Diabetes has become an alarming disease. It has reached epidemic proportions in the United States. It is time for the general public to be conscious about it. For people with diabetes, extra care in picking their diet will not only let them control the disease, it can also help them do away with insulin. Doctors often prescribe pills or tablets for most diabetics in an effort to stabilize their condition before resorting to any use of insulin. Choosing a diet specially programmed for people with diabetes can help them prolong the treatment of their ailment with medication and thereby postpone the use of insulin.
People who suffer from diabetes have problems breaking down and assimilating carbohydrates into their system. Carbohydrates are a fairly big group or cluster of foods that people need for a balanced diet. Sugar, which many people think diabetics must stay away from, is only one example or component of carbohydrates. Aside from white sugar, other elements of carbohydrates can be found in pasta, white bread, some vegetables, potatoes, fruits, and any food with high content of white flour.
Carbohydrates constitute a complex assemblage of foods. Different groups give rise to different conditions in the blood stream. Although people with diabetes have problems breaking down carbohydrates in general, the most difficult process happens with carbohydrates that rate high in the Glycemic Index. Foods with the highest Glycemic Index rating also pose the greatest harm for diabetics.
A diet for people with diabetes allows them to limit their intake of harmful carbohydrates as indicated in the Glycemic Index. Those who have been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, and given medication as well as diet suggestions by their doctors, would do very well to heed the doctors' advice. Studies show that people with diabetes tend to be more in denial and non-compliant compared to other categories of patients. This should not be the case. By electing to follow rigorously a diet for people with diabetes and taking the prescribed medication, diabetics can still live to the fullest.
A diet for people with diabetes is low in carbohydrates and high in protein. Sugars and white flour must be discarded. Rice, pasta and any food that is rich in carbohydrates, should be avoided. The low carbohydrate diet that was fashionable years ago can be helpful for diabetics. Such a diet had at varying degrees very limited content of carbohydrates. Also helpful are diabetic cookbooks which diabetics can use to prepare a diet that effectively responds to their needs.
The bad news is many people continue to be found having diabetes. The good news is there is now a growing body of information about cookbooks and diets for people with diabetes that is available in the market or through the internet. Diabetes puts a heavy strain on the human body. Having a healthy diet can reduce the ill-effects of the disease on the body and allow diabetics to live a fruitful and longer lives.
It is important for diabetics to get themselves familiar with the Glycemic Index, rigorously follow a diet prescribed for people with diabetes, get their blood sugar levels regularly monitored and take their medication per doctor's prescription. This is the only way they can keep their disease in check and prevent many of its dreaded complications from arising.

Diabetics go through daily struggles with their ailment. And they still have to cope with other discomforts and pain associated with diabetes. One of the many complications that diabetics are likely to contend with are sexual problems. These sexual problems that are caused by diabetes affect both women and men, although not in the same way for both sexes. The nervous system governs the way how our bodies respond to all kinds of stimuli, including sexual stimuli. High blood sugar levels adversely affect the nervous system, which in turn create sexual problems for diabetics.
Male diabetics who have sexual problems often experience erectile dysfunction. In fact the American Diabetes Institute has estimated that no less than 85 percent of diabetic men go through various degrees of erectile dysfunction. Aside from the possibility of putting undue strain on their marriages, such a condition also takes a heavy toll on their emotional well-being. They have to contend not only with diabetes as a disease, they also have to grapple with sagging self-confidence.
The medical profession identifies erectile dysfunction as one of the symptoms of diabetes. Thus in a situation where a man experiences erectile dysfunction, especially for extended periods of time, it is important for him to consult his doctor to make sure if he is suffering from undiagnosed diabetes or not. It is a good thing that treatments or medications are available for men who are having sexual problems caused by diabetes. What patients need is to fully disclose their problems with their doctors.
Unfortunately, male sexual problems caused by diabetes are not limited to erectile dysfunction. There is also what is called as retrograde ejaculation. This problem can even be more dangerous or fatal for men with diabetes. Retrograde ejaculation is a condition where semen goes into the bladder rather than out of the penis when a man ejaculates. Fixing this disorder needs the help of a urologist who may intervene with either medication or surgery.
Sexual problems caused by diabetes do not affect men alone. Women who have diabetes are also vulnerable to experiencing sexual problems. As mentioned earlier, high blood glucose levels can damage the nervous system which, among women, can adversely affect the nerve cells surrounding the vagina. The female sex organ may not respond normally to sexual stimuli, such as lubrication of the vaginal canal during sexual intercourse, which can then result in a painful experience for the woman. There had also been reports that indicate many women who reported nerve damage from hyperglycemia have likewise lost sensation within their genital zones, causing them to lose interest in the sexual act itself. As with men who experience sexual problems due to diabetes, women whose desire for sex has waned can create psychological problems and put pressure on keeping their marriages alive.
Discussing with physicians is not as easy for patients whose ailments are related to sexual problems. But diabetics must understand that they are prone to a number of side effects that unfortunately may impinge upon sexual relations. The best recourse for them is always to seek the help of their physicians who, after fully discussing the problems with them, would be in the best position to provide medical treatment. There are a good number of treatments that can be applied by men and women who are experiencing sexual problems caused by diabetes.
The more common treatments include maintaining the normal levels of blood sugar through exercise, taking a healthy and low-carbohydrate diet and, in more serious cases, taking insulin or medication. Patients need to regularly monitor their blood glucose as directed by doctors. Any information related to sexual problems caused by diabetes is best disclosed to physicians. This way they get proper advice. By knowing what patients can do under their condition they can help themselves manage their sickness better and look forward to a healthier and longer life.

A Bit About the Disease:
Diabetes mellitus, or simply, Diabetes, is a deviation from the natural health condition of the body, and is characterized by less than optimum utilization of glucose by the body due to partial or complete lack of insulin produced by the pancreas. The symptoms include excessive urine production, or polyuria, excessive thirst and increased fluid intake, or polydipsia, blurred vision, unexplained weight loss and lethargy. Diabetes is of two types - Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 Diabetes is generally, but not necessarily, a birth defect where the body just doesn't produce enough insulin to keep blood sugar at normal levels. Type 2 Diabetes afflicts mostly people with excessive weight and the condition is characterized by the inability of the body to use insulin secreted by the pancreas. There is also a less common type of Diabetes - Gestational Diabetes - that occurs in women during the second half of pregnancy and disappears after delivery.
Natural Remedies for Treating Diabetes:
Type 2 Diabetes is also known as a 'lifestyle disease', which simply means that it can be prevented by taking some positive lifestyle improvement measures, and controlled by resorting to multiple natural remedies. The following few paragraphs enunciate some of the effective natural remedies to treat Diabetes.
The first thing you can do is to change your lifestyle from lethargic to a more active one. Daily regular walk and moderate exercise form part of a natural health routine. Physical exercise must be supported by Yoga asanas to be performed under the assistance and guidance of an expert. Remember, Yoga is definitely beneficial for your health, but if performed in a wrong manner, it can also lead to further health complications. The aim is to reduce the weight in a healthy manner and to achieve ideal bodyweight.
Diet restriction is also part and parcel of a Diabetic's life. Don'ts include alcohol, soft drinks, sugary desserts, fruit-juice, fatty, fried, and cholesterol-rich food. Do's include vegetables, fruit, fermented whole grains, fiber-rich food, bitter gourd, almonds, and substances high in omega three oils (olive oil, flaxseed oil, fish oil, borage oil).
As an integral part of natural health, plenty of home remedies are also prescribed for the treatment of Diabetes. Some of these include:-
1. Take 1-liter of boiling water and add 3-tablespoons of cinnamon. Simmer for 20 minutes and then, strain the mixture. Drink this mixture daily. 2. Drink watery juice of a small Bitter Gourd every morning. 3. Boil 3-4 fresh leaves of mango tree in the morning and drink.
Undoubtedly, there are plenty more natural remedies available for the treatment of Diabetes. In fact, our traditional knowledge has proven more than occasionally that attainment of natural health through natural means in not only desirable, but also possible.

If you are like me, diabetes runs in your family. Knowing what symptoms to look for makes it much easier to know if you or someone you love may have diabetes.
There are two types of diabetes, type 1 and type 2. Type 1 diabetes is when your pancreas does not secrete enough insulin. Type 2 diabetes is when your body does not sufficiently absorb the insulin your pancreas produces.
There are many symptoms for diabetes. The most recognizable for all types of diabetes is excessive thirst, hunger, and urination. Symptoms for Type I diabetes can develop quite rapidly, in as little as weeks or months. Symptoms for Type 2 diabetes are generally milder and can take much longer to surface.
Type I diabetes often causes rapid weight loss, even though there may be an increase of food intake. It also causes prolonged fatigue, nausea, blurry vision, dry mouth, bad breath, and slowed healing.
There are a few circumstances, you should seek medical attention immediately.
If you feel nauseated, weak, and excessively thirsty; are urinating very frequently; have abdominal pain; or are breathing more than normal, with sweet breath that smells like nail polish remover. You may need immediate medical attention for ketoacidosis, a potentially deadly complication of Type I diabetes. If you are having weakness or fainting spells; are experiencing a rapid heartbeat, trembling, and excessive sweating; and feel irritable, hungry, or suddenly drowsy. You could be developing hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). You may need a carbohydrate snack promptly to prevent more serious complications.

Diabetes mellitus is a medical condition in which the capacity to produce insulin in the body is marginally or significantly reduced. Because of this condition, glucose uptake by the body cells becomes deficient, and blood sugar levels increase. Type 1 diabetic patients produce little or no insulin, and hence need insulin injections to control their blood sugar. Type 2 diabetic patients can control their blood sugar with a combination of diet, weight management, exercise and glucose-lowering medications.

Diabetes mellitus is known in Ayurveda as "Madhumeha". Ayurveda describes the pathology of this disease as resulting from a disturbed "Meda, Kleda and Kapha". It is believed that all the body tissues lose their vitality because of this condition.

Type 1 diabetic patients who are dependent on insulin injections should monitor their blood sugar and continue the injections regularly. Type 2 diabetic patients may be able to control their blood sugar with Ayurvedic medicines and other measures like diet restrictions and weight control.

Traditional Ayurvedic formulations useful in diabetes are: Arogya Vardhini, Vasant Kusumakar Rasa, Chandraprabha Vati, Prameha Gaja Kesari, Lodhrasava, Khadirarishta, Jambvasava, Trivanga Bhasma, and Suvarna Makshik Bhasma. Herbal medicines useful in this condition are: Haridra (Curcuma longa), Nimba (Azadirachta indica), Karela (Momordica charantia), Saptakapi (Casearia esculenta), Musta (Cyperus rotundus), Daruharidra (Berberis aristata), Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna), Khadeer (Acacia catechu), Lodhra (Symplocos racemosa), Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), Patol (Trichosanthe dioica), Vata (Ficus bengalensis), Udumbar (Ficus glomerata), Jamun (Syzygium cumini), Bilwa (Aegle marmelos) , Gudmar (Gymnema sylvestre), Methi (Trigonella foenum-graecum), Asana (Pterocarpus marsupium),Shilajit (Purified Bitumen) and Kumbha (Leucas cephalotes).

Most of the herbal medicines mentioned above reduce blood sugar gradually, and stimulate the body to secrete insulin on its own. These medicines also act on the "Meda" and "Kapha" tissues, reduce "Kleda", and restore body vitality. Thus they act on the basic pathology of this disease. Taken for long periods, these medicines may help to reverse the disease process in diabetes, and give long lasting relief, or sometimes, even a permanent cure. Unlike modern medicines, medical emergencies like hypoglycemia (a sudden lowering of blood sugar) are not seen with the use of herbal medicines.

Long-term complications of diabetes include diseases related to the eyes, nerves, kidneys, heart, brain, intestines, sexual organs, skin and feet. Ayurvedic medicines are very effective in preventing or significantly reducing symptoms related to these complications, and are useful in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Ayurvedic medicines used specially for this are: Tapyadi Loha, Kaishor Guggulu, Agni Tundi Rasa, Vish Tinduk Vati, Kanchnaar Guggulu, Trayodashang Guggulu, Ekanga Veer Rasa, Vaat Gajankush Rasa and Amalaki (Emblica officinalis).

Thus, Ayurvedic medicines are useful both for reducing blood sugar and for treating long-term complications. These medicines can be used independently or as additional therapy to modern medicines. Ayurvedic treatment can significantly reduce the morbidity (severity of disease) and mortality (death rate) associated with diabetes mellitus.

Diabetic foot is an umbrella term for foot problems in patients with diabetes mellitus. Due to arterial abnormalities and diabetic neuropathy, as well as a tendency to delayed wound healing, infection or gangrene of the foot is relatively common. Ten to Fifteen per cent of diabetic patients develop foot ulcers at some point in their lives and foot related problems are responsible for up to 50% of diabetes related hospital admissions.

Diabetic foot infection is a disease that is generally associated with damaged nerves and restricted blood supply due to diabetes, thereby causing deep sores and infections in the skin, muscles, or bones of the foot region.

Description
Diabetic patients are more vulnerable to foot infections. As the disease is often associated with low blood circulation and nervous disorders, people with high diabetes are more likely to be infected with foot diseases.

However, there is very little chance for the patient with a foot infection to realize the real importance of the situation; as he hardly gets a chance to feel any pain or discomfort in the region. In most of the cases, the ailment remains undiscovered, until, marked by some kind of weakness or fever occurring at frequent intervals.

Since, the root of the problem is related with the malfunctioning of the nerve cells, there are a number of problems that can arise due to the cause of the disease. Often it is found that the nerve cells controlling the sweating of glands do not work and as a result, the skin becomes dry, giving way to form calluses. These calluses are later on found to be the root of ulcers and other detrimental infections.

Diabetic foot disease is more commonly spread amongst those above 60 years of age. It is also found to be prominent amongst those with kidney or vascular disease, foot infections, excess and uncontrolled diabetes. People who have lost their sense of feeling or sensation or with some nervous disorder are all the more vulnerable to the effect of the disease.

Causes
One of the most predominant things behind the cause and spread of the infection is bacteria. Bacteria enter the skin conveniently through the cracks and fissures that are developed in the dry skin around the heels, corns and other regions of the foot . This in turn causes a slow and steady damage to the skin, tissue and bone in the various parts of the body. The bacterial sites may include, the blisters, corns, calluses on the skin; bunions, hammertoes, in the bones of the foot; any scar tissues from some earlier infection; and even in the ulcer affected regions of the foot.

Prevention
Prevention is by frequent podiatry review, good foot hygiene, diabetic socks and shoes, and avoiding injury.

Foot-care education combined with increased surveillance can reduce the incidence of serious foot lesions.

Footwear
All major reviews recommend special footwear for patients with a prior ulcer or with foot deformities. One review added neuropathy as an indication for special footwear. The comparison of custom shoes versus well-chosen and well-fitted athletic shoes is not clear.

A meta-analysis by the Cochrane Collaboration concluded that "there is very limited evidence of the effectiveness of therapeutic shoes". The date of the literature search for this review is not clear. Clinical Evidence reviewed the topic and concluded "Individuals with significant foot deformities should be considered for referral and assessment for customised shoes that can accommodate the altered foot anatomy. In the absence of significant deformities, high quality well fitting non-prescription footwear seems to be a reasonable option". National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence has reviewed the topic and concluded that for patients at "high risk of foot ulcers (neuropathy or absent pulses plus deformity or skin changes or previous ulcer" that "specialist footwear and insoles" should be provided.

Treatment
Foot ulcers in diabetes require multidisciplinary assessment, usually by diabetes specialists and surgeons. Treatment consists of appropriate bandages, antibiotics (against staphylococcus, streptococcus and anaerobe strains), debridement and arterial revascularisation.

It is often 500 mg to 1000 mg of flucloxacillin, 1 g of amoxicillin and also metronidazole to tackle the putrid smelling bacteria.

Specialists are investigating the role of nitric oxide in diabetic wound healing. Nitric oxide is a powerful vasodilator, which helps to bring nutrients to the oxygen deficient wound beds. Specialists are using forms of light therapy such as LLLT to treat diabetic ulcers.

In 2004, The Cochrane review panel concluded that for people with diabetic foot ulcers, hyperbaric oxygen therapy reduced the risk of amputation and may improve the healing at 1 year. They also suggest that the availability of hyperbaric facilities and economic evaluations should be interpreted.

The appropriate treatment includes prior culture and proper detection of the infection. Then accordingly, some antibiotics are prescribed or if required, the infected tissue is removed from the site. Sometimes the doctors also make surgeries in the region of the ulcers to ensure an increase blood circulation in the region. In addition, the patients are also advised to keep a good diabetes check on their health.

Acupuncture is also practiced on the respective patient with a foot infection, in accordance with the degree of ailment. To enhance the body's ability to fight infections, doctors often prescribe several vitamin-enriched herbs and vitamin C to the concerned patients.

Developed in 1981 at the University of Toronto primarily for diabetics, the Glycemic Index has become the compelling basis for a growing number of diets, such as the South Beach diet, among many others. The Glycemic Index has categorized various carbohydrate-rich foods according to the length of time it takes for each food to get digested and absorbed by the body. Foods that require the longest time to break down have the highest Glycemic Index rating. The rating indicates that such kind of foods can do the greatest harm for diabetics. On the other hand, foods that take the least time to break down have the lowest score or rating. This means that foods with low Glycemic Index ratings are good for diabetics. Foods with low Glycemic Index scores are also recommended for those who want to limit their intake of carbohydrates.

Good foods for diabetics undergo a slow absorption process. This condition allows the human body enough time to break starches and refined sugars down so that these compounds get assimilated properly. Type 1 and Type 2 diabetics have problems in digesting carbohydrates. The higher the ratings of these carbohydrates on the Glycemic Index, the more difficult it will be for diabetics to digest these foods, and thus the more difficult for them to expel excess sugar from their bloodstream. Diabetics would do well to keep distance from foods rich in carbohydrates; and they would do even better if they discrimate against those that are harmful for them over those that are not.

Good foods for diabetics have low Glycemic Index scores or ratings. Although categorized as carbohydrates, these foods present less problems for diabetics to digest and therefore healthier compared to other foods with high Glycemic Index scores or ratings. To avoid exposing themselves to unnecessary risks, diabetics may substitute foods that are high on the Glycemic Index ratings with low carbo ratings, many of which are readily available in food stores or supermarkets anyway.

Foods with low Glycemic Index ratings consist mostly of vegetables and fruits. Although vegetables and fruits contain sugar, the type of sugars found in these good glycemic foods get digested at a lower pace, aside of course from providing much needed nutrients to diabetics, or to anyone for that matter. The lone vegetable that rates high on the Glycemic Index is potato. Diabetics therefore should be wise enough to skip it. In terms of preference, vegetables and fruits in general are far better than corn flakes, white bread, white rice, and any food mixed with flour or refined white sugar.

There are other good foods for diabetics. Wheat flour-based pastas, basmati rice and wholegrain breads are recommended for Type 1 and Type 2 diabetics. These foods are helpful for those who wish to control the blood sugar levels and for those who just want to have a healthy diet.

It is thus not only a question of avoiding carbohydrates when one wants to manage diabetes, it is also a question of knowing which sets of carbohydrates are more harmful for diabetics compared to other sets of foods. Diabetes can be managed well by taking the right foods, complying with what doctors prescribe, and regularly monitoring the patient's blood sugar levels.

There is today a growing concern about attack of diabetes on African Americans. Data from the National Diabetes Education Program, for example, indicate that diabetes is hitting African Americans in epidemic proportions. The African Americans constitute one of biggest ethnic groups in the US that heavily suffers from Type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, the affliction is the leading cause of disability and mortality among African Americans in the country.

A number of factors that cause Type 2 diabetes has been identified. Genetic factors, obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes during pregnancy and high cholesterol are some of the factors that are believed to cause some 95 percent of all cases of Type 2 diabetes. Although unsupported by scientific data, the genetic make up of African Americans is suspected to provide links to their vulnerability to the disease. Estimates place the number of diabetic African Americans at 3.2 million, 33 percent of them believed undiagnosed.

Within the African American communities, data indicate that chances of giving in to complications brought about by diabetes are higher among poor African Americans than other ethnic blocs. This raises the possibility that lack of access to health care services and helpful information with respect to the disease might be the chief reason why attack of diabetes at least on a certain segment of the African American population is on the rise. The possibility of contracting the disease is relatively lower for richer African Americans and equal to that of other ethnic groups.

Aside from lack of access to health care services, inadequate information on diabetes and lack of access to emergency medical attention and lifesaving drugs, most people who belong to poor communities are exposed to foods that may lack nutritional value. The mushrooming of fast food chains seem to target ethnic groups like African Americans. Foods served by fast food restaurants are often high in fats and carbohydrates, but low in nutrients that really matter. An example is French fries, which lead among food items that are not recommended for diabetics. Unfortunately, French fries have become almost synonymous to fast food restaurants. French fries are carbohydrates-rich and also high in fat, but wanting in protein. Low-income class households patronize these fast food restaurants because they offer relatively inexpensive choices of menu. They respond to the needs of families with limited budget.

The attack of Type 2 diabetes on African Americans can be foiled in various ways. If you belong to high-risk groups, these are the suggestions: One, find out from the Glycemic Index the list of foods that should be avoided by diabetics; and shun them. Two, try to get yourself involved in a serious exercise routine. If you are obese, make getting rid of extra poundage one of your exercise key goals. Three, avail yourself of regular screening examinations for diabetes. Try to get in touch with your local health offices, whose services are free, if you have no access to other providers of health care services. These tests are sometimes crucial to providing timely medication that may yet prove effective for otherwise hopeless cases.

Suggestions addressed directly to African Americans include resisting fast food restaurants. Unhealthy foods are not only suspected of giving rise to diabetes, they also lead to heart diseases and even cancer. They must realize the urgent nature of the problem. Type 2 diabetes has marked African Americans as relatively easy prey.

Hermilando D. Aberia is a development professional with the following key qualifications: (1) Master's degree in Development Management and a specialized training on project and procurement management from the Asian Institute of Management. (2) More than 22 years of professional experience gained from working as either consultant or key staff member of foreign-assisted projects, local government units, national government agencies and NGOs. My competencies include (a) facilitating and coordinating community-driven development processes; (b) knowledge and skills in all aspects of project management; and (c) research. (3) Excellent communication skills. I am proficient in spoken and written English, major Philippine languages like Tagalog, Cebuano and Waray, along with a basic knowledge of Spanish.