As you know if you have type 2 diabetes, you are at an increased risk for heart attack.  There are some surprising heart attack symptoms for type 2 diabetes management.

One of the most oft-overlooked signs of a heart attack is nausea and stomach pain. Symptoms can range from mild indigestion to severe nausea, cramping, and vomiting. Others experience a cramping-style ache in the upper belly. Women and adults over age 60 are more likely to experience this symptom and not recognize it as tied to cardiac health.

Most cases of stomach ache and nausea aren’t caused by a heart attack, of course. But watch out for this sign by becoming familiar with your own digestive habits; pay attention when anything seems out of the ordinary, particularly if it comes on suddenly and you haven’t been exposed to stomach flu and haven’t eaten anything out of the ordinary.

A sharp pain and numbness in the chest, shoulder, and arm is an indicator of heart attack, but many people don’t experience heart attack pain this way at all. Instead, they may feel pain in the neck or shoulder area, or it may feel like it’s running along the jaw and up by the ear. Some women specifically report feeling the pain between their shoulder blades.

A telltale sign: The pain comes and goes, rather than persisting unrelieved, as a pulled muscle would. This can make the pain both easy to overlook and difficult to pinpoint. You may notice pain in your neck one day, none the next day, then after that it might have moved to your ear and jaw. If you notice pain that seems to move or radiate upwards and out, this is important to bring to your doctor’s attention.

For more about the surprising symptoms of heart attack with type 2 diabetes – view the source

If you have had these symptoms and had a heart attack, please tell us about it in the comment section below.

Surprising Heart Attack Symptoms for Type 2 Diabetes Management

Making the changes necessary for good blood pressure control are not easy.  High blood pressure needs a type 2 diabetes management program of proper diet, exercise, and medications.  And if you are like most of us, these changes take time.

High blood pressure is especially damaging for people with diabetes, raising their risk of stroke, coronary artery disease, kidney failure, vision loss and amputations. Both the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the National Institutes of Health recommend a lower blood pressure target for patients with diabetes than for the general public, urging them to keep their pressures below 130/80 mmHg.

Two out of three adults with diabetes, however, never reach that goal. Many patients are hampered by limited access to health care. Others are delayed by what the authors call “clinical inertia,” a disinclination by patients to implement lifestyle changes or reluctance by their doctors to push additional medications. Among those who are prescribed blood pressure drugs, at least 20 percent of patients with diabetes do not stick to their treatments.

Given time to learn how, many patients would prefer to control blood pressure through diet and exercise rather than with antihypertensive medications. Most guidelines, however, including those of the ADA, recommend at most a three-month trial of medication-free lifestyle therapy for patients with moderately elevated blood pressure. They call for immediate initiation of medication for those with blood pressure more than 10mmHg above the goal.

That is often not enough time for patients to learn the methods, develop good habits and demonstrate improvements.

“We ask patients with diabetes to do a billion things,” Laiteerapong said, “to test their blood sugars, to count carbohydrates, to spend 30 minutes a day doing exercise, including cardio and weight training. Most, if not all, of this is new to them. They need time to adapt. It’s important to do this right, but our results say it’s not that important to do it so fast.”

This study argues that caregivers should work with patients to help them gain the knowledge and develop the necessary skills gradually rather than rushing to drug treatment, especially if their blood pressure is only mildly elevated. It suggests that patients and providers “have more time,” the authors write, “at least up to one year, to focus on diabetes self-management and lifestyle modification.”

More about this subject at the source of this post.

The study mentioned in the post is very good, but does not talk about life expectancy with complications that can occur with high blood pressure such as stroke and heart attack.  According to the article, you will 5 months longer if you make the changes sooner rather than later.  Frankly, I do not think it takes other factors into account such as high blood pressure’s effect on kidney failure which is common in diabetes.

I think that you should make the changes necessary to bring your blood pressure under control sooner rather than later with a type 2 diabetes management program like the one I outlined at the beginning of the article.

If you have any insights on “high blood pressure needs type 2 diabetes management”, please comment below.

High Blood Pressure Needs Type 2 Diabetes Management

The DASH diet was originally started to help lower blood pressure, but is also great for weight loss.  DASH diet best for type 2 diabetes management for healthy weight loss.  The DASH diet is not a lose weight fast system but one that can help you lose weight for a lifetime.

An article on CBS news by Ryan Jaslow , described the benefits of the DASH diet.

What’s so great about the DASH diet?

The diet was just named the “best diet overall” by U.S. News & World Report in its “2012 Best Diets Rankings.”

Is DASH the best diet for helping people lose weight? Not quite – U.S. News ranked Weight Watchers No.1 in that department, while DASH ranked as the ninth best diet for weight loss.

For the best diets overall category, U.S. News combined panelists’ input from all seven diet ranking categories, some of which included best heart-healthy diets and easiest diets to follow . Long-term diet success was weighed more than short-term, because some diets can give you quick results after New Years, but the true test is when a diet can be sustained for years. Comarow says that’s especially important for obese people, because as little as a 5 percent reduction in body weight could cut an obese person’s risk for diabetes and heart disease.

So what’s so great about DASH?

Designed by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, It’s a diet aimed at preventing and lowering high blood pressure by eating healthy. It emphasizes a lot of the foods we’ve long been told to eat, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy. Those foods contain nutrients like potassium, calcium, protein, and fiber, which are key for fighting blood pressure – and can help trim waistlines too. DASH also ranked first as the best diet for healthy eating and people with diabetes.

“DASH is actually awesome. It’s pretty realistic, it’s not bizarre. It just asks people to eat a lot of fruits or vegetables and low-fat or non-fat dairy, which really is how I measure the quality of a diet,” Dr. Keith Ayoob, director of the nutrition clinic at the Rose F. Kennedy Center at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, told ABC News. “It’s not inhuman.”

But like a lot of diets, you’d have to give some things up. Red meat, salty snacks, and calorie and fat-laden sweets are a “no-no” on the dash diet. DASH suggests capping sodium at 2,300 milligrams a day and eventually working to stay under 1,500 mg, according to U.S. News.

Here is a DASH diet book that I highly recommend and it is less than $20.  It is highly rated and easy to read.

The complete guide to lowering blood pressure and cholesterol-without medication-through a proven diet, exercise, and weight loss program

Finally, the #1 ranked DASH diet is popularized and user-friendly. Unlike any diet before it, DASH, which stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, came out of groundbreaking NIH-funded research. Now, Marla Heller, MS, RD, who was trained by one of the primary architects of the DASH diet and is herself the leading dietician putting DASH into action for over ten years, shares the secret to making the diet easy and accessible, in THE DASH DIET ACTION PLAN.

Rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat and nonfat dairy, lean meats, fish, beans, and nuts, DASH is grounded in healthy eating principles that lower blood pressure; reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and some types of cancer; and support reaching and maintaining a healthy weight. No diet has a medical pedigree like DASH, and this book is a simple, actionable plan that can fit seamlessly into everyone’s life and lifestyle. It includes:

• 28 days of meal plans at different calorie ranges
• Simple tools to help you personalize a DASH Diet Action Plan for guaranteed success
• DASH-friendly recipes and shopping lists
• Tips for eating on-the-run
• Advice on healthy weight loss and exercise for every lifestyle.

Now, you can revolutionize your health and change your life-without medication. There are no magical combinations, no forbidden foods-just fabulous, healthy eating!

It has a wonderful price under $20.00. The reviews are incredibly positive….

Click the image below to learn more at Amazon.

The author of the DASH diet book is a registered dietician and has a master’s degree in nutrition.  So check it out and let me know what you think.

DASH Diet Best for Type 2 Diabetes Management

Poor women with gestational diabetes may have increased risk of having children with ADHD.  What can you do to protect your child from ADHD?  Perhaps the number one factor is eating right.  A good diet does not have to be expensive.  Here are my top two tips followed by the story from the Academy of Pediatrics.

Tip #1 – Eat more beans.  Beans are a cheap source of good protein that are easy to make and keep well as left-overs.

Tip #2 -  Roast a turkey year round.  Turkey is relatively cheap and is great to bring the family together.  I have often had turkey in the summer.

Here is the original source of the story on “Gestational Diabetes Linked to ADHD in Children“.

Main Exposures  Gestational diabetes mellitus and low SES.

Main Outcome Measures  Primary outcomes are ADHD diagnosis based on Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Fourth Edition) criteria at age 6 years and several well-validated measures of neurobehavioral outcomes, cognitive functioning, ADHD symptoms, and temperament at age 4 years. Secondary outcomes are parent and teacher reports of behavioral and emotional problems at age 6 years. Neurobehavioral measures in relation to GDM and low SES were examined using generalized estimating equations and multivariate logistic regression analyses.

Results  Both maternal GDM and low SES were associated with an approximately 2-fold increased risk for ADHD at age 6 years. However, the risk by GDM was greater among lower SES families than among higher SES families. Children exposed to both GDM and low SES demonstrated compromised neurobehavioral functioning, including lower IQ, poorer language, and impoverished behavioral and emotional functioning. A test of additive interaction found that the risk for ADHD increased over 14-fold (P = .006) when children were exposed to both GDM and low SES. Neither children exposed to maternal GDM alone nor those exposed to low SES alone had a notable increased risk for ADHD.

Conclusions  Maternal GDM and low SES, especially in combination, heighten the risk for childhood ADHD. Long-term prevention efforts should be directed at mothers with GDM to avoid suboptimal neurobehavioral development and mitigate the risk for ADHD among their offspring.

Eating right seems to be the key to preventing ADHD in mothers that have with gestational diabetes and are poor.   I have given you two tips for eating right on a budget.  If you are interested in additional tips on this topic please comment below.

Gestational Diabetes Linked to ADHD in Children

Caffeine may cut your risk of type 2 diabetes.  And it has other benefits too.

Caffeine is found in coffee, tea, chocolate, colas and energy drinks. Up to 90 percent of Americans consume some caffeine daily with more than 50 percent consuming a daily cup of coffee. Experts estimate the average daily dose of caffeine in the United States is around 200 milligrams.

•Caffeine may reduce the chance of developing basal cell skin cancers. Women who drank more than three cups of coffee per day had a 20 percent lower risk of basal cell cancer than women who drank less than one cup of coffee a month.

•Caffeine may reduce depression.

•Caffeine does seem to help with pain relief and is included in many medications such as Excedrin and Midol which contain 100-130 milligrams per dose.

•Caffeine is a mild diuretic but does not cause dehydration with average intakes.

•Some people are more sensitive to caffeine than others and may feel “jittery” or have difficulty sleeping especially if caffeine is consumed later in the day.

•Caffeine may reduce the risk of diabetes.

View the source

According to The Wichita Eagle (Dec. 27, 2011), ” In 2011, coffee was confirmed to ward off Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, as well as type 2 diabetes.”

Women with greater levels of estrogen and insulin have a greater likelihood of developing endometrial cancer, and coffee appears to lower levels of both. Another factor is that women with diabetes are at greater risk, and some research has linked coffee with a reduced risk of diabetes. A further consideration is that the lower risk is likely due to coffee’s extremely high concentration of antioxidants rather than its caffeine content.

View the source

Coffee may have numerous health benefits, but be careful about how you prepare it.  It is easy to add extras like cream, sugar, and other bad items.

Here is a healthy recipe for frozen coffee (127 calories).

Ingredients

1 cup double-strength brewed coffee
1 cup low-fat milk
2 tablespoons unsweetened natural cocoa powder, plus a smidge more for sprinkling
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
1-2 ice cubes, if needed

Preparation

Freeze coffee in an ice cube tray until firm.
Combine the frozen coffee cubes, milk, cocoa, maple syrup, cinnamon, and vanilla in a blender. Pulse until smooth, adding plain ice cubes if you want it thicker or a little plain cold water if you want it thinner. Divide between 2 glasses, dust with a little cocoa powder, if desired, and serve immediately.

Caffeine may reduce the risk of diabetes, so try some today.

Caffeine may reduce the risk of diabetes

Staying hydrated when you are sick is not always easy.  You may be throwing up or have diarrhea.

Drink plenty of sugar-free fluids to keep your body from getting dried out (dehydrated). Drink at least 12 8-ounce cups of fluid a day.

Fluids you can drink if you are dehydrated are:

• Water
• Club soda
• Diet soda (caffeine-free)
• Tomato juice
• Chicken broth

If your blood sugar is less than 100 mg/dl) or falling quickly, it is OK to drink fluids that have sugar in them. Try to check their effect on your blood sugar, the same way you check how other foods affect your blood sugar.

Fluids you can drink if your blood sugar is low:

• Apple juice
• Orange juice
• Grapefruit juice
• Gatorade or other sports drink
• Tea with honey
• Lemon-lime drinks
• Ginger ale

If you throw up, do not drink or eat anything for 1 hour. Rest, but do not lie flat. After 1 hour, take sips of soda every 10 minutes.

View the source

The second step is to check your blood glucose at least every four hours. If it is more than 400 call 911 and go the emergency room immediately.

The third step is to check your urine for ketones. If is high go to the emergency room. Do not hesitate.

The fourth step is to check your temperature at least every four hours if you feel feverish. If your temperature is more than 101 and stays that way more than 8 hours (even after you have taken for it) go to the doctor or emergency room.

The fifth step is to get adequate rest or sleep. Do not push yourself when you feel sick.

The sixth step is to drink water or other caffeine free fluids. Try to stay hydrated. This is very important. Sip fluids slowly if you stomach is upset.  If you cannot stay hydrated, go to the doctor or emergency room.

Taking very good care of yourself when you are sick is very important. It may not always be easy but by preparing yourself it may be bearable.

The key to sick days with type 2 diabetes management are being prepared in advance.  Check out the list of drinks list above and be sure to include some of them on your shopping list.  You can keep some of them in your cupboard for those days you are sick.

More Sick Day with Type 2 Diabetes Management

Becoming sick at one time or another is inevitable. So to manage a sick day with type 2 diabetes management, it is very important to take good care of yourself while you are sick if you have diabetes. It is always best to prepare for a sick day ahead of time. While you are sick, you may not feel up to it.

The first step is purchase a small tool kit. Fill it with:

• · A thermometer,
• · An extra glucometer (and strips),
• · A urine test kit for ketones,
• · Pre-packaged applesauce (unsweetened),
• · Packages of dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, banana chips),
• · Boxed fruit juices (unsweetened),
• · Something for a fever (aspirin or acetaminophen)
• · A three day supply of your prescribed medications
• · An up-to-date address book (make sure that your doctor’s number and pharmacy is in it).
• · A notebook and pen to help you keep track of your blood sugar, temperature, medications, and what you have eaten.
• · A medication for throwing up
• · A medication for diarrhea
• · Sugar-free cough drops
• · A list of your medications
• · A magazine or good book you have always been meaning to read

Be prepared for a sick day with type 2 diabetes management can be the key to surviving them.  But you must always know when to declare an emergency and call your doctor or 911.  Below is a table from a U.S. military site that provide an easy to print out guide.  Fill out the telephone numbers in the blanks before you print it and keep a copy handy in your nightstand.

 Sick day with type 2 diabetes management is not going to be an easy experience.  Follow the table above for discovering when the sick day crosses over into an emergency.

Sick Day with Type 2 Diabetes Management

1. Eat more fish high in Omega-3s (salmon, albacore tuna, etc.)
2. Try to eat at least one main dish vegetarian meal a week.
3. Eat at regular intervals. Never go more than 5 hours without a meal or snack.
4. No food is all bad. You may just have to limit the amount or frequency.
5. Make any changes in your diet gradually.
6. Spice it up. Spices added to dishes may decrease the need for salt or sugar.
7. Always carry healthy snacks with you. This may reduce the temptation to hit the junk machines.
8. When eating out order steamed vegetables instead of a starchy side dish.
9. Ask your doctor about taking a multi-vitamin and mineral supplement.
10. Consider becoming a vegetarian at least a few days a week. If you simply cannot face it try – semi-vegetarianism (eating no pork or beef).
11. Try sugar-free gum to keep your mouth busy.
12. Keep fresh vegetables cut up and in front of the refrigerator. Carrot and celery sticks or green peppers are good choices.
13. Eat your main meal for lunch. This will give you more time to digest it.

13 Healthy Eating Tips For Type 2 Diabetes Management

Merry Christmas from Type 2 Diabetes Management

Your mother probably always told you to drink your milk and now you have another good reason to do so. Deficiencies in vitamin D tied to increased risk of type 2 diabetes.

Low levels of vitamin D are much more common in obese children than in those who aren’t obese and are associated with insulin resistance, a risk factor for type 2 diabetes, researchers have found. The study included 411 obese children and 87 children who weren’t overweight. Researchers measured the children’s vitamin D levels, blood sugar levels, serum insulin, body mass index and blood pressure.

The children also were asked about their daily consumption of soda, juice, milk, fruits and vegetables, and whether or not they routinely skipped breakfast.

“Our study found that obese children with lower vitamin D levels had higher degrees of insulin resistance,” lead author Dr. Micah Olson, of the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, said in a news release from the Endocrine Society. “Although our study cannot prove causation, it does suggest that low vitamin D levels may play a role in the development of type 2 diabetes.”

View the source

Another great source of vitamin D is exposure to the sun. Studies have shown that just 10 minutes a day can provide you with enough vitamin D.

Excellent sources of vitamin D besides the sun are:

1. Catfish
2. Salmon
3. Sardines
4. Eggs
5. and Milk and other dairy products.

So, increase your intake of vitamin D (but don’t overdo it) and decrease your risk of type 2 diabetes.

Vitamin D tied to increased risk of type 2 diabetes