Transcript Diabetes Dos and Don`ts - Shabna Diabetes Centre

Question:1
Most people with diabetes
can feel their blood sugar
getting high.
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True
False
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Type 2 diabetes is often a silent disease. You
may feel just fine even though chronically
high blood sugar levels are doing serious
damage to your body. When it comes to
monitoring diabetes, don't rely on how you
feel. Don't wait until it's advanced enough to
cause symptoms.
Every person with diabetes needs to use a
home blood glucose monitor to keep tabs on
blood sugar. Ask your doctor about how often
you need to check your blood sugar. It varies
from person to person, depending on your
health and the medicines you take.
Why should you wear comfortable
shoes and sneakers?
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To prevent DFAS (diabetic fallen arch syndrome)
To prevent shin splints
To prevent foot injuries
None of the above
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People with diabetes can develop serious foot
problems. Because of nerve damage, they may
not feel a blister or sore. Poor blood flow to the
feet can make the injury slower to heal and more
likely to become infected. Having diabetes can
mean you are more prone to infections and can
lower your defenses to healing. Wearing wornout, tight, or poorly made shoes increases the
danger.
You don't necessarily need to buy special
orthopedic "diabetes shoes." But invest in good
shoes and sneakers that fit well and have enough
room, especially in the toe box. Every night
before bed, check your feet for any new sores,
blisters, or irritation.
People with diabetes can eat as
many fruits as they want.
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True
False
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Yes, fruits are a key part of a healthy diet. But
fruits do contain carbs -- some more than
others -- and eating too many carbs could
cause your blood sugar to get too high. As
with any food, pay attention to the amount
you're eating.
In general, opt for smaller pieces of fruit and
choose whole fruit over juices. Also, control
servings of starchy vegetables, such as
potatoes, yams, peas, and corn. Talk to your
doctor or a dietitian to get a good sense of a
healthy meal plan for you.
If you have diabetes, you're
more likely to get the flu.
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True
False
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If you have diabetes, you are not more likely to
get a cold or flu than the average person. But if
you do catch a cold or flu, you are more likely to
be sicker. Your blood sugar may rise, and you're
more likely to have complications. People with
diabetes are about three times more likely to die
from flu and pneumonia.
Protect yourself. During cold and flu season,
wash your hands more often and use an alcoholbased hand sanitizer when you're not near a sink.
Always make sure to get your flu shot every year,
preferably in September, before flu season starts.
Make sure you're up-to-date on your pneumonia
shot, too.
People with diabetes should
not eat candy or other sugary
foods.
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True
False
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People with diabetes can eat anything they want -candy, cupcakes, apple pie, or other sweets. As long
as your portions are reasonable, there are no
forbidden foods. The key is to eat sweets in
moderation, plan ahead, and watch your total carbs.
For instance, if you want to have a small piece of
cake for dessert, compensate by skipping another
food with carbs.
Keep in mind that many "diabetic" candies and
other sweets, which are sugar-free, still have
calories and carbs that can affect your blood sugar.
Even if a product is marketed for people with
diabetes, never assume it's safe to eat an unlimited
amount.
Cutting all fat from your diet
will slow diabetes.
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True
False
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If you have diabetes, you shouldn't cut out all fat.
Reduce unhealthy saturated and trans fats -- the
kinds found in processed foods -- but make sure
you're getting enough healthy monounsaturated
and polyunsaturated fats. Reducing saturated fats
will lower your risk of cardiovascular disease, a
serious complication of diabetes.
So swap a handful of almonds -- high in healthy
fats -- for a slice of cheese. Choose salmon instead
of a burger. Moderation is still important because
even healthy fats are high in calories. Eat too
much and you'll gain weight.
How often do most people with
diabetes need to get an A1c test?
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Daily
Two to four times a year
Once a year
Once every two years
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A1c tests give you key information about
your glucose levels beyond regular blood
sugar tests and standard fasting tests.
Instead of just a snapshot of how you're
doing at a given moment, A1c tests give
you an overall picture of your blood sugar
control over the past two to three months.
Because they provide a big picture, you
don't need A1c tests all the time. Two to
four times a year is the standard. See what
your doctor suggests.
It's dangerous for women with
diabetes to get pregnant.
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True
False
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Doctors once told women with diabetes to avoid
pregnancy. That's not true anymore. With good
medical care, women with diabetes can have a
normal pregnancy and a healthy baby.
The key is good control of blood sugar levels
both during and before pregnancy. To prepare,
meet with your doctor three to six months before
you start trying to conceive. You'll learn how to
have a healthy pregnancy, which means more
attention to diet and blood glucose and more
adjustments to your treatment.
How much aerobic activity should
most people with diabetes get
each week?
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60 minutes
90 minutes
150 minutes
500 minutes
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Exercise has real benefits for people with
diabetes. It can lower blood sugar, lower blood
pressure, improve your body's use of insulin, and
boost heart health. It may even allow you to take
lower doses of your medications.
Most experts suggest at least 150 minutes of
exercise a week spread out over three days.
Remember that all sorts of activities count -playing tennis, walking, and biking. Splitting
your activity into smaller chunks during the day
and combining cardio workouts with strength
training make it easier.
If you're overweight, losing 5 pounds
could help with your diabetes.
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True
False
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Extra weight is a risk factor for developing
diabetes. It's also a risk factor for some of its
serious complications, such as heart disease.
It's easy to get discouraged if you have a lot of
weight to lose. But small steps will make a
difference. Studies have found that losing
even a little weight -- just 5 to 15 pounds -can lower blood sugar levels. Losing weight
also will improve your blood pressure, reduce
your risk of heart disease, and boost the
effectiveness of insulin.
If you're stressed out, your blood
sugar may rise.
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True
False
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Stress can be trouble for people with diabetes.
First, when you're stressed, you're less likely to
take care of yourself. You may eat poorly, stop
exercising, or not get enough sleep. Second, stress
seems to have a direct effect on blood sugar
levels, pushing them out of whack.
Because no one avoids stress completely, learn
ways that you can reduce it. Exercise, yoga, and
meditation all help cut down on stress. Practice
stress-busting deep-breathing techniques that
you can use on the go. They can calm you down
in the middle of a flap with your teenager or after
a stressful meeting with your boss.
Why is strength training important
for people with diabetes?
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It builds strength and agility.
It improves the effectiveness of insulin.
It regulates blood sugar levels.
All of the above.
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In addition to aerobic activity, try to lift
weights or practice resistance training two to
three times a week. Building muscle won't
only make you stronger. It will boost the
effectiveness of your natural insulin and
improve your blood sugar levels. It also will
burn calories and help prevent weight gain.
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You don't need to join a gym if you don't
want to. Doing calisthenics -- such as pushups -- or using free weights or resistance
bands at home will work.
How much salt should someone with
diabetes eat?
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None
Less than a teaspoon a day
10 to 12 tablespoons a day
At least 6 to 8 pounds monthly
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Cutting down on salt is important for people
with diabetes. It can help keep blood pressure
under control, protect the kidneys, and lower the
risk of heart disease. People with diabetes should
aim for about two-thirds of a teaspoon of table
salt a day. Unfortunately, the average American
eats more than three to nine times that amount.
Reducing salt isn't as simple as taking the salt
shaker off the table (although that's a good idea.)
You also need to cut down on processed foods,
which tend to be chock full of salt. When
cooking, try using herbs to add flavor to your
food instead of salt.
Gum disease may make it more
difficult to control blood sugar.
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True
False
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Studies show that serious gum disease is a
complication of diabetes. The worse your blood
sugar control, the higher the risk. What's more
surprising is that the relationship also works the
other way -- untreated gum disease may affect
blood sugar levels and worsen diabetes control.
Diabetes also raises the risk of other oral health
problems, such as cavities, bacterial infections,
and thrush.
What can you do? Keep your blood sugar under
tight control. In addition, practice good oral
hygiene. Brush twice a day, floss daily, and see a
dentist every six months.
Having diabetes means you're
more likely to have high blood
pressure.
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True
False
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As many as 2 out of 3 people with diabetes have
high blood pressure. Having both conditions
increases the risk of heart attack and stroke, eye
damage, and kidney damage. Keeping blood
pressure under control is essential if you have
diabetes. Aim for a BP of less than 140/90.
People with diabetes should aim for blood
pressure of under 130/80. Eating a healthier diet,
exercising more, and -- in some cases -- taking
medication can help. Get your blood pressure
tested at least two to four times a year. Ask your
doctor if it's worth investing in a blood pressure
monitor so you can keep track at home.
What should you do if you get a cut
or scrape?
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Let it heal on its own.
Reduce your insulin
Use an antibiotic cream and cover it with a
bandage.
Apply a glucose-based ointment.
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If you have diabetes, your body heals more
slowly and is more prone to infection.
Untreated minor cuts can turn into painful
wounds that take months, or even years, to
heal. Always treat cuts and scrapes, even if
they're just shaving nicks or small blisters.
Use an antibiotic cream and apply a bandage.
Don't let it "air out" -- wounds will heal better
if they're kept moist and covered.
Keep an eye on the injury. If you see signs of
infection, call your doctor.
What can happen if you don't get
enough sleep?
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Higher A1c levels
Eating more sweets
Feeling more nerve pain
All of the above
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People with type 2 diabetes who don't sleep
enough are more likely to feel more nerve pain
and have unhealthy blood sugar levels. High
levels of stress hormones in the body -- triggered
by not getting enough sleep -- can make you
hungry for sweets, which can make the problem
worse. Studies have found that chronic lack of
sleep is a risk factor for developing type 2
diabetes in the first place.
Allow for seven to nine hours of sleep a night. In
some cases, diabetes symptoms, such as frequent
urination, can make sleep difficult. If you're
always overtired, talk to your doctor.