All You Need To Know About Diet For Diabetes

From bwhealthcareworld.businessworld.in

A healthy diet is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle, especially when you have diabetes. Diet plays a vital role in managing blood glucose levels, and by incorporating healthy eating meal plans, people with diabetes can keep their blood sugar levels under control.

Diet for diabetes simply means eating healthy foods in moderate amounts of foods at a fixed time. Switching to this diet at the beginning may seem a bit challenging. Yet, if a person with diabetes continues to follow it strictly, they will see a significant difference in their blood glucose levels within a few days. 

What are the benefits of a healthy diet?

Eating healthy food positively affects the well-being of people with diabetes. A healthy diet helps to manage the blood sugar levels and blood cholesterol levels in people having diabetes. Apart from controlling blood glucose levels, the other benefits of a diabetic diet are:

• It helps to reduce weight

• Delay in the development of diabetes-related complications

• A feeling of well-being

What foods should people having diabetes eat?

Having diabetes should not stop you from relishing your favourite treats. People with diabetes can enjoy their favourite food, although not very often and in a moderate serving. The food that people with diabetes should eat are:

• Non-starchy vegetables that have low carbohydrate content like broccoli, tomatoes, carrots, greens, and peppers.

• Fruits like oranges, melons, berries, and apples.

• Whole grains like wheat, oats, corn meals, quinoa, barley, and rice.

• Proteins-rich food like lean meat, chicken, fish, eggs, nuts, peanuts, and tofu.

• Low-fat dairy products like yogurt and cheese.

• Foods that are rich in omega3 like salmon, tuna, avocado, and nuts.

What foods should people with diabetes avoid?

Foods that people with diabetes should avoid are:

• Foods that are rich in saturated fats and trans-fat like fried food, shortening, etc

• High salt content foods like pickles, papad, and namkeen.

• Sweets, like ice-creams, mithai, candies, and pastries.

• Drinks with added sugar like juice, cold drinks, and energy drinks.

People with diabetes must keep a check on their alcohol consumption too. Consuming alcohol can increase your blood glucose level, especially when consumed on an empty stomach. 

How much can people with diabetes eat?

Eating the right amount of food is essential for diabetes, as food plays a critical role in managing blood glucose levels. People with diabetes must eat food within their suggested calorie limit as advised. Overweight people with diabetes must ensure to lose weight to facilitate early control over their blood glucose levels. Losing weight is crucial for overweight women with diabetes who are planning a baby. 

People with diabetes can control the amount of food consumed by applying either of the two methods:

Plate method: Use a 9-inch plate for a meal and put non-starchy vegetables on one half of the plate; protein on one-fourth portion of the plate; and a grain or other starchy food on the remaining one-fourth. 

Besides monitoring food by plate method, people with diabetes can eat a small fruit or a small portion of fruit or a cup of milk between their meals.

Carbohydrate counting: By the carbohydrate counting method, people with diabetes need to count their calories. Carbohydrate counting helps to manage blood glucose levels as overeating carbohydrates can surge blood sugar levels.

Besides eating healthy food, maintaining physical activity through regular exercise adds extraordinary health advantages for people with diabetes.  

http://bwhealthcareworld.businessworld.in/article/All-You-Need-To-Know-About-Diet-For-Diabetes/27-08-2021-402187/

USA: Expert Panel Lowers Routine Screening Age for Diabetes to 35

From webmd.com

TUESDAY, Aug. 24, 2021 (HealthDay News) -- The recommended age to start screening overweight and obese people for diabetes will be lowered by five years from 40 to 35, the nation's leading panel of preventive health experts has announced.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) has decided an earlier five years of testing could help detect more people who have prediabetes, said Dr. Michael Barry, vice chair of the USPSTF.

That would give those folks a chance to avoid full-blown diabetes by adopting a healthier diet, exercising more often and losing weight, said Barry, director of the Informed Medical Decisions Program at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.

Diabetes is "a major risk factor for heart attacks and strokes, but also the leading cause of blindness and kidney failure in the United States, and a major reason behind limb amputations," he said. "No one would say this isn't important."

About 13% of American adults — 34 million people — have diabetes, according to the U.S. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.

But more than one in three (35%) have prediabetes, a condition in which blood sugar levels are higher than normal but haven't yet irreversibly harmed the body's ability to respond to insulin. 

"We know that epidemiologically we see a spike in the prevalence of both diabetes and prediabetes around age 35," Barry said.

The new recommendation and the science behind it were published Aug. 24 in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

The USPSTF's recommendation is important because under the Affordable Care Act ("Obamacare"), insurers are required to fully cover any screening the task force endorses, with no out-of-pocket cost to patients.

In the case of diabetes, screening entails a safe and simple blood test to check for levels of either fasting blood sugar or haemoglobin A1C, Barry said.

The American Diabetes Association hailed the updated screening recommendations.

"New cases of diabetes continue to rise, and we know that approximately one-fourth of those with diabetes remain undiagnosed," said Dr. Robert Gabbay, the association's chief scientific and medical officer. "Lowering the age requirement down to 35 for those that are overweight or obese is a step in the right direction."

https://www.webmd.com/diabetes/news/20210824/expert-panel-lowers-routine-screening-age-for-diabetes-to-35

Lessons From a Diabetes Diagnosis (Type 2)

By Dorothy Zjawin

On the evening that I was diagnosed with diabetes, I was at the hospital after being hit by a car. Fortunately, I only had a minor bone fracture in my left arm. The diagnosis of diabetes, however, was devastating and was confirmed by a doctor who examined me. He prescribed physical therapy for my arm. The good news was that my arm didn't need surgery! But the idea of having to deal with diabetes was worse.

It meant endless doctor visits and expensive insulin prescriptions. Determined to avoid that fate, I researched diabetes and learned that it could be reversed, Studies had indicated that this was possible, with diabetics recovering and losing weight in the process,

I was going to reverse my diabetes and began learning about helpful foods like spinach, broccoli and oranges. My education had just begun.

Eat plenty of leafy green vegetables every day. I opted for eating salads for lunch. Broccoli and fresh spinach were the two main ingredients. Egg salad and lettuce were the other ingredients. As a diabetic. I could eat tuna and salmon (wild caught). Beverages were lemon water, coffee and green tea.

Avoid doughnuts, chips, soda, orange juice, pastries, sweet cereal, pizza and ice cream. And although little was said about cravings, I experienced them anyway. No more jelly doughnuts! Focus on a plant based diet instead. In the beginning, I suffered a lot of cravings, but turned to nuts such as almonds and walnuts as snacks and gradually reduced the cravings. Occasionally, I'd treat myself to some vanilla ice cream or a slice of pizza, but did not eat those foods every day.

Try eating healthy foods that you never ate as a youngster. I never got fresh spinach at home. My dad used to open canned spinach and serve it for lunch. I hated it and tried feeding it to the cat, who also refused it as well. But I tried fresh spinach and liked it a lot. I also tried and enjoyed broccoli and sweet potatoes, which I liked and added them to my diet. I still have to try eating avocados, preferably every day. And I'm not a fan of fish.

Stick to healthy whole foods that you like and avoid fad diets like paleo and keto. Now paleo and Keto have their good points but they are rather restrictive. I tried the keto diet for a week, but didn't care for many of its featured foods and stopped a few days later.

Opt for an egg for breakfast, as it will help to keep you full. Scrambled eggs or omelettes are always good choices. I used to have coffee and a fresh orange, which didn't satisfy me at all. I ate a lot of pasta, hamburgers and other junk food. I also gained weight and developed high blood pressure and Type 2 diabetes.

Remember to exercise every day even taking a long walk or cycling. Walking is ideal. So is jogging. Both activities are good for the heart. You'll lose weight as well and be pleased to ditch baggy slacks and tops.

I'm working on reversing diabetes, but have more energy and slimmed down. I fit comfortably in size 12 clothes and have routinely eaten whole foods. OK, I do enjoy an occasional doughnut or a few french fries, but don't eat them every day. I've also enjoyed my adventure eating different healthy produce. My blood pressure is down. My clothes feel loose and people have noticed my weight loss.

I'm not a doctor and am only interested in mentioning what has helped me. Everyone is different, so to that end it is better to consult with a doctor for diseases like diabetes.

https://ezinearticles.com/?Lessons-From-a-Diabetes-Diagnosis&id=10495962

Diabetes Management: How Can Cinnamon Help Manage Diabetes?

From food.ndtv.com

"Cinnamaldehyde" is the main active ingredient, which is responsible for its majority of health benefits and aroma

Cinnamon is one of the popular spices in the world and is commonly used to add flavour to different food items. Apart from flavour and aroma, it also offers different medicinal benefits. "Cinnamaldehyde" is the main active ingredient, which is responsible for its majority of health benefits and aroma. Some of the studies suggest that cinnamon is useful as an anti-diabetic agent, antioxidant agent, antimicrobial agent and anti-inflammatory agent. It is also considered as helpful in cardiovascular diseases.

Nutritional Values Of Cinnamon

As per the USA Department of Agriculture (USDA), 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon offers:

Calories: 6.42 kc

Carbohydrate: 2.1 gm

Calcium: 26.1 mg

Magnesium: 1.56 mg

Phosphorus: 11.2 mg

Potassium: 11.2 mg

Apart from that, it contains B Complex, several antioxidants such as Choline, Beta-carotene, Lycopene, Lutein, Zeaxanthin and different other antioxidant agents also. It's antioxidant properties help reduce oxidative stress and might be helpful in the prevention of type 2 diabetes, heart diseases and many other health conditions.

It is not only useful in Diabetes but also helpful in stomach ailments

such as flatulence and bloating             iStock

Types Of Cinnamon

There are following two main types of Cinnamon:

1. Ceylon cinnamon
2. Cassia cinnamon or Chinese cinnamon

Ceylon cinnamon is considered more helpful as compared to Cassia or Chinese cinnamon. The Ceylon variety of Cinnamon is originating in Sri Lanka and is most commonly found in Southeast Asia. However, Cassia cinnamon comes from China and is considered less effective.

Cinnamon In Diabetes

India is home to over 60 million adults with diabetes, of which more than 30 million are undiagnosed or untreated. Indians have significantly high rates of diabetes when compared to other ethnic groups such as Europeans, Africans and others. If we talk about good management of Diabetes as per Ayurvedic medicinal practices, Cinnamon has been used for a long time to deal with high blood sugar levels. It has been thought to have an insulin-mimetic & insulin-sensitizing action to deal with high blood sugar levels. In modern medicinal practices, one of the studies suggest, up to 6 grams of Cinnamon per day for 40 days has been lowered the blood sugar level and also found helpful in lowering total cholesterol level, triglyceride level and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) level as well. Hence Cinnamon is not only might be helpful in Diabetes care but might be useful for cardiovascular diseases also.

Other Health Benefits of Cinnamon

In Ayurvedic medicinal practices, Cinnamon is not only useful in Diabetes but also helpful in stomach ailments such as flatulence and bloating. It is also used in diarrhoea and dysentery. In Ayurveda, Bark of Cinnamon is used as an anti-inflammatory and astringent agent for toothache and rheumatoid joint pains.

Side Effects of Cinnamon

Excess intake of Cinnamon may cause liver damage. If someone is on blood thinner medicines or diabetic drugs, one should talk to his/her Doctor also. High dosage should be avoided as high dosage might be toxic also.

How To Use Cinnamon In Food Items

Cinnamon's flavour and fragrance come from its active ingredient "Cinnamaldehyde". Ground Cinnamon can be used in different types of dishes such as Cakes, Cookies, Bread, Different Curries, Oat-meals and Different types of smoothies- beverages.

Author Bio - Himanshu Rai is a Chief Dietitian and Nutritionist with more than 14 years of work experience in the field of Food and Nutrition and Life Member of Indian Dietetic Association (IDA) and Singapore Nutrition and Dietetic Association (SNDA).

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. NDTV is not responsible for the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information on this article. All information is provided on an as-is basis. The information, facts or opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of NDTV and NDTV does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.

https://food.ndtv.com/diabetes/diabetes-management-how-cinnamon-can-help-manage-diabetes-expert-reveals-2516431

How to Use Low-Cost Technology Tips to Manage Diabetes

From goodmenproject.com

The great news is that with proper management, diabetes doesn’t have to hamper your quality of life

Diabetes cases have been growing over the past decade in the United States. According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 100 million Americans have diabetes or prediabetes. Complications related to the ailment can be serious, including vision loss, heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, and the amputation of toes, feet, or legs due to poor circulation. The great news is that with proper management, diabetes doesn’t have to hamper your quality of life. These low-cost tips and tools will help with day-to-day management so you can get your diabetes under control. Read on for low-cost technology tips to manage diabetes.

Watch Your Weight with Supplements

Obesity increases your risk for developing type 2 diabetes and, if you’ve already been diagnosed with the illness, can make it more difficult to manage. Watch your weight by maintaining a healthy diet based primarily on whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, and lean proteins. You can also use supplements to support your goals, but that said, always consult a healthcare professional before adding any medications or supplements.

Get a Fitness Tracker for Exercising

Of course, your diet isn’t the only factor influencing weight. It’s important to engage in regular exercise, as well. A fitness tracker can help hold you accountable to your fitness goals by recording your physical activity and key statistics, such as resting versus active heart rate. The Apple Watch Series 4, in addition to monitoring heart rate and generating an ECG, can even help keep you safe as it provides fall detection and an emergency SOS call function. Just be sure you have a sturdy, comfortable watch band that can survive your exercise routine. Not a fan of Apple products? Alternative brands like FitBit are another option, including key features like heart rate monitor and GPS in addition to activity tracking. These assets support both your wellbeing and your safety.

Use Telemedicine to Check in with a Doctor

One of the keys to diabetes management is keeping an eye on important statistics, like blood sugar levels, and checking in regularly with a doctor. If you find yourself unable to stick to in-person appointments, try telemedicine. These programs connect you with a certified medical practitioner, who can review your stats and symptoms and advise on your care plan. Platforms like AmWell even offer 24/7 service, so you can work around your busy schedule. All of the professionals on their platform are board-certified so you can be sure you’re getting reliable advice. You can even access AmWell through your mobile device using its app.

Download Useful Apps to Your Phone

Apps offer a cost-effective way to keep track of your diabetes without added hassle. You can keep track of what you’re eating using a tool like MyNetDiary, for instance. It features meal and exercise planning tools as well as custom trackers; upgrade to premium and you can even print out PDF reports to share with your dietitian or doctor. There are also apps available to help you track your glucose. Glucose Buddy lets you create a continual record of glucose levels, allowing you to gain insights into telling patterns over time. Your doctor can use this real-time information to adjust your treatment plan.

It’s possible to live a long, happy, and healthy life with diabetes. The key to success is day-to-day management. The above guidelines will help you keep your diabetes under control by making the process easier and more enjoyable for you. In general, it’s been shown that technology can play a major role in empowering and motivating patients to manage their diabetes, so don’t discount the tech devices mentioned above. With a small investment in these tools and tricks, you will be making a big investment in your health. Hopefully this article opened your eyes regarding low-cost tips to manage diabetes as well as the new technology.

https://goodmenproject.com/featured-content/how-to-use-low-cost-technology-tips-to-manage-diabetes-kpkn/

How to Relieve Depression and Diabetes with Nutrition

From nation.lk/online

In the United States, three of the most detrimental and most widespread chronic conditions are diabetes, obesity, and depression. It is found that diet is a major diabetes risk factor. Recent studies also highlighted the relevance of malnutrition as a potential risk factor for common mental disorders, particularly in elderly depression.

This short read will serve as a self-care checklist for patients dealing with diabetes and depression.

Compelling Statistics Concerning Obesity, Diabetes, and Depression

The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that about 10% of Americans are diabetic (90–95% of which have type 2 diabetes) and that roughly 7.6% of Americans 12 years of age or older may suffer from depression in any given two-week period.

The CDC also revealed that the prevalence of obesity in the U.S. from 2017 to 2018 accounted for 42.4% of the population or 138 million people.

In addition to being regarded as serious conditions in their own right, surveys show that patients who have type 2 diabetes are also prone to obesity and depression. This means that obese patients are either already diabetic or at elevated risk of becoming one. Although the relationship between obesity and depression remains a matter of analysis, some studies have found a link between them.

An Overview of Diabetes and Its Classifications

Diabetes Mellitus, commonly known as diabetes, is a term for a group of metabolic disorders that cause elevated blood sugar (glucose) levels in the body. When high blood sugar remains untreated, it damages the nerves, kidneys, eyes, and other organs.

Diabetes can cause more severe complications if not managed well. By damaging organs and blood vessels, it increases the risk of heart disease, kidney disease, vision problems, and nerve damage.

There are different types of diabetes. Here’s a breakdown of them:

➊ Prediabetes

Blood glucose levels exceed the normal range but are not high enough to qualify as diabetes

➋ Type 1

The pancreas produces no insulin.

➌ Type 2

The pancreas either doesn’t make enough insulin, or the body can’t use it effectively.

➍ Gestational

Pregnant women are unable to make and use all of the insulin they need.

Detrimental Effects of Depression in Diabetes

Diabetes is burdensome all by itself, but for a patient with diabetes to also be depressed is an utterly painful and dangerous predicament. Having diabetes can dramatically increase the odds of having problems with depression; likewise, depression can make it more difficult to manage (if not complicate) diabetes.

Scientific research has revealed that people with depression have higher tendencies to skip their medications and adopt a sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy eating habits. As a result, they have difficulty managing their weight. Worse, depression contributes directly to the following when combined with diabetes:

Poor blood glucose control

High risk of long-term complications such as heart disease and retinopathy

Frequent medical consultations or visits to the hospital

Shorter life span

Now that we’ve learned how depression is evidently toxic towards diabetic patients if left untreated, let’s discuss how to manage both conditions with a healthy diet and nutrition.

Things you can do to manage your diabetes and depression with a healthy diet and nutrition.

➤ As a Rule, Consult Your Healthcare Provider First

Prior to any intervention, you must first talk to your healthcare providers for a professional assessment of your current condition and guidance on your treatment. This includes your doctor, nurse practitioner, and registered nutritionist or dietitian. With an adequate understanding of your health status, they can greatly help you set attainable goals and safely work towards achieving them.

Additionally, you should check with them every step of the way to ensure you’re on the right track, gauge progress or response to treatment, and avoid any complications. Your own health is on the line here, so you might as well find legitimate and reliable healthcare providers for better results.

➤ Adhere to Diabetic Nutrition Guidelines

Part of diabetes management is nutrition therapy. According to clinical development consultant Alison Gray, RDN, “nutrition guidelines should be based on the dietary history of the family and the patient’s meal pattern and habits prior to the diagnosis of diabetes.”

A diabetes diet essentially means sticking to regular mealtimes and eating the healthiest food in moderate amounts. It’s a healthy eating plan that is naturally low in calories and fat yet rich in nutrients. In fact, a diabetes diet is the best eating plan for almost everyone—it’s principally comprised of vegetables, whole grains, and fruits.

➤ Eat for Your Happiness

In addition to giving us fuel to perform activities of daily living, food also helps us cope and feel much better. But not all kinds of food can be therapeutic for our mental health; some even cause more harm than good. Therefore, identifying which foods are best for depression is just as important as medication and other treatments.

The best foods for depression include turkey, avocados, berries, cashews, chamomile tea, dark chocolate, oatmeal, and more. Meanwhile, stay away from refined sugars, artificial sweeteners, soda, alcohol, margarine, potato chips, and others like these—not only are these bad for depression, they’re also deleterious for people with diabetes.

➤ Complement Your Diet with Lifestyle Changes

After all, is said and done, it still boils down to how you earnestly care for yourself. Complying with medical treatments and a healthy diet definitely help, but they’re not everything.

There’s so much you can implement in your lifestyle to promote your health, such as exercising, getting quality sleep, drinking enough water, spending time in nature, adapting different relaxation techniques, and so much more. Just remember to check with your healthcare provider and take it one day at a time.

https://www.nation.lk/online/how-to-relieve-depression-and-diabetes-with-nutrition-112786.html

Kidney function in people with type 2 diabetes enhanced by low-carb and high-protein meals, new study identifies

From diabetes.co.uk

Individuals with type 2 diabetes can enhance their kidney function by increasing their protein intake and consuming less carbs, latest research suggests.

The idea that people with type 2 diabetes who follow high-protein diets are more at risk of damaging their kidneys has been discredited by a team of scientists from the Liverpool University Hospitals Foundation Trust.

The former chair of the European Renal Nutrition Working Group, Professor Denis Fouque believed that: “A high-protein diet may boost a pre-existing low-grade chronic kidney disease which is often prevalent in people with diabetes, and that it might even increase the risk of new cases of kidney diseases.”

However, new findings have found that low-carb diets are valuable to those with type 2 diabetes, with a recent study even claiming it can reverse the condition.

Previous trials have recorded that 46% of individuals with type 2 diabetes who adopted a low-carb meal plan for two years put their condition into remission.

The team of academics examined nearly 150 older adults with type 2 diabetes who implemented a low-carb diet for more than two years.

The participants under analysis either had usual kidney function or slight kidney disease.

According to the results, more than half of the participants enhanced their kidney function after following a low-carb diet.

Additionally, the average glomerular filtration rate also improved by 2.4 units.

Surprisingly, the findings also reveal that age does not trigger kidney deterioration, with the majority of the participants in their sixties.

Lead researcher, Dr David Unwin said: “This is contrary to what might be expected with older people who have type 2 diabetes due to the effects of the disease and the fact that our kidney function decreases with age.

“We suspect high blood sugar is central to the damage that people with type 2 diabetes experience to their kidney function, so reducing blood sugar levels seems to be a logical first step.”

Dr Duane Mellor, of the British Dietetic Association, said: “For someone with healthy kidneys, protein is not a problem, and for people with kidney disease it’s important not to restrict protein too much as it can lead to malnutrition.”

The full set of results can now be accessed in the journal Current Opinion in Endocrinology, Diabetes and Obesity.

https://www.diabetes.co.uk/news/2021/aug/kidney-function-in-people-with-type-2-diabetes-enhanced-by-low-carb-and-high-protein-meals-new-study-identifies.html