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.

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 itelf 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 Diabetes and Exercise in the maintainance 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 exericise partners that they are diabetic. An exericse 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.

Insulin pens for diabetes are simply an insulin delivery system that allows the injection of insulin into the bloodstream of a diabetic. It comprises of an insulin cartridge, a pen needle, and a dial to measure the insulin dose.

Its appearance is similar to that of a pen, only it is larger. Some of these parts are either disposable or non-replaceable. The insulin cartridge for one may need a replacement from time to time and the insulin needles are entirely disposable. Insulin pens for diabetes are used extensively in most countries, excluding the United States where vials, injections and syringes are the preferred tools for insulin injection. They come in various sizes ranging from 1.5 ml to 3.0 ml.

Types of Insulin Pens :

There are several manufacturers of insulin pens which make it possible for users to have a variety of options. There are the pre-filled pens that are usually recommended for type 2 diabetics. These pens have pre-mixed insulin dosage, making it easier for users to determine how much insulin is to be used. These pens are disposable and require replacements once the insulin insulin cartridge becomes empty.

The drawback of this type is that it does not accommodate any adjustments to exercise and diet. The other type of pen is the durable pen. It makes use of replaceable insulin cartridges which are discarded only after their contents are fully used up. Once a new cartridge is in place, the pen is ready for use again.

A new addition to the existing insulin pens, pens that have built-in memory allow users to store the time, date, and the amount of dosage. This makes it easier for users to tract their usage of insulin.

Advantages of insulin pens for diabetes :

There are three advantages to using insulin pens – ease of use, accuracy, and portability.

Site for injection – The first step to using an insulin pen is to select the site where you want to inject your insulin dosage. There are a few in the body that make for good injection sites, including the abdominal area, thighs, buttocks, the area of the back just above the waist, legs, and upper arm. When choosing a site for injection, always stay an inch away from the previous site and two inches away from the navel or any scars. Also, be careful not to use sites that are swollen, bruised or tender.

To use your insulin pen, first clean the site for injection with an alcohol pad or a cotton ball dabbed with alcohol. Then, take off the cover of the pen and check how much insulin is left. If the insulin looks a bit cloudy, you can mix it gently by rolling the pen in your hands. Clean the end of the insulin pen afterwards.

The next step is to insert the disposable needle in its place. Once this is properly set in place, you can clear out any air pockets inside the pen by holding the pen up in the air while pushing the end of the pen until a drop of insulin is ejected. You may need to repeat this process for a couple of times until you see a drop of insulin at the tip of the needle.

Set the amount of insulin you want to use. Pinch and hold the site where you would want to inject the insulin. Insert the needle all the way down into your skin and continue pinching the skin for a few seconds more. Pull the pen out and gently massage the area of injection. Put the insulin pen cover back in its place.

There are many people who are inflicted with the diabetes disease. Unfortunately, there is no cure-all miracle drug for those that have to live with diabetes, but there are several things that can help a person keep his or her diabetes under control. These tools, also known as diabetes testing supplies, will help an individual monitor the progress of the diabetes and keep a watch on his or her glucose levels.

There are several important diabetes testing supplies that a person usually uses in order to help him or her get a handle on their diabetes. A few of them are the blood sugar monitors, testing strips, as well as lancets that are included with diabetes testing supply packages. The blood sugar monitors are not at all expensive, but the testing strips are very expensive compared to the blood sugar monitor. One can think about the price difference compared with the cost of razors and razor blades. Likewise, the blood sugar monitor is relatively inexpensive compared Diabetes Test Strips with the testing strips. However, testing strips for people with diabetes are a crucial part and tool in helping an individual keep up to date on his or her diabetes situation. In a normal month span, a person may go through as many as one hundred testing strips, depending on the type and severity of the diabetes. The testing strips are included in testing supplies because a person will normally use 2 or 3 testing strips per day. The checks are normally done in the morning, at noontime, and sometime in the evening.

One thing to know about diabetes testing strips is that they must be compatible with the blood glucose meter. Purchasing off-brand strips may not even be the best idea simply because they may give you a skewed reading of your glucose level, thereby skewing the results on the testing strip. If you are on Medicare, however, the testing strips should be provided free of charge at the prescription of the doctor. If you need more testing strips than what is normally provided, the doctor will usually write a letter to Medicare explaining the situation. The doctor is the official authority when it comes to dealing with Medicare.

However, if you use a lancet for diabetes testing alone, that is a whole other situation that must be considered. There are several different kinds of lancets- you can purchase one that is an automated lancet, as well as those that require you to puncture your finger yourself to check your blood glucose level.

For all of these supplies, the best thing to do would be to check with your doctor about how to go about getting these diabetes testing supplies. They may suggest ordering them direct through your health insurance provider or you may even be able to get them through a pharmacy, clinic, or hospital completely free of charge! Whatever the scenario, be careful and cautious about where you go to get your diabetes testing supplies, as not everywhere you go to check them out may be the same!

Who says that those who are afflicted with diabetes cannot enjoy the fun provided by different kinds of recipes? Most people who are afflicted by this disorder that tends to increase the level of blood sugar tend to cut down on foods that are prepared using sugar. When a normal man takes sugar, the same gets digested and is broken down by the digestive system into glucose. After this the glucose circulates in their blood before entering the cells for being used as fuel.

A hormone that is known as insulin which is manufactured by the pancreas helps the movement of the glucose into the cells. The quantity of insulin depending on the level of the glucose is adjusted by the pancreas if it is healthy. This procedure does not work in those who are ailing from diabetes Diabetes Recipes thereby causing an enhancement in the amount of sugar in their blood. Diabetes causes a number of risk factors including heart disease and various types of cardiovascular conditions. Those who get afflicted with this ailment are often faced with a sense of panic due to this.

In order to protect their health such people stop taking food that contains sugar. When they see others enjoying delicious food which they cannot because of their health problems they face a sense of desperation. This desperation is even more in those who have just been diagnosed as having diabetes. Cheerful information awaits such persons for they can now enjoy quality food. They can enjoy a number of quality diabetic diet meal plan available on the net without any fear of the level of their blood sugar increasing.

The truth is that the diabetic recipes have sweeteners that provide the taste of sugar to the preparation without the addition of dangerous glucose. There are also lots of diabetic food available and one can easily find them be searching the net. You can also find out these sites for special types of diabetic diet that you can eat without bothering about your wellbeing.

The options of downloading free recipe books that are full of different types of diabetic diet meal plan are provided by quite a number of such sites. You should stop worrying about your diabetes problems and start enjoying delicious diabetic recipes. Download a copy of the recipe book for yourself and share it with others who are also suffering from blood sugar problems.

For quite sometime, diabetes has been-and continues to be-the bane of a good percentage of the population of most countries. About 20 million Americans have diabetes, plus another 40 million afflicted with an early form of Type 2 diabetes, prediabetes. After the digestive organs have absorbed glucose or sugar into the bloodstream, insulin from the pancreas transfers glucose to the fats, muscle and the liver for fuel. Diabetes develops if there is not enough insulin, blood glucose is not used properly by the liver, muscles or fat, or in a mixture of both causes.

There are two general classifications of diabetes, with another specifically afflicting women. Type 1 affects the individual from childhood, though most are diagnosed only when they are aged about 20 years old. For this type there is less or no insulin produced by the pancreas so that insulin injections are required everyday.  No cause has been pinpointed, but genetics is thought to play a major role.

The most prevalent, however, is Type 2, or adult onset, diabetes which is also beginning to afflict younger individuals. In this type the pancreas produces little insulin to control Everyday Diabetes Organizer glucose normally or the organs fail to utilize insulin sufficiently. A lot of diabetics do not even realize they have the disease. Then there is gestational diabetes that occurs only in pregnant or lactating women.  Though commonly just temporary, it nevertheless makes the individual a higher risk for type 2 diabetes later.

Indicators

Individuals affected with Type 1 diabetes commonly show the symptoms over a short period, mostly only in an emergency, when the symptoms are mistaken for something else. Tiredness, frequent urination, unexplained great thirst, nausea accompanied by vomiting and falling weight in spite of hearty appetite are the usual symptoms. Type 2 diabetics may additionally suffer from blurry vision and numbness in the extremities like toes.  But Type 2 diabetes infects people very slowly, so the diabetics rarely detect it until indicative conditions show, since diabetes harm the body’s autoimmunity, the blood vessels and its nerves.

What foods are appropriate

If you are a diabetic, you should collaborate with your doctor and dietitian in the amounts of fat, protein and carbohydrates you must eat to control your levels of glucose.Essentially, however, food intake should contain only little fats and carbohydrates, as they sugar on digestion. Diabetics should, generally, follow the recommendations of the Diabetes  Food Pyramid, which groups food according to their protein and carbohydrates contents, and eat food in the bottom list as much as possible.

Foods high in fiber are particularly advised for diabetics, such as grains, fruits, and vegetables. Fruit juices should not contain sugar or syrups, and low-fat or nonfat milk in lieu of yogurt which contains sugar.  Eschew fatty foods like bacon, cheese, hamburgfers or butter. Limit alcohol intake and take it with meals after determining with your health care provider the appropriate amounts.

Poultry such as chicken and turkey is advised though the skin should not be eaten. They contain much cholesterol. Trim off all fats from beef, wild game, pork or veal to get the lean meats. No frying as much as possible; broiling, baking, grilling or roasting instead.

Diabetes can be controlled. What is necessary is merely control over one’s cravings for food and eating the correct diet.

When struggling with the daily experiences of chronic illness, we rarely engage a most powerful (and empowering) healing force at our disposal. Many of us with chronic illness are so busy coping with symptoms each day, we may never even be aware this healing force exists. Instead, it remains buried beneath the everyday busyness of what I think, feel, need, and desire--distracting attention away from, and depleting the raw energy necessary, for self healing chronic illness.

This potent healing power is rooted in how it is you attend to, and relate with, who-it-is-I-am-at-core (i.e., your self at depth). This deep experience of self is rooted beyond the superficial sense of "myself" often associated with characterizations such as "tall", "short", "thin". Moreover, this powerful core-self is buried beneath the roles we play (e.g., child, parent, friend, lover). In fact, roles merely serve to further conceal self at core!

Yet, when you do focus on your genuine relation-with-self-within, compelling and quite familiar feelings suddenly arise, as described in the three exercises below.

1. The "Mirroring Authentic Self" exercise.

Take time to look at yourself in the mirror. Initially, you may identify features of your face you judge as "acceptable". . . or not. For this exercise, however, imagine your face as the newborn infant you were in your very first minutes: Reflect on this fresh and lovely you! Know your newborn face could then (as now) bring smiles to complete strangers. It was you long before the weight (of comparisons and competition) was thrust onto your emerging identity.

So look beyond your facial features--eye color, nose, lips. Indeed, arrive at your true-face with which you were born by looking BEHIND your face, as if it is a mask; permitting your and the transformation of illness true-face to emerge without descriptors, without judgments.

As you do begin to recognize your birth-face (regardless of your age now), you at-once sense an ever-present "sameness" about who "I" am. As self-awareness reawakens, you sense the aging face reflecting back is somehow "not me"--at least not me-at-core!

This incongruity occurs in response to the labels and roles we each take on as our own throughout life--costumes to act out our living play. As we do, we lose our wholeness. We become fragmented into polarities and judgments defining both who-I-am and (too often ) who-I-am-not, whether I-am-acceptable. . . or that I-am-not.

Now, however, you can realize the superficial roles and labels do NOT reflect who-I-am-at-core. You recognize deep within, the core-self-of-me-now feels the same, and indeed IS the same, as "I" have been since birth--long before my first awareness of self-I-am. Indeed, this authentic-core-self-within never ages!

2. "Would I still exist" exercise.

To more fully access and amplify mirroring-your-authentic-self, you may also engage a truly powerful, transforming technique best described by Arjuna Ardagh in "The Translucent Revolution" (2005); and appropriately called "Would you still exist?" (pp. 70-71)

Ardagh suggests making an exhaustive list of all the qualities with which you identify (e.g., teacher, Italian, a patient, sick). Then, one-by-one move through your list asking yourself the question, "If I no longer identified myself as. . ." (a quality you listed), "would I still exist?" Qualities fall away as you begin to realize your self-identifiers could just as easily have been dreams--often lasting for years!

Fact: This core-self-I-am undeniably exists . . . beyond all qualifiers and judgments!

3. Access you Authentic Self multiple times each day!

It is this undefined, unchanging and unlimited, core Self (capital "S" Self) I invite you to acknowledge repeatedly throughout your day. This is your Self-beyond. . . beyond labels, roles, judgments and desires. This is your Self-beyond the unceasing self-talk, beyond your well-worn story, behind the masks long-mistaken for authentic Self. Your Self is even beyond illness, as Self is forever whole!

These simple exercises have proven powerful in initiating healing energy along my own wellness journey, as well as for those chronically ill clients with whom I have worked. As you begin accessing your authentic Self (and acknowledge it throughout your day), you will soon rediscover new and vibrant energy available to you! This new experience of Self becomes your foundation on which to reawaken the power within--power you can begin to access for healing at any level (and at every level) including physical healing.

To become truly response-able to Self heal, the crucial first step you must take is to become intimately reacquainted with your Self. Please, give your Self time to reawaken, to reemerge naturally. As you do, you will rediscover a wonderful friend with whom you can once again be playful, enjoy and just peaceably BE!

With this most powerful and joyful beginning to your healing journey, you have set out on a true adventure beyond limitations (particularly those attached to chronic illness)! Then, to further enhance your healing journey, watch for follow-up posts and articles in this powerful healing series; highlighting even more wonders and Self nurturing tools on your quest to "Empower Your Self To Heal Chronic Illness".

I look forward to serving You WELL!

Caringly,

Malcolm

©2009byMFDayton,LPC

Copyright (c) 2008 Katie Kelley

Depression is a severe and often debilitating condition that affects millions of individuals nationwide. However, now depressed patients must also watch for a new risk of developing type 2 diabetes on top of their current condition. Recently, a study published in the Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice from the University of Alberta found that depressed patients have a 30 percent increased risk of also developing type 2 diabetes as well.

Lauren Brown, the lead author of the study, researched the history of 2,400 individuals who had been diagnosed with depression. According to Brown, patients taking both selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are at the most risk for developing type 2 diabetes.

While the study needs further research to better understand the relationship between antidepressants and developing type 2 diabetes, it is important that patients of depression as well as diabetes receive educational information on both conditions and the link to better assess and treat their potential illnesses, according to the study.

What are TCAs and SSRIs?

Tricyclic antidepressants are used to treat abnormalities involving neurotransmitters serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine, according to the Mayo Clinic. The TCAs "inhibit the reabsorption of serotonin and norepinephrin" and block certain cell receptors. TCAs were first introduced to the market in the 1960s and remained a top treatment of depression among patients through the 1980s until the development of SSRIs. Common side effects that Diabetes in Clinical Practice: Q & A have been associated with TCAs include:

* constipation, urinary retention

* drowsiness and dizziness

* dry mouth

* blurred vision

* impaired sexual function

* increased heart rate

* headache

* increased appetite, weight gain

* weakness

* low blood pressure or increased heart rate

* nausea

According to the Mayo Clinic, patients of TCAs may have issues with their blood sugar levels, but the drug has never been linked directly to having caused diabetes.

Health Insite, an initiative by the Australian government, describes SSRIs as a group of antidepressants that activate nerve cells within the brain to regulate serotonin levels. Some of the most common SSRI side effects include the following, according to the Harvard Medical School:

* insomnia

* rashes

* headaches

* joint and muscle pain

* diarrhea, nausea or upset stomach

* potential risk of stomach or uterine bleeding

* diminished sexual interest/desire

* impaired sexual function

* suicide and increased suicidal thinking

Patients are advised to discuss any sudden change in moods, and, with the increased risk of developing diabetes, patients taking both SSRIs and TCAs should consult their physician if weight gain or loss begins to affect moods.

What Determines A Type 2 Diabetes Diagnosis?

Individuals who feel they may suffer from type 2 diabetes will likely receive one or all of the following tests, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDD):

* fasting plasma glucose test

* oral glucose tolerance test

* random plasma glucose test

It is important to know the signs and symptoms of diabetes in order to receive diagnosis and treatment of the condition immediately, as the condition can worsen if left untreated. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) reported the following diabetes symptoms for individuals to watch for:

* frequent urination

* extreme hunger

* blurry vision

* irritability

* extreme thirst

* increased fatigue

* unexplained weight loss

It is extremely important for patients suffering from depression to contact a medical professional if they feel they may suffer from type 2 diabetes as well. If diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, it is important to become aware of the potential risks involved with consuming type 2 diabetes medications such as Avandia.

One such drug is Avandia, which has been linked to heart disease and bone fracture among patients; the drug was approved for market in 1999 from GlaxoSmithKline. Individuals who have suffered from complications related to Avandia should receive a free consultation from a pharmaceutical attorney regarding their condition and the side effects that have caused additional harm to an individual. Avandia patients may be eligible for earning monetary compensation because of the side effects caused by the drug, which may be irreversible.