Diabetes
Diabetes involves an impaired system of the body that controls the levels of sugar that normally circulates in the bloodstream after eating a meal. Diabetes is a condition of higher than normal blood sugar levels and is a chronic disease for which there is no cure. Diabetes can lead to other serious health complications if not treated and managed in order to bring the higher than normal blood sugar levels to within a close to normal range. There are several forms of diabetes the main forms being Type-1 Diabetes, Type-2 Diabetes, and Gestational Diabetes. By far the most prevalent is type-2 diabetes at about 90 percent of all cases of diabetes.
Cardiovascular disease
Cardiovascular disease is one of the major complications suffered by people with diabetes and is the cause of most deaths among the diabetic population of North America. According to the American Diabetes Association, adults who have diabetes have heart disease death rates that are about 2 to 4 times higher than adults who do not have diabetes - and the risk for stroke is 2 to 4 times greater for people with diabetes.
Diabetes, cholesterol, blood pressure, and body weight
Most diabetics are overweight, as are most Americans, and many have high blood levels of cholesterol and also high blood pressure, all of which increases the risk of heart disease.
So this means that, in addition to the need for the diabetic to control their higher than normal blood sugar levels that cause the diabetes disease, they must also be aware of how to combat and minimize the risks of developing cardiovascular disease, and like diabetes, that will probably involve dietary modification and the addition of exercise for those who are physically capable of doing so.
Diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, excess body weight, and the other complications of diabetes, must be treated by physicians who will prescribe an appropriate course of treatment to manage and, where possible, reverse the conditions.
In addition, it may benefit patients to become familiar with the several aspects of heart disease and much can be found at the website of the American Heart Association and this month February, 2011, is officially "American Heart Month".
Natural supplements may help combat high cholesterol levels and heart disease
In addition to the conventional treatment approach, some cardiologists advocate adding various supplements to the daily diet to also help prevent or treat heart disease and also diabetes, which is now considered as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
Supplements: Q-10, L-Carnitine, E-Ribose, Alpha-lipoic acid, gymnema sylvestre, vanadyl sulphate
Cardiologist Dr. Stephen T. Sinatra, in his book on the subject titled The Sinatra Solution, published 2005 by Basic Health Publications Inc., recommends the dietary inclusion of such items as Coenzyme Q-10, L-Carnitine, and D-Ribose for heart disease and for diabetes recommends the use of alpha-lipoic acid, gymnema sylvestre, and vanadyl sulphate. There are ample references to those substances in the literature of alternative medicine and some of them have been in use for many years.
In recent years, many natural substances have been suggested as being effective in lowering cholesterol, substances such as pomegranate fruit and juice, red yeast rice, pantethine - the active form of vitamin B-5, and many others. And there are many fruits and nuts that appear to have special properties and ingredients that enhance the health of those who consume them.
The need to be informed about personally taking care of your health and wellbeing
The recommendation here, from someone who is a diabetic with cardiovascular disease, is that diabetics and others at risk should try to become properly informed on the subject of so-called "natural" foods, sometimes referred to as nutraceuticals, get to know the suspected benefits and the possible negative effects if any. There is a vast source of information, some of which may not be reliable, so my further suggestion is to follow the recommendations of cardiologists or other medical practitioners who have gained a reputation for their achievements in treating patients. There are many who have authored excellent books, available in most public libraries - I rarely leave the library without one or two. I also watch websites and seek out publications of institutions such as the Mayo Clinic, the Harvard School of Public Health, the American Diabetes Association, and such.
In conclusion
Like most diabetics, my primary concern is to deal with my condition of higher than normal blood sugar levels and I am diligent in taking the diabetic medicines prescribed by my doctor. Although it is essential for persons with diabetes and other diseases to be cared for by a physician, much of the management of the health condition is left in the hands of the individual. It helps to read and learn of the ways to best prepare for and prevent or reverse diabetes and cardiovascular diseases if possible. The doctor should be kept informed about any supplements or other substances, that you may wish to take, but I also realize that many doctors are not well informed or up to date, in the same way for instance as the doctor mentioned above, Stephen T, Sinatra, who has authored a number of informative books for the general reader, as have many other practitioners.
Author's Comments:
Heart disease is a serious life threatening complication that frequently develops from diabetes, most adult diabetes sufferers unfortunately die of heart disease, As a diabetic with cardiovascular complications I empathize with my fellow diabetics who must deal with the parallel disease conditions. For more information and recommended supplement dosages, please visit The Triple Threat.
And many other diabetes subjects are explained and can be selected by clicking on their titles in the List of Topics at Normal Blood Sugars and Diabetes.
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