Does soda or soft drink cause diabetes? Diabetes is caused by wrong food consumption and the body’s processing of sugar. It is not a disease that comes from nowhere. Soda and sugar manufacturers deny the association of sodas with diabetes since the disease is a complex one and it has no single cause nor a single solution. Let us take a look further.
A soda or soft drink, with its non-natural sugar content that is high-concentrated has always been one of the suspects of causing diabetes. As there are no studies that prove this, people can be confused on what really is the real score. Diabetics want to know as well since sodas are already part of the modern day lifestyle.
High-Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS)
Nature provides us with sugar which usually goes with minerals that help the body avoid heart disease and diabetes. However, high-fructose corn syrup or HFCS, which are in soft drinks or sodas, do not have the natural minerals. HFCS are not natural and do not have fibre nor phytonutrients that come from plants. They can be harmful to the body as they may contribute to some deficiencies and diseases.
Sugar in sodas
Studies reveal that people who regularly drink soft drink are 25 percent more likely to have type 2 diabetes than those who do not. Sodas which are sugar-sweetened with HFCS are big contributors to weight gain. As we know, weight gain if left unchecked can lead to overweight, then obesity and eventually type 2 diabetes.
Sweetened drinks like sodas can be consumed in large quantities quickly, resulting to a fast absorption of the body of its sugar content. Have a frequency of this and it shall lead to inflammation, insulin resistance and even hypertension – cases that forerun diabetes. The sugar in HFCS are found as more risky than other sugars. Therefore sodas or soft drinks can indirectly result to more belly fat than others. Belly fat is associated with cardiovascular problems and hypertension as well.
People love to drink sweetened beverages, exposing them to more risks. Frank Hu, an epidemiology and nutrition professor of Harvard said in a study that sweetened drinks consumption in the United States increases to about 142 calories a day from the late 1970s to 2006. It used to be just 65 calories a day. Consumption of sweetened drinks has something to do with diabetes, he said.
Soda consumption can be safer if it is less, and that physical activity with healthy diet prevails. However, for diabetics, they are usually advised to avoid them, or consult their doctor for the right consumption.
What about diet soda?
As for diet soft drinks, they can be good substitutes of the regular ones. No studies have proved that they are harmful or have contributed to disease like diabetes. Many studies do not link diet sodas to diabetes but some experts, as usual, advise diabetics for moderate drinking and further recommend that water is the best and safest beverage there is.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Caring for a Diabetic – Help Them Help Themselves
Caring for a diabetic is important and can greatly help them deal with their illness. Having diabetes and undergoing treatment cannot take the illness away immediately. It is usually a long-term dealing though it can be possibly managed. Diabetics are required to pay constant attention to good healthy food, treatment and physical activity. These things they can do with the help of our support and care.
Getting tired of diabetes
Caring for a diabetic can help the patient manage their illness easily. Diabetics can get tired of managing diabetes. As they are required to continuously watch over their diet, lifestyle and medication; they can sometimes get tired of doing so. To keep them do what they are supposed to do which can be long-term, they should be constantly stay motivated so as to be able to move on, even with the disease.
When diabetics are burnt out, they get go on ignoring their responsibilities and what are required of them for a period of time. This time, the diabetic is reluctant to change or simply sees managing diabetes as tiresome.
Ignoring diabetes for one who has it can be a dangerous decision. Show that you are caring for them by helping them be reminded that such action can lead to fatal routines such as eating the wrong food and getting overweight – contributors of high blood sugar levels. There are ways to avoid diabetics from getting into this scenario of their lives and save themselves from fatal complications.
Motivation
Diabetics usually get frustrated when they do not hit the target blood sugar levels, despite the best efforts they give. You can give them support by motivating them to keep trying. It is also important to note that their blood sugar levels target need not be “perfect” as this can stress them out. Let them allow their bodies for some glucose fluctuations without stress and the reward will come in the long run. Caring for a diabetic is to help them help themselves and this requires a lot of self-love and motivation.
Other issues affecting diabetics
Help the patients with diabetes identify other issues of their personal lives that may contribute to their reluctance to managing their illness. Caring for themselves can be a burden if they have other issues to deal with. Let the patient address these issues with your active involvement as much as possible. For example, if going to the gym for exercise is difficult, let them consider buying some exercise equipments such as treadmill for their homes. The budget for paying the gym for the whole year might be enough to buy a treadmill.
Caring for a diabetic by helping and giving support
Let the patient open up about his diabetes, as it can be easier to manage with other people’s help and support. You can help him by counting carbohydrates and calories together, watching the foods to take, getting involved with physical activities and remind him of medication or treatment.
As no man is an island, a diabetes patient definitely needs your help in dealing with the illness. With you around who are willing to give help and support, he will not feel left out in facing his predicament. The care that you give can motivate him to take good care of himself, because some people care and that it would hurt them if he hurts himself.
Getting tired of diabetes
Caring for a diabetic can help the patient manage their illness easily. Diabetics can get tired of managing diabetes. As they are required to continuously watch over their diet, lifestyle and medication; they can sometimes get tired of doing so. To keep them do what they are supposed to do which can be long-term, they should be constantly stay motivated so as to be able to move on, even with the disease.
When diabetics are burnt out, they get go on ignoring their responsibilities and what are required of them for a period of time. This time, the diabetic is reluctant to change or simply sees managing diabetes as tiresome.
Ignoring diabetes for one who has it can be a dangerous decision. Show that you are caring for them by helping them be reminded that such action can lead to fatal routines such as eating the wrong food and getting overweight – contributors of high blood sugar levels. There are ways to avoid diabetics from getting into this scenario of their lives and save themselves from fatal complications.
Motivation
Diabetics usually get frustrated when they do not hit the target blood sugar levels, despite the best efforts they give. You can give them support by motivating them to keep trying. It is also important to note that their blood sugar levels target need not be “perfect” as this can stress them out. Let them allow their bodies for some glucose fluctuations without stress and the reward will come in the long run. Caring for a diabetic is to help them help themselves and this requires a lot of self-love and motivation.
Other issues affecting diabetics
Help the patients with diabetes identify other issues of their personal lives that may contribute to their reluctance to managing their illness. Caring for themselves can be a burden if they have other issues to deal with. Let the patient address these issues with your active involvement as much as possible. For example, if going to the gym for exercise is difficult, let them consider buying some exercise equipments such as treadmill for their homes. The budget for paying the gym for the whole year might be enough to buy a treadmill.
Caring for a diabetic by helping and giving support
Let the patient open up about his diabetes, as it can be easier to manage with other people’s help and support. You can help him by counting carbohydrates and calories together, watching the foods to take, getting involved with physical activities and remind him of medication or treatment.
As no man is an island, a diabetes patient definitely needs your help in dealing with the illness. With you around who are willing to give help and support, he will not feel left out in facing his predicament. The care that you give can motivate him to take good care of himself, because some people care and that it would hurt them if he hurts himself.
Dealing with Pre-diabetes or Metabolic Syndrome Issues
Pre-diabetes has become one of the biggest epidemics of the world. It is the condition when blood sugar is higher than normal, but lower still to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes. Also known as metabolic syndrome, insulin-resistance syndrome or syndrome X, pre-diabetes affects a lot of people who, when not aware that they have it, can full blow to diabetes.
Pre-diabetes signs and symptoms
Metabolic syndrome which has pre-diabetes with it comes with signs and symptoms. Having a fat belly can be a big sign to pre-diabetes; the bigger your belly the bigger the risk of having pre-diabetes. Other signs are high blood pressure and high levels of insulin, blood sugar, triglyceride (blood fats) but lower levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL or good cholesterol). High insulin levels generally means insulin resistance or intolerance of glucose already starts to occur and this hinders the body to use insulin properly for burning carbohydrates and sugars.
Our lifestyle
Metabolic syndrome, is a result of taking too many simple carbohydrates and sugar. Unfortunately, our lifestyle today offers a lot of these ingredients that come in handy with our times . These are contributing factors to pre-diabetes or metabolic syndrome - soft drinks, fruit juice, fast-food meals, buns and fries are examples. Plus, an abundance of desserts, candy bars, pizza, pasta, bread and many more which are absorbed by our bodies very fast, eventually increasing blood sugar and insulin levels. Our bodies, if used to dealing with high insulin shall become insulin resistant and this scenario is already diabetes.
Taking too much simple carbs and sugar is not good for the liver as well. The liver, which works with the pancreas to regulate blood sugar, can become so fatty that it malfunctions and becomes insulin resistant itself.
What you can do
Pre-diabetes, means you are about to have real diabetes, but still have a big chance not to have it. Pre-diabetes and metabolic syndrome can be managed. For example, if you have abdominal obesity or have a fat belly, you can do something to reduce the size of your belly.
A lot of people who have been diagnosed with pre-diabetes and advised to lose pounds did it through better diet, physical activity and prevented diabetes from happening forever. It is because the symptoms and signs of pre-diabetes will correct when there are good changes in the person’s diet and physical activities.
How to deal with pre-diabetes? As any health professional shall advice: have a healthy diet and lifestyle, pre-diabetic or not.
Pre-diabetes signs and symptoms
Metabolic syndrome which has pre-diabetes with it comes with signs and symptoms. Having a fat belly can be a big sign to pre-diabetes; the bigger your belly the bigger the risk of having pre-diabetes. Other signs are high blood pressure and high levels of insulin, blood sugar, triglyceride (blood fats) but lower levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL or good cholesterol). High insulin levels generally means insulin resistance or intolerance of glucose already starts to occur and this hinders the body to use insulin properly for burning carbohydrates and sugars.
Our lifestyle
Metabolic syndrome, is a result of taking too many simple carbohydrates and sugar. Unfortunately, our lifestyle today offers a lot of these ingredients that come in handy with our times . These are contributing factors to pre-diabetes or metabolic syndrome - soft drinks, fruit juice, fast-food meals, buns and fries are examples. Plus, an abundance of desserts, candy bars, pizza, pasta, bread and many more which are absorbed by our bodies very fast, eventually increasing blood sugar and insulin levels. Our bodies, if used to dealing with high insulin shall become insulin resistant and this scenario is already diabetes.
Taking too much simple carbs and sugar is not good for the liver as well. The liver, which works with the pancreas to regulate blood sugar, can become so fatty that it malfunctions and becomes insulin resistant itself.
What you can do
Pre-diabetes, means you are about to have real diabetes, but still have a big chance not to have it. Pre-diabetes and metabolic syndrome can be managed. For example, if you have abdominal obesity or have a fat belly, you can do something to reduce the size of your belly.
A lot of people who have been diagnosed with pre-diabetes and advised to lose pounds did it through better diet, physical activity and prevented diabetes from happening forever. It is because the symptoms and signs of pre-diabetes will correct when there are good changes in the person’s diet and physical activities.
How to deal with pre-diabetes? As any health professional shall advice: have a healthy diet and lifestyle, pre-diabetic or not.
Vegetarian Diet and Diabetes
Vegetarian diet can cure diabetes? Well, vegetables – known as the ever-healthy food recommended by many; friend of those who even have illnesses. For diabetes, why not have a vegetarian diet once and for all? In the first place, vegetables have all the nutrients and vitamins that the body needs, which cannot affect any illness there is.
Adapting a vegetarian diet cannot cure diabetes; but it definitely can help diabetics control their weight , reduce the risk of complications and can lead to the body’s response to insulin.
Types of vegetarians and their diet
There is no such thing as a single vegetarian eating diet. However, vegetarians usually fall into the following three categories – vegans, lacto-vegetarians and lacto-ovo vegetarians.
Vegans are vegetarians who only eat foods that are plant-based. They do not eat foods from animals like meat, fish, poultry, cheese, eggs and even milk. Lacto-vegetarians are those vegetarians that eat plant-based foods, plus milk and milk products. They however do not eat meat, eggs, poultry and fish.
Lacto-ovo vegetarians are those who eat plant-based foods, milk and milk products plus eggs. Lacto-ovo vegetarians do not include fish, red meat and poultry in their diet.
Vegetarian diet
A vegetarian diet brings in benefits to those with diabetes depending on the food choices included on it. Generally, it promotes healthy weight (since they are low in calories), lowers body mass index (BMI), keeps blood sugar at safe levels, increases the body’s insulin response and reduces diabetes complications as well as cardiovascular diseases. As we know, cardiovascular problems can be one of the deadly diabetes complications.
If you are planning to switch on vegetarian diet, you are on the right track. To make your eating adjustments easier, you may also consult your dietitian. Though a vegetarian diet cannot cure diabetes, it is very helpful in staying healthy amidst diabetes.
A vegetarian diet? By all means, go ahead!
Adapting a vegetarian diet cannot cure diabetes; but it definitely can help diabetics control their weight , reduce the risk of complications and can lead to the body’s response to insulin.
Types of vegetarians and their diet
There is no such thing as a single vegetarian eating diet. However, vegetarians usually fall into the following three categories – vegans, lacto-vegetarians and lacto-ovo vegetarians.
Vegans are vegetarians who only eat foods that are plant-based. They do not eat foods from animals like meat, fish, poultry, cheese, eggs and even milk. Lacto-vegetarians are those vegetarians that eat plant-based foods, plus milk and milk products. They however do not eat meat, eggs, poultry and fish.
Lacto-ovo vegetarians are those who eat plant-based foods, milk and milk products plus eggs. Lacto-ovo vegetarians do not include fish, red meat and poultry in their diet.
Vegetarian diet
A vegetarian diet brings in benefits to those with diabetes depending on the food choices included on it. Generally, it promotes healthy weight (since they are low in calories), lowers body mass index (BMI), keeps blood sugar at safe levels, increases the body’s insulin response and reduces diabetes complications as well as cardiovascular diseases. As we know, cardiovascular problems can be one of the deadly diabetes complications.
If you are planning to switch on vegetarian diet, you are on the right track. To make your eating adjustments easier, you may also consult your dietitian. Though a vegetarian diet cannot cure diabetes, it is very helpful in staying healthy amidst diabetes.
A vegetarian diet? By all means, go ahead!
The Yummy Pizza – Good for Diabetics?
People need to know if pizza is good for diabetics. Choosing the food to eat is normal for them as they have a role to play and not depend on medication alone. Diabetes means changes in food intake and lifestyle in order to live healthier and longer.
Pizza is one of the most common foods that are loved and craved by many, even by diabetics. Like any other food however, patients with diabetes should know its nutritional content before incorporating it to their healthier diet.
Nutritional content
A pizza has vegetables and cheese, and these are healthy. However, do not forget that pizza has also crust, which is actually its foundation. Crust is bread; bread is carbohydrates and carbohydrate is sugar. Basically, carbohydrates and its finished product sugar, is good, as it fuels the body for energy. Take note that converting sugar into the body’s energy fuel can have lapses if the person has diabetes. That is why bread should be taken in normal or moderate quantity.
Carbohydrates and pizza crust
Most diabetics are oriented about carbohydrates.There are two type of carbohydrates – simple and complex. Simple carbohydrates are processed easily by the body’s digestive system. Though the body can use them as energy faster, they can also accumulate fat storage faster (sugar can be converted to fats), which when not utilized or burned up, can be unhealthy. Complex carbohydrates take time to process, but are used up by the body. Thus, the sugar from complex carbohydrates that are converted to fat cannot be stored in large quantity.
In short, complex carbohydrates are healthier than simple carbohydrates. For diabetics, it is better for them to avoid simple carbohydrates and go for complex instead. Unfortunately, the carbohydrates in crusts of pizza are simple carbohydrates, and they are not good for diabetics.
Simple carbohydrates are contained in pizza dough, and these simple carbohydrates produce sugar that can adversely affect blood sugar which can contribute to diabetes. Furthermore, pizza has tomato sauce, an ingredient that also has sugars. Sugar is something that diabetics have to carefully watch in the first place.
You still can enjoy pizza
Hey! It is not the end of the topic. Diabetes people can eat pizza, even with type 2. Once in a while, you can enjoy few slices of it. Take note, just a few slices though and rarely. Do not eat a whole medium-sized in one setting. All it takes is just discipline and self-control... even with your favourite pizza!
Pizza is one of the most common foods that are loved and craved by many, even by diabetics. Like any other food however, patients with diabetes should know its nutritional content before incorporating it to their healthier diet.
Nutritional content
A pizza has vegetables and cheese, and these are healthy. However, do not forget that pizza has also crust, which is actually its foundation. Crust is bread; bread is carbohydrates and carbohydrate is sugar. Basically, carbohydrates and its finished product sugar, is good, as it fuels the body for energy. Take note that converting sugar into the body’s energy fuel can have lapses if the person has diabetes. That is why bread should be taken in normal or moderate quantity.
Carbohydrates and pizza crust
Most diabetics are oriented about carbohydrates.There are two type of carbohydrates – simple and complex. Simple carbohydrates are processed easily by the body’s digestive system. Though the body can use them as energy faster, they can also accumulate fat storage faster (sugar can be converted to fats), which when not utilized or burned up, can be unhealthy. Complex carbohydrates take time to process, but are used up by the body. Thus, the sugar from complex carbohydrates that are converted to fat cannot be stored in large quantity.
In short, complex carbohydrates are healthier than simple carbohydrates. For diabetics, it is better for them to avoid simple carbohydrates and go for complex instead. Unfortunately, the carbohydrates in crusts of pizza are simple carbohydrates, and they are not good for diabetics.
Simple carbohydrates are contained in pizza dough, and these simple carbohydrates produce sugar that can adversely affect blood sugar which can contribute to diabetes. Furthermore, pizza has tomato sauce, an ingredient that also has sugars. Sugar is something that diabetics have to carefully watch in the first place.
You still can enjoy pizza
Hey! It is not the end of the topic. Diabetes people can eat pizza, even with type 2. Once in a while, you can enjoy few slices of it. Take note, just a few slices though and rarely. Do not eat a whole medium-sized in one setting. All it takes is just discipline and self-control... even with your favourite pizza!
Insulin Gives Weight Gain
Patients especially diabetics who take insulin can gain weight. With diabetes, eating much food without taking insulin does not affect you much since the body does not properly use the food. However, when insulin is taken, more glucose go to the blood and the excess can accumulate and eventually become fats. The result is weight gain.
Insulin and weight gain generally go together. When insulin is working, the body starts to properly use the food so that you may actually just need less food than you think. That is why, there should be some adjustments to be made in the quantity of food you take and in the physical activities that you do.
Managing weight gain
Taking insulin can result to weight gain, but the good news is you can still be in control. Avoid weight gain by adjusting the food portions that you take. Take healthy food and have a lot of physical activities every day. These can help you avoid unwanted weight gain.
Less calories and portion sizes
Watch more on your calories and when food portion sizes when you are taking insulin to avoid weight gain. Counting calories can be a lot of help. It is very effective in avoiding weight gain; much more, if you are taking insulin. Help yourself out. Have only vegetables, fruits and grains on your refrigerator. Trim the portion sizes of your food and stick only to water beverage. It is even much better to design a good diet plan with your dietitian.
Breakfast
When you think skipping breakfast can save you from weight gain, you are wrong. Skipping a meal may slow down your metabolism and lead to gaining weight. So never skip a meal, especially breakfast. Reducing your calories intake is not a good reason to avoid breakfast. Insulin and calories do contribute to weight gain. Thus, it is best to spread your calories throughout the day and it can help steady your metabolism.
Physical activity
Becoming physically active helps you get fit. It helps move the sugar in your blood into your cells and burn your calories as well. That is why, physically active people usually have safer blood sugar levels. Experts recommend 2.5 hours physical activity weekly to get its health benefits. Examples are biking, walking and swimming. If you are diabetic, ask your doctor for recommendations.
Most people wonder why they gain weight when they start to take insulin. You can actually avoid it by making adjustments yourself, without jeopardizing your insulin intake.
Insulin and weight gain generally go together. When insulin is working, the body starts to properly use the food so that you may actually just need less food than you think. That is why, there should be some adjustments to be made in the quantity of food you take and in the physical activities that you do.
Managing weight gain
Taking insulin can result to weight gain, but the good news is you can still be in control. Avoid weight gain by adjusting the food portions that you take. Take healthy food and have a lot of physical activities every day. These can help you avoid unwanted weight gain.
Less calories and portion sizes
Watch more on your calories and when food portion sizes when you are taking insulin to avoid weight gain. Counting calories can be a lot of help. It is very effective in avoiding weight gain; much more, if you are taking insulin. Help yourself out. Have only vegetables, fruits and grains on your refrigerator. Trim the portion sizes of your food and stick only to water beverage. It is even much better to design a good diet plan with your dietitian.
Breakfast
When you think skipping breakfast can save you from weight gain, you are wrong. Skipping a meal may slow down your metabolism and lead to gaining weight. So never skip a meal, especially breakfast. Reducing your calories intake is not a good reason to avoid breakfast. Insulin and calories do contribute to weight gain. Thus, it is best to spread your calories throughout the day and it can help steady your metabolism.
Physical activity
Becoming physically active helps you get fit. It helps move the sugar in your blood into your cells and burn your calories as well. That is why, physically active people usually have safer blood sugar levels. Experts recommend 2.5 hours physical activity weekly to get its health benefits. Examples are biking, walking and swimming. If you are diabetic, ask your doctor for recommendations.
Most people wonder why they gain weight when they start to take insulin. You can actually avoid it by making adjustments yourself, without jeopardizing your insulin intake.
Feeding Your Cell Membrane to Cure Diabetes
How is diabetes and cell membrane connected? Practically, food can help cure diabetes. It is the determining factor of the fluctuation of blood sugar. Many people are fortunate enough to hit the right food and the proper timing to correct the illness. Food can also be used to target the body’s cell membrane to cure diabetes. It is worthwhile to know how diabetes and the cell membranes are connected.
Cell membranes
One of the main reasons why type 2 diabetes occurs is because the cell membranes are not doing their jobs well. The cell membrane encloses the cells of our body, and talking about cells, there are trillions of them within us. Every cell is enclosed by a cell membrane so they can be protected of the things that go in and out of the cells. Insulin, which is a hormone, acts like a doorman of the cell membrane. It escorts the good stuff to go inside the cell, and ensure that the bad stuff does not go in.
When the cell membranes are injured and do not respond to the insulin properly, they become “insulin resistant”, meaning these cell membranes do not listen to insulin anymore and allows or disallows any stuff to come in to the cells. This is when pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes occurs.
Blood glucose
The main purpose of we humans taking food is to have energy for our body. Food is processed inside the body, becomes sugar and is absorbed into the cells by passing through the cell membranes with the guidance of insulin. There inside the cell, the glucose becomes the cell’s fuel to produce energy for the body so that humans like you and me, can talk, walk, run and do physical activities.
However, when this purpose is not achieved, that is when glucose does not go inside the cell for fuel and because of problems occurring in the cell membranes themselves, thus leading to diabetes. Then the essence of eating food becomes useless. Furthermore, the blood glucose stays in the blood and becomes accumulated, making your blood sugar levels soar and diabetes to occur.
Trans body fats
Damage of the cell membranes is caused by food that the person eats. Foods like trans fats can make someone insulin resistant. However, there are a lot of foods available anywhere that are not good for our cell membranes. Trans fats for example make food industry entrepreneurs gain more profit because they have long shelf-life and are easy to handle.
Fortunately, our body cells are continually repaired or replaced, so you will eventually have healthy cell membranes and avoid diabetes. That is, if you quit on taking trans fats and other foods that are not healthy. Switch to shrimp, omega-3 like fish, grass fed beef, eggs, chickens and green leafy vegetables and you will have new healthy “insulin non-resistant” cell membranes once again, and cure your diabetes.
Cell membranes
One of the main reasons why type 2 diabetes occurs is because the cell membranes are not doing their jobs well. The cell membrane encloses the cells of our body, and talking about cells, there are trillions of them within us. Every cell is enclosed by a cell membrane so they can be protected of the things that go in and out of the cells. Insulin, which is a hormone, acts like a doorman of the cell membrane. It escorts the good stuff to go inside the cell, and ensure that the bad stuff does not go in.
When the cell membranes are injured and do not respond to the insulin properly, they become “insulin resistant”, meaning these cell membranes do not listen to insulin anymore and allows or disallows any stuff to come in to the cells. This is when pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes occurs.
Blood glucose
The main purpose of we humans taking food is to have energy for our body. Food is processed inside the body, becomes sugar and is absorbed into the cells by passing through the cell membranes with the guidance of insulin. There inside the cell, the glucose becomes the cell’s fuel to produce energy for the body so that humans like you and me, can talk, walk, run and do physical activities.
However, when this purpose is not achieved, that is when glucose does not go inside the cell for fuel and because of problems occurring in the cell membranes themselves, thus leading to diabetes. Then the essence of eating food becomes useless. Furthermore, the blood glucose stays in the blood and becomes accumulated, making your blood sugar levels soar and diabetes to occur.
Trans body fats
Damage of the cell membranes is caused by food that the person eats. Foods like trans fats can make someone insulin resistant. However, there are a lot of foods available anywhere that are not good for our cell membranes. Trans fats for example make food industry entrepreneurs gain more profit because they have long shelf-life and are easy to handle.
Fortunately, our body cells are continually repaired or replaced, so you will eventually have healthy cell membranes and avoid diabetes. That is, if you quit on taking trans fats and other foods that are not healthy. Switch to shrimp, omega-3 like fish, grass fed beef, eggs, chickens and green leafy vegetables and you will have new healthy “insulin non-resistant” cell membranes once again, and cure your diabetes.
Managing Diabetes and Work
The presence of diabetes among people is never a hindrance to pursue a personal financial goal and move on with a career or profession. However, can diabetes affect a person’s ability to work? Should there be certain tasks that a diabetic should not take responsibility of?
Just like normal people
People with diabetes can do almost any work that people without diabetes can do. There are many diabetic patients who excel in athletics and sports than those with no diabetes at all. There are a lot of people with diabetes who are successful being professional football players, baseball players or there are those who succeed in politics, entertainment, business and in their chosen field of endeavor. Their routine of blood testing and insulin taking does not disqualify them from practicing their career nor stop them from pursuing their personal goals.
Diabetics at work
People with diabetes can work as normally as ordinary people. The additional thing though that is added in their daily routines are the required blood testing, administer insulin or watch their carbs and other food they take. These are diabetes management at work.
Some people who have the illness are comfortable to tell their co-workers, others select who to tell and others do not tell at all. There are times that somebody in the workplace know that you have diabetes in case low blood glucose strikes, and that they can take help if needed.
Diabetes should not be a hindrance in performing the tasks at work. In fact, a lot of diabetics render good job performances and are promoted to top levels of management.
Law restrictions
There are some government laws that put restrictions to people with illness like diabetics not to perform other tasks that can cause adverse effects on some people and properties. For example, patients with diabetes cannot do works like being a commercial airline pilot, or commercial or public vehicle drivers or long distance trucks or bus drivers.
It can also be advisable to let the employer know about diabetes either before or while he is employed. This should not put some biases in treating the employee, but it is essential for his health. There might be some heavy tasks to be assigned to the diabetic at work that is not favorable for his illness like constant overtime work that can lead him to over fatigue.
Just like normal people
People with diabetes can do almost any work that people without diabetes can do. There are many diabetic patients who excel in athletics and sports than those with no diabetes at all. There are a lot of people with diabetes who are successful being professional football players, baseball players or there are those who succeed in politics, entertainment, business and in their chosen field of endeavor. Their routine of blood testing and insulin taking does not disqualify them from practicing their career nor stop them from pursuing their personal goals.
Diabetics at work
People with diabetes can work as normally as ordinary people. The additional thing though that is added in their daily routines are the required blood testing, administer insulin or watch their carbs and other food they take. These are diabetes management at work.
Some people who have the illness are comfortable to tell their co-workers, others select who to tell and others do not tell at all. There are times that somebody in the workplace know that you have diabetes in case low blood glucose strikes, and that they can take help if needed.
Diabetes should not be a hindrance in performing the tasks at work. In fact, a lot of diabetics render good job performances and are promoted to top levels of management.
Law restrictions
There are some government laws that put restrictions to people with illness like diabetics not to perform other tasks that can cause adverse effects on some people and properties. For example, patients with diabetes cannot do works like being a commercial airline pilot, or commercial or public vehicle drivers or long distance trucks or bus drivers.
It can also be advisable to let the employer know about diabetes either before or while he is employed. This should not put some biases in treating the employee, but it is essential for his health. There might be some heavy tasks to be assigned to the diabetic at work that is not favorable for his illness like constant overtime work that can lead him to over fatigue.
Food Portions: Practice Portion Control for Better Health
For effective diabetes management, be aware of the exact food portions in order to properly practice portion control for better health…even with diabetes.
It is worth it to take time and consider food portions in order to come up not only with better nutrition, but also with portion control. Food is usually dear and near our hearts. We can be passionate about food, but we know that all good things must have limits, including the food we love.
As human beings, we want to find fast and easy ways to get what we want such as a magic diet plan or tablet that can dissolve the fats we take, without making changes on our eating habits. We think that a low-fat bite-size food can be taken in more quantities because they contain low fat. Wrong! Amount of portion matters. A low-fat food shall become more fat if taken in more quantities. That is why, considering food portions is important to apply portion control.
Carbohydrates
One serving of carbohydrate is 15 grams of carbohydrates. Four carbohydrates servings is equivalent to 1,500 calorie diet. One cup of rice or pasta is equal to 45 grams of carbohydrates. It is important to know the carbohydrate or calorie content of food so as to know how much is already taken. As a rule of thumb, the fist of an average man is equal to 1 and 2/3 cup of portion size; while an average woman’s fist is equivalent to 1 cup portion size.
Patients with diabetes should develop the skills of knowing portion sizes and taking control in order to better control blood sugars. Food portion size awareness is a good skill to balance diabetes management through portion control. Two servings of carbohydrates is 15 grams of carbohydrates, 3 servings is 30, 4 servings is 45 and so on. Start digging out your measuring cups and food scales to determine portion sizing.
It is worth it to take time and consider food portions in order to come up not only with better nutrition, but also with portion control. Food is usually dear and near our hearts. We can be passionate about food, but we know that all good things must have limits, including the food we love.
As human beings, we want to find fast and easy ways to get what we want such as a magic diet plan or tablet that can dissolve the fats we take, without making changes on our eating habits. We think that a low-fat bite-size food can be taken in more quantities because they contain low fat. Wrong! Amount of portion matters. A low-fat food shall become more fat if taken in more quantities. That is why, considering food portions is important to apply portion control.
Carbohydrates
One serving of carbohydrate is 15 grams of carbohydrates. Four carbohydrates servings is equivalent to 1,500 calorie diet. One cup of rice or pasta is equal to 45 grams of carbohydrates. It is important to know the carbohydrate or calorie content of food so as to know how much is already taken. As a rule of thumb, the fist of an average man is equal to 1 and 2/3 cup of portion size; while an average woman’s fist is equivalent to 1 cup portion size.
Patients with diabetes should develop the skills of knowing portion sizes and taking control in order to better control blood sugars. Food portion size awareness is a good skill to balance diabetes management through portion control. Two servings of carbohydrates is 15 grams of carbohydrates, 3 servings is 30, 4 servings is 45 and so on. Start digging out your measuring cups and food scales to determine portion sizing.
Increasing Insulin Production for Diabetes Management
Specifically for type 1 diabetes where insulin is deficient, to increase insulin production is vital in order to have better health and diabetes management.
For type 1 diabetes, increasing insulin production in the pancreas is the key to diabetes management or to heal the illness. While for type 2 diabetics, reducing insulin resistance or making the body respond to insulin is a way to solve the diabetes problem. The good news is there are ways to do these naturally, preferably with diet and exercise.
Diabetes has become one of the main causes of death in the United States. People begin to take it seriously. Many have been educating themselves with diabetes for good reasons and internet blogs about diabetes are often visited.
Red cherries and other foods for diabetes management
Unfortunately, there are few foods that can help increase production of insulin. One of these are red cherries. Red cherries contain anthocyanin, a chemical that can increase insulin production by about 50 percent, thus helping in diabetes management. However, with sugar content in cherries, eating a lot of them does not expedite decrease of blood sugar. A cherry extract can be enough.
Also take foods with fiber, Alpha-Lipoic Acid ( ALA especially found in flaxseeds), citrus peel extract and cinnamon. They can also help support management of insulin. Remember though that eating these foods alone may not be enough. Squeeze in physical activities such as exercise to pair with your healthy diet for your insulin to be more manageable, and give you more healthy years.
Living with diabetes can be normal and fine as long as you take the responsibility of finding ways to increase insulin production for good diabetes management. It is worth the try as you age gracefully. Insulin production is a thing that medical science is still finding ways to understand more. Thus, just do your part and live a healthy life with safe lifestyle and diet.
For type 1 diabetes, increasing insulin production in the pancreas is the key to diabetes management or to heal the illness. While for type 2 diabetics, reducing insulin resistance or making the body respond to insulin is a way to solve the diabetes problem. The good news is there are ways to do these naturally, preferably with diet and exercise.
Diabetes has become one of the main causes of death in the United States. People begin to take it seriously. Many have been educating themselves with diabetes for good reasons and internet blogs about diabetes are often visited.
Red cherries and other foods for diabetes management
Unfortunately, there are few foods that can help increase production of insulin. One of these are red cherries. Red cherries contain anthocyanin, a chemical that can increase insulin production by about 50 percent, thus helping in diabetes management. However, with sugar content in cherries, eating a lot of them does not expedite decrease of blood sugar. A cherry extract can be enough.
Also take foods with fiber, Alpha-Lipoic Acid ( ALA especially found in flaxseeds), citrus peel extract and cinnamon. They can also help support management of insulin. Remember though that eating these foods alone may not be enough. Squeeze in physical activities such as exercise to pair with your healthy diet for your insulin to be more manageable, and give you more healthy years.
Living with diabetes can be normal and fine as long as you take the responsibility of finding ways to increase insulin production for good diabetes management. It is worth the try as you age gracefully. Insulin production is a thing that medical science is still finding ways to understand more. Thus, just do your part and live a healthy life with safe lifestyle and diet.
The Amazing Vitamin K and Blood Sugar
Researches gave a stunning discovery that vitamin K maybe one of the vitamins that can help regularte blood sugar. It is an anti-aging vitamin that is most extraordinary that has powers that no other vitamin can offer.
Vitamin K is a very exciting anti-aging vitamin that comes from green vegetables. It helps regulate blood sugar and in general, makes blood coagulate. That itself is a big deal. Vitamin K may even help prevent osteoporosis and heart disease from happening. It is stronger than vitamin E and antioxidant. It is predicted that vitamin K maybe the future cure for some types of cancer and Alzheimer’s disease.
Arteriosclerosis and aging
Arteriosclerosis is hardened artery, and its main cause is aging (it does not have to do with cholesterol). Bad arteries already killed a lot of people in the United States and arteriosclerosis leads to stroke and heart attack. An artery is like an inner tube with built-in muscles that send blood through by contracting. When the artery is hard, it cannot contract, as it does not have muscle tone anymore.
Vitamin K protects the heart
Experiments showed that Vitamin K not only helps regulate blood sugar but this amazing vitamin also helps reduce the amount of calcium in the aorta to reduce its calcification. Arteries calcify as a person gets older. Bones do calcify too, and they are threats to health. People with calcified or hardened aorta are at 7 times of higher risk of heart attack and dying. Calcification is equally dangerous as fatty build-up. Bones need the calcium, but the arteries cannot stand them. Vitamin K regulates calcium by keeping them in the bones but getting it out from the arteries. It indirectly prevents osteoporosis and heart attack.
Vitamin K on blood sugar
Vitamin K helps regulate blood sugar. It is found to be abundant in the pancreas. Studies found that deficiency of vitamin K in the pancreas impedes glucose clearance, thus results to releasing of much insulin, and eventually diabetes.
It will take a whole new webpage to talk about the amazing effects and powers that vitamin K can bring to humans. Again, good sources of vitamin K are green leafy vegetables like lettuce with vegetable oils following as the second good source.
Vitamin K is a very exciting anti-aging vitamin that comes from green vegetables. It helps regulate blood sugar and in general, makes blood coagulate. That itself is a big deal. Vitamin K may even help prevent osteoporosis and heart disease from happening. It is stronger than vitamin E and antioxidant. It is predicted that vitamin K maybe the future cure for some types of cancer and Alzheimer’s disease.
Arteriosclerosis and aging
Arteriosclerosis is hardened artery, and its main cause is aging (it does not have to do with cholesterol). Bad arteries already killed a lot of people in the United States and arteriosclerosis leads to stroke and heart attack. An artery is like an inner tube with built-in muscles that send blood through by contracting. When the artery is hard, it cannot contract, as it does not have muscle tone anymore.
Vitamin K protects the heart
Experiments showed that Vitamin K not only helps regulate blood sugar but this amazing vitamin also helps reduce the amount of calcium in the aorta to reduce its calcification. Arteries calcify as a person gets older. Bones do calcify too, and they are threats to health. People with calcified or hardened aorta are at 7 times of higher risk of heart attack and dying. Calcification is equally dangerous as fatty build-up. Bones need the calcium, but the arteries cannot stand them. Vitamin K regulates calcium by keeping them in the bones but getting it out from the arteries. It indirectly prevents osteoporosis and heart attack.
Vitamin K on blood sugar
Vitamin K helps regulate blood sugar. It is found to be abundant in the pancreas. Studies found that deficiency of vitamin K in the pancreas impedes glucose clearance, thus results to releasing of much insulin, and eventually diabetes.
It will take a whole new webpage to talk about the amazing effects and powers that vitamin K can bring to humans. Again, good sources of vitamin K are green leafy vegetables like lettuce with vegetable oils following as the second good source.
Live Longer with Insulin Resistance Reduction
Diabetics can live longer but the first thing they have to do is make insulin resistance reduction to make insulin work on their body, and have normal glucose levels in the blood.
Live longer by knowing ways to insulin resistance reduction. Insulin resistance is the root cause of type 2 diabetes. There are ways that can help reverse insulin resistance without medication. You can do this with also the intention of reducing insulin levels, decrease blood sugar and increase insulin sensitivity.
A high-intensity exercise that lasts for 15 minutes is enough to reduce sugar levels in the blood. Do it 3 days a week for two weeks and the risk of diabetes is reduced at the same time.
Fiber can help reduce insulin production for those who have high insulin levels. Actually increasing or reducing insulin production can be done through diet alone.
Citrus peel extract which contains polymethoxylated flavones (PMFs) can be of help for diabetics to live longer by giving the benefits of insulin resistance reduction.
Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA) has a basic role in the conversion of glucose to energy. Insulin
activity which is ALA stimulated stabilizes and lowers glucose levels. Flaxseed is a good source for ALA and about 1.6 grams of flaxseed is required to get 600 mg of ALA.
Have low-glycemic-index food diets as they can help increase insulin sensitivity and the regulation of glucose metabolism can be improved. Take the chromium mineral as it plays an important role in glucose metabolism and decrease insulin resistance by guiding the glucose from the bloodstream to the cells. Sources of chromium are turkey, ham, grape juice, various bread and whole grain cereals.
Aerobics and resistance trainings can improve sensitivity to insulin. Exercise is one key for anyone to live longer by giving insulin resistance reduction. This is because these trainings help increase muscle density and lost abdominal subcutaneous. Yoga can also help lower insulin and blood glucose levels specifically asanas and meditation which help make patients relax.
Sleeping habits can contribute to insulin resistance too as restorative, deep or slow-wave sleep helps regulate blood sugar. Enough sleep is good for everyone. Lack of sleep for many nights increase the risk for type 2 diabetes.
Live longer by knowing ways to insulin resistance reduction. Insulin resistance is the root cause of type 2 diabetes. There are ways that can help reverse insulin resistance without medication. You can do this with also the intention of reducing insulin levels, decrease blood sugar and increase insulin sensitivity.
A high-intensity exercise that lasts for 15 minutes is enough to reduce sugar levels in the blood. Do it 3 days a week for two weeks and the risk of diabetes is reduced at the same time.
Fiber can help reduce insulin production for those who have high insulin levels. Actually increasing or reducing insulin production can be done through diet alone.
Citrus peel extract which contains polymethoxylated flavones (PMFs) can be of help for diabetics to live longer by giving the benefits of insulin resistance reduction.
Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA) has a basic role in the conversion of glucose to energy. Insulin
activity which is ALA stimulated stabilizes and lowers glucose levels. Flaxseed is a good source for ALA and about 1.6 grams of flaxseed is required to get 600 mg of ALA.
Have low-glycemic-index food diets as they can help increase insulin sensitivity and the regulation of glucose metabolism can be improved. Take the chromium mineral as it plays an important role in glucose metabolism and decrease insulin resistance by guiding the glucose from the bloodstream to the cells. Sources of chromium are turkey, ham, grape juice, various bread and whole grain cereals.
Aerobics and resistance trainings can improve sensitivity to insulin. Exercise is one key for anyone to live longer by giving insulin resistance reduction. This is because these trainings help increase muscle density and lost abdominal subcutaneous. Yoga can also help lower insulin and blood glucose levels specifically asanas and meditation which help make patients relax.
Sleeping habits can contribute to insulin resistance too as restorative, deep or slow-wave sleep helps regulate blood sugar. Enough sleep is good for everyone. Lack of sleep for many nights increase the risk for type 2 diabetes.
Centenarians: Living Up To 100 Years Old
Centenarian is the term for a person who has lived up to 100 years old. Do you want to be a Centenarian? Learn it from them.
To become a Centenarian or live to 100 years old with the fountain of youth might just be a myth but with modern medicine and today’s healthcare, living long is attainable. It is predicted that by 2050, there will be an estimated 1 million centenarians in America and you might already be on your way to be one of them.
Dan Buettner, author of the book “The Blue Zones” specified places in the world where Centenarians abound. Okinawa, Japan is one of these places. He presented their lifestyles and characteristics that contributed to their long lives.
Centenarians live an active life that keeps them moving. They are physically and mentally active. Moving does not mean exercise, you can do walking, swimming, golfing, etc. To be a Centenarian and live to 100 years old, make sure to have stretching programs for flexibility, do weight-lifting for muscle-building and for staying away from osteoporosis.
Stay married. Studies found that married people live longer than single ones. Though jokes said that it seems longer for married people, yet it really can help.
Maintain a healthy weight. Overweight limits the chances to live long and can make life’s journey slow and painful.
Drink moderately or better, do not drink at all. Smoking is also a no-no.
Good genes matter. Long life runs in the blood though environmental factors also counts. If your folks live long, your chances of living longer are higher too.
De-stress yourself
or live a worry-free life.Centenarians live simply without or less stress to they reach to be 100 years olds. Unnecessary stress shortens life. Find a meaningful, satisfying work to enjoy life. If you already retire, do something that gives your time value and purpose. Establish good relationships with loved ones and friends. This can be easier said than done but this is a big help.
Live simply. Some people who live simply find some fancy clothes as itchy and money as a burden.
Avoid depressing or boring people. Do not indulge on negative things or upsetting events. Negatives thoughts and feelings can activate physical responses like adrenaline secretion, that for many years can take a toll on the body. Being positive in attitude and personality can make you be a Centenarian to live longer to 100 years old. Life is too short. Have fun and get going.
Join activities that make your brain works and put you to social interaction such as chess, educational courses, music, micromanaging the lives of your children and many more.
Though some centenarians were not able to avoid illnesses such as hear diseases and cancer that usually plague them as they get older, many can also bounce back effectively.
To become a Centenarian or live to 100 years old with the fountain of youth might just be a myth but with modern medicine and today’s healthcare, living long is attainable. It is predicted that by 2050, there will be an estimated 1 million centenarians in America and you might already be on your way to be one of them.
Dan Buettner, author of the book “The Blue Zones” specified places in the world where Centenarians abound. Okinawa, Japan is one of these places. He presented their lifestyles and characteristics that contributed to their long lives.
Centenarians live an active life that keeps them moving. They are physically and mentally active. Moving does not mean exercise, you can do walking, swimming, golfing, etc. To be a Centenarian and live to 100 years old, make sure to have stretching programs for flexibility, do weight-lifting for muscle-building and for staying away from osteoporosis.
Stay married. Studies found that married people live longer than single ones. Though jokes said that it seems longer for married people, yet it really can help.
Maintain a healthy weight. Overweight limits the chances to live long and can make life’s journey slow and painful.
Drink moderately or better, do not drink at all. Smoking is also a no-no.
Good genes matter. Long life runs in the blood though environmental factors also counts. If your folks live long, your chances of living longer are higher too.
De-stress yourself
or live a worry-free life.Centenarians live simply without or less stress to they reach to be 100 years olds. Unnecessary stress shortens life. Find a meaningful, satisfying work to enjoy life. If you already retire, do something that gives your time value and purpose. Establish good relationships with loved ones and friends. This can be easier said than done but this is a big help.
Live simply. Some people who live simply find some fancy clothes as itchy and money as a burden.
Avoid depressing or boring people. Do not indulge on negative things or upsetting events. Negatives thoughts and feelings can activate physical responses like adrenaline secretion, that for many years can take a toll on the body. Being positive in attitude and personality can make you be a Centenarian to live longer to 100 years old. Life is too short. Have fun and get going.
Join activities that make your brain works and put you to social interaction such as chess, educational courses, music, micromanaging the lives of your children and many more.
Though some centenarians were not able to avoid illnesses such as hear diseases and cancer that usually plague them as they get older, many can also bounce back effectively.
Exercise to Burn Fats
Exercise to burn fats is one of the major reasons why people exercise in the first place. Fats are intended to be burned or their stay in the body can threat one’s health.
Exercise in order for the body to burn fats. As we know, it is not good for fats to remain in the body. They need to be burned or consumed through exercise.
Eating has been proven as something that can affect changes to the blood immediately. That is why blood tests are conducted right after eating or with fasting because of the changes food intake cause to the blood. Food can even have fast effect on the blood of people who have heart conditions.
Exercise after eating
As to eating fats, you can simply make up with your body by doing some moderate or light exercise after eating to avoid the harm it can bring your body to. Walking after taking a high-fat food is highly-recommended. In fact, exercise after eating especially to burn fats can make someone live longer. Exercise after a high-fat meal can reverse the damage fatty foods can do to arteries, according to a study in Europe.
Taking a high-fat meal can make the arteries of a healthy person look like he has a heart disease. After exercising, the arteries become healthy and normal again. Researchers say that we just basically need a 45-minute relaxing walk after eating and that is already enough. It can even minimize your death risk to about 19 percent. Light to moderate exercise maintains healthy blood sugar levels and helps prevent resistance to insulin.
Important notes
If you do cardio workouts or exercise to burn fats and lose weigh in fat, you may wait for at least an hour to eat after the workout. This allows your body to burn the glycogen in your muscles. This is the reason why some people do cardio in the morning before eating anything to popup blood sugar.
If you are on weight workouts, then you should eat beforehand to have blood sugar that fuels your muscle to do lifting of heavy weights.
Exercise in order for the body to burn fats. As we know, it is not good for fats to remain in the body. They need to be burned or consumed through exercise.
Eating has been proven as something that can affect changes to the blood immediately. That is why blood tests are conducted right after eating or with fasting because of the changes food intake cause to the blood. Food can even have fast effect on the blood of people who have heart conditions.
Exercise after eating
As to eating fats, you can simply make up with your body by doing some moderate or light exercise after eating to avoid the harm it can bring your body to. Walking after taking a high-fat food is highly-recommended. In fact, exercise after eating especially to burn fats can make someone live longer. Exercise after a high-fat meal can reverse the damage fatty foods can do to arteries, according to a study in Europe.
Taking a high-fat meal can make the arteries of a healthy person look like he has a heart disease. After exercising, the arteries become healthy and normal again. Researchers say that we just basically need a 45-minute relaxing walk after eating and that is already enough. It can even minimize your death risk to about 19 percent. Light to moderate exercise maintains healthy blood sugar levels and helps prevent resistance to insulin.
Important notes
If you do cardio workouts or exercise to burn fats and lose weigh in fat, you may wait for at least an hour to eat after the workout. This allows your body to burn the glycogen in your muscles. This is the reason why some people do cardio in the morning before eating anything to popup blood sugar.
If you are on weight workouts, then you should eat beforehand to have blood sugar that fuels your muscle to do lifting of heavy weights.
Behavioral Changes in Diabetics
As diabetes is a manageable disease, it cannot be so for those who unwelcome behavioral changes especially for diabetics who have attitude problems. Thus, it is important to learn what these behavioral changes are and how to help patients with diabetes to cope with them.
Behavioral changes happen to diabetics. Patients with diabetes are at the forefront of managing their illness well and good enough. If they themselves do not have the self-drive to do it, it can be very detrimental to them. Motivated diabetics find it easier to take a healthy diet, live a healthy lifestyle and always keep blood sugar at safe levels.
Even those at diabetes medical management, find it fit and effective to suit the treatment and medication according to the patient’s current behavioral change. That is why, it is important to know these behavioral changes in diabetics and how to address them.
Stages of Change
Researchers found that there are stages in the change of behavior on people with diabetes. Most common stage of behavioral changes among diabetics are: pre-contemplation, contemplation, preparation, action and maintenance.
Pre-contemplation is when the patient does not intend to do any change such as not intending to reduce the intake of fats and calories to adjust himself to the diabetes illness. Contemplation is when the patient starts to change to achieve a certain goal in the next few months, say six months; but not in the next few days such as the next 30 days. At this stage, his willingness to change can already be gradual, not immediate and quick.
Preparation is when the patient already intends to make a change in the near future and is taking preparation for that change. The goal though for this stage of behavioral change in diabetics is for the immediate future and not long-term. Action is when already has made changes in the past six months for example. Maintenance is that his behavior already is ready for reaching goals for the next say, six months or longer.
Behavioral changes happen to diabetics. Patients with diabetes are at the forefront of managing their illness well and good enough. If they themselves do not have the self-drive to do it, it can be very detrimental to them. Motivated diabetics find it easier to take a healthy diet, live a healthy lifestyle and always keep blood sugar at safe levels.
Even those at diabetes medical management, find it fit and effective to suit the treatment and medication according to the patient’s current behavioral change. That is why, it is important to know these behavioral changes in diabetics and how to address them.
Stages of Change
Researchers found that there are stages in the change of behavior on people with diabetes. Most common stage of behavioral changes among diabetics are: pre-contemplation, contemplation, preparation, action and maintenance.
Pre-contemplation is when the patient does not intend to do any change such as not intending to reduce the intake of fats and calories to adjust himself to the diabetes illness. Contemplation is when the patient starts to change to achieve a certain goal in the next few months, say six months; but not in the next few days such as the next 30 days. At this stage, his willingness to change can already be gradual, not immediate and quick.
Preparation is when the patient already intends to make a change in the near future and is taking preparation for that change. The goal though for this stage of behavioral change in diabetics is for the immediate future and not long-term. Action is when already has made changes in the past six months for example. Maintenance is that his behavior already is ready for reaching goals for the next say, six months or longer.
Downsides of Dieting
When you start to watch what you eat, in order to achieve the ideal weight, dieting is good. However, dieting has its downsides too and these can be detrimental to our body and wealth. That is why, we need to watch out and be careful.
If you happen to love food, then it is not good to go on dieting. That is one major downside. One of the biggest pitfalls when it comes to dieting is the difficulty of sticking with it. Restrictions can create longing and some diet ingredients are difficult to obtain. When dieting requires a lot of sacrifice and difficulties, then it is hard to stick to it.
Dieting
Hearing the word “dieting” can make us feel guilty sometimes. Many of us want to achieve the ideal weight and if we still do not have it, we wish to loss the extra and unwanted body weight. Many are stuck to various weight-loss diets that either worked or just do not produce the expected weight loss, and that is quite a downside already. There are a lot of diet or weight-loss products that promise effective results but still they make us go to weight regain again, which is common after weight loss anyway. Weight regain even occurs to diets which are nutritionally balanced.
Unhealthy facts
If you eat little, your body will think that you are starving, so it slows down metabolism in order to protect itself. Slow metabolism can make you fat instead. Dieting can lead to unhealthiness, bad relationship with food and worse, malnutrition. In some cases, dieting can even cause death. Quick diets promise fast weight loss, but it only eliminates less. Diets that only allow 500 calories a day will rid you of energy – an adverse downside. Diets offered by magazines that make use of sugar substitutes do not cure an eating lifestyle that is already unhealthy.
Lifestyle and behavioral changes
Long-term lifestyle and behavioral changes are keys to keeping an ideal weight. Many have lose weight for a short period of time only, and regain weight since they are not able to incorporate the lifestyle into their daily lives. Seemingly small accomplishments can be inspiring – losing and maintaining weight, maintaining exercise, healthier eating and positive lifestyle.
If you happen to love food, then it is not good to go on dieting. That is one major downside. One of the biggest pitfalls when it comes to dieting is the difficulty of sticking with it. Restrictions can create longing and some diet ingredients are difficult to obtain. When dieting requires a lot of sacrifice and difficulties, then it is hard to stick to it.
Dieting
Hearing the word “dieting” can make us feel guilty sometimes. Many of us want to achieve the ideal weight and if we still do not have it, we wish to loss the extra and unwanted body weight. Many are stuck to various weight-loss diets that either worked or just do not produce the expected weight loss, and that is quite a downside already. There are a lot of diet or weight-loss products that promise effective results but still they make us go to weight regain again, which is common after weight loss anyway. Weight regain even occurs to diets which are nutritionally balanced.
Unhealthy facts
If you eat little, your body will think that you are starving, so it slows down metabolism in order to protect itself. Slow metabolism can make you fat instead. Dieting can lead to unhealthiness, bad relationship with food and worse, malnutrition. In some cases, dieting can even cause death. Quick diets promise fast weight loss, but it only eliminates less. Diets that only allow 500 calories a day will rid you of energy – an adverse downside. Diets offered by magazines that make use of sugar substitutes do not cure an eating lifestyle that is already unhealthy.
Lifestyle and behavioral changes
Long-term lifestyle and behavioral changes are keys to keeping an ideal weight. Many have lose weight for a short period of time only, and regain weight since they are not able to incorporate the lifestyle into their daily lives. Seemingly small accomplishments can be inspiring – losing and maintaining weight, maintaining exercise, healthier eating and positive lifestyle.
Facts About Diabetes Treatment
Diabetes which is characterized by much sugar in the blood has ways or treatments which major goal is to reduce blood sugar, but not too low because that is equally damaging - just within healthy range. Some of these are exercise, diabetic diet and weight reduction. However, if these do not achieve its goal of maintaining healthy blood glucose levels, oral medication is another option; and so is insulin pump or shot.
Diabetes is a controllable disease. It can be managed with the right diet, lifestyle and treatment. Diabetes diet plan is ideally a nutritious, balanced diet which is low in simple sugars, fat and cholesterol. The needed calories for the day are equally divided into three meals. Exercise and reduction of weight are also important since it helps increase the sensitivity of the body towards insulin, or it helps the body listen to insulin. Therefore, it is one of the most important factors of controlling the rise of blood sugar.
The main purpose of diabetes medication
While medications for both type 1 and type 2 diabetes are also aimed to increase insulin production in the pancreas, medications intended for type 2 diabetes are designed as treatments to increase the cells insulin sensitivity, decrease the amount of glucose that the liver releases and decrease the carbohydrates digestion and absorption from the intestine by slowing down the process of emptying the stomach.
To choose medication for type 2 diabetes, one should consider the change in the blood sugar, cholesterol and high blood pressure, therapy contradictions and whatever adverse effects it can bring. Timing, cost and the patient’s healthcare system are also important factors to consider.
For treatment, it is best to choose drugs for diabetes which can provide more benefits, e.g. lowers blood glucose and beneficially affect cholesterol as well. It is important to know that cost of treatment is practically small as compared to the cost of coping with long-term diabetes complications resulting to non-treatment or poorly controlled diabetes.
It is essential for diabetic patients to work closely with their doctors when it comes to medications in order to minimize the risks. As medications and treatment continue to increase, treatment can be tailored according to the patient’s needs since not all drugs suit a patient, and not all patients benefit from every medication. Your medications can also be adjusted according to the physical activities and exercise you regularly do.
As one with diabetes, you should learn to watch your diet, monitor your blood sugar and administer insulin shots yourself if you are taking insulin and seeing your doctor regularly.
Steroids
Some steroids can cause diabetes. Having them as treatment, they can also counteract with the production of insulin in the pancreas, by making the latter work harder and produce more insulin to normalize blood sugar levels. However, the pancreas cannot handle the stress brought by the steroids so shall not be able to its job anymore. Not all people who take steroids will get diabetes. However, diabetes will result to people taking steroids for long and of high doses, have diabetes in the family history and are overweight. If you are taking steroids, help yourself not to get into diabetes with regular exercise, healthy diet and weight. Fortunately, once the use of steroids is stopped, the problem with getting into diabetes also stops.
Great hope
With all the ways and diabetes treatment available, diabetics can live happily and normally if they already instilled in them the healthy habits of managing the illness…and complications can never come. One thing that diabetics should not forget – diabetes control always starts with proper diet and exercise, regardless of any medication or treatment taken.
Diabetes is a controllable disease. It can be managed with the right diet, lifestyle and treatment. Diabetes diet plan is ideally a nutritious, balanced diet which is low in simple sugars, fat and cholesterol. The needed calories for the day are equally divided into three meals. Exercise and reduction of weight are also important since it helps increase the sensitivity of the body towards insulin, or it helps the body listen to insulin. Therefore, it is one of the most important factors of controlling the rise of blood sugar.
The main purpose of diabetes medication
While medications for both type 1 and type 2 diabetes are also aimed to increase insulin production in the pancreas, medications intended for type 2 diabetes are designed as treatments to increase the cells insulin sensitivity, decrease the amount of glucose that the liver releases and decrease the carbohydrates digestion and absorption from the intestine by slowing down the process of emptying the stomach.
To choose medication for type 2 diabetes, one should consider the change in the blood sugar, cholesterol and high blood pressure, therapy contradictions and whatever adverse effects it can bring. Timing, cost and the patient’s healthcare system are also important factors to consider.
For treatment, it is best to choose drugs for diabetes which can provide more benefits, e.g. lowers blood glucose and beneficially affect cholesterol as well. It is important to know that cost of treatment is practically small as compared to the cost of coping with long-term diabetes complications resulting to non-treatment or poorly controlled diabetes.
It is essential for diabetic patients to work closely with their doctors when it comes to medications in order to minimize the risks. As medications and treatment continue to increase, treatment can be tailored according to the patient’s needs since not all drugs suit a patient, and not all patients benefit from every medication. Your medications can also be adjusted according to the physical activities and exercise you regularly do.
As one with diabetes, you should learn to watch your diet, monitor your blood sugar and administer insulin shots yourself if you are taking insulin and seeing your doctor regularly.
Steroids
Some steroids can cause diabetes. Having them as treatment, they can also counteract with the production of insulin in the pancreas, by making the latter work harder and produce more insulin to normalize blood sugar levels. However, the pancreas cannot handle the stress brought by the steroids so shall not be able to its job anymore. Not all people who take steroids will get diabetes. However, diabetes will result to people taking steroids for long and of high doses, have diabetes in the family history and are overweight. If you are taking steroids, help yourself not to get into diabetes with regular exercise, healthy diet and weight. Fortunately, once the use of steroids is stopped, the problem with getting into diabetes also stops.
Great hope
With all the ways and diabetes treatment available, diabetics can live happily and normally if they already instilled in them the healthy habits of managing the illness…and complications can never come. One thing that diabetics should not forget – diabetes control always starts with proper diet and exercise, regardless of any medication or treatment taken.
The Boney Issue of Diabetes
Some disorders in the body’s various bones and bone joints are associated with diabetes. The cause is unclear so far but contributors are diabetic neuropathy, obesity and arterial disease.
Diabetes affects even the strongest and hardest part of the body – the bones. Bones and bone joints are damaged because of diabetes complication. Some symptoms maybe felt through tingling, numbness or sensation loss in the affected joints. These affected joints can become swollen, unstable and even deformed.
Here are some of the commonly-known bone disorders:
Osteoporosis
In osteoporosis, the bones are weakened and tend to fracture easily. This is painful and can cause disability. Osteoporosis may not show symptoms at early stages, but eventually it can lead to stooping thus, reduction in the height and fractures of wrists, backbones and other bones. This usually happens to patients with type 1 diabetes since their bone density is low.
Charcot's joints
Also known as neuropathic joint disease, Charcot’s (shahr-KO) joint affects about 15% of diabetes patients, usually type 1. The main injury is in the feet bone joints which are weakened due to nerve damage. The collapse of bone structures leads to deformities. The joints can become unstable and swollen and result to numbness, tingling, open wound and deformities in ankle or foot.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a problem in the joint when the joint cartilage degenerates. This affects any body part and usually happens to type 2 diabetics since this is frequently associated with overweight and obesity. The extra body weight can strain the joints that result to degeneration. This can be painful and swelling can take place as well as stiffness and less flexibility.
Cheiroarthropathy
Diabetes can also cause cheiroarthropathy, also known as diabetic hand syndrome which affects the bones in the hands and fingers. This disorder occurs when the skin on the hands appears thick and waxy which eventually limits any finger movement. This usually happens to people having diabetes for so long albeit the cause of this is not known yet.
DISH
Also called Forestier disease, Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis (DISH), is when ligaments and tendons are hardened and affect the spine. These result to pain, decreased range of motion and stiffness in the affected parts. This usually happens to type 2 diabetics.
Dupuytren contracture
Dupuytren contracture is a deformity wherein connective tissues in the palm of the fingers and hand are scarred and thickened, so any finger shall bend to the direction of the palm. This usually happens to those who have diabetes for a long time and maybe caused by diabetes-related metabolic changes. This starts with thickening of the palm skin in the hand and the patient shall not be able to straighten any of his finger fully.
Frozen shoulder
Frozen shoulder is when the range of motion is limited and shoulder pain always happens. It usually occurs only in one shoulder and the common culprit is diabetes, albeit the root cause remains unknown.
Bone problems if detected and treated earlier can be cured. If there should be feelings of warning signs in your body, visit the doctor immediately for checkup.
Diabetes affects even the strongest and hardest part of the body – the bones. Bones and bone joints are damaged because of diabetes complication. Some symptoms maybe felt through tingling, numbness or sensation loss in the affected joints. These affected joints can become swollen, unstable and even deformed.
Here are some of the commonly-known bone disorders:
Osteoporosis
In osteoporosis, the bones are weakened and tend to fracture easily. This is painful and can cause disability. Osteoporosis may not show symptoms at early stages, but eventually it can lead to stooping thus, reduction in the height and fractures of wrists, backbones and other bones. This usually happens to patients with type 1 diabetes since their bone density is low.
Charcot's joints
Also known as neuropathic joint disease, Charcot’s (shahr-KO) joint affects about 15% of diabetes patients, usually type 1. The main injury is in the feet bone joints which are weakened due to nerve damage. The collapse of bone structures leads to deformities. The joints can become unstable and swollen and result to numbness, tingling, open wound and deformities in ankle or foot.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a problem in the joint when the joint cartilage degenerates. This affects any body part and usually happens to type 2 diabetics since this is frequently associated with overweight and obesity. The extra body weight can strain the joints that result to degeneration. This can be painful and swelling can take place as well as stiffness and less flexibility.
Cheiroarthropathy
Diabetes can also cause cheiroarthropathy, also known as diabetic hand syndrome which affects the bones in the hands and fingers. This disorder occurs when the skin on the hands appears thick and waxy which eventually limits any finger movement. This usually happens to people having diabetes for so long albeit the cause of this is not known yet.
DISH
Also called Forestier disease, Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis (DISH), is when ligaments and tendons are hardened and affect the spine. These result to pain, decreased range of motion and stiffness in the affected parts. This usually happens to type 2 diabetics.
Dupuytren contracture
Dupuytren contracture is a deformity wherein connective tissues in the palm of the fingers and hand are scarred and thickened, so any finger shall bend to the direction of the palm. This usually happens to those who have diabetes for a long time and maybe caused by diabetes-related metabolic changes. This starts with thickening of the palm skin in the hand and the patient shall not be able to straighten any of his finger fully.
Frozen shoulder
Frozen shoulder is when the range of motion is limited and shoulder pain always happens. It usually occurs only in one shoulder and the common culprit is diabetes, albeit the root cause remains unknown.
Bone problems if detected and treated earlier can be cured. If there should be feelings of warning signs in your body, visit the doctor immediately for checkup.
Diabetes and Your Liver
Diabetes when it becomes complicated, can affect almost all organs and other parts of the body. That is why, diabetes is associated with many problems of most organs, including the liver. Studies have found that people with diabetes are twice to develop liver problems too.
Diabetes increases the risk of liver disease. Blood sugar that is not controlled well, obesity and high cholesterol can level up the risk of fatty liver disease, that can result to liver scarring or nonalcoholic cirrhosis. The worse is (although quite rare), some medications to correct liver problems like drugs that can lower cholesterol levels, can cause damage of the liver.
The best ways to prevent liver disease are maintaining safe levels of blood sugars and healthy weight, reducing high cholesterol and avoiding alcohol consumption. This is especially true for people with diabetes. The doctor may also require regular liver function check-ups if you are taking drugs that may affect the liver. Openly talk to your doctor if you are a person with diabetes on how you can avoid risk of liver problems since one of the biggest concerns is that liver problems associated with diabetes usually goes undetected until it becomes worse.
Effects of diabetes to liver
Aside from causing fatty liver disease, liver scarring or nonalcoholic cirrhosis, diabetes (especially one that resulting from metabolic syndrome), can also cause nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). NASH in turn can result to liver cancer.
Acute liver failure, a fast decay of the liver is also associated with diabetes. A medicine used to control the symptoms of diabetes, can cause abnormal liver enzymes to exist in the blood. Hyperinsulinemia, can cause Hepatocellar Carcinoma (HCC), a type of liver cancer which is directly associated with diabetes.
The liver
Glucose is carried from the intestines to the liver and uses it for fuel, or stores it as glycogen. The liver is where insulin is metabolized and it produces protein, glycogen, cholesterol and triglycerides and triggers the formation of lipoproteins (LDL), which carries cholesterol to the arteries. For diabetics, more glucose output by the liver results to high blood glucose.
Diabetes can be caused by liver problems, and liver disease can be caused by diabetes as well. Non-alcoholic problems in the liver may be caused by protein deficiency, diabetes, HIV infection, toxic chemicals exposure and intake of some drugs. Those who have both diabetes and hepatitis C infection are proned to complications.
Diabetes increases the risk of liver disease. Blood sugar that is not controlled well, obesity and high cholesterol can level up the risk of fatty liver disease, that can result to liver scarring or nonalcoholic cirrhosis. The worse is (although quite rare), some medications to correct liver problems like drugs that can lower cholesterol levels, can cause damage of the liver.
The best ways to prevent liver disease are maintaining safe levels of blood sugars and healthy weight, reducing high cholesterol and avoiding alcohol consumption. This is especially true for people with diabetes. The doctor may also require regular liver function check-ups if you are taking drugs that may affect the liver. Openly talk to your doctor if you are a person with diabetes on how you can avoid risk of liver problems since one of the biggest concerns is that liver problems associated with diabetes usually goes undetected until it becomes worse.
Effects of diabetes to liver
Aside from causing fatty liver disease, liver scarring or nonalcoholic cirrhosis, diabetes (especially one that resulting from metabolic syndrome), can also cause nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). NASH in turn can result to liver cancer.
Acute liver failure, a fast decay of the liver is also associated with diabetes. A medicine used to control the symptoms of diabetes, can cause abnormal liver enzymes to exist in the blood. Hyperinsulinemia, can cause Hepatocellar Carcinoma (HCC), a type of liver cancer which is directly associated with diabetes.
The liver
Glucose is carried from the intestines to the liver and uses it for fuel, or stores it as glycogen. The liver is where insulin is metabolized and it produces protein, glycogen, cholesterol and triglycerides and triggers the formation of lipoproteins (LDL), which carries cholesterol to the arteries. For diabetics, more glucose output by the liver results to high blood glucose.
Diabetes can be caused by liver problems, and liver disease can be caused by diabetes as well. Non-alcoholic problems in the liver may be caused by protein deficiency, diabetes, HIV infection, toxic chemicals exposure and intake of some drugs. Those who have both diabetes and hepatitis C infection are proned to complications.
Dehydration and Diabetes
Dehydration is associated with diabetes. Extreme thirst, one of the symptoms of diabetes is an obvious sign of dehydration diabetes. At the same time, excessive hunger is a misconception of thirst caused by diabetes.
Dehydration diabetes usually occurs during pre-diabetes stage and can be cured by drinking water and making healthier changes in lifestyle. Pre-diabetes period is when blood sugar is higher than usual but does not qualify as diabetes.
Water and sugar for the brain
Dehydration can be an underlying cause of diabetes, since the brain’s lack of water may result to diabetes. When there is no sufficient water in the brain, the latter shall need more sugar since the sugar it has cannot be utilized without enough water. To work well, the brain needs both water and sugar and if it lacks any of the two, you feel light-headedness. We usually feel light-headedness when we have not consumed carbohydrates or water for a long time. Severe dehydration can cause not only diabetes but coma and death as well.
To correct its lack of water, the brain shall solve the situation by calling for sugar, salt and fluid; which by the way have always an essential role in any type of physical process. Since there is less water available, the sugar level rises.
Effect in DNA
The lack of water in the body can also injure DNA. Diabetes can be caused by genetics but sometimes, the real culprit is lack water which triggers it in the first place. When diabetes is mainly caused by dehydration in adults, it can be easily reversed since grown-ups have important nutrients in the body as reserves. However, it can be difficult for children to reverse dehydration that causes diabetes because they are growing and growth makes use of their bodies’ reserves of nutrients.
Water and juices
Enough hydration can help prevent diabetes. In fact, drinking at least two quarts of water spaced out everyday can help the body in its duty to release insulin. Do not let your body or the children take in so much juice. Juice is not natural and can be harmful. High potassium juices such as orange juice can result to too much potassium which can cause chronic dehydration.
Make sure children do not indulge on high potassium juices like orange juice because too much potassium can lead to chronic dehydration.
When you already start drinking water to correct dehydration diabetes, you may not feel its beneficial effects at once as it can take time. Just be patient and continue on. Especially for diabetics, avoid dehydration. It is advised that everyone (even non-diabetics) should drink fluids equivalent to half their body weight, e.g. if you weigh 160 lbs., drink 80 ounces of fluid daily (even if you are not thirsty) to ease out the functions of the kidneys and pancreas. Note that sugar metabolism is a system that depends mainly on fluid and it likely suffers dramatically when the intake of fluid is limited suddenly.
Dehydration diabetes usually occurs during pre-diabetes stage and can be cured by drinking water and making healthier changes in lifestyle. Pre-diabetes period is when blood sugar is higher than usual but does not qualify as diabetes.
Water and sugar for the brain
Dehydration can be an underlying cause of diabetes, since the brain’s lack of water may result to diabetes. When there is no sufficient water in the brain, the latter shall need more sugar since the sugar it has cannot be utilized without enough water. To work well, the brain needs both water and sugar and if it lacks any of the two, you feel light-headedness. We usually feel light-headedness when we have not consumed carbohydrates or water for a long time. Severe dehydration can cause not only diabetes but coma and death as well.
To correct its lack of water, the brain shall solve the situation by calling for sugar, salt and fluid; which by the way have always an essential role in any type of physical process. Since there is less water available, the sugar level rises.
Effect in DNA
The lack of water in the body can also injure DNA. Diabetes can be caused by genetics but sometimes, the real culprit is lack water which triggers it in the first place. When diabetes is mainly caused by dehydration in adults, it can be easily reversed since grown-ups have important nutrients in the body as reserves. However, it can be difficult for children to reverse dehydration that causes diabetes because they are growing and growth makes use of their bodies’ reserves of nutrients.
Water and juices
Enough hydration can help prevent diabetes. In fact, drinking at least two quarts of water spaced out everyday can help the body in its duty to release insulin. Do not let your body or the children take in so much juice. Juice is not natural and can be harmful. High potassium juices such as orange juice can result to too much potassium which can cause chronic dehydration.
Make sure children do not indulge on high potassium juices like orange juice because too much potassium can lead to chronic dehydration.
When you already start drinking water to correct dehydration diabetes, you may not feel its beneficial effects at once as it can take time. Just be patient and continue on. Especially for diabetics, avoid dehydration. It is advised that everyone (even non-diabetics) should drink fluids equivalent to half their body weight, e.g. if you weigh 160 lbs., drink 80 ounces of fluid daily (even if you are not thirsty) to ease out the functions of the kidneys and pancreas. Note that sugar metabolism is a system that depends mainly on fluid and it likely suffers dramatically when the intake of fluid is limited suddenly.
Kidney Disease and Diabetes
Are kidney disease and diabetes related? The former can come first from the latter or vice versa. In many cases, one is associated by the other.
Kidney disease and diabetes are closely-related. About 40% of people with diabetes get kidney disease as well. It is because patients with diabetes have higher risks for kidney disease. Kidney disease can grow silently with symptoms showing late, when kidneys already have failed. However, there is hope that this risk is cut down with the following steps:
Take care of your kidneys
Just like any part or organ of the body, the kidneys play an essential role to make you healthy and live. The kidneys help the body wash out excess water and toxins from the blood. They help normalize blood sugar, maintain potassium and sodium levels and control acidity in the blood. Aside from that, they produce red blood cells.
Avoid kidney disease and diabetes all the time. Never take your kidneys and blood sugare for granted. Get kidney regular checkups. Like any illness, the damage of kidneys can be prevented or slowed down if detected early. Take good care of your kidneys and they shall take care of you for long.
Maintain healthy blood sugar levels
Make sure blood sugar levels are in safe and healthy range. Perform more physical activities and exercise for they shall help lower your blood sugar levels and control blood pressure at the same time.
Smoking
Stop smoking and never try smoking at all. Smoking lessens the flowing of blood to the kidneys hindering them from functioning well. Most smokers develop kidney problems.
Smoking indirectly produces kidney disease by getting diabetes first. It has the tendency to raise blood sugar levels; and makes it more difficult for the body to use insulin.
Drugs
If you need to take drugs, use them with caution since they can cause damage to the kidneys anytime. Seek the guidance of your doctor or health professional who can monitor the usage of these medications.
Kidney disease and diabetes are closely-related. About 40% of people with diabetes get kidney disease as well. It is because patients with diabetes have higher risks for kidney disease. Kidney disease can grow silently with symptoms showing late, when kidneys already have failed. However, there is hope that this risk is cut down with the following steps:
Take care of your kidneys
Just like any part or organ of the body, the kidneys play an essential role to make you healthy and live. The kidneys help the body wash out excess water and toxins from the blood. They help normalize blood sugar, maintain potassium and sodium levels and control acidity in the blood. Aside from that, they produce red blood cells.
Avoid kidney disease and diabetes all the time. Never take your kidneys and blood sugare for granted. Get kidney regular checkups. Like any illness, the damage of kidneys can be prevented or slowed down if detected early. Take good care of your kidneys and they shall take care of you for long.
Maintain healthy blood sugar levels
Make sure blood sugar levels are in safe and healthy range. Perform more physical activities and exercise for they shall help lower your blood sugar levels and control blood pressure at the same time.
Smoking
Stop smoking and never try smoking at all. Smoking lessens the flowing of blood to the kidneys hindering them from functioning well. Most smokers develop kidney problems.
Smoking indirectly produces kidney disease by getting diabetes first. It has the tendency to raise blood sugar levels; and makes it more difficult for the body to use insulin.
Drugs
If you need to take drugs, use them with caution since they can cause damage to the kidneys anytime. Seek the guidance of your doctor or health professional who can monitor the usage of these medications.
Pedicure and Diabetes: Can They Go Together?
Pedicure and diabetes are mainly associated with foot care. As the feet are the foundation of the body, so if they collapse, the whole body is in trouble. Pedicure is like pampering the feet and the body as well but with it, the feet are proned to get some cuts. For people with diabetes, it is not good to get cuts, bruises or wounds in the feet. Worse, if the feet get infected. That is why, diabetics are advised not to get pedicure.
Pedicure for feet care; but with diabetes, is it really caring for the feet? The feet should be taken cared of and should be protected from any form of injury since it can invite infection. Infection has the tendency to result to higher blood sugar which slows down the healing process, can result to ulcers and eventually potential amputation. That is why injury in the feet should be of the diabetic’s major concern.
If you go for pedicure
If you need to have pedicure, make sure you shall be safe with the salon you choose. Pick those with good sanitation practices.
Never forget to tell the salon staff that you have diabetes. So, they can be as careful as you. Stainless steel instruments are cleaner than those made of wood. If you insist for pedicure even if you have diabetes, double check if the salon foot tub is cleaned between clients. Temperature for water should be 90-95 degrees to make you safer. Remember not to use razors, nor lotions between the toes and always be gentle.
If you shave your legs, give yourself two days before the salon appointment so as your chance of getting cuts or nicks is decreased.
Just to be safe
Pedicure…is the risk-taking worth it? Many health professionals forbid their diabetic patients from pedicure to ensure they are free of cuts, bruises or wounds that can transfer into a life-threatening situation. Major concerns are salon conditions, cleanliness of tools and skill of the individual doing the pedicure. All these are extremely important to look into if you have diabetes. So, make your own decision. Remember though that most healthcare professionals, advise you to better not go for it.
Pedicure for feet care; but with diabetes, is it really caring for the feet? The feet should be taken cared of and should be protected from any form of injury since it can invite infection. Infection has the tendency to result to higher blood sugar which slows down the healing process, can result to ulcers and eventually potential amputation. That is why injury in the feet should be of the diabetic’s major concern.
If you go for pedicure
If you need to have pedicure, make sure you shall be safe with the salon you choose. Pick those with good sanitation practices.
Never forget to tell the salon staff that you have diabetes. So, they can be as careful as you. Stainless steel instruments are cleaner than those made of wood. If you insist for pedicure even if you have diabetes, double check if the salon foot tub is cleaned between clients. Temperature for water should be 90-95 degrees to make you safer. Remember not to use razors, nor lotions between the toes and always be gentle.
If you shave your legs, give yourself two days before the salon appointment so as your chance of getting cuts or nicks is decreased.
Just to be safe
Pedicure…is the risk-taking worth it? Many health professionals forbid their diabetic patients from pedicure to ensure they are free of cuts, bruises or wounds that can transfer into a life-threatening situation. Major concerns are salon conditions, cleanliness of tools and skill of the individual doing the pedicure. All these are extremely important to look into if you have diabetes. So, make your own decision. Remember though that most healthcare professionals, advise you to better not go for it.
Warning Signs of Diabetes
Knowing the warning signs of diabetes is important since it can help detect the illness at an early stage not only for ourselves but for our loved ones as well. Early detection is always good as it can give early treatment and cure to eradicate the illness soonest.
Having enough knowledge of the warning signs of diabetes is essential for everyone. Diabetes means there is much sugar in the blood. The sugar is supposed to stay at the cells of the body but is left in the blood either because the insulin, a hormone which job is to push them to the cell is lacking or there is enough insulin but it is not doing its job or simply, the body does not listen to insulin.
When blood sugar is of high level, it can be harmful to the body. That is why, it should be controlled. Every person should know early and surely the warning signs that diabetes is already present.
Thirst
If you feel thirsty most of the time, it could be one of the warning signs of diabetes. Diabetics feel the need to drink much more than usual and feel like they cannot get enough water. Drinking water more often compels you to go to the bathroom more. Thus, this results to frequent urination.
Frequent urination
Since you drink water more than usual, you need to also urinate more than usual. When there is more sugar in the blood, the body’s kidneys will not be able to filter the sugar back to the blood, so they shall try to draw more water from the blood to dilute the sugar. This results to making the bladder full and the need to urinate.
Loss of weight
Loss of weight is one of the major warning signs of type 1 diabetes. It is when the main cause is lack of insulin. Since the body does not have sugar to fuel the process of energy production, it will search for other energy source by breaking down fat and muscle tissues. Loss of weight may not be noticeable with type 2 diabetes which is characterized more with “insulin resistance”.
Fatigue and weakness
We eat to have strength and energy. The food with take is processed to fuel the body for energy production. With diabetes, the sugar which is a finished product of food, does not reach its goal of getting into the body cells. The cells are starved, making you feeling weak, tired and fatigued.
Numbness of feet, legs or hands or neuropathy
Another common warning sign of diabetes is numbness or tingling of feet, legs or hands and it is called neuropathy. It happens when high blood sugar affects the nervous system, especially during extremes. For type 2 diabetes which occurs gradually, the patient is not aware of having it and nerve damage is already happening with the patient not aware of it. Neuropathy can be avoided when blood glucose is controlled.
Other warnings
Dry or itchy skin, blurred vision, frequent infections and bruises that heals longer – these can be signs that something in your body is amiss. Schedule a checkup with your doctor the soonest possible time.
Having enough knowledge of the warning signs of diabetes is essential for everyone. Diabetes means there is much sugar in the blood. The sugar is supposed to stay at the cells of the body but is left in the blood either because the insulin, a hormone which job is to push them to the cell is lacking or there is enough insulin but it is not doing its job or simply, the body does not listen to insulin.
When blood sugar is of high level, it can be harmful to the body. That is why, it should be controlled. Every person should know early and surely the warning signs that diabetes is already present.
Thirst
If you feel thirsty most of the time, it could be one of the warning signs of diabetes. Diabetics feel the need to drink much more than usual and feel like they cannot get enough water. Drinking water more often compels you to go to the bathroom more. Thus, this results to frequent urination.
Frequent urination
Since you drink water more than usual, you need to also urinate more than usual. When there is more sugar in the blood, the body’s kidneys will not be able to filter the sugar back to the blood, so they shall try to draw more water from the blood to dilute the sugar. This results to making the bladder full and the need to urinate.
Loss of weight
Loss of weight is one of the major warning signs of type 1 diabetes. It is when the main cause is lack of insulin. Since the body does not have sugar to fuel the process of energy production, it will search for other energy source by breaking down fat and muscle tissues. Loss of weight may not be noticeable with type 2 diabetes which is characterized more with “insulin resistance”.
Fatigue and weakness
We eat to have strength and energy. The food with take is processed to fuel the body for energy production. With diabetes, the sugar which is a finished product of food, does not reach its goal of getting into the body cells. The cells are starved, making you feeling weak, tired and fatigued.
Numbness of feet, legs or hands or neuropathy
Another common warning sign of diabetes is numbness or tingling of feet, legs or hands and it is called neuropathy. It happens when high blood sugar affects the nervous system, especially during extremes. For type 2 diabetes which occurs gradually, the patient is not aware of having it and nerve damage is already happening with the patient not aware of it. Neuropathy can be avoided when blood glucose is controlled.
Other warnings
Dry or itchy skin, blurred vision, frequent infections and bruises that heals longer – these can be signs that something in your body is amiss. Schedule a checkup with your doctor the soonest possible time.
Type 1 Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes - The Difference and Type 2 Diabetes - The Difference
We often heard about diabetes – type 1 and type 2 diabetes. It is noteworthy to know the difference between them.
Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes become prevalence nowadays. Though they are having the same nature, there is a difference on how they are triggered.
Type 1
Type 1 diabetes, also known as diabetes mellitus is the condition where blood glucose is high because of lack of insulin. Insulin is the hormone that pushes the sugar in the blood to the cells so they fuel the body. There is lack of insulin because the organ that produces it called the pancreas is unable to function properly due to a virus or a disorder called autoimmune. The latter case happens when the body cannot recognize its own part and attacks it; in this case, it attacks the pancreas.
Type 1 and type 2 diabetes are both characterized by excessive blood sugar and one of the differences between these types is that type 1 usually happens to people who are thin and when the person is less than 40 years old. That is why it is also known as juvenile onset diabetes. Since they lack insulin, patients with type 1 take insulin through pumps or injections.
Type 2
Type 2 diabetes or diabetes insipidus happens when insulin in the body is less efficient of doing its job to move sugar from the blood to the body cells. It can move sugar from the bloodstream, but not as efficient as it should be, leaving some sugar stay in the blood. The result: high blood sugar level.
Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes can be corrected with proper diet. However, one of the major differences between the two is that type 2 diabetes can be effectively controlled with weight loss and exercise but type 1 is more associated with insulin shots. Type 2 is usually a result of obesity or physical inactivity and happens to adults; that is why it is sometimes called as the adult onset diabetes. Lately though, it is reported that a lot of children already developed type 2 diabetes.
Difference
Type 1 and type 2 diabetes have one in common - high blood sugar. While type 1 diabetes is caused by lack of insulin, type 2 diabetes is caused by insulin resistance. For type 1 and type 2 diabetes major difference is that in type 2, there is enough insulin in the body, as the organ producing it called the pancreas is doing its job properly. Only, the insulin is not working well enough, or the body does not listen to it.
While 10-15 percent of diabetics are of type 1, the majority are type 2. Type 1 diabetes usually happens at an early age, while type 2 during adulthood. Insulin alone can treat type 1, while lifestyle and diet change can treat type 2.
Type 2 diabetes is associated with the heart, so treatment is not only focused on blood sugar but to controlling blood pressure and cholesterol levels as well. Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes have no difference when it comes to detection. It is always better if they can be detected and treated earlier.
Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes become prevalence nowadays. Though they are having the same nature, there is a difference on how they are triggered.
Type 1
Type 1 diabetes, also known as diabetes mellitus is the condition where blood glucose is high because of lack of insulin. Insulin is the hormone that pushes the sugar in the blood to the cells so they fuel the body. There is lack of insulin because the organ that produces it called the pancreas is unable to function properly due to a virus or a disorder called autoimmune. The latter case happens when the body cannot recognize its own part and attacks it; in this case, it attacks the pancreas.
Type 1 and type 2 diabetes are both characterized by excessive blood sugar and one of the differences between these types is that type 1 usually happens to people who are thin and when the person is less than 40 years old. That is why it is also known as juvenile onset diabetes. Since they lack insulin, patients with type 1 take insulin through pumps or injections.
Type 2
Type 2 diabetes or diabetes insipidus happens when insulin in the body is less efficient of doing its job to move sugar from the blood to the body cells. It can move sugar from the bloodstream, but not as efficient as it should be, leaving some sugar stay in the blood. The result: high blood sugar level.
Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes can be corrected with proper diet. However, one of the major differences between the two is that type 2 diabetes can be effectively controlled with weight loss and exercise but type 1 is more associated with insulin shots. Type 2 is usually a result of obesity or physical inactivity and happens to adults; that is why it is sometimes called as the adult onset diabetes. Lately though, it is reported that a lot of children already developed type 2 diabetes.
Difference
Type 1 and type 2 diabetes have one in common - high blood sugar. While type 1 diabetes is caused by lack of insulin, type 2 diabetes is caused by insulin resistance. For type 1 and type 2 diabetes major difference is that in type 2, there is enough insulin in the body, as the organ producing it called the pancreas is doing its job properly. Only, the insulin is not working well enough, or the body does not listen to it.
While 10-15 percent of diabetics are of type 1, the majority are type 2. Type 1 diabetes usually happens at an early age, while type 2 during adulthood. Insulin alone can treat type 1, while lifestyle and diet change can treat type 2.
Type 2 diabetes is associated with the heart, so treatment is not only focused on blood sugar but to controlling blood pressure and cholesterol levels as well. Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes have no difference when it comes to detection. It is always better if they can be detected and treated earlier.
Diet Plan for Gestational Diabetes
A good diet plan can help prevent gestational diabetes. About 4% of pregnant women develop gestational diabetes when their bodies cannot maintain healthy levels of blood glucose. This does not mean the mother will have diabetes after giving birth, as mostly, they are free of diabetes again when they are not pregnant. This can be controlled with a proper diet through the help of a good diet plan.
The right food in a diet plan is important most especially during pregnancy and if gestational diabetes occurs. Diabetes happens when blood sugar is high either because of lack of insulin or because the body does not listen to insulin. Insulin pushes the sugar in the blood to the cells to turn it into usable fuel for body energy.
High blood sugar can be damaging for both the mother and her baby. Thus, it is essential to keep blood sugar at normal level. One way of doing so is to watch food intake. Following a diet plan can be very helpful. It is highly recommended to see a dietitian who is the best person who can make sure that he formulates a diet plan for your gestational diabetes that suits you with consideration to your height, weight, physical activity, glucose intolerance, personal food preferences and your growing baby’s needs. If you are taking insulin shots and some medications, your dietitian takes that into account too.
The dietitian determines your needs for daily calories and portion sizes. He takes notes of your present eating habits to ensure you get enough minerals and vitamins. He balances your meals for the right amounts of carbohydrates, proteins and fats.
General guide
Eat various foods, evenly distributing carbohydrates and calories for the day. It is recommended that you take 3 small or moderate meals and 2 to 4 snacks daily and that includes snacks after dinner. Ideally, carbohydrates in the diet plan for gestational diabetes ideally are those with more fiber. Protein should be present at every meal and snacks and it can be paired with carbs. Protein helps sustain energy as well as helps give better control of blood sugar.
Foods that are high-fiber, vegetables, fruits, cereals, whole grain breads, peas, dried peas and other legumes are better than simple carbohydrates since the body absorbs them slower and that can help your blood sugar levels safe especially after meals.
Avoid beverages and foods with simple sugars like fruit juice, soda, flavored waters, flavored teas and desserts. They can quickly increase blood sugar. If you need some sweets or want to use artificial sweeteners, ask advice from your healthcare professional.
Eating habits
Be consistent in following your gestational diet plan. Your gestational diabetes shall remain controlled and your blood sugar shall be stable if your food is consistently spread throughout the day. Do not skip meals. Eat breakfast as blood sugar levels likely gets out of control in the morning. To keep it at a healthy level, limit carbs (cereal, milk, fruit, bread). Boost protein (cheese, peanut butter, eggs, nuts) instead and avoid juice.
Gradually increase exercise and physical activity to keep you healthy. Ask guidance from your health practitioner for the intensity of exercise. With the right lifestyle and diet, you can have a safe pregnancy and deliver a healthy baby.
The right food in a diet plan is important most especially during pregnancy and if gestational diabetes occurs. Diabetes happens when blood sugar is high either because of lack of insulin or because the body does not listen to insulin. Insulin pushes the sugar in the blood to the cells to turn it into usable fuel for body energy.
High blood sugar can be damaging for both the mother and her baby. Thus, it is essential to keep blood sugar at normal level. One way of doing so is to watch food intake. Following a diet plan can be very helpful. It is highly recommended to see a dietitian who is the best person who can make sure that he formulates a diet plan for your gestational diabetes that suits you with consideration to your height, weight, physical activity, glucose intolerance, personal food preferences and your growing baby’s needs. If you are taking insulin shots and some medications, your dietitian takes that into account too.
The dietitian determines your needs for daily calories and portion sizes. He takes notes of your present eating habits to ensure you get enough minerals and vitamins. He balances your meals for the right amounts of carbohydrates, proteins and fats.
General guide
Eat various foods, evenly distributing carbohydrates and calories for the day. It is recommended that you take 3 small or moderate meals and 2 to 4 snacks daily and that includes snacks after dinner. Ideally, carbohydrates in the diet plan for gestational diabetes ideally are those with more fiber. Protein should be present at every meal and snacks and it can be paired with carbs. Protein helps sustain energy as well as helps give better control of blood sugar.
Foods that are high-fiber, vegetables, fruits, cereals, whole grain breads, peas, dried peas and other legumes are better than simple carbohydrates since the body absorbs them slower and that can help your blood sugar levels safe especially after meals.
Avoid beverages and foods with simple sugars like fruit juice, soda, flavored waters, flavored teas and desserts. They can quickly increase blood sugar. If you need some sweets or want to use artificial sweeteners, ask advice from your healthcare professional.
Eating habits
Be consistent in following your gestational diet plan. Your gestational diabetes shall remain controlled and your blood sugar shall be stable if your food is consistently spread throughout the day. Do not skip meals. Eat breakfast as blood sugar levels likely gets out of control in the morning. To keep it at a healthy level, limit carbs (cereal, milk, fruit, bread). Boost protein (cheese, peanut butter, eggs, nuts) instead and avoid juice.
Gradually increase exercise and physical activity to keep you healthy. Ask guidance from your health practitioner for the intensity of exercise. With the right lifestyle and diet, you can have a safe pregnancy and deliver a healthy baby.
Pitfalls in Following the Diabetes Diet Plan
Pitfalls with diabetes diet plan are expected to occur among diabetics. No matter how great the diet plan is, it becomes useless if there are pitfalls in following it. Let’s determine what these pitfalls are in order to avoid them.
Avoid the pitfalls in following diabetes diet plans. Diabetes diet plans plays a major role in the life of a diabetic person. The diet plan is the frontliner which produces results – either advantageous or disadvantageous. It is for this reason that the diet plan should be correct the firsthand or it will bring dangerous results, instead of beneficial ones.
Since it is known as processing blood sugar abnormally, diabetes causes its patients sensitivity to the effects of many commonly-taken foods, prompting them to watch the food they eat to bring themselves and bodies to a healthful functional state. Following a healthy diet plan is extremely helpful in keeping their health intact.
Major pitfall
Diabetes diet plan in the first place should depend on the type of diabetes. One of the pitfalls of following a diabetes diet plan is the diet plan itself does not effectively serve its purpose. One diet plan does not apply to all diabetes types. Type 1 diabetes is insulin deficiency so insulin treatment is applied. Thus, food intake should be balanced with the insulin in the body.
Type 2 diabetes has something to do with overweight control and seeing to it that the body utilizes insulin. It all needs healthy food, exercise and losing weight. Gestational diabetes usually occurs in pregnant women. The main concern is focused on the health of both mother and the baby while keeping blood sugar at safe levels. Extra precaution and care should be done to avoid the pitfalls of the diabetes diet plan, thus for pregnant women, the diet plan should also seek the welfare of the baby.
Establishing a diabetes diet plan can also be a pitfall in itself since for the different types of the diabetes disease, the diet plan should also be different. Following a plan that is good for all the three types should be consulted to the doctor first. Any unusual change should be enough reason to stop the diet immediately and see the doctor as soon as possible.
Following the diet plan
After having the right diet plan, the next step is to follow it. Cheating on the plan is cheating on yourself and your health. One of the major pitfalls is also not following the plan, and no matter how effective the diabetes diet plan is, not following it makes it of no use.
Therefore, develop the right diabetic plan with your doctor or health professional. Then make a commitment to follow it for a lifetime. It is worth the effort and time.
Avoid the pitfalls in following diabetes diet plans. Diabetes diet plans plays a major role in the life of a diabetic person. The diet plan is the frontliner which produces results – either advantageous or disadvantageous. It is for this reason that the diet plan should be correct the firsthand or it will bring dangerous results, instead of beneficial ones.
Since it is known as processing blood sugar abnormally, diabetes causes its patients sensitivity to the effects of many commonly-taken foods, prompting them to watch the food they eat to bring themselves and bodies to a healthful functional state. Following a healthy diet plan is extremely helpful in keeping their health intact.
Major pitfall
Diabetes diet plan in the first place should depend on the type of diabetes. One of the pitfalls of following a diabetes diet plan is the diet plan itself does not effectively serve its purpose. One diet plan does not apply to all diabetes types. Type 1 diabetes is insulin deficiency so insulin treatment is applied. Thus, food intake should be balanced with the insulin in the body.
Type 2 diabetes has something to do with overweight control and seeing to it that the body utilizes insulin. It all needs healthy food, exercise and losing weight. Gestational diabetes usually occurs in pregnant women. The main concern is focused on the health of both mother and the baby while keeping blood sugar at safe levels. Extra precaution and care should be done to avoid the pitfalls of the diabetes diet plan, thus for pregnant women, the diet plan should also seek the welfare of the baby.
Establishing a diabetes diet plan can also be a pitfall in itself since for the different types of the diabetes disease, the diet plan should also be different. Following a plan that is good for all the three types should be consulted to the doctor first. Any unusual change should be enough reason to stop the diet immediately and see the doctor as soon as possible.
Following the diet plan
After having the right diet plan, the next step is to follow it. Cheating on the plan is cheating on yourself and your health. One of the major pitfalls is also not following the plan, and no matter how effective the diabetes diet plan is, not following it makes it of no use.
Therefore, develop the right diabetic plan with your doctor or health professional. Then make a commitment to follow it for a lifetime. It is worth the effort and time.
Ideal Diabetes Diet Plan
Today’s age of computers and internet make choosing ideal diabetes diet plan easier since the worldwide web contains a lot of choices and variety.
An ideal diabetes diet plan should more or less contain the following: carbohydrates-50%, fats-20 to 30% and protein-20 to 25%. Wheat, rice, grains, nuts, vegetables and fruits are good sources of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates cannot be avoided, that is why we have to plan the food sources of them. Whatever food you take or whatever diet plan you follow, your goal is to maintain safe and healthy levels of sugar in your blood.
The ideal diabetes diet plan helps you plan for the amount as well, which is actually moderate or in small amounts. Never allow yourself to overeat. It is not bad to be always a little hungry so allow yourself have it often. Never gulp the servings of food. Your schedule for eating should be fixed. Controlling your blood sugar is not necessarily difficult.
Your doctor, dietician or other health professionals can help you make an ideal diabetes plan. Take note that definitely, you are at the forefront and the executioner. They can help you not make drastic changes on your diet since drastic changes are not good for your body. Only minor changes on the diet can be taken by the body at a time.
If you have diabetes, do not regard yourself as a pitiful sick person. Never look at your diet plan as a miserable one, that is good only for a sick person. Remember that an ideal diabetes diet plan is not only good for you
but for others as well. It is also a healthy diet that suit all other people in your family. They can join you in following the ideal diabetes diet plan and eventually everybody including yourself shall be all healthy and happy.
An ideal diabetes diet plan should more or less contain the following: carbohydrates-50%, fats-20 to 30% and protein-20 to 25%. Wheat, rice, grains, nuts, vegetables and fruits are good sources of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates cannot be avoided, that is why we have to plan the food sources of them. Whatever food you take or whatever diet plan you follow, your goal is to maintain safe and healthy levels of sugar in your blood.
The ideal diabetes diet plan helps you plan for the amount as well, which is actually moderate or in small amounts. Never allow yourself to overeat. It is not bad to be always a little hungry so allow yourself have it often. Never gulp the servings of food. Your schedule for eating should be fixed. Controlling your blood sugar is not necessarily difficult.
Your doctor, dietician or other health professionals can help you make an ideal diabetes plan. Take note that definitely, you are at the forefront and the executioner. They can help you not make drastic changes on your diet since drastic changes are not good for your body. Only minor changes on the diet can be taken by the body at a time.
If you have diabetes, do not regard yourself as a pitiful sick person. Never look at your diet plan as a miserable one, that is good only for a sick person. Remember that an ideal diabetes diet plan is not only good for you
but for others as well. It is also a healthy diet that suit all other people in your family. They can join you in following the ideal diabetes diet plan and eventually everybody including yourself shall be all healthy and happy.
Plan Your Diabetes Diet or MNT Simply
Simply plan your diabetes diet. A diabetes diet, also known in medical terms as Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) simply means to eat nutritious foods in small amounts and make sure the schedule for the main meals are regularly and consistently observed.
Plan your diabetes diet simply in order to follow it easily. Generally, Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) is simply taking foods that are rich in nutrients, more on vegetables, fruits, whole grains; and less in calories and fats. Diabetes diet plans are not only good for diabetics but for everyone as well.
Even for non-diabetics, and especially for the health-conscious people, they simply want to make life sail smoothly and so make a commitment to integrate healthy foods and lifestyle into their daily lives.
Simple diet plans for diabetics
For diabetics, the focus should be at the foods that can help make their blood sugar stay at healthy levels. Keeping the diet plan simple means taking simplified foods, not the processed ones. Plan your diabetes plan or MNT simply. You do not need special foods. Nothing can outdate natural foods.
Go for more roughage (fiber or bulk foods) because they are easy on the stomach and can produce less simple sugar during the process of digestion. You can get roughage from whole grains, nuts, beans, seeds, fruits and vegetables. Roughage greatly helps prevent and control diabetes and lower the risk of heart disease as well. When taken, they make us feel full so we will not long for more food. Thus, they promote moderate intake of food and can help us lost weight.
Making the diabetic diet plans simple is important. Complex diet plans are not inspiring and hard to follow.
Plan your diabetes diet simply in order to follow it easily. Generally, Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) is simply taking foods that are rich in nutrients, more on vegetables, fruits, whole grains; and less in calories and fats. Diabetes diet plans are not only good for diabetics but for everyone as well.
Even for non-diabetics, and especially for the health-conscious people, they simply want to make life sail smoothly and so make a commitment to integrate healthy foods and lifestyle into their daily lives.
Simple diet plans for diabetics
For diabetics, the focus should be at the foods that can help make their blood sugar stay at healthy levels. Keeping the diet plan simple means taking simplified foods, not the processed ones. Plan your diabetes plan or MNT simply. You do not need special foods. Nothing can outdate natural foods.
Go for more roughage (fiber or bulk foods) because they are easy on the stomach and can produce less simple sugar during the process of digestion. You can get roughage from whole grains, nuts, beans, seeds, fruits and vegetables. Roughage greatly helps prevent and control diabetes and lower the risk of heart disease as well. When taken, they make us feel full so we will not long for more food. Thus, they promote moderate intake of food and can help us lost weight.
Making the diabetic diet plans simple is important. Complex diet plans are not inspiring and hard to follow.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Diabetes – A Long Way to Go
They said that with diabetes, there is a long way to go to be cured and stay healthy. It compels anyone to live a healthy lifestyle with a healthy diet and that have to be done for a lifetime. Looking at it closely, healthy lifestyle and healthy eating should not apply to diabetics only but to everyone. It is an ideal everyday practice. Regard it as part of life, and not a lifetime burden.
Diabetes is a type of illness that needs medication and a healthy lifestyle – and there is a long way to go. Its main characteristic is much sugar in the blood. That is why, diabetes focuses on lifestyle and diet changes that gear towards reducing blood sugar. Though the things that need to be done are definitely doable and simple, the practice should be regular and should last a lifetime. This is the very reason why people are scared of diabetes – permanent lifestyle and diet change. This having a long way to go, makes diabetes that scary. But is it really scary?
A diabetic person’s schedule should be planned – what activities to do as well as what, when and how much to eat. Patients with diabetes have a long way to go as they have to see their doctor and health professionals in a regular basis; doctors that can check their diabetes and its possible complications. Diabetics are taught to use equipments and devices so they themselves can monitor their blood sugar levels.
Does diabetes age too?
With its long road of ups and downs in blood sugar levels, diabetes does not go with age. Diabetics can get old, but the practice of healthy eating and living does not change. It should remain to stay till death. The routines can be easy if it is incorporated with habit. Habits are part of life and are not regarded as work that requires effort to perform.
A long way to go
With diabetes life-changing and must-do routines and habits that should last a lifetime, a seemingly long journey or a long way to go for health is at hand. Once onset, diabetes demands healthy habits. The patient has to regard diabetes as part of life, and not as a burden. Then, in his life, he has still a long way to move on and achieve his dreams.
Diabetes is a type of illness that needs medication and a healthy lifestyle – and there is a long way to go. Its main characteristic is much sugar in the blood. That is why, diabetes focuses on lifestyle and diet changes that gear towards reducing blood sugar. Though the things that need to be done are definitely doable and simple, the practice should be regular and should last a lifetime. This is the very reason why people are scared of diabetes – permanent lifestyle and diet change. This having a long way to go, makes diabetes that scary. But is it really scary?
A diabetic person’s schedule should be planned – what activities to do as well as what, when and how much to eat. Patients with diabetes have a long way to go as they have to see their doctor and health professionals in a regular basis; doctors that can check their diabetes and its possible complications. Diabetics are taught to use equipments and devices so they themselves can monitor their blood sugar levels.
Does diabetes age too?
With its long road of ups and downs in blood sugar levels, diabetes does not go with age. Diabetics can get old, but the practice of healthy eating and living does not change. It should remain to stay till death. The routines can be easy if it is incorporated with habit. Habits are part of life and are not regarded as work that requires effort to perform.
A long way to go
With diabetes life-changing and must-do routines and habits that should last a lifetime, a seemingly long journey or a long way to go for health is at hand. Once onset, diabetes demands healthy habits. The patient has to regard diabetes as part of life, and not as a burden. Then, in his life, he has still a long way to move on and achieve his dreams.
How Can Diabetics Benefit From Bitter Melon?
This is a good thing for diabetics. A study revealed that bitter melon has compounds that can trigger an enzyme which role is to regulate metabolism and carry out sugar from the bloodstream into the cells. Since it does the body a favor of pushing blood sugar to the cells, it has the possibility of someday leading a medication to control diabetes and obesity.
Bitter melon has many names: ampalaya, pare African cucumber, bitter gourd, balsam pear and Momordica charantia as its botanical name. People in South America, Africa and Asia eat bitter melon and used it medicinally to treat diabetes.
Benefits
Bitter melon is rich in vitamin C, fiber, thiamine, riboflavin, B6, niacin, potassium, magnesium and zinc. Aside from acting like insulin (by pushing blood sugar to the cells), some studies said that it is not just good for diabetics. Bitter melon can also fight cancer.
However, how much dose of bitter melon one should take is still a question. Even if bitter melon is taken as a supplement, exact dosage is vague. Better consult your doctor with regards to the dosage of bitter melon and bitter melon supplements. Do not stop or replace medications currently taken unless advised by your doctor.
Precaution
Childbearing women should be cautious with bitter melon since it may unintentionally cause the baby to be aborted by inducing menstruation. For lactating women, bitter melon has no specific use so, they may not take it.
Bitter melon for diabetics
Many patients with diabetes have testimonials how bitter melon helped them keep blood glucose at healthy levels. With proper diet, exercise and doctor’s prescription, they have succeeded in making bitter melon and its supplements substitute diabetes medication.
However, like any medicine or herbal medicine, this may not work successfully with others. Work with your doctors regarding bitter melon medication.
This is a good thing for diabetics. A study revealed that bitter melon has compounds that can trigger an enzyme which role is to regulate metabolism and carry out sugar from the bloodstream into the cells. Since it does the body a favor of pushing blood sugar to the cells, it has the possibility of someday leading a medication to control diabetes and obesity.
Bitter melon has many names: ampalaya, pare African cucumber, bitter gourd, balsam pear and Momordica charantia as its botanical name. People in South America, Africa and Asia eat bitter melon and used it medicinally to treat diabetes.
Benefits
Bitter melon is rich in vitamin C, fiber, thiamine, riboflavin, B6, niacin, potassium, magnesium and zinc. Aside from acting like insulin (by pushing blood sugar to the cells), some studies said that it is not just good for diabetics. Bitter melon can also fight cancer.
However, how much dose of bitter melon one should take is still a question. Even if bitter melon is taken as a supplement, exact dosage is vague. Better consult your doctor with regards to the dosage of bitter melon and bitter melon supplements. Do not stop or replace medications currently taken unless advised by your doctor.
Precaution
Childbearing women should be cautious with bitter melon since it may unintentionally cause the baby to be aborted by inducing menstruation. For lactating women, bitter melon has no specific use so, they may not take it.
Bitter melon for diabetics
Many patients with diabetes have testimonials how bitter melon helped them keep blood glucose at healthy levels. With proper diet, exercise and doctor’s prescription, they have succeeded in making bitter melon and its supplements substitute diabetes medication.
However, like any medicine or herbal medicine, this may not work successfully with others. Work with your doctors regarding bitter melon medication.
Bitter melon has many names: ampalaya, pare African cucumber, bitter gourd, balsam pear and Momordica charantia as its botanical name. People in South America, Africa and Asia eat bitter melon and used it medicinally to treat diabetes.
Benefits
Bitter melon is rich in vitamin C, fiber, thiamine, riboflavin, B6, niacin, potassium, magnesium and zinc. Aside from acting like insulin (by pushing blood sugar to the cells), some studies said that it is not just good for diabetics. Bitter melon can also fight cancer.
However, how much dose of bitter melon one should take is still a question. Even if bitter melon is taken as a supplement, exact dosage is vague. Better consult your doctor with regards to the dosage of bitter melon and bitter melon supplements. Do not stop or replace medications currently taken unless advised by your doctor.
Precaution
Childbearing women should be cautious with bitter melon since it may unintentionally cause the baby to be aborted by inducing menstruation. For lactating women, bitter melon has no specific use so, they may not take it.
Bitter melon for diabetics
Many patients with diabetes have testimonials how bitter melon helped them keep blood glucose at healthy levels. With proper diet, exercise and doctor’s prescription, they have succeeded in making bitter melon and its supplements substitute diabetes medication.
However, like any medicine or herbal medicine, this may not work successfully with others. Work with your doctors regarding bitter melon medication.
This is a good thing for diabetics. A study revealed that bitter melon has compounds that can trigger an enzyme which role is to regulate metabolism and carry out sugar from the bloodstream into the cells. Since it does the body a favor of pushing blood sugar to the cells, it has the possibility of someday leading a medication to control diabetes and obesity.
Bitter melon has many names: ampalaya, pare African cucumber, bitter gourd, balsam pear and Momordica charantia as its botanical name. People in South America, Africa and Asia eat bitter melon and used it medicinally to treat diabetes.
Benefits
Bitter melon is rich in vitamin C, fiber, thiamine, riboflavin, B6, niacin, potassium, magnesium and zinc. Aside from acting like insulin (by pushing blood sugar to the cells), some studies said that it is not just good for diabetics. Bitter melon can also fight cancer.
However, how much dose of bitter melon one should take is still a question. Even if bitter melon is taken as a supplement, exact dosage is vague. Better consult your doctor with regards to the dosage of bitter melon and bitter melon supplements. Do not stop or replace medications currently taken unless advised by your doctor.
Precaution
Childbearing women should be cautious with bitter melon since it may unintentionally cause the baby to be aborted by inducing menstruation. For lactating women, bitter melon has no specific use so, they may not take it.
Bitter melon for diabetics
Many patients with diabetes have testimonials how bitter melon helped them keep blood glucose at healthy levels. With proper diet, exercise and doctor’s prescription, they have succeeded in making bitter melon and its supplements substitute diabetes medication.
However, like any medicine or herbal medicine, this may not work successfully with others. Work with your doctors regarding bitter melon medication.
Diabetes Complications: Ways to Avoid Them
Diabetes complications are what makes diabetes harmful. Even if you have diabetes already, you still can practice ways to avoid these complications with proper care and management.
Diabetes complications are dangerous. So any diabetic should seriously find ways to avoid them. Diabetes demands a lasting care. If managed well, it can bring no harm at all. Managing and controlling diabetes should come as a habit in order to avoid complications. Complications are what make diabetes dangerous. Avoiding them however, means a smooth journey to healthy living.
Commit to diabetes management
If you have diabetes, learn about the disease. Knowing it can make you subdue it. You may have a circle of people who will help you fight the disease. However, you are the front liner. The way you handle the disease can make or break yourself.
Commit yourself to healthy food and lifestyle. If this becomes a habit, it would be much easier for you to avoid diabetes complications as it surely is one of the ways to avoid harm. Keep track of your blood sugar levels. Be coachable to your doctors. Take medications religiously.
Exercise
Those who do not take the benefits of exercise at heart, find it a grueling activity. Those who do find it relaxing and rewarding. Make sure you get yourself used to exercise as a routine as it is part of diabetes management. Exercise helps you maintain a healthy weight, safe blood sugar levels and lower the risk for heart problems. The main reason for exercise benefit is that working muscles of the body utilize more sugar than those which are at rest.
Avoid diabetes complications by keeping cholesterol and blood pressure normal
High cholesterol and blood pressure can destroy the blood vessels. One of the ways to avoid harm is to keep an eye on this. When you have diabetes, these culprits can worsen and expedite their damage. Having diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure are forerunners of stroke, heart attack and other fatal complications.
To avoid cholesterol and high blood pressure, mind the food you eat. Exercise can help achieve this too.
Do not smoke
Smoking can increase your risk of earning dangerous complications like stroke, heart attack, kidney disease and nerve damage. Smoking diabetics increase this risk three times. Ask for your doctor’s help on how to avoid and stop smoking for your own sake.
Take good care of your eyes, feet and teeth
Diabetes complications can target the eyes, feet and teeth. Find ways to avoid this by taking care of your eyes, feet and teeth. During physical check-up, your doctor will generally check for usual diabetes complications like kidney or nerve damage, heart disease, eye damage and foot damage.
Go for regular eye checkup to have the eye specialist detect for signs of cataracts, retinal damage and glaucoma.
Take care of your feet by washing them with lukewarm water everyday, moisturizing them and checking them for cuts, redness, blisters, swelling and wounds that do not heal fast. Consult your doctor right away if you see problems in your feet.
Diabetes complications can go to your teeth too. One of the ways to avoid teeth damage is to check your mouth for gum infections and report to your dentist if you see that your gums are swollen or bleeding. Brush your teeth at least twice everyday, floss them daily and go to the dentist regularly.
Stay positive
Attitude is everything. If you have diabetes, save yourself by staying positive. This trait can lead you to a long way. Being positive makes diabetes management easier.
Diabetes complications are dangerous. So any diabetic should seriously find ways to avoid them. Diabetes demands a lasting care. If managed well, it can bring no harm at all. Managing and controlling diabetes should come as a habit in order to avoid complications. Complications are what make diabetes dangerous. Avoiding them however, means a smooth journey to healthy living.
Commit to diabetes management
If you have diabetes, learn about the disease. Knowing it can make you subdue it. You may have a circle of people who will help you fight the disease. However, you are the front liner. The way you handle the disease can make or break yourself.
Commit yourself to healthy food and lifestyle. If this becomes a habit, it would be much easier for you to avoid diabetes complications as it surely is one of the ways to avoid harm. Keep track of your blood sugar levels. Be coachable to your doctors. Take medications religiously.
Exercise
Those who do not take the benefits of exercise at heart, find it a grueling activity. Those who do find it relaxing and rewarding. Make sure you get yourself used to exercise as a routine as it is part of diabetes management. Exercise helps you maintain a healthy weight, safe blood sugar levels and lower the risk for heart problems. The main reason for exercise benefit is that working muscles of the body utilize more sugar than those which are at rest.
Avoid diabetes complications by keeping cholesterol and blood pressure normal
High cholesterol and blood pressure can destroy the blood vessels. One of the ways to avoid harm is to keep an eye on this. When you have diabetes, these culprits can worsen and expedite their damage. Having diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure are forerunners of stroke, heart attack and other fatal complications.
To avoid cholesterol and high blood pressure, mind the food you eat. Exercise can help achieve this too.
Do not smoke
Smoking can increase your risk of earning dangerous complications like stroke, heart attack, kidney disease and nerve damage. Smoking diabetics increase this risk three times. Ask for your doctor’s help on how to avoid and stop smoking for your own sake.
Take good care of your eyes, feet and teeth
Diabetes complications can target the eyes, feet and teeth. Find ways to avoid this by taking care of your eyes, feet and teeth. During physical check-up, your doctor will generally check for usual diabetes complications like kidney or nerve damage, heart disease, eye damage and foot damage.
Go for regular eye checkup to have the eye specialist detect for signs of cataracts, retinal damage and glaucoma.
Take care of your feet by washing them with lukewarm water everyday, moisturizing them and checking them for cuts, redness, blisters, swelling and wounds that do not heal fast. Consult your doctor right away if you see problems in your feet.
Diabetes complications can go to your teeth too. One of the ways to avoid teeth damage is to check your mouth for gum infections and report to your dentist if you see that your gums are swollen or bleeding. Brush your teeth at least twice everyday, floss them daily and go to the dentist regularly.
Stay positive
Attitude is everything. If you have diabetes, save yourself by staying positive. This trait can lead you to a long way. Being positive makes diabetes management easier.
Low-phosphorous Diet for Kidney Health
Applying the low-phosphorus diet is good for the kidneys, and can manage kidney disease if there are any. It is good to start considering now on how we can achieve a low-phosphorous diet.
Low phosphorous diet contributes to kidney health. Regulating the levels of phosphorus in the blood is the major role of the kidneys in our bodies. Understandably, if they malfunction, there shall be more phosphorous in the blood and this condition is called hyperphosphatemia. Elevated phosphorous levels decrease the blood’s calcium level and this can lead to bone disease.
800 to 1,000 milligrams (mg) of phosphorus is the daily limit for someone with a kidney disease to take. Healthy adults may eat twice as this. Most food contain phosphorus, that it is difficult to get rid of phosphorous from your diet. Most high-protein foods like dairy products, meats, legumes, beans, seeds and nuts are also high in phosphorous. Whole wheat grains are high in phosphorous so, if you want low-phosphorous diet, choose the refined ones for your kidney health. Unless you receive a kidney dialysis, you shall be advised to take smaller quantities of foods high in phosphorous.
Best Food Choices
It is healthy to pick foods with lower phosphorous from the high-phosphorous foods. For example, prefer unfortified rice milk or nondairy creamer instead of pudding, milk or yogurt; cream or cottage cheese instead of hard cheeses; froze fruit pops instead of frozen yogurt or ice cream; water-based or broth with lower-phosphorous instead of those with higher phosphorous like peas, milk, lentils and beans.
The list for low- and high-phosphorous foods is a long one. The needs likewise vary in every person depending on their kidney functions. The preference for low-phosphorus diet to contribute to kidney health is still the best option.
Phosphorus sources
Common sources of phosphorus are milk, yogurt, cheese, nuts, peas, bran, seeds, whole wheat, dried beans, whole grains, cereals , peanut butter, organ meats and chocolate. Baking powder is also a source – which teaspoon has more than 450mg and 350 mg plus sodium. Baking powder can make pancake mix, biscuits, bakery products and quick breads.
Food labels
Food manufacturers may use ingredients that contain phosphorous to avoid discoloration, make the taste better and thicken the food they process. To know this, read the food labels and check if phosphorous has been added. If there is, you may choose a different item which does not contain such additive.
To achieve low-phosphorus diet for kidney health, it is likewise important to check any ingredient in the food label that contains “phos”. Many additives contain phosphorous like calcium phosphate, phosphoric acid, disodium phosphate, monopotassium phosphate, tricalcium phosphate and pyrophosphate polyphosphates.
Note that it is not a must for food manufacturers to indicate the amount of phosphorus on the labels. To make sure you have a healthy choice and get enough nutrition, consult your dietitian.
Sometimes, your doctor recommends medication that is a phosphate binder, since it is hard to avoid phosphorus in your diet. This can help control the absorption of phosphorus in your body from the food you eat. Or, he may recommend calcium or other supplements based on your needs. Also, remember to stay away from supplements of medication that has phosphorus.
Low phosphorous diet contributes to kidney health. Regulating the levels of phosphorus in the blood is the major role of the kidneys in our bodies. Understandably, if they malfunction, there shall be more phosphorous in the blood and this condition is called hyperphosphatemia. Elevated phosphorous levels decrease the blood’s calcium level and this can lead to bone disease.
800 to 1,000 milligrams (mg) of phosphorus is the daily limit for someone with a kidney disease to take. Healthy adults may eat twice as this. Most food contain phosphorus, that it is difficult to get rid of phosphorous from your diet. Most high-protein foods like dairy products, meats, legumes, beans, seeds and nuts are also high in phosphorous. Whole wheat grains are high in phosphorous so, if you want low-phosphorous diet, choose the refined ones for your kidney health. Unless you receive a kidney dialysis, you shall be advised to take smaller quantities of foods high in phosphorous.
Best Food Choices
It is healthy to pick foods with lower phosphorous from the high-phosphorous foods. For example, prefer unfortified rice milk or nondairy creamer instead of pudding, milk or yogurt; cream or cottage cheese instead of hard cheeses; froze fruit pops instead of frozen yogurt or ice cream; water-based or broth with lower-phosphorous instead of those with higher phosphorous like peas, milk, lentils and beans.
The list for low- and high-phosphorous foods is a long one. The needs likewise vary in every person depending on their kidney functions. The preference for low-phosphorus diet to contribute to kidney health is still the best option.
Phosphorus sources
Common sources of phosphorus are milk, yogurt, cheese, nuts, peas, bran, seeds, whole wheat, dried beans, whole grains, cereals , peanut butter, organ meats and chocolate. Baking powder is also a source – which teaspoon has more than 450mg and 350 mg plus sodium. Baking powder can make pancake mix, biscuits, bakery products and quick breads.
Food labels
Food manufacturers may use ingredients that contain phosphorous to avoid discoloration, make the taste better and thicken the food they process. To know this, read the food labels and check if phosphorous has been added. If there is, you may choose a different item which does not contain such additive.
To achieve low-phosphorus diet for kidney health, it is likewise important to check any ingredient in the food label that contains “phos”. Many additives contain phosphorous like calcium phosphate, phosphoric acid, disodium phosphate, monopotassium phosphate, tricalcium phosphate and pyrophosphate polyphosphates.
Note that it is not a must for food manufacturers to indicate the amount of phosphorus on the labels. To make sure you have a healthy choice and get enough nutrition, consult your dietitian.
Sometimes, your doctor recommends medication that is a phosphate binder, since it is hard to avoid phosphorus in your diet. This can help control the absorption of phosphorus in your body from the food you eat. Or, he may recommend calcium or other supplements based on your needs. Also, remember to stay away from supplements of medication that has phosphorus.
Body Weight and Pregnancy Weight Gain
With so many people more conscious on their body weights these days, health itself is sometimes missed out. However, weight and health matter most during pregnancy…and pregnancy weight is regarded differently.
Depending on how your doctor requires you with regards to your body weight, pregnant women are usually advised to be conscious of pregnancy weight gain for the safety of themselves and for their babies. The more babies you carry, the more body weight you need. The minimum advisable weight to gain is 11 pounds for obese women, average of 25-35 pounds on underweight women or 10-15 pounds more. This clearly depends on the woman and her weight.
Gaining weight is important because a new person is growing inside you. The food you eat, your health and activities do affect the health and condition of your baby. So, pregnant women should not only think of herself, but think of the welfare her baby as well.
Body weight or pregnancy weight gain is imminent, and the growth and development of your baby depends on it. However, having someone inside you does not give you a license to double your meal or food. Still remember the healthy lifestyle to control weight gain, support the health of your baby and ensure to get rid of the extra pounds after delivery.
Mostly, pregnant women gain about 4 pounds on the first trimester, and a pound a week during the last two trimesters. If you think your weight gain becomes more, check if you have changed your eating habits. The practitioner can use your weight gain to determine
the baby’s growth, his health or if there might be problems.
For healthier body weight or pregnancy weight gain, promise yourself to take healthy foods, that is, full of vitamins and minerals. Reach for fresh fruit instead of candy during snack time. Snack foods are full of fat and sugar and is not so healthy. You may add cheese to your crackers. After all, your food shall nourish not only you, but your baby as well.
Depending on how your doctor requires you with regards to your body weight, pregnant women are usually advised to be conscious of pregnancy weight gain for the safety of themselves and for their babies. The more babies you carry, the more body weight you need. The minimum advisable weight to gain is 11 pounds for obese women, average of 25-35 pounds on underweight women or 10-15 pounds more. This clearly depends on the woman and her weight.
Gaining weight is important because a new person is growing inside you. The food you eat, your health and activities do affect the health and condition of your baby. So, pregnant women should not only think of herself, but think of the welfare her baby as well.
Body weight or pregnancy weight gain is imminent, and the growth and development of your baby depends on it. However, having someone inside you does not give you a license to double your meal or food. Still remember the healthy lifestyle to control weight gain, support the health of your baby and ensure to get rid of the extra pounds after delivery.
Mostly, pregnant women gain about 4 pounds on the first trimester, and a pound a week during the last two trimesters. If you think your weight gain becomes more, check if you have changed your eating habits. The practitioner can use your weight gain to determine
the baby’s growth, his health or if there might be problems.
For healthier body weight or pregnancy weight gain, promise yourself to take healthy foods, that is, full of vitamins and minerals. Reach for fresh fruit instead of candy during snack time. Snack foods are full of fat and sugar and is not so healthy. You may add cheese to your crackers. After all, your food shall nourish not only you, but your baby as well.
For Diabetics and for Everyone - Doable Steps to Prevent and Reverse Diabetes
iabetics and matter-of-factly, everyone can prevent and reverse diabetes. Some ways to do so we might have heard already over and over again. Knowledge is power but to apply what we have learned is another thing. At least, we start with knowing.
For those who are diabetics, they still can prevent and reverse diabetes from getting worse. The devastating yet manageable disease can by all means, be prevented by applying some healthy practices. If you happen to have diabetes already, these practices can still be of help to reverse it.
Exercise
Without exercise, it shall be hard to put diabetes under control. Exercise is indeed one of the most effective ways to lower insulin resistance. If you are just starting, consult your doctor or health professional on which workouts to start with.
Get rid of sugar and grains
If a patient with diabetes does not watch the food he is taking, treatment of diabetes shall fail. Diet is a serious issue for diabetics to manage the disease. To prevent and reverse diabetes, stay away from grains and sugar as much as possible. Grains and sugar especially fructose are culprits for disadvantageous insulin reactions in the body. Avoid much pasta, rice, cereals, breads, corn and potatoes.
Diabetics may even avoid some fruits that have much sugar, until such time that their sugar levels become safe.
Eat the right foods
Take a balance diet, one with protein, fats and carbohydrates. The ratio should be safe for your own genetic biochemistry. Start with determining your proper nutritional type from which you shall know your maximum carbo/fat/protein ratio.
Keep track of your fasting insulin level
Fasting Insulin levels should be 2 to 4. The higher it is, the worse is the insulin sensitivity. Diabetics should note that this is extremely important equal to fasting blood sugar; one of the factors to prevent and reverse diabetes.
Maximize Vitamin D
It is interesting to know that maximizing vitamin D can treat type 2 diabetes, at the same time can save your children from getting type 1 diabetes for pregnant women. It is important also that children get enough amount of vitamin D at an early age to get rid of diabetes risk.
Vitamin D can be obtained from direct exposure to the sun at certain hours of the day. Some sort to supplements which in this case, should be approved by your doctor or health professional.
Stronger immune system
For diabetics and non-diabetics alike: building a strong immune system is one way to prevent and reverse diabetes, and in fact, any disease. The body is full of bacteria – good an bad alike. More good bacteria is of course better to make the body’s immune system stronger and the better the body can function healthfully for you.
Accumulate good bacteria to your immune system by eating healthy foods such as fermented foods like raw organic cheese, natto, cultured vegetables and miso.
For those who are diabetics, they still can prevent and reverse diabetes from getting worse. The devastating yet manageable disease can by all means, be prevented by applying some healthy practices. If you happen to have diabetes already, these practices can still be of help to reverse it.
Exercise
Without exercise, it shall be hard to put diabetes under control. Exercise is indeed one of the most effective ways to lower insulin resistance. If you are just starting, consult your doctor or health professional on which workouts to start with.
Get rid of sugar and grains
If a patient with diabetes does not watch the food he is taking, treatment of diabetes shall fail. Diet is a serious issue for diabetics to manage the disease. To prevent and reverse diabetes, stay away from grains and sugar as much as possible. Grains and sugar especially fructose are culprits for disadvantageous insulin reactions in the body. Avoid much pasta, rice, cereals, breads, corn and potatoes.
Diabetics may even avoid some fruits that have much sugar, until such time that their sugar levels become safe.
Eat the right foods
Take a balance diet, one with protein, fats and carbohydrates. The ratio should be safe for your own genetic biochemistry. Start with determining your proper nutritional type from which you shall know your maximum carbo/fat/protein ratio.
Keep track of your fasting insulin level
Fasting Insulin levels should be 2 to 4. The higher it is, the worse is the insulin sensitivity. Diabetics should note that this is extremely important equal to fasting blood sugar; one of the factors to prevent and reverse diabetes.
Maximize Vitamin D
It is interesting to know that maximizing vitamin D can treat type 2 diabetes, at the same time can save your children from getting type 1 diabetes for pregnant women. It is important also that children get enough amount of vitamin D at an early age to get rid of diabetes risk.
Vitamin D can be obtained from direct exposure to the sun at certain hours of the day. Some sort to supplements which in this case, should be approved by your doctor or health professional.
Stronger immune system
For diabetics and non-diabetics alike: building a strong immune system is one way to prevent and reverse diabetes, and in fact, any disease. The body is full of bacteria – good an bad alike. More good bacteria is of course better to make the body’s immune system stronger and the better the body can function healthfully for you.
Accumulate good bacteria to your immune system by eating healthy foods such as fermented foods like raw organic cheese, natto, cultured vegetables and miso.
Vitamin B12 and B12 Deficiency
B12 is a vitamin that is important for the body to have the brain and nervous system function properly. B12 deficiency therefore, also affects the brain and the nervous system. Know how the sources of B12 and how to avoid B12 deficiency.
Coblamin or vitamin B12 is a vitamin that is water soluble. Lack of it or B12 deficiency is dangerous for the normal functioning in the nervous sytem, brain and blood formation. B12 takes part in every cell’s process of metabolism especially one that affects the DNA regulation and synthesis as well as production of energy and synthesis of fatty acid.
Vitamin B12 sources
Vitamin B12 has cobalt, a rare element that is biochemical. It also has compounds called vitamers and all of them are doing favorable activity to the body. Sources of vitamin B12 are usually from animals such as shellfish, fish, poultry, milk, eggs, liver, fortified cereals and meat. Albeit eggs have vitamin B12, it also has something that can block absorption so must be taken with precaution.
Deficiency
Lack of vitamin B12 or B12 deficiency can have some adverse effects on the body; most affected are the nervous system and brain. Results may include poor memory, depression and fatigue. B12 deficiency can also be caused by inadequate intake of animal products. That is why it can happen to vegetarians who completely do not eat meat. The babies of vegetarians whom they breast-fed can have B12 deficiency too.
B12 deficiency can also be caused by some abnormalities inside the body itself. One of which is the lack of an acid inside the stomach which is responsible to segregate B12 and protein. This is more common to some elder people and those who take drugs that curb the production of gastric acid.
Another cause why B12 is deficient is short of intrinsic factor, a substance that works with B12 before the intestines absorb it. This results to B12 deficiency. Parietal cells inside the stomach produce the intrinsic factor. On the other hand, the inability of the parietal cells to produce intrinsic factor is caused by “pernicious anemia”, an autoimmune condition which destroys the parietal cells.
Some factors that cause B12 deficiency are alcoholism, kidney or liver disease and medications of diabetes and arthritis.
Coblamin or vitamin B12 is a vitamin that is water soluble. Lack of it or B12 deficiency is dangerous for the normal functioning in the nervous sytem, brain and blood formation. B12 takes part in every cell’s process of metabolism especially one that affects the DNA regulation and synthesis as well as production of energy and synthesis of fatty acid.
Vitamin B12 sources
Vitamin B12 has cobalt, a rare element that is biochemical. It also has compounds called vitamers and all of them are doing favorable activity to the body. Sources of vitamin B12 are usually from animals such as shellfish, fish, poultry, milk, eggs, liver, fortified cereals and meat. Albeit eggs have vitamin B12, it also has something that can block absorption so must be taken with precaution.
Deficiency
Lack of vitamin B12 or B12 deficiency can have some adverse effects on the body; most affected are the nervous system and brain. Results may include poor memory, depression and fatigue. B12 deficiency can also be caused by inadequate intake of animal products. That is why it can happen to vegetarians who completely do not eat meat. The babies of vegetarians whom they breast-fed can have B12 deficiency too.
B12 deficiency can also be caused by some abnormalities inside the body itself. One of which is the lack of an acid inside the stomach which is responsible to segregate B12 and protein. This is more common to some elder people and those who take drugs that curb the production of gastric acid.
Another cause why B12 is deficient is short of intrinsic factor, a substance that works with B12 before the intestines absorb it. This results to B12 deficiency. Parietal cells inside the stomach produce the intrinsic factor. On the other hand, the inability of the parietal cells to produce intrinsic factor is caused by “pernicious anemia”, an autoimmune condition which destroys the parietal cells.
Some factors that cause B12 deficiency are alcoholism, kidney or liver disease and medications of diabetes and arthritis.
Diabetes and Blood Sugar Levels Chart
Patients with diabetes take blood sugar levels chart as an important factor of keeping their diabetes under control. Blood sugar levels chart tells the diabetic how is he doing with his diabetes management.
For people with diabetes, glucose levels or blood sugar levels chart is vital to control their conditions all the time. The main concern of diabetic patients is to discuss the results of the glucose levels chart with their doctor and talk about how to keep the glucose at healthy levels.
With proper use of the blood sugar levels chart, one can maintain a normal and healthy glucose levels in your blood, which is very significant, to live a healthy life. This glucose levels chart can be an important tool to stay fit and healthy. It is something that diabetics should have all the time.
With this chart, they can determine the quantity of carbohydrates they have to take throughout the day, how it affects their blood sugar and make necessary adjustments. Diabetes patients, as advised by the blood sugar levels chart, can adjust their intake to achieve normal range results in their blood sugar. Without the chart, the diabetic can be clueless and careless on their carbohydrate intake, and that can be extremely dangerous.
Glucose levels range
Blood sugar which stays in the bloodstream, is where the body get energy from. This is the product of the body processing the starch and sugar in carbohydrate. In the digestive process, the enzymes convert the carbohydrates into glucose and absorbed by the small intestine and into the blood stream, where the sugar mixes with insulin (a pancreas-produced hormone) to distribute energy which fuels the body’s mental and physical activities.
The following is essential for those with diabetes to know about what the blood sugar levels chart says: 70 to 150 mg/dL is the normal range for the blood sugar which the body itself maintains for its operations. This level can go up and down (and it is just normal) in the day – it can be lowest during mornings and can go up a few hours after eating (depends on the consumption of carbohydrates). The human body is perfectly made to keep the sugar in the blood at normal levels. Glucose that are not utilized yet are stored in the form of glycogen in the liver and the bloodstream automatically absorbs the stored glucose when the levels in the blood drops.
Blood glucose levels for early diabetes ranges from 101mg to 126 while established diabetes is 126 mg in the blood sugar levels chart.
For diabetics and non-diabetics
Keeping the blood sugar levels at a safe range should be practiced by everyone, either diabetic or non-diabetic. Though blood sugar testing is usually done for diabetics (or those who feel they are about to get diabetes), healthy people can have their blood sugar examined as well. Knowing the levels is significant for us to make adjustments for the sake of health.
For people with diabetes, glucose levels or blood sugar levels chart is vital to control their conditions all the time. The main concern of diabetic patients is to discuss the results of the glucose levels chart with their doctor and talk about how to keep the glucose at healthy levels.
With proper use of the blood sugar levels chart, one can maintain a normal and healthy glucose levels in your blood, which is very significant, to live a healthy life. This glucose levels chart can be an important tool to stay fit and healthy. It is something that diabetics should have all the time.
With this chart, they can determine the quantity of carbohydrates they have to take throughout the day, how it affects their blood sugar and make necessary adjustments. Diabetes patients, as advised by the blood sugar levels chart, can adjust their intake to achieve normal range results in their blood sugar. Without the chart, the diabetic can be clueless and careless on their carbohydrate intake, and that can be extremely dangerous.
Glucose levels range
Blood sugar which stays in the bloodstream, is where the body get energy from. This is the product of the body processing the starch and sugar in carbohydrate. In the digestive process, the enzymes convert the carbohydrates into glucose and absorbed by the small intestine and into the blood stream, where the sugar mixes with insulin (a pancreas-produced hormone) to distribute energy which fuels the body’s mental and physical activities.
The following is essential for those with diabetes to know about what the blood sugar levels chart says: 70 to 150 mg/dL is the normal range for the blood sugar which the body itself maintains for its operations. This level can go up and down (and it is just normal) in the day – it can be lowest during mornings and can go up a few hours after eating (depends on the consumption of carbohydrates). The human body is perfectly made to keep the sugar in the blood at normal levels. Glucose that are not utilized yet are stored in the form of glycogen in the liver and the bloodstream automatically absorbs the stored glucose when the levels in the blood drops.
Blood glucose levels for early diabetes ranges from 101mg to 126 while established diabetes is 126 mg in the blood sugar levels chart.
For diabetics and non-diabetics
Keeping the blood sugar levels at a safe range should be practiced by everyone, either diabetic or non-diabetic. Though blood sugar testing is usually done for diabetics (or those who feel they are about to get diabetes), healthy people can have their blood sugar examined as well. Knowing the levels is significant for us to make adjustments for the sake of health.
Your Body Weight and Your Risk
What is the relation of body weight to having risk of getting into some diseases? Body weight is a good indication if you are healthy or not. It is but worthy to watch over weight and keep it at a healthy range.
Becoming overweight can be a result of indulgence and lack of discipline. However, it has its rewards too. Overweight increases the risk for type 2 diabetes, stroke and heart disease. Likewise, it can cause problems like high blood glucose, high blood pressure and unhealthy cholesterol.
Overweight and diabetes have been called by Healthful Life as the twin American health epidemics. The number of people becoming overweight or obese increases every year in children, young adults and especially adults.
Obesity, overweight and diabetes become more common since 1990. Figures from surveys are doubted as just underestimates. Some studies suggest that already 30 percent of adults are overweight.
Overweight means that your BMI (body mass index equals to weight in kilograms divided by the height in meters squared) is more than 25. So body weight, which has a relation to health and risk of getting sick, is one of the major components of BMI. Normal BMI is 25 or below., mild obesity is 34.9, obesity that is moderately severe is 35-39.99 and extreme obesity is above 40.
Being overweight gives you 60 percent risk for getting diabetes. Not only that. Being overweight also exposes you to hypertension at 80 percent and 50 percent for high cholesterol levels. Moderate obesity increases the risk of hypertension and diabetes three times and twice for arthritis and high cholesterol level. Severe obesity is worse. It gives six to seven times risk for hypertension and diabetes and four times of arthritis.
Over body weight and obesity result to higher risk for diabetes. They are one of the major culprits of diabetes and every year, the world produces more and more overweight and obese people. Before, doctors used to see diabetes becoming more prevalent in children and young adult, while type 2 diabetes is more common on older people and when gain is achieved. However, getting overweight has become easy these days. More fats grow around the hips and waist before we even notice them.
The prevalence of overweight and obesity has increase, even in not-so-rich countries, that sometimes we do not know we will be one of them, and exposing ourselves to diabetes, high blood pressure, heart problems and high cholesterol levels. Knowing about the results of statistics on over body weight and the risk that goes with it can give us enough fear that we shall wish not to eat anymore.
In 2005, there shall be two billion people who are overweight and 700 million obese, as WHO or the World Health Organization believes. Just make sure we shall not be one of them.
Becoming overweight can be a result of indulgence and lack of discipline. However, it has its rewards too. Overweight increases the risk for type 2 diabetes, stroke and heart disease. Likewise, it can cause problems like high blood glucose, high blood pressure and unhealthy cholesterol.
Overweight and diabetes have been called by Healthful Life as the twin American health epidemics. The number of people becoming overweight or obese increases every year in children, young adults and especially adults.
Obesity, overweight and diabetes become more common since 1990. Figures from surveys are doubted as just underestimates. Some studies suggest that already 30 percent of adults are overweight.
Overweight means that your BMI (body mass index equals to weight in kilograms divided by the height in meters squared) is more than 25. So body weight, which has a relation to health and risk of getting sick, is one of the major components of BMI. Normal BMI is 25 or below., mild obesity is 34.9, obesity that is moderately severe is 35-39.99 and extreme obesity is above 40.
Being overweight gives you 60 percent risk for getting diabetes. Not only that. Being overweight also exposes you to hypertension at 80 percent and 50 percent for high cholesterol levels. Moderate obesity increases the risk of hypertension and diabetes three times and twice for arthritis and high cholesterol level. Severe obesity is worse. It gives six to seven times risk for hypertension and diabetes and four times of arthritis.
Over body weight and obesity result to higher risk for diabetes. They are one of the major culprits of diabetes and every year, the world produces more and more overweight and obese people. Before, doctors used to see diabetes becoming more prevalent in children and young adult, while type 2 diabetes is more common on older people and when gain is achieved. However, getting overweight has become easy these days. More fats grow around the hips and waist before we even notice them.
The prevalence of overweight and obesity has increase, even in not-so-rich countries, that sometimes we do not know we will be one of them, and exposing ourselves to diabetes, high blood pressure, heart problems and high cholesterol levels. Knowing about the results of statistics on over body weight and the risk that goes with it can give us enough fear that we shall wish not to eat anymore.
In 2005, there shall be two billion people who are overweight and 700 million obese, as WHO or the World Health Organization believes. Just make sure we shall not be one of them.
Type 2 Diabetes – A Culprit For Stroke
People with type 2 diabetes are at higher risks for stroke and other heart problems. Though diabetes is a manageable disease, it might produce complications more fatal than itself. With these, diabetics should be very careful in their health management.
Higher blood glucose levels can lead to higher risk for stroke and other heart problems. Hence, people with type 2 diabetes are more proned to stroke and cardiovascular problems. This is one of the enough reasons why diabetics should religiously watch over their blood glucose levels and keep them at safe levels all the time.
According to the American Diabetes Association, people whose Alc levels are above 7% are nearly 3 times to have a stroke than those with Alc below 5%. The Alc is a test to measure blood glucose levels over the previous months.
Consistent elevation of blood sugar levels can build up plaque in blood vessels which in turn interferes with the flow of blood. A plaque is a pasty substance consisting of calcium, cholesterol, protein and cellular waste. Type 2 diabetes with high blood sugar levels contribute to the formation of this plaque. Then, the plaque sticks to the blood vessel walls and impair blood flow that can lead to stroke.
To control and minimize the buildup of plaques, blood glucose should be kept at a normal and safe range.
Stroke
Stroke is one of the main causes of death and disability among the population worldwide. It involves the brain and the blood vessels. The American Stroke Association website says that a stroke happens when a blood vessel which carries nutrients and oxygen to the brain is blocked by a clot (this is ischemic stroke) or bursts (called hemorrhagic stroke) – a danger more fatal than type 2 diabetes. When stroke occurs, the nutrients and oxygen cannot reach the brain, depriving the latter of its needed items and it begins to die.
When the brain cells are deprived of oxygen and nutrients for more than a few minutes, they begin to die, leading to brain damage. Strokes should be treated within 60 minutes as it extremely needs immediate medical attention.
Be warned with the following signs of strokes and take action immediately. To name a few: weakness and numbness in one arm, one leg or one side of the face; extreme dizziness; difficulty in keeping balance, walking, talking or understanding others; and confusion.
To reduce the risk of stroke, the following are some of the best ways: keep good levels of blood glucose, exercise, healthy, ideal body weight; eating fruit, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat diet and quitting smoking.
Higher blood glucose levels can lead to higher risk for stroke and other heart problems. Hence, people with type 2 diabetes are more proned to stroke and cardiovascular problems. This is one of the enough reasons why diabetics should religiously watch over their blood glucose levels and keep them at safe levels all the time.
According to the American Diabetes Association, people whose Alc levels are above 7% are nearly 3 times to have a stroke than those with Alc below 5%. The Alc is a test to measure blood glucose levels over the previous months.
Consistent elevation of blood sugar levels can build up plaque in blood vessels which in turn interferes with the flow of blood. A plaque is a pasty substance consisting of calcium, cholesterol, protein and cellular waste. Type 2 diabetes with high blood sugar levels contribute to the formation of this plaque. Then, the plaque sticks to the blood vessel walls and impair blood flow that can lead to stroke.
To control and minimize the buildup of plaques, blood glucose should be kept at a normal and safe range.
Stroke
Stroke is one of the main causes of death and disability among the population worldwide. It involves the brain and the blood vessels. The American Stroke Association website says that a stroke happens when a blood vessel which carries nutrients and oxygen to the brain is blocked by a clot (this is ischemic stroke) or bursts (called hemorrhagic stroke) – a danger more fatal than type 2 diabetes. When stroke occurs, the nutrients and oxygen cannot reach the brain, depriving the latter of its needed items and it begins to die.
When the brain cells are deprived of oxygen and nutrients for more than a few minutes, they begin to die, leading to brain damage. Strokes should be treated within 60 minutes as it extremely needs immediate medical attention.
Be warned with the following signs of strokes and take action immediately. To name a few: weakness and numbness in one arm, one leg or one side of the face; extreme dizziness; difficulty in keeping balance, walking, talking or understanding others; and confusion.
To reduce the risk of stroke, the following are some of the best ways: keep good levels of blood glucose, exercise, healthy, ideal body weight; eating fruit, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat diet and quitting smoking.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
