Diabetes: Fruits are loaded with natural sugar that may not affect your blood sugar levels

Diabetics are often advised to choose a healthy diet and lifestyle to control blood sugar levels. If left uncontrolled, diabetes may affect different organs of the body. Diet plays a significant role in controlling blood sugars. Many believe that diabetics cannot eat fruits. Firstly, diabetics can eat fruits in moderation as these contain natural sugar which is not harmful to your body. On the other hand, there are studies which highlight that eating certain fruits can help in controlling blood sugar levels. During the winter season, one of the commonly available fruits is guava. Many love eating guava and it is loaded with several health benefits. But then the question arises that is guava healthy for diabetics? Can it help control blood sugar levels? How many guavas can diabetics eat in a day? We have got all these questions covered in this article. Keep reading to know how diabetics can safely enjoy this winter fruit.

According to research published in the Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research, adding guava without peel to your diet can help improve blood pressure, blood sugars and serum lipid parameters. Further studies are being conducted to elaborate the relations.

Also read:These Leaves Can Lower Your Blood Sugar Levels Effectively; Learn How To Use Them

Bhakti Samant who is a chief dietician at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital comments, "Yes, someone with diabetes can eat guava. It does contain free sugars but has a low glycemic index which makes it a diabetes-friendly fruit. According to the study published in the Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research guava fruit without the peel is more effective in lowering the blood sugars than with the peel. Hence, a diabetic person should consume it without the peel."

Diabetes diet: Guavas without peel may help lower blood sugars, says studyPhoto Credit: iStock

"Ideally, the quantity can be decided by a dietician based on an individual's needs. One guava without the peel can be safely consumed by a diabetic in between the meal timings along with some nuts," she further adds.

Also read:Control Your Blood Sugar Levels With Kala Chana; What Is The Right Time To Eat And How

Diabetes can eat fruits in moderation to maintain healthy blood sugarsPhoto Credit: iStock

This winter delight can offer you some amazing health benefits. Guava can help you boost digestion, promote heart health and may support weight loss. It is also loaded with vitamin C that can give a boost to your immunity.

Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.

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Diabetes: Add The Goodness Of Guava To Your Winter Diet To Manage Blood Sugar Levels - NDTV

Abstract and Introduction Abstract

Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) has quickly spread, infecting and claiming the lives of many as healthcare professionals around the globe work tirelessly to treat patients who become infected. According to the American Diabetes Association, at this time, there are insufficient data to show if those with diabetes are more likely to become infected with COVID-19; however, those with diabetes have worse outcomes, such as higher rates of serious complications. This article discusses proposed mechanisms associated with increased risk of negative COVID-19 outcomes in patients with diabetes, comorbidities, and management of diabetes in patients with COVID-19.

Coronavirus disease 2019, or COVID-19, is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). It was first identified in Wuhan, China in 2019 and rapidly spread across the world such that it was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization on March 11, 2020.[1]

Since then, it has infected more than 5 million people in the United States, and the death toll continues to rise to more than 219,000 at the time of publication.[2] U.S. states that initially emerged as epicenters for COVID-19 were able to decrease community transmission with shelter-in-place orders, mandatory masks, and social distancing measures. COVID-19 can rapidly spread from person to person, through respiratory droplets produced through breathing, singing, talking, coughing, or sneezing. COVID-19 continues to be spread in the community in multiple states, prompting reversal of reopening plans.[3] According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), at this time, there are insufficient data to show if those with diabetes are more likely to become infected with COVID-19; however, those with diabetes have worse outcomes, such as higher rates of serious complications.[4]

It is known that older adults and those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart disease, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and obesity are at increased risk for severe COVID-19 requiring hospitalization.[5] With a long incubation time reported to be up to 24 days and both symptomatic and asymptomatic carriers able to transmit the disease, COVID-19 has proven to be highly infectious.[6]

At this time, there is no effective cure for COVID-19. The most common symptoms of COVID-19 include fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea.[7]

A multitude of medications to treat COVID-19 patients have been and continue to be studied in clinical trials around the world. Some medications include remdesivir, lopinavir plus ritonavir, tocilizumab, anakinra, as well as convalescent plasma therapy. Most patients receive supportive care, and those who become severely ill may require mechanical ventilation.[6]

Link:
The Effect of COVID-19 on Patients With Diabetes - Medscape

So many people have diabetesabout 1.5 million are diagnosed in the United States each year, and nearly 1 in 10 Americans have ityou'd think it'd be easy to spot. But although the condition is relatively common, many people go undiagnosed because the early symptoms can be vague, easily overlooked at first, or confused with other conditions.

Here from Eat This, Not That! Health are the first signals your body might send when you develop diabetes. Read on, and to ensure your health and the health of others, don't miss these Sure Signs You've Already Had Coronavirus.

A very common early sign of diabetes, increased thirst happens because diabetes causes sugar (glucose) to build up in the bloodstream. Normally, the kidneys process glucose, but when they become overwhelmed, the excess glucose is flushed out with your urine. Water from other body tissues is pulled along with it, leaving you dehydrated and craving fluids to replace what you've lost.

The Rx: Experts such as Harvard Medical School advise drinking four to six cups of water per day. If you're hydrating adequately but you've noticed an uptick in thirst, talk with your doctor.

In early diabetes, the body will increase urine production, attempting to flush out that excess blood sugar, and you might find yourself having to go more often. "It's important to know what is normal for your body," says Leigh Tracy, RD, LDN, CDE, a registered dietitian and diabetes program coordinator at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore. "The average individual urinates between seven and eight times per day, but for some, up to 10 times per day is normal."

The Rx: "If you are urinating more than your norm, and especially if you are waking up multiple times in the middle of the night to urinate, speak with your primary care physician right away," says Tracy.

Diabetes causes blood glucose to rise uncontrollably. At the same time, it prevents cells from using glucose for energy. That lack of energy can make you hungry.

Story continues

The Rx: "If you notice you're constantly hungry even though you have just eaten regular meals and snacks during the day, you should speak with your doctor," says Tracy.

RELATED: 7 Tips You Must Follow to Avoid COVID, Say Doctors

Because diabetes elevates blood sugar at the same time it prevents the body from using it for energy, that can make you fatigued. Frequent urination can also disrupt your sleep.

The Rx: There's a difference between tiredness and fatigue. Normal tiredness gets better after rest. But if you still feel worn out despite getting an adequate amount of sleep, it's worth discussing with your doctor.

According to the Mayo Clinic, high levels of blood glucose pull fluid from your tissues, including the lenses of your eyes. This can affect your ability to focus and cause blurry vision. Diabetes can also cause new blood vessels to form in the retinas, damaging established vessels. If those changes progress untreated, they can lead to vision loss.

The Rx: If you're experiencing any signs of diabetes such as blurred vision, it's important to see your doctor ASAP, and regularly if you're diagnosed. "Diabetes is a progressive disease, even in patients with excellent lifestyles," says Sarah Rettinger, MD, an endocrinologist at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, California.

Diabetes can make skin injuries, such as cuts and bruises, slower to heal. High blood sugar can stiffen blood vessels, slowing blood flow and preventing oxygen and nutrients from getting to cuts and bruises to heal them. Diabetes can also impair the immune system, slowing the body's natural repair processes.

The Rx: If you notice that cuts or bruises aren't healing as quickly as they have in the past, see your healthcare provider.

RELATED: Unhealthiest Habits on the Planet, According to Doctors

Losing weight without any changes in diet or exercise may sound great, but it's the definition of too good to be true: It can signify a serious health condition such as hyperthyroidism, cancer or diabetes. When diabetics lose glucose through frequent urination, they also lose calories. Diabetes may also keep cells from absorbing glucose from food for energy, and the body may begin to burn its fat stores as fuel instead. Both can result in weight loss.

The Rx: If you're shedding pounds without trying, see your doctor and ask if you should be tested for diabetes.

Diabetes can lead to a kind of nerve damage called neuropathy, which can cause tingling or numbness in your extremities like hands or feet. This is dangerous because numbness can make cuts or injuries easier to overlook, and because diabetes can cause wounds to heal more slowly, complications can result.

The Rx: Be aware of what's going on with your body, and if you're experiencing any unusual pain, numbness or tingling in your hands or feet, see a healthcare provider without delay.

RELATED: Simple Ways to Avoid a Heart Attack, According to Doctors

"People often have no symptoms of diabetes," says Kristine Arthur, MD, an internist at MemorialCare Medical Group in Irvine, California. "Sometimes they may notice weight gain, persistent hunger and increased fatigue associated with high insulin levels, but these symptoms can be present in other conditions, so it is important to have blood tests done to find out what is the cause."

The Rx: Have your HgbA1c (sometimes called "A1c") levels checked with a blood test every year during your routine checkup.

And to get through this pandemic at your healthiest, don't miss these 35 Places You're Most Likely to Catch COVID.

See more here:
Early Signs You Have Diabetes, According to Doctors - Yahoo Lifestyle

This article was originally published here

Eur Heart J Qual Care Clin Outcomes. 2020 Dec 22:qcaa095. doi: 10.1093/ehjqcco/qcaa095. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: The impact of diabetes mellitus (DM) on outcomes of lower extremity revascularization (LER) for peripheral artery disease (PAD) is uncertain. We characterized associations between DM and post-procedural outcomes in PAD patients undergoing LER.

METHODS: Adults undergoing surgical or endovascular LER were identified from the 2014 Nationwide Readmissions Database. DM was defined by ICD-9 diagnosis codes and sub-classified based on the presence or absence of complications (poor glycemic control or end-organ damage). Major adverse cardiovascular and limb events (MACLE) were defined as the composite of death, myocardial infarction, ischaemic stroke, or major limb amputation during the index hospitalization for LER. For survivors, all-cause 6-month hospital readmission was determined.

RESULTS: Among 39,441 patients with PAD hospitalized for LER, 50.8% had DM. The composite of MACLE after LER was not different in patients with and without DM after covariate adjustment, but patients with DM were more likely to require major limb amputation (5.5% vs. 3.2%, p < 0.001; adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.22, 95% CI 1.03-1.44) and hospital readmission (59.2% vs. 41.3%, p < 0.001; aOR 1.44, 95% CI 1.34-1.55). Of 20,039 patients with DM hospitalized for LER, 55.7% had DM with complications. These patients were more likely to have MACLE after LER (11.1% vs. 5.2%, p < 0.001; aOR 1.56 95% CI 1.28-1.89) and require hospital readmission (61.1% vs. 47.2%, p < 0.001; aOR 1.41 95% CI 1.27-1.57) than patients with uncomplicated DM.

CONCLUSIONS: DM is present in 50% of patients undergoing LER for PAD and is an independent risk factor for major limb amputation and 6-month hospital readmission.

PMID:33351089 | DOI:10.1093/ehjqcco/qcaa095

Originally posted here:
Diabetes Mellitus And Outcomes Of Lower Extremity Revascularization For Peripheral Artery Disease - DocWire News

Now, an 18-year-old freshman at Concordia College, Danika always has sugar and water with her, and wears an insulin pump to keep her alive. She needs to continuously monitor the pump all day.

"I check it a couple of times an hour, and every time I eat, Danika said. Its scary that something could go wrong if Im not careful. Its always in the back of my mind, I could die if I dont manage it.

On top of all that, even after insurance, the insulin is extremely expensive and costs thousands of dollars.

Its a huge financial strain, said Danelle Johnson, Danikas mother. We have cut back our family spending. Were funneling all our money to keep her alive.

Many people with diabetes have died in the U.S. because of the enormous cost of insulin. They couldnt afford the cost of the medication and they dangerously chose to ration it. Those were fatal mistakes.

There is price gouging taking place by the pharmaceutical companies. A $1,300 monthly supply of insulin in the U.S. only costs about $100 in Canada or Mexico. Alec Smith, 26, of Minneapolis, had to pay $1,300 a month in out of pocket costs for his insulin. Because he couldn't afford the exorbitant costs, Alec started rationing his insulin. Less than one month later, Alecs body was found alone in his apartment.

About eight states, including Minnesota, have passed legislation to provide financial assistance to diabetes patients. Now, its North Dakotas turn. The idea is to put a monthly cap on the cost of insulin and related supplies. The insurance companies would pay the difference. State Sen. Tim Mathern, D-Fargo, is proposing such a bill.

This legislation is necessary because each child or person with diabetes should have access to quality health care no matter their preconditions or financial ability, Mathern said. The problem is some families are unable to pay for treatment that their child needs, and as such, the life and death options are less than other children.

It is time for the North Dakota Legislature to pass this bill.

These people didnt decide to get diabetes, Mathern said. It gets down to each persons intrinsic worth.

The legislation is necessary because people are losing their lives because of the greed of the people in the supply chain, Danelle said. Theyre charging way more than it costs and people are dying. We have to find a solution. Its heartbreaking.

There are many diabetes patients in North Dakota, such as Danika Johnson. Its vital that we help them.

Its unfair to have something that we need to be so expensive. I wont be able to afford it, Danika said. It is life or death.

Shaw is a former WDAY TV reporter and former KVRR TV news director. Email jimshawtv@gmail.com.

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Shaw: ND should act now to reduce insulin costs - Grand Forks Herald

Flaxseeds are beneficial for diabetics.

Highlights

'Good things come in small packages'. This holds absolutely true for alsi (or flax seeds). The tiny seeds are big on nutritional value. They are packed with various nutrients, especially Omega 3 fatty acids and soluble fibres, making them an excellent food for diabetes diet as well as weight loss diet. 'Healing Foods' by DK Publishing House says, "Flaxseeds contain soluble mucilaginous (gum-like) fibres that have the ability to reduce bad (LDL) cholesterol in the blood, and regulate blood sugar level. Flaxseeds are also a good source of energy, so they keep you full and active."

Health experts suggest consuming a handful of raw flaxseeds every day. If you are not able to convince yourself to have them straight from the box, try this very popular winter-special food of alsi ladoo. This healthy dessert has been prepared for ages in Indian households as winter staple for good immunity, balanced blood sugar and controlled weight. Flaxseeds are combined with other healthy dry fruits and made into yummy desserts that you can gorge on, guilt-free.

(Also Read:11 Best Ladoo Recipes You Can Try At Home)

Promoted

Flaxseeds are rich in soluble fibres.Photo Credit: iStock

Alsi Ladoo I Flaxseeds Ladoo Recipe

Ingredients:

Flaxseed (alsi) - 1 cupWhole wheat flour (atta) - 1 cupSemolina flour (sooji) - 1/4 cupJaggery (gur) - Half cupGhee - 1/2 cupEdible Gum - 2 TbspCashew nuts - 5- 6Walnuts - 5-6Almonds - 5-6Raisins - 10-12Cardamom - 4, crushedRoasted Coconut powder - 2 tbsp

Method:

Step 1- Dry roast flax seeds on low flame. Grind it make powder when cooled down.

Step 2 - Chop all the dry fruits and roast them in some ghee in a pan. Keep aside.

Step 3 - In the same pan, heat some ghee and roast wheat flour and semolina flour. Add jaggery and crushed cardamoms and mix well till jaggery melts.

Step 4 - Take out the roasted flour and add some more ghee to the same pan. Fry edible gum in it. When the roasted gum is cooled down, crush it with the help of a rolling pin.

Step 5 - Combine all the ingredients together to make a dough-like mixture. Then make ladoos from the mixture and keep them aside till set.

Store alsi ladoo in an air-tight container for long life. Have one ladoo every day to please your sweet tooth and maintain good health during winter.

About Neha GroverLove for reading roused her writing instincts. Neha is guilty of having a deep-set fixation with anything caffeinated. When she is not pouring out her nest of thoughts onto the screen, you can see her reading while sipping on coffee.

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Flaxseeds (Alsi) Ladoo Is The Healthiest Dessert You Can Try For Diabetes And Weight Loss - NDTV Food

This article was originally published here

J Med Internet Res. 2020 Dec 21;22(12):e21328. doi: 10.2196/21328.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: A diagnosis of type 2 diabetes (T2D) results in widespread changes to a persons life and can be experienced as an assault on their sense of self. The resources available to an individual influence how the individual adapts to their diabetic identity and subsequently engages in self-care. Digital interventions can be viewed as a resource that people can draw on to adapt to the diagnosis. However, there is an indication that people from disadvantaged groups find digital health technologies more challenging to access and use, which may increase health inequalities.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to gain insights into how and why people with T2D use digital self-care technology and how experiences vary between individuals and social groups.

METHODS: A purposive sample of people who had used a digital intervention to help them self-care for their T2D were recruited for the study. Semistructured interviews were conducted, and data were analyzed thematically.

RESULTS: A diverse sample of 21 participants were interviewed. Participants used digital interventions to help them to understand and feel more in control of their bodies. Digital interventions were used by participants to project their chosen identity to others. Participants selected technology that allowed them to confirm and enact their preferred positive identities, both by avoiding stigma and by becoming experts in their disease or treatment. Participants preferred using digital interventions that helped them conceal their diabetes, including by buying discrete blood glucose monitors. Some participants used technology to increase their sense of power in their interaction with clinicians, whereas others used technology to demonstrate their goodness.

CONCLUSIONS: The technology that people with T2D have access to shapes the way they are able to understand and control their bodies and support preferred social identities.

PMID:33346733 | DOI:10.2196/21328

Original post:
Digital Health Interventions for People With Type 2 Diabetes to Develop Self-Care Expertise, Adapt to Identity Changes, and Influence Other's...