Diabetes Diet and Exercise Questions

1. Can Someone Who's Prediabetic Make Dietary Changes to Avoid Full-Blown Diabetes?

   Yes -- and the single most important thing to do to reverse a prediabetic condition and make insulin resistance go away is to lose weight, preferably through a combination of diet and exercise.
   FAQ 1 Expert Answer, 2 Community Answers

2. Because of her diabetes, my mom has nerve damage to her feet -- what kind of footwear does she need to avoid problems?

   Think extra foot support and protection at all times for a parent with neuropathy. In practical terms that means shoes that are sturdy enough so that you can't fold them into a pretzel shape or wring them out like a towel. Your mom needs the extra support because people with neuropathy often can't feel their feet at all because of the nerve damage...
   1 Expert Answer, 1 Community Answer

3. How much fruit is acceptable for a diabetic?

   Fruit is a healthy source of carbohydrate, something that we need to survive. Too many carbs, even in the form of fruit, may make the blood sugar (blood glucose) rise to unhealthy levels for a person with diabetes. And without a source of protein in a meal, in this case breakfast, someone taking insulin may experience low blood glucose a few hours later...
   1 Expert Answer

4. What are some natural ways I can control my diabetes?

   I am delighted to hear that you are not on medication to control your diabetes and are seeking natural methods for control. Your elevated fasting blood sugars and signs of neuropathy (particularly if related to the diabetes) are a concern and should be further investigated by your physician to determine their cause...
   1 Expert Answer

5. Should my active parent check his blood sugar during exercise?

   Your father should check his blood glucose if he notices symptoms such as shakiness, nervousness, vision changes, hunger, dizziness, headache, confusion, or sweating. These are all potential signs of low blood sugar, which can be brought on by physical activity.
   1 Expert Answer

6. Is it OK if my mom with type 2 diabetes drinks alcohol?

   With clearance from her physician and some caution and common sense, your mom may still partake in the pleasure of a glass of merlot if her diabetes is well controlled. Her doctor, though, may advise against drinking alcohol because of related complications such as nerve damage or high blood pressure...
   1 Expert Answer, 1 Community Answer

7. Should I let my dad, who has diabetes, drive?

   Yes, he can still drive, though he must get a medical clearance to do so from his main diabetes doctor. She will want to uncover why he's having repeated hypoglycemia episodes and figure out a way to deal with these situations. The doctor will also want to discuss safety measures your father needs to...
   1 Expert Answer

8. How can I get my father with diabetes to eat appropriately?

   What you describe is very common in people with type 2 diabetes who don't want to face the disease. In this situation it's best to help your father take small steps toward change, lead by example, and offer your support. Start by asking him what he is willing to do to make his diet healthier. Maybe he'll agree to add one serving of vegetables to his dinner...
   1 Expert Answer

9. Is there a relationship between stress and blood sugar levels?

   Yes, absolutely. Physical and mental stress can cause blood sugar levels to skyrocket. Some people with type 2 diabetes see their numbers soar 100, 200 points or more under stress. And it's not just "bad" stress like illness, injury, or bankruptcy that can trigger such a response...
   1 Expert Answer, 1 Community Answer

10. What's carbohydrate counting and should my dad do it?

    Carbohydrate counting is a method of meal planning based on estimating how many carbohydrates, measured in grams, are in a food. Carbohydrates include sugar, foods high in starch such as potatoes and pasta, and fiber-filled foods such as grain-based breads and cereals. Carbs are also found in fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and many beverages...
    1 Expert Answer

11. What should diabetics cut out of eating and should they avoid carbohydrates?

    No, definitely not. Carbohydrates, such as bread, rice, and pasta, are the body's main source of energy, and many carbohydrates, such as cereals, fruit, and dairy, contain nutrients essential to your father's good health. While it's true that carbs have a greater impact on your dad's blood glucose level...
    1 Expert Answer

12. How can I help my mom deal with high cholesterol, diabetes and hypertension?

    First, it might help to know you're far from alone. While your mother is dealing with a triple-whammy diagnosis, her situation is not uncommon. Many people with type 2 diabetes must also contend with hypertension and high fat levels (such as cholesterol or triglycerides) in the blood, known as hyperlipidemia...
    1 Expert Answer

13. What's the best diet for my diabetic father?

    You're not the first person -- and you won't be the last to ask about what kind of food a family member with type 2 diabetes should eat. In brief, a healthy diet for a person with diabetes is the same as for those of us without the disease: lots of fresh fruit and vegetables along with some lean protein and wholegrain carbohydrates...
    1 Expert Answer, 1 Community Answer

14. What does the progression of COPD and type 2 diabetes look like?

    I am worried that your husband's decreased mobility is contributing to his increased weight and progression of diabetes. Even small amounts of exercise can improve a person's sensitivity to insulin, and therefore decrease the need for more insulin or diabetes medications...
    1 Expert Answer

15. I've just been diagnosed with Diabetes? How can I learn to take care of myself?

    Diabetes education will help you navigate the best way to care for yourself, so you are off to a good start in looking for classes. A nationally recognized program will help you learn fact from myth and understand what will work best for you.
    1 Expert Answer, 3 Community Answers

16. What if my blood sugar drops too low at night?

    You are doing many things right! You are taking your insulin, checking your glucose, being mindful of what you eat and problem solving to prevent going low!
    1 Expert Answer, 1 Community Answer

17. How do we get my mother-in-law to eat good, nutritional food?

    Hello! We've found a few links on our site that we think you may find helpful.
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18. How can I convince my stubborn father to see a doctor about his diabetes?

    Have a heart-to-heart discussion with your dad about your concerns. Get support from other family or friends who can join you in having a serious, yet supportive conversation with him about your observations of his changing health status. Ask how your father feels. Tell him you are worried and you'd feel better if he saw the doctor for a check up...
    1 Expert Answer

19. What can I cook for my diabetic husband?

    Cook a variety of fresh foods, mostly plants, and serve them in moderation. One easy way to think about how such a diet might look is to imagine a plate (9 inches round). On half of the plate pile veggies, on a quarter of the plate serve protein, and on the other quarter put carbohydrates or starches...
    1 Expert Answer

20. Can the new drug Symlin help my overweight dad with diabetes?

    The medication pramlintide (brand name: Symlin) may be an excellent addition to your dad's drug regimen if he already takes mealtime insulin and wants better blood sugar control after eating. Symlin is a synthetic hormone that mimics the actions of a hormone secreted by the pancreas, called amylin, which helps insulin work better...
    1 Expert Answer