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Managing Diabetes Naturally

Thu, 20 Mar 2008 03:54:52 -0500

When we eat, our bodies break down the proteins, carbohydrates and fats we consume to be used as the building blocks of our bodies. Carbohydrates, such as those found in bread, pasta, rice, potatoes and cereals are first digested and converted into simple sugars in the intestines and then move from the intestines into the bloodstream. These simple sugars are our body's first choice for energy production.

Glucose, a form of simple sugar is the basic fuel the body uses for energy. In order for our bodies to utilize this sugar however, it must be transported across the cell membrane where it can be used to feed and fuel our cells. Insulin, a hormone secreted by the pancreas, and more specifically by the islets of Langerhans, which are scattered throughout the pancreas, stimulates our body's cells to absorb sugar, thus removing it from the blood stream.

When our bodies cannot properly utilize glucose, thus causing it to stay in the blood, we are diagnosed as having diabetes. Diabetes is a disorder which disrupts the mechanism by which the body controls blood sugar. The build-up of sugar in the blood, characterized by diabetes, can cause the cells of our bodies to be starved for glucose and can, if left unchecked, lead to damage of the eyes, kidneys, nerves and heart.

There are two types of diabetes: insulin dependent or Type 1 diabetes and non-insulin dependent or Type 2 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes, is often referred to as juvenile or childhood-onset diabetes. Here, the pancreas cannot make the insulin needed by the body to process glucose. For individuals with Type 1 diabetes, while natural therapies may help the body be more receptive to insulin, they require regular injections of insulin to maintain health.

On the other hand, individuals with Type 2 or Adult-onset diabetes, their bodies produce varying amounts of insulin, but more often then not, the ability of their body's cells to absorb sugar is diminished. While there are "classic" warning signs that often accompany diabetes, i.e., excessive thirst, excessive hunger, excessive urination, excessive tiredness, and unexplained weight loss, many people with type 2 diabetes do not have these symptoms. Individuals who are at a greater risk include people who are: over age 40, are overweight, have a family history of diabetes, have had diabetes during pregnancy, have high blood pressure or high blood fats, have the stress of an illness or injury, are a member of a high-risk ethnic group such as African-American, Hispanic, American Indian and Asian. For these individuals, natural therapies tend to work well.

Recommendations For Wellness

Reduce your consumption of starchy foods that are high in carbohydrates such as bread, potatoes, processed cereals, rice or that have a high glycemic index rating. The Glycemic Index is a system that ranks foods based on how they affect your levels of blood sugar.

Consume a high fiber, whole foods diet and work to eliminate preprocessed junk foods from your eating regimen.

Start an exercise program! In most cases, weight reduction can help those with type 2 diabetes. In addition to decreasing body fat, regular exercise has been show to improve insulin sensitivity.

Dietary fiber, such as psyllium has been show to improve glucose tolerance in some studies.

Incorporate brewer's yeast or a chromium supplement into your health program. Chromium helps improve glucose tolerance by increasing our body's sensitivity to insulin.

Supplement with vitamins and minerals such as vitamin B, Vitamin C, vitamin E, magnesium and zinc. Individuals with diabetes tend to have low levels of these important nutrients in their blood. In addition, these supplements have been shown to help to reduce damage to the eyes, nerves and kidneys - health problems that are often experienced by people with advanced or long term diabetes.

Alpha Lipoic Acid has also been show to improve insulin sensitivity.

Evidence suggests that supplementation with vitamin D can increase insulin levels in some people.

The herb Nopal can help to strengthen the liver and the pancreas thereby improving our body's ability to utilize insulin.

Some sources recommend that you avoid the amino acid cysteine which has been reported to break down insulin and interfere with sugar absorption.

Stevia, a naturally sweet plant makes an excellent sugar substitute without the drawbacks of sugar. Stevia can be used in cooking as well. Visit your local health food store or look online for cookbooks that utilize stevia in place of sugar.

Dr. Rita Louise, Ph D is a Naturopathic Physician, founder of the Institute Of Applied Energetics

Herbal Treatment For Diabetes - Fact Or Myth?

Thu, 20 Mar 2008 03:53:08 -0500

Diabetes has been recognized by western medicine since the early 1800's as being one of the most prevalent and controllable conditions affecting a large portion of the population. However, Asian cultures have recognized this fact much earlier and and have developed and been using herbal treatments for diabetes for centuries. These treatments are widely regarded as effective, even today.

It must firstly be recognized that most of the herbal treatment for diabetes are not recommended for those requiring insulin treatment. This is because the majority of the herbs being used have proven effective in helping to restore the body's ability to control the blood sugar level by boosting the effectiveness of the body's own insulin. If the body is not producing insulin there is nothing to boost and, research suggests, the use of these herbal treatments will not have the needed effect.

This has obviously produced the skeptics who claim that the proponents of herbal medication are in the business simply for the money and find argument against the use of herbs in medicine. Conversely, the herbalists claim is that since the drug companies cannot patent herbs and other herbal treatments for diabetes, they cannot make money from their use therefore they condemn them as ineffective.

There Is Still No Cure For This Treatable Disease

Despite decades of research there is no known cure for diabetes and none is on the horizon. It is essentially the body's inability to regulate the amount of blood sugar in the system. While in many cases medicine to help dissolve and reduce the blood sugar offers dramatic improvement, it is still necessary for some patients to require insulin injections to keep it under control. Owing to the lack of research,There are few arguments that indicate that herbal treatments for diabetes may not be effective.

As most herbal treatments for diabetes are shown to improve the reduction of blood sugar levels by helping insulin do its job, it stands to reason that for those who's bodies don't produce insulin herbal treatment cannot provide that help.

Possibly one of the best ways a person with diabetes can help himself or herself is through a proper nutritional diet, regular exercise and monitoring their blood sugar level. Fortunately, testing equipment is readily available and is typically done through blood samples with many home testing kits offering accurate readings and can be done numerous times throughout the day.

As soon as a person is diagnosed with diabetes, and their doctor starts them on a prescription regimen they should not eliminate the medicine in favor of a herbal treatment for diabetes without consulting their physician. It is very important that They increase the monitoring of their blood sugar level and notify their doctor of any change, good or bad.

Many diabetes sufferers can dramatically improve their blood sugar levels and consequently improve their overall wellbeing by cutting out the fatty, sweet elements of their diets by eating more fresh fruits and vegetables and getting into a regular routine of exercise.http://www.diabetesadvisory.com

Healthy Foods For Type 2 Diabetics - Tips For Diabetics Diet

Thu, 20 Mar 2008 03:51:21 -0500

If you have type 2 diabetes, no doubt you know it is a serious disease that needs treatment. In addition to medications your doctor may want you to take, one of the most important things you can do as a type 2 diabetic is to follow a proper diet.

For most people, type 2 diabetes occurs because of a combination of lack of exercise and the wrong diet. The wrong diet can include too much food in general and too many calories consumed, but in particular, foods consumed that are high on the glycemic scale are of great concern. With type 2 diabetes, the body becomes unresponsive to its own insulin, which means the insulin does not work as efficiently as it once did and large amounts are needed to keep blood sugar levels down.

In addition to exercise and medications, diet must be adjusted to help keep blood sugar levels even. The most important foods to consider with type 2 diabetes are carbohydrates. Carbohydrates come in two basic forms. The first, refined carbohydrates, is a type of carbohydrate that causes blood sugar levels to rise rapidly. The second, complex carbohydrates burn much more slowly and keep blood sugar levels much more even.

One way to determine what types of foods should go into your diet if you're a type 2 diabetic is to choose foods that are low on the glycemic index. This means that these foods will cause less of a spike in blood sugar after a meal than those that have a high glycemic index. Among foods low on the glycemic index are most vegetables, beans and legumes. These are a healthy part of the diet not only because they digest slowly and keep blood sugar levels even, but they are very nutritious and also contain significant amounts of fiber, which can also help keep blood sugar levels even. These foods can also reduce certain types of cancer and other diseases.

If you're a type 2 diabetic, it's also likely that you have an unhealthy lipid profile. This means that the wrong types of fats are too high in your system, while the right types of fats are too low in your system. If you have too much of the wrong types of fats, you can have an increased risk of heart disease and circulation difficulties. By choosing healthy fats in moderation, such as the monounsaturated fats found in olive oil and certain kinds of nuts, you will help improve your lipid profile and therefore help decrease your risk of heart disease and stroke, among other diseases.

In addition, avoid drinking alcohol; if you must, do so only very occasionally. Alcohol is a two-pronged evil when it comes to type 2 diabetes. First, it can affect your blood lipid profile negatively. Second, alcohol is a refined carbohydrate and can raise blood sugar levels significantly. If you must drink alcohol, do so very occasionally and eat healthy foods along with it when you do so, to slow down absorption rate.

Finally, minimize or eliminate refined sugars in your diet. There are many healthy sweeteners out there that can provide the sweetness you need without raising blood sugar levels at all. Again, if you must eat sweets, do so very occasionally and only with the express permission of your doctor.

Follow your doctor's orders, eat right and exercise, and it may be that you can bring your type 2 diabetes under control completely, so that you no longer have this problem.

List Of Foods For Diabetic To Eat, What Are the Causes of Diabetes and Natural Medicine For Diabetes

Reduce Your Diabetes Through Herbs

Thu, 20 Mar 2008 03:48:09 -0500

Diabetes or diabetes mellitus is a result of inability of pancreas to produce insulin or to use it in a proper way thus resulting in excessive quantity of sugar in blood and urine. It is distinguished by symptoms like excessive thirst; frequent urination accompanied by weight loss and is infamously known as "silent killer". Globally it affects 240 million people and US alone has 7% of this share of people suffering from diabetes.

Diabetes can be broadly classified into type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes requires regular administration of insulin and is generally found in people suffering from obesity or with family diabetic history. Type 2 diabetes generally occurs in people above 40 yrs though there is production of insulin but the body cells become insensitive towards this. If untreated diabetes can lead to various complications like hypoglycemia, renal failure, nervous damage and can even lead to impotence.

Apart from laying stress on consuming raw and natural food and reducing processed food intake to a certain extent there are also some commonly used herbs helpful in the treatment of diabetes.

1. Bitter Gourd- It is very rich in insulin that is available in natural form devoid of side effects. It lowers blood sugar level in a natural way with no side effects .Its juice should be taken twice a day on empty stomach to gain maximum benefits.

2. Garlic- Apart from reducing cholesterol level it also lowers blood sugar levels. 3-4 grams of garlic that is freshly crushed should be taken daily with water to lower blood sugar levels.

3. Neem- Its leaves though bitter in taste are known for its healing properties that have great medicinal value. A daily intake of a gram of its leaves is very beneficial in reducing blood sugar content.

4. Fenugreek- It is an effective herb used for controlling blood sugar level. It can be taken in powdered form or can be used as an additive while cooking vegetables.

5. Turmeric- This herb has the power to energize the pancreatic cells to produce more insulin. It should be consumed in powder form with warm water.

6. Cinnamon- Though it does not elevate insulin production by pancreas but it greatly assist in reducing blood sugar level. It can be taken as a tasty additive in almost anything a person eats.

Hence the key to healthier living to avoid or improve your condition while suffering from diabetes is to consume a balanced diet along with keeping one fit with some form of physical activity.

http://www.herbsandcures.com

Diabetic Foot Natural Treatment - Tips For Prevention Of Diabetic Foot Ulcers

Thu, 20 Mar 2008 03:39:50 -0500

For people suffering with diabetes, one of the major concerns of both patients and doctors is foot problems. Leg and foot problems are quite common in diabetics, as the extremities have poor circulation and diabetes complicates this fact greatly. There is good news, however, as there are some simple tips and tricks that can greatly improve the circulation in the legs and feet, and a number of good ways to help heal the feet after an injury or an ulcer.

As with all things in life, the best medicine is prevention. Simple things such as examining your feet regularly and applying moisturizer daily can go a long way in ensuring that your feet stay healthy. Keeping obstacles cleared up and moving things that you might bump your feet on can prevent a large number of problems. Keeping your toenails trimmed using safety nail clippers can also prevent injuries and infections from occurring. Smoking is known to cause loss of circulation in all people, so it is especially important for diabetics who smoke to seriously consider quitting. Because the blood vessels in the legs and feet are so small and so distant from the heart, they are the first to be affected by diminishing circulation. When it is possible, diabetics should try to exercise, as this improves both circulation and blood sugar levels. Wearing cotton or wool socks, or if you can, purchasing diabetic socks will help prevent a lot of foot ailments common in people with diabetes. These socks, with special emphasis on the diabetic socks, have extra padding, which prevents injuries and blisters from occurring. They also help keep the feet dry, which greatly reduces the risk of infection.

If you have developed a foot ulcer, it is essential that you take the best possible care of it, as if it is improperly treated, it can cause complications such as gangrene, and in some cases may result in the amputation of part or all of the foot. The two biggest concerns with foot ulcers in diabetics are keeping it clean and removing dead tissue. The doctor may have to help you in removing the dead tissue, but you will be able to clean it properly from home. Be sure to clean it frequently and thoroughly and to only walk on it when it is absolutely necessary, as walking on the affected foot will greatly delay healing. As with any foot injury, be sure to inform your doctor of the ulcer as soon as you notice it, and to inspect it frequently for changes and for signs that it is not healing properly. You may also want to talk to your doctor about medicines and remedies for treating the ulcer naturally. For example, recent studies have shown great success in speeding up the healing of diabetic foot ulcers using a vitamin A compound. If your doctor is unfamiliar with the studies, he or she will be able to look into them relatively easily to determine if they will be right for you.

In summary, there are a number of natural ways to help diabetics care for their feet. Prevention is always going to be the best method, but there are treatments that can be done at home as well. Always seek the advice of your doctor before treating foot injuries, and be sure to always examine your feet daily and keep your doctor aware of any changes.

Discover more about List Of Foods For Diabetic To Eat, What Are the Causes of Diabetes and Natural Medicine For Diabetes at my dedicated Diabetes Blog.

Dr. Eswararamanan VR is the author of this article. This article can be used for reprint on your website provided all the links in this article must be active and complete.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dr._Eswararamanan_VR

Natural Remedies For Diabetes

Thu, 20 Mar 2008 03:37:49 -0500

Life is too short to spend diagnosing the diseases. But there are certain diseases like diabetes that cannot be ignored at any cost. Minor physical problems that do not affect your lifestyle can be easily sidelined, but when these problems totally change your whole life, then what will you do. And to combat with such physical disorders, what you need is total and right awareness about them.

Here, we are going to discuss- what is diabetes after all. Diabetes is a disease in which your body stops producing insulin which is highly necessary for your health. Insulin is a hormone that converts the sugar, starch and other food into energy that you need to live in your daily routine. Though the real cause behind diabetes is still a mystery, yet both genetics and environmental factors are held responsible for its occurrence. And these factors are obesity and lack of exercise.

In United States alone, 7% of the total population is said to have diabetes, which is really alarming. Its highly unfortunate that still millions of Americans do not even know that they have diabetes. And this is very threatening thing for the future of the country.

But it can be controlled if diagnosed at an earlier stage, i.e. pre-diabetes. There are several tests for pre-diabetes and diabetes.

Diabetes Testing

Who says diabetes cannot be cured? Let it be made clear, that it is curable but with the right diagnosis. But it can only be controlled if diagnosed at an earlier stage, i.e. pre-diabetes. There are several tests for pre-diabetes and diabetes.

There is Fasting Plasma Glucose Test (FPG) or an Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) and both are used for both the diseases. But normally, FPG is recommended as it is easier, faster and cheaper to perform.

According to this test, if your fasting blood glucose level is between 100 and 125 mg/dl, then you have pre-diabetes. And if more than 125 mg/dl then you have diabetes. And according to OGTT Test, your blood glucose level is measured after a fast and also two hours after you drink a beverage rich in glucose. And now if your glucose level measures between 140 and 199 mg/dl, then you have pre-diabetes. And if at 200 mg/dl or more, then its diabetes.

These two tests are the most considered ones and that are easier or you can say, much economical to perform.

After diagnosis, if you are found lucky to have no diabetes, then congratulations! But unfortunately, if the reports are in positive, then you need to have the prescribed treatments. And if you do not believe in or cannot afford or do not want to go for the expensive and so-long treatments, then here are the natural remedies for diabetes.

And for videos on diabetes, kindly visit my website http://www.top54u.com.

Green Tea May Prevent Type 2 Diabetes

Thu, 20 Mar 2008 03:35:43 -0500

Green tea extract may help prevent type-2 diabetes through improved glucose tolerance

A new study by DSM Nutritional Products shows that epigallocatechin gallate, commonly known as EGCG, improves glucose tolerance in diabetic rodents and could be a positive addition to dietary prevention of type 2 diabetes, if the results can be applied to humans.

"To our knowledge, we provide the first evidence that EGCG consumed in the diet exerts potent antidiabetic activity in vivo in a dose-dependent manner," wrote lead author Swen Wolfram of DSM in the Journal of Nutrition.

The study looked at 37 male mice who were severely diabetic, and divided them into four groups. The rats were fed 2.5, 5 or 10 grams of EGCG per kilogram of diet, or a placebo, for seven weeks.

At the five-week mark, the researchers tested oral glucose tolerance and found that glucose levels reduced by 23, 35 and 48 percent in the 2.5-, 5- and 10-gram categories respectively. At six weeks into the study, the scientists tested insulin tolerance and blood samples were taken at the end of the test to analyze glucose, free fatty acids and triacylglyceride levels. All improved on a dose-dependent basis.

The researchers also studied the effects of 5 grams of EGCG per kilogram of diet over a 10-week period on mildly diabetic rats and found that glucose tolerance blood glucose levels, and free fatty acid plasma concentrations all improved. Analysis of rat liver cells revealed that EGCG down-regulated the genes involved in gluconeogenesis and the synthesis of fatty acids, triacylglycerol and cholesterol.

"Our data suggest that supplementation with EGCG could potentially improve glucose tolerance in humans with type-2 diabetes mellitus," concluded the researchers. "This hypothesis should now be investigated in randomized placebo-controlled trials." Wolfram said that DSM intends to begin such trials soon.

In the United States, more than 20 million people suffer from diabetes -- about 7 percent of the population -- and about 19 million people in the European Union are so afflicted -- about 4 percent of the population. The cost of treating the disease is about $132 billion, according to the American Diabetes Association.

For more information visit: http://www.clickintohealthinfo.blogspot.com

A Diabetic Asks - How Do I Find Out If I Can Trust This All-Natural Supplement?

Fri, 01 Feb 2008 17:07:41 -0500

I spend a huge amount of time on our 800 numbers listing to many great diabetic "success stories." This is the best part of the day. I also spend time talking to people who are reaching out, looking for clarity in this turmoil of drug company's problems--truth or dare. Most all of these questions I hear fall into 10 clear categories. Let's Talk About the Number One Question..."Does this stuff really work?" There are 2 components to this answer. The easy part is asking if the nutraceutical is real and does it get results. The second part is about the willingness of the type 2 diabetic to make lifestyle changes. 80% Chance of success is in the Product Let's give you a better than 80% chance of success by finding an answer to the question "...Does this stuff really work?" This means that you, yourself, can discover if this natural product can truly produce results. "8 Tips to evaluating an All Natural Herbal Remedy for your Diabetic weight and to control your Blood Sugar Levels." YOU can and need to assume the responsibility to investigate this yourself. Tip # 1 Become a Discerning Diabetic health seeker, learn the basics of Diabetes. In Al Gore's World Wide Web you have the opportunity to do extensive research your self: Mayo Clinic; The American Diabetes Association; The New England Journal Of Medicine; Dr. Marcola; Doctor Weil; blogs like healthertalk.com; the famous David Mendosa.com; and any number of scams. Read, read, read, and read more. Tip # 2 . Just what are the CLAIMS these supplements make, and what is the proof. This is easy. Is the proof on their web site...or are they asking you to trust them! Does the web site provide a page with the names of the clinical studies...the Universities where the studies were conducted...the dates and Doctors responsible...the abstracts of the results...and on. Or is it: "trust me, you're not smart enough to know." Tip # 3 Are you receiving the Full Clinical dosage used in the studies? If you can find studies...what was the dosage used on the people? Was it 900 mg three times a day? And does this match the dosage of your "instant cure" or are they only providing only 230 mgs? You can figure this one out. Tip # 4 What country was it made in? You have seen the headlines: Diabetic Alert! FDA Seizes Chinese Herbs Used in Supplements. Too much lead or bugs. So find out where they manufacture it. There are many great facilities in the US where the FDA watches. Tip # 5 Does it have a United States Pharmacopoeia (USP) & National Formulary (NF) Seal? Purity and Safe. http://www.provenresultshealth.com/ingredients/index.htm Containing declared ingredient amount Contains no harmful contaminants (such as Lead, Mercury, Pesticides, Mold or Bacteria) Readily bioavailable (properly released in the body) Manufactured according to Good & Safe Manufacturing Procedures (GMP) Tip # 6 Is it a hypoallergenic formula? ...Or can your risk a reaction? It should contain no artificial colors, preservatives, yeast, wheat, corn, soy, milk or caffeine. A vegetarian formula is preferred. Tip # 7 Are they going to give you a "stimulant buzz" so you know it works! Check for Caffeine and other stimulants. You need a natural aid not a quick buzz. Tip # 8 Search the FDA records. A quick research will tell you what actions the FDA may have taken with the company. Conclusion: You need to take control. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not have the resources or necessary manpower to closely control the vast number of over-the-counter or internet diabetic weight loss and sugar control supplements flooding the market today (its estimated that 151 million Americans swallow $17 billion worth of dietary, health and diabetic supplements each year). As a result, it can be the Wild, Wild West out there - with unscrupulous manufacturers taking advantage of the situation, selling a concoction of adulterated half remedies, made with less-than stated ingredient levels. About Proven Results Health (Diab-X) Helping diabetics and pre-diabetics get to healthier lives (in 90 Days). Find results 3 Times faster than exercise and diet alone. Key ingredients in Diab-X help by promoting healthy body weight BMI, normal blood sugar levels, proper insulin function, healthy cholesterol, and normal blood pressure. Strong clinical research backs this breakthrough product. Diabetics can actually read 200 supporting studies on this site. Visit ProvenResultsHealth to learn how Diab-X might improve your life. Customer Service 312-314-0000

5 Ways To Treat Diabetes With Natural Cures

Fri, 01 Feb 2008 17:06:26 -0500

Treating diabetes with natural cures is a piece of cake because what causes diabetes anyways is poor lifestyle choices. Diabetes isn't a disease in the typical sense. You don't "catch" diabetes, you acquire it through lifestyle choices. So, obviously the best way to treat diabetes is with natural cures, not toxic drugs. Here are 12 ways you can treat diabetes with natural cures. Vinegar Using vinegar on a salad or just drinking it straight before a meal may prevent insulin spikes. Just 2 table spoons is all it takes according to one study. Patients who did this saw less or no spikes in insulin or glucose after eating. Don't Drink Soft Drinks Drinking soft drinks increased the risk of getting diabetes by 85% in women. That's right! Just one soda a day sky-rocketed the likelihood of becoming diabetic. Also, soda makes you fat. Don't Eat Fast Food Here is a no-brainer way to treat diabetes with natural cures. Don't eat fast food. One study found that eating fast food as little as 2 times a week were twice as likely to become diabetic as those who didn't. Besides, fast food is full of poisonous chemicals that are also bad for the body. Just see the documentary "Super Size Me." Eat Grapefruit Eating grapefruit has been found to help people lose weight which in turn can decrease your risk for diabetes. The more weight you lose, the less risk you'll have for getting or keeping diabetes. Cinnamon Fights Diabetes Talk about a great-tasting way to treat diabetes! It has been found that cinnamon actually substitutes insulin. However, do not overload your cinnamon with sugar. It would be ideal not to use any sugar at all, or use Stevia as instead of sugar. As mentioned, treating diabetes with natural cures is a bit of misnomer. It's like saying quitting smoking treats lung disease. Well duh!!! Smoking is to lung disease as bad diet and obesity is to diabetes. Quit smoking and your risk of lung disease decreases. Stop eating bad food and you risk for diabetes decreases as well. You can beat diabetes naturally. Visit Abe for more ways to treat diabetes with natural cures

Diabetes Cure in a Natural Way

Fri, 01 Feb 2008 17:04:59 -0500

Diabetes is a condition wherein the pancreas fails producing adequate amount of the hormone insulin for the body (Type I) or when the body cells become resistant to the insulin and are unable to utilize much of it at one time (Type II). Diabetes is the diseases that can affect any person at any age. However, Type II diabetes is generally found in older adults, in those over age 40, and especially in adults who are obese. Statistics and causes Type II diabetes can be considered somewhat preventable if the patient fallows proper diet, exercise, and weight management program. People with a family history of diabetes and those who are native of African-American, Hispanic, Asian, Pacific Island, or Native American region are at higher risks for getting Type II diabetes. An overall preponderance of this disease in the general population is approximately 5.3%. Generally, an individual who is over 40 yr and one who weighs 20% more than an ideal weight or more is at greater risk of getting diabetes one or the other way. Causes are not known perfectly. However, there are some of the strong factors that can give rise to diabetic condition include heredity, excessive sugary food intake, sedentary lifestyle and obesity. Diabetes and diagnosis Tests for diabetes are many; a simple blood glucose test is very useful and determining factor. However, diabetes may not be easily distinguished at first. This is because there are many symptoms that are often considered as common complaints for people who do not have diabetes. Due to this reason, diabetes may often remain undiagnosed for a period of time before it shows its serious features with its own. Urine sugar test is also one of the popular tests that is quite easy to perform and does not contain any puncture on the body. Common symptoms Frequent urination, particularly at night, is a common symptom of diabetes. However, this symptom alone may not necessarily confirm the disease. Other symptoms may include delayed healing of wound, perspiration, exhaustion even after little work, tying of hairs, body odor, lethargy, disturbed sleep pattern, polydipsia (excessive thirst), polyphagia (excessive hunger) etc. are some of the hallmark signs of the diseases. Difficulty in erections in men can also point towards diabetes. Complications of diabetes Diabetes is much known for its complications. This is the diseases that target vital organs of the body in later stages in case, the diseases goes out of control or poorly treated. Kidneys, eyes, heart and liver could be 'on target'. A person suffering from diabetes may develop diabetic neuropathy (nervous disorders), nephropathy (kidney disorders) and retinopathy (eye disorder). Diabetic patient is also susceptible to develop hypertension, infertility and other metabolic disorders. Treatment of diabetes Treatment depends upon the type of diabetes. Where insulin is not at all produced, external supplements of insulin are given. For Type II, OHD - oral hypoglycemic drugs are preferred. They control the sugar by increasing peripheral intake of glucose in the body. Herbs such as Indian gooseberry, turmeric, Gymnema, bitter gourds etc are proven to stimulate beta cells of pancreas to produce enough and quality hormone - insulin. http://www.herbalcureindia.com