Diabetes is known for the toll it can take on the small vessels of the body at a rapid rate, including eyesight. MacularProtect Complete is an all-in-one formulation that offers a simple solution to protect vision and the whole body.

MacularProtect Complete is appropriate for individuals concerned about preserving their eyesight and maintaining overall body health. This formula is based on the findings of the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS). The AREDS trial showed that supplemental antioxidants with zinc had a significantly better chance of retaining their macular health. Evidence shows that eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables improves the health of diabetics. MacularProtect Complete provides many of the nutrients at the forefront of nutrition and health research, such as the important antioxidant lycopene - concentrated in tomatoes, and protective bioflavonoids from such diverse sources as bilberry, grape seed, Ginkgo biloba, citrus, as well as quercetin, found in apples and onions.

ScienceBased Health is focused on clinical evidence. As an empirical study - I've been taking MacularPtorect Complete the last month. So far I've noticed a little improvement in my night vision but I can't call it vision resurrection just yet. If you care to test a product out for yourself - they are available through eye care physicians, or by visiting their website.

There has been some very exciting news lately about the benefits of a type of pumpkin. The pumpkin is shown to slow the destruction of beta cells and reduces the need for Type 1 diabetics to inject as much insulin.

The exciting thing is that this experiment found the benefits of the pumpkin were through oral consumption, not injection. The protective effect of pumpkin is thought to be due to both antioxidants and D-chiro-inositol, a molecule that mediates insulin activity. Boosting insulin levels has the effect of lowering blood sugar levels, which reduces levels of oxidative oxygen species that damage beta-cell membranes, preventing further damage and allowing for some regeneration. Beta cells levels in the diabetic rats are, however, unlikely ever to reach that of controls, because some of the cells will have been damaged beyond repair.

An ingredient expert pointed out to me that the pumpkin used in the study is not your canned pumpkin but a special variety of Asian pumpkin. You can check at you local Asian market if they have the Shark Fin pumpkin or if they can get it for you. He also surmised that it may be possible to parlay this breed of pumpkin into a whole new world of Health Foods.

When The Diet Channel reviewed Fiber 35, they took the diplomatic approach, citing good and not so good advice. Good advice including: get plenty of soluble and insoluble fiber from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, eat reasonable portions, and exercise. The problem is that this excellent, evidence-based message is buried in hyperbolic language and some superfluous advice.

Fiber 35 emphasizes the mechanisms by which fiber and fiber-containing foods can help improve disease markers (cholesterol, blood sugar, and immunity), while helping to control weight and appetite. A concept enjoying heavy rotation and loose interpretations nowadays is the subject of toxins. Fiber 35 claims that toxins are relieved by eating fiber -- 35 grams a day or more. Fat is addressed as being relatively inactive from a metabolic standpoint. However there is emerging research (not addressed in Fiber 35) demonstrating that fat is active to the point of a separate hormone targeting the metabolic response. As the diabetic community grows, the day will soon arrive when local CVS and Walgreens pharmacies carry the next endocrine simulating prescription.

Until that day arrives (and I continue to pray that capitalistic affairs of Big Pharma slow down like the alimentary canal without a trace of fiber) - look toward Mother Nature for the most organic answer to our metabolic quagmire. Thanks to Brenda Watson for Fiber 35 and The Diet Channel for their comprehensive review. To read the full article, click here.

A new survey reveals that most people prefer to treat diabetes by changing their diets, rather than using medicines.

According to a survey of 1,022 adults (515 women and 507 men), 69% of Americans would prefer to try a dietary approach, whereas only 21% preferred treating diabetes with medicines. The survey reinforces results from clinical research on diabetes, which has consistently found that people with diabetes adapt well to low-fat vegetarian diets and gain important health benefits. A dietary approach to diabetes based on scientific research shows that a low-fat vegan diet can lower high blood sugar levels three times more effectively than oral medications.

Among the results: women are even more likely than men to prefer food changes over pills. People with more education and higher incomes were especially likely to favor a diet approach. For the financially savvy - this makes a lot of sense. You MUST buy food. You might as well buy healthier foods and curtail your Rx costs. Furthermore, Americans aged 45 to 64 were more enthusiastic about diet changes, compared with older Americans. I'll bet it's the convenience factor. A little less medication, a little more supper, please. The most pill-happy generation was the 18- to 24-year-olds. Don't look at me like that - I'm 28 and favor the flavor over medication, any day. Bon appetit!