Archive for the ‘Diabetes Control’ Category

Is Diabetes linked to Unhealthy Cholesterol Levels?

April 3, 2013 by · Leave a Comment
Filed under: Diabetes - Did You Know?, Diabetes Control, Diabetes Prevention 

According to the findings of the latest analysis of diabetes, close to 60 percent of the people suffering from diabetes have failed to meet their cholesterol targets even though majority of them have their cholesterol levels being looked into by medical experts at least once every year. As much as a large percentage of people with diabetes are being checked by medical experts, a fairly large number of people are still not able to meet their cholesterol targets. From this, it has become very clear that these medical checkups are not leading to any improved outcomes for majority of the population.

Cholesterol Abnormalities ties to Diabetes
Cholesterol simply refers to a soft waxy substance commonly found in the blood stream and in the body cells. Although it is considered to be important for the overall health of the body, not all cholesterol is good/equal. There is cholesterol that is beneficial to the body and that which causes harm to the body [hence should always be kept at minimum levels]. Cholesterol is linked to diabetes in the sense that people with diabetes are more prone to be affected by the unhealthy cholesterol [bad cholesterol], which is known to be one of the main causes of cardiovascular disease.

Note: choosing to control the cholesterol levels in your body helps you significantly reduce your vulnerability to cardiovascular diseases as well as premature death.

Influence of diabetes to cholesterol
Diabetes has a tendency of lowering the levels of good cholesterol levels while at the same time raising the levels of bad cholesterol and triglyceride. These two collectively increase the risks of heart disease and stroke [a common condition referred to as diabetic dyslipidemia].

This diabetic condition “dyslipidemia” simply means that the lipid profile of your body is headed in the wrong direction. In short, it is simply a combination that ends up putting patients at high risks of suffering from premature coronary heart diseases and atherosclerosis [a condition in which the heart ends up being clogged by fat and other irrelevant substances]. Studies have also proven that there is a link to insulin resistance [a precursor to the common type 2 diabetes as well as diabetic dyslipidemia, blood vessel disease and atherosclerosis etc]. Bad thing is that all the above mentioned conditions are likely to develop way before diabetes itself is diagnosed.

Bottom line
Healthcare professionals and their patients are warned not to be too callous about the cholesterol check [which is amongst the health care essentials] carried out on an annual basis for everyone suffering from diabetes.Good news is, the one year anniversary since the launch of the health care essentials is being used to familiarize people with the dangers of overworking themselves. It has also helped make people emphasize more on the health problems that they identify, especially those related to poor cholesterol control which should promptly be acted upon.

Generally, both people with diabetes and health care professionals should work together to make sure that the annual health check leads to a meaningful action aimed at helping optimize cholesterol levels in the body.

Ways to Prevent Type 2 Diabetes

March 20, 2013 by · Leave a Comment
Filed under: Diabetes Control, Diabetes Prevention 

Type 2 Diabetes is a serious condition – one that is capable of wreaking havoc on your health and lifestyle. Therefore, when you hear that it can be prevented, you take this news as the proverbial silver lining.

Medical experts across the country are united in their opinion that nine out of ten cases of diabetes can be prevented by adopting healthy lifestyle habits; a fact that is borne out by recent studies done on this subject.

For instance, it has been observed that women who were categorized as “low risk” were 90% less likely to have diabetes than other women. Low risk women are those who have maintained optimum body weight (defined by a body mass index of less than 25), exercise at least 30 minutes a day, follow a healthy diet, do not smoke and limit themselves to only 2-3 alcoholic drinks per week. Also, it is no coincidence that men who were excessively overweight, did not exercise, and had a “Western” diet were at high risk of type 2 Diabetes.

What one gathers from this is that making modifications to your existing lifestyle can help you steer clear of diabetes.

So, what are these changes we are talking about? Nothing earth-shattering really, but they are crucial nonetheless. Let’s start with the first one, which would be…EXERCISE.

We all know exercise is beneficial for maintaining overall health and fitness; however, it holds special significance for prevention of type 2 Diabetes. Regular exercise helps maintain optimal muscle function that goes towards improving the body’s sensitivity to insulin. This, in turn, stabilizes your blood glucose levels. In addition, it also improves blood pressure, thereby preventing cardiovascular disease.

On a related note, it is common knowledge that excess weight or obesity can contribute towards development of type 2 Diabetes. Therefore, it stands to reason that shedding pounds and achieving normal body weight would be integral to preventing this condition.

Bear in mind that when we speak of losing weight, we are not referring to building six pack abs or sculpting a perfect body. Losing just 5-7% of your total body weight can delay the onset of type 2 Diabetes and taking just 5 kilos off your body can reduce your chances of getting diabetes by 50%. So, try and get at least half an hour of moderate exercise, five times a week, to stay one step ahead of type 2 Diabetes.

Moving on, the other thing you need to focus on is your diet, starting with reducing the amount of high-sugar foods (carbohydrates) that find their way into it. It is important to avoid simple sugars, since they can get rapidly assimilated into the bloodstream, causing a spike in the amount of insulin being produced by the body. On the other hand, complex starches prove to be a better substitute. Since they take a while to break down, the sugars get absorbed into the bloodstream gradually. This, in turn, produces less insulin.

Next in line is the kind of fat that goes into your diet. While saturated fats can bring about insulin resistance, oleic acid – a type of fat found in olive oil has the opposite effect. That’s why it’s considered to be especially beneficial for diabetics to have meals cooked in olive oil.

While there is no denying that genes play a role in the development of type 2 Diabetes, they come second to lifestyle and behavioral factors. If you can keep excess weight off, follow a healthy style, refrain from drinking and smoking excessively, and exercise regularly, you will be successful in keeping diabetes at bay.

Controlling Diabetes with Insulin: Common FAQs

February 8, 2013 by · Leave a Comment
Filed under: Diabetes - Did You Know?, Diabetes Control 

If you’ve recently been prescribed insulin as part of your diabetic treatment, there must be plenty of questions in your head. On the other hand, you may not even know where to begin or what to ask. Here is a handy list of questions you should quiz your physician on. It will give you a clearer picture of what to expect once your course of insulin begins.

What kind of insulin will I need to use?

There are four basic types of insulin. It’s important to ask your doctor which of them would be best suited to you, given your blood sugar level and the type of diabetes you are suffering from
1. Rapid-acting insulin: Works within a few minutes of being administered but lasts only for a couple of hours.
2. Short-acting insulin: Also known as regular acting insulin, it starts working in about half an hour and keeps you going for 3-6 hours.
3. Intermediate-acting insulin: Once administered, it starts working in 2-4 hours, but its effect lasts up to 18 hours.
4. Long-acting insulin: While it take anywhere from 6-10 hours to take effect, long-acting insulin can last an entire day.

Which delivery method is best for me?

There are four ways in which insulin can be injected into the bloodstream:
a) Syringe
b) Pen
c) Pump
d) Needle-free jet injector

Each method has its own pros and cons – for instance syringes are the most cost-effective option whereas pens are a lot easier to use, but pumps are known to deliver insulin continuously. Ask your doctor about each method in detail and find out which one is covered by your insurance. This will help you reach a final decision.

How often do I have to take an insulin shot?

Patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes may require only one shot of insulin per day, whereas those suffering from type 1 diabetes might need to administer insulin as many as three to four times a day. Ask your doctor how often you will need to take a shot and what the dosage should be like.

When & where am I supposed to take my insulin?

What time of the day a diabetic takes his insulin shot can vary depending on several factors, such as how much exercise he gets, his diet, overall health, the type of insulin he’s taking as well as the delivery system being used. Ask your doctor at what time of the day you are required to take the insulin and what you need to do in case you forget to take your shot.

Where the insulin should be injected is yet another thing to discuss with your doctor. While the most common site for the injection is the abdomen, insulin can also be injected into the thighs, arms or buttocks. The doctor should demonstrate the right way to give an injection and educate you on the importance of rotating the injection site.

What side effects should I watch out for?

The most common side effects associated with insulin are weight gain and low blood sugar. There are others as well which you must ask your brother about. In addition, you should take advice on how to tackle these side effects, if they do manifest themselves.

Once you start taking insulin shots, your life will change in many ways. Asking the right questions will prepare you for these transformations and help you approach them with an educated mind.

Can a Diabetic Have an Occasional Drink?

January 17, 2013 by · Leave a Comment
Filed under: Diabetes Control, Uncategorized 

Not everyone finds abstaining from alcohol to be a huge sacrifice. Yet, there are times when tipping the glass feels almost obligatory, not to mention that there is a growing amount of evidence that a glass of wine may even have health benefits. If you are diabetic, the hype around alcohol consumption may be even more confusing. Do you or don’t you have to eliminate alcohol completely from your diet? What is the rule of thumb for drinking with diabetes?

How alcohol is processed in the body gives some insight into the problems that may exist for those with diabetes. In much the same way that fat is processed, alcohol has similar results, providing almost as many calories. If you have diabetes, it can cause your blood sugar to rise. With that in mind, if you are trying to control you diabetes by monitoring calorie intake, one drink should equal about two fat exchanges.

Of course, if your blood sugar is already high, you should wait to indulge in a drink until you have it under control. Also, if you are overweight or are dealing with high blood pressure or high cholesterol, you may want to sacrifice the drink. Check with your doctor for the best advice in that case.

A few other things to remember:
• Alcohol can cause blood sugar levels to rise, but too much alcohol can have the opposite effect.
• Beer and sweet wine have more carbohydrates. They could cause blood sugar to rise.
• Alcohol is an appetite stimulant. Beware or you may find yourself also fighting the urge to consume more calories.
• Alcohol can interfere with the positive benefits of prescribed medications.

Having said all of the above, it is appropriate to add that drinking no more than two drinks a day may be tolerated by some diabetics. Make sure to eat something along with the drink. Don’t drink too quickly. Sugary drinks, like mixed drinks or sweet wines should be avoided.

More importantly, if you have been diagnosed with diabetes, it is of the utmost importance that you work with your doctor to develop a treatment and management plan for reaching your best outcomes. Diabetes should be taken seriously.

Diabetes Diet Plan: What to Eat and Not to Eat

October 25, 2012 by · Leave a Comment
Filed under: Diabetes - Did You Know?, Diabetes and Diet, Diabetes Control 

Protein vs. carbs

Protein vs. carbs

When someone is diagnosed with diabetes or told that he is at risk, the first thought that is bound to run through his mind is “I will no longer be able to eat normally.” The common notion is that sugars must be avoided at all costs and desserts must be given up completely. Your previous diet gets replaced by a strict, merciless regimen and your whole life is spent keeping a sharp eye on what you put into your body.

While it is true that diet modification is required to prevent or control diabetes, the notion that this medical condition will cripple your entire life is nothing more than a misconception. And, this article aims at busting some of the more common myths surrounding this topic. So, let’s get started, shall we?

Carbohydrates are An Absolute No-no!

The average diabetic believes that carbohydrates should be stricken completely off the list. However, few people know that carbohydrates, or “carbs” as they are popularly referred to, are integral to a healthy diet for diabetic patients.

Apart from being the primary source of energy, carbs contain essential nutrients, such as minerals, vitamins, and fiber. For this reason, instead of abstaining from them altogether, a better thing to do would be to choose healthier carbs, such as the ones you find in whole foods and high fiber fruit and vegetables.

Diet for Diabetics should be High in Proteins

Since most diabetic patients cut down on carbohydrates, they turn to proteins as a source of energy. However, this can be counter-productive for them. Studies show that having a protein-rich diet can cause insulin resistance, a factor that could aggravate the condition further. For this reason, a healthy diet, especially for people with diabetes, should derive only 15-20% of its calories from proteins, and no more.

Your Favorite Foods are Completely off the List

Abstinence seems to be the defining characteristic of a diet for people with diabetes. The general idea is that anything you may have loved eating becomes the forbidden fruit and gets crossed off your diet chart. This isn’t necessarily so.

While you are not allowed to give in to your indulgences, there is no reason really why you should give up having what you like as long as it is in moderation. For instance, you could reduce the portion of your favorite dessert or use it as a reward for following your meal plan regularly.

Life for people with diabetes is not easy. Constant vigilance is required to keep their sugar levels in check. That said, it’s important to investigate the scientific validity of dietary ideas that one comes across these days. And the best way to do that is to consult a trusted medical practitioner or a qualified nutritionist.

Living with Diabetes: Maintaining a Healthy Circulation

October 22, 2012 by · Leave a Comment
Filed under: Diabetes - Did You Know?, Diabetes Control, Diabetes Prevention, Living with Diabetes 

People living with diabetes need to pay special attention to the health of their circulatory systems, taking conscious efforts to reduce the risks of circulation problems or, in worst case scenarios, cardiovascular disease or stroke. Poor circulation affects the whole body from the feet to the nervous system, and is the reason why over 50 per cent of amputations performed in North America are due to diabetes complications. Maintaining a healthy circulation is the most important preventative measure a patient of diabetes can take to keep their condition stable. Keep reading below to learn more about the effect diabetes has on the circulatory system, and the steps you can take to keep it in shape.

How Does Diabetes Cause Poor Circulation?
Diabetes is often associated with other health problems such as high blood pressure and high levels of glucose and cholesterol. All of these maladies create a massive strain on the heart and arteries which in turn slows down the function of a healthy circulatory system. Once the arteries become damaged they are unable to properly circulate blood away from the heart to where it needs to be. This is the reason why so many diabetics face leg amputations or blindness; the delicate arteries have been damaged to a point where they are starting to affect major blood vessels that serve to carry blood flow from the heart to the periphery of the body.

Steps You Can Take to Prevent Circulation Problems
Quit smoking – smoking has hardens the arteries over time and is a proven cause of poor circulation in diabetics and non-diabetics alike. Diabetics who smoke should quit immediate for the sake of their health and quality of life: not only will circulation improve, so will respiratory health and general mobility. You’ll also save money, which you can spend on a circulation-improving massage.

Exercise – Exercise is the most effective way to get the blood flowing and improve circulation. Aerobic exercises such as jogging, walking and cycling will immediately improve blood flow to the legs and feet. The Canadian Diabetic Association recommends at least 150 minutes of aerobic exercise per week, and to never let more than two days go by without any physical activity.

Watch Cholesterol, Glucose Levels – Talk to your doctor about keeping your blood glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol levels at healthy levels. Eat a diet low in salt, fat and sugar and high in whole grains and vegetables.

Improving blood circulation for those people can sometimes be accomplished by always taking medications on time. People with diabetes mellitus also take certain medications such as generic Glucophage to keep the blood sugar levels under control.

How Sweet it is – a New Sugar for Diabetics

October 3, 2012 by · Leave a Comment
Filed under: Diabetes and Diet, Diabetes Control, Diabetic Recipes 

Apple Berry Crisp Recipe from Lisa

Coconut Palm Sugar has been making headlines lately as a low glycemic alternative to cane sugar. This delicious sweetener has been used in traditional Southeast Asian cuisine for thousands of years but is a relative newcomer to the US market. It has been touted as nutrient rich (yes you read that correctly) natural sweetener with an extremely low glycemic index in comparison with traditional sugars such as white and brown sugar. This is great news for diabetics who need to manage their blood glucose levels. A new medication, Januvia is a once-daily pill prescribed to treat diabetes and lower blood sugar level.

Coconut Palm Sugar has a Glycemic Index (GI) rating of 35 whereas cane sugars, both brown and white have a GI rating of 68. Coconut Palm Sugar’s Glycemic Index even measures lower than agave nectar at 42, and honey at 55! Coconut Palm Sugar is also said to be high in Potassium, Magnesium, Zinc and Iron as well as B-Vitamins 1, 2, 3 and 6. Compared with brown sugar, Coconut Palm Sugar has 36 times more iron, 4 times more magnesium, and over 10 times the amount of zinc!

While it shouldn’t be considered a “health food” per se, it is a healthier alternative to traditional sweeteners and a more natural alternative to artificial sweeteners such as sucralose. Its slow energy release also makes it a great alternative for diabetics who would like to enjoy an occasional sweet treat. Coconut Palm Sugar is produced from the sap of flower buds cut from a coconut palm tree. The sap is collected and then heated to evaporate its moisture content. It is then further reduced to create crystals, and then packaged and sold in small bags at your local health food store or natural grocery store. It can even be found in the natural foods section of some larger grocery store chains.

It is similar in appearance to brown sugar but has a much more complex taste. It has been described as tasting similar to brown sugar but with a slight caramel or butterscotch flavor. It’s warm, rich flavor tastes great as a sweetener in coffee or tea, and can be used as a one to one replacement for both white and brown sugar in recipes. Its granulated crystals are quite large, but it can be powdered down in a blender or food processor when a more delicate sugar is needed.

Lisa’s Coconut Palm Sugar, Apple Berry Crisp
Filling:
2 baking apples, peeled, cored and sliced thin
3 cups of mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries, black berries), fresh or frozen
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 teaspoons cinnamon

Topping:
1 ½ cups rolled oats (not quick cooking)
½ cup all purpose flour
½ cup coconut palm sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup butter softened (can be replaced with coconut oil for a healthier alternative)
Pinch of salt

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Place all filling ingredients into an 11 x 7 inch pan. Gently stir to combine.

In a medium mixing bowl add rolled oats, flour, coconut palm sugar, cinnamon and salt. Stir to combine. Add vanilla extract and then butter using a fork or your hands to combine. Crumble topping evenly over filling.

Bake for 40 minutes until the filling is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.

Enjoy warm from the oven.

Stress Affects Diabetes in 3 Ways

August 15, 2012 by · Leave a Comment
Filed under: Diabetes - Did You Know?, Diabetes Control 

Eating right and getting your body in motion every day are pillars of any program for managing diabetes or losing weight. A third element that may be just as important is getting a handle on stress.

Research is now beginning to reveal just how important stress management is when it comes to diabetes. One study, at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina, found that when people used easy relaxation techniques, they dropped their A1C numbers (an indication of blood sugar levels over a period of several months) significantly. In fact, about a third of the volunteers lowered their A1C levels by one percent or more after a year—an effect on a par with that of diabetes drugs. And those results were beyond what they gained through diet and exercise.

Here are three ways that stress can impact your diabetes, and how to keep it in check.

1. Stress hormones raise blood sugar

2. Stress contributes to insulin resistance

3. Stress leads to weight gain

One example of stress management technique is deep breathing, which is known to help people align their physical and mental states. Your doctor may prescribe certain antidepressants and diabetes medications for you to help relieve from stress and diabetes, such as generic Lexapro 20mg and generic Actos 45mg.

To read the full article, click here.

Surgery May Reverse Effects of Diabetes

March 30, 2012 by · Leave a Comment
Filed under: Buy Lantus, Diabetes and Weight Management, Diabetes Control, Diabetes Research and News, Diabetic Treatment 
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Two new studies have been published stating that gastric bypass surgery may be a useful new tool in diabetes treatment. The results of the two studies show that the surgery drastically reduces the symptoms of diabetes, or in some patients, it disappears altogether. Doctors are unsure why exactly this surgery works so well for Type 2 diabetes sufferers, but some believe it is due to hormone changes. This surgery is only available for diabetic patients with a body mass index of 35 or higher.

A typical woman has a body mass index between 19 and 25. According to researchers on the study, one diabetic woman who underwent the surgery now only uses 10 milligrams of insulin per day; she was taking nine times that pre-surgery. Unfortunately gastric bypass surgery doesn’t have the same effect on Type 1 diabetics. This is due to their fundamental differences. Type 1 diabetes is caused by an autoimmune disorder, whereas type 2 is generally a complication of obesity. While the pounds melt off, so do the symptoms of diabetes.

Gastric bypass surgery uses a band to segregate the stomach into two pouches. The doctors then reattach the small intestine to the upper half of the stomach, which is now significantly smaller. Bariatric surgeons typically only perform this type of surgery on someone who is morbidly obese, which is a body mass index or 40 or more. They will also perform gastric bypass on a patient with a body mass index of 35, if they also have a ‘co-morbid condition’ such as diabetes.

If you are not currently accepted for this type of surgery, you will have to control your diabetes using long acting insulins such as Lantus or Levemir. We recommend that you buy anti-diabetes medications online, at a Canadian pharmacy. This will significantly reduce the financial burden caused by a long term disease such as diabetes.

To see the original release, click here.

Steps to Healthy Diabetic Feet

March 12, 2012 by · Leave a Comment
Filed under: Diabetes Control, Diabetes Foot Care, Diabetic Neuropathy 
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As most diabetics know, the onset set of diabetic neuropathy usually starts in the extremities, particularly the feet. Neuropathy occurs when a diabetic’s high blood sugar breaks down nerves and blood vessels in the body. The feet are most often affected, as they have many tiny bloody vessels, a large nerve network, and are the farthest from the heart, therefore receiving less blood than other areas. Neuropathy often results in ulcers or a loss of feeling in the feet. This can cause permanent damage, and sometimes even requires amputation to maintain overall health. Therefore, it is incredibly important to maintain your diabetes, and keep a close eye on your feet.

Step 1: Listen to your doctor – This means maintaining communication with them, and actually doing what they ask you to do. Diabetes is a difficult condition, but it can be easier with new treatments such as Bydureon and Trajenta. Maintaining a good level of blood glucose is important for your overall health, and helps prevent the breakdown of important nerves and blood vessels.

Step 2: Daily checks – Just like looking for a breast lump, daily checks are necessary to catch a problem early. Check for sores, infected toenails, and red spots. Use a mirror if you have a hard time bending down. Another important fact is how fast cuts heal. Talk to your doctor if a cut hasn’t starting healing after a day.

Step 3: Proper Shoes – Shoes with a supportive sole and a breathable shell are extremely important for a diabetic. Both of these factors help to maintain good circulation in your feet, and make exercising much easier. Remember that good shoes will also wear out after a time, so periodically check the height of the insoles, and the overall condition of the shoe. If you notice that these things are lacking, invest in new shoes. You will notice a positive difference.

Step 4: Temperature Control – Step 3 and step 4 go hand in hand, it is important, when exercising, or when sedentary, to control the temperature of your feet. Since you may not be able to feel in, touch your feet with your hands every couple of hours yto make sure they are not overheated or exceptionally warm. Both of these extreme can lead to more nerve breakdown.

Step 5: Keep Them in Motion – Remember to wiggle your toes throughout the day; particularly ladies who wear tight shoes to work. You want to maintain good circulation, so try not to cross your legs for too long, and when you’re relaxing on the couch, put your feet up.

Step one is truly the most important of these, as only your doctor will be able to help you accurately maintain your blood glucose levels in order to keep you’re the healthiest, and stave off neuropathy. If your doctor tells you to buy Trajenta or any other diabetes medications, consider Big Mountain Drugs, a Canadian online pharmacy which offers significantly discounted medications, in order to keep you on the best medications without impacting you financially.

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