7 Tips for Dealing with Diabetes-Related Fluid Retention

Fluid retention, also known as edema


, is a problem that affects many diabetics, especially those with type 2 diabetes.

Water retention can occur in any part of the legs, including the feet, ankles, calves and thighs.

There are several reasons why edema occurs, such as fluid buildup or from inflammation in injured or diseased tissue and joints.
Types of Edema

There are three types of diabetes-related fluid retention:

    The first type is called macular edema. Macular edema is a swelling that occurs in the macular, which is near the center of the retina. The retina is responsible for a number of duties such as the ability to read, daytime vision and color reception. Macular edema can cause diabetic retinopathy, which starts with the leaking of fluid from blood vessels into the macula. If not treated, this condition can blind a person.

 
















 Pulmonary edema is the second type of fluid retention, which occurs if someone is using certain diabetic medications and if the person has cardiovascular problems. This type of edema can be treated inserting a catheter that drains the fluids.
    Foot and leg edema is the third type of edema and is also the most commonly discussed. Edema in the legs and feet can cause a high risk of non-healing wounds in diabetics. This type of edema is usually treated with manual decongestive therapy and diuretics.

Medication Risks for Edema

People who take thiazolidinedione medications are known to experience water retention. Thiazolidinediones are commonly used to treat type 2 diabetes as they help the body produce more insulin. However, one of the downsides of this medication is that it can lead to weight gain and edema.
Preventing and Treating Edema

Edema can have a lot of harmful effects if not treated like loss of vision. One of the main ways to stop fluid retention is by keeping your diabetes under control. Occasionally, if the fluid retention is being caused by medication, a change of prescription might be necessary. Having routine screenings can help detect the problem before it becomes more serious.

When the swelling occurs in your ankles or legs, there are many things that you can do to alleviate the symptoms:

   1 Try to prop your feet above your heart to help lessen the swelling. You can use pillows to elevate your feet.

   2 Wear support stockings if you have to be on your feet for extended periods of time.
    Drink plenty of water throughout the day to help flush unnecessary fluids from your body.

  4  Consult your doctor about taking diuretics to help your body get rid of excess fluid.

  5  Exercise can also help with water retention. Light exercises like walking, leg lifts and other similar isometric exercises can help with water retention.

 6   Limit your salt and sodium intake, as this can add to water retention

  7 Avoid standing on your feet for prolonged periods of time.

Sources: Mayo Clinic and DiabeticLive.com

7 Day Diabetes 1400 calorie menu

day 1

BREAKFAST

1 Cup Skim Milk
1 Orange, medium
1 1/4 Cups Cheerios Cereal
MORNING SNACK
1 Cup Cantaloupe Melon
1/2 Cup Low Fat, Low Sodium Cottage Cheese

LUNCH

Grilled Shrimp Skewers over White Bean Salad
1 Whole-Wheat Pita Bread, small
1 Cup Skim Milk
1 Fudgsicle, no sugar added
AFTERNOON SNACK
2 Tablespoons Prepared Hummus
4 Ounces Carrot Sticks



DINNER

1/2 Cup Cooked Brown Rice
1 Cup Steamed Spinach
London Broil with Cherry-Balsamic Sauce
Citrus-Infused Strawberries

day 2

BREAKFAST

1 Cup Skim Milk

1 Banana, small

1 1/2 Cups Bran Flakes Cereal

MORNING SNACK

1 Fruit & Nut Granola Bar

LUNCH

Chopped Greek Salad with Chicken

1 Whole-Wheat Bread

Watermelon-Blueberry Ice Pops

AFTERNOON SNACK

2 Cups Popcorn, air popped

DINNER

Mixed Lettuce Salad with Cucumber Herb Vinaigrette

South Pacific Shrimp

1/2 Cup Cooked Couscous

1 Peach, medium

day3

BREAKFAST

1 Whole-Wheat English Muffin

1 Cup Skim Milk

3/4 Cup Blueberries

1 Tablespoon Creamy Peanut Butter, unsalted

MORNING SNACK

1 Apple, small

LUNCH

1 Cup Tossed Salad Mix

1 Tablespoon Vinegar & Oil Salad Dressing

Green Eggs & Ham Frittata

1 Slice Reduced-Calorie Oatmeal Bran Bread

1/2 Cup Fresh Pineapple

AFTERNOON SNACK

6 Ounces Nonfat Vanilla or Lemon Yogurt, Sweetened with Low-Calorie Sweetener

2 Tablespoons Low-Fat Granola Cereal with Fruit

DINNER

3/4 Cup Steamed Brussels Sprouts

3/4 Cup Cooked Quinoa

Honey-Soy Broiled Salmon

1 Nectarine, medium

day 4

BREAKFAST

1 Cup Skim Milk

2/3 Cup Hot Oatmeal

1 Ounce Dried Fruit

1 Tablespoon Walnuts

MORNING SNACK

2 Kiwis

LUNCH

1 Cup Tossed Salad Mix

Hungarian Beef Goulash

1 Tablespoon Vinegar & Oil Salad Dressing

Slow-Roasted Cherry Tomato Bruschetta

1 Cup Honeydew Melon

AFTERNOON SNACK

1 Cup Blackberries

1 Cup Skim Milk

DINNER

2/3 Cup Cooked Brown Rice

Chicken with Green Olives & Prunes

1/2 Cup Steamed Summer Squash

1/2 Cup Mango

day 5

BREAKFAST

1 Scrambled Eggs

1 Slice Reduced-Calorie Oatmeal Bran Bread

1 Cup Grapefruit

1 Cup Skim Milk

MORNING SNACK

1 Banana, small

LUNCH

1 Cup Skim Milk

1 Cup Tossed Salad Mix

1 Tablespoon Vinegar & Oil Salad Dressing

Sweet Potato-Turkey Hash

AFTERNOON SNACK

6 Ounces Nonfat Vanilla or Lemon Yogurt, Sweetened with Low-Calorie Sweetener

2 Tablespoons Alpen Cereal

DINNER

2/3 Cup Cooked Quinoa

Apple-&-Fennel Roasted Pork Tenderloin

3/4 Cup Cooked Carrots, Sliced

1 Cup Strawberries

day 6

BREAKFAST

1 Cup Skim Milk

1 Whole-Wheat English Muffin

1 Tablespoon Creamy Peanut Butter

1 Tablespoon Sugar-Free Jam

MORNING SNACK

1 Orange, medium

LUNCH

Sweet & Sour Beef-Cabbage Soup

1 Cup Skim Milk

1 Whole-Wheat Pita Bread, small

1 Cup Watermelon

AFTERNOON SNACK

8 Ounces Nonfat Vanilla or Lemon Yogurt, Sweetened with Low-Calorie Sweetener

DINNER

Roast Salmon with Salsa

1/2 Cup Cooked Brown Rice

1 Cup Steamed Cauliflower

1 Cup Grapes

day 7 

BREAKFAST

1 Cup Skim Milk

1 Plum

Quick Breakfast Taco

MORNING SNACK

Cherries with Ricotta & Toasted Almonds

LUNCH

1 Veggie Burger

1 Whole-Wheat Roll

1 Cup Prepared Coleslaw

1 Apricot

AFTERNOON SNACK

6 Ounces Carrot Sticks

1/4 Cup Salsa

DINNER

1 Cup Skim Milk

1 Cup Tossed Salad Mix

1 Tablespoon Vinegar & Oil Salad Dressing

Chipotle-&-Orange Grilled Chicken

1/2 Cup Cooked Brown Rice

1 Peach, medium

source:http://www.eatingwell.com/

This Tonic Can Cure Diabetes

Yes, believe it or not, the same stuff your grandmother used to make you drink when you had a cold, or what your great Aunt used to kill weeds in the garden, is powerful enough to regulate blood sugar – better than many conventional therapies.



But, don’t trust us… trust what science has to say about one of Mother Nature’s most healing foods.

Apple cider vinegar is one of the most potent ‘all-purpose’ tonics around. Among its huge array of health benefits, multiple studies have found that it may help lower blood sugar levels.

The traditional uses of apple cider vinegar are vast. To name just a few, it has been used to:

    ease digestion,
    aid in flu prevention,
    reduce inflammation,
    regulate pH balance,
    alleviate allergy symptoms,
    ease nausea and heartburn,
    as a staple in detox regimens,
    for a number of skin conditions, including reducing acne and smoothing wrinkles.

One study, ( http://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/30/11/2814.full) conducted at Arizona State University by Doctors Carol S. Johnston and Andrea M. White, PhD, surveyed 11 people afflicted with type 2 diabetes. The researchers found that taking two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar right before bed lowered the blood sugar levels of these individuals by 4 to 6 percent by morning.

Another study (http://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/27/1/281.full) led by Dr. Johnston gave subjects, some with insulin resistance and some without, 20 grams of apple cider vinegar and 40 grams of water. Results showed that the after-meal blood sugar levels of the subjects with insulin resistance lowered by 34 percent when they drank the apple cider vinegar.

Dr. Johnston says, “scientific studies over the past 10 years show benefits from vinegar consumption. It’s inexpensive and can be easily incorporated into the diet. Used in combination with diet and exercise, it can help many people with type 2 diabetes.”

Yet another study (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10702577), performed at Tokyo University in Tokyo, Japan, discovered that the acetic acid found in vinegars inhibits the activity of carbohydrate-digesting enzymes, including sucrase, mastase, lactase and amalase. This inhibition results in select sugars and starches passing through the digestive system without being digested, having less impact on blood sugar levels.

When choosing an apple cider vinegar, make sure to select one that is organic and unpasteurized, as the pasteurization process can destroy many of the health benefits. Organic, unpasteurized apple cider vinegar may have a cobweb-looking solid floating inside; this is known as mother of vinegar, and is a natural cellulose produced by the vinegar bacteria.

The cloudy and somewhat cobweb-like structure that you may see in raw ACV is endearingly referred to as the mother, because of its life-giving properties. As the vinegar ages, the mother becomes more pronounced, and if you hold the vinegar bottle to the light you can almost always see the makings of the mother – usually suspended close to the bottom of the jar. In the mother are valuable nutrients and beneficial bacteria that make unprocessed ACV so special.
Raw ACV should also have a strong aroma and make you pucker when you taste it. These signs, along with the visible appearance of the mother, are good indications that your ACV is of high quality.
Some of the beneficial ingredients in raw, organic ACV include:

    Potassium: promotes cell tissue and organism growth, and helps prevent brittle teeth and hair loss
    Iron: important for blood health
    Magnesium: vital to heart health
    Enzymes: boosts chemical reactions in the body
    Malic acid: protects vinegar from viruses, bacteria and fungus
    Acetic acid: slows the digestion of starch
    Calcium: builds strong bones and teeth
    Pectin: helps regulate blood pressure and cholesterol
    Ash: maintains a healthy alkaline state in the body
source:http://holisticlivingtips.com/

6 Safe & Healthy Snacks for Diabetics

Being diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 diabetes can be scary and intimidating. The good news is that it’s really not all that difficult to build a healthy and delicious diet plan that will keep you safe. The trick, of course, is to find foods that won’t upset your blood sugar levels.



Thankfully, there are many healthy foods that qualify. Let’s take a quick look at a few snack options for people recently diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 diabetes…

1. Whole-Grain Crackers and Cheese

While some foods can actually raise our blood sugar levels and pose a serious threat to diabetics, whole-grain foods—like cracked wheat or whole wheat crackers—can actually lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

Adding cheese to the mix provides protein that can stabilize blood sugar and keep hunger pangs at bay for hours. If you’re looking for a healthy alternative, consider using low-fat cheese or cottage cheese. In any case, don’t overdo it on the cheese.

2. Homemade Popcorn

Popcorn gets a bad reputation, but that’s not entirely fair. Yes, popcorn bought in bags at the grocery store or acquired at the local movie theater can be absolutely loaded with salt, fat, even sugar. But popcorn itself—save the various coatings—is actually very high in fiber and rather healthy.

The key is to make your own popcorn from scratch. Most grocery stores carry popcorn kernels, which can be prepared by adding them to a covered pot placed on the stove top. Use a little oil to gently coat some of the kernels, but don’t overdo it. To keep things healthy, use canola or olive oil.

3. Apples and Cheese

No one is exactly sure why they make such a good combination, but it’s hard to disagree that apples and cheese make for a great-tasting one-two punch. And it’s a healthy combo, too! While the apples provide loads of nutrients (like vitamins A and C) and fiber, the cheese is a great source of protein, which can keep us feeling full for hours.

Of course, when it comes to cheese, portion control is important. Try to use low-fat cheddar instead of high-fat creamy cheeses like Camembert or brie.

4. Chips and Salsa

It isn’t often that we recommend chips, but the whole-grain baked variety can actually be an excellent source of fiber. The trick, of course, is to load your chip with homemade salsa packed with fruits and vegetables.

For an awesome salsa, slice, dice and add red and green peppers, tomatoes, black beans, avocado, cilantro, and garlic. To up the flavor even further, add some salt, lemon juice, black pepper and fresh chillies.

5. Black Bean Salad

Vegetarians are often told to replace meat with black beans, which are high in both carbohydrates and protein. They’re also abounding with fiber, which can fend off hunger pangs and keep us going for hours.

For an excellent black bean salad, rinse and add the beans to chopped tomatoes, chopped celery, chopped green pepper, and peeled and cubed avocado. To increase the flavor, add lemon or lime juice, celery salt, garlic powder, and ginger. Overall, it makes for a delicious, low-calories snack that will keep diabetics feeling full for hours.

6. Veggies and Hummus

It’s no surprise that vegetables, which contain virtually no sugar, fat or calories, pose little threat to people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. But it may be less surprising that hummus – which contains considerable fat and calories – is also a good choice.

But studies featured on Livestrong.com have shown that hummus, which is high in fiber and protein (it’s made of chickpeas, primarily), can help keep blood sugar levels steady. In fact, one 2012 study showed that people who ate at least one cup of legumes each day (chickpeas are a legume) saw their glucose tolerance improve significantly.
source:http://www.activebeat.com/

7 Day Clean Eating Menu for Diabetics

Even with dietary restrictions, it’s possible to eat a versatile and delicious range of foods. Diabetics don’t have to settle for a stale menu of the same old foods day in and day out.

The exact dietary advice you follow will depend on your blood glucose levels, activity levels and whether or not you take medication to manage diabetes. Generally, clean eating for diabetics involves not only consuming whole, clean ingredients, but also keeping the amount of carbohydrates you consume in check.



Carbohydrates are broken down by insulin in the body, a hormone that does not behave normally in diabetics. The amount of carbs you should have per meal is something you’ll need to work out with your doctor and/or nutritionist. The American Diabetes Association gives the rough guideline of 45-60 grams of carbohydrates per meal. The following 7 day clean eating menu for diabetics is based on this guideline.

DAY ONE

Breakfast: Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal
Carbs: 56 g
Oats release glucose slowly in the body, and cinnamon may lower fasting blood glucose levels.

Lunch: Spinach and Bean Burrito
Carbs: 50 g
Legumes are believed to improve blood sugar control!

Dinner: Three Cheese Ziti with Turkey
Carbs: 43
Dairy contains vitamins and minerals that can help increase insulin sensitivity.

DAY TWO

Breakfast: Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal (leftover from Day One)



Lunch: Wild Salmon Vegetable Salad with Lemon Miso Dressing
Carbs: 21 g
Very low in carbs, this salad gives you a healthy dose of omega-3’s from both salmon and olive oil. These fats help fight inflammation and protect your cells. Olive oil also improves insulin sensitivity.

Dinner: Spicy Three Bean Turkey Chili
Carbs: 41 g
Plenty of legumes, and plenty of leftovers!

MUST READ:  Love Affair With Sugar

DAY THREE

Breakfast: Pita Pocket Breakfast Sandwich
Carbs: 21 g
This very low-carb breakfast calls for both whole eggs and whites; egg whites have very little impact on your blood glucose levels.

Lunch: Spinach and Bean Burrito (using leftovers from Day One)

Dinner: Three Cheese Ziti with Turkey (leftover from Day One)

DAY FOUR

Breakfast: Chocolate Oatmeal with Egg Whites
Carbs: 38 g
This recipe combines diabetic-friendly oatmeal and egg whites with the surprise ingredient of cocoa powder.

Lunch: Spicy Three Bean Turkey Chili (leftover from Day Two)

Dinner: Orange Glazed Salmon with Wilted Kale with Brown Rice
Carbs: 33 g
This extremely low-carb fish recipe combines heart-healthy salmon with kale, a vegetable that can help improve blood glucose levels. Throw in ½ cup brown rice for a rounded meal.

A MUST READ: No Sugar Added Skinny Desserts

DAY FIVE

Breakfast: Individual Egg and Spinach Bowls
Carbs: 6 g
Extremely low in fat, calories and carbs, you can afford to eat two of these mostly-egg-white bowls.

Lunch: Three Cheese Ziti with Turkey (leftover from Days One and Three)

Dinner: Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Roast with Brown Rice
Carbs: 25 g
With a measly 2 grams of carbs to the pot roast, you can easily afford to throw in ½ cup of brown rice. This is low-carb comfort food at its finest.


DAY SIX

Breakfast: Oatmeal Blueberry Protein Pancakes
Carbs: 44
Oats. Protein. Pancakes. Enough said!

Lunch: Orange Glazed Salmon with Wilted Kale (leftover from Day Four)

Dinner: Spicy Three Bean Turkey Chili (leftover from Days Two and Four )

DAY SEVEN

Breakfast: Egg and Spinach Bowls (leftover from Day Five)

Lunch: Chickpea Cakes with Cabbage Salad
Carbs: 35 g
This salad gives you diabetic-friendly legumes and cholesterol-lowering cabbage for a tasty lunch.

Dinner: Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Roast (leftover from Day Five)

Snack Options:

Apple Slices and Peanut Butter – Protein will satisfy your hunger and make it easier to bypass extra carbs.
Low-Fat String Cheese – Low calorie, low-carb and so fun to eat.
Hard-Boiled Egg – Less than 5 grams of carbs.
1/3 cup Hummus with Vegetable Sticks – Pack in some protein and a plethora of phytonutrients and antioxidants from a rainbow of vegetables.
source:http://skinnyms.com/

1600 Calorie Diabetic Diet Plan- Monday

1600 Calorie Diabetic Diet plan has been designed to keep the blood sugar in control. Each meal in this plan has been designed carefully to keep your blood sugar in check.



Breakfast
 1 Cup Skim Milk
 1 Orange, medium
 1 1/4 Cups Cheerios Cereal
 1 Hard Boiled Egg

Morning Snack
 1 1/2 Cups Cantaloupe Melon
 1/2 Cup Low Fat, Low Sodium Cottage Cheese
1600 Calorie Diabetic Diet Plan- Monday

Lunch
 Lemony Lentil Salad with Salmon
 1 Whole-Wheat Pita Bread, small
 1 Fudgsicle, no sugar added
Afternoon Snack
 2 Tablespoons Prepared Hummus
 4 Ounces Carrot Sticks
Dinner
 3/4 Cup Cooked Brown Rice
 1 Cup Steamed Spinach
 Chili-Rubbed Steaks & Pan Salsa
 Basil-Cinnamon Peaches
*1600 Calorie Diabetic Diet plan has been designed by Eating Well’s Nutrition & Culinary experts*
source:http://www.natural-health-news.com/

1600 Calorie Diabetic Diet Plan – Sunday

1600 Calorie Diabetic Diet plan has been designed to keep the blood sugar in control. Each meal in this plan has been designed carefully to keep your blood sugar in check.

Breakfast

• 1 Cup Skim Milk

• 1 Plum

• Quick Breakfast Taco

Morning Snack

• 2 Whole-Grain Rice Cake

• 1 Hard Boiled Egg

1600 Calorie Diabetic Diet Plan - Sunday

Lunch

• 1 Veggie Burger

• 1 Whole-Wheat Roll

• 1 Cup Prepared Coleslaw

• 1 Apricot

Afternoon Snack

• 6 Ounces Carrot Sticks

• French Onion Dip

Dinner

• 1 Cup Skim Milk

• 1 Peach, medium

• 1 Cup Tossed Salad Mix

• 1 Tablespoon Vinegar & Oil Salad Dressing

• Roasted Halibut with Banana-Orange Relish

• 2/3 Cup Cooked Brown Rice

*1600 Calorie Diabetic Diet plan has been designed by Eating Well’s Nutrition & Culinary experts*

source:http://www.natural-health-news.com/