If you’re a pre-diabetic, just cut down on rice and rotis and increase your protein intake. This way you can halt Type-2 diabetes and even reverse it if you have been newly diagnosed, according to the country’s largest ongoing study on the disease. It recommends reducing carbohydrate consumption to just about 50-55 per cent of the daily energy consumed and increasing the protein intake to 20 per cent.
The latest report from the Indian Council of Medical Research-India Diabetes (ICMR-INDIAB) is based on a detailed macro-nutrient consumption pattern study of 18,090 individuals, or one in six of the 1.1 lakh people enrolled in the study. A mathematical modelling was then used to determine the optimal consumption pattern.
“The diabetes burden in India is rapidly increasing; we currently have 74 million people living with diabetes and another 80 million are pre-diabetic. Also, the pre-diabetics convert very fast to diabetes. It is estimated that India will have 135 million diabetics by 2045 – meaning almost double in the next 20 years or so. And, one of the main driving factors is the very high carbohydrate consumption in our population,” said Dr V Mohan, chairman of Dr Mohan’s Diabetes Specialities Centre and one of the authors of the study.
He said, “Around 60 to 75 per cent of our total calorie intake is in the form of carbohydrates and only 10 per cent comprises proteins. We have shown in several studies earlier that excessive consumption of white rice increases the risk of diabetes. Wheat is equally bad. Now, if a person is able to reduce the carbohydrate consumption slightly to 50 to 55 per cent, say three idlis instead of four and increase protein consumption — preferably plant protein; fish and chicken also work, but not red meat – then there can be a remission in diabetes.”
The optimal nutritional requirement for remission of newly-diagnosed diabetes was found to be carbohydrates accounting for 49 to 54 per cent of energy consumption, proteins 19 to 20 per cent, fat 21 to 26 per cent and dietary fibres 5 to 6 per cent. Women need to cut their carbohydrate consumption by around two per cent more than the men to achieve the same results. Similarly, older individuals had to cut their carbohydrate consumption by one per cent more and increase their protein consumption by one per cent more than the young.
For remission from pre-diabetes, the recommendations were 50 to 56 per cent carbohydrates, 18 to 20 per cent protein, 21 to 27 per cent fat, and three-five per cent dietary fibre. Physically inactive individuals were recommended a four per cent greater reduction in carbohydrates as against active individuals.
So, what would an ideal plate look like? Says Dr Mohan, “Vegetables, not the starchy ones like potato, should make up half the plate. These could be any green leafy vegetables, beans, cabbage, cauliflower; these can be changed every day. A quarter of the plate should be protein such as fish, chicken or soya. A small quantity of rice or one or maximum two chapatis should make up the other quarter.”
Why this study differs from others, according to Dr Mohan, is that the recommendations ask people to reduce the quantity of carbohydrates by a small amount. “There are many trials that have shown that drastic reduction in calories, such as consuming 800 calories or completely doing away with carbohydrates, have shown rapid weight loss and reversal of diabetes. Those findings are correct but the method is not sustainable.”
Dr Anjana Mohan is the lead author of the study while Dr Seshadri Srinivasan from the Kalasalingam Academy of Research and Education worked on the mathematical model for the study. The study was recently published in the journal Diabetes Care.
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]]>Brown sugar vs. white sugar… is the color the only difference? The two have the same origins, but for some reason, brown sugar is perceived as healthier. The few differences they do have, though minuscule, are important for those with diabetes.
The origin of both brown sugar and white sugar is either the sugarcane plant or the sugar beet. Brown sugar takes in its color from the addition of molasses. This makes it darker and adds some nutritional elements. But before the addition, they both are nearly the same nutritionally.
By weight, brown sugar has fewer calories and carbs The molasses properties of brown sugar make it higher in potassium, iron, and calcium than white sugar. This is true even though the amounts in a typical serving size are not that different. The two do have different tastes and properties, which give them different functions as additive ingredients. In a normal person in overall good health, these differences will not likely affect your health.
All sugars are manufactured by juice extraction from sugarcane or the sugar beet. The steps include cleaning, crystallization, and drying to the form of raw sugar (white). During manufacturing, the sugar crystals are separated from the dark brown, thick syrup known as molasses. This makes the brown sugar. Molasses from sugar cane are sweet, but molasses from the sugar beet are not. According to The Sugar Association, this type of molasses is used for animal feed.
Manufacturers can boil the brown sugar syrup to make brown sugar. The flavor, sugar moisture content, and color are determined by the amount of molasses used. Variations of crystal size and molasses quantity allow different types of foods, drinks, and other recipes to be made.
Types of white sugar include granulated, caster, powdered, and fruit sugars. Brown sugar types include light brown, dark brown, muscovado, and turbinado sugar.
Sucrose is the main component of brown and white sugars and can cause blood sugar level spikes. Sucrose has a high rating on the diabetic glycemic index. Both types of sugars can increase your blood sugar just as much as some carbs.
Regardless of the type of sugar you eat, you need to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. This is especially important if you have diabetes. Modifying your diet to decrease sugar and carb intake can prevent the risk of further complications from diabetes in the long run. Brown and white sugar are both considered to be sugar additives. They are associated with a decrease in insulin sensitivity and increased risk of developing several chronic conditions.
Naturally, we find sugar in fruits, veggies, and dairy. It's also used as an additive in food and drinks. Sugar additives, or “free sugars,” are where most of the health debate comes in. Free sugars include:
When you eat foods that have carbohydrates, they're broken down into sugar by your digestive system and then enter your blood. As your blood sugar levels begin to rise, your pancreas in turn produces insulin. Insulin helps your body to absorb blood sugar for storage and energy.
As your cells begin to take in the sugar, your blood sugar levels fall, prompting your pancreas to begin to make glucagon. Glucagon is a hormone that tells your liver to release stored sugar. The back and forth of insulin and glucagon makes sure that cells in your body have a steady supply of blood sugar.
The development of type 2 diabetes is highly dependent on carbohydrate metabolism. Diabetes develops when your body uses insulin improperly or can’t make enough of it. Diabetes usually develops over a number of years as your cells stop responding to insulin. This is called insulin resistance. Insulin resistance causes blood sugar and insulin levels to remain high after the consumption of meals. After a long time, the demands of insulin production wear thin, and insulin production will stop eventually.
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]]>In the study that was recently published by Research Square, researchers took a look at 339 patients from the Department of Endocrinology, Air Force Special Medical Center, in Beijing, China. The patients who were between 60 and 90 years old all had type 2 diabetes while 204 also had diabetic foot ulcers.
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When researchers took a look at the available data, they found that 80.5% of the overall patients had low levels of vitamin D. On top of that, 85% of those with diabetic foot ulcers had a vitamin D deficiency while another 13% had vitamin D levels that weren't quite high enough to be considered adequate. Only 2% of those with foot ulcers had enough vitamin D in their systems.
"The findings do not surprise me since vitamin D plays a key role in reducing inflammation and supporting immune health," Johna Burdeos, RD, tells Eat This, Not That!.
When it comes to how vitamin D is connected to diabetic foot ulcers, Burdeos explains that "as with any wound there is potential for infection." At the same time, "a person with vitamin D deficiency may lack the immune strength needed to mount a strong defense against infection," which "may lead to a worsening of the diabetic foot ulcer, where it progresses from the early stage of inflammation to tissue death or gangrene due to infection."
This is why Burdeos suggests "people with diabetes, especially older adults, get screened for vitamin D deficiency and discuss with their doctor if a vitamin D supplement is warranted."
Beyond that, those with diabetes should "follow up routinely with their medical team—doctor and diabetes educator." Burdeos notes that "ongoing education on diabetes management and control of the disease are critical components to prevention. In the case of diabetic foot ulcers, education and diabetes management may prevent loss of limb."
Prediabetes symptoms are often hard to detect. About 84 million people over age 20 in the U.S. have prediabetes, but 90% don’t know that they have it. If you have prediabetes, the long-term damage of diabetes to your heart, blood vessels and kidneys may already be starting. It's important to get blood sugar levels tested, especially if you’re at high risk.
Here are some key symptoms in your body that may indicate prediabetes.
Signs of prediabetes can show on your skin. Diabetic dermopathy is a term used to describe the small, brownish spots on the skin particularly in front of the legs. These changes in skin happen due to decrease in the blood circulation to the skin. Affected areas can include the neck, armpits and groin.
Our body converts the food we eat into glucose which the cells then use for energy. But our cells need insulin to take in glucose. If your body doesn't make enough or any insulin, or if your cells resist the insulin your body makes, the glucose can't get into them and you have no energy. This means we may not be getting the required energy we should, from the food we consume. This can make you feel hungrier and more tired than usual.
An average person usually has to urinate between four and seven times in a day, but people with diabetes or even prediabetes may go a lot more. Normally, our body reabsorbs glucose as it passes through the kidneys but when diabetes pushes our blood sugar level up, the kidneys may not be able to bring it all back in. This causes the body to make more urine. The result: You'll have to go more often. Frequently urinating can make you feel very thirsty. When you drink more, you'll also pee more.
Dry mouth, also called xerostomia, is a lack of moisture in your mouth. Because your body is using fluids to make urine, there's less moisture left for other things. You could get dehydrated, and your mouth may feel dry because you don’t have enough saliva. If you have dry mouth and think you could have prediabetes, you should consult your doctor. High blood sugar and dry mouth together can lead to serious dental problems if they’re not timely treated.
High blood sugar can make your eye lens swell, which changes your ability to see. Studies show that nearly eight percent of people develop diabetic retinopathy during the prediabetic stage, before they have been officially diagnosed with diabetes. To correct it, you need to get your blood sugar back into the target range. It may take as long as 3 months for your vision to fully get back to normal. Consult your eye doctor as they can offer a more personalised analysis of your problem.
Gmate SMART meter is the only true Smartphone glucometer for diabetic needs. Connect directly to the Smartphone, without the need of a costly adapter. First in its class and weighing in at less than 2 ounces, the Gmate® SMART is the smallest, most innovative blood glucose meter in the world. The Gmate® SMART connects directly to the headphone jack of the phone Headphone jack as a power source and data connection point. Find out more HERE.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
But beyond being an energy-draining annoyance, imbalanced blood sugar can seriously impair your ability to meet the demands of daily life, and—if chronically elevated—wreak havoc on your long-term health.
Here's how to tell if you have a healthy blood sugar level and simple ways to keep it that way, naturally and effectively.
Even if you think you lead a relatively healthy lifestyle and have your blood sugar level under control, not everyone's good at spotting the warning signs. When you don't manage your blood sugar level appropriately, hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) can occur as the level rises and falls drastically. This is a serious issue that requires medical attention and comes with a number of unpleasant side effects, including:
Suboptimal blood sugar balance can lead to common complications, including fatigue, weight gain, and sugar cravings. The good news: With the right lifestyle and dietary tweaks, maintaining healthy blood sugar is easier than you think.
Consider implementing the following strategies to maintain a healthy blood sugar level and keep it balanced:*
Your first dietary step toward a more balanced blood sugar level: ditching (most of) the packaged foods and focusing on high-quality whole foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, nuts, seeds, and quality meats and fish. Many processed foods are high in sugar, refined grains and carbs, and artificial ingredients and flavorings while being low in blood-sugar-stabilizing fiber and protein.
Of course, it's also important to be realistic. You're probably not going to be able to nix packaged foods completely, so just make a point to select those that are made from mostly whole-food ingredients, like an energy bar that lists just nuts, seeds, and dried fruit on its label.
Your minimally processed diet should be heavy in nonstarchy, fiber-rich vegetables and fiber-rich fruit and whole grains. That's because fiber slows down the digestion of carbohydrates and the absorption of sugar, which means you experience a more gradual rise in your blood sugar level after meals.
Good sources of fiber include leafy greens, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, artichokes, raspberries, pears, beans, lentils, peas, avocados, pumpkin seeds, and oatmeal.
Like fiber, protein tempers insulin secretion, leading to a more gradual rise in blood sugar after a meal. It also fills you up better than any other nutrient. Eating a protein-rich breakfast is particularly important because it helps set the tone for the rest of the day.
The amount of protein you need in your diet depends on a number of factors, but the general protein recommendation for healthy adults is 0.8 to 1.0 gram per kilogram of body weight (55 to 68 grams per day for someone who weighs 150 pounds).
Good animal sources include wild-caught fish, grass-fed beef, and pasture-raised chicken and eggs. If you're vegetarian or vegan, not to worry, we rounded up 54 sources of plant-based protein.
Like fiber and protein, fat buffers blood sugar spikes. In fact, unsaturated fats have been specifically linked to improved insulin resistance.
Just be sure to avoid refined fats, including trans fats and processed vegetable oils, like corn, soybean, and safflower oils, which can be pro-inflammatory. Sources of quality fats to consider adding to your diet include nuts, olive oil, ghee, coconut oil, avocado, and fatty fish like salmon.
Lowering your overall intake of carbohydrates can also be helpful for balanced blood sugar, but you don't need to cut them out completely (they're still a crucial source of fuel for your body). Whenever possible, simply swap out refined carbohydrates like bread, white pasta, and candy for fiber-rich, whole-food sources such as whole grains, sweet potatoes, and fruit, which contain a number of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants essential for health.
Eating some protein, fiber, and healthy fat with each meal can help stabilize blood sugar and manage your appetite. Each of these nutrients helps balance blood sugar on its own, but they're even better together. We love a good kale salad topped with avocado and a protein of choice.
Greens powders are dried, powdered forms of various vegetables and fruits. Specialty greens blends will sometimes include prebiotic fibers too. These antioxidant-laden superfood plants and slow carbs are blood sugar-friendly.*
If you struggle to stick with salads or you're looking to up your veggies game, then greens powders can help you deliver some greens goodness and help maintain a healthy blood sugar level.* In fact, one study found that adding a vegetable powder to a high-carbohydrate diet helped buffer the short-term glucose and insulin response.*
A giant, late-night dinner is your blood sugar's worst enemy. That's because our bodies become more insulin resistant as the day goes on—so a meal that you eat in the evening will cause a greater spike in blood sugar than a meal you eat in the morning.
Because of this, many nutrition experts advise front-loading your meals, or eating bigger meals earlier in the day and having a smaller dinner at least three hours before bed.
Both sleep deprivation and stress can cause elevated levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which raises blood sugar. Aim for seven to nine hours of sleep per night, and adopt stress-busting habits such as exercise, meditation, or yoga.
One study found that nursing students who did meditation and yoga experienced lower blood sugar spikes after meals.
Drinking water helps your kidneys flush out excess blood sugar through your urine. One study found that people who drank more water had a lower risk of developing hyperglycemia (high blood sugar).
Can't seem to drink enough? Or is water is just too plain for your taste buds? Try this R.D.'s go-to hydration strategies.
Your muscles need blood glucose for fuel, which means that when you do that strength training routine, you're helping move blood sugar from the bloodstream into the muscles where it's then burned up. Over time, this can help you maintain a healthy blood sugar level and increase insulin sensitivity (i.e., how well your cells are able to absorb glucose from the blood and use it for energy).
Intense exercise can temporarily raise blood sugar, so if you have poor blood sugar control, then it makes sense to start moderate (think walking, jogging, or yoga), and then work your way up.
Swigging apple cider vinegar might not sound appealing, but it could help keep your blood sugar in balance if taken before you eat. Some research has found that consuming ACV reduced post-meal blood sugar levels by about half in healthy patients. The theory is that acetic acid, a component of the vinegar, slows down the conversion of carbohydrates into sugar in the bloodstream. Pro tip: Mix a tablespoon or two into a glass of water—taking it straight will burn!
Research on cinnamon's blood-sugar-stabilizing powers is a little mixed, and it may not be a wonder spice. But if you're adding it to an already healthy diet, then it can have a subtle benefit, especially if you add a lot of it into your diet (more than just a teaspoon).* Some studies suggest that cinnamon promotes healthy blood sugar by increasing insulin sensitivity, or making insulin more efficient at moving glucose into cells.* Try sprinkling it onto oatmeal or into low-sugar smoothies (just be sure to opt for Ceylon cinnamon if you use it regularly). Bonus: It tastes delicious!
Magnesium seems to be of particular importance when it comes to maintaining a healthy blood sugar level and improving insulin sensitivity.* Making a point to consume plenty of magnesium-rich foods—leafy green veggies like spinach and Swiss chard, pumpkin seeds, almonds, black beans, dark chocolate, and avocado—is smart in general because magnesium plays a role in more than 300 biochemical reactions in the body.
Nosh on some chromium-rich foods like broccoli, barley, and oats while you're at it. One study found that the combined effects of chromium and magnesium were more beneficial than either mineral alone. You can also try a magnesium supplement to support optimal levels.*
Probiotics are an obvious supplement for supporting digestive health, but they can also play an important role in blood sugar maintenance.* One small study found that people who were following the heart-healthy DASH diet and also consumed probiotics experienced a decrease in fasting blood sugar and hemoglobin A1C levels (a marker for testing longer-term blood sugar levels).*
In addition to popping a quality probiotic supplement, add healthy, probiotic-rich foods to your diet such as kefir, plain yogurt, sauerkraut, kimchi, or even a little low-sugar kombucha. To help probiotic bacteria to thrive, eat plenty of prebiotic foods such as fiber-rich leafy greens and vegetables.
No single food, supplement, or workout session is going to be the magic bullet. To maintain a healthy blood sugar level (and keep it balanced for good), start eating a minimally processed diet that contains fiber, protein, healthy fats, and high-quality carbohydrates; get regular exercise; make sure you're hydrated and well-rested; play around with meal composition; and experiment with research-backed superfoods and supplements.
Gmate SMART meter is the only true Smartphone glucometer for diabetic needs. Connect directly to the Smartphone, without the need of a costly adapter. First in its class and weighing in at less than 2 ounces, the Gmate® SMART is the smallest, most innovative blood glucose meter in the world. The Gmate® SMART connects directly to the headphone jack of the phone Headphone jack as a power source and data connection point. Find out more HERE.
Source: www.mindbodygreen.com
Blood sugar is one of those body systems it's crucial to keep in a healthy range. When your blood sugar is too low, your body doesn't have enough energy to function properly. When it's chronically too high, it can lead to diabetes, a condition that increases your risk of several major health problems, including heart disease, stroke, dementia and blindness. The key to maintaining healthy blood sugar is to adopt habits that encourage your body to appropriately use insulin, a hormone the body produces that enables cells to use that sugar for energy. When your blood sugar is too high too often, the body can become resistant to insulin, potentially allowing sugar levels to rise uncontrollably. Here's what physicians say are the best habits for your blood sugar.
A balanced diet is important to blood sugar control. "As much as possible, plan for every meal to have a good mix of starches, fruits and vegetables, proteins, and fats. Pay attention to the types of carbohydrates you choose," advises the Mayo Clinic. "Some carbohydrates, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains, are better for you than others. These foods are low in carbohydrates and have fiber that helps keep your blood sugar levels more stable." The carbs to avoid: Refined grains and foods with added sugar, included sugar-sweetened beverages like sodas.
Exercise is one of the best things you can do to keep your blood sugar in a health range. Physical activity increases the body's sensitivity to insulin, so muscle cells are more able to take up glucose instead of allowing it to build up in the blood, says the American Diabetes Association. And when muscles contract during exercise, they process glucose regardless of whether insulin is available.
"Hormones from stress increase your blood pressure, raise your heart rate, and can cause blood sugar to rise," says the Cleveland Clinic. When you're stressed, levels of the stress hormone cortisol also rise, which makes muscle and fat less sensitive to insulin, meaning higher blood sugar isn't processed. When that situation becomes chronic, it can lead to diabetes. Your move: Manage stress through exercise, and techniques like relaxation exercises, meditation and mindfulness.
Poor sleep is another source of stress for the body, and that can be bad news for your blood sugar levels. "Even just one night of too little sleep can make your body use insulin less efficiently," says the CDC. Not only does inadequate rest make the body more resistant to insulin, it increases circulating levels of cortisol.
"Some scientists think there is a connection between body fat and hormones that regulate appetite and insulin levels," says Johns Hopkins Medicine. Losing weight and reducing body fat can keep your blood sugar from reaching unhealthy levels. Just losing five to ten percent of your body weight can improve your blood sugar numbers.
Gmate SMART meter is the only true Smartphone glucometer for diabetic needs. Connect directly to the Smartphone, without the need of a costly adapter. First in its class and weighing in at less than 2 ounces, the Gmate® SMART is the smallest, most innovative blood glucose meter in the world. The Gmate® SMART connects directly to the headphone jack of the phone Headphone jack as a power source and data connection point. Find out more HERE.
Source: www.eatthis.com
]]>Experts say that when a person has chronic illnesses including diabetes, it can decrease their immunity and the body’s resistance against infection, leading to a coma and sudden death.
Statistics show that four out of every 10 people who died from Covid-19 in 2021 had diabetes.
According to the Health Ministry’s GitHub portal, BID cases made up 25% (or 597) of the total 2,399 deaths during the Omicron wave.
Of the 597 BID cases, 77% or 462 had comorbidities.
Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said on Thursday that 91% of BID cases in Malaysia had not even been aware that they had been infected with Covid-19.
This was based on an analysis by the Health Ministry on 113 BID cases between Feb 5 and 21.
Of the total 33,028 Covid-19 deaths in the country so far, 78% had comorbidities, with many having non-communicable diseases (NCDs).Diabetes is one of the major non-communicable diseases in Malaysia, with one out of five people living with the disease. This translates to 3.9 million people aged 18 and above.
The National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2019 found that 18.3% of Malaysian adults have the disease, with the percentage rising from previous years, from 11.2% in 2011 and 13.4% in 2015.
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia health economics, hospital and health management Prof Dr Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh said this was worrying as Malaysia’s healthcare faced a huge burden with NCD cases.
“During this pandemic, people worry less about general health, especially groups such as the B40 as they are more focused on basic needs such as food and shelter.
“Because of this, many are unaware that they have an underlying disease,” she added.
She said access to health screening and medication for low-income and minority groups, such as persons with disabilities and single mothers, had to be improved.
Such measures, she said, could help reduce cases of severe Covid-19 or deaths as people could take the necessary steps if they were aware of their medical condition.
Dr Sharifa Ezat added that those at high risk of severe Covid-19, such as the elderly and those with comorbidities, should be tested for Covid-19 regularly to reduce BID cases.
Medical Practitioners Coalition Association of Malaysia president Dr Raj Kumar Maharajah reiterated that when a person had chronic illnesses, including diabetes, it could decrease their immunity and the body’s resistance against infection.He said Covid-19 would cause inflammation of internal organs in people with uncontrolled diabetes and lead to sepsis and septic shock.
“People with diabetes must first control their sugar intake, take their medication, exercise regularly and eat nutritious food and vitamins to boost their immunity,” he said.
This, he added, was on top of getting vaccinated against Covid-19 and following standard operating procedures such as wearing face masks, ensuring hand hygiene and avoiding crowded places.
Universiti Putra Malaysia public health specialist Dr Malina Osman said a person with more medical problems had a higher risk of severe Covid-19 complications.
“Most patients with diabetes would also have other chronic diseases such as hypertension and heart problems, putting them at higher risk of severe Covid-19,” she said.
Monitor glucose level with your smartphone
Gmate SMART meter is the only true Smartphone glucometer for diabetic needs. Connect directly to the Smartphone, without the need of a costly adapter. First in its class and weighing in at less than 2 ounces, the Gmate® SMART is the smallest, most innovative blood glucose meter in the world. The Gmate® SMART connects directly to the headphone jack of the phone Headphone jack as a power source and data connection point. Find out more HERE.
Source: The Star, (https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2022/03/05/diabetes-a-main-cause-of-covid-19-deaths-say-experts)
]]>KEY HIGHLIGHTS
While lifestyle diseases like diabetes can be prevented before their onset by staying aware of how to tweak the lifestyle, very few of us do anything about it. Later, when we are affected by the disease, it becomes imperative that we put the brakes and make the change.
If you are diabetic, you are also warned by your doctor against attempting sudden and severe fasting as there is a threat of blood sugar levels dipping to a dangerously low count and thus creating a threat of coma.
It's a dilemma you should deal with. Too little food in proportion to your diabetes medications — especially insulin — may result in dangerously low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), warns Mayo Clinic. Too much food may cause your blood sugar level to climb too high (hyperglycemia). Both situations are undesirable and life-threatening. Therefore, talk to your diabetes health care team about how to best coordinate meal and medication schedules.
Swap your regular cooking oil for Rice Bran oil:
Not just obesity and alcoholism, even the oils that you eat can affect your blood sugar levels. Rice bran is considered one of the healthiest oils for the heart.
UK daily newspaper Express.co.uk cites research published in the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, supplementation with products derived from stabilised rice bran brought significant changes to blood sugar levels of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetics. Rice bran oil-derived products could lower blood sugar levels by 30 per cent.
Doctor Asaf Qureshi, lead investigator of the study, and his team found that consuming 20 grams of Rice bran oil-based product consumed per day, for 60 days, lowered blood sugar levels by 30 per cent for type 1 diabetic and 20 per cent for type 2 diabetics.
“Not only did we find a decrease in the blood glucose levels, but we also found significant effects in lowering triglycerides and apolipoprotein B levels in these diabetic patients," Dr Qureshi told Express.
What is Rice bran oil?
Extracted from the outer layer of rice, known as the bran layer, rice bran is believed to drive down glycosylated haemoglobin, and increase insulin levels.
Further research published in the American Journal of Medicine (of studies carried out in two big hospitals in Delhi NCR) echoes these findings, stating that an oil derivative of rice bran offered promising results when combined with sesame oil.
Monitor glucose level with your smartphone
Gmate SMART meter is the only true Smartphone glucometer for diabetic needs. Connect directly to the Smartphone, without the need of a costly adapter. First in its class and weighing in at less than 2 ounces, the Gmate® SMART is the smallest, most innovative blood glucose meter in the world. The Gmate® SMART connects directly to the headphone jack of the phone Headphone jack as a power source and data connection point. Find out more HERE.
Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a professional healthcare provider if you have any specific questions about any medical matter.
Ref: TIMESNEWS.COMThere are different ways to reduce blood sugar, among them, the intake of liquids with natural and healthy ingredients for our organism.
In addition, we can include different foods with a low glycemic index to balance the blood sugar level.
The WHO (World Health Organization) considers that the maximum recommended for each day is 25 grams, an amount that is not respected today.
These are the three ingredients that help reduce blood sugar. In the same way, the sugar control must be checked and controlled with a health expert.
Fenugreek seeds can help improve insulin resistance due to the effect of the amino acid known as 4-hydroxyisoleucine, which stimulates the production of insulin from some cells of the pancreas, according to the health portal Tua Saúde.
Ginseng is a fundamental element in the always valued traditional Chinese medicine; being so appreciated that even the pharmaceutical industry takes advantage of its benefits and transforms them into practical and nutritious tablets.
This plant is attributed with properties that combat circulatory, memory and concentration problems. It also provides energy and is considered an aphrodisiac. It also helps fight fatigue and gives you a greater amount of energy.
In addition, its blood glucose lowering action (hypoglycemic) is due to its panaxane content, which enhances this function.
Chamomile is one of the healthiest infusions that we can incorporate into our daily diet. In this case, this food is considered an effective natural remedy to prevent many diseases. In addition, it is also very beneficial for improving the well-being of people with diabetes.
Chamomile has been recommended for years by experts to control a large number of ailments. Which can actually be relieved with natural medicine based treatments.
For this reason, chamomile is one of the infusions that can help people with diabetes. Among other things, it could be very effective in controlling blood sugar levels and controlling the functioning of the insulin hormone.
Ref: https://www.tododisca.com/us/these-are-the-three-infusions-to-lower-blood-sugar-naturally/
]]>For diabetics and people suffering from high levels of blood sugar, there’s a whole process to learn about how every food or activity may or may not impact the glucose levels. Unfortunately, there’s more to it than nutrition, and some triggers may be where you least expect them.
The American Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently published a guideline about these less obvious things to take into account when living with hyperglycemia. As the authors say “knowledge is power”. Not all of them are equally important, and those under treatment or their levels under control might find this as little more than an interesting fact sheet. As always, be sure to only check with your doctor for medical advice.
The pain of sunburnt skin induces stress, which in turn raises blood sugar levels, the CDCs explain. People with diabetes also get dehydrated more quickly. Because of this, it’s always important to take shelter when it’s hot out there and drink liquids frequently.
Although still to be confirmed, the centers quote some research that found how sucralose, present in artificial sweeteners, affects glucose load.
Coffee — even if it’s not been sweetened
Caffeine might have an impact as well
Morning highs, for instance, are a common phenomenon, which can be startling considering the last meal was dinner. As the American Diabetes Association explains, this has to do with the “dawn” phenomenon (more on that below) and possibly waning insulin, for example.
Dropping the first meal of the day may result in a spike in blood sugar levels after you have lunch and dinner.
Some people are very sensitive to lack of sleep. Those reeling from sleep deprivation may be using insulin “less efficiently”, as described by the CDCs.
This is an increase in blood sugar that usually takes place between 2 and 8 AM and probably has to do with some hormones that increase insulin resistance, according to the Mayo Clinic experts.
Some chemicals augment the production of blood sugar
This trigger is a complication of diabetes itself. It affects the gums because higher concentrations of glucose in saliva feed bacteria.
The list goes on to describe several triggers like dehydration — mentioned as the consequence of sunburns — , or extreme heat, that widen and dilate your blood vessels, making them more sensitive to glucose and absorbing more blood sugar.
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Ref: https://www.tododisca.com/us/more-than-just-food-sunburns-skipping-breakfast-and-other-triggers-that-can-increase-your-glucose-levels/
]]>People with diabetes should regularly monitor their blood glucose levels to avoid adverse symptoms such as hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia. Therefore, endocrinology has discovered the ideal blood glucose level for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Glucose is the main sugar in our blood that is capable of providing energy to the body. It is obtained through our diet through the consumption of fruits, vegetables, bread or dairy products. A correct balance of our diet can help us prevent certain risks in case we suffer from diabetes.
Diabetes is a disease that affects the percentage of sugar in the blood. Sugar is the body’s main source of energy and this disease prevents it from properly feeding the organs and muscles. There are three types of diabetes:
In this sense, we need to pay close attention to ideal blood glucose levels for diabetes,, as high levels (hyperglycemia) can be a sign of diabetes or, conversely, when blood glucose levels are low (hypoglycemia) can also cause serious health problems.
Among the most common symptoms of high blood glucose levels are:
In turn, the main symptoms of low glucose levels are:
To avoid these episodes, it is advisable to always keep our blood glucose levels under control. Thus, these are the levels at which we should have glucose:
From Gaia Health, we always recommend the attention of a health professional. If your blood glucose levels are lower or higher than normal, go to your doctor for advice.
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Ref: https://www.tododisca.com/us/ideal-blood-glucose-levels-to-diabetes-organism/
Glucose is a carbohydrate, and also a monosaccharide, which essentially means that is made of one sugar. Other monosaccharides include fructose, galactose and ribose. Some foods rich in glucose are bread, dairy products and fruits. As it happens with fat, your body uses glucose as a source of fuel in the form of carbohydrates.
This makes glucose an important nutrient for your body, but ingesting too much of it, like with some other nutrients, can have undesired effects. Sometimes people may have difficulties processing glucose, like when you suffer from diabetes.
Blood sugar levels tend to naturally fluctuate throughout the day in both diabetic and non diabetic patients, although they tend to vary more in the former. What “normal” blood sugar levels look like differs depending on whether you were diagnosed or not.
One common way to test your blood sugar level is doing a blood glucose test, which can be easily found on pharmacies for at-home testing. They often come in the form of finger-prick monitoring kits or continuous glucose monitors. These devices are familiar to those living with diabetes, as they need to keep a log on their glucose levels.
If you haven’t been formally diagnosed but your doctor thinks you may be at risk, a glycated hemoglobin (A1C) test may be conducted. Per the Mayo Clinic, this is a blood test that shows your average blood sugar level for the last two to three months, and it doesn’t require fasting.
Hyperglycaemia is the medical term to describe a situation in which glucose levels in blood are higher than they should. It’s a common phenomenon among those living with diabetes, both type 1 and 2. However, it can also affect people who do not suffer from this condition but are experiencing major illness, such as a severe infection, or recovering from a stroke.
As the British National Health System explains, most people suffering from diabetes will experience hyperglycaemia at some point in their lives. While mild episodes that appear from time to time are not necessarily a cause of concern under treatment, having high blood sugar levels for a prolonged period of time may result in more serious consequences and it’s advised to seek medical advice.
The NHS cites several common symptoms for hyperglycaemia, although sometimes this may be unapparent until the blood sugar levels are very high. These symptoms include:
Hyperglycaemia is strongly linked to diabetes, but there can be other conditions causing this phenomenon. According to the American Diabetes Association, for diabetic patients the causes can be:
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Ref: https://www.tododisca.com/us/why-important-keep-track-glucose-levels/
]]>People with diabetes should perform an almost daily control of food to keep track of blood glucose levels. That is to say, to establish a control of the possible rises and falls of the values of glucose in blood. Physical exercise is another of the main factors that affect episodes of hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia.
There are two main factors to be taken into account with respect to food. One is the glycemic index value and the other is the amount of carbohydrates it contains. Specifically, it is the glycemic load that is the differential value. In other words, it is the element that gives the best insight into how a food affects blood glucose levels.
Although it may seem strange, people with diabetes are not prohibited from eating any type of food. However, there are a number of foods that, due to their characteristics, should be limited in any diet or consumed as little as possible.
Thus, we find a wide variety of everyday foods that can contribute to increase blood glucose levels at high speed, especially harmful for people with diabetes. These include the following:
All of these foods should be limited as much as possible in the daily life of people with diabetes. Fortunately, there are now numerous substitute foods available with similar flavors.
On the other hand, we also find different food groups, nutrients and products that lower blood glucose levels. These are more beneficial for people with diabetes, although it is not advisable to abuse them, because it can lead to episodes of hypoglycemia.
The glycemic index is a term that has been used for some years in the food industry to determine the capacity of a food to increase glycemia. It is an element of great importance for people with diabetes.
On the other hand, another differentiating factor in foods for people with diabetes is the level of carbohydrates that a food product can provide. Taking both factors into account, what is known as the glycemic load was created.
The glycemic load arises from multiplying the glycemic index of a food by the carbohydrates in the serving and dividing it by 100.
In short, the glycemic load is a key element in determining whether a food produces a rapid rise in blood glucose levels or not.
It can happen that a food has a high glycemic index, but the blood glucose peak is not really that high. This phenomenon occurs mainly in some fruits, which may have a high glycemic index but low carbohydrate levels.
Gmate SMART meter is the only true Smartphone glucometer for diabetic needs. Connect directly to the Smartphone, without the need of a costly adapter. First in its class and weighing in at less than 2 ounces, the Gmate® SMART is the smallest, most innovative blood glucose meter in the world. The Gmate® SMART connects directly to the headphone jack of the phone Headphone jack as a power source and data connection point. Find out more HERE.
Ref: https://www.tododisca.com/us/these-are-the-foods-that-increase-glucose-levels-en-most/
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