Dr. Maria Menucci
Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
A few secrets to overcome type 2 diabetes
It is very important when treating diabetes to set clear GOALS. Sometimes we try to set tangible targets such as Hemoglobin A1c, pounds of weight loss, cholesterol levels… Yes, those things are important, but we would miss the big picture if we just focus on that. The primary goal is TO BE HEALTHY in order to live our life to its full potential.
Think about it, if your goal is to have a Hemoglobin A1c below 7%, you might get there by taking 3-4 different medicines or you might do it by changing the way you eat and move. Which of those options do you think is making you healthier? Right. The second one!
Medications play an important role in the treatment of diabetes, but they should NEVER replace a healthy lifestyle. On the other hand, the healthier your lifestyle, the higher the likelihood it can replace your medicines!
So, here we go: focusing on being healthier, get ready to make changes that will have a great impact in your Hemoglobin A1c, your pounds and your cholesterol!
- EAT REAL FOOD: fruits (~ 3 portions daily, prefer the ones high on fiber), vegetables (at least 5 portions daily, prefer the green ones but go for all shapes and colors), whole grains (no more than one portion daily), legumes (at least one portion daily), nuts (~a handful per day), seeds (~2-3 tbs per day).
- NO REFINED CARBS (starches and sugars) and NO processed food. ZERO. NADA.
- Cut on red meat
- Stay ACTIVE – all day, every day
- Sleep 7-9 hours every NIGHT. Keeping the day-night cycle is very important for our bodies. Turn those screens off and go to bed early, make that a routine, you won’t regret!
- ENJOY YOUR LIFE: control stress, build relationships, manage your time, trust in God
August 1-7: World Breastfeeding week
http://worldbreastfeedingweek.org/
Why post about breastfeeding in an Endocrinologist blog? Because breastfeeding is an important determinant for metabolically healthy adults.
It is well known that nursing your baby has several benefits, not only on the baby but also on the mom. Here are some very important ones:
- Mom: helps reduce pregnancy weight faster, helps the uterus return to its pre-pregnancy size, reduces the risk of ovarian cancer, osteoporosis and other problems. And most importantly, enhances mom-baby bond, and lowers the risk of post-partum depression.
- Baby: increases the likelihood that the baby will have a healthy weight not only during infancy, but also during childhood and adulthood! Reduces the risk of adult diabetes, PCOS, asthma, food allergies, and other conditions. And of course, it provides the right amount of vitamins, minerals and protective antibodies for a healthy development.
July is Graves’ disease awareness month
People with family history of Graves’ disease are at risk of developing it. But even more common is to have a family history of any other autoimmune disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, type 1 diabetes, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, etc.
Being prone to an autoimmune disease is a hereditable trait. So be aware of the risk and keep an eye on the symptoms!
Lear more from the American Thyroid Association
Consult with your Primary Care Provider or an endocrinologist if you have any concerns. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent serious complications.
Dr. Maria Menucci 