SearchFaqs.com | Quality Content Found Here

Home - Health & Personal Care - Diabetes Management – Living Healthy With The Condition

Diabetes management – Living healthy with the condition

Diabetes mellitus or diabetes is a metabolic condition that affects the body’s ability to process blood sugar. Insulin transfers the sugar from the blood to the body’s cells so that it can be used for generating energy, but diabetes leads to the body either not producing adequate insulin or being unable to use the insulin produced effectively. High blood sugar levels due to diabetes can severely damage the eyes, nerves, kidneys, and other vital organs.

It can also increase the likelihood of stroke or heart disease, so diabetes management is important to improve a patient’s quality of life.

Types of diabetes

Type 1 diabetes: This is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system begins to attack the cells in the pancreas where insulin is produced. The exact cause behind this is not known. In this case, the patient becomes dependent on insulin and has to take insulin injections every day to stay healthy.
Type 2 diabetes: Unlike type 1 diabetes, the body produces insulin in this case. However, the cells in the body become resistant to insulin, leading to sugar buildup in the blood. This is the most common type of diabetes and is closely linked to obesity.
Prediabetes: This is a condition in which the blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough to cause type 2 diabetes. The normal blood sugar levels are between the range of 70 and 99 mg/dL, while a diabetes patient has blood sugar levels higher than 126 mg/dL. People with prediabetes or borderline diabetes have blood sugar levels between 100 and 125 mg/dL.
Gestational diabetes: Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy, when a woman’s body becomes less sensitive to insulin. This type of diabetes usually resolves after childbirth.

It is important to understand that each type of diabetes leads to different symptoms and is associated with different causes. One can talk to a doctor for formulating a robust diabetes management plan, based on the type of diabetes and the symptoms they experience.

Symptoms
The general symptoms of diabetes are as follows:

Increased thirst and hunger
Loss of weight
Extreme tiredness and fatigue
Blurry vision
Frequent urination
Sores that don’t heal fast

In addition to these symptoms, men often experience a decreased sex drive, poor muscle strength, and problems like erectile dysfunction. Women, on the other hand, may develop frequent UTIs, yeast infections, and dry and flaky skin.

Symptoms of type 1 diabetes
The common symptoms of type 1 diabetes are:

Increased thirst and hunger
Unintentional loss of weight
Extreme tiredness
Blurry vision
Frequent urination
Mood swings

Symptoms of type 2 diabetes
Common symptoms of this are:

Increased thirst and hunger
Extreme tiredness
Blurry vision
Frequent urination
Sores that don’t heal fast
Recurring infections

Symptoms of gestational diabetes
Most women with gestational diabetes do not show any symptoms, and the condition is diagnosed when a regular oral glucose tolerance test is performed during the third trimester of pregnancy. In some cases, women experience increased thirst and urination.

Causes
The different types of diabetes are associated with different causes:

Type 1 diabetes
The cause of this autoimmune disease is not known. The only known trigger is that the immune system recognizes the insulin-generating beta cells as harmful and begins attacking them. A person’s genetics is believed to play a vital role in causing this, and type 1 diabetes may also be caused by a virus.
Type 2 diabetes
This is often caused due to a combination of genetics and sedentary lifestyle choices that can lead to obesity, which is an important factor for causing type 2 diabetes. Being overweight makes the body more resistant to insulin.
Gestational diabetes
This type of diabetes is triggered during pregnancy. The placenta that generates hormones makes a woman’s body less sensitive to insulin in some cases, which, in turn, can lead to elevated blood sugar levels. Women who are already overweight or gain excess weight during pregnancy are much more likely to acquire gestational diabetes.

Risk factors
Certain factors can increase the likelihood of getting diabetes, and these factors may also influence the type of diabetes:

Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes mostly affects children and teenagers, especially those who have a parent or sibling suffering from the condition.

Type 2 diabetes
Lifestyle factors influence the risk of this type of diabetes, so healthy lifestyle choices are important for type 2 diabetes management. The chances of getting type 2 diabetes are higher when a person:

Is obese or overweight
Is above the age of 45
Leads a sedentary lifestyle
Has a parent or sibling suffering from diabetes
Has prediabetes or a history of gestational diabetes
Has high blood cholesterol levels or high blood pressure

Gestational diabetes
The chances of getting gestational diabetes increase with the age of a pregnant woman, and they are also higher when a woman:

Is obese or overweight
Has had a history of gestational diabetes during a previous pregnancy
Suffers from Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Has a family history of gestational diabetes

Treatment options
Depending upon the type of diabetes, a doctor can help prepare a robust diabetes management plan to reduce the intensity of the symptoms. Majorly, two forms of treatments are available for diabetes management: insulin and oral medications.

Treatment for type 1 and type 2 diabetes

Monitoring the blood sugar levels: Based on the precise treatment plan, one can check their blood sugar levels multiple times a day, especially if they are taking insulin. This helps to closely monitor the levels and keep them from rising. Type 2 diabetes patients, on the other hand, do not need to check the levels so frequently. Also, close monitoring can help one understand how their body reacts to certain foods, medications, physical exercise, alcohol, stress, or any illness.

Insulin: For type 1 diabetes management, one must take insulin injections or use an insulin pump every day. Many a time, people with type 2 diabetes or gestational diabetes also need to take insulin therapy.

Different types of insulin are available in the market. For instance, a doctor can prescribe long-acting insulin, rapid-acting insulin, or any other intermediate option, depending on the symptoms. One may also have to take premixed insulin if they need more than one type of insulin to keep their blood sugar levels in check.
It is important to note that insulin cannot be taken in oral form as it meddles with stomach enzymes, so it is mostly injected using a fresh syringe or an insulin pen for diabetes management.
Another option is using the insulin pump, which is a small device worn on the body. A tube connects the tank of the insulin to a cannula implanted under the skin of the abdominal area. Nowadays, tubeless pumps are also available for people with diabetes.

Oral medications: This is another treatment option for effective diabetes management. Certain diabetes medications stimulate the pancreas to generate more insulin. Alternatively, some medications hamper the production and release of glucose from the liver into the blood, which, in turn, decreases the amount of insulin needed to transport the sugar from the blood to the cells. These medications, in combination with insulin, help treat type 2 diabetes in most cases.

Transplantation: In certain cases of type 1 diabetes, a transplantation of the pancreas might also be an option. With a successful pancreas transplant, patients no longer require insulin therapy. However, these transplants are not always successful and also pose serious health risks, so this treatment option is only prescribed to those whose diabetes cannot be controlled. It might also be prescribed to those who also require a kidney transplant.

Bariatric surgery: This treatment option is prescribed to those who have type 2 diabetes and are obese or have a Body Mass Index (BMI) higher than 35.

Natural remedies
Certain lifestyle changes and home remedies can also contribute to diabetes management. One can consult a nutritionist or a doctor for charting out a well-balanced diet that provides all the vital nutrients and keeps their sugar levels in check. Here are certain steps one should follow for diabetes management:

Lean proteins, fresh fruits, low-fat dairy, green vegetables, and whole grains should be incorporated in the daily diet.
Foods that have zero nutritional value but are high in calories should be strictly avoided, as they spike the blood sugar levels. These include aerated beverages, fried foods, sodas, and sugar-rich desserts.
Abstain from excess alcohol consumption or quit the habit.
Indulge in 45 minutes of physical exercise every day, at least 5 days a week, to keep blood sugar levels and weight in check. One can opt for jogging, swimming, aerobics, or riding a bike. At the same time, a strenuous workout is not very good for diabetics, as they may experience dizziness, profuse sweating, weakness, and confusion due to excess fatigue, so it’s important not to overwork the body.
A decrease in BMI could cure type 2 diabetes without any medication, so it’s necessary to shed the extra pounds.

Foods to eat for diabetes management

Fatty fish: Fatty fish like herring, salmon, mackerel, and sardines are rich sources of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Including fatty fish in the regular diet is essential for diabetics, as omega-3 fats fight inflammation and reduce cholesterol, lowering the risk of heart failure or stroke and enhancing metabolic rate.
Leafy greens : Leafy green vegetables are rich sources of several nutrients and antioxidants that are essential for the proper functioning of the body. They are also low-calorie foods that help decrease blood sugar levels. Plus, kale, spinach, and other green vegetables have high levels of vitamin C, which helps decrease inflammation and also keeps a check on blood pressure levels.
Eggs: Eggs help reduce inflammation, enhance insulin sensitivity, lower the LDL or bad cholesterol levels, and add to the HDL or good cholesterol levels. People with type 2 diabetes who regularly eat two eggs can observe significant improvements in their blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Eggs are also rich sources of antioxidants and protein.
Chia seeds: Chia seeds are among the most effective foods for diabetes management, as they are loaded with fiber and have low carb content. The high fiber content in chia seeds reduces blood sugar levels by decreasing the rate at which the nutrients from the food are absorbed. Besides, these help lower blood pressure and keep weight in check.
Turmeric: Turmeric has numerous health benefits, and most of them are a result of the compound curcumin present in it. Curcumin improves kidney health among people with diabetes, which is vital as diabetes is a major cause of kidney failure. It also reduces inflammation and lowers blood sugar levels. The benefits of turmeric can increase if consumed along with black pepper, as its absorption improves.
Greek yogurt : Greek yogurt is a probiotic food that plays a key role in diabetes management. It decreases the risk of heart disease and controls blood sugar levels too. Greek yogurt can also aid weight loss in type 2 diabetics who are overweight.
Nuts: Nuts are highly beneficial foods for people with diabetes, as they are rich sources of fiber and contain low digestible carbs. They help decrease inflammation and bring down blood sugar levels. Almonds and walnuts are among the most helpful nuts for diabetes management.
Broccoli: Broccoli is a nutrient-rich vegetable that aids in reducing insulin levels and shields the cells from free radical damage. Broccoli is packed with antioxidants and is low in calorie content, making it a healthy option for effective diabetes management.

Type 1 diabetes is generally caused due to factors that are out of our control, but type 2 diabetes can be prevented by making healthy lifestyle choices and staying physically active. If a person notices any of the symptoms of diabetes mentioned earlier, it’s advisable to consult a doctor at the earliest. They can not only help manage the symptoms well but also prescribe a healthy, lifelong diabetes management strategy to lead a quality life.

Disclaimer:

The content provided on our blog site traverses numerous categories, offering readers valuable and practical information. Readers can use the editorial team’s research and data to gain more insights into their topics of interest. However, they are requested not to treat the articles as conclusive. The website team cannot be held responsible for differences in data or inaccuracies found across other platforms. Please also note that the site might also miss out on various schemes and offers available that the readers may find more beneficial than the ones we cover.

Effective Control of Diabetes with Apple Cider Vinegar

Your guide to choosing the right medical alert system

Latest Articles

The Causes And Symptoms Of Carcinoid Neuroendocrine Tumors

The causes and symptoms of carcinoid neuroendocrine tumors The neuroendocrine system can be described as a network of glands producing hormones that are carried into the bloodstream. There are different roles that these hormones play in the human body. The carcinoid neuroendocrine tumor is a very rare tumor that shows up in the cells of the neuroendocrine system. Around 80% of these tumors grow in the small bowel and the appendix. However, they can even grow in the lungs, pancreas, ovaries, stomach, testicles, and kidneys. These tumors develop at varied rates, and they are usually slow at developing. They might develop over several months and even years. Nevertheless, there are some tumors that tend to be highly aggressive. They can spread very quickly to other parts of the human body and can even result in serious issues. What are the causes of carcinoid neuroendocrine tumors? Experts are still not aware of the main causes of neuroendocrine tumors. However, there are certain conditions that might make you a victim of these tumors. These are called risk factors, and they are situations and diseases that you cannot control. Some of the most common causes of neuroendocrine tumors are as listed: Some diseases that are caused due to family history or genes passed to an individual through their family can increase their chances of having a carcinoid neuroendocrine tumor. Individuals with multiple endocrine neoplasia disease can be the victims of carcinoid tumors. This is a disease where tumors form in the cells, making hormones or chemicals that have a major effect on the actions of the body, such as sex drive, mood, and hair growth. Your age can have an effect on your chances of suffering from carcinoid tumors. There are certain NETs that have an effect on people of specific ages. The gender of an individual also has an effect on the risk for certain NETs. However, women have an increased chance of suffering from these tumors. The race of a person also has an effect on their chances of suffering from carcinoid tumors. The immune system in the body is its defense against all kinds of germs. Diseases or conditions that affect the immune system, such as organ transplant and HIV/AIDS, can increase the chances of neuroendocrine tumors in individuals. Excessive sun exposure can also result in neuroendocrine tumors. This is because the sun gives off ultraviolet rays that damage the skin DNA. This can result in the growth of cells in an uncontrolled manner, resulting in cancer. Studies have proved that smoking can also increase the chances of neuroendocrine tumors in people. What are the symptoms of carcinoid neuroendocrine tumors? Neuroendocrine tumors are generally diagnosed in people between the ages of 50 and 60. People with these tumors might experience certain symptoms, or they might not have any signs or changes in their body. The symptoms of neuroendocrine tumors include the following: Anxiety attacks High blood pressure Headaches A fever Rapid pulse Clammy skin Sweating Vomiting Nausea Heart palpitations Weight loss Flushing Severe diarrhea Wheezing Increased heart rate Appetite loss Sudden changes in blood pressure Always keep in mind that neuroendocrine tumors are rare and therefore the above-mentioned symptoms might be the result of other medical conditions. Nevertheless, it is important to consult a doctor if these symptoms persist for more than two weeks. What is the prognosis for carcinoid neuroendocrine tumors? If you go through carcinoid neuroendocrine tumor prognosis, you will be able to find that these tumors are either malignant or benign. The benign tumors tend to be small and can easily be removed completely, not to come back again. There are no symptoms produced if you are suffering from benign carcinoid tumors. The cells from these tumors do not spread to other parts of the body. The malignant or cancerous carcinoid tumors are large and can damage organs and tissues close to them. The cells of these tumors can easily break and enter the lymphatic system and the bloodstream to form new tumors. How can carcinoid neuroendocrine tumors be prevented? There is no way of preventing these tumors at present. However, quitting or not starting to smoke might reduce the risk of these tumors. It is important to maintain a healthy and balanced diet and a good lifestyle in order to prevent such tumors.

An Overview Of Cla Safflower Oil

An overview of CLA safflower oil CLA stands for conjugated linoleic acid. It is high in good fats, i.e., monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats. According to the National Institutes of Health, typically, CLA is found in foods like beef and dairy. However, it can also be found in small quantities in vegetable oils. Safflower oil is a oil produced from the seeds of a safflower plant; thus, it is a vegetable oil. Safflower plant is about 30 to 150 cm in height and each branch of the plant has about one to five flower heads with 15-20 seeds per head from which the oil is extracted. The plant is found in Kazakhstan as well as India, the USA, Mexico, and Argentina. Below is some information about CLA safflower oil. What are the advantages of using CLA safflower oil? The CLA safflower oil is a rich source of unsaturated fatty acids, namely, polyunsaturated fats and monounsaturated fats. These fats, commonly known as good fats, are required by the body to function well. The CLA safflower oil helps in improving memory and aids hormone regulation. This oil allows the body to absorb fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin K, E, D, and A. CLA safflower oil reduces inflammation in the body and also improves general health. It is a good way to regulate blood sugar levels in the body. Regular intake of CLA safflower oil improves blood cholesterol levels, thereby, reducing the chances of any kind of heart diseases. It contains vitamin E, which is great for skin issues like dry skin or even inflamed skin. However, you must perform a patch test before applying the oil all over the skin. How do you use CLA safflower oil in diet? The moderate use of safflower oil in your food will improve your metabolic rate, thereby, reducing your weight. The proportion of safflower oil intake would be dependent on weight-loss calorie requirement. For instance, a woman who needs to have 1200 calories daily would need 4 teaspoons of the CLA safflower oil. Men who are on a diet and need to consume 1600 calories would need 5 teaspoons of it. What are the side effects of CLA safflower oil? Most often people do not face any side effects from this oil if it is consumed or applied in recommended proportions. CLA safflower oil thins the blood so it could slow down clotting and could increase the chances of bleeding for those who have bleeding disorders or are undergoing some sort of surgery. People allergic to ragweed or pollen should not consume this oil as it could lead to an allergic reaction. Pregnant women should avoid it. Which are the best safflower oils of the year? As per CLA safflower oil reviews, the following brands have made the list of favorites among consumers this year: Renewalize Organic Safflower Oil – This is a USDA-certified brand and it is high in oleic acid. Renewalize Organic Safflower Oil is extracted using the cold pressed method that allows it to have a high amount of oleic acid, which is great for hair growth. Hollywood Safflower Oil – This is a great oil for cooking. It is the best when it comes to light heat cooking. The Hollywood Safflower Oil is available in a pack of one, three, or twelve, and it works well for pasta and as a drizzle over appetizers. It is good for cake mixes as well. Eden Unrefined – This brand of CLA safflower oil is organic and kosher, and it only has safflower oil. It works well for acne-prone skin and for cooking too. Dr. Adorable One Gallon – If you want to use CLA safflower oil especially for body massages, then this brand works beautifully as it blends well. You can take a generous quantity and apply it all over the body. It has no noticeable smell. However, this oil should be only used for external purposes. Spectrum Naturals High Heat – This brand produces the perfect CLA safflower oil for cooking. It has a smooth flavor that is ideal for cooking. The Spectrum Naturals High Heat does not have any artificial coloring, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and other common allergens. It is much lighter than other oils, such as olive oil.

Top 10 Health Benefits Of Safflower Oil

Top 10 health benefits of safflower oil Safflower oil is an oil that is extracted from the seeds of the safflower. CLA stands for conjugated linoleic acid. CLA is a type of polyunsaturated fatty acid. The CLA safflower oil has a number of health benefits; hence, it is being used as medicine by many people. CLA safflower oil can be used for treating a number of health issues and it is also used as a cooking oil. Continue reading if you wish to know more about the amazing health benefits of safflower oil, its side effects, and more. What are the health benefits of safflower oil? It is believed that safflower oil helps in boosting the immune system. This oil has properties that can protect the body from any kind of infections and it is considered to boost immune health. The CLA safflower oil is good for your heart’s health. When you are having heart-related health issues, your doctor will usually suggest you maintain a balanced diet, and it is important to keep it natural. Safflower oil is a natural oil that has omega-6 fatty acids, which are good for a healthy heart. The cholesterol levels of the body are also maintained using this oil. CLA safflower oil helps in losing weight. Shedding those extra pounds is not a simple task and you need to do a lot more along with exercise. Safflower oil is very good for healthy and shiny hair. If you are having dull, damaged, and dry hair, then this oil can be very helpful. Just massage a few drops of this oil into your scalp and it would increase the blood circulation in your scalp resulting in strong hair. When you have strong hair, why not have flawless skin? Yes, there are a number of products available in the market for flawless skin, but how many of them guarantee long-lasting results? Safflower oil can do that for you. You can check the CLA safflower oil reviews for skin and you will find the best reviews about this oil. It is good for joint pains as well. Massaging is one of the best ways to get rid of joint pains and massaging with safflower oil is a good option for better results. Diabetes is a health condition that needs to be treated with the right medicine. According to many studies, the omega-6 fatty acids are considered as the best option for controlling sugar levels in the body. It is also good for treating a migraine headache. Any health problems related to respiration can be treated using this oil. Menstrual pain and cramps in women can be treated with the help of this oil. Are there any side effects of safflower oil? There are no side effects of using safflower oil when used in moderation. This oil is strong and can cause irritation, so do not use it directly. You need to dilute with any carrier oil before you actually use it. What is the dosage of safflower oil that is good for your health? The dosage of CLA safflower oil usually depends on what kind of health issue you are treating. If you are using it to help reduce weight, then you can use it as cooking oil for at least six weeks. For this, you should consume at least one and a half teaspoons of this oil on a daily basis. How should safflower oil be stored for better results? Safflower has to be stored always in a dark place in an airtight container. Safflower oil can be kept in the refrigerator. In order to reduce the chances of oxidation, you should make sure that minimal air and light reaches the containers in which the oil is stored. You need to use the oil in just one or two months after you open the packing or oil tin.