Health Tips » Diabetes Melllitus

Possible cure for Diabetes Type 2 – read on

ashish — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 17:36:19 +0000

For people who suffer from Diabetes Type 2 (in which they are unable to transfer the glucose in their blood steam to their cells for energy purposes), there is a need to either consume medication, or take insulin so as to ensure that the glucose is consumed and their blood sugar level remains consistent and within limits. On the other hand, if the diabetes is not under control, it has a devastating effect on the body over a long term. Right now, diabetes does not have a cure, and finding a cure is the Holy Grail in diabetes research; however, if somebody that they have a cure, there is some amount of cynicism over such claims.
Well, here is another claim that research has unearthed a possible approach to a cure (link to article):

In a path-breaking research, PGI doctors have reportedly found a very effective solution for diabetes type 2 through stem cell
transplantation technique. With positive results expected, Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) has given its nod to fund the study further. Started by PGI’s departments of endocrinology, transfusion medicine and radio diagnosis in December 2006, the paper was published in an international journal, Stem Cells Development, in September 2009.
Type 2 diabetes is characterized by two defects — insulin resistance and insulin deficiency. The former is fairly constant, with beta cell function progressively deteriorating and majority of patients finally being on insulin. It is targeted by insulin sensitizers, metformin and glitazone. The latter is treated with sulphonylureas, insulin and a new class of drug, DPP IV inhibitors.

Ad: The First Year: Type 2 Diabetes: An Essential Guide for the Newly Diagnosed

Lifestyle Modifications in Diabetes

ashish — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 17:17:00 +0000

- Stress Management : Managing stress is very important as increased stress levels can make your glucose levels go up. Coping with diabetes can be stressful. Talk to your family and close friends who can offer support and help to you. Try and keep yourself calm. Try to take deep breaths as and when possible. Yoga and meditation also helps in reducing stress. If you often feel stressed, you should talk to your doctor who can work out a stress management plan for you.

- Exercise : Regular exercise can help you to lower your blood glucose levels, improve blood circulation, lower cholestrol, help to reduce stress and thereby, improve your physical condition.

- Diet : Diet plays an important role in diabetes management as 50% of the treatment is dependent on medication and the rest 50% on diet, exercise and lifestyle modifications. Our diet has three major nutrients : Carbohydrates, Proteins and Fats. Carbohydrates have a major role to play, as this is the nutrient which is converted into
gllucose in our body. Eat three light meals a day with small mid meal snacks. Eat lots of vegetables, whole-wheat products, oats, brown bread etc. try and avoid choclates, cakes and sweats. Avoid deep fried and greasy foods. If you are overweight, you may be asked to opt for a reduced calorie meal plan that will help you loose weight. managing diabetes is much easier if you are not overweight. Consult your dietician for a proper meal plan.

Normal Blood Sugar Levels in Diabetes

ashish — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 17:13:21 +0000

Fasting : 80-120 mg/dl
Pre-meal : Less than 130 mg/dl
Post-meal(PP) : Less than 160 mg/dl
A diabetic should strive to maintain his/her blood sugar level as close to normal level as possible.

Low Blood Sugar
Insulin or pills help to control diabetes but can sometimes cause low blood sugar, especially during/after exercise if you :
- Skip a meal.
- Eat late meals.
- Do not eat enough.
- Take too much medication.

If you have low blood sugar, you may feel shaky or dizzy, sweaty irritable, hungry or tired. In such conditions, it is important to eat or drink something sweet right away. Consult your doctor immediately.

High Blood Sugar
In general, high blood sugar is defined as plasma glucose above 126 mg/dl fasting and above 200 mg/dl after meals. If your blood sugar remains high for long periods of time, it can cause significant short term and long term complications as mentioned. It is therefore important to keep your blood sugar under control by creating a balance between lifestyle modifications and medications such as pills or insulin.

Title : Living with Diabetes

ashish — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 17:07:54 +0000

Diabetes cannot be cured…
Accepting this reality is the first step in coping with diabetes. If you do not control your diabetes, then diabetes will control your life. In the short term, it adversely affects your quality of life and prevents you from leading a normal life, by making you feel exhausted, dizzy, irritable, hungry, thirsty and with a frequent need to urinate. In the long term, it silently cause irreversible damage to multiple organs like the eyes, nerves, kidneys, heart and blood vessels. It is the leading cause for blindness, heart attack, kidney failure and foot infections that may require amputation.

But Diabetes can be controlled.
A tight control on your diet and lifestyle along with moderate but regular exercise, can help you take care of your complications and allow you to lead a normal, healthy life.

What is Diabetes ?
Diabetes is a disease that causes the level of sugar in the blood to rise. Our body converts the food we eat into sugar. Insulin, produced by the pancreas, helps our tissues to absorb the sugar from our blood so that the cells can use it for producing energy.

Type 1 Diabetes
The type 1 diabetes or Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus occurs more often among young people. They must take insulin by injection, because their body either does not make insulin at all or does not
make enough of it.

Type 2 Diabetes
In case of type 2 diabetes or Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes mellitus, the body makes insulin but this insulin does not function properly. This disease often strikes in adulthood, occurring in people with a strong family history of diabetes. It is most common among people who are overweight.