Showing posts with label Diabetes. Show all posts

Friday, 21 November 2014

Fats 101: 6 Types You Should Know

Posted by mewmew, on 22:23

Fats 101: 6 Types You Should Know

ADVOCACY Not all fats are created alike. In fact, there are 6 types of fat — some should be avoided, while others are needed in small quantities to promote better health.

Article By: Myopic jain

Fat is a nutrient that is needed in small quantities in the body. It plays a role in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (vitamins A, D, E, K), aids in the manufacturing of hormones, helps keep the body warm and adds cushioning to protect the body from being damaged from a simple fall.

Fat is also needed for stored energy. It provides 9 calories per gram, and therefore has more calories than carbohydrates and protein.

There are different types of fats, which include: saturated fats, trans fatty acids, cholesterol, monounsaturated fats, polyunsaturated fats and omega 3 fatty acids.

1. Trans fatty acids are a byproduct of the hydrogenation of oils. This process makes the fat more solid, saturated and more resistant to rancidity. Trans fatty acids raise LDL cholesterol and lower HDL. Avoiding foods with trans fatty acids is ideal. Foods high in trans fatty acids include baked goods and processed snacks (muffins, pastries, cookies, chips, cakes), stick margarines and shortening.

2. Monounsaturated fats are "good” fats as they help lower total cholesterol. Food sources include olive oil, peanut oil, canola oil, almonds, pecans, peanut butter, avocado and black olives.

3. Polyunsaturated fats (omega-6 fatty acids) may also help lower cholesterol levels. Sources include margarine, mayonnaise, walnuts, oils (corn, safflower, and soybean), salad dressing and pumpkin seeds.

4. Saturated fats may increase cholesterol levels. Foods that contain saturated fat include animal proteins (beef, hot dogs, sausage, bacon and poultry with skin), high fat dairy products (whole milk, cheese, butter), lard, cream sauces, palm oil, coconut and coconut oil.

5. Cholesterol is made in the body and also obtained from the foods you eat. Dietary cholesterol may raise blood cholesterol levels, so your intake should be less than 200 mg per day. Sources of cholesterol include high-fat animal proteins, high-fat dairy products, egg yolk, liver and other organ meat, and shell fish.

6. Omega-3 fatty acids have shown to help lower triglycerides and cholesterol levels and reduce the risk for heart disease. Fish and fish oils, such as wild salmon, herring, mackerel and sardines, are the best sources of these fats, as well as flaxseeds, walnuts and canola oil. The recommended intake is 1 to 2 grams per day.

Type 1 Diabetes: An Uphill Climb

Posted by mewmew, on 22:19

Type 1 Diabetes: An Uphill Climb

TYPE 1 DIABETES Professional snowboarder, Sean Busby, is urging others to take the T1D for a Day text challenge to find out what it's like to walk — or ride — a mile in someone else's shoes.

Article By: Myopic jain

I am one of millions of people who live with type-1 diabetes (T1D), and one of as many as 3 million people with the disease in the United States. Each of us – both children and adults – has a unique T1D story. Mine began in 2004 when I was a 19-year-old professional snowboarder, full of excitement as I focused on my dream of competing in the 2010 Olympics. It was a time when everything seemed possible, until my health began to quickly and mysteriously deteriorate. In July of that year, I was diagnosed with T1D, and my life changed completely. My snowboarding dreams seemed to drift further from reach as I was thrust into a confusing new world of constant blood glucose monitoring, multiple daily insulin injections, and endless carbohydrate counting.

A day in the life

HITTING THE SLOPES: Sean Busby, riding deep in some powder in the backcountry of Iceland's Northwest Fjords, March 2011. Photo: Rúnar Karlsson

My story is one of so many, but what we all have in common is a disease that is all too often misunderstood, and that requires an immense amount of hard work to manage. People with T1D are doing amazing things and living full lives, but most people don’t realize how difficult it can be to do so.

Throughout the month of November – National Diabetes Awareness Month – I’m honored to be a part of a challenge to help more people understand what it’s like to live with T1D. JDRF is providing the public a chance to step into my shoes for 24 hours and get a glimpse of what life is like for one of the millions of people living with this disease with the free T1D for a Day text challenge. Any day in November, text T1D4ADAY to 63566 and within the hour you’ll begin receiving text messages from me explaining in real-time the activities of my day and how they affect my blood sugar.

Riding high

I hope through this challenge, you will be motivated by the resilience and drive that emerges in people with T1D. After my diagnosis, I was inspired by the stories of persistence and perspective of children with T1D, and as a result I began to take back my dreams and help others by founding a nonprofit called Riding On Insulin that empowers others to pursue action sports with T1D.

HEADING SOUTH: Heading south: Sean Busby checking out the penguins in Antarctica, 2009. Photo: JDRF

Over the years, I’ve learned how to navigate the challenges of having T1D as a professional backcountry snowboarder – from maintaining my blood glucose levels in sub-zero temperatures to recognizing the unique impacts of altitude, humidity, climate, and adrenaline. On my website, my wife, Mollie, and I share our adventures in the hopes of encouraging everyone affected by T1D to keep dreaming big and living active lives.

Encouraging everyone affected by T1D to keep dreaming big and living active lives.

Turning type-1 into type none

We are making great progress toward ridding the world of T1D through research. Thanks to advancements by JDRF, the world’s leading charitable funder of T1D research, and scientists from around the world, people with T1D are living longer and healthier lives. Programs like the Special Diabetes Program (SDP), funded by the federal government, offer real hope of turning “type-1” into “type none” through life-changing treatments, prevention and eventually a cure.

We need as many people like you – whether or not you have T1D – on our side as advocates for continued funding by Congress of the SDP, so that critical ongoing trials can continue to make progress.

In the meantime, we must continue to spread awareness and ban together. By taking JDRF’s T1D for a Day challenge and sharing your experience with friends, you are helping to grow our community of support, and that is an integral part in the fight against T1D.

Artical Diabetes

Early Diagnosis: The Importance of Detecting Diabetes Promptly

Posted by mewmew, on 22:11

Early Diagnosis: The Importance of Detecting Diabetes Promptly

ADVOCACY With early diagnosis, the condition can be treated before dangerous complications, such as vision loss, develop.

Artical By: Myopic jain

Over 29 million Americans have diabetes. More troubling? Over 86 million have pre-diabetes.

Diabetes, a condition where the body doesn’t process sugar well, causing it to build up in the blood, can have dangerous complications including loss of vision, kidney disease and foot problems. The American Diabetes Association says the disease is the seventh leading cause of death in the country.

“Diabetes is an epidemic in the United States and it’s only getting worse,” says Dr. Jerome Sherman, Distinguished Teaching Professor at SUNY College of Optometry and in private practice at the New York Eye Institute and Laser Center. “If you’re young, born in this millennium, you have a one in three chance of developing diabetes.”

“Diabetes is like a time bomb with a long fuse.”

Many people don’t even know they’re at risk. Symptoms such as excessive thirst, frequent urination, extreme hunger and fatigue, often go undetected.

“If you catch it early, it’s relatively easy to take care of,” says Dr. Daniel Einhorn, Medical Director, Scripps Whittier Diabetes Institute and Clinical Professor of Medicine, UCSD. “If you don’t catch it early and you develop diabetes and its complications, then it very hard to turn back the clock.”

Detection is key

Early detection of this serious disease is essential.

“Diabetes is like a time bomb with a long fuse,” says cataract surgeon Dr. Robert Osher, professor of ophthalmology at University of Cincinnati and Medical Director Emeritus of Cincinnati Eye Institute. “But once the diagnosis has been established, our colleagues that manage diabetes can intervene and the ocular damage may be averted."

Patients need to know their risk factors including family history— obesity, especially in the abdomen, being over age 35, and having high cholesterol or high blood pressure.

Knowing blood sugar levels is important too. One blood test, A1C, measures an average blood sugar over a three-month period. Still getting a blood test to check for diabetes isn’t happening as much as it should. Only 12 percent of Americans get an annual physical and blood draw.

New diagnostic tools

Doctors are encouraged by new diabetes screening technology, hoping a non-invasive eye test will make diagnosis easier for patients. “More people get eye evaluations than get blood tests,” says Dr. Einhorn. “So people getting eye evaluations offer a whole new window into detecting pre diabetes.”

The new test, called ClearPath DS-120, uses blue LED technology to detect high blood sugar levels in the florescence of the eyes. “This technology allows us in eight seconds to detect a biomarker for diabetes,” says Sherman.

Artical Diabetes

Living a Sweet Life with Diabetes: A Roundtable Discussion

Posted by mewmew, on 22:05

Living a Sweet Life with Diabetes: A Roundtable Discussion

DIABETES CARE A panel of health experts weigh in on the importance of providing support to the 24 million Americans who are currently battling diabetes.

Artical By: Myopic jain

Dana Ball

What’s the biggest roadblock diabetics face in sticking to their treatment plans?

Dana Ball: Coping with rigorous medical care routines and psychological aspects of a complex disease like diabetes is a constant challenge. The daily demands of day-to-day, even hour-to-hour, management is frustrating and often results in patient burnout, hopelessness, lack of motivation and non-compliance with prescribed treatments and health regimens.

MP: How can those caring for a loved one with diabetes help keep them on track?

DB: It’s important for those caring for a person with diabetes, or any chronic disease, to find the right balance of positive support and caregiving. The burden of managing diabetes can be overwhelming and it’s important to find interesting and motivating opportunities that are engaging and educational, but most importantly, non-judgmental.

MP: Do you have any advice for the family and friends of people living with diabetes?

DB: It’s important to not lose the person in diabetes. People living with chronic disease don’t define themselves by the disease. Make sure you keep sight of the person and understand that diabetes is just a part of them, not all of them. Joining an educational community can help supporters deepen their understanding of what its like to live with diabetes.

Artical Diabetes

10 Tips for Healthy Holiday Eating

Posted by mewmew, on 21:59

10 Tips for Healthy Holiday Eating

DIABETES CARE Having diabetes shouldn't stop you from enjoying holiday celebrations and travel. With some planning and a little work, you can stay healthy on the road and at holiday gatherings with friends and family.

Artical By: Myopic jain

The holidays should be a joyful time for everyone: family, traditions, celebrations, gifts and yes, food. An abundance of food, the kind of food we yearn for all year long. But, November and December are also the two most calorie-centric months of the year, so making small changes can make a big difference. Here are 10 tips to help you eat healthier this season.

Don’t skip any regularly scheduled meals prior to the party.
This is a recipe for overindulging on foods that are probably not on your regular meal plan. It is okay to plan on having a good time and enjoying the food, but don’t set yourself up for guilt later.
Scout it.
Whether it is a buffet table, waiter-served hors d’ouevres, or the dinner table, there are always healthier and more diabetic friendly choices available. Scout out the options first to make sure you choose wisely.
Savor it.
Eat slowly and savor all of the foods on your plate. Americans, in particular, tend to eat their meals too quickly. Because it takes 20 minutes for your stomach and brain to connect, it’s easy to overeat. Eating slowly allows your body to tell you it’s full before you overindulge.
Portion it.
You don’t have to bypass foods that you truly enjoy, you just need to eat sensible amounts. If you’ve been waiting all year for the bacon wrapped shrimp, then be sure to have one or two, but not five.
Put sauces and dressings on the side.
These are big calorie monsters. Putting them on the side allows you to more adequately gauge the real portion size.
Lighten it.
Sparkling water with fruit slices is a festive low calorie option, not just during the holidays, but anytime. Alcohol with soda or other mixers can add excess calories and impact your glucose levels. If alcohol is a must on your holiday list, opt for wine or light beer.
Substitute it.
If you really want mashed potatoes, then bypass the dinner roll so you can fully enjoy your indulgence.
Bring a healthy dish.
Offer to bring a dish for dinner that you know is healthy, you like to eat, and is on your meal plan.
Keep moving.
Enjoy the company and camaraderie of friends and family by moving around the room and socializing instead of being near the buffet. This requires making a conscious decision to go to the buffet to eat and helps avoid mindless snacking.
Wait for dessert.
When you are full, you cannot fully enjoy and savor your dessert. It’s always smart to consider taking a smaller portion.

Diabetes

Three Generations Refuse to Let Diabetes Slow Them Down

Posted by mewmew, on 21:55

Three Generations Refuse to Let Diabetes Slow Them Down

TYPE 1 DIABETES A family shares why they've swapped vials and syringes for long-acting and rapid-acting insulin pens.

Artical By: Myopic jain

While 15 weeks pregnant with her first child, Tonya Wanamaker experienced extremely low blood sugar while driving home from the grocery store.

“I just remember waking up to some guys knocking on the window and laughing at me,” recalls the 42-year-old Hamburg, Pennsylvania resident and type 2 diabetes patient. “I think they thought I was drunk, and they drove away.”

Wanamaker was ultimately rescued, but lost consciousness again the next week.

A GROUP EFFORT: Together the Wanamaker family supports each other as they face the challenges of type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

“I passed out on the sofa. My husband didn't find me until he got home from work at 12 a.m. It was a horrible experience, waking up in an ambulance wondering what happened, and if my baby was okay.”

Like mother, like daughter

Wanamaker met with her doctor and adjustments were made. But, decades later, dealing with diabetes remains a challenge, as it is for 15-year-old daughter, Sierra and Wanamaker's 61-year-old mother, Diana, who both suffer from type 1 diabetes.

“My mother was diagnosed when she was 26. The only means of testing her sugar level at home was to do a urine dip. She used insulin made from a pig,” says Wanamaker, who, like Diana, relies on insulin pens, rather than painful syringes.

“People would stare like you were a junkie. I'm so thankful for the insulin pen. You just dial the dose, twist on the small needle and give an injection before anyone notices. Sierra likes using the insulin pump, because it's easy, and she doesn't have to give a shot. It gives her the freedom of eating just about anything she wants at anytime.”

Staying strong

Wanamaker says Sierra, who's active in sports, struggles to lower her A1C, while Diana deals with neuropathy. Managing their diabetes is clearly a family affair.

“When Sierra goes to a friend's house, I try to text to remind her to check her sugar. She takes care of me, too. We know each other's personalities when our sugar is high or low. We are three strong women who help each other out.”

Diabetes

New Approach for Diabetes Patients Moves to Clinical Trials

Posted by mewmew, on 21:50

New Approach for Diabetes Patients Moves to Clinical Trials

DIABETES CARE A new procedure that may lead to a cure for type 1 diabetes has received approval from the Food and Drug Administration to be tested in patients.

Artical By: Myopic jain

For years, researchers have been transplanting islet cells into the liver, allowing those with diabetes to produce their own insulin and other hormones in response to blood sugar levels.

Some patients who have received islet transplants have been living without the need for insulin injections for more than a decade. However, over time, many of the cells are lost and patients must resume insulin therapy.

Discovering new possibilities

“We believe that implanting islets in the omentum will lead to superior outcomes for patients with type 1 diabetes.”

Studies have shown that the liver is not an ideal home for the insulin-producing cells due to several reasons. So, researchers are looking to other areas of the body and are now set to test the omentum, the inside lining of the abdomen, as a new transplant site.

“The omentum is easily accessed surgically, contains a large network of blood vessels, and has many other beneficial properties,” says Camillo Ricordi, M.D., director of the Diabetes Research Institute at the University of Miami, where the clinical trial will take place. “We believe that implanting islets in the omentum will lead to superior outcomes for patients with type 1 diabetes.”

Natural solutions

Another advantage of the omentum is that it can be an excellent site for the DRI BioHub, a bioengineered mini organ containing islets and other vital components that keep the cells healthy and able to control blood sugar levels long term. Unlike mechanical devices that are used to manage the disease, the BioHub is a biological solution for restoring natural insulin production.

“The progress in islet transplantation has allowed us to get to this important juncture. The BioHub approach could move biological replacement strategies for the cure of diabetes to our final goal,” says Dr. Ricordi.

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Friday, 21 November 2014