Are you diabetic? Are you fond of taking pain-killers to ease your body pain? Do you take them frequently or everytime you feel any sort of pain? If yes… look for a kidney donor as probably you might be losing your own soon!!!
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If you’re already aware of your cravings for high cholesterol foods and working to get a control over it then you are on the right track. But if you are eating plenty of stuff that can raise your LDL Cholesterol levels then it’s the time to change your diet pattern.
If we look at the figures, one in four Americans age 65 or older are suffering from diabetes which has increased their risk of vision loss and blindness. But diabetes-related vision loss can be prevented provided if the person gets regular care and medical attention. But according to recent study, many Medicare beneficiaries having diabetes do not get the necessary eye exams.
Type 1 and type 2 diabetes is found to affect the small blood vessels in the eyes resulting into leak and irregular growth. If this is not given proper medical attention it can even lead to loss of vision. This medical condition is termed as diabetic retinopathy and is found to affect nearly 30 percent of people having diabetes. It can even give rise to more blinding ocular complications, such as diabetic macular edema. The risk increases with age and duration of diabetes.
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology people with diabetes should go for a dilated eye exam every year to prevent any diabetes-related vision loss. Getting a proper eye examination can reduce risk by 95 percent of diabetes-related vision loss. The examination is done by physicians who have specialized in surgical eye care known as ophthalmologists.
Eye Exams For People With Diabetes
Eye exams for diabetes patients are same as comprehensive eye exams. They are done by putting dilating drops into the eyes which allows the pupil to expand. This position of the pupil makes it possible for the ophthalmologist to study the retina closely for the early signs of diabetic retinopathy. Cameras along with a microscope are used to get close-up images of the retina and record them for further study. So, it is recommended for all the diabetes patients to talk with their doctors for a proper eye exam.
EyeCare America is a public service program of the Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology which can help older Americans to get a comprehensive eye exam up to one year that too free of cost.
Tips To Manage Type 2 Diabetes
- Switch to high fiber but low fat foods
- There is no pre-defined diet for diabetes patients and it may vary from patient to patient. But people with type 2 diabetes should eat high-fiber but low-fat foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Cut off consumption of animal products, refined carbohydrates and sweets.
- Consuming Low glycemic index foods will stabilize blood sugar levels in the body. So, prefer low glycemic foods over high as low glycemic foods contain a lot of fiber.
For Effectively Managing Type 2 Diabetes
• Increase consumption of wholegrain bread and cereals, beans and lentils, and fruit and vegetables
• Eat low fat foods such as vegetable oil instead of butter, ghee and coconut oil.
• Prefer skimmed and semi-skimmed milk, and low-fat yoghurts
• Cut off high-fat foods, such as mayonnaise, chips, crisps, pasties from your diet
Include Physical Activity In Your Daily Routine:
- Physical activity is must for a healthy life. It keeps you fit, energetic and also prevents problems of weight gain and obesity. But it is advisable to consult your doctor for a safe exercise routine.
- A good exercise routine should comprise of aerobics, walking, swimming and biking. You can even practice few basic yoga postures and then eventually move to advance yoga to keep your body in shape.
- People in the age 19-64 years of age should follow exercise routine.
- Moderate intensity of aerobic activity for 150 minutes (2 hours and 30 minutes) which includes cycling or fast walking (can be done in sessions of 10 minutes or more during a week)
- Muscle-strengthening activities for two or more days during a week (working on legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest, shoulders and arms).
Looking at the current figures, around 86 million American adults are having prediabetes and one-third of this number is likely to suffer from type 2 diabetes within next 5 years if they are not treated. Type 2 diabetes is known to have serious complications like blindness, amputation, heart disease and kidney failure.
But a program called as National Diabetes Prevention Program (National DPP) has taken the initiative to spread awareness about prediabetes among people.
The community based program National Diabetes Prevention Program (National DPP) works to replicate the results of National Institutes of Health clinical trial. As per the trial there was a significant reduction in the number of people with prediabetes with 58 percent overall reductions in new cases of diabetes and 71 percent reduction among people above 60 years of age.
This reduction is a result of just 5 to 7 percent of weight loss of total body weight. The results have been used to provide an effective and low-cost program for individuals who are at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Need To Cover National DPP Plan Under Medicare
The National DPP plan is still not covered under Medicare despite the results which have proved to be effective and still more than half of people above 65 years of age have prediabetes.
The American Medical Association (AMA) along with the American Diabetes Association have put a proposal before Congress to pass the Medicare Diabetes Prevention Act of 2015 making the diabetes prevention program part of Medicare.
Due to the effective health outcomes many big public and private organizations have created the infrastructure to facilitate large-scale participation in these programs. For example, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention give in-person and virtual training for lifestyle coaches and the recognition program for National DPP providers.
Spreading Diabetes Awareness
At present, around 90 percent of people aren’t aware of the fact that they have prediabetes. The American Diabetes Association has come up with a type 2 diabetes risk test to spread awareness among individuals about their present status of diabetes and help them to take preventive measures for it.
The AMA, Y-USA and local YMCAs are working to provide help to physicians and care teams to find out people with diabetes through tests and recommend those at high risk of type 2 diabetes to local centers of National DPP.
For now, the National DPP plan is being covered by eight states for state employees. The country is spending huge sums of money to treat people who are suffering from diabetes.
But this is high time when every one of us should take a step forward to spread awareness about diabetes and also Congress should pass the Medicare Diabetes Prevention Act.
How To Lower The Risk Of Diabetes?
Loose Few Pounds Of Weight
As already stated above, excess weight puts you at higher risk of type 2 diabetes. If you are overweight, you have 20 to 40 times more chance of developing diabetes as compared to a normal person.
So, work on to lose 7 to 10 percent of your present weight to reduce your chances of developing type 2 diabetes.
Sugary beverages have high glycemic levels and consuming this increases your risk of diabetes. Even the fruit drinks which are portrayed as healthy diet choices through advertisements are not at all a good choice. Consuming excess of sugar based drinks lead to weight gain. Moreover, these drinks lead to chronic inflammation, high triglycerides, decreased (HDL) cholesterol, and increased insulin resistance. All these factors lead you to diabetes. So, it’s better to take tea, coffee, green tea with low sugar which can prove as beneficial for your health.
Give Up Smoking:
Smoking brings along many chronic diseases and type 2 diabetes is one of them. Smokers are at 50 percent higher risk than non-smokers. Thus, the best idea is to give up smoking today!
A periodic health checkup involves the evaluation of overall health condition of a person. This involves examination of body, organs, and hormones to find if they are working properly or need a treatment.
It can be done through various ways- inspection (looking at), palpation (feeling), percussion (tapping on), and auscultation (listening). Periodic examination also involves assessing the medical history, previous medications, allergies, or any other existing problems the person has. The following article describes periodic health check up in detail along with the importance of it.
The following article will answer all your queries about periodic health check up and also explain the necessary precautions you must follow before the examination.
When Should You Take This Test?
A simple answer to this question is- It depends on your health condition, age, gender, and lifestyle. If you are confused on this, you can always consult your doctor and he will tell you how frequently you need to see him.
Do You Really Need A Periodic Health Checkup?
A periodic health examination gives you a true picture of your overall health by which you can take necessary steps to improve it. After the tests are done the doctor prescribes you with necessary medications and also asks you to make some changes in lifestyle and food habits. This will help to improve your present health status and also protect you from diseases and serious illnesses.
Moreover, the periodic health check up also enables the doctor to identify health issues that can occur somewhere in near future and take necessary action before the situations becomes uncontrollable.
In case there is some major health issue likely to occur in near future then the doctor can do necessary tests for further investigation and start the treatment in time.
Thus, a health check up is recommended periodically.
What Are The Risks And Precautions Involved With The Periodic Health Checkup?
There is nothing to worry regarding your safety when going for a periodic health examination. You may experience some pain or discomfort in case the doctor examines a boy part which is sore or tender. You may also experience little uneasiness in case of evaluation of certain areas such as: reproductive organs, anus, or breasts. It’s better to share your present health condition openly with the doctor.
But there are no such risks involved with the examination. Your doctor will advise you with all the necessary instructions to be followed during the examination.
In case you are already experiencing pain you can use a numbing cream for alleviating the pain for a comfortable treatment. Dr Numb is a popular numbing cream which is used widely for numbing various skin portions. In case you have doubt about its use, you can consult your doctor before applying it.
What Is Done During The Test?
The procedure for the test is determined by your present health condition, age, gender and will take around 30 minutes for a general examination. You will have to wear a hospital gown for the health examination.
The periodic health checkup involves:
- Examination of your height, weight, pulse, breathing rate, temperature, and blood pressure with the help of various instruments
- Physical examination of your skin, head, neck, eyes, ears, nose, and mouth. Generally, a light is used to inspect the inside of your eyes, ears, nose and mouth.
- Listening to your heartbeat and lungs with a stethoscope
- Feel your spine and the back muscles and areas near the lungs
- Examine your breasts to check for lumps
- Press on your abdomen to feel the outlines of organs such as the liver, spleen, and kidneys
- Check your rectum and anus (internally or externally)
- Examine your reproductive organs
- Evaluate your nervous system by asking you to walk, hop, or do knee bends
- Examine your reflexes using a small hammer
- Discuss your lifestyle, dietary habits and medications you take
- Discuss your medical history and your family’s medical history
Diabetes also called as hyperglycemia is a health condition in which the blood glucose (sugar) levels rise much higher than the normal levels. Type 2 Diabetes is the most widespread form of diabetes.
In Type 2 Diabetes the body is not able to utilize insulin properly which is known as insulin resistance. The following blog deals with the causes and symptoms of type 2 diabetes.
Diabetes is a life-long disease in which the body’s capability of handling glucose is altered. This is often a life-long disease which can only be controlled through medications, diet and diabetes but not fully cured.
What Causes Diabetes?
Pancreas manufactures a hormone called insulin. Insulin helps in converting glucose in food into energy. But in case of type 2 diabetes the body does produce insulin but the body is not able to utilize it for conversion of glucose to energy. This condition is called as insulin resistance.
The pancreas produces more insulin for converting glucose into the cells. But eventually it is not able to keep it up which results into increase in sugar levels in the blood.
Following are some factors that result into type 2 diabetes:
Genes- Scientists have discovered different bits of DNA that have an effect on body’s insulin making capacity.
Overweight- If you are overweight and have some extra pounds especially at the belly region then you are at risk of getting diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.
Metabolic Syndrome- People who have insulin resistance are also likely to suffer from other health complications like high blood glucose, extra fat around the waist, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol and triglycerides.
Excess of glucose from your liver- When the blood sugar levels dip then the liver produces glucose to meet the body’s energy requirements. After our meals, the blood sugar rises and the liver stores the glucose for future use. But this doesn’t happen in some cases. Some people’s liver keeps cranking out sugar.
What Are The Risk Factors of Diabetes?
There are some factors that are not the actual cause of the disease but they can likely make you more vulnerable to it.
1. Most of them are things which are beyond your control like:
• If you are at the age of 45 or above
• If your parents, brother or sister has diabetes
• People belonging to ethnic group African-American, Alaska
Native, Native American, Asian-American, Hispanic or Latino, or Pacific Islander-American
2. Other factors that put you at risk of diabetes are related due to your medical history in which you can seek help of your doctor.
• Heart and blood vessel disease
• High blood pressure, even if it’s treated and under control
• Low HDL (“good”) cholesterol
• High triglycerides
• Being overweight or obese
• Having gestational diabetes during pregnancy
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Acanthosis nigricans, (dark rashes around your neck or armpits)
3. Dietary habits and lifestyle can also put you at risk of diabetes
• Sleeping too little or too much
Symptoms Of Type 2 Diabetes
If you are experiencing any of the following conditions then you are likely to suffering from type 2 diabetes and you need to check the doctor.
• Feeling very thirsty
• Peeing in excess
• Blurry vision
• Irritated moods
• Numbness in your hands or feet
• Feeling worn out
• Wounds that don’t heal
• Yeast infections
How To Reduce The Risk Of Type 2 Diabetes?
You just don’t need a great effort for this. A little change in the dietary habits, lifestyle and losing few pounds can cut your risk of type 2 diabetes in half.
Start Exercising: Involve yourself in some stretching exercises, yoga postures and 30 minutes of walk.
Eat The Right Diet: Include a lot of fiber, green veggies, and fresh fruits with low sugar in your diet. Eating too much of processed carbs, sugary drinks, and Trans and saturated fats only invite diseases to your body.
Quit Smoking: Smoking is nowhere going to benefit your health. So, why to think twice, just give it up today!
Eating the right kind of diet packed with essential nutrients that can meet the daily energy requirements and boost immunity can keep you away from lot of health problems. Diabetes is one such health issue that can be controlled with the right kind of diet. The diet for diabetic patients is centered on to control the blood sugar levels.
The following blog is about foods that should be avoided by diabetes patients and the healthy alternatives to them.
High carb diet, unhealthy fats are always restricted to people with diabetes because they are prone to risk of heart diseases as well.
Check out the following foods to find out what can be healthy options to some of the poor dietary choices by a diabetes patient.
1. What to Avoid? – White Rice
People who consume rice are at greater risk of type 2 diabetes. The point is all kinds of processed, fried food and made with white flour is harmful for diabetes’ patients. Therefore, white rice and pasta have a similar impact on the body as sugar and result into increase in blood sugar levels.
Brown rice or wild rice consists of fiber which causes slow absorption of glucose into the bloodstream and thus blood sugar levels don’t shoot up reducing the risk of diabetes.
2. What to avoid? Blended coffees
Blended coffees with sugar, whipped cream are a storehouse of calories and fat, therefore not recommend for people with diabetes.
Black coffee with low amount of sugar is a better alternative to blended coffee as it contains much less calories and will not cause a rise in blood sugar levels.
3. What to avoid? Bananas and melons
Although fruit contain a lot of vitamins and fiber but there are some of them which consists of high levels of sugar such as Bananas, melons, and peaches. Intake of these fruits can lead to blood sugar spikes but of course the result can vary among individuals.
Fruits like apples, blueberries are comparatively lower in sugar than the above mentioned foods. But it is recommended to check with the doctor if a particular fruit may suit you or not. For this you can check the changes in blood sugar levels post two hours of eating.
4. What to avoid? Chinese food
High-calorie, high fat, high-sodium, and high-carb Chinese food dishes can spike blood sugar levels dramatically and even keep them high for a while.
If you cannot be without Chinese food, then you can cook steamed veggies with low-sodium, low-fat condiments and flavorings. Less amounts of sodium will not just lower blood pressure levels but also reduce risks of heart attacks.
5. What to avoid? Breakfast pastries
Doughnuts, toaster pastries, and all bakery sweets are like biggest enemies of blood sugar. All these food are made up of processed white flour with high amount of fat, carbs, and sodium
For a less processes and low-fat, carb and sodium diet, you can take half of a whole-grain English muffin or a brown rice cake with peanut butter and low-sugar jam.
6. What to avoid? Fruit smoothies
A fruit smoothie is something that can take away all your sugar cravings after a meal but if you are diabetic this can mean a sugar disaster for you. For example: A big cup of Jamba Juice smoothie has sugar as in three cans of soda.”
For the ones who can’t resist fruit smoothies a better option is to make a fruit smoothie of your own. You can include vegetables like kale or spinach along with low-sugar fruits like green apples