Diabetes Success Story

Diabetes Success Story

Quote from Woodfairy: “Husker-Now it sounds like you are living in my world-Bad hair day I’d say-Sounds like you weathered it well and came out on the other side. Apparently, all your attention and healthy practices are paying off-Fighting off a cold or bug in 1 day is pretty remarkable. So are your bg’s. Breakfast and Lunch look very healthy-I may need to restock my cabinets.

I know that you have mentioned that in the past you’ve had some weight issues-Were you eating any where near the way you do now-or did you make a complete turn around? Where does that kind of motivation come from? I am just very interested-I know there is a difference in the type of diabetes we have-but you seem to do remarkably well-Any hint you have on changing a not so great mindset would be appreciated.”

WF, yes, I did have a weight problem. I was over 230 lbs(104 kg) and now 140 lbs(63.5 kg). And I was not eating the way I do now. I used to eat what I believed to be heart health low fat diet. I was also on max dose of statin and taking high BP meds. I had gastro probs and took acid reducers and the BP meds also were to help with migraines. I was wearing waist size 38 inches(96cm) which were tight and really needed to buy 40 inch jeans. This is when I said enough was enough and I was not going to buy 40’s. So I started a self designed diet and exercise plan, Atkins like although I had not read Atkins. Then after 3 months at a doc appointment doc told me I was pre-diabetic. So I modified my diet to even more low Carb. . read more

Get more everyday Diabetic Control tips and Read more success stories at mydiablog

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World Diabetes Day 2011 – Port Elizabeth – South Africa

World Diabetes Day – Port Elizabeth – South Africa – 2011

Start of Diabetes World Day Walk 2011

World Diabetes Day (Monday 14 November) was officially celebrated with a Diabetes Walk around the North End Lake  here in Port Elizabeth in the true Friendly City style with laughter and smiles filling the air today 19 November 2011.

Diabetes South Africa marketing effort has been very successful this year in making the community of Port Elizabeth more aware of Diabetes. Support for the walk around the north-end lake has tripled since last year. Non-diabetics and dogs all came out in force to partake and support this community event to make people more aware of diabetes.

Rotary once again did a fantastic job in organizing this great event, I did not think it would be possible to improve on last year event but they did it. There were security everywhere, the South African Police Service (great bunch of guys) patrolled up and down the route. Nelson Mandel Municipality Traffic department did a fantastic job controlling Saturday morning peak traffic and I even saw Chubb security service along the route.

NMMM traffic

The route was lined with friendly Marshals/Care givers every couple of meters and the people at Sanofi fruit/waterhole deserves a special mention for their friendliness and efficiency.

This year the Fun Walk started at the North End Power Boat Club – then left up past the Coco Cola Factory – Past the old Cadbury gates (which took a lot of will power) – left at the new Aspen pharmacare factory – down to the lake next intramed medical – at the Telkom Technical services yard we turn right up towards the stadium where the Soccer World Cup was held in 2010.

Stadium seen across north end lake

Once reaching the stadium we went left (Milner Rd) over the hill and right into Prince Alfred road past Sydenham Primary School. At the old German repairs shop the route turned right into Fettes Road and back to the Boat Club house again.

Community conscious Companies supported Diabetes Day Fully by providing Free goodies;-

• Free Breakfast was provided by Pronutro
• Free cool drinks, water where supplied and handed out by Quali lite.
• The free novo nordisk goodie bag where loaded with gifts
• A t-shirts  by  Lily
• Accu-chek holder or cell phone sock (roche)
• Diabion supplement capsules
• Cetaphil Gentle Cleaning lotion
• There where some FutureLife supplements for slow realizing energy
• Hullets supplied Sugalite (powered baking blend)
• There where plenty of fruits available at the breakfast tables and along the route but I could not find out who where responsible for these delicious looking apples and bananas
• Sanofi also distributed handy container bottels

People were reluctant to leave the festivities

To everyone not mentioned thank you for making this a fantastic memorable day. I am certainly looking forward to seeing everyone next year again for World Diabetes Walk in November 2012.

Cheers

PS: Hopefully the organizers can get the Bigger Guys (who have their factories along the route) like Coca Cola, Cadbury’s, Aspin and Telkom to play a more Active roll in World Diabetes Day around the North End Lake – after all these companies do get a lot of support from Diabetics threw out the years.

See more pictures at  http://www.facebook.com/pages/What-did-you-do-Today/161137630616087

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Diabetes and Water Exercises

Diabetes and Water Exercises

Water Exercises is the easiest ways for a diabetic to improve their Fitness and Blood Sugar levels while having fun even if you are unable to swim.

Water Exercises has no age or weight limit, it can be practices by everyone and for the rest of your life – Just come down to Newton-park Swimming pool in Nelson Mandela Bay and see how many 80+year-olds are active in the water before 6 am in the mornings..

Swimming is especially great for people who don’t like the look and smell of sweating bodies, which you get when practicing at a gym.

Disclaimer: Before I continue the information here has all the usual disclaimers because I am not on your site to control the flow of information to you. I am also not a professional of any kind and all information here is on a “As is” basis. It is always best to get personalized medical advice from a medical professional whenever starting any new physical activities. Most of the information here comes from my personal experience as a “cough potato” trying to improve my own fitness levels.

I can tell you that testing the water will be the first step to better health even if you are over weight or have joint or balance problems and other physical limitations. With the reduction of gravity in water your weight is “reduced” by 90 percent and you will be able do certain aerobic movements for longer, normally not possible during an “on-land” aerobic session.

Water Routines

There are a couple of different activities you can practice in water to regain fitness again and to get better control over your Blood Glucose levels.

When you are not sure where and at what level you should start training rather make contact will you local Diabetes Group or Association they will be able to assist you with deciding which routine would be the best for you – pending your fitness, weight, disability and skill.

Different Water Routines

1.  Water Aerobics: You don’t have to be able to swim and you will get a full body workout in the pool. Some of the resistance training  will include:

• Water Jogging -  Jog in one spot or you can move(jog) around in the water
• Jumping Jacks – In mid-chest water level, while jumping with legs apart and close again
• Cross country skiing – Hold arm extended like holding a skiing pole, do a slight jump while switching legs and arms
• Squats -  Bend knees like sitting on a chairs and straighten off the chair (like standing up)
• Kicks – Chest high water, kick to the front, then to the back and the to both sides

There are many more exercises you will be doing but the nice thing about a splash class (aerobic) – with the music playing it feels like you are at a party while associating with like-minded people.

2.  Resistance Training: With this training you to target specific body muscles with the use of devices.

a.  Kickboard: Support you upper-body while holding a foam board in front of you. This works hamstrings, gluts and hips

b.  Hand bars: Torso and arms get work using this routine

c.  Fins: Gives more resistance on each kick. Personally I don’t like this exercise because it makes swimmers develop bad swimming styles.

3.  Lap Swimming: With lap swimming you can burn as many calories as you would with running. 50 Meter swim is equal to a 100meter run – with less impact on joints and ligaments

• Ø Start slowly – Aim just to complete a 25 meter swim. My friend Linda once gave me good advice; “If you cannot make an activity a sustainable  life changing healthy “Habit” and it is not fun – don’t do it”

Once completing a lab take a rest till you feel OK and then swim back with a different style like breast or back stroke. Aim to practice 3 times a week while Giving yourself a day between training and to let the initial soreness fade.

a.  Build this routine up to everyday

b.  Take it week to week. Each week you try and increase with 10%, so it you did 10 this week go for 11 next week.

Guide lines

• Swallow you frog first thing in the mornings. Once you get into the habit of getting up a little earlier in the morning it actually becomes fun and eventually you won’t be able do without this “me time”.
• Swim close to the walls just to give you that mental security should a situation develops
• Take precautions and above all have fun.
• Very important! Start off slow, don’t over do it by pushing yourself to hard. You run the risk of hutting yourself or just burning   yourself out, then the fun will be gone and the couch/TV will start to look like at better options.

Once you have managed to swim 50 meter or more then it will be time to refine and refine your swimming style.

We will cover that in part 2 of this series. We will cover more about nutrition and I will tell you why my mmol/l  started going up after swimming.

I hope you have a splashing time.

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Tiredness

Tiredness

Tiredness are caused because your body (system) are not receiving sufficient sugar (energy).

Too much fat in your Blood stream makes it difficult for the receptors to open and let the sugar (glucose) (energy) in.

Effects

• You feel tired even exhausted – most of the time this happens after a snack or meal. Even coffee (I think it’s the milk) sometimes causes this reaction.
• Before eating or drinking anything first test your Blood Sugar level because most people mistake this sign for low blood sugar.
• A High Blood Sugar reading means you have sufficient energy (glucose) present but it just not been absorb by your system.

I then would force myself you go for a walk or take the stairs. It seems the more muscles you can get involved, to help with the absorption of the sugar in your blood stream – the quicker the blood sugar level comes down.  Swimming is also a very effective way to get your BG (blood sugar) down.

I am off swimming,

………what are you going to do now to control your fat levels?

Pine Pienaar Info

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Sugar Alcohols aka Sweeteners

Sugar Alcohols aka Sweeteners

Shoprite in Port Elizabeth

Most products advertised as a “Sugar Free” contains Sugar Alcohols. Sugar Alcohol aka Sweetener is also known as polyols which is a calorie reduced sweetener

Sugar alcohols are been used in Sweeteners, Sugar free products Chewing Gums, sweets, Chocolates, soft drinks, biscuits, Sugar Alcohols are also used a lot in mouthwashes and toothpast because of its property to reduce dental caries

The following bulking agents are used in products to increase the volume (make it more).

Xylitol

Isomaltose

Sorbital

Mannitol

Malitol

Lactitol

Sugar alcohol are not used in homes as a neat product but are used in most processed foods because it;

• Prevent food from browning when heated
• Add texture
• Volume (retains moister)

Sugar Alcohols with spike your Blood Sugar less than sugar. It does not get fully absorbed by the gastro-intestinal tract and;

• it produces a lower postprandial (after-meal)
• it gives a lower Blood Sugar response after a meal
• It also adds less calories to a meal.

But!

There is always a “But”, although this product is popular with most people that have Diabetes – eating too much or using these products extensively will result in an overall increase in blood sugar levels.

Resulting in a Diabetics saying “I don’t know what I do wrong but my Blood Sugar stays high”.

Now for the Aha! Moment.

You’re Liver!

Poor guy(liver) when he gets too much Sugar Alcohol aka Sweetener, the liver converts it all into Blood Glucose

Free are not longer free – everything has a price to pay and you will eventually pay, even if it is later with a constant high Blood Sugar Level.

Sweet!

Pine Pienaar Info

PS: Also read http://www.diabeticssignssymptoms.com/diabetics-accessories/signs-of-diabetes-%E2%80%93-sweeteners

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Medicine in The Good Old Days

Why Our Great-Great Grandparents Had Fond Memories Of Their Youth…’

A bottle of Bayer’s ‘Heroin’.
Between 1890 and 1910 heroin was sold as a non-addictive substitute for morphine.
It was also used to treat children suffering with a strong cough..

Metcalf’s Coca Wine was one of a huge variety of wines with cocaine on the market.. Everybody used to say that it would make you happy and it would also work as a medicinal treatment.

Mariani wine (1875) was the most famous Coca wine of it’s time.
Pope Leo XIII used to carry one bottle with him all the time.
He awarded Angelo Mariani (the producer) with a Vatican gold medal..

At 40% alcohol plus 3 grams of opium per tablet,
It didn’t cure you, but you didn’t care…

Cocaine Tablets (1900).

All stage actors, singers, teachers and preachers had to have them for a maximum performance. Great to ’smooth’ the voice.

It’s no wonder they were called,
‘The Good Old Days’!!
From cradle to grave…
Everyone Was Stoned!!!

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Too Much Insulin

Too much Insulin

I have just read the most interesting post over at mydiablog forum and I though because it loaded with advice – that we all could benefit from the information Doris shared;-

1) “You do not have to have lows to be taking too much insulin. Becky and Carol are not my first “students.” My first was a young woman (late teens) who as a good 100 pounds overweight because of being OD’d on insulin. The only thing they knew to say was “take more insulin.” She was taking 100 units a day and never going low. I took a similar approach with her that I did with Becky. Too much insulin tends to cause the liver to release glucose (the glucagon effect) thus causing even higher blood sugar and more insulin resistance. It becomes a huge vicious circle leading to the gaining of and inability to lose weight. The person never sees/rarely sees lows. You can run out of glucose in the liver but then you just eat more carbs, store more and continue the vicious circle. Some people even notice their dawn phenomenon is much worse after a very high carb preceding evening.

2) Type 1’s can make themselves insulin resistant (that’s actually the point Becky is trying to make) by TAKING too much insulin. Hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance is created by either self-made insulin or injection. It doesn’t matter what brand of diabetes one has. In fact, one of the reasons I ripped the Omnipod off my butt was because it was causing me to use 2x the amount of insulin I normally and my blood sugar was higher than it had been since I started targeting 85. The overuse but lack of absorption of insulin was causing resistance (among other things).

3) I don’t know if they explained this to you when they gave you the script but Victoza forces the body to make more insulin. This means you currently still make phase 2 insulin but products of this nature are also noted for causing beta cell burnout. There is no mention of this product increasing insulin sensitivity and thus insulin uptake whatsoever. Just wanted to mention that because I think it is important to know. It also reduces the amount of glucose the liver releases and slows digestion. From a purely personal point of view, I don’t believe in products that slow digestion because I believe it can be done naturally with modification of rapid acting insulin, mixing foods in such a way to get them to match better to insulin by themselves and of course – expending energy (doesn’t need to be exercise). I modify my digestion or take multiple types of insulin at multiple times with every meal I eat. Not to mention so many diabetics already have some level of gastroparesis – why make it worse. And exactly how long do we think a meal needs to take to digest? Eat at 6 p.m. and instead of digesting in 4-6 hours the meal digests in the of the night.

4) I’m not just talking about Dr. Bernstein’s articles or his chapter on the Theory of Small Numbers. I”m talking about the pooling of insulin and its unpredictably in large quantities. Scott King wrote the article to which I am referring:http://www.diabeteshealth.com/read/2007/11/28/5565/why-smaller-shots-of-insulin-get-absorbed-faster-peak-sooner-and-are-out-of-your-system-quicker/

As I said, I’ll leave you with what I hope is food for thought.

Best wishes.

Doris J. Dickson”

PS. If you need more information just click to mydiablog and it is in the forum section under “What did you do today?”

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HbA1c Explained – Diabetics Signs Symptoms

HbA1c Explained

HbA1c is a test that reflects your average Blood Sugar (glucose) levels for the past 3 months.

Every time you take your blood sugar reading at home it is like taking a snap shot, telling you what your glucose level is at that specific point and time. It does not however tell you what has happen in-between you testing period or during the night while you were sleeping.

What is HbA1c

>Haemoglobin (hb) is a protein found inside the red cells of the bloodstream

>Its function is to carry oxygen around the body

>HbA is a measure of how much glucose is being made by the bone marrow ( over a 120day period)

How does it work

>Glucose in the blood stream binds to haemoglobin

>This happens  in small amounts. When there is a high concentration of glucose in the blood

>over time more Glucose will bind to the haemoglobin

By looking at the amount of glucose bound to haemoglobin , it gives a picture of the Glucose control over the last 2-3 mounths

-A higher result reflects a hinger average Glucose concentration

Ranges for HbA1c

• 4-5% to 9% is for “normal” peoples without diabetes.
• 6%  to  7% is ideal for people with diabetes
• Above 7% entering the risk area for long-term complications
• Below 6% is the Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) zone

The above are only guides you have to talk to your health professional and to make these figures personalized for you. At this point your health professional will bring in another abbreviation namely – eAg

eAg stands for estimated average glucose levels. It is basically the same as HbA1c just more individualized.

All diabetics should have an HbA1c test done routinely every 6 months . In the following situations it should be done more often( at least every 3 months)-

• Target not met
• Change in treatment
• If pregnant or thinking about conceiving
• Insulin pump
• In the very young

It just feel like I am going to the school principles office everytime I go for my HbA1c test.

Pine Pienaar Info

Source; Diabetes Lifestyle 1 – Vanessa Brown

PS:  In South Africa we use milimol per litre (mmol/l) to measure plasmatic level of glucose (sugar) in our system (body)

In the United States they use milligram per deciliter (mg/dl) to measure Blood sugar levels.

To compare one against the another is easy, you only use 18 to multiply or dived.

Do the calculation as follows

18 x 5 mmol/l = 90 mg/ dl (US result)

89 mg/ dl – 18 = 4.9 mmol/l (SA result

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Diabetic Management

Diabetic Management

Diabetes cannot be cured but if managed correctly it can be controlled.

Different Approaches for control

• Diet
• Caffeine intake
• Exercise
• Blood Sugar level monitoring using time-factors
• Insulin therapy
• Blood pressure monitoring
• Vitamin supplements
• Prescription medication
• Smoking cessation  

For the best results the above must be combined

Pine Pienaar Info

Technorati Tags: DIABETES Signs Symptoms, Diabetes South Africa

What did you do Today – Diabetes

What did you do Today – Diabetes

The following article was posted on mydiablog.com and  it will inspire you to improve Your lifestyle today!

I DID SOMETHING AMAZING TODAY!!!!!!!

I have enlisted the help of Doris, self-admited pain in the a**, she of strong opinions, who most of you know as a big contributor on this site, as a diabetes mentor. I’ll might never be the SuperHuman that she is, but I know I can do better.

My numbers lately have been bad, but today was the worst.

Today I learned too much insulin can result in big numbers. Who knew that, either?? I was traveling on a plane, had to get up super early, airport food, etc.

Here was my BG day: woke up, BG 196. Just before boarding plane, 339. (Ye gods I do NOT have days like this.) Landed at Noon, BG 300. Post lunch – I was at 439!!!!!!! This is not a typical day for me. I don’t panic, however, but the course of action I took was entirely different than the one I might normally have taken, and here it how it went down, with Doris’ guidance:

I followed the “rule of small numbers” according to Bernstein, like this:

4:15 pm – BG reading: 439 – 2 units of Humalog on a pre-warmed spot on my arm. Pre-warming to speed insulin absorption (who knew?)
5:15 pm – BG reading: 363 (wow – I was surprised 2u could do that) Took 2u more of Humalog (prewarming again)
6:15 pm – BG reading: 274 – 2 more units of Humalog (prewarmed, of course
7:05 pm – BG reading 191
7:45 pm – BG reading 126

What was remarkable about this to me was that normally, if I’d had a 400+ reading (and I’ve only had 2 of those that I can remember!)

I would have given myself a massive dose of insulin to correct, dropped like a rock and then would have had to gulp orange juice or glucose tabs or something to bring myself back. This was so much safer and predictable. And along the way, Doris helped me learn my correction number (the number of units of Humalog to correct for a high). Doris told me I should be very proud of what I did today. What I am is proud of what WE did today. I’m just beginning a journey that I think is going to be amazing, the Amazing Blood Sugar Normalization Journey.

I am far from perfect and like everybody, I have some bad habits, but I see definite positive change ahead. So THAT’s what I did today for my diabetes!!!!!

Cheers!!!

Becky

In-conclusion a prayer from nmgrandma: “Please God, help me to control my blood glucose so that I never have to deal with this.”

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Diabetic Employment with Diabetics Signs Symptoms

Diabetic Employment

Diabetes in the work place could cost the country million and employees might think twice about employing a obese persons with diabetes.

According to an article that was published in Diabetic Care online 11 May 2011, about one third Americans (South Africans not far behind) could have diabetes by 2050. And it is going to cost the country plenty in early disability retirements.

Doctor Rosemary Dray-Spira of the French National Reasearch Institute (INSERM) says;-”The major implication of our results is that particular attention should be paid to help people with diabetes in maintaining employment,” Her study showed that 48% of persons with diabetes would not be on the job anymore by the age of 55 years and then later only 10% of diabetes workers would be left at the age on 60 years.

Dr. Dray-Spira findings are based on researched that were done at the French National Gas and Electric Company and it involved 506 workers from 1989 to 2007. Her report finding is similar to a study that was done in 2004 in the United States.

The reports results has taken into account the other implication of uncontrolled diabetes like;-

• Vision loss
• Nerve damage (immobility)
• Amputations
• Heart Disease
• Kidney Disease

The Diabetes disease is growing at alarming rate globally and it is expected to have a major effect on the world economy

Pine Pienaar Info

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Diabetic Baby – Diabetes Signs Symptoms

Diabetic Baby – Diabetes Signs Symptoms

Cutting Gluten from an infant diet does not insure that the child will not become a Diabetic Baby later.

The National Institutes of Health says 20 out of a 100 000 kids under the age of 10 are been diagnosed with Type1 and the majority of the kids inherited it through genetic predisposition.

The Diabetes director of the Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh, Dorothy Becker confirmed they have studied 150 children with one family member been a Type One diabetic.

According to their finding

• It eliminates the theory that cutting gluten from an infinite diet will prevent it from developing Type1 diabetes later on. She also said that;
• “It doesn’t mean that it if you did a huge study there wouldn’t be an effect (of gluten)”
• The study was published in the Diabetes Care on line journal dd April 20

The National Institutes of Health is funding an international trial to exploring the matter further. The results should include +- 2000 babies and it are expected to be ready in 2017.

The studies for finding the possible triggers of Type One Diabetes in foods continue.

Pine Pienaar Info

Ps: There is still no explanation why people develop Type 1 diabetes. Genetic Predisposition and environment exposure are possible triggers.

Read more at Diabetes Care

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Diabetes Signs Symptoms-How Big is Small

Diabetes Signs Symptoms-How Big is Small

We have different perspectives of how big is small and we adjust ourselves accordingly

When it comes to cutting bread from your diabetic diet – this small adjustment becomes big or if your cut fruit from your diet it is big.

Adding a 30 minute daily activity (like walk or gardening) to your life is only 2.8% of your day’s time. Yet everyone has the excuse I can’t make this small adjustment in my daily routine because if will have a big effect on my life. Yet we can sit in front of the television watch 3 Chinese bears doing battle with out of space creators.

We all have our creators and dragons to fight. They come in different shapes and form like; Big is Small, Small is Big, Time Wasters, Money waster, and eating the wrong foods.

I am off to slay a dragon

Regards

Pine Pienaar Info

Also read Tea, coffee and diabetes risk

and Coffee makes you fat

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Diabetes Signs Symptoms Tip 9 – Drink Water

Diabetes Signs Symptoms;  Tip 9 – Drink Water

You know fish swim up stream and then they do their thing in the water and then they die and when they die they deteriorate slowly as their smelly carcasses flouts down stream – where we are waiting to drink water.

Yeah right! A non-water drink person has all kinds of excuses why a person should not to drink the stuff. Most Type 2 diabetics have the problem of not drinking sufficient water and most of us are walking around dehydrated. Dehydration is also the main reason why they mistakenly read early dehydration signs for hunger pains.

By the time you realize that you are thirsty the dehydration process has already started. The only way to prevent dehydration from happening is to carry a container filled with HO2 around with you and constantly keep sipping. Some people find this annoying habit but that is why you should hang out with like minded people and no one will complain about you sipping every couple of minutes.

How Much Water

No one knows how much water you should drink!

• The rule of the thump is two liter or
• eight glasses per day
• or one glass of water every two hours

But if you are lucky and you also live here in the Sunny Eastern Cape you will know that will be not sufficient water. Your water requirements depends on all kinds of situations and factor

Factors that influence Water Needs

• Physical activity
• Illness
• Traveling
• Weather patents
• Body Mass

The whole idea of drink water is to flush your body to get rid of all the toxins that has accumulated. Please do not fool yourself by saying I am drink 8 cups of Coffee/Tea or 8 Glasses of water mixed with Whisky/Scotch. Mixing the water with caffeine or alcohol you will be defeating the purpose of cleansing your insides. Your body has nowhere to store alcohol so your liver will firstly start to get rid of the chemical in your system fluids and only once things are clean – will it will be able to use it in the body.

Flavored Chemical Water (cool drinks or soda pops) – is another no-no!  While there is no scientific evidence that sugary soda drinks ‘cause Type Two Diabetes. You need not be a scientist to work out that by drinking beverages made tasty with sugar and high fructose corn syrup, which are high in calories and chemicals on a daily basis (which has no real purpose other than to give a taste sensation) will have consequences in the long run.

Your body is chatting to you all the time and all you have to do is listen and ask your self what are my kidneys and liver try to communicate to me. Then ask;

• How many times have you woken up in the morning with a lower back pain
• How many cup of coffee/tea or wine did I drink today?
• Why does your eyes look blood shot
• How many sodas (cool drinks) did I drink today? It does not matter if it was the diet or sugar free stuff – it is still nothing more than flavored chemicals (toxins) that you are pouring into your body)
• Why do I look so drained and rundown after a night rest?
• How many bottles of CLEAN water did you drink to day
• 1 + 1 =?
• Getting the Picture yet?
• Your body parts are screaming for help! They need a constant supply of clean non toxic water to cool down and most of the time it is your liver or kidneys making the “noise” because you keep on sending wrong stuff down to them.

Disadvantage of Drinking Water

Rare conditions know as Water Intoxication can happen if too much water is drunk.

I also heard that drinking cold water straight after a meal will solidify the oil from the meal and apparently this sludge will be absorbed faster by the intestine than the solid foods. This aligning of fat on the intestine could lead to major complications.

Please take this last statement with a pinch of salt!

Advantages of drinking water

• Muscle Tone – Because your muscles largely consists of water you will display more curves when hydrated
• Exercise Longer – If you are hydrated you can exercise for longer before becoming fatigue
• Ageing Signs – Dehydration makes wrinkles and lines look deeper
• Younger Look – water hydrates skin cells and improves blood circulation giving a clear glow to your face. Making you look younger.
• Stress Levels – your mind becomes stressed when dehydrated because it 84.9% of your brain cells are made out of water
• Prevents Cramps – water lubricates joints
• Kidney Stones – solid crystals (kidney stones) are made from the minerals and salt in your urine. Water dilutes the concentration of these chemicals thereby reducing the risk of these little rascals forming.
• Nutrients and oxygen – gets transported in your blood, water helps with the transport.
• Energy – water increases energy levels-fatigue sets in when dehydrated
• Metabolism – Stays high when hydrated
• Fuller – Drinking a glass of water before eating makes you feel fuller resulting you eating less
• “Smoothly-Out” – things passes so much smoother down there and threw your digestive system because water helps to dissolve particles.
• Heart – pumping will be easier for your heart if you sufficient water in your system

Water mixes to improve the taste

As an ex-non water drinking person I know it can be extremely hard to get the stuff (water) down. Here are a couple of the tips;

• Add flavored sugar free mixed with your water (flavored chemical water)
• A slice Lime or lemon is an excellent thirst quencher.
• Cucumbers really makes a refreshing drink
• Cinnamon gives water  that mysterious eastern flavor
• A dash of Chilly is apparently a interesting combination ( haven’t tested it – so drink it with caution)

Keep on watching your diabetic signs symptoms and I am off to have a Rock Shandy

Cheers

Pine Pienaar Info

Technorati Tags: Drink water, Type Two Diabetes

DIABETES HOLIDAYS – Diabetes Signs Symptoms

DIABETES HOLIDAYS

Diabetes can sometimes be made more challenging by holiday weekends because;

“Can’t eat pork – swine flu.

Can’t eat chicken – bird flu.

Can’t eat beef – mad cow.

Can’t eat eggs – salmonella

Can’t eat fish – heavy metal poison in their waters.

Can’t eat fruit and veggies – insecticides and herbicides.

Hmm… I believe that leaves chocolates!”   Source: The Herald La Femme

Isn’t this a great list of arguments to overindulge in the wrong stuff ? – Just know I am thinking about my fellow Diabetics who has to practice extra restrain over this period.

Keep on watching your Diabetics Signs Symptoms.

Pine Pienaar Info

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DIABETIC TRICK 8 – MIRRORS

DIABETIC TRICK 8 – MIRRORS

Every glucose test result is a mirror image of your Diabetic Life.

• The mirror reflects back to you the restrain you have practice from your previous reading to the last reading
• The mirror reflects back to you the careful food choice you have made
• The mirror also reflects back to you the positive result you have achieve from been more physical active

Now tell me Diabetes isn’t great!

Where else can your get this kind of instanced feedback on how you managed your life from moment to moment?

Go ahead – look at yourself in the mirrors.

Pine Pienaar Info

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DIABETIC TRICK 7 – TALK ABOUT DIABETES

DIABETIC TRICK 7 – TALK ABOUT DIABETES

Sometimes a person just need to Talk about Diabetes, to share concerns or diabetic achievements with someone.

Talking to “non diabetics” is fine, but for them controlling Blood Sugar Level isn’t such a big deal because they never had to deal Glucose levels. When you talk about flu then they will be able to relate to the illness.

Extreme Athletes are more tuned into the “blood sugar level thing”. They know and realize by having control over their Glucose level, they can manage their energy level. Thereby enhance their overall performance

“Non-diabetics” just do not understand the struggle and effort it has taken to achieve blood sugar control. Responses like “O” or “That it is OK” or “Nice dear” Just doesn’t have the same impact as when it comes from a fellow diabetic who realizes that it is not all about just that one drop of blood.  But it is rather more about those series of action you did beforehand, to achieve that positive result from that one drop of blood.

Local Diabetes Group Meetings or Internet Diabetic Forums are great places to meet like minded people and sharing your “simple steps” to Diabetic successes. Talking about Diabetes to other Diabetics could just get you the “Diabetic Key” to managing your diabetes or your small contribution could give somebody their Diabetic Key.

Diabetes is all about empowering yourself by improving your knowledge about your own body and taking control over matters/things that effect on YOU daily.

TALK ABOUT DIABETES! Join internet forums like mydiablog

Pine Pienaar Info

PS. It was only after I have talk to friends in a diabetic forum that I realized my so called “Health diet” of wholewheat bread and fruit was actually the corporates that kept my Blood Glucose levels at a constant high.

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DIABETIC TRICK 6 –SLEEP

DIABETIC TRICK 6 –SLEEP

A diabetic must aim to sleep at least 8 to 9 hours per night

Lack of sleep means

• Lack of energy and it means you most likely be looking for energy somewhere else like food, which means high Blood Sugar levels – This is not a situation for a diabetic to be in.
• Fatigue makes us weak – saying no to temptation and junk food becomes so much harder.
• Hormones (insulin) are getting confused and not functioning at their optimal levels
• General happiness (moods) take a bit of a dip

After a active day in the garden or in the gym, your body will repair its muscles during your sleep period.

There are 5 stages of sleep consisting of two types of sleep.

Sleep Types

• Rapid Eye Movement (REM)
• Non Rapid Eye Movement (NREM)

Stages of Sleep

1.  Stage one is the first 5-10minutes at the beginning of a sleeping cycle

2.  In stage two your body temperature starts to drop and your heart rate also slows down. The brain starts to produce rapid rhythmic brainwaves known as sleep spindles. Stage two lasts about 20 minutes.

3.  In stage three waves known as Delta waves begin to emerge. These brain waves are deep and slow which lasts for about 30 minutes while you progress to the deep sleep.

4.  Stage five is the Deep sleep stage also known as the REM stage. During this stage there are more brain activity and a increase in respiratory rate

The interesting fact is you cannot choose what type of sleep you want and you also do not move threw the above mentioned stages in the same stage sequence. It is possible to experience several of the same stage during a nights sleep.

Muscles are the most relaxed during the Rapid Eye Movement Stage and that is when our body enters anabolic state accentuating the growth and repair of muscular system.

Don’t you think that it is time for your body to enter the REM stage about now?

Pine Pienaar Info

DIABETIC TRICK 5- Eat only Good Food

Greek salad at Fruit & Veg

DIABETIC TRICK 5- Eat only Good Food

Eat only good food can be a trick on its own because what is good for the one might not be good for the other

Diabetic will not eat the same as Cardiac patient and a Body Builder will not eat the same as Marathon Runner. Like my friend Stephen always say; “Horses for courses”

But we do have a basic nutrition needs and it can be broken into the following groups

1. Carbohydrates

A diabetic should always approached carbohydrates intake with extreme caution because they are the corporate that spike your Blood Sugar Levels

a.  Aim for a intake of 4 to 6gram of crabs per kilogram of lean body weight (do not include body fat)

b.   If you are very active or in a training program and your weight does not move up or it has stagnated you know you are getting to little carbohydrates in your diet but if your fat starts to increase or your blood sugar level stays at a high number then you are getting to much carbs

2. Protein

Proteins do not spike a Diabetics Blood Glucose Levels that much and it is also the building blocks of muscle growth.

a.  Amino Acids are small components of protein and used to build and maintain muscles.

b.  Always try and digest 20-40grams whey protein first thing in the morning to stop catabolic state in body due to fasting. (only do this if you are a physical active diabetic)

3. Fat

Cholesterol! is normally the first thought that inter you mind when you hear Fat. After the big scare about cholesterol in the 80’s,  it has since been realize that the yield you get from lean steak, chicken breast and fish is vital. The energy-production in the products includes Iron, Zinc and B12. Zinc is required to manufacture testosterone-an essential hormone to keep male muscles up.

• Always aim to get 20-30% fat intake from lean meats, Omega-3, nuts, seeds and eggs.

4. Fruit

This is another spiky one for a diabetic to handle because you need the Vitamins and Minerales in fruit but this stuff is going to elevate your Glucose readings. Here I would strongly suggest not to take anybodies word for how much you should consume per day – do you own testing and see what happens to you blood sugar levels after you have consumed a fruit.

5. Calories

Everybody needs are different but 40calories per kg of lean body weight is a good guide line.

6. Water

Always aim to drink about 2 to 3 liters of water per day to prevent dehydration because dehydration can sent all kinds of signals threw the body like;

a.  Hunger

b.  Sends the body into a muscles wasting state

c.   Decreases muscle strength

By the time you receive the signal that you are thirsty – you have already entered the dehydration state. The only way to prevent this is to keep on sipping water all day.

The saying “Eat only Good Food” has a little more meaning now but getting the balance right between Water, Protein, Carbohydrates, Fat and Calories is a book on its own.

Happy Sippings

Pine Pienaar Info

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DIABETES AND PARKINSON’S – Signs of Diabetes

DIABETES AND PARKINSON’S

Scientist are trying to link Diabetes and Parkinson’s

According to a study that was publish in the journal Diabetic Care; Dr. Honglei Chen of the U.S. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences reports that a diabetic has a 41% change of developing Parkinson’s

Although the reason for the link between Diabetes and Parkinson’s is still unclear – Doctor Chen do however offer some speculative explanation for his report.

• Chronic diseases (diabetes) damage cells
• Oxidation is another possible link
• Insulin regulation and the possible contribution to Parkinson’s

Dr Chen says a lot more research needs to be done confirm a link if any between Diabetes and Parkinson’s

Sometimes I can’t help wondering why people report some things

Pine Pienaar Info

Also Read Reuters report…

Popular Press Spins by  Gretchen Becker helps to put things in perspective.

April Research Roundup by Jenny

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