Category: diabetes

Eating after midnight is unhealthy. Several experts had already stated this, but a new study demonstrates how nighttime meals can hasten the development of diabetes because they encourage the rise in blood sugar levels. The passing of the years and metabolism are also things to consider.

Two groups of young people, without specific pathologies, followed an identical diet for two weeks, but the second group ate at night, resulting in a marked increase in blood sugar levels.

Why is eating at night bad for you?

The problem of nutrition and food intake timing is complex, but there are biorhythms that must be respected. People who don’t do this can have their metabolism change, which can lead to diabetes. This is due to the action of insulin, which allows the passage of sugars from the blood to the tissues, which use them as energy. If this step is not taken, blood sugar rises, leading to diabetes.

What can you do to avoid nocturnal glycemic peaks?

The most important details are that night workers and those with nocturnal bulimic crises should try to have a substantial breakfast in the morning and then let a suitable number of hours pass before eating again. The restriction should be between 30-50% of the calorie content, keeping macro-foods such as vitamins unchanged, and that the Mediterranean diet has been more effective than other “life-extending” diets.

“Fault” of the metabolism

The action of insulin in the onset of diabetes is linked to metabolism, which changes according to the hours of the day and night, but also to age. Insulin resistance in the morning is linked to the need to get up and go hunting, while in the evening and at night some “counter-regulatory” hormones are more active, increasing blood sugar.

How important is age?

The latest research found that after the age of 60/65 there is a progressive increase in blood sugar, especially in the morning. This is due to the decrease in muscle mass and the progressive “deterioration” of the cells responsible for the action of insulin. To maintain a muscular state, simple daily actions such as taking the dog out or taking a walk can help to keep weight under control.

The importance of meals at regular times

Regular and balanced meals are important for all ages, both in timing and quantity. It is important to respect the biorhythm, but also the quality of what you eat. Carbohydrates must be low glycemic index, proteins must be present, but not in excessive quantities, and fats should be monounsaturated. Small transgressions are allowed, as too rigid diets can lead to an excessive decrease in muscle mass.

Your body overheats when you have a fever in an effort to combat viruses and bacteria. Stress hormones are also released. These cause blood sugar to rise. On the other hand, vomiting and diarrhea can cause the sugar level to fall too low.

Diabetologists advise checking blood sugar every two to four hours in order to identify mistakes early. This includes people with type 2 diabetes who do not inject insulin. Your doctor won’t generally advise you to use blood sugar test strips. Serious illnesses are included here.

Discontinue or continue taking diabetes pills?

When an infection occurs, discuss with your doctor what rules apply to your medication. Metformin tablets are frequently taken by people with type 2 diabetes. In cases of pneumonia and other more serious infections, metformin can cause dangerous hyperacidity. The drug may then need to be temporarily stopped. This also holds true for SGLT-2 inhibitors (gliflozine). Sulfonylureas, which contain the active ingredients glibenclamide and glimepiride, increase the production of insulin.

Hypoglycemia is a possibility, for instance, if you are unable to eat or drink anything due to a digestive infection. The dosage may then need to be lowered or the tablets skipped. Fever, on the other hand, might also call for a dose increase.

Gliptines (such as sitagliptin and vildagliptin) can typically be taken as usual. Glutide, a GLP-1 analogue, is injected. It may make sense to temporarily stop using the injections if they exacerbate gastrointestinal symptoms, according to Pillin. You might need temporary insulin if the values seem to be heading out of control. Consult your doctor about this as well.

What do I have to consider with insulin?

You frequently require more insulin if you are feverish. The amount also depends on how blood sugar levels change. Fast-acting insulin, also known as mealtime insulin, can be used to lower elevated values if you follow the guidelines discussed with your doctor. You only need to quickly inject insulin to lower elevated levels if you don’t eat. Ask the doctor to explain the procedure in the case of mixed insulin. The body requires basal insulin as a basic supply, so never skip it.

If you have type 1 diabetes and experience nausea or abdominal pain, you should consider ketoacidosis. When the body doesn’t have enough insulin, such as when B. a higher requirement was not adjusted, dangerous hyperacidity results. You should get a blood or urine ketone test if you experience any of the symptoms, such as extreme thirst and rotten fruit-smelling breath. If the outcome is abnormal, proceed according to your emergency ketoacidosis plan. Call an ambulance if you are unsure or if you are in severe pain.

What applies to children?

An infection can cause the blood sugar to crash, especially quickly in children. According to a children’s diabetologist from Herford, parents should check their children’s blood sugar at least every two hours, including once at night between two and three o’clock. He suggests tolerating slightly higher sugar levels during an infection, around 160 mg/dl (8.9 mmol/l), to prevent hypoglycemia.

Please modify the insulin dosage in accordance with the guidelines agreed upon with the doctor. Children should drink plenty of fluids because they quickly dehydrate. Drinks that are sweetened can help to prevent hypoglycemia when someone is vomiting or having diarrhea. If you are experiencing ketoacidosis symptoms, get a ketone test right away. Adjust abnormally high sugar levels in accordance with the ketoacidosis plan of the training. Consult the diabetes team for advice. Take the child to the doctor or dial 911 if the situation does not get better.

How do I prevent dehydration?

With fever, vomiting or diarrhea, the body loses fluid and minerals. High sugar levels increase dehydration. It is best to balance this out with mineral water (non-carbonated) or tea. In the case of diarrhea, electrolyte-glucose mixtures from the pharmacy can be useful.

If you don’t carry any food with you and a low blood sugar level is impending, sweet drinks, like tea with glucose, can help. ingest in small, deliberate sips. Try easily digestible carbohydrates, like white bread or rusks, if the vomiting stops. Foods that cause constipation, like bananas or applesauce, are appropriate for diarrhea.

What remedies help in recovery?

Different pharmaceutical products can aid in the treatment of colds, coughs, and sore throats. It is especially critical for those who have diabetes, hypertension, or heart issues to get advice on the best treatments. Some can raise blood pressure and blood sugar levels. Decongestant nasal sprays or drops help you breathe more easily and fall asleep if you have a blocked nose. You should use these medications for no longer than one week due to the habituation effect and potential long-term harm to the nasal mucosa.

Ibuprofen or paracetamol-containing medications lower fevers and ease headaches and body aches. Expectoration is made simpler with a mucolytic preparation. A dry cough can be alleviated by a cough suppressant. However, it prevents expectoration and shouldn’t be taken concurrently with an expectorant. There are lozenges for sore throats; pick one without sugar.