People with type 2 diabetes are at risk for a problem called hyperosmolar hyperglycemic nonketotic syndrome (HHNS).
It is very rare in people with type 1 diabetes.
Your risk of developing diabetic hyperosmolar syndrome might be higher if you:
1.Have type 2 diabetes. If you don’t monitor your blood sugar or you don’t yet know you have type 2 diabetes, your risk is higher.
2.Are older than age 65.
3.Have another chronic health condition, such as congestive heart failure or kidney disease.
4.Have an infection, such as pneumonia, a urinary tract infection or a virus, which causes your blood sugar levels to rise.
5.Take certain medications. Some drugs — such as corticosteroids (prednisone), diuretics (hydrochlorothiazide and chlorthalidone) and the anti-seizure medication phenytoin (Dilantin).
HHNS is an emergency caused by very high blood sugar, often over 600 mg/dL. Your kidneys try to get rid of the extra blood sugar by putting more sugar into the urine. This makes you urinate more and you lose too much body fluid, causing dehydration.
As you lose fluids, your blood becomes thicker and your blood sugar level gets too high for the kidneys to be able to fix.
With the high blood sugar and dehydration there is also an imbalance of minerals, especially sodium and potassium in the blood.
The imbalance of fluids, glucose, and minerals in the body can lead to severe problems, such as brain swelling, abnormal heart rhythms, seizures, coma, or organ failure. Without rapid treatment, HHNS can cause death.
You will need to stay in the hospital in order to bring your blood sugar level under control and treat the cause of the HHNS.
Signs and Symptoms Of Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic Non-ketotic Syndrome (HHNS)
Diabetic hyperosmolar syndrome can take days or weeks to develop. Possible signs and symptoms include:
1.Blood sugar level of 600 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or 33.3 millimoles per liter (mmol/L) or higher
2.Excessive thirst
3.Dry mouth
4.Increased urination
5.Warm, dry skin
6.Fever
7.Drowsiness, confusion
8.Hallucinations
9.Vision loss
10.Convulsions
11.Coma
Diabetic hyperosmolar syndrome may be triggered by:
1.Illness or infection
2.Not following a diabetes treatment plan or having an inadequate treatment plan
3.Certain medications, such as water pills (diuretics)
4.Sometimes undiagnosed diabetes results in diabetic hyperosmolar syndrome.
Seek emergency care immediately if:
1.Your blood sugar level is 400 mg/dL (22.2 mmol/L) or higher and doesn’t improve despite following your doctor’s instructions for treatment. Don’t wait until your blood sugar is high enough to cause diabetic hyperosmolar syndrome.
2.You have confusion, vision changes or other signs of dehydration.
Treatment for Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic Non-ketotic Syndrome (HHNS)
The treatment for HHNS depends on the cause and how well you respond to treatment. The goal of treatment is to return your blood sugar to a normal level and keep it in a normal range. Treatment may include:
1.You will have a small tube (IV catheter) inserted into a vein in your hand or arm. This will allow for medicine to be given directly into your blood and to give you fluids, if needed.
2.Your Health provider may prescribe medicines to:
Keep your blood sugar controlled
Treat other medical problems that may have been caused by or made worse because of diabetes
Treat pain
Treat or prevent an infection
Prevent blood clots
Prevent side effects, such as nausea or constipation, from other treatments
Replace vitamins and minerals
3.You may receive oxygen through a small tube placed under your nose or through a mask placed over your face.
4.If you develop blood clots, you may need surgery to remove them.
5.You may need kidney dialysis to help filter your blood if your kidneys are not working properly.
Ketoacidosis is a condition in which the body breaks down fat for energy rather than using sugar. When you are ill or stressed your blood sugar levels rise.
A person with Type 1 diabetes does not have an insulin supply to deal with this elevation and begins to break down fats for fuel.
When fat is burned for fuel, chemicals called ketones are released. Ketones are poisonous to the body. The kidneys usually remove ketones via the urine.
However, if the blood sugar levels remain too high for a period of time the kidneys are unable to remove the ketone build up and they begin to accumulate in the body. This can become a life-threatening situation, resulting in a diabetic coma or death.
Ketoacidosis is more common in individuals with Type 1 diabetes because of their inability to produce insulin.
Individuals with Type 2 diabetes are less likely to develop ketoacidosis because they do produce some insulin, even though it may not work as well as it should.
High blood sugar levels and ketoacidosis may develop as a result of an illness or omission of insulin.
Frequently, glucometers are programmed to warn patients to “test ketones” when their blood sugar levels register a high result.
Some meters also have the ability to test the blood for ketones using a specific ketone-testing strip.
Most individuals test their ketones by dipping a ketone test strip into their urine. Urine strips may be purchased from the pharmacy without a prescription.
This will allow you to monitor the ketone level in your urine.
If you have any information,questions, or feedback you would like to include in this post.
Please email momo19@diabetessupportsite.com or leave your comments below.
1.Eli Lilly & Company offers a program called “LillyTruAssist” to provide insulin to those in need. Visit http://lillytruassist.com/.
2.The Charles Ray III Diabetes Association provides meters, strips and pump supplies to those who cannot afford them. To learn more, go to http://www.cr3diabetes.org/.
3.The Foundation for Health Coverage Education helps people without insurance to locate public and private assistance programs. Their website (www.coverageforall.org) has a simple eligibility checklist.
4.Needymeds runs a web site, www.needymeds.com, that provides up-to-date information on nearly 200 patient assistance programs run by drug manufacturers.
5.Novo Nordisk offers a Patient Assistance Program that provides free insulin, pen needles, and glucagon kits for those who fail to qualify for government-sponsored programs, do not have private insurance, and fall below a certain income level. Go to http://novonordisk-us.com/documents/section_frontpage/document/pap_diabetescare.asp to apply.
7.Script Relief is a prescription drug savings program that can offer discounts of up to 75% on some prescriptions. You can visit http://scriptrelief.com/ for more information.
8.In IrelandeCare Dental and ERM bring you a new dental insurance scheme that could help you not only save money on your dental bills but also to be more proactive about your dental health.
9.The Irish healthcare system
The irish health care is divided into public and private services.
If you are “ordinarily resident”, you can access a range of public health services that are free of charge or subsidised by the Irish government.
Generally, if you are living here and intend to continue to stay here for at least a year, you will be considered “ordinarily resident”.
There are two types of patient in the public healthcare system:
Category 1 – People with Medical Cards (full entitlement to access public health services)
Category 2 – People without Medical Cards (limited access to public health services).
Anybody in Ireland with a medical emergency is entitled to attend the Emergency Department. A patient visiting the Emergency Department will either be treated and sent home or will be admitted to a ward as an in-patient.
If you go to the out-patients or Emergency Department of a public hospital without being referred there by your GP, you may be charged €100. This charge does not apply to the following groups:
1.Medical card holders
2.People receiving treatment for prescribed infectious diseases
3.Children referred for treatment from child health clinics and school health examinations
4.People who are entitled to hospital services because of EU Regulations
5.Women receiving maternity services
In cases of excessive hardship, a HSE Area may provide the service free of charge.
If you have to return for further visits in relation to the same illness or accident, you do not have to pay the charge again.
The charge for in-patient/day services is €75 per day up to a maximum of €750 in a year. The charge does not apply to the following groups:
1.Medical card holders
2.People receiving treatment for prescribed infectious diseases
3.People who are subject to “long stay” charges
4.Children referred for treatment from child health clinics and school board examinations
5.People who are entitled to hospital services because of EU Regulations
6.Women receiving maternity services
In cases of excessive hardship, a HSE Area may provide the service free of charge.
10.Medical Card
In Ireland anyone over the age of 16 years who is ordinarily resident in the State is entitled to apply for a Medical Card.
You can qualify for a Medical Card under the following three main categories:
1.Means Test: People (and their dependents) whose income is within the financial guidelines
2.Undue Financial Hardship: People whose income is over the financial guidelines but the HSE decides that the financial burden of medical or other exceptional circumstances would cause undue hardship
3.Automatic: People who are automatically entitled to a Medical Card.
You must contact your nearest Health Centre for an application form or www.medicalcard.ie. If you are under 70 years of age ask for Form MC1 and if you are over 70 years of age ask for Form MC1a.
You must complete the application form and get your GP to sign it
You must have a Personal Public Service (PPS) number, which you can apply for at your local social welfare office
Medical card assessments based on a means test make allowances for rent or mortgage payments, childcare expenses and travel to work expenses. Income is assessed after tax and PRSI are deducted.
11.GP Visit Cards
In Ireland this card entitles holders to free GP services; however, they will have to pay for hospital services and a limited amount for prescription drugs.
To apply for a GP Visit Card, you use the same application form for a medical card.
While your GP Visit Card application is being processed, the HSE will also assess your entitlement for a full medical card.
12.Drug Payment Scheme
In Ireland The Drug Payment Scheme allows individuals and families who do not hold medical cards to limit the amount they have to spend on prescribed drugs. Under the Drug Payment Scheme, you will not pay more than €100 in any calendar month for approved prescribed drugs, medicines and appliances.
If you are ordinarily resident in Ireland, you are eligible to apply for the Drugs Payment Scheme. You can use the Drug Payment Scheme in conjunction with a Long Term Illness Book. Application forms are available from your local pharmacy or contact your local health centre for more information.
13.Long-Term Illness Scheme
In Ireland The Long-Term Illness Scheme allows people with certain conditions, who are not already medical cardholders, to obtain the medicines and medical and surgical appliances they require for the treatment of their condition, without charge. You do not have to satisfy a means test. The conditions included in the scheme are:
Acute leukaemia
Mental handicap
Cerebral Palsy
Mental illness (in a person under 16)
Cystic fibrosis
Multiple sclerosis
Diabetes insipidus
Muscular dystrophies
Diabetes Mellitus
Parkinsonism
Epilepsy
Phenylketonuria
Haemophilia
Spina bifida
Hydrocephalus
Conditions arising from the use of Thalidomide
If approved, you will be issued with a long-term illness book. Your pharmacist will provide you with the necessary drugs free of charge.
14.Maternity and Infant Services
In Ireland the Health Service Executive provides free maternity services for the period of pregnancy and for 6 weeks after the birth. The service is provided by your GP. You must be ordinarily resident in Ireland to avail of this service.
15.Health Services for People with Disabilities
In Ireland The Disability Act 2005 allows for an assessment of the needs of a person with disabilities. For more information on health services for people with disabilities go to Website: www.hse.ie
16.Private Health Care
You can avail of private health care if you can pay for it directly or you are covered by a private health insurance policy. Some employers offer health insurance as part of an employment package.
It is usual practice that no immediate private health insurance coverage is available for medical conditions existing before taking out a private health insurance policy. The restriction shall be removed upon the following periods of continuous membership: 5 years for members under 55; 7 years for members aged 55-59; 10 years for members aged 60 and over.
You can contact one of the private health insurers in Ireland.
High blood pressure or hypertension hardens the arteries and causes the heart to work harder. Exercise, minimizing salt in your diet, losing weight and minimizing stress are important ways to prevent as well as treat high blood pressure.
Losing as little as 5 or 10 percent of your body weight can result in better blood pressure, lower risk for diabetes and improved cholesterol levels, according to various research studies.
Foods such as spinach, beans, sunflower seeds, bananas, squash, cantaloupe, garlic, celery, lemon, honey, ginger, cumin seeds and cayenne pepper may help to reduce blood pressure because they are rich in magnesium and potassium.
Avoid salty food, put away your salt shaker, eat fewer preserved foods, frozen dinners and canned foods, as these are typically high in salt. Also, avoid overindulging in alcohol , it can increase blood pressure.
Replace butter with olive and canola oils, which contain good amounts of heart healthy monounsaturated fats,choose fish and beans instead of fatty meats, select nonfat or low-fat milk and yogurt in place of whole-milk versions, eat full-fat cheeses sparingly.
Avoid trans fats which increase LDL cholesterol, by skipping foods that contain “hydrogenated oil” or “partially hydrogenated oil” in their ingredient lists. (Big culprits include packaged snacks, crackers, bakery goods and some margarines.)
A diet high in fatty food, smoking, excess alcohol intake and obesity are associated with an increase in bad cholesterol, LDL (low density lipoprotein).
Cholesterol is a fat taken in by diet. Cholesterol is necessary for regulating body function. But too much cholesterol can cause health problems.
It can narrow the space inside arteries for blood flow to the heart, the brain and the legs. If cholesterol is not controlled, it can lead to heart disease, strokes and leg amputation.
Herbs and foods which can reduce cholesterol are: dandelion root, pumpkin seed, oats, sunflower seeds, whole grain breads, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, oranges and salmon.
Soluble fiber in oats, beans and citrus fruits like oranges, helps reduce “bad” LDL cholesterol levels.
Opting for whole grains, such as brown rice and whole wheat pasta, boosts your intake of total fiber (by way of insoluble fiber, which is also good for digestion) and can decrease levels of triglycerides, another “unhealthy” fat in the blood.
Omega 3 fats in fish lower triglycerides and blood pressure; they also can help prevent irregular heart rhythms.
Exercise also can reduce cholesterol.
You don’t need to be a professional athlete to benefit from exercise. Moderate exercise (e.g., brisk walking) will help to keep your heart healthy.
Top Tips
1.Eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables daily.
2.Limit yourself to less than 300 mg of cholesterol and less than 2,400 mg of sodium daily.
3.If you drink alcohol, limit yourself .
4.Talk with your health care provider about heart-related screens that might be important for you.
If you have any information,questions, or feedback you would like to include in this post.
Please email momo19@diabetessupportsite.com or leave your comments below.
You can cut food costs by eating more meals at home and by making sure they feature some of the healthiest foods from your supermarket , foods like whole grains, fruit,vegetables and beans.
Packing your lunch, snacks, drinks and other meals is less expensive and way healthier than eating out.
Make it a habit to cook at home, rather than eating out at the last minute.
Generally, you can feed an entire family of four for the same price as buying food for one or two people at a restaurant.
By cooking yourself, you also gain the benefit of knowing exactly what is in your food.
Fruits and vegetables are a source of dietary energy (calories), they provide key nutrients at a reasonable cost.
For starters, don’t be afraid to buy frozen vegetables in the freezer section of your local grocery store (or even canned vegetables such as tinned tomatoes).
Sure, I love fresh vegetables, but since frozen veggies are picked and then frozen at peak ripeness (and thus most nutritionally dense), they are often a better value while being edible for months longer.
Fresh fruits, berries and vegetables are usually in season only a few months per year, and are sometimes rather expensive.
Quick-frozen produce is usually just as nutritious. It is cheaper, available all year and is usually sold in large bags.
Frozen produce is great to use when cooking, making smoothies, or as toppings for oatmeal or yogurt.
Furthermore, you gain the advantage of being able to take out only what you’re about to use. The rest will be kept safe from spoiling in the freezer.
You will find that if you take advantage of healthy foods on sale (especially buy one get one free deals), many foods that are listed here will suddenly become a great value!
Some foods are way cheaper in less processed form.
For example, a block of cheese is cheaper than shredded cheese.
Whole grains, like brown rice and oats, are also cheaper per serving than most processed cereals.
Whole foods are often less expensive than their processed counterparts. You can also buy them in larger quantities.
You would be surprised to see how much you may be paying for soda, crackers, cookies, prepackaged meals and processed foods.
Despite the fact that they offer very little nutrition and are packed with unhealthy ingredients, they are also very expensive.
Many packaged or processed foods contain high levels of hidden sugar.
They may be easy to prepare but too much sugar causes rapid swings in energy and blood sugar, and can contribute to many serious health problems such as Type 2 diabetes.
Hidden sugar may be listed as corn syrup, molasses, brown rice syrup, cane juice, fructose, dextrose, or maltose.
Avoid foods such as instant mashed potatoes, white bread, canned soups , refined white pasta, and sugary cereals.
Satisfy your sweet tooth with naturally sweet food such as fruit, peppers, and sweet potatoes.
Healthy carbs (sometimes known as good carbs) include whole grains, beans, fruits, and vegetables.
Healthy carbs are digested slowly, providing long-lasting energy and keeping blood sugar and insulin levels stable.
Unhealthy carbs (or bad carbs) are foods such as white flour, refined sugar, and white rice that have been stripped of all bran, fiber, and nutrients.
Unhealthy carbs digest quickly and cause spikes in blood sugar levels and only short-lived energy.
By skipping the processed and unhealthy foods, you can spend more of your budget on higher quality, healthy foods.
When it comes to saving money at the grocery store, planning is essential.
Use one day each week to plan your meals for the upcoming week. Then, make a grocery list of what you need.
Also, make sure to scan your fridge and cabinets to see what you already have. There are usually a lot of foods hidden in the back that can be used.
Only plan to purchase what you know you’re going to use, so that you don’t end up throwing away a lot of what you buy.
Once you’ve planned your meals and made your grocery list, stick to it.
It’s very easy to get sidetracked at the grocery store, which can lead to unintended, expensive purchases.
If you go to the grocery store hungry, you are more likely to stray from your grocery list and buy something on impulse.
When you’re hungry, you often crave foods that aren’t good for you or your budget.
Try to grab a piece of fruit, yogurt or other healthy snack before you go to the store.
Cooking large meals can save you both time and money.
Leftovers can be used for lunches, in other recipes or frozen in single-portion sizes to be enjoyed later on.
Leftovers usually make very good stews, stir-fries,and salads. These types of food are especially great for people on a budget.
Most stores offer generic brands for nearly any product.
All food manufacturers have to follow standards to provide safe food. The generic brands may be the same quality as other national brands, just less expensive.
However, read the ingredients lists to make sure that you’re not getting a product of lower quality than you’re used to.
Remember: If your goal is weight loss, the majority of your calories should come from fat and protein, NOT carbohydrates/grains!
Try having one or two days per week where you use other protein sources, such as legumes, eggs or canned fish.
These are all very inexpensive, nutritious and easy to prepare. Most of them also have a long shelf life and are therefore less likely to spoil quickly.
If you can like me and Brendan my husband it is a great idea to grow your own produce!
We find seeds are very cheap to buy. With some time and effort like us, you may be able to grow your own herbs, fruit such as strawberries ,carrots, tomatoes,lettuce and onions and many more delicious vegetables.
Having a continuous supply at home saves you money at the store.
Home-grown produce also tastes a lot better than the store-bought varieties. You can also guarantee that it is picked at the peak of ripeness.
There are several online retailers that offer healthy foods for up to 50% cheaper.
By registering, you get access to daily discounts and deals.
What’s more, the products are then delivered straight to your door!
Avoid buying diabetic and dietetic foods. These foods can be very pricey and you don’t need them to follow a healthy meal plan. You can eat healthy foods at lower prices and still manage your diabetes.
The following list of foods are ideal choices for weight loss,lower in calories, yet packed with nutrition.
They are also commonly available, budget friendly, familiar to most, and liked by many. Their flavours and textures mesh well for tasty food combinations!
Why kale is so good for you: Kale is an undisputed superfood. A single serving (1 cup cooked) has ten times the daily value of bone-healthy vitamin K. It also has three times the daily value of vitamin A which help your vision.
Kale also contains properties that may protect against cancer and help our bodies detoxify.
Kale stands up to dressings without getting soggy , in fact, many culinary pros actually recommend dressing your kale ahead of time for better flavor.
So, you can make kale salad on a Sunday and still be eating good on Tuesday. Homemade kale chips are also super-easy to make (roast pieces in a single layer in the oven) and will satisfy a potato chip craving .
Sauté kale and beans with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Then top with Greek yogurt. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice and season with a little more salt and pepper.
A sister food to kale and leafy greens, from antioxidant to fiber to vitamin C, cabbage is both affordable and nutritionally dense. Cabbage is extremely versatile (soup, salad, stir fry, or sandwiches), and it has some superfood cancer fighting qualities as well.
Rich in both minerals and vitamins, fiber and protein, spinach should be your go-to choice for salads over cheaper but nutritionally deficient greens like iceberg lettuce.
Carrots are one of my favorite nutritionally dense snacks. Crazy amounts of vitamin A, good carbs, and a little bit of everything else, carrots are a solid choice to supplement a salad or soup.
“Isn’t it mostly water?” Well, yes. But as it turns out, since watermelon is so cheap, it is an incredible value per nutrient.
Packed with lycopene (antioxidant), vitamins A and C, potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus, watermelon is a wonderful and easy to eat nutritional deal.
Bananas are a great source of carbohydrate. Bananas are super cheap and provide you with tons of potassium. They can be added to oatmeal, eaten as a snack, or as a dessert.
Bananas are constantly being touted as a great source of potassium, which is a key nutrient for keeping your heart and kidneys running smoothly. They are also good sources for antioxidants like vitamins A, C, and E.
Bananas can be a great option for dessert. Freeze a banana and mash it down and add a cinnamon sprinkle on top. It’s like a banana ice cream!
An egg is one of the most nutritious foods you can eat. It contains all nine essential amino acids and is rich in iron, phosphorous, selenium, and vitamins A, B12, B2, and B5.
Toss hard boiled eggs in a salad, scramble eggs in a stir fry, or prepare a regular breakfast staple, eggs are usually too cheap to pass up.
Canned tuna and sardines are superb value and an awesomely lean protein source.
Check out other canned fish, such as salmon, for some variety.
Canned tuna and salmon are excellent sources of vitamins B6 and B12, magnesium, potassium, selenium, and anti-inflammatory omega 3 fatty acids. (So are other varieties of canned fish, like sardines and anchovies .)
And, salmon is one of the best food sources of vitamin D, a nutrient that’s crucial for our immune function, bone health,and mental health.
Legumes (especially when purchased in bags), are one of the best price per nutrient values out there. Legumes such as beans work great in a salads, soups, or even dips.
Providing copious amounts of both protein and carbohydrates, legumes offer great value !
Be wary though, nutritional value will vary depending on your specific legume of choice!
Lentils are super-high in minerals like thiamin, folate, iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc, and manganese. This is important because minerals help carry out nearly all our body’s enzymatic processes, including energy production, and we can only get them through food.
Lentils’ high fiber content helps digestive function and keeps blood sugar levels stable. And, with 18g of protein per cup, you can use them in place of meat and still feel satisfied.
Put lentils in a food processor with olive oil and spices of your choice to make a healthy dip/sandwich spread.
Or, use lentils in place of meat to make vegetarian meatballs. Lentils are delicious in salads, too!
Try a Mediterranean-inspired one with tomatoes, olives, mixed greens, and canned tuna.
Make an easy lentil soup by pureeing lentils with Greek yogurt and thawed frozen veggies. Season to taste.
Oats are incredibly cheap, provide ridiculous amounts of both carbohydrates and protein, and fulfill other micronutrient and mineral requirements such as thiamin, folate, magnesium, and phosphorus.
Oats help keep your blood sugar levels steady and could be the reason why oats seem to keep people fuller longer than most other cereals.
You can blend them into smoothies, soak them overnight with berries, or combine them with your Greek yogurt.
Oats are simple to make, can be prepared a variety of ways (sweet or savory), and can be bought and stored easily in bulk!
Avocados are a great food , both calorically and nutritiously.
Although they may appear costly, avocados can be an incredible price per nutrient value.
Avocados contain healthy fat and protein, and they’re packed with lots of vitamins and minerals. In fact, they have more potassium than a banana, and high doses of vitamins C, E, K, B6, and folate.
Put them in salads, on sandwiches, or eat them plain ! When your local grocery store puts avocados on sale, be sure to stock up!
A better nutritional value than normal potatoes (plus a lower glycemic load), sweet potatoes are a great source of carbohydrates, dietary fiber, and incredible amounts of vitamin A.
Sweet potatoes are packed with vitamin C, B6, and potassium.
Carotenoids, the compounds that give the potatoes their orange color, are powerful antioxidants that can help strengthen our eyesight and boost our immunity in addition to protecting against aging.
Dice up some sweet potatoes for breakfast home fries. They’re also delicious roasted (try them topped with toasted nuts or pomegranate seeds). Or, you can simply bake them (a shortcut: Pierce the skin a few times and microwave on high for 5-8 minutes) and eat with your favorite toppings.
Berries are low in sugar, high in fiber, and one of the best food sources of antioxidants. But, if you can’t get to a farmer’s market, frozen fruits might be your next best bet.
Thaw the berries and mix with Greek yogurt.
Use as a topping on oatmeal, pancakes, or granola.
18. Apples
Bowl of organic Apples
Low in sugar and high in soluble fiber, green apples help fill you up and stabilize blood sugar levels. As an added bonus, they can also save you from bad breath. That’s because the tartness in the apple stimulates saliva, which helps to break down bacteria in your mouth.
The flavour of a green apple can be used from breakfast to dinner. Green apples are great in juices and smoothies, and they’re also delicious sliced into salads. Or, try sautéing or roasting them and serving with chicken.
Chop up an apple and mix it with kale and lentils. Toss with a dressing made from vinegar (preferably apple cider), olive oil and Dijon mustard.
Eating well and exercising more can often reverse Type 2 diabetes, or at least reduce your need for medication.
Even small health tweaks can pay huge dividends. In one study, people at high risk of diabetes who lost 7% of their body weight through dietary changes and exercise reduced their diabetes risk by 58%.
Under your doctor’s advice, you may be able to delay the need for pricey prescriptions and daily home blood sugar testing with smart lifestyle changes.
Losing weight, eating more foods packed with certain nutrients including fiber and omega-3s and exercising at least a few times a week can steady blood sugar levels to a point where you may not need medication or can start on a lower dosage.
Exercise of just 30 minutes daily has been shown to maintain weight or even cause weight loss.
And exercise can increase insulin sensitivity, meaning less insulin is needed to control your blood sugar.
Exercise can be fun, and varying the exercise type can make exercise more interesting on a day-to-day basis.
Start with simple stretches, walks, jogging stationary in one spot, and/or lifting cans of soups as weights.
Also, extra calories can be burned while doing housework , dancing to music while you vacuum or wash dishes, or walk your dog rather than simply letting your dog out in the back yard or garden.
No need for fancy equipment or spandex outfits!
Exercise does not have to mean going to a gym and paying monthly fees.
Web-based free exercise programs can entertain while making exercises enjoyable. Try it!
Some herbs and even foods such as aloe vera, fenugreek, parsley, rosemary, and almond nuts may help to control blood sugars.
Spices can make vegetables more interesting without adding salt.
Limiting foods such as rice and pasta, sweets and sodas can lower blood sugars.
Work with your doctor to set healthy weight and blood sugar goals and meet them.
Consider working with a nutritionist or following an eating and exercise plan tailored to blood sugar control.
Using generic rather than brand-name medications typically lowers your cost of prescription medications.
What Are the Ways Generics Are the Same as Brand-Name Drugs?
The FDA requires a generic drug to meet standards that make sure it’s the same basic product as the brand-name drug. That means the generic drug is safe and can be taken:
The same way as a brand-name drug
For the same reason as a brand-name drug
For the FDA to approve a generic drug, it must be the same as the brand-name product in its:
1.Active ingredient
2.Strength
3.Use and effect
4.Form of dosage (for example a pill, inhaler, or liquid)
5.Ability to reach the required level in the bloodstream at the right time and to the same extent
6.Testing standards
Take advantage of Discounts via Coupons and Loyalty Programs
There are many things you can do as part of your regular shopping routine to save money. For example:
1.Watch the ad flyers or coupon books coming to you in the mail from your Pharmacy.
2.Keep an eye on diabetes supplies websites for digital coupons you can print or save on your phone.
3.Ask if your pharmacy has a loyalty program. A higher volume customer, such as a person with diabetes, can often get frequent discounts on general merchandise or even prescription medications,in America only this is true!
4.Clip coupons. For example, some coupons may offer deals like receiving a free meter with the purchase of 100 test strips. Some drug stores publish their own health magazines frequently found by the pharmacy counter.
5.Contact diabetes supply companys. Tell them you’d like to try out their products and ask them to send you some samples.
6.Buy a medical alert bracelet on eBay.
7.Purchase medications online. Online pharmacies sell prescriptions at reduced costs.Web resources can offer less costly supplies, such as meters and strips but make sure these are reliable sources,speak with your doctor and/or diabetes educator as to whether these are reliable websites.
8.Purchase multiple prescriptions at once. The cost may be reduced if you buy in bulk.
9.Ask your diabetes educator or doctor for samples. This is especially helpful if you are trying a new product or medication.
10.There are many companies that utilize focus groups to learn consumer opinions about products and services. People with diabetes are often requested.Contact local companies that perform market research to register, and you can be compensated for your opinions.
11.Be sure to use products before their expiration date so there is no waste.
12.For more information on how to save money on diabetes management supplies, make an appointment with your diabetes nurse educator.
4.Become Best Friends with your Pharmacist And Doctor
He/She can help you find cost-saving programs and get more out of your medications.
Most of us breeze in and out of the pharmacy without taking the time to say hi to the pharmacist, let alone stop and ask questions.
That’s a huge mistake, the pharmacist may be one of the most reliable sources of information about managing diabetes you have.
He/She can tell you, say, whether a drug you’re prescribed is available as a generic.
He/She may also be able to counsel you about timing your medications for better efficacy,some work better when taken a few minutes before a meal; others are more effective when you take them right when you start eating.
These seemingly small tweaks can impact how well your medications work over time and eliminate the need for you to manage the condition with costlier options.
You can also save a bundle by asking your pharmacist about drug assistance programs and community resources.
In many cases,he/ she may be more in the loop about these issues than your doctor.
Make a habit of saying hello and letting him/her know how you’re doing every time you visit.
Ask for free samples from your doctor,most doctors have access to them,especially newer, more pricey drugs.
If you’re struggling with your health bills, don’t be shy about letting your doctor know.
These days, you’re far from alone, and many places are increasingly willing to help people on a budget.
If you are thinking of making a change in your treatment regimen, give your doctor a call to brainstorm solutions.
The government advises that people should not regularly drink more than 3-4 units of alcohol a day for men (equivalent to a pint and a half of 4% beer) and 2-3 units for women per day (equivalent to a 175 ml glass of wine). ‘Regularly’ means drinking alcohol every day or most days of the week.
One unit is 10 ml of pure alcohol. Because alcoholic drinks come in different strengths and sizes, units are a way to tell how strong your drink is.
It takes an average adult around an hour to process this so that there’s none left in their bloodstream, although this varies from person to person.
2.Drink alcohol only with food.
Never drink alcohol on an empty stomach.
Food slows down the rate at which alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstream. Eat a meal or snack containing carbohydrates when you drink alcohol.
3.Drink slowly.
If you weigh 150 pounds, it takes about two hours for your liver to break down one alcoholic beverage.
Drinking too much alcohol can make you feel dizzy, sleepy, and disoriented—the same symptoms as hypoglycemia. Be sure to wear a bracelet that alerts people around you to the fact that you have diabetes, so that if you start to behave like you are intoxicated they know that your symptoms could be caused by hypoglycemia. If you are hypoglycemic, you need food and/or glucose tablets to raise your blood glucose level.
4.Avoid “sugary” mixed drinks, sweet wines, or cordials.
Beer and sweet wine contain carbohydrates and may raise blood sugar.
5.Mix liquor with water, club soda, or diet soft drinks.
The “best”alcohol choices, are those that don’t contain too many calories or carbs: dry white or red wine or champagne; light beer; or distilled spirits.
Fruity drinks, such as piña coladas, daiquiris, and margaritas contain fruit juices and therefore contain more calories and carbs.
In fact, 4 ounces of a strawberry daiquiri can contain 200 calories and 30 grams of carb or more. And many people don’t stop at just one!
Stouts and ales (think Guinness or Sam Adams lager) approach 200 calories per 12-ounce bottle.
More of a gin and tonic or rum and coke lover? Go for diet tonic water and diet soda as your mixers.
What about nonalcoholic beer and wine? Because these beverages contain little, if any, alcohol, you may actually need to count them as carbohydrate choices in your meal plan. Many nonalcoholic beers contain close to 15 grams of carb (equal to 1 slice of bread or 1 small piece of fruit).
The symptoms for alcohol intoxication and hypoglycemia are similar. Symptoms may include fatigue, disorientation, and dizziness. To ensure proper medical care for hypoglycemia, a person with diabetes should carry a card, wear an identification bracelet, or wear a necklace indicating that he or she has diabetes.
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It can be all too easy for people to fall victim to alcohol abuse, especially if they suffer from one or more risk factors which lead to abuse. The problem is that once you fall into alcohol abuse, it’s hard to get out of it without help.
Alcoholtreatment.net can guide you in the right direction and help you take back your life!
The most common causes of CKD are high blood pressure and diabetes.
Each kidney contains about 1 million tiny filtering units called nephrons. Any disease that injures or scars these filtering units can cause kidney disease. Diabetes and high blood pressure can both damage your nephrons.
High blood pressure can also damage the blood vessels of your kidneys, heart, and brain. This is key because blood vessel diseases are generally dangerous to your kidneys. The kidneys are highly vascularized, meaning they contain lots of blood vessels.
Autoimmune diseases such as lupus can damage blood vessels and can make antibodies against kidney tissue.
There are various other causes of CKD. Polycystic kidney disease is a hereditary cause of CKD. Glomerulonephritis can be due to lupus. It can also appear after a streptococcal infection.
The risk of CKD increases for those over the age of 65. It runs in families. It’s more likely to occur in African-Americans, Native Americans, and Asian-Americans. Other risk factors for CKD include:
cigarette smoking
obesity
high cholesterol
diabetes (types 1 and 2)
autoimmune disease
obstructive kidney disease, including bladder obstruction caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
atherosclerosis
cirrhosis and liver failure
narrowing of the artery that supplies your kidney
kidney cancer
bladder cancer
kidney stones
kidney infection
systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
scleroderma
vasculitis
vesicoureteral reflux, which occurs when urine flows back into your kidney
CKD doesn’t cause any symptoms until most of your kidney is destroyed. Once the kidney is severely damaged, the symptoms of CKD can include:
swelling around your eyes, which is called periorbital edema
swelling of your legs, which is called pedal edema
fatigue
shortness of breath
nausea
vomiting, especially in the morning and after eating
a urine-like odor to your breath
bone pain
abnormally dark or light skin
an ashen cast to your skin, which is called uremic frost
drowsiness
mental cloudiness
numbness in your hands and feet
restless leg syndrome
brittle hair and nails
itching
weight loss
a loss of muscle mass
muscle twitching and cramps
easy bruising and bleeding
blood in your stools
hiccups
excessive thirst
low level of interest in sex, impotence
insomnia
sleep apnea
You may also have the symptoms of any diseases that are contributing to your kidney problems.
How Is Chronic Kidney Disease Diagnosed?
The diagnosis of CKD starts with a medical history. A family history of kidney failure can raise suspicions, as can a history of high blood pressure or diabetes. However, other tests are necessary to confirm that you have CKD.
A complete blood count (CBC) can show anemia. Your kidneys make erythropoietin, which is a hormone. This hormone stimulates your bone marrow to make red blood cells. When your kidney is severely damaged, your ability to make erythropoietin decreases. This causes a decline in red blood cells known as anemia.
CKD can affect your electrolyte levels. Potassium may be high and bicarbonate levels may be low if you have CKD. There may also be an increase of acid in the blood.
Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) can become elevated when your kidney starts to fail. Normally, your kidney clears the products of protein breakdown from your blood. However, after kidney damage, these byproducts build up. Urea is one byproduct of protein breakdown. Urea is what gives urine its odor.
The kidney and the parathyroid glands interact through the regulation of calcium and phosphorus. A change in kidney function affects the release of PTH. This affects calcium levels throughout your body.
When your kidney progresses to end-stage renal disease (ESRD), it no longer excretes enough phosphorus and it impairs vitamin D synthesis. Your bones may release calcium. This causes your bones to become weak over time.
A kidney transplant is an operation that places a healthy kidney from another person into your body. The kidney may come from someone who has died or from a living person who may be a close relative, spouse, or friend.
It can even come from someone who wishes to donate a kidney to anyone in need of a transplant. Your new kidney will be placed in your lower abdomen and connected to your bladder and blood vessels.
The transplant operation takes about 3 hours and you will be in the hospital for about 5 to 7 days. After the transplant, you will need to take special medications to prevent your body from rejecting the new kidney.
You will have to take these medications for as long as you have the transplant. Many patients prefer a transplant over dialysis because it gives them more freedom, allows for a less restricted diet and may improve the quality and length of life.
A kidney transplant is a treatment, not a cure. A person with a kidney transplant still has kidney disease, and may need some of the other medicines they took before the transplant.
Hemodialysis is a treatment that removes wastes and extra fluid from your blood. During hemodialysis, your blood is pumped through soft tubes to a dialysis machine where it goes through a special filter called a dialyzer (also called an artificial kidney).
As your blood is filtered, it is returned to your bloodstream. Only a small amount of blood is out of your body at any time. In order to be connected to the dialysis machine, you need to have an access, or entrance, to your bloodstream.
Treatments are usually done 3 times a week. Each treatment lasts about 3 to 5 hours.
Hemodialysis treatments can be done at home or in a dialysis center. Dialysis centers may be located within a hospital or in a separate facility. You and your healthcare provider will decide which place is best, based on your medical condition and your wishes.
Your home must have enough space for the equipment and enough water drainage and electric power to operate the dialysis machine and water purification unit.
Health insurance companies may help cover the cost of minor changes to your home for home hemodialysis. You will also need a dialysis care partner. Usually this is a family member or friend, but may also be someone you hire to assist you. You and your partner will be trained in how to do hemodialysis at home.
What is a hemodialysis access?
If you choose hemodialysis, you need to have a permanent access, or entrance, to your bloodstream. This is done with minor surgery, usually to your arm.
There are three different types of access:
A fistula is the recommended choice for an access. It is made by joining an artery to a nearby vein under your skin to make a bigger blood vessel.
This type of access is recommended because it has fewer problems and lasts longer. You should be looked at by a special doctor called a vascular surgeon at least 6 months before you will need to start dialysis. Your kidney doctor or the surgeon may order an ultrasound evaluation of your blood vessels to see the ideal ones for the fistula. This is called “vessel mapping.” A fistula should be placed early (several months before starting dialysis), so it has plenty of time to heal and be ready for use by the time you begin hemodialysis.
Graft: If your blood vessels are not suitable for a fistula, a graft may be used. This involves joining an artery and nearby vein with a small, soft tube made of synthetic material. The graft is entirely beneath your skin.
Catheter:The third type of access, called a catheter, is inserted into a large vein in your neck or chest. The ends of the tubes sit on your skin outside your body. This type of access is generally used when you need dialysis for a short period of time. Catheters are used as a permanent access when a fistula or a graft cannot be placed.
In peritoneal dialysis (PD), your blood is cleaned inside your body, not outside your body. The lining of your abdomen (the peritoneum) acts as a natural filter. A cleansing solution, called dialysate, flows into your abdomen (your belly) through a soft tube called a PD catheter.
The PD catheter is placed during minor surgery. Wastes and extra fluid pass from your blood into the cleansing solution. After several hours, you drain the used solution from your abdomen and refill with fresh cleansing solution to begin the process again.
Removing the used solution and adding fresh solution takes about a half hour and is called an “exchange.”
Peritoneal dialysis can be done at home, at work, at school, or even during travel. Peritoneal dialysis is a home-based treatment. Many people who choose peritoneal dialysis feel it allows them greater flexibility and independence.
Are there different types of peritoneal dialysis?
Yes. The major ones are:
Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD). With CAPD, you do the exchanges yourself 4 to 6 times a day.
Automated Peritoneal Dialysis (APD). With APD, a machine called a cycler does the exchanges automatically once you have set up the equipment. APD can be done while you sleep.
However, if you do APD, you may also need to do 1 or 2 exchanges yourself during the day to make sure enough wastes and extra fluid are being cleared from your blood.
Will I need to take special medications?
You may need to take:
Phosphate binders. These medicines keep your bones strong by helping your body keep the right balance of two important minerals—calcium and phosphorus.
A special prescription form of vitamin D. This medicine also helps to keep your bones healthy.
Drugs called ESAs (erythropoiesis-stimulating agents). ESAs act like a natural hormone made by your kidneys called erythropoietin. This hormone tells your body to make red blood cells. Not having enough of it can cause anemia (low red blood cell count). Treatment with an ESA can help your body make red blood cells.
Extra iron. Your body also needs iron to make red blood cells, especially if you are receiving ESAs. Without enough iron, your ESA treatment will not work as well.
Vitamin and mineral supplements You may need to replace some vitamins and minerals that you are not getting in your diet, or that are lost during dialysis. Your healthcare provider or dietitian will tell you which ones you need to take.
Other medicines. You may need to take other medicines, depending on your own medical needs. These could be medicines to control high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes.
If I choose one type of treatment for kidney failure, will I be able to change to another type?
If you start on one type of treatment but feel you would like to try something else, you can speak to your healthcare professional about the possibility of changing.
For example, if you choose hemodialysis, it doesn’t mean you can’t ask to switch to peritoneal dialysis at a later date.
Even if you choose to have a kidney transplant, you may need a period of dialysis until you can be transplanted with a new kidney.
It is not uncommon for people who have had kidney failure for many years to have had more than one type of treatment in that time.
If you have any information,questions, or feedback you would like to include in this post.
Please email momo19@diabetessupportsite.com or leave your comments below.
Diet is one of the most important treatments in managing diabetes and kidney disease. If you’ve been diagnosed with kidney disease as a result of diabetes, you’ll need to work with a dietitian to create an eating plan that’s right for you. This plan will help manage your blood glucose levels and reduce the amount of waste and fluid your kidneys process.
Which nutrients do I need to regulate?
Your dietitian will give you nutritional guidelines that tell you how much protein, fat and carbohydrate you can eat, as well as how much potassium, phosphorus and sodium you can have each day. Because your diet needs to be lower in these minerals, you’ll limit or avoid certain foods, while planning your meals.
Portion control is also important. Talk to your dietitian regarding tips for accurately measuring a serving size. What may be measured as one serving on a regular diet may count as three servings on the kidney diet.
Your doctor and dietitian will also recommend you eat meals and snacks of the same size and calorie/carbohydrate content at certain times of the day to keep your blood glucose at an even level. .It’s important to check blood glucose levels often and share the results with your doctor.
Below is an example of food choices that are usually recommended on a typical renal diabetic diet. This list is based on sodium, potassium, phosphorus and high sugar content of foods included. Ask your dietitian if you can have any of these listed foods and make sure you know what the recommended serving size should be.
White, wheat, rye, sourdough, whole wheat and whole grain bread, unsweetened, refined dry cereals, cream of wheat, grits, malt-o-meal, noodles, white or whole wheat pasta, rice, bagel (small), hamburger bun, unsalted crackers, cornbread (made from scratch), flour tortilla
Bran bread, frosted or sugar-coated cereals, instant cereals, bran or granola, gingerbread, pancake mix, cornbread mix, biscuits, salted snacks including: potato chips, corn chips and crackers Whole wheat cereals like wheat flakes and raisin bran, oatmeal, and whole grain hot cereals contain more phosphorus and potassium than refined products.
Fruits and juices
Recommended
Avoid
Apples, apple juice, applesauce, apricot halves, berries including: strawberries, raspberries, cranberries, blackberries and blueberries, low sugar cranberry juice, cherries, fruit cocktail, grapefruit, grapes, grape juice, kumquats, mandarin oranges, pears, pineapple, plums, tangerine, watermelon, fruit canned in unsweetened juice
Avocados, bananas, cantaloupe, dried fruits including: dates, raisins and prunes, fresh pears, honeydew melon, kiwis, kumquats, star fruit, mangos, papaya, nectarines, oranges and orange juice, pomegranate, fruit canned in syrup
Starchy vegetables
Recommended
Avoid
Corn, peas, mixed vegetables with corn and peas (eat these less often because they are high in phosphorus), potatoes (soaked to reduce potassium, if needed)
Baked potatoes, sweet potatoes, yams, baked beans, dried beans (kidneys, lima , lentil, pinto or soy), succotash, pumpkin, winter squash
Non-starchy vegetables
Recommended
Avoid
Asparagus, beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, carrots, cabbage, cauliflower, celery, cucumber, eggplant, frozen broccoli cuts, green beans, iceberg lettuce, kale, leeks, mustard greens, okra, onions, red and green peppers, radishes, raw spinach (1/2 cup), snow peas, summer squash, turnips
Artichoke, fresh bamboo shoots, beet greens, cactus, cooked Chinese cabbage, kohlrabi, rutabagas, sauerkraut , cooked spinach, tomatoes, tomato sauce or paste, tomato juice, vegetable juice
Higher-protein foods
Meats, cheeses and eggs
Recommended
Avoid
Lean cuts of meat, poultry, fish ,eggs, low cholesterol egg substitute; cottage cheese (limited due to high sodium content)
Bacon, canned and luncheon meats, cheeses, hot dogs, organ meats, nuts, pepperoni, salami, salmon, sausage
Higher-fat foods
Seasoning and calories
Recommended
Avoid
Soft or tub margarine low in trans fats, mayonnaise, sour cream, cream cheese, low fat mayonnaise, low fat sour cream, low fat cream cheese
Bacon fat, back fat, butter, Crisco®, lard, shortening, margarines high in trans fats, whipping cream
Beverages
Recommended
Avoid
Water and caffeine free herbal tea
Regular or diet dark colas, beer, fruit juices, fruit-flavored drinks or water sweetened with fruit juices, bottled or canned iced tea or lemonade containing sugar, syrup, or phosphoric acid; tea or lemonade sweetened with real sugar
You may also be instructed to limit or avoid the following sweet and salty foods:
The good news is that there are steps to take to reduce your risk for heart disease if you have diabetes.
The best way to prevent heart disease is to take good care of yourself and your diabetes.
1.Control Your Weight
One of the most important things you can do if you have diabetes is maintain a healthy weight. If you are overweight, talk to a registered dietitian about healthy ways to lose weight.
If you are overweight, you are more likely to develop cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, or certain cancers.
The increased health risk of obesity is most marked when the excess fat is mainly in the tummy (abdomen) rather than on the hips and thighs.
As a rule, a waist measurement of 102 cm or above for men (92 cm for Asian men) and 88 cm or above for women (78 cm for Asian women) is a significant health risk.
2.Get Regular Physical Activity
There is a significant body of research that proves the numerous cardiovascular benefits of regular physical activity (that goes beyond weight loss). Start off slowly, and build a plan that works well for you and meets your needs.
People who are physically active have a lower risk of developing cardiovascular diseases compared with inactive people. To gain health benefits you should do at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity, on most days (at least five days per week).
30 minutes in a day is probably the minimum to gain health benefits. However, you do not have to do this all at once. For example, cycling to work and back 15 minutes each way adds up to the total of 30 minutes.
Moderate physical activity means that you get warm, mildly out of breath, and mildly sweaty. For example, brisk walking, jogging, swimming, cycling, etc. However, research studies do suggest that the more vigorous the exercise, the better for health – particularly for preventing heart disease.
On most days. You cannot store up the benefits of physical activity. You need to do it regularly.
3.Maintain Tight Control Over Glucose
Tight control can prevent many complications from diabetes and also protects your heart. Aim for an A1C reading of less than 7%.
The increased risk that diabetes and kidney disease pose to developing cardiovascular diseases can be modified. For example, good control of blood sugar (glucose) levels in people with diabetes reduces the risk. Good control of blood pressure in people with diabetes and kidney diseases reduces the risk.
4.Lower Your LDL Cholesterol (the “bad” type)
An LDL cholesterol goal of less than 100 mg/dl is recommended. Eat fiber-rich foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Also, omega-3 fish oil supplements is recommended.
Eating healthily helps to control obesity, and lower your cholesterol level. Both of these help to reduce your health risk.
Also, there is some evidence that eating oily fish (herring, sardines, mackerel, salmon, kippers, pilchards, fresh tuna, etc) helps to protect against heart disease.
Also, fruit and vegetables, as well as being low in fat, also contain antioxidants and vitamins .
Briefly, a healthy diet means:
AT LEAST five portions, or ideally 7-9 portions, of a variety of fruit and vegetables per day.
A THIRD OF MOST MEALS should be starch-based foods (such as cereals, wholegrain bread, potatoes, rice, pasta), plus fruit and vegetables.
NOT MUCH fatty food such as fatty meats, cheeses, full-cream milk, fried food, butter, etc. Use low-fat, mono-unsaturated or polyunsaturated spreads. One study conducted at Harvard University found that replacing saturated fats with polyunsaturated fats is an effective way of lowering your risk of heart attacks and other serious problems from heart disease.
INCLUDE 5 portions of fish per week, at least three of which should be oily (such as herring, mackerel, sardines, kippers, salmon, or fresh tuna).
LIMIT SALT to no more than 5 g a day (and less for children). This is about a teaspoon of salt. Even a modest reduction in intake can make quite a big difference.
About three quarters of the salt we eat is already in the foods we buy. Simply checking food labels and choosing foods with lower salt options can make a big difference.
Avoid all types of processed foods especially those with a high salt content such as packaged foods and high salt meats such as bacon and rashers.
These are especially bad for your health!
Also dont add salt to food at the table!
If you eat meat, it is best to eat lean meat, or poultry such as chicken.
If you do fry, choose a vegetable oil such as sunflower, rapeseed or olive.
5.Control Your Blood Pressure
All people with diabetes should aim for a blood pressure reading of less than 130/80.
You should have your blood pressure checked at least every year. High blood pressure usually causes no symptoms, so you will not know if it is high unless you have it checked. However, over the years, high blood pressure may do some damage to the blood vessels (arteries) and put a strain on your heart.
High blood pressure can be lowered by losing weight if you are overweight, regular physical activity and eating healthily as described above. Medication may be advised if your blood pressure remains high.
6.Consider Incorporating Aspirin Into Your Daily Routine
If you are older than thirty years of age, you may want to speak to your doctor about taking a baby aspirin daily. In addition, taking a multivitamin can be extremely helpful for those of us with diabetes.
7.Benefits of Quitting Smoking and Avoiding Secondhand Smoke
One of the best ways to reduce your risk of heart disease is to avoid tobacco smoke. Don’t ever start smoking. If you already smoke, quit.
No matter how much or how long you’ve smoked, quitting will benefit you.
Also, try to avoid secondhand smoke. Don’t go to places where smoking is allowed. Ask friends and family members who smoke not to do it in the house and car.
Quitting smoking will reduce your risk of developing and dying from heart disease. Over time, quitting also will lower your risk of atherosclerosis and blood clots.
If you smoke and already have heart disease, quitting smoking will reduce your risk of sudden cardiac death, a second heart attack, and death from other chronic diseases.
Researchers have studied communities that have banned smoking at worksites and in public places. The number of heart attacks in these communities dropped quite a bit. Researchers know these results are due to a decrease in active smoking and reduced exposure to secondhand smoke.
8.Calculating Your Cardiovascular Health Risk
A ‘risk factor calculator’ is commonly used by GPs and practice nurses. This can assess your cardiovascular health risk. A score is calculated which takes into account all your risk factors such as age, sex, smoking status, blood pressure, cholesterol level, etc.
The calculator has been devised after a lot of research that monitored thousands of people over a number of years. The score gives a fairly accurate indication of your risk of developing a cardiovascular disease over the next 10 years.
Who should have their cardiovascular health risk assessed?
Current guidelines advise that the following people should be assessed to find their cardiovascular health risk:
All adults aged 40 or more.
Adults of any age who have:
A strong family history of early cardiovascular disease. This means if you have a father or brother who developed heart disease or a stroke before they were aged 55; or, if you have a mother or sister who developed heart disease or a stroke before they were aged 65.
A first-degree relative (parent, brother, sister, child) with a serious hereditary lipid disorder.
If you already have a cardiovascular disease or diabetes then your risk does not need to be assessed. This is because you are already known to be in the high-risk group.
I am a great lover of style!Especially nice clothes!
I was in the Swords Shopping Centre yesterday where I picked up a lovely outfit for my birthday!
I think that retail therapy is great for the heart what do you think?
Retail therapy is a great incentive to go walking which is great for the heart!It makes you feel good when you buy things for yourself and other people!
People think that spending money isnt the best thing to do for your heart but it is!By spending money on other people your heart is happy!
It makes you focus on buying nice things rather than worrying about things!So that reduces stress!
I think that people feel better about themselves when they are all dressed up what do you think?
I took a photo of the new outfit I bought for my birthday you can see it in the picture below!
I got the top and trousers in Dunnes Stores and the nude shoes in Clarks!
My new birthday outfit!
What does the assessment involve?
A doctor or nurse will:
Do a blood test to check your cholesterol and blood sugar (glucose) level.
Measure your blood pressure and your weight.
Ask you if you smoke.
Ask if there is a history of cardiovascular diseases in your family (your blood relations); if so, at what age the diseases started in the affected family members.
A score is calculated based on these factors plus your age and your sex. An adjustment to the score is made for certain other factors such as strong family history and ethnic origin.
What does the assessment score mean?
You are given a score as a percentage chance. So, for example, if your score is 30%, this means that you have a 30% chance of developing a cardiovascular disease within the next 10 years. This is the same as saying a 30 in 100 chance (or a 3 in 10 chance).
In other words, in this example, 3 in 10 people with the same score that you have will develop a cardiovascular disease within the next 10 years.
Note: the score cannot say if you will be one of the three. It cannot predict what will happen to each individual person. It just gives you the odds.
You are said to have a:
High risk – if your score is 30% or more. This is a 3 in 10 chance or more of developing a cardiovascular disease within the next 10 years.
Moderate risk – if your score is 10%. This is a 1 in 10 chance or more of developing a cardiovascular disease within the next 10 years. This should be re-assessed every year.
Low risk – if your score is less than 10%. This is less than a 1 in 10 chance or more of developing a cardiovascular disease within the next 10 years.. This should be re-assessed every year.
Living a stressful life can cause people to adopt poor habits like smoking and eating badly, which in turn are risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
But being stressed itself can alter the way the body behaves and this can bring about changes to the blood and nervous system, which can have negative effects on your heart health.
Studies show that acute stress triggers reduced blood flow to the heart, promotes your heart to beat irregularly and increases the likelihood of your blood clotting. All of these can trigger the development of cardiovascular disease.
If you already have atherosclerosis and become acutely stressed you may experience chest pains caused by the arteries to your heart contracting and reducing the blood flow.
When experienced over an extended period of time, all these effects can cause damage to the lining of the blood vessels. This makes the blood vessels more susceptible to atherosclerosis.
Please email momo19@diabetessupportsite.com or leave your comments below.
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