Type 2 Diabetes - Perfect These Skills to Help Master Mindful Eating, Part 2

In part one of 'Perfecting Your Skills to Help Master Mindful Eating' I covered two of the main skills needed to master this art. By practising mindful eating, you can enter into the final battle round with problematic eating - and win! It is possible with mindful eating to lower your blood sugar, lose weight and even reverse your Type 2 diabetes.


Type 2 Diabetes - Perfect These Skills to Help Master Mindful Eating, Part 2
By Beverleigh H Piepers
In part one of 'Perfecting Your Skills to Help Master Mindful Eating' I covered two of the main skills needed to master this art. By practising mindful eating, you can enter into the final battle round with problematic eating - win! It is possible with mindful eating to lower your blood sugar, lose weight and even reverse your Type 2 diabetes.
Being in the Moment. When you become good at something, you generally don't have to do much conscious thinking, i.e. brushing your teeth or driving your car, to complete the task at hand. Hence it is easy to not be in the moment, but once this crosses over and starts happening whilst eating - it is dangerous and one of the underlying reasons people then start to eat mindlessly. To avoid mindless eating, ensure you and your mind are both present when you sit down to eat - so you can make conscious, mindful decisions about what to eat and when to eat it.
Mindless Environmental Triggers. Are your food cupboards stocked full of junk food? Do you watch television including the adverts that advertise both junk food and the latest diet pill? If yes, these are just a small handful of ways your environment will keep feeding your mindless eating. Turn the television off at the adverts, and simply ban purchasing junk food when you are in the supermarket - being mindful and present when you shop.
Stop Judging Yourself. Not everything has to be labelled as good or bad - in fact, sometimes it can simply be neutral. So you might feel the need to...

• scrutinize every single bite of food you take, and
• criticize the way you eat.

Instead mindfulness teaches you to accept things are the way they are, and by doing this you allow yourself to see the true nature of the way you eat. Only once this happens can you really notice your eating patterns in a compassionate way you can accept and then go about changing them.
Letting Go. Many of us have secret desires when it comes to our body that just may not ever manifest. Often this includes being able to wear much smaller clothes. But sometimes we simply have to be honest and accept who we are now and stop letting thoughts of who we wish we were, hold us back. The real focus once this challenge has been achieved, can then be how to cope with food cravings, and eventually letting them go as well. Facing them is often easier than you realize, and in turn, by focusing on them you will reduce your need to eat unhealthy foods to heal your emotions. This is often how people deal with emotional issues - running from facing the problem and filling up on food to heal their problem.
Acceptance. When was the last time you accepted yourself? The way you look? The size clothes you wear? Acceptance involves being okay with the way things are. It does not mean you may like the way they are, or agree with the situation - but by being okay with it, you are acknowledging the situation and can deal with it. Too much time is spent by all of us, especially in the situation of mindless eating, being stuck stewing over things we can't change. But you can change the future - you just need to free up some head space to be able to do so.
Although managing your disease can be very challenging, Type 2 diabetes is not a condition you must just live with. You can make simple changes to your daily routine and lower both your weight and your blood sugar levels. Hang in there, the longer you do it, the easier it gets.
For nearly 25 years Beverleigh Piepers has searched for and found a number of secrets to help you build a healthy body. Go to http://DrugFreeType2Diabetes.com to learn about some of those secrets.
The answer isn't in the endless volumes of available information but in yourself.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Beverleigh_H_Piepers
http://EzineArticles.com/?Type-2-Diabetes---Perfect-These-Skills-to-Help-Master-Mindful-Eating,-Part-2&id=8818582

Type 2 Diabetes - Perfect These Skills to Help Master Mindful Eating, Part 1

You are the master of your own destiny - and this includes as a Type 2 diabetic tackling your problems with eating and not being able to ditch the junk food for healthy food that you know will help stabilize your blood sugar levels. Without resolving the fact you continue to eat when full, you don't eat enough, constantly diet, binge when stressed, or use food to resolve emotional issues, and the many problems with food a person can have - your life will forever be mediocre and underwhelming to say the least. It is possible with mindful eating to lower your blood sugar, lose weight and even reverse your Type 2 diabetes.


Type 2 Diabetes - Perfect These Skills to Help Master Mindful Eating, Part 1
By Beverleigh H Piepers
You are the master of your own destiny - and this includes as a Type 2 diabetic tackling your problems with eating and not being able to ditch the junk food for healthy food that you know will help stabilize your blood sugar levels.
Without resolving the fact...

• you continue to eat when full,
• you don't eat enough,
• you constantly diet,
• binge when stressed, or
• use food to resolve emotional issues, and
• the many problems with food a person can have -

your life will forever be mediocre and underwhelming to say the least. It is possible with mindful eating to lower your blood sugar, lose weight and even reverse your Type 2 diabetes.
Is it any wonder rates of depression are soaring for people with Type 2 diabetes? Not only is this in part due to the fact they often have secondary complications to deal with such as kidney disease, heart disease and leg ulcers that can end up being so severe they cause the person to have to remove a limb.
Time after time, people with diabetes are told to eat better - and are given handouts to help encourage it. But this isn't proving successful in the majority of cases. This is because the root cause of problems with eating healthily is far more complex than a handout can cover. And the root cause can vary from person to person living with Type 2 diabetes or not. So the approach needs to be very individual.
Mindful eating practises is the answer to most problem eating faced by anyone with or without a particular health condition. Here are the skills you need to be perfecting daily to really begin tackling problematic eating - which in short can be summed up as any type of eating that is damaging your health.
Awareness. The starting point and most important aspect of mindful eating. Dieting over many years is not only harmful to your thyroid it can also make you less able to respond to your body's signals. For instance, when you diet and are not being mindful - you notice the taste of food too much. But when you start being mindful and aware at every meal time, eventually you start to not even notice the taste of the food you eat frequently.
Observation. By observing the thoughts that pop into your head about food, you will learn to be aware of the pattern of thought that leads you to eat mindlessly. This skill takes time to perfect because it requires you to be non-judgemental of the thoughts that appear in your head. You simply need to 'listen' to them and let them come and go without acting on them. You are the master of your mind, thoughts and food you choose to eat.
Although managing your disease can be very challenging, Type 2 diabetes is not a condition you must just live with. You can make simple changes to your daily routine and lower both your weight and your blood sugar levels. Hang in there, the longer you do it, the easier it gets.
For nearly 25 years Beverleigh Piepers has searched for and found a number of secrets to help you build a healthy body. Go to http://DrugFreeType2Diabetes.com to learn about some of those secrets.
The answer isn't in the endless volumes of available information but in yourself.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Beverleigh_H_Piepers
http://EzineArticles.com/?Type-2-Diabetes---Perfect-These-Skills-to-Help-Master-Mindful-Eating,-Part-1&id=8818495

Type 2 Diabetes - The Serious Effect of Low HDL Cholesterol in Diabetics

Heart and blood vessel disease is one of the most serious complications of Type 2 diabetes. Diabetic patients are two and a half times more likely than nondiabetics to have diseases of the heart and blood vessels, including strokes. Strokes occur when a blood vessel supplying oxygen and sugar to the brain either become blocked or bleeds, depriving the brain of oxygen and energy. When a blockage causes a stroke it is called an ischemic stroke. According to an article published in Lipids, Health and Disease in November 2014, scientists at Nanjing University Medical School in China compared the HDL levels in both diabetic patients and nondiabetics to learn how arteries in the brain become blocked. It was found...


Type 2 Diabetes - The Serious Effect of Low HDL Cholesterol in Diabetics
By Beverleigh H Piepers
Heart and blood vessel disease is one of the most serious complications of Type 2 diabetes. Diabetic patients are two and a half times more likely than nondiabetics to have diseases of the heart and blood vessels, including strokes. Strokes occur when a blood vessel supplying oxygen and sugar to the brain either become blocked or bleeds, depriving the brain of oxygen and energy. When a blockage causes a stroke it is called an ischemic stroke.
According to an article published in Lipids, Health and Disease in November 2014, scientists at Nanjing University Medical School in China compared the HDL levels in both diabetic patients and nondiabetics to learn how arteries in the brain become blocked. It was found...

• among Type 2 diabetics, those with low HDL cholesterol, had more than twice the risk of ischemic stroke than diabetics with high HDL levels.
• among those diabetics over 70, the risk was more than 6 times higher in the low HDL group.
• among the nondiabetic participants, no such association was found.

High density lipoprotein or HDL, go through the bloodstream picking up cholesterol and taking it to the liver. The liver then breaks down the cholesterol, lowering the level of total cholesterol and LDL, or light density lipoprotein, cholesterol complexes. Mayo Clinic in the United States recommends 60 mg/dl as a healthy HDL level.
Effective ways to increase HDL levels include...

• losing extra body fat,
• increasing physical activity, and
• eating healthful foods.

For overweight or obese people, losing 6 pounds can raise HDL as much as 1 mg/dl. Aerobic exercise such as

• riding a bike,
• walking,
• swimming,
• playing an active sport, or
• raking leaves for a half hour a day,

help to raise your HDL levels.
Eating foods made with olive oil, peanut oil, nuts, whole wheat, or flax seeds and avoiding animal fats is also helpful, as is not smoking.
When you substitute flax seeds for eggs you lower your cholesterol two ways. The flax seeds contain omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which help to lower cholesterol, and you avoid adding more cholesterol to your diet in the form of egg yolks.
Try making healthful scones with a recipe from the website http://www.PriyaEasynTastyRecipes.blogspot.com where Priya uses whole wheat flour, rolled oats, baking powder, baking soda, oil, water, sugar (could be substituted), almond milk, chocolate chips (optional), and ground flax seeds. http://www.Rawon10.com suggests making burgers with red pepper, ground flax seeds, mushrooms, walnuts, white onion, jalapeno pepper, celery, and olive oil.
Here's to your health.
Type 2 diabetes is not a condition you must just live with. By making easy changes to your daily routine, its possible to protect your heart, kidneys, eyes and limbs from the damage often caused by diabetes, and eliminate some of the complications you may already experience.
For nearly 25 years Beverleigh Piepers has searched for and found a number of secrets to help you build a healthy body. Go to http://DrugFreeType2Diabetes.com to learn about some of those secrets.
The answer isn't in the endless volumes of available information but in yourself.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Beverleigh_H_Piepers
http://EzineArticles.com/?Type-2-Diabetes---The-Serious-Effect-of-Low-HDL-Cholesterol-in-Diabetics&id=8818471

Type 2 Diabetes - Four Exercise Swaps You Should Make to Improve Your Results

Dozens of studies indicate as rates of Type 2 diabetes and obesity continue to increase, exercise continues to be a fundamental form of therapy. Exercise, except in people who have injuries or severe health problems such as advanced heart disease, is always beneficial no matter what level you can manage. But as you go about your workout routine, it's important you pay attention to the exercises you are choosing to do. Are they most beneficial for ongoing fat burning results? Could they be holding you back from seeing the success you truly want?


Type 2 Diabetes - Four Exercise Swaps You Should Make to Improve Your Results
By Beverleigh H Piepers
Dozens of studies indicate as rates of Type 2 diabetes and obesity continue to increase, exercise continues to be a fundamental form of therapy. Exercise, except in people who have injuries or severe health problems such as advanced heart disease, is always beneficial no matter what level you can manage.
But as you go about your workout routine, it's important you pay attention to the exercises you are choosing to do. Are they most beneficial for ongoing fat burning results? Could they be holding you back from seeing the success you truly want?
Many exercises do in fact. While don't get me wrong, any exercise is better than no exercise, if you're going to be in the gym anyway, you'll want to be making the most of that time.
Let's go over four exercise swaps you should consider...
1. Swap Front Crunch For Lying Leg Raise. The front crunch is a commonly performed move for working the core muscles, but what most people don't realize is it actually does very little to get those abs fully contracting. You move through such a small range of motion it really doesn't benefit you all that much.
A better option? The lying leg raise. This one has you moving through a much larger range of motion, therefore producing better benefits.
2. Swap Jogging For Uphill Walking. Next, if you're currently jogging as your primary form of cardio, you may want to reconsider this one as well. Jogging is hard on the knees and unless you are sure your knees are 100% fine, you're better off minimizing that cardio activity.
Try uphill walking instead. This one is less impact and will provide some additional resistance for the lower body, making it a far more effective form of cardio.
3. Swap Leg Extensions For Lunges. Leg extensions might seem like a great choice for working the quads extensively, but they still aren't the most optimal lower body move to be doing.
Try lunges instead. This one will work the quads just as much but in addition to that, will also hit the hamstrings, core, and glutes as well. It's a win-win for total lower body strengthening.
4. Swap Tricep Dips For Push-Ups. Finally, while tricep dips can be good to bring out that definition under the arm, they aren't maximally effective. Since they only work one muscle group, this makes them a very isolated exercise.
A better bet? Push-ups. Push-ups are great because they'll hit the chest, triceps, as well as the biceps, giving you greater overall strength.
So there you have the main points to know and remember regarding your exercise selection. Choose these more often and you can prepare to see far superior results from your exercise program.
If you are committed to your exercise program, your blood sugar will come down.
Although managing your disease can be very challenging, Type 2 diabetes is not a condition you must just live with. You can make simple changes to your daily routine and lower both your weight and your blood sugar levels. Hang in there, the longer you do it, the easier it gets.
For nearly 25 years Beverleigh Piepers has searched for and found a number of secrets to help you build a healthy body. Go to http://DrugFreeType2Diabetes.com to learn about some of those secrets.
The answer isn't in the endless volumes of available information but in yourself.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Beverleigh_H_Piepers
http://EzineArticles.com/?Type-2-Diabetes---Four-Exercise-Swaps-You-Should-Make-to-Improve-Your-Results&id=8818693

Type 2 Diabetic - Rethink Your Breakfast to Manage Your Blood Sugar

As a Type 2 diabetic, what you eat is important. Getting the right amounts of carbohydrates, protein, and fat throughout the day will help you keep your blood sugar level stable and within a healthy range. The timing of your meals is also important. If you aren't used to eating breakfast - or if your breakfast could use a little tuning up - here are some ideas to get the most out of this meal and get your day started off right.


Type 2 Diabetic - Rethink Your Breakfast to Manage Your Blood Sugar
By Beverleigh H Piepers
As a Type 2 diabetic, what you eat is important. Getting the right amounts of carbohydrates, protein, and fat throughout the day will help you keep your blood sugar level stable and within a healthy range. The timing of your meals is also important. If you aren't used to eating breakfast - or if your breakfast could use a little tuning up - here are some ideas to get the most out of this meal and get your day started off right.
Breakfast mistake 1. Not eating any breakfast. Do you feel like you're not hungry in the morning, or breakfast isn't appetizing to you? This may be because you're eating too much throughout the day and in the evening. This will make it so you don't feel hungry when you wake up. If you skip breakfast, your metabolism stays slow all day, and your blood sugar is less stable.
Try instead. Gradually start eating less at night. Eat a smaller dinner or skip the bedtime snack if you ate dinner a couple hours ago. You'll likely wake up feeling hungry and ready to eat breakfast. If you don't like customary breakfast foods, that's okay. There are lots of good options better for you than the traditional bowl of cereal with milk. Lunch and dinner foods are fine, too. Try half a sandwich made with whole grain toast, veggies, low-fat cheese, and lean meat. Or try an omelet with eggs, vegetables, and cheese.
Breakfast mistake 2. Eating too many simple carbohydrates. Even though we know this isn't good for our blood sugar, it can be easier to eat a bagel and have an orange juice than a good, balanced breakfast. This happens especially when you're on the go - many coffee shops don't have much more than coffee and sweet treats, making it hard to eat a healthy breakfast.
Try instead. Think about structuring your breakfast by eating one carbohydrate, one fruit, and one protein food. Examples are Greek yogurt (it contains protein) with berries and a little wheat cereal. Or try oatmeal with a banana and peanut butter stirred in. Pack breakfast ahead of time if you're going to be on the road.
Breakfast mistake 3. Coffee drinks filled with fat and sugar. Beware of most of the drinks you can buy at a coffee shop. The coffee itself is alright calorie wise, but all the syrup and cream added to these drinks can give you up to 1000 calories in a large mocha coffee with cream.
Try instead. Drink plain coffee. If you need more flavor, add in some low-fat milk or a sugar substitute. If you do order a fancy coffee drink, get it with skim milk, sugar-free syrup, and no cream. You can also try green or black tea for a healthy alternative.
Although managing your disease can be very challenging, Type 2 diabetes is not a condition you must just live with. You can make simple changes to your daily routine and lower both your weight and your blood sugar levels. Hang in there, the longer you do it, the easier it gets.
For nearly 25 years Beverleigh Piepers has searched for and found a number of secrets to help you build a healthy body. Go to http://DrugFreeType2Diabetes.com to learn about some of those secrets.
The answer isn't in the endless volumes of available information but in yourself.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Beverleigh_H_Piepers
http://EzineArticles.com/?Type-2-Diabetic---Rethink-Your-Breakfast-to-Manage-Your-Blood-Sugar&id=8818735

How Important is it to Achieve Normal Range Blood Sugar Levels?

The researches have revealed that the knowledge of normal range blood sugar levels is critically important for the patients of diabetes. It helps them to achieve these levels by better food or activity management. Diabetic patients must hope to lead comparatively less stressful life by taking care of the levels of blood sugar. Monitoring blood sugar level is the vital part of any diabetes treatment program.


How Important is it to Achieve Normal Range Blood Sugar Levels?
By Tehmina Mazher
The researches have revealed that the knowledge of normal range blood sugar levels is critically important for the patients of diabetes. It helps them to achieve these levels by better food or activity management. Diabetic patients lead comparatively less stressful life by taking care of the levels of blood sugar. Monitoring blood sugar level is the vital part of any diabetes treatment program. The blood sugar level chart is the most helpful tool for better blood glucose monitoring.
Better control of sugar level in blood not only helps the diabetics to be energetic and feel healthy but at the same time gives them a hope of leading a better life. Better blood glucose level control helps the diabetics to avoid fatigue and tiredness. This also helps to avoid the attack of hyperglycemia.
Meticulous planning and observation help to delay the onset of type 2 diabetes. Regular exercise and controlled diet are the key constituents of controlling this chronic ailment. Proper planning is essential for incorporation of these steps in the daily life.
Better blood glucose control is even more important for the better health of young diabetic children. It is the duty of the parents to restrict their child's diet to ensure they can lead a happier and healthier life. Children need strict monitoring of their levels of glucose in blood so they can avoid the hypoglycemia attack.
Diabetic patient must keep a track record of their blood sugar levels by using special diabetic testing supplies. The level of sugar in bloodstream is checked with the help of a special device termed glucometer. It requires a sample of blood which is then placed on a blood testing strip. The strip is then inserted in the glucometer which measures the concentration of glucose in the drop of blood.
Diabetic patient must know that certain food items may increase the level of sugar in the blood stream. The example of one such drink is coffee. Drinking coffee after meals drastically increases the level of blood sugar. Further for maintaining the proper level of sugar in blood, type 2 diabetic patients must regularly exercise. The regular exercise plays a prime role in maintaining better levels. Sometimes however medicines are required for avoiding the attacks of hyperglycemia.
This must be kept in mind that diabetes is not the end of life. It is not a disease that can never be cured. Rather it is an aliment that only requires proper management. Diabetes gives a second chance to the sufferer to mend his lifestyle.
Learn more about the details of Early Signs Of Diabetes and learn the tips to deal with increase in Blood Sugar. I have mentioned here tips and tricks with the help of which I have said "good-bye" to Diabetes; so you can do the same.
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Diabetes and Exercise - Why the Connection is Vitally Important

Almost twenty-one million people in the US are living with diabetes and an estimated 6.2 million of these people don't know that they have diabetes because they are undiagnosed. People with diabetes, on average, have medical expenditures that are 2.3 times higher than non-diabetics, according to the American Diabetes Association. Another study in Population Health Management estimates that diabetes is costing our nation $218 billion dollars in health care every year. Yet, most diabetes cases are preventable or reversible through exercise, weight loss, and healthy living.


Diabetes and Exercise - Why the Connection is Vitally Important
By Kimberly Searl
Almost twenty-one million people in the US are living with diabetes and an estimated 6.2 million of these people don't know that they have diabetes because they are undiagnosed. People with diabetes, on average, have medical expenditures that are 2.3 times higher than non-diabetics, according to the American Diabetes Association. Another study in Population Health Management estimates that diabetes is costing our nation $218 billion dollars in health care every year. Yet, most diabetes cases are preventable or reversible through exercise, weight loss, and healthy living.
I find myself wondering. What if the 6.2 million people who were undiagnosed knew they had diabetes? Or the estimated 57 million Americans with Pre-Diabetes were educated on how they could mange their health and avoid becoming a Type 2 Diabetic?
Being diagnosed as Pre-Diabetic does not mean that Type 2 diabetes is inevitable. If you lose weight and increase your physical activity, you can prevent or delay diabetes and even return your blood glucose levels to normal (ACSM 2006). (See sidebar for diabetes terms defined)
This is a very important point that many people do not understand - if you exercise and lose weight you can prevent or delay diabetes.
Do you know the signs of diabetes? Take a look around you. Do you see any signs of diabetes in your friends and family right now? (See sidebar for common signs of diabetes) It is very possible that there are people that are diabetic (or will become diabetic) around you every day. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that one in three Americans may develop diabetes in their lifetime. Those statistics are staggering and PREVENTABLE for most.
What about Type 2 diabetics that have been diagnosed? What if we educated them that through diet and exercise they could reduce their medication or eliminate it? What would this do for our health care crisis? I know that we'd first have to break through many myths, magic solutions, and limiting beliefs. The pharmaceutical companies won't be happy with me letting this secret out either. But, what the heck, our health care system is in a crisis! Our Nation is sick! There, I said it. So let's get down to the business of taking some personal responsibility for our health.
Many of you who are trying to understand diabetes and take responsibility for your health immediately have several questions:
o Should you cut out sugar?
o Is your weight putting you at risk?
o If you are skinny, you don't have to worry, right?
o Can exercise and diet really help YOU?
o How do I control blood sugar levels?
And then there are the issues that you might not even know to ask about:
o Having diabetes for more than five years can increase your likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease
o Regular exercise can make you more sensitive to insulin, which can reduce medication dosages
First, let's talk about insulin, the prime medication that keeps diabetics functioning and then you can see the answers clearly to your questions.
How does insulin work? Insulin is the main hormone that controls the entry of blood sugar from the blood stream into the cells of the body to be used as energy. How does exercise influence the insulin hormone? Exercise has an insulin-like effect on the body. When exercising, your muscles require a steady flow of sugar to keep contracting and keep you moving. Exercise increases the rate at which your muscles take up the sugar from your blood stream; so exercise acts the same as insulin by emptying the excess sugar in your blood stream into your muscles. This action, therefore, lowers your blood sugar. One twenty minute walk a day can lower glucose levels by twenty points.
Here is a great example to explain insulin's function in your body. Think of insulin as a bus for a moment. Glucose (sugar) is the passenger. There are two types of diabetics. Type 1 diabetics manufacture no insulin (or have no bus), which, according to the Center for Disease Control, is 5% - 10% of all diagnosed cases. The second type (Type 2), have insulin resistance, which means the bus is there, but it is not picking up passengers and, there are less buses running the route. According to the Center for Disease Control, Type 2 diabetes accounts for 90%-95% of all diagnosed cases.
When you exercise, your muscles work harder than usual and require more fuel than usual; so your muscles send out their own buses to pick up the sugar in the bloodstream and carry it back to the muscles. Working muscles take over for insulin and (for Type 2 diabetics) they can even show the buses (insulin) how to work again (pick up passengers).
Exercising has many benefits for a diabetic. It increases glucose uptake by the cells, improves insulin sensitivity by improving glucose metabolism and reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease. Reduction of blood glucose levels improves insulin sensitivity by making it more effective. Exercise may reduce dosage requirements or need for medication and improve the ability to lose and/ or maintain body weight if combined with an intuitive diet. (See sidebar for Safe Exercise Check List)
There are many popular myths about diabetes. Here are a few that I hear often.
Myth #1 - Diabetics can't eat sugar or sweets and the only reason they have diabetes is because they ate too much sugar. Yes, simple carbohydrates or sweets do raise your blood glucose levels but if you eat them in moderation and make them part of your meal plan, you can safely eat an occasional sweet
Myth #2 - If I'm skinny I'm fine. Diabetes is only a disease that obese people get.
Not completely true, 20% of people with Type 2 Diabetes are slim. Yes, being obese does put you at risk for Type 2 Diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. The key thing to remember is that there is not an atypical "diabetes" body type, genetic trait, race, age or gender. Type 2 diabetes is caused by lifestyle choices and diabetes is a disease to take seriously.
Myth #3 - There is no natural remedy for Diabetes. If I take insulin or insulin sensitivity drugs I can continue with my same lifestyle choices and be alright. Well there is a natural remedy, it is called exercise and balanced eating. You can keep a tight control on diabetes by monitoring your glucose levels, combining exercise with balanced eating, or use medication.
Myth #4 - Well I'm only borderline and 170 mg/dl blood sugar reading is normal for me. You may feel normal being a diabetic but high glucose levels are not safe. There is no such thing as borderline. You either are a diabetic or you are not a diabetic. This is a serious disease that requires you to take personal responsibility for your body. There is serious health complications associated with diabetes, especially when you are stressing your body with high blood sugar levels. You have to start to make lifestyle changes so that you can live a quality life over the long term.
Myth #5 - Exercise! What can that do for me? Blah! Blah! Healthy Lifestyle Blah! Yeah, Yeah, I know. The American Diabetic Association recommends 150 minutes of exercise a week. This is exercise of 20-60 minutes, in continuous sessions, 3-5 times a week. The Diabetes Prevention Study revealed that exercising for a total of two hours a week can reduce the risk of developing diabetes by 50%, that can be as little as 20 minutes, 6 days a week. Take a short, ten minute walk before and after work and you can prevent diabetes or lower your glucose levels.
The fact is, over 90% of diabetes cases are preventable and can be maintained with some natural remedies such as exercising, healthy eating, and/or combined with low doses of medication without tapping into our health care system to the tune of $218 billion. Start gradually and exercise a little everyday until you build up to the recommended guidelines. Eat a balanced, healthy diet and lose the all or nothing approach. Get educated about your disease, determine what your beliefs are about diabetes and make lifestyle changes starting today. (See sidebar Want to Learn More)
Diabetes is serious but you can do something about it!
Side Bars:
Diabetes Terms Defined
o Type 1 = Auto immune disease that destroys insulin producing cells in the pancreas. The body cannot manufacture its own insulin because the beta cells of the pancreas that are responsible for insulin production are destroyed. About 5-10% of all diagnosed cases (CDC 2005)
o Type 2 = body loses its sensitivity to insulin so the body's cells are unable to utilize insulin properly (also knows as insulin resistance or adult onset diabetes). About 90% - 95% of all diagnosed cases (CDC 2005)
o Pre-Diabetes = If you have a fasting plasma glucose test (FPG) and your levels are 100 mg/dl to 125 mg/dl you are diagnosed as showing signs of becoming a diabetic unless you make some lifestyle changes
o Gestational Diabetes = When pregnancy hormones interfere with the mothers insulin, causing glucose levels to rise. This is a form of insulin resistance that in most cases ends with the birth of the child.
o Metabolic Syndrome = A combination of medical disorders that increases the risk factors of developing cardiovascular disease, obesity, hypertension, low high-density lipoprotein (HDL), high cholesterol levels and elevated plasma triglyceride levels.
o Hypoglycemic = abnormally low blood sugar levels which could be caused by excessive insulin, or your diet. Signs would be: trembling or shakiness, nervousness, rapid heart beat, increased sweating, headache, impaired concentration or attentiveness, unconsciousness and coma
o Hyperglycemic = abnormally high blood sugar levels. Signs would be: frequent urination, great thirst, nausea, abdominal pain, dry skin, disorientation, labored breathing, and drowsiness.
Do you know the signs of diabetes? Some very telltale signs include:
o frequent thirst, hunger and urination
o weight loss
o fatigue
o crankiness
o frequent infections
o blurred vision
o cuts/ bruises that are slow to heal
o tingling and numbness in hands and feet
o recurring skin, gum and bladder infections
Safe Exercise Check List
o Get physician clearance before starting any exercise program
o Test your blood glucose level before exercise, immediately after exercise, and again two hours after exercise
o Follow general guidelines for a safe exercise session; warm-up, cool-down, stretch, adhere to an intensity of Type 1 (3 to 5 RPE) and Type 2 (3 to 6/7 RPE), drink plenty of water
o Wear well-fitting, well cushioned, supportive shoes
o Wear polyester or cotton polyester socks so that your feet stay dry and minimize trauma to the foot
o Avoid strenuous, high-impact or static activity unless specifically approved by your doctor
o Carry a carbohydrate snack with you of 10-15 grams of carbohydrate
o Wear identification that tells others you have diabetes in case of a hypoglycemic response http://www.n-styleid.com
o Know and monitor signs of exercise induced hypoglycemia
o Do not exercise if 250 mg/ dl blood glucose levels or if you have ketones in your urine
o If you have autonomic neuropathy, peripheral neuropathy, neuropathy, retinopathy or any other related conditions to diabetes, you must get a doctors approval before starting an exercise program. These conditions require specific and strict guidelines.
o Exercise with a partner until you know your response to exercise
o Always check your feet before and after exercise for lesions
o Drink plenty of water. A good rule is to take a mouthful or two at least every fifteen minutes
Want to Learn More? Additional Resources:
o Living Free! CD and Workbook System http://www.livingfreediabetes.com
� Free Audio Educational Podcast at http://www.mindbodybalance.com/audio.php � Diabetes Solution: The Complete Guide to Achieving Normal Blood Sugars, Richard K Bernstein M.D. Little Brown and Company 2003 � The Healing Power of Exercise, Linn Goldberg, M.D. and Diane L. Elliot M.D., John Wiley and Sons Inc. 2000 � Understanding Diabetes: What it is, how to treat it, how to cope with it, Janet Worsley Norwood and Charles B. Inlander, MacMillian and People's Medical Society, 1999
Kimberly Searl has been a fitness professional since 2005. She holds a bachelors degree in Applied Science from Youngstown State University. Kimberly is also certified as a W.I.T.S. Personal Trainer, Master Fitness by Phone� Coach, Classical Pilates Teacher, 200 r.y.t. YogaFit� Instructor, Intuitive Eating Coach, Get A Grip/ Aging Gracefully Coach, A Diabetic Lifestyle Specialist Coach and A.F.A.A. Group Exercise Instructor.
Kimberly opened Mind/Body: Balance in 2007. Her business specializes in designing exercise programs for individuals, special populations, diabetics and clients wanting and needing to make long-term lifestyle changes. Kimberly strives to inspire clients to transform their mind and body; finding balance through learning and self-discovery.
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Diabetes Information - Symptoms, Types, Causes and Treatment

Sugar is part of a whole slew of meals. The carbohydrates that we eat are later on converted into sugar or glucose while it undergoes the processes inside our body. These sugars are what we use for energy. However, there are really foods that are pure sugar or contain a lot it, which can cause the sugar level in our blood. When this sugar level increase, we may suffer diabetes and other ailments.


Diabetes Information - Symptoms, Types, Causes and Treatment
By Dr John Anne
Sugar is part of a whole slew of meals. The carbohydrates that we eat are later on converted into sugar or glucose while it undergoes the processes inside our body. These sugars are what we use for energy. However, there are really foods that are pure sugar or contain a lot it, which can cause the sugar level in our blood. When this sugar level increase, we may suffer diabetes and other ailments.
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a disease resulting from the increase of blood sugar level above its normal values. The sugars in the blood are supposed to be transported to the cells of the body. But if a person has diabetes, the sugar build up in the blood. The build up of sugar is caused one of the following reasons: either the pancreas is not producing enough hormones called insulin that helps the glucose get into the cells or the body can not make use of the insulin as it is supposed to be.
Diabetes is a disease that exists not only on its own but could trigger a lot of complications and other diseases to surface. These diabetes complications include heart disease, blindness, kidney failure and amputations. It has become one of the major causes of death all over the world.

Symptoms of Diabetes
Like any other sickness, diabetes surface symptoms that should be monitored. These are physically manifested symptoms that could easily diagnosed so if anyone is suffering from the following, seeing a physician is recommended. Diabetes have the following signs: extreme hunger and thirst, excessive drying of the skin, unexplained weight loss, frequent urination, slow healing sores, tingling or numbness of hands or feet, sudden vision blurredness.
When the diabetes is insulin-dependent, other symptoms include nausea, vomiting or stomach pains.
Types of Diabetes
There are three kinds of diabetes that could be developed to specific age range or condition of people. Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus or the type 1 diabetes is commonly developed among children while non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus or the type 2 diabetes is developed among adults. There is also the kind of diabetes that only pregnant women can acquire. The gestational diabetes, though, is not permanent because it disappears as soon as the pregnancy is over; however, if it is not treated it can cause a threat to both the mother and the baby.
Type 2 diabetes is affected by old age, obesity, family history of the ailment, history of gestational diabetes, impaired glucose tolerance, lack of physical activities and race or ethnicity.

Causes of Diabetes
Though researchers have found out what are the things that causes the acquisition of diabetes, the determination of the exact causes of the disease is yet to be discovered. They say that the causes of type 1 and type 2 diabetes are different. Type 1 seemed to be developed from environmental triggers like unidentified virus that attacks the pancreas and causes it to malfunction in producing insulin.
Type 2 diabetes on the other hand is closely associated with being obese and regular physical activities can help prevent the development of which.
Therapies and Treatment for Diabetes
When a person has developed type 1 diabetes, his or her blood glucose levels should be closely monitored through regular glucose tests. Since most food intake contains sugar or substances that will later on be converted to sugar, it is necessary that the food to be eaten is also monitored or measured. Healthy diet, exercise and insulin injections are the basic treatments for type 1 diabetes. However, the insulin should be balanced with metabolism of the body in terms of physical activities and food intake.
Treatment for type 2 diabetes is almost the same with that of type 1. Blood glucose should also be closely monitored; however, some people are required to take some oral medications to avoid blood sugar to increase beyond normal parameters. Since this type of diabetes is not insulin-dependent, insulin injections are not required.
Dr John Anne is an herbal specialist with years of experience in the field of Natural Health care. Read about Diabetes Natural Treatments at http://www.diabetesmellitus-information.com. Also read about Foods for Diabetes.
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A Guide to Diabetes Onset

Adult onset diabetes is the most common type of diabetes found in the diabetic cases, and person's diet is the most common cause. Most of the people do not even notice the symptoms till quite late in their lives. The onset diabetes starts when the body creates insulin rejection, causing weight gain.


A Guide to Diabetes Onset
By David Cowley
The onset of adult diabetes like Mellitus Type II has been derived from a Greek word which literally means passing through honey. Ancient doctors first observed high levels of sugar in the urine, hence this name was given. This disease is related to high intake of simple carbohydrates in the diet, and is characterized by high levels of blood sugar spilling over into the urine.
Adult onset diabetes is the most common type of diabetes found in the diabetic cases, and person's diet is the most common cause. Most of the people do not even notice the symptoms till quite late in their lives. The onset diabetes starts when the body creates insulin rejection, causing weight gain.
Controlling Adult Onset Diabetes
Adult onset diabetes is related to diet and exercise, and it is important to control the diet in order to prevent the disease from developing. However, as the disease is developed and diagnosed at the later stage of life, the bad fitness regime and eating habits at that stage become quite hard to change.
In order to stabilize the body's insulin malfunction, it is important to plan the meals, and you can take doctor's help to work out a good strategy to control the blood pressure, level of cholesterol and insulin in the body.
Juvenile onset diabetes can affect people of any age group, however, it is more common in the people under 30 years of age. Type 2 diabetes is most common, and is also known as adult onset diabetes. It is non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, and it mainly runs in the families. People having sedentary lifestyle, excessive weight and with the family history of Type II diabetes are at the higher risk of developing this disease.
One of the reasons that the early signs of diabetes are ignored and people fail to educate themselves regarding the symptoms of diabetes is the concern regarding developing this dreaded disease.
The symptoms for onset diabetes are excessive thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, weakness, unexpected weight loss, and numbness or tingling in legs, feet or hands. If these symptoms seem to be coming on all at once, seek professional treatment. Diabetes is a killer disease which slowly destroys all the organs and can kill you quickly if not controlled right away.
There is no specific onset diabetes. Some people experience the very fast onset, while others go through a gradual change. There is strong connection between being seriously overweight and this disease. Early onset diabetes is more severe as compared to the one developed in later years.
In most cases of onset diabetes, the pancreas produces more insulin than required by the body, especially during the early stages of illness. Dietary cholesterol and fat infiltrate the blood and do not let insulin make glucose available to the cells. In later stages, the pancreas becomes weak, and level of insulin produced reduces. As the glucose does not get consumed in the cells, the sugar level in the blood becomes abnormally high resulting in constant hunger, thirst and excessive urination. The cells do not get the required fuel to function, and the person feels excessive fatigue. If the disease is left unchecked, it can lead to untimely death of the cells and also the body.
In young people and even older adults, a healthy lifestyle that includes good dietary habits, sufficient physical activity, minimal alcohol use and smoking cessation can lower the incidence of diabetes mellitus.
In case of juvenile onset diabetes, one of the most important things is to watch the blood sugar levels daily. This gives the idea regarding time of the day when the sugar level becomes high or low. Many people with juvenile onset diabetes develop the eye disorder called diabetic retinopathy which weakens the capillaries supplying blood to the retina. Effect on kidneys, nervous system and circulatory or cardiovascular systems are other long term effects of onset diabetes.
Always consult your doctor before using this information.
This Article is nutritional in nature and is not to be construed as medical advice.
David Cowley has created numerous articles on diabetes. He has also created a Web Site dedicated to diabetes and how to treat them. Visit [http://www.diabetes-team.com]
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Symptoms of Diabetes During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is the most beautiful phase of any women's life. Diabetes during pregnancy is also called gestational diabetes.


Symptoms of Diabetes During Pregnancy
By Jacky Smith
Pregnancy is the most beautiful phase of any women life. In this phase, they tend to more careful towards their health. It is essential to be careful during pregnancy, as it affects the health of your unborn child. The health of unborn child is wholly in the hands of a mother. She has to regulate and maintain good health for a healthy child.
Sometimes due to certain deficiency, women might face difficulties during their pregnancy. But this has to be regulated in terms of health. Many times, they even face some unexpected disease such as diabetes. Diabetes during pregnancy is also called as gestational diabetes. It occurs in non-diabetic women during her pregnancy period. In gestational diabetes, the woman generates sufficient amount of insulin, but it is clogged due to several hormones such as estrogen, cortisol, prolactin, and progesterone. Diabetes during pregnancy is generally caused as; the body does not absorb glucose. Thus, insufficient supply of glucose might affect the health of baby and mother.
As, there are no specific symptoms of diabetes or diagnosis for diabetes during pregnancy, it can be detected during screening. Every mother develops resistance to insulin during pregnancy but few of her suffers from temporary diabetes. Even though, if there are no specific symptoms of diabetes during pregnancy; you may get warning signs through the classic symptoms. The symptoms of diabetes are mentioned below:
Excessive thirst
Faint vision
Frequent urination
Unexpected hunger
Extreme tiredness
Well, even though diabetes is common during pregnancy, it can affect people who fall under certain category like:
Age above twenty-five
Obesity
Women who smoke
Family history for diabetes
Women belonging to minority group of ethnic
History of prenatal birth
Previous history of large baby.
Pregnancy during diabetes is treated naturally during the birth of child. But it is anytime better to utilize some safe method to cure diabetes. It can be treated with proper diet, adequate sleep, and regular exercise. Diabetes is easy to manage throughout pregnancy until you follow the rules and restriction seriously:
Quit smoking and consuming alcohol
Drink plenty of water and fresh juice of green vegetables and bright colored fruits
Include lot of green vegetables and fruits in your diet
Instead of grabbing two heavy meals, divide your meal portions into five and eat at short intervals
Consume the supplements of folate
Adapt some regular light exercise which includes walking, yoga, aerobics, etc,.
Have a proper intake of fats in your diet.
Avoid excessive use of salt
Keep a record of your daily check up and if you find any indication, then immediately consult your gynecologist.
Know More About Diabetes symptoms
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Diabetes FAQs

Diabetes is a disease that causes the blood glucose levels go above normal, i.e. above 80-120 mg/dl. The hormone insulin secreted by the pancreas keeps blood glucose level low. Diabetes occurs when your body either doesn?t make sufficient insulin or you lack the mechanism of using the produced insulin.



Diabetes FAQs
By Josh Riverside
Diabetes is a disease that causes the blood glucose levels go above normal, i.e. above 80-120 mg/dl. The hormone insulin secreted by the pancreas keeps blood glucose level low. Diabetes occurs when your body either doesn?t make sufficient insulin or you lack the mechanism of using the produced insulin.
What are the different types of diabetes?
There are mainly two types of diabetes - type I and type II. Type I diabetes, also called insulin-dependent diabetes, occurs mostly in children as a result of autoimmune disorders. That is, the body?s immune system destroys the insulin producing beta cells of pancreas. Type II diabetes, also known as non-insulin-dependent diabetes, occurs in adults as a result of lower insulin level or poor utilization of insulin. Gestational diabetes is another type that occurs in pregnant women. Type II is the most common form - it makes 90?95% of all diabetic cases.
What are the symptoms of diabetes?
Frequent urination, excessive thirst, unexplained weight loss, extreme hunger, sudden vision changes, tingling or numbness in hands or feet, feeling very tired, dry mouth, very dry skin, and sores that are slow to heal. Some other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and stomach pains may also be present.
What problems are created by diabetes?
Diabetes can lead to many health problems such as heart disease, blindness, kidney failure, delayed healing of wounds, and lower-extremity amputations. In the United States, diabetes is the sixth leading cause of death.
Who are more prone to type II diabetes?
Elderly people, obese people and people with a family history of diabetes and gestational diabetes and people with impaired glucose tolerance are more prone to diabetes.
What are the treatments for diabetes?
For type I diabetes, the classical treatment is insulin injections. In case of type II diabetes, healthy eating, physical activity, blood glucose testing and administration of oral medicines are recommended.
What are the common precautions against diabetes?
The precautions include practicing a healthy diet with reduced carbohydrates and fats, reducing body weight and engaging in moderately vigorous physical activities.
Diabetes [http://www.WetPluto.com/Diabetes.html] provides detailed information on Diabetes, Symptoms Of Diabetes, Diabetes Supplies, Diabetes Diets and more. Diabetes is affiliated with 1200 Calorie Diabetic Diets [http://www.e-DiabeticDiets.com].
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Ways of Seeing How Diabetes is Controlled

There are two ways that doctors use to see how diabetes in a person is controlled. One way to see how diabetes is controlled is by measuring the levels of glucose in your blood.


Ways of Seeing How Diabetes is Controlled
By Groshan Fabiola
There are two ways that doctors use to see how diabetes in a person is controlled. One way to see how diabetes is controlled is by measuring the levels of glucose in your blood. The second way in assessing the control of diabetes is by measuring glycohemoglobin. Both these two diabetes methods have good and bad points, but taken together they can give a pretty good picture of the state that your diabetes is at. This is the reason why most of the doctors will use both of these diabetes control methods.
First we shall talk about the first method of controlling diabetes, that is by measuring the glucose levels in your blood, to see how you are doing when diabetes is concerned. This diabetes assessing method can be also done in two ways. The first method is taking a sample of blood at any time of the day and measuring the levels of glucose, to see in what state you are with your diabetes. The second way is to avoid drinking or eating anything for almost eight hours, for the second diabetes method to work. In a normal person that does not suffer from diabetes, the sugar levels in his/ her blood will return to normal
in about three hours after they have eaten. In the persons that suffer from diabetes, this will be done in a higher time.
The second used method in controlling the state of diabetes that you are in is the glycosylated measurement. This test of diabetes can be done in a lab or in your doctor' s office. Unfortunately, unlike the other diabetes control method, this can not be done in the privacy of your own home. The doctors measure the glycosylated levels because they are linked very well with the overall sugar levels that you have in your blood, thus telling you about your diabetes. If the person who suffers from diabetes will take this control test, he/ she will know for sure how the diabetes works. This diabetes control test should be
taken once in four months if you have type 1 diabetes. If you have the second type of diabetes, the test that controls the state of your diabetes can be taken less often.
Studies have shown that the good blod sugar control in diabetes, decreases the risks that one might be exposed to of diabetes complications.
So, if you want to find out more about diabetes or even about diabetes treatment [http://diabetes-info-center.com/diabetes-treatment.htm] please follow this link http://diabetes-info-center.com/
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Type 2 Diabetes - Working At Night, Stress and A Diabetes Diagnosis

Working on the night shift is known to be stressful, interfering with the normal sleep-wake cycle. It has been associated with obesity, difficulty in processing sugar, and the metabolic syndrome.


Type 2 Diabetes - Working At Night, Stress and A Diabetes Diagnosis
By Beverleigh H Piepers
Working on the night shift is known to be stressful, interfering with the normal sleep-wake cycle. It has been associated with:

• obesity,
• difficulty in processing sugar, and
• the metabolic syndrome.

Researchers in the Department of Nutrition of Harvard School of Public Health in the United States looked at night shift work and the development of Type 2 diabetes.
This particular study was reported in PLos Medicine in December 2011, and included 177,184 women between the ages of 25 and 67, who did not have diabetes, heart and blood vessel disease, or cancer in 1988. They were followed for 18 to 20 years.
A total of 10,126 cases of Type 2 diabetes developed. Women who worked at night had a higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, and their risk increased with the number of years of night shift worked. Increased body weight was also observed among those who developed Type 2 diabetes while working the night shift.
From this information researchers concluded screening for Type 2 diabetes should be performed for all workers on night shifts.
Screening by definition is testing for a disease or disorder in the absence of any signs or symptoms. It is performed for diseases:

• that can exist for a significant amount of time before any complaints surface, and
• when early treatment can prevent complications.

Screening people at high risk yields the highest results and makes screening programs cost-effective. Early detection and treatment of Type 2 diabetes can help to prevent:

• dangerously high or low blood sugar levels,
• heart attacks,
• strokes,
• kidney disease, and
• infections.

Screening can be accomplished with the use of either fasting blood sugar, or HbA1c levels:

• fasting blood sugar levels are measured in the morning after an overnight fast. Normal ranges vary from one lab to the next, but 70 to 100 mg/dL (3.9 to 5.5 mmol/L) or under 120 mg/dL (6.7 mmol/L) is usually considered normal.


• hemoglobin A1c, or HbA1c, measures blood sugar levels in the red blood cells and, since red blood cells live 120 days, it gives the history of blood sugar levels for the previous 3 to 4 months. Suggested HbA1c levels are below 7 per cent.

Once Type 2 diabetes has been diagnosed, if it is in its earliest stage it can often be treated with diet and exercise alone. People diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes are frequently overweight or obese, and normalizing weight can often lower blood sugar levels to within normal levels...

• an eating plan rich in nutrients and fiber, and low in calories, will not only lower fat levels but provide the vitamins and minerals the body needs to keep itself in a good state of repair
• high fiber levels found in vegetables and fruits will slow absorption of sugar, helping to lower blood sugar levels
• a regular program of walking, swimming, bicycle riding, dancing, or other activity that increases pulse and breathing rates will not only help to lower weight but help the body to regular sugar levels.

If you or anyone you know works at night, discuss the possibility of screening for Type 2 diabetes with your doctor.
To discover answers to questions you may be asking yourself about Type 2 Diabetes, click on this link... Natural Diabetes Treatments
Clicking on this link will help you to learn more about Type 2 Diabetes Solutions... Beverleigh Piepers RN... the Diabetes Detective.
Beverleigh Piepers is the author of this article. This article can be used for reprint on your website provided all the links in the article are complete and active. Copyright (c) 2011 - All Rights Reserved Worldwide
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Diabetes, Obesity and Sleep

Obesity underpins diabetes. At the same time being overweight can disrupt your sleep. In addition, low quality sleep can cause you to put on weight.


Diabetes, Obesity and Sleep
By Paul D Kennedy
Finding it difficult to get a good night's rest could be due to any of a number of reasons. Two of the most common causes are being overweight and obstructive sleep apnoea.
Control you weight and you are a long way down the road to controlling your diabetes. You are also promised a good night's sleep once you have reached your recommended weight.
Weight
Some studies show that people who get less sleep tend to be heavier than those who sleep well.
Being overweight means that your body has more fat cells than it should have taking your physique into account. According to researchers, excess body fat underlies 64% of cases of diabetes in men and 77% of cases in women.
The most recognized sleep-related complication from being overweight or obese is the disrupted breathing that leads to snoring and sleep apnoea.
Snoring
Excessive fat due to being overweight can be present along the airways. This crowding, combined with added weight pressing from the outside, can collapse an airway and causes problems.
When this is mild, it gives rise to snoring.
Snoring is simply turbulent airflow. In your upper airways, the disrupted airflow becomes noisy and the result is snoring.
Snoring is more likely if you have pre-existing obstructions such as enlarged tonsils or adenoids, a deviated septum in the nose, a small lower jaw or a tongue that is larger than usual.
As the airway becomes more crowded and more prone to collapse, the flow of air can cease completely but temporarily. This results in pauses in breathing called apnoea.
Apnoea
Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a common sleep disorder marked by loud snoring and pauses in breathing while you sleep.
OSA is most common in people aged 35 to 54 and affects about one-tenth of middle-aged men. It is particularly common in persons who are overweight, and can have an impact on their ability to breathe adequately at night.
There is a link between diabetes and sleep apnoea. That link is excessive weight which, as discussed above, can cause fat deposits around the upper airway and obstruct breathing. So being overweight or obese is a risk factor for sleep apnoea as well as diabetes.
Sleep apnoea plays havoc with sleep patterns which causes many problems. There include being sleepy during the daytime and problems with concentration, memory, and mood.
There are also more serious effects. Sleep apnoea may increase your risk of heart failure, diabetes, hypertension, stroke and sudden death. It can affect the growth and development of children.
Sleep apnoea is thought to be dangerous because it affects the concentration of oxygen within the bloodstream. In the most severe cases, difficulties in breathing at night may cause carbon dioxide to be retained well into the following day.
Normally when we are breathing we take in oxygen and expel carbon dioxide. In some obese people, this becomes so compromised during sleep that excess carbon dioxide is retained in the blood-stream even after they wake up in the morning and persists during the day. This increases their risk of major cardiovascular complications and death.
Sleep apnoea can be an early warning sign of diabetes developing. Indeed, numerous studies have linked obstructive sleep apnoea with greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Experts believe that side effects directly related to sleep apnoea could influence the metabolism of people as they sleep.
The correlation between sleep and diabetes is well-proven, with interruptions to deep sleep a key part of the risk of diabetes. Obesity makes both diabetes and sleep apnoea more likely.
Sleep apnoea can prevent you from getting a good night's sleep. This can make your diabetes worse or increase your risk of developing diabetes.
There are many effective treatments for sleep apnoea. These include lifestyle changes such as weight loss for mild cases and devices to open up blocked airways for more significant cases.
Restless legs and obesity
In the evenings, many people with diabetes feel discomfort in their legs which is coupled with an urge to move to relieve the symptom. This is known as Restless legs syndrome.
Though obesity has been associated with an increased risk of restless legs, the nature of the association between the two is not known.
People with restless legs syndrome often get up and grab a bite to eat during the early part of the night, which seems to provide some relief. Whether these extra calories contribute to obesity is not known.
Sleep causing obesity
There also seems to be a converse relationship between sleep and obesity.
Not only can being overweight or obese reduce the quality of sleep but being deprived of sleep for whatever cause can contribute to gaining weight.
Scientific research suggests that inadequate sleep may lead to hormonal changes that disrupt metabolism. How our body regulates the use and storage of fat may be compromised. Moreover, disrupted sleep may lead to insulin resistance and an increased risk for diabetes.
Summary
There are clear relationships between being overweight or obese and difficulties in sleeping.
The most common conditions arising from being overweight may be sleep apnoea which has a variety of unpleasant consequences. There may also be an increased risk of disorders such as restless legs syndrome.
There also seems to be a converse association between disrupted sleep and the risk for obesity, especially when sleep deprivation occurs.
This complex relationship deserves your attention as the effects of poor sleep and obesity together can undermine your health and exacerbate your diabetes. Losing weight will not only help you control your diabetes but it should also help you get a good night's rest.
Paul D Kennedy is a type 2 diabetic. He used his skills as an international consultant and researcher to find a way to control his diabetes using diet alone and, about five years ago, he stopped taking medications to control his blood glucose levels. You can find out more from beating-diabetes.com or by contacting Paul at paul@beating-diabetes.com. His book Beating Diabetes is available for download from Amazon or as a printed edition from Create Space online book store.
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4 Things You Must Do If You Have Type 2 Diabetes and Sleep Apnea!

Well previous clinical research revealed, people with obstructive sleep apnea are at least nine times as likely to suffer with type 2 diabetes than those without any sleep disorder.


4 Things You Must Do If You Have Type 2 Diabetes and Sleep Apnea!
By K.M. Dodd
An alarming number of sleep apnea patients suffer with type 2 diabetes. Studies reveal these two seemingly different disorders have a close relationship, therefore it should be no surprise.
Sleep Apnea and Diabetes, often strike overweight persons, although not everyone who suffers from apneas or has diabetes is obese. Doctors agree that, both are related to the bodies metabolism.
What Is Type 2 Diabetes?
Type 2(or non-insulin-dependent diabetes) happens when the pancreas can not produce adequate insulin to meet the body's requirement, or the insulin is not metabolized properly. Type 2 diabetes is normally treated with exercise and diet, however some individuals must also take medications or insulin.
How does this relate to sleep apnea?
Well previous clinical research revealed, people with obstructive sleep apnea are at least nine times as likely to suffer with type 2 diabetes than those without any sleep disorder.
Glucose is a major contributing factor with type 2 diabetes, producing fluctuations in blood sugar levels. When left untreated, this can cause severe health risks.
According to doctor Authur Friedlander,"The blame is specifically because of excess weight gain,"
Why?
"When people put on too much weight, fat deposits build up in the throat and line the breathing passageways," The muscles in this area of the throat collapse during sleep, causing the upper airway to become narrow, and many times obstruction occurs as a result."
4 Specific Strategies You Can Use To Help
Healthy Diet and Exercise
Research analyst are finding that weight loss is much more effective when individuals follow a combination of diet and exercise plan and have the support of others.
Portion control, and eating at specific times in the day, are also ways to be healthy, and aid in shedding those unwanted pounds.
Controlling your sugar intake from carbohydrates also was cited as a way to not only lose weight but to help stabilize blood sugar.
With numerous diets on the market today. It makes sense to consult your doctor before starting a restrictive eating plan. There maybe circumstances you may not be aware of, so be safe.
Cpap Therapy
The University in Chicago, IL measured blood sugar levels on many obstructive sleep apnea patients before and after they used (CPAP) and found that continuous positive airway pressure reduced glucose levels.
If you have been on the fence about whether or not continuous positive airway pressure is right for you, or even worse neglected follow up sleep studys. Then this may be just the thing to get patients back into therapy.
Psychological Stress
One clinical study after another, show a connection between self-defeating behaviors and emotional pain. Human beings are whole not a collection of partial parts.
Pyschological damage can create all sorts of illogical thinking, and associated behaviors, including overeating.
If this sounds like you, take the initiative and talk to a therapist trained to help individuals get past the difficulty and on to a better life.
Take Your Medication
Even after reaching your target weight, you may still need to take diabetic medicine. According to the A D A Sleep apnea may still be a problem, however surgical options exist that can eliminate apneas, or make cpap therapy a much more tolerable mode of treatment.
Diabetes, left untreated, can be a very serious disease. Well over 90 percent of diabetics have type two (non-insulin dependent)diabetes, and this is usually treatable in nearly everyone that suffers from it with simple lifestyle changes. So you really have no good excuse for not taking action to live a better quality of life.
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