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The nutritional recommendations for juveniles with diabetes are much the same as the general population in this country. Children with diabetes need to eat a well balanced and healthy diet in order to keep their blood sugar levels in the normal range. Because of this need to control blood sugar they must eat foods in specified amounts depending on how they affect blood sugar levels.

Finding out that their child has diabetes can be quite shocking for many parents. One of the most challenging parts of any diabetics lifestyle change is learning how to prepare meals and snacks. This can be doubly hard for the parents of a diabetic child because following the dietary advice of the doctor and dietician can affect the entire household.

Attempting to learn what foods to feed a juvenile with diabetes can be confusing at first. There is a wealth of information in books and on websites but for most parents in can be overwhelming trying to figure it all out. The important thing for parents with newly diagnosed diabetic children to do is learn to spot the good information from the bad.

The best place to start is the American Diabetes Association where they will find the Diabetes Food Pyramid. This pyramid is much like the USDA food pyramid that everyone is familiar with with one difference. The USDA pyramid classifies food by the group they are in whereas the diabetic food pyramid groups foods based on their carbohydrate, protein, and fat content and breaks them down into the amount of servings for each. There are six groups that make up the diabetic pyramid and they include starches, proteins, fats, meats, fruits and vegetables.

If we take a look at each category we can get a better understanding of each and how they fit into a well balanced diabetic diet plan.

Starches and Grains: These are the primary sources of carbohydrates for everyone. These include foods like whole grains, rye, oats and the starchy vegetables such as potatoes and corn. This group also includes the dry beans such as pinto beans and black eyed peas. The suggested number of serving per day is between six to eleven. This is a range and must be personalized to the individual’s needs and goals with the help of a registered dietician.

Vegetables: Vegetables should always be a part of every dietary plan. They are full of many vital nutrients, are low in fat, and high in fiber all of which contribute to good health. Diabetics should have three to five servings per day. It is important to note that the starchy vegetables are not included in this category and should not be substituted into this group of the pyramid.

Fruits: Fruits are loaded with vitamins, minerals and fiber as well as carbohydrates. Serving sizes are determined by the individual fruit and suggested serving are two to four per day.

Milk: Milk and dairy products are essential in that they contain protein, calcium and many of the vitamins we need each day. Because they can contain a substantial amount of fat it is best to choose low fat or non fat versions of these products. The pyramid recommends two to three servings per day.

Meat and Meat Products: Meat and meat products are a primary supply of protein for all people. They also provide essential vitamins, minerals and amino acids the body needs to function in a healthy fashion. Choose only lean cuts and trim any visible fat to help keep the amount of saturated fat ingested to a minimum.

Fats, Sweets and Alcohol: While diabetics can partake of these it is recommended to keep their use in meal preparation and snack to a minimum. For the juvenile with diabetes this is important in that it teaches them food habits that will stay with them for the rest of their life.

The American Diabetes Association is a good place to start when it comes to learning about feeding a juvenile with diabetes. They have everything needed for healthy meal planning, exchange lists, weight control and recommended exercise programs.

To learn more about the nutritional needs of juvenile diabetes please visit the web site Diabetic Diet Plans at http://diabetic-diet-plan.health-choices-net.com/juvenile-diabetes/Juvenile-Diabetes.html

Type 2 diabetes is becoming more and more common every year in Western societies. There are many factors for this ranging from diet, lack of exercise and genetics. With the help of your doctor and nutritionists, it can be a manageable disease.

In type 2 diabetes, either the pancreas does not make enough insulin, or the cells become resistant to insulin. Insulin takes sugar in the form of glucose, which is the main source of cellular energy, into the cells. If diabetes is untreated blood sugar levels get too high. This both starves the cells of energy, as well as damage eyes, kidneys, nerves and cardiovascular system.

While some who have type 2 diabetes experience no noticeable symptoms, others suffer from some of the most common symptoms of type 2 diabetes which are increased thirst, increased urination, fatigue, increased appetite, blurry vision, slow healing wounds and erectile dysfunction in men.

If you have diabetes, your first goal should be to control these symptoms and to help stabilize your blood sugar levels.

It is very important that you regularly test your blood sugars to monitor your daily levels. Watching your diet for fast releasing carbs and losing weight are two things you have immediate control over to help regulate your blood sugar levels. Exercise is also very important for bringing down elevated blood glucose levels. Both cardiovascular and weight training have been shown to help bring down high blood sugar. Before starting an exercise program, be sure to see your doctor first to find the right program.

If this does not help, medication may be necessary. Some drugs help the pancreas produce more insulin, some help the liver to produce less sugar, some decrease the stomachs absorption of carbohydrates, and some work on the cellular level to help the cells take in the glucose.

There are also dietary supplements that can be taken to help manage type 2 diabetes. One of the most common and most researches is the essential trace element chromium picolinate. Chromium plays a critical role in the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats.

We do get some chromium in our food. It can be found in meats, animal fats, fish, coffee, tea, whole wheat and rye breads and brewer’s yeast. However, it can be difficult to consume enough chromium on a regular basis to be of benefit.

Chromium picolinate has been shown to both improve glucose tolerance and decrease glucose levels after fasting. It has also been shown to help with lowering total cholesterol and triglyceride levels while at the same time, raising the good or HDL cholesterol levels.

One key piece of research done on chromium supplements demonstrated improved glucose tolerance in people with both type 1 and 2 diabetes. This is done by helping to increase the body’s sensitivity to insulin. This is also beneficial for those diagnosed with prediabetes.

Most of the studies done on chromium picolinate have been done on doses of 200 mcg a day. However, many doctors and naturopaths recommend up to 1 mg or 1,000 mcg daily for those with diabetes.

When considering the safety and low cost of supplementing chromium picolinate, there seems to be no obvious reason for anyone with diabetes or blood sugar issues to supplement this essential trace mineral.

Supplementing chromium or any other nutrients to help treat diabetes should be done under the watchful eye of your health care provider.

The author recommends visiting the natural health website http://www.jeffshealthyliving.com for more information and the health and wellness blog at http://www.jeffshealthyliving.com/blog

Diabetes is a disease that if left untreated will lead to a wide range of complications involving a variety of bodily organs and systems. These complications are all very serious and can be crippling or deadly. For the diabetic the best way to prevent or minimize any disorder arising from their disease is through proper management of their disease. This is accomplished through lifestyle changes involving diet, exercise, medication and regular visits to the doctor.

The primary cause for many of these complications revolves around high blood glucose (sugar) levels and the damage that it causes.

1.Diabetic Retinopathy – This condition involves the retina of the eye. The capillaries of the retina undergo changes that lead to decreased blood flow, known as ischemia. This leads to the presence of exudates or fluid in the eye, “cotton wool” patches on the retina, and a build up of fibrous tissue. This will result in vision impairment and even blindness if the diabetes is not properly managed. There is also an increased risk of cataracts due to high levels of glucose in the lens of the eye.

2. Diabetic Ketoacidosis – This is primarily a condition that is specific to type 1 diabetes. It occurs when there is an insulin deficit and glucose can not enter the cells to be used for energy. The body responds by metabolizing fat and protein which causes blood pH to drop and the dropping of ketone bodies into the urine. This affects respirations, which can have a fruity smell, disrupts heart function, depresses the central nervous system, drops blood pressure, and a number of other symptoms which can lead to coma and death.

3. Diabetic Neuropathy – Neuropathy is a deterioration or loss of nerve function. It is caused primarily by a thickening of the blood vessels that supply the nerves with nutrients. The symptoms first start in the toes and feet and work their way up to the rest of the body.

4. Diabetic Nephropathy – A disorder of the kidneys, diabetic nephropathy affects about 20 to 40 percent of all diabetics. Although the exact cause is unknown it is believed that high glucose causes damage glomerulosclerosis which affects the filtering function of the kidneys. This disease is usually accompanied by high blood pressure which needs to be aggressively treated.

5. Diabetic Hypoglycemia – Also known as low blood sugar this condition is common in those who have type 1 diabetes. It will occur in type 2 diabetics who are taking oral hypoglycemic medications. The symptoms, which include dizziness, lightheadedness, loss of consciousness and in severe cases coma and death are a result of a lack of glucose needed for proper brain function.

6. Diabetic Cardiovascular Disease – Diabetes causes a variety of changes to the cardiovascular system of it sufferers including atherosclerosis, structural defects in the blood vessels and thickening of capillary basement membranes. All of this can lead an increased risk of coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease.

Diabetes is a disease that affects all ages and types of people. Its effects can be devastating if not treated in a timely and appropriate manner. Left untreated it can cause serious health problems and even death. Everyone needs to be aware of this diseases and how some simple lifestyle changes can make the difference in the lives who suffer from diabetes.

To learn more about the complications and disorders of diabetes please visit the web site Diabetic Diet Plans at http://diabetic-diet-plan.health-choices-net.com/Diabetic-Complications-and-Disorders.html

For most people the symptoms of diabetes do not seem very serious when they first experience them. In fact a great majority of diabetics go undiagnosed. There is an estimated 17 million diabetics in the United States alone and it is estimated that 5.9 million have yet to be diagnosed with this life threatening disease.

Many people may even express some sort of disbelief when they are diagnosed with diabetes. The diabetic symptoms can seem so minor that saying “I don’t feel any different” or ” I don’t feel sick” is a pretty standard response for many people newly diagnosed. Because the symptoms can seem rather minor when they first start they can be attributed to other conditions or problems. Unfortunately diabetes is a serious disease and is the sixth leading cause of death by disease in the United States today.

According to the American Diabetes Association the most common symptoms of diabetes include:

1. Frequent urination – Caused by high blood glucose which increases blood flow to the kidneys.

2. Excessive thirst – Results from dehydration from the increased urinary output.

3. Extreme hunger – Because glucose is unable to get into the body’s cells from the lack of insulin the body suffers from an energy deficit, causing hunger.

4. Unusual weight loss – Despite eating more the body actually loses weight as it breaks down proteins and fats to make up for the perceived energy deficit.

5. Increased fatigue – Caused by the decrease in energy

6. Irritability

7. Blurry vision – Caused by the increased blood volume that causes a swelling of the lens of the eye.

It’s easy to see why these symptoms may be mistaken for something other than diabetes. There are many day to day conditions that could cause some of these symptoms. For instance the stress of everyday life can lead to fatigue or irritability and as can depression which can also cause weight loss. Any number of minor illnesses such as colds or the flu can also cause diabetes like symptoms.

As the diabetes gets progressively worse so will these symptoms. Another thing to keep in mind is that unlike symptoms associated with an illness or other problems in life these will not go away. If your experience any of these symptoms and they do not go away it is important to schedule a doctors appointment and discuss your symptoms with a physician.

The sooner diabetes is diagnosed the sooner preventative treatment can be undertaken. This is important because the longer it is left untreated the more damage it can do to the body and its organ systems. While there is no cure for diabetes it can be successfully managed with positive lifestyle changes.

To learn more about the symptoms and complications of diabetes please visit the web site Diabetic Diet Plans at http://diabetic-diet-plan.health-choices-net.com/Diabetic-Symptoms.html

Insulin resistance is now being understood to be a major contributor to the onset of diabetes. While we know that glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin tests can be used to detect diabetes type I or II, many in the general public did not realize that higher glucose levels over a long period of time can create insulin resistance, thus setting the stage for the more serious forms of diabetes in the future.

What causes insulin resistance? One can point to current dietary habits and lack of exercise as the main contributors.

The body’s cells need sugar in order to run their metabolic functions, from brain activity to running to the tasks of everyday living. Most of this sugar is presented to the cells through the bloodstream in the form of glucose. Glucose is produced by the liver from foods that are digested in the stomach and small intestine, and whose components end up in the liver for further processing. The liver produces enough glucose to power the then-needs of the body, while converting the rest of the sugars to fat for storage for later use.

The liver creates glucose from all food types, but is particularly stimulated by the carbohydrates, which are easier to convert to glucose with fewer byproducts (such as ketones, which are poisonous byproducts of the production of glucose from proteins).

Two general types of carbohydrates stimulate the liver in different ways: the ‘simple’ carbohydrates are converted much faster, and create large amounts of glucose relatively quickly after ingestion. Simple carbohydrates include all the things that we love to eat, but are regarded as junk food by the general media: unrefined sugars, such as those found in soft drinks and in our cereals, flour, such as that found in white bread and fried foods, and sugar found in candies like chocolate bars and ‘energy bars,’ which are mainly sugars.

The ‘complex’ carbohydrates, on the other hand, are converted to glucose at a much slower rate, which means that there is less of a glucose peak after one eats complex carbs. Complex carbohydrates include whole-wheat bread, spaghetti and other forms of pasta, and starches found in legumes like beans and potatoes. These are ‘complex’ because the liver must perform a series of chemical transformations before converting to the end-product, glucose.

Insulin resistance is the result of too much glucose circulating in the bloodstream for too long a time. The high levels of glucose stimulate the pancreas (more specifically, the Islets of Langerhans) to produce more insulin. And more insulin circulating in the bloodstream means that the cells are ‘tired’ of the excess of hormonal signal, and develop a resistance to the chemical.

Simple carbs, consumed in too great a quantity, are clear causes of this insulin overproduction. The other factor which contributes is inactivity. That is, the less one exercises, the less the body is able to absorb the glucose which is produced in such high quantities by the liver.

If, for example, one eats too many simple carbs, but goes out and runs for an hour, much of the insulin messages are accepted by the cells, glucose levels are reduced and insulin resistance doesn’t occur.

Insulin resistance is therefore caused by two main factors: the types of food one eats, and the amount of exercise one does after eating. Both affect the level of insulin circulating in the bloodstream, and therefore can have an important influence over insulin resistance by the body’s cells.

Scott Meyers is a staff writer for http://www.ItsEntirelyNatural, a resource for helping you achieve a naturally healthy body, mind, and spirit. You may contact our writers through the web site.