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DIABETES IN PREGNANCY OVERVIEW
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is the most common form of diabetes in pregnancy. It refers to diabetes which was first discovered during the present pregnancy. In other words, the woman wasn't known to have diabetes before this pregnancy. This doesn't rule out the possibility that she may have had diabetes which was undiagnosed. It is important to know that gestational diabetes can be managed and you can have a healthy baby.
Approximately 3 to 5 percent of all pregnant women in the United States are diagnosed as having gestational diabetes. It usually begins in the fifth or sixth month of pregnancy (between the 24th and 28th weeks). Information about diet, exercise, measurement of blood sugar levels, and general medical and obstetric care of women with gestational will be included in this information page. The information given here are general guidelines and only your midwife or health care provider can prepare a program specific to your needs. You should feel free to discuss any concerns you may have with your midwife or other health care provider, as no one knows more about you and the condition of your pregnancy.
Between 90-98% of the time, GDM disappears when the baby is born. Occasionally the diabetes persists, or impaired glucose tolerance (a pre-diabetes state) persists after the baby is born. However, even if the diabetes disappears, the mother has an increased risk of developing Type II (Type 2) diabetes in the future.
Gestational Diabetes & Causes
Diabetes (mellitus) of is a disorder that prevents the body from using food properly. Normally, the body gets its major source of energy from glucose, a simple sugar that comes from foods high in simple carbohydrates such as table sugar, honey, molasses, jams, and jellies, soft drinks, and cookies, or from the breakdown of complex carbohydrates such as starches found in bread, potatoes, and pasta. After sugars and starches are digested in the stomach, they enter the blood stream in the form of glucose. The glucose in the blood stream becomes a potential source of energy for the entire body. The body requires some assistance to get glucose from the blood stream to the muscles and other tissues of the body. In the body, that assistance comes from a hormone called insulin. Insulin is manufactured by the pancreas, a gland that lies behind the stomach. Without insulin, glucose cannot get into the cells of the body where it is used as fuel. Instead, glucose accumulates in the blood to high levels and is excreted or "spilled" into the urine through the kidneys.
When the pancreas of a child or young adult produces little or no insulin, this condition is called juvenile-onset diabetes or Type I diabetes (insulin-dependent). This is not the type of diabetes that women develop during pregnancy. Unlike women with Type I diabetes, women with gestational diabetes have plenty of insulin. In fact, they usually have more insulin in their blood than women who are not pregnant. However, the effect of their insulin is partially blocked by a variety of other hormones made in the placenta, a condition often called insulin resistance.
The placenta performs the task of supplying the growing fetus with nutrients and water from the mother's circulation. It also produces a variety of hormones vital to the preservation of the pregnancy. Ironically, several of these hormones such as estrogen, cortisol, and human placental lactogen (HPL) have a blocking effect on insulin, a "contra-insulin" effect. This contra-insulin effect usually begins about midway (20 to 24 weeks) through pregnancy. The larger the placenta grows, the more these hormones are produced, and the greater the insulin resistance becomes. In most women the pancreas is able to make additional insulin to overcome the insulin resistance. When the pancreas makes all the insulin it can and there still isn't enough to overcome the effect of the placenta's hormones, gestational diabetes results. If all the hormones somehow be removed from the mother's blood that the placenta produces, the condition would be remedied. This is what happens after the delivery of the baby and placenta at the time of birth.
After the baby is born, no other tests may be needed to check the mother's blood glucose levels. However, gestational diabetes may make the mother at risk for diabetes with her next pregnancy and also later in life. It may take several weeks after the baby's birth before gestational diabetes goes away. To make sure it has gone away, the midwife may check the mother's blood glucose at one of her postpartum visits (usually at one or two months postpartum).
Gestational Diabetes Differences From Other Types of Diabetes
There are several different types of diabetes. Gestational diabetes begins during pregnancy and disappears following the birth of the baby. Another type is referred to as juvenileonset diabetes (in children) or Type I diabetes (in young adults). These individuals usually develop their disease before age 20. People with Type I diabetes must take insulin by injection every day. Approximately 10 percent of all people with diabetes have Type I (also called insulin-dependent diabetes).
Type II diabetes or non-insulin-dependent diabetes (formerly called adult-onset diabetes) is also characterized by high blood sugar levels, but these patients are often obese and usually lack the classic symptoms (fatigue, thirst, frequent urination, and sudden weight loss) associated with Type I diabetes. Many of these individuals can control their blood sugar levels by following a careful diet and exercise program, by losing excess weight, or by taking oral medication. Some, but not all, need insulin. People with Type II diabetes account for roughly 90 percent of all diabetics.
Pregnancy is a kind of "stress test" that often predicts future diabetic problems. In one large study more than one-half of all women who had gestational diabetes developed overt Type II diabetes within 15 years of pregnancy. Because of the risk of developing Type II diabetes in the future, you should have your blood sugar level checked when you see your midwife or health care provider for your routine check=ups. There is a good chance you will be able to reduce the risk of developing diabetes later in life by maintaining an ideal body weight and exercising regularly.
Developing & Detection of Gestational Diabetes
Any woman might develop gestational diabetes during pregnancy. Some of the factors associated with women who have an increased risk are:
- Obesity, before pregnancy.
- A family history of diabetes or previous history of high blood sugar or GDM in a previous pregnancy.
- Having given birth previously to a very large infant over 9 lbs.
- A stillbirth for unknown reasons.
- A child with a birth defect.
- Having too much amniotic fluid (polyhydramnios).
- Women who are older than 25 are at greater risk than younger women.
- Ethnicity: higher rates of GDM occur in Native American, Asian, Latino, or African-American women.
- Although a history of glucose in the urine is often included in the list of risk factors, this is not a reliable indicator of who will develop diabetes during pregnancy. Some pregnant women with perfectly normal blood sugar levels will occasionally have sugar detected in their urine.
However, almost half of the women diagnosed with gestational diabetes have none of the above risk factors. This is why many health care providers recommend that all women should be screened for GDM at 24-28 weeks. Earlier if the woman has any of the risk factors listed above. This is when the pregnancy hormones which raises blood sugar the most (cortisol) peaks. Another hormone which is very influential in GDM is progesterone, which peaks at 32 weeks.
The Council on Diabetes in Pregnancy of the American Diabetes Association strongly recommends that all pregnant women be screened for gestational diabetes. Many midwives believe that this may be overkill for the general population of women when there is a 95 to 98 percent chance that an expectant mother may not have GDM. These midwives reserve glucose screening testing as a last resort. They prefer to help all women to have a nutritious diet and health lifestyle. This helps to prevent possible problems from the onset of prenatal care. They assist those women that are having positive glucose or ketone detection in their urine during their prenatal visit(s) by evaluating and adjusting dietary and lifestyle habits. If glucose is still detected in their urine, a blood test with a glucometer (hand held portable device) is usually done. Again diet and exercise is important and is reviewed. If this test is still positive, than the midwife may then suggest screening tests.
50-gram Oral Glucose Screening Test
The most common is the 50-gram glucose screening test. No special preparation is necessary for this test, and there is no need to fast before the test. The test is performed by giving 50 grams of a glucose drink and then measuring the blood glucose level l-hour later. A woman with a blood glucose level of less than 140 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl) at l-hour is presumed not to have gestational diabetes and requires no further testing. However, some health care providers may recommend retesting at 32 weeks. If the blood glucose level is greater than 140 mg/dl the test is considered abnormal or "positive". If the 1-hour test is 185 mg/dl, then the health care provider may skip further testing and proceed to treat the GDM. Not all women with a positive screening test have diabetes.
3 Hour Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT)
If the 1 hour test is positive, the consequently, a 3-hour oral glucose tolerance test must be performed to establish the diagnosis of gestational diabetes. Many midwives do not like to have pregnant women restricting their diets or fasting during their pregnancies and may be concerned about the nutritional aspects of this testing method.
If your midwife or health care provider determines that you should take the complete 3-hour glucose tolerance test, you will be asked to follow some special instructions in preparation for the test. For 3 days before the test, eat a diet that contains at least 150 grams of carbohydrates each day. This can be accomplished by including one cup of pasta, two servings of fruit, four slices of bread, and three glasses of milk every day. For 10 to 14 hours before the test you should not eat and not drink anything but water. The test is usually done in the morning in your midwife's or heath care provider's office or in a laboratory. First, a blood sample will be drawn to measure your fasting blood glucose level. Then you will be asked to drink a full bottle of a glucose drink (100 grams). This glucose drink is extremely sweet and occasionally makes some people feel nauseated. Finally, blood samples will be drawn every hour for 3 hours after the glucose drink has been consumed. The normal values for this test are shown below.
3-Hour Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) for Gestational Diabetes
Diagnostic Criteria Normal Mean Values Blood Glucose Level Blood Glucose Level Fasting 105 mg/dl 80 mg/dl 1 hour 190 mg/dl 120 mg/dl 2 hour 165 mg/dl 105 mg/dl 3 hour 145 mg/dl 90 mg/dl
(From 752 Unselected Pregnancies)
If two or more of your blood sugar levels are higher than the diagnostic criteria, you have gestational diabetes. This testing is usually performed at the end of the second or the beginning of the third trimester (between the 24th and 28th weeks of pregnancy) when insulin resistance usually begins. If you had gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy or there is some reason why your midwife or health care provider is unusually concerned about your risk of developing gestational diabetes, you may be asked to take the 50gram glucose screening test as early as the first trimester (before the 13th week). Remember, merely having glucose in your urine or even having an abnormal blood glucose on the 50-gram glucose screening test does not necessarily mean you have gestational diabetes. The 3-hour glucose tolerance test must be abnormal before the diagnosis is made. Some health care providers state statistics indicate that large babies and other complications of GDM can occur even if the numbers on the OGTT are lower than these diagnostic numbers. These numbers are quite high, because normal blood sugar in pregnancy is in the 60 to 120 mg/dl range. So, you have a health care practitioner that may recommend treatment even if you don't meet the criteria for diagnosis.
Testing Glucose Levels
Once you are diagnosed as having gestational diabetes, you and your midwife or health care provider will want to know more about your day-to-day blood sugar levels. It is important to know how your exercise habits and eating patterns affect your blood sugars. Also, as your pregnancy progresses, the placenta will release more of the hormones that work against insulin. Testing your blood sugar level at important times during the day will help determine if proper diet and weight gain have kept blood sugar levels normal or if dietary changes or extra insulin is needed to help keep the fetus protected.
It is usually recommended that women with GDM test blood sugar 4 times a day: before breakfast (a fasting test), and 1 or 2 hours after breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The fasting test provides information about how hormones are affecting your blood sugar. The after-meal tests provide information about how well the meal plan is controlling your blood sugar. The midwife or health care provider will use this information to adjust the meal plan as needed to control your blood sugar.
If your blood sugar is only tested once or twice a week at your midwife's visit, there is not enough information to ensure that blood sugars are well-controlled all the time. However, if your blood sugars are in the goal range after a week of 4-times-a-day testing, your midwife or health care provider may give you permission to test less often.
The blood sugar goals in most GDM programs are:Fasting blood sugar 60-90 mg/dl.
1 hour after meals <140 mg/dl.
or
2 hours after meals <120 mg/dl.
Some midwives or health care providers prefer than the 1-hour after meal blood sugar be <120, because this is closer to normal blood sugar.
Self blood glucose monitoring is done by using a special device to obtain a drop of your blood and test it for your blood sugar level. Your midwife or other health care provider will explain the procedure to you. Make sure that you are shown how to do the testing before attempting it on your own. Some items you may use to monitor your blood sugar levels are:
- Lancet: a disposable, sharp needle-like sticker for pricking the finger to obtain a drop of blood.
- Lancet Device: a spring-loaded finger sticking device.
- Test Strip: a chemically treated strip to which a drop of blood is applied.
- Color Chart: a chart used to compare against the color on the test strip for blood sugar level.
- Glucose meter: a device which "reads" the test strip and gives you a digital number value.
Your midwife or health care provider can advise you where to obtain the self-monitoring equipment in your area (usually available at most local pharmacies and drug stores). You may want to inquire if any places rent or loan glucose meters, since it is likely you won't be needing it after your baby is born.
You may need to test your blood several times a day. Generally, these times are fasting (first thing in the morning before you eat) and 2 hours after each meal. Occasionally, you may be asked to test more frequently during the day or at night. As each person is an individual, your midwife or health care provider can advise the schedule best for you.
Most manufacturers of glucose testing products provide a record diary, although some midwives and health care providers may have their own version. A Self Blood Glucose You should record any test result immediately because it's easy to forget what the reading was during the course of a busy day. You should always have this diary with you when you visit with your midwife or other health care provider or when you contact them by phone. These results are very important in making decisions about your health care.
In addition to blood testing, you may be asked to check your urine for ketones. Ketones are by-products of the breakdown of fat and may be found in the blood and urine as a result of inadequate insulin or from inadequate calories in your diet. Although it is not known whether or not small amounts of ketones can harm the fetus, when large amounts of ketones are present they are accompanied by a blood condition called acidosis, which is known to harm the fetus. To be on the safe side, you should watch for them in your urine and report any positive results to your midwife.
Ketone Testing
To test the urine for ketones, you can use a test strip similar to the one used for testing your blood. This test strip has a special chemically treated pad to detect ketones in the urine. Testing is done by passing the test strip through the stream of urine or dipping the strip in and out of urine in a container. As your pregnancy progresses, you might find it easier to use the container method. All test strips are disposable and can be used only once. This applies to blood sugar test strips also. You cannot use your blood sugar test strips for urine testing, and you cannot use your urine ketone test strips for blood sugar testing.
Overnight is the longest fasting period, so you should test your urine first thing in the morning every day and any time your blood sugar level goes over 240 mg/dl on the blood glucose test. It is also important to test if you become ill and are eating less food than normal. Your midwife or health care provider can advise what's best for you.
Insulin Injections
Unfortunately, despite careful attention to diet some women's blood sugars do not stay within an acceptable range. A pregnant woman free of gestational diabetes rarely has a blood glucose level that exceeds 100 mg/dl in the morning before breakfast (fasting) or 2 hours after a meal. The optimum goal for a gestational diabetic is blood sugar levels that are the same as those of a woman without diabetes.
There is no absolute blood sugar level that necessitates beginning insulin injections. However, many midwives or health care providers begin insulin if the fasting sugar exceeds 105 mg/dl or if the level 2 hours after a meal exceeds 120 mg/dl on two separate occasions. Blood sugar levels measured by you at home will help your midwife know when it is necessary to begin insulin. The ability to perform self blood glucose monitoring has made it possible to begin insulin therapy at the earliest sign of high sugar levels, thereby preventing the fetus from being exposed to high levels of glucose from the mother's blood.
Women whose gestational diabetes does not require that they take insulin during their pregnancy, will not need to take insulin during their labor or delivery. On the other hand, a woman who does require insulin during pregnancy may be given insulin by injection on the morning labor begins, or in some instances, it may be given intravenously throughout labor. For most women with gestational diabetes there is no need for insulin after the baby is born and blood sugar level returns to normal immediately. The reason for this sudden return to normal lies in the fact that when the placenta is removed the hormones it was producing (which caused the insulin resistance) are also removed. Thus, the mother's insulin is permitted to work normally without resistance. Your midwife or health care provider may want to check your blood sugar level the next morning, but it will most likely be normal.
MoonDragon's Obgyn Information: Gestational Diabetes - Overview (Page 2)
MOONDRAGON'S DIABETIC DIET SUGGESTIONS
Dietary changes are an important aspect of the treatment and specific diet instructions will be provided. Following the prescribed diet will decrease the risks to mother and unborn child. A low fat, high fiber diet including raw vegetables and fresh vegetable juice is recommended. Avoid saturated fats and simple sugars. Avoid or restrict alcohol use.
These diet changes will involve increased fiber intake, fat restriction, elimination of concentrated sweets, and possibly the monitoring of caloric intake to prevent excessive weight gain.
Consultation with a dietician is often recommended for educational purposes, to answer your dietary questions and to provide follow-up encouragement.
BENEFICIAL DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS & PRODUCTS
The nutrients below may be taken in combination with one another unless otherwise noted or as recommended by your midwife or health care provider. Those suffering from gestational diabetes should consult a midwife, health care provider or dietary consultant before using any supplement or herb.
Multi-vitamin & Multi-Mineral for Diabetics, Complete Diabetic Vitamin Formula, 90 Tabs, Iron Free, All Natural, Nature's Way, Vegetarian - Twice daily multivitamin formula for diabetics with Alpha Lipoic Acid, Fenugreek and GTF Chromium for daily support.
Once-A-Day Diabetic Multiple Vitamins, Alpha Betic, 30 Caplets - Alpha Betic vitamins are the multi-vitamin mineral supplement designed by doctors for people with diabetes, their families, and those On weight-reducing diets. In addition to Lutein, this formula contains chromium and 20 other diabetes specific nutrients.
Blood Sugar Formula w/ Gymnema Extract, Nature's Way, 90 Caps - Contains GTF Chromium part of an important cofactor for insulin as well as other herbs and minerals used in support of healthy blood sugar levels. This formula represents the powerful synergy of current scientific research and traditional herbal medicines.
Insulin Health X-Factors, Blood Sugar Supplement, 60 Tablets, trace Minerals - Insulin Health X-Factors is a revolutionary cutting edge dietary supplement specifically designed to support healthy insulin metabolism as well as cardiovascular function.
Sugar Balancer, TCM Formula, Huafen Yuxiao, 60 Caps - Chinese medicine uses the time-honored formula to supplement the Qi and Yin and to maintain healthy blood and urine sugar level and healthy functions of the autonomic nerve.
Diabetes Extract Formula Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz. - Truman's Diabetes Tea is targeted to enable the pancreas to produce its own insulin and to bring blood sugar levels to a safe range of somewhere between 110-140 without additional medication.
Diabetes Formula Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz. - This diabetic formula may help decrease the amount of insulin required by the individual.
Reversing Diabetes, Revised and Updated, by Julian Whitaker, M.D. - This bestselling guide will arm you with safer and equally effective ways of treating diabetes through a sensible diet, exercise, and specific nutritional supplement suggestions. You can improve blood sugar control, reduce if not eliminate reliance on medication, decrease risk of complications and diseases associated with diabetes.
Sugar Control Herbal Tea, 20 Tea Bags - For maintaining normal blood sugar and blood fat level, urine sugar level.
Stevia Extract Powder, NOW Foods, 100 Packets per Box - This Stevia Extract Powder is a packeted form of Stevia rebaudiana, the "Honeyleaf" with zero fat, zero glycemic index, zero calories, and no bitter aftertaste. Stevia is an excellent all natural sugar substitute.
Liquid Flavored Sweetleaf Stevia, 4 Flavored Stevia Bottles, 6 ml, 60 Servings Each - Flavored Sweetleaf Stevia has four exciting all natural, zero calories, zero carbs, zero glycemic index. Flavored Stevia bottles at an exciting value of only one penny per drop.
All Natural Travel Size Stevia Sweetener, SteviaClear Liquid, 6 ml, 60 Servings - Stevia Sweetener is an all natural, no calories, no carbs, no bitter aftertaste sugar substitute sweetener with endless uses.
Noni Juice, Trace Minerals, 32 fl. oz. - Trace Minerals Noni Juice product may provide nutritional support for Bio-Electric Health and Body Mineral Balancing.
Omega 3 Fish Oil Mood Aid, EFA Gold, Enteric Coated, Nature's Way, 60 Softgels - Research suggests a correlation between consuming more omega-3 fatty acids from fish and better emotional health. MoodAide provides a convenient way to add an effective amount to your diet.
Flax Protein / Fiber / Lignan Cold Milled Powder Plus Omega 3, Certified Organic, Nature's Way, 16 oz. - With 6 grams of fiber, 300 mg Lignan and 5 grams Protein (including 18 amino acids) per serving, Nature's Way EFAGold is one of nature's richest sources of protein, fiber and essential fatty acids.
Ginkgo Biloba Extract, Standardized, Nature's Way, 60 mg, 120 Vcaps - Supports circulation to the brain as well as the extremities. This is achieved by maintaining healthy blood vessel tone and reducing blood viscosity. Additionally, Ginkgo biloba is a proven free radical scavenger and antioxidant.
Opuntia (Prickly Pear), Nature's Way, 250 mg, 100 Caps - Nature's Way Opuntia prickly pear flowers (Opuntia ficusindica) were traditionally used as medicine for male urinary discomforts. It was also used externally as an ointment.
Glucomannan (Konjac Fiber), Nature's Way, 665 mg, 180 Caps - Nature's Way Glucomannan (Amorphophallus konjac fiber) is a 100% dietary fiber source obtained from the root of the konjac plant.
Gymnema Sylvestre Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz. - For diabetes, hypoglycemia, and as a digestive tonic. Used for weight reduction, to help prevent tooth decay, and restore pancreatic function. Helps to block the absorption of sugar in the digestive tract.
Cinnamon Bark (Cinnamonum verum), NOW Foods, 600 mg, 240 Caps - Experiments conducted by the USDA have shown that this - the variety we call "True Cinnamon" can lower blood sugar by mimicking insulin, activating insulin receptors and working with insulin in the cells to reduce blood sugar by up to 20 percent.
Bhumy Amalaki Powder (Phyllanthus niruri), 100% Organic, 8 oz. Bulk - Bhumy Amalaki is employed for numerous conditions including blennorrhagia, colic, diabetes, dysentery, fever, flu, tumors, jaundice, vaginitis, and dyspepsia.
Huckleberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz. - Huckleberry leaf is used by Naturopathic Physicians to treat sugar diabetes and ailments of the kidneys and gallbladder. Huckleberry promotes insulin production.
Diabetic Insulin Support Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz. - The Diabetic Insulin Support Formula provides synergistic support for the adrenals, kidneys and pancreas and may help those with insulin dependent diabetes.
Stevia Clear Liquid Tincture, Wisdom Herbs, 4 fl oz. - Stevia Clear Liquid Tincture is an excellent diabetic aid which nourishes the pancreas, helping to achieve healthful blood sugar levels.
Stevia Clear, Chocolate Raspberry Liquid Tincture, 2 fl oz. - The best selling SteviaClear has added delicious natural flavors to create the world's most amazing and versatile zero calorie, zero carb dietary supplement.
Stevia Clear, Vanilla Creme Liquid Tincture, 2 fl oz. - The best selling SteviaClear has added delicious natural flavors to create the world's most amazing and versatile zero calorie, zero carb dietary supplement.
Stevia Clear, Valencia Orange Liquid Tincture, 2 fl oz. - The best selling SteviaClear has added delicious natural flavors to create the world's most amazing and versatile zero calorie, zero carb dietary supplement.
Stevia Glycerite, Alcohol Free, NOW Foods, 2 fl oz. - Stevia glycerite is intended for dietary supplement purposes only. Stevia Glycerite can be mixed into water and diluted.
Stevia Extract White Powder, 25 grams - Stevia extract has a delicious and refreshing taste that can be 30 times sweeter than sugar. Stevia is also an excellent diabetic aid which nourishes the pancreas, helping to achieve healthful blood sugar levels.
Manuka Honey Bio Active 10+, 500 grams - Comvita Bio Active 10+ Manuka Honey contains a high level of antibacterial activity not found in other honeys. For digestive health and to assist the digestive process.
Coral Calcium (Okinawa) Plus Magnesium & Vitamin D, 100% Natural, NOW Foods, 500 mg, 100 Vcaps - Okinawa Coral Calcium Plus with Magnesium, Vitamin D and 70 other trace minerals provides essential minerals, restores body alkalinity, supports the immune system, and is bio available for better absorption.
Buchu Leaves Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz. AHH - Buchu leaves act as a diuretic and antiseptic, and today is used in treating inflammation of the urethra, blood in the urine, bladder infections, and other chronic urinary tract disorders.
Vanadium Ionic Mineral Supplement, Fully Absorbable, 100 +/- ppm, 16 fl. oz. - WaterOz Ionic Vanadium is a pure liquid Vanadium supplement. Vanadium regulates the circulatory system, helps reduce cholesterol levels and buildup in the central nervous system, lowers elevated blood sugar and is believed to help reduce the incidence of heart attack. Vanadium assists insulin in metabolizing glucose.
GlyMordica Bitter Melon, 100% Natural, 450 mg, 60 Caps - Bitter Melon is one of the few agents which has the potential to bolster a flagging pancreas. Bitter Melon regulates blood sugar levels. Known for it's ability to help with liver problems, Diabetes and HIV, also an excellent natural common cold remedy.
Alpha Lipoic Acid w/ Rosemary, Nature's Way, Pharmaceutical Grade, 50 mg, 60 Caps - Alpha Lipoic Acid from Nature's Way is central to recycling other antioxidants like Vitamin E, Vitamin C, and GSH glutathione. Alpha Lipoic Acid is used for the treatment of nerve damage and helps control blood sugar levels.
Alpha Lipoic Acid, NOW Foods, 250 mg, 60 caps - Alpha Lipoic Acid is a versatile water and fat soluble metabolic antioxidant. Another benefit is that is also acts as a potent free radical quencher and aids other vitamins in their antioxidant activities. Alpha Lipoic Acid is used for the treatment of nerve damage and helps control blood sugar levels.
Momordica Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz. - It has been suggested that Bitter Melon, Momordica, has anti-tumor and anti-viral actions. MAP 30 is a protein found in Bitter Melon that is believed to have multiple functions that could be beneficial in treating HIV infection. Bitter Melon regulates blood sugar levels.
Natural Treatments For Diabetes, By R.N. Ellsworth - This book offers essential information on the types of diabetes and symptoms, as well as dietary recommendations and current research.
Chromium Picolinate, 100% Natural, Nature's Way, 200 mcg, 100 Caps - Nature's Way Chromium Picolinate is 100 percent natural, patented Chromium Picolinate. It contains no artificial ingredients or preservatives. Chromium Picolinate improves the ability of insulin to lower blood sugar levels. If you are diabetic, consult your health care provider before taking chromium.
Garlicin Cholesterol Control, Odor Free, Nature's Way, 350 mg, 90 Enteric Coated Tabs - In clinical studies, garlic has been shown to lower serum cholesterol and help maintain circulatory efficiency. The greatest effect resulted from garlic products with standardized amounts of allicin release in doses of 5,000 mcg per day. Garlic improves circulation, enhances immunity and reduces blood sugar levels.
Siberian Eleuthero Root, Nature's Way (Eleuthero, Eleutherococcus Senticosus Root), 410 mg, 100 Caps - Siberian Ginseng Root improves physical and mental vitality. It is an adaptogenic herb, which helps the body to adapt to daily stress. It is an ideal supplement for those leading a demanding and hectic lifestyle. Ginseng Tea lowers blood sugar levels, but is not recommended for those with high blood pressure.
L-Glutamine Powder, 100% Pure Free Form Amino Acid & GH Releaser, Vegetarian, NOW Foods, 1 lb. - L-Glutamine powder may be used for reducing fatigue and improving exercise endurance. L-Carnitine, L-Glutamine and Taurine help mobilize fat, reduce sugar cravings and assist the release of insulin.
Vitamin E (as d-alpha Tocopheryl Acetate), 100% Natural, NOW Foods, 400 IU, 250 Softgels - Vitamin E is a major antioxidant and the primary defense against lipid peroxidation. It is particularly important in protecting the body's cells from free radical and oxidative damage.
Flax Seed, Whole, Certified Organic, 1 lb. Bulk - Flax seeds are an important source of polyunsaturated fatty acids, including Omega-3, plus magnesium, zinc, and dietary fiber. Flax oil from flax seeds is the richest known source of linolenic acid.
Zinc Lozenges w/ Echinacea & Vitamin C, Nature's Way, 23 mg, 60 Lozenges - Nature's Way Zinc Lozenges boosts cold season defense with zinc, widely recognized as an important nutritional support during the cold season, and echinacea purpura, clinically shown to support the immune system, and vitamin C. a vitally important vitamin for general health maintenance. Zinc has shown to be deficient in diabetic patients. Zinc is best absorbed as lozenges.
Spirulina Powder, 100% Natural, Certified Organic, NOW Foods, 1 lb. - Spirulina has numerous health benefits. In addition, it is the highest known vegetable source of B-12 and provides optimum levels of vitamins, minerals, trace elements, cell salts, amino acids and enzymes. Spirulina is an excellent natural food supplement that helps stabilize blood sugar levels.
Quercetin, NOW Foods, 500 mg, 100 Vcaps - Quercetin helps protect the membranes of the eye from high glucose levels.
Ultimate B, Vitamin B Complex Formula, Nature's Secret, 60 Tabs - Vitamin B-Complex with extra B-12 and folic acid helps improve the metabolism of glucose. B-12 assists in the prevention of nerve damage/neuropathy.
Dandelion Root Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz. - Dandelion Root protects the liver. This plant produces a mild diuretic effect and reduces serum cholesterol levels. It is used to improve appetite and minor digestive problems.
Fenugreek Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz. - Fenugreek reduces serum cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Evidence for Fenugreek helps combat diabetes by regulating the rate of which the body absorbs sugars. In addition, fenugreek increases breast milk production and has been used to treat arthritis, kidney problems and male reproductive conditions.
Aloe Vera Juice, Pure Aloe Force, Organically Grown Unprocessed Whole Raw Aloe Vera, 33.8 fl. oz. - The magnificent Aloe plant, that is designed to be self-sufficient and thrive in the desert, feeds us in unique ways with its 250+ naturally occurring constituents including: enzymes, amino acids, essential fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, glycoproteins, sterols, growth factors, and all sizes of uniquely complex aloe polysaccarides and mannans.
Aloe Vera Juice, Herbal Aloe Force, Organically Grown, Unprocessed, Whole Raw Aloe Vera, 33.8 fl. oz. - Herbal Aloe Force, Aloe Vera Juice, Re-Natures the cells, tissues, glands, organs and all the systems of the body to function as originally designed.
Diabetes Treatment Books - Books about Diabetes, Diabetics & Insulin Resistance and their treatment.
NOTIFY YOUR MIDWIFE OR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER IF...
You are 24 to 28 weeks pregnant and have not had a screening test for gestational diabetes mellitus.
Following diagnosis of gestational diabetes, you develop any new signs or symptoms that cause you concern.
You have difficulty in following a recommended diet or exercise program.
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