Did you know that a colorful, pink fruit could actually help you manage your diabetes? That fruit is dragon fruit, and it has many health benefits for people with diabetes.Here’s how Dragon Fruit help youLow Glycemic Index (GI)Dragon fruit has a low glycemic index (GI). This means it won’t cause your blood sugar to rise too quickly. Foods with low GI are good for people with diabetes because they help keep blood sugar levels steady.High in FiberDragon fruit is packed with prebiotic fiber, which helps regulate blood sugar levels. Fiber slows down the way sugar is absorbed into your body, helping prevent blood sugar spikes. Eating fiber-rich foods can help you control your blood sugar better.Packed with AntioxidantsThis tropical fruit is full of antioxidants like vitamin C, flavonoids, & phenolic acid, which help reduce inflammation and promote overall health. Since people with diabetes may have more inflammation in their body, antioxidants can help lower that inflammation and improve overall health.Supports DigestionDragon fruit contains a prebiotic known as DFO (Dragon Fruit Oligosaccharide), which support gut health. A healthy gut is important for managing diabetes, as it helps your body use insulin better and keeps your blood sugar levels more stable.Low in CaloriesDragon fruit is low in calories and has no fat. It’s a great option if you’re watching your weight or trying to keep your blood sugar levels in control. It’s a healthy, low-calorie snack that won’t add to your daily calorie count.How to Enjoy Dragon Fruit:Eat it fresh as a snack or add it to your salads.Blend it into smoothies for a refreshing drink.Mix it into yogurt or oatmeal for a colorful touch.Adding dragon fruit to your diet can be a tasty and healthy way to manage your diabetes. Give it a try and enjoy the benefits of this bright, nutritious fruit!Source:-1. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5590977/ 2. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9861186/ 3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28886195/

If you have diabetes, it is important to keep your blood glucose levels under control. When diabetes is not managed properly, it can put your health at risk, particularly your feet. Due to poor blood circulation and compromised immunity, nerve damage can occur, leading to ulcers or open wounds on the foot. This condition is known as Diabetic Foot Ulcer.Treatment of Diabetic Foot Ulcers to promote healing and prevent complications like infections and amputation.Debridement: This involves the removal of dead, damaged, or infected tissue from the ulcer, which promotes new tissue growth and reduces the risk of infection. Debridement should be performed by a healthcare professional.Infection Control: Diabetic Foot Ulcers are more prone to infection due to poor blood flow and immunity. In such cases, a bacterial culture should be conducted, and the appropriate antibiotics should be prescribed to control the infection.Offloading: Offloading refers to reducing the pressure on the area of the foot with ulcers to prevent further wounds or infections. There are special diabetic shoes available in the market that help distribute weight away from the ulcerated area, reducing pressure.Maintaining Moisture Around the Wound: Moisture helps cell movement, prevents dryness of the tissue around the wound, reduces pain, and promotes healing.Revascularization: High blood glucose can lead to poor blood circulation and damaged blood vessels. Procedures like angioplasty or bypass surgery may be performed to restore blood flow to the affected area.In addition to these treatments, controlling your blood sugar through dietary changes and physical activity is crucial to staying healthy. Proper foot care, including regular checks for injuries and wearing diabetes-friendly footwear, is also essential.Source:- 1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5793889/ 2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3508111/

Jaggery or Sugar: Which one is better to eat? Especially when you have diabetes?Is jaggery healthy or sugar? What’s the difference between the two?Nowadays, almost everyone is cutting sugar from their diet because sugar is considered the biggest enemy of your health. Many people are using jaggery as a sweetener in their diet. But is jaggery really as beneficial as people think, compared to sugar?Let’s dive into the details, and first, let’s compare the nutritional values of jaggery and sugar!100 grams of jaggery contains 383 calories, while 100 grams of sugar contains 387 calories.Jaggery contains minerals like iron, magnesium, potassium, and calcium, whereas sugar only contains calories. These nutrients in jaggery are the reason why it's considered healthy.However, if we talk about the glycemic index, the glycemic index of sugar is 65, which is considered medium, while the glycemic index of jaggery is 84, which is quite high. The glycemic index is a scale that indicates how quickly a particular food raises blood sugar levels. The lower the glycemic index, the safer it is.This means that eating jaggery can raise your blood sugar levels much faster compared to sugar.Now the question arises, is jaggery healthy or not? And if someone has diabetes, what should they eat?Whether you eat jaggery or sugar, your sugar level will increase in both cases. In diabetes, you should avoid both jaggery and sugar.And if you think jaggery is healthy and are consuming it while having diabetes, you’re making a big mistake.Because jaggery is less sweet than sugar, you may end up consuming 2 spoons of jaggery where you would normally use 1 spoon of sugar. This means you are consuming double the calories for a few nutrients, and your blood sugar level is also increasing significantly.If you want to have a natural sweetener, you should opt for things like stevia or erythritol.Source:- 1.https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/efd2.75 2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6046027/

Excessive sugar consumption is a growing concern, with many people surpassing the World Health Organization's recommended daily limit of 50 grams (12 teaspoons) of sugar. This overconsumption, often due to hidden sugars in fast foods and processed foods, poses various health risks.There are several natural sweeteners that offer a healthier alternative without compromising taste:1. SteviaOrigin: Used for centuries in South America.Benefits: Contains stevioside, which is over 200 times sweeter than sugar. Zero calories and carbs, making it ideal for diabetics and those looking to lose weight.Drawback: Can leave a metallic aftertaste.2. ErythritolOrigin: Naturally found in some fruits.Benefits: Low in calories, does not raise blood sugar or cholesterol levels, and is less likely to cause digestive issues compared to other sugar alcohols.3. XylitolOrigin: Found in many fruits and vegetables.Benefits: As sweet as sugar without raising blood sugar levels. Helps reduce the risk of dental cavities and osteoporosis.Drawback: Can cause digestive issues like gas and diarrhea if consumed in large amounts.4. Monk Fruit SugarOrigin: Extracted from monk fruit, used since the 19th century.Benefits: Contains mogrosides, making it over 300 times sweeter than regular sugar. Zero calories and carbs, does not raise blood sugar levels, and is generally safe for consumption.Consideration: Ensure it is not mixed with other sweeteners that may cause side effects.5. AlluloseOrigin: Derived from figs, raisins, or maple syrup.Benefits: Zero calories, low in carbs, and does not cause digestive issues like some artificial sweeteners.These natural sweeteners can be excellent alternatives to regular sugar, helping to manage blood sugar levels, reduce calorie intake, and avoid the health risks associated with high sugar consumption.Source:-1. Arshad, S., Rehman, T., Saif, S., Rajoka, M. S. R., Ranjha, M. M. A. N., Hassoun, A., Cropotova, J., Trif, M., Younas, A., & Aadil, R. M. (2022). Replacement of refined sugar by natural sweeteners: focus on potential health benefits. Heliyon, 8(9), e10711. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e107112. Sharma, A., Amarnath, S., Thulasimani, M., & Ramaswamy, S. (2016). Artificial sweeteners as a sugar substitute: Are they really safe?. Indian journal of pharmacology, 48(3), 237–240. https://doi.org/10.4103/0253-7613.182888

According to the International Diabetes Federation(IDF), about 6 million death occur due to diabetes each year globally. Diabetes is commonly mistaken as a minor disease that doesn’t cause any further health issues, which is a myth. while, the fact is that if diabetes is left untreated then it can affect other organs such as the kidneys, liver, and heart.In this video we will discuss the most common myths about diabetes.1. Myth: People with diabetes can't eat sugar! Fact: This is the most common myth about diabetes, but that's not true.People with diabetes can eat sugar but in limitation instead of eating sugar free diets. Because sugar is essential for body to produce glucose, while excessive sugar intake can lead to high blood glucose. 2. Myth: Only Obese People Can Get Diabetes. Fact: People who are underweight or normal weight can also get diabetes. However, obese people are at higher risk of getting diabetes because, excess fat in the body stops the glucose from being transferred to the cells leading to high blood glucose. 3. Myth: I eat a lot of sweets and sugar daily, I’ll get diabetes. Fact: Eating sugar or sweets in moderation doesn't cause diabetes. But, the amount of carbohydrates you take and the amount of glucose that is made from those sugars can cause insulin resistance and make you overweight and hence increase the risk of diabetes. 4. Myth: Now, my blood sugar is under control, so I don't have to take diabetes medicines. Fact: Diabetes is a disease that can be controlled with a healthy lifestyle and food options, but it doesn't get cured. Instead it keeps progressing, so you should never stop eating diabetes medicine to keep your sugar level in control. 5. Myth: You can't drink alcohol if you are diabetic!Fact: You can drink alcohol in moderation, if you have diabetes. Drinking too much alcohol in diabetes can lead to severe hypoglycemia, a condition where your blood sugar levels drop.Source:-1.8 diabetes myths you shouldn't believe. (2024, June 13). 8 diabetes myths you shouldn't believe. https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/heart-matters-magazine/nutrition/myths-about-diet-and-diabetes2. Rai, M., & Kishore, J. (2009). Myths about diabetes and its treatment in North Indian population. International journal of diabetes in developing countries, 29(3), 129–132. https://doi.org/10.4103/0973-3930.54290

Keep Your Diabetes in Control! The recommended best time to check the sugar level in diabetic people are: early in the morning before having any food and at night before going to bed.But in some cases, the doctor can keep a check of blood sugar after every 2 to 3 hours after a meal and sometimes at midnight, based on the severity of your condition.However, a diabetic person should consider testing their blood sugar in these cases:1. Whenever he or she feels dizziness, confusion, and blurry vision.2. When they have lunch or dinner in a restaurant or junk food.3. When they get stressed out4. After every workout or exercise5. When prescribed new medicines by their doctor6. And Whenever they take an overdose of insulin or anti-diabetic medicines.These are a few recommendations, but you must take sugar tests if you experience any other symptoms of high blood sugar or low blood sugar.Source:-1. Mathew TK, Zubair M, Tadi P. Blood Glucose Monitoring. [Updated 2023 Apr 23]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK555976/2. Lal, A., Haque, N., Lee, J., Katta, S. R., Maranda, L., George, S., & Trivedi, N. (2021). Optimal Blood Glucose Monitoring Interval for Insulin Infusion in Critically Ill Non-Cardiothoracic Patients: A Pilot Study. Acta bio-medica : Atenei Parmensis, 92(1), e2021036. https://doi.org/10.23750/abm.v92i1.9083

Diabetes is caused by high blood sugar levels in the cells of the body, which can clog the blood vessels in the kidneys, reducing the passage through the nephrons (the part of the kidney that filters blood).This can also lead to the buildup of waste products in the body, causing urinary tract infections, high blood pressure, and kidney damage.When diabetes affects the kidneys, this condition is known as diabetic kidney disease or diabetic nephropathy.Diabetic Kidney Disease:Impact:Decreases kidney function.Over time, leads to kidney failure.Signs of Kidney Damage Due to Diabetes:Uncontrolled high blood pressureSwelling in feet and handsConfusion and disturbed thinkingLoss of appetiteNausea and vomitingItchinessFatigueWhen to See a Doctor:If you experience symptoms of diabetic kidney disease, seek a medical checkup.Get kidney tests done to assess kidney function.Source:-Diabetic Kidney Disease - NIDDK. (2024, May 22). Diabetic Kidney Disease - NIDDK. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/preventing-problems/diabetic-kidney-disease

When you are diabetic and experience high sugar levels, you might see these symptoms:- Feel thirsty frequently- Frequent urination- Feel tired- Infections- Blurred vision- Weight lossIn such cases, you can try these treatment options at home:1. Drink plenty of water: If you re diabetic and don't drink enough water, then the blood sugar can get concentrated making it harder to flow out in urine, leading to high blood sugar. So, drinking water can help dilute the sugar in the blood and eliminate it through urine. 2. Exercise: When you exercise, your body becomes sensitive to insulin, leading to lower blood sugar.3. Avoid Stress: When you are stressed, the body produces cortisol, a hormone that releases all stored glucose into the bloodstream leading to high blood sugar. Try to reduce stress by doing activities that you like such as: listening to your favorite songs.4. Have a Proper Sleep: When you don't sleep well, your body becomes more insensitive to insulin causing high blood sugar. So try to get 7 to 8 hours of sleep.5. Limit carbs intake: The more carbs you eat, the more glucose is formed in the body, which leads to high blood sugar. So, try to limit your carb intake.Remember to check your ketone levels, when you have symptoms of high blood sugar. If ketone levels are above 80 mg/ deciliter, consult your doctor immediately.Source:-1. About Sleep. (n.d.). About Sleep. Retrieved May 24, 2024, from https://www.cdc.gov/sleep/about/index.html2. Bolla, A. M., Caretto, A., Laurenzi, A., Scavini, M., & Piemonti, L. (2019). Low-Carb and Ketogenic Diets in Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes. Nutrients, 11(5), 962. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu110509623. Carbohydrates and Blood Sugar. (n.d.). Carbohydrates and Blood Sugar. Retrieved May 24, 2024, from https://nutritionsource.hsph.harvard.edu/carbohydrates/carbohydrates-and-blood-sugar/4. The importance of exercise when you have diabetes. (n.d.). The importance of exercise when you have diabetes. Retrieved May 24, 2024, from https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/the-importance-of-exercise-when-you-have-diabetesDisclaimer:-This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your treatment. Do not ignore or delay professional medical advice based on anything you have seen or read on Medwiki.Find us at:https://www.instagram.com/medwiki_/?h…https://twitter.com/medwiki_inchttps://www.facebook.com/medwiki.co.in/