All Entries in the "Diabetes" Category
What are the most important things to focus on with my diabetes?
I think that a better question to ask yourself is, “What do I love to do?” or “What are my personal goals for the next few months or years?” or “What do I most want to do in my life …
How can I remember all of the things I am supposed to do?
It is hard to remember everything, especially if you are on a lot of medications, all for different things, and if you see a lot of different doctors and other health care professionals for different conditions. You can write things …
Is it normal to get frustrated with my diabetes?
Definitely. Living with diabetes every day can really drive you nuts. People who don’t have diabetes can’t really understand what a drag it is to have to think about what you eat, how often you have to check your blood …
Is having diabetes my fault?
Absolutely not. Nobody gets diabetes just because they ate the wrong things or let their weight creep up or didn’t exercise enough. You only get diabetes if you have a problem with your pancreas or have inherited the genes for …
Why are people with diabetes told to get flu shots and pneumonia shots?
Most people with diabetes are not any more likely to get the flu or pneumonia than people who do not have diabetes. However, if you have diabetes and you do get the flu or pneumonia, then it can be more …
Are alternative therapies ever harmful?
Yes, they can be, although it is rare. Most companies who make natural supplements are very genuine and make supplements that are at least harmless and might even do you some good. But if the company has spiked its “natural …
Does cinnamon make your blood glucose go down?
Some small research studies (including one from Pakistan in 2003) have suggested that taking cinnamon three times a day after meals might help lower your blood glucose. There is hot debate about which type of cinnamon is most effective and …
Does glucosamine make your blood glucose go up?
Glucosamine is a molecule that is used to make cartilage and connective tissue in your body. It can be used to help with joint and muscle aches and pains. We do not know if it works because it repairs cartilage …
If an herbal preparation contains lots of things, how do I know which ones are most effective?
This can be really difficult. Many herbal supplements contain a very long list of “ingredients,” and there is no way to test them one by one. The best advice I can give is to try to buy from a source …
Can herbal preparations revive the pancreas and make it start working again?
No, they can’t, and anyone who claims such a thing is a crook. In my thirty years of being a diabetes doctor, I can remember two times when young patients of mine with type 1 diabetes were deceived by a …