Antidepressants Blog

Naturally occurring sugars are those found in foods like fruit, vegetables and milk. Refined sugars are concentrated sources of sugar such as table sugar, honey or molasses. The rate of digestion and absorption of naturally occurring sugars is not different, on average, from that of refined sugars. There is wide variation within both food groups, depending on the food. The G.I. factor of fruits varies from 22 for cherries to 72 for watermelon. Similarly, among the foods containing refined sugars, some have a low G.I. factor and some a high one. The G.I. factor of sweetened yoghurt is only 33, while a Mars Bar™ has a G.I. factor of 65 (almost the same as bread).

Some nutritionists argue that naturally occurring sugars are better because they contain minerals and vitamins not found in refined sugar. However, new studies which have analysed high sugar and low sugar diets have dearly shown that they contain similar amounts of micronutrients. People who eat lots of refined sugars, tend to eat lots of food. Hence they eat more vitamins and minerals too.

*86\42\4*

Is it true that all children have different hypo reaction symptoms?

It is true that different children feel differently when they are having a hypo, although some symptoms are very common and experienced by very many people. A child will probably feel much the same whenever he has a reaction, but with different sorts of insulin, it is not always so, particularly if the reaction is a more severe one. It is important to recognize at an early stage, if you have a reaction coming so that you can take sugar and prevent it becoming severe.

Is it all right to use ice-cream or lollies in an emergency instead of sugar for an insulin reaction?

Yes, in an emergency situation any food that contains sugar is suitable, provided that you take just the right amount. To take too much, though it may get you over an emergency, may lead to high blood glucose levels later on. Of course in general it is better to take too much than too little.

If I feel all right, what is the point of testing blood so often?

It is possible to feel well yet not have really perfect control of your diabetes. Although most people know when their blood glucose levels are very low or very high, few people can really tell moderate variations in blood glucose. Thus, how you feel may not be an adequate guide to good control and that is why we do blood tests. There are two main reasons. One is that blood will often give you an indication that things are going wrong even before you feel unwell, and thus you can take action to prevent yourself becoming sick. Prevention is better than cure. You and your doctor will also get important information from your tests about your diabetic state, and this will help you decide if the insulin type or dose, or the diet balance and other aspects of treatment are right for you.

Particularly because you are growing, treatment that is correct for you at one stage may not necessarily be correct for you later on. Blood testing may give an ‘early warning’ sign that adjustment is necessary, and at other times it may also help to reassure you that all is well.

The second reason may be harder for you as a child or youth to appreciate. There is reason to believe that efforts towards good control of your diabetes when you are young pays dividends in the long run, and will help keep you in good health through later life. Regular blood tests are the only effective way of checking on your diabetic control from day to day.

Is it necessary to test for ketones all the time?

No, although you doctor may ask you to do so for special reasons. It is generally only necessary to test for ketones if you are feeling ill or if your sugar tests are very high but it is a good idea to check routinely from time to time.

*93/54/5*