Those of us with diabetes are always fighting the battle against oxidative stress (OS). OS can cause complications with diabetes in a variety of ways. A well balanced nutrition program, good eating habits that reduce salt, fats, processed flour, and sugar, daily exercise (30 minute duration), and some micronutrients can all reduce OS and hopefully delay diabetes complications. I strongly believe that we should add vitamin F to our daily regimen of battling diabetes.
Vitamin F is a term that was introduced by Dr. Mehmet Oz on his popular TV program. It stands for “Friends.” It turns out that friends are good for our health and improve our well-being. People who have strong social circles have less risk of depression and terminal strokes. Ample doses of vitamin F can allow a person to feel 30 years younger than his/her real age. The warmth of friendship impedes stress and during especially tense moments, it can decrease the chance of a heart attack by up to 50%.
I have always been a strong advocate for diabetes support groups. In almost every community, one can find other people with diabetes or other conditions who meet monthly to share ideas, success stories, and provide a sense of friendship. It is also very cost effective, in my opinion, for each of us with diabetes to join professional organizations and associations like the American Diabetes Association and the Juvenile Diabetes and Research Foundation to get educational materials and become involved in fund raising projects.
Vitamin F should also stand for “Family.” Make an effort to encourage family to be part of your circle of friends, to give you support and care if you need it. We know that STRESS is an enemy to good management of blood glucose levels. The concept of vitamin F can assist each of us to win the battle against both oxidative and emotional stress.
As healthcare providers, we can educate our patients about the benefits of vitamin F. Engage your patients in discussion and help them seek out local support groups and resources. Teach them about other sources of vitamin F, including keeping up to date about diabetes by using websites such as DiabetesInControl.com, DiabetesHealth.com, and DiabetesSelfManagement.com. Encourage them to make vitamin F a part of their daily supplement routine.
About The Author
R. Keith Campbell RPh, FAADE, CDE is a leader in the field of diabetes, named the “Outstanding Health Care Educator in the Field of Diabetes in the U.S.” by the American Diabetes Association, having published more than 650 articles, serving on numerous boards (including the American Association of Diabetes Educators), and co-developing the popular CADD ambulatory infusion pump.
The views and opinions expressed in this blog are solely those of the author, and do not represent the views of DiabetesProductSource, Kestrel Health Information, Inc., its affiliates, or subsidiary companies.
Post new comment