Not all fruits or vegetables might be healthy for you owing to the fact that all bodies are different and different vegetables have different nutritional values. If you are suffering from a certain disease, it is important that you choose your vegetables and fruits right according to the needs of your body and what is good for it
New Delhi: Not all fruits and vegetables have the same kind of nutritional values, some might be high in sodium, and others might be high in potassium or other vitamins and minerals. Your body needs vitamins and minerals as they keep the body healthy and also aids in its functioning.
However, not all fruits or vegetables might be healthy for you owing to the fact that all bodies are different and different vegetables have different nutritional values. If you are suffering from a certain disease, it is important that you choose your vegetables and fruits right according to the needs of your body and what is good for it.
Diabetes is a disease that increases your blood sugar and if not controlled, it could cause kidney diseases, damage the nervous system and other organs as well. Therefore, it is important that you control your blood sugar. Eating the right fruits and vegetables could help. Take a look at the vegetables that you could include in your diet if you are suffering from diabetes.
Lettuce: This green-leafy vegetable is rich in Vitamin K which can help to improve insulin regulation, thereby, improving blood sugar levels. The Vitamin K present in lettuce also helps in blood clotting.
Eggplant or brinjal: This vegetable is rich in fibres and proteins which slows down the process of absorption of carbs into the blood, thereby, keeping blood sugar under control.
Broccoli: This vegetable too is high in proteins which helps to improve the blood sugar levels by slowing down the absorption of carbs. Also, it nourishes the good bacteria in the stomach which helps to keep the gut healthy.
Cauliflower: Like broccoli, this vegetable too belongs to the family of cruciferous vegetables which are high in fibre content. These fibres also help to keep the stomach full for longer along with maintaining blood sugar levels.
Broccoli is high in proteins which helps to improve the blood sugar levels by slowing down the absorption of carbs. Also, it nourishes the good bacteria in the stomach which helps to keep the gut healthy. (Picture courtesy: Pexels)
Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes 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.
Fatigue is a common symptom of diabetes and can result from high blood sugar levels and other symptoms and complications of the condition. Some lifestyle changes can help a person manage diabetes fatigue.
Fatigue and tiredness are not the same. When a person is tired, they usually feel better after resting. When a person has persistent fatigue, rest may not relieve feelings of exhaustion and lethargy.
According to the American Diabetes Association, research shows that 61 percent of people with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes report fatigue as a symptom. The same study found that fatigue is the second most common symptom in this group.
In this article, we look at the links between diabetes and fatigue. We also provide advice on how to manage this potentially disruptive symptom.
Fatigue is a common symptom of diabetes. There are many reasons why diabetes can cause fatigue, including:
changes in blood sugar levels
other diabetes symptoms
complications of diabetes
mental and emotional issues resulting from diabetes
being overweight
Changes in blood sugar levels
Diabetes affects the way the body regulates and uses blood sugar.
When a person eats, the body breaks down food into simple sugars, or glucose. In people with diabetes, the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, or the body does not use insulin effectively. Cells need insulin to absorb glucose from the blood.
If the cells do not take in enough glucose, it can build up in the blood. The cells need glucose to provide energy.
Fatigue and weakness might result when the cells do not get enough glucose. Diabetes medications, such as insulin or metformin, help more of this sugar to move into the cells and prevent it from building to harmful levels in the blood.
A potential side effect of diabetes medications is low blood sugar, or hypoglycaemia.
Low blood sugar can also cause fatigue, especially in people who do not get enough warning that their blood sugars levels are dropping. A person can also feel fatigued after treatment of low blood sugar.
Other diabetes symptoms
Other symptoms of diabetes can also contribute to a person experiencing fatigue, including:
frequent urination
excessive thirst
extreme hunger despite eating
unexplained weight loss
blurred vision
While not all of those symptoms account for feelings of fatigue directly, many of them may contribute to an overall feeling of being unwell. These persistent and uncomfortable sensations may have severe mental and physical effects that can lead to the development of fatigue.
Some of the symptoms of diabetes might also disrupt a person’s sleep pattern. For example, a person with the condition may find themselves waking up several times every night to use the bathroom or get a drink.
Similarly, discomfort in the limbs, hands, and feet may make it difficult for a person with diabetes to fall asleep and stay asleep.
This disruption to a person’s sleep cycle can lead to them feeling increasing fatigue.
Diabetes complications
Share on PinterestManaging diabetes can help prevent complications, such as heart disease.
People with diabetes might develop complications that contribute to feelings of fatigue.
These complications typically develop in a person who has the condition when their blood sugar levels remain too high.
Possible complications include:
kidney problems, including kidney failure
frequent infections
heart disease
nerve damage, also known as diabetic neuropathy
Adverse effects of diabetes medication
Certain medications that a person might use to treat the complications of diabetes and other health problems may also cause adverse effects that contribute to fatigue.
Medications that can lead to fatigue include the following:Trusted Source
Corticosteroids: A person with diabetes might need to take corticosteroids, such as prednisone, to treat the inflammation, pain, and discomfort that develop due to other conditions and diseases.
Statins: A doctor might prescribe statins to reduce levelsTrusted Source of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or “bad" cholesterol, in the blood.
Diuretics: People mainly use diuretics to treat high blood pressure. These lead people to pass more urine than they normally would.
Diabetes sometimes increases urinary frequency, so this side effect can be particularly potent for people who have the condition.
Beta blockers: Doctors recommend beta blockers for people who have high blood pressure and anxiety. However, their slowing effect on a person’s heart rate might lead to chronic fatigue as an adverse effect.
Alongside the diabetes symptoms that contribute to fatigue, beta blockers can have particularly potent side effects in people who have diabetes.
Mental and emotional health
Living with diabetes can often impact a person’s mental and emotional health.
According to a 2016 study of 90,686 participants, people with diabetes may be around two to three times more likely to experience depression than people who do not have the condition.
The same study found that anxiety was more prevalent in people who were aware they had diabetes due to their health concerns.
Both depression and anxiety can also cause increased feelings of fatigue due to sleep disruption.
Depression can also adversely affect blood sugar control, which may increase the risk of fatigue.
In fact, many of the symptoms of depression relate directly to fatigue, including:
changes in sleeping patterns
waking too early or being unable to go back to sleep
loss of energy
Being overweight
Many people with diabetes, especially those with type 2 diabetes, are overweight or obese. Excess body weight might also contribute to fatigue.
Reasons for the association between being overweight and fatigue may include:
Lifestyle choices that may lead to weight gains, such as lack of exercise or a diet that contains too much processed or junk food.
The increased energy a person uses up when moving the extra body weight.
Sleep disruption from some complications of being overweight, such as sleep apnoea.
Lifestyle changes can help a person manage both diabetes and symptoms of fatigue.
Effective lifestyle adjustments may include:
maintaining a healthful weight or losing weight if necessary
getting regularly exercise
eating a healthful diet
practicing good sleep hygiene with regular bedtimes, 7 to 9 hours sleep, and unwinding before bed
managing and limiting stress
seeking support from friends and family
To reduce fatigue, it is also essential for a person to properly manage their diabetes and any related conditions. Achieving this requires the following measures:
regularly monitoring blood sugar levels
following a diet that limits refined carbohydrates and simple sugars
taking all prescribed diabetes medications and following a doctor’s instructions closely
seeking appropriate treatment for any related conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, and depression
Share on PinterestSome types of medication may cause fatigue as a side effect.
Some types of medication may cause fatigue as a side effect.
A person with diabetes might have fatigue due to factors outside of the condition.
Fatigue might develop for the following reasons:
acute illness
unrelated stress
arthritis or other chronic conditions that cause inflammation
hormonal imbalances
sleep apnoea
anaemia
When to see a doctor
A person with diabetes should see their doctor regularly to monitor and manage their diabetes.
They may also wish to consult a doctor who specializes in treating new or worsening fatigue that interferes with daily life.
People should seek medical attention for fatigue that occurs alongside other symptoms, such as fever, chills, or malaise, as these could indicate an infection.
People with diabetes commonly experience persistent fatigue.
Causes of fatigue can include high or low blood sugar levels, depression, being overweight, certain medications, and coinciding medical conditions.
While fatigue can interfere with a person’s daily life, controlling blood sugar levels and putting in place lifestyle changes can improve energy levels and reduce tiredness and lethargy.
It can be helpful for a person to connect with people who understand what they are going through. T2D Healthline is a free app that provides support through one-on-one conversations and live group discussions with others living with type 2 diabetes. Download the app for iPhone or Android.
Q:
How can I tell the difference between tiredness and fatigue?
A:
Fatigue is usually more intense than being tired and is described as unrelenting exhaustion that rest does not relieve.
This chronic feeling may also mean being weary, and it often develops over time. Fatigue, in addition to low energy, can cause additional symptoms such as headache, dizziness, achy muscles, and even irritability.
Conversely, tiredness usually improves after rest.
Trusted Source Answers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.
You can donate blood if you have diabetes, but you’ll need to meet certain requirements
Donating blood is a selfless way to help others. Blood donations help people who need transfusions for many types of medical conditions, and you may decide to donate blood for a variety of reasons.
A pint of donated blood may help up to three people. Although you’re allowed to donate blood if you have diabetes, there are a few requirements that you’ll need to meet.
If you have diabetes and want to donate blood, it’s generally safe to do so. People with type 1 and type 2 diabetes are eligible to give blood donations. But you should properly manage your diabetes and be in otherwise good health before donating blood.
Properly managing your diabetes means that you maintain healthy blood sugar levels. This requires you to be vigilant about your diabetes daily. You need to be aware of your blood sugar levels throughout each day and make sure you eat a nutritious diet and exercise sufficiently.
Living a healthy lifestyle will contribute to keeping your blood sugar levels in a healthy range. Your doctor may also prescribe certain medications to help manage your diabetes. These medications shouldn’t impact your ability to donate blood.
If you want to donate blood but are concerned about your diabetes, talk with your doctor before your donation. They can answer any questions you may have and help you determine whether this is the best option for you.
Blood donation centres have a screening process that requires you to disclose any pre-existing health conditions.
It’s also when a certified Red Cross professional will evaluate you and measure your basic vital statistics, such as:
temperature
pulse
blood pressure
haemoglobin levels
If you have diabetes, you’ll need to share your condition at the screening. The person screening you may ask additional questions.
You should make sure you have information about any medications you may be taking to treat your diabetes. These diabetes medications shouldn’t disqualify you from donating blood.
People who donate blood, regardless of whether they have diabetes, must also meet the following requirements:
be in good health in general and on the day you donate
weigh at least 110 pounds
be 16 years or older (age requirement varies by state)
You should reschedule your session if you aren’t feeling well on the day of your blood donation.
Other health conditions and factors, such as international travel, may prevent you from donating blood. Check with your blood donation centre if there are other considerations, health or otherwise, that may prevent you from donating.
Blood donation
The entire blood donation process takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. The time spent actually donating blood typically takes about 10 minutes.
You’ll be seated in a comfortable chair while you donate blood. The person assisting you with the donation will sanitize your arm and insert a needle. Generally, the needle will only cause a slight amount of pain, similar to a pinch.
After the needle goes in, you shouldn’t feel any pain.
Before you decide to donate blood, there are a few ways you can prepare to make sure your donation is successful. You should:
Drink plenty of water leading up to the donation. You should increase your water intake a few days before your scheduled donation.
Eat iron-rich foods or take an iron supplement 1 to 2 weeks before the donation.
Sleep well the night before your donation. Plan on getting 8 or more hours of sleep.
Eat balanced meals leading up to your donation and afterward. This is especially important when you have diabetes. Maintaining a healthy diet that keeps your blood glucose levels low is key to managing your condition.
Limit caffeine on donation day.
Bring a list of the medications you’re currently taking.
Carry identification with you, such as your driver’s license or two other forms of identification.
After the donation, you should monitor your blood sugar level and continue to eat a healthy diet. Consider adding iron-rich foods or a supplement to your diet for 2 to 4 weeks following your donation.
In general, you should:
Take acetaminophen if your arm feels sore.
Keep your bandage on for at least 4 hours to avoid bruising.
Rest if you feel lightheaded.
Avoid strenuous activity for 24 hours after the donation. This includes exercise as well as other tasks.
Increase your fluid intake for a few days following your donation.
If you feel sick or are concerned about your health after the blood donation, contact your doctor immediately.
Donating blood is an altruistic endeavour that can directly help people. Living with well-managed diabetes shouldn’t prevent you from donating blood on a regular basis.
If your diabetes is well managed, you can donate once every 56 days.
If you begin experiencing unusual symptoms after donating, you should speak with your doctor.
I’ve had type 2 diabetes for more than 18 years, and I’ve been writing about it for almost half of that time. Over the years, I’ve realised there are many things people don’t understand about diabetes. Here are four of them.
I may have diabetes, but please don’t call me a “diabetic.” I am a wife, stepmother, daughter, sister, aunt, sister-in-law, niece, cousin, friend, business owner, cook, writer, recipe developer, photographer, freelancer, rental home owner, bookkeeper, fitness enthusiast, traveller, advocate, reader, sports fan, and support group leader (among other things) — but I am not a “diabetic.” It breaks my heart when I hear stories about kids, especially, who are called “the diabetic” at school. For example, “Go get the diabetic. It’s time for his shot.” We are people with diabetes and we are all so much more.
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder. It causes the body to attack the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. This means that a person with type 1 makes no insulin. Without insulin, you die. People with type 1 must inject insulin to stay alive. People with type 2 diabetes produce insulin, but their bodies don’t use it very well. Over time, their insulin-producing cells may give up from exhaustion. Type 2 can be managed with lifestyle changes, medication, and sometimes insulin. In addition, there’s another type of diabetes known as latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA), sometimes called type 1.5. This condition has characteristics of both type 1 and type 2. It’s really annoying when someone finds out you have diabetes and asks: “Is it the bad kind?” None of them are good.
There is no one-size-fits-all diabetes management plan. Even if you find something that works, it may not 10 years down the road. Once I could easily eat 60 to 70 grams of carbohydrates at a meal; now I’m lucky if 40 grams keeps me in range. Other people with diabetes may only eat that much in an entire day. Everyone’s diabetes is different. For some of us, eating sweet foods, pasta, or potatoes in moderation is perfectly fine. We don’t appreciate comments like “Should you really be eating that?” We know how to best manage our own diets, thank you very much.
I really hate hearing jokes that go something like this: “That cake was so sweet, I thought I was going to get diabetes.” Repeat after me: Eating sugar does not cause diabetes. While it’s true that being overweight and not exercising regularly can increase your risk for type 2 diabetes, there are many other factors that contribute as well: age, genetics, and being of certain ethnic backgrounds, to name a few. Please get over the misconception that those of us with diabetes are fat, lazy, and sit on the couch eating cookies all day, or that we “did this to ourselves” because of poor lifestyle choices.
In the United States, there are currently more than 30 million people with diabetes and 84 million with prediabetes. The more we all understand about what diabetes is — and what it isn’t — the better off everyone will be.
Keto can reduce blood sugar, but that doesn’t mean it’s right for everyone
Originally created in the 1920s as a treatment for epilepsy, theketogenic diet(aka “keto diet” or just plain “keto”) is a trending diet that stresses fats and proteins and severely limits carbohydrates and sugars. Because controlling carbs is important to managing Type 2 diabetes, it may seem that keto would be a go-to diet for people living with diabetes.
While the keto diet may be effective for some people living with Type 2 diabetes, there’s a lot more to consider, says registered dietitian Melissa Matteo, RD.
“Managing diabetes with diet truly takes an individualized approach,” Matteo says. “There’s a lot to weigh, in terms of your health needs and your goals. Keto can help some people manage their diabetes, but it’s not right for everyone.”
We talked with Matteo about the pros and cons of the keto diet for people living with diabetes. Talk with your doctor if you think keto could be right for you.
Ketosis vs. Ketoacidosis
When we’re talking about keto and diabetes, there are a few vocabulary words that can get confusing, (especially when they all begin with “keto”). Let’s review a few before we get started:
Ketonesare the fats your body burns when you run out of carb-power.
Ketosisis the sweet spot you’re looking for when you’re on the keto diet. It means your body has run out of the glucose it gets from carbohydrates and, instead, is burning ketones to create energy.
Ketoacidosisis when things go too far and ketones build up too much, turning your blood acidic. This is more common for people with Type 1 diabetes when blood sugar levels are too high and insulin levels are inadequate, but it can also happen when you have Type 2 diabetes. Symptoms to look out for include excessive thirst, urinating often, confusion, weakness and fatigue. Diabetes-related ketoacidosis is a dangerous condition. If you think you might be developing it, call your healthcare provider immediately.
What is the keto diet?
Glucose (sugar) is the quickest and easiest way for your system to get the energy it needs to go about its business, so your body first turns to the glucose it gets from carbohydrates to fuel up. Carbs are essentially the low-hanging fruit of the metabolic world. (And, yes, many fruits are in fact high in carbs.)
When there aren’t any carbs hanging around, your body instead turns to fats to get the energy it needs. Converting fats into energy takes more work. So, when your body is running on fats (in a state of ketosis), you’ll burn off more calories. That means you ultimately lose weight because your body is putting in some serious work to keep the juices flowing.
When you’re on the keto diet, you hyper-restrict foods that contain carbohydrates — including grains and most fruits — and instead load up on proteins and fats (think meats and nuts). This means your body will convert fat into energy instead of gobbling up those easy-to-convert carbohydrates. Keto can lead to rapid weight loss when followed properly.
The keto diet’s effects on blood glucose
By cutting carbohydrate intake to essentially zero, following a strict keto diet has been shown to lower blood sugar levels. For people with diabetes, though, Matteo cautions that low blood sugar should be avoided.
“For people with diabetes, there is real cause for concern if their blood sugar drops too low,” she says. “Low blood sugar is especially a risk if you’re also on certain diabetes medications or taking insulin.” Monitor your blood sugar levels regularly and speak with your doctor to see if medication adjustments are necessary.
A blood glucose level that’s lower than the normal range of about 70 milligrams per decilitre is called hypoglycaemia. It’s a potentially dangerous condition that can occur, particularly for those living with diabetes, when your food intake and medication levels are out of balance.
Symptoms of hyperglycaemia can include:
Weakness or shaking.
Moist skin or sweating.
Fast heartbeat.
Dizziness.
Confusion.
Unsteadiness.
Nightmares, bad dreams or restless sleep.
Blurred vision.
Headaches and seizures.
Keto diet and diabetes research
Scientific research has confirmed the keto diet is effective for managing Type 2 diabetes by lowering blood sugar and promoting weight loss. Researchers also caution, however, that the keto diet can be notoriously difficult to stick with and that research on keto’s long-term effectiveness and risks is still in its early stages.
Is the ketogenic diet safe for people with diabetes?
The keto diet can be done safely and effectively for some people living with diabetes. Matteo says determining whether it’s right for you is a question of weighing the pros and cons and talking with your doctor.
“Diabetes is a lifelong condition, so managing your diabetes needs to work within your lifestyle,” Matteo notes. “Restrictive meal plans like keto can be effective, but it’s not always the right choice when it comes to sustainability.”
Pros
Following a keto diet has been shown to be effective for blood sugar management.
Following a keto diet has been shown to be effective for weight loss. If you have insulin resistance or a BMI (body max index) greater than 30, keto can be an option to get you to your target weight quickly.
If followed in close consultation with your doctor, a keto diet can lead to reduced dependence on diabetes medication and insulin.
Cons
You may be at an increased risk for hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) while following a keto diet, especially if your medication and insulin aren’t in balance with your eating pattern.
As a severely restrictive diet, keto can be difficult to stick to in the long term. Yo-yo dieting can keep you from developing the long-term healthy habits that will keep your diabetes well managed.
Lack of nutrients while avoiding certain food groups may require supplementation. Speak with your doctor to see if vitamin and mineral supplements are needed.
Constipation may result, as keto eating patterns are often low fibre. Consider low-carb fibre sources or fibre supplements.
Is keto good for people with diabetes and high cholesterol?
People with diabetes are already at risk for high cholesterol and heart disease. The keto diet in its purest form might not necessarily distinguish between “good” fats and “bad” fats … but you should.
“Whether you want to try out keto or follow another carbohydrate-controlled eating pattern, we do stress that your diet should be heart healthy,” Matteo advises. “Because the keto diet is about getting your fuel from fats, your friend who’s doing keto might tell you it’s OK to eat excessive amounts of butter or the fattiest cuts of red meat. We don’t recommend that for anyone.”
Instead, Matteo suggests people living with diabetes, especially if they also have high cholesterol, should stick with something like the Mediterranean diet, which emphasizes fruits and vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts and moderate amounts of lean poultry, fish and dairy.
Matteo also says managing diabetes with diet requires an individualized approach. The best diet to manage your Type 2 diabetes is the one that manages your diabetes, works for your lifestyle and is supported by your doctor.
“Before you start any restrictive eating pattern on your own, you should talk with your doctor or registered dietitian,” Matteo emphasizes. “They can help you understand your options, advise you on whether any particular diet could benefit you and help you understand any risks.”
