Type 2 Diabetes - Managing Diabetes Through Diet and Exercise, Part 1

Managing Type 2 diabetes might seem like a daunting task... especially for those people who are newly diagnosed. But even though it can be rather difficult at times, it certainly shouldn't qualify as being impossible. There are plenty of ways to correctly manage the condition through diet and exercise... as long as the individual is willing to make the commitment.

In this first installment of the three-part series, we give you some great ideas on how to control your diabetes so it doesn't have the opportunity to control you...

1. Prevent blood sugar spikes following a meal. This is a big problem for many diabetics. Unfortunately, it's also a common one that can easily take away the enjoyment of a meal. But you can prevent these spikes from occurring by implementing a few, simple rules.

• first, is to make sure to plan your meal out ahead of time. Blood sugar spikes can come from the sheer volume of food that is consumed in a meal, the types of foods that are consumed, or both. If you know you are going to eat carbs at a particular meal then just limit their quantity. If you know you aren't going to be able to resist that piece of cheesecake then plan the remainder of your meal around having it.


• second, is to plan what you do before the meal. Having a big meal doesn't mean starving yourself leading up to it. Your body needs a constant source of fuel at all times. If you know you are likely to overeat at dinner, then skipping breakfast and lunch is not a reasonable option to help make up for the extra food you will be eating at dinner. All you will be doing is setting your blood sugar up to take a drastic jump after the meal.

2. Eliminate hypoglycemic episodes at all costs. If you are eating healthily at mealtime and also having healthy snacks in between your main meals, then you should never again have to worry about hypoglycemic episodes. The trick is Type 2 diabetics can't choose to do one or the other: it has to be both or it won't work. If you do happen to feel your blood sugar beginning to drop then do something about it immediately. The best idea is to always have something available to combat the low blood sugar reading before it has the chance to escalate into a full-blown hypoglycemic event.

Diabetes Diet News You Can Use

Looking for diabetes diet news? The American Diabetes Association diet plans are designed to improve blood glucose levels, blood pressure, cholesterol numbers and help you control you weight. But, is diet alone enough?

Researchers keep looking for more and better answers to type II diabetes. Research conducted by the Women's Health Initiative and recently published concerned a reduced fat diabetes diet, lower than that previously recommended.

Usually it is suggested that dietary fat be limited to 30% of the total caloric intake. A simple way to keep to that goal is avoid buying foods that contain more than 30% fat, especially if you buy a lot of processed foods.

The current American Diabetes Association diet recommendations do not mention fat as a percentage of daily caloric intakes. But, the diabetes diet tried by the Women's Health Initiative consisted of a fat intake of 20%.

It was a long-term study, conducted over a 12 year span from 1993 to 2005. It took three years to collect, analyze and publish the results. They compared the effects of a 40% total fat intake to that of 20% and found that the lower fat intake did not reduce risks.

The women in the study ranged from 50-79 years of age. Some of them took prescription medications to help control blood sugar levels, such as Metformin. Others used insulin.

The women in the lower fat group lost more weight than the control group, by about two more pounds per year. The women with the greatest weight losses did seem to have greatly reduced risks of complications. But, the lower fat diabetes diet did not account for the difference.

This study suggests that it is total calories consumed and increased physical activity that makes the biggest difference. This supports recommendations by the American Diabetes Association diet.

The Association suggests that you use a program called "My Pyramid" developed by the USDA. On-line tools allow individuals to calculate their caloric requirements and make healthy food choices. Of course, regular physical activity is always encouraged.

Personally, I feel that a diabetes diet, alone, is not sufficient to reduce the risk of complications, increase natural insulin production and sensitivity and promote glucose metabolism. But, there are a number of herbal and other natural supplements that can help.

They may not be allowed to say so on the label, since it is against FDA rules. But, you have to remember that people were using herbs long before there were drugs. In poor and undeveloped countries, they still use these natural remedies to control blood sugar levels.

Of course, the American Diabetes Association diet does not suggest the use of nutritional or herbal supplements. Major health organizations never make that suggestion. My suggestion is this, even if you find that the supplements work really well to control your blood sugar levels, don't stop taking medications, without consulting your doctor.

Certain foods could still cause a dangerous spike in blood sugar, so regular testing is imperative. But, as an important part of your diabetes diet, supplements, such as omega-3 fatty acids, as well as herbs, minerals and enzymes have proven effectiveness. Protect your health in every way possible.

A Diet for Diabetics Is Easy to Follow

If you are looking for an easy diet for diabetics, you are not the only one. Many diabetic patients are looking for the easiest way to manage diabetes. A diabetes diet is normally referred to as MNT which means consuming a variety of foods in moderate amounts. A diabetic diet is a health plan for eating that consists of low calories and high nutrients. In addition to that, it emphasizes on a person to eat whole grains, fruits and vegetables. In fact, studies show that a diet for diabetics is the best diet for anybody trying to lose weight.

The Main Purpose of a Diet for Diabetics

If you have diabetes, your physician would advise you to see a nutritionist to assist you in changing your diet plan for that of a diet for diabetics. This is because you need a diet that would control your glucose level and weight.

Studies show that when you consume excess fats and calories, you body's blood glucose rises. If the blood glucose is not controlled, it may result in kidney failure, heart attacks, nerve failure and other chronic diseases. Changing to a diet for diabetics is very important as it will assist you in managing your blood glucose and a way of tracking it. It is important especially for people with type 2 diabetes, as these types of diet plans will make it easy to control the glucose levels in the blood. If you also want to lose weight, a diet for diabetics plan is the best way to achieving that.

What Does a Diet for Diabetics Consist of?

A diet for diabetics should be one that is based on your goals, health, lifestyle and taste. If you are unable to come up with a plan, you should consult the services of a registered nutritionist. Generally, the diabetic's diet should include firstly healthy carbohydrates. When you eat sugar and starches, they turn into glucose which is not very good for your health. Concentrate on healthy carbohydrates such as fruits, lentils, beans, peas and whole grains.

Any diet for diabetics should also contain food rich in fiber. These are kinds of food that your body cannot absorb or digest. It is important as it controls blood sugar and also decreases the risk of heart attack. Example of such kinds of foods includes legumes, nuts, fruits, wheat bran and whole flour.

A proper diet for diabetics should also include fish. Diabetic patients are advised to consume fish at least twice a week. This is very beneficial as fish can be a good option to red meat. Such kinds of fish include tuna, cod, herring, mackerel and salmon. These types of fish have low-fat and are high in omega 3 fatty acids. Medical studies advise that one should not eat fish which are high in mercury levels. Examples of these are the swordfish, king mackerel and tile fish.

Lastly is that your diet should have good fats. These include almonds, walnuts, peanut oil, avocados, canola and olive oil. These are very nutritious and also help in lowering the cholesterol level. Note that when cooking with such oils, you should only use a small amount as all fats contain calories.

When creating any type of diet for diabetics, avoid foods that are high in saturated fats. These are mainly animal products such as beef, sausage, hot dogs and bacon. You should also avoid trans fats. These are normally found in snacks, margarine, baked food and shortening products. They increase the levels of cholesterol which is not very good for the body.

In conclusion, if you find it hard coming up with diet for diabetics eating plan, consult a nutritionist who will teach you how to measure the portions, how to count carbohydrates and how to maintain an overall healthy lifestyle.

Canine Diabetes

Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common hormonal disorders in dogs. Statistics show that one in 400 dogs develop diabetes. So you and your diabetic dog are not alone - many other pet owners are helping their dogs stay healthy and live normal lives with this disease.

Types of Diabetes

Most diabetic dogs have diabetes mellitus (pronounced MEL-uh-tus). In diabetes mellitus, the pancreatic islet cells that produce insulin are destroyed during episodes of pancreatitis or when the immune system attacks them (a form of autoimmunity). Dogs with diabetes mellitus usually require shots of insulin to help their bodies use the energy from the food they eat.

Diabetes insipidus means that either the body is not making enough of the antidiuretic hormone (ADH) that controls water regulation in the kidneys, or that the kidneys cannot respond to ADH. Diabetes insipidus is very rare in dogs; this article addresses only diabetes mellitus in dogs.

What is Diabetes Mellitus?

Diabetes mellitus is the inability of the body to properly use the energy from food. The disease is caused by a deficiency of insulin, a hormone that regulates how the cells absorb and use blood sugar. Insulin is produced by the pancreas, a gland in the endocrine system.

The pancreas serves two functions: one if the production of digestive enzymes; the other is the regulation of blood sugar. The pancreas produces and releases enzymes into the small intestine to break down food into nutrients. It also releases hormones into the bloodstream to help the body use sugar (glucose). One of these hormones, insulin, controls the uptake of glucose into cells. The cells use the glucose as fuel for energy production. When the body does not have enough insulin, the dog may show symptoms of high blood glucose, such as excessive hunger and thirst, increased urination, and weakness in the limbs.

A lack of sufficient insulin causes glucose to accumulate in the blood until the kidneys must use water to flush excess glucose into the urine, causing dehydration. Severe dehydration can causelow blood pressure and possibly shock, so it is important to start diabetes mellitus treatment as soon as possible.

Causes of Diabetes Mellitus

Scientists are not sure about the cause of diabetes; it may be caused by various factors, including a genetic predisposition, diet, or even exposure to certain viruses. But they can point to risk factors such as obesity, a sedentary life style, and genetic history.

Risk Factors

The following are risk factors for diabetes in dogs:

• Age - Dogs are generally over seven years of age, but are occasionally diagnosed at a much younger age. On average, dogs are diagnosed between the ages of 8 and 12.




• Gender - Female dogs have diabetes at almost twice the rate of males.




• Breed - Although any breed of dog may get diabetes, several studies indicate that some breeds tend to be diagnosed with diabetes more often, which may point to a genetic predisposition to the disease.
  
  The breeds that are at higher risk include:
  
  
  
  
  
  
  • Keeshond
  
  
  
  
  • Cairn Terrier
  
  
  
  
  • Schnauzer (miniature and standard)
  
  
  
  
  • Poodle
  
  
  
  
  • Dachshunds
  
  
  
  
  • Beagles
  
  
  
  

Symptoms

Some of the symptoms that can indicate diabetes are:

• Low energy, lethargy




• Losing weight




• Eating excessively, not eating, or other changes in interest in food




• Drinking large amounts of water




• Urinating frequently, which may cause waking up at odd times to urinate

By the time you notice that your dog's eating habits have changed, that he's drinking excessive water, or even vomiting, your pet may be losing weight and getting lethargic. Because diabetes can be controlled more easily with an early diagnosis, it is important to go to a veterinarian as soon as you notice these symptoms.

The longer symptoms persist without a diagnosis, the more the blood glucose level increases and damage can occur in the bladder, kidneys, liver, and eyes. Dogs with diabetes can also have a decreased resistance to bacterial infections.

Diagnosis

Tell your veterinarian all the symptoms you have observed in your dog, including the physical symptoms and any changes in mood, behavior, and energy. Your veterinarian may suspect diabetes right away and take a quick blood glucose test like the ones that human diabetics use. This kind of test can give an immediate reading of current blood glucose, but is not a definitive diagnosis since elevated blood glucose readings can be caused by problems other than diabetes.

Your veterinarian will know about many other health problems that cause similar symptoms, such as Cushing's Disease, and may order a blood test for blood glucose levels along with other tests of kidney and liver function, etc.

It may take several days to get the blood test back from the lab. Your veterinarian will want to meet with you to discuss the findings and the care you need to give your pet.

Treatment

Treatment for most dogs includes insulin therapy, weight control, dietary therapy and exercise.

Insulin

Most diabetic dogs need insulin, given in daily injections. Depending on the type of insulin your veterinarian suggests, your dog will need one or two injections per day.

Your veterinarian will show you how to handle insulin and administer shots to your dog. The veterinarian may have you practice giving the shot in the office, to make sure you know how to do it and to answer any questions.

Insulin shots are given under the skin, so you won't have to find a vein. Some veterinarians suggest you give shots in the buttocks area, others suggest the loose skin around the neck. Ask which area your veterinarian recommends for your pet.

Too Much Insulin

The greatest threat to your dog's health related to insulin is getting too much insulin. This causes blood glucose levels that are too low (hypoglycemia), which can make the dog very sick and can result in death. Just as human diabetics carry a candy bar or orange juice to treat their low blood glucose, you should carry corn syrup or sugar pills with you for your diabetic dog.

Symptoms of low blood glucose include:

• Dizziness or unsteady gait




• Lethargy




• Shaking




• Falling




• Seizures

Every dog shows a different combination of these symptoms. React immediately to the symptoms by giving your dog corn syrup or sugar pills. It's important to make sure your dog ingests glucose in one of these forms as soon as possible. You can dilute the corn syrup in water and let your dog drink it. If the dog does not willingly drink it, administer it orally using a turkey baster. Corn syrup absorbs into the blood stream through the tissues of the mouth, so it is immediately effective.

You should quickly see a change in the dog's symptoms and behavior since this treatment increases the blood glucose right away. Keep in mind that elevated blood glucose for a short time is much less dangerous than low blood glucose. To prevent low blood glucose, it's generally better to err on the side of too little insulin rather than too much.

Weight Control

A healthy weight for your dog will help you control the diabetes and keep your dog active. A diet that is low-fat, moderate complex carbohydrate, and high-protein is recommended. Your veterinarian can suggest changes in diet or a prescription food for your dog.

Make sure to feed your dog at specific times each day and stick to these prescribed times. Resist the temptation to feed extra food, such as table scraps, and ask others in your household not to give treats that may alter blood sugar or increase weight. Consult your veterinarian about acceptable treats.

Other Medications

Check with your veterinarian about other medications your dog is taking. Some medications should be avoided in diabetic dogs.

Consequences of Diabetes

Diabetes can cause many other health problems when not properly regulated. Some of the complications include:

• Eyes - diabetes can cause or worsen cataracts




• Kidney disease




• Liver disease




• Limbs - high blood glucose can cause weakness and instability in the legs




• Increased susceptibility to infections

Prognosis

Most dogs are diagnosed with diabetes when they are between 8 and 12 years old. Some are much younger, but with the consistent care, you can expect your pet to live a normal life and be active and healthy.

This article is approved by Ellen Miller, DVM, MS, Diplomate ACVIM of Flatiron Veterinary Specialists

Please consult your veterinarian for diagnosis and before beginning any treatment program.

Canine Diabetes and How To Cure It Naturally

Treating your dog naturally can cure every disease under the sun, including canine diabetes. It can do this because the focus is on the immune system rather than the disease or condition. With a strong immune system, your dog is able to sail through any problem unscathed.

It doesn't matter whether the diabetes is the insipidus type or the mellitus type. Diabetes mellitus is normally a direct result of poor nutrition and excess weight. This is the sugar diabetes, when not enough insulin is produced. When the nutrition and weight problems are rectified, diabetes mellitus can be cured.

Diabetes insipidus is the less common version. Essentially it is an imbalance of water in the body. There are two types - the central type and the nephrogenic type. The central type involves malfunction of the pituitary gland. The nephrogenic type involves kidney malfunction. Both types result from an ineffective immune system.

In both types, your dog will have an increased thirst and an increased urine output, much like diabetes mellitus, but also similar to renal and liver problems as well as Cushing's syndrome. If your dog is an outside dog, these symptoms can go unnoticed for an extended period.

Common causes of both types of canine diabetes can be diet. Other causative factors can be medications, inbreeding or a metabolic disorder.

Veterinary diagnosis is normally by eliminating other conditions, so is not definitive. It may take some time (and expense) before a full diagnosis is made.

Veterinary treatment involves medications through eye or nasal drops, tablets or constant injections. Over time, these often become less effective, with the need for stronger or more frequent medication as the condition progresses.

Veterinary treatment does not address the cause of the disorder. Instead, it masks the symptoms. This has a triple whammy effect on your dog - the problem remains and the medicines are toxic to the liver and suppress the immune system. This does not bode well for your dog's future health.

The natural way to treat (or prevent) either form of diabetes is to eliminate the cause. Start by feeding your dog a quality, healthy, natural diet, one that will boost his immune system, and that will ensure all his health treatment is toxin free.

This treatment along can cure most forms of diabetes, as long as you follow certain guidelines. Even if it doesn't cure the problem completely, it will dramatically improve it in almost all dogs. It will also make your dog happier, more active and healthier, immune to other health problems.

Whatever remains of the canine diabetes after this initial treatment (if you can call it that), can be fully resolved with good homeopathic treatment. Homeopathy deals with the cause of every problem and includes the very personal and individual symptoms of the patient.

Download your free report on how to maximise the health of your dog.

Satisfying a Diabetic Sweet Tooth

Life sometimes doesn't seem fair - you love sweets and are known for your sweet tooth but now that you have been diagnosed with diabetes you are afraid you can't have them anymore. This isn't entirely true. Yes, if you previously indulged in many sweets you can no longer do that (and it may be a contributing factor to way you have type 2 diabetes). But there are ways that you can satisfy your sweet tooth and stick to your diabetic diet.

Even though sugar isn't the only reason blood sugars raise the combination of a high-sugar item and carbohydrates are. There are many sugar substitutes and artificial sweeteners that are available to purchase on their own or in sweets such as chocolate and hard candies.

Another way to add sweets into your diet is to substitute them for other carbohydrates in a meal. If you were planning on having a tuna salad sandwich for lunch instead of having the bread try eating the tuna on its own and use the saved carbohydrates on a cookie or two (depending on size and serving information). This can be done with many different variations, but should be done in moderation - your body really will function better on those two pieces of whole wheat bread than it will on two chocolate chip cookies.

Speak with your dietician too. A dietician is full of ideas and suggestion on how to improve your diabetic diet. He or she may have suggestions on snacks or meals that you would not have considered to be sweet but can certainly satisfy your sweet tooth. Such as eating a banana to satisfy a chocolate craving. As time goes on you will begin to appreciate the natural sweet things in life too - such as a juicy apple or a fresh orange.

The Exchange Diet

The exchange diet is a method of eating that provide diabetic with a set of guidelines necessary to eat healthy. A dietician will help prepare and educate you on the exchange diet - the food groups and what substitutions you can make.

On the exchange diet all foods are divided into six food groups:

* Breads and other Starches

* Fruit

* Vegetables

* Dairy Foods

* Meat and Meat Substitutes

* Fats

Your dietician will provide you with the number of servings you should have from each group daily and at individual meal or snack times. Within each of the categories there are many food options. Each food has a specific serving size that equals one serving, in cases such as fruits and vegetables you probably will not have to measure your foods but for meats and other groups a food scale and measuring cup is recommended.

The exchange part of the diet refers to being able to swap a food in one food group for another in the same group as long as you adhere to the serving suggestion. For instance ½ cup of cooked pasta can be exchanged for 2 rice cakes in one meal. The list your dietician gives you will be pretty complete but there are bound to be items not listed. In that case, you can call your dietician for advice or keep a list of items that you need to know the proper serving size for.

At the beginning the exchange diet may seem like a lot of work, but as time goes on and you become accustomed to the serving sizes of your favorite foods it will become less so. Proper eating habits are crucial to managing diabetes and the exchange diet is a way to eat a healthy balanced diet full of variety.

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Tips For Diabetic Diet Plan

Experts agree that when it comes to managing this disorder, there is nothing as efficient as following a good diabetic diet plan. Any person suffering from diabetes needs to make some viable lifestyle changes in order to properly manage this kind of disease. The best part is that there are a wide variety of diabetic friendly diet plans and foods. One can find appropriate recipes in books or in the internet. These foods can greatly satisfy an individuals craving.

If you are planning on creating a good diabetic diet plan, it is advisable that you start by consulting your doctor. The doctor might not be able to map out the whole process for you but will give you general directions on what to use and what to avoid. The doctor is also supposed to advice you on a proper and registered dietitian who in turn will guide you on the diet plan.

If you do not have a doctor or if you just want another option you can visit the various websites that offer dozens of diet treatments. A good example of this is the American Diabetes Association (ADA) website. Such a website includes a list of foods that all diabetic individuals can eat and they come with recipes for creating such meals. Research and knowledge can also come in handy when fighting diabetes. Do a proper research and in the end you will figure out that a good diabetic diet plan is very important aspects that can help diabetic individuals live a long and healthy life.

Another point to remember is that an effective management of diabetes entails a consistent and regular healthy lifestyle. Most people think that just because diabetes is a condition caused by sugar regulation, they can restrict their intake of sugars. This is not the case most of the time and a healthy balanced diet is required. Below are some ways of controlling the complications of diabetes.

• Control of glucose intake

Various researches carried out have indicated that a good glycemic index diet can greatly benefit individuals with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. One of the researches went ahead to indicate that for every 1% reduction in the results of A1C blood tests, there was a great decrease in the risks of getting some diabetic complications such as eye, kidney and nerve disease by up to 40%. For this reason it is advisable to take a diet with the proper mixture of low and high gi foods.

• Control of fats and lipids

It is a well known fact that control of fat and lipid intake greatly reduces cardiovascular complications. This combined with regular exercises can greatly help in the control of diabetic complications.

Some few pointers to remember in your diabetic diet plan.

-Eat about the same amount of food each day.

-ensure you take your medicines at about the same time each day.

-exercise regularly

-limit the amount of sweet foods and fats in your diet.