By
Dr Michael Hutch
 

 Diabetes Type 2 Blood Sugar

Type 2 Diabetes - Can I eat Sugar ?

Eating sugar does not cause type 2 diabetes. However, ingesting too much of it when you have the disease can cause problems. Sugar is a form of carbohydrate. Carbohydrates are important for the body to maintain energy levels. Eating too many carbohydrates at one time will cause problems however. The body takes carbohydrates and converts them into glucose that the body uses for energy. If you have Diabetes, too much glucose can cause severe problems. The body uses insulin to convert glucose into useable energy. When the glucose levels go too high, if the body cannot produce enough insulin, hyperglycemia can develop.

Should you avoid sugars if you have type 2 diabetes? The answers is no. The key to being able to have your cake and eat it too, is to do it in moderation and combined with other foods. This means if you want that cake or cookie, plan it as part of a larger meal. Balance the carbohydrates in the sweet with a good dose of vegetables or healthy proteins. This will help slow down the food digestion and keep glucose levels in check. You also need to be realistic about portion sizes. You cannot eat a quarter of a cake and expect good glucose results.

What foods do you need to regulate to keep sugars under control if you have Type 2 Diabetes? Sugars come from many sources including fruits, fruit juices, some vegetables, milk, and dairy products, sodas and sweets like cake and cookies. There is no difference in how the body takes in one carbohydrate over another. The body doesn’t distinguish whether a carbohydrates comes from an apple or a cookie. However, a difference does affect how the body takes it in. The apple has something additional going for it. The apple has pectin fiber. Pectin is a natural insulin regulator. The fiber also helps slow down food absorption. Does that mean avoid the cookie all the time? The answer is no. It just means learn about what you are eating and how it impacts your glucose levels.

What else do you need to know about eating sugar with type 2 Diabetes? Moderation and portion control are the two things to remember about all foods, including sugars. Spread out your sugars. Don’t eat a box of cookies at one sitting. Eat one a day for a week instead. Using your head will allow you to eat sugar.

By
Dr Michael Hutch
 

Type 2 Diabetes Nutrition

Type 2 Diabetes - Fruit Juice OK ?

Is fruit juice on the menu of a Diabetes Diet? The answer is yes. Most every food on the plant is still on the menu if you have diabetes. Nevertheless, fruit juices require a bit of thinking before ingesting. Recent studies show that ingesting fruit juices gives you the same vitamins and nutrients that a whole piece of fruit does. However, juice has a couple of major deficiencies that make whole fruit a better choice most of the time: high calories/carbohydrates per serving and a lack of fiber. Those deficiencies make whole fruit a better choice most of the time.

The first major deficiency of fruit juice is the amount of calories and carbohydrates that a single serving packs. A single cup of fresh orange juice has 112 calories. It packs 26 grams of carbohydrates though. Most people don’t drink fresh orange juice. They opt for the orange juice that comes in a convenient carton. That orange juice comes with 110 calories and 25 grams of carbohydrates. Apple juice loads 114 calories and 28 grams of carbohydrates. These figures come from data on an 8-ounce glass of juice. Most people don’t stop with an 8-ounce glass. It is common to see people using a 12- or 16-ounce glass. That means you consume 1.5 to 2 times those calories and carbohydrates in a single glass. That is not a good thing to do if you have type 2 Diabetes.

The second major deficiency with fruit juice is that is has little to no fiber. With fruit juice, the body converts it to glucose rapidly. With a whole piece of fruit, the sugars go down with fiber mixed in. That fiber helps slow down the absorption of the glucose. While those with type 2 diabetes need to watch whole fruit consumption, it at least comes with a built in glucose regulator. Whole fruit also helps with portion control since one apple is a serving instead of consuming more than one serving of juice.

When is drinking fruit juice a good idea if you have Type 2 Diabetes? It makes a great way to boost glucose levels quickly if you have a hypoglycemic episode. At that point, you need the quick conversion of glucose. Using it every day requires thinking and portion control. Try drinking a small glass in combination with other foods to help regulate glucose levels. Don’t take it off the menu: just use it wisely.

By
Dr Michael Hutch
 

   Diabetes Type 2 Blood Sugar

Type 2 Diabetes – And Hypoglycaemia !

Many people with type 2 Diabetes hear about hypoglycaemia. Just what is hypoglycaemia in the first place? That is the term used by medical professionals for when your blood  glucose levels fall too far. The condition often develops suddenly. Most often, people can eat a glucose rich food and the symptoms alleviate quickly. If the symptoms are more severe, the symptoms can become progressively severe. It starts as a mild feeling of light-headedness. It can progress to confusion and fainting. In the worst cases, patients can have seizures, slip into a coma, or even die. It is important to recognize the symptoms quickly to avoid these complications.

If you have Type 2 Diabetes, how do you know you have hypoglycaemia? Light-headedness is a common symptom. Others include hunger, shakiness, dizziness, confusion, anxiety, sweating, nervousness, and even difficulty speaking. If it happens during sleep, you may wake up feeling irritable or find your pajamas damp with sweat. If you experience any of these symptoms, do a reading of your glucose levels. If the levels are too low, ingest some glucose-rich food or beverage to boost them. Check levels again in about an hour to see if there is any improvement. If nothing gets better, consult a doctor immediately.

What can cause hypoglycaemia in those with type 2 diabetes? Some medications taken for Diabetes can affect the levels of blood  glucose. The most obvious is insulin. Taking too much insulin can cause too much glucose conversion too quickly. Other medications focus on increasing production of insulin in the pancreas. If this hits too quickly, it can cause glucose levels to drop as well. Skipping meals or waiting too long to eat can cause a drop. Exercising more than usual will have the same effect. Drinking too much alcohol can cause reactive hypoglycaemia where the pancreas creates too much insulin in response to too many carbohydrates hitting the system at once.

How do you avoid hypoglycaemia? Make sure you thoroughly understand how much medication to take at certain times. If your timing is off, it can lead to a glucose drop. Make sure your food program includes a wide variety of foods. Eating at regular intervals is important for keeping glucose steady. Monitoring glucose before and after exercise is also important. Keep glucose rich snacks available to combat a drop. Drinking alcohol, especially in excess, is not a good idea. Taking precautions to prevent low blood  sugar will help you manage your type 2 diabetes better.

By
Dr Michael Hutch
 

   Type 2 Diabetes Weight Loss

Type 2 Diabetes - Benefits of Losing Weight ?

How does losing weight help regulate your type 2 Diabetes? The main reasons for type 2 diabetes are obesity and lack of physical activity. If you are carrying any excess weight, you are likely already forming insulin resistance. Insulin resistance is one of the main reasons why people develop diabetes. Extra weight means your glucose levels are likely starting to rise very slowly. Most people don’t know they have the disease until it’s too late. Even after a diagnosis, weight continues to be a problem in managing glucose levels. It can be more difficult to deal with for some people.

Many people can reverse insulin resistance before Type 2 Diabetes develops. However, that requires making the changes necessary before anything serious happens. Weight loss is the key to making this work. Losing weight lowers insulin resistance. Exercise diminishes the condition. Both of these combined help people at risk of developing the disease avoid it all together. The more you exercise the less insulin resistance is likely. The more weight you lose the more insulin resistance drops. It is important to recognize that you are at higher risk for Diabetes if you have too much weight to carry.

Even after a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes, it is important to lose weight as well. Insulin resistance also falls for those with diabetes. That helps with glucose regulation. There are additional benefits though. Diabetes brings greater risk of developing heart disease. Losing weight helps lower the risk of heart attack and stroke. Exercise helps keep blood  pressure under control, helps improve sleep and improves mood. All of this helps keep a Diabetic healthier and happier over the long run.

How much weight do you need to lose in order to impact your type 2 diabetes? By just losing five to ten percent of your body weight, you can improve your chances of maintaining control. For someone with a weight of 250 pounds (113 Kilograms), that means losing 12 to 25 pounds (6 - 12 Kilograms). Of course, losing more is better. Nevertheless, losing some is better than none. Some people can manage their Diabetes without insulin injections or medications by losing weight and exercising. Even if they do not avoid the insulin or medications, they likely delay the need for it. Many have lowered their amounts of insulin and medications because of losing weight. What are the benefits of losing weight? The question is what are the benefits of not losing weight? The answer is none.

By
Dr Michael Hutch
 

   Managing Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes - Best Exercises !

Exercise is a vital component to getting your type 2 Diabetes under control. Exercise helps regulate blood  glucose levels and helps lower insulin resistance. It also helps with weight control, which is great for those with diabetes. However, exercising requires using your head before your body. Some exercises may not be good for some people with diabetes. Let’s look at the general question of what form of exercise is good for diabetes and then at which ones you might need to avoid.

Walking is by far the best exercise for people with type 2 diabetes. Someone built your body to walk. There is no special contorting or worrying about form. It is low impact, which means your feet, and knees are safe. You can do it without investing in expensive equipment or memberships. Do invest in a good pair of shoes however. You can do it any time of the day just about anywhere. You can walk around your building at work. You can walk around the block at home. You can walk around the mall when shopping. It is easy and natural. It doesn’t require a great deal of thought or planning.

Studies show that combining strength training and cardio helps control Diabetes better than doing one or the other by itself. However, doing one or the other still has a great affect on getting glucose levels under control in people with type 2 diabetes. Cardio exercise requires the body to use the glucose that is floating around as energy. It helps lower blood  pressure and makes your heart and lungs stronger. Strength training doesn’t have an immediate effect on the blood glucose levels. However, the more muscle you build the more glucose your body will use. This makes both forms of exercise good for Diabetics.

People with Type 2 Diabetes need to monitor how their body reacts to any form of exercise. Doing exercise at higher levels or for longer periods can lead to a sudden drop in glucose levels. Wearing the right shoes and socks is important to avoid any problems with the feet. If you have not exercised in a long while, start out slow and allow your body to adjust to the new movements. With time, your stamina will increase. The exercises to avoid may seem strange. They include diving, parachuting, and mountain climbing. The changes in elevation can affect blood glucose levels dramatically. If you want to do them, make sure you have a companion with you.

By
Dr Michael Hutch
 

   Controlling Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes - How Much Exercise ?

You have type 2 diabetes. Your doctor advises adding exercise to your daily routine to get your glucose levels under control. The question then becomes how much exercise do you need to do? According to experts, exercising about 30 minutes each day, five days a week should be enough to impact your Diabetes in a positive way. For some people, that may sound like too little. For others, it may sound like a lot. If you haven’t exercised in a long time, taking that much activity on at once might be too much. It is important to exercise smartly to get the best results for your disease.

For someone just diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes, going slow is likely a good idea. Your doctor should clear you before you begin any exercise routine any way. Some exercise can affect your glucose levels. Your doctor will likely give you a list of do’s and don’ts. Follow his advice for the healthiest outcome. However, you must start being your own advocate. That means, once your doctor gives you clearance for exercise, be proactive. Take readings before and after an exercise session. You may find some exercise lowers glucose rapidly while others do it moderately. A walk may be better than a run. A simple weight lifting routine may be better than a full-blown machine workout.

You also need to choose your exercises carefully with type 2 diabetes. Studies show that mixing an aerobic routine with a strength training one gives better results than doing either one exclusively. Mix up how you exercise to avoid boredom from the monotony. Many people attend a class once a week or join friends for a walk once or twice a week. Working out with someone is a built-in motivation tool for some. Even doing work around the house and yard can count towards upping your physical exertion levels.

Remember, you can begin slow at first and work up to the doctor’s recommendations. Taking a ten-minute walk three times a week is one way to start. Gradually increase the length and frequency of the walk. For any exercise on your feet, make sure you have the right shoes. With the circulation and nerve issues that type 2 diabetes can facilitate, the right shoes are essential. Choose the right exercise and make it part of your everyday routine. That way, your doctor won’t have to up your medications or put you on insulin.

By
Dr Michael Hutch
 

   Treatment For Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes - Exercise Lowers Raised Blood Sugar !

Exercise is a great way to regulate your blood  sugar without medications or insulin. Many people find they can manage their type 2 Diabetes without medications for many years. However, to get that level of success, it requires adopting the right changes to lifestyle. That includes adding exercise to your daily routine. Exercise brings many benefits to those with diabetes. Without this form of personal self-treatment, your prognosis for long-term success at managing your disease is very dim. With it, your chances for long-term success raise dramatically.

The most significant benefit of exercise to those with type 2 diabetes is the fact that exercise lowers the amount of glucose in your blood . Your muscles burn extra glucose as part of dealing with the increase in energy needs. Exercise also lowers your resistance to insulin. That resistance is what causes the increased levels of glucose in the blood. For those with full diabetes, exercise can help lower the amount of medications and insulin required to manage the disease effectively. That also means that it helps delay or prevents the severe complications that may happen as the disease progresses.

For those with pre-diabetes or a high risk of developing it later in life, exercise can help delay or prevent the onset of Type 2 Diabetes. Obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and family history of the disease can be the ticket to getting the disease in the first place. The family history you have no control over. However, the first two you do. Exercise is a great way to start burning calories and losing weight. It also moves you out of the sedentary category of people. If you have any thought that you might get Diabetes later in life, get up and start moving as soon as possible. It might save your life.

Exercise is great for those with type 2 diabetes since it helps alleviate or prevent other diseases closely associated with it. The most significant example is heart disease. Exercise will lower your cholesterol numbers and blood pressure levels. It also improves circulation to the limbs, which can help prevent amputations later in life. An added benefit to everyone is that exercise improves stress and can help with depression and anxiety. Diabetics can affect many parts of your life. However, you can have an effect on it instead. Exercise will help you stay healthier longer. That means you get to enjoy life longer as well.

By
Dr Michael Hutch
 

   Living With Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes - Equipment You'll Need !

In order to manage your type 2 diabetes, you will need to acquire some equipment and supplies. A glucose meter is the first piece of equipment to consider. This will help any Diabetic monitor their glucose levels regularly. This is important whether you regulate your condition with exercise and Diet, medications or insulin. You need to know when your glucose levels go out of the normal range so you can take action to get them back into check. There are dozens of models on the market. Some are very simple. Others will almost regulate your glucose levels on autopilot. You will likely need to keep test strips around as well.

Many people with type 2 diabetes need medications and insulin. If you need to inject insulin, this opens up another range of equipment. Syringes are the most basic way to get insulin into the body. However, you also need to carry sterilization pads to wipe the area. Having a special bin to dispose of needles is a good safety precaution. To improve on this, insulin is also available in pen form or as an inhaler. Some people use insulin pumps that connect directly to the body through a shunt. These deliver insulin without the need for injections. They are perfect for children and teens or for anyone that has trouble with injections. Traveling kits with insulin and medications are a good investment if you ever plan to leave the house.

What other equipment might you need with Type 2 Diabetes? Shoes come to mind. With the possibility of developing neuropathy and circulation problems in the feet, getting good shoes is vital. There are specials shoes made to help Diabetics. There are also socks that help with these issues as well. Make sure you have a glucagon emergency kit near at all times. These kits provide emergency means of getting glucose into the blood  stream quickly when a hypoglycemic episode occurs. It is important to make sure your friends and family know how to use it.

Medical identification jewelry is another piece of vital equipment. If medical personnel know you have Diabetes, you will get treatment much quicker than if they have to run tests. That speed can be a matter of life and death in some cases. All of this may sound like a lot. Nevertheless, it is better to over prepare for eventualities than be left unprepared. That is important for anyone with type 2 diabetes.

By
Dr Michael Hutch
 

   Living With Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes - Emergency Supplies for my Trip ?   What Do I need ?

What does a person with type 2 diabetes take on a trip? Beside the bathers for the beach, other things do exist that Diabetics need to take when they travel. This is true for a trip to the grocery or to the beach for a week. A sudden drop in blood sugars can occur at any time. Being unprepared can leave you with severe symptoms and a trip to a strange hospital in a strange place. Try to keep to a regular schedule of eating to avoid problems. The first thing to pack is your glucose meter. Being on vacation doesn’t mean your Diabetes will take a break. In fact, it will likely react to the change in surroundings and routine.

People with type 2 diabetes need to wear a medical identification bracelet or necklace. This will help inform medical professional of the condition in case of an emergency. These identifications are useful wherever you go on vacation. Make sure you travel with glucose rich snacks at hand. If you feel a drop in blood sugar, you can eat the snack to get levels back into normal range. Make sure your traveling companions are aware of the condition. If you lose consciousness or cannot do things for yourself, they can contact medical help or help you with self-treatment.

People with type 2 diabetes need to prepare for any scenario while traveling. If you are insulin dependent, make sure you take it with you when you travel. Make sure you take extra in case you do not return when planned. Take all supplies you normally use in taking injections. This includes sterilization products, dressings, extra batteries, pump cartridges, etc. Carry a glucagon emergency kit with you as well to deal with emergency drops. All of this will help you be prepared for the just in case scenarios.

Make sure you carry medical information on you as well. This should include the name and contact information for your doctor. Make sure you have a close relative on the list as well. Don’t assume that medical personnel in a foreign land will understand English. Take along emergency information in the local language if possible. The best plan is not to travel alone if you have Type 2 Diabetes. However, if you do, prepare for anything to happen. It is better to over prepare than be caught without the supplies you need. Your life and health may depend on it.

By
Dr Michael Hutch
 

   Info On Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes - And Depression ?

Type 2 Diabetes does not mean that you will develop depression. However, people with diabetes are more likely to have depression than those without the disease. Research has not pinpointed why this is true. If your diabetes is not under control, some symptoms can look and feel like depression. However, that goes away with the right treatment and getting things back into normal parameters. Some people experience depression not related directly to their physical disease. That is the type of depression dealt with here. However, it is very important to rule out the physical symptoms first since they are signals of trouble in your management program.

Getting a diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes can be a shock to some people. Most people can deal well with the diagnosis, but some cannot. They find themselves fearful of dealing with life since they got the news. They want to sleep more and withdraw from normal daily activities. Those are sure signs that depression is moving in. It is important to take action to keep your diabetes in check. If depression gets in the way, you can face long-term consequences. If the shock isn’t wearing off, ask your doctor for a referral to a good therapist. They can help you work through the emotions and relieve the depression.

Depression related to type 2 diabetes can happen throughout the disease. Diabetes is a progressive condition that normally worsens over time. The first time your doctor puts you on a medication or insulin you may feel a smack in the face. You may have been doing well in managing your disease but see that medicine or insulin as a major defeat. That can hit some people very hard. That is another time to seek professional therapy if you find it difficult to deal with.

Depression is not something to ignore with type 2 diabetes. Any change in emotions can manifest in poor control of the disease. Not eating can wreak havoc on glucose levels. Eating too much can have the same effect. Depression causes people to want to drop daily activities and sleep more. All of this is dangerous for people with such a serious condition. It is important to keep on top of the disease. It is important to say healthy both physically and mentally. This means putting aside your fears of speaking with a mental health professional. This means being brave enough to manage your disease.

By
Dr Michael Hutch