Saturday, June 30, 2012

Metformin - what you need to know


What is metformin? Is also known  as 


  Fortamet, Glucophage,Glucophage XR,
  Glumetza and Riomet)
  Metformin is an oral diabetes medicine
  that helps control blood sugar levels.

Metformin is for people with type 2 (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes.

For those of you who were asking if Metformin is really bad for you
I will let you make the decision after you read the following
possible side affects.


Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health
care professional as soon as possible:

Serious Reactions

* lactic acidosis - is when lactic acid builds ups in the blood
stream faster than it can be removed. Lactic acid is produced when
oxygen levels in the body... Get emergency medical help if you have
any of these symptoms of lactic acidosis:
weakness, increasing sleepiness, slow heart rate, cold feeling,
muscle pain, shortness of breath, stomach pain, feeling
light-headed, and fainting

* anemia - is a condition where there is a lower than normal
number of red blood cells in the blood, usually measured by a
decrease in the amount of hemoglobin....

Common Reactions that usually do not require medical
attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if
they continue or are bothersome):

- decreased appetite
- gas
- heartburn
- metallic taste in the mouth
- mild stomachache
- nausea/vomiting
- weight loss
- rash
- diarrhea
- flatulence
- asthenia
- indigestion
- abdominal discomfort
  
In combination with other diabetic medications, (like acarbose,
glyburide, glipizide, miglitol, or insulin), metformin may cause
low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
Contact your health care professional if you experience symptoms
of low blood sugar, which may include:
-anxiety or nervousness, confusion, difficulty concentrating,
hunger, pale skin, nausea, fatigue, sweating, headache,
palpitations, numbness of the mouth, tingling in the fingers,
tremors, muscle weakness, blurred vision, cold sensations,
uncontrolled yawning, irritability, rapid heartbeat, shallow
breathing, and loss of consciousness

Wow this is quite the list of side affects from Metformin. Our goal
is to find the right solution to meeting our blood sugar needs.

Some diabetes experts report that when it comes to prescribing
initial therapy for Type 2 diabetics, some doctors tend to follow a
"treatment of laziness" -- for example, prescribing medications if they
perceive difficulties in the patient's ability to change dietary
habits or lifestyle.

Sometimes, patients with diabetes are treated with drugs when it's
not really necessary. Oral pills should be used in Type 2 diabetes
only when diet, supplements and exercise are not effective.

So, the bottom line in diabetes control still hinges on patients'
ability to manage the disease themselves.


The decision you need to make is you can take things into your own
hands or you can rely on the treatment of laziness
.


PS Melabic is a combination of the 9 all natural most effective diabetes fighting ingredients. To find out more how they can help you normalize your blood sugar levels and take back your health visit me at Melabic.com


Wednesday, June 27, 2012

What Do I Eat Now? Your Diabetes Diet Questions Answered


A healthy diabetes diet may not be as restrictive as you think. Here's what you need to know about choosing the best foods at home and when eating out.

Medically reviewed by Lindsey Marcellin, MD, MPH

Your doctor tells you that you have type 2 diabetes and a million questions pop into your head, most of them centered on your new diet. There is some good news: A healthy type 2 diabetes diet isn’t as restrictive as you might think, says Andrew J. Drexler, MD, professor of medicine in the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and director of the UCLA Gonda Diabetes Center. “It’s fundamentally a healthy, balanced diet with the elimination of really only simple sugars.”
It’s important that you learn what you can and can’t eat, because following a healthy diet will help you control your diabetes. “Your diet is a very important part of reducing your risk for developing the complications of type 2 diabetes, such as heart disease, eye disease, and kidney disease,” says Elizabeth Mayer-Davis, PhD, RD, president of health care and education for the American Diabetes Association and a professor in the departments of nutrition and medicine at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Here are answers to some of the most common questions you may have when you’re first diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.
1. How can I find out what to eat?
“My recommendation is to take a diabetes education program,” Dr. Drexler says. “The ADA has a series of recognized programs that look at all aspects of diabetes and provide an overview of what you need to know about diabetes and how to take care of yourself.” Find one near you, he advises. The ADA also offers a wealth of information on its Web site. Also, ask your health care provider to suggest a certified diabetes educator or a nutritionist who specializes in diabetes, or contact the American Association of Diabetes Educators.
2. How do I plan my meals?
“It’s really a matter of eating healthy meals and a balanced diet,” Drexler says. Some key things to keep in mind include:
  • You want lots of vegetables in your diet, especially those that are not starchy. Think broccoli, zucchini, and green beans.
  • Choose whole grains such as brown rice and whole-wheat pasta over refined grains such as white rice and regular spaghetti.
  • Have heart-healthy fish, such as salmon, tuna, mackerel, and sardines, at least twice a week.
  • Choose lean cuts of meat, such as pork loin or sirloin, and white-meat chicken or turkey — don’t eat the skin.
  • Cook with liquid fats like canola or olive oil rather than solid fats like butter and lard.
  • Choose fat-free or 1 percent milk, and low-fat cheese.
  • Avoid processed foods and snacks such as potato chips or commercially prepared baked-goods.
“It’s very important that you plan your meals for the week and go shopping with a grocery list,” says Susan Weiner, RD, MS, CDE, a certified diabetes educator in New York City. “If you don’t have the right ingredients, you won’t make healthy choices.”
3. Can I ever eat sweets again?
Yes, you can, says Mayer-Davis, but with two caveats. One is “in moderation.” Moderation is important, she says, because weight management is important when you have diabetes, and sweets tend to be high in calories. The second involves timing. Talk to your doctor or diabetes educator to know when to take your medications if you’re going to have a small slice of birthday cake or a piece of candy from Halloween. You may need to adjust the timing so that your blood sugar doesn’t spike.
4. How do I count carbohydrates?
Carbohydrates can have the biggest impact on your diabetes because almost all of the carbohydrates you eat are broken down into glucose — an important source of fuel for your body, but also the culprit in causing health complications from diabetes. You will find the most carbohydrates in honey and molasses, breads and crackers, pasta, fruits, starchy vegetables like potatoes and corn, milk, and yogurt. Your diabetes doctor may have you count carbs to help keep your blood sugar under control. Some people find that if they eat too many carbs, their blood sugar rises dangerously high. If you take insulin before meals, you may need to count carbs to determine just how much insulin you need.
Counting carbs means you need to know how many grams of carbohydrates are in the foods you eat. That information is on the nutrition label on packaged foods and is listed by serving size, so calculate how much you’re eating. You can look up carb counts for fresh produce on the Web. “There are all sorts of resources online for people who are counting carbs,” Mayer-Davis says.
As a rule, the following servings contain about 15 grams of carbohydrates:
  • 4 ounces or one small piece of fresh fruit
  • Half an English muffin
  • ½ cup of beans or starchy vegetables
  • 3 ounces or a quarter of a large baked potato
The counting doesn’t have to be exact, Drexler says. “We want people to be good rather than be perfect.”
Spread your carbohydrates throughout the day rather than overload at one meal and then consume few or none at another. “That will help in regulating blood sugar,” Weiner says.
5. Can I drink alcohol?
The answer to this question is the same as for sweets, Mayer-Davis says. “People with diabetes can consume alcohol in moderation." she says. "That’s one drink per day for women and up to two for men.” She adds that some people may need to adjust their insulin dose if they’re drinking alcohol.
Avoid mixing alcohol with sugary high-carb beverages such as sweetened iced tea or fruit juices, Weiner advises, and don't drink without eating, as that could cause fluctuations in your blood sugar levels.
Remember, too, that alcohol has 7 calories per gram. “You don’t want to drink your calories,” Weiner says.
6. What's the GI and why is it important?
“The glycemic index (GI) indicates how rapidly a carbohydrate is digested and released as glucose into the bloodstream,” Weiner explains. Foods with a high GI raise your blood sugar more than those foods with a medium-to-low GI.
However, the GI doesn’t consider the amount of carbohydrate in a particular food. For that, you need to know its glycemic load (GL). “A food’s glycemic load is a better indicator of how a carbohydrate food will affect blood sugar,” Weiner says.
The healthiest eating choices are those foods with a low GI and low GL. These foods tend to be higher in fiber, which can help keep you fuller longer.
Foods with a high GI and high GL can cause your blood sugar to spike. You feel full when you eat them, but your blood sugar drops quickly and you’re hungry all over again. If you eat again to satisfy your renewed hunger, you could gain weight.
Good food choices with low GIs and GLs include brown rice, peas, beans, nuts, seeds, old-fashioned oatmeal, and most fruits and vegetables.
7. Can I eat out if I have type 2 diabetes? In some ways, it’s harder to dine out when you have type 2 diabetes because you don’t know what the chefs put in the food, Drexler says. “Sometimes they put more sugar in their sauces to make their foods taste better.” He suggests testing your blood sugar after eating at the restaurant.
When ordering from a restaurant menu, try to follow the same basic guidelines you do at home. Skip the rich sauces and select broiled or grilled dishes. “Go online and look up the restaurant’s menu before you eat there — always know what to expect before you go to a restaurant,” says Weiner. If you don’t see items on the menu that you can eat, choose another restaurant. Always ask that sauces or dressings be put on the side so you can limit how much you eat. Most restaurants today are willing to accommodate people’s special diets. Says Mayer-Davis: “It’s getting easier to eat out and not blow your diet.” Restaurants tend to serve large portions, she notes, so you may want to share your meal or take half home for lunch the next day.
Also make a point of noting what time you will be eating. You may need to take your medication closer to when your meal will be served. “Ask the wait staff when you order when you can expect your food," Weiner suggests. "You may need to eat something so that you don’t have a low blood sugar reaction while waiting for your meal.”
8. How can I lose weight if I have diabetes?
Portion control is the key. “There is no magic bullet or no special diet recommended,” Mayer-Davis says. You need to follow a healthy diet, make sound food choices, watch how much you eat, and be physically active.
Weight loss requires a lifestyle commitment, Weiner says. You have to learn to make wise food choices and eat healthy all the time, not just when you’re trying to lose weight. Yo-yo dieting — losing and gaining weight — is worse than not losing it at all. “The important thing is to stay away from fad diets and diets you can’t live with,” adds Drexler.



PS
 Melabic is a combination of the 9 all natural most effective diabetes 
fighting ingredients. To find out more how they can help you normalize your blood sugar levels and take back your health visit me at Melabic.com


Sunday, June 24, 2012

Dietary Benefits of White Oats

 - Oats are an excellent source of soluble dietary fiber. They are derived from natural whole grain.

- The quality of these Oats is improved, by mixing it with Oat Bran. This fiber helps lower bad
cholesterol in the blood

- Soluble fiber in white oats can help in weight control as it can replace high fat and calories in
food and can lead to cutback in total calorie intake.

- A diet rich in oats also helps stabilize blood glucose levels, which could help people with
Type II (non-insulin dependent) diabetes.

--- Women’s Health -- 

- Oat Meal helps with ovarian / uterine disorders.
Depression / mood swings after menopause are lesser while on oat meal because of its high
protein & fiber content of the Oat meals

- Oats have much needed fatty acids & antioxidants which together with vitamin E slow cell
damage and reduce the risk of cancer

- Soluble fiber can also prevent constipation, gastro-intestinal disorders, colon cancer, piles and varicose veins and assist in regulating the digestive functions.

- Oats are very low in salt and are a good source of natural iron it's also good for your hormonal
system .





PS
 Melabic is a combination of the 9 all natural most effective diabetes 
fighting ingredients. To find out more how they can help you normalize your blood sugar levels and take back your health visit me at Melabic.com


Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Improve Eyesight

Eye Exercises:

1.  Blink your eyes as fast as you can for some time.

2. Close the eyes tightly for some time and then open. Do this for 5 times. 

3. Roll your eyes in clockwise as well as anticlockwise direction for 5 times. 

4. While walking on the road or when you are in an open space, look as far
as possible. 

5. Look at an advertisement or some written material from a far place and try to read it
by focusing your eyes.

Food that is good for Eyes:

1.  Carrot
2.  Eggs
3.  Milk
4.  Apricots
5.  Berries
6.  Black Currants
7.  Fish
8.  Collard Greens
9.  Grapefruits
10. Grapes
11.  Lemons
12.  Spinach 

Harmful for your eyes:

1. Foods and additives containing Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)
2. Looking directly into the sun for some time.
3. Drugs which are harmful to the eyes 
4. Cell phone games may also be harmful!




PS
 Melabic is a combination of the 9 all natural most effective diabetes 
fighting ingredients. To find out more how they can help you normalize your blood sugar levels and take back your health visit me at Melabic.com


Saturday, June 16, 2012

Healthy tips for DIABETICS

1. Eat food at fixed hours.

2. Do not eat immediately after a workout.

3. Do not overeat.

4. If you are on insulin, make sure you have three
proper meals with light snacks in between.

5. Do not eat fast; masticate and munch your food well before you swallow.


6. Drink a lot of water that will help flush the toxins
off your system.

7. Make sure the gaps between your meals are short.

8. Avoid fried foods and sweetmeats.

9. Include fresh vegetable salad in every meal.

10. Have at least 20 to 25 grams of raw onion daily.

11.Do atleast 1 hour exercise daily.

12. Add wheat bran to your wheatflour (50% wheatflour + 50% wheat bran).
This helps increase fibre in your diet.!




PS
 Melabic is a combination of the 9 all natural most effective diabetes 
fighting ingredients. To find out more how they can help you normalize your blood sugar levels and take back your health visit me at Melabic.com


Thursday, June 7, 2012

Using Vitamins and Minerals in Foods to Reverse Health Challenges


Did you know that most medical schools in the Unites States offer little or no training in diet and nutrition, or the use of vitamins and minerals to reverse health challenges.
As a result doctors most often direct their patients to the use of drugs, medications or operations to handle health problems, problems that could very often be handled with correct nutrition and proper supplements:
According to the American Heart Association, substituting carbohydrates for fats may raise triglyceride levels and may decrease HDL ('good') cholesterol in some people. Yet most
doctors persist in telling patients who gain weight easily to cut down on fat and meat.
For some, this advice is a recipe for disaster. Why?

Decreasing fat and protein in the diet inevitably means increasing carbohydrates. This shifts the metabolism toward fat storage - and higher triglycerides. Not only that, it also leaves the person feeling hungry all the time and subject to blood sugar swings.

When the situation is reversed, however - when carbs are cut and replaced with dietary fat and protein - the opposite happens.  Blood sugar metabolism normalizes, triglycerides go down,
HDL cholesterol goes up, and body fat is lost.

All of these benefits occur without hunger and irritability that are trademarks of low-fat, reduced-calorie diet plans.
Many of you with evidence of insulin/blood sugar problems already have suffered years of nutritional deficits [shortages].

Although it might be possible to overcome this deficit with diet alone, to regain your health as rapidly as possible means supplements are needed."

A vitamin is an organic substance that your body needs but can't manufacture. [With few exceptions the body cannot manufacture or synthesize vitamins.] Minerals are inorganic
substances such as calcium and magnesium. Some minerals are essential, meaning that you must have them, even if only in very small amounts.

"Vitamins and minerals are crucial for the smooth operation of the thousands of chemical processes that are constantly taking place in your body. You need a constant and adequate
supply of them."

excerpted from Atkins Diabetes Solution
by Mary C. Vernon, M.D., C.M.D. & Jacqueline A. Eberstein, R.N.



There are safe ways to reduce neuropathy, lower blood sugar levels, lower triglycerides, lower blood pressure and lower cholesterol.


PS Melabic is a combination of the 9 all natural most effective diabetes fighting ingredients. To find out more how they can help you normalize your blood sugar levels and take back your health visit me at Melabic.com


Monday, June 4, 2012

Diabetes: Protect Your Feet and Legs


Foot and leg problems are a common diabetes complication, but taking the proper precautions can prevent up to half of all diabetes-related amputations.

Medically reviewed by Pat F. Bass III, MD, MPH

If you have diabetes, you are more likely to develop leg and foot problems than those without this disorder. Diabetes can destroy nerves and cause you to have poor circulation. Left unchecked, these complications can lead to amputation. But there's a lot that you can do to prevent amputation.
Diabetes: Causes of Limb Problems
First, it's important to understand what causes these diabetes complications. Researchers are still uncovering the reasons, but they know that when you have high blood glucose levels, it can cause nerve damage called diabetic neuropathy. The damage can occur in any part of your body, but it is most common in your arms and legs, with the lower extremities affected first. This type of nerve damage is known as peripheral neuropathy. Some people have no symptoms, while others experience numbness, tingling, burning, sharp pain, cramps, extreme sensitivity when touched, and a loss of coordination and balance.
When you have peripheral neuropathy, small sores can go unnoticed because of the numbness — you simply don’t feel them. Left untreated, these little problems can become major infections that invade the bones. What’s more, poor circulation from diabetes means any ulcers and infections are harder to heal. If an infection invades your bones, then amputation could be required to save your life.
Here are some of the foot and leg problems related to diabetes that can lead to amputation if not treated promptly:
  • Blocked blood vessels can occur in your leg below the knee when there is poor circulation from diabetes. Vascular surgery is usually needed to unblock them and restore circulation, but it is not always successful.
  • Bunions and hammertoes may be caused by nerve damage. If they aren't treated, more ulcers (sores) can develop.
  • Calluses and corns can result from ill-fitting shoes. Treat these early or they can become ulcers.
  • Charcot foot is a foot deformity caused by neuropathy. An absence of pain could lead you to continue to walk on a broken bone, and then complications can develop.
  • Cracked, dried skin might not seem like a big deal, but the cracks can turn into ulcers that won't heal.
  • Nail problems such as ingrown toenails or fungal infections can also turn into ulcers.
  • Osteoporosis can develop due to neuropathy and poor circulation. Brittle bones are more apt to break easily.
Diabetes: 13 Steps to Prevent Amputation
Fortunately, the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases reports that as many as half of all amputations related to these foot and leg complications can be prevented if the problems are caught early. Here are the most important things you can do to avoid amputation:
  1. Quit smoking. The American Diabetes Association points out that if you're a smoker, quitting is the first and best way to prevent an amputation. Smoking decreases the blood flow in the small blood vessels of your legs and feet, making it difficult for wounds to heal.
  2. Examine your feet every day. Check for anything out of the ordinary, from cuts and redness to a change in nail color. Even a loss of hair on your toes should be noted. You should also pay attention to the color of your feet and toes. If they turn purple, red, or pink, especially when you are sitting with your legs hanging free, you may have poor circulation.
  3. If you discover any swelling, redness, pain, tingling, or numbness, call your doctor. Any pain in your legs after a little activity or at night can be a sign of a blocked artery — call your doctor immediately.
  4. Be sure your doctor examines your feet at least once a year or whenever you notice a problem.
  5. Carefully wash your feet in lukewarm water daily. Use a soft towel to dry them, including between the toes. Use lotion or cream to soften callused areas. If your feet perspire, use a non-medicated powder to keep them dry and prevent skin breakdown.
  6. Don't use alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, astringent, or iodine on your feet.
  7. See a professional for nail clipping, especially if you have any problems with your feet, such as numbness or hard nails.
  8. Don't treat your feet with over-the-counter callus and corn remedies, and don't trim those growths yourself.
  9. Keep the floor at home or work clutter free to avoid accidents.
  10. Look at your socks for blood spots or other fluids. White socks are the best choice.
  11. Select comfortable, sturdy shoes that fit right. Wear new shoes for just an hour or two at a time to break them in so that you won't develop sore spots.
  12. Before putting on your shoes, check them for little stones or tears that could irritate your feet.
  13. Generally, try to avoid anything that can hurt your feet. This can run the gamut from socks that are too tight or those with seams that can cause irritation to avoiding hot water, heating pads, and electric blankets which might burn a numb area of skin without your being aware of it. Going barefoot can leave feet vulnerable to cuts, puncture wounds, and splinters.
Take these preventive steps — and be vigilant about them — and you'll have an excellent chance of avoiding many of the diabetes complications that can lead to amputation.


PS Melabic is a combination of the 9 all natural most effective diabetes fighting ingredients. To find out more how they can help you normalize your blood sugar levels and take back your health visit me at Melabic.com


REVERSING TYPE II DIABETES NATURALLY

By Jaime E. Dy-Liacco ,Trustee, Philippine College for the Advancement in Medicine Former Director General,  Philippine Institute of T...