Since it is October and Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I have decided to share some information with you that is indirectly related to diabetes. Current research has suggested that there is a connection between cancer and diabetes.
I am often asked "what are the best foods to eat?" by patients when they are initially diagnosed with diabetes. The perception of proper eating upon diagnosis runs the gamut. Many patients are afraid to eat anything that resembles a carbohydrate and end up feeling weak, confused and with a lack of daily concentration.
At ADW Diabetes, we try to keep you informed about issues dealing specifically with diabetes. Often during our sessions, patients go off topic but ask questions tied into their diabetes treatment.
I often teach patients who are referred to the diabetes self management program who have not exercised for most of their life. Age seems to be irrelevant since there are both young and old patients who do little physical activity besides sitting at their desk, computer or TV during the day.
During this week’s diabetes management training, I instructed a 62 year old male who has had type 2 diabetes for over 15 years and was never given the skills of diabetes education. He has always worked as a cab driver and did not have health insurance until the recent introduction of ACA insurance.
This week during diabetes self management sessions, I taught at least five patients from the ages of 38-75, both male and female, who were too frightened to eat anything after hearing about their type 2 diabetes diagnosis. They decided to consume only clear soups, chicken, fish and salads.
The most common long term complications of uncontrolled diabetes are well known. They include heart disease, heart attack, stroke, retinopathy (eye disease), nephropathy (kidney disease), neuropathy (nerve ending disease), erectile dysfunction, peripheral vascular disease and lower limb amputation.
The CDC reports that “more than 1/3 of Americans are currently obese with many more considered in the overweight category”. This comes as no surprise and it is well documented that obesity can increase the risk of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, type 2 diabetes, coronary disease, heart failure and strokes.
Kidney stone formation seems to be more prevalent during the summer season due to the weather being hot and dry. Many people suffer from dehydration during the summer months and dehydration can increase the risk of minerals to crystallize in the kidneys of certain individuals.
Parents are usually concerned that their children eat the right foods when returning back to a new school year. The lure of vending machines, student union stores and poor cafeteria choices may become a temptation. Discover 8 healthy back to school foods when you have diabetes that tastes great, too!