Can an apple a day keep type 2 diabetes at bay?

From ama-assn.org

Fruit has long been considered part of a healthy diet because of its low glycaemic load and richness in soluble and insoluble fibre, vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals. Now a longitudinal study has put a finer point on the issue: Eating moderate amounts of whole fruits could even help prevent type 2 diabetes.

The study, published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, examines associations between intake of fruit, and fruit juice, and these outcomes: measures of glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity, and diabetes at follow-up.

The old axiom about moderation

The study involves 7,675 Australian men and women 25 or older who completed a food-frequency questionnaire indicating their usual intake of 74 food items over the previous 12 months, with 10 frequency response options ranging from “never” to “three or more times per day.” Food items included 10 types of fruit, including apples, oranges and other citruses and bananas, as well as unspecified fruit juices.

At baseline, the population had an average age of 54 and total fruit intake was inversely associated with serum insulin and HOMA2-%β, and positively associated with HOMA2-%S.

Compared with participants with the lowest intakes, those with moderate total fruit intakes had 36% lower odds of having diabetes at five years, after adjusting for confounding dietary and lifestyle factors. Regarding intake of individual types of fruit, apparent inverse associations did not reach statistical significance after adjusting for potential dietary and lifestyle confounders. The authors also looked associations with 12-year outcomes, but those were not statistically significant.

While a positive association between fruit juice consumption and type 2 diabetes had been reported in a meta-analysis done previously, the authors of this study reported no association between consumption of fruit juice and insulin resistance and β-cell dysfunction or incident diabetes.

Understanding insulin

“Insulin resistance, in concert with β-cell dysfunction and obesity, is a key driver of the pathophysiology” of type 2 diabetes, wrote the study’s authors. “HOMA2 is one approach of assessing β-cell function and insulin resistance (or insulin sensitivity) by means of fasting glucose and insulin values.”

They added that “higher total fruit intake was associated with higher insulin sensitivity and lower β-cell function in a dose-response manner. At a glance, the inverse association between fruit intake and β-cell function may seem counterintuitive. However, the HOMA2 of β-cell function measurement actually reflects insulin secretion (or β-cell ‘activity’) rather than β-cell ‘function’; in this context, the lower values likely reflect higher insulin sensitivity.”

Healthier isn’t harder

“Fruit juices tend to have a relatively high glycaemic load—more simple carbohydrate that’s quickly digestible—and may also make people feel less full than whole fruit, so that may be why they don’t have the same prevention value that whole fruits seem to have,” said Kate Kirley, MD, director of chronic disease prevention at the AMA.

The take-home messages, Dr. Kirley said, are: “When you want something sweet, eat fruit instead of other stuff,” and “the less you do to your fruit, the better.”

“In other words, you don’t need to juice it or blend it—just grab a piece of fruit and eat it!” she added. “If it’s hard to keep fresh fruit around, frozen fruit that doesn’t have added sugar is also a great option.”

The authors noted several limitations of their study, including that they could not infer causality or rule out residual confounding and that they did not investigate associations for intake of all fruits captured in the questionnaire.

The AMA’s Diabetes Prevention Guide supports physicians and health care organizations in defining and implementing evidence-based diabetes prevention strategies. This comprehensive and customized approach helps clinical practices and health care organizations identify patients with prediabetes and manage the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, including referring patients at risk to a National Diabetes Prevention Program lifestyle change program based on their individual needs.

https://www.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/diabetes/can-apple-day-keep-type-2-diabetes-bay

Does diabetes affect oral health?

From indianexpress.com

An endocrine disorder, diabetes not only affects various organs of the body, it also has an impact on oral health, said Dr Abhijeet Sharan

Uncontrolled blood sugar levels can affect the eyes, kidneys, nerves, heart, brain, and other body organs, but did you know that it can also affect oral health?

People with high blood sugar levels are at an elevated risk of developing tooth and gum ailments because they have lowered resistance to infection. Also, diabetes can slow down healing, which may interfere with the treatment of periodontal disease, said Dr Abhijeet Sharan, DNB (general medicine), DTM&H, MACP, senior consultant physician (Medica North Bengal clinic).

An endocrine disorder, diabetes not only affects various organs of the body, it also has an impact on oral health, said Dr Sharan.

Diabetes has an impact on oral health too. (Source: Gettyimages/Thinkstock)

What are the common oral health problems that affect diabetics?

Gum abscesses, periodontal disease, fungal infections such as thrush, tooth decay, mouth ulcers, altered taste, and dry mouth.

What is periodontal or gum disease, and how does it affect people with diabetes?

Periodontal or gum disease is a type of infection that destroys the bone surrounding and supporting the teeth. The destruction of the bone that holds the teeth into the jawbone can cause difficulty in chewing.

Sometimes the destroyed bone can house bacteria and food debris, leading to the formation of plaque. If this plaque is left untreated on the teeth and gums, it can harden and form tartar around the gums, which may cause bleeding.

Symptoms of gum disease are

*Red, tender, bleeding gums with swelling
*Continual pus discharge from the gums
*Teeth get loose and pull away from the gums
*Foul taste
*Foul breath
*Deposition of plaque and tartar

Ways to have a healthy oral condition when you have diabetes (Source:Gettyimages/Thinkstock)

Why are people with diabetes prone to tooth decay and cavities?

People with increased blood sugar levels have high sugar levels in their saliva with dry mouths.

“When interacting with the bacteria present in the mouth, the high sugar content of the saliva may cause the formation of acid, which slowly dissolves the enamel of the teeth, causing a cavity,” said Dr Sharan.

People with diabetes must regularly visit their dentist to get their teeth cleaned thoroughly. Also, they must maintain proper oral hygiene to prevent cavities and gum disease.

Why are diabetics at greater risk of developing oral fungal infections?

Oral thrush or candidiasis is the most common oral fungal infection caused by an overgrowth of the yeast, which occurs naturally in the mouth. Dry mouth, high glucose levels in saliva and poor resistance to fight an infection contribute a perfect condition for the yeast to grow in the oral cavity.

“The oral thrush exhibits itself as white or red in the inner lining of the mouth. Sometimes the oral thrush can cause painful ulcers. By controlling the blood glucose levels people with diabetes can avoid developing oral thrush,” he mentioned.

How can people with diabetes take care of their oral health?

If you have diabetes and wish to prevent developing tooth and gum problem, it is advisable to:
*Add plenty of green and leafy vegetables to your diet.
*Take your medicine as suggested by the doctor.
*Clean your teeth with fluoride rich toothpaste twice a day.
*Clean your teeth with dental floss to avoid accumulation of food debris between two teeth.
*Avoid having a dry mouth – drink plenty of water or chew sugar-free gum.
*Avoid smoking cigarettes.

https://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/health/diabetes-oral-health-blood-sugar-infection-periodontal-disease-7428481/

Artificial pancreas may soon help patients with type 2 diabetes

From news-medical.net/news

An artificial pancreas could soon help people living with type 2 diabetes and who also require kidney dialysis. Tests led by the University of Cambridge and Inselspital, University Hospital of Bern, Switzerland, show that the device can help patients safely and effectively manage their blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of low blood sugar levels.

Diabetes is the most common cause of kidney failure, accounting for just under a third (30%) of cases. As the number of people living with type 2 diabetes increases, so too does the number of people requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant. Kidney failure increases the risk of hypoglycaemia and hyperglycaemia – abnormally low or high levels of blood sugar respectively – which in turn can cause complications from dizziness to falls and even to coma.

Managing diabetes in patients with kidney failure is challenging for both patients and healthcare professionals. Many aspects of their care are poorly understood, including targets for blood sugar levels and treatments. Most oral diabetes medications are not recommended for these patients, so insulin injections are the most commonly used diabetes therapy – though optimal insulin dosing regimens are difficult to establish.

A team at the University of Cambridge and Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has previously developed an artificial pancreas with the aim of replacing insulin injections for patients living with type 1 diabetes. In research published today in Nature Medicine, the team – working with researchers at Bern University Hospital and University of Bern, Switzerland – has shown that the device can be used to support patients living with both type 2 diabetes and kidney failure.

The artificial pancreas is powered by software in the user's smartphone that sends a signal to an insulin pump to adjust the level of insulin the patient receives. A glucose monitor measures the patient's blood sugar levels and sends these back to the smartphone to enable it to make further adjustments.

Unlike the artificial pancreas being used for type 1 diabetes, this version is a fully closed loop system – whereas patients with type 1 diabetes need to tell their artificial pancreas that they are about to eat to allow adjustment of insulin, for example, with this new version they can leave the device to function entirely automatically.

Dr Charlotte Boughton from the Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science at the University of Cambridge, who led the study, said: "Patients living with type 2 diabetes and kidney failure are a particularly vulnerable group and managing their condition – trying to prevent potentially dangerous highs or lows of blood sugar levels – can be a challenge. There's a real unmet need for new approaches to help them manage their condition safely and effectively."

The artificial pancreas is a small, portable medical device designed to carry out the function of a healthy pancreas in controlling blood glucose levels, using digital technology to automate insulin delivery. The system is worn externally on the body, and is made up of three functional components: a glucose sensor, a computer algorithm to calculate the insulin dose, and an insulin pump.

The team recruited 26 patients requiring dialysis between October 2019 and November 2020. Thirteen participants were randomized to receive the artificial pancreas first and 13 to receive standard insulin therapy first. The researchers compared how long patients spent in the target blood sugar range (5.6 to 10.0mmol/L) over a 20 day period as outpatients.

Patients using the artificial pancreas spent on average 53% of their time in the target range, compared to 38% when they used the control treatment. This equated to around 3.5 additional hours every day spent in the target range compared with the control therapy.

Mean blood sugar levels were lower with the artificial pancreas (10.1 vs. 11.6 mmol/L). The artificial pancreas reduced the amount of time patients spent with potentially dangerously low blood sugar levels, or 'hypos'.

The efficacy of the artificial pancreas improved considerably over the study period as the algorithm adapted, and the time spent in the target blood sugar range increased from 36% on day one to over 60% by the twentieth day. This finding highlights the importance of using an adaptive algorithm, which can adjust in response to an individual's changing insulin requirements over time.

When asked about their experiences of using the artificial pancreas, everyone who responded said they would recommend it to others. Nine out of ten (92%) reported that they spent less time managing their diabetes with the artificial pancreas than during the control period, and similar numbers (87%) were less worried about their blood sugar levels when using it.

Other benefits of the artificial pancreas reported by study participants included less need for finger-prick blood sugar checks, less time required to manage their diabetes resulting in more personal time and freedom, and improved peace of mind and reassurance. Downsides included discomfort wearing the insulin pump and carrying the smartphone.

"Not only did the artificial pancreas increase the amount of time patients spent within the target range for the blood sugar levels, but it also gave the users peace of mind. They were able to spend less time having to focus on managing their condition and worrying about the blood sugar levels, and more time getting on with their lives."        - Professor Roman Hovorka, Senior Author, Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science

Dr Boughton added: "Now that we've shown the artificial pancreas works in one of the more difficult-to-treat groups of patients, we believe it could prove useful in the wider population of people living with type 2 diabetes."

The team is currently trialling the artificial pancreas for outpatient use in people living with type 2 diabetes who do not need dialysis and exploring the system in complex medical situations such as perioperative care.

Dr Lia Bally, who co-led the study in Bern, said: "The artificial pancreas has the potential to become a key feature of integrated personalized care for people with complex medical needs."

https://www.news-medical.net/news/20210804/Artificial-pancreas-may-soon-help-patients-with-type-2-diabetes.aspx

Type 1 Diabetes Diet: How to Control Your Blood Sugar Levels

From health.com

The aim is not to restrict food, just to make sure blood sugar levels are controlled

Lifestyle issues are the foundation of living with any kind of diabetes, including type 1 diabetes. That puts nutrition, along with exercise and managing stress, at the top of the list of ways to successfully manage type 1 diabetes.

The aim is not to restrict food but to make sure blood sugar levels are controlled, and food plays a role. "Diet may help in managing type 1 diabetes because it allows better control over blood sugars," Deena Adimoolam, MD, a specialist in endocrinology and preventative medicine in New Jersey, tells Health.

What is type 1 diabetes?

At the most basic level, diabetes—both type 1 and type 2—involve abnormally high levels of blood sugar. Over time, this can lead to serious complications including neuropathy, blindness, as well as heart and kidney diseases.

The causes, though, are different for each diabetes type. Type 2 is driven primarily by environmental factors, such as being overweight or obese and following a high-fat, high-sugar diet. This form of diabetes mostly affects adults.

Type 1 diabetes, formerly called juvenile-onset diabetes, is an autoimmune disease. The body's own immune system mistakenly destroys the insulin-producing islet cells in your pancreas. Lack of insulin leads to dangerously high blood sugar levels.

Is there a specific diet for type 1 diabetes?

The goal of managing type 1 diabetes is to keep blood sugar at normal levels to ward off future problems. "Taking control of your blood sugar is the only way that you're going to save yourself from a lot of trouble later on," Sandra J. Arevalo, RDN, national spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, tells Health.

All people with type 1 diabetes will need to take insulin for the rest of their lives, but diabetes is a highly individual disease. Every person will need different amounts of insulin at different times, and the insulin must be carefully calibrated with not just food but also exercise, stress, sickness, your body size, and metabolism—all of which can affect blood sugar. In the beginning, there's a trial-and-error period to find the right combinations of insulin and diet (as well as exercise and other factors). "It takes time to find that magic number," says Arevalo. Type 1 diabetes is also not static, she adds. It will change as time goes on. For this reason and others, there is no one "diabetes diet."

One way to start a dietary plan is with the Diabetes Food Pyramid, based on the well-known Food Pyramid from the US Department of Agriculture. Depending on how many calories you need, the plan recommends:

• 6 or more starches a day, such as beans, yams, potatoes, and whole-wheat bread
• 3 or more vegetables. Go for dark green and orange. "The more colours the better," says Arevalo.
• 2 or more fruits
• 2 or more milks. This could also be low-fat or non-fat yogurt or cheese
• 4 to 6 ounces of meat or another protein
• Up to 3 fats

Alcohol, sweets, and fatty foods should only be taken in moderation.

The plate method can simplify things. Half of your plate should be non-starchy vegetables. Meat or another protein occupies one-fourth, and the final one-fourth is a grain or starch.

Related factors that might affect blood sugar include timing of your meals and how much you exercise. Consulting with a registered dietitian or diabetes educator will help you come up with a plan that suits your personal needs.

What foods can you eat with type 1 diabetes?

That healthy diet for someone with type 1 diabetes is not too different from the one we should all be following, namely a focus on the grains, vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy. Remember that almost three-quarters of Americans are overweight or obese, which means they may already have type 2 diabetes or are at risk for it.

"When it comes to maintaining diabetes control, certain carbohydrates may be better than others," says Dr. Adimoolam. "For example, complex carbohydrates are typically better than simple carbohydrates."

Examples of complex carbohydrates include lentils or beans, and whole-grain bread or pasta. These foods have a lower glycaemic index than their simple carbohydrate counterparts, which means they don't raise blood sugar as much. Meats and fats have few or no carbs and have a minimal effect on blood sugar. Opt for lean meats and "healthy" fats, such as avocados, nuts and seeds. Cook with oil rather than solid products like butter or margarine.

What foods should you avoid with type 1 diabetes?

If you have type 1 diabetes, you should stay away from refined carbohydrates including white rice, chips, candy, and cake as well as fried foods, energy drinks, juice, and flavoured milks. People with type 1 diabetes may need certain high-sugar foods if their blood sugar dips too low but, otherwise, these items will spike your blood sugar levels to unhealthy highs.

Your best bets for beverages are water, milk, and non-sugar-sweetened beverages like diet soda or Crystal Light, which won't raise your blood sugar as much as regular sodas or energy drinks.

Stay away from vegetables with added sauces and choose fruits over fruit juice. As for dairy like milk and yogurt, low- and non-fat versions are the best, especially those without added sugar.

Type 1 diabetes and low-carb diet

Carbohydrates are often made out to be the bad guy in managing type 1 diabetes, but it would be a mistake to think you should avoid them entirely. "That's a misconception because the main source of energy for humans is carbohydrates," says Arevalo.

Carbohydrates provide most of the sugar in your bloodstream, which is why the quantity and quality of the carbs you take in matter.

"We advise our patients with type 1 diabetes to carb count, which means learning to calculate the total number of carbohydrates in their meal and providing themselves insulin based on this carb amount," says Dr. Adimoolam.

"The less simple sugars a person living with type 1 diabetes has in their meal, the more stable their blood sugar values will be," she adds. "In general, we encourage our patients with type 1 diabetes to not restrict or limit carbohydrates, but to follow a healthy, balanced diet."

Type 1 diabetes and the keto diet

There has been considerable interest in using the high-fat, very-low-carb ketogenic ("keto") diet to control diabetes, including type 1 diabetes. Normally, our bodies get energy from sugar, which comes from carbohydrate-rich foods. By restricting carbs and loading up on fat, the keto diet makes your body rely on ketones, which your liver produces from stored fat.

The subject is still a controversial one. One very small study found that adults with type 1 diabetes who followed a keto diet had well-controlled blood-sugar levels, but that the diet may have increased cholesterol levels as well as episodes of low blood sugar, which can be serious. Experts still don't know much about how the keto diet affects our bodies, so don't make any major changes in your eating without consulting a specialist.

Can type 1 diabetes be controlled by diet alone?

The simple answer is no. What you eat plays an important role in how well you manage your diabetes, but a healthy lifestyle also includes exercise, adequate sleep, and as little stress as possible. All of these factors need to be balanced with how much insulin you take. As someone with type 1 diabetes, you will have to consider insulin, diet, exercises, stress, and more for the rest of your life.   

https://www.health.com/condition/type-1-diabetes/type-1-diabetes-diet

Millet based diet may help manage diabetes

From timesnownews.com

A recent study shows the promising benefits of millets in the management and prevention of diabetes. Here is what you need to know

New Delhi: Millets are one of the commonly consumed grains in India and go by different names such as baajra, jowar, and ragi. Popular in African and Asian countries, millets belong to the Poaceae family and they are highly nutritious. A recent study published in Frontiers of Nutrition shows the promising benefits of millets in the management and prevention of diabetes. The study was led by International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) and is part of the Smart Food initiative. There are various kinds of millets such as little millet, finger millet, and foxtail millet. 

Millet based diet may help manage diabetes

Here is what the study says

According to a recent study published in Frontiers of Nutrition called “A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Potential of Millets for Managing and Reducing the Risk of Developing Diabetes Mellitus”, millet consumption can help manage and reduce the risk of developing diabetes. Its low-glycemic properties make it healthy for diabetes patients.

Dr Raj Bhandari, a representative on the Indian National Technical Board of Nutrition and one of the authors of the study said, ‘’The review concluded that even after boiling, baking and steaming (most common ways of cooking grains), millets had lower GI than rice, wheat and maize.”

Dr S Anitha, a senior nutrition scientist at ICRISAT and the lead author of the study said, “A review of the studies published in scientific journals proves that millets keep blood glucose levels in check, thereby reducing the risk of diabetes."

Health benefits of millets

Some other health benefits of millets are as follows:

1. People with a gluten allergy can consume it safely as millets are gluten-free.
2. Millets possess cholesterol-lowering properties thereby promoting heart health.
3. Millets are a rich source of antioxidants, protein, and dietary fibre.
4. Millets are packed with nutrients that can promote weight loss and management.
5. Due to its antioxidant properties, the consumption of millets can enhance skin health.

https://www.timesnownews.com/health/article/millet-based-diet-may-help-manage-diabetes-study-know-the-benefits-of-this-wonderful-whole-grain/793098

Signs you may be on the way to developing type 2 diabetes and how to reverse it now

From coach.nine.com.au

Considering that at least one million Aussies have diabetes and it is estimated that two million more have pre-diabetes, it is safe to say that we should be talking a lot more about this increasingly common disease.

Type 2 diabetes develops when the body is no longer able to keep blood glucose levels controlled, and high blood glucose levels over time are associated with a raft of long-term health issues. What we do not speak about anywhere near enough, is that the early stages of diabetes can be detected as long as ten years before diabetes develops, and that intervening early will ultimately help prevent diabetes from developing.

So here are the tell-tale signs you're a sitting duck for this disease and how to take the steps to reverse it now!

Signs you need to take seriously

Waist measurements over 90cm can often be indicative of high insulin levels over time. (Getty)

Tummy weight gain

Insulin, the hormone that regulates blood glucose levels in the body can show signs that it is elevated a number of years before blood glucose levels are impacted. Specifically, insulin is a hormone that works to store fat in the body, and insulin likes to store fat around the abdominal area. This can mean that distinct abdominal weight gain, or waist measurements over 90cm are often indicative of high insulin levels over time. To accurately assess insulin levels, ideally a Glucose Tolerance Test that includes a measure of insulin levels one and two hours after eating is the test required to determine if you have clinical insulin resistance.

Craving sugars

At times we have all likely experienced a food craving, but constant food cravings, especially for sweet foods despite having already consumed a reasonable amount of food can be suggestive of glucose regulation issues.

(Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Here fluctuating blood glucose levels as a result of poor insulin action can drive the body to seek out more fuel, which explains why you may be cravings sugars even if you have just eaten.

Family history

There is not much we can do to change our genetics and indeed there is a strong genetic predisposition to developing Type 2 diabetes. If a close family member has diabetes it significantly increases the chances you too are at risk, or even more importantly, if you had gestational diabetes when you were pregnant, you have up to a one in two chance of developing Type 2 diabetes within 10 years of your pregnancy.

Cannot lose weight

Perhaps one of the most telling signs of issues with blood glucose and insulin action is that diets do not necessarily work as they should. Here, whilst you may be exercising and reducing your calorie intake you may find you lose a lot less weight than other people and far, far less than you would expect with relatively good diet and exercise compliance. This scenario is suggestive of high insulin levels, which act to block fat being metabolised, hence explaining the slow weight loss.

If you know your diet is not working as it should be, and any of the other signs or symptoms described sound familiar, get to your GP and ask for an insulin assessment via a Glucose Tolerance Test. The earlier you manage your insulin levels, the higher the chance you will take control of your glucose levels before it is too late.

The key steps to help take control of insulin levels

1. Count your carbs

Keeping an eye on how much carbohydrate you are eating via a monitoring app such as MyFitnessPal. Aim for your carbs to be 30-40 per cent of your overall intake or serves of 20-30g at each meal or snack.

2. Cut back on your snacks

Eating too frequently plays havoc with blood glucose and insulin levels so aim for 3-4 hours in between your meals and snacks, including tea and coffee that contains milk.

3. Double your vegetable intake

Forget five serves a day, rather seven-10 serves, or including vegetables at every meal and snack will help to reduce calorie intake and support weight loss.

(Getty Images/iStockphoto)

4. Go light at night

Lighter meals of grilled fish, lean meat or chicken with veggies, soups or warm salads at night is an easy way to cut calories and support both weight loss and hormonal control.

5. Try fasting

Both the 16:8 or 5:2 have good results when it comes to reducing inflammation and improving blood glucose levels.

6. Get your exercise on track

Once you are moving at least 10,000 steps each day, adding a couple of exercise sessions in which your heart rate is elevated will help the muscles to process insulin more efficiently.

Author Susie Burrell is a leading Australian dietitian and nutritionist, founder of Shape Me, co-host of The Nutrition Couch podcast and prominent media spokesperson, with regular appearances in both print and television media commenting on all areas of diet, weight loss and nutrition.

https://coach.nine.com.au/lifecoach/signs-you-may-be-on-the-way-to-developing-diabetes-and-how-to-reverse-it-now/f4e93c43-391e-4b75-b28f-d6f092a59a2d

10 precautionary measures for diabetics amid pandemic

From indianexpress.com

The pandemic has already created havoc worldwide but the patients suffering from diabetes are seeing worse prognoses. Here are few precautionary measures for diabetic patients

The pandemic has shaken the world and has also changed the way we care for ourselves, especially health and lifestyle habits. While everyone is equally exposed and vulnerable to Covid infection, it is particularly more terrifying for people with lifestyle diseases as they are more at risk of severe complications.

“As such, people suffering from diabetes are particularly seeing worse prognoses than those who are not. Hence, it is a must that diabetics take extra precautions to safeguard themselves against Covid-19,” said Vivek Subramanyam, CEO and founder, LiveAltLife.

Here are the top 10 precautionary measures that a diabetic can take:

Breathing exercises – These are extremely important to improve and enhance lung capacity and keep oxygen levels high and steady.

Gargling and Oil Pulling – Gargling helps in killing germs, and oil pulling on an empty stomach can help in sanitizing the oral cavity. Care must be taken not to gargle a lot – 3-4 times a week should suffice.

Regular medications – Diabetics, who are on medication, must administer them regularly to avoid blood sugar levels rising beyond accepted levels. High blood sugar levels may lead to worsening of Covid prognosis if affected.

Strict sugar control – Nutrition plays a central role when it comes to disease prevention. Consume a low carb and high-fat diet to reduce blood glucose and maintain energy. Keep protein intake low to moderate. Try an eating window of 8-10 hours daily and fast for the remaining hours. This helps to keep glucose levels in check and control diabetes in the body.

Fresh vegetables and fruits – Consume a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables as the main part of a diet to replenish essential vitamins and minerals. Indulge in apples, watermelon, grapefruit, pineapple, papaya, banana, green leafy vegetables, bell peppers, squashes, tomato, onion, garlic, all cruciferous vegetables, etc.

Supplements – Consult with your general physician and add Vitamin C, D, and A along with zinc in your diet to boost immune strength, but do not continue for a long time.

Monitor SpO2 (twice a day) – Measuring blood oxygen levels is very important, a reading less than 95 per cent oxygen saturation can be an early warning sign of infection.

Early recognition of symptoms and active treatment – Watch out for signs like mild fever, sore throat, tiredness, difficulty breathing, etc. if noticed, seek medical advice immediately.

Good lifestyle habits – Try and consume water every hour to stay hydrated. Manage and maintain sleep schedules – 6 to 8 hours daily. Try finding time for meditation and physical activity to help de-stress and improve blood circulation.

Maintain distance – Follow Covid Guidelines to help save yourself from coming in contact with the virus. Also, if someone at home is not well, keep your distance to stay safe.

https://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/health/diabetics-precautions-covid-19-7418909/