Dr. Stephen Hsu, one of the Medical College’s researchers stated that their study had been focusing on Sjogrens syndrome and the ability to prevent/delay it through the use of the EGCG antioxidant found in green tea. Dr. Hsu, a molecular/cell biologist in the School of Dentistry, said that “learning that EGCG could delay and prevent insulin dependent Type 1 diabetes was a big surprise.”

Since Sjogrens syndrome is an autoimmune disease, as is Type 1 Diabetes, green tea’s EGCG extract had the same affect on the body’s production of self-damaging causing antibodies.

The study was performed on mice with the control group being given water and a test group being given a purified form of EGCG mixed into the water. After 16 weeks the mice that had been fed the green tea were 6.1 times more likely not to have diabetes than those who were given plain water. At 22 weeks, the mice were 4.2 times more apt to be diabetes free.

Earlier diabetes-green tea studies on other animals had proved inclusive because a chemical had been injected which actually caused the diabetes. This was ineffective, says Dr. Hsu, who worked on this study as well, “because Type 1 Diabetes is a genetic disease and a chemical may not accurately resemble disease development in humans.”

Dr. Hsu went on to explain that this green tea-diabetes/Sjogrens was important because the mice used already had the genetic problems like those seen in people with Type 1 Diabetes. Consequently the pancreas is attacked by the immune cells until the pancreas no longer produces the necessary insulin.

In a different study reported in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, the black tea and green tea diabetes connection has been reinforced. In this 3 month study, laboratory rats who were given the teas had a lower blood sugar and diabetes induced cataracts were inhibited. This significant discovery reveals that the use of black and green tea for diabetes prevention and associated problems. Researchers state, “Black and green tea represent a potentially inexpensive, non-toxic, and, in fact, pleasurable blood sugar lowering agent. Tea may be a simple, inexpensive means of preventing and retarding human diabetes and the ensuing complications.”

For those interested in adding green tea to their diet, note that in order to receive the same amount-equivalent as the mice, a 143 pound person needs to drink 4 ½ 8 ounce cups of tea every day.

Sources:

http://diabetes.webmd.com/news/20050420/black-tea-green-tea-good-for-diabetes

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Many diabetic seniors have specific questions about how their Medicare or insurance coverage can help in the cost of daily testing and monitoring of their blood glucose levels. The good news is that as of January, 2005, Medicare will cover up to 100% of approved test strips and glucose meters for diabetic seniors, and even offer free delivery in many cases (standard deductibles, co-payments and some restrictions will apply). In addition, many diabetic seniors can have the cost of necessary, semi-annual A1c tests in the doctor’s office covered in full by their Medicare plan.

Diabetic seniors should never trust only the results of at-home tests to establish their situation, and always rely on the advice and guidance of a trained medical professional to better understand and treat their condition. Though it is true that there are now more diagnosed diabetic seniors than ever before, it is also true that today’s diabetic seniors have more affordable and convenient ways to help themselves to discovering a better lifestyle, living with their diabetic condition.

Please be aware that this page on senior diabetes is meant for informational purposes only; please consult a physician for more specific questions pertaining to individual cases.

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But the good news is that living with senior diabetes is not typically difficult if you take specific measures to better manage the factors that will directly affect your blood glucose levels and overall well being. With a doctor’s help to determine the proper balance of diet, exercise and medications to control your senior diabetes, you can easily live a long and happy life, often free from the symptoms or complications associated with your diabetic condition. Living with senior diabetes is really a question of making better life management choices, so you should always refer to a trained medical professional to help you design and administer the long-term plan that works best for you.

You must play an active role in managing your senior diabetes, from decisions you make about diet and exercise through your daily glucose monitoring to help your doctor better understand your health. The diagnosis of senior diabetes may be more common than you knew, but each unique situation will call for unique measures to help each senior understand how to live the richest, most rewarding life.

Please be aware that this page on senior diabetes is meant for informational purposes only; please consult a physician for more specific questions pertaining to individual cases.

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What Are Diabetes Support Groups?

Diabetes support groups consist of diabetics like you who come together periodically for an hour or two to provide mutual support. Diabetic support groups can help you in several ways:

1.  Help You Realize You Are Not Alone

Part of the shock of being diagnosed with diabetes is the sudden realization that you are alone with this scary, life-threatening disease. But you don’t have to be alone. By joining one of the many diabetes support groups that exist throughout the country, you can meet and talk with other diabetics who probably felt the same way you did when they received their diagnosis. The members of your group can help you realize that the fears you have are not unique to you but are common ones that most other diabetics have felt one time or another.

2.  Share Common Experiences

In diabetes support groups, you don’t have to learn from your mistakes. Many people in your group have already made them and can warn you about them ahead of time. They also can give you advice and recommendations based on their own experiences. Unlike other people in your life — even your spouse, partner or doctor — the members of your diabetic support group can identify with your fears and joys and also with the mistakes you make in your new lifestyle because they have felt and experienced them also.

3.  Help You Learn More About Your Disease

Diabetes support groups are actually repositories of knowledge. Over the years, the men and women who comprise diabetic support groups have accumulated a wealth of knowledge that rivals the information provided by medical experts. You can tap into that knowledge they share during the meeting or in personal discussions. Physicians and other health care professionals are sometimes invited to speak at meetings to share their knowledge as well. Eventually, you will become an expert and can share your expertise too.

4.  Help Turn Self-Defeating Behavior into Positive Behavior

If you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes, it’s easy to become negative and to develop self-defeating behaviors. Diabetics like yourself have found that diabetes support groups can help you feel better about yourself, so you can turn your negative behavior into positive behavior.

5.  Have People You Can Turn to For Help

If you should encounter a diabetic problem or crisis, diabetic support groups provide people you can turn to for help that only fellow diabetics can give.

6.  Develop Lasting Friendships

One neat thing about diabetes support groups is that you can develop lasting friendships with the people you meet in them. These friendships are unique because you and your friends are joined by a common bond and set of shared experiences. The friendships you develop in diabetic support groups can make a big difference in your life.

7.  How Do You Find Diabetic Support Groups?

It is not difficult to locate diabetes support groups in your area. Most likely your physician knows about some or you can ask at your local hospital. You also can go online, as many diabetic support groups are on referral websites or have their own sites.

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Special occasions can be challenging, especially when they seem to be completely centered around food. But, by following some simple diabetes management tips, you can join in on the festivities!

BYOF (Bring Your Own Food). If you know there’s going to be a dessert table you can’t touch, bring your own healthy snack or dish you can enjoy (your host will probably appreciate it, too).

Pack smart. Good diabetes management starts with regular blood glucose testing. Be sure to bring your meter and testing supplies. Also bring some non-perishable snacks if you’re unsure when food will be served (a fast-acting carbohydrate source is especially smart).

Watch the alcohol. Too much alcohol can cause dangerous blood sugar lows. And drink mixers can be full of hidden sugars and calories. According to The American Diabetes Association (ADA), alcohol can be incorporated into a diabetes diet plan, provided that blood sugar control is already well established and certain other conditions and diabetic complications don’t exist. You’ll certainly need to take certain added precautions when you plan on having a drink.

• Eat something. Have a well-balanced meal before you drink, and snack while you are drinking.
• Avoid exercise before drinking. Exercise lowers blood glucose levels, and drinking reduces them even further. Note that dancing counts as exercise, so think about skipping the drinks if you are hitting the dance floor.
• Be prepared. Make sure you have a high carbohydrate snack available in case your blood glucose levels take a dip.

Make Liberty Part of Your Diabetes Management Plan

The best precaution against problems with your diabetes during special occasions is to bring along your blood glucose monitor and check your levels frequently. And, if you are on Medicare and have diabetes, the cost of your diabetes testing supplies may even be covered, whether you use insulin or not.* Liberty Medical Supply can help determine if you are eligible. Call toll-free 1-866-373-8971.

* Co-payments and deductibles apply.
Source: The American Diabetes Association

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The good news is that with proper diabetes treatment, you can stay healthy, feel good and lower your chances of complications, such as eye and kidney disease.

The Components of Diabetes Treatment

Food — Food is one of the main factors that directly impacts blood glucose levels — and one you can control as part of your diabetes treatment. Smart steps include:

• Working with a registered dietitian who is experienced in diabetes treatment to create
  an individualized meal plan.
• Scheduling regular meal times and maintaining a consistent diet.
• Reading food labels carefully and preparing meals from scratch when possible to
  control ingredients and limit additives.

Fitness — Regular exercise is an especially important part of diabetes treatment. It helps insulin work better while reducing your blood glucose levels. Ideally, adults should get 30 minutes of physical activity five or more days per week.

Medicine — Diabetes drugs are another key part of diabetes treatment. Type 1 diabetes, which occurs when the body fails to produce any insulin at all, is treated with insulin. Type 2 diabetes, which results from a condition in which the body doesn’t produce enough insulin — and fails to properly use the insulin it does produce — is often treated with medications that help the pancreas produce more insulin and/or make the body’s cells more sensitive to its own insulin.

Monitoring — At the heart of good diabetes treatment is regular monitoring of your blood glucose levels throughout the day. Once you know your blood glucose level, you can then make sound decisions about managing your diabetes — for example, when and how much medicine to take, when to exercise and when to eat meals or snacks.

Make Liberty Part of Your Diabetes Treatment

If you are on Medicare and have diabetes, the cost of your diabetes testing supplies may be covered, whether you use insulin or not.* Liberty Medical Supply can help determine if you are eligible. Call toll-free 1-866-373-8971.

* Co-payments and deductibles apply

Source: The American Diabetes Association.

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Blood Glucose and Diabetes

Your cells cannot use blood glucose without the help of insulin. Unfortunately, people with diabetes do not naturally produce enough insulin in their pancreas or do not use the insulin they produce effectively. This results in high blood glucose, which, over time, can result in serious health problems.

The good news is that diet and lifestyle changes coupled with medications (such as insulin or oral medications) can help keep blood glucose levels within the recommended range.

Hyperglycemia vs. Hypoglycemia

People with diabetes may experience several conditions related to blood glucose levels.

Hyperglycemia — Symptoms of a high blood glucose level can include:

• Frequent urination
• Excessive thirst
• Blurred vision
• Tiredness

Causes of high blood glucose levels can include:

• Stress
• Infections and illnesses
• Interactions with other medications
• Not taking enough diabetes medication

Hypoglycemia — Low blood glucose symptoms can include:

• Confusion
• Irritability
• Headache
• Sweating
• Trembling

Causes of low blood glucose can include:

• Missing a meal or not getting enough carbohydrates in the meal
• Too much insulin
• Drinking alcohol without food

Blood Sugar Monitoring Is the Key

To keep tabs on your blood glucose levels, your physician may have you check your blood sugar throughout the day using test strips with a blood glucose monitor.

The good news is that if you are on Medicare and have diabetes, the cost of your diabetes testing supplies just might be covered, whether you use insulin or not. Liberty Medical Supply can help determine if you are eligible.

* Co-payments and deductibles apply.
Source: The American Diabetes Association.

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Blood Glucose and Diabetic Levels

People with diabetes have trouble using glucose, a type of sugar found in carbohydrate foods (fruits, grains and vegetables). Cells cannot use blood glucose without the help of insulin. Unfortunately, people with diabetes do not naturally produce enough insulin in their pancreas. This results in high levels of blood glucose. Over time, these high diabetic levels can result in serious health problems.

The good news is that diet and lifestyle changes coupled with medications (such as insulin or diabetes pills) can help keep diabetic levels within the recommended range.

People suffering from diabetes may experience several conditions related to their diabetic levels:

Hyperglycemia — This happens when you have a high blood glucose level. Symptoms can include:

• Frequent urination
• Excessive thirst
• Blurred vision
• Tiredness
• Causes of this high diabetic level can include stress, illness and not taking enough diabetes medication.

Hypoglycemia — This happens when you have a low blood glucose level. Symptoms can include:

• Confusion
• Irritability
• Headache
• Sweating
• Trembling

Causes of this low diabetic level can include missing a meal or not getting enough carbohydrates in the meal, too much insulin or drinking alcohol without food.

Blood Glucose Monitoring

To keep tabs on your diabetic levels, your physician may have you check your blood sugar throughout the day using test strips and a glucose meter.

The good news is that if you are on Medicare and have diabetes, the cost of your diabetes testing supplies may be covered, whether you use insulin or not. Liberty Medical Supply can help determine if you are eligible. Just make one simple toll-free call to 1-866-373-8971 to find out more.

Source: The American Diabetes Association

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Test Strip Tips

1) Always use a fresh test strip. Diabetes test strips are only good for three months after opening the vial.

2) Code your meter. When opening a new container of diabetes test strips, be sure to code your meter using control solution and a new strip.

Sample Tips

1) Wash and dry your hands. Before performing your diabetes test, use an alcohol
pad to clean the area that you’re going to prick.  (Washing your hands in hot water gets the blood flowing).

2) Use a fresh lancet. Prick yourself with a fresh, sterile lancet to get a drop of blood.
Reusing lancets can lead to calluses, infections and increased pain.

3) Try the side. It may be easier and less painful to prick your fingertip on one side, not
on the pad — especially if you perform this diabetes test several times a day.

4) Dangle and squeeze. If you have trouble getting a sample, try dangling your hand below your heart for a minute then slowly squeeze from the base to the tip.

Bad Results?

1) If the entire color spot area of the diabetes test strip does not show full color development (not enough blood) or appears “wet” (too much blood), discard the strip and repeat the diabetes test with a new test strip.

2) If your diabetes test results in an abnormally high or low test reading (a number you feel does not match your symptoms), use control solution to check that your meter is coded properly. Then, retest.

Liberty Medical Supply

Liberty knows that diabetes testing is important for your good health. That’s why they offer delivery of diabetes test supplies directly to your home, on time and on a regular schedule. As a Medicare participating provider, we fill out all Medicare and insurance paperwork for you and submit the forms on your behalf. To find out more about home delivery of your diabetes test supplies, just call Liberty toll-free at 1-866-373-8971.

* Co-payments and deductibles apply.
Source: The American Diabetes Association

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In addition, a pocket reference journal can provide an important written record in the unlikely event your pump or meter’s memory is erased.

What Should Go in to a Pocket Reference Journal?

Use your pocket reference journal to record:

• Daily blood glucose test results
• Carbohydrate intake
• Meal and correction boluses
• Basal rates
• Exercise
• Ketones

Discover New Way of Coping

When you receive a life-altering diagnosis such as diabetes, you can easily feel overwhelmed. Here, a pocket reference journal can be a great tool for managing your diabetes. Use it to not only record blood glucose readings, but also to share your experiences and challenges. Using your pocket reference journal, you can write a paragraph or two about what you’ve eaten, its carb content, as well as activities, how you felt, and any thoughts, questions or fears about your diabetes.

Over time, you can review the entries in your pocket reference journal and note the issues or patterns that appear. For example, does your pocket reference journal show that you tend to eat a candy bar in the afternoon of days you’ve skipped a meal or eaten very little? Here, your pocket reference journal provides the opportunity to examine your behavior and begin to make more conscious choices about managing your diabetes.

By recognizing issues or repeated patterns outlined in your pocket reference journal, you can begin to move forward and discover new ways for coping.

Take Charge With Your Pocket Reference Journal

Other items that could go in to your pocket reference journal include the following:

• Your food plan and dining out
• Counting carbs, BMI, and Glycemic Index
• Medications
• Illness complications “what to do”
• Testing and blood glucose log
• Foot and skin care
• Blood pressure and weight logs
• Spaces to record your medical history, insurance and personal information
• Exercise and leisure
• Smoking and alcohol
• Travel guidelines
• Web and phone resources

Remember, the ultimate goal for a pocket reference journal is to help you organize, record and understand the important issues surrounding managing your diabetes — and make that information easily accessible.

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