Enjoy Your Health

My Study of the Dawn Phenomenon

July 26, 2006 on 6:32 am | In Type 1 Diabetes, Symptoms of Diabetes | Comments Off

What causes the dawn phenomenon? This is something that is always alluded my understanding. I have found that, without a doubt, the number of units of insulin that I took the previous day (especially in the evening) has a major impact. In my experience, the following four reasons have caused the dawn affect:

1. Fat intake the night before, especially when mixed with carbohydrates
2. Protein intake the night before
3. Caffeine intake the day before
4. Amount of exercise the day before

I think that all of these things ultimately cause a delay in carbohydrate absorption. I have found that fat intake usually delays my absorption of carbs, and I often find that high fat meals within a few hours of bed time invariably create a low blood sugar at bed time and a high blood sugar when I awake in the morning (unless I have timed m y square wave bolus well). I also find that large amounts of protein, even when not consumed with carbs, can actually raise my blood sugar. Interestingly, though, I usually awake with a blood sugar within the target range but find that it rises dramatically with my first meal. Has anyone else experienced this? Fortunately, my insulin pump allows me to change my carbohydrate to insulin ratio based on the time of day.

I have found that caffeine, especially in the form of coffee, lowers my blood sugar in the short run but often causes it to go up in the long run. This has led me to believe that coffee does not actually have a positive impact on Type 2 diabetes control but instead just delays the absorption of carbs. For example, if I drink coffee, my blood sugar is usually lower than expected in the short run but will then spike several hours later. I think that the timing and impact of coffee and caffeine in general varies significantly depending on the amount.

I will soon undergo a detailed study of my own eating habits and see how each of these factors impacts blood sugar. I will post both the plan and the results on this site. If anyone else has knowledge on any these things, I’d love to hear about your experiences.

Sleeping Better With Lavendar, Valerian, and Tea

July 21, 2006 on 5:19 am | In Green Tea Recipes | Comments Off

Insomnia Fighters - Tea Recipe And Home Made Sachet Instruction To Relieve Anxiety And Help You Sleep Better

Insomnia Fighters - Tea Recipe And Home Made Sachet Instruction To Relieve Anxiety And Help You Sleep Better Excerpt from “…Healthy Sleep: A Guide To Natural Sleep Remedies!” http://www.sleepsecrets.info

Lavender

Lavender (L. angustifolia and others) is a shrubby flowering bush indigenous to the mountainous regions of the western Mediterranean and is considered have been first domesticated by the Arabians, then later spread across Europe by the Romans. Lavender was brought to North America by the Pilgrims and was one of the first garden plants imported to Australia in the 19th century. It can be found in abundance in the wild in many parts of the world as well as being garden grown in a sunny, well-drained area, preferably in mildly alkaline soil. The smaller species will also grow quite easily in well-drained pots. This popular flowering herb’s essential oil has been demonstrated to depress the central nervous system in a manner comparable to pharmaceutical tranquilizers.

Lavender is very useful and effective in its usage as a sleep aid. In addition to the use of lavender flowers in a brewed tea, it may also used in the form of an essential oil distilled from the leaves, flowers and stems of the plant. Lavender oil can be applied topically to relax the muscles or its aroma can be inhaled for a calming effect. Rubbing lavender essential oil on the feet is a particularly effective method for application, as anything on the feet is absorbed quickly.

It is widely used in aromatherapy and can be added to bathwater, dispersed in a vaporizer or simply dabbed on a tissue and breathed in. The essential oil leaves and flowers can also be employed in a sachet underneath the pillow. It should be noted that allergic contact dermatitis has been documented in some individuals applying lavender products externally.

To safely detect an allergic reaction it is always a good idea to do a spot test before administering a full application. Also note that not all varieties of lavender are tranquilizing — some, such as Spanish lavender, can have just the opposite effect. Lavender Mint Tea (One serving) Ingredients: * 1 teaspoon fresh lavender flowers (or 1/2 teaspoon dried lavender flowers) * 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves (or 2 teaspoons dried mint) * 1 cup boiling water * Rosemary, lemon balm or lemon verbena, and rose geranium may also be added for an interesting multi-herb herbal tea.

Preparation: In a teapot or saucepan combine the lavender flowers and mint (either loose or using a tea infuser). Pour boiling water over the mixture; steep 5 minutes. The infuser can then be taken out or the leaves removed with a strainer. Homemade Lavender Sachet You will need: * Lavender plant (stems, leaves or buds) * Lavender essential oil * A handkerchief * 2 needles (1 large to fit 1/4″ ribbon and 1 regular size) * Thread * Ribbon (1/4″ wide) It should be easy to find all the necessary items listed above from your local craft or floral supply store. You may use lavender harvested from your own plants or order the lavender buds online (just enter “lavender” or “lavender buds” into your favorite search engine to find an online retailer). Instructions: 1. Fold handkerchief in half, and then fold it in half again. You can iron the handkerchief for a crisper look, or simply leave it as is. 2. Now, sew three sides together using needle and thread (or a sewing machine). 3. Open the unsown side of the handkerchief and proceed to fill it (like a pillow) with lavender plant pieces and/or buds. Be sure to use a lot of plant material, but don’t stuff it too tight. The end result will be a lot like a beanbag. Sprinkle the pieces with lavender essential oil. 8 to 10 drops should be more than enough. 4. Thread your large needle with 1/4″ ribbon and loosely thread to keep the plant materials inside your homemade sachet. 5. Tie the whole thing off with a knot. 6. Enjoy your new sachet Valerian Root.

In the wild, Valerian root (Valeriana officinalis) is found in high pastures and dry heath land. It flowers in late spring.

The principle components used for medicinal purposes are the roots and rhizomes, which are typically harvested in September and then dried to produce the commonly available herbal product.

Valerian is also known by various folk names: All-Heal, Amantilla, Bloody Butcher, Capon’s Trailer, Cat’s Valerian, English Valerian, Fragrant Valerian, Garden Heliotrope, Phu, Red Valerian, St. George’s Herb, Sets Wale, Set Well, and Vandal Root.

Unlike many other natural herbal sleep aids, to gain the benefits of the effects of valerian root it is necessary to use it on a regular basis, with the full effects coming to fruition slowly and steadily over time.

It should be used for about one month to produce results. Regular use of valerian root promotes deep relaxation and sleep. Studies suggest that valerian is by far the best natural solution for insomnia and general sleeplessness for most individuals.

Research by P.D. Leatherwood, Ph.D., and F. Chauffard, Ph.D., at Nestlé Research Laboratories in Switzerland, determined that a 450 mg dose of valerian in an aqueous extract is the optimum dose as an insomnia treatment; a higher dose typically results in grogginess without increasing effectiveness, and therefore care should be taken when administering valerian as a treatment for insomnia. Furthermore, in 1982 Leatherwood and colleagues performed a double-blind crossover study of 128 subjects, which found valerian root to not only be effective as a sedative for insomnia, but also effective in improving the overall quality of sleep in test subjects.

The effects of valerian on the body are similar to that of benzodiazepine, an active ingredient in Valium™, but without dulling effects or next-day lethargy (it has been suggested that Valium’s name was inspired by valerian, although the two are completely different chemically and should not be confused as being the same or even related). Valerian is commonly prescribed as a calming sleep aid and widely recommended for treating anxiety-related sleep problems.

Unlike other commonly prescribed sleep medication, it is entirely nontoxic, does not impair the ability to drive or operate heavy machinery, nor does it exaggerate the effects of alcohol.

It has been documented that valerian can act as a delayed stimulant for some individuals depending on body chemistry.

In the case of certain metabolic conditions, the effect is one of initially calming them down only to cause a surge of energy several hours later - not an effect desired by those interested in using valerian as a nighttime sleeping remedy. Some professional herbalists suggest taking fresh valerian root extract as opposed to extract from dried valerian, as it is less likely to cause such a reaction.

http://www.sleepsecrets.info

To Download 2 Free Chapters from “Learn While You Sleep” just send blank email to sleepexit@film.par32.com Mike Slawomir Cecotka - Publisher

The Skeptics Will Be Proven Wrong

July 21, 2006 on 4:17 am | In Type 1 Diabetes, Diabetes Cure Research | Comments Off

Some researchers and commentators have recently suggested that continuous blood glucose monitoring may not improve control for someone with Type 1 Diabetes. This is quite surprising to me, and the view is short sighted. The continuous blood glucose monitoring devices that have been created by MiniMed, DexCom, and others are the first generation of these products. Without a doubt, they will get better in the future. Even now, I would much prefer to have sometimes inaccurate readings that alert me of a low blood sugar during the night than to have a low blood sugar without realizing it. I would much rather wake up a few times during the night (because of the alarm) than to never wake up despite having a potentially life threatening low blood sugar.

I hope that these sorts of studies do not thwart the efforts to improve the lives of people with Type 1 Diabetes. Indeed, any new invention when first released is not perfect, but it is a base upon which great inventions can be built. Only 30 years ago, most people did not even conceive of the idea of a computer that you could fit inside a room of your house. Today, we have laptops that are far more powerful that only weight 3 pounds.

My hope is that the technology can improve quickly and that doctors will see the benefit for people with Type 1 Diabetes. Within only a few years, we will wonder how we ever lived before continuous blood glucose monitoring. It will save lives, and it is the missing piece in the “artificial pancreas”.

A New Form of Insulin Made From a Flower

July 20, 2006 on 4:25 am | In Type 1 Diabetes, Diabetes Cure Research, Type 2 Diabetes | Comments Off

Recently, doctors in Calgary discovered a way to create large amounts of insulin at far lower prices than the insulin that is currently being created synthetically. As reported, the insulin, which comes from genetically modified safflower, has the potential to supply the needs of all people by 2010 with only 16,000 acres of safflower plants.

This is remarkable. In particular, one statistic is staggering: Last year, there were only 10,000 pounds of insulin used, but it is expected that approximately 35,000 pounds of insulin will be needed by 2010. According to this report, the amount of insulin needed for all people with diabetes will more than triple over the next four years.

Clearly, people have been contracting Type 2 Diabetes at epidemic proportions, but it’s hard to believe that the worldwide insulin needs would increase by 3.5 times in just four years. Of course, the projected quantity for 2010 could take into account the vast number of people that currently cannot afford treatment and the large number of people that are undiagnosed. Nevertheless, the numbers are pretty scary.

This is great news. Although I hope to have a cure before too long, it is great to hear another early story of a substantial advance in diabetes treatment. When I was in Africa a few years ago, I remember being told that diabetes was “the rich person’s disease”. With this and other advancements, the hope is that treatment will become more available to everyone, not just the privileged.

Original Story

Do Dairy Products Cause Diabetes?

July 18, 2006 on 3:36 am | In Type 1 Diabetes | Comments Off

Are dairy products healthy? Does drinking a glass of milk a day keep our bones strong? Like with studies of coffee, it seems that eachstudy of milk seems to contradict the one that preceded it. For example, Walter Willett, a professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, has suggested that most Americans get far more calcium than they actually need and that an adult would do well with only one to
two servings of dairy each day. A new study in Diabetes Care suggests something quite different, however. The authors find that higher milk consumption for women with Type 2 Diabetes may have a negative relationship with being overweight and with being insulin resistant. Thus, the women that drank more milk were healthier over the ten years (on average) for the study.

Dr. Willett has suggested that there is an inherent conflict with the USDA creating the food pyramid. The USDA has an interest in supporting the consumption of dairy and agriculture, both of which he feels are overrepresented on the pyramid. He recommends supplementing your diet with one calcium vitamin if you are concerned of a shortage, especially a vitamin that also includes vitamin D.

This new study focused on middle aged and elder women only. Although the study does not suggest that drinking more low-fat milk causes a person to have a lower chance of diabetes, the correlation was present in their findings of women with no history of diabetes in their families. Unlike the USDA, this group of doctors did not have the same incentive to support dairy farmers.

Who is right? Should we consume more or less dairy than we already do? If you are a middle aged or elder woman, the latest study suggests that low fat dairy may do you well. For adults, both sides do recommend that the milk that is consumed be low-fat or skim (because of the high saturated fat content).