Diabetic Foods, Diets, and Symptoms
Neuropathy, retinopathy and other diabetic medication
Understanding Diabetic Symptoms…Are you at risk?
In the United States, there are many people who are unaware that they are living with the symptoms of diabetes. These individuals often remain undiagnosed because the symptoms they experience seem harmless. Independently, each symptom may not seem to disrupt daily life, but in concert these symptoms may point to a larger health problem leading to diabetes. The American Diabetes Association lists the following common symptoms:
- Frequent urination
- Excessive thirst
- Extreme hunger
- Unusual weight loss
- Increased fatigue
- Irritability
- Blurry vision
Your physician can provide more information about diabetic symptoms and whether you are at risk for diabetes. An early diagnosis of these diabetic symptoms can decrease the risk of future complications. A simple blood test or health exam can help detect problem symptoms early, so that diabetic conditions can be managed with simple lifestyle changes like exercise and balanced nutrition.
Managing diabetes: Is medication necessary?
In more advanced cases, your physician may discuss medication and insulin options to help control Type 2 diabetes. Medication is available for helping manage blood pressure, cholesterol, weight loss, pain and other health concerns of diabetic disease. Ongoing research seeks to minimize the negative side effects of prescription medications, and is in general agreement that diabetic medication is most effective with lifestyle management plans that include a healthy diet and exercise.
Recognizing diabetes complications: What is neuropathy and retinopathy?
Managing diabetes through a healthy lifestyle can help prevent the advancement of diabetic conditions and reduce the health risks associated with serious diabetic complications. However, patients with the diabetic condition are at higher risk for more serious problems, such as cardiovascular heart disease, neuropathy and retinopathy, and should be aware of these issues and how to cope with them.
Neuropathy is a degenerative disorder that affects the nervous system. It is a condition that can be very debilitating and painful. There are two main types, depending on which nerve cells are damaged. One type is sensory neuropathy, also called peripheral neuropathy, which affects feelings in the legs or hands. The other type is autonomic neuropathy, which affects nerves that control various organs, such as the stomach or urinary tract.
Being aware of the symptoms and talking with your physician about any changes in your condition can help prevent neuropathy. If you have already been diagnosed with nerve damage, you may want to discuss the possibility of pain relief medication, treatment and self care management to delay any further nerve damage.
Retinopathy is a disease of the retina, and generally refers to some form of non-inflammatory damage to the retina of the eye. Most commonly, the cause of this condition is a problem with the blood supply to the eye. Laser treatments have greatly advanced the treatment of diabetic retinopathy. Early diagnosis is the key to successful treatment of retinopathy.
One essential thing you can do to cope with diabetic neuropathy and retinopathy is keep your blood sugar levels under control. Diet, exercise and, if necessary, medications can help achieve this goal.
Planning Diabetic Diets…How do you choose the right foods?
Diabetic diets do not have to be dull. You can choose from a variety of healthy diabetic foods, but first you may want to gather professional information on planning a well balanced meal and how to develop good eating habits.
Nutrition management is important for everyone in a family. For the diabetic, it is vital! Diabetic diets and exercise that promote weight management, which in turn help control the health risks associated with diabetes, are very important.
Managing your diabetic diet and choosing the right foods can be difficult and time consuming. However, making wise dietary choices is often the key to success in managing diabetes. It has been estimated that nearly 90% of all Type 2 diabetes is either preventable or manageable through proper diet and exercise. Your diet plan should consider monitoring portion sizes of foods; controlling sugar, sodium and fat intake; and counting calories. Some healthy foods that you can count on include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, lean meats and dried beans. Snacks, sweets, fats and processed foods should be limited. Low glycemic foods are important considerations in a diabetic diet.
For a simple, healthy, balanced approach to daily nutrition management, you may also want to consider a natural nutritional supplement like Diabatrol as a part of your diabetic diet. This nutraceutical nutritional supplement helps diabetics enrich their diet with natural whole grain derivatives of fiber, antioxidants, minerals and other nutrients scientifically proven to help manage glucose metabolism and reduce the health risks associated with diabetes. Diabatrol can help you find a balance between the foods you enjoy and the nutrients you must have to manage your diabetes.
