Taking Care of Your Diabetes Means Taking Care of Your Heart - Sweet Clinics

Taking Care of Your Diabetes Means Taking Care of Your Heart

Diabetes and Heart Disease
Woman talking to doctor
For people with diabetes, heart disease can be a serious health problem. Many people don’t know that having diabetes means that you have a greater chance of having heart problems such as a heart attack or stroke. Taking care of your diabetes can also help you take care of your heart. Use the tools in this tip sheet to help. They are:

A list of things you can do such as eating healthy foods and getting more active.
A form to write down and track your A1C, blood pressure, and cholesterol numbers.

What you can do now
Ask your health care team these questions:
What can I do to lower my chances of getting heart disease?
What should my goals be for A1C, blood pressure, and cholesterol?
What can I do to reach these goals?
Should I take medicine that can protect my heart such as aspirin or a statin?

Man eating bowl of cereal
Eat well.
Eat foods that are high in fiber such as whole grain breads and cereals, brown rice, lentils, beans, fruits, and vegetables.
Eat foods with heart-healthy fats such as fish, nuts, seeds, and avocado.
Eat foods low in saturated and transfats such as lean meat, chicken without the skin, fish, and non-fat or low-fat milk, yogurt, and cheese.
Use oils when cooking food instead of butter, cream, shortening, lard, or stick margarine.
Limit desserts such as cookies and ice cream to only 1 or 2 times a week.
Eat smaller amounts of foods that are high in fat, sugar, or salt. For example, if you want french fries, order the kid-sized portion.
Bake, broil, or grill food instead of frying.
Do not add salt to food.Diabetes Heart care clinic in vashi
Stop smoking.

Be active.
Be active for 30 minutes or more each day. It’s okay to be active for 10 minutes at a time, 3 times a day.
Walk, dance, swim, or ride a bike.
Man and woman talking in park
Take your medicine.
Take medicines the way your doctor or health care team tells you to.
Do not stop taking your medicines until you talk to your doctor.
Ask your pharmacist or doctor any questions you have about your medicines.
Cope with stress as best you can.
Ask for help if you feel down. Talk to a mental health counselor, member of the clergy, friend, or family member who will listen to your concerns.
Tell your family members and friends how they can best help and support you.
Here's one more way to take care of your heart: Learn the warning signs of a heart attack and stroke.
Signs of a heart attack may include pressure, squeezing, fullness, and pain in the chest or upper body. You may also have shortness of breath.
The signs of a heart attack for a woman may be different than a man. Signs for a woman can include nausea and vomiting, being tired all the time (sometimes for days), and pain in the back, shoulders, and jaw.
Signs of a stroke may include weakness on one side and trouble walking, seeing, or speaking.
you are having a heart attack or stroke.
Acting fast can save your life.
Your Diabetes Record Form
Use this form to keep track of your A1C, blood pressure, and cholesterol numbers. These terms are explained below the Diabetes Record Form.
Write down the date and results for each test or blood pressure check you get.
Take this form with you on your health care visits. Show it to your health care team.
Talk about your goals and how you are doing.

Even naturally sweet drinks may increase diabetes risk - Sweet Clinics

Even naturally sweet drinks may increase diabetes risk

While researchers already knew that drinks with added sugar could increase a person's risk of type 2 diabetes, a new study suggests that the same may be true for naturally sweet drinks, such as 100% fruit juices, as well as artificially sweetened beverages, such as "diet" soft drinks.
bottles of fruit juice
A new study suggests that even 100% natural fruit juices may increase the risk of diabetes.
Research has shown that drinking soft drinks with added sugar can increase a person's risk of developing type 2 diabetes by affecting subtle metabolic mechanisms.

But are "diet" soda and 100% fruit juices that contain a natural level of fructose but no added sugar any healthier?

The evidence surrounding diet soda and its effect on diabetes risk has been conflicting. Some studies suggest that it might have an impact, while others report that there is no association between the two.

Most people believe that naturally sweet drinks are healthful. However, recent research has shown that they are not nearly as good for us as we think. One study that we covered on Medical News Today in July this year, for instance, indicated that they could increase a person's risk of cancer.

Now, research from an international team of investigators from Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health in Boston, MA and Fudan University in Shanghai, China, suggests that all sugary drinks, including natural fruit juices and artificially sweetened beverages, could increase diabetes risk.

However, the study, which appears in the journal Diabetes Care, also offers some hope. It notes that people can decrease this risk by replacing sugary drinks of any kind with non-sweetened beverages, such as water, tea, and coffee.

"The study provides further evidence demonstrating the health benefits associated with decreasing sugary beverage consumption and replacing these drinks with healthier alternatives like water, coffee, or tea."



Sugary drinks linked to 16% increase in risk

colleagues analyzed data collected over 22–26 years from 76,531 women enrolled in the Nurses' Health Study between 1986–2012, 81,597 women enrolled in the Nurses' Health Study II between 1991–2013, and 34,224 men from the Health Professionals' Follow-up Study, enrolled between 1986–2012.

The researchers gave the participants questionnaires that asked them how often they consumed certain foods and beverages. By analyzing the results, the study authors found out how often participants drank certain sugary drinks and were able to calculate any changes in their drink consumption patterns.

The researchers found that people who increased their total intake of soft drinks with added sugars and naturally sweet fruit drinks by over 4 ounces (oz) per day over 4 years saw an associated diabetes risk increase of 16% over the following 4 years.

However, those who increased their total intake of artificially sweetened beverages — such as diet soda — by the same quantity over the same period saw an associated 18% increase in the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

These associations remained in place even after the researchers adjusted for confounding variables, including body mass index (BMI), different dietary changes, and relevant lifestyle habits.

The investigators caution, however, that the finding regarding artificially sweetened beverages may be unreliable because it remains unclear which way the association runs. They explain that people who know that they are already at high risk of developing diabetes may switch from sugary drinks to diet sodas to try and mitigate that risk.


10% weight loss could send type 2 diabetes into remission

New evidence suggests that moderate weight loss soon after diagnosis could send type 2 diabetes into remission.

Moreover, the study authors also point out the risk of surveillance bias in their research. This refers to the fact that people who are at high risk of developing diabetes are more likely to undergo screenings for diabetes, therefore receiving a diagnosis sooner than other individuals.Famous diabetologist in vashi

Overall, the research suggests that people might want to consider caution about their intake of sweet drinks of all kinds. It also found that switching to unsweetened drinks could help reduce diabetes risk.

More specifically, replacing one daily serving of a sweet drink with water or unsweetened coffee or tea was associated with a 2–10% lower risk of type 2 diabetes.

"The study results are in line with current recommendations to replace sugary beverages with noncaloric beverages free of artificial sweeteners".

Nor should people overestimate the benefits of natural juices. "Although fruit juices contain some nutrients, their consumption should be moderated," he stresses.

Type - 1 Diabetes - Sweet clinics

Hba1c calculator.Diabetes Definition

type 1 diabetes.diabetes diet
Diabetes is a disease in which your blood glucose, or blood sugar, levels are too high. Glucose comes from the foods you eat. Insulin is a hormone that helps the glucose get into your cells to give them energy.

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Don’t ignore these 5 lesser known signs of pre-diabetes - Sweet clinics Diabetologist in Navi Mumbai

Pre-diabetes has become a raging concern in India with an increasing number of cases being diagnosed. 60% of Prediabetics go on to develop Diabetes.

In addition, common symptoms like increased thirst and urination, increased hunger and blurry vision, may have become well known, but it is important to note that these symptoms do not arise overnight, but tend to build up gradually. Further, there are some additional symptoms that may be indicative of high blood sugar, which one would not even think to associate with pre-diabetes.

This could be a major reason why a majority of pre-diabetes cases are still undiagnosed. Here we bring you some of the lesser known symptoms of pre-diabetes that can help you with a timely diagnosis and better management of this condition.

Your vision seems to be changing

You may have heard that blurry vision is a sign of blood sugar levels being higher than normal, but did you know that a sudden improvement in your vision can also indicate abnormal sugar levels? According to research studies, high sugar levels can lead to movement in the bodily fluids including the eyes. This can lead to changes in the vision which may be blurry or more defined. However, the instant you observe any sudden changes in your eyesight, it is advisable to go in for a consultation.

UTI seems to be a frequent occurrence

UTI or Urinary Tract Infection can also be a symptom of elevated sugar levels. Especially if this condition becomes a recurrent concern, doctors advise to instantly check blood glucose levels. When sugar levels in the blood and urine are high, the genitals are more prone to bacterial and yeast infections, upping the risk for UTI.

Skin is constantly itchy

A skin condition is clearly a dermatological issue right, how can it relate to blood sugar? This is a common thought as a large number of people are still unaware of the connection of sugar levels and skin health. High sugar levels can slow down the blood and oxygen circulation in the body, leading to an increase in itchiness especially around the hands, feet and genital areas. If you notice any rashes or experience constant itchiness which doesn’t seem to subside after a couple of days, it may be time to check your sugar levels.

Your TV volume is louder than before

One of the least known symptoms of pre-diabetes is often changes in hearing levels. Without realising you may find yourself talking louder so as to encourage people to talk back at a louder volume. The volume of your music station may be set a little higher than before cause your hearing isn’t as good. In a country as noisy as India, it is easy to attribute this to external sounds.top diabetologist in Vashi However, it may also be a sign of high blood sugar which can damage the nerves of the inner ear, affecting your ability to hear.

Sleep comes with loud snores

Yes, if you find your partner suddenly complaining about your loud snoring (something you swear you don’t do), it may be time to check your sugar levels. A large number of people with higher sugar levels than normal also develop a sleep disorder known as sleep apnea which leads to disturbed sleep, snoring and often tiredness during the day.

So while it is advisable to look out for common pre-diabetes symptoms, it is essential not to ignore any of the above-mentioned signs either as enable timely diagnosis, it is recommended to get a timely diagnosis and treatment from a Diabetologist, as Prediabetes with proper treatment and lifestyle changes can be reversed.

Arthroscopic Release of Frozen Shoulder Problems in Diabetics By Sweet Clinics..!!

Diabetics in India have an additional burden of joint problem in addition to their systemic problems of nerves, eyes, blood vessels, kidneys etc. Diabetics are prone to develop a condition of the shoulders called primary frozen shoulder. It can affect both shoulders in a small percentage of people. It usually resolves over a period of time but can leave behind a lasting deficit of certain movements.

Middle aged diabetics also develop tears of the rotator cuff and this can lead to a secondary frozen shoulder. Rotator cuff is group of tendons on top of the shoulder which help to stabilize the joint.

They can develop calcium deposition in the rotator cuff tendons.

They are prone to develop Gouty arthritis in their shoulders like in any other joints since Gout has an association with diabetes. Gout is a condition due to consumption of uric acid which is a by product of the digestion of red meat.

In this article I shall discuss frozen shoulder.

Definition-

Frozen shoulder (Adhesive capsulitis, periathritis) is a condition characterized by a loss all movements at the true shoulder joint. There is pain initially. Pain settles down and there remains stiffness which sets in over a short period of time. Clever people may recall a traumatic incident. In others it may come on slowly. Stiffness may be permanent. The movement that is maximally affected is external rotation (rotating the arm outwards away from the body). This results in inability to reach behind the head with the hand to tie the hair. When both shoulders are affected elderly women are in an embarrassing situation. Overhead activities are also affected as the degree of elevation of the arm is reduced.

Anatomy

The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the body. Its function is to position the arm in space to reach out to objects and deliver them to the mouth for eating and for other actions. The shoulder is a ball and socket joint formed by the upper end of the humerus (arm bone) and the socket formed by the glenoid of the shoulder blade. It is lined by a bag like capsule. The capacity of this joint is about 15- 20 cc. In frozen shoulder the capacity is reduced to 2- 3 cc. The movements at the shoulder joint occur synchronously with that at joint between the shoulder blade and the torso and are compensated to some extent by this.

History of frozen shoulder-

Only in the last few years has the ideal treatment been suggested. It is a relatively rare disorder of the shoulder and in a population of 20 shoulder patients there may be one or two with this condition.

However many doctors and orthopaedic surgeons label any painful condition as a frozen shoulder and advice physiotherapy. This can make the condition worse.

Recent advances

It has been recently discovered that the answer to frozen shoulder lies in the genes. These genes may also be associated with Diabetes mellitus. The alterations in these genes and chromosomes lead to a distorted response to wound healing and scar tissue formation. Exuberant scar tissue forms in response to trauma. The remodeling of scar tissue collagen is less. When more scar tissue forms in the capsule of the shoulder joint, the normally possible movements are grossly reduced. Diabetics also develop nodules in their palms and feet, another evidence of the exaggerated healing process.

Standard treatment-

This is a combination of physiotherapy and steroid injections when the condition is initially painful. Physio can be done at home. The standard Orthopaedic treatment has been a manipulation under anaesthesia. This carries a theoretical risk of fracture but has not been validated in practice.best diabetologist in navi mumbai

A manipulation is contraindicated when a x ray reveals that the bone is very osteoporotic. It is also contra indicated in diabetics as more exuberant scar tissue will form in response to the crude method.

Since I have pointed out that sometimes rotator cuff tears can coexist with a frozen shoulder, the ideal management for a frozen shoulder would be an arthroscopic release of the contracted structures within the joint. An arthroscope is an instrument used to look into joints through tiny key hole incisions. The benefits are less pain after surgery and faster rehabilitation. Since scar tissue formation is minimized, chances of recurrence are less and greater are the chance of retaining the full range of movement achieved during the procedure. The range of movement achieved after the release has to be maintained with physiotherapy. In case there is some tear of the rotator cuff, repair can be done at a later stage.

Diabetes and Heart Disease: What Is The Relationship Between Them...?

A link between Heart Disease and Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic disease that is marked by high blood glucose levels. Over a period of time, the elevated sugar in the blood leads to arterial damage that causes them to stiffen and harden. This is known as Atherosclerosis. High sugar levels also lead to plaque formation as those with diabetes also have high cholesterol levels. When the arteries get damaged due to plaque, the body sends platelets to try to repair the wall. Due to the narrowing of the arteries, this leads to a blockage which stops the oxygen from reaching the heart and the brain and ultimately results in a heart attack or a stroke. It is interesting to note that high cholesterol levels have already occurred before the elevation of sugar levels. Therefore, heart disease has already manifested before the onset of diabetes.Diabetologists in Vashi  .

Risk Factors of Diabetes and Heart Disease

There are several risk factors when it comes to diabetes and the heart. Here are some of them.

Family History

Those who have a family history of diabetes and heart disease are at a very high risk. They should be extra careful about their diet, medicines, and exercise. Those with Type 2 diabetes are at a risk of having a silent heart attack or a heart attack without any symptoms.

High Cholesterol Levels

The LDL levels (bad cholesterol) determine the timeline of the onset of heart disease. LDL has been considered one of the most important factors in determining vulnerability to cardiovascular problems.

Smoking

Smoking causes constriction and tightening of the blood vessels, thereby reducing blood flow to the heart and the brain. Those who smoke and are diabetics, increase their risks of developing heart problems exponentially.

High Blood Pressure

This is another significant risk factor for diabetes and heart disease. Chronically elevated blood pressure levels cause a majority of heart attacks.

Obesity

Obesity is linked to high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, and diabetes. Even those who appear lean or thin but have a high amount of belly fat are at an increased risk of developing heart disease.

Sedentary Lifestyle

Those who are not active physically and have diabetes tend to develop heart problems at a much earlier age than their counterparts who are diabetics but who exercise.

Age

Those who develop diabetes earlier in life have an increased risk of developing cardiovascular problems. Also, as one gets older, the odds of suffering from heart disease increase.

Unhealthy Diet

A diet rich in fats, processed foods and with fewer quantities of fresh fruits and vegetables is bad for diabetes and for the heart. Following such a unhealthy diet will definitely cause diabetes and heart disease.

Stress

People with diabetes already respond negatively to stress as their sugar levels become high due to anxiety. Stress can indirectly increase the risk of developing heart problems as it makes one overeat or smoke or drink more.

Gender

More men develop heart problems under the age of 55 years. Women suffer more from cardiac issues once they cross 55 years of age.

Symptoms of a Heart Attack

Many people who have diabetes suffer from ‘silent heart attacks’ due to the nerve damage related to their high sugar levels. This is why regular screening is essential for all those who have diabetes. There are some symptoms to watch out for. If you suffer from any of the following, call the ambulance immediately.

Chest pain is one of the most common symptoms of a heart attack. It is also known as Angina. It feels like a pressure or painful squeezing of the chest. One might feel it in the arms, neck, back or the jaws.
Nausea and lightheadedness
Shortness of breath
Sweating
Fatigue
Indigestion
Loss of balance or dizziness
Trouble seeing things or having double vision
Confusion
Sudden severe headache
Prevention of Diabetes and Heart Disease
There are a lot of things you can do to manage your diabetes and stop or delay the onset of heart problems. The risks are reduced by introducing lifestyle changes, medicines, and increasing activity levels. Here are some tweaks that bring positive results.

Healthy Diet

Eating a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low-fat food items, a high protein diet helps to combat heart problems.

Healthy Weight

Shedding off the excess weight and maintaining a healthy weight helps to keep away the cardiac issues for long. Instead of a tough weight loss plan, sit with your doctor and chalk out a reasonable weight loss strategy.

Quit Smoking

Smoking damages the blood vessels in the body and increases the risk of heart problems. Quit smoking to improve your health.

Get Moving

Exercising for just 30 minutes five times a week brings down the risks of developing heart problems in diabetics. If you cannot exercise in one go, divide the activity into batches of ten minutes. It also helps to control the high glucose levels in the blood.

Stress Management

Learn to meditate and not stress over things in life. Anger, jealousy, spite are negative emotions that affect the body negatively.

Medications

If you already have heart disease, take your medicines on time to prevent more complicated issues.

Control the Parameters

To prevent an early onset of heart problems, keep your blood sugar levels and your blood pressure levels under control. Avoid too many fluctuations to prevent organ damage.

Takeaway

There are several treatment options to keep heart disease and diabetes under control. With proper lifestyle changes, effective weight management and efficient control over blood sugar levels, those who suffer from diabetes can live healthy, quality lives.

A for apple pie, B for burger… D for diabetes..!! – Dr.Vinod Methil (Sweet Clinics Diabetes Clinic)

With school canteens serving a variety of colas and junk food, children are falling prey to lifestyle diseases like diabetes and obesity at an early age. DNA talks to parents and experts to find whether a possible solution exists.

In two years’ time, from kindergarten to Std II, seven-year-old Vignesh Mohile’s association with the alphabet has undergone a drastic change. Even before the chubby little boy has learnt to communicate in English, his vocabulary already consists of words like enchilada, spaghetti, alfredo, tiramisu —- which his parents often fail to pronounce and that sound like Greek to his grandmother.

Vignesh’s mother finds it difficult to convince Vignesh to carry a home-cooked meal of simple chapati-bhaji in his school tiffin. “I’ve tried options like sprouted bhel or sandwiches on alternate days. But the aroma of Italian and Mexican food which his friends bring in their dabbas, coupled with items like pav bhaji and samosas sold in their school canteen appears far more attractive,” says an exasperated Sucheta.

She says that all her efforts to convince Vignesh to eat healthy falls flat the moment the recess bell rings. “Vignesh and his friends sit in a group and have lunch. It’s but natural that he gets tempted to eat what his friends are eating.”
 


A similar yet slightly different case is that of Mohan and Lalita Kumar, parents of 14-year-old Nishita. The Std IX student eats in her canteen everyday, despite carrying two dabbas. Mohan, who works as a manager in a bank in Girgaon, says that Nishita’s school canteen is flooded with every chips and cola brand available in India.

Her mother, Lalita, says that though Nishita takes roti-sabzi in one dabba and fruits or biscuits in the other, she complains that two dabbas are insufficient, and unfailingly ends up eating a burger or a plate of noodles. “She doesn’t want to carry a third dabba as it will increase the weight of her bag. If this eating out was not enough, there is hardly any outdoor activity that she can indulge in, especially now that she will go to class X,” says Lalita, explaining that all Nishita does after coming from school is either study or chat on the computer.

 just 70 to 80 minutes of PT in an entire week is insufficient for growing children. “The result of all this is weight gain. Over the past year and half, she has put on so much weight that we fear it may lead to obesity,” says Lalita.

Like many other mothers, Sucheta and Lalita believe that it’s pure addiction to junk food that is harming their children. Eating fast food once in a while is fine, say the mothers. “But children often don’t have the capacity to limit intake,” says Lalita.

 once children are familiar with the taste of junk, they tend to eat it regularly and slowly get addicted, to the extent that they can’t do without it even for a day. “Addiction is what I’m worried about.”

 several schools in Mumbai give food coupons and serve vadas and samosas. “After eating junk, the child feels hungry very soon and starts feeling restless and distracted.”

Dr.Vinod Methil, consultant diabetologist at Sweet clinics, says that type II diabetes, which was till lately seen in adults, is now increasingly seen in children because of lifestyle factors.Diabetologists in Vashi

“The main cause of type II diabetes is central obesity — big stomach and insulin resistance. This develops from unhealthy eating,” says Dr Methil, explaining that she has seen children as young at 6-7 years developing type II diabetes.

Dr Methil adds, “When a child complains of excessive thirst, tends to eat more, etc. an examination shows that his sugar levels are high. It is shocking to see such young children having diabetes and obesity.”