Type 2 Diabetes - How to Manage and Prevent the Symptoms and Complications

Type 2 diabetes is the epidemic that grows with ignorance. A disease that can be completely avoided with a minimal of diet and nutrition education. Most people hardly have the attention or interest to finish their daily news paper, so trawling through countless chapters on vitamins, food groups, bio chemistry etc etc will hardly help and for good reason. The simplest theories work the best.



So, Down to basics.



Type 2 diabetes symptoms and complications. You have more than likely read these a thousand times but lets refresh.



Frequent need for urination



Continual thirst, day and night



Blurred vision



Poor healing



Tiredness



Absolutely no energy



Sticky teeth sensation



There are many more but these are pretty much the main type 2 diabetes symptoms and complications.



Now the real nuts and bolts of this article, how to manage and prevent type 2 diabetes.



The content relating to the above statement is the same for both management and prevention. Obviously, putting this knowledge into action before any signs of type 2 diabetes shows up, will go a long way to ever having to worry about developing the disease. As always, prevention is far better than cue.



Keep carbohydrate intake low, and only eat from the low glycemic index range.



Eat no refined carbohydrates or sugars what so ever.



No altered fats, (hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oil, no trans fats, no cheap vegetable oil or margarine).



Use healthy un spoiled plant and nut based fats and oils.



Include omega 3 in your diet



No deep fried foods.



No eating past 5-6 pm.



Eat plenty of different coloured fresh veg.



Eat only good quality

How to Manage Hypoglycemia When Eating on the Run

Hypoglycemics, when out and about, often find it difficult to eat a meal that will keep the blood sugars in balance.



Just remember when you are 'starving' or running late for lunch, a quick visit to a fast food outlet can easily offer a 1000 calorie punch from the refined carbohydrates and salad dressing.



You might not have a choice but to grab a fast food. Think while you order and choose the least damaging food. Watch portion size. For example a Taco Bell taco with salsa contains 52gsms of fat and 850 calories and a Taco Supreme with very similar ingredients contains 14 gsm fat and 210 calories. The supersize taco shell causes the problem with nearly half the calories. Also, restrain yourself with cheese and sour cream.



By remaining ignorant of the effects of fast foods on hypoglycemia you are denying yourself the opportunity of getting rid of the symptoms. Your body gets onto a rollercoaster ride of constant up and down blood sugar levels.



This over-stimulation of insulin leads to, among other things, adrenal problems. Then the familiar symptoms of hypoglycemia take hold - mood swings, dizziness and lack of concentration, which eventually lead to the more serious illnesses of diabetes, heart and kidney diseases.



Should you indulge in refined foods, always remember to eat good portions of fruit and vegetables throughout the rest of the day. This will keep your blood sugar levels from crashing.



The are a number of ways of keeping hypoglycemic symptoms to a minimum by carefully choosing from fast food menus.



At breakfast avoid the highly sugared doughnuts or chocolate chip muffins. Look for a plain bagel and fruit. Choose plain scrambled eggs and avoid high fat sausage, cheese and bacon. Especially avoid breakfast sandwiches consisting of sausage and bacon.



For lunch choose a grilled chicken sandwich or even a regular hamburger. Skip the deluxe, mayo and sauce. Definitely choose soups or salads instead of fries.



At the salad bar choose greens and vegetables while limiting potato and macaroni salad. Do not be tempted by bacon, cheese, crouton and high fat dressing.



It is important to always eat protein with refined food, since this allows a slow release of sugar. You cannot go a whole day ignoring your diet. You absolutely have to balance your low blood sugar levels so there is no point in being casual about dieting.



Even so, hypoglycemics find it difficult to remain on course over holiday periods, like New Year and Easter. Although, after a period of constant diet watching you could eat occasional treats but too much will set you back again.



A clear understanding of all the symptoms of hypoglycemia is needed. With a carefully laid out program based on your research, changes in your lifestyle and diet choices, you will go on to enjoy a carefree life and control your low blood sugar.

How to Manage Diabetes Treatment - The Ongoing Process

Diabetes treatment is necessary to keep blood sugar levels as close to normal as possible. Self management is the most important part of this process because your doctor can test you and tell you what to do, but it is up to you to carry it out. You will do the meal planning, physical exercise, and blood sugar monitoring.



Type 1 diabetics must eat a healthy diet, get the proper amount of exercise, and take insulin either through self injection or with an insulin pump. They must closely monitor their blood sugar through out the day.



Type 2 diabetics must adopt a healthy lifestyle by eating a proper diet, being active with exercise and daily chores that require moving around. Frequent glucose testing is a help in keeping check on your progress. You may need oral medication or even insulin.



A diabetic on oral medication or insulin must watch out for hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar. This can cause you to be nervous and shaky. Fainting can occur if this is left unchecked. It is good practice to keep a candy bar handy just in case this happens. If the blood sugar rises too high a person can also become ill, this is called hyperglycemia. Medical attention is required right away in this case.



A good daily plan to manage diabetes treatment would include the following steps.



1 - Plan out your meals for the day following your doctor or dietician's advice.



2 - Plan to get at least 30 minutes of some type of exercise every day.



3 - Check your blood glucose every day and keep a record of the reading for your doctor.



4 - Check your feet every day for blisters, swelling, or any cuts. Keep your toenails trimmed.



5 - Take good care of your teeth and gums.

Canine Diabetes - The Three Things You Need to Know to Manage Diabetes in Dogs

If your pet has just been diagnosed with canine diabetes, you're probably feeling shocked and overwhelmed right now. But don't despair. Managing diabetes in dogs can be challenging at first, but after a few months, you and your pet will be old hands at it. Here are some answers to questions you probably have.



1. Why Are Blood Sugar Levels Important?



Your pet's body breaks carbohydrates down into glucose during the digestion process. Glucose is what fuels the body. It's transported by the blood to all parts of your pet's body.



Blood glucose levels go up after a meal. That's when insulin, produced in the pancreas, is released into your pet's system to keep these levels from becoming too high.



If not enough insulin is being produced, there will be too much sugar in your pet's blood, which causes damage over time to your pet's organ systems. If your pet isn't fed at the right time, or he receives too much insulin, these levels can plummet to dangerously low levels, which can quickly cause death.



Glucose levels are measured by determining how many mg are present in a deciliter of blood. Normally, these levels in dogs range between 75 and 120 millegrams per deciliter (mg/dL). It's normal to have higher readings to rise after a meal. But if they stay above 180 for a long time, the body will try to get rid of excess sugar by excreting it in the urine. This is known as "sugar spilling."



Blood sugar levels below 80 are too low, and if the level drops below 60, this is a crisis situation. You need to get these levels higher right away.



2. What Does "Regulation" Mean For Diabetes In Dogs?



Your pet is considered "regulated" when the supplies of food and insulin are balanced, which results in normal levels of glucose in your pet's blood all day.



If your pet is left alone all day, it can be a challenge to keep her readings from getting too low or too high. You don't want her glucose levels to get too low, because this can be fatal quickly. If levels are too high for long periods of time, ketoacidosis can result, which is a different crisis. Until she's well-regulated, you may need to have someone come home mid-day to take do a check on her.



3. Regulating Canine Diabetes Takes Time



You'll need to establish a routine of feeding your pet at the same time every day. Two meals a day, twelve hours apart, is usually recommended. You'll also need to do a reading with the glucose meter, and give her an insulin injection twice a day, usually at mealtimes.



It's best to give her the insulin shot after she eats. If you give it to her before you feed her, and then she doesn't eat, her blood sugar levels will drop dangerously low, which means an emergency trip to the vet.



Always warm insulin in your hand before you give it to your dog, as injecting it while it's cold is painful for your pet.



Is There A Cure For Diabetes In Dogs?



Unfortunately, no. The best cure is prevention. Since the biggest risk factor for dogs with diabetes is being overweight, putting her on a diet is the best thing you can do for your pet. Plenty of exercise is essential, too. Exercise is a great way to control the levels of glucose in her blood naturally.



Natural remedies for dogs contain herbs and dietary supplements which have been proven to control her glucose levels naturally. Many pet owners have successfully used a combination of diet, exercise, and herbs to prevent diabetes in dogs.



Don't wait for your pet to develop canine diabetes. While it's still fresh in your mind, you'll want to start learning now how you can prevent your pet from becoming a diabetic.