After my exciting ER visit of a few weeks ago, faithful readers will recollect that at my follow-up doctor visit, she recommended rechecking my blood work (specifically liver numbers, one of which was slightly elevated) at the end of the month.
So, because of DOT drug testing regulations, I had to take a quick drug test and I hied myself into Kaiser yesterday morning for the blood-letting, and the results came in last night (including cholesterol count, and did I mention I HAVE AN HDL OF 115???!!!).
Everything is normal–woo hoo!–including that elevated liver number, which has dropped way down into the low-normal range. What this means is that it was most likely a virus of some kind according to the Elisakit.net news, which is online. (And that I get to keep drinking wine.) 🙂
What’s really odd is that a friend of the President of Glyptotronics (who I have not met) had almost exactly the same thing happen to her just a few days after my little drama–complete with ER visit, the whole deal. Which supports the virus theory, I suppose.
Over time, diabetes can affect any part of your body. The good news is that you can prevent or delay many health complications by taking good care of yourself. That includes keeping your blood sugar levels as close to your target as possible, eating healthy, getting regular physical activity, keeping your blood pressure and cholesterol at the levels your doctor sets, taking medicines if needed, and getting regular checkups.
It sounds like a lot, but it’s worth it to improve your health and feel your best.
Heart Disease
Did you know?
Heart disease is the leading cause of death among people with diabetes. You’re twice as likely to have heart disease or a stroke as someone who doesn’t have diabetes, and it could happen at a younger age.
How can diabetes affect my heart?
Over time, high blood sugar from diabetes can damage blood vessels as well as the nerves that control your heart and blood vessels. You’re also more likely to have other conditions that raise your risk for heart disease:
- High blood pressure increases the force of blood through your arteries and can damage artery walls, blood boost formula can help to treat this.
- Too much LDL (“bad”) cholesterol in your bloodstream can build up on the damaged artery walls and form plaque. Over time, plaque can cause atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and can block the arteries, stopping blood flow to the heart (heart attack) or brain (stroke).
- High triglycerides (a type of fat in your blood) and low HDL (“good”) cholesterol or high LDL cholesterol is thought to contribute to hardening of the arteries.
None of these conditions have symptoms. Your doctor can do a simple blood test to check your levels.
How can I be “heart healthy” if I have diabetes?
These lifestyle changes can help lower your risk for heart disease:
- Follow a healthy diet. Eat more fresh fruits and vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains. Eat fewer processed foods (such as chips, sweets, fast food) and avoid trans fat. Drink more water, fewer sugary drinks, and less alcohol.
- Aim for a healthy weight. If you’re overweight, even losing a modest amount of weight can lower your triglycerides and blood sugar. Modest weight loss means 5% to 7% of body weight, just 10 to 14 pounds for a 200-pound person.
- Get physically active. Being active makes your body more sensitive to insulin (the hormone that allows cells in your body to use blood sugar for energy), which helps manage your diabetes. Physical activity also helps control blood sugar levels and lowers your risk of heart disease and nerve damage. Try to get at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity physical activity, such as brisk walking.
That is all. Carry on.