Goji and Diabetes Diabetes is a disorder that affects the way your body deals with the foods you eat. Normally, carbohydrate foods are broken down into the sugar glucose, which travels in the blood (hence the name blood sugar) until it reaches your cells, where it is taken in and used for growth and energy. For this to happen, however, the hormone insulin must be present. Produced by the pancreas, insulin acts as a key that unlocks cells so that they can receive blood glucose. In diabetes, either the pancreas may produce insufficient insulin, or the body has lost its ability to use it effectively (insulin resistance). Glucose builds up in the blood, overflows into the urine, and passes out of the body without fulfilling its role as the body's main source of fuel. There are more than 18 million people in the United States with diabetes. Of those, nearly one-third of them are undiagnosed. This can be devastating, as diabetes is the main cause of kidney failure, limb amputation, and new onset blindness in American adults. People with diabetes are also two to four times more likely than people without diabetes to develop heart disease. In fact, 65 percent of diabetics die from heart attack or stroke. A Global Epidemic The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared diabetes to be the world's fastest growing disease, describing it as “the silent epidemic.” This is supported by alarming statistics compiled by the International Diabetes Federation: Number Of Diabetics Worldwide: 1985 2000 2005 2025 30 million 150 million 194 million 333 million (estimate) Symptoms of Diabetes Feeling extreme thirst Urinating frequently Feeling very hungry or tired Losing weight without trying Having sores that heal slowly Having dry, itchy skin Losing the feeling in your feet or having tingling in your feet Having blurry eyesight Are You at Risk? Anyone can become diabetic at any time, but you may have an increased risk of getting diabetes if you: Are age 45 or older Are overweight Are of African, Hispanic, Asian, Mediterranean, Pacific Island or Native American descent Have a parent, brother or sister with diabetes Have high blood pressure (above 140/90) Have low HDL (good cholesterol) and high levels of blood fats Had diabetes when pregnant or gave birth to a large baby (over 9 pounds) Are physically active less than three times a week Types of Diabetes There are four main kinds of diabetes: Type 1 diabetes affects approximately 5 percent of all diabetics. It is usually first diagnosed in children or young adults. Type 1 diabetics must take insulin, as the body no longer produces it. Type 2 diabetes affects 90 to 95 percent of all diabetics. Type 2 diabetes usually begins with insulin resistance. Being overweight and inactive increases the chances of developing type 2 diabetes. Gestational diabetes affects some women during the late stages of pregnancy. Although it usually goes away after the baby is born, a woman who has had it is more likely to develop type 2 diabetes later in life. Pre-diabetes is a condition in which blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough for a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. There are more than 41 million Americans who have pre-diabetes, in addition to the more than 18 million with diabetes. Preventing Diabetes A major study reported in the February 7, 2002 edition of the New England Journal of Medicine concluded that type 2 diabetes can be avoided with a combination of a low-fat diet, regular exercise (such as walking for 30 minutes, 5 times a week) and a modest weight reduction of just 5 to 7 percent (10 to 14 pounds for a 200 pound person). Managing Diabetes: Begin With the ABCs The National Diabetes Education Program suggests that you reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke by working with your health care team to monitor three critical factors, which they have named the Diabetic ABCs. “A” is for the A1C test. This is a number that shows how well your blood glucose has been controlled over the last 3 months. Bad glucose control can hurt your eyes, kidneys and feet. The goal for most people is an A1C of less than 7. It should be checked at least twice a year. Goji For Blood Pressure A 1998 research study showed that increased blood pressure could be prevented significantly by goji's master molecule polysaccharides. “B” is for blood pressure. The goal for most people is 130/80. High blood pressure can cause heart attack, stroke and kidney disease. “C” is for cholesterol. Bad cholesterol (LDL) can oxidize and clog blood vessels, causing heart attack or stroke. Good cholesterol (HDL) helps to lower bad cholesterol. The goal for most people is LDL under 100 and HDL over 40. Lower Cholesterol with Goji Goji contains beta-sitosterol, which has been shown to lower cholesterol levels. Its antioxidants keep cholesterol from oxidizing and forming arterial plaques. Healthy Guidelines Here are other simple steps you can take to manage your diabetes. If you follow them, there is no reason why you can't live a long, healthy and normal life. Follow your diabetes food plan. If you do not have one, ask your health care team about it. Eat the right portions of healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables (5 to 9 servings a day), fish, lean meats, dry beans, whole grains, and low-fat or skim milk and cheese. Eat foods that have less salt and fat. Get 30 to 60 minutes of activity at least 5 days per week. Goji and Exercise Goji increases exercise tolerance, stamina, and endurance. It also helps to eliminate fatigue, especially when recovering from illness. Stay at a healthy weight by being active and eating the right amounts of healthy foods. Goji and Healthy Weight In a clinical study on goji, most patients lost significant weight. In another study, goji polysaccharides were shown to reduce body weight by enhancing the conversion of food into energy instead of fat. Stop smoking - seek help to quit. Check your feet every day for cuts, blisters, red spots, and swelling. Call your health care team right away about any sores that won't heal. Brush your teeth and floss every day to avoid problems with your mouth, teeth, or gums. Goji and Gum Disease A 1992 university study showed that goji polysaccharides may help with regrowth of healthy gum tissue in gingivitis. Get your vision checked regularly. Goji and Vision Goji reduces the time it takes for vision to adapt to darkness, and reduces blind spots. Its powerful antioxidant carotenoids and flavonoids may also protect against diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration and cataracts. Check your blood glucose the way your doctor tells you to. Goji and Blood Sugar Balance Goji has been used in China for the treatment of diabetes for many years, and its polysaccharides have been shown to help balance blood sugar and insulin response. It also contains betaine, which can prevent fatty liver disease and vascular damage often seen in diabetics. Usual Dosage Level For diabetes, research suggests a usage of 2 ounces of high-quality standardized goji juice, taken twice daily at mealtime for a total daily intake of 4 ounces. According to American Diabetes Association guidelines, two ounces of goji juice is equivalent to 2/3 of a fruit exchange.