Meet Insulin, The Glucose Salesman

Insulin is a hormone produced by your pancreas that transports glucose from your bloodstream to the cells. It does this by 'latching on' to free glucose molecules, then seeking out cells that actively want to 'buy' some glucose. When a cell needs more glucose it displays specific insulin receptors on its cell membrane. Rather like hanging a sign outside your home asking insulin to drop by with some glucose. If the cell doesn't want extra glucose, it doesn't display the receptor.

Insulin's Busy Working Day

At the start of insulin's working day, he is despatched from the pancreas with instructions to locate unattached glucose molecules and 'sell' them to a cell. When the insulin molecule spots a cell with a 'glucose wanted' receptor display, it carries the glucose molecule over, hands it to the cell, and departs to locate another glucose molecule to 'sell'.

What if no cells are buying glucose today?

If the cells don't need any more glucose right now they don't display the 'glucose wanted' receptor, and insulin simply continues circulating through your body, glucose attached, looking for a buyer. This is 'insulin resistance'. Rather like having too many salesmen out on the road when nobody wants to buy. Eventually insulin will arrange for the glucose to be converted into fat, and push the glucose molecule into a fat storage cell. Fat cells just hang around doing nothing, producing nothing; but they're always happy to accept another fat donation.

What changes the cell's mind about buying?

Physical activity uses up glucose, forcing your cells to call for more. This is why increasing your activity levels is such an important step in overcoming insulin resistance.

Why to avoid excess sugar

Sugar is a clever enemy. It knows how to tug at your emotions. Initially, you'll feel happier and more energetic after consuming something sugary. When you eat something sweet, your brain initially throws a party: neurotransmitters release opioids, giving you a sense of well-being. Your blood glucose level rises quickly, providing immediate energy. So far so good. But insulin, the glucose salesman, is called in to 'sell' the glucose to cells. The higher the amount of circulating glucose, the more insulin that will be secreted.

Soon, the excessive amount of sugar you ate is 'sold' or diverted to fat storage (often on your lower abdomen), and your blood glucose level can fall, fast, too low. The party's over, and your brain craves more sugar. Your energy levels fall quickly too. You may experience brain 'fog', trouble concentrating, mood swings, dizzy spells or sweating. So to feel better, you eat something sugary again, and the cycle repeats. Eventually your pancreas may become exhausted from continual secretion of insulin; its insulin -producing cells may die from exhaustion, resulting in diabetes.

The most effective way to manage your blood glucose and keep your insulin salesman working productively is to keep your sugar intake to a minimum, and get enough of the right sort of exercise.

Olwen Anderson is an accredited naturopath based on the north coast of New South Wales, Australia. Visit her web site for free health information, subscribe to Health e-News for up to date natural health information; and read more articles that can help you take control of your health. Visit http://www.olwenanderson.com.au/

Type 2 Diabetes - Choosing The Right Blood Glucose Meter

When choosing a blood glucose meter or glucometer, there are many things that should be considered. Does it have enough memory? Are the results clear and accurate? Is it easy to use? Can the results from previous dates be stored somewhere else? Believe it or not, there are all different kinds of meters on the market today.

Blood glucose meters are small computerized devices that measure the amount of glucose or sugar in a sample of your blood. The levels are then displayed on a screen.

The idea is to get a meter that will work best for your own needs and comfort: This can mean getting a meter that is small in size, that is light and portable and can fit in your pocket or purse... to make it easier to carry with you throughout the day.

some individuals have problems seeing and should think about getting a monitor that displays large numbers.there are also meters that will even "talk" the reading for you.those who are sensitive to sharp objects need to look for one that takes smaller blood samples from the fingers. If you do not like being poked in the fingers, then consider a meter that will calculate blood samples taken from other parts of your body.

Cost: Do not buy a particular meter if you know you cannot afford it. Make sure you purchase one that includes a generous amount of strips for a reasonable price. Some meters will require too much money for the additional needed items throughout the month, so take that into consideration. It's really about the cost of the strips.

If you have insurance, check to see what meters it might be able to cover... most insurance plans will cover the cost of meters, and sometimes there are great rebates. Some insurance plans cover the cost of your glucometer, testing strips, or lancets.

Speed: You want a meter that will tell you your results straight away. New meters on the market today take only seconds to display your blood sugar results; but some take over a minute, Faster is better where blood sugar levels are concerned.

Time Display and Record: Some people forget what time of day they have taken their blood sugar. Try and aim for a meter that will tell you the time when you last took your blood sugar. You can also use this information to track your progress for your next doctor's visit.

Convenience: Your doctor may want to keep tabs on your sugar as well. Check for a meter that allows you to download the results to a computer.

Be sure to evaluate the information on how to contact the maker of the product in case there are problems with your glucometer.

Overall, get a blood glucose meter that will meet all of your needs now and in the future by taking all of these factors into consideration.

To discover answers to questions you may be asking yourself about Type 2 Diabetes, click on this link... Natural Diabetes Treatments

Pros and Cons of Self-Monitoring Your Own Glucose Levels

Self-Monitoring Blood Glucose, or SMBG, allows diabetics to read their own glucose levels without going to the hospital or the doctor's clinic. SMBG devices give diabetics the opportunity to take control of diabetes and to play a hand in its management and treatment. However, the best method to use varies. It depends on the condition of the diabetic that will perform the test. In deciding which SMBG method to use, several factors about the diabetic are involved:

1. Willingness of the diabetic to do the test on his own.
2. Cognitive ability, or the ability to understand and perform tasks in the correct manner.
3. Good motor coordination.
4. Clarity or clearness of vision.

SMBG methods vary in price. The least expensive ones are the visual-based ones that come with just a few equipment. These methods require the ability to recognize and differentiate colors, good motor skills to perform the procedure precisely, and the ability to understand and interpret the results.

There are meters available that require far less technique and need only the diabetic's willingness to improve. These meters, sometimes called personal meters, are expensive though, but they provide more accurate results. If budget is a problem, you can ask your doctor to suggest a meter that is right for you and your current financial situation.

Older meters, those that require the drawing of blood, are not used as much today. There are now meters that don't require blood. These newer meters are also less complicated thus lessening the incidence of mistakes in doing the procedure, making them more accurate.

SMBG does not always return accurate results, depending on the user. If the user performs the procedure wrong, or uses equipment and other resources that are outdated or damaged, the results can be misleading. Misinformation about glucose levels can be dangerous to a diabetic. Diabetics who use SMBG devices should make sure they follow the instructions for usage to the letter and check any equipment for any sign of damage or breakage regularly. This way, they eliminate some of the disadvantages of performing SMBG and reap most of the advantages.

SMBG devices offer ways for diabetics to have a hand at their own management and treatment of diabetes, instead of just relying solely on doctors and health care providers. Now, they can check their glucose levels anytime and anywhere, giving them the information they need in minutes. Some devices are expensive though, and they are not free from errors and mistakes, and so it is still best to visit the doctor regularly to compare your results from SMBG to your doctor's findings.

Glucose Monitor Accuracy, How Much Do You Trust It?

Glucose monitor accuracy is not something diabetics want to lie awake thinking about. If you take insulin you rely on the accuracy of your monitor, checking your level before you take insulin so you know how much to inject.

Even type 2 diabetics who are not on insulin will test first thing in the morning as a fasting baseline and after exercise if they feel weak or dizzy. It is not comforting to find out that the international standards for diabetic meters allow for an up to 20% error rate.

The New York Times has an article, published July 18, 2009, that states a 16-year-old girl bought seven meters and took them home to be tested by her diabetic dad as a science project. The results on the meters varied by up to 75 points. That's disturbing.

The student's mother, who works for a senator, told him about the experiment results, and he wrote a letter to the FDA asking for an investigation. So there are rumblings that something might be done to force meter makers to raise their standards.

The meter companies' response was that it will make meters more expensive, and people won't buy them. It sounds a lot like the complaints car makers were giving when they were forced to make cars safer. What they should worry about is the lowered confidence their customers will have in their diabetic meters when the news spreads.

The companies that improve accuracy on their own will be the smart ones. There is one, the WaveSense meter; AgaMatrix is saying they have concentrated on glucose monitor accuracy and addressed many of the problems other meters have.

The Problems That Make Meters Inaccurate

Every meter has issues with medications, according to a company spokesperson. Things like aspirin, Tylenol, vitamin C and dialysis medications can mess with glucose monitor accuracy. Then there are the methods used by each meter to measure blood sugar, and the fact that the makers know it's okay to be off by up to 20%. It's the old argument of what's cost effective, and it cheapens their product.

The fact that meters can be so inaccurate exposes another problem. Many hospitals choose to save money on testing by using home meters to check blood sugar in patients. And some FDA officials are worried that this has already led to deaths in some high risk cases. A hospital should not be using home monitors because they are not accurate enough, they said.

It's Not Always the Meter's Fault

Beyond those problems lies another glucose monitor accuracy issue. Human error can make monitor readings unreliable. If you haven't been taught how to use your monitor correctly, or if you get in a hurry and skip steps you could get numbers that are wrong.

If you have alcohol on your skin it affects your readings. It's better to prepare your fingers by washing your hands with soap and drying them well before you test. And be sure to let your skin dry after you use alcohol wipes.

Then there are the problems caused by outdated or damaged test strips, using the wrong strips for a meter, and using a meter that was exposed to high heat or humidity or allowed to get dirty.

What You Can Do For Glucose Monitor Accuracy

First you can do some homework and find out which monitor really is best for you. I love that monitors can be free, but some are truly better than others. And while you're deciding which is best, look at the price of the test strips because that's what you'll be buying every month. A free monitor with high-priced test strips is not a bargain.

Keep your meter stored at room temperature and don't expose it to high heat, humidity or dust. All meters have cases, so store yours inside one. Next, if your meter has to be coded, check to make sure the number on the test strip vial matches the one on your display.

Wash your hands before handling test strips. Make sure the strip is inserted all the way, and the right way up, in your meter. Glucose monitor accuracy is only as good as the test strip you are using.

Don't use outdated test strips or strips that have been exposed to high heat or humidity. Store the test strips in the sealed container they came in. And apply enough blood for the test. You can't add more after the countdown starts.

If you use an alternate site like your arm for the blood test, be aware that the number will be a little different from your fingerstick, because the arm test lags behind a little. Your test site choice affects glucose monitoring accuracy. So if you think your blood sugar is lowering fast but the arm test isn't showing that, test again on your fingertip to be sure.

Remember, you have to change the batteries. Monitors will warn you about that usually, but if yours is acting up, check that first. If you still aren't confident about your glucose monitor accuracy, take the meter with you to the doctor's office and check a reading at the same time they take one so you can compare.

The hemoglobin A1C numbers are the best way to know how your blood sugars have been doing over the past couple of months, and when you compare your daily numbers to the A1C that will give you proof that your monitor is doing a pretty good job.

As long as you're aware that glucose monitoring is not a precise numbers game, you will depend on your symptoms and reactions as well as to your monitor to know whether you are hypo- or hyperglycemic.

Knowing how your body reacts to low blood sugar is important when you are taking insulin, and a glucose monitor you can have confidence in is not a luxury; it's a necessity.

Martha Zimmer invites you to visit her website and learn more about type 2 diabetes, its complications and how you can deal with them, as well as great tips for eating healthy that will make living with diabetes less painful.

The Accu Chek Performa - A Reliable Blood Glucose Meter

If you're among the millions who need to track your blood glucose levels, then the Accu Chek Performa is a meter that you can count on. This meter is made with your convenience in mind by keeping things simple.

Made in the USA by Roche Diagnostics this meter is one of the most accurate and reliable on the market today because it is backed by the technical expertise of Roche Diagnostics out of Germany, the meters designer.

Ensuring Accuracy is Simple with Control Testing

Like anything that is a calibrated instrument, the meter needs to be tested to ensure that it is providing the most accurate results. Control testing is used to validate test results, which gives you peace of mind to know that you are getting reliable test results or that you need to have your meter recalibrated or replaced.

The point of control testing is two-fold, first it is to establish the meter is working correctly and secondly it is used to validate the test strips are providing reliable input to the meter.

To be sure that you are getting the right results from your control test there are a few thing you need to make sure of:

Make sure the strips are not expiredThat the strips have been stored in a dry location with temperatures that range between thirty-six and eighty-nine degrees (2 to 32 degrees Celsius).The test strip number matches the number from the container it was stored inOnly use Accu Chek Performa test stripsOnly use Accu Chek Performa control solutions

Accurate Reliable Results

The results that you will get from the meter will be very reliable and accurate so much so that they are relied upon by medical professionals, so you can feel confident that you will be making educated decisions about your treatment in your daily life.

This level of reliability is a result of the technology that is incorporated in the meter that performs self checks detecting any faults or errors with the meter. To help take the reliability and accuracy even higher a code chip, that is inserted into the meter, is included with the test strips. The code chip is calibrated exactly to specific test strips, which ensures accuracy.

Of course, like anything, correctly the results will not be accurate or reliable, so following the easy instructions provided with the meter is the best thing you can do to ensure you are getting results that are precise. If you are unsure that your test results are any good perform a control test to be certain that the meter is testing well within the required parameters.

Results - Putting Them to Work for You

Being able to track your results is something that enables you to take control of your situation, especially if you are pre-diabetic or type 2 diabetic, you could definitely improve your condition and maybe even reverse it if you make good decisions based off of the results you are tracking. Of course anyone with type 1 diabetes would benefit as well.

What makes the tracking powerful is the meters ability to store five-hundred results in its memory. Taking five-hundred results and laying them out in a chart or graph makes certain trends and spikes apparent, which in turn allows you to make adjustments to your treatment plan that can have a profound effect.

The meter is also capable of transferring the test results to a PDA or computer, with the right software, so you can track and chart your results as well as your doctor.

Identifying certain trends and spikes is a valuable tool, but being able to identify why there may have been a spike or why certain trends are popping up is even more valuable and that is what you can do with by flagging and day or event, a feature that makes this meter a real asset.

Staying On Time & Safe

To make this meter even more convenient a clock and calendar feature is included. Now you don't have to miss a test by using the alarm setting that is included with the clock feature.

To help keep you safe you can set another alarm to sound if your results are outside of your normal test results. Speak to your health care provider to help you determine what your high and low glucose level is to help you avoid any false alarms.

This meter, with all its great abilities and features has one more feature that is the icing on the cake. If there is ever an error while you are testing you will get an alarm notifying you of the error, even if you don't set any of the alarms systems.

Final Thought

This meter delivers, there is no question you can depend on it for convenience, accuracy and dependability.

Keeping your blood glucose under control is made much easier with a reliable meter like the Accu Chek Performa

If you are very active then you may want to consider the Accu Chek Mobile