All About Diabetes

Comfort food is the food which brings back good memories. It’s what we think of when we hear the word “homemade”, and it’s the food that reminds us of simpler times. comfort food is typically inexpensive, uncomplicated and easy to prepare. It appeals to many because of familiarity, emotional security, or special reward. Comfort food often includes pleasant associations of childhood. Small children often seem to latch on to a specific food or drink and will repeatedly request it in high stress situations, while adults eat comfort food for a sense of continuity. (more…)

Most often, low blood sugar and weight gain are two main concerns of patients with type 2 diabetes. For a time the only solution has been injecting insulin to normalize blood sugar level. “Hypoglycemia is the most difficult obstacle in the management of blood sugar in people with diabetes;’ said Dr. Phillip Cryer, a professor of Endocrinology and Metabolism at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.

And because diabetes is a complex disease, optimal disease control is solely not addressed by injecting insulin. Dr. Harold E. Lebovitz, professor of Medicine at the State University of New York observed, “Indeed, emerging evidence suggests the importance of an additional therapeutic target: GI (Gastrointestinal) hormone regulation”.

Januvia (Sitagliptin phosphate) works by generating the release of incretin hormones. This hormone produced in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is responsible in activating the production of insulin in the body and slowing the rate of absorption in the GI tract. It triggers the body to naturally produce insulin that is needed in the body. At the same time, it slows down the emptying of the stomach to limit food intake.

“Incretin therapy offers an alternative option to currently available hypoglycemic agents for non-pregnant adults with type 2 diabetes with modest efficacy and a favorable weight change profile”, remarked Dr. Renee E. Amori of Tufts-New England Medical Center in Boston, based on the analysis of 29 studies he and his colleagues conducted.

Moreover, one big advantage of Januvia (Sitagliptin phosphate) over injected insulin is that it is taken orally. Aside from this, it works with the body in such a way that when the body’s blood sugar level rises, it immediately triggers the production of insulin.

“For the millions of Americans with type 2 diabetes, who continue to have inadequate blood sugar control, the approval of Januvia marks an important advance in the fight against diabetes… We now have another new option that treats the disease in an entirely new way that can be added to existing treatment regimens to help patients gain more control over their blood sugar levels”, declared Dr. Steven Galson, director of Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research in the United States.

Bones are one of the most neglected parts of the human body. We never realize how important our bones are until we grow old and experience different bone pains and injuries. According to the International Osteoporosis Foundation, “as we get older, we are no longer able to replace bone tissue as quickly as we lose it.”

Women are more prone to bone diseases than men. Their body framework and women’s declining ability to produce estrogen as they age are the reasons they are prone to such diseases. When this happens, the bones become less dense until it produces holes and becomes light and weak, causing osteoporosis. However, men shouldn’t be too complacent either for they also suffer from bone loss, although the rate of loss is much slower than in women. (more…)

For people with diabetes, a bout with cough, cold or low-grade fever is no simple matter. It could increase their blood glucose levels making them more susceptible to graver conditions. When we are sick, our body produces certain hormones which help fight off the illness. However, these hormones can raise blood sugar levels, thus disabling the effects of insulin.

On the other hand, illnesses that cause vomiting, diarrhea and dehydration need more attention, as they may trigger diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) or hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS). These conditions may warrant hospitalization if not treated properly and promptly. Being alert and armed with knowledge can help you go a long way in planning for your sick days. Here are some helpful do-it-yourself tips on effective sick day management.

DOs:
Know when to call your doctor. When you are sick, it is best to know when to call your doctor. Some signs that should warn you to seek medical attention are: blood sugar level that has been higher than 240 mg/dL for over 24 hours or lower than 70 mg/ dL; urine ketone level that is moderate to high; diarrhea or vomiting; sleepiness or inability to think clearly; dry, cracked lips or tongue, and fever over 101 degrees Fahrenheit or 38.3 degrees Celsius.

Regularly check blood sugar and urine ketone levels. For those with type 1 diabetes, it is suggested that you check your blood sugar level and urine ketone levels every four hours. While for those with type 2 diabetes, it is best that you check four times a day.

Know what to eat. Try to stick to your diabetes meal plan to maintain blood sugar stability. However, with nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, it may be tough to eat your usual fare. You may need to take 45 to 50 grams of carbohydrates every four hours to prevent ketone development and low blood sugar attacks. Here’s a list of more tummy-friendly foods that contain about 15 grams of carbohydrates: 1 cup clear soup, 1/2 cup regular gelatin, 1/2 cup non-caffeinated regular soft drink (like 7-up or Sprite), 1 double-stick frozen fruit popsicle, 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce, 1/3 cup apple juice, 1 cup sports drink (like Gatorade or Pocari Sweat), 6 saltine crackers, 3 graham crackers, 1 slice dry toast, 1/2 banana.

Let a friend know you’re sick. If you have diabetes, wear a medical tag to let people know of your condition when an emergency arises. When you are sick, it is also very important to let others know, especially those who can give immediate help like neighbors, friends and relatives.

Be prepared. Keep medication, insulin, blood glucose and ketone test strips, emergency phone numbers, a thermometer, sugar-free cough or cold preparations handy. Talk to your doctor about your sick day management plan and agree on how to manage your blood sugar and other medical conditions during sick days.

DON’Ts:

Stop your medications. Take your medications as usual if you are eating normally. Missing your insulin or other medications can lead to ketosis. If you are unable to keep food or liquids down, you will need to adjust medicine doses, so call your physician.

Self-medicate unwisely. Over-the-counter medications and herbal remedies may contain sugar and alcohol and thus may wreak havoc on your blood sugar levels, so read the labels carefully. Medications like ibuprofen and paracetamol may be harmful for people with kidney and liver problems respectively. Decongestants may also raise blood pressure. When in doubt, get your physician’s okay.

Avoid fluids. To prevent dehydration especially when you have nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, drink at least 240 mL of water or non-caffeinated calorie-free liquid such as broth every hour while you’re awake.

How would you like your favorite entree if it is served without that perfectly boiled rice or a well-blended mashed potato? Anywhere in the world, whatever form they are in, there is an almost universal preference for carbohydrate-rich foods. A day would not seem complete without eating a serving, especially for Filipinos. (more…)

Women who put on as little as seven pounds between pregnancies can put themselves and their babies at medical risk, suggests one study. (more…)