A study was conducted at the Medical University of Ohio. The experiment followed 30 people with diabetes. Half of the people in the study practiced exercises that helped tame their tension such as muscle relaxation. The group in the other half simply took classes that had subjects to help educate diabetics.
The study went on for 10 weeks and came to the following conclusions:
- The people with diabetes that used the relaxation exercises saw about a 10% drop in fasting blood sugar and in the amount of HbA1c--A sign that their glucose had stayed lower around the clock for the previous few months. These results can mean a smaller risk of diabetic complications, such as heart disease, blindness, and nerve damage.
- During the same time period, the group that received the classes saw their blood sugar and HbA1c levels actually rise.
Stress and High Blood Sugar
Stress, according to this study, can and probably does set off hormones that raise blood sugar levels. Ronald McGinnis, MD. says, "Reducing chronic stress switches this process off."If you happen to need more motivation to reduce your stress levels consider this, the group that practiced relaxation techniques also saw a decrease in depression and anxiety!
High blood sugar levels in a person with diabetes can lead to memory problems. It is a problem that is not known to many people. People with type 2 diabetes are more at risk, because of their high blood glucose levels, to experience dementia. There is a growing body of research that suggests that poor blood glucose control is tied to poorer memory function and quite possibly Alzheimer's disease.
Glucose Levels
When people refer to blood sugar concentration or glucose level what they are talking about is the normal amount of glucose that is in a person's blood. Maintaining a normal blood sugar level is important. Failure to maintain blood glucose at the normal level can lead to conditions of persistently high hyperglycemia or low hyperglycemia, blood sugar. Diabetes mellitus, characterized by persistent hyperglycemia from any of several causes, is the most prominent disease related to failure of blood sugar regulation.
The lesson that you need to take away from this is to control your blood sugar. You want to maintain normal blood sugar levels. We will talk about how to exercise this control later on.
If you have diabetes then it is essential that you keep your blood sugar or glucose level as close to normal as you possibly can. If you are able to keep your blood sugar in your target or ideal range then you can help prevent the start of problems associated with diabetes, such as: nerve, eye, kidney, and blood vessel damage.
Diabetes Test
A blood glucose testing is a must for diabetics or anyone who has borderline diabetes. But in reality everyone could benefit from blood glucose test. A diabetes test will certainly give you an early warning if there is something wrong.
Definitely have a blood glucose test if you have diabetes and:
- You are taking insulin diabetes pills
- Are on insulin therapy
- You are pregnant
- Have a difficult time keeping control of your blood glucose levels
- Have unexplained low glucose levels without warning signs
Urine checks for glucose are not really accurate. Urine testing should only be done when blood glucose testing is not available.
What Is The A1C Test?
It is a test that measure how much glucose has been sticking during the past 3 to 5 months to the hemoglobin. The hemoglobin is the substance in the red blood sells that carries oxygen to the bodies cells. The A1C test has importance in diabetes as a long term measure of control over blood glucose. A person who is not a diabetic, who has an elevated A1C level, may be at risk for cardiovascular disease.
High Blood Pressure
Make no mistake....Hypertension will make your diabetes even worse than it has to be. The cause of hypertension or high blood pressure many but here are a few causes:
- Not getting enough exercise
- Improper diet
- Being overweight or obese
- Old age
- Genetics
Conditions that can be caused by high blood pressure:
- Atherosclerosis
- Heart Disease
- Kidney Disease
- Stroke
- Eye Disease
Hypertension is a crucial factor in the development and worsening of many complications of diabetes, including diabetic eye disease and kidney disease. It affects up to 60% of people with diabetes. People who are diabetic need to be aware of the unique dangers high blood pressure poses for them and take all necessary steps to prevent it.
The American Diabetes Association gives a table that list blood glucose levels for adults with diabetes:
- Glycemic control A1C <7.0%
- Preprandial plasma glucose (before a meal) 70–130 mg/dl (5.0–7.2 mmol/l)
- Postprandial plasma glucose (after a meal) <180>
Blood pressure <130/80>
Lipids
- LDL <100>
- Triglycerides <150>
- HDL >40 mg/dl (>1.1 mmol/l)
A blood check works like this: You will use a lancet (a needle) to prick your finger and get a drop of blood. With some of the meters on the market you could also use your forearm, hand, or thigh. Some of the lancets are spring loaded which will make the prick less painful.
The drop of blood will be analyzed in a blood glucose meter. In all meters, your blood glucose level shows up as a number on a screen, similar to what numbers look like on a pocket calculator.
KetonesYou might have to check your urine for ketones every now and then. Ketones in the urine means that your body is using fat for energy instead of using glucose because not enough insulin is available to use glucose for energy. Ketones in the urine is more common in type 1 diabetes.
If there are small or trace amounts of ketones in your urine it may mean that ketone buildup is starting. You should wait a few hours and test again. Moderate or large amounts are a danger sign that you should not ignore. They upset the chemical balance of your blood and can poison the body. Never exercise when your urine checks show moderate or large amounts of ketones and your blood glucose is high. These are signs that your diabetes is out of control. Talk to your doctor at once if your urine results show moderate or large amounts of ketones.
When To Check For Keytones
- You blood glucose is more than 300mg/dl
- You are nauseous, you are vomiting, or you have abdominal pain
- You have cold or flu like symptoms
- You are always feeling tired
- Your mouth feels dry and you are thirsty all of the time
- Your skin is flushed
- Your breath has a "fruity" smell to it and you have a difficult time breathing.
- You feel unsure of yourself...like you are in a foggy frame of mind. Things seem confusing.
Blood Sugar And Your Brain
Glucose is the type of sugar that moves in your bloodstream to give energy to the mitochondrial furnaces responsible for your brain power. Glucose is the only fuel that is consumed by brain cells. Because neurons can't store glucose, they depend on the bloodstream to supply a steady supply of this precious fuel.
This blood sugar is obtained from carbohydrates: the starches and sugars you consume in the form of grains and legumes, fruits and vegetables.
Consuming too much sugar or refined carbohydrates at one time, however, can actually deprive your brain of glucose – depleting its energy supply and compromising your brain's power to concentrate, remember, and learn. Mental activity requires a lot of energy.
If you need some inspiration to help you stop sugar cravings there is much information on the internet. I also will be posting some helpful hints later on.
For the diabetic stress is a serious topic. It is important that you control your stress in order to control you blood sugar. Remember, Blood Sugar and Stress go together: Control one and you will be on your way to controlling both.
A qualified health care professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product discussed. Readers should verify all information and data before undergoing any treatment. Consult your doctor before making any changes or decisions concerning your diet, medication, or lifestyle.
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