By
Dr Michael Hutch
 

By
Dr Michael Hutch
 

Control Type 2 Diabetes

  Type 2 Diabetes – Counting Carb Tips

Counting carbs can be a difficult process.  Determining the amount of carbs in the food, insulin needed to cover the carbs, and evenly distributing the number of carbs consumed throughout the day can be frustrating. Even a fun evening out with friends at a restaurant can turn into a nightmare. If you eat too many carbs your blood sugar will go up, and if you don’t eat enough carbs your blood sugar will go. Any change too great can be detrimental to your health so knowing how to count calories is a must. Learning to count carbs may become so difficult you want to give up, but it is important to keep at it. With a few simple tips, you can be a carb counting expert in no time.

 Food labels (Nutrition Facts) are where you will find information on carbohydrates. Look for the line labeled Total Carbohydrate to find the how much is in a single serving of food. When going to a restaurant, you can ask for a nutrition guide that will tell you the total of carbohydrates in each serving. There are also exchange lists that provide the average amount of carbs in many foods. If you don’t want to spend time checking exchange lists or food labels, you should make a list or memorize the foods you eat most.

Say you go to a friend’s house for dinner. Your friend makes the most delicious spaghetti and meatball you have ever had.  It’s so good you help yourself to another serving. When incidents like that occur you have to adjust your carb count to prevent your blood  sugar from spiking. Sometimes this can be clear cut when it comes to serving sizes. For instance a slice of bread has one clear serving size, but foods such as pasta need to be measured out. If you want to be precise use a digital kitchen scale. If you want to estimate a helpful hint is that the volume of one cup is equal to a fist.

Balancing your carb intake with your insulin is a must. Learning how to count carbs will make that a whole lot easier. Once you get the hang of it counting carbs will become a breeze. It will even be simple when it comes to counting carbs in prepared foods. Just look up the carb counts of all the ingredients that make it up. Before you know it you’ll be a carb counting expert!

By
Dr Michael Hutch
 

Managing Type 2 Diabetes

 Type 2 Diabetes - Carb Counting

Consuming the right level of carbohydrates is an important part in managing blood sugar levels. When carbohydrates are digested they are broken down into glucose. Too much or too little glucose can prove threatening to a Diabetic. Because of this, diabetics have to be mindful of what they eat in addition to how much of it. This is why some diabetics plan their meals in advance. One method of meal planning is carb counting. Counting carbs allows you to keep track of the total carbohydrates you consume every day. Carb counting allows you to evenly distribute the amount of carbs you need throughout the day. This proves effective in preventing spikes in blood sugar.

Before starting a carb counting program it is important to speak to a dietitian. The carb counting plan you have may be different than of someone else’s. Insulin use, age, sex, height, and activity level are all factors in the amount of carbs that should be ingested. Typically an adult can have three to four carbs per meal and one or two servings for snacks. Those with Type 2 Diabetes caloric intake should be between 1500 and 1800 per day. Carbs should only take up 50% of your daily caloric intake.

In order to count how many carbs you will be eating you first need to find out how many grams of carbs there are in your food. Because most foods do not solely contain carbohydrates, simply weighing foods won’t tell you the amount of carbs in the food.  If you are using an exchange one serving of carbohydrate is equal to 15 grams. Another helpful tool for counting carbs is the 500 rule. Although it is not very accurate for those with type 2 diabetes, you can use the 500 rule to estimate your carb factor. Once you know your carb factor you can determine how much insulin is needed to cover the carbs. All you simply have to do is divide 500 by your total daily dose of insulin.

When counting carbs it is important to use the same amount per meal. An uneven distribution of carbs can result in spikes in blood sugar which can be detrimental to your health. However, this does not mean you have to eat the same carbs every day. Counting carbs allows you to have more freedom when it comes to the foods you eat. Before starting a carb counting plan be sure to contact a Dietitian or nutritionist to find the plan for you.

By
Dr Michael Hutch
 

Type 2 Diabetes Menu

 Type 2 Diabetes – Fish=Good Fats! Meats=Some Nasty Fats!

When it comes to type 2 diabetes, controlling your intake of carbohydrates is key. Eating too many carbs can cause your blood  sugar to rise and not eating enough can cause it to fall. That can be dangerous.  Although carbohydrates get the most focus, you should remember that fats can be dangerous too. Being diabetic can lead to heart disease and stroke. Having too much fat in your diet can be just as detrimental to your health. Just like carbohydrates, fats are fundamental in a healthy diet. Just like carbohydrates, there are good and bad fats. Both need to be monitored.

Out of four types of fats, monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats are the best. Monounsaturated fats such as avocado, cashews, peanuts, olive oil, and peanut butter lower bad cholesterol. Polyunsaturated fats such as mayonnaise, walnuts, sunflower oil, and sunflower seeds also help lower bad cholesterol. In addition to monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, there are Omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids prevent your arteries from clogging. This healthy fat is found in fish such as rainbow trout, salmon, sardines, herring, and albacore tuna. You can also find it in tofu and walnuts. It is recommended to eat non fried fish or other sources of Omega-3 fatty acids 2 or 3 times a week. Although these fats are beneficial in combating your diets, be careful. All fats are high in calories.

Saturated and trans fats are the fats you should try to avoid. Saturated fats are found in butter, lard, chocolate and coconut oils. Trans fats are found in cake, cookies, chips, shortening, stick margarine, and French fries. Both raise blood cholesterol levels which can cause heart disease.  Although saturated fat is something you should avoid, diabetic nutritional guidelines recommend eating less than 7% of calories from saturated fats. Trans fats should be banned from your Diet, but if you do happen to eat chips or French fries you should limit this as much as possible. In addition to these two fats there’s cholesterol. Your body makes cholesterol, but certain meats like liver and other animal organs, chicken or turkey skin and egg yolks can raise it.  Ideally you should eat less than 200 mgs per day.

It’s important to have fats in your diet. This is especially true of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. However, you should be careful and eat them in moderation.  All fats are high in calories and can put your weight management at risk which can increase your risk of heart disease.

By
Dr Michael Hutch
 

Type 2 Diabetes Diets

 Type 2 Diabetes – Going Low Carb?

Maintaining a balanced diet is important to living a healthy lifestyle. For those with Type 2 Diabetes, the right diet is crucial. There is no single Diet appropriate for a diabetic, but it is suggested that a heart healthy diet with weight control is sufficient to keep the diabetes under control.  Although following the United States Dietary Guidelines for a heart  healthy diet with weight control are successful in controlling blood sugar, some are looking for alternatives.

Diabetics cannot properly process glucose, and a buildup of glucose in the blood stream can cause numerous complications. The current diet recommended by the American Diabetes Association is high in carbs. Although this method has been proven effective in some, others with diabetes feel there should be more an effective way to control their glucose. Because glucose comes from carbohydrates, many feel that a low carb diet is the best way to control their diabetes.

There are many different types of low carb diets such as Atkins, Zone, and South Beach. Although they all differ slightly, they share the same fundamental principals. Low carb diets restrict carbohydrate consumption. Foods higher in protein and fat and foods low in carbs replace those that are high in digestible carbohydrates. For instance, spaghetti and garlic bread would be replaced with baked chicken and a green, leafy vegetable. In a low carb Diet, carbs take up less than twenty percent of the average person’s daily caloric intake, so the amount of proteins and fats have to be increased to compensate. Low carb diets have been deemed successful in diabetics because it keeps blood  sugar levels low. This could be credited to the heavy reduction or elimination of foods such as processed sugar, white bread, and white rice.

Although low carb diets have been proven to help those with type 2 diabetes, doctors and scientists have some concerns. There are no long term studies on the effects of a low carb diet on the body. The studies that are available to the public now either heavily promote or condemn low carb diets. Because multivitamins and minerals are needed when on a low carb diet, many doctors and scientist find the Diet nutritionally deficient. In addition, fruits and vegetables are minimized which also causes a lack in nutrition. Fatigue and weakness are known to occur so one cannot exercise regularly.

Although there is controversy surrounding low carb diets, it has been proven effective in controlling type 2 diabetes. Before committing to any diet it is important to consult a doctor or nutritionist. Everyone is different, and so the results of any diet will differ person to person. The important thing is find the right diet and keep healthy.

By
Dr Michael Hutch
 

Type 2 Diabetes Nutrition

Type 2 Diabetes - How Much Food is Enough Food?

 The American Diabetes Association has not singled out one Diet that is appropriate to treat all Diabetics. Some do well on a low carb diet such as Atkins or South Beach. Others need a low carb, low saturated fat diet.  More control their weight and blood sugar following the United States Dietary Guidelines. There are many different factors that make everyone’s dietary and nutritional needs different. Finding the right diet can be maddening. Adjusting to it can be even more difficult. No matter what Diet you choose there is an important question all dieters must ask themselves, dietitian, or nutritionist. How much food is enough?

When determining how much food is appropriate age, sex, height, weight, and body type should be considered. These factors determine how much calories you should consume per day. The average type 2 diabetes patient needs 1500-1800 a day. Once the amount of calories needed per day is determined, eating appropriate portions is required. If you do not have a scale to weigh how many servings are needed, you can use your fist or visualize a baseball. You can also keep a journal to keep track of when, where, and how much you eat. When eating at a restaurant you can ask for a nutrition guide. Many restaurants also offer low fat, low carb, and diabetic meals.   

Another method of controlling how much food you intake is counting carbs. Contact a dietitian or nutritionist to find out your carb factor and then utilize food labels, exchange charts, books and scales to make sure you don’t go below or above it. Although no one talks about it much anymore you can also count calories. There are books and charts that can tell you how many calories are in each food. If you are unsure what method to use, consult your physician, dietitian, or nutritionist. Together you can come up with a plan and how to execute it successfully.

Maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle is important when it comes to overcoming diabetes. Eating too much could cause your condition to worsen. So can eating too little. Sticking to the recommended caloric intake is important. If one diet doesn’t work out don’t get discouraged. Keep trying and tweaking them until you find the right fit. Remember age, body type, height and sex all play a role in the type of nutrition needed. If you ever get discouraged, talk to your doctor or find others with diabetes can help.

By
Dr Michael Hutch
 

Diets For Type 2 Diabetes

 Type 2 Diabetes – Overcoming Food Dislikes

Throughout our lives we all become children sitting at the dinner table. We feed our broccoli to the dog, spit meatloaf into a napkin, or pretend that the slices of banana on our plate simply aren’t there. Food aversion is normal. Scientists have found that it is a method of survival for humans and animals. Psychologists also site negative feelings and experiences with a food to food aversion. However, with health issues such as type 2 diabetes it is important to overcome these aversions.  Not every food you hate will become one you like, but there are ways to turn the most disgusting foods into appetizing ones.

 With diseases such as type 2 Diabetes, a healthy and balanced Diet is crucial, and any food aversion could get in the way that. One of the best ways to overcome food aversion is constant exposure. Constantly being exposed to your least favorite foods will allow you to become desensitized to them. It’s like meeting a person for the first time. You may not like him or her at first, but by constantly being around them you learn to accept them for who they are. Like getting to know someone, you don’t have to deal with the food in great quantities. Start small. Prepare the food differently each time. Preparation of the food may to be blame instead of the taste of it. If you don’t like peppers, greens, or peas, it is important to remember that these and other foods come in different varieties. Try different types, or instead of eating frozen try fresh.

Psychologists have found that food aversions are learned. For instance, say you eat fish and become ill later. Because you became ill, the odds of you eating fish again soon after the illness is slim. Food aversions don’t have to come from illness. They can also stem from negative experience. If mom made lasagna every time she and dad had a huge argument then you may negatively associate lasagna with these fights. If this is the case, then in addition to constant exposure and diverse preparation you need to find ways to make these foods positive or neutral again. In addition to trying a different type or preparation of fish, convince yourself that you will not get sick from eating it. When confronted with lasagna, tell yourself that the lasagna was not the culprit of the arguments. If this doesn’t work pair it with something pleasant. If you get a promotion treat yourself to a fish dinner. Do whatever it takes to create a healthy to control your Type 2 Diabetes.

Overcoming food dislikes aren’t easy. It takes time, dedication and patience. The foods you hate may never become your favorites. It is important to try though. A disease like type 2 diabetes is treatable. It may be an uphill battle to eat foods that you find unappetizing, but it is a battle worth fighting.

By
Dr Michael Hutch
 

Diet For Type 2 Diabetes

 Type 2 Diabetes – Processed Meats=Nasty Fats!

Who doesn’t love bacon or sausage for breakfast or a hot dog on sunny summer afternoons? How could you turn away from a slice of pepperoni? How could you ignore salami? How could you hate a bologna sandwich? If you have Type 2 Diabetes you should. Bacon, hot dogs, pepperoni, sausage, salami and bologna are all processed meats. Processed meats are high in cholesterol and saturated fats. They contain high levels of salt and other preservatives.

 Processed meats equal trouble when it comes to maintaining a healthy weight and diabetes. Processed meats are high in saturated fat which raises bad cholesterol levels. If bad cholesterol levels become too high you could suffer a heart attack or stroke.

There are several reasons why processed meats can cause health problems. The obvious one is saturated fats. Our bodies already produce cholesterol. When we eat saturated fats, bad cholesterol accumulates in our blood stream and gets into our arteries. This can cause heart attack and stroke. In addition saturated fat is a fat. All fats are high in calories. The more fats a person eats can cause them to gain weight and put them at risk for Diabetes and heart disease.

Scientists also believe that unsaturated fats may not be alone when it comes to causing diabetes and heart disease. The chemicals, preservatives, and high salt concentration may also be to blame. A recent study found that those who ate unprocessed meats were less likely to suffer from diabetes or heart disease than those who ate processed meats. In addition no one knows the long term effect of these preservatives on the human body. Some researchers are even blaming carbohydrates. Insulin regulates if glucose is converted to energy or fat and if dietary fat is used for fuel or stored. If the fat is stored then the risk of heart disease, loss of weight control, and diabetes can occur. More research is needed to prove either of these theories.

It’s ok to love bacon or hot dogs, but they should be eaten in moderation. The American Diabetic Association recommends you eat less than 7% of saturated fat daily. So instead of having a hot dog every Saturday during summer, cut back to special occasions such as Memorial Day, the Fourth of July or a family get together. We all make mistakes. We all deserve to treat ourselves. The important thing is to get back on track after and resume eating healthily.

By
Dr Michael Hutch
 

Type 2 Diabetes Diet

Type 2 Diabetes – Sauces and Relishes

When it comes to diabetes choosing the right foods is important. Even the simplest things can cause your blood sugar to spike. Even sauces, relishes, and condiments play a role in managing blood  sugar levels. Most relishes, salad dressings, and condiments are safe to eat freely but sauces are a different story. In addition, condiments, salad dressings, and relishes have other issues that diabetics need to worry about.

If you are counting carbs, you know the importance of checking the label for total carbohydrates and calories. If the label says the condiment or food is less than 20 calories and contains 5 grams or less of carbohydrates per serving then it is deemed a free food. Free foods can be eaten without counting them. Free foods have no effect on your blood sugar. If it did no one would know it because these foods are so low in available carbohydrates, that it is nearly impossible to get people to eat enough of it to test their Glycemic Indexes. Ketchup, mustard, relish, coffee, tea, broth, diet sodas, sugar free Jell-O, jam, jelly, gum and salad dressing are all examples of free foods.

Sauces on the other hand are a complicated matter. There are a few sauces that do not contain a lot of sugar, calories, or a large total of carbohydrates. These sauces are barbecue, salsa, soy, sweet and sour, sweet chili, and taco. Many sauces contain sugar which can spike your blood sugar. Diabetic sauces are made with little to no sugar, but it is important to check the labels for appropriate a diabetic Diet. If you are afraid of buying sauces many websites and cook books offer recipes. When preparing these sauces be sure to count the carbs in each individual ingredient.  If you don’t have a kitchen scale, remember that the size of a clenched fist is equal to one cup.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and diet is important when it comes to managing your blood sugar. Although some foods are free and don’t need to be counted, you should space them out throughout the day. It isn’t necessary to avoid sugar, but making sure to not have too much or too little is important. Although people barely eat condiments, relishes, sauces, and salad dressings on a daily basis it is important to do your best to make sure it does not cause any excess amounts of sugar. Good luck and enjoy the sauces of life. 

By
Dr Michael Hutch
 

Type 2 Diabetes Nutrition

Type 2 Diabetes – What’s Atkins All About?

Dr. Robert Atkins, founder of the Atkins diet, believed the primary cause of obesity, was refined carbohydrates. In 1989, this belief sparked the creation of Atkins Nutritional Inc, a company Atkins founded to promote his diet and sell food products. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, the Atkins diet reached widespread popularity. Unfortunately it was short lived. Dr Atkins died in 2003, and in 2005 the company went bankrupt but made a comeback. Although the Atkins Diet is not as popular as it once was, it still has a great deal of followers. Many of its new followers are diabetic.

Dr. Atkins believed that by drastically reducing carbohydrates, one’s metabolism can switch more frequently from burning glucose as fuel to burning stored fat. This process is known as ketosis and beings to occur when insulin levels in the body are low. The Atkins diet is a low carb diet with 4 phases: induction, ongoing weight loss, pre maintenance, and lifelong maintenance. With each phase you slowly increase your net carbohydrate intake until you find the right amount needed to induce ketosis. The Atkins diet can be appealing to Diabetics for many reasons.  Many have found the diet to reduce appetite, supply a lifelong approach to Dieting, and steady weight loss. These are all good qualities to have when it comes to controlling one’s Diabetes. In addition, the Atkins diet has a special program for diabetics that allow them to create an individualized approach to weight control and decreasing the risk of diabetes and heart disease.

Although the Atkins diet has some good qualities there are drawbacks. Because the Atkins diet relies heavily on meats, it is not ideal for those who are vegetarian or vegan. There have been allegations of an increased risk of heart disease, but studies have disproven those theories. Osteoporosis, kidney stones, bad breath, headaches and hearing loss have all been reported by followers of the diet. Like other low carb Diets, multivitamins and mineral supplements are needed. The diet is also known to constipation. Although Atkins has a specialized program for diabetics, it is not part of conventional therapy.

Just like other low carb diets there is much controversy surrounding the Atkins diet. Some doctors and scientists find it an acceptable form of weight control and diabetes management, while others condemn it and find it dangerous. Before going on the Atkins diet talk to a doctor or nutritionist to make sure it’s the right fit for your lifestyle.

By
Dr Michael Hutch
 

Preventing Type 2 Diabetes

 Type 2 Diabetes – The World’s Next Epidemic? Ha!

There is a disease that 171 million people are suffering from worldwide.  Eighteen million in the United States alone are conflicted by it. In the United States about 24 million children have it. Six million more people in the United States are undiagnosed and suffering in silence. Almost 73,000 people are killed by it every year. They suffer complications such as heart  disease, high blood  pressure, kidney disease, blindness, and amputation. What disease is this? What epidemic is spreading like wildfire and expected to double worldwide by 2030? This epidemic is diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes is said to be genetic, caused by environmental factors, and usually affects those of European descent. Type 2 diabetes is also said to be genetic and tends to affect African American, Native Americans, Hispanics Americans, and Japanese Americans. High blood pressure, high fat levels, eating a high fat Diet and consuming a large amount of alcohol, being overweight, and living a sedentary lifestyle can put you at risk for contracting Diabetes. Usually the disease affects those over 50, but in recent years children are being affected too. If you or someone you care about fit in one or more of these categories please talk them or yourself into changing your ways. Diabetes is a preventable disease. Why suffer through it if you don’t have to?

Many cases of Type 2 Diabetes go undiagnosed. Some never see a doctor. Others can’t pay for insulin or pills. Despite this, there are many warning signs and symptoms of the disease. Fatigue, unexplained weight loss, excessive thirst or urination, infection, poor wound healing, altered mental status, and blurred vision are indicators that you or someone you care about may have diabetes. If left untreated heart disease, kidney disease, blindness, or a need for amputation can occur. If you or anyone you know exhibits these symptoms it is important to seek medical attention.

Why is this happening? Why is diabetes so prevalent in today’s society? Some say the new technology surrounding mankind is making us sedentary. Instead of participating in physical activity we choose to surf the web or watch television. Some say that a lack of information is the cause. If you don’t know the symptoms or treatments available to you, how can you get well? Others blame a lack of equal and adequate health care. Some people who suffer from diabetes have never seen a doctor in their lives. Others know they have it but don’t have enough money to pay for insulin and pills. If we don’t do something about it, diabetes will become an epidemic. You can help stop it by educating yourself and others.

By
Dr Michael Hutch
 

By
Dr Michael Hutch
 

By
Dr Michael Hutch
 

Controlling Type 2 Diabetes

  Type 2 Diabetes - Cornerstone of Good (Basic) Diabetes Management is Blood Pressure Check! –
A Simple Way to Spot Problems Early On

Diabetes is a unique disease which comes with its own unique set of challenges for the patient.   Since one of the more common complications of diabetes is high blood pressure, a cornerstone of good (basic) diabetes management is blood  pressure check.  It is estimated to recognize the symptoms of high blood pressure, since it is estimated that up to sixty percent of diabetes patients suffer from this condition, also known as hypertension.  The risks of this condition in addition to your diabetes are high, but there are treatments available to assist in bring your blood pressure down into acceptable levels. 

The risks of having both diabetes and high blood pressure are severe.  Since Diabetes has an adverse effect on the arteries, this exposes you to the risk of a hardening of the arteries, also known as arteriosclerosis.  This condition can lead to high blood pressure, which can then lead to a whole host of potentially fatal risks to your health.  The fact that among the potential consequences are heart attack, liver failure, blood  vessel damage, and stroke paints a clear picture of why a cornerstone of good (basic) diabetes management is blood pressure check. 

Since the potential risks are so numerous and many potentially fatal, a cornerstone of good (basic) diabetes management is blood pressure check!  But what should a diabetes patient do once diagnosed with high blood pressure?  The best place to start is with lifestyle changes.  If your doctor feels it is safe, exercise is one of the simplest ways to have a positive effect on both your hypertension and diabetes.  Weight loss will usually be a recommended treatment, which will be made easier by the addition of becoming more active.  Quitting smoking and lowering salt intake are also outstanding tools to lower high blood pressure.

Even though a cornerstone of good (basic) diabetes management is blood pressure check, once diagnosed with this dangerous condition it must be treated. In addition to lifestyle adjustments, there are also many useful medications that your doctor may choose to prescribe.  Diuretics may be one of the first type of medications your physician may utilize to lower your blood  pressure. Diuretics work by eliminating excess water and salt from the body, thus helping to alleviate the pressure on blood vessels.  Your doctor may also prescribe an ACE inhibitor, which helps to prevent the release of enzymes that causes blood vessels to constrict. 

By
Dr Michael Hutch
 

Treating Type 2 Diabetes

 Type 2 Diabetes - Cornerstone of Good (basic) Diabetes Management is Cholesterol Check!
– An Issue No Diabetic Can Overlook

As the nearly 25 million persons diagnosed with Diabetes in the United States can attest, the disease is a complicated one which can lead to a whole host of related conditions.  One of the more insipid complications diabetes patients should watch out for is a high cholesterol level.  Since this can lead to cardiovascular disease and even potentially death, a cornerstone of good (basic) diabetes management is cholesterol check.  A vital part of managing diabetes is also managing your cholesterol levels, particularly LDL cholesterol, which can reduce cardiovascular complications by as much as 50 percent. 

To understand the importance of maintaining a healthy cholesterol level, one must first understand what cholesterol is and what function it has in the body.  Cholesterol is a waxy substance produced by the liver that resides in the bloodstream.  The body uses cholesterol to build cell membranes and tissues and also to make a variety of hormones critical to our survival.  All of our bodies must produce some level of cholesterol, but there are so-called “good” cholesterols and “bad” cholesterols.  A cornerstone of good (basic) diabetes management is cholesterol check because this will measure both levels in your blood .

Bad cholesterol, sometimes referred to as LDL (low-density-lipoprotein) is harmful because it can be deposited along the inside walls of your arteries of too much is present.  This can lead to a condition called arteriosclerosis, or a hardening of the arteries.  Good cholesterol, sometimes referred to as HDL (high-density-lipoprotein) serves to remove the bad cholesterol from your blood.  Diabetes tends to have the effect of raising the bad cholesterol levels and lowering the levels of good cholesterol, so a cornerstone of good (basic) diabetes management is cholesterol check to spot problems early on and begin treatment.

Even if you follow all doctor’s instructions regarding the frequency of your cholesterol checks, it is still possible for the diabetic to wind up with unhealthy cholesterol levels.  Fortunately, your physician can help provide a wealth of information on how to bring your levels back to what is considered safe and healthy.  A cornerstone of good (basic) Diabetes management is cholesterol check, but careful attention to lifestyle will help to ensure that your cholesterol levels are satisfactory.  Exercising and sticking to a diet that is low in cholesterol, trans fat, and saturated fat is a good start.  Your doctor can also prescribe medications that will help to correct your cholesterol profile.

By
Dr Michael Hutch
 

Managing Type 2 Diabetes

 Type 2 Diabetes - Cornerstone of Good (basic) Diabetes Management is Education!
– Learn the Facts and Live Healthier

Whether you are a newly diagnosed diabetic or a chronic sufferer, education about the condition and its management is crucial to leading a healthy and active lifestyle.  Since no other disease demands more of a patient’s attention to their life choices, a cornerstone of good (basic) diabetes management is education about all aspects of the diseases.  The good news is that there exist a plethora of outstanding resources to learn about the condition, its symptoms, and its treatment.  With a little diligence and time, any Diabetic can unlock a wealth of information crucial to their well-being and quality of life.

The place where most diabetics begin their journey to acquire knowledge about the disease is with their doctor.  Your physician will be the first line of defense in treating diabetes and helping to relieve its symptoms.  Unfortunately, many patients are overwhelmed initially and do not ask enough questions.  Your doctor wants to help, but you have to be proactive and take control of your own health. Since a cornerstone of good (basic) diabetes management is education, you should always write down a list of questions before each doctor’s visit, and make sure you fully understand all the answers. 

An outstanding resource for valuable and potential life-saving information is the National Diabetes Education Program.  This program, established in 1997, is a federally funded initiative sponsored by both the National Institutes for Health and the Centers for Disease Control.  Their sole mission is to work at the local, state, and federal levels to disseminate information about Diabetes.  Given the fact that a cornerstone of good (basic) diabetes management is education, this program is an excellent resource to consider.  The best place to start is their website, which has many publications and also links to local education opportunities in your area.

One of the best resources to take advantage of is World Diabetes day. The date of November 14^th was first recognized in 1991 as a day to raise awareness and educate people worldwide about the condition and its treatment options.  The campaign is sponsored by both the World Health Organization and the International Diabetes Federation, and was recognized as an official United Nations Day in 1997.  On this date, you should expect to see press conferences, media interviews, and local workshops and seminars in your area.  Since a cornerstone of good (basic) diabetes management is education, mark the date on your calendar and be prepared to learn!

By
Dr Michael Hutch
 

Treating Diabetes Type 2

 Type 2 Diabetes - Cornerstone of Good (basic) Diabetes Management is Exercise/Diet!
– Make it a Part of Your Lifestyle

If you are one of the 25 million Americans currently afflicted with Diabetes, you know that this diagnosis comes with major lifestyle modifications in order to live a healthy and active life.  One of the first facts you will no doubt learn is that a cornerstone of good (basic) diabetes management is exercise/diet.  Even though  there a multitude of medications available to today’s diabetes patient, a healthy diet and light to moderate exercise play a major role in managing the disease and its symptoms.  Each factor contributes not only to assisting in the management of diabetes, but they will also lead to better overall health.

A healthy Diet is one of the most powerful tools diabetics can employ to manage their disease.  One of the reasons a cornerstone of good (basic) diabetes management is exercise/diet is due to the close relationship a diabetic’s diet has with their blood sugar.  A proper understanding of the Glycemic Index is a must, as it spells out which foods release their sugars into the bloodstream quickly and which are more likely to release slowly.  Choosing the right foods is crucial, but portion size and frequency of meals is also important.  Most doctors recommend smaller and more frequent meals for diabetics.

You should also devise an exercise regimen in tandem with your diet.  One of the reasons a cornerstone of good (basic) diabetes management is exercise/diet is that they are together more beneficial than either alone.  A doctor should always be consulted prior to any exercise, but most physicians will recommend some sort of exercise or activity.  Even moderate exercise, such as taking the dog for a walk or working in the garden can have many positive health effects on your diabetes and overall health.  The goal is to be active enough to slightly elevate the heart rate and begin to burn calories.

So what is the right Diet and which exercises, if any, should you undertake?  Your doctor will be the first to tell you that a cornerstone of good (basic) diabetes management is exercise/diet and be more than willing to put you on the right path.  Beyond the doctor’s office, there are is thankfully a wealth of information available for Diabetes patients.  Support groups, workshops, and conferences are all valuable resources.  The internet has literally thousands of pages that you can peruse to find tips and tricks to help find the right diet and exercise for you.

By
Dr Michael Hutch
 

Treating Diabetes Type 2

 Type 2 Diabetes - Cornerstone of Good (basic) Diabetes Management is Eye Check!
– Why Diabetics are at Special Risk

A diagnosis of diabetes comes with many challenges and forces the patient to accept that their lifestyles and habits must change to remain healthy and active.  One of the reasons for this is that the risk of complications from the disease is extremely long.  A cornerstone of good (basic) diabetes management is eye check, as visual problems are a very common complication of diabetes.  Not only can diabetes lead to mild and treatable eye problems such as blurred vision and cataracts, but the disease is also the leading cause of blindness in Americans ages 20 to 74.

One of the most common visual problems encountered by diabetics is blurred vision, which is caused when a high blood  sugar condition leads to swelling in the eye’s lens.  This condition is usually temporary, and can will most often self-correct when blood sugar levels return to normal.  A cornerstone of good (basic) Diabetes management is eye check because often this blurred vision can by symptomatic of a more serious condition.  Regular visits to your ophthalmologist are not optional when you have diabetes, but rather are mandatory to help detect potentially serious eye problems early on.

Among the more serious visual conditions that blurred vision may be a sign of are cataracts. Though people without diabetes are also at risk for cataracts, a cornerstone of good (basic) diabetes management is eye check due to the fact that a diabetic patient is more likely to suffer from them at younger ages and the disease tends to progress more quickly.  A cataract is when the normally clear lens of the eye becomes cloudy, often resulting on s sensation of looking through fog.  Though correctable by surgical implant of a new lens, the fact that it impairs vision can make it a dangerous condition.

Another very serious eye complication diabetics should be on the lookout for is glaucoma.  In this condition, fluid inside the eye does not drain properly, resulting in a buildup of pressure within the eye.  This pressure can eventually bring about damage to the nerves and blood vessels in the eye, causing a degradation of vision.  Glaucoma often presents no symptoms at all until the disease is very advanced, so a cornerstone of good (basic) diabetes management is eye check to detect this problem early on.  Treatment of glaucoma may consist of eye drops, medication, or laser surgery may be indicated in further advanced cases.

By
Dr Michael Hutch
 

Living With Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes - Cornerstone of Good (basic) Diabetes Management is Family Support! – Invite Them to Join the Team

Currently there are more than 25 million Americans diagnosed with diabetes, including approximately 95 % of them with type 2.  Since a cornerstone of good (basic) Diabetes management is family support, this means that there are close to 100 million family members out there available to actively support the management of this disease.  Due to the often complicated regimen necessary to effectively treat diabetes, family members are a crucial part of a total care strategy for coping with the disease and its symptoms.  With a little education and a lot of vigilance, family members can become an integral part of an overall strategy for management of the condition.

Often the first and most daunting challenge of managing diabetes is educating yourself about the condition.  A cornerstone of good (basic) diabetes management is family support by assisting in learning about the condition and its treatment.  The first source of information for most patients is their physician.  A family member can assist by accompanying their loved one on doctor’s visits to ask questions and raise concerns.  A family member can also be a great help to the diabetic by attending any conferences or workshops that may be in town.  If not able to attend, the family member can simply offer to babysit or give a ride to the workshop.

Another excellent way family members can support their loved ones is by encouraging physical activity and actively participating in these activities with them.  Since a cornerstone of good (basic) diabetes management is family support, a family that plays together can lead to increased health benefits for all.  A Diabetic should always check with their physician before attempting any exercise, but most find that moderate exercise is perfectly fine and actually encouraged.  The family can take walks, do yard work, or any other group activity that they all enjoy and the doctor approves.

One of the most crucial elements in maintaining a healthy lifestyle with diabetes is adherence to a strict diet.  The foods eaten at each meal, the portion size, and the frequency of meals are all vital links in the chain.  One of the cornerstones of good (basic) diabetes management is family support of the diabetic in adhering to his or her often complicated diet and meal schedules.  Since the diabetic Diet is one of the healthiest, an easy and beneficial way family members can show their support is by eating the same foods as the diabetic. 

By
Dr Michael Hutch
 

Diabetes Type 2 Blood Sugar

 Type 2 Diabetes - Cornerstone of Good (Basic) Diabetes Management is HbA1C Testing! 
- An Important Companion to Daily Self Testing

Even though most diabetics learn early on that they must devise and follow a regular schedule of self testing, many often overlook the importance of HbA1C testing.  This is a test performed by your doctor, and is critical to managing your diabetes and continuing to live a healthy and active lifestyle.   A cornerstone of good (basic) diabetes management is hba1c testing due to the clues this test can give as to your blood glucose levels.  Controlling these levels is crucial in the quest to manage your diabetes, and must be monitored closely via several methods.

To understand the importance of why a cornerstone of good (basic) diabetes management is HbA1c testing, one must first understand what the test is and what it can tell you about your condition.  Red blood  cells are comprised of a molecule called hemoglobin.  Glucose adheres to the hemoglobin to create a molecule called hemoglobin A1C or hba1c.  Of special importance to the diabetic is the fact that more HbA1C in the bloodstream means more glucose. Since the HbA1c molecules have a lifespan of 8-12 weeks, this test is an effective way to look back and gauge the effectiveness of your diabetes management.

One of the variables associated with this test is how often it should be performed.  Your doctor will schedule these tests as needed, depending on how well your diabetes is controlled.  Since a cornerstone of good (basic) diabetes management is HbA1C testing, the test should usually be performed every 3-6 months.  If your readings are high or you are exhibiting complications from Diabetes, your physician may schedule them more frequently.  A test result of 6% or less is generally considered safe, and any test results over 7% will usually result in your doctor scheduling your next test sooner than 3 months.

If you do receive a high HbA1C test result, action should be taken.  Your physician will usually re-examine your Diabetes management strategy and make adjustments as needed.  Often simple changes in diet or exercise levels can help to bring down the levels on your next test.  A cornerstone of good (basic) diabetes management is HbA1c testing due to the fact that, unlike daily self testing, this particular test is not influenced by factors such as blood pressure or recent meals.  Only lifestyle changes that you stick to or changes in medications can make a difference in this important test.