Oral Glucose Tolerance Test

The oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) measures the body's ability to use a type of sugar, called glucose, that is the body's main source of energy. An OGTT can be used to diagnose prediabetes and diabetes. An OGTT is most commonly done to check for diabetes that occurs with pregnancy (gestational diabetes).

Glucose intolerance is a mild form of pre-diabetes in which pregnant women have slightly higher blood sugar levels than normal on the Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OCT), a standard prenatal test usually given to women toward the end of their second trimester. Results indicating gestational glucose intolerance aren't usually considered as serious as if the mother has gestational diabetes, since glucose intolerance is fairly mild and can be controlled through diet

Why It Is Done
The oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) is done to:

Check pregnant women for gestational diabetes. When done for this purpose, the test is called a glucose challenge screening test, and it is usually done during the 24th to the 28th week of pregnancy. You have an increased chance of developing gestational diabetes if you:
Have had gestational diabetes during a previous pregnancy.
Have previously given birth to a baby who weighed more than 8.8lb.
Are younger than age 25 and were overweight before getting pregnant.
Confirm the presence of gestational diabetes if other blood glucose measurements are high.
Screen women who have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) for diabetes.
Diagnose prediabetes and diabetes.

Glucose tolerance diagnostic test
To prepare for the glucose tolerance diagnostic test:

Eat a balanced diet that contains at least 150 to 200 grams (g) of carbohydrate per day for 3 days before the test. Fruits, breads, cereals, grains, rice, crackers, and starchy vegetables such as potatoes, beans, and corn are good sources of carbohydrate.
Do not eat, drink, smoke, or exercise strenuously for at least 8 hours before your first blood sample is taken.
Tell your health professional about all prescription and nonprescription medicines you are taking. You may be instructed to stop taking certain medicines before the test.
The glucose tolerance diagnostic test may take up to 4 hours. Since activity can interfere with test results, you will be asked to sit quietly during the entire test. Do not eat during the test. You may drink only water during this time.

Output study show that GTF and insulin act synergistically.

The acute metabolic effects of glucose tolerance factor (GTF), the biologically active form of trivalent chromium, were studied in normal and genetically diabetic (db/db) mice. A single intraperitoneal injection of GTF significantly reduced the nonfasting plasma glucose level in normal mice by 38 per cent, and in diabetic mice by 14 to 29 per cent.

Time course studies in normal and diabetic mice showed a maximal lowering of plasma glucose at four hours after GTF treatment. Furthermore, a single injection of GTF significantly lowered the elevated plasma triglyceride and cholesterol levels by 47 and 35 per cent, respectively, four hours after injection.

Genetically diabetic mice are refractory to insulin, and treatment with exogenous insulin produced a smaller decrement in plasma glucose (11-18 per cent). The combination treatment of diabetic mice with GTF and exogenous insulin was significantly more effective in reducing plasma glucose (39-51 per cent) and triglycerides (76 per cent) than either treatment alone.

These findings are consistent with the suggestion that GTF and insulin act synergistically.

Am I more likely to get swine flu if I have diabetes?

Diabetes and swine flu are not associated. If you have diabetes, there is no greater likelihood of you developing swine flu.

However, those people with diabetes that develop swine flu may find blood sugar levels become affected, and diabetes management and treated must be adjusted accordingly. If you are diagnosed with swine flu and you have diabetes, your doctor or healthcare professional will provide you with guidance.


Which people are most vulnerable from swine flu?

Those who are more at risk from becoming seriously ill with swine flu are:
* people with chronic lung disease, including people who have had drug treatment
for their asthma within the past three years,
* people with chronic heart disease,
* people with chronic kidney disease,
* people with chronic liver disease,
* people with chronic neurological disease (neurological disorders include motor
neurone disease, Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis),
* people with suppressed immune systems (whether caused by disease or treatment),
* people with diabetes,
* pregnant women,
* people aged 65 years and older, and
* young children under five years old.

For specific advice on antiviral treatment for these groups, go to People with long-term conditions, Pregnancy and children and Older people.

People with diabetes need to take special precautions when they are sick, and the recent swine flu outbreak is no exception. The Center for Disease Control has special recommendations that people with chronic health condition such as diabetes who have had known exposure to someone with a confirmed or suspected case of swine flu go on a course of antiviral medication.

Summer Recipes for Diabetic

This summer recipes will help you keep you blood glucose under control and taste good. Cindy Kimura is a BellaOnline's Diabetes Editor at Diabetes Site is providing us selected summer recipes for Diabetic and we name it as "Banana Raspberry Yogurt Parfait Recipe".

It is Here is a great low fat, low sugar pudding substitute. This is a quick and easy recipe.

2 medium ripe bananas, peeled and cut into small pieces
1 1/2 cups plain low-fat yogurt
1 tablespoon spoonable brown sugar substitute
2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
1 cup fresh or frozen (no sugar added) raspberries
4 sprigs of mint, for garnish

In a food processor or blender, combine the bananas, yogurt, brown sugar
substitute, and orange juice. Blend until smooth.

Spoon some of the banana mixture into each of 4 parfait glasses or
stemmed goblets. Top each with 1 tablespoon raspberries. You can also use blueberries, strawberries or kiwi fruit.
Continue to layer yogurt and berries, ending with yogurt.
Garnish with a mint sprig and serve.

~end

Type 2 Diabetes and High sugar consumption among kids

Sugar consumption itself has become a disease. An influx of sugar into the bloodstream upsets the body’s blood-sugar balance, triggering the release of insulin, which the body uses to keep blood-sugar at a constant and safe level. Insulin also promotes the storage of fat, so that when you eat sweets high in sugar, you’re making way for rapid weight gain.

A new study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, says the problem may be that the drinks fail to make people feel full in spite of being loaded with calories.

Caroline Apovian, a US nutrition expert writing a commentary on the study, says that the human race has probably not yet evolved to cope with these sugar-loaded drinks.

A single can may contain 40 to 50g of sugar. Somebody who drinks one can a day could put on 15lb over a year, she writes. She advises doctors in the US to tell their overweight patients to cut down.

Overweight Latino children who consume lots of sugar-especially in sugary drinks-show signs of beta cell decline, a precursor of type 2 diabetes, according to researchers at the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California.

Nearly one of four Latino children in the United States is overweight, and the problem is worsening. Increasing obesity rates parallel the growing incidence of pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes in overweight teens.

Beta cells in the pancreas create the hormone insulin in response to sugar from food. Cells in the body's tissues need sugar, or glucose, for energy; insulin helps cells grab and take up glucose circulating in the blood.

Sometimes, though, the body's cells gradually become resistant to the effects of insulin. In response, the beta cells initially create more insulin to overcome that resistance. But in certain people, when beta cells are faced with a difficult workload over time, the beta cells start to function less effectively and eventually produce less or even no insulin. Researchers believe this decline in beta cell function may result in the accumulation of sugar in the bloodstream that characterizes type 2 diabetes.

In the children studied, those who consumed more sugar on an everyday basis had signs of decreased beta cell function, implying they were heading toward type 2 diabetes. Sugars included glucose, sucrose, fructose, lactose and galactose found in food and drink products.

Over-consumption can lead to hypoglycemia, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and chronic tiredness. Sugar can affect your health by suppressing the immune system. It can contribute to hyperactivity, anxiety, depression and concentration difficulties. Sugar interferes with absorption of calcium and magnesium leading to acute dental problems.

Refined sugar, because so many nutrients are removed from it, is believed to be more likely to produce diseases than unrefined sugarcane, which is rich in the glucose tolerance factor, chromium.

Source : Several Input

~end

Diabetes is a silent killer that kills one person every 10 seconds

Diabetes Facts is 7th Leading cause of death in the U.S. for people aged 25 years and older and about 23.6 million people in US (8% of population) have diabetes. some extra info about diabetes is:
* 17.9 million diagnosed.
* 5.7 million or 24% of people remain undiagnosed.
* 1.6 million people aged 20 years or older are diagnosed each year.
* 11.2% of men and 10.2% of women have diabetes.

Lifestyle changes and proper medical monitoring and care can keep diabetes from becoming a death sentence. There are many relatively simple things a diabetic can do to maintain their health, and continue living a "normal" life. From proper dietary precautions, to finding the best medication for each individual patient, to foot care and other daily concerns, an informed diabetic is a healthy diabetic.

Diabetes is a global problem with devastating human, social and economic impact. Today more than 250 million people worldwide are living with diabetes and by 2025, this total is expected to increase to over 380 million people. Each year another 7 million people develop diabetes.

Diabetes is a growing epidemic threatening to overwhelm global healthcare services, wipe out some indigenous populations and undermine economies worldwide, especially in developing countries.

Each year more than 3.8 million people die from diabetes-related causes, one death every 10 seconds.This silent epidemic claims as many lives annually as HIV/AIDS.

* Type 1 diabetes, which predominately affects youth, is rising alarmingly worldwide, at a rate of 3% per year. Some 70,000 children worldwide are expected to develop type 1 diabetes annually.
* Type 2 diabetes is responsible for 90 -95% of diabetes cases and is increasing at alarming rates globally as a resultof increased urbanization, high rates of obesity, sedentary lifestyles and stress.
* In many countries in Asia, the Middle East, Oceania and the Caribbean, diabetes affects up to 20% of the adult population.These countries bear the brunt of the major increase in diabetes prevalence but also the burden of the costs.
* Indigenous populations face genetic genocide becauseof their high genetic predisposition for type 2 diabetes.Worldwide, more than50% of adults over the age of 35 inindigenous communities have diabetes.

We have the knowledge to tackle the diabetes epidemic, and reduce the suffering and pre-mature deaths that diabetes causes. We have the cost-effective strategies to prevent or delay the onset of diabetes complications.

Diabetes is not yet curable but in many cases type 2 diabetes is preventable. If governments begin now by promoting low-cost strategies that alter diet, increase physical activity and modify lifestyles, the advance of this epidemic can be reversed.

It is time for governments to create national diabetes programs to tackle the epidemic.

NOTES:
Food Supplement contains with GTF activation nutrition mineral such as chromium can treat diabetic glucose level if taking constantly 400mcg - 1000 mcg daily within 3-4 month.

For Type 2 Diabetes, Intensive control can reduced Cardiovascular Events.

For diabetics, Factors affecting whether intensive glucose control is likely to reduce or increase the risk of cardiovascular events, including death, based on evidence in the VA Diabetes Trial, were reported in a symposium here today at the American Diabetes Association's 69th Scientific Sessions.

"We found that initiation of intensive control in the first 15 years after a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes reduced the risk of cardiovascular events, including mortality, but initiation 16 to 20 years after diagnosis yielded no such benefit," said William C. Duckworth, MD, Director of Diabetes Research, Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center in Phoenix, Professor of Clinical Medicine, University of Arizona, and Co-Chair of the VA Diabetes Trial (VADT), in a recent interview.

"Further, initiation of intensive control 20 or more years after diagnosis increased the risk of cardiovascular events in the population studied in this trial," said Duckworth. These duration effects were not affected by age, despite the fact that age itself is an independent risk for CV events.

In contrast to the VADT report last year showing that intensive control did not have a statistically significant effect on reducing cardiovascular (CV) events, the subanalyses presented here clearly showed which patients benefited from intensive glucose control and which patients did not.

READ MORE.

HIGH CHROMIUM RECIPE : Nutty Broccoli Appetizers

COMPONENTS:
1 Tb. extra virgin olive oil

1/4 cup finely chopped onions

4 mashed garlic cloves

10 ounces frozen chopped broccoli

1 cup bread crumbs, preferably whole wheat

1/4 cup chopped walnuts

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 tsp. each dried oregano and basil

Salt and black pepper, to taste

1/2 cup egg substitute (equivalent to 2 eggs)

Optional: low-sodium soy or teriyaki sauce, for dip

INSTRUCTIONS
Saute onions and garlic in olive oil. Cook broccoli according to package directions; squeeze out excess water. Cool slightly. Combine with remaining ingredients. Form into balls 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Place on non-stick pan. Spray balls with olive oil or canola spray. Bake in preheated 400-degree oven 20-30 minutes, or until brown. Serve warm or at room temperature. Makes 24 balls. (Note: You also can spread mixture in a shallow pan, bake and cut into squares.)

Nutrition per ball: 33 calories, 1.9g fat (0.4g saturated), 1.9g protein, 2.5g carbohydrates, 0.5g fiber, 41mg sodium.

How to Take Chromium GTF (glucose Tolerance Factor) Supplement

CHROMIUM DIET
Chromium works with insulin to drive sugar from your blood into the tissues of your body for use or storage. This mineral is so important in sugar tolerance that severe deficiences of it cause a diabetes-like illness to develop

Chromium, a mineral trace element, is essential to nutrition and physiologic processes. It is involved in the metabolism of glucose, which is necessary for energy. Sometimes chromium is referred to as the glucose tolerant factor or GTF. This mineral maintains stable blood sugar levels by properly utilizing insulin. Insulin is important for the body to be able to metabolize carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.

Chromium can be found in variety of foods such as wheat germ, cheese, brewer’s yeast, and grape juice. The RDA (Recommended Dietary Allowance) for chromium will vary depending on your age, health, and body size. Pregnant or lactating women will require more chromium.
The RDA for chromium per day is as follows:
• Birth to 3yrs – 10 to 80 mcg
• 4 yrs to 6 yrs – 30 to 120 mcg

CHROMIUM FOR DIABETICS
Dr. Anderson followed 180 men and women with Type II diabetes. Researchers divided the subjects into three groups, each receiving twice daily doses of either 200 mcg or 500 mcg of chromium or a placebo. The patients were allowed to continue with their usual diet and medications. At the end of two months, those who took 1,000 mcg of chromium daily showed significant improvement in insulin response, the number if insulin receptors, and levels of blood lipids (fats and cholesterol)0.

It took four months the group taking 400 mcg chromium daily to improve as much as the higher dosage group. However, all the patients taking chromium showed measurable improvement in their diabetes-related symptoms.

CHROMUIM AND DIABETES.
For diabetic, it is clear that 200 µg of Cr as Cr chloride is not sufficient to elicit a positive response in those with Type 2 Diabete. The studies of Sherman and Rabinowitz with 150 µg of Cr as CrCl3 showed no effects of supplemental Cr.
The positive effect of 200 µg as CrCl3 in the study of Uusitupa on 60-minute insulin is questionable; moreover, the remaining variables measured were not altered by supplemental Cr.

The studies that report positive effects of supplemental Cr on people with diabetes usually involve 400 µg or more of Cr. Mossop [31] reported a decrease in fasting glucose from 14.4 mmol/L to 6.6 mmol/L following 16 to 32 weeks of daily supplementation with 600 µg of Cr as Cr chloride. Nath reported positive effects with 500 µg/day, and Glinsmann and Mertz used up to 1000 µg/day of Cr as Cr chloride.

Abraham reported positive effects on blood lipids with 250 µg/day, but it took 28 to 64 weeks for effects to be significant. The reasons for the slow response may be due to the form and amount of Cr.


Who benefits from this valuable mineral and how much do they need?

1. Healthy individuals: at least 80 mcg per day
2. Anyone with diabetes or hypoglycemia: at least 200 mcg two to three times daily (check with cardiovascular disease: at least 200 mcg twice a day. Based on human studies, 1,000 mcg daily is the most effective dose for people with diabetes
3. Anyone with cardiovascular disease: at least 200 mcg twice a day
4. Those who exercise regularly or are under stress: 200 mcg per day, minimum
5.Pregnant and nursing women: 200 mcg daily

USDA STATEMENT ABOUT CHROMIUM
American Diabetes Association says most diabetics get enough chromium, USDA researcher Richard Anderson says studies show about 90 percent of diabetics and the general population do not. Virtually all adults, Anderson says, could benefit from taking 50-200mcg of chromium daily. Though the USDA's Chinese study used 1,000mcg, most diabetics need only 400-600mcg of chromium daily. Typically, blood sugar improves within three weeks, some within a few days; improvement was greatest after four months.

Source : The Chromium Connection by Betty Kamen, PhD ($12.95, Nutrition Encounter, 1996) ♦ Chromium, Exercise and Body Composition by Harshita Koble and Stella Volpe, Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 2000 ♦ "Chromium in the Prevention and Control of Diabetes" by Richard A. Anderson, PhD, Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 1998 ♦ "Chromium, Glucose Intolerance and Diabetes" by Richard A. Anderson, PhD, Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 1998 ♦ "Diet and Exercise Are Found to Cut Diabetes by Over Half" by Kenneth Chang, New York Times, 8/9/01 Insulin, Glucose Intolerance and Diabetes..." by Richard A. Anderson, Biological Trace Element Research, 2001


NOTES:
One Sachet of GT&F is contains about 200mcg Trivalent Chromium
Two (2) capsule of GT&F tablet are contains about 200mcg Trivalent Chromium also.

Metabolic Syndrome Cause Very Young Diabetic Children.

Juvenile diabetes is a disorder in which the pancreas doesn’t produce the insulin the body needs to regulate blood-sugar levels. Without insulin, the body cannot convert sugar from food into energy, so sugar stays in the blood and can damage other organ

The incidence of diabetes among very young children will double from 2005 levels in a little over a decade if present trends continue, a new study shows.

The prediction is based on type 1 diabetes trends in Europe, but experts say there is every reason to believe that the U.S. will see a similar dramatic increase in the disease.

Melinda Sothern of the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in New Orleans documented previously unknown markers for obesity, heart disease and diabetes -- collectively called Metabolic Syndrome -- in very young children.

Metaboilic Syndrome involves risk factors for diabetes such as high blood pressure, obesity and decreased high-density lipoprotein, known as the "good" cholesterol.

Data was collected on 118 healthy children, ages 7-9, enrolled in an ongoing study.

The study found a child's current fat weight is the strongest predictor for poor insulin sensitivity, which is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Low-density lipoprotein, the "bad" cholesterol, was also strongly associated with insulin sensitivity in the prediction model.

The study found that fat in liver cells and in skeletal -- leg -- muscle cells also predict poor insulin sensitivity and high insulin resistance, pre-diabetes, along with an impaired fat-burning ability in the muscles.

Source : UPI.com

Triglycerides for Diabetic Experience Worsening Neuropathy

Highest levels of triglycerides were significantly more likely to experience worsening neuropathy over the course of one year, regardless of how long patients had the disease or how controlled it was.

Diabetic neuropathy affects around 60 percent of the 23 million people in the United States who have diabetes. It is a complication in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Diabetic neuropathies are neuropathic disorders that are associated with diabetes mellitus. These conditions are thought to result from diabetic microvascular injury involving small blood vessels that supply nerves that allow you to feel sensations such as pain.

University of Michigan and Wayne State University researchers analyzed data from 427 diabetes patients with neuropathy, a condition in which nerves are damaged or lost with resulting numbness, tingling and pain, often in the hands, arms, legs and feet. The data revealed that if a patient had elevated triglycerides, he or she was significantly more likely to experience worsening neuropathy over a period of one year. Other factors, such as higher levels of other fats in the blood or of blood glucose, did not turn out to be significant.

Triglycerides are measured as part of a blood test that measures your cholesterol. Normal triglyceride levels are below 150. High levels are 200 or above.

When triglyceride levels are high, it is not clear whether these high levels directly increase your risk for heart disease. But high triglycerides are often part of a group of conditions called metabolic syndrome.

Metabolic syndrome is the combination of high blood pressure, high blood sugar, too much fat around the waist, low HDL ("good") cholesterol, and high triglycerides. This syndrome does increase your risk for heart disease as well as for diabetes and stroke.

People can reduce blood triglyceride levels with the same measures that reduce cholesterol levels: by avoiding harmful fats in the diet and exercising regularly.

Source : Several blog and newsfeed

Which components of GT&F Milk Powder may help Metabolic Syndrome?

Research found that there are multiple factors that lead to metabolic syndrome such as marked reduction in physical activity, poor eating habit (particularly food that is rich in saturated fat and salt) and the very important factor that does not gain much attention until lately – the lack of certain crucial nutrients. One of them is trivalent chromium. As a consequence of the ignorance of such crucial nutrients, more and more people fall prey to the deadly metabolic syndrome.
Trivalent chromium has been in the limelight of scientific research. Trivalent Chromium is a kind of essential trace mineral that cannot be made by the body; it can only be obtained from diet. Chromium is found in whole grains, beans, brewer’s yeast, liver, black pepper and molasses. Unfortunately, our intake of chromium is generally much less than 50 mcg as recommended. There are several factors contributing to the deficiency of this trace mineral in our body.
It was discovered by Dr Walter Mertz as an essential part of glucose tolerance factor (GTF). GTF is a compound made up of biologically active trivalent chromium, vitamins and amino acids. GTF is a cofactor for insulin and it potentates the action of insulin.
For normal functioning of insulin, glucose tolerance factor (GTF) is necessary for insulin the utilization of glucose and fat in the body. As the central part of GTF, chromium enhances the effect of insulin in the body. Specifically, it improves the uptake of glucose into the cells so it can be metabolized to produce energy (ATP). GTF works by activating insulin pathway and thus helping to lower the blood sugar, triglyceride and cholesterol.
Therefore, supplementation of trivalent chromium is the must for those with metabolic syndrome specifically and everyone who care for health generally. After the discovery of health benefits of GTF chromium, thousands of scientific researches have been carried out to produce GTF products.

GT&F Products were classified as food by Food Safety and Quality Division, Ministry of Health Malaysia. There are superior health food supplements that bring noticeable positive results.


SOurce : GTF Worldwide, Malaysia

Consuming GT&F will improve your health.

How to ensure your health will get improvement after consuming GT&F?. This frequent question was always asking by most of the patient.

To measure improvement, my advise is apply the following step before consuming dan during consuming GT&F product.
STEP 1:
Improve eating habits and control diet intake:
a. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.
b. Choose lean cuts of white meat or fish over red meat. Avoid processed or deep-fried foods.
c. Eliminate table salt and replaced with other herbs and spices.
d. Eat foods defined as complex carbohydrates, such as whole grain bread (instead of white), brown rice (instead of white), and sugars that are unrefined (instead of refined; for example cookies, crackers)
e. Increase your fiber consumption by eating legumes (for example, beans), whole grains, fruits and vegetables.
f. Consume healthy fats such as those in canola oil, olive oil, flaxseed oil and nuts.

STEP 2:
Healthy lifestyles:
Make your physical activity as your lifestyle. Here are some tips:
a. Wake up 10 minutes earlier than your usual time, and do some light stretching exercises.
b. Walk up the stairs instead of the lift.
c. While in the office, take 5 to 10 minutes break to brisk walk in the office.
d. While at home help your spouse to do some of the household chores.
e. During weekends, wash your own car.
f. Park your car further away from office so that you can walk more.
g. If you have young children, play actively with your children.
h. Try to find time to take up games on a regular basis.

STEP 3
Do Health Assessment by Medical Practitioners before and after 3 month consuming GT&F to see positive improvement accordingt health baseline indicator (e.g doctors, physicians, nutritionists, etc.) at clinic, hospital or any health check centers. The priority health status profiles as below:
a) Blood glucose level.
b) Blood lipid profile
c) Kidney profile
d) Liver profile

Source : GTF Worldwide Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur.

How Diabetic Patients Can Control Blood Lipid Profile Through Glucose Tolerance Factor (GTF) Reaction?

Blood lipids (or blood fats) are lipids in the blood, either free or bound to other molecules. They are mostly transported in a protein capsule, and the density of the lipids and type of protein determines the fate of the particle and its influence on metabolism.

Lipids float in the blood and can attach themselves to the walls of arteries causing atherosclerosis

Nutritionist was found that a diet containing Chromium source would eliminate this impairment and blood glucose levels would return to normal.

Glucose tolerance factor is believed to be a complex of trivalent chromium with two moles of nicotinic acid (niacin) and at least one mole of an amino acid. For example, as suggested by Mertz.

A total blood lipid profile gives you the best possible statistical indication of your all round cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. According to research, to come as close as possible to eliminating any threat of heart disease and stroke, your blood lipid profile would look like this (normal blood lipid profile):
* total cholesterol below 150 mg/dl
* total low-density lipoproteins (LDL) below 130 mg/dl
* total high-density lipoproteins HDL) above 40 mg/dl
* a ratio of LDL divided by HDL 3 to 1 or lower
* total triglycerides below 150 mg/dl

So, what you want to shoot for is low total cholesterol, low triglycerides, low LDL, high HDL and good LDL to HDL ratio. Achieving these good biomarkers on your blood lipid profile should pay off in hearty dividends.

GTF chromium is named for the way it interacts with insulin. Once absorbed, Chromium becomes incorporated into a compound called GTF (Glucose Tolerance Factor); which improves the body's sensitivity to insulin, and thus makes metabolism more efficient.

This is due to the central role insulin plays in regulating energy and metabolism. Insulin signals cells to absorb nutrients like sugar and amino acids when they're present in the bloodstream. Uptake of these nutrients allows them be used for growth, repair and energy.

When insulin function is poor from a lack of chromium or any other reason, uptake is impaired. When nutrients do not get taken up by cells completely, they must then be stored as additional body fat.

GTF chromium may also improve blood lipid profiles such as those for triglycerides4 and LDL cholesterol.


This review summarizes the results of 15 controlled studies supplementing defined Cr(III) compounds to subjects with impaired glucose tolerance. Three of these (3-4 mumol Cr/d for > 2 mo) produced no beneficial effects: serum glucose, insulin and lipid concentrations remained unchanged.

The remaining 12 interventions improved the efficiency of insulin or the blood lipid profile of subjects (ranging from malnourished children and healthy middle-aged individuals to insulin-requiring diabetics). In addition, three cases of impaired glucose tolerance after long-term total parenteral alimentation responding to Cr supplementation have been reported.

Chromium potentiates the action of insulin in vitro and in vivo; maximal in vitro activity requires a special chemical form, termed Glucose Tolerance Factor and tentatively identified as a Cr-nicotinic acid complex. Its complete structural identification is a major challenge to chromium research.

The development and validation of a procedure to diagnose chromium status is the second challenge. Such a test would allow the assessment of incidence and severity of deficiency in the population and the selection of deficiency in the population and the selection of chromium-responsive individuals.

The third challenge is the definition of chromium's mode of action on parameters of lipid metabolism that have been reported from some studies but not others. Future research along these lines might establish whether chromium deficiency is a factor in the much discussed "Syndrome X" of insulin resistance.

Source : U.S. Department of Agriculture, Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center, MD 20705.

Impaired glucose tolerance is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, but not impaired fasting glucose. This source was taken from The Funagata Diabetes Study. M Tominaga, H Eguchi, H Manaka, K Igarashi, T Kato and A Sekikawa, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Yamagata University School of Medicine, Japan.

~end

What is GT&F Contains - Ingredients of GT&F Milk Powder in details

GT&F® Milk Powder is made by blending GT&F® with New Zealand best grade milk powder to mimic the bioactivity of colostrums GTF plus chromium. Since GT&F® is non-toxic, does not produce side effects, contains no drugs, hormones, or toxins, it is safe to take. GT&F® is able to effectively promote functioning of insulin, and long-term use provides body with sufficient GTF to maintain homeostasis of blood sugar and also will prevent the occurrence of type 2 diabetes and its complications.

Supplement Facts
Serving Size 1 Sachet: 20g
Servings Per Box: 30 Sachets
Amount per Serving 1 Sachet % Daily Value
Total calorie 85 cal 4.3%
Protein 7 g 11.7%
Total Fat 2 g 3.6%
Total Carbohydrate 10 g 3.1%
Sodium 110 mg 4.6%
Vitamin A 28 mcg 4.7%
Vitamin B1 0.07 mg 5.0%
Vitamin B2 0.36 mg 22.5%
Vitamin C 2 mg 3.3%
Calcium 240 mg 30.0%
Iron 0.1 mg 0.7%
Vitamin B12 0.16 mcg *
Phosphorus 190 mg *
Potassium 300 mg *
Magnesium 26 mg *
Trivalent Chromium 200 mcg *

The Percent Daily Values are based on a 2, 000 calorie diet.
* Daily Value not established.


This Nutrition Facts are based on Maxluck Biotechnology Corp.10Fl, No. 75-1, Sung Jiang Rd, Taipei, Taiwan R.O.C..

In Malaysia, the Nutrition Facts which are stated at the box of GT&F Milk Powder was approved by Food Safety and Quality Division, Ministry of Health (for further info, you can log on to fsq.moh.gov.my.

As Malaysia is keen to promote international trade of our food products, the Ministry has ensured that the amendments follow the Codex Alimentarius standards closely. However, some clauses have been adapted so that they are appropriate for local needs. Subsequently, the Committee reviewed the comments before adopting the draft. The proposed amendments were gazetted in 2003 and now part of the Food Regulations (Regulation No: 18A-18E; Gazette No: P.U.(A) 88, Jil 47 No 7 dated 31 March 2003). NUTRITION LABELLING REGULATIONS TO BE ENFORCED BY 01/03/2004.

According to the Nutrition Labelling Regulation, the trace elements (in microgram unit) should not be listed in the Nutrition Facts because of the amount is too little even though it brings up the effectiveness of these products.

Does exercise help prediabetes or control blood sugar?

Prediabetic, meaning I have higher-than-normal blood sugar levels that put me at risk of developing diabetes, the seventh-leading cause of death in the United States
As you know, by fact about 57 million Americans have prediabetes and 24 million others have diabetes. A prediabetic's risks for complications are nearly as great as a diabetic's risk. In many cases, progression from prediabetes to type 2 diabetes can be prevented through lifestyle changes likes weight loss, eating better, exercise and good sleep are key for elimination of prediabetic.

With diabetes, prediabetes, and metabolic syndrome (a prediabetic condition associated with an increased risk of heart disease) increasing at an alarming rate, this is a very important question. Numerous studies have shown that regular exercise improves blood sugar control and decreases insulin resistance, a condition that can lead to diabetes over time. While the results are even better when accompanied by fat loss, you can still benefit significantly from engaging in regular exercise.

I would strongly recommend adhering to the new Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans which recommends getting at least 2.5 hours of moderate physical activity or 1.25 hours of vigorous physical activity per week along with 2 or more days of resistance (muscle strengthening) training. Aerobic activity is essential for getting rid of the fat that is stored in muscle, which can lead to insulin resistance. Resistance training may also be particularly effective in preventing insulin resistance and helping control blood sugar by causing both increased absorption of blood sugar and improved metabolism of blood sugar and fat.

Some research suggests that more intense activity may be more beneficial in reducing the risk of prediabetes or metabolic syndrome so if you are able to exercise a bit more intensely for 20-30 minutes per day you may benefit even further. But don't worry, if you are unable to exercise more intensely for medical or orthopedic reasons, you will still benefit considerably from regular, moderate exercise plus strength training.

Source : Dr. Melina Jampolis Physician Nutrition Specialist

Meal Plan Diet for Hypoglycemia

Diet low carbohydrate for people with hypoglycemia are encourage to apply with dietitian advices. The goal of treatment for hypoglycemia is to delay the absorption of food. This can be accomplished through changes in eating habits. Diabetes treatment plans are designed to match the dose and timing of medication to a person’s usual schedule of meals and activities.

Hypoglycaemia or hypoglycemia is the medical term for a pathologic state produced by a lower than normal level of blood glucose in our body. Hypoglycemia due to hormone deficiencies such as hypopituitarism or adrenal insufficiency usually ceases when the appropriate hormone is replaced.

Design a meal plan that fits one’s personal preferences and lifestyle. Following one’s meal plan is important for managing diabetes. People with diabetes should eat regular meals, have enough food at each meal, and try not to skip meals or snacks. Snacks are particularly important for some people before going to sleep or exercising.

Here is a suggested Meal Plan for Hypoglycemia diet which is recommended by registered dietitian.
Morning Meal
Fruit, Egg or Meat, Bread, Fat, Milk, 2%, Beverage

Noon Meal
Meat, Fish, Cheese, Poultry (Exchange)
Bread
Vegetable, Raw 1 or 2
Fruit
Fat
Beverage

Evening Meal
Meat, Fish, Cheese, Poultry (Exchange)
Bread
Vegetable
Vegetable, Raw
Dessert, Sugar-free
Fat
Beverage

Extra Tips For Hypoglycemia Diet:
1.Do not eliminate carbohydrate from the diet.

2. Increase your intake of complex carbohydrates (starches). These foods are absorbed more slowly than simple carbohydrates and therefore do not cause rapid changes in blood sugar levels. Examples of complex carbohydrates are breads, cereals, pasta, rice, vegetables, and legumes.

3. Avoid foods high in simple carbohydrates such as jams, jellies, table sugar, honey syrup, molasses, pies, candy, cakes, cookies, pastries and soda pop.

4. Increase your intake of fiber. Fiber is the indigestible portion of Fruits, vegetables, legumes and grains. Carbohydrates are absorbed more slowly when they are part of a high fiber meal.

5. Eat Fruit-fresh of canned without sugar - rather than drinking juice. The added fiber will slow down sugar absorption.

6. Eat smaller meals with snacks between meals and at bedtime.

7. Avoid foods and beverages containing caffeine often produces the same symptoms as hypoglycemia and may make you feel worse.

8. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Alcohol lowers blood sugar levels, especially on an empty stomach.
9. Maintain of achieve desirable body weight. Excess weight interferes with the body's ability to use insulin.

9. Decrease you fat intake. A high-fat diet has been shown to interfere with insulin use. Because fat is high in calories, decreasing fat intake will also help you lose weight. If you are at your desirable body weight, replace calories from fat with calories from complex carbohydrates.

~end

Chromium Enhances the Action of Insulin

Chromium Enhances the Action of Insulin. History of chromium, that since the 1950s, it’s been known that trivalent chromium is a trace mineral needed by the body in order for insulin to properly use glucose. It wasn’t until April 1977, when Toronto General Hospital’s Khursheed N. Jeejeebhoy, Ph.D., published a landmark study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition that chromium was firmly established as critical for human health.

Chromium, as naturally organic Chromium GTF (Glucose Tolerance Factor), is an important mineral that stimulates certain enzymes involved in the metabolism of glucose. A deficiency of Chromium GTF can lead to and aggravate adult-onset diabetes.

Chromium potentiates or enhances the action of insulin, it does not replace insulin. With an optimum level of chromium in the body, less insulin is required to keep glucose levels under control.

Chromium, as the central part of Glucose Tolerance Factor (GTF), enhances the effect of insulin in the body. This factor improves glucose tolerance and insulin efficacy. Nutritecks Organic GTF contains high levels of organic chromium that is available for GTF.

Chromium deficiency in humans leads to symptoms associated with diabetes such as glucose intolerance, unexpected weight losses and impaired nerve conduction.

Chromium is an essential trace mineral required for normal sugar and fat metabolism. Organic chromium potentiates the action of insulin and is the active component of a substance called GTF (glucose tolerance factor), along with vitamin B3 and amino acids. Chromium occurs primarily in the trivalent and hexavalent forms; the form in higher organisms is trivalent. This mineral occurs throughout the body with highest concentrations in the liver, kidney, spleen and bone.

Chromium Deficiency
The primary sign of chromium deficiency is impaired glucose tolerance characterized by elevated levels of blood sugar and circulating insulin. Long term deficiency results in elevated cholesterol and elevated triglycerides. Chromium deficiency was first recognized in parenterally fed long term patients.

A Chromium GTF deficiency is quite common in the world today because the soil does not contain enough to supply the proper amounts to plants or the water supply.

Chromium Vitamin sources can be extracted from the following food:
* Brewers Yeast (best)
* Meats
* Liver
* Whole Wheat Bread
* Beets

Source : www.bellaonline.com

JOURNAL : BIOLOGIC ACTIONS OF CHROMIUM

How chromium serves as a cofactor for insulin action is not fully understood. From several in vivo and in vitro studies (15), it was initially thought that chromium potentiated the actions of insulin as part of an organic complex, GTF. More recent studies (15) have suggested that chromium may function as part of the oligopeptide low–molecular weight (MW) chromium (LMWCr)-binding substance (MW ~1,500 Da), which is composed of glycine, cysteine, glutamic acid, and aspartic acid. The interaction of chromium with LMWCr and the manner in which this complex influences insulin metabolism is considered in greater detail below.

Biochemistry
Very little chromium (<2%) in the form of inorganic compounds is absorbed but may be higher with certain organic formulations (14). Once absorbed, chromium is distributed to various tissues of the body, but appears to be most concentrated in the kidney, muscle, and liver (16). The principal carrier protein for chromium is transferrin, which also plays a critical role in the movement of chromium from blood to LMWCr. It has been suggested that migration of transferrin receptors to the plasma membranes of insulin-insensitive cells after insulin stimulation is the initial step in this process. Transferrin containing the plasma-bound chromium is postulated to bind to the transferrin receptors and is internalized by endocytosis (Figs. 1 and 2). The pH of the internalized vesicle is reduced by ATP-driven proton pumps, chromium is released from transferrin, and the resulting free chromium is postulated to be sequestered by LMWCr (15,17). With this step, chromium is transferred from transferrin to LMWCr, which normally exists in insulin-dependent cells in the apo, or inactive, form. Binding with chromium ions converts inactive LMWCr to its holo, or active, form. It is proposed that LMWCr then participates as part of an insulin signal amplification system as it binds to insulin-activated insulin receptors and results in stimulating its tyrosine kinase activity. The result of this process is the activation of insulin receptor kinase and potentiation of the actions of insulin (15,18,19). Importantly, LMWCr without bound chromium or in the presence of other metal ions is ineffective in activating insulin-dependent kinase activity and thus enhancing the actions of insulin (19).

Chromium has also been demonstrated to inhibit phosphotyrosine phosphatase, the enzyme that cleaves phosphate from the insulin receptor, leading to decreases in insulin sensitivity. Activation of insulin receptor kinase and inhibition of insulin receptor phosphatase would lead to increased phosphorylation of the insulin receptor and increased insulin sensitivity (20). The balance between kinase and phosphatase activity may facilitate the role of insulin in rapidly moving glucose into cells. In addition, it has been suggested (7) that chromium enhances insulin binding, insulin receptor number, insulin internalization, and ß-cell sensitivity.

The controversy surrounding chromium supplementation is due in part to substantial variability in the results of studies that have evaluated the effects of chromium in patients with or without diabetes. Results from some trials (21–26) have indicated that chromium supplementation increases muscle gain and fat loss associated with exercise and improves glucose metabolism and the serum lipid profile in patients with or without diabetes. In contrast, those from other studies (27–32) have indicated little or no benefit of chromium on any of these variables.

Recent meta-analyses (33,34) of results from studies that evaluated the effects of chromium supplementation have suggested limited benefit in individuals with or without diabetes. The major conclusions from these analyses were that chromium has a very small effect versus placebo in reducing body weight and that the clinical relevance of this small decrease is debatable and should be interpreted with caution. It was also concluded that chromium has no effect on glucose metabolism or insulin concentrations in individuals without diabetes and that data for patients with diabetes are currently inconclusive. It is important to note that these conclusions are based largely on data from patients without diabetes and failed to include key positive results for chromium supplementation in diabetic patients and subjects with gestational diabetes or the metabolic syndrome.

There is no clinically defined state of chromium deficiency, but diabetes has been shown (32) to develop because of low chromium levels in experimental animals and in humans sustained by prolonged TPN. These results suggest that there may be a more general relationship between chromium levels and glucose and/or lipid metabolism. It has also been suggested (35–37) that low chromium concentrations and the associated impairments in insulin, glucose, and lipid metabolism may also result in increased cardiovascular risk. In a cross-sectional analysis (38), lower toenail chromium levels have also been associated with increased risk of type 2 diabetes. Adequate dietary chromium intake may be especially problematic in the elderly (39,40). Consumption of refined foods, including simple sugars, exacerbates the problem of insufficient dietary chromium because these foods are not only low in dietary chromium but also increase its loss from the body (41). Chromium losses are also increased during pregnancy and as a result of strenuous exercise, infection, physical trauma, and other forms of stress (40). Reduced chromium levels are reported in the elderly and in patients with diabetes (42,43). However, one of the major problems with assessing chromium status in biological tissues and fluids is extremely low levels of chromium in these tissues. Regardless, recent studies have demonstrated the successful determination of chromium. One study reported that in >40,800 patients from ages 1 to >75 years, chromium levels in hair, sweat, and blood diminished significantly with age, with values decreasing from 25 to 40% depending on the tissue of interest (43). Additionally, it appears that diabetic subjects may have altered chromium metabolism compared with nondiabetic subjects, as both absorption and excretion may be higher (44,45). Hair and blood levels are reported (46) to be lower in diabetic subjects, with mean levels of plasma chromium of ~33% lower in 93 type 2 diabetic subjects compared with control subjects. Another study reported that chromium levels were reduced >50% in both diabetic men and women compared with control subjects (42), which was supported by Elmekcioglu et al. (47), who reported significantly lower chromium levels in the plasma of type 2 diabetic individuals compared with nondiabetic healthy control subjects. Yet, another study (48) suggested no alteration of chromium levels in type 2 diabetes; however, only 11 subjects were reported.

NEWS : Scientists Closer to Understanding How to Control High Blood Sugar

March - 25 - 2009
The protein TBC1D1 may be key in exercise-stimulated glucose transport, according to researchers from the University of Michigan School of Kinesiology. Prof. Gregory Cartee, with graduate student researcher Katsuhiko Funai, examined two proteins--TBC1D1 and AS160--that are believed to be important in glucose transport. When these proteins reacted with two different enzymes, the researchers found that TBC1D1 had the more important role in exercise-stimulated glucose transport. Focus on this protein could allow scientists to improve its function for people who are insulin-resistant. The next step for researchers is to find out how TBC1D1 promotes glucose transport, both during and after exercise. According to Cartee, most people with type 2 diabetes have muscle insulin resistance. "This doesn't cause diabetes by itself," he said, "but it's an essential component that contributes to type 2 diabetes."

(c)Copyright 2009 Information, Inc.

Chromium supplements that may be helpful for hypoglycemia

Research has shown that supplementing with chromium (200 mcg per day)13 or magnesium (340 mg per day)14 can prevent blood sugar levels from falling excessively in people with hypoglycemia. Niacinamide (vitamin B3) has also been found to be helpful for hypoglycemic people.15 Other nutrients, including vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, copper, manganese, and vitamin B6, may help control blood sugar levels in diabetics.16 Since there are similarities in the way the body regulates high and low blood sugar levels, these nutrients might be helpful for hypoglycemia as well, although the amounts needed for that purpose are not known.

Glucomannan is a water-soluble dietary fiber that is derived from konjac root (Amorphophallus konjac). In a preliminary trial,17 addition of either 2.6 or 5.2 grams of glucomannan to a meal prevented hypoglycemia in adults with previous stomach surgery. A trial of glucomannan in children with hypoglycemia due to a condition known as “dumping syndrome” produced inconsistent results.

What are the symptoms of hypoglycemia?

Common symptoms of hypoglycemia are fatigue, anxiety, headaches, difficulty concentrating, sweaty palms, shakiness, excessive hunger, drowsiness, abdominal pain, and depression.


Medical treatments for hypoglycemia

A diet of frequent, small, high-protein, low-carbohydrate meals is often recommended. If illness prevents eating, hospitalization for intravenous glucose injections is typically required. In cases of pituitary or adrenal insufficiency, hormone replacement may be prescribed. For hypoglycemia due to an insulin-producing tumor, surgical removal of the tumor is usually recommended.


Dietary changes that may be helpful for hypoglycemia

Doctors find that people with hypoglycemia usually improve when they eliminate refined sugars and alcohol from their diet, eat foods high in fiber (such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, and nuts), and eat small, frequent meals. Few studies have investigated the effects of these changes, but the research that is available generally supports the observations of doctors.5 6 7 8 Some symptoms of low blood sugar may be related to, or made worse by, food allergies.9

Even modest amounts of caffeine may increase symptoms of hypoglycemia.10 For this reason, caffeinated beverages (such as coffee, tea, and some soda pop) should be avoided.

Some people report an improvement in hypoglycemia episodes when eating a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet. That observation appears to conflict with research showing that increasing protein intake can impair the body’s ability to process sugar,11 possibly because protein increases insulin levels12 (insulin reduces blood sugar levels). However, some doctors have seen good results with high-protein, low-carbohydrate diets, particularly among people who do not improve with a high-fiber, high-complex-carbohydrate diet.

Diabetes Risk Can Be Detected With Help Of Metabolic Syndrome

A study in CMAJ establishes that metabolic syndrome can assist in detecting Aboriginal Canadians at risk of developing type 2 diabetes. This information can be particularly helpful in remote communities where two-hour oral glucose tolerance tests are not easily administered. http://www.cmaj.ca/press/pg617.pdf

Metabolic syndrome is the grouping of risk factors linked to diabetes and heart disease, such as obesity, high glucose, high cholesterol and hypertension. There is a three to five times higher probability for Aboriginal Canadians to develop type 2 diabetes compared to non-native Canadians.

In the Sandy Lake First Nation community in Ontario, 492 residents were involved in a ten year study. Findings showed that over this ten year period, the rate of incidence of diabetes was 17.5 percent. This rate increased in proportion with age, from 10.5 percent in the 10 to 19 age group to 43.3 percent in the 40 to 49 age group.

Dr. Anthony Hanley, University of Toronto and his team write: "The metabolic syndrome is not a diagnostic tool; however, the syndrome and its components may be used to communicate increased risk of developing diabetes within remote Aboriginal communities where the 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test to determine impaired glucose tolerance is not easily accessible." The researchers also pointed out that the use of intervention strategies could assist in the prevention or delay of diabetes in people who have the syndrome.

Diabetic Dinner Recipes

Entrées are the centerpiece of your dinner, so it's important to have diabetic dinner recipes that are friendly to your diet and taste good too. American Diabetes Services, the leading provider for diabetic testing supplies, offers these easy diabetic recipes to help you with your dinner decision.

Try one of these family-enticing diabetic dinner recipes to help manage your diabetes and your family's health.

Entree "Black-Eyed Peas"
According to the Diabetes Food Pyramid, diabetics should have 3 to 5 servings of vegetables per day. Vegetables don't just have to be a side dish, this black-eyed peas recipe makes an excellent vegetarian entrée. In order to make this diabetic dinner, you'll need the following ingredients:

Ingredients:

* 1 cup dried black-eyed peas
* 2 tablespoons olive or canola oil
* 2 each large onions and carrots, coarsely chopped
* 4 stalks celery, coarsely chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
* 3 cups vegetable stock
* 8 ounces each potatoes and turnips, peeled and cubed
* 1/2 teaspoon each dried thyme and rosemary
* 1/8 teaspoon each salt and pepper

Introduction:
Cooking technique: There are two ways to prepare black-eyed peas. You can slow cook them with vegetables or you can boil the peas until tender and add to pasta or rice dishes.

Per serving
Calories 340, Saturated Fat 1g,
Total Fat 7g, Sodium 154mg,
Cholesterol 0mg, Protein 15g,
Carbohydrate 57g, Fiber 18g.

Step 1:
Soak peas overnight. Drain. In a Dutch oven, heat oil and sautÈ onions, carrots, celery, and garlic for 5 to 8 minutes.

Step 2:
Add 1 quart water and the stock to the Dutch oven with the peas, potatoes, turnips, and herbs. Bring the mixture to a boil and boil 10 minutes.

Step 3:
Partially cover casserole and simmer 45 minutes or until peas are tender. Uncover, season with salt and pepper, and simmer about 10 minutes longer.

Diabetes rates soar in the UK

Tue, 24 Feb 2009
According to diabetes news today, the UK is undergoing a soaring rate of diabetes, directly linked to growing obesity rates. According to the shocking figures, diabetes climbed 74 per cent between 1997 and 2003. By 2005, the figures indicate, over 4 per cent of the population were classified as having some type of diabetes .

The statistics were reported in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, and highlight that the majority of new cases are type 2 diabetes, linked to diet . A research team from Spain and Sweden analysed the results, and made it clear that the trend was not due to more screening tests or an ageing population.

The research team reportedly said: "Our results suggest that, although the incidence of diabetes remains lower in the UK than in the USA or Canada, it appears to be increasing at a faster pace."

Commenting on the results, chief executive of Diabetes UK, Douglas Smallwood, reportedly said: "This research is a sad indictment of the current state of the UK's health. Sadly, the statistics are not surprising as we know that the soaring rates of type 2 diabetes, are strongly linked to the country's expanding waistline."

Source : http://www.diabetes.co.uk/news/2009/Feb/diabetes-rates-soar-in-the-uk.html

GT&F Milk Powder Founded by Taiwanese Professor Able to Lower Diabetics' Blood Glucose Level

Health care providers and diabetes experts recommend that everyone older than age 45 be tested for diabetes. People with the following risk factors should be tested earlier:
1. People with a body mass index greater than 25
2. Women who had a baby weighing more than 9 pounds at birth
3. People who have a parent, sister, and/or brother with diabetes
4. Anyone who is sedentary
5. People of certain races, including Hispanics, African Americans,
and Native Americans

Insulin produced by pancreas of type 2 diabetes patients usually low quality and insensitive. In order to open the receptors of cells for the blood sugar to enter into the cells, this insulinhas to depend on the help from Glucose tolerance Factor ( GTF ) especially the Trivalent Chromium, an element in Glucose tolerance Factor (GTF) .
1. There is usually a "trivalent chromium" deficiency in the blood of type 2 diabetic patients. This is the reason the conditions of diabetics deteriorate.

2. Taiwan's medical specialist has successfully extract trivalent chromium and add it to milk powder to become " GT&F Milk Powder "

GT&F® milk powder is a special formulated GTF supplement. Under patented technology, it is combination of trivalent chromium, whey protein concentrate and New Zealand best grade milk powder. GT&F® milk powder emulates human colostrums. It is rich in biologically active GTF, lactoferrin, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and vitamins. It helps to promotes healthy glucose and lipid metabolism.

Chromium is an essential trace mineral, being a cofactor (Glucose Tolerance Factor - GTF) in a number of chromium dependant enzymes that are involved in energy production through glucose, fat, protein and, cholesterol metabolism.

The Clinical Test has been published in Journal Metabolism Clinical & Experimental Vol. 55 (2006) Pg. 923-927 with title The influence of chromium chloride–containing milk to glycemic control of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

LIBERTY TIMES - Lactoferrin Chromium (Chroferrin) Can Regulate Blood Sugar.

Jan 7, 2009, LIberty Times, Journalist Wang Chang Min / Taipei, Taiwan〕 - Biotech industry exclusive development of lactoferrin chromium milk powder, found by the human body can regulate blood sugar, has recently confirmed that trace metal element chromium can increase insulin in high glucose cells the role of signal, and then regulation of blood sugar to reach the efficacy of animal experiments I and scholars to decipher its mechanism of principle, is the only new discovery around the world.

The recent success of research papers published in important medical journals metabolism "Diabetes, obesity, metabolism".

Research Facilitator, National Chung Hsing University veterinary professor Mao said that the high blood sugar in mice carried out by animal testing, explains why the success of lactoferrin in milk powder Chromium can help to regulate blood glucose in patients with high blood sugar.

Mouse study found that lactoferrin released chromium trivalent chromium ions, like insulin "Strong wave device", can enlarge skeletal muscle insulin signaling, so that glucose can enter cells from the blood faster, so that blood sugar drop, and to improve the energy metabolism; At the same time, chromium can also inhibit certain inflammatory factors, to reduce the destruction of insulin function.

National Taiwan University in 2004, the total three medical centers have been carried out, such as lactoferrin in human milk chromium test. For 156 patients with high blood sugar packet, hypoglycemic agents in the service under the premise of taking the formula of chromium decreased fasting plasma glucose 8.46, better than ordinary milk down to 5.91.

Prof Mao was expressed, chromium is required for fat and glucose metabolism of nutrients, to add chrome to increase intracellular insulin signaling, in the past study found that obesity, suffering from high blood sugar in vivo depletion of chromium serious than the average person, but it is difficult from the natural food supplement .

However, human experimentation was involved in the first three of the total, metabolic, Gengxin hospital physician PEI Branch that lactoferrin in milk chromium hypoglycemic side effect, remains to be further study, is currently considered in patients with mild high blood sugar less effective on glycosylated hemoglobin in patients with serious or above 8.5, the effect is relatively good.

Pei also reminds patients, chromium milk and should not replace drugs, patients should ask a doctor before use, at the same time should not stop.

Source : Maxluck BioTech Corp., Taiwan

GT&F for Chromium supplement is needed during pregnancy

GT&F is needed during pregnancy are required. It is because of the developing fetus increases demand for this mineral.

GT&F is Chromium supplements can help an expectant mother maintain healthy blood sugar levels during pregnancy.

For pregnant women, only about 30 mcg of chromium is recommended per day. Most chromium supplements (other than those found in multivitamins or prenatal vitamins) contain way more than the recommended amount.

It is not known if these high doses are safe for pregnant women. There is some evidence that chromium (but not other forms of chromium) may cause free-radical damage to the DNA within the cells, which could be especially dangerous for a developing fetus.

If you are pregnant, it is always a good idea to talk to your healthcare provider before taking any medication or supplement.

You and your healthcare provider can consider the possible risks and benefits of using GT&F for chromium supplement in your particular situation, as well as any other treatment alternatives.

Chromium Deficiency, Signs and Symptoms

Chromium Deficiency because of the following factor:
1. Increase of age, decrease chromium.
Tissue levels of chromium tend to decrease with age, which may be a factor in the increase of adult-onset diabetes. Reduced absorption related to aging, diets that are stressful to the digestive system, and the modern refined diet all contribute to chromium deficiency.

2. Diet with high sugar.
People who eat a diet high in sugar and refined foods are more at risk for not getting enough chromium. Sugar increases chromium loss and refined foods are very low in chromium.

3. Wrong Way Manage Diet.
Milk and other high-phosphorus foods tend to bind with chromium in the gut to make chromium phosphates that travel through the intestines and are not absorbed.

4. Soil deficiency and the refinement of foods.
Much of the chromium in whole grains and sugarcane is lost in making refined flour (40% loss) and white sugar (93% loss). In addition, there is some evidence that refined flour and sugar deplete even more chromium from the body.

Signs and Symptoms:
1. Mild deficiencies of chromium can produce symptoms other than problems in blood sugar metabolism, such as anxiety or fatigue.

2. Abnormal cholesterol metabolism and increased progress of atherosclerosis are associated with chromium deficiency.

3. Deficiency may also cause decreased growth in young people and slower healing time after injuries or surgery.

4. Chromium deficiency can resemble diabetes.

SAFETY OF CHROMIUM

Most of the concerns regarding the long-term safety of chromium supplementation arise from results of several cell culture studies using supraphysiological doses that suggested that chromium, particularly in the form of CrP, may increase DNA damage.

However, there is currently no evidence that chromium increases DNA damage in vivo. There have also been isolated reports of serious adverse events, including kidney failure, associated with CrP treatment, but the relationship of chromium to these events is not clear.

Recent reviews of the safety of CrP by the Institute of Medicine (84) and by Berner et al. have concluded that CrP is safe. Results from controlled clinical trials have shown that treatment with chromium at doses up to 1,000 µg/day and for periods as long as 64 months does not result in any toxic effects.

ADDITIONAL:

Figure Above - Effects of chromium supplementation on insulin sensitivity in overweight subjects with a family history of diabetes treated for 8 months with 1,000 µg/day CrP (64). Data are means ± SD. *P < 0.05, **P < 0.005 versus baseline.
Conclusion : Data show that insulin sensitivity was increased for the group patient which is supplied with chromium.

Therapeutic Footwear For Diabetes Care

Therapeutic footwear has been used for decades as one of many strategies to prevent reulceration in patients with diabetes and foot risk factors. The findings of several studies reporting statistically significant protective effects from therapeutic footwear may have been influenced by several design issues.

When considering the appropriateness of therapeutic footwear recommendations for moderate-risk patients, clinicians and patients should jointly explore individual strategies to decrease events that lead to foot ulcers

People with diabetes are at increased risk for lower-extremity amputations due to peripheral neuropathy and peripheral vascular disease.

Therapeutic footwear (custom-molded shoes, depth-inlay shoes with inserts, or custom-molded insoles) can prevent or relieve some diabetic foot problems but can be expensive and is often not covered by insurance.

Foot ulcerations and amputation rates are decreased among patients receiving intensive foot care including the use of therapeutic shoes.

Medicare pays for therapeutic footwear when you meet certain criteria and fill out the proper forms. This benefit covers custom-molded shoes, extra-depth shoes, inserts, and some shoe modifications.

Your physician must certify that you are in a plan of diabetes care, have evidence of foot disease, and need therapeutic footwear. A podiatrist writes the prescription, and a podiatrist or pedorthist provides the shoes.

You must buy the footwear from a qualified supplier and file the forms. You can get the forms from the prescription shoe stores, Medicare, or a podiatrist, or your provider may help you get them. Usually you have to pay for the shoes, and Medicare will reimburse up to 80% of the reasonable charge within limits.

Ask about the charge and how much Medicare will pay when you order the shoes. Although government programs can be time consuming, prescription footwear can be an important part of preventing foot problems.

Source : American Diabetes Association

LACTOFERRIN, CHROMFERRIN AND GTF-Chromium Supplement

Lactoferrin : Multifunctional Health Food
GTF is a good GTF-Chromium supplement. Professor Frank Mao used a breakthrough patented technology to combine chromium with lactoferrin to form a lectoferrin-chromium complex known as Chromferrin.

This invention is due to the discovery by Professor Frank Mao, GTF-Chromium is readily and easily absorbed into our body by using lactoferrin as carrier, hence prevents chromium deficiency in our body.

What is Lactoferrin?
Lactoferrin is minor protein found naturally in the milk of most mammals including human and cow.
It is part of the transferrin family, meaning that it has the ability to bind strongly whith iron also transport iron.

How Lactoferrin Works?
Lactoferrin is often referred to as a innate defense protein and a frequent first-line-of-defense in protection against pathogens.
It maintains immunomodulatory properties to aid the immune system, provides a natural ability for deference against bacterial, fungal and viral pathogens.

Lactoferrin ensures not only the higher absorption of chromium into our body easily. Researches also show that lactoferrin could also play a role in controlling diseases including:
a. various type of cancers
b. lung infections
c. gastointestinal disorders
d. diseases caused by inflammation
e. diabetes

GT&F® Milk Powder is a special formulated GTF (Glucose Tolerance Factor) supplement. It is made by blending trivalent chromium, whey protein concentrated and New Zealand best grade milk powder to mimic the bioactivity of colostrums GTF plus chromium.



Since GT&F® is non-toxic, does not produce side effects, contains no drugs, hormones, or toxins, it is safe to take.It is rich in biologically active GTF, lactoferrin, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and vitamins.

Nutricap is an alternative choice for those who have lactose intolerance or dislike milk taste. Encapsulated with vegetable-based capsule.

GT&F® is able to effectively promote functioning of insulin, and long-term use provides body with sufficient GTF to maintain homeostasis of blood sugar and also will helps patients of type 2 diabetes and its complications. It helps to promote healthy glucose and lipid metabolism.

Diabetes Mellitus is caused by high blood glucose. High blood glucose condition will lead to a fragile blood vessel, thus developing complication of blood circulatory and nervous system. Type 2 diabetes has been thought to be caused by insufficient insulin secretion or ineffective utilization of insulin in human body. However, recent medical research discovered that the lacking of GTF is the main cause of type 2 diabetes.

Insulin resistance is characterized mainly by the weak responsiveness of tissues to insulin. It is a known risk factor leading to the development of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disorders. (Chen et al., 2009)

When blood glucose level increases, insulin level will also increase. In the presence of suitable amount of chromium in usable form, chromium will potentiating the action of insulin. Therefore, less insulin is required and circulating insulin declines with a corresponding stabilization of glucose concentration level. (Anderson et al., 1991)

The clinical trial results showed that:
……by supplementing daily intake with 400mcg of chromium within 6 weeks, type 2 diabetics experienced lower fasting blood glucose level as well as LDL cholesterol. Meanwhile, HDL cholesterol improved…

Research also indicates that GTF is found to be effective in controlling diabetes; as published in A Journal of Pharmacology and Therapeutics; Diabetes, Obesity And Metabolism, 2009…

…chromium group can significantly enhance insulin and protentiating the action of insulin thus leading to uptake of glucose into cell by opening the gate of membrane cell. With this, glucose is converted into energy for conducting body functions...

Therefore, GT&F® product is effective as an adjunctive therapy for management of type 2 diabetes mellitus along with diets, exercise and traditional pharmacotherapy.

CLICK HERE for List of Testimonial

QUANTITY VS PRICE

1 unit GTF Capsule $78.00 USD 3 unit GTF Capsule $229.50 USD 5 unit GTF Capsule $375.00 USD

Excessive food and drink consumption over the festive period could increase your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes

Overview:
1. Dont take excessive food and drink to avoid developing Type 2 diabetes.
2. Diabetes can lead to heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, blindness and amputation
3. Around half a million people in the UK unaware they have Type 2 diabetes
4. The Type 2 diabetes epidemic is one of the biggest health challenges facing the UK today

Excessive food and drink consumption over the festive period could increase your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, leading health charity Diabetes UK warns today.

Over-indulgence in too many calorific treats such as mince pies (around 200 calories each), Christmas cake (approximately 250 calories per slice) and mulled wine (about 250 calories in a glass) can leave us all struggling to buckle our belts in the New Year. Having a large waist means you are up to eleven times more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes¹ and being overweight or obese is one of the strongest risk factors for developing Type 2 diabetes.²

At risk waist measurements are 31.5 inches (80cm) or more for women, 37 inches (94cm) or more for men and 35 inches (90cm) or more for South Asian men. As well as having a large waist, people are more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes if they are overweight, over the age of 40, of Black or South Asian origin, or have a family history of Type 2 diabetes. If a person has two or more of these risk factors Diabetes UK recommends they visit their GP for a simple diabetes test.

Recent research found most people perceive themselves to be slimmer than they really are. When 500 people were asked to estimate their waist size, most under-estimated by an average of 2.7 inches. Men were the most deluded and underestimated their waist size by a significant 3.1 inches (7.9 cm), whilst the estimates of South Asian women were generally the most accurate.

Diabetes is a serious condition that can lead to heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, blindness and amputation. There are 2.5 million people diagnosed with diabetes in the UK but shockingly more than half a million people have Type 2 diabetes but do not know it.

To reduce your risk of Type 2 diabetes Diabetes UK recommends you should eat a healthy balanced diet, maintain a healthy weight and be physically active4. Even a moderate degree of physical activity can reduce your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes by up to 64 per cent. Similarly, if you reduce your weight by between 5-10 per cent you reduce your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes by 58 per cent.5

Diabetes UK Chief Executive Douglas Smallwood said: “The Type 2 diabetes epidemic is one of the biggest health challenges facing the UK today. Watching our waistlines at this time of year is vital as we all need to do our best to reduce our chances of developing this often preventable condition. It is important to remember that around 80 per cent of people with Type 2 diabetes are overweight at diagnosis.

“There are around half a million people in the UK unaware they have Type 2 diabetes. The condition can be undiagnosed for up to 12 years and 50 per cent of people who have it show signs of complications at diagnosis. The sooner Type 2 diabetes is diagnosed and becomes well managed, the better your long-term health is protected and the lower your risk of developing devastating complications.”

Source : Diabetes UK

High insulin level raises breast cancer risk

Insulin is required for all animal (including human) life. In humans, insulin deprivation due to the removal or destruction of the pancreas leads to death in days or at most weeks. Insulin must be administered to patients in whom there is a lack of the hormone.

WHAT'S INSULIN?
Insulin is a hormone that performs a variety of tasks in the human body, and is key to regulating blood sugar levels. Insulin is produced in the pancreas by the Beta cells (or "B cells").

One of insulin's many functions is to store glucose in liver and muscle cells. Those cells can use the glucose for immediate energy, store it in the form of glycogen for later use, or convert it into fat for long-term use.

Insulin resistance (IR) is the condition in which normal amounts of insulin are inadequate to produce a normal insulin response from fat, muscle and liver cells. Insulin resistance in fat cells reduces the effects of insulin and results in elevated hydrolysis of stored triglycerides in the absence of measures which either increase insulin sensitivity or which provide additional insulin. Increased mobilization of stored lipids in these cells elevates free fatty acids in the blood plasma. Insulin resistance in muscle cells reduces glucose uptake (and so local storage of glucose as glycogen), whereas insulin resistance in liver cells results in impaired glycogen synthesis and a failure to suppress glucose production.

HIGH INSULIN LEVEL
If the body needs energy and can't burn fat because of high insulin levels, a person feels tired as their brain starves and metabolism slows to compensate. This occurs because the brain runs on glucose and high insulin levels deplete blood glucose levels. Such a condition, rebound hypoglycemia, causes sweet cravings (which just starts the high-insulin cycle all over again).

OBESITY-BREAST CANCER RELATIONSHIP
BUT Researchers from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York City compared insulin levels in 835 women who developed breast cancer and 816 women who did not in the Women's Health Initiative study.According to the study, those whose insulin levels were the highest had a 1.5 times greater risk of developing breast cancer than did women with the lowest fasting insulin levels.

In laboratory studies, insulin has been shown to stimulate the growth of breast cells, and overweight has been identified as a risk factor for breast cancer, found by the American Cancer Society.

"These data suggest that hyperinsulinemia is an independent risk factor for breast cancer and may have a substantial role in explaining the obesity-breast cancer relationship," the researchers wrote.

QUESTION
How to regulate insulin to keep it always in optimum level? What type of food supplement that can contribute to regulate you insulin system?