glucose levels | Diabetes Healthy Solutions

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!

Prestige Glucose Meter

The Prestige glucose meter provides an accurate and simple way to test blood glucose levels anywhere, anytime. Blood sugar testing is a vital part of controlling diabetes.

Research shows that keeping blood sugar levels within the recommended levels lowers the chance of developing diabetes-related complications such as blindness and kidney problems.

Regular testing lets diabetes patients know if their blood sugar is ‘too low’, ‘too high’ or ‘just right’ depending on what healthcare provider recommends for you.

Prestige Glucose Meter – Can also help if you are following a Keto Diet

Although the prestige glucose meter requires more blood to get an accurate reading compared to other glucometers, it is important to note that this system is not just a plasma monitor. It is specifically designed to measure ‘whole blood’ glucose.

This is very important for people who want to keep their blood glucose levels within a very narrow range (70 to 100). While the more common plasma glucose monitors are designed for diabetes patients who have extremely low (<50) or extremely high (>150) blood glucose readings, whole blood glucose monitors such as the Prestige glucose meter are particularly useful for non-diabetics whose blood glucose level is either in the normal (80-100) range or hypoglycemics (~50 range) who want to know the accurate amount of sugar in the blood.

This system is also beneficial for people who are on the ketogenic diet (blood glucose levels must be maintained within the 60-80 range).

Plasma glucometers are most accurate when the blood glucose is usually extremely low, requiring medical attention or extremely high, requiring patients to use insulin. Therefore, plasma glucose meters do not help non-diabetics particularly because they don’t provide accurate readings for the 50-100 range.

While plasma glucometers work well for people who are diabetic they are not useful for those who are non-diabetic. However, whole blood glucose monitors such as the Prestige glucose monitor meet this need.

Therefore it’s important to note that:

People who are diabetic most likely prefer plasma glucose monitors but the Prestige glucose meter can also be used by diabetics
Non-diabetics may want to try whole blood glucose monitors such as the Prestige glucose monitor

Key features of the Prestige Glucose Meter.

Fast and accurate
Provides the date and time for each test
14 and 30-day averaging
Large and easy to read display
Tests in 3 simple steps
Large, easy-to-read digital display
Uploading capability
Fast and accurate results
One-button coding
Compatible with prestige blood glucose test strips

Package contents

Prestige Blood Glucose Meter with AA batteries installed
Self-test log book
Compact case
Owners booklet
Quick reference guide

Product details

Brand: Nipro Diagnostics
Dimensions: 2″ x 3″ x 2″
Weight: 0.53125 lbs

Meter options

The Prestige blood glucose meter has the following wonderful options that can be easily customized to the user’s needs:

Test results as whole blood

Whole blood refers to blood that is obtained directly from the finger. Users should always use whole blood when testing with the Prestige glucose monitor.

Test results as plasma

Plasma, one of the key components of blood, is used by most laboratories for testing. However, it’s important to note that plasma glucose results are about 12% higher than results from whole blood. When using this option, the glucometer uses the whole blood value to determine and display the result. However, plasma should never be used for testing with this system.

Mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter)

This is a glucose unit of measure that is commonly used in the United States.

Mmol/L (millimoles per liter)

This is a glucose unit of measure that is used in some countries outside the United States. When using this options users should either choose Per (Period: 6.1 mmol/L) or Com (6,1 mmol/L).

Avg=14d

This option displays the average results for the last 14 days

Avg=30d

This option displays the average results for the last 30 days

12 hr

Time based on am/pm (12 hour clock system)

24 hr

Time based on the 12 hour clock system

The prestige glucose meter is an excellent glucose monitor that offers a wide range of great additions. It features a large easy-to-read screen for people who have bad eye sight as well as children. Moreover, it uses Prestige smart test strips and offers accurate blood glucose test results, unlike many other glucometers on the market.

So, talk to your doctor and diabetes supplier about using the Prestige glucose meter.

Signs and Symptoms of Hyperglycemia

An Overview of the Symptoms of Hyperglycemia

Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) is a condition that typically occurs when the amount of glucose in the blood is too high. Although hyperglycemia usually affects diabetics, it can also occur in people without diabetes or other underlying conditions.

Some of the main factors that can cause hyperglycemia in people with diabetes include illness, changes in physical activity and diet, not taking enough or skipping glucose-lowering drugs, or non-diabetes medication. Hyperglycemia needs immediate medical attention because if uncontrolled, it can easily lead to a wide range of life-threatening complications, including diabetes coma and complications affecting your kidneys, heart, nerves, and eyes.

There are two main kinds of hyperglycemia:

After-meal (Postprandial) hyperglycemia where the blood glucose is greater than 180 mg/dL two hours after eating.
Fasting hyperglycemia where the blood sugar is greater than 130 mg/dL after not drinking or eating for at least eight hours.

People living with type 1 diabetes are generally susceptible to ketoacidosis (a build-up of acids in the blood). Therefore, for people with type 1 diabetes and people who are at risk of it, hyperglycemia can lead to a deadly condition in which the body is unable to process glucose, known as HHNS (hyperglycemic hyperosmolar nonketotic syndrome). People with HHNS have darker pee and tend to urinate less often as they become more dehydrated.

Symptoms of hyperglycemia

Most people rarely notice any hyperglycemia symptoms until their blood sugar levels are significantly elevated – typically to levels above 180 mg/dL or 10 mmol/L. Hyperglycemia symptoms usually develop gradually over several days or even weeks and symptoms become worse the longer blood glucose levels stay high. However, it’s essential to keep in mind that some people who have type 2 diabetes for extended periods of time may not experience any symptoms despite having elevated blood glucose levels.

Early signs of hyperglycemia

It is essential to identify the early signs and symptoms of hyperglycemia in order to seek prompt medical attention. Some of the early signs and symptoms include:

Headache
Frequent urination
Fatigue
Increased thirst
Blurred vision

Later Signs of hyperglycemia

Trouble concentrating
Weight loss
Tingling or numbness in the feet
Blood glucose level higher than 180mg/dL

If untreated, hyperglycemia can lead to the buildup of ketones (toxic acids) in the urine and blood (ketoacidosis). Later signs and symptoms include:

Shortness of breath
Confusion
Dry mouth
Fruity-smelling breath
Abdominal pain
General weakness
Nausea and vomiting
Coma

Untreated hyperglycemia can cause other serious complications such as:

Impaired vision
Skin and vaginal infections
Slow-healing sores and cuts
Damage to the kidneys, blood vessels, and eyes
Intestinal problems including diarrhea and chronic constipation
Nerve damage leading to insensitive, cold, or painful feet, erectile dysfunction, or loss of hair.

Causes of Hyperglycemia

During digestion, our bodies break down carbs from food – such as pasta, rice, and bread – into sugar molecules such as glucose. Glucose is normally absorbed directly into the bloodstream after eating; however, it requires insulin’s assistance to be absorbed by cells in tissues.

When your blood glucose level is high, the pancreas is stimulated to release insulin which is essential for the optimum functioning of cells.

Extra glucose is usually stored in the muscles and liver as glycogen. Due to this process, the amount of glucose in the bloodstream is lowered hence preventing it from rising to dangerously high levels.

Conditions such as diabetes lower the effects of insulin on the body. Consequently, glucose builds up in the bloodstream and may reach high levels (hyperglycemia) if left untreated.

Risk factors

Some of the factors that can contribute to dangerously high blood sugar levels include:

Being inactive
Not using prescribed medication such as insulin
Having an infection or illness
Use of certain medications, including steroids
Using expired insulin
Having surgery or being injured
Emotional stress

Learn how to manage your diabetes HERE!

When should you see your doctor?

Seek medical assistance immediate medical attention if:
Your blood sugar levels are consistently above 13.3 mmol/L (240 mg/dL) and you have toxic acids (ketones) in your urine
You’re sick and are unable to keep any fluids or food down
You’re experiencing ongoing vomiting or diarrhea, but you are able to tolerate some drinks or foods
You have a persistent fever
You’re having trouble keeping your blood sugar levels within the recommended range

Maintaining your blood glucose levels within the recommended range plays a major role in preventing most diabetes-related complications such as kidney damage (diabetic neuropathy), cardiovascular disease, neuropathy (nerve damage), kidney failure, joint and bone problems, gum and teeth infections, and cataracts.

So what is considered high blood sugar?

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!

Continuous blood glucose monitoring

Continuous Blood Glucose monitoring helps people with diabetes manage the disease and avoid its associated problems. A person can use the results of glucose monitoring to make decisions about food, physical activity, and medications. The most common way to check glucose levels involves pricking a fingertip with an automatic lancing device to obtain a blood sample and then using a glucose meter to measure the blood sample’s glucose level.

Continuous blood glucose monitoring (CGM) systems use a tiny sensor inserted under the skin to check glucose levels in tissue fluid. The sensor stays in place for several days to a week and then must be replaced. A transmitter sends information about glucose levels via radio waves from the sensor to a pager like wireless monitor. The user must check blood samples with a glucose meter to program the devices.

Continuous blood glucose monitoring systems are more expensive than conventional glucose monitoring, but they may enable better glucose control. Users can set alarms to alert them when glucose levels are too low or too high. Special software is available to download data from the devices to a computer for tracking and analysis of patterns and trends, and the systems can display trend graphs on the monitor screen.

Some of the key factors to remember when it comes to diabetes and properly maintaining them is that Glucose monitoring helps people with diabetes manage the disease and avoid its associated problems. The most common way to check glucose levels involves pricking a fingertip to obtain a blood sample and using a glucose meter to measure the glucose level in the sample. Continuous blood glucose monitoring (CGM) systems use a tiny sensor inserted under the skin to check glucose levels in tissue fluid. A transmitter sends glucose measurements to a wireless monitor.

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