Husband and wife Ed and Ann-Marie Stephens founded their first website, TypeFreeDiabetes.com, after compiling information for family members who were diabetic.
"Our families are stricken with Type 2 diabetes," Ed Stephens said. "All of my three older siblings have it, and Ann-Marie has family members with it."
Both Ed and Ann-Marie Stephens are chemical engineers with backgrounds in product development for large national companies such as Proctor Gamble, Frito-Lay and Avon. They decided to create a website that would contain dietary and nutritional information in addition to products for diabetics, everything from shoes and cookware to meters and portion-controlled dinnerware.
"We wanted a one-stop shop for people who have diabetes," said Ann-Marie Stephens, who is a former senior vice president at Circuit City Stores Inc. "We wanted it to be a lifestyle site. People are always looking for a place that will help them figure it all out."
The couple founded Henrico County-based Blue Horizon Development in 2004 and spent three years conducting research before launching the e-commerce site TypeFreeDiabetes.com in 2007.
"We have been executing a phased rollout of our concept," Ann-Marie Stephens said. "Phase one was the information and education center of the site. Phase two was the e-commerce portion, which started in 2008."
They had considered opening a bricks-and-mortar location but decided to go the Internet route instead. "On the Web, we didn't have the overhead," she said.
In 2010, the couple also launched PrecisePortions.com, a site for the sale of their porcelain dinnerware system for weight management. They saw portion-controlled dinnerware as a strategic area for their company.
"At our hearts, we are innovators," Ann-Marie Stephens said.
In addition to portion-controlled dinnerware, PrecisePortions.com includes healthy recipes and charts containing nutritional information regarding vegetables, meats and starches.
The stylish design the couple used for their plates, bowls and glasses is easy to understand because of its subtle visual cues for portioning. The weight management system is dietitian designed to ensure it meets dietary guidelines from the American Dietetic Association.
Dietician and nutritional consultant Bernadine Scott of Detroit said she enjoys consulting with the couple on PrecisePortions.com.
"They are excellent to work with," she said. "They are receptive to ideas because they want accurate information."
She finds that people often have challenges with portioning when they are trying to lose weight or stay on a healthy diet.
"Most people want a simple tool to work with," Scott said. "Before (PrecisePortions.com), portion-control plates have always been plastic ware. These look elegant. I like the idea that a person could use them every day."
In 2010, TypeFreeDiabetes.com experienced top-line revenue growth and was able to double its profits of 2009. "PrecisePortions.com sales are going well too," Ann-Marie Stephens said.
Most of the company's sales for both sites are concentrated in the United States, but PrecisePortions.com also is selling in Canada. Dinnerware for the site is manufactured in Ohio.
The Stephenses are looking at a few strategic partnerships for their portion-controlled dinnerware line. "We are in talks with a large corporation that is interested in providing this product to its employees," Ed Stephens said. "We would like to connect with high-profile health and wellness gurus, as well."
Brian Leach, president and CEO of Richmond-based Unboxed Technologies, began using PrecisePortions dinnerware with his family after Leach consulted with the Stephenses.
"It's interesting to see how the lines (on the plates) influence your portion control habits," he said. "It has been educating our children on portion size."
He finds the Stephenses to be very focused on the consumer.
"They are very passionate about trying to get it right and making a difference," he said.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Herbal Supplements and Home Remedies for Diabetes
The word diabetes was coined by the 2nd-century A.D. Greek physician, Aretus the Cappadocian, meaning 'the siphon' as the condition is characterized by excessive urination.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when the pancreas either does not produce enough insulin or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. Hyperglycaemia, or raised blood sugar, is a common effect of uncontrolled diabetes and over time leads to serious damage to many of the body's systems, especially the nerves and blood vessels. The word mellitus was added to diabetes in 1675 by Thomas Willis. Mel in Latin means honey and refers to the excess of glucose in the urine and blood of people with diabetes.
Types of diabetes
According to WHO, there are three main types of diabetes:
Diabetes Type 1 – The body does not produce insulin at all. Also called early onset or juvenile diabetes, it requires the person to inject insulin throughout his/her life. People suffering from this types of diabetes are also very prone to ketoacidosis. The cause is not certain and could be genetic, viral, or multifactorial.
Diabetes Type 2 – Also called maturity onset, Type 2 diabetes is a result of insulin resistance. The body doesn't produce enough insulin, or is not able to utilize insulin effectively.
Gestational Diabetes – A form of diabetes that develops during pregnancy.
Diabetes Types 1 & 2 are chronic, lifelong medical conditions. Gestational diabetes usually disappears after the birth of a child but can later lead to type 2 diabetes.
Juvenile diabetes may be either Type 1 or Type 2, and is seen in children or adolescents.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of diabetes are:
* Frequent urination
* Disproportionate thirst
* Intense hunger
* Weight gain
* Unusual weight loss (More common among people with Diabetes Type 1)
* Increased fatigue
* Irritability
* Blurred vision
* Cuts and bruises don't heal properly or quickly
* More skin and/or yeast infections
* Itchy skin
* Red or swollen gums
* Numbness or tingling, especially in the feet and hands
Diabetes is typically detected by carrying out a urine test, followed by a blood test
High risk groups of diabetes
Certain people are at higher risk of getting Type 2 diabetes. High risk groups include those who:-
* Are over 55
* Have a family history of diabetes
* Are overweight or obese
* Have high blood pressure
* Had diabetes during pregnancy or gave birth to a big baby (more than 9 pounds)
* Are Southeast Asian, Asian Indian, Afro-American, Hispanic American or Native American
* Have polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
* Have heart disease
There is only one way to check if you have diabetes: get your blood sugar level tested.
Diabetes related complications
Diabetes is a chronic, life-long condition that requires careful monitoring and management. Left untreated, it can lead to various complications such as kidney failure, cardiovascular disease, and blindness in some cases. Diabetes causes about 5% of all deaths globally each year. Diabetes deaths are likely to increase by more than 50% in the next 10 years without urgent action and preventive measures.
Short-term complications:
* Low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia)
Anyone who suffers from diabetes and takes insulin is going to face the problem of blood sugar falling too low at some point. This state is called hypoglycaemia and can be corrected quickly by eating something sweet, like candy or plain sugar. If it is not corrected, hypoglycaemia can lead to the person losing consciousness.
The typical signs of hypoglycemia are:
o hunger
o shakiness
o sweating
o dizziness or light-headedness
o confusion
o weakness
* Ketoacidosis
This is a severe condition caused by lack of insulin. It mostly affects people with type 1 diabetes. Acidic waste products called ketones are produced when the body breaks down fats. In the absence of insulin, the body cannot release all the ketones and they build up in your blood, causing ketoacidosis.
* Lactic acidosis
Lactic acidosis is the build-up of lactic acid in the body. Too much lactic acid in the body makes people feel ill. Otherwise, Lactic acidosis is a rare ailemnt. It mainly affects people with type 2 diabetes.
* Bacterial / fungal infections
Patients are more prone to fungal and bacterial and infections like boils, boils, athlete's foot, sties, ring worm, and vaginal infections.
Long-term complications:
* Eye disease (retinopathy)
As per statistics, about 2% of all people who have had diabetes for 15 years or more become blind, while about 10% develop a severe visual impairment.
* Kidney disease (nephropathy)
Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney disease (nephropathy) and failure. About one third of all people with diabetes develop kidney disease and approximately 20% of people with type 1 diabetes develop kidney failure.
* Nerve disease (neuropathy)
Diabetic nerve disease, or neuropathy, affects at least half of all people with diabetes. Common complaints are loss of sensation in the feet or in some cases the hands, pain in the foot and problems with the functioning of different parts of the body including the heart, the eye, the stomach, the bladder and the penis. A lack of sensation in the feet and hands can lead to patients to injure themselves without realizing it.
* Diseases of the circulatory system
The risk of heart disease is 2-4 times higher in diabetes patients than for those who do not have diabetes. It is the main cause of disability and death for people with type 2 diabetes in industrialized countries.
* Amputation
Diabetics are more likely (20 to 35 times) to require lower-limb amputation.
Prevention & Lifestyle modification
Experts and doctors believe that while there is yet no evidence to suggest that Type 1 diabetes can be prevented, primary prevention of type 2 diabetes is possible.
Weight control, a balanced diet, and increased physical activity are important in the prevention of type 2 diabetes. The benefits of reducing body weight and increasing physical activity also play a role in reducing heart disease, high blood pressure, etc.
Secondary prevention involves the early detection and prevention of complications, therefore reducing the need for treatment. Regular annual check-ups go a long way in timely detection of diabetes. Periodic check of blood glucose levels is a must as are the monitoring of blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Healthy eating, regular exercise, weight control all contribute to good cardiovascular health. Diabetics should also quit smoking .
According to the Mayo Clinic, daily intake of calories should consist of:
* Carbohydrates 45% to 65%
* Proteins 15% to 20%
* Fats 20% to 35%
Patients are advised to adhere to meal plans for portion sizes and eating times. This will keep blood sugar and your weight ideal.
Treatment
Though there is no known cure for diabetes, all types of diabetes are treatable. The main treatment for a Type 1 diabetic is injected insulin, along with some dietary and exercise adherence.
If you have Type 1 and follow a healthy eating plan, do adequate exercise, and take insulin, you can lead a normal life. Larry King, Halle Berry, and several well known diabetic US baseball and basketball players lead normal lives. Type 2 patients need to eat healthily, be physically active, and test their blood glucose regularly. They may also be prescribed oral medication to control blood glucose levels. Sometimes, Type 2 patients may also require insulin injections.
Herbal Remedies for Diabetes
Diabet Guard Effective in controlling blood sugar and allied complications. It contains the goodness of Jamun, Karela, Methi, Neem, Purified Shilajit and Gurmar leaves.
Amalaki or Indian gooseberry is a rich concentrated source of Vitamin C and is effective in controlling diabetes. A tablespoon of amla juice, along with a cup of bitter gourd juice, stimulates the pancreas to produce insulin.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when the pancreas either does not produce enough insulin or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. Hyperglycaemia, or raised blood sugar, is a common effect of uncontrolled diabetes and over time leads to serious damage to many of the body's systems, especially the nerves and blood vessels. The word mellitus was added to diabetes in 1675 by Thomas Willis. Mel in Latin means honey and refers to the excess of glucose in the urine and blood of people with diabetes.
Types of diabetes
According to WHO, there are three main types of diabetes:
Diabetes Type 1 – The body does not produce insulin at all. Also called early onset or juvenile diabetes, it requires the person to inject insulin throughout his/her life. People suffering from this types of diabetes are also very prone to ketoacidosis. The cause is not certain and could be genetic, viral, or multifactorial.
Diabetes Type 2 – Also called maturity onset, Type 2 diabetes is a result of insulin resistance. The body doesn't produce enough insulin, or is not able to utilize insulin effectively.
Gestational Diabetes – A form of diabetes that develops during pregnancy.
Diabetes Types 1 & 2 are chronic, lifelong medical conditions. Gestational diabetes usually disappears after the birth of a child but can later lead to type 2 diabetes.
Juvenile diabetes may be either Type 1 or Type 2, and is seen in children or adolescents.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of diabetes are:
* Frequent urination
* Disproportionate thirst
* Intense hunger
* Weight gain
* Unusual weight loss (More common among people with Diabetes Type 1)
* Increased fatigue
* Irritability
* Blurred vision
* Cuts and bruises don't heal properly or quickly
* More skin and/or yeast infections
* Itchy skin
* Red or swollen gums
* Numbness or tingling, especially in the feet and hands
Diabetes is typically detected by carrying out a urine test, followed by a blood test
High risk groups of diabetes
Certain people are at higher risk of getting Type 2 diabetes. High risk groups include those who:-
* Are over 55
* Have a family history of diabetes
* Are overweight or obese
* Have high blood pressure
* Had diabetes during pregnancy or gave birth to a big baby (more than 9 pounds)
* Are Southeast Asian, Asian Indian, Afro-American, Hispanic American or Native American
* Have polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
* Have heart disease
There is only one way to check if you have diabetes: get your blood sugar level tested.
Diabetes related complications
Diabetes is a chronic, life-long condition that requires careful monitoring and management. Left untreated, it can lead to various complications such as kidney failure, cardiovascular disease, and blindness in some cases. Diabetes causes about 5% of all deaths globally each year. Diabetes deaths are likely to increase by more than 50% in the next 10 years without urgent action and preventive measures.
Short-term complications:
* Low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia)
Anyone who suffers from diabetes and takes insulin is going to face the problem of blood sugar falling too low at some point. This state is called hypoglycaemia and can be corrected quickly by eating something sweet, like candy or plain sugar. If it is not corrected, hypoglycaemia can lead to the person losing consciousness.
The typical signs of hypoglycemia are:
o hunger
o shakiness
o sweating
o dizziness or light-headedness
o confusion
o weakness
* Ketoacidosis
This is a severe condition caused by lack of insulin. It mostly affects people with type 1 diabetes. Acidic waste products called ketones are produced when the body breaks down fats. In the absence of insulin, the body cannot release all the ketones and they build up in your blood, causing ketoacidosis.
* Lactic acidosis
Lactic acidosis is the build-up of lactic acid in the body. Too much lactic acid in the body makes people feel ill. Otherwise, Lactic acidosis is a rare ailemnt. It mainly affects people with type 2 diabetes.
* Bacterial / fungal infections
Patients are more prone to fungal and bacterial and infections like boils, boils, athlete's foot, sties, ring worm, and vaginal infections.
Long-term complications:
* Eye disease (retinopathy)
As per statistics, about 2% of all people who have had diabetes for 15 years or more become blind, while about 10% develop a severe visual impairment.
* Kidney disease (nephropathy)
Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney disease (nephropathy) and failure. About one third of all people with diabetes develop kidney disease and approximately 20% of people with type 1 diabetes develop kidney failure.
* Nerve disease (neuropathy)
Diabetic nerve disease, or neuropathy, affects at least half of all people with diabetes. Common complaints are loss of sensation in the feet or in some cases the hands, pain in the foot and problems with the functioning of different parts of the body including the heart, the eye, the stomach, the bladder and the penis. A lack of sensation in the feet and hands can lead to patients to injure themselves without realizing it.
* Diseases of the circulatory system
The risk of heart disease is 2-4 times higher in diabetes patients than for those who do not have diabetes. It is the main cause of disability and death for people with type 2 diabetes in industrialized countries.
* Amputation
Diabetics are more likely (20 to 35 times) to require lower-limb amputation.
Prevention & Lifestyle modification
Experts and doctors believe that while there is yet no evidence to suggest that Type 1 diabetes can be prevented, primary prevention of type 2 diabetes is possible.
Weight control, a balanced diet, and increased physical activity are important in the prevention of type 2 diabetes. The benefits of reducing body weight and increasing physical activity also play a role in reducing heart disease, high blood pressure, etc.
Secondary prevention involves the early detection and prevention of complications, therefore reducing the need for treatment. Regular annual check-ups go a long way in timely detection of diabetes. Periodic check of blood glucose levels is a must as are the monitoring of blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Healthy eating, regular exercise, weight control all contribute to good cardiovascular health. Diabetics should also quit smoking .
According to the Mayo Clinic, daily intake of calories should consist of:
* Carbohydrates 45% to 65%
* Proteins 15% to 20%
* Fats 20% to 35%
Patients are advised to adhere to meal plans for portion sizes and eating times. This will keep blood sugar and your weight ideal.
Treatment
Though there is no known cure for diabetes, all types of diabetes are treatable. The main treatment for a Type 1 diabetic is injected insulin, along with some dietary and exercise adherence.
If you have Type 1 and follow a healthy eating plan, do adequate exercise, and take insulin, you can lead a normal life. Larry King, Halle Berry, and several well known diabetic US baseball and basketball players lead normal lives. Type 2 patients need to eat healthily, be physically active, and test their blood glucose regularly. They may also be prescribed oral medication to control blood glucose levels. Sometimes, Type 2 patients may also require insulin injections.
Herbal Remedies for Diabetes
Diabet Guard Effective in controlling blood sugar and allied complications. It contains the goodness of Jamun, Karela, Methi, Neem, Purified Shilajit and Gurmar leaves.
Amalaki or Indian gooseberry is a rich concentrated source of Vitamin C and is effective in controlling diabetes. A tablespoon of amla juice, along with a cup of bitter gourd juice, stimulates the pancreas to produce insulin.
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