DIABETES TIPS
Diabetes
- General Information
Artificial
Pancreas Safe, Effective in Early Study
An "artificial pancreas"
designed to deliver the key blood sugar-regulating hormone insulin to diabetic
patients without the need for injections has been found safe and effective in a
preliminary study with ten patients.
The device is an insulin reservoir,
implanted in the tissue lining the abdominal cavity and connected to a sensor
implanted in the jugular vein. The reservoir requires insulin refills every month
or so. When the sensor detects an increase in blood glucose, the reservoir
delivers the required amount of insulin.
Blood
Glucose Testing
Most insurances now pay for diabetics to have blood glucose
monitoring equipment in the home. Keeping the machines clean and in good working
order are vital for accurate results. Follow the manufacturers' instructions for
proper cleaning and maintenance.
Blood
Glucose Testing Tip
Be sure hands are clean before performing the test, but
don't use alcohol to cleanse your fingertip. It's drying and may cause fingertips
to crack. Wash hands with a mild antibacterial soap like Dial.
Diabetes
Test After Heart Attack Shows Future Risk
Testing patients who have had
heart attacks for signs of diabetes before they leave the hospital may identify
those with the highest risk of future heart attacks. Many people hospitalized for
a heart attack have undiagnosed diabetes or prediabetes, a term coined to describe
the millions of overweight and obese people who have blood sugar levels suggesting
an elevated risk of full-blown diabetes. Medications, exercise and diet changes,
all of which can restore normal glucose levels, may reduce the risk of heart
attacks in patients who have already had a heart attack.
Diabetic
Dental Care
Immaculate mouth care is a must. Diabetics are much more prone
to gum disease. More frequent dental visits may be needed and careful brushing and
flossing are a necessity. Avoid ill-fitting dentures that may cause mouth sores.
Diabetic
Eye Care
If you're a diabetic, regular visits to your eye care professional
are a must to prevent problems that could lead to blindness.
Diabetic
Foot Care Tips
* Take the pressure off your feet by losing weight if you
are obese.
* Inspect your feet at least once per day. If you can't see well,
ask someone to do it for you.
* Wash feet with mild soap and lukewarm water
daily.
* Wear white cotton socks rather than synthetic ones with dyes.
*
Don't go barefoot or wear ill-fitting shoes.
* See a podiatrist regularly for
toenail trims and other routine maintenance.
Diabetics
Are Prone to Foot Problems
Diabetics have decreased sensation and
circulation in their feet making them prone to foot infections/wounds that could
eventually lead to amputation.
Drug
Could Delay Diabetes
Acarbose, a drug that blocks the digestion of starch,
could prevent or delay the development of the most common form of diabetes in
those with slightly high blood sugar.
Exercises
to Avoid
Diabetics should avoid exercises that involve pushing or pulling
heavy objects and lifting weights. Blood sugar levels and blood pressure are
raised during this kind of exercise.
FDA
Approves New Sweetener Neotame
A non-nutritive sweetener said to be 7,000
to 13,000 times sweeter than sugar received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration to be marketed as an additive in candies, soft drinks and various
other products.
Like other familiar sweeteners, Neotame is a white crystalline
powder that dissolves in water. It is made by Monsanto, which also makes
NutraSweet's sweetener Equal. Neotame is approved for use in baked goods,
nonalcoholic beverages, chewing gum, confections, frozen desserts, gelatins and
puddings, jams, jellies, fruit, juices, toppings and syrups.
The FDA declared
the product to be safe for consumption after reviewing more than 113 animal and
human studies, some of which looked at any possible links with cancer-causing or
neurological side effects.
Inhaled
Insulin
Inhaled insulin may soon offer an alternative to needles for people
with diabetes.
Novo Nordisk, a Denmark-based company, has ongoing clinical
trials to test the safety and effectiveness of an electronic pulmonary insulin
system. They say it may be available in the United States and Europe within a few
years.
This is the first electronic pulmonary insulin system currently being
tested in clinical trials. It works by converting a special liquid insulin into
aerosol particles, which are inhaled into the lungs.
Regular
Exercise Is a Must
Exercise is extremely important for diabetics as it
strengthens the cardiovascular system, increases circulation to the arms and legs
and helps control blood sugar levels. Walking, jogging, rowing and swimming are
best.
Shoes
for Diabetics
* Avoid plastic shoes and waterproof shoes. They encourage
perspiration and fungal growth.
* Avoid tight or unventilated footwear.
*
Don't wear boots all day.
* Choose cotton or leather shoes.
* Wear sandals
as much as possible in the summer.
* Don't wear the same shoes two days in a
row.
* Air shoes in the sun to inhibit fungal growth.
Small,
Frequent Meals
Diabetics should follow their American Diabetic Association
diet and eat small meals more frequently such as three small meals with one or two
healthful snacks between meals. This helps maintain a more stable blood sugar
level.
Treatment
of Hyperglycemia
Some symptoms of hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) are:
excessive urination, weight loss, excessive hunger and thirst. If you are
experiencing any of this symptoms, you should see your doctor.
Treatment
of Hypoglycemia
Some symptoms of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) are: cool,
clammy skin, numbness of the mouth, a fluttering in your chest, hunger and feeling
faint. Emergency treatment includes ingesting something containing sugar like
orange juice, a candy bar, or sugared soda pop. Follow that with some cheese or
peanut butter crackers to sustain your blood sugar level.
What's
an Exchange?
In an exchange diet, foods that are similar are grouped
together. Serving sizes are well defined so that each will have the same amount of
carbohydrate, fat, and protein as any other. Foods can be "exchanged" or
traded with others in a category while still meeting the desired overall goals.
Exchanges can be applied to most any eating situation and may make it easier to
follow a prescribed diet. For example, if a nutrition plan calls for one starch
exchange a person could choose 1/2 cup of cooked pasta, OR one slice of bread, OR
a small (3 oz.) baked potato.
| 
