Regular exercise is at the heart of any healthy lifestyle, and that goes double for people with diabetes. If you have type 2 diabetes, exercise could help to decrease your insulin resistance while improving your glucose control. Physical activity can also burn fat, and the resulting weight loss could make diabetes management considerably easier – even if you lose just five to ten pounds.
Considering all this, it’s clear that building and following a vigorous exercise regimen is crucial for avoiding and managing type 2 diabetes. Not sure where to get started? This article will explain the benefits of exercise, how to get more physical activity, and how to stick with your new exercise routine.
The Numerous Health Benefits of Exercise
It’s difficult to overstate just how much regular exercise can improve your health. Whether you have type 2 diabetes or prediabetes, exercise can go a long way towards helping you keep your blood glucose levels under control and avoid other type 2 diabetes symptoms – and that’s just scratching the surface.
Lowering “bad” LDL cholesterol while raising “good” HDL cholesterol
Improving your circulation
Reducing your blood pressure
Boosting your bone density
Helping you sleep
Relieving everyday stress
Don’t Get Started Without a Workout Plan
Because of these and other benefits of exercise, it may be tempting to jump into a new workout routine right away. While this level of motivation is commendable, doing so may not be the best idea if you have diabetes. Exercise can affect your blood glucose levels, so you’ll want to work with your healthcare team to build an exercise plan first.
Take An Exercise Stress Test
While creating your exercise plan, you may need to go through an exercise stress test. With this test, your healthcare team will be able to determine how physical activity affects your heart.
For most exercise stress tests, patients work out on a treadmill, starting at a slow walking pace before the intensity of this exercise increases. At the same time, these patients are connected to an electrocardiogram machine. This way, healthcare professionals can observe their heart rate and determine what level of exercise they can get without health risks.
All sorts of people can benefit from exercise stress tests, including people who have had type 2 diabetes for more than a decade, people with neuropathy or heart disease, and people over the age of 35. Do you fit any of these categories or have concerns about your ability to exercise? If so, ask your healthcare team about the possibility of doing a stress test.
Keep an Eye on Blood Glucose Levels
While the effects of exercise on your glucose levels can be a powerful motivator, this isn’t the only reason you should closely monitor these levels before, during, and after a workout. In some cases, exercise can lower your blood glucose level too much.
It’s essential for people taking insulin or other medications as part of their diabetes management efforts to consider this. Once you’ve gotten into a steady exercise routine, you may need to decrease your doses of these medications to avoid hypoglycemia. And when exercise is combined with a healthy diet and other lifestyle changes, some people with type 2 diabetes might be able to eliminate their need for diabetes medications.
Along with adjusting medication dosage, you can prevent or treat dangerously low blood sugar with carbohydrates. If you take diabetes medications, it’s a good idea to bring a fast-acting source of carbs with you when you work out. Glucose tablets, fruit juice, hard candies, and fresh fruit all fit the bill.
Diabetes Workout Schedules 101
If you weren’t getting much – or any – physical activity before receiving your diabetes diagnosis, you won’t be able to jump into a grueling workout routine right away. Instead, the best way to start exercising is by getting a comfortable amount of activity. Then, you can gradually increase the length, frequency, and intensity level of your workouts. Eventually, you’ll want to get 20-45 minutes of exercise, not including five to ten minutes to warm up before your workout and an equal amount of time to cool down after you finish. The goal is to get at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity physical activity.
Exercise for diabetes management doesn’t need to push you to your absolute limit. While you’ll want to increase your pulse and breathing rate, you should still be able to carry on a conversation while exercising. You can also use a pulse monitor to see how your heart rate compares to your target heart rate for added precision.
How often you exercise matters, too. If your goal is staying healthy and controlling your blood sugar, you should exercise at least three or four days a week. On the other hand, when you’re aiming to lose weight, it’s a good idea to increase this to at least five times a week.
How to Stick With It
Even if you’re able to create a perfect exercise routine, it won’t help you in the long term if you only follow it for a few weeks or months. But even if you’re optimistic about your lifestyle changes when you first get started, it can be challenging to stay motivated as time goes on.
Fortunately, there are a few ways to make it easier to stick to your workout plan:
Use rewards to your advantage. After every week or month you’ve followed your exercise routine, give yourself a treat to celebrate your success. (It’s best to use non-food rewards for this purpose, especially when you’re managing diabetes.)
Sign up for a gym. Doing so will let you use all sorts of exercise equipment and join the classes many gyms provide.
Give exercise videos a try. Like any type of video, these are easier to find than ever, thanks to the Internet. You might be able to find workout DVDs at your local library, too.
Use a pedometer to keep track of how much you are walking daily. Slowly work up to at least 10,00 steps a day.
Don’t do it alone. The sense of community provided by exercise groups can be a surprisingly strong motivator. Or you can set up a “buddy system” with a fitness-minded friend!
Monitor your progress. The easier it is to see how exercise is helping you, the easier it will be to keep exercising. A workout diary is a wonderful way to keep tabs on your exercise journey.
Other Ways to Get Physical Activity
It’s no secret that workout routines can be beneficial. Still, there are many different ways to increase your level of physical activity – some of which don’t involve setting foot in a gym. Over time, small steps like these can really add up:
Turn TV time into workout time. Do stretches while watching your show of choice, and do sit-ups or leg lifts during commercials. Also, doing chores around the house burns calories.
Spend time with your family. An after-dinner walk is ideal for improving your health while building valuable memories.
Go out and walk your dog. Dogs need exercise too!
Don’t take the elevator – climb the stairs instead.
Park further away than you usually would in a parking lot. That way, you’ll get a short walk in.
When you have to run errands, travel on bike or foot if you can.
Focus on Health With ADS
It can feel challenging to think about physical fitness when dealing with stress, even though exercise is a great way to reduce anxiety. Of course, people can’t control some sources of stress. Because of this, it’s imperative to deal with the problems you can fix.
If you’ve ever been concerned about running out of diabetes supplies, finding a more reliable company for these products is a good idea. ADS specializes in diabetes-related supplies, and we offer refill reminders and speedy shipping to ensure you’ll always have access to what you need. Take a look at the products ADS sells today!
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A majority of people with diabetes will have to deal with high blood pressure – and this condition can make the complications of diabetes worse. Discover the connections between hypertension and diabetes and find out how you can control high blood pressure.
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For people with diabetes, one of the biggest obstacles to maintaining a normal blood sugar level is the amount of sugar found in all kinds of foods. While you don’t need to eliminate sugar from your diet if you have this condition, it’s essential to keep your sugar consumption in check. And sugar isn’t just found in foods where you would expect to see it – food manufacturers add sugars to many of their products.
Of course, sugar isn’t the only way to give foods and beverages a sweet taste. These days, many people with diabetes use artificial sweeteners and other sugar substitutes for this purpose. However, you should try to be smart about how you use any type of sweetener in your diet, so keep reading to find out more about artificial sweeteners and diabetes.
Know the Pros and Cons of Artificial Sweeteners
If you’re living with diabetes, you’ve likely researched sugar substitutes. The first options you’re likely to encounter are artificial sweeteners. This category includes popular brands like Splenda, Nutrasweet, and Sweet’ N Low, all of which add a sweet flavor to foods without impacting your carb count as much as “real” sugar does. They’re also much sweeter than sugar is on its own and can be as high as 500 times sweeter than ordinary sugar.
Artificial sweeteners may seem like they’re too good to be true, so it’s crucial to remember that they aren’t a magic bullet. Research into these products is still ongoing, and the results of studies focusing on their effects on glucose and insulin levels have been mixed. You’ll also need to be careful not to overindulge when eating artificially sweetened foods, as “sugar-free” foods aren’t always entirely free of carbohydrates.
At the same time, there’s no need to be overly cautious about artificial sweeteners. For example, back in the 1970s, studies suggested that saccharin had links to bladder cancer in lab rats. However, the National Cancer Institute states that human epidemiology studies have shown no consistent evidence that saccharin is associated with bladder cancer incidence.
Consider These Natural Alternatives
Would you like the benefits of alternative sweeteners without going the artificial route? If so, natural sugar alternatives may be suitable for you! Some prominent products in this category include:
Stevia. You may think of this as an artificial sweetener, but it’s made from the leaves of the stevia plant. Some stevia blends contain other sweeteners that can increase your blood sugar, but stevia on its own may increase your tolerance to glucose.
Tagatose. This is a newer sweetener option made from lactose found in dairy products. Studies regarding its health effects are still in the early stages, however, a few research studies have shown that tagatose may play a role in stabilizing blood sugar to help people reach their target goals.
Fruit-based sugar substitutes. It’s no secret that fruit contains sugar, and quite a few natural sweeteners take advantage of that fact. Dates are high in calories and natural sugars, but studies note that they don’t significantly affect blood sugar levels like table sugar does, even among people with diabetes. And monk fruit extract doesn’t have any calories or affect blood sugar levels, plus it may promote weight loss and improve blood sugar levels if used in place of regular sugar. However, there’s currently a lack of human studies on this sweetener. Also, keep in mind that monk fruit extract is often mixed with other sweeteners, so be sure to read the label before consuming it.
Don’t Overlook Hidden Sugar Alcohols
When you’re managing diabetes, finding “safe” foods isn’t as simple as looking for items that claim to be “sugar-free” or have “no sugar added.” Some of these products contain sugar alcohols – sugar substitutes that work differently than other artificial and natural sweeteners.
Despite their name, sugar alcohols don’t consist of either alcohol or sugar. They contain fewer calories unlike sugar, which has four calories per gram, whereas sugar alcohols has just over two. They can be found in some fruits and vegetables, but the sugar alcohols in packaged foods are synthetic. Unlike glucose, you can metabolize sugar alcohols without insulin and partially digest them in your intestine. Sugar alcohols are still carbohydrates, so you’ll need to include them when counting carbs. Along with this, they have some known side effects, like bloating, gas, and abdominal pain. If you’re concerned about sugar alcohols in foods you’re planning to buy, check the nutrition facts label for these names: xylitol, sorbitol, isomalt, erythritol, and maltitol. As always, your dietitian or diabetes health-care team can help you decide if including any type of sugar substitutes in your eating plan is the best choice for you.
Remember You Can Still Have Some Sugar
While it’s a good idea to take your sugar intake seriously if you have diabetes, it’s easy to assume you can’t consume any sugar at all. There’s a good reason for that: people with diabetes were once encouraged to steer clear of sugar whenever possible. Despite this, newer research has shown that reasonable sugar consumption shouldn’t affect your ability to maintain a normal blood sugar level.
The trick is to eat controlled portions of foods containing sugars and make sure your overall diet is nutritious. Foods considered “sugary” often have low nutritional value and high levels of fat and calories, making them potentially dangerous to any diet – whether you have diabetes or not. But if you can eat small amounts of these foods, you should be fine.
That said, things get a bit more complicated when you look at sodas, fruit juice, and other sugary drinks. These beverages don’t just have high amounts of carbohydrates – the carbs they contain act faster than those found in foods. Still, even these have their place in a diabetes diet, as a few ounces of juice or non-diet soda can help counteract hypoglycemia.
ADS Makes Life with Diabetes Sweeter
It doesn’t matter if you prefer artificial sweeteners, natural sugar alternatives, or even small amounts of sugary foods. When you have diabetes, what’s truly important is eating a balanced, healthy diet. By combining this with other steps like taking your medication and getting physical activity, you’ll be able to keep your sweet tooth in check without causing problems for your diabetes management strategy.
To ensure your efforts to keep diabetes under control go smoothly, having access to the diabetes supplies you need when you need them is crucial. These days, more and more people appreciate the convenience of shopping online – and the internet’s best company for diabetes supplies is ADS. Take a look at our continuous glucose monitors, glucose meters, and other products today!
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Pregnancy (Diabetes during Pregnancy) is a wondrous and exciting time. Itís a time of change, both physically and emotionally. With the proper attention and prenatal medical care, most women with diabetes can enjoy their pregnancies and welcome a healthy baby into their lives.
Why Tight Blood Sugar Control Is Critically Important for women with Diabetes During Pregnancy
Blood sugar control is important from the first week of pregnancy all the way until delivery. Organogenesis takes place in the first trimester. Uncontrolled blood sugar during the early weeks of pregnancy increases the risk of miscarriage, and birth defects. (Women donít develop gestational diabetes until later in pregnancy, which means they don’t share these early pregnancy risks.)
Later in the pregnancy, uncontrolled blood sugar levels can cause fetal macrosomia, which may lead to shoulder dystocia, fractures, and the need for Cesarean section deliveries. Very high blood sugar levels can increase the risk of stillbirth.
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Eating right is essential to keeping your mind and body running at its best. During this year’s National Nutrition Month, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics reminds us to build an eating plan with your unique lifestyle and nutritional needs in mind. So whether you’re a career professional, vegetarian, student, athlete, or busy parent, it’s important to “Eat Right, Your Way, Every Day.”
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It’s time to learn about the factors and relationship between weight and diabetes that may be standing between a person living with diabetes and a healthier weight. In this piece, we will talk about why weight matters when managing diabetes.
What is the link between type 2 diabetes and body weight?
Diabetes and obesity are closely related. Excess body weight should be taken seriously and is just one risk factor for type 2 diabetes, along with your family history, diet, physical activity level and more.
While it is true that obesity can lead to diabetes, it is important to understand the link between insulin and weight. Insulin plays a role in regulating blood sugar levels and converting food energy into fat. It also helps break down fats and proteins. During digestion, insulin stimulates muscle, fat, and liver cells to absorb glucose. The cells either use this glucose for energy or convert it into fat for long-term storage. Eating more calories than the body needs will lead to excess glucose levels. If the cells do not remove glucose from the blood, the body will store it in the tissues as fat resulting in weight gain.
Understanding insulin resistance
The American Diabetes Association explains that people with insulin resistance, also known as impaired insulin sensitivity, have a built up a tolerance to insulin, making the hormone less effective. As a result, more insulin is needed to persuade fat and muscle cells to take up glucose and the liver to continue to store it.
The problem is that When you have type 2 diabetes, your body isn’t as receptive to insulin as it once was. This means that the insulin can’t filter out the glucose in your blood. Our bodies respond by making more insulin to combat this. Insulin also works to promote fat storage and block the release of fat from fat storage. So instead of losing weight, you keep gaining, thanks to all that insulin. The American Diabetes Association continues to explain that this is why people with type 2 diabetes tend to have elevated levels of circulating insulin. Over time, insulin resistance can get worse, and the pancreatic beta cells that make insulin can wear out. Eventually, the pancreas no longer produces enough insulin to overcome the cells’ resistance. The result is higher blood sugar levels, and ultimately prediabetes or type 2 diabetes.
Now if a person is identified as being pre-diabetic, the first thing their physician will recommend is weight loss to assist the body in absorbing insulin and lower the chances of developing type 2 diabetes. If you are already diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, you’re likely to hear the same thing: lose weight and change your lifestyle to stay healthy! To reduce the risk of weight gain with diabetes, it is important to manage glucose levels through a healthy diet and exercise.
Can losing weight reverse a type 2 diabetes diagnosis?
While T2D (type 2 diabetes) is incurable, it is possible to manage the disease through lifestyle changes, including (you guessed it) losing weight! By following a healthy diet, food portion control, and with increased physical activity you can manage diabetes. Also, taking steps to lose weight will move individuals living with type 2 diabetes in a positive direction.
How to stay at a healthy weight when you have diabetes.
When trying to maintain a healthy weight, there are a few simple things that you can do to help.
Eat well
It is important that people with diabetes keep track of how many calories they are consuming and which foods they are eating daily.
Never cut calories by skipping meals.
For variety, try to find fun and healthy alternatives for your everyday meals by using recipe websites online.
Try to stay away from refined carbohydrates. It can feel like there’s nothing better than a big bowl of pasta or warm garlic bread, but these are sure fire ways to mess up your blood sugar. Try whole grains like brown rice and quinoa instead. Focus on whole foods instead of highly processed foods. Also, keeping track of how many carbohydrates you eat and setting a limit for each meal can help keep your blood sugar levels in your target range. Work with your doctor or a registered dietitian to find out how many carbs you can eat each day and at each meal.
Watch your weight and waist size
Measure your weight and waist size. This way, you can make notes of changes and know if your diet and lifestyle are working out positively.
Remember, a healthy waist circumference depends on gender. The recommendations are:
less than 80cm (31.5 in) for all women
less than 94cm (37 in) for most men
Plan ahead
If you plan your meals, workouts, and weigh-ins ahead of time, it is far less likely for you to slip up.
Make a schedule or a calendar so that you can see progress from week to week. This can help motivate you to continue to reach your goals.
When daily obstacles occur in your planning, think about backup meal plans for example if you work late and don’t have time to make dinner when you get home.
Exercise!
Physical activity can not only help you lose weight but also make you feel better.
This can be one of the hardest things to start, so starting slow is ok. Just make sure that you are showing improvement each week.
Try to switch up the activities you do so that you do not get bored of one thing. It can make it easier to continue working out long term. A daily walk is a great way to start, but then you can mix in low impact activities like swimming, yoga, dancing, or Pilates.
What is considered a healthy weight?
Obesity is when you carry excess body fat. It involves both the size and amount of fat cells. Defined by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), “Obesity is considered a BMI of 30 or above”. Morbid obesity is over 40. BMI (body mass index) is “weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared”. When looking at what a healthy weight is for a person with diabetes, let’s look at the figures from the CDC, based on the BMI Index Chart.
Per the CDC, a normal BMI is between 18.5-24.9
If you want to calculate your BMI follow the link here!
Input versus Output
If the calories you eat are roughly equal to the calories you burn, then theoretically, you will stay about the same weight. When caloric intake exceeds the body’s requirements, excess calories are stored as fat.
One pound of body fat stores roughly 3,500 calories! Ouch! Getting rid of one pound of body fat requires using 3,500 calories out of storage. That won’t happen in a day. Weight takes time to put on and takes time to take off. A caloric deficit of 500 calories per day can mean losing one pound per week. To achieve this, it’s best to combine caloric restriction with increased energy expenditure through regular exercise. A suggested rate of weight loss is 1-2 pounds per week. Health benefits can be realized with even modest amounts of weight loss.
Small dietary changes can make a difference over time. Giving up 150 calories per day saves you 54,750 calories per year! (150 calories is the number of calories in either 1-ounce of regular potato chips or 12 ounces of regular soda.) When cutting back on calories, be sure to eat a varied and well-balanced diet. You still need the recommended amount of vitamins and minerals.
It’s easy to eat more food than you need without realizing it. The plate method is a simple, visual way to make sure you get enough non-starchy vegetables and lean protein while limiting the amount of higher-carbohydrate foods you eat that have the highest impact on your blood sugar.
Even a modest weight loss of 5 to 10 percent of your total body weight is likely to produce health benefits, such as improvements in blood pressure, blood cholesterol, and blood sugars.
Predict challenges and devise a plan to overcome them.
Act on your plan.
Get support, if needed.
Evaluate your progress.
Don’t get discouraged, and don’t give up! Stay positive.
Refine your plan or make changes to your plan as needed.
Kicking Off the Healthy T2D Lifestyle
We hope this piece gave you some concrete tips to get started! Remember starting small is fine and that little every day changes can lead to big results in your type 2 diabetes management. Don’t forget that you can always work with Advanced Diabetes Supply for all of your diabetes testing needs. We are here to help!
Part of managing diabetes is understanding your blood glucose levels and knowing your ideal range. More time spent in range yields health benefits and can help prevent long-term problems like heart disease, loss of vision, and other diseases. Here we break down everything you need to know about blood glucose numbers, ideal ranges based by age, and methods to test at home with glucometers.
What is Blood Sugar?
Let’s start with the basics. Blood sugar, or glucose, is the main sugar found in your blood. It comes from the food you eat and is your body’s main source of energy. Your blood carries glucose to all your body’s cells to use for energy.
How Does Blood Sugar Impact Diabetes?
Too much sugar in the blood could cause many different problems in your body, including heart disease, kidney damage, blindness, and loss of feeling in your feet and hands. In this piece, we will talk about the specifics of blood glucose and the different ways to test and manage your blood glucose levels.
What is a Blood Glucose Number?
Your blood glucose number or blood sugar level is the concentration of sugar in your blood at any given time. People diagnosed with diabetes are at risk for high blood glucose levels, and over the years, these high levels can lead to problems and negatively impact one’s health. It is vital to keep your blood glucose in the normal range. The next time you visit your doctor, ask to have an HbA1c test. This is the test that will tell you what your average blood sugar level has been, overall, for the last three months. There’s no one-size-fits-all target when it comes to numbers. A1C target levels can vary by each person’s age and other factors, and your target may be different from someone else’s. The goal for most adults with diabetes is an A1C that is less than 7%. A1C test results are reported as a percentage. The higher the percentage, the higher your blood sugar levels over the past two to three months. What’s your number? The American Diabetes Association suggests an A1C of 7 percent for nonpregnant adults, but more or less stringent glycemic goals may be appropriate for each individual.
Normal Blood Glucose Ratings
So, what is a normal blood sugar range? Well, that depends on your age, time of day and how recently you last ate. Check out the age grouping below for the normal range and helpful tips.
Blood sugar testing provides useful information for diabetes management. It can help you:
Monitor the effect of diabetes medications on blood sugar levels
Identify blood sugar levels that are high or low
Learn how diet and exercise affect blood sugar levels
Understand how other factors, such as illness or stress, affect blood sugar levels
Track your progress in reaching your overall treatment goals
Your doctor will let you know how often to check your blood sugar levels. The frequency of testing usually depends on the type of diabetes you have and your treatment plan. Talk with your health care team about what blood sugar numbers are right for you.
Blood Sugar Range for Baby-Toddlers
Kids ages 6 and younger should have blood glucose ratings be in the range of about 80 to 200 mg/dL each day.
This range is considered healthy, however, the amount of glucose in a child’s body can fluctuate throughout the day from when they wake up, to after meals, and again at bedtime.
See the blood glucose numbers chart below for more specific ranges related to testing and pre and post mealtimes.
Blood Sugar Range for Kids-Tweens
Kids aged 6 to 12 should have blood sugar levels that range between 80 to 180 mg/dL over a day.
If needed, try to limit snacks before bed to keep a child’s blood sugar from rising too much before bedtime.
Blood Sugar Range for Teens
Teenagers should have average blood sugar levels that range between 70 to 150 mg/dL over their day.
This can be one of the most challenging times to manage diabetes because of the responsibility and discipline needed. Teenagers must be very diligent in watching what they eat, exercise regularly, and strictly adhere to prescribed medications to stay in control of their blood sugar levels.
Let’s take a look at some sample readings and what they indicate.
Adults who are 20 years or older will have blood sugar levels that range between 100-180 mg/dL over a day.
For adults struggling with blood sugar control, reach out to your doctor or healthcare provider for a treatment plan to help you manage your glucose levels.
It is important to know that some people may not feel the symptoms of high blood sugar or hyperglycemia until their levels are at 250 mg/dL or higher.
Watch your carbohydrate intake, especially with refined carbohydrates like white flour breads, pasta and sweets which can wreak havoc on your blood sugar. Include whole grains, and more non-starchy vegetables, such as broccoli, spinach, and green beans.
This is commonly known, but sugar intake will always raise your readings. Eat sweets in small portions and use sugar substitutes when you can.
Watch your weight! Weight can be an overall indicator of your body’s health so be sure to stay in the range recommended by your physician.
Exercise daily. The American Diabetes Association recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week. Just 20 minutes a day of light aerobic activity has been proven to lower blood sugar and allows the body to absorb insulin more efficiently.
Drink more water. When you don’t drink enough water, the glucose in your bloodstream becomes more concentrated. And that leads to higher blood sugar levels. Both mild and severe dehydration can have a notable impact on your diabetes.
How To Administer A Blood Glucose Test
There are different ways to check your blood sugar. The most common way to test is the old-fashioned way of poking your finger and then using a strip to test the blood in a blood glucose meter called a glucometer. It is important that you prick the side of your finger and not squeeze it to draw more blood. Instead, you can point your finger down and let the blood flow out.
This glucometer is one of the most modern and easy to use in the industry. The Accu-Chek comes equipped with a strip ejector as well as high visible lighting. This allows you to test in darker places and dispose of your strips easily. It is known for its accuracy and consistency when it comes to testing your blood glucose. Also, it features a smartphone app connecting your test results to your phone, so all of your previous tests and dates are stored right there on your phone, giving you the freedom to check on the go.
Wanting a glucometer that will help you properly manage your blood glucose? The OneTouch Verio Reflect is the first and only glucometer with a blood sugar mentor feature. This feature provides personalized insight for the patient as well as encouragement to deal with your blood glucose appropriately. It also comes with the ColorSure dynamic range indicator making it easy for people to interpret their results. The OneTouch Verio Reflect also connects to the OneTouch Reveal App, allowing you to store your results and data directly onto your smartphone.
The Nova Max Plus is one of the most convenient glucometers on the market. It is known for being quick, smart, and simple. It comes with great features such as fast testing time, small blood samples, no coding, low cost, and a large 400 test memory.
Not only that, but when the Nova Max System includes:
Nova Max Plus Meter with the battery included
10 Nova Max glucose testing strips
10 Nova Max lancelets
Day case
Advanced Diabetes Supply is Here to Help!
We know that keeping blood sugar in check can sound daunting at first. Just remember that the tips in this article are steps that you can take today to increase your time in range. If you have questions, you can always reach out to our on-staff Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist. At Advanced Diabetes Supply we’re proud to offer all of the glucometers listed above, plus diabetes testing supplies and continuous glucose monitors. Contact us to get started today!
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Today we have many types of insulin and delivery systems available to us. Which is right for you? Work with your doctor to determine if you need as few as one or as many as four or five injections per day. It will depend on what type of diabetes you have, your age and ability to manage low blood sugar reactions and your lifestyle.
Do you want beautiful, radiant, and glowing skin? It can be possible when your skin is supplied and nourished by certain vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Your skin can look healthier and younger by eating the right foods, Foods for Healthy Skin. Experts recommend that a balanced diet is the best way to get your share of good food for healthy skin. No need to go out and spend hundreds of dollars on certain skin-care products and lotions. Try eating these nutrients for an amazing and healthy complexion:
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The Blood Glucose Monitoring Device or Self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) with home blood glucose monitors is essential. The blood glucose (BG) results are used to assess the efficacy of therapy, and to provide data by which to make management decisions. Typically, patients who use insulin should be SMBG at least 3-4 times per day. Some type 1’s check as much as 6-8 times per day.† Individuals with type 2 diabetes should SMBG, but if well controlled they may need somewhat less frequent checks. Patients on diet therapy without medications may only need to check BG a few times per week. Type 2’s using oral agents should check at least 1-2 times daily, and vary the times.
When BG control is sub-optimal, frequency of monitoring should be increased to provide data for therapy changes. To assure proper technique, patients should receive training on meter use.
Exercise A Key Treatment For Type 2 Diabetes
Regular exercise is at the heart of any healthy lifestyle, and that goes double for people with diabetes. If you have type 2 diabetes, exercise could help to decrease your insulin resistance while improving your glucose control. Physical activity can also burn fat, and the resulting weight loss could make diabetes management considerably easier – even if you lose just five to ten pounds.
Considering all this, it’s clear that building and following a vigorous exercise regimen is crucial for avoiding and managing type 2 diabetes. Not sure where to get started? This article will explain the benefits of exercise, how to get more physical activity, and how to stick with your new exercise routine.
The Numerous Health Benefits of Exercise
It’s difficult to overstate just how much regular exercise can improve your health. Whether you have type 2 diabetes or prediabetes, exercise can go a long way towards helping you keep your blood glucose levels under control and avoid other type 2 diabetes symptoms – and that’s just scratching the surface.
Exercise can make your life better by:
Don’t Get Started Without a Workout Plan
Because of these and other benefits of exercise, it may be tempting to jump into a new workout routine right away. While this level of motivation is commendable, doing so may not be the best idea if you have diabetes. Exercise can affect your blood glucose levels, so you’ll want to work with your healthcare team to build an exercise plan first.
Take An Exercise Stress Test
While creating your exercise plan, you may need to go through an exercise stress test. With this test, your healthcare team will be able to determine how physical activity affects your heart.
For most exercise stress tests, patients work out on a treadmill, starting at a slow walking pace before the intensity of this exercise increases. At the same time, these patients are connected to an electrocardiogram machine. This way, healthcare professionals can observe their heart rate and determine what level of exercise they can get without health risks.
All sorts of people can benefit from exercise stress tests, including people who have had type 2 diabetes for more than a decade, people with neuropathy or heart disease, and people over the age of 35. Do you fit any of these categories or have concerns about your ability to exercise? If so, ask your healthcare team about the possibility of doing a stress test.
Keep an Eye on Blood Glucose Levels
While the effects of exercise on your glucose levels can be a powerful motivator, this isn’t the only reason you should closely monitor these levels before, during, and after a workout. In some cases, exercise can lower your blood glucose level too much.
It’s essential for people taking insulin or other medications as part of their diabetes management efforts to consider this. Once you’ve gotten into a steady exercise routine, you may need to decrease your doses of these medications to avoid hypoglycemia. And when exercise is combined with a healthy diet and other lifestyle changes, some people with type 2 diabetes might be able to eliminate their need for diabetes medications.
Along with adjusting medication dosage, you can prevent or treat dangerously low blood sugar with carbohydrates. If you take diabetes medications, it’s a good idea to bring a fast-acting source of carbs with you when you work out. Glucose tablets, fruit juice, hard candies, and fresh fruit all fit the bill.
Diabetes Workout Schedules 101
If you weren’t getting much – or any – physical activity before receiving your diabetes diagnosis, you won’t be able to jump into a grueling workout routine right away. Instead, the best way to start exercising is by getting a comfortable amount of activity. Then, you can gradually increase the length, frequency, and intensity level of your workouts. Eventually, you’ll want to get 20-45 minutes of exercise, not including five to ten minutes to warm up before your workout and an equal amount of time to cool down after you finish. The goal is to get at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity physical activity.
Exercise for diabetes management doesn’t need to push you to your absolute limit. While you’ll want to increase your pulse and breathing rate, you should still be able to carry on a conversation while exercising. You can also use a pulse monitor to see how your heart rate compares to your target heart rate for added precision.
How often you exercise matters, too. If your goal is staying healthy and controlling your blood sugar, you should exercise at least three or four days a week. On the other hand, when you’re aiming to lose weight, it’s a good idea to increase this to at least five times a week.
How to Stick With It
Even if you’re able to create a perfect exercise routine, it won’t help you in the long term if you only follow it for a few weeks or months. But even if you’re optimistic about your lifestyle changes when you first get started, it can be challenging to stay motivated as time goes on.
Fortunately, there are a few ways to make it easier to stick to your workout plan:
Other Ways to Get Physical Activity
It’s no secret that workout routines can be beneficial. Still, there are many different ways to increase your level of physical activity – some of which don’t involve setting foot in a gym. Over time, small steps like these can really add up:
Focus on Health With ADS
It can feel challenging to think about physical fitness when dealing with stress, even though exercise is a great way to reduce anxiety. Of course, people can’t control some sources of stress. Because of this, it’s imperative to deal with the problems you can fix.
If you’ve ever been concerned about running out of diabetes supplies, finding a more reliable company for these products is a good idea. ADS specializes in diabetes-related supplies, and we offer refill reminders and speedy shipping to ensure you’ll always have access to what you need. Take a look at the products ADS sells today!
Beware of Diabetes and High Blood Pressure
A majority of people with diabetes will have to deal with high blood pressure – and this condition can make the complications of diabetes worse. Discover the connections between hypertension and diabetes and find out how you can control high blood pressure.
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All About Artificial Sweeteners and Diabetes | ADS
For people with diabetes, one of the biggest obstacles to maintaining a normal blood sugar level is the amount of sugar found in all kinds of foods. While you don’t need to eliminate sugar from your diet if you have this condition, it’s essential to keep your sugar consumption in check. And sugar isn’t just found in foods where you would expect to see it – food manufacturers add sugars to many of their products.
Of course, sugar isn’t the only way to give foods and beverages a sweet taste. These days, many people with diabetes use artificial sweeteners and other sugar substitutes for this purpose. However, you should try to be smart about how you use any type of sweetener in your diet, so keep reading to find out more about artificial sweeteners and diabetes.
Know the Pros and Cons of Artificial Sweeteners
If you’re living with diabetes, you’ve likely researched sugar substitutes. The first options you’re likely to encounter are artificial sweeteners. This category includes popular brands like Splenda, Nutrasweet, and Sweet’ N Low, all of which add a sweet flavor to foods without impacting your carb count as much as “real” sugar does. They’re also much sweeter than sugar is on its own and can be as high as 500 times sweeter than ordinary sugar.
Artificial sweeteners may seem like they’re too good to be true, so it’s crucial to remember that they aren’t a magic bullet. Research into these products is still ongoing, and the results of studies focusing on their effects on glucose and insulin levels have been mixed. You’ll also need to be careful not to overindulge when eating artificially sweetened foods, as “sugar-free” foods aren’t always entirely free of carbohydrates.
At the same time, there’s no need to be overly cautious about artificial sweeteners. For example, back in the 1970s, studies suggested that saccharin had links to bladder cancer in lab rats. However, the National Cancer Institute states that human epidemiology studies have shown no consistent evidence that saccharin is associated with bladder cancer incidence.
Consider These Natural Alternatives
Would you like the benefits of alternative sweeteners without going the artificial route? If so, natural sugar alternatives may be suitable for you! Some prominent products in this category include:
Don’t Overlook Hidden Sugar Alcohols
When you’re managing diabetes, finding “safe” foods isn’t as simple as looking for items that claim to be “sugar-free” or have “no sugar added.” Some of these products contain sugar alcohols – sugar substitutes that work differently than other artificial and natural sweeteners.
Despite their name, sugar alcohols don’t consist of either alcohol or sugar. They contain fewer calories unlike sugar, which has four calories per gram, whereas sugar alcohols has just over two. They can be found in some fruits and vegetables, but the sugar alcohols in packaged foods are synthetic. Unlike glucose, you can metabolize sugar alcohols without insulin and partially digest them in your intestine. Sugar alcohols are still carbohydrates, so you’ll need to include them when counting carbs. Along with this, they have some known side effects, like bloating, gas, and abdominal pain. If you’re concerned about sugar alcohols in foods you’re planning to buy, check the nutrition facts label for these names: xylitol, sorbitol, isomalt, erythritol, and maltitol. As always, your dietitian or diabetes health-care team can help you decide if including any type of sugar substitutes in your eating plan is the best choice for you.
Remember You Can Still Have Some Sugar
While it’s a good idea to take your sugar intake seriously if you have diabetes, it’s easy to assume you can’t consume any sugar at all. There’s a good reason for that: people with diabetes were once encouraged to steer clear of sugar whenever possible. Despite this, newer research has shown that reasonable sugar consumption shouldn’t affect your ability to maintain a normal blood sugar level.
The trick is to eat controlled portions of foods containing sugars and make sure your overall diet is nutritious. Foods considered “sugary” often have low nutritional value and high levels of fat and calories, making them potentially dangerous to any diet – whether you have diabetes or not. But if you can eat small amounts of these foods, you should be fine.
That said, things get a bit more complicated when you look at sodas, fruit juice, and other sugary drinks. These beverages don’t just have high amounts of carbohydrates – the carbs they contain act faster than those found in foods. Still, even these have their place in a diabetes diet, as a few ounces of juice or non-diet soda can help counteract hypoglycemia.
ADS Makes Life with Diabetes Sweeter
It doesn’t matter if you prefer artificial sweeteners, natural sugar alternatives, or even small amounts of sugary foods. When you have diabetes, what’s truly important is eating a balanced, healthy diet. By combining this with other steps like taking your medication and getting physical activity, you’ll be able to keep your sweet tooth in check without causing problems for your diabetes management strategy.
To ensure your efforts to keep diabetes under control go smoothly, having access to the diabetes supplies you need when you need them is crucial. These days, more and more people appreciate the convenience of shopping online – and the internet’s best company for diabetes supplies is ADS. Take a look at our continuous glucose monitors, glucose meters, and other products today!
Diabetes & Pregnancy Twice As Important
Pregnancy (Diabetes during Pregnancy) is a wondrous and exciting time. Itís a time of change, both physically and emotionally. With the proper attention and prenatal medical care, most women with diabetes can enjoy their pregnancies and welcome a healthy baby into their lives.
Why Tight Blood Sugar Control Is Critically Important for women with Diabetes During Pregnancy
Blood sugar control is important from the first week of pregnancy all the way until delivery. Organogenesis takes place in the first trimester. Uncontrolled blood sugar during the early weeks of pregnancy increases the risk of miscarriage, and birth defects. (Women donít develop gestational diabetes until later in pregnancy, which means they don’t share these early pregnancy risks.)
Later in the pregnancy, uncontrolled blood sugar levels can cause fetal macrosomia, which may lead to shoulder dystocia, fractures, and the need for Cesarean section deliveries. Very high blood sugar levels can increase the risk of stillbirth.
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Eat Right For Your Lifestyle During National Nutrition Month And Beyond
Eating right is essential to keeping your mind and body running at its best. During this year’s National Nutrition Month, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics reminds us to build an eating plan with your unique lifestyle and nutritional needs in mind. So whether you’re a career professional, vegetarian, student, athlete, or busy parent, it’s important to “Eat Right, Your Way, Every Day.”
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Diabetes & Your Weight: Weight Matters
It’s time to learn about the factors and relationship between weight and diabetes that may be standing between a person living with diabetes and a healthier weight. In this piece, we will talk about why weight matters when managing diabetes.
What is the link between type 2 diabetes and body weight?
Diabetes and obesity are closely related. Excess body weight should be taken seriously and is just one risk factor for type 2 diabetes, along with your family history, diet, physical activity level and more.
According to the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, more than 90 percent of people with type 2 diabetes are overweight or have obesity.
While it is true that obesity can lead to diabetes, it is important to understand the link between insulin and weight. Insulin plays a role in regulating blood sugar levels and converting food energy into fat. It also helps break down fats and proteins. During digestion, insulin stimulates muscle, fat, and liver cells to absorb glucose. The cells either use this glucose for energy or convert it into fat for long-term storage. Eating more calories than the body needs will lead to excess glucose levels. If the cells do not remove glucose from the blood, the body will store it in the tissues as fat resulting in weight gain.
Understanding insulin resistance
The American Diabetes Association explains that people with insulin resistance, also known as impaired insulin sensitivity, have a built up a tolerance to insulin, making the hormone less effective. As a result, more insulin is needed to persuade fat and muscle cells to take up glucose and the liver to continue to store it.
The problem is that When you have type 2 diabetes, your body isn’t as receptive to insulin as it once was. This means that the insulin can’t filter out the glucose in your blood. Our bodies respond by making more insulin to combat this. Insulin also works to promote fat storage and block the release of fat from fat storage. So instead of losing weight, you keep gaining, thanks to all that insulin. The American Diabetes Association continues to explain that this is why people with type 2 diabetes tend to have elevated levels of circulating insulin. Over time, insulin resistance can get worse, and the pancreatic beta cells that make insulin can wear out. Eventually, the pancreas no longer produces enough insulin to overcome the cells’ resistance. The result is higher blood sugar levels, and ultimately prediabetes or type 2 diabetes.
Now if a person is identified as being pre-diabetic, the first thing their physician will recommend is weight loss to assist the body in absorbing insulin and lower the chances of developing type 2 diabetes. If you are already diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, you’re likely to hear the same thing: lose weight and change your lifestyle to stay healthy! To reduce the risk of weight gain with diabetes, it is important to manage glucose levels through a healthy diet and exercise.
Can losing weight reverse a type 2 diabetes diagnosis?
While T2D (type 2 diabetes) is incurable, it is possible to manage the disease through lifestyle changes, including (you guessed it) losing weight! By following a healthy diet, food portion control, and with increased physical activity you can manage diabetes. Also, taking steps to lose weight will move individuals living with type 2 diabetes in a positive direction.
How to stay at a healthy weight when you have diabetes.
When trying to maintain a healthy weight, there are a few simple things that you can do to help.
Eat well
Watch your weight and waist size
Plan ahead
Exercise!
What is considered a healthy weight?
Obesity is when you carry excess body fat. It involves both the size and amount of fat cells. Defined by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), “Obesity is considered a BMI of 30 or above”. Morbid obesity is over 40. BMI (body mass index) is “weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared”. When looking at what a healthy weight is for a person with diabetes, let’s look at the figures from the CDC, based on the BMI Index Chart.
Per the CDC, a normal BMI is between 18.5-24.9
If you want to calculate your BMI follow the link here!
Input versus Output
If the calories you eat are roughly equal to the calories you burn, then theoretically, you will stay about the same weight. When caloric intake exceeds the body’s requirements, excess calories are stored as fat.
One pound of body fat stores roughly 3,500 calories! Ouch! Getting rid of one pound of body fat requires using 3,500 calories out of storage. That won’t happen in a day. Weight takes time to put on and takes time to take off. A caloric deficit of 500 calories per day can mean losing one pound per week. To achieve this, it’s best to combine caloric restriction with increased energy expenditure through regular exercise. A suggested rate of weight loss is 1-2 pounds per week. Health benefits can be realized with even modest amounts of weight loss.
Small dietary changes can make a difference over time. Giving up 150 calories per day saves you 54,750 calories per year! (150 calories is the number of calories in either 1-ounce of regular potato chips or 12 ounces of regular soda.) When cutting back on calories, be sure to eat a varied and well-balanced diet. You still need the recommended amount of vitamins and minerals.
The Plate Method
Even a modest weight loss of 5 to 10 percent of your total body weight is likely to produce health benefits, such as improvements in blood pressure, blood cholesterol, and blood sugars.
Behavior Change Tips
Kicking Off the Healthy T2D Lifestyle
We hope this piece gave you some concrete tips to get started! Remember starting small is fine and that little every day changes can lead to big results in your type 2 diabetes management. Don’t forget that you can always work with Advanced Diabetes Supply for all of your diabetes testing needs. We are here to help!
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Blood Glucose Numbers | What They Mean & How to Stay in Range
Part of managing diabetes is understanding your blood glucose levels and knowing your ideal range. More time spent in range yields health benefits and can help prevent long-term problems like heart disease, loss of vision, and other diseases. Here we break down everything you need to know about blood glucose numbers, ideal ranges based by age, and methods to test at home with glucometers.
What is Blood Sugar?
Let’s start with the basics. Blood sugar, or glucose, is the main sugar found in your blood. It comes from the food you eat and is your body’s main source of energy. Your blood carries glucose to all your body’s cells to use for energy.
How Does Blood Sugar Impact Diabetes?
Too much sugar in the blood could cause many different problems in your body, including heart disease, kidney damage, blindness, and loss of feeling in your feet and hands. In this piece, we will talk about the specifics of blood glucose and the different ways to test and manage your blood glucose levels.
What is a Blood Glucose Number?
Your blood glucose number or blood sugar level is the concentration of sugar in your blood at any given time. People diagnosed with diabetes are at risk for high blood glucose levels, and over the years, these high levels can lead to problems and negatively impact one’s health. It is vital to keep your blood glucose in the normal range. The next time you visit your doctor, ask to have an HbA1c test. This is the test that will tell you what your average blood sugar level has been, overall, for the last three months. There’s no one-size-fits-all target when it comes to numbers. A1C target levels can vary by each person’s age and other factors, and your target may be different from someone else’s. The goal for most adults with diabetes is an A1C that is less than 7%. A1C test results are reported as a percentage. The higher the percentage, the higher your blood sugar levels over the past two to three months. What’s your number? The American Diabetes Association suggests an A1C of 7 percent for nonpregnant adults, but more or less stringent glycemic goals may be appropriate for each individual.
Normal Blood Glucose Ratings
So, what is a normal blood sugar range? Well, that depends on your age, time of day and how recently you last ate. Check out the age grouping below for the normal range and helpful tips.
Blood sugar testing provides useful information for diabetes management. It can help you:
Your doctor will let you know how often to check your blood sugar levels. The frequency of testing usually depends on the type of diabetes you have and your treatment plan. Talk with your health care team about what blood sugar numbers are right for you.
Blood Sugar Range for Baby-Toddlers
Blood Sugar Range for Kids-Tweens
Blood Sugar Range for Teens
Let’s take a look at some sample readings and what they indicate.
Blood Glucose Numbers Chart For Children
Blood Sugar Range for Adults
Blood Glucose Numbers Chart For Adults
Tips to Increase Time In Range (TIR)
How To Administer A Blood Glucose Test
There are different ways to check your blood sugar. The most common way to test is the old-fashioned way of poking your finger and then using a strip to test the blood in a blood glucose meter called a glucometer. It is important that you prick the side of your finger and not squeeze it to draw more blood. Instead, you can point your finger down and let the blood flow out.
Tools To Administer A Blood Glucose Test
Accu-Chek Guide:
This glucometer is one of the most modern and easy to use in the industry. The Accu-Chek comes equipped with a strip ejector as well as high visible lighting. This allows you to test in darker places and dispose of your strips easily. It is known for its accuracy and consistency when it comes to testing your blood glucose. Also, it features a smartphone app connecting your test results to your phone, so all of your previous tests and dates are stored right there on your phone, giving you the freedom to check on the go.
OneTouch Verio Reflect:
Wanting a glucometer that will help you properly manage your blood glucose? The OneTouch Verio Reflect is the first and only glucometer with a blood sugar mentor feature. This feature provides personalized insight for the patient as well as encouragement to deal with your blood glucose appropriately. It also comes with the ColorSure dynamic range indicator making it easy for people to interpret their results. The OneTouch Verio Reflect also connects to the OneTouch Reveal App, allowing you to store your results and data directly onto your smartphone.
Nova Max Plus:
The Nova Max Plus is one of the most convenient glucometers on the market. It is known for being quick, smart, and simple. It comes with great features such as fast testing time, small blood samples, no coding, low cost, and a large 400 test memory.
Not only that, but when the Nova Max System includes:
Advanced Diabetes Supply is Here to Help!
We know that keeping blood sugar in check can sound daunting at first. Just remember that the tips in this article are steps that you can take today to increase your time in range. If you have questions, you can always reach out to our on-staff Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist. At Advanced Diabetes Supply we’re proud to offer all of the glucometers listed above, plus diabetes testing supplies and continuous glucose monitors. Contact us to get started today!
Insulin & Delivery Types Available
Today we have many types of insulin and delivery systems available to us. Which is right for you? Work with your doctor to determine if you need as few as one or as many as four or five injections per day. It will depend on what type of diabetes you have, your age and ability to manage low blood sugar reactions and your lifestyle.
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Nutrients To Eat For Healthy Skin
Do you want beautiful, radiant, and glowing skin? It can be possible when your skin is supplied and nourished by certain vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Your skin can look healthier and younger by eating the right foods, Foods for Healthy Skin. Experts recommend that a balanced diet is the best way to get your share of good food for healthy skin. No need to go out and spend hundreds of dollars on certain skin-care products and lotions. Try eating these nutrients for an amazing and healthy complexion:
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Home Blood Glucose Monitoring
The Blood Glucose Monitoring Device or Self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) with home blood glucose monitors is essential. The blood glucose (BG) results are used to assess the efficacy of therapy, and to provide data by which to make management decisions. Typically, patients who use insulin should be SMBG at least 3-4 times per day. Some type 1’s check as much as 6-8 times per day.† Individuals with type 2 diabetes should SMBG, but if well controlled they may need somewhat less frequent checks. Patients on diet therapy without medications may only need to check BG a few times per week. Type 2’s using oral agents should check at least 1-2 times daily, and vary the times.
Read more