18/5/2564 How To Manage Diabetes Without Drugs https://deeplinkapp.com/PDF/View?EbooksID=5483 1/49 How To Manage Diabetes Without Drugs By:Olivia Thomas 18/5/2564 How To Manage Diabetes Without Drugs https://deeplinkapp.com/PDF/View?EbooksID=5483 2/49 Table of content 1. 3 Ways to Manage Gestational Diabetes Without Medication 2. 3 Ways to Lower Blood Sugar Without Insulin 3. How to Control Diabetes 4. How to Prevent and Treat Diabetes: Can Natural Medicine Help? 5. 3 Ways to Manage Type 2 Diabetes 6. How to Treat Type 2 Diabetes: Can Natural Remedies Help? 7. 6 Ways to Treat Type 2 Diabetes 8. 3 Ways to Naturally Manage Diabetes in Cats 9. How to Lower Blood Sugar 18/5/2564 How To Manage Diabetes Without Drugs https://deeplinkapp.com/PDF/View?EbooksID=5483 3/49 3 Ways to Manage Gestational Diabetes Without Medication Cook from scratch. To treat gestational diabetes, natural treatments are similar to medical treatments, but the dietary approaches in the natural treatment of gestational diabetes emphasize whole foods. Keep your food as close to its original or natural form as possible. This means that you should try to limit any processed or prepared foods and cook from scratch as much as possible. If you are pressed for time, try using a crock pot or preparing the basics, such as rice, beans, meats, and vegetables, ahead of time and freezing those basics. Another ingredient that you can use in cooking from scratch that can help you is cinnamon. Cinnamon has also been used to help control blood sugar levels and is considered safe for pregnant women in the amounts used normally in foods. [4] This corresponds to approximately 1000 mg every day. While "natural" food companies like to tout the benefits of organic foods, research does not show a benefit in managing gestational diabetes. It is most important to eat plenty of fresh, whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Eat complex carbohydrates. Your diet should include at least around 40 to 50% of your daily intake of calories from complex, high fiber carbohydrates. [5][6][7] Eat most of your complex carbohydrates at lunch and cut down on the portion sizes for other meals. This helps to regulate your blood sugar and insulin production throughout the day. [8] Complex carbohydrates are found in whole, unprocessed foods such as whole grains, sweet potatoes, and oatmeal. Another good rule of thumb is no “white” foods, meaning no white bread, white pasta, or white rice, which are simple carbohydrates. While both simple and complex carbohydrates are broken down into glucose in the body, the idea is that it takes the body longer to break down the complex 18/5/2564 How To Manage Diabetes Without Drugs https://deeplinkapp.com/PDF/View?EbooksID=5483 4/49 carbohydrates than it takes to use the simple carbohydrates. This means that the body has a better chance to process the glucose. Avoid processed foods. Simple carbohydrates are often found in processed foods, which include added sugars like glucose, table sugar, and fructose such as high fructose corn syrup. Recent studies have shown that the ingestion of high fructose corn syrup, especially from soft drinks and other beverages with high fructose corn syrup added, has been associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease and obesity. [9] Reading labels can be useful to determine the amount of sugars in processed food, but manufacturers are not required to list added sugars. Avoid candies, cookies, cakes, and other confections. The reason that processed foods should be avoided is that they include both simple carbohydrates along with added sugars. Sugar by itself does not cause either diabetes or gestational diabetes, but ingesting more sugar-filled foods and beverages is linked to an increased risk of Type 2 diabetes. Increase the fiber in your diet. Increased fiber can also help with your diabetes. This means you can eat beans and whole grains, all which have increased fiber. Add extra fiber with a tablespoon of ground flaxseeds at every meal. Either get a coffee grinder to grind your own flaxseeds or keep pre-frozen ground seeds in your freezer to keep the healthy oils that you also get in flaxseeds from getting rancid. [10] Change the meats you eat. You should limit red meats from your diet. Instead of steak or ground beef, increase fish and skinless poultry. Look for wild-caught fish such as salmon, cod, haddock, and tuna. These fish are good sources of omega-3 fatty acids that are essential for your and your baby’s health. Remove the skin from poultry such as chicken and turkey, as it is high in fat. Make sure you eat lean meats that are not too high in fat. Only 10 to 20% of your daily calorie intake should be from protein sources. This includes other sources of protein as well, such as nuts. [11][12] Increase vegetables and limit fruits. To keep with your healthy diet, you need to eat more vegetables. Make sure you have at least one to two servings of vegetables with every meal. You can eat them as a snack too. [13] Even though fruit is good for you, when you have gestational diabetes, you should limit your fruit intake to no more than two a day. This will help you control the amounts of sugars you eat that come from fruit. [14] Avoid fruits such as pineapple, melons, bananas, raisins, and grapes. They have a high glycemic index, which means they have more sugar that affects your blood sugar per serving than other fruits. [15][16] Your fruit intake should be eaten at lunch instead of breakfast or dinner, which helps keep your blood sugar down in the morning and night. Avoid fruit juices, which are full of sugar as well, even if they are 100% juice. [17] Eating beets in particular may help with managing gestational diabetes. [18] 18/5/2564 How To Manage Diabetes Without Drugs https://deeplinkapp.com/PDF/View?EbooksID=5483 5/49 Watch your daily calorie intake. Normal weight gain during pregnancy is from 18.5 to 24.9 pounds. Generally, the ADA recommends a calorie intake of between 2,000 and 2,500 calories a day for you and your baby. Each trimester, your caloric intake will increase as your baby grows. However, each pregnancy is different, so you should talk to your doctor and a registered dietitian to ensure that you are getting the right amount of calories per day based on your particular circumstance, weight, and blood sugar needs. [19] During your doctor visits, your physician will most likely recommend a nutritionist to help control gestational diabetes. If your physician doesn’t make that recommendation, insists on one. Pregnancy presents a number of nutritional demands on your body and this is complicated by gestational diabetes. Both you and your baby can benefit from professional, nutritional advice. [20] Make sure you follow the list of healthy foods to increase your calories with healthy options. Exercise. Exercise is important for a healthy pregnancy. Work to achieve at least thirty continuous minutes of exercise once or twice per day. Walking is the easiest way to do this, but you can also go swimming or join a yoga class. Mix it in with other activities to keep it interesting and to work other muscle groups. You can also use an elliptical, conditioning machine or stationary bicycle. Moderate physical activity can improve your glucose control. [21] Avoid exercises that have you lying on your back or any activities where a fall or injury is possible. Your chosen activity or activities should be done every day if possible. Make sure you take it easy at first and work up to a moderate level of activity that works the muscles and slightly increases your heart rate. [22] Make sure you listen to your doctor if he advises bed rest or little activity. [23] Take a multivitamin. You may need to take a multivitamin with minerals, especially iron, because the demands of pregnancy may require more vitamins and minerals than diet alone can provide. Low Vitamin D levels may be associated with an increased risk of gestational diabetes. Have yourself checked for Vitamin D levels and take supplementation if you are deficient. 1000 to 2000 IU a day of Vitamin D have been safely used in pregnant women. [24] Take insulin. Insulin is a natural hormone replacement treatment and is a widely used natural treatment. It may be necessary to take the insulin by injection in order to force the glucose into the cells. Your physician will guide you as to how much insulin to take and how to take it. Never take insulin without consulting with your doctor. [25] Do not take herbs or supplements without consulting with your doctor. There are some herbs and supplements that are safe during pregnancy to help control blood sugars. Always ask your doctor before taking any herbs, even if the packaging says 18/5/2564 How To Manage Diabetes Without Drugs https://deeplinkapp.com/PDF/View?EbooksID=5483 6/49 they are safe. This is because many herbs have not been tested for safety during pregnancy. Bitter melon, also known as Momordica charantia, is often recommended for diabetes control, but has been associated with miscarriages and induced abortions in animals, so it should be avoided. [26] Gurmar, also known as Gymnema sylvestre, and Prickly-pear cactus, also known as Opuntia spp, have not been tested in pregnancy, though Gymnema is safe when used for up to 20 months and Opuntia has been used for centuries as food. Gymnema is generally taken in doses of 200 mg twice a day and Opuntia can be taken as a single dose, 400 mg once a day. If you use either Gymnema or Opuntia, talk to your healthcare professional first for recommendations. [27] Understand insulin resistance. While it is not clear what causes gestational diabetes, some pregnant women develop insulin resistance, which means that the cells in their body do not respond to insulin normally. Every cell in our body uses glucose (sugar) for producing the energy needed for the cells to do their jobs. The glucose is derived from the foods you eat, primarily from carbohydrates. Insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, is the main chemical messenger that tells the cells that it is time to take up glucose. [28][29] Insulin is also involved in messaging the liver to take up glucose and transform it into the storage form of glucose known as glycogen. Insulin is also involved in a wide range of other functions like protein and fat metabolism. If the cells become insulin resistant, they ignore or can’t respond to the signal from insulin. This can increase the levels of glucose in the blood. When this happens, the pancreas responds by producing even more insulin. The problem is that since the insulin has no effect on the insulin-resistant cells, the blood glucose levels can keep rising. The body’s response is to convert the high levels of glucose in the blood into fat, and that can set up a scenario of chronic inflammation and other disorders like full blown Type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome and heart disease. [30] Be aware of the effects. During pregnancy, if insulin resistance is not properly controlled, you can develop gestational diabetes. It can have a number of effects on your and your baby's body. The main effect on the baby of uncontrolled gestational diabetes is increased fat in the blood stream, which leads to increased birth weight. These babies are also at higher risk for difficult deliveries due to the size, breathing problems, obesity, lower than normal blood sugars and, as adults, Type 2 diabetes. The mom is at higher risk for cesarean section, Type 2 diabetes after pregnancy, and high blood pressure before and after delivery. [31][32] Recognize the symptoms. Often, there are no symptoms of gestational diabetes, which most often begins about halfway through the pregnancy. This can make it hard to look for. However, when symptoms do occur, they can include many of the same symptoms of Type 2 diabetes. These symptoms include: Impaired vision due to blurriness or other issues 18/5/2564 How To Manage Diabetes Without Drugs https://deeplinkapp.com/PDF/View?EbooksID=5483 7/49 General tiredness Increased infections along the skin and in the bladder and vagina Nausea and vomiting through the duration of the pregnancy Increased appetite that can be accompanied by weight loss Frequent urination Increased thirst. [33] Diagnose gestational diabetes. To test for gestational diabetes, your physician will order blood tests to test for blood sugar levels. He or she will also order a glucose tolerance test to determine how well your body is dealing with sugars. Your baby can be monitored as well to determine if his size is normal for his gestational age, which is usually done by ultrasound, and to test the baby’s heart rate by using a fetal monitor. [34] Know if you're at risk. You can be at risk for gestational diabetes if you have had gestational diabetes during previous pregnancies or have already had a baby that weighed more than 9 pounds at birth. You are also at risk if you are overweight or if you have a parent, brother, or sister with type 2 diabetes. [35] You are also more at risk if, before you are pregnant, you were diagnosed with prediabetes, a metabolic syndrome, or insulin resistance. Metabolic syndromes are a group of issues that include high or increased blood pressure, belly and waist excess weight, higher than normal blood sugar levels, and high or risky cholesterol levels. [36] If you are African American, American Indian, Asian American, Hispanic/Latina, or Pacific Islander American, you are also at an increased risk. Other syndromes can also put you at risk. If you have a type of hormonal disorder called polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), you are more likely to have gestational diabetes. PCOS is a condition where a woman’s ovaries contain numerous cysts, which leads to fertility and menstrual problems. [37] 18/5/2564 How To Manage Diabetes Without Drugs https://deeplinkapp.com/PDF/View?EbooksID=5483 8/49 3 Ways to Lower Blood Sugar Without Insulin Eat complex carbohydrates. Make sure that at least half of your carbohydrates from complex carbohydrates. Complex carbohydrates are made up of individual sugar molecules that are strung together in long, complicated and often branched chains. These types of carbohydrates have more nutritional value than their simple counterparts and are less likely to cause your blood sugar to spike. [1] Complex carbohydrates are found in whole, unprocessed foods, such as whole grain bread, brown rice, buckwheat, millet, quinoa, oats, starchy vegetables such as sweet potatoes, corn, pumpkin and squash, beans, peas, lentils, nuts and seeds. Avoid simple carbohydrates. Simple carbohydrates include added sugars like glucose, sucrose (table sugar), and fructose (high fructose corn syrup or HFCS). Consuming HFCS has been associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease and obesity. [2] A general recommendation is to have 45–60 grams of complex carbohydrates at every meal. [3] Eat most of your complex carbohydrates at breakfast and lunch. Only have a small portion of complex carbohydrates for dinner. Choose fish and skinless poultry for protein. Getting enough quality protein is an important part of controlling your blood sugar. [4] Make sure that any poultry you eat is skinless to reduce the amount of unhealthy animal fats you consume and eat a couple of servings of wild-caught fish each week. Wild-caught fish such as salmon, cod, haddock and tuna are good sources of omega-3 fatty acids. 18/5/2564 How To Manage Diabetes Without Drugs https://deeplinkapp.com/PDF/View?EbooksID=5483 9/49 Include lots of vegetables. It is essential to eat plenty of non-root or starchy vegetables such as broccoli, leafy greens, cauliflower, and beans. These types of vegetables are low in calories, high in fiber, and nutrient dense. [5] Keep in mind that you can still eat fruit, but you will have to count the carbohydrates as part of your 45–60 grams per meal. On average, a serving of fresh, frozen, or canned fruit has 15 grams of sugar. [6] Avoid snacking between meals. Snacking can lead to blood sugar spikes, especially if you choose prepackaged snacks like chips or sweets that contain unhealthy additives including sugar and fat. Try to eat 3 balanced meals per day that contain fiber to help keep you full. [7] Soup is an excellent option that you can make in large batches and freeze. It will fill you up and prevent the need for snacks between lunch and dinner. Drink more water. Water flushes out toxins and helps maintain electrolyte balance. Women should consume about 2.7 liters (91 ounces, or 11 cups) of fluids each day, and men should consume about 3.7 liters (125 ounces daily, or 15 cups) of total fluids. [8] Be aware that this includes water from other foods and beverages, not just pure water. [9] Ask your doctor if you have any special fluid restrictions or needs that you should consider. Avoid sugary beverages. Sugary beverages will cause your blood sugar to spike, so it is best to avoid these to keep your blood sugar under control. [10] Choose water, unsweetened sparkling water, or unsweetened iced tea instead of sugary soda. Read labels. Reading labels can help you figure out how much sugar is in food and inform your decision of whether or not you should buy that product. Be aware that manufacturers are not required to list added sugars. That is why it is best to choose whole, unprocessed foods as often as possible. [11] Avoid foods labeled with terms like “enriched” or “refined.” Add ground flaxseeds to your food. Getting enough fiber is essential to controlling your blood sugar. [12] Flaxseeds are great sources of fiber and they are an excellent source of the essential omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA. Try to include a tablespoon of ground flaxseeds at every meal or 3 tablespoons of flaxseed a day. Use a coffee grinder to grind your own flaxseeds or keep pre-frozen ground seeds in your freezer. Flavor your food with herbs. Many culinary herbs may help control blood sugar levels and may even help you deal with sugar cravings as well. These herbs are all very safe 18/5/2564 How To Manage Diabetes Without Drugs https://deeplinkapp.com/PDF/View?EbooksID=5483 10/49 with no side effects when used in recipes (but of course, don't use any of these herbs or spices if you are allergic). Try adding some of these herbs to your food: Cinnamon Fenugreek Ginger Garlic and onions Basil Make sure that you are getting enough of certain vitamins. Some vitamins are more effective than others at helping with blood sugar levels. Make sure that you are getting enough of the following vitamins in the amounts needed to meet your recommended daily allowance (RDA): [13] Biotin . There is no RDA for biotin, but a daily intakes for adults should be between 30–100 micrograms. [14] Niacin (Vitamin B3) . The RDA is different for men and women. Men need about 14 mg of Niacin per day while women need 16 mg of niacin per day. [15] Vitamin B6 . The RDA for vitamin B6 varies by age and sex. For men ages 19-50 1.3 mg per day, for men ages 51 and up 1.7 mg per day, for women ages 19–50 1.3 mg per day, and for women ages 51 and up 1.5 mg per day. [16] Vitamin B12 . The RDA for adults for vitamin B12 is 2.4 micrograms per day. Pregnant women require 2.6 micrograms per day and lactating women require 2.8 micrograms per day. [17] Vitamin C . The RDA for vitamin C is 90 mg per day for men and 75 mg per day for women. [18] Vitamin D . The RDA for vitamin D is 15 micrograms per day for people between the ages of 1–70 and 20 micrograms per day for those over 70. [19] Ensure a healthy balance of trace minerals. Trace minerals are important, but they are only needed in small amounts. Trace minerals are necessary for health, but they can cause toxicity in high amounts. Talk to your physician regarding these minerals and always follow dosing instructions from the manufacturers. Make sure that you are getting enough of the following minerals in the amounts needed to meet your recommended daily allowance(RDA): [20] Magnesium . The RDAs for magnesium vary based on age and sex. Men ages 19-30 require 400 mg per day, men ages 31 and up require 420 mg per day, women ages 19-30 require 310 mg per day, and women ages 31 and up require 320 mg per day. [21] Zinc . For Zinc, the RDA for men is 11 mg and for women 8 mg. [22] Chromium . The RDA for chromium varies by sex and age. The RDA is 35 micrograms per day for men between the ages of 19 and 50, 30 micrograms per day for men over the age of 50, 25 micrograms per day for women between the ages of 19 and 50, and 20 micrograms per day for women over the age of 50. [23] 18/5/2564 How To Manage Diabetes Without Drugs https://deeplinkapp.com/PDF/View?EbooksID=5483 11/49 Vanadium . There is no RDA for vanadium, but 1.8 mg per day is the general recommendation. Potassium . The RDA for potassium is 3,500 mg. [24] Manganese . The RDA for manganese for men is 2.3 mg per day and for women 1.8 mg per day. [25] Selenium . The RDA for selenium is 55 micrograms per day. [26] Consider taking other herbs and supplements. Some herbs and other supplements may also help with blood sugar levels, but make sure that you check with your doctor first before incorporating any herbs or other supplements. If you plan to use any herbs or supplements, follow the manufacturer’s instructions as well as your physician’s advice. Some of the other herbs and supplements that you may want to consider are: [27] Bitter melon Coptis chinensis Gymnema sylvestre Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) Carnitine [28] CoEnzyme Q10 (CoQ10) [29] Omega-3 fatty acids Evening primrose oil Flaxseed oil Make an appointment with your doctor. Diabetes is a serious condition that requires medical treatment. If you already have diabetes, make sure that you seek treatment. If you are concerned about your blood sugar levels because diabetes runs in your family, talk to your doctor. It is also important to let your physician know if you have changed your diet or added any supplements to help improve blood sugar control. Make sure to get regular checkups, including blood tests as advised by your physician. Ask your doctor about medications that you can use to control blood sugar. There are many different medications available that may help you to control your blood sugar levels. [30] Talk to your doctor to determine if there is a medication that will work well for you. Sulfonylureas . Sulfonylureas stimulate insulin secretion. Examples include Glibenclamide (Micronase®), Glimepiride (Amaryl®) and Glipizide (Glucotrol®). Alpha-Glucosidase Inhibitors . Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors delay glucose absorption after a meal. An example is Acarbose (Precose®) Glinides . Glinides stimulate the secretion of insulin and include Repaglinide (NovoNorm®, Prandin®, GlucoNorm®). Biguanides . Biguanides make the cells less insulin resistant. These include metformin formulations such as Glucophage®, Glucophage XR®, Riomet®, Fortamet®, Glumetza®, Obimet®, Dianben®, Diabex® and Diaformin®. 18/5/2564 How To Manage Diabetes Without Drugs https://deeplinkapp.com/PDF/View?EbooksID=5483 12/49 Dipeptidyl Peptidase-IV Inhibitors . Dipeptidyl Peptidase-IV Inhibitors prevent the breakdown of certain proteins that improve glucose tolerance. Sitagliptin (Januvia®) and Linagliptin (Tradjenta®) are dipeptidyl peptidase-IV inhibitors. Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking medications. If your doctor prescribes a medication for you, it is important to take them exactly as instructed. Do not change your dosage or stop taking the medication without talking to your doctor first. Learn about side effects. The medications prescribed to help treat diabetes may have some side effects. Ask your doctor about the potential side effects of any drug before you decide to try it. Keep in mind that you will still have to monitor your blood sugar levels while taking these medications as well as follow diet and exercise recommendations. 18/5/2564 How To Manage Diabetes Without Drugs https://deeplinkapp.com/PDF/View?EbooksID=5483 13/49 How to Control Diabetes Consult with a doctor to start or adjust your treatment plan. Type 1 diabetes, also called juvenile diabetes, is a chronic disease, which, despite its name, can begin and affect people at any age. This type of diabetes is an autoimmune disease. While it can occur suddenly due to infection, symptoms will usually appear after an illness. [1] Symptoms in type 1 are usually quite noticeable, more severe and quicker to cause illness. Symptoms for type 1 or advanced type 2 often include: [2] Increased thirst and frequent urination Dehydration Possibly extreme hunger with confused appetite (nothing satisfies you) Unexplained blurred vision Unexplained weight loss Unusual weakness/fatigue Irritability Slow-healing sores Frequent infections (such as gums or skin infections and vaginal infections), Nausea and/or vomiting Ketones in the urine, in medical tests -- ketones are a byproduct of the unhealthy breakdown/loss of muscle and fat (wasting away) that happens when there's not enough available insulin to support life. Seek medical attention immediately if faced with any of the following severe problems in untreated type 1 or 2 diabetes. These can be life-threatening. They may include: Weakened immunity to infectious diseases Poor circulation (including in the eyes and kidneys) Illnesses, infectious diseases 18/5/2564 How To Manage Diabetes Without Drugs https://deeplinkapp.com/PDF/View?EbooksID=5483 14/49 Numbness, tingling in toes and feet Infections slow to heal (if at all) especially in toes and feet Gangrene (dead flesh) in toes, feet, and legs (usually without pain) Watch for initial symptoms of Type 1 diabetes being severe, it is not uncommon for you to have to stay in the hospital for a short time after your diagnosis. If you suspect that you have diabetes and delay seeing a doctor, you can end up in a coma. Always rely on the advice of a qualified doctor or specialist when deciding on any plans to fight your diabetes Neither Type 1 nor Type 2 diabetes can be completely cured, but with a lifelong commitment to your treatment plan, these diseases can be managed to the point that you will be able to live a normal life. Begin your treatment plan immediately after you develop diabetes, for better health. If you think you may have diabetes, do not wait on seeing a doctor. It is highly recommended that you see a doctor. [3] Take steps to understand diabetes. You're here, so you are in the right mindset. Diabetes educators are highly recommended. These experts help you understand the different tools available to you, and can help you adjust your meals to better control blood glucose levels. For those who are diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at a young age, an appointment with a diabetes trainer/educator is often mandatory, and they will often meet with you while in the hospital. Take your medications every day. The body of a person with Type 1 diabetes needs insulin because their pancreas is damaged in a way that will not produce enough insulin as needed. Insulin is a chemical compound used to break down sugar (glucose) in the bloodstream. Those with type 1 diabetes must work with their doctor to find their correct dosage of insulin, because different individuals have different reactions to various types of insulin, and because some individuals with this type of diabetes may still be producing insulin at mild levels. Without insulin, the symptoms of Type 1 diabetes will rapidly worsen and eventually cause death. To be clear: Individuals with Type 1 diabetes need to take insulin every day or they will die. [4] Your precise daily insulin dosages will vary based on your size, diet, activity level, and genetics, which is why it is so important to see a doctor to get a thorough evaluation before beginning your diabetes treatment plan. Insulin is generally available in several different varieties, each of which is formulated for specific purposes. These are: [5] Rapid-acting: "Mealtime" (bolus) insulin. Usually taken right before a meal to prevent elevated blood glucose levels after eating. Short-acting: Basal insulin. Usually taken between meals once or twice a day to control "resting" blood glucose levels. Long-acting: A combination of bolus and basal insulin. Can be taken before breakfast and dinner in order to keep blood glucose levels low after meals as well as throughout the day. Intermediate-acting: Combined with rapid-acting insulin. It covers the blood glucose elevations when rapid-acting insulins stop working. This type is typically taken twice a day. [6] 18/5/2564 How To Manage Diabetes Without Drugs https://deeplinkapp.com/PDF/View?EbooksID=5483 15/49 Consider an insulin pump. An insulin pump is a device that continually injects a bolus rate insulin to mimic the effects of the basal rate insulin. Your blood glucose level is entered into the device at meal times and in accordance with your normal testing schedule, and your bolus is calculated for you. In addition a carbohydrate ratio can be set and be added to the bolus calculation as well. There is the new tubeless (no tubing) insulin pump that is an "all-in-one" unit that typically come loaded with a three-day supply of insulin with the battery and pump built-in, it is the Omnipod, that is wirelessly controlled by a Personal Diabetes Manager (PDM). It takes ideally about ten pumps per month that come in a box holding a 30-day supply. [7] The old, standard injection set consisted of a plastic cap attached to a catheter that injects the insulin (subcutaneous delivery of insulin). It was inserted into your chosen injection site brought from the pump by tubing called the cannula. The pump set might be attached to a belt or near the delivery site with an adhesive pad. On the other end, the tubing connects to a cartridge that you fill with insulin and insert into the pump unit. Some pumps have a compatible glucose monitor that measures glucose levels just below the dermis. While not as effective as a glucose meter, this device will allow early detection and compensation for sugar spikes and drops. Pump users typically monitor their blood sugars more frequently to evaluate the effectiveness of insulin delivery by the pump, to be aware if the pump malfunctions. Some malfunctions of the insulin pump include: Pump battery is discharged Insulin is inactivated by heat exposure Insulin reservoir runs empty Tubing loosens and insulin leaks rather than being injected The cannula becomes bent or kinked, preventing delivery of insulin. Exercise. In general, people with diabetes should strive to be physically fit. Physical exercise has the effect of lowering the body's glucose levels - sometimes for as long as 24 hours. [8] Because the most harmful effects of diabetes are caused by elevated glucose levels (blood sugar "spikes"), exercise after eating is a valuable tool that uses sugar naturally and allows people with diabetes to keep glucose at manageable levels. In addition, exercise also provides the same benefits to those with diabetes that it does to those without it - namely, greater overall fitness, weight loss (but rapid weight loss is a bad symptom indicating food and sugar is not used properly by your system). You can gain higher strength and endurance, higher energy levels, elevated mood, and more benefits of exercise as well. Diabetes resources generally recommend exercising at least several times per week. Most resources recommend a healthy mix of cardio, strength training, and balance/flexibility exercises. See How to Exercise for more information. Though low, manageable glucose levels are generally a good thing for moderate activity for people who have diabetes. Exercising vigorously while you have low blood sugar levels can lead to a condition called hypoglycemia, in which the body doesn't have enough blood sugar to fuel its vital processes and the exercising muscles. Hypoglycemia can lead to dizziness, weakness, and fainting. To counter hypoglycemia, carry a sugary, quick-acting carbohydrate with you while you exercise, 18/5/2564 How To Manage Diabetes Without Drugs https://deeplinkapp.com/PDF/View?EbooksID=5483 16/49 such as a sweet, ripe orange, or a soda, a sports drink or such as recommended by your health team. [9] Minimize stress. Whether the cause is physical or mental, stress is known to cause blood sugar levels to fluctuate. [10] Constant or prolonged stress can cause blood sugar levels to rise in the long term, which means you may need to use more medication or exercise more frequently to stay healthy. Generally, the best cure for stress is a preventative one - avoid stress in the first place by exercising frequently, getting enough sleep, avoiding stressful situations when possible, and talking about your problems before they become serious. Other stress management techniques include seeing a therapist, practicing meditation techniques, eliminating caffeine from your diet, and pursuing healthy hobbies. See How to Deal With Stress for more information. Avoid getting sick. As both an actual physical ailment and as an indirect source of stress, illness can cause your blood sugars to fluctuate. Prolonged or serious illness can even necessitate changes in the way you take your diabetes medication or the diet and exercise routines you'll need to keep. Though the best policy when it comes to illnesses, is to avoid them by living a life that is as healthy, happy, and stress-free as possible. If and when you do come down with an illness, be sure to give yourself the rest and medicine that you need to get better as quickly as possible. If you have the common cold, try drinking plenty of fluids, taking over-the-counter cold medications (but avoid sugary cough syrups), and getting plenty of rest. Since having the cold can ruin your appetite, you'll want to be sure to eat roughly 15 grams of carbohydrates every hour or so. [11] Though having a cold usually elevates your blood sugar levels, refraining from eating as may feel natural can cause your blood sugar to fall dangerously low. Serious illnesses always require the advice of a doctor, but managing serious diseases in patients with diabetes can require special medicines and techniques. If you are a person with diabetes and you think you may have a disease that is more serious than an ordinary cold, see your doctor right away. Modify your diabetes plans to account for menstruation and menopause. Women with diabetes have unique challenges when it comes to managing blood sugar during their periods and menopause. Though diabetes affects every woman differently, many women report having elevated blood sugar levels in the days before their periods, which can require using more insulin or changing your diet and exercise habits to compensate. [12] However, your blood sugar levels during your menstrual cycle may be different, so talk to your doctor or gynecologist for specific guidance. Additionally, menopause can change the way that the body's blood sugar level fluctuates. Many women report that their glucose levels become more unpredictable during menopause. [13] Menopause can also lead to weight gain, sleep loss, and temporary vaginal ailments, which can increase the body's levels of stress hormones 18/5/2564 How To Manage Diabetes Without Drugs https://deeplinkapp.com/PDF/View?EbooksID=5483 17/49 and elevate glucose levels. [14] If you have diabetes and are going through menopause, talk to your doctor to find a treatment plan that's right for you. Schedule regular check-ups with your doctor. Right after you are diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, it is likely that you will need to meet with your doctor regularly (as much as once a week or more) to get a sense for how to best control your blood glucose levels. It can take a few weeks to develop an insulin therapy regimen that perfectly matches your diet and activity level. Once your diabetes treatment routine is established, you won't need to meet with your doctor quite as often. However, you should plan on maintaining a good relationship with your doctor, which means scheduling semi-regular follow-up appointments. Your doctor is the person who is best-suited to detecting anomalies to manage your diabetes during times of stress, sickness, pregnancy, and so on. Those with Type 1 diabetes should expect to see their doctor once every 3 - 6 months once a routine is established. [15] Consult with your doctor before beginning treatment. If you have Type 2 diabetes, your body is able to produce some insulin, as opposed to none at all, but has a diminished capacity for producing insulin or is not able to use the chemical correctly. Because of this crucial difference, Type 2 diabetes symptoms can be more mild than Type 1 symptoms, and have a more gradual onset, and can require less drastic treatments (though exceptions are possible). However, as with Type 1 diabetes, seeing your doctor before beginning any treatment plan is still essential. Only a qualified medical professional has the knowledge definitively diagnose your diabetes and design a treatment plan that's tailored to your personal needs. If you can, manage your diabetes with diet and exercise. As noted above, people with Type 2 diabetes have a diminished (but not nonexistent) capacity to make and use insulin naturally. Because their bodies do make some insulin, in some cases, it's possible for people with Type 2 diabetes to manage their disease without having to use any artificial insulin. Usually, this is done through careful diet and exercise, which means minimizing the amount of sugary foods consumed, maintaining a healthy weight, and exercising regularly. Some people with mild cases of Type 2 diabetes can potentially live basically "normal" lives if they are very careful about what they eat and how much they exercise. It's important to remember, however, that some cases of Type 2 diabetes are more severe than others and can't be managed with diet and exercise alone and can require insulin or other medications. Note: see the sections below for information relating to diet and medications. Be prepared to pursue more aggressive treatment options over time. Type 2 diabetes is known to be a progressive disease. This means that it can get worse over time. This is thought to be because the body's cells responsible for producing insulin get "worn out" from having to work extra hard in people with Type 2 diabetes. As a result, cases of Type 2 diabetes that once required relatively minor treatment options can 18/5/2564 How To Manage Diabetes Without Drugs https://deeplinkapp.com/PDF/View?EbooksID=5483 18/49 eventually require more drastic treatments, including insulin therapy, after several years. This is often not due to any fault on the patient's behalf. As with Type 1 diabetes, you should keep in close contact with your physician if you have Type 2 diabetes - regular tests and checkups can help you detect the progression of Type 2 diabetes before it becomes serious. Consider bariatric surgery if you are obese. Obesity is one of the leading causes of Type 2 diabetes. However, being obese can make any case of diabetes more dangerous and harder to manage. The added stress that obesity puts on the body can make it extremely difficult to keep blood sugar at healthy levels. In Type 2 diabetes cases where patients have high body mass indexes (usually greater than 35), doctors will sometimes recommend weight-reduction surgeries to bring the patient's weight under control quickly. Two types of surgery are usually used for this purpose: [16] Gastric bypass surgery - the stomach is shrunk to the size of a thumb and the small intestine is shortened so that fewer calories are absorbed from food. This change is permanent. Laparoscopic Gastric Banding ("Lap Banding") - a band is wrapped around the stomach so that it feels fuller with less food. This band can be adjusted or removed if needed. Check your blood sugar every day. Because the potentially harm