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Diabetics are forever on alert for complications to their disease, changes within their bodies, highs, lows, diets and exercise. Now recent news comes from a study in a British Journal “Human Reproduction” showing that diabetic men now face a decrease in fertility.
The study analyzed samples from 56 men and noted that 52 percent of these men who are diabetic compared to 32 percent of men who are not had fragmented sperm DNA.
The study seems to deliver numerous issues that diabetic men may encounter in regards to reproduction. Not only is the sperm DNA fragmented it also shows that they have higher rates of DNA deletions in the Mitochondria. (These are the tiny, energy-generating structures in the cells). This can cause both infertility in them as well as pregnancy failure and miscarriage.
With Diabetes rapidly becoming an increasing disease, notably in Type One men this raises a major concern for couples who are hopeful to start a family, therefore it is indicated that further studies will need to be conducted to better understand the DNA damage to the sperm. It is suspected that Type One will rise by 50 percent over the next ten Years and the Diabetes effects will hit many of these young men prior to and during their reproductive years.
Other small scale studies have shown that the female egg has a limited ability to repair damaged sperm DNA. Although diabetic men have a lower than normal semen volume there to be no difference in sperm concentration, structure or movement.

Sources www.health24.com www.inthenews.co.uk www.ivanhoe.com

Now this is the kind of news that I love to hear about. Not only is it useful and hopeful, but it fills the belly as well. What is it? Well, it’s the healing properties of Cherry Pie!!! How sweet can it be? Not only that- yes there is more, in the news this week, coffee apparently has some advantages to healing as well. So now, its pie and coffee. Yes it can’t get much better.

Your slice of pie can set you off to the races for combating heart disease, lower cholesterol and may reduce the risk of diabetes. Pucker up though; it’s all in the sour cherries, not the sweet candied ones.
Researchers from the University of Michigan conducted experiments giving powdered cherries to the food of rats. Just after three months the little rodents had significantly lower cholesterol levels than their little friends who did not get the treat in their dinners. The rats with the cherries in their diets also measured much better for levels of insulin and other factors linked to metabolic syndrome. Metabolic Syndromes often increase the risk toward Heart Disease and Diabetes.
This is great news for those who love their treats. Just know that
Darker the pigment is where you will find the better health effect. Throw some Pies, jams and juices in your shopping cart this week, along with your favorite java.

Happy Mothers Day
This note goes out to my mum with much love and appreciation for all she is, all she has given of herself and for everything she has taught me. The biggest success in life is that of raising children who are good, honest and caring people. You have shown me devotion, unconditional love, understanding and compassion. It is your strength and love that has given me the tools needed to be a mother, to live by your example and raise my child to be the wonderful young man he is. You are

My strength, my voice, my hero, you always see the best in me and give me the courage to get through anything. Without you I wouldn’t fly, without you, I wouldn’t love the way I do.

Happy Mother’s Day
I Luff You
Bear

On a very special and very happy note for this Mother’s Day is the announcement that my brother David, his Colleen and my niece Kerri are adding to our family this year with twins. This has to be the happiest news for all of us. As our mum says, “It is the icing on the cake”. We are blessed with Kerri and now we will have more babies to love. Congratulations to my brother, who is a wonderful dad and to Colleen for being a great mom and being apart of our lives,
Happy Mother’s Day Colleen!!

Ps…no peeking david

Diabetes Impotence

A lot can go wrong when you’re diabetic - ( yes, even.. aahh! Diabetes Impotence ). The complications, the highs, the lows, the daily grind of just being vigilant to stay on top of it. It is by far one of the most taxing diseases I believe is out there.

I know that you can be diagnosed with anything and that anything can be really something to have to live with. By taxing I am really referring to the fact that it is chronic. Type one especially. That is said simply because it starts at such an early age and is life long. Type two is again no exception to chronic, but the one saving grace is I guess that there was a time when it wasn’t there and it does enable you more power over it. (Every little bit adds up to a happier perspective).

So with that being said, I am not taking away from anyone their suffering. I am empathetic to all and hope that not only you champion for yourself, but that others champion for you as well. Read the rest of this entry »

Author: David Rose
Source: Times Online

Diabetics using stem-cell therapy have been able to stop taking insulin injections for the first time, after their bodies started to produce the hormone naturally again.

In a breakthrough trial, 15 young patients with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes were given drugs to suppress their immune systems followed by transfusions of stem cells drawn from their own blood.

The results show that insulin-dependent diabetics can be freed from reliance on needles by an injection of their own stem cells. The therapy could signal a revolution in the treatment of the condition, which affects more than 300,000 Britons.

People with type 1 diabetes have to give themselves regular injections to control blood-sugar levels, as their ability to create the hormone naturally is destroyed by an immune disorder.

All but two of the volunteers in the trial, details of which are published today in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), do not need daily insulin injections up to three years after stopping their treatment regimes. Read the rest of this entry »

Found this funny video on youtube.
Enjoy!

Betus, Betus, Dya-Betus!

Theres more! Read the rest of this entry »

Diabetes and Reiki

How do you measure the flow of universal energy and exchange?
I suppose by conducting a study.
That I am assuming would involve practitioners of the art as well as an actor to do a mock a reiki treatment to prove or dis-prove its validity. Hmmm, this would be exactly the point where I would raise an eyebrow and wonder “how do you mock that which is done naturally, without thought?”

When you bang your knee and instinctually reach down to hold it, do you think,” Well I am healing this, or is it just holding my boo boo?” I am guessing you are thinking the latter. Read the rest of this entry »

One of the most serious complications of Diabetes is gangrene and it can have devastating consequences.
It is defined as the death or decay of body tissues caused by a deficiency or cessation if the blood supply. When you think of this a vision of an unstoppable and untreatable condition comes to mind. This is not always the case, but it does emphasize the importance of vigilant foot care.
Proper foot care is a top priority when diabetic and such things as cuts, ingrown toenails, and blisters as well plantar warts need to be closely monitored. A seemingly minor problem can has the potential for a bacterial infection.
Nerve loss is common and leads to a dulling of sensation in the feet. Therefore the potential for impending problems is higher as the awareness is not present. Read the rest of this entry »

I am not one who likes to offend anyone ever!!! In fact, I am an extremely introverted and caring person, but I do have a sense of humor and that comes in line with the sarcastic kind, not the “slap happy” comedic type.
I have a big concern when people don’t want to make changes, not just for themselves but for their children as well. Our children are now bigger candidates for Type Two Diabetes then ever before!
I see the damage of it, I care for those who have been damaged and I urge those in the line of fire…WHO CAN MAKE a change, too make a change. And sometimes, unfortunately it takes a kick in the pants and a sarcastic humor to get them thinking.
I know that Type Two is not caused from laziness or gluttony; I do know that there are many fit and active people with it and that genes play a major role as well. So if you fall under this category don’t think even for a second that I lay any blame on you, I most certainly don’t. Read the rest of this entry »

I have an “issue” and that’s putting it delicately with pre diabetes.
I’m biased, and I admit it fully without hesitation, In fact, this is my second venting article on it in just a matter of days.
(Still a little residual pent up anger.) Now wait just a minute, I am not angry at the predisposed genetic kind, I am angry at the “I can’t make the changes to prevent it kind.”
That’s the one that gets me going…. Ignorance is not bliss when you actually develop a full fledge type two disease. We all have our faults, and I am no exception here, but I live with a Type One and see daily the struggle of lows and highs, injections, blood testing strips, drips of blood on my freshly washed floor and little paper labels from needles all over the place. Read the rest of this entry »

Faced with diagnosis of being pre-diabetic doesn’t seem to register an alarm with most people. Oh, don’t get me wrong, it is troubling to most, but only to an extent, enough to bring it up at social events, over coffee, at the office, mentioning it to family and friends when they are telling their tales of woe. A sympathetic ear is nice and the minute in the spot light is very gratifying.
So why is this happening? I am guessing it’s because as a part of a diagnosis, the treatment is discussed. And we are all aware of the treatment… Lifestyle changes! That pretty much puts up a wall in receptivity to most. Crap, this is where it begins to suck. It involves work, thought and commitment and who needs more work in their lives? Read the rest of this entry »

Putting your best foot forward

You certainly have to be on your toes when you are diabetic and the following article will help you keep those tootsies happy and healthy.

Diabetes can hit you from head to toe. It certainly has no mercy and that means that you have to be both vigilant and aggressive in maintaining your health. Read the rest of this entry »

I have an uncle who is Type One Diabetic. He is in his late 50’s now and I guess he is, well, somewhat eccentric.
(I mean that in a loving way) A bachelor all his life, he has created a nice little niche for himself in a small bachelor apartment.
He has a good job but suffers immensely from his illness and no doubt loneliness being away from his family. But he has set himself up to feel safe in his environment and cope with the affects that are now emerging full force by this disease.
Thirty plus years ago when he was diagnosed, there was not a lot of information or knowledge out there about the risks, symptoms and complications of what life as a diabetic was going to be like. Well maybe that’s unfair for me to judge.
Thirty years ago I Knew nothing of diabetes and I know

Read the rest of this entry »

Technorati Profile
Come on people, let’s get moving!

If I had a hat on I would toss it off for this woman. I just read an article last night from the Guelph Tribune about a dedicated mom, Jennifer Stelleffler who has recently completed a marathon with Team Diabetes Canada in Rome Italy.
Her inspiration and dedication to her 8 year old daughter, Michaela is certainly what being a class act number one mother Is all about. The fight for the one you love and putting it all out there to do what you can for them and others who share the commonality of diabetes. Read the rest of this entry »

Happy Hour and Cocktails……
What you need to know before your night out on the town!

Let’s face it, we all like to share a glass of wine over nice dinner or have a cold glass of beer on a hot day after work with the boys. But you’re Diabetic, and that makes you different.
It makes you special, so don’t get down on yourself! Your body,
requires a little more maintenance to keep it running smoothly. Read the rest of this entry »

I know that an article is due. Something insightful, thought provoking, with a twist of enlightenment.
And yet, I have nothing. I think about diabetes and all that it encompasses. Some issues on it, really get my goat…pre diabetes is one of them.
(A pet peeve of mine) There is so much to be said. So many new articles out there and advances that aren’t being given to those who suffer. And I really wonder….what about those children who come from low income families, how do they do it?
Provide the medical care that their children need daily to live.
And as I sit here, I really have nothing say. Must be the grey sky..

When I think about diabetes and I think of my son.
So for now, that is my starting off point. After all, that’s the reason that I am here on this site to begin with. Because of my love for him. When you watch someone you love suffer, your heart breaks. It’s so painful that really no words can ever begin to say what it is that you feel. Read the rest of this entry »

Gestational Diabetes

Since Gestational Diabetes doesn’t always present itself with symptoms it is vital to know if you fall into any of the risk factors that are associated with GDM. Being pregnant means plenty of visits with your doctor so if there are any concerns on your part, inform him or her and discuss them.
There some signs that may occur during your pregnancy that can alert you to having it. These are the same as those found in Type Two Diabetes, so take a moment to refer to all articles written on it. Read the rest of this entry »

Pre-Diabetes

Now being termed the “Pre Diabetic Epidemic”
This condition is sweeping North America and is the jumping off point for the 6th leading cause of death in the USA, diabetes, the 7th in Canada. Who is at risk? Well pretty much everyone, including children.
Before being diagnosed with Type Two Diabetes most people almost always have Pre Diabetes. Read the rest of this entry »

Feeling a little shook up?

Hypoglycemia literally means “under-sweet blood”. It is a pathologic state that occurs when your blood glucose level drops too low, usually less than 4mmol/L. There are many causes and it can happen at any age to anyone. When you have diabetes mellitus, it can become a moderate to severe problem if it is not treated and can be due to a complication of your treatment with insulin or oral medications and even from some everyday factors that may come into play. Read the rest of this entry »

Hyperglycemia

High Blood Glucose is an excess amount of sugar in your blood. When this happens the excessive glucose circulates in the blood plasma and causes many different symptoms that are primary of being diabetic.
With Type One diabetes it is a malfunction in the body’s ability to the supply of insulin.
With Type Two there is a problem with the insulin secretion and its improper response to insulin. Read the rest of this entry »

Insulin is the one of the twentieth century’s greatest medical discoveries.

Although it is not a cure it is the essential life line required for persons with type one diabetes.

In 1920 Dr. Fredrick Banting had a brilliant idea, a life saving epiphany. With the help of Charles Best at the University of Toronto a pancreatic extract which had diabetic characteristics was developed. This first tested on diabetic dogs and the results were amazingly successful. Two years later, with a team and lab under his wing, Dr. Banting conducted his first test on a human and history was made!! News spread across the globe, and many who were near death found life again. Read the rest of this entry »

Symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes

Type One Diabetes comes on suddenly and severely. Its progression can be days to a week. It can be so fast and dramatic you may not know what hit you as often Type One can appear through an illness such as a cold, virus or injury. So while you are thinking your treating one thing, something dramatically different is happening and without proper medical treatment can lead to a coma or death. Read the rest of this entry »

About Type One Diabetes

Typically Type One Diabetes occurs in childhood or adolescence. It is an Autoimmune Disorder where the body makes antibodies that attack the insulin hormone that produces cells in the pancreas. When this happens your body cannot properly store and use fuel for energy. Read the rest of this entry »

Type 2 Diabetes

Management of type 2 diabetes is done through controlling
your elevated blood sugar in order to feel healthy and avoid any complications. This is done without causing abnormally lower levels of sugar. There are a few methods in which this can be achieved. The First method is with a diabetic diet to achieve weight reduction, and second with exercise. If this is not successful in controlling the high blood sugars, medications are then introduced. Read the rest of this entry »

What causes Type 2 Diabetes? What are the Risk Factors?

Many different factors can play a part in your chances of developing diabetes.
They include:

• Weight. This is the leading risk factor in type two diabetes. Although not necessary for everyone, younger people and the elderly, most cases occur in those people who have more weight. The reasoning is quite simple. The more fatty tissue, the more resistant your cells will become to your own insulin. Read the rest of this entry »

So just what is happening inside me anyway?

Type 2 Diabetes is incurable but very manageable. Understanding just how this disease is working in your body gives you the ammunition you need in providing the best care and management possible.

With type two the body does not produce insulin properly. Your body either fails to produce enough insulin or your cells ignore the insulin. This is called insulin resistance. The disease develops when your pancreas is not able to make enough insulin or use it correctly. Cells need this energy. Read the rest of this entry »

Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes

Diabetes is one of the fastest growing diseases in North America, every 21 seconds a new diagnosis is given to someone just like yourself. Awareness of its risk factors is key in its prevention, knowing it’s symptoms is vital to your receiving the necessary care and treatment it requires. Diabetes can be present in your body for years, lingering and gaining its ground without you even knowing of its existence. It can be silent and not always present any signs or symptoms and as a result complications will eventually arise.

Read the rest of this entry »