PharmEasy Blog

Delicious Ice Cream Recipe For Diabetics

Ice cream is a dessert that is loved by people of all ages and there is no reason why people suffering from diabetes should be kept away from this indulgence. If you or someone in your family is diabetic, then you can try out a homemade peanut-banana ice cream recipe. Banana and peanut butter have been known to be beneficial for regulating blood sugar and hence this recipe can serve as the perfect summer treat for diabetics.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

Instructions

  1. Peel the bananas and slice them into 1/2 inch discs.
  2. Arrange banana slices in a single layer on a large plate or baking sheet.
  3. Freeze for 1 – 2 hours.
  4. Place the banana slices in a food processor or powerful blender.
  5. Puree banana slices, scraping down the bowl as needed.
  6. Puree until the mixture is creamy and smooth.
  7. Add the peanut butter to the puree and combine.
  8. Serve immediately for soft-serve ice cream consistency. If you prefer harder ice cream, place it in the freezer for a few hours and then serve.

Ice cream can be part of a healthy diet for those with diabetes, as long as it is in moderation. Those with diabetes should choose ice cream without sweet toppings. Further, monitor the portion sizes to avoid spikes in blood sugar levels.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD

*Note-if you have a hard time creating a creamy consistency, you can add 1 – 2 tablespoons of milk to help puree the banana slices. Make sure you use a powerful food processor or blender!

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

What To Do When You’re Diabetic But Have A Sweet Tooth?

Having diabetes doesn’t mean you cannot satisfy your sugar cravings. Sometimes you just need desserts, especially when some sugar can raise your spirits. With simple swaps and easy daily adjustments, you can consume desserts without increasing your blood sugar level. How? You need to control your daily sugar intake by thinking creatively about your food choices.

What Happens When You Consume Sugary Foods?

Foods rich in carbohydrates contain some form of sugar, fibres and starch. To digest sugar, our body breaks it down to glucose. This glucose is then transported to body cells to produce energy. This ”transporter” is called Insulin – it moves glucose from the blood to body cells.

However, if you have diabetes, you do not have sufficient insulin. This increases glucose in the blood. Excess insulin can cause serious problems like heart disease, vision problems, kidney disease and stroke.

But there is a catch. The amount of sugar you are consuming depends on the amount and type of carbohydrates you are eating. Most sweets, cakes, candies and cookies have a high level of added sugars and unsaturated/unhealthy fats. Such foods can spike your blood sugar level. This is why you must avoid foods with extra sugar, unhealthy fats and high levels of sodium.

Can Patients with Diabetes Satisfy Their Sugar Cravings?

According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), diabetics can consume sweets in a controlled way along with a well-balanced diet. Keep your body weight in check and regulate your everyday sugar intake. Regularly check your blood sugar level.

You cannot cut out sugar from your diet completely. If you do so, it would increase your cravings. So, plan a healthy diet and treat yourself with sweets intermittently. 

How Can Diabetics Indulge in Sweet Treats?

Here’s how you can regulate daily sugar consumption without setting off alarms:

Conclusion

A healthier portion of sweets and desserts for diabetics can be a part of a balanced diet, even for people with diabetes. But you must keep an eye on your daily sugar and meal carbohydrate intake. If you are having trouble controlling your daily sugar intake or have any doubts regarding it, consult a health care professional and a registered dietitian.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

Ref

  1. https://diabetes.org/healthy-living/recipes-nutrition/healthy-food-choices-made-easy
  2. https://diabetes.org/healthy-living/recipes-nutrition/eating-well/fruit
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Newly Diagnosed With Diabetes? Here’s What You Can Do!

Diabetes is a chronic condition that primarily affects your blood sugar levels. If left untreated, it may affect your heart, kidneys, vision and much more.

When you are newly diagnosed with diabetes, your physician may prescribe you one or more types of treatment to manage your blood sugar levels and reduce your complications. You can help yourself with simple lifestyle and diet modifications.

Further, your doctor may also provide you with a care plan for diabetes mellitus.

Knowing that you have diabetes may feel overwhelming and you may not know what to do next. The following ideas can help:

1. Understand What is Diabetes and How to Manage It

The good news is that complications from diabetes can be prevented or delayed when handled correctly. All in all, diabetes is all about managing and monitoring blood sugar levels.

2. Lifestyle Changes for Diabetes

Managing diabetes is about maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a healthy diet, exercise and weight management.

Seek the help of experts like an endocrinologist, diabetes educator and other health specialists to develop the skills to manage your diabetes. Some of the healthy behaviours are:

A person with diabetes mustn’t skip any meals, especially when on medication. 

3. Medication for Diabetes

Depending on your medical history and blood sugar levels, your physician may prescribe single or multiple medications to maintain your blood sugar in a healthy range.

One must continue these medications as instructed by their doctor and adopt a healthy lifestyle and diet. If in doubt, always discuss medication options with your diabetologist and they can help you understand the possible risks and advantages associated with them.

4. Blood Sugar Monitoring 

Keep a glucometer or blood sugar monitor to check your blood glucose levels at home. Extreme sugar levels can cause health complications. Hence, it is essential to monitor and maintain your blood sugar levels in the target range.

5. Maintain Records

Tracking, recording and maintaining your blood sugar levels, diet plan, medications, prescription and other various reports will help you and your diabetologist understand or recognise patterns in blood sugar fluctuations if any. It is essential to maintain a health journal with details, such as meals, sugar levels and exercise regimen.

Keeping the prescription in the doctor’s file makes it easy for the physician to check your history.

Moreover, keeping records helps the physician determine the progress or regress you have made. It can help the doctor in titrating your treatment plan.

6. Find Support

Knowing that others can relate with you as they have the same problems as you have is comforting. You can share your concerns with people going through the same and get ideas on what has helped them.

You can find support and guidance by joining organisations, forums or groups.

Also Read: What is Milk Thistle Good For? Exploring its Research-Backed Benefits

Conclusion

Getting diagnosed with a new disease may be challenging to accept and handle. Hence, it is essential to understand the severity of the disease and implement the changes advised by the healthcare professional.

The critical aspect of managing diabetes is making lifestyle changes and following them to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Talking to the experts and following their instructions will surely help you.

It is always beneficial to talk to people going through the same issue as it helps you prepare and prevent complications that may arise due to a misstep.

Also Read: “Diet Alert: Foods To Avoid While Taking Metformin”

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

Plant-Based Diet – What Effects Does It Have On Diabetes?

If you are battling diabetes and wish to know about the best diet for diabetes, we have news for you. A vegetarian diet is healthier for diabetes. Research shows that there is a 35% lower risk of developing diabetes if you stick to a vegetarian diet. And those who adopt a vegetarian diet after being a non-vegetarian show a 53% lower risk of developing diabetes than their fellow non-vegetarians.

Food plays a significant role in managing diabetes mellitus. By opting for a vegetarian diabetic diet, you can lead a healthy life and gain maximum health benefits.

What is the Best Diet for Diabetes?

A plant-based diet for diabetes is the best. A plant-based diet includes fruits, vegetables, pulses, nuts and seeds. A plant-based diet helps lower the risk of developing chronic diseases like diabetes mellitus, hypertension and cancer.

Plant-based foods are rich in fibre, folate, antioxidants and phytochemicals that boost your health.

What Comprises a Vegetarian Diabetic Diet?

Dietary management of diabetes mellitus is the best way to manage diabetes. You can eat all plant-based foods but in moderation. Eating healthy for maintaining your blood sugar levels involves controlling your portion size and fulfilling your nutritional requirements.

The followings foods are to be included in your vegetarian diet for diabetes:

  1. Nuts like cashew, peanut, almonds and tahini.
  2. Seeds like pumpkin, sunflower, chia and flax.
  3. Beans and pulses like chickpeas, lentils, kidney beans and butter beans.
  4. Vegetable milk like almond, cashew, oats, soy, hempseed, etc.
  5. High-fibre grains like quinoa and millets.
  6. Soy products like tofu, soy cheese and soya milk.
  7. Vegetables like spinach, broccoli, bok choy, cauliflower, lettuce, celery, peppers, eggplants, green beans and tomatoes.
  8. Fruits like oranges, apples, papaya, watermelon and berries.

What are the Health Benefits of a Vegetarian Diet for Diabetes?

There are countless health benefits of a vegetarian diabetic diet. It is good for your heart as it helps lower cholesterol and LDL levels. A plant-based diet lowers your blood pressure levels and reduces the risk of a stroke and a heart attack.

Here’s a list of health benefits of a vegetarian diet for diabetes:

Plant-based foods or whole foods are rich in fibre content. This helps in the slow absorption of sugars into the blood and helps regulate your blood sugar levels.

Plant-based foods are lower in calories and higher in fibre. This increases their satiety value, thereby making you feel full for a longer time. Your daily intake of calories reduces, which helps you lose weight.

Most animal-based foods contain saturated fat. When you consume a vegetarian diet for diabetes, you consume less saturated fats, thereby reducing your risk of heart diseases and diabetes.

What are the Vegetarian Diet Tips for Diabetics?

Dietary management of diabetes revolves around plant-based foods for regulating blood sugar levels. A healthy balanced diet is the best diet for diabetes. If you are planning to get on the vegetarian diet for diabetes, you need to be mindful of the following aspects:

A. Consume a limited amount of carbohydrates with each meal. Distribute your carb intake evenly throughout the day.

B. Include a wide variety of plant-based foods in your diet to meet your daily nutritional needs.

C. Your daily diet should consist of a limited amount of carbohydrates, a portion of lean protein and healthy fat in every meal.

D. Monitor your blood sugar levels daily while you are on the vegetarian diabetic diet.

E. Include plenty of vegetables in your diet to improve your fibre intake.

Here are three tips for newbies who wish to start their vegetarian diabetic diet:

1. Portion control for carbs

Most diabetics replace meat with extra carbohydrate-rich foods. This can lead to weight gain and high blood sugar levels.

Try to include carbs rich in fibre to stabilise your blood sugar levels and feel full for a longer time.

Carbohydrates rich in fibre content are:

2. Plant-based proteins

It’s a myth that you can get your proteins only from animal sources. Your dietary protein requirements can be met through a vegetarian diet as well.

Include the following foods for a protein-rich vegetarian diet for diabetes:

3. Healthy fats

By swapping to the vegetarian diet for diabetes, you ensure a huge shift in the dietary management of diabetes mellitus. Avoiding animal products helps keep saturated fats out of your diet. Plant-based foods are rich in heart-healthy fats like omega 3 and omega 6, which help maintain heart health.

Include these healthy fats in your diet:

Take away

Focus on eating a healthy, balanced, nutritious meal that contains plant-based foods. This is the crux of your vegetarian diet for diabetes. Incorporate nuts and seeds as a part of your mid-day snack or snack on some veggie sticks with hummus. This helps maintain your blood sugar levels and is essential in the dietary management of diabetes mellitus.

Also Read: Is Honey Good for Diabetes? Unveiling the Research Behind the Sweet Remedy

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

The Best High Energy Dosa Recipe For Diabetics

Diabetes is one of the many chronic ailments that have the potential to severely compromise your quality of life. However, with effective diet control and lifestyle management, its negative effects can be kept at bay. The Rajgira (amaranth seeds) Flour Dosa is one such food item, which when added to the daily diet, helps to control blood sugar levels and hence keep diabetes in check.

Ingredients (Serves 7 – 8)

Instructions

  1. Wash the dals & soak them for 2 hours.
  2. Prepare the veggies as mentioned above & depicted in the pictures.
  3. Once the dals are soaked, grind them in the blender until a smooth paste is made.
  4. Now add rajgira flour to the dal batter.
  5. Also add the remaining ingredients – veggies, spices, seasonings except for oil.
  6. Once the ingredients are brought together, pour a ladle full of batter on a hot Tawa (skillet) which is brushed well with oil.
  7. After pouring the batter, spread it around to make a circular dosa.
  8. Add a few drops of oil on the border of the dosa & cook on medium flame.
  9. The edges of the dosa will start leaving & it is then that the dosa is ready to be removed from the Tawa.
  10. Serve hot with chutney.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

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Ragi Coconut Laddoo that is suitable for Diabetes Patients Too!

Missing out on your favourite sweets due to diabetes? Here is the recipe for a healthy Ragi Coconut laddoo right from our Diabetes Nutrition Expert Ami Turakhia Shah’s kitchen! 

Ingredients

How to prepare it?

  1. Take a non-stick pan and place it over medium flame. 
  2. Dry roast the Ragi flour till the raw smell goes away, and then keep it aside.
  3. Clear the non-stick pan and add 1 tbsp of ghee. Roast the ghee till it turns aromatic and keep it aside.
  4. Dry roast the peanuts till they are aromatic and keep them aside to cool. 
  5. Lightly dry roast the coconut, almonds and sesame seeds. Keep them aside once they are mildly roasted. 
  6. Remove seeds from the dates and chop them up. 
  7. Now mix all the ingredients well. Churn them together until you see oil oozing out from the peanuts, coconuts and sesame seeds. 
  8. Take a small portion of the mixture and prepare the laddoos by rolling them into small balls in your palm. Finish rolling when the mixture is still warm. 

Let us know in the comments how you liked this recipe and share them with your friends & family too.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

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An Exotic Green Papaya Thai Salad Recipe To Liven Up Your Diabetes Diet

Here is the recipe for the Green papaya Thai salad from our diabetes dietitian Ujjwala Baxi’s kitchen!

Benefits

Serves 4-5 

Ingredients 

According to studies, eating green papaya, a high-fibre fruit, may lower blood glucose levels in persons with type 1 diabetes. It may also enhance lipid, insulin, and blood sugar levels in those with type 2 diabetes. In my opinion, consuming one small green papaya regularly may help keep diabetes at bay.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)

Instructions 

  1. Peel and cut the papaya into thin flat slices.
  2. Lay down the flat slices and cut them into thin juliennes.
  3. Keep the julienned slices aside.
  4. In a mortar, collect the dressing ingredients(peanuts, jaggery, chillies, salt, lemon juice) and crush them with a pestle.
  5. Assemble the papaya, sprouts, bell pepper, mint leaves and the Thai dressing all together in a bowl.
  6. Mix the components of the bowl well and your Green papaya Thai salad is ready to serve. 

Other than anti-diabetic properties, green papaya is rich in antioxidant and wound-healing properties. In my experience, mashed papaya appears to help accelerate wound healing and avoid burn infection when applied topically. Papaya contains the proteolytic enzymes chymopapain and papain, which are thought to be responsible for their beneficial effects.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

  You can enjoy this lip-smacking salad for a light lunch or dinner. Which other recipes would you like to know? Tell us in the comments!

Also Read: Is Papaya Good for Diabetes? Evaluating the Research-Based Evidence

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

Is There A Link Between Thyroid Disorders And Diabetes?

The link between diabetes and thyroid disorders has been well established by various medical researchers. The thyroid gland is a small gland located in the neck region that secretes thyroid hormones, which helps regulate the body’s growth, development and metabolism. A dysfunction in the thyroid gland may lead to weight gain and therefore, affect the blood sugar levels in the body. Despite the established connection, these conditions are often left undiagnosed in the early stages and only identified once symptoms get evident.

How are blood sugar levels and the thyroid gland related?

There is a strong interrelation between the function of the thyroid gland and blood sugar levels. If the blood sugar levels rise or decrease below the normal range, the thyroid hormone is stimulated to rectify the same. A constant fluctuation in blood sugar levels exerts physiological stress on the thyroid gland increasing the risk of thyroid dysfunction in the long run. 

Patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus are more frequently diagnosed with underactive thyroid function due to a condition called Hashimoto’s disease and around 10% of the type 1 patients may develop Grave’s disease, an autoimmune disorder causing an overactive thyroid gland. Both diabetes and Grave’s disease have a genetic causative factor associated with them.

Diabetes in Patients with Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism occurs due to excessive secretion of the thyroid hormone, which is characterised by:

In hyperthyroidism, increased production of glucose from the liver and increased absorption by the intestines may lead to a rise in blood sugar levels.

The metabolism rate increases in hyperthyroidism, which leads to faster digestion of blood sugar medicine. As a result, the medicine does not last long in the body and blood sugar level increases. Hence, in diabetics with hyperthyroidism, the dosage of blood sugar medications is increased until the thyroid levels normalise. 

Diabetes in Patients with Hypothyroidism

There is decreased production of thyroid hormone in hypothyroidism which may be evident as:

The most commonly associated disorder with hypothyroidism is type 2 diabetes mellitus. Patients with hypothyroidism may experience a sharp shift from a prediabetic state to a diabetic state. An underactive thyroid may also lead to aggravation in a diabetic patient. The comorbidities like obesity, dyslipidemia, hypertension, high body mass index (BMI) may further increase the risk of diabetes in hyperthyroidism patients.

Thyroid-related diseases and T2DM are closely linked. Type 2 diabetes can be exacerbated by thyroid disorders, and diabetes can worsen thyroid dysfunction. Insulin resistance has been found to play a crucial role in both T2DM and thyroid dysfunction.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD

Thyroid Diseases in Patients with Diabetes

Hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism diagnosed in the 40s or 50s is more prevalent in diabetic patients than in non-diabetic patients. The high levels of blood sugar in patients with diabetes can mask the hyperglycemia, caused due to hyperthyroidism, which can prove to be fatal. Those with hypothyroidism are at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Approximately 10% of patients with hypothyroidism are diagnosed with diabetes. Patients with type 1 diabetes are more prone to an autoimmune thyroid disorder.  

Consequences of Untreated Patients with Diabetes and Thyroid Disorders

If the fluctuation of blood sugar levels in a patient with thyroid dysfunction goes unnoticed or if thyroid disorder in a diabetic patient remains undiagnosed, many health complications might occur. Weight gain, deranged lipid profile, tiredness, anxiety are a few commonly noticed symptoms which if left untreated can affect the overall health of the person.

Precautions

Insulin resistance is a factor that interlinks thyroid disorders and diabetes. Patients usually complain of worsening thyroid symptoms when their blood sugars are out of control and their diet and medications are not able to manage the symptoms. A follow-up is essential to check and do modifications for the medications since they both are endocrine disorders and closely linked.

Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D.

Conclusion

There is a great possibility of developing a thyroid disorder after getting diagnosed with diabetes and vice versa. As both the hormones are concerned with metabolic processes of the body, the other hormones of the body are also affected. This may lead to a wide array of complications. To avoid this, precautions such as lifestyle modifications and regular testing are vital.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

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Impact Of Diabetes On Child’s Psychology

Diabetes is a health condition that can affect people from all age groups. There are many types of diabetes but we will be talking about the two commonly known types of diabetes, namely, Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is predominantly observed in children and adolescents, while Type 2 diabetes is more common among adults and can also affect children. It is not just a physical condition. Diabetes and the mental health of a person are closely related.

Children and Diabetes

Juvenile diabetes or Type 1 diabetes is a type of diabetes diagnosed in children and young adults. But the recent trends have also shown that an increasing number of young adults and adolescents are being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes as well.

Living with Diabetes

When a child is detected with diabetes, it brings about several changes in their lifestyle and health. Individuals with diabetes not only experience physical changes but certain emotional and mental health issues too. Diabetes-related stress manifests as behavioural issues in children, young adults and parents in the form of anxiety, stress and mood swings.

A 2014 study published by the American Diabetes Association shows that really high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) can slow the growth of a brain as it develops. The same is true when a child’s levels swing up and down a lot. Brain scans show differences between a child with diabetes and one without.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD

How do children feel about diabetes?

Children with diabetes often feel that they are different from the rest of their peers. At school, they might have to visit school teachers/medical staff for insulin injections, medicines or testing blood sugar levels, making them feel uncommon or isolated.

Most children and young adults visit parks, malls, food joints, summer camps and sleepovers but children with diabetes are often denied participation in such activities because the parents are constantly worried about their child’s health.

There is a correlation between diabetes and depression. Some studies state that children with diabetes are at increased risk of developing depression. About 15 – 20% of adolescents with diabetes experience diabetes-related depression.

They often feel sadness, irritability, lack of concentration, lethargy, sleep disturbances, appetite changes, low motivation, decreased participation in activities and thoughts about suicide.

Diabetes burnout is a state of low self-esteem, lack of motivation or what can be called diabetes distress. A state of mind where a person feels frustrated with managing the blood sugar levels, feeling dragged down by carrying out all the daily diabetes management tasks or feeling lonely for experiencing diabetes. It often leads to depression associated with diabetes.

Diabetic depression in children and young adults often results in poor health outcomes such as poor diabetic control, increased hospital visits, low confidence, poor quality of life and low self-efficacy, a belief that they are unable to control their diabetes well.

At an age of carefree playfulness, managing diabetes, monitoring blood sugar levels and maintaining several restrictions to keep diabetes in check can be stressful for children and adolescents.

The scheduled hospital and clinic visits for diabetic care, monitoring the associated risk and complications and reducing the risk of or preventing the other infections by maintaining a healthy immune system can get too overwhelming. Hence, diabetes and stress go hand in hand in children.

It is a disorder characterised by abnormal eating behaviour such as binge eating or restricting food intake.

Dietary restriction often makes people with diabetes too conscious about their weight, body and food intake. This practice of decreasing the food intake, increased daily exercise for maintaining body weight often results in punishing the body.

You may observe signs such as weight loss, vomiting, increased frequency of defecation post-meal, restrictive eating, binging, skipping meals, etc.

How to Manage the Mental Health of Kids With Diabetes?

Diabetes can be a psychologically challenging health condition. Thus, implementing the most appropriate coping strategies can help maintain the mental health of kids with diabetes.

Parents of diabetic children should stay in constant touch with their kids’ teachers and inform them about the child’s health condition. They should also guide the teacher about managing strategies in case a diabetes-related health emergency arises at school.

If you notice any change in your child’s behaviour, you must also contact a child psychologist. The professionals from the team of mental health services can guide you and help you develop positive coping strategies to manage diabetes-related mental health issues of kids.

Conclusion

Children and young adults with diabetes need extra care to cope with the mental stress of diabetes as diabetes is associated with many physical and psychological challenges. Some seem to cope up easily, while others find it difficult. Thus, caregivers and children with diabetes should be vigilant about the mental health issues accompanying diabetes.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

How Safe Is It For People With Diabetes To Take COVID-19 Vaccine?

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic brought forth many unknown factors and unanswered queries. With different protocols for treatment changing daily, everyone set their hope on the formulation of a vaccine against COVID. Many pharmaceutical companies worked overtime to deliver a solution with the least possible reactions to COVID vaccines. We have many alternatives and options for a COVID vaccine today. Yet, there is vaccine hesitancy since people have various doubts regarding COVID vaccine side-effects, safety and reactions.

Many people are classified as high-risk for COVID infection and show severe reactions to it that needs hospitalisation or increase chances of death. One of the reasons that qualify as high-risk is diabetes. People with both Type 1 and Type 2 or any other type of diabetes can be at risk. Let us look into the effects of COVID vaccines for people with diabetes.

Is the COVID Vaccine Safe for People with Diabetes?

The COVID vaccine for people with diabetes is not different from the COVID vaccine being administered to everyone else. The vaccine is not contraindicated for people with diabetes. 

The COVID vaccine side-effects do not differ vastly in people with diabetes as compared to non-diabetic individuals. Research has confirmed that the COVID vaccine is vital for patients with diabetes as it reduces the severity of the disease.

While it’s absolutely safe for diabetics to take COVID vaccine, better sugar control means better immune response to put it simply.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD

Also Read: Vitamin D3 Deficiency Symptoms: A Comprehensive Guide to Signs and Management options 

What are the Possible Problems for a Person with Diabetes taking the COVID Vaccine?

Patients who have high blood glucose levels are often on oral or injectable medication to keep their blood sugar levels in check. Diabetes, if left unchecked, affects multiple organs in the body. To avoid this, people with diabetes may be on other medications apart from just anti-diabetic medications. 

For those on other medicines, such as immunosuppressants, the COVID vaccine side-effects may be observed or the vaccine may be less effective. These COVID vaccine side-effects are not due to diabetes but due to other conditions or medications. Hence, it would be wrong to infer that the COVID vaccine for people with diabetes is unsafe.

Another perspective is that people with type-2 diabetes are often in the older age group of 65 and above. At that age, many people are also on medication for some auto-immune disorders. These medicines and not necessarily diabetes can be the cause of side-effects of COVID vaccines.

This age group is also prone to orthopaedic complaints. Usual medicines prescribed for rheumatoid arthritis maybe some kind of immunosuppressants which may reduce the effectiveness of vaccines. In such a case, it is advised to consult your doctor and most likely a dose modification in your ongoing medicines can be prescribed by your doctor for the best outcome of your COVID vaccine.

If a person with diabetes contracts the COVID infection, there will be some issues with their blood sugar levels. Even those with controlled diabetes experience some changes in their blood glucose levels. However, severe fluctuations in the blood sugar levels of a person with diabetes are not part of the list of documented COVID vaccine side effects. Mild fluctuations for a day or two have been reported by some patients which usually require no extra care. In case, the fluctuations persist, your doctor can manage them well with a slight adjustment in the doses of your medicines.

Frequent glucose monitoring, a healthy diet, adequate hydration, and dose titration of glucose-lowering medication is recommended for patients with diabetes and when they are infected with covid.

Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D.

What Can a Person with Diabetes Expect from the COVID-19 Vaccine?

It is safe to take the COVID vaccine for people with diabetes. But, it is important to keep an eye out for the common reactions to vaccines, usually body aches and fever. The outcome can be better if the post-vaccine precautions are known and implemented.

Before taking the vaccine, it is advisable to discuss the medical history with the treating physician. Some medicines may need dose modulation or discontinuation for a brief period before taking the vaccine.

At least a week before taking the COVID vaccine, a person with diabetes should check the blood sugar levels in a lab and report the readings to the primary care physician or diabetologist.

The routine COVID vaccine side-effects are:

These symptoms are expected to manifest even in a person with diabetes. The same post-vaccine precautions recommended to everyone are applicable for the person with diabetes as well. Consume paracetamol for the fever and body ache and take adequate rest after taking the COVID vaccine. It is advisable to consult a doctor for the post-vaccine precautions and COVID vaccine side effects.

One important post-vaccine precaution for people with diabetes is to monitor their blood sugar levels regularly. Convey the blood sugar readings to the doctor in charge of your diabetes treatment. Keeping track of the blood sugar levels and other known symptoms of diabetes is the most helpful post-vaccine precaution.

Also Read: Omicron Variant & Vaccine Efficacy

Conclusion

The COVID vaccine for people with diabetes is safe and vital. It reduces the risk of complications and chances of hospitalisation. COVID vaccine side-effects may be due to other medication and underlying disease conditions rather than diabetes. Following post-vaccine precautions, regularly monitoring the condition and consulting the doctor can help you reduce the anxiety and hesitancy related to Covid vaccination.

Also Read: Omicron Variant: Latest News & Updates

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