Is Agave Nectar Safe For Diabetics?

Many diabetic people and people who want to lose weight want to find the right sugar substitute that can satisfy their sweet tooth. Agave nectar or syrup has gained popularity as one of the products that provide such as substitute.

It is about 1.5 sweeter than regular sugar and its taste and consistency are comparable to honey.

Although for many people agave nectar may seem like the best answer to satisfy their sugar cravings, the truth is that it’s best used in moderation because it has its own complications especially when too much of it is consumed.

What is Agave Nectar/Syrup?

Agave syrup is derived from the agave plant which can be found growing naturally in Southern Mexico. When fermented, the blue agave plant turns into tequila. Angela Ginn, National Spokesperson for The Academy of Nutrition and Diabetes, explains:

agave nectar diabetesAgave nectar is a sweetener that contains vitamins, carbohydrate and sweeteners such as calories, magnesium, calcium, iron and potassium. The color difference is mainly due to the filtration of minerals and salts in production.

Health food advocates used to believe that agave was a good solution for people with diabetes (PWD) because it is made of 90 percent fructose. This means that agave is much lower on the GI (glycemic index) and thus doesn’t pack the same punch to blood sugar levels as table sugar.

However, we’ve learned that this might be somewhat misleading. Although it’s true that foods that rank lower on the GI index are absorbed slowly and tend to raise blood sugar gradually. However, a food’s healthfulness should not be based on the glycemic index. For instance, watermelon ranks higher than ice cream.

Agave Nectar Nutrition Facts

Agave is commonly used as a sweetener to replace brown or white sugar in baking. One tablespoon of agave contains 15 grams sugar, 16 grams total carbs and 60 calories. Therefore, agave nectar is straight sugar with very little else to offer in terms of nutrition.

What is the Relationship Between Fructose and Diabetes?

Most people with diabetes know that it’s generally healthier to choose foods that rank lower on the glycemic index because they keep blood sugar levels more stable. However, it’s also essential to understand that there is more to consider than just the glycemic index. For instance, although agave syrup ranks lower on the glycemic index compared to other sweeteners, it contains 90% fructose.

Numerous studies have linked over-consumption of fructose to a wide range of health problems including increased weight gain, high blood pressure, insulin resistance, fatty liver, higher triglyceride levels and cholesterol, to name a few.

Nowadays, loads of packaged and processed foods contain large percentages of fructose largely because it’s a cheap substitute for sugar. As a result, people are generally consuming fructose in high proportions.

Studies show that drinking and eating a lot of fructose leaves you feeling hungrier because it influences hormones including ghrelin, leptin and insulin. This creates a cycle where you still feel hungry even after your meal and you end up eating more food.

Overconsumption of glucose is one of the risk factors for insulin resistance, cardiovascular disease, obesity and hypertension. Therefore, if you are diabetic, consuming fructose might make your condition worse and may even increase your risk of complications.

What is the best sweetener to use for diabetics?

Alternative Sweeteners for Diabetics.

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Diabetic Diet Facts

The food you choose to eat, can be powerfully important for your overall health and well being.Your diet can make an enormous difference to cholesterol, blood pressure and blood glucose levels.

 The diabetic meal plan is designed to help control blood sugar levels, the less fluctuation, especially rapid release of glucose in the blood is an important aspect of blood sugar control in patients with diabetes mellitus.
It was once thought that the diabetes diet was focused mainly around just cutting out sugar from your diet. However more recently it seems the recommendations for a good diabetic diet focus on a more healthy eating plan high in fibre and low in saturated fats, including a moderate amount of whole grain carbohydrates.
Moreover, a small amount of sugar isn’t a problem, as we now understand that the foods rich in starchy carbohydrates cause more of an increase in blood sugar levels than does sugar.

Some Interesting FACTS to help with Diabetic Meal Planning

diabetic diet facts 1. A good diabetic diet should be a balanced meal plan tailored to your needs, tastes, lifestyles and activity level while aiming to provide all the diabetic needs while keeping the blood sugar as near normal as possible.
2. Not all so called “sugar free” foods are calorie free. There really is a lot of ‘marketing gimmicks’ out there. Some food products that are labeled sugar free, also contain carbohydrates which is in the form of starch. This will certainly increase your blood glucose levels. Choose starchy foods such as whole grains, as they are high in fibre.

3.  Fat Facts!  Fat doesn’t directly impact blood glucose levels, however if your meal does contain a large amount of fat, this can certainly cause the stomach to empty at a much slower rate and slow down the digestion of carbohydrates. Your blood glucose levels will stay higher for longer, which in turn makes it more difficult to keep your levels within the desired range.

4. When you are experiencing a Hypoglycemia episode, don’t treat that as a good excuse to just go eating your favorite sweet treats uncontrollably. This will cause your blood glucose levels to spike.

If you experience Hypoglycemia, it should be treated with approximately 15-20 g of carbohydrates (This would be for a reading of <4.9 mmol/L. Best to choose a fast acting carb – for instance jellied sweets, soda or juice.

5.  Can I eat more protein, but cut down on carbohydrate? If you eat an excessive amount of anything, ie protein, you will also increase the level of fat that you consume and undoubtedly gain weight.

6.  Diabetics should certainly eat fruits. Fruits are very good sources of fibre, antioxident vitamins and minerals, although they do contain carbohydrates. Aim for just 2 pieces of fresh fruit per day. (not canned)

Remember that a key objective of a diabetic diet is to reduce weight and keep it off, so a well planned diet is vital for the treatment of diabetes. Moreover, losing weight may not cure your diabetes, but will certainly help to control your levels which will improve your insulin resistance.

Have you ever tried Acupuncture to help your diabetes?

Top 5 New diabetes devices – Check them out!

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Acupuncture Therapy For Diabetes

Acupuncture is a practice that mainly involves insertion of thin needles (4 to 25 mm long) into the skin on specific points in the body in order to prevent illness and improve health and general well-being.

The practice originated in China more than 2,000 years ago and it’s one of the oldest medical practices known to man. The stimulation of sensory nerves results in the release of vital chemicals including endorphins.

Studies show that acupuncture treatment may reduce nerve pain and improve peripheral diabetic neuropathy.

Acupuncture Therapy Procedure

Acupuncture Therapy For Diabetes After inserting (4-20) thin needles into specific areas in your body, the acupuncturist may leave them in for about 30 minutes or manipulate them via electric stimulation or with his hands.

However, different people describe the experience in different ways. Although some people report mild pain (a dull, throbbing sensation) especially during needle insertion, most patients report no pain whatsoever.

Some people become relaxed following the procedure, while others feel a burst of energy.

Follow-up treatments usually occur over a period of several months or weeks. However, treatments are customized to each patient’s symptoms and needs.

Benefits of Acupuncture for Diabetes

  • Reduces pain and discomfort by regulating endocrine function

Diabetes mainly stems from the endocrine system because these hormones are mainly responsible for triggering organs to control our blood sugar levels. Acupuncture stimulates endorphins which block pain and trigger positive feelings in the body.

  • Regulate sugar levels

Acupuncture regulates cortisol, a hormone which stimulates the body to feel stress. Studies show that the hormonal reaction triggered by acupuncture helps balance parts of the body that are unable to regulate blood glucose levels on their own. Therefore, unlike most pharmaceutical treatments, acupuncture helps regulate blood sugar levels without the risk of dangerous side effects.

Other Benefits of Acupuncture for T1D (Type 1 Diabetes) include:

  • Decreasing depression and anxiety
  • Preserving nerve function and alleviating painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy
  • Increasing gastropareisis (gastric emptying time)
  • Increasing circulation
  • Increasing range of motion especially in musculoskeletal conditions such as trigger finger and frozen shoulder
  • Reduce the release of glucagons by the pancreas
  • Reduce the urge to eat too much (polyphagia), excessive thirst (polydipsia) excessive urination (polyuria)
  • Prevent myocardial contractility and microcirculation
  • Normalize vascular peripheral resistance and enhance blood outflow
  • Enhance immunomodulating antioxidant and antiatherogenic effects
  • Stimulate secretion of beta-endorphin
  • Elevate pain threshold
  • Increase neuropeptide Y levels and cell proliferation
  • Reduce antheroscelerosis of the limbs

Acupuncture also supports the immune system’s ability to fight off viruses and colds. As we all know, illnesses can cause fluctuations in blood glucose levels especially for people suffering from Type 1 Diabetes.

How does Acupuncture Work?

Although the mechanisms of acupuncture are not fully understood, studies show that acupuncture stimulates the body’s regulatory systems to produce chemicals that reduce inflammation and pain, trigger the secretion of neurotransmitters and neurohormones in order to restore homeostasis.

On the other hand, the blood glucose lowering effects are due to the regulation of cortisol, a hormone that stimulates the liver to produce glucose and by reducing the concentration of fatty acids in the blood, which increases insulin sensitivity.

Does Acupuncture have any Shortcomings or Risks for Diabetes?

Recent studies and clinical trials of acupuncture therapy for diabetes have proven that acupuncture does not have any serious risk. However, this does not mean that acupuncture is for everyone.

As Mayo Clinic points out, although diabetes can be controlled and treated, there’s no diabetes cure. Therefore, if you’re unable to manage diabetes symptoms through lifestyle choices and diet, you’ll need insulin therapy.

There are a few general risks associated with acupuncture treatment that we should be aware of. Some of the side effects of acupuncture include bruises, soreness, and minor bleeding where the needles have been inserted.

All needles must be removed after the procedure as this could have serious adverse effects. On the other hand, if you have a bleeding condition like vitamin K deficiency, are pregnant or have a blood disease such as HIV or hepatitis, acupuncture might not be the best treatment option for you.

Guidelines for Acupuncture Therapy for Diabetes:

Acupuncture treatment usually includes the following:

  • During your initial appointment, the acupuncturist will ask you detailed questions about your diabetes condition and specific symptoms.
  • Your practitioner will ask you questions about your pain levels, diet, health goals and lifestyle. Your acupuncturist might also ask questions about stress, relationships and any other area of your life that has a holistic impact on your condition.
  • After the initial consultation, the treatment procedure usually takes approximately 30 minutes. Your acupuncturist will most likely recommend that you go for treatments twice per week to see how your body is reacting.

If everything goes well, your practitioner will probably drop your treatment appointments to twice a month.

Remember, the first and most important treatment for diabetes is a healthy lifestyle which generally includes a sustainable and pleasurable habit of stress management, nutrition and physical activities. This is the starting point of a holistic and integrative approach to diabetes and other chronic medical conditions.

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Top 5 New Diabetes Devices Expected In 2017

The soon-to-launch diabetes products have made this period quite exciting especially in diabetes history. Progress is happening faster that we had anticipated. This new slew of products will make living with diabetes less of a hassle by improving glucose outcomes with fewer fingersticks and injections, less data overload, less math less worry and less pain.

New diabetes Technology 2017 Most emerging diabetes technology shows great potential in improving the quality of life for people with diabetes. We were astonished in September, 2016 when the FDA approved the world’s first sensor/pump system that doses insulin on its own. This new system known as Medtronic Diabetes’ MiniMed 670G has paved the path for new diabetes technology and many similar products. Most emerging diabetes technology and devices show great potential especially in improving glucose outcomes that really matter, among them hyperglycemia, time-in-range, A1c and hypoglycemia.

Therefore, we highly anticipate that this year will bring a number of milestone devices such as the OneTouch Via and the Medtronic MiniMed 670G system. Let’s explore some of the most exciting devices and tech expected to be available to the public in 2017:

  1. Abbott’s Freestyle Libre and Freestyle Libre Pro

The novel FreeStyle Libre FGM (Flash Glucose Monitoring) technology is expected to hit the United States market in 2017. The real-time version is already available in Europe and the Pro (blinded) version of the 14-day glucose sensor that doesn’t require any fingersticks is expected to come to the United States imminently. Once inserted, the sensor measures glucose levels every 15 minutes without the need for patient interaction or the need to do fingerpricks manually in order to calibrate the device. This will enable doctors to better understand blood sugar patterns. Abbott Freestyle Libre combines non-invasive technology with existing continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and fingerstick testing.

Freestyle Libre also uses a sensor but it comes with a small hand held device to view trends and data in real time. Therefore, the system consists of a round white sensor that can be conveniently worn on the skin and a small receiver which is waved over the sensor in order to wirelessly pick up blood glucose readings.

This eliminates the need for test strips which can be very expensive. The Professional Version of Abbot Freestyle version received FDA clearance for doctor’s offices in 2016. The patient’s community is also quite psyched up because the

  1. Dexcom Touchscreen Receiver with Android capability

In a bid to improve the G5 CGM experience, Dexcom has submitted a handful of new exciting tools to the FDA for approval. These tools include:

  • Reduced-size G5 transmitter: The new transmitter will be smaller and more compact than the current version.
  • Touchscreen receiver: This is an upgraded version of what Dexcom is currently offering. The new Dexcom receiver will improve on speaker and durability issues.
  • One button insertion device: The prototype images available show that the new one-button insertion device resembles the Medtronic Enlite Sensor Inserter and it can also be operated with just one hand.
  • Next Generation G6 sensor: The G6 might be launched in late 2017. This will be a significant step forward in continuous glucose monitoring technology with 10 days of comfortable wear instead of 7 and one day calibration instead of the current two. Next Generation G6 Sensor will also have improved reliability and accuracy. We are quite optimistic given how fast the FDA has approved D-tech especially in recent years.

With the new Dexcom Touchscreen Receiver, android users will be able to view and analyze their CGm data on their phones via an Android app.

  1. Medtronic’s MiniMed 670G

This revolutionary insulin pump uses a hybrid closed loop system to obtain data from CGM in order to tweak the basal rates via the pump. Although the system is not fully automated, it eases the burden associated with the care and management of diabetes by reducing the frequency of low and high blood sugar events. Minimed 670G received FDA approval in September 2016. It features BD FlowSmart technology which comes with a new side opening to the system’s catheter in order for insulin to flow better.

The two openings help prevent insulin flow interruptions and silent occlusions, which cause high blood glucose but usually go unnoticed. It also comes with key changes including a smaller insertion needle, a multi-position connector for connecting the on-body set to the tubing and a sliding needle that prevents accidental needlesticks.

This first-of-a-kind system adjusts insulin delivery according to CGM values in order to keep the patient as close as possible to the set target (120 mg/dl). Minimed 670G has a color screen and vertical design.

  1. Tandem’s t:slim X2 Insulin Pump

This is a new insulin pump that resembles the t:slim. However it comes with a manufacturing change, a new two way Bluetooth radio and it’s also capable of remote online updates. Therefore, users will be able to add the new Dexcom G5 integration once the FDA approves it. Once Tandem’s automated insulin delivery algorithms get approval, they will also be added to t:slim X2 pump without paying an upgrade fee or waiting for years for a new system.

The Bluetooth radio enables the device to talk to multiple external devices, for example, a smartphone app and G5 CGM transmitter. The system also includes the predictive low blood sugar capacity which enables users to update their devices in order to allow that functionality.

  1. One Touch Via

LifeScan’s One Touch Via is a super slim, bolus only wearable device that holds up to 200 units of insulin. The device can be worn for 3 days and by simply squeezing two buttons you’ll discreetly deliver a 2-unit bolus. This on-demand insulin delivery system allows type 1 and type 2 diabetes patients to deliver meal time dosages of insulin anywhere, anytime. Reports indicate that it’s a water-resistant patch that allows you to take 2-unit boluses of fast acting insulin without the need for separate controller units. Expect to see LifeScan’s One Touch via by end-year.

There’s a lot more happening for the diabetes community in 2017 especially on the research and advocacy side when it comes to critical issues like affordability and access. We are fully committed to keeping you posted.

Turn your Smart Phone into a Glucose Meter!

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Top 5 Benefits of Turmeric Milk for Diabetes

What Spices Help Lower Blood Sugar?

Studies show that turmeric may lower cholesterol and blood sugar, relieve pain, protect your kidneys and eyes, improve your sex life and prevent cancer. About 2 to 5% of this spice is the orange/yellow powder known as curcumin. Turmeric, which is derived from the root of Curcuma Longa (ginger family), has been used for centuries in chinese and Indian (Ayurvedic) medicine. Although turmeric tastes good especially with the right recipe, the taste usually has a bite to it. However, turmeric milk is a good option especially for people who are not curry fans. It is commonly used for improved liver function, digestion, pain relief, and for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

What is Turmeric Milk?

what spices help lower blood sugar, what spices are good for Diabetes Turmeric milk (golden milk) is an infusion of fresh turmeric root or turmeric powder in milk. It is commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine for specific diseases. Besides being easy to prepare, turmeric milk is also highly palatable because the milk takes most of the spiciness (the bold flavor) out of turmeric.

Curcumin May Treat Aspects of Both Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

A scientific study from McGill University and the Beijing University of Chinese medicine reviewed numerous studies of Curcumin. Amazingly, studies on diabetic mice and rats show that curcumin could improve Type 2 Diabetes through at least 10 different mechanisms, including:

  • Reducing liver glycogen production
  • Reducing liver glucose production
  • Stimulating increased glucose uptake
  • Increasing activation of AMPK
  • Suppressing the inflammatory state induced by hyperglycemia
  • Improving pancreatic cell function
  • Increasing AKT phosphorylation
  • Stimulating secretion of insulin from pancreatic tissue
  • Promoting PPAR-gamma ligand-binding activity
  • Reducing insulin resistance and increasing insulin receptor β

Human clinical research conducted on pre-diabetic and diabetic patients show that curcumin has the following benefits:

  • Improving beta cell function
  • Glucose lowering effect
  • Improved oxidation and utilization of fatty acids

How does Turmeric Milk help Prevent or Manage Diabetes?

Let’s explore the medicinal properties of turmeric milk and how they help treat and manage diabetes:

  1. Turmeric milk Counteracts Inflammation

Turmeric milk demonstrates anti-inflammatory properties by modulating activity of various proteins. The mechanisms involved include:

  • Down-regulating the activity of COX-2 by suppressing nuclear factor Kappa B.
  • Reducing activity of proteins and enzymes that promote inflammation.
  • Inhibiting production of various inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1 beta, IL-6, and TNF- α

These mechanisms suppress inflammation caused by diabetes hence preventing its proliferation. According to a study published in 2014 by Biomedical and Environmental sciences, supplementation with curcuminoids leads to reduction in proteins and enzymes associated with inflammation especially in diabetic patients. Therefore, turmeric milk is a natural anti-inflammatory agent that reduces inflammation in chronic illnesses including diabetes.

  1. Reducing oxidative stress

Oxidative stress plays a great role in the pathogenesis of the complications of diabetes and other macro and micro-vascular diseases. Oxidative stress is caused by imbalance between the body’s antioxidant defenses and the overall production of ROS (Reactive Oxygen Species). Reactive Oxygen Species are chemically reactive species that contain oxygen and are vital to the normal functioning of cells in the body. However, ROS levels tend to increase drastically under adverse conditions hence causing inflammation and cell death.

Diabetes causes increased uptake of glucose in adipose tissue and endothelial cells. However under high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemic) conditions, increased glucose uptake leads to excess production of Reactive Oxygen Species which initiates inflammatory pathways, causes oxidative damage to fats and lipid peroxidation (oxidative degeneration of fats).

Turmeric scavenges ROS, increases the level of antioxidant enzymes in the body and inhibits lipid peroxidation. This antioxidant property of turmeric reduces oxidative stress which is commonly observed in diabetes. Studies in humans have proven that curcumin is a strong antioxidant that helps reduce the risk of heart diseases and oxidative stress in diabetes.

  1. Lowering blood sugar levels

Curcumin is an anti-hyperglycemic agent (lowers elevated blood glucose levels in diabetes). A study by ghorbani et.al shows that curcumin works in different ways to lower elevated blood sugar levels. Some of these ways are:

  • Stimulating production of insulin
  • Improving the activity of pancreatic cells
  • Reducing inflammation
  • Improving insulin sensitivity
  • Stimulating insulin utilization by the body
  • Reducing insulin production by the liver

Curcumin regulates metabolic disorders by acting on and reducing Adipocyte fatty-acid binding protein.

The same research group conducted another study where overweight diabetes patients were given 300 mg curcuminoids or a placebo for three months. Curcumin reduced insulin resistance index and blood sugar supplementation. Nano-curcumin supplementation also helps in reducing triglyceride levels, blood sugar levels, BMI and even glycated hemoglobin levels.

  1. Regenerate and repair pancreas cells

Recent experimental studies show that curcumin in turmeric milk is beneficial in auto-immune diabetes because it regulates the action of basic immune cells that destroy pancreatic beta cells that are necessary for the production of insulin. Besides helping lower blood sugar levels, studies show that curcumin also helps to repair and regenerate damages islet cells in the pancreas and this is very beneficial especially in T1D (Type 1 Diabetes).

  1. It improves wound healing

Curcumin is a wound healing agent which speeds up the wound healing process in diabetics even when applied to wounds topically. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of curcumin help speed up impaired wound healing even in diabetic foot ulcers.

Turmeric is a natural antibacterial, antiseptic agent and a great disinfectant. Therefore, you can speed up the healing process by simply sprinkling turmeric powder on wounds. Turmeric milk helps heal wounds from the inside too.

Although curcumin offers numerous benefits for diabetes, it is rather hard for the body to absorb. Moreover, it is easily cleared from the body. Adding black pepper to turmeric milk is highly beneficial because it contains piperine which keeps curcumin in the body longer.

More Homeopathic Treatments for Diabetes.

What Spices help lower Blood Sugar.

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