I Thought I Ate Healthy. Then I Was Diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes

From forksoverknives.com

In my younger years, I participated in the Ironman Triathlon, so healthy eating and exercising were part of my daily routine. As recommended by both my sports nutritionist and my registered dietician, I ate chicken, fish, and occasionally red meat, but also lots of fruit and salads. So you can imagine my shock when, at the age of 55, I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

An Unsettling Diagnosis
When questioning my doctor about the diagnosis, I was told that it is normal for people of American Indian heritage to have diabetes appear in their mid-50s, due to genetics. I went to the American Diabetes Association website to learn everything I could about this thing that was trying to control my body. I found a recommended diet and exercise plan that I was pretty much already following, but I ramped up the running to six days a week. That seemed to keep the blood sugar under control, but not the A1C level.
Fast-forward five years: Injuries left me unable to run on a regular basis, and exercising became more difficult. On top of that, I was pulling 60-hour weeks at work. My blood-sugar levels were consistently higher than the acceptable range. As a diabetic, I have quarterly check-ups at the American Indian Health Centre in San Diego. Four months ago, my A1C level was 9—definitely diabetic. My doctor informed me that if I did not lower my A1C levels drastically, I would be put back on daily insulin shots and additional medication.

Discovering Another Path
Soon after this appointment, a friend introduced me to the Forks Over Knives documentary. I was infuriated: For years, I had done all that the medical professionals instructed me to do to combat my diabetes, only to find out that I’d been misinformed.
Immediately after watching the documentary, I sought out more information from the Forks Over Knives website and downloaded the app. (I love the app, by the way.) I emptied my refrigerator of all meat and dairy and my cupboards of processed foods. I made a total commitment to eating a whole-food, plant-based diet, and I am proud to inform you that I lowered my A1C level to 6.5 in two and a half months—and that was without exercise. I have since gone back to exercising, and I believe I will lower my A1C level to below 6, which is considered nondiabetic.

Plant-Based and Lovin’ It
Never in a million years did I think I’d give up meat and dairy. I thought I would miss it too much (especially bacon). Remarkably, the transition was easy for me: This is not a diet but a sustainable lifestyle.
Now I work out three times a week at the gym. My stamina is so high that my trainers can’t believe I’m 60 years old. I am also back to running two to three times a week and going on hikes, which I love. Plus, I’ve cut my grocery bill in half.
My doctor thinks that I’m a rock star, and she has agreed to work with me on creating an educational seminar for the American Indian community, a population in which diabetes occurs at staggering rates. As the modern medical industry emphasizes treating instead of curing, I feel that it is urgent to get the message out that there is a better way, a way back to our original intention of living, a way of being in harmony with our bodies and our planet.

https://www.forksoverknives.com/i-thought-i-ate-healthy-then-i-was-diagnosed-with-type-2-diabetes/#gs.mkgLztY

Diabetes type 2 symptoms - why you should never ignore this sign that ‘feels weird’

From express.co.uk

DIABETES type 2 symptoms include unexplained weight loss, passing more urine than normal, and feeling more tired than usual. But you could also be at risk of the high blood sugar condition if you have this sign that “looks and feels weird”.

Diabetes affects about 3.7 million people in the UK. Around 90 per cent of all cases are caused by type 2 diabetes.
The condition is caused by the pancreas not producing enough of the hormone insulin, or the body not reacting to insulin.
Common diabetes symptoms include blurred vision, having cuts or wounds that take longer to heal than normal, and losing weight without trying to.
But, you could also be at risk of the high blood sugar condition if your skin feels weird and itchy, it’s been claimed.

Skin that “looks and feels weird” may be an early warning sign of diabetes, according to medical website Everyday Health.
The odd sensation may be caused by the kidneys getting rid of added sugar from the blood.
High blood sugar causes the kidneys to remove excess sugar from the blood in urine.
Passing more urine could lead to dehydration, which is behind the “weird” feeling on the skin, it said.
Some patients may even develop dark folds of skin - a condition known as acanthosis nigricans.
Acanthosis nigricans is characterised by areas of dark, velvety discoloured skin in body folds and creases.

Diabetes type 2 symptoms: High blood sugar signs include 'weird' itchy skin (Image: GETTY Images)

“Frequent urination and skin that looks and feels weird are diabetes symptoms,” said the medical website.
“When blood sugar levels are heightened, the kidneys eliminate excess sugar through the urine, which results in increased urination and loss of fluid.
“You might also notice darkening in the body’s folds and creases, such as the armpits, groin, and neck.
“These velvety patches are caused by insulin resistance, which is the hallmark of type 2 diabetes.
“Extra insulin circulating in the body may trigger skin cells to rapidly reproduce, and the new cells have more melanin [or pigment], resulting in a patch of skin that's darker than the skin surrounding it.”

Many people with diabetes don’t even realise they have it, because the symptoms don’t necessarily make you feel ill, warned the NHS.
Those most at risk of developing the condition are people over the age of 40, are overweight, or are of south Asian, Chinese, African Caribbean or black African origin, it added.
Diagnosing diabetes early, and managing blood sugar, is crucial, as patients are more likely to develop some life-threatening complications.
Uncontrolled high blood sugar could lead to heart disease, strokes, or neuropathy - a loss of feeling.
Speak to a GP if you’re worried about the signs or symptoms of diabetes.

https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/health/1009910/diabetes-type-2-symptoms-high-blood-sugar-signs-itchy-skin

Weight gain temporarily raises diabetes risk after smoking cessation

From cardiovascularbusiness.com

Weight gain after stopping smoking is associated with an increased short-term risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D), according to new research published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
The authors, led by Geng Zong, PhD, of the T.H. Chan School of Public Health at Harvard University, reviewed three cohort studies that involved men and women in the U.S., who had reported quitting smoking. They assessed if smoking cessation and changes in body weight impacted the risk of developing T2D, death from cardiovascular disease (CVD) and all-cause mortality.
“It’s been known that quitters may have an elevated risk of developing diabetes or worsening glucose tolerance in the first few years after quitting, and this may discourage smokers from quitting,” said senior author Qi Sun, of Harvard University in a prepared statement. “But our study shows that it is the weight change after quitting that determines diabetes risk—so as long as quitters minimize their weight gain, their diabetes risk will not increase and, over the long run, is reduced.”

The final cohort included 162,807 and 170,723 individuals for the diabetes and mortality analyses, respectively.
After an average follow-up of almost 20 years, Zong and colleagues found the risk of T2D was 22 percent higher among individuals who had quit two to six years before. However, the risk peaked 5 to 7 years after cessation occurred and then gradually decreased—this was a pattern seen in all weight groups.
Unsurprisingly, the temporary increase in the risk of T2D was directly proportional to weight gain and the risk was not increased among quitters without weight gain. Compared to current smokers:

• Recent quitters without weight gain had an 8 percent increase in T2D risk.
• Quitters who gained less than 11 pounds (5 kg) had a 15 percent increase in T2D risk.
• Quitters who gained 11.1 to 22 pounds (5.1 to 10 kg) had a 36 percent increase in T2D risk.
• Quitters who gain more than 22 pounds (10 kg) had a 59 percent increase in T2D risk.

Quitters, the researchers wrote, did not have a temporary increase in mortality, regardless of weight changes after cessation. Compared to current smokers, those who gained more than 22 pounds (10kg) had a 50 percent decrease in risk for early death due to any cause and a 67 percent decrease in risk for CVD death.
“Smokers shouldn’t be deterred by potential weight gain after quitting because the short-term and long-term reduction of cardiovascular disease risk is clear,” said lead author Yang Hu, of the Departments of Nutrition and Epidemiology at Harvard University in a prepared statement issued by Harvard University. “However, quitters may want to consider eating a healthful diet and engaging in physical activities to minimize weight gain to keep their diabetes risk at bay and to maximize the health benefits of quitting.”

https://www.cardiovascularbusiness.com/topics/lipids-metabolic/weight-gain-temporarily-raises-t2d-risk-after-smoking-cessation

Diabetes type 2 - five ‘healthy’ diet swaps to prevent high blood sugar

From express.co.uk

DIABETES type 2 risk could be lowered by making some diet or lifestyle changes. You can prevent high blood sugar symptoms by making these quick and easy diet swaps.

Diabetes affects about 3.7 million people in the UK. About 90 per cent of those are caused by type 2 diabetes.
The condition is caused by the pancreas not producing enough of the hormone insulin, or the body not reacting to insulin.
But, making some small diet changes could help to prevent high blood sugar symptoms.
The best diet swaps include cutting back on salt, changing dry fruit for fresh fruit, and grilling meat instead of frying it.

Cut back on salt

While salt doesn’t directly impact blood sugar levels, it increases the risk of high blood sugar.
Diabetes patients are more likely to develop hypertension - and therefore heart attacks or strokes - so managing salt intake is crucial.
“The recommended daily intake of salt for adults is just a heaped teaspoon [about 6g],” said LloydsPharmacy.
“Cutting down on salt doesn’t mean eating tasteless dishes. Sprinkle your potatoes with paprika, ground white or black pepper, chives or mild chilli powder.”

Fresh fruit

Some diabetes type 2 patients may think they can’t eat fruit because of its sugar content, but the sugars in fruit are natural and healthy for diabetics.
Fresh fruit is a great natural snack for diabetes patients, added LloydsPharmacy.
“Also consider the difference between fresh and dried fruit: a serving of dried fruit has a much higher carbs and sugars content than an apple that also takes longer to eat.”

Fruit juice

While fruit juices may appear to be a healthy breakfast choice, they can contain high levels of sugar, it warned.
It’s a good idea to avoid fruit juice, unless it has zero sugar. Alternatively, try adding in some water to cut back on carbs.
“Fruit juices with no added sugar can still add to your intake of carbs and sugars,” said LloydsPharmacy.
“It’s best to try drinks with zero sugar or stick to one small glass a day [150ml] and make your drink go further by diluting it with water.”

Alcohol

Diabetes patients can still have a few alcohol drinks at home or in the pub.
But, some drinks could raise blood sugars, including beer, ales and ciders.
Try swapping these drinks for spirits, dry wine or Prosecco instead.
“Having diabetes doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a few drinks at home or in the pub, but you need to know how it can affect your body and how to manage it.”

Grill meat

Diabetics are more likely to develop heart disease than non-diabetes patients.
One of the best ways to lower that risk is to cut back on the amount of saturated fat in your diet.
Grilling meat instead of frying it is a great way to lower the risk of coronary heart disease symptoms.
“Grill your meat instead of frying it and choose leaner cuts of meat such as back bacon instead of streaky.”

https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/health/1007061/diabetes-type-2-diet-high-blood-sugar-symptoms-salt-fruit

Type 2 Diabetes - Predicting Gestational Diabetes Early

By Beverleigh H Piepers

Gestational diabetes is similar to Type 2 diabetes except it occurs during pregnancy. While it is a temporary form of the disease which usually disappears after childbirth, it is a sign of insulin resistance and means full-blown Type 2 diabetes could be around the corner. The condition is generally diagnosed between weeks 24 and 26 of the pregnancy. If it could be predicted earlier physicians and midwives might be able, in the words of the old western movies, to "head 'em off at the pass." Diet and exercise, and perhaps medication, could be prescribed early to prevent Gestational diabetes in those women at high risk once they have been identified. Blood sugar levels could be watched carefully, and treatment began sooner than 24 weeks if need be.
In July of 2018, the online journal PLOS One reported on a review and analysis of earlier studies on screening for the early detection of the Gestational diabetes risk. Researchers at the University of Iowa in Iowa City, United States, combined the results of...

• thirteen earlier investigations of molecules called plasma protein-A as a possible indicator of what was to come.
• they did the same with nine studies of the molecule free beta-hCG.

They found both molecules were lower in the blood of women who later developed diabetes during their pregnancy, than in women who did not produce the condition. The investigators recommend more studies be carried out to determine whether measurements of the two molecules during the first three months of pregnancy could be a practical way of deciding which pregnant women needed intense therapy to ward off Gestational diabetes.

Plasma protein-A, an enzyme, is measured during the first three months, or trimester, of pregnancy to detect the possibility of trisomy 21, or Down Syndrome, or other conditions in which the fetus has extra chromosomes. It is made by the placenta and fetus, starting in the first trimester and increasing throughout the pregnancy. It is thought...

• to keep the mother's immune system from attacking the fetus as an invader,
• helping the fetus grow bones, and developing
• new blood vessels.

It has been suggested for use in diagnosing...

• weak growth in the fetus,
• premature birth,
• a condition known as preeclampsia in the mother, and
• stillbirth.

The beta-hCG is a hormone produced by the placenta after implantation. The presence of hCG is detected in some pregnancy tests and can be detected in the urine at about two weeks and is used to diagnose pregnancy. It increases up to about two months and then levels off. Repetitive blood tests detect whether levels are rising as they should be and can be helpful in diagnosing...

• dating the pregnancy,
• a possible miscarriage,
• blighted egg cell, or
• pregnancy outside of the uterus.

With the same steps taken to handle Type 2 diabetes, Gestational diabetes can often be stopped from developing into full-blown Type 2 diabetes.

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---Predicting-Gestational-Diabetes-Early&id=9989149

Rise in type 2 diabetes in young people in England and Wales

From bbc.co.uk

The number of children and young people being treated for type 2 diabetes in England and Wales has gone up from 507 to 715 in four years, new figures show.

More than three-quarters were also obese, according to the NHS data.
Child health experts said the rise was "alarming" and the childhood obesity epidemic was "starting to bite".
Councils said more needed to be done to tackle the obesity crisis in children, particularly among minority ethnic groups, who were most affected.
Type 2 diabetes can lead to a range of health problems such as heart disease, strokes and kidney problems.

The condition occurs when the body cannot produce enough insulin to regulate blood sugar levels. It can be linked to obesity.
The figures come from an audit published by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health of type 2 diabetes cases in specialist paediatric units.
They show a rise in young people receiving care for the condition between 2013-14 and 2016-17, but they make up a tiny percentage of the total population of under-25s.
Almost half of those treated for type 2 diabetes in 2016-17 were black or Asian, the figures show. They were also more likely to be female and living in a deprived area.

'Extremely worrying'

The Local Government Association, which receives funding for public health from the government, says the true number of young people affected could be higher.
It said it was "extremely worrying" that more young people are developing the condition.
Official data shows that one in five 10 and 11-year-olds is obese, and one in 10 four and five-year-olds is obese in England.
Prof Russell Viner, president of the RCPCH, said: "A rise in Type 2 diabetes of this magnitude is alarming and shows that the childhood obesity epidemic is starting to bite."
Kathryn Kirchner, clinical advisor at Diabetes UK, said one of the most important risk factors for type 2 diabetes was being overweight or obese, which is something that can be influenced.
"These figures are a stark reminder that we have a collective responsibility to push for the actions outlined in the most recent chapter of the childhood obesity plan, including clearer and more consistent food labelling."
A Department of Health and Social Care spokeswoman said: "We've invested billions in public health services and have already removed the equivalent of 45 million kilograms of sugar from soft drinks every year.
"Our new childhood obesity plan will now get children exercising more in schools, and reduce their exposure to sugary and fatty foods."

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-45224668

Recently diagnosed with diabetes? This diet chart will make life easy

From indiatimes.com
By Dr Sanjay Kalra

Have a hectic work schedule? Adjusting to changing meal patterns and maintaining diet control during long working hours can be challenging.

Here's a quick overview for diabetics with busy and varying schedules on what all they need to include in their diet to make their meals diabetes-friendly.

MORNING: Give yourself a good start

Include complex carbohydratesA large proportion of your breakfast meal should consist of complex carbohydrates such as whole grain cereals, semolina, fruit and vegetables, beans and lentils. These keep you full for longer, and prevent sharp rise in blood sugar.

Get in a protein source
Balance the carbohydrates on your plate with protein sources such as eggs, minced meat, dal and yogurt. Proteins get digested at a slower rate, and hence release energy throughout the day.

Take in plenty of fluids
Fresh fruit juice, milk and water are the preferred choices as they minimise the risk of dehydration. Coconut water is another good source of electrolytes with simple sugars and minerals, and can replenish water loss. A cup of tea will do no harm, but keep it sugar-free.

AFTERNOON: As the day wears on
Add fibre to your plateFood rich in fibre such as apples, bananas, apricots, leafy salad greens, barley chickpeas and oats provides a feeling of fullness, and prevents constipation.

Do not overeatIt is easy to overeat when you are rushed, hungry and dinner is still some time away. With diabetes, however, overeating can lead to hyperglycemia and weight gain, both detrimental to blood sugar control and diabetes management.

Watch your sugar intakeTraditional Indian food often includes items that are fried or have high oil content. In many cases, people like to end their lunch with a nice dessert. But diabetics should avoid deep-fried, oil-rich and heavily-sweetened items at all times.

EVENING: When the day is done
Limit intake of fast food and opt for 'quick fix' snacksAvoid evening snacks which include high-calorie, fat and refined carbohydrates. Stay away from food items such as samosas, pakoras, parathas, spring rolls and jalebis. 

Eat on timeDo not get carried away when socialising or when you're away from your daily home routine. Eat on time with small portions of fruit and vegetable salads, and steamed food items that include proteins and complex carbohydrates. This will avoid the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood glucose levels) caused by the large meal gaps.

Remember to monitor your blood glucose levels regularly through the day and inform your doctor of any uneasiness or abnormality. If diabetics follow this meal plan, they can avoid major fluctuations in blood glucose levels, and live a healthy life.

(The author is Endocrinologist, Proprietor of Bharti Research Institute of Diabetes & Endocrinology (BRIDE), Executive Editor of Indian Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism)

https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/recently-diagnosed-with-diabetes-this-diet-chart-will-make-life-easy/articleshow/65362977.cms