Saturday, October 20, 2007
Diabetes? BEWARE!!!
Caveat Emptor - Latin for 'let the buyer beware'. It implies that the buyer bears the risk and is responsible for assessing the quality of a item before purchase.
It is faulty to assume something is good for us just because it is listed as sugar-free or listed as diet. But what is making it sweet or should it be sweetened? Case in point... Read the label and know your ingredients. Sometimes I feel that I have to be a chemist to determine what is good or bad for me. But when you foray into the grocery store or into the field of supplements and vitamins, you must determine what is good and what is bad. All I can say is thank heavens for the internet to help me find answers and products.
In the last year I have found that some items, generally marketed for improving the health of to individuals with diabetes, include ingredients that would be detrimental to individuals with diabetes. Let it be known, that you can locate products without the harmful ingredients, but it does take some diligence.
My most recent experience is with the ingredient SORBITOL. A substance produced by the body in people with diabetes that can cause damage to the eyes and nerves. Having diabetes. I do not want to have sorbitol listed as an added ingredient in products that I buy.
With today's information changing so rapidly, it is best to find several sources to verify the content and use your own judgement as a guide.
Some helpful resources have been:
Labels: Diabetes
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Bad News, Good News
Today I went for massage therapy, the bad news is that my feet were ticklish. The good news is that my feet were ticklish. It means that more sensitivity has returned to my feet. Yippee!!!
Labels: Diabetes
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Two Books
Everyone has their preferences. For a starting point the following two books have had a lot of helpful information.
- The Good Carb Cookbook: Secrets of Eating Low on the Glycemic Index - Woodruff, Sandra L.
- Beating Diabetes: The First Complete Program Clinically Proven to Dramatically Improve Your Glucose Tolerance -Nathan, David M.
Being armed with useful information makes it easier to keep your glucose from spiking.
Labels: Books, Cookbooks, Diabetes
Saturday, February 10, 2007
Accountability
Why is it that if documented, I'm much better at maintaining my new lifestyle and less likely to stray? There is something about having to write down what you have eaten that keeps you from eating more or eating something that is not good for you. Also it helps that the meter is impartial, it displays just the facts.
The A1c does that too, but that test is done a few times a year and gives an average for the about the last three months.
Testing frequently with my meter helps me see how different food impacts my blood sugar. This way I can adjust what I eat and I will not get spikes.
Labels: Diabetes
Thursday, February 01, 2007
Hypoglycemia a.k.a. Low Blood Sugar
It is a scary thing for me. I do not like the feeling. Usually hypoglycemia can be avoided by eating at regular intervals and having snacks. Sometimes the person with diabetes does not recognize the symptoms, so family, friends and coworkers should be aware of the symptoms and remedies.
Here are some of the more common mild symptoms:
· Shaky
· Sweaty
· Chills, cold hands
· Pale skin color
· Anxious
· Fast heartbeat
· Dizzy
· Hungry
· Crabby
· Confused
· Clumsy
· Weak or tired
· Trouble sleeping
· Difficulty concentrating
· Headache
Here are some of the more moderate symptoms:
· Increase in mild symptoms
· Anxiety
· Confusion, unclear thinking
· Anger, Strange behavior
· Lack of balance
· Difficulty speaking
· Numb lips
· Blurred vision
Here are some of the severe symptoms:
· Stupor
· Passing out
· Seizures
If hypoglycemia happens and the symptoms are recognized, it can easily and quickly be addressed without serious consequences.
15 grams/15 minute rule
Take 15 grams of carbohydrates and wait fifteen minutes.
· 1/2 cup of any fruit juice
· 1/2 cup of a regular (not diet) soft drink
· 5 or 6 pieces of hard candy
· 1 or 2 teaspoons of sugar or honey
· Glucose gel or cake frosting in a tube
If there still are symptoms after 15 minutes, have another 15 grams and wait another 15 minutes.
After the symptoms have subsided and it is an hour or more before the next meal, have a snack.
Labels: Diabetes
