I often teach patients who are referred to the diabetes self management program who have not exercised for most of their life. Age seems to be irrelevant since there are both young and old patients who do little physical activity besides sitting at their desk, computer or TV during the day.
During this week’s diabetes management training, I instructed a 62 year old male who has had type 2 diabetes for over 15 years and was never given the skills of diabetes education. He has always worked as a cab driver and did not have health insurance until the recent introduction of ACA insurance.
This week during diabetes self management sessions, I taught at least five patients from the ages of 38-75, both male and female, who were too frightened to eat anything after hearing about their type 2 diabetes diagnosis. They decided to consume only clear soups, chicken, fish and salads.
The most common long term complications of uncontrolled diabetes are well known. They include heart disease, heart attack, stroke, retinopathy (eye disease), nephropathy (kidney disease), neuropathy (nerve ending disease), erectile dysfunction, peripheral vascular disease and lower limb amputation.
The CDC reports that “more than 1/3 of Americans are currently obese with many more considered in the overweight category”. This comes as no surprise and it is well documented that obesity can increase the risk of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, type 2 diabetes, coronary disease, heart failure and strokes.
Kidney stone formation seems to be more prevalent during the summer season due to the weather being hot and dry. Many people suffer from dehydration during the summer months and dehydration can increase the risk of minerals to crystallize in the kidneys of certain individuals.
Parents are usually concerned that their children eat the right foods when returning back to a new school year. The lure of vending machines, student union stores and poor cafeteria choices may become a temptation. Discover 8 healthy back to school foods when you have diabetes that tastes great, too!
It is always in the best interest of a patient with diabetes to eat a well balanced diet with healthy food choices of a variety of vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins. This also includes eating on a schedule and not skipping any meals.
Summertime is here and it can be easy to stay well with a few tips to keep you focused on your general health and diabetes. Summer heat can be a big problem when you take diuretics or heart medicines which are common for people with diabetes. Uncontrolled blood sugars are more dangerous in the hot months […]
At ADW diabetes, we usually write about and recommend foods that should be included in your daily diet since they contain multiple nutrients and possible benefit in further controlling your blood sugars.