This is good news for Diabetic tea lovers. Black tea has the potential to control type 2 Diabetes, according to researchers at Dundee University in Scotland. Some substances (Theaflavins and Thearubigns) in Black tea act as Insulin substitutes. This research study was published in the “Journal of Aging Cell”. Black tea also helps in reducing blood pressure and improving body metabolism. Black tea accounts for 90% of total tea consumed in the world. But, researchers are advising caution for tea lovers as this research is in the experimental stage. If this research will become successful, black tea will compete with green tea in popularity which is beneficial for cancer patients. Type 2 Diabetics suffer from lack of sufficient insulin (decrease in secretion or lack of action) in the body but these proteins in black tea mimic insulin and help the body in converting glucose to energy and are known as FOXOs. Drinking tea also helps in fighting against cancer due to antioxidants in it. Scientists are recommending 4 cups of tea a day (maximum) for good health benefits. Please share your opinion. … [Read more...]
Hypoglycemia in diabetic patients: causes and management
The normal blood sugar level is 80-120mg/100 ml of blood. When the blood sugar level goes below the normal range, the patient develops a condition, called ‘’Hypoglycemia”, which is a medical emergency, and if not attended promptly in time, there is every possibility of threat to patient’s life. Hypoglycemia Causes: If insulin is taken in excess amounts, more than the required dose, the patient develops hypoglycemia (low blood sugar level in the blood), which is a serious condition. Other causes of hypoglycemia: Taking less amount of food After heavy exercise. Signs and symptoms of Hypoglycemia: 1. Sudden giddiness 2. Unbearable appetite 3. Numbness around the lips 4. Sudden sweating all over the body 5. Palpitations in the heart 6. Shivering of hands and legs 7. Diminishing eyesight 8. Paleness all over the body 9. Feeling of gradual loss of consciousness (just like a drunkard). Management of Hypglycemic patient: Immediately, patient should take milk containing sugar or should eat banana speedily. They remain in the stomach for 3 hours and make the liver to release more glucose in to the blood. Most of the patients take glucose or biscuits at this time, but their effect last only for ½ an hour, and there is chance of occurring of hypoglycemia again. So, it is well and good to take milk or banana or any other fruit. Hence, it is always better to keep/carry some food item containing more carbohydrates along with them, at the time of taking insulin injection, either at home or during journey time. … [Read more...]
Diabetic coma: Causes, Symptoms and prevention
Diabetic Coma is an emergency situation in which diabetic patient is unconscious due to extreme blood glucose levels (too high or too low). This condition is more common in Type 1 Diabetes. Causes of Diabetic Coma: 1. Diabetic Ketoacidosis 2. Hypoglycemia – Glucose level is below 3.5 mmol/L 3. Hyper osmolar syndrome – Severe dehydration and hyperglycemia. Signs and symptoms of Diabetic Coma: 1. More urination 2. More thirst 3. More appetite 4. More sedation 5. More weakness. 6. Loss of weight 7. Late healing of wounds. 8. Sight impaired. 9. More itching around the vaginal area in women. 10. Nausea and vomiting. 11. Pain in the pelvic area. 12. Rapid shallow breathing. If the blood glucose level is too low, patient is nervous, sweaty, tired and hungry. Prevention: 1. Have regular checkups about the sugar levels in the blood. 2. Take measures to keep the sugar well under control [Within the normal levels]. 3. Take diet and medication at regular intervals. 4. Take glucose packet or chocolate along with you. N.B: Avoid the following conditions as they lead to ketoacidosis. 1. Infections like flu or Pneumonia. 2. Getting wounds. 3. Mental strain. 4. Other diseases. If the glucose levels and ketone levels are very high in the urine, consult the doctor immediately and get treated. … [Read more...]
Diabetes advice: Exercise, Medication and Diet facts
These are some of the essentail facts about Diabetes. Advice on Diabetic diet, Diabetic medication and exercise. If proper care is taken with disciplined life style, Diabetics can live normal life. It is hereditary. Diabetes runs in families.. A gene is present in the family members. More thirst, more urination – more common mainly in diabetic Children. These symptoms may be less common in adults. If both parents are diabetics, more is the risk for children. Wounds take more time to heel in diabetics. So, proper care is better. After 30 years, it should be good to monitor glucose levels yearly. In Diabetes, sugar level in the blood is more important than in urine. If sugar is present in urine but not in blood, it is renal Glycosuria. There is no diabetes in that perso. Diabtes -Blood tests: Random blood sugar test is not perfect. Test on empty stomach early in the morning and after 2 hours food taken is essential. Borderline persons – Glucose tolerance should be done to decide diabetes in them. Diabetes Diet: Diet should be taken in small amounts 5-6 times daily at regular intervals. Diabetics should not indulge in fasting and feasts –as they imbalance the glucose regulatory mechanism. Exercise – Be regular and uniform. Brisk walking is the best exercise in diabetics. 30-45 minutes of daily walk is a must for every diabetic patient. Keep a candy to compensate decrease in the blood level if necessary. Diabetes Medication – Medicine should be taken at regular intervals. By mistake, if you forgot to to take the drug yesterday, you should not take it in excess dosage today. You might have taken sweets, for that you need not increase the dosage. Never stop taking insulin even in illness. Check your glucose levels at least monthly once or as per directions of physician. Taking medicine without consulting doctor is not good for your health. The time honored slogan in Diabetes: First preference: Regular exercise. Second preference: Diet control Third preference: Drugs All the three are important. For the sake of one, you should not neglect others. Please comment on this article. … [Read more...]
