Why Eating The Right Breakfast Is So Important
Roll your eyes if you like, but the old bromide about breakfast being the most important meal of the day is true (mostly). Breakfast eaters tend to have better diets overall, consuming more fruit, vegetables, milk, and whole grains than non-breakfast eaters. And because the time between dinner and the next morning’s meal is the longest your body goes without food, breakfast has an effect on you that’s different from any other meal. Eating within 2 hours of waking can make a difference in the way you metabolize glucose, or blood sugar, all day. Your glucose level rises every time you eat, and your pancreas produces insulin to shuttle the glucose into your cells, where it’s used for energy. Research is finding that keeping glucose and insulin in the right balance has important effects on metabolism and health. “After a healthy breakfast your blood sugar increases a little bit, but it will take a while for your body to absorb it,” says Eric Rimm, Sc.D., a professor of epidemiology and nutrition at the Harvard School of Public Health in Boston. “So you might not be hungry for lunch for 5 hours.” If you don’t bother with breakfast, though, the prolonged fasting might lead to a bigger than normal boost in “hunger hormones” such as ghrelin, encouraging you to overeat at your next meal and leading to spikes and dips in glucose. “Over time, if your pancreas is constantly producing insulin to compensate for high levels of glucose, it will burn out and you’ll develop diabetes,” Rimm says. What you eat is important, of course. If your idea of breakfast is a doughnut and a cup of coffee, or sugary cereal and a glass of fruit juice, you’re setting the stage for metabolic havoc. Fortunately, breakfast can be flavorful as well as healthy. There are plenty of Continue reading >>
Managing Diabetes During Pregnancy
Diabetes and Pregnancy Having children is the biggest decision we take in our lives. If you are a woman having diabetes, this decision requires more planning and thought. Most women (having diabetes) deliver healthy babies, but this doesn’t mean it’s an easy experience – it needs dedication and lot of work on your part. If you have diabetes, pregnancy presents unique challenges and give higher risk of some complications. When you are pregnant, three types of diabetes can affect you – Type 1, Type 2 and Gestational diabetes. Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are long-term conditions and may have developed before getting pregnant. Gestational diabetes is developed only during pregnancy and goes away after the baby is born. Type 1 Diabetes Type 1 diabetes is developed when your body doesn’t produce any insulin. It is advisable to gain control of the blood sugar level throughout pregnancy. “The most important thing for type 1 diabetics is that if they consider pregnancy, they should make sure blood glucose control is under optimal conditions,” recommended obstetrician and gynecologist Raul Artal, chairman of the obstetrics and gynecology department at St. Louis University in Missouri. Since type 1 diabetes usually starts in the childhood, women will be aware of their condition before they are pregnant. To prevent complications, they need to take insulin so their blood glucose is in control. Type 2 Diabetes This type of diabetes is developed when your body can’t produce enough insulin or the developed insulin doesn’t work properly. Managing this diabetes means being good to yourself. Women with type 2 diabetes are mainly at risk of PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), which can also create pregnancy complications. They should consult both their obstetrician and endoc Continue reading >>
Sleep For Diabetes
According to recent research, sleep is as important for health as diet and exercise. Lack of sleep raises blood sugars and insulin resistance. With enough sleep, our bodies can heal and repair. Without sleep, they get sicker. Poets have celebrated the importance of sleep for centuries. Shakespeare called it the “Balm of hurt minds, great nature’s second course, Chief nourisher in life’s feast.” Now science is catching up. We’re finding that life is tough, and to function, our bodies and minds need rest. Sleep gives our brains time to learn. According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, people remember a day or a lesson better if they have a good night’s sleep. Sleep gives our bodies time to repair. Our immune systems can work better when our muscles, brains, and digestive system aren’t competing with them for resources. So if your blood vessels or your heart or kidneys need healing (which is the case for many of us), you need to sleep. Sleep deprivation is associated with raised levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Cortisol triggers insulin resistance. Sleep deprivation also lowers levels of the “I’m OK” hormone leptin, which controls appetite. It raises levels of the “eat more” hormone ghrelin. So less sleep leads to more eating and probable weight gain. Sleep gives us a break from endless mental stress. From a spiritual point of view, sleep may be like meditation — it’s a time when our minds can be free of the world’s stresses and our own craziness. Then we can see life and our place in it better. Studies show that people who get enough sleep can concentrate and focus longer and more effectively. They tend to be more creative and better problem solvers. With Type 2 diabetes, lack of sleep is a strong predictor for getting Continue reading >>
Caring For A Loved One With Diabetes
As a health care provider who treats persons with diabetes, I frequently tell my patients, Im not the one taking care of your diabetes. You take care of your diabetes." I say this because its my job to educate and provide recommendations, whereas my patients are the ones responsible for the actual work to control this disease. However, there are often times in a diabetic persons life where he or she may need the help of a loved one. A diabetic person encounters many stages in life. Sure, it can be difficult at times, but the more prepared you are, the better you can handle the situation. Ive known a lot of parents of children with diabetes. The news of the diagnosis of diabetes in a child can be met with fear, confusion and, sometimes, even anger. Parents need to quickly learn how to adapt to the ups and downs of this disease and are often caught off guard as they enter unfamiliar territory. Here are some things to remember as you care for a child with diabetes: This diagnosis may mean a change in diet for your entire family. At first, it will feel like a moment-to-moment battle between high blood glucoses and low blood glucoses. It may be difficult for a sibling without diabetes, as the child with diabetes will get more attention because of the disease. Adolescence is probably the most difficult time in the life of a person with diabetes. The hormones of puberty affect behavior and also affect blood glucoses. This can be a time of rebellious behavior, which can negatively affect diabetes control. Often, this adolescent rebellion carries over to young adulthood, which is why its so important to lay the foundation for proper management of the disease early on. Parents need to walk a fine line between coaching the adolescent and relinquishing control to them so they can Continue reading >>
Diabetes Mellitus In Dogs
What is diabetes mellitus? There are two forms of diabetes in dogs: diabetes insipidus and diabetes mellitus. Diabetes insipidus is a very rare disorder that results in failure to regulate body water content. Diabetes mellitus is a fairly common disorder and is most often seen in dogs five years of age or older. A congenital (existing at birth) form of this disease can occur in puppies, but this is not common. Diabetes mellitus is a disease of the pancreas. This is a small but vital organ that is located near the stomach. It has two significant populations of cells. One group of cells produces the enzymes necessary for proper digestion. The other group, called beta-cells, produces the hormone insulin. Simply put, diabetes mellitus is a failure of the pancreas to produce adequate amounts of insulin. Why is insulin so important? The role of insulin is much like that of a gatekeeper: It stands at the surface of body cells and opens the door, allowing glucose to leave the blood stream and pass inside the cells. Glucose, or blood sugar, is a vital substance that provides much of the energy needed for life and it must work inside the cells. Without an adequate amount of insulin, glucose is unable to get into the cells. It accumulates in the blood, setting in motion a series of events which can ultimately prove fatal. When insulin is deficient, the cells become starved for a source of energy. In response to this, the body starts breaking down stores of fat and protein to use as alternative energy sources. This causes the dog to eat more, but ultimately results in weight loss. The body tries to eliminate the excess glucose by excreting it in the urine. However, glucose attracts water, so the urine glucose that is excreted also contains large quantities of the body's fluids. Thi Continue reading >>
Diabetes And Your Client: 4 Things Every Coach Should Know And Do
Obesity and diabetes are growing problems all over the world. These two health conditions often go hand in hand, but they’re not mutually exclusive. According to the International Federation of Diabetes, at least 415 million people suffered from diabetes in 2015. This number is expected to rise to 642 million by 2040. That’s a serious problem. As personal trainers, we can play a key role in promoting a healthier way of living for our clients, as well as assist with the management and prevention of diabetes. It all starts with proper education. Diabetes 101: Know how to help your client with diabetes. Diabetes is a complex disease. One of the most celebrated Greek physicians, Aretaeus of Cappadocia, described diabetes as a “melting down of flesh and limbs into the urine.” It sounds morbid, but that’s a fairly accurate description. There are two main types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2. They’re both related to impaired glucose control, but the difference is in the onset of the disease. * Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition that’s associated with genetic defects, intestinal permeability (leaky gut), and environmental triggers, such as infections and viruses. * Type 2 diabetes is a chronic metabolic condition that is characterized by insulin resistance (that is, the body’s inability to effectively use insulin) in combination with insufficient insulin production by the pancreas. Together this results in high blood glucose levels (hyperglycemia). Type 2 diabetes is commonly associated with obesity and physical inactivity. Medication is important in the treatment of type 1 and serious cases of type 2 diabetes. Both conditions require serious lifestyle modifications for proper long-term management. So what are the best preventative and treatment measures Continue reading >>
Aging & Health A To Z
Diabetes Unique to Older Adults This section provides information to help older adults and their caregivers consider their disease or condition in conjunction with other health issues. As older adults live longer, they may have more than one chronic disease. Or, they may have a health problem that can lead to another condition or injury if not properly managed. The older adult may also experience healthcare in various settings, such as the hospital, assisted living facility or at home. These situations can affect the health and function of the older adult and therefore require careful management to ensure proper care and improve or maintain quality of life. Diabetes and Other Conditions Having high levels of sugar (glucose) in your bloodstream puts you at risk for a variety of other health issues—and that can make diabetes an especially challenging disease for older adults to manage. Having diabetes increases the chances of having heart attacks, strokes, kidney, or eye problems. And if you have diabetes, chances are your healthcare professional is also treating you for other problems, such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol, for example. When you know what to expect, you can often prevent or limit the impact these problems can have on your life. Your healthcare provider will probably ask you about these conditions, or order tests to see if you have any of their signs. Don’t hesitate to discuss any symptoms you may experience, even if they seem minor to you. Drug Interactions If you’re an older adult who has diabetes, chances are your healthcare professional is also treating you for other problems, such as high blood pressure or arthritis, for example. And that means you could be taking several different medications, which can put you at risk for drug inter Continue reading >>
When Type 2 Diabetes Treatment Fails, What’s Next?
For most people, type 2 diabetes changes over time — even for those who follow their treatment plan exactly as directed. As the disease progresses, your diabetes care team can help you adjust your treatment plan and manage your blood sugar levels. If a change is needed, your doctor may add new diabetes medications or suggest starting an insulin regimen. This doesn’t mean you did something wrong — shifting gears is a natural part of managing a changing chronic disease like type 2 diabetes. There are a number of factors that can contribute to a decline in blood sugar control, says Margaret Powers, PhD, RD, CDE, past-president of health care and education for the American Diabetes Association and a research scientist at the International Diabetes Center at Park Nicollet Health Services in Minneapolis, Minnesota. When type 2 diabetes first develops, you may be insulin resistant, which means you make a lot of insulin but your body can’t use it effectively, Dr. Powers says. Then, over time, you make less insulin and become insulin deficient. “This is seen a lot, but it doesn’t happen overnight — it’s a gradual process,” says Powers. Other factors, including a significant change in weight, activity level, or diet, or starting new medications, can also affect blood sugar, she says. Stress is another factor that can impact your treatment. An additional illness or a major change like a divorce, job loss, or a loved one’s death can increase stress, which can raise blood sugar. These life changes may affect how well people take their medication, says Susan Weiner, RDN, a certified diabetes educator in New York and the 2015 Educator of the Year of the American Association of Diabetes Educators. “Before, there may have been someone who helped motivate and suppor Continue reading >>
Symptoms, Diagnosis & Monitoring Of Diabetes
According to the latest American Heart Association's Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics, about 8 million people 18 years and older in the United States have type 2 diabetes and do not know it. Often type 1 diabetes remains undiagnosed until symptoms become severe and hospitalization is required. Left untreated, diabetes can cause a number of health complications. That's why it's so important to both know what warning signs to look for and to see a health care provider regularly for routine wellness screenings. Symptoms In incidences of prediabetes, there are no symptoms. People may not be aware that they have type 1 or type 2 diabetes because they have no symptoms or because the symptoms are so mild that they go unnoticed for quite some time. However, some individuals do experience warning signs, so it's important to be familiar with them. Prediabetes Type 1 Diabetes Type 2 Diabetes No symptoms Increased or extreme thirst Increased thirst Increased appetite Increased appetite Increased fatigue Fatigue Increased or frequent urination Increased urination, especially at night Unusual weight loss Weight loss Blurred vision Blurred vision Fruity odor or breath Sores that do not heal In some cases, no symptoms In some cases, no symptoms If you have any of these symptoms, see your health care provider right away. Diabetes can only be diagnosed by your healthcare provider. Who should be tested for prediabetes and diabetes? The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends that you should be tested if you are: If your blood glucose levels are in normal range, testing should be done about every three years. If you have prediabetes, you should be checked for diabetes every one to two years after diagnosis. Tests for Diagnosing Prediabetes and Diabetes There are three ty Continue reading >>
Living With Diabetes: How To Best Manage Type 1 And Type 2
Knowing how to properly manage your diabetes, whether you have Type 1 or Type 2, can ensure that you live a healthy and happy life. According to the American Diabetes Association, there are three components to managing diabetes:¹ diabetes medications, nutrition, and physical activity. Key to successful diabetes management is continued consultation on these components with your health care team—which could include your doctor, a nurse, a dietician, a pharmacist, and a diabetes educator. Here is what to think about if you are living with Type 1: Glucose and insulin: Because your body does not create insulin, you have to give yourself insulin with an insulin pen or pump. Your health care team can help you determine how much insulin you need, what type of insulin is best for you, and how often you need to check your blood glucose levels. Nutrition: The type of food you eat for snacks or at mealtimes can directly affect your blood glucose level. As a result, the foods you eat can affect the amount of insulin you need to inject, so it is important to make sure you work with your doctor to develop an appropriate dietary schedule. Physical activity: Incorporating exercise into your daily routine can help you maintain a stable glucose level, increase your mental alertness, and boost your energy levels. Doing so is easier than you may think; for example, take the stairs whenever possible, or use your lunch hour to hit the gym. Here is what to think about if you have Type 2: Medicine: Diabetes medications, both pills and insulin, can lower blood glucose levels in different ways for Type 2 patients who don’t make enough insulin or cannot use it properly. Consult your health care team to help determine which medicines are best for you and how often to check your blood glucose l Continue reading >>
Diabetes: Your Management Plan
When you have diabetes, it’s very important to keep your blood glucose (sugar) in good control. To do so, you need a personal plan to help you manage your diabetes. This patient education sheet tells you how to control your blood glucose level and manage your diabetes. What is good control? Good control of diabetes means that your blood glucose stays within certain ranges. These ranges are based on guidelines from the American Diabetes Association (ADA). Here are the numbers that show where your blood glucose should be: Before meals Recommended goal is 70 to 130. You need to improve if your level is often over 150. If your blood glucose is below 70, you need to follow the guidelines for treating low blood glucose. See UPMC education sheet Diabetes: Short-Term Problems. After meals Recommended goal is no higher than 180. If it has been two hours or longer after the start of a meal, this number should be even lower. At bedtime Recommended goal is 110 to 150. You need to improve if your level is often under 110 or over 180. Certain diabetes medications may drop blood glucose too low through the night if you are running in the lower ranges before bedtime. Speak to your doctor or diabetes educator if your are at risk for having low blood glucose. A1c test (A-one-C) This test measures the amount of hemoglobin with sugar attached. The results show your estimated average blood glucose level over 3 months. The light areas on the chart show the recommended target range for A1C. Note that A1c is measured in percent. The chart shows how this compares to your blood glucose readings. Normal A1c is under 5.7 percent. When you have diabetes, recommended goal is 7 percent or less. Goals may vary from person to person. Talk to your doctor or diabetes educator about what goals are best Continue reading >>
> Diabetes Control: Why It's Important
People who have diabetes may hear or read a lot about controlling, or managing, the condition. But what is diabetes control and why is it so important? When you hear your doctors or health care providers talk about "diabetes control," they're usually referring to how close your blood sugar, or glucose, is kept to the desired range. Having too much or too little sugar in your blood can lead you to feel sick now and can cause health problems later. Managing diabetes is like a three-way balancing act: The medications you take (insulin or pills), the food you eat, and the amount of exercise you get all need to be in sync. Diabetes can get out of control if someone: doesn't take diabetes medicines as directed doesn't follow the meal plan (like eating too much or not enough food without adjusting diabetes medicines) doesn't get regular exercise or exercises more or less than usual without making changes to his or her diabetes plan has an illness or too much stress doesn't check blood sugar levels enough Out-of-control blood sugar levels can lead to short-term problems like hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, or diabetic ketoacidosis. In the long run, not controlling diabetes can also damage the vessels that supply blood to important organs, like the heart, kidneys, eyes, and nerves. This means that heart disease and stroke, kidney disease, vision problems, and nerve problems can happen to people with diabetes. These problems don't usually show up in kids or teens who have had the disease for only a few years, but they can happen to adults with diabetes. Kids and teens with diabetes who don't control their blood sugar levels can be late going into puberty and might not end up as tall as they would have otherwise. The good news is that keeping blood sugar levels under control can help Continue reading >>
Holiday Overindulgence? Get Your A1-c Tested And Manage Your Diabetes!
Diabetes is one of the most prevalent diseases in the United States. Millions of Americans are making an effort every day to properly manage their diabetes. It is important to note that there are two different types of diabetes – Type 1 Diabetes and Type 2 Diabetes. In short, Type 1 diabetics is often diagnosed as early as childhood and individuals have a total lack of insulin – they are completely insulin dependent. Type 2 diabetics tend to be overweight and do not have enough insulin, or their body does not effectively use insulin. The American Diabetes Association notes just how many Americans have diabetes and how many deaths it leads to each year, “In 2012, 29.1 million Americans, or 9.3% of the population, had diabetes. Approximately 1.25 million American children and adults have type 1 diabetes…Diabetes remains the 7th leading cause of death in the United States in 2010, with 69,071 death certificates listing it as the underlying cause of death, and a total of 234,051 death certificates listing diabetes as an underlying or contributing cause of death.” Those statistics are alarming and point to a significant need to manage diabetes so that individuals with diabetes can live a long and healthy life. During the holiday season there tends to be a lot of sugary treats and indulgent food and drinks. Overindulgence can be dangerous for anyone’s waistline but many diabetics can fail to properly manage their diabetes through the holiday season. If you over-indulged during the holidays and failed to manage your diabetes, now is the time to get back on track. For diabetics, maintaining a low A1-C is of utmost importance. It is not just important to try to maintain a low A1-C but to also have it checked from time to time to ensure it is the proper level. Your A1 Continue reading >>
Health Library: Diabetes
By No machine-readable author provided. PerPlex assumed (based on copyright claims). - No machine-readable source provided. Own work assumed (based on copyright claims)., Public Domain, Link Understanding diabetes is important because it is a disease which can cause life-threatening complications if uncontrolled but allows an almost normal life if managed well. An essential feature of diabetes is raised blood glucose levels. The body’s hormone which checks glucose levels is insulin. Insulin lowers blood glucose levels by promoting its uptake by tissues to use as a fuel. When insulin production is diminished or tissues become resistant to its effect, diabetes occurs. The National Diabetes Statistics Report states that over 29 million Americans have diabetes. That is quite significant as it means that almost every tenth person is affected. Studies have also proven that it is the seventh leading cause of death. Even those who do not die directly because of diabetes may find that their life expectancy has been reduced by several years. Additionally, the risk of heart disease is doubled and diabetes can cause some fearsome complications such as kidney failure, blindness, and lower-limb amputations. Diabetes is on the rise despite the billions of dollars that are spent every year on related healthcare and treatments. Classification of Diabetes The diabetes type 1 is mainly considered an autoimmune disease, the main issue about this type of dysfunction is the destruction of the pancreatic cells that produce a hormone called insulin which in turn makes it unable for the pancreas to control glucose levels, this type of disease manifests in children and young adults, there has been studies showing a hereditary relationship as well, and even tho there’s no definitive cure, it Continue reading >>
Diabetes And Illness
It is very important to know how to cope with illness if you have diabetes or know or care for somebody with diabetes. If in doubt, always seek advice from your doctor or nurse straightaway. Any illness or other type of stress will raise your blood sugar (glucose) levels, even if you are off your food or eating less than usual. People with diabetes are unable to produce more insulin to control the glucose level. The increased glucose level can make you become very lacking in fluid in the body (dehydrated). Acting quickly and following advice helps to keep your glucose levels in the normal range or only slightly high. Because it can sometimes be very difficult to control your blood glucose levels, treatment in hospital may be needed. Hospital treatment may also be needed if you become very dehydrated. What happens to my diabetes when I am unwell? When a person with diabetes is unwell the sugar level in the blood tends to increase. This can happen even with a very mild illness such as the common cold. The blood sugar (glucose) may go up even if you are not eating properly or are being sick (vomiting) or have loose or watery poo (diarrhoea). The increase in blood sugar may make you very lacking in fluid in the body (dehydrated). What should you do when you are unwell? Contact your GP or practice nurse for advice if you are not sure. You may also need treatment for the illness that is making you feel unwell. If you check your blood sugar (glucose) levels then these checks should be more regular. A practice nurse or district nurse can help with checking blood glucose levels, especially if you don't usually check them regularly. Continue eating as normally as possible. If you don't feel like eating, replace your solid food with soup, milk, ice cream, fruit juice, sugar or hon Continue reading >>
