Tag Archives: Diabetes

Statins And Diabetes

Diabetes is a relatively common illness that impacts millions of people. A person is said to be diabetic if his or her ability to create and/or respond to insulin is impaired. This means the body cannot process food for energy in the normal way that it should. The body’s lack of insulin or the misuse of it causes an elevated glucose level and an abnormal metabolism of carbs. This article will discuss both statins and diabetes as well as how to spot the symptoms of diabetes and ways to support healthy living with diabetes.

TYPES OF DIABETES
Diabetes is typically divided into two types: type 1 and type 2. Type 1 diabetes is sometimes called insulin-dependent, and it can also be referred to as juvenile onset diabetes. This form of the disease can develop at any age. However, in most cases it presents itself before a person has reached adulthood. Type 1 is the least common of the two types, as it accounts for only about 5% to 10% of total diagnosed cases.

Some risk factors for type 1 diabetes are genetics and family history. For instance, a person who has a parent or a sibling with the disease is slightly more likely to develop it. Some research also shows that autoimmune factors can lead to the development of type 1 diabetes.

SOME AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES THAT CAN POTENTIALLY INCREASE THE RISK OF DIABETES ARE AS FOLLOWS:
Thyroid disease

Addison’s disease

Gastritis

Celiac disease

Type 2 diabetes is also known as non-insulin-dependent or adult-onset diabetes. Most diabetics have type 2. In fact, estimates show that about 90% of diabetes cases are classified as type 2.

SOME RISK FACTORS FOR TYPE 2 ARE AS FOLLOWS:
Advanced age

Obesity

History of gestational diabetes

Family history of diabetes

Impaired tolerance for glucose

Lack of regular physical exercise

In addition to the above risk factors, certain races and ethnicities are more likely to develop diabetes. If you are black American, Latin American, Native American, or Asian American, you might be slightly more likely to develop type two diabetes.

In a small percentage of pregnancy cases, a woman will develop diabetes. This form of the disease is called gestational diabetes, and it typically goes away at the end of the pregnancy. However, in some cases, a woman who develops gestational diabetes goes on to develop diabetes later in life. Gestational diabetes tends to occur more frequently in Hispanics, blacks, Asians and American Indians. It is also more likely to appear in those who have a family history of diabetes.

In a very small percentage of cases, people get diabetes as a result of an infection, a surgery or a genetic disorder. Malnutrition also accounts for a small percentage of cases.

SYMPTOMS OF DIABETES
For some diabetics, the warning signs may be mild and almost unnoticeable. In fact, some diabetics don’t know they have the disease until they are treated for another health concern. This is especially the case for many type 2 diabetics. However, with type 1 diabetes, symptoms tend to be more severe and they may happen suddenly and unexpectedly.

SOME SIGNS OF DIABETES TO LOOK FOR ARE AS FOLLOWS:
Hunger

Thirst

Frequent urination

Fatigue or weakness

Blurry vision

Dry mouth

Itchy skin

Sores and cuts that are slow to heal

Yeast infections

Numbness in feet or legs

Pain in feet or legs

The above symptoms most frequently occur at the early onset of the disease and are especially prevalent in type 2 diabetics. Type 1 diabetics might also experience some unexplained weight loss. This weight loss may occur even in those who have not changed their exercise or eating habits. The weight loss is a result of the body not getting enough energy from food. Thus, the body burns fat and muscle, which results in the weight loss.

Type 1 diabetics are also susceptible to both vomiting and nausea. This is caused by the body’s process of burning fat. When fat is burned, a diabetic can develop ketones. Ketones are chemicals made in the human liver. Everyone has them. However, in diabetics, when too many ketones are produced, the body cannot use them for fuel in the way they are supposed to. This results in a diabetic feeling nauseated and also vomiting. In the worst case scenario, too many ketones can be fatal.

A person’s ketone level can be monitored at home using either a blood test or a urine test. These testing devices are available for purchase over-the-counter. Both tests can, of course, also be given at a doctor’s office. A patient should check his or her ketone level when pregnant and also when feeling physically injured or sick. A blood sugar level above 250 mg/dl also indicates that a person might have a high level of ketones, and thus the ketone level should be checked regularly.

WHAT ARE STATINS?
Statins and diabetes: Statins are a specific type of drug often prescribed to treat patients who have high levels of LDL cholesterol, also known as harmful or “bad” cholesterol. LDL is considered the bad cholesterol because it deposits fatty residue in a person’s arterial walls located in the brain and heart. As these fat deposits build up, the arteries can be blocked. A blockage can lead to a stroke or a heart attack, both of which can be fatal. With Statins and diabetes, statins work by blocking a substance in the liver used to make LDL cholesterol. Fortunately with statins and diabetes, statins benefit patients with high cholesterol by lowering LDL cholesterol.

IN ADDITION TO LOWERING A PATIENT’S RISK OF SUFFERING A STROKE OR HEART ATTACK, STATINS ARE ALSO USEFUL IN THE FOLLOWING WAYS:
heart attack, statins and diabetes
Decrease inflammation

Lower the risk of developing blood clots

Improve and strengthen the lining of blood vessels

While statins perform many important functions in the body, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has recently cautioned diabetics about taking statins. While the use of statins and diabetes does help, the FDA has warned that statin use may raise a patient’s risk of developing diabetes type 2. This puts people in a quandary because so many patients with heart disease and high LDL cholesterol need statins to lower LDL cholesterol. However, if a patient has a history of cardiac trouble or suffers from heart disease, taking statins may be necessary, regardless of the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

WHO SHOULD TAKE STATIN DRUGS?
Not every patient with a heart problem needs to take statins. According to some heart specialists, there are several groups who can benefit from statins. The first group includes those who are at risk for cardiovascular disease but have not developed the disease. The second group of people who might benefit from statins would be those who are at high risk for heart attack and also have risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Smokers, those who have hypertension, diabetes, and/or high cholesterol all fall into this second group.

The other group of people who could benefit from learning about statins and diabetes are those who have already been diagnosed with cardiovascular disease. This group includes those who have atherosclerosis, a term used to describe hardening of the arteries, and patients that have already suffered from a stroke or heart attack caused by a blood vessel blockage. People who have a history of surgery to repair or replace coronary arteries and those with peripheral artery disease all fall into this last group.

Two other groups, who may benefit from understanding statins and diabetes, are those who have excessively high LDL cholesterol and patients who have diabetes. This high LDL cholesterol group includes those whose cholesterol reads at least 190 mg/dl.

THE DIABETIC GROUP THAT MAY BENEFIT MOST FROM STATINS AND DIABETES INCLUDES INDIVIDUALS WHO FIT INTO THE FOLLOWING CATERGORIES:

People who have an LDL reading between 70 and 189 mg/dl

Those who show risk factors for heart disease

Those who show signs of vascular disease

Smokers

Those over 40 years old

People with hypertension

Some experts recommend starting low to moderate dosages of statins for adults aged 40 to 75 who display at least one risk factor for cardio disease. A low to moderate dose is also recommended for those who have cardio disease and have at least a slight chance of having a cardiac episode within the next decade.

If a heart patient is concerned about type 2 diabetes, then he or she should speak with a physician about their options. This is especially true for patients who have a family history of diabetes and also for those who think they may already shows signs of the disease. Sometimes, a doctor might recommend a different statin or a different dosage for a patient who is at risk of developing diabetes.

ADVERSE HEALTH EFFECTS OF STATINS
In addition to raising a person’s risk of developing type 2 diabetes, statins and diabetes also have several worrying side effects. Among the most common side effects are as follows:

Mental lapses or fuzziness

Liver damage (in rare cases)

Muscle pain

Digestive problems

Not everyone who takes statins will experience the side effects listed above. Patients who take multiple drugs to treat high cholesterol are at a greater risk of developing the above side effects.

OTHER RISK FACTORS THAT MAKE A PATIENT MORE SUSCEPTIBLE TO SIDE EFFECTS FROM STATIN DRUGS ARE AS FOLLOWS:
Having a petite body

Being female

Advanced age (age 80 and above)

Excessive alcohol use

Liver disease

Having hypothyroidism

Kidney disease

Having amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

HOW TO COMBAT PREDIABETES
A person is said to have prediabetes if he or she has elevated glucose levels and is at a great risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Typically, a physician will help a patient manage their prediabetes by cutting most simple sugars from his or her dietary plan. To learn more about statins and diabetes, a patient should direct questions to their doctor or other healthcare provider. This is especially important because two diabetics might have slightly different health concerns and treatment plans. What works for one patient may not work for another.

RISK FACTORS FOR PREDIABETES ARE AS FOLLOWS:
Being overweight

Advanced age (over 45 years old)

Family history (a sibling or parent already has the disease)

Do not exercise regularly (Most experts suggest exercising at least three times weekly, if possible)

Have birthed a baby larger than nine pounds

Have ever developed gestational diabetes

If you are black, Latino, Asian or Native American

It is possible to reverse prediabetes or outright prevent it with some basic lifestyle changes. For instance, an overweight person could lose weight by changing eating habits and exercising regularly. Most physicians can recommend steps a patient can take to lose weight and eat healthier.

HOW TO MANAGE DIABETES
In most cases type 1 diabetes is treated with injections of insulin. Type 1 diabetics should also monitor the amounts of carbs and sugars they consume and also check their blood sugar frequently. Type 2 diabetics should also monitor their blood sugar readings and take either insulin or oral medications or sometimes both.

A physician can help a patient develop an individual and personalized care plan that involves both a dietary plan and an exercise regimen. Some family doctors will recommend that a diabetic be treated by a specialist who has handled many diabetes cases. A doctor or specialist can also inform the patient of their target glucose reading range. That way, when the patient consistently tests above that range, the patient knows to contact the doctor.

Diabetics usually check their own blood sugar at home. Some may even be required to check their reading multiple times per day, especially if the patient takes insulin. In fact, careful blood glucose monitoring is the best and most efficient way to ensure the reading stays within a healthy range.

In addition to checking blood glucose levels, daily insulin injections are required for many diabetics. Several specific kinds of insulin are available for use. Patients may use long-acting insulin, rapid-acting or intermediate insulin. Some patients use a variety of different types, and this depends on their needs and the doctor’s specific instructions.

Insulin tablets are ineffective because swallowing insulin orally would enable stomach acids to weaken the effects of the insulin. Most often, diabetics inject insulin using a small needle or insulin pen. Insulin pumps are now available, too. The pump is a small device worn outside the patient’s body. It can fit in a pocket or on a belt and is about the size of a cellular phone. A small tube connects a catheter under the skin to a small reservoir of insulin.

One other option is the tubeless pump, which dispenses a certain amount of insulin. The specific amount is programmed into the pump. However, the amount can be adjusted to pump less or more insulin, depending upon physical activities performed, the recent meals consumed and the current blood sugar reading.

In addition to insulin injections, some diabetics must also take oral medications. These medicines stimulate the patient’s pancreas so that it creates and releases more insulin. Other drugs prescribed for diabetics block processes in the stomach and intestines that break down carbs. Some other oral meds block the production of glucose from the liver. As a result, a person needs less insulin to move the sugars into the body’s cells.

A pancreas transplant is an option for some patients, though these risky surgeries are not often recommended. As with any organ transplant, there are many risks involved. For instance, if a patient undergoes transplant surgery, he or she must also take many drugs in attempt to ensure the body does not reject the organ. The downside is that the drugs have many serious side effects. The risks and side effects are so severe that in most cases physicians don’t recommend transplants. However, in successful transplant cases, the patient no longer requires insulin therapy.

Some diabetics undergo stomach surgery to reduce their body weight. Some patients see a significant improvement in blood sugar readings after the surgery. However, more research and studies must be conducted to draw a conclusion on the long-term effects and benefits of gastric bypass as a viable treatment for diabetes.

WHEN TO CONTACT A DOCTOR
When a person experiences debilitating symptoms from their diabetes and are unable to control their blood sugar at home, he or she should contact a physician.

SOME REASONS OR CONDITIONS FOR WHICH A PATIENT SHOULD SEEK EMERGENCY CARE ARE AS FOLLOWS:
Hyperglycemia, especially if persistent, or if blood sugar is excessively high

Hypoglycemia, especially if persistent, or if blood sugar is excessively low

High ketones count in urine

Warning signs for a diabetic coma

A person is said to be suffering from low blood sugar when his or her blood sugar falls below his or her targeted range set by a physician. Low blood sugar is also referred to as hypoglycemia. Blood sugar may drop for several different reasons. For instance, people who take medication to control blood sugar may notice a drop in their glucose level when they skip a meal or exercise more than usual. Taking the wrong dosage of insulin or another diabetes-specific medication can also impact blood glucose levels.

To prevent blood sugar from getting too low, the patient should monitor blood sugar levels daily or as often as directed by a physician.

SIGNS THAT INDICATE ABNORMALLY LOW BLOOD SUGAR ARE AS FOLLOWS:
Sweatiness

Shaky feeling

Weak and fatigued feeling

Dizziness

Hunger

Seizures

Losing consciousness

Heart palpitations

Blurry vision

Diffculty speaking or slurred speech

Drowsy feeling

Low blood sugar can be treated at home by consuming carbs. Glucose tablets or fruit juice can typically bring blood sugar levels up. However, in cases where blood sugar cannot be controlled at home, or when a patient consistently shows low blood sugar readings, the patient should contact a physician.

A patient is said to be suffering from hyperglycemia when the blood sugar level has risen dangerously high. This condition can be caused by many factors, including failure to take medications and insulin, eating too much or not following dietary guidelines. Sickness or infection can also impact blood sugar levels. To combat hyperglycemia, the patient should check sugar levels as often as recommended by a physician.

THE PATIENT SHOULD ALSO BEWARE OF THE FOLLOWING HYPERGLYCEMIA SIGNS:
Thirst

Dry mouth

Frequent urge to urinate

Fatigue and weakness

Nauseated feeling

Blurry vision

Those with hyperglycemia should contact a doctor immediately for further instructions. Ambulatory care is required if the patient is unable to bring down their blood sugar with diet or medication. Ambulatory care is especially important if hyperglycemia persists over time.

A diabetic coma is a life-threatening condition that occurs most commonly in type 2 diabetics, though it could occur in either type. These comas typically occur in patients who have a blood sugar reading higher than 600 mg/dl. A person is said to be in a diabetic coma when he or she becomes severely dehydrated as a result of high blood sugar.

Diabetic comas have many warning signs, such as extreme thirst combined with a parched mouth and dry skin that does not sweat. A high fever is typically present in the patient along with difficulty with vision, sleepiness, hallucinations and confusion. A patient might also complain of a weak feeling on one side of his or her body.

Because a patient might lose consciousness as a result of diabetes-related health problems, it is important that all diabetics wear an ID bracelet. Such bracelets identify patients as diabetic, and this warns others to call for help when a patient behaves strangely, loses consciousness or cannot make decisions independently. An ID bracelet also alerts medical professionals that the patient has special and specific medical needs.

It is also important that diabetics alert their friends and family of what to do in emergency situations. Family members should be able to recognize signs that a diabetic is in distress. Patients should carry all diabetes medications and insulin with them at all times. It might also be a good idea to carry hard candies, just in case an insulin boost is needed.

ADDITIONAL TIPS FOR MANAGING DIABETES
Diabetics should always be careful in regards to diet and exercise, and this is especially true if a diabetic takes statins. Overall, there are several day-to-day things diabetics should do to live a healthier lifestyle. For starters, all vaccinations must be kept current. This is because high blood sugar often weakens the immune system. The hepatitis B vaccine, the pneumonia vaccine and also the yearly flu shots are recommended for diabetics, though patients should speak with their physicians before taking these shots.

In addition to getting vaccinated, diabetics should also monitor their cholesterol and blood pressure. If a doctor prescribes medications for these issues, the patient should be sure to take all medicines on time as prescribed. Patients with statins and diabetes should seek emergency medical help when experiencing any severe or ongoing issues with blood pressure or blood sugar.

Diabetics should also be mindful of the condition of their feet. Washing and drying feet daily is important. Drying the spaces between the toes is also recommended, especially because diabetics are prone to skin infections and slow-healing cuts and sores. Skin should be checked daily for any sores, blisters, cuts or swelling. A medical consult is imperative for anyone who finds slow-healing cuts on the body.

It is also important that diabetics practice good oral hygiene. Good dental care is important for everyone, but especially for diabetics, and this is because diabetics are more susceptible to gum infections.

A FEW STEPS TO TAKE TO IMPROVE AND MAINTAIN GOOD ORAL HYGIENE ARE AS FOLLOWS:
toothbrush, brushing, oral hygiene
Brush teeth at least twice daily

Floss teeth daily

Schedule regular dental exams

Call a dentist or dental hygienist when signs of gum infection are present (ie. swollen gums, red gums or bleeding gums)

Smoking and alcohol use can cause harmful complications for diabetics. For instance, smoking increases a person’s risk of developing cardiovascular disease, and diabetic smokers with cardiovascular disease are more likely to die from it than nonsmokers. Even smokeless tobacco is harmful for those with cardiovascular disease. Thus, diabetic smokers and smokeless tobacco users should quit their tobacco use.

Alcohol use should also be kept to a minimum, especially because it can impact blood sugar levels. Most experts recommend no more than 1-2 drinks daily. Diabetics who drink should be sure to do so in moderation and only with food, never on an empty stomach.

Stress management is also essential in regards to managing diabetes. This is because hormones in the body of a diabetic can inhibit insulin from working, which results in raised blood sugar levels, and this is especially true for people who endure high levels of stress over time.

A FEW WAYS TO MANAGE STRESS ARE AS FOLLOWS:
Learn relaxation techniques, such as meditation or yoga

Set daily, realistic goals at work and at home

Prioritize important tasks

Go to bed at a reasonable hour

While there is no cure for diabetes, the disease can be managed by making the proper lifestyle choices. It may be necessary for diabetics and prediabetics to take statin drugs to improve their quality of life and help lower LDL cholesterol levels. If taking a statin drug, diabetics should be extra careful about monitoring their blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels.

When a diabetic experiences severe or long-lasting side effects from statins and diabetes or from other medications or insulin, he or she should seek advice from a physician. Drug dosages can be adjusted, or the patient may be placed on another statin drug. With statins and diabetes, for patients who rely on statins, the side effects might be worth enduring if the drug can prevent a life-threatening emergency, such as a stroke or a heart attack.

Overall, diabetics can control their symptoms with proper diet, exercise and medications. Statin drugs may pose some risks to diabetics in terms of raising blood sugar. However, diabetics and their healthcare providers can monitor daily changes in blood sugar and decide how to treat problems on a case-by-case basis. By practicing good personal care and communicating with physicians, many diabetics can relieve their symptoms. To educate others on statins and diabetes, share this article on social media.

How To Reverse Type 2 Diabetes Naturally

This article takes a look at how to reverse type 2 Diabetes naturally.

 

Diabetes is one of the most popular diseases affecting people around the world. It is a condition which causes your blood sugar levels to become higher than usual. Diabetes can be categorized into Type 1 and Type Diabetes with the latter being the most common.

 

What is Type 2 Diabetes?

 

This is a chronic condition which makes your body fail to use the insulin it produces appropriately. Insulin is responsible for regulating the movement of sugar into your cells. With type 2 diabetes, instead of the body converting sugar into energy, it stores it in the bloodstream.

 

The difference between type 2 Diabetes and type 1 diabetes is that the latter is caused by inadequate insulin in the body due to the immune system in some people destroying the cells that generate insulin. Unlike type 2 Diabetes, a person’s lifestyle doesn’t contribute to the development of type 1 diabetes which makes it hard to prevent..

 

Why Type 2 Diabetes Occurs

 

This type of diabetes occurs due to the body cells becoming insulin resistance where they ignore to take sugar from the blood. When there is too much sugar in your bloodstream for a prolonged period, muscle and fat cells will ignore the directions of insulin to take sugar from the blood hence more sugar accumulation in your bloodstream. Under normal condition, your pancreas produces adequate insulin to drive sugar into your cells. However, during the development stage of type 2 diabetes, your cells ignore to take sugar hence the sugar continues to move freely in your bloodstream. This forces the pancreas to produce more insulin to try to maintain the normal sugar levels but fails to keep up with the pace in the long run. The excess sugar in your body is sometimes converted and stored as cholesterol which is why most victims of this diabetes type are overweight. Inactive lifestyle, smoking, poor diets are the main factors associated with the development of this diabetes condition. The disease can also be hereditary. Although the disease can affect a person of any age, people at their early to mid-forties are at higher risk of getting this condition.

 

What It’s Like On A Day To Day Basis For People Living With Diabetes Type 2

 

People living with type 2 diabetes are most likely to experience increased hunger, fatigue, hand and feet numbness, excessive thirst, and urge to urinate frequently. Blurred vision, weight loss, and slow healing of infections other symptoms that people with diabetes suffer from. These symptoms develop gradually such that some people will not note the change in life and will not even know they are suffering from this condition. This condition is progressive and may result in devastating effects if it is not controlled on time. Over time, high sugar levels in the bloodstream can cause damage to small blood vessels and nerves of the eye, kidneys or worse the heart. Large arteries are at high risk of hardening which can result in heart failure and stroke. Frequent urination may result in excessive loss of water in the body making one to be dehydrated. The kidneys are also forced to work harder which can cause them to fail. In the worst condition, type 2 diabetes can lead to organ failures resulting in amputation. Staying under medication is a struggle people who have Type 2 Diabetes have to endure every day for the rest of their life.

 

Treatment For Diabetes Type 2

 

If you, a family member or a friend is diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, you will be glad to know there are some treatment means that can control or even reverse the condition.

 

Diet And Exercise Treatment Approach

 

The first approach to treating type 2 diabetes is following a healthy diet and exercising regularly to keep your body fit. Exercising makes your body use high amounts of energy hence the need to process more sugar. If more sugar is processed, there will be no excess sugar roaming in your blood. When it comes to diet, one should avoid a high intake of proteins and fats and instead make complex Carbohydrates a large part of your meals. Such carbohydrates include whole grains, potatoes, and pasta. You should also take meals regularly in small amounts to ensure gradual sugar release into the bloodstream. If one maintains a healthy lifestyle, you can easily fight the disease without using drugs.

 

Medication Approach And Managing Type 2 Diabetes

 

Even though the above treatment approach is simple and easy to follow, one may not be sure it will work hence the need for medication. Drugs are mostly administered to make the body more responsive to insulin. Below are some of the drugs that people have to take to survive when they have diabetes type 2.

 

Metformin andquot; This drug works by reducing the amount of sugar released by the liver and decreasing rate of sugar absorption in the digestive tract. This automatically lowers blood sugar levels hence sensitizes cells to insulin. However, this drug may cause bloating, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.

 

Sulfonylureas and quot; This drug works by boosting insulin production. However, they may fail to work after some time, cause weight gain, and abnormally decrease sugar levels.

 

Biguanides andquot; These drugs function by decreasing the amount of glucose produced in the body. The side effect of this drug includes weight loss.

 

Megalitinides andquot; These drugs are taken before meals with the aim of boosting the production of insulin. Their impact is short-lived even though they give immediate effects. They can cause low blood sugar levels and make one to gain weight.

 

Thiazolidinediones – These drugs work by enabling body cells to accept insulin. They can, however, cause a heart attack. SGLT2 inhibitors – They work by preventing re-absorption of sugar into the blood by the kidneys by instead get rid of it in urine. They can, however, cause low blood pressure, vaginal yeast infections, diabetic ketoacidosis, and Urinary tract infections. Regardless of their side effects, these drugs are good for patients at risk of heart attack or stroke.

 

DPP-4 Inhibitors andquot; They block the functionality of dipeptidyle peptidase IV enzyme hence lowering sugar levels in the bloodstream. Their side effects include joint pain and pancreatitis.

 

GLP-1 receptor agonists and quot; These are injections that work by slowing metabolic rate hence lowering blood sugar. They can cause weight loss, pancreatitis, and nausea.

 

The decision to use drugs may be influenced by various factors which include blood sugar level and other health issues you may have, among others. Finding the ideal treatment for diabetes type 2 may require seeking medical advice. You may be required to combine various drugs to control your disease.

 

Does one have to endure taking the above drugs for a lifetime? Is it possible to reverse diabetes type 2? Well, there are some programs out there made to help people suffering from Type 2 Diabetes that treat the condition naturally. One such program is The Big Diabetes Lie.

 

The Big Diabetes Lie. This is a 456 pages book written by Max Sidorov and The International Council for Truth in Medicine (ICTM). It contains strategies on how to reverse Type 2 Diabetes naturally. If you have diabetes, the book promises to deliver you from the slavery of medications through a procedural health guide called The 7 Steps to Healthy and the Big Diabetes Lie.

 

How It Works

 

The program enlightens the users about everything to do with Type 2 diabetes right from how it develops and how to fight it. With this program, one learns about the adjustments they can make in their lifestyle to keep them safe from not only type 2 diabetes but also from other diseases. The program poses the question to the reader are your current diet choices keeping you diabetic? Some of the lessons one will learn from this book include healthy foods and the ones to avoid, choice of vitamins, differentiating healthy fats from the unhealthy ones, and how to reduce food craving among others. The book also teaches one how to maintain the appropriate PH level to make your body unfriendly to diseases like cancer. Overall, the guide emphasizes on healthy eating and lifestyle routines as the key to controlling and even reversing type 2 diabetes and preventing an attack from other diseases.

 

The Big Diabetes Lie claims the pharmaceutical industry is out to exploit the people living with Type 2 diabetes. Based on the authors’ argument, the industry is after profit by selling drugs that they know can’t completely treat Type 2 Diabetes but insist one cannot survive without their usage. The big pharmaceutical companies are afraid that other successful approaches will affect their bottom line and put them out of business. According to the authors, drugs treat symptoms instead of getting rid of the disease’s root cause and even causes more life-threatening side effects compared to those of the disease itself. This is evident in the above drugs since none of them lacks a side effect.

 

Why It Is Successful

 

Unlike the drugs which only address the symptoms of Type 2 diabetes, this program tackles the root cause of the problem to make the patient free forever. It teaches you how to reverse type 2 diabetes naturally. Drugs are just meant to profit the pharmaceutical industry. The guide also uses natural strategies and will not cause any ill effects to the user. The program has worked for thousands of people around the world and maybe your solution too.

 

Conclusion Overall, Type 2 diabetes is mainly a lifestyle disease. Even though there are other contributing factors, poor lifestyle is the main culprit. Educating people about this disease is the first step to fighting it. How do we inform the victims and prevent others from being diagnosed? Understanding everything about the condition is the key. The above guide outlines practically everything about this disease. There should be public awareness of what people should eat, how they should exercise, control their weight, and change their lifestyle. Most people have a hectic life and have little or no time to exercise. To make the matter worse, they are consuming junk foods in high amounts hence making them easy prey for type 2 diabetes. With proper education on how to observe a healthy lifestyle, Type 2 Diabetes can become history. This could be the diabetes breakthrough that saves your life.

 

Learn what it’s like to live with Type 2 Diabetes and how to reverse type 2 Diabetes naturally.

 

 

 

 

How to Prevent Pre-Diabetes From Getting Worse

Introduction

Diabetes is a very serious chronic disease suffered by millions of people worldwide.

If you are diabetic and fail to control your blood glucose levels you are likely to end up with one or more serious medical conditions, such as heart disease, kidney failure, and damaged nerves among many others.

Pre-diabetes is a condition in which your blood glucose levels are higher than they should be but not so high that you are diagnosed as diabetic. Research suggests that up to 70% of persons with pre-diabetes go on to develop full type 2 diabetes.

But this means that 30% manage to halt the development of diabetes before it becomes a chronic disease. So, if you have been diagnosed as pre-diabetic, developing full-blown diabetes is not inevitable.

You can’t change your past behavior, your age, or your genes but you can change your lifestyle… how you disport yourself and what you eat and drink. Continue reading

What Is Diabetes? Types Of Diabetes

Diabetes is also referred to as diabetes mellitus, and may broadly be classified as a category of ailments wherein a person has high blood glucose levels. This could be either because insulin production in one’s body is not sufficient, or the body fails to respond to the insulin in the required way. Some of the symptoms that are very commonly associated with diabetes are frequent thirst, hunger and urination.

In some cases, diabetes could be a lifelong condition, characterized by high blood glucose levels. The condition is commonly prevalent, and in the year 2013, 382 million people across the world were suffering from the disorder.

Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

Diabetes is very often classified as Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes. When one suffers from type 1 diabetes, the body ceases to produce insulin. This type of diabetes is relatively rarer, and only 10% of people suffering from the ailment are ailing from Type 1 diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes is also sometimes referred to as insulin dependent diabetes or early onset diabetes. And this type of diabetes is more prevalent in people under 40 years of age, even in one’s teenage years or early adulthood.

If one is ailing with type 1 diabetes, he has to take insulin injections for the rest of his life, follow a specific diet and also monitor his blood glucose levels by carrying out blood tests at regular intervals.

However, type 2 diabetes is a lot more prevalent type of diabetes, and nearly 90% of people who suffer this disorder are ailing with type 2 diabetes. When one suffers from type 2 diabetes, the body does not produce insulin in adequate quantities, or the body cells do not react to insulin, in a condition known as insulin resistance.

For many people, type 2 diabetes is a condition relatively easier to control, and one can keep a check on symptoms of type 2 diabetes by maintaining one’s weight in recommendable limits, making sure that one consumes a healthy diet, getting some regular exercise, and monitoring one’s blood glucose levels at regular intervals.

Gestational Diabetes

An important classification of diabetes is gestational diabetes which affects women during pregnancy. During pregnancy, women sometimes have blood glucose levels which are more towards the higher side, and their body does not produce adequate insulin to transport this glucose into their cells.

Diagnosis of gestational diabetes can be made only during pregnancy, and a vast majority of patients can control their condition by means of diet and exercise. However, 10-20% of patients need to take specific medications to keep a check on their blood glucose levels.

An important way that can enable one to prevent the condition is by making sure that one consumes a low cholesterol diet during pregnancy.

When Do People Get Diabetes?

When one is overweight, he is at a higher risk of developing diabetes. One of the reasons for the same is because when one is obese, the body releases chemicals which can work towards destabilizing body’s metabolic and cardiovascular systems.

So being overweight, not consuming the right kind of a diet and developing type 2 diabetes are all interrelated. Another important factor that is known to greatly enhance the risk of developing type 2 diabetes is aging.

Alternately, some of the other factors that can cause diabetes are genetics, one’s family history, or even following an unhealthy diet regimen.

Some Simple Lifestyle Changes To Overcome Diabetes!

To keep a check on diabetes, one must avoid skipping meals. This could hike the blood sugar levels, and could even lead to weight gain. Taking care of one’s diet is a factor that can go a long way in enabling one keep a check on diabetes, or even overcome the condition.

Similarly, consuming a diet which is high on fruits and vegetables can help control diabetes, because fruits and vegetables are full of fibers. This helps us keep full, and the high vitamin and mineral content in fruits and vegetables helps ensure that the body receives nutrition. This keeps one energetic, and one is not tempted to go for sugary foods.

As a rule, one must avoid all foods which have a higher glycemic index, like chips and salty snacks, and one must keep a check on consumption of fatty foods as well. Similarly, starches from white rice, potatoes and whole grains could also influence diabetes.

Something as simple as drinking 6-8 glasses of water every day is a factor which can go a long way towards prevention and control of diabetes. In the same way, even a slight weight loss can work wonders for someone who is a diabetic. While being the healthiest way to get over diabetes, a slight weight loss of up to 5-10% can have the same effect on a diabetic as anti-diabetic pills!

And if you are considering getting some good exercise, walking stands out as one of the best options!

Walking reduces risk of many ailments like diabetes, dementia and osteoporosis; this keeps the heart stronger and also helps you lose weight.

http://teleskyshopping.com/diabetes.html

If you have a loved one who is afflicted by diabetes, you might find a diabetes related product or two you would love to use for gifting purposes.

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Harshad_Jethra/1848126

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9057787

Diabetes Statistics – Reliable Numbers

The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) is an umbrella organization of over 200 national diabetes associations in over 160 countries. Besides promoting diabetes care and prevention, the IDF tracks statistics on diabetes and diabetics on a worldwide basis.

The Federation publishes the Diabetes Atlas, a collection of statistics and comments on diabetes which is issued from time-to-time. The Atlas is based on data supplied by its members. As these are national associations, the facts and figures published by the IDF are considered quite reliable.

According to the 6th edition of the IDF Diabetes Atlas, which was published in 2013, the total population of the world is 7.2 billion. This is expected to have risen to 8.7 billion by 2035, ie in 22 years time.

This total population includes 4.6 billion adults and these has been projected to reach 5.9 billion by 2035. The IDF defines an adult as a person aged 20-79 years, the most likely age range for the development of type 2 diabetes.

According to the Diabetes Atlas, 382 million people around the world or 8.3% of all 4.6 million adults (20-79 years) are estimated to be suffering from diabetes. Almost half of all adults with diabetes are aged 40-59 years, the age range during which people are at their most productive phase in life.

The number of people with type 2 diabetes is increasing in every country. If current trends continue, the IDF expects that there will be more than 592 million diabetics by 2035, a rise of 55%, when one adult in ten will be diabetic.

Undiagnosed diabetes

Type 2 diabetes may be undiagnosed for several reasons. There are few symptoms in the early years of the disease. In addition, the complications vary so widely that, even when symptoms do exist, diabetes may not be recognised as the cause.

The IDF figure for 382 million diabetics in 2013 includes 175 million who are undiagnosed. I must admit I was astounded when I first read that 46% of diabetics are undiagnosed. How can you count something if you don’t know it exists?

Estimating the number of undiagnosed diabetics, I discovered, is relatively easy. All the IDF had to do was to arrange tests for a sample of people living in a particular area. The tests, which are carried out by the IDF’s national associates, identify both known and unknown cases of diabetes, and it is a simple mathematical exercise to extrapolate to the population as a whole with a high degree of accuracy.

Many (but not all) persons who know they have the disease will be making some attempts to beat their diabetes. The problem with undiagnosed diabetes is that these diabetics will not be managing their blood glucose levels and may be developing complications, such as kidney disease, heart failure, retinopathy and neuropathy, unbeknownst to themselves.

Regional differences

The Diabetes Atlas provides statistics for 219 countries which the IDF have grouped into seven regions: Africa, Europe, the Middle East & North Africa, North America & the Caribbean, South & Central America, South-east Asia, and the Western Pacific.

The IDF estimates that 80% of diabetics live in low- and middle-income countries where the disease is increasing very fast and posing a threat to development. The prevalence of diabetes, however, varies widely from region to region and country to country. It also varies widely within regions… to an extent that suggests that the grouping of countries into regions by the IDF needs revising.

While about 8% of adults (aged 20-79) in the Western Pacific have diabetes, in certain countries in that region the proportion of adult diabetics is much higher. In Tokelau, for example, 37.5% of adults are diabetic. The figure for the Federated States of Micronesia is 35%.

In the Middle East and North Africa, nearly 11% of adults have diabetes. However this is an average for the entire region and the figures for the Arabian Gulf states are much higher, more than double the average, with 24% of adults in Saudi Arabia, 23.1% in Kuwait and 22.9% in Qatar being diabetic.

Undiagnosed diabetes also varies from region to region. In some countries in sub-Saharan Africa up to 90% of diabetics are undiagnosed, mainly due to a lack of resources and priorities. By contrast, in high-income countries about one-third of the people with diabetes have not been diagnosed.

In most countries diabetes is increasing in tandem with rapid economic development, which is leading to changes in diets, ageing populations, increasing urbanisation, reduced physical activity and unhealthy behaviour. Many governments, however, seem to be unaware of the growing crisis and the likelihood of serious consequences that could stifle their countries’ development.

Impaired glucose tolerance (IGT)

The IDF estimates that about 316 million people or 6.9% of adults (20-79) have impaired glucose tolerance (IGT). By 2035 this number is expected to have risen to 471 million (8.0% of the world’s adult population).

This is serious, as people with IGT or pre-diabetes have a greatly increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. IGT is also linked with the development of cardiovascular disease.

The majority of adults with IGT (about 3.5% of the world’s total adult population) are under the age of 50 and are thus at a high risk of becoming type 2 diabetics later in life. Even more worry-some is the fact that nearly 1/3 of all those who have IGT are aged 20 to 39 years. Unless they overhaul their life-styles these people are virtually guaranteed to become diabetic later in life.

Adding the number of diabetics worldwide (382 million) to the number of people with IGT (316 million) gives a total of 698 million. In other words, nearly 10% of the total population of the world or over 15% of all adults (20-79) have either diabetes or pre-diabetes.

By comparison, only 33.4 million people on this planet are living with HIV/AIDS… about 1/20th of all diabetics and pre-diabetics. It’s glaringly obvious that diabetes and pre-diabetes represent a massive crisis that is threatening to overwhelm global health systems.

Deaths

Received opinion is that the medical complications caused by diabetes, such as heart failure and kidney disease, are major causes of death in most countries.

However, it is very difficult to accurately estimate the number of deaths because (a) more than a third of countries do not maintain data on death due to diabetes and (b) routine health statistics under-record these deaths, because the death certificates on which these statistics are based often omit diabetes as a cause of death.

To overcome these problems, the IDF uses a modelling approach to estimate the number of deaths attributable to diabetes, and appears to have come up with some reasonable estimates.

Diabetes is expected to be the cause of about 5.1 million deaths in adults aged between 20 and 79 in 2013 and nearly half (48%) of these will be people under the age of 60. Diabetes ranks as a leading cause of premature death.

These deaths represent about 8.4% of all deaths of adults (20-79). Deaths due to diabetes are increasing. The estimated overall number of deaths in 2013 represents an 11% increase over the estimates for 2011. Death from diabetes is on a rising trend.

Health costs

There is no cure for diabetes. For this reason, diabetics have to look after their health assiduously. Where they are unable to control their diabetes through diet and exercise, they have to resort to regular medication. This can be expensive both for health systems and for diabetics and their families.

The IDF has estimated global health spending on diabetes to be at least USD 548 billion dollars in 2013… 11% of the total spent on adult health. This is expected to exceed USD 627 billion by 2035.

Where diabetes is undiagnosed, the benefits of early diagnosis and treatment are lost. Thus, the costs relating to undiagnosed diabetes must be considerable. One study found that undiagnosed diabetes in the USA was responsible for an additional USD 18 billion in healthcare costs in one year.

There are large disparities in spending between regions and countries. Only 20% of global health expenditure on diabetes was made in the low- and middle-income countries where 80% of diabetics live. On average, the estimate spend in 2013 is USD 5,621 per diabetic in high-income countries but only USD 356 in low- and middle-income countries.

However, when individual countries are compared, the disparities are extremely stark. Norway spends an average of USD 10,368 on diabetes healthcare per diabetic, while countries such as Somalia and Eritrea spend less than USD 30.

The costs associated with diabetes, however, are much wider that just the costs of providing the appropriate health services. The overall costs include losses in productivity, social costs such as disability payments, and losses of income. Without a doubt, diabetes imposes a heavy economic burden on countries, families and individuals.

To find out more, visit IDF Diabetes Atlas where you can download the book free of charge.

If you explore the site, you’ll also find plenty more statistics if you click on Diabetes: Facts & Figures.

Summary

Total world population in 2013 (2035): 7.2 billion (8.7 billion)

Adult (20-79 years) population 2013 (2035): 4.6 billion (5.9 billion)

———-

Number of diabetics in 2013 (2035): 382 million (592 million)

Adult (20-79) diabetics in 2013 (2035): 8.3% (10.1%)

Number of pre-diabetics (IGT) in 2013 (2035): 316 million (471 million)

Adult (20-79) pre-diabetics (IGT) in 2013 (2035): 6.9% (8.0%)

Undiagnosed diabetics in 2013: 175 million (46% of all diabetics)

———-

80% of diabetics live in low- and middle-income countries

Number of deaths of adults (20-79) in 2013: 5.1 million

———-

Health expenditure for diabetes in 2013 (2035): US$ 548 billion (US$627 billion)

Only 20% of total health expenditure spent in low- and middle-income countries

Total healthcare spend per diabetic in Norway: US$ 10,368

Total healthcare spend per diabetic in Somalia: US$ 30

———-

Paul D Kennedy is a type 2 diabetic. He used his skills as an international consultant and researcher to find a way to control his diabetes using diet alone and, about five years ago, he stopped taking medications to control his blood glucose levels. You can find out more from beating-diabetes.com or by contacting Paul at paul@beating-diabetes.com. His book Beating Diabetes is available for download from Amazon.