WPADE.org

By Annette R. Karnash, R.N., M.N.

A vitamin like compound the body produces in small amounts, alpha-lipoic acid (ALA), possesses powerful antioxidant properties, soluble in both water and fat. Consequently, it is able to disarm radicals anywhere in the body from watery substances such as blood to fatty substances like cholesterol. ALA may give health benefits in preventing and treating diabetes and its complications.

The cells in type 2 diabetes have become insensitive to insulin and are starved for sugar. ALA can benefit type 2 diabetes by improving insulin sensitivity and helping insulin in the blood to get into the cells. In type 1 diabetes, the body is under high levels of oxidation stress and ALA would lower the oxidative stress. If it were not lowered, the diabetes state would become worse and contribute to the complications of heart diseases and nerve damage. ALA does lower blood glucose levels so careful monitoring should be done and the physician consulted regarding any adjustment of diabetes medication that might be needed while taking this supplement.

Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, 2005, Vol332, no 3
Cardiovascular Diabetology, 2005, Vol 4. no5.

By Annette R. Karnash, R.N., M.N.

We are aware of the higher and higher incidence of obesity in Americans. Both our eyes and our stomachs have adjusted to portion inflation over the past 20 years. In restaurants the typical dinner plate is now either a platter of 12-13” in diameter compared to a size, smaller than or equal to the smallest size today. Servings are now large, supersize and weigh more. Car manufacturers have even increased the size of the cup holders to accommodate larger cup sizes. In cook books, the same ingredients are listed but with fewer servings simply because larger portions are served. Getting your moneys worth in larger portions does not lead to a healthier body.

By Annette R. Karnash, R.N., M.N.

The effectiveness of progressive resistance training in older adults with type 2 diabetes was found to improve glycemic control. Comparison were made with those assigned to moderate weight loose and either high intensity, progressive resistance training or exercise for flexibility. After 6 months, glycosolated hemoglobin fell significantly more in resistance training than those doing flexibility exercises.

By Annette R. Karnash, R.N., M.N.

Taking a soy supplement may improve blood lipid levels in women. Soy contains chemicals with estrogen like effects that significantly reduced LDL and triglycerides after 3 months as shown in a study of 106 women.

By Annette R. Karnash, R.N., M.N.

The glycemic index in a food is determined by the rise in blood glucose during the 2 hours after its ingestion compared with the glucose response to an equal amount of carbohydrate in standard foods like white bread, which has a glycemic index of 100. Foods higher than 100 (instant rice) cause a faster and higher rise in blood glucose than white bread. Kidney beans (a low glycemic food of only 38) increases blood glucose by only about 1/3 as much as an equal amount of white bread.

Rather than the glucose index response of the body to each carbohydrate, the individual with diabetes should determine the amount of carbohydrates consumed daily. Nutritious foods such as corn, carrots and raisins have a high glycemic index, but should not be eliminated. Fruits and whole grain breads are better carbohydrate sources than candy or white bread. Because those individuals with diabetes need to control their blood glucose, it might seem like the glycemic index would be an important tool in choosing food. However, the glycemic index is impractical because it is not listed on food labels, it rates only single foods eaten individually and the effect of a food on blood glucose levels vary depending upon whether a food is cooked or eaten in combination with other foods and what the blood glucose was before eating.