Alternative Treatments for Diabetes

Treatments for diabetes can include many elements. Conventional treatments in addition to complementary and alternative treatments are available.

A health treatment that is not classified as standard Western medical practice is referred to as complementary and alternative medicine. Complementary and alternative therapy encompasses a variety of disciplines that include everything from diet and exercise to mental conditioning and lifestyle changes. Examples include acupuncture, guided imagery, chiropractic treatments, yoga, hypnosis, biofeedback, aromatherapy, relaxation, herbal remedies, massage, and many others.

What Alternative Therapies Are Used to Treat Diabetes?

Supplements

• Chromium has been widely publicized as therapy to improve diabetes control. Although there are several studies that support a role for chromium as beneficial in diabetes, currently there are no recommendations for its use in diabetes management.
• Magnesium has been studied for years as a form of therapy to improve blood sugar control in people with diabetes. A lack of magnesium has been associated with insulin secretion abnormalities and has been associated with diabetes complications.
• Vanadium is derived from plant sources and has been shown in a few studies to increase a person's sensitivity to insulin. Thus far, no recommendations exist for supplementation to be given to people with diabetes.

Plant Foods
 
The following plant foods have been found to help people with type 2 diabetes.

• Brewer's yeast
• Buckwheat
• Broccoli and other related greens
• Okra
• Peas
• Fenugreek seeds
• Sage

Most plant foods are rich in fiber, which is beneficial for helping control blood sugar levels.
There are no clinical trials with promising results for many of the other herbs being proposed for diabetes, such as garlic, ginger, ginseng, hawthorn, or nettle. If you have diabetes and are considering taking any of these herbal substances, talk to your doctor before you take them.

Alternative Weight Loss Products for Diabetes

Since weight and diabetes are linked, many people with diabetes turn to alternative therapies that claim to help with weight loss, including:

• Chitosan
• Camsogia Garcinia (hydroxycitric acid)
• Chromium
• Pyruvate
• Germander
• Momordica charanta
• Sauropus androgynus
• Aristolochic acid

In addition, transdermal (skin patch) systems as well as oral sprays have been developed to purportedly reduce appetite and facilitate weight loss. One patch system uses homeopathic amounts of 29 different compounds to reduce appetite, but no published literature on its efficacy is available.

Are These Herbs Safe for Diabetes?

In 2003, Ephedrine -- also known as ma huang -- became the first herbal stimulant ever banned by the FDA. A popular component of anti-obesity over-the-counter drugs, ephedrine was found to have some benefits. However, the evidence of its ability to cause harm was far more compelling. In high doses, it has been known to cause insomnia (difficulty falling and staying asleep), high blood pressure, glaucoma, and urinary retention. This herbal supplement has also been associated with numerous cases of stroke.
Chitosan has received a great deal of recent publicity. It is derived from seashells and has the ability to bind to fat and prevent its absorption. Although it is believed to facilitate weight loss, available studies thus far have not been encouraging.
Germander, momordica charanta, sauropus androgynus, and aristolochic acid have been associated with liver disease, pulmonary disease, and kidney disease.
The other so-called "obesity remedies" listed have not been rigorously studied and those that have yielded disappointing results.
Also, a recent survey of herbal preparations for obesity found that many preparations contained lead or arsenic and other toxic metals. Some also contain other undeclared ingredients. Occasionally there was mistaken plant identity as well.

Before Using Herbal Products for Diabetes

When considering treating diabetes with an herbal product, you should:

• Discuss any drugs you use, including herbal products, with your doctor before taking them.
• If you experience side effects such as nausea, vomiting, rapid heartbeat, anxiety, insomnia, diarrhea, or skin rashes, stop taking the herbal product and notify your doctor immediately.
• Avoid preparations made with more than one herb.
• Beware of commercial claims of what herbal products can do. Look for scientific-based sources of information.
• Select brands carefully. Only purchase brands that list the herb's common and scientific name, the name and address of the manufacturer, a batch and lot number, expiration date, dosage guidelines, and potential side effects.

© 2010 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.

How a 'Diabetes Diet' Protects Your Health

If you have diabetes, a healthy diet does more than keep your blood sugar under better control. A good diabetes diet can also help prevent or delay the onset of complications such as nerve pain or heart disease.
Although some people talk about a "diabetes diet," there's really no such thing, experts say. The same healthy diet recommended for those without diabetes will help you if you have diabetes, too. You may need to then tailor the meal plan to your specific needs, such as lowering your cholesterol. But the general concepts of healthy eating are the same for you as for someone without diabetes.
Here, what you need to know about eating to feel better now -- and for years to come.

 

The Diabetes Diet Myth

 

"The diet that used to be termed a diabetes diet is now considered just a healthy diet for all Americans based on the healthy guidelines from the Department of Agriculture," says Ruth S. Pupo, RD, a registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator at the East Los Angeles Center for Diabetes at White Memorial Medical Center.
One slight difference when she counsels those with diabetes: "We might encourage them to be more cautious with concentrated sugars like juices, candy, cake," she says.
Diet plans for people with type 2 diabetes are also more individualized than in the past. Such diet plans follow good nutrition, but also take into account the individual's specific dietary needs, says Angela Ginn-Meadow, RD, a registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator at the Joslin Diabetes Center, in Baltimore.
One person with diabetes may need to lower cholesterol. Another may need to lower high blood pressure.
"One diet [plan] is not going to work for everyone," she says.
Yet, all are based on the same general concepts proven effective for improving blood sugars and controlling diabetes. Eat a diet that is:

• Lower in calories
• Higher in complex carbohydrates found in vegetables, fruits, beans, and whole grain cereals
• Lower in saturated fats like butter, cheese, and fatty meat
• Higher in mono and polyunsaturated fat like olive oil or canola oil   

Although experts disagree somewhat on the "ideal" meal plan details, they agree that spreading your carbohydrates over the day, or counting them carefully, are good ways to maintain blood glucose control. 

Diet Plan Specifics for People With Diabetes

 

How much should you have of each type of food? The American Diabetes Association (ADA) suggests that people with diabetes eat mostly high-fiber complex carbs, limit protein to 20% of the total daily calories, and limit saturated fat to less than 7% of calories.
Experts from the Joslin Diabetes Center issued guidelines directed at those with type 2 diabetes who are overweight or obese -- about 80% of those with type 2 diabetes. Those guidelines suggest fewer carbohydrates and a slight boost in protein.

• About 40% of calories from carbohydrates
• About 30% from protein
• About 30% from fat

Fewer carbohydrates and slightly more protein helps people with type 2 diabetes drop unhealthy weight and control their diabetes, says Osama Hamdy, MD, PhD, medical director of the Obesity Clinic and Program, Joslin Diabetes Center, Boston.
"Any diet for a type 2 diabetic who is overweight should be a weight reduction diet," Hamdy says. Modest losses of a pound every one or two weeks, achieved by reducing daily calories by 250 to 500, is recommended for those who are overweight, he says.

 

Managing Your Carbohydrates

 

One goal of healthy eating is to stabilize blood sugar, and that's done by a "consistent carbohydrate" eating plan, says Pupo.
People with diabetes should take in about the same amount of carbohydrates with every meal. Total carbohydrates in your diet should be based on advice from your doctor.
Try to avoid having blood sugars spike up too high or down too low, she says. This happens with diets high in refined carbs or sugary drinks. Having consistent meals throughout the day is one way to manage blood sugar levels.
There are several ways to manage carbohydrates.
Carbohydrate Counting
Write down how many carbs you eat. The ADA suggests you start with 45 to 60 grams of carbs per meal. The consult with your doctor, and adjust your carbohydrates per meal based on blood sugar levels and your doctor’s advice.
To learn carb counting, you can read food labels or get a list from your doctor.
The Plate Method for Carbohydrates
The plate method is a simpler way to count carbs and control portion sizes. You visualize a line dividing your plate in half. Then divide one half into two quarters.

• Fill the largest section -- half your plate -- with non-starchy vegetables such as spinach, carrots, or green beans.
• Fill one of the two smaller sections -- a quarter of your plate -- with starchy foods such as whole grain breads, potato, or cooked cereal such as cream of wheat.
• Fill the second smaller section -- a quarter of your plate -- with meat or meat substitutes.

 

The Link Between Healthful Eating and Fewer Complications

 

Eating healthfully can help you control blood sugars and reduce the risks of complications of diabetes such as nerve pain (diabetic peripheral neuropathy),heart disease, and foot problems.
"Most complications are related to fat and the amount of fat in the diet," says Hamdy. Any diet that can reduce high cholesterol levels [by reducing fat] is good, he says.

 

Does a Better Diet Really Make a Difference With Diabetes?

 

Weight loss, plus exercise, can make a difference in helping people with type 2 diabetes get their hemoglobin A1c -- the measure of average blood sugar levels -- to the goal of less than 7%, Hamdy has found.
He reported on results of a program at Joslin Diabetes Center called Why WAIT (Weight Achievement and Intensive Treatment), in which those with type 2 diabetes are encouraged to lose weight by following the Joslin guidelines for overweight patients.
In a report on 85 WAIT participants, he found that they reduced their initial weight by an average of 24 pounds after 12 weeks. About 82% of the participants reached the target A1c of less than 7%.
Their cholesterol levels improved significantly, too. And participants needed less diabetes medicine once they lost weight.

 

Lifestyle Changes Are Doable

 

Lifestyle changes are possible, says Ginn-Meadow of Joslin in Baltimore. "I had a patient who came in with an A1c of 8%," she tells WebMD. "By making lifestyle changes, counting carbs, and eating better, he got it down to 5.8%," she says. He was 65 years old and had had type 2 diabetes for over 15 years, she said. And he got results in four months.

By Kathleen Doheny© 2009 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.

Urinary incontinence: Women have options to treat urinary incontinence

While not often talked about, urinary incontinence is more common than you think, and there are treatments that can help.

For the 25 million U.S. adults with urinary incontinence, a little leakage can carry a lot of shame. But many people don't do anything about it.

"Urinary incontinence is a very insidious process," said Dr. David Glazier, co-director of the pelvic floor center at Virginia Urology in Richmond, Va. "It occurs very slowly; (people) think it's a normal part of aging."

Women — 75 to 80 percent of sufferers, thanks largely to the wonders of childbirth — endure leakage for an average of eight years before seeking help, Glazier said, even though it's highly treatable.

Increasingly, women are taking action. They are "more physically active, fit, and they're not going to tolerate wearing pads all the time," said Dr. Vivian Aguilar, a urogynecologist at Cleveland Clinic Florida who sees many incontinence patients in their 30s, 40s and 50s.

The most common types of incontinence among women are stress and urge incontinence. Pelvic organ prolapse can be a cause. Most women see improvement or cure through behavioral modification (losing weight, limiting caffeine, alcohol and artificial sweeteners) and Kegel exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, considered the frontline treatment for both types, said Dr. Margaret Roberts, attending physiatrist with the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago. But a third of women don't do Kegels correctly, she said, and those frontline treatments don't work for everyone.

Here are other solutions, which depend on what type of incontinence a woman has, drawing from the expertise of Glazier, Aguilar and Roberts:

Stress incontinence

What it is: Leaking urine as a result of abdominal pressure, such as laughing, coughing, sneezing, running, jumping or having sex. It happens as the valve muscle around the urethra weakens and wears down with time, and commonly starts after childbirth, which stretches out the tissues that support the urethra and bladder. It is the most prevalent type of incontinence among women, affecting one-fourth of women over 17, and it becomes increasingly common with age.

Medication: There are no FDA-approved medications for stress incontinence. Duloxetine (Cymbalta), an antidepressant, is approved in the European Union for stress incontinence and is sometimes used off-label in the U.S., but it carries an FDA-issued black-box warning of suicide risks.

Bulking agents: Injecting collagen or carbon spheres into the tissue around the bladder neck and urethra helps close the bladder opening to reduce leakage. Over time, the body might eliminate the agents so you have to repeat injections.

Slings: A small ribbon of mesh, usually inserted through the vagina, is placed around the urethra to support it. This common outpatient surgical procedure, usually done under general anesthesia, has a 90 percent success rate, but it carries risks. The FDA in 2008 warned of serious complications with mesh used for stress incontinence and prolapse procedures, including infection and migration or erosion of the mesh into the vagina, potentially causing pain during intercourse. The procedure also can be performed using tissue from your own body.

Burch procedure: Through an incision in the abdomen, a surgeon pulls up the bladder and sutures it to ligaments behind the pubic bone, giving support to the urethra. It has a slightly lower success rate than a sling, but it has fewer side effects, according to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Urge incontinence

What it is: Having the sudden urge to urinate and not always making it to the toilet. While the causes aren't well understood, it happens when abnormal nerve signals cause bladder contractions when you're not ready and can be brought on by infection or nerve injuries, such as multiple sclerosis or stroke. It is associated with overactive bladder, which also includes urinary frequency (needing to urinate more than seven to 10 times per day), and nocturia (waking up at least twice a night to pee). Urge incontinence and overactive bladder affect one-fifth of adults older than 40 and are twice as frequent in women as in men.

Medication: Medications such as VESIcare, Ditropan and Toviaz help with overactive bladder symptoms by relaxing the bladder muscles.

Neuromodulation: Interstim is the brand name for a pacemaker-like device that is implanted under your skin, just above the buttocks, to deliver electric pulses that calm the bladder. You do a two-week trial before implantation to confirm it works before committing. Possible complications include discomfort and infection. Because it's metal, you can't have an MRI.

A less invasive option is peripheral nerve stimulation, wherein a doctor places a small needle in one of the nerves in the foot, next to the ankle bone, and sends an electric signal to the bladder nerves to calm down. You must do half-hour sessions once a week for 12 weeks, and then once a month after that. Unlike Interstim, it's not covered by most insurance.

Botox: The FDA in August approved Botox bladder injections to treat urinary incontinence in people with neurologic conditions such as spinal cord injury or multiple scerlosis. The effect lasts for up to 10 months, so you'll need repeat visits. Some people have trouble emptying their bladder afterward and must use a catheter.

Augmentation cystoplasty: The end-of-the-road treatment for overactive bladder, this involves cutting into the bladder to increase the capacity and decrease contractility. Afterward patients may have to catheterize themselves.

PELVIC ORGAN PROLAPSE

When childbirth, hysterectomy or other surgery weaken the muscles and tissues supporting the pelvic organs, a woman's bladder, uterus, bowel or rectum can shift from their normal positions and drop into the vagina. Stress incontinence can result, or the drooping organs can kink the urethra, causing urinary retention. POP affects as many as half of women who have given birth, but only 10 to 20 percent experience symptoms.

Pessary: A diaphragm-like device that you insert into the vagina to help keep the organs in place. You must remove and reinsert the pessary regularly for cleaning.

Surgical repair: Surgeons can fix prolapse as they would a hernia, pulling up and securing collapsed organs. When prolapse is accompanied by incontinence, they would install a sling during the same procedure. For women who have had several unsuccessful repairs, some doctors insert mesh through the vagina to hold up the sagging organs, but mesh has risks. In July, the FDA updated its warning on using mesh to correct prolapse, citing serious complications including mesh protruding through the vaginal wall and organ perforation during insertion. The greater risk does not come with greater clinical benefit, the FDA said, and removing the mesh may not be possible and may not resolve complications.

Learn more: National Association for Continence, nafc.org.
By Alexia Elejalde-Ruiz

Copyright © 2011, Chicago Tribune

 

6 Ways to Wreck Your Blood Sugar Level

What not to do if you have type 2 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes is a tough disease. It requires constant vigilance to keep your blood sugar level under control.
It also requires avoiding some common mistakes, many of which are the product of long-held bad habits.

Here are six mistakes that you can learn to avoid.

1. Not Knowing Your Disease

“You are your own doctor 99.9% of the time,” says Andrew Ahmann, MD, director of the Harold Schnitzer Diabetes Health Center at Oregon Health and Science University in Portland, Ore.
By that he means that you are the one watching your diet, making sure you exercise, and taking your medication on schedule. Understanding how diabetes works will help you make better decisions about how to monitor and manage it. Classes on coping with diabetes are an excellent but underused resource.
“Not enough patients seek them out, and not enough doctors send their patients to them,” Ahmann says.
That’s unfortunate, because not only do they offer essential information; they are often de facto support groups as well, bringing together people who are experiencing the same issues and difficulties and giving them a forum in which to meet and talk with each other.

2. Expecting Too Much Too Soon

One of the biggest hurdles in controlling your blood sugar is sticking to the necessary adjustments you must make to your eating and exercise habits. Many patients become frustrated and give up because they don’t see results right away, says endocrinologist Preethi Srikanthan, MD, assistant clinical professor of medicine at UCLA’s David Geffen School of Medicine.
“Most people expect something dramatic is going to happen right away,” she says. “But it has taken them a decade or two to get to this point, and it will take a while for them to even to get to that initial 5%-10% reduction in weight…These are challenges that must be taken in small steps.”
Expecting too much change right away is a mistake. So is doing too much before you are ready, especially when it comes to exercise, Ahmann says. He advises starting off slowly and easing into the habit.
“If they do more than they can tolerate, they will often quit,” he says. “Or they will do too much and hurt themselves.”
Be sure to talk with your health-care provider before starting a new exercise program, especially if you aren’t already active. He or she can help plan a routine that’s safe and effective, as well as set realistic goals.

3. Going it Alone

There are a lot of resources out there to help you manage your disease. Don’t ignore the fact that one of the most helpful might be right there at home. Spouses, partners, friends, and family members can all make excellent exercise buddies.
“One error that people make when it comes to exercise is that they try to do it on their own without help from other people,” Ahmann says.
There are other advantages to the buddy system. Enlist your spouse or significant other in your efforts to stick your medication schedule and to maintain a healthy diet.
“Eating alone can be a problem,” Ahmann says.

4. Neglecting Other Problems

In her practice, Srikanthan sees a lot of patients who are dealing with more than just their diabetes. Depression and stress are common among people with the disease, and both can have a negative impact on blood sugar levels.
Constant stress, for example, may produce hormones that hamper the ability of insulin to do its job. “Stress should be considered as a significant contributor to glycemic variation by both patients and physicians,” Srikanthan says.
Ahmann agrees.
“Anything to reduce stress will improve your blood sugar,” he says.
Exercise helps relieve stress and there’s evidence that meditation and massage will have benefits on blood sugar levels, says Ahmann.
People with diabetes are twice as likely to be depressed, and an estimated one of every three people with diabetes have symptoms of depression. The lethargy common to depression can be so discouraging that you might give up your efforts to take care of your diabetes. Not only will that make your diabetes worse, it may also intensify your depression, creating a vicious cycle.
There’s good news, though. According to a new study, treating depression in patients with type 2 diabetes improved their mental and physical health.
“You need to recognize depression and work with it,” Srikanthan says.

5. Misunderstanding and Misusing Medications

Ahmann says that many of his patients share a common misconception when it comes to the drugs used to control their disease.
“They think that medications are more powerful than diet and exercise,” he says.
That’s not necessarily true. In many cases, type 2 diabetes can be controlled by a combination of a healthy diet and regular exercise without the need for medication.
Among patients who do require medications, Ahmann says, one mistake stands out.
“It’s surprising how many people miss doses,” he says.
That’s a quick way to wreck your blood sugar level, so it’s a problem that needs to be recognized and addressed.
“You need to be honest with your [health care] provider that this is an issue,” says Ahmann, who points out that often the solution is for your doctor to change your dosing schedule to one that better suits you. “There are options.”

6. Making Poor Food Choices

When it comes to food and blood sugar, the big mistake is not the single candy bar that you couldn’t resist, Srikanthan says. The bigger picture matters more; unhealthy eating habits, in the long term, will have a worse effect on your blood sugar.
“People think it’s a one-time diversion, but no, it’s a consistent problem that affects your test results,” she says.
The two biggest hurdles, Srikanthan says, are calories and carbohydrates. You have to control both in order to keep your blood sugar level steady.
“Try to be aware of what’s going into your mouth,” she says.
That means keeping a diet diary to keep track of what you are eating and reading nutrition labels so that you can calculate the proper amounts of the foods you choose to eat.
Failing to eat on a regular schedule is another common mistake. Ahmann often sees patients who miss breakfast or who are too busy during the day to notice they are hungry.
“At home that evening, they tend to lose control, eating a large dinner and then snacking throughout the evening,” he says.

By Matt McMillen
WebMD Feature

High blood pressure: Exercise and tips

Commonly referred to as a 'silent killer', high blood pressure or hypertension is a leading cause of death globally.

This is largely due to unawareness regarding early detection and cure. In India, around 16 per cent of people above 20 years of age suffer from high blood pressure. However, a single high reading does not necessarily imply that you have hypertension. Moreover, even if you were informed recently that you have the condition; there is absolutely no reason to panic. All you need are some basic lifestyle tips and a well-planned exercise routine and you will be as fit as a fiddle.

Overview: High blood pressure or hypertension is a medical condition when the difference between the maximum (systolic) and minimum (diastolic) pressures exerted by the circulating blood on your blood vessels increases the desirable value (above 90-119 systolic and 60-79 diastolic).

Prime risk factors: Some of the major factors that increase your risk of developing the condition are:

Age
Increased levels of blood pressure are closely associated with age and the effects of an unhealthy lifestyle gradually build up.

Ethnicity
Generally, it is observed that people belonging to the African-Caribbean and South-Asian communities have increased probability of developing hypertension.

Family history
Having a family history of high blood pressure places you at a greater risk of developing the condition.

Lifestyle issues
It is a well-known fact that your lifestyle can affect your risk of developing it. Major lifestyle flaws include high intake of alcohol, excessive smoking, too much salt and not eating sufficient fruits and vegetables.

Tips to prevent and control: One of the primary steps to ensure that you do not develop the condition is by adopting a healthy lifestyle. By healthy lifestyle, we refer to the complete cycle of following a healthy eating plan, and moderate indulgences. Broadly, the prevention and control tips can be segregated into:

- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Practice moderation if you drink alcohol
- Quitting smoking
- Regulating the excessive intake of salt and sodium
- Frequent regulation of your health by visiting health care professionals at periodic intervals.

Exercise tips for managing blood pressure : Becoming active and incorporating regular physical activity in your day-to-day living helps make your heart stronger. This, in turn, can lead your heart to pump more blood with less effort, thereby lowering the force on your arteries and the subsequent reduction of blood pressures.

Aerobic training
This form of training can have a major influence on your blood pressure levels. This can include anything from walking, running and hiking to biking and even swimming. On an average, target at least 30 minutes of aerobic activity for most days of the week. In case, you are unable to manage this time set, you can also opt for shorter bursts of activity as they count too.

Weight training
Although these exercises can lead to sudden spikes in your blood pressure levels, they can have long term benefits. Make sure that you consult a physician before embarking on any weight training programs.

Yoga and meditation
In order to prevent this condition, yoga postures and meditation techniques should also be incorporated in your daily routine. The prime effect of these fitness programs is that they help combat stress and saturate the mind with tranquility.

Deep-breathing exercises
According to a recent research published in the American Journal of Hypertension, a person can regulate his blood pressure level by 'harnessing' the body's own natural pressure regulator. Breathing techniques are easy and effective ways to curb elevated levels of blood pressure. Regular and right breathing techniques can help you maintain normal blood pressure.

However, for long term effects, always remember that you will have to follow these exercise and lifestyle tips on a regular basis. The benefits last as long as you continue with the planned fitness regime.  
 

Monami K. Thakur, Health Me Up


Monami K. Thakur, Health Me Up

Urinary Incontinence a Clearer Picture: Fact & Fiction

Urinary incontinence is the involuntary discharge of urine. The ability to control urination requires: a normal anatomy, a normally functioning nervous system and the ability to determine and respond to the warning signs of impending urination. Urinary incontinence occurs when one is unable to control the flow, causing leakage or in severe cases an inability to retain urine. This can be precipitated by everyday actions: coughing, standing up, laughing, running, sneezing etc.

Due to the nature of this affliction it is not a topic which is openly discussed, thus many falsehoods abound. Here’s an attempt to separate some of the facts from fiction.

Fiction: Incontinence is a disease.

Fact: Incontinence is merely a symptom of a pre-existing condition and can occur due to a number of extenuating circumstances: prostate surgery, menopause or child birth, a nervous system disorder, side effects of some medication, a birth defect, and loss of estrogen in women and enlargement of the prostate in men.

Fiction: Incontinence is a rare ailment.

Fact: The nature of the ailment and the reluctance of sufferers to openly discuss it lead to most people suffering in silence and by extension to the misconception that it’s an uncommon problem. The ‘National Association for Continence’ estimates that 200 million people worldwide (25 million American adults) have experienced some degree of incontinence.

Fiction: I’m in perfect health and therefore I’m not at risk

Fact: In and of itself there are no particular risk factors involved for either of the sexes. As previously indicated one can become incontinent by unforeseen circumstances, making us all likely candidates.

Fiction: Only “old people” get incontinence.

Fact: Although it may be perceived as an affliction of senior citizens it can affect people of all ages and sexes. The risk does increase with age due to weakening of the pelvic muscles and enlargement of the prostate gland. However it cannot be considered an age related ailment, surveys have found that 1 in 4 women over may experience episodes of involuntary leakage and both sexes age 30 - 70 have experienced incontinence occasional or chronic symptoms at some point as adults. Incontinence affects the following groups of people:

• 10% of six-year-olds
• One in four women middle-aged or older
• 15% of all men aged 60 years and over
• Many individuals with neurological disorders and spinal cord

Fiction: There are no solutions if you’re incontinent. Just live with it,

Fact: There are many types of incontinence (e.g. stress, urge, mixed) and they can all be treated, cured or managed successfully. Regardless of age or gender there are many available treatment options. Your doctor will determine which is right for you based on the nature, cause and severity of your ailment.

Fiction: The only available options are medication and/or surgery

Fact: It is widely accepted that Kegel exercises can play a huge role in treating and in some cases even reversing the effects of incontinence. Kegel exercises consist of contracting and relaxing the pelvic floor muscles thereby strengthening them and allow one greater control of  the pelvic floor muscles which controls the bladder. There are exercises for both men and women. Magnesium, vitamin D, a healthy body weight, and abstaining from smoking, alcohol and caffeine are also known to play a role in the improvement of this affliction.

Fiction: Incontinence can be fatal.

Fact: Incontinence is neither fatal nor life threatening. However its impact is such that one’s quality of life can be greatly affected. Due to the fear of “accidents” persons with this affliction tend to place severe restrictions on their social activities, leading to self imposed isolation and depression.

Incontinence should neither be ignored nor kept to oneself. Though not fatal it can lead to negative lifestyle changes which can be devastating. It is an indication of an impending or pre-existing condition which necessitates a visit to your medical practitioner without delay. Like any major ailment an early diagnosis can make a world of difference.

© 2010 Goldeneramart.com - All Rights Reserved

For a wide choice of incontinent products including: adult diapers and other protective underwear visit http://www.goldeneramart.com/incontinence_product/. For additional items visit http://www.goldeneramart.com for blood pressure machines, diabetic supplies, mobility aids and much more.

Type 2 Diabetes and Exercise

Exercise is very important in managing type 2 diabetes. Combining diet, exercise, and medicine (when prescribed) will help control your weight and blood sugar level.

Exercise helps control type 2 diabetes by:

• Improving your body's use of insulin.
• Burning excess body fat, helping to decrease and control weight (decreased body fat results in improved insulin sensitivity).
• Improving muscle strength.
• Increasing bone density and strength.
• Lowering blood pressure.
• Helping to protect against heart and blood vessel disease by lowering 'bad' LDL cholesterol and increasing 'good' HDL cholesterol.
• Improving blood circulation and reducing your risk of heart disease.
• Increasing energy level and enhancing work capacity.
• Reducing stress, promoting relaxation, and releasing tension and anxiety.

Assess Yourself: Is Your Type 2 Diabetes Under Control?

How Does Exercise Affect Blood Sugar Levels?

Normally, insulin is released from the pancreas when the amount of sugar (glucose) in the blood increases, such as after eating. Insulin stimulates the liver and muscles to take in excess glucose. This results in a lowering of the blood sugar level.

When exercising, the body needs extra energy or fuel (in the form of glucose) for the exercising muscles. For short bursts of exercise, such as a quick sprint to catch the bus, the muscles and the liver can release stores of glucose for fuel. With continued moderate exercising, however, your muscles take up glucose at almost 20 times the normal rate. This lowers blood sugar levels.

But intense exercise can have the opposite effect and actually increase your blood glucose levels. This is especially true for many people with diabetes. The body recognizes intense exercise as a stress and releases stress hormones that tell your body to increase available blood sugar to fuel your muscles. If this happens to you, you may need a little bit of insulin after intense workouts.

For a variety of reasons, after exercise, people with diabetes may have an increase or a decrease in their blood sugar levels.

Is Blood Sugar Ever Too High to Exercise?

Yes. In some cases, you should hold off on exercising if your blood sugar is very high.

What Types of Exercise Is Best for Diabetes?

While most any exercise is healthy for people with diabetes, let's look at some specific types of exercise and their benefits:

 Strength Training and Type 2 Diabetes

The latest findings show that exercise such as strength training has a profound impact on helping people manage their diabetes. In a recent study of Hispanic men and women, 16 weeks of strength training produced dramatic improvements in sugar control that are comparable to taking diabetes medication. Additionally, the study volunteers were stronger, gained muscle, lost body fat, had less depression, and felt much more self-confident.

For more detail, see WebMD's article Strength Training and Diabetes.

Aerobic Fitness and Type 2 Diabetes

Any activity that raises your heart rate and keeps it up for an extended period of time will improve your aerobic fitness. Aerobic exercise helps decrease the risk of type 2 diabetes and helps those with diabetes to better manage their blood sugar levels. Besides the health benefits, exercise is fun and boosts your mood. It's hard to feel stressed when you're walking fast on a treadmill or swimming laps in a pool.

Type 2 Diabetes and Exercise Tips

• To reduce the risk of hypoglycemia if you have diabetes, follow a regular routine of exercising, eating your meals, and taking your medicines at the same time each day.
• Prolonged or strenuous exercise can cause your body to produce adrenaline and other hormones that can counteract the effects of insulin and cause your blood sugar to rise. If you are participating in strenuous exercise (exercising at your maximum capacity) or prolonged exercise (lasting for several hours or more), your insulin and/or oral diabetic medicine may need to be changed. Talk to your health care provider about how to adjust your medicine.
• Be careful exercising when your medicine is reaching its peak effect.
• Depending on the time of exercise, reducing your dose of either long-acting insulin or short-acting insulin will be necessary. Your doctor can recommend how to make this adjustment.
• Exercise with someone who knows you have diabetes and knows what to do if you have a low blood-sugar reaction.
• Wear a medical identification tag (for example, MedicAlert) or carry an identification card that states you have diabetes.

More Diabetes-Specific Exercise Tips

The American Diabetes Association offers these basic exercise guidelines for those with diabetes:

• Discuss with your doctor what types of exercise might be appropriate for you. Complications of diabetes such as severe eye disease and nerve damage may make some forms of exercise dangerous for you. Your doctor may also schedule a test to see how your heart responds to exercise.
• Do not exercise if your blood sugar is greater than 250 mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter) and your ketones positive. This is an indication that you already may have a lack of insulin and exercise will only cause a greater rise in your blood sugar. Hydrate yourself and adjust your insulin as necessary, contact your health care provider.
• Use caution when exercising if your blood sugar is greater than 300 mg/dL without evidence of ketones, exercise may help decrease your sugars, but it's possible they will increase instead. Hydrate well prior to and after exercise and keep track of your sugars and ketones.
• Learn the effects of various types of exercise on your blood sugar.
• Have carbohydrate-based foods available for exercise and for the period following exercise. Add carbohydrates to your meals if you plan on doing exercise, adjust your insulin dose appropriately in anticipation of exercise.

General Exercise Guidelines and Precautions

• If you have diabetes, check with your health care provider before you begin a an exercise program. Tell your doctor what kind of exercise you want to do so adjustments can be made to your medicine schedule or meal plan, if necessary.
• Start slowly and gradually increase your endurance.
• Choose an activity that you enjoy. You'll be more likely to stick with a program if you enjoy the activity. Make exercise a lifetime commitment.
• Consider a water exercise program. Some other exercise options include walking, riding a stationary bicycle, swimming, or muscle stretching.
• Exercise at least three to four times per week for 20 to 40 minutes each session. Ideally, you should exercise every day. A good exercise program should include a 5- to 10-minute warm-up and at least 15 to 30 minutes of continuous aerobic exercise (such as walking or biking) or muscle stretching exercises, followed by a 5-minute cool down.
• Wear good shoes and practice proper foot care.
• Drink water before, during, and after exercise to prevent dehydration.
• Do not ignore pain -- discontinue any exercise that causes unexpected pain. If you continue to perform the activity while you are in pain, you may cause unnecessary stress or damage to your joints.

Should I Stop Exercising When I Reach My Ideal Weight?

Exercise is a lifetime commitment. Regardless of your weight, you should exercise at least three to four times per week for 20 to 40 minutes each session. Ideally, you should exercise every day to help manage your type 2 diabetes long-term.

© 2009 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.