Tag: Blood Sugar Levels

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Reversing Diabetes – Can Diabetes be Reversed?

Anyone with diabetes or pre-diabetes wants to know the answer to this question: Can diabetes be reversed? Most medical experts are of the opinion that diabetes cannot be cured or reversed, but recent studies indicate that the condition can be controlled and the risk of complications can be lowered by keeping blood sugar levels as close to normal as possible.

Types of Diabetes

People with diabetes have abnormally high blood sugar levels. This may be because their body is not producing enough insulin, or they cannot properly use the insulin their body is producing.

Type-1 diabetes affects 5-10% of diabetics and is not reversible. In Type-1 diabetes, the person’s pancreas is not producing enough insulin, if at all. Insulin-producing cells in the pancreas are damaged and unable to produce this hormone.

Type-2 diabetes is more common and develops when the body loses its ability to process insulin correctly. This condition is also called insulin resistance. Obesity is the major cause of Type 2 diabetes. It can be controlled by medication but studies show that regular exercise and a healthy diet can help manage the symptoms of Type 2 diabetes even without medication.

Is There a Cure for Diabetes?

Diabetics and pre-diabetics are anxious to know if diabetes can be reversed or cured. While there is no cure for Type 1 diabetes, those with Type 2 diabetes are in a better position to control the disease. Insulin resistance manifested by Type 2 diabetes can be overcome by maintaining a healthy weight and by regular exercise. Controlling the symptoms, however, does not mean that the disease is reversed. If diabetics stop exercising regularly or go back to an unhealthy diet, their abnormally elevated blood sugar levels and other diabetic symptoms will return.

How to Manage Diabetes Symptoms

Obesity is a common cause of Type 2 diabetes because body fat causes an insulin imbalance. Those with excessive abdominal fat are more likely to develop diabetes. By exercising and limiting the consumption of carbohydrates, you can decrease fat and reduce blood sugar levels.

People who are prediabetic, or those with fasting blood sugar levels in the 100-125 mg/dL range, will find it easier to turn their blood glucose to normal levels. Those who are at risk of prediabetes or diabetes should eat a healthy diet that is low in sugar and carbohydrates and high in protein and fiber.

Most medical professionals agree that diabetes cannot be reversed or cured but the symptoms can be controlled by keeping blood sugar near normal levels. This can be done by medication, or by exercise and a diet that includes vegetables, fruits, whole grains, meats and dairy products. Maintaining a healthy weight is also important.

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Diabetic Breakfast Ideas: Breakfast Choices for Diabetics

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day yet it can also be the most neglected. If you have diabetes, it is a very bad idea to skip breakfast. The first meal of the day provides energy to get you going and helps keep your blood sugar levels within normal limits. Healthy breakfast ideas for diabetics can help you choose the right foods to eat and avoid those that can bring your blood glucose to abnormal levels.

Diabetic breakfast ideas are not too difficult to find because they are often the same as a healthy diet for non-diabetics. Those who have diabetes, however, should limit their carbohydrate consumption and avoid foods with high glycemic values because they can cause the blood sugar level to spike.

Healthy Breakfast Choices for Diabetics

When looking for diabetic breakfast ideas, be sure to avoid highly processed foods that are high in carbohydrates. Instead of white bread, opt for whole grain breads, oats, and whole grain cereals. These foods are high in fiber and have a low glycemic value. Studies have shown that they help reduce blood glucose levels significantly.

Foods such as eggs, meat, dairy products and poultry provide the protein you need. Some amount of fat is also important in your diabetes diet, but be sure to limit your fat consumption to avoid weight problems.

Ideas for a Healthy Diabetic Breakfast

Breakfast for diabetics does not have to be a bland or boring meal. With a little imagination, you can whip up a delicious breakfast that will provide the right balance of nutrients and calories. If you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, you can have a healthy breakfast of whole wheat toast with a teaspoon of margarine spread, egg or cottage cheese, oatmeal, and a small banana.

Another diabetic breakfast idea is whole grain bread with peanut butter, low fat milk, and some fresh fruits.

When planning breakfast, diabetic patients should always remember to keep an eye on their carbohydrate intake. High-carb foods quickly release sugar into the blood and this is not good for diabetics.

Breakfast can be hard to put together especially if you have to go to school or work early in the morning. But if you have diabetes, you cannot afford to skip breakfast. Plan ahead and find some healthy diabetic breakfast ideas that will help keep your blood sugar stable while giving you the energy you need for the day.

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Diabetes Testing Machine

Diabetes treatment is made possible by constantly monitoring blood sugar levels. Diabetic patients can do this at home with a diabetes testing machine or blood glucose meter that measures glucose levels in the blood. How often you need to check your blood sugar depends on your particular diabetes treatment and how well the condition is controlled. People with type 1 diabetes who take insulin may need to check their blood glucose level several times during the day, in which case a diabetes testing machine would come in handy.

The diabetes testing machine is also called a glucometer. Modern glucometers are now small enough to fit in the palm of your hand. Diabetes testing machines come with test strips, calibration solution and alcohol wipes. They can be stowed in their cases, making it easy to bring them with you when you travel.

Using a Diabetes Testing Machine

To test for your blood sugar level, a very small amount of blood is taken from your finger. Almost all glucometers use a test strip to absorb the blood droplet for the machine to analyze. The machine comes with a lancet device that makes a small incision in the finger to draw blood for testing.

Older models of diabetes testing machines took up to a full minute to analyze the blood sample, but newer models can get a reading in a matter of seconds. Newer models are also more sensitive and require only the tiniest amount of blood sample to get an accurate reading. Thus, it is possible to use a smaller lancet and reduce the discomfort of obtaining a blood sample.

Many modern glucometers these days are capable of recording up to 250 blood sugar readings, including the date and time when the reading was made. This feature allows you to keep track of your blood sugar levels for trending.

Types of Diabetic Testing Machines

There are many different makes and models of blood sugar meters but there are only two basic types. One is a small portable glucometer with test strips stored inside the machine. When the diabetes testing machine is switched on, a test strip is exposed through a small slot. The blood droplet is transferred to the strip for testing.

The second type of glucometer uses external test strips which are inserted into a slot in the machine for testing.

More recently, some manufacturers introduced diabetic testing machines that they claim are able to get a blood sugar reading without a blood sample. The device can be worn like a wristwatch to check your glucose level every twenty minutes. This type of bloodless diabetes testing machine is not approved by the FDA and cannot substitute for a standard glucometer.

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