Choices of Sweeteners
The FDA has a list of approved artificial sweeteners for use in foods. The artificial sweeteners available on the market include aspartame (nutra sweet, equal), Saccharin (Sweet N Low, sugar Twin,), Acesulfame (Sunett, sweet one) and sucralose (Splenda). Of these aspartame is the least recommended for both diabetics or non diabetics. Of all the artificial sweeteners that can be used by diabetics, Saccharin is the most widely recommended.
Concern
For the past 2 decades, artificial sweeteners have received a lot of media attention regarding their safety. The internet is full of anecdotal stores about artificial sweeteners and how they cause cancer. Rest assured, these artificial sweeteners have been thoroughly studied by the National Cancer Institute. These sweeteners are quite safe and have no ability to cause cancer. However, the only one of concern is aspartame is that it is not safe for individuals who have a hereditary disease called phenyl ketonuria.
What the consumer has to understand is that just taking sugar away from the diet does not make the food low calorie. If one eats too much of any food, calories will be added and one will get fat. The one major difference between sugar free products and natural fruits/vegetables is that the former foods almost never provide adequate amount of valuable nutrients.
For your diabetes supply products, please visit www.medexsupply.com
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Artificial Sweeteners & Diabetes
Everyone loves sugar but with the rampant increase in obesity and diabetes, the role of sugar in our diet is being questioned. We all tend to eat too much sugar and that is not good. To avoid sugar, many individuals now use artificial sweeteners also sometimes known as sugar substitutes.
Artificial sweeteners have been around for many decades and most are naturally occurring chemicals but there are also a number of synthetic compounds. These sweeteners provide the sweetness without as many calories. Because the sweeteners are many times sweeter than sugar, only a small amount is required to create the same sweetness as sugar. Adoption of artificial sweeteners in the diet is often one of the first changes made by people who are trying to lose weight.
The other group of individuals who also use artificial sweeteners are diabetics. These individual want the food to taste sweet but without the extra calories or raising the blood sugar levels. As such, artificial sweeteners are okay for use by diabetics but all diabetics have to watch out for many other “sugar free products”.
These sugar free products tend to contain artificial sweeteners made of sorbitol and mannitol; both of which come packed with calories and can immediately increase your blood sugar levels. In addition, in some individuals, these sugar alcohols (sorbitol) can also cause diarrhea.
Common “sugar free foods”, which are known to contain sorbitol include sugar free cookies, chocolates and even some types of flour. These sugar free substitutes are quite misleading and can undermine one’s effort to lose weight or control the diabetes.
Artificial sweeteners have been around for many decades and most are naturally occurring chemicals but there are also a number of synthetic compounds. These sweeteners provide the sweetness without as many calories. Because the sweeteners are many times sweeter than sugar, only a small amount is required to create the same sweetness as sugar. Adoption of artificial sweeteners in the diet is often one of the first changes made by people who are trying to lose weight.
The other group of individuals who also use artificial sweeteners are diabetics. These individual want the food to taste sweet but without the extra calories or raising the blood sugar levels. As such, artificial sweeteners are okay for use by diabetics but all diabetics have to watch out for many other “sugar free products”.
These sugar free products tend to contain artificial sweeteners made of sorbitol and mannitol; both of which come packed with calories and can immediately increase your blood sugar levels. In addition, in some individuals, these sugar alcohols (sorbitol) can also cause diarrhea.
Common “sugar free foods”, which are known to contain sorbitol include sugar free cookies, chocolates and even some types of flour. These sugar free substitutes are quite misleading and can undermine one’s effort to lose weight or control the diabetes.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Can a Diabetic go for a pedicure? Part 3
All diabetics have to understand that any small infection can become dangerous so going to a pedicurist is always a risk. Manicurist and pedicurist are not health care workers and have no idea what diabetes is or how dangerous it can be. Any time there is a cut in the skin, bacteria can grow. In addition, bacteria thrive when the sugar levels are high.
Therefore, whether to use a pedicure is personal choice but it is definitely not recommended. If you do use one, then there are something’s you should look for at the saloon or spa.
If you have no abnormality in your feet, and your diabetes is suitable well controlled, a pedicure is safe as long as the technician/podiatrist is competent.
What to ask at the spa
Remember you are the patient paying for a service, so speak up.
If you are visiting a spa where you do not know anyone, ask them if they know how to look after a diabetic. If the answer is no or there is hesitancy, go elsewhere
Never allow the technician/podiatrists to stick sharp objects or cut anything besides the toenails and perhaps the callus-and tell them to be gentle
Check out the salon or spa for sanitation and hygiene.
Determine how they clean their equipments. Look at the conditions of the tools. Commons sense approach will immediately tell you if the place is clean or dirty.
Some saloons even allow you to buy your own equipment, which are only used on you
If you have diabetes, the onus is on you to tell the technicians what you want. Tell them to avoid very cold or very hot water. Avoid very sharp razors, apply cotton in-between each toe web space and be gentle
If you plan to have a pedicure do not shave for at least 48 hrs prior to the procedure. Shaving can sometimes cause injury or lacerate the skin thus making it easier for bacteria to enter the skin during a pedicure
In the final analysis, whether you have a pedicure or not depends to whom you listen and what you believe. In any case, to protect your feet, wear proper shoes, keep the skin well hydrated, protect your feet at all times, and exercise on a regular basis.
If you smoke, rest assured, you will end up losing not only your toes but also your feet. For the diabetic, the only way to prevent feet complications is by being proactive. Make it a habit of examining your feet regularly for skin breaks and infections. Moreover, try and keep your sugars on the low side.
For your diabetic supplies, please visit www.medexsupply.com
Therefore, whether to use a pedicure is personal choice but it is definitely not recommended. If you do use one, then there are something’s you should look for at the saloon or spa.
If you have no abnormality in your feet, and your diabetes is suitable well controlled, a pedicure is safe as long as the technician/podiatrist is competent.
What to ask at the spa
Remember you are the patient paying for a service, so speak up.
If you are visiting a spa where you do not know anyone, ask them if they know how to look after a diabetic. If the answer is no or there is hesitancy, go elsewhere
Never allow the technician/podiatrists to stick sharp objects or cut anything besides the toenails and perhaps the callus-and tell them to be gentle
Check out the salon or spa for sanitation and hygiene.
Determine how they clean their equipments. Look at the conditions of the tools. Commons sense approach will immediately tell you if the place is clean or dirty.
Some saloons even allow you to buy your own equipment, which are only used on you
If you have diabetes, the onus is on you to tell the technicians what you want. Tell them to avoid very cold or very hot water. Avoid very sharp razors, apply cotton in-between each toe web space and be gentle
If you plan to have a pedicure do not shave for at least 48 hrs prior to the procedure. Shaving can sometimes cause injury or lacerate the skin thus making it easier for bacteria to enter the skin during a pedicure
In the final analysis, whether you have a pedicure or not depends to whom you listen and what you believe. In any case, to protect your feet, wear proper shoes, keep the skin well hydrated, protect your feet at all times, and exercise on a regular basis.
If you smoke, rest assured, you will end up losing not only your toes but also your feet. For the diabetic, the only way to prevent feet complications is by being proactive. Make it a habit of examining your feet regularly for skin breaks and infections. Moreover, try and keep your sugars on the low side.
For your diabetic supplies, please visit www.medexsupply.com
Can a Diabetic go for a pedicure? Part 2
Before you rush off for a pedicure, go and see your health care provider. Let the doctor first assess your feet to ensure that you have no acute infection, reduced sensation,, broken skin , nail infection or decreased blood supply. If any of these conditions exist then it is best not to go to a pedicurist.
The other alternative is to go to a podiatrist. These health care professionals can help you trim nails, remove corns, and calluses safely (but they also charge a lot). However, many podiatrists never assess the blood supply to the foot and quickly start mucking around with knives and blades. There are countless reports of podiatrists who have cut off more tissue or nails without first assessing the pulses in the foot. While nothing happens most times, there are instances where a diabetic can end up losing a toe or even a foot.
Podiatrists are not bona fide surgeons and have little or no training in vascular surgery. One should never let a podiatrist cut or excise any part of your toe or foot without a prior clearance from a vascular surgeon- this advice may sound drastic but it can be limb saving.
Cyberspace is full of such cases where podiatrists have done more harm than good and there have been many litigations against podiatrists.
The other alternative is to go to a podiatrist. These health care professionals can help you trim nails, remove corns, and calluses safely (but they also charge a lot). However, many podiatrists never assess the blood supply to the foot and quickly start mucking around with knives and blades. There are countless reports of podiatrists who have cut off more tissue or nails without first assessing the pulses in the foot. While nothing happens most times, there are instances where a diabetic can end up losing a toe or even a foot.
Podiatrists are not bona fide surgeons and have little or no training in vascular surgery. One should never let a podiatrist cut or excise any part of your toe or foot without a prior clearance from a vascular surgeon- this advice may sound drastic but it can be limb saving.
Cyberspace is full of such cases where podiatrists have done more harm than good and there have been many litigations against podiatrists.
Can a Diabetic go for a pedicure?
Well, the answer to this question deserves some explanation but in general the answer is NO.
Most people ignore their feet. Individuals brush their teeth, comb their hair, take care of their pimples, wash their back side after pooping; but when it comes to their feet most individuals just could not care less. Feet may not be attractive, but if you are a diabetic, feet are a blessing. Hundreds of diabetics develop severe and life-threatening infections from minor skin trauma in the toes or foot and end up getting amputations.
For diabetics, taking care of their feet should be the highest priority. Once an amputation of even the small toe has taken place, your lifestyle is forever altered (most diabetics who end up losing one toe, usually lose more in the future). Diabetics have two major problems. One is that the blood supply gradually decreases due to atherosclerosis. In this scenario, the blood vessels narrow and after 10-20 years of diabetes, there is no blood supply to the foot.
Some diabetics have excellent blood supply to their feet but they develop severe damage to their nerves (neuropathy). These individuals are unable to sense any trauma. In both cases, any breaks in the skin, even an ingrown toenail can develop into a major infection.
Most people ignore their feet. Individuals brush their teeth, comb their hair, take care of their pimples, wash their back side after pooping; but when it comes to their feet most individuals just could not care less. Feet may not be attractive, but if you are a diabetic, feet are a blessing. Hundreds of diabetics develop severe and life-threatening infections from minor skin trauma in the toes or foot and end up getting amputations.
For diabetics, taking care of their feet should be the highest priority. Once an amputation of even the small toe has taken place, your lifestyle is forever altered (most diabetics who end up losing one toe, usually lose more in the future). Diabetics have two major problems. One is that the blood supply gradually decreases due to atherosclerosis. In this scenario, the blood vessels narrow and after 10-20 years of diabetes, there is no blood supply to the foot.
Some diabetics have excellent blood supply to their feet but they develop severe damage to their nerves (neuropathy). These individuals are unable to sense any trauma. In both cases, any breaks in the skin, even an ingrown toenail can develop into a major infection.
How effective is Byetta for diabetes? Part 2
Physicians recommend that Byetta should be taken at the same time every day for the maximal benefit.
Side effects
Like any other drug, it does have a few common side effects like:
- Nausea
- Low blood sugar
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Headaches
- Dizziness
These side effects are transient and often get better with time. Constipation is also another complication which is now being observed more frequently with Byetta.
Dosage
Byetta is available in two strengths in prefilled syringes.
- Byetta 5 mcg (gives 60 doses)
- Byetta 10 mcg (gives 60 doses)
The Byetta kits do not come with needles which need to be purchased. Initially, blood sugars have to be more frequently monitored to ensure that Byetta is working well.
All type 2 diabetics should understand that the most effective way to reduce blood sugars is by decreasing body weight, regular exercise and a change in lifestyle. Only when these efforts, fail should someone try drug therapy.
At the moment, Byetta is an excellent drug of choice for obese diabetic who want to control their blood sugars and also lose weight.
for your diabetic supplies, please visit www.medexsupply.com
Side effects
Like any other drug, it does have a few common side effects like:
- Nausea
- Low blood sugar
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Headaches
- Dizziness
These side effects are transient and often get better with time. Constipation is also another complication which is now being observed more frequently with Byetta.
Dosage
Byetta is available in two strengths in prefilled syringes.
- Byetta 5 mcg (gives 60 doses)
- Byetta 10 mcg (gives 60 doses)
The Byetta kits do not come with needles which need to be purchased. Initially, blood sugars have to be more frequently monitored to ensure that Byetta is working well.
All type 2 diabetics should understand that the most effective way to reduce blood sugars is by decreasing body weight, regular exercise and a change in lifestyle. Only when these efforts, fail should someone try drug therapy.
At the moment, Byetta is an excellent drug of choice for obese diabetic who want to control their blood sugars and also lose weight.
for your diabetic supplies, please visit www.medexsupply.com
How effective is Byetta for my diabetes?
In general, type 2 diabetes is treated with diet, exercise, and oral anti diabetic drugs. Now there is a new drug called Byetta (exenatide) to treat type 2 diabetes. The drug is administered as an injection but is not like insulin at all and not meant to treat type 1 diabetes. At present, Byetta is only approved for use in combination with special oral anti diabetic drugs. Incidentally, this drug was first discovered in the saliva of the Gila monster lizards.
Byetta works by mimicking the hormone incretin- this means it mimics incretin and increases insulin production when food is consumed. It also causes the liver to produce less sugar. Another benefit of the drug is that it reduces motility in the stomach, thus giving the patient a sensation of a full stomach. This leads to less food consumption and hence more weight loss. Several studies have shown that over 24-30 weeks, one can lose close to 2-3 kgs.
Byetta is available as an injection which can be given under the skin of abdomen, thighs, or upper arms. It is usually administered twice a day before the two heavy meals of the day. The meals should be at least six hours apart. To be effective Byetta must be injected within 60 minutes before the meals. It should not be injected once the meal has been consumed or more than 60 minutes before a meal is eaten.
Byetta works by mimicking the hormone incretin- this means it mimics incretin and increases insulin production when food is consumed. It also causes the liver to produce less sugar. Another benefit of the drug is that it reduces motility in the stomach, thus giving the patient a sensation of a full stomach. This leads to less food consumption and hence more weight loss. Several studies have shown that over 24-30 weeks, one can lose close to 2-3 kgs.
Byetta is available as an injection which can be given under the skin of abdomen, thighs, or upper arms. It is usually administered twice a day before the two heavy meals of the day. The meals should be at least six hours apart. To be effective Byetta must be injected within 60 minutes before the meals. It should not be injected once the meal has been consumed or more than 60 minutes before a meal is eaten.
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