We launched our Access
Digest newsletter earlier this year to provide
you with the latest information on diabetes, its
treatment, and available resources -- all designed
to help improve the quality of your life.
This month we are focusing on a very important subject:
that of dental care and oral health. People with
diabetes are at a higher risk for gum disease and
other mouth-related problems. By learning more about
how to achieve and maintain good dental health,
you can take control, limit complications, and live
a more fulfilling life. |
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In
This Issue |
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If you have diabetes,
you know the disease can harm your eyes, nerves,
kidneys, heart and other important systems in the
body. Did you know it can also cause problems in
your mouth? People with diabetes have a higher than
normal risk of periodontal diseases, which are infections
of the gum and bone that hold the teeth in place.
In advanced stages, this leads to painful chewing
problems and even tooth loss. Like any infection,
gum disease can make it hard to keep your blood
sugar under control.
There are other dental
problems that are linked to diabetes, such as thrush,
an infection caused by a fungus that grows in the
mouth. People with diabetes are at risk for thrush
because the fungus thrives on high glucose levels
in saliva. Dry mouth is another symptom of diabetes
and can cause more than just an uncomfortable feeling
in your mouth. Dry mouth can cause soreness, ulcers,
infections, and tooth decay.
In this issue we’ll
tell you more about gum diseases, how to control
plaque, identifying fungal infections, avoiding
healing problems, preventing dental diseases, and
how to best work with your dentist to maintain a
healthy mouth.
We have another special
recipe for your consideration. We believe that your
diet is a critical aspect of treating diabetes. This
time we are using a protein supplement called "whey"
in a delicious fruit smoothie. Recent studies have
shown that it benefits people with type 2 diabetes,
stimulating the release of insulin and reducing
spikes in blood glucose levels after meals.
Each month we receive
questions from our readers. We post some of the
more frequent questions and answers for everyone
to read. If you have questions or comments of your
own, please email them to us at the end of this
issue.
We hope
you enjoy this issue of the newsletter and thank
you for choosing Access Diabetic Supply
as your choice for diabetic supplies. |
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Dental Care |
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There are more bacteria
in your mouth at this moment than there are people
on our planet Earth. If any of those germs settle
into your gums, you've got gum disease. Skeptical? Here
are some facts.
Periodontal or gum diseases are more common
among people with diabetes. Among young adults,
those with diabetes are often at twice the risk.
Almost one-third of people with diabetes have severe
periodontal diseases, such as when their gums become
detached from their teeth. Poor blood sugar control
makes gum problems more likely.
Gum disease can start at any age. Children and teenagers
who have diabetes are at greater risk than those
who don't have diabetes. But the news is not all
bad. There is a lot you can do to fight gum disease:
- Learn how gum problems
start.
- Brush your teeth twice
a day.
- Floss your teeth every
day.
- Look for early signs
of gum disease.
- Visit your dentist
at least twice a year
Read more |
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Brushing & Flossing
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When
you have gum disease, germs work to destroy your
gums (gingiva) and the bone around your teeth.
It starts with plaque. Plaque is a sticky film
of food, saliva, and germs that loves to settle
at the gum line. There, germs get busy making
your gums red, tender, and likely to bleed.
The
goal of daily tooth brushing and flossing is to
clean away plaque. When plaque stays put, it hardens
into tartar. Tartar builds up under the gum line.
More plaque forms over the tartar. Only your dentist
or dental hygienist can get tartar off your teeth.
If
plaque and tartar are not cleaned away, even gentle
brushing can cause your gums to bleed. This is
called gingivitis. It is the first stage of gum
disease. You can fight gingivitis by:
- Daily good brushing
and flossing habits, and
- Getting your teeth
cleaned at least twice a year at your dentist's
office
- If you ignore gingivitis,
the gum disease gets worse
The more severe form
of gum disease is called periodontis. When you
reach this stage, your gums begin to pull away
from your teeth. Pockets form between your teeth
and gums. These fill with germs and pus, and deepen.
When this happens, you may need gum surgery to
save your teeth. If nothing is done, the infection
goes on to destroy the bone around your teeth.
The teeth may start to move or get loose. Your
teeth may fall out or need to be pulled.
Read more
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Healthy Living:
Monthly Recipe & Lifestyle Changes |
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A "Whey" to grow strong
Healthy muscles give us strength for doing all kinds
of physical activities each day. Unfortunately,
certain conditions like chronic diseases, unhealthy
eating habits, lack of physical activity and aging
can cause muscles to lose strength, and as a result,
make us feel weak. Muscles are built from protein,
which forms a part of every living cell in the body.
Protein is also found in ligaments, tendons, organs,
glands, hair, nails and bones.
What are good sources of protein?
Animal sources such as meat, poultry, milk,
fish and eggs are considered high quality forms
of protein. Proteins can also be obtained from plant
sources such as nuts, grains and legumes. However,
these proteins are generally incomplete because
they lack one or more essential amino acids.
Whey is a high quality and naturally complete
protein derived from milk. It has high biological
value, similar to eggs, milk and meat. It is easily
digested, absorbed and utilized by the
body, meeting its amino acids requirement.
Whey protein is an excellent protein choice
for individuals of all ages. New information on
the health benefits of whey protein continues to
become available as researchers discover new applications
for both whey protein and its unique individual
protein components. Look into the benefits of whey
protein and how to incorporate it into your diet.
Read More
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This month
our featured recipe is a cool, refreshing
drink that you will love. And it is good for you!
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Whey
Protein Smoothie
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Whey Protein Smoothie -
Source: Recipe Zaar
Number of Servings - 1
Ingredients
- 1 - banana, cut up
- 4 - strawberries, hulled and cut in half
- 1 scoop - whey protein powder vanilla or strawberry)
- 1 cup - nonfat milk or water
- 1 cup - ice
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Preparation time: five minutes; one serving
- Place
banana, strawberries, whey protein powder, and
low fat milk or water in a blender.
- Blend
until smooth. Do not over blend - it will
have too much foam if you blend too long.
- Add
ice and blend until ice is incorporated and
mixture is thick.
- Note:
We suggest you use Vanilla or Strawberry Whey.
It adds a great flavor to the smoothie.
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Nutritional
Information - Protein Smoothie |
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| Amount per Serving |
Calories
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274 |
| Calories
from Fat |
10 |
| Total
Fat |
1g
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| Saturated
Fat |
0.5g |
| Cholesterol |
4mg |
| Sodium
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134mg |
| Total
Carbohydrates
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59g |
| Dietary
Fiber |
3.4g
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| Protein
- Amount will vary based on manufacturer
from 10g - 35g of protein.
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10.2g |
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Questions
& Answers - Ask the Experts |
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Each
month our staff answers questions and asks for
your feedback. However, if you have urgent questions
about your order or your meter, we encourage you
to call our customer care department at 1-800-276-5712.
We do our best to answer all questions, but we
also encourage you to consult your physician.
Below are a few of the typical questions
our customer care department has answered on this
month's theme. Each question is linked to a Web
site that gives an answer and provides more detail.
We hope you find this section helpful.
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Access Diabetic Supply |
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