Did you know that 1 in 2 people with diabetes and 1 in 4 people with pre-diabetes has nerve damage?
If you think you might have some symptoms of nerve damage take this quiz:
Neuropathy is the clinical term for nerve damage that affects the peripheral nerves and has symptoms including pain, numbness, tingling and loss of sensation. The most common type of neuropathy is diabetic neuropathy, where high blood sugar causes nerve damage. However, exposure to toxins, drugs (e.g. chemotherapy), alcohol and nutrient deficiencies can all lead to neuropathy.
]]>For some people, nerve regeneration can bring relief, but for others it can cause increased pain before relief is found.
Injury to any part of the body results in pain. Sometimes that pain is acute, while other injuries that cause extensive damage, can cause prolonged periods of pain or even chronic pain as a result of more significant nerve damage.
Nerve damage can also occur from different health conditions. Neuropathy is the clinical term for nerve damage that affects the peripheral nerves (hands and feet) and can have many different causes. The most common type of neuropathy is diabetic neuropathy, where high blood sugar causes nerve damage. However, exposure to toxins, drugs (e.g. chemotherapy), alcohol and nutrient deficiencies can all lead to neuropathy.
After a nerve is damaged, it can be repaired by a series of complex steps that are regulated by Nerve Growth Factors. The presence of the Nerve Growth Factor has been shown to increase nerve activity, which can result in increased sensations of pain.
It is important to know that some injuries or health conditions that cause nerve damage can lead to an overwhelming response of Nerve Growth Factor. In these rare cases, this can lead to the development of chronic pain conditions.
Current research on nerve damage and regeneration from my clinical work, has shown that specialized omega-3s nutrition therapy Frontline Neuropathy can support the body’s efforts to regenerate damaged nerves. While the actions of Nerve Growth Factors are important, it is equally important to have the essential fatty acids needed to rebuild the injured nerves.
]]>As you know, my research investigates the role of omega-3 fats in nerve health and as therapy for neuropathy (nerve damage).
My most recent study, examined the role of blood omega-3s in the development of neuropathy and the results related to anyone with prediabetes, diabetes or neuropathy.
In this study that was published in the journal Diabetes and Its Complications, my colleagues and I examined blood omega-3 levels in 40 participants with diabetes before and after omega-3 nutrition therapy (10 mL/D).
At the beginning of the study, 53% of participants were female and 59% were diagnosed with diabetic neuropathy.
The participants that had been diagnosed with neuropathy had lower blood levels of the omega-3 DHA compared to the participants without neuropathy. DHA is the key omega-3 involved in supporting the maintenance and regeneration of nerves.
Overall, all of the study participants had ‘very low’ levels of blood omega-3s compared to global reference standards.
When the study participants started omega-3 nutrition therapy (10 mL/D), blood omega-3 levels increased 84%. This increased participants’ blood levels from ‘very low’ to ‘high’ levels of blood omega-3s.
Also, participants that had a higher amount of blood omega-3s at the beginning of the study, showed higher levels of nerve growth over the study.
In this study we show that:
If you are looking for a clinical grade omega-3s to support your neuropathy, nerve health or general good health there are two options for you.
Dr. Evan recommends Frontline Neuropathy omega-s for individuals in Canada and international users --> AVAILABLE HERE
]]>Insulin is a hormone (signalling molecule) that is produced by the pancreas. Insulin acts like a key to that allows the sugars from digested carbohydrates into cells throughout the body.
When blood sugar is higher than normal, it is call hyperglycaemia. This can be a sign that the body is no longer sensitive to insulin or not producing enough. Over time, these high blood sugar levels can lead to complications.
Type 1 Diabetes: is an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune cells attack the insulin producing cells in the pancreas. Over a period of a few months, the pancreas produces little to no insulin and daily insulin injections are required.
Approximately 10% of people with diabetes have type 1 and diagnosis happens from the results of blood tests for pancreatic autoantibodies.
Type 1.5 (Latent Autoimmune Diabetes of Adulthood, LADA) is similar to type 1 diabetes because it is an autoimmune condition; however, it differs because it develops slowly over time in adults. Many healthcare providers can mistake LADA as type 2 diabetes because it can develop over years.
LADA occurs in 5-10% of diabetes causes and is diagnosed by a blood test for the presence of pancreatic autoantibodies.
Type 2 is the most common type of diabetes and represents 80-85% of all diabetes cases. It typically occurs in older individuals and progresses gradually. Type 2 diabetes begins with insulin resistance, where cells in the body do not respond to the amount of insulin produced by the pancreas. Over time, the pancreas will produce higher amounts of insulin to try and move sugars out of the blood, which can lead to pancreas fatigue.
Frontline management of Insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes includes physical activity and nutrition support. If this is not successful, drug therapy might be required. Insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes is identified from blood test of blood sugar and A1c.
Gestational Diabetes occurs in women without diabetes during the third trimester of pregnancy. The body is not able to produce enough insulin with the effects of the growing baby and changes in other hormones. Gestational diabetes typically goes away after the baby is born.]]>
PS - Learn the 5 foods to eat if you have inflammation and neuropathy HERE.
Stay healthy,
Dr. Evan Lewis
This essential vitamin plays a role in these body functions and countless more, but surprisingly it is a vitamin that many of us can easily become deficient in.
While some people do not consume enough vitamin B12 from food sources, others might become deficient from medication use (e.g. Metformin) and still others from poor absorption due to aging or digestive health conditions (e.g. Crohn’s).
It is also important to consider that vegetarian or vegan diet is a common risk factor for vitamin B12 deficiency. Plant based foods do not contain B12 and this vitamin must be sourced from animal protein sources.
Vitamin B12 plays a major role in energy metabolism and the health of red blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body and general fatigue and reduced endurance are very common signs of low vitamin B12.
Individuals that are deficient in vitamin B12 report frequent changes in mood, irritability and brain fog that reduces concentration.
Vitamin B12 is essential for maintaining the integrity of nerves. Low vitamin B12 can results in symptoms of numbness and tingling can be felt in the hands and feet. These symptoms can be resolved by raising vitamin B12 levels.
Let's talk about sugar!
This is one of the most concerning aspects of nutrition for many people with prediabetes, diabetes or neuropathy.
Unfortunately, many people are not fully aware of how much such can sneak into food.
Are you someone that looks at labels?
Maybe you are a health conscious cook or consumer?
Lets put your knowledge to the test with our new Sugar IQ Quiz!
Are you someone that makes resolutions or goals for a new year?
While I wholeheartedly encourage this, it is important to be SMART about the process!
I regularly talk to people that make extravagant and unrealistic health or lifestyle goals in January.
While these often sound good in conversation, they are often totally unrealistic and fall apart by February.
So how do we get SMART about your goals this year?
By using the SMART acronym for goal setting we can make sure that we are on track to be the best version of ourselves this year.
SMART stands for:
S - specific
M - measurable
A - attainable
R - relevant
T - timely
So if you have made a resolution or goal for 2021 I encourage you to review it and see if it fits the SMART criteria.
If it does not, that's ok!
Make some adjustments, or break your resolution into smaller goals so that you can have several wins to keep you motivated.
It is important to write down goals so that you can see them and refer back to them over time to evaluate your progress.
Stay Healthy,
Dr. Evan
]]>Over the last 3-weeks there has been a lot of media attention placed on omega-3s for heart health and cardiovascular disease risk management.
This follows in the wake of findings from the STRENGTH trial, a large-scale clinical trial of the omega-3 drug Epanova published in the journal JAMA. The trial, funded by AstraZeneca, was stopped early because it showed no effect of Epanova for reducing the risk of death in individuals with high triglycerides.
The reason there is so much media attention is that the 2019 REDUCE-IT clinical trial of the omega-3 drug Vascepa (Amarin Pharma) showed a 25% lower risk of death in individuals with high triglycerides.
Two major clinical trials of similar drugs show very different outcomes.
This can create confusion for prescribing healthcare providers and the patients that might consider these therapies. It also leaves the general population confused because the of the general link between omega-3s and health.
What we are seeing happen in the omega-3 industry is a modification of these fats by pharmaceutical companies to allow for potential patenting as a drug. Amarin Pharma did this with Vasceepa (an EPA derivative) and the STRENGTH study used a carboxylic acid form of EPA+DHA.
The benefit of these studies, is that they used high doses of their respective omega-3s, compared to earlier studies of omega-3 drugs (e.g. VITAL-D, ORIGIN and others) that were conducted prior to 2014 and only used 1g/d.
In my opinion, a dose of ~1g/d of omega-3s is something to be used preventatively and for the maintenance of good health – not for therapeutic effect for a health condition
Some of my colleagues argue that DHA might have negative effects on cardiovascular disease because it can play a slightly different biological role compared to EPA. Others point to higher saturated fat contents in some omega-3 supplements (Vascepa had almost none). While others consider the overall structure of these modified omega-3s.
While the results of the STRENGTH trial were not positive, they were also not negative – just no effect for modifying the risk of death from cardiovascular disease risk in a specific population group.
It is also important to keep in mind that the patients in both trials were already taking statin medications (drugs to lower triglycerides and decrease cardiovascular disease risk) and the trial was not design for primary risk reduction, but for more complex patients already on multiple medications.
While the study was with an omega-3, both were very specialized version that differs from what I use in my research.
The challenge I face from these negative findings (which are important for the scientific process) is that people will generalize the results to all omega-3s, forgetting that this was a drug trial for a specific condition, in a specific group of patients.
It is interesting that the media does not seem as ‘excitable’ when pharmaceutical compounds, or biological trials fail - but when it is something more tangible, like omega-3s, then the media gets all worked up.
1) The omega-3 drug Vascepa can be effective for reducing risk of death from cardiovascular disease in individuals who are at high risk with high triglycerides and taking statins.
2) The omega-3 drug Epanova is not effective for reducing risk of death in the same population.
3) Population intake of omega-3s is very low and these fats are essential for many processes throughout the body, especially nerve health.
Do you know the connection between diabetes and heart disease?
Learn how neuropathy can affect your heart HERE!
]]>What are some specific ways you can improve health and performance with omega-3s? Our guest knows the answer and he’s here to explain the science behind this healthy type of fat and how it can actually reverse diabetic nerve damage – something he was the first to do.
Dr. Evan Lewis has a passion for nutrition and health that led him to his graduate studies, including a PhD at the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Medicine, Department of Nutritional Sciences. In that program, he studied the effects of pro-nerve omega-3s on nerve-muscle interaction and performance in elite athletes.
His research led to a clinical trial of omega-3 nutritional therapy as a means to regenerating diabetic nerve damage; the positive results were the first of their kind. This research has since been awarded funding from the Canadian Institute for Health Research, Banting & Best Diabetes Centre and the Canadian Diabetes Association.
To bring this ground-breaking research out of the lab, Dr. Evan founded Nutarniq Corp and launched Frontline Neuropathy in Canada to help people suffering from neuropathy. Most recently, Evan and the team at Nutarniq released Frontline Diabetes as a preventative nutrition therapy for those with or at risk of diabetes.
To start today’s episode, I asked the question I’m always so curious to know: how did he go into this field? Dr. Evan says it was by accident. When he was training as a collegiate athlete, he was focused on nutrition and improving his performance. He also had a plan to go into research or sports performance after his education so he worked with the men’s Olympic sailing team on improving hydration.
But ultimately, it was through his own experience that he had an “ah ha” moment: towards the end of his own sailing career he got into cycling. He realized everyone was talking about building bigger, stronger muscles. But they were missing a very important piece: nerves. Nerves tell muscles when to fire and how long to fire. From there he got into the area of omega-3s and omega-3 supplementation, and experimenting with improving the contraction of muscles. In a few short weeks, he was able to show to improve athletes’ ability to jump higher and push more.
He didn’t stop with athletes, though. He also wanted to see if the same type of results could be shown in people who were not elite athletes, including people who were in a more diseased state.
Dr. Evan explains what he discovered and also how omega 3 fats actually work within the body.
We also dive into the differences between omega 3s and omega 6s, why we need both and what ratio we need to maintain optimal healthy. Dr. Evan also tells us what we can do to reduce inflammation naturally.
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But what if it was possible to be confident in your carb choices for healthy blood sugar and boost your gut health too?!
Some might say that is too good to be true, but there are simple ‘every-day’ carb choices that work double duty for giving you healthy energy without a blood sugar spike and supporting optimal gut health.
1. Potatoes - Are an amazing food for people watching their blood sugar. An average potato has 5g of protein and is packed with potassium and gut healthy fibre. Cook by baking, roasting and boiling are all healthy choices – please do not fry/deep fry.
Sweet potatoes, russet have low glycemic index (GI). Russet and red potatoes have a higher GI when eaten hot, but at room temperature or cold they have a lower GI.
2. Bean/Lentils – Are a high fibre, high protein source of healthy carbs. Choices can range from chickpeas, red lentils, black and pinto beans just to name a few. The regular consumption of beans and lentils has been linked to increased longevity and decreased cancer risk in different clinical studies.
3. Oatmeal – Is a low GI morning stable for sustained energy. Oatmeal is also a gut friendly choice because of the insoluble fibre that helps to lower cholesterol and inflammation. In addition, oatmeal contains prebiotic fibre that helps to feed your gut bacteria.
4. Yogurt – Might not be thought of as a source of carbs; however, lactose is the sugar that is found naturally in dairy. While shopping for yogurt can hazardous with all of the added sugar options, look for plain Greek yogurt. This is a good source of protein, calcium and probiotics that support your gut health.
5. Banana – While fruit sugar can be controversial, bananas are a high fibre fruit that contains electrolytes potassium and magnesium that support your nerves and muscles. Choose bananas that are still slightly green to maximize their prebiotic fibre.
Learn more about controlling your blood sugar -> HERE <-
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“And I’ve had to figure out how to deal with some other things from getting old.’’
For years Clapton, whose career encompassed playing with John Mayall, Cream and the first “super group” Blind Faith, lived a life of rock and roll excess.
He struggled with addiction to alcohol, prescription drugs, cocaine and heroin.
“Because I’m in recovery from alcoholism and addiction to substances, I consider it a great thing to be alive at all. By rights I should have kicked the bucket a long time ago.
“For some reason I was plucked from the jaws of hell and given another chance,’ he said.
Clapton is not the only famous musician to have had the condition.
Procul Harum guitarist Dave Ball began suffering from peripheral neuropathy while undergoing chemotherapy in 2012. In an article for Macmillan Cancer Support, he described the sensation as “finger tingles”.
“Basically it feels like your nerves are exposed to the outside world,” explained Ball, who died last year. “Any contact – particularly with cold – can make you ‘uncomfortable’. You end up wearing gloves a lot of the time... Not the best of side effects from my viewpoint,” he added. “I’m a guitarist by trade and as you probably know, we use our fingers to make a noise.”
Andy Fraser, the bassist for Seventies hard rock pioneers Free, also suffered from the condition. Fraser, who died in 2015 aged 62, had been fighting “AIDS… bouts of cancer, peripheral neuropathy, and a long list of not so pleasant medical conditions,” according to an interview he gave in 2014.
And, before he took his own life, Keith Emerson (the keyboardist of Emerson Lake and Palmer) had been struggling with dystonia, a similar condition, caused by a motorcycle accident in 1994 which damaged the nerves in his right hand. “He had an operation a few years ago to take out a bad muscle but the pain and nerve issues in his right hand were getting worse," said his long-term partner, Mari Kawaguchi.
In the UK, almost one in 10 people over the age of 55 suffer from the condition, which is painful but rarely fatal. Diabetes is the leading cause, but it can also be brought on by physical injury, chemotherapy or alcoholism. According to the Mayo Clinic, it can be provoked by nerve pressure from making repetitive motions, such as typing. People with peripheral neuropathy are often prescribed a period of rest, but this can be difficult for musicians. “One of the most frustrating things for a musician is to be told to stop playing if they have a problem,” says Dr Scott E Brown, who runs the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation department at Sinai Hospital, Baltimore. As Clapton’s neuropathy is in his legs, rather than his hands, it is unlikely that the condition was directly caused by his guitar-playing; the condition could have been brought on by his alcohol consumption, rather than any physical injury.
Clapton’s health has been a source of concern for several years. He cancelled a string of concerts in 2013, citing “extreme back pain”. The following year, he said he was “looking at retirement,” as he could no longer handle the strain of touring: “The road has become unbearable,” he told Uncut. “I don’t want to go off the boil to the point where I’m embarrassing myself."
“It might be that I can't [keep playing], if it hurts too much,” he added. “I have odd ailments."
If you liked this article, please feel free to share with your family and friends. For further articles on neuropathy, or information on non-drug treatments for neuropathy please visit www.nutarniq.com
Sources: Daily Telegraph. Classic Rock magazine, Wikimedia
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Stay healthy,
Dr. Evan
Peripheral neuropathy is the result of damage to your peripheral nerves. Peripheral neuropathy symptoms such as nerve damage can be caused by diabetes (high blood sugar), exposure to toxins including chemotherapy drugs, alcohol and physical injuries. Peripheral neuropathy often causes weakness, numbness and pain, starting in the hands and feet. When diabetes or toxins cause peripheral neuropathy, the nerve damage can progress over time to affect other areas of your body including your heart. The best strategy for managing neuropathy is to prevent it from starting in the first place. However, if you have peripheral neuropathy there are three strategies to stop the progression.
Manage Underlying Conditions
The best way to stop the progression of peripheral neuropathy is to manage medical conditions that have caused the nerve injury. For people with prediabetes and diabetes, keeping blood sugars is levels within target ranges are the key to stopping additional nerve injury. For those who have been treated with chemotherapy for cancer, following instructions to reduce occurrence is also important.
Make Healthy Lifestyle Choices
Healthy lifestyle choices for peripheral neuropathy is something that can be done daily to prevent continued nerve damage. Choosing a diet that is low in process sugars and other foods avoid for neuropathy. Instead focus on healthy food choices that reduce your overall disease risk. Exercise can prevent peripheral neuropathy pain by keeping nerves active and increasing blood flow. Regular exercise, which includes walking, reduces the risk of peripheral neuropathy by keeping a healthy blood sugar and reducing the risk of diabetes and cancer.
Support Peripheral Nerve Health
To protect nerves from peripheral neuropathy, it is important to keep them healthy and supported. Nerves require specific types of fats to maintain their structure and function. Omega-3 fats EPA, DPA and DHA like those found in Frontline Neuropathy Omega-3s provide all of the pro-nerve fats to support optimal nerve health including the regeneration of damaged nerves.
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Signs of Lyme disease include skin rash and painful inflammation of joints (particularly the knees), accompanied by flu-like symptoms. The symptoms of Lyme disease increase in severity as the disease spreads though the body.
Early diagnosis and treatment are important to stop the progression of the disease. If untreated, Lyme disease can result in neurological disorders such as peripheral neuropathy, including Bell's palsy, as well as pain, numbness or weakness in the limbs. The onset of peripheral neuropathy typically develops weeks, months or years later, if the disease is left untreated.
While potentially serious, Lyme disease can be treated, especially in the early stages. It is important to take preventive measures when outdoors in areas known to have infected deer ticks. Some helpful steps include: wearing enclosed shoes and light colored clothing; checking clothing and exposed skin frequently for ticks; and using insect repellant containing DEET (Diethyl-meta-toluamide) on skin or clothes.
(Not all symptoms and signs may be present.)
Lyme disease progresses in three stages of severity:
(Not all evaluation and tests may be necessary.)
(Not all treatments and therapies may be indicated.)
*Source: UChicago Centre for Peripheral Neuropathy (http://peripheralneuropathycenter.uchicago.edu)
]]>Peripheral neuropathy is considered a progressive condition, meaning that it gradually gets worse over time unless the cause of the nerve damage is addressed. Here are 7 ways to manage peripheral neuropathy to help optimize your heath.
Even if you do not have prediabetes or diabetes it is important to think about your blood sugar. High blood sugar is the leading cause of peripheral neuropathy. At least 20% of individuals with prediabetes and 50% of individuals with diabetes have symptoms of peripheral neuropathy. High blood sugar damages nerves and the small blood vessels that supply nerves with essential nutrients and oxygen.
To help control your blood sugar, avoid foods that are highly processed, contain added sugar, sugar sweetened beverages (i.e. soda) and fried foods. Instead, focus on colourful fruits, vegetables, healthy fats (i.e. avocado, unsalted nuts) and lean proteins.
Many people take their feet for granted until they cause pain and limit mobility. Make sure that your shoes fit properly and consider using compression socks to improve blood flow. Also, make sure that you do not go barefoot. Peripheral neuropathy can cause loss of sensation in the foot and this increases the risk of foot injuries that can go undetected. Such injuries can lead to serious infection and potentially amputation.
Being physically active every day helps to manage peripheral neuropathy three different ways. First, physical activity helps to control blood sugar to reduce the risk of nerve damage. Second, physical activity helps to increase blood flow to all peripheral nerves. This is important for delivering important nutrients to nerves. Third, physical activity teaches nerves to interact with muscles and other nerves. This can promote nerve growth and new nerve connections.
While nutrition is important for overall health and maintaining healthy blood sugar levels but for many people with peripheral neuropathy additional support is needed. Frontline Diabetes Supplement is the most comprehensive nutrition therapy for supporting nerve health and also addressing painful symptoms naturally. Frontline was developed by Dr. Evan Lewis, an international leader in nutrition and nerve health, based on his clinical research program.
Sleep is one of the most effective ways to manage peripheral neuropathy, however, most North Americans are not getting enough sleep. Ideally, we should all be getting 7.5 hours of sleep per night. This is important to make sure the body is able to recover and adapt. It has also been shown that people who do not get enough sleep have lower insulin sensitivity and have cravings for more sugary foods. Both of these factors can make peripheral neuropathy much worse.
Working with a physiotherapist can help to address the painful symptoms of peripheral neuropathy and also improve mobility. This might include strengthening muscle groups that are affected by neuropathy or working to improve balance in the case of an individual with numbness or loss of sensation in the feet.
Individuals with peripheral neuropathy should have their medications regularly reviewed by their MD and pharmacist. This review is important to make sure the dosing is correct, the medication is still necessary and there are no dangerous drug interactions. It is important to be aware that some medications such as Metformin, have been found to cause neuropathy symptoms by creating vitamin deficiencies. If you are living with peripheral neuropathy, it is possible that your medications could be the cause or contributing to this health condition.
]]>Eggs have been a very controversial food for people with neuropathy. This is mostly because of the relationship between diabetes and neuropathy. Concern about the cholesterol content of eggs for people with diabetes lead to widespread concern; however, this has been widely disproven by clinical nutrition research.
Now that eggs are back in favour, here are our 5 Reasons to Eat Eggs for Neuropathy.
Eggs are a low carbohydrate food (<1g) that is packed with protein (6g). Protein helps the body feel full for longer after a meal and also supports muscle health. Nerves also need protein to support their structure.
Eggs are rich in vitamin B12 a nutrient that is known to support proper nerve function. A low vitamin B12 level can cause neuropathy symptoms and certain medications prescribed for blood sugar management can lower your vitamin B12 levels. Here are other ways to raise B12 levels.
The antioxidant lutein is one of the many antioxidants found in eggs. While antioxidants help protect your body from damage from all things ranging from toxins to high blood sugar, lutein is especially important for skin and eye health.
Eggs are a great source of choline. This nutrient converted into a neurotransmitter that helps messages be transmitted throughout the body. Choline is also involved in memory, mental health and brain development and is especially important for healthy aging.
The fat soluble vitamins A, D, E and K are all found in eggs. Adequate vitamin D levels can help reduce the risk of diabetes, while vitamin E is an important antioxidant. Vitamin K is necessary for healthy red blood cell activity and the transport of nutrients throughout the body.
It is important to keep in mind that while eggs are generally considered a healthy food for people with diabetes, how eggs are cooked and what they are severed with can change the story.
Poached, hard or soft boiled or scrambled are diabetes friendly ways to cook eggs. Serving eggs with bacon, sausage and other high fat foods counteracts the beneficial effects of eggs.
]]>The research around egg consumption for people has been controversial, but recent consensus from researchers and statements by the American Diabetes Association has put egg consumption back in favour.
People with diabetes should consider eating eggs for many reasons. This is a low carbohydrate food (<1g) that is packed with protein. Protein helps the body feel full for longer after a meal and also supports muscle health. Eggs also contain antioxidants and vitamins and minerals that are important for overall health. Here are some other food suggestions that lower blood sugar.
While eggs contain cholesterol, research shows that naturally occurring cholesterol in foods has little effect on raising overall cholesterol. Instead, highly processed foods that contain high saturated fat can increase LDL (bad cholesterol). In fact, research shows that regular egg consumption can improve blood lipids, reduce the risk of diabetes and improve fasting blood glucose levels.
Nutrition can play a major role in managing neuropathy symptoms. Here are 5 foods you should never eat with peripheral neuropathy and 5 foods to help neuropathy symptoms.
]]>At this time, I urge you all to be leaders in your own community. Social distancing and isolation are the most effective strategies to stop the spread of the COVID19 virus. I am grateful to all of our Clinical Partners that are involved in frontline health care work.
The COVID19 virus is serious, but as long as we are diligent, conscientious and optimistic we will come through this for the better.
Personally, I like to have this first thing in the morning when I wake up. I find that the lemon juice helps to wake up my senses and helps to regulate my pH levels. Lemon juice is naturally alkaline, which is an important way to protect your body. Bacteria and viruses thrive in acidic environments.
The cayenne, ginger and turmeric naturally contain different compounds that support your immune system to defend against bacteria and viruses while decreasing inflammation and boosting your metabolism.
I like to add raw honey because it adds sweetness without raising blood sugar. Raw honey is also packed with immune-boosting nutrients.
Dr. Evan's Immune Boosting Tea
Prep time: 3 min
Serving: 1
Ingredients:
Directions:
Heat the water
Combine ingredients
Serve at the desired temperature
* Frozen ginger and turmeric can be grated using a microplane or zester to get the desired amount without any mess
]]>
Flu and viruses are not new, however, the impact of COVID19 is not something that has been seen before. This situation can seem overwhelming, however, acting cautiously and making conscious decisions about your health is what is truly important and will help us all get through this.
COVID19 cause infections of the nose, throat and lungs. The virus is most commonly spread from an infected person through:
Product safety and quality is always of utmost concern to me and our team. All of our products are manufactured under strict quality control according to Health Canada Good Manufacturing Practices. All of our inventory has been received before the COVID19 outbreak and is stored in our secure warehouse. Shipping for all orders will occur according to our standard operating procedures (SOPs) for cold and flu season that have always been in place for your protection.
For individuals who have diabetes or other health conditions, I would like to share the following recommendations from Diabetes Canada:
Your plan may include:
More information can be found at www.diabetes.ca and www.canada.ca/covid19
It is my intention to provide you with relevant and actionable information to support your health in the coming weeks by email and through our Facebook page.
I am privileged to help you and your family during this challenging time and look forward to a quick recovery from this health challenge.
Stay healthy,
Dr. Evan
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If I have diabetes/prediabetes is it safe to eat fruit? or will that spike my blood sugar?
For many, fruit can be a confusing area of nutrition. We are constantly being told to eat less sugar, but fruit has naturally occurring sugar. So is that ok? Is it dangerous? What should I do?
The reality is fruit contains natural sugars - a mixture of fructose, sucrose and glucose - that is balanced with fibre, small amounts of protein, vitamins and minerals. Where we run into trouble is when these sugars (fructose, sucrose and glucose) are extracted and added into foods or drinks that are high in calories but low in nutrition value (i.e. canned fruit, fruit yoghurts, pre-made smoothies).
Most people with, with or without diabetes, would benefit from increasing their intake of fruit (and vegetables) over other types of carbohydrates.
If you are looking for help with meal planning, check out Dr. Evan's Frontline Diabetes Plan that includes a 7-day meal plan!
]]>For many clients who have been less active over the winter months, this transition to spring can cause them to overextend themselves. For clients with diabetes or neuropathy, nerve damage is a year-round concern; however, there might have been changes in nerve health over the winter months. Not all nerve damage causes pain, many people can develop numbness or a loss of sensation that could go undetected. Also, the nerves that control the heart and blood vessels can be damaged as well.
The nerves that control the heart and blood vessels are part of the autonomic nervous system. Clinically speaking, damage to these nerves is called Cardiac Autonomic Neuropathy (CAN). The autonomic system controls many essential systems in the body including the heart, blood vessels, digestions and bowel movements. Early-onset of CAN can be hard to detect, but it is as common as peripheral neuropathy.
While physical activity is the best strategy for helping to manage diabetes, protect nerves and keep the heart healthy, I have some suggestions to support a safe and effective return to physical activity for clients with diabetes and neuropathy.
1. Repeat Clinical Neuropathy Assessment for clients with diabetes to identify any changes in symptoms.
2. Refresh foot inspection routine to ensure clients are performing this regularly at home.
3. Check clients' shoes to make sure they are good condition
4. Remind clients to ease back into physical activity, including walking and yard work.
5. Recommend blood sugar control or neuropathy support as needed.
]]>I launched Nutarniq Corp over two years ago as a way to bring the omega-3 nutrition therapy from my clinical trial (the first to show nerve regeneration for people with diabetic neuropathy) to the public. I never imagined how quickly the company would grow and how many people would be helped from my Neuropathy Supplement.
Nutarniq is now preparing to add a new revolutionary Diabetes Supplement to our product line. This will help to provide support for people across the diabetes spectrum, in an effort to help people better manage blood sugar and stop the progression of prediabetes and diabetes to neuropathy.
With this new product, comes the potential to bring both our Diabetes Supplement and Neuropathy supplement to different countries that desperately need support.
With this growth in the company, we have looked long and hard at our branding. From chatting with many customers and Clinical Partners, it has become clear that our current branding 'Nutarniq Essentials' is hindering our growth.
Our company name, Nutarniq (pronounced nu-tar-nick], is an Inuit word meaning 'new ice forming in crack in old ice'. We interpret this to mean regenerative and restorative, something that is a guiding principle for our nutrition therapies and was the rationale for the brand name 'Nutarniq Essentials'.
However, it has become clear that the pronunciation and spelling of this name is highly variable. This means that people are having a difficult time recommending or referring others to the product/website.
Ultimately, our company name will always remain Nutarniq Corp to be true to our mission, but starting in early 2020 our products will have a new brand name 'FRONTLINE'.
Our team has selected FRONTLINE from many good contenders because of the medical meaning behind the name. Access to care, therapies and drugs are classified as frontline, secondary/second-line, tertiary/third-line.
We see our products as the best evidence-based frontline option for managing different health conditions. For example with our new Diabetes Supplement, we see this as the best frontline nutrition therapy for diabetes management, while Metformin is the frontline drug therapy.
I am excited for this new chapter at Nutarniq and I appreciate your support and patience as we go through this transition.
Stay healthy,
Dr. Evan
]]>There are safe and effective ways to reverse prediabetes naturally before it advances to type 2 Diabetes (T2D). One of the key methods is through a properly balanced diet, with consideration being given to what and how much is being eaten. When working out your prediabetes diet you need to consider the glycemic index (GI) of the foods you are eating, the amount you eat, the combinations you eat and the nutrition provided. Your body doesn't just need fuel, it needs the correct fuel.
The glycemic index (GI) is a scale from 1-100 that ranks carbohydrate-rich foods by how much they raise blood glucose levels. Some carbohydrate foods are digested quickly, and others more slowly. The ranking is based on how the carbohydrate food when digested compares to the standard food, which is either white bread or pure glucose.
White bread and glucose have been given the highest possible rating of 100 on the glycemic index because they raise blood glucose levels higher and quicker than most other foods.
People at risk of developing diabetes or with diabetes may find that choosing lower GI foods may be helpful. Here are some benefits of eating foods that are lower on the GI scale:
Research has shown that eating mostly high GI foods increases the risk of type 2 diabetes. To help prevent diabetes, try to make a point of choosing lower GI foods more often. That high GI food may taste great, but it could be killing you on layaway.
Pasta has carbs right? Carbs create sugar. therefore pasta MUST be bad for me, right? No, it isn't as simple as that. [Pasta is actually pretty good on the GI scale] The way that the molecules are constructed in a carb, affects how it converts to sugar. same with the amount of fat and fiber in the food. So dieticians and scientists have worked together to make it a bit easier for you. The American Diabetes Association has a great article on understanding carbohydrates https://bit.ly/ZQQoff. Diabetes Canada has a very helpful Glycemic Index Food Guide https://bit.ly/2NWZK7k
Is your head spinning after reading all of those GI values yet? Worried that you need a calculator at hand for every bite? No need to worry.
The Diabetes Plate Method is a simple guide for planning meals. The result is tasty meals that are good for you, boost energy, and keep you feeling satisfied. Using the "formula" encourages you to eat more healthy food and fewer unhealthy foods.
The Diabetes Plate Method helps you control portion sizes of starchy, carbohydrate-containing foods that have the most impact on blood glucose levels. It focuses on eating more nonstarchy vegetables, which are low in carbohydrate and calories and high in vitamins, minerals, and fiber. It also helps you get enough lean protein.
You can use the plate method for your specific health and nutrition goals including weight loss or maintenance, blood glucose management, and simple good nutrition. The plate method is also a useful meal planning tool for people with prediabetes and for those who simply want a healthy approach to eating.
Start today by filling half your plate with nonstarchy vegetables. Then fill one-quarter of your plate with whole grain or starchy foods and the remaining quarter with lean protein foods. The Diabetes Plate Method includes fruit and low-fat dairy on the side, as your meal plan and calorie needs allow. Healthful fats, which can be used in any section of the plate for food preparation or as condiments, are also key ingredients.
So if you refer to the various guides on the Glycemic Index values of foods, use the Diabetes Plate Method and watch the volume of foods you are eating, and support this with proper nutritional supplements, it is the basis of a healthy prediabetes diet.
Check out these 10 foods that help to lower blood sugar and these 4 foods you should never eat!
]]>Eggs have been a very controversial food for people with diabetes. While there was some initial concern about the cholesterol content of eggs, this has been widely disproven by clinical nutrition research.
Now that eggs are back in favor, here are our 5 Reasons to Eat Eggs for Diabetes:
Eggs are low carbohydrate food (<1g) that is packed with protein (6g). Protein helps the body feel full longer after a meal and also supports muscle health. Eating protein at each meal also helps to lower the blood sugar response from the meal.
Eggs are rich in vitamin B12 a nutrient that is known to support proper nerve function. Low vitamin B12 can cause neuropathy symptoms and certain medications prescribed for blood sugar management can lower your vitamin B12 levels.
The antioxidant lutein is one of the many antioxidants found in eggs. While antioxidants help protect your body from damage from all things ranging from toxins to high blood sugar, lutein is especially important for skin and eye health.
Eggs are a great source of choline. This nutrient converted into a neurotransmitter that helps messages be transmitted throughout the body. Choline is also involved in memory, mental health, and brain development.
The fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K are all found in eggs. Adequate vitamin D levels can help reduce the risk of diabetes, while vitamin E is an important antioxidant. Vitamin K is necessary for healthy red blood cell activity and the transport of nutrients throughout the body.
It is important to keep in mind that while eggs are generally considered a healthy food for people with diabetes, how eggs are cooked and what they are severed with can change the story.
Poached, hard or soft boiled or scrambled are diabetes-friendly ways to cook eggs. Serving eggs with bacon, sausage, and other high-fat foods counteract the beneficial effects of eggs.
Are you looking for an easy egg recipe? Check out Dr. Evan's low carb pancakes!
]]>Many kinds of bread are high in carbohydrates and quickly raise blood sugar levels. As a result, many breads should be avoided. However, pumpernickel bread and 100 percent stone-ground whole wheat bread have low GI scores, at 55 or less on the GI scale.
Pumpernickel and stone-ground whole wheat bread have lower GI scores than regular whole wheat bread because the ingredients go through less processing. Processing removes the fibrous outer shells of grains and cereals. Fiber slows digestion and helps to stabilize blood sugar levels.
Because your body digests pasta more slowly than many other starchy foods, pasta offers you sustained energy without causing fluctuations in your blood sugar. Pasta's ranking on the glycemic index may be lower than bread or potatoes, depending on how long you allow your pasta to cook. When using the glycemic index to plan meals, you can include many forms of pasta without increasing the meal's overall effect on your blood sugar.
Overcooking your pasta affects the quality of its starches and can raise its GI value. The more you cook a starchy food like pasta, the more digestible its starches become, which means that your body converts its carbohydrates to glucose more rapidly. To avoid raising pasta's GI value, boil it only until it's al dente, or slightly firm and chewy, suggests the Glycemic Index Foundation.
Steel Cut and Instant oatmeal are on opposite ends of the oatmeal processing spectrum. On the one hand, Steel Cut oats are the closest thing you can find to oats in their original form. The original oat kernel is cut once or twice with a steel blade to create them ( also known as Irish Oats). They take 25-30 minutes to cook, which may deter some people from purchasing them.
On the other hand, instant oatmeal is essentially the most heavily processed version of oatmeal, requiring as little as 60 seconds to cook. They cook so quickly as a result of an extensive process of cutting, pre-cooking, steaming and flattening.
There are a variety of other types of oatmeal that are available as well and these varieties essentially fall somewhere in between steel cut and instant oatmeal in terms of the level of processing and cooking time.
Despite going through a much more significant processing procedure, instant oats retain most of their original nutritional value. The calorie, fiber and vitamin/mineral values remain very similar between steel cut and instant oatmeal.
The one critical difference between Steel Cut and Instant Oatmeal is how rapidly they are broken down and absorbed into your bloodstream ( and how much/how quickly they raise your blood sugar as a result). Steel Cut oatmeal has a low glycemic index score because it is digested and absorbed slowly and does not raise your blood sugar quickly nor very high. Conversely, instant oatmeal has a high glycemic index score ( similar to white bread ) because it is absorbed quickly and raises your blood sugar rapidly and to higher levels.
Not all fruits are created equal.
Most fruits have a low to moderate glycemic index, the best tool to determine whether a food contains slow or quick-release carbohydrates. If you want to eat only the most slowly released carbohydrates to minimize variations in your blood sugar levels, avoid tropical fruits, such as papaya, mango, and pineapple. Instead, go for berries, melons, cherries, apples, plums, and pears.
Consume whole or cut-up fruit that's minimally processed. Fruit juices, dried fruits, and canned fruits are all quick-release carbs. Adding an apple to your lunch, or apple chunks to a salad for sweetness and crunchy texture will go a long way. Keeping apples in the fridge as a snack can help you deal with evening and late-night cravings for food. You CAN have sweetness in your diet, you just need to be very careful in how it gets delivered into your body.
Legumes, such as beans, peas, chickpeas, and lentils, have very low GI scores. They are also a good source of nutrients that can help maintain healthy blood sugar levels. These nutrients include:
Studies have shown that incorporating legumes into the diet improved glycemic control and lowered the risk of coronary heart disease in people with type 2 diabetes. Avoid legume products that contain added sugars and simple starches, such as those in syrups, sauces, or marinades. These additions can significantly increase a product's GI score. So canned baked beans, for example, are not generally a good idea.
Red or white meat or fish have no carbohydrates, so none of these protein sources will raise your blood glucose level. Unless you are a vegetarian, these foods are probably important in your diet. Cold water fish have the most heart-friendly fat called omega-3. Wild Pacific salmon is the best of the best. You should avoid farmed salmon, which aren’t as nutritious because they don’t have as much omega-3. If you have fish allergies or don't like the taste, you can supplement the need for high-quality Omega-3 with high-quality non-fish Omega 3 supplements like Frontline Neuropathy Clinical Omega-3.
Even if you can’t eat most dairy products because of lactose intolerance, you can eat one type of cheese, Gruyere. Lactose is the dairy sugar, and sugar is a carbohydrate. Consequently, a food that has no carbs can’t have any lactose. Fortunately, one great tasting cheese called Gruyere has virtually no carbs (less than 1 gram per 100 gram serving).
The most portable foods that won’t spike your blood glucose are some nuts, particularly pecans and macadamias. Pecans have only 1g net carbs per ounce; macadamias have only 2g. The problem with nuts comes when you eat salted ones and eat too many. Fortunately, many stores also offer unsalted pecans and macadamias.
Nuts and nut butter contain very few carbohydrates, and because of their high fiber, protein, and healthy fat content, these carbohydrates are digested at a very slow pace. Adding a few walnuts to a salad, snacking on a handful of macadamia nuts or spreading almond butter on slices of fruits are good options to make you feel fuller and energized until your next meal. Avoid sugar-coated and chocolate-covered nuts and stick to natural nut butter that does not contain any added sweeteners.
It's easy to assume blood sugar control is all about carbs, but the type of fat you consume matters, too. Monounsaturated fat from foods such as avocados, olives, and walnuts, has been linked to improved insulin sensitivity and lower fasting blood sugar. Try one-quarter of an avocado, mashed, in place of mayonnaise on a roast chicken or turkey sandwich.
Some will argue that water isn't a food, but it is contained in most foods and as part of all diets. You CANNOT argue the value of being properly hydrated when it comes to diabetes and prediabetes. In addition to eating more of these foods that lower blood sugar, don't forget to pay attention to what you drink. Sipping more water may be a natural way to balance blood sugar. Some research even suggests that drinking a daily liter of water can reduce the risk of developing high blood sugar by 21 percent. There are a few simple tricks that can help make water taste better such as adding a few orange slices and sprigs of fresh mint for a low-calorie naturally sweetened flavor kick.
Diabetes is the health condition that is stressing the budgets of healthcare systems worldwide. With a projected 40% increase in the rate of diabetes by 2040, the cost of managing this condition is expected to rise proportionally and this will be financially crippling for some countries. In the US, diabetes is considered a threat to national security by some analysts because of the financial strain it will put on the government and economy.
The most recent data (2017) from the American Diabetes Association shows that the average medical cost per year for a person with diabetes is $16,752 (USD), of which $9,601 can be directly related to diabetes. Diabetes costs the US $327 billion per year, of which $237 billion are direct medical costs and $90 billion in lost productivity. While these figures are from the US, they are proportional to costs in Canada and the EU.
Recent research published in Neurology Clinical Practice has evaluated the healthcare costs of over 360,000 people with diabetes and followed them for a 5-year period. Those with neuropathy at baseline had 20% higher costs compared to those with diabetes and no neuropathy. The healthcare costs of those with neuropathy increased 11% over the 5-year study period.
Pharmacy related expenditures were the main reason for the difference in healthcare costs. Those with neuropathy were 200% and 224% more likely to use opioids and antidepressants respectively for symptom management.
Other interesting findings:
Diabetes and diabetic neuropathy place a growing burden on healthcare systems around the world. The most impactful strategy for reducing the healthcare costs associated with diabetic neuropathy are from reducing the risk of developing the condition.
Reduce Risk - maintaining control of blood sugar is the most effective strategy for preventing the development or progression of neuropathy. High blood sugar is the primary risk factor for neuropathy.
Protect Nerves and Repair Nerve Damage is the only strategy to stop and reverse the impact of neuropathy. Pharmaceutical therapy, including opioids and antidepressants, can only manage symptoms and do not address the nerve damage that is causing the symptoms. Frontline Neuropathy is the only evidence-based therapy for neuropathy that has been shown to protect nerves from damage and support nerve regeneration in patients with diabetes.
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]]>Prediabetes is warning phase before an individual might develop type 2 diabetes. This phase of the diabetes spectrum is very reversible. Type 2 diabetes is a disease where the body loses its ability to manage sugar levels. Adult-onset diabetes most often affects people with known risk factors and can take years to fully develop, unlike juvenile (type 1) diabetes, which can develop randomly and quickly. Prediabetes is literally what it looks like, pre diabetes. The step before full-blown Type 2 Diabetes (T2D).
Prediabetes generally has no symptoms, per se. There are ranges of blood sugar measurements that are classed as pre-diabetic though. However, if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms you should contact your healthcare provider for a blood test to confirm if you are in the prediabetic range.
Fasting blood sugar test
If your doctor asks you to fast for at least 8 hours before your blood test this is called a fasting blood sugar test. A fasting blood sugar level from 100 to 125 mg/dL (5.6 to 7.0 mmol/L) is considered prediabetes. This result is sometimes called impaired fasting glucose.
Glycated hemoglobin (A1C) test
This test does not require fasting and many physicians consider it to be the most accurate test for prediabetes. It indicates your average blood sugar level for the past two to three months. Specifically, the test measures the percentage of blood sugar attached to the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells (hemoglobin). The higher your blood sugar levels, the more hemoglobin you'll have with sugar attached. An A1C level between 5.7 and 6.4 percent is considered prediabetes.
Oral glucose tolerance test
If you are pregnant then your doctor will perform an oral glucose tolerance test on you. A blood sample is taken after you fast for at least eight hours or overnight. Then you'll drink a sugary solution, and your blood sugar level will be measured again after two hours. A blood sugar level from 140 to 199 mg/dL (7.8 to 11.0 mmol/L) is considered prediabetes.
High levels of blood glucose caused by diabetes can, over time, affect the nerves (neuropathy) and lead to poor blood circulation, making it hard for blood - needed for skin repair - to reach areas of the body affected by sores or wounds. This can cause them to remain open and unhealed for months, increasing the risk of:
One of the common signs of diabetes is blurred vision, which refers to the loss of sharpness of vision and the inability to see fine details. Blurred vision can affect one eye (unilateral blurred vision) or both (bilateral blurred vision) eyes, and can occur often or rarely.
In people with diabetes, insufficient insulin prevents the body from getting glucose from the blood into the body's cells to use as energy. When this occurs, the body starts burning fat and muscle for energy, causing a reduction in overall body weight. Unexpected weight loss is often noticed in people prior to a diagnosis of type 1 diabetes (t1d) but it may also affect people with type 2 diabetes. (t2d)
As well as being one of the symptoms of undiagnosed diabetes, polyuria (More frequent urination) can also occur in people with diagnosed diabetes if blood glucose levels have risen too high. If blood glucose levels become too high, the body will try to remedy the situation by removing glucose from the blood through the kidneys. When this happens, the kidneys will also filter out more water and you will need to urinate more than usual as a result.
If you are frequently experiencing an increased need to urinate, it could be a sign that your sugar levels are too high. If you have access to blood glucose testing strips, you may wish to test your sugar levels if you are urinating more often than normal. Otherwise, see your physician and ask about potential diabetes.
Increased thirst in people with diabetes can sometimes be, but certainly not always, an indication of higher than normal blood glucose levels. If you do not have blood glucose testing equipment and are experiencing regular thirst which you think may be connected with your diabetes, speak with your physician who should be able to advise you. As anyone and everyone will have experienced the sensation of feeling thirsty, it is very important not to jump to conclusions. However, the symptoms of polydipsia are recognized as:
Having persistent and unexplained thirst, regardless of how much you drink
Passing more than 5 litres of urine a day
With diabetes, fatigue is caused by a number of factors, including:
Blood glucose testing can help to determine whether high or low sugar levels may be the cause of fatigue.
If you have the dedication you can reverse prediabetes and prevent it from becoming Type 2 Diabetes (T2D). A few lifestyle changes can kick start this process and dedication to the lifestyle change will keep you out of the range.
When you have a lot of weight to lose it’s daunting to think of the work it will take to lose all of it. Setting a goal of 5-7 percent (that’s around 7 lbs. for a 150 lb. person), makes losing weight seem more manageable. Weight loss will help reduce inflammation, which is a symptom of insulin resistance.
You don't have to hit the gym if you find it daunting. But you do have to exercise regularly and try to get your heart working. Going for a stroll with your dog will help a little, but if you can go by yourself or with a friend then you can move faster and without a lot of breaks. Other exercises like swimming can help as well. Check with your physician to see what exercise you are healthy enough for. Exercise is a big part of reversing prediabetes. Exercise is good for you no matter what, but if you’re prediabetic, it’s especially helpful to get moving. Your muscles use up some of your excess blood sugar, which helps you lose weight and use the insulin your body produces more effectively.
There are many important foods that can help to lower your blood sugar. When planning your meal, start with vegetables and don’t stop till they take up half the room on your plate. Vegetables have lots of fibers to help manage the levels of glucose in your system. Plus, they’re high in vitamins and minerals that help your body work better. Check our other articles for the Diabetes nutrition plan.
All carbohydrates break down to glucose in your blood. So whether you’re eating carbs in the form of donuts, pasta or whole grain bread, it all breaks down to glucose for your cells to use. That doesn’t mean you should eat cake instead of quinoa, because not all carbs are created equal. There are three main types of carbohydrates:
Simple carbohydrates—fast-acting carbohydrates that cause an immediate rise in blood sugar. These are found in foods like fruits, juices, maple syrups, milk, yogurt, and honey.
Refined carbohydrates—these are also fast-acting carbohydrates. These are plant-based, processed foods that have had the whole grain removed during processing.
Complex carbohydrates—these carbs take longer for our body to break down and are absorbed into the system more slowly. This helps keep blood sugar stable. Examples of complex carbs include most vegetables, whole grains (unprocessed!) and legumes.
Involve your healthcare provider in your health, prediabetes is a very manageable condition that can be managed and reversed naturally. At this point, it is NOT TOO LATE, if you choose to act.
]]>Prediabetes means that your blood sugar level is higher than normal but not yet high enough to diagnose type 2 diabetes. Without lifestyle changes, people with prediabetes will almost certainly progress to type 2 diabetes. If you have prediabetes, the long-term complications from diabetes; especially to your heart, blood vessels, nerves and kidneys may already be starting.
A Glycated Hemoglobin (A1C) test result of between 5.7 and 6.4 percent is considered prediabetes. Also, a fasting blood sugar level from 100 to 125 mg/dL (5.6 to 7.0 mmol/L) is considered prediabetes. This result is sometimes called impaired fasting glucose.
If you fall into this category, what can you do? First thing is to make a plan and commit to it. Identify your personal habits that are contributing to these levels and plan to counteract them immediately. It is not enough to get prescribed medication and take it to try and counteract your lifestyle.
To figure out what needs to be included in your plan, you need to know yourself and be honest with yourself. Is your diet the weak point? Do you eat too many carb and sugars and high glycemic index (GI) foods. (The glycemic index (GI) is a scale from 1-100 that ranks carbohydrate-rich foods by how much they raise blood glucose levels. Some carbohydrate foods are digested quickly, and others more slowly. The ranking is based on how the carbohydrate food when digested compares to the standard food, which is either white bread or pure glucose.
White bread and glucose have been given the highest possible rating of 100 on the glycemic index because they raise blood glucose levels higher and quicker than most other foods.)
Is exercise your problem? Do you lead an inactive lifestyle? Are you overweight or even obese? Do you smoke? Do you have the right nutritional support for your body?
Do you see why you have to be on board with this, and why there is no "one size fits all" solution? Nobody knows you as well as you do. You just need to be honest.
Some examples of things included in a prediabetes plan are:
If you found this useful, we have a series of articles that can be part of your front-line defence against the journey to Diabetes. Prediabetes is reversible, but only you can provide the determination to do it. Make a plan!
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