Diabetic testing guidelines
Managing diabetes is about testing to see whether it is under control. Please use the guidelines for general diabetic testing
Recommended testing at doctors’ visits:
First diabetic examination
- Fasting blood glucose
- Weight
- Blood pressure
- Urine micro albumin
- Urine ketones
- Testing for bacteria in urine
- HbA1C – keep level under 6.0%
- Vitamin D
- Serum-Creatinine
- Lipogram
- Other markers to access cardiovascular risk: Fibrinogen, Lipoprotein A, Homocysteine, High sensitivity CRP
- Eye exams with pupil dilatation
- Feet pulse
- General examination and an ECG
- Fructosamine – reflects blood sugar control for past 2-3 weeks
Three monthly diabetic recommended tests
- Fasting blood glucose
- Weight
- Blood pressure
- Urine micro albumin
- Urine ketones
- HbA1C – keep level under 6.0%
Annual testing
All of the above and a Vit B12 blood test if patient are on Metformin.
Additional tests that can be performed
Fructosamine – will give you an indication how well your blood sugar is controlled over 2-3 weeks. This test can be used to check new medication regimes or in pregnant women.
Dr James’s Diabetic Diet Tips
- Protein (lean): grass fed free range beef, ostrich, game, lamb and fish
- Low GI/GL vegetables and fruits: greens, cauliflower, broccoli, peppers, celery, berries, etc. (good carbs)
- Fats: Olive oil, butter and coconut oil
- Nuts: walnuts, pecans, cashews, almonds etc.
- Diabetic logbook history
- Alcohol (29kJ/ml): Limit intake 1-2 drinks at special occasions: dry wine, whiskey, spirits and no sugar loaded coolers (better not to drink at all)
- Drinks: good quality water and herbal teas
- Sweeteners: eventually cut out of the diet
- Dark chocolate (70% min) occasionally
- Resistant starches in moderation until we have more backup from scientists (cold cooked rice, potatoes, sweet potatoes etc. – can be reheated – it is metabolized in the colon as a fiber)
Low Carb Diabetic Food Pyramid
Disclaimer
- All diabetics that are new to the low carb diet should reduce carbs to 30g per day until their blood sugar adjusts
- While following a low carb meal – monitor blood glucose and reduce medication to prevent lows
Exercise
To lose weight or maintain weight you should exercise 40-60 minutes daily – you can break it up if you are not fit.
The Benefits of Regular Exercise
1. Musculoskeletal system
- Increase muscle strength and muscle mass
- Increases flexibility of muscles and range of joint motion
- Produces stronger bones, ligaments, and tendons
- Lessens chance of injury
- Enhances posture, poise, and physique
- Prevents osteoporosis
2. Heart and blood vessels
- Lowers resting heart rate
- Strengthens heart rate
- Lowers blood pressure
- Improves oxygen delivery throughout the body
- Increases blood supply to muscles
- Enlarges the arteries that provide blood to the heart muscle
- Reduces the risk of coronary heart disease
- Helps lower blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels
- Raises levels of HDL the “good” cholesterol
3. Bodily processes
- Improves immune function
- Aids digestion and elimination
- Increases endurance and energy levels
- Promotes lean body mass; burn fat
4. Mental processes
- Provides a natural release from pent-up feelings
- Helps reduce tension and anxiety
- Improves mental outlook and self-esteem
- Helps relieve moderate depression
- Improves the ability to handle stress
- Stimulates improved mental function
- Induces relaxation and improves sleep
- Increases self-esteem
- Improves sexual function in both men and women
Do not let uncontrolled diabetes dictate your health, manage it properly and you can live a long life without heart attacks and amputations. Do you need guidance for better diabetic control or are you at risk for diabetes? Consult your Integrated Healthcare Practitioner now.
Please subscribe to the South African Journal of Diabetes: Tel no: 0880117879366 or 011-787-9366
For more information contact The Centre for Diabetes on 011-712-6000 // 0861113913
Join the Diabetes South Africa Network at 011-792-9888/7 or www.diabetessa.co.za
Email: info@diabetessa.co.za
References:
- New Optimum Nutrition Bible – Patrick Holford
- Prescription Alternatives – Earl Mindell
- The SA Journal of Natural medicine
- Herbal Medicine – expanded commission E Monographs
- Genesende Voeding – Dr Willem Serfontein
- Gesondheid vir `n leeftyd – Dr Christiaan
- Stopping diabetes in its tracks – Richard Liliberte
- Food is better medicine than drugs – Patrick Holford
- Food remedies – Selene Yeager
- Alternative cures – Bill Gottlieb
- Beat Diabetes Naturally – Michael Murray & Michael Lyon
- Discovery Summer 2011 issue 41
