Benefits of Omega-3 Fatty Acids in preventing Diabetic Retinopathy

Retinopathy is a major cause of blindness and is becoming even more prevalent with the increase of obesity in Americans. A new study indicates that omega-3 fatty acids may help prevent the development of diabetic retinopathy.

The study is detailed in the journal Science Translational Medicine. Mice were fed a diet high in omega-3 fatty acids and researchers discovered that this prevented the growth of abnormal blood vessels in the retina. The omega-3 was converted into an acid called 4-HDHA which slowed the growth of the abnormal blood vessels.

Another benefit of this finding is that omega-3 is not affected by medicines such as aspirin or other painkillers. This is important since many diabetic patients take aspirin to prevent heart disease.

Diabetes and Carbs!!!

Carbohydrates include fruits, vegetables, starches, grains, low-fat milk and baked items. Your carbs should be proportional to the number of calories you take in. This creates a nutritionally balanced diet.

For most diabetics, daily calories should be somewhere between 1,600 and 2,800 per day. The calorie intake at the lower end of this range is for people who are overweight.

Out of these total calories, 45% to 65% should be carbohydrate calories. And at least half of your carbs should come from whole grains, fruits, vegetables and low-fat milk. Remember that in addition to providing healthy carbs, fruits and vegetables contribute fiber to your diet.

Aim for two to four servings of fruit, and three to five servings of vegetables per day. This breaks down an ideal diet into these parts:
Carbohydrates: 45% to 65% of calories
Protein: 15% to 20% of calories
Fats: 25% to 40% of calories

Make monounsaturated fats the main type of fat in your diet. These are found in olive and canola oil. They help raise your "good" cholesterol (HDL) to healthy levels. Take in no more than 10% of polyunsaturated fats. Minimize saturated fats and trans fats. They are found in meats and high-fat dairy products, hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated oils, and processed, packaged and fried foods.

Another vital constituent to combat Diabetes

Are you aware of a nutrient that is significant when it comes to blood sugar control. It is essential for diabetics to avoid to many foods that disrupt blood sugar levels and keep the blood sugar level under control.However, in addition to eating a low Glycemic Index diet, it is also important to supplement with certain nutrients that help the body keep blood sugar levels in check. The supplement known to participate in the body processes that control blood sugar levels is Biotin (one of the B-group vitamins) In several studies, Biotin supplementation has been shown to enhance the performance of insulin, the hormone that plays a critical role in helping your body incorporate blood sugar. The supplements can also increase the activity of an enzyme,glucokinase, which the liver uses early in the process of utilizing blood sugar,thus keeping a check on our blood sugar level.

Something a Diabetic should know about-Dawn Phenomenon!!

In diabetics,blood sugar levels are usually very high when they first wake up in the morning-this is known as dawn phenomenon.So Should you skip breakfast to bring your bloodsugar down?The answer in short is Absolutely NOT.First the reason that your blood sugar levels are so high first thing in the morning is because as morning approaches your body starts releasing energizing hormones to gear you up for the day. These antagonize the action of insulin and stimulate the liver to produce more glucose,even if the glucose level in the blood is already abnormally high.Will eating make it rise even higher? The answer is probably yes, but because breakfast is the most important meal of the day for weightloss and nutritional benefits we must find alternative measures to fight against this phenomenon known as the dawn phenomenon.
Here are a few tips you can try:
1. If you are currently taking any anti-diabetic pills, you can try taking one more tablet before you go to bed.
2.Start checking you blood sugar levels earlier in the morning,at around 6:30-7:003.Try eating a little less food in the evening or maybe even try a little exercise before you go to bed.
3.If you are currently taking insulin you may need an early morning dose with food to keep your rising blood sugar levels under control.Remember if you are currently taking insulin, you need to make sure that you or your doctor monitors your changes - at least until you have your eating, exercise and stress management on the right path.

Diabetes and Heart!!!

The cardiovascular system is one of the most important systems in the human body. It is comprised of the heart, blood and blood vessels. Blood is being pumped out from the heart and is the one responsible in delivering oxygen and other nutrients to all the parts of the body. It also cleans up our body by picking up the waste products on its way back to the heart so our body can get rid of them.
So what has diabetes got to do with the cardiovascular system? Since blood is part of the cardiovascular system, and diabetes is a condition in which the level of glucose in the blood is higher than normal, hence Diabetes and cardiovascular system diseases are closely related to each other.Some examples of the commonly diagnosed cardiovascular disease are coronary heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure and other heart conditions.
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Risk Factors
Diabetes is now considered as a major risk factor in cardiovascular diseases. Other factors that contribute to the possibility of acquiring cardiovascular diseases in diabetic patients include hypertension, smoking and hyperlipidemia.
- Hypertension. Hypertension in diabetes is considered a major contributor to the increase in mortality from cardiovascular diseases. Diabetic patients, especially those with Type 2, need to always have their blood pressure checked every visit to the doctor. Self-monitoring at home is also a must to maintain and control the rise of blood pressure. The American Diabetes Association recommends a target blood pressure of not more than 130/85 mm Hg to maintain a good level of blood pressure.
- Hyperglycemia. Intensive glycemic control may prove to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events, although not directly. This can be more beneficial in controlling micro vascular complications, but still, assessing all risk factors and properly managing them is a big step in preventing occurrence of any cardiovascular diseases.
- Smoking. Smoking has been determined dangerous to our health. Studies show that smoking indeed increase risk of premature death and cardiovascular disease in diabetic patients.
Prevention
As the old saying goes, “prevention is better than cure.” There are many ways on how to prevent the increased possibility of cardiovascular events in diabetic patients. Several alterations or modifications to the risk factors can be done to still maintain healthy despite of diabetes.
The simplest step one can start with is to stop smoking. Diabetic or not, cessation of smoking will really prove beneficial to one’s overall health condition. Maintaining blood pressure to less than 130/85 or 130/80 mm Hg helps control the occurrence of hypertension. Having a body mass index (BMI) of less than 27 is also a must for diabetic patients to control their overall condition.
Some tests are also recommended to monitor and keep maintain key factors at a healthy level. These tests include annual urine test, retinal dilation examination, dental examinations, and biannual foot examination for sensation testing and measurement of pulses. Diabetes and cardiovascular diseases need proper attention and care. Regular visits to your health practitioner are recommended as they are the right people who know all about your condition. They keep all the records of their patients’ health history and can track improvements or otherwise. Proper medications and advice are also given by these professionals.
Diabetes is indeed a life-long condition that demands a lot of attention. There may be no hard and real cure for this disease, but it sure can be maintained and controlled by proper care and having thorough knowledge and understanding about the condition.

Two vital nutrients for Diabetics!!!!!

Weight loss and diabetes management are two conditions which have more misconceptions and many claims about its cures than any others. These two nutrients are effective not only in controlling diabetes,but they can enhance our physical health like none other!
The first ingredient is Zinc which, when included as a part of your daily diet can boost your immunity, warding of an array of diseases and physical symptoms.Helping you deal with the likes ofhemorrhoids, ulcers, digestion problems while also improving the insulin levels your body produces, making diabetes control and management a lot easier than otherwise.
The second ingredient is Chromium. Chromium is yet another wonder-aid with its energy-increasing and weight-loss influencing capabilities, which not only decrease your overall lipid levels,but is also invaluable in improving your bodies composition!

Are you suffering from Diabetes???

One of the most important measures a diabetic needs to know is their glycosylated hemoglobin, also known as HbA1c.It gives your doctor a better understanding of your long term sugar control.The hemoglobin A1c test is a simple lab test that shows the average amount of sugar in your blood over the last two to three months. It’s the best way to find out if your blood sugar is under control. All people with type 2 diabetes should have a hemoglobin A1c test at least twice a year. If your treatment changes or if your blood sugar level stays too high, you should get a hemoglobin A1c test at least every three months until your blood sugar level improves. Regular testing will help you and your doctor to track your blood sugar levels over time and plan long-term treatment options to reach your target level of control.
Sugar in the bloodstream can become attached to the hemoglobin (the part of the cell that carries oxygen) in red blood cells. This process is called glycosylation.Once the sugar is attached, it stays there for the life of the red blood cell, which is about 120 days. The higher the level of blood sugar, the more sugar attaches to red blood cells. The hemoglobin A1c test measures the amount of sugar sticking to the hemoglobin in the red blood cells. Results are given in percentages.
Lowering the hemoglobin A1c number can delay or prevent the development of serious eye, kidney, and nerve disease in people with diabetes.A study also showed that lowering hemoglobin A1c levels by any amount improves a person's chances of staying healthy.

Diabetes,Diet and Hypertension!!!

In patients with type 2 diabetes, high-carbohydrate diet modestly raises blood pressure as compared to a diet high in monounsaturated fat.The reason for an increase in blood pressure and heart rate on a high-carbohydrate diet compared with a high- monounsaturated fat diet might be the accentuation of high insulin levels.
Best diet for diabetes would be high fiber,low carbohydrate,low fat and moderate to low protiens.A diet high in soluble fiber would be more than beneficial in controlling both hypertension and diabetes.