| Risk Factors
Teens and Adults
Educators
Recipes
| General
Things to be aware of:
Alcohol
According to the American Diabetes Association, the intake of alcohol can decrease the blood sugar levels and affects the breakdown of glucose. Alcohol may lead to hypoglycemia. Alcohol is known to move quickly into the blood without the breakdown of glucose in the stomach. It is advised that when drink one should always drink on a full stomach. Eating helps the body when handling the alcohol in the body. Alcohol can make the controlling of diabetes harder because over time a lot of drinking can damage the liver. If drinking, alcohol intake should to limited to an intake of 1 or 2 drinks only. People are advised to drink lightly or just try “virgin” drinks. (Refer Prevention: Recipes)
Drugs
Many teens know the consequences of illegal drugs. Like alcohol, drugs cause low blood glucose levels.
Driving – People who drive should always avoid hypoglycemia when driving. When driving many people required to have a report from their doctor regarding the level of their diabetes. It is advised to never drive when experiencing low blood sugar levels as well as have multiple snack and glucose tablets in the glove compartments. If hypoglycemia is experienced during driving the driver should always pull over and control the situation.
Smoking
Smoking can increase your risk of developing certain types of diabetes as well as other diseases. Smoking makes controlling blood glucose levels harder as a result of erratic insulin absorption. Many people that smoke and have diabetes are likely to have their limbs amputated. Diabetes and smoking increases the risk of a heart attack, kidney failure, eyed damage and blindness.
Food
Food is one of the main ways to prevent or control diabetes. Sugar is one of the main concerns of food choices. People are advised to follow the nutrition table that directs people into a healthier lifestyle. Many people think that sugar causes diabetes or should be awarded in order to control diabetes. However Research shows that your carbohydrate intake greatly affects the blood sugar levels. Diabetics and those who are trying to prevent diabetes are advised to use sugar moderately. Some sugars suggested to use are:
- Brown Sugar
- Molasses
- Can Sugar
- Confectioner sugar
Many people have sugar regularly, and need to control their sweet tooth. Below are some suggestions:
- Intake of more fresh and dried fruit
- Take smaller portions of desserts
- Chose low-fat or low-calorie sweets
When one has diabetes or are trying to avoid diabetes, healthy food choices are advised. Some include:
- Always watch portion size
- Eat more vegetables and fruits
- Eat more whole grain foods
- Include more dried beans
- Drink more water
- Cook with corn/vegetable oil
- Decrease intake of high calorie foods
Temptation comes easily when eating out. One should be careful about the portion size and calorie intake. It is advised that when eating out at a restaurant you should chose low calories items and be cautious of fried and breaded items like pizza. One should also avoid French fries, burgers and choice substitute like chicken, fish or salad with a lot of veggies.
When at McDonalds or any other fast food restaurants try to order chicken, fish or turkey instead of the red meat. You should always be aware of some words like jumbo, giant, deluxe, double, etc. These are bad words in the diet vocabulary; Greater portions mean more calories.
Remember:
- Fat-free muffins, cakes and desserts have a lot of sugar (terrible for glucose levels)
- Skinless fried chicken is unhealthy
- Chicken and broccoli from the Chinese store is not health despite the “chicken” and “broccoli” these dishes are full of high fat and high sodium items.
- When eating out always remember to make good health choice, it will make your visit more enjoyable.
Stress
People are advised to control their stress level. They are also advised to reduce their salt intake. Both stress and salt can increase your risk of hypertension.
|