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05/21/09 03:18 PM

"Does Premium Herbal Snuff(Smokey Mountain)increase blood sugar?It contains molasses,corn silk,glycerine,h20,red clover,salt,sodium bicarb,ginseng, "

Asked By: jamieh

Category: Other

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also contains guarama, cayenne powder, blue 2. My dad finishes one can in a little over a week. He is prediabetic. His A1C was 6.1. His fasting sugars in the morning are anywhere from 60's to 140's and we're wondering if this snuff is making his sugars so sporadic.

Expert Answers (2)

05/23/09 12:53 PM

Dear Jamieh: I'm sure dad thanks you and I thank you for the concern for dad. As you describe, the offensive item here is the 'snuff', per the content defined by the manufacture, the nicotine is the nasty stuff. Other items you defined, maybe the molasses slightly impacts the blood sugars, however, the fluxes in the numbers are due to the peaks and valley concentrations in the blood system of the nicotine. The nicotine adversely impacts the vascular, blood supply system. Nicotine is the addictive chemical in tobacco. It is considered to be one of the most addictive substances used by humans. It can be as addictive as cocaine. It increases the release of a brain chemical called dopamine, which makes the tobacco user feel good. Getting that dopamine boost is part of the addiction process. Nicotine dependence is the physical vulnerability of the body to the chemical nicotine, which is potently addicting when delivered by various tobacco products. Nicotine is found in chewing tobacco. I would encourage continuing to wean off the nicotine. Resources of the American Cancer Society, American Lung Association, American Heart Association, all have cessation programs. The chemicals of the snuff are all highly addictive and stopping is NO easy accomplishment. Diabetes is essentially a gradually deficiency of the hormone insulin, I fear, progressive. To maintain that "Pre" status. Keep blood glucose's normal , lipids normal, have a yearly dilated eye exam and become acquainted with your local diabetes educators program, possibly at your local hospital. Look for the certified diabetes educator nurse, dietitian and pharmacist. This also has a genetic component, so, I would encourage you to take care as well. Thank for asking dLife, call on us as needed. Regards; Sue for YOU!

Answered By: Susan Throop

Accreditations: RD, CDE, MA

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05/19/11 10:24 PM

Hello again JaMieh: Thank you again for consulting with dLife and I must apologize for the focus upon the nicotine, nicotine is known for the sporadic impact on blood glucose, and when this product is listed as 'snuff', I just attributed his response to nicotine, and it turns out it doesn't even contain this chemical, (I sincerely apologize for my jump in judgment).

Thank you for following up with the investigation, hope Dad is well at this writing and the blood glucose levels have somewhat normalized and he continues to maintain his pre-diabetes status. As to identify exactly why his sugars are sporadic, has he followed up with his healthcare team, sharing the total content of this product, as well as other OTC medications/hebal items, with the team may also give light to potential irritants. As I had mentioned, the snuff-herbal mixture may have some ingredients which raise the BG, the molasses and some herbs can adversely affect them.

Diabetes is a progressive disease, meaning the insulin waxes and wanes in production, with diminished function. Primary factors which influence the glucose readings generally fall into: meals, movement, circulating insulin/or medications, and stress.

Continue to maintain good health, regards again, Sue

Answered By: Susan Throop

Accreditations: RD, CDE, MA

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(2 Answers)

Community Answers (1)

05/23/09 07:20 PM

I see a few things there that would raise the bs. If his fastings are that high it could be a sign he is moving to a level he doesnt want to go to.

Answered By: furball64801

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(1 Answer)

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