Diabetes is a group of chronic hormonal disorders that results in too much sugar (glucose) in the blood. There are a number of forms of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder, usually appearing when a person is quite young. Type 2 diabetes is an acquired disorder that used to be considered an adult condition that is unfortunately appearing more and more often in children. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes.  A third form of diabetes is called gestational diabetes and occurs in the second half of pregnancy and is relatively common, occurring in less than 10% of pregnant women. Some physicians include pre-diabetes as an early form of diabetes. Individuals with prediabetes have higher than normal levels of blood glucose, but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetics. Individuals with pre-diabetes (also known as insulin resistance) have a very high risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, is the main chemical messenger that “tells” the cells that it is time to take up glucose. Insulin is involved in messaging the liver to take up glucose and transform it into the storage form of glucose known as glycogen. Insulin is also involved in a wide range of other functions like protein and fat metabolism.  All diabetics can also be said to have insulin resistance. The reason they have high blood glucose is that the cells in their body do not take up glucose. The reason for this is that the cells in their body do not respond normally to insulin. If the cells become insulin resistant, they “ignore” or can’t respond to the signal from insulin. This can increase the levels of glucose in the blood. When this happens the pancreas responds by producing even more insulin in an attempt to “force” the glucose into the cells. The problem is that since the insulin has no effect on the insulin-resistant cells, the blood glucose levels can keep rising. The body’s response is to convert the high levels of glucose in the blood into fat, and that can set up a scenario of chronic inflammation and other disorders like full blown Type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome and heart disease. The most common symptoms of Type 2 diabetes include: increased thirst along with more frequent urination, increased appetite, weight gain or unexpected weight loss, blurry or changed vision, fatigue, and increased number of infections. Type 2 diabetes is diagnosed by your symptoms and a number of specific blood tests that measure how well your body handles sugars. Most cases of diabetes can be controlled with a combination of medications (hypoglycemics -- medicines that lower blood sugars), diet, and exercise. Insulin may be ordered for some patients, especially those with Type 1 diabetes. Current research indicates that one of the components of cinnamon, methyl hydroxychalcone polymer or MHCP, can improve how cells respond to insulin. MHCP seems to mimic some of insulin’s activity.  It also appears to work side by side with insulin, by improving the effectiveness of insulin. MHCP also has antioxidant effects, though it is not clear that these have anything to do with the ability of cinnamon to control blood glucose.
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One-sentence summary -- Learn about diabetes. Investigate how insulin affects blood sugar. Understand how Type 2 diabetes functions and its traditional treatment. Find out why cinnamon can help control Type 2 diabetes.


Cold sores, also called fever blisters, are caused by the herpes virus and are very contagious. They develop most often on the lips, starting as a red patch and becoming a fluid-filled blister that may be light-colored at the center. They often feel painful, though your pain will fade over the 4-5 days after the onset of the cold sore.  After a few days, a cold sore will drain or burst, leaving a red patch on the skin.  Cold sores can have 1 or several fluid-filled bumps that are red around the base and ooze pus when they break. As the blisters burst and dry, they'll likely look crusty. Along with a cold sore, you may experience a fever, body aches, fatigue, and enlarged lymph nodes. Wrap the ice in a clean rag or towel to protect your skin. Hold the ice on the cold sore for 5-10 minutes at a time. Repeat every few hours as needed. Wash the rag or towel immediately after you use it or use a disposable towel. The herpes virus that causes cold sores is very contagious. There are a variety of topical treatments that will help your cold sore blisters to heal faster. These medications are available at all pharmacies. Follow the directions on the packaging, which usually instructs you to apply the cream 4 to 5 times a day for 4 to 5 days.  For example, you can use OTC Abreva to speed up the healing of your cold sore. After cleaning the affected area, simply dab the ointment onto the cold sore every 3-4 hours (up to 5 times per day) for up to 10 days. Similarly, Blistex and Herpecin can reduce your pain and prevent drying. If you experience a lot of discomfort, take acetaminophen to help with the pain. Apply a lip protectant before you go outside. It's important to start applying them as soon as possible once you see a blister or feel one coming on. If the cold sore is in an area of your mouth that is visible, such as your lip, it's a good idea to cover it with a hydrocolloid patch. These patches protect the blister, hide it from view, and help prevent you from spreading the infection. These patches are available over-the-counter at any pharmacy. If you have cold sores often, it's a good idea to talk to your doctor about them. They can make treatment suggestions, including prescribing you medications. For instance, prescription-strength Acyclovir cream can be used to shorten how long your cold sores last.  It's important to use your medication as soon as you feel tingling that might indicate an outbreak. See your doctor prior to your next outbreak to get a prescription for the medication you need. Your doctor might prescribe an oral antiviral medicine, such as Acyclovir or Valacyclovir. The brand names of Acyclovir include Zovirax and Sitavig. The herpes virus is very contagious, so don't expose anyone else to your cold sores. Don't kiss anyone or have intimate contact with them. Similarly, don't share cups, utensils, food, towels, or razors, which can expose others to the virus. If you're worried about an item being contaminated, don't share it.
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One-sentence summary --
Look at the color and location of the blister to determine if it's a cold sore. Apply ice to relieve pain and swelling 4-8 times a day. Use an over-the-counter antiviral cream for fast relief. Cover a visible blister with a cold-sore patch to hide it. Consult with your doctor if you get cold sores frequently. Avoid kissing or sharing food, utensils or care products during an outbreak.