By



Dr Michael Hutch

Diet
For Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes – Dairy Has Saturated Fat Too!

Effectively managing the progress and effects of Type 2 Diabetes requires a

Diet that is not onlylow in simple sugars but one that is good for the heart.
Diabetics are particularly prone to cardiovascular disease. As they age and the
effects of diabetes take their toll, diabetics are at greater risk for
heart attacks and clogged arteries. Moreover, damage to peripheral
blood vessels can cause damage to the eyes, kidneys and other organs of
the body. A heart healthy diet is key to leading a healthy life as a
Type 2 diabetic. One of the most important components of a heart
healthy diet is eating foods that are low in saturated fats.

Most people know that cutting down on saturated fats means avoiding
fatty and processed red meats.

However, many individuals overlook the saturated fat content in dairy.
In order to succeed at diabetes management and follow a heart
healthy Diet, diabetics must become aware of the saturated fats that lurk in
helpings of some of their favorite dairy foods. Whole dairy foods are a
prime source of saturated fats which can increase the risk of
heart disease in all individuals and are thus to be particularly avoided by
diabetics who are especially vulnerable to heart attack and blood vessel
damage as they grow older.

Dairy foods that contain high levels of saturated fats include whole milk,
butter, cheese, and ice cream.

Instead of consuming whole milk, choose one percent fat or skim milk.
Two percent milk is better than whole milk but it is still not a
good choice as it still contains a great deal of saturated fat.
Margarine and non dairy buttery spreads can be used in place of butter.
If you do use butter, use it in moderation. Do not slather it on your
toast so that it melts into a yellow pool on the surface of your bread.
Use only the amount necessary and no more. Most cheeses also come in
low fat varieties. Choose low fat or no fat cheese or use cheese only
in moderation.

Many Diabetics think of ice cream as a sweet and forget that it is also a big
source of unhealthy saturated fats. When you go to the grocery store, you
will find no sugar varieties of ice cream offered by many manufacturers.
If you must have ice cream, try to find your favorite flavor in a brand that offers
low fat as well as low
sugar selections.

By



Dr Michael Hutch

Diabetes Type 2 Diet

Type 2 Diabetes – Reasons You Should be Eating Fish!

If you have Type 2 Diabetes, you could benefit greatly
by adding two or three servings of fish to your weekly diet.
The main reason you should be adding fish to your diabetes management plan
is the beneficial effect of fish oil. A study conducted at the Norwegian
University of Science and Technology found that patients with type 2 diabetes
who took fish oil experienced reduction in
a number of lipoproteins that serve as cholesterol markers in the
blood. Thus, fish oil helps preserve heart health, an important
consideration for Type 2 Diabetics who are prone to heart disease.

Diabetics and their doctors have often worried that,
while fish oils lowered triglycerides, they could raise levels of
low density lipoprotein (LDL), the most dangerous form
of blood cholesterol. However, a number of studies have shown that any
increase in the “bad” LDL cholesterol is minimal and is set off by a
proportional increase in the “good” form of cholesterol, high density
lipoprotein (HDL). In addition, high doses of fish oil also had the
beneficial effect of reducing insulin sensitivity.

For maximum benefit to the heart, Type 2 Diabetes patients should
take in at least 250 mg of fish oil per day, on average.
A diabetic with heart disease or high
triglyceride levels should consume even more fish oil, with recommended
levels ranging from 1,000 mg to 4000 mg per day. Squeezing that much
fish oil into your Diet is not as difficult as it may seem. A single
three-ounce serving of salmon or mackerel offers over 1000 mg of fish
oil. There has been some concern that high doses of fish oil could
interfere with effective blood glucose control in some Type 2 diabetic
patients. However, studies have shown that increasing the amount of
soluble fiber in the diet neutralizes any negative effect of the fish
oil on blood glucose levels.

In addition, there is evidence that eating at least
two servings of fish a week helps protect the health of
Type 2 diabetics who are suffering from kidney failure or
disease. Ingesting fish oils apparently lowers the levels of dangerous
proteins that build up in the blood as the kidneys begin to lose their
functioning. Obtaining fish oil from natural sources, including fatty
fish such as salmon, mackerel, and tuna is the best opinion for a
successful diabetes management plan. However, if it simply is not
possible to consume that much fish, fish oils such as Omega-3 fatty
acids can be obtained through supplements that are readily available in
any health food store.

By



Dr Michael Hutch

Type
2 Diabetes Menu

Type 2 Diabetes – The Glycemic Index, Your Saviour!

For patients with Type 2 Diabetes struggling to find a manageable
diabetic diet plan, the Glycemic Index can be a godsend.
It is important to know the amount of
carbohydrates in any given food when putting together a
Diabetic food plan. However, different foods, even those containing
roughly similar amounts of carbohydrates, can have vastly different effects
on blood sugar levels. Some foods simply cause blood sugar to spike more quickly
than others. Obviously, when you are diabetic, knowing which foods will
dramatically raise your blood glucose levels in a short time period is
vital. The Glycemic index ranks foods, particularly foods containing
significant amounts of carbohydrates, according to their ability to
raise your blood sugar and the swiftness with which they raise it.
According to the Glycemic index, different foods are given different
index numbers. Foods that are assigned higher index numbers are those
that cause a faster and greater spike in blood glucose.

The Glycemic index is a particularly useful meal planning tool for Type 2 Diabetics.
The idea is to consume mostly those foods with low Glycemic Index numbers
and to offset foods with high index numbers with foods that have extremely low
numbers. Proper use of the Glycemic index in diabetes management can
result in stabilized blood sugar levels. The Glycemic index is also a
great tool for regulating blood sugar levels throughout the day by
ensuring foods chosen for one meal do not have wildly higher
Glycemic index numbers than foods chosen for other meals.

Furthermore, consuming foods with low Glycemic Index numbers can serve to
suppress the appetite and delay hunger, which can dissuade diabetics from
overeating and help them lose and manage their weight. Careful diabetic
management of the Diet in Type 2 Diabetics can reduce or even eliminate the
need for insulin
and/or oral medications used for glucose control.

However, Type 2 Diabetics who use the Glycemic index method to plan their
meals should be aware of some of the limitations of the index. First of all, the
Glycemic index measures the effects on blood sugar of individual foods rather
than combinations of food, which, when combined, can have a different
synergistic effect on blood sugar levels. The impact of a food on blood
glucose level can also be affected by food preparation and portion size,
considerations that are not explicitly taken into consideration by the
Glycemic index. Moreover, the Glycemic Index does not rank foods
based on their content of nutrients and elements such as protein, sugar,
saturated fat, or calories.

By



Dr Michael Hutch

Type
2 Diabetes Nutrition

Type 2 Diabetes – Glycemic Index and the Glycemic Load

The Glycemic index measures the potential of carbohydrate containing
foods to cause increases in blood glucose levels. Two different foods
containing the same amount of carbohydrates can cause an individual’s
blood sugar levels to rise at different rates to different levels.
A food that causes a rapid increase in blood glucose has a high Glycemic index,
while a food that does not cause the blood sugar to rise as quickly or as
high has a low Glycemic Index.

Type 2 Diabetes patients often use the Glycemic index
when planning meals in order to avoid foods or combinations of food that
will cause a spike in their blood sugar.

Most people, especially Type 2 Diabetes patients, know the old dietary adage
about cutting down on simple carbohydrates, including refined sugars.
Simple carbohydrates are presumed to cause a surge of energy followed
by a “crash.”

In other words, simple carbohydrates cause a rapid, short-lived spike in blood
glucose levels. Complex carbohydrates, on the other hand, are
understood to be those that provide longer lasting energy. The
Glycemic index provides a more accurate, informative look at the
effects on blood sugar levels of carbohydrates in food.

Eating foods with a high Glycemic index will result in a more rapid and larger
increase in blood sugar levels than will the consumption of foods with a low
Glycemic index. When blood sugar rises, the pancreas responds by increasing
insulin secretion. These high insulin levels in turn cause a rapid
decrease in the blood glucose levels.

Consuming low Glycemic Index foods on the other hand result in lower and
more stabilized levels of blood sugar and insulin secretion.

However, the Glycemic index is a better instrument for diabetes
management when it is used in conjunction with the Glycemic load.
While the Glycemic index expresses the intensity of the body’s response
to a food in terms of blood sugar levels, the Glycemic load expresses
the quantity of carbohydrates in a particular food, meal, or dietary
plan.

Once you know the Glycemic index of a food, it is easy to
calculate its Glycemic load. Simply multiply the
Glycemic Index of a food by the amount in grams of carbohydrate
in a serving of that food and divide the total by one hundred.
The resulting figure is the food’s Glycemic load. Diets containing
mostly foods with a high Glycemicload have been associated with
an increased risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes.

By



Dr Michael Hutch

Diets For Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes – The Importance of a ‘Healthy’ Diabetes Diet

Controlling Type 2 Diabetes through diet is more complicated than simply
cutting out candy and cookies. Attention must be paid to everything that you eat,
as well as to how much and when you eat. It is important to cut out particularly
unhealthy foods composed mostly of refined sugar. However, all foods
containing carbohydrates affect blood glucose levels. Type 2 Diabetics
must pay attention to the amount of carbohydrates in their diet
generally and to when and how frequently they consume them.

Diabetics must also understand the importance of a heart healthy diet.
Because diabetics are prone to heart and vascular disease, maintaining a
heart healthy Diet is one of the best things that a patient with type 2 diabetes
can do to stave off some of the worst effects of the disease, including
kidney disease and vision impairment. A heart healthy diet requires
cutting down on saturated fats and processed red meats as well as
simple sugars. It also requires taking in plenty of fiber, whole grains,
vegetables, and fruits.

A healthy diabetic diet also requires adequate spacing of meals
so as to avoid surges in blood sugar levels. Instead of eating
two or three large meals daily, a diabetic is
usually better off eating several small meals, as many as six or seven,
a day at regular intervals. The planning of these frequent small meals
can be a hassle, but cooking meals ahead and freezing portions for easy
preparation at a later date can be a great boon as can foods that need
little preparation or specialized storage, such as fruits and
vegetables. You can be eating all the right things, but eating them all
at once could make your blood glucose surge just like eating a candy
bar. A vial of emergency insulin is no substitute for careful meal
planning.

At the same time, fasting is a dangerous practice for a Type 2 diabetic.
Some diabetics think that they can eat that huge meal when they
go out for dinner or splurge on that dessert if they make up for it by fasting all day beforehand.

However, Diabetics are particularly vulnerable to fluctuations in blood
sugar levels, and low blood sugar can be more dangerous than high blood sugar.

If you fast during the day so that you can splurge at night,
your blood sugar evels will dip. When you finally do eat that big meal,
your sugar levels will respond by surging precipitously. These drastic
swings in glucose levels are unhealthy and can result in a potentially
serious medical incident.

By



Dr Michael Hutch

Managing Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes – Surviving the Holidays

The holidays, particularly that long stretch of time between
Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, can be a very challenging time to be a diabetic.
irst, there is Thanksgiving, a holiday whose main purpose seems to be to test
how much each American can successfully shove into his or her stomach without
throwing up. It may be relatively easy to limit your portions of such dishes as
stuffing, turnips, and squash, but Thanksgiving desserts can be
especially insidious for those with type 2 diabetes. As soon as
Thanksgiving is over, the Christmas candy comes out in the stores.
Candy canes, ribbon candy, chocolate Santas are all pure sugar and just
the thing to send your blood glucose levels skyrocketing.

Many Type 2 diabetics tell themselves each November that, this holiday season,
they will not succumb to temptation. Most of them end up sneaking a cookie here, a
piece of pie there, and a candy cane for good measure. The result is a
disaster from the point of view of diabetes management. Blood sugar
levels skyrocket, egos fail, and diabetes spend the last month or so of
the year feeling ill. The rare individuals who are able to resist the
temptation of sugary treats endure a different kind of misery. They
feel excluded from the enjoyment of the holidays.

The key to surviving the holidays as a diabetic is planning. First, depending on
your particular health condition, you may be able to “cheat” as long as you keep it
under control. Plan ahead to the calorie exactly how much you can stray
from your typical Diabetes Diet without feeling ill and adversely
affecting your health. If you can safely have one cookie, have one
cookie. But have only one cookie. Make sure that you keep up with your
exercise regimen as you enter the colder months to keep your
blood sugar levels level.

Before the holidays approach, find recipes for low carb and sugar free versions of
your favorite holiday desserts. Test the recipes out before hand. If the host of
your holiday celebration is amenable, provide the recipe and suggest
that it be placed on the menu. If that is not an option, make your own
healthy dessert and bring it with you. If you end up eating out or
going to a restaurant for a holiday party, make your menu selections
carefully. Stick to salads, low carbohydrate vegetarian options, and
low fat fish and chicken entrees. Drink plenty of water and stay away
from the sugary soft drinks and alcoholic beverages.

By



Dr Michael Hutch

Type
2 Diabetes Nutrition

Type 2 Diabetes – Top Low Carb Snacks

When you have type 2 diabetes, it is important to have a disciplined and
well-planned diet that is low in simple carbohydrates and high in healthy
nutrients, including protein and fiber. You may have been told not to snack
between meals as a child. However, when you have diabetes, snacking is
actually a positive and helpful activity, especially if you are controlling your blood sugar
with the help of oral diabetes medications. Eating several smaller
meals and snacks throughout the day rather than three large meals will
keep your blood glucose from swinging wildly up and down and help you
avoid overeating when you do eat.

The best snacks for Type 2 Diabetes patients are low in carbohydrates but high
in other nutritional values. In general, a diabetic snack serving should contain no more
than 15 grams of carbohydrate. It should also contain fewer than 140 mg
of sodium per serving in order to preserve heart health. Choosing
snacks high in fiber and protein will make you feel fuller and leave you
feeling more satisfied especially when your diet plan requires you to
limit yourself to small servings. If you perform a regular exercise
regimen, it is a good idea to schedule a snack before and after your
work-out in order to prevent dips in your blood glucose.

For a tasty, healthy treat high in both fiber and protein, try a serving of
celery sticks dipped in natural peanut butter. Carrot sticks, while somewhat higher in
carbohydrate than celery sticks, are another good snack choice that
provides loads of fiber and Vitamin A. If you prefer fruit, try fresh
apple slices with cubes of cheddar cheese. An interesting variation on
apple and cheddar is pear slices with Muenster cheese. Servings of
canned fruit (in natural juices rather than heavy syrup) with cottage
cheese are a great substitute for fruit pie with whipped cream. If
peanut butter is a favorite of yours, half a peanut butter sandwich on
whole wheat bread is an excellent diabetic food option.

If you are looking for a good “grab and go” snack, try a mini-bag of popcorn
(approximately 100 calories per serving) or sunflower seeds.
A hard-boiled egg is a great low carbohydrate Diabetic snack which delivers
loads of iron and vitamins in addition to protein. Low-fat, sugar-free yogurt is another
great option. When you simply need something that seems more like
dessert, try some sugar-free Jell-O or sugar-free cookies. For a
diabetic equivalent of a fancy cappuccino, flavor your coffee with
cinnamon rather than sugar or artificial sweetener.

By



Dr Michael Hutch

Diet
For Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes – Watch Your Saturated Fat and Cholesterol! Go Low Fat!

The importance of a heart healthy Diet to successful
Diabetes management cannot be overestimated.
Diabetics are at special risk for cardiovascular disease as they grow
older. They can develop conditions such as blocked arteries that can
lead to heart attack and stroke. Damage to peripheral blood vessels can
lead to kidney failure, vision impairment, and loss of feeling and motor
control in the extremities. Following a heart healthy diet can help a
diabetic forestall many of these most devastating effects of Type 2
diabetes.

The lynchpin of a heart healthy diet is cutting down on saturated fats and
cholesterol. In other words, Type 2 diabetics need to follow a diet that
is not only low sugar but also low fat. The first step in cutting down on
saturated fat and cholesterol is reducing one’s intake of fatty red meats
and processed
red meats. If red meats are eaten, make sure the cuts are lean.
Instead of buying regular ground beef, choose lean beef. Trim the fat
from steak and other cuts of beef before cooking and eating. In any
event, red meats such as steak are better for diabetics than are
processed meats such as salami and bacon. The best meat choices are
chicken and turkey, preferably the white meat parts of the bird, and
seafood, which is not only low in saturated fat but high in the “good”
fats, the Omega-3 fatty acids that protect heart health.

Another source of saturated fat in the Diet is dairy. Type 2 diabetics must
watch their dairy intake as well. Skim milk or one percent milk should be
chosen over whole or two
percent milk. Margarine and other non dairy buttery spreads are good
substitutes for butter which is loaded with saturated fat. If you must
indulge in other dairy products, such as cheese or ice cream, look for
low fat varieties on the shelves of your local supermarket.

While cutting out the bad, saturated fats, Type 2 Diabetics should not forget
to add the good forms of fat to their diets. Good fats, called unsaturated fats,
actually have health benefits and serve to lower the levels of bad cholesterol in
the blood. Seafood, particularly fish such as salmon and mackerel, is a
good source of fish oils, which protect the heart. When cooking, choose
olive oil, another source of good fats. Other diabetic foods that
contain significant amounts of good fat include avocadoes, nuts, and
seeds, including flax, pumpkin, and sesame seed.

By



Dr Michael Hutch

Type
2 Diabetes Menu

Type 2 Diabetes – White Meat versus Red Meat

You need not become a vegetarian if you have Type 2 Diabetes. In fact, a
diet high in protein rich foods, such as meats, can be very helpful in diabetes
prevention and
diabetes management. However, you should know that not all meats are
created equal. Some contain more fat and other harmful dietary
substances than do others. In general, diabetics should opt for white
meats, including chicken, turkey, and pork, over red meats, especially
highly processed red meats such as bacon, hot dogs, and salami. While
red meat, even processed red meat, need not be eliminated completely
from the diabetic’s Diet, they should be eaten infrequently.

With respect to Diabetes prevention, studies have found that eating
unprocessed red meat did not predispose individuals towards developing
either type 2 diabetes or heart disease.

However, consuming just one daily serving of processed red meat increased
an individual’s chances of developing heart disease by 42 percent and the
chances of developing
diabetes by as much as 19 percent. Consuming some form of processed or
unprocessed red meant daily increased the chances of an individual
developing type 2 diabetes by 12 percent. The fat and cholesterol
contained in meat is of great concern because they can contribute to the
clogging of arteries that result in stroke and heart attack.

Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes are particularly vulnerable to
developing cardiovascular disease so it is especially important for them
to regulate red meat intake as part of their diabetes management plan.

However, researchers speculate that the salt and preservatives in meat,
especially processed red meat, are just as dangerous to diabetic heart health
as the fat and
cholesterol. Processed meats have up to four times the salt content as
unprocessed meat. High salt intake can lead high blood pressure which
can trigger or exacerbate heart disease. In addition, the preservatives
in processed red meat, such as nitrates, have been found to cause a
lower glucose tolerance, which is one of the characteristics of
Type 2 Diabetes.

Overall, Type 2 diabetics are better off sticking to white meats, including
chicken breast, turkey breast, and certain cuts of pork. When diabetic patients
do indulge in
red meat, they should opt for lean cuts of steak and beef. Processed
red meats do not need to be restricted entirely. But those hoping to
prevent Type 2 diabetes or incorporate healthy proteins into a Diabetic
diet should keep to a minimum their intake of processed meats such as
salami, pastrami sausage and bacon.

By



Dr Michael Hutch

Type
2 Diabetes Diets

Type 2 Diabetes – Why You Must Follow a Diabetic Diet

When they are first diagnosed, many patients with Type 2 Diabetes go
into denial.

They often resist the need to go on a strict, regimented diet.
The fact that their lives,
particularly their Diets must revolve from now on around their blood
sugar levels infuriates them. However, following a diabetic diet is
essential to diabetes management and cannot only extend a diabetic’s
life span but also increase the quality of his or her life. A healthy
diabetic diet can stave off and slow down some of the worst effects of
Type 2 Diabetes, including eye and kidney damage, heart disease, and
neuropathy. For individuals with a pre-diabetic condition, following a
modified diabetic diet in combination with an appropriate exercise
regimen is the best form of diabetes prevention.

It is important to remember that following a Diabetic Diet does not mean
never being able to eat the foods you love again. New diabetic medications
and diabetic recipes can enable you to enjoy eating as much as you did before
your diagnosis but with modifications.

Perhaps the most important aspect of maintaining a diabetic diet is choosing
heart healthy foods. Surprisingly, keeping to a heart healthy diet is more
important than eliminating sugar from one’s diet. Diabetics are particularly
prone to vascular disease, including heart disease and peripheral neuropathy.
Vascular disease can cause damage to the blood vessels of the eyes of
Type 2 diabetics leading to premature blindness. A heart healthy diet
can keep the body’s blood vessels healthy and functional for a longer
period of time, thus stalling the development of
heart disease and its attendant ills.

Diabetes management should be focused not only on
eliminating simple sugars but also on including fiber, whole grains,
fresh fruits, vegetables in one’s Diet. Saturated fats should be
avoided.

Following a diabetic diet entails cutting down on sugars and
carbohydrates and eating small meals. It involves paying closer attention
to what you eat and when you eat. This may seem to take the spontaneity
out of eating, seemingly making it a less pleasurable activity. However, you
can also see this new necessity to think more closely about your diet as an
opportunity to explore new recipes and even new foods that you have not
experienced before.

A regimented diet requires careful planning and attention. This may be a hassle.
But this regimentation is essential to effective diabetes management. If you eat
controlled portions at regular intervals, you will be more successful at
keeping your blood glucose levels healthy and stable.

By



Dr Michael Hutch

Control Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes – Counting Carb Tips

Counting carbs can be a difficult process. Determining the amount of
carbs in the food, insulin needed to cover the carbs, and evenly
distributing the number of carbs consumed throughout the day can be
frustrating. Even a fun evening out with friends at a restaurant can
turn into a nightmare. If you eat too many carbs your blood sugar will
go up, and if you don’t eat enough carbs your blood sugar will go. Any
change too great can be detrimental to your health so knowing how to
count calories is a must. Learning to count carbs may become so
difficult you want to give up, but it is important to keep at it. With a
few simple tips, you can be a carb counting expert in no time.

Food labels (Nutrition Facts) are where you will find information
on carbohydrates. Look for the line labeled Total Carbohydrate to find the
how much is in a single serving of food. When going to a restaurant, you
can ask for a nutrition guide that will tell you the total of
carbohydrates in each serving. There are also exchange lists that
provide the average amount of carbs in many foods. If you don’t want to
spend time checking exchange lists or food labels, you should make a
list or memorize the foods you eat most.

Say you go to a friend’s house for dinner. Your friend makes the most
delicious spaghetti and meatball you have ever had. It’s so good you
help yourself to another serving. When incidents like that occur you
have to adjust your carb count to prevent your blood sugar
from spiking.

Sometimes this can be clear cut when it comes to serving sizes. For
instance a slice of bread has one clear serving size, but foods such as
pasta need to be measured out. If you want to be precise use a digital
kitchen scale. If you want to estimate a helpful hint is that the volume
of one cup is equal to a fist.

Balancing your carb intake with your insulin is a must. Learning how to
count carbs will make that a whole lot easier. Once you get the hang of
it counting carbs will become a breeze. It will even be simple when it
comes to counting carbs in prepared foods. Just look up the carb counts
of all the ingredients that make it up. Before you know it you’ll be a
carb counting expert!

By



Dr Michael Hutch

Managing Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes – Carb Counting

Consuming the right level of carbohydrates is an important part in
managing blood sugar levels. When carbohydrates are digested they are
broken down into glucose. Too much or too little glucose can prove
threatening to a Diabetic. Because of this, diabetics have to be mindful
of what they eat in addition to how much of it. This is why some
diabetics plan their meals in advance. One method of meal planning is
carb counting. Counting carbs allows you to keep track of the total
carbohydrates you consume every day. Carb counting allows you to evenly
distribute the amount of carbs you need throughout the day. This proves
effective in preventing spikes in blood sugar.

Before starting a carb counting program it is important to speak to a
dietitian. The carb counting plan you have may be different than of
someone else’s. Insulin use, age, sex, height, and activity level are
all factors in the amount of carbs that should be ingested. Typically an
adult can have three to four carbs per meal and one or two servings for
snacks. Those with Type 2 Diabetes caloric intake should be between
1500 and 1800 per day. Carbs should only take up 50% of your daily
caloric intake.

In order to count how many carbs you will be eating you first need to
find out how many grams of carbs there are in your food. Because most
foods do not solely contain carbohydrates, simply weighing foods won’t
tell you the amount of carbs in the food. If you are using an exchange
one serving of carbohydrate is equal to 15 grams. Another helpful tool
for counting carbs is the 500 rule. Although it is not very accurate for
those with type 2 diabetes, you can use the 500 rule to estimate your
carb factor. Once you know your carb factor you can determine how much
insulin is needed to cover the carbs. All you simply have to do is
divide 500 by your total daily dose of insulin.

When counting carbs it is important to use the same amount per meal. An
uneven distribution of carbs can result in spikes in blood sugar which
can be detrimental to your health. However, this does not mean you have
to eat the same carbs every day. Counting carbs allows you to have more
freedom when it comes to the foods you eat. Before starting a carb
counting plan be sure to contact a Dietitian or nutritionist to find the
plan for you.

By



Dr Michael Hutch

Type
2 Diabetes Menu

Type 2 Diabetes – Fish=Good Fats! Meats=Some Nasty Fats!

When it comes to type 2 diabetes, controlling your intake of
carbohydrates is key. Eating too many carbs can cause your blood
sugar to rise and not eating enough can cause it to fall. That can be
dangerous. Although carbohydrates get the most focus, you should
remember that fats can be dangerous too. Being diabetic can lead to
heart disease and stroke. Having too much fat in your diet can be just
as detrimental to your health. Just like carbohydrates, fats are fundamental in a
healthy diet. Just like carbohydrates, there are good and bad fats.
Both need to be monitored.

Out of four types of fats, monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats
are the best. Monounsaturated fats such as avocado, cashews, peanuts,
olive oil, and peanut butter lower bad cholesterol. Polyunsaturated fats
such as mayonnaise, walnuts, sunflower oil, and sunflower seeds also
help lower bad cholesterol. In addition to monounsaturated and
polyunsaturated fats, there are Omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids
prevent your arteries from clogging. This healthy fat is found in fish
such as rainbow trout, salmon, sardines, herring, and albacore tuna. You
can also find it in tofu and walnuts. It is recommended to eat non fried
fish or other sources of Omega-3 fatty acids 2 or 3 times a week.
Although these fats are beneficial in combating your diets, be careful.
All fats are high in calories.

Saturated and trans fats are the fats you should try to avoid. Saturated
fats are found in butter, lard, chocolate and coconut oils. Trans fats
are found in cake, cookies, chips, shortening, stick margarine, and
French fries. Both raise blood cholesterol levels which can cause
heart disease. Although saturated fat is something you should avoid, diabetic
nutritional guidelines recommend eating less than 7% of calories from
saturated fats. Trans fats should be banned from your
Diet, but if you
do happen to eat chips or French fries you should limit this as much as
possible. In addition to these two fats there’s cholesterol. Your body
makes cholesterol, but certain meats like liver and other animal organs,
chicken or turkey skin and egg yolks can raise it. Ideally you should
eat less than 200 mgs per day.

It’s important to have fats in your diet. This is especially true of
monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. However, you should be careful
and eat them in moderation. All fats are high in calories and can put
your weight management at risk which can increase your risk of heart disease.

By



Dr Michael Hutch

Type
2 Diabetes Diets

Type 2 Diabetes – Going Low Carb?

Maintaining a balanced diet is important to living a healthy lifestyle.
For those with Type 2 Diabetes, the right diet is crucial. There is no
single Diet appropriate for a diabetic, but it is suggested that a heart
healthy diet with weight control is sufficient to keep the diabetes
under control. Although following the United States Dietary Guidelines
for a heart healthy diet with weight control are successful in
controlling blood sugar, some are looking for alternatives.

Diabetics cannot properly process glucose, and a buildup of glucose in the
blood stream can cause numerous complications. The current diet
recommended by the American Diabetes Association is high in carbs.

Although this method has been proven effective in some, others with
diabetes feel there should be more an effective way to control their
glucose. Because glucose comes from carbohydrates, many feel that a low
carb diet is the best way to control their diabetes.

There are many different types of low carb diets such as Atkins, Zone,
and South Beach. Although they all differ slightly, they share the same
fundamental principals. Low carb diets restrict carbohydrate
consumption. Foods higher in protein and fat and foods low in carbs
replace those that are high in digestible carbohydrates. For instance,
spaghetti and garlic bread would be replaced with baked chicken and a
green, leafy vegetable. In a low carb Diet, carbs take up less than
twenty percent of the average person’s daily caloric intake, so the
amount of proteins and fats have to be increased to compensate. Low carb
diets have been deemed successful in diabetics because it keeps
blood sugar levels low. This could be credited to the heavy reduction or
elimination of foods such as processed sugar, white bread, and white
rice.

Although low carb diets have been proven to help those with type 2
diabetes, doctors and scientists have some concerns. There are no long
term studies on the effects of a low carb diet on the body. The studies
that are available to the public now either heavily promote or condemn
low carb diets. Because multivitamins and minerals are needed when on a
low carb diet, many doctors and scientist find the
Diet nutritionally deficient. In addition, fruits and vegetables are minimized
which also causes a lack in nutrition. Fatigue and weakness are known to
occur so one cannot exercise regularly.

Although there is controversy surrounding low carb diets, it has been
proven effective in controlling type 2 diabetes. Before committing to
any diet it is important to consult a doctor or nutritionist. Everyone
is different, and so the results of any diet will differ person to
person. The important thing is find the right diet and keep
healthy.

By



Dr Michael Hutch

Type
2 Diabetes Nutrition

Type 2 Diabetes – How Much Food is Enough Food?

The American Diabetes Association has not singled out one
Diet that is appropriate to treat all
Diabetics. Some do well on a low carb diet such
as Atkins or South Beach. Others need a low carb, low saturated fat
diet. More control their weight and blood sugar following the United
States Dietary Guidelines. There are many different factors that make
everyone’s dietary and nutritional needs different. Finding the right
diet can be maddening. Adjusting to it can be even more difficult. No
matter what Diet you choose there is an important question all dieters
must ask themselves, dietitian, or nutritionist. How much food is
enough?

When determining how much food is appropriate age, sex, height, weight,
and body type should be considered. These factors determine how much
calories you should consume per day. The average type 2 diabetes patient
needs 1500-1800 a day. Once the amount of calories needed per day is
determined, eating appropriate portions is required. If you do not have
a scale to weigh how many servings are needed, you can use your fist or
visualize a baseball. You can also keep a journal to keep track of when,
where, and how much you eat. When eating at a restaurant you can ask for
a nutrition guide. Many restaurants also offer low fat, low carb, and
diabetic meals.

Another method of controlling how much food you intake is counting
carbs. Contact a dietitian or nutritionist to find out your carb factor
and then utilize food labels, exchange charts, books and scales to make
sure you don’t go below or above it. Although no one talks about it much
anymore you can also count calories. There are books and charts that can
tell you how many calories are in each food. If you are unsure what
method to use, consult your physician, dietitian, or nutritionist.
Together you can come up with a plan and how to execute it successfully.

Maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle is important when it comes to
overcoming diabetes. Eating too much could cause your condition to
worsen. So can eating too little. Sticking to the recommended caloric
intake is important. If one diet doesn’t work out don’t get discouraged.
Keep trying and tweaking them until you find the right fit. Remember
age, body type, height and sex all play a role in the type of nutrition
needed. If you ever get discouraged, talk to your doctor or find others
with diabetes can help.

By



Dr Michael Hutch

Diets For Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes – Overcoming Food Dislikes

Throughout our lives we all become children sitting at the dinner table.
We feed our broccoli to the dog, spit meatloaf into a napkin, or pretend
that the slices of banana on our plate simply aren’t there. Food
aversion is normal. Scientists have found that it is a method of
survival for humans and animals. Psychologists also site negative
feelings and experiences with a food to food aversion. However, with
health issues such as type 2 diabetes it is important to overcome these
aversions. Not every food you hate will become one you like, but there
are ways to turn the most disgusting foods into appetizing ones.

With diseases such as type 2 Diabetes, a healthy and balanced Diet
is crucial, and any food aversion could get in the way that. One of the
best ways to overcome food aversion is constant exposure. Constantly
being exposed to your least favorite foods will allow you to become
desensitized to them. It’s like meeting a person for the first time. You
may not like him or her at first, but by constantly being around them
you learn to accept them for who they are. Like getting to know someone,
you don’t have to deal with the food in great quantities. Start small.
Prepare the food differently each time. Preparation of the food may to
be blame instead of the taste of it. If you don’t like peppers, greens,
or peas, it is important to remember that these and other foods come in
different varieties. Try different types, or instead of eating frozen
try fresh.

Psychologists have found that food aversions are learned. For instance,
say you eat fish and become ill later. Because you became ill, the odds
of you eating fish again soon after the illness is slim. Food aversions
don’t have to come from illness. They can also stem from negative
experience. If mom made lasagna every time she and dad had a huge
argument then you may negatively associate lasagna with these fights. If
this is the case, then in addition to constant exposure and diverse
preparation you need to find ways to make these foods positive or
neutral again. In addition to trying a different type or preparation of fish,
convince yourself that you will not get sick from eating it.

When confronted with lasagna, tell yourself that the lasagna was not the
culprit of the arguments. If this doesn’t work pair it with something pleasant.
If you get a promotion treat yourself to a fish dinner. Do whatever it takes
to create a healthy to control your Type 2 Diabetes.

Overcoming food dislikes aren’t easy. It takes time, dedication and
patience. The foods you hate may never become your favorites. It is
important to try though. A disease like type 2 diabetes is treatable. It
may be an uphill battle to eat foods that you find unappetizing, but it
is a battle worth fighting.

By



Dr Michael Hutch

Diet
For Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes – Processed Meats=Nasty Fats!

Who doesn’t love bacon or sausage for breakfast or a hot dog on sunny
summer afternoons? How could you turn away from a slice of pepperoni?
How could you ignore salami? How could you hate a bologna sandwich? If
you have Type 2 Diabetes you should. Bacon, hot dogs, pepperoni,
sausage, salami and bologna are all processed meats. Processed meats are
high in cholesterol and saturated fats. They contain high levels of salt
and other preservatives.

Processed meats equal trouble when it comes to maintaining a healthy
weight and diabetes. Processed meats are high in saturated fat which
raises bad cholesterol levels. If bad cholesterol levels become too high
you could suffer a heart attack or stroke.

There are several reasons why processed meats can cause
health problems.

The obvious one is saturated fats. Our bodies already produce
cholesterol. When we eat saturated fats, bad cholesterol accumulates in
our blood stream and gets into our arteries. This can cause heart attack
and stroke. In addition saturated fat is a fat. All fats are high in
calories. The more fats a person eats can cause them to gain weight and
put them at risk for Diabetes and
heart disease.

Scientists also believe that unsaturated fats may not be alone when it
comes to causing diabetes and heart disease. The chemicals,
preservatives, and high salt concentration may also be to blame. A
recent study found that those who ate unprocessed meats were less likely
to suffer from diabetes or heart disease than those who ate processed
meats. In addition no one knows the long term effect of these
preservatives on the human body. Some researchers are even blaming
carbohydrates. Insulin regulates if glucose is converted to energy or
fat and if dietary fat is used for fuel or stored. If the fat is stored
then the risk of heart disease, loss of weight control, and diabetes can
occur. More research is needed to prove either of these theories.

It’s ok to love bacon or hot dogs, but they should be eaten in
moderation. The American Diabetic Association recommends you eat less
than 7% of saturated fat daily. So instead of having a hot dog every
Saturday during summer, cut back to special occasions such as Memorial
Day, the Fourth of July or a family get together. We all make mistakes.
We all deserve to treat ourselves. The important thing is to get back on
track after and resume eating healthily.

By



Dr Michael Hutch

Type
2 Diabetes Diet

Type 2 Diabetes – Sauces and Relishes

When it comes to diabetes choosing the right foods is important. Even
the simplest things can cause your blood sugar to spike. Even sauces,
relishes, and condiments play a role in managing
blood sugar levels.

Most relishes, salad dressings, and condiments are safe to eat freely
but sauces are a different story. In addition, condiments, salad
dressings, and relishes have other issues that diabetics need to worry
about.

If you are counting carbs, you know the importance of checking the label
for total carbohydrates and calories. If the label says the condiment or
food is less than 20 calories and contains 5 grams or less of
carbohydrates per serving then it is deemed a free food. Free foods can
be eaten without counting them. Free foods have no effect on your blood
sugar. If it did no one would know it because these foods are so low in
available carbohydrates, that it is nearly impossible to get people to
eat enough of it to test their

Glycemic Indexes. Ketchup, mustard, relish, coffee, tea, broth, diet sodas,
sugar free Jell-O, jam, jelly, gum and salad dressing are all examples
of free foods.

Sauces on the other hand are a complicated matter. There are a few
sauces that do not contain a lot of sugar, calories, or a large total of
carbohydrates. These sauces are barbecue, salsa, soy, sweet and sour,
sweet chili, and taco. Many sauces contain sugar which can spike your
blood sugar. Diabetic sauces are made with little to no sugar, but it is
important to check the labels for appropriate a diabetic Diet. If you
are afraid of buying sauces many websites and cook books offer recipes.
When preparing these sauces be sure to count the carbs in each
individual ingredient. If you don’t have a kitchen scale, remember that
the size of a clenched fist is equal to one cup.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and diet is important when it comes to
managing your blood sugar. Although some foods are free and don’t need
to be counted, you should space them out throughout the day. It isn’t
necessary to avoid sugar, but making sure to not have too much or too
little is important. Although people barely eat condiments, relishes,
sauces, and salad dressings on a daily basis it is important to do your
best to make sure it does not cause any excess amounts of sugar. Good
luck and enjoy the sauces of life.

By



Dr Michael Hutch

Type
2 Diabetes Nutrition

Type 2 Diabetes – What’s Atkins All About?

Dr. Robert Atkins, founder of the Atkins diet, believed the primary
cause of obesity, was refined carbohydrates. In 1989, this belief
sparked the creation of Atkins Nutritional Inc, a company Atkins founded
to promote his diet and sell food products. In the late 1990s and early
2000s, the Atkins diet reached widespread popularity. Unfortunately it
was short lived. Dr Atkins died in 2003, and in 2005 the company went
bankrupt but made a comeback. Although the Atkins Diet
is not as popular as it once was, it still has a great deal of followers.
Many of its new followers are diabetic.

Dr. Atkins believed that by drastically reducing carbohydrates, one’s
metabolism can switch more frequently from burning glucose as fuel to
burning stored fat. This process is known as ketosis and beings to occur
when insulin levels in the body are low. The Atkins diet is a low carb
diet with 4 phases: induction, ongoing weight loss, pre maintenance, and
lifelong maintenance. With each phase you slowly increase your net
carbohydrate intake until you find the right amount needed to induce
ketosis. The Atkins diet can be appealing to Diabetics for many
reasons. Many have found the diet to reduce appetite, supply a lifelong
approach to Dieting, and steady weight loss. These are all good
qualities to have when it comes to controlling one’s
Diabetes. In addition, the Atkins diet has a special program for diabetics
that allow them to create an individualized approach to weight control and
decreasing the risk of diabetes and heart disease.

Although the Atkins diet has some good qualities there are drawbacks.
Because the Atkins diet relies heavily on meats, it is not ideal for
those who are vegetarian or vegan. There have been allegations of an
increased risk of heart disease, but studies have disproven those
theories. Osteoporosis, kidney stones, bad breath, headaches and hearing
loss have all been reported by followers of the diet. Like other low
carb Diets, multivitamins and mineral supplements are needed. The diet
is also known to constipation. Although Atkins has a specialized program
for diabetics, it is not part of conventional therapy.

Just like other low carb diets there is much controversy surrounding the
Atkins diet. Some doctors and scientists find it an acceptable form of
weight control and diabetes management, while others condemn it and find
it dangerous. Before going on the Atkins diet talk to a doctor or
nutritionist to make sure it’s the right fit for your lifestyle.

By



Dr Michael Hutch

Preventing Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes – The World’s Next Epidemic? Ha!

There is a disease that 171 million people are suffering from worldwide.
Eighteen million in the United States alone are conflicted by it.
In the United States about 24 million children have it.

Six million more people in the United States are undiagnosed and suffering in silence. Almost 73,000 people are killed by it every year.

They suffer complications such as heart disease, high
blood pressure, kidney disease, blindness, and amputation. What disease
is this? What epidemic is spreading like wildfire and expected to double
worldwide by 2030? This epidemic is diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes is said to be genetic, caused by environmental factors, and
usually affects those of European descent. Type 2 diabetes is also said to be
genetic and tends to affect African American, Native Americans,
Hispanics Americans, and Japanese Americans.

High blood pressure, high fat levels, eating a high fat Diet and consuming
a large amount of alcohol, being overweight, and living a sedentary
lifestyle can put you at risk for contracting Diabetes.

Usually the disease affects those over 50, but in recent years children
are being affected too. If you or someone you care about fit in one or
more of these categories please talk them or yourself into changing your
ways. Diabetes is a preventable disease. Why suffer through it if you
don’t have to?

Many cases of Type 2 Diabetes go undiagnosed. Some never see a doctor.
Others can’t pay for insulin orpills. Despite this, there are many
warning signs and symptoms of the disease. Fatigue, unexplained weight loss, excessive thirst or urination, infection, poor wound healing, altered mental status, and
blurred vision are indicators that you or someone you care about may
have diabetes. If left untreated heart disease, kidney disease,
blindness, or a need for amputation can occur. If you or anyone you know
exhibits these symptoms it is important to seek medical attention.

Why is this happening? Why is diabetes so prevalent in today’s society?
Some say the new technology surroundingmankind is making us sedentary.
Instead of participating in physical activity we choose to surf the web or watch television. Some say that a lack of information is the cause.

If you don’t know the symptoms or treatments available to you, how can you get well? Others blame a lack of equal and adequate health care. Some people who suffer from diabetes have never seen a doctor in their lives. Others know they have it but
don’t have enough money to pay for insulin and pills. If we don’t do
something about it, diabetes will become an epidemic. You can help stop
it by educating yourself and others.

By



Dr Michael Hutch

Controlling Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes – Cornerstone of Good (Basic) Diabetes Management is Blood Pressure Check! –


A Simple Way to Spot Problems Early On

Diabetes is a unique disease which comes with its own unique set of challenges for the patient.

Since one of the more common complications of diabetes is high blood
pressure, a cornerstone of good (basic) diabetes management is
blood pressure check. It is estimated to recognize the symptoms of high blood
pressure, since it is estimated that up to sixty percent of diabetes
patients suffer from this condition, also known as hypertension. The
risks of this condition in addition to your diabetes are high, but there
are treatments available to assist in bring your blood pressure down
into acceptable levels.

The risks of having both diabetes and high blood pressure are severe. Since
Diabetes has an adverse effect on the arteries, this exposes you to the risk of a
hardening of the arteries, also known as arteriosclerosis. This
condition can lead to high blood pressure, which can then lead to a
whole host of potentially fatal risks to your health. The fact that
among the potential consequences are heart attack, liver failure,
blood vessel damage, and stroke paints a clear picture of why a cornerstone of
good (basic) diabetes management is blood pressure check.

Since the potential risks are so numerous and many potentially fatal, a cornerstone of good (basic) diabetes management is blood pressure check! But what should a diabetes patient do once diagnosed with high blood pressure? The best place tostart is with lifestyle changes. If your doctor feels it is safe,
exercise is one of the simplest ways to have a positive effect on both
your hypertension and diabetes. Weight loss will usually be a
recommended treatment, which will be made easier by the addition of
becoming more active. Quitting smoking and lowering salt intake are
also outstanding tools to lower high blood pressure.

Even though a cornerstone of good (basic) diabetes management is blood pressure check, once diagnosed with this dangerous condition it must be treated. In addition to lifestyle adjustments, there are also many useful medications that your doctor may choose to prescribe. Diuretics may be one of the first type of medications your physician may utilize to lower your
blood pressure.

Diuretics work by eliminating excess water and salt from the body, thus
helping to alleviate the pressure on blood vessels. Your doctor may
also prescribe an ACE inhibitor, which helps to prevent the release of
enzymes that causes blood vessels to constrict.

By



Dr Michael Hutch

Treating Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes – Cornerstone of Good (basic) Diabetes Management is Cholesterol Check!


– An Issue No Diabetic Can Overlook

As the nearly 25 million persons diagnosed with
Diabetes in the United States can attest, the disease is
a complicated one which can lead to a whole host of related conditions.
One of the more insipid complications diabetes patients should watch out
for is a high cholesterol level. Since this can lead to cardiovascular
disease and even potentially death, a cornerstone of good (basic)
diabetes management is cholesterol check. A vital part of managing
diabetes is also managing your cholesterol levels, particularly LDL
cholesterol, which can reduce cardiovascular complications by as much as
50 percent.

To understand the importance of maintaining a
healthy cholesterol level, one must first understand what
cholesterol is and what function it has in the body. Cholesterol is a
waxy substance produced by the liver that resides in the bloodstream.
The body uses cholesterol to build cell membranes and tissues and also
to make a variety of hormones critical to our survival. All of our
bodies must produce some level of cholesterol, but there are so-called
“good” cholesterols and “bad” cholesterols. A cornerstone of good
(basic) diabetes management is cholesterol check because this will
measure both levels in your blood.

Bad cholesterol, sometimes referred to as LDL (low-density-lipoprotein) is harmful because it can be deposited along the inside walls of your arteries of too much is present. This can lead to a condition called arteriosclerosis, or a hardening of the arteries. Good cholesterol, sometimes referred to as
HDL (high-density-lipoprotein) serves to remove the bad cholesterol from
your blood. Diabetes tends to have the effect of raising the bad
cholesterol levels and lowering the levels of good cholesterol, so a
cornerstone of good (basic) diabetes management is cholesterol check to
spot problems early on and begin treatment.

Even if you follow all doctor’s instructions regarding the frequency of your cholesterol checks, it is still possible for the diabetic to wind up with unhealthy cholesterol levels. Fortunately, your physician can help provide a wealth of information on how to bring your levels back to what is considered safe and healthy. A cornerstone of good (basic)


Diabetes management is cholesterol check, but careful attention to lifestyle will help to ensure that your cholesterol levels are satisfactory. Exercising and sticking to a diet that is low in cholesterol, trans fat, and saturated fat is a good start. Your doctor can also prescribe medications that will help to correct your cholesterol profile.

By



Dr Michael Hutch

Managing Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes – Cornerstone of Good (basic) Diabetes Management is
Education!

– Learn the Facts and Live Healthier

Whether you are a newly diagnosed diabetic or a chronic sufferer, education
about the condition and its management is crucial to leading a healthy and active
lifestyle. Since no other disease demands more of a patient’s attention
to their life choices, a cornerstone of good (basic) diabetes management
is education about all aspects of the diseases. The good news is that
there exist a plethora of outstanding resources to learn about the
condition, its symptoms, and its treatment. With a little diligence and
time, any Diabetic can unlock a wealth of information crucial to their
well-being and quality of life.

The place where most diabetics begin their journey to acquire knowledge
about the disease is with their doctor. Your physician will be the first line
of defense in treating diabetes and helping to relieve its symptoms.
Unfortunately, many patients are overwhelmed initially and do not ask
enough questions.

Your doctor wants to help, but you have to be proactive and take control
of your own health. Since a cornerstone of good (basic) diabetes
management is education, you should always write down a list of
questions before each doctor’s visit, and make sure you fully understand
all the answers.

An outstanding resource for valuable and potential life-saving information
is the National Diabetes Education Program. This program, established in 1997,
is a federally funded initiative sponsored by both the National Institutes for Health
and the Centers for Disease Control. Their sole mission is to work at
the local, state, and federal levels to disseminate information about

Diabetes. Given the fact that a cornerstone of good (basic) diabetes
management is education, this program is an excellent resource to
consider. The best place to start is their website, which has many
publications and also links to local education opportunities in your area.

One of the best resources totake advantage of is World Diabetes day.
The date of November 14^th was first recognized in 1991 as a day to raise
awareness and educate people worldwide about the condition and its
treatment options.

The campaign is sponsored by both the World Health Organization and the
International Diabetes Federation, and was recognized as an official
United Nations Day in 1997. On this date, you should expect to see
press conferences, media interviews, and local workshops and seminars in
your area. Since a cornerstone of good (basic) diabetes management is
education, mark the date on your calendar and be prepared to learn!

By



Dr Michael Hutch

Treating Diabetes Type 2

Type 2 Diabetes – Cornerstone of Good (basic) Diabetes Management is
Exercise/Diet!

– Make it a Part of Your Lifestyle

If you are one of the 25 million Americans currently afflicted with Diabetes,
you know that this diagnosis comes with major lifestyle modifications in order
to live a healthy and active life. One of the first facts you will no doubt learn
is that a cornerstone of good (basic) diabetes management is
exercise/diet. Even though there a multitude of medications available
to today’s diabetes patient, a healthy diet and light to moderate
exercise play a major role in managing the disease and its symptoms.
Each factor contributes not only to assisting in the management of
diabetes, but they will also lead to better overall health.

A healthy Diet is one of the most powerful tools diabetics can employ to
manage their disease. One of the reasons a cornerstone of good (basic) diabetes management is
exercise/diet is due to the close relationship a diabetic’s diet has
with their blood sugar. A proper understanding of the
Glycemic Index is a must, as it spells out which foods release their
sugars into the bloodstream quickly and which are more likely to release slowly.
Choosing the right foods is crucial, but portion size and frequency of
meals is also important. Most doctors recommend smaller and more
frequent meals for diabetics.

You should also devise an exercise regimen in tandem with your diet.
One of the reasons a cornerstone of good (basic) diabetes management is
exercise/diet is that they are together more beneficial than either alone.
A doctor should
always be consulted prior to any exercise, but most physicians will
recommend some sort of exercise or activity. Even moderate exercise,
such as taking the dog for a walk or working in the garden can have many
positive health effects on your diabetes and overall health.
The goal is to be active enough to slightly elevate the heart rate and begin to
burn calories.

So what is the right Diet and which exercises, if any, should you undertake?
Your doctor will be the first to tell you that a cornerstone of good (basic) diabetes management is exercise/diet and be more than willing to put you on the right path.
Beyond the doctor’s office, there are is thankfully a wealth of information available for
Diabetes patients. Support groups, workshops, and conferences are
all valuable resources. The internet has literally thousands of pages that you can peruse to find tips and
tricks to help find the right diet and exercise for you.

By



Dr Michael Hutch

Treating Diabetes Type 2

Type 2 Diabetes – Cornerstone of Good (basic) Diabetes
Management is Eye Check!


– Why Diabetics are at Special Risk

A diagnosis of diabetes comes
with many challenges and forces the patient to accept that their
lifestyles and habits must change to remain healthy and active. One of
the reasons for this is that the risk of complications from the disease
is extremely long. A cornerstone of good (basic) diabetes management is
eye check, as visual problems are a very common complication of
diabetes. Not only can diabetes lead to mild and treatable eye problems
such as blurred vision and cataracts, but the disease is also the
leading cause of blindness in Americans ages 20 to 74.

One of the most common visual
problems encountered by diabetics is blurred vision, which is caused
when a high blood sugar condition leads to swelling in the eye’s lens.
This condition is usually temporary, and can will most often
self-correct when blood sugar levels return to normal. A cornerstone of
good (basic)

Diabetes management is eye check because often this blurred
vision can by symptomatic of a more serious condition. Regular visits
to your ophthalmologist are not optional when you have diabetes, but
rather are mandatory to help detect potentially serious eye problems
early on.

Among the more serious visual
conditions that blurred vision may be a sign of are cataracts. Though
people without diabetes are also at risk for cataracts, a cornerstone of
good (basic) diabetes management is eye check due to the fact that a
diabetic patient is more likely to suffer from them at younger ages and
the disease tends to progress more quickly. A cataract is when the
normally clear lens of the eye becomes cloudy, often resulting on s
sensation of looking through fog. Though correctable by surgical
implant of a new lens, the fact that it impairs vision can make it a
dangerous condition.

Another very serious eye
complication diabetics should be on the lookout for is glaucoma. In
this condition, fluid inside the eye does not drain properly, resulting
in a buildup of pressure within the eye. This pressure can eventually
bring about damage to the nerves and blood vessels in the eye, causing a
degradation of vision. Glaucoma often presents no symptoms at all until
the disease is very advanced, so a cornerstone of good (basic) diabetes
management is eye check to detect this problem early on. Treatment of
glaucoma may consist of eye drops, medication, or laser surgery may be
indicated in further advanced cases.

By



Dr Michael Hutch

Living With Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes – Cornerstone of Good (basic) Diabetes Management is Family Support! – Invite Them to Join the Team

Currently there are more than 25
million Americans diagnosed with diabetes, including approximately 95 %
of them with type 2. Since a cornerstone of good (basic)

Diabetes
management is family support, this means that there are close to 100
million family members out there available to actively support the
management of this disease. Due to the often complicated regimen
necessary to effectively treat diabetes, family members are a crucial
part of a total care strategy for coping with the disease and its
symptoms. With a little education and a lot of vigilance, family
members can become an integral part of an overall strategy for
management of the condition.

Often the first and most
daunting challenge of managing diabetes is educating yourself about the
condition. A cornerstone of good (basic) diabetes management is family
support by assisting in learning about the condition and its treatment.
The first source of information for most patients is their physician. A
family member can assist by accompanying their loved one on doctor’s
visits to ask questions and raise concerns. A family member can also be
a great help to the diabetic by attending any conferences or workshops
that may be in town. If not able to attend, the family member can
simply offer to babysit or give a ride to the workshop.

Another excellent way family
members can support their loved ones is by encouraging physical activity
and actively participating in these activities with them. Since a
cornerstone of good (basic) diabetes management is family support, a
family that plays together can lead to increased health benefits for
all. A Diabetic should always check with their physician before
attempting any exercise, but most find that moderate exercise is
perfectly fine and actually encouraged. The family can take walks, do
yard work, or any other group activity that they all enjoy and the
doctor approves.

One of the most crucial elements
in maintaining a healthy lifestyle with diabetes is adherence to a
strict diet. The foods eaten at each meal, the portion size, and the
frequency of meals are all vital links in the chain. One of the
cornerstones of good (basic) diabetes management is family support of
the diabetic in adhering to his or her often complicated diet and meal
schedules. Since the diabetic

Diet is one of the healthiest, an easy
and beneficial way family members can show their support is by eating
the same foods as the diabetic.

By



Dr Michael Hutch

Diabetes Type 2 Blood Sugar

Type 2 Diabetes – Cornerstone of Good (Basic) Diabetes
Management is HbA1C Testing!


- An Important Companion to Daily Self Testing

Even though most diabetics learn
early on that they must devise and follow a regular schedule of self
testing, many often overlook the importance of
HbA1C testing. This is a
test performed by your doctor, and is critical to managing your diabetes
and continuing to live a
healthy and active lifestyle. A cornerstone
of good (basic) diabetes management is hba1c testing due to the clues
this test can give as to your blood
glucose levels. Controlling these
levels is crucial in the quest to manage your diabetes, and must be
monitored closely via several methods.

To understand the importance of
why a cornerstone of good (basic) diabetes management is HbA1c testing,
one must first understand what the test is and what it can tell you
about your condition. Red blood cells are comprised of a molecule
called hemoglobin. Glucose adheres to the hemoglobin to create a
molecule called hemoglobin A1C or hba1c. Of special importance to the
diabetic is the fact that more
HbA1C in the bloodstream means more
glucose. Since the HbA1c molecules have a lifespan of 8-12 weeks, this
test is an effective way to look back and gauge the effectiveness of
your diabetes management.

One of the variables associated
with this test is how often it should be performed. Your doctor will
schedule these tests as needed, depending on how well your diabetes is
controlled. Since a cornerstone of good (basic) diabetes management is
HbA1C testing, the test should usually be performed every 3-6 months.
If your readings are high or you are exhibiting complications from
Diabetes, your physician may schedule them more frequently. A test
result of 6% or less is generally considered safe, and any test results
over 7% will usually result in your doctor scheduling your next test
sooner than 3 months.

If you do receive a high HbA1C
test result, action should be taken. Your physician will usually
re-examine your
Diabetes management strategy and make adjustments as
needed. Often simple changes in diet or exercise levels can help to
bring down the levels on your next test. A cornerstone of good (basic)
diabetes management is HbA1c testing due to the fact that, unlike daily
self testing, this particular test is not influenced by factors such as
blood pressure or recent meals. Only lifestyle changes that you stick
to or changes in medications can make a difference in this important
test.