What are your goals for the New Year?

If you’re like me, you HATE when people ask about that! LOL. I hate goal making, but I do like to continually improve on things. Rather than create some large hurdle to climb, I try to look at it a different (and more manageable) way.

For example, rather than saying I want to “lose ten pounds” I say I want to work out five times a week for 30 minutes. In doing that, I probably am going to lose ten pounds because working out will inspire me to do other things, like eat healthier.

Diabetics are especially hard on themselves when it comes to resolutions. They will often say they want their A1c below a certain number, but I’ve personally found that saying something like, “I will test my blood sugar five times a day” is a better goal. I’d rather have a handle on what my blood sugars are like throughout the day than try for a goal (the A1c) that I may or may not meet.

Don’t get me wrong, the A1c is an important tool in managing diabetes. But I think a better way to handle goals is by doing the small things you can control (like testing your blood sugar.) The more often you test, the more apt you are to reach your desired A1c number.

My personal goal this year is to workout more regularly. I sometimes work so hard that I either don’t have time or are too tired to work out. That’s got to change. Besides that, I love working out when I do it. If work has to wait in 2009, it will just have to! My personal goal is to work out for 45 minutes a day five days a week.

What’s your New Year’s goal?

Post from: Blisstree

What’s Your Diabetic New Year’s Goal?

This study evaluated 307 patients with diabetes — 258 with end-stage kidney disease on hemodialysis and 49 who did not have kidney failure. The researchers compared the standard HbA1c test with a newer test (glycated albumin, or GA) that measures the amount of blood sugar that has reacted with albumin, a protein in the plasma. The GA test reflects blood sugar control over the previous three to four weeks. Blood samples were also analyzed to determine recent blood sugar levels.

Among the 307 patients with diabetes, 258 in end-staged kidney disease on dialysis and 49 who did not have kidney failure, the researchers found that the HbA1c values were considerably lower in comparison to the GA test results. Scary indeed.

The thought process on the marginal difference is that the red blod cells do not live as long in hemodialysis patients than the normal population. Most dialysis patients have anemia requiring treatment with medications that stimulate red blood cell production (erythropoietin).

The GA test is not currently available in the United States. Freedman said that until it is available, doctors and patients should be aware that the HbA1c underestimates glucose control and is affected by both erythropoietin administration and the hemoglobin concentration.

via Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center

Post from: Blisstree

A1c does not prove to be tell-tale of sugar control for dialysis patients

There is research that shows after just 10 sessions of biofeedback and relaxation therapy, diabetics blood sugars and A1c were lowered and stayed that way for up to 3 months. And a bonus… depression and anxiety among these patients also decreased. Here would be my hunch why this type of treatment could be effective…

The Stress Effect Biofeedback may decrease cortisol, a stress hormone linked to insulin resistance.

Some of you may remember me writing about this previously. Yes, stress does play a role in releasing hormones like cortisol which ultimately has a negative effect on a diabetics blood sugars. You can even learn to do biofeedback on your own. Why not give it a try, it is free, non invasive and involves no pain. I’m sold! I will let you know how it goes.

post derived from RealAge tip of the day

Post from: Blisstree

Biofeedback Helps Control Diabetics Blood Sugars

Because my a1C isn’t high enough, I won’t be seen for months by a endocrinologist and my internist doesn’t feel “comfortable” treating me. Well guess what? I don’t feel comfortable with them not treating me! I feel like… you get the drift. When my sugars are in the upper 200’s and mid 300’s I want something done, especially if diet and exercise isn’t helping!

You want to know the worst part? I feel like it doesn’t matter what I do and I should just go for all the cake and ice cream I want, because why not? If it doesn’t help being “good” and watching what I eat, then why do it. I know that was a silly statement and I do know the answer, but it is frustrating none the less.

I didn’t eat any cake at the birthday party we attended today, ate no rolls at lunch, ate my salad for lunch and my egg for breakfast. I had my fruit this AM and have been good all ding dang day, including my afternoon walk. And where does it get me? No where!

Ugh, do you ever feel like this? I am making an appointment with my doctor tomorrow and am demanding that something be done. I am sick of feeling like this and on top of it all, I know way to much! I know what is in my future if we don’t get these blood sugars under control. And I don’t want to be in that situation!

Post from: Blisstree

Bloodsugar, Bloodsugar, Why Won’t You Go Down?

While the management of blood sugar has always been and remains a cornerstone of diabetes care, diabetes requires a comprehensive program that includes management of blood glucose, management of blood pressure and management of cholesterol. We call these key components of care the ABC’s of diabetes: A standing for A1C, B is for blood pressure, and C is for cholesterol.

Diabetics are at an increased risk for heart disease and stroke. Almost 66% of diabetic patients die from these complications every year. This is a very scary statistic that I see come true almost every week at the hospital.

It is very important for health care providers as well as patients to talk about ways to reduce these risks. I know that doctors visits can be, well, less than satisfying. Your doctor rushes in and out, spends 2 minutes with you and expects you to be good for another 3000 miles. The American Diabetes Association and The American College of Cardiology has made this easier by initiating a Make the Link! program for diabetics.

A recent Make the Link! survey shows that 68% of people with diabetes do not consider cardiovascular disease to be a serious complication of diabetes. Furthermore, 60% of people with diabetes surveyed do not feel at risk for either high blood pressure or cholesterol problems.

We need to educate ourselves and each other. Have questions written down before your doctors visit and push your doctor for the answers you want. Take it from a cardiac nurse, persistence is good!

You can lower your risk by keeping your ABC’s of diabetes on target with wise food choices, physical activity, and medication. Losing weight can also help you manage your ABC’s and prevent heart disease. Every step you take will help. The closer your numbers are to your targets, the better your chances of preventing heart disease or cutting your risk for another heart attack. If you smoke, get help to quit.

via American Diabetes Association

Post from: Blisstree

Diabetics Are At An Increased Risk For Heart Disease And Stroke

• Patients receiving BYETTA achieved a significant A1C reduction of 1.2% at Week 30 and 1.1% at 2.5 years¹
• Patients with a baseline A1C of >9% experienced, on average, a 2.1% reduction in A1C at 2.5 years¹

Isn’t it easier to take oral medication? Why would a type 2 diabetic want an injectable medication? The drug is very expensive, will insurance cover the cost? These are all questions that came to my mind while researching BYEETA.

BYEETA has to be used as adjunct therapy with other oral medications, like metformin. The medicine works after you eat to lower blood glucose levels by acting in harmony with your stomach, pancreas, liver and brain.

BYEETA also promotes weight loss in most of its patients. That is one side effect I would welcome!

With BYETTA, you may feel less hungry and eat less. In fact, research studies have shown that most patients lost weight. Some medicines for type 2 diabetes, such as sulfonylureas and insulin, can cause weight gain, while other drugs, such as metformin, do not affect weight.

Patients treated with BYETTA lost an average of 5.5 lb by Week 30, which further decreased to11.2 lb at 2.5 years¹

I haven’t personally seen BYEETA used in practice at the hospital that I work, which is an east coast facility. Nor have many of my RN friends at other institutions in the area. Apparently the medication is being prescribed though, I found many blogs dedicated to patients that use this medication with mixed thoughts.

Post from: Blisstree

Is BYETTA The Answer For Type 2 Diabetics?