How I used food to fight off diabetes in one year

From sbs.com.au

This time last year, Jaybee Serrano was pre-diabetic. The 34-year-old nurse tells SBS about how reducing the amount of white rice he ate helped to improve his blood sugar levels.

My diabetes story started in early 2017 when I developed a pain in my neck. One morning at 3am, I presented to the emergency department at Blacktown Hospital, NSW. It’s a hotspot for diabetes in the area, so staff regularly conduct diabetes screening on patients.
They tested me for diabetes. My results showed that I was pre-diabetic. I was shocked.
I soon received a letter saying that my blood sugar levels were on the high side, and if I didn’t do something about it, I would get diabetes. It was as plain and simple as that.
I have a family history of diabetes – my mum has it and almost all of my relatives have it. I also work as a nurse and I’ve seen people in hospital who have had complications because of their diabetes. So I knew I didn’t want to develop the condition if I could avoid it. I knew I had to make changes to my diet. If I wanted to be healthy, I had to act – now.

I saw my GP. I was told that I had to change my lifestyle, start watching what I ate, do regular exercise and do follow-up screenings to check my blood sugar levels.
The rest – the ‘how’ to reduce my risk and turn my health around – was up to me. So with sheer determination, I tried to change my life and diet to prevent diabetes.

I acted, to save my health

Like many other Filipinos, my diet has always been full carbohydrates: rice. White rice is a staple food I used to eat three times a day with meat, mostly pork.
Since my diagnosis, I’ve since cut back on the amount of white rice, pork and highly processed foods. I eat more whole foods now with fruits and vegetables.
To do this, I started to surround myself with fruits and vegetables at home, putting them on the table and in the fridge so that I could be prompted to eat a little bit healthier. What I can control is the food I eat and what I can within my immediate environment.
I believe that healthy eating is not about missing out or depriving yourself of various types of food. It’s about balance, moderation and eating sensibly. I still go out with my wife and family and have dinners out. But I control the food I eat and what I can within my immediate environment.

My current eating plan

I work in a hospital so my breakfast needs to be something that is readily available and quick. I’m usually rushing to go to work so I might grab a can of baked beans, which fills me up. I also carry around a piece of fruit, usually a banana, and I’ll have a coffee in the morning – that’s my staple.
I try to bring a prepared lunch to work. I’ll have frozen vegetables or a serving of dinner leftovers from the night before. My lunch may not be fancy but it works for me.
Dinner is my main meal consisting of a home-cooked Filipino dish. I might have bitter melon with pork, as bitter melon is good for diabetes control. Another dish we have at home is Sinigang, a Filipino soup that is spicy and sour with meat and vegetables.

My health, today

It hasn’t been easy to change my diet. To be honest, there have been some struggles along the way because we live in an environment where there are so many foods around us that contain so much hidden sugar. But I have made small changes to my lifestyle and diet. Those changes have collectively made a big difference to my health.
Just recently, I received good news. My blood sugar is no longer on the pre-diabetes range.
I was so pleased. I truly believe that if I can improve my health with dietary and lifestyle changes then anyone can (or perhaps they can do even better than I have?).
One key change I made to the way I lived was my job. I used to do shift work in mental health nursing prior to my diagnosis. However, when I was told I had pre-diabetes, it marked a turning point for me. I became so passionate about diabetes that I applied for a job as a diabetes nurse educator and I’m happily working as one now.

I’m currently using my experience to help the people I look after in hospital. I initially did it because I wanted to help my mum who has diabetes but now, I’m a diabetes nurse educator because I want to help others too. To be honest, I don’t see this position s a ‘job’ as I wake up each day and feel so enthusiastic about working. It’s a real joy for me.
I think if you can prevent diabetes or – if you have it, if you can manage it properly – then that is the best thing for your health and for your family as well.
I’m going to have a son at the end of the year. I’m really excited. I know I will pass on my diabetes genes to him, sadly. But I know I will also pass on my good eating habits and all the knowledge I’ve acquired about diabetes as well. That’s the part I can control, to be able to teach him about how to prevent diabetes, so I’m good with it.

https://www.sbs.com.au/food/article/2018/07/27/how-i-used-food-fight-diabetes-one-year

Diabetes type 2 diet: Cheap snack that could lower blood sugar levels

From express.co.uk

DIABETES type 2 sufferers may need to make changes to their diet to help maintain blood sugar levels at the normal level. Almonds are a cheap snack that could help lower blood sugar levels.

Diabetes type 2 diet changes can include avoiding certain high sugar foods while adding others which could control blood sugar levels

Eating this type of nut could help reduce blood sugar

Your diabetes type 2 risk is increased if you are overweight or eat an unhealthy diet, among other factors

Diabetes type 2 sufferers’ could lower blood sugar by snacking on a handful of almonds.
The claim has been made by experts at medical website, Healthline.
“Almonds can help regulate and reduce rises in blood sugar after meals,” they stated online, adding the nuts may even help “prevent diabetes”.
“One study found people who consumed two ounces of almonds per day had lower levels of fasting blood sugar and insulin.
“Another study found that almond consumption could increase insulin sensitivity in people with prediabetes.”

Almonds contain more fibre than other nuts, roughly 3.5 grams, which helps stabilise blood sugar.
Describing the Mediterranean nut, health advice website Everyday Health, said it was a “superstar” for diabetes type 2 sufferers.
“Nuts can be a good snack for people with diabetes type 2 because they may help prevent heart disease, keep blood sugar controlled and even aid weight loss.
However, they advised against eating too many as this could lead to “weight gain, which is why experts suggest measuring out one ounce portion sizes instead of digging into an open bag”.
They said you should eat around 23 nuts.

                  Diabetes type 2 diet: Eat almonds to help lower blood sugar levels (Image: Getty)

“Almonds may be bite-sized, but these nuts pack a big nutritional punch,” continued Healthline.
“They’re man excellent source of several vitamins and minerals, including vitamin E and manganese.
“They’re also a good source of protein, fibre, copper, riboflavin and calcium.
“Almonds are especially good for people with diabetes,” they continued, “They may reduce your risk of heart disease.”
Other foods that could help diabetes type 2 sufferers reduce blood sugar levels include chia seeds.

Diabetes type 2 sufferers need to control blood sugar levels to avoid spikes, which could cause complications including a coma and blindness.
The condition can develop at any time in life, and is caused by problems with the hormone insulin.
Diabetes type 2 sufferers often need to make changes to lifestyle and diet to help treat the condition.
It is also possible to reverse the condition by eating a low-carb diet.
Diabetes.co.uk, a website for people with the condition, said low-carbohydrate diets are “known for lowering the amount of insulin the body needs to produce, resulting in less insulin resistance”.

https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/health/995503/diabetes-type-2-diet-blood-sugar-levels-lower-almonds-nuts

Type 2 Diabetes and Healthy Living - Four Diseases That Can Be Caused By A Vitamin D Deficiency

By Beverleigh H Piepers

According to a review article written by Michael Holick, MD, Ph.D., and published in the New England Journal of Medicine in July 2007 a deficiency of vitamin D leaves children and adults at risk for numerous diseases and disorders.

If you are someone who is not paying close attention to your vitamin D intake, perhaps it is time you gave some thought to supplementation. It is true the sun can help your body to activate vitamin D but as we age our body loses its ability to convert sunlight into the active form of vitamin D.
Most people do not understand all the risk factors associated with a vitamin D deficiency, so let us take a closer look so you can see where you stand...

1. Vitamin D Deficiency and Dementia. Dementia is a disease none of us like to think about as it is often a part of getting older and we would rather avoid thinking about it. However, ignoring it is not going to make it go away.
Research does suggest there may be some connection between a vitamin D deficiency and dementia development, so if you want to side-step this condition, you are best off looking to smart supplementation. Those who are low in vitamin D have a 53% increased risk of developing all-cause dementia, which includes Alzheimer's disease.

2. Prostate Cancer And Vitamin D. Another connection with low vitamin D status is prostate cancer. This seems to be mainly the case among European-American and African-American men, so if you fall into this group you will want to be especially careful.
Researchers looked at the likelihood of those who were undergoing screening for cancer and their corresponding vitamin D status and found there does appear to be a positive correlation. The lower the vitamin D status, the higher the chances of cancer was detected.

This said, the study did not prove if you do not have a deficiency of this vitamin you will be immune from cancer, so it is more an issue of reducing your overall risk factor than it is offering robust protection.

3. Erectile Dysfunction. Another connection to know about is erectile dysfunction and vitamin D status. It appears as though popping that vitamin may do the trick to help you protect against this problem.
While ED does tend to be more familiar with age, it does appear as though men who are not taking any vitamin D supplementation do suffer more frequently than those who are. When you are deficient in vitamin D, it may reduce the ability of the artery to dilate, which then prevents a proper erection.

4. Vitamin D And Heart Disease. Adults who are deficient in vitamin D may also be at an increased risk for heart disease. There is no direct evidence yet that supplementation will help to provide substantial benefits, but research illustrates vitamin D levels may be a culprit for health-related problems that could lead to a heart attack. Issues such as...

• atherosclerosis,
• hypertension,
• Type 2 diabetes, and
• stroke.

There you have a few points to keep in mind where your health and vitamin D supplementation is concerned. It makes excellent health sense.

Type 2 diabetes is not a condition you must just live with. By making easy changes to your daily routine, its possible to protect your heart, kidneys, eyes and limbs from the damage often caused by diabetes, and eliminate some of the complications you may already experience.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Type-2-Diabetes-and-Healthy-Living---Four-Diseases-That-Can-Be-Caused-By-A-Vitamin-D-Deficiency&id=9981373

Twelve Ways to Age Well With Diabetes

From diabetesselfmanagement.com

Aging with diabetes is not a curse. It can be a positive time of growth, happiness, and peace. However, it’s important to note that managing diabetes in the golden years may present challenges ranging from changes in metabolism and increased insulin resistance to medication management. But thanks to better tools and technology advancements, people managing diabetes have the opportunity to live longer than ever before.
Here is a list of 12 strategies to help you manage your diabetes with confidence as you age.

1. Control your glucose levels.

If you can keep your glucose close to normal, you dramatically reduce the risk of diabetes-related complications.
How tight should control be? Some say lower is better, but lower also means more risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), which can cause dizziness, falls, and other accidents. Because of risks like these, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends looser diabetes control for older people. Whereas younger adults are usually advised to keep the hemoglobin A1C (a measure of average glucose levels for the previous two to three months) under 7 percent, people over 65 may be advised to shoot for 7.5 percent. Seniors in poor health may be told that 8 percent or even higher is the best target for them, despite the risfak that complications may increase with higher A1C numbers.
Some experts believe that how you keep sugars down is more important than the actual numbers. Many times, doctors will pile on medications to lower sugars or treat the health problems of aging with diabetes. Overprescribing creates a number of problems. Because older people have less kidney and liver function to process drugs, they have more risk of interactions and side effects.
However, controlling your A1C with exercise and healthy, low-carb, high-fiber eating does not carry the risks of control by drugs. You may want to work with your health-care practitioner to find a plan that’s right for you and talk with your pharmacist and doctor about lowering doses or discontinuing some drugs. The same applies to herbal medications — if you’re older, start with lower doses.

2. Stay physically active.

The more you move, the better your circulation will be, and the better your cells will soak up glucose. you will have more energy and more self-confidence. Walk or exercise after meals, drive less, and use the stairs.
The ADA recommends the following ways to stay physically active:
• Strengthening exercise builds stronger muscles, which use more glucose.
• Balance exercises such as standing on one foot (with or without arm support) help prevent falls.
• Aerobic exercises such as walking, running, or swimming help increase cardiovascular fitness.Check with your doctor before starting.
• Stretching, yoga, or tai chi help increase flexibility.

3. Prepare for aging.

If you can, get into a living situation that is accessible and affordable. Modify your home or look into senior housing or assisted living before you need it. Consider moving in with family or having them move in with you. Arranging for suitable housing as you age will ensure your comfort and safety for years to come.

4. Do the things that make you happy.

If you enjoy music, gardening, reading, or knitting, make time in your schedule to do what brings you joy. Another rewarding option is giving your time, whether to your family, friends, or the charitable organization of your choice. The benefits of volunteerism are long lasting.

5. Stay connected.

Keep family and friends in your life close. Schedule time with those you care about most. Conversation, friendship, and companionship are key to staying emotionally fit.
This also applies to pets. Some people gain a wonderful sense of connection from pets. Dogs especially can solve a lot of diabetes issues — they promote exercise, love, and joy and require a regular schedule. Dogs also help you meet new people when you take them for a walk.

6. Keep up with your health care.

As we age, it may become harder to get to medical appointments or to pay for them. Managing preventable and treatable conditions is important. Here is a list of important appointments to schedule:
• ophthalmologist (eye doctor) once a year to check for diabetic eye disease (retinopathy) and make sure you have the proper eyeglass prescription;
• endocrinologist (diabetes doctor or general practitioner/nurse practitioner) twice a year or more; and
• podiatrist (foot doctor) once a year, or more if prescribed.

7. Get more sleep!

It is important to shoot for eight hours of sleep a night. To ensure a restful night’s sleep, try not to watch TV or do things that wind you up right before bedtime. Avoid stimulants — coffee, tea, and other caffeinated beverages — in the evening, and take time to wind down before stretching out.
If you find yourself waking in the night or early morning, discuss this with your doctor. If you have trouble staying asleep or wake up exhausted, be evaluated for sleep apnea — a common condition in people with diabetes.

8. Watch out for depression.

According to the ADA, people with diabetes are at a higher risk for depression. If you are feeling sad, no longer want to do things you used to like, wake early for no reason, experience changes in appetite, or feel tired, anxious, or hopeless, get help. Poorly controlled diabetes can cause those symptoms, but they could also be signs of depression. Self-management, counseling, and/or medications, along with sunshine, exercise, and social contact are ways to combat depression.

9. Practice spirituality.

Prayer and meditation improve health and quality of life. People who belong to a congregation tend to live longer and be happier than people who are not religious, in part because of the social support religions offer.

10. Stay mentally active.

Puzzles or online brain training programs like Lumosity are great tools to keep the mind moving. Other fun activities include:
• dancing;
• learning a new language or finding a new hobby;
• joining a discussion group or a book club;
• preparing new recipes; and
• taking a class at a local school or senior center or online.

11. Reach out for assistance.

Aging and illness both increase the need for help. Help could include diabetes equipment, like a glucose monitor or insulin pump, or mobility equipment like a cane, walker, or grab bars. It could include financial assistance like disability or social security payments. Apply for the benefits you may be entitled to such as Medicare, Social Security, or disability as soon as you can. They often take time to come through.
The most important help often comes from other people. Your family, friends, neighbours, or volunteers may be happy to help with shopping, housework, traveling, to appointments and more.
In many cases, a spouse is the person we lean on the most. Be aware: over-reliance can cause burnout. The goal is to keep all in your household healthy.

12. Be safe.

It’s not always the complications of chronic illness that knock you down. It is the one-time injuries we call “accidents.” They’re not really accidents; they’re dangerous situations we haven’t dealt with. To avoid health risks associated with diabetes, including falls, auto accidents, and severe hypoglycemia, it’s important to prevent them. Here are some tips.
• Get all the clutter off your floors.
• Install good lighting and grab bars if you need them.
• Wear good-fitting shoes.
• Don’t drive when your sugar is borderline or when you don’t feel well or at night if you have visual problems. Get a ride, take the bus, or walk.
• Avoid hypos by checking sugars frequently, keeping glucose tabs handy, and possibly reducing insulin or other meds that cause lows (sulfonylureas and meglitinides).

https://www.diabetesselfmanagement.com/about-diabetes/general-diabetes-information/twelve-ways-to-age-well-with-diabetes/

Diabetes: the good news and the bad news – and what next for the future

From the conversation.com

Alarming stories about the diabetes epidemic that threatens millions of lives – and the NHS (National Health Service) itself – have become commonplace, and with good reason. Around 4.6m people in the UK are living with diabetes while a further 12.3m are at increased risk of developing it. The NHS spends an estimated £14 billion a year on treating diabetes and its complications.
But there is some positive news amid the gloom. I chaired the 2018 World Congress on Prevention of Diabetes and its Complications, where experts from around the world came together to discuss progress in both science and prevention programmes.

Type 1: preventable?

Sometimes known as juvenile diabetes due to the age patients are normally diagnosed, type 1 is an autoimmune disease that attacks insulin-producing cells, leaving patients facing a lifetime of injections and deteriorating health. Improved care has focused on the ways that insulin is delivered and on minimising the impact of health complications on daily life. Scientists are now more convinced than ever that this type of diabetes can be prevented. Although type 1 diabetes is only 5% of all diabetes, it still accounts for tens of thousands of patients who face health challenges every day and require a lifetime of medical support. The impact of prevention of type 1 diabetes would be significant.
The two breakthroughs that underlie this new optimism relate to early detection and prevention therapy. The genetic risk of type 1 diabetes is becoming clearer, and we now have the ability to measure a range of blood factors that appear during the early stages of the disease. Which means we are developing tools to identify those most likely to develop diabetes.
From there, we now have real hope that immunotherapy can stop the insulin-producing cells being destroyed. This covers a range of treatments – including vaccination – designed to change the way a person’s immune system works. The important thing is to find a therapy that specifically shuts off the part of the immune system that attacks the insulin-producing cells, leaving the rest of the defence system intact. Fears that immunotherapy would be too toxic and non-specific for children are being challenged by evidence in clinical trials. These have shown that the therapy can be safe, and encouragingly, have shown signs of slowing down the progress of the disease.

Type 2: devastating

This is the most common form of the disease, directly related to obesity and other lifestyle factors. Type 2 diabetes is devastating; within five to ten years patients could lose their kidneys, eyes, or legs. They may suffer cardiovascular and other deadly diseases linked to diabetes.
Since roughly four out of every five people with diabetes are overweight, the most effective single way to prevent the disease is to avoid weight gain. For 20 years, Finland, US and Australia have conducted diabetes prevention programmes to encourage lifestyle changes, and they are seeing positive results in the health of their nations.
Many countries with very high levels of type 2 have followed suit. This involves “encouraging” people to agree to alter habits of a lifetime, and then provide years of support to maintain physical activity and improve their diet.

          People with diabetes need support to change the habits of a lifetime. Shutterstock

However, this alone may only reach around half of all type 2 diabetes, so these countries are increasingly targeting the obesogenic environment that makes it easy to put on weight and hard to lose it. This starts with talking to the food industry, but also has to include legislation to reduce the impact of the most damaging aspects of our diet. A sugar tax has already been introduced in many countries and we’ll learn very soon how effective it is in reducing diabetes and its health problems.
The Scottish government was met with tabloid fury and corporate lobbying over its Minimum Unit Pricing for alcohol and recent plans relating to 2-for-1 pizzas and “all you can eat” buffets. These measures are never popular but they are increasingly necessary. Taxes and subsidies can help reset the balance between the cost of healthy and unhealthy food. Making high-fat and high-sugar foods more expensive could help to increase demand for healthy alternatives and consequently reduce price.

Preventing complications

People don’t drop dead because they develop diabetes. They can live for decades with the condition, but quality of life is another matter. Type 2 diabetes prevention programmes should also include people who already have the disease.
Lifestyle changes can slow progression and reduce serious health issues, and, in some cases, even reverse the disease. For many, strictly following a low-calorie diet immediately after a diagnosis can put type 2 in remission. But its success depends on individual commitment, so there needs to be support to help each person achieve this difficult goal, and then maintain the lifestyle to prevent the disease returning.

A low-calorie diet with lots of fresh fruit and vegetables can help put type 2 diabetes into remission. Shutterstock

The possibility of developing immunotherapy to prevent type 1, and proving that type 2 can be sent into remission, are the two most exciting developments in diabetes research for many years.
If it was possible to prevent at least half of type 2 cases – which we believe can be done by changing lifestyle and environmental factors – then the amount spent treating diabetes and its complications could be halved. That’s billions freed up for the NHS. Most importantly, it would improve patients’ quality of life and life expectancy.
The link between cheap, sugary and fatty food and obesity and type 2 diabetes is indisputable. The healthy/unhealthy food cost ratio has to change because the evidence is that education – while valuable – is not enough by itself. The evidence from many countries shows that in most chronic, lifestyle-related diseases, legislation is faster and often more effective.
The apocalyptic scenarios often painted are not inevitable, but they are likely if we carry on as we are. People need to accept some hard truths about their lifestyle, and bold political leadership is needed to make unpopular decisions for the benefit of the nation’s health.

http://theconversation.com/diabetes-the-good-news-and-the-bad-news-and-what-next-for-the-future-100416

Things You Need to Know About Diabetes and Sunburn

From asweetlife.org

Sunburns are the worst. That hot, prickly pain where you can’t graze the burnt area without wincing and you feel like you’re actually on fire?  Not comfortable.  In New England, we have the benefits of hot summers and awesome beaches, but with that asset comes the need for constant reapplication of sunscreen to help protect our skin.
As a kid, I had a few sunburns that were uncomfortable, and I always noticed a rise in my blood sugars for a few days.  Turns out, sunburns and high blood sugars unfortunately go hand in hand.  Sunburns are considered an injury to your skin, and just like with any other kind of injury, your body is under stress and duress while healing.
So we want to respect our diabetes and keep our skin safe this summer, right?  But how?  Here are some tips on having fun in the dog days of summer while still maintaining solid diabetes management skills:

Wear sunscreen! The best way to deal with a sunburn is to prevent one.  Make sure you’re wearing sunscreen anytime you’re outside, even in the winter, as the sun can affect your skin all year round.  Wear sunscreen with at least a 30 SPF (sun protection factor), and reapply if you’ve been outside for a while.  (Also be sure to apply to seemingly out-of-the-way areas like the tops of your feet or the part in your hair.)
Watch for wounds.  If you have a wound on your skin, don’t slather it with sunscreen to protect it. Instead, make sure that the wound is cleaned and properly bandaged to ensure that germs won’t invade the affected skin, in addition to keeping the sun’s rays off it.  If the wound looks wonky, check in with your doctor before exposing it to any sun, sand, or summer chaos.
Cover up.  Keep yourself covered when possible, and lean on lighter coloured fabrics, as dark colours attract the sun more. Hats and long sleeves provide excellent coverage, and don’t forget about protecting your eyes with UVA and UVB blocking sunglasses. (And if you’re wearing your pump with your bathing suit, don’t be afraid to flaunt it!  But also beware that your pump can become too hot in the sun, so be mindful of how the hot, hot heat can affect your insulin.  For tips on managing diabetes devices this summer, check out this article.)
Watch your feet.  People with diabetes are constantly being lectured about their feet, but there’s good reason for that.  Did you know that you can get a 2^nddegree burn on the bottom of your feet simply from walking on hot sand in the summer?  (I know!)  Make the most of protective footwear and be sure to inspect your feet every night to make sure everything looks healthy.  (And if you notice an injury, be sure to make an appointment to see your clinician.)
Check your meds.  In addition to making sure that your insulin doesn’t cook in the summer heat, you also need to know if you’re taking a medication that can make you more sensitive to the sun.  Did you know that some blood pressure medications and sulfonylureas can make you more prone to sunburns? Do a little research about the meds you’re taking to see if they warrant an uptick in SPF.
If you do get burned… there’s a plan.  Apply a moisturizer containing aloe vera or soy to the area to help soothe the skin (and avoid anything that includes petroleum products, like benzocaine or lidocaine, as they actually trap the heat in your skin). Stay well-hydrated in order to combat the discomfort, and if the pain is tough to tolerate, consider taking ibuprofen (but check with your doctor before taking any medication).  And keep careful tabs on your blood sugars, as the burn can cause hyperglycemia.  Consult with your medical team if you’re having trouble getting your blood sugars to come down.

https://asweetlife.org/things-you-need-to-know-about-diabetes-and-sunburn/?utm_source=ASweetLife.org+List&utm_campaign=90a12cc941-ASweetLife+Weekly+Update++-+Nov.+14%2C+2017_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_5125b14cf8-90a12cc941-413392997

Diabetes: Six times to measure your blood sugar levels

From express.co.uk

DIABETES type 1 sufferers need to measure their blood sugar regularly to help maintain levels. This means they avoid them falling too low or becoming too high, which can lead to complications. Check blood sugar levels at these six times.

Diabetes type 1 sufferers need to control blood sugar levels to avoid complications.
The condition is caused by the immune system attacking the pancreas, stopping it producing insulin and removing the body’s ability to control blood sugar.
Symptoms of the condition include extreme thirst, hunger and unexplained weight loss.
If blood sugar levels get too low this could cause a seizure or nervous system damage.
Dr David Cavan, a diabetes medical expert with over 20 years experience and author of ‘Take Control of Type 1 Diabetes’ said sufferers should measure blood sugar levels at these six times.

Before injecting insulin
“It is the most important time to know your blood sugar level,” Dr Cavan wrote in his new book.
“It is potentially dangerous to inject insulin if you do not know your current level of blood sugar.
“Furthermore, intensive management of diabetes type 1 requires that you adjust the dose of insulin if your blood sugar level is too low or too high.”

When you're in bed or after waking up
These are often times to inject insulin, said Dr Cavan, “but if not it is still a good idea to check your blood sugar at these times”.
This, he continued, would enable a “correction dose” to be given to help maintain blood sugar levels.

Just before driving
Dr Cavan added it was important to check blood sugar levels before jumping behind the wheel.
“The main concern here is hypoglycaemia, or low blood sugar,” he explained, “as this can severe impair coordination and reaction times, increasing the risk of an accident that might cause injury to you or another person”.

Before, during and after physical activity
As exercise affects blood sugar levels, these should be monitored.
“Any physical activity will affect your blood sugar level, and sometimes more than you might anticipate,” said Dr Cavan.
“It is essential to check blood sugar before and during more active activities such as sports.”

When feeling ill
“Any infection or illness can cause a rise in blood sugar levels that might require you to take additional insulin, even if you are off your food,” Dr Cavan wrote.
“This is even more important if you also have evidence of increased ketones.”
He added that if blood sugar levels are “higher than expected” they should be checked every two hours.

After eating
“As a rule it is generally sufficient to check your sugar levels before meals, but sometimes it will also be important to do so about two hours afterwards,” the Doctor continued.
“This will be the case if you are not entirely sure of the carbohydrate content of what you have eaten.”
Blood sugar levels should be maintained at 3.5/5.5 mmol/l before meals, according to charity Diabetes UK.


Dr David Cavan’s book, ‘Take Control of Type 1 Diabetes’, can be purchased for £14.99 from diabetes.co.uk.

https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/health/992342/diabetes-type-1-measure-blood-sugar-levels-when-should-i