Biotin is a water-soluble vitamin, part of the B family of vitamins. Along with the rest of the B vitamins, biotin, also called vitamin B7 and vitamin H, plays a key role in the metabolism of cells, helping to convert the nutrients you eat into...
Type 2 diabetes of non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) occurs when the body develops resistance to insulin, leading to an insufficient amount of insulin to meet the body's needs. While type 2 diabetes is most common in individuals over...
Insulin resistance, sometimes referred to as pre-diabetes, is a condition in which the body is unable to make use of the hormone insulin. Insulin is necessary to break down glucose into energy needed by the body to carry out its vast functions....
Excessive consumption of sugar can lead to weight gain, obesity, diabetes, fatigue, cavities, and possibly even some cancers. Some diets propose cutting out sugars all together, but since your body uses glucose for fuel, moderate consumption is...
Individuals with diabetes should have firm knowledge of the effect of food on their blood glucose. Certain foods are more prone to spike blood glucose, resulting in hyperglycemia. A diabetic needs to control his blood glucose and keep it fairly...
There are about 30 species of chrysanthemums, a member of the daisy family with large white, yellow or pink flowers. Chrysanthemums are popular in Chinese medicine and are used to treat inflammation, hypertension, respiratory diseases and eye...
Actos is a brand name for the prescription medication pioglitazone hydrochloride that is used to treat type 2, or adult-onset, diabetes mellitus. This medication is in a family of diabetes drugs called thiazoligediones that primarily act on the...
Cinnamon is a spice that has been used in traditional medicine systems in various cultures for centuries. Scientific evidence shows that cinnamon may help improve blood sugar levels. However, consult with your doctor before trying to prevent,...
Cactus juice has long been used by the Latin American culture as a nutritional supplement. It is often given to livestock in times of drought to prevent dehydration and malnutrition. Research done on prickly pear cactus juice in particular has...
Vitamin P is a popular term for flavonoids, compounds found in plants that have antioxidant properties. As of 2011, more than 4,000 different flavonoids have been identified. Flavonoids come in six major classes: anthocyanidins, isoflavones,...
Ayurvedic medicine has several therapeutic interventions for treating diabetes. It involves a rounded approach that includes diet and physical activity. Some Ayurvedic therapies have been found in the scientific literature to be effective in...
Diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases in children and adolescents. According to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse, about 186,300 people under the age of 20 years have diabetes. This represents 0.2 percent of all people...
High blood sugar levels, or hyperglycemia, is a common sign of diabetes and left untreated can lead to serious medical complications. Certain types of foods have the ability to reduce the blood glucose levels in the circulation. Diabetics are...
Triglycerides are a type of fat found in foods as well as the body. They travel the bloodstream and are stored in fat cells as an energy source if needed. High triglycerides can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. Unhealthy lifestyle...
When you have diabetes, it is important to be in control of your blood glucose levels. Since diabetes impairs your body's ability to use blood glucose, without proper control you risk developing hypo- or hyper-glycemia. These are two conditions...
In today's society, many people seek to build strength and muscle in hopes of improving their aesthetic appeal or performing better in sports. In addition to improving the way you look and perform, however, increasing your strength and building...
Yoga is not only an effective low-impact form of exercise that tones and strengthens the body, but it can also help relieve symptoms of sinus and lung disorders, such as bronchitis. Proper technique and positioning is important in the practice of...
Natural foods are an essential part of protecting your stomach lining from acid erosion and as a barrier against bacterial formation. The epithelial cells coat the stomach lining and function to digest foods, extract nutrients and prevent...
Avocado, a tropical fruit native to Central and South America, features a leathery rind encasing a succulent yellow-green pulp. With its creamy texture and mild, nutty taste, avocado makes a satisfying snack and a pleasing addition to salads and...
Holy basil, also known as tulsi and by the Latin names Ocimum sanctum and Ocimum tenuiflorum, is a herb used in Ayurveda, the traditional medicine system of India. Holy basil is distinct from sweet basil, the herb found in pesto sauce and caprese...
Resistance training does far more than build muscle and burn fat; it affects your hormone levels. Intense resistance training both simulates and controls your insulin response, which remains a critical component of diabetes management. By...
Grown throughout the tropical regions of the world, the plantain is a close relative of the banana, and both belong to the genus Musa. Practitioners of traditional medicine have long prized the starchy fruit -- a dietary staple in the tropics --...
Polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, is a complex endocrine disorder affecting many adolescent and adult women. It causes undesirable side effects, one which is obesity. A phenomenon called insulin resistance is the primary culprit in PCOS-related...
Eating small meals throughout the day can help you control your weight, according to the Weight-control Information Network, or WIN. Your meals should consist of healthy foods that are low in fat and calories, recommends WIN. While you won't lose...
According to the American College of Sports Medicine's Position Stance from 2010, diabetes is a rapidly spreading epidemic across the country, with an estimated 24 million Americans currently battling the disease. Diabetes is a class of conditions...
Almonds are a flavorful, edible nut in the same botanical family as peaches, cherries, apricots and plums. With a history of commercial use dating back to the Middle Ages, these nuts have played a role as both food and medicine for centuries. Raw...
The goji berry -- rich in vitamins and beneficial phytonutrients -- is marketed as a health food and dietary supplement to increase vigor, enhance well-being and prolong life. Traditional Chinese healers have long recommended goji berry to prevent...
Fructose is a simple sugar found naturally in foods such as fruit and honey. Common table sugar is usually half fructose and half glucose. Fructose is used as a sweetener in many prepared foods, mainly because it is sweeter than glucose. When...
Hyperglycemia is a condition that involves too much glucose, a simple sugar, circulating in your blood. Too much glucose in the bloodstream is harmful to nerves and blood vessels and keeps your cells from properly using it for energy production....