Diabetes - What You Should Know About Diabetes Medications

For people with type 2 diabetes your doctor will usually prescribe an oral medication to help in controlling your blood glucose level. Of course, along with any diabetes medications you will most likely be making changes in your diet, getting exercise, etc., but this article will focus on the types of diabetic medications that are available. Keep in mind that there are two reasons for anyone to have type 2 diabetes.

1. Their pancreas simply does not produce enough insulin anymore.

2. The cells have become insulin resistant.

Different diabetes medications are used for one of these two categories based on simple blood tests that tell the doctor which category you belong to.

Sulfonylureas

Oral medications such as Amaryl, DiaBeta, Glucotrol, Glynase, Micronase and others are all drugs that help lower blood glucose levels by causing the pancreas to produce and release more insulin.

Biguanides

These types of diabetic medications aid the insulin in moving glucose into different cells. This type of medicine is not for everyone though. If you have kidney problems or a history of heart problems you could be at risk of serious medical issues. Glucophage, Fortament, Glumetza and Riomet are all examples of Biguanides.

Thiazolidnediones

Drugs in this class such as Actos and Avandia work in making your body's insulin more effective. They block the liver from releasing too much insulin, while making it more effective in muscle and fat.

Although Thiazolidinediones are excellent in type 2 diabetics, your doctor will do periodic blood tests to be sure they are not damaging your liver.

Alpha - Glucosidase Inhibitors

These diabetes medications slow down the increase in blood glucose levels by blocking out enzymes that aid in digesting starches.

A major side effect from these drugs such as Precose and Glyset are gas and diarrhea.

Meglitinides

Meglitinides, including Prandin and Starlix, work by helping the pancreas release additional insulin. This in turn will reduce blood glucose levels.

There are also several different combinations of these medications available that combine two different types into one pill.

This is only a brief overview and only your doctor can help determine the course of treatment that is right for you.

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By the way, you can find out more about Diabetes Medications as well as much more information on all types of diabetes issues at http://www.Diabetes.InfoFromA-z.com

Gymnema Sylvestre - Side Effects and Cautions

Gymnema is a remarkable herb which is a powerful aid in blood-sugar related ailments such as weight loss and diabetes, or pre-diabetes.

Side effects and cautions relating to Gymnema sylvestre are few but, for completeness, here they are.

Side Effects Of Gymnema


The main side effect, as such, is that as it can reduce blood sugar levels, some caution may be necessary if you take it with other agents, such as herbs or pharmaceutical drugs, which might lower blood sugar.

If blood sugar levels fall too low, side effects include shakiness, sweating, confusion, distorted speech, and loss of muscle control may occur.

Gymnema Sylvestre And Herbal Side Effects


Herbs whose side effects - or benefits, depending on your viewpoint - can include reducing blood sugar levels include:

* Aloe Vera

* Devil's Claw

* Eleutherocccus senticosus (Siberian Ginseng)

* Fenugreek

* Ginger (in high amounts)

* Jambul Seed

* Panax Ginseng

* Psyllium Husks

* Stevia

* Turmeric

It must be stressed that there is little definitive research to show that these herbs definitely reduce blood sugar, and certainly not in every case; but it is best to be cautious if taking any of these herbs in addition to Gymnema.

Gymnema sylvestre And Drug Side Effects


Gymnema sylvestre may increase the amount by which drugs for diabetes can lower blood sugar. As well as insulin, these drugs include:

* Actos

* Avandia

* Glimepiride

* Glipizide

* Glyburide

* Glyset

* Metformin

* Prandin, and

* Precose

Toxicity

There are no side effects published relating to human toxicity with Gymnema sylvestre.

Pregnancy And Breastfeeding


Very little information is available on side effects of Gymnema sylvestre relating to pregnancy or breast feeding, or its use for infants. Therefore, we advise caution in using Gymnema in these circumstances.

Gymnema is a remarkable herb which, if used bearing in mind the above cautions, can be a huge benefit both to those who truly want to cut down their consumption of sweet foods and those with blood sugar issues. Of course, if on medication you should consult your doctor before taking Gymnema: but if you have 'blood sugar lows' and are not on medication, try Gymnema.

The main treatment for low blood sugar is in changing diet and getting more exercise: but if you do these things, Gymnema is a great help to have in your pocket. Additionally, it can conveniently be taken throughout the day if used in capsule form. I recommend 3-6 capsules (raw herb, not extract).

Max Hill loves sharing the knowledge he has gained about natural healing after more than 20 years. For example, on the website about Metabolic Syndrome he has been a key contributor to the extensive information there about Gymnema Sylvestre as well as recommending other important aids for digestion including the 90-day Digestive Programme . There is additional information on these sites about diet, exercise and all aspects of detox. Take a look today - and get the benefit of Max's valuable knowledge and experience.

Insulin Sensitizers Good or Bad

Cardiovascular Risk With an Insulin Sensitizers - Let's put it in perspective!

With the current New England Journal Article on Avandia and it's increased risks for cardiovascular problems, I believe we have missed the whole point of the article.

So, we have the insulin sensitizers, Avandia, Actos and Rezulin (which was removed from the marketplace for liver toxicity). Risk factors for these include heart attacks, cardiovascular death, fluid retention, bone fractures, weight increase, negative effect on lipids and possible unknown effects on genes. The New England Journal of Medicine published an article entitled, "Effect of Rosiglitazone on the Risk of Myocardial Infarction and Death from Cardiovascular Causes." The conclusions of this analysis of previous studies of rosiglitazone (brand name, Avandia) suggest that this oral agent used to treat type 2 diabetes may be associated with increased risk of heart attack by 43 percent and and death from cardiovascular causes by 64 percent. In an editorial review of the Avandia meta-analysis, also published in the New England Journal of Medicine, Drs. Psaty and Furberg indicated that the approval process for Avandia may have been insufficiently rigorous because rosiglitazone has so many effects on genes, many of which are unknown.

Moreover, its approval was based upon studies that may have been too short to be really useful in identifying long-term adverse heart effects. Previously, meta-analysis was instrumental in preventing Pargluva (muraglitazar), a drug similar to Avandia, from being approved, again because of heart problems. In 2000, another glitazone, Rezulin (troglitazone), was removed from the market due to liver toxicity. Earlier this year, the Cochrane Library published a meta-analysis of Actos (pioglitazone), a thiazolidinedione similar to Avandia, which implicated it in edema and heart failure. In the meantime, patients using any of the insulin sensitizers should talk to their health care provider to determine the most appropriate course of action. Patients should not stop taking any prescribed medications without first discussing the issue with their health care provider. Now is the time to talk to your patients about the risks associated with diabetes. Using any drug increases your risk for complications. But, as the studies have shown, increasing your physical activity can provide the same benefits and even greater benefits in reducing your risk factors for the complications of diabetes and other diseases. Just like we all know that physical activity is an effective treatment for diabetes, yet we would rather just write another prescription for a drug treatment, rather then write a prescription for physical activity, which we all know works and is effective.

Lets first look at the costs of treating diabetes with Avandia. The cost to treat diabetes with Avandia can be $120 dollars a month, or 1500 a year or 15,000 for 10 years and increases your risk for DEATH!. A pedometer costs $20 dollars over 10 years, and when used effectively will reduce the risk for heart failure and DEATH! We can take the increased risk of death from cardiovascular of 64% and turn it around and decrease your risk for cardiovascular death by 64%, that is a change of 128%. As in the DPT trials, and even the Dream study, which used Avandia to reduce the risk of diabetes physical activity was shown to be as effective, if not more then the oral treatments used in the studies.

Lets look at a couple of the studies that, shows this controversy has but only one conclusion. In a Finish study with postmenopausal women over 10 years it was found that walking 1 mile or more a day reduced the risk for heart disease by 82%. In a study in Washington State they found that walking at least 1 hour per week, which is less then 9 minutes a day can reduce the risk for sudden cardiac death by 73%. In a study of 40,000 American Females they found that walking at least 1 hour a week, (less then 10 minutes a day) reduced the risk for coronary artery disease by 51%. In a study of over 73,000 American women aged 50-79, walking for 2.5 hours a week reduced the risk for all cardiovascular events by 30%. In a study of 1500 men, walking at least 2.5 hours a week (14 minutes a day) lowered the risk of heat attack by 69%. So, why replace one drug with another that has other risk factors, when we can simply provide a 20 dollar pedometer and tell our patients to increase their physical activity? Now is a great time to have the discussion with your patients and let them know that there are other alternatives to taking drugs that are more effective with no risk factors. But, just telling them may not be good enough, make them responsible for reporting to you their physical activity by using a pedometer and setting goals for the number of steps they take each and every day. If they can report to you their blood sugars, then report their steps! Now imagine what would happen if we also had them responsible for the number of carbohydrates that they consume each day and maybe reduce them by just 100 grams, what could happen? And if all else fails, consider using the most safe and effective drug: INSULIN I

If you would like to share your comments, contact me at publisher@diabetesincontrol.com Steve Freed, Publisher Diabetes in Control.com Pharmacist and Diabetes Educator

Steve Freed, Pharmacist, Diabetes Educator, pedometrist and publisher of http://www.diabetesincontrol.com the leading on-line newsletter for diabetes information for medical professionals and patients with diabetes.

Fatty Liver Disease - Causes, Symptoms, Information With Treatment

Fatty liver disease covers a range of conditions where there is a build-up of fat in the liver cells. It may be caused by various diseases, such as in chronic alcoholism and obesity. Simple fatty liver usually does not damage the liver, but is a condition that can be identified by taking a sample of liver tissue (liver biopsy) and examining it under a microscope.

All of the stages of NAFLD have in common the accumulation of fat (fatty infiltration) in the liver cells (hepatocytes). Yet, in many respects, the histological picture of NAFLD (when we look at a biopsy piece of liver under the microscope) is similar to what can be seen in liver disease that is due to excessive intake of alcohol. As we shall see, however, the clinical circumstances in NAFLD and NASH are very different from those in alcoholic liver disease (ALD).

Causes of Fatty Liver Disease

The common Causes of Fatty Liver Disease:

Several risk factors may be cofactors required for the development of advanced ALD.

Minimum amounts of alcohol intake associated with an increased risk for developing ALD range from 40-80 g/d for 10-12 years.

Obesity and dietary habits have been implicated in individual susceptibility to ALD.

Several studies demonstrate a high prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibody in patients with ALD, as well as iron overload.

Symptoms of Fatty Liver Disease

Some Symptoms of Fatty Liver Disease:

Loss of appetite.

Nausea.

Fever.

Mental confusion.

Dry mouth.

Weakness.

Fatigue.

Swelling of your legs and feet from retained fluid (edema).

Abdominal pain and tenderness.

Treatment of Fatty Liver Disease

Strict management of diabetes with diet, medications or insulin lowers blood sugar, which may prevent further liver damage. It also may reduce the amount of accumulated fat in your liver.

Controlling elevated levels of cholesterol and triglycerides with diet, exercise and cholesterol-lowering medications may help stabilize or reverse nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

If you have nonalcoholic fatty liver disease especially nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) don't drink alcohol. Also avoid medications and other substances that can cause liver damage. Talk to your doctor about which ones to avoid.

Researchers are studying the effects of several medications on insulin resistance and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in people with and without diabetes. These include metformin (Glucophage, Glucophage XR), pioglitazone (Actos), rosiglitazone (Avandia) and betaine (Cystadane).

Juliet Cohen writes articles on diseases and conditions and skin disorders. She also writes articles on herbal home remedies.

Controlling Diabetes - OTC Drugs vs Diamaxol

The following article provides a list of the most popular and commonly used over-the-counter drugs used to lower blood sugar levels in diabetics (and their side-effects), as compared to MicroNutra Health's popular glucose balancing supplement, Diamaxol.

INSULIN: Lowers blood sugar levels. The various types of insulin and brands in the marketplace differ in when they take effect, when after application they're the most effective, and the amount of time for which they're most effective. Potential side-effects of insulin may include weight gain, low blood sugar levels, and allergic reactions.

Promoting Pancreatic Insulin Production

SULFONYLUREA: Brands include Micronase, DiaBeta, and Glucotrol. Side-effects include weight gain, low blood glucose, nausea, and rash.

MEGLITINIDE: Brands include Prandin and Starlix. Some side effects are low blood glucose and upset stomach.

Reducing Glucose Production in Liver/Aiding Insulin Processing

BIGUANIDE: Brands include Glucophage and Metformin. Side-effects include loss of appetite, nausea, gas, diarrhea, and metallic taste in mouth.

THIAZOLIDINEDIONE: Brands include Actos and Avandia. Potential side-effects include nausea/vomiting abdominal pain, fluid retention, and liver damage.

Side Effect-Free Option

Unfortunately, there are no prescription diabetes drugs without some potentially serious side-effects. This is one of the reasons that many diabetics (and pre-diabetics) find that Diamaxol is worth trying. MicroNutra claims to have clinically proven that Diamaxol has no side-effects, and they guarantee their products to be 100% effective (or your money back).

DIAMAXOL: Reduces blood sugar levels by interrupting glucose absorption within the intestines and preventing adrenal hormones from stimulating glucose production from the liver. Eliminates insulin resistance and normalizes insulin production.

No product will work for everyone. Human physiology is too complex for any supplement or medication to have the same effect on every body. For this reason, the only scientific study that really matters to you on a day-to-day basis is: try it for yourself.

Discover tips and tricks for naturally balancing blood sugar and learn the ins and outs of living with diabetes, including insight into MicroNutra Health's popular blood sugar balancing supplement, Diamaxol at my web site. Don't let diabetes run your life.

Oral Diabetic Medications That May or May Not Cause Hypoglycemia

Oral diabetic medications that can cause low blood sugar or hypoglycemia

The following sulfonylurea medications for diabetes can cause hypoglycemia or low blood sugar as a side effect.

* Glipizide (Glucotrol)


* Glyburide (such as DiaBeta, Glynase, Micronase)


* Glimepiride (Amaryl)

Repaglinide (Prandin) and nateglinide (Starlix) are not sulfonylurea medications. However, they work in the same way and can also cause low blood sugar as a side effect.

You are unlikely to develop hypoglycemia or low blood sugar levels if you are taking:

* Metformin (Glucophage)


* Acarbose (Precose)


* Rosiglitazone (Avandia)


* Pioglitazone (Actos)

Signs of Hypoglycemia:

**Cold sweat, faintness, dizziness


**Headache


**Pounding of heart, trembling, nervousness


**blurred vision


**Hunger


**Irritability


**Personality Change


**Not able to awaken

It is important to know if you oral diabetic medication has the side effect of low blood sugar because if you are going out or driving, you should test your blood sugar before you leave and make sure you take hard candy with you in your pocket or purse at all times. You should also have a supply of hard candy in your car at all times and not in the trunk of your car.

If you have the signs of low blood sugar, then you should take a piece of hard candy or juice first and then test your blood sugar.

Usually in 15 minutes taking 15-20 grams of Carbohydrate (CHO) will usually bring up your blood sugar to normal range. You can have a 4-6 ounce glass of juice, glucose tablets or 2-3 pieces of hard candy. Don't overdo it because your blood sugar will then go sky high. If it doesn't return within normal limits in 15 minutes, repeat the 15-20 grams of CHO and then check your blood sugar in 15 minutes.

Please check out the article, Driving, at http://www.diabetestestingcenter.com that goes into more detail about what foods raise your blood sugar, stabilizes your blood sugar and how and when you should test your blood sugar.

Copyright 2005Fern Kuhn, RNSpecializing in Diabetes

http://www.diabetestestingcenter.com
http://www.attentiondeficitdisordercenter.com
http://www.acnereviews.info

You may reprint this article as long as you keep the links

Most Type II Diabetes is Preventable

Several recent studies show that most cases of Type II

diabetes can be prevented with the diabetic medications,

metformin, Avandia or perhaps Actos (Lancet, September 29,

2006; Diabetes Care, Volume 29, 2006). An earlier study

showed that lifestyle changes were even more effective in

preventing diabetes than drugs (Annals of Pharmacotherapy,

July 2004).

People most likely to develop diabetes have a family

history of diabetes, are overweight, and store fat primarily in the

belly, rather than the hips. They often have a thick neck, male

pattern baldness, high blood levels of triglycerides and low levels

of the good HDL cholesterol, and do not exercise. Pre-diabetes

is defined as having a fasting blood sugar greater than 100 but

less than 125, a one-hour-after-eating blood sugar greater than

160 but less than 200, and an HBA1c greater than 5.7 but less

than 6. (HBA1c is a blood test that measures how much sugar is

stuck on cells).

If pre-diabetics take medications used to treat diabetes,

or change their lifestyles, they markedly reduce their chances of

going on to develop diabetes. Both the prevention and treatment

of diabetes involves preventing blood sugar levels from rising too

high after meals. To do this, a person should avoid the foods

that cause the highest rises in blood sugar levels, such as those

made from flour, those with added sugar, and sugar water found

in fruit juices and many soft drinks. Other recommendations are

to lose weight, exercise, and eat fewer calories.

If you fit the

description of a person at risk for diabetes, check with your

doctor and get a blood test called HBA1C. If the value is greater

than 5.6, you should start your diabetic prevention regimen

immediately.

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Dr. Gabe Mirkin has been a radio talk show host for 25 years and practicing physician for more than 40 years; he is board certified in four specialties, including sports medicine. Read or listen to hundreds of his fitness and health reports -- and the FREE Good Food Book -- at http://www.DrMirkin.com

Diabetes and DHEA

From Italy comes a study suggesting that DHEA supplements might reduce some of the complications of type 2 diabetes.

Many of the chronic complications of non-insulin dependent diabetes are vascular. In diabetes, there can be so much glucose in the bloodstream that it begins to "burn," that is, it begins to oxidize, even before it reaches the cells that need it.

This auto-oxidation process generates huge quantities of the superoxide free radical, which in turn can change normally harmless LDL cholesterol into a form of LDL that clogs blood vessels. The smallest, microscopic capillaries are the first affected. Only when the effects of diabetes are greatly progressed does atherosclerosis show in major arteries.

Research physicians at the university and hospitals in Turin found that giving elderly diabetics DHEA did not lower blood sugars or cholesterol, but did lower oxidative stress in the bloodstream. The concentration of free radicals of oxygen in the blood lowered on average 53 per cent.

Interestingly, taking DHEA also elevated bloodstream concentrations of vitamin E. This is because DHEA protected vitamin E from destruction by free radicals.

Diabetics are given statin drugs to lower cholesterol, ACE-inhibitors and ACE-receptor blockers for high blood pressure, calcium channel blockers, and/or thiazolidinediones (such as Actos and Avandia, which also known as pioglitazone and rosiglitazone, respectively), all of which have side-effects. The doctors conducting this story express a hope that DHEA, which occurs naturally in the body and which can be given in a dosage of 50 mg a day without side effects, might eventually replace these drugs.

Read about Vitamin C for Diabetes at Robert Rister's Savvy Natural Healer.

Deutact and How It Can Help Improve Low Blood Sugar Levels

Have you just found out that you're suffering from diabetes? If so, let me warn you that high blood sugar level isn't the only thing you should worry about. Sometimes, believe it or not, diabetics are also in danger of having insufficient blood sugar in their bodies, and this condition is equally fraught with danger.

Basic Facts about Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia is the more formal term for low blood sugar. This occurs when an individual's blood sugar level is inadequate in providing the required energy. In other words, when you're feeling particularly low, it could be that your body doesn't have enough glucose in it.

This condition usually appears only as a side effect of certain medicinal treatments for diabetes. There are however other causes for hypoglycemia, such as the following: wrong diet, excessive consumption of alcohol and pregnancy or other causes for hormonal imbalance.

Regardless of the cause for hypoglycemia, the symptoms are fairly universal:

Hunger - This is a good indication that you're experiencing hypoglycemia, especially when it's accompanied by other symptoms.

"Bad" Feelings - When you feel weird, disoriented, nervous, weak, or dizzy for no reason at all, that's another strong indication that your blood sugar level is alarmingly low.

Sleepiness - If your head keeps falling forward and you keep yawning, you might be experiencing hypoglycemia already.

Speaking Difficulties - Do you suddenly have a hard time stringing two words together? If that's the case, consider it as another symptom of hypoglycemia.

Nightmares - Yes, bad dreams are also considered as an indication of having insufficient glucose in your body.

Excessive Perspiration - Whether you're asleep or not, if you're perspiring excessively for no reason at all, that's another indication that you're suffering from hypoglycemia.

How to Prevent Having Low Blood Sugar Level

There are several ways for you to successfully avoid suffering from low blood sugar:

Medication - Are the medicines you're taking all prescribed by your personal physician? Even though it's your best friend who has made a recommendation about a certain medicine, your best friend isn't fully cognizant of your medical history - your doctor is, so trust him, and not your best friend. Certain medicines, although proven to be effective, may have undesirable side effects for specific types of users. Mostly with diabetic treatments, patients have to make do with a match-match method: some medicines are for you, some are not.

Diet - The type of diet you must adhere to depends on the primary cause of hypoglycemia. Low blood sugar level caused by diabetic treatments will require a different diet from what's required by low blood sugar level resulting from non-diabetic causes.

The Role of Duetact

Recently, Takeda Pharmaceuticals North America, Inc. introduced a new treatment for type 2 diabetes in the market: Duetact. Approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Duetact combines two popular diabetic medicines, Actos and glimepiride, into one singular medication. While Actos is primarily used to help individuals accept insulin into their bodies, glimepiride boosts the insulin production of the body.

The main objective of Duetact is to normalize blood sugar levels and keep it that way. By the way Duetact works, it can successfully reduce the risks of an individual experiencing hypoglycemia.

Since Duetact is a combination of two effective medications, taking Duetact makes it easier for diabetics to manage their medicinal needs.

Takeda Pharmaceuticals North America, based in Illinois, is under the Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, the largest pharmaceutical firm in Japan.

Karen Newton is a registered nurse and fulltime freelance writer dealing with endocrinology issues such as diabetes and hypoglycemia. To get a free copy of the "7 Day Hypoglycemia Survival Guide" go to:

http://www.hypoglycemiasecrets.com/hypoglycemia.htm

Your Diabetes Medication May Be Depleting Important Nutrients

About 17 million American's have diabetes and approximately one third of them don't even know it. Diabetes is a disease that is a result of your body's inability to utilize glucose efficiently or possibly not able to utilize it at all. The results of leaving your diabetes untreated can be devastating. Blindness, heart attacks, strokes, amputations are all possible consequences of diabetes and especially leaving it untreated. One of the most popular medications for the treatment of patients with diabetes is Glucophage (Metformin). This medication also now comes in combination with other products such as sulfonylureas (Glucovance, Metaglip) and the glitazones (Avandamet, Actos plus Met).

Metformin has been used for many years around the world and is a very effective medication for diabetes. Some of the more common side effects include nausea, vomiting, bloating, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. These symptoms generally occur in one out of three patients. But one of the lesser known and yet very important side effects of Metformin is how it depletes some of your essential nutrients and increases your odds of having side effects due to nutrient depletion. The nutrients of most concern are Vitamin B-12, folic acid, and Coenzyme Q-10.

If you happen to be taking one of the products that has Metformin as well as a sulfonylurea included (Glucovance, Metaglip), you should increase your risk of reducing your coenzyme Q-10 levels even further, because the sulfonylurea class of drugs is known to interfere with the metabolism of Coenzyme Q-10.

To learn more about what symptoms you may experience as a result of defeciencies in folic acid, Vitamin B-12 and Coenzyme Q-10 please go to: http://www.essential-nutrients.net/vitamins_minerals.htm

You can have your physician monitor your essential nutrient status or you can simply take a supplement that can replenish your body's supply of these nutrients. To learn more about your options please go to: http://www.essential-nutrients.net/diabetesessentialnutrients.htm

To learn more about diabetes and the importance of controlling your blood sugar please go to: http://www.essential-nutrients.net/diabetes.htm

Dr. Ford has practiced general internal medicine for the past 22 years. He is a native Texan and trained at Baylor University, the University of Texas Medical School at Houston, and Scott and White in Temple. He is a Clinical Assistant professor at Baylor College of Medicine. In addition to general Internal Medicine, his practice includes travel medicine, vascular disease prevention, and Integrative Medicine with nutrients.

New Type II Diabetes Diet Drug Not More Effective Than Older Drugs, Researchers Say

Is there an effective type II diabetes diet drug? When we look at questions concerning type II diabetes control, diet, drug, exercise and dietary supplements are all mentioned. There are conventional, complementary and alternative treatments for type II diabetes, all of which may be helpful, but right now, there is no cure, only treatment and control. This article was written in response to questions concerning a new type II diabetes diet drug. Here's what we learned.

In July of 2007, Johns Hopkins University published a systematic review of the comparative safety and effectiveness of drugs used to treat type II diabetes. The researchers wrote, "As newer oral diabetes agents continue to emerge on the market, comparative evidence is urgently required to guide appropriate therapy." After analyzing the data from 216 controlled trials and 2 systematic reviews that addressed the possible risks associated with type II diabetes drugs, the researchers concluded that newer more expensive drugs are not more effective than older drugs, such as Metformin.

The active ingredient in Metformin was originally derived from a plant. Opponents of herbal remedies may want to take that fact into consideration. The French lilac or Galega officinalis in botanical terminology had been used for centuries to reduce the symptoms of type II diabetes. It was first marketed in France in 1979, but did not receive FDA approval until 15 years later. It is sometimes referred to as a diabetes control diet drug, because it is particularly effective when a patient is overweight or obese. The researchers at Johns Hopkins found that most of the newer drugs caused people to gain weight.

Metformin is one of the most commonly prescribed prescription drugs in the United States. But, Actos (pioglitazone) and Avandia (rosiglitazone) are newer and some people automatically think that newer is better. The method of action of these drugs is not completely understood. It is interesting that many health care professionals object to the use of herbal and botanical remedies because their method of action is not understood. Yet, these same doctors do not object to prescribing drugs, even though they may not know how they work.

Recently, it was noted that Avandia increased the risk of heart attack and a safety alert was issued by the FDA. Actos is believed to be safer, but studies have shown that both drugs affect the levels of cholesterol in the blood stream and have similar molecular activity.

In the book "Death by Medicine", the authors estimate that 106,000 deaths every year are caused by prescription drugs, due to either doctor error or adverse reactions. That number is more than the number of people who died from diabetes mellitus (72,815) in 2004.

It is doubtful that anyone would want to take a type II diabetes diet drug that could cause the number of deaths associated with other diet drugs, such as the recalled Ephedra and Fen-fen. Changes in diet and increased exercise may be the safest and most effective treatments for type II diabetes, but energy levels are a problem for many diabetics. That's understandable because the real problem in diabetes is that glucose gets trapped in the bloodstream and cannot enter the cells where it would be converted to energy. Herbs, such as green tea, can help with energy levels.

Patsy Hamilton was a health care professional for over twenty years before becoming a health writer. Currently she is writing a series of articles about type II diabetes, a subject of personal interest. Read more at http://diabetes-type-two-info-guide.com

Many of us believe that there are safe and effective alternatives for diabetes control. Diet drug concerns only add to the risks already associated with uncontrolled diabetes. Vitamins, minerals, herbs, botanicals, proper diet and adequate exercise can prevent the need for a type II diabetes diet drug, but pharmaceutical companies will continue to release new drugs, even though the older ones are just as effective. To learn more about controlling type II diabetes, please visit http://diabetes-type-two-info-guide.com.

A New Antioxidant Fat-Burner for Overweight Diabetics?

The natural products market in North America is saturated with products that claim to boost the metabolism to take off the pounds. You can find a hydroxycut caffeine-free fat burner, a liquid gel green tea product, and a variety of supplements that claim to correct "glucose intolerance" (the mainstream term is "insulin resistance") specifically to help diabetics lose weight. A research study published just in February 2008, however, suggests that a combination of two safe and inexpensive supplements may:

• Enlarge and activate the mitochondria ("energy machinery") inside adipose tissue to oxidize lipids



• Activate insulin to transport glucose and fatty acids out of the bloodstream to fat cells with these activated mitochondria and



• Do all this without accelerating the heart rate or interfering with the action of thyroid hormones.

These two supplements are lipoic acid and L-carnitine.

Alpha-lipoic acid, or ALA as it's commonly called, counteracts the glycation, or "caramelizing" of hemoglobin proteins in the blood. This takes stress off the kidneys, and it also gives diabetics lower HbA1C numbers at their regular checkups. The most common form of ALA contains a mixture of chemical isomers, one of which can be used by the body (R-lipoic acid) and one that can't (the S-form of the same molecule), but every ALA supplement is at least 50 per cent bioavailable.

L-carnitine is not as well known but has some applications in diabetes, too. There's a growing body of evidence that taking 200 to 2,000 mg of L-carnitine a day may protect diabetic brain tissue.

And it was brain specialists at the University of California at Irvine and Shanghai's Institutes of Biological Sciences in China who seem to have uncovered the potential for a combination of lipoic acid and L-carnitine to aid weight control

In research just published in February 2008, the scientists exposed adipose cells to lipoic acid, L-carnitine, or a mixture of the two. Neither lipoic acid nor L-carnitine by itself had much effect on the activity of fat cells. Together, however, the two antioxidants caused the energy making organelles known as the mitochondria to literally grow overnight, burning more fatty acids and more glucose.

The combination of lipoic acid and L-carnitine also stimulated the uptake of fatty acids and sugars in the same way as the drugs Actos and Avandia with one critical difference. Actos and Avandia just get the sugar out of the bloodstream and into storage. Lipoic acid and L-carnitine get the sugar and fat into a fat cell that's primed to burn it.

While taking 2,000 mg a day of both supplements won't hurt you (be sure to take supplemental biotin if you take lipoic acid), this study does not establish with scientific certainty that the combination of lipoic acid and L-carnitine will act as an effective diet aid. The scientists used cells taken from lab rats, not humans, and the level of the experiment was laboratory, not clinical. Still, as a way of enhancing weight loss without caffeine or thyroid hormone, this study is a very important first step.

Robert Rister is the author or co-author of nine books on natural health including the critically acclaimed Complete German Commission E Monographs and Healing without Medication. Visit his daily natural health news website at Savvy Natural Healer. Read a more in-depth technical article on this topic here.

NaProTechnology: The Effect of Insulin Resistance in Female Reproductive Function

NaProTechnology is a new medical science whereby the diagnostic and therapeutic energies of the physician are directed toward the identification and treatment of reproductive and gynecologic problems in a manner that is aimed at restoring fertility. Because NaProTechniques "cooperate with" normal reproductive functions in the process or correcting abnormalities, fertility can be restored rather than bypassed through artificial means. The end result is that gynecologic and reproductive problems can be solved without the use of artificial drugs, devices, or surgical procedures that have the effect of bypassing or damaging normal bodily functions.

The Effect of Insulin Resistance on Female Reproductive Function

In modern day society, obesity is a common problem. One of the ways that the body defends itself from obesity is by making insulin ineffective, because insulin is a fat accumulating hormone. When insulin looses its effectiveness in the body, this situation is called insulin resistance. Insulin resistance can and frequently does happen in patients who are not overweight and even sometimes in patients who are thin. The problem of insulin resistance leads to a situation of high insulin levels which impairs the normal function of the ovary. This can result in increased male hormones, decreased or absent ovulation, inability to stimulate the ovary and miscarriage.

Insulin resistance can be treated with weight loss and also with drugs. One drug is metformin, which enhances weight loss and also increases the function of the ovary thus improving ovulation. Two other drugs, which are insulin sensitizing medications, are Avandia and Actos. All of these may increase the ovaries ability to ovulate. One of the precautions with Avandia and Actos is that women who are thought to be infertile may have surprise pregnancies because of the ovulation enhancing activity of these insulin-sensitizing agents.

One patient came to me who was overweight and had significant insulin resistance with several prior miscarriages. She lost some weight, was placed on metformin and subsequently conceived and carried a normal pregnancy to term. The addressing of her insulin difficulties both treated infertility and prevented miscarriage.

Another patient came to me who had been evaluated in the Philippines at the Makati Medical Center. This medical center is one of the top medical centers in the Philippines. There she was evaluated for recurrent miscarriage. Among her findings, there were thyroid difficulties and insulin resistance. In my evaluation, I also found evidence for B-12 and folate deficiencies, and several other medically correctable abnormalities. She was given physiologic progesterone supplementation, an insulin sensitizing agent, and an enhanced program of nutritional support. She conceived again and finally delivered a very healthy baby who was quite active and intelligent and was standing at the age of two months according to the "possibly biased" report of his parents.

These cases suggest that insulin resistance is a new concept in fertility management, and addressing this cause can help women who previously were infertile or had miscarriages to successfully achieve a healthy birth at term of a new baby.

Copyright 2006 Paddy Jim Baggot

About The Author
Paddy Jim Baggot, MD is a Catholic Physician who is a board certified Obstetrician/Gynecologist and Geneticist specializing in preconception health and NaProTechnology, which is a new reproductive science for assisting couples to conceive naturally without the use of artificial reproductive techniques. To read more from Doctor Baggot visit: http://www.majella.us.

Diabetes Drug Actos Helps Prevent Fatty Liver Complications

In the Nov. 30 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine, University of Texas researchers report that Actos reduced liver fat by 54 percent in people who had nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). NASH is a complication of fatty liver disease that can lead to liver failure.

According to the American Liver Foundation, as many as 20 percent of Americans may be affected by nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. This will account for about 50 percent of the cirrhosis of the liver cases. About 5 percent of Americans have NASH.

In fatty liver disease the liver and may account for more than 5 percent to 10 percent of the organ's weight. This is caused is primarily caused by being overweight. Insulin resistance, diabetes and high levels of cholesterol all play a roll in the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and its complications.

This is just another reason why if you are overweight you need to get some of the pounds off of you. A modest weight loss of 5 to 10 percent of your body weight can make all the difference in the world.

While the news about Actos is exciting the best treatment is not getting fatty liver disease in the first place. If you're at risk for diabetes and you're overweight you should see your doctor and get started on a program to get to a healthy weight.

If achieving your ideal body weight seems too difficult, if you have tried many diets only to fail, then you might want to consider other methods to lose weight. Some methods that have helped people to lose weight where diets have failed are hypnosis and Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT).

Hypnosis can help to program your mind to think differently and therefore begin to act differently. Hypnosis can help you to want to exercise and eat healthier while implanting a feels of determination, confidence and a knowing that you will be able to achieve your goal weight. Hypnosis recordings are especially effective because you can listen to them daily and within a few weeks your new attitudes will be in place.

Emotional Freedom Techniques is a new process where by you tap on certain points on your body to alleviate the emotional causes and distress that cause you to over eat. This tapping process is very gentle yet very effective. If you are interested in EFT there are many qualified EFT practitioners. These practitioners will work with you in person or over the phone guiding you through the tapping process.

The message here is that while modern medicine is doing an amazing job developing drugs and procedures to treat our diseases. Most of our diseases would not have occurred if we just took better care of ourselves.

If you don't have diabetes and you are overweight then be proactive and lose the excess weight. If you have diabetes it's even more important to lose the weight. It doesn't matter how many times you have failed, keep trying. You can do it. Keep trying different until you find something that will work for you. Good Luck!

For additional articles and products on improving your health, wealth and relationships please go to Unlimited Destiny at diabetes

How Diabetics Can Live To Be 100 Years Old

As a medicinal chemist, I'm often asked, "How can I live to be a 100 years old?" My answer is simple, "Learn to control blood sugar and insulin."

The biggest threat to longevity is high blood sugar and insulin. Known as type II diabetes - or more accurately insulin resistance - it has become a nationwide epidemic that steals 11 to 20 years from a person's lifespan. It is one of the main culprits behind depression, obesity, heart disease and even cancer. Understanding two simple facts about the pandemic killer may help you avoid it - and live to be 100 years old rather than 65 or 70!

Fact #1: Anti-Diabetic Drugs like Avandia and Actos are Deadly

To curb the threat, family physicians are madly prescribing Avandia and Actos in hopes of reversing type II diabetes - total sales have reached over $4 billion annually. Unknown to most, Avandia users have a whopping 30-40% increased risk of heart attack and other heart-related adverse events (heart failure) compared to patients treated with placebo. (1) This side-effect is partly due to the drugs ability to lower "hemoglobin."

Hemoglobin is used by the body to transport oxygen throughout the entire 100,000 miles of adult veins, arteries, and capillaries. Without it, a condition known as "ischemia" sets in. This is a fancy term for "suffocation." Clinically, heart attack or heart failure can result from the lack of oxygen.

Actos belongs to the same class of medicine as Avandia - glitazones. Not surprisingly, it carries the same risks. Health Canada sounded the alarm as early as 2001! But the danger is being hidden from the American public.

Commenting on the unannounced danger, the U.S. Congress stated that the, "FDA's apparently callous disregard for the safety of diabetics taking Avandia is very reminiscent of the Agency's failure to move on Vioxx when substantial safety signals first became known. Like Vioxx, Avandia may have unnecessarily risked the lives of tens of thousands of Americans." (2)

Fact #2: Natural Medicine Can Safely Reverse Insulin Resistance

In the process of designing anti-diabetic drugs, Big Pharma surveyed a myriad of natural products to find a "lead compound" that would show them how best to design a synthetic drug. Corosolic acid from the banaba leaf was among the most potent. (3)

Corosolic acid successfully reverses insulin resistance as seen by lowered blood levels of insulin and glucose among users. Rather than promote the natural medicine to the millions who suffer from insulin resistance, Big Pharma has been working rigorously to make a synthetic copycat - so they can monopolize it. They have failed miserably. Fortunately, the natural source is readily available as "banaba leaf" at local health food stores.

Banaba leaf works at the molecular level by fine-tuning the damaged insulin receptor - the cause of insulin resistance. This benefit rests in its ability to selectively initiate a chemical reaction known as "phosphorylation" at the receptor site. In effect, what is "jammed," becomes un-jammed thanks to the banaba leaf. Akin to a key being inserted into a lock, insulin is free to interact with the receptor, thereby triggering the cell to open the doors for blood sugar.

Users of Banaba leaf not only avoid dangerous prescriptions while increasing insulin sensitivity, but they also melt fat and build muscle in the process. This beneficial effect comes from the subsequent balancing of hormones that occurs once blood levels of insulin and glucose are normalized. Men rid their body of excess estrogen and boost testosterone and vice-versa for women. Of course, lifestyle habits such as exercise and minimizing sugar while increasing healthy fat and protein consumption are pre-requisites to the success of banaba leaf.

Closing

Among those populations who live the longest, they thrive courtesy of being ultra sensitive to insulin - naturally. And conversely, those who die the youngest from obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and cancer are grossly insensitive to it courtesy of type II diabetes. Or they are "following doctor's orders" and swallowing prescription drug like Avandia or Actos.

References:

1. http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2007/NEW01636.html


2. http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2007-05-21-Avandia-diabetes_N.htm


3. http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2007/05/21/congress-steps-up-scrutiny-of-fda/


4. Katsuji Hattori, et al. Activation of Insulin Receptors by Lagerstroemin. Journal of Pharmacological Sciences. Vol. 93 (2003) , No. 1 pp.69-73

Ellison's entire career has been dedicated to the study of molecules; how they give life and how they take from it. He was a two-time recipient of the prestigious Howard Hughes Medical Institute Research Grant for his research in biochemistry and physiology. He is a bestselling author, holds a master's degree in organic chemistry and has first-hand experience in drug design. His combined experience taught him real answers to the biggest health problems. Learn to Live Young naturally at http://www.thepeopleschemist.com/ Don't miss his Stinky Sulfur Awards!

Controversial Evidence On Value Of Pioglitazone (Actos) For Type 2 Diabetes

Clinical Question:

Is pioglitazone (Actos) useful in the management of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus?

Bottom Line:

Based only on studies provided by and conducted directly by the drug manufacturer, this review reports a significantly reduced incidence only of the composite outcome of death, myocardial infarction, and stroke with pioglitazone (Actos) therapy. None of the same outcomes were significantly reduced on an individual basis. An earlier review of pioglitazone therapy in type 2 diabetes by the Cochrane Collaboration of all available published and peer-reviewed clinical trials found no significant evidence of improved patient-oriented outcomes. Similar to the other thiazolidinedione, rosiglitazone (Avandia), pioglitazone also increases the risk of serious heart failure in type 2 diabetics.

Reference:

Lincoff AM, Wolski K, Nicholls SJ, Nissen SE. Pioglitazone and risk of cardiovascular events in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. A meta-analysis of randomized trials. JAMA 2007;298:1180-88.

Study Design:

Meta-analysis (randomized controlled trials)

Synopsis:

Pioglitazone is widely used for glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, but evidence is mixed regarding the influence of medications of this class on cardiovascular outcomes. The authors evaluated the effect of pioglitazone on ischemic cardiovascular events. A database containing individual patient-level time-to-event data collected during pioglitazone clinical trials was transferred from the drug's manufacturer for independent analysis. Trials were included if they were randomized, double-blinded, and controlled with placebo or active comparator. The primary outcome was a composite of death, myocardial infarction, or stroke. Secondary outcome measures included the incidence of serious heart failure. A fixed-effects approach was used to combine the estimates across the duration strata and statistical heterogeneity across all the trials was tested with the I2 statistic. A total of 19 trials enrolling 16 390 patients were analyzed.

Study drug treatment duration ranged from 4 months to 3.5 years. Death, myocardial infarction, or stroke occurred in 375 of 8554 patients (4.4%) receiving pioglitazone and 450 of 7836 patients (5.7%) receiving control therapy (hazard ratio [HR], 0.82; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.72-0.94; P = .005). Progressive separation of time-to-event curves became apparent after approximately 1 year of therapy. Individual components of the primary end point were all reduced by a similar magnitude with pioglitazone treatment, with HRs ranging from 0.80 to 0.92. Serious heart failure was reported in 200 (2.3%) of the pioglitazone-treated patients and 139 (1.8%) of the control patients (HR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.14-1.76; P = .002). The magnitude and direction of the favorable effect of pioglitazone on ischemic events and unfavorable effect on heart failure was homogeneous across trials of different durations, for different comparators, and for patients with or without established vascular disease. There was no evidence of heterogeneity across the trials for either end point (I2 = 0%; P = .87 for the composite end point and I2 = 0%; P = .97 for heart failure).

I am a Certified Family Physician of the Philippine Academy of Family Physician and continue to complete the requirements for Continuing Medical Education in Family Practice. I am also founding a member of the PMIS.

Recomended Drugs for Type 2 Diabetes

One of the recommended drugs for type 2 diabetes is Avandia. The mechanism of action or the drug process for Avandia diabetes medicine can be difficult to understand, particularly for people who have little experience in health care or chemistry. Here, we are hoping to provide a simple explanation of how the drug works and why the FDA believes the public should be advised about the possible health risks associated with use of the drug.

At any moment, there is a lot of activity going on in the cells of your body. There are a number of compounds that allow communication among the cells or control activities within the cells. Some of these compounds help the cells to recognize insulin and use glucose for energy.

In people with type II diabetes, insulin is present in the blood stream, but the cells do not recognize the insulin and do not allow the glucose to enter the cell. So, the glucose builds up in the blood stream. When the cells do not recognize insulin, the condition is referred to as "insulin resistance".

It has been shown in the laboratory that activating a certain compound (PPARy) decreases insulin resistance. Avandia, Actos and other drugs know as TZDs activate or bind to PPARy. So, in persons taking the drugs, insulin resistance and thus blood sugar levels are decreased.

There are several problems with the drugs. The one that most concerns the FDA is that research has shown an increased incidence of heart attacks in people who use Avandia. Actos appears to increase the risk of heart failure. TZDs were released as an alternative to the older drug Metformin, but so far, one has been completely removed from the market, Avandia now has a black box warning and Actos is accompanied by a number of warnings.

Metformin is still one of the most highly recommended drugs for type 2 diabetes and one of the most commonly used. The drug was derived from a plant known as the French Lilac, used for centuries to treat symptoms of type II diabetes. There are a number of other plant compounds that may also be beneficial. You can learn more about natural remedies and recommended drugs for type 2 diabetes at the Diabetes Info Guide.

Patsy Hamilton was a health care professional for over twenty years before becoming a health writer. She has written a number of articles concerning type II diabetes and continues to provide information on the topic. She is an editor of the Type II Diabetes Info Guide, a website that provides easy to understand information about diabetes and links to additional resources.

Diabetes Medication: Can Your Treatment Cause Hepatitis?

In 1997, the medical community was prescribing a new drug to treat type 2 diabetes. By March 2000, this drug was removed from the market because it was causing hepatitis and liver disease. Drugs in this family are still being prescribed to treat diabetes. Are there any risks?

Troglitazone was allegedly a miracle drug. It decreased incidence of type 2 diabetes by up to 75% compared with a control group. It helped relieve many complications that can come from insulin resistance, including certain ovarian diseases. It was prescribed to use with insulin, with other diabetes medications, and by itself for therapy. Only after 3 years did the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) realize that troglitazone caused severe liver damage. Troglitazone was available under the brand names Rezulin and Romozin.

Troglitazone is in the thiazolidinedione family of diabetes medications. The thiazolidinedione family includes pioglitazone and rosiglitazone. Pioglitazone is marketed as Actos by Takeda Pharmaceuticals; Rosiglitazone is marketed as Avandia by GlaxoSmithKline. Both of these medications are currently on the market.

Neither Avandia nor Actos have been associated with an increase in liver disease. However, both of these medications may cause an increase risk of heart attack and stroke. It is important that you discuss any concerns that you have with your doctor before undertaking any treatment.

Both Avandia and Actos can be used as monotherapies (by themselves) to help increase the body's sensitivity to insulin. They can also be used with insulin treatment, for type 2 diabetics who are insulin dependent. Avandia and Actos can be used in combination with other diabetes medications, such as biguanides (such as metformin) and sulfonylureas. Avandia is available in pre-mixed combinations called Avandamet and Avandaryl.

In order to minimize your risk of side effects on diabetes medication from the thiazolidinedione family, such as Actos and Avandia, it is important to follow your doctor's directions. This means that you will have to follow your diet and exercise regimen. It also means that you will have to limit your alcohol intake.

You will not be able to take a thiazolidinedione if you have a history of liver disease, or if you have a history of heart disease.

Doctors typically monitor patients' livers when they are on Avandia, Actos, or other thiazolidinedione because of the previous scare with Rezulin. Your liver function can be monitored with regular blood tests, often each month or every other month. Be sure to visit your health care professional regularly to have your check ups.

The basic element of diabetes management, no matter your treatment, is keeping a healthy diet and exercise. This can often prevent you from having to take medications to treat your diabetes, or it can help you minimize the amount of medication that you need. Prevention is often the best medicine of all.

Vivian Brennan is the editor of The Guide To Diabetes. To learn more about diabetes medications, for both type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes, visit The Guide to Diabetes today.

The Facts And Risks Of Actos

Diabetes is a strange disease. To this day, we really don't know what causes it and we can't recreate it in a laboratory setting. However, we do have treatments for diabetes. One of those treatments is Actos. This article is going to explain what Actos is, how it works and what the potential risks of this drug are. Hopefully, after reading this, you will be able to make an informed decision as to whether or not Actos is something you want to take.

Actos is actually the brand name for the drug pioglitazone. It comes in tablet form in strengths of 15, 30 and 45 milligrams. The drug is manufactured by Takeda Chemical Industries, Ltd. It is available by prescription only and was approved by the FDA on July 15, 1999. Of course FDA approval means very little these days. If you doubt that, just take a look at the Voixx debacle.

The thing that diabetics need to know about Actos is that it is for type 2 diabetes only. This drug will not work for type 1, or juvenile diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis. Also, if you suffer from heart failure, have fluid retention or any kind of liver disease, Actos may not be an option for you. You'll need to check with your doctor and he will make an evaluation.

What Actos does is it improves blood sugar control in patients with type 2 diabetes. Actos can be used with a variety of other drugs in combination with diet and exercise when Actos alone is not sufficient enough to keep the patient's sugar level under control.

The biggest risk from taking Actos is liver damage. In extreme cases use of this drug can lead to the liver transplant or death. Before prescribing Actos for you, your doctor will do tests on your liver to determine if it is safe for you to take the drug. Of course this is only a guess. All drug use comes with risks.

Another danger of taking Actos is that your blood sugar may actually get too low.This actually occurs when taking Actos with insulin. If you suspect you are suffering from low blood sugar, which is usually characterized by light headedness and fainting, call your doctor immediately.

If you're a woman taking Actos who has reached menopause, there is the possibility that Actos can start you ovulating again. If this happens and you engage in unprotected sex, you could get pregnant. Please keep this in mind.

Some of the more common side effects from taking Actos are coughs, headaches, colds, stuffy nose, sore throat, muscle pain, swelling and water retention.

They say sometimes the cure is worse than what ails us. Actos has the potential to be life threatening. If you're interested in natural treatments for diabetes, they are out there. You'll find more information in my signature.

To YOUR Health,

Steve Wagner

For natural treatments to a number of ailments, visit our website at http://www.natures-healing-remedies.com/ where you can get a free report on how the drug companies are killing us as well as get a 52 week series on a different ailment and treatment each week.