Can I drink alcohol if I have diabetes?

Recent studies also indicate that there is a decreased risk of diabetes with increased intake of whole grains and dietary fiber. Although few micronutrients may affect glucose and insulin metabolism, data to document their role in the development of diabetes are scant. In fact moderate amount of alcohol intake has recently been shown to increase insulin sensitivity and improve glucose control. However, recommending alcohol consumption as therapy may lead to worsening of the social problems related to alcoholism, not to mention its damaging effects on the liver.

Is there a diabetic diet you can recommend?

Proper nutrition is an integral component of diabetes management and of diabetes self-management education. Yet many misconceptions exist concerning nutrition and diabetes. Despite what everyone thinks there is no such thing as a diabetic diet.

One should reduce the intake of total fat, mainly saturated fat, which is known to worsen diabetes and make control of blood glucose difficult. Except for omega 3 fatty acids, most fats have an adverse effect on insulin action. Some dieticians recommend that intake of unsaturated fatty acids are beneficial in the long-term management of diabetes.

Can Type 1 diabetes be prevented?

Unfortunately, Type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented nor can it be cured. It is a serious chronic inherited disease and the individual has to adapt to it. Diabetes is relatively easy to control but when the sugars are allowed to run high, devastating complications can occur. To avoid diabetic complications, one needs to make changes in lifestyle and eating habits- this will make one’s life a lot bearable and hassle free.

Actos can prevent diabetes!

The latest study on Actos shows that the drug can clearly prevent worsening of blood sugars. Also known as pioglitazone, Actos is widely used in North America to treat diabetics. This study showed that even individuals who had not fully developed diabetes were able to ward of the disorder by taking Actos on a daily basis. 

Now the bad news. This drug has never been approved for the prevention of diabetes.  Worse it can cause heart failure and has been linked to bladder cancer. The study was sponsored by the makers of Actos, so of course, the news is always great. For people who have high sugars but are not yet diabetic, best advice is walk more and eat less sugar. Losing weight is one of the best ways to avoid type 2 diabetes.

I am a 49 year old diabetic. Can you tell me what is HbA1c and how often should I have it measured?

I am a 49 year old diabetic. Can you tell me what is HbA1c and how often should I have it measured?

All diabetics should routinely get their blood glucose levels measured. The blood sugars give an idea how well the glucose is controlled on a day to day basis. However, all diabetics should also have their HBA1c measured once in a while.

HbA1c is simply hemoglobin which has been attached to glucose molecules. Hemoglobin is found in red blood cells and these cells have a life span of about 8-12 weeks. Normally if the blood glucose levels are normal or well controlled, the sugar does not bind to hemoglobin. However, if the sugars have been poorly controlled and are high, they get attached to the hemoglobin and this is known as glycation of the hemoglobin molecule.

So measuring HbA1c gives an idea how well the glucose levels have been over the long term. The higher the glucose levels, the higher will the level of HbA1c be. Some patients may come to see their physician and tell them that their sugars have been great. Well, by measuring the HbA1c the physician can immediately tell how well your  glucose levels have been over the last 3-4 months.

The test is simple to perform, requires some blood and results are usually available within an hour. The HbA1c is ideally done 2-3 times a year. Anything lower than 7 is great.

Can Zinc help lower my blood glucose? I have been reading a lot on Zinc and am confused?

Type 2 diabetes is associated with many long-term complications and the only way to prevent this is to ensure that your blood sugar is well controlled. Today, the treatments for type 2 diabetes includes medications, a change in diet and exercise. There is a lot of literature on Zinc and its miraculous healing properties. Zinc deficiency is very rare and usually only seen in very ill hospitalized patients or those who are malnourished. In North America, Zinc deficiency is rare. Taking extra zinc supplement is waste of money.

As far as diabetes is concerned, zinc has no affect no blood sugar. Best advice- take the medications prescribed by your doctor, lose weight, avoid excess sugar and exercise on a regular basis.

I am a diabetic and am horrified that I have to prick myself. Is there no way out of it?

Unfortunately, there is no way out of it. Monitoring of blood sugar unfortunately involves a pinprick on your fingertip with a special lancet. There are a variety of lancet devices which will allow you to adjust the depth of skin prick. Those with thick skin need deeper penetration. It does sound painful but eventually one gets used to it. You may have to alternate the pricking site each week, as it can be painful pricking the same finger.