HEALTHY EATING: GLUTEN IN FOODS.

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This is a period of awareness about Healthy eating which is a necessity for Healthy living. Congratulations to all advocates and persons living with Diabetes all over the World in the awareness activities of International Diabetes Federation championed World Diabetes Day.Nov.14^th .

The theme of this years’ campaign was centered on healthy eating, this triggers a lot of questions and answers about what contribute healthy eating. The importance of fiber in meal planning for persons living with Diabetes cannot be overemphasized, thus many Diabetes Educators and other allied professionals advice on use of cereals particularly wheat as a good source of fiber, others recommend barley, oats, rye, millet amongst others. These are indeed good source of dietary fibers, however one worries about the actual benefits of this individual fibers  to those recommended for that is the person living with Diabetes.

In my interactions and discuss with persons living with Diabetes, they tend to eat certain cereals because they were advised not that they like it, while some tolerate certain symptoms with no confirmed diagnosis.

Gluten a mixture of plant proteins found in most cereals like wheat, rye, barley in varied amounts can cause inflammation of the small intestine in people with Celiac disease (Malabsorption syndrome). The Gliaden fraction of Gluten contained in normal diet is enough to cause sensitivity to a person living with celiac disease. Symptoms includes: Abdominal pain, Diarrhoea, Gas, Anemia, Joint and muscle pain, Skin conditions and fatigue. Gluten free diet for the rest of one’s life is mostly recommended.

Living with Diabetes can be quite challenging especially if you are on Carbohydrate counting. If you are not living with celiac disease and also non-celiac gluten insensitive, you don’t need to adhere to ‘Gluten free diet’. However, if you are living with Diabetes and celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitive, you need to absolutely stick to “Gluten free products” as this is the only means of avoiding the damage by Gluten even in little quantity.

Non gluten Starchy carbohydrates includes:

-          White and Sweet potatoes

-          Brown and Wild Rice

-          Corn     -  Soy  - Beans

-          Quinoa  - Sorghum

-          Millet.

Gluten and Diabetes:

Studies show 1 in 100 people are living with Celiac disease , similarly 10% of people with type 1 Diabetes have celiac disease. Research suggests some genetic links between celiac disease and type 1 Diabetes. Both conditions have inflammatory components which cause the immune system to attack its body tissues or organs namely the intestine and Pancreas. There appears to be no connections between celiac disease and type 2 Diabetes, though both can occur in an individual, in which case one must be careful about meal plan. Gluten free diet may also be of benefit in persons with Dermatitis herpetiformis.

All it takes for a person with celiac disease or non-celiac disease gluten sensitive to have a reaction is a small amount of Gluten. Hence it is important to watch out for “Gluten Free” label on most cereals products especially pastas, baked foods, beer and Snacks.

References:

1.       Olson GB,Gallo SR. Gluten in pharmaceutical and nutritional products. Am J Hosp Pharm 1983;40:121-2

2.       Martindale Extra pharmacopoeia 31^st Edition Pg. 1711-2.

Isaac Akogu

Pharmacist/Diabetes Educator/Therapist

Expert Trainer (Diabetes Conversation Map^Tm).

www.diabetesguidenigeria.blogspot.com

WORLD DIABETES DAY 2015

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                      WORLD DIABETES DAY 2015

       THEME: HALTING THE DIABETES EPIDEMIC                          THROUGH HEALTHY EATING.

World Diabetes Day was created in 1991 by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and World Health Organization (WHO) in response to growing concerns about the increasing threat that diabetes poses and to serve as advocacy and awareness day to be celebrated officially on November 14^th yearly.  World Diabetes Day became an official United Nations Day in 2007 with the passage of the United Nations Resolution 61/225. The campaign draws attention to issues of paramount importance to people living with Diabetes and creates global awareness to put diabetes in public spotlight. At the 68^th World Health Assembly, precisely May 19^th in Geneva, Switzerland, the International Diabetes Federation launched this year’s theme. Work has been ongoing in different parts of the globe towards creating awareness with major events on the November 14^th. 

The theme of this years’ campaign is “Halting the Diabetes Epidemic through Healthy Eating”. It has been shown scientifically, that the outcome of our blood glucose values is based on what we eat, how and when we eat. The greatest discipline one can exercise is that over food choice. The various foods we eat are mostly classified into carbohydrates, proteins, Fat and vitamins. These food classes have different rates of digestion and this must be considered in making healthy meal choices and meal plan for a good blood glucose control over time. Carbohydrates generally takes about 4 hours to digest, proteins about 8  hours and fats takes a longer period of over 10 hours the knowledge of this timing will help one decide when and what to eat as the day goes on. One of the essence of this year’s theme is to educate on the importance of using healthy food to help prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes and to as well manage other types of diabetes to avoid health complications.The global community is taking the campaign on Diabetes awareness seriously, especially considering the fact that next years’ World Health Day will feature Diabetes Strongly. We all need to work together as stake holders to halt Diabetes epidemic.

Importance of meal plan:

A balanced meal plan is important for everyone. If you are living with diabetes, eating balanced meals and snacks is even more important. Food is an important tool that you can use to control diabetes and stay healthy. Carbohydrate counting adds variety to your meals and still allows you to control your blood glucose. Ask a registered dietitian how carbohydrate counting can be incorporated into your lifestyle.
Eating a balanced meal plan can help you:

• Control blood glucose (sugar) levels
• Control cholesterol levels
• Control blood pressure
• Maintain a healthy weight or reduce your weight, if you are overweight
• Prevent low blood glucose reactions (hypoglycemic reactions).
• Reduce the risk of health complications caused by diabetes.

 

Tips to plan a balanced diet.

You will need to plan the amount of foods that you eat with a registered dietitian or other qualified health care provider (Diabetes Educator). Together, you can develop an eating plan that is right for you. This plan will be based on such factors as :

• Blood glucose levels
• Cholesterol and triglyceride (a type of blood fat) levels
• Blood pressure levels
• Height
• Weight
• BMI (body mass index)
• Age
• Activity level
• Amount and type of any medications you are taking.

 How much salt can I eat while living with Diabetes?

 You only need a small amount of salt to meet your nutrient requirements. Most people eat more than 2 times as much salt as they need. This added salt can contribute to higher blood pressure, which can cause heart disease. People with diabetes already have a higher risk of getting high blood pressure.
To reduce salt in your diet, cut back on table salt and eat fewer:

• Canned foods, especially soups and vegetables
• Frozen and boxed mixes for potatoes, rice, and pasta
• Ketchup, mustards, salad dressings, and other spreads and canned sauces
• Salty snack foods
• Processed foods, such as luncheon meats, sausage, bacon, and ham

Instead, select:

• Foods marked "sodium-free," "low sodium" or "unsalted"
• Herbs and spices to flavor foods instead of salt
• Fresh fruits and vegetables
• Check with your healthcare provider before using salt substitutes containing potassium.

Useful tips on food choices for people living with Diabetes

• Eat foods rich in fiber (20 to 35 grams per day). Good sources of fiber are cooked and dried beans; whole grain breads, cereals, and crackers; fresh fruits and vegetables, and; bran products.
• Eat less fat. Since people with diabetes have a greater risk of developing heart disease, eating meals lower in fat may help lower your risk for heart disease.
• Avoid alcohol. Alcohol can make it more difficult for you to control your blood glucose levels.

Conclusion:

       In the words of Dr. Petra Wilson, CEO, International Diabetes Federation, “We need to educate children, parents and ourselves to eat healthily and face the multiplayer challenge that diabetes represents”. Dietitians and Nutritionists needs to work alongside other members of the diabetes management team to engage the person living with diabetes necessary tools to make informed choices on healthy eating.

References:

1. Nutrition Recommendations and Interventions for Diabetes. A position statement of the American Diabetes Association. Diabetes Care. 2008; Vol 31 (S1) S 61-78.
2. The Evidence for Medical Nutrition Therapy for Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes in Adults. J Am Diet Assoc. 2010;110:1852-1889.

3.       WHO. Diabetes Program 2012. Available from: http://www.who.int/diabetes/ en/.

4.  WHO Africa Office. The challenge of diabetes by 2030, Port-Louis, 13 Novem­ber 2009. Available from: http://www.afro.who.int/.

Isaac Y. Akogu

Pharmacist/Diabetes Educator/Therapist.

Expert Trainer (Diabetes Conversations Map ^TM).

www.diabetesguidenigeria.blogspot.com

Diabetes Awareness in Urban Community

Community Outreach on Diabetes Awareness aim at The youth and Women within Abuja, Federal Capital Nigeria with my Partner in Diabetes Concepts. The Harvest is plenty but the workers are few, We are waiting for you to join us.

DIABETES CURE AND REDUCTION IN BLOOD SUGAR LEVEL, DOES IT MEAN THE SAME THING?

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Diabetes mellitus has been with humans for a longtime. It is a metabolic disorder characterized by abnormal blood sugar levels and other hormones.

As the years go by, several attempts has been made by scientist to bring about better understanding of this abnormally and find out possible remedy or cure. Fredrick Banting and Charles Best in the early 20’s came up with the discovery of Insulin which has been a life saver for over 100 years with great innovation in the various Insulin presentation and purity level increased with advance in technology.

   Efforts  has been ongoing in providing relieve from botanical source with the advent of studies into Pharmacological properties of plants. Medicinal plants have been used for centuries but few are actually scientifically evaluated. The World Health Organization Committee on diabetes mellitus recommended that further research into medicinal plants with potential anti diabetic properties should be sought. Biological properties of pancreatic beta cells involved in synthesis, storage, release of insulin, the peptide hormone regulating carbohydrate, protein and lipid metabolism – may be affected directly by these herbal medicinal products which contain flavonoids, alkaloids and other compounds which possess hypoglycaemic, hypolipedemic, hypotensive, immunomodulatory and antioxidant effects especially when tested in animals induced to have diabetes with alloxan or streptozotocin.  Pharmacological properties of plants like Achiliea santolina L., Commelina communis L., Gentiana olivieri L., Galega officinalis has been known for years to include anti hyper glycaemia, anti lipidemia amongst others. Indeed the knowledge base of Diabetes is constantly on the increase as the years roll by. However, it is important to note that as good information are being churned out on a daily basis in journals, scientific papers and reviews, so does information that are half truths about diabetes especially cure are also released daily.

   The person living with Diabetes therefore is left in a pool of confusion on what to believe and what to do. It is even more dangerous if this information meets an illiterate or half educated individual, it could be disaster. The main challenge we come across frequently as Diabetes Educators are group of people who believe they have been cured of diabetes simply because their blood sugar levels reduced from previous value to present normoglycaemic values. Blood sugar values are not constant values; they fluctuate based on various conditions like, Diet, Exercise level, emotional state and certain hormone levels. Recipes from plants which are mostly considered as supplements has been known to bring about marked improvement in metabolism and therefore help control blood sugar values, however, they still remain add-on therapy in majority of cases. There are some people living with Diabetes that depend on Diet, Exercise and Education to manage their condition without conventional drugs, this confirms the knowledge that management of Diabetes is individualized but based on four major principles: Diet, Medication, Exercise and Education.

   My interaction with notable Physicians and Diabetologist confirms that Diabetes can indeed be managed. Reduction of blood sugar is possible using some supplements especially those derived from plants, however reduction of blood sugar is not the same thing as Diabetes Cure though a mark sign of cure is reduction of blood sugar to Normal ranges. Normal blood sugar range for fasting is 4 to 6 mmol/L for purpose of management, ignoring the decimals which are mainly of academic significance.

  Whatever supplement you are presently taking that is helping to reduce your blood sugar level is good to review with your health care team instead of throwing your regular medications away that you have been cured.

  Organizations like the International Diabetes Federation and others are working round the clock and around the world to bring about cure for this age old condition called Diabetes mellitus, let us join hands to find a universal cure and pass the right and correct information to our teeming population especially those with low literacy levels who tend to believe and accept everything.

Caring for the Mouth and Teeth

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DIABETES EDUCATION: DIABETES AND SLEEP ( 1)

This weekend, we shall take a look at the relationship that exists between Diabetes and sleep.

The awareness programmes carried out by various groups working in Diabetes must be appreciated and commended and I will like to further call on the Government to provide support to champion this noble initiative of reducing the prevalence rate of diabetes in our dear Country Nigeria.

Sleep can be defined as a state of natural physiological narcosis, a condition second to death. It is a natural process that the Lord almighty introduced to calm the system of a living being, however, a situation exists whereby people tend to work towards cheating nature by avoiding sleep. For you reading this article, you may have avoided sleep sometimes in your life either by refusing to sleep or use of certain enhancers or teas, the reality is what extent of damage are you causing the body when you avoid sleep and how much have you invited diabetes with your actions?

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by increased blood sugars. The lack of insulin or insulin resistance is capable of causing this abnormally. Research has shown that lack of sleep leads to insulin resistance, which is one of the primary factors for weight gain because it implies the body requires more insulin to maintain healthy blood sugar levels and the resultant effect will be increase in weight gain due to insulin’s fat storing capabilities.

It’s been observed that just four days in a row of inadequate sleep can make the fat cells in the abdominal area insulin resistant and reduced total body insulin sensitivity, all these points to the results of several research that shows consistent sleep deprivation leads to weight gain.

HOW DOES LACK OF SLEEP AFFECT BLOOD SUGARS?             

From our discussion in the previous paragraphs, lack of sleep leads to insulin resistance which results in increase in blood sugar levels due to the body being insensitive to the actions of glucose regulatory hormone like insulin and this result from over production of a hormone called Cortisol. The body of a healthy human produces about 25mg of cortisol daily but under any kind of stress, the body will produce more in an effort to reduce inflammation in the body and the buildup of cortisol leads to insulin resistance and abnormal blood sugar levels especially in people living with Diabetes.

THE BENEFITS OF GETTING ENOUGH SLEEP

For  a person who is staying up too late and require to get up earlier than he would naturally like to, it’s important to know that the body responds by building up the level of cortisol which in the long run would lead to insulin resistance, a precursor in developing type 2 diabetes. It is therefore advisable to start going to bed on time, watch less T.V at night and build a habit of going to bed at least 2 hours earlier than usual. Also staying up late often leads to overeating. For parents with school age children, it is good to inculcate the habit of going to bed early enough to help the child develop well and avoid building up high levels of cortisol which can predispose the child to type 2 diabetes resulting from insulin resistance.

Until I come your way next week with other interesting article, I urge you to get in touch with me with your comments and contributions and endeavor to get enough sleep to keep healthy.

                   Sleep is good for the Body’s metabolic system