Important guidelines in diabetes care journey

Know about diabetes : Awareness on diabetes is more important educate your self.Healthy emotional adjustment along with life style modifications is required.
ABC's: To lower the long term complications HbA1c should be checked
A for A1c-The HbA1c test tells about the blood glucose values of last two to three months.The target HbA1c is <6.5%
B for Blood Pressure- diabetics are at a greater risk for high B.P..the goal is 130/80mm/Hg
C for cholesterol - the risk of high cholesterol is common in Diabetes which leads to heart decease.So target for total cholesterol is <180mg/dl,Good cholesterol(HDL)>45 mg/dl,Bad cholesterol(LDL) <100mg/dl
Triglycerides <150mg/dl
On every medical visit measure weight and blood pressure,review medicines,self monitor glucose readings,dietary needs,physical activity.
Get your feet checked
Check HbA1c and dental exam twice a year
Lipid profile,serum creatinine,eye exam and foot sensitivity test annually
Every day follow a healthy eating plan,exercise for at least 30 minutes,brush and floss your teeth,watch the feet and take medicines at regular timings

Safe Pregnancy in Type1 & Type2 diabetes

Visit an endocrinologist and obstetrician before you conceive i.e. when you are planing for a baby
There are 2 risk factors to the foetus from a diabetes mother.The first birth defect happens when organs start growing(early stage)and later happens due to increased growth of baby which leads to delivery problems
These problems can be prevented by maintaining HbA1C(average 2-3months blood glucose)below 7%.Type 2 diabetes are prescribed insulin during pregnancy
Obesity increases pregnancy complications.So better to lose weight for safe and easy delivery
Don't use statins or painkillers.Folic acid should be used daily with doctor consultation to prevent deformities
Tests like HbA1C,thyroid profile,blood pressure,eye examination,kidney function test should be done regularly
During first 3 months some women may have hypoglycemia.During sixth month insulin resistance increases leading to high blood glucose levels.At 9th month insulin needs may be double.So it is better to test more often as the blood glucose levels are in a flux state
Exercising with doctors advice keep the weight and blood glucose under control.Avoid activities in which you have to lie down on back as they reduce blood flow to foetus
Some of the pre-pregnancy goals are stop alcohol and smoking,maintain HbA1C under 7%,prevent birth defects,eat nutrient food,exercise more
Diabetic mothers are more likely to have large babies so cesarean chances are more than vaginal delivery.Monitoring blood glucose during delivery is more important
The new born may be at an increased risk of hypoglycemia
Breast feeding can reduce the babies risk of type 1 diabetes as the baby gets immune antibodies from breast feeding

How to reduce the weight gain due to medication in diabetics?

Insulin and few blood glucose lowering medicines adds to the weight of diabetics.
This weight gain may not be permanent if you take help of your dietitian/doctor in balancing blood glucose control with your weight
This weight gain occurs when blood glucose level improves glucose lost in urine decreases.This glucose is stored as fat if you take more calories than required
Having more insulin build tissues like fat cells as insulin is a growth hormone.These fat cells with extra calories add weight.
Some medicines stimulate appetite and increases the chance of low blood glucose.Due to this hunger and fluid retention increases.This add calories which increases weight
Ways to decrease the weight gain
Speak to your doctor about the medicine and its side effects.Ask for help and a plan to reduce the side effect
Adjust calorie intake regularly
Increase physical activity to burn more calories
Don't eat too much to treat hypoglycemia.It can raise blood glucose and add excess calories
By right life style modification,physical activity,healthy eating one can reduce the weight gained in diabetes due to medicines/insulin

SOYA FOR DIABETES

SOYA FOR DIABETES

Soya foods are naturally cholesterol free with low fat
Soya beans contain protein that decrease cholesterol levels thus reducing the risk of heart diseases.Since cholesterol is also one of the major risk factor of diabetes soya helps to lower the bad cholesterol levels
Soy foods contain antioxidant called isoflavones.Isoflavones reduce cholesterol,osteoporosis,cancer risk,easing of menopause symptoms
Soya has low glycemic index which controls blood sugar levels
Soy foods slow the glucose absorption in blood stream
Soya beans are good source of fiber,iron,calcium,zinc and B-vitamin
Soy milk made from soybeans is rich in soy protein that helps to control blood sugar
Soya is available in different forms like soya flour,soy milk,soya nuggets,sprouted soya plus....in market

CORIANDER BENEFITS

CORIANDER BENEFITS
Coriander is used world wide as garnish
It is a good source of iron and fibre
Contains 11 types of essential oils,6 types of acids,minerals and vitamins
It has antibacterial properties and used to treat diarrhoea
It reduces the level of bad cholesterol and increase the level of good cholesterol in blood
The seeds of coriander have anti-inflammatory properties
The leaves of coriander have anti rheumatic and anti arthritic properties
Helps to increase the secretion of insulin so that blood glucose level decreases
The leaves of coriander removes heavy metals like mercury,aluminium and lead from the body
It enhances digestion and treats anorexia
Stimulates endocrine glands secretion for proper menstrual cycles
Prevents nausea,urinary track infection
Coriander juice is used to treat anaemia
Its juice with turmeric cures pimples,blackheads

IMPORTANCE OF VITAMIN D IN DIABETES

IMPORTANCE OF VITAMIN D IN DIABETES
Long term deficiency of vitamin D increases the risk of type 2 diabetes
Due to deficiency of vitamin D cholesterol levels increases in blood that cause hypertension
People with low vitamin D cannot lose weight in case of obesity
As obesity, high cholesterol,high B.P leads to diabetes deficiency of vitamin D is also linked to diabetes
Lowest vitamin D levels may increase HbA1C levels in diabetes
Vitamin D may be essential for proper functioning of beta cells and secretion of insulin
Vitamin D is protective against type 1 diabetes
Vitamin D supplementation in infants reduced the risk of type 1 diabetes
Vitamin D present in cod liver oil consumed during pregnancy reduces the risk of type 1 diabetes
Natural source of vitamin D is sunlight.This vitamin is produced in the skin during sun exposure
People in cold climate have vitamin D deficiency and older people may also at risk of vitamin D deficiency as the ability of the
body to convert this vitamin into its active form decreases with increase of age
Egg,milk,mushrooms,fishes and shell fishes are foods with high vitamin D

Can a diabetic take sugarfree foods

Can a diabetic take sugar free foods

Diet plays a major role in controlling diabetes
Many sugar substitutes & foods are available in the market.before choosing them better have a look at the food labels for ingredients
Though the product is sugar free read for carbohydrates present,if the carb value is low then choose it
'No Sugar Added' products means no sugar added during packaging or processing.These foods may still be high in carbs
Artificial sweeteners : These are Sucralose and Aspartame
Sorbitol is derived naturally from fruits and vegetables.
These sweeteners  contain calories and carb but they give less calories as they are not completely absorbed by the body
Sugar free foods containing less than 5 gm of carb and less than 20calories per serving does not raise blood sugar levels.Diet soda,vegetables like spinach,lettuce...etc
Check for low calorie,low carb sugar free foods

How to achieve balanced mind !

How  to achieve balanced mind:

Balance is stage of mind at a particular moment
It is inner feeling of our body and mind
Balance is not constant or stable it varies from individual to individual and time to time
The first step in achieving balance is caring and respecting oneself
Try to sort out or recognise your problem
Fulfil your needs to control your emotions and mind
Be aware of your tensions
Daily schedule or planner relieves imbalance
Enjoy and celebrate your success
Accept critics and compliments
Proper nutrition and regular exercise helps in balancing the mind

Jamun (Black berry) and its health benefits

Jamun (Black berry) and its health benefits
Jamun has a great medicinal value
Jamun fruits,seeds,leaves and even bark are all useful in the treatment of diabetes
Jamun helps to prevent and control diabetes
The seeds of jamun contain a glucoside called Jamboline which has the power to control conversion of starch into glucose
Jamun fruit pulp is rich in anti-oxidants,vitamins and minerals.It stimulates liver and pancreas
Jamun leaves are natural anti-biotic.They help in healing of wounds,skin infections,bleeding gums
The bark of jamun is used to prevent stomach disorders
Jamun has also anti-cancer anti-viral properties
Jamun is blood purifier
Jamun boosts immunity
Jamun is a power house of health
Jamun capsules,jamun juice,jamun chips and jamun green tea are available in market

GREEN TEA - ADVANTAGES

GREEN TEA - ADVANTAGES

Green tea contains a substance called catechin.It increases the immunity level and weakens the tumor cells. Due to this the body becomes strong enough to fight against diseases

Some of the major benefits are

Increases the ratio of good cholesterol to bad cholesterol

Risk of heart diseases reduces

Oxidizes fat increasing metabolic rate

Decreases the risk of cancer

To prevent depression and headaches

Helps to weight loss

Prevents tooth decay

Lowers blood pressure

May control sugar levels

Boosts energy

Healthy skin and hair

Prevents Alzheimer’s

CONSUMPTION: one can take 2-3 cups per day

TYPES OF HEALTHY FOODS

TYPES OF HEALTHY FOODS

GOOD MOOD OR HAPPINESS FOOD

These foods regulate the emotions and make mentally strong. Some of those are fruits, vegetables, pulses (these come from plants and contain the essential elements like minerals, vitamins) which make the brain function well. Sweet foods that contain more sugar fluctuates the mood. Better decrease processed food intake.Omega-3 fatty acids enhance the formation of new brain connections as it is an essential element of happiness. These essential elements make the brain sharper, stronger, happier.These are present in fish oil, beetroots, tomatoes, garlic.

ENERGY FOODS

These foods enable the brain to be strong and controls anxiety. Dark leafy vegetables, walnuts, small potatoes contain all the trace elements Vitamin E, Iodine.Iodine regulates the mood. It helps in proper functioning of thyroid gland. Some studies shows that cup of coffee contain antioxidants which act as antidepressants. Replace sugar with honey. Honey is rich in iron, manganese which enables production of energy in brain.

FOODS FOR THOUGHT

Vitamin B12, folate, iodine, vitamin D are essential for nerve cells to function well. Deficiency of these cause lethargy, depression, obesity.Egg is the power house of these nutrients. Butter contains omega-3 fatty acids which increase the flow of blood and life of brain cells. Butter from fresh grass fed cows is more nutritious. Pregnant women who take omega-3 foods give birth to high IQ’S children.

How to manage diabetes in children

How to manage diabetes in children

Children with diabetes are dependent on insulin so they should be under regular paediatrician/diabetologist treatment
Educate the children about the disorder
Let them take insulin on their own when they attain enough age
Explain the symptoms of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia clearly

Diet :
Diet should be followed according to the advice of a qualified dietician
Give more fibre food,they should take food at least 6 times a day
Plan the meal with good food,fruits,vegetables,nuts,pulses etc......(Balanced carbohydrates,fats and proteins)

Exercise :
Physical activity is a must for any child due to exercise blood sugar levels may go down so they should always carry chocolates,sugar sachets,glucose,juice etc..... for immediate consumption

In school :
As they spend more time at school parents should inform the principal,staff and care takers primarily about this disorder
Parents has to make them aware of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia
If there is any illness the child has to be rushed to doctor
Medicines should not be taken with out doctor's prescription.Diabetic children take longer time for the cure of decease than normal children
Since the diabetes is from childhood there is scope for long term complications,so they have to be under continuous monitoring

How to prevent Diabetes !

How to prevent Diabetes !

The two major factors to prevent diabetes are diet and exercise
Some of the factors that leads to diabetes are over weight(More waist size) leads to diabetes than more BMI
Inactive life style
Irregular food habits
Family history
Consuming more carbohydrates and more calorific foods
High blood pressure
Stress
High cholesterol

Some simple steps to prevent diabetes:

Physical Activity:
Increase physical activity.Do full body workouts to loose the weight
No need to join Gym try to walk at least 30 minutes a day.Use steps avoid lift
Don't use vehicles for nearby distances
Swimming,gardening,playing badminton,playing with kids etc.... keeps the body fit
Practice yoga
Avoid sedentary life style

Diet:
No need to avoid favourite foods but reduce the amount of intake
Have sufficient calories(look at the calorie vale before consuming the food products)
Take fibre rich food
Cutoff carbohydrates
Reduce white bread,rice,potatoes,sweets,soft drinks,canned foods,fast foods,dairy products
Take vegetables and fruits daily
Avoid smoking and limit alcohol intake

SELECTION OF FOOTWEAR IN PREVENTING FOOTCARE PROBLEMS

People with uncontrolled sugar levels or foot ulcers need medical footwear and diabetic socks
Diabetes patients develop swelling,flattened arch sometimes.So,the shoe size varies accordingly
Better to use cotton,cushiony socks and well fitting shoes

HOW TO SELECT THE FIT SHOE?
Always shop in the afternoon
The toe area of the shoe should be spacious.Narrow toe areas leads to foot wounds and blood circulation decreases
Hard rubber sole protects the feet from sharp objects
Insoles made from Micro Cellular Polymer are used for cushioning effect
The shoe inner area should be wide to face the swelling problems or to insert insoles
Adjustable straps are required to adjust during swelling
Select shoes with low arch incase of flat foot
The shoe should be completly covered to avoid  from hard objects
Wear low heel shoes

HOW TO PREVENT FOOT PROBLEMS BEFORE THEY OCCUR

What is diabetic neuropathy?
Nerve damage a long term complication in diabetes is called neuropathy
Symptoms:numbness or tingling in toes initially and gradually passes to ankle & leg
No sensation or too sensitive feet
Prevention of diabetic foot problems is very important although treatment has improved

HOW TO PREVENT FOOT PROBLEMS BEFORE THEY OCCUR?

More care for feet is important than face
Examine the foot everyday by using a hand mirror.Check toes,sides carefully
Wash the feet with mild soap or soak the feet in refreshing foot soak.Dry them completely and moisture them
Cut the nails with a clipper straightly and file smoothly
Don't walk with bare feet.Wear shoes at beach.Cover with socks in cold season
Always wear comfortable shoes.Use cotton or wool socks
Quit smoking as it damages small blood vessels due to which circulation shows and leads to foot infections
Keeping blood sugar levels under control by taking medicines regularly,exercising regularly,taking balanced diet,visiting doctor on time.It reduces long term complications like nerves,kidneys,eyes,blood vessels damage
Managing blood pressure also plays a vital role in proper foot care
Regular exercise makes bones & joints strong increases blood circulation
Light the pathways at night remove the obstacles on the way you walk

TYPE 1 DIABETES - JUVENILE DIABETES MELLITUS

Type 1 Diabetes :
This type of diabetes begins in childhood and develops rapidly
It is an autoimmune disease(i.e the body attacks and destroys insulin producing cells in the pancreas)
Thus insulin is not produced which is a hormone necessary to convert food into energy.
In Type 1 diabetes children may also develop rheumatoid arthritis,thyroid disorders,insufficient adrenal
5-10% of total diabetes population are type 1 diabetic
The type 1 diabetes symptoms are polyurea,excessive thirst,bed wetting,excess hunger,fatigue,weight loss
They should undergo HbA1C(gives  blood sugar value for last 60-90 days),cholesterol,vitamin d status,microalbumin test and eye examination
These tests helps to precvent long term complications like nerve damage,kidney failure,heart diseases,blindness
Type 1 diabetics are insulin dependants
Educating about diabetes is more important like treatment
Along with insulin injecting techniques they should learn self blood glucose monitoring also.It helps to know blood glucose levels at any time by an instant reading in glucometers
It is also important to follow the dietician advise.
It is always better to consult your doctor whenever needed,Dont self medicate

Exercise in Diabetes

Exercise in Diabetes
Exercise is must in diabetes if the body permits to do.It plays a vital role in controlling diabetes
30 minutes exercise per day helps:
Proper utilization of insulin in diabetics taking insulin
stress release
lower blood sugar and blood pressure
reduces bad cholesterol
lose weight
makes heart,bones,muscles strong
keep joints flexible

SIMPLE EXERCISES
Walking - Simple to do and cost effective-requires a pair of shoe only
Swimming-one can walk in water or move the feet in water though they don't know swimming.It is also a sort of exercise
Gardening-watering,removing weeds,pulling flowers or plants is also a good exercise
Playing-playing with kids or grand kids in the park,throwing a disk are also good exercise

PRACTICE YOGA
Yoga also controls diabetes.Asanas like Dhanurasana,shavasana,bhujangasana,paschimottanasana helps in proper functioning of pancreas and insulin
Before doing any exercise stretching of muscles in the following manner helps to increase flexibility:
Standing wall pushes,hip stretch,quad stretch,calf stretch

Diabetics should not exercise immediately after injecting insulin
Dont exercise on empty stomach.It may cause hypoglycemia
Consult the doctor before starting any exercise
Always take the guidance of technician while practicing yoga
Avoid exercise if there is retinopathy,proteinurea,high blood pressure,high glucose levels
Avoid running,cycling,jogging if there is nerve damage

Weight loss tips

Weight loss tips:

Weight:How to access the correct weight i.e whether the weight is more or less than desired

Calculate the body mass index(BMI)

BMI=Weight/height in meter*2

Check height in meters

Find out weight in kilograms

Then calculate BMI

If BMI<19  underweight

   BMI is between 19&25  recommended weight range

   BMI is between 25&30  overweight

   BMI is more than 30 obese.

Waist size:Waist size gives the storage of fat around belly.Apple shaped bellies indicates obesity.Healthy waist less than 40inches in men and less than 35inches in women

One can monitor their BMI,body fat byusing body fat monitors analyzer scales like karadascan…..etc

Overweight leads to many diseases like high blood pressure,stroke,diabetes,sleep apnea,cancer,osteoarthritis,stress.

How to reduce the overweight:

Our body needs energy for metabolic activities. If the energy is released more than required due to excess food intake it is stored in form of fats in the body which leads to weight gain.

Reduction in calorie intake and increasing the physical activity helps in weight loss to a great extent

Consult a dietician to know about your daily calorie requirement

Strictly follow the suggested diet plan and adopt a daily exercise plan

The key factor for losing weight is determination of individual, if the diet and exercise guidelines suggested by experts implemented on day to day basis, it is not very difficult to reduce and manage the healthy weight

Click Here to know more about Body Fat Analysers

GESTATIONAL DIABETES

GESTATIONAL DIABETES
It is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy
During pregnancy to meet babys needs mothers body should produce extra insulin.If it doesnot happen gestational diabetes develop
It can be diagniosed by the presence of sugar in urine test during antenatal checkup and  blood glucose tests
Women with high blood pressure,obese,insulin dependent parent or sibling,late mothers(giving birth at older age) may develop gestational diabetes
Due to more sugar in the blood of mother the growth of baby increases which leads to difficulty in delivery
There is possibility that these babies may develop diabetes in future
Gestational diabetes can be treated by regular checkup with the doctor by controlling diet,by exercise,by monitoring blood glucose levels using glucometer regularly

Stress and diabetes

In diabetes its not only important to take balanced diet but also regular exercise and stress less life style
plays a vital role
The following are some of the ways to control the stress:
Healthy mind is the soul of healthy body
To maintain healthy body awareness on healthy food is necessary
Practise yoga and meditation.It refreshes the mind
Walk for at least 15min a day
Maintain hobbies like gardening,listening music,painting,cooking a new dish,dancing....etc.
Avoid junk food,caffeine drinks,alcohol.
Create time for your own.Spend sometime with your family/dear ones
Share the problems with your dear ones
Follow a schedule to prevent work backlog
Good sleep is necessary

Managing the emergencies in Diabetes

Managing the emergencies in Diabetes:

In case of any emergency,query,clarification do not delay to contact your doctor

The three emergencies of diabetes are hyperglycemia,hypoglycemia and keto-acidosis

HYPERGLYCEMIA:
In hyperglycemia blood sugar level dangerously rises high(above 250 mg/dl).It is seen more in type1 diabetes
Reasons: Neglecting or skipping the medicines such as insulin.
                 Infection.
                 Eating high calorie food.
                 High stress.
                 Avoiding exercise.....
Symptoms:Headache,blurred vision,excessive hunger,thirst,tiredness.In such cases its better to check blood sugar levels immediately.Glucometer can be used for immediate checking.
If sugar level is more than 250mg/dl contact your doctor immediately and drinking lots of water helps to lower the blood sugar level before reaching the doctor

HYPOGLYCEMIA
It is seen more in people with type 2 diabetes.This condion is charecterised with the blood sugar level droping below 70 mg/dl.If it is neglected it may lead to coma or death.
Reasons:It may be due to excess dose of medicine and staying without food within 15-20 min of dosage.
This rises the insulin in the body.
Symptoms:Excessive sweating,anxity,giddiness,speachless ness
If the sugar level drops during sleep nightmares,sweating & confusion while waking may occur.In such a situation consume chocolate,glucose tablets,biscuits,spoon of honey.Better check with a glucometer and rush to the doctor to prevent further complications.

KETOACIDOSIS

This is a serious,life threatening condition.It occurs due to dehydrated body in diabetics
If the sufficient insulin is not secreated  the body is not in condition to utilise glucose to release energy hence it breaks down the stored fat which
results in production of toxic waste productions called as ketones that is harmful to the body.High concentration of these ketones results into ketoacidosis

Reasons:Ketoacidosis may occur due to less insulin
              Stress
              High fever & Infections
              Vomiting & diarrhoea
Symptoms:Dry skin,dry mouth,vomiting,nausea,low blood pressure,low pulse rate,pain in abdomin ,breathlessness,increased thirst
In this situation check your blood sugar level immediately and if it is more than 300mg/dl approach  your doctor immidiately
It can also be tested by using urine test strip
In case of severe vomiting one can get into ketoacidosis very fast
Doctors give them i.v. fluids and initiate insulin to bring sugar levels to normal          

"Your doctor is better judge consult him "
             

Diabetic Diet

Diabetic Diet:
DIET: To manage diabetes everyday diet plays a vital role. Awareness on type of food, its calorific value and maintenance of time intervals is necessary.

VEGETABLES:(3-5 servings)-One serving can be 1cup of raw leafy greens/beans/carrots/sprouts or ¾ cup vegetable juice or ½ cup of chopped/cooked vegetables.

FRUITS:(2-4 servings)-One serving can be 1 medium apple/banana/orange or 1slice of melon/3/4 cup of fruit juice or ½ cup of chopped fruits/berries.

MILK:(2-3 servings)-One serving can be 1cup skimmed milk/1 cup buttermilk or one serving can be 1 cup non-fat yogurt/1cup fruit flavored yogurt.

MEAT & OTHERS:(2-3 servings)-One serving can be 30g cooked fish or 30g cooked chicken or 30g cooked meat.

PULSES(2-4 servings)-One serving can be 1 cup cooked thin, watery tur dal/moong dal/cowpeas/masoor dal or ½ cup cooked rajmah/channa/baked beans/lentils or 25g if uncooked.

CEREALS AND CARBOHYDRATES:(6 or more servings)-One serving can be 1 chappati/idly/dalia or ½ cup rice or ½ cup cooked cereals,3/4 cup dry flakes of cereal or 1 small baked potato/raw banana or 1 phulka/roti of 25g or 1 dosa(40g cooked)(1 idli 30g/1/2 cup upma.

FATS:1 serving can be 1 teaspoon of cooking oil or 1 tablespoon cheese or 2 tablespoons olive oil.

Insulin Injection Types

Insulin : Insulin is a hormone secreted by beta cells of pancreas
Insulin is a substance that controls the amount of glucose (sugar) in the blood
Insulin is always used in patients with Type1 Diabetes and may be required in Type2 or gestational diabetes
Insulin can be taken through delivery devices like syringe and Insulin pens

 Insulin Pens :
They are most convenient and easiest way of insulin administration
No need to use syringes and vials
No need to mix and measure the insulin
Accuracy in dosage
Can be easily carry in purse or pocket
There are two types of insulin pens:Disposable and permanent

Disposable pens: They are premixed,prefilled and ready to use by just dialing the dosage

Permanent Pens: These are reusable pens,Pen fills or cartridges (Insulin contents) are changeable after the completion of insulin
They are easy,convenient and accurate even at extremely low dosage
Needles are to be changed when ever there is  pain

Storage of Insulin :
Insulin is to be stored between 2 to 8 degrees centigrade without exposure to sunlight
Insulin vial should be used within 30 days of opening as its activity decreases after 30 days at room temperature
Always inspect the bottle before use make sure that  the expiry date has not passed and the bottle is not damaged
While travelling it should be carried along with coolants in thermocol box