Because of some of the problems and people that won't read labels or follow their doctors directions, I feel that the following is in order for all natural remedies.
The following information is for your reading and is not a cure. I am not endorsing any of these herbs, supplements, or natural remedies.
This is important!!! WARNING If you are taking supplements or anything that is not prescribed by the doctor, please make sure that the doctor is informed. Some of the supplements when taken with oral medications and/or insulin can cause hypoglycemia or have toxic results, even cause death.
This is important enough to tell you to maintain a Supplement Diary of every herb, vitamin, and supplement you are taking and give a copy to your doctor. I am aware that many people do not feel this is important, but the consequences for persons with diabetes can have severe medical implications.
Having a healthy diet and lifestyle, emphasis on exercise, are the most important factors in preventing or managing Type 2 Diabetes. There are a number of herbs, vitamins and minerals that have been shown to give some help to people with diabetes. Here are a few more herbs and plants that may have some benefits.
Prickly pear cactus:
When you look at a cactus plant it’s difficult to imagine that the plant can have any benefits, especially after a few of the spines have pierced your hand! However, some scientists have discovered that blood sugar levels can be decreased by 17% or higher in people with type 2 diabetes when the cactus pad is eaten on a regular basis. The fruit also has similar blood sugar lowering properties. Check the benefits under the "Uses" tab.
Turmeric:
Turmeric is a yellow herb that is often found in Indian and Indonesian dishes. There is some scientific research that suggests that using this herb may aid in reduction of inflammation which leads to obesity and diabetes. There is also some suggestions that it may aid in blocking some carbohydrates from being totally digested and entering the blood stream.
Milk thistle:
Many people are familiar with milk thistle and use it to help cleanse their liver of toxins that have been accumulated especially fatty liver disease. Fatty liver disease affects over 50% of people with diabetes. Milk thistle may also aid in decreasing blood sugar levels, cholesterol, HbA1c, and triglycerides. Read this by David Mendosa.
Holy Basil, also called Hot Basil:
An extract of Holy Basil may decrease fasting blood sugar levels up to 17.6%. Holy Basil may also help decrease you blood sugar level if you eat too much food at a meal. The relevant studies are small in size; however, some success was achieved.
Psyllium:
Are you familiar with the over-the-counter product called Metamucil? It’s used to help keep you regular. This product basically contains psyllium, a plant that is high in fiber, and some additives and preservatives.
Psyllium is similar to other fibers that reduce serum glucose levels and insulin levels. The extra benefits of psyllium include lowered total cholesterol levels and lowered LDL cholesterol levels. There is little evidence that diabetes is greatly helped.
Other berries:
Many people are climbing on the nutritional bandwagon when it comes to berries. They consume acai berries, strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, hawthorne berries and exotic berries. The berries are often prepared in fruit drinks that tend to be pricey. These berries have high nutritional value and are loaded with antioxidants.
If you’re interested in these herbs for lowering blood sugar, please investigate their dosages, contraindications, and length of time the herbs can be used safely. I would recommend reading much of the information listed in the post mentioned about Milk Thistle above by David Mendosa and this post on blueberries.
Part 3 of 4
September 22, 2010
September 19, 2010
Natural treatments for diabetes. (Not a cure) Part 2
Because of some of the problems and people that won't read labels or follow their doctors directions, I feel that the following is in order for all natural remedies.
The following information is for your reading and is not a cure. I am not endorsing any of these herbs, supplements, or natural remedies.
This is important!!! WARNING If you are taking supplements or anything that is not prescribed by the doctor, please make sure that the doctor is informed. Some of the supplements when taken with oral medications and/or insulin can cause hypoglycemia or have toxic results, even cause death.
This is important enough to tell you to maintain a Supplement Diary of every herb, vitamin, and supplement you are taking and give a copy to your doctor. I am aware that many people do not feel this is important, but the consequences for persons with diabetes can have severe medical implications.
Also, use the name below and use your search engine with “and diabetes” to check out warnings and problems of over use.
Zinc:
This mineral is important to people with diabetes and is involved in the production and storage of insulin. Be careful not to over use zinc. Food sources of zinc are many and the following article gives a few of them.
Aloe Vera Gel:
This common home used remedy for minor cuts, burns, and skin problems is the subject of a small Japanese study which shows some benefits from some compounds in the gel that help reduce blood glucose. Most effective use is from the compounds and not the gel.
Gymnema:
The warning is out big time for this herb! While it has good properties for lowering blood glucose, this will cause problems for people taking medications or insulin and should only be used under the close supervision of their doctor. NO EXCEPTIONS.
This source gives the warning and this source does not – I would suggest following the warning.
Vanadium:
Repeat the warnings! This trace mineral found naturally in many foods and mimics many of the actions of insulin in the body. Just do not use this without supervision of a doctor. The dose large enough to have an effect on blood glucose can be toxic to humans.
Herbs for Diabetes
Pterocarpus marsupium:
This herb has been used for a long time in India as a treatment for diabetes. The flavonoid, (-)-epicatechin, extracted from the bark of this plant has been shown to prevent alloxan-induced beta cell damage in rats.
Both epicatechin and a crude alcohol extract of Pterocarpus marsupium have actually been shown to regenerate functional pancreatic beta cells. No other drug or natural agent has been shown to generate this activity. This may not be available in the US, and should only be used under the supervision of a doctor.
Bitter Melon:
Bitter melon, also known as balsam pear, is a tropical vegetable widely cultivated in Asia, Africa and South America, and has been used extensively in folk medicine as a remedy for diabetes. I will let you read about this here.
Excessively high doses of bitter melon juice can cause abdominal pain and diarrhea. Small children or anyone with hypoglycemia should not take bitter melon, since this herb could theoretically trigger or worsen low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia. Furthermore, diabetics taking hypoglycemic drugs (such as chlorpropamide, glyburide, or phenformin) or insulin should use bitter melon with caution, as it may affect the effectiveness of the drugs, leading to severe hypoglycemia.
Onion and Garlic:
I will let you read the information about these two herbs. Generally, these can be used liberally and if you reek of garlic, you can definitely get rid of the diabetes police.
Fenugreek:
This herb has some beneficial properties and studies have given some credence to its benefits. It is the defatted portion of the seed that gives the greatest benefit.
Blueberry leaves:
I will let you read about this here. The leaves of the blueberry has a history in the of folk medicine for the treatment of diabetes. In Europe, it is primarily used as an anti-haemorrhagic agent for the treatment of eye diseases including diabetic retinopathy.
Asian Ginseng:
Asian ginseng is used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat diabetes. It has been shown to enhance the release of insulin from the pancreas and to increase the number of insulin receptors.
Bilberry:
Bilberry is useful as it may lower the risk of some diabetic complications, such as diabetic cataracts and retinopathy.
Stevia:
Stevia has been used traditionally to treat diabetes. Not all reports confirm the beneficial effect of Stevia. At best it is good as a sweetener to lower the sugar intake of people with diabetes.
Ginkgo Biloba:
Ginkgo biloba extract seems to be limited in use and may prove useful for prevention and treatment of early-stage diabetic neuropathy.
Barberry:
One of the mildest and best liver tonics known. I am not sure of any other uses for people with diabetes other than inflammation reduction. Warnings are important and are discussed here.
This is Part 2 of 4.
The following information is for your reading and is not a cure. I am not endorsing any of these herbs, supplements, or natural remedies.
This is important!!! WARNING If you are taking supplements or anything that is not prescribed by the doctor, please make sure that the doctor is informed. Some of the supplements when taken with oral medications and/or insulin can cause hypoglycemia or have toxic results, even cause death.
This is important enough to tell you to maintain a Supplement Diary of every herb, vitamin, and supplement you are taking and give a copy to your doctor. I am aware that many people do not feel this is important, but the consequences for persons with diabetes can have severe medical implications.
Also, use the name below and use your search engine with “and diabetes” to check out warnings and problems of over use.
Zinc:
This mineral is important to people with diabetes and is involved in the production and storage of insulin. Be careful not to over use zinc. Food sources of zinc are many and the following article gives a few of them.
Aloe Vera Gel:
This common home used remedy for minor cuts, burns, and skin problems is the subject of a small Japanese study which shows some benefits from some compounds in the gel that help reduce blood glucose. Most effective use is from the compounds and not the gel.
Gymnema:
The warning is out big time for this herb! While it has good properties for lowering blood glucose, this will cause problems for people taking medications or insulin and should only be used under the close supervision of their doctor. NO EXCEPTIONS.
This source gives the warning and this source does not – I would suggest following the warning.
Vanadium:
Repeat the warnings! This trace mineral found naturally in many foods and mimics many of the actions of insulin in the body. Just do not use this without supervision of a doctor. The dose large enough to have an effect on blood glucose can be toxic to humans.
Herbs for Diabetes
Pterocarpus marsupium:
This herb has been used for a long time in India as a treatment for diabetes. The flavonoid, (-)-epicatechin, extracted from the bark of this plant has been shown to prevent alloxan-induced beta cell damage in rats.
Both epicatechin and a crude alcohol extract of Pterocarpus marsupium have actually been shown to regenerate functional pancreatic beta cells. No other drug or natural agent has been shown to generate this activity. This may not be available in the US, and should only be used under the supervision of a doctor.
Bitter Melon:
Bitter melon, also known as balsam pear, is a tropical vegetable widely cultivated in Asia, Africa and South America, and has been used extensively in folk medicine as a remedy for diabetes. I will let you read about this here.
Excessively high doses of bitter melon juice can cause abdominal pain and diarrhea. Small children or anyone with hypoglycemia should not take bitter melon, since this herb could theoretically trigger or worsen low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia. Furthermore, diabetics taking hypoglycemic drugs (such as chlorpropamide, glyburide, or phenformin) or insulin should use bitter melon with caution, as it may affect the effectiveness of the drugs, leading to severe hypoglycemia.
Onion and Garlic:
I will let you read the information about these two herbs. Generally, these can be used liberally and if you reek of garlic, you can definitely get rid of the diabetes police.
Fenugreek:
This herb has some beneficial properties and studies have given some credence to its benefits. It is the defatted portion of the seed that gives the greatest benefit.
Blueberry leaves:
I will let you read about this here. The leaves of the blueberry has a history in the of folk medicine for the treatment of diabetes. In Europe, it is primarily used as an anti-haemorrhagic agent for the treatment of eye diseases including diabetic retinopathy.
Asian Ginseng:
Asian ginseng is used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat diabetes. It has been shown to enhance the release of insulin from the pancreas and to increase the number of insulin receptors.
Bilberry:
Bilberry is useful as it may lower the risk of some diabetic complications, such as diabetic cataracts and retinopathy.
Stevia:
Stevia has been used traditionally to treat diabetes. Not all reports confirm the beneficial effect of Stevia. At best it is good as a sweetener to lower the sugar intake of people with diabetes.
Ginkgo Biloba:
Ginkgo biloba extract seems to be limited in use and may prove useful for prevention and treatment of early-stage diabetic neuropathy.
Barberry:
One of the mildest and best liver tonics known. I am not sure of any other uses for people with diabetes other than inflammation reduction. Warnings are important and are discussed here.
This is Part 2 of 4.
September 18, 2010
Too many carbohydrates
When I came across this (link now broken - area deleted from site), I needed to rein in my anger level. I am not surprised at the position taken, but some RD/CDE's (Registered Dietitians/Certified Diabetes Educators) just don't understand that when they give advice, they need to be more careful and sensitive to the person needing the advice. Many just state the old ADA position and leave it at that. Plus diabetes forums are a poor place to give dietary information, like carbohydrate advice, especially when what works for one person, may not work for another person, nor meet the dietary needs.
This then makes many people upset and sometimes very disrespectful of the “Title” of the person giving the advice. We know that there is a lot of education behind the title; however, the insensitivity with which advice is given leaves a lot to be desired.
While I have written about this problem before, people need to learn that asking for dietary and nutritional advice on a diabetes forum will often result in advice that may not work for them. Normally the recommended amount of carbohydrates is too high and people want to believe this, but soon discover that the recommended amount is above the level they can tolerate and still manage their diabetes.
I will admit that I am very distrustful of RD's, CDE's, and other titles that participate on diabetes forums recommending how many carbohydrates people should eat in a 24 hour time. I very seldom see recommendations below 200 grams of total carbohydrates. If you are testing before meal and after a meal (1.5 to 2 hours) with a difference of 40 points or less, then your body can tolerate that many carbohydrates. If the difference is greater, then you should seriously consider reducing the amount of carbohydrates.
I realize that this is mostly volunteer work for these RD/CDE's and therefore we should not expect more salient and sage advice. I also know that most diabetes forum members are looking for quick solutions for carbohydrate numbers.
Now dare I mention that carbohydrate numbers are not the end-all to management of diabetes? I wish this could be so as then life could be so much simpler as some RD/CDE's would like us to believe. While those of us with diabetes need to count carbohydrates and they help determine our meter readings before and after meals, too often they do cause us to forget to balance our nutritional intake of foods.
Many people often end up lacking essential nutrients and trace elements in what we eat because we concentrate too much on just the number of carbohydrates. We also need to remember our vitamins, minerals, and certain trace elements that make up a our daily needs. Without them, we end up with other illnesses, health problems, and we constantly are battling other wars with management of our diabetes because we neglected them.
Diabetes management does need vitamins, minerals, and trace elements to be effective. Often because of carbohydrate management, we need supplements to balance what our bodies need. Just a few that come to mind include vitamin B12 for those that have been on metformin for extending periods. Vitamin D3 for those who do not get outside enough or don't include foods high is this. There are others and especially trace minerals are often lacking from our daily nutritional intake.
While I will be the first to admit that nutrition is something that I often neglect. I am working by having more tests done to determine what I am missing, and adjusting my eating habits or by taking supplements to cover the areas that I am short in my nutritional food intake. Because the quantity of carbohydrates is important in my management of my diabetes, I will continue to count them, but I am striving to include more foods high in vitamins, minerals, trace elements, and other vital nutrients important to my health.
The last point is the caloric intake in the foods we eat. Often the carbohydrate amounts are too high for some individuals and the calories are too high to assist people in losing the weight new diagnosed people often need to lose. This is why we need to consider the ratio of protein, fat, and carbohydrates that is optimal for each person.
This then makes many people upset and sometimes very disrespectful of the “Title” of the person giving the advice. We know that there is a lot of education behind the title; however, the insensitivity with which advice is given leaves a lot to be desired.
While I have written about this problem before, people need to learn that asking for dietary and nutritional advice on a diabetes forum will often result in advice that may not work for them. Normally the recommended amount of carbohydrates is too high and people want to believe this, but soon discover that the recommended amount is above the level they can tolerate and still manage their diabetes.
I will admit that I am very distrustful of RD's, CDE's, and other titles that participate on diabetes forums recommending how many carbohydrates people should eat in a 24 hour time. I very seldom see recommendations below 200 grams of total carbohydrates. If you are testing before meal and after a meal (1.5 to 2 hours) with a difference of 40 points or less, then your body can tolerate that many carbohydrates. If the difference is greater, then you should seriously consider reducing the amount of carbohydrates.
I realize that this is mostly volunteer work for these RD/CDE's and therefore we should not expect more salient and sage advice. I also know that most diabetes forum members are looking for quick solutions for carbohydrate numbers.
Now dare I mention that carbohydrate numbers are not the end-all to management of diabetes? I wish this could be so as then life could be so much simpler as some RD/CDE's would like us to believe. While those of us with diabetes need to count carbohydrates and they help determine our meter readings before and after meals, too often they do cause us to forget to balance our nutritional intake of foods.
Many people often end up lacking essential nutrients and trace elements in what we eat because we concentrate too much on just the number of carbohydrates. We also need to remember our vitamins, minerals, and certain trace elements that make up a our daily needs. Without them, we end up with other illnesses, health problems, and we constantly are battling other wars with management of our diabetes because we neglected them.
Diabetes management does need vitamins, minerals, and trace elements to be effective. Often because of carbohydrate management, we need supplements to balance what our bodies need. Just a few that come to mind include vitamin B12 for those that have been on metformin for extending periods. Vitamin D3 for those who do not get outside enough or don't include foods high is this. There are others and especially trace minerals are often lacking from our daily nutritional intake.
While I will be the first to admit that nutrition is something that I often neglect. I am working by having more tests done to determine what I am missing, and adjusting my eating habits or by taking supplements to cover the areas that I am short in my nutritional food intake. Because the quantity of carbohydrates is important in my management of my diabetes, I will continue to count them, but I am striving to include more foods high in vitamins, minerals, trace elements, and other vital nutrients important to my health.
The last point is the caloric intake in the foods we eat. Often the carbohydrate amounts are too high for some individuals and the calories are too high to assist people in losing the weight new diagnosed people often need to lose. This is why we need to consider the ratio of protein, fat, and carbohydrates that is optimal for each person.
September 17, 2010
Natural treatments for diabetes. (Not a cure) Part 1
The following information is for your reading and is not a cure. I am not endorsing any of these herbs, supplements, or natural remedies.
I am constantly seeing information about this or that natural remedy or supposed cure for diabetes, but I am getting so tired of the emails and constant bombardment by snake oil salespeople and their instant cures. Their constant stream of lies and enticements are indeed interesting, but under analysis are so false and not based on any form of scientific evidence. The supposed endorsers are so obviously paid to say what they are told, that you can't trust them.
In these cases I will fall back on the saying that a fool and his money are soon parted. Before I get carried away venting about these crooks (and some are doctors that should have their license pulled), I would like to cover a few items that may help those with diabetes. I say may, because many people do not derive any benefit, but a few do receive short-term benefits. I am not sure why, but there may be something in their body chemistry that was needed which the supplement, vitamin, or herb supplies to restore some balance, thus the short-term benefit.
Some items are said to have longer benefits, but there are no studies to prove this or scientific evidence to support these claims. What studies exist for some of the following items are either poorly designed, not all that conclusive, or done with such a small sample of people that it makes them suspect. Most of the natural remedies do not get much financial support for studies because there is little profit to do so.
This is important!!! WARNING If you are taking supplements or anything that is not prescribed by the doctor, please make sure that the doctor is informed. Some of the supplements when taken with oral medications and/or insulin can cause hypoglycemia or have toxic results, even cause death.
This is important enough to tell you to maintain a Supplement Diary of every herb, vitamin, and supplement you are taking and give a copy to your doctor. I am aware that many people do not feel this is important, but the consequences for persons with diabetes can have severe medical implications.
Of the items covered in this blog, I use vinegar, cinnamon, and magnesium, but not as supplements. I just use them as they come to me in different foods or as part of a recipe. Yes, I do seek out the foods rich in some of these items, especially the magnesium.
Vitamin K:
A Dutch study has found that Vitamin K (K1 and K2) may have lowered the risk of getting type 2 diabetes. Like so many studies, they want more studies and say nothing about being any help for those of us who already have type 2. About all the study is good for is disputing the American minimum daily requirement.
Vinegar:
I will refer here to a previous blog about vinegar. I have not seen or found any more than I have referenced in that blog.
Cinnamon:
I will admit that more studies are emerging that show cinnamon has some benefits. This 12 week study only involves 22 people. I am not sure that this gives enough conclusive evidence to prove real benefit, but the different studies are continuing to add to the body of evidence for this spice. Another blog about another study appeared on October 10, 2006 with 60 men and women. No one has yet determined the length of the benefit on cinnamon, just the short-term benefits for small numbers.
Chromium or chromium picolinate:
One of the more (to my understanding) beneficial supplements is chromium, there are some health warnings about chromium picolinate. While this is a trace element that has an effect on insulin production, many people are overdosing with this supplement and may be causing some harm to their systems. What is it that people do not understand about the word trace element. Only a small amount should be used and probably not on a consistent basis. This article is very informative and clearly states that little information is available on the safety of chromium. Other studies have not confirmed the benefits.
Ginseng:
The North American ginseng shows in the studies to be the best form of ginseng for benefits for those of us with diabetes in that it may improve blood sugar control. While again, not enough studies have been done, there are indications it may have some benefits.
Magnesium:
Studies here do indicate that low magnesium levels may make blood glucose control more difficult and that proper levels may help with insulin resistance. A fellow blogger has written a blog (sorry, link is broken) about magnesium and you should read it and the comments.
This mineral comes with some warnings about over use and the side effects that it can cause. There are also some problems with heart medications so use only under a doctors supervision.
End of Part 1 of 4.
I am constantly seeing information about this or that natural remedy or supposed cure for diabetes, but I am getting so tired of the emails and constant bombardment by snake oil salespeople and their instant cures. Their constant stream of lies and enticements are indeed interesting, but under analysis are so false and not based on any form of scientific evidence. The supposed endorsers are so obviously paid to say what they are told, that you can't trust them.
In these cases I will fall back on the saying that a fool and his money are soon parted. Before I get carried away venting about these crooks (and some are doctors that should have their license pulled), I would like to cover a few items that may help those with diabetes. I say may, because many people do not derive any benefit, but a few do receive short-term benefits. I am not sure why, but there may be something in their body chemistry that was needed which the supplement, vitamin, or herb supplies to restore some balance, thus the short-term benefit.
Some items are said to have longer benefits, but there are no studies to prove this or scientific evidence to support these claims. What studies exist for some of the following items are either poorly designed, not all that conclusive, or done with such a small sample of people that it makes them suspect. Most of the natural remedies do not get much financial support for studies because there is little profit to do so.
This is important!!! WARNING If you are taking supplements or anything that is not prescribed by the doctor, please make sure that the doctor is informed. Some of the supplements when taken with oral medications and/or insulin can cause hypoglycemia or have toxic results, even cause death.
This is important enough to tell you to maintain a Supplement Diary of every herb, vitamin, and supplement you are taking and give a copy to your doctor. I am aware that many people do not feel this is important, but the consequences for persons with diabetes can have severe medical implications.
Of the items covered in this blog, I use vinegar, cinnamon, and magnesium, but not as supplements. I just use them as they come to me in different foods or as part of a recipe. Yes, I do seek out the foods rich in some of these items, especially the magnesium.
Vitamin K:
A Dutch study has found that Vitamin K (K1 and K2) may have lowered the risk of getting type 2 diabetes. Like so many studies, they want more studies and say nothing about being any help for those of us who already have type 2. About all the study is good for is disputing the American minimum daily requirement.
Vinegar:
I will refer here to a previous blog about vinegar. I have not seen or found any more than I have referenced in that blog.
Cinnamon:
I will admit that more studies are emerging that show cinnamon has some benefits. This 12 week study only involves 22 people. I am not sure that this gives enough conclusive evidence to prove real benefit, but the different studies are continuing to add to the body of evidence for this spice. Another blog about another study appeared on October 10, 2006 with 60 men and women. No one has yet determined the length of the benefit on cinnamon, just the short-term benefits for small numbers.
Chromium or chromium picolinate:
One of the more (to my understanding) beneficial supplements is chromium, there are some health warnings about chromium picolinate. While this is a trace element that has an effect on insulin production, many people are overdosing with this supplement and may be causing some harm to their systems. What is it that people do not understand about the word trace element. Only a small amount should be used and probably not on a consistent basis. This article is very informative and clearly states that little information is available on the safety of chromium. Other studies have not confirmed the benefits.
Ginseng:
The North American ginseng shows in the studies to be the best form of ginseng for benefits for those of us with diabetes in that it may improve blood sugar control. While again, not enough studies have been done, there are indications it may have some benefits.
Magnesium:
Studies here do indicate that low magnesium levels may make blood glucose control more difficult and that proper levels may help with insulin resistance. A fellow blogger has written a blog (sorry, link is broken) about magnesium and you should read it and the comments.
This mineral comes with some warnings about over use and the side effects that it can cause. There are also some problems with heart medications so use only under a doctors supervision.
End of Part 1 of 4.
September 14, 2010
Mayo Clinic has entered the Social Media Arena
This is a big one folks! I don't normally follow the Mayo Clinic that closely, but I do read one area, the Expert Blog under Diabetes.
On Monday the 13th, Scott Johnson wrote about the Mayo Clinic entering the social media. This link takes you to it. Thank you Scott. And they are not doing social media small time. This is big time!
Now I want to hear what the doctors have to say. Most will ignore you while they grimace big time. They don't want to hear it. Now they had better listen when the Mayo Clinic gets running full time and full out. Their mission statement is pretty bold and all encompassing.
The official opening is scheduled for September to coincide with Mayo's hosting of its second Social Media Summit in collaboration with Ragan Communications, September 27 to 29 at the Mayo Clinic's Jacksonville, Florida campus. However, it is up and usable now.
This is one website that I will need to check on a regular basis as there are many directions it could expand. Take time to explore the home page and what they are already involved in on YouTube, Twitter, Blogs, Facebook, and other areas. This is below the video. Explore the entire website!
On Monday the 13th, Scott Johnson wrote about the Mayo Clinic entering the social media. This link takes you to it. Thank you Scott. And they are not doing social media small time. This is big time!
Now I want to hear what the doctors have to say. Most will ignore you while they grimace big time. They don't want to hear it. Now they had better listen when the Mayo Clinic gets running full time and full out. Their mission statement is pretty bold and all encompassing.
The official opening is scheduled for September to coincide with Mayo's hosting of its second Social Media Summit in collaboration with Ragan Communications, September 27 to 29 at the Mayo Clinic's Jacksonville, Florida campus. However, it is up and usable now.
This is one website that I will need to check on a regular basis as there are many directions it could expand. Take time to explore the home page and what they are already involved in on YouTube, Twitter, Blogs, Facebook, and other areas. This is below the video. Explore the entire website!
September 13, 2010
More of Dangerous Myths – Myths Part 3
Some of the most dangerous problems happen to those who will not use insulin because they have heard some of the lies put forth by the people against insulin. Others originate from people who associate insulin with problems a relative had because of poor or no diabetes management.
These lies are:
1. Insulin causes blindness, amputations, and kidney failure.
2. Insulin causes sterility and sexual dysfunction.
3. Insulin use is the beginning of the end.
4. Insulin is toxic.
5. Insulin use will label me as a drug addict.
6. Insulin causes weight gain.
7. Insulin use will cause insulin shock (now termed hypoglycemia).
8. Insulin use is an inconvenience.
9. Insulin use is resisted by physicians and patients.
What causes items 1, 2, and 3 above is poor to no management of diabetes. Many people that do not manage their diabetes can have blindness, amputations, kidney failure, sterility and sexual dysfunction, and be near the end because they have not controlled their diabetes. Those that tightly manage their diabetes can live long and often healthier lives, with or without insulin.
Insulin is not toxic for the majority of people. However, some people do have allergies to some insulins. This is the only time insulin can be considered toxic.
Number five generally is not a problem; however, I have been questioned by the police about my use of syringes. Fortunately I had the insulin there and the pharmacy RX on the box and after checking, the officer was very polite.
Number six is difficult as initially the increased control insulin can give causes for some weight gain as the cells can now utilize the glucose. However, it is important for for those starting insulin to meet with a dietitian that understands diabetes and can provide guidance in nutrition and food choices. They also need education on counting carbohydrates and adjusting insulin to carbohydrates to prevent hypoglycemia.
This is also how to prevent number seven from occurring. Also the education needs to include the warning symptoms of hypoglycemia and how to test and resolve the problem with the appropriate glucose medication or other fast acting foods, mostly fruit juices.
Number eight can be a problem if you let it be a problem. It does take some adjustment and possible change in environment to manage your diabetes, but your health is more important than an inconvenience. Just remember that preventing the complications of diabetes is worth the effort.
Number nine is true because many doctors and patients resist the use of insulin for various reasons or myths. Often the doctors go along with the threat idea because patients will more readily follow the oral medications route. Often the doctors do not want to spend the time to educate their patients on the use of insulin and are worried about hypoglycemia becoming a problem on insulin.
Sometimes the doctors know that their patients cannot afford the cost of insulin. But most doctors and patients do not take into account the true cost effectiveness of each treatment. Not only are some of the oral medications costly, but the success of oral medications is not always the best when compared to insulin. Also, not everyone can get excellent control with oral medications. A few medical professionals are also not aware that some oral medications when used by themselves or in combinations will cause hypoglycemia.
For me, insulin is the only way that I will probably be able to retain some insulin production from my pancreas. Many people that go the oral medications route only, end up with a pancreas that wears itself out and can no longer produce insulin, forcing the use of insulin. I know that mine still works and that I have to be very careful when I have been able to exercise, or have had to work extra when moving from one apartment to another. I know that I will go low, need to test more often, and reduce the amount of insulin drastically for several days or even a couple of weeks.
I have also found out in the last month what an illness can do to me. I have needed to reduce my insulin usage and now that I am spending time bicycling regularly, I have needed to reduce my insulin further as my pancreas is almost producing more than I can use. A fine turn of events for me, but not one I expected as I still have to lose much more weight, but I will take what I am given. My insulin resistance has obviously dropped, but that could return at any time. So in the meantime, I am testing more often and enjoying life.
There are many more myths, but this will be the last in this series for now.
Articles used in the above:
Site 1, Site 2, Site 3. Sorry - the links have been broken - discovered 8/8/14.
These lies are:
1. Insulin causes blindness, amputations, and kidney failure.
2. Insulin causes sterility and sexual dysfunction.
3. Insulin use is the beginning of the end.
4. Insulin is toxic.
5. Insulin use will label me as a drug addict.
6. Insulin causes weight gain.
7. Insulin use will cause insulin shock (now termed hypoglycemia).
8. Insulin use is an inconvenience.
9. Insulin use is resisted by physicians and patients.
What causes items 1, 2, and 3 above is poor to no management of diabetes. Many people that do not manage their diabetes can have blindness, amputations, kidney failure, sterility and sexual dysfunction, and be near the end because they have not controlled their diabetes. Those that tightly manage their diabetes can live long and often healthier lives, with or without insulin.
Insulin is not toxic for the majority of people. However, some people do have allergies to some insulins. This is the only time insulin can be considered toxic.
Number five generally is not a problem; however, I have been questioned by the police about my use of syringes. Fortunately I had the insulin there and the pharmacy RX on the box and after checking, the officer was very polite.
Number six is difficult as initially the increased control insulin can give causes for some weight gain as the cells can now utilize the glucose. However, it is important for for those starting insulin to meet with a dietitian that understands diabetes and can provide guidance in nutrition and food choices. They also need education on counting carbohydrates and adjusting insulin to carbohydrates to prevent hypoglycemia.
This is also how to prevent number seven from occurring. Also the education needs to include the warning symptoms of hypoglycemia and how to test and resolve the problem with the appropriate glucose medication or other fast acting foods, mostly fruit juices.
Number eight can be a problem if you let it be a problem. It does take some adjustment and possible change in environment to manage your diabetes, but your health is more important than an inconvenience. Just remember that preventing the complications of diabetes is worth the effort.
Number nine is true because many doctors and patients resist the use of insulin for various reasons or myths. Often the doctors go along with the threat idea because patients will more readily follow the oral medications route. Often the doctors do not want to spend the time to educate their patients on the use of insulin and are worried about hypoglycemia becoming a problem on insulin.
Sometimes the doctors know that their patients cannot afford the cost of insulin. But most doctors and patients do not take into account the true cost effectiveness of each treatment. Not only are some of the oral medications costly, but the success of oral medications is not always the best when compared to insulin. Also, not everyone can get excellent control with oral medications. A few medical professionals are also not aware that some oral medications when used by themselves or in combinations will cause hypoglycemia.
For me, insulin is the only way that I will probably be able to retain some insulin production from my pancreas. Many people that go the oral medications route only, end up with a pancreas that wears itself out and can no longer produce insulin, forcing the use of insulin. I know that mine still works and that I have to be very careful when I have been able to exercise, or have had to work extra when moving from one apartment to another. I know that I will go low, need to test more often, and reduce the amount of insulin drastically for several days or even a couple of weeks.
I have also found out in the last month what an illness can do to me. I have needed to reduce my insulin usage and now that I am spending time bicycling regularly, I have needed to reduce my insulin further as my pancreas is almost producing more than I can use. A fine turn of events for me, but not one I expected as I still have to lose much more weight, but I will take what I am given. My insulin resistance has obviously dropped, but that could return at any time. So in the meantime, I am testing more often and enjoying life.
There are many more myths, but this will be the last in this series for now.
Articles used in the above:
Site 1, Site 2, Site 3. Sorry - the links have been broken - discovered 8/8/14.
September 8, 2010
Medic alert jewelry – pros and cons
In my previous blog about whether to wear medic alert jewelry, I said the pros and cons were for another blog.
As with any jewelry, you should consider your lifestyle and how often you have accidents with your jewelry. Medic Alert jewelry fits the same criteria. Find something that is practical and fits with your lifestyle.
Bracelets
– pros – can be worn on either arm, some even wear them as ankle bracelets. Some models are very stylish while others can be over the top depending on your budget.
- cons – people do catch them on things and they do come off at inopportune
times.
Necklaces or Dog tags
– pros – many men find necklaces more acceptable as they are covered by clothing and for some dog tags fit the bill.
- cons – while most will break if caught on something, but they can leave nasty scars.
Cards
– pros – easy to carry, can easily be updated.
- cons – easily lost, misplaced, stolen.
Shoe tags
- pros – may not be as noticeable, pant cuffs may cover.
- cons – can easily be lost, removed, or stolen.
Sports bands
- pros – see bracelets for pros and cons.
Watches
- pros - are practical and many of us do wear them.
- cons – are more expensive than many of us can afford to wear.
The above are just six of the possibilities. With Medic Alert, a card comes with any piece of jewelry so it makes sense to use them both.
One caution for those wearing necklaces – they must be removed by personnel administering a defibrillator. This must be done to prevent burns as well as other metal worn as part of clothing. Yes, women, I am talking about under-wire bras.
Other than those that believe big brother is watching and will never use an medical microchip, they could become a good thing for people with chronic diseases. The information could be stored and retrieved by readers. One problem is that many companies will want a piece of the action and their microchips will be encoded slightly different from another company so they can also sell their microchip readers. This will need federal regulation to prevent this from happening. Imagine a person from the East traveling to the Southwest part of the US and needing medical assistance, but the reader used there does not read to microchip from the East. Not good.
I personally would not like to see federal regulation, but our companies have a big habit of trying to be competitive and want to dominate the market and not cooperate when it comes to health care or assisting people with chronic illnesses. If they could cooperate, it could be good for all parties.
Another idea I mentioned is a sticker that could be displayed in a vehicle window or have a symbol on the license plate. This could be a large help to our police in knowing that something could be wrong.
An idea that I want to explore is a decal or sticker that could be placed where it would not be missed just inside the apartment and or the same for the main entrance to a house.
As with any jewelry, you should consider your lifestyle and how often you have accidents with your jewelry. Medic Alert jewelry fits the same criteria. Find something that is practical and fits with your lifestyle.
Bracelets
– pros – can be worn on either arm, some even wear them as ankle bracelets. Some models are very stylish while others can be over the top depending on your budget.
- cons – people do catch them on things and they do come off at inopportune
times.
Necklaces or Dog tags
– pros – many men find necklaces more acceptable as they are covered by clothing and for some dog tags fit the bill.
- cons – while most will break if caught on something, but they can leave nasty scars.
Cards
– pros – easy to carry, can easily be updated.
- cons – easily lost, misplaced, stolen.
Shoe tags
- pros – may not be as noticeable, pant cuffs may cover.
- cons – can easily be lost, removed, or stolen.
Sports bands
- pros – see bracelets for pros and cons.
Watches
- pros - are practical and many of us do wear them.
- cons – are more expensive than many of us can afford to wear.
The above are just six of the possibilities. With Medic Alert, a card comes with any piece of jewelry so it makes sense to use them both.
One caution for those wearing necklaces – they must be removed by personnel administering a defibrillator. This must be done to prevent burns as well as other metal worn as part of clothing. Yes, women, I am talking about under-wire bras.
Other than those that believe big brother is watching and will never use an medical microchip, they could become a good thing for people with chronic diseases. The information could be stored and retrieved by readers. One problem is that many companies will want a piece of the action and their microchips will be encoded slightly different from another company so they can also sell their microchip readers. This will need federal regulation to prevent this from happening. Imagine a person from the East traveling to the Southwest part of the US and needing medical assistance, but the reader used there does not read to microchip from the East. Not good.
I personally would not like to see federal regulation, but our companies have a big habit of trying to be competitive and want to dominate the market and not cooperate when it comes to health care or assisting people with chronic illnesses. If they could cooperate, it could be good for all parties.
Another idea I mentioned is a sticker that could be displayed in a vehicle window or have a symbol on the license plate. This could be a large help to our police in knowing that something could be wrong.
An idea that I want to explore is a decal or sticker that could be placed where it would not be missed just inside the apartment and or the same for the main entrance to a house.
September 7, 2010
Open request to all type 2 people
As of now I have published all that I have permission to publish. I wish more would have responded to my request to publish their information. I will not publish without permission. I still have a lot of requests out and will continue requesting if I find new sites. Information will be added as I get it plus new URL's will be added for people.
I am not sure why people have not responded, either they have very tight control on their email and my emails were routed to spam, or have chosen not to participate. At some future date I may list the URL's only without any other information, but I really don't want to do this.
If you have been missed, are a person with type 2 diabetes, and want to be included, please go to my blog profile page and email me.
If you can help, please let me know. The lists are presently all here.
I am not sure why people have not responded, either they have very tight control on their email and my emails were routed to spam, or have chosen not to participate. At some future date I may list the URL's only without any other information, but I really don't want to do this.
If you have been missed, are a person with type 2 diabetes, and want to be included, please go to my blog profile page and email me.
If you can help, please let me know. The lists are presently all here.
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