Diabetes treatment is more than just using medication. Controlling your blood sugar levels and eating right is also a crucial part of your treatment. Type 1 diabetes usually consists in daily insulin shots and a diabetes diet that will help keep the blood sugar levels normal. For type 2 diabetes, treatment usually includes some medication but overall a controlled diet. Remember that eating right and keeping your blood glucose levels is very important. If you neglect these complications such as high sugar levels can cause comas. Studies have shown that loosing wait contributes to diabetes treatments. This is due to the fact that as you loose weight your pancreas produces more insulin which in turn is used to your benefit. Always check your glucose levels to make sure that your medication and diet is producing positive effects on your body.
When you are first diagnosed with diabetes, some time is needed to check out what procedure works best in keeping your glucose level even. This is why checking your sugar level is extremely important. Furthermore, keeping a log of your sugar levels is also helpful for you and your doctor. If you start to feel nausea, fatigue, thirsty or you’re having hard time breathing, these could be signs that your glucose levels are too high. Other symptoms associated with diabetes are blurred vision, weight loss, frequent urination and extreme hunger.
Of course, treatments for diabetes will help you keep your blood glucose levels normal with less chances of developing complications but, making wise food choices will help minimize risks and help you loose weight. Taking off some pounds can make all the difference in controlling diabetes and lessening your medicine intake. Healthy eating can include less saturated fats, lean meat, law fat or fat free foods, lots of fruits and veggies and low cholesterol intake. Things you should get a lot of are fibers, but avoid salt or fried foods.
Aside from eating well, exercise is also as important. I know, taking care of yourself when you have diabetes sounds like a lot, but don't make this a routine, make it part of your lifestyle. Planning a daily exercise program or exercise at least 3 times a week is a good start off. Aside from loosing weight, you lessen your stress and depression.
Some complications that can occur with diabetes are heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, blindness, nerve damage, kidney disease, dental disease, complications of pregnancy, and amputations due to circulatory problems. If you neglect changing your life style, eating healthy and exercising the complications mentioned could affect you.
If you have not been diagnosed with diabetes yet, but have some symptoms associated with diabetes, there is a treatment for you. Glucose tolerance testing checks glucose levels in different intervals. These tests involve drinking a sugary substance and then being retested at different times, usually starting at two hours and then 30 minute intervals thereafter. What this test does is check the insulin levels that working within the body. In most cases glucose levels should be back to normal after two hours of drinking the sugary substance or eating a meal. This test helps diagnose someone who has pre diabetes and thus allowing them to begin a treatment before any damage has been done by diabetes. A pre diabetes treatment involves losing weight, exercising and in some cases taking oral medications.
About Author:
Siporah Anicama is a successful webmaster and publisher of Diabetes Care - she focuses on writing for diabetes treatments, diabetes diets, juvenile diabetes and more to keep you informed.
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Sunday, October 29, 2006
The Development Of Acne - Where Does The Bacteria Grow
Acne, a chronic disorder of the hair follicles and sebaceous glands. Acne is characterized by black heads, pimple outbreaks, cysts, infected abscesses, and (sometimes) scarring.
What is bacteria: Small single celled organisms from the Moneran kingdom. They are known as prokaryotes, which are classified together because they lack nuclear membranes. They are the most primitive living beings, but help in the nitrogen cycle.
Many people think they know what causes acne, the inflammation of skin pores that results in problems such as blackheads, whiteheads or pimples, primarily in teenagers. There are a lot of misconceptions about acne though. Officially common acne is known as acne vulgaris. And in explaining it, the answer becomes bit complicated. Acne is an inflamed disease of the skin, and it has many causes, one of which is bacteria in the pores of the skin. The body in many ways becomes allergic to this type of bacteria. This attracts while blood cells to fight the allergy, and the pores become blocked. Oil secretions will build up and provide a breeding ground for even more bacteria. Then pimples will form. These red bumps resemble small boils, which fill with a nasty puss caused by the body fighting the infection of the bacteria.
There is probably no perfect cure for acne other than outgrowing it but there are a number nothing that can be done to lessen the physical effects. First, remember that for many years, people thought that acne was caused by poor hygiene and by eating certain foods. Fried foods and chocolate were especially blamed for acne, probably because teenagers eat fried foods and chocolate commonly, but that may have been blaming the messenger for the message. There is no scientific evidence linking diet to acne. Also, while personal hygiene is important and a good thing, over washing can damage skin and actually make acne worse. But good hygiene and a good diet can’t hurt, and they might just help a little. Also using makeup that doesn’t clog pores but can at least assist the body in not making acne worse.
Treatments that kill the bacteria that cause acne included the use of antibiotics like tetracycline, doxycycline and minocyclne, which are taken orally. Also topical antibiotics or bactericides like Benzoyl peroxide or erythromycin can help. The bacteria also known as “P. acnes”, does however become resistant to the antibiotics eventually. However Benzoyl peroxide, an oxidizer, does not seem to generate resistance by the bacteria. While the acne will come back, it is a short term and temporary cure and is applied topically.
Exfoliating the skin can also help. This method can be done by using a cloth or a liquid scrub, or by using certain chemicals. Chemical exfoliating substances include salicylic acid and glycolic acid. Both of these agents cause a peeling of the top layer of skin, which prevents a build up of dead skin which blocks pores when combined with oil. This in turn, makes a breeding ground for bacteria.
Another over the counter remedy is salicylic acid, which softens skin and gets rid of dead skin cells, which in turn unclogs pores. Many face wash products contain this ingredient. Also sulfur contained in many over the counter products works well for many people. Another product is glycolic acid, which is found in anti-aging products as well as acne medicines.
There are also a number of natural remedies that can fight acne and the bacteria that causes it. Tea tree oil is gaining in popularity. It kills the bacteria and also reduces redness and inflammation. It works much the same as Benzoyl peroxide but causes less skin irritation and is carried at health food stories.
Fighting the bacteria that causes acne is of major concern for many medical professionals, and surely with time they will find more and better ways to do so. In the meantime, the treatments listed here can help many people.
Acne responds well to treatment, especially if treated early, at the onset of the condition.
What is bacteria: Small single celled organisms from the Moneran kingdom. They are known as prokaryotes, which are classified together because they lack nuclear membranes. They are the most primitive living beings, but help in the nitrogen cycle.
Many people think they know what causes acne, the inflammation of skin pores that results in problems such as blackheads, whiteheads or pimples, primarily in teenagers. There are a lot of misconceptions about acne though. Officially common acne is known as acne vulgaris. And in explaining it, the answer becomes bit complicated. Acne is an inflamed disease of the skin, and it has many causes, one of which is bacteria in the pores of the skin. The body in many ways becomes allergic to this type of bacteria. This attracts while blood cells to fight the allergy, and the pores become blocked. Oil secretions will build up and provide a breeding ground for even more bacteria. Then pimples will form. These red bumps resemble small boils, which fill with a nasty puss caused by the body fighting the infection of the bacteria.
There is probably no perfect cure for acne other than outgrowing it but there are a number nothing that can be done to lessen the physical effects. First, remember that for many years, people thought that acne was caused by poor hygiene and by eating certain foods. Fried foods and chocolate were especially blamed for acne, probably because teenagers eat fried foods and chocolate commonly, but that may have been blaming the messenger for the message. There is no scientific evidence linking diet to acne. Also, while personal hygiene is important and a good thing, over washing can damage skin and actually make acne worse. But good hygiene and a good diet can’t hurt, and they might just help a little. Also using makeup that doesn’t clog pores but can at least assist the body in not making acne worse.
Treatments that kill the bacteria that cause acne included the use of antibiotics like tetracycline, doxycycline and minocyclne, which are taken orally. Also topical antibiotics or bactericides like Benzoyl peroxide or erythromycin can help. The bacteria also known as “P. acnes”, does however become resistant to the antibiotics eventually. However Benzoyl peroxide, an oxidizer, does not seem to generate resistance by the bacteria. While the acne will come back, it is a short term and temporary cure and is applied topically.
Exfoliating the skin can also help. This method can be done by using a cloth or a liquid scrub, or by using certain chemicals. Chemical exfoliating substances include salicylic acid and glycolic acid. Both of these agents cause a peeling of the top layer of skin, which prevents a build up of dead skin which blocks pores when combined with oil. This in turn, makes a breeding ground for bacteria.
Another over the counter remedy is salicylic acid, which softens skin and gets rid of dead skin cells, which in turn unclogs pores. Many face wash products contain this ingredient. Also sulfur contained in many over the counter products works well for many people. Another product is glycolic acid, which is found in anti-aging products as well as acne medicines.
There are also a number of natural remedies that can fight acne and the bacteria that causes it. Tea tree oil is gaining in popularity. It kills the bacteria and also reduces redness and inflammation. It works much the same as Benzoyl peroxide but causes less skin irritation and is carried at health food stories.
Fighting the bacteria that causes acne is of major concern for many medical professionals, and surely with time they will find more and better ways to do so. In the meantime, the treatments listed here can help many people.
Acne responds well to treatment, especially if treated early, at the onset of the condition.
About Author:
For more articles by this author on this subject and over 100 other subjects visit his world of articles at www.david-mclauchlan.com
Friday, October 27, 2006
Acne 101
It is the bane of a person’s existence. Everybody gets it; everybody hates it. And once you have it, prepare to be tormented, embarrassed and humiliated. Such a small bump, so much at stake. So what is this little bundle of horror? What else but the dreaded pimple!
A pimple, or acne as some people calls it, is a dreaded red, swollen bump in the face. Nobody is spared from having it. Male or female, American, Chinese or Puerto Rican, they all have gotten it at some points of their lives and may even still have it. It is like a universal language; it is like a right of passage in a person’s life. Acne is a result of the hormones action on the skin's oil glands (the sebaceous gland) which leads to clogged pores and outbreak of lesions like pimples, blemishes or acne. Acne commonly occurs in the neck, face, back, shoulders and chest because the sebaceous glands are most abundant in these locations. But the important question we should be asking to be able to avoid this dreaded “disease” is, “What causes this pain in the neck called acne?”
Unfortunately, the causes of acne cannot really be determined (unless your parents or their parents are acne infested too then there’s a big, big chance you’ll be called acne face by your peers and classmates) thus the acne myths are born! These myths claim to be the cause of acne. We shall enumerate them here.
Acne Myth Number 1
Acne is caused by not washing your face often and not scrubbing it hard enough. Many believed that acne is caused by dirt and dust in the face and by washing your face two-three even four times a day or even by scrubbing your face hard can prevent acne. Wrong, wrong, wrong! It is true that dirt and dust is unsightly to the face and washing the face is the way to eradicate them but washing often can actually irritate the skin more. Washing should not be done more than twice a day. More than twice is enough to strip the face of its natural oils making it dry. Also, scrubbing can cause inflammations. Washing the face should be done as gently as possible with the gentlest facial scrub.
Acne Myth Number 2
Improper Diet can cause acne. Certain foods that are oily like French fries and junk food can cause acne to erupt in our face. But scientific studies have not discovered any connection between these two. So this means that food does not cause acne. Though a proper and healthy diet is always good for our system, eating like a pig won’t make pimples a permanent resident in your face. So feel free to eat your favorite Lay’s, French fries and chocolates anytime.
Acne Myth Number 3
When you’re stressed acne tends to pop on your face like popcorn pops from a kernel. Not true. Stress is a part of our daily lives and believe it or not it is not a contributing factor to the acne residing in your face. Only severe stress treated by the doctor MAY cause acne to erupt only as a side effect of the drugs a person may be taking. If this is the case, consult your doctor immediately.
About Author:
Kirsten Hawkins is a freelance writer specializing in skin conditions such as acne and rosacea. Visit www.acnesolution411.com/ for more information on acne and acne treatments.
A pimple, or acne as some people calls it, is a dreaded red, swollen bump in the face. Nobody is spared from having it. Male or female, American, Chinese or Puerto Rican, they all have gotten it at some points of their lives and may even still have it. It is like a universal language; it is like a right of passage in a person’s life. Acne is a result of the hormones action on the skin's oil glands (the sebaceous gland) which leads to clogged pores and outbreak of lesions like pimples, blemishes or acne. Acne commonly occurs in the neck, face, back, shoulders and chest because the sebaceous glands are most abundant in these locations. But the important question we should be asking to be able to avoid this dreaded “disease” is, “What causes this pain in the neck called acne?”
Unfortunately, the causes of acne cannot really be determined (unless your parents or their parents are acne infested too then there’s a big, big chance you’ll be called acne face by your peers and classmates) thus the acne myths are born! These myths claim to be the cause of acne. We shall enumerate them here.
Acne Myth Number 1
Acne is caused by not washing your face often and not scrubbing it hard enough. Many believed that acne is caused by dirt and dust in the face and by washing your face two-three even four times a day or even by scrubbing your face hard can prevent acne. Wrong, wrong, wrong! It is true that dirt and dust is unsightly to the face and washing the face is the way to eradicate them but washing often can actually irritate the skin more. Washing should not be done more than twice a day. More than twice is enough to strip the face of its natural oils making it dry. Also, scrubbing can cause inflammations. Washing the face should be done as gently as possible with the gentlest facial scrub.
Acne Myth Number 2
Improper Diet can cause acne. Certain foods that are oily like French fries and junk food can cause acne to erupt in our face. But scientific studies have not discovered any connection between these two. So this means that food does not cause acne. Though a proper and healthy diet is always good for our system, eating like a pig won’t make pimples a permanent resident in your face. So feel free to eat your favorite Lay’s, French fries and chocolates anytime.
Acne Myth Number 3
When you’re stressed acne tends to pop on your face like popcorn pops from a kernel. Not true. Stress is a part of our daily lives and believe it or not it is not a contributing factor to the acne residing in your face. Only severe stress treated by the doctor MAY cause acne to erupt only as a side effect of the drugs a person may be taking. If this is the case, consult your doctor immediately.
About Author:
Kirsten Hawkins is a freelance writer specializing in skin conditions such as acne and rosacea. Visit www.acnesolution411.com/ for more information on acne and acne treatments.
Herbal Acne Home Cures
Herbal acne home cures can be an effective adjunct to whatever other treatments are being used. It is important to understand that they are not hard and fast 'cures' in the absolute sense, but will instead support the body's capacity to metabolize fats and carbohydrates, and encourage elimination through the lymphatic system.
The class of herbs known as alterative herbs are conceptualized traditionally as 'cleansing' the body's tissues. They are thought of as detoxifying herbs, but they don't work in any obvious way on the body's elimination channels. - Namely, the lungs, kidneys, or colon. As such, they do not easily fit into a Western model of understanding the body. However, they do have a long tradition of use, and are certainly worth trying as an acne home remedy. Because they work on the internal condition of the body, they are not going to replace any of the topical, over the counter acne treatments. But they may provide benefit in an indirect way that these acne products don't.
Alterative herbs tend to be quite gentle in their effect, so they are best used as a long term treatment. Results won't be sudden, but they will improve the general health of the body. They tend to be given for chronic inflammatory problems, especially relating to the skin, such as acne.
These herbs include burdock, cleavers, red clover, figwort, poke root, echinacea, and blue flag. A great combination is blue flag, burdock, yellow dock, and echinacea. These can be mixed together and infused with hot water to make a tea. Drink a cup of this 3 times a day. You can put a little honey in it to make it taste better.
Another possible combination is burdock, dandelion, and sarsaparilla (not the cola!). Mix these together when they are dry herbs, and make a tea in the same way. They can be used separately as well.
There are a number of options for topical acne home remedies as well. Tea tree oil can be applied directly to breakouts, though for those with sensitive skin this may need to be diluted. Fresh cabbage juice can also be applied directly to acne blemishes, and this may be a better option for those with sensitive skin.
An anti inflammatory skin wash can be made from calendula and chamomile. Make a tea as above, then let it cool and keep it in the fridge. Spray or dab this onto the affected areas regularly.
Another combination for an acne home cure skin wash is yarrow, elder flowers, and lavender.
Colloidal minerals such as potassium phosphate and magnesium phosphate can help support the skin. Zinc is excellent to help prevent scarring, as well as fortifying the immune system, and help supports the normal functioning of hormones.
Vitamin C is excellent for encouraging the healing of acne lesions, as well as providing antioxidant support to the immune system.
References:
1. Simon Mills, The Essential Book Of Herbal Medicine
2. Judy Jacka, A - Z Of Natural Therapies
3. Paul Bedson, The Complete Family Guide To Natural Healing
About the Author
B5 supplements for acne have been popular in some quarters, but there is important information you should know before you take that path. Get the vitamin b 5 acne theory debunked here. Rebecca Prescott presents this acne information website, http://www.acnetohealth.com
The class of herbs known as alterative herbs are conceptualized traditionally as 'cleansing' the body's tissues. They are thought of as detoxifying herbs, but they don't work in any obvious way on the body's elimination channels. - Namely, the lungs, kidneys, or colon. As such, they do not easily fit into a Western model of understanding the body. However, they do have a long tradition of use, and are certainly worth trying as an acne home remedy. Because they work on the internal condition of the body, they are not going to replace any of the topical, over the counter acne treatments. But they may provide benefit in an indirect way that these acne products don't.
Alterative herbs tend to be quite gentle in their effect, so they are best used as a long term treatment. Results won't be sudden, but they will improve the general health of the body. They tend to be given for chronic inflammatory problems, especially relating to the skin, such as acne.
These herbs include burdock, cleavers, red clover, figwort, poke root, echinacea, and blue flag. A great combination is blue flag, burdock, yellow dock, and echinacea. These can be mixed together and infused with hot water to make a tea. Drink a cup of this 3 times a day. You can put a little honey in it to make it taste better.
Another possible combination is burdock, dandelion, and sarsaparilla (not the cola!). Mix these together when they are dry herbs, and make a tea in the same way. They can be used separately as well.
There are a number of options for topical acne home remedies as well. Tea tree oil can be applied directly to breakouts, though for those with sensitive skin this may need to be diluted. Fresh cabbage juice can also be applied directly to acne blemishes, and this may be a better option for those with sensitive skin.
An anti inflammatory skin wash can be made from calendula and chamomile. Make a tea as above, then let it cool and keep it in the fridge. Spray or dab this onto the affected areas regularly.
Another combination for an acne home cure skin wash is yarrow, elder flowers, and lavender.
Colloidal minerals such as potassium phosphate and magnesium phosphate can help support the skin. Zinc is excellent to help prevent scarring, as well as fortifying the immune system, and help supports the normal functioning of hormones.
Vitamin C is excellent for encouraging the healing of acne lesions, as well as providing antioxidant support to the immune system.
References:
1. Simon Mills, The Essential Book Of Herbal Medicine
2. Judy Jacka, A - Z Of Natural Therapies
3. Paul Bedson, The Complete Family Guide To Natural Healing
About the Author
B5 supplements for acne have been popular in some quarters, but there is important information you should know before you take that path. Get the vitamin b 5 acne theory debunked here. Rebecca Prescott presents this acne information website, http://www.acnetohealth.com
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