There are several types of Vegetarian diets, including strict Vegan diets (no animal products may be consumed) and lacto-ovo diets, in which vegetarians may consume cheese, eggs, and other dairy products. It is essential that vegetarians carefully balance their nutrition and diabetes vitamins so that they are able to obtain the proper amount of protein to stay healthy
In order for diabetics to free themselves of diabetes complications, they need to learn about diabetic diet 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 and also check blood sugar levels through body fat monitor and scales.
Vegetarianism and Veganism
According to the Mayo Clinic, Diabetics may benefit greatly from adopting a vegetarian or vegan diet. While vegetarian and vegan diets differ greatly in terms of what sorts of foods can be eaten, the major characteristic of both is that vegetarians and vegans do not eat meat. A vegetarian is generally a person that does not consume meat, but may consume animal products, such as:
• Milk and eggs (lacto-ovo vegetarian).
• fish (pesco vegetarian)
A vegan, however, does not consume any animal products at all: No meat, eggs, cheese or milk. Also vegans do not use products made from or with animal products like wool, leather, cosmetics, etc.
Vegan diets tend to be healthy, when they are closely monitored and balanced with foods from every food group but meat and dairy. In fact, a vegan diet and diabetic food plan is cholesterol-free and low in saturated fats. Both vegan and vegetarian diets are low in calories and include large amounts of vegetables, fruits, whole grains and legumes. As such, the vegan and vegetarian diet tends to include healthy foods that are low in fat and sugar.
Naturally, when a person consumes very little sugar and has a predominantly natural diet, he or she can usually lose weight and maintain that weight loss. Because Diabetes is a disease that is made better by limited sugar in take and by staying at a healthy weight, the vegan and vegetarian diabetic diet plan tend to be very suitable.
Additionally, while the vegan and vegetarian diets cannot cure diabetes, they can reduce the risk of common complications, such as heart and kidney disease. Heart disease is generally called by high blood pressure and cholesterol, which are both practically eliminated through a vegetarian diet and blood glucose test kit. Kidney disease, which can be made worse by consuming protein, can be delayed by eliminating meat proteins and adopting the healthier vegan and vegetarian nutritional standards.
Portion control plates play an important role in managing diabetes. Portion control dishes are designed with correct portion recommendations of meat, soup, vegetables, soups, fruits etc. It helps an individual to keep their weight and blood sugar level in watch.
You will want your diabetes diet plan and diabetic diet foods 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.
Before beginning a vegan or vegetarian diet, be sure to consult with your doctor or dietician. Vegan and vegetarian diets remove the most common sources of important proteins and vitamins. Therefore, it is important to understand what supplements for diabetes you will need to take in order to make up for those losses.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Some common causes of diabetic coma
Diabetic coma is a reversible form of coma found in people with diabetes mellitus. It is a medical emergency. In most medical contexts, the term diabetic coma refers to the diagnostically dilemma posed when a physician is confronted with an unconscious patient about whom nothing is known except that he has diabetes.
A diabetic coma is a condition in which a person with diabetes lapses into a coma due to complications relating to diabetes. In most cases, low blood sugar is the primary reason why an otherwise health patient might lapse into a coma as a result of diabetes. However, other conditions, such as ketoacidosis (kEt-O-as-i-'dO-sis) or nonketotic hyperosmolar (non-kE-'tät-ik hahy-per os-moh-ler) coma occur. One should always use blood glucose test meter for knowing blood sugar levels. Because diabetics are frequently at risk for lapsing into an unconscious state, such as a coma, it is important for diabetics to tell their loved ones about their condition. Many diabetics will also have an emergency diabetes test kit on hand so that they can be quickly revived in the event that they lapse into a coma due to low blood sugar levels.
Here are some common causes of diabetic coma:
Hypoglycemia (hahy-poh-glahy-see-mee-uh)
Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar levels, especially effects Type 1 diabetics that take insulin syringes in order to control their blood sugar levels. In most cases, one can avoid falling into a low blood sugar coma by simply drinking juice or eating diabetic diet foods with carbohydrates at the first sign of low blood sugar levels.04820-1.jpg
In most cases, diabetics will have low blood sugar levels during sleep, after heavy drinking, after taking medications, diabetic nutritional supplements, or during intense periods of exercise. In order to revive an unconscious hypoglycemic patient, simply inject diabetic strips the individual with glucose in order to elevate the blood sugar back to a normal level.
Ketoacidosis (kEt-O-as-i-'dO-sis) Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) occurs as a result any combination of high blood sugar levels, dehydration, shock and exhaustion. Coma generally occurs after a diabetic is already showing signs of illness, such as vomiting and hyperventilation.
When a patient has early or middle stages of ketoacidosis, he or she will be flushed and have deep, rapid breaths. Once the person lapses into a coma, the breathing will become shallow, the heart rate will increase and the body will become dehydrated. Treatment for ketoacidosis generally involves an intravenous saline drip that includes potassium and other electrolytes that the body needs in order to restore balance.
Nonketotic Hyperosmolar coma (non-kE-'tät-ik hahy-per os-moh-ler)Nonketotic hypersmolar coma is similar to ketoacidosis coma, but is usually accompanied by lethargy rather than signs of a serious illness (such as vomiting). Generally, the condition involves hyperglycemia (high blood sugar levels) combined with dehydration. Diabetic should use blood sugar meters for testing blood sugar levels. The condition most often occurs in patients that have Type 2 diabetes.Type 2 diabetics often already have signs of dehydration and lethargy, which may make nonketotic hyperosmolar coma difficult to detect before the onset.
Treatment for Nonketotic hyper molar (non-kE-'tät-ik hahy-per os-moh-ler) coma involves a gradual rehydration of the body combined with insulin medications. Use blood glucose monitors and test for Low Blood Sugar and avoid Diabetic Coma.BAL80103-1.jpg
Typefreediabetes offers a full line of diabetes supplies, including incontinence diapers; blood sugar meters, lancing devices, portion control plates, glucose tablets, blood glucose monitors, durable diabetes medical equipment, nutritional supplements, automatic blood pressure 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.
A diabetic coma is a condition in which a person with diabetes lapses into a coma due to complications relating to diabetes. In most cases, low blood sugar is the primary reason why an otherwise health patient might lapse into a coma as a result of diabetes. However, other conditions, such as ketoacidosis (kEt-O-as-i-'dO-sis) or nonketotic hyperosmolar (non-kE-'tät-ik hahy-per os-moh-ler) coma occur. One should always use blood glucose test meter for knowing blood sugar levels. Because diabetics are frequently at risk for lapsing into an unconscious state, such as a coma, it is important for diabetics to tell their loved ones about their condition. Many diabetics will also have an emergency diabetes test kit on hand so that they can be quickly revived in the event that they lapse into a coma due to low blood sugar levels.
Here are some common causes of diabetic coma:
Hypoglycemia (hahy-poh-glahy-see-mee-uh)
Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar levels, especially effects Type 1 diabetics that take insulin syringes in order to control their blood sugar levels. In most cases, one can avoid falling into a low blood sugar coma by simply drinking juice or eating diabetic diet foods with carbohydrates at the first sign of low blood sugar levels.04820-1.jpg
In most cases, diabetics will have low blood sugar levels during sleep, after heavy drinking, after taking medications, diabetic nutritional supplements, or during intense periods of exercise. In order to revive an unconscious hypoglycemic patient, simply inject diabetic strips the individual with glucose in order to elevate the blood sugar back to a normal level.
Ketoacidosis (kEt-O-as-i-'dO-sis) Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) occurs as a result any combination of high blood sugar levels, dehydration, shock and exhaustion. Coma generally occurs after a diabetic is already showing signs of illness, such as vomiting and hyperventilation.
When a patient has early or middle stages of ketoacidosis, he or she will be flushed and have deep, rapid breaths. Once the person lapses into a coma, the breathing will become shallow, the heart rate will increase and the body will become dehydrated. Treatment for ketoacidosis generally involves an intravenous saline drip that includes potassium and other electrolytes that the body needs in order to restore balance.
Nonketotic Hyperosmolar coma (non-kE-'tät-ik hahy-per os-moh-ler)Nonketotic hypersmolar coma is similar to ketoacidosis coma, but is usually accompanied by lethargy rather than signs of a serious illness (such as vomiting). Generally, the condition involves hyperglycemia (high blood sugar levels) combined with dehydration. Diabetic should use blood sugar meters for testing blood sugar levels. The condition most often occurs in patients that have Type 2 diabetes.Type 2 diabetics often already have signs of dehydration and lethargy, which may make nonketotic hyperosmolar coma difficult to detect before the onset.
Treatment for Nonketotic hyper molar (non-kE-'tät-ik hahy-per os-moh-ler) coma involves a gradual rehydration of the body combined with insulin medications. Use blood glucose monitors and test for Low Blood Sugar and avoid Diabetic Coma.BAL80103-1.jpg
Typefreediabetes offers a full line of diabetes supplies, including incontinence diapers; blood sugar meters, lancing devices, portion control plates, glucose tablets, blood glucose monitors, durable diabetes medical equipment, nutritional supplements, automatic blood pressure 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.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Diabetes and Lifestyle Change
When it comes to staying healthy, doctors of people with diabetes will repeatedly tell them that health is a numbers game; there are certain numbers that all healthy people should remember. Newly diagnosed Type 2 diabetics must change parts of their diabetes lifestyle to control their blood sugar and get better. Here are some tips to help you keep an eye on your overall health - while sticking with the numbers.
[1] 5 Fruits and Veggies
Everyone should remember to eat a total of five fruits and veggies each day. You can mix and match your fruits as much as Vegetable Tray you like as long as you reach five by the end of the day. Having a hard time making sure you get your five in? Here are some ways you can sneak in an extra serving or two:
• Add a small handful or raisins or banana to your cereal in the morning. • Drink a smoothie instead of a soda (for as many as four fruits and veggies).
• Slice a tomato on top of your turkey sandwich.
• Stir mushrooms and onions into your breakfast omelet. • Reach for an apple rather than a granola bar for your afternoon diabetics snacks.
• Have a glass of 100% fruit juice before work or after a workout.
• Keep dried fruit and sugar free cookies in your desk or car to satisfy that mid-day sweet tooth.
[2] Hours of Sleep
Studies prove time and again that every needs about eight hours of sleep each night. However, most people do not allow themselves the luxury of the full recommended dosage of R & R. By going to bed at a reasonable hour (when you are tired) and sleeping a full eight hours, your body will feel rested, restored, and will ultimately function at a higher level than if it were deprived of sleep.
If you are having difficulty sleeping, take a look at your overall stress level, diet, exercise routine, use incontinence products, and sleeping habits. Small changes can lead to big results. Speak to your doctor if you have trouble sleeping for a prolonged amount of time.
[3] 30 Minutes of Exercise with diabetic shoes
Peripheral Neuropathy is one of the common side effects of diabetes, which can cause insensitivity, or a loss of sensation in the extremities to feel pain, heat, and cold in a diabetic person. It is very important for a diabetic person to take care of foot related injuries and wear specially designed shoes for diabetics, diabetic socks for men and diabetic socks women.
Whether you are Diabetic or not, it is important to get at least 30 minutes of exercise each day. These 30 minutes does Seniors Walking not have to occur at the same time? Often, busy people may only be able to sneak in 15 minutes walks with specially designed diabetics shoes here or there. However, it is important that you set aside enough time each day to get your heart rate up, your blood pumping, and your muscles moving.
Having a hard time sneaking in 30 minutes? Here are some quick tips that everyone can do:
• Take two 15 minute walks (15 minutes is roughly one mile).
• Clean the house vigorously (try to work up a sweat).
• Do floor exercises by wearing men's and women's diabetic dress shoes for 10 minutes three times a day (sit-ups, push-ups, calf raises, stair climbing). • Walk during lunch or walk to lunch.
• Take a bike to visit a friend or run to the store rather than a car.
• Make exercise a family event by taking the kids to the park, a walking trail, gym, or track.
[4] 8 Glasses of Water
In order for your body to function properly, your organs need to be well-hydrated. Research shows that in order to maintain hydration, people should drink anywhere from three to eight glasses of water each day. Water can be flavored water, including some juices, as well. Also, may fruits and veggies contain large amounts of water that can help the body stay hydrated.
[1] 5 Fruits and Veggies
Everyone should remember to eat a total of five fruits and veggies each day. You can mix and match your fruits as much as Vegetable Tray you like as long as you reach five by the end of the day. Having a hard time making sure you get your five in? Here are some ways you can sneak in an extra serving or two:
• Add a small handful or raisins or banana to your cereal in the morning. • Drink a smoothie instead of a soda (for as many as four fruits and veggies).
• Slice a tomato on top of your turkey sandwich.
• Stir mushrooms and onions into your breakfast omelet. • Reach for an apple rather than a granola bar for your afternoon diabetics snacks.
• Have a glass of 100% fruit juice before work or after a workout.
• Keep dried fruit and sugar free cookies in your desk or car to satisfy that mid-day sweet tooth.
[2] Hours of Sleep
Studies prove time and again that every needs about eight hours of sleep each night. However, most people do not allow themselves the luxury of the full recommended dosage of R & R. By going to bed at a reasonable hour (when you are tired) and sleeping a full eight hours, your body will feel rested, restored, and will ultimately function at a higher level than if it were deprived of sleep.
If you are having difficulty sleeping, take a look at your overall stress level, diet, exercise routine, use incontinence products, and sleeping habits. Small changes can lead to big results. Speak to your doctor if you have trouble sleeping for a prolonged amount of time.
[3] 30 Minutes of Exercise with diabetic shoes
Peripheral Neuropathy is one of the common side effects of diabetes, which can cause insensitivity, or a loss of sensation in the extremities to feel pain, heat, and cold in a diabetic person. It is very important for a diabetic person to take care of foot related injuries and wear specially designed shoes for diabetics, diabetic socks for men and diabetic socks women.
Whether you are Diabetic or not, it is important to get at least 30 minutes of exercise each day. These 30 minutes does Seniors Walking not have to occur at the same time? Often, busy people may only be able to sneak in 15 minutes walks with specially designed diabetics shoes here or there. However, it is important that you set aside enough time each day to get your heart rate up, your blood pumping, and your muscles moving.
Having a hard time sneaking in 30 minutes? Here are some quick tips that everyone can do:
• Take two 15 minute walks (15 minutes is roughly one mile).
• Clean the house vigorously (try to work up a sweat).
• Do floor exercises by wearing men's and women's diabetic dress shoes for 10 minutes three times a day (sit-ups, push-ups, calf raises, stair climbing). • Walk during lunch or walk to lunch.
• Take a bike to visit a friend or run to the store rather than a car.
• Make exercise a family event by taking the kids to the park, a walking trail, gym, or track.
[4] 8 Glasses of Water
In order for your body to function properly, your organs need to be well-hydrated. Research shows that in order to maintain hydration, people should drink anywhere from three to eight glasses of water each day. Water can be flavored water, including some juices, as well. Also, may fruits and veggies contain large amounts of water that can help the body stay hydrated.
Monday, October 3, 2011
Tips for Traveling with Diabetes Medicines
Insulin needlesInsulin needles
People with diabetes, going on vacations or traveling for business purpose requires extra planning for diabetes medications. Changes in meal patterns, activity levels, and time zones can affect your blood sugar levels.
It's nearly summer, time for a trip to the beach, the mountains, or beyond. Wherever you're vacationing, some advance planning will help ensure you have a healthy trip. Before you travel, here is what to do:
1. Prepare your paperwork
Before you hit the road, gets a letter from your doctor explaining how you take care of your diabetes. If you use insulin or any other medications or lancing devices, it should list them. In case of emergency, you should also have a prescription for insulin or oral medication.
Are you traveling outside the U.S.? Be aware that prescription laws may be different in other countries than they are in the U.S. You can get a list of International Diabetes Federation groups from www.idf.org.You may also want to get a list of English-speaking doctors in the country or countries you plan to visit. Contact the International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers at www.iamat.org.
2. Pack smart
Pack at least twice as much medication and glucose-testing equipment (diabetes test strips, glucose test meters, body fat weight scale and monitors etc) as you expect to need. Have a carry-on bag with you at all times that contain:
• Your insulin and testing supplies • Extra batteries for your diabetic glucose meter • All oral medications • Your ID and diabetes identity card • An air-tight snack pack of crackers or cheese, peanut butter, fruit, a juice box, and hard candy or glucose tablets
3. Get ready to eat
When flying, you can request a special meal or diabetic diet meals; check with your airlines to find out how much in advance you need to do this. If you use insulin, wait until you see your diabetic meals coming before you give yourself an injection so a delay doesn't result in low blood sugar. To be safe, always carry some food with you.
4. Store insulin and insulin needles properly
Think about where you'll store your insulin. It doesn't have to be refrigerated, but storing it somewhere hot, such as in the glove compartment, or somewhere very cold, on ice, for example, can cause it to lose strength. Look for a travel pack that keeps insulin cool.
5. Plan for time zone changes
If you use insulin and plan to travel to another time zone, consult with your doctor or diabetes educator before you leave. If you're heading east, you'll have a shorter day, meaning you may need less insulin; if you go west, the longer day may mean you'll need more insulin.
6. Allow time to rest
When you reach your destination, especially if you've had a long trip, take it easy for a few days. Check your blood sugar often with blood sugar monitors. When you're out seeing the sights, wear comfortable diabetics shoes and don't go barefoot. Check your feet daily for blisters, scratches, or redness, and seek medical care at the first sign of any of these.
Make taking care of your diabetes a priority on your travels and you'll be rewarded with a fun and healthy vacation. Bon voyage!
Typefreediabetes offers a full line of diabetic testing supplies, including; incontinence protection, women's diabetic socks, blood glucose monitors, durable diabetes medical equipment, accu-chek active test strips 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.
People with diabetes, going on vacations or traveling for business purpose requires extra planning for diabetes medications. Changes in meal patterns, activity levels, and time zones can affect your blood sugar levels.
It's nearly summer, time for a trip to the beach, the mountains, or beyond. Wherever you're vacationing, some advance planning will help ensure you have a healthy trip. Before you travel, here is what to do:
1. Prepare your paperwork
Before you hit the road, gets a letter from your doctor explaining how you take care of your diabetes. If you use insulin or any other medications or lancing devices, it should list them. In case of emergency, you should also have a prescription for insulin or oral medication.
Are you traveling outside the U.S.? Be aware that prescription laws may be different in other countries than they are in the U.S. You can get a list of International Diabetes Federation groups from www.idf.org.You may also want to get a list of English-speaking doctors in the country or countries you plan to visit. Contact the International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers at www.iamat.org.
2. Pack smart
Pack at least twice as much medication and glucose-testing equipment (diabetes test strips, glucose test meters, body fat weight scale and monitors etc) as you expect to need. Have a carry-on bag with you at all times that contain:
• Your insulin and testing supplies • Extra batteries for your diabetic glucose meter • All oral medications • Your ID and diabetes identity card • An air-tight snack pack of crackers or cheese, peanut butter, fruit, a juice box, and hard candy or glucose tablets
3. Get ready to eat
When flying, you can request a special meal or diabetic diet meals; check with your airlines to find out how much in advance you need to do this. If you use insulin, wait until you see your diabetic meals coming before you give yourself an injection so a delay doesn't result in low blood sugar. To be safe, always carry some food with you.
4. Store insulin and insulin needles properly
Think about where you'll store your insulin. It doesn't have to be refrigerated, but storing it somewhere hot, such as in the glove compartment, or somewhere very cold, on ice, for example, can cause it to lose strength. Look for a travel pack that keeps insulin cool.
5. Plan for time zone changes
If you use insulin and plan to travel to another time zone, consult with your doctor or diabetes educator before you leave. If you're heading east, you'll have a shorter day, meaning you may need less insulin; if you go west, the longer day may mean you'll need more insulin.
6. Allow time to rest
When you reach your destination, especially if you've had a long trip, take it easy for a few days. Check your blood sugar often with blood sugar monitors. When you're out seeing the sights, wear comfortable diabetics shoes and don't go barefoot. Check your feet daily for blisters, scratches, or redness, and seek medical care at the first sign of any of these.
Make taking care of your diabetes a priority on your travels and you'll be rewarded with a fun and healthy vacation. Bon voyage!
Typefreediabetes offers a full line of diabetic testing supplies, including; incontinence protection, women's diabetic socks, blood glucose monitors, durable diabetes medical equipment, accu-chek active test strips 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, October 2, 2011
Looking after your diabetes!
Diabetes Insulin PumpDiabetes Insulin Pump
I'm Deborah Susan, a dietician and personal trainer specializing in nutrition and physical fitness for diabetics. Today I shall write on how you can look after your diabetes and continue to lead a healthy, normal and fruitful life.
Looking after your diabetes
The secret to continued good health and fruitful life despite diabetes lies in regular testing of your blood glucose, not missing any prescribed glucose tablets or insulin dosage and a healthy lifestyle. Today I will concentrate on how you can monitor your blood glucose.
Monitoring your blood glucose levels (Glucose testing strips)
The key to keeping your blood glucose levels or (sugar levels as it is commonly known), under control is to keep your sugar level within the recommended range of 4 to 7 millimoles per liter. Only regular monitoring with diabetic strips can help you achieve this.
Measuring your own blood glucose levels is quite easy if you have a good quality branded digital blood glucose monitors. If you don't have one the neighborhood chemist or any online website specializing in diabetes monitoring tools can help you.
When it comes to glucose monitors, accuracy is the key, so do not buy cheap Chinese glucose monitors. Our own branded blood glucose test meter (glucometers) is highly accurate and usually cost between $50 and $75. In addition to the glucometer, you will also need a box of test strips ($40~$60) and a pack of Lancets ($15~$25). The diabetic test strip and lancets are to be replenished as and when required. Replace the battery in the Glucometer as and when required. If the blood sugar meters does not have a battery level indicator you should replace the battery in the glucometer every six months or so. A weak battery can induce faulty results.
Tip: Buy a blood glucose test strips that has a large digital readout, adequate memory and battery indicator.
When and how often you use the blood sugar monitors depends on your treatment, the food you consume and level of physical activity. Apart from regular testing at home, you should also do an HbA1c test every six months. This test is done at your local diabetes clinic and the result gives you an overall picture of your blood glucose levels. HbA1c test results should be as close to 7% (or below). Even a tiny fraction above 7% should be brought to the attention of your doctor.
You can keep your blood glucose under control by:
1) Eating regular small healthy diabetic diet meals so as to avoid major fluctuations in your blood glucose levels.
2) Including adequate levels of physical activity so the insulin in your body works more effectively.
3) Reducing any excess body fat by regular checkup with body fat monitor. (Include half yearly body fat analysis in your health plan/ schedule).
4) Take your diabetes (and any other prescribed) tablets and diabetes supplements according to the schedule given to you.
5) Monitor your blood glucose levels and learn to adjust your treatment according to the results.
Typefreediabetes offers a full line of diabetic testing supplies, including incontinence diapers; supplements for diabetes, portion control plates, glucose tablets, blood glucose monitors, durable diabetes medical equipment, blood glucose test meter and automatic blood pressure 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.
I'm Deborah Susan, a dietician and personal trainer specializing in nutrition and physical fitness for diabetics. Today I shall write on how you can look after your diabetes and continue to lead a healthy, normal and fruitful life.
Looking after your diabetes
The secret to continued good health and fruitful life despite diabetes lies in regular testing of your blood glucose, not missing any prescribed glucose tablets or insulin dosage and a healthy lifestyle. Today I will concentrate on how you can monitor your blood glucose.
Monitoring your blood glucose levels (Glucose testing strips)
The key to keeping your blood glucose levels or (sugar levels as it is commonly known), under control is to keep your sugar level within the recommended range of 4 to 7 millimoles per liter. Only regular monitoring with diabetic strips can help you achieve this.
Measuring your own blood glucose levels is quite easy if you have a good quality branded digital blood glucose monitors. If you don't have one the neighborhood chemist or any online website specializing in diabetes monitoring tools can help you.
When it comes to glucose monitors, accuracy is the key, so do not buy cheap Chinese glucose monitors. Our own branded blood glucose test meter (glucometers) is highly accurate and usually cost between $50 and $75. In addition to the glucometer, you will also need a box of test strips ($40~$60) and a pack of Lancets ($15~$25). The diabetic test strip and lancets are to be replenished as and when required. Replace the battery in the Glucometer as and when required. If the blood sugar meters does not have a battery level indicator you should replace the battery in the glucometer every six months or so. A weak battery can induce faulty results.
Tip: Buy a blood glucose test strips that has a large digital readout, adequate memory and battery indicator.
When and how often you use the blood sugar monitors depends on your treatment, the food you consume and level of physical activity. Apart from regular testing at home, you should also do an HbA1c test every six months. This test is done at your local diabetes clinic and the result gives you an overall picture of your blood glucose levels. HbA1c test results should be as close to 7% (or below). Even a tiny fraction above 7% should be brought to the attention of your doctor.
You can keep your blood glucose under control by:
1) Eating regular small healthy diabetic diet meals so as to avoid major fluctuations in your blood glucose levels.
2) Including adequate levels of physical activity so the insulin in your body works more effectively.
3) Reducing any excess body fat by regular checkup with body fat monitor. (Include half yearly body fat analysis in your health plan/ schedule).
4) Take your diabetes (and any other prescribed) tablets and diabetes supplements according to the schedule given to you.
5) Monitor your blood glucose levels and learn to adjust your treatment according to the results.
Typefreediabetes offers a full line of diabetic testing supplies, including incontinence diapers; supplements for diabetes, portion control plates, glucose tablets, blood glucose monitors, durable diabetes medical equipment, blood glucose test meter and automatic blood pressure 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.
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Diagnostic tests to confirm (or deny) presence of diabetes
Wrist blood pressure monitorWrist blood pressure monitor
I'm Deborah Susan, a dietician and personal trainer specializing in nutrition and physical fitness for diabetics. Today I will write on diagnostic tests you can take to confirm (or deny) presence of diabetes.
Diagnostic tests to confirm (or deny) presence of diabetes
The most common tests are the urine and finger prick test. However, to be doubly sure, you need to conduct at least two or three lab tests including random or fasting blood glucose test meter and oral glucose tolerance tests. If test results are positive, it is a good idea to redo the tests on another randomly selected day.
Finger prick test. A finger is pricked with a sterilized device and a tiny drop of blood is collected and placed on a accu-chek active test strips. The strip is inserted into a digital diabetic test strip and an instant readout is obtained. This test takes less than a minute.
Urine test A chemical coated dipstick is dipped into a ‘sample bottle' that contains a sample of your urine. The dipstick instantly changes color in proportion to the level of glucose in the urine. This test too takes less than a minute.
Random blood glucose test A diabetic syringes is used to collect a small sample of your blood which is then analyzed in a lab. The results are often delivered the following day.
Oral glucose tolerance test You are requested not to eat or drink anything in the morning. A small blood sample is taken and sent for analysis to a laboratory. You are again requested to visit the clinic one hour after having lunch and fresh sample of blood is collected for analysis. The two pre and post results indicate your glucose tolerance level. A low tolerance level could indicate that you either have Type 2 diabetes or are on the verge of developing it.
Fasting Blood Sugar Testing Your last drink and meal should be at least 8 hours prior to taking this test. An insulin syringes is used to collect a tiny blood sample which is sent to the lab for analysis. The test results are usually received the same evening or following morning.
If all the above test results are returned positive for presence of excessive glucose, I recommend you redo the test the following week preferably at a different clinic. If the second test set too returns similar results than you can be sure you do have diabetes. Typically, glucose above 6 millimoles / liter of blood is not normal and you should consult your doctor immediately.
If diabetes is confirmed, it would be a good idea to also run a checkup on your body fat percentage through body fat monitor, blood pressure by automatic blood pressure monitor, kidneys, liver and thyroid. Additionally you should undergo a foot examination (for circulation and nerve supply) and eye examination (check for any damage due to glucose buildup).
This article concludes information I had to impart on the pre-diabetic stage. My next article shall deal with post-confirmation stage i.e. monitoring your blood glucose levels by blood glucose monitors at home and how to take care of your diabetes.
Typefreediabetes offers a full line of diabetic testing supplies, including adult incontinence product; supplements for diabetes, wrist blood pressure monitor, glucose tablets, blood glucose monitors, durable diabetes medical equipment, Lancing devices 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 and physical fitness for diabetics. Today I will write on diagnostic tests you can take to confirm (or deny) presence of diabetes.
Diagnostic tests to confirm (or deny) presence of diabetes
The most common tests are the urine and finger prick test. However, to be doubly sure, you need to conduct at least two or three lab tests including random or fasting blood glucose test meter and oral glucose tolerance tests. If test results are positive, it is a good idea to redo the tests on another randomly selected day.
Finger prick test. A finger is pricked with a sterilized device and a tiny drop of blood is collected and placed on a accu-chek active test strips. The strip is inserted into a digital diabetic test strip and an instant readout is obtained. This test takes less than a minute.
Urine test A chemical coated dipstick is dipped into a ‘sample bottle' that contains a sample of your urine. The dipstick instantly changes color in proportion to the level of glucose in the urine. This test too takes less than a minute.
Random blood glucose test A diabetic syringes is used to collect a small sample of your blood which is then analyzed in a lab. The results are often delivered the following day.
Oral glucose tolerance test You are requested not to eat or drink anything in the morning. A small blood sample is taken and sent for analysis to a laboratory. You are again requested to visit the clinic one hour after having lunch and fresh sample of blood is collected for analysis. The two pre and post results indicate your glucose tolerance level. A low tolerance level could indicate that you either have Type 2 diabetes or are on the verge of developing it.
Fasting Blood Sugar Testing Your last drink and meal should be at least 8 hours prior to taking this test. An insulin syringes is used to collect a tiny blood sample which is sent to the lab for analysis. The test results are usually received the same evening or following morning.
If all the above test results are returned positive for presence of excessive glucose, I recommend you redo the test the following week preferably at a different clinic. If the second test set too returns similar results than you can be sure you do have diabetes. Typically, glucose above 6 millimoles / liter of blood is not normal and you should consult your doctor immediately.
If diabetes is confirmed, it would be a good idea to also run a checkup on your body fat percentage through body fat monitor, blood pressure by automatic blood pressure monitor, kidneys, liver and thyroid. Additionally you should undergo a foot examination (for circulation and nerve supply) and eye examination (check for any damage due to glucose buildup).
This article concludes information I had to impart on the pre-diabetic stage. My next article shall deal with post-confirmation stage i.e. monitoring your blood glucose levels by blood glucose monitors at home and how to take care of your diabetes.
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