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Post by Fearchar on Jun 9, 2023 9:52:27 GMT
Eventually, it dawns on people that good health is more important than money. So, I've been following several health coaches on YouTube. Among these is the very pretty and smart Dr. Boz, who lives in Florida. Here is a link to her video on Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C): It's a long video and the best information starts around 13:00 and runs thru 29:00: Dr Boz HbA1CNotice that she goes on to link high blood sugar to numerous chronic health conditions. The best blood sugar test is HbA1C. It will give you (and your Doctor) and idea of how well you are controlling over the last 3 months. So, it's not just a single snap shot of blood sugar as levels varies greatly throughout the day. Problem is that health insurers won't pay for the test unless you are a Diabetic. However, high blood sugar causes many more health problems as she explains. So, it's a good test and we should all consider our dietary choices carefully. I've got a sweet tooth and it's very easy for me to over do it. So, I ordered the test on line, mailed it in a got results within just a few days. There are a number of test vendors available on line, but Dr. Boz has one of the lower cost vendors available thru her website. $39.77 HbA1C test
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Post by steelpony10 on Jun 9, 2023 10:43:03 GMT
Fearchar , We have supplemental insurance in addition to Medicare parts A,B and D. All I told the latest primary care physician is Diabetes and Thyroid problems are present in my family history way back when and that info has travelled with me for years. My A1c is paid once a year. I’d have to check the vouchers to see if it is Part B or the supplement, AARP, that pays. This latest physician questioned that because my blood sugar (glucose) isn’t a problem yet probably because my diet and exercise routine is pretty good. Switch physicians to find an agreeable one. Checking glucose levels which is covered is what you ate that week A1C goes back a ways so you can’t cheat.
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Post by Chahta on Jun 9, 2023 11:06:45 GMT
Checking blood sugar should be part of the normal panel done when a physical is performed.
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Post by richardsok on Jun 9, 2023 11:42:05 GMT
Thanks, fear. Good post.
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Post by richardsok on Jun 9, 2023 15:13:57 GMT
Don't want to divert the thread, but didn't know where to post the following. I thought it might be of some interest.
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Key Excerpts from a current WSJ article:
Is Taurine the Key to Longer Life? It Made Monkeys Healthier
Boosting levels of an amino acid called taurine made mice and worms live longer, according to research published Thursday in the journal Science. Middle-aged monkeys given taurine supplements became healthier.. In humans, lower levels of taurine were associated with age-related problems.... ...They theorized that declining levels of taurine could drive aging—and that boosting taurine in the body could slow the process.
People have been searching for life-extending substances for millennia. Other recent studies have explored antiaging properties of compounds including resveratrol, found in red wine, and the immunosuppressive drug rapamycin. Yadav said he first suspected taurine’s connection with aging over a decade ago...“Our quest was to identify which molecules change with age,” said Yadav. “We found many molecules decreased in abundance with age but one went down dramatically.”
That was taurine. ...Yadav and collaborators around the world probed how different taurine levels affected yeast, worms, mice, monkeys and people. Taurine appeared to affect the health or lifespan of all the organisms except for yeast.
Researchers gave daily doses of taurine to hundreds of 14-month-old mice, considered middle-aged, and compared their average lifespans to mice that didn’t get extra taurine. The female mice given taurine lived 12% longer on average and male mice that got taurine lived 10% longer, researchers said.
Researchers ... questioned whether it would be feasible to give people doses of taurine equivalent to those fed to the mice. Yadav said earlier research suggests it would be possible and safe. He said taurine consumption hasn’t been linked to adverse side effects. ….
Mice that received taurine also appeared to be healthier. They had about half the body fat and about 60% more bone mass than mice that didn’t get taurine. They performed better in tests that measured muscle strength, endurance and coordination, and had improved insulin sensitivity. A lack of insulin sensitivity is associated with Type 2 diabetes. Taurine-treated mice also appeared more curious when put into a maze and less likely to hide in the dark—signs in mice that are associated with less depression and anxiety....
...Taurine has been used clinically in Japan to treat congestive heart failure, and some athletic supplements and energy drinks including Red Bull contain taurine. Meat and seafood are high in taurine ...
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Post by win1177 on Jun 9, 2023 15:26:05 GMT
In most labs HgA1C is not part of “routine” chemistry panels and is a separate test. It is considered a “standard test” for monitoring diabetics, and gives you an average level of blood glucose looking back over about three months. It is done routinely on diabetics as part of their monitoring. I am a type II diabetic, developed it in my late 40’s and I have a VERY strong family history of it. My mother died from adult onset diabetes, and my younger sister also developed it in her early thirties. We are both NOT obese, in fact I’m 6’3” and weigh 184 pounds, so I’m in the “ideal body weight range”. Go figure!
My primary care MD and I (I’m also an MD) monitor my diabetes closely with hemoglobin A1C’s drawn every 3-4 months. With aggressive exercise (fast walking 6-8 miles/ day) and diet as well as oral medicine I have my hemoglobin A1C down in the “non-diabetic range” (5.2 to 5.5%), but it takes a LOT of work to do that. But long term, I KNOW it’s the best thing I can do to live a longer and healthier life. I too have a “sweet tooth”, but I’ve had to great reduce my “sweets”. Occasional “treats”, only on weekends at most.
If you have diabetes or a strong family history, if you are overweight, sedentary, etc., it’s probably worthwhile checking it periodically to see where you are at. Of course, discuss this with your own primary care MD, I’m NOT offering “medical advice” here, just my “thoughts”.
Win
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Post by Fearchar on Jun 9, 2023 15:40:40 GMT
richardsok, That's okay. In fact, around the 18:00 point, Dr. Boz states that many patients ask about supplements. However, she explains that the impact of supplements tends to be minimal in comparison to improving ones average blood sugar. So, if one takes good supplements, but follows with cookies, cake and big bowl of ice cream, then there is no net benefit.
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Post by liftlock on Jun 9, 2023 18:02:26 GMT
I am not an MD but I am a Type 2 diabetic. I have my HbA1c checked every 4-5 months which is covered by Medicare.
If you haven't been diagnosed as a Type 2 diabetic, a routine blood sugar test will normally identify a higher than normal blood sugar condition. A series of higher than normal sugar readings will often lead to a diagnosis as a Type 2 diabetic and subsequent HbA1C tests. I have lost track about whether routine blood sugar tests are covered by Medicare as part of regular preventative care.
I am not certain about the potential benefits of doing HbA1c tests if one does not have high blood sugar readings.
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Post by Majick on Jun 9, 2023 18:04:28 GMT
Btw, I'm Not a Dr.MD/DO but As Fyi... I understand that if one is type 2 diabetic on oral medications then Medicare will allow/pay for an A1C lab blood test check when prescribed by Dr.MD, after every 3 months. Many local labs can check it, if you pay out of your pocket,$15-$20 without the doctor's requested Rx lab test. There are Blood test meters/test strips available that can check your Non-Fasting blood A1C or Meter with Random Instant Blood Glucose check like made by Lifescan & OneTouch Blood Glucose test meters & test strips. Checkout...https://www.lifescan.com/. Medicare will cover it for adult-onset type 2. with Rx prescription as My wife uses it.
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sam
Lieutenant
Posts: 123
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Post by sam on Jun 9, 2023 18:13:09 GMT
Eventually, it dawns on people that good health is more important than money. So, I've been following several health coaches on YouTube. Among these is the very pretty and smart Dr. Boz, who lives in Florida. Here is a link to her video on Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C): It's a long video and the best information starts around 13:00 and runs thru 29:00: Dr Boz HbA1CNotice that she goes on to link high blood sugar to numerous chronic health conditions. The best blood sugar test is HbA1C. It will give you (and your Doctor) and idea of how well you are controlling over the last 3 months. So, it's not just a single snap shot of blood sugar as levels varies greatly throughout the day. Problem is that health insurers won't pay for the test unless you are a Diabetic. However, high blood sugar causes many more health problems as she explains. So, it's a good test and we should all consider our dietary choices carefully. I've got a sweet tooth and it's very easy for me to over do it. So, I ordered the test on line, mailed it in a got results within just a few days. There are a number of test vendors available on line, but Dr. Boz has one of the lower cost vendors available thru her website. $39.77 HbA1C test$40 for HBA1c on high side. You may want to check out other direct access labs. Such as www.healthlabs.com/ or www.ultalabtests.com and there are many more. They use either Quest Diagnostic or Lab corp so results are comparable to what you get from doctors office. They are coupons on website (so search for them or ask for them in Chat box with a rep.) and multiple test discount. You can get this test for like $20. Most Insurance plan require co-pay for doctors visit and co pay for medical cost. You may get ahead by doing it on your own any way.
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Post by Fearchar on Jun 9, 2023 19:35:50 GMT
sam, Thanks Sam; you are a better shopper than I am!
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sam
Lieutenant
Posts: 123
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Post by sam on Jun 9, 2023 20:03:33 GMT
sam , Thanks Sam; you are a better shopper than I am! I am glad this was helpful for you.
This is NOT health advise (for your own Health please consult your own doctor or health care provider) but you may want to check some of stuff which most people ignore (including me) such as
Vitamin D (test is called Vitamin D3) Vitamin B12 Magnesium Test (Test is Mg-RBC (red blood test). For this particular test no Vitamins/Supplements for 7 days prior to test and make sure you are measuring Red Blood Cells- Magnesium.
You may already know this or taking these Vitamins any way but you may still want to test these. I was shocked when my results came back. Lots of people spend so much money on Vitamin and supplements and don't even bother to test their blood levels so that they can take right kind and dosage of Vitamins. I did this mistake so you can learn from mine!
These 3 tests may cost to you like $80-90 with coupons and discount which I mention in my earlier post and they are worth it.
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Post by archer on Jun 9, 2023 21:46:53 GMT
A year or so ago Kaiser switched from fasting gl to A1C in their routine tests for all.
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Post by Majick on Jun 9, 2023 22:12:10 GMT
Guys, very Good Info above & Thanks for posting. Quest Labs Diagnostic is all over major cities. I think, all these tests are covered by Medicare A,B...If you are above 65 yrs age as a senior & Dr.Internal Medical Internist/Family or any DrMD can prescribe lab tests for a yearly physical? ALL HMO /Medicare or MA Medicare Advantage covers all lab tests for free. Any Work-related insurance should cover it. Sometimes Larger $ Deductible & upfront can/do create an Issue! Btw, Vitamin B-12 deficiency is more likely in a person following a strict No meat/chicken/fish/eggs like Vegetarian diet? due to a Pre or Diabetic Condition etc. Heard that an A1c of <7.00 or below is a newer USA guideline for type 2 Seniors ?...as they get Older. However, A1c<5.6 is ideal. Thanks.Majick
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Post by Chahta on Jun 9, 2023 22:53:07 GMT
Seems to me that a person should know if they are diabetic before Medicare age. Blood sugar is the most basic of screening.
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bd1
Ensign
Posts: 20
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Post by bd1 on Jun 9, 2023 23:30:00 GMT
By law, Medicare and every medicare advantage insurer must offer up to two annual blood sugar tests for free if ordered by any physician and if you are over 64. No reason needed. No medical history needed. No special credentials needed by the ordering physician.
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sam
Lieutenant
Posts: 123
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Post by sam on Jun 10, 2023 0:20:58 GMT
Guys, very Good Info above & Thanks for posting. Quest Labs Diagnostic is all over major cities. I think, all these tests are covered by Medicare A,B...If you are above 65 yrs age as a senior & Dr.Internal Medical Internist/Family or any DrMD can prescribe lab tests for a yearly physical? ALL HMO /Medicare or MA Medicare Advantage covers all lab tests for free. Any Work-related insurance should cover it. Sometimes Larger $ Deductible & upfront can/do create an Issue! Btw, Vitamin B-12 deficiency is more likely in a person following a strict No meat/chicken/fish/eggs like Vegetarian diet? due to a Pre or Diabetic Condition etc. Heard that an A1c of <7.00 or below is a newer USA guideline for type 2 Seniors ?...as they get Older. However, A1c<5.6 is ideal. Thanks.Majick I have NOT yet reached medicare and several years away so not sure what is covered or not.
I mostly look at Supplements as 4 major categories ( there are other as well like probiotics and herbs etc). Instead taking whole multi vitamin pill, you need to dissect it.
1. Fat Soluble Vitamins
A, D, E and K ( there are 2 kinds of K) k1 (this is one you will find in most multi-vitamins, green vegetables) and k2 (it is sold separate, in most cases single capsule of K2 is more expensive than whole multi vitamin pill). Vitamin k2 is found mostly in fermented foods like Natto (fermented soybeans for example).
Within Fat Solubles, most people have low levels of Vitamin D. Actually now some people refer to it as Hormone D as well. Guideline have changed. You specifically need to ask your doctor for it. Vitamin K2 has lots of other benefits as well. Amount of Vitamin D in multi-vitamin pill is very low and will not increase your blood vitamin D levels. If you want to test any Vitamin within this group, Vitamin D is the one you should test blood levels. You really need to take separate Vitamin D if your levels are low. Most doctors still prescribe 1000 - 2000 IU capsule/day but it will take long time before your blood vitamin D level start to increase.
2. Water Soluble Vitamins
These are your Vitamin C and B complex. Within this most people have low levels of B12. Our brains are programmed that there is B12 storage in body and only vegetarian and vegans are at high risk. Meat eater need Not to worry. Well, biggest source of B12 is Beef Liver. When was last time you ate Beef liver. For me it was 20 years ago. ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminB12-HealthProfessional/
Chicken are not a great source of Vitamin B12. That's why I was suggesting you should test it. $20 will not make you poor. If you are that poor then Medicaid is your friend. Amount of B12 in multi vitamin pill is not usually sufficient should you need one as it is not absorbed very well so you need to take bigger doses as a separate pill.
3. Major Minerals
Calcium, Potassium, Chloride, Iron and Magnesium
Magnesium (Mg) is found mostly in nuts or healthy foods (aka, expensive foods, Pumpkin seed, Hemp seed, nuts etc). Funny thing was when I first had my blood level tested, my B12 and D levels were normal but very low end of normal. But Magnesium was way High. I was surprised, then I look at foods high in Mg and that explained it as those foods are my snacks every day! Most people has low levels of Mg so if you have test one, this is the one. Again amount of Mg in multi Vitamin pill is low should you need one and that why most people take separate Mg pills.
4. Trace Minerals
These are lots of them but important in my opinion are Iodine, Copper, Zinc, Selenium, Manganese. With these trace minerals one need to be careful as it is very easy to be deficient and at the same time very easy to get toxicity due to over dosing.
That why I was suggesting r in my earlier post, most people spend good money on vitamins and supplements and don't even bother to test their blood levels.
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Post by yogibearbull on Jun 10, 2023 15:41:59 GMT
Finger-pricking home-tests are decent for daily use. I have compared their readings on the days when I also had lab glucose (and HbA1C) tests, and they compared well. There are also tables of values for glucose and HbA1C readings.
Many plans will provide free home meter "on prescription from Dr" and the test strips are also covered.
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Post by retiredat48 on Jun 11, 2023 17:41:29 GMT
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sam
Lieutenant
Posts: 123
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Post by sam on Jun 11, 2023 21:33:49 GMT
There are many health related youtube channels focusing on Keto. It seems like Keto is hot and I think it has more to do weight loss than actual health. You don't have to do Keto to be healthy and healthy weight. I have never done Keto and my numbers are still better than most of what is shown in this video.
You watch Dr.Boz for health info or eye candy!
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Post by Norbert on Jun 12, 2023 7:39:36 GMT
Agree that blood sugar levels are important. Another key metric are cholesterol levels; getting the right balance between HDL, LDL, and triglycerides.
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My preferred food pyramid:
I don't think food supplements are necessary if we eat like this, though Vitamin D supplements make sense in Winter. I gobble them down if I feel a cold coming on.
N.
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Post by retiredat48 on Jun 13, 2023 15:36:16 GMT
Norbert ,...THANKS...Copy of chart will be in my shopping cart!
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Post by archer on Jun 13, 2023 16:26:25 GMT
Agree that blood sugar levels are important. Another key metric are cholesterol levels; getting the right balance between HDL, LDL, and triglycerides.
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My preferred food pyramid:
I don't think food supplements are necessary if we eat like this, though Vitamin D supplements make sense in Winter. I gobble them down if I feel a cold coming on.
N.
+1 on cholesterol. IMO 200 for total is too high. 150 is the point at which further lowering has no impact on disease. Studies have shown this correlation in cultures where <=150 is the norm. The diet of these cultures are high fiber and vegetarian. Interestingly when people from these undeveloped parts of the world moved to the US and Europe, their cholesterol levels rose significantly, indicating that this is diet related rather than genetic. My levels were up to 220 until I cut out meat and dairy, and decreased to 145 in 6 months. Now it hovers around 150-165 for the past several years. I also notice I haven't gotten sick in the past several years which is a change from getting sick (severe colds/sore throat) often twice a year. Given that there are so many dietary approaches to health, enough to make ones head spin, it can be hard to find one that really works, and easy to find one that provides encouragement and helps us feel healthy.
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Post by Fearchar on Sept 23, 2023 11:24:13 GMT
Just a reminder. It's been over 3 months.
Time to get another Hb A1c test!
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Post by Fearchar on Sept 23, 2023 11:34:04 GMT
Also, here is another great youtube video by Mario Kratz PhD. He has a PhD in Nutrition from the University of Bonn in Germany and is an associate member in the Public Health Sciences division at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and a research associate professor at the University of Washington in the departments of Medicine and Epidemiology. He is also a core faculty member in the Nutritional Sciences Program at the University of Washington, and an associate director of the Immunology & Inflammation Core of the University of Washington Diabetes Research Center. www.youtube.com/watch?v=cP57oM8lBaUIn the above video, he explains the science behind body fat with health. Notice the role of monocytes! Also, he mentions an age related component as well.
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Post by steelpony10 on Sept 23, 2023 12:16:25 GMT
Fearchar , Eating well is fine if that’s the way you want to live but remember because of genetics parts wear out. I don’t know the benefits of getting religion at age 60. I do think as evidenced on this forum people seek control which let’s them sleep well at night. In reality eating well and not partaking in the known unhealthy habits can’t hurt. I’ve gone to a gym 3-4 times per week for 40+ years now. I’m getting weaker and genetics is starting to take it’s toll. Strengthening striated muscle and having a halfway decent diet from age 60 on only went so far. For me the crap still happened, high BP, neuropathy, high cholesterol (produced by my liver) beginnings of dementia etc. I’ll probably swerve to save a deer (thats not really there) and hit a tree at 55 mph. Lol.🥩
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Post by Fearchar on Sept 23, 2023 13:10:38 GMT
steelpony10, Getting religion at age 60 would have been 4 years better than age 64! Of course getting it an even younger age would have been even better. Still, I'm grateful for all the blessings I enjoy despite my own problems. By the calendar I'm currently 65. Wishing everybody the best and hopefully, I'm not coming across as a braggart.
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Post by yogibearbull on Sept 23, 2023 15:25:06 GMT
American culture is to just pop a pill. There is so much excitement/hype about these new obesity drugs (see Cover Story, Parts 1 & 2). Elon Musk is rumored to be popping one of these new drugs, boasting about never exercising (when does he have time?) - he carried some weights around to get ready for the hyped fight with Mark Zuckerberg - that was a hoax to boost X/Twitter traffic. Similar for many celebrities.
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Post by yakers on Sept 23, 2023 15:50:56 GMT
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Post by Fearchar on Sept 23, 2023 16:52:22 GMT
American culture is to just pop a pill. There is so much excitement/hype about these new obesity drugs (see Cover Story, Parts 1 & 2). Elon Musk is rumored to be popping one of these new drugs, boasting about never exercising (when does he have time?) - he carried some weights around to get ready for the hyped fight with Mark Zuckerberg - that was a hoax to boost X/Twitter traffic. Similar for many celebrities. Pretty sure they are referring to Ozempic. I understand it's hard to get, expensive and requires periodic injections. If that's not enough bad news, there are side effects for some people: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and constipation. Serious side effects include allergic reactions, changes in vision and pancreatitis and an FDA boxed warning for the risk of thyroid C-cell tumors. Most people that go off Ozempic put the weight back on. For myself, fasting is easy enough, convenient and with minimal side effects. However, I realize not everybody is good at fasting. My wife is such a person, but then she's not as health conscious as I am.
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