The best prevention is adopting a healthy lifestyle. Because obesity is so strongly associated with TypeII diabetes, weight control is an important element of diabetic management. If you want to lose weight to control diabetes, high blood pressure and reduce the risk for developing heart disease then walk, walk and walk some more.

Insulin injections don’t cure diabetes. They enable you to live with it…..that is if you call injecting yourself multiple times a day, “living”. The key word is HEALTHY LIFESTYLE through diet, exercise and certain herbs and supplements.

Tingling Or Numbness in Hands and Feet – A Warning Sign of Diabetes?

Ask yourself these few questions:

1. Do you wake up each morning with tingling hands?

2. Do your feet tingle every time you sit down?

3. Do you just blame it on “sleeping on” your feet or hands?

If you answered “yes” to any or all of these questions, then I’m glad you’re reading this. The tingling or numbness in your hands and feet may be a warning sign of diabetes.

This sensation of tingling or numbness has alternative names such as:

* Loss of sensation

* Neuropathy

* Paresthesias

* Restless leg syndrome

* Sensory loss

Type 2 diabetes is gradual and many people aren’t aware that they have it. Diabetes is a condition that causes the blood sugar level to be higher than normal. This high blood glucose, among other things, damages the nervous system causing the sensation of tingling or numbness.

If you’re not sure if you have diabetes, look at these symptoms:

* Blurry vision

* Constant Numbness

* Constant Tingling

* Excessive thirst

* Extreme hunger

* Frequent urination

* Increased fatigue

* Irritability

* Unusual weight loss

Don’t self-diagnose diabetes. You must see a medical professional for an accurate diagnosis. Still, you should keep a log when you notice these symptoms so you will be able to intelligently answer questions your medical professional will need to ask you.

Though not a complete list, some of the medical complications caused by diabetes are:

* Eye Disease

* Heart Disease

* Hypoglycemia (low blood glucose)

* Kidney Disease

* Kidney Failure

* Stomach Nerve Damage

* Stroke

* Urologic Problems

The reason why tingling or numbness isn’t caught in time before it gets serious is because these sensations are similar to the feeling of having a foot or a hand “fall asleep.”

Tingling and numbness is defined as an inability to feel anything when it touches your skin. Thus, the “falling asleep” sensation.

Tingling or numbness can be serious. Call your doctor immediately

if:

1. You have a rash.

2. You have dizziness, muscle spasm, or other unusual symptoms.

3. You have tingling or numbness has no obvious cause like them “falling asleep”

4. You have tingling or numbness in the fingers and/or wrists.

5. You have tingling or numbness in your legs and it worsens when you walk around.

6. You have pain in your neck, forearms, or fingers.

7. You urinate more often.

These symptoms of tingling and/or numbness will be worse at nighttime.

If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, your life is not over and you definitely aren’t alone. If you want something to help keep your diabetes under control, Diamaxol is a safe and effective product that will help you take control of your diabetes so your diabetes won’t take control of you.

Causes of Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes is a disease where the body no longer produces or properly uses insulin. There are many causes of diabetes like genetics and obesity, but why we get diabetes remains a mystery. There are two types of diabetes, type 1 and type 2.

Type 1 diabetes is caused by the body’s immune system destroys the insulin creating cells in the pancreas. This process quickly leads to a complete lack of insulin in the body, therefore forcing a dependency on insulin injections. There is no known way to prevent type 1 diabetes. Approximately 10% of all diabetes cases in the United States are type 1 diabetes. Onset generally occurs in children and young adults, but can occur in adults. This is called late onset type 1 diabetes. Most who are diagnosed with type 1 diabetes are otherwise healthy.

Type 2 diabetes occurs when your body can no longer absorb and process insulin properly. It also can occur when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin. Those who are at risk for getting type 2 diabetes are generally:

• Overweight
• Have family history of diabetes
• Had gestational diabetes

If you are like me, and fit one or more of the high risk factors, do not worry. There are ways you can prevent onset! The key to good health is exercise and healthy diet. I am always aware of the symptoms of diabetes so I can figure out what I am doing wrong or go to the doctor.

You can prevent diabetes much the same way it is treated. Eat right and exercise. Always be aware of the three warning signs of diabetes; excess thirst, excess hunger, excess urination. If you are having these symptoms, you should visit your doctor.

High Blood Sugar Symptoms – 5 Warning Signs of Diabetes

There are five symptoms generally associated with high blood sugar, as well as a few other warning signs you should be aware of.

1 — Are you thirsty all the time?

Increased thirst is one of the classic high blood sugar symptoms. There’s a reason for this. Your body is trying to wash the excess blood sugar — also called “blood glucose” — out of your system. Your body needs more fluids to wash the glucose out, so you become thirsty and drink more.

2 — Do you make more visits to the restroom?

Another classic symptom is having to urinate almost as frequently as you get something to drink. This only makes sense, since you’re taking so much fluid in. But remember your body is also trying to wash the blood sugar out — and the fastest way out is to urinate.

Sugar in the urine was one of the earliest tests for high blood sugar and diabetes. It used to be standard to check the urine with glucose test strips, which indicated whether high amounts of glucose were present.

3 — Do you feel generally fatigued or tired?

Fatigue can be a symptom of so many things, even of not getting enough sleep. But if you are thirsty and urinate more frequently, then feeling tired or fatigued might well be associated with high blood sugar symptoms.

The reason for fatigue from high blood sugar is because the blood sugar isn’t going into your cells where you need it for energy. Your cells need glucose for energy to grow and heal, but the glucose isn’t moving into the cells. It’s staying in your bloodstream. When your cells don’t get energy, you aren’t going to feel very energetic either.

4 — Is your eyesight getting blurry?

High blood sugar over time can affect your blood vessels. Some of the more easily affected blood vessels are in your eyes. If your vision changes or becomes blurry for any reason, you should see an eye doctor. Not only for glasses or contact lenses, but their exams can often detect other problems such as high blood sugar.

5 — Do you have changes in your disposition?

I don’t mean the onset of personality disorders or anything like that. But the fatigue that results from high blood sugar is not limited to physical fatigue. It can affect how you feel day-to-day. You can become irritable and touchy. Or emotionally tired and lackadaisical. You may not care as much about things or even people that you ordinarily would feel strongly about.

Some other warning signs to watch out for are:

sudden weight loss —

The reason for this can be the same thing that causes you to feel fatigued. Glucose is not getting into your cells for energy. Your body has to get energy from somewhere, so you start to burn fat for energy. This is usually diagnosed as type 1 diabetes.

Burning fat instead of glucose for energy makes you lose weight, but it also produces toxic by-products known as “ketones”. If your body is producing ketones, you are in what is called the state of “ketosis”. This can become dangerous rather quickly, becoming “diabetic ketoacidosis,”or “DKA”.

The signs of DKA include a flushed appearance, dehydration, exhaustion, shock, and eventual unconsciousness. Severe DKA requires immediate and expert medical care. If you are experiencing these symptoms then see your doctor right away, as in immediately.

overweight, especially around your abdomen —

The unhappy opposite of weight loss is overweight or obesity. Being overweight can be a result of overeating, not enough exercise, and other causes. But if your cells aren’t getting enough glucose, it may be because you are “insulin resistant”.

In simple terms, insulin is the key that unlocks your cells to let the glucose in. If your cells become resistant to insulin, then they remain locked and the glucose doesn’t get in. So your body produces even more insulin to overcome the resistance.

Some of the glucose gets into your cells for energy. But that still leaves a lot of insulin in your bloodstream. And that insulin is used to store energy as fat. Insulin that doesn’t get used by the cells makes you fatter. Worse than that, when you get fatter, your insulin resistance increases. So it takes even more insulin to do the job next time. This is the cycle that is usually diagnosed as type 2 diabetes.

As you can see, high blood sugar symptoms can be warning signs of diabetes. It is very important that you see your doctor as soon as you can. He or she can quickly check your fasting blood sugar levels and determine if further tests are needed. High blood sugar and diabetes can be treated and you can live a full and healthy life. But the first thing to do if you are experiencing these symptoms is see your doctor.

Diabetes – Types Commonly Found in People

Diabetes becomes a common disease or a difficulty among most of the people. It is actually an excess variation in the glucose level in the blood of your body. Glucose is an important component in your body to provide energy to the cells. The increased variation of the sugar level happens due to the non production or the insulin resistance in the body cells. Insulin is a hormone which converts the glucose from the food we consume to energy for the cells. There are many symptoms showing the origin of this difficulty such as, frequent urination, excess thirst and intense hunger etc. Earlier, it was only affected to the adults, but scientific studies prove that this disease is affected to the children and started eating their life. The reason for the origin of this disease differs in each person. There are several rumors generating among the people that genetic cause reasons as the beginning of this dilemma in several people. There are mainly three types of diabetes. They are:

Type 1 Diabetes (T1D): This is caused when the pancreas does not make the insulin hormone. Thus, the glucose emerged from the food we consume does not convert to energy. It directly elevates the glucose level and demolishes the cells. It is mainly occurred either by birth or during the early childhood ages. Therefore, it came to be known as Juvenile or early onset diabetes. There is no particular cure for this lifelong disease. The techniques of transplantation such as pancreas transplantation, islet cell transplantation, artificial pancreas and gene manipulation are executed as a measure to cure this disease. But, the operation for success recovery of this disease is quite risky and the possibility for its cure is lower. The main symptom indicating this disease is tiredness, confusion, dizziness, anxiety and fever. If you are child showing any of the above signs, never leave it as a natural and common disease.

Type 2 Diabetes (T2D): This is the main category of the disease in which about 80 percentage of the total patients are affected from. This is caused commonly among the people of adulthood. Therefore, it is known as adult onset diabetes. But, the recent status in the increase of the diabetes in children proves that this type is equally entered in to the life of children. Healthy diet, regular exercise and intake of proper medicines is considered as the three factor to be included in the life of the disease affected one. If any of this get un managed, it would result in this difficulty. This is caused when the insulin is not used properly by the cells or the cells resist the insulin hormone. If this category of the disease is not managed effectively could shorten your lifespan and lead to many complications. Pre diabetes is the early form of this category.

Gestational diabetes: This kind is seen among the pregnant women. It is usually temporary in nature by affecting during the pregnancy and alleviate soon after. If sufficient care is not given, it can result in severe harmful effects either to the mother or the born baby. Therefore maintaining a healthy diet and doing proper exercises related to pregnancy would keep aside this difficulty. It is diagnosed when testing the sugar level during the period of pregnancy.

There is no absolute cure for this disease. Ensuring proper diet and regular physical fitness with sufficient medication is the good option for the proper management of this difficulty. Before taking any step for this, consult the advice of your doctor.