Managing Diabetes
Diabetes is the result of a metabolic disorder in which blood sugar (glucose) levels are above normal. A fasting blood sugar test measures the amount of sugar (glucose) in your blood after you fast for eight hours. Your fasting blood sugar is normal if it’s 70 mg/dL to 100 mg/dL.
If your fasting blood sugar is 100 mg/dL to 125 mg/dL, you may have pre-diabetes.
A fasting blood sugar value by itself doesn’t help distinguish between type 1 and type 2 diabetes. But a fasting blood glucose of 126 mg/dL or higher is consistent with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes when accompanied by classic symptoms of diabetes.
The Glycemic Index
Not all carbohydrate foods are created equal, in fact they behave quite differently in our bodies. The glycemic index or GI describes this difference by ranking carbohydrates according to their effect on our blood glucose levels. Choosing low GI carbs – the ones that produce only small fluctuations in our blood glucose and insulin levels – is the secret to long-term health reducing your risk of heart disease and diabetes and is the key to sustainable weight loss.
Glycemic Index Range
Low GI = 55 or less
Medium GI = 56 – 69
High GI = 70 or more
Glycemic Load Range
Low GL = 10 or less
Medium GL = 11- 19
High GL = 20 or more
Glycemic Load Per Day
Low GL < 80
High GL > 120
Foods with a high GI score contain rapidly digested carbohydrate, which produces a large rapid rise and fall in the level of blood glucose (this is not good). In contrast, foods with a low GI score contain slowly digested carbohydrate, which produces a gradual, relatively low rise in the level of blood glucose (this is good).
Managing Your Diabetes
Body awareness is very important in managing diabetes. See you doctor regularly. Signs and symptoms can arise that may seem completely unrelated, when in fact they could be. Do not allow your pride or ego to get in the way of your physical health.
1. Proper eye care should be maintained. If any changes in vision, sudden loss, dizziness, blurring or pain in or around the eyes occur, see your doctor right away. Retinopathy, eye infections and blindness are more common in diabetics. Eye Exam: Dilated eye exam – yearly.
2. Thyroid problems are more common with diabetes. Tell your doctor if swelling or pain around the neck or throat occur.
3. Lung infections, pneumonia and influenza are more common in diabetics. If you are a smoker, quit now!
4. Heart disease is a major cause of death in diabetics. Tell your doctor if you are experiencing weakness, shortness of breath, swelling, dizziness, palpitations, or other sensations in the chest. Blood pressure: each regular diabetes visit.
5. Bladder infections and other bladder issues can be due to complications from diabetes. Urine Test: Micro-albumin measurement – yearly (based on the HEDIS Diabetes Criteria).
6. Kidney failure is the lead cause of death among diabetics. Nephropathy is caused by blood vessel damage, which disrupts the kidney’s filtering system. Ask your doctor what you can do to reduce the risk.
7. Foot care is most important. Exam your feet daily. Notify your doctor if you have ANY signs of tingling, sticking, sharp, stabbing or dull pain. Also if you have unexplained pain, spots or loss of normal sensation. Neuropathy or nerve damage is a particular trait of diabetes. Problems can often occur at the big toe. Foot ulcers, if left untreated, can infect the bone and lead to amputation. Foot Exam: Check feet at each regular diabetes visit Comprehensive foot exam – at least yearly (more often in patients with high risk foot conditions).
8. Loss of sexual function. High blood pressure, heart disease and issues of circulation can effect nerves. Damage can occur, which can inhibit orgasm. Infection, vaginal dryness in women or erectile dysfunction in men can all be complications from diabetes.
9. Peripheral nerve damage can occur anywhere, but particularly at the joints and extremities.
10. Take your readings as much as possible! Keep a watch on hemoglobin A1c and blood fats to see if eating more sweets leads these number on an unhealthy up swing. There are three distinctly different times of day to consider testing blood sugars. First thing in the morning, before meals, and after meal blood sugar numbers can each reveal a wealth of information to help solve the mystery of blood sugar numbers. Blood Test: A1c (glycosylated hemoglobin) At least two times a year if stable Quarterly, if treatment changes or you are not meeting your goals.
11. Keep your blood fats in target range such as total cholesterol, LDL, HDL and triglycerides.
12. Pay attention to good hygiene and skin care. Eat a proper balance of nutritionally low GI foods. Weight: Each regular diabetes visit.
Diabetes – Testing Blood Sugar
Most people who have diabetes know they should be testing their blood sugar on a regular basis. However, many of them do not realize what the numbers mean and simply go through the motions of testing. Without realizing when to test and how important these numbers actually are.
First thing in the morning is known as a FASTING blood sugar. It should be taken soon after rising; before food, drink, exercise, or medications of any kind.
Normal is less than 100. Goal is 70 – 115.
A before meal blood sugar is known as PREPRANDIAL. This means before lunch or before supper. At this point in your day, you’ve usually had something to eat and drink, you’ve usually had some activity or exercise, and you’ve probably taken some type of medications. All these things can effect your blood sugar numbers. This is different than a FASTING blood sugar test taken before breakfast, medications, or exercise.
Normal is less than 100. Goal is 100 – 120.
An after meal blood sugar is known as POSTPRANDIAL and means after a meal. Timing is important on this reading because it should be taken 1½ to 2 hours after a meal.
Normal less than 140. Goal less than 160.
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About the Author
Connect with Andrew Pacholyk MS L.Ac at peacefulmind.com “Living Life, Consciously” Alternative medicine and therapies for healing mind, body & spirit!
