Archive for August, 2009

Diabetes

Monday, August 17th, 2009

What is diabetes and why should we learn about it? Diabetes has been one of the major health problems affecting approximately 246 million people around the globe. The number of diabetic people around the globe has been increasing so rapidly that  the figure is expected to rise to 380 million by 2025. Diabetes affects people in many ways that’s why the fact that many diabetic people don’t even know they have the disease should alarm those who are experiencing its symptoms.

Diabetes is a malfunction of a body’s metabolism. Either a person’s pancreas does not produce enough insulin, the hormone responsibly for regulating one’s blood sugar, or he does not use insulin properly. That means that the glucose one takes in from carbohydrates and sugar are not properly utilized by the body. Instead of being used as energy, glucose stays in one’s blood streams causing some serious damage to organs like heart, eyes and kidneys.

Types of Diabetes

There are three main types of diabetes:

1. Type 1 diabetes- sometimes called insulin-dependent, immune-mediated or juvenile-onset diabetes

Type 1 diabetes occurs when a person’s pancreas produces too little or no insulin at all. Insulin-producing beta cells are attacked by the body’s defense system which hinders sugar from entering body cells. Without right amount of insulin in the body, cells will always be in need of glucose supply causing constant hunger to a diabetic person. However, when a person eats every time he feels hungry, the sugar level in his blood will rapidly increase, blocking the blood vessels in the body. Higher blood sugar level also makes a person urinate more, making him both thirsty and hungry most of the time.

This can be rapidly fatal without regular insulin injections to regulate one’s sugar in his blood.

Symptoms of type 1 diabetes are: excessive excretion of urine (polyuria), thirst (polydipsia), constant hunger, weight loss, vision changes,  fatigue and some infections. When these symptoms occur but stay untreated for a long time, the person might also suffer from sleepiness, stomach pain, vomiting, rapid breathing, and increased pulse rate. This is due to the chemicals produced by the body called ketones. When at this stage the patient is still not treated, diabetes might lead to coma and death.

2. Type 2 diabetes- sometimes called non-insulin dependent diabetes or adult-onset diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes around the world, 90% of people with diabetes are suffering from this. This is not caused by any abnormality in insulin production but is usually the result of excess body weight and physical inactivity. People with type 2 diabetes are not dependent on insulin injections because they can just usually maintain their blood sugar level by watching their diet and activities.

This usually affects adults from 45 years and older. However, as many young people are becoming overweight and obese, diabetes type 2 is already becoming common among the youth.

Symptoms for type 2 diabetes are so much like the type 1although it is often not as obvious. They are: increased thirst and frequent urination, increased hunger, weight loss, blurred vision, erectile dysfunction, frequent slow-healing infections.

3. Gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes occurs when non-diabetic women get abnormal blood sugar level during pregnancy affecting about 3 to 6 % of all pregnant women. Usually begins at weeks 24 to 28 of pregnancy, gestational diabetes goes away after the delivery of the child. Unlike the other two kinds of diabetes, women with gestational diabetes produce normal amount of insulin but their bodies are still not able to utilize glucose because of the hormones, such as progesterone, estrogen and placental lactogen, blocking their blood streams. These hormones are produced in the placenta to nourish the growing fetus.

Symptoms of gestational diabetes are so much like types 1 and 2:Increased thirst, increased urination, increased hunger and blurred vision.

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Cure for the High Cost of Diabetes

Wednesday, August 5th, 2009

Diabetes is more than just a devastating disease; it is a widespread epidemic currently affecting more than one in five older Americans, and it is exceptionally expensive. The cost of treatment for type 2 diabetics increased 32% from 2002 to 2007, when estimated diabetes expenses in the US totaled $116 billion in direct medical costs and $58 billion in indirect costs (disability, work loss, premature death). This is 10% of all dollars spent on health care in the US, with expenditures for people with diabetes more than two times higher than health care expenditures for non-diabetics.

This news is even more unwelcome in an unsteady economy where consumers are already concerned about the cost and availability of health care. A new Kaiser Family Foundation poll reports that half of American households cut back on health care as a result of financial concerns in the past year, with 16% reporting having postponed treatment for severe health problems — for instance, foregoing visits to the doctor for chronic illnesses like diabetes.

IT’S WORSE THAN IT SEEMS…

What’s occurring today is just the beginning, warns global economist and nutritionist Barry Popkin, PhD, director of the University of North Carolina’s Inter-Disciplinary Obesity Center. Diabetes was the seventh leading cause of death listed on US death certificates in 2006, a number he believes is, in all probability, “grossly understated” given the rapid changes in diet and body composition of the average American.

Meanwhile, rather than focusing on prevention of diabetes, which is highly possible for the majority of people, mainstream medicine continues to accentuate delivery of more expensive crisis management treatment, with a selection of pills and insulin that help manage, but do not cure the disease. Insurance companies are more likely to pay the very expensive cost of treating devastating complications, such as loss of sight or kidney damage, and for costly heart surgeries and amputations, than to pay the considerably modest cost of rigorous disease management or prevention with programs such as fitness trainers and dietetic education. Doing so would save money, as well as time and suffering. This short-sighted strategy backfires, individually and for our health care system as a whole, warns Dr. Popkin.

DOES PREVENTION ALLEVIATE THE PROBLEM?

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention assure that prevention really does work.

In the Diabetes Prevention Program study, lifestyle interventions reduced the development of diabetes in high risk people by 58% over a period of three years — and an even more impressive 71% in adults age 60 and older. In contrast, Metformin, the diabetes drug compared in this study to the lifestyle intervention, reduced diabetes risk only half as much.

•Comprehensive foot care programs can decrease amputation rates by 45% to 85%.
•Blood pressure management lessens the risk of heart disease and stroke in people with diabetes by 33% to 50%, and the risk of microvascular complications (eye, kidney and nerve diseases) by about 33%.
•Lowering blood pressure can minimize the decline in kidney function in people with premature diabetic kidney disease 30% to 70%.
•Identifying and treating diabetic eye disease with laser therapy can reduce the development of acute vision loss by about 50% to 60%.
•Managing LDL cholesterol can reduce cardiovascular complications by 20% to 50%.

The CDC claims that interventions to prevent or postpone pre-diabetes from advancing to type 2 diabetes can be practical and cost-effective. Dr. Popkin and I discussed how to shift the medical standard from one that reacts to crises to actually preventing them.

WHAT MUST CHANGE

It bores people to hear the same advice repeatedly, but the way to solve the issue of diabetes essentially has little to do with medical professionals or procedures. It has to take place at home. Americans at risk must resolve their weight issues. A primary cause for type 2 diabetes is obesity — one-third of American adults are obese whereas 17% of children are overweight or obese. Dr. Popkin’s book, The World Is Fat, describes how our lifestyle changes since World War II have produced the double epidemics of obesity and diabetes. We need to establish better eating habits and exercise programs, specifically…

Minimize snacking and sodas. Food and beverage companies sell an ever-growing number of high-calorie sodas and sweetened teas, sugary fruit juices, vitamin and energy drinks. The top 40% of consumers purchasing these beverages consume 760 calories per day from them, observes Dr. Popkin. Don’t fall for seductive marketing – instead, drink healthful and calorie-free water, or if you prefer something sweeter, enjoy a cup of tea or coffee with a bit of sugar. Satisfy hunger between meals by snacking on an apple, a few walnuts, or a handful of baby carrots rather than resorting to processed snacks, even supposedly healthy ones like granola and energy bars, which Dr. Popkin points out are typically stuffed with calories and fats.

Monitor portion control. At Cornell University, 85 nutrition experts were invited to an ice cream social where they were given bowls of various sizes. Interestingly, the experts who were given the bigger bowls served themselves almost a third more ice cream. The lesson: Keep a close eye on portion sizes. Use smaller plates and choose sensible serving sizes. If you’re eating meat for instance, this means three ounces (the size of a deck of cards) rather than the usual eight or more.

Determine ground rules prior to eating. In a current study of all-you-can-eat Chinese buffets, researchers found that overweight or obese diners more often choose large plates, chew less and eat everything they served themselves, which can lead to overeating. Especially if you are eating out, set ground rules in advance to make sure you’re aware of what and how you eat. For example, decide beforehand that you will drink water rather than a soft drink… Pass on dessert… Order salmon instead of prime rib… Eat slowly… And ask for a to-go container instead of cleaning your plate.

GET ACTIVE

Our armchair-and-TV culture is a major issue in the diabetes epidemic, with less than one-third of American adults participating in regular leisurely physical activity. In fact, one study found every two hours of television watched each day is associated with a 14% increase in diabetes. Luckily, most of us already own the solution — a pair of tennis shoes. There’s no need to join a gym or work up a heavy sweat. The research suggests that 43% of new cases of type 2 diabetes may be prevented by 30 or more minutes of brisk walking a day and less than 10 hours of watching TV per week.

PRACTICE GOOD DIABETES SELF-CARE

If you are at high risk for diabetes or currently have the disease, take essential steps to manage it. Working with medical professionals, carefully monitor and control levels of blood glucose, blood pressure and blood lipids, and stay on top of other preventive care practices (e.g., foot exams and eye screening), all of which help prevent potentially dangerous complications. If your doctor has prescribed insulin or other medication, take it exactly as prescribed and do not miss doses.

Individually, people pay a gigantic price — physically, emotionally and financially — for lifestyle choices that have encouraged diabetes. Our national budget is negatively affected as well. It’s in everyone’s best interest to bring this disease under control.

Source(s):

Barry Popkin, PhD, director of the Inter-Disciplinary Obesity Center and the division of Nutrition Epidemiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Dr. Popkin is author of The World Is Fat (Avery).

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10 Things You Should Know If You Have Diabetes

Wednesday, August 5th, 2009

Diabetes currently affects more than 280 million people worldwide, including 6% of the United States’ entire population, and is estimated to double by the year 2030. Diabetes is a serious condition, but by choosing healthy foods, being physically active, and monitoring blood sugar levels, you can greatly reduce your risk of developing the complications associated with diabetes.  Here are some helpful tips for living well with this disease:

1. Take a walk

Walking regularly can help make your body more sensitive to insulin, increase weight loss, and give you better control of your blood sugar levels. Not only is it easy on your muscles and joints, but it rarely causes low blood sugar. Other modes of exercise, such as cycling, swimming, jogging, aerobics, and weight lifting can also be included in your exercise plan.

2. Take good care of your feet

Tending to your feet is essential in maintaining an active, healthy lifestyle. Your feet are vulnerable to poor circulation and diabetic nerve damage, making it easier for you to sustain injuries that do not heal and get infected. Be sure to wear well-fitting, comfortable shoes and socks, and be sure to check your feet at the end of each day to look for cuts, blisters, or other skin irritations.

3. Know high blood sugar symptoms

The symptoms of hyperglycemia differ for everyone, but, generally, if your blood sugar is high, you will:

  • Have to urinate more frequently
  • Feel extremely tired or will lack energy
  • Feel hungrier or thirstier than usual
  • Have blurry or distorted vision

Regulating your blood glucose levels is critical to living healthy.  Hyperglycemia puts you at risk for heart problems, infections, stroke, vision impairment, amputation, kidney disease, and sexual problems.

4. Lose weight

Being overweight makes blood sugar control especially difficult since this causes resistance to insulin. Excess weight may also raise your blood pressure, making you more prone to kidney disease or stroke.

5. Always carry healthy snacks

Carrying healthy snacks can help you avoid unhealthy alternatives, such as junk food or fast food, and can significantly reduce the chance of developing hypoglycemia. Choose wholesome snacks with 15 grams of carbohydrates or less per serving, particularly whole grain foods, fruits, and vegetables.

6. Understand that sugar-free foods are not calorie- and carb-free

While a food labeled “sugar-free” must have less than 0.5 grams of sugar per serving, it could still contain calories and carbohydrates. Sugar-free pudding, for example, contains 0 grams of sugar per serving, but still has 70 calories and 6 grams of carbohydrates.

7. Limit alcohol

Alcohol will interfere with your body’s ability to produce blood sugar. While a minimal amount will generally not cause low blood sugar, too much can result in low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia.

8. Get an annual eye exam

Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in the United States; however, many eye problems are treatable if detected early. People with diabetes are also prone to developing cataracts or double vision. An annual eye exam by a doctor who specializes in diabetic eye disease is the best way to detect eye problems in the early stages when they are most easily treated.

9. Be especially cautious about blood sugar during pregnancy

Babies born to diabetic mothers have greater risks for birth defects and stillbirth. However, many problems can be averted if you maintain near normal blood sugar before and during pregnancy. It is most critical to control your blood sugar during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy when the baby’s organs are forming in order to reduce these risks.

10. Employ a good healthcare team

Having a competent and compassionate healthcare team is the best strategy to manage diabetes.  Your family physician, a diabetes education nurse, and a nutritionist are all core members of your team and can help you live healthy with diabetes.

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The Best Diets for Diabetics

Wednesday, August 5th, 2009

When one has diabetes, it is important to consider which foods fulfill the essential nutritional needs to maintain a healthy life.  The best diet for diabetics is generally similar to the kind of healthy eating that is suitable for everyone. Like the general population, people with diabetes need to focus on whole foods that are both rich in nutrients and high in fiber.  This includes virtually all plant foods, most dairy products, lean meat, and poultry, as well as fish.  However, there are two main forms of diabetes, and while both types benefit from these whole foods, each has different nutritional goals that need to be met to ensure the healthiest way of living.

With type 1 diabetes, studies show that total carbohydrates have the most effect on the maintenance of blood sugar control and the amount of insulin needed. Without a proper balance of insulin, carbohydrate intake, and physical activity, there can be radical changes in blood glucose levels. Additionally, if you have type 1 diabetes and are on a fixed dose of insulin, the carbohydrate content of your snacks and meals should be consistent on a day to day basis.  In regards to children with type 1 diabetes, weight and growth patterns have proven to be useful in determining if they are getting enough nutrition in their diet.

When dealing with type 2 diabetes, the focus is primarily on weight control since 80 – 90% of people with this disease are overweight. A meal plan with reduced calories, an even distribution of carbohydrates, and healthier monounsaturated fats can help improve blood glucose levels.  Examples of foods high in monounsaturated fat include peanut butter, walnuts, and almonds, as well as other nuts. These can be substituted for carbohydrates, but because these foods are high in calories, portions should be relatively small.  In many cases, moderate weight loss and increased physical activity can control type 2 diabetes, although some people may require oral medications or insulin in addition to lifestyle changes.  For children with type 2 diabetes, meal plans should be recalculated often to account for the child’s change in calorie requirements due to growth. Moreover, it is best to serve children three smaller meals and three snacks in order to meet calorie needs.  Changes in eating habits and increased physical activity help reduce insulin resistance and improve blood sugar control. It is also important to note that during times of excessive sweet consumption, such as holidays or birthday parties, children may still continue to eat sugar-containing foods, however, their daily amount of pastas, potatoes or rice should be eliminated to maintain an appropriate balance between calories and carbohydrates.

For both types of diabetes, here are some general guidelines to follow to create the proper balance between carbohydrates, protein, and fat:

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrate choices should come from whole-grain breads or cereals, brown rice, beans, pasta, fruits, and vegetables. Increasing dietary fiber is a general guideline for the entire population rather than specifically for people with diabetes. Because carbohydrates vary in their calorie content, they essentially affect weight and blood glucose control.

Protein

Protein intake should be approximately 15 – 20% of total calories. Proteins that are low in fat are recommended, such as non-fat dairy products, skinless poultry, legumes, fish, and lean meats, with portion sizes being no larger than a deck of cards.

Fat

Reduce the amount of dietary fat. Less than 7% of calories should come from saturated fat, which raise LDL (”bad”) cholesterol.  Dietary cholesterol should be less than 200 mg per day. Additionally, intake of trans-unsaturated fats, which are more commonly known as partially hydrogenated oils, should be minimized. Reduction of fat intake may help contribute to weight loss.

Sugars

Limit sources of high-calorie and low-nutritional-value foods, including those with a high content of sugars. Foods containing sugar should be substituted for other carbohydrate sources (such as potatoes) rather than merely adding them on to the meal.

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Exercising Tips for Diabetics

Wednesday, August 5th, 2009

Exercise is essential for any diabetic since it not only lowers blood sugar, but also improves the ability of the body to use glucose. Aside from dieting, it is the most important thing you can do to help yourself fight diabetes.  There are three basic types of exercises to aide in controlling the disease: stretching, aerobic, and anaerobic.

Stretching

Stretching should take place both before and after exercise.  It involves holding positions that lengthen the muscles and is considered an exercise on its own because of the various benefits it provides.

Advantages of stretching:

  • Improves posture
  • Improves circulation
  • Improves flexibility
  • Improves equilibrium and coordination
  • Relieves stress
  • Can reduce lower back pain

Aerobic Exercise

Despite what physical condition you are in, there is an aerobic exercise suitable for you since aerobic exercise can be done at various levels of intensity. This is the type of activity where you exercise without becoming short of breath. It allows you to perform continuous and rhythmic movements of the major muscles in the arms, legs, and hips to get your heart pumping and your lungs working while maintaining the ability to breathe in as much oxygen as your body requires.  Aerobic exercise is often associated with being a “fat burner.” This is because after about 20 minutes of aerobic exercise, the body begins to use its stored fat as fuel, and if done regularly, aerobic exercise can help speed up your metabolism.

Types of aerobic activities include:

  • Walking
  • Running
  • Dancing
  • Jumping rope
  • Biking
  • Stair climbing
  • Swimming
  • Water aerobics
  • Basketball
  • Roller skating

Doctors recommend 30 minutes of aerobic exercise each day to stay healthy and fit.  Exercise should begin at levels of low-intensity and can gradually increase over time.
Advantages of aerobic exercise includes:

  • Cardiovascular benefits Increases stamina and energy
  • Increases good (HDL) cholesterol
  • Helps you sleep
  • Relieves stress
  • Helps regulate and reduce body fat
  • Psychological benefits

Anaerobic Exercise

Anaerobic exercise is exercising to the point where you become out of breath. This occurs when your body needs more oxygen than you are able to supply.  Generally, it consists of short bursts of energy followed by rest periods, working one part of the body at a time.  Although you will become tired quickly, you will also use up blood sugar. This is also known as “resistance exercise” as one performs movements against resistance with the focus of increasing muscle mass, which assists you in using more calories and  leads to a decrease in insulin resistance.

Types of anaerobic activities include:

  • Sprinting
  • Weight lifting
  • Push ups
  • Sit ups

Advantages of anaerobic exercise includes:

  • Increases insulin sensitivity
  • Lowers blood pressure
  • Raises “good” cholesterol levels and lowers “bad” ones
  • Increases strength of bones, joints, and muscles
  • Lowers overall blood sugar readings
  • Increases muscle mass over fat to help lose inches

Remain Hydrated

Be sure to drink 16 ounces of water one hour before exercise, 8 ounces 15 minutes prior, and 4 ounces every 15-20 minutes during exercise. Since exercise can cause significant fluid loss, staying hydrated is especially important when you are out in the sun. Be sure to choose your beverage wisely, staying away from caffeine, and only drinking sports drinks when exercising more than an hour or if the weather causes you to sweat more than normal.

Pay Attention to Your Feet

Wear comfortable and well-fitting shoes and natural-fiber socks. Check your feet before and after activities for any potential damage such as cuts, sores, or blisters.

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Common Ailments as You Age with Type 1 Diabetes

Wednesday, August 5th, 2009

Since you are more prone to low blood glucose as you get older, controlling your diabetes as you age can be very challenging.  It is important to keep your blood sugar up because low blood glucose can increase your risk of hypoglycemia and poor circulation, as well as stroke and heart attack. Type 1 diabetes is known to cause various ailments as you age, so be sure to look for any symptoms to treat the conditions promptly and prevent any further complications from occurring.  Here are some commonly affected areas of type 1 diabetes as you age:

Kidneys: Diabetes can cause damage to the kidneys which contain millions of tiny blood vessels that filter waste from your blood. Severe damage can lead to irreversible end-stage kidney disease or kidney failure, which would require dialysis or a kidney transplant.

Cardiovascular System: Diabetes severely increases the risk of various cardiovascular problems, including heart attack, stroke, coronary artery disease, and the narrowing of arteries. People who have diabetes are twice as likely to develop stroke or heart disease.

Nerves: Excess sugar can damage the walls of the tiny blood vessels that nourish your nerves, particularly in the legs. This can cause tingling, burning, numbness, or pain that generally begins at the fingertips or toes, and gradually spreads upward over several months or years. When left untreated, this condition can cause you to lose all sense of feeling in the affected limbs. Any damage to the nerves that is related to digestion can cause problems with nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation and can lead to erectile dysfunction in men.

Skin and Mouth: Diabetes may leave you more vulnerable to skin conditions, including itching, bacterial infections, and fungal infections. Additionally, gum infections may also be an issue if you have a history of poor dental hygiene.

Feet: Insufficient circulation or nerve damage in the feet can increase the risk of various foot complications. If left untreated, cuts and blisters can become serious infections, which severe damage might require amputation.

Bones and Joints: Diabetes may put you at risk of bone and joint problems such as osteoporosis.

Eyes: Diabetes can damage the retina’s blood vessels which can lead to visual impairment.

There are also some conditions that are more common in seniors with diabetes.   And worsen as a person ages.

Pain: Elderly people with diabetes often suffer from undiagnosed or under-treated pain.

Depression: The risk of depression is remarkably higher in elderly diabetics. They may have suffered the loss of other loved ones which leaves them feeling socially isolated.

Falling: There is a higher risk of falling in elderly diabetics due to diabetes-related complications such as visual impairments, loss of sensation in the feet, and dizziness from low blood sugar.

Urinary Incontinence: This is caused by low blood sugar or other correctable problems.  Incontinence is generally more common in older women who have diabetes and should be treated by a medical professional.

Memory Problems: Older diabetics may be incapable of remembering to check blood sugar on time or may forget to take medications.

Here are some helpful tips to stay healthy and prevent some of these long-term complications of type 1 diabetes from developing:

Eye care: Have your eyes checked by an eye doctor annually to prevent eye problems such as retinopathy that can lead to blindness as a result of diabetes. Treat problems early to avoid serious complications.

Skin care: High blood glucose and poor circulation can lead to skin problems such as frequent infections or slow healing after an injury. Wash every day with a mild soap and lukewarm water, always use sunscreen, and treat any cuts or scrapes with proper cleansing and bandaging.

Foot care: Diabetes can reduce sensitivity in the feet through poor circulation and nerve damage. It is important to regularly check your feet, searching for any sores, cuts, or blisters. Always keep your feet clean and dry and protect them by wearing socks made from natural fibers and comfortable shoes.

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Type 2 Diabetes and Hypertension

Wednesday, August 5th, 2009

Hypertension is extremely common in people with type 2 diabetes, affecting approximately 20-60% of all patients, depending on age, ethnicity, and body weight. The causes of this type of high-blood pressure are unknown, but are likely to be a complex combination of genetic, environmental, and other factors.  A number of genetic factors or interactions between genes play a major role in essential hypertension and many experts believe that specific chromosomes house the genes responsible for blood pressure regulation.

Whereas kidney damage is generally the cause of high blood pressure in type 1 diabetes, obesity and insulin resistance are the factors associated with hypertension in type 2 diabetes.  Obesity is common in both type 2 diabetes and hypertension and clinical testing indicates that obesity is the one common element linking insulin, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure. However, studies have found a stronger association between hypertension and insulin resistance in thin patients as well as overweight people with type 2 diabetes.

The development of hypertension in patients with diabetes is particularly harmful, as it is responsible for up to 75% of diabetic cardiovascular complications, including coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease, and stroke. Hypertension is also thought to play a significant role in the development of retinopathy (eye damage), nephropathy (kidney disease), and possibly neuropathy (nerve damage).

The gas nitric oxide also plays a predominant role in hypertension.  It can be produced in the body, affecting the smooth muscle cells that line blood vessels by keeping them relaxed and flexible. It may also help prevent blood clotting. Low levels of nitric oxide have been observed in people with high blood pressure (particularly in African Americans) and may be a significant factor in essential hypertension.

Clinical testing and research has explored the benefits of lowering blood pressure in individuals with diabetes, such as a reduction in cardiovascular disease, stroke, or nephropathy events. In older individuals with type 2 diabetes, females in particular, the incidence of heart failure is rapidly increasing, and hypertension is often the primary cause.  Additionally, aside from diabetes, hypertension is the leading cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD).  Coexisting hypertension and diabetes is a common clinical scenario that can ignite a vicious cycle of rising blood pressure, increasing renal damage, and increased cardiovascular morbidity.  Treatment of hypertension often requires multiple drugs to effectively minimize and prevent complications of diabetes. In patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, the impact of blood pressure control on micro vascular and macro vascular health may be equal to or even greater than that of strict glycemic control.

Those who have type 2 diabetes must also be aware of secondary hypertension, which has recognizable causes that are usually treatable or reversible.  There are a number of medical conditions that can cause secondary high blood pressure.  The most common of which is kidney disease, although it occurs more often in older diabetics.  Sleep apnea, a disorder in which breathing briefly ceases repeatedly during sleep, is also highly associated with hypertension. A weak but still higher than normal association with high blood pressure has even been observed in those who snore or have mild sleep apnea. The link between sleep apnea and hypertension is thought to be largely due to obesity, but major studies are finding a higher rate of hypertension in people with sleep apnea regardless of their weight. Treating sleep apnea with a device known as nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) may have modest benefits on blood pressure as well.  Additionally, some medical conditions may contribute to temporary hypertension such as cirrhosis, pregnancy, and Cushing’s disease.

To help temporarily aid blood-pressure, people with type 2 diabetes can attain certain prescription and over-the-counter medication.  This includes cough medicines that contain pseudo ephedrine, oral contraceptives, corticosteroids, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and naproxen.  Other causes of secondary hypertension in type 2 diabetics include stress and vigorous exercise, as well as caffeine, cigarettes, and alcohol, all of which could increase the risk of stroke if not limited.

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How to Manage Blood Sugar through Diet Control with Type 2 Diabetes

Wednesday, August 5th, 2009

Being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes can be devastating. Diabetes is a serious disease with no cure, however, it is treatable and those who have it have the ability to lead healthy, normal lives. When you are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, it is important to understand that it can cause devastating and potentially life threatening illnesses if not treated properly; therefore, it is necessary that you are willing to make lifestyle changes.  Aside from exercise and medication, it is possible to manage your blood sugar levels through diet control.

Most people are generally raised on three square meals per day with a snack in between; however, it is recommended for type 2 diabetics to eat six smaller meals throughout the day, allowing room for snacks that fit within their daily allotted amount of food.  Many physicians recommend that their diabetic patients speak with a nutritionist to make healthy choices in regards to what specific foods should be consumed, and he or she will assist you in planning a low carbohydrate diet, as well as monitoring your blood sugar to help regulate the disease.

Sugar, starch, and dietary fiber are the three main types of carbohydrates. Sugar and starch are what increases the glucose in the blood, and dietary fiber is a necessity for our bodies. Grains, beans, fruits, and dairy products all have carbohydrates, so be sure to consult your physician to discuss the right amount of carbohydrates for you. A low carbohydrate diet is important since carbohydrates can increase the glucose levels in the blood. The normal blood sugar range runs between 70 to 140 mg/dl. The glucose levels assume a higher reading just after consuming a meal, and go down as time passes. Diet control is essential to managing these levels and to live healthy with type 2 diabetes.

The following is a list of recommended food for type 2 diabetics:
Vegetables with higher fiber content are recommended, especially when eaten raw, since fiber content does not allow fats and blood glucose to deposit in the blood flow. The micro level fiber molecules flush out the saturated fats and glycogenic bonds as waste products from the body and consequently lower blood sugar levels.

Beans, particularly kidney beans and soy beans, are rich in protein and low in starch which aids in reducing diabetes urine sugar.

Onions, raw or cooked, is another healthy choice since they reduce the sugar levels in blood.  The more onions are eaten, the faster it helps lower blood sugar.

Fruits that contain nuts, such as guava and red grapes, are good sources for controlling blood sugar. The amino acids in fruits help lowers blood glucose.

Meats, which include beef, pork, and poultry, are essential to eating healthy and managing blood sugar levels.  Seafood is especially healthy and should be eaten often.

The following is a list of foods to avoid for type 2 diabetics:
Food with increased sodium salt will flag up your blood pressure and is relatively bad for your health. Instead, try to eat non-sodium or low sodium foods, making sure to avoid chips, crackers, canned foods like soups and sardines, and processed or preserved meat products.

Fats are highly harmful in causing cardiovascular diseases for diabetics. It is advised to consume low-fat food only, avoiding dairy products like cheese, butter cakes, and solid vegetable fats since all of these foods contain saturated fats. Chicken preparation with skin should also be avoided.
Butter and margarine should be replaced by canola or olive oil. Choose skimmed, low-fat, or non-fat milk, and yogurt instead of milk products with full cream.
Fried foods are prepared by being dipped in oil or butter which can add a harmful coating to your cardiovascular system.  Instead, prepare foods by either boiling or baking.

Sugars can increase blood sugar levels and should always be limited.  Avoid chocolate and cake or any other sweetened treats, as well as soft drinks and fruit juices as they contain high sugar content.

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