Diabetes type 2 - the 40p lunch to lower your chances of high blood sugar

From express.co.uk

DIABETES type 2 risk could be lowered by making some diet or lifestyle changes. You can slash your chances of high blood sugar symptoms and signs by eating this lunch every day.

Diabetes is a common condition that affects almost four million people in the UK.
Around 90 per cent of all cases are caused by type 2 diabetes - where the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin, or the body doesn’t react to insulin.
But making some diet or lifestyle swaps could help to prevent diabetes from developing.

One of the best ways to lower your blood sugar and reduce your risk of symptoms is to eat chicken noodle soup, it’s been claimed.

Chicken noodle soup is one of the best lunches for diabetes patients, said medical website Everyday Health.
The variety of vegetables, along with a small amount of carbohydrates is perfect for a diabetes diet, it said
The more vegetables in your soup, the better, as they’re packed full of healthy vitamins and minerals the body needs.
“For a warm and soothing snack, have a cup of chicken noodle soup,” said the medical website.
“In fact, any low-sodium, broth-based soup that contains a mix of veggies, protein, and a small amount of noodles or starchy carbs will fit the diabetes snack bill.
“Try turkey and wild rice or a savoury fish soup with a small amount of potato. Sip slowly for longer-lasting enjoyment.”

                    Diabetes type 2 diet: Prevent high blood sugar symptoms with chicken noodle soup

                                                         (Image: GETTY Images)

Health website Healthline added: “Soup is an easy make-ahead meal and a great way to add some nutritious and fibre-packed vegetables to your diet.
“For people with diabetes, the more vegetables you can eat, the better. Many vegetables are low in calories and carbs, which is a must-have for people with diabetes.”
You could also lower your risk of diabetes by eating wholegrain foods instead of white bread, bagels or muffins.
If you prefer a baked potato for lunch, try swapping butter and cheese for a reduced-fat spread, and reduced-salt baked beans.
A tuna salad sandwich on wholemeal bread is also a great option for people with high blood sugar, claimed LloydsPharmacy.

Controlling your blood sugar levels is crucial, as patients are more at risk of some deadly complications, including heart disease and strokes.
But, some people could have diabetes and not even know it, as the symptoms don’t necessarily make you feel unwell.
Common diabetes symptoms include passing more urine than normal, feeling very tired, and having blurred vision.
Speak to a doctor if you’re worried about the signs of diabetes, or if you think you may be at risk.
A quick blood test should be enough to reveal whether you have the condition.

https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/health/1064393/diabetes-diet-high-blood-sugar-symptoms-signs-chicken-noodle-soup

Skipping breakfast even once a week might increase risk of type 2 diabetes

From wsbtv.com

Many people consider breakfast to be the most important meal of the day, and perhaps that's for good reason. Skipping it might increase your type 2 diabetes risk, according to a new review of several studies.

After looking at a total of six studies involving over 96,000 people — 5,000 of whom had already been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes — German researchers found that skipping breakfast for just one day of the week was associated with a 6 percent higher risk of developing diabetes. However, the risk went up with each additional day, peaking at a 55 percent higher risk of diabetes after skipping breakfast for four to five days each week.

Breakfast is meant to “break the fast” after a night of sleep, registered dietitian Dalina Soto told ABC News. When you eat breakfast, it jump-starts the body's metabolism and changes the way it uses sugar. Rather than storing sugar in fat cells, the body begins using it for energy. As this sugar passes through the blood, the pancreas begins secreting the hormone insulin, which regulates blood sugar. In daily life, these processes make it easier for you to manage your appetite and hunger levels throughout the day.

Both types of diabetes make it difficult for the body to control the amount of sugar in the blood. But for type 2 diabetes, the most common form of diabetes, the body develops a resistance to insulin. When left unchecked by insulin, blood sugar levels rise to abnormally high levels, putting the patient at risk for complications affecting the heart, nerves, eyes and kidneys — due to a condition known as hyperglycaemia.

Previous research has found that obesity is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes. However, the meta-analysis found that a person's body mass index was only partly associated with diabetes risk in people who skipped breakfast. This suggests that there are other factors that play a role in diabetes risk, and that people of any weight might face an increased risk of diabetes if they skip breakfast.

Skipping breakfast has been linked to increased levels of cholesterol and inflammation in the blood, which can make the body more resistant to insulin and derail the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar, according to previous research. 

When eating breakfast, consider a balanced meal that’s high in fibre and low in added sugars and processed meats. Soto suggested oatmeal with milk and fruit or a veggie omelette with a side of whole grain toast. These meals will keep you full for longer and Soto said they are the perfect balance of carbohydrates, protein and fresh produce.

Naomi Kaplan is a resident physician in physical medicine and rehabilitation, and a member of the ABC News Medical Unit.

https://www.wsbtv.com/news/national/hot-topics/skipping-breakfast-even-once-a-week-might-increase-risk-of-type-2-diabetes/895241900

Diabetes Management: 5 Winter Foods To Manage Diabetes

From ndtv.com

Winter comes loaded with many fruits, vegetables and spices that are known to manage diabetes naturally and check blood sugar spikes.

Diabetes is currently afflicting millions across the globe and the numbers are only getting worse every passing minute. If the latest study carried by the Journal Lancet is to be believed, 98 million Indians would be diabetic by the year 2030. Your diet forms a key component of diabetes management. Fortunately, winter comes loaded with many fruits, vegetables and spices that are known to manage diabetes naturally and check blood sugar spikes. Here are some foods you must make the most of this winter season.

1. Guava
This winter favourite fruit is a storehouse of dietary fibres. Fibres take long to break down and digest, due to which the food does not metabolise immediately and prevent blood sugar spikes. Guavas also have a low Glycaemic Index. The Glycaemic Index (GI) is a relative ranking of carbohydrate in foods according to how they affect blood glucose levels. Diabetics are advised to include low glycaemic index foods (below 55) in diet to prevent untimely spikes.

2. Cinnamon
This power spice is loaded with health-benefiting properties. Did you know cinnamon is also an excellent addition to a diabetes diet? According to the book, 'Healing Foods', by DK publishing House, "Cinnamon is a digestive aid that helps normalise levels of both glucose and triglycerides (a type of fat) in the blood, reducing the risk of diabetes and heart disease". The best way to use cinnamon for diabetes is by having cinnamon-infused water early in the morning.

3. Orange
According to American Diabetes Association, citrus fruits like lime, lemon and oranges are 'Diabetes Superfoods', that you should add to your diet to manage your blood sugar levels. Oranges have a low glycaemic index; you can add them to salads, juice them, or tuck into them raw.

4. Carrots
Crunchy and nutrient-dense carrots can do wonders to manage your diabetes. Carrots are packed with dietary fibres, which ensure slow-release of sugar in the blood stream. The glycaemic index of carrots is also very low, which makes it an ideal addition to a diabetes diet.

5. Cloves
Clove is packed with volatile oils that are replete with many anti-inflammatory, analgesic and digestive health benefits. The spice is also known to check blood sugar spikes and promote insulin production. A recent study published in Journal Natural Medicine, studied the hypoglycaemic effects of clove on genetically diabetic mice. The findings revealed that the extract helps increase the secretion of insulin and improves the body's response to insulin.

Include these foods in your diet and see the results yourself!

Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information

https://www.ndtv.com/food/diabetes-management-5-winter-foods-to-manage-diabetes-1967841

Soup and shake diet can beat Type 2 diabetes in just weeks, research suggests

From express.co.uk

BRITAIN'S Type 2 diabetes epidemic could be reversed, saving the NHS billions of pounds, if all sufferers went on a soup and shake diet, research has suggested.

                                           Patients start with soup-shake diet (Image: Getty Images)

The three-stage plan involves eating 830 calories a day for 12-16 weeks before being reintroduced to healthy normal food and given help to achieve long-term weight loss. The "nutritionally complete" meals, which come in a variety of flavours, contain carbohydrates, protein, fat and essential minerals. The results suggest rolling out the plan to the 3.3 million who suffer from the obesity-driven condition could cost less than £10million, a fraction of the current cost of diabetes met by the NHS.

First-year results from the DiRECT trial show it is possible to reverse a condition that now costs the NHS £14billion a year in a matter of months.
Analysis published today reveals that the programme would cost about £1,067 per person in its first year.
Glasgow University health economist Professor Andrew Briggs said: "This intervention is relatively inexpensive when compared to managing Type 2 and we anticipate more cost savings further down the line.

"If people can stay in remission and therefore reduce their chances of developing diabetes complications, the cost savings to the NHS could be substantial."

Type 1 diabetes occurs when the pancreas, a small gland behind the stomach, fails to produce insulin - the hormone regulating blood glucose levels.
If the amount of glucose is too high it can, over time, damage vital organs.
Just 10 per cent of sufferers have Type 1, but it is the most common type of childhood diabetes.
In Type 2, the pancreas either fails to produce enough insulin or the cells do not react to it, meaning glucose remains in the bloodstream and is not used as fuel for energy.

The three-stage plan involves eating 830 calories a day (Image: Pavel Boychenko / EyeEm/ Getty Images)

The condition can lead to serious complications such as blindness, amputations, heart disease and kidney failure.
Diabetes is much more aggressive in children and young people, with a higher overall risk of complications that tend to appear much earlier.
Unlike Type 1, the risk of developing Type 2 is significantly increased by being overweight or obese.
Type 2 now affects one in 10 UK adults.
There are even 6,836 sufferers under 25 and cases are soaring.

A new diagnosis is made every two minutes with the number of prescriptions issued for the disorder rocketing by 80 per cent in just a decade.
A further 12.5 million people are at increased risk of the disease.
Researchers used data from a trial on 300 people aged 20 to 65 across Glasgow and Tyneside who had Type 2 for less than six years.
They were initially put on a liquid diet, then long-term support from GPs was aimed at reintroducing healthy food and maintaining weight loss rather than a reliance on medication.

Economists compared treatment costs of those on the weight loss programme to those receiving standard NHS care.
They found that the cost of the 12-month DiRECT regime, allowing for fewer drugs and medical needs, was £1,067.
By the end of the study's first year, 46 per cent of participants were in remission.
Dr Elizabeth Robertson, director of research at Diabetes UK, explained: "If people can remain in remission and therefore reduce their risk of developing serious diabetes-related complications in the future, the cost savings to the NHS could be significant.

"Costs aside, remission from Type 2 - and the possibility of living free of the condition - has to be the preferred option for people and clinicians alike."
Britain's consumption of sugary snacks has had a devastating impact on public health.
More than one child in five is obese or overweight in their first year of primary school, rising to one in three by the time they leave.
Latest NHS figures show in 2016/17 that there were 617,000 hospital admissions where obesity was a factor, up nearly one-fifth in a year.

Mike Lean, professor of human nutrition at Glasgow University, linked said: "It is now becoming hard to see why, ethically, people with Type 2 should not be offered the chance, and supported, to achieve remission if they can.
"This is no quick fix, but instead a promising medical treatment with potentially huge benefits."
In April the Government slapped a tax on sugary drinks with shoppers paying up to 24p more a litre.

https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/health/1062418/diabetes-type-2-soup-shake-diet-research-NHS

This Common Kitchen Ingredient May Help Manage Blood Sugar Levels

From ndtv.com

Diabetics are often advised to eat foods that are low in carbohydrates, which is what makes garlic an ideal choice

Diabetes is one of the most common ailments afflicting millions across globe. According to a study, published in Lancet, about 98 million people are estimated to be diabetic by the year 2030. A diabetic is often told to be extra careful of their diet and not eat anything that would cause a dramatic surge in the blood sugar levels. Fortunately, there are many common spices, herbs and stems that could help manage diabetes naturally. The book 'Healing Spices' by Dr. Bharat B. Aggarwal identifies garlic is one such effective kitchen ingredient. There have been various studies supporting the claim too. According to a study, published in the journal of Nutrition, raw garlic extracts were found to help reduce risk of both diabetes and atherosclerosis (hardening of arteries). Diabetes is known to increase a risk of a few inflammatory conditions, one of them being atherosclerosis. The anti-inflammatory compounds of garlic may come to your rescue and lower the effects of diabetic complications. Cooked and aged garlic extract are also effective in managing blood sugar levels.

How Does Garlic Help Manage Diabetes 

Garlic is packed with allicin, allyl propyl disulfide and S-allyl cysteine sulfoxide. These sulphurous compounds are not only antibacterial and antifungal in nature, but may also raise insulin levels in blood and help your body to respond to insulin better. According to the book, 'Healing Foods' by DK Publishing House, "a regular intake of garlic lowers the amino acid homocysteine, a risk factor in diabetes and heart disease." Moreover, garlic is also low in calories and carbohydrates, making it an ideal addition to diabetes diet. Diabetics are often advised to eat foods that are low in carbohydrates, as high carbohydrate foods tend to spike blood sugar. The Glycaemic Index (GI) of garlic is also low. The Glycaemic Index (GI) is a relative ranking of carbohydrate in foods according to how they affect blood glucose levels.  Foods with low GI tend to take long to digest and metabolise, ensuring slow release of sugar in the blood stream. Garlic is also rich in vitamin B6 and C. While the former is known to facilitate better carbohydrate metabolism, vitamin C is also known to check and maintain steady blood sugar levels

How To Have Garlic As Part Of Your Diabetes Diet
You can consume them raw with a glass of water first thing in the morning. Make sure you do not consume a whole clove at once as it could cause heartburn and acidity. Peel the skin off before consuming; the allicin compound degrades if the garlic is sitting out for too long. You can chop garlic finely and add them to your soups, stir fries or salads too.

Other kitchen ingredients that are known to manage diabetes naturally are methi, cinnamon and cumin.

COMMENT

Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.

https://www.ndtv.com/food/diabetes-management-this-common-kitchen-ingredient-may-help-manage-blood-sugar-levels-1965692

Diabetes: Cinnamon (Dalchini) May Help Control Blood Sugar Levels

From ndtv.com

Various studies talk about cinnamon as a wonder spice that keeps a check on our blood sugar levels, especially when consumed after meals.

Cinnamon, or dalchini as we call it in Hindi, is one of the popular spices that can be commonly found in Indian households. Used in various dishes and drinks, this aromatic spice has also been used in many traditional medicines and food preservatives. Moreover, dalchini, or cinnamon is a spice that is known to help manage diabetes and control blood sugar levels. Yes, that's right! Cinnamon is full of antioxidants that help reduce oxidative stress, preventing the risk of developing many health problems, including diabetes mellitus.

If the findings of a recent study published in the American Diabetes Association are to be believed, cinnamon helps improve glucose and lipid profile of people with type-2 diabetes. In fact, various studies talk about cinnamon as a wonder spice that keeps a check on our blood sugar levels, especially when consumed after meals. All you have to do is to add a dash of cinnamon powder to a glass of water and drink it; this may help keep your blood sugar spikes in check. According to Macrobiotic Nutritionist and Health Practitioner, Shilpa Arora, "Cinnamon is packed with anti-diabetic compounds that help reduce the rate at which glucose enters our body. If consumed regularly, cinnamon helps reduce fasting blood sugar as well as elevated levels of cholesterol in the body. However, it is recommended to have cinnamon in moderation, say about 3-6 grams cinnamon powder in a day."

Cinnamon helps in improving digestive health too, which is directly related to diabetes. A healthy gut and digestive system will keep your blood sugar levels in control, further avoiding diabetic conditions. According to the book 'Healing Foods' by DK Publishing House, "Cinnamon is a digestive aid that helps normalise levels of both glucose and triglycerides (a type of fat) in the blood, reducing the risk of diabetes and heart disease."

^{Cinnamon is packed with anti-diabetic compounds that help reduce the rate at which glucose enters our body. ​}

Ways To Include Cinnamon In Your Diet To Manage Diabetes

There are many ways of adding cinnamon to your diet and the best way to use it is by soaking a small bark of cinnamon in a glass of water. Leave it overnight and drink it first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. Better still; add a dash of cinnamon on your food and drinks. Make sure that you also maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly for better management of diabetes and blood sugar levels.
Make sure you consult your doctor or nutritionist before adding cinnamon to your diet, especially if you have any liver-related problems.

Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.

https://www.ndtv.com/food/diabetes-cinnamon-dalchini-may-help-control-blood-sugar-levels-1961593

Healthy snacks for people with diabetes- Foods you can eat without increasing your blood sugar levels

From timesnownews.com

Regulating blood sugar levels is very important if you are diabetic, but so is having a nutrient-rich diet, and keeping your body healthy. a win-win situation can be achieved by consuming these snacks.

New Delhi: India has the highest number of diabetics in the world where 5% of the total population of the country is affected by the disease. Diabetes can lead to more health problems like heart attacks and strokes, and kidney problems. Diabetes is a chronic illness where the body is unable to naturally control the blood sugar levels. Diabetic patients find it very hard to decide what they should eat and what they shouldn't, so that their blood sugar levels stay under control without making them too weak or depriving them of nutrition.
Snacks make up an important part of our meals since they keep us fuller for the day except for just our breakfast, lunch, or dinner. They are also a way to take a break from the regular food since it tends to get boring, and we all need something to munch on while watching a movie, or while working. Foods that have a lower GI (Glycemic Index) can be consumed if you have diabetes, and food items that are high on protein, fibre, and healthy fats are recommended for consumption if you have diabetes.

                                                               Photo Credit: Thinkstock

Boiled eggs

Boiled eggs are a great snacking option if you want to keep your blood sugar levels under control and ensure enough protein intake. Boiled eggs are high on protein, keep you fuller, and are lower on haemoglobin A1c, which is a measure of longer-term blood sugar control.

Yogurt with berries

Whenever you crave something sweet as a diabetic, you can turn to this healthy sweet snack that keeps your blood sugar under control, satisfies your craving, and also is a great source of fibre. Berries have anti-oxidants that help in reducing inflammation or damage to the pancreas, the organ which is responsible for secreting Insulin which regulates the blood sugar.

Dried fruits

A study published in the journal Nutrition and Diabetes has found that dried fruits like dates and apricots can be a good snack for diabetic people. Dried fruits have a lower GI, which is essential to ensure that blood sugar levels do not increase beyond control. Almonds are also a good choice as they are very nutritious, convenient, and unlikely to increase blood sugar levels.

Cottage Cheese or Paneer

One of the most loved food items in North India is Paneer or cottage cheese, and when you can have it as a snack when you are diabetic, nothing better than that. Cottage cheese is high on vitamins, minerals, protein and low on carb. Eating cottage cheese regularly as a snack is reported to reduce long-term blood sugar levels. The fat content in cottage cheese also helps in lowering blood sugar.

Popcorn

Nothing better than popcorn when you are watching a movie, whether at home or at the theatres. Popcorn is very low on calories (31 calories) which aids weight control, an important component for lowering blood sugar levels.
Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purpose only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a dietician before starting any fitness programme or making any changes to your diet.

https://www.timesnownews.com/health/article/healthy-snacks-diabetes-foods-you-can-eat-without-increasing-your-blood-sugar-levels/330406

Many diabetics needlessly test blood sugar at home

From nbcnews.com

People with Type 2 diabetes whose illness is well controlled do not need to prick their fingers many times a day, yet 1 in 7 people are doing so, a study says.

One in 7 people with Type 2 diabetes may be needlessly testing their blood sugar at home several times a day, a U.S. study says.
People with Type 2 diabetes don't need to test their blood at home if they have well-controlled symptoms and don't take medications that can cause dangerously low blood sugar, doctors say. For these patients, studies have not found that home blood sugar monitoring makes any difference in blood sugar levels. But still, many of them are pricking their fingers unnecessarily.

The researchers examined data on more than 370,000 people with Type 2 diabetes. Overall, almost 88,000, or about 23 percent, had at least three insurance claims for test strips used to check blood sugar at home.
More than half of the people testing their blood sugar at home didn't need to do this, accounting for 14 percent of the total study population, researchers reported Monday in JAMA Internal Medicine.
"Many Type 2 diabetes patients not using insulin or other medications at risk of rapid changes in blood sugar levels are testing far more often than they need to be," said the lead study author, Dr. Kevin Platt of the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.
"This needless behaviour causes unnecessary pokes, worry and costs," Platt said by email. "More is not always better when it comes to medical care."

Type 2 diabetes, the most common form of the disease, is linked to obesity and aging and develops when the body can't properly use or make enough of the hormone insulin to convert blood sugar into energy. Left untreated, it can lead to complications like blindness, kidney failure, nerve damage and amputations.
Many patients can keep their blood sugar in a healthy range with oral medications and don't need insulin. Unlike insulin, which immediately affects blood sugar and requires regular testing to ensure that blood sugar is in a healthy range, those on oral medication for diabetes don't require regular testing because the pills don't cause rapid shifts in blood sugar, Platt said.
Among the people analysed who appeared to be needlessly testing blood sugar at home, about 33,000 were taking medications that aren't known to cause dangerously low blood sugar and 19,000 were not taking any diabetes medicines at all.

Half of the patients taking unnecessary blood sugar tests at home took these tests at least twice a day, and half of them had testing supply costs of at least $325 a year, the study said.
The study wasn't a controlled experiment designed to prove whether or how home testing directly affected blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.
And some patients might still need to test at home, even if they don't need to do this multiple times daily, said Sheri Colberg, a professor emerita at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, who has studied and treated people with diabetes.
"Even if checking routinely may not change outcomes like overall blood glucose management, the benefit of having glucose testing strips available is that individuals — even non-insulin users — are then able to check their blood glucose when their usual routines vary, during times of illness, or whenever other events may negatively impact their blood glucose," Colberg, who wasn't involved in the study, said by email.

Patients should discuss their home blood sugar testing needs at every check-up, advised Dr. Vanessa Arguello of the David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles.

"Diabetic patients who are using insulin or are on oral medications that may cause low blood sugars should monitor their blood sugars multiple times per day including before meals, at bedtime, occasionally after meals to learn about nutrition therapy, prior to critical tasks, and when they suspect low blood sugars," Arguello said by email.

Diabetic patients who are not using insulin or are not taking medications that may cause low blood sugars can monitor their blood sugars less frequently, from twice daily to every other day based on goals established by them and their physician, Arguello added.

https://www.nbcnews.com/health/diabetes/many-diabetics-needlessly-test-blood-sugar-home-n946591

9 ways to handle holiday food when you have diabetes

From foxnews.com

If you have diabetes, managing your sugar intake is always a top priority. During the holiday season, however, when pies, cookies and indulgent recipes are everywhere you look, it can be even more challenging to keep your A1C levels steady. To help keep your weight and blood sugar levels under control during the holidays, try incorporating these nine strategies.

To help keep your weight and blood sugar levels under control during the holidays, try incorporating these nine strategies. (iStock)

1. Plan ahead

Before you head off to a holiday event or restaurant, have a game plan for what you will eat. For example, you may choose to skip the foods you can get anytime (like crackers and cheese) and choose small portions of foods that are a real treat.
Or you may choose to load up on veggies, if available, to fill your plate and your stomach, and take the edge off your appetite. If you’re already hungry, enjoy a small healthy snack before you leave to help manage your blood sugar levels and make better food choices once you arrive. Something as simple as a handful of pistachios can take the edge off of your appetite. The American Diabetes Association calls nuts, like pistachios, a “diabetes superfood,” providing protein, fibre, and healthy fats -- a trio that can help you feel fuller longer.

2. Keep your immune system healthy

To keep your immune system healthy, eat lots of fruits and vegetables, take a probiotic daily (if needed), stay hydrated, and get adequate sleep.
“Getting sick over the holidays is never fun, but it's even more troublesome when you're managing diabetes," May Ellen Phipps, MPH, RDN, LD, founder of MilkandHoneyNutrition, and a Type 1 diabetic, told Fox News. "Stress hormones and medications (if needed) can cause blood sugars to run high, which can lead to headaches, nausea, and fatigue. And if you're already battling something like a cold or the flu, those symptoms are definitely not good."

3. Budget your sweets
Tis’ the season for cakes, cookies and pies. While managing sweets around the holidays can be challenging for anyone, if you have diabetes, keeping your sweet tooth in check is essential. Go for a healthier "sweet" option, like fruit, as much as possible.
According to the NIDDK, fruit is healthy for people to eat with diabetes, providing fiber and lots of vitamins and minerals. For example, a holiday favourite is grapes, which are a natural source of antioxidants and other polyphenols for heart, eye, and brain health.
In fact, a study looking at the impact of fruits on diabetes found that greater consumption of grapes was significantly associated with a lower risk of Type 2 diabetes. As always, portion sizes do matter and it’s a good idea to balance your carbs with protein and healthy fats to help stabilize your blood sugar. A handful of grapes with an ounce of nuts or cheese strikes a good balance.

4. Check your blood sugar frequently
When you have diabetes, it's imperative that you learn to effectively self-test your blood sugar to keep your glucose levels in check.
“Check your blood sugar 2-3 hours after a meal. For Type 1 diabetics, this is a good practice to ensure your blood sugars don't spend several hours out of range," Phipps said. "If your blood sugar is elevated this long after a meal, you should use your physician's recommendations for correcting a high blood sugar. Continued elevated blood sugars can also suppress your immune system, which could make you more prone to getting sick."

5. Add non-starchy vegetables to your recipes
Incorporating non-starchy vegetables (such as beets, cabbage, broccoli, carrots, green beans, and cauliflower) into your holiday recipes can significantly cut carbs and calories.
“Adding vegetables to all meals can help curb cravings and improve blood sugar control,” Misti Gueron, RDN, CDE, a Los Angeles-based nutrition expert and diabetes educator, told Fox News. Try adding cauliflower to mashed potatoes, broccoli to pasta, or bok choy to rice.

6. Put avocados to work
Avocados are a simple way to limit sugar intake, especially around the holidays, and can easily be incorporated into a diabetes-friendly diet. A good source of healthy fats and fibre, avocados are low in carbohydrates, which means they have little effect on blood sugar levels.
Researchers at Loma Linda University discovered that adding one-half of an avocado at lunch did not result in an increase in blood sugar levels beyond what was observed following a standard lunch. In addition, individuals experienced a 40 percent decrease in their desire to eat over the three-hour period following the meal than those who ate the same lunch without the avocado. Try using avocados as a fat substitute for unhealthy fats in your favourite desserts this holiday season.

7. Go easy on alcohol
Even moderate alcohol intake can cause a drop in blood glucose because alcohol blocks the production of glucose, so don’t drink on an empty stomach or when your blood glucose is low. The American Diabetes Association recommendations for alcohol for those with diabetes are no more than one drink per day for women and no more than two per day for men. One drink equals 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of distilled spirits (such as vodka, whiskey, or gin). When possible, choose hydrating beverages instead of alcohol. “I often tell my clients to opt for sparkling water at parties to minimize sugar and calories and still enjoy the festivities,” Gueron said.

8. Maintain your schedule
While schedule changes and extra events are normal this time of year, as much as possible, try to keep to your routine. Even on days off from work and holiday gatherings, try to get up, eat, exercise, and take your diabetes and any other medications about the same time as you always do.
“Keep to your exercise schedule to help manage your blood sugar numbers to target, and keep to regular meal times for optimal blood sugar control and to minimize unnecessary temptations caused by being over hungry,” Gueron said.

9. Pack a cooler if you're traveling
Having nutritious foods available is key to sticking with a healthy meal plan, especially when you’re traveling. In addition to packing diabetic-friendly foods in a cooler, like hummus, nuts, or low-fat cottage cheese, Phipps, suggests keeping your insulin in a cooler too.
“Insulin starts to lose its effectiveness after about 30 days at room temperature. To ensure it is doing the job it is supposed to, make sure to store your insulin vials in a cooler or refrigerator if you're able. Ineffective (or less effective) insulin is never a good thing, but during a time of year when higher carbohydrate dishes are consumed more frequently, it's important to have an effective way to bring those blood sugars down,” Phipps said.

https://www.foxnews.com/health/9-ways-to-handle-holiday-food-when-you-have-diabetes

Drinking milk at breakfast might help manage diabetes, study finds

From independent.co.uk

Drinking milk in the morning may reduce blood glucose levels throughout the day, which could benefit those with type 2 diabetes, new research has found.

According to a study published in the Journal of Dairy Science, consuming a high-protein milk-based drink at breakfast may also cut the risk of obesity by reducing appetite at lunchtime.

Lead author Dr Douglas Goff, of the University of Guelph in Canada, said that the findings could be key in addressing the global rise in metabolic diseases through diet.

In the study, Goff and his team of researchers examined the effects of drinking high-protein milk at breakfast alongside a high-carbohydrate cereal.

They looked at how this affected participants' blood glucose levels, their feelings of fullness and the amount of food they consumed later on in the day.

They found that thanks to the whey and casein proteins naturally found in milk, drinking it first-thing released gastric hormones that slowed digestion and increased feelings of fullness, which could reduce the risk of obesity due to a subsequent decrease in appetite later on in the day.

“This study confirms the importance of milk at breakfast to aid in the slower digestion of carbohydrate and lower blood sugar levels,” said Goff.

“Nutritionists have always stressed the importance of a healthy breakfast, and this study should encourage consumers to include milk."

Previous research has also hailed the benefits of consuming a diet high in the protein found in dairy products.

For example, a study conducted by scientists at Tel Aviv University in 2016 revealed that whey - which is a by-product of cheese production found in many dairy products - was more effective at controlling blood sugar levels than other sources of protein, such as eggs and soy.

The study also found that consuming whey protein at breakfast significantly reduces one's appetite.

“A whey protein drink is easily prepared and provides the advantages [conferred by] a high-protein breakfast on weight loss, reduction of hunger, glucose spikes and HbA1c [glycated haemoglobin, high levels of which are linked to diabetes],” explained Dr Daniela Jakubowicz, professor of medicine at Tel Aviv University.

Goff's findings come shortly after figures released by the Local Government Association revealed a 40 per cent rise in children with type two diabetes since 2014, which experts said was largely caused by the junk-fuelled childhood obesity epidemic.

Statistics released earlier this year by Public Health England also revealed that a record 22,000 children are classed as severely obese and are consequently at an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, nerve damage and stroke.

https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/diabetes-milk-breakfast-blood-sugar-type-2-glucose-study-a8498986.html

Diabetes type 2 - the amount of weight you should lose to avoid high blood sugar

From express.co.uk

DIABETES type 2 symptoms could be avoided with weight loss if you’re overweight or obese. But how much weight should you lose to prevent signs of the condition?

Diabetes is a common condition that affects just under four million people in the UK.
It’s caused by the pancreas not producing enough of the hormone insulin, or the body not reacting to insulin.
Insulin is needed by the body to convert sugar in the blood into useable energy.

You could be at risk of diabetes if you’re overweight or obese, but losing weight may help you to avoid the high blood sugar condition.

Obesity accounts for at least 80 per cent of the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, said Diabetes.co.uk.
It’s believed that abdominal fat causes fat cells to release chemicals that make the body less sensitive to insulin, it said.
But, if you’re overweight, losing just a moderate amount of weight will help to lower your risk of diabetes.
“While the exact causes of diabetes are still not fully understood, it is known that factors up the risk of developing different types of diabetes mellitus,” said the medical website.
“It is a well-known fact that if you are overweight or obese, you are at greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes, particularly if you have excess weight around your tummy [abdomen].
“According to the NHS, a five per cent reduction in body weight followed up by regular moderate intensity exercise could reduce your type 2 diabetes risk by more than 50 per cent.”

Diabetes type 2: Weight loss could help to prevent high blood sugar symptoms (Image: GETTY Images)

The Joslin Diabetes Centre added: “If you are at risk, type 2 diabetes can be prevented with moderate weight loss and 30 minutes of moderate physical activity each day.”
‘Moderate weight loss’ accounts for around 10 to 15 pounds, said the medical centre.
Reducing your weight by even a little bit can help to improve insulin sensitivity.
It could also lower your chances of developing cardiovascular and metabolic conditions, including heart disease and some cancers.
Regular exercise and a healthy diet can help to prevent obesity, added Diabetes.co.uk.

Diabetes is a lifelong condition that may affect patients’ every day lives, said the NHS.
But some people may have the condition and aren’t even aware of it, as the symptoms don’t necessarily make you feel unwell.
Common diabetes symptoms include feeling constantly thirsty, passing more urine than normal, and blurred vision.
Cutting back on the amount of sugar, fat and salt in your diet could also lower your chances of high blood sugar.
Speak to a doctor if you’re worried about the signs or symptoms of diabetes.

https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/health/1053520/diabetes-type-2-weight-loss-high-blood-sugar-symptoms-obesity

Diabetes symptoms: Three ways the blood sugar condition can affect your eyes

From express.co.uk

DIABETES is a lifelong condition, and a very common one in the UK, usually caused by poor diet and lack of exercise. Left untreated it can cause a number of health problems, including three to do with your eyes.

Diabetes causes a person’s blood sugar level to become too high.
In the case of type 1 diabetes, the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the cells that produce insulin.
With type 2 diabetes, the body doesn’t produce enough insulin, or the body’s cells don’t react to insulin, explains the NHS.
If diabetes is left untreated, serious health conditions can occur, including three to do with the eyes.

Cataracts 

Diabetes is one of the key factors that results in the development of cataracts, according to Diabetes.co.uk.
It adds: “Although the reasons why are still not fully understood, people with diabetes mellitus statistically face a 60 per cent greater risk of developing cataracts.
“As with most complications of diabetes, maintaining good control of your blood sugar levels will help to reduce your risk.”

Glaucoma 

Diabetic retinopathy occurs when changes in blood glucose levels cause changes in retinal blood vessels. People with this have been found to have increased risk of glaucoma.

Abnormal blood vessel growth blocks the natural drainage of the eye.
Glaucoma is caused by the fluid pressing on the nerve at the back of the eye.
Symptoms of glaucoma include loss of sight, blurred vision or a halo around its, and pain in the eye.

Blurry vision 

High levels of blood sugar, as a result of diabetes, can cause the lens in the eye to swell, which can cause temporary blurred vision.
This canals occur as a result of very low blood sugar levels.

    Diabetes symptoms: The condition can lead to the development of glaucoma (Image: GETTY)

Other causes of blurry vision linked to diabetes could be glaucoma and cataracts.
One way to control or prevent type 2 diabetes developing is to eat a healthy, balanced diet.
But with the festive season in full swing, what does this mean when it comes to having an alcoholic drink?
You can drink alcohol, but you need to be aware of how it can affect your body and how to manage this, advises Diabetes UK.

https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/health/1051608/diabetes-symptoms-eye-glaucoma-cataracts-blurred-vision

12 Safe Exercise Tips for People with Diabetes

From dlife.com

As you are well aware, exercise is a requirement for someone with diabetes, whether you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes.
It keeps your muscles flexible, the blood flowing properly through your body, as well as keep your blood glucose levels in check as you go through your day.

The following are some useful tips and information for staying safe while exercising with diabetes.
Be sure to make an appointment to see your doctor before starting an exercise program.
If you have certain diabetic complications, like nerve damage, eye disease, and kidney disease, your doctor may recommend very specific ways to exercise.

Once you’ve gotten approval to start a fitness program, follow these tips to stay safe while you exercise:

1. Check your Levels

Test your blood sugar levels before, during, and after a workout. For most people with diabetes, the safest blood sugar range to start a workout is between 100 mg/dl and 250 mg/dl (5.6 mmol/l and 13.9 mmol/l).  If your blood sugar levels are below 100 mg/dl (5.6 mmol/l) before you exercise, have a snack that contains 15 grams of carbohydrate and test again in 15 minutes.

2. Keep a Log

Use an exercise log to track your exercise activities and your blood sugar levels before and after exercise.

3. Sweets for Safety

Keep a source of fast-acting carbohydrates (e.g., glucose gel or tablets; Sweet Tarts; juice box) nearby for low blood sugar emergencies. Also, carry an energy or a protein bar with you in your gym bag.

4. Talk with your doctor about insulin

When your muscles are working, the insulin you inject works faster, increasing your risk for a low blood sugar. So be sure to check with your doctor regarding when to take your insulin and/or medications before you exercise.

5. Stay Hydrated

Drinking water before, during, and after exercise is important for reducing your risk of dehydration associated with erratic blood sugars and heat stroke.

6. Identify Yourself

Always wear a medical identification tag or bracelet when you work out, so if you experience symptoms of hypoglycemia others will know how to help you in the event of an emergency.

7. Warm Up and Cool Down

The ADA recommends a warm-up of 5-10 min of aerobic activity (walking, cycling, etc.) at a low-intensity level and gentle stretching for an additional 5-10 minutes. The cool-down should also last 5-10 minutes until heart rate has returned to pre-exercise levels.

8. Dress Appropriately

9. Breathe Normally

Wear well-fitting shoes and socks and breathable and weather-appropriate clothing to prevent foot problems and heat stroke. Consider a visit to your podiatrist before starting an exercise program.

When strength training, do not hold your breath, as it can affect your blood pressure and cause you to feel lightheaded.  See your doctor for medical clearance before starting resistance or strength training.

10. Start Slow

If you’re new to exercise, or if you’ve been inactive for a long time, start off by going easy on yourself, increasing tempo, distance, and time as you gradually build your stamina over time.

11. Save Your Breath

A slight shortness of breath is normal during cardio training, but labouring to catch your breath is not.  You should be able to carry on a conversation while you exercise.

12. Carry a Phone

If exercising outdoors, always have access to emergency medical service via a cell phone or other means of communication.
Reviewed by Susan Weiner, RD, MS, CDE, CDN.

https://dlife.com/12-safe-exercise-tips-for-people-with-diabetes/

Teenager receives first commercial artificial pancreas

From diabetestimes.co.uk

The first commercialised ‘artificial pancreas’ product outside of a clinical trial in the UK has been given to a young person in Leeds.
Laura Dunion, 17, of Oulton, is the first person out of three others to receive the new automated insulin delivery system, which she said has given her more freedom to live her life.
The Medtronic Minimed 670g Insulin Pump System is a self-adjusting insulin pump which offers SmartGuard^™.  Medtronic says this the only technology that mimics how a healthy pancreas works, by providing two new levels of automated insulin delivery.
Leeds Children’s Hospital is the first in the country to roll out the system which has been developed to revolutionise care for those with type 1 diabetes.

Now she has an insulin pump attached to a tube in her stomach and a sensor placed on her skin, which has a bluetooth transmitter and automatically detects when insulin is needed and delivers it. Laura can now monitor her blood sugar levels at the touch of a button.
Speaking to the Yorkshire Evening Post, she said: “This is the best technology we have had since I have been diagnosed. It has made me more independent and made me feel more normal. “It means less blood sugar checks. I don’t have to spend so much time checking and worrying about it.”
Dr Fiona Campbell, consultant in children’s diabetes at Leeds Children’s Hospital, said: “I think this will make young people less stressed about their type 1 diabetes and focus more on what they are doing in life.

“For me it’s about helping young people to live a full and active life while minimising the burden of monitoring diabetes. In the future our ambition would be that all young people with type 1 diabetes should have access to this equipment if it is felt they would benefit.
“We are trying to improve long-term outcomes and if we can stabilise glucose levels we have the opportunity to minimise the risk of developing the devastating complications of blindness, amputations, kidney failure and premature death from cardiovascular disease.”
Laura’s mother Lynn Dunion said the technology has also changed her life too.
The 46-year-old said: “I can now sleep knowing she is safe overnight. This is life-changing for me as a parent. It is a huge fear for parents that children will have a hypoglycaemic episode during the night from low blood sugar levels. This system also administers additional insulin as needed to keep blood glucose levels within a normal range, preventing serious long term health complications.”

https://diabetestimes.co.uk/teenager-receives-first-commercial-artificial-pancreas/

GPs to prescribe very low calorie diets in hope of reversing diabetes

From theguardian.com

National Health Service prevention programme in England to invite 5,000 people with type 2 to take part in trial

The NHS announcement followed a smaller trial of a VLCD that proved to be more successful than expected. Photograph: Peter Byrne/PA

Thousands of people are to be offered a very low calorie diet (VLCD) by their GPs in the hope of reversing their type 2 diabetes, NHS England has announced.
The 800-calories-a-day regimen, made up of soups and shakes, has been shown to help people lose excess weight that has caused fat to build up around their internal organs including the pancreas, leading to type 2 diabetes. About 10% of the NHS budget is spent on treating diabetes, which can have serious complications including blindness and the need for amputation.
The NHS has announced a further package of measures to tackle the soaring numbers with obesity-related disease. In 2016, two-thirds of the adult population and a third of children in England were overweight or obese and there were 617,000 obesity-related admissions to hospital.
The diabetes prevention programme, which offers help and support for losing weight and becoming more active, is to double in size to 200,000 people, said NHS England. This will include 5,000 people with type 2 diabetes who will be invited to take part in a highly supervised trial of VLCDs.
The charity Diabetes UK recruited just over 300 people with type 2 from Scotland and Tyneside to test the liquid diet of 800 calories a day for three months. Support was given during and afterwards. The diabetes of almost half who went on the supervised VLCD was in remission after a year, and those who lost the most weight did best – 86% who lost 15kg or more were in remission after 12 months.
Similar results have been achieved through a VLCD in another trial called DROPLET.
“The NHS is now going to be ramping up practical action to support hundreds of thousands people avoid obesity-induced heart attacks, strokes, cancers and type 2 diabetes,” said the chief executive of NHS England, Simon Stevens. “Because what’s good for our waistlines is also good for our wallets, given the huge costs to all of us as taxpayers from these largely preventable illnesses.”
Stevens, who has made it a mission to tackle obesity, urged the food industry to help. “This isn’t a battle that the NHS can win on its own,” he said. “The NHS pound will go further if the food industry also takes action to cut junk calories and added sugar and salt from processed food, TV suppers and fast food takeaways.”
Those who enrol on the diabetes prevention programme but cannot get to sessions will be offered wearable technologies and apps to help change their lifestyles.
Chris Askew, the chief executive of Diabetes UK, welcomed plans to double the size of the programme which, he added, “is already the largest of its kind globally and shows England to be a world leader in this area.
“The ambition being shown by the NHS needs to be matched across all government policy – we need stronger action on marketing to children, and clearer nutritional labelling to support people to make healthy choices.”

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2018/nov/30/gps-to-prescribe-very-low-calorie-diets-in-hope-of-reversing-diabetes