Tag Archives: Diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes – Lifestyle Intervention To Prevent Diabetes After Pregnancy

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In February of 2018, the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism reported on a trial of a lifestyle intervention that helped women who had a history of Gestational diabetes or pregnancy-related diabetes, prevent developing Type 2 diabetes down the track. Scientists at Helsinki University and various other research facilities in Finland found a group of women receiving a diet and physical activity intervention dramatically reduced their risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

A total of 200 women with a history of Gestational diabetes in an earlier pregnancy or with a body mass index (BMI) of at least 30 kg/meter squared were divided into two groups…

  • one group received the intervention, while the other
  • team was given just the usual care.

Specially trained Finnish nurses provided counseling to the pregnant women during their…

  • first, second, and third three months of their pregnancy, and
  • 6 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months after the birth of their baby.

All the participants were advised on the Nordic diet plan and at least 150 minutes of physical activity each week…

  • the group of women receiving the intervention developed Type 2 diabetes at a rate of 2.7 percent, in contrast to
  • the group of women receiving the usual care alone, who developed full-blown diabetes at a rate of 13.3 percent,

during the first year after giving birth. From these results, the researchers concluded their lifestyle intervention had cut down the risk of the women developing Type 2 diabetes during the first 12 months after delivery.

Pregnant women who develop Gestational diabetes have a 7 percent risk of developing Type 2 diabetes within the following 5 to 10 years. After being diagnosed with diabetes during their pregnancy, the mother’s blood sugar levels usually return to a normal range about 6 to 12 weeks after delivery. They should be tested for fasting blood sugar at that time and every 3 years afterward.

Breastfeeding helps to lower weight and insulin resistance, the cause of Type 2 diabetes, so breastfeeding might be helpful in preventing the development of Type 2 diabetes in the ensuing years. More research is needed. Certainly breastfeeding is a healthy practice for mother and baby.

Vegan, vegetarian, and portion-controlled diet plans are all known to lower the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. Healthful foods…

  • control weight,
  • help raise insulin sensitivity,
  • provide nutrients, and
  • reduce cholesterol and blood fats.

Regular exercise is also suitable for maintaining a healthy weight, lowering insulin resistance, and lowering cholesterol and blood fats. Mothers who have suffered Gestational diabetes need to plan their lifestyles with the assistance of their doctor or midwife.

Diabetic Cat – An Ideal Cat’s Diet to Choose From

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There are three types of diabetes classified under the human system – type-1 diabetes, type-2 diabetes and type-3 diabetes. Type-1 and type-3 are not very common diabetic disorders in cats. Most feline suffer from diabetes type-2 also known as diabetes mellitus or ‘sugar’ diabetes especially the older cats. Irregular production and regulation of insulin (responsible for absorption of glucose in the blood) results in the increase of sugar level in blood and urine. This results in hyperglycemia and excessive deposits of glucose further lead to ‘sugar’ diabetes.

As discussed earlier, this condition is manageable and can be cured with regular diagnosis through a veterinarian, a well-prescribed cat diet and insulin intake via injections and oral medications. Elaborating each treatment in details will help our cat owners a broader overview of the treatment for cat diabetes.

1. Symptoms and Diagnosis

Most prevalent symptoms for cats suffering from diabetes type-2 are increase in thirst and urination; sudden drop in body weight; extreme weakness in joints and limbs; lethargic walk; sudden irregular appetite; ketoacidosis resulting in bad breath; dehydration and more. Once you have noticed these symptoms prevailing in your pet, your first step towards the treatment should be visiting a veterinarian.

A regular check-up with a certified veterinarian will help you diagnose this condition at an early stage as most cats are found diabetic when insulin injections become a necessity for their survival. After hospitalization, the veterinarian shall conduct certain examinations and tests where the intensity of diabetes will be detected which shall further enable the veterinarian to prescribe a relevant treatment.

2. Dietary Management

Diet is a key source of nutrition and well-being of humans. Similarly, a cat diet also plays a vital role in maintaining a healthy and a longer lifespan. Especially for cats undergoing diabetic treatment; a diet high in proteins and low in carbohydrates is highly recommended. Dry foods being rich in carbs should not be giving to cats. Small portions of meals are the best way to feed diabetic feline instead of larger meals. Fluids should be given to cats to prevent dehydration. Maintain a daily record of diet and weight chart of your diabetic cat. Owners may also include protein-rich supplement foods to cat’s meals.

3. Insulin Injections and Oral Drugs

Diabetic cats are injected with ‘animal insulin’ in small dosages. Most cats are given this dose twice a day depending on the diagnostic results. Oral drugs may include Vitamin B12 also.

All these medications and treatment should be given to your diabetic cats only after a one-on-one consultation with your veterinarian.