There are two common types of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes mellitus is a result of your body’s pancreas failing to produce a chemical called insulin. Insulin allows sugar from your food to get from your blood into your body’s cells in order for your body to have energy.

The only way to sort out type 1 diabetes is to replace the missing insulin. The only way to deliver insulin is by injecting it through the skin – either in separate injections or through a continuous pump. However, sometimes the amount of carbohydrate in your blood doesn’t match the amount of insulin that you have injected and so your blood sugar may go up and down. You should get some advice from your local diabetes service

You blood sugar will go up and down througout the day. But if it goes too high or too low, it can really cause havoc with your body. When your blood sugar is high, you may find that you need to go to the toilet – a lot, you can become quite thirsty and you can even go into a type of coma. If your blood sugar drops too low, you may find yourself become shaky and confused. What follows is a short discussion about the factors that affect your blood sugar variations:

Reasons for a High Blood Glucose level

* Missing an insulin injection means that glucose can’t get from the blood into your cells and so your blood sugar rises.
* Having more food – especially starchy or sweet food – will make your blood glucose level go up.
* Blood sugars can also increase in response to certain infections or metabolic stresses.
* There is something called the dawn phenomeon – basically it means that because you haven’t been doing much overnight, your blood sugar is higher.
* If you are a diabetic, then some drugs can cause havoc with your blood sugar levels – make sure your doctor knows about your diabetes.
* During growth, your body’s hormone levels can cause your blood sugar to rise.

Reasons for a Low Blood Sugar level

* If, by error, you took too much insulin, your body’s cells would suck out insulin from your blood and leave you with a low blood sugar level.
* When a patient skips or delays taking a meal or snack, this interferes with regular release of insulin to the blood after digestion.
* You blood sugar will tend to drop as you .
* Alcohol will tend to bring your blood glucose down. So be careful when you want to drink alcohol if you are on insulin.
* The effect of a variety of drugs can result in a drop in your blood sugar levels, so always seek medical advice before taking medication – even shop bought medication.
* Women in their menstrual period, this is because hormonal changes may affect how well insulin works in the blood.

Vitamins and herbs are good, inexpensive medicine for many common health conditions

It seems that every time we visit the doctor for treatment of a health condition, we’re handed a prescription that creates wallet shock when you go to pay for it. A few of these and you find yourself wondering how you’ll meet other necessary household expenses. In many cases, you can get the same or even better results with a vitamin supplement and herbs, without the side effects of the pharmaceutical product. Using vitamins and herbs appropriately, you can, in many cases, save hundreds of dollars which can be put to better use elsewhere!

It’s true that there are a number of pharmaceutical drugs which will do a better job, depending on the condition. However, there are so many cases in which vitamins and herbs can correct and treat common health conditions, it’s certainly worth taking a look.

Modern science has a pharmaceutical remedy for virtually every health condition. Allopathic physicians are not generally conversant in natural remedies or nutrition. As a result, we’re being steered away from inexpensive natural remedies, which have been used for thousands of years to relieve and correct conditions, from indigestion to menopause. Let’s take a look at just a few of the ways you can put vitamins and herbs to work for you, safely and effectively.

Naturopathic medicine treats health conditions from a holistic perspective. Let’s say you suffer from heartburn and indigestion. Perhaps you’re eating the wrong foods. Do you have a vitamin deficiency causing the problem? Might the solution to your indigestion be as simple as preparing foods with herbs that counter indigestion? Turmeric, scotch broom and ginger tea have been used for centuries to effectively ease indigestion and heartburn. These herbs go a step further, helping to correct the cause, rather than just temporarily allaying the symptoms.

How about cholesterol and cardiac problems? Garlic has been demonstrated to be equally effective in reducing the LDL (bad) levels, while boosting HDL (good) levels, when compared with expensive pharmaceuticals. The common culinary herb, rosemary, is a proven tonic for the heart, as is Motherwort. Hawthorne berry also has a tonic effect on the entire cardiovascular system. Cayenne pepper greatly improves circulation. Beta carotene and vitamin E, taken as supplements, or in foods, are of terrific benefit to heart patients. Omega-3 supplements, found in substantial quantities in cold water fish, are excellent in protecting the heart against disease. There are many other vitamins and herbs that help prevent and in some cases, can even reverse damage.

Nervous tension and anxiety are common health problems these days. Try some vitamins and herbs before you fill expensive prescriptions which typically are potentially addictive. Passion flower, St. John’s wort, valerian and skullcap are all effective natural remedies. Calcium and magnesium supplements, in a balanced ratio, are valuable in treating these conditions.

If you suffer from osteoarthritis, supplements of magnesium may bring considerable relief. Most Americans consume way too much calcium, creating a magnesium deficiency. As with heart conditions, Omega 3 supplements are good medicine for the osteoarthritis patient. Capsaicin cream, available in tubes at the health food shop, may be used topically for potent pain relief at affected sites. It works by reducing perception of pain, triggering endorphins, our brain’s natural response to pain.

There are literally dozens of common health problems that may be effectively treated with a vitamin and herb program. Consulting with qualified nutritionists and herbalists is a good first step. At little expense, you can find relief for your condition and your wallet!

Generally, manufacturers of herbal remedies and dietary supplements do not need FDA approval to sell their products. Just like a drug, herbs and supplements can affect the body’s chemistry, and therefore have the potential to produce side effects that may be harmful. There have been a number of reported cases of serious and even lethal side effects from herbal products. Patients should always check with their doctors before using any herbal remedies or dietary supplements.

Yohimbe.

Yohimbe, which is similar to yohimbine, is derived from the bark of a West African tree. Side effects include nausea, insomnia, nervousness, and dizziness. Large doses of yohimbe can increase blood pressure and heart rate and may cause kidney failure.

Gamma-Butyrolactone (GBL). GBL is found in products marketed for improving sexual function (Verve, Jolt). This substance can convert to a chemical that can cause toxic and life-threatening effects, including seizures and even coma.

Gingko.

Although the risks for gingko appear to be low, there is an increased risk for bleeding at high doses and interaction with vitamin E, anti-clotting medications, aspirin, or other NSAIDs. Large doses have also been known to cause convulsion. Commercial gingko preparations have also been reported to contain colchicine, a substance that can be harmful in people with kidney or liver problems.

L- arginine (also called arginine).

Arginine may cause gastrointestinal problems. It can also lower blood pressure and change levels of certain chemicals and electrolytes in the body. It may increase the risk for bleeding. Some people have an allergic reaction to it, which in same cases may be severe. It may worsen asthma.

DHEA.

DHEA is a supplement related to certain male and female hormones. Studies show inconclusive results in its treatment for erectile dysfunction. DHEA may interact dangerously with other medications.

Aphrodisiacs.

Aphrodisiacs are substances that are supposed to increase sexual drive, performance, or desire. Some examples include the following:

Viramax is a well-marketed product that contains yohimbine and three herbal aphrodisiacs: catuaba, muira puama, and maca. It has not been proven to be either effective or safe, and interactions with medications are unknown.

Spanish fly, or cantharides, which is made from dried beetles, is the most widely-touted aphrodisiac but can be particularly harmful. It irritates the urinary and genital tract and can cause infection, scarring, and burning of the mouth and throat. In some cases, it can be life threatening. No one should try any aphrodisiac without consulting a doctor.

Other Alternative Products Marketed for Men Sexual Health.

Vinarol is an over-the-counter supplement that was recalled after reports surfaced that it contained the same ingredients found in Viagra. Herbal supplements sold as Viagro and Vaegra have no association with Viagra.

For the tips about immune system boosters, please visit this Men Sexual Health Site