Potassium and high blood pressure Potassium regulates the heartbeat and ensures proper function of the muscles and nerves. It is vital for synthesizing protein and metabolizing carbohydrates.  The diet of our ancestors included significant component of potassium but sodium has replaced it in modern diet. Higher use of sodium instead of potassium is one of the key drivers of high blood...

People with diabetes who smoke and people with diabetes exposed to secondhand smoke have a heightened risk of cardiovascular disease, premature deaths, microvascular  complications, and worse glycemic control when compared to those who do not smoke. Smoking may have a role in development of type 2 diabetes also. A routine and total assessment of tobacco use is essential to prevent smoking...

Studies suggest that eating suboptimal levels of 10 foods or nutrients — too much of some and not enough of others — was associated with more than 45% of deaths due to type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Not eating enough of the following foods and nutrients was estimated to contribute to the corresponding percentage of CMD deaths: nuts and seeds (8.5%)seafood-based...

Use of non-nutritive sweeteners does not appear to have a significant effect on glycemic management but they can reduce overall calorie and carbohydrate intake. There is a mixed evidence from systematic reviews and meta-analysis for non-nutritive sweeteners use with regard to weight management, with some finding benefit in weight loss while others are suggested weight gain so it is a...

The aim of increased physical activity is to perform movements that increases Energy usage, Physical activity in terms of Exercises is a structured method to deliver physical fitness. The benefits of Exercises for a Diabetic are: Improves blood glucose controlReduce cardio-vascular risksContribute to weight lossImprove wellbeing Structured exercise intervention over 8 weeks has been shown to lower A1c by 0.66%, in Type...

Use of non-nutritive sweeteners does not appear to have a significant effect on glycemic management but they can reduce overall calorie and carbohydrate intake. There is a mixed evidence from systematic reviews and meta-analysis for non-nutritive sweeteners use with regard to weight management, with some finding benefit in weight loss while others are suggested weight gain so it is a...

Potassium and high blood pressure Potassium regulates the heartbeat and ensures proper function of the muscles and nerves. It is vital for synthesizing protein and metabolizing carbohydrates.  The diet of our ancestors included significant component of potassium but sodium has replaced it in modern diet. Higher use of sodium instead of potassium is one of the key drivers of high blood...

Age specific hip fracture risk is significantly increased in both people with type 1 diabetes (relative risk 6.3) and those with type 2 diabetes (relative risk 1.7) in both sexes. Type 1 diabetes is associated with osteoporosis but in type 2 diabetes, and increased risk of a fracture is seen  despite higher bone mineral density (BMD). Providers should assess fracture history...

Moderate alcohol intake does not have major detrimental effect on long-term blood glucose management in diabetic patients. Risks associated with alcohol consumption include hypoglycemia and / or delayed hypoglycemia (particularly for those using insulin or secretagogue therapy i.e., sulfonylureas (brand names: Amaryl, Diamicron, Cyblex, Glimer…..). Also there is a resultant Weight gain, and hyperglycemia as a result of intake of excessive...

Sugar is present in several food products and sometimes  food can be unappetizing if it’s not present. It is added to products like breads, dairy-based foods, salad dressings, and sauces. The sugar is added not just to impart sweetness. It’s also used to extend shelf life and adjust attributes like the texture, body, color, and browning capability of food. You...

Potassium and high blood pressure Potassium regulates the heartbeat and ensures proper function of the muscles and nerves. It is vital for synthesizing protein and metabolizing carbohydrates.  The diet of our ancestors included significant component of potassium but sodium has replaced it in modern diet. Higher use of sodium instead of potassium is one of the key drivers of high blood...

Doctors are very often asked about multivitamins as preventive supplement. Here is why one should you should take/ not take multi vitamins: Simple multivitamins are probably not required by most adults who eat a balanced diet and get regular sun exposure. Multivitamins may be actually be harmful in some people and these supplements should be taken on doctors recommendations. To ensure...

Moderate alcohol intake does not have major detrimental effect on long-term blood glucose management in diabetic patients. Risks associated with alcohol consumption include hypoglycemia and / or delayed hypoglycemia (particularly for those using insulin or secretagogue therapy i.e., sulfonylureas (brand names: Amaryl, Diamicron, Cyblex, Glimer…..). Also there is a resultant Weight gain, and hyperglycemia as a result of intake of excessive...

Blood sugar charting is an important pillar of diabetes management. Advanced glucometers should be bought like Acu-check instant, which are supposed to be very accurate. The frequency of blood sugar charting is  at least five times a day in majority of patients and a sixth time in some individual in special cases. One should do the charting and in a fasting...

Hypoglycemia is a state where blood sugar levels fall below 70 mg percent and is and clearly defined medical emergency . This situation may arise in cases where there has been a long gap of food intake despite taking the medicine or undertaking unaccustomed exercises thereby creating an imbalance between the blood sugar and the level of the oral medicine...

Sugar is present in several food products and sometimes  food can be unappetizing if it’s not present. It is added to products like breads, dairy-based foods, salad dressings, and sauces. The sugar is added not just to impart sweetness. It’s also used to extend shelf life and adjust attributes like the texture, body, color, and browning capability of food. You...

Taking a blood pressure reading is common these days, whether in your home of getting it measured in a clinic. It is important to measure your reading correctly as there can be a difference of as high as 10% based on way of measuring.  This difference can lead to incorrect decisions about your medication plan. There are guidelines on the...

Prediabetes is a widespread medical condition affecting a substantial percentage of the adult population worldwide. It is a borderline diabetes condition with frequent high blood sugar levels in the body. Fluctuations in the diet can worsen the condition. Eating healthy during the weekdays and binging on sweets on the weekend can increase the risk of acquiring diabetes type 2. Obesity, sedentary...

Hypoglycemia is a state where blood sugar levels fall below 70 mg percent and is and clearly defined medical emergency . This situation may arise in cases where there has been a long gap of food intake despite taking the medicine or undertaking unaccustomed exercises thereby creating an imbalance between the blood sugar and the level of the oral medicine...

Diabetes is associated with the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) including its more severe manifestations of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Elevation of hepatic transaminases i.e., SGOT & SGPT enzymes are associated with higher BMI, waist circumference, high triglyceride levels and low HDL cholesterol levels. To assess the damage  due to the fatty liver disease ,one...