German researchers gathered 141 test subjects with an average age of 63 years old. None of the subjects had a history of memory problems, and none had been diagnosed with diabetes, or even prediabetes. The subjects were given memory tests and blood glucose tests. They also underwent brain scans to measure the size of their hippocampus, an area of the brain associated with short and long-term memory and with the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.

The researchers found that those with higher blood glucose levels over extended periods of time had a more difficult time remembering large amounts of words. The findings weren’t necessarily surprising to the medical community, as it’s already been suspected that high blood sugar increases risk of dementia and makes recovery from a stroke more difficult, both neurological conditions. What the study does do is further the notion that high glucose levels keep the brain from functioning at the level it should.

Scientists were sure to note that while the research concludes an association between high blood sugar and lower memory function, it doesn’t quite explain the cause and effect relationships at play. While further testing will be needed, the medical community is hoping that future findings might show that lowering blood sugar over time can improve memory, or at least keep it from worsening.

What remain clear are the negative effects high blood glucose levels can have on health, and that the list of health problems affected by them will continue to grow. GlucoMiracle can help you manage blood sugar levels with its four powerful, pure and potent ingredients.

Everybody experiences the dawn phenomenon, usually somewhere between 4 am and 8 am. At this time, the body produces an assortment of hormones, including growth hormone, cortisol, catecholamines, glucagon, and epinephrine. They cause the liver to release a surge of glucose into the body, presumably to provide the proper amount of energy for a person to wake up from a deep sleep. The body responds by producing insulin to bring blood sugar back down to manageable levels.

For diabetics, however, this is a problem, as they either cannot produce insulin or are desensitized to it. The result can be a potentially dangerous rise in blood glucose levels that must be managed from the outside. In mild cases, a diabetic can calm the effects by eating a proper breakfast upon awakening. More serious cases might call for a dose of insulin in the middle of the night or just before bed. Eating closer to bedtime is sometimes advised as well, as the dawn phenomenon may be lessened if the body hasn’t been fasting as long.

For some, the dawn phenomenon is just another fascinating instance of physiological miracle in the human body. For others, it’s another nagging factor that needs to be closely monitored and compensated for.

GlucoMiracle can help you manage blood sugar levels with its four powerful, pure and potent ingredients.

When dealing with diabetes, it’s important to know that you’re not alone. The disease affects people from all walks of life, and earlier this week, movie star Tom Hanks added his name to the list. In an interview on the “Late Show with David Letterman”, the famous actor revealed that he recently received a type 2 diabetes diagnosis from his doctor.

Hanks explained that he’s been struggling with high blood sugar levels for 20 years. High glucose levels are indeed recognized as a major precursor in the development of type 2 diabetes. It’s important to closely monitor diet and the affect it has on blood sugar to reduce potential risk. Engaging in physical activity can also help in maintaining healthier blood sugar levels that mitigate risk.

Hanks also highlighted the positive effects weight management can have, even after a diagnosis. He told of his doctor’s advice to return to teenage weight levels, and joked about how difficult that would be, seeing that he weighed only 96 lbs. in high school. All kidding aside, it has been shown that losing weight can alleviate the symptoms, and even reverse some effects, of type 2 diabetes. Unlike type 1 diabetes, which is much more difficult to control, diet and exercise can greatly improve the condition of type 2 sufferers.

It’s now being suggested that Hanks’ fluctuating weight throughout life could have played a part in his present condition. He’s earned a great amount of respect for his serious approach to different roles, which sometimes involves losing or gaining a large amount of weight to lend authenticity to an acting performance. Steady weight levels encourage a better bodily response to insulin and blood sugar regulation.

The good news is that Hanks now appears healthy, and has a positive attitude about his condition. Hopefully, the high publicity of his announcement will help to raise awareness about the disease, and inspire those with high blood sugar to take their health seriously.

GlucoMiracle can help you manage high blood sugar levels with its four powerful, pure and potent ingredients.

Let’s start with free radicals, another term that gets thrown around frequently. Free radicals are essentially molecules with an odd number of electrons. Chemistry 101 teaches that these free radicals will inevitable embark on a mission through our bodies to find a balancing electron. The problem with this process is that they damage otherwise healthy cells in the process. Moreover, while they are a natural byproduct of metabolism, other factors including pollution, radiation, and poor diets add an unhealthy dose of free radicals, leaving our bodies struggling to adjust.

This process of that produces harmful free radicals is referred to as oxidation, or oxidative stress. That rusty bicycle in your backyard is a result of oxidation. The rotting food you forgot to take out of the fridge and the fading paint on the outside of your home are also caused by oxidation. In humans, oxidation shows its effects through aging and the development of medical conditions and disease. In some cases, oxidation contributes to unhealthy blood glucose levels and the body’s inability to regulate insulin.

Given this information, the role of antioxidants should make perfect sense. As the name implies, antioxidants are molecules that combat oxidation, preventing the formation of free radicals and the chain reaction of damage they can cause. They support pancreas health, helping the organ produce insulin and properly regulate blood sugar levels. Studies have shown that antioxidants can have these positive effects on individuals regardless of their age, sex, or health.

Curcuminoid, one of the four main ingredients found in GlucoMiracle, is a powerful antioxidant that comes from India. Along with gymnema, bitter melon, and chromium, curcumin can help you manage normal blood sugar levels.

You would benefit by maintaining healthy blood glucose levels; failing to do so could lead to serious complications, such as heart attack, stroke, or even death.

Causes of Hyperglycemia

You could suffer from high blood sugar if your body is unable to produce enough insulin. Hyperglycemia could also occur when your body produces insulin, but rejects it. The sugar in your body has a job – it needs to move through your body and cells. Even though the body is rejecting the insulin, the liver will continue to produce sugar; too much sugar in the body could lead to high blood glucose levels.

Some causes of high blood sugar are:

• Emotional stress (related to everyday life – your family or job).
• Failing to take prescribed medication.
• Lack of proper physical activity.
• Insufficient diet.
• The stress that comes from medical illnesses.

Symptoms

If you are suffering from high blood sugar, you may experience various symptoms. Some of those symptoms include:

• Increased Appetite
• Dry Skin
• Weight Loss
• Excessive Urination
• Dry Mouth
• Increased Fatigue
• Vomiting

It is a good idea to test your blood sugar levels on a regular basis, even if you do not have any symptoms. This could help you prevent diabetes and other serious medical conditions. If you have any of these symptoms, you will need to test your blood glucose levels immediately.

Controlling Your Diet

To keep your blood sugar levels normal, you should eat a well-balanced diet. Cinnamon has the ability to improve your blood sugar levels, and possibly prevent you from being at risk for diabetes. Unsweetened oatmeal is another food that could help you control your blood sugar levels.

Foods low in carbohydrates and high in fiber are good for your diet. Bitter gourd, broccoli, green beans, and spinach are good foods to eat to lower your blood glucose levels. Add as many fresh vegetables to your diet as you can possibly eat. Remember to control your meal portions in order to keep your blood sugar levels normal.

Eat plenty of raw and cooked vegetables, but eat starchy vegetables such as potatoes and lima beans in moderation. According to WebMD, starchy vegetables have the ability to raise your blood sugar levels. Large portions of starchy vegetables could be bad for your health.

Drinking water can help you if you have high blood sugar levels. If you drink two glasses of water immediately – at least 8 ounces each – and a third glass of water five minutes later, you can dilute your blood and flush the sugar out of your bloodstream.

Exercise

If your blood sugar levels are high, exercise could help lower them. When you exercise, it is good to check your blood glucose levels before and after you exercise. The less intense your workout is, the better. Moderate exercise could help you decrease high blood sugar levels, but intense workouts might lead to low blood sugar levels.

Keep in mind that there are some instances when exercise could be dangerous. For example, if your blood sugar levels are above 240 mg/dL, the American Diabetes Association suggests you check your urine for ketones. Ketone is a chemical that is produced when you have a shortage of insulin. Your body will break down fat to use for energy. You could purchase a ketone test from your local pharmacy. If you take the test and notice ketones, refrain from exercising, and consult with a physician.

Do not Stress

Try not to panic when you have high blood sugar levels. Stress is bad for individuals with hyperglycemia. Instead of stressing, remain calm and use some of the tips below. When you encounter stress, walk away from the situation or person. You could

• Take deep breaths
• Go for a walk
• Drink chamomile tea

Remember that stressful situations could cause your blood sugar to rise because of the hormones that are released. Keep calm, even if your blood sugar level is high, because stressing will cause it to rise even higher.

It is important that you treat high blood sugar levels; failing to treat hyperglycemia could lead to nerve damage, skin infections, gastrointestinal problems, as well as other medical issues. If you keep your blood glucose levels as close to normal as possible, you could prevent complications that are associated with diabetes and continue to live a healthy life.

References

“When Your Blood Glucose is Too High or Too Low.” National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse. http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/dm/pubs/type1and2/lowglucose.aspx. Accessed on September 23, 2013.

“Hyperglycemia (High blood glucose).” American Diabetes Association. Retrieved from http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/treatment-and-care/blood-glucose-control/hyperglycemia.html. Accessed on September 23, 2013.

“Diabetic Diet: 6 Foods that May Help Control Blood Sugar.” WebMD. Retrieved from http://diabetes.webmd.com/features/diabetic-diet-6-foods-control-blood-sugar. Accessed on September 23, 2013.

“Checking for Ketones.” American Diabetes Association. Retrieved from http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/treatment-and-care/blood-glucose-control/checking-for-ketones.html. Accessed on September 23, 2013.

How Many People are Affected by Diabetes?

Diabetes is a medical condition that should not go untreated. According to the American Diabetes Association, 25.8 million adults and children living in the United States have diabetes, but 7 million of those individuals have not been diagnosed with the disease. More than 170 million people have been diagnosed with diabetes worldwide.

People under the age of 20 are least likely to suffer from diabetes than those over the age of 20. In fact, 25.6 million of the adults who have diabetes are over the age of 20.

Who is Affected by Diabetes?

Do not think that you are too young, or too old to have diabetes. This disease can affect all ages, genders, and ethnicities. Diabetes can affect children and adults, both male and female. In 2012, there was a 1 percent difference between men and women over the age of 20 who had diabetes; more men were diagnosed with diabetes than women.

Of the cases of diabetes that were reported in the United States, 12.6 percent were non-Hispanic blacks; 7.1 percent were non-Hispanic whites; 11.8 percent were Hispanic; and 8.4 percent were Asian, according to the American Diabetes Association.

Symptoms of Diabetes

For details, please click here.

Types of Diabetes

According to the International Diabetes Federation, there are three common types of diabetes: Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes, and gestational diabetes.

To learn more about these and other types diabetes and their causes, click here.

Causes of Diabetes

Diabetes has affected people in the United States and throughout Europe in epic proportions. There are various factors that can offset diabetes. If you suffer from Type 1 diabetes, your causes are more likely to be genetic. If you have been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, your causes are generally environmental, such as obesity. If you are pregnant, you could have gestational diabetes.

For more details on the causes of diabetes, please click the link below.

After You Have Been Diagnosed with Diabetes

You will need to make significant lifestyle changes after you have been diagnosed with this serious medical condition. This includes testing your blood sugar levels on a daily basis. You have the ability to check your sugar levels on your own, in the privacy of your home; however, testing with your doctor will need to be done as well.

You will need to see your doctor various times throughout the year for check-ups and testing. You need to take the A1C test every 3 to 6 months. You want your A1C level to range from 6.5 – 7 percent.

Each time you visit with the doctor, your blood pressure and weight is taken and recorded. If you have any lifestyle changes, you need to discuss them with your doctor during your visits. Your doctor will also review the medication and supplements you are currently taking to determine if any changes need to be made.

Treating Diabetes

There are options available for those suffering from diabetes. The type of diabetes you are diagnosed with will determine your treatment options. Some forms of this disease will require you to monitor your sugar, in addition to taking insulin and oral medications.

If you have Type 1 diabetes, you will rely on insulin to survive. You will be able to inject insulin into your body through a needle, pump, pen or syringe. While it is not common to take insulin with Type 2 diabetes, it is not unheard of. If you have Type 2 diabetes, your doctor will let you know if insulin therapy is necessary.

Diabetes Reversal 

If you have Type 2 diabetes you can “reverse” the disease through healthy lifestyle changes. Your exercising and eating habits have the ability to turn your diabetes around, according to WebMD. Weight loss has the ability to stop this disease from progressing. Losing between 5 and 10 percent of your body weight can be done through your diet and by exercising for at least 150 minutes each week. You should be aware that losing the excess weight helps you control your blood sugar levels, but you must continue this lifestyle, even after you discontinue your diabetes medication.

Preventing Diabetes

Although there is no cure for diabetes, there are preventative measures that you can take. The more at risk you are to diabetes, the more cautious you should be; however, you should maintain a healthy lifestyle at all times.

Some of the ways you can prevent diabetes are:

• Maintain a healthy weight
• Understand diabetes
• Research your family’s diabetic history
• Remain physically active (Exercise can improve your blood flow.)
• Prepare meals that are low in sugars and fats
• Increase the amounts of fruits and vegetables that you take in
• Monitor your blood pressure on a regular basis
• Schedule regular check-ups with your doctor

Following these preventative measures are critical because diabetes is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States

Surround Yourself with a Support System

You will face difficult times, which is why you will need a great support system. If you do not have anyone to talk to within your family, there are support groups available for you to join. You also have the option to speak with a mental health professional. Ask your doctor for a listing of professionals or support groups near your home. Remember that you are not alone, and you always have support available.

References

“Diabetes.” Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/diabetes/DS01121.   Accessed on August 1, 2013.

“Diabetic Basics.” American Diabetes Association. Retrieved from http://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-basics/?loc=GlobalNavDB. Accessed on August 1, 2013.

“Types of Diabetes.” International Diabetes Federation. Retrieved from http://www.idf.org/types-diabetes/. Accessed on August 1, 2013.

“Diabetes Information.” Palo Alto Medical Foundation. Retrieved from http://www.pamf.org/diabetes/whatis/. Accessed on August 7, 2013.

“Can You Reverse Type 2 Diabetes?” WebMD. Retrieved from http://diabetes.webmd.com/features/reversing-type-2-diabetes.   Accessed on August 7, 2013.