diabetes type 1 | Diabetes Healthy Solutions

Does Omega-3 Help Insulin Sensitivity?

Is Fish Oil Actually Helpful For Preventing Juvenile Diabetes?

Despite tremendous advances in the management of type 1 diabetes (juvenile diabetes), it is still on the rise and is one of the major causes of mortality and morbidity. Diabetes is etiologically a multi-factorial condition involving various genetic, behavioral, and environmental origins. People with juvenile diabetes should understand the use of correct dietary habits, which have proven to be extremely essential in the regulation of blood sugar.

On the other hand, despite the promising research, current clinical evidence for the use of fish oil for the prevention and management of juvenile diabetes is both limited and conflicting. In this article, we will summarize the most recent findings of practical considerations of dietary sources and the potential benefits and mechanisms of fish oil supplementation for the prevention and management of type 1 diabetes.

Does fish oil prevent the onset of juvenile diabetes?

A recently published report shows that omega-3 oils found in fish such as sardines and trout could prevent the onset of type 1 diabetes in children.

The research which involved 1,700 participants found that children who ate food rich in fish oil reduced their risk of developing juvenile diabetes by up to 50%. The research was based on a clinical study that observed kids who were genetically predisposed to developing diabetes.

Researchers observed how the children’s fish oil intake affects the development of ICA (islet cell autoimmunity), which, if progressed, usually precedes the development of juvenile diabetes.

This study suggests there is a link between the intake of omega-3 fatty acids and the development of juvenile diabetes in kids who are genetically predisposed to the conditions.

Is the claim supported by scientific studies?

This study was conducted by researchers from the University of Florida and the University of Colorado, USA, and published in the American Medical Association Journal. The researchers observed children who had a higher risk of developing juvenile diabetes by having a close relative with diabetes or high-risk genes.

They studied whether the kids developed AIC (Islet Cell Autoimmunity) – where the immune system mistakenly attacks insulin-producing cells – leading to diabetes. They also wanted to learn how the consumption of fish oil affects the risk of developing juvenile diabetes.

A total of 1,770 children were observed over a 12-year study period and the average age at the end of the study was 6.2 years. Their diet was observed from age 2 onwards by assessing what the child eats and whether their diet includes fish oil, specifically omega-3 fatty acids, and how often the child eats food such as salmon, tuna, mackerel, etc. This helped researchers calculate the total amount of fish oil consumed.

The kids were examined at 9, 15, and 24 months and then on an annual basis thereafter for the development of ICA. The researchers then calculated the risk of developing ICA according to fish oil intake. Factors such as socio-demographic factors, total energy intake, age when introduced to foods such as cereals, and the child’s genetic risk were also taken into consideration.

Results of the study

At the end of the study, 58 children of the 1,770 participants developed ICA. The criteria for Islet Cell Autoimmunity was defined to be a condition whereby 1 of 3 antibodies responsible for attacking insulin-producing cells were present on two consecutive tests.

After taking other contributing factors into account, the researchers found that children who consumed an additional 0.8 grams of fish oil per day had a 55% lower risk of developing Islet Cell Autoimmunity.

When the analysis was limited to the kids who had at least one of the antibodies, they observed that the decrease in risk of developing diabetes was even greater. However, they did not observe any effect of omega-6 fatty acids in reducing the risk of ICA.

Interpretations drawn from the results

The researchers concluded that a higher intake of fish oil, specifically omega-3, is linked to a reduced risk of juvenile diabetes, especially in children who are predisposed to the condition. This has been attributed to omega-3’s anti-inflammatory benefits in the body.

Several modern clinical studies are being conducted to validate this hypothesis, which, if confirmed will make fish oil a mainstay for the prevention of type 1 diabetes. Although these findings are interesting and promising, moderation is extremely important, and consuming excessive amounts of any food should be avoided.

This study also suggests the need for further research into the potential links between fish oil and juvenile diabetes risk.

People who have already been diagnosed with diabetes should not interpret the study and reports to mean that consuming fish oil can cure or help improve diabetes symptoms.

Read about how vitamin D can help juvenile diabetes HERE!

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!

What is Juvenile Diabetes?

Read about the Causes, Signs, and Symptoms of Juvenile Diabetes.

Being diagnosed with any condition or disease can be very scary, especially when it happens to our children. Will the disease affect their ability to lead a normal teenage life? Will they struggle even more when they become adults? In the case of Type 1 Diabetes, which is also referred to as juvenile diabetes, the important and good news is that the condition is totally manageable. Here are some of the things you need to know about the symptoms, causes, risk factors, and treatment of juvenile diabetes.

What is Juvenile Diabetes?

Juvenile diabetes (Type 1 Diabetes) is an autoimmune disorder that is usually diagnosed in adolescence or childhood but can also occur in adults aged between 30 and 40 years. It’s a chronic condition in which the pancreas makes little or no insulin and as a result, sugar starts building up in the bloodstream, which can cause a wide range of life-threatening complications. Therefore, people with Type 1 diabetes must take insulin in order to prevent complications and live healthy lives.

Insulin is an important hormone that allows glucose (sugar) to enter cells and be converted into energy. Various factors including some viruses and genetics may contribute to juvenile diabetes.

Despite active scientific research, juvenile diabetes has no cure and treatment mainly focuses on diet and lifestyle and managing blood glucose levels using insulin to prevent complications.

According to recent studies, about 193,000 children and adolescents have diabetes; about 77 percent of those cases are Type 1 Diabetes (juvenile diabetes).

How Does Glucose Work?

After eating, the body breaks down food into various substances including glucose, which is then absorbed into the bloodstream. The pancreas is mainly responsible for producing insulin, which helps fat cells and muscles absorb glucose (sugar) and use it for energy.

In people with juvenile diabetes, the immune system attacks the beta cells that make insulin, reducing or stopping production. With little or no insulin to help cells absorb glucose, sugar builds up in the blood, leading to various health issues.

What a the Common Causes of Juvenile Diabetes?

Researchers don’t know exactly what causes juvenile diabetes because it’s not linked to any specific gene that can be tested for. Although some autoimmune disorders tend to run in families, a large number of juvenile diabetes cases happen randomly. According to studies, some of the possible factors that contribute to the development of the condition include:

Geography and ethnicity: Juvenile is more common among people who live further away from the equator. Research shows that children and adolescents in Scandinavian countries generally have a higher risk of developing the condition. Caucasians of Northern Europe ancestry also have a higher risk of being diagnosed with the disease than other ethnicities.
Infections and toxins: Researchers believe that in a large number of cases a virus or toxin triggers the start of juvenile diabetes by triggering the immune system to mistakenly attack beta cells in the pancreas.
Family history: Children from families with a history of autoimmune conditions are at a higher risk of being diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. If a parent or sibling has juvenile diabetes, children are 15 times more likely of being diagnosed with the disease than people without a family history of autoimmune diseases.
Genetics: While there’s no specific Type 1 Diabetes gene, there are some mutations and genes that have been linked to an increased risk of developing Type 1 Diabetes. For instance, mutations in HLA (Human Leukocyte Antigen) class of genes can increase the risk of various autoimmune conditions, including juvenile diabetes.

What are the Symptoms of Juvenile Diabetes?

Although having these symptoms does not automatically mean your kid has juvenile diabetes, it’s critical to consult their pediatrician if you notice one or more of these symptoms.

Extreme thirst: Too much glucose in the bloodstream triggers the body to pull water from surrounding fat cells and tissue to dilute it. This makes some kids extremely thirsty and dehydrated. Kids with diabetes may feel that no matter how much water (and other fluids) they drink, their thirst can’t be quenched.
Frequent urination or having pee accidents: In a bid to reduce sugar in the bloodstream, the kidneys filter it and try to dump it into the urine. As a result, more pee is created and the need to urinate increases. Children with juvenile diabetes may start having frequent pee accidents both at night and during the day, despite having been potty-trained. Some kids with juvenile diabetes may feel the urge to urinate frequently. The risk of UTIs (urinary tract infections) is also higher in kids with juvenile diabetes.
Dry mouth and bad breath: When the body starts breaking stored fat for fuel, the process creates chemicals known as ketones that may cause children to have bad breath (stale smell). The same thing tends to happen to people who go on low-carb diets.
Weight loss: For children who are eating normally and are otherwise healthy, sudden weight loss could be a symptom of juvenile diabetes. This usually happens when the cells are not getting the glucose they need out of the bloodstream. As a result, they start breaking down muscles and storing fat for energy instead.
Fatigue and general weakness: Kids with juvenile diabetes may feel weak and tired because their body systems including the brain and muscles are not getting the energy they need to function optimally. Fatigue can also be a result of dehydration from peeing frequently. Sometimes, weakness and listlessness can be a sign of serious complications such as ketoacidosis, which can be deadly and requires immediate attention.
Vomiting, belly pain, confusion, and fainting: Ketoacidosis can cause vomiting, and severe stomach aches, and usually causes kids and young adults to lose consciousness or act confused.

What are the signs of an emergency with juvenile diabetes?

Belly pain
Fruity smell to the child’s breath
Confusion and shaking
Loss of consciousness (rare)
Rapid Breathing

Managing juvenile diabetes can be challenging for both parents and their kids. However, the growing number of support systems and treatments for people with the disease has made it easier than ever to live a happy normal life.

Read more about the signs and symptoms of diabetes in toddlers HERE!

What is diet menu for diabetes?

What is diet menu for diabetes? Diabetics have the hardest time to trying foods that they are able to eat. Finding good food that diabetic’s can eat is a very difficult task. Because of diabetics diabetes condition most of today’s most popular foods are off the list for them to eat and enjoy.

Diabetes is one of the world’s most serious diseases/conditions that has people all over the world are taking notice over it. This condition called diabetes is where there is too much sugar/glucose in the blood stream and this can damage the body’s systems severely.

There are three main forms of the diabetes condition/disease. The first disease form of the diabetes condition is called diabetes type 1. This is where the body’s main organ known as the pancreas fails to produce enough of chemical/hormone called insulin. This hormone, also known as to be chemical, is responsible for changing the blood sugar, also called blood glucose, into fuel that the body’s cells are able to use.

Without the proper amounts of the chemical insulin in the blood, the glucose levels rise since the glucose/sugar is not used. This horrible diabetes disease condition form usually starts when the diabetic is born because they have a defective pancreas gene. The second form of the horrid diabetes condition is called type2 diabetes condition. This second main diabetes form is when the pancreas organ does not produce enough insulin or the body’s cells do not except the hormone insulin as needed too. This will also lead to the damaging high blood glucose/sugar levels. This second main diabetes form is often caused by being extremely overweight and unhealthy and eating sugar loaded foods like candy. So what is a diet menu for diabetics?

A diet menu for diabetics must have no sugars in it. This includes bread, potatoes, fruit, candy, pasta, and most sauces. So creating a diet menu for diabetics is hard.

What is good cooking for a diabetic?

What is good cooking for a diabetic? Finding good food that diabetic’s can eat is a difficult task. Because of their diabetes condition most of today’s most popular foods are off the list for them to eat. Diabetes is one of the world’s most serious diseases that has people all over the world are taking notice over it.

This disease called diabetes is where there is too much sugar/glucose in the blood and this can damage the body’s systems severely. There are three main forms of the diabetes condition.

The first disease form of the diabetes condition is called diabetes type 1. This is where the body’s organ known as the pancreas fails to produce enough of chemical/hormone called insulin. This hormone, also known as a chemical, is responsible for changing blood sugar, also called glucose, into fuel that the body’s cells are able to use.

Without the proper amounts of the chemical insulin in the blood glucose levels rise since the glucose/sugar is not used. This diabetes disease condition form usually starts when the diabetic is born because they have a defective pancreas gene. The second form of the diabetes condition is called type2 diabetes condition.

This second main diabetes form is when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or the body’s cells do not except the insulin as needed too. This will also lead to the damaging high blood glucose/sugar. This second diabetes form is often caused by being extremely overweight and unhealthy and eating sugar loaded foods like candy. The last main diabetes form is called gestational diabetes and this diabetes form is dangerous to the baby’s and the mother’s health. Luckily this form of the diabetes condition goes away after the woman has delivered her child. So what is good cooking for a diabetic?

Good cooking for a diabetic is any food that has little or no sugar. This consists of meats, beans and things of that sort. You should avoid foods like potatoes, bread and other items of that sort. These may seem to not pose a threat but are sugary in a different way. The other foods that should be avoided are simple sugars like candy, fruit, and desserts. These things are loaded with sugar and can send a controlled blood sugar level haywire. So talk to a diabetic or your doctor about good cooking for a diabetic.