Mexican Food In Type 2 Diabetes – So There Are Some Things I Need To Watch Out For
February 22, 2011 by admin
Filed under Managing Diabetes
You just got a diagnosis of Type two diabetes. Does that now mean one can not go to their favourite Mexican restaurant again? The answer is a no. You can still enjoy Mexican food. You can actually ill enjoy almost any food you want. There is definitely one proviso though. You must watch what you eat and how much you eat. Mexican restaurants serve many foods high in carbohydrates. Always be aware of what you are eating. That basket of chips they often bring to the table is the place to now start using caution. The corn in the tortillas contains high levels of carbohydrates. The deep fried chips bring high levels of fat. Some salsas have a really high degree of salt or sodium.
What else do you need to watch when eating at a Mexican restaurant? Rice is certainly not your friend. They make most rice dishes with refined white rice. Eating too much rice can spike glucose levels. Beans may be another red flag. Legumes are also a good sourcs for the healthy fats and fiber. Beans in a Mexican meal will more than likely send your glucose into the stratosphere. Refried beans have added fat and calories that is often saturated. The refrying process breaks down the fibre value also. You get the taste of beans but none of the nutritional value. Tortillas, from either corn or flour, are not good either. Both come from refined grains that hold little nutritional value and high levels of carbohydrates.
What can one enjoy at a Mexican eatery? Chicken fajitas are a good choice. You get a pile of chicken and vegetables. You can moderate the level of sour cream and cheese you add as well as the tortillas you eat with it. Shrimp fajitas are also good options. Soft tacos with chicken or broiled fish are also another option. Getting a taco salad and not eating the deep fried shell is another option. All of these options allow you to control the amount of rice, tortillas, and beans you eat.
Portion control is the vital with any restaurant. If you order an entrée, consider asking for a box at the beginning of the meal. Put half in the box and take it home with you. You get to enjoy your food and don’t need to deal with a glucose spike in the process. Getting a diagnosis of type 2 Diabetes does not now mean one has to stop eating their favorite foods. It is a question of getting control of portion size and regulating when you eat.
What Is The HbA1c That Doctors Measure In Type 2 Diabetes – Your Life Depends On It – What’s Going On
February 22, 2011 by admin
Filed under Managing Diabetes
When people first receive a diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes , they enter a whole new world of medical terms and testing. One of the primary tests they will undergo in the doctor’s office is the one for HbA1c. What exactly is this oddly named health test? HbA1c blood tests for the current levels of glycated hemoglobin in your blood. This form type of hemoglobin is generated when blood glucose attaches to hemoglobin. By examining this type of of hemoglobin gives an accurate picture of how much glucose is in the blood. Did you know a normal HbA1c test finding will come back with 6% or less of glycated hemoglobin. Borderline results are agreed to be between 6-7%. If your results are over 7%, your diabetes may not be under control.
How do doctors perform the test on those with type 2 diabetes? For adults, the doctor will order blood drawn from a vein. In small children, the doctor may use a lancet to prick the skin and then collect the blood in a pipette. The blood goes off to the lab where they measure the amount of glycated hemoglobin in the sample. The results go back to the doctor for analysis. That is when you may get the results. If yourglucose levels are out of range, your doctor may require other testing. He may also order some tablets or pills or alterations in lifestyle to counteract the readings.
Testing for HbA1c is not for every day monitoring of blood glucose levels. The value in the result from the HbA1c blood test does not easily react or be influenced by the everyday ups and downs. It does not show daily spikes or drops inglucose . As a result, some people may show increased HbA1c values if they have conditions such including kidney failure, alcohol abuse, or hypertriglyceridemia. Some people may show decreased amounts of HbA1c if they have acute or chronic blood loss, thalessemia, or sickle cell disease. Those patients with type 2 Diabetes use this test to look at blood sugar readings over the recent weeks or months.
HbA1c makes a good companion in monitoring your progress in getting your type 2 diabetes under control. Since it measures the long term amounts of glucose in the blood, periodic testing will show if a sufferer with Diabetes 2 has their glucose under control or not. For best results, getting it down below 6% is the best. Keeping it under 7% will help delay the beginning of any major medical complications. Taking this reading will become routine in those with diabetes. It can be either a hindrance or a guidepost.
Type 2 Diabetes – Amputation Of Legs And Feet – Is That The Case
February 22, 2011 by admin
Filed under Managing Diabetes
Why do so many people with Type 2 Diabetes require amputation at some point in their life? Type 2 Diabetes causes many medical problems. Known to one of the most devastating is diabetic neuropathy. This is actually the diabetes doing damage to the nerves in the periphery nervous system. It happens most often in the legs and feet. The problem often starts with a tingling feeling in the area. Finally the tingling can turn to pain or numbness. Another medical condition that Type two Diabetes causes in the feet is reduced circulation. In the extremities of the feet, the size of the blood vessels constrict due to diabetes. When these to risks combine, it can lead to severe problems in the feet or lower legs. You might know that this is when amputation may become an option.
How do you avoid getting to the point of an amputation with type 2 Diabetes ? Good footcare is very important. This means monitoring the feet for any signs of infection. It means keeping them clean at all times. It means wearing good shoes and the proper support socks. It means treating any minor injury as a major one. If a minor injury happens in an area with nerve damage and poor circulation, infection becomes a real possibility. Severe infection can lead to gangrene. That, of course, could result in amputation. Seeing your physician about any injury to the foot is important for only this reason alone.
There are other ways to help prevent the need for amputation if you have type 2 diabetes. It is a reported fact you should quit smoking since it also decreases the size of blood vessels throughout the human body. Keep a very close eye on your blood sugar levels. Managing those levels will help keep Diabetes Type 2 damage to the nerves down to a minimum level. Get and then always stay physically active. This helps increase circulation to both the legs and feet. It also helps with flexibility. Visit your doctor regularly to monitor for any health problems. Get your body weight under control. Excess weight on the legs and feet do not help people with Diabetes Type 2.
If you already have nerve damage or circulation issues in your feet, don’t think that amputation is inevitable. Taking good care of your feet is extremely important. Visit your physician if you find sores developing on your feet. Take care with wearing shoes at all times. Loss of sensation may then not let you know or alert you if you step on something that can result in a wound. With type 2 diabetes, taking care of your feet is almost as important as monitoring your blood sugar.
Exercise IS OK Before And After Meals In Type 2 Diabetes- It Can Help So Much
February 8, 2011 by admin
Filed under Managing Diabetes
Those with type 2 diabetes can exercise just about any time of the day. The ideal way to understand when people with Diabetes 2 can exercise is by trial and error and monitor the results. Some find exercising in the morning is better than the evening. Some find the opposite to be true. Many choose to exercise in short intervals throughout the day. Exercise both before and also after a meal is possible. All depends on what you usually eat and how your blood glucose levels react. If your glucose levels are below the 250 milligrams per deciliter level (14 mmol/L), it is usually safe to exercise. The only exception is if you have ketones in your urine.
Plan to exercise around the same time each day. Getting into a routine and keeping it helps your body regulate your blood sugar levels. Plan your daily meals accordingly though. If you plan to exercise soon after you eat, make sure you add some additional carbohydrates to help elevate blood glucose levels slightly to compensate for the drop during exercise. Always bring some carbohydrate snacks with you when you go to do exercise. If you feel a sudden drop in your glucose levels, you will have some quick energy nearby. All of this will help you exercise in the most effective way while managing your type 2 diabetes.
When you combine exercise with diet and medicine, management of diabetes becomes easier even in those on insulin. Exercise brings many other health benefits as well. It helps manage weight issues. It counteracts heart and blood circulation problems. Exercise has emotional benefits as well. Many individuals with 2 Diabetes suffer from anxiety and depression because of their diagnosis. Exercise helps counteract those emotions. For individuals with 2 Diabetes with a family history of 2 Diabetes or those who are overweight, it is a proven way to reduce your risk of developing the disease in the first place.
Use caution when exercising if you have Type II Diabetes. Exercising if your blood sugar levels are too high is a definite no-no. As is exercising for greater time periods than you usually do. Your body may react by releasing more glucose to supply the cells with energy. That might elevate a Type 2 Diabetes individual’s blood sugar readings into a danger zone. Make sure you keep hydrated as well. Low fluid hydration can result in fainting or additionally a coma. You might know that it is paramount always to wear appropriate shoes. All of these precautions will help you get the best results from your exercise without endangering your health. So with some exercise, and a good Diabetes Diet you will be able to control your Diabetes and also possibly any Diabetes Symptoms.
Which Variety Of Diabetes May I Have ?
February 8, 2011 by admin
Filed under Managing Diabetes
There is no room for play when dealing with serious conditions like Type 2 Diabetes. The right treatment should be taken right away in case that you find out that you suffer from this disease. Those that have ignored their Type 2 Diabetes have developed further complications, after developing other health related conditions or even aggravated diabetes. So it is really important to keep these aspects in mind and go see a doctor if you think there may be something wrong with you. It is a sad fact that numerous individuals indeed have developed Diabetes 2, and are not aware that they have this ailment; neglecting any regular examinations for diabetes is the main reason for this. It is importnant to keep a keen interest in maintaining a healthy life style, and ignoring this can lead to serious consequenes following ill health! Just think that you double the chances of getting a heart related disease if you even have pre-diabetes, which is just the first stage! It is very important to maintain a healthy eating routine, so that you consume little fat, salt and so on. So keep in mind that the right treatment is advised in the event that you are diagnosed with diabetes. Stay informed, learn about the different aspects of diabetes, and how you should approach its day-to-day management.
The first type of diabetes is Type 1. There are two types, Types 1 and 2. The Type 1 is sometimes known as Juvenile Diabetes because it oftentimes occurs early in a person’s life. It is caused by the fact that, for some reason, the body is unable to produce a sufficient quantity of insulin. Insulin represents a hormone which is responsible for clearing away and reducing the glucose from your blood, by moving glucose into the cells of the body (for example, the muscles) to provide your cells with the glucose and energy they need. The insufficient insulin level which occurs in Type 1 diabetes is caused by the immune system, destroying whatever cells are producing insulin (located in your pancreas). The cells that are used to create the insulin are actually named beta cells, located in the pancreas. If the sugar remains in your circulation, rather than moving into your cells (such as muscles), the ill consequences will develop in diabetes.
The second type of diabetes (Type 2 diabetes), represents a different metabolic disorder caused by the fact that, like Type 1 diabetes, the body is not able to produce enough (or even use) insulin. This diabetes occurs with the greatest incidence, being approximately 90% of the cases out there. Diabetes is not a condition which develops overnight, but takes a long long time, and is usually observed in adults. For this reason, frequent diabetes testing (say every year) is a very good idea! You could be suffering from a low-level type of diabetes (called prediabetes which eventually leads to full blown Type 2 Diabetes and you do not even know it, and if you leave it untreated, it will develop into Type 2 Diabetes, which is the last and most serious form of diabetes. As a final resort, insulin is only given to individuals if initially, alterations in your diabetes diet, lifestyle and some weight loss doesn’t work.
Understanding Blood Glucose In Type 2 Diabetes.
February 8, 2011 by admin
Filed under Managing Diabetes
It’s important to be educated about the many things that can occur by having Type 2 Diabetes . However, understanding your blood glucose levels is probably the most critical. Knowing what the normal range your glucose level should fall in will help you take better care of your body. One risks great damage to your heart, blood vessels, eyes and kidneys if you don’t properly care for your glucose levels. Using a glucose meter can help you stay in your normal glucose range. It is a medically accepted fact that a adequate Type 2 Diabetes person’s diet plan can also assist to keep your blood glucose levels normal as well.
Blood Sugar levels can certainly vary. This depends on where you look for information. The America Diabetes Association (ADA) numbers are a little different. How does one know which levels to follow? It is a reported fact with proper tests, your healthcare team can tell you which blood sugar levels /goals are proper for you. You should measure your blood sugar daily and several times daily. Getting into this habit will help you start learning how to keep your glucose level within a good range. It is ideal to monitor your blood glucose level once in the morning before breakfast, 2 hours after a meal and just before going to bed.
What should my levels look like? According to the ADA, blood sugar levels be between 90 – 130 mg/dl (5-7 mmol/L) prior to a meal. One – two hours following eating, the blood sugar range should be below 180mg/dl (10 mmol/L). If your glucose level is just the slightest amount over, this minimal spike can begin causing serious effects on your blood vessels, heart and kidneys. So, keep your levels within the specified ranges at all times. Also, these are just the TYPICAL guideS as listed by the ADA. A medico can also tell you which range you need to stay in based on your bodyweight, health condition and other factors.
There are specific trends to watch for while monitoring your blood glucose levels. Any glucose level that is constantly above 150 mg/dL (8.3 mmol/L) is an indication of hyperglycemia. Hyperglycemia is the condition of high blood sugar. Correct diet alterations can assist in controlling this and return your glucose levels to the correct range. The other extreme is having your blood sugar levels consistently falling below 70mg/dL (3.8 mmol/L). This means that you are hypoglycemic. Hypoglycemia is scientifically the state of low blood sugar. It is a scientifically accepted fact that this can certainly develop into a fatal condition since you can lose consciousness or suffer impaired mental functions. In addition to measuring blood sugar levels yourself, you need to have routine blood measurements done at your healthcare provider’s office. In this mode, you will know that you are adhering to best blood sugar monitoring habits.
Do You Know ? : Type 2 Diabetes- When To Measure Your Blood Sugar !
February 8, 2011 by admin
Filed under Managing Diabetes
Each patient with type 2 diabetes will have a different time schedule they need to measure their blood sugar. Did you know the first required step is learning how a sufferer’s body with Type 2 Diabetes handles exercise and meals. It requires building something known as a blood glucose profile. You take a blood sugar reading after regular activities such as eating breakfast, going for a morning walk, or taking an afternoon nap. After a few days, you will start to see a pattern emerge that shows what effects your blood sugar levels. For some it may be eating breakfast triggers a glucose spike. For some other patients with Type two Diabetes it could be that a morning walk triggers a dramatic drop in their blood glucose levels.
When should you measure your blood sugar levels? When someone with type 2 diabetes uses insulin, the general rule of thumb is to monitor blood glucose levels before every meal. For those using oral medications or managing it without medication, it’s okay to measure blood sugar less often. Many patients only do it once or twice a week or when needed. Healthcare experts advise most sufferers with Type two Diabetes do for only one day measurements of blood glucose levels at least once a month to monitor for any abnormalities. If you feel unwell or feel your glucose levels may be off, take a glucose reading to see what the situation looks like.
Each person with a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes will need to learn their own patterns. Once you have a blood profile and do a few readings, you will learn how things feel when blood sugar levels are too high or too low. The first signs of a spike or plummet will be physical symptoms. Once you recognize the symptoms, you will know when you need to take a measurement. The people normally around you also need to become aware of the signs. Sometimes a spike or plummet can come on quickly. Others may see external symptoms before you notice them.
You have a wide selection of monitoring tools available today. Many patients must select from a small set if their insurance (in the USA) is paying. However, the technologies have improved greatly over the past few years. A couple of decades ago you might have needed a large drop of blood. Now it only requires a speck of blood. Many monitors will store the results for several readings to allow you to review your recent history. Some even hook up and download to your computer. Monitoring your blood sugar is a matter of good health and poor.
Monitoring Diabetes – And Your Doctor In Type 2 Diabetes You Really Need To Be Monitored Carefully
February 8, 2011 by admin
Filed under Managing Diabetes
Monitoring your blood glucose levels is just the start of what you and your doctor need to do to keep an eye on your type 2 diabetes. It is likely the most immediate factor that comes to mind however. Glucose levels rising are the primary indicator of Diabetes in the first place. The doctor uses HbA1C testing to monitor your long-term glucose levels. So, this commonly happens about four times a year. This testing gives you and your doctor a picture of how you diabetes control regime is working over the long run. It is not a short-term monitoring tool, as it does not show every day ups and downs of glucose levels.
Your doctor will also need to monitor other things after you get a type 2 diabetes diagnosis. These include your weight, blood pressure, cholesterol and other items. Bodyweight is very critical since additional bodyweight can lead to higher insulin resistance. Lowering weight to within the recommended range can significantly improve the control that you have over your diabetes. Your doctor will watch to make sure your weight is at least staying the same and not rising. If you have trouble losing weight, your doctor may recommend dietand exercise changes to accelerate the process.
Your doctor monitors your blood pressure and cholesterol since those with type 2 diabetes have a higher risk of heart disease than the general population. It is important to do the right things to bring both of these measurements under control before you develop severe cardiovascular problems. That may mean making dietary changes as well as reving up the level of physical activity. If changes do not make a big enough impact into those numbers, a Diabetes 2 individual’s healthcare team may prescribe pills to help lower either or both of those measurements.
Your doctor will also need to review your glucose readings over time. It is a medically accepted fact that this is one vital reason to maintain an accurate readings journal. This information can give him the information to detect trends that you might not catch. It will allow him to make recommendations on changes in diet and physical activitiesto maintain your blood sugar levels. Your doctor may have other tests that he wishes to perform regularly to make sure your health stays level or improves. Early detection of problems means a faster intervention and prevention of problems. It is important to make your doctor part of the solution to managing your type 2 diabetes or diabetes symptoms.
Type 2 Diabetes : The Best Fruit And Vegetables List !
February 8, 2011 by admin
Filed under Managing Diabetes
Fruits are an important staple of one’s diet. Whether anyone has Type 2 Diabetes or not, fruits come alomg with fiber, vitamins and minerals which arevital for a complete balanced diet. If you are suffering from Type 2 Diabetes you can still enjoy the benefits of fruits, except those fruits which contain high levels of carbohydrates and sugars and that can have an effect to increase your blood glucose level. Choosing fruit ? Opt for fresh fruit. Can’t get fresh fruit ? Go for dried or frozen! But the variety without extra added sugar.
You must include fruits with a low Glycemic Index to control your Type 2 Diabetes, which is best for your health. Those fruits with the lowest Glycemic Index are Cherries, Prunes, Grapefruit, Dried Apricots, Raisins, Peach (canned juice), Apple, fresh Pear, Strawberries, Plum, Guava, Orange, Grapes, Papaya, Banana, Kiwi, Pineapple, Figs, and Mango.
Although watermelon has a high Glycaemic Index, the glycemic load per food serving (size of 120g) is low; so unless you consume lots in one go, it will not have a big effect on your blood glucose levels. So, a typical serving, because so much of it is water, contains very little carbohydrate and thus has a low glycemic load. However, since watermelon is high in sugar, you should still eat it in moderation.
You can consume these fruits either in raw or cooked form, or in the form of fruit juice, but with no added sugar! While buying fruits, try to buy small pieces. Try to avoid fruit juices. As an alternate option, make your choice to include whole fruits since they contain more fiber and are more filling. If you must, when buying canned fruit juices, check the label for the following (which is the best): “unsweetened or extra-light,” or “no sugar added.” Keep far from fruits that are frozen or in tins packed with heavy syrup.
Vegetables supply vitamins, minerals and also fiber. The best vegetable choices can be found to have low amounts of carbohydrates! An excellent variety of vegetables in a Type II Diabetes diet regimen includes Broccoli, Lettuce, Spinach, Cabbage, Asparagus, Brussels sprouts, Cauliflower, Radish, Turnip, Mushrooms, Green Peas, Soybean sprouts, Carrots, Onions, Peppers (all varieties), Green Beans, Eggplant, Celery, Cucumber, Zucchini, Tomatoes, Chilies, and a minimum of vegetable juice.
Consume cooked or uncooked vegetables prepared with little or no fat, and with little or no dressings (or sauces). Opt for fat-free or low-fat dressings on salads, as well as on uncooked vegetables. When cooking with vegetables, go for some extra chopped garlic or onions. It is smart to start using low-fat broths or water to steam the vegetables. Why not use a small amount of lemon juice or a even vinegar to add flavour to vegetables. You can even put in some smoked turkey or a few pieces of lean ham with vegetables while cooking (for flavoring), instead of any other kind fats. Another good idea is to sprinkle your vegetables with spices, peppers, and many of the commonly available herbs. If one needs to include a portion of fat for ‘taste’, make use of soft margarines, olive oil, or canola oil rather than butter or fatty meats.
Type 2 Diabetes – Exercise – Your Health Concerns Here
February 4, 2011 by admin
Filed under Managing Diabetes
Exercise is critical for proper management of Type 2 Diabetes. When used in combination with a Diabetes Diet and medicine, you have a good shot at keeping the diabetes in check for a long period. It also helps manage weight issues, which also helps manage the glucose levels. It counteracts the medical issues that lead to heart and blood vessel disease. Great news since Type 2 Diabetes has an associated greater risk of heart (cardiovascular) disease. Exercise has both physical and emotional benefits that will help anyone with or without diabetes. It is a proven way to reduce your likelihood of developing the disease in the first place.
How does exercise help diabetes? Studies show that exercise lowers the amount of insulin resistance the body expresses. That alone makes it very valuable in type 2 diabetes management. However, it aids with other health problems that can cause trouble for those with Type 2 Diabetes. It will aid in burning excess body fat to decrease bodyweight, improves bone density, and improve muscle strength. Research shows it decreases cholesterol as well as the blood pressure. It helps improve circulation and increases your energy levels. It helps promote relaxation and eliminate negative emotions. This assists in managing your diabetes alot easier.
What is the best way to incorporate exercise into your type 2 diabetes program? The same advice that doctors give to anyone starting a new exercise program will work for those with diabetes. Talk with your doctors first to make sure everything is okay before you begin. Start slowly. Gradually begin increasing the amount and strenuousness of the exercises. It is best to go for activities you like. Move toward exercising at least 30 minutes a day, five days a week. Please always warm up and cool down to help protect muscles. Wear the correct shoes. Always stay well hydrated. Do not ignore pain.
Exercise does require some caution with people that have type 2 diabetes. If your blood glucose levels are high numbers, one should delay exercise. Some exercise will increase blood sugar readings. If they are too high at the moment, you are likely headed for trouble. Exercising for long period of time or at higher levels than normal your body may begin counteracting the insulin in your blood. It is essential to monitor your blood glucose levels if you plan on doing more than normal. For safety reasons, wear a medical alert bracelet to alert people that you have Diabetes, as you may have no obvious Diabetes Symptoms. If something happens, it can save your life.
