q : what is diabetes?
diabetes (diabetes mellitus) is classed as a metabolism disorder. metabolism refers to the way our bodies use digested food for energy and growth. most of what we eat is broken down into glucose. glucose is a form of sugar in the blood - it is the principal source of fuel for our bodies.
when our food is digested the glucose makes its way into our bloodstream. our cells use the glucose for energy and growth. however, glucose cannot enter our cells without insulin being present - insulin makes it possible for our cells to take in the glucose.
insulin is a hormone that is produced by the pancreas. after eating, the pancreas automatically releases an adequate quantity of insulin to move the glucose present in our blood into the cells, and lowers the blood sugar level.
a person with diabetes has a condition in which the quantity of glucose in the blood is too elevated (hyperglycemia). this is because the body does not produce enough insulin, produces no insulin, or has cells that do not respond properly to the insulin the pancreas produces. this results in too much glucose building up in the blood. this excess blood glucose eventually passes out of the body in urine. so, even though the blood has plenty of glucose, the cells are not getting it for their essential energy and growth requirements.
q : what are the types of diabetes?
diabetes type 1 : you produce no insulin at all.diabetes type 2 : you don't produce enough insulin, or your insulin is not working properly.gestational diabetes : you develop diabetes just during your pregnancy.
diabetes types 1 & 2 are chronic medical conditions - this means that they are persistent and perpetual. gestational diabetes usually resolves itself after the birth of the child.
q : what are the causes of diabetes?
following are the causes of diabetes
hereditary or inherited traits : it is strongly believed that due to some genes which passes from one generation to another, a person can inherit diabetes. it depends upon closeness of blood relationship as mother is diabetic, the risk is 2 to 3%, father is diabetic, the risk is more than the previous case and if both the parents are diabetic, the child has much greater risk for diabetes.
age : increased age is a factor which gives more possibility than in younger age. this disease may occur at any age, but 80% of cases occur after 50 year, incidences increase with the age factor.
poor diet (malnutrition related diabetes) : improper nutrition, low protein and fiber intake, high intake of refined products are the expected reasons for developing diabetes.
obesity and fat distribution : being overweight means increased insulin resistance that is if body fat is more than 30%, bmi 25+, waist width 35 inches in women or 40 inches in males.
sedentary lifestyle : people with sedentary lifestyle are more prone to diabetes, when compared to those who exercise thrice a week, are at low risk of falling prey to diabetes.
stress : either physical injury or emotional disturbance is frequently blamed as the initial cause of the disease. any disturbance in cortiosteroid or acth therapy may lead to clinical signs of the disease.
drug induced : clozapine (clozaril), olanzapine (zyprexa), risperidone (risperdal), quetiapine (seroquel) and ziprasidone (geodon) are known to induce this lethal disease.
infection : some of the strephylococci is suppose to be responsible factor for infection in pancreas.
hypertension : it had been reported in many studies that there is direct relation between high systolic pressure and diabetes.
serum lipids and lipoproteins : high triglyceride and cholesterol level in the blood is related to high blood sugars, in some cases it has been studied that risk is involved even with low hdl levels in circulating blood.
q : what are symptoms of diabetes?
diabetes type 1
in type 1, the pancreas stop producing insulin due to autoimmune response or possibly viral attack on pancreas. in absence of insulin, body cells don�t get the required glucose for producing atp (adenosin triphosphate) units which results into primary symptom in the form of nausea and vomiting. in later stage, which leads to ketoacidosis, the body starts breaking down the muscle tissue and fat for producing energy hence, causing fast weight loss. dehydration is also usually observed due to electrolyte disturbance. in advanced stages, coma and death is witnessed.
diabetes type 2
increased fatigue : due to inefficiency of the cell to metabolize glucose, reserve fat of body is metabolized to gain energy. when fat is broken down in the body, it uses more energy as compared to glucose, hence body goes in negative calorie effect, which results in fatigue.polydipsia : as the concentration of glucose increases in the blood, brain receives signal for diluting it and, in its counteraction we feel thirsty.polyuria(frequent urination) : increase in urine production is due to excess glucose present in body. body gets rid of the extra sugar in the blood by excreting it through urine. this leads to dehydration because along with the sugar, a large amount of water is excreted out of the body.polyphegia : the hormone insulin is also responsible for stimulating hunger. in order to cope up with high sugar levels in blood, body produces insulin which leads to increased hunger.weight fluctuation : factors like loss of water (polyuria), glucosuria , metabolism of body fat and protein may lead to weight loss. few cases may show weight gain due to increased appetite.blurry vision : hyperosmolar hyperglycemia nonketotic syndrome is the condition when body fluid is pulled out of tissues including lenses of the eye, which affects its ability to focus, resulting blurry vision.irritability : it is a sign of high blood sugar because of the inefficient glucose supply to the brain and other body organs, which makes us feel tired and uneasy.infections : the body gives few signals whenever there is fluctuation in blood sugar (due to suppression of immune system) by frequent skin infections like fungal or bacterial or uti (urinary tract infection).poor wound healing : high blood sugar resists the flourishing of wbc, (white blood cells) which are responsible for body immune system. when these cells do not function accordingly, wound healing is not at good pace. secondly, long standing diabetes leads to thickening of blood vessels which affect proper circulation of blood in different body parts.
q : which parts of the body are affected by diabetes? if ignored?
effect of diabetes on blood and circulatory system: diabetes patients also exhibit a defective blood metabolism which is a result of excessive blood sugar. this results in severe hormonal imbalance and also leads to defective formation of various blood components. diabetes also results in poor blood circulation to various parts which may result in blurred vision, aching pain etc.
diabetes symptoms as autoimmune disorders: various skin, genito-urinary tract and respiratory complaints occur as a result of autoimmune infections. defective formation of various blood components like wbc's and platelets result in poor blood composition. this may result in complications like poor wound healing and easy susceptibility to injuries. few complications may arise if not annihilated at the earliest. they may result in blindness, cataract, gangrene, diabetic nephropathy, diabetic neuropathy, diabetic foot, etc.
q : how to know a person is having diabetes?
weight flactuation : factors like loss of water (polyuria), glucosuria , metabolism of body fat and protein may lead to weight loss. few cases may show weight gain due to increased appetite.
blurry vision : hyperosmolar hyperglycemia nonketotic syndrome is the condition when body fluid is pulled out of tissues including lenses of the eye, which affects its ability to focus, resulting blurry vision.
irritability : it is a sign of high blood sugar because of the inefficient glucose supply to the brain and other body organs, which makes us feel tired and uneasy.
infections : the body gives few signals whenever there is fluctuation in blood sugar (due to suppression of immune system) by frequent skin infections like fungal or bacterial or uti (urinary tract infection).
poor wound healing : high blood sugar resists the flourishing of wbc, (white blood cell) which are responsible for body immune system. when these cells do not function accordingly, wound healing is not at good pace. secondly, long standing diabetes leads to thickening of blood vessels which affect proper circulation of blood in different body parts.
q : can diabetes be cured?
diabetes is an insidious disease. in fact, moderately high levels of blood glucose (180-200 mgdl) produce no symptom and may go unnoticed for many months or even years. most patients with type 1 diabetes pass large volumes of urine, experience an increase in the frequency of urination, undue thirst and hunger, and rapid weight loss. these symptoms provide clues to the diagnosis of diabetes.
men and women with type-2 diabetes may not have the above symptoms. some of them may experience an increase in the frequency of urination and abnormal thirst. they may however feel tired, irritable, lack concentration at work, proneness to infection, delay in wound healing, intense itching and need for frequent change of eye glasses.
at the age of 45yrs or later, if you foresee the risk of developing diabetes, get your fasting blood glucose test, 2-hrs after a drink of 3.527 oz of glucose, at least once a year. blood glucose values of 200mgdl and higher would suggest the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus.
diabetes cannot be cured completely, but can be effectively controlled. people with diabetes can lead a healthy life if, their blood glucose level is under control. the decrease in life span of a diabetic is restored to normal by maintaining good blood glucose control (90-130 mgdl at fasting and with less than 180 mgdl 2hrs after meals).
sometimes, patients may not need any tabletinsulin or, even diet control to keep their blood glucose in control. this period is called honeymoon phase (in type-1 diabetes). the duration may vary from a few days to over six months. some patients mistake this for cure of diabetes.
q : what diet a person with diabetes should have?
fiber should be at least 1.4 oz daycinstead of 3 heavy meals, we should go for 4-5 small mid intervals replace bakery products and fast foods by simple whole cooked cereals, and don't eat carbohydrates 2 hours before bedtime consume fresh fruit and vegetables at least 5 exchange daydrink plenty of water
diabetics always need to take care of their diet and also about the food they eat. care has to be taken because all foods contain not only carbohydrate, but also some energy value. protein and fat available in the food are converted to glucose in the body. this glucose has some effect on the blood sugar level, which has to be taken care of. furthermore, you needn�t have to eat only the bland boring diet. instead, you can eat more fruits, vegetables and whole grains. all it means is that you need to select foods that are high in nutrition and low in calories.
q : what are herbal treatment for diabetes?
gluco care capsules of sriram herbalsis one of the finest medicines without any side effect to regulate blood sugar level.
q : what food should be avoided?
sugar : white sugar, honey, jaggery, cake, jelly, jam, icecream, pastries, canned juice, chocolates, pie, syrup, doughnuts, artificial sweeteners, cream and cookies foods should be avoided with diabetes. fried foods : don't fry foods instead bake, saute or boil in a pan. otherwise you can steam vegetables read labels : soy sauce, msg, brine contains a lot of sodium. always try to limit your sodium content.salad dressings : limit the use of dressings such as mustard, salad dressing, mayonnaise and avocado. they are high in sodium.cheeses : try to limit the use of cream cheese, butter, cottage cheese and margarine.refined flours : another important food to avoid with diabetes is refined flours. avoid pasta, white bread, all purpose flour (maida), pretzels, puffs, pizza and processed foods.fruits : fruits such as mango, grapes, custard apple, strawberry and prunes (dates) should be avoided to lower the blood sugar level.starchy vegetables : avoid starchy vegetables such as potatoes, parsnips, squash, and go easy with carrots, beans, peas and beet.fruit juices : limit the use of fruit juices. they are high in carbohydrates than fresh fruit. if you like fruit juices as a drink, then take 1 part of fruit juice with 3-4 parts of water.smoking and alcohol : should be avoided with diabetes.cut back on foods that are high in cholesterol such as egg yolks, high-fat meat, poultry, and high-fat dairy products.oils : avoid hydrogenated oils or partially hydrogenated oils. you can use canola or olive oil which is good for diabetes.other foods : olives, bacon, yam, dried fruits, junk foods and nuts (peanuts) should be avoided with diabetes. you can have some nuts rich in mono unsaturated fat such as almonds, pecans and walnuts.
q : what fruits can a diabetic person can eat ?
apple
arguably the most popular fruit, apples are sub-acid foods that have a rich perctin content and have proven rather beneficial to diabetes patients. pectin, one of the most potentâ components in apples, can be found in the rind and in the pulp, and acts as a detoxifier of the body by supplying an inordinate amount of galacrturonic acid. this helps remove harmful waste from the bloodstream and can lower a diabeticâ��s insulin requirements by up to or even more than 35%.
apples are also helpful for both depression and weight loss. apples are considered a negative calorie food, as it takes more calories to digest them than they provide to the body. they release certain chemicals into the body which helps with the synthesis of glutei acid, and controls the destruction of various nerve cells.
grapefruit
grapefruit is significantly less popular than the apple, but it is no less beneficial for diabetes patients. a citrus fruit with a unique favor, the grapefruit is wonderful for overall nutrition, and many physicians believe that the intake of grapefruit from an early age might significantly decrease the amount of diabetes cases in the world.
nutritionists and holistic healers recommend that anyone suffering from high blood sugar levels should be ingesting at least three servings of grapefruit each day. grapefruit can also be used as a preventative measure against high blood sugar levels, especially when used in conjunction with a low-fat, low-sugar, low-starch diet. individuals who do not currently have high blood sugar levels will experience a change in less than two weeks; diabetes patients should experience a change in no more than three months.
q : is diabetes an hereditary?
the first and foremost factor that answers 'is diabetes hereditary' concerns genes. genes are passed on from parents to their children. of these genes, when the child inherits the gene for type 1 diabetes, he or she may develop it at some point of their life. however, if these genes are absent, a person will not develop type 1 diabetes. in case of type 2 diabetes, there is no specific genetic pattern. therefore, the chances of developing diabetes depend on the number of people in your family with the condition. also, other types of genetic disorders, like down's syndrome, increase the risk of developing diabetes.
q : from what age a person will get diabetes?
the prevalence of diabetes increased with age and reached the peak at 70�89 years of age in chinese and japanese subjects but peaked at 60�69 years of age followed by a decline at the 70 years of age in indian subjects. at 30�79 years of age, the 10-year age-specific prevalence of diabetes was higher in indian than in chinese and japanese subjects. indian subjects also had a higher prevalence of igr in the younger age-groups (30�49 years) compared with that for chinese and japanese subjects. impaired glucose tolerance was more prevalent than impaired fasting glycemia in all asian populations studied for all age-groups.
indians had the highest prevalence of diabetes among asian countries. the age at which the peak prevalence of diabetes was reached was 10 years younger in indian compared with chinese and japanese subjects. diabetes and igr will be underestimated in asians based on the fasting glucose testing alone.
q : can herbs treat diabetes?
pterocarpus marsupium
pterocarpus marsupium, also known as indian kino, malabar kino, pitasara, venga, is a large deciduous tree, which commonly grows in western and southern parts of india and sri lanka. it has demonstrated ability to reduce the absorption of glucose from the gastrointestinal tract. it is also known to improve insulin and pro-insulin levels.
bitter melon (momordica charantia)
bitter melon, also known as balsam pear, bitter gourd, bitter cucumber, karela, and charantin, is cultivated widely in asia, east africa and south america. it has been extensively used as a folk medicine for treatment of diabetes. several compounds contained in bitter melon are known to account for its ability to lower the levels of sugar in the blood.
gymnema sylvestre
gymnema sylvestre, also known as gurmar, meshasringi and cherukurinja, is popular as �sugar destroyer�. the leaves of the plant are dried and pounded together with coriander fruit, and then the juice is extracted to be given orally for remedying diabetes. in india, the herb is primarily being used to treat type ii diabetes. it is also being found in over-the-counter weight loss products and blood sugar balancing formulas.
onion & garlic ( allium cepa & allium sativum)
onion and garlic have long been used by herbal practitioners to treat diabetes. experimental and clinical evidence suggests ample on the anti-diabetic properties of onion and garlic. garlic has an additional benefit i.e. it has positive cardiovascular effects. it is known to lower lipid levels and inhibit platelet aggregation. liberal use of onion is recommended for diabetic patients, while garlic is to be taken in moderate amounts.
fenugreek (trigonella foenum-graecum)
fenugreek is a crop plant that is grown as a pot herb. the habitat range of the plant extends from eastern mediterranean area to china. fenugreek is used as both an herb and a spice (seed). pre-clinical and clinical studies on the herb have indicated its anti-diabetic properties. the fiber-rich fraction of fenugreek seeds can help in lowering blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.
blueberry (vaccinium myrtillus)
blueberries are a natural remedy for regulating the blood sugar levels, whenever they are slightly elevated. researches on blueberries have come up with impressive results. they contain an active ingredient with an extraordinary ability to get rid of excessive sugar in the blood. they also work as a good astringent and help to relieve inflammation of the kidney, bladder and prostate.
asian ginseng
asian ginseng is commonly used by the traditional practitioners of chinese medicine, to treat diabetes. the herb has shown good results in enhancing the release of insulin from the pancreas and increasing the number of insulin receptors. the herb has a direct effect on lowering blood sugar levels. asian ginseng also helps in elevating mood and improves psycho-physiological performance.
q : how to regulate blood sugar levels?
the best choices are organic above-ground vegetables, as they are full of nutrition, yet less starchy and sweet than the below-ground vegetables. whole grains like brown rice, millet, quinoi etc. that have not been flaked or ground into flour are also healthy choices particularly for carbohydrate or mixed types. protein types tend to be very insulin sensitive and tend to gain weight on a diet high in grain, flour products like bread or pasta, below-ground vegetables and fruit. consuming some quality protein and fat along with the non-starchy vegetables and whole grain is also very helpful in slowing the sugar rush into the blood. the more starchy or sweet the meal or snack, the more quality protein and fat is needed to balance it, so eat smaller quantities so you are not over-eating in the calorie department. it is due to the problems of blood-sugar regulation that consuming products that contain straight sugar is such a problem for the body and should be avoided by everyone. alcohol creates an insulin response just as sugar does, so reducing alcohol consumption is also very important if you are trying to lose weight, avoid disease and improve your health.
q : home remedies for diabetes?
one of the best home remedies for diabetes is include bitter melon(karela) in your diet. for three months eat one dish made from bitter melon. this will help in keeping the blood glucose level in control.
fenugreek is also very effective in diabetes control. drink one cup of fenugreek juice every morning. also eating the seeds of fenugreek will help you in controlling the blood sugar level. this remedy is also very effective in bringing the glucose level down.
put some black raisins in water and keep it overnight. next day morning strain this water and drink the clear water solution. follow the same procedure for few days to get good results.
eating indian plum, tomatoes and oranges are also beneficial in controlling diabetes. taking these fruits in your diet in a limited quantity say about 300 grams on a daily basis will be very effective. take fenugreek, bitter melon and gooseberry(amla) all these three things together in equal proportion. dry them in sun for few days and then grind them into fine powder form. take this powder three times in a day. this will help you to control the diabetes if you will follow this for about a month and see the difference.
mix juices of raw mango and indian plum in equal amount and drink this about three times in a day. this remedy is very useful if you will drink these juices without fail for about one month. dry the bay leaves in sun for two days and then grind them into fine powder. take about five grams of this powder in a warm glass of water and drink this. do this for about ten days. this will surely help in controlling the glucose level of the blood.
q : which is the best herbal medicine can cure diabetes?
gluco care is one of the finest medicine without any side effect to regulate blood sugar level. the ingredients in the gluco care are listed below:
gymnema sylvestre
gymnema sylvestre, also known as gurmar, meshasringi and cherukurinja, is popular as �sugar destroyer�. the leaves of the plant are dried and pounded together with coriander fruit, and then the juice is extracted to be given orally for remedying diabetes. in india, the herb is primarily being used to treat type ii diabetes. it is also being found in over-the-counter weight loss products and blood sugar balancing formulas.
bitter melon (momordica charantia)
bitter melon, also known as balsam pear, bitter gourd, bitter cucumber, karela, and charantin, is cultivated widely in asia, east africa and south america. it has been extensively used as a folk medicine for treatment of diabetes. several compounds contained in bitter melon are known to account for its ability to lower the levels of sugar in the blood.
asparagus racemosus
asparagus racemosus (shatavari )is sweet and bitter in taste, sweet in the post digestive effect and has cold potency. it alleviates the vata and pitta doshas. it possesses heavy, unctuous and soft attributes.
commiphora mukul(gugullu)
is one of the most used ayurvedic herbs in ayurvedic medicine. it has multiple uses in its own capacity. more than fifty of herbal formulations are in wide use that has half the quantity of this herb and half the quantity of all the other herbs together.find the many benefits of commiphora mukul gum in the light of ancient ayurvedic texts and modern ayurvedic practitioners. all of these uses are based on practice by ayurvedic doctors. many of them are being validated by clinical research.
pterocarpus marsupium
pterocarpus marsupium, also known as indian kino, malabar kino, pitasara, venga, is a large deciduous tree, which commonly grows in western and southern parts of india and sri lanka. it has demonstrated ability to reduce the absorption of glucose from the gastrointestinal tract. it is also known to improve insulin and pro-insulin levels.
q : can a person lead a normal life if he is diabetes?
absolutely. you just have to develop some good habits around controlling your blood sugar. also, with exercise, always check your blood sugar before you exercise. the reason being that if it is to low it may go lower and if it is to high it could go higher. you can lead a relatively normal life, but there are some limitations and you have to take extra precautions before starting a lot of activities.
q : can a diabetic person have sexual inter course?
there is absolutely no problem. once can have a normal sexual life. but however diabetes may affect sexual functioning in several ways, but there are some things you may need to look out for:
menstruation
women may find that the menstrual cycle affects blood sugar. if you seem to be having trouble with control around the time of your menstrual period, keep careful records of your levels around that time of the month. look to see if there is a pattern. for example you may find that your blood sugar is higher than normal the week before your period. you may need to add extra exercise or avoid eating extra carbohydrates. you may talk to your doctor about adjusting your insulin or any other medication at this time.
lubrication
women with diabetes may be more prone to have problems with vaginal lubrication. you may also have trouble with sexual response because of nerve damage. there are some medications that can also affect sexual response.
impotence
having impotence is the consistent inability to sustain an erection enough to engage in sexual intercourse. many men have impotence problems at some point during their lives, especially in their 50's, 60's and older. for men with diabetes, these problems can arrive 10 to 15 years earlier than for men without diabetes. some estimates place the incidence of diabetes-related impotence in men at more than 40 percent.â sometimes nerve disease related to diabetes causes impotence. when nerves are damaged, as can happen with the condition, the flow of blood to the may be lessened and so an erection can't occur. blood vessel damage can also cause impotence.
q : is diabetes a transmitted diseases?
no it is not transmitted
q : if i am diabetic, will my wife get diabetic?
nothing to worry. she would not get.
q : can a diabetic person can consume liquor?
the answer is yes, but in moderation. when alcohol is consumed, the liver works hard to remove the excess alcohol from your blood. because the liver is working on managing the excess alcohol in your blood, the liver's ability to release or produce glucose decreases, causing hypoglycemia. taking insulin and other diabetic medications that stimulate the pancreas to produce more insulin may further increase the risk for hypoglycemia if alcohol is consumed. make sure to consult with you physician before drinking any type of alcohol, especially if you are on medications.

q : what is diabetes?
diabetes (diabetes mellitus) is classed as a metabolism disorder. metabolism refers to the way our bodies use digested food for energy and growth. most of what we eat is broken down into glucose. glucose is a form of sugar in the blood - it is the principal source of fuel for our bodies.
when our food is digested the glucose makes its way into our bloodstream. our cells use the glucose for energy and growth. however, glucose cannot enter our cells without insulin being present - insulin makes it possible for our cells to take in the glucose.
insulin is a hormone that is produced by the pancreas. after eating, the pancreas automatically releases an adequate quantity of insulin to move the glucose present in our blood into the cells, and lowers the blood sugar level.
a person with diabetes has a condition in which the quantity of glucose in the blood is too elevated (hyperglycemia). this is because the body does not produce enough insulin, produces no insulin, or has cells that do not respond properly to the insulin the pancreas produces. this results in too much glucose building up in the blood. this excess blood glucose eventually passes out of the body in urine. so, even though the blood has plenty of glucose, the cells are not getting it for their essential energy and growth requirements.
q : what are the types of diabetes?
diabetes type 1 : you produce no insulin at all.diabetes type 2 : you don't produce enough insulin, or your insulin is not working properly.gestational diabetes : you develop diabetes just during your pregnancy.
diabetes types 1 & 2 are chronic medical conditions - this means that they are persistent and perpetual. gestational diabetes usually resolves itself after the birth of the child.
q : what are the causes of diabetes?
following are the causes of diabetes
hereditary or inherited traits : it is strongly believed that due to some genes which passes from one generation to another, a person can inherit diabetes. it depends upon closeness of blood relationship as mother is diabetic, the risk is 2 to 3%, father is diabetic, the risk is more than the previous case and if both the parents are diabetic, the child has much greater risk for diabetes.
age : increased age is a factor which gives more possibility than in younger age. this disease may occur at any age, but 80% of cases occur after 50 year, incidences increase with the age factor.
poor diet (malnutrition related diabetes) : improper nutrition, low protein and fiber intake, high intake of refined products are the expected reasons for developing diabetes.
obesity and fat distribution : being overweight means increased insulin resistance that is if body fat is more than 30%, bmi 25+, waist width 35 inches in women or 40 inches in males.
sedentary lifestyle : people with sedentary lifestyle are more prone to diabetes, when compared to those who exercise thrice a week, are at low risk of falling prey to diabetes.
stress : either physical injury or emotional disturbance is frequently blamed as the initial cause of the disease. any disturbance in cortiosteroid or acth therapy may lead to clinical signs of the disease.
drug induced : clozapine (clozaril), olanzapine (zyprexa), risperidone (risperdal), quetiapine (seroquel) and ziprasidone (geodon) are known to induce this lethal disease.
infection : some of the strephylococci is suppose to be responsible factor for infection in pancreas.
hypertension : it had been reported in many studies that there is direct relation between high systolic pressure and diabetes.
serum lipids and lipoproteins : high triglyceride and cholesterol level in the blood is related to high blood sugars, in some cases it has been studied that risk is involved even with low hdl levels in circulating blood.
q : what are symptoms of diabetes?
diabetes type 1
in type 1, the pancreas stop producing insulin due to autoimmune response or possibly viral attack on pancreas. in absence of insulin, body cells don�t get the required glucose for producing atp (adenosin triphosphate) units which results into primary symptom in the form of nausea and vomiting. in later stage, which leads to ketoacidosis, the body starts breaking down the muscle tissue and fat for producing energy hence, causing fast weight loss. dehydration is also usually observed due to electrolyte disturbance. in advanced stages, coma and death is witnessed.
diabetes type 2
increased fatigue : due to inefficiency of the cell to metabolize glucose, reserve fat of body is metabolized to gain energy. when fat is broken down in the body, it uses more energy as compared to glucose, hence body goes in negative calorie effect, which results in fatigue.polydipsia : as the concentration of glucose increases in the blood, brain receives signal for diluting it and, in its counteraction we feel thirsty.polyuria(frequent urination) : increase in urine production is due to excess glucose present in body. body gets rid of the extra sugar in the blood by excreting it through urine. this leads to dehydration because along with the sugar, a large amount of water is excreted out of the body.polyphegia : the hormone insulin is also responsible for stimulating hunger. in order to cope up with high sugar levels in blood, body produces insulin which leads to increased hunger.weight fluctuation : factors like loss of water (polyuria), glucosuria , metabolism of body fat and protein may lead to weight loss. few cases may show weight gain due to increased appetite.blurry vision : hyperosmolar hyperglycemia nonketotic syndrome is the condition when body fluid is pulled out of tissues including lenses of the eye, which affects its ability to focus, resulting blurry vision.irritability : it is a sign of high blood sugar because of the inefficient glucose supply to the brain and other body organs, which makes us feel tired and uneasy.infections : the body gives few signals whenever there is fluctuation in blood sugar (due to suppression of immune system) by frequent skin infections like fungal or bacterial or uti (urinary tract infection).poor wound healing : high blood sugar resists the flourishing of wbc, (white blood cells) which are responsible for body immune system. when these cells do not function accordingly, wound healing is not at good pace. secondly, long standing diabetes leads to thickening of blood vessels which affect proper circulation of blood in different body parts.
q : which parts of the body are affected by diabetes? if ignored?
effect of diabetes on blood and circulatory system: diabetes patients also exhibit a defective blood metabolism which is a result of excessive blood sugar. this results in severe hormonal imbalance and also leads to defective formation of various blood components. diabetes also results in poor blood circulation to various parts which may result in blurred vision, aching pain etc.
diabetes symptoms as autoimmune disorders: various skin, genito-urinary tract and respiratory complaints occur as a result of autoimmune infections. defective formation of various blood components like wbc's and platelets result in poor blood composition. this may result in complications like poor wound healing and easy susceptibility to injuries. few complications may arise if not annihilated at the earliest. they may result in blindness, cataract, gangrene, diabetic nephropathy, diabetic neuropathy, diabetic foot, etc.
q : how to know a person is having diabetes?
weight flactuation : factors like loss of water (polyuria), glucosuria , metabolism of body fat and protein may lead to weight loss. few cases may show weight gain due to increased appetite.
blurry vision : hyperosmolar hyperglycemia nonketotic syndrome is the condition when body fluid is pulled out of tissues including lenses of the eye, which affects its ability to focus, resulting blurry vision.
irritability : it is a sign of high blood sugar because of the inefficient glucose supply to the brain and other body organs, which makes us feel tired and uneasy.
infections : the body gives few signals whenever there is fluctuation in blood sugar (due to suppression of immune system) by frequent skin infections like fungal or bacterial or uti (urinary tract infection).
poor wound healing : high blood sugar resists the flourishing of wbc, (white blood cell) which are responsible for body immune system. when these cells do not function accordingly, wound healing is not at good pace. secondly, long standing diabetes leads to thickening of blood vessels which affect proper circulation of blood in different body parts.
q : can diabetes be cured?
diabetes is an insidious disease. in fact, moderately high levels of blood glucose (180-200 mgdl) produce no symptom and may go unnoticed for many months or even years. most patients with type 1 diabetes pass large volumes of urine, experience an increase in the frequency of urination, undue thirst and hunger, and rapid weight loss. these symptoms provide clues to the diagnosis of diabetes.
men and women with type-2 diabetes may not have the above symptoms. some of them may experience an increase in the frequency of urination and abnormal thirst. they may however feel tired, irritable, lack concentration at work, proneness to infection, delay in wound healing, intense itching and need for frequent change of eye glasses.
at the age of 45yrs or later, if you foresee the risk of developing diabetes, get your fasting blood glucose test, 2-hrs after a drink of 3.527 oz of glucose, at least once a year. blood glucose values of 200mgdl and higher would suggest the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus.
diabetes cannot be cured completely, but can be effectively controlled. people with diabetes can lead a healthy life if, their blood glucose level is under control. the decrease in life span of a diabetic is restored to normal by maintaining good blood glucose control (90-130 mgdl at fasting and with less than 180 mgdl 2hrs after meals).
sometimes, patients may not need any tabletinsulin or, even diet control to keep their blood glucose in control. this period is called honeymoon phase (in type-1 diabetes). the duration may vary from a few days to over six months. some patients mistake this for cure of diabetes.
q : what diet a person with diabetes should have?
fiber should be at least 1.4 oz daycinstead of 3 heavy meals, we should go for 4-5 small mid intervals replace bakery products and fast foods by simple whole cooked cereals, and don't eat carbohydrates 2 hours before bedtime consume fresh fruit and vegetables at least 5 exchange daydrink plenty of water
diabetics always need to take care of their diet and also about the food they eat. care has to be taken because all foods contain not only carbohydrate, but also some energy value. protein and fat available in the food are converted to glucose in the body. this glucose has some effect on the blood sugar level, which has to be taken care of. furthermore, you needn�t have to eat only the bland boring diet. instead, you can eat more fruits, vegetables and whole grains. all it means is that you need to select foods that are high in nutrition and low in calories.
q : what are herbal treatment for diabetes?
gluco care capsules of sriram herbalsis one of the finest medicines without any side effect to regulate blood sugar level.
q : what food should be avoided?
sugar : white sugar, honey, jaggery, cake, jelly, jam, icecream, pastries, canned juice, chocolates, pie, syrup, doughnuts, artificial sweeteners, cream and cookies foods should be avoided with diabetes. fried foods : don't fry foods instead bake, saute or boil in a pan. otherwise you can steam vegetables read labels : soy sauce, msg, brine contains a lot of sodium. always try to limit your sodium content.salad dressings : limit the use of dressings such as mustard, salad dressing, mayonnaise and avocado. they are high in sodium.cheeses : try to limit the use of cream cheese, butter, cottage cheese and margarine.refined flours : another important food to avoid with diabetes is refined flours. avoid pasta, white bread, all purpose flour (maida), pretzels, puffs, pizza and processed foods.fruits : fruits such as mango, grapes, custard apple, strawberry and prunes (dates) should be avoided to lower the blood sugar level.starchy vegetables : avoid starchy vegetables such as potatoes, parsnips, squash, and go easy with carrots, beans, peas and beet.fruit juices : limit the use of fruit juices. they are high in carbohydrates than fresh fruit. if you like fruit juices as a drink, then take 1 part of fruit juice with 3-4 parts of water.smoking and alcohol : should be avoided with diabetes.cut back on foods that are high in cholesterol such as egg yolks, high-fat meat, poultry, and high-fat dairy products.oils : avoid hydrogenated oils or partially hydrogenated oils. you can use canola or olive oil which is good for diabetes.other foods : olives, bacon, yam, dried fruits, junk foods and nuts (peanuts) should be avoided with diabetes. you can have some nuts rich in mono unsaturated fat such as almonds, pecans and walnuts.
q : what fruits can a diabetic person can eat ?
apple
arguably the most popular fruit, apples are sub-acid foods that have a rich perctin content and have proven rather beneficial to diabetes patients. pectin, one of the most potentâ components in apples, can be found in the rind and in the pulp, and acts as a detoxifier of the body by supplying an inordinate amount of galacrturonic acid. this helps remove harmful waste from the bloodstream and can lower a diabeticâ��s insulin requirements by up to or even more than 35%.
apples are also helpful for both depression and weight loss. apples are considered a negative calorie food, as it takes more calories to digest them than they provide to the body. they release certain chemicals into the body which helps with the synthesis of glutei acid, and controls the destruction of various nerve cells.
grapefruit
grapefruit is significantly less popular than the apple, but it is no less beneficial for diabetes patients. a citrus fruit with a unique favor, the grapefruit is wonderful for overall nutrition, and many physicians believe that the intake of grapefruit from an early age might significantly decrease the amount of diabetes cases in the world.
nutritionists and holistic healers recommend that anyone suffering from high blood sugar levels should be ingesting at least three servings of grapefruit each day. grapefruit can also be used as a preventative measure against high blood sugar levels, especially when used in conjunction with a low-fat, low-sugar, low-starch diet. individuals who do not currently have high blood sugar levels will experience a change in less than two weeks; diabetes patients should experience a change in no more than three months.
q : is diabetes an hereditary?
the first and foremost factor that answers 'is diabetes hereditary' concerns genes. genes are passed on from parents to their children. of these genes, when the child inherits the gene for type 1 diabetes, he or she may develop it at some point of their life. however, if these genes are absent, a person will not develop type 1 diabetes. in case of type 2 diabetes, there is no specific genetic pattern. therefore, the chances of developing diabetes depend on the number of people in your family with the condition. also, other types of genetic disorders, like down's syndrome, increase the risk of developing diabetes.
q : from what age a person will get diabetes?
the prevalence of diabetes increased with age and reached the peak at 70�89 years of age in chinese and japanese subjects but peaked at 60�69 years of age followed by a decline at the 70 years of age in indian subjects. at 30�79 years of age, the 10-year age-specific prevalence of diabetes was higher in indian than in chinese and japanese subjects. indian subjects also had a higher prevalence of igr in the younger age-groups (30�49 years) compared with that for chinese and japanese subjects. impaired glucose tolerance was more prevalent than impaired fasting glycemia in all asian populations studied for all age-groups.
indians had the highest prevalence of diabetes among asian countries. the age at which the peak prevalence of diabetes was reached was 10 years younger in indian compared with chinese and japanese subjects. diabetes and igr will be underestimated in asians based on the fasting glucose testing alone.
q : can herbs treat diabetes?
pterocarpus marsupium
pterocarpus marsupium, also known as indian kino, malabar kino, pitasara, venga, is a large deciduous tree, which commonly grows in western and southern parts of india and sri lanka. it has demonstrated ability to reduce the absorption of glucose from the gastrointestinal tract. it is also known to improve insulin and pro-insulin levels.
bitter melon (momordica charantia)
bitter melon, also known as balsam pear, bitter gourd, bitter cucumber, karela, and charantin, is cultivated widely in asia, east africa and south america. it has been extensively used as a folk medicine for treatment of diabetes. several compounds contained in bitter melon are known to account for its ability to lower the levels of sugar in the blood.
gymnema sylvestre
gymnema sylvestre, also known as gurmar, meshasringi and cherukurinja, is popular as �sugar destroyer�. the leaves of the plant are dried and pounded together with coriander fruit, and then the juice is extracted to be given orally for remedying diabetes. in india, the herb is primarily being used to treat type ii diabetes. it is also being found in over-the-counter weight loss products and blood sugar balancing formulas.
onion & garlic ( allium cepa & allium sativum)
onion and garlic have long been used by herbal practitioners to treat diabetes. experimental and clinical evidence suggests ample on the anti-diabetic properties of onion and garlic. garlic has an additional benefit i.e. it has positive cardiovascular effects. it is known to lower lipid levels and inhibit platelet aggregation. liberal use of onion is recommended for diabetic patients, while garlic is to be taken in moderate amounts.
fenugreek (trigonella foenum-graecum)
fenugreek is a crop plant that is grown as a pot herb. the habitat range of the plant extends from eastern mediterranean area to china. fenugreek is used as both an herb and a spice (seed). pre-clinical and clinical studies on the herb have indicated its anti-diabetic properties. the fiber-rich fraction of fenugreek seeds can help in lowering blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.
blueberry (vaccinium myrtillus)
blueberries are a natural remedy for regulating the blood sugar levels, whenever they are slightly elevated. researches on blueberries have come up with impressive results. they contain an active ingredient with an extraordinary ability to get rid of excessive sugar in the blood. they also work as a good astringent and help to relieve inflammation of the kidney, bladder and prostate.
asian ginseng
asian ginseng is commonly used by the traditional practitioners of chinese medicine, to treat diabetes. the herb has shown good results in enhancing the release of insulin from the pancreas and increasing the number of insulin receptors. the herb has a direct effect on lowering blood sugar levels. asian ginseng also helps in elevating mood and improves psycho-physiological performance.
q : how to regulate blood sugar levels?
the best choices are organic above-ground vegetables, as they are full of nutrition, yet less starchy and sweet than the below-ground vegetables. whole grains like brown rice, millet, quinoi etc. that have not been flaked or ground into flour are also healthy choices particularly for carbohydrate or mixed types. protein types tend to be very insulin sensitive and tend to gain weight on a diet high in grain, flour products like bread or pasta, below-ground vegetables and fruit. consuming some quality protein and fat along with the non-starchy vegetables and whole grain is also very helpful in slowing the sugar rush into the blood. the more starchy or sweet the meal or snack, the more quality protein and fat is needed to balance it, so eat smaller quantities so you are not over-eating in the calorie department. it is due to the problems of blood-sugar regulation that consuming products that contain straight sugar is such a problem for the body and should be avoided by everyone. alcohol creates an insulin response just as sugar does, so reducing alcohol consumption is also very important if you are trying to lose weight, avoid disease and improve your health.
q : home remedies for diabetes?
one of the best home remedies for diabetes is include bitter melon(karela) in your diet. for three months eat one dish made from bitter melon. this will help in keeping the blood glucose level in control.
fenugreek is also very effective in diabetes control. drink one cup of fenugreek juice every morning. also eating the seeds of fenugreek will help you in controlling the blood sugar level. this remedy is also very effective in bringing the glucose level down.
put some black raisins in water and keep it overnight. next day morning strain this water and drink the clear water solution. follow the same procedure for few days to get good results.
eating indian plum, tomatoes and oranges are also beneficial in controlling diabetes. taking these fruits in your diet in a limited quantity say about 300 grams on a daily basis will be very effective. take fenugreek, bitter melon and gooseberry(amla) all these three things together in equal proportion. dry them in sun for few days and then grind them into fine powder form. take this powder three times in a day. this will help you to control the diabetes if you will follow this for about a month and see the difference.
mix juices of raw mango and indian plum in equal amount and drink this about three times in a day. this remedy is very useful if you will drink these juices without fail for about one month. dry the bay leaves in sun for two days and then grind them into fine powder. take about five grams of this powder in a warm glass of water and drink this. do this for about ten days. this will surely help in controlling the glucose level of the blood.
q : which is the best herbal medicine can cure diabetes?
gluco care is one of the finest medicine without any side effect to regulate blood sugar level. the ingredients in the gluco care are listed below:
gymnema sylvestre
gymnema sylvestre, also known as gurmar, meshasringi and cherukurinja, is popular as �sugar destroyer�. the leaves of the plant are dried and pounded together with coriander fruit, and then the juice is extracted to be given orally for remedying diabetes. in india, the herb is primarily being used to treat type ii diabetes. it is also being found in over-the-counter weight loss products and blood sugar balancing formulas.
bitter melon (momordica charantia)
bitter melon, also known as balsam pear, bitter gourd, bitter cucumber, karela, and charantin, is cultivated widely in asia, east africa and south america. it has been extensively used as a folk medicine for treatment of diabetes. several compounds contained in bitter melon are known to account for its ability to lower the levels of sugar in the blood.
asparagus racemosus
asparagus racemosus (shatavari )is sweet and bitter in taste, sweet in the post digestive effect and has cold potency. it alleviates the vata and pitta doshas. it possesses heavy, unctuous and soft attributes.
commiphora mukul(gugullu)
is one of the most used ayurvedic herbs in ayurvedic medicine. it has multiple uses in its own capacity. more than fifty of herbal formulations are in wide use that has half the quantity of this herb and half the quantity of all the other herbs together.find the many benefits of commiphora mukul gum in the light of ancient ayurvedic texts and modern ayurvedic practitioners. all of these uses are based on practice by ayurvedic doctors. many of them are being validated by clinical research.
pterocarpus marsupium
pterocarpus marsupium, also known as indian kino, malabar kino, pitasara, venga, is a large deciduous tree, which commonly grows in western and southern parts of india and sri lanka. it has demonstrated ability to reduce the absorption of glucose from the gastrointestinal tract. it is also known to improve insulin and pro-insulin levels.
q : can a person lead a normal life if he is diabetes?
absolutely. you just have to develop some good habits around controlling your blood sugar. also, with exercise, always check your blood sugar before you exercise. the reason being that if it is to low it may go lower and if it is to high it could go higher. you can lead a relatively normal life, but there are some limitations and you have to take extra precautions before starting a lot of activities.
q : can a diabetic person have sexual inter course?
there is absolutely no problem. once can have a normal sexual life. but however diabetes may affect sexual functioning in several ways, but there are some things you may need to look out for:
menstruation
women may find that the menstrual cycle affects blood sugar. if you seem to be having trouble with control around the time of your menstrual period, keep careful records of your levels around that time of the month. look to see if there is a pattern. for example you may find that your blood sugar is higher than normal the week before your period. you may need to add extra exercise or avoid eating extra carbohydrates. you may talk to your doctor about adjusting your insulin or any other medication at this time.
lubrication
women with diabetes may be more prone to have problems with vaginal lubrication. you may also have trouble with sexual response because of nerve damage. there are some medications that can also affect sexual response.
impotence
having impotence is the consistent inability to sustain an erection enough to engage in sexual intercourse. many men have impotence problems at some point during their lives, especially in their 50's, 60's and older. for men with diabetes, these problems can arrive 10 to 15 years earlier than for men without diabetes. some estimates place the incidence of diabetes-related impotence in men at more than 40 percent.â sometimes nerve disease related to diabetes causes impotence. when nerves are damaged, as can happen with the condition, the flow of blood to the may be lessened and so an erection can't occur. blood vessel damage can also cause impotence.
q : is diabetes a transmitted diseases?
no it is not transmitted
q : if i am diabetic, will my wife get diabetic?
nothing to worry. she would not get.
q : can a diabetic person can consume liquor?
the answer is yes, but in moderation. when alcohol is consumed, the liver works hard to remove the excess alcohol from your blood. because the liver is working on managing the excess alcohol in your blood, the liver's ability to release or produce glucose decreases, causing hypoglycemia. taking insulin and other diabetic medications that stimulate the pancreas to produce more insulin may further increase the risk for hypoglycemia if alcohol is consumed. make sure to consult with you physician before drinking any type of alcohol, especially if you are on medications.