0 Buying the Right Glucose Blood Meter

It is crucial for diabetes patients to choose the best glucose blood meter so as to monitor their own blood glucose levels at home. This saves them from the hassles of rushing to laboratory every now and then. Checking at the privacy of home is the most convenient method of all. This saves one’s time, efforts, and money.

This is possible only if the patient focuses on choosing the right meter. The meters are usually recommended by doctors. You can also get into a serious research online before buying one. This will help you buy the best meter.

The decision of buying a Glucose Blood Meter should be based on the following:

Requirements for testing

Lifestyle

Physical abilities

Those with bad vision should go for a meter with a large display. Similarly, a diabetic with limited dexterity in hands should opt for a meter that loads the test strips automatically. Understand that what meter will work for you before buying one.

There are certain key things to look for when selecting a glucose meter. These include readable display, compatible test strips, cost, special functions, additional features, and many more. Since test strips are a consistent expense, it is important to research for the most affordable ones. These may be easily bought online. So when buying a glucose meter, it is important to know the price of compatible strips.

Some of the meters are available with special functions and features to help patients better manage the disease. Some of the most desirable special features include the ability to provide super fast results. In fact some of the meters can have the results in as little as 5 seconds!

Other important things to look forward include internal memory and a smaller size. It is wise to go for a handy device that can store up to the last 1000 results.

0 Magnesium Essential to Heart Health Lowers Blood Sugar

(Article first published as Magnesium Slashes Heart Attack Risk, Helps Prevent Diabetes on Technorati.)

Magnesium is one of the most common elemental minerals in the human body yet experts believe that more than 90% of adults are deficient, placing them at extreme risk of sudden death from a heart attack and developing diabetes. Hundreds of biochemical functions that drive energy metabolism and DNA repair are fueled by magnesium.

We rely on eating vegetables and other natural foods grown in magnesium rich soils as our source of this vital mineral. Most people don’t eat enough fresh vegetables to supply adequate magnesium while poor farming practices have depleted the mineral from most commercially grown crops. You can ensure that you receive magnesium though diet and supplementation to stave off heart disease and metabolic dysfunction.

Magnesium Deficiency Linked with Diabetes

Magnesium is used by hundreds of enzymes in our body to regulate blood sugar metabolism. The mineral is known to dampen the flames of inflammation that interferes with healthy blood sugar and can lead to insulin resistance. The results of a study published in the journal Biologic Trace Elements Research shows that as magnesium levels in the blood increase, the risk of Type II diabetes declines in a corresponding fashion. By boosting levels of fat storage hormones such as adiponectin, magnesium plays a critical role in protecting metabolic function and lowering risk of diabetes.

Magnesium Protects Against Sudden Cardiac Death

Sudden cardiac death is a leading cause of heart-related deaths among those 40 and older. More than 250,000 people die each year for this preventable condition. Research that was part of the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study demonstrates that those individuals with the highest magnesium in blood circulation had a 40% lower risk of dying from a heart attack as those with the lowest levels.

Magnesium is necessary to relax blood vessels and arteries while maintaining normal blood pressure. Further research has demonstrated the effect of magnesium on dangerous plaque formation. Low levels of magnesium are associated with the development of foamy plaque on the inner lining of the coronary arteries as well as thickening of the artery walls. High levels of magnesium were shown to decrease arterial wall thickness by 42%.

Magnesium from Diet or Supplements

The typical diet of ined foods does not supply sufficient amounts of magnesium to counteract disease. Manufacturers process out most of the nutrients necessary for health and are a poor choice to optimize health. Good sources of magnesium are nuts, seeds and beans in their natural state as well as organically grown vegetables and leafy greens. Most people will need to supplements to reach the daily intake of 400 mg recommended by experts.

Magnesium levels are grossly deficient due to mineral depletion from soils and a diet of synthetically produced foods. It`s no coincidence that humans have evolved to be reliant on a natural mineral to prevent heart disease and metabolic dysfunction. Magnesium has been plentiful in our food for generations and must be consumed as part of a natural diet or through supplementation to ensure optimal health.

0 Higher Vitamin D Blood Levels Help Prevent Colon Cancer

Just in case you needed more proof that low blood levels of vitamin D represent a significant health concern, researchers publishingin the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition demonstrate that small increases in the sunshine vitamin can add precious years to your life. For nearly a decade scientific evidence has been mounting to show that the vast majorities of adults (and many children) are grossly deficient in circulating blood levels of vitamin D.

Further proof is documented in the PLoS One journal to show the precise cellular mechanism that helps vitamin D dramatically lower the risk of colon cancer. The bottom line is simple: check your vitamin D blood saturation with an inexpensive test and make the necessary adjustments to live a healthier and longer life.

Doubling Average Vitamin D Levels Could Cut World Death Rate by Twenty Percent

Using epidemiologic studies, Dr. W.B. Grant of the Sunlight, Nutrition and Health Research Center in San Francisco found that doubling the serum blood concentration of vitamin D could increase average life expectancy by two years. Dr. Grant and his team identified the major diseases that responded to increased levels of vitamin D. They then compared mortality rates to six identified regions around the country, and contrasted serum blood levels of the sunshine vitamin with disease occurrence.

After compiling all the data, the researchers found that conditions and diseases responsive to vitamin D that account for over half of the worlds mortality include cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, tuberculosis, respiratory diseases and infections. It was determined that doubling the circulating level of vitamin D would lower the mortality rates of diseases that are sensitive to vitamin D by approximately 20 percent. Dr. Grant concluded“several ways to raise serum vitamin D include food fortification, supplementation and increased ultraviolet B exposure.”

Vitamin D Directly Correlated With Decreased Colon Cancer Risk

Researchers have known for some time that low vitamin D levels are associated with a significant increase in colon cancer cases, but have not understood the specific mechanism responsible. Now, scientists have discovered how a lack of vitamin D promotes DNA damage and colon cancer risk. Specifically, low vitamin D status instigates the development and progression of this devastating form of cancer.

Researchers have focused on a protein in intestinal epithelial cells called beta-catechin that normally helps epithelial cells bond together with other cells to form a protective barrier between the contents in your gut and the physical structure of your digestive tract. They found that when vitamin D is lacking, DNA synthesis is disrupted and beta-catechin builds up in cells, dramatically increasing the risk of colon cancer initiation.

There should be no doubt remaining that one of the most critical foundations to vibrant health is maintaining proper vitamin D blood saturation levels. Prevention is worth a pound of cure, so have your family physician run the simple and inexpensive 25 (OH)D blood test (alternatively, mail-in home testing is now a viable option), and be certain your level runs between 50 and 70 ng/mL to add years to your life and dramatically lower colon cancer and chronic disease risk.

0 Alpha Lipoic Acid Lowers Blood Pressure and Reduces Stroke Risk

(Article first published as Super Nutrient Lowers Blood Pressure and Reduces Stroke Risk on Technorati.)

Slowly rising blood pressure as we age places millions of Americans at increased risk for heart attack and stroke. Medical practitioners and Big Pharma think the answer is prescribe a host of different pharmaceuticals until a magical number is achieved artificially. Research has rapidly emerged to demonstrate that reaching a normal blood pressure using drugs is not the same as lowering blood pressure naturally.

In fact, using drugs to lower blood pressure can contribute to a host of damaging side effects including death. Fortunately you can take advantage of nature`s treasure of antioxidants from fruits and vegetables and supplement with lipoic acid to dramatically lower your risk of heart attack and stroke.

Protein Damage Contributes to High Blood Pressure

For the first time, researchers have discovered the actual underlying cause of high blood pressure and the best way to alleviate the problem at its source. The result of a study published in the journal Nature demonstrated that a key regulatory protein that controls blood pressure is damaged by the normal wear and tear caused by free radicals. The protein angiotensinogen becomes damaged through free radical assault and leads to hypertension.

Researchers found that a low antioxidant status was indicative of increased blood pressure. Insufficient circulating antioxidants allow damage to angiotensinogen protein molecules and loss of blood pressure regulation. The study determined that simply increasing antioxidant status was not enough to fully lower blood pressure readings and found that other mitigating factors such as stress, being overweight, and insulin resistance generated high levels of free radical damage. When these factors were addressed and controlled, increased intake of antioxidants from natural food sources and supplementation effectively lowered blood pressure levels.

Antioxidants Lower Risk of Stroke by 60%

Stroke is a leading cause of disability and mortality in western society, largely due to damage to the delicate vascular network and the movement of blood clots through the body. Free radicals cause the endothelial lining of delicate blood vessels to become unstable and inflamed, greatly increasing the risk of an ischemic stroke. A study released in the Journal of Nutrition found that individuals with the highest antioxidant status were 60% less likely to suffer from a stroke. Vitamin C alone was found to lower the risk by 40%.

Lipoic Acid Rejuvenates Antioxidant Status During Aging

The human body functions at an advanced metabolic rate and our cellular mitochondria generate large amounts of free radicals that wreak damage in the process. Mitochondria are the energy producing structures in each cell and are particularly vulnerable to free radical damage. Details of a study published in the Annals of the New York Academy of Science demonstrated how lipoic acid is able to prevent damage to the mitochondria by providing a powerful antioxidant shield to the cellular structure. They found the `R-lipoic acid` form to be most effective.

Energy production within our body generates large numbers of free radicals that are known to be the cause of aging and chronic conditions including heart disease, high blood pressure and stroke. In addition to controlling external factors such as stress, weight and insulin resistance, increasing antioxidant status from raw foods and supplements is shown to slow the aging process and dramatically lower the risk of disease.

0 Sugary Drinks and Blood Pressure

The new study involved 810 adults aged 25 to 79 with prehypertension or early stage 1 hypertension who were taking part in an 18-month study designed to prevent or reduce high blood pressure with weight loss, exercise, and diet.

Prehypertension is defined as a systolic blood pressure reading between 120 and 139 or a diastolic blood pressure of 80 to 89. Stage 1 hypertension is defined as a systolic blood pressure between 140 and 159 or a diastolic blood pressure between 90 and 99. Systolic blood pressure is the upper number in a blood pressure measurement and ers to the pressure when the heart beats. Diastolic blood pressure, the lower number, is the pressure between beats. A blood pressure reading of less than 120/80 is considered ideal.

Most people in the study drank an average of 10.5 fluid ounces of sugar or high fructose corn syrup-sweetened beverages a day including non-diet soft drinks, fruit drinks, lemonade, and fruit punch when the study began.

Halving their soda intake resulted in a 1.8 point reduction in systolic blood pressure and a 1.1 point drop in diastolic pressure.

The public health benefit is “substantial,” she says. A 3-point reduction in systolic blood pressure should reduce risk of death after stroke by 8% and heart disease mortality by 5%, according to information cited in the new report.

Americans drink about 2.3 servings or 28 ounces of sugar-sweetened beverages each day, and one in three adults in the U.S. has high blood pressure, according to the American Heart Association.

“Soda consumption is so popular and high blood pressure is a very significant health problem, and if you reduce sugary drinks, you will reduce your blood pressure in the short term and reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke over the long term, Sodium, Uric Acid Affect Blood Pressure

Although weight loss accounted for some of these blood pressure-lowering effects, cutting back on sweetened drinks also had an independent effect on blood pressure levels.

Sodium, Uric Acid Affect Blood Pressure continued...

Exactly what accounts for this independent effect is not known, but several theories exist. For example, these beverages are often loaded with sodium, which can increase blood pressure, and the sugar in the drinks may increase levels of hormones known as catecholamines, which can cause blood pressure to rise.

George Bakris, MD, a professor of medicine and director of the Hypertension Center at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, says that uric acid also plays a role.

“High fructose corn syrup increases uric acid levels, which has been shown to increase high blood pressure,” says Bakris, who is also the president of the American Society of Hypertension.


“Read labels because high fructose corn syrup has to be listed on the label,” he says. “If you even reduce what you are taking in by 50% over time, you will see a benefit,” he says.

It’s not just soft drinks either. “It’s in ketchup and a lot of condiments and sauces that people eat and don’t appreciate,” he says.
More Fuel for the ‘Soda Tax’

“There is a mile-long list of studies that show the negative impact of consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages, and this study is more proof that something needs to be done to change the disease burden caused by these drinks," says Kelly Brownell, PhD, director of the Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity at Yale University in New Haven, Conn. He advocates a tax on these beverages.

As it stands, up to 20 cities and states are considering imposing such a levy on soda. “None of the taxes have passed yet, but it is just a matter of time,” he says.
Beverage Group Responds

“This study does not show that there is anything unique about drinking sugar-sweetened beverages that leads to increased blood pressure, or that there is something unique about reducing their consumption that leads to reduced blood pressure,” says Maureen Storey, PhD, senior vice president of the American Beverage Association in Washington, D.C.

“We know that losing weight by decreasing total calories consumed from all foods and beverages and increasing total calories burned through physical activity has the greatest effect on blood pressure, not the specific foods or beverages that are decreased,” she says in a written response.

“It’s important to recognize that this particular study is a secondary analysis of another study designed to look at the impact of weight loss -- not reducing or eliminating specific foods or beverages -- on blood pressure,” she says. “This study only further supports that weight loss is a critical factor to lowering blood pressure. And the key to losing weight involves either decreasing total calories consumed or increasing total calories burned or a combination of the two."

0 Cymbalta Found to Raise Blood Glucose

Question: What is the most common complication of diabetes in the US?

If youve had diabetes for a number of years and you experience the characteristic burning, tingling, or numbness in your feet, legs, or arms, youll probably guess this right off. Those are symptoms of peripheral neuropathy or diabetic nerve pain, which, according to the FDA affects up to 62% of Americans with diabetes ... making it the most common diabetic complication.

The FDA approved Cymbalta (duloxetine HCl) in August, 2004 for the treatment of depression. A month later they approved it for the treatment of pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy. This month, a study in Diabetes Care asked the question "Does Treatment With Duloxetine for Neuropathic Pain Impact Glycemic Control?" Their answer was yes:

"Duloxetine treatment resulted in modest increases in fasting plasma glucose in short- and long-term studies (0.50 and 0.67 mmol/l, respectively)." [Approximately 0.9 and 12.1 mg/dl respectively]

The increase was modest. If youre taking Cymbalta and it is effective at easing your symptoms, your doctor may decide not to make changes. Although, its helpful to be aware of the medications effect on blood glucose.

________
For the January, 2007 Diabetes Care article:
Does Treatment With Duloxetine for Neuropathic Pain Impact Glycemic Control?

For FDAs press release:
FDA Approves Drug for Neuropathic Pain Associated With Diabetes

For Cymbaltas site:
Cymbalta

0 Lower your Blood Sugar Step Up Your Exercise A Bit

Lower your Blood Sugar - Step Up Your Exercise, A Bit by John H Markus

People, who have diabetes, hear the same question almost every time they visit the doctors office. How is your diet and are you exercising? Those of you afflicted with this disease know that diet and exercise are essential to controlling blood sugar levels. Applying that knowledge is key in control. Self discipline is needed to stay on track. Lets say, you have this self discipline,and are on track.

What can you do to get better blood sugar readings. Just step it up a bit, not much, just a little bit. The Canadian Public Health system, recently conducted an experiment on overweight diabetics. The people involved were on a walking program. The experiment was officially called "Picking Up The Pace." In it, some subjects were chosen to increase their walking by 10%. The experiment lasted 12 weeks. At the end of 12 weeks, the results were as most would expect. The people walking the extra 10% lost a significantly higher amount of weight and showed healthier levels of blood sugar Ten percent of what you are doing now, is not much. If you are walking 1,000 steps in 3 minutes, step it up to 1,100 steps. If you are bench pressing 10 repetitions step it up to 11 repetitions, or put a few more pound on the bar.

This concept relates to any type of exercise you are performing. Just step it up a little. You will find your blood sugar levels to be better. There are many other areas of your health that will also improve. Your heart will work a little harder. This makes it stronger. Your circulation will be more efficient. Your internal organs will function better because of increased blood flow. This will help increase bone density. All of the bodys functions will profit form this small increase in intensity. You will see evidence in your blood sugar readings. You will start to lose a few pounds. You will look better. You will feel better about yourself. You will feel better.
About the Author

John Has been a pharmacist since 1973. His wife of 32 years has Type I diabetes. Johns mother-in-law and 8 year old granddaughter also have diabetes. There were some challenging times. With knowledge and single-eyedness they were able to get this disease under control. John also has been studying exercise and nutrition, and their effect on the body for more than 30 years.

0 How To Manage Diabetes And Control Blood Sugar Levels

Diabetes or Diabetes Mellitus is the condition of high blood sugar in the body. It could be of two types. Type 1 is when the body fails to produce insulin and the insulin has to be injected into the body to make up for the insulin deficiency. The Type 2 Diabetes occurs when the cells fail to respond to the insulin produced in the body, and this has to be controlled by medication. Gestational diabetes is another type that could occur in pregnant women but is resolved after childbirth.

In all these cases, the food consumed by the person cannot produce energy for the body, as insulin secreted by the pancreas does not absorb the sugar produced by the food. This excess of sugar that is left unabsorbed can then cause harm to the eyes, heart and kidneys.

Diabetes can be detected when one finds ants in the washroom after one has passed urine. This is a symptom of sugar not being accepted by the body and being passed out in the urine.

Diabetes could lead to problems like increased thirst, increased hunger, frequent urination, and sometimes blurred vision. Nausea or vomiting is common in the Type 1 Diabetes. It is therefore very important to control one’s weight and take the right diet and medication. Failure to do this could result in long term problems like cardiovascular diseases and retinal failure, and even premature death.

Obese people and those with a family history of diabetes are more likely to suffer from it. While a few cases of diabetes can be cured easily, most cases have to be managed with a dedicated and persistent change in lifestyle and careful medication.

The key to manage diabetes is eating at regular intervals instead of eating when one is hungry. Again, eating a balanced meal is important and care should be taken not to eat all proteins in one meal and all carbohydrates in another. Diabetic patients are educated to follow a lifestyle of regular exercises and careful diets. Smoking is strictly prohibited.

Starchy foods like breads and rice should be avoided. Junk food is a strict no-no and instead a diet rich in fiber is the right way to manage diabetes. Food with less fat and salt is recommended.

A diet consisting of fruits and vegetables, beans, cheese and skimmed milk is ideal for a diabetic patient. Fish can be baked or grilled to reduce the intake of fat.

Weight control by regular exercises for about 40-50 minutes everyday is the solution to many diabetic cases. A brisk walk is a good exercise.

Since a diabetic body lacks the important nutrients, these should be given by way of supplements like Vitamin B, C and E, which can benefit the heart, nerves and eyes. Vitamin D is a great insulin booster.

Blood glucose should be checked at regular intervals by oneself or by the doctor. Cuts and wounds should be regularly taken care of, as they heal slowly in a diabetic person and can prove disastrous if left unattended for long.

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Article Source : How To Manage Diabetes And Control Blood Sugar Levels

Author : dreaston

0 Nuts Lowering Blood Sugar

Nuts Lowering Blood Sugar - Nuts are healthy foods that should be part of the diet. In those with diabetes mellitus, regular chewing foods that have a low glycemic index such as beans, proved to lower blood sugar levels and blood pressure.

Nuts are known to contain nutrient dense, rich in fiber and protein. Because nuts contain low glycemic index or slower to raise blood sugar, peanut snack is the right choice for diabetics.

"Beans and legumes are known good for the heart. However apparently, it good for the heart in a way that was unexpected,"

said Dr.David Jenkins of the Canada Research Chair in Nutrition and Metabolism are doing this research.

For people with diabetes, legumes not only glucose control but also have a significant impact on blood pressure.

Unclear how the scientific mechanism of nuts in controlling glucose and blood sugar, but according to Jenkins it may be due to protein, fiber, and minerals in it.

"Make beans and legumes as part of your diet because its not just keeping blood sugar and blood pressure, these foods can lower cholesterol,"

he advised.

In his research, Jenkins randomly asked 121 patients with type 2 diabetes to consume one cup of nuts every day or Cereal products intact.

After three months, it was the group who consumed nuts had improvement in their blood sugar levels than those who ate Cereal intact. The other bonus is uncontrolled blood pressure levels.

These benefits are not just making diabetes under control but also prevent cardiovascular disease.

Responding to the results of the study, nutritionist Marion Franz Minneapolis, USA, said that nuts are good for diabetics but also need to be considered about number.

"The important thing for patients with diabetes mellitus is not what they eat but how much you eat. Healthier food if too much is also not recommended,"

said Franz.

Samantha Heller, clinical nutrition coordinator also suggest eating nuts for patients with diabetes. But you should also be balanced with weight management.

Because the Canadian study involved few patients, the diet can not be applied in general. Setting diabetes diet should be tailored to the patients lifestyle. Therefore remain necessary in consultation with the treating doctor.