Archive for the ‘Diabetes’ Category

In the law of physics, the relationship between an action and a reaction is always straightforward and predictable. If you jump from a 30-storey building, you will die. If you swim in the freezing water, your body will freeze.

With health, it’s not so obvious. There are people who are eating unhealthy foods and living unhealthy lifestyle that seem to be unaffected in any way, appearing to be perfectly healthy, at least on the first glance. Then there are those of us, who seem to be constantly struggling to eat a healthy diet, make resolutions to exercise more, join the gym, etc. and are still unable to maintain a healthy weight, normal blood sugar levels, and good health.

Modern lifestyle is not conducive to good health. We are surrounded by processed foods, fast foods, pesticides, hormones in the food, etc. Our lifestyles have changed to the point where most physical activity has been eliminated. We drive everywhere, take elevators, and use machines to do the work for us.  Then we are supposed to go to the gym to get the exercise that we are missing from our daily lives, but most people don’t do it, finding it too hard, time consuming or just plain boring.

Yet our bodies are still subject to the law of nature that says that if you keep abusing your body, it will eventually break down. The result can be different for different people; diabetes, cancer, obesity, heart disease, depending on what’s in your genes, what’s your weakest link. It can take months, years, or decades; but the thing is that if you are doing this, you are asking for trouble.

We all wish to be able to maintain good health. However, to be able to enjoy that, we need to take care of our bodies each and every day. Taking a pill does not reverse the disease. It’s just a band aid, masking the symptoms. You need to make permanent changes to your lifestyle, which requires dedication and strong will.  Read more on NormalBloodSugarLevelChart.com.

The common symptoms and side effects of type 2 diabetes are many. You have to watch what you eat because your blood sugar levels can get too high. If you are on insulin then you have to be careful hat you don’t over medicate and push your blood sugar levels to low. Certain foods are off limits and many diabetics constantly feel the pressure of fatigue and excess weight.

One lesser known side effect of diabetes is the foot problems that it can bring. This may be due to the fact that most young people don’t have foot problems but nevertheless the longer you have type 2 diabetes the more likely your feet are of being damaged in some way.

The most common symptom of long term chronic foot problems in diabetics is neuropathy of the feet. In short this is a simple condition to understand but not so simple to understand why it occurs.

Those people who have a long history of diabetes and poor blood sugar control tend to start experiencing a loss in sensation in their lower legs and feet. This is basically nerve damage caused by high levels of blood sugar over prolonged periods of time. The nerve damage is called neuropathy and by itself it isn’t too big of a deal but it usually causes unintended accidents as a result of poor sensation in the area.

When people can’t feel their feet and toes as well or at all it is easy to get blisters or sores that might otherwise have been avoided. With poor blood flow to the region these wounds can easily turn into foot ulcers which have the potential of growing very ugly.

If you are developing diabetic neuropathy of the feet you should know that you are now at risk for more foot injuries and that you need to take steps to guard your feet from injury at all times. You need to make a second effort to better manage your blood sugar levels as nerves can heal slowly. While you are making these efforts you also have to protect your feet at all times both in the home and out with the best quality socks and shoes designed for diabetic needs.

Neuropathy of the feet is not dangerous by itself but if you don’t address it through preventative measures and protection of your feet you are going to be far more likely to experience problems that could result in injury or even amputation.

A diabetic has to take good care of their feet. They can develop devastating foot sores that can turn into a vicious infection that may result in amputation of the lower extremities. Diabetic socks for men are the best way to keep your feet healthy while you have to be on them.

A good diabetic sock must have some special qualities that make them quite unique and unlike other normal type of socks. You must watch for these features at any time you buy diabetic socks. You should also be aware that there are imitation diabetic socks out there. If you come across the wrong socks, the results can be unspeakable. The normal socks lack the protection that you get with the diabetic socks. So if a diabetic patient fails to protect the feet, the result is a complication involving poor blood circulation and the feet not being sensitive to pain, which in turn leaves the diabetic with a sore that they cannot feel that will get rubbed on frequently with normal exercise. This could result in an infection or worst case scenario an amputation.

Good socks for diabetics should not be one that falls down when worn. These socks should have a kind of a stretchy material at the top to hold it tight and keep them up. If they fall down you may have bunching and that may cause blisters that can turn into a sore and so on that you cannot feel until it’s too late. But this should not be so tight that they interfere with the blood flow. Their job is to increase blood flow to the lower extremities. At the same time they should not wrinkle inside the shoe which can again form a blister that can have devastating effects. Diabetic socks for men help to prevent the sores that can form from blisters because they are made seamless and do not bunch up.

As a longtime type-2 diabetic myself, I try to keep up to date on research into diabetes. Although I am not a healthcare worker, I am a recipient of the online publication “Diabetes in Control”, an information service for medical professionals that provides frequent updates about key research findings and other activities related to diabetes.

So, as usual, in this this week’s online edition there are articles of interest with titles such as “New Study Confirms Diabetes Linked to Colon Cancer” and “Tight Control No Help for Cognitive Loss In Diabetes”. However, what really caught my eye was the article titled “Almonds Can Improve Diabetes Control”.

In the past many years, dozens of articles have appeared in the popular healthcare literature that have recommended and touted the benefits of including almonds in the daily diet, especially for people with diabetes. That being the case, I would have thought that almonds would have been an unlikely subject as a source of study for up-to-date research, but there it was. It would be surprising if new research did not confirm prior opinions expressed about the benefits of almonds, opinions such as those of interest found here in “Almonds and Diabetes”.

The research results and conclusions mentioned above were reported earlier in 2011, one in the journal “Metabolism” and the other in the a publication called “Diabetes Care”– but I don’t think the latter is the American Diabetes Association’s magazine of the same name.

In summary, the two new studies confirmed previous opinions that almonds can assist type-2 diabetics in their efforts to control and reduce their above normal blood glucose and cholesterol levels. That’s great.

30% reduction in glucose achieved by type-2 diabetics
The studies reported in Metabolism found that by eating one ounce of almonds just before consuming a glucose producing high starch or carbohydrate meal, a 30% reduction in post-meal glucose levels was achieved by participants with type-2 diabetes. By comparison, participants who were non-diabetic achieved a 7% reduction in their blood glucose after a meal. Similar results were obtained in the other study reported in Diabetes Care which stated that the daily consumption of one ounce of almonds each day over a period of 12-weeks achieved a 4% reduction in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and the same reduction in body mass index (BMI). Most diabetics are familiar with their own A1c results and will understand the relevance of those findings.

In conclusion
While all persons with diabetes must be under the care of a physician, it is the responsibility of the individual to manage and control the day-to-day blood glucose levels that characterize diabetes. It is for that reason such reports on research are of interest, more on a wide range of diabetes topics can be found at Blood Sugar Levels.

Practicing better blood sugar management is probably the most important thing a diabetic can do and wearing diabetic shoes can help with this. Over the long term chronically high levels of glucose in your blood can lead to complications such as neuropathy of the foot, this is why keeping your blood sugar levels low is so important.

In the near term increasing blood sugar can cause lethargy but this is easily dealt with by non diabetics. On the other hand diabetics need to prevent small artery disease or neuropathy from forming and this entails keeping these spikes to a minimum. Of all the areas that chronic diabetes symptoms occur the feet, hands, and eyes are probably the most common. Staying active means staying on your feet and diabetic shoes can help protect them from everyday threats like bumps, scrapes, and blisters.

Of the problems the diabetics have to deal with, the feet have only a couple main issues that need to be dealt with, neuropathy of the nerve endings and decrease circulation in the region. As blood sugar levels remain high day in and day out these problems manifest themselves in symptoms of poor sensation in the feet and a decreased ability to heal wounds in the area quickly.

If your foot rubs against the inside of your shoe you may develop a blister or other wound before you know it. Stepping on something sharp wouldn’t necessarily lead to any pain increasing the potential for infection. Pressure points in your shoes may not be identified before they form ulcers on the foot. If you don’t have diabetes you would probably stop walking if you felt any of these things and your injury wouldn’t get worse but diabetics don’t have this luxury and their feet suffer for it.

Injuries on the feet, if they exist, shouldn’t be a problem in normal people because the blood supply supports the healing mechanism. The blood stream is responsible for healing injuries because it is the mechanism for white blood cell delivery. When the feet are healthy this is a effective process but when peripheral artery disease exists in the feet getting blood to the injury is a slow process and the healing process slows down even more.

For diabetics with foot ulcers it is easy to diagnose circulatory problems because blood flow is not sparking the traditional healing process. Circulation in feet is of the utmost importance for diabetics; anything to improve the circulation of one’s feet should be considered and wearing diabetic shoes can help in this regard. Diabetic shoes help those with poor blood sugar levels exercise more frequently and more vigorously leading to a healthier life in the long run.

When diabetes causes damage to the nerves, the condition is known as diabetic neuropathy. This condition can develop in different body areas over a period. Some people do not experience any symptoms while others experience pain, tingling and numbness in hands, arms, feet and legs. Although there is no cure which is known for diabetic neuropathy the treatment that is given changes according to the individual symptoms and the type of the condition. Treatment for diabetic neuropathy can include physical therapy, medication and also some holistic treatments.

Medication

Diabetic neuropathy can be treated with different medicines like oral analgesics and pain relievers for relieving only the pain. Medications like cyclobenzaprene, meloxicam, Daypro and naproxen are usually prescribed for relieving the pain, and medicines like Neurontin and Lyrica are given for the burning and tingling sensations. Sometimes Cymbalta, an antidepressant is also prescribed but this is a medication not actually intended for the treatment of this condition.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy as a treatment for diabetic neuropathy in feet is used to alleviate certain symptoms. This can include certain exercises and stretching. When ice and heat is also used, proper care has to be taken to see that the patient does not suffer burns as the numbness which is a symptom of diabetic neuropathy can make it difficult for the patient to feel the temperature change. A machine for nerve stimulation called TENS is also quite helpful in reducing pain as it is supposed to block the impulses of pain by blocking the nerves.

Alternative Treatments

Certain alternative treatment for diabetic neuropathy is also an option. This can include holistic approaches like massage or acupuncture and also herbal remedies like blue vervain and feverfew. Although these remedies have not undergone sufficient research, there are certain studies which indicate that they have been efficacious on certain patients. It is always important that the patient consult their doctor before the use of alternative modes of treatment.

Diabetic meal planning can present many problems and while there are general principles to follow, especially relating to carbohydrate consumption, the diabetic meal plan should be tailored to the individual diabetic person rather than following a one-diabetic-menu fits all approach.

There are also guidelines outlined by the American Diabetes Association and the diabetic associations of other countries. Fortunately, most doctors arrange for access to the advice of professional nutritionists and that can be helpful in devising a nutritious diabetic meal that can more closely meet the tastes and food preferences of an individual.

While there are few foods that are “off-limits”, in reality, much in the choice of foods for the diabetic menu must take into account how well the individual person with diabetes is able to manage their diabetic condition. What we eat, when we eat, and how much we eat are all factors of primary importance in regulating blood sugar levels. The addition of physical activity can also play an important part in managing blood sugar levels.

Typical recommendations
It is commonly suggested that a regular pattern of eating be established with, for instance, three meals taken at regular times about four hours apart and interspersed with a snack. The sugar content of food affects blood sugars and some foods should be avoided, cakes, pastries, sugary deserts and sugary soft drinks fall into that category as do many so-called fast-foods. When thirsty, drink water and it is also wise to limit the amount of foods high in fat, including fried foods and French fries. For diabetic people who are overweight, and most diabetics are, limiting the amount of high fat consumed is important.

Food items that are recommended for the diabetic menu are fruits and vegetables, whole grain breads and cereals, beans, peas, lentils, brown rice, all good sources of dietary fiber that may help lower blood cholesterol and blood glucose — and can also contribute to feeling full and satisfied, an aid to not eating
too much.

The Glycemic Index
A useful aid to help identify suitable foods for the diabetic menu is the Glycemic Index, a chart that numerically ranks carbohydrate-containing foods. Carbohydrates are the main nutritional source of sugar in the diet, much more so than the other primary nutrients, the proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals.

The glycemic index values indicate the relative speed at which the food item is reduced to its glucose components, the form of sugar processed in the body. The higher the numerical value assigned to a food item, the faster the glucose will be available in the body. That is not what the diabetic wants where the opposite is what is required and therefore the food items with lower glycemic values are preferred.
For more on this topic and how it works, check out: Glycemic Index.

The diabetic meal plan must take into account other factors in addition to those mentioned above, including personal tastes and preferences, topics that are more extenseively dealt with at Diabetic Menu Guide.

Diabetes is a serious disease in itself but is also a primary risk factor for developing heart disease, the single most frequent cause of death among the diabetic population of North America — and most developed countries of the world.

However, by the adoption of appropriate steps, many cases of heart disease can be reversed and diabetes can be brought under control and its serious health complications can be minimized. In fact, it is far better to take steps now to prevent the onset of diabetes in the first place and also of the related condition of pre-diabetes. Once diagnosed, there is no cure for diabetes and its existence diminishes the quality of life for every individual diabetic person.

Shocking statistics from the American Diabetes Association for 2011
There are three main forms of diabetes, identified as type-1, type-2, and gestational diabetes. About ninety percent of all diabetic people have type-2 diabetes and in the United States it is estimated that there are almost 19 million adults and children diagnosed with the disease and another 7 million who have the disease but do not know it. The American Diabetes Association also reports that, in addition to heart disease, diabetes is the major cause of such diseases and conditions as kidney disease, blindness, and non trauma lower-limb amputation.

Diabetes is a condition in which higher than normal blood sugar levels circulate in the body due to the impairment of the body’s system that normally controls those blood sugar levels by assisting the absorption by the body’s cells that need the sugar as a source of fuel for energy production. The blood sugars are essential to life and are obtained from the food items consumed. For more about high blood sugars, high blood cholesterol, and high blood pressure, visit the Triple Threat of Diseases.

The road to prevention: adopt a healthy lifestyle
It sounds so simple, but the ways to minimize or prevent diabetes and heart disease in many cases is by the adoption of a healthy lifestyle. And that requires eating the right foods and adding some amount of exercise or physical activity to the daily routine.

Weight
Most people with diabetes are overweight, many are obese, and most lead a sedentary life or a way of life involving little activity. Weight loss is one of the easiest ways to lower the above normal blood sugar levels that are typical of diabetes. Losing weight usually involves avoiding or cutting down on high fat, saturated fat, transfat foods and foods high in sugars such as cakes and pastries and sugary beverages. Those foods can be substituted with tasty, nutritious, and healthy foods that include fruits, vegetables and whole grains

The amount of food consumed, measured in food calories, should not exceed the amount of calories expended by an individual each day. It is not difficult to calculate the number of calories required based on an individual’s body weight and physical activity involved in work and recreation. If more calories are consumed than are used up, weight will be gained, slowly but surely.

Physical activity
It is usually recommended that a half-hour of physical activity each day, coupled with the correct food intake, is sufficient to maintain a good state of health. The exercise need not be too streneuous or demanding, a brisk walk, a swim, or a bicycle ride for instance should suffice – most days a week subject to weather and the person’s physical condition to do so.

For more suggestions on diabetes treatment, check out the Three Components of diabetes treatment.

In conclusion: Time to see a doctor?
The purpose of the foregoing is to point out the dangers of diabetes and heart disease and to suggest some possible ways to deal with them. Persons with diabetes and heart disease must be cared for and treated by a doctor. A person’s lifestyle is a matter of choice and may sometimes include an unknown risk to health but a simple blood test, requisitioned by a doctor or health clinic can determine the levels of risk – and that’s a good place to start.