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Controlling Blood Glucose Levels Through Diet and Exercise

Case study ( 9663 views as of December 4, 2023 )

Debbie is a 64-year-old grandmother and has been pre-diabetic for almost 10 years. Her fasting blood sugars range from 5.6 - 6.8 and her post-meal blood sugars remain in the healthy range. Debbie’s haemoglobin A1C is stable at 6%. Her blood pressure is in the normal-to-low range and her cholesterol levels are slightly high. She takes no medication at this time and her goal is to always manage her health through diet and exercise alone.

At her recent check-up with her family doctor Debbie was informed that although her weight had not increased her waist circumference had. This signifies a greater health risk, as it tends to suggest an accumulation of intra-abdominal visceral fat. She too has noticed that although her weight remains stable there has been an upwards shift of fat that seems to be accumulating between the belly button and rib area, making her very uncomfortable.

Debbie has tried numerous diets over the years to keep her weight as low as possible and has incorporated many tips provided by a dietitian that she saw in the past. She walks a few times a week and also takes at least two Zumba classes.

Debbie feels she has exhausted all options for getting rid of the abdominal fat from a diet perspective. She is tired of thinking about good foods vs. bad foods and what she should do every time she goes to eat something.

Debbie's family doctor has suggested she re-visit the idea of a dietitian consultation for some metabolism-boosting suggestions. The physician has also suggested an appointment with a personal trainer to help strengthen and build muscle, which could further boost metabolism and promote fat loss. Doing yoga or pilates may also help increase her metabolism and contribute to overall strength and fitness.

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Conversation based on: Controlling Blood Glucose Levels Through Diet and Exercise

Controlling Blood Glucose Levels Through Diet and Exercise

  • Mr. Jackson Sayers BSc.,
    Mr. Jackson Sayers BSc., Kinesiologists, Vancouver, BC 28 April 2023
    Diabetes : The Health Benefits of Bell Peppers Known as capsicum in some parts of the world, bell peppers are most commonly found in red, yellow, orange or green varieties. The difference in colours are a result of the different antioxidant compounds that are rich in each, which have the capacity to reflect different types of light and thus explain their colouration. Orange peppers, for example, are high in a compound known as beta-carotene – the Vitamin A precursor which also found in rich supply in carrots.
    Reply to: Controlling Blood Glucose Levels Through Diet and Exercise
  • Dr. Duncan Miller MD
    Dr. Duncan Miller MD Family Doctor, Vancouver, BC 08 December 2019 Broadway Plaza Family Practice Vancouver
    Blood testing done by a person with diabetes with a blood glucose meter/monitor to determine how much glucose is in the blood. SMBG helps people with diabetes and their healthcare professionals make decisions about their medications, diet and exercise in order to achieve good blood glucose control.
    Reply to: Controlling Blood Glucose Levels Through Diet and Exercise
  • Mr. Jackson Sayers BSc.,
    Mr. Jackson Sayers BSc., Kinesiologists, Vancouver, BC 06 December 2019
    Blood testing done by a person with diabetes with a blood glucose meter/monitor to determine how much glucose is in the blood. SMBG helps people with diabetes and their healthcare professionals make decisions about their medications, diet and exercise in order to achieve good blood glucose control.
    Reply to: Controlling Blood Glucose Levels Through Diet and Exercise
  • Mr. Jackson Sayers BSc.,
    Mr. Jackson Sayers BSc., Kinesiologists, Vancouver, BC 03 December 2018
    Would be helpful to talk to a registered Dietitian who specializes in Diabetes.
    Reply to: Controlling Blood Glucose Levels Through Diet and Exercise
  • Mr. Jackson Sayers BSc.,
    Mr. Jackson Sayers BSc., Kinesiologists, Vancouver, BC 05 September 2018
    The former term for type 2 diabetes. Although type 2 diabetes usually occurs in people over 40, this term is no longer used because the disease is being increasingly diagnosed in younger people, even adolescents and children.
    Reply to: Controlling Blood Glucose Levels Through Diet and Exercise
  • Mr. Jackson Sayers BSc.,
    Mr. Jackson Sayers BSc., Kinesiologists, Vancouver, BC 22 August 2018
    Health Benefits of Eating Oatmeal Every Day Do you remember eating a steaming hot bowl of oatmeal most mornings before heading off to school? While many of us do, not enough of us continue to eat this ultra-healthy food as adults. It’s time to revisit this childhood staple and see it as the fantastic food it really is! Oats are a gluten-free whole grain and provide essential vitamins, fibre, minerals and antioxidants. Why eat oatmeal regularly? Well, it can: 1. Protect your heart. Oatmeal is rich in lignans, a plant chemical that can be protective against cardiovascular diseases. You can also find lignans in foods like broccoli, pumpkin seeds and berries. 2. Support your digestion. Oatmeal makes you feel fuller, so your body has ample time to digest. It also helps reduce the temptation to overeat or snack between meals. 3. Aid in weight loss. Oatmeal has a compound called beta-glucan, which increases cholecystokinin – a hormone that can reduce your appetite. 4. Support type 2 diabetes management. Because oatmeal has a low glycemic index, sugar is released more slowly into your bloodstream. This results in better glycemic controls, insulin levels and lipid profiles in people with type 2 diabetes. 5. Provide energy. As a protein-rich carbohydrate, oatmeal is an ideal source of calories to keep you fuelled. It’s a low glycemic food, which makes your body more effective at burning fat. 6. Lower blood pressure. Oatmeal is a triple threat against high blood pressure: it contains calcium and potassium and is a soluble fibre. Increasing your intake of oatmeal may be associated with a decreased risk of heart disease. 7. Prevent constipation. Oatmeal is very high in fibre, which helps keep you regular. Studies have shown that eating oats can prevent or relieve constipation. You don’t have to eat plain, hot oatmeal every day at breakfast for amazing health benefits. Use your imagination and get creative with your oatmeal recipes by adding: • Kale • Avocado • Eggs • Berries • Toasted coconut • Nuts and seeds • Seaweed • Fruit • Corn • Greek yogurt • Spices There are too many health benefits of oatmeal to cover in one article! To learn more, talk to your local nutritionist, dietitian or physician.
    Reply to: Controlling Blood Glucose Levels Through Diet and Exercise
  • K. Michael
    K. Michael 14 October 2015
    Women seem more likely to gain weight through the middle as they get older. Is this due to hormonal changes ?
    Reply to: Controlling Blood Glucose Levels Through Diet and Exercise
    • AllieS
      AllieS 02 June 2016
      I think hormonal changes post-menopause would partly be responsible, along with a general decrease in physical activity that can be associated with abdominal weight gain. The natural decrease in metabolism that older adults experience would also be a contributing factor.
    • K. Michael
      K. Michael 10 December 2015
      That's interesting. I wonder if any studies have been done to determine why women gain weight after menopause, why they should eat fewer calories when nothing else has changed besides hormone levels.
    • Michelle Kaarto, BScK, CSEP CEP
      Michelle Kaarto, BScK, CSEP CEP 16 October 2015
      I believe there is a correlation between menopause and caloric needs in women. I heard once that women needed 500 fewer calories once they were menopausal I'd be curious to hear a dietitian or physician weigh in on this...
  • Lisa Cantkier BA, BEd, CHN
    Lisa Cantkier BA, BEd, CHN Holistic Nutritional Consultant, Toronto, ON 16 September 2015
    @KMichael: Diet, exercise and lifestyle can help to control pre-diabetes and prevent type 2 diabetes.
    Reply to: Controlling Blood Glucose Levels Through Diet and Exercise
  • K. Michael
    K. Michael 16 September 2015
    If a person is pre-diabetic, are they ever able to improve their health to the point where they are no longer at risk of diabetes ?
    Reply to: Controlling Blood Glucose Levels Through Diet and Exercise
    • Michelle Kaarto, BScK, CSEP CEP
      Michelle Kaarto, BScK, CSEP CEP 16 October 2015
      It can happen. Lifestyle efforts are so crucial in the pre-diabetic stage to try and improve the health measurements which are putting you in the pre-diabetic state. Exercise and dietary measures can improve blood pressure, blood sugars, cholesterol, waist size - all which contribute to a person's risk for diabetes.
  • Lisa Cantkier BA, BEd, CHN
    Lisa Cantkier BA, BEd, CHN Holistic Nutritional Consultant, Toronto, ON 02 June 2015
    Thank you Dr. Goldenberg. The change in season to spring is a great time to boost your metabolism with exercise. Many people underestimate the value of simply walking, daily. Try a step counter or wrist band to monitor your goals and improve blood glucose levels.
    Reply to: Controlling Blood Glucose Levels Through Diet and Exercise
    • K. Michael
      K. Michael 30 June 2015
      If you have been doing the same exercises all the time your body can become used to them and they aren't as effective. Debbie should try switching out her Zumba class for something else. Weight training for women is very popular right now
  • Healthymama
    Healthymama 11 May 2015
    I always hear mixed things about coconut oil too. I would love to know what you find out.
    Reply to: Controlling Blood Glucose Levels Through Diet and Exercise
    • K. Michael
      K. Michael 31 August 2015
      I recently learned that they make coconut oil caplets. They are supposed to offer benefits similar to omega 3.
    • K. Michael
      K. Michael 22 July 2015
      I think cooking with coconut oil is supposed to be healthier than regular oil because it's a nut derived fat. But it's also high in calories
  • Lisa Cantkier BA, BEd, CHN
    Lisa Cantkier BA, BEd, CHN Holistic Nutritional Consultant, Toronto, ON 04 May 2015
    @Joy There are many, many foods that can help boost your metabolism. Cardiovascular and weight bearing exercise is extremely helpful as well.
    Reply to: Controlling Blood Glucose Levels Through Diet and Exercise
    • K. Michael
      K. Michael 08 July 2015
      What types of foods do you recommend to start with ?
    • drgoldenberg
      drgoldenberg 02 June 2015
      Lisa is right in suggesting exercise to help with boosting your metabolism. Getting your system working more efficiently through exercise and watching your food intake crucial to controlling blood glucose levels and seeing a qualified nutritionist like Lisa is a great place to start.
  • Joy
    Joy 04 May 2015
    What can I do to boost my metabolism? Are there foods I should be eating? Exercises I should be doing?
    Reply to: Controlling Blood Glucose Levels Through Diet and Exercise
  • ShirleyG
    ShirleyG 04 May 2015
    Does cooking with coconut oil help with this ? It was recently suggested by a friend and I was wondering what the benefits are ? I have a medical appointment later this month and will ask, however just curious.
    Reply to: Controlling Blood Glucose Levels Through Diet and Exercise
  • Lisa Cantkier BA, BEd, CHN
    Lisa Cantkier BA, BEd, CHN Holistic Nutritional Consultant, Toronto, ON 02 April 2015
    @T.Brown, that is a great idea (walking meetings). So are sit/stand desks where you can alternate between sitting and standing throughout the day.
    Reply to: Controlling Blood Glucose Levels Through Diet and Exercise
    • K. Michael
      K. Michael 30 June 2015
      A sit / stand desk is one that can be raised or lowered so that you may sit at a standard office chair or stand while working
    • Healthymama
      Healthymama 11 May 2015
      What is a sit/stand desk?
    • Ms. Sarah Ware RD
      Ms. Sarah Ware RD Registered Dietitian, North Vancouver, BC 15 April 2015
      @lisa, I agree! What a great way to incorporate exercise into ones working day. Other health professionals should take this on too. Nutritionists could do walking follow up sessions!
  • T.Brown
    T.Brown 02 April 2015
    I recently read about the idea of "walking meetings" for people who are at a desk job all day. It's hard to get much exercise throughout the day, but if you walked and talked with colleagues that would definitely help.
    Reply to: Controlling Blood Glucose Levels Through Diet and Exercise
    • Healthymama
      Healthymama 11 May 2015
      That is a great idea. And great ideas sometimes come while walking too!
    • Joy
      Joy 24 April 2015
      I have never heard of these, but what a fantastic idea!
    • K. Michael
      K. Michael 13 April 2015
      My colleagues frequently do "walk and talks". Although they usually end up with a cookie at the end of the meeting
  • Lisa Cantkier BA, BEd, CHN
    Lisa Cantkier BA, BEd, CHN Holistic Nutritional Consultant, Toronto, ON 01 April 2015
    Shirley G, the research hasn't shown specific recommendations around what movement is best, or how much movement is best. It really depends on each individual and their profile. A practitioner who works in this area, such as a nutritionist or fitness trainer would be able to make recommendations based on one's individual profile.
    Reply to: Controlling Blood Glucose Levels Through Diet and Exercise
  • Lisa Cantkier BA, BEd, CHN
    Lisa Cantkier BA, BEd, CHN Holistic Nutritional Consultant, Toronto, ON 29 March 2015
    More research is showing the benefits of regular movement, thus not just doing a certain amount of weight bearing exercise and/or fitness classes each week, but getting up and moving/walking every hour or so throughout the day. This is certainly something to consider when looking at exercise. A holistic nutritionist can help with meal planning and switching/swapping/substituting foods/recipes that contain unhealthy sweeteners with those that are better with respect to controlling blood glucose levels.
    Reply to: Controlling Blood Glucose Levels Through Diet and Exercise
    • Michelle Kaarto, BScK, CSEP CEP
      Michelle Kaarto, BScK, CSEP CEP 16 October 2015
      @SarahWare - thank you for clearing up the hype on agave as a sweetener. I'd like to learn more about sweeteners in general - they're so tempting to use when trying to lose weight, but I keep hearing things about how just having regular sugar might be better. Can you clarify?
    • Healthymama
      Healthymama 11 May 2015
      I will try to fit in amounts of exercise all through the day rather then "get it over with" in the early morning.
    • Mr. Bret Hodge BKin
      Mr. Bret Hodge BKin Kinesiologists, Vancouver, BC 28 April 2015 Innovative Fitness, Kitsilano, Vancouver, BC
      I definitely agree that regular movement is just as beneficial as a 1 hour cardio bout. Obviously this is dependent on the intensity, but walking around your office for 5mins every hour would definitely make a difference. There is also plenty of research to support high intensity interval training as a means to improve cardiovascular health and improve metabolism. This can be as little as 5-10mins of 20 - 40s intervals increasing the heart rate to 70-90%
    • Ms. Sarah Ware RD
      Ms. Sarah Ware RD Registered Dietitian, North Vancouver, BC 15 April 2015
      @K.Michael, agave syrup is technically a more natural choice as a sweetener but its composition is not far from high fructose corn syrup. Nutritionists and dietitians encourage people to avoid that as much as possible.
    • K. Michael
      K. Michael 01 April 2015
      We've recently started using Agave as a sweetener.
    • ShirleyG
      ShirleyG 01 April 2015
      Is there a certain amount a steps a person should be taking ? Should it be "focused" walking ie 30 mins per day or can it be a few steps here and there based on movement throughout the day ?

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