Facts On Type 1 Diabetes

Information on type 1 Diabetes isn’t hard to come by nowadays with an entire world of information available on the internet with just a few strokes of the keyboard and clicks of the mouse. Not only is information on type 1 diabetes easier to obtain than ever before, but it also could not have come at a better time as the incidence of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes are certainly on the rise.

Diabetes affects almost 30 million people in the United States alone. Type 2 diabetes accounts for approximately 90% to 95% of the diagnosed cases of diabetes and type 1 diabetes accounts for approximately 5% of the diagnosed cases.

Over the last 20 years or so, the number of diagnosed cases of diabetes in adults has actually doubled as the population in America ages and unfortunately becomes more and more overweight.

So What Causes Type 1 Diabetes?

First of all, diabetes type 1 is not a lifestyle disease. The cause of Type 1 diabetes is unknown and so as a result, it’s not considered preventable.

Some researchers believe that type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease and is characterized by the pancreas not producing insulin, producing it in insufficient quantities, or the cells of the body not responding to the insulin that is produced – the pancreas by the body’s own immune system.

Type 1 diabetes usually manifests itself during childhood or early adulthood, and if not properly cared for, can be quite devastating. Since the body either does not produce or does not respond to insulin, the glucose that is taken in as food can rapidly build in the bloodstream to dangerous levels.

Even though glucose is required by every cell in the body as fuel at higher levels it begins to damage organs and tissues and can cause a variety of negative health effects including coma and even death.

Because of this, the key to the proper management of diabetes is glucose control. Glucose levels are controlled either by dietary means or through the use of medications, or both.

It is therefore a real blessing that organizations like the American Diabetic Association exist, where a person can get actual and factual information on type 1 diabetes and also on type 2 diabetes.

If you think you or someone you know may have signs or symptoms of type 1 diabetes the best place to start is at your personal physician.

How are you diagnosed with diabetes type 1?

The main screening test for type 1 diabetes is a random blood sugar test. This test measures glucose levels at any point during the day and can indicate the result quite quickly – especially important for those who are diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and need urgent supplementary insulin.

2. The AC1 test gives a reading of the patient’s average blood glucose levels over a period of 2 or 3 months.

3. Fasting Blood sugar test. This is when a sample of blood is taken and tested after your child has been fasting overnight.

4. You may have your blood tested for autoantibodies which are substances that indicate your body may be attacking itself. Another indication of diabetes type 1 is the production of ketones which are produced when your body burns fat for energy. Your doctor may recommend this test also if he suspects diabetes type 1.

Your personal physician can do these tests for the disease quickly and easily.

How long can you live with diabetes type 1?

Research has shown that people with type 1 diabetes have a life expectancy of around 11 years less than average, most people who have type 1 diabetes will eventually die from the complications of the disease such as heart disease.

If you can look after your body, follow a healthy lifestyle that helps prevent heart disease, and keep control of your blood sugar levels, these figures above may certainly change.

Is diabetes type 1 a genetic disease? (Can it be inherited)

Yes, there are strong genetic links with diabetes type 1. The risk is certainly higher with one’s first-degree relatives ie parents, child, or sibling.

What is the best food for type 1 diabetes?

If you have diabetes type 1, you should eat a lot of fresh vegetables, fruits, lentils, beans, brown rice, quinoa, oatmeal, and whole wheat. You should also include protein-packed foods such as legumes, eggs, dairy, tofu, seafood, lean meat, and chicken in your healthy meal plan.

Tips for when you eat out, with diabetes type 1

Always ask for sauces to be served on the side – so then you have a choice as to whether you add it, how much to add, or leave it off altogether.

Opt for broiled, baked grilled, or roasted dishes and avoid fried dishes altogether.
Go for the ‘broth-based soups’ as opposed to rich creamy soups.
Try and avoid too much cheese – If you can go without it, even better.
Go for fruit sorbets or fresh fruits for dessert.
Have vegetable or tomato toppings on your pasta.

Read more about Juvenile Diabetes Here!

Life Expectancy with Type 1 Diabetes

An overview of how diabetes type 1 impacts your lifespan and how to naturally remedy it.

Diabetes, no matter what the type, is never a good thing health-wise. Those who suffer from it are left vulnerable to a host of other ailments and diseases that affect their overall life expectancy. Though prevention, by living healthy, is always the best course of action, those who are afflicted with diabetes should know that this isn’t the end of the road.

With the right information, a good treatment plan, and full-proof determination to get healthy: life expectancy and quality will improve sooner than one might realize.

Type 1 Diabetes

Also known as juvenile diabetes, this is the kind of diabetes that occurs through genetic complications or even viruses. It is known to afflict the young or adolescents but can arise in adults too.

It is caused by the inability of the pancreas to produce enough insulin – a hormone needed to allow glucose to enter cells and create energy. Though there is currently no known cure for type 1 diabetes, a combination of insulin shots and a healthy diet can effectively manage the condition and live normally.

Life Expectancy of those with Type One Diabetes

Much of the factors that affect the life expectancy surrounding those with type one diabetes is the maintenance of proper insulin and sugar levels in the body constantly. This means rigorously watching what one eats and safeguarding the supply of insulin.

This gets even more complicated when one considers the financial strain that treatment puts on a person. Some people with diabetes simply cannot afford to pay for the cost of insulin.

These along with environmental and dietary factors can greatly reduce the life expectancy of a person dealing with type 1 diabetes. In a 2015 report by HealthDay News, men lose up to 11 years of life expectancy compared to men without the disease. And, women with type 1 diabetes have their lives cut short by about 13 years. This comes off the heels of a study published in the Jan. 6 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.

How To Deal With It

As stated above, there is currently no known cure for type 1 diabetes though the research continues. There are, however, several proven methods to effectively manage the disease and live life as normally as possible. These treatments include:

Taking insulin. This is the main course of action and, sadly, insulin shots will likely be a necessity for the rest of the afflicted’s life.
Carbohydrate, fat, and protein counting. This makes sure that the levels of sugars in your body are optimal. Anything excessive or deficient can lead to complications.
Frequent blood sugar monitoring. Also part of ensuring the optimal levels of glucose in the body.

Natural Remedies

Apart from the normal medical advice, some natural remedies are shown to help or be just as effective. These can include:

Aloe vera.
Bilberry extract.
Bitter melon.
Cinnamon.
Fenugreek.
Ginger.
Okra.

These herbs and natural remedies can either be consumed through eating or in the form of tea depending on where they best lend themselves. Along with these, be sure you’re eating healthy foods. A balanced diet that avoids any junk foods, fast foods, or sugary treats helps manage the symptoms and extend life expectancy as much as possible.

Another perfectly natural way to deal with it is by exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy weight. All this should be part of the overall plan to give a person with type 1 diabetes as many resources to live as long and normally as possible.

Bottom line

And that was the life expectancy of a person with type 1 diabetes along with some advice on how to best manage it. Though it might seem that type 1 diabetes is a lifelong sentence, it should not be a lifelong burden.

Many people have come to live long and fulfilling lives with the disease and there really should be any reason why you can’t do the same.

Armed with the remedies that nature can provide, good information, and a little determination, there’s no doubt type 1 diabetes doesn’t stand a chance against you.

Read more about Juvenile diabetes HERE!

Type 2 Diabetes Recipe

Fortunately, current ideas about dietary restrictions for diabetics center more on carb counting for diabetics instead of simply avoiding all sugars and sweets. This means that a type 2 diabetes recipe doesn’t have to be bland or tasteless.

Many times, when a person thinks of diabetes the first thing that comes to mind is that sugar intake must be limited. Many people are simply uneducated as to the fact that the sugars that build up in the bloodstream of the diabetic is called glucose and is a sugar that is processed from all the carbohydrates that the body takes in, this means that not only is the chocolate bar dangerous, but the big bowl of white rice or the buttery baked potato and white bread can be an enormous no-no for the diabetic.

Low Carb Diabetic Breakfast Recipes

Even basic carb counting tells us that these starchy foods are quickly converted directly into glucose by the body. But with the proper type 2 diabetes recipe the diabetic can eat almost anything in moderation.

Even though glucose is essential since it provides fuel to power every cell in the body, it can be highly detrimental in high ranges, and the best way for the diabetic to live a long and healthy life is to keep glucose levels as close to normal as possible.

There are lots of diabetic diet plans available, and even whole recipe books written about carb counting for diabetics. The one thing to remember when choosing a diet plan of carb counting for diabetics is that the best dietary plan is the one you can live with and practice regularly and the best type 2 diabetes recipe is the one you enjoy preparing and eating!

It’s actually good if you can try and get out of the habit of reaching for the cereal and toast to get your body on the move in the morning. Unfortunately, we don’t always have time to spend preparing a complex breakfast on a busy work morning.

However, if you take a few minutes the night before to plan and prepare, you will benefit from a healthy, nutritious, delicious breakfast that will fill you full of energy and even more importantly, keep your blood sugar stable.

Here is a Favorite Type 2 Diabetes Recipe : Great for Breakfast!

Poached Eggs on avocado and white bean mash:

Eggs are a great source of protein to get you going in the morning. One of the healthiest ways to prepare your eggs is to poach them. Poaching could be a little ‘daunting’ for many basic home cooks, but once you have done it a few times, it becomes routine. Practice makes perfect!

Your ingredients:

2 eggs (at room temperature)
2 tsp of which vinegar
¼ cup lemon juice
½ avocado
½ can cannellini beans
1 clove garlic (crushed)
½ cup parsley
1 tsp chilli flakes or fresh chilli if you’d prefer.
Salt and pepper to taste.

Method:

Mix the beans and the avocado in a food processor, or you can just mash by hand (Add a little olive oil if you want)
Add in the parsley, garlic, lemon juice, chilli and salt and pepper to the mash and put aside.
Add water to a saucepan with vinegar and 1 tsp of salt and bring to the boil.
Reduce heat to a simmer and stir in a clockwise motion, to create a whirlpool effect.
Crack the eggs into the water, one at a time (or you can crack into a separate bowl first if you find it easier.
Cook for 2-3 minutes, then remove from saucepan with a slotted spoon.
Serve the eggs on top of the mash.

Delicious!

Breakfast cereals you are able to eat – and those you should avoid!

Get the Facts on Prediabetes – Are you at Risk?

The Facts on Prediabetes, how to prevent diabetes — Are you at Risk?

Get the Facts on Prediabetes.

So you’ve had a great Christmas vacation – spent some great quality time with the kids – been off visiting family and friends. Maybe you’ve even overindulged a little?

So much good home cooking on offer, wine, a few beers?

Does this sound like you?

Your wife (or husband) is nagging at you to go have a check up at the doctors, it’s been about 4 years since your last one! Lo and behold..he tells you that YOU’RE PRE DIABETIC.!

It doesn’t have to be this way – diabetes is basically a non-communicable lifestyle disease that (much of the time) is self-inflicted.

Well, read on if you want to get off that path to diabetes and get the chance to change your life NOW.

So, what are the facts on Prediabetes?

It’s actually a bit of a grey area, but basically your body is not able to efficiently manage blood sugars after eating any more. Your blood glucose levels are higher than they should be, but not quite high enough to fall into the Type 2 diabetes category.

How do you know if you’re at risk of Prediabetes?

Unfortunately, in most cases you can have it and not even know it! There’s no symptoms and no warning signs.

Being overweight is one of the main risk factors – especially excess fat around the waistline.

Without regular doctors checks, the increased blood glucose level that goes hand in hand with prediabetes, goes undetected.

Some who fall into the ‘prediabetic ‘ category, may also have some of the symptoms of diabetes. Here are a few of the main ones to watch out for.

Eye damage.

The most common type of eye damage for a diabetic, is retinopathy. (This is where the blood vessels in the retina, become week, damaged and may often bleed or leak.)

Some nerve damage.

This is referred to as neuropathy. About 50 % of diabetics end up with some nerve damage. You may get numbness, tingling, or weakness in the hands and feet. (That is why regular exercise is so vital, especially if you are diabetic or fall into the prediabetic category.)

Nerve damage can affect so many parts of the body, stomach, abdomen – These in turn can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, problems with the bladder and even sexual dysfunction in men.

Kidney damage.

Damage to the kidneys caused by diabetes, is called nephropathy. (From the Greek nephros for kidney). Once again, its raised blood glucose levels, higher than normal blood pressure levels and excess blood fat levels that contribute to kidney damage in diabetics.

Unfortunately, it’s hard to detect kidney damage and sometimes even an examination by your doctor won’t pick up until it’s too late – sometimes patients can lose almost all of their kidney function before symptoms are apparent.

Problems with your teeth and gums

You may experience problems with your teeth and gums, as increased blood sugar levels also affect the flow of saliva lowering your infection fighting white blood cells.

Remember to brush twice a day and have regular dental checks!

Heart problems

Cardiovascular disease (mainly heart disease and stroke) along with obesity and

How to prevent diabetes — Foods Diabetics Should Avoid

diabetes, is killing 18 million people a year – a large majority of these diseases are purely due to the modern lifestyle. Mums are out working now, fast food joints are everywhere, we are eating more food, more often and it’s a lot more processed, rather than fresh. Packaged food became much more attractive, cheaper and has a longer shelf life.

Do you have problems sleeping? You may be experiencing Prediabetes.

If you are one that only sleeps around 6 hours or less each night, and it’s a regular pattern for you, you may fall into the category of prediabetes. These are some of the things you could be experiencing that puts you within the prediabetes category.

The only way to find out for sure, is by visiting you physician and requesting a ‘fasting blood glucose test’. If this reveals you levels are between 6.1 to 6.9mmol/L, then there may be a further test required where you have to drink a really sugary drink (oral glucose tolerance test) to see just how well your body deals with it. This is the sure fast way to determine whether you need some radical lifestyle changes, to prevent the development of type 2 diabetes. It may be as simple as just following a good diet for pre diabetes. Follow this link for some tips on a good Diabetic Meal Plan. Be sure to visit us here again soon, where you can find out more on the Facts on Prediabetes.

Diets for Type II Diabetes

While maintain a healthy diet should be an important goal for everyone for those with the disease diets for type II diabetes can be a matter of life and death. For a person with normal health maintaining a healthy diet is important for weight control and to make sure that the body has the needed nutrients to function properly. For those using diets for type II diabetes the matter isn’t so much about actual weight control as it is about controlling glucose levels within the body.

A properly designed and adhered to diet can make the difference between needing to take pharmaceutical measures for glucose control and simply controlling glucose levels by managing the diet.

Diets for type II diabetes deal mainly with making sure that the body has appropriate levels of proteins and vitamins, and keeping the levels of carbohydrates under control. Carbohydrates are one of the main parts of the dietary needs of the body as it is from the intake of carbohydrates that the body metabolizes the glucose that is used as fuel for each cell in the body.

There are two types of carbohydrates simple and complex. Simple carbohydrates are sugars like glucose, fructose, sucrose and lactose and are mainly found in processed foods and fruits. Complex carbohydrates are usually found in starchy foods like nuts, potatoes, rice, and beans. Complex carbohydrates are generally more desirable as part of healthy diets for type II diabetes as they digest slowly and provide long lasting and steady sources of energy father than the quick spike and fall of glucose levels which comes from simple carbohydrates.

The key to diets for type II diabetes is to properly balance carbohydrates in order to maintain blood sugar levels as close to normal as possible. If you have type II diabetes you should consult with your doctor or dietician for information on the type of diet that is just right for you.