• Home
    • About Holistix
    • Contact Details
  • Products
    • Products Range
    • Special Offers
    • Antioxidants >
      • Anti Oxidant 30 cap
      • Anti Oxidant 60 cap
    • Amino Acids >
      • Acetyl L Carnitine (ALC) 500mg 60 cap
      • DLPA (DL Phenylalanine) 250mg 90 cap
      • GABA (Gamma Aminobutyric Acid) 500mg 60 cap
      • L Arginine 500mg 60 cap
      • L Carnitine 200mg 60 cap
      • L Glutamine 500mg 60 cap
      • L Glutamine powder 100g
      • L Glutamine powder 250g
      • L Glutathione 50mg 30 cap
      • L Lysine 10's
      • L Lysine 500mg 30 cap
      • L Lysine 500mg 90 cap
      • L Ornithine 250mg 60 cap
      • L Phenylalanine 250mg 90 cap
      • L Theanine 300mg 30 cap
      • L Theanine 300mg 60 cap
      • L Tyrosine 450mg 60 caps
      • Taurine 500mg 60 cap
    • Decarb Products >
      • The Decarb Diet & Lifestyle (By Dr H Rybko)
      • Decarb Pack (2x Low Carb Packs + Decarb Book)
    • Herbal Products >
      • African Mango 150mg 60 cap
      • Apple Cider Vinegar plus 60 cap
      • Bitter Melon 60 cap
      • Chlorella 300mg 60 cap
      • Cinnamon Extract 60 caps
      • Cranberry 800 60 cap
      • Echinacea 350mg 60 cap
      • Garcinia Cambogia 60 cap
      • Ginger Root Extract 60 cap
      • Ginkgo biloba 350mg 60 cap
      • Ginseng (Siberian) 350mg 60 cap
      • Grapefruit Plus 60 cap
      • Green Tea Extract 60 cap
      • Guarana 400mg 60 cap
      • Gymnena Sylvestre Extract 60 cap
      • Hoodia Gordonii 450mg 60 cap
      • Milk Thistle Extract 60 cap
      • Olive Leaf 60 cap
      • Passion Flower Extract 60 cap
      • Resveratrol & Grapeseed Extract 60 cap
      • Saw Palmetto 60 cap
      • Spirulina 350mg 90 cap
      • St John's Wort 350mg 60 cap
      • Valerian Root Extract 60 cap
    • Nutritional Products >
      • Alpha Lipoic Acid 250mg 60 cap
      • Calcium & Magnesium V2 60 cap
      • Calcium 500mg 10 effervescent tablets
      • Chondroitin Sulphate 250mg 60 cap
      • Chromium Picolinate 200mcg 30 TAB
      • Chromium Picolinate 200mcg 60 CAP
      • Chromium Picolinate 200mcg 90 TAB
      • CoEnzyme Q10 50mg 30 cap
      • CoEnzyme Q10 50mg 60 cap
      • CoEnzyme Q10 50mg 90 cap
      • Folic Acid 400mcg 30 cap
      • Glucosamine & Chondroitin 500mg 90 cap
      • Glucosamine 500mg 90 cap
      • HCA (Hydroxy Citric Acid) 250mg 60 cap
      • Magnesium Chelate 60 cap
      • MSM 600mg 90 cap
      • MSM 100g powder
      • Selenium 60mcg 60 caps
      • Vitamin B6 25mg 60 cap
      • Vitamin B12 25mcg 60 cap
      • Vitamin B Comp 25mg 30 tab
      • Vitamin B Comp 25mg 60 tab
      • Vitamin C 500mg (Buffered) 30 cap
      • Vitamin C 500mg (Buffered) 60 cap
      • Vitamin C 500mg (Buffered) 120 cap
      • Vitamin D3 500iu 60 cap
      • Vitamin D3 1000iu 60 cap
      • Vitamin E 400iu (natural) 30 softgel
      • Vitamin E 400iu (natural) 60 softgel
      • Zinc 25mg 30 cap
      • Zinc 25mg 60 cap
    • Oils >
      • CLA 80% 1000mg 60 softgel
      • CLA 80% 1000mg (3pack)
      • Evening Primrose Oil 1000mg 90 veg softg
      • Evening Primrose Oil 1000mg 90's (3pack)
      • Evening Primrose Oil 500mg 180 softgel
      • Evening Primrose Oil 500mg 180 softgel (3pack)
      • Fish Oil 1000mg 90 softgel
      • Fish Oil 1000mg 90's softgel (3pack)
      • Flax Seed Oil 1000mg 90 veg softgel
      • Flax Seed Oil 1000mg 90's (3pack)
      • Krill Oil 500mg 30 softgel
      • Krill Oil 500mg 30 softgel (3pack)
      • Lecithin 1200mg 90 softgel
      • Lecithin 1200mg 90 softgel (3pack)
      • Salmon Oil 1000mg 30 softgel
      • Salmon Oil 1000mg 90 softgel
      • Salmon Oil 1000mg 90's (3pack)
    • Platinum Packs >
      • Blister Buster Pack
      • Colds & Flu Pack
      • Detox Pack
      • Digestive Pack
      • Enduro Pack
      • Energy Pack
      • Essential Basics Pack
      • Immune Pack
      • Joint Pack
      • Low Carb Support Pack
      • Party Pack
      • Summer Bodies Pack
    • Support Range >
      • ADDvantage Pro 60 cap
      • AIF (Anti-Inflamitory) 30 cap
      • Digestive Aid 60 cap
      • Digestive Enzymes 60 cap
      • Digestive Repair 60 cap
      • Female Support 90 cap
      • Glycemic Control 60 cap
      • Immune Boost 90 cap
      • Probiotic 60 cap
      • Probiotic 10 cap
      • Stress Relief 60 cap
    • Sweetners >
      • Stevia 50g
      • Xylitol 400g
    • Tan Can >
      • Tan Can 90 cap (V2)
    • Total Supply (Multi Vit) >
      • Total Supply PLUS 30 cap
      • Total Supply PLUS 60 cap
      • Total Supply PLUS 120 cap
  • Retailers
    • DisChem Pharmacies
    • Pick n Pay Pharmacies
    • Independent Pharmacies
    • Health Shops
  • Information
    • Trevor's Manual >
      • Avoiding Cancer
      • Cardiovascular >
        • Cardiovascular Treatment Table
        • Cholesterol
        • Congestive Heart Failure
        • Coronary Heart Disease
        • High Blood Pressure
        • Homocysteine
        • Peripheral Arterial Disease and Claudication
        • Stroke
      • Central Nervous System >
        • Anatomy
        • Anxiety And Panic
        • Anxiety Treatment Table
        • Depression
        • Depression Treatment Table
        • Insomnia
        • Insomnia Treatment Table
        • Memory Loss With Aging
        • Memory Loss Table
        • Migraine Headaches
        • Migraine Treatment Table
        • Stress
        • Stress Treatment Table
      • Digestive >
        • Cirrhosis and Portal Hypertension
        • Digestive Enzymes
        • Digestive Health Tips
        • Digestive Treatment Table
        • Hepatitis
        • How To Read A Label
        • Irritable Bowel Syndrome
      • Endocrine >
        • Diabetes
        • Metabolic Syndrome
      • Female >
        • Female Treatment Table
        • Menopause
        • Osteoporosis
        • Pregnancy
        • Urinary Tract Infections In Women
        • Vaginal Yeast Infections
      • Male >
        • Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
        • Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
        • Male Treatment Table
        • Prostate Cancer
        • Prostatitis
      • Musculoskeletal >
        • Caring For Your joints
        • Fibromyalgia
        • Gout
        • Hip Fractures
        • Osteoarthritis
        • Rheumatoid Arthritis
      • Respiratory >
        • Anatomy
        • Bronchitis
        • Colds and Flu
        • Respiratory Treatment Table
        • Sinus
      • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Lifestyle >
      • Lifestyle - Life >
        • 5 Stages of Loss & Grief
        • Autism
        • Bullying
        • Camping
        • Choking Prevention
        • Choosing the right shoes for your child
        • Christmas Eve
        • Christmas In Lapland
        • Dealing with Anger Issues
        • Does Nail Biting Cause Permanent Damage?
        • Don't Text and Drive
        • Dry Brushing
        • Dying Easter Eggs
        • Easter
        • Easter Egg Hunt
        • Energy Saving Tips
        • Family Dinners
        • Father And Son Bonding Activities
        • Father’s Day
        • Fire Safety
        • First Aid Kits
        • Five Little Pumpkins Sitting On A Gate
        • Fourth Of July
        • Guy Fawkes Night
        • Halloween
        • Happy New Year
        • How to Cope when Moving Home
        • How To Make Time For You As A Mom
        • Importance Of Reading For Kids
        • Internet Safety for Kids
        • Kids And Pets
        • Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
        • Mother's Day
        • Motion Sickness is not Fun
        • Motivation and not giving up
        • National Women's Day
        • New Year
        • New Year’s Resolutions
        • Organized Kitchens
        • Plan A Pool Party
        • Pocket Money for Kids
        • Protect Hair From Chlorine Damage This Summer
        • Recycling
        • Remember, remember, the 5th of November
        • Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer
        • Sleeping Pill Addiction
        • Soccer World Cup 2010
        • South Africa video
        • South Africans
        • Spring
        • Spring Cleaning
        • Spring Party Time
        • St Patrick's Day
        • St. Valentine’s Day
        • Study Tips for Parents
        • Teen Anger Management
        • Things to do on Valentines day
        • Time Management
        • Tips for a stress free Christmas
        • Too Many Toys
        • Too Much TV
        • Top 8 Spring Cleaning Safety Tips
        • Understanding Trauma
        • Vasectomy Facts
        • What is Cyberbullying?
      • Lifestyle - Health >
        • 10 Important Vitamins For Woman
        • Acid And Your Health
        • Acupuncture Benefits
        • Are Parasites Affecting Your Health
        • Asthma
        • Athlete's Foot
        • Basics for Optimal Health
        • Beat The Winter Blues
        • Bipolar Disorder
        • Bladder Health
        • Common Cold
        • Condoms
        • Dermatitis
        • Diabetes
        • Energized
        • Fatigue
        • Fever Blisters
        • Glycemic Index
        • Glycemic Index Food Chart
        • Glycemic Load
        • Health Benefits of Chia Seeds
        • Healthy Happy lifestyle
        • Heart Attack Warning Signs
        • How to Boost Your Immune System
        • Improve your Gut Health
        • Insomnia
        • Jet Lag
        • Kids And Concussions
        • Mosquitos and Malaria
        • Osteoarthritis
        • Peanut Allergy
        • Personal Hygiene
        • Planter & Palmer Warts
        • Promote Longevity
        • Psoriasis
        • Rest
        • Safe Sun Tips
        • Shingles
        • Soothe a Sore Throat
        • Spring Has Sprung But So Has Allergy Season
        • Stop Smoking
        • Stress
        • Styes
        • Sun Safety And Vitamin D
        • Tips for Healthy Skin
        • The Effect Of Toxins On The Body
        • The Left and Right Brain
        • Tips to Prevent a Hangover
        • What Are Anabolic Steroids?
        • What is Acupuncture?
        • What is Ebola?
        • Winter Colds And Flu
        • Varicose Veins
    • Diet & Nutrition >
      • 5 Best Power Foods for Banting
      • Banting Basics
      • Benefits Of CoEnzyme Q10
      • Benefits Of Honey
      • Boost Your Energy Naturally
      • Breakfast
      • Dark Chocolate Benefits
      • Determine Your Calorie Needs
      • Diet
      • Eat More Oats
      • Effects Of Cold Water
      • Fabulous Fish
      • Feeding your child a vegetarian diet
      • Foods For Endurance
      • Foods That Are More Nutritious Raw
      • Foods That Help Normalize Blood Sugar Levels
      • Fruits & Vegetables - Tips on Getting Your 5 Daily Servings
      • Get Fruits. Get Veggies. Get Healthy
      • Green Tea Benefits
      • Health Benefits Of Omega 3
      • Healthy Holiday Eating
      • Juicing Health Benefits
      • Keep those Banana Peels
      • Low Carb Diet
      • MyPlate
      • Pack A Healthy Picnic
      • Raspberry Ketones
      • Reading A Label
      • Simple Ways to Detox this Spring
      • Stevia's Story
      • Stop late night snacking
      • Superfoods
      • The ultimate and unexpected by Dr Howard Rybko
      • They are good for us but which nuts are the best.
      • Things to Know About Sugar
      • Tofu
      • Vegetarianism
      • Water
      • What are GMO foods?
      • Wheat Allergy
      • Wheat-free Vs Gluten-free
      • Whey Protein vs Soy Protein
      • Why you should be eating and cooking with coconut oil
      • You Can Benefit From Probiotics
    • Fascinating Facts >
      • Fascinating Facts - General >
        • 2010 FIFA World Cup™ Soccer City Facts
        • Cigarettes
        • Coca-Cola
        • Hamsters
        • Holly
        • Meteors
        • St Patrick's Day
        • The Human Body
        • The Sun
        • Valentine's Day
      • Fascinating Facts - Food >
        • Acai berry
        • Apples
        • Apricots
        • Artichokes
        • Avocados
        • Barley
        • Beetroot
        • Blackberries
        • Black Currants
        • Blueberries
        • Brussel Sprouts
        • Carrots
        • Cauilflower
        • Celery
        • Cherries
        • Chickpeas
        • Chili Peppers
        • Chives
        • Chocolate
        • Christmas Cake
        • Christmas Pudding
        • Cinnamon
        • Cocoa
        • Coconuts
        • Coffee
        • Cranberries
        • Cucumbers
        • Dates
        • Dry Ice
        • Easter Eggs
        • Eggs
        • Figs
        • Garlic
        • Ginger
        • Goji Berries
        • Grapes
        • Guava
        • Guavas
        • Honey
        • JELLY BELLY®
        • Kale
        • Lemongrass
        • Lemons
        • Lentils
        • Limes
        • Litchis
        • Macadamia Nuts
        • Mangoes
        • Mushrooms
        • Nuts
        • Olives
        • Onions
        • Oranges
        • Papaya
        • Peaches
        • Pears
        • Peas
        • Pineapple
        • Pomegranates
        • Popcorn
        • Pumpkins
        • Prunes
        • Raspberries
        • Sesame Seeds
        • Soybeans
        • Spinach
        • Strawberries
        • Sugar
        • Sweet Potatoes
        • Tabasco
        • Tomatoes
        • Tuna
        • Watermelons
        • Wheatgrass
    • Fitness and excercise >
      • Beginners guide to mountain biking
      • Benefits Of Stretching
      • Benefits Of Yoga
      • Boxercise - Not Just For Boys
      • Exercise
      • Exercise For Children
      • How To Get A Toned Body
      • Hydration and Exercise
      • Muscular Endurance
      • Over-exercise
      • Planking Benefits
      • Pilates
      • Shin Splints
      • Skipping
      • Sprinting
    • Organic >
      • Choosing The Right Seeds
      • Composting Organic
      • Genetically Modified Foods
      • Organic Food And Your Health
      • Preparing Your Soil
      • What And How To Plant Organic
      • What Does Organic Mean?
      • What Is Organic Food?
    • Pregnancy / Mother & Child >
      • Baby Showers
      • Back to School
      • Car Safety For Children
      • Foods to avoid when Pregnant
      • Keeping Kids Teeth Clean
      • Kids and Change
      • Morning Sickness
      • Nappy Rash
      • Overweight Kids
      • Pregnancy Health Tips
      • Pregnancy Stages
      • School Holidays
      • School Lunches
      • Travelling With Children
    • Product tips >
      • Health Tip - ADD
      • Health Tip - Alpha Lipoic Acid
      • Health Tip - Appetite
      • Health Tip - Bladder Health
      • Health Tip - Bones and Teeth
      • Health Tip - Cholesterol
      • Health Tip - CLA
      • Health Tip - Colo Cleanz
      • Health Tip - Detox
      • Health Tip - Digestion
      • Health Tip - Echinacea
      • Health Tip - Eczema
      • Health Tip - Enduro Pack
      • Health Tip - Energy Boost
      • Health Tip - Energy Pack
      • Health Tip - Golden Tan
      • Health Tip - Folic Acid
      • Health Tip - Gaba
      • Health Tip - Grapefruit
      • Health Tip - Herpes
      • Health Tip - Horny Goat Weed
      • Health Tip - Immune System
      • Health Tip - Joints
      • Health Tip - Krill Oil
      • Health Tip - L Carnitine
      • Health Tip - Lecithin
      • Health Tip - L Glutathione
      • Health Tip - L Theanine
      • Health Tip - Morning Sickness
      • Health Tip - Natural tan
      • Health Tip - Overindulging
      • Health Tip - Overweight
      • Health Tip - Passion Flower
      • Health Tip - Pregnancy
      • Health Tip - Probiotics
      • Health Tip - Salmon Oil
      • Health Tip - Sleep
      • Health Tip - Smoking
      • Health Tip - Stevia
      • Health Tip - Vitamin C
      • Health Tip - Vitamin D
    • Blog Spot >
      • 12 Tips For Cutting Down Smoking
      • Alpha lipoic acid prevents mitochondrial aging and boosts energy levels
      • Amazing Food Facts: Red grapes produce resveratrol as a defense against fungal invasion
      • Astaxanthin Naturally Prevents Sunburn
      • Discover Four Fantastic Benefits Of Stevia
      • Healthy Sleep Cycles Balance Hormones And Burn Fat
      • Interval Training Is ideal For Boosting Athletic Performance And Health.
      • Interview With Dr. John Cannell On Benefits Of Vitamin D
      • Milk thistle provides a protective shield to the liver, heart and brain
      • Tim Noakes on carbohydrates
      • Use Selenium And Zinc To Ward Off Cancer And Boost Immunity
      • Zinc found critical within the brain to improve memory and cognition
    • Sport >
      • Holistix Sport >
        • Adventure Racing
        • Cycle Club
        • Cycle Kit
        • News
        • Recent Results
        • Team
        • Upcomimg Events
  • Forms
    • Health Evaluation
    • Customer Feedback
    • Specials suggestion form
    • Product Testimonials
  • Newsletters
    • Newsletters 2016 >
      • September 2016
      • August 2016
      • July 2016
      • June 2016
      • May 2016
      • April 2016
      • March 2016
      • February 2016
      • January 2016
    • Newsletters 2015 >
      • December 2015
      • November 2015
      • October 2015
      • September 2015
      • August 2015
      • July 2015
      • June 2015
      • May 2015
      • April 2015
      • March 2015
      • February 2015
      • January 2015
    • Newsletters 2014 >
      • December 2014
      • November 2014
      • October 2014
      • September 2014
      • August 2014
      • July 2014
      • June 2014
      • May 2014
      • April 2014
      • March 2014
      • February 2014
    • Newsletters 2013 >
      • Dec/Jan 2014
      • November 2013
      • October 2013
      • September 2013
      • August 2013
      • July 2013
      • June 2013
      • May 2013
      • April 2013
      • March 2013
      • February 2013
    • Newsletters 2012 >
      • Dec/Jan 2013
      • November 2012
      • October 2012
      • September 2012
      • August 2012
      • July 2012
      • June 2012
      • May 2012
      • April 2012
      • March 2012
      • February 2012
    • Subscribe
  • Recipes
    • Sauces >
      • Apple Sauce
      • Apple Topping
      • Avo Dip (an all-time family favorite)
      • Cilantro Lime Dressing
      • Creamy Spinach Dip
      • Gaucamole
      • Low-fat Gravy
      • Raspberry Jam
      • Satay Sauce
    • Salads >
      • Apple, Raisin and Sunflower seed salad
      • Blackberry Spinach Salad
      • Broccoli Salad
      • Caprese Salad
      • Cranberry & Spinach Salad
      • Cucumber & Mango Salad
      • Fresh Tomato Salad
      • Greek Salad
      • Healthy Bean Salad
      • Macaroni Salad
      • Potato Salad
      • Strawberry Spinach Salad
      • Summer Barley Salad
      • Tofu Avocado Salad
      • Tuna and White bean salad
    • Soups >
      • Butternut and Coriander Soup
      • Carrot And Ginger Soup
      • Cauliflower Soup
      • Dutch Curried Pea Soup
      • Flavourful Tomato Soup
      • Pea & Mint Soup
      • Pumpkin Curried Coconut Soup
    • Drinks >
      • Banana and Blackberry Smoothie
      • Banana Breakfast Smoothie
      • Beetroot, Cucumber and Pineapple Juice
      • Berry Coconut Smoothie
      • Cacao Banana Smoothie
      • Choc, Peanut Butter And Banana Smoothie
      • Detox in a Glass
      • Egg Nog
      • Go Go Goji Berry Smoothie
      • Guarva Smoothie
      • Healthy Strawberry Shake
      • Mom's Tropical Smoothie
      • New Years Smoothie
      • Papaya Smoothie
      • Pear, Lemongrass and Ginger Smoothie
      • Strawberry Spring Cocktail
      • Vitamin Booster Smoothie
      • Watermelon Smoothie
    • Real Meals >
      • Baby Spinach Omelet
      • Baked Sweet Potato
      • Baked Sweet Potato Sticks
      • Breakfast Bagel
      • Cauliflower Mash
      • Cauliflower Rice
      • Cranberry And Sunflower Seeds Breakfast
      • Easy Tuna Patties
      • Ham & Cheese Breakfast Tortilla
      • Health Breakfast
      • Homemade Granola sweetened with honey
      • Honey & Mustard Chicken
      • Irish Champ
      • Marie Claire's Asparagus Dish
      • Meat Balls
      • Minted Peas
      • Quick Quiche
      • Roasted Carrots
      • Roasted Garlic & Lemon Broccoli
      • Rosemary Lamb Chops
      • Salmon
      • Saucy Salmon
      • Scrambled Eggs
      • Spicy Deviled Eggs
      • Tasty Mince
      • Tuna Melt
      • Turkey Cheese Wraps
      • Turkey Stuffing
    • Desserts and Pastries >
      • Apple and Cinnamon Muffin
      • Apple And Rasberry Sorbet
      • Banana Bread
      • Brandy Custard
      • Easy Gluten-Free Pancakes
      • Easy Wheat-Free Pancakes
      • High Protein Pancakes
      • Lemon Curd
      • Marvelous Meringues
      • Mother's Day Pancakes
    • Other >
      • Cinnamon Almonds
      • Fresh Tomato Salsa
      • Honey Dijon Balsamic Vinaigrette
      • Sweet Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
  • Buy Products
  • Home
    • About Holistix
    • Contact Details
  • Products
    • Products Range
    • Special Offers
    • Antioxidants >
      • Anti Oxidant 30 cap
      • Anti Oxidant 60 cap
    • Amino Acids >
      • Acetyl L Carnitine (ALC) 500mg 60 cap
      • DLPA (DL Phenylalanine) 250mg 90 cap
      • GABA (Gamma Aminobutyric Acid) 500mg 60 cap
      • L Arginine 500mg 60 cap
      • L Carnitine 200mg 60 cap
      • L Glutamine 500mg 60 cap
      • L Glutamine powder 100g
      • L Glutamine powder 250g
      • L Glutathione 50mg 30 cap
      • L Lysine 10's
      • L Lysine 500mg 30 cap
      • L Lysine 500mg 90 cap
      • L Ornithine 250mg 60 cap
      • L Phenylalanine 250mg 90 cap
      • L Theanine 300mg 30 cap
      • L Theanine 300mg 60 cap
      • L Tyrosine 450mg 60 caps
      • Taurine 500mg 60 cap
    • Decarb Products >
      • The Decarb Diet & Lifestyle (By Dr H Rybko)
      • Decarb Pack (2x Low Carb Packs + Decarb Book)
    • Herbal Products >
      • African Mango 150mg 60 cap
      • Apple Cider Vinegar plus 60 cap
      • Bitter Melon 60 cap
      • Chlorella 300mg 60 cap
      • Cinnamon Extract 60 caps
      • Cranberry 800 60 cap
      • Echinacea 350mg 60 cap
      • Garcinia Cambogia 60 cap
      • Ginger Root Extract 60 cap
      • Ginkgo biloba 350mg 60 cap
      • Ginseng (Siberian) 350mg 60 cap
      • Grapefruit Plus 60 cap
      • Green Tea Extract 60 cap
      • Guarana 400mg 60 cap
      • Gymnena Sylvestre Extract 60 cap
      • Hoodia Gordonii 450mg 60 cap
      • Milk Thistle Extract 60 cap
      • Olive Leaf 60 cap
      • Passion Flower Extract 60 cap
      • Resveratrol & Grapeseed Extract 60 cap
      • Saw Palmetto 60 cap
      • Spirulina 350mg 90 cap
      • St John's Wort 350mg 60 cap
      • Valerian Root Extract 60 cap
    • Nutritional Products >
      • Alpha Lipoic Acid 250mg 60 cap
      • Calcium & Magnesium V2 60 cap
      • Calcium 500mg 10 effervescent tablets
      • Chondroitin Sulphate 250mg 60 cap
      • Chromium Picolinate 200mcg 30 TAB
      • Chromium Picolinate 200mcg 60 CAP
      • Chromium Picolinate 200mcg 90 TAB
      • CoEnzyme Q10 50mg 30 cap
      • CoEnzyme Q10 50mg 60 cap
      • CoEnzyme Q10 50mg 90 cap
      • Folic Acid 400mcg 30 cap
      • Glucosamine & Chondroitin 500mg 90 cap
      • Glucosamine 500mg 90 cap
      • HCA (Hydroxy Citric Acid) 250mg 60 cap
      • Magnesium Chelate 60 cap
      • MSM 600mg 90 cap
      • MSM 100g powder
      • Selenium 60mcg 60 caps
      • Vitamin B6 25mg 60 cap
      • Vitamin B12 25mcg 60 cap
      • Vitamin B Comp 25mg 30 tab
      • Vitamin B Comp 25mg 60 tab
      • Vitamin C 500mg (Buffered) 30 cap
      • Vitamin C 500mg (Buffered) 60 cap
      • Vitamin C 500mg (Buffered) 120 cap
      • Vitamin D3 500iu 60 cap
      • Vitamin D3 1000iu 60 cap
      • Vitamin E 400iu (natural) 30 softgel
      • Vitamin E 400iu (natural) 60 softgel
      • Zinc 25mg 30 cap
      • Zinc 25mg 60 cap
    • Oils >
      • CLA 80% 1000mg 60 softgel
      • CLA 80% 1000mg (3pack)
      • Evening Primrose Oil 1000mg 90 veg softg
      • Evening Primrose Oil 1000mg 90's (3pack)
      • Evening Primrose Oil 500mg 180 softgel
      • Evening Primrose Oil 500mg 180 softgel (3pack)
      • Fish Oil 1000mg 90 softgel
      • Fish Oil 1000mg 90's softgel (3pack)
      • Flax Seed Oil 1000mg 90 veg softgel
      • Flax Seed Oil 1000mg 90's (3pack)
      • Krill Oil 500mg 30 softgel
      • Krill Oil 500mg 30 softgel (3pack)
      • Lecithin 1200mg 90 softgel
      • Lecithin 1200mg 90 softgel (3pack)
      • Salmon Oil 1000mg 30 softgel
      • Salmon Oil 1000mg 90 softgel
      • Salmon Oil 1000mg 90's (3pack)
    • Platinum Packs >
      • Blister Buster Pack
      • Colds & Flu Pack
      • Detox Pack
      • Digestive Pack
      • Enduro Pack
      • Energy Pack
      • Essential Basics Pack
      • Immune Pack
      • Joint Pack
      • Low Carb Support Pack
      • Party Pack
      • Summer Bodies Pack
    • Support Range >
      • ADDvantage Pro 60 cap
      • AIF (Anti-Inflamitory) 30 cap
      • Digestive Aid 60 cap
      • Digestive Enzymes 60 cap
      • Digestive Repair 60 cap
      • Female Support 90 cap
      • Glycemic Control 60 cap
      • Immune Boost 90 cap
      • Probiotic 60 cap
      • Probiotic 10 cap
      • Stress Relief 60 cap
    • Sweetners >
      • Stevia 50g
      • Xylitol 400g
    • Tan Can >
      • Tan Can 90 cap (V2)
    • Total Supply (Multi Vit) >
      • Total Supply PLUS 30 cap
      • Total Supply PLUS 60 cap
      • Total Supply PLUS 120 cap
  • Retailers
    • DisChem Pharmacies
    • Pick n Pay Pharmacies
    • Independent Pharmacies
    • Health Shops
  • Information
    • Trevor's Manual >
      • Avoiding Cancer
      • Cardiovascular >
        • Cardiovascular Treatment Table
        • Cholesterol
        • Congestive Heart Failure
        • Coronary Heart Disease
        • High Blood Pressure
        • Homocysteine
        • Peripheral Arterial Disease and Claudication
        • Stroke
      • Central Nervous System >
        • Anatomy
        • Anxiety And Panic
        • Anxiety Treatment Table
        • Depression
        • Depression Treatment Table
        • Insomnia
        • Insomnia Treatment Table
        • Memory Loss With Aging
        • Memory Loss Table
        • Migraine Headaches
        • Migraine Treatment Table
        • Stress
        • Stress Treatment Table
      • Digestive >
        • Cirrhosis and Portal Hypertension
        • Digestive Enzymes
        • Digestive Health Tips
        • Digestive Treatment Table
        • Hepatitis
        • How To Read A Label
        • Irritable Bowel Syndrome
      • Endocrine >
        • Diabetes
        • Metabolic Syndrome
      • Female >
        • Female Treatment Table
        • Menopause
        • Osteoporosis
        • Pregnancy
        • Urinary Tract Infections In Women
        • Vaginal Yeast Infections
      • Male >
        • Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
        • Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
        • Male Treatment Table
        • Prostate Cancer
        • Prostatitis
      • Musculoskeletal >
        • Caring For Your joints
        • Fibromyalgia
        • Gout
        • Hip Fractures
        • Osteoarthritis
        • Rheumatoid Arthritis
      • Respiratory >
        • Anatomy
        • Bronchitis
        • Colds and Flu
        • Respiratory Treatment Table
        • Sinus
      • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Lifestyle >
      • Lifestyle - Life >
        • 5 Stages of Loss & Grief
        • Autism
        • Bullying
        • Camping
        • Choking Prevention
        • Choosing the right shoes for your child
        • Christmas Eve
        • Christmas In Lapland
        • Dealing with Anger Issues
        • Does Nail Biting Cause Permanent Damage?
        • Don't Text and Drive
        • Dry Brushing
        • Dying Easter Eggs
        • Easter
        • Easter Egg Hunt
        • Energy Saving Tips
        • Family Dinners
        • Father And Son Bonding Activities
        • Father’s Day
        • Fire Safety
        • First Aid Kits
        • Five Little Pumpkins Sitting On A Gate
        • Fourth Of July
        • Guy Fawkes Night
        • Halloween
        • Happy New Year
        • How to Cope when Moving Home
        • How To Make Time For You As A Mom
        • Importance Of Reading For Kids
        • Internet Safety for Kids
        • Kids And Pets
        • Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
        • Mother's Day
        • Motion Sickness is not Fun
        • Motivation and not giving up
        • National Women's Day
        • New Year
        • New Year’s Resolutions
        • Organized Kitchens
        • Plan A Pool Party
        • Pocket Money for Kids
        • Protect Hair From Chlorine Damage This Summer
        • Recycling
        • Remember, remember, the 5th of November
        • Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer
        • Sleeping Pill Addiction
        • Soccer World Cup 2010
        • South Africa video
        • South Africans
        • Spring
        • Spring Cleaning
        • Spring Party Time
        • St Patrick's Day
        • St. Valentine’s Day
        • Study Tips for Parents
        • Teen Anger Management
        • Things to do on Valentines day
        • Time Management
        • Tips for a stress free Christmas
        • Too Many Toys
        • Too Much TV
        • Top 8 Spring Cleaning Safety Tips
        • Understanding Trauma
        • Vasectomy Facts
        • What is Cyberbullying?
      • Lifestyle - Health >
        • 10 Important Vitamins For Woman
        • Acid And Your Health
        • Acupuncture Benefits
        • Are Parasites Affecting Your Health
        • Asthma
        • Athlete's Foot
        • Basics for Optimal Health
        • Beat The Winter Blues
        • Bipolar Disorder
        • Bladder Health
        • Common Cold
        • Condoms
        • Dermatitis
        • Diabetes
        • Energized
        • Fatigue
        • Fever Blisters
        • Glycemic Index
        • Glycemic Index Food Chart
        • Glycemic Load
        • Health Benefits of Chia Seeds
        • Healthy Happy lifestyle
        • Heart Attack Warning Signs
        • How to Boost Your Immune System
        • Improve your Gut Health
        • Insomnia
        • Jet Lag
        • Kids And Concussions
        • Mosquitos and Malaria
        • Osteoarthritis
        • Peanut Allergy
        • Personal Hygiene
        • Planter & Palmer Warts
        • Promote Longevity
        • Psoriasis
        • Rest
        • Safe Sun Tips
        • Shingles
        • Soothe a Sore Throat
        • Spring Has Sprung But So Has Allergy Season
        • Stop Smoking
        • Stress
        • Styes
        • Sun Safety And Vitamin D
        • Tips for Healthy Skin
        • The Effect Of Toxins On The Body
        • The Left and Right Brain
        • Tips to Prevent a Hangover
        • What Are Anabolic Steroids?
        • What is Acupuncture?
        • What is Ebola?
        • Winter Colds And Flu
        • Varicose Veins
    • Diet & Nutrition >
      • 5 Best Power Foods for Banting
      • Banting Basics
      • Benefits Of CoEnzyme Q10
      • Benefits Of Honey
      • Boost Your Energy Naturally
      • Breakfast
      • Dark Chocolate Benefits
      • Determine Your Calorie Needs
      • Diet
      • Eat More Oats
      • Effects Of Cold Water
      • Fabulous Fish
      • Feeding your child a vegetarian diet
      • Foods For Endurance
      • Foods That Are More Nutritious Raw
      • Foods That Help Normalize Blood Sugar Levels
      • Fruits & Vegetables - Tips on Getting Your 5 Daily Servings
      • Get Fruits. Get Veggies. Get Healthy
      • Green Tea Benefits
      • Health Benefits Of Omega 3
      • Healthy Holiday Eating
      • Juicing Health Benefits
      • Keep those Banana Peels
      • Low Carb Diet
      • MyPlate
      • Pack A Healthy Picnic
      • Raspberry Ketones
      • Reading A Label
      • Simple Ways to Detox this Spring
      • Stevia's Story
      • Stop late night snacking
      • Superfoods
      • The ultimate and unexpected by Dr Howard Rybko
      • They are good for us but which nuts are the best.
      • Things to Know About Sugar
      • Tofu
      • Vegetarianism
      • Water
      • What are GMO foods?
      • Wheat Allergy
      • Wheat-free Vs Gluten-free
      • Whey Protein vs Soy Protein
      • Why you should be eating and cooking with coconut oil
      • You Can Benefit From Probiotics
    • Fascinating Facts >
      • Fascinating Facts - General >
        • 2010 FIFA World Cup™ Soccer City Facts
        • Cigarettes
        • Coca-Cola
        • Hamsters
        • Holly
        • Meteors
        • St Patrick's Day
        • The Human Body
        • The Sun
        • Valentine's Day
      • Fascinating Facts - Food >
        • Acai berry
        • Apples
        • Apricots
        • Artichokes
        • Avocados
        • Barley
        • Beetroot
        • Blackberries
        • Black Currants
        • Blueberries
        • Brussel Sprouts
        • Carrots
        • Cauilflower
        • Celery
        • Cherries
        • Chickpeas
        • Chili Peppers
        • Chives
        • Chocolate
        • Christmas Cake
        • Christmas Pudding
        • Cinnamon
        • Cocoa
        • Coconuts
        • Coffee
        • Cranberries
        • Cucumbers
        • Dates
        • Dry Ice
        • Easter Eggs
        • Eggs
        • Figs
        • Garlic
        • Ginger
        • Goji Berries
        • Grapes
        • Guava
        • Guavas
        • Honey
        • JELLY BELLY®
        • Kale
        • Lemongrass
        • Lemons
        • Lentils
        • Limes
        • Litchis
        • Macadamia Nuts
        • Mangoes
        • Mushrooms
        • Nuts
        • Olives
        • Onions
        • Oranges
        • Papaya
        • Peaches
        • Pears
        • Peas
        • Pineapple
        • Pomegranates
        • Popcorn
        • Pumpkins
        • Prunes
        • Raspberries
        • Sesame Seeds
        • Soybeans
        • Spinach
        • Strawberries
        • Sugar
        • Sweet Potatoes
        • Tabasco
        • Tomatoes
        • Tuna
        • Watermelons
        • Wheatgrass
    • Fitness and excercise >
      • Beginners guide to mountain biking
      • Benefits Of Stretching
      • Benefits Of Yoga
      • Boxercise - Not Just For Boys
      • Exercise
      • Exercise For Children
      • How To Get A Toned Body
      • Hydration and Exercise
      • Muscular Endurance
      • Over-exercise
      • Planking Benefits
      • Pilates
      • Shin Splints
      • Skipping
      • Sprinting
    • Organic >
      • Choosing The Right Seeds
      • Composting Organic
      • Genetically Modified Foods
      • Organic Food And Your Health
      • Preparing Your Soil
      • What And How To Plant Organic
      • What Does Organic Mean?
      • What Is Organic Food?
    • Pregnancy / Mother & Child >
      • Baby Showers
      • Back to School
      • Car Safety For Children
      • Foods to avoid when Pregnant
      • Keeping Kids Teeth Clean
      • Kids and Change
      • Morning Sickness
      • Nappy Rash
      • Overweight Kids
      • Pregnancy Health Tips
      • Pregnancy Stages
      • School Holidays
      • School Lunches
      • Travelling With Children
    • Product tips >
      • Health Tip - ADD
      • Health Tip - Alpha Lipoic Acid
      • Health Tip - Appetite
      • Health Tip - Bladder Health
      • Health Tip - Bones and Teeth
      • Health Tip - Cholesterol
      • Health Tip - CLA
      • Health Tip - Colo Cleanz
      • Health Tip - Detox
      • Health Tip - Digestion
      • Health Tip - Echinacea
      • Health Tip - Eczema
      • Health Tip - Enduro Pack
      • Health Tip - Energy Boost
      • Health Tip - Energy Pack
      • Health Tip - Golden Tan
      • Health Tip - Folic Acid
      • Health Tip - Gaba
      • Health Tip - Grapefruit
      • Health Tip - Herpes
      • Health Tip - Horny Goat Weed
      • Health Tip - Immune System
      • Health Tip - Joints
      • Health Tip - Krill Oil
      • Health Tip - L Carnitine
      • Health Tip - Lecithin
      • Health Tip - L Glutathione
      • Health Tip - L Theanine
      • Health Tip - Morning Sickness
      • Health Tip - Natural tan
      • Health Tip - Overindulging
      • Health Tip - Overweight
      • Health Tip - Passion Flower
      • Health Tip - Pregnancy
      • Health Tip - Probiotics
      • Health Tip - Salmon Oil
      • Health Tip - Sleep
      • Health Tip - Smoking
      • Health Tip - Stevia
      • Health Tip - Vitamin C
      • Health Tip - Vitamin D
    • Blog Spot >
      • 12 Tips For Cutting Down Smoking
      • Alpha lipoic acid prevents mitochondrial aging and boosts energy levels
      • Amazing Food Facts: Red grapes produce resveratrol as a defense against fungal invasion
      • Astaxanthin Naturally Prevents Sunburn
      • Discover Four Fantastic Benefits Of Stevia
      • Healthy Sleep Cycles Balance Hormones And Burn Fat
      • Interval Training Is ideal For Boosting Athletic Performance And Health.
      • Interview With Dr. John Cannell On Benefits Of Vitamin D
      • Milk thistle provides a protective shield to the liver, heart and brain
      • Tim Noakes on carbohydrates
      • Use Selenium And Zinc To Ward Off Cancer And Boost Immunity
      • Zinc found critical within the brain to improve memory and cognition
    • Sport >
      • Holistix Sport >
        • Adventure Racing
        • Cycle Club
        • Cycle Kit
        • News
        • Recent Results
        • Team
        • Upcomimg Events
  • Forms
    • Health Evaluation
    • Customer Feedback
    • Specials suggestion form
    • Product Testimonials
  • Newsletters
    • Newsletters 2016 >
      • September 2016
      • August 2016
      • July 2016
      • June 2016
      • May 2016
      • April 2016
      • March 2016
      • February 2016
      • January 2016
    • Newsletters 2015 >
      • December 2015
      • November 2015
      • October 2015
      • September 2015
      • August 2015
      • July 2015
      • June 2015
      • May 2015
      • April 2015
      • March 2015
      • February 2015
      • January 2015
    • Newsletters 2014 >
      • December 2014
      • November 2014
      • October 2014
      • September 2014
      • August 2014
      • July 2014
      • June 2014
      • May 2014
      • April 2014
      • March 2014
      • February 2014
    • Newsletters 2013 >
      • Dec/Jan 2014
      • November 2013
      • October 2013
      • September 2013
      • August 2013
      • July 2013
      • June 2013
      • May 2013
      • April 2013
      • March 2013
      • February 2013
    • Newsletters 2012 >
      • Dec/Jan 2013
      • November 2012
      • October 2012
      • September 2012
      • August 2012
      • July 2012
      • June 2012
      • May 2012
      • April 2012
      • March 2012
      • February 2012
    • Subscribe
  • Recipes
    • Sauces >
      • Apple Sauce
      • Apple Topping
      • Avo Dip (an all-time family favorite)
      • Cilantro Lime Dressing
      • Creamy Spinach Dip
      • Gaucamole
      • Low-fat Gravy
      • Raspberry Jam
      • Satay Sauce
    • Salads >
      • Apple, Raisin and Sunflower seed salad
      • Blackberry Spinach Salad
      • Broccoli Salad
      • Caprese Salad
      • Cranberry & Spinach Salad
      • Cucumber & Mango Salad
      • Fresh Tomato Salad
      • Greek Salad
      • Healthy Bean Salad
      • Macaroni Salad
      • Potato Salad
      • Strawberry Spinach Salad
      • Summer Barley Salad
      • Tofu Avocado Salad
      • Tuna and White bean salad
    • Soups >
      • Butternut and Coriander Soup
      • Carrot And Ginger Soup
      • Cauliflower Soup
      • Dutch Curried Pea Soup
      • Flavourful Tomato Soup
      • Pea & Mint Soup
      • Pumpkin Curried Coconut Soup
    • Drinks >
      • Banana and Blackberry Smoothie
      • Banana Breakfast Smoothie
      • Beetroot, Cucumber and Pineapple Juice
      • Berry Coconut Smoothie
      • Cacao Banana Smoothie
      • Choc, Peanut Butter And Banana Smoothie
      • Detox in a Glass
      • Egg Nog
      • Go Go Goji Berry Smoothie
      • Guarva Smoothie
      • Healthy Strawberry Shake
      • Mom's Tropical Smoothie
      • New Years Smoothie
      • Papaya Smoothie
      • Pear, Lemongrass and Ginger Smoothie
      • Strawberry Spring Cocktail
      • Vitamin Booster Smoothie
      • Watermelon Smoothie
    • Real Meals >
      • Baby Spinach Omelet
      • Baked Sweet Potato
      • Baked Sweet Potato Sticks
      • Breakfast Bagel
      • Cauliflower Mash
      • Cauliflower Rice
      • Cranberry And Sunflower Seeds Breakfast
      • Easy Tuna Patties
      • Ham & Cheese Breakfast Tortilla
      • Health Breakfast
      • Homemade Granola sweetened with honey
      • Honey & Mustard Chicken
      • Irish Champ
      • Marie Claire's Asparagus Dish
      • Meat Balls
      • Minted Peas
      • Quick Quiche
      • Roasted Carrots
      • Roasted Garlic & Lemon Broccoli
      • Rosemary Lamb Chops
      • Salmon
      • Saucy Salmon
      • Scrambled Eggs
      • Spicy Deviled Eggs
      • Tasty Mince
      • Tuna Melt
      • Turkey Cheese Wraps
      • Turkey Stuffing
    • Desserts and Pastries >
      • Apple and Cinnamon Muffin
      • Apple And Rasberry Sorbet
      • Banana Bread
      • Brandy Custard
      • Easy Gluten-Free Pancakes
      • Easy Wheat-Free Pancakes
      • High Protein Pancakes
      • Lemon Curd
      • Marvelous Meringues
      • Mother's Day Pancakes
    • Other >
      • Cinnamon Almonds
      • Fresh Tomato Salsa
      • Honey Dijon Balsamic Vinaigrette
      • Sweet Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
  • Buy Products
  Holistix

Diabetes 

If you just found out you have diabetes, you probably have a lot of questions and you may feel a little uncertain. But you're not alone. In the United States, 23.6 million people have diabetes. Most of these people lead full, healthy lives. One of the best things you can do for yourself is to learn all you can about diabetes. This article will tell you some of the basics about diabetes.

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a disease that occurs when a person’s body doesn’t make enough of the hormone insulin or can’t use insulin properly. There are 2 types of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes occurs when your body’s pancreas doesn’t produce any insulin. Type 2 diabetes occurs when the pancreas either doesn’t produce enough insulin or your body’s cells ignore the insulin. Between 90% and 95% of people who are diagnosed with diabetes have type 2 diabetes.

What is type 1 diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes is also called insulin-dependent diabetes. It is sometimes called juvenile diabetes because it is usually discovered in children and teenagers, but adults may also have it.

What is type 2 diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body doesn’t produce enough insulin or the body’s cells ignore the insulin.

Can children get type 2 diabetes?

Yes. In the past, doctors thought that only adults were at risk of developing type 2 diabetes. However, an increasing number of children in the United States are now being diagnosed with the disease. Doctors think this increase is mostly because more children are overweight or obese and are less physically active.

What is pre-diabetes?

Pre-diabetes occurs when blood sugar levels are higher than they should be, but not so high that your doctor can say you have diabetes. Pre-diabetes is becoming more common in the United States. It greatly increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

The good news is that you can take steps to prevent or delay the onset of full-blown type 2 diabetes by making lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet, reaching and maintaining a healthy weight, and exercising regularly.

Can I live a normal life with diabetes?

Yes, you can live a normal life. You can stay healthy if you do what it takes to control your diabetes.

What are the symptoms of diabetes?

Symptoms vary from person to person. The early stages of diabetes have very few symptoms, so you may not know you have the disease. But damage may already be happening to your eyes, your kidneys and your cardiovascular system even before you notice symptoms. Common symptoms include the following:

  • Extreme hunger
  • Extreme thirst
  • Frequent urination
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Fatigue or drowsiness
  • Blurry vision
  • Slow-healing wounds, sores or bruises
  • Dry, itchy skin
  • Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet
  • Frequent or recurring skin, gum, bladder or vaginal yeast infections
People who have type 2 diabetes may also show signs of insulin resistance, such as darkening skin around the neck or in the armpits, high blood pressure, cholesterol problems, yeast infections and skipped or absent periods in teen girls and women.

Call your doctor if:

You start feeling very thirsty and are urinating more often than usual.

You are nauseous or vomit more than once.

You lose a significant amount of weight.

You start breathing deeper and faster.

Your breath smells like nail polish remover.

You start to tremble, feel weak and drowsy, and then feel confused or dizzy, or your vision becomes blurred.

You feel uncoordinated.

You have a sore, blister or wound (especially on your feet) that won't heal.

If blood sugar levels become very high without treatment, a condition called diabetic ketoacidosis may develop. If this happens, symptoms may include shortness of breath, pain in the abdomen, vomiting, dehydration, and even coma and death if left untreated.

What causes diabetes?

When you digest food, your body changes most of the food you eat into glucose (a form of sugar). A hormone called insulin allows this glucose to enter all the cells of your body and be used as energy. Insulin is produced by the pancreas. In someone who has type 2 diabetes, the pancreas doesn’t make enough insulin or the body’s cells can’t use insulin properly (called insulin resistance). This causes glucose to build up in your blood instead of moving into the cells. Too much glucose in the blood can lead to serious health problems that may damage the blood vessels, nerves, heart, eyes and kidneys.

Am I at risk? What can I do to reduce my risk?

Talk to your doctor about your risk factors for diabetes. Although you may not be able to change all of them, you can make changes to significantly lower your risk.

What are the risk factors for type 2 diabetes?

Weight

Obesity is the single most important risk factor for type 2 diabetes. The more overweight you are, the more resistant your body is to insulin. To figure out if you're overweight, check the chart and talk to your doctor. A healthy, low-fat diet and regular exercise can help you lose weight gradually and keep it off.

Age

The risk for type 2 diabetes increases with age, especially after 45 years of age. Although you can't change your age, you can work on other risk factors to reduce your risk.

Family history

Although you can't change your family history, it is important for you and your doctor to know if diabetes runs in your family. Your risk for diabetes is higher if your mother, father or sibling has diabetes. Tell your doctor if anyone in your family has diabetes.

Race/ethnic background

For reasons still unclear to doctors, some ethnic groups have a higher risk of diabetes than others. You are at greater risk if you belong to one of these groups:

  • Native American
  • Hispanic American
  • African American
  • Pacific Islander
Exercise

Exercising and maintaining a healthy weight can reduce your risk of diabetes. Any amount of activity is better than none, but try to exercise for 30 to 60 minutes most days of the week. If you haven't exercised in a while or you have health problems, talk with your doctor before starting an exercise program.

Diet

A diet high in fat, calories and cholesterol increases your risk of diabetes. In addition, a poor diet can lead to obesity (another risk factor for diabetes) and other health problems. A healthy diet is high in fiber and low in fat, cholesterol, salt and sugar. Also, remember to watch your portion size--how much you eat is just as important as what you eat.

Gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes is a kind of diabetes that happens only during pregnancy. It occurs in about 4% of pregnant women. Although gestational diabetes goes away after pregnancy, 40% to 60% of women who had gestational diabetes are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes within 15 years.

Even if they don't have gestational diabetes, women who give birth to babies who weigh 9 pounds or more are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes later in life.

Polycystic ovary syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that occurs when an imbalance of hormone levels in a women's body causes cysts to form on the ovaries. Women who have PCOS are at an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Multiple risk factors

The risk of developing type 2 diabetes increases with the number of risk factors you have. If you have 2 or more risk factors, talk to your doctor about how to delay or prevent type 2 diabetes.

Why is it important to prevent, diagnose and treat diabetes?

Untreated diabetes causes blood sugar levels to rise. This can lead to a number of serious problems, including:

  • Eye damage that can cause blindness
  • Kidney failure
  • Heart attacks
  • Nerve and blood vessel damage that can lead to the loss of toes or feet
  • Problems with gums, including tooth loss
The longer the body is exposed to high blood sugar levels, the greater the risk that problems will occur. That’s why treatment is important at any age. Keeping blood sugar levels very close to the ideal can minimize, delay and, in some cases, even prevent the problems that diabetes can cause.

How is diabetes diagnosed?

Your doctor may test for diabetes if he or she suspects you are at risk. To check for diabetes, your doctor may request the following tests:

Fasting blood sugar test. This test is usually done in the morning, after an 8-hour fast. This means that you shouldn’t eat any foods or drink any liquids except for water for 8 hours before the test. At the end of the fast, a doctor or nurse measure the amount of glucose in your blood. If your blood sugar level is 126 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or higher, your doctor will probably want to repeat the test. A blood sugar level of 126 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or higher on 2 occasions indicates diabetes. Test results from 100 mg per dL to 125 mg per dL suggest prediabetes.

Oral glucose tolerance test. During this test, you will drink a beverage containing 75 grams of glucose dissolved in water. Two hours later, a doctor or nurse will measure the amount of glucose in your blood. A blood sugar level of 200 mg/dL or higher indicates diabetes.

Random blood sugar test. This test measures the level of glucose in your blood at any time of day, regardless of when you last ate. Combined with symptoms of diabetes, a blood glucose level of 200 mg/dL or higher indicates diabetes.

How can I help myself stay healthy if I have diabetes?

Although diabetes can’t be cured, you can still live a long and healthy life. The single most important thing you can do is control your blood sugar level. You can do this by eating right, exercising, maintaining a healthy weight and, if needed, taking oral medicines or insulin.

Eat a healthy diet. The recommended diet for many people who have diabetes is very similar to that suggested for everyone: low in fat, low in cholesterol, low in salt and low in added sugar. Your diet should include lots of complex carbohydrates (such as whole-grain breads, cereals and pasta), fruits and vegetables. This type of diet will help you control your blood sugar level, as well as your blood pressure and cholesterol levels. It's also important to watch your portion size so you can control your blood sugar and maintain a healthy weight. In order to help keep your blood sugar at a healthy level, it's important to eat at least 3 meals per day and never skip a meal.

Tips on eating right

Eat at about the same time every day. This helps keep your insulin or medicine and sugar levels steady.

Try to eat 3 times a day. Have a snack at bedtime if you're taking medicine or insulin. Avoid other snacking unless you're exercising or treating hypoglycemia.

If you're overweight, lose weight. Even losing just a little weight, such as 5 to 15 pounds, can lower your blood sugar levels.

Eat plenty of fiber. Green leafy vegetables, whole grains and fruits are good choices. Fiber helps you feel full and helps with digestion.

Eat fewer empty calories, such as foods high in sugar and fat, and alcohol.

Exercise. Exercising will help your body use insulin and lower your blood sugar level. It also helps control your weight, gives you more energy and is good for your overall health. Exercise is also good for your heart, your cholesterol levels, your blood pressure and your weight--all factors that can affect your risk of heart attack and stroke. Exercise also seems to make people feel better about themselves and feel less anxious. Talk with your doctor about starting an exercise program. He or she can help you make a plan. For more information, read Diabetes and Exercise.

Maintain a healthy weight. Losing excess weight and maintaining a healthy body weight will help you in 2 ways. First, it helps insulin work better in your body. Second, it will lower your blood pressure and decrease your risk for heart disease.

Take your medicine. If your diabetes can't be controlled with diet, exercise and weight control, your doctor may recommend medicine or insulin. Oral medicines(taken by mouth) can make your body produce more insulin or help your body use the insulin it makes more efficiently. Some people need to add insulin to their bodies with insulin injections, insulin pens or insulin pumps. Always take medicines exactly as your doctor prescribes.

What medicines are available to treat diabetes?

Several kinds of medicine can help you control your blood sugar level. Some medicines are pills that you take by mouth (orally). Most people who have type 2 diabetes start with an oral medicine. Oral medicine doesn't work for everyone, though. It is not effective in the treatment of type 1 diabetes. Insulin therapy is necessary for all people who have type 1 diabetes and for some people who have type 2 diabetes. If you need insulin, you'll have to give yourself a shot (either with a syringe or with an insulin pen). Your doctor will tell you which kind of medicine you should take and why.

What tests can I use to check my blood sugar level?

There are 2 blood tests that can help you manage your diabetes. One of these tests is called an A1C test, which reflects your blood sugar (or blood glucose) control over the past 2-3 months. Testing your A1C level every 3 months is the best way for you and your doctor to understand how well your blood sugar levels are controlled. The other test is called SMBG, or self-monitoring of blood glucose. Using a blood glucose monitor to do SMBG testing can help you improve control of your blood sugar levels.

What if my blood sugar gets too low?

People who have diabetes may have times when their blood sugar level is too low. Low blood sugar is called hypoglycemia. Signs of hypoglycemia include the following:

  • Feeling very tired
  • Frequent yawning
  • Being unable to speak or think clearly
  • Loss of muscle coordination
  • Sweating
  • Twitching
  • Seizures
  • Suddenly feeling like you’re going to pass out
  • Becoming very pale
  • Loss of consciousness
People who have diabetes should carry at least 15 grams of a fast-acting carbohydrate with them at all times in case of hypoglycemia or an insulin reaction. The following are examples of quick sources of energy that can relieve the symptoms:

Nondiet soda- ½ to ¾ cup
Fruit juice- ½ cup
Fruit- 2 tablespoons of raisins
Milk- 1 cup
Candy- 5 Lifesavers
Glucose tablets- 3 tablets (5 grams each)

If you don’t feel better 15 minutes after having a fast-acting carbohydrate, or if monitoring shows that your blood sugar level is still too low, have another 15 grams of a fast-acting carbohydrate.

Teach your friends, work colleagues and family members how to treat hypoglycemia, because sometimes you may need their help. Also, keep a supply of glucagon on hand. Glucagon comes in a kit with a powder and a liquid that must be mixed together and then injected (given as a shot). It will raise your blood sugar level. If you are unconscious, or you can't eat or drink, another person can give you a shot of glucagon. This will bring your blood sugar level back to normal.

What about smoking and alcohol?

You should stop smoking as soon as possible. It's probably okay to drink some alcohol with a meal, but you should only have 1 serving each day. A serving is 4 ounces of wine, 12 ounces of beer or 1.5 ounces of hard liquor. If you drink on an empty stomach, you risk causing a drop in your blood sugar. Talk with your doctor about how much alcohol is safe for you to consume with your diabetes.

How will I know if my blood sugar level is too high?

High blood sugar (also called hyperglycemia) can occur even if you are eating properly and taking your insulin correctly. Eating too much food at a meal, getting sick, having hormonal changes and feeling stressed out can affect your blood sugar.

Symptoms of hyperglycemia include the following:

  • Frequent urination
  • Extreme thirst
  • Blurry vision
  • Feeling very tired
What should I do if my blood sugar level is too high?

If your blood sugar level goes higher than it should, you may need to take an extra dose of rapid- or short-acting insulin to return your blood sugar to the normal range. Your doctor can tell you how much insulin you need to take to lower your blood sugar level.

What are diabetic complications?

Too much glucose in the blood can lead to serious health problems, including heart disease and damage to the nerves and kidneys. These are known as diabetic complications.

Diabetic Neuropathy (nerve damage)

Diabetic neuropathy makes it hard for your nerves to send messages to the brain and other parts of the body. If you have nerve damage, you may lose feeling in parts of your body or have a painful, tingling or burning feeling.

Neuropathy most often affects the feet and legs. If you have neuropathy, you may not be able to feel a sore on your foot. The sore can become infected and, in serious cases, the foot may have to be amputated (removed). People who have neuropathy may continue walking on a foot that has damaged joints or bones. This can lead to a condition called Charcot foot that causes swelling and instability in the injured foot. It can also cause the foot to become deformed. However, this problem can often be avoided.

If you have diabetes, check your feet every day. If you see swelling, redness and feel warmth in your foot, see your doctor immediately. These can be signs of Charcot foot. Your doctor should also check your feet frequently.

Warning signs of nerve damage

Call your doctor if you have:
Numbness, tingling or burning feelings in your fingers, toes, hands and/or feet
Sharp pain that is worse at night
Cuts, sores or blisters on your feet that don't hurt as much as you would expect, and that also heal very slowly
Muscle weakness and difficulty walking
Erectile dysfunction (in men) and vaginal dryness (in women)

Diabetic Retinopathy (eye problems)

The retina is the part of the eye that is sensitive to light and sends messages to your brain about what you see. Diabetes can damage and weaken the small blood vessels in the retina. This damage is called diabetic retinopathy.

When the blood vessels of your retina are damaged, fluid can leak from them and cause swelling in your macula. The macula is the central part of the retina and give you sharp, clear vision. The swelling and fluid can cause blurry vision and make it hard for you to see. If retinopathy gets worse, it may lead to blindness.

Laser surgery can often be used to treat or slow down retinopathy, especially if the problem is found early. People who have diabetes should have an eye exam once a year.

Warning signs of eye problems

Call your doctor if you have:
Blurry vision for more than 2 days
Sudden loss of vision in 1 or both eyes
Black or gray spots, cobwebs or strings that move or drift when you move your eyes (called floaters)
Flashing lights in your vision that aren't really there
Pain or pressure in your eye(s)

Diabetic Nephropathy (kidney damage)

Diabetes can also damage the blood vessels in your kidneys so they can't filter out waste. This damage is called diabetic nephropathy. Some people who have nephropathy will eventually need dialysis (a treatment that eliminates waste from the blood) or kidney transplant.

The risk for nephropathy is increased if you have both diabetes and high blood pressure, so it is important to control both of these conditions.

Protein in the urine is usually the first sign of nephropathy. This should be checked yearly.

Heart Disease and Stroke

People who have diabetes are at greater risk for heart disease and stroke. The risk is even greater for people who have diabetes and smoke, have high blood pressure, have a family history of heart disease or are overweight.

Heart disease is easiest to treat when it is caught early. It is very important to see your doctor on a regular basis. He or she can test for early signs of heart disease.

The recommended cholesterol level for a person who has diabetes is the same as for someone who has heart disease. If your cholesterol is higher than the recommended level, your doctor will talk to you about lifestyle changes and medication to help get your cholesterol under control.

What can I do to prevent or delay diabetic complications?

To prevent problems, keep your blood sugar level as close to normal as possible and follow your doctor's instructions. The following are some other tips:
Carefully follow your doctor's instructions for taking your insulin.
Eat a variety of healthy foods. Avoid foods that are high in fat, cholesterol, salt and added sugar.
Maintain a healthy weight. If you're overweight, your doctor can give you advice on how to lose weight safely.
Keep your blood pressure at a healthy level (below 130/80 mm Hg).
Maintain a healthy cholesterol level (under 200 mg).
Be physically active on a regular basis.
Quit smoking.
Take care of your feet and check them every day for signs of injury and infection.
Have an eye exam every year to check your vision.
See your dentist twice a year to check your teeth and gums.
Stay up-to-date on your immunizations. Get a flu shot each year and a tetanus booster every 10 years.
Manage your stress.
See your doctor regularly, even when you feel fine. Your doctor will check for early signs of complications.
Call your doctor right away if you have any of the warning signs listed.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

My mother has diabetes. Should I be tested?
I’ve been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. If I lose weight and eat better, will it go away?
What is the best thing I can do to control my diabetes?
Am I at risk for any complications from diabetes?
Which glucose meter is best for me?
Will I need to take insulin?
Are there any other medicines I can take to help control diabetes?
Are my children at higher risk for diabetes?
What exercise program is right for me?
When should I call my doctor?

Designed by:  Marketing Inc