Diabetes.co.uk have launched a free diabetes management tool called 'My Lifestyle'.
It's available online and lets you save all of your diabetes care information safely in one place. It allows you to record such information as blood test results, medication etc.
It also has sections for blood glucose, blood pressure, weight, BMI and a food diary.
It sounds to me like a useful tool and one I'll be signing up to.
You'll find details of the service here;
http://www.diabetes.co.uk/myLife/
Thursday, 28 October 2010
Tuesday, 26 October 2010
New study: Fish oils and anti-diabetic genes
New research carried out on mice shows that polyunsaturated fatty acid fish oils could have a positive effect on fat cells and glucose levels.
Study results found that oils such as EPA and DHA could help to regulate glucose intake.
Taking fish oils as a supplement could also lead to reduced levels of glucose in the blood.
You can find more details of the research here:
http://www.nutraingredients.com/Research/Fish-oils-may-help-to-activate-anti-diabetic-genes-Study/?utm_source=Newsletter_Product&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Newsletter%2BProduct
Fish oil has long been thought to be beneficial for your heart, cholesterol levels etc so whether you are diabetic or not, this is an important supplement, and as a diabetic, it is one that I take often.
Study results found that oils such as EPA and DHA could help to regulate glucose intake.
Taking fish oils as a supplement could also lead to reduced levels of glucose in the blood.
You can find more details of the research here:
http://www.nutraingredients.com/Research/Fish-oils-may-help-to-activate-anti-diabetic-genes-Study/?utm_source=Newsletter_Product&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Newsletter%2BProduct
Fish oil has long been thought to be beneficial for your heart, cholesterol levels etc so whether you are diabetic or not, this is an important supplement, and as a diabetic, it is one that I take often.
Friday, 22 October 2010
Dark chocolate beneficial for diabetics
That's what researchers based at the University of Hull and Hull York Medical School have discovered.
The study involved patients who have Type 2 diabetes and the findings showed that there was an improvement in 'good' cholesterol and overall cholesterol was improved when patients consumed 45g of chocolate everyday.
The study was carried out over 16 weeks and patients were given three 15g bars of dark chocolate a day.
Steve Atkin is a Professor of Diabetes and Endocrinology, he also led the study. He said:
"People with Type 2 diabetes are twice as likely to develop cardiovascular disease and since one of the main contributory factors to heart disease is a low level of HDL or 'good' cholesterol, the findings that dark chocolate can improve this, means the results of this study are hugely significant."
"Chocolate with a high cocoa content should be included in the diet of individuals with Type 2 diabetes as part of a sensible, balanced approach to diet and lifestyle. This study demonstrates that it can offer a potential reduction in cardiovascular risk without detrimental risks on weight, insulin resistance or glycaemic control."
You'll find further details here:
http://www.hyms.ac.uk/about/news_article.aspx?StoryID=435
I have 2-3 squares of dark chocolate if I'm hypo and I find my blood sugar doesn't spike afterwards which it can do if you've had a low,if it can help your cholesterol as well,that can't be a bad thing.
The study involved patients who have Type 2 diabetes and the findings showed that there was an improvement in 'good' cholesterol and overall cholesterol was improved when patients consumed 45g of chocolate everyday.
The study was carried out over 16 weeks and patients were given three 15g bars of dark chocolate a day.
Steve Atkin is a Professor of Diabetes and Endocrinology, he also led the study. He said:
"People with Type 2 diabetes are twice as likely to develop cardiovascular disease and since one of the main contributory factors to heart disease is a low level of HDL or 'good' cholesterol, the findings that dark chocolate can improve this, means the results of this study are hugely significant."
"Chocolate with a high cocoa content should be included in the diet of individuals with Type 2 diabetes as part of a sensible, balanced approach to diet and lifestyle. This study demonstrates that it can offer a potential reduction in cardiovascular risk without detrimental risks on weight, insulin resistance or glycaemic control."
You'll find further details here:
http://www.hyms.ac.uk/about/news_article.aspx?StoryID=435
I have 2-3 squares of dark chocolate if I'm hypo and I find my blood sugar doesn't spike afterwards which it can do if you've had a low,if it can help your cholesterol as well,that can't be a bad thing.
Thursday, 20 May 2010
Supplements which might help your Blood Sugar
I use the word 'might' in the title because I can't promise you anything and everyone is different so I'm just giving you some of things that, from experience, have worked for me and a few other things I have tried which are supposed to help your blood sugars and other people swear by.
The first I'd recommend is Chromium. I can guarantee my blood sugars are a damn sight more difficult to control if I don't take it, usually on the low side and if you're a diabetic, then you know how bad that can make you feel. The one supplement I wouldn't be without.
Digestive Enzymes. My blood sugars are brilliant on these. I use the Solgar brand,that's not an advertisement, just a fact. They help your body better breakdown carbs and proteins etc and from what I can tell, that reflects in my blood sugars.
Cinammon. Now this is one which is supposed to lower your BS and a lot of people attest that it in fact does. I haven't noticed any difference although I don't mind it on my porridge in the morning so I keep taking it. Who knows, my BS's which are well-controlled, might be higher without it.
Ginseng: I take it, especially when I need an energy boost mid afternoon but I've yet to notice any real difference.
Cider Vinegar: Some people say how much better their BS levels are if they take this before a meal or last thing at night. I've noticed no difference and I would, at a guess, put any improvement down to it's acid content which is meant to curb your blood sugar to a degree. Worth a try but I imagine any acid containing food would have the same affect but you probably don't want too many of those.
Before trying any of these supplements I've got to tell you that you should talk to your Doctor. (Even if I didn't). Some of them may reduce your need for insulin and you don't want to be low all of the time now do you?
Want to use this post? Then please do, just e mail me to let me know that you'll be using it and put the link back to this blog at the bottom of your post/website.
Any tips? Share them with me.
Need advice? Really you should speak to your Doctor but I'm worth a try and I will help if I can.
The first I'd recommend is Chromium. I can guarantee my blood sugars are a damn sight more difficult to control if I don't take it, usually on the low side and if you're a diabetic, then you know how bad that can make you feel. The one supplement I wouldn't be without.
Digestive Enzymes. My blood sugars are brilliant on these. I use the Solgar brand,that's not an advertisement, just a fact. They help your body better breakdown carbs and proteins etc and from what I can tell, that reflects in my blood sugars.
Cinammon. Now this is one which is supposed to lower your BS and a lot of people attest that it in fact does. I haven't noticed any difference although I don't mind it on my porridge in the morning so I keep taking it. Who knows, my BS's which are well-controlled, might be higher without it.
Ginseng: I take it, especially when I need an energy boost mid afternoon but I've yet to notice any real difference.
Cider Vinegar: Some people say how much better their BS levels are if they take this before a meal or last thing at night. I've noticed no difference and I would, at a guess, put any improvement down to it's acid content which is meant to curb your blood sugar to a degree. Worth a try but I imagine any acid containing food would have the same affect but you probably don't want too many of those.
Before trying any of these supplements I've got to tell you that you should talk to your Doctor. (Even if I didn't). Some of them may reduce your need for insulin and you don't want to be low all of the time now do you?
Want to use this post? Then please do, just e mail me to let me know that you'll be using it and put the link back to this blog at the bottom of your post/website.
Any tips? Share them with me.
Need advice? Really you should speak to your Doctor but I'm worth a try and I will help if I can.
Monday, 22 February 2010
Dolphins and Diabetes
Scientists say that dolphins may aid in the research in the aim to find a cure for those with type 2 Diabetes.
Research carried out by the US National Marine Mammal Foundation shows that bottle nose dolphins are also prone to insulin resistance.
But it's been shown that the mammals are able to turn the insulin resistance on and off. (If only that applied to humans)
Researchers now hope that they can simulate the same on- off process in humans with the condition and the scientists,who announced this development at the American Association for the Advancement of Science yearly meeting, hope to work with those involved in diabetes research to further their work.
To view the full article from the BBC news website. Go here:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/8523412.stm
If you want to reproduce any part of this blog please do but e mail first with details of where the content will be added and include the full url of the blog piece.
Research carried out by the US National Marine Mammal Foundation shows that bottle nose dolphins are also prone to insulin resistance.
But it's been shown that the mammals are able to turn the insulin resistance on and off. (If only that applied to humans)
Researchers now hope that they can simulate the same on- off process in humans with the condition and the scientists,who announced this development at the American Association for the Advancement of Science yearly meeting, hope to work with those involved in diabetes research to further their work.
To view the full article from the BBC news website. Go here:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/8523412.stm
If you want to reproduce any part of this blog please do but e mail first with details of where the content will be added and include the full url of the blog piece.
Thursday, 28 January 2010
New treatment for Type 2 Diabetics
A new treatment is being trialled for Type 2 diabetics. The medication is currently being tested on 155 people who are based in Britain.
The drug is called Victoza. This is treatment that is already used to treat diabetes but it needs to be injected. The new trials are testing the drug so that it can be taken in pill form.
The medication works by helping the pancreas to produce more insulin.
Novo Nordisk are behind the trial and while this trial only focuses on those with Type 2 diabetes it is said that millions are being spent to see if it is possible to give insulin in the form of a pill to people with diabetes Type 1, a development, that if it were to happen, would be welcomed by millions of diabetics worldwide.
To see the full article then follow the link below:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1245999/New-drug-diabetics-end-ordeal-daily-insulin-jabs.html
The drug is called Victoza. This is treatment that is already used to treat diabetes but it needs to be injected. The new trials are testing the drug so that it can be taken in pill form.
The medication works by helping the pancreas to produce more insulin.
Novo Nordisk are behind the trial and while this trial only focuses on those with Type 2 diabetes it is said that millions are being spent to see if it is possible to give insulin in the form of a pill to people with diabetes Type 1, a development, that if it were to happen, would be welcomed by millions of diabetics worldwide.
To see the full article then follow the link below:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1245999/New-drug-diabetics-end-ordeal-daily-insulin-jabs.html
Monday, 25 January 2010
Free Glucose Meter
Bayer are offering two new models of glucose meters which are free for Diabetics. These are open to people in the UK.
All you need to do is answer a few questions to determine which one is most suited to you and then fill out an application form. The meter should arrive within 28 days.
The models are called BREEZE 2 and Contour and don't require coding the way some meters do.
Copy and paste this link to go straight to the page:
http://www.bayerdiabetes.co.uk/winameter/index.aspx?id=GOO5&gclid=CMXul57ev58CFaBb4wodbgYi0g
Feel free to forward this post. Just make sure you provide the link to this blog.
All you need to do is answer a few questions to determine which one is most suited to you and then fill out an application form. The meter should arrive within 28 days.
The models are called BREEZE 2 and Contour and don't require coding the way some meters do.
Copy and paste this link to go straight to the page:
http://www.bayerdiabetes.co.uk/winameter/index.aspx?id=GOO5&gclid=CMXul57ev58CFaBb4wodbgYi0g
Feel free to forward this post. Just make sure you provide the link to this blog.
Wednesday, 20 January 2010
Hypoglycemia and your hormones
One thing some diabetics may notice is that their blood sugars have a tendency to run low when their hormone levels start kicking in. This is something I've noticed in the middle of the month or towards the end of the month.
This, I've been told, is caused largely by your estrogen levels so it might well be that these hormone levels are elevated which can make your cells more sensitive to insulin. I've gone for days on end with my blood sugar not getting above 3.0. That makes you feel really good!
I've found something that seems to work. I used to have a job in a nutrition store which gave me an interest in alternative remedies and vitamins etc. and their benefits, and after taking a few supplements I haven't been bothered with low blood sugar, at least not any related to hormone levels.
It's simple. I take Agnus Castus every day and Wild Yam from day ten onwards right up until the first day of the cycle and it works when it comes to balancing your hormones and your blood sugars. Give it a try but check with your doctor first to make sure this is all right and won't interfere with your medication.
This, I've been told, is caused largely by your estrogen levels so it might well be that these hormone levels are elevated which can make your cells more sensitive to insulin. I've gone for days on end with my blood sugar not getting above 3.0. That makes you feel really good!
I've found something that seems to work. I used to have a job in a nutrition store which gave me an interest in alternative remedies and vitamins etc. and their benefits, and after taking a few supplements I haven't been bothered with low blood sugar, at least not any related to hormone levels.
It's simple. I take Agnus Castus every day and Wild Yam from day ten onwards right up until the first day of the cycle and it works when it comes to balancing your hormones and your blood sugars. Give it a try but check with your doctor first to make sure this is all right and won't interfere with your medication.
Tuesday, 19 January 2010
New Diabetes Blog
This Blog has been set up with the aim to bring you the latest news on Diabetes, tips on controlling your blood sugars which are based on years of experiences and anything related to taking care of your Diabetes.
Contributions are welcome so anything you want to add then feel free to e mail me and if there's anything you would like to see on the blog or if you have any questions then please get in contact.
Contributions are welcome so anything you want to add then feel free to e mail me and if there's anything you would like to see on the blog or if you have any questions then please get in contact.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)