Nutritional Help for Type 1 Diabetes

Nutritional Help for Type 1 Diabetes

Diabetes mellitus is a disorder in which the pancreas fails to secrete sufficient insulin or the body’s decreased ability to use insulin. Diabetes mellitus is Greek for ‘a passing through of sweetness’ which refers to the passing of sugar rich urine, a characteristic of the disease. It is a very serious disorder, sometimes fatal and is the leading cause of death in Western society because of its damage to the cardiovascular system.
In a healthy body food is digested to release glucose into the blood. This causes beta cells in the pancreas to release insulin into the bloodstream. Insulin helps in the transportation of glucose from the blood to the liver and muscle cells. This can then be released later into the blood for metabolism. If the pancreas fails to produce sufficient amounts of insulin or if there is insulin resistance then diabetes will set in.
There are two types of diabetes, Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) also known as juvenile-onset diabetes, type 1 diabetes and Non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) also known as maturity-onset diabetes, type 2 diabetes. Both environmental and genetic factors contribute to both forms of diabetes mellitus but the exact cause of diabetes mellitus is unknown. In both types, excess sugar in the blood known as hyperglycemia needs to be removed by the kidneys. Excessive thirst, frequent urination, weight loss and hunger are the symptoms.
In type 1 diabetes the body’s immune system destroys the pancreas beta cells resulting in low insulin levels. To prevent death insulin injections are needed this is why it is called insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM). It is most common in people under 20 years old and then persists throughout life; this is why it is also know as juvenile-onset diabetes. IDDM is most common in Northern Europe especially in Finland where 1% of the population develops IDDM before the age of 15 years.
In untreated IDDM the cellular metabolism is similar to that of a starving person. This is because the insulin is not present to help the glucose into the body cells, to produce Adenosine triphosphate (energy currency) most cells use fatty acids. Triglycerides are stored in adipose tissues which are catabolized to yield fatty acids and glycerol. The breakdown of fatty acids cause a byproduct of organic fatty acids called ketones or ketone bodies. The buildup of ketones causes a fall in blood pH which is known as ketoacidosis, if this is left untreated it can cause diabetic coma and death.
Weight loss is also caused by the breakdown of stored triglycerides. Lipids are deposited on the walls of blood vessels as they are transported by the blood from cells storage depots. This leads to atherosclerosis and cardiovascular problems such as cerebrovascular insufficiency, ischemic heart disease, peripheral vascular disease and gangrene. Sever kidney problems may also arise from damage to renal blood vessels. Loss of vision due to cataracts (excess glucose attaches itself to lens proteins) and damage to the retina’s blood vessels.
To treat type 1 diabetes a regime of self-monitoring the blood glucose level (up to seven times a day), insulin injection (up to 3 times a day), exercise and regular meals containing 45-50% carbohydrates and less than 30% fats. This regime will keep the levels of insulin and sugar in the blood normal. It is also possible to have a pancreas transplant but immunosuppressive drugs must be taken for life. Eating foods containing carbohydrates such as rice, potatoes, bread and cereals will raise blood sugar and insulin levels. This sugar raising effect of a food is called ‘the glycaemic index’ and it measure how quickly the carbohydrate is absorbed by the body. Studies have found that people with type 1 diabetes have better control over their blood sugar levels by following a low-glycaemic-index diet.
Diabetics with neuropathy (diabetic nerve damage) have found their condition improved by following a vegan type diet (avoiding all meat, eggs and dairy products). By avoiding meat and dairy products, the chances of developing heart disease and kidney problems which diabetics are susceptible to, are reduced. Diabetics who smoke are at higher risk of developing heart disease and kidney problems. Diabetics who consume above the daily recommended amounts of alcohol are more at risk of developing problems with their eyes.
The following supplements may help if you are suffering from Type 1 Diabetes.
Acetyl-L-carnitine (for diabetic neuropathy)
Alpha lipoic acid
Antioxidant complex
Biotin
Chromium
Coenzyme Q10
Evening primrose oil
Fish oil (EPA/DHA)
L-carnitine
Magnesium
Selenium
Vitamin A
Vitamin B1 (thiamine)
Vitamin B3 (niacinamide only, for prevention of type 1 diabetes)
Vitamin B6
Vitamin C
Vitamin D
Vitamin E (for prevention of diabetic retinopathy and neuropathy)
Zinc
Stewart Hare C.H.Ed Dip NutTh
Advice for a healthier natural life
website: http://www.newbeingnutrition.com

Nutritional Help for Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 Diabetes Treatments

Type 1 Diabetes Treatments

Type 1 diabetes is a condition that typically affects individuals under the age of 40. Unlike type 2 diabetes, type 1 diabetes does not have a specific known cause.
Typically, the diagnosis of type 1 diabetes occurs around the age of 14, although it is certainly capable of affecting younger children.
If you or your child has been diagnosed with this disease, know the options for type 1 diabetes treatments in order to ensure that he or she is getting the best care possible.
Furthermore, since type 1 diabetes is typically considered more serious than type 2 diabetes, it is important that everyone around the patient is informed of the correct actions to take should problems or complications occur with his or her condition.
What Causes Type 1 Diabetes?
Currently, there is no specific known cause that is thought to trigger type 1 diabetes in individuals. It is believed that type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition, where the body begins to attack itself, however the reason or the cause is still unknown.
Many individuals suffering from type 1 diabetes found the condition followed a previous infection, including polio, mumps, and the Epstein-Barr virus.
Again, there is speculation of this connection, but no concrete evidence has been found at this time to support this theory.
Type 1 Diabetes Treatments
Unlike other types of diabetes that can be controlled using eating schedules and dietary changes, type 1 diabetes must be controlled with insulin shots.
Furthermore, the blood sugars must be monitored on a regular basis so that any spikes or drops in the concentration of the sugar in the blood can be immediately identified. Insulin is injected on a daily basis into fatty cells under the skin.
Using the manner of injection, the body can immediately absorb the material into the blood stream and it can begin working to control the sugar problem. Unfortunately, insulin cannot be swallowed as a pill, since the acid present in the stomach would destroy the proteins that make up the insulin before it can be absorbed in the body.
There are now insulin pumps that are permanently attached to an individual that automatically regulates the amount of insulin in the body. When more insulin is needed, the pump tends to the situation.
Although carrying a pump may be awkward (even though these devices are typically small boxes that can be readily concealed under clothing), having that constant supply of insulin is the best way to go, especially in cases of severe type 1 diabetes.
Get Life Improving Information About Diabetes at http://www.4HealthConcerns.com/Diabetes and Find All The Research Material You Need About Juvenile Diabetes While You Relax at Home

Type 1 Diabetes Treatments

Childhood Obesity May Lead to Type 1 Diabetes

Childhood Obesity May Lead to Type 1 Diabetes
The insulin is a hormone used by the body in metabolizing carbohydrates and in regulating blood sugar (glucose) levels. Some times, from special reasons, there is insufficient insulin to complete the body's need. Then diabetes occurs. Type 1 diabetes is when the body has a total lack of insulin and the type 2 is when the body does not make enough insulin or cannot properly use it.
Obesity, was long known as a leading cause of type II diabetes, but the high prevalence of childhood obesity could be the evidence that it possible accelerates the onset of type 1 diabetes in various young populations.
The most exposed groups of younger patients are those in which the production of insulin in the pancreas beta cells already had been seriously compromised.
Associated with higher body mass index (BMI), the pancreatic beta cell function is compromised and the body can no longer accomplish the additional metabolic demands. Scientists are still unable to explain whether reduced beta cell function is solely due of auto-immune factors or the non-autoimmune factors have their part of contribution.
On the other hand, studies in those young diabetes patients who still have a relatively well function of beta cells, revealed that there is no statistical association between age of onset and high BMI.
Valerian D is a freelance writer interested in health issues that requires a social concern such as childhood obesity.

Childhood Obesity May Lead to Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 Diabetes Treatments

Type 1 Diabetes Treatments

Type 1 diabetes is a condition that typically affects individuals under the age of 40. Unlike type 2 diabetes, type 1 diabetes does not have a specific known cause.
Typically, the diagnosis of type 1 diabetes occurs around the age of 14, although it is certainly capable of affecting younger children.
If you or your child has been diagnosed with this disease, know the options for type 1 diabetes treatments in order to ensure that he or she is getting the best care possible.
Furthermore, since type 1 diabetes is typically considered more serious than type 2 diabetes, it is important that everyone around the patient is informed of the correct actions to take should problems or complications occur with his or her condition.
What Causes Type 1 Diabetes?
Currently, there is no specific known cause that is thought to trigger type 1 diabetes in individuals. It is believed that type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition, where the body begins to attack itself, however the reason or the cause is still unknown.
Many individuals suffering from type 1 diabetes found the condition followed a previous infection, including polio, mumps, and the Epstein-Barr virus.
Again, there is speculation of this connection, but no concrete evidence has been found at this time to support this theory.
Type 1 Diabetes Treatments
Unlike other types of diabetes that can be controlled using eating schedules and dietary changes, type 1 diabetes must be controlled with insulin shots.
Furthermore, the blood sugars must be monitored on a regular basis so that any spikes or drops in the concentration of the sugar in the blood can be immediately identified. Insulin is injected on a daily basis into fatty cells under the skin.
Using the manner of injection, the body can immediately absorb the material into the blood stream and it can begin working to control the sugar problem. Unfortunately, insulin cannot be swallowed as a pill, since the acid present in the stomach would destroy the proteins that make up the insulin before it can be absorbed in the body.
There are now insulin pumps that are permanently attached to an individual that automatically regulates the amount of insulin in the body. When more insulin is needed, the pump tends to the situation.
Although carrying a pump may be awkward (even though these devices are typically small boxes that can be readily concealed under clothing), having that constant supply of insulin is the best way to go, especially in cases of severe type 1 diabetes.
Get Life Improving Information About Diabetes at http://www.4HealthConcerns.com/Diabetes and Find All The Research Material You Need About Juvenile Diabetes While You Relax at Home

Type 1 Diabetes Treatments