Diabetes Guidelines

Read the case study and answer the questions that follow:
Debra is a 45 year old woman of Pacific Islander descent who has been living with diabetes for 5 years. She has come in for a check-up. She has always considered herself to be overweight, and does not take part in regular physical activity. Debra does not take insulin to control her diabetes, but does have to take oral medications to help her cells become more receptive to her own insulin. Her lab tests show the following: HbA1c 8.3%, serum cholesterol 214 mg/dl, and triglycerides 275 mg/dl.

When Debra was diagnosed with diabetes she did not seek the help and expertise of a Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE). Instead she followed the diet advice of her great aunt who also has diabetes, which was simply to avoid anything with sugar. This guideline, though simple, has not been working well for Debra and her sweet tooth.

Questions: (All answers can be found in the notes)
1.Interpret the results of Debra’s lab tests.
a.Are they within normal limits? Explain. (1 point)
b.If not, what are the normal levels of those particular lab tests? (1 point)
c.We know that Debra has already been diagnosed with diabetes, but her lab results indicate that she is at risk for another disease/condition. What is she at risk for and why? (2 points)

2.Based on the information provided in the case study, what type of diabetes does Debra likely have? What have you based your answer on? (2 points)

3.During the Diabetes lecture, we discussed diet changes that can be beneficial in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. What are these diet changes? (2 points)

4.Which of the risk factors (not the same as complications) for diabetes discussed in class (in the notes) apply to Debra? (1 points)

5.Explain briefly the functions of insulin and glucagon, respectively, with regard to blood glucose control. (2 points)

6.Explain the major difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes. (1 point)

7.Briefly explain the following terms: Glycogenesis, Glycogenolysis, Gestational diabetes, Polyphagia, Insulin resistance, Hypoglycemia, Glycated hemoglobin, Glucometer. (8 points)

I think it would be better if you did your own homework. Go to webmd and research your project.

I had my glucose test today and got the results tonight and although a normal reading is 7 mine is 9. I have to do the three hour test next week, and although I’m not to worried about low iron, as that can be controlled, I’m freaked out about the GD. To top it off it’s the day before Good Friday so I’m really going to suffer for want of chocolate this week.
The only risk factor I seem to have is that my older sister developed GD which turned into type 2 diabetes after the birth of her second baby. I’m 26, very small, my baby is a good size with good readings, I’ve always been incredibly active (but I was a gymnast/cheerleader so there’s no way I could keep up my exersice regime now) and I’m desperate to have a vaginal birth with no epidural.
I need some guidelines on what to eat(-as in, fruit contains a lot of sugar but people reccommend fresh fruit, so what do I do???) and I need foods that are high in iron and low in sugar but I have no idea where to start. . The GD isn’t guaranteed yet-but I have had a LOT of sweets since I got pregnant and am wondering if that has caused this.
Has anyone else ever had both of these at the same time? If so, what did you eat and what was the outcome?
Or has anyone ever had a high blood sugar reading that turned out to be normal after the three hour test?

Don’t change anything right now. Eat as you normall do, you want the three hour test to be an accurate representation of how your body is responding to the way you normally eat.

Many people fail the one hour test and pass the three hour test, so don’t get too stressed out yet.

If you fail the 3 hour test your doctor or their nurse will give you information on diet changes, what and how and when to eat. Usually GDM can be controlled with those diet changes, but some women, no matter how disciplined they are cannot control it and sometimes insulin is necessary. The vast majority of women do NOT develop Type II after delivery and the GDM goes away immediately after delivery.

Hang in there, you’ll be ok!

This is so confusing. I need to know if this is alright. I just started my gestational diabetes low-carb diet. My three meals a day range from 30-45g of carbs while my three snacks range from 15-30g of carbs. I don’t want to keep eating just turkey sandwiches and fruits and vegetables. Would it be ok if I ate the following, as long as it is within carbohydrate guidelines?

For example ..
(3) chicken strips from Sheetz w/ nacho cheese – 26g carbs, no sugar
Grilled chicken wrap from Sheetz w/ cheddar cheese, cooked peppers & onions, bacon, & tomatoes – 31g carbs, 3g sugars
McChicken from McDonald’s w/o the bun, mayo, & lettuce (just the plain chicken patty) – 10g carbs

Can I eat this stuff (obviously not at the same meal or anything) since it’s within the carb guidelines I am supposed to follow?
Also .. some more examples .. not that I want to eat this stuff daily or anything, just using these as examples ..
Low Carb Options (each under 10g* of carbs):
• Low Carb WHOPPER® Sandwich* • (3g)
• Low Carb WHOPPER® Sandwich w/ cheese* • (5g)
• Low Carb DOUBLE WHOPPER® Sandwich* • (3g)
• Low Carb DOUBLE WHOPPER® Sandwich w/ cheese* • (5g)
• Low Carb WHOPPER JR.® Sandwich* • (1g)
• Low Carb WHOPPER JR.® Sandwich w/ cheese* • (2g)
• Low Carb BK™ Double Stacker Sandwich* (5g)
• Low Carb BK™ Triple Stacker Sandwich* (6g)
• Low Carb BK™ Quad Stacker Sandwich* (6g)

(They all come without the bun!)
My numbers weren’t that bad they said, they didn’t give me exacts though, I’m going to ask them next time I go in. I’m not asking you to verify if my diet is good — I just want to know if I am counting carbs for a diabetic diet could I eat this stuff since the carbs are within guidelines? Obviously not for every meal every day, but maybe one meal a week or something like that.

Just to add — my levels today were -
Fasting – 81
1 hour after breakfast – 103
1 hour after lunch – 105
(didn’t have dinner yet .. and YES my doctor has me monitor ONE hour after a meal, not two!)

Your doctor or nutritionist would better be able to answer your question. I had GD with my second baby and was on a GD diet to control the diabetes, and never had to follow a diet like yours. There were a few things I had to avoid obviously like real sugar and items that are considered the not so good carbs, but I guess my GD was more under control than yours. I do not know what your test scores have been.

My dad was diagnosed with diabetes 5 years ago. He is doing all he can to follow the doctors’ guidelines. He has learned to limit his portions, does his exercises, but seems to not be able to shed much weight. Our family is concerned, as we don’t want him to develop other health issues because of the weight. There has been no one else in our family with this condition. Since dad was diagnosed, he has met co-workers and neighbors who also have the same condition. Mostly all of them are heavy and seem to put on weight easily. What type of exercise would best benefit him? Is it just naturally harder for diabetics to lose weight? His doctor has given him a new eating guide, like a menu of the type of foods to eat, when to eat them and the quantity. But the weight loss seems to be happening at a very slow rate, that the new diet habits hardly seem to be helping him at all with the weight issue. Any other suggestions on how he can lose and keep the weight off?

cause they have to watch insulin levels.

Does anyone know if anyone is researching/ beta testing or publishing data on the use (experimental use is fine- I don’t expect practical use data) of insulin pumps in pets? Prefer feline data.

I know the cost of pump & supplies so that’s not what I am looking for.
Do not need current protocol in feline diabetes management, looking for information beyond that.

I am looking for research papers, or medical guidelines if such a thing exists.

I understand in theory it may be possible to use an insulin pump on a pet, (cost prohibits most people/pets). I want to know if anyone has done it or is researching it.

Thanks.
thanks for the yahoo group suggestion, I will look into it.
What I am looking for is research data above and beyond the current, cutting edge vet medical data.

You can probably find a good answer by joining the Yahoo group for feline diabetes. There are lots of members and as with other "specialized" cat groups on Yahoo there are always one or two members who are very up-to-date on the medical research.

This is so confusing. I need to know if this is alright. I just started my gestational diabetes low-carb diet. My three meals a day range from 30-45g of carbs while my three snacks range from 15-30g of carbs. I don’t want to keep eating just turkey sandwiches and fruits and vegetables. Would it be ok if I ate the following, as long as it is within carbohydrate guidelines?

For example ..
(3) chicken strips from Sheetz w/ nacho cheese – 26g carbs, no sugar
Grilled chicken wrap from Sheetz w/ cheddar cheese, cooked peppers & onions, bacon, & tomatoes – 31g carbs, 3g sugars
McChicken from McDonald’s w/o the bun, mayo, & lettuce (just the plain chicken patty) – 10g carbs

Can I eat this stuff (obviously not at the same meal or anything) since it’s within the carb guidelines I am supposed to follow?

Also .. some more examples .. not that I want to eat this stuff daily or anything, just using these as examples ..
Low Carb Options (each under 10g* of carbs):
• Low Carb WHOPPER® Sandwich* • (3g)
• Low Carb WHOPPER® Sandwich w/ cheese* • (5g)
• Low Carb DOUBLE WHOPPER® Sandwich* • (3g)
• Low Carb DOUBLE WHOPPER® Sandwich w/ cheese* • (5g)
• Low Carb WHOPPER JR.® Sandwich* • (1g)
• Low Carb WHOPPER JR.® Sandwich w/ cheese* • (2g)
• Low Carb BK™ Double Stacker Sandwich* (5g)
• Low Carb BK™ Triple Stacker Sandwich* (6g)
• Low Carb BK™ Quad Stacker Sandwich* (6g)
** ALL WITHOUT THE BUN **

My numbers weren’t that bad they said, they didn’t give me exacts though, I’m going to ask them next time I go in. I’m not asking you to verify if my diet is good — I just want to know if I am counting carbs for a diabetic diet could I eat this stuff since the carbs are within guidelines? Obviously not for every meal every day, but maybe one meal a week or something like that.

Just to add — my levels today were -
Fasting – 81
1 hour after breakfast – 103
1 hour after lunch – 105
(didn’t have dinner yet .. and YES my doctor has me monitor ONE hour after a meal, not two!)
ok no need to lecture me on fast food alright i believe i clearly stated above that i do not eat this every day nor do i have any intentions on it i was just asking a simple question

I had gestational 3 years ago…
my numbers werent that bad either…..I only had to do diet as do u.
I would eat from Wendy’s a child’s meal and a side salad almost daily for lunch and I was fine…..
Actually the nutritionist had me try this and it worked fine….and sometimes I would sneak in a half of a choc chip muffin and it was still fine.
Take Care and good luck.
Sounds like ur doing great.
Machelle

Okay, here I go:

I have a high BMI, so it’s not a "thinking" I’m fat, it’s "Knowing" I’m fat. I know diet and excercise are the key components of losing weight, but I need a plan that fits with my schooling, work, and band. I’m just tired of being fat. Could someone give me some general guidelines or suggestions as to what I should do, please? I’ve already cut out drinking pop, and I’m hoping it helps.

I don’t care about fitting in a size 2 (which I know will never realistically happen, because I’m genetically big boned), I just want to be healthy. I want to die of suffocation from laughing, exhaustion from exploring the world, anything, anything but diabetes, heart disease, or, to stop myself before I get there, OBESITY. And I want my kids to have a healthy living style so they don’t have to worry about this when they’re 15.

Thank you all for your help.

<33 Rachel

Start small and start slow. If you try to do it all you will get discouraged! Yes, cutting out pop will help! When that becomes easy for you and your not tempted by it anymore, cut out sugar or cut out fast food, then stop eating after 7 p.m. Drink lots of water! Cut up a sandwich size bag of veggies (pepper, celery, carrots, cucumbers), take them with you throughout your day. You can easily get in your veggies each day by doing that. Carry apples or oranges or some fruit for when you have a sweet tooth. The cravings do go away, it just takes time and patience.

Exercise! If all you have time for is a 15 minute walk, then take it. If it’s in the morning or middle of the day or evening, just go out and walk as fast as you can handle and don’t back down unless your dying, then slow down until you get your breath, then speed up again.

Exercise and eating well are the best ways to lose weight and to do it the healthy way. The other thing to remember is that it takes your body time. It needs to know your serious! If you are not doing these things consistently, then your body will not lose weight. Give yourself 1 day a month to indulge in one thing sweet or one treat you’ve been holding out on.

Think of it as a new way of life…this is how your going to live, no going back:) Good Luck!

Okay, here I go:

I have a high BMI, so it’s not a "thinking" I’m fat, it’s "Knowing" I’m fat. I know diet and excercise are the key components of losing weight, but I need a plan that fits with my schooling, work, and band. I’m just tired of being fat. Could someone give me some general guidelines or suggestions as to what I should do, please? I’ve already cut out drinking pop, and I’m hoping it helps.

I don’t care about fitting in a size 2 (which I know will never realistically happen, because I’m genetically big boned), I just want to be healthy. I want to die of suffocation from laughing, exhaustion from exploring the world, anything, anything but diabetes, heart disease, or, to stop myself before I get there, OBESITY. And I want my kids to have a healthy living style so they don’t have to worry about this when they’re 15.

Thank you all for your help.

<33 Rachel

Start small and start slow. If you try to do it all you will get discouraged! Yes, cutting out pop will help! When that becomes easy for you and your not tempted by it anymore, cut out sugar or cut out fast food, then stop eating after 7 p.m. Drink lots of water! Cut up a sandwich size bag of veggies (pepper, celery, carrots, cucumbers), take them with you throughout your day. You can easily get in your veggies each day by doing that. Carry apples or oranges or some fruit for when you have a sweet tooth. The cravings do go away, it just takes time and patience.

Exercise! If all you have time for is a 15 minute walk, then take it. If it’s in the morning or middle of the day or evening, just go out and walk as fast as you can handle and don’t back down unless your dying, then slow down until you get your breath, then speed up again.

Exercise and eating well are the best ways to lose weight and to do it the healthy way. The other thing to remember is that it takes your body time. It needs to know your serious! If you are not doing these things consistently, then your body will not lose weight. Give yourself 1 day a month to indulge in one thing sweet or one treat you’ve been holding out on.

Think of it as a new way of life…this is how your going to live, no going back:) Good Luck!

I recently came down with all the textbook symptoms of type 2 Diabetes. I have not been to the doctor yet as my health insurance has not kicked in yet. In the interim, I am following all the guidelines of eating and exercise as recommended by the Diabetes website.

Ever since I started exhibiting symptoms, I’ve had a foul taste in my mouth and smell in my nose. Nothing tastes right and in fact makes me gag most of the time.

My question is: Is this a symptom of Diabetes? I’ve looked everywhere I can and can’t find reference to a foul taste. Help please?

When your blood sugar is high and out of control you will get a foul breath odor. Maybe that’s what it is. You need to get to a doc soon, that’s nothing to play around with, you could be in ketoacidosis which could put you in the hospital. Try to get an accucheck to check your blood sugar, maybe a pharmacy will do it for you or a friend with a machine. Look for info on ketoacidosis and if you have the symptoms of that, get to a ER quick.

My glucose tolerance test came back with a 44..??? Doc says I am severe, but didn’t give me guidelines, any advice? Yes,there is a long history of diabetes in family. I am not over weight, just feel really bad or sleepy a lot.

Hypoglycemia, or "low blood sugar"is a blood glucose level that falls below 70 mg/dL. You need to eat regular meals so you will have food in your system. Hypoglycemia is also know as insulin shock. But if your are not diabetic this won’t happen because you took insulin. You can usually tell when this is going to happen. Here are some of the side effects:

Shakiness
Dizziness
Sweating
Hunger
Headache
Pale skin color
Difficulty paying attention
Clumsiness
Sudden moodiness or confusion
Tingling sensations around the mouth
Loss of consciousness

At the first sign of this occurrence check you sugar level. Don’t wait. Go ahead and eat or take what ever helps you. I am including a site for you to explore. I believe you will find it helpful. virtualhealthguides.info