Diabetes mellitus treatment

DIABETES MELLITUS a disease in which the body’s ability to produce or respond to the hormone insulin is impaired, resulting in abnormal metabolism of carbohydrates and elevated levels of glucose in the blood and urine.

Type 1 Diabetes

If you are a parent of a child with Type 1 diabetes, it helps to know there are many others who share your struggle. Over 13,000 children in the United States are diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes each year. It is estimated that over 1 million children and adults in the US suffer from diabetes.

While diabetes is a chronic condition and there is no cure, it can be managed with proper diet, medications and a healthy lifestyle. Learning about diabetes can help you give your child the best quality of life and good health.

What Is Type 1 Diabetes?

When people think of diabetes they know that it is when the body cannot control the blood sugar. There are two different types of diabetes and both of them are the inability to control blood sugar, but they work a little differently. They are known as Type 1 diabetes and Type 2 diabetes. Here is how they are different.

Type 1 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is actually an autoimmune disorder that can come on at any age prior to age 40. The most common ages it is seen in are ages 2 to 3 and 10 to 12. The body's immune system attacks the pancreas and it loses its ability to produce insulin. The cause is partly genetic and also something happens to trigger the immune system reaction, like a virus. After the pancreas becomes unable to produce insulin, Type 1 diabetes need to take insulin shots for the rest of their lives to help control blood sugar. There is no cure and the condition does not go away.Type 2 diabetes. In Type 2 diabetes, the pancreas is still able to produce insulin but either not enough or the body doesn't respond to insulin properly. Some cases of Type 2 diabetes can be controlled with proper diet and exercise. Some cases need oral medication to improve the body's response to insulin and some people go on to need insulin injections. This type of diabetes can be prevented and even reversed with proper diet and healthy lifestyle.

Watch this informative video about Type 1 diabetes and insulin:

What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes?

It is important to know what signs and symptoms to watch for in Type 1 diabetes. They are often not noticed until children are very sick. Symptoms include:

Weight loss, but child is always hungry and eats more than normalFrequent thirst, dry mouthFrequent urinationComplaints of low energy, fatigue, always tiredComplaints of blurry visionMore infections than normal in these areas: urinary tract infections, skin and vaginal yeast infectionsNausea and vomiting

If your child displays these symptoms, it could be a diabetic emergency and they need to go to the hospital right away:

Severe abdominal painHeavy breathingBreath smells "fruity"Confused and shakyFast labored breathingFainting or losing consciousness

When to Contact a Doctor

If you or your child has any of the symptoms in the top section, make an appointment with a doctor as soon as possible. If there are any symptoms from the second set of severe symptoms you need to go to the emergency room.

The doctor will check the blood sugar levels and check the urine for glucose and ketones. There isn't a test for advance screening of Type 1 diabetes and it cannot be prevented.

Complications of Type 1 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is a slow progressing chronic disease and the complications tend to come on slowly over time. Years of high blood sugar can cause damage to many places in the body, so it is very important to keep blood sugar under control. Here are some of the complications of Type 1 diabetes:

Heart disease. Narrowing of the arteries, heart attack, stroke, chest pain and issues with blood flow.Kidney disease. Inability to filter wastes from the body, kidney failure, end-stage kidney disease.Eye disease. Type 1 diabetes and Type 2 diabetes can increase the risk of glaucoma, blood vessel damage (retinopathy) and cataracts.Foot damage. Nerve damage, reduced blood flow, higher risk of infections, and risk of amputation.Nerve damage. Damage to blood vessels that feed the nerve endings, loss of feeling in the fingers and toes, nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea and erectile dysfunction in malesMouth and skin conditions. Fungal infections, bacterial infections.Complications in pregnancy. Diabetes and pregnancy increase the incidence of miscarriage, birth defects and stillbirth in the baby. For pregnant moms, there is a higher risk of diabetic ketoacidosis, eye disease, preeclampsia, and high blood pressure. It also predisposes newborns to higher birth weights and low blood sugar in babies at birth.

What Are the Causes & Risk Factors of Type 1 Diabetes?

Researchers still do not completely understand what causes Type 1 diabetes. It is believed to be an autoimmune disorder where the body attacks the cells of the pancreas that produce insulin. It is also believed to be genetic or set off by an infection, either bacterial or viral.

Risk Factors

You have an increased risk of Type 1 diabetes if you have any of the following:

Genetic predisposition: Type 1 diabetes has a genetic link.Family history of diabetes: If you have Type 1 diabetes in your immediate family (parent, sibling) you are at increased risk for Type 1 diabetes.Age: Type 1 diabetes risk increases in certain age groups. It peaks around ages 4 to 7 and again between the ages of 10 and 14.Where you live: The incidence of Type 1 diabetes is higher in groups of people who live far away from the equator either far north or far south. It is 2 to 3 times more likely to occur in Finland than the United States and 400 times more likely in Venezuela.

There are a few possible risk factors that have not been proven, but likely:

Jaundice at birthExposure to viruses: mono (Eppstein-Barr, cytomegalovirus, mumps, and coxsackie virus)Babies born to mothers with preeclampsia in pregnancyVitamin D insufficiencyToo late or too early exposure to gluten in the diet (Feeding a baby cereal prior to 4 months or after 7 months)Nitrates in water

What Are the Treatments for Type 1 Diabetes?

When kids or teens have diabetes it is important to keep track of blood sugar levels daily and keep them under control. In order to do this you need to:

Monitor blood sugar levels by taking a small amount of blood a few times dailyTake insulin injections according to the blood sugar levelsStick to a healthy diet, eat regular meals and watch carbohydrate intakeExercise regularlyKeep regular checkups with your doctor to prevent complications

Kids who have diabetes will have certain challenges. Some are health related and some emotional. It may be hard to have their fingers poked and receive injections several times a day. This may cause a child to become angry or frightened.

Teenagers with diabetes may have self-esteem issues and have a hard time accepting they can't just eat anything as their friends. It is also difficult for them to have to check blood sugars and take shots while they are out for fun. This coupled with the hormones of adolescence can make the struggle even harder.

If Type 1 diabetes becomes overwhelming for you and your child, know that you aren't alone in this. Talk to your diabetic educator, doctor and nutritionist to sum up with a good plan to manage the condition. 

Type 2 diabetes treatment is important to maintain health and prevent complication. This form of diabetes comes on in adulthood and is not dependent on insulin. This condition is chronic and related to how your body reacts to sugar, which is needed to give the cells energy. The body's cells are resistant to insulin, the hormone produced by the pancreas to help glucose get into the cells. Some cases of Type 2 diabetes are from the pancreas not producing enough insulin.

Complications can arise from long-term high blood sugar that is poorly managed. These include eye disease and blindness, kidney disease and failure, cardiac complications, and amputations. If you have diabetes you are five times more likely to suffer from the above complications. Treatment for diabetes can help lower the risk of complications.

Treatments for Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes responds best to lifestyle management. If you have been diagnosed, the first line of treatment is the following weight loss if needed, healthy diet and adding exercise. You will need to check your blood sugar levels by finger stick method periodically during the day and keep a log. If your doctor notices that your blood sugar is not well controlled with diet and exercise you may be prescribed an oral medication that will help your body respond to or make insulin better. If you don't respond to that, you may eventually need insulin injections.

Eat A Healthy Diet

Eating a high fiber low-fat diet can help prevent you from getting Type 2 diabetes. It can also help keep blood sugar more stable if you do develop the disease. Other dietary changes you need to make are:

• Eat more whole grain breads, cereal, beans, fruits and vegetables to increase fiber
• Drink non-fat milk and low-fat dairy products
• Eat plenty of fish and lean meats. Stay away from high-fat meats, processed meats, hot dogs and sausages
• Tray baking, steaming or grilling foods instead of frying
• Try to stay away from high-fat foods. Mayonnaise, potato chips, pastries and donuts are all high in fat and carbohydrates
• Eat plenty of nuts, fruit, cut up veggies and yogurt for snacks

Watch the video to see how to eat a healthy diet with diabetes:

Lose Weight

You are at risk for Type2 diabetes or you may have a hard time in controlling your blood sugar if your BMI "Body Mass Index" is over 30. This is considered overweight. Try to keep your weight down by lowering your calorie intake slowly. You should try to lose 5% to 10% of your body weight over a year's time. Healthy weight ranges are:

• BMI 18.5 to 24.9 (Average Population)
• BMI 18.5 to 22.9 (Asian Population)

It is helpful to find a program that has structure and designed for successful weight loss. You can also contact a nutritionist, diabetic educator or dietician for help.

Start an Exercise Program

Everybody needs exercise for good health. Kids and adults should get regular exercise even if they don't have diabetes. For diabetics, exercise is part of the treatment plan and can help the body use excess blood sugar. Kids and adults who are overweight and have Type 2 diabetes have less activity and need to add exercise to help control the condition.

When you exercise, it can improve how your body responds to the insulin you produce. It also helps burn fat and calories and use excess blood sugar for energy. Exercising to lose weight and control blood sugar is healthier than lowering food intake.

Exercise can reduce the risk of complications from diabetes and other medical conditions like high cholesterol, high blood pressure, heart disease. It can also help improve quality of life.

Ways to fit in extra physical activity include joining a gym, taking your dog for a walk, housecleaning, swimming, and yoga classes.

Monitor Blood Sugar

It is important to check blood sugar levels often to help keep them under control. Checking then can help you know how you are doing with your treatment plan and monitor yourself from becoming too high or too low.

You need to test your blood sugar levels throughout the day to see how food and exercise affect your levels. Your diabetic educator will give you the best times to check. This will also help you make sure that any medications you are taking are not dropping your blood sugar too much. This is known as "hypoglycemia" and can be very dangerous. Blood sugar that is too high can also be very dangerous and lead to a life-threatening condition known as "Diabetic Ketoacidosis."

Diabetics generally check their blood sugar at these times:

• First thing in the morning, prior to breakfast
• Before lunch
• Before dinner
• Before bedtime

If you are experiencing illness or have had a medication change, exposed to stress or lifestyle change you may need to check more often. People who are on an insulin pump may also need to check blood sugar more frequently. Newly diagnosed diabetics, especially those on medication or insulin, need to monitor blood sugar very closely.

Take Medications and Insulin Therapy

It is possible for some Type 2 diabetics to control blood sugar with diet and exercise. If blood sugar cannot be controlled, your doctor may put you on oral diabetic medications listed below.

Metformin (Glucophage)

This is the most popular and first line of treatment for Type 2 diabetes. It helps your body respond better to the insulin produced by the pancreas. It also reduces the amount of glucose made by your liver. Side effects include stomach upset and diarrhea.

Sulfonylureas (Glucotrol)

This type of medication increases the amount of insulin your body makes. Side effects include weight gain and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).

Insulin

Insulin may be used if blood sugars cannot be controlled with oral diabetic medications. Injection is the only way for the body to absorb insulin. There are a few different types of insulin depending on your needs:

• Regular Insulin (Humalog). Rapid acting so must be taken just before a meal.
• Slow Acting (Humulin). This type of insulin is usually given twice daily and lasts for up to 12 hours.
• Long Acting (Lantus). This type is only given once per day and lasts up to 24 hours.

You and your doctor can decide which medication will work the best. Make sure you ask plenty of questions about how to take diabetic medications. Always take these medications on time as directed and check your blood sugar on a regular basis and keep a blood sugar log.

Operate Surgical Procedures

Doctors may recommend Bariatric Surgery if your BMI is over 35. It has been found that 55% to 95% of diabetics that have bariatric surgery experience normal blood sugars after surgery. There are some risks to surgery including recovery time, financial setbacks, and possible death. Long-term complications are osteoporosis and nutritional deficiencies. In addition, surgery needs to be followed up with a healthy diet, lifestyle changes, and adequate vitamin intake.

What Is HbA1c Test?

An HbA1c test helps doctors see how well diabetes treatment plans are working for their patients. Doctors can also use it as a screening exam to check for diabetes. You may have also heard it called by the names: hemoglobin A1c, A1c or glycohemoglobin A1c.

The doctor can look at this test and see what your blood sugar levels have average over the last few months. This is because hemoglobin in red blood cells pick up glucose and it tends to stay within the hemoglobin cells for a while. The higher the blood sugar/glucose level, the more glucose the hemoglobin absorbs. When this happens, the HbA1c reads high and the doctor will know that the blood sugar levels have been high over the last few months.

The doctor will need to re-evaluate the treatment plan and possibly send you to a diabetic educator. This is done to prevent complications from high blood sugars over a long period of time. These include:

• Eye damage/disease
• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Damage to nerves
• Damage to small blood vessels

How Is HbA1c Test Performed?

1. Blood will be taken. The doctor will send you to the lab and they will take your blood from a vein. They have developed a home monitor for the A1c test, so your doctor may be able to prescribe a kit for your home.The home monitor uses a finger stick.
2. No preparation necessary. Normally you would take blood sugar levels prior to meals (fasting) but this test does not require you to be fasting.
3. You will feel a slight pinch. Whether the blood is drawn via finger stick or from a vein, you will feel a slight pinch when the needle goes in. There might be a little bruising and throbbing that resolves quickly.

When & How Often Should You Take HbA1c Test?

When you are first diagnosed with diabetes, the doctor will initially run your first HbA1c Test to see where you are at. The American Diabetes Association recommends, "If glucose levels are stable, then HbA1c testing can be done twice yearly." If your blood sugar levels are not stable it is recommended for your doctor to run the test quarterly until your levels stabilize.

Using this test can help your doctor see if your current treatment plan is working or not. When the doctor works with the HbA1c numbers, research shows that the risk of long-term complications is drastically reduced.

Here is a reference table to help you understand what the numbers mean:

HbA1c	Average Blood Sugar (over 3 months)
5.0 – 5.6	90 - 108
5.7 – 6.4	111 - 132
6.5 – 6.9	135 - 147
7.0 – 7.9	150 - 177
8.0 – 8.9	180-207
9.0 – 9.9	210 - 237
10 – 10.9	240 - 267
11 – 11.9	270 - 297
12 – 12.9	300 - 327
13 – 13.9	330 - 357
14 – 14.9	360 - 387
15 – 15.7	390 - 411

What Is a Normal Reading for HbA1c Test?

The normal reading for an HbA1c test is between 4 and 5.6. Here is the breakdown of the ranges used to diagnose and monitor diabetes:

• 4 to 5.6 – Healthy, no diabetes and minimal risk for getting diabetes

• 5.7 to 6.4 – Pre-diabetes/high risk for future diabetes

• 6.5 or higher – Diagnosis of diabetes and higher numbers mean your diabetes needs careful monitoring

What Are the Limitation of HbA1c Test?

The HbA1c cannot help monitor daily blood sugar levels since they are an average of a few months. This also means that the test cannot monitor the fluctuations during the day and the differences from night to morning and vice-versa.

There are some health conditions that can show false elevated HbA1c levels and this must be taken into consideration. These include kidney disease, alcoholism, high triglycerides in the blood. If you suffer from sickle cell, thalassemia or have blood loss your A1c may show lower numbers.

In addition, the finger stick monitor used at home or in the doctor's may not accurately reflect the real circumstance While the finger stick version is very useful, any higher numbers are better off monitored in the lab until under better control.

The helpful video below can give you more information on the HbA1c:

Diet for Diabetic Patients

Diabetes has been on the rise for decades largely due to obesity and poor lifestyles, yet most cases can be prevented with healthy changes. Prevention and control of diabetes doesn’t mean restriction and deprivation. While it is important to keep a healthy diet, you don’t have to avoid sweets completely or confine yourself to a lifetime of eating bland, flavorless food.

There are a few specific recommendations for the MNT diet that you can discuss with your doctor or a registered dietician. These recommendations can help you form an eating plan to get you healthy and limit the impact of diabetes on your body, and may even help you reverse the disease.

What You Should Eat

High fiber foods: Dietary fiber found in plant-based foods can help lower the instance of heart disease and control your blood sugar levels. High fiber foods include fruits, nuts, legumes, vegetables, wheat bran, and whole-wheat flour.

Healthy carbohydrates: Sugars and starches are broken down by the body into blood glucose during digestion. Simple sugars are broken down more quickly and can have an adverse effect on the body. You should focus on slower-burning carbohydrates such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, whole grains, and low-fat dairy.

Healthy fats: Some fats are bad for you, but foods with monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats are healthy and can help lower cholesterol levels. Healthy fats include olives, avocadoes, nuts and their oils as well as canola oil. However, you should limit these foods as they can be high in calories.

Heart-healthy fish: You should include heart-healthy fish at least twice a week in your diet as they are a good alternative to meat that can be high in fat. Fish contains omega-3 fatty acids that lower bad cholesterol in the blood, promoting a healthy heart. Good fish choices include salmon, mackerel, tuna, and sardines.

Recommended Foods	How They Help
Non-starchy vegetables	These non-starchy vegetables don’t cause a spike in blood sugar. They are high in fiber to keep you feeling satisfied, and are high in nutrition yet low in calories. Non-starchy vegetables include asparagus, broccoli, celery, peppers, and artichokes.
Non-fat milk and yogurt	Non-fat milk and yogurt are low in fat and sugar, thus would not cause a spike in blood sugar. They are also rich in Vitamin D and calcium which are both essential to a healthy body and bones.
Tomatoes	Tomatoes keep blood sugar low and are packed with lycopene. Lycopene can reduce the risk of cancer, macular degeneration (eye disease), and heart disease.
Berries	Blueberries, raspberries, and other berries are loaded with powerful antioxidants that can reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer. Berries are also low in sugar and high in fiber.
Citrus fruits	Oranges and other citrus fruits are loaded with Vitamin C and healthy fiber. Be sure to eat the fruit and not choose just the juice. Fruit juices can contain added sugars.
Barley, lentils, and whole grains	Lentils provide iron, protein, Vitamin B complex, and complex carbohydrates that slow the rise in blood sugar. Barley can lower cholesterol and keep blood sugar levels stable. Whole grains contain fiber and antioxidants.

What You Should Avoid

Having diabetes can increase your risk of heart disease and stroke by leading to the development of clogged and hardening of the arteries. A healthy diet for diabetic patients can reduce that risk. Foods to avoid or limit include:

Sodium: Too much sodium can increase blood pressure, putting stress on the arteries and heart. You should aim for no more than 2,300 mg daily.

Cholesterol: Small amounts of cholesterol are necessary for healthy body functions, but you should get no more than 300 mg daily. Limit your consumption of high-fat dairy, shellfish, liver, egg yolks, and other organ meats.

Saturated fats: No more than 7% of your daily calorie intake should come from foods high in saturated fats. This includes processed animal products such as bacon, sausage and hot dogs as well as high-fat dairy.

Trans-fat: Trans-fats have no nutritional value and should be completely avoided. This includes all processed snacks and baked goods as well as shortening and margarine.

Foods to Avoid	The Harm They Can Bring
Candy	High sugar foods can cause a large spike in blood glucose levels and have no nutritional value. This can lead to weight gain and a worsening of diabetes.
Fruit juice	While whole fruits are packed with nutrition and fiber, the juice can be loaded with calories and added sugars that may cause blood glucose to soar, which worsens diabetes.
Raisins	While raisins and other dried fruit may offer a healthier alternative to candy and other bad snacks, they are still loaded with sugar which may increase glucose levels. Drying fruit concentrates their sugar content.
Pancakes and syrup	Pancakes are very high in carbohydrates and low in fiber. This along with the high sugar content of syrup causes high and dangerous spikes in blood glucose. If you add butter, you are adding saturated fat, which is not good for heart health.
Whole milk	Whole milk is high in saturated fat which is bad for heart health. It can also worsen insulin resistance, which is detrimental to health with diabetes.
Bacon	Bacon, like most fatty cuts of meat, is high in saturated fat that can lead to inflammation in the body and have adverse effects on heart health. Diabetes already puts you at greater risk for heart disease and adding saturated fat makes things much worse.

A Sample Menu

A healthy diet for diabetic patients should take your body size and level of daily activity into consideration. Your daily calorie intake should total no more than 1,200 to 1,600 calories per day. The goal is to eat nutritious foods either for losing weight or maintaining a healthy weight. A sample daily menu should look somewhat like this:

• Breakfast: Whole wheat pancakes, six ounces of non-fat vanilla yogurt, and a piece of fruit or ¾ cup of berries.
• Lunch: Try a vegetable and low-fat cheese pita (whole wheat) and apple slices with two tablespoons of almond butter.
• Dinner: Beef stroganoff made with whole wheat noodles and lean beef, ½ cup of carrots, and a side salad with 1 ½ cups spinach, half a tomato, ¼ cup chopped bell pepper, and a dressing of 1 ½ teaspoons of red wine vinegar and 2 teaspoons of olive oil.
• Snacks: Two rice cakes (unsalted) topped with one ounce of low-fat spreadable cheese or one orange with half a cup of low-fat cottage cheese.

Type II diabetes is the greatest health crisis facing the United States today. The federal government estimates that 12.3% of Americans over 20 have the disease, and another 37% have pre-diabetes or metabolic syndrome, which will lead to the condition.

The problem is serious, because Type II diabetes can quickly destroy a person’s quality of life and lead to an early death. Heart attacks, blindness, ulcers, wounds that do not heal, infections, disability, amputations, and cancer are among the health problems that diabetes can lead to. A study in the journal Diabetologia indicated that having pre-diabetes can raise a person’s cancer risk by 15%.

There are some herbs for diabetes that can help people with Type II diabetes to treat their condition and those with pre-diabetes to avoid it. These herbs are not a substitute for medical care, diabetes drugs, insulin, or lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy diet and exercise, but they can reduce the severity of the condition’s symptoms.

Top 10 Herbs for Diabetes and Pre-Diabetes

1. Fenugreek or Methi

These seeds have long been used in Indian cuisine and in traditional Indian medicine, or Aryuveda. Studies have found that fenugreek can reduce the symptoms of metabolic syndrome, including insulin sensitivity, high cholesterol, and high blood sugar. A study found that 60 people who took that dosage showed significant improvements in blood sugar control and reduced post-meal spikes.The seeds also contain an amino acid that could boost the release of insulin and the need for diabetes drugs. The recommended dosage is 25 grams of fenugreek a day.

2. Bitter Melon

This fruit is thought to block sugar absorption in the intestines, which can keep down blood sugar levels making it one of the effective herbs for diabetes. The anti-diabetic charantin, vicine and an insulin-like compound known as polypeptide-p contained in bitter melon are helpful in reducing sugar levels. In addition, the abundant presence of vitamin A, B, C and iron can help to prevent diabetes-related complications like neuritis and defective metabolism of carbohydrates. A study in the Philippines found that men and women who took bitter melon capsules for three months had lower blood sugar levels than those taking a placebo.

3. Aloe Vera

Most of us are familiar with this plant as a treatment for skin problems, but its juice could help diabetics. Preliminary research indicates that regular consumption of aloe vera juice could reduce glucose (sugar) levels and dangerous fats in the blood stream. Aloe Vera also has anti-inflammatory capabilities so it can lower swelling and speed up the healing of leg wounds and ulcers, which are common in diabetics. Aloe Vera can also prevent scars after surgery and speed up the healing of wounds.

4. Gymnema Sylvestre

Another traditional treatment from Aryuveda medicine, this plant’s Hindi (Indian) name is “sugar destroyer.” This powerful herb can help lower blood sugar by boosting the activity of enzymes in cells, reducing the need for glucose. It could also stimulate the increased production of insulin, so it might prevent after meal spikes. You should be very careful with it because its side effects have not been fully studied. It could also reduce your tongue and mouth’s sensitivity to sweetness, which could reduce the cravings for sweet or sugary foods.

5. Bilberry

This fruit, which is similar to blueberries, contains powerful antioxidants or anthocyanidins that could prevent damage to tiny blood vessels. The damage to such blood vessels is what creates the nerve damage often associated with diabetes. It could also help prevent blindness and damage to the eyes by protecting the retina. There are some studies that suggest bilberry could also reduce blood sugar levels. Both the fruit and the leaves have been shown to contain the anthocyanidins.

6. Prickly Pear Cactus

This herb can be consumed either as an extract or as a food. It is often available in Mexican grocery stores in the United States. Studies have shown that the ripe fruit of the cactus can reduce blood sugar levels because it contains chemicals similar to insulin. Experts recommend that you eat one half cup of cooked cactus a day for the best effects. Juice and extracts made from the cactus are also available. The food or juice might be more effective because it is easier to digest.

7. Ginseng

Most of us know this traditional Chinese herb as an infection fighter and immune system fighter; it could also be effective against diabetes. Studies show that ginseng can reduce carbohydrate absorption, increase cells’ ability to absorb glucose, and reduce insulin secretion. Some studies indicate it could reduce glucose levels by 15% to 20%. Ginseng’s immune system-boosting abilities can also help diabetics that are highly at risk for infections. Simply adding ginseng to your diet could help reduce the effects of diabetes and metabolic syndrome.

8. Garlic

Like ginseng, garlic is known as an infection fighter, but it also contains a chemical called allicin, which can lower blood sugar levels, increase levels of good cholesterol, and speed up healing. A study in The Journal of Medicinal Food indicates that garlic raised insulin levels and lowered sugar absorption. A study in The Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry states that garlic can protect the heart from the effects of diabetes. Like ginseng, garlic can also help diabetics by strengthening the immune system and reducing the risk of infection making it one of the helpful herbs for diabetes.

9. Tulsi Leaf (Holy Basil) Tea

A tea made from tulsi or holy basil leaves has been shown to lower blood sugar levels. The tea can also be used to control stress and to treat mental problems such as anxiety, which can plague diabetics. That means it could be an effective treatment for the mood swings associated with sugar crashes and insulin spikes. Holy basil or tulsi is a slightly different kind of basil that can be found in health food stores. The tea might be easier for persons to digest than some other supplements. There is also some evidence to suggest that chamomile tea could also help reduce blood sugar levels.

10. Cinnamon

Even though it is best known as a flavoring, cinnamon is also a powerful herb. Like a number of herbs, it has been shown to lower blood sugar levels. It is also known to control mental instabilities that can result from changes in blood sugar levels. The best use of cinnamon, though, is as an alternative flavoring for sugar and artificial sweeteners. It can be used in tea, recipes, and coffee. Make sure you use pure cinnamon rather than cinnamon powder.

This video shows some other herbs for diabetes that can be effective treatments for the symptoms of diabete

What Is the Difference Between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes?

Diabetes mellitus, known simply as diabetes is described as a metabolism disorder. When we speak of metabolism we are referring to the way digestion occurs in our bodies. Diabetes is a disease characterized by high sugar (glucose) in the blood. There are two major causes of the metabolic disease. Diabetes could occur when the body has inadequate insulin production or when the cells fail to respond adequately to insulin. Diabetic patients tend to experience symptoms such as frequent urination (polyuria), frequent bouts of hunger (polyphagia) and thirst (polydipsia). What are the differences between type 1 and type 2 diabetes?

What Is the Difference Between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes?

Watch a video for basic comparison between type 1 and type 2 diabetes before reading on for more:

Differences Between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes
	Type 1	Type 2
Basic Information	70 percent of type 1 diabetes diagnoses are in early adulthood in persons aged below 30 years old. The good news is that this type of diabetes doesn’t affect many, and it accounts for only five to 10 percent of the diabetic population. With type 1 diabetes, the body fails to produce sufficient insulin meaning the patient will have to take insulin injections for life. This is why type 1diabetes is referred to as insulin-dependent diabetes or juvenile diabetes.	Type 2 diabetes was for the longest time referred to as ‘adult onset diabetes’. However over the past two decades, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have reported cases of an increase in adolescents and children in the U.S with this diabetes. This is the most prevalent type of diabetes and accounts for 90 percent of diabetics. Type 2 diabetes occurs when then the pancreas fails to produce enough insulin or when the cells resist the insulin, sometimes both. This is a progressive disease which gets worse with age.
Signs and Symptoms	The symptoms of type 1 diabetes are acute and occur suddenly. Most patients only realize that they have diabetes when they visit a clinic or the emergency room with high blood sugar symptoms. The symptoms could be dire and sometimes patients of type 1 diabetes are admitted in the intensive care unit. Some of the signs of this condition include: thirst and a dry mouth, increased hunger, blurred vision, sudden weight loss even with normal eating, pain sensations in the feet and hands, sometimes both and frequent infections.	Type 1 and 2 diabetes share symptoms but symptoms in type 2 diabetes are normally unnoticeable as they occur gradually. Some of the major symptoms of type 2 diabetes include: frequent urination which mostly occurs at night, fatigue, feeling sick, abnormal thirst, blurred vision, unexplainable weight loss and increased infections which heal slowly. Type 2 diabetes is also an asymptomatic disease and this is because it does not exhibit symptoms meaning it could go unnoticed for years.
Physical attributes of patients	Type 1 diabetes is not associated with obesity. The patients are usually of normal weight or thin.	Type 2 diabetes is associated with obesity. Overweight persons have a higher likelihood of developing this condition.
Diagnosis	Diagnosis of type 1 diabetes is conducted with a series of medical tests. A Glycated Hemoglobin test (A1C) is conducted to test the level of blood sugar over the past few months. Random blood sugar tests are also conducted as well as fasting blood sugar test which is done after an overnight fast. The fast test is more reliable than a random blood sugar test. When diagnosed with diabetes, the doctor will take blood samples to look for auto-antibodies which are common with this diabetes. The tests are normally conducted twice. Genetic and idiopathic factors are also considered with diagnosis. Genetic testing is conducted in cases where there is a family history of the disease.	Type 2 diabetes may have no symptoms making diagnosis difficult. However, the doctor could notice signs of obesity, increased or low birth weight, poor growth of the placenta, gestational diabetes and metabolic syndrome as well. The series of diagnostic tests are in type 1 and type 2 diabetes are similar. They include the A1C test which identifies the amount of blood sugar in the hemoglobin. Sometimes the results of the A1C test may be unreliable and this is in cases where the patient has certain conditions such as hemoglobin variant or is pregnant. In such cases random blood sugar and fasting blood sugar tests are conducted. An oral glucose tolerance test could also be conducted though rarely.
Treatments	Type 1 diabetes requires lifelong treatments and these include taking insulin injections to replace the insufficient production. Patients also need to regularly monitor their blood sugar levels. A healthy lifestyle, diet and regular exercise is recommended to control the condition. The goal of treatment is to prevent chronic complications such as kidney damage and others from occurring. Treatment also ensures that the body has optimal glucose levels and the individuals’ nutritional needs are met.	The treatment for type 2 diabetes includes weight loss and this is done by engaging the patient in a dietary and exercise program. A good diet is essential in people with type 2 diabetes and this diet basically consists of low glycemic foods which are high in fiber. These include whole grains, fruits and vegetables. These foods help stabilize blood sugar levels and the patients will normally work with a dietician or nutritionist. Foods that have refined carbohydrates, sugars and animal products are generally restricted. Insulin injections could be used to regulate production and medication is provided in many cases. Medication could be taken orally or injected to control the levels blood sugar. Self monitoring of blood sugar levels is necessary since this is the only way a patient can ensure that their levels are within healthy range.
Prevention	Type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented as it occurs due to the pancreas failure to produce sufficient amounts of insulin. Luckily, it is controllable.	Type 2 diabetes is preventable and can be delayed with a healthy lifestyle. Maintaining a healthy diet along with exercise could prevent or delay the onset of this condition.

Symptoms of Diabetes Mellitus

Symptoms	Descriptions
Extreme Thirst and Frequent Urination	High blood glucose levels cause the body to draw more water from the tissues, which makes one feel dehydrated. This leads to a feeling of constant thirst so that one tends to drink lots of water and fluids, causing frequent urination.
Flu-like Symptoms	Diabetics sometimes feel flu-like symptoms similar to those of a viral illness, such as weakness and decreased appetite. This is because sugar, the body's main source of energy does not reach the cells, making one feel tired or weak.
Weight Loss or Gain	Many diabetics gain weight because they eat more to compensate for lack of sugar and fluids in their cells. However, in people with type 1 diabetes, the opposite happens – they lose weight in spite of eating more than usual because their cells do not absorb enough energy from the foods they eat.
Blur in Vision	Elevated blood sugar levels draw fluid out of various body tissues, including the lenses of the eyes, leading to blurred vision. Vision may improve when blood sugar levels are controlled. However, over many years, new blood vessels may form in the retina at the back of the eye and old blood vessels may be damaged. Although some people experience mild vision changes, others become blind.
Slow Healing Sores	The body's ability to fight infection and to heal wounds is reduced. Women usually suffer from recurrent urinary tract and vaginal infections.
Nerve Damage	Diabetes can lead to nerve damage, which leads to tingling and numbness in the hands and feet. Others also experience burning pain in the arms, hands, legs, and feet. Older diabetic men may experience sexual dysfunction due to nerve damage, which prevents penile erection.
Red and Tender Gums	Infection in the gums and supporting bones that hold teeth in place results in loosening of teeth and gum sores.
Increased Hunger	Diabetics often experience intense hunger due to lack of insulin, a hormone that moves sugar into the cells. This leads to depletion of energy in the muscles and organs, which triggers intense hunger.
Darkened Skin	Some diabetics dark skin folds and creases, especially in the back of the neck and armpits. This condition is called acanthosis nigricans, which may be an indication of insulin resistance.
Other Symptoms	Feeling tired most of the time Irritability Very dry skin

Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes develops in pregnancy, and like more traditional types of diabetes will affect how your cells process glucose. Developing a complication during pregnancy can be frightening, but there is good news for those that develop gestational diabetes. This condition can largely be managed with exercise, healthy diet and medication. Your blood sugar will usually return to normal following delivery. However, those that have experienced gestational diabetes may be at a higher risk for developing type 2 diabetes in the future. You will need to work with your health care provider to better manage and monitor your blood sugar in the future.

How to Know if I Have Gestational Diabetes

There are no symptoms to gestational diabetes in most cases. This is why most pregnant women are encouraged to have glucose screenings between 24-28 weeks. If you are at high risk of diabetes or you are showing signs of this condition such as sugar in the urine your doctor may recommend having a glucose screening at your first prenatal visit. You can then repeat the test at 24-28 weeks if your initial tests came back negative.

If you have a positive result on your glucose screening, this does not necessarily mean you have gestational diabetes. This just means that you will need to follow up with a glucose tolerance test (GTT) for more information.

Risk Factors of Gestational Diabetes

There are several factors that can increase the risk of developing gestational diabetes:

• Having sugar in the urine
• Being overweight prior to pregnancy (commonly defined as being 20 percent or more over the ideal body weight for your size)
• Being in a high risk group including Native American, Asian, Hispanic or Black
• A family history of diabetes
• Impaired fasting glucose or glucose tolerance
• Previously giving birth to a stillborn child
• Giving birth to a child over 9 pounds prior to your current pregnancy
• Having an excessive amount of amniotic fluid
• Experiencing gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy

Many who develop gestational diabetes do not have any known risk factors. Watch a video to learn about gestational diabetes:

Complications of Gestational Diabetes

For the Mother

Those that have gestational diabetes are at a higher risk of developing this condition in future pregnancies or developing type 2 diabetes as they age. Making healthy lifestyle choices, including maintaining a healthy diet and getting plenty of exercise can help to reduce this risk. Working to maintain a healthy body weight after delivery can also help to reduce this risk. During pregnancy, gestational diabetes can increase your risk of high blood pressure, eclampsia or preeclampsia, conditions that cause high blood pressure and symptoms that are dangerous for both mother and the baby.

For the Baby

• Additional glucose in your bloodstream could enter the placenta which could cause your child’s pancreas to produce excess insulin. This can cause your child to grow to be too large, increasing the risk that they will become wedged in the birth canal requiring a C-section and increasing their risk of injury.
• High blood sugar in the mother can also increase the risk of early labor, which can cause the baby to be delivered early. Your doctor may also recommend early delivery if the child is too large. This increases the child’s risk of respiratory distress syndrome which can make it difficult for them to breathe. Your child may require breathing assistance until their lungs are strong enough for them to breathe on their own.
• Some babies may experience jaundice which causes the whites of the eyes and skin to appear yellow. This is caused when the liver is not capable of breaking down bilirubin, a substance that is created when your body breaks down damaged or old red blood cells.
• Babies exposed to gestational diabetes may develop low blood sugar because they have high insulin production. This could cause severe seizures in severe episodes. Prompt feeding or intravenous glucose solutions can help return a child’s insulin levels to the proper rate.
• Children born from mothers with gestational diabetes are also at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes later on in life.

What to Do with Gestational Diabetes

Your doctor will check your blood sugar every 6-12 weeks following your delivery to ensure that your glucose levels return to normal. If your tests are normal you will need to be assessed every three years for your diabetes risk. If you appear to be at risk for diabetes, your doctor will discuss a management plan for you.

How to Treat

• Check blood sugar level. While you are pregnant you will need to check your blood sugar around 4-5 times each day, including first thing in the morning and following meals to ensure it is in a healthy range. You will also need to monitor your blood sugar during labor and delivery to ensure your baby’s insulin level does not rise and cause low blood sugar following birth.
• Eat a healthy diet. Eating a healthy diet and avoiding excess weight gain during pregnancy can help to manage gestational diabetes. Focus on a diet of whole grains, fruits and vegetables while avoiding refined carbohydrates and sweets. A dietitian can help you to determine what diet is most appropriate for your unique needs.
• Keep Exercising. Exercise is also important for lowering blood sugar by moving glucose into the cells for use. Exercise also increases insulin sensitivity to ensure that your body is less likely to produce insulin to transport sugar through the body. In some cases exercise may also decrease discomfort during pregnancy and help to prepare you for delivery. Check with your doctor about what level of exercise is appropriate.
• Insulin Injections. If these methods are not sufficient, your doctor may prescribe insulin injections to help manage your blood sugar. Around 10-20 percent of women with this condition will require this treatment or oral blood sugar medication to maintain healthy blood sugar levels.
• Monitor Your Baby. Your baby will need to be monitored closely in order to ensure that they are developing at a healthy rate. If you do not go into labor by your prescribed due date, your doctor may opt to induce to reduce your risk of complications. If you are planning to breastfeed you will need to meet with your doctor to ensure you are not at risk for developing type 2 diabetes or increasing your child’s risk of this condition.

How to Prevent

Those at risk for gestational diabetes can take a few steps before attempting to become pregnant to further reduce their risk. Dropping unhealthy habits can also reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes later.

• Start by eating healthy foods that are low calorie and high in fiber such as whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Work to get a variety of foods into your diet to get plenty of nutrients.
• Staying active by getting at least 30 minutes of activities 4 days a week or more can greatly help reduce your risk of gestational diabetes. If you cannot manage a single 30 minute session due to your schedule, plot out smaller amounts of activity you can sprinkle throughout your day. You should be very cautious about losing weight while pregnant, but you can work to lose excess weight beforehand to improve the health of your pregnancy.