A recent study from Washington University in St Louis may explain why more than 75 percent of diabetics die of heart disease (Journal for the American College of Cardiology, February 7, 2006). The heart muscle of diabetics uses a much higher percentage of fat for energy than that of non-diabetics, to markedly increase risk for heart attacks.

The energy source for heart muscle is mostly sugar and fat, and to a lesser degree, protein. Muscles need far more oxygen to process fat than to process sugar. The blood supply to heart muscle comes from large arteries on the outside of the heart. Diabetics have narrowed arteries because high blood sugar levels cause plaques to form and reduce the diameter of the coronary arteries. The increased need for blood flow from burning fat and the decreased blood flow from narrowed arteries put diabetics at very high risk for heart attacks, heart failure and sudden death. The increased use of oxygen increases blood levels of oxidants that further damage the inner linings of arteries.

Another study from Sweden shows that many people discover that they are diabetic only after they have had a heart attack. Researchers recorded blood sugar levels in men who had had heart attacks and then did sugar tolerance tests at discharge and three months later. They found that 35 percent had diabetic sugar tolerance tests at hospital discharge and 40 percent had impaired sugar tolerance tests three months later (Lancet, Volume 359, 2002).

Therefore, 40 percent of people who have heart attacks are diabetic, even though they may not know it. Many of the diabetics had normal HBA1C blood tests, the standard test to measure diabetic control. Furthermore, the patients who were unknown diabetics had a much higher rate of sudden death from their heart attacks than those who were not diabetic. The authors recommend that all people with heart attacks be tested for diabetes.

For my recommendations on how to control diabetes, see drmirkin.com/diabetes/D222.html

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Tags: diabetic, Heart, high blood sugar

One of the most annoying conditions that almost every woman has had at one time or another is a “vaginal yeast infection.” A vaginal yeast infection is also called “Candida.” You probably have had at least one yeast infection in your lifetime. Sometimes this annoying infection caused by the Candida albicans fungus, will appear two or more times in a woman’s life, however, this is a small percentage of women. Usually with the proper medical treatment these will improve with repeated treatment.

If you are a woman with unexplained, repeat episodes of vaginal yeast infections and your doctor has not already recommended you testing for diabetes or HIV, you might ask him for these tests. Diabetes and HIV are two conditions that suppress the immune system and increase the risk of repeated infections.

Who is more susceptible to getting a yeast infection?

• Women under stress from poor diet, lack of sleep, illness or when taking antibiotics.
• Women with immune-suppressing diseases like diabetes and HIV infection.

What are the symptoms of a yeast infection?

• Vaginal inching and/or soreness
• Thick, white, cheese-like discharge
• Burning feeling around the vaginal opening, especially if urine touches the area
• Pain and/or discomfort during sexual intercourse

When should you consult a doctor?

• Whenever you have vaginal discomfort or abnormal vaginal discharge. This is especially important if you are pregnant.

Most vaginal yeast infections are cured within two weeks or less with the proper medical treatment, and sometimes even with a few days.

What happens at your doctor’s office when you express vaginal symptoms?

• He or she will probably do a pelvic exam. This is necessary to check for inflammation and a white discharge in the vaginal area, or around the vaginal opening.

• Your doctor may also take a sample of the vaginal discharge for an examination under a microscope in the office or to send to the lab. This is a test for yeast organism such as Candida fungi, which is the cause of a vaginal yeast infection.

What is the treatment for vaginal yeast infections?

• Antifungal Medicines that are inserted directly into the vagina. These include: Tablets, creams, ointments or suppositories.

• A single dose of oral fluconazole (Diflucan Oral) may also be used, but not recommended during pregnancy.

Most vaginal yeast infections are not transmitted sexually, therefore, male sex partners do not need to be treated. If a male sex partner shows symptoms of redness, irritation and/or itching at the tip of the penis, he may need to be treated with an antifungal cream or ointment.

If this is your first vaginal yeast infection you definitely need to visit a doctor. The importance of seeing a doctor for first time symptoms of a vaginal infection is to be certain that the vaginal discharge and discomfort is caused by yeast and not a sexually transmitted infection such as gonorrhea, Chlamydia or trichomoniasis. Over-the-counter treatments for vaginal yeast infections should only be used for treating repeat infections.

Tips to prevent vaginal yeast infections:

• Keep the external genital area clean and dry.
• Avoid irritating soaps and bubble baths, vaginal sprays and douches.
• Change tampons and sanitary napkins frequently.
• Wear loose cotton underwear (other types of underwear and tight underwear may trap moisture).
• Do not sit in a wet bathing suit for prolonged periods. Change quickly into dry clothing.
• Take antibiotics only when prescribed by your doctor. Never take antibiotics longer than your doctor recommends.
• If you are diabetic, keep close control over your blood sugar levels.

This article is FREE to publish with the resource box.

Author: Connie Limon. Please visit our Nutrition and Health Article Collection for re-print at nutritionandhealthhub.com nutritionandhealthhub.com

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Tags: diabetic, diet, sexual intercourse, sleep

In diabetes, the symptoms can vary depending on whether a person has type one or type two diabetes.

Before diagnosis the symptoms may be more obvious, but after treatment and the glucose levels are more stabilized, diabetic symptoms will often reduce or go away.

However, type 2 diabetes can be sometimes so subtle that there are no noticeable symptoms, and hence is only diagnosed with a blood test.

In this article, let’s look at the symptoms can be present in diabetes, both type 1 (insulin dependent) and type 2 (non insulin dependent) diabetes.

The symptoms on type 1 diabetes

In type 1 or insulin dependent diabetes, the symptoms are serious and very severe when the illness starts.

The symptoms include the following:

1. Excessive thirst and excessive drinking

2. Excessive urination, otherwise known as polyuria

3. Loss of weight

4. Excessive hunger and eating. Notice how it’s a condition where despite eating more, there’s weight loss.

5. Feeling unwell, getting infections

6. And type 1 diabetes can present as diabetic ketoacidosis. In this state, the sugar levels are very high, there’s acidosis in the blood, and even collapse and coma.

So when type 1 diabetes starts, it’s a very serious condition that requires medical attention right away. Treatment is needed in type 1 diabetes and can’t be reversed with ‘lifestyle changes’.

The symptoms on type 2 diabetes

The symptoms in type 2 diabetes include the following:

1. Increased thirst and drinking

2. Increased urination

3. Recurrent infections such as skin infections eg fungal or bacterial amongst others

4. Long term complications of diabetes.

Long term consequences of diabetes include heart conditions, deteriorating eye health, kidney disease, peripheral vascular disease (blockages to arteries in eg the legs causing pain in the legs during walking), and peripheral nerve disease.

Many people at risk of type 2 diabetes are also overweight and have other associated conditions such as hypertension and hyperlipidemia.

So as you can see, there are various ways in which diabetes can present. In type 1 especially, the symptoms are serious and can be life threatening. It’s important to seek medical care immediately.

In type 2 diabetes, it can present with similar symptoms or sometimes more subtle symptoms.

In both cases, it’s important to seek the advice of your doctor about how to manage and treat the condition.

Matt Hamburg helps you to learn the important stuff you need to know about diabetes and tips on

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Tags: diabetic, Heart, weight Loss

It doesn’t have to be black and white.

If you’re like millions of others and prefer Alternative Medicine over traditional Western medicine, you don’t have to give up one for the other. They can, and should, work together.

For example, what if you were faced with these questions: Should you take black cohosh to alleviate hot flashes and night sweats? Should you consider adding a nutritional supplement to your daily routine to help lower your blood pressure? How about if you should take up yoga to maintain your flexibility and balance as your rheumatoid arthritis progresses?

These are not questions that should be answered in a vacuum. Talk to your doctor first.

If you’re taking medication prescribed by a doctor, or under treatment for a medical condition such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, cancer, asthma or any other chronic condition, your doctor should be made aware of any complementary or alternative treatments you may be considering. Nutritional supplements, exercise routines and other alternative treatments may affect the treatments your doctor has prescribed.

For instance, did you know that vitamin B6 can interfere with tetracycline? Or that it may reduce the effectiveness of drugs used to treat cancer or depression? Or that it makes certain birth control pills ineffective? Your doctor or pharmacist will know these things. However, if you don’t inform them that you’re taking a vitamin supplement with B6, then you place your health at risk without the doctor even knowing.

This danger isn’t confined to vitamin B6. Numerous vitamins and other nutritional supplements have similar interactions, which is why it’s essential for your doctor to know everything you’re taking before he prescribes treatment for you.

Now, you may not have heard of this before, but some interactions can actually increase the effectiveness of medical treatments. At first thought, this sounds like a pretty good deal, doesn’t it? Unfortunately, there are numerous situations in which the results can instead be dangerous. For instance, if your doctor has prescribed a blood thinner such as aspirin, coumadin or wafarin, taking ginkgo biloba (which also has blood thinning properties) can potentially cause tiny bleeds in the brain or other systems.

For a second example, there are also a number of herbal and vitamin supplements that can affect how your body uses insulin or sugar. Something you need to be aware of if you’re a diabetic. Your doctor also needs to be aware of any supplements you’re taking so he can adjust your insulin dosage or your schedule in order to take advantage of the difference.

And then there’s exercise. If you’re being treated for any medical condition, a change in your activity level can affect your medication needs. In addition, your doctor may have concerns about the form of exercise you choose. For example, if you have arthritis, taking up aerobics could exacerbate the problem, while a low-impact workout could actually help maintain and even improve your joint function and flexibility.

Always check with your doctor before beginning a new fitness or exercise routine.

One, final point that’s often overlooked. If you’re going to try something, such as aromatherapy to help control your migraines for instance, and you do it properly by working with your physician, he can expand his own understanding about the effectiveness of alternative medicine. If aromatherapy helps your migraines, then your physician may want to try the same treatment on other migraine sufferers. If it’s successful on them as well, then perhaps enough interest will develop to conduct a study. In the long run, many people may benefit from your experience.

However, the bottom line is that you and your physician are partners in your treatment. When you withhold important information from him, you’re taking chances with your health – and your life. Don’t leave your doctor out of the loop.

David Silva is the webmaster for alternativemedicinefirst.com Alternative Medicine First, a website dedicated to the dissemination of information about alternativemedicinefirst.com alternative medicine, including various practices such as acupuncture, biofeedback, Traditional Chinese Medicine, massage, yoga and others.

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Tags: acupuncture, asthma, diabetic, Heart, massage