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UK HOmeopathy |
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Living the Natural Way |
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Introduction to Type 2 Diabetes – what it is and how to control it According to the Independent on the 26th March 2012, Diabetes complications is at a new high (http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/diabetes-complications-at-new-high-7585493.html) Rates of stroke and kidney failure in people with diabetes have reached record levels, according to a new analysis. The conditions - which are complications of diabetes - jumped to their highest level in 2009/10, Diabetes UK said. More than 16,000 people with diabetes in England are estimated to have had a stroke in 2009/10, based on an incidence rate of 0.69%. This represents a 57% rise since 2006/07. More than 8,800 people with diabetes are also thought to have suffered kidney failure in 2009/10, based on an incidence rate of 0.38%. This is 31% higher than in 2006/07.
So what is diabetes? Diabetes is a disease whereby the sugar in your blood takes longer to pass through to the various cells in the body. As a result, when you test the sugar levels in your blood, they tend to be high. Let’s try and understand it another way: Imagine your kitchen is your stomach. This kitchen has many doors with locks on them that open to the liver. The key to these locks is the insulin. Now when we have a meal, the food we eat (Carbohydrates, Protein, Fats, etc), eventually convert to glucose. This is the sugar that is transported and used by the body. Incidentally, Carbohydrates tend to convert to glucose faster than Protein or Fats and simple carbohydrates such as white bread, white rice convert faster than complex carbohydrates such as wholemeal brown bread, brown rice. A diet too high in simple carbohydrates can upset the delicate balance of a body's blood sugar level, resulting in fluctuations in energy and mood that leaves one feeling irritated and tired. So once the food is converted to glucose, the key (insulin) should unlock the doors to the liver. However for type 2 diabetics (insulin resistant diabetes), some of these locks don’t work and therefore the door doesn’t open. This then results in the glucose remaining in our blood stream much longer (as there are less doors through which the glucose can leave—much like a dual carriageway becoming a single lane in rush hour).
What are the symptoms of diabetes? Unfortunately, some of us, don’t even know what diabetes is until a routine check up by the doctors. So it is important to understand what kind of symptoms to expect and see your doctor at the earliest possible time. How do we know that we have diabetes? Here a list of some of the symptoms that you may be experiencing. Please note that this does NOT mean you conclusively have diabetes. That can only be determined after blood tests. However if you do have a few of these symptoms, then it might be a good idea to visit your doctor. Increased thirst – more than normal Increased hunger Dry mouth Increased tiredness and maybe getting easily irritated too Weight loss Getting up at night to pass urine, or passing more than normal during the day/night Itching in the genital areas or frequent occurrence of thrush Vision blurred Drowsiness Wounds taking longer to heal Ok now we understand what diabetes is and what kind of symptoms we might experience, what is the next step? Talking to your doctor is certainly the first thing you need to do. This will confirm whether you are actually diabetic or have other health issues. If you are diabetic, tests will tell if you are Type 1 (insulin dependent) or Type 2. If you are Type 2, then whether you are a borderline diabetic (in which case you may be able to control with just dietary changes and exercise) or a full blown diabetic ( in which case on top of dietary changes and exercise you may need medication).
Symptoms of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels): It is also important to note when your blood sugar levels drop. The following are some of the symptoms you might experience: Headaches Dizziness Trembling Poor concentration Sweating Hunger Vomit Confusion Body may become cold and clammy Temper If too low, one can even go into a coma!
Symptoms of hyperglycemia (high blood glucose levels) Sugar levels in the blood can rise due : The type of food we eat- eg simply carbohydrates Poor Insulin control Emotional problems such as stress or anxiety Illness Medications such as steroids The symptoms to look out for are the same as the ones to diagnose for diabetes such as dry mouth, thirst etc. However if hyperglycemia exists for a long period, then one might experience: Difficulty breathing Unconsciousness or coma A prolonged hyperglycemia state can result in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) or diabetic coma. This is because there is a lack of glucose entering the cells due to lack of insulin (using our analogy, the glucose is stuck in the kitchen and hasn’t gone through the doors). So to compensate for this, the body breaks down fat to use as energy. Breaking down of fats produces ketones (a waste product) which the body tries to eliminate via urine. This is why diabetics get very thirsty. It is the body’s defense mechanism working, asking for water so that it can flush the ketones out! So do drink a lot of water… the more the better.. to flush out the ketones. However if the ketone levels rise, we get a condition called ketoacidosis – excess acid in the blood. During this time, a diabetic may start to vomit. Worse case of ketoacidosis is coma. Ketoacidosis is life-threatening and demands immediate treatment. Symptoms of ketoacidosis include: · Shortness of breath · Nausea and vomiting · Dry mouth · Breath that smells fruity Stomach pain
Dangers of diabetes: Diabetes is a progressive disease. This means that unless you take care of it, it can get worse and may cause other health complications like: Blindness, Diabetic neuropathy (wounds, ulcers and eventually amputation), Gangrene ( death of an organ or tissue due to lack of blood supply) Diabetic nephropathy (kidney damage and eventually failure) Damage to the nerves in the autonomic nervous system leading to paralysis of the stomach (gastroparesis) Diabetes can also cause blockages in the heart leading to heart attack or even stroke People with diabetes tend to have high cholesterol
What can you do to control it? We need to take control of our diabetes before it takes control of us. To do this, try the following: Try and do some form of exercise every day. You can do this by walking briskly to the shops, taking a brisk walk in the evening, climbing your stairs by skipping a step when going up but coming down you can do each step, yoga, jogging, swimming, playing sports (can use the Wii if you like), vigorous housework such as using the vacuum cleaner- yes even hoovering. Anything that will make your body hot. If walking, then a 15min walk from your home to point A and back will mean you have walked for 30 mins! Avoid what I call the POWS group of foods- Processed Foods, Oily Foods, White Foods like white bread, white rice) and Sugars including artificial sweeteners. Watch this DVD on Eating to understand more about the harm food causes us and how eating certain foods can actually reverse conditions such as Diabetes, Cholesterol, Heart problems etc. Click HERE to take you to that site, or search “Eating 3rd Edition” on Amazon. Take your medications on time if you are on them Eat more Vegetables, Complex carbohydrates (like wholemeal brown bread with no added sugar, brown rice, sweet potatoes, wholemeal pasta and if you like your meats, then lean organic meat in moderation etc. Certain fruits like Apples, Oranges are good for you and other fruits like Bananas, Pineapples, Water Melons can raise your blood glucose levels. If you have weight issues, then losing weight can also help bring down your blood glucose levels
Expected Blood Glucose readings: These readings are to be used as an indication. Please check with your doctor as to what range he would like for you
The Diabetes Reversal Program This is a 6 month program to reverse type 2 diabetes. In other words, better blood glucose levels with less or no medication. The program consists of: Learning what foods are good and which ones are bad for a diabetic, Realising how certain exercises done in the comfort of your home for 5 minutes a day will make a dramatic change in your readings and Using homeopathic remedies to help the reversal process. Here’s what some of my patients had to say about the program: I was introduced to Mohamed back in October 2011 when I was diagnosed with Diabetes (type 2). Not only the diabetes, I had high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels and overweight. I went to my first visit with an open mind and was determined to reach my goals without taking the Metformin that my GP prescribed. ********* I have been a type two diabetic for the last fifteen years. When I consulted Mr Mohamed Caffoor I was suffering with kidney stones .I first took western medicines and also was called to do an operation, which cost around Sri Lanka Rs 135,000 - 150,000. Thanks to Mr Mohamed Caffoor with homeopathy I was able to pass the first stone in a week and the other two within a month without any operation. I was also able to reverse my diabetic with the help of Mr Mohamed Caffoor. ********** When Mohamed offered to help me take control of my life & diet, I had great reservations. Now, I believe that was the best decision that I have ever made. In the last three months, I have lost around 12 kilos, my diabetes is well under control (type 2 diabetes) as well as my IBS and I hope to reduce my medications after my next blood test. My cholesterol is very good (the lowest my GP have seen in the last 5 years), have lot of energy, good skin.. Thank you for all your help & support.... best investment ever (my shopping bills are much lower too) Mr NS My own story: I was diagnosed as a type 2 diabetic in 2006 and put on 1500mg Metformin and 160mg Gliclazide, after failing to control it with diet. However, even with the medication, my control was poor and I was told that I could end up on Insulin. So I came up with this reversal program mainly to help myself avoid going down the insulin route. After completing the diabetes reversal program, I am now free of all my medications. The last time I took any meds was in Dec 2009! The program helped me to lower my cholesterol and reduced my excess weight too . Why not find out if homeopathy can help you? Contact me for a free initial chat. Consultations can either be done by making an appointment to see me or via skype as long as you have a webcam. So distance is not an issue. Remedies are posted first class in the UK and normal post for the rest of the world. Remember your body is the most valuable asset you have. Do look after it!
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