Why The Need For Glyconutrients?

Everyone, without exception, require glyconutrients. This is because all our 600 trillion cells need sufficient fuels to communicate between themselves and with other organisms in the body. But more than the need to communicate at the cellular level is the need to keep the body functional. There are various areas of the body's system where these nutrients play vital roles. Aging for one.

In various studies, it was established that the lack of sufficient nutrients, among them glyconutrients, lead to elevated chances of developing chronic conditions that normally appear during old age. However, this does not always hold true. In recent years, many conditions whose symptoms set off during adulthood have been witnessed to have affected even very young people. Case in point: Adult-onset diabetes, which is a disease that is no longer exclusive among adults. Data suggests that there is a constant rise in the incidence of adult-onset diabetes among children. The same holds true with other chronic conditions.

There are, of course, reasons to why trends in health and diseases have changed. The recent years had been marked by drastic changes in food consumption and the nature of the foods that are available in the market. Genetic engineering, shelf life enhancement, use of chemicals, changes in the chemical composition of the soil, among others have all contributed to the deterioration of the nutrients that should be present in our daily diet. Coupled by our relatively hostile environments, we are at higher risks of developing into less healthier individuals and therefore prone to faster aging process despite the advancements in the field of cosmetics.

Delaying the process of aging is no longer something that is unreal, though. Through practicing healthy living, the processes that combine to accelerate aging are prevented. Having balanced and fortified diet is also crucial in preventing the onset of the symptoms of aging. Recent research in biochemistry has also revealed that the addition of glyconutrients into our daily can support the body against elements that can speed up the process of degeneration.

In addition, glyconutrition can be of great help for very active individuals like athletes. These people always need to be at the top of their games and cannot afford prolonged recovery time after physically taxing activities. By regularly including glyconutrients into one's daily diet, especially the eight most essential types which include glucose, fructose, and mannose, faster tissue repair mechanism is possible so is lesser vulnerability towards infections and tissue damage.

Rising prevalence of chronic, autoimmune, and degenerative diseases among children greatly emphasizes their need for extra immune system boost. Many serious conditions like asthma, diabetes, cancer, ADHD or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder have reached epidemic proportions in the recent years. Current evidence suggests that these diseases can be traced back to poor nutrition as well as the diminished capacity of the individual cells to communicate with each other. It is good to note that glyconutrients have properties that can improve cell to cell communication, which makes each cell function at their best possible capacity. This translates to more efficient bodily functions as well as healthier immune system that can easily fend off substances and microorganisms that develop into diseases.

The bottom line is, supplementation of glyconutrients provide the body with the raw materials it needs to function optimally, to maintain its health, and to sustain its functions beyond old age.

FAQ On Glyconutrients

For years, all types of sugars were categorized under one purpose for the body – energy. The entire medical community and the public alike have thought that all types of carbohydrates serve only one purpose. It was only recently discovered that a type of sugar called glyconutrients or sweet nutrients serve purposes that are crucial in cellular communication.

What are glyconutrients?

Glyconutrients, or sweet nutrients, are a class of sugar that bond with lipid and protein cells in our body to enhance cellular communication or the process of transferring signal from one cell to another.

Are all glyconutrients helpful to our body?

Actually, not all of these sugars can be of help to bodily functions. There are only eight that are noted for their individual benefits to our health and wellness. These include glucose and galactose, the two most commonly consumed by almost everyone, with the rest comprising of xylose, fuctose, mannose, N-acetylglucosamine, N-acetylneuraminic acid, and N-acetylgalactosamine.

Do the eight essential glyconutrients benefit the body in the same manner?

No, not at all. These eight essential monosaccharides behave differently in the human body. Although all of them have properties important to enhancing cell to cell communication and the majority of them are crucial in inhibiting the growth of tumor in various areas of the body, each still has benefits that differ from the others. Glucose or table sugar, for example, is a great source of energy that goes immediately into the bloodstream while mannose has anti-infection properties that ward off infections from developing inside the body. The same is true with fucose, a glyconutrient that is found in high quantities in human breast milk. N-acetylglucosamine, on the other hand, has properties suitable for repairing weakened cartilage, bone structure, inflammation, and pain caused by osteoarthritis and N-acetylneuraminic acid is pivotal in brain development, learning, memory, and performance.

Where can we find these nutrients?

Actually, these can be found in various sources like aloe vera, a seaweed called Undaria pinnatifida, in the human breast milk, in the gums of the African acacia tree and Indian sumac, and in certain fungi and mushrooms. However, since these are not typically available, the next best options are the supplements that can be bought from local health stores.

Do these nutrients have side effects?

Simply put, these nutrients are just foods. They are not synthetic materials that are foreign to the body. They are much like the usual vegetables we eat. Thus, there are no known side effects to taking glyconutritionals regularly. As of the moment, we could be content knowing that these are harmless, side-effects-free nutrients that are needed by the body.

How do glyconutrients work?

These work by bonding with various cells in the human body in a process called glycosylation. Through this bonding, it becomes possible for cells, molecules, hormones, and microorganisms to easily attach to target cells.

How is it that my doctor does not know anything about these nutrients?

This technology is new. It is very likely that your doctor, in fact many doctors, are not aware of these recently discovered nutrients. It is only a matter of time though until these nutrients gain wider acceptance among health practitioners since great emphasis is given on the efficacy of these nutrients to promote health, delay the process of aging, and improve cell to cell communication.

What Are the Eight Essential Glyconutrients And How Do These Benefit You

The natural composition of the human diet provides all the nutrients, enzymes, vitamins, minerals and other nutrients necessary to promote health. But with the current improvements in farming and shelf life of fruits and vegetables, but not necessarily on the quality of the products produced, the typical American diet has become robbed off its natural elements. This absence suggests grave consequences on our health.

There are eight essential glyconutrients that play major roles in preserving the health of an average person. Currently, only two of these are present in our daily diet – glucose and galactose.

Glucose – Or simple sugar, is essentially where we get our daily dose of energy in the form of starch, sugar, rice, wheat, and cassava. This is a fast acting-energy source that is directly released into the bloodstream.

Galactose – A carbohydrate that is slightly less sweet than simple sugar or glucose, is a nutritive source of energy. As an essential sugar, galactose can help improve cell to cell communication by serving as an agent in the formation of glycoforms, a substance critical in the delivery of messages between cells. This sugar is typically present in milk and dairy products and comprises 2% to 8% of milk solids. It is also found in high quantities in human breast milk.

Xylose – Or wood sugar, is a glyconutrient that is commonly used as an ingredient in toothpastes, corn sweeteners and chewing gums. It is found in high quantities in berries like blackberries, logan berries and raspberries, pears, guava, kelp, aloe vera gel, broccoli, okra, green beans, cabbage, corn, eggplant, spinach and psyllium. Xylose, like all other glyconutrients can enhance cell to cell communication. It also has antibacterial and antifungal properties that help in warding off infections. When absorbed in the small intestine, xylose increases the number of intestinal flora that aid in nutrient absorption.

Fucose – Some varieties of mushroom and the breast milk that comes from humans are rich in fucose, an essential sugar that influences brain development, learning, memory, and prevent the development of respiratory tract infections, in modulating immune system functions, and in inhibiting allergic reactions. It is also linked to reproduction, proper kidney functions, and skin hydration functions.

Mannose – Among the eight essential sugars, mannose is the most important in sustaining cellular actions. It has properties that can prevent the growth and spread of tumor, enhance cell to cell communication, prevent infections caused by fungi, parasites, bacteria, and viruses, help in the production of disease and infection fighting substances called cytokines, eases inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis, affects the levels of blood sugar and control the level of triglyceride or fat in the blood. Mannose appears in high quantities in fruits like cranberries, mushrooms like shiitake and reishi, and a number of bran. Deficiencies in this nutrient are known to trigger an entire set of physical problems.

N-acetylneuraminic acid – Also called sialic acid, this nutrient is essential in brain development, cognitive performance, learning and memory. It is also known to help in lowering bad cholesterol levels in the body as well as in enhancing blood coagulation.

N-acetylglucosamine – A derivative of glucose, N-acetylglucosamine has been proposed as a viable treatment for autoimmune diseases. It is also known to help lessen symptoms of osteoarthritis such as pain and inflammation of the affected areas, decrease in range of motion, and damages to cartilage.

N-acetylgalactosamine – The least-known of all sugar nutrients, N-acetylgalactosamine is critical in inhibiting the growth of tumor and in enhancing cellular communication.

The 8 Essential Glyconutrients That Should Be In Your Diet

Medical science has finally cracked the process of cellular communication, a breakthrough in understanding exactly how the process of communicating between one cell to another, or one cell to other microorganisms happens. Scientists have long wondered how the body determines which antibodies to release in case of an attack to the immune system or how the digestive system knows which nutrient to absorb and how best to absorb it. These and a much wider spectrum of cellular functions are now understood, thanks to the discovery of plant carbohydrates or monosaccharide called glyconutrients.

There are more than 200 known carbohydrates or sugars. However, only 8 of these are essential to how the body functions and only two of them appear on a constant basis in a typical American diet. These are:

Xylose - Usually a sugar in the production of chewing gums, xylose was recently discovered to help extensively in preventing the formation of cancer cells in the digestive system.

Fucose – Most abundant in some varieties of mushrooms, Undaria pinnatifida, a type of macro seaweed, and the milk of the human breast, fucose is an essential carbohydrate that has properties that can affect how the brain develops, how cells communicate, and how the immune system inhibits the growth of tumors in various areas of the body. It was also found to help prevent allergic reactions as well as guard the respiratory tract against contracting infections.

Galactose – Like fucose, galactose is found in high quantities in the human milk as well as other dairy products. Among its many benefits are accelerated wound healing, increase in calcium absorption, and reduction in inflammation.

Glucose – This is a good source of energy that is released directly into the bloodstream, thus it has the power to drive bodily functions faster than ordinary energy sources. In clinical studies, glucose has exhibited results like enhanced memory and better calcium absorption on top of enhancing cell to cell communication.

Mannose – Primarily obtained from the sap of Gum Ghatti, manose is a potent inhibitor of tumor growth and plays a major role in the prevention of various parasitic, fungal and bacterial infections. It also plays an important part in tissue remodeling.

N-acetylglucosamine – From N-acetylglucosamine comes glucosamine, a metabolic product that has properties suitable for relieving conditions commonly associated with severely deteriorated bones and cartilages. Glucosamine is known for repairing cartilage, for improving range of motion for patients with osteoarthritis and in relieving pain and inflammation associated with these conditions.

N-acetylgalactosamine – With limited information on this glyconutrient, it was found that it functions much like the rest of its kind. It can inhibit the growth of tumors in various parts of the body and is also crucial in cell to cell communication.

N-acetylneuraminic acid – This saccharide is known to decrease in level as the human body grows old. According to studies, it is crucial in performance, brain development, learning and memory as well as in the removal of various pathogens from the body.

These 8 essential glyconutrients, with their properties and health benefits, keep your health and bodily functions at optimal levels by focusing on the needs that arise from the cellular level. Each cell needs ample supply of these plant carbohydrates to improve the immune system and enhance its defenses, keep cellular communication efficient, and in general, create the appropriate conditions to keep health at its peak.

Glyconutrients: Scientific Breakthrough Or Hype?

It has been said that the most important discovery of the last 100 years is a group of simple carbohydrates that is central to cellular communication called glyconutrients. Scientists had been baffled for years how the system of cellular communication works - How is it that the body can decide whether to attack an invading organism or ignore it. How the body knows exactly which substances are harmful to the body and which are not. Above all, how the entire body functions based on an intricate system of continually sending signals from one cell to another. It turns out the answer lies in a group of sugars that bind (or glycosylate) with various cells.

There are more than 200 glyconutrients available but only eight are needed by the body. These include xylose, galactose, fucose, glucose, mannose, N-acetylneuraminic acid, N-acetylgalactosamine, and N-acetylglucosamine. These appear in various forms in nature and have individual functions that generally help speed up cell to cell communication, promote the body's immune system, and improve general wellness.

Xylose, for example, is a typical component of bubble gum and toothpaste that was recently discovered to have anti-bacterial and antifungal properties alongside its property that enhances cellular communication. Glyconutrients that are abundant in human breast milk and dairy products are fuctose and galactose. The former helps in promoting brain development, in warding off infections caused by allergens, and inhibits tumor growth. The latter, meanwhile, plays central role in healing wounds, inhibiting the formation of cataracts, lessening inflammation, and like fuctose, in inhibiting the formation and spread of tumor growth.

Mannose, a nutrient that is important in tissue remodeling, prevention of infections from parasites, viruses, bacteria, and fungi, as well as in preventing the formation of tumor, is found in the gums of Indian sumac and African acacia tree.

The rest of the eight essential glyconutrients are N-acetylglucosamine, N-acetylneuraminic acid, and N-acetylgalactosamine. Most of the benefits that may be had from N-acetylglucosamine focus on alleviating symptoms of osteoarthritis such as weakened cartilage, pain, inflammation, and decreased range of motion. N-acetylneuraminic acid, which comes mainly from breast milk, was discovered to have pivotal roles in brain development, learning, memory, and performance. It also has influence over cholesterol levels and blood coagulation. There is, however, no extensive data on N-acetylgalactosamine. Nevertheless, it has been shown to have properties that resemble those glyconutrients that were mentioned previously like the properties to prevent tumor growth and promote cellular communication.

Unfortunately, the body only receives two of these important nutrients in high and regular quantities – glucose or simply sugar which has recently earned a reputation as the underlying cause of various conditions when taken in excess and galactose that is frequently found in dairy products.

Clearly, glyconutrients are all about benefits. There are no known side effects to using supplements containing these sweet nutrients and there is no apparent danger in overusing them. However, as with anything revolutionary in the field of medical science, glyconutrients are instantly becoming a source of controversies, not because they are nothing but hype but because many marketers are taking advantage of the public acceptance of their value to health. This does not prevent medical scientists and nutritionists from promoting the use of these nutrients, nevertheless. In fact, the recent years have seen increased interest in glyconutrients that is parallel to the increased interest in promoting health and wellness.

Glyconutrients Supplements Not Your Cup Of Tea? Try The Natural Sources

Glyconutrients, the Holy Grail of medical science, was recently discovered. It was found to play very important roles in keeping communication between cells highly functional. With diminished cellular communication, bodily functions ranging from mundane to highly complex are largely affected, the body's capacity to ward off diseases, to function at its optimal levels, and to keep cells, tissues and organs healthy prove to be very difficult. Each cell in the body requires sufficient supply of these nutrients, all of them, in order to sustain their functions. Emphasis is therefore placed on obtaining these glyconutrients through natural sources or through health supplements.

Health supplements are beginning to show up in American markets at a fast rate. These provide convenient and highly concentrated sources of glyconutrients. These are very effective and, in general, safe as well. But, the less popular alternatives offered by natural resources are equally attractive. In their natural forms, glyconutrients are most potent and do not raise questions on quality. Natural sources of these nutrients include:

Fungi and mushrooms

Mushrooms and fungi provide rich sources of galactose, glucose and mannose, three of the eight essential glyconutrients that are known to enhance cell to cell communication along with other benefits. On their own, these simple sugars can inhibit tumor growth, accelerate healing, lessen inflammation, enhance calcium absorption, provide good energy sources, and improve the body's capacity to fend off viral, bacterial and fungal infections.

Mushrooms, in particular, have lentinan, a type of polysaccharide that helps boost the immune system by stimulating white blood cells or leukocytes to devour invading microorganisms. Lentinan also detoxifies the toxins that result from this process. These benefits extend to preventing the spread of tumor cells to other areas of the body, prevent the body from contracting infections, fight off infections among patients of traumatic injuries, improve wound healing, and enhance the process of recovery among patients who had received radiation treatments.

Gums and saps

The gums and saps produced by the African acacia (gum acacia) and the Indian sumac (Gum ghatti) have been, for several years, known to have properties suitable for promoting health. Only lately was it discovered that these contain essential glyconutrients. Gum acacia has galactose (one of the eight essential plan carbohydrates) and other sugars like rhamnose, glucuronic acid and arabinose. These, in particular, are known to help improve gastrointestinal mucosa, intestinal flora, and are important in controlling the production of triglyceride (the chemical form of fats), fermentation of colon bifidus, and increase of serum cholesterol.

Seaweed

Fucose, a plant carbohydrate that influences brain development, inhibit the development and spread of tumor, and enhances cell-cell communication, is found in high quantities in a brown seaweed called Undaria pinnatifida.

Breastmilk

The human breast milk is not only rich with antibodies and nutrients that sustain infants while providing them with protection, but is also a good source of some of the 8 essential plant carbohydrates, including fucose and galactose.

Aloe vera

The leaves of the aloe vera are very rich in galactose, mannoseand arabinose. With the combination of their individual properties, aloe vera offers a host of anti-infection properties that include anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory and anti-allergy. This works perfectly well when used externally or internally.

With the current rise of the prevalence of diseases, disorders, and lately, autoimmune conditions, it is only important to have ample supply of glyconutrients in our daily diets, whether they come from nutritional supplements or natural sources.

What Are The Benefits Of Glyconutrients

Before man-made foods and new farming methods were introduced, the human diet was virtually complete. But, with the depletion of soil nutrients that result from these new methods and the absence of nutrients as result of various food processing methods, our foods have become devoid of essential nutrients necessary to our vitality and wellness. Today, the typical American diet only allows 2 glyconutrients – glucose or table sugar and galactose which is abundant in dairy products. The other eight essential glyconutrients are practically inexistent in our diets and can only be sourced through supplements.

There are a lot of benefits associated with these nutrients. Although the jury is still out there on some of the benefits, the majority of these are solid facts.

Enhance cellular communication – Through a process called glycosylation, the cells in the body bind with one another to accelerate the transference of signal from one cell to another. This is called cellular communication which is very essential in keeping the body's ability to function at its optimal capacity. Many experts agree that improvements in this process can stave off the onset of conditions, make the more responsive to attacks to its immune system, and in general, make it more capable of sustaining its functions.

Improve immune response – Most of the eight essential monosaccharides are known to have properties that can ward off fungi, bacteria, and virus from causing infections in the body. Fucose can particularly inhibit allergic reactions to common allergens like pollen, animal dander, and foods.

Delay the process of ageing – Because these nutrients can prevent the onset of chronic conditions, accelerate wound healing, improve inflamed cells and tissues, enhance recovery from strenuous activities and injuries, and improve the body's immune response, they can delay the ageing process.

Inhibit tumor growth – Xylose, fucose, galactose, mannose, and N-acetylgalactosamine are five of the eight essential glyconutrients that have been shown to have properties that can prevent the formation of tumors in various areas of the body. Xyloese, according to research findings, can help prevent the formation and exacerbation of cancer in the digestive tract. Although the capacity of these nutrients to inhibit tumor growth is fairly controversial, clinical evidence cannot deny that they, in fact, can possibly help cancer victims in the future.

Improve calcium absorption – Galactose is common in many dairy products. It is also known for its capacity to enhance calcium absorption. Glucose or table sugar is also noted for the same capacity on top of providing a good source of fast energy.

We are paying a high price for our deficiency in other glyconutrients. This is apparent in the prevalence of autoimmune, chronic, and degenerative diseases and disorders that have multiplied tenfold in the recent years. Also, there is a general decline in health among Americans as shown by the large portion of the society that is diagnosed with one or two chronic diseases on top of having high chances of developing other disorders. The problem with these nutrients is that they are not produced by the body and that there is no way for other nutrients to combine to replicate their effects. The only real option for the public is to rely on supplementation which is expected to become a trend in the nearest future. After all, glyconutrients are no diet options, they are needed by the body the way it needs water and food.

The Benefits Of Glyconutrients

Glyconutrients, plant-derived carbohydrates (otherwise known as simple sugars or monosaccharides) were recently discovered to play substantial roles in promoting health and wellness by staving off causes of infections, diseases, and even degenerative disorders. But more than these, these sweet nutrients were identified to play major roles in cellular communication. In the animal world, the efficiency of cell to cell communication defines whether the body of the animal functions well or not.

The huge problem facing us nowadays is that our diets are deprived of these necessary nutrients. According to experts, this deprivation is the very reason why autoimmune diseases develop at a very fast rate. Whereas these diseases are commonly seen in older populations a few years back, these are now affecting people of any age. In fact, one of the most striking examples of this reality is the prevalence of adult-onset diabetes among younger populations. This brings us to the first benefit of taking glyconutrients.

Of the 200 essential sugars found in nature, only 8 are important to bodily functions, particularly in cellular communication. Better communication at this level means substantial improvements in the body's defenses against chronic, and oftentimes fatal, and degenerative diseases such as diabetes, stroke, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, hepatitis, asthma, urinary infections, heart disease, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD, Attention Deficit Disorder or ADD, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Menopause, Fibromyalgia, and many others. These nutrients also improve the body's ability to respond to attacks to its immune system. Because of this, the body can better address the onset of symptoms with the lessened susceptibility to succumb to continuous decline of health. It can also undergo an accelerated process of healing.

The body has remarkable abilities to recuperate, regenerate, and restore itself. But with diets that do not provide essential nutrients like the 8 most important glyconutrients, the body is left to a vulnerable state. Coupled with poor immune system reactions, the body becomes very vulnerable to the development of certain conditions.

However, since glyconutrients do not behave like drugs in the body, they can only trigger continuous boost in health, which is an important addition to one's immune system defenses. These do not focus on improving the symptoms of certain conditions, but instead sustain the body's capacity to defend itself against invading microorganisms or the weakening of individual cells in the body. So, they do not cure diseases, they only prevent the development of such.

In addition, several studies had also confirmed that regular intake of glyconutrients can delay the process of aging because these nutrients have the capacity not only to ward off diseases, but can also boost immune system defenses, accelerate healing, and prevent infections and diseases that oftentimes cause accelerated aging. Continuous supplementation of these nutrients can build the body's resistance to fungal, bacterial, and viral infections.

But, the benefits of glyconutrients supplementation are not only limited to enhancing the entire immune system, improving the immune system response, and in delaying the process of aging. There are other benefits such as the one that has been causing controversies lately – its capacity to inhibit the growth of tumors or its anticancer properties. These nutrients also have properties suitable for controlling blood cholesterol levels and in the regulation of proper nerve functions. These have detoxifying properties as well which help remove toxins from the body.

Glyconutrients: An Overview

Glyconutrients is a relatively new group of nutrients that were discovered essential in proper cellular communication. These nutrients are a part of an emerging science of nutraceuticals, the result of combining nutrients that have pharmaceutical-like effects. These nutrients are plant-based and occur in nature.

Of the numerous glyconutrients present in nature, there are only eight notable varieties that are critical in helping to sustain bodily functions, specifically in cellular communication and in promoting immune system responses. These are glucose, galactose, xylose, mannose, fucose, N-acetylneuraminic acid, N-acetylglucosamine, and N-acetylgalactosamine. These generally come from wood saps and gums, seaweeds, mushrooms, berries like cranberries and strawberries, human breast milk, common foods like wheat, bran, corn, and aloe vera and its derivatives.

On glyconutrients supplementation

Although these nutrients are present in naturally high quantities in nature, drastic changes in food production, chemical composition of the soil, and the manner by which nutrients are preserved in green harvests have all combined to deplete natural foods of these essential substances. The results are diminished capacity of the immune system to respond appropriately to threats against it, higher incidence of autoimmune, chronic and degenerative diseases and disorders, and a generally unhealthy population. The need, therefore, for supplementation is very high. It has been shown in some clinical studies that the body's requirement for these nutrients appears on a constant basis. This is because every day, a number of cells die. These are replaced by a new set of cells that require the same or higher dosage of these nutrients.

To answer these needs, companies have formulated various products that contain these nutrients. While many of these products are questionable, a good number of them have been shown to provide the necessary amounts of these nutrients to boost the body's immune system and improve communication between its cells.

Health benefits of glyconutrients

Depending on the type of the nutrient, benefits can range from enhancement of cell to cell communication to improvement on brain development and memory. Each glyconutrient possesses individual properties that make them very essential in preserving optimal health.

Mannose is the most significant of all these nutrients and is known to affect many areas of health. It benefits the body by preventing the growth of tumor cells, by inhibiting infections caused by viruses, bacteria, and parasites, by alleviating symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, by lowering blood fat and sugar, along with others. Glucose, on the other hand, is a staple source of energy and is often consumed in the form of starch, maize or corn, and wheat. Galactose, a type that is found in dairy products as well as human breast milk, promotes cell to cell communication, a function that is performed by all other glyconutrients.

There are also glyconutrients that are critical in brain development such as N-acetylneuraminic acid and fucose. Several of these nutrients are known to help prevent the formation of tumors in the body such as N-acetylgalactosamine and mannose and others are crucial in warding off disease-causing substances.

In clinical studies, these sugars have been shown to help alleviate symptoms of diseases and conditions like:

-ADHD or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

-ADD or Attention Deficit Disorder

-Neurological Diseases

-Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

-Diabetes

-Depression

-Heart disease

-Flu

-Obesity

-Skin dehydration

-High Blood Pressure or hypertension

-Lupus

-Psoriasis

-Insomnia

-Cataracts

-Anxiety

-Hepatitis

-Asthma

-Allergic Reactions

-Depression

-Osteoporosis

-Osteoarthritis

-Insomnia

-Muscle pain and inflammation and

Glyconutrients: A Class Of Their Own

Contrary to popular belief, not all sugars are metabolized in the body as energy. Some of them, like glyconutrients, perform an entirely different spectrum of functions that are necessary to keep the body working at its peak performance.

The term "glyconutrient" comes from the root word "glyco" which means "sweet" in Greek. These nutrients are basically simple carbohydrates or monosaccharides that first received limelight when Harpers Biochemistry formally catapulted it to the public and medical community.

Of the 200 known simple carbohydrates (also called monosaccharides or simple sugars), only eight were identified essential to bodily functions. These are fuctose, which should not be confused with fructose, a type of sugar found in fruits, xylose, mannose, galactose, N-acetylgalactosamin, N-acetylneuraminic acid, N-acetylglucosamine and glucose (or table sugar). These glyconutrients directly bond with cells in the body in a process called glycosylate which serves a variety of remarkable body functions ranging from cell to cell communication to cellular protection and control of individual cell structures.

In one way or another, each cell in the human body relies on these molecules to exhibit proper functions. Immune system cells depend on these sugars to keep invading bacteria, fungi, and virus from harming healthy cells in the body. Cells that are affected by osteoarthritis rely on these simple sugars for protection from further deterioration caused by the condition. The entire body relies on glucose for energy to sustain all body functions.

According to medical studies, the absence of any of these molecules could inhibit important bodily functions such as recuperation, protection against infections and diseases, and other immune system reactions. But because these nutrients are not always present in our daily diets, nearly all people are at risk of deficiency – a problem that can possibly end up to a host of serious consequences. As of the moment, only two of these essential sugars are available in our diets – glucose (or table sugar) and galactose (a type of sugar that is found in human breast milk). The rest are either found in negligible quantities or are virtually absent. The reasons for this deficiency in supply range from the inhibited development of nutrients in the green harvest due to forced ripening to too much use of preservatives, depletion of nutrients in the soil, increased environmental toxins, and processing of foods.

The problem is, there is no way that other nutrients, even if they combine, can compensate the effects these monosaccharides have on the body. There is, therefore, a need to supplement the body with these nutrients through nutritional supplements and natural sources.

Glyconutrients are not diet options, however. They are required supplements that must be taken on a daily basis. This is because all the cells in the body have different life spans, one cell may last for only a few days while others can live for years. As new cells replace the dead ones, each of these new cells requires glyconutrients not only to form bonds with other cells but also to sustain the functions that the cells they succeeded performed.

Glyconutrients are a class of their own. They are not vitamins, amino acids, enzymes, or minerals. They are the miracle sugars that can do what no other natural substance can do – promote and sustain health from the cellular level by nourishing individual cells to operate more efficiently.

When Choosing A Blood Glucose Meter For Children

Blood glucose meter is a portable device is something that all diabetics cannot live without. Constantly monitoring blood glucose fluctuations is very important since blood glucose values often dictate how the healthcare team attending the patient can best deliver treatment.

But, blood glucose monitoring is most important for parents whose children were diagnosed with diabetes, specifically type 1 diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes. These parents need to monitor their children's glucose levels so that appropriate measures can be set in place and so that the onset of symptoms can be staved off. But, above all, children who depend entirely on insulin injections need to keep watch of their blood glucose levels. Doing so will not only help them find a rest from constantly shooting up blood glucose levels, but will help them function more normally.

So what is type 1 diabetes? Also called juvenile diabetes, type 1 diabetes is a condition that is charcaterized by the pancreas' lack of capacity to produce its own insulin. Insulin is the hormone that allows the delivery of glucose into individual cells to give them energy. Without this ability, all cells in the body will lack the energy to continue performing at their optimal capacity, leaving the patient very weak and bodily functions compromised. Also, without insulin, the bloodstream will be flooded with so much glucose or sugar, which leads to a host of uncomfortable diabetes symptoms.

To prevent symptoms like frequent urination, increased thirst, increased appetite, constant fatigue and others, patients to keep blood glucose levels under control. Among the best ways of doing so is by using blood glucose meter.

Blood glucose meter comes in all shapes and sizes, and depending on the manufacturer and brand, in a variety of technologies. To know which one can help the patient best, the following pointers can be considered:

Cost

This device come in cheap, in fact, many manufacturers even give it away for free. So you shouldn’t be paying a lot for a blood glucose meter. But, remember that these companies do not give their products away at a very low cost because of purely altruistic reasons. You should beware of the test strips that are used alongside this device. When considering a blood glucose meter, check first the price of the test strips that are compatible with the product. This should be anywhere from 50 cents to one dollar per strip. You might use three or more of these strips every day to continually monitor your child's blood glucose levels.

Insurance

Like blood glucose meters manufacturers, insurance companies also provide coverage for the device, but not usually on the test strips. Be sure to check with your provider regarding the coverage your kid will get in terms of his diabetic expenses.

Ease of use

Look for convenience when buying a glucometer. Your child should be able to use it on his own without supervision to see whether it is easy enough to be used. It should also be light enough to be carried around since your kid will have to take it with him on a constant basis. If you or your child has vision problems, it is best to stick with a glucometer that has a mid-sized to large display screen so both of you would not have difficulty reading the values.

Built-in memory

Some blood glucose meters come with built-in memory that is powerful enough to record up to a few hundred readings. If your kid manages to be with his own a lot, you should try getting him one that has good memory capacity so you can keep track of the trends on the fluctuations of blood glucose levels.

Everything You Need To Know About Insulin Pens

Insulin pen, or simply pen, is an insulin delivery system that allows the injection of insulin into the bloodstream of a diabetic. It comprises of an insulin cartridge, a pen needle, and a dial to measure the insulin dose. Its appearance is similar to that of a pen, only it is larger. Some of these parts are either disposable or non-replaceable. The insulin cartridge for one may need a replacement from time to time and the insulin needles are entirely disposable.

Insulin pens are used extensively in most countries, excluding the United States where vials, injections and syringes are the preferred tools for insulin injection. They come in various sizes ranging from 1.5 ml to 3.0 ml.

Types of Insulin Pens

There are several manufacturers of insulin pens which make it possible for users to have a variety of options. There are the pre-filled pens that are usually recommended for type 2 diabetics. These pens have pre-mixed insulin dosage, making it easier for users to determine how much insulin is to be used. These pens are disposable and require replacements once the insulin cartridge becomes empty. The drawback of this type is that it does not accommodate any adjustments to exercise and diet.

The other type of pen is the durable pen. It makes use of replaceable insulin cartridges which are discarded only after their contents are fully used up. Once a new cartridge is in place, the pen is ready for use again.

A new addition to the existing insulin pens, pens that have built-in memory allow users to store the time, date, and the amount of dosage. This makes it easier for users to tract their usage of insulin.

Advantages of insulin pens

There are three advantages to using insulin pens – ease of use, accuracy, and portability.

Usage

Site for injection – The first step to using an insulin pen is to select the site where you want to inject your insulin dosage. There are a few in the body that make for good injection sites, including the abdominal area, thighs, buttocks, the area of the back just above the waist, legs, and upper arm. When choosing a site for injection, always stay an inch away from the previous site and two inches away from the navel or any scars. Also, be careful not to use sites that are swollen, bruised or tender.

To use your insulin pen, first clean the site for injection with an alcohol pad or a cotton ball dabbed with alcohol. Then, take off the cover of the pen and check how much insulin is left. If the insulin looks a bit cloudy, you can mix it gently by rolling the pen in your hands. Clean the end of the insulin pen afterwards.

The next step is to insert the disposable needle in its place. Once this is properly set in place, you can clear out any air pockets inside the pen by holding the pen up in the air while pushing the end of the pen until a drop of insulin is ejected. You may need to repeat this process for a couple of times until you see a drop of insulin at the tip of the needle.

Set the amount of insulin you want to use. Pinch and hold the site where you would want to inject the insulin. Insert the needle all the way down into your skin and continue pinching the skin for a few seconds more. Pull the pen out and gently massage the area of injection. Put the insulin pen cover back in its place.

Smart Ways To Save On Diabetic Products

The cost of having diabetes is financially draining. From buying a blood glucose meter to maintaining an ample supply of insulin, expenses just keep on adding up. You spend a few thousand dollars on test strips in one year alone and that still does not include expenses on blood monitoring supplies like glucometer that may need to be replaced from time to time, disposable insulin syringes, injections, needles, pens, foot care products, and frequent trips to the doctor. Needless to say, cutting back on your expenses is a welcome prospect. Here are some useful tips that can help you save on diabetic products:

Talk to your insurance provider – Although very limited, there are insurance companies that cover your expenses on diabetic products. Some companies pay for your blood glucose meters, insulin injections, medications, and other diabetes supplies. To know the extent of coverage you can get, it is best to talk to your insurance provider. But, be sure to clarify all your concerns with a qualified insurance personnel. Many consumers end up paying more than what they initially expected because they were misinformed. Be sure to ask whether only a particular brand is covered and whether test strips, for example, can be reimbursed.

Ask for a free glucometer – Many companies, insurance companies and manufacturers alike, give away free glucometers. Drugstores and pharmacies have a lot of perks that could help you save a couple of dollars on glucometers as well. If you look hard enough, you may even find free coupons on magazines and pharmacy flyers. The truth is, glucometers don’t really have to burden your budget for diabetes treatment. The easiest way to get them for free is to simply call the manufacturer of the blood glucose meter and ask for a free sample, if they are offering one, or express your interest on buying their new product. This can also work with all other diabetic products like syringes, lancet, infusion sets, needle tips, and insulin cartridges.

Buy your supplies online – You will be surprised by how much money you can save by just browsing on diabetic products online. With the exemption of some online vendors that mark up their products excessively, there are plenty of online sellers who give huge discounts on their products. Some sellers can give as much as 50% discount on their products with free shipping and sometimes a free item or two. When looking for an online supplier, see to it that you find one that provides all the supplies you need.

Buy in bulk – Buying your diabetic supplies wholesale can save you delivery cost, dispensing fee and other expenses associated with purchasing drugs regularly.

Replace your medications with generic drugs – Generic drugs may look different from brand name drugs, but their efficacy and effects on the body are practically the same. Their price does not speak of their quality, but of the absence of patent protection which costs a lot.

Do not let up on your medications – People have the tendency to stop taking their medications once symptoms of diabetes subside thinking that they can save on medication expenses this way. In the long run, this would not only prove detrimental, but will also pile up of expenses because there is further need to address complications that are caused by intermittent use of drugs.

How To Choose A Blood Glucose Meter

Blood glucose meter or glucometer is a tool in your diabetic kit that you couldn’t live without. The majority of diabetics rely on this portable medical device to provide them accurate readings of their blood glucose levels on a daily, even constant, basis. But, with so many choices out there, it is easier to pick the wrong glucometer than to get the right one. Here are several things you should look for in a glucometer:

Comfort and convenience – Blood glucose monitoring is more than a routine blood check-up that will require you to check on your glucose levels once every few days. It is a constant routine that may even compel you to draw blood samples from your fingertips every hour or so, often subjecting you to little discomforts that may become annoying and very inconvenient as testing continues. Doctors always advice that although convenience should not be at the top of your list of priorities when choosing a good glucometer, it should be given emphasis. The lesser blood the meter needs, the lesser discomfort you can expect. There are glucometers nowadays that do not force their users to use lancing devices or other methods of piercing the skin to draw blood samples. Some of these diabetic products are non-invasive and only require lesser samples than their less modern counterparts.

Portability – Not too small, not too big. This is the rule of thumb when choosing a blood glucose meter. You would want a device that is small enough so you can bring with it you outdoors and large enough to house a mid-sized monitor that will easily let you read your blood glucose values.

Alternative sites – Fingertips are very sensitive areas and with constant drawing of blood samples, the fingertips become overused, so to speak. There are a lot of glucometers today that let patients to draw blood in other less sensitive areas like the forearm, palm, upper arm and thigh. Also, some products allow patients to rotate testing sites.

Insurance coverage – Glucometers are typically covered by insurance companies, allowing patients to obtain these free of charge or at a minimal charge. But, long term use may still cut a considerable portion of your finances since there are insurance companies that only cover the glucometer but not the other tools that should be used with it. Also there are companies that only provide coverage for particular types or brands of glucometers. It is always wise to check with your providers first before getting yourself this device.

Cost – Glucometers are not a one-time purchase. You may not need to buy a new glucometer for a few months or so, but the real expense of using this device comes from buying the disposable test strips whose price range from 50 cents to $1 per piece. Remember that you may need to use three or more strips per day so buying these strips can sum up to thousands of dollars per year. When choosing a blood glucose meter, always calculate your expenses in terms of the test strips.

Functionality more than sophistication – There are glucometers that have built-in memory, download options, and other perks. Although you may only need to toss a few dollars to get these extra features, you might be spending for something that you don’t really need. Consider these your last priorities.

Must-Have Diabetic Products

After a diagnosis of diabetes, one fact becomes inevitable- change in lifestyle. Daily exercise is given emphasis along with keeping a close watch on the foods that are on the menu. Diabetic products are also in demand. There are a few that should not be missing in your diabetic kit and these should include:

Diabetic glucose meter – Or glucometer, is a portable medical device that measures the amount of glucose in the blood. It is an integral component of HBGM or home blood glucose monitoring for people who have diabetes mellitus and rarely for people who were diagnosed of hypoglycemia. This device works by reading the blood sample placed on a disposable strip that either comes along with the device or is bought separately.

Glucometer is important for people who are suffering from either low or high blood glucose. Those who were recently diagnosed are advised to check their blood glucose level two to three times a day. The key in using this device is to attain stability of blood glucose. People who are already used to fluctuating blood glucose levels are still advised to use glucometers.

There are various types of glucometers. Depending on the manufacturer and the technology used to create the device, the reading may take anywhere from 3 seconds to 10 seconds. Some devices need to be hooked to a computer to provide accurate readings while others can provide a great deal of information even with quick reading.

Diabetic Test Strips – These are disposable plastic strips that are attached to a glucometer to provide readings of blood glucose values. Blood may either be drawn to these strips or dropped into them. Either way, so long as the strips and the glucometer are compatible, these can provide accurate readings.

Insulin injections – These injections are needed more by type 1 or insulin-dependent diabetes. These are used to send insulin directly into the bloodstream.

For patients who require blood glucose readings on a constant basis, a CGM or Continuous Glucose Monitoring may be needed. There are three components that are critical to CGM, these are the disposable glucose sensor, the monitor that is wired to the sensor, and the receiver that displays the blood glucose values.

The disposable glucose sensor is worn under the skin and is usually worn just beneath the beltline. The readings of this sensor are then sent to the monitor, which is eventually displayed by the receiver.

CGM devices can provide a number of readings for a period of three to seven days, depending on the manufacturer. One particular device is known to produce up to 288 measurements every day.

There are also specialized diabetic products like glucose pens, medic alert bracelet, glucose tablets, and syringes. When it comes to diet nutrition, a crucial part of fending off symptoms of diabetes, diabetics can also rely on low-carb meal plans and sugar substitutes.

There are no known cures for diabetes. As of the moment, patients can only rely on diabetic products that target to alleviate symptoms of the condition or prevent the symptoms from flaring up. It is, therefore, beneficial for patients to keep tabs of newer developments in the products available in the market. Doing so can help a lot in keeping your blood glucose levels checked. Not only would these keep your symptoms from exacerbating, it would also make life more enjoyable for the patient.

Continuous Blood Glucose Monitoring: Is It A Good Alternative To Glucometers?

Continuous glucose monitoring systems or CGM provide a more convenient alternative to typical glucose monitoring devices that compel diabetes patients to prick their skin a couple of times every day. These use a circuit of devices that is connected to a sensor inserted under the skin to continuously gather records of blood glucose values. CGM basically records fluctuations in blood glucose levels on a constant basis to determine whether changes in the diet, medication, treatment, or physical activity are needed.

CGM has three components: a sensor, a transmitter, and a pager-like wireless monitor. The sensor is inserted under the skin, usually in the upper arm, near the thighs, and under the abdomen, to measure glucose levels of the tissue fluids. People who are using insulin injections, insulin pens, and insulin pumps have no problem finding these sites as these are basically the same. It should be noted that sensors should be placed two inches away from the navel and should not be placed over bruised, swollen, and tender skin. Placing the sensor is usually quick and relatively painless.

A transmitter is hooked to the sensor and sends information every ten seconds or so via radio waves to a pager-sized monitor, which then displays blood glucose values. The transmitter of a CGM is rechargeable and should be recharged every few days. This is water resistant and does not need to be removed during bathing, exercising and swimming.

CGM comes with an alarm system. This alerts the patient whenever blood glucose levels go below or above the set threshold.

CGM is replaced every three to seven days, depending on the brand and manufacturer. After which, all the data recorded in its built-in memory are downloaded to a computer. This information will be analyzed and charts and graphs will be produced to represent the trends in the fluctuations of blood glucose levels.

Although the results recorded by the CGM are accurate, these should still be checked with a blood glucose monitors or glucometers from time to time for calibration.

Advantages of using CGM

While CGM does not guarantee very accurate readings and is fairly expensive, many patients still opt to use this device because it allows constant monitoring of blood glucose levels without having to prick the skin to draw blood samples. Once the monitor is attached to the patient, continuous readings can be obtained.

Another advantage of using a continuous glucose monitoring system is that fluctuations as well as trends in glucose levels are identified more constantly. Also, this system can possibly record changes in blood glucose that are easy to be overlooked when using glucometers and other tests. For example, CGM can detect dangerous changes in blood glucose levels overnight, in between meals, in the morning, during and after exercise, after every meal, and during a 7-hour time span. Information gathered around these hours can provide health care providers with critical information that will help them decide whether there is a need for a change in treatment, medication and lifestyle.

Disadvantages

The CGM system is not yet perfected. Thus, inconsistencies with the records are very common. In order to resolve this problem, users often calibrate their CGMs with blood glucose meters.

CGM is not a replacement to glucometers. Although it can display blood glucose values continuously, glucometers still provide more accurate readings.

Diabetic Foot Care Products: What Should Be Included In Your Diabetic Kit

Diabetics often have serious problems with their feet. This is partially because they usually lose sensation around this area, making it possible for blisters, cracks, and wounds to develop without the patient knowing it. If unattended, small wounds like these can exacerbate into severe complications such as gangrenes and ulcers. Needless to say, foot care products that were specially designed for diabetics are available to prevent any of these complications to appear.

Diabetic socks – Looking much like regular, ordinary socks, diabetic socks are footwear that prevent moisture and build-up of microorganisms that cause infections. These socks have several characteristics, however, that separate them from generic socks. These socks were made with comfort in mind. These were made from a combination of materials such as nylon, acrylic, cotton and elastic fibers that can provide the feet ample cushioning while keeping it cool and dry. These are seamless and are not made of wrinkle-prone materials that can cause and aggravate blisters. These can also help improve blood circulation since these have non-binding tops.

When choosing a diabetic sock, it is important to keep two important things in mind- comfort and protection. Design is secondary. The socks should fit snuggly, but comfortably. For more serious cases of foot deformities, patients are advised to wear wider socks. Also the fabric should not produce any uncomfortable sensations.

While manufacturers have already produced colored socks, white socks come highly recommended by podiatrists or foot doctors. It is easier to detect draining that can cause discoloration with lighter-colored socks.

Fungal nail treatments – People with diabetes are at risk of contracting nail fungus or onychomycosis, a condition that is characterized by discolored, disfigured, thickened, and split toenails and fingernails. There are various treatments for onychomycosis, including topical antifungals and oral medications. For more severe cases, surgery is needed.

Diabetic foot cream – Healthy and soft skin often make it harder for infections to spread throughout the feet. Dry skin, on the other hand, lead to cracks that make the skin on the feet more vulnerable to infections. A good diabetic cream may help moisturize areas that are especially dry. However, caution must be observed when using these creams. Generally, the skin in between the toes should not be dabbed with cream or oil as this often leads to complications.

Good-fitting shoes – A diabetic shoes need to be a special pair. Although of course there are a lot of online and local market vendors that sell specially fitted shoes for diabetics. A good pair of shoes for a diabetic is one that has a high and wide toebox, has removable insoles that can accommodate orthotics, has lesser pressure in areas of the shoes that usually cause feet problems such as calluses, blisters and wounds, and one that supports the feet very well.

Antifungal foot cream – A separate cream might be needed to fend off fungi and bacteria from forming deformities on the foot. Also, this can relieve symptoms like itching and burning sensation while adding in moisture into the skin to fortify its protection against microorganisms.

Pumice stone – This stone may come in handy for people who are suffering from excessive formations of calluses. This stone can gently remove layers of hardened skin. For better results, use pumice stone in combination with moisturizing soap or cream to help hydrate the tissues of hardened areas.

How Artificial Sweeteners Benefit Diabetics

Sugar is often considered a bane in the diet of diabetics simply because this can cause blood glucose levels to rise. But, since sugar is a natural component of the typical diet, and many people want their cake and eat them too, people just can’t do without it. The good thing is sugar substitutes were invented.

Weight management – The main point of debate regarding the use of sugar substitutes is weight management. People with problematic weights and of course those who were diagnosed with diabetes can benefit most from the absence of extra hundred calories contributed by sugars in their daily diets. It should be noted that an average American consumes about 20 teaspoons of sugar every day. With this much sugar, it is easy to disrupt blood glucose levels in the body as well as to pack up more pounds than necessary. Both scenarios spell trouble for diabetics.

So even with the alleged drawbacks of using sugar substitutes such as their carcinogenic properties or long-term effects like chronic fatigue, many people still find sugar substitutes as the best alternatives to table sugar when it comes to managing weight.

The use of sugar substitutes for this purpose makes perfect sense. The majority of these diabetic products have little to no calorie. This, of course, means little to virtually no nutritive value as well. If you don’t mind empty calories, you'll probably have no problem with using sugar substitutes at all.

Easier control on blood sugar levels –All things equal, sugar substitutes have no effect on blood glucose levels. Sugar alternatives provide the same or almost the same flavor of sweetness that is found in table sugar, but since these are not sugar by nature, they do not have the same consequences sugar has in the body of diabetics. In addition, some artificial sweeteners are metabolized very slowly in the body. Thus, even if these can affect blood glucose levels, the effects take some time to become apparent, thus, blood glucose levels remain more or less the same.

More food choices – The problem posed by sugar intake also limits the amount and variety of foods that can be eaten by a diabetic. But, with the introduction of artificial sweeteners into the diet, it is easier to eat various types of foods without endangering the health of the patient.

It is a different thing though when too much starch, wheat, corn syrup, and other high-carb foods are consumed. This is because once these foods enter the body, they will be broken down into sugars. Also, keep in mind that the use of sugar substitutes does not make you immune to fluctuations in blood glucose levels. Sugar-free cookies, for example, may not have sugar but these still contain chocolate, flour, and milk which may combine to raise blood sugar level.

But, there is no such thing as free lunch. Constant use of artificial sweeteners by a diabetic, and in fact, even by a perfectly healthy person, can lead to a host of unwanted side effects. These include chronic fatigue and persistent headache. It was also noted to lead to cancer and obesity.

Diabetics do not always have to pass up on sweet things. Artificial sweeteners may not hit the bull's eye when it comes to drawing physicians to their sides, but they, nevertheless, present good alternatives to table sugar.

Products For Diabetic Children

Diabetes strikes at any age. But one type of diabetes is particularly notorious towards very young patients. It's called juvenile diabetes. Although juvenile diabetes is not exclusive among children, it's relatively high prevalence in the younger population make it a root of concern for parents whose children were diagnosed with this chronic, insulin-dependent condition. There are many things that a child with juvenile diabetes needs. Some of them are discussed below:

Blood glucose meter or glucometer – The first and one that should be at the top of your list of priorities is the glucometer. This is a portable device that measures the glucose levels in the blood of the patient. You don’t normally have to pay a high price to get this device since manufacturers sell these at a very low price. Also, many insurance companies provide coverage for this device. When considering a particular brand or model, it is best to first check the price and availability of compatible test strips. This is because these strips usually have a huge cut on the expenses incurred on monitoring blood glucose levels. Test strips are usually priced at $1 per piece, but it is not uncommon to find 50 cent per piece strips.

Insulin pen – An insulin pen is a portable insulin delivery system that looks very much like a regular pen. This injects controlled doses of insulin into the bloodstream without the need for a health care personnel's assistance. There are two types of insulin pens: the pre-filled pen and the durable pen. The former is a disposable pen that contains pre-mixed insulin and the latter is a pen that only needs cartridge replacements. There is, however, a new type of insulin pen that has built-in memory. This can contain up to a hundred values which should make recording of time, date and insulin dosage easier for the user.

Emergency glucose tablet – This diabetic product for children is one way of controlling insulin reaction. Whereas adults use candy and other sweets, diabetic children are administered with emergency glucose tablets that deliver precise amounts of glucose into the bloodstream to normalize blood glucose levels. Although a lot of people see these as candy substitutes, these do not look candy at all so parents and teachers will not have any problem with missing glucose tablets.

Insulin pump – Otherwise known as continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion therapy, an insulin pump is a medical device that is used to administer insulin to treat symptoms of diabetes mellitus. This device comprises of a pump, a disposable reservoir that is attached inside the pump, and a disposable infusion set. Taking the price out of the equation, an insulin pump is a good alternative to daily injections of insulin using injections products since it makes a person do away with multiple insulin injections. When used alongside a carb counting device and a blood glucose monitoring device, this can make for an intensive insulin therapy.

Injection products – Many children run away from injection products like syringes and needles. This should not be the case, however. Parents should help condition their children's thinking towards injection products.

Lancets and lancet devices – These are devices used to draw blood samples for blood glucose testing. The priority in choosing these products is to find those that could give the least discomfort to their users.

Pros And Cons of Sugar Substitutes

Weight loss fanatics are not the only people who are crazy about artificial sweeteners. There are also the diabetics. But, for them, replacing sucrose or table sugar with more intense sugar substitutes mean more than shedding off a couple of pounds. On many occasions, these are a matter of staving off diabetes symptoms or not.

Pros

Save on calories – The average American consumes around twenty teaspoons of sugar every day. These much sugar translates to more than 300 calories per day. It will only take you a little more than five days to pack up another pound by consuming the same amount of sugar alone on a daily basis. While at the outset, this problem is somewhat exclusive for obese individuals, those people diagnosed with diabetes also have issues with sugar. The solution to this problem of course is either to cut back on sugar intake or replace table sugar with zero-calorie sweeteners.

The good thing about these substitutes is that their taste is more intense (some sweeteners like sucralose are several hundred times sweeter than ordinary sugar). Consumers, therefore, require less of these sugars which eventually leads to lesser problems with blood glucose levels, or for overweight individuals, lesser worries with packing up more pounds.

But, beware. Sugar substitutes do not always mean they contain zero calories. Also, not all sugar substitutes can help fend off extra calories.

Lots of varieties – Low-calorie and no-calorie sugar substitutes come in varieties. In the market today, the most recognizable sugar substitutes are sucralose, saccharin, aspartame, acesulfame-K, stevia, sorbitol, and mannitol.

Generally safe for consumption – All sugar substitutes are consumable. But, this does not suggest that all of them are free of properties that can lead to the development of certain conditions or properties that can pike up blood glucose levels. In general, those sugar substitutes that are not considered carbohydrates do not have any effects on blood glucose levels.

Cons

Even if artificial sweeteners present good alternatives to weight thwarting table sugar, there are still a lot of drawbacks to using these products. First, there is the bitter after taste that many people find unpleasant. Some sugar substitutes like acesulfame-K tastes bitter when used alone.

Artificial sweeteners also tend to produce inferior quality baked products. Natural sugar plays a huge role in texture as well as taste. Laboratory-produced ones just don’t seem to keep up with natural products. The best alternative to sugar for baked goods is sucralose because heat does not affect its taste.

Prolonged use of artificial sweeteners can also lead to side effects like chronic fatigue and persistent headaches. There are also reports that frequent consumers of these sweeteners end up hungry all the time, which kind of defeats the purpose of using sugar substitutes in the first place. This is because there is no sense of fullness in consuming substitutes instead of the real, natural sugar.

Hidden calories are also a problem commonly encountered with sugar substitutes. Sometimes, bulking agents toss in a few calories that many consumers are unaware of.

The jury is still out on the efficacy of sugar substitutes as diabetic products. Current reports are contradicting and it is still quite hard to pin down whether using these is actually beneficial or not. But, experts agree that so long as artificial sweeteners are used in moderation, no adverse effects may appear. Or at least, not immediately.