HOW OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS HELPS DIABETIC PEOPLE

Omega-3 fatty acids are from the family of unsaturated fatty acids.Omega-3 fatty acids include ALA[a-linolenic acid],EPA[eicosapentaenoic acid] and DHA,[docosahexaenoic acid]all of which are polyunsaturated.New versions of ethyl esterized omega-3 fatty acids, such as E-EPA and E-DHA has drawn much attention. These are highly purified and more effective.These are sold in US, as prescription medications, by the name Lovaza.
The health benefits of long chain omega-3 fatty acids-EPA and DHA are well known.The Greenland Inuit people consumed large amounts of fat from seafood, but displayed virtually no cardiovascular disease. The high level of omega-3 fatty acids consumed by the Inuit reduced triglycerides, heart rate, blood pressure, and atherosclerosis.
All know that obesity is a reason for people to become diabetic.Obesity and Diabetes  are co-related.Cytokines are responsible for inflammation and rising insulin resistance.These cytokines are found in macrophages found abundantly in the fat of obese people.A receptor on pro-inflammatory macrophages was identified to oppose this inflammation and insulin resistance.This receptor is identified as GPR120.Scientists have found that omega-3 fatty acids activate this receptor, thus resulting in broad anti-inflammatory effects and improved systemic insulin sensitivity.

The other Health benefits of fatty acids.

1]If supplements containing EPA and DHA are taken by people with varicose veins, will benefit them by the stimulation to blood circulation, break down of the clot formation compound fibrin and additionally have reduced blood pressure.
2]Regular intake of these fatty acids may reduce the risk of secondary and primary heart attack.
3]Some research has suggested that fish oil intake may reduce the risk of ischemic and thrombotic stroke.
4]A 2007 study has found that omega-3 fatty acids supplements benefitted cancer patients,by improving their appetite, weight and quality of life.A
EPA supplement helped cancer patients retain muscle mass.
5]A study has concluded that administration of purified EPA improves the thickness of carotid arteries along with improved blood flow in people with unhealthy blood sugar levels.
6]Another study has found that when patients were given about 4grams a day of both EPA and DHA,their unhealthy triglyceride levels went down by 45% and VLDL cholesterol by 50%.
7]Essential fatty acids supplementation was found to improve developmental health in children and suggests permanent central nervous system regeneration.
Risks of fatty acids:
However, it’s not clear how much fish oil constitutes a safe, effective dose. If too high, it could up the risk of to increased risk of bleeding and stroke in some people.
Omega-3 Fatty Food.
1]Oily Fish   2]Walnuts  3]Linseed Oil.

STUDY ESTABLISHES THAT BIABETIC PEOPLE CAN LIVE LONGER.

This is a good news for diabetic people. The news is that diabetic people are living for more than 40,50,60 years after having diagnosed with diabetes.It is true that diabetes affects the lifespan of an individual.A few studies have established that the diabetic patient live 8-10 years less.
But the longevity of people with diabetes is also, now, has come to be known.As Dr.Mohan says it is due to the lifestyle and meticulous control of diabetes.  Studies are going on to know whether any protective gene is responsible for this.

 The other findings are

About 25 percent of people who have lived for more than 40 years with diabetes had no complications about heart,kidneys,foot or eye.They have had a fairly good quality of life.
Even children detected with type1 diabetes  as young as three years old are living as grandfathers and have had children also.
Patients with type 2 diabetes are still living even after 40 years on tablets , not depending on insulin as believed to be the only way out.
Further the doctors says that the key for their longevity is the way they had been with their treatment, irrespective of the kind of treatment.They had followed to the last word of their doctor's treatment advice.The pattern , in all the above patients,seams to be regular exercise,correct recommended diet,blood sugar tests,and maintaining their AIC level to 7.
 

Patients should take their diabetic condition seriously from the very beginning and keep the blood sugar under control. If they do so their life will be a healthy one.

WHAT IMPORTANT PART DOES DIET HAVE IN DIABETES

Most items of food contain carbohydrate, protein and fat. Cereals are rich in carbohydrate. Lentils, lean meat, chicken and fish are rich in protein. Oils, nuts and milk cream are rich in fats. Fats are rich in calorie. 1g of fat provides 9 calorie, while 1g of carbohydrate and 1 g of protein provide 4 calorie. Carbohydrate is easily digestible among the three. The rise in blood glucose after a meal is due to absorption of glucose from a carbohydrate  digestion and increase in production of glucose by liver. Sucrose[cane sugar],sweets and syrups cause a rapid rise in blood glucose than whole cereals.

In people with no diabetes, the rise in blood glucose after a meal, comes down to pre-meal level within 2 hours. In diabetes, the rise in blood glucose is not only higher but the fall to pre-meal level is slower. It takes about 3-4 hours. Therefore snacks in between meals or frequent meals at short intervals tend to cause progressive increase of blood glucose in people with diabetes.
Glucose is constantly needed to provide ready energy for th function of the brain, heart, kidney and liver blood cells. When glucose is not available from ingested food, our liver produces from its store of carbohydrates[glycogen] and from fat and protein stored by the body. The liver produce about 3 gm of glucose/kg body weight in a day. so the liver of a man or woman weighing 70 kg produces over 200 gm of glucose in a day. This production of glucose by the liver is kept in check by small amounts of insulin secreted by pancreas.
GENERAL GUIDLINES ON DIET ARE:-  
1] In a typical day's meals and snacks, you should have 1500 to 1800 calories. In this there should be 60% contribution by carbohydrates, 20% from fat and remaining 20% by protein. You may need extra calories for your physical work or less calories if you are on weight reduction. If on the other hand, you are on calorie-restricted diet, make sure that you take 50-60% of calorie as complex carbohydrate[Whole cereals] to prevent any feeling of weakness.
2]You should eat a variety of items of food every day. Do not skip a meal. Eat at roughly the same time each day. Eat several[5-6] small meals in a day rather than a large three meals a day. Do not go more than three or four hours without eating. Avoid snacks, unless you are advised so[as like during insulin treatment]. do not over eat.
3]Eat fruits and vegetables. Use less oil in cooking. Eat less, or avoid fried foods, milk cream or food cooked in fat rich medium.
4]Avoid ready to eat food preparations and, sweets and sugary drinks[canned beverages] that provide empty calorie [no vitamins or essential minerals].
5]Eat fewer foods high in sugar, like fruit juices, fruit-flavoured drinks, sodas[colas], tea/coffee with sugar.
6]Keep a regular check on your weight and maintain this within the estimated limit.
7]Restrict protein consumption after you are informed about your kidney damage.
8]Limit use of caffeine through tea/coffee/diet colas and also alcohol.

9]Drink eight glass of water[including intake of other beverages] each day to avoid dehydration which is particularly dangerous in people with diabetes.
10]Check your hemoglobin and protein in blood samples at 6 months or a year's interval. You may have to take suitable correction in diet or supplementation.
11]Despite a good control of blood glucose, if your blood lipids are high, you will need lipid lowering drugs regularly.
a]Total cholesterol should be below 180 mg/dl
b]LDL cholesterol should be below 70-100 mg/dl
c]HDL cholesterol should be above 40 mg/dl in men and above 50 mg/dl in women.
d]Triglyceride less than 150 mg/dl.
Sometimes, these lipid lowering drugs may be advised from the beginning of your diabetes treatment, by your doctor.
12]Match your mealtime to the type of insulin and insulin injection schedule, as adviced by your doctor.
13]Increase the amount of dietary fibers in your diet with whole cereals, lentils.
14]Eat fewer foods that are high in salt, like canned and packaged soups, pickles and processed meat. SIMPLE THINGS FROM YOUR HOME KITCHEN.
A few dietary supplements that you can take and see better sugar control and fewer complications too.
a]Soy isoflavons contain genestein that improve natural insulin secreation. They also help reduce abdominal fat. Both have a salutary effect in diabetes.
b]Allicin, an extract from garlic, has been researched extensively. Its lipid and blood sugar lowering effects make it a good supplement for diabetes. Other benefits are its antimicrobial action and anticancer action.
c]Green tea is also another wonderful supplement. Epicatechin from green tea and other sources can help prevent or delay kidney complications in diabetes. They also reduce stroke and cardiac risk, correct LDL-HDL ratio, reduce abdominal fat by increasing levels of adiponectin. A further bonus is a reduced risk of poor memory-related problems. When combined with theaflavins, again from green tea, these effects are more marked.
d]Anti-oxidants are another group of supplements, found in fruits and vegetables that prevent oxidative damage, which can otherwise cause retinal problems, atherosclerosis etc.,
e]Omega-3 fatty acids are also helpful in lowering blood fat, preventing ischemic heart problems and strokes besides improving bone, joint and skin health and boosting immunity.
RaghuNatrajan.

Technorati Tags: Diabetes,diabetes diet,green tea,blood glucose level,blood pressure,lipids

What role does stress play to diabetes?

Stress can cause or worsen many diseases- diabetes is one of them.[ JJSYPEKAEBBT] Stress raises blood sugar in diabetic patients.
STRESS AND BLOOD SUGAR LEVELS:
Two main groups of hormones control blood sugar levels. Insulin, only member  of one group, reduces blood sugar. The other group, such as cortisol and adrenaline, glycogen and growth hormones, called counter- regulatory hormones, opposes the action of insulin  and as such raises blood sugar. Stress plays a role in increasing  the second set of hormones, particulary cortisol  and adrenaline. If these remain on higher side for a long time, are responsible for development of diabetes in predisposed individual and worsens the ailment in a  diabetic patient and should be kept in controlled levels. Reduction of stress often leads to dramatic improvement in diabetic condition. Often individuals do not realize that they are under stress, even if they do, they try to deny it. The main approach to deal with stress is to adopt a change in the individuals mindset. One should accept a stressful situation as a challenge and not a threat. In fact a mild degree of stress will be impetus to a higher level of performance, but at the same time one should be also careful and alert to the sign and symptoms of it.
When one is under higher stress levels, he should not be satisfied with just treating it with medicine, but analyze the root cause of it. To this, use of stress management techniques like diet, exercise, meditation, yoga will be of great help. By this the root cause can be identified and corrected, by consulting a qualified clinical psychologist.
Stress nowadays has become unavoidable in these modern lifestyle.Following a healthy lifestyle with adequate exercise, correct diet and regular sleeping hours keeps one physically and mentally fit to face any stressful situation. A healthy social life is vital in reducing stress levels, which in turn reduces the risk of developing diabetes. All the more important is for a diabetic patient to learn to keep the stress under control, since it can play havoc with the management of diabetes, and at the same time take control of their condition.

 
Raghu Natrajan

Technorati Tags: Sress,Blood sugar levels

What are the reasons,causes and signs of diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic disease in which there is a excess of glucose [sugar] in blood. In diabetes blood sugar levels go haywire. It is one of the leading major causes of blindness, heart disease, kidney failure, amputations and digestive disorders. The major causes are heredity, immune system dysfunction and viruses. Among the
contributory causes are obesity, lack of exercise and improper nutrition diet. You don't get the proper nutrients needed, if you over consume processed, chemically treated, overcooked, high fat,high glycemic, packaged and nutrient deficient food.
Normally, sugar and starch in food are absorbed as glucose, produced by liver, into  our blood. insulin, the hormone produced by pancreas, cleans up the glucose from blood by directing it into the cells. In diabetes, the body doesn't make, or properly use insulin. This causes the blood sugar levels to go high and glucose not able to
enter the cells. In this condition, the body cannot make the energy it needs from
the food you eat. Eating food high in sugar and starch complicates the condition.
Eating the right food in the right amount at the right time is important to maintain blood sugar levels throughout the day. This will help to feel better and be mentally sharp. You will have better moods, less depression and less fatigue
than those who don't. By being so, it will reduce the risk of complications such as high blood pressure, heart disease and cancer.
Body needs energy. Energy is produced from glucose which in turn is got from the food we eat.If we are not eating properly, we can not produce efficient energy,that body needs. Any time if one of our basic need is out of balance, the body is under stress and cannot function properly.


Types of diabetes:
A: Type 1 diabetes mellitus: In this type of diabetes, the pancreas produces little
or no insulin. This type of diabetes generally develops at young age, has symptoms
abd blood glucose is high. These patients need insulin treatment lifelong.
B: Type 2 diabetes mellitus: In this type of diabetes, the pancreas produces less
insulin than required to maintain normal blood glucose. It generally develops after
40-45 tears of age and progresses slowly. Several years may pass before the the
diagnosis is actually made. All patients need diet control, tablets or insulin to 
keep their diabetes under control.
C: Secondary diabetes mellitus: This includes diabetes due to genetic defects in
insulin secreation and action, drugs [steroids,contraceptive pills, ACTH,etc.,]and diabetes in association with ebdocrine disorders. Most of them require insulin for diabetes control.
D: Gestational diabetes mellitus: This includes dignosis of diabetes made for the first time during pregnancy.The diagnosis is done when fasing blood glucose is in excess  of 95 mg/dl and if it is higher than 180 mg/dl at 1hr,155 mg/dl at 2hr or 140 mg/dl at 3hr after 100g oral glucose intake. These patients need very strict pregnancy control through diet modifications and insulin treatment to prevent pregnancy loss and high birth weight[more than 3.8kgs] of their babies. In most cases blood glucose becomes normal after delivery. A repeat blood glucose test after 6 weeks of delivery is necessary for assessing diabetes.


Reasons for developing diabetes:
Though it can not be answered easely the following causes might answer this.
1]Heredity is considered as an important cause. children of parents with no diabetes are less likely to develop diabetes than children of parents with diabetes.
2]Obesity and sendentary lifestyle are major contributing causes.
3]Alcoholic beverages when taken in excess, damage the pancreas and cause diabetes.
4]Higher consumption of bitter tapioca,maize, sugar,salt and low protein diet during childhood increases the risk.
5]Those with low[1.5kg and lower] high[3.8kg] birth weight, stress, high blood sugar,diabetes during pregnancy are at gigh risk of developing diabetes.
6]Viral gastroenteritis, mumps and chickenpox may precede development of type 1 diabetes. 


SYMPTOMS:-

Diabetes is an isidious disease. In fact, moderately high levels of blood glucose

[180-200 mg/dl] produce no symptoms for many months or even years.

Most patients with type 1 diabetes pass large volumes of urine, experience an 

increase in the frequency of urination, undue thirst and hunger, and rapid weight 

loss. These provide clues for diagnosis of diabetes.

men and women with type 2 diabetes may not have the above symptoms. Some of them 

experience an increase in the frequency of urination and abnormal thirst.They may 

however feel tired, irritable, lack of concentration at work, proneness to 

infection, delay in wound healing, intense itching and need for frequent change of 

eye glasses.

Raghu Natrajan

Technorati Tags: Diabetes,Diabetes symptoms