Posts Tagged "diabetes"

Managing Diabetes: Lifestyle & Food

Posted By Robert Gordon on Dec 28, 2015

Diabetes does not have a cure. In spite of all the advancements made on treatment, the only way to beat diabetes is by managing it. This can be done through lifestyle and food choices. It is a commitment that has to be made to oneself. These lifestyle choices may mean becoming more active, quitting smoking, and taking prescribed medications as indicated, among other changes.

Managing Diabetes: Lifestyle

Diabetes can be controlled and there is treatment for it. There are a few things to help manage diabetes.

• Keep your blood sugar levels in check. Have an understanding on what to do to keep the levels as close to normalcy as you possibly can. Religiously take your medicine. Maintain a good balance of medication, food, exercise, and good sleep habits.
• Follow a meal plan. Adhere strictly to the diabetes eating plan as much as you can.
• Keep healthy snacks You’ll be less likely to snack on empty calories.
• Regular exercise.It helps you stay fit, burns calories, and helps get your blood glucose levels down.
• Medical appointments are a must.Schedule regular appointments with your dietician, family doctor, dentist, ophthalmologist, other professionals from your health care team. Your approach to your health should be holistic.

Optimal Foods for Those with Diabetes:

Oatmeal

Oatmeal, although a carbohydrate, can aid in controlling your blood sugar. The high soluble fiber is slow to digest and keeps you feeling full for longer. The oats do not raise blood sugar as much as other carbohydrates may or as quickly.

Broccoli, Spinach, and Green Beans

Broccoli, spinach, and green beans, are non starchy vegetables that should definitely be added to any diabetic diet. They are low in carbohydrates as well as high in fiber, making them perfect for people with diabetes.

Strawberries

As strawberries are sweet, some diabetes patients tend to avoid them. A cup of strawberries is a healthy snack that won’t raise the blood sugar too high. Of course, strawberries are a much better option to cookies. They are high in fiber and water, but, low in calories and carbohydrates. You will feel fuller longer. Once you feel full longer, the fewer carbohydrates you’ll consume overall.

Salmon and Lean Meats

High protein meats do not contribute to blood sugar like carbohydrates. Fish, skinless chicken breast and lean cuts of meat in good proportions are good picks for diabetic meal plans. Salmon contains omega 3 and helps prevent heart attacks or strokes, which statistics show, 65% of diabetic patients die from. Chromium is a mineral a found in meat. It helps insulin function properly and aids the body in metabolizing carbohydrates.

Sparkling Water

If you are someone who likes sodas, go for the option of sparkling water. They come in many different flavors such as apple, pear, grapefruit, and tangerine. Quite a number of sparkling waters have no calories or carbohydrates. This is not just good for blood sugar, but also for losing or controlling weight as well.

Cinnamon

There has been a lot of hype about cinnamon lately. It is said that it may contain qualities similar to those of insulin and aid in reducing blood sugar levels. After a recent study in Germany, it was observed that of two groups of type 2 diabetes patients, those that those who took the cinnamon extract, their blood sugar level was lowered by 10.3% as opposed to the other(placebo) group’s 3.4%. This brought them to the conclusion that there may be a moderate effect of cinnamon reducing blood sugar levels, most especially among those who had more trouble controlling blood sugar.

How do you manage your diabetes? Please leave your comments below:

Additional Dangers of Dialysis: Granuflo Recalls

Posted By Robert Gordon on Jun 27, 2013

“Grandfathering” Drugs into the U.S. Marketplace

Most people don’t realize that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, does not test the much-vaunted drugs that finally make their way into the consumer marketplace in the United States. This, even though the FDA is the lead agency for such screenings. In the absence of testing, one wonders where all the federal-budget dollars go. Others speculate that the FDA may be a case of too many chiefs and too few Indians.

In fact, not only does the FDA do no drug testing, or even mandate company testing, but in many instances simply assumes drugs are safe via the “grandfather rule”. That is, if a new drug comes into the marketplace with a chemical profile and a purpose which largely matches another previous product, it is automatically assumed to be as safe and efficacious as its grandfather drug. Otherwise, drug companies are expected to test their own drugs, from R&D to human trials, and provide accurate and truthful reports. Given the billions of dollars involved in getting a successful drug into the consumers’ hands, these latter two requirements invite all sorts of chicanery.

Have You Used GranuFlo?

Posted By Robert Gordon on May 28, 2013

GranuFlo is an acid concentrate used during hemodialysis treatment to neutralize the buildup of acid in the blood. GranuFlo is known as a dry acid. In March of 2012, the FDA issued a Class 1 recall of this treatment based on reports of serious side effects and death.  If you have undergone dialysis treatment in the last few years, request a copy of your medical records to determine if this particular drug was used during your treatment.

Understanding Actos

Posted By Robert Gordon on May 9, 2013

Taking medications on a consistent basis can be quite difficult—especially for those who have never done so in the past. Individuals who are new to medication use often require extensive training and instruction to ensure optimal compliance. This is especially true when it comes to Actos, an important medication commonly used in the management of type II diabetes. Diabetic patients who have been encouraged to use Actos should first have a basic understanding of the product itself, how it is taken, and its side effects. Learning how to manage missed dosages is also important for those who will be taken Actos on a regular basis.

What is Actos?

Also known as pioglitazaone, Actos is an oral medication used to manage blood sugar—or glucose—levels in type II diabetic patients. While many type II diabetics fare quite well with the use of Actos alone, others may require additional assistance from insulin injections or other oral medications. In most cases, individuals who have been diagnosed with type I diabetes will not benefit from the use of Actos. Those who have more questions about this medication may want to consider consultation with a clinical pharmacist experienced in the field of diabetes management.