Over 1 million Americans are diagnosed with diabetes every year and over 200,000 deaths are attributed to the disease. If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, or if you simply want to take better care of how you eat, it is to your benefit to follow the American Diabetic Diet in order to keep your diabetes under control.

Both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetics must learn to follow a diabetic diet plan in order to stay healthy. When following the right meal plan, such as the American Diabetic Diet, diabetic patients are able to effectively control their blood sugar without the need for medications.

The reason the American Diabetic Diet is so highly effective is because it comprises all food groups. The American Diabetic Diet plan recommends food high in mono unsaturated fats or polyunsaturated fats and low in saturated fats. Most of the calories recommended in the American Diabetic Diet come primarily from carbohydrates, second from fats, then from proteins.

The American Diabetic Diet is to be followed daily and carries the following recommendations:

-5 portions fresh fruit and vegetables (spinach, broccoli and carrots)

-6 portions whole grains (cereals, bread and pasta)

-2 portions (meat, fish or chicken)

-Dairy products (eggs, skim milk, non-fat cheese, yogurt even low-fat ice cream)

Everyone’s make-up is different, so too are their bodily requirements. Some require high calorie consumption. The American Diabetic Diet accommodates this group of people.

The American Diabetic Diet plan for the people requiring 1200-1600 calorie consumption includes:

-Three portions fruits and vegetables

-Two portions milk, yogurt and meat

-Three portions of fats

-Six portions of starches

The American Diabetic Diet plan for people requiring 1600-2000 calorie consumption includes:

-Three portions fruits

-Four portions vegetables

-Two portions milk, yogurt and meat

-Four portions of fats

-Eight portions of starches

The American Diabetic Diet plan for diabetic people requiring 2000-2400 calorie consumption include:

-Three portions fruits

-Four portions vegetables

-Two portions milk, yogurt and meat

-Five portions of fats

-Eleven portions of starches

Popular belief is that diabetic people are not to eat sweets. This is not always the case. The American Diabetic Diet recommends eating sweets but in limited amounts. It is important to eat low-calorie sweets or artificial sweeteners as a substitute for sugar.

The American Diabetic Diet plan is helpful not only for people suffering from diabetes, but for everyone. People who have diabetes have the same nutritional needs as everyone else. The need for regular exercise is also the same for those with diabetes as it is for those without.

Incorporating exercise and the American Diabetic Diet, along with individually prescribed medications, are essential for managing diabetes. By having a well-balanced diet and choosing the right types of foods, the diabetic can move their blood sugar back towards regular levels. Controlling blood glucose levels is the primary goal of the American Diabetic Diet.

Be healthy and live a longer, happier life through the American Diabetic Diet. Prior to implementing the American Diabetic Diet, please consult your health care physician.



By: Matthew Rizos

About the Author:

Although there are three different kinds of diabetes, the first set of symptoms to be experienced are typically those of hyperglycaemia, or an excess in blood sugar (glucose), and this is the first indicator something isn’t quite right.

The symptoms of hyperglycaemia may include blurred vision, fatigue, increased thirst and appetite and increased *********.

In a Type 1 diabetic, the onset of hyperglycaemia can be fairly abrupt due to fact the pancreas isn’t producing any insulin at all, or nearly no insulin at all. This means there is absolutely no outlet for the glucose, as the levels just build and build rapidly. Type 1 diabetes is extremely dangerous and can result in death. It used to be known as Juvenile Diabetes, as it usually only affects the young, and any symptoms shouldn’t be ignored and doctors should be consulted immediately as a matter of urgency.

For Type 2 diabetics, hyperglycaemia may take a long time to develop to the point the symptoms can be felt and noticed. Many people go through their entire lives unaware they have Type 2 diabetes, and take many of the symptoms as simply being signs of aging, especially since Type 2 Diabetes typically affects the middle aged adults onwards, hence its former name Adult Diabetes. In fairly recent years, due to the amount of children developing Type 2 Diabetes due to poor diets and obesity (the prime causes of Type 2 Diabetes), the name simply became Type 2 Diabetes.

As the symptoms of hyperglycaemia in Type 2 Diabetes can be extremely subtle, many people are completely unaware they have diabetes at all. Type 2 Diabetes is caused by one of two factors, the first factor being a lack of insulin production within the pancreas, the second being a condition known as ‘insulin resistance’. This is where the body begins to reject admission of the insulin, which carries the glucose. Therefore, a person’s body not only becomes starved of glucose as a fuel, but begins accumulating the glucose in the blood, which now has no outlet. The body may attempt to flush some of the glucose out of the body via urine.

Gestational Diabetes may perhaps be the most difficult form of diabetes to detect as the symptoms are so similar to a regular pregnancy it can be almost impossible to differentiate. For example, fatigue, increased appetite and thirst, and increased *********.

Gestational Diabetes is usually a temporary form of diabetes which disappears soon after the pregnancy, although it may leave the mother and child susceptible to developing permanent Type 2 Diabetes in the future.

Another worry concerning Gestational Diabetes is the damage it can do to the baby, which may be respiratory or cardiac problems, stillborn or death soon after birth. Untreated Gestational Diabetes can also be a contributing factor in later health problems as the baby reaches adulthood such as chronic obesity.

If you think you have even slightly felt any of the aforementioned symptoms of hyperglycaemia, it is highly important you see your G.P. as soon as possible. Diabetes isn’t a disorder you want to second guess yourself, as it can be fatal, particularly in the case of Type 1 Diabetes.

Although diabetes can be an extremely dangerous disorder, upon diagnosis it is extremely treatable. The most important things for a diabetic to do are to take any prescribed medication and monitor blood sugar levels regularly. If you have been advised by your doctor to take with you an emergency insulin / glucose kit, you should do so at all times, as it may be fatal not to. The other factors include plenty of exercise to help regulate glucose levels, and a healthy balanced diet.



By: Nicky Pilkington

About the Author:

Read this article to know about Type 1 Diabetes Causes and Type 1 diabetes Treatment

We can call Type 1 diabetes an autoimmune disease in which the body destroys or damages insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. Once those cells are destroyed, they won’t ever create insulin again. This type of diabetes usually occurs under the age of 30 and often in childhood.

Type 1diabetes may also be known by a variety of other names, like insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), juvenile diabetes, brittle diabetes, sugar diabetes. Type 1 diabetes accounts for 5 to 10 percent of all identified cases of diabetes in the US.

Type 1 diabetes normally develops in children or young adults, but can found at any age. Type 1 diabetes can cause many problems. It is a life-long disorder that can happen in children or adults. It is a totally different disease than Type 2. Type 1 diabetes occurs normally in children, adolescents or young adults, and most often at puberty. This type of diabetes is also called insulin-dependent or juvenile diabetes.

Type 1 Diabetes symptoms:

Type 1 diabetes often appears abruptly. However, each individual may experience symptoms in a different way. Type 1 diabetes symptoms may include:

” high levels of sugar in the blood and urine when tested

” unusual thirst

” frequent urination

” extreme hunger but loss of weight

” unclear vision

” nausea and vomiting

” extreme weakness and tiredness

” bad temper and mood changes

In children, type 1 diabetes symptoms may be alike to those of having the flu.

Type 1 Diabetes Complications:

Type 1 diabetes can cause different problems, but there are three key complications:

1. Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar; also called an insulin reaction) occurs when blood sugar drops too low level.

2. Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) occurs when blood sugar is too high, and can be an indication that diabetes is not well forbidden.

3. Ketoacidosis (diabetic coma) is loss of consciousness due to untreated diabetes.

Type 1 Diabetes Causes:

Type 1 diabetes is the result of the body’s failure to produce insulin, the hormone that allows glucose to enter the cells of the body to provide fuel. Insulin is a protein that is speedily broken down in the digestive area. In type 1 diabetes, the body can no longer create insulin, so the glucose can’t acquire into the body’s cells.

Although no one knows for certain why this occurs, scientists think it has something to do with genes. But just getting the genes for diabetes isn’t usually sufficient. A person most likely would then have to be exposed to something else – like a virus – to get Type 1 diabetes

It’s important to also be alert of the different myths that over the years have arise about the Type 1 diabetes causes. Eating sweets or the wrong kind of food does not cause diabetes but it can cause obesity which is the cause of Type 2 Diabetes.

Stress does not cause diabetes, although it may be a cause for the body turning on itself as in the case of Type 1 diabetes. It does, however, make the signs worse for those who already have diabetes.

Type 1 Diabetes Treatment:

Type 1 Diabetes Patient need to monitor and control their glucose levels. They need to:

” test blood sugar levels a few times a day by testing a small blood sample

” give themselves insulin injections or use an insulin pump

” eat a balanced, healthy diet and pay special attention to the quantities of sugars and starches in the food they eat and the timing of their meals

” get habitual exercise to help manage blood sugar levels and help avoid some of the long-term health problems that can cause diabetes like heart disease

Insulin therapy is the origin of type 1 diabetes treatment. When insulin was first discovered and made accessible for people with diabetes, there was only one type of fast-acting insulin and this required several injections in a day. Today, there are a variety of insulins that can be selected and/or combined to help you best control your diabetes.



By: Dr John Anne

About the Author:

The menopause is a life change experienced by women aged around 50 years old, although it can often occur anytime between the ages of 40 and 55. Defined as the end of the last menstrual period, the menopause can bring about a range of symptoms. These include mood swings, excessive perspiration, urinal and vaginal problems, hot flushes, emotional problems, vaginal bleeding, and various other symptoms. Many women also find that they experience weight gain during the menopausal years.

Although many women do experience weight gain when going through menopause, the results of various studies have shown that it is not the menopause itself that causes weight gain but the various bodily and lifestyle changes that are brought about as a result of the change of life. This includes factors such as reduced metabolism, lower levels of activity, and stress. For instance, the menopause can catalyze various emotional issues, and this can lead to comfort eating for many, which generally results in weight gain.

In order to combat excessive weight gain during the menopause, women need to make sure that they lead as healthy a lifestyle as possible. This is true both in relation to activity levels, and what they eat.

It is important to remember that the menopause can affect a number of physiological and psychological areas. For example, menopause can affect the function of the thyroid, and an under-active thyroid can result in weight gain. The mood swings and emotional issues that come about as a result of menopause can result in appetite changes and even uncharacteristic comfort eating. Fatigue or depression can lead to a reduction in physical activity.

Weight gain brings about a range of health risks if it puts you at a seriously overweight level. There are indications that weight gain during the menopause could actually increase the risk of ****** cancer, although this risk can be reduced by the same amount – or even more – if the weight is lost after menopause.

In order to combat weight gain during menopause it is important to take sensible steps towards maintaining a healthy weight. This means a balanced and sensible diet, which is rich in vitamins and minerals and low in fat and calories. By at least supplying your body with the nutrients it needs, cravings can be better controlled. If your body is under-nourished, the inclination to junk food can be greater.

You should also ensure that you do not let your levels of physical activity slip during peri-menopause. In times of deep emotional flux, this is easy to do. However, if you find you’re having problems with your weight, or stress, exercise really does help. Find exercise or physical activities you really enjoy, and perhaps seek a buddy to work out with. It can be easier to motivate yourself to continue fitness activities with the support of a friend.



By: Rebecca Prescott

About the Author:

Probably the last thing on anybody’s mind when dealing with diabetes is jewelry. After all, bracelets, necklaces and anklets may not seem to serve any purpose beyond being decorative. However, when it comes to chronic diseases like diabetes, being identified as having a medical condition is often necessary. This is why diabetes bracelets are often worn not just to inform anyone about the wearer’s health status but also to alert people, such as rescuers, first-aid staff and medical professionals of the appropriate action to perform when the wearer is involved in an emergency.

When Knowledge Can Save a Life

When diabetics were first encouraged to wear diabetes bracelets, some people were not very supportive of getting “tagged” as a diabetic. However, the fact that the bracelets were medical alert tags quickly showed why it was a necessity. Today, it still is.

Diabetes requires special medical care and attention. In some emergencies, the patient may not always be able to speak or communicate or he may even be unresponsive. Furthermore, an emergency may occur when a relative or a friend who has knowledge about the patient’s diabetes may not be around. In these cases, a diabetes bracelet can silently inform the attending medical personnel of the patient’s disease.

This way, the proper treatment and medications can be administered without worrying about possible side effects or drug interaction. Imagine being in a situation where medical treatment that is otherwise safe and effective can actually put your health and your life at risk. This is often the case when a diabetic is treated without the medical staff’s knowledge that he or she has diabetes.

Preparing for an Emergency

Diabetes can be a tricky and rather deceptive condition to have, primarily because blood sugar levels can fluctuate unpredictably. When blood sugar levels suddenly drop or sharply rise, blackouts can occur, requiring medical attention. Having a diabetes bracelet will let the medical staff know how to make the appropriate medical decisions that can save your life. In case you ever figure in an accident, any medications that may be necessary in order to treat you won’t affect you in a negative way.

Always ensure that you or your loved one is wearing a diabetes bracelet before leaving the house. If necessary, pack an extra bracelet especially during special trips, particularly if you will be traveling alone. Always wear the bracelet where it can be spotted easily and avoid taking it off. It might cramp your style, but it can mean the difference between living a healthy life and suffering the consequences.

Bracelet for a Cause

One simple diabetes bracelet can actually make a big difference in the fight against diabetes. Certain groups sell bracelets, donating proceeds to support associations dedicated to helping people with diabetes. Often, the proceeds even fund further research about the disease.

The diabetes wristband that states, “Insulin is Not a Cure”, for example, is being promoted by the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation to support the foundation of the Education for Children with Diabetes. So now when you buy a diabetes bracelet, you might want to consider purchasing from groups that actually help push the struggle against diabetes forward. Further research is necessary in order to understand the real causes of this disease and probably even more in order for scientists to produce a cure.

Getting “Tagged”

These days, different bracelets are available for different medical and non-medical concerns but the need for a broader awareness of diabetes is still an important and necessary issue. Diabetes bracelets can be as simple as those made with rubber or as detailed as those made with metal and beads. Some diabetes bracelets can also be customized, including not just a simple alert but also other information such as your name, address, contact number or contact information of a person you’d like to contact in an emergency.

If you would like to help support the diabetes cause by using a diabetes bracelet, buy from groups and associations that actually donate proceeds or at least a portion of it to a related cause. Organizations who do this will state it in their websites, brochures or company ads. If you’re buying from a retail shop, you can also ask the salesperson if the proceeds from the sale are actually going to fund diabetes research or support groups. This is an excellent way to do your part in the fight against diabetes.



By: Flor Serquina

About the Author:

As per Ayurveda, the features of diabetes (madhumeha) are the sweetness of urine, weakness, boils, gangrene and drowsiness. Diabetes is a very common disease that can not be completely cured but can be managed (controlled) if proper care is taken. There are mainly two types of diabetes – type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. 

Symptoms of Type 1 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes (Insulin dependent or Juvenile diabetes) – The symptoms of type 1 diabetes occur suddenly. The major symptoms of insulin dependent diabetes are excessive thirst; frequent urination; sudden weight loss, for no apparent reason; weakness, drowsiness or exhaustion; sudden vision changes or blurred vision; nausea and vomiting.

Symptoms of Type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes (Non-insulin dependent or Adult-onset diabetes) – The symptoms of type 2 diabetes occur gradually. The major symptoms of non-insulin dependent diabetes are any of the symptoms listed for type 1; tingling or numbness in hands or feet; itching of the skin and genitals; recurring of hard-to-heal skin, gum or urinary tract infections.

Risk factors for Diabetes

People at high risk include the following –

1. Heredity factors – Diabetes appears to have an inherited genetic tendency.

2. People over forty years – Type 2 diabetes is most common in middle and old age.

3. Overweight – The chance of developing type 2 diabetes doubles with every 20% excess weight. It is believed that excess body fat prevents insulin from working properly.

Dietary Guidelines for Diabetes

1. Sour fruits like tomatoes, jamun, oranges, pineapple and makoy are beneficial.

2. Curd made from cow’s milk is highly recommended in diabetes.

3. Do not take cereals, sugar and sugar preparations.

4. Take diet with a relatively low proportion of carbohydrates.

Disclaimer: This article is not meant to provide health advice and is for general information only. Always seek the insights of a qualified health professional before embarking on any health program.

Copyright © Nick Mutt, All Rights Reserved. If you want to use this article on your website or in your ezine, make all the urls (links) active.

Here is an excellent Diabetes supplement that will help you to control blood sugar level. Also know Diabetes food list for healthy eating. Read information on How to control diabetes to live longer and better.



By: Nick Mutt

About the Author:

What do carbohydrates do for your body? Carbohydrates (carbs, for short) provide your body with the necessary energy it needs to properly perform physical and mental activities. Sugar and glucose are other forms of carbohydrates. The brain needs a continuous supply of glucose so it can function at its maximum capacity. Without enough glucose your brain’s thought process becomes stagnant and that will eventually affect the way you make decisions.

 

 

There are two categories of carbohydrates, Simple carbs and Complex carbs. Simple carbs are mainly blood sugar or glucose. Foods that are sweet tasting such as cookies, fruits, honey and cake are simple carbohydrates. Simple carbs are close to being in a digested state so they are absorbed by the body rather quickly. Complex carbohydrates are found in foods which are made with or contain grains and vegetables. Complex carbs provide the body with nutritional benefits such as vitamins, minerals, and fiber. You should combine Complex carbs with Simple carbs on a daily basis for good overall health. 

 

Even though carbohydrates are essential for your body’s regular functioning, too much carbs can be devastating to your health. Excessive carb intake can lead to obesity and type 2 diabetes. Scientific evidence has linked obesity to high blood pressure, heart disease and even arthritis. An ordinary person only needs a 130 grams of carbohydrates a day to be healthy. Consume the necessary amount of carbs daily but don’t over do it! Or else there will be serious consequences.

 

If you’re seriously considering losing weight then this website has one of the best weight loss program reviews online. I personally tried “Strip That Fat” and it honestly worked for me.

http://www.healthyweightlossonline.info/

 



By: Dexter

About the Author:

When it comes to weight loss diets, carbohydrates are becoming misunderstood nutrients. Carbohydrates are the main source of energy in your body. They are also one of the three macro nutrients required for nutrition. The other two are proteins and lipids.

Carbohydrates are organic molecules, made up of sugars called saccharids. A carbohydrate with one unit of sugar is called monosaccharides. Carbohydrates with two units of sugar are called disaccharides. Those with more than two sugars are generally referred to as polysaccharides.

Carbohydrates Classification:

Carbohydrates are grouped into two types depending on structures of their molecules.

1) Simple carbohydrates:- These are the mono and disaccharides e.g. glucose and fructose.

2) Complex carbohydrates:- These are polymers or polysaccharides. Examples include starch, fibre, and glycogen. Carbohydrates can only be also be grouped into three main forms as foods.

(i) Sugars: – These consist of simple carbohydrates both mono and disaccharides for example glucose (the blood sugar) galactose, the sugar found in milk and fructose the sugar found in fruits and honey are all mono-saccharides. Common disaccharides include sucrose the common table sugar which is glucose bonded to a fructose, lactose the main sugar in milk (glucose + galactose) and maltose a product of starch digestion (glucose + glucose)

(ii) Starch: – This is a complex carbohydrates and a polysaccharide. It is the principle form used by plants to store glucose. It is a polymer or a chain of bonded glucose molecules.

(iii) Fiber: – This is also a complex carbohydrate also called cellulose found in plants. This is one of the carbohydrates that cannot be broken down into sugar molecules in your digestive system. It passes through mostly undigested. In your body it cleans the digestive system keeping it healthy. Cellulose is probably the most abundant molecule in the biosphere e.g. wood is mostly cellulose, while cotton and paper is almost entirely cellulose.

Carbohydrates are essential energy sources though some kind when eaten often and in large quantities actually increase risk for diabetes and coronary heart disease. It also may result into increase in your body weight.

The digestive system handles all carbs in much the same way. Basically it breaks them down to glucose or any other simple sugar that can be absorbed into the body.

When we eat carbohydrates, its digestion starts in the mouth using saliva. Saliva has enzymes called amylace which breaks down polymers of starch. By the time starch is getting to the stomach it has been broken down to glucose. This glucose is then absorbed into the blood stream then the blood transports it to your body cells. Body cells absorb the glucose for the use of creating energy.

When excess carbohydrates are eaten, the body converts the extra glucose into glycogen. Glycogen is stored in skeletal muscles and liver. This acts as the glucose reservoir in your body. In case of energy shortage, glycogen is broken down to glucose in a process called glycogenolysis.

Glycogen is the immediate store of energy in your body. It gets depleted in about 24 hours if not replenished. Your diet should always consist of some energy for nutrition. Most of this energy is provided by the carbohydrates. In some circumstances, energy is provided by proteins and fats.

Good and bad Carbs:

Science on nutrition is proving that there are now healthy and unhealthy carbohydrates. They are using the glycemic index to be able to determine the healthier carbohydrates.

The Glycemic index measures how fast and how far blood sugar (glucose) rises after you eat a certain carbohydrate source of food. For example, white bread is considered to be a high glycemic index food. This is because it is quickly digested and absorbed into the blood stream. This consequently increases the blood sugar level very high and very fast. On the other hand whole wheat bread is digested much more slowly. This causes a lower and more gentle change in blood sugar level so it is said to have a low glycemic index.

Carbohydrate foods with high glycemic index have been linked to increase in both diabetes, unhealthy weight and heart disease while low glycemic index has been shown to control type two diabetes. You will find, even though the food pyramid recommends a mainly plant based nutritional diet, it insists on whole foods. This is because a major determinant of a food’s glycemic index is how processed the carbohydrate is.

Some determinants of GI (Glycemic Index) are listed below;

i) Processing:- The more finely ground grain is rapidly digested due to increased surface area hence a higher GI. Processing tends to remove the fibre rich outer bran. It also removes the vitamins and mineral rich inner germ, basically stripping the food all its nutrients except carbs.

ii) Fiber-content: – The bran for example shields the food from immediate rapid action by enzymes. This slows the enzymes effectiveness in releasing the sugar molecules into the blood stream.

iii) Ripeness: – The more ripe a fruit or vegetable the more the sugar it has hence a higher G.I.

iv) Structure of the starch: – Occurring in many structural forms, the more a starch isomer is branched the less easily is broken down. For example a potato is more easily broken down because its starch is only a long chain. This makes it a high G.I. food.

v)Fats and acid content :- The more fat and acid a food contains the slower its carbohydrates are turned into sugar.

Determining G.I. may end up being a little complicated. A combination of the above factors may have counter-intuitive results. But the rule is simple; always prefer whole grain products and them more natural forms of carbohydrates. Use them more often than highly processed grains, just as recommended in any good weight loss diet.

Weight loss diets are one of the Top 4 Reasons you fail in losing weight permanently. However there are three other factors that you need to effectively tackle to avoid failure in losing weight.



By: Mark Kimathi

About the Author:

oswirlso asked:


I am a high school student doing a project on Diabetes. Part of the project consists of asking a few questions to people with Diabetes.

Shan asked:


I am waiting for my second round of blood work to come back with the results as to whether or not i have gestational diabetes. My OB said she is pretty sure it will come back positive so while im waiting for the final results i want to make sure im not ingesting to many carbs. What is the suggested intake of carbs for someone with gestational diabetes and/or Type 2 diabetes?