Diabetes, anemia and hypertension are all diseases that affect multiple organ systems. The management of these conditions should be undertaken with the consultation and care of a physician. Treatment may involve lifestyle changes and medical management. Diabetes is a disorder that causes high levels of the sugar glucose in the blood. Anemia is a low red blood cell count; red blood cells supply oxygen to the tissues. Hypertension is high blood pressure. Longstanding or very high blood pressure causes changes to the blood vessels and damages organs.
Diabetes
Type II diabetes mellitus is caused by resistance of the body to the effects of insulin, which normally signals cells to take up glucose out of the blood. Medical nutrition therapy, or MNT, is a tailored diet and lifestyle program for those with diabetes. MNT for diabetes addresses five components of the diet. The first is the overall caloric intake. It should be balanced with the calories burned in a day if a person is near her ideal body weight. Since many people with diabetes are overweight, the caloric intake will need to be reduced. The second factor is a consistent intake of carbohydrates in meals and snacks on a day-to-day basis, with the goal being even blood sugar. The third is weight management and weight loss if needed, including increased physical activity. The fourth is nutritional content of food, for example eating nutritious, healthy foods. The fifth is consistent timing of meals from day to day.
Anemia
Anemia is not a diagnosis by itself. It refers to a low red blood cell count, but the anemia will have an underlying cause that is the addressable disease. Some causes of anemia involve nutritional deficiencies. Iron deficiency anemia is caused by low iron levels in the body. This is often due to blood loss and the source will need to be found. It can also be due to inadequate intake; in that case, increased dietary iron can treat the anemia. Low levels of folate and vitamin B-12 or cobalamin can also cause low blood counts.
Hypertension
A diet advocated by the National Institutes of Health for lowering high blood pressure is called the low sodium DASH diet. DASH stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension. This diet emphasizes low saturated fat, total fat, cholesterol, red meats, sweets and sugars. It encourages increased fruits, vegetables, low fat dairy products, whole grains, fish, poultry and nuts. In addition, the sodium intake is restricted while potassium, magnesium, calcium, as well as protein and fiber are encouraged.
Diet and Lifestyle Factors for Health
Evidence suggests that fruit and vegetable intake reduces the risk of heart disease and strokes, and possibly, cancers. Very sugary foods, or those with a high glycemic index, may contribute to heart disease, type II diabetes and some cancers. High fiber protects against heart disease, strokes and diabetes. Saturated and trans fat intake contributes to the development of blood vessel disease, heart problems and strokes, while monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats appear to decrease the risks. Red meats appear to increase the risk of disease, and white meats decrease the risks. A Mediterranean diet incorporates many of these factors. In addition, alcohol has some benefits and carries health risks as well. Smoking and tobacco use should be stopped, and exercise added, if health conditions allow.
References
- "Diabetes Care"; "Evidence-based nutrition principles and recommendations for the treatment and prevention of diabetes and related complications."; Franz et al.; 2002
- "Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease"; Vinay Kumar, et al.; 8th Ed 2009
- "Nutrition Concepts and Controversies"; Frances Sizer, et al.; 11th Ed 2007
- National Institutes of Health: Lowering Your Blood Pressure with DASH
- "UpToDate"; "Prudent Diet"; Graham Colditz, M.D., DrPh.; 2010
