A study conducted at the University of Warwick has found that eating broccoli regularly can reverse the damage done to blood vessels in diabetics due to a high sugar level (hyperglycemia).

Both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetics are five times more likely to develop cardiovascular problems such as heart attacks and strokes than normal, as both are linked to damaged blood vessels.

A compound called sulforaphane found in brassica vegetables, including broccoli, encourages the production of enzymes which protect the blood vessels.

Professor Paul Thornally and his team found that sulforophane triggered production of a protein called nrf2 which guards cells and tissue from damage by stimulating protective antioxidants and detoxifying enzymes. When absorbed into cells, nrf2 activates the defence systems concurrently; the cells' natural antioxidant levels increase and also the enzymes that eradicate toxins from the cells.

The team concluded that activation of nrf2 may prevent the biochemical dysfunction of cells that line the inside of the blood vessels caused by high levels of blood sugar, and Professor Thornally advises that sulforaphane from vegetables including broccoli may help counter processes linked to the development of vascular disease in diabetics.

I recommend that all of my diabetic clients supplement their diet with a compound of dehydrated fruits and vegetables - including brassica vegetables such as broccoli - to ensure that they are receiving the highest quantity of nutrients possible. Less than 10% of people regularly consume the minimum 5-8 servings of fruits and vegetables, and due to compromised farming methods and a reduction in the quality of fresh produce, it is advisable for all diabetics to supplement their diets with these vital nutrients.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Katie_Rebecca_Williams

Natural therapies such as diet changes, exercise, and specific nutritional supplements are very helpful in helping to better manage type 1 and type 2 diabetes. If followed closely, they can effectively reverse pre-diabetes. It is important to consult with your doctor prior to starting a nutritional protocol for diabetes. Proper monitoring is very important.

Proper diet and exercise are critical in controlling diabetes. Everyday have three meals with moderate portions. Breakfast is essential in to maintain blood glucose fluctuations in the morning. Your snacks should include nuts, seeds, protein drinks vegetables or fruits. Make sure to include at least couple of servings of fruits and three or more servings of vegetables every day. Some foods shown to reduce glucose level include vinegar, grapefruit, peanuts and peanut butter, chile and cinnamon.

A regular exercise program will reduces insulin and glucose levels and shrink fat cells, making glucose control more effective. People with diabetes are more susceptible to cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis, and regular exercise will protect against these disease.

Chromium
Several studies demonstrate chromium's effectiveness in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

Lipoic Acid
This antioxidant is a valuable nutrient for people with diabetes. This is also quite effective for diabetic retinopathy.

Ginseng
Both American and Asian ginseng have been shown to be beneficial for type 2 diabetes.

Pycnogenol
A standardized extract from the bark of the French maritime pine has been shown preliminary studies to modestly decrease blood glucose and hemoglobin A1c levels in people with type 2 diabetes.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sam_G_Smith

First time you've traveled by air since you were diagnosed with diabetes? Here are the basics every insulin-dependent diabetic needs to know before air travel.

Insulin-dependent diabetics should carry their insulin in a thermos in hand baggage on the plane. Diabetic travelers departing the United States and most other problems seldom have a problem with security inspections and are allowed to bring both insulin and syringes on board, but some airports in Europe have confiscated syringes from travelers not carrying a doctor's prescription. In a pinch, you can probably explain that the labels your pharmacy put on the boxes your insulin came in are the same as a prescription. Diabetic travelers should also carry their glucometers so they will know for sure whether blood sugars are high, low, or normal, and every diabetic should carry glucose tablets or snacks at all times.

Generally speaking, it's better to have blood sugars a little high than a little low when on board the plane. If you take "slow" insulin once a day, adjust the time of day you take your shot at your destination to match the time you take it at home. For instance, if you take slow insulin at 6 p.m. at home and you fly six time zones west, take your slow insulin six hours earlier (noon) while you're on your trip. If you fly east, take your insulin later (although it's usually OK to be late or early an hour on two). For instance, if you fly from Chicago to Moscow (nine hours east) and you usually take your slow insulin a 6 p.m., the ideal time to inject would be 3 in the morning. In those cases, early morning will probably be OK.

All diabetics need to carry diabetic identification at all times, whether a bracelet, necklace, or wallet card. Bracelets and necklaces are more likely to checked by emergency personnel. A wallet card is likely to be checked only if there has been an extreme emergency.

And if you live in a temperate or tropical climate and you are traveling to a more polar climate, get ready for unusual fluctuations in your insulin needs. Many adult diabetics with LADA or type II diabetes have some insulin production in their own bodies. Longer nights, for reasons scientists are just beginning to understand, sometimes increase that insulin production. If you live in Miami and you fly off to Norway, you may find that your sugars are lower than you would expect. Be sure to test your blood sugars even on the busiest travel days. You may enjoy your trip a whole lot more if you do.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robert_Rister