Sunday, December 28, 2014
Tuesday, December 16, 2014
How to Control Diabetes in 4 Simple Steps by Cooperating With Your Body
How to control diabetes is the aim of every person with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. This is also the quest of numerous medical research studies - both past and present. Immediately after diagnosis, the primary aim of treatment is to bring the diabetes under control.
A troubling concern to me is that most diabetes suffers simply accept the message of the banner being flown that says, "there is no cure for diabetes." It's a placard being flown by the medical and pharmaceutical research communities.
The problem of how to control diabetes, especially type 2 diabetes, will always be with us - and will get worse - as long as we do not take drastic steps to change our lifestyle habits that have been shown to influence early onset and make diabetes control more difficult.
Now I will share four simple diabetes control steps that resulted in a "come back" experience for me. I decided that I had too much to live for; I had to be revolutionary. I need to be healthy as long as I can for my family. I'm sure you have a similar desire.
Step 1 - How to control diabetes by dieting
Choose low fat, heart-healthy foods.This important aspect of blood sugar control is dealt with extensively on this site. There is also a 7-day email course called "The 7 Biggest Mistakes in Your Diet and How to Avoid Them." It's free. However, here are some important points to consider.
Eat only very high fiber complex carbohydrates
Minimize your fat consumption and restrict it only to plant-based unsaturated fats, such as olive oil
Reverse your eating pattern - eat your largest meal in the morning and your smallest in the evening
Do not eat late - it is best to eat your last meal 3 to 4 hours before bedtime.
Do not snack. What? This is not what popular diabetes treatment recommends, but if your carbohydrate content is complex enough and the other steps below are in place, you will find you do not get hungry between regular meals
Note that for diabetes control diet measures to work properly, all of these four steps should be in place and practiced simultaneously.
Step 2 - How to control diabetes with physical exercise
Exercise everyday until your blood glucose level is normalized. Of course, consult you physician before beginning your program - especially if you have related conditions such as coronary heart problems, hypertension, or high cholesterol.
You can do physical exercise to control diabetes or any other situation related to the metabolic syndrome whether or not you are physically challenged. As long as there are a few muscles that can be voluntarily controlled, you can exercise every day.
Start walking. This takes time, but it is the BEST form of exercise for a type 2 diabetic. Your aim should be to walk for an hour every morning - especially if your blood sugar level is high at that time. Walk at a brisk pace. I usually do what I call a power walk. After your blood sugar is under control, it is alright to cut back to 30 minutes per day.
In our modern societies today, it is easy to become unfit. There are many muscles that atrophe because we don't use them. Think of the many muscles in each shoulder, in the back, the neck, the arms and legs - many muscles but we only notice them when they hurt. Even if you have to get around in a wheelchair, you can target muscles in any of the above areas and get them working.
The idea is to stimulate or boost the glucose metabolism in these muscles by strengthening them. This diabetes control measure is no where as fast as pills, but when it gets going you will love the result.
Step 3 - How to control diabetes by rest and relaxation
This is one other area that is greatly offset by our modern lifestyle - especially if you live in a city that doesn't sleep!
The idea here is to cooperate with the body's natural circadian rhythm. Our bodies know the difference between night and day, regardless of what the clock on the wall says. At nights the body prepares for repair processes and certain hormones are released then that are not released to the same extent during the day.
If we cooperate with our biorhythm, our bodies do a better job at repairing damaged tissues. Where do these damages come from? Well, there are always free radicals being produced as a result of normal metabolic activity. These create some damage - it's called growing old - and it happens whether or not we like it.
If we understand, appreciate, and cooperate with our bodies in handling these catabolic and anabolic processes we will have healthier bodies. So...Go to bed early for better rest
Go to bed early. It is said that every hour of sleep before midnight is twice as beneficial as an hour after midnight.
Get 6 - 8 hours of sleep each night
It's best to sleep in the dark. It increases melatonin production.
Life is like a candle. You may have more light (fun) if you burn it at both ends simimultaneously, but is sure doesn't last as long. A common practice of most centenarians is that that they always had a practice of going to bed early.
Step 4 - How to control diabetes with food supplementation
I had an allergic reaction to my diabetes medication and I was "forced" to consider alternative (natural) remedies. It was then that I found out about the milagro de la selva tea. In 10 days, I had a reduction in my postprandial (2 hours after eating) blood glucose readings. But things got better still...
Shortly after that, in the Spring of 2005, a former coworker called and share with me that she did not need her seasonal allergy medications anymore. She told me about a supplement she had been using for a few months. It was called Original Limu. She mentioned that it helped all kinds of complaints.
Yeah, right! I heard that before... many times, even!
However, I knew how she struggled with her allergies. I'd seen it for years, and I felt sorry for her. And now, she doesn't need her medication anymore?
In short, that was how this product got into my kitchen and has become a staple since then. After reading some of the more than 700 independent scientific studies on the main ingredient, Fucoidan, and especially on it's effect on the control of blood glucose level, I could not resist.
I have come to believe that this is true: if we give our bodies what it needs to do what it has been programmed to do, it will do it - and it does it better than any unnatural intervention.
Together, these four practices have given me my life back. How to control diabetes is not rocket science, even though we are not completely clear on the real cause of this disease, we do know enough to prevent the onset or live healthier lives even if we already have it.
For a practical guide on how to control diabetes, see Diabetes Destroyer By David Andrews. He presents a common sense and natural way to manage and prevent type II diabetes.
A troubling concern to me is that most diabetes suffers simply accept the message of the banner being flown that says, "there is no cure for diabetes." It's a placard being flown by the medical and pharmaceutical research communities.
The problem of how to control diabetes, especially type 2 diabetes, will always be with us - and will get worse - as long as we do not take drastic steps to change our lifestyle habits that have been shown to influence early onset and make diabetes control more difficult.
Now I will share four simple diabetes control steps that resulted in a "come back" experience for me. I decided that I had too much to live for; I had to be revolutionary. I need to be healthy as long as I can for my family. I'm sure you have a similar desire.
Step 1 - How to control diabetes by dieting
Choose low fat, heart-healthy foods.This important aspect of blood sugar control is dealt with extensively on this site. There is also a 7-day email course called "The 7 Biggest Mistakes in Your Diet and How to Avoid Them." It's free. However, here are some important points to consider.
Eat only very high fiber complex carbohydrates
Minimize your fat consumption and restrict it only to plant-based unsaturated fats, such as olive oil
Reverse your eating pattern - eat your largest meal in the morning and your smallest in the evening
Do not eat late - it is best to eat your last meal 3 to 4 hours before bedtime.
Do not snack. What? This is not what popular diabetes treatment recommends, but if your carbohydrate content is complex enough and the other steps below are in place, you will find you do not get hungry between regular meals
Note that for diabetes control diet measures to work properly, all of these four steps should be in place and practiced simultaneously.
Step 2 - How to control diabetes with physical exercise
Exercise everyday until your blood glucose level is normalized. Of course, consult you physician before beginning your program - especially if you have related conditions such as coronary heart problems, hypertension, or high cholesterol.
You can do physical exercise to control diabetes or any other situation related to the metabolic syndrome whether or not you are physically challenged. As long as there are a few muscles that can be voluntarily controlled, you can exercise every day.
Start walking. This takes time, but it is the BEST form of exercise for a type 2 diabetic. Your aim should be to walk for an hour every morning - especially if your blood sugar level is high at that time. Walk at a brisk pace. I usually do what I call a power walk. After your blood sugar is under control, it is alright to cut back to 30 minutes per day.
In our modern societies today, it is easy to become unfit. There are many muscles that atrophe because we don't use them. Think of the many muscles in each shoulder, in the back, the neck, the arms and legs - many muscles but we only notice them when they hurt. Even if you have to get around in a wheelchair, you can target muscles in any of the above areas and get them working.
The idea is to stimulate or boost the glucose metabolism in these muscles by strengthening them. This diabetes control measure is no where as fast as pills, but when it gets going you will love the result.
Step 3 - How to control diabetes by rest and relaxation
This is one other area that is greatly offset by our modern lifestyle - especially if you live in a city that doesn't sleep!
The idea here is to cooperate with the body's natural circadian rhythm. Our bodies know the difference between night and day, regardless of what the clock on the wall says. At nights the body prepares for repair processes and certain hormones are released then that are not released to the same extent during the day.
If we cooperate with our biorhythm, our bodies do a better job at repairing damaged tissues. Where do these damages come from? Well, there are always free radicals being produced as a result of normal metabolic activity. These create some damage - it's called growing old - and it happens whether or not we like it.
If we understand, appreciate, and cooperate with our bodies in handling these catabolic and anabolic processes we will have healthier bodies. So...Go to bed early for better rest
Go to bed early. It is said that every hour of sleep before midnight is twice as beneficial as an hour after midnight.
Get 6 - 8 hours of sleep each night
It's best to sleep in the dark. It increases melatonin production.
Life is like a candle. You may have more light (fun) if you burn it at both ends simimultaneously, but is sure doesn't last as long. A common practice of most centenarians is that that they always had a practice of going to bed early.
Step 4 - How to control diabetes with food supplementation
I had an allergic reaction to my diabetes medication and I was "forced" to consider alternative (natural) remedies. It was then that I found out about the milagro de la selva tea. In 10 days, I had a reduction in my postprandial (2 hours after eating) blood glucose readings. But things got better still...
Shortly after that, in the Spring of 2005, a former coworker called and share with me that she did not need her seasonal allergy medications anymore. She told me about a supplement she had been using for a few months. It was called Original Limu. She mentioned that it helped all kinds of complaints.
Yeah, right! I heard that before... many times, even!
However, I knew how she struggled with her allergies. I'd seen it for years, and I felt sorry for her. And now, she doesn't need her medication anymore?
In short, that was how this product got into my kitchen and has become a staple since then. After reading some of the more than 700 independent scientific studies on the main ingredient, Fucoidan, and especially on it's effect on the control of blood glucose level, I could not resist.
I have come to believe that this is true: if we give our bodies what it needs to do what it has been programmed to do, it will do it - and it does it better than any unnatural intervention.
Together, these four practices have given me my life back. How to control diabetes is not rocket science, even though we are not completely clear on the real cause of this disease, we do know enough to prevent the onset or live healthier lives even if we already have it.
For a practical guide on how to control diabetes, see Diabetes Destroyer By David Andrews. He presents a common sense and natural way to manage and prevent type II diabetes.
Sunday, November 9, 2014
Diabetes Mellitus
Type 2 diabetes occurs mainly in people aged over 40. The 'first-line' treatment is diet, weight control and physical activity. If the blood glucose level remains high despite these measures, then tablets to reduce the blood glucose level are usually advised. Insulin injections are needed in some cases. Other treatments include reducing blood pressure if it is high, and other measures to reduce the risk of complications.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes mellitus (just called diabetes from now on) occurs when the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood becomes higher than normal. There are two main types of diabetes - Type 1 diabetes and Type 2 diabetes.
Understanding blood glucose and insulin
After you eat, various foods are broken down in your gut into sugars. The main sugar is called glucose which passes through your gut wall into your bloodstream. However, to remain healthy, your blood glucose level should not go too high or too low.
So, when your blood glucose level begins to rise (after you eat), the level of a hormone called insulin should also rise. Insulin works on the cells of your body and makes them take in glucose from the bloodstream. Some of the glucose is used by the cells for energy, and some is converted into glycogen or fat (which are stores of energy). When the blood glucose level begins to fall (between meals), the level of insulin falls. Some glycogen or fat is then converted back into glucose which is released from the cells into the bloodstream.
Insulin is a hormone that is made by cells called beta cells. These are part of little 'islands' of cells (islets) within the pancreas. Hormones are chemicals that are released into the bloodstream and work on various parts of the body.
What is Type 2 diabetes?
With Type 2 diabetes, the illness and symptoms tend to develop gradually (over weeks or months). This is because in Type 2 diabetes you still make insulin (unlike Type 1 diabetes). However, you develop diabetes because:
you do not make enough insulin for your body's needs, OR
the cells in your body do not use insulin properly. This is called 'insulin resistance'. The cells in your body become resistant to normal levels of insulin. So, you need more insulin than you normally make to keep the blood glucose level down, OR
a combination of the above two reasons.
Type 2 diabetes used to be known as maturity onset, or Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes. It develops mainly in people older than 40 (but sometimes occurs in younger people). In the UK about 3 in 100 people aged over 40, and about 10 in 100 people aged over 65, have Type 2 diabetes. It is more common in people who are overweight or obese. It also tends to run in families. It is also more common in South Asian and African-Caribbean people (often developing before the age of 40 in this group).
What is Type 1 diabetes?
In Type 1 diabetes the beta cells in the pancreas stop making insulin. The illness and symptoms develop quickly (over days or weeks) because the level of insulin in the bloodstream becomes very low. Type 1 diabetes used to be known as juvenile, early onset, or Insulin Dependent Diabetes. It usually first develops in children or in young adults. Type 1 diabetes is treated with insulin injections and diet.
The rest of this leaflet deals only with Type 2 diabetes.
What are the symptoms of Type 2 diabetes?
The four common symptoms are:
being thirsty a lot of the time.
passing large amounts of urine.
tiredness.
weight loss.
The reason why you make a lot of urine and become thirsty is because glucose leaks into your urine which 'pulls out' extra water through the kidneys.
Symptoms may develop so gradually that you can become used to being thirsty and tired. You may not recognise that you are ill for some time. Some people also develop blurred vision and frequent infections such as recurring thrush. However, some people with Type 2 diabetes do not have any symptoms if the blood glucose level is not too high. However, even if you do not have symptoms, you should still have treatment to reduce the risk of developing complications.
How is diabetes diagnosed?
A simple 'dipstick' test can detect glucose in a sample of urine. If you have glucose in your urine, it is likely that you have diabetes. (Urine does not normally contain glucose. If the blood glucose level goes above a certain level, then some glucose 'spills' through the kidneys into the urine.)
However, some people have kidneys that are more 'leaky' than usual, and glucose may leak into urine with a normal blood level. Therefore, if your urine contains any glucose you should have a blood test to measure the blood level of glucose. This can confirm, or rule out, diabetes. The blood test is usually done in a morning before you eat anything so it is a 'fasting sample'.
What are the possible complications of diabetes?
Short term complication - a very high blood glucose level
This is not common with Type 2 diabetes. It is more common in untreated Type 1 diabetes when a very high level of glucose can develop quickly. However, a very high glucose level develops in some people with untreated Type 2 diabetes. A very high blood level of glucose can cause dehydration, drowsiness, and serious illness which can be life-threatening.
Long term complications
If your blood glucose level is higher than normal over a long period of time, it can gradually damage your blood vessels. This can occur even if the glucose level is not very high above the normal level. This may lead to some of the following complications (often years after you first develop diabetes).
Atheroma ('furring or hardening of the arteries'). This can cause problems such as angina, heart attacks, stroke, and poor circulation.
Kidney damage which sometimes develops into kidney failure.
Eye problems which can affect vision (due to damage to the small arteries of the retina at the back of the eye).
Nerve damage.
Foot problems (due to poor circulation and nerve damage).
Impotence.
Other rare problems.
The type and severity of long-term complications varies from case to case. You may not develop any at all. In general, the nearer your blood glucose level is to normal, the less your risk of developing complications. Your risk of developing complications is also reduced if you deal with any other 'risk factors' that you may have such as high blood pressure.
Treatment complications
Hypoglycaemia (which is often called a 'hypo') occurs when the level of glucose becomes too low, usually under 4 mmol/l. People with diabetes who take insulin and/or certain diabetes tablets are at risk of having a hypo. A hypo may occur if you have too much diabetes medication, delayed or missed a meal or snack, or have taken part in unplanned exercise or physical activity. Symptoms of hypoglycaemia include: trembling, sweating, anxiety, blurred vision, tingling lips, paleness, mood change, vagueness or confusion. To treat hypoglycaemia: take a sugary drink or some sweets. Then eat a starchy snack such as a sandwich. Note: hypoglycaemia cannot occur if you are treated with diet alone.
What are the aims of treatment?
If a high blood glucose level is brought down to a normal or near normal level, your symptoms will ease and you are likely to feel well again. However, you still have some risk of complications in the long-term if your blood glucose level remains even mildly high - even if you have no symptoms in the short-term. Therefore, the main aims of treatment are:
To keep your blood glucose level as near normal as possible.
To reduce any other 'risk factors' that may increase your risk of developing complications. In particular, to lower your blood pressure if it is high, and to keep your blood lipids (cholesterol) low.
To detect any complications as early as possible. Treatment can prevent or delay some complications from getting worse.
Treatment aim 1 - keeping your blood glucose level down
How is the blood glucose level monitored?
The blood test that is mainly used to keep a check on your blood glucose level is called the HbA1c test. This test is commonly done every 2-6 months by your doctor or nurse.
The HbA1c test measures a part of the red blood cells. Glucose in the blood attaches to part of the red blood cells. This part can be measured and gives a good indication of your average blood glucose level over the last 2-3 months.
Treatment aims to lower you HbA1c to below a target level which is usually agreed between you and your doctor. The target level is usually somewhere between 6.5% and 7.5%. If your HbA1c is above your target level then you may be advised to 'step up' treatment to keep your blood glucose level down (for example, by increasing the dose of medication, etc).
Some people with diabetes check their actual blood glucose level each day. If you are advised to do this then you doctor or nurse will give you instructions on how to do it.
Lifestyle - diet, weight control and physical activity
You can usually reduce the level of your blood glucose and HbA1c if you:
Eat a healthy balanced diet. A practice nurse and/or dietician will give details on how to eat a healthy diet. The diet is the same as recommended for everyone. The idea that you need special foods if you have diabetes is a myth. Basically, you should aim to eat a diet low in fat, high in fibre, and with plenty of starchy foods, fruit and vegetables.
Lose weight if you are overweight. Getting to a 'perfect weight' is unrealistic for many people. However, losing some weight if you are obese or overweight will help to reduce your blood glucose level (and have other health benefits too).
Do some physical activity regularly. If you are able, a minimum of 30 minutes brisk walking at least five times a week is advised. Anything more vigorous and more often is even better. For example, swimming, cycling, jogging, dancing. Ideally you should do an activity that gets you at least mildly out of breath and mildly sweaty. You can spread the activity over the day. (For example, two fifteen minute spells per day of brisk walking, cycling, dancing, etc.) Regular physical activity also reduces your risk of having a heart attack or stroke.
Many people with Type 2 diabetes can reduce their blood glucose (and HbA1c) to a target level by the above measures. However, if the blood glucose (or HbA1c) level remains too high after a trial of these measures for a few months, then medication is usually advised.
Medication
There are various drugs that can reduce the blood glucose level. Different ones suit different people. Some drugs work by helping insulin to work better on the body's cells. Others work by boosting the amount of insulin made by the pancreas. Another type works by slowing down the absorption of glucose from the gut. Some people need a combination of drugs to control their blood glucose level. Medication is not used instead of a healthy diet, weight control and physical activity - if possible, you should still do these things as well as take medication. See a separate leaflet called 'Treatments for Type 2 Diabetes' for more details.
Insulin injections
Insulin is needed in some cases if the above treatments do not work well enough. You cannot take insulin by mouth as it is destroyed by the digestive juices in the gut.
Treatment aim 2 - to reduce other risk factors
You are less likely to develop complications of diabetes if you reduce any other 'risk factors'. These are briefly mentioned below, but are discussed more fully in another leaflet called Preventing Cardiovascular Disease. Everyone should aim to cut out preventable risk factors, but people with diabetes have even more of a reason to do so.
Keep your blood pressure down
Have your blood pressure checked regularly. The combination of high blood pressure and diabetes is a particularly high risk factor. Even mildly raised blood pressure should be treated if you have diabetes. Medication, sometimes with two or even three different drugs, may be needed to keep your blood pressure down. See separate leaflet called 'Diabetes and High Blood Pressure'.
If you smoke - now is the time to stop
Smoking is a high risk factor. See a practice nurse if you have difficulty stopping. If necessary, medication or nicotine replacement therapy (nicotine gum, etc) may help you to stop.
Other medication
You will usually be advised to take a drug to lower your cholesterol level, and to take a daily aspirin. These help to lower the risk of developing some complications such as heart disease, peripheral vascular disease and stroke.
Treatment aim 3 - to detect and treat any complications promptly
Most GP's surgeries and hospitals have special diabetes clinics. Doctors, nurses, dieticians, chiropodists, optometrists, and other health care workers all play a role in giving advice, and checking on progress. Activities in diabetes clinics include:
Checking levels of blood glucose, HbA1c, cholesterol, and blood pressure.
Ongoing advice on diet and lifestyle.
Checking for early signs of complications, for example:
eye checks - to detect problems with the retina (a possible complication of diabetes) which can often be prevented from getting worse. Glaucoma is also more common in people with diabetes, and can usually be treated.
urine tests - which include testing for protein in the urine which may indicate early kidney problems.
foot checks.
other blood tests.
It is important to have regular checks as some complications, particularly if detected early, can be treated or prevented from getting worse.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes mellitus (just called diabetes from now on) occurs when the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood becomes higher than normal. There are two main types of diabetes - Type 1 diabetes and Type 2 diabetes.
Understanding blood glucose and insulin
After you eat, various foods are broken down in your gut into sugars. The main sugar is called glucose which passes through your gut wall into your bloodstream. However, to remain healthy, your blood glucose level should not go too high or too low.
So, when your blood glucose level begins to rise (after you eat), the level of a hormone called insulin should also rise. Insulin works on the cells of your body and makes them take in glucose from the bloodstream. Some of the glucose is used by the cells for energy, and some is converted into glycogen or fat (which are stores of energy). When the blood glucose level begins to fall (between meals), the level of insulin falls. Some glycogen or fat is then converted back into glucose which is released from the cells into the bloodstream.
Insulin is a hormone that is made by cells called beta cells. These are part of little 'islands' of cells (islets) within the pancreas. Hormones are chemicals that are released into the bloodstream and work on various parts of the body.
What is Type 2 diabetes?
With Type 2 diabetes, the illness and symptoms tend to develop gradually (over weeks or months). This is because in Type 2 diabetes you still make insulin (unlike Type 1 diabetes). However, you develop diabetes because:
you do not make enough insulin for your body's needs, OR
the cells in your body do not use insulin properly. This is called 'insulin resistance'. The cells in your body become resistant to normal levels of insulin. So, you need more insulin than you normally make to keep the blood glucose level down, OR
a combination of the above two reasons.
Type 2 diabetes used to be known as maturity onset, or Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes. It develops mainly in people older than 40 (but sometimes occurs in younger people). In the UK about 3 in 100 people aged over 40, and about 10 in 100 people aged over 65, have Type 2 diabetes. It is more common in people who are overweight or obese. It also tends to run in families. It is also more common in South Asian and African-Caribbean people (often developing before the age of 40 in this group).
What is Type 1 diabetes?
In Type 1 diabetes the beta cells in the pancreas stop making insulin. The illness and symptoms develop quickly (over days or weeks) because the level of insulin in the bloodstream becomes very low. Type 1 diabetes used to be known as juvenile, early onset, or Insulin Dependent Diabetes. It usually first develops in children or in young adults. Type 1 diabetes is treated with insulin injections and diet.
The rest of this leaflet deals only with Type 2 diabetes.
What are the symptoms of Type 2 diabetes?
The four common symptoms are:
being thirsty a lot of the time.
passing large amounts of urine.
tiredness.
weight loss.
The reason why you make a lot of urine and become thirsty is because glucose leaks into your urine which 'pulls out' extra water through the kidneys.
Symptoms may develop so gradually that you can become used to being thirsty and tired. You may not recognise that you are ill for some time. Some people also develop blurred vision and frequent infections such as recurring thrush. However, some people with Type 2 diabetes do not have any symptoms if the blood glucose level is not too high. However, even if you do not have symptoms, you should still have treatment to reduce the risk of developing complications.
How is diabetes diagnosed?
A simple 'dipstick' test can detect glucose in a sample of urine. If you have glucose in your urine, it is likely that you have diabetes. (Urine does not normally contain glucose. If the blood glucose level goes above a certain level, then some glucose 'spills' through the kidneys into the urine.)
However, some people have kidneys that are more 'leaky' than usual, and glucose may leak into urine with a normal blood level. Therefore, if your urine contains any glucose you should have a blood test to measure the blood level of glucose. This can confirm, or rule out, diabetes. The blood test is usually done in a morning before you eat anything so it is a 'fasting sample'.
What are the possible complications of diabetes?
Short term complication - a very high blood glucose level
This is not common with Type 2 diabetes. It is more common in untreated Type 1 diabetes when a very high level of glucose can develop quickly. However, a very high glucose level develops in some people with untreated Type 2 diabetes. A very high blood level of glucose can cause dehydration, drowsiness, and serious illness which can be life-threatening.
Long term complications
If your blood glucose level is higher than normal over a long period of time, it can gradually damage your blood vessels. This can occur even if the glucose level is not very high above the normal level. This may lead to some of the following complications (often years after you first develop diabetes).
Atheroma ('furring or hardening of the arteries'). This can cause problems such as angina, heart attacks, stroke, and poor circulation.
Kidney damage which sometimes develops into kidney failure.
Eye problems which can affect vision (due to damage to the small arteries of the retina at the back of the eye).
Nerve damage.
Foot problems (due to poor circulation and nerve damage).
Impotence.
Other rare problems.
The type and severity of long-term complications varies from case to case. You may not develop any at all. In general, the nearer your blood glucose level is to normal, the less your risk of developing complications. Your risk of developing complications is also reduced if you deal with any other 'risk factors' that you may have such as high blood pressure.
Treatment complications
Hypoglycaemia (which is often called a 'hypo') occurs when the level of glucose becomes too low, usually under 4 mmol/l. People with diabetes who take insulin and/or certain diabetes tablets are at risk of having a hypo. A hypo may occur if you have too much diabetes medication, delayed or missed a meal or snack, or have taken part in unplanned exercise or physical activity. Symptoms of hypoglycaemia include: trembling, sweating, anxiety, blurred vision, tingling lips, paleness, mood change, vagueness or confusion. To treat hypoglycaemia: take a sugary drink or some sweets. Then eat a starchy snack such as a sandwich. Note: hypoglycaemia cannot occur if you are treated with diet alone.
What are the aims of treatment?
If a high blood glucose level is brought down to a normal or near normal level, your symptoms will ease and you are likely to feel well again. However, you still have some risk of complications in the long-term if your blood glucose level remains even mildly high - even if you have no symptoms in the short-term. Therefore, the main aims of treatment are:
To keep your blood glucose level as near normal as possible.
To reduce any other 'risk factors' that may increase your risk of developing complications. In particular, to lower your blood pressure if it is high, and to keep your blood lipids (cholesterol) low.
To detect any complications as early as possible. Treatment can prevent or delay some complications from getting worse.
Treatment aim 1 - keeping your blood glucose level down
How is the blood glucose level monitored?
The blood test that is mainly used to keep a check on your blood glucose level is called the HbA1c test. This test is commonly done every 2-6 months by your doctor or nurse.
The HbA1c test measures a part of the red blood cells. Glucose in the blood attaches to part of the red blood cells. This part can be measured and gives a good indication of your average blood glucose level over the last 2-3 months.
Treatment aims to lower you HbA1c to below a target level which is usually agreed between you and your doctor. The target level is usually somewhere between 6.5% and 7.5%. If your HbA1c is above your target level then you may be advised to 'step up' treatment to keep your blood glucose level down (for example, by increasing the dose of medication, etc).
Some people with diabetes check their actual blood glucose level each day. If you are advised to do this then you doctor or nurse will give you instructions on how to do it.
Lifestyle - diet, weight control and physical activity
You can usually reduce the level of your blood glucose and HbA1c if you:
Eat a healthy balanced diet. A practice nurse and/or dietician will give details on how to eat a healthy diet. The diet is the same as recommended for everyone. The idea that you need special foods if you have diabetes is a myth. Basically, you should aim to eat a diet low in fat, high in fibre, and with plenty of starchy foods, fruit and vegetables.
Lose weight if you are overweight. Getting to a 'perfect weight' is unrealistic for many people. However, losing some weight if you are obese or overweight will help to reduce your blood glucose level (and have other health benefits too).
Do some physical activity regularly. If you are able, a minimum of 30 minutes brisk walking at least five times a week is advised. Anything more vigorous and more often is even better. For example, swimming, cycling, jogging, dancing. Ideally you should do an activity that gets you at least mildly out of breath and mildly sweaty. You can spread the activity over the day. (For example, two fifteen minute spells per day of brisk walking, cycling, dancing, etc.) Regular physical activity also reduces your risk of having a heart attack or stroke.
Many people with Type 2 diabetes can reduce their blood glucose (and HbA1c) to a target level by the above measures. However, if the blood glucose (or HbA1c) level remains too high after a trial of these measures for a few months, then medication is usually advised.
Medication
There are various drugs that can reduce the blood glucose level. Different ones suit different people. Some drugs work by helping insulin to work better on the body's cells. Others work by boosting the amount of insulin made by the pancreas. Another type works by slowing down the absorption of glucose from the gut. Some people need a combination of drugs to control their blood glucose level. Medication is not used instead of a healthy diet, weight control and physical activity - if possible, you should still do these things as well as take medication. See a separate leaflet called 'Treatments for Type 2 Diabetes' for more details.
Insulin injections
Insulin is needed in some cases if the above treatments do not work well enough. You cannot take insulin by mouth as it is destroyed by the digestive juices in the gut.
Treatment aim 2 - to reduce other risk factors
You are less likely to develop complications of diabetes if you reduce any other 'risk factors'. These are briefly mentioned below, but are discussed more fully in another leaflet called Preventing Cardiovascular Disease. Everyone should aim to cut out preventable risk factors, but people with diabetes have even more of a reason to do so.
Keep your blood pressure down
Have your blood pressure checked regularly. The combination of high blood pressure and diabetes is a particularly high risk factor. Even mildly raised blood pressure should be treated if you have diabetes. Medication, sometimes with two or even three different drugs, may be needed to keep your blood pressure down. See separate leaflet called 'Diabetes and High Blood Pressure'.
If you smoke - now is the time to stop
Smoking is a high risk factor. See a practice nurse if you have difficulty stopping. If necessary, medication or nicotine replacement therapy (nicotine gum, etc) may help you to stop.
Other medication
You will usually be advised to take a drug to lower your cholesterol level, and to take a daily aspirin. These help to lower the risk of developing some complications such as heart disease, peripheral vascular disease and stroke.
Treatment aim 3 - to detect and treat any complications promptly
Most GP's surgeries and hospitals have special diabetes clinics. Doctors, nurses, dieticians, chiropodists, optometrists, and other health care workers all play a role in giving advice, and checking on progress. Activities in diabetes clinics include:
Checking levels of blood glucose, HbA1c, cholesterol, and blood pressure.
Ongoing advice on diet and lifestyle.
Checking for early signs of complications, for example:
eye checks - to detect problems with the retina (a possible complication of diabetes) which can often be prevented from getting worse. Glaucoma is also more common in people with diabetes, and can usually be treated.
urine tests - which include testing for protein in the urine which may indicate early kidney problems.
foot checks.
other blood tests.
It is important to have regular checks as some complications, particularly if detected early, can be treated or prevented from getting worse.
Monday, November 3, 2014
Type II Diabetes, It's NOT the End of the World
You’ve just been told by your doctor that you have Type II Diabetes. What do you do now? Where do you begin? Where do you turn for information and support?
You are overwhelmed by the words “Type II Diabetes.” A million images and thoughts are running through your head. How is this going to impact my life? What about my job and social life? How do I tell my family and friends? Can I die from this disease?
Your head is spinning and you just want to get off the merry-go-round. But there is hope, and there is help. Lots of help, an overwhelming array of help.
In fact, it doesn’t take you long to discover that there are plenty of resources available to today’s diabetic. However, you soon find out that while many of those resources contain useful information, it’s not exactly the kind of information you are looking for. You want to find the easiest and most natural way to take care of yourself, while still maintaining your active lifestyle.
However, people with Type 1 diabetes need to do more than just eat 'healthily'. The quantity, type and timing of your food choices are just as important as making sure that you have had your daily quota of fruit and vegetables.
Here, we focus on the effects of food on blood glucose levels and the relationships between insulin, diet and blood glucose levels in the management of Type 1 diabetes.
Carbohydrates, blood glucose and insulin
Carbohydrate foods have the greatest effect on blood glucose levels and it is the starchy foods - bread, cereals, potatoes, pasta, rice etc. - that you will need to pay most attention to you.
Carbohydrate foods are mostly broken down into glucose by digestive enzymes. The glucose is then absorbed from the intestine into the bloodstream (usually 1 - 2 hours after eating) and this causes the blood glucose level to rise. Insulin is needed so that the body's cells can take this glucose from the bloodstream and either use it for energy or store it for later. People who do not have diabetes will produce just the right amount of insulin to cope with the rise in blood glucose that occurs after a meal. Insulin on demand allows the person without diabetes to keep blood glucose levels within the normal range, even after a meal rich in carbohydrates.
Getting the balance right
If you have Type 1 diabetes then your body no longer produces insulin; you have to inject it yourself. In order to keep the blood glucose level close to normal after eating, you need to inject just the right amount of insulin to deal with the food that you eat. It is also important that the injection is timed right, so that the insulin is arriving in the bloodstream at the same time that the glucose from the digested food is being absorbed from the gut.
If there is too little insulin (for the amount of glucose coming from the digested food) then the blood glucose level will rise too high (hyperglycaemia). If there is too much insulin (or not enough glucose coming from the digested food) then the blood glucose level will fall too low (hypoglycaemia).
So, your food intake needs to be closely matched by your insulin injections. This is why you will need to consider not only what you eat, but how much you eat, and when.
Different food types
The overall effect of a meal on the blood glucose level will depend on the different types of foods making up the meal.
Glycaemic Index
Different types of carbohydrate foods are digested at different rates and therefore have different effects in terms of raising the blood glucose level after a meal. Some foods are quite rapidly digested to glucose (e.g. cornflakes), whilst others take longer for the glucose to hit the bloodstream (e.g. All-BranTM). The effect of different carbohydrate foods on blood glucose levels has been quantified by the Glycaemic Index (GI). Foods with a low GI cause less of a spike in post-meal blood glucose than those with a high GI.
Sugar
It is still widely believed amongst the general population that people with diabetes should avoid eating sugar because it causes a rapid increase in blood glucose levels. This is not true! Table sugar, which we sprinkle on our cornflakes, actually causes less of a spike in blood glucose than the cornflakes themselves. Sucrose*, surprisingly, has a lower GI than cornflakes.
As part of healthy eating, we are all advised to cut down on sugar - this is because it has little nutritional value, it does little to satisfy the appetite and it's a source of 'empty calories'.
Important note
Table sugar is not the same as glucose. Table sugar is called sucrose and is a disaccharide - it contains two sugar molecules: one fructose and one glucose. Table sugar needs to be broken down by digestive enzymes before the fructose and glucose can be absorbed. Glucose is absorbed quickly because it does not need to be broken down (digested) first.
Protein and Fat
Carbohydrate foods have the greatest effects on blood glucose levels because they are mostly digested to glucose, which is absorbed from the intestine straight into the bloodstream. However, proteins and fats in the diet affect blood glucose levels too.
Excess protein in the diet that is not needed by the body is converted to glucose by the liver. This means that consuming large amounts of protein can result in an increase in blood glucose levels several hours after eating.
The most significant effect of fat is probably to slow down the rise in blood glucose after a meal. Fat delays the rate at which the stomach empties - this has the knock-on effect of slowing down the absorption of glucose from digested carbohydrate foods. You might think that this is a good thing, but remember that a high-fat diet is not necessarily a healthy diet.
Putting the theory into practise
Remember, your aim is to keep blood glucose levels close to normal. Eating causes the blood glucose level to rise; the aim of your insulin injections is to minimise 'post-meal spikes' in blood glucose without causing hypoglycaemia (low blood glucose).
In order to understand the relationship between the food that you eat, your blood glucose levels and the insulin that you inject you will need to learn about the different types of insulin that make up your insulin regimen. You should know when the insulins act and which parts of your insulin regimen aim to cover which meals.
Should my meals be tailored to my prescribed insulin regimen?
In years gone by, people with Type 1 diabetes were advised to stick to quite a rigid meal schedule, which was determined by their insulin injections. Some insulin regimens still call for this to a certain extent. However, these days it is generally recognised that it is better to derive an insulin regimen that suits the individual person's lifestyle.
So, in most cases insulin should be tailored to your food intake and not the other way round. This assumes that you are eating a healthy and nutritious diet that fulfils your needs.
To start with then, you will need to find the right insulin doses for an 'average' day in your life. In practical terms, you will need to eat a normal healthy diet, trying to eat roughly the same at the same time each day. Using blood glucose monitoring to guide you, the timing and/or dose of your insulin injections can be adjusted. Your healthcare team will help direct you in this. Your aim is to establish a routine, which gives reasonable control of your blood glucose levels, and fits in with your lifestyle. Then you can work from this baseline, fine-tuning your control and perhaps also introducing more flexibility.
Snacks
An important role of diet in managing Type 1 diabetes is preventing low blood glucose levels (hypoglycaemia).
Some insulin regimens require you to have snacks in between meals in order to prevent hypoglycaemia. Snacks are not always necessary though, so check with your doctor and/or dietitian to see if you need to snack between meals.
A bedtime snack is, however, essential for all people with Type 1 diabetes. This ensures that blood glucose levels don't fall too low during the night.
Snacks are also very important before exercising, especially if the activity does not form part of your regular daily routine. This is to prevent exercise-induced hypoglycaemia.
Accommodating change
In practise, most people have a regular insulin regimen, which is tailored to their 'average' day. The insulin dose and timing of the injections relates to how much is usually eaten and when. In theory, you will know that your insulin dose is just right for your 'normal' eating pattern. Any changes you might make to your usual day may need to be catered for by an appropriate tweaking of the insulin dose. Your diabetes team will be able to give you personal advice on how to make adjustments to cope with changes to your normal schedule.
As a general rule, more food (especially carbohydrates) needs more insulin, otherwise the blood glucose level will rise too high. Less food (especially carbohydrates) needs less insulin, otherwise the blood glucose level will fall too low. It is important to get the adjustment just right - or you may find that you have overcompensated for the change and given too much or too little insulin.
Use blood glucose monitoring to find out whether your adjustments are working; make a note in your diary of the changes you made and learn from experience. The most informative times to test are before eating and then 1 - 2 hours after your meal.
Delayed or missed meals are probably the most common cause of hypoglycaemia. Take steps to avoid low blood glucose levels if you know that you are not going to be able to eat your usual meal. Have an extra snack to keep you going and keep an eye on your blood glucose level.
Fine tuning your diet
Use your blood glucose test results and your knowledge of the effects of food on YOUR blood glucose levels to fine tune your diet for better control.
Here is a summary of some of the main points for your consideration:
Eat a healthy and nutritious diet
Treat Diabetes Naturally
Vegetarian Diet Helps You Beat Diabetes
You are overwhelmed by the words “Type II Diabetes.” A million images and thoughts are running through your head. How is this going to impact my life? What about my job and social life? How do I tell my family and friends? Can I die from this disease?
Your head is spinning and you just want to get off the merry-go-round. But there is hope, and there is help. Lots of help, an overwhelming array of help.
In fact, it doesn’t take you long to discover that there are plenty of resources available to today’s diabetic. However, you soon find out that while many of those resources contain useful information, it’s not exactly the kind of information you are looking for. You want to find the easiest and most natural way to take care of yourself, while still maintaining your active lifestyle.
Here, we focus on the effects of food on blood glucose levels and the relationships between insulin, diet and blood glucose levels in the management of Type 1 diabetes.
Carbohydrates, blood glucose and insulin
Carbohydrate foods have the greatest effect on blood glucose levels and it is the starchy foods - bread, cereals, potatoes, pasta, rice etc. - that you will need to pay most attention to you.
Carbohydrate foods are mostly broken down into glucose by digestive enzymes. The glucose is then absorbed from the intestine into the bloodstream (usually 1 - 2 hours after eating) and this causes the blood glucose level to rise. Insulin is needed so that the body's cells can take this glucose from the bloodstream and either use it for energy or store it for later. People who do not have diabetes will produce just the right amount of insulin to cope with the rise in blood glucose that occurs after a meal. Insulin on demand allows the person without diabetes to keep blood glucose levels within the normal range, even after a meal rich in carbohydrates.
Getting the balance right
If you have Type 1 diabetes then your body no longer produces insulin; you have to inject it yourself. In order to keep the blood glucose level close to normal after eating, you need to inject just the right amount of insulin to deal with the food that you eat. It is also important that the injection is timed right, so that the insulin is arriving in the bloodstream at the same time that the glucose from the digested food is being absorbed from the gut.
If there is too little insulin (for the amount of glucose coming from the digested food) then the blood glucose level will rise too high (hyperglycaemia). If there is too much insulin (or not enough glucose coming from the digested food) then the blood glucose level will fall too low (hypoglycaemia).
So, your food intake needs to be closely matched by your insulin injections. This is why you will need to consider not only what you eat, but how much you eat, and when.
Different food types
The overall effect of a meal on the blood glucose level will depend on the different types of foods making up the meal.
Glycaemic Index
Different types of carbohydrate foods are digested at different rates and therefore have different effects in terms of raising the blood glucose level after a meal. Some foods are quite rapidly digested to glucose (e.g. cornflakes), whilst others take longer for the glucose to hit the bloodstream (e.g. All-BranTM). The effect of different carbohydrate foods on blood glucose levels has been quantified by the Glycaemic Index (GI). Foods with a low GI cause less of a spike in post-meal blood glucose than those with a high GI.
Sugar
It is still widely believed amongst the general population that people with diabetes should avoid eating sugar because it causes a rapid increase in blood glucose levels. This is not true! Table sugar, which we sprinkle on our cornflakes, actually causes less of a spike in blood glucose than the cornflakes themselves. Sucrose*, surprisingly, has a lower GI than cornflakes.
As part of healthy eating, we are all advised to cut down on sugar - this is because it has little nutritional value, it does little to satisfy the appetite and it's a source of 'empty calories'.
Important note
Table sugar is not the same as glucose. Table sugar is called sucrose and is a disaccharide - it contains two sugar molecules: one fructose and one glucose. Table sugar needs to be broken down by digestive enzymes before the fructose and glucose can be absorbed. Glucose is absorbed quickly because it does not need to be broken down (digested) first.
Protein and Fat
Carbohydrate foods have the greatest effects on blood glucose levels because they are mostly digested to glucose, which is absorbed from the intestine straight into the bloodstream. However, proteins and fats in the diet affect blood glucose levels too.
Excess protein in the diet that is not needed by the body is converted to glucose by the liver. This means that consuming large amounts of protein can result in an increase in blood glucose levels several hours after eating.
The most significant effect of fat is probably to slow down the rise in blood glucose after a meal. Fat delays the rate at which the stomach empties - this has the knock-on effect of slowing down the absorption of glucose from digested carbohydrate foods. You might think that this is a good thing, but remember that a high-fat diet is not necessarily a healthy diet.
Putting the theory into practise
Remember, your aim is to keep blood glucose levels close to normal. Eating causes the blood glucose level to rise; the aim of your insulin injections is to minimise 'post-meal spikes' in blood glucose without causing hypoglycaemia (low blood glucose).
In order to understand the relationship between the food that you eat, your blood glucose levels and the insulin that you inject you will need to learn about the different types of insulin that make up your insulin regimen. You should know when the insulins act and which parts of your insulin regimen aim to cover which meals.
Should my meals be tailored to my prescribed insulin regimen?
In years gone by, people with Type 1 diabetes were advised to stick to quite a rigid meal schedule, which was determined by their insulin injections. Some insulin regimens still call for this to a certain extent. However, these days it is generally recognised that it is better to derive an insulin regimen that suits the individual person's lifestyle.
So, in most cases insulin should be tailored to your food intake and not the other way round. This assumes that you are eating a healthy and nutritious diet that fulfils your needs.
To start with then, you will need to find the right insulin doses for an 'average' day in your life. In practical terms, you will need to eat a normal healthy diet, trying to eat roughly the same at the same time each day. Using blood glucose monitoring to guide you, the timing and/or dose of your insulin injections can be adjusted. Your healthcare team will help direct you in this. Your aim is to establish a routine, which gives reasonable control of your blood glucose levels, and fits in with your lifestyle. Then you can work from this baseline, fine-tuning your control and perhaps also introducing more flexibility.
Snacks
An important role of diet in managing Type 1 diabetes is preventing low blood glucose levels (hypoglycaemia).
Some insulin regimens require you to have snacks in between meals in order to prevent hypoglycaemia. Snacks are not always necessary though, so check with your doctor and/or dietitian to see if you need to snack between meals.
A bedtime snack is, however, essential for all people with Type 1 diabetes. This ensures that blood glucose levels don't fall too low during the night.
Snacks are also very important before exercising, especially if the activity does not form part of your regular daily routine. This is to prevent exercise-induced hypoglycaemia.
Accommodating change
In practise, most people have a regular insulin regimen, which is tailored to their 'average' day. The insulin dose and timing of the injections relates to how much is usually eaten and when. In theory, you will know that your insulin dose is just right for your 'normal' eating pattern. Any changes you might make to your usual day may need to be catered for by an appropriate tweaking of the insulin dose. Your diabetes team will be able to give you personal advice on how to make adjustments to cope with changes to your normal schedule.
As a general rule, more food (especially carbohydrates) needs more insulin, otherwise the blood glucose level will rise too high. Less food (especially carbohydrates) needs less insulin, otherwise the blood glucose level will fall too low. It is important to get the adjustment just right - or you may find that you have overcompensated for the change and given too much or too little insulin.
Use blood glucose monitoring to find out whether your adjustments are working; make a note in your diary of the changes you made and learn from experience. The most informative times to test are before eating and then 1 - 2 hours after your meal.
Delayed or missed meals are probably the most common cause of hypoglycaemia. Take steps to avoid low blood glucose levels if you know that you are not going to be able to eat your usual meal. Have an extra snack to keep you going and keep an eye on your blood glucose level.
Fine tuning your diet
Use your blood glucose test results and your knowledge of the effects of food on YOUR blood glucose levels to fine tune your diet for better control.
Here is a summary of some of the main points for your consideration:
Eat a healthy and nutritious diet
Treat Diabetes Naturally
Vegetarian Diet Helps You Beat Diabetes
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