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diabetes myths

Diabetes myths

In collaboration with health hub Coming Home Organization brings you educational Diabetes myths that will help to know more about diabetes and how to take care of yourself.

Some of the Diabetes myths includes:

  • Diabetes is Caused by Eating Too Much Sweet Food

Not necessarily. Diabetes is a chronic disease that is marked by high blood glucose levels, which result from the body’s inability to produce insulin or respond to it efficiently.

Insulin is responsible for reducing blood glucose levels in the body when it is too high. Although eating sweet food may not cause diabetes, a diet high in sugar and fat can lead to obesity, increasing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes

  • Diabetes Can Be Cured

Diabetes is a chronic disease with no cure. However, the condition can be managed to prevent complications from arising.

  • People with Diabetes Should Avoid Carbohydrates

This can be one of the biggest Diabetes myths. Generally, Carbohydrates may raise blood glucose levels as they are broken down into glucose to provide energy for the body.

However, carbohydrates are present in a variety of food (including fruit and vegetables), which may also be important sources of other nutrients. Hence, it may not be practical to totally avoid carbohydrates. Consult a dietician, who can offer advice on a suitable diet for diabetic patients.

Diabetics Can Eat Snacks or Candies with No Added Sugar or That Are Diabetic-friendly 

Snacks or candies that have no added sugar or that are made for diabetics are preferred alternatives to regular snacks since they may contain less sugar; the sugar in these products may have been replaced by artificial sweeteners.

However, snacks or candies tend to be of low nutritional value and can be high in fat. Hence, it would be a good practice to take a look at the content of the products before consumption and to take them in moderation.

diabetic friendly meal

Diabetic friendly meals

One of the most common questions by patients or families with diabetic people is “What food should diabetic people be eating?” this article will give tips on Diabetic friendly meals.

According Diabetic South Africans Taking care of your diabetes is so important. The right diet can help you live a normal, healthy life.

The following Diabetic friendly meals are created to help people with diabetes make healthier choices, which foods to choose, and how much to eat when you have diabetes. Here’s what to choose for you and your family.

  • Fatty Fish

Salmon, sardines, herring, anchovies and mackerel are great sources of the omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA, which have major benefits for heart health. Getting enough of these fats on a regular basis is especially important for people with diabetes, who have an increased risk for heart disease and stroke

  • Leafy Greens

Leafy green vegetables are extremely nutritious and low in calories. They’re also very low in digestible carbs, or carbs absorbed by the body, so they won’t significantly affect blood sugar levels.

  • Avocados

Avocados are Diabetic friendly meals have less than 1 gram of sugar, few carbohydrates, a high fiber content, and healthy fats, so you don’t have to worry about them raising your blood sugar levels. Avocado consumption is also associated with improved overall diet quality and significantly lower body weight and body mass index (BMI)

  • Eggs

Eggs provide amazing health benefits. In fact, they’re one of the best foods for keeping you full and satisfied in between meals. Regular egg consumption may also reduce your heart disease risk in several ways.

Figuring out the best foods to eat when you have diabetes can be tough. But following these Diabetic friendly meals can help you control your blood sugar levels.

stroke symptoms

Stroke symptoms

A lot of misleading information has been shared about stroke, before knowing Stroke symptoms it is important to first understand what is stroke?

This is a sudden interruption in the normal functioning of the brain, often resulting in slurred speech and loss of muscle control and feeling on one side of the body. Usually stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of your brain is interrupted or reduced, preventing brain tissue from getting oxygen and nutrients. Brain cells begin to die in minutes.

Coming Home Organization(CHO) helps to recognizing stroke symptoms

Since the medical management of a stroke varies depending on the length of time since stroke symptoms first appeared, and due to the fact that this will affect prognosis, prompt recognition of a stroke is extremely important.

How to recognize stroke symptoms?

Keep in mind that stroke symptoms usually start quite suddenly and get worse over time. You may be sitting at a table and suddenly be unable to hold your coffee cup or get your words out correctly.

Signs and stroke symptoms include:

  • sudden onset of weakness on one side of the body and slurred speech or dysarthria, meaning, the inability to make your words come outright.
  • A sudden change in the way you walk or feeling that one leg is not “acting right” can be a sign of stroke. Some patients also notice changes in their ability to see. Loss of balance is another common sign of stroke.
  • Patients who have blood around their brain may complain that “they have the worst headache of their life”.

CHO has recognized a useful acronym to recognize and respond to stroke symptoms using the word FAST approach:

  • F-Face

Drooping of one side of the face. Ask the person to smile and note if it is uneven.

  • A-Arms

Weakness or numbness in one arm. Ask the person to lift both arms. Does one extremity drift downward or is the person unable to lift it?

  • S-Speech

Difficulty in speech, is it slurred? Ask the person to repeat a phrase and note any changes in speech.

  • T-Time

If any of these symptoms are present, it’s time to call 911 immediately. Also, take note of the time since symptoms onset, which will be required by doctors to decide on appropriate treatment.

CHO is committed to educating the public about stroke and other chronic diseases. Make sure to follow us on social media: Coming Home for extra tips.