Life With Type 1 Diabetes

Whether you are living with someone who has it or not, you are most likely going to come across someone in your lifetime that has Type 1 Diabetes. There are so many common misconceptions about this disease including people's confusion between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes. To quickly clear the air I will give you a few differences: You do not get Type 1 Diabetes from eating too much sugar or from being "fat." There's nothing you can do to cause you to get this unfortunate disease and nothing you can do to  it.


Type 1 Diabetes is a fluctuating disease that causes symptoms that you have to watch almost every second of the day. Your pancreas suddenly decides to stop producing its precious insulin that keeps your endocrine system and entire body functioning. It isn't easy to deal with; not only physically, but emotionally. There are times where you feel like you can't deal with it anymore whether you're the one with the disease or the one watching it happen to someone you love and care about.

The amount of times my younger sister (who has Type 1 Diabetes) has come home and told me what horrible things kids had said to her just because she had to monitor her glucose levels in class and treat her highs or lows in front of her classmates have made me realize how cruel kids could really be. There was a time when a child told my sisters friend to "tell her little shaky friend to stop faking it." Faking it? No one is faking it when their blood sugar drops so low that they can't talk or walk, let alone perform any other everyday function.

As a role model for my younger sister, it has been hard not to beat up some of the kids up who thought it was okay to say some of these nasty comments, or at least, give them a piece of my mind. Knowing that my sister will be looking up to me and my actions for the rest of her life has made me realize that all I can really do is remain by her side and continue to make sure she's healthy.


In case you were wondering what it's like to survive even just a few hours in the presence of a Type 1 Diabetic or to have it yourself, I'll tell you a little bit about it. There's nothing that is easy. Just because it becomes a part of your everyday routine because it has to be in order for you to survive does not mean that it isn't difficult. You learn how to manage your symptoms and prevent the worst from happening.

A Type 1 Diabetics day starts before the previous one even ends. The risk of someone's blood sugar dropping too low or rising too high while they are asleep at night can be fatal. With today's technology, there are so many ways to monitor your glucose levels. Aside from having a glucose monitor, many Type 1 Diabetics have continuous glucose monitors that show a generic estimate of where that person's blood sugar numbers are ranging. This is usually hooked up to the person's pump. The pump is one of the most important parts. It supplies the insulin to the body that the pancreas is unable to produce through a nifty little tube. That tube is constantly attached to the person through a pump site that they have to change for cleanliness and anti-infectious purposes. And if you aren't on a pump? Then you have to inject insulin into your body as needed. Now does that sound easy to handle? Didn't think so. So, enough with the tools needed and onto a simple daily run-through.


The first thing a Type 1 Diabetic should do when they wake up is check their blood sugar. Knowing where your blood sugar is ranging is super important when trying to figure out what you are going to simply eat for breakfast. Having an insulin pump means you can enter the amount of carbohydrates you will be eating into the pumps system so that it distributes the correct amount of insulin to keep your body stable. Entering carbohydrate counts into your pump means that you have to constantly be aware of the amount you are taking in. Putting those carbs into your pump is called bolusing. That has to happen before every, single meal. And what happens if you don't? Then you better be ready to treat your high with some extra insulin intake or you're low with some glucose tabs. Throughout the day, it's important to keep track of your diabetes and keep yourself healthy because the risks you may face if you don't can be deadly.

There's so much more to Type 1 Diabetes than what I've said already, but I don't want to bore you with a History Of Type 1 Diabetes lesson. Everything you should know about it is what you are about to hear next.

1. Just because this disease isn't one that is completely apparent to the naked eye does not mean that the person with the disease isn't extremely affected by it.

2. Whoever has Type 1 isn't "faking" their symptoms for attention (yeah little kid in my sister's class back when she was in fifth grade, this one's for you).

3. Type 1 Diabetics are allowed to eat sugar!!! (this one really gets me going) They actually need that sugar especially when their blood sugar is too low for them to function properly.


4. Although it probably isn't necessarily the nicest thing to do, yes, Type 1 Diabetics are allowed to move to the front of the lines at Disney World, Six Flags, and Lake Compounce because it is considered a medical handicap (apparently waiting in the lines too long can result in dangerously low blood sugar, so why not get the ride over with sooner?).

5. Type 1 Diabetes takes a huge toll on the person with the disease and the people who care for the person with the disease.

Number 5 has been something I have noticed significantly in my own family. When my sister was first diagnosed, everyone in my family was distraught. Type 1 Diabetes is life-threatening and completely alters someone's life! Everyone has to quickly learn how to take care of this disease in a matter of days in order to keep their loved one healthy. We spent a few days with my sister in the hospital while learning from many specialists how we would help my sister monitor her new disease once we were back at home. Although the news of this disease was so negative, there has been so many great events that have come of Type 1 Diabetes in our family. Our family has grown through the amazing JDRF program (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation). Their program supports families and individuals with Type 1 Diabetes in order to make their life with the disease more manageable. Our family has met so many great people because of the program and the disease.
com/ Type 1 Diabetes isn't something I would wish on anyone. It completely alters life as you once knew it. Overall, I'm thankful that the experience my family has had with it has been so positive from the start.
source:http://theodysseyonline.com/

We need to learn what 2,000 calories a day looks like to prevent diabetes

diabetes is threatening to bankrupt the NHS after a 60% rise in cases in the past 10 years, according to Diabetes UK . But what’s behind that headline? Is it true? And can anything be done to stem the undeniable rise in diagnosis and cost of treatment?
The anti-diabetes diet: a 2,000 calorie-a-day food planner



It does appear to be true. NHS data confirms that an additional 1.2 million adults are living with diabetes in England and Wales now compared to figures in 2005. Most of this is type 2 diabetes which usually develops later in life, doesn’t necessarily require insulin and is often related to obesity, especially in those with an inherited tendency.

Diabetes UK predicts that if current trends continue, 5 million people will have diabetes by 2025. And care is suboptimal in 40% of diabetics who don’t receive all eight care processes that the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence recommends. Of the 100 amputations a week, 80% are thought to be preventable with optimal care.

Diabetes is a killer and a major cause of significant health problems: kidney failure, stroke, heart attacks and blindness. And it’s expensive. Diabetes treatment accounts for 10% of the annual NHS budget (about £10bn a year).

And the devil is that it is often – though not always – a preventable disease. The single biggest preventable factor is obesity. But of current trends continue, one in three of us will be obese by 2034 and one in 10 of us will be diabetic.

The NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme is aiming to introduce an evidence-based behavioural programme to fight this trend. It’s being developed and rolled out across the country.

Diabetes UK is also calling for more NHS resources to provide better care, avoid complications like amputations and give more “flexible education options” for people with diabetes.

Healthcare professionals are encouraged to identify individuals at particularly high risk of developing diabetes because they’re obese or have an inherited tendency, and offer specific intervention.

    It’s the way we have become a nation of grazers. Schools need to teach pupils what 2,000 calories looks and feels like

And there is growing awareness of the need to identify and intervene when young people are becoming obese and at risk of type 2 diabetes. There’s particular interest in trying to make sugary drinks more expensive, less attractive or less available, especially to young people.

But the only way that the tide will be turned is in a massive change in the way we lead our lives. Sport has to come back into schools, playing fields reclaimed and repurchased, cycling made safe and walking to school become the norm.

And we’re going to have to stop eating all the time. It’s not just what we eat (although clearly sugary drinks and calorie laden muffins are not helpful). It’s the way we have become a nation of constant grazers. Schools need to teach pupils what 2,000 calories a day looks and feels like. It means a breakfast of toast or cereal, a sandwich and zero calorie drink (like water) at lunch and a supper of protein, veg and a portion of carbohydrate like some boiled potatoes. Some fruit and a yoghurt, and you’re basically done for the day. Who eats like that nowadays?

The messages need to be clear and unambiguous. Public health policies and political intervention are all very well. But individuals need to know how to say no to the constant offers of food and sugary drinks that surround us. The temptations will always be there. We need the tools to resist.
source:http://www.theguardian.com

No More Needles? This Laser Can Monitor Your Blood Sugar

A laser that doesn't penetrate the skin could replace painful finger pricking for diabetics.
The new technology, developed by a team at the University of Leeds in the United Kingdom, incorporates low-powered lasers in a small device that enables continuous blood sugar monitoring. Without the need for an implant, the device may be an ideal type of technology to develop into a wearable system.

"As well as being a replacement for finger-prick testing, this technology opens up the potential for people with diabetes to receive continuous readings, meaning they are instantly alerted when intervention is needed," said Gin Jose, developer of the technology and professor at the University of Leeds.



A device that suits your lifestyle
The glass used in the sensors, Jose said, acts in a similar way as glass used in smartphones, making it more affordable than some other types of self-monitoring systems.

The team aims to develop two types of devices for consumers: one that is a finger-touch system and another that is a continuous wearable system for ongoing monitoring.

The pilot clinical trial suggests the technology can perform as well as conventional systems, but more research will be done to further develop the product before it's available to consumers.
source:http://www.battlediabetes.com/

Possible cure for Type1 diabetes in works at Johnson & Johnson and ViaCyte

The cure for Type 1 diabetes is a step closer.

Johnson & Johnson working with a biotech company, ViaCyte, has produced the first stem cell treatment.

This revolutionary treatment could do away with the need for constant blood sugar testing and insulin injections,

It is reported to be the first such medicine.

Mice, which were previously tested, fared well.

The therapy involves putting embryonic stem cells in a lab dish and turning them into insulin-producing cells. Those cells are then put into a capsule that is implanted under the skin.



The capsule protects the new cells or the immune system would attack them. So far, small groups of patients who began being tested a year ago, were doing well, it was reported Thursday.

After three months, the capsule did what it was supposed to — glommed onto nearby blood vessels and insulin was being produced. There were no adverse side effects.

Another round of a dozen patients will be the next to test this.

Type 1 diabetes, once called juvenile diabetes, is usually found in children and young adults. Only 5% of those who have diabetes have Type 1.

Those with Type 1 do not produce insulin, the hormone needed to break down sugars and starches into glucose. The body needs glucose for energy. People who have Type 1 diabetes must constantly monitor their blood sugar levels.

Some 29 million Americans have diabetes and of those, 1.25 million have type 1.

Johnson & Johnson has been working toward a cure for years. The company and the American Diabetes Association were contacted for comment and have not yet responded.
source:http://www.nydailynews.com/

7 Day Diabetes 1800 calorie menu

day 1

BREAKFAST
1 Cup 1% Milk
1 Orange, medium
1 1/4 Cups Cheerios Cereal
MORNING SNACK
1 1/2 Cups Cantaloupe Melon
1 Ounce Walnuts
LUNCH
Lemony Lentil Salad with Salmon
1 Whole-Wheat Pita Bread, small
1 Cup 1% Milk
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
Zucchini-Walnut Loaf



day 2

BREAKFAST

1 Cup 1% 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

1 Cup 1% Milk

AFTERNOON SNACK

1 Ounce Almonds, salted

2 Tablespoons Raisins

DINNER

Warm Beet & Spinach Salad

South Pacific Shrimp

1 Whole-Wheat Roll

3/4 Cup Cooked Couscous

1 Peach, medium

day 3

BREAKFAST

1 Whole Grain Oat Bran Bagel

1 Cup 1% Milk

1/2 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

Baked Chicken with Onions & Leeks

2/3 Cup Cooked Brown Rice

1/2 Cup Fresh Pineapple

AFTERNOON SNACK

1 Cup Nonfat Vanilla or Lemon Yogurt, Sweetened with Low-Calorie Sweetener

DINNER

1 Cup Tossed Salad Mix

4 Teaspoons Vinegar & Oil Salad Dressing

1 Cup 1% Milk

Squash, Chickpea & Red Lentil Stew

1 Nectarine, medium

day 4 

BREAKFAST

1 Cup 1% Milk

1 Kiwi

1 Cup Whole Grain Flakes Cereal

MORNING SNACK

1/2 Ounce Walnuts

1 Ounce Dried Fruit

LUNCH

1 Cup Tossed Salad Mix

Tilapia Corn Chowder

4 Teaspoons Vinegar & Oil Salad Dressing

1 Ounce Oyster Crackers

1 Cup Honeydew Melon

AFTERNOON SNACK

1 Cup Blackberries

1 Cup 1% Milk

DINNER

1 Cup Cooked Brown Rice

Chicken Breasts with Mushroom Cream Sauce

1/2 Cup Steamed Asparagus

Broiled Mango

day 5

BREAKFAST

1 Scrambled Eggs

2 Slices Oatmeal Bread

1 Cup Grapefruit

1 Cup 1% Milk

MORNING SNACK

1 Cup Raspberries

1 Ounce Whole-Wheat Pretzel

LUNCH

1 Cup 1% Milk

1 Cup Tossed Salad Mix

1 Tablespoon Vinegar & Oil Salad Dressing

Sweet Potato-Turkey Hash

3 Gingersnap Cookies

AFTERNOON SNACK

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

1/4 Cup Alpen Cereal

DINNER

1 Cup Cooked Quinoa

3/4 Cup Cooked Carrots, Sliced

Apple-&-Fennel Roasted Pork Tenderloin

1 Cup Strawberries

day 6 

• BREAKFAST

  1 Cup 1% Milk

  1 Whole-Wheat English Muffin

  1 Tablespoon Creamy Peanut Butter

  1 Tablespoon Sugar-Free Jam

  MORNING SNACK

  1 Orange, medium

  1 Fruit & Nut Granola Bar

  LUNCH

  1 1/2 Ounces Low Fat Cheddar Cheese

  Southwestern Rice & Pinto Bean Salad

  1 Whole-Wheat Pita Bread, small

  Citrus-Infused Strawberries

  AFTERNOON SNACK

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

  1 Cup Watermelon

  DINNER

  1 Whole-Wheat Roll

  Pacific Sole with Oranges & Pecans

  3/4 Cup Cooked Brown Rice

  1 Cup Steamed Cauliflower

  1 Cup Grapes

• 
  
• day 7

BREAKFAST

1 Cup 1% Milk

1 Plum

Quick Breakfast Taco

MORNING SNACK

Zucchini-Walnut Loaf

LUNCH

1 Veggie Burger

1 Whole-Wheat Roll

1 Cup Prepared Coleslaw

1 Pear, medium

AFTERNOON SNACK

6 Ounces Carrot Sticks

Roasted Eggplant & Feta Dip

DINNER

1 Cup 1% Milk

1 Peach, medium

2 Cups Tossed Salad Mix

2 Tablespoons Vinegar & Oil Salad Dressing

Seared Scallops with Brandied Leeks & Mushrooms

2/3 Cup Cooked Brown Rice

SOURCE:HTTP://WWW.EATINGWELL.COM/

Up Meatloaf Beefed-Up Meatloaf

Ingredients
Tomato Topping:
1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
1/4 cup sugar substitute (recommended: Splenda)
2 teaspoons white vinegar or water
2 pounds ground chuck (may use meat loaf mix with ground pork)
2 eggs

1/2 cup grated Parmesan
1/4 cup red onion, diced small
1/4 cup roasted or fresh red bell peppers, diced
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil

                                                                                                               

Total Time:

1 hr 45 min

Prep:

30 min

Cook:

1 hr 15 min

Yield:8 servings

Level:Easy

1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 pound prosciutto, or any type of ham, thinly sliced
1/4 pound provolone cheese, sliced
ADD CHECKED ITEMS TO GROCERY LIST






Directions


Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

In a small bowl, mix together the tomato topping ingredients. Set aside. You may add a few drops of water to thin to a ketchup consistency.

In a large bowl, mix together the beef, eggs, Parmesan, vegetables, herbs, and seasonings.

Working on a waxed paper lined sheet pan or counter, form meatloaf mix into a 10 by 8-inch flat rectangle on the waxed paper. Place a layer of prosciutto slices on top, followed by a layer of provolone slices. Roll up the stuffed meatloaf mix like a burrito and seal the edges all around by pinching the meat.

Place the roll, seam side down, into a 5 by 9-inch loaf pan. Spread a heavy coat of the tomato topping to completely cover the top of the meatloaf. Place in oven and bake for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the temperature on a meat thermometer registers 165 degrees F. Drain fat and let rest at least 10 minutes before slicing.
source:http://www.foodnetwork.com/

2400 Calorie Diabetic Diet, Basic

What is it? A 2400 calorie diabetic diet means eating no more than 2400 calories of food each day. You may need this diet to control your blood sugar or lose weight. Or lower your risk for heart prob

Blood sugar is the amount of glucose (simple sugar) in your blood. Glucose is the main source of energy for your body. Glucose comes from carbohydrates in your diet.
A diabetic diet limits how much carbohydrate (kar-bo-hi-drate), fat, and protein you eat. A 2400 calorie diet is low in calories and fat.
Care:

Ask your caregiver for the diabetic exchange diet CareNote to learn more about serving sizes. Your caregiver will tell you when to eat meals and snacks to control your diabetes. Talk with your caregiver if your blood sugar levels are too low or too high.
A sample of a 2400 calorie diet is listed below. You can exchange or trade one food for another from the same food group. For example, you can choose 1 slice of bread instead of 3/4 cup of another dry cereal. Or you can choose 1/2 cup fruit juice instead of 1-1/4 cups of melon.
Serving Sizes: Use the list below to measure foods and serving sizes. A serving size means the size of food after it is cooked or prepared.



1 pint or 2 cups (16 fluid ounces) of liquid is the size of 1-1/3 soda-pop cans.
1-1/2 cup (12 fluid ounces) of liquid is the size of a soda-pop can.
1 cup of food is the size of a large handful, or 8 fluid ounces of liquid.
1/2 cup of food is about half of a large handful, or 4 fluid ounces of liquid.
2 tablespoons (Tbsp) is about the size of a large walnut.
1 tablespoon (Tbsp) is about the size of the tip of your thumb (from the last crease).
1 teaspoon (tsp) is about the size of the tip of your little finger (from the last crease).
3 ounces of cooked meat, fish, or poultry is about the size of a deck of cards.
1 ounce of cooked meat, fish, or poultry is about 1/4 cup (c).
One ounce of hard cheese is about a 1 inch cube.
A serving of vegetables is 1/2 cup (1/2 handful) cooked, or 1 cup (1 handful) raw.
SAMPLE 2400 CALORIE MENU:

Breakfast:

2 breads or starches, like 1 cup bran cereal or 1 cup cooked oatmeal
2 ounces meat or protein, like 1/2 cup scrambled egg substitute or 1/2 cup lowfat cottage cheese
2 fruits, like 1 large banana or 1-1/2 cups of fresh fruit salad
1 milk, like 1 cup skim, 1%, or nonfat sugar-free yogurt
1 fat, like 1 tsp margarine
Morning Snack:

1 bread or starch, like 3/4 ounce pretzels or 2 nonfat rice cakes
1 ounce meat or protein, like 1/4 cup lowfat ricotta cheese or 1 ounce lean turkey breast
Lunch:

The following foods can be combined to make a sandwich:
3 ounces meat or protein, like 3 ounces lean roast beef or 3/4 cup tuna (canned in water)
2 breads or starches, like 2 slices whole wheat bread
1 vegetable, like 2 lettuce leaves with 2 slices tomato
1 fat, like 1 tsp mayonnaise or 1 Tbsp salad dressing
Add the following foods for lunch:
1 vegetable, like 1/2 cup vegetable soup or 1 cup carrot sticks
1 fruit, like 1 medium (2-1/2 inch) apple or peach
1 free food, like 12 ounces sugar-free soft drink
Afternoon Snack:

1 milk, like 1 cup skim milk or 1 cup nonfat sugar-free yogurt
1 bread, like three 2-1/2 inch squares graham crackers or 6 saltine crackers
Dinner:

3 ounces meat or protein, like grilled chicken breast or salmon
2 starches, like 1 large baked potato or 1 cup cooked pasta
1 starch, like 1 small dinner roll (1 ounce)
2 vegetables, like 1 cup steamed asparagus and 1 cup tossed salad
1 fat, like 1 tsp margarine or 1 Tbsp salad dressing
1 fruit, like 1-1/4 cup fresh strawberries or 4 fresh apricots
1 milk, like 1 cup skim milk or 1 cup nonfat sugar-free yogurt
Evening Snack:

1 bread, like 3 cups air-popped popcorn or 6 whole wheat crackers
1 meat or protein, like 1 ounce lowfat cheese or 1 ounce lowfat ham
1 milk, like 1 cup skim milk or 1 cup nonfat sugar-free yogurt
CALL YOUR CAREGIVER IF:

You have questions about the serving sizes on this diet.
You have questions about how to prepare or cook foods on this diet.
You have questions about how or where to buy foods on this diet.
You have questions or concerns about your illness, medicine, or this diet.
Care Agreement
You have the right to help plan your care. To help with this plan you must learn about your diet or illness and how it is treated. You can then discuss your treatment options with your caregivers. Work with them to decide what care will be used to treat your or illness. You always have the right to refuse treatment.
source:http://www.drugs.com/

EGGS BENEDICT – HOLLANDAISE SAUCE

Eggs Benedict with Hollandaise Sauce is my all time favorite breakfast treat. The tradition recipe calls for a toasted English muffin on bottom. It’s easy to convert the recipe to low carb with a slice of toasted low carb bread on bottom or even a thick slice of tomato. I used a square of homemade low carb flax bread.



Eggs Benedict can be made low carb by replacing the traditional English muffin. This version uses a quick to prepare Hollandaise sauce and low carb bread.

Ingredients

3 egg yolks
7 ounces butter
1 Tablespoon lemon juice
dash salt
dash pepper
dash cayenne
4 eggs, poached
4 slices Canadian bacon, cooked (or sliced ham)
4 slices low carb bread, toasted
Instructions

Prepare Hollandaise Sauce
Place egg yolks in a blender or food processor.
Melt the butter in the microwave until bubbling.
With the blender or food processor running, gradually add the hot butter in a steady stream to the egg yolks until the sauce is thick and creamy. Add the lemon juice. If the sauce is too thick, add a little warm water. Season to taste with salt, pepper, and cayenne. Remove from blender or food processor and keep warm.
Assemble Eggs Benedict
Poach Eggs: Place 2-3 inches of water in a deep skillet or saucepan with a dash of salt. Bring water to a boil then reduce heat to just under boil. Carefully break eggs into hot water and cook until whites are firm. Remove with slotted spoon.
Place slices of low carb toast (or tomato slices) on plates. Top each with a slice of Canadian bacon (or ham). Place poached eggs on top and pour Hollandaise sauce over eggs. Sprinkle with paprika if desired.
Notes

Servings: 4

Carbs per serving: 5 g

Each sauce serving: 397.5 calories, 87.3g fat, 0.7g carb, 8.5g protein.
source:http://lowcarbyum.com/

What to Do Your Sex LifeAffects Your Sex Life

Men living with diabetes have enough on their plate. They need to monitor their blood glucose level, blood pressure and, most likely, several medications. If this is you, and you’re experiencing problems in your sex life, there’s a good chance you’re  feeling anxious, frustrated and depressed.



You may know that erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to get or maintain an erection. But did you know that ED is common among men who have diabetes? This condition can stem from problems caused by poor long-term blood sugar control, which damages nerves and blood vessels. ED also can be linked to other conditions common in men with diabetes, such as high blood pressure and coronary artery disease.

The same elevated blood glucose level that causes blood vessel and nerve damage in other parts of the body also can lead to complications in blood flow and nerve damage to the penis, says Kevin Borst, DO, an endocrinologist at Lakewood Hospital’s Diabetes and Endocrine Center.

“Approximately half of all men living with diabetes will experience erectile dysfunction at some point,” Dr. Borst says.

Even if there’s a medical reason behind it, ED can leave any man and his partner feeling frustrated and discouraged. If you or a loved one are experiencing ED, you are not alone. And you can take steps to cope.

Talk to your doctor
Tell your doctor what’s going on. Your doctor will consider the underlying causes of your ED and can give you information about medication and other ED treatments.

Ask what you need to do to control diabetes. Careful blood sugar control can prevent nerve and blood vessel damage that can lead to ED. Appropriately managing your diabetes is critical.
Ask about other health problems. It’s common for men with diabetes to have other chronic conditions that can cause or worsen ED. This condition also may cause high levels of stress, so it’s very important to address all issues with your physician.
Check your medications. Ask your doctor if you’re taking any medications that may be worsening your erectile problems, such as medications used to treat depression or high blood pressure. Your doctor may change your prescriptions if necessary.
source:http://health.clevelandclinic.org/

7 Survival Skills for People with Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes

Have you or a loved one been recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes?  If so, there are some very important skills to learn from day one.  Caring for type 2 diabetes is a lifelong learning process that can be daunting at first.  Learning some basic “survival” skills to begin will help you feel more confident in caring for yourself or a family member.

1.  General Information

Overview of type 2 diabetes and care– It is important to learn some basic information about type 2 diabetes.  This will increase your confidence in caring for yourself or others.  The UGA cooperative extension has published an awesome online learning module called Focus on Diabetes. Also, your doctor’s office and many hospitals have resource materials available on various type 2 diabetes topics.



Frequency of health exams.  Ask your physician or health care provider for recommendations regarding how often you should have exams and tests to check your health status.  Diabetes can affect every part of your body, therefore those with type 2 diabetes must follow specific schedules for check-ups.

2.    Foot Care and Eye Care

In addition to regularly scheduled foot exams, it is very important to take good care of your feet each day if you have type 2 diabetes.  The National Diabetes Education Program has a detailed online booklet- “Take Care of Your Feet for a Lifetime” which will help you get started.
Diabetes can also affect the eyes and you will need to ask your physician for recommendations concerning how often you must complete check-ups. The American Diabetes Association has an online info page related to eye care that can explain eye care details.

3.  Signs and Symptoms of High and Low Blood Sugar

Learn the signs and symptoms of high and low blood sugar and what to do.  The Vermont department of health offers a great overview with lots of tips.
Here’s a general overview of blood glucose  from the American Diabetes Association.
4.  Insulin Injection and/or Oral Medications

Make sure your health professional has answered all your questions regarding insulin and/or oral medications.  Another good resource for answers is your pharmacist.
To supplement your health care provider’s recommendations, there are many online resources on this topic.  The National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse offers a good overview of diabetes medications.

5.  Sick Day Management

When you are sick, all your usual routines are disrupted which makes diabetes care even harder to perform.  Stay in close communication with your health care provider and make a plan ahead of time for those days when you are unable to carry out your usual eating plan.
Be sure to work with your health care provider to develop a sick day management plan ahead of time.  You will also want to have certain supplies on hand for use during this times.

6.  Exercise and Type 2 Diabetes

Once again, be sure to check with your health care provider to make sure you are getting recommendations that are individualized.
If you take medications to lower your blood glucose levels, you will want to know how exercise can affect these levels.
In addition to your exercise plan, you may benefit from using an activity tracker to help you keep up with your exercise amounts.

7.  Meal Plan for Type 2 Diabetes

Your health care provider will guide you in determining the proper diet you should follow.
Menus for type 2 diabetes diets and recipes may be helpful to get you started.  Be sure to speak with a Registered Dietitian to get individualized type 2 diabetes diet information. When your provider recommends a carbohydrate level, you may find having some sample meal plans for various carb levels helpful in meal planning.
source:fr.pinterest.com

Best Ever Breakfast Cookies for Under 100 Calories

Long time, no write. I've been doing this weird thing where I've been enjoying time with my family and friends (and quite honestly myself) and focusing on work, hence the not writing a lot. Plus, I'm in 1000 weddings this spring (ok, not really, it's only two but I love those two girls so much that it feels like 1000 importance-wise) which has taken up quite a bit of my free time and head space.

What this time away from blogging has given me is a chance to perfect some recipes. I don't like sharing something I've made once with you, dear readers, because as we all know, sometimes the second time around we screw something up that reminds us to never screw that same thing up again, or we figure out how to tweak the recipe a bit here and there to make the best possible version of the dish in question. So as I return to sharing recipes here, I'm bringing some more perfected (in my terms, of course, which means they taste better, are easier and quicker to make, use fewer ingredients, etc.) dishes your way.

Let's start with the Best Ever Breakfast Cookies. Cookies! For breakfast! With whole grains and no added sugar! What?!? Yes.



I've adapted this recipe from Lux Hippie to get more sweet, sweet cookie bang for your caloric buck

You'll need:

• 4 ripe bananas
• 1/2 cup natural creamy peanut butter
• 2 tbs vanilla extract
• 4 tbs 100% maple syrup
• 2 cups oats
• 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 tsp baking power
• 1 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup dark chocolate chips/chunks

Recipe makes about 2 dozen cookies. Approx. 98 calories each.

Mash together the bananas, peanut butter, vanilla and maple syrup until they're creamy. Note that this needs to be real maple syrup, not that pancake syrup weird stuff. I do the mashing by hand because I like a chunkier texture where you bite into some whole bits of banana every once and a while, but if you want an even consistency, bust out your electric hand mixer for a couple of minutes. 

Stir in the oats, flour, baking powder and salt. Mix until all is combined, then fold in the dark chocolate chips. I've taken to buying inexpensive 70% cocoa bars from Aldi and roughly smashing them into chunks with a meat tenderizer. I like the randomness of the chunks in muffins and cookies - sometimes you get just a little bit of chocolate and sometimes you get a big mac daddy piece melting in your mouth. Today, fancy ol' me actually had chocolate chips on hand, so that's what I went with.

Line baking trays with parchment paper and add heaping tablespoons of the dough in rows on the tray. Spray a fork lightly with Pam/olive oil spray and then make hatch marks across the top to flatten the cookies out. Pop in a 350 degree oven for 10-15 minutes depending on if you like chewier cookies (like me, I did mine at 10 minutes) or crispier cookies (15-20 minutes would get you there). 

You can use this base recipe for all kinds of breakfast cookies. Substitute the bananas for apple sauce and add cinnamon for a sweet apple cider style cookie. Swap peanut butter for almond butter, add walnuts and reallygo nuts with it. Sorry, I had to. I'm terrible, I know.

These are so, so, so good and they're (a) 100% whole grain and whole wheat (b) made with no added processed sugar besides what's in the dark chocolate chips and natural peanut butter, which are both lower in sugar than their  regular counterparts and (c) easy to grab and go in the mornings. 

source:http://jackiedoesdomestic.blogspot.com/