Cinnamon – does it help combat diabetes?

Cinnamon has been around for a very long time and is one of the oldest spices known from ancient times. It was recognized for its apparent medicinal properties by peoples of ancient Egypt, China and other Asian communities.

This article discusses some differing opinions on the use of cinnamon.

Positive Comments from The American Diabetes Association

In The American Diabetes Association’s booklet 101 Tips on Nutrition for People with Diabetes, published in 2006, some positive comments are made about the dietary inclusion of a small daily amount of cinnamon that, in a clinical research study, showed a lowering of fasting blood glucose levels after 40 days of use.

The amount used each day for 40 days was equivalent to about a half teaspoonful in the form of a ground up powder of Cassia Cinnamon. The study also showed similar lowering effects on total cholesterol, LDL (low density lipoprotein), and triglycerides. And the lowering effects continued even when the cinnamon was stopped for the following 20 days, leading to the conclusion that cinnamon may have long-lasting benefits.

The positive write-up in the ADA booklet is based on research published in the journal Diabetes Care in 2003.

And some less positive from other sources

However, two subsequent studies, one in 2006 and another one in 2008, were not able to achieve the same results. Also, in 2008, appearing in the journal Diabetes Care, a further study was published of a meta-analysis of cinnamon, a meta-analysis is an analysis of a compilation of all the published data from controlled human studies involving cinnamon. The conclusion of this study was that cinnamon was not shown to have a beneficial affect for either type 1 or type 2 patients.

In a December 2008 report, published by Diabetes Health, which made reference to and summarized the above-mentioned cinnamon studies the conclusion was that cinnamon should not be recommended for use at this time, but should be avoided until more data is available and safety concerns have been addressed.

Apparently, no opinion has been offered for the contradictory study outcomes but the thought occurs to me to ask whether the same type of cinnamon was used in the later studies as was used in the 2003 study that so emphatically announced positive conclusions. There are four species of cinnamon that have differing botanical constituents with perhaps different properties, referred to in part below.

Cassia, used in the first above-mentioned study of 2003, is native to Myanamar (formerly Burma) and is produced mainly in China, Vietnam, and Indonesia. Although of the same plant family, it is different from the so-called true cinnamon that grows in Sri Lanka, southern India, Madagascar, Brazil, and the Caribbean.

For instance, cassia differs in having about a ten times higher content of a compound, called coumarin, than does true cinnamon which has only an insignificant amount. Coumarin, is mildly toxic and if ingested in high concentrations, can cause liver and kidney damage and inflammation, and even relatively small amounts of coumarin can damage, at least temporarily, the livers of individuals who are extra sensitive.

What constitutes a high concentration of coumarin is not precisely defined but The German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment has established a Tolerable Daily Intake of 0.1 mg of coumarin per kg body weight, and also advises that, if this level is exceeded for a short time only, there is no threat to health. For example, a person weighing 135 lbs or about 61 kg would have a Tolerable Daily Intake of approximately 6.1 mg of coumarin.

Coumarin, which can also be found in several other plants, has blood-thinning properties and is used medically to reduce the blood’s ability to clot so that property should be taken into consideration if a person is already using anticoagulants. Federal authorities in Germany have called for cinnamon dietary supplements, that in their country carry health claims to reduce blood sugar and help control type-2 diabetes, to be classed as ‘medicinal products’, and should be regulated as such.

More opinions that claim beneficial effects of cinnamon

The findings of a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, June 2007, provides more indications that active compounds in cinnamon may improve glucose levels of people with diabetes.

According to the lead author of the study, Joanna Hlebowicz from Malmo University Hospital, University of Lund, Sweden, who states that “Inclusion of cinnamon in the diet lowers the postprandial glucose response, a change that is at least partially explained by a delayed gastric emptying rate.”

The researchers measured the rate of stomach emptying (gastric emptying rate) in 14 healthy subjects with normal fasting blood glucose levels after consuming either 300 grams of rice pudding or 300 grams of rice pudding plus 6 grams of cinnamon.

The Swedish researchers report that addition of cinnamon to the rice pudding reduced gastric emptying from 37 to 34.5 per cent, and also delayed the rise in blood glucose levels after eating. No effect of cinnamon was found on the state of being satiated.

Also in a study with rats:

A placebo-controlled, double-blind study published in 2006 in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition, reported that cinnamon and a cinnamon extract called Cinnulin PF, could reduce blood pressure in spontaneously hypertensive rats.

Maybe readers to this post have tried cinnamon or are now using it, if so, it would be nice to have their input and hear what they think.

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Note about Cassia:

The presence of this moderately toxic component has prompted European health agencies to issue a warning against consuming large amounts of cassia. The amount considered high is not specified but according to the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment in Germany, 2 milligrams of coumarin per kilogram of food is considered a safe amount to consume.

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By: HR January 31, 2010

Hemp Seeds

This article is one of a series describing particular supplementary food items that are thought to be effective in lowering blood glucose as well as providing other health and nutrition related benefits.

Diabetes is a deadly disease. Diabetes claims more lives yearly than AIDS and breast cancer combined. People diagnosed with diabetes should eat a balanced diet, with decreased sugar and salt consumption, and low in saturated and trans fat. If you are currently following a diabetes-friendly diet but still need an extra boost when it comes to controlling your blood sugar, then you should look into incorporating hemp seed into your meals.

What is Hemp Seed?

Hemp seed is a little-known power food that can benefit everyone, especially people who are diagnosed with diabetes. Studies show that the consumption of Omega 3, and Omega 6 essential fatty acids can be helpful in treating diabetes. Hemp seeds are a great way to incorporate Omega 3 and Omega 6 into your diet. Hemp seeds are a great source of pure digestible protein (33%) without the worry of consuming unnecessary fats.

The nature of diabetes is such that the symptoms can cause an essential fatty acid deficiency in the body. A person may even experience numbness or tingling in the lower extremities because of this deficiency. Studies show that consuming the equivalent of three tablespoons of hemp seed oil can help alleviate those symptoms.

How to Add Hemp Seeds to Your Diet

Many foods on grocery store shelves already contain hemp seed. Salad dressings, nutrition bars, breads, cookies, granola, and even some frozen desserts can contain this super-food. Natural food stores sell hemp oil and flour and seeds that you can incorporate into many of the foods you already eat. It is recommended that you consume three to four teaspoons per day to reap the full benefit of hemp seeds.

You can blend hemp seeds with fruit and ice for a natural smoothie or bake it in homemade breads. Hemp seeds are a great alternative to pine nuts in stir-fry’s and have a similar flavor. You can use hemp seed flour as a substitute in baking or use the natural oil to toss a salad.

All foods that are currently on your diabetic food list can be improved nutritionally by the addition of hemp seeds. You can make your own diabetes foods from healthful recipes. There is no need to buy overpriced products or packaged foods labeled “dietetic.” These foods may still raise blood sugar levels and in many cases can have a laxative effect.

When you hear the word hemp it is understandable that it might bring to mind thoughts of pot smokers and such but the hemp seeds used as a food item are from a related plant to cannabis but definitely not the same plant. So there is no reason to worry about psychotropic effects from consuming hemp seeds. Hemp seeds, or products made from them, do not contain THC, which is the substance in the cannabis plant itself. Hemp seed is considered safe but be sure to check with your doctor before adding them to your treatment plan.

Hemp seeds are rich in an easily digestible form of all of the amino acids and fatty acids essential to the human body and are considered to be an excellent substitute for meat protein in the meat free meals of vegetarians or for those on a diet.

Because evidence suggests that an insufficient intake of Omega 3 can contribute to the development of diabetes, everyone should be mindful of what they eat and make sure to incorporate plenty of Omega 3 fatty acids. Adding hemp seeds to your diet is a good way to add Omega 3s to your diet.

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By: HR January 31, 2010

Fenugreek

Diabetes, a disease requiring constant monitoring and careful management involving diet and exercise to control glucose levels. Diabetes is a progressive disease, meaning it tends to worsen over time, and that is difficult to control but you can control what you eat. The inclusion of the right food item in your diabetic food list can help in your efforts to maintain low blood glucose and that can help you better manage your diabetes.

This article is one of a series describing particular supplementary food items that are thought to be effective in lowering blood glucose as well as providing other health and nutrition related benefits.

Fenugreek

Long known as a remedy, fenugreek was used by ancient Greek and Roman, Indian and other south Asian herbalists to treat diabetes. Modern research has shown that fenugreek seeds lower blood glucose, and reduce cholesterol and triglycerides. Flax seeds are one of the diabetes foods that can help heal the body and lower blood glucose.

Fenugreek is a spice and herbal preparation that comes from the seeds of a plant found in North Africa and India. As part of the legume family, this seed has long been known as a substance that is helpful for skin irritations and as a laxative. Recently, fenugreek has been used as a diabetes food with some success.

Fenugreek and Diabetes

Fenugreek seeds contain alkaloids, fiber, and several other things that may help slow down the absorption of carbohydrates. This is good news for those with diabetes. It is believed that fenugreek may also improve the body’s ability to utilize glucose by increasing the sensitivity of cell receptors to the insulin that works to conduct the glucose into the cells.

There haven’t been many studies done on the effects of fenugreek on diabetes, but the ones that have been done show potential. In one study, those who took fenugreek had a lowered fasting glucose level. Although studies are few, the results have been promising. If you plan a weekly diabetes food menu, you may want to add fenugreek to the food list.

Other Benefits of Fenugreek
Although you may wish you use fenugreek primarily as a way to improve your glucose levels, fenugreek offers other benefits as well. Several studies have linked fenugreek to lower cholesterol, better liver health, and cardiovascular health. Because diabetes sometimes comes with other diseases such as heart disease, it may be beneficial to use fenugreek to help combat those problems as well.

How to Use Fenugreek

Fenugreek can be used in several ways. One of the simplest ways to add fenugreek to your diet is to take it as a supplement in capsule form. This way you don’t have to worry about adding it to food or changing your diet. However, be aware that in capsule form, fenugreek has a higher possibility of causing unwanted side effects.

Fenugreek can also be found in special teas. It can also be used as a spice in meals. You can try sprinkling ground fenugreek on grilled vegetables, in beef stew, or you can find a Mediterranean or Indian recipe that specifically calls for fenugreek. Be careful not to overdo it, though, as too much fenugreek can create a bitter taste.

Fenugreek Side Effects

Fenugreek can be a great tool to add to your diabetes management routine, but you do need to be aware that it can have a few side effects. Some people have noted some gastrointestinal issues when using fenugreek, including gas and diarrhea. These symptoms usually go away after a few days, however. Using fenugreek as a spice in foods can also alleviate the side effects as well.

Caution

If you are pregnant, fenugreek should not be taken as it can cause premature contractions. Pregnant women who wish to take fenugreek should consult a doctor first. Staying away from fenugreek during pregnancy is the safest option.

Fenugreek shows a lot of promise as one of the foods for a diabetic that can help improve the symptoms of diabetes. Those who have diabetes probably already eat well, exercise, and follow their healthcare provider’s orders. Fenugreek is just one way to improve blood glucose levels and manage diabetes just a little better. Another possible candidate for addition to your diabetic food list.

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By: HR January 31, 2010

Chia Seeds

For many diabetics, the choice of the right foods can be a challenge, there are many different things to be conscious of. Those with diabetes must know how certain foods will affect them and their bodies. The selection of the correct food for the diabetic food list helps the diabetic to maintain their health and enjoy life to the fullest.

This article is one of a series describing particular supplementary food items that are thought to be effective in lowering blood glucose as well as providing other health and nutrition related benefits.

The Chia seed – worth special consideration for the food list
Fairly recent research has led to new discoveries about a seed called the chia seed that was a staple consumed by the ancient Aztecs of what is now Mexico. The chia appears to have added benefits for diabetics according to a study carried out by scientists at the University of Toronto whose report was published in Diabetes Care in November of 2007. The journal Diabetes Care is a publication of the American Diabetes Association.

There is also the book “Chia: Rediscovering a Forgotten Crop of the Aztecs”, by Ricardo Ayerza, an agronomist, and Wayne Coates, an agricultural engineer, published in 2005 by the University of Arizona press. The authors provide a complete and detailed history of the chia seed with the full scientific descriptions of its many potential benefits as a healthful food.

To a large degree the chia seed has become known as Salba, after the brand name of one of the major manufacturers and distributors of the white seed form of chia. There are also black chia seeds. The Salba company has, or is, patenting their version of the chia plant grown specifically and solely as the source of their packaged chia seeds.

This article following, deals with the Salba white seed product that the University of Toronto researchers found as having more nutritional impact than that of other varieties of chia seed. I’m not sure whether that is brand marketing or scientific fact, it might be worthwhile looking into the black chia also, but here we continue with the Salba form.

What Are the Benefits of Eating Salba Seeds?
The Salba seed is a good diabetic food as there are many health benefits in this seed – high fiber, calcium, magnesium, anti-oxidants and omega-3 fatty acids. In comparison to other food, a daily serving of Salba is equivalent to the following: the omega-3’s in 28 ounces of salmon, 3 cups of milk for the calcium content or the iron in 5 cups of raw spinach. If you are looking for something high in fiber, 12 grams of Salba is equivalent to 1-¼ cups of All Bran Cereal.

Some have questioned whether the extra Omega-3’s from plants should be equally compared with those of fish oils from salmon, however, both are beneficial regardless.

By ingesting a good dose of fiber, a diabetic can control blood sugar better and as a result, it can help prevent them from snacking on non-healthy foods. The soluble fiber helps to lower cholesterol as it binds to the cholesterol and prevents the body from reabsorbing it into the blood stream. The omega-3 fatty acids help to lower triglycerides and increase HDL that diabetics can have issues with getting these regulated properly.

Salba is a good food for diabetics for several reasons. One is that it helps to thin the blood which assists in preventing clots, which then helps to lower the risk of heart attack or stroke. Another benefit is that it helps to lower internal inflammation and has been shown to reduce blood pressure by up to six points mmHg.

How Do You Eat Salba?
Salba seeds can be added to any food. The seeds are small and do not have overpowering taste so can be easily added to cereal or put into baking without making much of a difference. Try sprinkling some into a salad or into yogurt for a bit of texture and the fiber should help to keep you fuller between meals. You can try adding it into other foods you eat and see if it makes a difference in how you feel.

You can buy Salba at your local health food store, and you may be able to find products already made with Salba in them, such as bars and shakes.  If you prefer not to add Salba to your food, you may want to ask if they have a pill that you can take instead. For those that follow a certain diet due to health or religious reasons, Salba has been certified Non-GMO, Vegan, Kosher and Gluten-free.

Salba has many benefits for someone with diabetes. If you are looking for something to supplement what you already do to manage your diabetes, Salba could be be an answer. Check with your doctor to make sure Salba can work with your current diabetes regimen.

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By: HR January 31, 2010

Flax Seeds

Diabetes is a debilitating disease for many people and although you can’t control everything about the disease, you can control what you eat. Adding the right food item to your diabetic food list can help in your efforts to maintain low blood glucose and that can help you better manage your diabetes.

This article is one of a series describing particular supplementary food items that are thought to be effective in lowering blood glucose as well as providing other health and nutritionally related benefits.

Flax seeds, what are the benefits?
Flax seeds are tiny seeds that provide an extreme nutrition payload. A small amount of flax seed provides many benefits. Flax seeds are high in several key nutrients, including magnesium, manganese, and most B vitamins. That alone makes them healthy, but there is much more to flax seeds than that.

Flax seeds are very high in fiber. Fiber in the diet helps to regulate blood sugar, and it also helps to lower cholesterol. Fiber also helps to regulate intestinal functioning. The high fiber in flax seeds is part of what makes it such a great food for diabetics. Because of the high amount of fiber in flax, it’s best to slowly increase the amount of flax seeds in your diet.

Flax seeds are a great source of Omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are vital to any diet, and this important fatty acid has been shown to help with such chronic diseases as cancer, diabetes, depression, and heart disease. Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in fish, walnuts, and flax seeds, and it is recommended to utilize all three sources.

Another benefit to flax seeds is that they are high in phytochemicals. Phytochemicals are chemicals found in plants that are beneficial to the body. Because of the phytochemicals, flax seeds are full of antioxidants, they boost the immune system, and there are many other health benefits. The phytochemicals in flax seeds may also help prevent diabetes and help control it. This is yet another reason why flax seeds are one of the best foods for diabetics.

How do you eat Flax seeds?
Flax seeds don’t provide the health benefits if they are not ground up. The whole seeds just pass through the body without releasing the nutrients. A regular coffee grinder will serve the purpose of grinding up the flax seed, the best way to use it. Flax seed oil also doesn’t provide the full nutritional benefit.

The ground-up flax can be used in many ways. You can sprinkle it on salads, breakfast cereals, yogurt, and shakes. It can also be cooked into foods such as casseroles, meatloaf, and pasta. A few tablespoons of flax can also be added to baked goods such as muffins, bread, and pizza crust. The possibilities are endless for adding flax seeds into your diet.

Make sure to store flax seeds properly, as they can go rancid quickly. When whole, flax seeds should be stored in a dry, dark, cool place. Flax meal stored in the refrigerator or freezer will keep for several weeks.

Flax seeds are one of the diabetes foods that provide tremendous benefits to your health. Not only does it help with controlling diabetes and lowering blood sugar, but it can also help with a myriad of other health concerns. Begin adding flax to your diet slowly and enjoy the health benefits of this super food.

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As a guide in helping choose appropriate foods for the diabetic food list for a dietary plan, it helps to know where you fit into the general weight range of human beings, whether underweight or overweight or just right.

An index has been devised called the Body Mass Index (BMI for short) that is used by doctors to measure the amount of a person’s body fat based on their height and weight and is considered a reliable indicator of fatness for most grown Caucasian adult people. The BMI value is a useful tool used to assess the risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, or other health problems that result from excess abdominal fat.

It is simple to determine your BMI value by consulting this BMI Chart. Your target is to be between 18.5 and 24.9 that is considered to be in the healthy range. A BMI of 25 to 29.9 is classified as overweight, and a BMI of 30 or more is classified as obese.

Measurement of Waist Circumference (WC)

At the same time it is also usual to measure waist circumference, because additional health risks can exist if excess fat is located mainly around the waist rather than, say, on hips and thighs, although any excess weight is not good. In general, higher health risks exist for people of average height if their waist circumference is more than 40 inches for men or 35 inches for women.

To measure your waist circumference, use a tape measure placed around your bare abdomen just above the top of your hip-bone, roughly in line with or just above your navel (also called the belly-button), pull it tight but not too tight, don’t compress the skin. Keep it level to the floor, breath out and relax, now measure your waist.

There are other body measurement systems that can also be  used to help determine possible health risks, these include Waist-to-Height Ratio (WHtR), Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR), Body Fat & Surface Area, Willoughby Ideal Weight & Waist, and Waist to Hip Ratio (WHR). The latter system, involving waist and hip measurement ratios, is claimed to be more accurate in predicting high risk instances when used for older people, perhaps more so than either the BMI values or the WC values.

Whatever system used that enables your health care adviser to assess your physical condition and identify potential risk factors is of benefit to you. And by using the simple formulas for the systems mentioned above, any individual can determine for themselves their status. A good start would be to go now to the BMI chart and find your values and whether it puts you into the healthy weight category, you can do so here:  BMI Chart.

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For the Newly Diagnosed Diabetic -  Read this First
The cells of our body derive energy from sugars, in the form of glucose, obtained from our daily food intake, especially from the carbohydrate portion of those foods, Food also supplies the proteins and fats that, together with carbohydrate, are essential to the nourishment of the individual.

In a healthy person, the levels of glucose that circulate in the bloodstream, mainly as a result of the digestion of the food consumed, are maintained within a safe range by a series of chemical reactions that constantly take place in the body.

Diabetes, a serious disease, is the condition in which a person’s body is unable to properly regulate and control the levels of sugar in their bloodstream in the way that a healthy person does.

As yet, medical science has not been able to provide a cure for diabetes, To treat a patient suffering from diabetes, referred to as a diabetic, it is necessary to implement a regimen of dietary and exercise procedures that, together with prescription medications, can help control the blood sugar levels that otherwise will inevitably lead to major complications and increase the risk of several serious conditions, including cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death in the diabetic population.

In addition to the large number of people who are known to be diabetic, there is also a large number of people who have the disease without knowing it, possibly because they have not had a recent, or perhaps any, medical checkup,

Important to note: Anyone who is known to be diabetic must be under the care of a physician.

Doctors monitor the diabetic condition of their patients, guided by the results of periodic blood tests, and will prescribe medication if deemed necessary. Aided by nutritionists or other health-care providers, the doctor will probably advise the steps that the patient should take to lower and control the blood sugar levels, also referred to as blood glucose levels, to within a close to normal range.

Five factors in the management of diabetes

The first factor: To be effective, the management of diabetes requires that an appropriate daily food plan be diligently followed, not special foods, but the right foods chosen from the vast amount and range of foods available. Available, that is, to the citizens in the developing world, and then again, diabetes is the growing disease of the developing Western World. There are few foods that are off-limits but quantity and quality must be taken into consideration.

The second factor is the requirement for regular exercise, not necessary at the athletic level but more than a casual stroll each day. Commonly suggested is to take a brisk walk for half an hour each day, or at least five times a week. Or it could be swimming or bicycle riding or whatever achieves at least that equivalent minimum amount of exercise.

The third factor involves weight-loss. If a diabetic person is overweight it increases the level of serious heart and other health risks. The first two factors, described above, can help reduce weight if properly applied, but before implementing any weight-loss program, a consultation with a doctor would be wise.

The fourth factor is that a once-a-day personal in-home blood test should be taken. The blood test is done with the aid of a simple and easy to use measuring device, just takes ten or twenty seconds to obtain a reading that indicates the amount of glucose in the blood stream. If done once each day then most likely it should be on rising, before breakfast or any food intake, in other words a fasting blood sugar level – as it is commonly referred to.

Monitoring the blood glucose levels at home each day enables the diabetic to know their condition and if necessary, make adjustments to their dietary plan and/or lifestyle in a best effort to correct blood sugar levels. This may require more daily blood tests than just the morning test. It is a fact of diabetes that much of its management is in the hands of the diabetic personally and requires frequent checks to try to gain control.

The fifth factor: Periodic attendance at the doctor’s office for checkups, and blood tests, known as the A1c or Hemoglobin A1C blood test. The blood for these tests, a simple painless procedure, is taken by a technician at a medical clinic, and are normally required every three or four months. These tests provide essential information of the estimated average glucose content existing in the blood over the prior period of about 3 months. This test result is possible because the life-span of blood cells, that are constantly manufactured by the body, is approximately 12 weeks, so some of the blood cells are just newly born while others will be of any age up to about 12 weeks. With the A1c blood test results available, the doctor can monitor and assess, and adjust if necessary, the treatment to best combat diabetes.

For a further explanation of blood tests, visit Blood Testing for Diabetics on my companion site where you will also find other items of interest to diabetics under the site name:  Normal Blood Sugar Levels and Diabetes.

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An explanation

Although the main focus of this blog-site is, by definition, on diabetic foods and diabetic food lists, there is much general information regarding diabetes that is worth dealing with here. Information that may be of interest especially to anyone recently diagnosed as having diabetes. And that includes simple explanations of diabetic topics that I myself wanted to find out about when I first became a “diabetic”.

Diabetes is a serious non-infectious chronic and progressive disease affecting about 25 million persons in North America. By chronic and progressive we mean that it is of long duration and tends to grow worse over time. There are three main types of diabetes, known as type-1, type-2, and gestational diabetes, but we will concentrate here on type-2 diabetes the version that occurs in more than 90 percent of all diabetes cases. A brief description of type-1 and gestational forms of diabetes is given elsewhere on this site.

Diabetes is the condition in which too much glucose is circulating in the bloodstream.
This occurs because of an impaired mechanism that normally operates in the body in a series of steps prompted by signals from other organs that react when food enters the stomach after eating.

The procedure involves an organ called the pancreas that produces insulin, a hormone that has the ability to join with glucose in the blood as it travels to the organs and cells of the body. Glucose is a simple sugar, a carbohydrate, and is the major source of energy needed by all the cells of the body in the performance of their metabolic functions. Some cells, such as brain cells and red blood cells, depend solely on the delivery of glucose from the blood stream.

If we think about that for just a moment, we can understand why our diabetic condition, with its impaired ability to deliver glucose to our brain and other cells, is so serious and that we must take appropriate actions to minimize the negative effects.

When we eat food it passes into our stomachs where digestion takes place and the mechanical and chemical actions of digestion process the food and produces the many nutrients, including glucose that is mainly obtained from the carbohydrate content of the foods we have eaten. The nutrients are absorbed through the walls of the intestines and pass into the bloodstream that will then distribute them to all the organs and cells of the body.

The body can keep a constant supply of glucose for the cells by maintaining a constant level of glucose in the blood. When needed it is there for the cells and when, after eating, an excess builds up and an over-supply occurs, the body, through its marvelous mechanisms, stores the excess glucose in the liver and muscles by converting the glucose into glycogen, which is a long chain of glucose molecules. If glucose levels become low, the stored glycogen is available for conversion back to glucose and at the same time the body stimulates the brain to urge you to eat more food.

But the glucose cannot get into the cells without assistance, assistance that is provided by a hormone called insulin that is mainly produced by another organ, the pancreas. The pancreas also produces a hormone called glucagon (not to be confused with the previously mentioned glycogen, and it is confusing I know) but glucagon plays an opposite role to insulin, It comes into play when the glucose levels begin to get too low and then assists in the conversion back to glucose of the previously mentioned stored glycogen in the liver and muscles.

The actions of both of those hormones, insulin and glucagon, work constantly to keep glucose concentrations in the blood to within an acceptable ranges for good health. In the case of the diabetic that balance is impaired and the glucose levels are not maintained within the appropriate ranges.

Insulin performs several important functions, one of which is to carry glucose molecules and conduct them to receptors that are on the outer membrane of cells where the unique structure of the insulin molecule complements the unique structure of the receptors, allowing them to “dock”, that is, to join together, and thereby the glucose is released and enters into the cell, another almost miraculous process of life.

In diabetics, this system does not work properly if at all
For several possible reasons, in persons suffering from diabetes the system does not operate in the way described above. Sometimes the pancreas does not produce enough insulin and sometimes the receptors of the cells become desensitized and do not react properly to the presence of insulin, not permitting the absorption of glucose into the cells and sometime it is a combination of both of those conditions.

Because of this the glucose stays in the bloodstream, and insulin too, both of which are unhealthy conditions. And too high a level of glucose in the blood, by definition, is diabetes.

So it is worthwhile to learn about certain foods and whether they are appropriate, as a diabetic,  to eat as an everyday item. A single favorite treat,  such as a muffin eaten at snack time each day by many people, is probably too much of a burden for the diabetic. That and a few others may have to be left off the diabetic food list, perhaps to be included only occasionally when in good control of blood sugar levels.

Also, a dietary adjustment, as recommended by dietitians and health care professionals may alleviate the diabetic conditions to some extent.  But even the adoption of a new dietary regimen may not be sufficiently effective and medications may need to be prescribed. For many, including myself, that becomes a path to increased medications and potential problems – but we will deal with that elsewhere together with other aspects of diabetes.

Meanwhile, for information on a variety of other topics dealing with diabetes, in addition to this site, you can check out my companion sites at Normal Blood Sugar Levels and Diabetes and Diabetic Menu Guide.

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About Diabetes, for those recently diagnosed as diabetic

First the diagnosis

From my own experience of being a diabetic for many years, and having faced the several situations and questions that confront you now, and those that will occur in the future, I offer here a few comments and observations that will, I hope, provide some general guidance for you in these early times. And there is abundant information available on the internet when you know where to look.

After first hearing the diagnosis “You are a diabetic” it comes as quite a shock, however gently conveyed. When you learn from your doctor that you have diabetes, most often type-2 diabetes, it is unlikely you will know much about the disease. The diagnosis will probably come after a blood test and a follow up visit to your doctor and being then told of the situation. You may be pre-diabetic, a condition in which the glucose levels in your blood are rather high but not yet into the diabetic range.  Or your condition may be confirmed as diabetes, which means that the levels of glucose in your bloodstream do exceed the level considered as acceptable. As is explained elsewhere, the glucose in the blood is a normal situation and the result of the food you have recently consumed.

Your physician will explain the facts of diabetes and give advice on the subject, and tell you what you have to do and the life style changes you may have to make to manage your newly identified disease condition. These might include such things as diet, exercise, and possibly medications that will be prescribed if eventually your actions are unable to control your blood sugar levels and your diabetes worsens over the course of time, as is often the case with diabetic patients, perhaps a short time later or in some cases after several years.

There may be referrals to dietitians to help establish an appropriate dietary routine that incorporates your own personal food and life-style tastes and is tailored to your current health and physical condition(s). There are other health care professional who will advise and help you navigate your path through the complications of diabetes if they occur, but that will probably be later if the condition deteriorates.

The early reaction to learning of your diabetic condition
But after that early meeting you will probably leave the doctor’s office with many thoughts, questions and uncertainties still whirling around in your head. In the ensuing days there may be the desire to learn more about the disease, the causes, the treatments, the cures. Actually there is no cure right now according to mainstream medical practitioners, although reference will be made here to that group of qualified, respected and quite well known physicians who disagree and provide their solution in reversing diabetes.

You soon learn that much of the day-to-day control and management of the diabetic condition is in your own hands. It is left to you to find out about many aspects of the disease, you may wonder about the role of insulin and glucose and blood testing and alternative dietary approaches, what foods and beverages, including alcohol are acceptable and when to consume them while always attempting to stay as low on the scale of being diabetic as possible.

For much more on diabetes, check out the List of  Topics on our companion website at Normal Blood Sugar Levels and Diabetes.

And additional diabetes related material can be found at Diabetic Menu Guide

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Diabetes and men,  more than the just giving up sugary foods

It affects your sex-life, and even though she is understanding, your partner may not be too happy about that. That is especially sad for younger couples. But thank goodness for the medications of our modern age that at least compensate in part. But far better to take action as early as possible to counter this side effect before its insidious actions become beyond repair.

We are talking here about erectile dysfunction, e-d as it is now often called and about which we see so many television commercials extolling the benefits of one pharmaceutical pill or another, trying to make light of a delicate situation, but off the TV screen it is not a matter to take lightly, much anguish is suffered by otherwise virile men facing this unhappy condition. Diabetes causes impairments to nerves and damages blood vessel and affects muscle function. My doctor called it incipient vascular something or other, whatever, you soon know the results, and it’s not easy to deal with.

Most men will eventually experience erectile dysfunction to some extent during their lifetime – it’s called “impotence”, don’t you hate that word? – but it tends to occur in diabetic men 10 to 15 years earlier than in non diabetic males and worsens with age. According to some medical sources, at age 50 and above, while you are still young, active and energetic in everything else, when your body is still producing adequate amounts of testosterone, about 50% to 60% of men with diabetes will probably be having difficulties, and over age 70 it’s mostly over for 95% of diabetic men. What kind of life is that? Do you want to depend on Viagara, Levitra, or Cialis?

And if you have trouble with your heart, as many diabetics do, such e-d medications may cause dangerous interactions with heart medicines, so now that’s an added factor to be concerned about and that apprehension can be an added contribution to the erectile problem.

So take heed, follow the exercise plan, lose weight, the dietary suggestions, include the right items to your diabetes food list, and do whatever else your doctor advises before it’s too late. Think of the benefits.

This can help the cause:

If you wonder where you place on the weight chart, check out the Body Mass Index tables on this site, if you are above column 25 it might be time to implement a weight-loss plan.

A comment about weight from my other site dealing with diabetes matters:
Even without exercise, by eating 500 calories less each day than your current daily intake, and by staying on that regime for a week, it should achieve about a one pound weight loss – and if continued on that same daily calorie amount for a few more weeks it could result in a 4 to 5 pound weight loss in a month. Just for comparison, 500 calories each day is about equal to a fast food cheeseburger and a regular cola drink each day.

If you eat 3,500 more calories than your body needs without engaging in additional exercise, you will add about 1 pound. Conversely, if you become more active and in doing so burn up 3,500 calories without eating more, you will lose about 1 pound in weight.

Visit the WebMD article titled Erectile Dysfunction (Impotence) & Diabetes at:
http://www.webmd.com/erectile-dysfunction/guide/ed-diabetes

A four page article by Barbara Minton, Natural Health Editor of NaturalNews.com, titled Sexual Functioning in Men can be Fully Restored Naturally can be found at:
http://www.naturalnews.com/026219_testosterone_chrysin_libido.html

and from Life Extension magazine there is this even more detailed article titled Replenish Testosterone Naturally at:
http://www.lef.org/magazine/mag2000/jan00-cover2.html
I must admit I have not read this in full, it is somewhat older, from January 2000 and there are later articles but one thing that caught my attention at the end was this statement:

“For the average male over age 40, increasing free testosterone can restore the sexual fire of youth. The only downside to increasing free testosterone levels to those of a healthy 21-year-old is the potential effects it may have on men with prostate cancer. Before embarking on a testosterone-enhancement program a baseline blood PSA test and a digital rectal exam taken to rule out existing prostate cancer. When using testosterone drugs, PSA blood tests should be taken every 30-45 days for the first five months to rule out hidden prostate cancer.”

And just one more, again from Barbara Minton, may be of interest on testosterone and with the alarming title: Low Testosterone in Men Linked to Huge Increase in Risk of Death. How valid are these scary headlines I don’t know, especially the words “Huge Increase”, or whether they are just sensationalized for readership effect, but the article can be found at:
http://www.naturalnews.com/025293.html

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