Diabetic Diet Zone

Archive for the ‘Diabetes Management’ Category

If you’ve been diagnosed with pre-diabetes, your fate isn’t sealed! You can prevent this common condition from becoming full-blown diabetes.

Diabetic Management Techniques: I put this video together, I have been studying Diabetic Management because everybody I know is affected with Diabetes! I wanted to know more tips and advice that could help others. This is a quick video, I hope you find it useful!

How is Diabetes Managed?

Before the discovery of insulin in 1921, everyone with type 1 diabetes died within a few years after diagnosis. Although insulin is not considered a cure, its discovery was the first major breakthrough in diabetes treatment.

Today, healthy eating, physical activity, and taking insulin are the basic therapies for type 1 diabetes. The amount of insulin must be balanced with food intake and daily activities. Blood glucose levels must be closely monitored through frequent blood glucose checking. People with diabetes also monitor blood glucose levels several times a year with a laboratory test called the A1C. Results of the A1C test reflect average blood glucose over a 2- to 3-month period.

Healthy eating, physical activity, and blood glucose testing are the basic management tools for type 2 diabetes. In addition, many people with type 2 diabetes require oral medication, insulin, or both to control their blood glucose levels.

Adults with diabetes are at high risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). In fact, at least 65 percent of those with diabetes die from heart disease or stroke. Managing diabetes is more than keeping blood glucose levels under control–it is also important to manage blood pressure and cholesterol levels through healthy eating, physical activity, and use of medications (if needed). By doing so, those with diabetes can lower their risk. Aspirin therapy, if recommended by the health care team, and smoking cessation can also help lower risk.

People with diabetes must take responsibility for their day-to-day care. Much of the daily care involves keeping blood glucose levels from going too low or too high. When blood glucose levels drop too low–a condition known as hypoglycemia–a person can become nervous, shaky, and confused. Judgment can be impaired, and if blood glucose falls too low, fainting can occur.

A person can also become ill if blood glucose levels rise too high, a condition known as hyperglycemia.

People with diabetes should see a health care provider who will help them learn to manage their diabetes and who will monitor their diabetes control. Most people with diabetes get care from primary care physicians–internists, family practice doctors, or pediatricians. Often, having a team of providers can improve diabetes care. A team can include:

a primary care provider such as an internist, a family practice doctor, or a pediatrician

an endocrinologist (a specialist in diabetes care)

a dietitian, a nurse, and other health care providers who are certified diabetes educators–experts in providing information about managing diabetes

a podiatrist (for foot care)

an ophthalmologist or an optometrist (for eye care)

and other health care providers, such as cardiologists and other specialists. In addition, the team for a pregnant woman with type 1, type 2, or gestational diabetes should include an obstetrician who specializes in caring for women with diabetes. The team can also include a pediatrician or a neonatologist with experience taking care of babies born to women with diabetes.

The goal of diabetes management is to keep levels of blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol as close to the normal range as safely possible. A major study, the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT), sponsored by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), showed that keeping blood glucose levels close to normal reduces the risk of developing major complications of type 1 diabetes.

This 10-year study, completed in 1993, included 1,441 people with type 1 diabetes. The study compared the effect of two treatment approaches–intensive management and standard management–on the development and progression of eye, kidney, nerve, and cardiovascular complications of diabetes. Intensive treatment aimed to keep A1C levels as close to normal (6 percent) as possible. Researchers found that study participants who maintained lower levels of blood glucose through intensive management had significantly lower rates of these complications. More recently, a follow-up study of DCCT participants showed that the ability of intensive control to lower the complications of diabetes has persisted more than 10 years after the trial ended.

The United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study, a European study completed in 1998, showed that intensive control of blood glucose and blood pressure reduced the risk of blindness, kidney disease, stroke, and heart attack in people with type 2 diabetes.

Diabetes Management Tips: Achieving Accurate Blood Glucose Readings

People living with diabetes test their blood glucose anywhere from weekly to three to seven times daily or more.  When performed properly, regular and frequent testing is an important diabetes management tool that can help people with diabetes avoid long-term risks and complications.  However, even slight environmental variations can skew results and lead to problems including costly retesting and inaccurate adjustments to blood glucose levels.

Marc Wolf, a registered pharmacist with more than 28 years of experience helping patients with diabetes management and founder and CEO of Diabetic Care Services (www.diabeticcareservices.com), offers supply storage, usage and testing procedure tips to ensure accurate glucose readings for improved diabetes management.

Diabetes Testing Supply Storage

Avoid storing meters and test strips in areas that experience varied temperatures, including heat, cold, sunlight or moisture.  This can cause glucose meters to produce error messages or damage chemical reagents on test strips, which can cause inaccurate readings and disrupted diabetes management. Only use test strips within 30 days of the date you first open the vial.  Write the expiration date in permanent marker on the outside of the vial to help remember the date.  Always store strips in their original vial and replace the vial cap immediately after removing the strips to avoid damage to strips, exposure to airborne contaminants and inaccurate readings. Never use strips that are stored in cracked or damaged bottles.

Diabetes Testing Supply Usage

For accurate diabetes management, always use the test strip that is specific to your blood glucose meter to ensure compatibility.  Some strips are physically but not chemically compatible with other meters, and will produce inaccurate readings.  Follow meter instructions carefully for proper coding.  Also, check that your meter batteries are fully charged, as low batteries can skew results. Ensure the glucose meter is prepared to receive a blood droplet before drawing the sample. Avoid testing for diabetes management near rooms where there may be high levels of humidity-like the bathroom-as this can alter readings. Change lancets for every test, to avoid irritation from dull needles.

Blood Glucose Test Site

While some new meters allow for alternate site testing, the fingertip is the most accurate test site for diabetes management because it registers changes in blood glucose more quickly than the rest of the body.  To avoid calluses, soreness and infection, prick the finger on the sides-not the pads-, alternating between different sides and all ten fingers. Properly clean testing site with soap and water before drawing a sample.  Even the smallest bits of food, sugar and glucose tablet residue can alter a reading.  Make sure the site is entirely dry because even water can affect results. Try to test at approximately the same time each day, which will make it easier for you to identify patterns or sudden changes in your results.

Blood Glucose Sample

Dehydration can cause false high glucose readings, so make sure you are properly hydrated before testing. Washing hands in warm water before testing can improve circulation and make it easier to obtain a sample. Pointing hands downward below heart level will also increase circulation. Gently squeezing and massaging your finger before pricking can increase blood flow, but do not squeeze finger immediately after prick, as this will actually decrease blood flow.  Instead wait a moment and then gently milk the finger. When applying blood to the prepared test strip, avoid allowing your finger to touch the strip, as it may cause contamination.  Make sure to fill the strip entirely; you may receive an error message if you do not.

After Blood Glucose Testing

Record results to compare levels before and after meals and between days. If you have trouble remembering to record results, use a meter that stores results in its memory to assist with your diabetes management.  The WaveSense Jazz no code meter, available exclusively at www.diabeticcareservices.com and www.diabeticexpress.com, can hold up to 1,875 readings.  If the test numbers do not coincide with how you are feeling, a personal indicator of where your general numbers should be, then test again.  If you are still unsure, use an alternate meter.  Do not ignore your intuition just to avoid retesting.  It is important to check every detail for successful diabetes management. 

Exercise for Diabetes Management

Exercises are broadly divided into two categories:
•    Dynamic or aerobic: In these exercises, the major muscle groups are stretched in a rhythmic pattern and the entire body is in motion. Examples: Walking, jogging, cycling and swimming.
•    Static or anaerobic: In these exercises, muscles contract against some fixed objects and the body is static. Examples: Weight-lifting, Pressing palms against the walls.
Dynamic exercises in which large amount of energy is gradually spent over a period of time are ideal for diabetics. For older diabetics, brisk walking is safe, easy to perform and an inexpensive exercise. All they have to do is invest in time and a pair of properly fitting and comfortable footwear. Younger and fitter diabetics can choose from swimming, running, cycling or tennis. Exercising in good measure everyday helps to reduce this accumulation of fat in the arteries. It keeps the weight under check and helps in the proper utilization of calories.
Ideally 30-45 minutes of sustained dynamic exercise should be done without breaks. One should start gradually with 10 minutes daily in the first week and gradually go to 30-45 minutes in next 3-4 weeks. Sustained exercise is essential and it should be strenuous enough to raise heart beats to 75% of Maximal Heart Rate (MHR) for 10-15 minutes. The steps for calculating MHR are given below:

a. Subtract age from 220, suppose your age is 45, then 220-45 = 175

b. Calculate 75% of result of Step ‘a’ – 75% of 175 = 131.25~ 131

c. MHR is approximately 130 beats per minute
Sometimes, it may seem easier to pop a pill or even take a shot than to put on your walking shoes and hit the trail. But the truth is that exercise, in combination with a healthy diet, is one of the best things; the person can do for diabetes management. Exercise for diabetes management increases the body efficiency, because it increases the tissue sensitivity to Insulin in patients suffering from Type-2 Diabetes. Here more amount of glucose is forced out of the blood stream and into the cells where it is utilized for the production of energy. Hence, this condition reduces the level of glucose in the blood. It has been known that, diabetes exercise also increases the demand of muscles for glucose. Hence, this condition also lowers the blood sugar level.
Some tips of exercise for diabetes management are like exercise should be done at least five times a week, avoid using lifts, purposely park your vehicle away from the place of work, get down at a bus/rail stop earlier from the one nearest to your office/home and walk.

Find More Diabetes Management Articles

Foot Care in Diabetes Management

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder which occurs due to unbalanced insulin secretion by the pancreas. Diabetes can be categorised into two types: Type 1(when insulin secretion is less or almost none than the normal value) and Type 2(when insulin is secreted more than the required or normal range).

Foot ulcers are one of the most common indications of diabetes. Thus, foot care is one of the utmost and significant strategies in diabetes management.

Research has shown that Peripheral neuropathy and poor circulation in diabetes results in foot ulcers. Serious complications can result in gangrene and amputation of foot or leg. Thus doctors recommend gentle care of foot in both paediatric and elderly diabetic patients.

Patients with Diabetic foot ulcers can be classified into three categories, depending upon the level of risk: Low risk patients, Moderate risk patients and High risk patients.

Low risk patients have no past history of ulcer and have at least one pulse per foot. They have equal to or more than one of ten sites insensible to monofilament testing. Also, no foot distortion or physical or visual damage is observed.

In moderate-risk patients, both pulses in either foot can be lost. They have equal to or more than two sites insensible to monofilament testing. Foot distortion or wrap may be seen. Sometimes, patient is also unable to see or reach foot.

In high-risk patients, neuropathy is observed as pulses can be totally lost .Calluses formation leading to entire foot damage or amputation may be seen.

Foot Care Management in Diabetics in-turn depends upon: risk category, foot status and metabolic control.

For high-risk patients, visual foot inspection, by a physician or trained staff, to identify foot problems is recommended at every visit. Visual inspection involves examination of skin for wound, corns, sores, cracks, pustules or any unusual condition. Assessment of footwear for wavering lines, foreign substances, breathable materials, abnormal wearing patterns and improper fitting. For low-risk patients, visual inspection is advised atleast once in a year.

After the Visual Inspection, a Medical record is usually prepared by Physicians enclosing the details of physical assessment, including risk-assessment, results of visual inspection and guidance provided to patients for preventive care.

The Diabetes Quality Improvement Project (DQIP) is a joint initiative to improve diabetes care and the quality of life for diabetics. DQIP practices a set of eight Quality measures for diabetes, one of which stipulates that “an annual foot exam for adults with diabetes” should be documented and recorded. Several public organizations (the Department of Defense, the Health Care Financing Administration, the Indian Health Service, and the Veterans Health Administration) and private establishments (the American Diabetes Association Provider Recognition Program and the National Committee for Quality Assurance) are using some or all of the DQIP measures

Physician Guidelines as available for Management of Active ulcer or foot infection entails the following:

Not to allow patients with an open plantar ulcer walk out in their own shoes, weight relief should be provided

Prescription/Advising therapeutic footwear as per the patient condition

Frequent assessments

Patient education

Providing referrals of Specialists if required.

Attachment of labels and stickers specifying risk-level on OPD cards.

Patient Education entails the following instructions:

Daily wash of feet using mild soap and warm water

Drying of feet after wash-no rubbing, only pat drying.

Everyday examination of feet-doing check for blisters, sores, redness, corns, warmness etc.

Proper Care of toenails

Precautions during exercise

Protection of feet via socks and shoes-as advised by physician.

Thus,a dedicated effort from both Doctors and Patients can help in preventing foot complications in Diabetes.

Related Diabetes Management Articles

Diabetes Management – Implementing The Proper Methods and Tools

In order to avoid long-term complications such as amputation, blindness and damage to the different body organs, diabetes management is a serious undertaking that every afflicted person should handle. The objective is to maintain the blood sugar level within the bounds of the standard level and this requires the help of dedicated healthcare professionals. 

Tips on diabetes management:

1. Dietitians play a vital role in the planning of a balanced diet. The consistency of the daily foods to eat should be there, taking into consideration the proper nourishment factors. Improper food intake coupled with medication may result to low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) or promote excessive eating that can elevate the level of blood sugar (hyperglycemia).

2. Regular exercises from 30 to 60 minutes a day will improve the sensitivity of the body to insulin and the muscles can use the extra glucose for energy. Exercise should be properly coordinated with the doctor in case any changes in the diabetes treatment plan becomes necessary. Discontinue the exercise regimen if you experience shortness of breath, chest pain or dizziness and report the matter immediately to your doctor.

3. Medications if taken properly and in the right dosage are considered as effective tools in diabetes management. Read the label for the right storage as well as check the date of expiry. If other illnesses are being treated aside from diabetes, discuss the matter with your doctor. There maybe some contra-indications in the new drug prescribed if taken simultaneously with the diabetes medication. 

4. In case of illness, the body produces more hormones which will raise the level of blood sugar thereby rendering insulin as ineffective. Always focus on the medications and the meal plan. Never buy over-the-counter medications as it may contain a high dosage of sugar; e.g. cough syrups.

5. A diabetes medication combined with alcohol can make the blood sugar very low. Instead of the liver producing the needed stored sugar to neutralize the lowering of the blood sugar, it will be diverted in metabolizing the alcohol. It can result to damaged nerve and eye disease. If there is a doctor’s approval to drink alcohol, it is best to count the calories of your drink. Indulge only in dry wines and light beer because of their low calorie and carbohydrate contents if compared to the regular alcoholic beverages.

6. Look for consistencies in the blood sugar level a week before the menstrual period. The blood sugar level is usually affected during this period so that changes in the meal plan, medications and exercise will be adjusted. Menopausal stage can also influence the outcome of the level of the blood sugar. 

7. When you are drained of energy or under stress which is normal for people with diabetes, the tendency is to refrain from the set diabetes program. This will not only worsen the diabetic condition because the production of insulin might be affected. Be sure to handle stress through proper relaxation. Further, try any sports activities like bowling, swimming, basketball, just to name a few, in order to deviate from the usual scenario. 

Diabetes is a disease that is attached to you on a permanent basis. There may be no cure but there is the diabetes management methods and tools to make life easier if you will strictly adhere to them. Some diabetics have rebelled against this while some do not care at all. The rest however, do their best to adhere. The decision to choose remains in you, but it is best for you to decide wisely.

Alvin Hopkinson is a leading health researcher in the area of natural remedies and diabetes natural treatment. Discover how you can reverse your diabetes for good using proven and effective home remedies, all without using harmful medications or drugs. Visit his site now at http://www.minusdiabetes.com

Related Diabetes Management Articles

Effective Diabetes Management Lowers the Hazards of Complications

When someone is diagnosed with diabetes, he or she usually panics because not the disease itself, but its possible complications are extremely frightening. Diabetes can lead to serious health conditions like damage of the blood vessels; heart disease, kidney failure, eye problems, leg and foot problems. Even though this might sound very scary, with an effective diabetes management, complications can be avoided. All diabetes patients must fully understand that in order for them to live with this disease and to enjoy many years of life, they have to do some important changes. Of uttermost importance in managing diabetes and in lowering the hazards of complications are the medication, the diet and the physical activity.

Under no circumstances should patients neglect the treatment that the doctor is prescribing them. It can either be an insulin therapy or some other therapy, but the main point is that the recommended treatment scheme should be followed step by step. Medication is indeed the key to living a life close to normal, but it is not all it takes. Diabetes sufferers should also change their diet and include physical exercise in their daily routine. This all starts with a change in their mentality. A healthy lifestyle is not an ordeal, but it is the single alternative to live long and happy years without suffering of diabetes complications.

Unhealthy dietary habits need to be replaced with healthy ones. Patients with diabetes should base their diet on fruits and vegetables and they should also consume fibers and whole grains. Such a diet will diminish the risk of developing a heart disease. The intake of salt should be close to zero in order to help kidneys perform their activity easier. Smoking is completely out of the question for diabetes sufferers because it can lead to dangerous complications.

In managing diabetes, physical exercise also plays an important part. Keeping complications away, physical activity is recommended to be done three times a week, for thirty minutes. It might be wise to ask the physician what kind of exercises are best to be done because every patient has his or hers particularities.

As long as the patients realize that a diabetes diagnosis implies a bunch of changes that they need to do, managing the disease won’t be anything complicated. Will and determination are required and there are high changes for complication never to occur. With the help of these effective diabetes management techniques you can lower the hazards of complications.

More Diabetes Management Articles

Proper Diabetes Management for Efficient Treatment

According to a research done in 2007, almost 24 million people in the United States have diabetes, most of which are older adults. Diabetes is a serious disease that causes health complications such as heart disease, foot amputations, and blindness. It makes a person more vulnerable to other diseases. However, that doesn’t mean diabetes should be dismissed outright as a death sentence. In fact, it can be prevented through proper diabetes management.

How should diabetic people deal with their condition? The first thing that must be done is to enlist the help of specialists such as a physician, endocrinologist, or diabetologist who can adequately handle the needs of the patient.

Self diabetes managemant is also important because doctors and other health professionals can only do so much in taking care of your health. Managing diabetes on your own involves keeping yourself abreast with the most recent developments in the treatment of diabetes. That way, you can learn how to manage different aspects of diabetes  treatment at home such as your diet and exercise programs as well as your blood glucose levels.

Because of the recent developments in technology, diabetes self management can be done on the Internet or even through your mobile phone. With a mobile diabetes management program, you can access your test results on your mobile phone and send them to your doctor and family members. In addition, getting diet and health tips is made easy because these can be viewed on your mobile phone. Thanks to this advanced feature, self management of diabetes can be done without any hassle.

Diabetes Management

Being diagnosed with diabetes usually means adjusting your daily routine and adapting a diabetes management plan. For example, depending on the type of diabetes that you have, you might have to plan your medication to fit in with your meals. That is not necessarily as big an adjustment as it might seem. Most of the time, it will only involve remembering to take your medication before, during or after your meal, provided that your meals are spaced at regular intervals. Treatment and diabetes management is an obvious step in coping with diabetes, but diet and exercise can also have a big role to play.

Diabetes is a health problem in which there is not enough glucose in your blood to regulate your blood sugar levels. There are three main types of diabetes. If you have type 1 diabetes, it means that your body does not create enough insulin to regulate your blood sugar levels. Usually this is because the insulin cells in your pancreas have been destroyed, and your body can no longer produce enough insulin. It is also known as insulin dependent diabetes, as regular insulin injections are currently the only available treatment. Type 1 diabetes rarely occurs after the age of 40.

If you have type 2 diabetes, your body does produce insulin, but it is not used efficiently enough to control your blood sugar levels. It is also known as non-insulin dependent diabetes, as treatment can come in the form of tablets, as well as insulin injections. Diet and exercise have a huge role in controlling type 2 diabetes, and can sometimes control it without the need for other types of treatment. Type 2 diabetes does not usually develop until after the age of 40, although it has been known to occur in people who are much younger than that.

Diabetes can also occur in pregnant women of any age. This is known as gestational diabetes. Although it is mostly only temporary, and will disappear after you have given birth, some women with gestational diabetes will go on to become a type 2 diabetic when they are older.

Your diet can have a big impact on your blood sugar levels and your diabetes management plan. It is important for diabetics to keep their blood sugar levels to an acceptable level – if they are too high or too low, it can cause medical problems. It is vital that you follow a balanced diet with lots of fresh fruit and vegetables. Cut down on food that contains lots of starch and carbohydrates. Contrary to what you might think, it is actually carbohydrates, not sugar, which have an effect on your blood sugar levels. Any foods that are rich in carbohydrates are going to increase your blood sugar levels so it is essential that you limit the amount of bread, pasta and potatoes that you eat. You should still eat some carbohydrates, but keep an eye on how much. Generally, carbohydrates and starchy foods should be eaten at the start of meals.

More Diabetes Management Articles