Diabetes: How is it Tested?

By Barb Hicks

What Is Diabetes?

Hyperglycemia or Diabetes is the result of abnormally high glucose levels due to an imbalance of insulin in the blood. Insulins job is to convert glucose into energy to fuel the body's cells. If glucose is not converted properly, complications and organ damage can occur.

The proper definition of diabetes is the elevated level of glucose or sugar in the blood. The body naturally regulates these levels by producing insulin which converts glucose into energy for the cells to use as fuel. If insulin cannot perform its job properly, glucose levels rise resulting in complications of this disease. Symptoms of diabetes include frequent urination and excessive thirst.

Here are the two forms of diabetes:

Type 1: This form of diabetes is genetic and is commonly diagnosed in children. In this case, the pancreas does not produce sufficient insulin. Type 2: This form of diabetes is metabolic and is the result of the proper production of insulin, but the body is resistant to it.

Both types of diabetes create increased glucose levels in the blood that must be monitored on a daily basis.

Anyone who has family members diagnosed with diabetes, is overweight or leads a sedentary lifestyle is at risk for this disease.

What are the signs and symptoms of diabetes?

Symptoms vary and may not present themselves in all people. Some have no signs at all of the disease while others may exhibit any of the following:

- increased urination, extreme thirst, non healing wounds, fatigue, irritability and headache.

Due to the buildup of glucose in the blood, the body tries to get rid of it via the kidneys, resulting in polyuria (increased urination). Frequent trips to the bathroom cause dehydration, which explains the extreme thirst and headache. Dehydration is the same reason for the headache of a hangover.

Excessive weight gain and a sedentary lifestyle are extreme risk factors for diabetes.

How do I find out if I have it?

Knowing the symptoms is the first step, as well as learning what your risk factors are. If you suspect that you may have this condition, there are diagnostic tests that your doctor can administer to determine if you indeed have the disease. How Is Diabetes Diagnosed?

Your doctor will order diagnostic testing that tests your blood for glucose levels. Normal blood glucose is between 70 mg/dl-125 mg/dl.

What Is the Treatment for Diabetes?

Treatment of diabetes includes changes in diet, regular exercise at least 3-4 times per week, daily monitoring of glucose levels, and insulin injections by syringe, insulin pump, or prefilled pens.

Treatment for diabetes is designed to regulate glucose levels while at the same time stop or slow down the diseases progression to ensure no further complications. - 17269

About the Author:

Barb Hicks is an established writer who loves to write and share about her experience and knowledge about her nursing career days. She started an online classroom at Clivir.com where she provide more information about How Is Diabetes Diagnosed and Ways on Preventing Diabetes.

4 Weight Loss Myths Unmasked by Washington, DC Weight Loss Expert

By Josef Brandenburg

The weight loss industry is overcrowded with pharmaceutical companies trying to convince you that their advice or products are the best, which is one of the reasons why there are so many weight loss myths floating about. Here are 4 of the well known myths that a Washington, DC weight loss expert is about to unmask.

Myth #1- All calories are equal- This kind of myth defies human logic. Think about the statement, if all calories were the same then you could eat your 1500- 2000 calories a day from a fast food place and never gain weight, right? For nearly 50 years, the authorities have known that where a calorie comes from is as important as how many of them you consume.

If logic is not good enough for you, the following are the results of a study that was conducted where the subjects were given only 1000 calories a day to encourage weight loss, keeping the type of calories different:

* 1000 calories, 90% fat, weight lost: 0.9 pounds per day * 1000 calories, 90% protein, weight lost: 0.6 pounds per day * 1000 calories, 90% carbs, weight lost: 0 pounds - gained weight

Myth #2- Low Carbohydrate high protein diets are not safe- There have been many studies conducted over several years that prove this myth is incorrect. There are certain things a body must have essential fatty acids, amino acids, vitamins and minerals, however nowhere will you find that the body needs carbohydrates (sugar) to survive. Just look at some aboriginal tribes who have existed for many years on animal products alone and none of them are suffering from diabetes, heart trouble or high blood pressure!

Myth #3- Juices are good for your health- One of the biggest myths of all time that everyone believes is that juices are good for you. You need 5 oranges to make a glass of orange juice, meaning that the sugar in one glass is that of 5 oranges and is about the same as in most sodas. And you somehow have been made to believe that juices are good for your health. You would be wrong if you believe that they at least have nutritional value, even if they high in sugar and calories, because during extraction, most of the vitamins are lost.

Myth #4- Moderate Drinking can be good for you- This is another myth that has been widely circulated. A study was aimed at proving that those who drank alcohol in moderation outlive those who did not drink at all. The results that alcohol does your body some good were inaccurate.

They compiled a group of non drinkers that included people too ill to drink and former alcoholics, which was a major problem. A former alcoholic or a person who is too sick to be drinking is not expected to have the best life span, so the life expectancy results were totally distorted. Another deceptive concept is the red wine theory, because you do not need to drink wine to enjoy the advantages of grapes. Another point to note about alcohol is that it encourages the storage of fat and loss of muscle, so if you are trying to lose weight, you ought to stay away from it.

A bit of reasoning would be enough to set the record straight about most of the myths that you have heard, you really did not require a weight loss specialist from Washington, DC to make things clear. But it must be noted that over 15 years of testing and research is behind the facts revealed about these myths. Only once you understand the truth about the weight loss myths and avoid them, will you be able to get into shape. - 17269

About the Author:

Josef Brandenburg is a Washington, DC weight loss trainer that specializes in helping busy people create the bodies they have always wanted in their spare time, without being hungry. If you live in the Washington, DC area he is offering a limited number of no-obligation 7-Day Free Trials.

Using Arthroscopy to Diagnose & Treat Knee Problems

By Dr. Richard Edelson

Arthro is joint in Latin. Scopy is view. Arthroscopy is literally to view a joint. The use of arthroscopy allows an orthopedic surgeon to look inside a joint and see what needs to be done. Arthroscopy is very useful in the diagnosis and treatment of problems with the knees.

Modern arthroscopes and high resolution cameras make arthroscopy a very effective procedure for accurate diagnosis and correct treatment of knee disorders.

The Parts of the Knee

The knee is made up of three bones: The patella, the tibia, and the femur. The juncture of these bones is cushioned by articular cartilage, which allows them to move easily.

Synovial membrane is a thin, smooth membrane that coats the interior surfaces of the knee. In a healthy knee, the synovial membrane produces a lubricant that allows the knee to function comfortably and smoothly.

The largest joint in the body, the knee is (as stated) made up of three bones. The upper end of the shin bone, or tibia, supports the lower end of the thigh bone, or femur. There is a groove in the end of the femur that the patella, or kneecap, slides along. Strong ligaments between the femur and tibia support the structure. The thighs large muscle provides strength.

Click here for more on knee arthroscopy .

Knee Complications

When knees are healthy, they function smoothly; however, knees take a beating every day. They are used almost constantly as we go about our daily tasks. After a while, the knees become worn by work, sports, injuries, aging, arthritis, and general weakening of the tissues. The result is pain and a general loss of function.

With arthroscopy, a number of conditions can be diagnosed and treated:

Chondromalacia, which is the softening of articular cartilage and/or damage to joint surfaces.

Crystalline arthropathy: Gouty arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, inflamed synovial membranes.

The patella or kneecap can become unstable or misaligned.

Arthroscopy can locate these problems.

Meniscal cartilage can become torn.

Bone and cartilage can become fragmented and loose.

Damaged cruciate ligaments (both posterior and anterior).

Using arthroscopy, these problems can be located and assessed. This tool is extremely helpful to orthopedic surgeons. Using arthroscopy, diagnosis becomes more accurate and easier. This, in turn, makes treatment more effective and efficient. - 17269

About the Author:

Dr. Edelson is a Board Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon specializing in sports medicine. His clinic, Sports Medicine Oregon, focuses on athletes of all ages. Click here to learn more about Dr. Edelson, Bicep Repair in Oregon and Portland Bicep Surgery.

Keep the Brain Strong with Excercise

By Dr. Lorna Mistranski

A study published this past July found that patients who were diagnosed with mild Alzheimer's showed significant variations when it came to the size of the brain-patients that had a high workout regimen had larger brains than the patients who had lower ones.

121 people age 60 and older underwent fitness tests using a treadmill as well as brain scans to measure the white matter, gray matter and total volume of their brains. Of the group, 57 were in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease while the rest of the group did not have dementia.

"People with early Alzheimer's disease who were less physically fit had four times more brain shrinkage when compared to normal older adults than those who were more physically fit, suggesting less brain shrinkage related to the Alzheimer's disease process in those with higher fitness levels," says study author Jeffrey M. Burns, MD, of the University of Kansas School of Medicine in Kansas City and member of the American Academy of Neurology.

The results remained the same regardless of age, gender, severity of dementia, physical activity and frailty. There was no relationship between higher fitness levels and brain changes in the group of people without dementia.

"People with early Alzheimer's disease may be able to preserve their brain function for a longer period of time by exercising regularly and potentially reducing the amount of brain volume lost. Evidence shows decreasing brain volume is tied to poorer cognitive performance, so preserving more brain volume may translate into better cognitive performance," Dr. Burns said.

"This is one of the first studies to explore the relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness and Alzheimer's disease," said Burns.

With all this positive news, Dr. Burns wants to make clear that people should be cautious when interpreting the study results because scientists only observed the standard measure of fitness at one point in time.

Support for this research came from the National Institute on Aging, the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, the University of Kansas Endowment Association, the Fraternal Order of Eagles and the Oppenheimer Foundation. - 17269

About the Author:

For more than 30, Lorna Mistranski PHDhas studied extracts that offer optimum results in diet pills. She has a free diet pills site that offers good instruction when you are looking for which diet solution is ideal for you. She also has an informative web site that looks at the best free diet pillstrials available and which ones to steer clear of.

The Risk Factors for Ischemic Heart Disease

By Barb Hicks

Ischemic heart disease is defined as decreased blood flow to the heart due to narrowed coronary arteries. The obstruction results from cholesterol deposits sticking to the artery wall interrupting the flow of blood to the heart. The deposits harden causing hardening of the arteries. This is called atherosclerosis, which is a medical term sometimes interchanged with arteriosclerosis. Both have the same affect, whereby both impede blood flow to the heart.

High cholesteril and triglyceride levels are what creates the placque buildup or arteriosclerosis. When this occurs, blockage occurs in the blood vessels which are the life giving forces that feed the heart. Once this has occurred, the blockage to the heart will result in heart attack symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath and irregular heart beat. However, if heart disease was already present, the patient will not feel these symptoms as the nerves surronding the heart have already been damaged.

Angina will eventually occur as time passes. This affliction, commonly referred to as the strangling of the heart and known in medical terms as Angina Pectoris, is a result of the lack of oxygen due to poor blood flow to the heart as a result of blockage. Anyone with this type of heart disease is at a greater risk for experiencing a heart attack or cardiac arrhythmia.

Patients at risk for Ischemic heart disease are those with diabetes, family history of heart disease or have high blood pressure. Most often, these risk factors can either be lessened or eliminated completely with simple changes to lifestyle such as losing weight and quitting smoking. These changes are beneficial no matter the situation; however it is important to note that they will not cure someone who already has ischemic heart disease. In addition, anyone who has already undergone a heart attack will most likely experience another one within five years. Visiting a healthcare provider on a regular basis will allow them to monitor its progression as well as alleviate or eliminate any future problems from occurring.

The good news about ischemic heart disease is it can be prevented, or at least lessen its severity. The answer is simple but may not be easy to implement. Its not easy to change the way we have been doing things for the past 20 to 30 years, but when you think of the alternative, change can be a good thing. - 17269

About the Author:

A licensed registered nurse with great passion for writing, Barb Hicks loves to share her knowledge about Heart Disease Types with others. You can find more of her lessons including Symptoms of Cardiac Arrhythmia on Clivir.com.

Good For Your Health Acai Berry And The Amazing Weight Loss Claims

By Betty White

We all know by now that an acai berry is a minute purple berry that is grown only in the rainforests of Brazil. It is exceedingly fragile and because of that it has only been in recent years that it has been accessible throughout the planet. But, it is fast becoming identified as one of the most healthful foods in the world.

Acai berries are rich with nutrients and antioxidants yet two of these antioxidants flavonoids have warranted widespread study and is being established to be remarkably beneficial for our health, including the impediment of disease and other problems classically associated with aging.

As a matter of fact, Quercitin is copious in the acai berry. This is a plant-derived flavonoid that is believed to be partly responsible for the decrease of cancer, Alzheimer's and other diseases. While the studies so far show that it may be useful there is no reliable clinical verification on the nutrient or the supplements of it in particular. It is believed to be a causal cause because it has been found that diets high in fruits and vegetables that are high in this nutrient give to the significant decrease of illness.

Selected studies have demonstrated that quercetin has major anti-inflammatory activity and it inhibits the manufacture and release of histamine and other allergic mediators. Potent antioxidant activity has also been measured by the Oxygen Radical Absorbency Capacity or ORAC scale.

As a matter of fact the acai berry has been found to be particularly high in the flavonoid quercetin. Other sources of this necessary nutrient are tea, red onions, apples and red wine. Anthocyanins are the dark purple pigment that leads to the color of such foods as blueberries, eggplant, purple cabbage and of course, the acai berry. Initial laboratory studies show that anthocyanins are potentially helpful for the prevention of cancer, aging and neurological diseases, inflammation, diabetes and bacterial infection.

They have also found in another current study a purified form of anthocyanins was given to laboratory mice. This study concluded that the mice in the control group who received the purified anthocyanins were able to lower their body fat and maintain it whereas the group of mice that were given the placebo and another group of mice that were given the actual fruit did not.

Acai berries are rich in these two vital flavonoids and other crucial antioxidants and nutrients also. This little berry contains more than 30 times the amount of anthocyanins that is present in red wine. This little berry from the rainforest of Brazil is swiftly becoming known as one of most nourishing foods ever found in the world. - 17269

About the Author:

Is acai berry a weight loss marvel or just a food marvel? Discover why the acai berry will help you lose weight plus it is really good for your health.

Greatest Massage Treatments From Massage Chairs

By Anthony Jenson

Did you know that some massage chairs can have over 800 different massage types and locations? It is simply amazing, that massage chairs have replicated many of the most popular massage treatments into their programs. There are over 200 legitimated massage techniques represented by massage schools. It is simply amazing that massage chairs have integrated an astounding level of massage treatments in one location.

The classic Japanese massage technique is known as shiatsu. Shiatsu uses a combination of acupressure, stimulation of acupoints and other massage movements to provide invigoration and stress relief. This helps to relax the body while increasing awareness.

Shiatsu has been around for centuries. It is thought to be a descendent of ancient Chinese medicine. It is also derived from acupuncture. Shiatsu uses pressure to stimulate the acupoints to relax the body.

In order to provide a shiatsu massage in a massage chair, the acupoints need to be identified on the back, shoulder and neck. Some massage chairs have built-in body scanning technology to identify such point. The massage chair will make a scan of your body and determined these locations. The computer then targets the most important acupoints for stimulation.

One of my favorites is the foot reflexology massage. When your feet are tired, aching and sore, then this is a perfect time for a reflexology foot massage. The reflexology foot massage not only relaxes your feet but also your whole body.

Reflexology massage uses trigger points located on the bottom of the feet. Specially designed plates or airbags are used to stimulate the trigger points located on the feet. These trigger points are believed to be related to other parts of the body.

The reflexology foot massage is done in tandem with an air compression massage of the feet. The air compression massage helps to loosen the feet and also to hold them for the reflexology plate. In just a few short minutes, your feet will feel relieved and rejuvenated.

Massage chairs are great for targeting specific relief. If you have a knot in your back, then target it with the massage chair. Loosen the muscle and let it penetrate through it. As it listens, relief from the stiffness will occur.

The kneading massage is particularly effective in loosening up the larger muscles of the back. The side to side motion helps to stretch and pulled the muscles which relieve tightness. A finer kneading motion can be used to penetrate very tight muscles or knots.

The stretching system of massage chair is another great treatment. I like to use the stretching system during the full body massage. The program will time the stretch as part of the overall massage.

The stretching will hold my feet in the leg rest. The leg rest is raised and then it is successively lowered. There are three successively lower points which provide the stretching. This provides great relief of my lower back while stretching the main joints and muscles of the lower body.

These are just a few of the many great features found in massage chairs. Many massage chairs now have music players, heating systems and provide full body massage treatments. Massage chairs work off a remote control which allows the user to select specific options.

There are many massage chairs on the market today. Do yourself a favor and stick with the top brands. The top massage manufacturers make the most reliable massage chairs and provide the most comprehensive warranty coverage. A massage chair is an investment in your longer term health and well-being. Take your time and find the perfect massage chair for you. - 17269

About the Author:

Choose from the best Massage Chair Treatments in the convenience of your own home with a massage chair recliner. Imagine the convenience of one touch, full body therapy. No need to make an appointment. Just choose the Massage Chair Treatment that you wish to have right now and let your tensions evaporate. Massage chairs are as easy as sitting down.

How Can I Look 10 Years Younger In 10 Days?

By Susan M Adams

To have the chance to look look 10 years younger in 10 days sounds too good to be true. However, according to experts like Dr. Oz and Dr. Perricone it is, in fact, true. These experts have both been guests on the Oprah Winfrey show and both claim that it is possible to look 10 years younger in just 10 days. The key to this age defying miracle is in the foods you eat. Add some food they term super foods to your diet and then you are well on your way.

What exactly are super foods? Are they hard to find? Are they expensive? The answer is a very pleasant surprise. Almost all of the super foods are common everyday foods. You probably already have some in your cupboard and you have most definitely have eaten at least some of them. These foods are easy to find in your local grocery store or health food store and they are for the most part relatively inexpensive.

The list of super foods that if consumed are supposed to make you look 10 years younger include: barley, acai berry, seeds and nuts, green foods such as wheat grass, beans and legumes, yogurt, sprouts, hot peppers, buck wheat, and anything in the allium family. It's quite likely that you have consumed a few of these super foods once or twice over the past week already. These foods are clearly common!

"Is that it?" you ask? Well, as simple as the super foods diet seems on the surface, it runs much deeper. The key is that you move towards a diet containing these foods, and they will replace the bad foods in your diet. Another key is that these foods be eaten naturally - ie, roasted honey barbecue nuts with double the salt but aspartame to reduce calories does not count for nuts. Remember, eat the foods for the foods - that is where you will receive the benefit. Cut out the chemicals, the added sugar, the added salt, the fried in saturated and trans fats.

Think about how you can include these foods in your meals. Salads can be much more than just lettuce with a few garnishes for color. Why not try making a salad which is 3/4 vegetables (cucumber, heirloom tomatoes, avocado, red and green peppers, zucchini and Juline carrots) and 1/4 greens. Make your salad with spinach or a greens mix (rather than iceberg lettuce). And then sprinkle nuts or seeds on top. Top with a dressing of olive oil, apple cider vinegar and a bit of Bragg or soy sauce. This salad will be super healthy as well as filling, so you will eat less of the the bad processed foods that you normally fill up on.

The only super food that could be considered exotic or uncommon would be acai berry. Acai berries are harvested from the palms trees of the Amazonian rain forest. They are very perishable so they are freeze dried immediately for transport to North America, Acai berry juice and powder is becoming easier to find in most health food stores.

I can think of a dozen ways to easily incorporated the super foods into my diet. According to Dr. Oz and Dr. Perricone it is pretty easy to look 10 years younger in just 10 days. What do you have to lose except weight? - 17269

About the Author:

Check out the diet pills report to read more about Dr. Oz how to look 10 years younger in 10 days.