Geriatric Care - Care of the Aged

Diabetic retinopathy: causes, prevention and treatment By  M Tyler , Sep 30, 2014 Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness in American adults and the most common ocular disease associated with diabetes, according to the National Eye Institute. The frightening thing about diabetic retinopathy is that there aren't always symptoms or noticeable changes in vision. However, the condition can get progressively worse over time and cause irreversible damage to one or both eyes. Causes Changes in blood sugar, blood pressure and blood cholesterol due to diabetes can cause retinopathy. Fragile blood vessels can develop leaks, which can blur vision and cause swelling in the eye. With the progression of the disease, blood vessels that provide nourishment to the retina are blocked. The blurred vision and swelling can eventually causes total blindness, if left untreated. Both individuals with type 1 and type 2 diabetes are at risk for diabetic retinopathy.

Best vegetables for people with diabetes By  M Tyler , Sep 11, 2014 When you have diabetes, not all vegetables are created equal. While most vegetables are packed with fiber, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, some will affect your blood sugar much differently than others. Keeping a list of starchy vs. non-starchy vegetables on hand will help you make the best choices when you're grocery shopping or eating out. Non-starchy vegetables Non-starchy vegetables are the best for diabetes, as they are naturally low in sugar, carbohydrates and calories. Some common non-starchy vegetables include: -Artichokes -Asparagus -Baby corn -Bean sprouts -Brussels sprouts -Cauliflower -Carrots -Eggplant -Peppers -Greens (collard, kale, turnip, romaine, spinach etc.) -Tomato If you fill your plate mostly with non-starchy vegetables that are steamed or cooked in a light amount of oil, you generally don't have to worry about portion sizes with non-starchy vegetables. One

A very good article on Diabetic Meals planning. I hope it helps all my readers to manage thier diabetes. Diabetic-Friendly Ways to Start Your Day By  Susan Renzo , Aug 27, 2014 No matter how much time you leave yourself for breakfast every morning, there is a healthy breakfast that can be ready when you are. Why Breakfast is Important Every person with diabetes knows they must maintain a balanced diet. Breakfast should not be the exception to that rule. A breakfast containing low glycemic foods can help prevent blood sugar spikes for an entire morning. This is one of the results of a study conducted by Purdue University. In their study, almonds were added to a balanced breakfast. Study participants felt more satisfied and had lower blood glucose readings after both breakfast and lunch. The other benefit to a healthy breakfast is the boost your metabolism gets to start your day. A revved-up metabolism keeps your energy levels up all day long. Quick Breakfast Ide

Okra for Diabetes July 15, 2015  by  David Spero   An Article I read on the Internet which I found interesting. I am not very sure about the validity of the claims made but never-the-less we can try it out, as in India, Okra or BHINDI (in Hindi) is very commonly used vegetable. Okra is a vegetable used in cooking in warm climates. Recently, some websites have posted that it is a “diabetes cure.” What is the science on okra? How can it help you? Okra’s scientific name is   Abelmoschus esculentus.   It is used as a thickener in stews because of the goopy stuff in its seed pods. That same goop keeps many of us from eating it at all, but it may contain powerful medicine. A 2005 study from Taiwan published in the journal   Planta Medica   tested okra   in rats with diabetes. Researchers purified a chemical called   myricetin  from the okra. They gave the rats the solution by IV. The myricetin greatly increased rats’ muscles’ ability to absorb glucose, whic

Here are a Few Tips on Preventing Falls especially if you are Osteoporotic or Osteopenic 1. Get Moving Regular exercise is a great way to improve your balance and flexibility. It also helps your bones get stronger and denser. That will lower the chance that you'll fall and break one. Choose gentle activities like yoga or tai chi. Swimming and easy stretches are good, too. Lift weights to help with your strength. 2. Turn on the Lights Make sure your home is well-lit so you don't trip in the dark. Put in ceiling lights or add switches so lamps can be turned on as you walk into the room. Double-check that your path from the bedroom to the bathroom has enough light, and use night lights throughout your house. 3. Wear the Right Shoes Get ones that give you good support to help keep you on your feet. Choose low heels with rubber soles, not leather. Wear them even when you're home. Don't walk around in socks, backless shoes, or loose slippers -- especia