Lower the Blood Pressure with Whole Grains

For those who have high blood pressure here is a tasty tip to lower the blood pressure. Eat oats; they are rich in fiber and a study found they are better than wheat grains. People who used oat to lower blood pressure had significant dip in their readings. Even some people's reading went low enough that they had to reduce the dose of their medication.
Also it helps to lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Those are a lot of heart healthy benefits packed in one little grain.
For the most benefit aim for three quarter's cup a whole grain oatmeal at breakfast.
So a bowl of oat milk could be delicious addition to your blood pressure control plan. 

When blood sugar level gets low

When blood sugar levels gets low, it is called hypoglycemia. It may cause serious damage if not treated immediately. Diabetic patient must know about it and learn to manage it.
Symptoms of hypoglycemia
If the sugar levels drops below 70 mg per deciliter (mg/dL) or lower, patient may experience any of the following symptoms.

• Confusion
• Dizziness
• Feeling shaky
• Hunger
• Headaches 
• Irritability
• Pounding heart
• Racing pulse
• Pale skin
• Sweating
• Trembling
• Weakness
• Anxiety
• Fainting (loss of consciousness) 

 With out treatment the condition may get worse and may lead to

• Poor coordination
• Poor concentration
• Numbness in mouth and tongue
• Night mares or bad dreams
• Coma

What causes hypoglycemia
Diet
It may occur when a snack is missed or a full meal is not taken
After a meal that contain lot of simple sugars
If a meal is taken later than usual

Diabetic drugs that can cause hypoglycemia

Insulin can cause hypoglycemia. Oral hypoglycemic medicines can also cause hypoglycemia. These may include

• Glimepiride (Amaryl)
• Glipizide
• Glibenclamide
• Gliclazide
• Tolbutamide

How to manage
Eat or drink 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrate such as

• Three or four glucose tablets
• 1/2 cup of fruit juice
• Few pieces of candy (not sugar free)
• 1/2 cup skim milk
• 1/2 cup soft drink (not sugar free)
• 1 table spoon honey kept under the tongue so it gets absorbed quickly

After taking any of the above mentioned measure, recheck blood sugar level. If it is still low, repeat any one of the above mentioned measures.
What if fainting occurs
If fainting occurs someone should immediately inject the glucagon which is used to raise the blood sugar level in severe hypoglycemic conditions. It is important that family member and friend know how to give injection.

Shoes and Diabetes

What's on your feet matters
When you have diabetes, it is important to take special care of feet. It is very important to check feet daily and choose the shoes wisely.
Shoes should be well-fitting and comfortable so that small problems like corn, blister or callus may not turn into severe ones. 
Shoes should be of right size. Don't wear tight shoes. Instead, shoes should be for comfortable support.
Choose shoes with a spacious "toe box" instead of choosing shoes with pointed toes.
Avoid high heel shoes, because they will put pressure on the ball of your foot. In the presence of nerve damage it might not be realised that area is getting sore or calluses.High heels may also cause balance issues especially in the presence of nerve damage.
Avoid using sandals, flip-flop or other open-toe shoes.Straps can put pressure on some part of foot.Open-toe shoes can make you prone to to injuries like cuts.It's also easier for gravel or small stones to get inside them.
Consider laced shoes instead of slip-ons. They are often more comfortable and provide more support. 
Try to buy two pair of shoes. Both of them will have different pressure point on feet. Use them alternatively. They will dry and air in them will be pushed out.
Try not to be bare-foot even around the house or pool area. A numb patient may walk on glass and even don't know it. 
Enjoy occasional fancy feet
Having diabetes doesn't mean you will have to wear sensible shoes for rest of your life. It depends upon stage of neuropathy and condition of circulation. If the neuropathy is not advanced and circulation is good, even high heels and pointy wing-tips can be worn for short periods of time.

Gestational Diabetes.

What is gestational diabetes?

Gestational diabetes is the diabetes which develops during pregnancy.

What causes gestational diabetes?

During pregnancy some hormonal changes occur which put almost all women on some impaired blood sugar levels. These levels are not so high but in later part of pregnancy that is 3rd trimester it may lead to development of diabetes.
During pregnancy, placenta (organ that connects baby to uterus via umbilical cord), produce some hormones which help to shift nutrients from mother to developing fetus. Certain other hormones are also produced by placenta which prevent the blood sugar levels of mother to go down. They act by resisting the action of insulin.
Over the course of pregnancy, these hormones lead to progressive impaired glucose intolerance(high blood sugar levels). Body tries to decrease these elevated blood sugar levels by making increased amounts of insulin. Usually the mother's pancreas is able to produce three times more insulin to overcome the effects of these placental hormones. If however, pancreas is not able to produce enough insulin, blood sugar levels will rise, resulting in gestational diabetes.

Complications of gestational diabetes.

Diabetes can affect the developing fetus throughout the course of pregnancy. In early pregnancy, mother's diabetes can result in increased birth defects and increased chances of miscarriage. Many of the birth defect which occur usually affect major organs such as heart and brain.
During the second and third trimester, a mother's diabetes can lead to over-nutrition and excess growth of baby which will pose danger at the time of labor and delivery.
In addition, high level of insulin from mother may cause sudden fall in blood sugar levels of newborn at the time of birth as it won't get enough glucose. 

Who is at risk? 

• Over weight prior to get pregnant
• Having sugar in urine
• Impaired glucose tolerance or impaired fasting sugar levels
• Family history of diabetes
• Previous history of giving birth to baby of weight more than 9 pounds
• Previous history of giving birth to a stillborn(dead at the time of birth) baby
• Gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy
• Having too much of amniotic fluid(a condition called polyhydramnios)
• Many women who develop gestational diabetes don't have any risk factor

Diabetes and adopting a healthy life style

A balanced diet which is high in fiber, low in trans fats and saturated fats and low in salt, should be the aim of healthy eating. This way one can not only nourish his body well but can also maintain a good health. 
Use fresh fruits and vegetables, and whole grain bread and cereals. Avoid packaged and prepared food which are usually high in fat and sodium. 
Choose low-calorie, filling foods such as an apple, a handful of almond or fat free yogurt. Don't use sugar while preparing sweet dishes, instead use sugar substitute. 
Don't eat to fill the whole stomach. Stop eating while you are still having some hunger. 
Beverages and soft drinks are big source of sugar and calories and they don't do any good to our health. So avoid them. Diluted fruit juices are better alternative.
Physical activity on regular basis pays dividends. We may have a sunnier outlook of life, less stress, more energy, better sleep, decreased stiffness and pain, increased strength and flexibility, healthier heart and lungs and a boost in metabolism that can help with losing extra pounds and maintaining a healthy weight. Regular exercise and improved fitness can also lower risk of heart attack and stroke, certain type of cancers, and osteoporosis ( bone loss). 
Adults should have 20 to 30 minutes of physical activity daily. This may comprise of brisk waking, jogging or swimming. 
  

Know the risks of Diabetes

It can be frightening to confront the possibility of a serious and life-long disease, but you can start to tackle it by adopting life style changes. You can manage your condition and try to reduce the chances of developing complications. Even those people who are at high risk can take steps to prevent the development of diabetes.
If you have any of the following symptoms, you should immediately see your doctor and take advice.

• Increase number of urination
• Extreme thirst
• Extreme hunger
• Unexplained weight loss
• Extreme tiredness and irritability
• Frequent infections
• Blurred vision
• Bruises or cuts that heel slowly
• Tingling or numbness in your hand and feet
• Recurrent skin, gum or bladder infections

Remember, many people with diabetes don't have symptoms. If you think you are at high risk, consult your doctor, get your blood sugar levels checked. Adopt a healthy life style. You may take following actions to reduce the risk of developing diabetes or if you have diabetes, to keep it under control.
Eat a balanced diet high in fiber, low in saturated and trans fats.
Take regular exercise, maintain a healthy weight and reduce stress.
Regularly check your blood sugar levels and cholesterol levels.
Avoid smoking

Knowing About Types of Diabetes

Types of Diabetes

The two types of diabetes are different but they affect the body  the way body controls the blood glucose levels.

Type 1 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder: the body's autoimmune system attacks the pancreas. Eventually, the pancreas fails to produce insulin- a hormone needed to utilize glucose in the body. The person will need insulin injection or insulin pump to control his blood sugar. Close monitoring of blood sugar levels are must.

Previously type 1 diabetes was known as juvenile diabetes. It was usually diagnosed in children but now it can also show up in young adults. Genes play a part in type 1 diabetes, although environmental factors, such as exposure to a virus, may trigger destructive immune process.
Type 2 diabetes
In this type of diabetes body may produce insulin, but cells of body do not respond to insulin normally and glucose start to build up in blood stream instead of being used by cells. For energy we need glucose to be in the cells. Without glucose in the cells body feel fatigued. Elevated sugar levels in the blood may result in excessive urination -- glucose in the urine carry water with it--and patient may get dehydrated.
Even though insulin-dependent-diabetes is the other name given to type 2 diabetes but some patient may need insulin to control their blood sugar levels.
Typically when a person is diagnosed as having type 2 diabetes, he or she is advised to control it through diet, increasing physical activity weight management. Some people get improvement through these measures. For others, even with careful attention to life style, medications are needed.
They are started with oral hypoglycemic medicines, but they may require insulin. 
Doctor work with the patient to workout a regimen that works to control individual's blood sugar levels.
Contrary to common belief, eating sugar does not cause type 2 diabetes. However, consuming too many calories and becoming overweight contribute to your body becoming insulin resistant and allowing blood glucose level to increase.  

Facts About Diabetes

Diabetes is a serious condition.

• Adult diabetic patients are about two to four time more likely to die of heart disease compared to those who are non diabetic.
• About 67% have high blood pressure.

• Leading cause of kidney failure and blindness in adults is diabetes.
• Nerve problems -- such as impaired sensation in the feet or carpel tunnel syndrome -- affect 60% to 70% of patient with diabetes.
• More than 60% of lower-limb amputations that are not result of trauma are performed on people with diabetes.
• The average medical expenses of someone with diabetes are much higher than for someone without.

• Diabetic patients are at high risk of developing dental infections, foot infections and skin infections.