A group of doctors did a study on 200 Mornons in the state of Utah who fasted regularly (as part of their culture). The results were compared with other individuals (non-Mornons) that didn't fast and found remarkable differences. Specifically, X-ray scans revealed normal arteries in about half of the Mornons who fasted v/s narrowed arteries in 75 per cent individuals who didn't fast.
One of my clients came to my clinic with this magazine clipping that more or less encouraged fasting as a way to avoid diabetes and several other diseases. The research conducted by a team of doctors seemed to suggest that fasting halved the chances of getting diabetes.
The test group did not take any nourishment other than water for a period of 24 hours. All individuals were administered a series of health checks and were monitored even when they did not fast. The tests revealed that during the fasting stage, significant amounts of human growth hormone were released. The human growth hormone triggers metabolism which in turn burns fat. During the fasting stage, cholesterol levels also shot up but returned to pre-fasting stage after the fast was over.
I for one have a serious problem with the so called conclusion of this research. I admit that fasting would trigger release of human growth hormone but how effective is that in losing fat? Just as refilling your gas tank will fill up empty spaces in it, so too when you eat the next day after you fast, any little fat that might have been lost is replaced. This is a known fact. As for differences in the arteries, there is simply no evidence that fasting alone had anything to do with it. Let us not forget that the Mornons live life differently. They do not eat like we do. And even in their case, over 40% showed reduced artery width. So to draw conclusions on the basis of just one factor i.e. fasting would in my book, be ridiculous.
Fasting-hype or a home run?
In all my years of providing service and advice to the community, I've never advised fasting as a means of reducing weight or as a means of achieving other imagined benefits. Remember when you fast, the body is starved of nutrition. It sources its nourishment internally until food is again available. Once food is obtained, the first task the body does is to replenish the stocks of energy that were utilized during the fast.
Fasting as a body cleanser
Again, there isn't an iota of scientific evidence that fasting switches the body into some kind of self-cleaning mode or that fasting allows our organs to recuperate. If that were so, our genes would have programmed individual organs including the heart, to shut off from time to time.
Monday, August 29, 2011
Saturday, August 27, 2011
The Basics of a Healthy Diabetes Diet!
In order for diabetics to free themselves of diabetes complications, they need to learn about diabetes diet recipes basics. Learning and practicing diabetes diet basics has been proven to control blood sugar levels and control body fat weight. And here is some very positive news: if you know how to improve your health, you can free yourself from many diabetes complications. While there are many ways this can be achieved, developing an insight into the diabetes diet basics will certainly go a long way.
Right from the start, it is important to point out that there is no simple dietary solution that can reverse diabetes. Looking for a ‘magic cure' in the form of a particular diet simply is not the way to go. However, those that understand diabetes meal planning basics will discover remarkable improvements in their blood sugar levels and body fat weight.
Why is this so? It is because the proper type two diabetes diet can aid in reducing glucose levels in the blood. That alone will have significant impact on your overall health and wellness. This does raise the question as to what dietary choices are needed to achieve such a goal. The choices are not very complicated or at least not very complicated in terms of their general description.
Basically, you need to be aware of the amount of diabetes carbohydrates that you eat and drink. Carbohydrates are, sugars, soluble fiber, and insoluble fiber. And it becomes important that no diabetes diet contains excessive amounts of easy to digest carbohydrates. And, most assuredly, you would want to avoid those carbs that come from processed, refined sugars – aka white table sugar. Such sugar is the basic ingredient of junk food which is why it is certainly best avoided.
But, that does not mean your diabetes diet should be severely restricted in terms of carb intake. You do not want to venture into the realm of a "no carb" fad diet like Adkins Diet and the Zone Diet, where you are eating tons of fats and proteins. That may give you a slim physique (Bodybuilders love the low carb diet for just this reason) but it would also be an unbalanced diet that comes with hosts of other problems. If you have kidney disease, you should avoid a high protein diet – Check with your doctor and take low fat low carb recipes.
You will want your diabetic meal plans to be balanced, healthy, and maintain the right amount of calories to maintain a proper body weight. Now, some may be shaking their head at this notion. They may agree wholeheartedly that this is the right plan of action to take. Yet, they may not exactly know how to select and prepare their meals in such a way.
Here is some good news: you may not have to do so on your own. TypeFreeDiabetes.com offers diabetic meals delivered which can purchase as a gift for a diabetic or anyone who wants to eat healthy. Such delicious meals are perfectly designed by our chefs to ensure you are getting the right amount of carbs, fats, and proteins. And, of course, the calorie counts of the meals will not promote weight gain.
For those that may be struggling with crafting a diabetes diet plan, such delivered prepared meals may prove to be the best purchase they could make. Why make meal selections difficult for yourself when the meals are just waiting for you to pick out? This is the much easier plan.
Right from the start, it is important to point out that there is no simple dietary solution that can reverse diabetes. Looking for a ‘magic cure' in the form of a particular diet simply is not the way to go. However, those that understand diabetes meal planning basics will discover remarkable improvements in their blood sugar levels and body fat weight.
Why is this so? It is because the proper type two diabetes diet can aid in reducing glucose levels in the blood. That alone will have significant impact on your overall health and wellness. This does raise the question as to what dietary choices are needed to achieve such a goal. The choices are not very complicated or at least not very complicated in terms of their general description.
Basically, you need to be aware of the amount of diabetes carbohydrates that you eat and drink. Carbohydrates are, sugars, soluble fiber, and insoluble fiber. And it becomes important that no diabetes diet contains excessive amounts of easy to digest carbohydrates. And, most assuredly, you would want to avoid those carbs that come from processed, refined sugars – aka white table sugar. Such sugar is the basic ingredient of junk food which is why it is certainly best avoided.
But, that does not mean your diabetes diet should be severely restricted in terms of carb intake. You do not want to venture into the realm of a "no carb" fad diet like Adkins Diet and the Zone Diet, where you are eating tons of fats and proteins. That may give you a slim physique (Bodybuilders love the low carb diet for just this reason) but it would also be an unbalanced diet that comes with hosts of other problems. If you have kidney disease, you should avoid a high protein diet – Check with your doctor and take low fat low carb recipes.
You will want your diabetic meal plans to be balanced, healthy, and maintain the right amount of calories to maintain a proper body weight. Now, some may be shaking their head at this notion. They may agree wholeheartedly that this is the right plan of action to take. Yet, they may not exactly know how to select and prepare their meals in such a way.
Here is some good news: you may not have to do so on your own. TypeFreeDiabetes.com offers diabetic meals delivered which can purchase as a gift for a diabetic or anyone who wants to eat healthy. Such delicious meals are perfectly designed by our chefs to ensure you are getting the right amount of carbs, fats, and proteins. And, of course, the calorie counts of the meals will not promote weight gain.
For those that may be struggling with crafting a diabetes diet plan, such delivered prepared meals may prove to be the best purchase they could make. Why make meal selections difficult for yourself when the meals are just waiting for you to pick out? This is the much easier plan.
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Healthy and Fulfilling Life despite Diabetes
Diabetic glucose meterDiabetic glucose meter
I'm Deborah Susan, a dietician and personal trainer specializing in nutrition, physical fitness and diabetes diet plan for diabetics. Over the years I've noticed a trend in the questions that diabetics and their family members have been asking. Also, many of my clients had often suggested I not let my knowledge and experience go waste; instead, I should write a book that would help society cope and live a healthy life despite diabetes. A friend recently suggested I start with an article and if I like the response I could write a book.
Although many have said I have a way with words, I must state that I am not a writer or author and have until today, never written so much as an article let alone a book. I've decided to take the plunge primarily because I have seen intense and unnecessary suffering caused by wrong information, phobia, misguidance and myths. Lack of proper guidance and knowledge ultimately proves expensive in more ways than can be imagined.
In writing these article, it is my ardent desire to provide useful, practical knowledge (including a few low fat low carb recipes for diabetic) to help people living with diabetes to make decisions that enable them to live successfully with diabetes.
To begin with, although 99% of you probably already know what diabetes is, I'd like to define it precisely so that at the end of this first article, we are all on the same page and do not have differing ideas on what diabetes is.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a condition in which your body cannot control the level of glucose (sugar) in your blood because (a) your pancreas (not kidneys) does not produce enough insulin or (b) your body cells are resistant to the action of insulin, that's why we take insulin diabetic syringes.
When your blood glucose level rises, the glucose cannot get into the cells which means despite all the sugar, your body is deprived of energy. Lack of energy triggers the break down and conversion of fat and muscles into alternate source of energy. Always prefer to use diabetic glucose meter for checking your glucose level regularly
What goes wrong in diabetes?
Since the Glucose in your blood does not get utilized, it gets flushed out through urine. Meanwhile the body breaks down fat and muscle as an alternate energy source causing rapid (and dangerous) weight loss. Rapid break down of fat causes build up of toxic chemicals in your blood. If left unattended, all organs in the body begin to deteriorate and fail, ultimately leading to death – and a painful one at that.
Type 1 Diabetes
Myth: Diabetes begins with Type 1 and then progress to Type 2
Truth: Wrong! Type 1 and Type 2 are two totally different types of diabetes
People diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes do not produce any insulin. They need to be treated with insulin given by insulin syringes & injection or via diabetes Insulin Pump. (Insulin via a tablet would not be effective as it would be destroyed in the digestion process).
Type 2 Diabetes
This is the more common form of diabetes. Obesity is the primary reason for Type 2 diabetes. People diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes do not produce sufficient quantities of insulin. Initially your pancreas respond to the demand (created by obesity), by producing more insulin. However, it cannot do so indefinitely. Corrective action includes reducing body fat by checking through Body Fat Scales and leading a healthier lifestyle. If corrective action is taken soon enough, then people suffering from Type 2 diabetes need not take any medication such as glucose tablets or glucose supplements and can lead a healthy normal life. Failure to take corrective action will create a need for insulin injections to supplement the inadequate quantum of insulin produced by your pancreas.
Myth: Type 1 diabetes is serious
Truth: Yes and No. However Type 2 likely to be more harmful because people often have it for years before being diagnosed. Having it for years can lead to long term complications.
Now that we know what diabetes is, in my next article I shall attempt to answer the second most frequently asked question: Why does diabetes develop?
I hope my effort in writing these articles helps you lead a more knowledgeable and healthier life.
Typefreediabetes offers a full line of diabetic testing supplies, including incontinence products for women; diabetes supplements, seamless diabetic socks, blood pressure monitor, durable diabetes medical equipment, diabetic dessert and many other home health care products and supplies. Typefreediabetes offers quality products at discounted prices on a wide selection of quality name brand equipment and supplies.
I'm Deborah Susan, a dietician and personal trainer specializing in nutrition, physical fitness and diabetes diet plan for diabetics. Over the years I've noticed a trend in the questions that diabetics and their family members have been asking. Also, many of my clients had often suggested I not let my knowledge and experience go waste; instead, I should write a book that would help society cope and live a healthy life despite diabetes. A friend recently suggested I start with an article and if I like the response I could write a book.
Although many have said I have a way with words, I must state that I am not a writer or author and have until today, never written so much as an article let alone a book. I've decided to take the plunge primarily because I have seen intense and unnecessary suffering caused by wrong information, phobia, misguidance and myths. Lack of proper guidance and knowledge ultimately proves expensive in more ways than can be imagined.
In writing these article, it is my ardent desire to provide useful, practical knowledge (including a few low fat low carb recipes for diabetic) to help people living with diabetes to make decisions that enable them to live successfully with diabetes.
To begin with, although 99% of you probably already know what diabetes is, I'd like to define it precisely so that at the end of this first article, we are all on the same page and do not have differing ideas on what diabetes is.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a condition in which your body cannot control the level of glucose (sugar) in your blood because (a) your pancreas (not kidneys) does not produce enough insulin or (b) your body cells are resistant to the action of insulin, that's why we take insulin diabetic syringes.
When your blood glucose level rises, the glucose cannot get into the cells which means despite all the sugar, your body is deprived of energy. Lack of energy triggers the break down and conversion of fat and muscles into alternate source of energy. Always prefer to use diabetic glucose meter for checking your glucose level regularly
What goes wrong in diabetes?
Since the Glucose in your blood does not get utilized, it gets flushed out through urine. Meanwhile the body breaks down fat and muscle as an alternate energy source causing rapid (and dangerous) weight loss. Rapid break down of fat causes build up of toxic chemicals in your blood. If left unattended, all organs in the body begin to deteriorate and fail, ultimately leading to death – and a painful one at that.
Type 1 Diabetes
Myth: Diabetes begins with Type 1 and then progress to Type 2
Truth: Wrong! Type 1 and Type 2 are two totally different types of diabetes
People diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes do not produce any insulin. They need to be treated with insulin given by insulin syringes & injection or via diabetes Insulin Pump. (Insulin via a tablet would not be effective as it would be destroyed in the digestion process).
Type 2 Diabetes
This is the more common form of diabetes. Obesity is the primary reason for Type 2 diabetes. People diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes do not produce sufficient quantities of insulin. Initially your pancreas respond to the demand (created by obesity), by producing more insulin. However, it cannot do so indefinitely. Corrective action includes reducing body fat by checking through Body Fat Scales and leading a healthier lifestyle. If corrective action is taken soon enough, then people suffering from Type 2 diabetes need not take any medication such as glucose tablets or glucose supplements and can lead a healthy normal life. Failure to take corrective action will create a need for insulin injections to supplement the inadequate quantum of insulin produced by your pancreas.
Myth: Type 1 diabetes is serious
Truth: Yes and No. However Type 2 likely to be more harmful because people often have it for years before being diagnosed. Having it for years can lead to long term complications.
Now that we know what diabetes is, in my next article I shall attempt to answer the second most frequently asked question: Why does diabetes develop?
I hope my effort in writing these articles helps you lead a more knowledgeable and healthier life.
Typefreediabetes offers a full line of diabetic testing supplies, including incontinence products for women; diabetes supplements, seamless diabetic socks, blood pressure monitor, durable diabetes medical equipment, diabetic dessert and many other home health care products and supplies. Typefreediabetes offers quality products at discounted prices on a wide selection of quality name brand equipment and supplies.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Supplements for Diabetes!
Diabetes nutritional health supplements or blood sugar supplements are very best extra into the diabetic diet plan gradually, commencing with little dosages and doing work up to the manufacturers' proposed amounts over time. Also, some dietary supplements, these kinds of as herbal medicines that might stimulate processes in the body, are best taken intermittently, enabling the body occasional relaxation durations without the supplement. Dietary supplements for system creating support increase mass. Sports activities dietary supplements are supposed to support athletes hold their sport up until eventually the last second.
Diabetics must follow a balanced and healthy diabetic diet to combat the ill-effects of diabetes. For this they must include the special diabetes nutritional supplements along with their food. The best forms of such supplements are low calorie fruits and vegetables are preferred as diabetes supplements. These food items must be taken in plenty to satisfy hunger.
A balanced diet:
It is very essential for diabetic patients to follow a balanced and healthy diabetic diet and meal plans. A balanced diet may include products that have carbohydrate from fruits, vegetables, nuts, grains and milk products. These food items must not include fats. Diabetes carbohydrates and mono unsaturated fats can burden a diabetic patient with a major amount of calories that should be avoided at all cost. The intake of protein along with food must not exceed more than 15 percent of total calorie requirement.
Recipes for diabetes:
You can also follow the special diabetes diet recipes while preparing food at home. These recipes use the right amount of food to provide you with a diabetes nutritional supplement. A study of these recipes will make you realize how important it is to follow a proper diet in life. By being emotional with food habits, one can invite many unwanted diseases. So, be factual. There are many special recipes for diabetics available on the internet such as low fat dessert recipes. Most of these recipes include diabetes nutritional supplements
Nutritional dietary supplements can arrive in all various shapes and sizes – several various dietary supplements can make a massive variation in your daily life. Nutritional dietary supplements are precisely what they suggest; they are the nutritional diabetes vitamins and minerals and other nutrients that your body needs to be healthful. Arthritis therapy strategies can incorporate nutritional health supplements. But the key word is carefully.
Researchers and people with Type 2 diabetes believe that some foods and diabetes meal planning have beneficial effects on diabetes. They just don't know which foods they are and how effective they are. Several below have been tested but, the results have been mix or just confusing partly because the sample size (the number of people being tested) is very small (like 150). And, clinical trials need thousands of participants in order for the final statistics to be believable. Most importantly, the gold standard clinical trials are randomized, double-blinded, placebo controlled and peer-reviewed to be trusted - A very expensive affair.
Grain Fiber and Magnesium Prevent Type 2 Diabetes
Keep in mind that statistics and how they were calculated can be worth questioning. The supporters of this study claim that people who ate the most cereal fiber had a 33 percent lower risk of developing diabetes than those who took in the least, while those who consumed the most magnesium had a 23 percent lower risk than those who consumed the least. Diabetic diet information that helps to control diabetes using the diabetic diet foods you like.
Grapefruit and Managing Type 2 Diabetes
Grapefruit may help to reduce blood sugar levels in individuals that have Diabetes, though studies are not entirely conclusive. However, grapefruit and grapefruit juice have been suspected of having negative interactions with medicines like metformin, cholesterol lowering drugs (statins) and others.
Cinnamon and Diabetes
A few small clinical trials indicate that cinnamon may help to prevent the onset of Type 2 Diabetes. Supporters of this research claim that just a teaspoon of the popular spice is all that is needed to help fat cells respond to the body's naturally-produced insulin in order to lower blood sugar levels.
Lab studies indicate that cinnamon contains a biologically active chemical called methylhydroxy-chalcone polymer (MHCP). MHCP works by mimicking the effects of insulin syringes in stimulating the insulin receptors in fat and muscle cells to receive sugar (glucose). How MHCP act on the insulin receptors is unknown.
Additionally, supporters claim that cinnamon is proven to lower bad cholesterol. As such, the spice appears to be an effective and holistic solution to weight loss, Diabetes care, and improved general health.
Typefreediabetes offers a full line of diabetes medical supplies, including incontinence diapers; diabetes shoes, incontinence products, body fat analyzer, glucose tablets, blood glucose monitors, durable diabetes medical equipment, nutritional supplements, body fat monitor and many other home health care products and supplies. Typefreediabetes offers quality products at discounted prices on a wide selection of quality name brand equipment and supplies.
Diabetics must follow a balanced and healthy diabetic diet to combat the ill-effects of diabetes. For this they must include the special diabetes nutritional supplements along with their food. The best forms of such supplements are low calorie fruits and vegetables are preferred as diabetes supplements. These food items must be taken in plenty to satisfy hunger.
A balanced diet:
It is very essential for diabetic patients to follow a balanced and healthy diabetic diet and meal plans. A balanced diet may include products that have carbohydrate from fruits, vegetables, nuts, grains and milk products. These food items must not include fats. Diabetes carbohydrates and mono unsaturated fats can burden a diabetic patient with a major amount of calories that should be avoided at all cost. The intake of protein along with food must not exceed more than 15 percent of total calorie requirement.
Recipes for diabetes:
You can also follow the special diabetes diet recipes while preparing food at home. These recipes use the right amount of food to provide you with a diabetes nutritional supplement. A study of these recipes will make you realize how important it is to follow a proper diet in life. By being emotional with food habits, one can invite many unwanted diseases. So, be factual. There are many special recipes for diabetics available on the internet such as low fat dessert recipes. Most of these recipes include diabetes nutritional supplements
Nutritional dietary supplements can arrive in all various shapes and sizes – several various dietary supplements can make a massive variation in your daily life. Nutritional dietary supplements are precisely what they suggest; they are the nutritional diabetes vitamins and minerals and other nutrients that your body needs to be healthful. Arthritis therapy strategies can incorporate nutritional health supplements. But the key word is carefully.
Researchers and people with Type 2 diabetes believe that some foods and diabetes meal planning have beneficial effects on diabetes. They just don't know which foods they are and how effective they are. Several below have been tested but, the results have been mix or just confusing partly because the sample size (the number of people being tested) is very small (like 150). And, clinical trials need thousands of participants in order for the final statistics to be believable. Most importantly, the gold standard clinical trials are randomized, double-blinded, placebo controlled and peer-reviewed to be trusted - A very expensive affair.
Grain Fiber and Magnesium Prevent Type 2 Diabetes
Keep in mind that statistics and how they were calculated can be worth questioning. The supporters of this study claim that people who ate the most cereal fiber had a 33 percent lower risk of developing diabetes than those who took in the least, while those who consumed the most magnesium had a 23 percent lower risk than those who consumed the least. Diabetic diet information that helps to control diabetes using the diabetic diet foods you like.
Grapefruit and Managing Type 2 Diabetes
Grapefruit may help to reduce blood sugar levels in individuals that have Diabetes, though studies are not entirely conclusive. However, grapefruit and grapefruit juice have been suspected of having negative interactions with medicines like metformin, cholesterol lowering drugs (statins) and others.
Cinnamon and Diabetes
A few small clinical trials indicate that cinnamon may help to prevent the onset of Type 2 Diabetes. Supporters of this research claim that just a teaspoon of the popular spice is all that is needed to help fat cells respond to the body's naturally-produced insulin in order to lower blood sugar levels.
Lab studies indicate that cinnamon contains a biologically active chemical called methylhydroxy-chalcone polymer (MHCP). MHCP works by mimicking the effects of insulin syringes in stimulating the insulin receptors in fat and muscle cells to receive sugar (glucose). How MHCP act on the insulin receptors is unknown.
Additionally, supporters claim that cinnamon is proven to lower bad cholesterol. As such, the spice appears to be an effective and holistic solution to weight loss, Diabetes care, and improved general health.
Typefreediabetes offers a full line of diabetes medical supplies, including incontinence diapers; diabetes shoes, incontinence products, body fat analyzer, glucose tablets, blood glucose monitors, durable diabetes medical equipment, nutritional supplements, body fat monitor and many other home health care products and supplies. Typefreediabetes offers quality products at discounted prices on a wide selection of quality name brand equipment and supplies.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Blood Glucose Test for Diabetes – Home Testing
Blood Pressure Monitor
Usually after having done a blood glucose test at a clinical lab and being diagnosed either as a diabetic or borderline diabetic, we are advised to carry out regular blood glucose tests and the best way to do so is right at home. Any drug store will have a number of brands and models of blood glucose testers or glucometers. The most common and reliable type of blood glucose testing kit includes a meter (called the glucometer), a lancing device commonly known as the ‘lancing pen' (used to extract a tiny drop of blood), and glucose test strips.
If you are using the glucometer for the first time, you need to locate the ‘coding strip' in the test strip container. Insert this coding strip into the special slot (usually on the side of the glucometer). The coding strip calibrates the glucometer. This exercise has to be done every time you buy a new supply of blood glucose test strips.
When you are ready to do your blood glucose test, clean your hands and use the lancing pen to prick your finger. Extract a drop of blood and place it on the round (usually red) spot of the testing strip. Next, place the strip into the glucometer – the part with your drop of blood on it should go in first. The gadget will display your blood sugar level in about fifteen seconds or less. Generally, blood sugar testing is done around meal time; before, and after. It is also usually done before going to bed. However, the timing of the test and frequency differs from patient to patient depending on the recommendation of the doctor and severity of the disease. Remember before each blood glucose test; you need to insert a new lancing needle into the lancing pen. You also need to use a new blood glucose test strip every time you do a blood glucose test.
Latest models of glucometers allow you to record and store this data for future analysis. However, you could lose the stored results of your blood glucose tests if you remove the batteries from the glucometer. Glucometers or Blood sugar meters are available at most local drug stores. There are varieties of blood glucose monitors available in the market today. Some of them include software kits that can retrieve past information of your blood glucose tests and use it to project results in the form of charts and graphs. There are others that enable you to do a blood glucose test with blood from sites other than the finger tips or ones that use lasers to draw blood and so on. Based on my conversation with my clients, I feel the simplest types of Glucometer work well and give reasonably accurate blood glucose reading.
Generally, fasting blood sugar is said to be too high if it is 180 mg/dL or more and too low if it is less than 70 mg/dL. In case your blood glucose test results sugar levels over 180 mg/dL for more than a week or if it shoots up to 300 mg/dL at two consecutive readings along with other symptoms of high blood sugar, then it is time to pay the doctor a visit. Similarly, if your blood sugar level goes below 70 mg/dL more than once in a week, consult your doctor. He will then suggest changes in your diabetes management plan which could include a change in medication, meal plan or exercise program.
Blood Glucose Test for Diabetes is also known as: Fasting blood sugar (FBS), Blood sugar; Fasting blood glucose (FBG), Blood glucose, Fasting plasma glucose (FPG), Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT), Urine glucose and blood glucose tests.
Usually after having done a blood glucose test at a clinical lab and being diagnosed either as a diabetic or borderline diabetic, we are advised to carry out regular blood glucose tests and the best way to do so is right at home. Any drug store will have a number of brands and models of blood glucose testers or glucometers. The most common and reliable type of blood glucose testing kit includes a meter (called the glucometer), a lancing device commonly known as the ‘lancing pen' (used to extract a tiny drop of blood), and glucose test strips.
If you are using the glucometer for the first time, you need to locate the ‘coding strip' in the test strip container. Insert this coding strip into the special slot (usually on the side of the glucometer). The coding strip calibrates the glucometer. This exercise has to be done every time you buy a new supply of blood glucose test strips.
When you are ready to do your blood glucose test, clean your hands and use the lancing pen to prick your finger. Extract a drop of blood and place it on the round (usually red) spot of the testing strip. Next, place the strip into the glucometer – the part with your drop of blood on it should go in first. The gadget will display your blood sugar level in about fifteen seconds or less. Generally, blood sugar testing is done around meal time; before, and after. It is also usually done before going to bed. However, the timing of the test and frequency differs from patient to patient depending on the recommendation of the doctor and severity of the disease. Remember before each blood glucose test; you need to insert a new lancing needle into the lancing pen. You also need to use a new blood glucose test strip every time you do a blood glucose test.
Latest models of glucometers allow you to record and store this data for future analysis. However, you could lose the stored results of your blood glucose tests if you remove the batteries from the glucometer. Glucometers or Blood sugar meters are available at most local drug stores. There are varieties of blood glucose monitors available in the market today. Some of them include software kits that can retrieve past information of your blood glucose tests and use it to project results in the form of charts and graphs. There are others that enable you to do a blood glucose test with blood from sites other than the finger tips or ones that use lasers to draw blood and so on. Based on my conversation with my clients, I feel the simplest types of Glucometer work well and give reasonably accurate blood glucose reading.
Generally, fasting blood sugar is said to be too high if it is 180 mg/dL or more and too low if it is less than 70 mg/dL. In case your blood glucose test results sugar levels over 180 mg/dL for more than a week or if it shoots up to 300 mg/dL at two consecutive readings along with other symptoms of high blood sugar, then it is time to pay the doctor a visit. Similarly, if your blood sugar level goes below 70 mg/dL more than once in a week, consult your doctor. He will then suggest changes in your diabetes management plan which could include a change in medication, meal plan or exercise program.
Blood Glucose Test for Diabetes is also known as: Fasting blood sugar (FBS), Blood sugar; Fasting blood glucose (FBG), Blood glucose, Fasting plasma glucose (FPG), Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT), Urine glucose and blood glucose tests.
Friday, August 12, 2011
Why is Nutrition Important for diabetes?
Nutrition is all about what a person with diabetes eats. Nutrition and diet mean the same thing. A person with diabetes has 3 ways to control their blood sugar levels: Nutrition, physical activity and medication. The combination of good diabetes nutritional supplements and physical activity prevent pre-diabetes and Type 2 diabetes.
The Food Pyramids
Good Supplements for diabetes involves maintaining a well-balanced Diabetic diet plan that includes whole grains, protein, dairy, vegetables, fruit and some unsaturated fats.
Americans are accustomed to seeing the traditional Food and Drug Administration pyramid on every cereal box and FDA-approved publication. While the American food guide pyramid is by all means healthy and comprehensive, we thought it would be fun to share food guide pyramids reflecting the histories of many other ethnic beginnings, cultures and beliefs.
The importance of nutrition for Diabetics requires that we find all sorts of ways to help you create a useful Diabetes food pyramid. To meet that goal will keep working to bring missing pyramids to you. As an option, pick one and adopt it as your own. Eating in the ways of our traditions cannot be a bad thing.
Remember how much smaller plate sizes were, so watch your portions. Click to see Portion Control PlatesAlso, remember how physically active our great grand-parents were, so daily exercise is a must.
Physical activity and exercise is the key to making good diabetes nutrition work. We have to burn excess sugar and fat that we eat. If we choose the traditional approach to eating, it is important to note that we are choosing a way of life, not just the foods that we grew up with and love.
Core Principles of Diabetic food Diet and Nutrition
Pre-Diabetes
Why is Nutrition Important?
Pre-Diabetes Diet
The core principles of proper diabetic supplements are centered on reducing blood sugar levels and increasing healthy vitamins and minerals in the diet. diabetics, especially, should adhere to the principles of the Diabetes Food Pyramid in order to ensure that they have balanced diabetes nutrition to keep their bodies healthy.
However, unlike the general population, diabetics are not always able to process glucose at the cellular level . That is why, it is important for diabetics to understand the chemical reactions that take place in their bodies as they eat food. Understanding the biology of Diabetes is the first step in taking control of your diabetes treatment so that you can live a healthy Diabetics life.
Many Diabetics feel overwhelmed when they are first diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, Type 1 diabetes, or Gestational Diabetes. Properly managed diabetes, will required you to make some basic lifestyle changes, especially in the way that you approach food. You will definitely need to limit your sugar/carbohydrates in-take.
For example, love pasta? Yes you can still have this food that you love. Only now, a better choice is whole wheat pasta instead of the traditional styles of pasta. Also, you need to limit your food serving sizes (one serving = 1/2cup cooked or baseball) instead of all you can eat. Generally, for all the foods that you love, there is an acceptable alternative that makes you happy and your blood glucose level also.
Know that these lifestyle changes are entirely manageable and will make you healthier and happier as you begin to incorporate them into your regular eating habits. You can feel comfort knowing that millions of diabetics have had to make simple changes to their nutrition plans. To help Diabetics enjoy healthier food choices, many diabetes organizations have developed tips, diabetes meal plans, food, and healthy eating guidelines. Use our interactive learning module on Sugars and Starches to learn more.
Diabetes Healthy Eating Guidelines
Diabetes is a disease that is directly related to your sugar intake and corresponding blood sugar level. Due to the nature of diabetes, the body cannot process sugars the way that it should. Therefore, in order to keep your blood sugar level as low as possible, it is important to limit the amount of sugar/carbs that you eat and take all medications prescribed by your doctor. Remember that a starch unit can made up of thousands of glucose units.
Click Here For : Blood Glucose Test Strips
The Food Pyramids
Good Supplements for diabetes involves maintaining a well-balanced Diabetic diet plan that includes whole grains, protein, dairy, vegetables, fruit and some unsaturated fats.
Americans are accustomed to seeing the traditional Food and Drug Administration pyramid on every cereal box and FDA-approved publication. While the American food guide pyramid is by all means healthy and comprehensive, we thought it would be fun to share food guide pyramids reflecting the histories of many other ethnic beginnings, cultures and beliefs.
The importance of nutrition for Diabetics requires that we find all sorts of ways to help you create a useful Diabetes food pyramid. To meet that goal will keep working to bring missing pyramids to you. As an option, pick one and adopt it as your own. Eating in the ways of our traditions cannot be a bad thing.
Remember how much smaller plate sizes were, so watch your portions. Click to see Portion Control PlatesAlso, remember how physically active our great grand-parents were, so daily exercise is a must.
Physical activity and exercise is the key to making good diabetes nutrition work. We have to burn excess sugar and fat that we eat. If we choose the traditional approach to eating, it is important to note that we are choosing a way of life, not just the foods that we grew up with and love.
Core Principles of Diabetic food Diet and Nutrition
Pre-Diabetes
Why is Nutrition Important?
Pre-Diabetes Diet
The core principles of proper diabetic supplements are centered on reducing blood sugar levels and increasing healthy vitamins and minerals in the diet. diabetics, especially, should adhere to the principles of the Diabetes Food Pyramid in order to ensure that they have balanced diabetes nutrition to keep their bodies healthy.
However, unlike the general population, diabetics are not always able to process glucose at the cellular level . That is why, it is important for diabetics to understand the chemical reactions that take place in their bodies as they eat food. Understanding the biology of Diabetes is the first step in taking control of your diabetes treatment so that you can live a healthy Diabetics life.
Many Diabetics feel overwhelmed when they are first diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, Type 1 diabetes, or Gestational Diabetes. Properly managed diabetes, will required you to make some basic lifestyle changes, especially in the way that you approach food. You will definitely need to limit your sugar/carbohydrates in-take.
For example, love pasta? Yes you can still have this food that you love. Only now, a better choice is whole wheat pasta instead of the traditional styles of pasta. Also, you need to limit your food serving sizes (one serving = 1/2cup cooked or baseball) instead of all you can eat. Generally, for all the foods that you love, there is an acceptable alternative that makes you happy and your blood glucose level also.
Know that these lifestyle changes are entirely manageable and will make you healthier and happier as you begin to incorporate them into your regular eating habits. You can feel comfort knowing that millions of diabetics have had to make simple changes to their nutrition plans. To help Diabetics enjoy healthier food choices, many diabetes organizations have developed tips, diabetes meal plans, food, and healthy eating guidelines. Use our interactive learning module on Sugars and Starches to learn more.
Diabetes Healthy Eating Guidelines
Diabetes is a disease that is directly related to your sugar intake and corresponding blood sugar level. Due to the nature of diabetes, the body cannot process sugars the way that it should. Therefore, in order to keep your blood sugar level as low as possible, it is important to limit the amount of sugar/carbs that you eat and take all medications prescribed by your doctor. Remember that a starch unit can made up of thousands of glucose units.
Click Here For : Blood Glucose Test Strips
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Making the Most of the Lazy Days of Summer
Summer is in full-swing, which means that the lazy days of summer are officially upon us! Whether you're summer plans involve relaxing by the pool with a good book and cold beverage, snacks of diabetes, getting some sunshine at the beach, or driving the kids from one summertime event to another, here are some tips to help you make the most of these lazy days while staying healthy and energetic!
Get in the Water: The summer is filled with activities that are centered around water. From water sports like sailing to simply jumping into the crystal clear pool waters you've been dying to test out, it's time to take advantage of water rather than sunbathe near it!
Swimming and water aerobics provide some of the best outlets for toning your entire body using water for resistance (rather than those clunky weights at the gym). Or spend some time in the water with your kids next time they jump in the pool…you'll be surprised by how toned your arms can get from tossing them into back flips!
Walk that Beach: Just about everyone takes a few days to get down to the beach each summer. Next time you're at the beach, don't just watch the sand crabs; get out and enjoy the sand yourself! Walking or running with diabetic footwear in sand not only helps to tone your leg muscles (the softer the sand, the harder it is to walk and the more calories you'll burn), but it will ensure that you get at least a little bit of cardio in between bouts of wave watching and book reading. Be sure to apply sunscreen before you head out for a walk; just 30 minutes in the bright summer sun is enough to burn your skin and scalp.
Don't Just Wait in the Car
If you're like many parents and you think that the summer has come down to a series of waiting periods while your children complete their summer activities, you're not alone. But next time your child has a soccer practice, dance lesson, or art class, don't just wait in the car; get out and exercise!
Dress for the occasion in workout clothes, or simply keep some sneakers in the car if you don't have time for a full-on workout. While your child practices soccer, walk or jog around the field. If your child is taking a dance lesson, take time for yourself to run around the neighborhood where the dance studio is.
With the high prices of gas these days, it's more cost effective to stay in the vicinity of the lesson rather than going home and coming back after your child's activity anyway. You'll usually have about an hour to yourself to get active and keep your weight down, or pull in other parents to work out together while you wait.
Always Have a Snack On-Hand Like Sugarfree Desserts
Almond Snack It's easy to gain weight in the summer with the level of physical activity decreasing in the hot sun while the number of ice cream stands generally goes through the roof. In order to put cravings at bay, make sure to always have a healthy snack on hand for you and your family. Almonds and dried fruit are excellent, healthy choices and they last in even the hottest of cars.
Get in the Water: The summer is filled with activities that are centered around water. From water sports like sailing to simply jumping into the crystal clear pool waters you've been dying to test out, it's time to take advantage of water rather than sunbathe near it!
Swimming and water aerobics provide some of the best outlets for toning your entire body using water for resistance (rather than those clunky weights at the gym). Or spend some time in the water with your kids next time they jump in the pool…you'll be surprised by how toned your arms can get from tossing them into back flips!
Walk that Beach: Just about everyone takes a few days to get down to the beach each summer. Next time you're at the beach, don't just watch the sand crabs; get out and enjoy the sand yourself! Walking or running with diabetic footwear in sand not only helps to tone your leg muscles (the softer the sand, the harder it is to walk and the more calories you'll burn), but it will ensure that you get at least a little bit of cardio in between bouts of wave watching and book reading. Be sure to apply sunscreen before you head out for a walk; just 30 minutes in the bright summer sun is enough to burn your skin and scalp.
Don't Just Wait in the Car
If you're like many parents and you think that the summer has come down to a series of waiting periods while your children complete their summer activities, you're not alone. But next time your child has a soccer practice, dance lesson, or art class, don't just wait in the car; get out and exercise!
Dress for the occasion in workout clothes, or simply keep some sneakers in the car if you don't have time for a full-on workout. While your child practices soccer, walk or jog around the field. If your child is taking a dance lesson, take time for yourself to run around the neighborhood where the dance studio is.
With the high prices of gas these days, it's more cost effective to stay in the vicinity of the lesson rather than going home and coming back after your child's activity anyway. You'll usually have about an hour to yourself to get active and keep your weight down, or pull in other parents to work out together while you wait.
Always Have a Snack On-Hand Like Sugarfree Desserts
Almond Snack It's easy to gain weight in the summer with the level of physical activity decreasing in the hot sun while the number of ice cream stands generally goes through the roof. In order to put cravings at bay, make sure to always have a healthy snack on hand for you and your family. Almonds and dried fruit are excellent, healthy choices and they last in even the hottest of cars.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Are You Able To Overcome Diabetes by Losing Weight?
Most people with type 2 diabetes are usually told to lose weight by their medical doctor. Many people think that if they just shed a few inches that they will fix their blood sugar difficulties. Is type 2 diabetes truly that easy? Can we solve this epidemic by telling people to work out and lose some weight? What about the people that are not overweight?
We know today that type 2 diabetes is a syndrome affecting a variety of body organ systems. Blood glucose is controlled by the pancreas, the adrenal glands, the liver, the thyroid gland, and the gastrointestinal system. Generally speaking, individuals with type 2 diabetes have dysfunction in one or even more of these places which then causes irregular blood sugar levels.
When you evaluate diabetes from a logical point of view, it would seem unlikely that just reducing your weight would be enough to correct difficulties with all of the above organs. It appears unlikely, because it really is unlikely. Losing bodyweight and improving your diet program is an important component of turning this ailment around, nevertheless there's much more which should be accomplished to obtain lasting results.
An excellent example would be a individual with type 2 diabetes that doesn't have any additional body fat. They clearly can't slim down or do more exercise to improve their situation, so what's wrong with them. Well, it's quite likely that their adrenals are over-worked or that their digestive system is malfunctioning. It's additionally possible that their liver is overloaded or that their thyroid gland is under producing.
Because of the possible combinations that a patient with type 2 diabetes might have, how do you know what to start with? Well, the first thing that we need to begin working on for all people with this disease is that we must be performing adequate testing to assess the internal organs involved. The present-day standard of care for type 2 diabetes involves the usage of minimal testing. This lab testing is not sufficient to recognize what's taking place with the body systems which are a part of blood glucose regulation. In fact, most of the organs are not tested at all.
Many people with type 2 diabetes are experiencing their disease without really understanding what the cause of their disease is. They are using prescribed medicines to help reduce their bloodstream sugar levels, but there is nothing being done to work on internal organs such as the adrenals, the liver, in addition to the thyroid gland. It's not surprising to see that few diabetes patients improve over time when the cause of their condition has been ignored.
It's also not possible to totally correct the problems that happen with diabetes simply by losing weight. Losing weight isn't sufficient to rehab an exhausted adrenal gland or a dysfunctional digestive tract. Losing bodyweight can be extremely beneficial, however it's not enough. We have to start treating people with type 2 diabetes as individuals. The one size fits all approach that's currently in place is not good enough.
It's time to begin using the information available to us these days. We can modify the poor final results which many people experience with diabetes. The answers are out there, you just need to search for a professional that's interested in finding the cause of the disease.
We know today that type 2 diabetes is a syndrome affecting a variety of body organ systems. Blood glucose is controlled by the pancreas, the adrenal glands, the liver, the thyroid gland, and the gastrointestinal system. Generally speaking, individuals with type 2 diabetes have dysfunction in one or even more of these places which then causes irregular blood sugar levels.
When you evaluate diabetes from a logical point of view, it would seem unlikely that just reducing your weight would be enough to correct difficulties with all of the above organs. It appears unlikely, because it really is unlikely. Losing bodyweight and improving your diet program is an important component of turning this ailment around, nevertheless there's much more which should be accomplished to obtain lasting results.
An excellent example would be a individual with type 2 diabetes that doesn't have any additional body fat. They clearly can't slim down or do more exercise to improve their situation, so what's wrong with them. Well, it's quite likely that their adrenals are over-worked or that their digestive system is malfunctioning. It's additionally possible that their liver is overloaded or that their thyroid gland is under producing.
Because of the possible combinations that a patient with type 2 diabetes might have, how do you know what to start with? Well, the first thing that we need to begin working on for all people with this disease is that we must be performing adequate testing to assess the internal organs involved. The present-day standard of care for type 2 diabetes involves the usage of minimal testing. This lab testing is not sufficient to recognize what's taking place with the body systems which are a part of blood glucose regulation. In fact, most of the organs are not tested at all.
Many people with type 2 diabetes are experiencing their disease without really understanding what the cause of their disease is. They are using prescribed medicines to help reduce their bloodstream sugar levels, but there is nothing being done to work on internal organs such as the adrenals, the liver, in addition to the thyroid gland. It's not surprising to see that few diabetes patients improve over time when the cause of their condition has been ignored.
It's also not possible to totally correct the problems that happen with diabetes simply by losing weight. Losing weight isn't sufficient to rehab an exhausted adrenal gland or a dysfunctional digestive tract. Losing bodyweight can be extremely beneficial, however it's not enough. We have to start treating people with type 2 diabetes as individuals. The one size fits all approach that's currently in place is not good enough.
It's time to begin using the information available to us these days. We can modify the poor final results which many people experience with diabetes. The answers are out there, you just need to search for a professional that's interested in finding the cause of the disease.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)