The Beat Goes On Radio Show Appearance

December 8, 2014

A couple of weeks ago I was invited to be a guest on Rolanda Perkins’ live radio show The Beat Goes On (WGNS Radio-Murfreesboro) and we had a blast! Rolanda is an amazing woman and advocate for Go Red For Women since being touched by heart disease. Below are some of the talking points for diabetes which we didn’t get a chance to cover during our hour on the show, plus you can listen to the recording below:

Diabetes Mellitus Diabetes is a group of metabolic disorders characterized by elevated levels of blood glucose resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both. Three major acute complications of diabetes related to short-term imbalances in blood glucose levels are hypoglycemia, diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), and hyperosmolar non-ketotic syndrome (HHNS). Long-term hyperglycemia may contribute to chronic microvascular complications such as kidney and eye disease and neuropathy. Diabetes is also associated with an increased occurrence of macrovascular diseases, including coronary artery disease (myocardial infarction), cerebrovascular disease (stroke), peripheral vascular disease and amputation.
TERMS:        

          • Hyperglycemia: elevated blood glucose (180 to 300 mg/dL) on a routine finger stick; may also be symptomatic:
            • Flushed, dry skin; poor skin turgor; and dry mucous membranes
            • Fruity breath odor (like acetone)
            • Blurred vision, generalized weakness, and dizziness
            • Nausea and vomiting, cramping, increased urination
          • Hypoglycemia: Low blood glucose (60’s to mid 70’s); symptoms & may have the following symptoms:
            • Cool, pale, and diaphoretic skin
            • Agitation, disorientation, slurred speech, blank stare
            • Headache, palpitations/tachycardia, trembling, hunger
            • Decreased level of consciousness progressing to coma and/or seizures if not treated
          • Diabetes Mellitus type 1: Formerly a/k/a Insulin Dependent Diabetes
            • Destruction of the pancreatic beta cells due to a genetic, immunologic and possible environmental (e.g. virus) factors.
            • Type 1 has a sudden onset typically before the age of 30.
            • Type 1 Diabetes requires insulin for life.
          • Diabetes Mellitus type 2: Formerly a/k/a Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes
            • Affects 90 to 95% of people with diabetes
            • Risk factors:
            • Overweight
            • Physically inactive
            • Ethnicity: African American, Alaskan Native, American Indian, Asian American, Hispanic/Latino, or Pacific Islander
            • Blood pressure of 140/90 or above.
            • Low HDL (good cholesterol), < 35 mg/dL.
            • Have a history of heart disease (check out my article on heart disease and women HERE.)
            • It results from a decreased sensitivity to insulin (insulin resistance) or from a decreased amount of insulin product
            • Type 2 Diabetes is first treated with diet and exercise, and then with oral hypoglycemic meds as needed.
          • Diabetes type 1A or Autoimmune Diabetes: Type of diabetes caused by T lymphocytes (T cells) of the immune system making the mistake of not recognizing the beta cells of the pancreas as “self,”, a part of the body, and instead attacks them as if they were foreign invaders. The trigger behind this autoimmune disease is not completely understood; however, current research points to a combination of environmental and genetic factors.
      • Hemoglobin A1C (HA1C): is a blood test that shows how well your diabetes is being controlled over the past 3 months (90 days).
        • Hemoglobin is found in red blood cells, which carry oxygen throughout your body. When your diabetes is not controlled (blood sugar is too high), sugar builds up in your blood and combines with hemoglobin, becoming “glycated.” The average amount of sugar in your blood can be found my measuring your HA1C level.
        • Normal range is between 4% and 5.6%.
        • 6.4% = increased risk of diabetes.
        • 6.5% or > indicates diabetes.
    • Insulin: is a hormone produced in the pancreas by the islets of Langerhans that regulates the amount of glucose in the blood. A complete lack of insulin causes type 1 diabetes.
      • Insulin manufactured by pharmaceutical companies is an animal-derived or synthetic form of insulin to treat diabetes.
      • Insulin “opens the key” on the door to the cells to carry glucose into the cells and reduce what is circulating in the bloodstream.
  • Insulin Resistance: is a physiological condition in which cells fail to respond to the normal actions of insulin. The cells become resistant to insulin and are unable to use it as effectively leading to hyperglycemia.
    • Is often the result of a diet high in processed foods, grains, and sugar.
  • Peripheral Neuropathy: is damage or disease affecting nerves, which impairs sensation, movement, gland or organ function, or other aspects of health, depending on the types of nerves affected.
    • Commonly associated with Diabetes Mellitus.

Quick Reference – Blood Glucose Goals for People with Diabetes (Using a Finger Stick Blood Sample)

Blood Glucose Goal:

  • Before breakfast (fasting): 80-120 mg/dL
  • Before lunch, dinner, & snacks: 80-120 mg/dL
  • 2 hours after meals: Less than 170 mg/dL
  • Anytime: (A1C hemoglobin) Less than 7%

Basic Rules About Eating and Lifestyle:

  • Participate in a regular balanced exercise program that includes wearing a pedometer to ensure that you collect steps and move more. High intensity short bursts (20-60 seconds) of activity during the day are recommended to enhance growth hormone release. Also engage in resistance training that works all major muscle groups (work each group at least 2 times a week).
  • Check blood Vitamin D levels and supplement with liquid Hi-Po Emulsi-D3  2 or more per day, until optimal levels are reached: 50-100 ng/ml.
  • Have serum lipids checked every year. Use nutritional and supplement protocols to lower lipids to reduce cardiovascular disease complications if necessary.
  • Practice good sleep habits and get between 8-9 hours of sleep a night.
  • Drink eight 8-ounce glasses of pure water every day: you need water to eliminate toxins.
  • Most of the food you consume (more than 50% by volume) should be vegetables: Vegetables are high in antioxidants, trace minerals, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients.
  • Fruits must be limited to 1 to 2 per day due to their sugar content.
  • Get a balance of Omega 3s (salmon, mackerel, herring, sardines) and Omega 9 fats (olive oil, olives, almonds, hazelnuts, & avocados).
  • Choose lean, clean quality protein at each meal such as chicken breast, turkey breast, lean grass-fed beef, fish (especially salmon & sardines), pasture organic eggs and whey protein.
  • Cook with olive oil at a low heat.
  • Snack on vegetables and small amounts of nuts, olives, or avocado.

Avoid the Following:

  • Avoid stress and extra obligations.
  • Avoid smoking.
  • Eliminate white flour, all alcohol, fried foods, processed foods, refined carbohydrates including cereals and pasta as well as caffeine containing foods such as coffee, tea, cola, and chocolate.
  • Sugar and refined grains: These raise blood sugar and stress the adrenal glands, feed yeast, increases dysbiosis and cause a myriad of serious health problems. You may replace sugar with xylitol instead.
  • Chemical additives: The average American consumes ten pounds of food additives each year. This stresses the liver and immune system.
  • Hydrogenated oils and fried foods: Hydrogenated oils promote inflammation and cardiovascular disease, while decreasing immunity and hormonal health. Nerves and brain function are also affected.
  • Repetitious eating: The foods that one becomes sensitive to are usually those eaten on a daily basis. A simple rotation diet minimizes stress to the immune system from hidden allergies. Try eliminating allergens such as wheat and other grains, dairy, corn, soy, citrus fruits, chocolate, coffee, and soda.

Diabetes & Foot Care Issues

  • Always take excellent care of the feet beginning when the diagnosis of diabetes is made. Don’t wait until a problem arises…be proactive with your self-care to reduce the risk of amputation
  • Peripheral neuropathy increases the risk of not being able to feel a cut or sore on the feet.
  • Be sure to inspect your feet daily: tops of feet, soles, heels, and between toes.
  • Use a mirror with a long handle to inspect if vision or bending is an issue.
  • Always wear shoes…even when inside the house for protection.
  • Keep feet warm, but never hot and don’t use an electric blanket or heating pad.
  • Contact an orthotic/prosthetic facility for diabetic shoe/diabetic sock options. These are usually covered by Medicare/Medicaid and private insurance.
  • Wash feet daily in warm water (not hot) and apply diabetic-approved cream, such as Flexitol (available at Walgreen’s).
  • Do not wear inexpensive footwear – certain synthetic or low quality materials may generate heat inside the shoe and cause skin breakdown which compromises integrity of the skin.
  • Utilize the services of a podiatrist for routine nail care/trimming.
  • Consider a Diabetes Protocol for Supplement Considerations.

To learn more, contact me for the right lifestyle modification program(s) for you.

 

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