Sep
15
Fast Food for Diabetics
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Fast food for diabetics. That can either be a statement or a question. But really, are there those who think there is fast food for diabetics? One sort of flies in the face of the other, doesn’t it? Or maybe it is just wishful thinking. It sure would make it easier if there was fast food for diabetics. Can you imagine “Mickey D’s Diabetic Fast Food”. Wow, as a diabetic, I would drive thru, but back to reality. When it comes to Diabetic food, there just doesn’t seem to be any short cuts and it really isn’t that difficult. Instead of going thru that fast food joint and grabbing a breakfast sandwich, stay at home a few extra minutes and grab some diabetic cereals.
The fact of the matter is, a study has found that people who eat fast food are at a greater risk of developing insulin resistance than those who don’t. A study shows that people whose diet consists primarily of fatty food such as hamburgers, french fries and pizza weigh more and have an increased risk of insulin resistance compared to people who limit their intake of those type of high fast foods. Insulin resistance is a condition that happens when peoples’ insulin does not process food effectively and larger than normal amounts of sugar circulate in the blood stream. This results in high blood sugar levels that can make these individuals more prone to high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes. This doesn’t bode well for fast food for diabetics.
What’s more, investigators followed more than three thousand people who reported their eating habits, including how often they ate fast food. This went on for fifteen years and what the U.S. researchers found was, those who ate at least two meals per week at a fast food restaurant were 4.5 kilograms heavier, and they had more than a 100 percent risk of insulin resistance compared to those who limited their intake of fast food each week to one meal or less.
Do you recall that old saying, “you are what you eat”? Well, perhaps there is another saying to go along with that one, “you are WHERE you eat”. Is there fast food for diabetics? It sure doesn’t seem like it. For a long time doctors have suspected that diets rich in fat has a connection to insulin resistance. What was needed was a study to prove that out, the above study did just that.
A California study showed that in areas where residents were exposed to many more fast food restaurants and convenience stores, people were more likely to suffer from obesity and diabetes than those who lived in an area where there were not an over abundance of fast food restaurants and convenience stores. It seems to go together. In a fast paced world where fast food restaurants and convenience stores are readily available, people will choose those venues over fresh fruit and vegetable markets and full service grocery stores. Of note, where fresh fruit and vegetable markets and full service grocery stores are readily available, people will use them. So it appears whatever is made convenient to people is what people will choose. It just depends on what is offered to them. Fast food for diabetics is that food that you can find in those fresh fruit and vegetable markets and full service grocery stores.
Sep
10
New Diabetes Medicine
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It’s not exactly a new diabetes medicine since it has been around for just a couple of years, nevertheless, it is one of the newest. It’s called, Byetta. And reports are it is a very good medicine. So what is Byetta? Well, hold on, Byetta is “lizard spit”! That’s right, the saliva of a Gila Monster. A Gila Monster is a colorful and rare venomous lizard that is found in the desert areas of the southwestern part of the U.S. and North Western part of Mexico. When the Gila Monster was studied, it was noted that this little guy could go for long periods of time without eating. It was also found that it produced a certain type of protein that slows down emptying of the stomach. In other words, when this guy eats, he’s full for a long time. Hhmm. Humans produce a similar protein called GLP-1. Ok then, bring on Byetta. One note however, Byetta should not replace insulin therapy.
This new diabetes medicine, Byetta, has been on the market for just a couple of years and here is the good news. To this point there has been no controversial allegations with regard to any life threatening side effects. The manufacturer has reported active sales and they are responding by developing a more advanced version that will be a long acting release formula, which will be called Byetta LAR. The benefits of Byetta include delayed stomach emptying, increased feeling of fullness and reduced glucagon release from the liver that causes lowering of the blood sugar. There is evidence that it may help pancreatic cells that produce insulin. Byetta has also been credited with a reduction of both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. It also promotes significant weight loss, which is also beneficial to those with diabetes and high blood pressure. As an overview of this new diabetes medicine, these effects can not only assist people with diabetes, but it can help in reducing cardiovascular risk factors associated with stroke and heart attack.
There are not many new medicines for diabetes so when one comes along it’s note worthy. In this case, this new diabetes medicine, Byetta, seems to be the real deal. Obviously, you need to see your doctor so he/she can prescribe Byetta for you if the doctor thinks it is right. As with any drug, especially a new drug, should you experience any side effects, contact your doctor immediately. Your doctor can provide you with all the information you need with regard to possible side effects.
Sep
10
Foods That Help Diabetes
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For the purpose of this article, foods that help diabetes, the assumption will be made that you are already a diabetic. Further, the assumption will be that you are a type 2 diabetic that can control your diabetic condition through diet.
Obviously, the first step is to eliminate, avoid or limit the amount of sugar and salt in your diet. You need to limit alcohol from any source. Certain carbohydrates need to be controlled. Carbohydrates are rated on a scale called the gylcemic index. Carbohydrates are rated on a scale from 1 to 100, with the lower numbers being metabolized more slowly and the higher numbers more quickly. The lower numbers are more helpful in the control of blood sugar levels. Low numbers are between 1 and 54 while high numbers are between 71 and 100. Obviously those between 55 and 70 are medium. Foods like brown rice, cereals, sweet potatoes, whole grain bread, dairy products and dried beans all have a low index number and are the foods that help diabetics. These five foods form the basis from which diabetics can control their blood sugar levels. Another suggestion is to eat foods that are not processed foods. As an example, fresh apples have a lower index number than apple juice, since apple juice is processed and fresh apples are not.
There has been discussions regarding a vegetarian diet and diabetes. The substance of which is that it may be possible to control or perhaps help control blood sugar levels in connection with type 2 diabetes. However, there are two different types of vegetarian diets, one that forbids eggs and milk products and one that allows those items. A strict vegan diet for diabetics would automatically eliminate cholesterol, since that is an animal product. Naturally, this would also be a low fat diet. On the other hand, a vegan diet for diabetics that includes eggs and low fat milk, would have some fat and cholesterol when compared to a strict vegetarian diet or a diet that includes meat. So there is consideration that foods that help diabetes are associated with a vegetarian diet.
Since people with type 2 diabetes are more likely to get heart disease, there is consideration given to the idea that type 2 diabetes is a contributing factor to problems with their arteries and cardiovascular system. A low vegetarian diet would help with the diabetes condition and, in addition, potentially help with possible hardening of the arteries. With all things considered, a vegetarian diet would be a good idea for any one with type 2 diabetes. Following this diet is not to say that you cannot have fish or meat from time to time and again, this diet would be considered foods that help diabetes.
Sep
9
Is Cinnamon Good For Diabetics
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Is cinnamon good for diabetics? Cinnamon was once considered more precious than gold. As it turns out, cinnamon has been used to cure everything from athlete’s foot to indigestion. Early civilizations noticed its’ ability to stop bacterial growth. The Egyptians even used it in their embalming procedures. Through the course of the Middle Ages, it was mixed with cloves and warm water and placed in the sick rooms of victims of the Bubonic Plague. Cinnamon has a medicinal value that is making pharmaceutical companies take notice.
In studies, cinnamon has been linked to favorable effects on brain function, including being able to process information more quickly. In another study, cinnamon not only showed it could soothe the stomach, it may even help prevent ulcers. And yet another study showed cinnamon completely suppresses bacteria that causes urinary tract infections and the fungus found in yeast infection. In addition, recent research indicates that cinnamon can have favorable effects on brain function. Those participating in the study simply chewed cinnamon gum or smelled its’ aroma. Tests results showed that subjects who used cinnamon had better memory functions and could process information more quickly. More recently, scientists who were conducting a study on effects of different foods on diabetics found that those eating good old American apple pie, actually had a reduction in blood sugar levels when they expected just the opposite. The reason? Cinnamon. Is cinnamon good for diabetics?
Today,there seems to be more and more evidence that cinnamon is good for diabetics. And it is good for other medicinal purposes as well. Studies on the use of cinnamon shows that this spice helps to reduce blood glucose levels in people with type 2 diabetes, but there is more to this study. The study looked at 60 people that were taking diabetes pills. These people took either 1,3 or 6 grams of cinnamon for 40 days. All three groups showed a reduction in blood glucose levels between 18 and 29 percent. The interesting thing is that only the group that took the smallest amount continued having improved blood glucose levels 20 days after they stopped taking the cinnamon. Researchers really don’t understand the reason for this. Interestingly enough, in the same study, cinnamon also helped lower triglycerides as well as “bad” cholesterol. And these benefits continued after 60 days, which was 20 days after the consumption of cinnamon ceased. Is cinnamon good for diabetics?
Of interest, the most effective amount of ingested cinnamon, the amount that reflected the best results, was the lowest, one gram. So, if you want to see for yourself if cinnamon might help you with your type 2 diabetes, consult with your doctor. See if your doctor agrees that you should embark on a cinnamon regiment of 1 gram per day as a means to help you reduce your blood sugar levels. While taking the cinnamon, make sure you monitor your blood sugar daily, multiple times per day if necessary and record the results so you can discuss them with your doctor. Then, go ahead, sprinkle it on your cereal, toast or in your coffee, tea or cocoa. In the alternative, you can take cassia cinnamon in capsule form of 500 milligrams twice daily. Is cinnamon good for diabetics?
Before you run out and buy cinnamon and dipping it in you coffee or popping capsules, remember that there were only 60 people in the study, a really small sample size. And, it was a short term study, therefore the effects of cinnamon on a long term basis is unknown. And one more note, it is not known if cinnamon has any effect on type 1 diabetes. On the other hand, from all that is known about cinnamon, it is relatively safe. You should keep in mind however, that there are some people who may be allergic to cinnamon. Also, cinnamon in large amounts may cause mouth sores or burn the skin. As always, it is important to discuss its’ use with your doctor. Is cinnamon good for diabetics? You decide.
Sep
9
Is Sleep Apnea and Diabetes Related
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Is sleep apnea and diabetes related? In a word, yes. Or, at least, it seems so. Several studies have detected a strong link between type 2 diabetes and obstructive sleep apnea. In fact, it is suggested that anyone with one condition should be checked for both conditions when visiting their doctor. Cardiovascular disease and daytime sleepiness is certainly linked to sleep apnea. Now, studies show that proper treatment of sleep apnea reduces blood sugar levels, which is essential to diabetics. In addition, there has been a recommendation that doctors screen patients with diabetes if their blood pressure is routinely equal to or exceeding 135/80 whether they are taking medication for that condition or not. It is a universal goal to identify, catch and treat diabetes as early as possible. Many times people have type 2 diabetes for years before symptoms begin, so the earlier it is detected, the better. Left untreated, the high blood glucose levels that characterize the disease can lead to blindness, kidney failure, nerve damage and heart disease.
In a separate study, 593 patients were evaluated for sleep disordered breathing. Each patient spent a night in a sleep laboratory to undergo a sleep study, called polysomnography. The researchers followed these subjects for as long as six years and the results showed there is a relationship between sleep apnea and diabetes. The study found that patients diagnosed with sleep apnea had a greater risk of developing diabetes by more than two-and-half times vs. those without the nighttime breathing disorder. Then the patients were divided into groups based on the severity of their sleep apnea. Those with the most severe sleep apnea showed to have the greater risk of developing diabetes. This study has placed the medical community on alert. It is imperative that the relationship between diabetes and sleep apnea is better understood. More recent studies have shown that as many as 40% of those with sleep apnea have type 2 diabetes and more than half of those with type 2 diabetes have sleep apnea. Is sleep apnea and diabetes related? Studies show there is a connection.
As a result of these studies, people with one disease should certainly be aware that they are at risk for the other. Moreover, the things one should do to help maintain one condition is common to the other. An example is being overweight. In both cases, diabetes and sleep apnea, the loss of weight in overweight people helps both conditions. If you have not been diagnosed with either diabetes or sleep apnea and find yourself sleepy during the day, snore heavily at night, excessive urination and excessive thirst, you have some of the symptoms of each condition. You should see you doctor as soon as possible.
What you may not be aware of is this, with sleep apnea not only do you snore during the night, your upper airway narrows or closes and you stop breathing. This can happen hundreds of times during the night. The best treatment is a sleep study followed by what will likely be required, a CPAP. A CPAP is continuous positive airway pressure. In other words, you wear a mask over your nose or over your nose and mouth, which will force air into the airway keeping it open. It has not been determined if this treatment for sleep apnea benefits diabetes. It is not known exactly what the connection between sleep apnea and diabetes is, but the connection appears obvious. In answer to the question, is sleep apnea and diabetes related, the answer certainly appears to be, yes.
Sep
9
Why Do Diabetics Wear White Soxs
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Looking for the simple answer to why diabetics wear white soxs(socks)? When you were a small child and wanted to go out and play and your mother or father didn’t want you to, they may have said something to you like, “because I said so”! Just keep that in mind.
Diabetics can acquire a condition called neuropathy. Keep in mind that the reason diabetics wear white soxs(socks) is not as a cure for this condition. This condition makes it hard for the nerves to carry messages to the brain as well as other parts of the body. It can cause numbness and/or painful tingling in parts of the body. It can also cause changes in:
The reason this condition develops is a result of high blood sugar levels. Over time, high blood sugar levels will damage the blood vessels and nerves. Obviously, people who can’t or don’t control their blood sugar levels seem most likely to acquire the condition. Also, men seem to acquire the condition more often than women. In short, keep your blood sugar under control, take all medicines prescribed by your doctor, eat a healthy diet, avoid sugars, lose weight if overweight and exercise.
Your going to find out why diabetics wear white soxs (socks), your just getting some background information first. Numbness in your feet and toes are signals of possible diabetic neuropathy. Or, you may realize that cuts or sores on your feet are not healing as fast as they use to. These are signs that you may have the condition. Here are some more signs:
So know we know what diabetic neuropathy is and what the signals are, now here’s what can happen. Because you have no feeling, you can develop sores and not know it. They can become infected and you may have to be hospitalized and possibly have a foot amputated. This is a serious condition. Because diabetes makes it harder for an injury to heal, it’s important to take good care of your feet.
So how do you prevent the problems associated with diabetic neuropathy? Here is a list on how to keep your feet healthy:
Now, do you remember what was said at the beginning about going out to play and not being allowed? Well, in this case, the reason why diabetics wear white soxs(socks) is because: “the doctor said so”!
Sep
9
Before we can go on to a discussion about how does diabetes benefit from stem cell research there is something that needs clarification. Exactly what are “in vitro fertilization (IVF) derived stem cells”? Human IVF derived stem cells have the very unique capacity to become any type of cell, tissue or organ as they develop and mature. In addition, although they have this capacity, by themselves they cannot develop into a full human being. At this point, scientists don’t know the reason for this, but because they can form any cell type in the human body, these stem cells are holding out promise for several medical therapies among other things. Interestingly enough, they are able to replicate themselves while remaining in an immature or undifferentiated state, thus providing a potentially unlimited source of cells ready for organ transplantation as well as a model system for drug discovery along with the study of human development.
Ok, so how does diabetes benefit from stem cells research? The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) supports this research because of its’ potential. Although IVF derived stem cell research is at a very early stage, there is evidence that it offers great promise to pick up the pace dramatically with regard to a cure for diabetes. The JDRF encourages this line of research as long as it is within the framework of appropriate scientific and ethical safeguards, which have been established by representatives of the public. The JDRF believes research should continue pursuing all avenues and using all types of stem cells since it is impossible to predict which will provide the most medical benefits.
To this point, one of the most promising diabetes benefits from stem cell research is to biologically restore the function of the islet cells. At present, this can occur either through islet cell transplantation or through engineering of cells to restore the insulin secreting function. Either way, the availability of stem cells would significantly expedite research progress. There are two reasons islet cell transplantation has been largely unsuccessful:
The problem is lack of islet cells. Potentially, this could be solved through additional stem cell research and this would be important in stem cell research benefits for diabetes. Scientists are hopeful that because the cells that are being studied are so early in their development stage, one day they will be able to direct their development into any human tissue or organ. Should this materialize, scientists can specialize these cells to become insulin-producing islet cells. Further, cell lines could be developed to produce an unlimited number of islet cells from just a single primordial stem cell. Thus the islet cell supply problem would be solved. Although there are other stem cell issues on the table at this point in time that relate to issues other than those mentioned here, the question how does diabetes benefit from stem cell research has its’ root answer here.
Sep
9
Can a Diabetic Get Health Insurance
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Can a diabetic get health insurance? This is always the first question, which is always followed by, how much will it cost? The first question cannot be answered with a simple yes or no. The second question can also not be easily answered, since the insurance companies determine the pricing in their own way. Diabetics can get health insurance, but sometimes there are certain terms and conditions placed on them, at least for some period of time. It’s critical to be able to find health insurance help for diabetics. Should you be unfortunate enough to be a diabetic in the position of having to find health insurance coverage, even if it is for the basic medical care needed, you will learn that it can be frustrating and expensive. There are so many complications of diabetes that require specialized care and even regular health issues sometimes require specialized treatment. There are many countries in which diabetics are fortunate enough to get their regular care covered by national health care. In the U.S., the question of can a diabetic get health insurance becomes tricky. If you are a diabetic trying to get health insurance as an individual, as opposed to through a group plan, you will find the insurance companies will refuse you coverage of any kind for your diabetic condition for at least one year. This is because diabetes is considered a pre-existing condition, since it was an established condition prior to you purchasing the insurance. On the other hand, if you get health insurance through your employers group plan, you can get immediate coverage even if you are a diabetic, since any delay in coverage for pre-existing condition is not allowed by law. Clearly, obtaining health insurance coverage through an employer is a diabetic’s best option.
The challenge for Diabetics trying to get health insurance is two fold. First, they have a high “out of pocket” medical cost and at the same time they are being denied eligibility to many low cost plans. Although it is true that diabetics can get health insurance through their employer with no pre-existing condition provision, the problem is that complications of diabetes makes it less likely that a person would be employed on a full time basis and eligible for group insurance benefits. This, of course, depends on each individual’s diabetic condition. As a result, diabetics face the additional challenge of having a lower income with a condition that results in more out of pocket cost than a person without diabetes. So can a diabetic get health insurance? Fortunately, all diabetics can get health insurance one way or another, but it is not easy. Sometimes two or more policies must be combined to achieve the necessary coverage. The problem here is cost. In many cases, although a diabetic can get health insurance, the cost is so excessive that it severely impairs their lifestyle and for that reason many choose to do without. In some cases, insurance for diabetics is so expensive that they conclude that insurance is just not available.
The average medical costs for a diabetic is approximately $22,000 per year. This is about 13 times greater than the medical cost of a person without a chronic health condition. It is obvious that the huge medical costs of treating diabetes could not possibly be directly reflected in the individual insurance rates. If insurance actuaries were to apply the standard medical risk underwriting guidelines to the pricing of health insurance for diabetics, the premium would exceed the total net income of the majority of diabetics. So, medical costs for treating diabetes are absorbed in the following two ways:
Many people make the observation that our current health system appears to be designed to bankrupt diabetics. There is some coverage available through Medicaid plans for diabetes but this is only after the patient has already spent almost all of their own savings, going broke in the process, on their own health care. It becomes clear that the question can diabetics get health insurance is not a question with an easy answer. In the end, a diabetic’s best hope falls back on the state in which they live. There are some states that have a new type of limited benefit policy that provides a balance between cost and coverage. There is also the possibility of providing coverage for the pre-existing medical condition after six or twelve months. These state sponsored plans work differently from state to state. Eligibility requirements vary. It is in your best interest to check with your state as soon as possible, since waiting lists for entrance into the plans are sometimes in place. In addition, there are also a growing number of commercial insurance policies that are available to provide supplemental coverage.
Sep
8
Tastykake Sugar Free Cream Filled Koffee Kake Cupcakes is another of Tastycake’s line of sugar free snack cakes, called “Sensables”. And “no”, the name is not mis-spelled. For some reason, unknown to this writer, the Tasty Baking Company chose to spell this product using a “k” where there would normally be a “c”. If nothing else, it certainly makes it standout. These Sensables cream filled koffee kakes, made by the Tasty Baking Company, highlight their line of Tastycake sugar free chocolate cream filled cupcakes, Tastykake sugar free finger cakes and Tastycake sugar free cookie bars that are all a part of their Tastykake sugar free cupcakes line. The Tasty Baking Company, based in Philadelphia, PA., distributes their entire line of desert snacks such as regular cupcakes, individual pies, donuts, cookies and etc., throughout the immediate middle Atlantic States. They are currently underway in expanding across the country. Living anywhere near Pennsylvania, you are already familiar with the Tastykake name and products. However, for those who do not live in that area, you can oder all of their products on line and have them shipped to you. Maybe you are diabetic or perhaps you are just trying to reduce your sugar intake, whatever the case may be, a good sugar free desert snacks would certainly be appealing. A good sugar free cake is hard to find and a good sugar free cake that tastes good is even harder to find. For about 96 years TASTYkake has been making cupcakes, pies, cookies and donutes that taste GOOD. With Tastykake’s line of Sensable Sugar Free Snacks you’re going to get exactly that, a good sugar free cake treat. Buy some, you won’t be sorry. You’re gonna love’em!
Tastykake sugar free cream filled koffee kake cupcakes
Tastykake Sugar Free Cream Filled Koffee Kake CupCakes Nutrition Facts
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depeding on your calorie needs:**
** Percent Daily Values listed below are intended for adults and children over 4 years of age. Foods represented or purported to be for use by infants, children less than 4 years of age, pregnant women, or lactating women shall use the RDI’s that are specified for the intended group provided by the FDA.
Tastykake Sugar Free Cream Filled Koffee Kake Cupcakes along with the other Tastykake sugar free snacks are unmatched on the market today. For whatever reason you are trying to reduce your sugar intake, a Tastykake sugar free treat of some kind is exactly what you are looking for, so try one, it will put a smile on your face.
Sep
8
Tastykake Sugar Free Cream Filled Chocolate Cupcakes is another of the sugar free line of snack cakes that are called “Sensables”. Made by the Tasty Baking Company of Philadelphia, Pa., these sugar free chocolate cream filled cupcakes are another of the Tastykake sugar free cupcakes, Tastykake sugar free finger cakes and Tastycake sugar free cookie bars that are available in Tastykake’s line of Tastycake sugar free snacks. The Tasty Baking Company distributes their entire line of desert snacks such as regular cupcakes, individual pies, donuts, cookies and etc., throughout the immediate middle Atlantic States. Currently they are expanding across the country. If you live anywhere near Pennsylvania, then you are familiar with Tastykakes. You can order all their products on line if you do not live in an area where Tastykakes are sold and have them shipped to you. Perhaps you are diabetic or maybe just trying to reduce your sugar intake and looking for sugar free desert snacks. If so, you know how hard they can be to find. Worse yet, when you do find them, you know how disappointing it can be when they do not have the taste you were hoping for. I guess that’s why the comapny is called TASTYkake. With Tastykake’s line of Sensable Sugar Free Snacks you’re going to get exactly what you were hoping for, a tasty sugar free snack. As with their regular line of great cupcakes, pies and etc., they make a sugar free product that delivers the GREAT TASTE you are looking for!
Tastykake Sugar Free Chocolate Cream Filled Cupcakes
Tastykake Sugar Free Cream Filled Chocolate CupCakes Nutrition Facts
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Tastykake Sugar Free Cream Filled Chocolate Cupcakes along with the other Tastykake sugar free snacks are the best there are on the market today. It really doesn’t matter what the reason is that you are searching for a sugar free treat, a Tastykake sugar free treat of some kind is what you are looking for, so try one, you’ll be glad you did.