Top 5 Symptoms of Diabetes – What Can Be Done?

By now, you probably know a lot about Diabetes if you suspect you are showing symptoms. You’ve read up on how you’re going to have to constantly test your blood, take insulin shots, and even having to change your diet to accommodate your new friend. People with Type 1 diabetes are insulin-dependent, which means that the body no longer makes the insulin it needs to break down the sugar in the blood, and they have to take at least one shot of insulin per day just to not die.

Type 2 Diabetes is a little different. The body is capable of producing the actual insulin, but their bodies are resistant to its use. Both types are considered autoimmune because its just like the body shooting itself in the foot – which isn’t too far from the truth because after a while your body will start to break down like a car without oil.

It can be quite scary to be diagnosed with diabetes, and if you HAVE been you’ll know what I’m talking about. It’s important to arm yourself with as much knowledge as you can, because knowledge is not only king, but is also liberating as well.

Should you be suspecting that you have diabetes, here are the top 5 warning signs:

1.) Unquenchable thirst:

Ever feel like no matter how much water you drink, you just CAN’T get enough? This is a telltale sign, because your body is pulling extra water from your blood and it physically feels impossible to replenish the depleted water. And if you are urinating more frequently as a result of drinking more water, but yet you still can’t seem to hydrate, see a doctor. Which leads me to the next symptom.

2.) Frequent Urination:

Theres nothing worse than not being able to properly hydrate. Well maybe theres a few things, but lets pretend for a moment that there isn’t. It can be ironic to put yourself into the position of constantly drinking water without having the benefits of hydration, and having it all go to waste by spending most of your time in the bathroom.

Having to to always “take a leak” becomes more frequent when there is an excess of glucose in the blood. And we all know what happens when you are resistant to insulin, right? The kidneys cannot filter the glucose to the blood and becomes overwhelmed, thus they draw water out of the blood to dilute the glucose which keeps you always heading for the bathroom.

3.) Weakness/Fatigue:

Remember our good old friend, glucose? Well in today’s action packed episode when insulin does not aid the glucose into turning the foods we eat into energy, or the cells don’t react to it anymore, the glucose stays in the bloodstream and the cells become energy starved. Thus the endless cycle of weakness and fatigue.

4.) Sudden Weight Loss:

This would strike anyone as strange given the level of fatigue they would be experiencing. However, this symptom seems to be more noticeable in people with Type 1 diabetes. Because the pancreas decided it was time to quit and move on to other things, the body looks for new energy sources as the cells aren’t getting any glucose.

What happens when the body looks for alternative energy? Well I’m glad you asked! The body starts to break down muscle and fat tissue for energy, essentially cannibalizing itself. It is important to note, however, that people with Type 2 Diabetes wont notice sudden weight loss as quickly as people with Type 1, because they are only gradually becoming increasingly resistant to insulin.

5.) Tingling/Numbness of your extremities:

Although it sounds fun, it is generally a sign that your body is starting to become the “engine with no oil” and is showing signs of breaking down in the nervous system. Also known as neuropathy, it occurs over time as high glucose levels becomes more and more frequent. People with Type 2 Diabetes often aren’t aware that they have it because it occurs over time, much like the “frog in the boiling pot” story.

Other Symptoms

There are also numerous other signs that can send up a red flag such as itchy/dry skin, blurred vision, cuts/bruises that take forever and a day to heal, and frequent infections. Although these can be attributed to high glucose levels in the body, they can be a result of something completely different; so it’s best to check with your doctor and get a diagnosis written in black and white.

Diabetes can be very bleak to live with, but it’s not the end of the world. There is a reason that a cure for diabetes hasn’t yet been discovered by “medical science.” And the cure in which “they” are talking about is yet another drug/prescription for you to purchase. Pharmaceutical companies make BILLIONS of dollars every year by keeping you dependent on their drugs and they spend MILLIONS in advertising costs, because there just simply is NO MONEY in providing the knowledge necessary finally CURE diabetes.

However, what the pharmaceutical companies DON’T want you to know is that there IS a way to completely reverse your diabetes. All it takes is a major change in your dietary lifestyle and daily habits by eating the foods God intended for your body, and exercising more often. Our bodies are the only machines on the face of this earth that “break down” as a result of inactivity, and I have personally seen dramatic reversal in diabetes because of these changes.

How Does Increased Age Have an Impact on Diabetes Mellitus?

It is believed that the cells become tired and can no longer absorb insulin. It could also be that the pancreas gets tired and can no longer produce enough insulin. There are also many reasons why diabetes can be a larger issue for elderly people. Consider the following obstacles that people over sixty often face when it comes to diabetes.

Diagnosis in people over sixty years old can often be a problem. Many people over this age have health issues that may be credited for signs and symptoms of diabetes. Some older people dismiss the signs of diabetes, such as excessive thirst or frequent urination, as just part of old age. For this reason, diagnosis is often not made until severe complications occur.

Because of the delay in diagnosis, elderly people often suffer from kidney failure or blindness. This can lead to a harder road ahead for managing diabetes and maintaining proper blood sugar levels.

It is often hard for elderly people to find affordable health care solutions. Since many of these people are on Medicare or have no coverage at all, it can be difficult for these people to afford extra doctors visits, medications, or proper education from a nutritionist.

It can also be very costly to eat a healthy balanced diet. Since many seniors live on an income of only a few hundred dollars, it may be hard to buy the right foods. With the recent rise in the cost of vegetables and fruits, making the decision between utilities and food can be very hard.

Treatment options can be more difficult as well for seniors. Since exercise is a main component in a healthy diabetic plan, seniors with physical limitations may not enjoy the benefits of this component. It is often hard for some seniors to remember to take their insulin shots as well.

Many elderly people who have diabetes simply don’t want to put forth the effort to manage diabetes. They may have other physical issues and feel that they have lived a long life and simply don’t have the energy left to fight something else. In this case, many patients simply refuse to take their blood sugar regularly and change their lifestyle.

Because of these many issues that face elderly people with diabetes, it is imperative that family members or friends provide assistance. There are also many programs that can provide assistance with proper diet, or transportation to doctor’s visits. There are many sites that provide information on resources available to seniors. You might also ask your doctor for recommendations on possible resources for managing diabetes.

Diabetes Mellitus – Pathology, Symptoms & Medication

Diabetes Mellitus (most commonly called “diabetes”) is a medical condition triggered by an endocrine system imbalance, caused by the lack of production of the blood sugar regulating hormone insulin, or increased resistance to its effects. In Type I diabetes, the Islets of Langerhans in the pancreas fail to produce insulin, usually because of an immune system response that kills the cells; this is also called juvenile diabetes. In Type II diabetes, the body’s ability to absorb and process insulin gradually decreases, and is most common in older patients, particularly those that are overweight or under a great deal of stress. Gestational diabetes is a temporary trigger of diabetes-like symptoms triggered by the rush of hormones needed for pregnancy.

The generalized symptoms of diabetes mellitus are subtle. The first real clues that most people have that they have diabetes is that they’re thirsty more often than not, and have to urinate more frequently, particularly for type II diabetes with a late adult-hood onset. Without insulin to pull blood glucose, your body uses water to flush the excess (or what it thinks is the excess) from your system.

Other symptoms for diabetes include flu-like symptoms of fatigue and weakness and loss of appetite. What’s happening is that your body isn’t absorbing as much blood sugar as it used to, letting you feel run down. Related to this can be sudden changes in weight, either because you’re eating more (to keep up with the loss of blood sugar absorption) or loose weight as your body cannibalizes other tissues to make up the lack. Most people with type I diabetes mellitus are significantly underweight.

Other symptoms include difficulty in fighting off infections, impaired eyesight due to retinal damage, and bleeding gums.

The primary diabetes medication regimen is getting insulin replacement, and modifying the patient’s diet. For very early stages of type II diabetes, dietary changes alone can ameliorate most of the symptoms. For type I and advanced stages of type II, a mixture of diet and taking insulin are the primary treatment.

Insulin replacement can be handled through direct injection, at about the time that the patient needs to eat, or via a device called the insulin pump, which puts out a basal insulin level and can be triggered to give a boost after meals. In both cases, the diabetic needs to keep track of their blood glucose levels to know when they need to take an injection, and they need to be aware of the glycemic index value of foods they’re considering eating.

Dealing With Diabetes, But Enjoying Life

Learning that I had diabetes was devastating. But learning to deal with it was another thing entirely. I really did not understand what diabetes really was though. I had seen it of course but I was unsure what it meant to have it. I had seen it around me and it was in my family, but I did not know what someone had to deal with every day having to live with this disease.

After first coming to grips with it, I knew I had to learn more about it and how I was going to deal with it. I knew that it was a dangerous disease and that it could be a crippling disease and that it could even be a killer. It can be the mother of all diseases in the world, but I was determined to learn more about it.

So exactly what is diabetes? Well it is where the body is incapable of producing enough insulin to do what it is suppose to do. The main job of insulin is to break down sugar in the bloodstream. Their our two types yet various levels that are considered. Diabetes includes Diabetes Insipidus and Mellitus, they are usually more commonly referred to as type I and type ll.

The Insipidus form is where your body is incapable of producing enough insulin to do what is required for it to do. This type can be treated, usually being treated with medications, exercise, and a strict diet. These treatments usually keep this type of diabetes in control. Mellitus is a different story, there are five different forms of this type. Each one of these types result in total disruption to the system, The body can not function normally under these types, the body can not act normally and take care of it naturally. When this happens, this form of the disease requires that a person to take insulin shots as a treatment.

Most people that usually come face to face with this dreaded disease, the first thing that sets in is fear. We most often do not think about diabetes until we know someone that is affected by it. This is when most people will start to question the disease. The biggest and most often asked question, is how would I know if I have diabetes or not. Well the answer is there are a lot of signs to look for.

First and foremost, someone should take a look at your family history, diabetes can and often times is hereditary. If you know someone in your immediate family, if you think you have the signs for diabetes you need to be tested. Other symptoms differ from individual to individual.

Some of the most common signs are normal ones such as a thirst that is unable to be quenched, and frequent urination. There also can be pains or weakness that are not normally present in your normal everyday life.

My first experience with the disease was some of the typical symptoms like the being thirsty all the time. I ignored this by dismissing it as stress from work and being dehydrated. That was my first big no-no, all that I did was make things worst by downing sports drinks which we all know is mainly sugar. My next symptom was a strange one to me, that was my legs felt like they weighed a ton. I could hardly walk, let alone trying to jump which I tried to do and could not understand. Needless to say this one really scared me, I thought there was something really major was wrong. Well there was something major, it was this disease.

I give you my story to give you an idea of some of the things that you should always be on the lookout for if you are concerned about diabetes. This is something I deal with everyday like a lot of other people. But I live well and i have learned to take care of myself. I hope I can be of help to someone. I will follow up with more on this disease, because it has become very important to me.

What You Need To Know About Diabetes

INTRODUCTION

According to the World Health Organization, a few decades back diabetes was an uncommon disease, in both developed and developing countries. Today, the story is different. It is currently estimated that over 143million people worldwide are affected by the disease. This figure is ever increasing, by 2020 over 220million people are expected to be living with diabetes, if the current trend continues.

In the United States alone, there are 18.2 million people (6.3% of the population) living with diabetes. While another 13million people have been diagnosed with diabetes. Unfortunately, 5.2milion (or nearly one third) are unaware that they have the disease.

The figure for Nigeria is not readily available, but it is estimated that over 1.5million people have diabetes in Nigeria.

In developed countries, most patients of diabetes are over sixty, but in developing countries, diabetes is found to affect people in their prime.

WHAT IS DIABETES?

Diabetes Mellitus (or simply diabetes) is derived from the Greek word ‘Diabeinein’, meaning ‘To pass through’ describing copious urination, and Mellitus from the Latin word meaning ‘Sweetened with honey’. These two words signify sweetened urine or sugar in urine.

Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use Insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed, in the body, to control the rate at which sugar, starch and other food are converted into glucose required as energy for daily life. The hormone is produced and released

into the blood by an organ called ‘Pancreas’. This insulin help to maintain the blood glucose level within a normal range. The World Health Organization (WHO) puts this normal range between

60 – 100mg/dl (Before taking any food for the day, hence this value is called Fasting Blood Glucose). In health, despite several demands for glucose in different situations, the blood glucose rarely exceeds this value.

After a meal the liver stores the glucose from the meal as glycogen and releases it into the blood in between meals. The role of insulin is the control of this storage and release of glucose. It ensures that the amount of glucose in the blood at every particular time does not go beyond or below the normal range.

TYPES OF DIABETES.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), five classes of diabetes are recognized, these are; Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (IDDM) or Type I Diabetes, Non Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (NIDDM) or Type II Diabetes, Gestational Diabetes, Diabetes Insipidus and Bronze Diabetes.

INSULIN DEPENDENT/TYPE I DIABETES: This type of diabetes was initially called Juvenile onset diabetes because it affects adolescents and young adults. It is caused by a sudden failure of the pancreas to produce Insulin. It is, therefore, an acute disease, presenting with thirst, polyuria (passing large amount of urine), diuresis and weight loss. Type I diabetes is not common, it accounts for less than 10% of all diabetes cases.

NON-INSULIN DEPENDENT/ TYPE II DIABETES: This is the most prevalent type of diabetes, accounting for more than 80% of all diabetic cases. It is found in adults and the elderly. This type of diabetes develops gradually over a long period of time (unnoticed) and is characterized by insufficient insulin, deficient insulin in the blood or the inability of the body to utilize the insulin resent (Insulin resistance). Because of its slow and gradual occurrence, it is mostly undetected until one or more of its long-term complications appear.

Unlike in Type I Diabetes, the Insulin in the blood of a Type II diabetic may be normal or even high, but lacks the desired effect, due to insulin resistance, and this is prevalent among obese people.

GESTATIONAL DIABETES: This type of diabetes occurs during pregnancy and disappears after delivery, within 3weeks. An estimated 3% of all pregnancies are accompanied by gestational diabetes and almost half of these patients are prone to developing permanent diabetes later in life.

WHAT CAUSES DIABETES.

As with hypertension and other non communicable diseases, no clear cut cause(s) can be attributed to the most prevalent type of diabetes (Type II Diabetes, Type I diabetes being secondary to failure of the pancreas). However, some factors are known to increase one’s chances of becoming diabetic and these are called risk factors. For example, indolent and well-fed populations are 2 – 20times more likely to develop type II diabetes than active and lean population of the same race. Some other factors known to increase one chances of getting diabetes include:

OBESITY: It is estimated that three quarter (¾) of all Type II diabetes patient are obese. Indolent and affluent lifestyles tend to contribute to this. It is believed that a 10kg loss of weight can reduce fasting blood sugar level by almost 50md/dl. An active lifestyle with frequent exercise is also known to increase Insulin sensitivity.

The International standard for measuring overweight and obesity is based on a value called BODY MASS INDEX (BMI). This value is derived by dividing the body weight (in Kilograms) by the square of height (in metres).

i.e. BMI = Body weight (Kg) / Height2 (Metres).

Note: 1ft = 0.305metres.

For adults, a BMI less than 25kg/m2 is preferred.

25 – 29kg/m2 is considered overweight and above 30kg/m2 is Obesity.

FAMILY HISTORY: A family history of diabetes increases one’s chances of getting the disease. In such a situation, leading a healthy lifestyle and constant monitoring of one’s blood sugar level becomes very important.

AGE AND RACE: Most Type II diabetes patient are over 40yrs at presentation of the disease. However, the proportion of increase in the incidence of this disease with age is higher for those with a family history of diabetes, obese and probably those leading sedentary lifestyles. Moreover, diabetes tends to be more prevalent among Africans, African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans and Asian Americans. Belonging to any of the races is a risk factor in itself.

HISTORY OF GESTATIONAL DIABETES: in a woman also increases her chances/possibility of developing permanent diabetes later in life.

YOU CAN PREVENT/DELAY DIABETES!

Diabetes have no permanent cure once it develops, it is managed al through life. But you can prevent ever falling into this life long pain. Before diabetes present in people, it is almost always preceded by a situation called PRE DIABETES. A situation where the blood glucose is higher than normal, but not yet enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. Saddening, however, you cannot know when you fall into this category, if you have not being monitoring your blood glucose regularly.

Pre Diabetes is itself a serious medical situation, though can still be reversed by making changes in diet pattern and increasing physical activity. To determine one’s blood sugar a test called Fasting Blood Glucose has to be conducted. This test measures the amount of glucose (sugar) in one’s blood before taking any meal for the day. It is measured in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl).

A value below 100mg/dl is generally accepted to be normal, while a value greater than 100mg/dl but less than 120mg/dl is not full diabetes yet, so it is regarded as Pre diabetes. An individual with a pre diabetes blood glucose level need to take urgent steps to reduce his blood glucose or risk life long diabetes.

It should be emphasized, however, that the racial and genetic factors predisposing to diabetes are still beyond human comprehension and control. It makes common sense, therefore, to reduce all human controllable factors to the barest minimum. Most of these factors have to do with social occupational and diet habits.

The following tips can help reduce your diabetes risk:

* Reduce weight. Obesity seems to be the single most significant factor in diabetes. Reducing body weight and fat and maintaining an average body weight is very essential. To this end a body mass index (BMI) less than 25kg/m2 for males and less than 24kg/m2 for females is recommended.

* Increase Physical Activity. It is an established fact that diabetes is more common among people that lead a sedentary affluent lifestyle. Simple dynamic exercises like brisk walking for 30-50mins daily or 3-5times weekly has been shown to be very helpful. Exercise reduces bodyweight and fat, increases functionality of the heart, reduces the chances of diabetes and also boosts emotions and healthy living.

* Cut down or cut out alcohol. Alcoholic intake of more than 2units per day has been shown to adversely affect the body. Alcohol being an addictive drug makes it very difficult to maintain a definite amount of intake for a long time. It is better therefore to strive to cut out alcohol completely.

* Avoid Smoking. Cigarette smoke has been shown to contain several poisonous substances. Cigarette smoking and alcohol have been related to several disease. Stopping smoking will definitely reduce the chances of several other ailments apart from diabetes.

* Lean good eating habits, such as;

* Cut down on fatty food and junks

* Eat more of fish and poultry (without the skin is better).

* Garlic reduces blood pressure cholesterol; add it to your meal plan once in a while.

* Cut the number of eggs you take to 3- 4 weekly (better boiled than fried).

* Reduce salt intake to less than 5.8grams daily.

* Eat more of vegetables and fibre rich food, especially fruits.

* Finally, constantly monitor your fasting blood glucose, as this is the only way to know when you are getting into trouble.

CONCLUSION

Diabetes and Hypertension being so interlinked requires a comprehensive plan of care, and this revolves round one’s dietary habits, social and environmental factors. Several lifestyle changes like regular exercise, maintaining a moderate body weight, reduction of fat intake and high fibre diet all help to live a normal healthy life. These measures are known to increase insulin sensitivity and also reduce blood pressure.

Conclusively, it is very important to create a more health conscious individuals in the populace. A people who practically believe that it is better and cheaper to prevent an illness than to treat it, when it has become stronger. Moreover, preventive health cannot be divorced from regular medical checks, as this two go hand in hand. There is no way to detect several non-communicable diseases without undergoing regular medical checks. The importance of these checks cannot be over emphasized.

Be alive to your health. Know your Blood glucose values and live a healthier life free from the pains of diabetes.

When Your Hunting Dog Has Diabetes

Diabetes Mellitus in Dogs

We recently had our eleven-year-old dog Sadie diagnosed with Diabetes Mellitus. While talking to my veterinarian about the chances of a few more years together she explained the process of getting the disease under control and then told me once that is done we have a pretty good chance.

Not A Death Sentence

I told her I was willing to go for it! She was glad to hear that because she said that about 40% of her clients have their dog put down when they hear the diagnosis. That is a shame because this disease is so treatable.

There are two forms of diabetes in dogs: diabetes insipidus and diabetes mellitus. Diabetes insipidus is a very rare disorder that results in failure to regulate water content. My dog has the more common diabetes mellitus. This is a fairly common disorder and is most often seen in dogs five years of age and older. There is a congenital form that occurs in puppies, but this is not common.

Diabetes mellitus is a disease of the pancreas. This is a small but vital organ that is located near the stomach. It has two significant populations of cells. One group of cells produces the enzyme necessary for proper digestion. The other group, called beta-cells, produces the hormone called insulin. Simply put, diabetes mellitus is a failure of the pancreas to regulate blood sugar.

The Types of Diabetes

In humans two types of diabetes mellitus have been discovered. Both types are similar in that there is a failure to regulate blood sugar, but the basic mechanisms of the disease differ somewhat between the two groups.

1. Type 1, or Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus, results from total or near-complete destruction of the beta-cells. This is the only type of diabetes known in dogs. As the name implies, dogs with this type of diabetes require insulin injections to stabilize blood sugar.

2. Type II, or Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus is different because some insulin-producing cells remain. However, the amount produced is insufficient, there is a delayed response in secreting it, and the tissues of the dog’s body are relatively resistant to it. People with this form may be treated with an oral drug that stimulates the remaining functional cells to produce or release insulin in an adequate amount to normalize blood sugar. Because Type II diabetes does not occur in dogs, oral medications are not appropriate for treating diabetic dogs.

The Purpose of Insulin

The role of insulin is much like that of a gatekeeper: it stands at the surface of body cells and opens the door, allowing glucose to leave the blood stream and pass inside the cells. Glucose is a vital substance that provides much of the energy needed for life, and it must work inside the cells. Without an adequate amount of insulin, glucose is unable to get into the cells. It accumulates in the blood, setting in motion a series of events that can ultimately prove fatal.

When insulin is deficient, the cells become starved for sources of energy. In response to this, the body starts breaking down stores of fat and protein to use as alternative energy sources. As a consequence, the dog eats more; thus, we have weight loss in a dog with a ravenous appetite. The body tries to eliminate the excess glucose by excreting it in the urine. However, glucose (blood sugar) attracts water; thus urine glucose takes with it large quantities of the body’s fluids, resulting in the production of a large amount of urine. To avoid dehydration, the dog drinks more and more water. Thus, we have the four classic signs of diabetes:

Classic Signs Of Diabetes Mellitus

The diagnosis of diabetes mellitus is based on three criteria; the four classical clinical signs, the presence of a persistently high level of glucose in the blood stream, and the presence of glucose in the urine.

The normal level of glucose in the blood is 80-120mg/dl. It may rise to 250-300 mg/dl following a meal. However, diabetes is the only common disease that will cause the blood glucose level to rise above 400 mg/dl. Some diabetic dogs will have a glucose level as high as 800mg/dl, although most will be in the range of 400-600mg/dl.

To keep the body from losing its needed glucose, the kidneys do not allow glucose to be filtered out of the blood stream until an excessive level is reached. This means that dogs with a normal blood glucose level will not have glucose in the urine. Diabetic dogs, however, have excessive amounts of glucose in the blood, so it will be present in the urine.

What Diabetes Means to You and Your Dog

For the diabetic dog, one reality exists: blood glucose cannot be normalized without treatment. Although the dog can go a day or so without treatment and not get into crisis, treatment should be looked upon as part of the dog’s daily routine. Treatment almost always requires some dietary changes and administration of insulin.

As for the owner, there are two implications: financial commitment and personal commitment.

When your dog is well regulated, the maintenance costs are minimal. The specific diet, insulin, and syringes are not expensive. However, the financial commitment is significant during the initial regulation process or if complications arise.

Initially, your dog may be hospitalized for a few days to deal with any immediate crisis and to begin the regulation process. The “immediate crisis” is only great if your dog is so sick that it has quit eating and drinking for several days. Dogs in this condition, called “ketoacidosis”, may require a week or more of hospitalization with quite a bit of laboratory testing. Otherwise, the initial hospitalization ma only be for a day or two to get some testing done and to begin treatment. After which your dog goes home for you to administer medication. At first, return visits are required every 5-7 days to monitor progress. It may take a month or more to achieve good regulation.

Your Veterinarian will work with you to achieve consistent regulation, but a few dogs are difficult to keep regulated. It is important that you pay close attention to your veterinarian’s instructions related to administration of medication, to diet and to home monitoring.

Many people are initially fearful of giving insulin injections. If this is your reaction, consider these points:

1. Insulin does not cause pain when it is injected.

2. The injections are made with very tiny needle that your dog hardly feels.

3. The injections are given just under the skin in areas in which it is almost impossible to cause damage to any vital organ.

Please do not decide whether or not you will treat your dog until your veterinarian demonstrates the injection process. You will be surprised at how easy this is to do. I do it twice a day and I couldn’t even open a can of dog food without gagging.

Do Diuretics Cause Diabetes?

Diuretics are often prescribed for eliminating excess fluid as a means to lower blood pressure – they are also used to reduce the swelling in hands and feet (edema).

There are two things wrong with that.

1. Dehydration is very dangerous, and chemical diuretics flush out more fluid than you can afford to lose.

2. Diuretics flush out more than water – they flush out no less than 16 essential vitamins and minerals.

These happen to be the very vitamins and minerals that your body requires to maintain a healthy blood pressure. In addition, deficiencies in these vitamins and minerals will make other diseases worse.

For instance, a deficiency of Manganese can produce high cholesterol, high blood pressure, rapid pulse, tremors, and pancreatic damage. A deficiency of zinc can cause high cholesterol, decrease the immune system, and give you a propensity to diabetes. And that’s just two. Each and every vitamin that chemical diuretics flush out is essential to your health.

For every action there is a reaction.

The health & fitness column in the local newspaper recently carried a question from a gentleman who has had high blood pressure for years, and recently his doctor changed his medication and put him on diuretics. The result: High blood glucose.

The doctor answered that diuretics like HCTZ (hydrochlorothiazide) can raise blood sugar and trigger diabetes in some people. They can also raise uric acid levels and bring on a gout attack.

He remarked that Atenolol, which this man had been prescribed, is a controversial treatment because of questions about its effectiveness.

My own research indicates that the damage from diuretics can be even more far-reaching. They can, among other things, RAISE your blood pressure to dangerous levels. In addition, they can bring about the edema that they are designed to reduce.

Many doctors tell their patients to reduce the amount of water and other fluids that they take in. This is a mistake that can be deadly. First, dehydration leads to a whole host of other ailments that you don’t need. (But hey, you can get a pill for them!) Second, it turns out that water is the best diuretic of all – because part of the reason why your body wants to retain water is dehydration. Some would also tell you to eliminate salt – another mistake.

Dr. David Tanton, in “A Drug-Free Approach to Healthcare,” advises that the best way to reduce edema and control blood sugar levels is to help your body flush out the toxins. In his book he explains why he recommends drinking ten 8-ounce glasses of water daily, along with 1 teaspoon of Celtic sea salt.

Other natural healers agree, because water and Celtic sea salt will keep your blood and kidneys clean, and maintain the oxygen levels in your heart and other vital organs. 

History of Diabetes – What You Need to Know

The term diabetes came from the word diabaínein that meant to stride, or stand with legs asunder. Thus, its derivative diabÄ’tÄ’s meant “one that straddles,” or specifically “a compass, siphon. The sense “siphon” gave rise to the use of diabÄ’tÄ’s as the name for a disease involving the rapid elimination of excessive amounts of urine. This term finally gave rise to the English word “diabetes” that refers to the disease of sugar, fat and protein metabolism.

Diabetes was first recorded in English as diabete in medical journals back in 1425. Thomas Willis soon incorporated the word “mellitus” from the Latin word that meant “honey” or saccharine sweetness, as reference to the sweet taste of urine. The Greeks, Egyptians, Chinese, Persians and Indians first came to realize the sweet taste of the urine. In 1776, Mathew Dobson confirmed that the sweet taste was due to the excessive amounts of sugar found in the urine which was primarily manifested by patients who were suffering from Diabetes.

People already had recognized the life threatening consequences of this disease back in the ancient times. Back then, the disease was incurable that is why the Greek philosopher and physician Hippocrates never mentioned it in his medical journals. Another physician who went by the name of Aretaeus did try to search for a cure; however, he was not able to know if his attempts were successful because of the vague prognosis of his patients. He soon remarked in frustration that the life of a diabetic is short, disgusting and excruciating.

In ancient India, the people observed how ants seem to have a liking to the sweet taste of urine. This soon became a confirmatory test that indicates diabetic manifestations. Sushruta, back in 6th Century B.C., classified diabetes as Medhumeha. He also said that this disease results from obesity and sedentary lifestyle. He also advised that exercising will help cure this disease.In East Asia, the Chinese, Japanese, and Koreans all have the same ideographs for diabetes which depicts “sugar urine disease”

In the medieval era, the Avicenna from Persia did an extensive research about diabetes. The details about this disease are found in the journal “The Canon of Medicine” that intricately described the abnormalities that manifest in this disorder. He also was able to classify this disease into the different types of diabetes mellitus. He also mentioned some treatments that include herbs like trigonella, zedoary seeds and lupine which reduce the blood sugar levels. He also wrote detailed information about another classification of Diabetes called Diabetes Insipidus that involves the excessive elimination of urine due to the inability to retain water.

In the middle ages, various treatments have been known to effectively control the disease. How this disease came to be has only been comprehended through experimentation in the 1900’s. Oskar Minkowski, back in 1889 found out how dogs whose pancreas were removed developed all the manifestations of Diabetes and died not long after. In 1910, it was found out that diabetics lack a certain chemical substance in the body which is normally found in the pancreas. Edward Albert Sharpey Schafer soon mentioned the word insulin from the Latin word, insula meaning island with respects to the insulin producing islets of Langerhans found in the pancreas

This finally gave a contribution to how this disease can be controlled pharmacologically. Today, Diabetes is treated by human insulin or manmade insulin derived from animals like cows and hogs.

Diabetes and Its Serious Health Effects

Worldwide diabetes has been an issue. It has affected a lot of people just because they are unaware of the warning signs but it can easily be treated.

This is an issue that affects when metabolism is not proper. The chemical process that takes place in the human system is called the metabolism and we will not know what’s happening inside. One of them is the change of sugar into the respective chemical glycogen and this is nothing but power.

Diabetes is of two types, type I and II. Type II is due to lack of insulin. Type I is caused when the insulin is not properly used. Insulin is the main key in converting sugar into energy. When this is not properly used, then the excess of sugar is excreted in the urine.

The identifications of blood sugar are frequent passage of urine, hungry and a thirsty feeling. There is another condition called diabetes insipidus which is characterized by the frequent passage of urine that brings out all the water from the body and this happens due to the lack of vasopressin. This plays the major role in kidney functions.

The correct blood sugar rate is around 70 and 110 mg/dl. High blood sugar is when the rates are above 110 mg/dl. Below 70 is low blood sugar. When the condition is not treated then it can lead to loss in weight because it uses all the wanted nutrients in the body.

The simple conditions can lead to a lot of harm. It can cause serious issues like blind eyes, infected wounds and gangrenes. This can also be fatal and can lead to kidney dysfunction.

Intake of lot of fruits and vegetables with a good exercise is advisable. Tinned foods, sugar should be avoided.

Type 2 diabetes can be brought down and type I can be treated naturally. Check out the diabetes guide for more details.

How Diabetes Causes Heart Attacks

A recent study from Washington University in St Louis may explain why more than 75 percent of diabetics die of heart disease (Journal for the American College of Cardiology, February 7, 2006). The heart muscle of diabetics uses a much higher percentage of fat for energy than that of non-diabetics, to markedly increase risk for heart attacks.

The energy source for heart muscle is mostly sugar and fat, and to a lesser degree, protein. Muscles need far more oxygen to process fat than to process sugar. The blood supply to heart muscle comes from large arteries on the outside of the heart. Diabetics have narrowed arteries because high blood sugar levels cause plaques to form and reduce the diameter of the coronary arteries. The increased need for blood flow from burning fat and the decreased blood flow from narrowed arteries put diabetics at very high risk for heart attacks, heart failure and sudden death. The increased use of oxygen increases blood levels of oxidants that further damage the inner linings of arteries.

Another study from Sweden shows that many people discover that they are diabetic only after they have had a heart attack. Researchers recorded blood sugar levels in men who had had heart attacks and then did sugar tolerance tests at discharge and three months later. They found that 35 percent had diabetic sugar tolerance tests at hospital discharge and 40 percent had impaired sugar tolerance tests three months later (Lancet, Volume 359, 2002).

Therefore, 40 percent of people who have heart attacks are diabetic, even though they may not know it. Many of the diabetics had normal HBA1C blood tests, the standard test to measure diabetic control. Furthermore, the patients who were unknown diabetics had a much higher rate of sudden death from their heart attacks than those who were not diabetic. The authors recommend that all people with heart attacks be tested for diabetes.

Cause of Diabetes Mellitus – What Causes Diabetes?

There is ample research supporting the fact that somebody with a history of diabetes in the family has a 33% higher chance of developing diabetes than a person with no such history. We may not understand all the causes for diabetes, however it is widely known among the scientific community that diabetes is a genetic condition.

While it is true that heredity plays an important role in determining whether you are at risk for diabetes, it may be true that learning the causes of diabetes mellitus and taking steps to control its onset can mean that you can be in control of your life and have the ability to live a healthy, long life.

Often described by medical experts as the “prosperity” disease, diabetes is frequently caused when people overeat methodically, particularly if they consume great amounts of processed foods, proteins, and fats. Processed foods, such as bread, cake, chocolate, and ice cream, are rich in refined carbohydrates and are dangerous to the body when eaten in great quantity over a long period of time. Proteins and fats are as well major contributors because the body transforms them into sugar.

Scientific studies show that up to 85% of people having diabetes are obese. Nearly 80% of type-two non-insulin dependent diabetics, in the United States alone, are overweight. When excessive fatty tissue is present in the body, insulin ‘ll not work effectively. Normally, insulin allows blood sugar to enter the tissue and muscle cells by using receptor sites located on cell surfaces. If too much fat is present, the cells become insulin resistant, thereby leading to diabetes.

In the aging procedure, people have a tendency to put on extra weight and some end up developing mild diabetes due to increased blood sugar. If they choose to modify their diet and lose weight, their diabetes condition will improve greatly.

One of the well-documented contributory causes of diabetes mellitus is too much stress in your life. An individual who is suffering from too much anxiety and stress should search out ways to relieve some of the burden and learn to relax so as to cut back their danger of developing diabetes. When you’re continually stressed out, this can have a negative impact on your metabolism and guide to sugar in the urine.

A person who strives to be physically active can greatly cut back the chances of developing diabetes later in life. Maintaining a regimen of moderate exercise not only helps in controlling your weight though will greatly improve your wellbeing and sense of health. A healthy person’s body functions better and can procedure blood sugar more effectively as insulin production stabilizes. The stress on your pancreas ‘ll decrease and it won’t wish to work as troublesome, making you healthier for the long term.

Very Early Symptoms of Adult Onset Diabetes

We often talk about adult onset diabetes but important here is to talk about early symptoms of this type of diabetes; so a person must know if he is suffering from Diabetes.

Adult onset diabetes is the 7th leading cause of death in United States of America. It is a disappointing figure but good news is that 90% of these diabetics can cure their disease if they achieve the ideal weight and practice healthy living and eating habits.

The diet of a normal person must steer clean of pastry teats, pasta, cookies and soda pop. A person can eat these but only in moderation. If this is your routine diet then expect you to be diagnosed with diabetes. The diet cannot be changed overnight. It can only be done gradually with patience. It is hard to ignore these treats, but it is for our own good. This change in diet puts a person at lesser risk of developing diabetes.

The secret to stay away from early symptoms of adult onset diabetes is to have a diet low in sugar and high in complex carbohydrates.

The early symptoms of adult onset diabetes includes;

• Frequent urination
• Increased hunger
• Excessive thirst
• Blurred vision
• Tiredness
• Slow healing wounds
• Recurrent yeast infections in women
• Erectile dysfunction in men

If a person is having Early Symptoms of Adult Onset Diabetes, the following tests must be conducted

Fasting Blood Glucose Level

If level is above 126 mg/dl in the past two sets then chances are that you are diabetic.

Random Blood Glucose Level

If the level is above 200 mg/dl and person is suffering from Early Symptoms of Diabetes, then the person is diabetic.

Oral Glucose Tolerance Test

If the level of blood glucose is above 200 mg/dl then the person is diabetic.

To treat diabetes the person must uproot the cause. Whatever the case is the Early Symptoms of Adult Onset Diabetes must be given prime importance to treat the problem in time.

Diabetes Treatment With Cupping And Pure Salt Therapy

There are two types of diabetes namely diabetes insipidus and diabetes mellitus.

Diabetes insipidus is a rare metaboilc disorder in which the patient produces large quantities of urine and is constantly thirsty. It is due to a deficiency of the pituitary hormone vasopressin, an antidiuretic hormone which regulates reabsorption of water in the kidneys. Treatment is by administration of vasopressin to the patient and cannot be treated by Cupping and Pure Salt therapy as the pituitary glands are located deep inside the brain.

Diabetes mellitus affects about 7% of the general population and can be divided into type 1 (insulin-dependent) and type 2 (non insulin-dependent). Type 1 accounts for about 10% while type 2 represent 90 % of all diabetes mellitus. Type 1 normally affect children and teenagers which have little or no ability to produce the hormone insulin and patients are entirely dependent on insulin injections for survival. The hormone insulin is produced by the pancreas and helps to regulate the blood sugar level when it exceeds the preset limit. It is thought that type 1 is caused by damage to the pancreas tissues that produce insulin due to misplaced attack of the pancreas by the patient’s own immune system (autoimmune attack). Cupping and Shin Gum Pure Salt therapy cannot treat type 1 because of permanent damage to the pancreas.

Type 2 being the most common diabetes was prevalent amongst patients in the middle and old age. However, in recent years the number of young people suffering from type 2 diabetes has increased. It can be found in young people in the twenties and thirties. Type 2 diabetes is due to inadequate production of insulin to meet the needs of the patient or the result of the body becoming resistant to the effects of insulin. The accumulation of sugar leads to its appearance the blood (hyperglycaemia) and then in the urine. Symptoms include thirst, excessive production of urine, aging and itching skin, loss of sensation, loss of teeth, blurring of vision, constant hunger, and lost of weight due to the use of body fats as an alternative source of energy to sugar. Risk factors include incidence in family members (genetics), obesity, lack of exercise, sedentary lifestyle, diabetes during pregnancy and unhealthy eating habits (too much sugar, excessive carbohydrates, overeating).

Long term complications of type 2 diabetes include higher risk of heart attack (myocardial infarction) and stroke attack (cerebro vascular accident), highest incidence of blindness due to damage of blood vessels supplying the optic nerve (diabetic retinopathy), highest cause of kidney failure requiring dialysis (diabetic nephropathy), thigh pain and progressive weakness of knee extension (diabetic amyotrophy), pain or numbness of the feet due to nerve damage (diabetic neuropathy), amputation of legs due to gangrene, and impotence due to damage nerves of the penis (erectile dysfunction).

Type 2 diabetes can be treated with cupping of points 2, 3, 6 and 8 with only 30% success rate due to the fact that the pancreas are located deep inside the viscera behind the liver. However, a much higher success rate is achieved by applying Aggressive Cupping combine with Pure Salt therapy. For diabetes type 2 Pure Salt therapy comprise of daily one hour exercise, gradual reduction of food followed by fasting, daily pure salt half body bath, consumption of pure salt (preferably 200 hour pure salt or minimum 30-hr pure salt), stress reduction techniques and adopting a positive mental attitude to diabetes.

Can You Die From Diabetes?

Probably because you have the condition or maybe a friend or family member does, you might be asking, “Can you die from diabetes?” It would be best that you find out exactly what diabetes is so you may judge for yourself.

There are two types of diabetes: diabetes mellitus and diabetes insipidus. The latter results from the lack of the vasopressin, a hormone which controls urine secretion. It is a rare disease, so much rarer than diabetes mellitus, which is what has simply been referred to as diabetes these days.

Diabetes mellitus is simply a disorder resulting from either the lack of the hormone insulin which controls sugar levels in the blood, or the inability of the body’s cells to respond to insulin.

Ideally, the rise in blood sugar levels signals the beta cells of the pancreas to release insulin, which then enables sugar and amino acids in the bloodstream to enter cells in the body where they are then either assigned for storage for future use or for immediate energy consumption.

In a person afflicted with diabetes, since there is a lack of insulin or the non-response of the body to it, sugar levels remain high and may continue to rise in the bloodstream. Since the sugar remains outside of the cells and cannot be consumed for energy, the brain asks for more food for more sugar.

The excess sugar in the bloodstream also spills into the urine, and as the normal laws of physics dictate, water always follows sugar (and salt), so there is an increase in urination which also results in an increase in thirst.

So if you’re asking “What does high blood sugar feel like?” those are the classic symptoms: being frequently hungry, thirsty and an increase in the urge to urinate. Knowing that, if you have diabetes, will let you know what to watch out for so you may do what you must to control the condition.

The way to manage diabetes is primarily to take insulin supplements by subcutaneous injection, but this only applies to the first type of diabetes mellitus, which is Type 1 Diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes. The second type, Type 2 Diabetes or non-insulin-dependent diabetes can only be managed by glucose control primarily by modifying the diet and exercising, although these methods should also be employed by those with Type 1 Diabetes.

If diabetes is left untreated, it may can very well cause life-threatening complications. Type 1 Diabetes can lead to diabetic coma (which is a state of unconsciousness brought about by extremely high blood sugar levels) or death. In both Type 1 and 2 Diabetes, complications include blindness, heart disease, and kidney failure.

Due to the sugar particles in the bloodstream, tiny blood vessels can be blocked. If this happens in the eyes, it can lead to retinopathy which can then lead to blindness. If this happens in the kidneys, it can lead to nephropathy and then kidney failure. Blood vessels in general, if blocked, can lead to high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke.

Not to sound morbid, but in general you can die from a jillion other causes, such as poisoning or a vehicular accident. So to answer the question “Can you die from diabetes?” Yes, you can. If you know how to manage the condition, however, you can live the best life as can be even in spite of it.

Natural Treatment For Diabetes – How to Treat Diabetes Naturally

If you suffer from diabetes then you may be looking for the best natural treatments to take away your symptoms. Many traditional medications can have terrible side effects and so why suffer with them when you can gain relief from natural products?

Here you will find out the best natural products available today. Hopefully this will give you a better knowledge of the alternative treatments available and you will be able to make a decision to best suit you.

The Best Natural Treatments for Diabetes

If you are looking for the best natural treatments for diabetes then the first one you should know about is Food Therapy.

Food Therapy is best undertaken after consulting your doctor. It basically involves avoiding certain foods and eating plenty of others. Obviously being diabetic you should avoid foods such as refined sugar and biscuits. You should also avoid all processed foods and fried foods too. Then there are foods that are better limited such as red meat and caffeine and alcohol. You should especially avoid alcohol if you have an empty tummy because it can cause low blood glucose. Then finally there are the foods that you can eat and they include fruit and vegetables, wholegrain products and also drink plenty of water. Try to get a lot of fiber in your diet too as that will lower your body’s need for insulin.

Taking part in regular exercise can also really help to reduce the effects of diabetes. It is a well known fact that being overweight is a big contributor to Diabetes Type 2.So by losing weight and staying healthy you will be successfully helping the body to deal with conditions such as Diabetes a lot better.

One natural treatment you might not have considered but which can be very effective is bitter melon. Bitter melon is great for treating diabetes because it contains a compound which is extremely like insulin. It will help to control the levels of sugar in the blood too which is obviously extremely beneficial.

Other herbal treatments you may find helpful include Cat’s Claw which is regularly used to treat diabetes. It can be found in your local health food store. Another includes Pycnogenol, an antioxidant which does not affect insulin levels but which reduces the blood glucose levels. In France it is one of the top prescriptions used for diabetic retinopathy.

Overall, there are a number of natural treatments for diabetes available. The best of them however include a good diet and plenty of exercise. So if you haven’t yet looked into the best natural treatments then you may want to take some of the ones mentioned into account.

Introduction About Diabetes

Diabetes, it is a disease in which the pancreas produces too much or too little amount of insulin.  Insulin is a hormone that helps the body’s cells to absorb glucose (sugar), which can be used as an energy source. Diabetes is different from diabetes insipidus hormone vasopressin least, that the amount of urine is again a lack of control.

For example, the United States represents about 21 million people (7 per cent of the population) diabetes. Each year, approximately 1.5 million people learn they have the disease. Diabetes kills more than 73,000 U.S. citizens each year, the sixth leading cause of all diseases and deaths. In addition, diabetes is the number of deaths from heart disease, kidney failure and other diseases of the role. Only the experts say diabetes accounts for about 225,000 deaths per year in the United States. Canada, approximately 2.5 million people (about 6 percent of the population) have diabetes. The disease is the seventh leading cause of death in Canada, where he died a year before about 6,000 people. Diabetes and its complications account for approximately 25,000 deaths per year in Germany

Diabetes is more common in adults over 45 years with people who are overweight or physically inactive immediate family member with diabetes and people of African, Spanish and Indian ancestors. The highest rates of diabetes in the world seem to Amerindians. More women than men diagnosed with the disease.

Diabetes prevents low levels of insulin or a negative response to the absorption of insulin-glucose by cells. Therefore, glucose accumulates in the blood. If blood glucose levels mandated by the kidneys, the organs that dirt, blood, kidneys cannot absorb all the excess glucose. This excess glucose in urine, the penetration of water and electrolyte ion cells requires the electric charge and regulates the flow of water molecules across cell membranes. This leads to frequent urination get rid of excess water drawn into the urine and excessive thirst, to start replacing the lost water and hunger, loss of glucose in urine to avoid replacing.

Sugar Substitutes: Licorice Root

Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) – Licorice root (the ingredient in black licorice) is a substance of which virtually everyone is aware. Licorice is a perennial herb native to the Mediterranean region. Oriental cultures recognize licorice for its sweetening properties. Glycyrrhizin, the active ingredient in licorice, is between 50 to 100 times sweeter than sucrose.

Parts of Licorice Used: You can use the whole root (with skin or peeled), the dried powder, or the extract to naturally sweeten the things you eat and drink. It takes very little to attain sweetness. Many over-the-counter combination herbal teas sweeten and flavor their formulas with licorice.

The blue-flowering plant, which looks like a pea vine, grows wild in much of southern Europe and in Asia. Licorice is one of the most widely used medicinal herbs and is found in numerous traditional formulas in many cultures because it also covers up the gross taste of other herbs.

Uses of Licorice root: Licorice root has been used since ancient Egyptian times to treat upset stomachs, ulcers, asthma, chest infections, bronchitis and coughs. It is also good for clearing the throat, supporting adrenal function, arthritis and as is a mild laxative. Licorice root roots and stolons (peeled or unpeeled) may be used in its unadulterated, ground-up form as a primary sweetening compound. Licorice contains glycyrrhizic acid (also knows as glycyrrhizic or glycyrrhizin.

Glycyrrhizic acid is often touted as an ulcer-healing agent (although my clients hated it, so I no longer send it home with them. I also don’t ask them to chew the tablets.) In one clinical study, licorice root fluid extract was used to treat 100 patients with early peptic ulcer. Eighty six cases that had been unresponsive to conventional treatment were treated at a dose of 15 ml (about one tablespoon extract) four times daily for six weeks. Positive effects were reported in 90% of the cases.

Licorice overdose: The bad thing about licorice is that it causes sodium retention which then raises blood pressure causing hypertension. Licorice acts to retain water in the body. Because of this, it can be a good herb for diabetes insipidus patients where the person can’t seem to drink enough water.

Other side effects include edema, headaches, lethargy, and mild depletion of potassium which may result in cardiac problems when consumed excessively. Adverse symptoms of excessive glycyrrhizin consumption generally disappear shortly after a person lowers their dietary intake of products containing the sweetener.

Contraindications: Licorice root should not be used for people or pets suffering with cholestatic liver disorders, liver cirrhosis, hypertonia, hypokalemia, severe kidney insufficiency. It should not be used in women who are pregnant as it can cause an increase in blood pressure, but it is OK to use during lactation.

Case Study: I had just learned how great licorice root was for ulcers from one of the herb distribution companies when I first started practicing natural medicine, so I ordered a couple bottles of the deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) which is supposed to have fewer side effects if overdose occurs. Within a week, I had two ulcer cases that week, which is usually the synchronistic way things happen in my life.

I didn’t hear back from the first client, but the second client brought her bottle back to me, almost completely full.

“Have you ever tried these?” She asked. “Well, no, I don’t have ulcers, but I do try anything I send home with cats as they won’t tolerate much and you have to be particular with what you sent home with them.”

“Well, you are going to try one now.” She said assertively as she opened the bottle and whipped out one of those stinky little pills.

I popped one into my mouth and chewed. “Woof!” I said, as I made a dash to the sink to wash my mouth out. “I had NO idea!”

I refunded her money and learned a lot from that woman. I guess you have to use licorice root in very small doses! I’m not so keen on sending home awful tasting stuff with clients any more. I’d rather send capsules and homeopathic formulas home which taste better. Some herbalists say capsules don’t work as well, but if you can’t gag something down, and it stays on your shelf the entire month, it’s not going to do you any good at all for correcting the challenge you came to see me for in the first place! I think I’ll just stick to eating the occasional piece of black licorice candy! I like the organic Panda brand you get at the local health food store.

Here’s an interesting licorice fact: Millions of pounds of licorice are imported into the United States each year, about 90% for use in flavoring tobacco products. Bizarre, huh? I wonder if smoking it causes high blood pressure…

Glucose Metabolism, Leukemia and Diabetes

Let us examine the relationship between the sugar load in the human body and Leukemia and Diabetes. Different sugars, both the good sugars and harmful sugars affect blood chemistry that can mobilize a cascade of problems or benefits in human health.

The sugars we eat and the nutrients we get help determine our health. Why are the highest incidences of cancer in western nations? The lowest recorded incidences of cancer according to WHO appears to be in the developing countries of Northern Africa, Southern and Eastern Asia.

Some people eat very poorly and then consume what may in reality be a type of antidote that keeps the bad stuff from doing as much harm. Studies provide data supporting the French Paradox which indicates that proanthocyanidins and other flavonoids in red wines prevents cardiovascular diseases and diabetes although they have high-fat diets.

How the glucose metabolism is effected is the key to serious health challenges. If we can correct sugar spikes and move toward an optimum glucose metabolism, it seems obvious that we could improve human health in a major way. When we started getting reports of diabetics having a lower sugar load in their blood while eating Trehalose than when they stopped, we knew we were onto something significant.

An Australian paper about leukemia children entitled, Altered glucose metabolism in childhood pre-B acute lymphoblastic leukaemia reported that “the cells of solid tumours are known to have an altered metabolism, with high rates of glucose uptake and glycolysis, which results in the excessive production of lactate.”

Connecting the dots of research, we learned that the phytochemicals in cinnamon are similar to those found in red wine. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) identified these phytochemicals as chalcone polymers, which increase glucose metabolism in the cells by 20 times or more. Cinnamon also contains flavonoids called anthocyanins which improve capillary function and also serve as powerful antioxidants.

Research suggests that cinnamon helps glucose metabolism and blood pressure regulation, actually lowering high blood pressure. Other studies published in Diabetic Care show cinnamon not only helps control blood sugar levels but also triglycerides, total cholesterol and the ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol in those with type II diabetes.

We have documented other university studies that indicate the same flavonoids found in cinnamon effects leukemia and lymphoma cells. According to some studies, these phytochemicals have the potential to be used in leukemia therapy with the advantages of being widely available and selective against tumors.

All cinnamon is not the same. European health agencies have warned against consuming high amounts of cassia bark, one of the four species of cinnamon, because of its coumarin content. Recent European studies have shown that cinnamon derived from the cassia plant contains this toxic compound, which in large concentrations, is known to cause liver and kidney damage. The powdered cinnamon found on most supermarket shelves is generally derived from the Cassia plant so it is wise to avoid using it in large amounts.

In our T/C+ Leukemia and Diabetic Pilot Survey we use a formulation of the sugar Trehalose, Ceylon cinnamon, and bio-available ionic multi-trace minerals. This Pilot Survey should help us determine if there are any synergetic benefits that may include lowering blood sugar levels, helping arthritis sufferers and lowering the risk or even reversing diabetes.

Your assistance is encouraged on the Leukemia and Diabetic Pilot Survey. The same protocol will be used for both. We are not claiming any improvement in either Leukemia or Diabetes. We do not know if the combination of the three nutrients involved will or will not benefit the health condition of participants in the six month Pilot Survey. We are highly encouraged with the positive response to date but more research is needed and welcome participation.

Natural Cure for Diabetes

Food Therapy should be followed under the supervision from your doctor. Check your sugar level frequently so that sugar levels do not go beyond the recommended level

Foods to avoid

It is always advisable to avoid some foods if you are diabetic such as refined sugar, sweets, syrups, glucose, jam, molasses, fruit sugar, ice-cream, cakes, pastries, sweet biscuits, chocolates, soft drinks, condensed milk, cream and fried foods. Fats like butter, ghee and hydrogenated vegetable oil should also be avoided. White sugar and white flour should be reduced drastically. Avoid all processed foods, junk food, pastries, cookies, canned and preserved foods. They contain harmful preservatives and lot of salt. Avoid soft drinks since these have a lot of sugar. Try to avoid fried foods from your diet.

Smoking results in the using up of oxygen in the body. It will result in less of oxygen needed by the body to metabolize glucose. So smoking should be avoided.

Foods to be limited

Salt consumption should be reduced to a minimum. You will get enough salt form the vegetables and fruits you eat. Reduce animal foods especially red meats. Reduce poultry and egg. Reduce caffeine and alcohol. Do not drink tea and coffee more than 2 cups a day. Try to replace it with green tea or herbal teas like Parsley tea, Blueberry leaf, Tea made of tender walnut tree leaves, Water in which kidney bean pods have been cooked is good diabetes.

Do not consume alcohol in empty stomach. Alcohol on an empty stomach can cause low blood glucose or hypoglycemia.Foods that should be consumed in moderation are honey and other natural sugars like palm sugar, dates which can be used instead of white sugar. Remember these should be consumed in very little quantity only.Pasta, coconut, other nuts, unsweetened juices, eggs should be limited. You can replace it with whole grain, unpolished rice and Soya products. Try to eat whole grain bread instead of white flour. Fats like olive oil and peanut oil are more advisable that hydrogenated fats. Low fat food like skimmed milk and low fat home made cottage cheese can be taken in moderation. You can also substitute it with yoghurt. Sea food and fish also can be taken in moderation.

Foods to be taken

Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day.

An alkaline diet with natural food is recommended. Wholegrain, fruits, nuts, vegetables, and dairy products form a good diet for the diabetic. Raw vegetables can be taken in high quantities. It has been found that cooked foods raise blood glucose higher than raw, unpeeled foods. Cooking destroys many of the enzymes and some vitamins and minerals.

Eat at least five fruits every day. Fruits like grape fruit, pomegranate juice, Indian blackberry, banana, granny smith apples, fig, cranberries, black berry, kiwi fruits, and citrus fruits are highly recommended. It can be taken as a snack. Cucumber, Lettuce, onion, garlic string beans cucumber radish, tomato, carrot, leaves; spinach turnip, cabbage and Jerusalem artichoke are good for diabetes. Colorful vegetables are good for the functioning of pancreas. Drink Fruit juices without sugar. Brewer’s yeast and sprouted alfalfa and mung beans are good for the body. Unripe banana also can be cooked and eaten.

The most important of all is eating high fiber diet which lowers need for insulin. It releases energy into the body slowly. It has also been found that diabetes decreases and may even disappear in people eating a high fiber or whole food diet. High fiber diet has more chromium and chromium is very good for people with diabetes.

Eat lot of potassium rich foods like raw peanuts, tomato, bananas, melons, dried peas, potatoes, apple cider vinegar, skimmed milk powder, wheat but do not take potassium supplements.

Include soluble fiber in your meals like barley, oatmeal, almond meal, dried beans, kidney beans, cooked black beans, peas, cereals, chickpeas, Bengal gram which has low glycemic index, , Black gram, lentils and corn or garbanzo beans to helps considerably in reducing blood sugar levels. Soy products like tofu, tempeh, soymilk, soya powder, soy bean sprouts, nuggets etc are also very good in containing neurological complications in diabetes. You can make bread out of any of the whole grains. Get a lot of soluble fiber into your diet. When you eat lots of bread, cereal and starchy vegetables you will get enough of starches which is very helpful for diabetes. Insoluble fibers, found in bran (oat bran, wheat bran), whole grain breads, whole grains and nuts, act as intestinal scrubbers by cleaning out the lower gastrointestinal tract. Fiber cleans your intestinal tract by moving out the food so that it wouldn’t stay there and putrefy. Butter milk and yoghurt diet are very beneficial.

Helpful herbs and vegetables

1. Bitter Gourd (Karela): Bitter gourd Momordica-charantia or bitter melon juice contains plant insulin and should be taken 2 ounce 2 times daily on an empty stomach. It is found to be very effective for diabetes.

Or

It can be cooked as any vegetable and eaten.

Or

The bitter melon powder can be made by drying. Take bitter gourd powder I teaspoon daily in empty stomach.

2. Taking half a teaspoon of cinnamon a day may help prevent the onset of diabetes. Even soaking a cinnamon sticks in your tea, could also benefit non-diabetics who have blood sugar problem but are unaware of it.

3. 30 gram fenugreek seeds can be soaked in a glass of water at night and after 12 hours take it and grind it into a paste with the soaked water and drink it on a empty stomach.

Or

2 teaspoon if powdered seeds can be taken with water or milk.

Or

You can add fenugreek into anything you cook.

4. Eating upto 3 grapefruits a day has also been helpful.

5. 1 tablespoon of amla (Emblica officinalis) after removing the seeds extract the juice and mix with a cup of bitter gourd juice and take daily for 2months in a empty stomach.

6. Gymnema Sylvestre a traditional ayurvedic herb the leaf of which is to be taken up to 4 grams per day.

7. Indian blackberry seeds or Jamun seed powder (scientific name of Jamun is Eugenia jambolana or Syzygium cumini L and) is very good for diabetes. Take 1/4th teaspoon with 1 teasoon honey for 50 days.

8. Eating freshly crushed raw garlic 3-4 grams a day lowers blood sugar. You can wash it down with a glass of water.

9. Neem seeds daily 2 times a pinch. Taking a gram of neem leaf daily helps in diabetes.

10. Bael (Aegle marmelos) : The leave of the bael tree when chewed are very useful in diabetes. Pulp of this fruit could be dried and taken in doses of 5 to 10 gms a day.

11. A pinch of pure turmeric powders mixed in amla juice (Indian goose berry) and eat daily in empty stomach.

12. Use of turmeric and gooseberry in equal quantities in powder form taken with warm water is very useful in this behalf. These activate the pancreatic cells and more insulin is produced.

13. Wild jeerakam cumin seeds black colored 60 gm in 1 liter and boil a reduce it ti 1/4th liter and take half divide it into two equal parts and drink one part in the morning and one in the evening 2 times daily.

14. Grind (Bacopa monnieri )Bhrahmi and add a teaspoon of it to milk and drink.

Vitamins that help

Supplements in natural forms are more conducive to the body.

Magnesium supplementation has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity.

Vitamin C: 500 mg is recommended. Vitamin E: This vitamin is very valuable for diabetes. A daily dose of 200 i.u. of Vitamin E is recommended for a fortnight at a time.

Chromium: Whole grains, seeds, mushrooms, corn oil and brewer’s yeast are relatively good sources of biologically valuable chromium.

Vitamin A:. Take A dose of 15,000i.u. on alternate days.

Vitamin B: Avoid large dosage of vitamin B because this vitamin interferes with the absorption of insulin by cells.

Things to do

Controlling your Weight is the best way to treat diabetes. Exercise improves the body’s response to insulin. An exercise program should be started only with the advice of a doctor to avoid unnecessary complications. Walking, light games, jogging and swimming are also good.

Yoga can help a lot. To relieve stress do meditation once a day for 10 to 40 minutes. Yogic asanas like Siddhasana, Vajrasana, Talasana, Yastikasana,, like Yogamudra, Hastapadasana, Paschimottanasana, Chakrasana, Ustrasana, Bhujangasana, Sarvangasana and Viparitakarani, as halasana, shalabhasana, dhanurasana, Pratipaksabhavana and shavasana will also be beneficial.

Types of Diabetes and Their Symptoms

Diabetes is a disease in which the body is unable to produce the right amount of insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is produced by the pancreas to that helps the cells in our body to use the sugar in food. When it is unable to produce the hormone our bodies will have too much sugar in our cells and thus will have less energy to help us function on a daily basis. There are three main types of diabetes; type 1, type 2, and gestational.

Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is defined as an autoimmune disease. This means that immune system in the body that is usually used to fight off infections will actually turn against parts of the body that are under attack. Type 1 diabetes causes the immune system to attack the beta cells that are producing insulin in the pancreas and will destroy them. Anyone diagnosed with type 1 diabetes must take insulin everyday to survive.

Symptoms Of Type 1 Diabetes

-Urination

-Weight loss

-Thirst

-Constant Hunger

-Extreme Fatigue

-Blurred vision

Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of the disease. Obesity, old age, no exercise, and family genetics are usually the common factors associated with the disease. When diagnosed the pancreas is producing enough insulin – but the body is not able to properly use it. This condition is referred to as insulin resistance.

Symptoms Of Type 2 Diabetes

-Nausea

-Fatigue

-Urination

-Weight loss

-Thirst

-Blurred vision

-Many infections

-Wounds and sores heal slowly

Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes is a form of the disease that only woman who are pregnant can be diagnosed with. This disease strikes pregnant woman whose blood sugar levels are high during the pregnancy. This form of the disease begins when the woman’s body is not able to produce enough insulin that it will need for the term of the pregnancy. It will usually disappear after the baby has been born. However, the woman is now at a higher risk for type 2 diabetes.

Gestational Diabetes Symptoms

-Excessive weight gain

-Excessive hunger

-Excessive thirst

-Excessive urination

-Recurring vaginal infections

(some women may not have any symptoms)

For more information on diabetes visit Diabetes Cure Advice.

Dog Diabetes: What To Look For, What To Do

Diabetes in dogs can be just as serious as it is in humans. Your pet may have a significant number of health problems if this condition, often referred to as the “silent killer”, is left untreated.

Dog diabetes basically occurs as one of three types: mellitus, insipidus (“water diabetes”), and gestational.

• The most common and most dangerous type of diabetes that dogs can acquire is diabetes mellitus where the dog does not produce enough insulin to keep glucose levels under control.
• Diabetes insipidus is a condition characterized by your dog’s inability to retain water. The condition is caused by kidney disease, kidney trauma, congenital defect, or medications.
• The last form of canine diabetes is the gestational variety which occurs in female dogs during pregnancy.

What Dogs Get Diabetes?

The characteristics of dogs that are more prone to diabetes include:

• Mixed breeds rather than purebreds
• Larger breeds more than smaller breeds
• Females or neutered males (twice as common in females as in males)
• Overweight dogs
• Middle-aged or older (average age 5 years; peak years 7 – 9 years)
• Dogs on high fat diet as opposed to high fiber diet

What Are The Symptoms?

Some of the symptoms of this disease in dogs are very similar to the symptoms people experience.

Excessive water consumption is one of the most frequent symptoms, caused by the overproduction of glucose. Increased urination may also occur which is often a result of drinking more water than normal. An unexplained weight gain or adversely, weight loss despite increased appetite, can also signify that there is something wrong.

Lethargy is another one of the more noticeable symptoms. If you observe this behavior, you should not assume that your dog is just being lazy; there could be something seriously wrong.

How Can I Help My Dog?

There are a number of treatments available once the disease is diagnosed. The important thing is to be able to identify the signs and get your dog started on treatment at an early stage which can prevent the occurrence of additional system malfunctions like heart ailments, pancreatic failure or other medical problems.

• The main treatment for diabetes mellitus is a daily or twice a day injection of insulin.
• Diabetes insipidus is typically treated with anti-inflammatory drugs and diuretics.
• Gestational diabetes usually goes away after the female has given birth to her litter.

1. Diet

Similar to human diabetes, diabetes in dogs can often be reversed through dietary control and even weight loss. If a dog gains too much weight, his pancreas is no longer able to produce the right levels of insulin. Once the dog starts to lose weight, the blood sugar may come back under control.

A diet high in fiber and protein and low in fats and carbohydrates is recommended. There are prescription dog foods available for dogs with diabetes, or you can make up his food yourself based on a diet developed by a veterinary nutritionist. You should also make sure that he is not getting snacks throughout the day, and that no one in the family slips him “people food”.

2. Exercise

Daily exercise is another important component of treatment. This can lower blood glucose levels at the same time that it helps to maintain your dog’s optimum weight. The exercise should be performed at consistent levels of endurance and duration.

3. Medication

In many cases, dog diabetes is treated with insulin. The therapy starts at home and then the dog revisits the vet for blood sugar tests to see how the diabetes management program is going. Often a dog will stay under observation for 24 hours to observe the peaks and low points of their blood glucose. Once the insulin is calculated correctly, the treatments can resume at home.

Although there is no cure for dog diabetes, it can be managed with insulin injections, changes in diet and exercise. By learning what symptoms to watch out for and being diligent in managing this disease, your dog will live a long, healthy life!

Best Laboratory Tests For Diagnosis of Diabetes Mellitus

History and physical examination are most important tools for diagnosing diabetes Mellitus, however to confirm diagnosis one should have following laboratory tests.

Urine sugar test

Urine ketones test

OGTT-Oral Glucose Tolerance Test, (also called glucose challenge test)

Blood glucose tests

FPG-Fasting plasma glucose Test

Random plasma glucose Test

Tests for ongoing monitoring of diabetes control:

HbA1c blood test – an average blood sugar measure over about 3 months.

Fructosamine blood test – an average blood sugar measure over about 2 weeks

It is not necessary that one should have all the tests given in above list, but it is necessary to diagnose your disease if you want best treatment for your illness.

How frequently a person must check his sugar level is the decision of your doctor. It mainly depends upon patients age and number of risk factors like blood pressure, higher cholesterol or smoking. If you are above 45 years then you should have your blood sugar level after every 3 years. Even if you are below 45 years and have one or more risk factors then you should also check your blood sugar level frequently.

A- Urine sample for sugar and Ketones:

You may have your urine analysis for sugar or ketones which are produced by breakdown of fat and muscle cells to diagnose diabetes but you should keep in mind that if you are having positive urine test for sugar then it is not necessary that you are suffering from diabetes because there are other conditions as well which also cause sugar to appear in urine.

B-THE FASTING BLOOD GLUCOSE (SUGAR) TEST

For diagnosing Diabetes Mellitus one must have this test because it is best, easy and comfortable to perform. You should have overnight fast (at-least 8 hours) before performing this test. If fasting blood glucose is below 100mg/dl, then you don’t have diabetes. Between 100mg/dl to 125mg/dl is called a Pre-diabetes or Impaired fasting glucose condition. If fasting blood glucose is above 126mg/dl on more than two occasions then you are suffering from diabetes.

C-RANDOM (NON-FASTING) BLOOD GLUCOSE TEST

It is also a good test for diagnosing diabetes. In this test we take sample of blood shortly after taking a meal and then check glucose level in blood. If this level is above 200mg/dl, then there are much chances that you are suffering from diabetes. But diagnosis should be confirmed the very next day by fasting blood glucose or by glucose tolerance test

D-ORAL GLUCOSE TOLERANCE TEST (OGTT):

Though this test is not commonly used these days but it is still a gold standard for diagnosing diabetes. For diagnosing gestational diabetes this is best test.

Instructions for OGTT:

This is test for a person who is in good health and have no other illness.

Person should be normally active and not bed ridden.

Person is not taking anti diabetic drugs or any drug which alters blood sugar level.

Before test, person should eat high carbohydrate diet for three days.

No alcoholic beverages.

On test day one should not smoke or take coffee.

Glucose Tolerance Test Procedure:

First normal blood glucose is tested. Then person drinks 75gm of glucose, for pregnant woman dose of glucose is 100 gm. Then blood samples are taken at particular intervals for measuring blood glucose level.Blood glucose level is measured five times over a period of 3 hours. In simple words, in normal person, this blood sugar level gets higher value by taking 75gm of glucose, however it falls down quickly, but in person having diabetes the blood sugar level rises higher than normal but does not come down quickly. If a person have fasting blood glucose above 140mg/dl and 2 hours value after 75gm of oral glucose greater than 200mg/dl and considered as diabetics. If 2 hours blood glucose value between 140-200mg/dl is labeled as Pre-diabetic condition or impaired fasting glucose. During pregnancy, 2 hours blood glucose value between 140-200mg/dl is treated as a case of diabetes.

OTHER TESTS

Glycosylated haemoglobin Test or HB A1 Test:

Very important test which tells you how good you are in controlling your blood sugar. It shows your blood sugar control during the past 2 to 3 months. For normal individuals, a good hemoglobin A-1-c is 7 percent.

Intravenous GTT:

This test is performed in individuals who have intestinal disease or malabsorption.

Extended GTT:

In this the oral Glucose Tolerance Test is extended to 3-4 hours rather than 2 hours, for appearance of symptoms of hyperglycaemia.

In short if your fasting blood glucose is more than 126mg/dl on two or more days, or your random blood glucose is above 200mg/dl or your oral glucose tolerance test is positive i.e 2 hours blood glucose value between above 200mg/dl after 75gm of glucose, then you are suffering from Diabetes Mellitus.

Diabetes During Pregnancy

Diabetes is an age old disease, which is recorded as early as Greek civilization. This disease is characterized by excretion of large amount of very dilute urine. Diabetes can also be explained as a syndrome characterized by disordered metabolism and inappropriate blood sugar level.

On the basis of symptoms diabetes can be classified into two types – a) diabetes mellitus b) diabetes insipidus.

While diabetes mellitus is characterized by high blood sugar level, resulting from low insulin (hormone which controls the sugar level in blood) level, the characteristic symptoms are excessive urine production (polyuria), excessive thirst, and increased fluid intake (polydipsia) and blurred vision.

On the other hand, diabetes insipidus is characterized by excretion of large amount of severely diluted urine, which can not be reduced when fluid intake is reduced, leading to severe inability of kidney to concentrate urine.

World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes three main forms of diabetes mellitus; one of them is termed as gestational diabetes which occurs during pregnancy. Early diagnosis can cure the disease.

The basic cause of diabetes during pregnancy is that, mother’s body is the sole supplier of glucose (sugar that results from the digestion of food) to the baby. This glucose is delivered to the baby through placenta. in return placenta produces certain hormones which helps the baby to develop, but on other hand these hormones prevents mothers body to use insulin and at later stage placenta increases these anti-insulin hormones which blocks the movement of glucose from the blood stream to the cell of the mother’s body. This condition is termed as insulin resistance which leads to gestational diabetes.

There are several factors which increases the chance of developing diabetes during pregnancy, which includes the parents may have a family history of diabetes, obesity, the mother being over age 25 and the mother have a previous record of giving birth to a stillborn child or to a baby weighing nine pounds.

Though there are no obvious symptoms of gestational diabetes, but American diabetes association recommends all women to be screened for gestational diabetes between 24th and 28th week of pregnancy.

The following are the names of such screenings a) blood glucose test b) glucose tolerance test.

There can be many cases that the woman may have pre existing diabetes. In that case the mother must be warned against the complicacies that may arise during pregnancy. Careful planning and preconception care can allow the diabetic woman to have a problem free pregnancy.

Nursing Care Plan – Diabetes

Bellow you will find a copy of one of the nursing care plans for type 2 diabetes authored by myself (a registered nurse manager). An detailed commentary by myself can be found below the nursing care plan. Please read through the care plan to better understand standards of type 2 diabetes care.

Please refer to the link at the end of this article for more in-depth Diabetes information for both patients and medical professionals!

Nursing Care Plan NANDA Nursing Diagnosis (problem statement)

Imbalanced nutrition r/t excessive intake of nutrients as evidenced by Type II Diabetes:

Nursing Care Plan Goal Statements:

1. Patient will acknowledge his or her behaviors / feelings that exacerbate imbalanced nutrition (excessive) within 8 hours. (this is a great example of a short term goal statement).
2. Patient will design a realistic dietary plan which will assist him / her with decreasing caloric intake, within 24 hours. (the key word in this statement is REALISTIC, to increase compliance).
3. Patient will incorporate at least 30 minutes of well tolerated exercise into daily schedule by the end of 48 hours. (another short term goal statement, a lifestyle change in the longterm).

Nursing Interventions for Imbalanced Nutrition (Excessive):

The Nurse shall explain and have patient verbalize the relationship of diabetes and diet, and the patient shall give a return explanation is his / her own words. (this nursing intervention will help clear up and misconseptions and reinforce the medical value of a healthy diabetic diet).

Patient will consult with a dietician to find out what an optimal caloric intake for her size, activity level and goal of weight loss is, so that she knows where to start in planning her dietary needs. (initial education and working knowledge).

Patient will keep a journal of total intake every time food is consumed and mark where improvement can be made. (accountability, ongoing education experience)

Patient will display (you choose how) a working knowledge of how to read a food label after nurse demonstrates (you choose method according to patient’s best way of learning)

Promote family member or caregiver participating in the above mentioned 30 minute exercise program. (increases compliance through a support system, motivation).

The nurse shall have patient record an exercise log. (accountability)

The patient should have a list of goals and reward for those goals related to reducing overall caloric intake. (will increase compliance).

Comments: The most important fact to remember in dealing with type 2 diabetes is well thought out diet can completely negate the diabetic disease process. The Diabetic diet can be strict, but some “cheating” in moderate, planned ways are actually a GOOD idea. Human behavior dictates, and research has shown, a strict diet is rarely followed. With type 2 diabetes the diet is a lifetime diet and overall adherence to the diet is the overall goal. Lack of a regulated diet can easily lead to type 1 diabetes and more severe medical problems such as neuropathy, vision loss, and premature death related to diabetic complications.

Five Complications of Canine Diabetes – Is Your Dog at Risk?

Has your pet been diagnosed with canine diabetes? Is so, you need to know about these complications that often go along with diabetes in dogs. Diabetes is a complex disease, and the more information you have, the better you’ll be able to care for your companion.

1. Cataracts In Dogs

It’s a sad fact that the vast majority of canine diabetics will develop cataracts within a year of being diagnosed. The lenses of his eyes will gradually become cloudy and opaque, which causes him to lose his vision. This is due to high blood glucose levels that affect every organ in his body.

Once your pet’s blood sugar levels are stabilized, which usually takes at least three months, cataract surgery is an option. Most dogs do quite well with the surgery and regain their vision.

2. Uveitis And Glaucoma

Uveitis is caused when the lenses in the eyes leak protein into the eyeball, which causes severe inflammation. This is a complication of cataracts. It must be treated right away, or it can progress into glaucoma, which causes permanent vision loss. A detached retina can occur, too.

Unfortunately, if a pet develops uveitis, cataract surgery isn’t an option any more, since there is a much higher chance of complications.

3. Increased Susceptibility To Infections

Your pet may be subject to recurring infections. It’s a vicious cycle; in a nutshell, high blood glucose levels provide plenty of food for bacteria, and then higher levels of bacteria cause higher blood sugar levels.

Urinary tract infections, prostrate infections, pneumonia, and skin conditions are commonly seen in dogs with diabetes. It’s essential to monitor your pet’s health to keep an infection from gaining a foothold.

4. Diabetic Neuropathy

This complication is a lot more common in cats, but it can happen in dogs, too. In fact, this is sometimes the first symptom of a diabetic canine that the owner notices. If your companion’s back legs seem to be getting weak, it might not be because he’s getting older. He could have diabetes in dogs.

The good news is that, in dogs, this condition is usually reversible once the blood sugar levels are normalized.

5. Diabetic Ketoacidosis In Dogs

This is a severe, life-threatening complication that results from high blood sugar levels. It’s important for all dog owners to know the symptoms of canine diabetes so this doesn’t happen to their pets.

Symptoms include:

• Excessive thirst
• Frequent urination
• Losing weight even though he’s eating ravenously
• Sudden blindness
• Weakness
• Vomiting and dehydration
• Breath smells like acetone (similar to nail polish remover)

A dog with diabetes can develop ketoacidosis very quickly, in as little as a week. It can be fatal, but most canines will survive with the proper treatment.

The Best Cure Is Prevention

Diabetes in dogs can be prevented. The best way to do this is by keeping your pet’s weight under control. Feed him a high-fiber, low-fat diet, and cut out the treats and table scraps.

Regular exercise is an excellent way to keep his blood sugar levels under control. A long walk, morning and evening, will help to keep him in shape, and burn off extra calories as well.

Studies have shown that certain herbs and dietary supplements found in natural remedies for dogs can help to control blood sugar levels. Chromium is essential for this reason, but sadly, most diets don’t contain enough of this mineral.

Don’t wait any longer to protect your pet from this dread disease. With diet, exercise, and herbs for dogs, you can prevent canine diabetes.

Complications of Canine Diabetes

When your dog has been diagnosed with canine diabetes, it is only natural to want to know all you can about this disease. There is no cure, but treatments can help keep your dog with you for years to come. Learning about complications of canine diabetes that can occur is an important way to prevent disaster.

One of the most common complications of canine diabetes is an increased vulnerability to illness and infection. Because of the higher blood sugar levels in your dog, bacteria have a great opportunity; the sugars provide food and breeding grounds optimal for infections. On the flip side, the higher bacteria count produces more sugars (from cellular division) and raise blood sugar levels even higher. The common types of infection are prostrate, urinary tract, and skin.

Three more of the possible complications of canine diabetes is cataracts, glaucoma, and uveitis. Cataracts usually develop within a year as a result of the high glucose levels and are a cloudy to white coloring in the eyes lenses. Cataract surgery can reverse these complications of canine diabetes so that your dog can see again. Glaucoma is a permanent loss of vision as a result of cataracts and is a leakage of protein from the lens into the eye itself. It must be treated immediately, or uveitis progresses into full glaucoma.

Diabetic neuropathy is one of the complications of canine diabetes that leads to a diabetes diagnosis. This condition occurs when your dogs back legs become weak. It may start small, as in a sluggish start or not wanting too run. Full progression can look as if your dog is about to start dragging his legs behind him.

Diabetic ketoacidosis is one of the most severe and dangerous complications of canine diabetes. Most commonly found in dogs with a delayed diagnosis, ketoacidosis causes a break down of your dogs vital organs like the kidneys and liver, as a result of sugar levels staying too high for too long. Ketoacidosis can also lead to permanent blindness without cataracts or glaucoma as the damage continues to include the eyes.