Diabetes and Diet

DIABETES TESTING

Regular blood glucose testing by people with diabetes is important to help control it, and also prevent long-term complications. Good control of blood glucose levels can prevent or reduce serious complications.

Frequent testing can show how changes in diet, exercise, medications or weight are having an effect on a patient’s diabetes.

Close monitoring of blood glucose levels allows control and timely intervention to prevent diabetic complications.

Why is testing important for diabetic patients?

Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels (blood glucose) gives valuable information as to whether the level is within the normal range.

If kept in control, this can delay the onset or development of long term diabetic complications, which can even be life-threatening.

People with type 1 and type 2 diabetes can monitor their blood sugar themselves, by using thumb prick blood tests which are available as home kits. Self-monitoring is very important for long-term health.

What are the routine tests that are followed?

Regular self testing, recording of blood glucose levels by thumb prick blood tests, laboratory test of HbA1c (glycosylated haemoglobin) level a few times a year should be taken.

Other tests that should be performed routinely include: urine test to monitor kidney function; blood fat levels (cholesterol & triglyceride levels), and tests for kidney function.

Regular blood pressure measurement and treatment if needed.

Examination of the feet is also necessary, as the patient may not be aware of loss of sensation from early nerve damage.

Also, get eyes tested every 1 to 2 years, depending on test results.

How is diabetes and pre-diabetes diagnosed?

The following test are the normal tests whoich are used for diagnosis:

1. Fasting plasma glucose test –

This measures the blood glucose with a minimum gap of at least 8 hours without eating. It is best done on an empty stomach in the morning. This test is used to detect diabetes or pre-diabetes.

If a person’s fasting glucose level is 100 to 125 mg/dL, you have a form of pre-diabetes called impaired fasting glucose (IFG), meaning that one is quite likely to develop type 2 diabetes but does not have it yet.

A level of 126 mg/dL or above, confirmed by repeating the test on another day, means that one is diabetic.

99 mg/dL and below – normal, not diabetic

100 mg/dL to 125 mg/dL – pre diabetic

126 mg/dL and above – diabetic.

2. Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) –

This measures the blood glucose after one has not eaten for least 8 hours, and then 2 hours after drinking 75 grams glucose-containing beverage. This test is used to diagnose diabetes or pre-diabetes.

This test is more sensitive than the fasting plasma glucose test for diagnosing pre-diabetes.

If 2 hours after drinking the liquid, the blood glucose level of a person is between 140 and 199 mg/dL, then it a form of pre-diabetes called impaired glucose tolerance or IGT, meaning that one is more likely to develop type 2 diabetes but does not have it yet.

Glucose level of 200 mg/dL or above, confirmed by repeating the test on another day, means that one has diabetes.

139 mg/dL and below – not diabetic, normal

140 mg/dL to 199 mg/dL – pre diabetes

200 mg/dL and above – diabetic

Gestational diabetes is diagnosed based on plasma glucose values measured during the OGTT. Blood glucose levels are checked four times during the test. If the blood glucose levels are above normal at least twice during the test, then the person has gestational diabetes.

3. Random plasma glucose test –

This measures blood glucose without regard to when you ate your last meal. This test, along with an assessment of symptoms, is used to diagnose diabetes, but not pre-diabetes.

A random blood glucose level of 200 mg/dL or more, alongwith presence of the following symptoms, can suggest that one has diabetes:

· increased urination

· increased thirst

· unexplained weight loss

Other associated symptoms include fatigue, blurred vision, increased appetite, and sores that do not heal.

Test results are confirmed only after repeating the fasting plasma glucose test or the oral glucose tolerance test on a different day.

What is HbA1c or the glycosylated haemoglobin test?

HbA1c (glycosylated haemoglobin) gets collected in red blood cells when they are produced. This gives a clue about the blood sugar levels over a couple of months – the average lifespan of a red blood cell. Thus, this test shows the average blood glucose level over time, as compared to the thumb prick test, which indicates blood glucose at the time of testing.

If the HbA1c level is above 7%, consult a doctor for a better diabetes management plan.

If the HbA1c level is above 8%, the doctor may change medication or a more intensive insulin regime be used.

The combination of HbA1c test and thumb prick test results give a better indication of variations in blood glucose levels than either test alone.

How often should blood sugar testing be done?

Diabetic patients who are taking insulin injections should self test 3-4 times everyday, especially before retiring to bed. Type 2 diabetic patients on medicines should self test around a few times every week.

It is best to check glucose levels first thing in the morning; and before and after meals. Keep changing daily test times to get a better idea of the changes to blood glucose levels.

For diabetes information, diabetes diet, diabetes treatment, diabetes causes visit www.diabetesmellitus-information.com

Tom alter
http://www.articlesbase.com/diseases-and-conditions-articles/diabetes-testing-99917.html

Type II Diabetes is a serious health condition that generally results when the body is unable to properly process excess amounts of glucose circulating in the blood stream. More commonly occurring in adults, type II diabetes does not require insulin injections for management, but rather can be controlled by careful adherence to a low Glycemic index diet.

Nutritionists have long been advocates of the premise that high Glycemic index foods should be limited in our diets in order to promote low blood sugar and its related damage to other organs in the body. In addition to being directly related to type II diabetes, a diet consisting of primarily high Glycemic index foods has also been associated with stroke, heart disease, kidney failure and even nerve damage to the lower extremities of the body.

Type II diabetes is often referred to in medical circles as a silent killer, primarily because most people who suffer from it are not aware they have it. Due to its insidious nature of presenting no obvious symptoms, type II diabetics are often unaware of just how serious their condition is because although the deficiency of insulin is a viable health risk, the pancreas struggles very hard to produce some insulin in order to keep the body functioning, which makes early detection difficult.

Type II diabetes can be readily controlled by a careful adherence to a diet that is based primarily on consumption of low Glycemic index foods interspersed with a minimum of high Glycemic index content.

A well-balanced diet for someone who has been diagnosed with type II diabetes should consist of low Glycemic index foods. In addition, consideration should be given to:

-Foods low in saturated fats. Foods known to be high in fat include anything fried in hydrogenated oils like French fries, onion rings, etc. These foods should be totally eliminated or severely restricted for any diabetic.
-Try to limit protein intake to those products prepared with non-fat dairy products. Skinless poultry, baked fish and lean meats should be eaten in moderation.
-Carbohydrate consumption should be restricted to whole grain cereals, pasta and bread again, in moderation.
-Increase consumption of fresh fruit and fresh vegetables. Some nutritionists believe that consumption of uncooked, raw vegetables can actually reduce and sometimes eliminate the detrimental effects of type II diabetes.
-Choice of food should be relevant to variables such as vitamin, mineral and fiber content.
-Have at least one low Glycemic index food at every meal while severely limiting highly processed, starch laden foods like potatoes and refined breads and pasta.
-Instead of plastering salads with creamy dressing, use vinaigrette on the side. Try dipping veggies in vinaigrette instead of pouring it on. You use much less that way.
-Take smaller portions of food. Eat slowly -give your stomach a chance to digest what you have eaten before you overload it.

Foods with a low Glycemic index should be a part of a healthy eating plan, but there are other considerations for type II diabetics such as regulating meal times, limiting glucose intake, increasing fibre and reducing fat intake.

Understanding Glycemic index can help control glucose levels and cholesterol levels which will go a long way in promoting overall good health.

Tarja Anchor
http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/benefits-of-a-low-gi-diet-for-diabetics-90406.html

Reason for question is this: I am no longer on any meds of any kind for diabetes. I eat what I want, when ever I want. My fasting blood sugar stays around 101 and my readings before meals normally range from 75 to 96, and my 2 hour after meal reading are under 115 .

Now I have been taking high doses of steroids for 8 years. My dosage would vary from 40mg to 120mg daily.

End of March 09, I was diagnosed with diabetes type 2. My blood sugar was 1400 and my A1C was 13. They of course put me on insulin, glyburide, and medformin. And more importantly they started slowly pulling me off the steroids. As I came off the steroids my sugars dropped and stabilized. They did a second A1C in May (only 2 months after the first) and it came back 6.8 (which is still high) but my thrid A1C done in June came back 4.7, which is normal.
Like I said I eat what I want, I do not watch my diet at all, and my sugars are staying stable, and yes I test everyday 4 times. So could the steroids been the cause of the problem to start with? What are the chances of that? And yes, I plan on asking my doctor when I go back in October. Just wanted others thoughts.

Steroid induced diabetes is kind of like gestational diabetes.. it can reverse suddenly and totally.

Last month when I went to see my doctor she ran an A1C test and said my results were high. This was after some 18 hours of fasting. She then told me to take Metformin, one with evening meal, and to start testing my glucose levels with a monitor 3 times a day before meals. I am over weight, but have never had any of the other type 2 diabetes symptoms: excessive thirst/urination, numbness, dizziness, etc. and my cholesterol/blood pressure reading are fine. Since then I have gone to a healthier diet (low proccessed carbs, little red meat, no snacking) and in 4 weeks of this, I have lost more than 10 pounds. All my glucose levels have been between 80-96. I had one 100 reading early one morning after 11 hours of no eating. I am worried about the original diagnosis because the new company I am working for is getting out of group coverage insurance and you know what a diagnosis o f dianbetes does to the cost of private health insurance. I’ll keep up the plan, but any ideas?
The powers that be at the company I work for have decided that they will no longer offer insurance, deciding instead to subsidize private converage at a rate much lower than what it will take for even the healthy to get medical insurance. With a diagnosis of diabetes as a pre-existing condition, I am worried I have been priced out of health insurance. I have NEVER in my adult life ever not had health insurance.

Well … first of all, the results of your A1C have nothing to do with fasting. The A1C is a blood test that can tell what your average blood sugar level has been for the last 3 months. the fasting would have been for the glucose test, and maybe some of your other non-diabetes related tests.

Now, if you’re dieting, exercising and losing weight, your numbers will get better. It doesn’t mean you don’t have diabetes anymore … my understanding of it is, is that you will have to exercise and eat healthy for the rest of your life to keep your numbers in the good range.

Low carb Atkins diet remains to be possibly one of the most accepted low carbohydrate diets in the world today. Low carb Atkins diet popularity has helped spring a lot of related diets who work on the equal workings of low carbohydrate, high protein diet. These days people who want to lose weight have many low carb diets to pick from.

Tests have proven that protein high diet has scores of helpful effects as well as produce significant drop in weight without the need to limit calorie intake. Numerous people who make use of the high protein diet invented by Dr. Atkins have been reporting this. There are studies that show that high-protein, low-carbohydrate intake enhances triclycerides, lowers blood sugar for diabetics and people with beginning diabetes and increases helpful cholesterol (HDL). Low carb nutrition has been medically proven to enhance insulin sensitivity, reduce blood pressure and bring down blood insulin levels. If we measure it up to low fat diets, low carb diet users also lose less muscle size.

While it is not proven by science, there are lots of diverse positive consequences reported by dieters using low-carb, high-protein diet by Dr.Atkins. Some of these include extra energy, lower need for sweets, better focus, improved temper and decrease of depression form of signs.

On the other hand there are also some advantages specific to the high-protein, low-carb Atkins diet. If you have been a low fat dieter earlier you will enjoy eating all previously prohibited foods that once you had to go without. Butter, steak and cream are a normal element of low-carbohydrate, high-protein diet. Many people enjoy eating foods once off limits to them. People on low carb diet are encouraged to have their full of meat, oils, fats and cheeses.

Diet invented by Dr. Atkins is also uncomplicated to use if measured up to some other high protein diets that you have access to these days. Naturally there are some of basic food calculations that you will have to learn, but once you do that, you are going to be free to munch a meal of any kind from the acceptable food listing.

Dr. Atkins additionally underlined the need of finding your own private carb level. Various individuals have diverse amount of carb acceptance. While some people put on weight with merely 90 grams of carbs per day, other people can eat as many as 120 grams of carbohydrates daily. Throughout your continuing dieting stage and pre-maintenance stage of the diet invented by Dr. Atkins, you will learn your personal carbohydrate number that is going to help you establish your carbohydrate goal from now on.

The status of high-protein, low-carbohydrate Atkins diet can in reality make your weight loss much harder then it should be. Since there is loads of advice offered on the high protein, low carb Dr. Atkins diet, which makes it very easy to get resources and help, but can also divert you from your goal. There are many, many Atkins books written and additionally there are endless amounts of internet websites that give you information, tips and group support. On the other hand practically everyone you know has heard of diet devised by Dr. Atkins and most likely has a outlook on it. You must know that there are a lot of misunderstandings present concerning the characteristics of the Atkins diet, and you will, for sure, have to stand up for your new found eating methods once in a while.

Besides that there are also a few of the additional problems to using the low carbohydrate Dr. Atkins diet. You must calculate carbohydrates in every piece of food you eat to be confident that you are keeping within your own carbohydrate limit. Additionally, there is the issue of Induction, the most fervently argued about aspect of the diet devised by Dr. Atkins. Induction is very often difficult to endure if you have tried a diet that concentrates on carbs and sugar. Furthermore, loads of people trying to lose weight try Induction and incorrectly think that this is the way that the complete diet will be. They end up quiting without even starting the actual Atkins diet.

Every so often although if it does not occur very often, some people are going to live through a carbohydrate crash usually on the 3rd and up to 5th day of the diet invented by Dr. Atkins. That kind of reaction is a consequence of their body experiencing the ketosis phase or running on fat as an alternative to carbs. The effects are only temporary nevertheless many individuals have resigned from low carb diets totally because of this minor accident.

Taken as a whole, with the few negligible problems considered, low carbohydrate, high protein Atkins diet remains to be one of the most popular high-protein, low-carb diets because of one reason. It works. Numerous people trying to lose weight have had success with the low carb diet invented by Dr. Atkins and the low-carbohydrate, high-protein fashion of nutrition.

Manfred Stohl
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/decrease-your-blood-pressure-with-dr-atkins-diet-plan-122673.html

this really isnt a question. but its a way for me to vent and see if others out there are dealing with the same thing. im 24 and i found out im type 2 diabetic last feb. i was really sick when i found out and since have had many problems dealing with it. the doctors put me on meds and pretty much gave me the diet and exercise lecture. i didnt take them too seriously then. no one in my family is diabetic and none of my friends. i kept it to myself pretty much. but within the past several months many other health concerns came up. occasional high blood pressure and high cholesterol. i started to lose a little weight. but eventually put it back on plus a couple. within the past couple months i finally put my foot down and said i need to change my health or im going to kill myself at this rate. im not a kid anymore and i cant continue to gain weight and eat the way i do..

i am trying to hard to change my ways. but its hurting my relationship with my boyfriend. i dont have prescription coverage. so my meds and test strips are out of pocket. in order to eat better i have to spend a little more for lean meats and more veggies. even when we eat out it can be a little more expensive cause i have to make a lot of changes to the meals. places charge you extra to sub the fries or add a salad sorta thing. but my boyfriend doesnt see the entire picture. i have to do these things. he will go grocery shopping and buy hot dogs and chicken tenders and mac and cheese and wonder why i get so upset. he gets mad when im not making cookies and brownies. i cant have the junk food around me cause then i want to eat it. cant lose weight and manage blood sugar with all the wrong foods around me. he will still bring home pizzas and want to eat out all the time. it gets so frustrating. we have been dating 9 years. i love him alot. but i cant get him to understand how serious my health problems are. im not going to die if i eat an occasional slice of pizza or share a dessert. but i cant do it all the time. we have been trying to get pregnant for a year now as well. i keep having to tell him that i need to get my problems under control if we plan to have a healthy child.

i have to always educate people on the disease as well. i dont like to talk about it and make it center of attention. but its hard when im eating out and they switch my diet soda for a regular. or when i want to grab something quick and all these places seem to have is fried this and plain nothing exciting salads. i will go to friends houses and they will make excellent meals. but its hard to explain that sometimes i cant eat alot of what they make and it seems like they get offended. the other day a friend made the most excellent mexican food. tortillas, rice, beans, the works. i didnt turn the meal down. but ate very little of it. when she asked me why i wasnt eating, i had to explain the carbs and diabetes and there it was again. the long explanation of the do and donts of diabetes. many people just don’t understand that it isnt all about sugar. its the carbs as well.

ugh.. it can get frustrating. can anyone relate to me here without being mean and putting me down?
i couldnt agree more with what you both said and thank you.

No use whining about a "support system". YOU are your Support System. You and only you can control this disease — everybody else be damned.

I’ve fought the same basic problem for the last 27 years. "No one" understand me. WAAAHHH! No one NEEDS to understand you, except your doctor.

YOU must take control of this disease, or it will take control of you. DO NOT be concerned about what others think. it is petty and childish of them to be "insulted" when you don’t particpate in a "delicious" meal. YOU understand your problem, and YOU are doing the right thing.

It takes "won’t power" — I won’t eat this, and I won’t eat that. It take a real set of solid steele balls to go out with friends and order chips and water! But if you want to stay alive, you have GOT to stop sharing pizza and desserts! [BTW: Rice a serious source of carbs. Get double beans instead. Pizza is a high-fat item, which aggravates your cholesterol problem -- not to mention the load of suagr in the tomato sauce.].

Don’t bother to educate — that just makes them defensive. Say, "No. Thank you." YOU are the one with the diseas, not them. YOU are the one resposible for controlling it, not them.

As for the boyfriend — schedule a diabetic education class, and take him with you. If he is a serious relationship in your life (read that ponential husband) then he MUST understand the disease. Frankly, this is a deal breaker. If he is not going to support your change in lifestyle (including weight loss) you may need to consider another boyfriend.

Try to find a class where they emphasize the bloody details — gangrene, amputations, skin ulcers, blindness, Alzheimers, kidney disease. Find out what a Peritoneal Dialysis Cannula is, and ask him if he’d like to have sex while you are wearing THAT.

For that matter, diabetes effects the nerves, and many diabetic patients can’t enjoy sex. Would HE be quite so happy if YOU can’t enjoy it, or is he just a male chauvinist pig?

As for babies, diabetes during pregnancy can cause miscarriages or birth defects. Your control of your disease protects HIS future son or daughter!

I know that YOU are aware of the problems. but don’t let others "shame" you into losing control of your life. They don’t, AND THEY WON’T, understand. Control of diabetes is TOTALLY up to you, and in some cases you have to be a complete jerk about it — "That’s a wonderful meal, Mary, but i can’t eat any of it. Do you have water?"

Take care of yourself, and don’t worry about what others think.