Coping with type 2 diabetes around the holidays

From localnews8.com

IDAHO FALLS, (KIFI/KIDK) - You see all sorts of sugary delectable foods around the holidays. It is exciting for some but not so much for people who are diabetic, specifically ones with type 2.
People with diabetes know the risks but if you are someone without diabetes, you can sometimes forget about accommodating those that have it.
Here is some good news, a local registered dietician certified diabetes educator said it is a common myth that people with diabetes cannot eat those treats.
"Think about what their plan is, watch the portion sizes and the frequency that they do that," Becky Sulick, RD said.

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According to the American Diabetes Association, nearly 30 million Americans have diabetes. Of that 30 million, about 130,000 are people in Idaho.
Jacqueline Baray is one of them. She said she has had type two diabetes for about 20 years. She tries to change recipes and said her routine did not come easy when she first started. It takes time.
"You don't always want to say 'Oh, I can't have this.' 'I don't want that.' I'm going to eat it! If people give me stuff and I can't eat it right then, I'll freeze it if it's freezable. Otherwise I'll just nibble at it, so I don't get it all at once," Baray said.
"I have seen several of my friends, acquaintances that have had it and ate until they got sick and had to go to the hospital and I don't want to do that," she said.
Bill Ayzin is the owner of Wealth of Health Natural Market. He said for a diabetic around the holidays, it can be tough, but a solution is substitutes. He is not talking about your usual Splenda sweeteners.
"Almond flower and using a sweetener like Stevia or Xylotol, would produce a total carb count or sugar count much lower than using regular white flower," Ayzin said.
Ayzin said fat is a diabetic's best friend. That is one way to accommodate a person who is diabetic over the holidays, Ayzin said.
"If you ever have a baked potato, always put butter, sour cream or bacon, because those fats and protein blend how quickly that potato converts to sugar," he said.
Alternative sugars are Stevia, Xylotol and Coconut Palm Sugar.

http://www.localnews8.com/news/coping-with-type-2-diabetes-around-the-holidays/191713235

Diabetes, Heart Disease, and You

From cdc.gov

Diabetes is a common disease that is on the rise in America. Having diabetes raises your risk for developing other dangerous conditions, especially heart disease and stroke. November is National Diabetes Month, a time to raise awareness about preventing and managing diabetes and protecting yourself from its complications.
Diabetes is a serious condition that happens when your body can't make enough of a hormone called insulin or can't properly use the insulin it has. Insulin helps your body digest sugars that come from what you eat and drink. Without enough insulin, sugar builds up in your blood. Over time, that sugar build-up damages your nerves, blood vessels, heart, and kidneys.
More than 29 million Americans have diabetes, or about 1 of every 11 people. 1 About 8 million of them don't know they have diabetes. Another 86 million—more than 1 in 3 Americans older than 20 years—have prediabetes, a condition in which a person's blood sugar is high, but not yet high enough to trigger diabetes.
Most people with diabetes have type 2 diabetes. Adults with type 2 diabetes are about twice as likely to die from heart disease as adults who do not have diabetes.

Surprising Facts About Diabetes

• Women with diabetes have a 40% greater risk of developing heart disease and a 25% greater risk of stroke than men with diabetes do.⁵ Experts aren't sure why the risk is so much greater in women with diabetes than in men with diabetes. Women's biology may play a role: Women usually have more body fat, which can put them at greater risk for heart disease and stroke. If you are a woman with diabetes, you can take steps to control your condition and improve your chances for avoiding heart disease and stroke (see below).
• Almost 7 in 10 people with diabetes over age 65 will die of some type of heart disease. About 1 in 6 will die of stroke.⁶ People with diabetes have very high blood sugar, which causes damage to nerves and blood vessels. Over time, this can lead to heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and even blindness. People with diabetes are more likely to develop and die from heart disease or stroke.⁷
• Diabetes is the seventh leading killer of Americans. In 2014, more than 76,000 people in the United States died from diabetes.⁶ But diabetes often contributes to deaths from other causes, including heart disease, the leading killer of Americans. On average, a 50-year-old with diabetes will die six years earlier than someone without diabetes.¹
• Type 2 diabetes among young people is on the rise. So is obesity.¹ Type 2 diabetes was once thought to be a condition that developed only in older adults. Now, because obesity is common at all ages, type 2 diabetes is becoming a problem for people of all ages. This includes children and especially children of certain racial and ethnic groups, such as blacks and Hispanics. Young people with diabetes are typically overweight or obese and have a family history of diabetes. Young people who have prediabetes or diabetes are more likely to develop other disorders, including high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

You Can Prevent Type 2 Diabetes

Take the following steps to lower your risk of diabetes:
Reach a healthy weight. Research shows that losing even a small amount of weight by exercising and making healthy eating choices can prevent or delay type 2 diabetes in people with high risk.⁷ Talk to your doctor about what a healthy weight is for you.
Stay physically active. Physical activity helps keeps your blood vessels healthy and your weight under control. Adults should aim for at least 2 hours and 30 minutes each week (or about 30 minutes per day on most days) of moderate-intensity physical activity, such as brisk walking or cycling. Children should get at least an hour of physical activity each day. Remember: Any physical activity is better than none.
Choose healthy foods. Choose fibre-rich foods, such as fresh vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Avoid foods that are high in sugar, salt, and fat. You can also find a diabetes educator who can help you create a meal plan.
Quit smoking. If you have diabetes and use tobacco, your risk of heart and blood vessel problems is even greater. Smoking raises your blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure. Quitting smoking will lower your risk for heart attack, stroke, nerve damage, and kidney disease.
Take your medicine as directed. It is important that you take any medicine you have been prescribed for your diabetes, such as medicine to control your blood sugar, as directed. You may also need to take medicine for related conditions, such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol.

http://www.cdc.gov/features/diabetes-heart-disease/index.html

Type 2 Diabetes - Physical Activity Fights Diabetes

By Beverleigh H Piepers

Exercise dramatically lowers your risk for cardiovascular disease, the number-one killer of people with Type 2 diabetes. Sometimes it pays to take small steps. Although there is nothing wrong with having an ambitious goal, the execution may be daunting if it requires significant changes in your life. One must know how to walk before he can run. Just like a toddler starts with crawling before walking, you too need to take small steps when making changes to your lifestyle.
Like many people with Type 2 diabetes, you probably have the most to gain from being active. If you are currently physically inactive, adding exercise to your regular life on five days a week could be overwhelming. Unless you trust your willpower or you are remarkably disciplined, it is going to be difficult to maintain an exercise program if you are starting from scratch.

It is ideal to learn how to walk before you run which is why there is no harm in easing into a regular exercise program. While going to the gym or working out in some shape or form four to five times a week is the intended goal, you could start with just two days a week. Building up gradually is particularly useful for those who have little to no exercise experience. It is not a large commitment, and even the busiest individuals can find time to exercise on two days a week.
For Type 2 diabetics who are just getting started, it is beneficial to establish a two-month exercise plan. Consider the first month a transition phase, from physically inactive to physically active...

• two days a week for the first two weeks is fine,
• you can increase the volume to three days a week for the last two weeks of the month.

Gradually increasing your volume of physical activity is an excellent way to establish the habit while avoiding physical and mental burnout.
Experiment with different exercises during your first month. Running, cycling, walking on an incline, weight training, and fitness classes are all great ways to get fit provided you are consistent.

For month two, aim to exercise four times a week. Now exercising is a habit in your life; it should be relatively easy to make time for your choice of exercise. And since you know it is worth it; you are more likely to maintain your commitment, especially when you see benefits almost immediately. Alternate between your favourite workouts to avoid monotony, challenge yourself in different ways and track your progress. As long as you are eating healthy food, you should start to lose weight as well as become fit.
Once your eating plan is taken care of, there are no limits to what you can achieve. It is never too late to begin a fitness program even if you have never exercised before.

Although managing your disease can be very challenging, Type 2 diabetes is not a condition you must just live with. You can make simple changes to your daily routine and lower both your weight and your blood sugar levels. Hang in there, the longer you do it, the easier it gets.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Type-2-Diabetes---Physical-Activity-Fights-Diabetes&id=9579306

Managing diabetes – It is not easy but it is worth it

From hoodrivernews.com

November is national diabetes month. It is not easy to manage diabetes, but it is worth it. Managing your diabetes will help reduce health problems such as:

• Heart attacks
• Strokes
• Loss of vision
• Kidney disease

#•

#Here are some ideas to help you manage your diabetes. They are from the National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney diseases.

#Learn about your diabetes

#Many people say they have “a touch of diabetes” or they do not have the “serious kind” of diabetes. Whether you are on insulin shots or are controlling your diabetes with diet and exercise, diabetes is something to take seriously. Learn more about your diabetes. Talk to your doctor, consider taking diabetes education classes or call your hospital’s local diabetes educators to learn more.

#Learn how to live well with diabetes

#Make healthier choices at meal times. Eating foods such as whole grains and fresh fruit and veggies will provide a good source of fibre.

#Fibre can slow the rise in your blood sugar. Try to fill half your plate at meal time with veggies.

#Look for ways to be more active every day. Park your car farther away from the store entrance, take a flight of stairs instead of an elevator, or walk around the block on your lunch break with a co-worker.

It is common to feel sad or overwhelmed at times, especially when you have diabetes. Seek out help from a counsellor, clergy member, family or support group. This can often help you feel better.

#Know your A-B-C’s of Diabetes

#A is for A1C. This test measures your blood sugar control over a three-month period. Most doctors will want your A1c to be 7 percent or below. Talk to your doctor about your A1c goal.

#B is for blood pressure. For most people with diabetes, your blood pressure goal will be 140/90 or less. Ask your doctor about your blood pressure goal.

#C is for cholesterol. There are two types. The good is called HDL and the bad is LDL. Your doctor may have a specific goal for you.

#Many people over 40 with diabetes may need a medication called a statin to help reach their cholesterol goal.

#Get routine care to keep you healthy

#Someone with diabetes should see their doctor two to four times a year. At these visits, your doctor may check your A1c, cholesterol, blood pressure, weight or look at your feet. This is a good time to ask questions about your diabetes. You also want to make sure you visit the dentist to have your teeth cleaned two times a year. Also, visit the eye doctor for a complete eye exam once a year.

#It takes work every day to manage diabetes. It can be overwhelming at times. Learn as much as you can about your diabetes so you can make the best choices for you.

http://www.hoodrivernews.com/news/2016/nov/19/managing-diabetes-it-not-easy-it-worth-it/

Proper nutrition can help manage diabetes

From airforcemedicine.af.mil

FALLS CHURCH, Va. -- Good nutrition is important for any healthy lifestyle, but for diabetics balancing nutrition, activity and medication is vital. Carbohydrates, for example, are nutrients found in bread, milk, starchy vegetables and fruit that turn to sugar in the blood. Other simple carbohydrates found in sweets and sugared drinks are the first to limit when monitoring weight and blood sugar. A person diagnosed with diabetes is lacking insulin or is insulin resistant so that the body can’t process these sugars normally.

  The Air Force Medical Service has Registered Dietitian Nutritionists who can serve as a resource to Airmen and their families when they want or need to make a change to their diet.
“It’s paramount to change nutrition to manage diabetes,” said 1st Lt. Abigail Schutz, the Chief of Clinical Dietetics at Joint-Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska. “The body responds well to decreasing total carbohydrates intake for blood sugar management.  We also talk about pairing carbs with nutrients such as fibre or protein to control the rate of sugar going into the blood.”
Schutz said while she handles a lot of patients dealing with an initial diagnosis of diabetes, she also handles cases where people were initially diagnosed, and did not make the appropriate changes or need a review of the most current recommendations for diabetes management.
“There’s still a stigma against diabetes. It’s super common but people still want to hide it or feel ashamed by it,” Schutz said. “It can be managed very easily with some education, and I do think it’s important to encourage folks to seek help.”
Schutz said people tend not to know how the disease works and they go into denial about the need for behaviour change. Her role, and the role of other dietitians, is to help clarify all of that.
For example, reading food labels is pretty important to diabetics and there are changes coming from the Food and Drug Administration to highlight different aspects of the food label. They’re adding a new section for “added sugars” so consumers will know how much of their calorie intake is being taken up by sugar.  This specific label change will help eliminate confusion.  In addition Vitamin D and Potassium will be listed. Vitamins A and C will no longer be required on the nutrition label. She said Vitamin D is something many people are deficient in and the identification of potassium on labelling is helpful for people that experience renal issues; which 40% of diabetics suffer from.
Some of the other changes include more realistic serving sizes based on what people are actually eating.  Larger and bolder fonts for the more important parts of the label like the calorie label and serving size will make it easier for clients to read.
“Label reading is huge in terms of education, especially for somebody dosing insulin,” Schutz said. “Insulin is dosed based on the carbohydrate load, and the ratio is crucial for Type 1 Diabetics. They don’t produce insulin, so they have to count their carbs.”  Folks with Type 2 Diabetes also can learn to carbohydrate count for better blood sugar control along with adequate activity and lifestyle changes such a stress management techniques.
She said behaviour changes might take an appointment or two, but eventually a healthier lifestyle becomes second nature for people.
“Carbs are essential for the body to function. It’s a very common misconception that with diabetes you have to avoid carbohydrates, but actually our goal is just to make it consistent throughout the day. There are no “bad” foods or nutrients.  Many times, if you want a food, you can have it. Just reduce the portion size.”
Schutz said behaviour change can be hard in any circumstance but seeing a dietitian is the right call.
“People get diagnosed with diabetes and think their life is over. But that education piece of what this looks like and how it can be managed is really important for quality of life,” she said. “Work with goals that are reasonable and doable or the disease never gets managed. Design behaviour around those things.”

http://www.airforcemedicine.af.mil/News/Article/1008834/proper-nutrition-can-help-manage-diabetes/

Tools to reduce Diabetes-related risks . . . toothbrush, floss and regular dental care

From portlandtribune.com

You may not be aware, but your toothbrush, floss and regular dental visits are important ‘tools’ to help manage your diabetes and reduce health risks. Diabetes and higher blood sugar levels can affect the power of our immune system, weakening our ability to fight infections. There is a relationship between obesity, insulin resistance and periodontal disease in adults, and recent studies suggest this occurs in children as well.
Gum disease starts early: Children and teens with diabetes are at a greater risk than those without diabetes. Gingivitis, an early form of gum disease, can cause bleeding, red or swollen gums, bad breath, and loose teeth. Periodontitis, a later form, can lead to tooth loss and painful chewing. Higher blood sugar levels may be related to the worsening of gum disease, and gum disease is an infection that can raise blood sugar levels, making control of diabetes harder to achieve!
If you don’t brush and floss daily, take steps to build this into your daily routine. It could be as important as testing your blood sugar and taking medications daily. Check with your dental insurer as many offer dental cleaning 3 times per year for those with diabetes.

http://portlandtribune.com/pt-insiders/333009-212864-tools-to-reduce-diabetes-related-risks-toothbrush-floss-and-regular-dental-care

Type 1 vs. Type 2 Diabetes

From rochesterregional.org

Without diabetes, beta cells in the pancreas make and release a hormone called insulin.
The beta cells produce and release insulin in the right amount, at the right time to keep levels of blood sugar where they should be.
For those with diabetes, there is a difference between Type 1 Diabetes and Type 2 diabetes:
Type 1: beta cells make little or no insulin, so people with Type 1 diabetes need to take insulin in order to use sugar from food they eat. Both Genetic and environmental factors contribute to the risk of developing Type 1 diabetes.
In Type 2 diabetes several things may be happening:
-Cells in the body may not use insulin made by the pancreas efficiently-Beta cells are unable to make enough insulin.
-Hormones called GLP-1 and GIP may not be working normally.
-Liver may release too much sugar.
Currently, there are 30 million diabetics in the United States or 9.3% of the population. Of those, more than eight million are undiagnosed, and more than one million have Type 1 diabetes.
People with pre-diabetes are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Encouragingly, research shows dietary and lifestyle change may successfully bring blood sugars back down into the non-diabetes range and avoid a diabetes diagnosis.
Research shows the following two things are effective in preventing diabetes:
Weight Loss: A 7% weight loss if you are overweight (for most people between 10-20 pounds)
Physical Activity: 150 minutes/week of moderate paced activity (for example walking for 30 minutes five times per week)

https://www.rochesterregional.org/blog/2016/11/type-1-vs-type-2-diabetes/

More exercise urged for diabetes sufferers

From ruidosonews.com

Officials with the New Mexico Department of Health Diabetes Prevention and Control Program endorse new recommendations on physical activity and exercise for New Mexico residents with diabetes.
The guidelines, recently announced by the American Diabetes Association, suggest short periods of movement every 30 minutes, a more frequent schedule than the previously recommended physical movement every 90 minutes. The new guidelines are published in the November 2016 issue of the journal “Diabetes Care.”
New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez proclaimed November as Diabetes Awareness Month in the state to increase awareness about the immediate and long-term impact of diabetes to New Mexico residents, families and communities. State officials have designated diabetes a super-priority and is deploying resources to address this condition.
The NMDOH reports diabetes affects more than 233,000 adults statewide, equating to one out of every seven adults. Nationwide, more than 29 million people have diabetes, according to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. One out of every four nationwide don’t know they even have diabetes.

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"Sedentary behaviour, such as time spent sitting at the computer, in a meeting, or watching TV, has a negative effect on preventing or managing health problems, including diabetes,” Department of Health Secretary Lynn Gallagher said. “Physical movement improves blood sugar management for anyone who has a sedentary job is overweight, obese or who has difficulty maintaining blood sugars in a healthy range."
A person is at increased risk for diabetes if they are overweight; physically inactive; a parent, brother or sister has diabetes; and if they are Hispanic/Latino, Native American, Asian American, African American or Pacific Islander. Other risk factors include delivering a baby weighing more than nine pounds or had gestational diabetes; having high blood pressure; having low HDL, which is good cholesterol; and if they have high triglycerides.
Warning signs for diabetes include frequent trips to the bathroom, unquenchable thirst, losing weight without trying, weakness or fatigue, tingling or numbness in your hands, legs or feet and more. Symptoms can also include blurred vision, itchy or dry skin, cuts and bruises that take a long time to heal. People with pre-diabetes or diabetes may have no symptoms at all.

http://www.ruidosonews.com/story/news/local/2016/11/17/more-exercise-urged-diabetes-sufferers/93932904/

Type 2 Diabetes and Food Choices

From ahealthyme.com

You make food choices every day. Whole wheat or white bread? A side of french fries or fresh fruit? Eat now or later? Choices about what, when, and how much you eat affect your blood glucose. Understanding how food affects blood glucose is the first step in managing diabetes. According to the American Diabetes Association, following a diabetes meal plan can help you keep your blood glucose levels on track.

Prevent problems

Having type 2 diabetes means that your body doesn’t control blood glucose well. When blood glucose stays too high for too long, serious health problems can develop. By controlling your blood glucose through diet, exercise, and medicine, you can delay or prevent kidney, eye, and heart disease, and other complications of diabetes.

Control carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are foods that have the biggest effect on your blood glucose levels. After you eat carbohydrates, your blood glucose rises. Fruit, sweet foods and drinks, starchy foods (such as bread, potatoes and rice), and milk and milk products contain carbohydrates. Although carbohydrates are important for health, when you eat too many at once, your blood glucose can go too high, especially if you do not have or take adequate insulin for that food.
Some carbohydrates—potatoes, sweets and white bread, for instance—may raise blood glucose more than others. Better choices are less processed foods with more fibre and nutrients, such as 100% whole wheat bread, oatmeal, brown rice, and non-starchy vegetables.
Learn to use food labels that indicate added sugar and try to find healthier alternatives, particularly if you are overweight.

Food and medicine

Insulin helps glucose move from the blood into your muscle cells, where it can be used for energy. Some oral diabetes medicines help you make more insulin or help your insulin work more efficiently, so your medicines and food plan have to work together. If you take insulin shots, you need to be especially careful to match the amount of carbohydrates you eat with your insulin dose. If you consume too many carbohydrates without adjusting your insulin dose, your blood glucose might become too high. If you consume too few carbohydrates, your blood glucose might be too low. Your healthcare provider or a dietitian can help you match your food choices to your medicine.


Have a meal plan

With certain medicines, it is best to eat the same amount of food at the same time every day. That keeps your glucose levels stable and helps your medicine work best. Physical activity is an important way to control blood glucose, too. Try to exercise at the same time every day. That way you can build the extra calories you need for exercise into your meal plan. With other medicines, you may have more choices about how much you eat and when. If you wish to change the medicine to suit your lifestyle, please discuss with your healthcare provider, first.

Eat smart

You can eat the same foods as everyone else, but you have to pay attention to certain details. That’s where your diabetes meal plan comes in. An individualized meal plan tells you the time of day to eat meals and snacks, the types of food to eat, and how much. It should include your favourite foods and emphasize these healthy foods:
Whole grains, such as 100% whole wheat bread, brown rice, and oatmeal
Non-fat or low-fat dairy products, such as non-fat milk and yogurt
Lean meats, poultry, fish, eggs, and dried beans and peas
Foods and drinks with no added sugar.
Fruits and vegetables
At first, it may be helpful to use measuring cups and spoons to make sure you’re actually consuming the amount of food that’s in your plan. By checking your blood glucose 1 to 2 hours after eating, you can learn how your food choices affect your blood glucose. To develop a diabetes meal plan or change a plan that’s not working for you, see a dietitian or diabetes educator. Having a meal plan that you can live with will keep you at your healthy best.

http://www.ahealthyme.com/56,DM113

“I’m not alone.” Paris man shares his experience with diabetes

By Lacey Clifton

PARIS, Ill. (WTHI) – Monday November 14^th is “World Diabetes Day”.
It falls within November, which is “Diabetes Awareness Month”.
Most people probably know someone who lives with diabetes.
This makes sense, considering around 29 million people in the US live with the disease.
That’s about one out of every eleven people.
Diabetes is also a leading cause of death in the United States.
That’s why this month is so important.
Diabetes is a manageable disease.
But, if one in four people are unaware they have it and haven’t visited a doctor, they can’t start properly treating it.
That’s where John Holley comes in.
Holley was just shy of ten-years-old when he found out he had Type I Diabetes.
He says, “I remember being very depressed about it because they tell you, you have to take an injection every single day for the rest of your life. As a child that was very traumatic for me. But I’ve done that, and here I am today.”
Holley has spent the last 46 years living with and managing the disease.
He recalls, “It used to be an immediate death sentence. The average life expectancy when I was diagnosed was between 18 & 1/2 to 25 years. That’s not the case anymore. People can live very close to a normal life span even with diabetes. It takes care. It takes attention to the disease.”
Holley has successfully managed his diabetes so long, he’s been honoured a few times.
One of those achievements include a 25-year Lilly Diabetes Journey Award,
Holley was diagnosed in the 70’s, when the recommendation was to boil a glass syringe between uses.
So, a lot has changed since then.
Holley says, “People are better able to take care of themselves because we have better tools. What technology has provided us that didn’t exist in 1970, the 80’s, or even in the 90’s. But the tools now are better, and so we can maintain that balance a lot easier.”
But to work on that balance, you have to be diagnosed.
Registered Nurse and Certified Diabetes Educator with Paris Community Hospital, Family Medical Centre, Leighsa Cornwell says there a few things to keep an eye out for.
She says, “Cardinal signs of high blood sugar may be fatigue, being extremely thirsty all the time, having to go to the bathroom frequently, and also some blurry vision. But many people don’t have any signs or symptoms, so that’s why it’s important to go to your physician to get your blood work checked yearly.”
For those with diabetes, Holley urges to seek out others who have the disease.
He says social media is a great way to do so.
Holley says, “People can share, ‘Well this worked for me, this doesn’t work for me, and how it affects them.’ There’s a diabetes singles group. There’s groups for diabetes women that are pregnant. Each has its own specialty niche. But, it is a way to keep in touch with people to say, ‘I’m not alone.'”

http://wthitv.com/2016/11/14/im-not-alone-paris-man-shares-his-experience-with-diabetes/

Inability to store fat safely increases diabetes risk

From bbc.co.uk

Being unable to store excess fat safely in the body increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart attacks and strokes, Cambridge University research suggests.

A study of 200,000 people showed that those with a variation in their genetic make-up were less likely to deposit fat under the skin in the lower body.
This can lead the body to become resistant to the hormone insulin.
The scientists said their findings explain why even slim people who eat too much and are inactive are at risk.
And they added that a healthy diet and physical exercise is important, regardless of body weight.

Genetic link

Insulin is a hormone that controls levels of blood sugar.
When the body becomes resistant to it, levels of blood sugars and lipids rise, increasing the risk of diabetes and heart disease - but no-one is sure why insulin resistance happens and why some people become resistant when overweight, and others do not.
International figures show that 43% of people who develop type 2 diabetes are obese, 43% are overweight and 14% have a healthy weight.
The Cambridge study, published in Nature Genetics, found that a large proportion of the population has inherited some of 53 separate genetic variants that inhibit the storage of fat safely under the skin, particularly in the lower half of the body.
Their fat is more likely to end up in the bloodstream or stored in and around the body's central organs.
The study said people who have more of this genetic material are at much greater risk of type 2 diabetes - no matter what their BMI (body mass index) is.

Fat location

In the 20% of the population with the highest number of these genetic variants, their risk of diabetes rose by 39% compared to the 20% of the population with the lowest genetic risk.
People with fat storage problems can end up with fat accumulating in and around the liver, pancreas and muscles - where it causes insulin resistance and eventually type 2 diabetes.
Dr Luca Lotta, from the Medical Research Council epidemiology unit at the University of Cambridge, said that fat stored in the arms, legs and under the skin played an important role.
"Our results highlight the important biological role of peripheral fat tissue as a deposit of the surplus of energy due to overeating and lack of physical exercise."

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-37973303

12 ways to manage diabetes during pregnancy

By Julie Relevant

A healthy pregnancy is a priority for every mother-to-be, but for women who have diabetes, including those who are diagnosed with gestational diabetes, their health care can become more complex.
Women with diabetes who are diagnosed prior to pregnancy have a higher risk for complications, including miscarriage and birth defects. As the pregnancy progresses, women with diabetes are at risk for high blood pressure, preeclampsia, eclampsia, preterm and prolonged labour, caesarean section and its associated complications.
Up to 9.2 percent of women have gestational diabetes, according to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and for these women in particular, their babies have a higher risk for high birth weight and shoulder dystocia, a complication during delivery. Babies born with low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) will likely have to be in the NICU for a few days after birth.
The good news is that with a plan, healthy strategies and support, you can control your diabetes, have a healthy pregnancy, and deliver a healthy baby.

1.     See your doctor before you get pregnant.
If you have diabetes and plan to conceive, you should talk to your doctor to make sure your A1C levels are normal, talk about medication if it’s necessary or ask for a referral to a nutritionist. Women with Type 1 diabetes should ask their doctors about a kidney function test, a thyroid test and an eye exam because other conditions can worsen, said Dr. Lois Jovanovic, an endocrinologist and clinical professor of medicine at the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California in Los Angeles.
2.      Lose weight.
One of the best ways to ensure you will have a healthy pregnancy is to make sure you start out at a normal weight. If your pregnancy was unplanned— 50 percent are— don’t despair.
“[Weight loss] can begin from the very day they discover they become pregnant,” said Dr. Jennifer Lang, a board-certified OB-GYN in Los Angeles and author of “The Whole 9 Months: A Week-By-Week Pregnancy Nutrition Guide with Recipes for a Healthy Start.”
Eat a primarily plant-based diet, avoid excessive added sugars, preservatives, processed foods, and those high in saturated fats.
3.      Move more.
Exercise will help you metabolize food better, control blood glucose and help you control your weight during and after pregnancy, said Marina Chaparro, a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) and a certified diabetes educator in Miami who has Type 1 diabetes and recently gave birth to her first child. The CDC recommends pregnant women get 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity every week.
4.      Count carbs.
When planning your meals, know how many carbohydrates are in each food and limit the amount you eat because it will raise your blood sugar. This is especially important if you have Type 1 diabetes because you have to dose insulin based on carbohydrates, Chaparro said.
5.      Load up on veggies.
Vegetables are filled with phytonutrients and fill-you-up fibre, plus they aid digestion and prevent excess weight gain. They also are low calorie and low in carbohydrates so they won’t affect your blood sugar. Non-starchy vegetables like lettuce, carrots, cucumber and broccoli are all good choices.
6.      Cope with morning sickness.
Make sure you eat every two to three hours during the day to keep nausea at bay. If you take insulin or pills, eat a few saltine crackers before getting out of bed in the morning and then take your medication to make sure you can keep food down, Chaparro said.
A small source of fast-acting carbohydrates such as glucose tablets, honey, or juice can help if your blood glucose levels are low. Then have breakfast that includes a healthy protein source like eggs or plain Greek yogurt.
7.      Deal with food aversions.
If the thought of vegetables makes your stomach turn— especially in the first trimester— try a fresh green vegetable juice, which is a good source of folate and calcium. This can control your appetite and prevent sugar cravings. Avoid juices with a lot of fruit because it can spike your blood sugar.
8. Watch what you drink.
It’s important to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated during pregnancy. Be sure to avoid juice, soda, sports drinks and sweeteners in coffee and tea.
“Avoid these or substitute them with something that has no calories and no carbohydrates because that’s going to be the first source of raising blood sugar,” Chaparro said.
9.      Let yourself indulge.
It’s OK to enjoy a slice of pumpkin pie or holiday cookies, but take stock of the total amount of carbohydrates you’ll be eating with dessert and if you will need to compensate with medication. If you want dessert, consider having a salad instead of a sandwich as your meal, for example. Or ask for a sliver of pie instead of a large piece.
10.  Use technology.
Look for apps that help you log blood sugar, food or count carbs and sensors and continuous blood glucose monitors.
11.  Continue with care.
“My opinion is all gestational diabetes is undiagnosed Type 2 diabetes,” Jovanovic said.
In fact, studies show 35 to 60 percent of women with gestational diabetes will develop Type 2 diabetes within 5 to 10 years.
If you have gestational diabetes, it’s important to talk to your doctor about monitoring your blood glucose and making lifestyle changes after your pregnancy.
12.  Get support.
You might have misconceptions about diabetes, blame yourself or need advice. Seek out the help of a certified diabetes educator, a registered dietitian nutritionist who can help you create a realistic and delicious meal plan or a community of pregnant moms who have diabetes.
It’s important to realize that you will need a plan, make healthy lifestyle choices for you and your baby and seek out information. But stick with it, and you can have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.

http://www.foxnews.com/health/2016/11/13/12-ways-to-manage-diabetes-during-pregnancy.html

Drinking with Diabetes

From mydario.com

When it comes to drinking alcoholic beverages many people don’t fully understand how alcohol affects their bodies and exactly what they’re consuming. Take for example a can of beer. With 154 calories, beer actually has more calories than a can of cola! So if you need to lose weight, you may have to cut back on alcohol altogether.
Moreover, when you add diabetes into this equation, things can get a little tricky. Though the American Diabetes Association suggests that people with diabetes should follow the same guidelines as those without diabetes, they should consult with their physician or diabetes educator to know their limits. In addition to gender, age, and health, medications should also be carefully reviewed, because there could be an adverse effect when mixing diabetes medication with alcohol.
If you are going to partake in a drink here or there, be sure to look out for cases of hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia can occur while drinking because of the extra work your liver performs. In addition to its regular function of regulating your blood sugar, when you drink your liver also tries to expel alcoholic toxins from your body. This additional stress to the liver is what can cause a hypo.
To complicate matters, symptoms of hypoglycemia and feeling tipsy can be similar. For example, the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
Health Information Centre lists 16 mild to moderate symptoms of hypoglycemia, including: headaches, dizziness, and an irregular heartbeat.
In the event of a hypo, if you do not take the necessary steps fast enough, it could lead to a medical emergency. So be sure you alert your friends. Furthermore, make sure you have snacks readily available and that you use the Dario™ Blood Glucose Monitoring System to monitor your pre- and post-drink levels and that your emergency contact details are updated. As you know the Dario BGM can automatically alert your family or whomever you decide as your help, when blood glucose levels falls into a critical zone
Finally, enjoy your drink! That’s right, drinking slowly might make all the difference. Remember when in doubt, always err on the side of caution.

http://mydario.com/drinking-with-diabetes/

Moderate Walking May Be All You Need to Prevent Type 2 Diabetes

By Sheri Colberg

A study published in Diabetologia in October 2016 (1) discussed whether exercise training is more important than other lifestyle changes in preventing type 2 diabetes (and possibly reversing prediabetes). Honestly, I was very heartened by its findings.
Although the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) was able to establish that lifestyle changes (that included a lower calorie and lower fat diet, exercise and weight loss) as the primary means to prevent type 2 diabetes in at-risk adults, the researchers on this study wanted to find out how much of that preventative effect is actually attributable to physical activity alone. They also studied whether the type of activity undertaken (moderate vs. vigorous) is better for blood glucose homeostasis in 237 adults, ages 45 to 75, who were sedentary and non-smokers, but had prediabetes (diagnosed with elevated fasting glucose levels).
Participants were assigned randomly into one of four exercise groups for six months: (1) a low amount of exercise at a moderate intensity (the equivalent of walking ∼8.6 miles per week); (2) a high amount at the same moderate intensity (like walking 13.8 miles per week); (3) a high amount of exercise at a vigorous intensity (the caloric equivalent to group 2, but with vigorous-intensity exercise; and (4) dietary changes plus a low amount of moderate exercise like group 1, but with diet and weight loss (7%) to mimic the first 6 months of the DPP.
The conclusions based on their results when they measured the participants’ ability to handle a glucose load after six months (an oral glucose tolerance test) were these: a high amount of moderate-intensity exercise alone was very effective at improving oral glucose tolerance despite a relatively modest 4.4 lb (2 kg) loss of body fat. In other words, walking ∼13.8 miles at a moderate intensity per week was found to be nearly as effective as a more intensive, DPP-like approach of moderating diet, exercising, and losing weight when it comes to preventing type 2 diabetes in adults who already have prediabetes.
One thing of note was that dietary changes and weight loss may contribute more to changes in fasting glucose than exercise does. In these participants, only the full DPP lifestyle change group experienced a significant reduction in their fasting blood glucose levels. This finding was expected, though, as impaired fasting glucose is generally indicative of hepatic insulin resistance, whereas impaired glucose tolerance reflects peripheral (muscle) insulin resistance.
So, why do these results matter?  Many people at risk for developing type 2 diabetes are sedentary and either unwilling or unable to participate in high-intensity exercise training, even though high-intensity interval training is the latest fitness fad. Luckily for them, all these adults may really need to do is walk enough at a moderate pace to prevent type 2 diabetes, and doing that is much more sustainable over a lifetime than vigorous training. It’s a lot easier to keep up walking regularly than worry about making a lot of other lifestyle changes at the same time.
A meta-analysis in the same journal issue reinforced this idea (2). That analysis also found that adults who are the least active to start out with benefit the most in terms of diabetes prevention from doing any level of physical activity is reassuring. Of course, doing more is better, but in a nonlinear manner. While it appears to lower risk to do more activity, the meta-analysis suggests that people are not required to get insane amounts of weekly activity just to lower their diabetes risk enough to matter. In that case, increasing physical activity opportunities with the built environment may work to lower diabetes risk at the population level.
Again, while vigorous intensity is superior for improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness, for the majority of adults, it’s a good thing that moderate-intensity exercise may be better than the same caloric equivalent of vigorous-intensity exercise for maintaining cardiometabolic health and preventing the development of diabetes in at-risk individuals (1) and that the most sedentary individuals have the most to gain by simply becoming more active, even if it’s just doing moderate walking (2). Vigorous training is certainly not for everyone, but at least it appears that you may be able to keep diabetes at bay by walking the equivalent of 30 to 60 minutes at a moderate pace most days of the week. So, stop reading this article and go take a walk!

http://www.diabetesincontrol.com/moderate-walking-to-prevent-type-2-diabetes/

Vital nutrients for diabetes

From star2.com

Are you suffering from high blood glucose levels?
You are not alone, as according to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), there were already 415 million sufferers worldwide as of 2015, which means one in 11 adults worldwide have diabetes.
This figure is expected to rise to a staggering 642 million by the year 2040.
Another frightening statistic from IDF worth mentioning is that every six seconds, one person dies from diabetes. Five million deaths recorded in 2015 were caused by diabetes.
How disturbing is that?
Does that mean one should sit back in helplessness and allow the complications of this dreaded disease to take control of your remaining years?
Think about the quality of life you aspire to. Consistently high blood glucose levels can lead to serious diseases affecting the heart and blood vessels, eyes, nerves and kidneys.
In addition, diabetics are at higher risk of developing infections.
In most high-income countries, diabetes is a leading cause of cardiovascular disease such as heart attack and stroke, blindness, kidney failure and lower limb amputations.
About 60%-70% of diabetics have some form of nerve damage, while the risk of leg amputation is 27.7 times greater in diabetics. In fact, about 50% of all amputations occur in people with diabetes.

A good diet and additional nutritional support is not enough. Regular exercise is important too. Photo: Shutterstock

Many people with type 2 diabetes are unaware that they have had it for quite a few years prior to being diagnosed.

By that time, some form of organ damage may already have taken place.

Nerve damage is most common, with symptoms such as nerve pain, numbness, tingling and a burning sensation.

Isn’t it time we take control of this menacing disease and help our diabetes-inflicted loved ones halt, or at least delay, the progression associated with its complications?

Below are some lifestyle modification recommendations, from diet and exercise to beneficial supplements, to help with better blood glucose management.

A healthy balanced diet

Fresh fruits and vegetables are packed full of vitamins, minerals and fibre, and also add flavour and variety to every meal.

They may also help protect against stroke, heart disease, high blood pressure and some cancers.

Everyone should eat at least five portions a day. Go for a rainbow of colours to get as wide a range of vitamins and minerals as possible.

Limit intake of potatoes, white rice, white bread and pasta as they are all high in carbohydrates, which are rapidly broken down to glucose in the body.

Better options for starchy foods include whole grain bread, whole wheat pasta, and basmati, brown or red rice, which contain more fibre, and thus, helps keep our digestive system working well.

They are generally more slowly absorbed (that is, they have a lower glycaemic index), keeping you feeling fuller for longer.

Meat, fish, eggs, pulses, beans and nuts are high in protein, which helps with building and maintaining muscles.

Stay away from cakes, cookies, muffins, and generally anything that is made from refined sugar.

Contrary to the fact that fruits are good for health, fruit juices can actually do more harm as they tend to spike your insulin levels, which is not desirable in any case.

Nutritional supplements
While eating a healthy, balanced diet is essential for controlling blood glucose levels, nutritional support is also important in managing high blood glucose levels.
We all know that vitamins, minerals and antioxidants are the fundamental nutrients vital for growth and normal body functioning.
Those with high blood glucose levels have different nutritional needs, especially their need for more potent antioxidants that can help counteract the negative effects of oxidative stress that could lead to diabetes-related complications.
In addition, the daily prescription drugs for controlling high blood glucose and frequent urination can lead to loss of vital nutrients that protect the body.
Anyone who has diabetes should take a high-quality vitamin and mineral supplement every day. Research has shown that taking a potent daily multivitamin dramatically reduces the incidence of infection and the number of sick days taken by patients with type 2 diabetes.
When choosing a comprehensive multivitamin formula to help support healthy blood glucose levels, look for one that contains key nutrients, specifically alpha lipoic acid, vanadium, chromium and biotin.
Alpha lipoic acid is a naturally-occurring antioxidant found inside the body that helps improve glucose uptake by muscle and promotes removal of glucose from the blood.
It has been used in Germany for over 30 years for peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage) caused by diabetes.
Alpha lipoic acid also has the ability to regenerate and recycle other antioxidants such as vitamins C and E, coenzyme Q10 and glutathione to act against free radicals.

Vanadium is an essential trace mineral that exerts an insulin-like effect in the body, promoting glucose uptake into muscle, liver and fat cells. It has been shown to increase insulin sensitivity and reduce blood glucose levels in those with type 2 diabetes.
Chromium is an essential mineral that is required for normal insulin functioning. It helps to improve the action of insulin by increasing both the number of insulin receptors on cells and the activity of these receptors, thus increasing the efficiency of glucose uptake into cells.
Supplemental chromium has significant positive effects on glucose, insulin, HbA1c and cholesterol levels in type 2 diabetics.
Biotin is an important water-soluble B vitamin that tends to be lower in those with type 2 diabetes. It enhances insulin sensitivity and increases the activity of glucokinase for better blood glucose control.
When combined with chromium, biotin has been shown to improve glycaemic control in diabetics.
Mecobalamin is another crucial nutrient that was discovered by Japanese scientists. It is the active form of vitamin B12.
Research has shown that mecobalamin is more effective than regular vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) in regenerating damaged nerves in diabetics.
Mecobalamin has also been shown to help protect against diabetic nerve damage, prevent nerve inflammation, as well as repair and heal damaged nerves.

General health tips
A good diet and additional nutritional support is not enough. Regular exercise is important too.
You need to get at least 30 minutes of exercise at least five days a week, or a total of 150 minutes per week, as exercise helps improve blood glucose control and reduces the risk of heart disease.

Maintaining a healthy weight is essential to help keep blood glucose levels under control. Regularly test your blood glucose level and try to eat at regular mealtimes.
Get a comprehensive annual foot examination by your healthcare professional to check for nerve damage.
Remember, diabetes can be better managed with some positive lifestyle modification plans such as eating healthily, exercising regularly, taking your prescribed blood glucose control medications and starting a daily nutritional support programme incorporating a comprehensive multivitamin formula.
You can live life to the fullest with diabetes.

http://www.star2.com/health/nutrition/2016/11/06/vital-nutrients-for-diabetes/

Cutting carbs = cutting diabetes risk

From tv3.ie

Cutting out carbohydrates reduces the risk of developing diabetes.
Many dieters out there reduce their intake of food favourites likes bread, pasta and rice in the run up to a holiday or big event for a quick way to drop some extra pounds, with even more of us restricting out intake of carbs on a day to day basis, preferring instead to save them for our naughty days.

And now new research has shown that as well helping us to lose weight, opting for low carb meals lowers your risk of diabetes by 30 per cent.
A team of experts from the University of Michigan, led by Professor Katarina Borer, recruited 32 post-menopausal metabolically healthy women, who they split into four groups.

Two groups were given low-carbohydrate meals of 30 per cent carbs, with one of the groups taking part in moderate exercise before eating.

The other two groups feasted on high carb meals of 60 per cent. One group was again told to exercise before eating.

The low carb groups had a reduction in insulin resistance after their third meal in the evening. Insulin is a hormone made by the pancreas that allows your body to use sugar (glucose) from carbohydrates in the food that you eat for energy or to store glucose for future use. Insulin resistance means insulin is less effective and leads to the pancreas producing more to help. Eventually this leads to diabetes.

"What is remarkable about our findings is that they show that a simple dietary modification of reducing the carbohydrate content of the meals can, within a day, protect against development of insulin resistance and block the path toward development of prediabetes," Professor Borer said.

"Even more surprising and amazing is that exercise before the meals made the subjects more carbohydrate intolerant - that is, it increased evening blood sugar levels," she added.

http://www.tv3.ie/xpose/article/fitness-and-wellbeing/221797/Cutting-carbs--cutting-diabetes-risk

Have Diabetes? Get the Flu Shot

From berkeleywellness.com

The flu vaccine helps protect people with diabetes from cardiovascular disease and premature mortality, concludes a study in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, which analysed the medical records of nearly 125,000 people with type 2 diabetes in Eng­land over a seven-year period.After adjusting for age and other health-related variables, the researchers found that people who were vaccinated were significantly less likely to be admitted to the hospital for strokes, heart failure, pneumonia, or influenza and 24 percent less likely to die from any cause.

http://www.berkeleywellness.com/self-care/preventive-care/article/have-diabetes-get-flu-shot

How diabetes got its name

From msue.anr.msu.edu

November is Diabetes Awareness month. Taking time in November to get tested and learn something new about diabetes might turn out to be a real life saver for yourself or someone you love!
In today’s society, most of us have heard of diabetes. And most of us can define that having diabetes means controlling foods you eat especially those containing sugar. If we go back and take a look at the origin of the word diabetes, it can give you two important clues for your health.

Diabetes has been around for awhile

Diabetes has been around for centuries. In fact, cases of diabetes can be traced as far back as the ancient Egyptians. In the 1800s, dogs helped scientist study and determine how the pancreas and lack of the hormone insulin revealed signs of diabetes. In the 1930s up through the 1970s, society commonly referred to individuals with diabetes as having “sugar,” but the correct medical term for diabetes is ‘diabetes mellitus’. Today, healthcare teams most commonly refer to it as ‘diabetes’.
The words “diabetes” and “mellitus” have two very separate meanings. They are, however, linked together and have a meaningful connection.

Mellitus

Mellitus means, “pleasant tasting, like honey.” Ancient Chinese and Japanese physicians noticed dogs were particularly drawn to some people’s urine. When the urine was examined they found the urine had a sweet taste. What made the urine sweet were high levels of glucose, or sugar. That is how this discovery of sweet urine became part of the name, diabetes mellitus.

Diabetes

The ancient Greek word for diabetes means, “passing though; a large discharge of urine.” The meaning is associated with frequent urination, which is a symptom of diabetes. Both frequent urination and excess, sweet glucoses levels expelled in our urine can be signs of diabetes.

Having Diabetes is anything but sweet

Even though glucose is sweet, there is nothing sweet about having high blood glucose. It is a serious issue facing many people in the U.S.. If you are glucose intolerant your body may not be able to adequately break down glucose (sugar). Without this natural breakdown of the foods we eat being turned into energy for our cells, glucose may build up in your blood. The body will need to rid itself of excess sugar in the blood stream by passing it though the kidneys and bladder out through urination.
Knowing the origin of diabetes mellitus helps give us a better understanding of symptoms related to the disease – high blood sugar and frequent urination. If you or your child has frequent thirst and/or urination you should contact your healthcare provider to be tested for diabetes. Getting tested for diabetes is the only way to know if you have the disease.
Both diabetes type 1 and type 2 are highly treatable under the care of your healthcare team. The group of diseases associated with diabetes (type 1 & type 2, gestational and pre-diabetes) is on the rise. Lifestyle, genetic, and the environment all share a role in your risk for developing diabetes.
Diagnosis, care and treatment as well as learning how to be an active self-manager can make living with diabetes a sweet story. For more on diabetes prevention, diagnosis and care plans visit your health care provider.

http://msue.anr.msu.edu/news/how_diabetes_got_its_name