For many Canadians living with diabetes, regular blood glucose monitoring, as recommended by their healthcare professional, is a key part of their daily diabetes management and can help prevent or delay serious complications. However, the majority of people living with diabetes sometimes experience uncertainty between their blood glucose readings and how they feel.1 According to a recent survey, while 82 per cent of Canadians living with diabetes feel that the readings on their meters are accurate, 40 per cent said they sometimes test their blood sugar levels twice in one sitting to make sure the readings are accurate.

Canadians living with diabetes can feel assured in their blood glucose readings with the new OneTouch® UltraMini® Meter with SmartCode25™, which provides an effortless way to keep their meter calibrated for accuracy by eliminating the need for manual coding.

“While blood glucose readings are essential for patients on insulin to provide critical information for accurate dose adjustment, patients on oral medications may still benefit enormously from identifying the impact food, exercise and stress can have on their blood glucose levels,” says Dr. Andrew Farquhar, a family physician in Kelowna, British Columbia and consultant to LifeScan. “The new OneTouch® UltraMini® Meter with SmartCode25™ keeps the meter calibrated for accuracy while removing the need for manual coding so patients can still feel confident in their results.”

The new OneTouch® UltraMini® Meter with SmartCode25(TM) works with the OneTouch® Ultra® Blue Test Strips, the only test strip with DoubleSure® Technology that automatically checks each sample twice to confirm the result. All OneTouch® Ultra® Blue Test Strips are also manufactured to a single calibration code, Code25. Since the new OneTouch® UltraMini® Meter with SmartCode25™ is locked to Code25 at manufacturing, there is no need to manually code the meter. The new OneTouch® UltraMini® with SmartCode25™ is also small and portable, features a large, easy-to-read screen, and provides accurate results in just five seconds. People living with diabetes can find out more about the new OneTouch® UltraMini® Meter with SmartCode25(TM) by talking to their pharmacist or healthcare professional and by visiting here.

The Canadian Diabetes Association (CDA) recommends that people with type 1 diabetes check their blood glucose at least three times a day, and those with type 2 diabetes on an oral medication or insulin check at least once a day as part of a diabetes management plan.2 People living with diabetes should always speak to their healthcare professional about the best diabetes management plan to fit their individual needs.

If left untreated or improperly managed, diabetes can result in a variety of complications, including: heart disease, kidney disease, eye disease and nerve damage.3

References

1. Leger Marketing. Diabetes Study. April 1, 2010.
2. Canadian Diabetes Association. Canadian Diabetes Association 2008 Clinical Practice Guidelines. Available here. Accessed on December 14, 2010.
3. Canadian Diabetes Association. Diabetes Facts. Available here. Accessed on December 14, 2010.

Source:
LifeScan Canada Ltd.

Diabetes From Medical News Today

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/213974.php

To begin lets discuss the types of exercise available to you. Exercise generally falls under two main categories; ‘Cardiovascular Training’ and ‘Resistance Training’. Cardiovascular training focuses on improving the amount of oxygen that is delivered to your muscles which in turn improves your endurance and stamina. There are many choices when it comes to cardiovascular exercise which include cycling, jogging and swimming. Resistance training focuses on improving your strength using short, explosive movements. When it comes to resistance training the choices are a little more limited and involve the use of free weights, machine weights or your own body weight.

So which type is best for your diabetes and your overall health? Well, both types have their advantages. Cardiovascular training is more effective at stimulating the body to use blood sugar for energy but weight training has been linked with significant improvements in blood sugar control. My advice is to do a mixture of both cardiovascular training and resistance training as part of your regular exercise routine. This will allow you to gain the maximum benefit from each type of exercise which include:

1) IMPROVED BLOOD SUGAR CONTROL:- As mentioned above both types of exercise can help you control your blood sugar levels by prompting your body to burn more blood sugar. In fact in some cases of type 2 diabetes exercise has been so effective that it has removed the need for insulin injections.

2) IMPROVED RECEPTIVENESS TO INSULIN:- One of the key problems facing diabetics is a lack of insulin in the body. However, research suggests that regular exercise can improve the body’s sensitivity to insulin. Therefore, by exercising regularly diabetics can use the limited insulin they have available more effectively.

3) REDUCED BODY FAT LEVELS:- Both types of exercise can help you burn fat in different ways. Cardiovascular training stimulates fat burning directly (both during and after exercise) whereas building muscle mass through resistance training can slightly increase the number of calories you burn each day. Fat cells are more resistant to insulin than muscle cells and so by burning them off through exercise you can make your body more receptive to insulin.

Although regular exercise is a fantastic way to moderate your diabetes it is very important that you take the following precautions.

• Always monitor your blood sugar levels before, during and after exercise using a portable glucose meter. Although exercise can help control your blood sugar levels you need to be aware if any fluctuations occur.
• Always keep insulin and glucose nearby so that you can quickly address any potential blood sugar fluctuations.
• Make sure that you stay properly hydrated whilst working out as dehydration can can cause further blood sugar fluctuations.
• Talk to your doctor before beginning an exercise plan. They will know about your health better than most people and therefore will be able to advise you of any further precautions you need to take when exercising.

Regular exercise can do wonders for your health, your appearance and your diabetes. If you want to command greater control over your diabetes then you should start getting physical today. Begin with just a daily brisk walk and then progressively work your way towards more intense forms of exercise. Before you know it you will have made huge steps in your health, your fitness and your diabetes management.

Every intention has been made to make this article accurate and informative but it is intended for general information only. Diabetes is a medical condition and this article is not intended as a substitute for the advice of your doctor or a qualified medical practitioner. If you have any concerns regarding any form of diabetes you should seek the advice of your doctor immediately.

There are two types of diabetes. Type 1 usually manifests itself at an early age. It is sometimes referred to as adolescent diabetes. In Type 1 the body cannot produce enough of its own insulin. Type 2 diabetes manifests itself later in life. In Type 2 diabetes the body fails to produce adequate levels of insulin or it becomes resistant to its own insulin.

In both types of diabetes the body is unable to process sugar properly. Blood sugar levels increase because the body cannot transport sugar to the cells where it is needed. It becomes essential to reduce blood sugar levels. This can be done by medication, by diet and by exercise.

Exercise can, therefore, be a valuable tool in diabetes management. This is true for both types of diabetes. Whether an individual has Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes they can benefit from exercise.

Type 1 diabetics will benefit from exercise because it can assist in the maintenance of insulin sensitivity and increases the use of glucose by the muscles. Exercise will also help to avoid excessive weight gain. Type 1 diabetes cannot be cured, but some of the health problems associated with it can be reduced by means of exercise.

Type 2 diabetics will also benefit from exercise. Type 2 diabetes is preventable and exercise will help in its prevention. Even such a simple activity as a 30 minute walk every day can reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

To sum up: exercise will reduce blood sugar levels and help maintain insulin sensitivity. It will also improve circulation. This is important for diabetics because they are known to have circulatory problems. Diabetics often suffer from poor circulation in the legs and feet. Exercise helps to promote blood circulation. Regular exercise will also help to lower blood pressure and so reduce the risk of stroke.

There are, however, certain risks associated with exercise for diabetics. Since exercise lowers blood sugar diabetics must measure their blood sugar levels before and after exercise. The body will use more sugar during exercise and become more sensitive to insulin. Exercise can potentially result in hypoglycemia. Checking blood sugar levels will avoid this danger. With this precaution the benefits of exercise will outweigh the possible risks.

A diabetic should also take care to carry candy or fruit juice with them during exercise in case their blood sugar falls too low. They should make sure to inform the staff at the gym or their exercise partners that they are diabetic. An exercise buddy is a good idea for anyone but doubly so for a diabetic. Exercising with a friend can help maintain your motivation and for a diabetic it can help avoid the dangers of your blood sugar falling too low.

Watch out for the tell tale signs of low blood sugar level. Check your heart rate after exercise. Are you sweating abnormally, shaking, or feeling very hungry? These can all be signs of low blood sugar.

The general rule for everyone beginning exercise is to take things slowly. For diabetics this should be emphasised. Build up your routine as your level of fitness improves. Set yourself realistic goals. Begin with short sessions of gentle exercise. Gradually move on to more ambitious targets are you feel confident to do so. There is not need to push yourself to the point of exhaustion. Little and often is the best plan.

Successful incorporation of exercise into your daily routine will significantly improve your quality of life as a diabetic. It will help you manage your condition and avoid many of the health problems associated with diabetes.

Exercise is a vital part of the management of diabetes. All diabetics should aim to make exercise a part of their daily routine. Exercise can help to improve the quality of life for diabetics. But there are some safeguards to consider before you start an exercise regime. It is wise to consult your health professional before you begin. This would be true for anyone, but it is especially so for someone who suffers from diabetes.

That means that intense exercise can help to both prevent and treat diabetes. The most tissue damage occurs immediately after eating when blood sugar levels rise the highest. After you eat, sugar goes from the intestines into the bloodstream. The only places that sugar can be stored are in your muscles and liver. When your muscles are not exercised, they are full of sugar and sugar has no place to go after it enters your bloodstream.

Aerobic exercise, commonly referred to as cardio, raises the heart rate and the breathing rate while working major muscle groups. Cardio burns blood sugar and stored fat, and is recommended by most doctors for their diabetic patients. Dancing, swimming, aerobics, tennis, basketball, and bicycling are all forms of aerobic exercise. Cardio offers all of the benefits mentioned above, and is especially important for diabetics.

Exercises like jogging, swimming, fast walking and cycling are good for diabetics. These exercises help to keep cardiovascular system in good condition. These exercises should couple with stretching exercises as warming and cooling down exercises. A typical exercise session should consist of: 10 minutes of warming up exercise of stretching type; about 20-30 minutes of aerobic exercise and finally 5 minutes of cool down and stretching exercise.

A regular exercise program can help the body respond to insulin and is known to be effective in managing blood glucose. Diabetes types exercise can lower blood glucose and possibly reduce the amount of medication one needs to treat diabetes. Some are even able to eliminate the need for any medication. With exercise, one can also improve the circulation in many areas of the body such as arms, legs, fingers and the major joints.

Diabetes Exercise, along with good nutrition, helps decrease body fat, which helps control glucose metabolism. Exercise and good nutrition provide real physical payoffs–they are essential to controlling diabetes. Exercise can help prolong your life and get better the quality of your added months and years.

Insulin circulates throughout your network of blood vessels along with sugar, and acts as a key, opening channels that line your cells, which allows sugar to exit your bloodstream and enter your cells where it is used for energy. When insulin is not able to do its job, the cells can’t get the sugar they need, and too much sugar builds up in the blood. Insulin resistance, which is very common, doesn’t cause type 2 diabetes by itself. The pancreas usually rallies to compensate for the resistance by pumping out more insulin.

The overworked pancreas may eventually stop producing enough insulin and the person with type 2 diabetes may need to take daily injections of insulin. Blood samples are taken at intervals for 2 to 3 hours. Test results are compared with a standard and show how the body uses glucose over time.

Insulin levels drop as a result of decreased production, and blood glucose levels are allowed to rise to very high, toxic levels. Although diet and exercise, along with supplementation, are still strongly recommended, a number of prescription drugs might also be necessary. Insulin is a hormone made by the body to regulate the amount of sugar in the blood. High levels of sugar in the blood can seriously affect other body systems, particularly over long periods of time. Insulin is a hormone produced by the beta cells of the pancreas, an organ behind the stomach.

Regular exercise 3-5 times a week will not only keep your heart rate and blood levels in the right places but also ensure you are maintaining your body and reducing the risk of diabetes. Regular exercise tackles several risk factors at once. It helps you lose weight, keeps your cholesterol and blood pressure under control, and helps your body use insulin. Regular exercise helps control the amount of glucose in the blood. It also helps burn excess calories and fat so you can manage your weight. Regular exercise also may help lower blood lipids and reduce some effects of stress, both important factors in treating diabetes and preventing complications.

Exercise and weight loss are very important to prevent Type 2 Diabetes from worsening. Exercise increases the body’s energy level, lowers tension, and improves your ability to handle stress. Living with type 2 diabetes is a life changing experience.

Medical management of type 2 diabetes is essential, along with nutrition counseling, medication use, behavior change therapy, and physical activity as the focuses of therapeutic intervention. There are identifiable limitations (e.g., presence of complications leading to impairment or disability) and precautions (e.g., degree of metabolic control) to be addressed when developing a physical activity program. Medically speaking, endocrinology involves the diagnosis and management of these illnesses. Endocrinology is often associated with the study of diabetes and metabolism, or with reproductive medicine. Medicines for diabetes and other health conditions may need to be adjusted if a person is also using a dietary supplement.

MAJOR RISK FACTORS FOR TYPE 2 DIABETES
Here are some of the major risk factors for type 2 diabetes:

1. Age – As people age, the chances of getting diabetes type 2 is considerably higher. So for those who are older than 45 years, they are at a higher risk of getting the disease.
2. Overweight – Being overweight is another strong risk factor especially the person is heavier in the center.
3. Genetic factors – Having someone with diabetes in the family puts you at a higher risk.
4. Certain ethnic groups such as such as native americans, african americans, latino americans, pacific islanders and asian individuals who are at higher risk for developing type 2 diabetes.
5. People with high blood pressure and high cholestorol levels are at higher risk for type 2 diabetes.
6. Women at risk – women who have had a big baby of more than 9lbs are at higher risk of having type 2 diabetes. Other risk factors include women who had gestational diabetes, polycystic overian syndrom, irregular menstrual cycles and developing facial hair.

Of all these common risk factors, the most common are those who have family history as well as those who are gaining weight in the middle.

HOW TO CONTROL TYPE 2 DIABETES
Diabetes can be one of the hardest diseases to treat as it does not go away. It is always there with you, day in and day out. It will affect your daily life in what you do and what you eat. You have to be always conscious of your blood sugar as you can’t let it go too high to avoid complications. The next best thing you can do to help yourself is to control the disease.

The main cause of type 2 diabetes is insulin resistance and insulin deficiency. So the first thing you want to do is to help reduce the resistance of insulin. Exercising and losing weight can help reducing resistance to insulin and thus control type 2 diabetes. The other way is using pills which your doctor will recommend to you. However,due to the advance technology as well as rising awareness of using alternative way to treat type 2 diabetes, herbal and natural supplements are increasingly popular.

Here are a few of the natural/alternative herbs which have worked for many diabetics:

1. Bitter melon has long been regarded as the natural cure for diabetes. This fruit is known for its abilities to regulate blood glucose level. In fact, bitter melon is recommended by the Dept of Philippines as one of the best herbal medicines for managing diabetes.
2. Gymnema sylvestre is a herb native to the tropical forests of southern and central India where it has been used as a naturopathic treatment for diabetes for nearly two millennia. This herb has been shown to reduce blood sugar levels when used for an extended period of time. The active ingredient is thought to be gurmenic acid which has structure similar to saccharose. Extracts of Gymnema is not only claimed to curb sweet tooths but also for treatment of as varied problems as hyperglycemia, obesity, high cholesterol levels, anemia and digestion.
3. Cassia (Cinnamomum aromaticum or Chinese cinnamon) is a close relative to cinnamon. In fact, when cinnamon is said to be beneficial for diabetes, it is actually cassia, a less delicate version of the true cinnamon. A 2003 study published in the DiabetesCare journal followed Type 2 diabetics ingesting 1, 3 or 6 grams of cassia daily. Those taking 6 grams shows changes after 20 days, and those taking lesser doses showed changes after 40 days. Regardless of the amount of cassia taken, they reduced their mean fasting serum glucose levels 18–29%, their triglyceride levels 23–30%, their LDL cholesterol 7–27%, and their total cholesterol 12–26%, over others taking placebos. The effects, which may even be produced by brewing a tea from cassia bark, may also be beneficial for non-diabetics to prevent and control elevated glucose and blood lipid levels.
4. Chromium – Starting in the 1960s reports have shown that Chromium helps cells respond properly to naturally produced insulin. Current estimates show that 90% of Americans are lacking in this essential mineral nutrient.
5. Helps to improve circulation in the little capillaries in the hands and feet. Also valuable in balancing the digestion and strengthening the immune system.
6. Mulberry leaves is know to effectively help regulate blood sugar levels. Drink as tea can help to reduce absorption of sugar and carbohydrates. It is also a good source of antioxidants, vitamin C and carotene.

Beside these, there are others less known herbs for controlling diabetes. These herbs when combine together in the right balance can be very powerful in helping you manage diabetes. However, it is important to research on these supplements to ensure they indeed do what they claim. ProvenHealthCare.com provides informative reviews and articles on alternative methods of controlling diabetes.

More than 20 million people have diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association. By the end of the decade, this number is expected to rise dramatically. When high blood sugar levels damage nerves, diabetic neuropathy can occur and eventually 40 to 60 percent of diabetics will develop diabetic nerve pain.

Mostly it affects the hands and feet, with mild to severe numbness, and sharp pain like pins and needles. Limbs feel alternately burning hot and icy cold, accompanied by pain and muscle fatigue.

Treating diabetes may halt progression and improve symptoms of the nerve pain, but recovery is slow. The painful sensations of diabetic nerve pain may become so severe it can lead to depression in some patients.

This chronic painful condition is often puzzling and frustrating for patients and physicians, as it is difficult to diagnose and seems to respond poorly to standard pain therapies. Countless people with diabetes have suffered from nerve pain for years.

Diabetic neuropathy sufferer Ron Morrison developed so much discomfort from his condition in his legs and feet that he was, “seriously shopping for a wheelchair because it was becoming too difficult to stand and walk,” he says. He began using a topical ointment called Neuragen that provided instantaneous relief from the burning sensation in his feet. “It has returned quality back to my life,” he says.

“I was introduced to a wonderful new product at my local pharmacy, Neuragen, that provided instantaneous relief from this burning sensation in my feet and have been using this product ever since. It has returned quality back to my life.”

In clinical trials, Neuragen provided rapid and effective pain relief without significant side effects. It has been recommended by health care professionals in the United States and Canada since 1996 for treatments of chronic pain associated with a variety of conditions.

Good glucose control can also help control diabetic neuropathy along with a balanced diet, rich in fiber, regular physical activity and limiting alcohol consumption.

More information on Neuragen and nerve pain is available at www.Neuragen.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Victoza offers extra choice for people with type 2 diabetes which is one of the fastest growing diseases as the majority of cases are linked to obesity.

The drug, made by Novo Nordisk, is a once a day injection and reduces the likelihood of hypoglycaemic attacks, when blood sugar levels fall too low.

It works to stimulate insulin only when blood sugar levels rise too high and can be taken regardless of meals.

Victoza, also known as liraglutide, helps patients to lose weight which is a major problem with type 2 diabetes because the disease is linked to obesity in many cases and the traditional drugs used to control it often encourage more weight gain.

It helps the patient to feel fuller for longer and so reduces calorie intake. It costs £78.48 per patient per month.

Professor Anthony Barnett, Professor of Medicine and Consultant Physician and Clinical Director of Diabetes and Endocrinology at Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, said: “With Victoza patients with type 2 diabetes can be confident they are controlling their blood sugar, and may benefit from weight loss. This is an important advance for patients with type 2 diabetes, many of whom are already overweight.

“Additionally, the once-daily formula, independent of meals, should improve patient compliance and in turn clinical outcomes.”

There are around 2.5m people in Britain with diabetes, including type 1 which is not linked to obesity, and about 500,000 people do not know they have the condition.

Cathy Moulton, Care Advisor at Diabetes UK, said: “Liraglutide widens the choice of treatments for people with Type 2 diabetes that not only offer improved blood glucose control but also aid weight loss. In addition, research has shown that this treatment has a positive effect on blood pressure levels.

“Diabetes UK welcomes safe and effective treatments that give people with diabetes choice in how to best manage their condition. In addition to any prescribed medication, people with diabetes should eat a healthy balanced diet and do regular physical activity. Good diabetes management reduces the risk of developing serious complications including heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, blindness and amputation.”

by Rebecca Smith, Medical Editor, Telegraph.co.uk

The results of the study also involved scientists from the University of Leipzig and the German Cancer Research Center in Heidelberg.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 1.6 billion people are overweight worldwide. The number of people with type 2 diabetes has increased accordingly to 230 million. The risk of developing type 2 diabetes is approximately 50% hereditary, but is also dependent on nutrition and lifestyle factors.

In the present study, the researchers compared the genomes of different mouse strains. Some mouse strains were obese but had no strikingly elevated blood glucose levels and were less susceptible to diabetes. Other strains developed a severe malfunction of fat and glucose metabolism as they continued to gain weight, causing these mice to rapidly develop type 2 diabetes.

According to the study, this difference is due to a small fragment of genetic information: a so-called “jumping gene” or “transposon” of viral origin, localized in a non-coding segment of the gene Zfp69, whose effect it diminishes. Without this genetic fragment, the risk gene is fully active and, in combination with obesity, leads to high blood sugar levels and malfunction of fat metabolism. The gene is also active in the fat tissues of overweight people suffering from diabetes – more so than in healthy individuals.

“Our data suggest that the protein product of the risk gene in obese individuals enhances the storage of fat in fat cells. As a result, excessive fat accumulates in the liver and this in turn contributes to the development of diabetes,” explains Stephan Scherneck, first author of the study.

“We have therefore discovered a new diabetes gene of similar importance in mice and humans,” says Hans-Georg Joost, head of the study and scientific director of DIfE, “as well as a mechanism that has not been described before in connection with the heredity of diabetes and obesity.”

These data show the importance of studying in detail not only genes themselves but also transposons in their vicinity.

Joost continued, “This transposon is quite active and almost completely “turns off” the Zfp69 gene. We have found indications that it is also active in other mouse genes. Since the human genome is full of such fragments, it is quite possible that they play a greater role than previously assumed.”

Public Library of Science. “‘Jumping Gene’ Diminishes The Effect Of New Type 2 Diabetes Risk Gene.” ScienceDaily

The liver is the sugar factory for the body – when blood sugar (glucose) levels fall, the liver makes and releases more. In people with diabetes, especially Type 2 diabetes, the liver doesn’t stop making sugar when it should, so blood sugar levels can rise overnight while they sleep even though they haven’t eaten.

Dr Jenny Gunton, diabetes specialist and endocrinologist from Sydney’s Garvan Institute of Medical Research, in collaboration with Dr Xiao Hui Wang and Professor Ronald Kahn from Harvard Medical School and Joslin Diabetes Centre in Boston, have published their findings in the journal Cell Metabolism, now online.

“A lot of my patients will complain that they go to bed with a blood sugar of 5 and wake up with a blood sugar of 12,” said Dr Gunton.

“It upsets people when their blood sugar behaves as if they’re getting up in the night and having a really big snack. I have to tell them it’s just one of those unfair things about having diabetes.”

People with Type 2 diabetes do not produce enough insulin in the pancreas after a meal. At the same time, they are less able to use that insulin to move glucose into fat and muscle cells, a condition known as ‘insulin resistance’.

With her colleagues in Boston, Gunton has been studying a transcription factor, or kind of ‘master regulator’, called ARNT, which controls expression of other genes involved in processes like glucose breakdown and insulin production. In an earlier study, the group showed that there is 90% less ARNT in insulin-producing cells of people with Type 2 diabetes.

The current study looks at how ARNT might be affecting the liver, and its results confirmed Dr Gunton’s suspicions. “We’ve shown that there’s likely to be decreased ARNT in the liver of people with Type 2 diabetes compared to people without Type 2 diabetes,” she said.

“Working with mice, we found that glucose levels were elevated and there was glucose production from a ‘precursor’, a source not normally metabolised.”

Other results in the study show that to some extent ARNT is regulated by insulin, so that insulin resistance in itself will contribute to a decrease in ARNT. If liver cells are treated with insulin, there will be a small increase in ARNT protein. The insulin will also help move the ARNT into the nucleus of the cell, where it does its job as a master regulator.

The paper concludes that a decline in ARNT isn’t limited to the beta cells of people with Type 2 diabetes. ARNT is also reduced in other important diabetes-related tissues like the liver.

Dr Gunton believes that if a new drug could be developed to increase ARNT activity in the liver, then it may be possible to shut down abnormal sugar production and improve blood sugar control in people with diabetes.

Garvan Institute

Living with Type II Diabetes?