The notion of taking a proactive approach to chronic disease management started when I was a child watching my father take control of his chronic disease. He adhered to a strict regiment of diet, exercise, pharmacological drugs along with natural supplementation. Diabetes Support, our first product, was created in the summer of 2011.

Diabetes Support can be purchased online at www.proactivelife.com. Our goal is to partner with natural food and supplement retail stores that share in our dedication to quality and the total customer experience.

. We launched with Diabetes Supportbecause approximately 79 million Americans have or are at risk of pre-diabetes along with 26 million Americans who are confirmed diabetic. Our goal is to introduce a new product by fall of 2012.

. It is important to note that we do not believe any single pill/medication will cure a chronic disease such as diabetes. It would be irresponsible to make any claims towards curing a specific disease. It takes a proactive approach including proper diet, exercise, community (a forum to share successes and challenges) and natural supplementation to help manage a disease. Note, please consult with your healthcare provider before starting any exercise and supplementation regiment.

. We adhere to the most stringent quality measures including GMP (good manufacturing practices) developed by the Natural Products Associatio

Chromium picolinate combines the essential mineral chromium and a chemical called picolinate. In order for chromium (and other minerals) to be absorbed in our body, it must first be de-energize from its supercharged lon state. Researchers have found that picolinate is very effective in de-energize chromium and therefore allowing it to be absorbed into the cells of the body. This is why a chromium picolinate compound is the best way to supplement your body with chromium.

1. Decrease body fat

2. Increase muscle mass

3. Improve activity in diabetics

4. Decrease bad cholesterol (LDL) levels while increasing good cholesterol (HDL)

The reason chromium is so important is that it has a profound effect on the insulin in your body. Insulin is a hormone that your body secrets after you eat. Insulin then transports glucose through your body so it can do all its necessary functions – such as burn fat and make muscle mass. The problem is when you do not have enough chromium in your body – your insulin does not work as effectively as possible. This means that glucose is not transported to the cells for energy – and instead it becomes fat. You end up with less energy and more fat build up if insulin is not performing properly.

The problem is that very few people get enough chromium in their normal diet. Chromium is found in such foods as brewer’s yeast, liver and kidney – and you would need to eat a large amount of these foods every day to get enough chromium in your diet.

A study in Therapy Research found the following:

122 men and women were randomly assigned to receive either 400 mcg chromium daily or a placebo. Calories consumed and physical activities were controlled over both groups. After three months, it was found that the group that took chromium lost significantly more weight and body fat then the placebo group – without any loss of muscle. This led the researchers to say that a daily supplement of chromium “can lead to significant improvements in body compositions.”

A study conducted at Bemidji State University in Minnesota found the following:

Male athletes were given either 200 mcg of chromium daily or a placebo. After six weeks, the chromium group gained 44% more lean body mass, as opposed to only 7 percent in the placebo group.

Earl Mindell reports on another study in his supplement Bible:

Sedentary overweight people who took chromium for 72 days lost an average of 4.2 fat pounds and gained 1.4 pounds in lean muscle mass. These results were achieved without cutting calories or exercising.

Chromium is an essential mineral that is hard to get from standard diet. For this reason almost every one can stand to benefit from taking a chromium supplement. If you work out, chromium can help convert fat into muscle mass. If your diet is high in sugary foods and foods rich in complex carbohydrates, you should definitely think about taking a chromium supplement. Consuming all these sugary foods can eventually lead to your fat cells becoming insulin resistant.

If you are diabetic chromium can be very effective – but as with any supplement you should consult your doctor before taking chromium. The reason is that chromium will have an effect on your blood sugar levels and you will need to adjust your medications accordingly.

Studies have shown that 400 mcg per day is a good base level for most adults. If you are active or have diabetes you may need more that is why we put 800 mcg of chromium in Diabetes Support and is consistent with most other products on the market in-terms of dosage.

Yes. There have been many studies that have shown that chromium picolinate is safe. Any chromium or picolinate that is not used by the body is excreted in your urine. There is no excess build up in the body. In fact our body makes picolinate every day.

Usually not. If you are very sensitive to the levels of blood sugar in your body you may get dizzy taking the supplement. This is probably a sign that you should consult a doctor to determine if you have a blood sugar problem such as diabetes or hypoglycemia.

Studies have shown that creatine, when supplemented with proper diet, exercise and hydration, can increase lean muscle mass and strength. It has also shown to aid in recovery after workouts.

To date there have been well over 75 research articles published about creatine in various journals, as well as a number of papers presented at various meetings such as the National strength and conditioning Associations Symposium.

Even through creatine supplementation is most common with athletes it has a multitude of uses. Creatine has also been used successfully to improve patients with neuromuscular diseases such as McArdles disease, neuropathic disorders, inflammatory myopathies, diomyopathy, mitochondrial cytopathy, dystrophies/congenital myopathies, and ALS – Lou Gehrigs disease.

There will be an initial weight gain depending on the amount of lean muscle in each individual. This is a result of creatine drawing water into the muscle cell. Taking excessive amount of creatine may lead to minor upset stomach and diarrhea. Taking creatine and not increasing your intake of water may increase your chances of cramping and dehydration.

No clinical studies have reported any cramping as a result of creatine supplementation. However, there have been several anecdotal reports concerning cramping usually associated insufficient hydration. Drink plenty of water. Athletes on creatine should take a minimum of 16 glasses of 8 ounces each per day.

To Date, research has not found any drug interactions. Remember that creatine is produced by the body.

Creatine is an amino acid/nitrogenous molecule and does not contain sugar. Anyone including diabetics should consult a physician before taking creatine or any supplement.

Natural creatine is synthesized in the liver, kidneys and pancreas. Creatine can also be ingesting by eating red meats and fish. There are approximately 2 grams of creatine in 1 pound of raw beef. Cooking reduces the creatine levels substantially. There are also minute amounts of creatine in cranberries and milk. All commercially available creatine Monohydrate is synthetically produced.

Diabetes Support has 5mg of creatine for body builders the dosages are much higher.

Magnesium is a safer product than calcium because it is excreted more completely and doesn’t build up in the body. You should not take magnesium if you have kidney disease. Always consult your doctor before beginning any supplementation.

Magnesium plays an important role in the secretion and function of insulin. Measurable magnesium deficiency is common in diabetes and in many of its complications, including heart disease, eye damage, high blood pressure and obesity.

The connection between stress, obesity and diabetes cannot be overlooked. The stress chemical cortisol signals a metabolic shutdown that makes losing weight almost impossible. Magnesium can neutralize the effect of stress, which is one reason it is known as the anti-stress mineral. Magnesium is necessary for insulin to open cell membranes for glucose.

The amount of magnesium your tissue can readily use is based on the amount of elemental or ionic magnesium that is released. There are several organic salt chelates that are highly absorbable such as magnesium citrate, taurate and malate.

Diabetes Support contains 1 mg of Magnesium Citrate.

Alpha-lipoic acid is a vitamin-like chemical, an antioxidant. Yeast, liver, kidney, spinach, broccoli, and potatoes are good sources of alpha-lipoic acid.

Alpha-lipoic acid is used for diabetes and nerve-related symptoms of diabetes including burning, pain, and numbness in the legs and arms. High doses of Alpha-lipoic acid are approved in Germany for the treatment for these symptoms.

Alpha-lipoic acid is also used to treat eye-related disorders, such as damage to the retina, glaucoma, and an eye disease called Wilson’s disease.

Alpha-lipoic acid seems to help prevent certain kind of damage in the body, and restores vitamin levels such as vitamin E and vitamin C. There is also evidence that Alpha-lipoic acid can improve the function and conduction of neurons in diabetes.

Alpha-lipoic acid is used in the body to break down carbohydrates and to make energy for the other organs in the body.

Alpha-lipoic acid seems to work as an antioxidants, which means that it might provide protection to the brain under conditions of damage or injury. The antioxidant effects might also be helpful in certain liver diseases.

Diabetes Support contains 100mg of Alpha-lipoic acid.

The major active constituent of the turmeric root is considered to be the phenolic groups of compounds collectively referred to as ‘curuminoids’ which are also responsible for the intense yellow pigment of turmeric roots

Not only is it a powerful anti-oxidant, it actually increases the way other antioxidants work, even those you obtain from your food. Cur-cumin works by scavenging free radicals, thereby reducing the risk of cellular damage.

It also protects the liver cells, and influences the healthy balance between LDL and HDL cholesterol and is used for its anti-inflammatory properties. Chronic inflammation has been associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease.

Cur-cumin, the active compound in Turmeric, is able to cross the blood brain barrier, and work as an antioxidant molecule in helping reduce normally occurring oxidative stress. Curuminoids have the ability to not only scavenge and neutralize harmful free radicals, but also to help prevent their formation in the first place.

There are not many instances where Turmeric is contraindicated. It should not be used by people with gallbladder conditions as it stimulates bile acid secretion. Turmeric is not recommendable to be taken during pregnancy. Turmeric is classified as GRAS (generally regarded as safe).

Diabetes Support contains 300mg of Turmeric Root

L – Arginine is a chemical building block called “amino acid”. It is obtained from the diet and is necessary for the body to make proteins. L – Arginine is found in red meat, poultry, fish, and dairy products.

L-Arginine is converted in the body into a chemical called nitric oxide. Nitric oxide causes blood vessels to open wider for improved blood flow. L-Arginine also stimulates the release of growth hormone, insulin, and other substances in the body.

Nitric Oxide has been found to relax and enlarges blood vessels, prevents blood clots that cause strokes and heart attacks, regulates blood pressure, reduces stress on the heart, improves circulation and reduces accumulation of plaque in blood vessels. This also boosts HGH production, increases lean muscle mass, preserves bone density and supports healthy sexual performance.

Many published studies have proven that L-Arginine, a vital amino acid, triggers cell production of Nitric Oxide

Diabetes Support contains 100mg of Alpha-lipoic acid.

The ingredient L-Arginine has a history of safe use, though you should always consult your healthcare provider regarding use of L-Arginine and any other supplement product.

Diabetes Support contains 1000mg of L-Arginine.

The word "cocoa" is derivative of "cacao". "Cocoa" can often also refer to the drink commonly known as hot chocolate to cocoa powder, the dry powder made by grinding cocoa seeds and removing the cocoa butterfrom the dark, bitter cocoa solids; or to a mixture of cocoa powder and cocoa butter.

Cocoa contain a high level of flavonoids, specifically epicatechin, which may have beneficial cardiovascular effects on health.

Prolonged intake of flavanol-rich cocoa has been linked to cardiovascular health benefits, though it should be noted that this refers to raw cocoa. Studies have found short term benefits in LDL cholesterol levels from dark chocolate consumption

Hollenberg and colleagues of Harvard Medical School studied the effects of cocoa and flavanols on Panama's Kuna Indian population, who are heavy consumers of cocoa. The researchers found that the Kuna Indians living on the islands had significantly lower rates of heart disease and cancer compared to those on the mainland who do not drink cocoa as on the islands. It is believed that the improved blood flow after consumption of flavanol-rich cocoa may help to achieve health benefits in hearts and other organs. In particular, the benefits may extend to the brain and have important implications for learning and memory.

Foods rich in cocoa appear to reduce blood pressure.

A 15-year study of elderly men published in the Archives of Internal Medicine in 2006 found a 50 percent reduction in cardiovascular mortality and a 47 percent reduction in all-cause mortality for the men regularly consuming the most cocoa, compared to those consuming the least cocoa from all sources.

Yes. Because Diabetes Support uses only pure Cocoa powder there is no sugar, milk, or caffeine.

Diabetes Support contains 100mg of pure cocoa powder.

Vitamin D is a group of fat-soluble secosteroids. In humans Vitamin D is unique both because it functions as a prohormone and because when sun exposure is adequate, the body can synthesize it (as Vitamin D3).

The major biologic function of vitamin D is to maintain normal blood levels of calcium and phosphorus. Vitamin D aids in the absorption of calcium, helping to form and maintain strong bones. It is used, alone or in combination with calcium, to increase bone mineral density and decrease fractures. Recently, research also suggests that vitamin D may provide protection from osteoporosis, hypertension (high blood pressure), cancer, and several autoimmune diseases.

Higher levels of vitamin D in the blood appear to be associated with a reduced risk of incident diabetes among people with high risk for the disease, according to a new report.

Vitamin D is generally well tolerated in recommended "adequate intake (AI)" doses. The Institute of Medicine (IOM) released a report on November 30, 2010, recommending vitamin D upper intake levels (UL) of 4,000 IU for those over nine years old.

Diabetes Support has 2000IU of VitaminD3.

Cinnamon is a well-known spice with an extensive history of use as a pungent and sweet flavouring agent. Cinnamon is actually the dried inner bark of various forms of evergreen trees.

New research on this common spice has shown that cinnamon may significantly help people with type 2 (non-insulin dependent) diabetes improve their ability to regulate their blood sugar. One study published in 2009 found that cinnamon taken twice a day for 90 days improved hemoglobin A1C levels — a reflection of average blood sugar level for the past two to three months — in people with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes (hemoglobin A1C levels greater than 7 percent). Data first published New Scientist in August 2000 (3) found that cinnamon improved the ability of fat cells in diabetics to respond to insulin and greatly increased glucose uptake by the cells.In a human clinical trial (4), volunteers with type 2 diabetes were given doses of cinnamon powder, in capsules after meals. All volunteers in the trial responded to the effects of cinnamon with an average blood sugar level of 20% less than the control placebo group, some even achieving normal blood sugar levels.

In addition to the positive effects on blood sugar levels, those taking cinnamon also showed significantly lowered levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL cholesterol.

As with any supplement you should aways consult your healthcare provider. Cinnamon is well tolerated and is considered safe.

Diabetes Support has 1000mg of Cinnamon Bark Powder.

Fish oil is oil derived from the tissues of oily fish. Fish oils contain the omega-3 fatty acidseicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), precursors of eicosanoidsthat are known to reduce inflammation throughout the body, and are thought to have many health benefits. England was the first to produce a variation of oil. This was called cod liver oil. When the cod arrived, the oil oozing out of their livers would be collected and sold.

In the 1700s German researchers began studying cod liver oil for treatment of rheumatic arthritic conditions with noted success. Cod liver oil is high in vitamin D, leading to its early success in treating rickets, a bone condition caused to by vitamin D deficiency. Up until the 1800s cod liver oil was a thick and vile medicine.

Hundreds of studies have been done on fish or fish oils and their role in the prevention or treatment of heart disease. A review in the British Medical Journal recommends fish or fish oil supplements to prevent heart attacks, particularly in people with vascular disease. How omega-3 fats reduce heart disease is not known, but they are known to lower blood triglycerides and blood pressure, prevent clotting, are anti-inflammatory and reduce abnormal heart rhythms.

Recent research found that women living with diabetes who took 3,000 mg of fish oil a day for two months had marked improvements in body fat and blood lipid levels. (This is key, in part due to the connection between diabetes and weight.)

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration classifies intake of up to 3 grams per day of omega-3 fatty acids from fish as GRAS (Generally Regarded as Safe). Very large intakes of fish oil/omega-3 fatty acids may increase the risk of hemorrhagic (bleeding) stroke.

No -- our product is distilled of any PCB and mercury.

Two grams of total Omega3 with EPA = 800mg and DHA= 400mg.

The word "cocoa" is derivative of "cacao". "Cocoa" can often also refer to the drink commonly known as hot chocolate to cocoa powder, the dry powder made by grinding cocoa seeds and removing the cocoa butterfrom the dark, bitter cocoa solids; or to a mixture of cocoa powder and cocoa butter.

Cocoa contain a high level of flavonoids, specifically epicatechin, which may have beneficial cardiovascular effects on health.

Prolonged intake of flavanol-rich cocoa has been linked to cardiovascular health benefits, though it should be noted that this refers to raw cocoa. Studies have found short term benefits in LDL cholesterol levels from dark chocolate consumption

Hollenberg and colleagues of Harvard Medical School studied the effects of cocoa and flavanols on Panama's Kuna Indian population, who are heavy consumers of cocoa. The researchers found that the Kuna Indians living on the islands had significantly lower rates of heart disease and cancer compared to those on the mainland who do not drink cocoa as on the islands. It is believed that the improved blood flow after consumption of flavanol-rich cocoa may help to achieve health benefits in hearts and other organs. In particular, the benefits may extend to the brain and have important implications for learning and memory.

Foods rich in cocoa appear to reduce blood pressure.

A 15-year study of elderly men published in the Archives of Internal Medicine in 2006 found a 50 percent reduction in cardiovascular mortality and a 47 percent reduction in all-cause mortality for the men regularly consuming the most cocoa, compared to those consuming the least cocoa from all sources.

Yes. Because Diabetes Support uses only pure Cocoa powder there is no sugar, milk, or caffeine.

Diabetes Support contains 100mg of pure cocoa powder.

Vitamin D is a group of fat-soluble secosteroids. In humans Vitamin D is unique both because it functions as a prohormone and because when sun exposure is adequate, the body can synthesize it (as Vitamin D3).

The major biologic function of vitamin D is to maintain normal blood levels of calcium and phosphorus. Vitamin D aids in the absorption of calcium, helping to form and maintain strong bones. It is used, alone or in combination with calcium, to increase bone mineral density and decrease fractures. Recently, research also suggests that vitamin D may provide protection from osteoporosis, hypertension (high blood pressure), cancer, and several autoimmune diseases.

Higher levels of vitamin D in the blood appear to be associated with a reduced risk of incident diabetes among people with high risk for the disease, according to a new report.

Vitamin D is generally well tolerated in recommended "adequate intake (AI)" doses. The Institute of Medicine (IOM) released a report on November 30, 2010, recommending vitamin D upper intake levels (UL) of 4,000 IU for those over nine years old.

Diabetes Support has 2000IU of VitaminD3.

Cinnamon is a well-known spice with an extensive history of use as a pungent and sweet flavouring agent. Cinnamon is actually the dried inner bark of various forms of evergreen trees.

New research on this common spice has shown that cinnamon may significantly help people with type 2 (non-insulin dependent) diabetes improve their ability to regulate their blood sugar. One study published in 2009 found that cinnamon taken twice a day for 90 days improved hemoglobin A1C levels — a reflection of average blood sugar level for the past two to three months — in people with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes (hemoglobin A1C levels greater than 7 percent). Data first published New Scientist in August 2000 (3) found that cinnamon improved the ability of fat cells in diabetics to respond to insulin and greatly increased glucose uptake by the cells.In a human clinical trial (4), volunteers with type 2 diabetes were given doses of cinnamon powder, in capsules after meals. All volunteers in the trial responded to the effects of cinnamon with an average blood sugar level of 20% less than the control placebo group, some even achieving normal blood sugar levels.

In addition to the positive effects on blood sugar levels, those taking cinnamon also showed significantly lowered levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL cholesterol.

As with any supplement you should aways consult your healthcare provider. Cinnamon is well tolerated and is considered safe.

Diabetes Support has 1000mg of Cinnamon Bark Powder.

Fish oil is oil derived from the tissues of oily fish. Fish oils contain the omega-3 fatty acidseicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), precursors of eicosanoidsthat are known to reduce inflammation throughout the body, and are thought to have many health benefits. England was the first to produce a variation of oil. This was called cod liver oil. When the cod arrived, the oil oozing out of their livers would be collected and sold.

In the 1700s German researchers began studying cod liver oil for treatment of rheumatic arthritic conditions with noted success. Cod liver oil is high in vitamin D, leading to its early success in treating rickets, a bone condition caused to by vitamin D deficiency. Up until the 1800s cod liver oil was a thick and vile medicine.

Hundreds of studies have been done on fish or fish oils and their role in the prevention or treatment of heart disease. A review in the British Medical Journal recommends fish or fish oil supplements to prevent heart attacks, particularly in people with vascular disease. How omega-3 fats reduce heart disease is not known, but they are known to lower blood triglycerides and blood pressure, prevent clotting, are anti-inflammatory and reduce abnormal heart rhythms.

Recent research found that women living with diabetes who took 3,000 mg of fish oil a day for two months had marked improvements in body fat and blood lipid levels. (This is key, in part due to the connection between diabetes and weight.)

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration classifies intake of up to 3 grams per day of omega-3 fatty acids from fish as GRAS (Generally Regarded as Safe). Very large intakes of fish oil/omega-3 fatty acids may increase the risk of hemorrhagic (bleeding) stroke.

No -- our product is distilled of any PCB and mercury.

Two grams of total Omega3 with EPA = 800mg and DHA= 400mg.