Diabetes Signs and Symptoms

• Excessive thirst or hunger
• Frequent urination
• Unexplained weight loss (type 1)
• Unexplained weight gain (type 2)
• Fatigue and weakness
• Irritability
• Blurred vision
• Skin infections
• Slow wound healing
• Tingling and numbness in the feet

Risk Factors for Type 2 Diabetes

• Over 45 years old and suffering from high blood pressure or raised blood fats
• Over 45 years old and overweight –BMI (Body Mass Index) over 25
• Over 45 years old and have a family history of diabetes
• Over 55 years old
• Heart disease
• High blood glucose levels during pregnancy (gestational diabetes) or having given birth to a baby over 4.5kg (10lbs).
• Pre-diabetes:  impaired fasting glucose (IFG) or impaired glucose tolerance (IGT)
• Polycystic ovarian syndrome
• Over 35 years old and an Aborigine or Torres Strait Islander
• Over 35 years old and from Chinese, Indian or Pacific Island background

Treatment and Lifestyle

• Measure blood glucose levels regularly and keep within ideal range  (3.5 – 8mmols/L)
• Take insulin or medication if prescribed
• Eat healthily
• Exercise regularly:  30 – 45 minutes of gentle physical activity 5 days a week – please check with your medical doctor first
• Maintain weight within an ideal range (BMI = 20 – 25) Your doctor/fitness instructor can help here
• Have regular blood pressure, cholesterol and kidney function tests
• Inspect your feet regularly for changes and wear appropriate footwear
• Have regular eye examinations
• Do not smoke
• Drink alcohol in moderation
• Avoid the use of products which contain Aspartame
• Avoid the use of products which contain Sorbitol
• Avoid supplements which contain the amino acids Arginine or Cysteine

Bibliography:         Hyperhealth 2006 

Anne-Marie Corral – Chem Gold Issue two

Could you be at risk?

Diabetes is a disease which is very often preventable, yet the latest figures show that approximately 6% of the Western world is afflicted with one of the forms of Diabetes Mellitus. A person is regarded as having Diabetes Mellitus if their blood sugar concentration is greater than 140mg. per decilitre after an overnight fast. The complications caused by this most insidious disease can take a large toll by causing pain, stress, inconvenience & diminished quality of life.

So, what exactly is Diabetes??

1. Eventually, disease manifests in the body organs, and we are then facing the possibility of heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney disease, limb amputation and erectile dysfunction in men.

Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is an auto-immune disease in which the insulin producing Beta cells of the Pancreas are destroyed by the immune system. Therefore, because the Pancreas cannot produce insulin, anyone with Type 1 diabetes will need daily insulin injections to control blood sugar levels.

Type 2 Diabetes

1. In overweight or obese people the cells are less sensitive to insulin, & eventually, the Pancreas is unable to produce enough insulin to meet the needs of the body, & the blood glucose levels rise. This is the most common type of diabetes, accounting for 85% - 90% of cases, and usually occurs in adults aged over 45 years, but the incidence unfortunately is rising in young people and children.

Healthy Eating

1. People with diabetes should include at least one high-fibre, low-glycaemic (GI) carbohydrate at each meal, along with a portion of good quality protein and adequate amounts of green vegetables.

1. Choosing to avoid bad fats, such as those found in fatty meats, high-fat dairy products, take-away foods, fried foods, biscuits, cakes and pastries will benefit anyone with diabetes. A better choice is good fats (such as those found in fish, avocado, nuts, olive oil, and having only a very limited intake of sugary substances of any kind.

Anyone who suspects that there may be a blood sugar problem should consult their Medical Practitioner for an accurate assessment of their personal situation  

Bibliography

Anne-Marie Corral – Chem World Gold, Issue 2 and Hyperhealth 2006.

The nutritional and health information contained herein is intended to be a guide only and not to be used as a diagnosis or a treatment.

Foods to enjoy as a Diabetic

Fish

• May lower risk of Diabetes Type 2

Eggs/Chicken

• May increase HDL Cholesterol

Yoghurt

• Must be good quality, organic is best
• For yoghurt to be beneficial, the Lactobacillus must be alive & in substantial amounts.
• May increase HDL Cholesterol
• May facilitate weight loss in obese persons

Walnuts

• May lower LDL Cholesterol, High Omega 3
• Walnuts contain the most Alpha-Linolenic Acid, an important Essential Fatty Acid
• Serve fresh as a snack or on yoghurt

Almonds

• May lower LDL Cholesterol
• Great protein
• Eat raw or roasted as a snack or on yoghurt

Fruit & Veg

• Greens, Sprouts & Peas are important

Strawberries

• May reduce total serum Cholesterol levels
• Fresh is best – in season now
• Dried – keep in check due to sugar content
• Serve fresh with yoghurt

Blueberries ~

• May help lower LDL Cholesterol levels
• Fresh ~ when in season
• Dried – keep in check due to sugar content
• Serve with Low Gi pancakes & muffins

Cranberries ~

• Fresh when in season
• Dried ~ not too many due to sugar content
• Organic juice ~ check low sugar content
• Supplements ~ ensure high cranberry content, low sugar & low fillers

The nutritional and health information contained herein is intended to be a guide only and not to be used as a diagnosis or a treatment.

Posted by your organic food specialist - The Natural Foodstore