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Posts Tagged ‘Diabetes’

Modulation of Insulin Secretion

May 21st, 2013 No comments

Ginseng might mediate its antidiabetic action through a variety of mechanisms, including actions on the insulin-secreting pancreatic β-cells and the target tissues that take up glucose. Korean white ginseng (KWG) and KRG, one of the heat-processed Korean ginsengs, have a long history as herbal remedies with antidiabetic effects. KWG has been reported to stimulate glucose-induced insulin release from pancreatic islets as a potentiator. The mode of the insulinotropic action of KRG was to act as an initiator for insulin release, not in a glucose-dependent manner. In general, the heat-processed KRG has been reported to have more potent pharmacological activities than nonprocessed KWG.

KRG significantly evoked a stimulation of insulin release in normal pancreatic rat islets and may act by inhibiting the KATP channel, thereby depolarizing the β-cells and stimulating Ca2+ influx. These findings suggest that P. ginseng has beneficial effects in the treatment of diabetes at least in part via the stimulation of insulin release. Antihyperglycemic and antiobese effects of P. ginseng berry extract have been observed; its major constituent is ginsenoside Re. Ginsenoside Rg3 enhanced glucose-stimulated insulin secretion  and was further metabolized to ginsenoside Rh2 by human intestinal bacteria, which seems to be more effective. Intravenous injection of ginsenoside Rh2 into rats decreased plasma glucose and increased plasma insulin by activation of muscarinic M3 receptors in pancreatic β-cells via acetylcholine (ACH) release from cholinergic terminals. PPD ginsenoside potentiated an insulin secretion stimulated by a low concentration of glucose, and C-K, a final metabolite of PPD ginsenoside, showed the most potent insulin secretion in pancreatic β-cells through action on the KATP-channeldependent pathway.

These observations were confirmed in an oral glucose tolerance test in ICR mice. In db/db mice, multiple administration of C-K showed hypoglycemic effects and improved glucose tolerance with β-cell preservation. Both Rh2 and C-K appear to have some therapeutic value for the treatment of diabetes and might be useful candidates for the development of new antidiabetic drugs.

Identifying the Different Forms of Herbal Medicine

May 14th, 2013 No comments

Although there are a lot of positive things to be said when it comes to herbal medicine, is still an undeniable fact however that what we proof we have is not yet enough to make taking herbal medicine completely safe.

Hence, when you’re about to try out herbal medicine please make sure to check with your doctor first if what you’re doing wouldn’t be harmful to your body. Secondly, it’s better to be able to identify the different forms of herbal medicine so you’d know if what you’re taking is the real thing or not.

  • Essence – This is also one of the most popular forms that herbal medicine takes. Herbs in essential oils are processed through cold pressing or steam distillation. This form of herbal medicine is popular because a lot of people prefer to enjoy massages with the use of essential oils because it supposedly helps them relax more easily.
  • Pills and Capsules – People who violently resist the idea of taking herbal medicine in its raw form may find other products of herbal medicine in the form of pills and capsules. Herbal medicine is ground into powder to take this particular form. Usually, with this form of herbal medicine, the medicinal purpose is general and not meant to be a specific cure. Ampalaya capsules, for example, are taken simply to help improve your diabetes.
  • Infusions – This process involves the delicate parts of a plant like its leaves, seeds and fruits. The process simply takes several minutes to finish.
  • Poultice – There are some situations that require patients to take herbal medicine in the form of poultice. In this case, the herbs are macerated or chopped into tiny pieces and are then directly applied to the skin. After this, a hot, moist bandage is used to cover the area.
  • Raw – It’s like going back to the primitive past when you’re required to take this particular form of herbal medicine. Not only is the process somewhat undesirable, the taste of it leaves nothing to be desired as well. Many healthcare professionals, however, advise people to steep these raw herbs into tea because it’s said to release its healing powers effectively.
  • Tinctures – Herbal medicine in liquid form.
  • Decoctions – This process involves the extraction of certain parts of a plant like the berries, roots and herb-bark. This process usually takes 45 minutes till an hour and a half.

And now that we’re done with the list of forms of herbal medicine, we do hope that you benefit greatly from whatever herbal medicine product you’re taking!

    Epidemiology of Erectile Dysfunction and Key Risk Factors Part 2

    July 14th, 2012 No comments

    The role of medical comorbidities and risk factors has been shown to be increasingly important. Findings from multiple epidemiological studies have also shown convincingly that ED impacts mood state, interpersonal functioning, and overall quality of life (2–8). ED is associated with a wide range of psychosocial consequences and risk factors, such as decreased quality of life (QoL), poor self-esteem and increased incidence of depression and interpersonal relationship problems. Numerous studies have demonstrated that ED can undermine a man’s QoL; for example, Jønler et al.have shown that patients with the loss of erectile function within the past year had significantly lower QoL than men without ED. Similarly, in other recent studies, men with a complaint of ED had poorer QoL than age-matched men from the general population. QoL was also shown to be impaired in men with ED and diabetes who showed significantly higher levels of diabetes-specific health distress, worse psychological adaptation to and acceptance of diabetes, and a less satisfactory sexual life.

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    Moreover, these men were more easily frustrated and discouraged by their diabetes, which translated into worse metabolic control and higher levels of depressive symptoms. Although not a life-threatening condition, ED is thought to have a profound effect on the quality of life of aging men. Moreover, ED is viewed increasingly as a harbinger or signal of future cardiovascular events. The role of comorbidities has been recognized since the MMAS and other early epidemiologic findings. Among the major comorbidities and risk factors for ED are diabetes, depression, and cardiovascular disease.

    This classic trio of risk factors has been implicated in multiple epidemiologic studies, across multiple populations and research settings. Medications for diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and depression may also cause erectile difficulties. In addition, there is a substantially higher prevalence of erectile dysfunction among men who have undergone radiation or surgery for prostate cancer, or who have a lower spinal cord injury or other neurological diseases (e.g., Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis). Life style factors, including smoking, alcohol consumption, and sedentary behavior are additional risk factors. Despite its increasing prevalence among older men, erectile dysfunction is not considered a normal or inevitable part of the aging process. It is rarely (in fewer than 5% of cases) due to aging-related hypogonadism, although the relationship between erectile dysfunction and age-related declines in androgen remains controversial.

    Diabetic Complications: Early Detection Is Key

    January 10th, 2012 No comments
    Diabetes mellitus is a health condition that occurs because of disruption in the use and production of insulin. When insulin is not in proper balance, high blood sugar levels result. High blood sugar levels can affect almost all of the systems of the body. This is why the main goal of treatment is to decrease blood glucose readings to prevent diabetic complications.
    diabetic complications

    There are many different complications of diabetes such as:

    1. Cardiovascular Disease: The leading cause of death among diabetics is heart disease. This is why one of the main treatment goals for diabetic patients is to lower blood pressure levels. Blood pressure goals for diabetics are lower than for the general population. Blood pressure should be maintained at 130/80 for diabetic patients. In addition, cholesterol should be checked routinely to reduce the risk of formation of plaques in the arteries. Patients with high cholesterol should be started on lifestyle changes and statin therapy with a goal to reduce LDL to below 100 mg/dl.

    2. Chronic Kidney Disease: Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney transplant and dialysis. Over time, high blood sugar levels stress the kidney and causes damage that is not reversible. Patient are often put on medications to help protect the kidneys. Kidney function should be checked yearly with both blood and urine testing.

    3. Eye Disease: It should not be surprising that diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of adult blindness. Every patient with diabetes should be checked yearly with a complete eye exam to check for changes in the blood vessels of the eyes. These exams should start at diagnosis in type 2 diabetics and at age 10 in type 1 diabetics.

    4. Nerve Damage: Elevated glucose also affects the nerves throughout the body including the nerves that are needed for regulatory processes and sensation. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is extremely common and is characterized by numbness and loss of sensation in the hands and feet.

    5. Foot Problems: Foot complications are a large cause of morbidity among diabetic patients. People with diabetes are at high risk for infections and amputations of the feet because of poor circulation and poor sensation.

    There are many different complications of diabetes and preventing them is not easy. Strict glucose control is necessary to reduce the risk of progression of diabetic complications. It is also important that patients have routine screening tests done to detect damage to the organ systems early. Through these methods it is possible to reduce complications of diabetes and enhance the lives of diabetic patients.

    Positive Steps For a Difficult Disease

    June 15th, 2010 No comments

    It comes as no surprise that diabetes is becoming an epidemic in our society. Obesity, stress, lack of exercise and poor eating habits are prime risk factors for the disease, and these are also epidemic in proportions. The question is what can you do to mitigate your risks? A lot.

    There are two types of this medical condition. Type one is an auto-immune disorder. There is little that can be done to prevent this problem, so I will be talking to you about type two, which used to be referred to as adult onset. As more and more children are being diagnosed, the name change makes it less confusing.

    Diet: It might be a good idea to sit down and think about what you have consumed in the last twenty-four hours. Many of us might be a bit embarrassed if we had to admit it. A quick donut for breakfast, grab a burger off the lunch truck and then come home to dinner. If you’re in a family where both parents work, dinner is going to be quick, simple and full of calories, fat, cholesterol and sodium.

    If you aren’t in the above group, you are one step closer to avoiding diabetes. Diet is extremely important in both prevention and management, and not just from the weight department. Here is where this will differ from other articles. Instead of telling you what you can’t have, I will give examples of things you can eat that will be helpful.

    Complex Carbohydrates: Granting carbs are responsible for a rise in blood sugar, they shouldn’t be avoided altogether. Whole grains are a good example. Whole wheat, brown rice and other grain products can help you feel full sooner and for a longer period of time than simple carbohydrates. They also provide fiber, which helps keep your digestive tract in good working order.

    Lean Protein: Boneless/skinless chicken breast, turkey breast and loin cuts of beef and pork can be very beneficial. The portion amount should be about the size of a deck of cards…not the twelve ounce cuts we’re more used to. Lean protein can also aid in making you feel satisfied. It can also help your body produce hormones needed for a healthy life.

    Exercise: Even if you have complications such as diabetic neuropathy, exercise can be beneficial. Not only does it help reduce weight, it boosts your metabolism and can help improve your mood. It is a good idea to talk to your doctor about the type of exercise best for you, and how to gradually build up your strength.

    Stress: This is a big factor in many medical conditions, both on its own and in our natural reactions to it. It’s very easy to turn to comfort foods when we’re stressed, and that usually isn’t the most healthy choice. However, there are a couple of ways you can actively decrease stress and your risks of its continued presence.

    Deep Breathing: Most of us only use the top ten percent of our lungs…we’re lazy breathers. Stress makes us even more likely to fit in that category, and it can have a snowball effect. When you notice you’re stressed out, take a few minutes to do some deep breathing. Totally empty your lungs, then fill them as much as you can. Do this five times. You may notice by the third or fourth repetition that you can actually empty and fill your lungs much further. This is ideal.

    Imaging: Some call it meditation, others call it prayer, I think of it as a cross between the two. I picture myself in the 23rd Psalm. I feel the green pasture, I hear the still water, I see the Good Shepherd. If I am dealing with a particular problem that is causing the stress, I talk to the Shepherd. It is a tremendous help, usually even more than herbs or medications.

    Herbal Remedies: Lavender, chamomile, jasmine and passionflower are all gently relaxing. They can be mixed, used individually or all together. Lavender and chamomile also make excellent aromatherapy. Don’t drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how they will affect you.

    It’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor when trying a different approach to an illness like diabetes. This is especially true if you use herbal remedies, as some can interfere with medications. Give a complete list of everything you take from prescriptions to vitamin tablets to make sure there will be not problems.

    Categories: Diabetes Tags: ,

    Vitamin D For Type 2 Diabetes

    June 11th, 2010 No comments

    Many commentators on natural health and healing claim that taking supplemental vitamin D may do type 2 diabetics just as much good as the leading diabetes drug that actually works, metformin. Vitamin D is becoming the go-to remedy for a wide range of health conditions ranging from osteoporosis to breast cancer to heart disease. This sunshine vitamin that was once only thought to treat rickets… is now believed to have profound benefits in almost all aspects of human health.

    As for the real benefits of vitamin D for type 2 diabetes, the original research was conducted in the 1980′s in Sweden. Fair-skinned Scandinavian men with type 2 diabetes were found to get better control over their blood sugar levels when given vitamin D supplements, but only if their vitamin D levels were already deficient. In a northerly location like Sweden, vitamin D deficiency has always been a problem. Type 2 diabetic men in the study who already had adequate levels of vitamin D, did not get a similar benefit, although their blood pressure levels went down slightly.

    In 2010, scientists now know that people with different skin tones have different requirements for vitamin D. Persons of African or Australian aboriginal descent for instance, need less vitamin D than people from Iceland or Greenland. Giving people with black skin color supplemental vitamin D, can have the unwelcome side effect of storing calcium in the cholesterol plaques that may have formed in the linings of their arteries. For African-Americans and descendants of native Australian peoples, supplemental vitamin D may lower blood sugars but cause atherosclerosis.

    If you have dark skin tones, it is best you take no more than 400 IU of vitamin D a day, even if you are on temporary assignment to Antarctica. People with dark skin tones usually also have genes that make vitamin D work very efficiently. If you have dark skin, only take vitamin D supplements when you don’t have any opportunity to get outdoors in the daytime at all, three days a week or more.

    About Vitamin D:

    Vitamin D is produced as a result of your skin being exposed to sunlight… it helps you to absorb calcium amongst other things. It is usually a good idea to spend 15 to 20 minutes daily outside. If you are able to do this, usually you do not need to take supplementation.

    Another method to absorb vitamin D is through nutrition… vitamin D deficiency also results partly from poor nutrition. This is one of the challenges for people with type 2 diabetes.

    Food sources include:

    • milk
    • juices fortified with vitamin D
    • soy milk, for example Silk
    • certain fortified cereals, for example Kix and Kellogg’s low-fat granola with raisins

    Vitamin D strengthens bones and helps prevent osteoporosis: might lower the risk of colon cancer, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis. A study from Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis, Missouri found that vitamin D also played a part in the prevention of cholesterol buildup.
    Maintaining a good supply of vitamin D will help in preventing those long-term complications that accompany type 2 diabetes.

    Auto Immune Reaction in Diabetes Type 1

    June 4th, 2010 No comments

    Diabetes type 1 is typified by obliteration of pancreatic beta unit. It is notion that joint genetic, immunologic, and probably environmental factors supply in beta unit obliteration. Even though the event who leads to beta cell obliteration is not completely understood, it is normally established that a genetic vulnerability is a frequent underlying issue in the growth of type 1 diabetes. People don’t accede to type1 diabetes by him self; to a certain extent, they accede to a genetic inclination, or tendency, en route for budding type1 diabetes. This genetic propensity formerly found to people with definite human leukocyte antigen kind, it refer to a bunch of genes liable in transplantation antigens or other immune procedures. Immune-intervened diabetes normally develops through infancy and adolescence; however it may occur at every age.

    There is in addition proof of an autoimmune reaction in diabetes type 1. This is an irregular reaction where antibodies are bounded against usual tissues of body, reacting in these tissues claiming they are foreign. Auto antibodies beside islet cells and aligned with internal insulin has been perceived in people in the time of analysis an even numerous years ahead of the development in clinical symptoms of diabetes type 1. In additional to heritable and immunologic mechanism, environmental issues, either viruses or toxins, which can initiate obliteration of the beta unit, are being examined.

    Despite from the precise etiology, the destruction in the beta cells fallout in declined insulin production, unrestrained glucose manufacture by the liver and quicking hyperglycemia. Moreover glucose derivative from the food which cannot be stored in liver but as a substitute residue to the blood torrent and donates to after meals. If the absorptions of the glucose blood surpass the renal doorsill for glucose frequently 180 -200mg/, the kidneys cannot presoak up all of the clean glucose; the sugar or glucose which appears in urine (glucosuria).

    When glut glucose was exerted in urine, it is escorted by excessive thrashing of liquid and electrolytes. It is named osmotic dieresis. Since insulin usually restrains glycogenolysis or the crashing of stored glucose and fabrication of old glucose in amino acids and extra substance or named as gluconeogenesis, in people who has lack of insulin, these courses occur in an abandoned fashion and donate more to hyperglycemia. As well, fat smash down occur, ensuing in an amplified production in ketone bodies that are the side-effect of fat failure.

    Symptoms

    These indications frequently emerge more than a few days-weeks. At times people observe sign after an infirmity, such as the cold.

    • Being very dehydrated.
    • Too much urination.
    • Losing mass without trying.
    • Being starved than normal (sometimes).

    Diagnosis

    • The doctor does physical test and may ask question regarding on your health history. The person’s sugar (glucose) can be measure via blood test.
    • A doctor asks question about the person’s health and does a physical exam. A blood test measures the person’s glucose.
    • Some people are diagnosed with type 1 diabetes because they have symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis.

    Treatment

    Treatment for type 1 diabetes hubs on remains blood sugar (glucose) levels as close in the common range as much as possible. An individual with type 1 diabetes requires to:

    • Daily inject insulin.
    • Restrict the food intakes especially carbohydrates.
    • Monitor blood sugar (glucose) level numerous times a day.
    • Obtain regular exercise.

    The parents got the liability to control the blood sugar when their small child obtains diabetes. He/she can get over to the diabetes care as the child grows up.

    Prevention

    There is no method to avoid diabetes type1. But crams are being complete to discover ways to put off or else delay diabetes to people who were most likely to obtain it. Tight control of glucose or blood sugar can aid people with type 1 diabetes avoid or delay troubles with their kidneys, eyes, blood vessels, heart, and nerves.

    Diabetes Information

    May 31st, 2010 No comments

    Getting sick is such a burden. Thinking about hospital bills, maintenance medications, follow-up check-ups, physical therapies give us a terrible headache. There are some individuals who are not able to benefit from the different health care services being offered by the hospitals due to poverty and racial discrimination. Poor people especially the indigent just simply rely on herbs and from the free medicines given by the government. It is best that the government will give much attention with regards to the availability and accessibility of health care services to poor individuals.

    There are just so many diseases in the world that we can acquire genetically or through close contact with the virus or bacteria. Hereditary diseases are difficult to avoid. Why? Because when your ancestors have the disease, it can be passed on to the next family generations. You can never escape that disease if it runs in the family’s blood. If there are hereditary diseases in the family, better that you perform early detection that way you will know the necessary interventions and measures to treat the disease.

    One very common genetically acquired disease is diabetes mellitus. Diabetes mellitus is a disorder affecting the biochemical reactions of the body and having a tendency for developing above normal levels of sugar in the blood. Medically, the disorder is characterized as hyperglycaemic glycosuria. Hyperglycaemic means that the blood sugar is elevated while glycosuria means that glucose is present in the urine.

    The greek word diabetes which means siphon refers to the excessive urination. While the latin word mellitus means honey sweet this refers to sugar-sweet urine. Diabetes mellitus is a disease occurring in almost any parts of the world. It affects all races and even all age groups.

    The most common signs and symptoms of diabetes mellitus include that of weight loss, excessive urination, thirst and extreme hunger. If not corrected, this may lead to several complications and will eventually lead to early death.

    It is important that we know the normal blood sugar levels that way we can determine if the blood sugar reading that we have is below or above normal. The normal fasting blood sugar level is 70-100mg/dl. If the test is done without fasting, the normal reading is 70-140mg/dl. Any reading above 140mg/dl is called hyperglycemia and any blood sugar reading below 70mg/dl is named as hypoglycemia. Hyperglycemia blood sugar levels are determined though taking a blood sample. Few drops of blood is enough to determine whether an individual sugar is at high range.

    The diabetes treatment depends upon the type of diabetes that you have. There is the insulin dependent type, noninsulin dependent diabetes mellitus and the gestational diabetes. From the name itself, insulin dependent which means insulin injections are needed to sustain life whereas noninsulin dependent which means that exercise, oral medications and a strict diabetic diet is needed to control the disease. Gestational diabetes is the type of diabetes which occurs during pregnancy. Exercise and diabetic diet needs to be observed and maintained.

    Diabetes is a very serious disease that should be given attention. Since it is hereditary, early detection must be made in a much earlier time so as to provide treatment and implement interventions.

    Categories: Diabetes Tags: ,

    Solid Care Plan

    May 8th, 2010 No comments

    If you’ve been told you have diabetes, you may feel frightened at first or angry that this happened to you. While this is a normal reaction to such news, it’s important that you begin to take a proactive approach as soon as possible. This means it’s time to drop the fear and doubt and learn what you can really do about your diabetes. Managing your diabetes starts today with a solid care plan to help you live with the condition.

    First, it’s important to understand what type of diabetes you have because this will affect the treatment and management plan that you take on. There are two main types of diabetes- type 1 and type 2. Your doctor should have told you when you were diagnosed which type you are. Both types of diabetes affect your ability to produce and use insulin in the body.

    Insulin is the hormone that controls glucose (sugar) in the body. We all need glucose of healthy levels but diabetes causes a build-up of sugar in the blood and will leave your cells lacking for the fuel they need for normal function. High blood sugar levels can also do permanent damage over time to the:

    • Blood vessels
    • Eyes
    • Nerves
    • Heart
    • Kidneys

    In type 1 diabetes, your body does not make insulin as it should. This means that you will need to give your body insulin through shots or an insulin pump. With type 2 diabetes, either your body does not produce the insulin or it does not process it properly. This is usually treated with medications in the form of pills but might also require shots or insulin as well.

    Here are some additional steps to a solid care plan for managing your diabetes:

    1. Follow all instructions from your doctor properly.
    2. Take medications or insulin as instructed.
    3. Eat at the same time every day or as close to it as you can.
    4. Avoid overeating.
    5. Drink water and avoid sugary drinks.
    6. Maintain a healthy weight.
    7. Learn about new ways to cook healthy foods.
    8. Limit your intake of sweets and fatty foods.
    9. Boost your activity levels.
    10. Know your goal blood sugar levels and check them regularly to ensure you are on target.

    When you take a proactive approach towards your diabetes, you can manage it daily and live a healthy life. In some cases, you can also reverse the severity of your diabetes as well as the damage it has already done in your body. Diabetes doesn’t have to rule your life. You can take control today for a better, healthier tomorrow.

    Categories: Diabetes Tags: ,

    Diabetes and Diet

    May 2nd, 2010 No comments

    Diabetes is a fatal killer. In the US alone it kills 200,000 people every year and adds to its list 1 million people diagnosed annually. Reading between these grim statistics is the suffering diabetes can cause to people and their families. Diabetes will not kill you fast and easy. It will disintegrate your system slowly and will let you suffer to the very end of your limits. But this scenario should not be a default reality. Not if you can help it. Diabetes is a preventable disease and knowing the story behind the development of the disease can help you a lot in making wise choices in your lifestyle. Diabetes can also be controlled and managed. If you already have it, there are ways to live with it. In the center of the many things that goes on with this disease is the fact that anybody would hate to admit. Diabetes and diet are an inseparable duo. If you eat in reckless abandon without thinking about the possible consequences, then you are paving the way for diabetes to make a grand entrance in your life.

    So what about your diet? There are three things you need to think about. One is wise food choices; two is the volume of your food intake and three, the frequency of your eating throughout the day. One of the most popular fallacies in diet advises for diabetes is that to prevent or control diabetes, you cannot eat ALL the good food you enjoy and there will be no room for your sweet tooth cravings. This is carrying the truth too far and out of bounds. To prevent diabetes you do not have to stop “enjoying” good food, you just have to be wise and do everything in moderation.

    What can you eat? Get away from too much simple sugar as in the case of very sweet fruits. Take everything in moderation. You can also go for brown rice instead of the white variety. You can still have breads but make sure your bread has complex carbohydrates in them, as in the case of whole wheat bread. And never forget about vegetables in your daily intake. Vegetables are rich in vitamins and minerals and it has considerable amount of fiber content. Fiber is good for diabetes as it can help you clean your digestive track and make sugar absorption better. Fiber can also make you full longer and faster, thus letting you lose some weight overtime. Weight control is an integral part of diabetes prevention.

    Diabetes is not the end of the line for you. Even in the midst of it life can still be good. Vigilance and discipline is key in making sure you can live a long, quality life even with diabetes. If you do not want to get restricted in any way, make diet changes before diabetes. Prevention is always better than cure.

    Categories: Diabetes Tags: ,