Tag: diabetes

Diabetes generally runs in families. That makes a lot of people wonder – is diabetes genetic? Gain clarity on this subject by reading on.

There is no right and wrong answer to the question above as other factors such as diet, lifestyle, and overall environment also play a major role in whether you will get diabetes or not. For most people who have diabetes, it is caused due to a combination of environmental and genetic factors.

November – Diabetes Awareness Month

November is known as National Diabetes Month. It is a time when communities across the country come together to bring attention to diabetes. The focus this year is prediabetes and steps one can take to prevent the disease.

Prediabetes is a serious health condition that is indicated by higher blood sugar levels (not high enough to indicate diabetes 2). As per a report published by CDC, 1 in every 3 US adults is struggling with prediabetes. The majority of the people go about their everyday lives without realizing that they have it. With the right information and a few lifestyle changes, it is possible to reverse prediabetes and prevent type 2 diabetes.

Family History and Risk Factors Related to Type 1, 2, and Gestational Diabetes

The role of genes in diabetes is linked with the type of diabetes. Here is some insight:

Type 1 Diabetes

When your natural immune system destroys the cells in the pancreas that are responsible for making insulin, it is termed Type 1 diabetes. People with type 1 diabetes have to inject insulin to replace the natural production of insulin in their bodies. Type 1 diabetes affects nearly 5 percent of individuals and usually appears in childhood or early adulthood. Autoantibodies that attack the insulin-producing cells can be detected years before Type 1 Diabetes is diagnosed.

This is found to be more common in ethnic groups. Research shows that individuals who have a family history of type 1 diabetes might be predisposed to developing it. The inheritance pattern is still unclear at this point. Nutritional infancy might also play an important role in diabetes type 1.

Type 2 Diabetes

This particular type of diabetes is caused when your body fails to produce insulin properly. In the case of diabetes type 2, your body is still producing insulin, but it isn’t enough to keep the blood glucose at normal levels. About 90 to 95 percent of diabetic patients are impacted with type 2 diabetes. It is most common in people who are 45 years of age or above.

One of the major factors that lead to type 2 diabetes is being overweight or obese. Anyone with a BMI of 25 or above is at a higher risk. Cardiovascular diseases, depression, PCOS are also associated with type 2 diabetes.

While obesity and other factors play an important role, type 2 diabetes is also caused by genetics. If you know someone with type 2 diabetes, chances are they have some people in their family struggling with the same condition. The disease is not caused by genetic variation alone. Diet, lifestyle, and exercise also play very important roles.

Gestational Diabetes

During pregnancy, women can develop a certain level of insulin resistance to ensure enough glucose is being provided to the fetus. This phenomenon is termed gestational diabetes. With that being said, most women will not develop the condition. The women who do develop gestational diabetes have at least one close family member who has had gestational diabetes. Other factors such as diet, exercise, and other lifestyle factors also come into play.

Primarily the condition is caused due to high blood pressure, which is fairly common in pregnancy. With the maternal age increasing, gestational diabetes impacts nearly 14 percent of all pregnant women.

Is Genetic Testing Useful?

This question has remained a mystery for so many years. Let’s dissect why? Genetic mutations impact the function of a protein that is responsible for the production of insulin. Genetic testing is able to identify this mutation in certain cases. The information provided from the test is rarely useful and depends on the fact that whether the patient is dealing with monogenic or polygenic diabetes.

Monogenic Diabetes

Nearly 4 percent of diabetic patients have monogenic diabetes, which results from the mutation of a single gene. It is easy to pinpoint and can be tested for one single gene. The two most common monogenic diabetes forms are MODY and NDM.

Polygenic Diabetes

Most people struggling with type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes are polygenic, meaning that multiple genes are involved. Hence, the effectiveness of genetic testing is quite limited. You won’t be able to see if you have a chance of developing a disease or not.

Preventing Diabetes

Now that we have learned that genes and lifestyle factors play a fairly crucial role in diabetes, we can control the lifestyle aspect. Here are a few tips that can help prevent diabetes:

• Try to eliminate unnatural sugars and white carbs from your diet. Replace them with healthy alternatives. These days you can find a healthy option for nearly anything.
• Exercise regularly. You don’t have to hit the gym every day. Walk, jog, play sports, dance, or do any form of activity that you enjoy.
• Choose water over other drinks every single time and say no to juices, sodas, alcohol, etc.
• Keep your weight in check. You don’t have to be model thin but staying within your healthy BMI range always helps.
• Quit smoking as it is generally bad for your health and can certainly play a role in diabetes and other diseases.
• Eat everything but in moderation and watch your portion sizes. Eat small frequent meals throughout the day.
• Say no to sedentary behaviors. Take stairs instead of the elevator, walk during your work breaks, try to do the house chores by yourself, etc.
• Focus on eating a high-fiber diet.
• Get regular checkups and do not skip them.

Final Takeaway

Diabetes is oftentimes a mix of genes and a bad lifestyle. By leading a healthy lifestyle, the risk can be greatly minimized. Once you are diagnosed with diabetes, it is important to listen to your doctor and take all your meds on time to lead a healthy life. This can include taking the best supplements.

CONTACT US TODAY!

Approximately 88 million Americans have pre-diabetes, but can pre-diabetes be reversed? Can you avoid Type 2 Diabetes and other health issues?

Do you find it hard to quench your thirst? Do you make frequent trips to the bathroom, even during the night?

These are signs that you potentially have pre-diabetes, a disorder affecting more than 88 million Americans. Statistics show that those with pre-diabetes, who continue living an unhealthy lifestyle, will likely be diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes within ten years.

Someone with Type 2 diabetes will tell you they wish they had made better choices when diagnosed with pre-diabetes. This is because treatment becomes more intense due to the increased risk of adverse health events like stroke or heart attack.

The good news is that pre-diabetes can be reversed. This means you can take steps to avoid further health-related issues by making a few changes in your life. We discuss these simple changes below. But first, let’s better define pre-diabetes.

What is Pre-Diabetes?

Pre-diabetes is a serious health condition. It is the period leading up to Type 2 diabetes. During this time, your blood sugars are higher than average but not yet high enough to be diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes.

Pre-diabetes is a critical period, a time in which simple life changes offer significant health benefits. Some of these simple lifestyle changes are listed below.

1. Check Your Blood Sugar Levels Daily

There is a simple way for you to know how high or low your blood sugar is, and that is to check them using inexpensive tools you can find at your pharmacy.

Your pharmacist can help you pick the right machine and method for your lifestyle. Modern advancements in the way a person can self-test blood sugar have made it quick and easy. They have made the process of pricking your finger gentle, and there are programs to help monitor your numbers via Bluetooth connection to your smartphone.

You can even set reminder alarms so you don’t miss a test.

Checking your blood sugar levels daily can help you reverse pre-diabetes because if your numbers are high, you can immediately implement changes that will lower them within hours. The key is knowing your numbers.

2. Know Foods That Raise and Lower Blood Sugar

You may have already made the connection; the more sugar you eat, the higher your blood sugar levels with rising.  You can do a simple at-home test using your blood sugar monitoring system. After eating a high sugar meal, test your blood sugar. Compare that to the results you get after eating a low sugar meal.

Keep in mind that sugar comes in many forms. Work with your pharmacist or a registered dietician to gather information on which foods have the highest amounts of sugar. You will also learn that carbohydrates when processed by the body, turn into sugar. This means foods containing high amounts of sugar, and high amounts of carbohydrates will raise your blood sugar.

To reverse pre-diabetes, eat foods low in sugar and carbohydrates. You don’t have to give up everything you love, however. Many foods, even sugar-free and carb-free, that you can eat to replace the unhealthier versions.

3. Exercise to Reduce Pre-Diabetes Risk

When you hear the word “exercise,” you may picture yourself trying to train for a marathon or lifting weights like a powerhouse in the local gym.

Exercise to reverse pre-diabetes does not have to be this strenuous. Daily walks of 30 minutes or less can lower blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol associated with diabetes in what is called metabolic syndrome.

The key to exercising is to find an activity you enjoy, something that raises your heart rate, but that is also fun. Ideas can range from gardening, riding bikes, and swimming to playing golf or yoga. Think outside the box when it comes to exercise.

4. Supplements to Lower Blood Sugar

There are specific supplements created just for lowering blood sugar. Your pharmacist may even be able to compound a supplement based on your particular needs. Most pharmacies have a section in their retail space for diabetic supplements. You can take these to help reverse your pre-diabetic symptoms.

Other supplements include vitamins and minerals like Vitamin D. In research, those deficient in this vitamin also had insulin resistance. B Vitamins are also essential in reversing pre-diabetes. It was discovered that those with diabetes who were prescribed Metformin were deficient in vitamin B12, specifically.

Magnesium and Iodine are minerals that can help you prevent the onset of Type 2 diabetes. Magnesium helps your body break down sugar. When low, your body struggles with insulin resistance. Iodine helps with metabolism and thyroid function.

Supplements should not be used alone, but with a plan that includes total self-care.

5. Mindfulness to Lower Blood Sugar

Mindfulness is not something you take, but a process that heals your body. It means finding ways to pay attention to your body’s needs, then addressing those needs.

Some popular mindfulness techniques include meditation or prayer, stress management, relaxation techniques like deep breathing, and acupuncture.

Through mindfulness, you may find implementing positive sleep habits is one of the best ways to start the journey of reversing pre-diabetes.

6. Sleep to Lower Blood Sugar

Many reports suggest sleep deprivation is linked to pre-diabetes, and that getting adequate sleep is a prevention method.

To get adequate sleep, develop good sleep habits. These can include turning off electronics while falling asleep, sleeping in a dark and quiet room, and sleeping on a comfortable mattress and environment. Furthermore, developing sleep habits means creating a routine that helps you fall asleep and wake up in a way that promotes positive mental and physical health.

Your body loves routines because they reduce stress and help set your biological circadian rhythm. The more structured your life, the better decisions you can make regarding food, exercise, supplements, and overall self-care.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are many ways to reverse pre-diabetes. Working with your pharmacist or doctor, you can get help on which medications, supplements, and activities will benefit you the most.

You can start today with a simple email or personal visit to your local pharmacy.

November is Diabetes Awareness Month. This month, we aim to provide more information on the disease including risk factors, symptoms, and prevention options. 

The Center for Disease Control reports one in ten Americans have diabetes. That’s over 34 million, and an estimated 88 million have pre-diabetes.

A disease affecting this many people is alarming. That’s why so many researchers and doctors are paying attention and taking action. One of the most critical steps in helping Americans combat this disease is education. This Diabetes Awareness Month, Burt’s Pharmacy strives to educate our patients on diabetes.

The more you know, the more powerful you become in prevention, intervention, and for some, a reversal of diabetes.

There are two main types of diabetes, Type 1 and Type 2, discussed below. But first, read about two crucial factors: insulin and glucose.

Insulin and Glucose Basics

There are a couple of essential processes that contribute to diabetes. One is how insulin works in your body. Insulin is a hormone that comes from the pancreas. The cycle begins when the pancreas releases insulin into your bloodstream. As the insulin moves around, glucose is released into your cells, preventing glucose buildup in your bloodstream and keeping your sugar levels low. The glucose or blood sugars become fuel for your mind and body once they enter your cells.

When you have Type 1 diabetes, your immune system attacks your pancreas cells that produce insulin. This means insulin cannot send sugars (glucose) into cells, and you experience sugar buildup in your bloodstream.

In those with Type 2 diabetes, your body’s cells become resistant to insulin and its ability to send sugar into your cells for energy. This resistance causes the pancreas to go into overdrive. It wants to make more insulin, but it cannot keep up. The sugars get stuck in the bloodstream, causing a buildup.

You may ask, how does a person get diabetes? The answer lies in risk factors that have been commonly found in those with the disease.

Common Risk Factors

For both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, there are risk factors that do not guarantee you will get diabetes. They mean you may be predisposed to the disorder.

Genetics can play a considerable role in Type 1 diabetes. If you are born with specific genes, you risk the chance of developing diabetes. Family history also plays a role. Many people diagnosed with diabetes have relatives who also have diabetes.

Genetics and family history are also risk factors for Type 2 diabetes. They are not the only ones, however. Weight is a significant contributor. The more fatty tissue you have, the more your cells become resistant to insulin.

Women who have a polycystic ovarian syndrome, having gestational diabetes, inactivity, poor nutrition, high blood pressure, and abnormal cholesterol levels can factor in developing Type 2 diabetes.

You should look for specific symptoms when trying to figure out if you should be tested for diabetes.

Symptoms of Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes symptoms include:

• Extreme thirst and drinking many liquids to try and satisfy that thirst
• Frequent urination
• Weight loss
• Blurred vision
• Sleepiness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Fatigue

Type 2 diabetes include:

all the above, similar to Type 1 diabetes. However, the longer you avoid controlling glucose levels with treatment, you can experience additional symptoms:

• Yeast infections
• Dark patches on your skin
• Neuropathy
• Foot pain

As time goes on, dark patches can spread and may appear in creases on your body like your armpits, groin, and around the neck. This condition is called acanthosis nigricans.

Because diabetes affects your immune system, infections become harder to fight. Besides yeast infections, conditions can include skin, vaginal, bladder, and other viral or bacterial infections.

Eyesight may worsen, and you face the chance of having irreversible nerve damage if your diabetes is not controlled. Wounds heal slower, and some people have lost extremities due to this disease.

There are many things you can do to prevent these negative symptoms or consequences from happening.

What You Can Do

The first step is to begin spreading awareness this Diabetes Awareness Month. If you are concerned, work with your doctor, or endocrinologist, to get an accurate diagnosis. Your physician should use lab work to help determine if you have diabetes. The Hemoglobin A1C test, fasting plasma glucose test, and an oral glucose tolerance test are among the most used assessments.

If you are diagnosed with diabetes, work with your doctor to develop a treatment plan, including medication. But medication alone will not work long-term. Your doctor will teach you how to monitor your blood glucose daily.

Your treatment plan will include lifestyle changes—specifically, diet and exercise. Working with a diabetes nutritionist is a great benefit that is often covered by your insurance. You can learn foods that help you control diabetes and foods to avoid.

Changing your diet is not always easy, especially if you have other family members who can eat junk food and not gain weight. But just because they don’t gain weight doesn’t mean they are at their healthiest.

If you can get your family and friends involved in diet and exercise changes, all of you will benefit. Support is key to successful lifestyle modifications. Your support team can include friends, family, doctors, counselors, and even your local pharmacist, who can provide a great deal of information on your type of diabetes.

If you learn you do not have diabetes or want to avoid the chance of getting diabetes altogether, there are preventative steps you can take now.

Prevention

There is no known way to prevent Type 1 diabetes today. But for Type 2 diabetes, there are many. If you are having symptoms and want to take action now to avoid complications later, be proud. You realize how vulnerable physical and mental health can be when it is not a priority. You can succeed in preventing a diabetes diagnosis.

Prevention truly is critical. Manage your weight with diet and exercise. If you are low in vitamins and minerals, ask your local pharmacist which supplements can help you get healthy. They can tell you the purest, most effective items.

Keep researching and talking to professionals to learn more about diabetes. Remember, knowledge is power, especially when it comes to your health.

This Diabetes Awareness Month, spread this information on diabetes to help keep you and loved ones safe and healthy.

Every year, the fourth Tuesday of March is Diabetes Alert Day. This day is meant to be a “wake up call” and provide awareness to those who may be suffering from undiagnosed Type 2 diabetes. This year, we are helping to bring awareness by explaining your risk of diabetes, and learning ways of prevention.

Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States, affecting almost as many people as Alzheimer’s Disease. In fact, around 10.5 percent of all American adults between the ages of 18 and 65 live with some form of the disease at any given time. Those numbers almost triple to over 25% after age 65.

Approximately 1 in 3 adult Americans over 18 is prediabetic at any time, too. This statistic is especially concerning because prediabetes can lead to Type 2 diabetes without treatment – but it can also be reversed if patients take the right steps.

It would be easy to assume that, because diabetes is so common, it is almost always quickly diagnosed. Unfortunately, the reality is much different. The CDC believes that around 7% of all diabetes patients go undiagnosed for years or are never even diagnosed at all – at least not until they suffer serious health consequences.

The rising need for diabetes testing and disease management has led to a number of awareness campaigns, including Diabetes Alert Day. In honor of this important event, we want to tell you what this day signifies and how you can stay well.

What Is Diabetes Alert Day?

Diabetes Alert Day is an American Diabetes Association (ADA) led event that takes place on the fourth Tuesday of March every single year. For 2020, it falls on March 26th. The campaign’s main goal is to raise awareness about undiagnosed diabetes and educate patients on how they can get tested for conditions like prediabetes.

The most important element of Diabetes Alert Day is the Risk Test. This questionnaire asks Americans seven questions to help them define whether or not they might be at risk for a diabetes diagnosis. A high score indicates that patients should schedule an immediate consultation with a medical professional.

The test also explains the significance of each answer and question and shows the user why it is included. This can be very helpful for people who might not otherwise understand medical jargon or technical information.

ADA Risk Test

While it is best to take the quiz directly from the ADA website, we will also provide you with an overview of the Q&A below. Please note that this is an extremely limited version by comparison – talk to your pharmacist if you have questions.

Feel free to print this test out and take it on paper if that’s easier for you. This may also be ideal for older relatives who do not have access to a computer.

 

How Old Are You?

• Less than 40 Years
• 40 to 49 Years
• 50 to 59 Years
• 60 Years and Older

 

What Is Your Gender?

• Woman
• Man

 

Do You Have a Mother, Father, Sister or Brother With Diabetes?

• Yes
• No

 

Have You Ever Been Diagnosed With High Blood Pressure?

• Yes
• No

 

Are You Physically Active?

• Yes
• No

 

What Race or Ethnicity Best Describes You?

• White
• Asian
• Hispanic/Latino
• Black/African American
• American Indian/Alaska Native
• Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
• Other/Not Provided

 

What is Your Height and Weight (BMI)?

You may choose to use the NIH’s BMI calculator if that’s easier for you. Otherwise, find your BMI by multiplying your weight by 705. Then, divide by your total height in inches. Take the final result and divide it again by your height in inches.

 

Example:
Patient: 150 lbs/65 inches tall

Calculation: [150 ÷ (65)2] x 703 = 24.96

 

Ht: ______________  Wt: ________________

 

BMI: _____________

 

If you choose to print out this page and fill it out, you should bring it to your pharmacist after you complete it. He or she can help you score your results to identify your risk factors.

Generally speaking, having a relative with diabetes, being overweight, being inactive, having high blood pressure, and being older than 50 all raise your risk for the disease. Certain races may also have a higher genetic propensity for diabetes, which could also increase your risk.

Why is High Blood Sugar Dangerous?

You might already know that diabetes raises your risk for high blood sugar. But do you know why high blood sugar is so dangerous?

Sugar, surprisingly, isn’t evil. In fact, our bodies literally require it for survival. Insulin, which is produced by the pancreas, changes the molecular structure of sugar. This allows cells all throughout the body to consume and use it in the production of energy and overall function.

Quite simply put, if you didn’t have any sugar in your body at all, you wouldn’t be alive. But sometimes, something goes wrong – usually in the pancreas (which is responsible for producing insulin). Sugar remains inaccessible to cells and builds up in the bloodstream to dangerous levels. Once this occurs, patients can suffer a long list of symptoms:

• Thirst
• Feeling “warm”
• Headaches
• Dehydration
• Vision problems
• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Sleepiness
• Confusion
• Seizures
• Death

In most cases, patients who are prediabetic or in the process of developing diabetes only experience mild symptoms. Over time, these worsen as cellular function begins to struggle. Chronic diabetes can eventually cause damage to nearly every area of the body, including the heart, lungs, liver, brain, kidneys, and nerves.

Diabetes is Preventable

If all of this information sounds rather dire, here’s a bit of good news: diabetes is, in most cases, preventable later in life. While Type 1 diabetes is essentially genetic, both prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes can be treated or even reversed if detected early. This is why the ADA promotes Diabetes Alert Day, and the Risk Test, in the first place – to prevent patients like you from unnecessary suffering.

Take the test today and judge your risk factors. Or, ask your pharmacist or care team to explore your risk factors and test you for this preventable disease. If you are diagnosed with some form of diabetes that cannot be reversed, early diagnosis treatment will help you live a full and healthy life with virtually no effect on life span.

November is American Diabetes Month, so this month we’ll discuss type 1 vs type 2 diabetes and the differences in their causes, symptoms, and treatment options.

With nearly 10 percent of the population being diagnosed with either type 1 or type 2 at some point in their lives, this is a topic best discussed far more often than just once per year.

In the pharmacy, we know just how important and valuable diabetes education can be, especially to patients and their loved ones. Understanding this frustrating disease and how to best manage it can ultimately become a matter of life or death because it either limits or empowers the ability to manage symptoms.

Yet, this knowledge cannot yet be considered “widespread.” The truth is that many people don’t even understand what diabetes really is, much less the differences between various types.

We’re making an effort to do our part by sharing this informative explanation and side-by-side comparison of type 1 vs type 2 diabetes.

What Is Diabetes?

Diabetes is an illness that causes the level of sugar in your blood to become too high. This almost always creates issues with your pancreas, which produces a substance called insulin to keep the amount of sugar in your body in check.

Sugar plays an important role in the human body: it gets converted to energy, which allows you to stay alert, awake, and functioning all throughout the day. Without it, you wouldn’t survive…but much like every other needed substance, too much of a good thing can be very bad – or even downright dangerous.

When your body fails to produce enough insulin, blood sugar levels rise. This may happen suddenly (often the case with type 1 diabetes) or slowly and chronically over time. Eventually, the amount of glucose in your bloodstream becomes so high that it starts to interfere with cellular function.

This can result in damage to virtually every part of your body – your skin, your eyes, your kidneys, your liver, your brain, and your heart. The longer blood sugar levels stay high, the greater the risk for harm.

What Exactly Causes Diabetes?

There’s a common misconception that diabetes occurs from eating too many sweets or ingesting too much sugar. While poor nutrition may speed the onset of the disease or even initially trigger it, it isn’t usually a direct cause.

Instead, when it comes to type 1 vs type 2 diabetes, genetics is the biggest predictor of what someone will be diagnosed with. The risk can also increase by:

• Being overweight, morbidly obese, or otherwise in poor shape
• Taking certain medications or suffering from repeated bouts of pancreatitis

There are also differences in the causes of type 1 and type 2 diabetes. We’ll talk a little more about them later on in the article.

Type 1 vs Type 2 Diabetes

The good news about diabetes is that it’s highly treatable, regardless of which diagnosis you receive. The invention of insulin in 1922 ushered in a new era for patients, saving lives and allowing people to live virtually free of the disease for the first time.

Since then, medicine has created a long list of treatments including:

• Oral medications
• Injectables
• Even implantable devices that regulate the pancreas

What Is Type 1 Diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes is the most severe and serious form of this disease. It is almost always due to genetics, and a patient’s diagnosis occurs very early in life. For this reason, it is sometimes referred to as juvenile diabetes in childhood. After a diagnosis of this form of diabetes, you will have it for life.

In type 1 diabetes, the pancreas produces little to no insulin right out of the gate, leaving the body almost or completely unable to control  blood sugar. If levels become high enough, patients experience:

• Ketoacidosis
• Seizures
• Coma
• Potential death

Type 1 diabetes can also cause sudden spikes or drops in blood sugar.

How is Type 1 Diabetes Treated?

Treatment for type 1 diabetes always includes insulin. This can be given by injection with a small syringe or via an insulin pump. Which is best depends on the severity of the illness and level of insulin still produced by the pancreas.

Lifestyle changes can also help patients control type 1 diabetes. While eating sugar doesn’t cause the illness, it can make it harder to control blood sugar; cutting back on processed foods and refined sugars may help with stability. There’s also plenty of evidence to show that exercise and sleep can make treatment for effective.

If medications and lifestyle changes fail to control blood sugar, or the pancreas fails entirely as a result of the disease, there are other options. Some patients may benefit from a pancreas transplant or the transplantation of islet cells from a healthy donor.

What Is Type 2 Diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes is a little bit different in that you can be born with it or acquire it later on.  In type 2 diabetes, the pancreas either doesn’t produce enough insulin or the body becomes resistant to the insulin it produces, making it less effective.

We still don’t conclusively know exactly what makes one person more predisposed to type 2 diabetes than another. However, the strongest research supports a genetic and environmental tie. Here, too, obesity, poor diet, lack of exercise, and a generally unhealthy lifestyle can increase your risk and/or worsen the illness.

Type 2 diabetes is typically less serious than type 1, but that doesn’t mean that serious side effects can’t or won’t occur. Left untreated, it can also lead to problems with nearly every organ in the body as well as exhaustion, weakness, dizziness, and slow healing or impaired immune function.

How is Type 2 Diabetes Treated?

Treatment for Type 2 diabetes depends on the severity of your disease and which symptoms you struggle with. Some patients may see a total resolution of symptoms just by losing weight, getting more exercise, and improving diet.

Others may require a more “hands on” approach including medications and/or injectable insulin. Regular monitoring is also critical to preventing the disease from spiraling out of control.

When medications are utilized, treatment generally starts with a drug like Metformin (also known as Glucophage). This drug helps to reduce blood sugar levels, but must be prescribed very carefully; it can cause side effects like hypoglycemia. If treatment with Metformin fails, doctors may opt to initiate insulin therapy instead.

Conclusion

There are differences, and similarities when it comes to type 1 diabetes vs type 2 diabetes, but if you or someone you love receives a diabetes diagnosis, take heart. By working closely with your doctors, living a healthy lifestyle, and taking any prescribed medications as per your doctor’s orders, the prognosis is very good.

We don’t have a cure for it just yet, but we’re coming closer and closer every single day.

Diabetes and fatigue are often experienced together, but do they always go hand-in-hand? Or, are there ways to reduce chronic fatigue if you have diabetes?

Studies show that patients who suffer from both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes frequently struggle with feelings of fatigue. This type of exhaustion goes far beyond feeling “a little sleepy;” instead, most patients describe it as feeling “tired to the bone” or completely wrung out and exhausted.

But what exactly causes these feelings – and is a diabetes diagnosis always synonymous with fatigue? We’ll tell you the answers in today’s post.

 

What Are the Causes of Diabetes and Fatigue?

The prospect of keeping up with your diabetes sure can feel mentally exhausting sometimes, especially when you’re newly diagnosed. But it can be hard to identify how much of the fatigue is physiological, emotional, or even drug-related.

Here’s the problem with figuring out the cause of fatigue in most diabetics. As a symptom, it can be a result of everything from poorly controlled blood sugar to the foods you eat and how they affect you.

While we can’t tell you exactly what’s causing your fatigue, we can help you better understand the most common triggers. Just remember that you are unique, and that means you shouldn’t try to self-diagnose; see your physician instead.

 

1. Mental Health Struggles

Some patients even experience fatigue secondary to mental stress caused by the stress of dealing with a chronic illness. In fact, there is a correlation between being diagnosed with diabetes and being diagnosed with other comorbid mental health problems.

Nearly all of the following can cause diabetes-related fatigue:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Panic
• PTSD as a result of medical trauma

 

2. Complications and Linked Conditions

In rare cases, fatigue may also be a sign that your diabetes is becoming worse or causing complications to other areas of your body. For example, patients who struggle with low kidney function from uncontrolled blood sugar may experience intense fatigue. This is a result of the kidneys failing to clear the blood of toxins.

There is also a risk for heart disease in patients with either subtype of diabetes. You should schedule an appointment with your physician immediately if you begin to:

• Feel breathless
• Have chest pains
• Have “spells” of dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting
• Heart palpitations

Don’t forget that diabetes is an endocrinological disorder, and the endocrine glands directly influence wakefulness and quality of sleep. Your diagnosis can also make it more difficult for your body to produce energy, which can have the added side effect of making you feel fatigued or exhausted.

Diabetes patients are also more likely to suffer from certain health conditions that cause fatigue, including thyroid disorders and anemia. These conditions can lurk under the surface for years until they finally become obvious after your doctor runs a general blood panel for another reason.

 

3. Medications

Medications prescribed for symptoms associated with diabetes can also cause fatigue. For example, the following often relate:

• Gabapentin, a nerve-blocking drug
• Metoprolol, a beta blocker

Sometimes, changing or adjusting dosages is enough to eliminate the exhaustion without limiting benefits. In other cases, medicines may need to be changed to a different drug altogether.

 

 

Fatigue Shouldn’t Be Your “Normal”

Fatigue itself can also make patients less likely to connect with care providers when they probably should. It is possible for exhaustion to become so common and so “normal” in day-to-day life that the patient simply begins to adapt to it at home.

This is exacerbated by the fact that most people assume fatigue is “just a part of the diabetes constellation of symptoms.”

But just because it is connected to diabetes doesn’t mean you have to suffer from it without ever finding a fix. Nor does it mean there aren’t any options to help you feel well again, either – you just have to reach out for help.

Ultimately, you should think of new fatigue as a warning sign, especially when it crops up suddenly and intensely.

• It means something is, or has, changed in your body; the symptom is trying to tell you something.
• Sudden, intense fatigue is often the very first symptom of uncontrolled blood sugar in patients who have maintained relatively stable control in the past.

Even if you have struggled with fatigue for years, and haven’t found many answers, you should still reach out to your care team about fatigue symptoms. New medications and treatments, many of which have been approved in the last few years alone, may be able to help you turn things around.

 

Lifestyle Changes May Help With Diabetes-Related Fatigue

For diabetic patients with chronic fatigue, lifestyle changes can often help to turn things around. This is especially true if there are no symptoms of poor blood sugar control and/or the patient has Type 2 diabetes.

• Don’t sweat the small stuff:

You can’t control everything in life – nor should you. Try to identify the things and situations that stress you out, and work on finding ways to reduce or eliminate that stress. Try yoga, deep breathing, Tai Chi or even just enjoying a favorite hobby now and again to help you relax.

• Consider psychotherapy:

Dealing with any chronic illness is hard, but diabetes can be especially frightening and frustrating. If you find yourself feeling helpless, depressed, or anxious nearly all of the time, consider seeing a therapist. It might seem strange to turn to emotional wellness to treat a physical symptom, but the better you can cope, the better you’ll feel.

• Work on weight loss:

Work on exercising, if it’s right for you and recommended. Being more than 30 pounds overweight can make it harder for you to control blood sugar levels and diabetes symptoms.

If you are significantly overweight, you may be experiencing fatigue because your muscles have to work harder to support you, too. Your care team can help you find ways to eat healthier and exercise without further risking yourself or exacerbating your condition.

• Get enough sleep:

Sleep on schedule whenever you can. Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, and have a nighttime ritual to help you wind down.

If you find yourself waking often during the night, or you wake up feeling unrested, talk to your doctor about testing for sleep apnea. This common symptom can interfere with your quality of sleep, as can some medications prescribed for diabetes symptoms.

• Stay hydrated:

Intense thirst can actually be a sign of high blood sugar levels, but not everyone experiences it. For those who don’t, dehydration can occur, and this can make you feel confused, foggy, or fatigued, too.

Keep a bottle of water by your side throughout the day and sip on it whenever you can unless your doctor otherwise indicates you should limit fluids.

 

 

Common Questions:

 

Conclusion

Overall, striving to live a healthy lifestyle, with lots of clean eating and exercise, is one of the best ways to feel more awake and alive. But it certainly isn’t always easy to get there, especially on your own without the right support.

Stay in contact with your care team, including your pharmacist, your endocrinologist, and your GP, regularly. If you have diabetes and fatigue, speak up and ask for help finding a solution. There is no reason to suffer in silence.

More than 100 million people in the United States suffer from diabetes or prediabetes, and many of these people have difficulty understanding which foods are healthy. So, what is the best diet plan for diabetics?

Keto. Atkins. The Meditteranean Diet. Gluten-free. Dairy-free. Vegetarian, soy-free, fruitarian, carnivore, Paleo…

No wonder diabetics are so confused about what they should eat. There are so many diets out there that it’s incredibly easy – and risky – to make the wrong choice.

So what’s the real truth about diet plans for diabetics, anyway? While every patient is different, we can confidently tell you that fad diets are almost never the answer.

Stop stressing about what you eat and learn to eat right from the experts at The American Diabetes Association.

From superfoods to the super harmful ingredients that increase blood pressure and sugar levels, we want to help you create the best possible diet plan for diabetics to live a happy, healthy life.

 

Ditch the Fad Diets

First things first: let’s get to the real heart of the problem. Fad diets don’t work for anyone, much less someone with a complex condition like diabetes. While you may lose weight initially, they are highly likely to have unintended consequences like:

• High cholesterol
• High blood pressure
• Unstable sugar levels

The real, simple truth about nutrition is this: a little bit of sensibility, and learning how to read labels to identify problem foods, goes a long way. Skip the high-sugar, high fat products with a ton of salt and stick with whole foods instead.

Your body will thank you!

 

The Best Diet Plan for Diabetics: Superfoods

Science tells us that some foods may not just be okay for diabetics – they actually serve as superfoods.

For the purposes of this article, a superfood is any food ingredient that provides a specific health benefit – blood sugar stabilization, lower cholesterol, or even lowered inflammatory response in the body.

Superfoods are actually the best type of diet plan for diabetics to use.

1. Beans:

Pinto, navy, black, and kidney beans aren’t just delicious; they also come packed with a heaping dose of critical vitamins and minerals. Their high fiber and protein count also makes them filling, meaning a burrito just might be enough to ward off cravings throughout the day.

Just be aware that they are carbohydrates, meaning you’ll need to count each ½-cup serving into your overall daily allotment.

2. Green Leafy Vegetables:

Spinach and chard and romaine, oh my! Dark green leafy vegetables pack a big vitamin punch; most contain vitamins A, C, E, and K, as well as iron and potassium.

Best of all, they are very low in carbohydrates, making them easy to work into your plan.

3. Sweet Potatoes:

Although they do contain more sugar than regular potatoes, these starchy vegetables are a good choice for diabetics with a sweet tooth.

They’re packed full of Vitamin A, C, and potassium, which can help boost your immune system and keep you well.

4. Blueberries, Strawberries, and Raspberries:

All of these fruiting berries contain sugar, but in moderation, they can help you get in your daily dose of vitamin C and K – both of which benefit blood sugar and clotting levels.

Avoid berry juices and stick with small handfuls of real fruit instead.

5. Oily Fish:

Salmon, sardines, mackerel, trout, and tuna are considered “oily” fish because they contain high doses of essential fatty acids.

These substances help the body clear toxins and may even play a role in stabilizing blood sugar levels, especially in type 2 Diabetes.

Grill or bake to avoid the carb load associated with breading.

6. Whole Grains:

Some diabetic patients worry about the carbohydrates associated with breads, but there’s no reason to be afraid.

In fact, whole grains, at least in moderation, can lower your risk for heart disease, a risk that’s naturally heightened by having Diabetes.

Try quinoa as a side or dig into some whole oats for breakfast.

 

 

The Worst Diet Plan for Diabetics

You know what to look for – what about what to avoid? Unfortunately, there are a lot of foods that should not be included in a diet plan for diabetics, and most fall into the “processed junk” category.

It’s okay to allow yourself a treat now and again if your care team okays it, but overall, these foods all contain high levels of sugar, fat, or sodium.

1. Trans or Saturated Fats:

Considered the “worst” of all the fats you can eat, these substances are linked to insulin resistance and cholesterol problems.

They may also increase inflammation and lower arterial flow.

2. Sugary Sodas:

Love fizzy drinks? You aren’t doing yourself any favors. Most pops and sodas contain up to 40 grams of sugar a can – not good for diabetics for obvious reasons.

Try flavored sparkling water or sugar-free sodas, like Fresca, instead.

3. White Bread:

It’s soft, it’s delicious – and it’s made that way because it contains a ton of fat and sugar.

The carbohydrate load present in white bread can send even the most stable Diabetics into a tailspin if they aren’t careful.

4. “Dessert” Yogurt:

Plain yogurt isn’t bad for you – and adding a few berries doesn’t hurt, either.

What you should try to avoid is junky dessert yogurts that contain up to 47 grams of sugar, syrups, or thick fruit preserves. Just skip it.

5. Sugary Breakfast Cereal:

Kids love them (and some young-at-hearts, too), but the reality is that sugary breakfast cereals contain a ton of carbohydrates and even more sugar.

Even Grape Nuts, which is branded as “healthy,” packs nearly 41 grams of sugar into just half a cup of cereal.

Add in the low protein offering and you have a recipe for poor sugar control.

6. Sugar “Alternatives” Like Honey, Stevia, and Agave:

It sounds logical at first: use naturally-sourced sweeteners to cut out processed foods. But these ingredients are, in fact, still sugars.

In fact, agave contains up to 17 grams of sugar per tablespoon, while white sugar contains just 12.

Sugar is sugar, and that’s really all you need to know.

 

 

The “Everyday Favorite Picks”

Now that we know about the bad and the good, what about the averages that sit between each end of the spectrum? There are plenty of good, healthy options to include in a diet plan for diabetics, including: non-starchy vegetables, low-fat protein sources, low-sugar fruits, healthy dairy, and even specially-made candies for indulging.

1. Non-Starchy Vegetables:

These include:

• Artichokes
• Bean sprouts
• Brussels sprouts
• Cauliflower
• Eggplant
• Cucumber
• Peppers
• Salad greens
• Tomatoes
• Turnips

These are included as they contain low levels of carbohydrates and healthy plant proteins. Aim for at least a few servings every single day to reap the benefits of fresh produce without throwing your sugar levels off-track.

2. Low-Fat Protein Sources:

Protein with low levels of fat is a great way to ensure you feel – and stay – full all day long. Try:

• Baked skinless chicken
• Shredded turkey
• No-sugar-added peanut butter
• Almond butter
• Eggs
• Lentils
• Hummus
• Falafel
• Tofu

3. Healthy Fats:

Non-saturated, non-trans fats are found in foods like:

• Avocado
• Low-fat cheese
• 80% cocoa chocolate
• Chia seeds
• Olive oil

Nearly all of these also contain essential fatty acids and high levels of protein, meaning you can eat them with confidence without worrying about trans fat overload.

Use EVOO in place of butter, and swap out avocado for mayo on sandwiches, to enjoy an indulgent meal without the high caloric load.

4. Low-Fat Dairy:

Let’s be honest, dairy is just plain delicious – but foods like high-fat sour cream and ice cream contain a lot of sugar and carbohydrates, not to mention a lot of fat.

Milk, cheese, and low-fat frozen yogurt are a much better choice for diabetics, especially if you’re trying to slim down.

5. Healthy Snacks:

Ditch the Doritos and soda; bring in toasted pita triangles and hummus instead. A handful of macadamia nuts is also a nice treat once in a while, too.

If you’re craving something sweet, try green apple smothered in natural peanut butter.

Can’t resist indulging in chips?

Make it popcorn with seasoning instead (just be sure to avoid high-fat, high-sugar products).

6. Special Candy:

Everyone should have a treat now and again, even diabetics. If you have a sweet tooth but struggle with sugar every time you indulge, there are special options made for diabetics that can help you meet both needs.

These sugar-free candies and chocolates taste every bit as delicious as their real counterparts yet provide a guilt-free option for healthy living.

 

Conclusion

Remember – the best diet plan for diabetics will always be tailored to your individual illness and your own personal needs.

Work with your care team and pharmacist to find food options you love and you’ll be more likely to stick to your diet long-term. You deserve to feel well at any age!